Terrorists Plan To Attack Critical National Infrastructures – Nigerian Military Reveals

The Nigerian Military has unveiled plans by terrorists to attack some critical national infrastructures in the country. This revelation was made public on Thursday by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba. He, however, added that relevant security agencies have been put on standby to forestall such attacks. General Buba also called on citizens to rally support for security forces to defeat terror in Nigeria. Details later…

Senate Holds Closed-Door Meeting with Service Chiefs and Ministers on National Security

In response to the escalating state of insecurity across the nation, the Senate convened another closed-door executive session on Tuesday to receive a detailed security briefing from top military officials and federal ministers. The decision to transition into the executive session was prompted by a motion by Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, who sought to temporarily suspend regular proceedings to allow for the admission of invited guests. The guests granted access to the session comprised the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, along with the Ministers of Defence, Police Affairs, Interior, and Finance. Additionally, all Service Chiefs, the Inspector General of Police, and Directors-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) were present. Senate President, Godswill Akpiabio, in his opening remarks, underscored the significance of involving ministers responsible for overseeing the financial allocations to security agencies. Akpabio emphasized the pivotal role of adequate funding in facilitating the procurement of essential equipment necessary for combating security threats. Of notable presence was the Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, whose insights were sought on avenues for financing critical security initiatives aimed at safeguarding lives and properties. Akpiabio reiterated that the invitation extended to the ministers and security chiefs was a response to numerous petitions received from constituents, demonstrating the Senate’s commitment to addressing the concerns of citizens. The interactive security briefing was framed within the context of the Senate’s oversight mandate, providing an opportunity for direct engagement with key stakeholders to assess the current security landscape and explore legislative interventions. Senators seized the opportunity to raise pertinent security-related queries and collaborated with relevant agencies to devise effective strategies for mitigating the nation’s security challenges.

Liberia’s Defense Minister Resigns 10 Days After Appointment

Liberia’s newly appointed Defense Minister, Prince C. Johnson, has resigned from his position just 10 days after his appointment, citing protests by soldiers’ wives as the reason for his decision.  This development marks the first political crisis for President Joseph Boakai since his inauguration. In response to Johnson’s resignation, General Geraldine Janet George has been swiftly named as a provisional replacement for the position. Johnson stated that his resignation was prompted by the “current political and civil disturbances” caused by the ongoing protests by the wives of Liberian soldiers.  The women had set up roadblocks, leading to the cancellation of National Army Day celebrations, as they raised grievances including low salaries, pensions, lack of social security, electricity shortages, and corruption within the armed forces. The soldiers’ wives specifically demanded Johnson’s resignation, holding him responsible for salary reductions for soldiers who had returned from Mali. President Boakai responded to the protests by urging the army to lift the roadblocks immediately and meeting with the soldiers’ wives to address their concerns.  Boakai has taken immediate steps to address some of the grievances, including ordering the restoration of electricity and providing free classes in a barracks school. The president has appealed for calm as the government works to address the long-standing issues raised by the protesters.

Tinubu To Attend NDA 60th Anniversary

President Bola Tinubu has departed the nation’s capital, Abuja, to attend the grand finale of a week-long activities to mark the 60th anniversary of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna. “President Bola Tinubu departs to attend NDA Anniversary in Kaduna,” read an update from the State House media office Saturday morning. On February 5, the Academy unveiled an emblem and a crest commemorating 60 years since its establishment, as part of activities marking its Diamond Jubilee celebrations which commenced three days earlier at the NDA Auditorium, Afaka. Present were graduates of the NDA, former Commandants, serving and retired military officers, operatives of other security and paramilitary organisations, as well as representatives of institutions including the Special Guest of Honour, Major General Rabiu Aliyu (retd.), who is a member of the pioneer Regular Course 1 of 1964. Tinubu is expected to return to Abuja the same day after which he is billed to proceed to Abidjan, the Ivorian capital, to witness the face-off between Nigeria and host Côte d’Ivoire at the AFCON final.

New Commander Takes Charge to Tackle Abuja Kidnapping Crisis

Once a rare occurrence in the nation’s capital, Abuja, the incidence of kidnapping and other violent crimes have become rampant in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. Determined to stem the escalating incidence of kidnapping in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olukayode Egbetokun, has inaugurated the Special Intervention Squad (SIS). This squad, under the leadership of the newly appointed commander, DC Mohammed Sanusi, aims to combat the activities of kidnappers, bandits, and enhance security in the border towns of the FCT. The launch of the SIS comes at a critical time as Abuja and its environs grapple with a surge in insecurity. Recent incidents have seen a rise in abductions and fatalities among civilians in the FCT. ESTABLISHMENT OF SPECIAL INTERVENTION SQUAD IGP Egbetokun, who assumed office in June, declared the establishment of the SIS as a key initiative of his administration. The squad comprises specially trained officers equipped to swiftly respond to security incidents, aligning with the administration’s priority to address violent crime threats across the country. Force spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi unveiled the new commander, DC Mohammed Sanusi, via X (Twitter), stating, “Behold, the new commander IRT, DC Mohammed Sanusi. His team has arrested many kidnappers and recovered arms and ammunition, many of which were displayed recently. In just two days since the launch of the SIS in Abuja, significant progress has been made. Adejobi reported, “IRT has picked 2 gun runners and 4 suspected kidnappers who terrorize the FCT and neighboring communities. The operations are still ongoing, with details to be provided soon during a media briefing. We count on your support to do more. Thanks.”

Surge of Kidnappings: FCT Minister Summons Emergency Meeting

In response to the alarming surge in violent crime within the nation’s capital, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has initiated a crucial emergency security meeting. Recent incidents involving brazen bandit operations, including the tragic killing of several residents, including a 13-year-old Secondary School Student, have prompted heightened concerns. Addressing the gathering, Minister Wike reassured FCT residents about their safety, emphasizing the government’s commitment to providing security forces with necessary resources to combat the rising insecurity. The closed-door summit, presently in session, brings together heads of security agencies in the FCT, key officials from the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), council chairmen, and traditional rulers. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing situation.

National Security: President Tinubu meet with Security Chiefs, Calls for Decisive Action

President Bola Tinubu has read the riot act to security chiefs, insisting that for him, full success in the fight against insecurity is only when Nigerian territories are secured, troops return to their localities, and resources are directed toward vital economic expansion programs. Addressing the assemblage of security chiefs and intelligence heads, President Tinubu emphasized the criticality of achieving an unequivocal victory against the diverse security threats menacing the nation. While acknowledging the commendable progress in neutralizing certain security threats, President Tinubu insisted that ultimate success hinges upon conclusively addressing the multifaceted challenges. “Our investments in infrastructure, social security, and economic growth require a definitive resolution to the challenges impeding progress,” he affirmed. Pointing out recent setbacks, particularly in Kaduna, the President stressed the imperative of enhanced coordination among security agencies. Despite noted improvements in collaboration, the President asserted that true success would only be realized when Nigerians across the length and breadth of the country can go to bed and sleep with their eyes closed. He also emphasised another key performance indicator to be the achievement of sustainable production of two million barrels of crude oil per day within the first quarter of 2024, as he underscores the pivotal role of the armed forces, urging them, especially the Navy, to elevate their performance to meet national objectives. The President vowed that his administration shall crush all adversaries, both internal and external, that pose threats to Nigeria’s interests. The president used the occasion to recognize and commend some of his key security personnel who were recently promoted for their exemplary dedication and commitment to duty. These included the Commander of the Presidential Air Fleet (PAF), the Commander of the Brigade of Guards (BoG), and the Chief Personal Security Officer (CPSO), Air Commodore Olayinka Olusola Oyesola, Commander Adebisi Olusegun Onasanya, and Police CPSO Usman Musa Shugaba. The President praised their loyalty and service to the nation, expressing gratitude for their invaluable contributions. The event witnessed the presence of eminent officials, including the National Security Adviser, Service Chiefs, Heads of Intelligence Agencies, and presidential aides. AVM Olayinka, speaking on behalf of the promoted officers, conveyed appreciation to the President for the recognition and pledged continued allegiance and unwavering dedication to duty.

US Company Donates Unmanned Vessels to Bolster Nigeria’s Security

In a bid to reinforce Nigeria’s security measures, the Minister of State for Defence, Mr. Muhammed Bello Matawalle, has orchestrated an official presentation of two advanced unmanned water vessels to President Tinubu. These vessels, named S2 and S3 Swift Sea Stalkers, were donated by the US-based Swift Ship Company. The handover ceremony, held at the Presidential Villa, entailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu receiving the two vessels. Matawalle underscored the crucial role these unmanned vessels would play in fortifying Nigeria’s security infrastructure, particularly in protecting vital waterways like the Niger Delta and Lake Chad, alongside other strategic maritime zones. The donation followed Matawalle’s recent diplomatic visit to various high-tech military hardware companies in the United States, with the objective to explore innovative technologies capable of enhancing Nigeria’s military capabilities, enabling the nation to effectively address modern security challenges. Additionally, Matawalle discussed the potential for collaborative efforts between US-based entities and Nigeria’s Defence Industries Corporation to locally manufacture military hardware. This partnership aligns with President Tinubu’s vision of strengthening national security measures and fostering peace within Nigeria. During his visit to the United States, Matawalle conducted thorough inspections of cutting-edge military and intelligence hardware facilities. These included assessments of rapid deployment mobile RADAR systems, drone control stations, unmanned water vehicles, and state-of-the-art biometric search-scan systems, among other pioneering innovations. Highlighting Nigeria’s commitment to enhancing defense capabilities, the Minister assured President Tinubu that integrating these advanced military technologies would significantly bolster Nigeria’s fight against insecurity.

Military Neutralises 151 Terrorists, Apprehends 456 in 2 weeks –DHQ

The Defence Headquarters says troops of Armed Forces of Nigeria, have in the last two weeks eliminated a total of 151 terrorists and apprehended 456 others in different operations across the country. The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, stated this while giving update of military operations across the country on Thursday in Abuja. Buba said the troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralised 44 terrorists, arrested 21 and rescued four kidnapped hostages during the period. He said the troops recovered 17 AK47 rifles, three locally fabricated rifles, three locally made guns, one berretta pistol, three Dane guns and 116 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo. Also recovered according to him, are five rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 13 rounds of 9mm ammo, 20 rounds of 7.62 mm x 54 ammo, 42 empty and cases of 7.62 mm x 54 ammo. Others are 12 magazines, 50 jerry cans of PMS, three vehicles, five mobile phone, six motorcycles, three cutlasses and the sum of N3.18 million. Buba said the troops arrested some suspected terrorists’ collaborators in Jere and  Biu in Borno, as well as Gujba Local Government Area in Yobe. He said that troops also ambushed and raided suspected terrorists’ hideouts in Konduga and Gwoza Local Government Areas of Borno. The director said that the offensive resulted in elimination of terrorists and recovery of arms and ammunitions. In North Central, Buba said the troops of Operation Safe Haven neutralised 16 terrorists, arrested 16 and rescued one kidnapped hostage within the period. He said they also recovered 12 AK47 rifles, two pistols, five locally fabricated rifles, six dane guns, 32 rounds of 7.62mm special, 15 magazines and three motorcycles. Under Operation Whirl Stroke, he said the troops neutralised 15 terrorists, arrested six and rescued one kidnapped hostage as well as recovery of arms and ammunition. In North West, the defence spokesman said the troops of Operations Hadarin Daji and Whirl Punch, neutralised 35 terrorists, arrested eight and rescued 17 kidnapped hostages within the period. He added that the air components of the various operations had continued to annihilate the terrorists from their various hideouts with series of air interactions.

Nigerian military denies receiving coup request, expresses commitment to democracy

In response to a misleading and concerning report, the Defence Headquarters has vehemently denied that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) received any solicitation to facilitate a change of leadership within the nation. The Director of Defence Information, Brigadier-General Tukur Gusau, said this in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja to clarify the situation. Gusau emphasized that at no point did the armed forces receive or issue any communication indicating support for a leadership alteration to any individual or group. He condemned the unfounded claims, attributing them to those with ulterior motives who harbour ill-will towards the nation. He asserted, “This statement appears to have originated from individuals who are not aligned with the nation’s well-being and progress. It is an unfortunate product of the imagination of a small faction that is dissatisfied with the advancements and prosperity of our beloved country.” The Defence Headquarters also sought to reaffirm the military’s staunch alignment with democratic principles and unwavering loyalty to President Bola Tinubu, who holds the position of President, Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The military’s steadfast commitment to upholding the constitution of the nation was also underscored by Brigadier-General Gusau. “We wish to underscore that the military is fully comfortable within the democratic framework and stands firm in its dedication to safeguarding the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Any suggestions to the contrary are baseless and misleading.” The statement further extended a stern caution to those disseminating false information. “We call upon those circulating such fabrications to cease immediately or be prepared to face legal consequences. Both the Military and other security agencies are actively monitoring such negative agents. Our collective responsibility is to bolster our democracy and foster unity,” he said. Gusau further urged the nation to collaborate in protecting the democratic values and progress that Nigeria has strived to achieve. The Defence Headquarters’ statement reflects the military’s firm commitment to democratic governance and its unwavering dedication to upholding the country’s constitutional integrity.