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Category: Defence/Security

  • Rail tracks vandalism wicked, barbaric – Group

    Rail tracks vandalism wicked, barbaric – Group

    Vandalism

    By Sumaila Ogbaje

    Abuja, June 30, 2024 (NAN) A civil society group, Security, Economic and Development Initiative (SEDI), has decried the spate of rail tracks vandalism across the country, describing it as wicked and barbaric.

    The Public Secretary of SEDI, Mr Abiodun Daniels, said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

    Daniels stated that it was inconceivable that some unscrupulous persons would use their hands to destroy what they were supposed to protect.

    According to him, it is wicked, evil and act of murder to remove rail tracks and expose train passengers to danger, which in some instances can lead to fatalities.

    “We are therefore saying that anyone found guilty of rail tracks vandalism should face life imprisonment to serve as deterrent to intending vandals.

    “We use this opportunity to commend troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria under the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Chris Musa for going after the vandals.

    “The vandals, wherever they are, must be apprehended, tried and face the music for their wicked and callous behaviour,” he said.

    He said troops of 1 Division, Nigerian Army in Kaduna recently apprehended 47 suspected rail track vandals while on routine patrol along Kakau Daji-Anguwan Ayaba in Chikun Local Government Area of the state.

    He added that the suspects had loaded two trucks with the vandalised rail tracks before their arrest.

    He recalled that operatives of the Nigerian Navy School of Armament Technology in Kachia, Kaduna State, also recently, intercepted three trailers loaded with vandalised railway track materials, discreetly concealed in animal feed.

    “This interception occurred at Makyali in Kachia Local Government Area,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    OYS/HA

    Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

     

  • CP orders clampdown on vehicles without number plates in Abuja

    CP orders clampdown on vehicles without number plates in Abuja
    Vehicles
    By Monday Ijeh
    Abuja, June 30, 2024 (NAN) Mr Benneth Igweh, the Commissioner of Police (CP) in charge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has ordered a clampdown on vehicles plying roads in the territory without number plates.
    The Police Public Relations Officer in the FCT,  SP Josephine Adeh, made this known in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.
    Adeh stated that the Police Command in the FCT had observed with serious concern, the manner in which motorists drive around the territory with single or no number plates.
    She said it had also been observed that car dealers drive such vehicles beyond the stipulated time of between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. in Section 25 (5) of the FCT Road Transport Regulation Act, 2005.
    It is no news that several recorded cases of armed robbery, popularly known as “one chance” are mostly associated with vehicles with single or no number plates.
    According to her, the unlawful act has pricked the attention of the populace, who question the effectiveness of the police in addressing the menace.
    “Consequent upon this, the CP has given a marching order that vehicles plying the roads with a single or no number plate should be impounded, with the driver arrested and prosecuted.
    “This is to also warn car dealers against parking their vehicles in an unauthorised parking lot and driving beyond the stipulated time.
    “Defaulters will henceforth be made to face the full wrath of the law.”
    Adeh reiterated the commitment of the command to ensure the safety of residents of FCT, adding that “no motorist or car dealer would be allowed to come in conflict with the substantive laws in the territory.”
    She urged residents to be vigilant and take advantage of the police emergency lines in reporting suspicious activities on 08032003913, 08028940883, 08061581938 and 07057337653. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    IMC/HA
    Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

  • Insurgency: Director confirms more blasts in Gwoza, 18 people killed 

    Insurgency: Director confirms more blasts in Gwoza, 18 people killed

    Blast

    By Yakubu Uba 

    Maiduguri, June 30, 2024 (NAN) Dr Barkindo Saidu, the Director-General of Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), has confirmed more blasts in Gwoza and the rise in the number of people killed to 18.

    Saidu said in a situation report obtained by the News Agency  of Nigeria (NAN) that the death comprised adult males, females and children. 

    He added that the first blast by suicide bomber took place at a wedding ceremony,  while the second blast occured at the funeral service of victims when another female suicide bomber rushed into the congregation.

    He stated that “19 people seriously injured were conveyed to Maiduguri in four  ambulances, while 23 others are waiting for military escort in the Medical Regimental Services (MRS) Clinic.

    “I am now coordinating for a chopper tonight. I have mobilised emergency drugs to complement the shortage of drugs in Gwoza.

    “The degree of injuries range from abdominal raptures, skull and limb fractures.

    “I have also received a report that there is a suspected suicide bomber in Pulka,” Saidu said.

    Pulka is a village not too far from Gwoza town. 

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the coordinated attacks, which took many by surprise, was shocking to the people of Borno who experienced such at the height of the insurgency between 2024 and 2014. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    YMU/HA 

    Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

  • Otti visits families of slain policemen in Aba

    Killing
    By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
    Aba, June 29,2024 (NAN) Gov. Alex Otti of Abia has commiserated with the families of the two policemen killed in Aba by yet-to-be identified gunmen.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on Friday, four policemen were attacked by hoodlums at Opobo Road in Aba, leading to the death of the two operatives, while two others were wounded.

    Speaking with newsmen on Saturday, shortly after visiting the bereaved families as well as the wounded policemen in their hospital beds, Otti described the incident as unfortunate.

    He vowed to smoke out the perpetrators of the heinous crime and gave assurance that they would be apprehended.

    He expressed dismay that the attack took place a few weeks after five soldiers were shot and killed in Obikabia Junction, Aba.

    The governor said that the State Government would change its  strategy in dealing with the issue.

    He said: “We thought that with all what we have done, including rounding up some of the people that were involved in that last attack, that this would not happen again.

    “We have decided to change strategy.

    “We are not going to let this go away without identifying and bringing to book all those who were directly or remotely involved.”

    Otti expressed the confidence that by the time investigations would be over, the State Government would be able to identify the sources of the attacks and address the security threats effectively.

    He assured the people that his administration remained focused on rebuilding the state and would not succumb to any form of  blackmail.

    “We believe that something is wrong and our government is not going to succumb to this kind of blackmail and we are going to fish them out wherever they run to.

    “It is still early in the day but as I said, we’ve started picking up some of the people that were suspected to be involved in the last attack on soldiers and this one we are not going to allow it to die.

    “We are going to follow it through,” Otti said.

    He further said that the government would work with security agencies to unravel the matter as well as secure lives and property in the state.

    He urged the residents to go about their lawful businesses, as  security agencies would continue to intensify their efforts to ensure that the state remains safe and secured.

    “The people know that this government will not rest on its oars.

    “We don’t want people to panic, we don’t want people to be discouraged, government is equal to the task,” Otti said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    INA/BEKl/USO
    Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Sam Oditah

  • 6 killed, 15 injured in Borno suicide attack

    6 killed, 15 injured in Borno suicide attack

    Attack

    By Hamza Suleiman

    Maiduguri, June 29, 2024 (NAN) No fewer than six people have been killed with 15 others injured in a suicide attack in Gwoza, Borno.

    Tragedy struck when the suicide bomber detonated an Improvised Explosive Device (IEDs) in Gwoza town.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the attack occurred at a busy motor park known as Marrarraban Gwoza.

    Borno State Commissioner of Police (CP), Yusuf Lawal, confirmed the attack saying that the attack was carried out by a female suicide bomber.

    Lawal said that he was informed by the Divisional Police Officer in Gwoza, that at least six people were killed with 15 others evacuated to the hospital.

    An eye witness who identify himself as Buba, told NAN that the suicide bomber targeted a wedding ceremony.

    Buba said that the attack shattered the joy and celebration of the special day, leaving families and loved ones in mourning.

    Muhammed Kasim, another witness said that the attack happened around 1:30 p.m.

    “We heard a very loud sound of explosive, accompanied with dust; then we saw bodies on the ground.

    He said that several victims were evacuated to the hospital while security agencies were deployed to sanitise the area. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    HMS/EMAF
    ========
    Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

  • Hisbah seizes 142 cartons of alcohol in Katsina

    Hisbah seizes 142 cartons of alcohol in Katsina

     

    Alcohol

     

    By Abbas Bamalli

     

     

    Katsina, June 29, 2024 (NAN) The Katsina State Hisbah Board has seized about 142 cartons of alcohol intended for delivery to Daura Local Government Area of the state.

     

    The Hisbah Commander in the state, Dr Aminu Usman, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Katsina on Saturday.

     

    According to Usman, the alcohol was seized on Monday during a city-wide patrol “to eradicate immoral behaviours and indiscipline”.

     

    The Hisbah commander explained that the operation led to the interception of the vehicle carrying the cartons of alcohol along the state’s ring road.

     

    “This task was supervised by Malam Nafi’u Ma’azu-Akilu, who ensured the items were transported to the board’s headquarters for further investigation.

     

    “In a related development, the board also arraigned two women, for the fourth time, on charges of  loitering and immoral conduct.

     

    “The women, Fatima Umar (Yargata) and Raliya Isah (Yar Ruma), are both approximately 24 years old,” the Hisbah commander disclosed.

     

    Usman said thatt in spite of previous warnings and counseling, the girls failed to reform their behaviour, leading to their arraignment before a Sharia Court.

     

    According to him, the girls pleaded guilty and were ordered to be remanded in the correctional facility until Thursday  for further trial.

     

    He called on parents, teachers, and community leaders to intensify efforts at instilling discipline and good morals among the youths.

     

    The commander also appealed to them to continue to support the board in maintaining good morals to restore values in their communities. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AABS/OJI/BRM

    =====================

    Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Bashir Rabe Mani

  • DEPOWA seeks end to sexual abuse in barracks

    DEPOWA seeks end to sexual abuse in barracks

    Abuse

    By Sumaila Ogbaje

    Abuja, June 29, 2024 (NAN) The President, Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs Oghogho Musa, has called for collaborative efforts towards addressing the menace of sexual exploitation and abuse, especially in military barracks.

    Musa made the call at a seminar on “Preventing Sexual Exploitation and Abuse” to mark her one year in office as the 15th President of DEPOWA, on Saturday in Abuja.

    She said that the menace of sexual exploitation and abuse was prevalent in the society, adding that many occurrences have gone unreported without exemption of barracks community and its environs.

    According to her, the event was an opportunity to discuss the issue and echoed the voice of Antonio Guterres, the United Nations Secretary General in stating that, “Sexual Exploitation and Abuse have no place in our society”.

    “We recognise the severity of the consequences and we aim to work towards reducing its prevalence within our communities and immediate environs.

    “We also thought it necessary to sensitise the youth on the menace of drug abuse and how to avoid it so they can have a promising future.

    “In all of these, it is important to know who you are, know what you want to achieve in life and develop some personal values that will guide you into achieving your goals,” she said.

    Musa said that resource persons have been brought in, to guide barracks teenagers and youth to be able to adopt the lessons from the sessions, into their daily living and eventually attain the future they desired.

    She pledged unwavering support to any victim who reports any form of sexual exploitation, or attempt to be initiated into the use of illicit substances within the barracks domain.

    She called on appropriate authorities to investigate and address same, when any of the menaces was reported.

    “Indeed, perpetrators ought to be held accountable,” she said.

    The DEPOWA president said the event was organised to celebrate the association’s significant milestone, reflect on its achievements, acknowledge their challenges and look forward to the future.

    She said the DEPOWA had in the past one year, done as much as it could in making positive impacts in the lives of women and youth, especially the vulnerable within their sphere of influence.

    “As we all know, DEPOWA is the melting pot that unifies wives of serving officers’ in the Armed Forces and the Police.

    “I am glad to note that we have witnessed remarkable achievements from the various spousal associations that make up DEPOWA and by God’s grace we will continue to impact lives within and outside the barracks communities in diverse ways.

    “The activities of DEPOWA within the past one year have focused on adding value in the lives of women and youth, especially in the areas of healthcare, fitness, education, agriculture and skills training.

    “All of these align with my vision of “Seeing Women and Girls Become Productive and Contributors to Family and Society Driven by Deep Sense of Values and Hard-Working Spirit”.

    “We will not relent in our efforts to keep touching lives in ways that are necessary,” she added.

    One of the resource persons, Dr Chika Anozie, said that alcohol, illicit drugs and substances abuses have their negative impact on young people.

    Anozie, who delivered a paper titled, “the Risk of Teenage Drug Abuse: Prevention and Awareness”, urged youths to take charge of their environment, circle of friends, and peer pressure.

    According to her, there have been 20 per cent increase in drug use in the past 10 years and that Africa will experience the largest growth in absolute numbers of drug users while four of 10 drug users in Africa will be youths by 2030.

    On her part, Dr Olajumoke Jenyo, who presented a paper title, “Sexual Exploitation and Abuse: Prevention and Response”, said that two of every 10 male child have been sexually abused.

    She said that more of sensitisation was required to address the menace of sexual abuse in the society, saying that more girls have been victims of such abuse unreported. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    OYS/ISHO/AMM

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    Edited by Yinusa Ishola and Abiemwense Moru

     

  • Police arrest driver for attempting to escape with boss’ car

    Police arrest driver attempting to escape with boss’ car

    Driver

    By Moses Omorogieva

    Lagos, June 29, 2024 (NAN) The Police Command in Lagos State has arrested a 36-year old man for allegedly attempting to run away with his boss’ car after dropping her off at the market.

    The Command’s spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Lagos.

    Hundeyin said that the complainant, whose identity not disclosed, reported the theft of the car, a Lexus ES 350 with Reg. No., EXY 950 FZ, including her laptop, at the command at about 1.30 p.m. on Tuesday.

    According to Hundeyin, the unnamed driver, allegedly drove away the boss’ car after dropping her off at Tejuosho Market, Yaba.

    “On getting this report, police detectives trailed the suspect to shubiri road, Ojo where he was arrested and the car recovered.

    “The suspect will be charged to court on the conclusion of the investigation,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    MIO/KOO/AMM
    ==============

    Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa and Abiemwense Moru

     

     

  • Police arrest man for alleged possession of pistol

    The suspect

    Arrest

    By Deborah Akpede

     

    Lagos, June 29, 2024 (NAN) Police in Lagos State have arrested a 25-year-old man, Toibu Hassan, for alleged possession of a pistol.

    Police spokesperson in the state, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the arrest in a post he shared on his X handle @benHundeyin on Saturday.

    He said that the suspect was arrested on Saturday at the Agege area of the state.

    “Today, at 6: 00 a.m., under the Agege Pen-Cinema bridge, Toibu Hassan, aged 25, was arrested by officers from Elere Division.

    “When searched, one locally made pistol and one expended cartridge were recovered, ” the spokesperson said.

    According to the image maker, investigation is ongoing. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    DOA/YMU/YGA

    Edited by Yakubu Uba/Gabriel Yough

  • Troops nab 47 suspected rail track vandals in Kaduna

    The railway track vandals arrested by troops of 1 Division Nigerian Army.

     

    Troops nab 47 suspected rail track vandals in Kaduna

    Arrests
    By Mohammed Tijjani
    Kaduna, June. 29, 2024(NAN) The 1 Division Nigerian Army  Kaduna said its operatives have arrested 47 suspected rail track vandals.
    The division’s acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations Officer,  Lt.- Col, Musa Yahaya, made the disclosure on Saturday in Kaduna.
    Yahaya said , “The arrest was made by the troops while on routine patrol along  Kakau Daji- Anguwan Ayaba, they intercepted and arrested 47 suspected rail track vandals on June 26.”
    He said the suspects had loaded  two  trucks with the vandalized rail tracks before their arrests.
    Yahaya stated that the suspects revealed that they were employed by one Alhaji Babawo, who is at large, to load the vandalized rail tracks and off- load the same in a nearby bush along the road.
    He disclosed that the  suspects were profiled  at the 312 Artillery Regiment Kaduna.
    The acting Commander, 1 Division Provost Group, Lt..- Col. IY Rena, was quoted as stating that the suspects were  profiled to ascertain their level of involvement  during preliminary investigation.
    He further stated that the suspects were also individually interviewed and cross-examined while efforts were in place to arrest the gang leader who is currently at large.
    Rena added that on visit to the crime scene, some of the vandalized rail tracks were found concealed in the nearby bush waiting to be evacuated by the criminal syndicates.
    The suspects were handed over to the authorities of  the Nigerian Railway  Corporation, Kaduna Station , represented by the Divisional Crime Officer.
    Rena urged the relevant security agencies to make adequate arrangements and deliberate efforts to secure the rail tracks from further vandalisation.
    The representative of the corporation and Divisional Crime Officer,  ASP Inuwa Dahiru,  commended the troops for their proactiveness and  collaboration  with other security agencies in tackling the mirage of security challenges confronting the state.
    He assured the Nigerian Army that all the 47 suspects would be thoroughly investigated before they were charged to Court  to serve as a deterrent to  other criminally-minded persons.
    The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 1 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Operation Whirl Punch, Maj.-Gen. Mayirenso Saraso, commended the troops for their professional conduct during and after the successful arrest of the suspects.
    Lt- IY Rena handing over the rail track vandals to ASP  Inuwa Dahiru.
     He also charged the troops to remain resilient and focused in order to bring all the criminal elements in the division’s ‘Operational Area of Responsibility’ to their knees.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    TJ/BRM
    =========
    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani