Category: Defence/Security

Eid-el Kabir: COAS celebrates with wounded soldiers in Kaduna
By Sani Idris
Kaduna, Jun 17, 2024(NAN)As the Muslim faithful celebrated the Eid-el Kabir on Sunday, the Chief of Amry Staff, ;t.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, feasted with wounded-in -action soldiers at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna.
The News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) reports that assorted delicacies and drinks were doled out to the soldiers as part of the Sallah merriments.
Speaking at the event, Lagbaja said Eid-el Kabir was a day to celebrate and share with the needy.
Lagbaja was represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Mayirenso Saraso, who was also represented by the Division’s Chief of Staff, Brig.-Gen. David Nwakonobi.
The COAS said the Eid-el Kabir gesture was to celebrate with the soldiers especially at a time when they can’t be with their families.
He said the Nigerian Army, the Minister of Defence and Chief of Defence Staff have them at heart and would do anything humanly possible to get them out of their present predicaments.
Lagbaja wished the soldiers quick recovery and reassured them of his resolve for their welfare.
One of the wounded- in-action soldiers, Staff Sgt. Garba Bono, thanked the COAS for the gesture.
“The COAS has been there for us and still with us, this alone is a cause to be happy.
”The hospital also is doing its best for us, I never thought I could walk again in my life when I was brought to the hospital, now I can walk. I thank God and the hospital for caring for us,”he said.
Equally, Sgt. Solomon Olaniyi, thanked the COAS for being conscious of the wounded- in-action soldiers’ existence.
“We are happy and still have the assurance that the Army will never neglect us. We are grateful for COAS remembering us, this gives us joy that the Army is with us and we still belong to the society,”he said.
Earlier, the acting Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the hospital, Col. Stephen Onuchukwu, said the soldiers were faring very well.
He said it was fortunate for them to have such a COAS, adding that apart from winning the battle at the front-line, among his pillars of philosophy was sound administration of personnel.
Onuchukwu explained that the necessary leadership and resources to enable wounded- in- action soldiers got the best care was in place.
The CMD equally said apart from the soldiers receiving treatment at the hospital, those with critical conditions were flown abroad to have the best of care.
He thanked the COAS for his continuous support.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
SA/BRM
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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
June 17, 2024
COAS hails troops’ gallantry, sacrifice in combating terrorism
From the right, the GOC serving food to troops of Operation Whirl Punch during Chief of Army Staff Sallah Luncheon in Birnin Gawri Local Government Area, on Sunday.
COAS hails troops’ gallantry, sacrifice in combating terrorism
Commendation
By Muhammad Tijjani
Birnin Gawri(Kaduna State), June. 17, 2024(NAN) The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has commended the Nigerian Army’s troops for their commitment and gallantry in confronting the country’s security challenges and threats.
Lagbaja gave the commendation during the Chief of Army Staff Sallah Luncheon with Troops of the Operation Whirl Punch in Birnin Gawri Local Government Area of Kaduna State, on Sunday.
“There is no doubt that the “Feast of Sacrifice,” as it is known, is one of the significant celebrations in the Islamíc calendar during which Muslims demonstrate their obedience to Allah by sacrificing animals.
The COAS was represented by the General Commanding Officer (GOC), I Division Nigeria Army, and Commander Operation Whirl Punch, Maj-Gen. Mayirenso Saraso.
He said it is a celebration that commemorates the great virtues of obedience, sacrifice, and faith exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim.
“This year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration particularly calls for introspection on how we have fared as individuals and an army this past year, as it comes just six days to my completing one year in office as Chief of Army Staff.
“It is thus a period reflect on the past year and show gratitude to God for the gift of life, relative peace that we have been able to restore to most
parts of our country, and above all, hope for a better Nigeria.
”It has been a year of unquantifiable sacrifice in blood and treasure as we have lost gallant warriors and precious equipment to our ongoing fight against insurgency, terrorism, banditry, secessionist agitations, and oil-related economic crimes, amongst others.
“Our men have displayed uncommon courage and faith in our dear country in the face of grave danger and, like the good soldiers that they are, come out victorious for our nation.
“Many bear the badge of courage and bravery in the form of battle scars and deformities, while others are lucky to only have memories and stories to tell of their sacrifice to our beloved country, “he said.
Lagbaja enjoined the Nigerian Army personnel and their family members to renew their commitment to personal sacrifice for the growth and
development of our great country, Nigeria.
“Your dedication is not unnoticed, and I assure you of my commitment to providing always the leadership you require to train, live, and fight well.
” Your efforts are crucial to our national
security, and I assure you that your sacrifices will not go unnoticed.
Lagbaja also commended President, Bola Tinibu for his unwavering support and focused leadership.
He also appreciated the Minister of Defence, Minister of State for Defence and the Chief of Defence Staff for their strategic guidance.
” I sincerely thank the Nigerian public for their unwavering belief in their Army and their continuous support.
“The Nigerian army looks forward to more formidable collaboration to end all forms of insecurity and create an enabling environment for economic prosperity and other democratic dividends, “Lagbaja said.(NAN)(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
TJ/SH
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edited by Sadiya Hamza
June 17, 2024
NDLEA destroys 28,959kg cannabis in Edo, Ekiti forests
NDLEA destroys 28,959kg cannabis in Edo, Ekiti forests
Forests
By Ibironke Ariyo
Abuja, June 16, 2024 (NAN) The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has destroyed not less than 10, 534.78 kilograms of cannabis (also called Marijuana), cultivated on 4.213912 hectares of farmland in Edo.
NDLEA’s Spokesman, Mr Femi Babafemi, on Sunday in Abuja, said that the farm was located at Uhen forest in Ovia North East Local Government Area of the state.
Babafemi said that the operatives of the agency, who raided the forests on Wednesday, June 12 arrested four suspects.
He gave the names of the the suspects as Frank Ishoku, 38; Clifford Ossai, 49; Vanger Timothy, 30; and John Oluwaseyi, 30, adding that 16kg processed cannabis was recovered for the purpose of prosecution.
Babafemi added that operatives of the agency also destroyed a 18,425kg of the same psychoactive substance on 7.37 hectares of farmland.
Similarly, he said personnel of sister security agencies supported the agency’s operations in the thick forest of Ise Ekiti, on Friday.
“In Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, two suspects – Muhammad Abba, 33, and Samson Ehizogie, 42, were arrested with 3,550 bottles of Akuskura.
“This is a new mixture of psychotropic substances, seized by operatives during a raid on Friday June 14 at Garki Area 10 and Dutse Suokale, both within the FCT.”
In another development, Babafemi said that Mr Emmanuel Ogechi, 24, was nabbed with 11,200 pills of tramadol on Wednesday, June 12 along Otukpo-Enugu road, by NDLEA operatives in Benue.
He said another suspect, Anayo Onwe, 40, was arrested with 62.4kg cannabis sativa at Nteje,, saying the agency’s operatives seized 1kg of methamphetamine belonging to a fleeing suspect, in Oraifite, in Anambra.
“In Kwara, Muhammed Musa, 24, was arrested with 33kg cannabis at Bode-Saadu, Jebba, while Shokuro Adeola, 59, was nabbed with 11.5kg of same substance along Lagos-Ibadan expressway, Oyo state,” he said. (NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)
ICA/KOO/AMM
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Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa and Abiemwense Moru
June 16, 2024
Troops eliminate marauding terrorist in Kaduna
Troops eliminate marauding terrorist in Kaduna
Terrorist
By Sumaila Ogbaje
Abuja, June 16, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Army on Sunday said its troops eliminated a terrorist identified as a cohort of a notorious terrorist commander known as Buharin Yadi, who was eliminated by troops in a recent encounter.
The army, in a post on its official X Handle, said the terrorist was in transit to commit mayhem during the ongoing Eid-el Kabir celebration in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
It said the terrorist met his Waterloo when troops projecting fighting patrol to Kidandan, a village in Giwa LGA, spotted him speeding off on a motorbike, in an attempt to evade the approaching patrol team.
According to the post, the vigilant troops swiftly pursued the terrorist, causing him to abandon his motorbike and fled into a nearby settlement.
“Undeterred, the troops continued to trail the fleeing terrorist until they successfully caught up and neutralised him while frantically trying to escape into the bush, at the outskirts of the community.
“Upon searching the area, the troops recovered the abandoned motorbike, two bags containing corn flour, and a mobile phone from the neutralised terrorist.
“Further verification by operatives from the intelligence community confirmed the identity of the terrorist as one Daushe, a known cohort of Buharin Yadi, who had been recently neutralised by troops in the same area.
“The swift and coordinated efforts of the security forces have once again prevented a potential threat to the community,” it said.
The post added that the troops were currently maintaining a strong presence in the area to ensure a smooth and trouble-free Sallah celebration in Giwa Local Government Area. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
OYS/EBI/AMM
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Edited by Benson Iziama and Abiemwense Moru
June 16, 2024
Eid-el kabir: CP assures Ekiti residents of adequate security
Eid-el kabir: CP assures Ekiti residents of adequate security
Eid-el kabir
Opeyemi Gbemiro
Ado-Ekiti, June 16, 2024 (NAN) The Commissioner of Police in Ekiti, Mr Akinwale Adeniran, said the command had taken measures to beef up security in the state to ensure a hitch-free celebration of this year’s Eid-el kabir celebration.
This is contained in a statement issued by the command’s Spokesman, DSP Sunday Abutu, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ado-Ekiti on Sunday.
Adeniran congratulated the Muslim faithful on the celebration and admonished them to use the period to pray for the peace and progress of the country.
He directed the Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and Heads of Tactical and Intelligence Units to strategically beef up security in their areas of responsibility.
He further directed them to ensure the deployment of adequate operatives to all the strategic points and places of celebration across the state.
The state police boss warned the officers and men “to discharge their duties with professionalism, legality, firmness and respect for the rights of citizens”.
He also implored the public to cooperate with the police and other security agencies detailed to provide security in different parts pf the state during and after the celebration.
He appealed to parents and guardians to warn their children and wards to shun any acts that could defeat the essence of the celebration or alter the peaceful atmosphere currently enjoyed in the state.
According to him, anybody caught threatening the peace and security would be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.
He urged the residents to be security conscious, vigilant and report any untoward incident or happening observed in their locality to the nearest police station or call 08062335577. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng).
OPA/USO
Edited by Sam Oditah

June 16, 2024
Police launches manhunt on fleeing father over alleged daughter’s murder in Delta
Police launches manhunt of fleeing father over alleged murder of daughter in Delta
Suspect
By Edeki Igafe
Warri(Delta), June 16, 2024 (NAN) The Police Command in Delta has launched manhunt for a fleeing father who allegedly murdered his six-year-old daughter at Agbarho Community in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.
Spokesman of the command, SP Bright Edafe, who disclosed this to newsmen on Sunday in Warri identified the suspect as Stanley Ovemureye.
Edafe said that the suspect, currently at large, allegedly smashed the head of his daughter, Abigail, on the wall several times before she gave up the ghost.
He said that the incident occured on Saturday, adding that the matter was reported at the Agbarho police division by the suspect’s brother.
“The command is aware of the gruesome murder of one Abigail Stanley, aged 6, allegedly killed by her father, Ovemureye.
“The sad incident which occurred on Saturday was reported at the division by the brother of the fleeing suspect.
“The Divisional Police Officer on receipt of the complaint, detailed operatives to the scene at Uviama New Layout, Agbarho in Ughelli North Local Government Area.
“The police operatives recovered the corpse of the little child whose head was smashed several times on the wall, and deposited it at the mortuary.
“The father who is the principal suspect is currently at large,” Edafe said.
He said that the Commissioner of Police (CP) of the command, Mr Olufemi Abaniwonda had ordered a serious manhunt for the fleeing suspect.
Edafe added that the CP had assured the public that the suspect would be apprehended and justice meted accordingly.
He, however, said that the CP had urged anyone with useful information that could lead to the arrest of the suspect to call the control room number on 0803684974 or report at the nearest police station. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
EDI/EBI/MNA
Edited by Benson Iziama/Maureen Atuonwu
June 16, 2024
Eid-el Kabir: GOC urges Nigerians to make sacrifices for peace, security

Sacrifice
By Stanley Nwanosike
Enugu, June 16, 2024 (NAN) Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, has urged Nigerians to continue to make sacrifices for peace, security and development of the nation.
Dada gave the charge on Sunday after the Eid-el Kabir prayer at Eid prayer ground of Abakpa Military Cantonment, Enugu.
He noted that Nigerians must learn from the exemplary lifestyle of Prophet Ibrahim, who have to give his only son for sacrifice but Almighty Allah instructed him to use a ram instead.
According to him, for things to go right and for peace and security to prevail, we must as individuals and collectively as organisations, make due sacrifices.
The GOC advised that people must always abide and respect constituted authorities enshrined by God and the nation’s authorities.
“If all of us submit to the will of the Almighty Allah and constituted authorities that is ordained by Almighty Allah, there is so much to benefit because Almighty Allah will also reward us bountifully.
“And for the government, what they are asking from us is to be law abiding and when we are law abiding, definitely there will be progress in the land and peace as well.
“The insecurity in the land is because people are not ready to make sacrifices,” he said.
Dada noted that the South-East Zone and the Cross River were abundantly blessed with natural endowments and human resources, but noted that insecurity caused by very few had hindered their great potentials.
“We are appealing to all those living in South-East and Cross River State to continue to partner and assist the Division with prompt and actionable information to check all forms of criminal activities.
“I sincerely believe that with security and peace in the entire South-East and Cross River State, progress and development will blossom in the areas,” Dada said.
In a sermon after the prayer, Chief Imam of 82 Division, Lt.-Col. Husein Eleje, urged all to live in peace with their neighbours as instructed by the Almighty Allah.
He said that one way to ensure that peace reigned was through sacrifice and commitment to the welfare of others.
“I will want Muslim faithful and Nigerians to look out for ways to sacrifice and invest in the welfare, well-being and progress of others to build a peaceful and prosperous neighourhood, community and society,” he said.
The chief imam prayed for the peace and progress of the nation as well as for the success of the President Bola Tinubu led administration.
Highlight of the special sallah prayer was the symbolic slaughtering of ram done by the chief imam. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
KSN/MNA
Edited by Maureen Atuonwu
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June 16, 2024
Sallah: Be safety-conscious on roads, VIO urges motorists
Dr Yusuf Suberu, Squadron Leader, Vehicle Inspection Office(VIO) Mayors of the Federation
Safety
By Ibironke Ariyo
Abuja, June 16, 2024 (NAN) The Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS) has urged motorists to be safety-conscious during the Sallah celebration across the country.
Dr Yusuf Suberu, Squadron Leader, Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), Mayors of the Federation said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.
Suberu, who congratulated Muslim Faithful on the observance of the feast, urged the people to show love to other road users in the spirit of the celebration.
He, however, called on them to sustain that spirit of kindness and consideration for others to reflect safety on roads.
The VIO boss also urged members of the public to be patient,while using the road to avoid road crashes, obstruction and death.
Hen gave assurance that VIO mayors in its usual commitment to making the roads safer for all travelers, has made adequate preparation to ensure efficient traffic management and free flow of traffic during the festive period.
He solicited for cooperation from members of the public not to disregard measures that had been put in place by the road safety officials and other security agencies to make the celebration free, safe and peaceful.
According to him, as you mark the 2024 Eid-el-Kabir, I urge you to show patience and obey all traffic rules and regulations to avoid any form of road mishaps.
“ I call on all Nigerians to join hands with the VIO and other sister security agencies in its determination to ensure crash and obstruction-free celebration within the period and beyond.
“Drive carefully to save a life, because it is only the living that can celebrate,”he said.
Suberu, therefore, urged Muslims to cooperate with the government toward attainment of the collective objective of a greater Nigeria.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
ICA/CHOM/IAA
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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Isaac Aregbesola

June 16, 2024
Sallah: Intensify prayers against drugs, criminality – NDLEA tells Nigerians
Drug
By Thompson Yamput
Lokoja, June 16, 2024 (NAN) The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has called on Nigerians to use the Eid el-Kabir to intensify prayers against drugs and criminality in the country.
Kogi NDLEA Commander Umar Yahuza made the call in his message issued to journalists on Sunday in Lokoja.
Yahuza said: “The way and manner youths are engaged into drugs and criminality calls for concern of all and sundry.
“It’s based on this that I wish to use this occasion to enjoin Kogi residents and Nigerians as a whole to shun drug abuse and trafficking as well as other forms of criminality.
“The destinies of many youths are being truncated by the effect of drugs, which must be fought against for the good of families and the nation.
“As we celebrate Eid el-Kabir, let us reflect on the values of compassion, unity and gratitude for the growth and development of the country.”
The NDLEA commander said that on behalf of the agency’s officers and men of the agency, he wished all muslim faithful a peaceful celebration.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
TYC//KAY
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Edited by Kayode Olaitan
June 16, 2024
NDLEA bursts warehouse, seizes N4.7b drugs

Suspected drug traffickers and peddlers arrested by the NDLEA
Cartel By Ibironke Ariyo
Abuja, June 16, 2024 (NAN) Officers of the Special Operation Unit of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Aba have discovered a cartel controlled by three suspected drug barons.
The agency’s Director, Media and Advocacy Femi Babafemi, announced this on Sunday in Abuja.
The agency said that the suspects were arrested and the warehouses linked to the drugs were “taken down”.
The agency said further that substances suspected to be cocaine and methamphetamine in consignments were seized.
It said that the drugs could worth more than N4.1 billion in street value.
Babafemi said that the special operation was conducted between June 13 and June 14 at Boundary Avenue and a residence on Ohia road in Aba.
“Months of intelligence gathering led to the arrest of the leaders and the seizure of 20.76 kg of cocaine and methamphetamine from them.
He also said that the operatives of the agency in Lagos State uncovered an expansive warehouse stocked with a large consignment of a substance suspected to be codeine-based syrup located in Kirikiri.
Babafemi said that four persons were suspected to be connected with the importation and distribution of the substance.
He said that they were arrested during an intelligence-led raid on the facility.
“No few than 82,000 bottles of the opioid worth more than N600 million in street value were recovered from them.
“Also, a truck and two buses used for distributing the substance were recovered from the premises on June 10”, he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
ICA/KAY
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Edited by Kayode Olaitan
June 16, 2024