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Category: Defence/Security

  • Why we target assets of drug barons, traffickers – Marwa

     

    The Secretary, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Shadrach Haruna with the Deputy Country Rep, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Danilo Campisi.
    Drug

    By Ibironke Ariyo

    Abuja, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), retired, Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa on Wednesday justified the decision of the agency to go after assets of drug barons and traffickers.

    Marwa said this at a news briefing in Abuja to begin the week-long activities to commemorate the 2024 International Day Against Drugs and Illicit Trafficking.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that June 26 every year is set aside to commemorate the day.

    NAN also reports that the theme of the 2024 World Drug Day (WDD) is: “Evidence is Clear, Let Us Invest in Prevention”.

    Represented by Mr Shadrach Haruna, the Secretary of the agency, the NDLEA chairman said that the decision was part of ongoing offensive against illicit drugs peddlers and cartels in the industry.

    According to him, the offensive against drug cartels and traffickers inaugurated in January 2021, has till date continued to yield the desired result with the arrests and prosecutions of several barons.

    He said that in April, two serial traffickers got life imprisonment.

    According to him, our prosecution efforts have continued to achieve successes in courts given the painstaking investigations and diligence in the prosecution of cases.

    “Our water tight case preparations are unassailable. This has been further strengthened with our forfeiture regime with the passage of Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA 2022).

    “Aside from conviction, the assets of the convicts used as instrumentality of the crime or the proceeds derived from the crime are forfeited to the Federal Government.

    “Indeed, a civil action in rem could be maintained against assets reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime in which case the burden of proving the lawful origin of the asset will be on the defendant, who claims ownership of the asset.

    “This diligent and painstaking preparation of investigations and prosecutions explains the success of the high conviction rate,” he said.

    Speaking on the drug demand reduction efforts of the agency, Marwa said that the flagship programme, War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) was built on the whole of society approach to preventive action against drug abuse.

    He said that the approach had been a tremendous success as an effective tool of advocacy for social action and an awareness-driven vehicle.

    This, he said was for public engagement and collaboration against illicit trafficking and abuse, which aligned with the theme for the 2024 WDD.

    He said that the WDD observed on June 26 every year, “was an important day for the global community, and an occasion during, which current efforts against illicit drug problems were given policy direction for the next 12 months.

    Marwa said that the theme emphasised the importance of preventing people from falling into the danger of experimenting with illicit drugs and subsequently into the trap of dependence on psychoactive substances.

    According to him, prevention is an important aspect of the effort to curb the menace of abuse of illicit drugs in the society.

    “At NDLEA, prevention as ably anchored in our War Against Drug Abuse (WADA), social advocacy programme is a priority area for us.

    “Within our modest means and with the support of the Federal Government and our various stakeholders, we have invested in prevention by various means over the past three years.

    “This is part of the reforms being undertaken in the agency.” he said.

    Marwa expressed gratitude to the federal and state governments for the support given to the agency in various ways in the onslaught against drug traffickers.

    He acknowledged that the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) had been a strong support for the agency as well as the foreign partners, including the U.S.-Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

    Others he said included the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), the British Border Force, National Crime Agency (NCA) of United Kingdom, and the Nigerian Armed Forces.

    The rest are the Nigeria Customs Service, the Nigeria Police  Force (NPF), Immigration, NAFDAC, NFIU, NACA, FRSC and Civil Defence, among others.

    In his remarks, UNODC Country Deputy Representative, Mr Danilo Campisi called on government at all levels and other stakeholders in Nigeria to invest in drug use preventive measures.

    Campisi said that this would help to avoid a 40 per cent rise in the population of drug users in the country, especially among the youth.

    According to him, projections show that by 2030, there will be a 40 per cent increase in the use of drugs in Africa based on the population of young people.

    “This is extremely concerning, if we consider that 2030 is only six years away.

    “We are all familiar with the saying prevention is better than cure and considering the data and projections, it has become even more critical for Nigeria to invest heavily in drug use preventive measures.

    “I do not think it will be an exaggeration to describe this as a national emergency.

    “If the country is to take on the challenge of this projected increase in drug use, it is imperative that it adopts scientific evidence-based approaches that prioritise prevention and treatment. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    ICA/DCO/EEE

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    Edited by Deborah Coker/Ese E. Eniola Williams

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Intensify efforts in actualising safe, secure nation – CAS tells commanders

    Intensify efforts in actualising safe, secure nation – CAS tells commanders

     

    NAF

    By Sumaila Ogbaje

    Abuja, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has charged commanders to be proactive and to intensify efforts in actulising a safe and secure nation.

     

    Abubakar gave the charge at the opening of the meeting with Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding and Directors as well as the entire senior leadership cadre of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), on Wednesday in Abuja.

    He reiterated the commitment of the NAF alongside sister services to reinvigorating the fight against terrorism, insurgency, banditry and other security threats facing the nation.

    ”All these threats have global and regional perspectives and attendant impacts on Nigeria’s national security,” he said.

    He added that the implications of the broader strategic external security outlook must never be overlooked.

    The CAS said that key global and regional challenges like the Russian-Ukraine war, upsurge in coups in West Africa and withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), had negative impacts on collective regional security architecture.

    He also said that the withdrawals of UN troops from MINUSMA, 2000 Chadian troops from Mali as well as Niger Republic troops from the Multi-National Joint Task Force could aggravate the security challenges in the Sahel Region.

    He noted that this could cause the influx of more weapons and terrorists into Nigeria.

    ”Invariably, this situation militates against our counterinsurgency efforts. Consequently, we would likely witness a continued growth in the pattern of threats I have previously highlighted.

    ”Hence, it is no gainsaying that we must be proactive and intensify our efforts to meet the Federal Government and Nigerian citizens’ expectations for an expeditious actualisation of a peaceful, safe and secure nation for prosperity to thrive.

    ”In the past 12 months, to enhance our gains against these  threats of terrorism, insurgency, banditry and other criminal activities,  we have re-strategised  and  adopted new  air power measures in line with my command philosophy,” he said.

    Abubakar further said the NAF had so far, achieved modest, yet significant progress in fighting insurgency, terrorism, banditry, oil theft and other criminal activities in the country.

    He commended the top officers and commanders for their efforts and support over the last 12 months, adding that there was still so much more to do.

    According to him, the harsh economic realities such as high rate of youth unemployment, increasing inflation and high multi-dimensional poverty have further aggravated the security situation in the country.

    He explained that the leadership meeting was crucial, as it would holistically review their performances and actions in the past 12 months in transforming the NAF to effectively meet the air power demands of Nigeria’s security.

    He added that the purpose of the meeting was to look back at the set objectives in line with his command philosophy and key enablers, discuss performances and achievements as well as the militating challenges.

    According to him, the meeting will also allow us to directly interact and exchange ideas towards achieving more in the coming year, going forward.

    ”I assure you of my commitment to continuous improvement at all levels in the NAF,” he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    OYS/DCO/SH

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    Edited by Deborah Coker/Sadiya Hamza

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Foundation intervenes in Police, PSC dispute

    Foundation
    By Diana Omueza
    Abuja, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Cleen Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, has called on the Nigeria Police and the Police Service Commission (PSC) to settle any differences between them for improved public safety and security.

    Mr Gad Peter, the Executive Director of the foundation, gave the advice in Wednesday in Abuja, calling for constructive dialogue to resolve the differences.

    “Cleen foundation has observed the on-going impasse between the Nigeria Police and the PSC which has unfortunately garnered significant public attention.

    “As an organisation, we are disturbed by this development but we consider it as a family affair.

    “Both institutions play critical roles in maintaining law and order and ensuring the effective administration of police duties in Nigeria.

    “While the police are responsible for the enforcement of law and order, the PSC tasked with oversight and the appointment, promotion, and discipline of police personnel which are pivotal to the country’s security framework,” he said.

    Peter said that unfortunately the face-off seemed to have stemmed from differing interpretations of their respective mandates and jurisdictional boundaries.

    He said that there ought to the need for engagement in constructive dialogue to resolve these differences and to ensure that their actions became aligned with the broader goal of public safety and service efficiency.

    According to him, the resolution of this dispute is crucial for maintaining the integrity of country’s law enforcement system and for

    He called on President Bola Tinubu to also intervene and resolve the issue by giving an executive order clearly stating the responsibilities of both institutes.

    “We particularly call on the president to intervene on this matter in line with the policy direction of coordination, collaboration and coordination of agencies of government,” he said.

    Peter also recommended an independent review of the circumstances leading to the alleged recruitment challenges.

    This review, he said, should involve key stakeholders and be guided by clear and unbiased criteria.

    He urged the security stakeholders and observers to also intervene and reinforce the collaboration between the police and the PSC.

    Peter also called for lasting resolutions based on the principles of justice and the rule of law, prioritising the nation’s welfare and public safety.

    He said that the foundation remained committed to supporting efforts aimed at promoting peace, enhancing the efficiency and integrity of the country’s policing system.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    DOM/KAY
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    Edited by Kayode Olaitan

  • Police arrest airport taxi passenger for attempted car snatching

    Police arrest airport taxi passenger for attempted car snatching

    Arrest

    By Moses Omorogieva
    Lagos, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Police Command in Lagos State say it has arrested a 35-year old passenger, who attempted to snatch an airport taxi from it’s driver.

    Mr  Benjamin Hundeyin, Spokesperson of the command confirmed the arrest to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos.

    Hundeyin said that the case was reported to the Alausa Police Division on June 11 at about 1:40 a.m., by the taxi driver.

    He explained  that the driver said that at about 1:20 a.m., on June 11, while on driving service at Chevron area of Ajah, he was stopped by the suspect, pretending to be a passenger.

    He quoted the taxi driver as saying that the suspect requested that he  took him to the Shrine in Agidigbi, Alausa area of Ikeja, and on conclusion on the fare, they both started the journey to the destination.

    “On getting to the Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, by 7UP Alausa Ikeja, the suspect, who was sitting beside him suddenly brought out a knife from his bag and attacked him in an attempt to snatch his Toyota Camry car.

    “In the process, the driver sustained a deep knife cut on his hand while trying to struggle with the suspect.

    “He quickly raised an alarm, where some good Nigerians came to his rescue, while the suspect took to his heels.

    ”However, after a hot chase, he was later arrested by Anti-Crime team of Alausa police division,” he  said.

    Hundeyin said that the suspect was taken to the station with the car as exhibit, while investigation was ongoing.

    He said in another development, a 28-year old man, who had been parading himself as military personnel with the uniform of his friend serving in Maiduguri, was arrested for impersonation.

    Hundeyin said that the fake soldier was arrested last Friday at about 5:45 p.m., by operatives from Ilemba Hausa Division, while on Surveillance patrol at Jinadu Street, Ajangbadi.

    He said that the suspect was fully dressed in complete army camouflage uniform riding a black unregistered motorcycle when he was arrested.

    The spokesperson said that on sighting the policemen, the suspect abandoned the motorcycle and took to his heels but the officers gave him a chase and arrested him.

    “Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect is not a soldier and the army camouflage uniform belongs to his friend, who is a military personnel serving in Maiduguri,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    MIO/DCO/YGA
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    Edited by Deborah Coker/Gabriel Yough

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Police take over 23 Rivers LG offices as crisis deepens

    Police take over 23 Rivers LG offices as crisis deepens

    Police

    By Desmond Ejibas

    Port Harcourt, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Police have taken over all the 23 Council Secretariats and some critical government infrastructure in Rivers.

    The police said the action was to forestall further bloodbath as well as a breakdown of law and order due to the spread of the crisis over the tenure of the outgoing local government chairmen.

    SP Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson of the command, disclosed in a statement in Port Harcourt said that a police officer and a vigilante member lost their lives during a clash between two political groups.

    “Operatives have been deployed to uphold peace in all the 23 Local Government Areas (LGA).

    “The clash between the two political factions, sparked by disagreement over the chairmen’s tenures, resulted in the deaths of a police officer and a vigilante member in Eberi-Omuma community.

    “Consequently, the police have taken over the 23 council secretariats and some critical government facilities to forestall further unrest and breakdown of law and order.

    “To ensure order, the command has also deployed anti-riot police officers to the various council headquarters,” Iringe-Koko announced.

    The police spokesperson cautioned partisan groups against defying the law and reassured residents of the command’s management of the situation in the LGAs headquarters. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    DES/SH

    ======
    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • Police dislodge secessionist group, arrest 4 suspects in Anambra

    Security

    By Joy Mbachi

    Awka, June 18, 2024 (NAN) Police Command in Anambra has raided and dislodged the secessionist group in the state following credible intelligence report.

    The Command’s Spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this on Tuesday in a statement in Awka.

    Ikenga said a Police-led Joint Security Force intercepted four members of the military wing of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN), at Ufuma, Orumba North Local Government Area of the State.

    He said that the ESN operatives were arrested based on information received over time of planned attacks on security agents and innocent citizens by the dreaded group.

    Ikenga said that one Maduabuchi Nwafor, alias Omenkpo, aged 32 and a native of Ufuma, was one of the four suspects arrested.

    “Nwafor has been identified as one of the herbalists who prepare charms for the group and uses his shrine for initiation ceremonies and a meeting venue for the criminals.

    “Also, another suspect, unnamed, who is already assisting the police with vital information, confessed to be one of the gunmen dispatched by the group to enforce the illegal sit-at-home order on May 30.

    The Commissioner of Police in Anambra, Mr Nnaghe Itam, said that it has ordered investigations to identify hideouts of the insurgents in the state.

    Itam assured members of the public in Anambra that the Police Command, would continue to serve the people selflessly and would protect the sources of its information from harm. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    JOY/OIF/MNA
    Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Maureen Atuonwu

     

     

  • Police arrest 2 robbery suspects, one other in Delta

    Suspects

    By Edeki Igafe

    Warri (Delta), June 18, 2024 (NAN) The Police Command in Delta has arrested two robbery suspects in Aladja Community, Udu Local Government Area of the state.

     

    SP Bright Edafe, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Command, said this on Tuesday in Warri.

     

    Edafe said that the suspected hoodlums were nabbed by the operatives of Aladja police out-station.

     

    According to him, the police operatives received distress call that some suspected armed robbers were carrying out a robbery operation in Aladja Community.

     

    “The District Officer alongside members of the community mobilised to the scene where the suspects were arrested at Igwere Quarters, Aladja.

     

    “One locally-made gun, cartridges, knife and a suspected stolen phone were recovered from them,” he said.

     

    Edafe said that the suspects were currently in police custody, adding that investigation on the case was ongoing.

     

    In another development, Edafe said that the command’s operatives on special assignment, deployed to Ughelli also arrested a suspected cultist.

     

    The spokesman said that the suspect, whom he described as a “notorious cultist”, was apprehended on Friday by the police team led by ASP Julius Robinson.

     

    “Acting on a credible intelligence on the peddling of arms and an intended cult clash within Oteri Community in Ughelli, North, operatives led by ASP Robinson trailed a notorious cultist and a mastermind of the intended cult clash to a hotel in Ughelli.

     

    “The suspect, who is a member of the Eiye confraternity, was arrested.

     

    “Upon interrogation, the suspect took operatives to his residence where a Berretta pistol was recovered,” he said.

     

    Edafe said that investigation on the matter was ongoing. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

     

    EDI/OIF/AOS

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    Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Bayo Sekoni

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Security guard allegedly stabbed to death while mediating quarrel

    Altercation

    By Moses Omorogieva

    Lagos, June 18, 2024 (NAN) The Police Command in Lagos, says, a private security guard, Yusuf Akadogo, has lost his life after being allegedly stabbed during a minor altercation.

     

    Confirming the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed that the deceased security guard was attacked by an Okada rider, currently at large.

     

    Hundeyin stated that the incident occurred on Thursday at the Idi-Araba area of the state.

     

    “On that fateful day, around 9:20 p.m., the police received a distress call from a concerned community member regarding a disturbance at Igbira Road, Idi-Araba,” Hundeyin said.

     

    He also said that police operatives swiftly responded to the scene, where an eyewitness provided an account of the events.

     

    According to a witness, the deceased security guard intervened in a minor altercation between the Okada rider and another individual.

     

    “Unexpectedly, the motorcycle rider, whose identity is withheld, allegedly turned his aggression towards the security guard and stabbed him in the stomach with a knife.

     

    “The victim was rushed to Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, for urgent medical attention but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries during treatment.

     

    “The suspect fled the scene immediately after the attack, and the area is currently under surveillance as efforts to apprehend him are ongoing,” he said.

     

    In a separate incident, Hundeyin said that police had arrested four men who allegedly broke into a musical instrument warehouse in the Ikota area of the state.

     

    The spokesperson said that the suspects were arrested on June 11, at about 4.30 p.m. following a reported case of theft by the owner of a warehouse.

     

    Hundeyin said that the police had received a report from Idi-Oro Mushin, that two young men (names withheld), were caught with two big speakers allegedly stolen from the warehouse.

     

    Hundeyin said that the businessman had reportedly said goods worth millions of Naira had been stolen from the warehouse.

     

    “Preliminary investigation revealed that a man called Pastor, now at large, conspired with the suspects on June 10, at about 11.30 p.m.

     

    “They had driven into a warehouse in the Okota area with a mini truck vehicle with which they carted away their loot.

    “The 25-year-old security man and 33-year-old supervisor in possession of the warehouse keys were later arrested, ” he said.

     

    Hundeyin, however, said that the suspected Pastor, who resides in Oshodi, fled before the arrival of the police.

     

    He said that efforts were on to apprehend the suspect  and recover the stolen items, while investigations into both incidents continue. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

    MIO/KOO/AWA
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    Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Olawunmi Ashafa

  • Police confirm arrest of 3 suspected kidnappers in Otukpo

     

    Arrest

    By Emmanuel Antswen

    Makurdi, June 18, 2024 (NAN) The Police Command in Benue on Tuesday confirmed the arrest of three suspected kidnappers in Otukpo Local Government Area of the state.

     

    SP Sewuese Anene, the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), confirmed the development to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) over the phone from Makurdi.

     

    Anene disclosed that the suspects were apprehended on Monday at a motor park in Otukpo.

     

    She added that further details would be provided later.

     

    Investigations by NAN revealed that the suspected kidnappers were detained by the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards (BSCVG) in Otukpo.

     

    It was further gathered that the suspects were intercepted early Monday at a motor park while attempting to board a vehicle to Makurdi.

    According to reports, the suspects allegedly received ransom from their victims and were on their way to Makurdi, the state capital, when the BSCVG received information leading to their arrest.

     

    Witnesses stated that the suspects were found in possession of a substantial sum of money believed to be the ransom collected from their captives.

     

    The BSCVG promptly handed over the suspects to the Police in Otukpo for further investigation. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

     

    AEB/AWA
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    Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

     

     

  • Police arrest man for car theft in Jigawa

    Theft

    By Muhammad Nasir Bashir

    Dutse, June 18, 2024 (NAN) The Police in Jigawa have arrested a 43-year-old man for allegedly stealing a Honda CRV in Gwaram Local Government Area of the state.

    According to a statement by DSP Lawan Shiisu, the Police Public Relations Officer in Dutse on Tuesday, the suspect, whose name was not disclosed, was apprehended in Gwaram town after stealing the Honda CRV in Kano State.

    Shiisu said that the suspect, a resident of BUK quarters in Kumbotso LGA of Kano, was intercepted with the stolen Honda CRV bearing registration number DKD 10 AG while enroute to Maiduguri.

    “The arrest came after police received a report from Mr Abba Yahya of Gano town, Dawakin Kudu LGA, Kano State, regarding the theft of his vehicle,” Shiisu said.

    He further said, “Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Gwaram Division and a patrol team mounted a stop and search along Sara-Darazo road, leading to the interception of the vehicle and subsequent arrest of the 43-year-old suspect.”

    Shiisu noted that both the suspect and the stolen vehicle were taken into custody for preliminary investigation and would be transferred to the Kano Police Command for further investigation and prosecution.

    “The Commissioner of Police, Mr Ahmadu Abdullahi, commended the officers for their diligence in apprehending the suspect and urged them to sustain the effort,” Shiisu added.

    Abdullahi also appealed to residents to collaborate with the police by reporting any suspicious activities promptly to ensure the security of lives and property in the state. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    MNB/VE/AWA
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    Edited by Victor Adeoti/Olawunmi Ashafa