Category: Defence/Security

Abduction
By Desmond Ejibas
Port Harcourt, June 23, 2024 (NAN) The Police Command in Rivers has confirmed the abduction of a popular traditional ruler’s police orderly and driver by suspected kidnappers in Rivers.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that gunmen had invaded the residence of Chief Cornwell Ihunwo, the Paramount Ruler of Rumu-Elechi, Nkpolu Orowurokwo around 8 p.m. on Saturday.
NAN also reports that the gunmen had invaded the place with the intention of abducting the traditional ruler but could not find him.
The hoodlums then took the royal father’s police orderly and driver at gunpoint to an undisclosed location.
Spokesperson for the police command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Sunday that the command’s tactical team had been deployed to rescue the victims.
“The Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Rilwan, has ordered the swift arrest of the perpetrators to face the full wrath of the law.
“The Octopus Strike Force unit has already commenced a full-scale investigation to ensure the victims regain their freedom unhurt,” she stated.
Iringe-Koko said that Disu had visited the scene of the abduction for an on-the-spot assessment.
Chief Security Officer (CSO) of Nkpolu Orowurokwo community, Godstime Ihunwo, told newsmen that the traditional ruler was unharmed during the incident.
“At about 9 p.m. on Saturday, I received a call regarding HRM Ihunwo’s abduction. I immediately rushed to his house on Eagle Island, where I met him.
“Chief Ihunwo told me that the gunmen had taken away his driver and police orderly,” he said.
NAN gathered that Ihunwo is the younger brother of Victor Ihunwo, a former Chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Government Council. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
DES/WAS
Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

Drugs

By Ibironke Ariyo

Abuja, June 23, 2024 (NAN) The Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) retired, Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa has urged young people to stay away from illicit drugs and have focus as  leaders of tomorrow.

Marwa said this during a thanksgiving service at the National Christian Centre (NCC), in commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking or World Drug Day (WDD), on Sunday in Abuja.

The 2024 WDD is themed, “Evidence is Clear; Invest in Prevention”.

He said that the theme was timely, adding that the NDLEA was doing its best in preventing drug abuse and illicit trafficking across the country.

Marwa, who was represented by the agency’s Secretary, Mr Shadrach Haruna, said the 2024 WDD main message was prevention.

According to him, youths need to say no to drug abuse. And this is where prevention comes in.

“There is nothing good that comes out of illicit drugs. It destroys you as a person; it destroys your family and your communities.

“Youths need to stop taking illicit drugs, not to yield to peer pressure and not to think that drug is the coolest thing to do.

“This is because if you go into drugs, you ruin your future.

“That is why prevention is the ultimate thing for this year. We should all invest in prevention because if you prevent people from going into drugs, it will help.

“The country is for the youths and they are the leaders of tomorrow. That’s why we want them to shun drugs and have a focus,”he said.

Marwa said that the NDLEA was doing a lot to invest in prevention, adding that the agency believed in carrying everyone along including the Church, communities and families, among others.

He said the agency had always depended on God to lead.

He emphasised that the Church and the Mosque were involved as part of ways to carry the messages of ensuring that people shun drugs.

“If we’re able to invest in intervention, I think we will save so many lives. We know how many lives have been destroyed by drugs,”he said.

Marwa encouraged officers and men who have been on the field, working hard not to be discouraged.

He also encouraged them not to fear anyone saying:  “if you’re working for a good cause, nothing will affect you”.

Rev. Mike Agbon, Resident Chaplain, National Christian Centre (NCC), said that religious bodies needed to be able to play a significant role in the area of sensitisation.

Agbon said there was also the need to introduce a spiritual approach to dealing with rehabilitation of drug addicts.

According to him, whether we like it or not, drug addiction in our nation is growing to an epidemic proportion and we need to be holistic in dealing with it.

“The NDLEA is doing a laudable job in dealing with the drugs, cartels and arrests of all the barons.

“The Church needs to rise to the occasion.

“We need to be able to rehabilitate most of the drug addicts and get them back into society.

“I believe that the spiritual approach to it will make a difference because I believe that drug addiction is a spiritual thing,”he said.

The cleric, therefore, urged the NDLEA to take time to look at the need to be able to incorporate the Church, so that there could be synergy, especially in the areas of rehabilitation.

He said that most of the Pastors trained as counselors, could help in the area of guardians and counseling.

“We need to come to that level of synergy and deal with this issue. We must all have our hands on deck.

“We must as much as possible, work together. It’s only that synergy that can solve or put a halt to the alarming proportion or rise in drug addiction in our society, “he said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

ICA/CHOM/AMM

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Edited by Chioma Ugboma and Abiemwense Moru

Police probe alleged killing of Inspector by Naval officers

Investigation
By Moses Omorogieva
Lagos, June 23, 2024 (NAN) The Police Command in Lagos State says it has begun investigation into the alleged killing of a police Inspector by some Naval officers at Okokomaiko area of Ojo.
The Spokesperson for the command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday.
Hundeyin said that report on the incident was received at the Okokomaiko police station around 4.30 p.m. on Saturday from some members of the public.
He said the report revealed that some policemen, who were on routine patrol along Igbo-Elerin, tried to impound a motorcycle riding against traffic at the Beno filling station.
The spokesperson said that two men on the motorcycle in mufti, who claimed to be Naval officers, resisted arrest and attacked the policemen.
“Other Naval personnel in uniform arrived at the scene and supported their colleagues in the attack.
“It was when one Inspector (name not given) slumped and was unconscious, that the Naval personnel escaped from the scene.
“The inspector was rescued and rushed to an hospital in the area, where he was confirmed dead.
“The body has been deposited at the Idi-Araba Mortuary, Yaba, for autopsy, while investigation is ongoing,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

MIO/CHOM/IKU

Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Tayo Ikujuni

FRSC has not abolished patrol points in southeast- official

Patrol
By Ibironke Ariyo
Abuja, June 23, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps(FRSC) has not abolished patrol points in the Southeastern.

This is contained in a statement by the Corps Public Education Officer (CPEO), Mr Olusegun Ogungbemide on Sunday in Abuja.

“Our attention has been drawn to a report in some media platforms insinuating that FRSC has abolished patrol points Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo and Abia.

“The misleading statement was attributed to the address presented by the Zonal Commanding Officer (ZCO) of Zone 9 Enugu, the Assistant Corps Marshal (ACM) Uche Chukwurah while on a visit  to the Abia Sector Command in Umuahia,” he said.

According to him, the statement by the ZCO was meant to reaffirm the stand of the National Headquarters of the FRSC on the new operational strategy that would de-emphasise static patrol which comes in the form of roadblock.

He said “It was  unfortunately misconstrued to mean abolition of patrol points in the zonal command based on security threats.

“Nothing can be further from the truth as the statement was not only misleading but capable of giving wrong information to unsuspecting members of the public.

“However, the public need to know the intention of the FRSC Management on the ongoing operational rejigging not targeted at the Southeastern states of the country but the nation at large.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the policy of rejigging the operational strategy of the Corps as conceived by the present Management under Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed is aimed at improving the capacity of the personnel.

“This is to also respond promptly to distress calls through provision of functional operational vehicles, ambulances and motorbikes.

“Also, retraining of personnel for efficient rescue services and increasing the mileage coverage of daily patrol activities for inceessed presence on parts of the road network, “he said.

Ogungbemide said that any meaning read to the original statement attributed to the ZCO of Zone 9 Enugu to create the impression that the FRSC was abolishing or intends to abolish patrol in the Southeast was distorted, misleading and should be disregarded.

He maintained that the FRSC remained the lead agency in road traffic management and safety administration in Nigeria.

He added that the FRSC remained one of the security agencies charged with the responsibility of creating safer road environment.

“What we are doing is to work harder to improve on our quality service delivery and support to other security agencies.

“This is through credible processing of database on drivers and vehicles which has nothing to do with the abolition of patrol points in the Southeast as alleged,”he said.(NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)

ICA/ISHO/SH

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Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Sadiya Hamza

NDLEA bursts snake-guarded shrine used to store illicit drugs, arrests 2 in Edo

Drugs
By Ibironke Ariyo
Abuja, June 23, 2024 (NAN) The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency ( NDLEA) has busted a snake-guarded shrine used for the storage of illicit drugs in Egor community near Benin, Edo.

Nr Femi Babafemi, the Director of Media and Advocacy of the NDLEA, said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

Babafemi said that the NDLEA operatives had raided the shrine after detecting a specially constructed large hole storage in a wall covered with wallpapers and fetish objects.

He said that different quantities of illicit substances such as methamphetamine, Loud, Colorado and Arizona, all strong strains of cannabis were seen.

He disclosed that the total weight of 8.743 kilograms, were pulled out from the deep hole dug in the wall of the shrine within the building.

“At least, two ladies: Sonia Ezumezu and Risikatu Tijani were arrested during the intelligence-led operation on Tuesday, June 18.

“This was after the big black snake guarding the shrine was demobilised, “he said.

In the same vein, Babafemi said two suspects: Obi Ferguson,45, and Ernest Abanum, 46, were arrested on Saturday June 22 for alleged drug possession.

Babafemi said that NDLEA operatives raided the Usen forest in Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo where 209kg cannabis and a motorcycle were recovered.

Meanwhile, NDLEA officers in Lagos state have intercepted a carefully packaged consignment of 8.2 kilograms of methamphetamine at a motor park in Mazamaza, Ojo area of the state.

Babafemi said that the highly addictive illicit substance, also called ice or crystal meth was packed in an imported Dunkin’ turtle love chocolate wraps.

“It was concealed in the casing of three loud speakers.

“A 39-year-old suspect, who was sending the consignment to Owerri, Imo was promptly arrested on Wednesday June 19 at the park, “he said.

In a related development, NDLEA operatives in Abuja on June 18, intercepted a white Nissan Frontier pick up vehicle with amber lights and fake registration number of a security agency at Kiyi village in Kuje area of the FCT.

Babafemi said that the vehicle was loaded with 454 compressed blocks of cannabis sativa, weighing 340.8kg procured at Uzeba, Edo.

“A 76-year-old grandfather,, linked to the consignment was arrested.

“He claimed to have been in the illicit drug business for 10 years, “he said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

ICA/KOO/SH
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Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Sadiya Hamza

FG committed to effective border control, staff welfare – Immigration CG

Border

By Ibironke Ariyo

Abuja, June 23, 2024 (NAN) The Comptroller General, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS),  Kemi Nandap,  says the Federal Government is committed to effective border control and working condition of officers and men at the borders.

Nandap said this when she visited some borders in Katsina and Jigawa  in continuation of  her assessment tour of the Nigerian borders.

A statement by the Service Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Udo on Saturday in Abuja,  stated that Nandap  visited Fago Patrol Base and  Daura Forward Operational Base.

Others are Kongolam Border control post and  Magatari Control Post where she inspected the ongoing e-border projects and other facilities.

“She solicited the support of some critical stakeholders at the border communities, which included traditional leaders, youth leaders, transport unions and market women.

“Nandap called  for their cooperation in safeguarding the borders especially the vast unmanned areas.

“She enlightened them on the dangers of trans border organised crimes such as smuggling of migrants and Trafficking in persons,” she said.

Nandap emphasised on the need to always provide useful information on the activities of irregular migrants.

“She called for continued collaboration in the task of effective border governance noting that, “A safe border is a safe nation”.

The immigration boss charged border officers to display utmost professionalism in the discharge of their duties, and to be extra vigilant in manning the  borders.

She said that government was committed to improving the working condition of all officers at the borders,  through provision of logistics, accommodation and capacity building.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report that the CG used the opportunity to visit former President, Muhammadu Buhari and the Emir of Daura,  Alh.  Umar Farouk, in  Daura.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

ICA/ISHO/JPE

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Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Joseph Edeh

NAF airstrikes destroy 13 illegal oil refining sites, 7 Boats

Airstrikes

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja, June 23, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe has destroyed 13 illegal refining sites and seven Cotonou boats in Rivers, Bayelsa and Imo.

This is contained in a statement by the Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, AVM Edward Gabkwet, on Sunday in Abuja.

Gabkwet said the air interdictions conducted between June 18 and June 22, also dispersed five J-5 buses attempting to siphon suspected crude oil products from surface tanks.

He said that some of the illegal sites were discovered near Imo River on June 18 with seven overhead tanks, which were later destroyed while several suspected bunkerers fled.

According to him, air strikes were also extended to Wilcourt in Rivers on June 19, after an illegal site and canoe filled with illegally refined products as well as some gun boats

Gabkwet said the air crew also destroyed some illegal refining sites located at about 6-km from Tunu in Bayelsa.

He said that the air component undertook another significant strike on June 22, when the crew spotted 5xJ5 buses, probably reconfigured into mini tankers at the bank of Imo River attempting to siphon illegally refined products.

“Amazed at this change of tactics by these economic saboteurs, the crew did not hesitate to immediately destroy the illegal refining sites feeding the buses.

“The J5 buses were later seen dispersed with some taking cover under trees to avoid detection.

“Air strikes against economic saboteurs and oil thieves have continued to record the expected outcomes.

“This is  majorly due to improved intelligence, enhanced air to ground coordination, and most importantly, due to NAF’s improved agility and resilience.

“These operations will be sustained until activities of these saboteurs are reduced to the barest minimum,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

OYS/CHOM/JPE

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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Joseph Edeh

KTSG ready for maiden North-West peace, security summit

Summit

By Abbas Bamalli

Katsina, June 22, 2024 (NAN) The Katsina State Government has expressed its readiness to host the maiden two-day Peace and Security Summit for the North-West region scheduled for between June 24 and June 25.

The state’s Commissioner for Information and Culture, Dr Bala Salisu-Zango, disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Katsina on Saturday.

According to him, the summit is organised by the North-West Governors’ Forum, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

He added that the event would be the first ever peace and security summit for regional cooperation for securing lives and livelihoods.

Salisu-Zango explained, “As you may be aware, our state and the region have been facing numerous security challenges in recent times.

He said, “In response, the North-West Governors’ Forum, in collaboration with the UNDP, is set to host the summit in the state from June 24 to 25, 2024.

“This landmark event, the first of its kind in the region, will bring together stakeholders, experts, Governors from the region and key partners to discuss and find solutions to address the pressing security challenges facing the area.”

The commissioner described the summit as timely, saying that it came at a crucial moment for the region as it faces mounting security challenges.

According to Bala-Znago, in recent years, there has been a marked increase in incidents of banditry, terrorism and communal conflicts.

“These issues have had devastating consequences for the local population, resulting in significant loss of life, severe disruption to livelihoods and widespread destruction of property.

“This underscores the urgent need for coordinated action and solutions to restore peace and stability to the region, comprising Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto and Zamfara States.

“Under the theme, “Regional Cooperation for Securing Lives and Livelihoods”, the summit aims to explore solutions to ongoing insecurity, focusing on promoting peace and stability while strengthening cooperation among state governments to tackle these complex issues.

“UNDP’s journey to address insecurity in the Northwest region began in January 2024 with a peace and security workshop organized in collaboration with the Katsina State Government.

“By bringing together key stakeholders, this summit is expected to serve as a platform for meaningful dialogue and action, leading to concrete strategies for enhancing peace and security in the region,” he said.

Bala-Zango added that discussions at the summit would explore sustainable approaches to advancing food security and fostering sustainable livelihoods.

He added that the summit would examine how different regional actors can support and enhance regional cooperation as well as integrated solutions for the region’s future development. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

AABS/ISHO/BRM

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Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Bashir Rabe Mani

Arrest

By Isaac Aregbesola

Abuja, June 22, 2024 (NAN) Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes commission (EFCC)  have arrested a syndicate of fake State House Staff in Abuja for alleged criminal conspiracy, false representation and employment scam.

Its Spokesperson, Dele Oyewale said this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

He said operatives of the commission arrested the suspects separately following investigation on  petitions by victims, who were promised jobs in various Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs).

The suspects, he said, promised the victims jobs as “Director-General” at the Ministry of Communication, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, NNPCL, Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC and other ministries.

The spokesman listed the suspects to include Augustine Umogboi, who claimed to be a former staff of the State House and Eleojo Idakwo, a fake staff of the Ministry of Information in the Registry Unit.

Others are Kingsley Onuh who also claimed to just conclud his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Omata Sunday and Eljayon Nigeria Limited, one of the companies which the bank account they were using to get money from their victims.

“Besides, they had different account numbers of different banks through which they were  receiving the money amounting to N22,350,000 from different victims.

“Umogboi was arrested on June 16, Idakwo was arrested on April 30, 2024, while Onuh was arrested on April 3,” he said.

He said that the victims narrated their bitter experience in a series of petitions written to the EFCC, adding that, “the suspects have given useful information to the EFCC and will  be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation”. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

IAA./RSA

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Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali