Category: Defence/Security

1. Electrocution

Arrest

By Isaac Aregbesola

Abuja, June 22, 2024 (NAN)  The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested two former staff of Union Bank in   Makurdi over alleged theft of N4,199,500 belonging to a deceased customer of the bank.

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

According to him, the suspects, Idah Ogoh and Agbo Okwute, were arrested on Friday in Makurdi, in Benue

“Their arrest followed a petition against them by the bank on fraudulent debits from the account of Emmanuel Agenna, a deceased customer.

“Their dealings were uncovered when the family of the deceased approached the bank for the balance on the account of the deceased for probate processing.

“The family disputed the balance given to them by the bank and subsequently sent a complaint to the bank regarding unauthorised debits on the account,” he said.

According to him, based on their complaints, the bank carried out an  internal investigation and its findings revealed that a debit card was procured on the deceased’s customer account on May 10, 2023.

He said that the debit card was procured by Ifah Ogoh, one of the bank’s Sales and Service Associates, which was authorised by the bank on the same date.

“Further findings by the bank showed that the procured card was handed over to another Sales and Service Associates, Agbo Okwute, who eventually delivered the card to an accomplice for transfer and withdrawal of funds from the account of the deceased.

“Several withdrawals were allegedly made by the suspects through the accomplice.

“The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded,” he said. (NAN)

IAA/MNA

Edited Maureen Atuonwu

Police detain 2 officers over illegal duty, civilian’s death

Arrest
By Moses Omorogieva
Lagos, June 22, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Police Command has detained two police officers who went on an illegal duty, in which a civilian lost his life.

The Command’s spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, made this known in a statement on Saturday.

Hundeyin said that the two officers, whose names and ranks were not given, were members of the State Taskforce.

He said that the officers went on the illegal operation on Wednesday, in the company of some civilians.

According to Hundeyin, the illegal team came under attack from motorcycle riders, resulting in the death of one of the civilians.

“While disciplinary actions have commenced on the already detained police officers, search is on for their civilian accomplices.

“Investigations have commenced to identify, arrest and prosecute the perpetrators of this dastardly act,” he said. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
MIO/KOO/SOA
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Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Oluwole Sogunle

Army chief hails NAOWA on supports, humanitarian activities

NAOWA

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja, June 22, 2024 (NAN) The Chief of Army staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has commended the wives of officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their support to their husbands and the humanitarian services rendered to the society.

Lagbaja gave the commendation at the First Anniversary celebration of his wife, Maria Lagbaja, as the 21^st President of the Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA), on Saturday in Abuja.

The theme of the celebration is “Journey So Far: Next Level”.

According to Lagbaja, it is said that behind every successful man, there is a good woman, saying the adage rings true for them in the Nigerian Army, where their women have been the bedrock of their successes, providing unwavering support and strength.

He said his wife and NAOWA president had been leading the wives of army personnel and had been doing so much in support of him in the last one year, adding that he had always been away to units and formations across the country.

According to him, his travel log as of Friday revealed that he had been in the air for about 40 hours and on the road, travelling around formations and units of the Nigerian army for about 200 hours.

“In my travels, I have met with strong, industrious, and supportive NAOWA and NASWA members who have undoubtedly supported their spouses.

“Many of our women have evolved into strong decision-makers running the home front effectively while the spouses are in the frontlines, on courses, and even lost in the rhythm of our busy peacetime rear units.

“I must confess that NAOWA has been hugely instrumental to the NA’s successes this past year.

“I thank my dear wife, the President of NAOWA, for her leadership and inspiration.

“We have come together today to celebrate my wife’s one year of purposeful and impactful leadership of NAOWA and mentoring of NASWA.

“The transformation the association has witnessed in one year of her leadership is truly remarkable,” he said.

Lagbaja expressed confidence that NOAWA under his wife’s leadership would continue to undertake impactful projects in the second year of her administration.

He challenged the association to expand its activities in close concert with the Nigerian Army Soldiers Wives Association (NASWA) to accommodate wider participation on the barracks women.

He assured NAOWA of Army Headquarters’ support to achieve more going forward, having realised the enormous benefits of both NAOWA and NASWA.

The President of NAOWA, Mrs Lagbaja, in her remarks, thanked members, for their constant support and cooperation, which enabled the association to achieve its goals within the past year.

She said the event provided an avenue for them to to reflect on the remarkable journey they had undertaken together, and to plan a progressive course for the future.

According to her, it is a moment to acknowledge the dedication and hard work of every NAOWA member, whose unwavering support has been the backbone of my success.

Mrs Lagbaja said that the association had embarked on numerous outreaches, programmes, and initiatives aimed at enhancing the welfare of its members, uplifting the barracks communities, and supporting the humanitarian efforts of the Nigerian army.

“I have also commissioned several projects initiated by some NAOWA Chairpersons which effectively demonstrates that NAOWA presiding members at all levels have fully embraced and keyed into my vision of “Sustaining Legacies Through Unwavering Commitment to Unity and Service for the Betterment of Humanity.”

“This vision remains unconditional, and I am committed to ensuring that NAOWA continues to uphold a great reputation in the public eye.

“I am also dedicated to sustaining our association’s legacies by upgrading and improving upon our assets and institutions.

“I therefore urge you all to sustain these efforts,” she added.

NAOWA President said that key projects, such as the modernised NAOWA National Secretariat, remodeled events centre, guest house, and a recreational park would soon be inaugurated.

These projects, according to her, are a testament to their collective efforts in creating lasting and meaningful impact within our communities.

“Today’s celebration is not just a reflection of our achievements but also a platform to inspire us to greater heights.

“Together, we shall continue to build on this foundation, driven by our shared vision of unity, service, and empowerment, in line with my vision,” she added.

A special highlight of the celebration was the unveiling of her ‘Next Level Transformative Initiative’ for all NAOWA members.

The initiative, according to her, aims to further empower and uplift NAOWA members, providing new opportunities for personal and professional growth.

She said the project was also a demonstration of her commitment to the continuous improvement of NAOWA and the betterment of their community.

Mrs Lagbaja thanked the First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for providing them the needed support and directions as well as her husband for his unwavering support to the association. (NAN) (www.nanmews.ng)

OYS/EBI/IAA

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Edited by Benson Iziama/Isaac Aregbesola

Oil theft: Army destroys 14 boats in Abia, arrests suspects

Bunkering
By Leonard Okachie
Asa (Abia), June 22, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Army on Friday, destroyed about 14 illegal oil bunkering vessels arrested with stolen crude oil in the oil-bearing Asa Community of Abia.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Army operatives set the vessels ablaze, including eight large Cotonou boats, at Isimmiri Waterside in Ukwa West Local Government Area.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, who led the operation, told newsmen that six suspects were arrested in connection with the illegal oil bunkering.

Dada, who was accompanied by the  Commander, 14 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Ohafia, Brig.-Gen. Olusola Diya, said that the suspects had been handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for further investigations and prosecution.

He said that the Army was at the creek in respect of carrying out one of the mandates of Operation Udoka, “which is to make sure that any form of economic sabotage does not happen within its joint operation area.

“We have been here since Thursday, conducting operations against saboteurs that are trying to take out the crude oil that is the mainstay of our economy,” he said.

Dada also said that the operation was based on intelligence report, adding that the suspects had attempted to start siphoning the crude from the pipeline, before they were arrested.

He further said that the suspects had sunk some crude oil-laden boats in the water before the troops got there, adding that, the troops were in the process of recovering others.

The GOC said that all the 14 boats were destroyed, in line with the Standing Operating Procedure.

“The person that is involved in this particular location is on the run presently but we will get him, it’s just a matter of time.

“This is more of a cartel and we believe that a lot of people are actually involved.

“The proceeds are being used to finance these acts of terrorism.

“But as a note of warning, this is just the beginning.

“We will continue with this operation and make sure no stone is left unturned.

“The Nigerian Army will in no way tolerate any form of sabotage to the economy of this country,” Dada said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

LEO/CMY/USO
Edited by Collins Yakubu-Hammer/Sam Oditah

Military making operational adjustment to protect farmers – DHQ

Operation

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The Defence Headquarters says operational adjustments have been made by the military to prioritise protection for farmers to ensure a successful rainy season farming.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known on Friday in Abuja while giving updates on the operations of the armed forces.

Buba said the armed forces had intensified intelligence collection effort targeted at hunting terrorists and striking them where they may be hiding and hibernating.

He said the aim was to eliminate the terrorists and the infrastructure that supports their activities.

According to him, troops will continue to employ significant firepower to neutralise terrorists and disrupt their activities across the country.

“Winning the war against the terrorist is non-negotiable,” he said.

Buba said the troops had, in different operations, neutralised 220, apprehended 395 suspects and rescued 202 kidnapped hostages in the last one week.

He added that troops recovered 432 assorted weapons and 9,004 assorted ammunition comprising three PKT guns, one G3 rifle, 83 AK47 rifles and 18 locally-fabricated guns.

Also recovered were 16 dane guns, 14 RPG bombs, one RPG launcher, two tear gas launchers, 234 smoke grenades and one bandolier.

Others include 5,893 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 2,064 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 401 rounds of 9mm ammo, 200 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm, 154 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm, 195 live cartridges, and 17 magazines.

In the North-East, Buba said, the troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralised 83 terrorists, arrested 98 suspects and rescued 61 kidnappers hostages.

Assorted arms were also recovered, he added.

In the North-Central, troops of Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke neutralised 37 insurgents, arrested 102 violent extremists and rescued 113 kidnapped hostages, he said.

In the North-West, Buba said the troops of Operations Hadarin Daji and Whirl Punch, neutralised 78 terrorists, arrested 103 terrorists and rescued 68 kidnapped hostages.

Buba said the troops of Operation Delta Safe in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 105 illegal refining sites with 51 dugout pits, 38 boats and 51 storage tanks.

He said the troops also recovered 215 cooking ovens, two speedboats, 44 drums, three tug boats, three barges, four wheelbarrows, one outboard engine, 15 vehicles, three motorcycles and six mobile phones.

According to him, troops recovered 1.09 million litres of stolen crude oil, 1.1 million litres of illegally refined AGO, 27,350 litres of DPK and 150 litres of PMS.

“Troops also arrested 55 perpetrators of oil theft and denied the oil thieves an estimated sum of N1.8 billion,” he said.

In the South-East, Buba said the troops of Operation UDO KA neutralised 22 terrorists, arrested 37 violent extremists, rescued 15 kidnapped hostages and also recovered a large cache of arms. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

OYS/ETS

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Arms

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The National Coordinator, National Centre for Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), Johnson Kokumo, has urged the Nigeria Police to avail the centre with the database of recovered illicit arms.

Kokumo, retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG), made the request when he led management team of the centre in a courtesy visit to the Inspector -General of Police, Kayode EgbetokunWe on Friday in Abuja.

He said the visit was to solicit for more support and collaboration in the area of intelligence sharing, adding that the police was highly dependable when it came to intelligence gathering.

“We also want to seek for your support in area of enforcement of laws.

“Of course, there are laws that prescribe punishment for illegal possession of firearms and the laws are being enforced most appropriately, we will be able to fight the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.

“We are equally seeking the support and understanding of the Inspector General of Police in area of generating national data, and of course, analysis of this data for planning for the control of proliferation of small arms and light weapons.

“We know too well that the Nigerian Police force has records of recovered arms and ammunition across the federation.

“I want to seize this opportunity to make this known to the police that the center has a national data center where we collate data recovered by all agencies of governments.

“We don’t only come up with figures of recovered arms from various agencies of government, we go further to carry out investigation into the sources of these weapons,” he said.

Kokumo said the centre was more interested in knowing the source of the guns that the criminals used to commit crimes, urging the police to always involve the centre whenever its investigators come in contact with small arms in the course of their investigation.

According to him, the centre has the capacity to trace the company or manufacturer of weapons and to further trace to whom such weapons were sold by the manufacturing company.

The Coordinator commended the police for the support it had extended to the centre since its creation in 2021 in the area of manpower enforcement supports.

He said the police had assisted the centre to nab some individuals that had been undermining the powers and responsibilities of the centre.

In his response, the Inspector -General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, said the police had no choice than to continue to work with NCCSALW to deliver on its mandate.

Egbetokun assured the coordinator of the commitment of the police to continue to cooperate with the center, adding that they had realised that the center played important role in curbing the incidences of violent crime in Nigeria.

“We all know that violent crimes in Nigeria is being driven by the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.

“It is the result of illicit transaction in arms and light weapons that is actually aiding banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery and even terrorism.

“So your center has a big role to play and I want to assure you that the police will continue to support you in the areas of intelligence sharing, enforcement of all laws and in the areas of all operations that will lead to recovery of arms and that will also lead to tracing the sources of these arms.

“I want to assure you that you should always count on us even in the area of training.

“We will collaborate with you and I have no doubt in my mind that the relationship between the center and Nigerian police is going to improve with you as the head of the center,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

OYS/MNA

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

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