Counter-Terrorism: Nigeria To Deepen Collaboration With UNODC

The Honourable Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar CON, mni has commended the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime on their Counter- Terrorism Project work with Nigerian Armed Forces. The Minister made the commendation when he received the Representative of the United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Mr. Oliver Stolpe, in his office at Ship House, Abuja.  Badaru stated that Nigeria welcomes any effort that would help in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria. “Thank you for doing a good job in Maiduguri. We will give you maximum cooperation needed to sustain the fight against Boko Haram and other forms of criminalities in Nigeria. On the rehabilitation of the repentant Boko Haram members, the Minister said in addition to what they have done, there was the need for Tracking Mechanism to ensure that the released Boko Haram members are fully integrated back to the society. Badaru expressed gratitude for UNODC’s continuous support in enhancing Nigeria’s capabilities to combat terrorism.  In his remark, Mr. Stolpe pointed out that the UNODC is collaborating with Nigerian Armed Forces in area of counter- terrorism and Maritime security. He said UNODC in partnership with Joint Investigation Centre (JIC) in Maiduguri, Borno State has successfully reviewed over 2,900 case files leading to 2,400 prisoners released.

FG Has Undertaken Comprehensive Efforts To Curb Terrorism -Defence Minister 

The Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, CON, mni has said that the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, has undertaken Comprehensive efforts to curb the menace of terrorism and other forms of criminalities and restore normalcy to all parts of the country, especially in the North East geopolitical zone. He disclosed this during the book launch by the Nigerian Air Force, titled: “Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism in North East Nigeria: Emerging Perspectives and the Imperative of Airpower” recently in Abuja. The Minister stated that the Ministry of Defence as the vanguard of the national security has played a pivotal role in coordinating the Armed Forces and executing strategies to counter terrorism effectively. He added that there was the need for a multi-faceted approach of combining Military precision with socio- economic initiatives to address the root causes of radicalization. Speaking on the title of the Book launched, Badaru said that in a bid to pursue a whole society approach to the issue of terrorism, the book was developed by leveraging strong partnership between Nigerian Air Force and the academia. He commended the book launchers saying that it would serve a valuable resource for policymakers, Military Strategists and scholars in understanding the evolving dynamics of terrorism in Nigeria and to explore the imperative of airpower in the nation’s counter- terrorism efforts. The Minister said that the scourge of terrorism was not confined within national borders alone, but that it was a global challenge. “The Sahel region with its vast and diverse terrain, has become a hotspot for terrorist activities, posing a significant threat to regional stability. In this context, the collaboration of intergovernmental organizations including the African Union, Economic Community of West African States, the Lake Chad Basin Commission and others become imperative to address the root causes and manifestations of terrorism in the Sahel,” he said. The Special Guest of Honour, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR represented by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio in his address said that the book launch was not just an academic exercise but a call to action that would serve as a reminder that we have a shared responsibility to fight against terrorism and protect the lives and liberties of our fellow citizens. The Governor of Bornu State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum who was in attendance appreciated the Armed Forces for exhibiting professionalism, synergy and commitments to ending insurgency. The host, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar noted that the book was developed in collaboration between the Nigerian Air Force and Babcock University to serve as a guiding light for policy makers, military strategists and practitioners in formulating holistic solutions that go beyond the realm of military operations.

How Troops Foiled Attack On Yobe Governor’s Convoy –DHQ

The Defence Headquarters said troops of 29 Task Force Brigade foiled the attack by terrorists on the convoy of Yobe Governor along Maiduguri-Damaturu Road on Saturday. A statement by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, on Monday in Abuja, said the troops also recovered the two vehicles affected in the incident. He said one military truck driver, four police escorts and one DSS operative wounded in the attack were in stable condition. According to him, one of the injured police escorts died shortly on arrival at the Specialists Hospital Damaturu. “Reinforcement of troops from 29 Task Force Brigade led by the Brigade Commander are conducting fighting patrol in the area to locate the terrorists who carried out the dastardly act. “The two vehicles affected in the incident include one military MRAP and one civilian escort vehicle whose tyres were shot at during the incident, have been safely recovered to the military camp at Benisheikh. “Operations are ongoing to hunt and destroy the terrorists that perpetrated the attack,” he said. The governor’s convoy was ambushed by terrorists while returning to Damaturu from Maiduguri, about 6 kilometers from Benesheikh town on Saturday. The governor was not in the convoy when it was ambushed. The Secretary to the State Government and some other top government officials who were in the convoy were unhurt. 

Benue Police Eliminate Notorious Bank Robbery Duo

The Benue State police have successfully intercepted and neutralized two of the armed robbers responsible for a series of heinous crimes, including an attack on a police station and the raid of multiple banks in Otukpo. The brazen criminals targeted prominent financial institutions, including First Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA), Zenith Bank, Access Bank, and Stanbic Bank, making away with a yet-to-be-verified sum of money. According to a statement released by Catherine Anene, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, the security forces managed to intercept the robbers along the Otukpo-Taraku road, resulting in a deadly encounter in which two of the robbers lost their lives. The statement reported, “On 20/10/2023 at about 1615hrs, armed robbers invaded Access, First, Zenith, UBA, and Stanbic banks in Otukpo simultaneously. The Otukpo Divisional Police Officer, CSP. John Adikwu, and other police teams in the area engaged them in a gun battle but were unable to prevent their attack on the banks.” Further reinforcements, including additional police teams and security agents, were swiftly dispatched to Otukpo to stabilize the situation and prevent the remaining robbers from escaping.  The criminals who were intercepted along the Otukpo-Taraku road engaged in a fierce gun battle with the officers, resulting in the death of two of the assailants. Tragically, during the confrontation, the DPO, CSP. John Adikwu, sustained a gunshot injury to his stomach, and three other police officers lost their lives.  Additionally, several individuals who were present during the bank robberies sustained injuries and have been transported to the hospital for medical treatment.

Army Conducts Field Training Exercise to Address Insecurity in Akwa Ibom

The 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army on Friday inaugurated Exercise Still Waters III in Essien-Udim Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom, to tackle all forms of security threats in the state. Brig.-Gen. Ken Chigbu, Commander, 2 Brigade, described the exercise as an annual field training event aimed at bringing together all the security agencies in the state to sharpen their skills on the rudiments of internal security operations. Chigbu expressed hope that it would provide an opportunity for joint efforts to tackle the emerging security threats in the state especially during yuletide. He said that the 2 Brigade in collaboration with other sister security agencies in the state have supported the State Government through both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to effectively tackle the threats be-devilling the state. According to him, “the event could not have come at a better time than now when there are growing concerns about the several security challenges confronting our dear state and nation at large’’. The commander said that the brigade, under the leadership of the General Officer Commanding 6 Division Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Jamal Abdussalam was currently undergoing unprecedented changes. He noted that the brigade and indeed the Division have continued to benefit immensely from the Chief of Army Staff’s Command Philosophy of transforming the Nigerian Army into a well-trained, equipped and highly motivated force. He thanked the heads of other security agencies for their synergy and support in fighting insecurity in the state as well as the Akwa Ibom Government for the support given to security agencies. In his remarks, Gov. Umo Eno commended the brigade for collaborating with other security agencies to ensure adequate security in the state especially in the area of intelligence sharing. Eno represented by his Deputy, Sen. Akon Eyankenyi, also commended the brigade for siting its base in Ikot Afanag, “a volatile area ravaged by the activities of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)’’. He said that the presence had restored peace and normalcy in the area and many displaced persons had returned to their communities. He pledged commitment to deepening cooperation with the brigade to ensure that Akwa Ibom people and other residents enjoy maximum security and maintain its status as one of the most peaceful and secured states in the country. The highlight of the event were crowd dispersal drills, aerial surveillance/support for the flag-off event by the Nigerian Air Force, presentation of souvenirs and medical outreach. 

FCCPC Vows To Probe Death Of Abuja ‘One Chance’ Victim

The Executive Vice Chairman, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Babatunde Irukera, has inaugurated a nine-man investigative panel to ascertain the cause of death of Greatness Olorunfemi at the Maitama District Hospital in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. According to Irukera, who is also a member of the panel, the Patients’ Bill of Rights would be one of the major considerations that the panel will look at to determine if anything went wrong as well as strengthening the value chain to prevent avoidable fatality. Irukera further explained that the bill was aimed at effectively addressing the issue of consumer abuse in the health care sector. He said the bill will set a transparent benchmark that empowers consumers to recognize, demand and insist that their rights be respected, while guiding providers about the scope and extent of their obligations to patients. “Under the bill, patients can demand rights to relevant information in a language and manner they understand, right to timely access to detailed and accurate medical records and available services, right to transparent billing and full disclosure of any cost and right to privacy and confidentiality of medical records. “Others are right to clean, safe and secure healthcare environment; right to be treated with respect, regardless of gender, race, religion; right to receive urgent, immediate and sufficient intervention and care in the event of an emergency and right to decline care subject to prevailing laws upon full disclosure of the consequence of such a decision. “The Patients’ Bill of Rights is really just an aggregation of rights that patients have. Different instruments whether ethical codes, legislation, global practices and responsibilities by law. So, it will certainly be one of the considerations that I expect the panel would look at in determining what went wrong if anything went wrong.  “Beyond looking at what went wrong, more importantly, how to strengthen the value chain so that where preventable, we will not experience avoidable fatalities and even when fatality is not preventable, if there is anything that can strengthen the process to dignify people I am sure those will be the considerations,” he said. Former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo had in July 2018 launched the bill, which is meant to articulate the rights of patients in the health care sector Earlier, the Mandate Secretary, Health Services & Environment, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, said the with seven-day ultimatum to submit their report and recommendations will ascertain the clinical status at the time of arrival of the patient Ms. Greatness Olorunfemi at the Maitama Districts Hospital and any progression to and until her death. She said the panel will determine the role of parties in the matter and her unfortunate death in order to make recommendations for similar situations like this case “This accountability may involve recommending legal actions, disciplinary measures, or policy changes to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future,” she said. She further said, the panel will investigate, unravel and recommend on the way forward to forestall future occurrence.

Troops crackdown on oil thieves in Imo, Delta

The Nigeria Army has confirmed its cracked down on illegal refineries in Imo and Delta, with seizure of several litres of illegally refined Petroleum products. The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, made the confirmation in a statement in Abuja. Nwachukwu said the Troops of 343 Artillery Regiment, on Monday, cracked down on an oil thieves’ camp in Obokofia Community in Imo while conducting anti-oil theft operations. According to him, the vigilant troops intercepted 15 sacks and 13 Jerry cans of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) concealed in the camp. He added that the troops also recovered two pumping machines, three power generators, one hose and a tool box used for hacking into oil pipelines. Nwachukwu said the troops, while acting on credible information, on Tuesday, intercepted a wooden boat loaded with 110 sacks of illegally refined AGO concealed in the creeks of Egbema West in Ohaji Egbema Local Government Area (LGA) of Imo. “The vigilant troops equally intercepted two vehicles loaded with 18 sacks of illegally refined AGO within the same general area. “Members of the public are please implored to report any suspected act of sabotage or criminality to security agencies to enhance ongoing operations to curb economic sabotage in the country,” he said. According to him, “Troops of 3 Battalion also on Monday, clamped down on an active illegal oil refining site containing three cooking ovens and six reservoirs at Enokora Community in Burutu LGA of Delta.”

FG sets to enhance rail sector for improved services -Alkali

The Federal Government has underscored its commitment to overhauling the rail transportation sector to ensure superior service delivery, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of creating a secure, accessible, and affordable railway network accessible to all Nigerians. During an unannounced visit to the Idu Train Station in Abuja, Senator Sai’du Alkali, the Minister of Transportation, affirmed this dedication. Alkali outlined strategic steps to rejuvenate the railway system, including bolstering cooperation with the Military high command to enhance security measures along all railway routes. Addressing concerns about the subpar condition of train coaches, amenities, lifts, and escalators, the Minister assured that comprehensive repairs would be expedited, ensuring they become operational promptly. Furthermore, the Minister extended commendation to security personnel for their role in maintaining safety. He assured the personnel that any outstanding allowances would be settled without delay, and going forward, remuneration would be provided punctually. Alkali reiterated that rail transportation remains the optimal means of travel, encouraging Nigerians to continue embracing it. He emphasized ongoing endeavors to align rail services with international standards and best practices.

Army nabs 3 rail track vandals in Nasarawa

Troops from 4 Special Forces of the Nigerian Army Doma, Nasarawa State, have arrested three suspects for rail track vandalism at the Kwarra community of Keana Local Government Area (LGA). The Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 4 Special Forces Command, Doma, Maj. Joseph Afolasade made the disclosure at a news briefing in Doma on Monday. Afolasade said: “On August 5 2023 at about 11 pm, troops of the command intercepted three suspected railtrack vandals during a routine patrol at Kwarra community of Keana LGA. “The suspects were arrested with a large number of railtracks loaded in one 18-tyre truck with Registration Number DED 364 YC.” He said that the suspects claimed that they were deceived by their sponsors, who are still on the run. Afolasade said that preliminary investigations revealed that on August 23, the driver of the truck, Chibuki Akubilo, was contacted to convey the vandalised railtracks to Ilorin in Kwara for N1.6 million. He further said that the Commander of the Special Forces, Maj.-Gen. Hillary Nzan, had approved that the suspects be handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for further investigation and prosecution. He, therefore, handed over the suspects to the representative of the state command of NSCDC. Responding, the NSCDC Public Relations Officer, Mr Jerry Victor, expressed gratitude to the Army for collaborating with the corps to tackle insecurity in the state. “Usually, this type of crime is being committed by a syndicate,” Victor said. He promised that the investigation would be continued to arrest other members of the group for prosecution. The driver of the truck told newsmen that he was contacted by one Mr Charles to convey the items to Ilorin.

20 killed in deadly Plateau community assault

A tragic incident unfolded in the Heipang District of Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area in Plateau State, North Central Nigeria, resulting in the loss of twenty lives and leaving over ten individuals injured. The distressing event took place during the early hours of Thursday when assailants launched an attack on the community while its residents were asleep. Reports from the community reveal that the attackers demonstrated a significant degree of firepower, rendering the efforts of local vigilantes ineffective in repelling them. Despite the valiant efforts of the vigilantes armed with Dane guns, the assailants maintained an upper hand. This confrontation led to the unfortunate demise of four vigilantes. The attackers further exacerbated the situation by setting several houses ablaze, subjecting sleeping residents to a perilous fate from which they could not escape. John Mark Pam, a deeply affected resident, shared the harrowing account of his personal loss. He disclosed that the attackers invaded his compound, setting his family’s dwelling alight and tragically claiming the lives of his brother Dung Mark, his wife, and their three children while they were asleep. The Public Relations Officer of the Plateau State Police Command, DSP Alfred Alabo, verified the distressing incident. He confirmed that security measures have been escalated within the community, and law enforcement personnel are actively pursuing the attackers in an effort to bring them to justice.