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Category: Defence/Security

  • Abuja: Police nab 4 suspects over murder of retired Brigadier General

     

     

    Suspects

    By Monday Ijeh

    Abuja, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The Police Command in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has arrested four suspects over the murder of a retired Brigadier General, Uwem Udokwere, in his Sunshine Estate home in Abuja.

    Mr Benneth Igweh, the Commissioner of Police (CP) in charge of FCT, disclosed this at a news conference on Monday in Abuja.

    He said the suspects were arrested by police operatives from Utako Division on Sunday following credible intelligence.

    Igweh said the suspects were responsible for the attack, robbery and killing of the retired officer on June 22 in his residence at Sunshine homes Estate in Kabusa area of Abuja.

    The commissioner said the suspects who had confessed to the crime, said that they stabbed the general when he tried to resist them with his pistols.

    Igweh said the knife used for the crime and the deceased stolen phone were recovered from the suspects.

    He said efforts were being intensified to arrest other fleeing members of the gang and recover the pistols taken away from the deceased.

    The commissioner said operatives of the command’s anti-kidnapping unit on May 26, trailed and arrested two wanted and notorious kidnap suspects in Dei-Dei Area of Abuja.

    Igweh said the suspects were arrested following credible intelligence were escapees of Kuje Prison break in 2022.

    He said the duo were members of the kidnap syndicate that stormed livestock estate in Dei-Dei sometimes in December, 2023, kidnapped 17 victims and collected huge ransom before their release.

    Igweh said the suspects had confessed to the crime and had collected the sum of N400, 000 and N300, 000 respectively as ransom.

    He said the suspects had told police operatives during investigation that their syndicate was one of the four kidnapping groups terrorising FCT and its environs.

    The commissioner said 91 rustled cattle, four sheep and one AK-47 rifle were recovered from the suspects.

    He said operatives from the anti-kidnapping unit of the command, in a streak of coordinated clearance operations on some identified bandits camps, arrested an informant, logistics supplier and POS operator to kidnappers.

    Igweh said the suspect was the chief informant and logistics supplier to the whole kidnapping groups under the general command of a suspect, currently on the run.

    The commissioner said the suspect had confessed to be the facilitator of the movement of nurses, hard drugs and sex workers on request to the kidnapping groups.

    “He is also the financial courier through whom money is distributed or shared on request to the kidnapper’s families and has distributed about N20, 000, 000 on behalf of the kidnappers.

    “He has confirmed that the group led by the suspect at large, has over 15 members, all having AK-47 rifles and that, there are sub groups under him,” he said

    Igweh said the suspects would be charge to court upon completion of investigation. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

     

    IMC/EBI/CJ/

     

    Edited by Benson Iziama and Chijioke Okoronkwo

  • Army making significant contributions to national development — COAS

    Army making significant contributions to national development — COAS

    Ranking

    By Sumaila Ogbaje

    Abuja, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, says the Nigerian Army has made significant contributions to national development and progress in several areas over the last 161 years of its existence.

    Lagbaja said this while briefing newsmen on the forthcoming Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2024, on Monday in Abuja.

    He was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Ibrahim.

    He said the army had over the years, made progress in the areas such as security, education, engineering, health, science, sports and many other spheres.

    According to him, the challenges faced by the Nigerian army over the past 161 years notwithstanding, it has persevered and grown to be the 39th ranked out of 145 countries assessed in the Global Firepower Index of 2024.

    “It is due to these accomplishments we always seize the opportunity presented by the period culminating into July 6, to celebrate and give glory to Almighty God,” he said.

    The COAS said that the NADCEL was a celebration of one of the greatest armies in the world.

    “The eventful history had spanned 161 years, dated back to 1863 when Lt. Glover of the Royal Navy organised 18 indigenes of Northern Nigeria into a local force known as the “Glover Hausas”.

    He said the army had played crucial roles in defence of the country and maintenance of peace and security.

    He added that the celebration would provide an opportunity to celebrate brave men and women, who have served and continued to serve in the army.

    According to him, it is expedient to state that as the Nigerian army evolves, it continually builds capacity and modernised to effectively meet its responsibilities.

    “The capabilities and doggedness of the Nigerian army ensured its troops participated in the First and Second World War and numerous peacekeeping and peace support operations in different parts of the world.

    “The Nigerian army also took active part in the unfortunate Nigerian Civil War, which ended with the slogan “No victor, no vanquished” reuniting the country in 1970.

    “Its heroic exploits in Peacekeeping, especially in the last two decades are well acknowledged globally and particularly by the United Nations.

    “The effectiveness of the Nigerian army in peacekeeping resulted in several requests for its deployment in various troubled countries.

    “In spite of our security challenges, Nigeria submit to calls for increased participation of her troops in international peace efforts,” he said.

    Lagbaja said that the NADCEL aimed to showcase the army as an instrument of national unity, integration, and development as well as highlight achievements, capabilities and enduring reputation of the Nigerian army.

    The theme for the year, according to him, is “Transforming the Nigerian Army: Imperative for Combating Contemporary Security Challenges within a Joint Environment”.

    He said the theme was carefully selected considering the significance of transformation for combat readiness and proficiency toward attaining a robust national security that supported economic prosperity and resilient democracy, in accordance with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    The COAS said the 2024 celebration would be held in Jos, the Headquarters of 3 Division Nigerian Army with lined up activities from July 1 to July 6.

    He said the events would include conduct of free medical outreach and inauguration of quick impact projects within the host community.

    He added that it would elicit their support and cooperation as well as special lecture on topical issues affecting all aspects of the Nigerian army’s transformation.

    According to him, the crescendo for the NADCEL is the Grand Finale that will involve parade and COAS Commendation Award.

    “It will also include armament and equipment display and exhibitions on historical transformation of the Nigerian army and some research and development efforts of the army including some of its partners.  (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    OYS/CHOM/AMM

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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma and Abiemwense Moru

     

     

     

  • VP Shetima leads others to Northwest security summit

    VP Shetima leads others to Northwest security summit

    Summit

    By Zubairu Idris

    Katsina, June 24, 2024 (NAN) Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar and governors from the Northwest on Monday converge on Katsina for a two-day security summit.

    The summit, organised by the Northwest Governors Forum in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), aimed at discussing insecurity in the zone and proffer solutions to the problem.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that governors present at the summit include Dikko Radda of Katsina, Uba Sani of Kaduna, and Nasir Idris of Kebbi.

    Also present are Governors Dauda Lawal of Zamfara and Umar Namadi of Jigawa, Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto and the Secretary to the Kano State Government, who represented Abba Yusuf.

    Other dignitaries at the summit include the Emirs of Katsina, Alhaji abdulmumini Kabir-Usman, Daura, Alhaji Umar Farouq, Zazzau, Alhaji Nuhu Bamalli and Kazaure, Alhaji Najib Adamu.

    The summit also had in attendance the former governors of Katsina State, Aminu Masari  and Ibrahim Shema, a Katsina business mogul, Alhaji Dahiru Barau-Mangal, as well as the former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika.

    The Chairman, Arewa Consultative Forum, Sen. Ibrahim Ida, serving members of the National and States Assembly were also at the summit.

    Similarly, the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru, National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu and the Director-General of the Nigeria Intelligence Agency (NIA) Mr Ahmed Rufai, were also present.

    The Minister of Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa and her counterpart in Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, were also in attendance.

    Service Chiefs, heads of some paramilitary agencies, retired security officers and other security experts are also expected at the meeting.

    NAN gathered that the Vice President representing President Bola Tinubu would inaugurate a 16-bed capacity state-of-art dialysis centre at Amadi Rimi Specialist Hospital, Katsina.

    He would also inaugurate a road project in the state all executed by the administration of Dikko Radda.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    ZI/DCO/IAA

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    Edited by Deborah Coker/Isaac Aregbesola

  • Police rescue kidnapped Ex-Shell worker in A’Ibom

    Rescue
    By Isaiah Eka
    Uyo, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The police in Akwa Ibom says it has rescued a 63-year man and retiree of Shell Petroleum Company who was recently kidnapped by unknown gunmen.
    The command’s Spokesperson, ASP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Uyo.
    John said that he victim, who was abducted on June 17 and held hostage by his abductors, was rescued unhurt in a compound at Ikot Udobong Village in Etim Ekpo.
    She said that the rescue followed reliable intelligence information which prompted the command to swing into action.
    John said that the kidnappers engaged the police rescue team in a gun duel in the process of rescuing the victim.
    “Upon sighting the police, the kidnappers opened fire at them, one of the kidnappers was fatally wounded in the process while the others fled,” she said.
    The police spokesperson said that the  Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom, Mr Waheed Ayilara, had ordered the command’s SWAT operatives to immediately swing into action.
    ”Efforts are seriously ongoing to arrest the fleeing members of the gang for possible prosecution,” she said.
    John said that preliminary investigations revealed that the kidnappers had initially demanded N50 million as ransom for the release of their captive
    “They later agreed to take N20 million, but I tell you on good authority that no ransom was paid as at the time of the rescue.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    IE/AOM/AZU
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    Edited by Abdullahi Mohammed and Azubuike Okeh

  • Army kicks off 2024 Inter-Brigade competition in Ogun

    Competition

    By Joy Akinsanya
    Abeokuta, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The General Officer Commanding (GOC),  81 Division, Maj.-Gen. Muhammad Usman, on Monday, declared open the 81 Division Inter-Brigade Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers Competition 2024.
    Speaking during the opening ceremony at the Alamala Barracks, Abeokuta, Usman noted that the competition was aimed at promoting unity among troops.
    He added that the event was put together to improve leadership traits and organisational ability.

    He expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, for providing enabling environment, while assuring him of the division’s commitment to executing all Nigerian Army Training Directives.
    The GOC  urged participants to abide by the rules and exhibit sportsmanship, emphasising the importance of training in achieving military professionalism.
    ” The competition will run for four days, and it is expected to be a hitch-free event.
    “The competition will promote spirit-de-corps among troops.
    “Toward this end, some events have been outlined to test competing formations within the division.
    “Some of these events which will be rigorously competed for include Map Reading, Combat Swimming, Obstacle Crossing and Weapon Handling/Range Classification,” he said.

    Usman reminded the contestants that globally, training had remained a fundamental precursor for every battle winning army.

    ” This is premised on the fact that troops performance in peace and war is a direct result of the qualities of their training. Also, training remains a veritable tool for enhanced military professionalism,” he said.
    In his remarks, the Commander,  35 Artillery Brigade Alamala, Brig.-Gen. Muhammad Aminu, emphasised the importance of sportsmanship, urging participants to abide by the rules and regulations guiding the competition.
    “I enjoin you all to abide by all the rules and regulations guiding the competitions and exhibit the spirit of sportsmanship.
    “I want you all to put in your best and compete in the best way you can.
    “However, you should be mindful of your safety and safety of your colleagues throughout the period of the competition,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    IOJ/CHOM/JNC
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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • New CP pledges to improve security in Kano

    Security

    By Aminu Garko

    Kano, June 24, 2024 (NAN) Salman Dogo, the new Commissioner of Police in Kano State, has promised to combat crimes and improve security of lives and property in the state.

    Dogo, who assumed the office on Monday in Kano, promised to initiate and implement security method that would enhance peaceful coexistence among the residents.

    “I appeal to residents to imbibe the spirit of volunteering credible information that could aid in apprehending bad characters in their midst.

    Earlier, outgoing Commissioner of police, Hussein Gumel, appealed to the officers and the public to support the new commissioner of police to succeed.

    Gumel, who is recently promoted to AIG, expressed gratitude to the Kano Police Command and urged continued support for the new commissioner of police.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Correspondent Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists honoured Gumel with outstanding performance award while some police officers and philanthropists were also honoured for promoting peace. ( NAN) ( www.nannews.ng)

    AAG/ADA

    Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

  • 2024 World Drug Day: NDLEA in Sokoto State commits to curbing challenges

    2024 World Drug Day: NDLEA in Sokoto State commits to curbing challenges

    NDLEA
    By Muhammad Nasir
    Sokoto, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Sokoto State Command, has reaffirmed commitment to address the myriad of drug-related security challenges in the state.

    The agency’s Commander in the state, Mr Adamu Iro, gave the assurance during a news conference to
    commemorate the 2024 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Sokoto on Monday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the day is annunally observed on June 26 as a global reminder to the urgent need to combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

    Established by the UN in 1987, the day is also to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse, thorough comprehension of the social, economic and health consequences of drug use.

    This 2024 edition of the global observance id “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention.”

    The Sokoto commander, therefore, said “NDLEA is fully engaged with renewed vigour to support government efforts in tackling the insecurity affecting not only Sokoto but Nigeria as a whole.

    “In Sokoto State, the successes we have recorded so far are directly linked to our awareness of the state’s security challenges.

    ‘“We firmly believe that there is a connection between drug abuse and crimes such as banditry and kidnapping.”

    He warned those allowing their premises to be used for drug trade and consumption, adding that such properties would be investigated and possibly forfeited to the Federal Government.

    Iro emphasised that under the leadership of Retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, the NDLEA had undergone significant transformation to address drug-related challenges.

    “This is evident in the increased arrests, seizures, convictions, sensitisation programmes, strategic restructuring and partnerships, which garnered national, regional and international recognition and commendation,” he said.

    He highlighted the importance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, saying that the day’s objective is to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve a world free of drug abuse.

    He urged husbands to monitor their wives and children to ensure that they were not influenced by individuals involved in drug abuse.

    He called on the state government to resuscitate the Drug Control Committee in Sokoto, emphasising that the state was lagging in this area.

    The commander appealed to stakeholders to see themselves as NDLEA ambassadors in the fight against drug abuse.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng.com)

    BMN/DCO/HA
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    Edited by Deborah Coker/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Tinubu commits to addressing insecurity in North-West, nation

    Tinubu commits to addressing insecurity in North-West, nation
    Peace
    By Zubairu Idris
    Katsina, June 24, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu has reiterated the commitment of his administration to address insecurity in the North-West and the country in general.
    Tinubu gave the assurance on Monday in Katsina at the opening of a two-day Summit on Peace and Security in the North-West, organised by the North-West Governors’ Forum, in collaboration with UNDP.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the summit is: “Regional Cooperation for securing lives and livelihoods”.
    Represented by the Vice-President, Kashim Shettima, the president urged Nigerians to continue to unite as a people and embrace peace for development.
    “We promised to make Nigeria safe and the security agenda has been a top priority of the administration for the past one year.
    “We are not slowing down until we achieve our goal,” he said.
    Tinubu said that the government would continue  to ensure that every child goes to school and returns home safely, while the farmers would plant seeds in a secured environment.
    The president said that the government was strengthening collaboration with all the stakeholders and it had intensified military operations to address the situation.
    Tinubu, however, pointed out that it was disheartening that Hausa and Fulani, who have been one before, were now divided and fighting each other.
    He stressed the need for them to embrace peace for the development of the zone and the country in general.
    In his remarks, Gov. Dikko Radda of Katsina State, stressed the importance of confronting the menace collectively , saying,”because it is a concern to all.”
    Radda said that their goal was to provide peace, security and ensure property in the region.
    He urged that the summit must address the root causes of the insecurity to enable the governments to address the menace.
    The governor revealed that ensuring every child access to quality education and youth empowerment would assist in tackling the menace.
    The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, said that the problem has persisted over a long period, hence the need to provide answers to the root causes of the problem.
    “We have had a series of conferences on this problem, we must provide solutions to them.
    “We have met with the Northern Governors’ Forum four to five times on the same issue. We must tell ourselves the truth about what we must do to challenge these bandits,” he said.
    Abubakar assured continued support of the traditional institutions in addressing the problem.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    ZI/BRM
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    Ediitd by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • NDLEA secures 86 convictions in 5 months in Ogun

    Ogun NDLEA secures 86 convictions in 5 months

    NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig.- Gen. Buba Marwa

    By Bukola Adetoye

    NDLEA

    Abeokuta, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Ogun says it secured convictions of 86 illicit drug dealers between January and May 2024.

     

    The Narcotics Commander of NDLEA, Ogun Command, Mr Tijjani Rabe, said this at a news conference to commemorate 2024 International Day Against Drug Abuse and illicit Trafficking in Abeokuta on Monday.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the 2024 celebration of the Day is: “The Evidence is Clear; Invest in Prevention.”

     

    Rabe said that families, schools, religious organisations, and professional bodies need to invest in prevention to stop activities leading to illicit drug use.

     

    “This theme emphasises the importance of a prevention-oriented approach to reduce illicit drug use among the youth, often influenced by peer pressure and the desire for acceptance.

     

    “it also aligns with the command’s drug control initiatives, highlighted through it’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) activities that target schools, and religious organisations to improve the well-being of the state’s residents,” he said.

     

    The Narcotics Commander also disclosed that 3.33 tonnes of marijuana, 10.949 kg of psychotropic substances, 0.017kg of Cocaine and 0.129kg of Methamphetamine were withdrawn from circulation during the period in review.

     

    “Other illicit drugs withdrawn from circulation during the period under review included 227 litres of skuchies and 11.0 litres of Codeine,” he said.

    Rabe said further that the command arrested  157 suspected illicit drug dealers that comprised of 127 males and 30 females.

     

    He also said that 112 suspected drug users including  5 females and 107 males were counseled and rehabilitated during the period. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    OBA/AYO/AOS

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    Edited by Ayodeji Alabi/Bayo Sekoni

  • 3 Division inter-brigade competition begins in Bauchi 

    3 Division inter-brigade competition begins in Bauchi 

    Competition

    By Ahmed Kaigama

    Bauchi, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The 3 Division Nigerian Army on Monday commenced the 2024 Inter-Brigade competition for Warrant Officers (WOs) and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs) in Bauchi.

    Brig.-Gen. Emmanuel Egbe, Commander, 33 Artillery Brigade, declaring the competition opened, said it aimed to enhance physical fitness, firing skills, encourage esprit-de-corps among the troops and improve the standard of battle readiness.

    Egbe said that the competition was between the 6 formations in the division, which included 6 brigade Taraba, 23 brigade, Yola, 33 Artillery Brigade, Bauchi, 43 Division Engineers, Jos, 53 Signals brigade, Jos and 3 Division Garrison, Jos.

    According to him, the competition will feature drill combat swimming, map reading and navigation, shooting competition as well as combat run and obstacle crossing.

    He said that the competition, which was being organised under the guidance and direction of the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Division and Commander Operation Safe Haven, Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar was in line with the command philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

    ”This Philosophy is to Transform the Nigerian Army into a well-trained, Equipped and Highly Motivated Force Towards Achieving our Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint Environment.

    ”I have made all necessary arrangements to provide participants with the needed environment to make them comfortable to compete in the spirit of sportsmanship in 33 Artillery Brigade,’’he said.

    Egbe urged the umpire of the competition to be fair to all participants, so that at the end, the best would emerge.

    He appreciated the GOC, and the Commander Operation Safe Haven for choosing the Brigade to host the competition.

    He also appreciated the Chief of Army Staff for his support, interest and commitment to ensure officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army train in a competitive manner.

    In a remark, Alhaji Abdulhamid Bununu, Bauchi State Commissioner for Internal security appreciated the Nigeria Military for securing the nation.

    He assured them that the administration of Gov. Bala Mohammed would continue to support security agencies for their doggedness in keeping the country safe. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    MAK/DCO/AMM

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    Edited by Deborah Coker and Abiemwense Moru