Category: Defence/Security

FG to upgrade correctional centres – Interior Minister
FG pledges to upgrade correctional centres – Interior Minister
Centres
By Ramatu Garba
Kano, June 13, 2024 (NAN) The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment towards upgrading the nation’s correctional Centres.
Tunji-Ojo made the disclosure shortly after an assessment tour of the Maximum Security Custodial Centre Janguza in Kano, Kano.
He said that President Bola Ahmed was keen on improving the quality of the correctional centres.
“From what we have seen, it is a good work in progress. We will upgrade the system in line with the agenda of the renewed hope of Mr President.”
According to him, the federal government will also create a world-class correctional system that is reformatory and transformational in nature.
“The correctional centres will be a place where people learn, their lives will be transformed in the national interest and the rate of recidivism will be zero, and the national security architecture can be better enhanced,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng
RG/EAL
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Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi
June 13, 2024
Police nab 4 suspected kidnappers, rescue victims in Kaduna

Police nab 4 suspected kidnappers, rescue victims in Kaduna
Arrest
By Muhammad Tijjani
Kaduna, June. 13, 2024(NAN) The Police Command in Kaduna State, said its operatives have arrested four suspected kidnappers and rescued kidnapped victims in Kaduna.
The command’s spokesperson, ASP Mansir Hassan, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued on Thursday in Kaduna
Hassan said, “On June 11, at about 0500 hours, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Maigana received a distress call from Yakasai village, that one Abubakar Sale, also from Yakasai had been kidnapped there by unknown gunmen.”
He said upon receiving this information, the DPO led a combined team of Policemen and the members of a vigilance group to the scene.
“The team tracked the bandits from Yakasai to Awai village, where they found the victims in a hut, unharmed.”
According to him, although the criminals tried to flee, the police successfully arrested two suspects.
He identified the suspects as Abdulmumini Auta, 60 and Garba Shehu, 30, both from Yakasai village.
Additionally, Hassan said that seven suspected rustled cows were recovered from the suspects while investigations into the case were currently ongoing.
He also disclosed that on June 12, at about 11:45 hours, a team of officers from the Zaria City Division, acting on intelligence, intercepted and arrested one Ibrahim Sa’idu, 35, of Kadage, Giwa Local Government Area.
Also, they nabbed one Hayatu Sa’idu, 35, of Rafin Yashe, Zaria Local Government Area, near the Gwargwaje by Galadimawa Junction.
He explained that a search was conducted on the suspects which led to the recovery of a Beretta pistol with two rounds of live ammunition in Sa’idu’s possession.
Hassan said all the cases were under Investigation and the suspects would be charged to Court after completion.
He said the Commissioner of Police, Mr Audu Dabigi, urgeds all the citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the Police.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
TJ/BRM
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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
June 13, 2024
Kaduna:Troops neutralise terrorists’ kingpin, Buharin Yadi, others
Kaduna: Troops neutralise terrorists’ kingpin, Buharin Yadi, others
By Muhammad Tijjani
Kaduna, Jun. 13, 2024(NAN) The Kaduna State Government, said troops of Sector 6, Operation Whirl Punch, have killed a terrorists’ kingpin, Buharin Yadi, along with dozens of his fighters .
The State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr Samuel Aruwan, made the disclosure in a statement issued on Thursday in Kaduna.
Aruwan said, “The infamous terrorist Buharin Yadi, one of the deadliest bandit leaders terrorising northern Nigeria in the last decade, has met his bitter end at the hands of security forces.
“The troops of Sector 6 Operation Whirl Punch rained down fire on the kingpin known as Buhari Alhaji Halidu (alias Buharin Yadi) and his cohorts, abruptly terminating their ignominious spell of terror.
“Halidu was neutralised in a fierce battle with the troops under the coordination of their Commander, General Officer Commanding 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Mayirenso Saraso.
“This took place around Idasu forest at the boundaries between Giwa Local Government Area(LGA) of Kaduna State and Sabuwa LGA of Katsina State.”
He said the troops began the covert operation in response to intelligence reports on terrorists’ movement from Samunaka and Saulawa areas of Katsina State.
“On advancing to Samunaka, the troops found the settlement destroyed and cattle killed, evidence of recent criminal activity by the bandits.
“A ferocious battle quickly followed, as approaching terrorists were pounded with artillery rounds at Hayin Almajiri, “he said.
Aruwan said that the troops then fought bravely through an ambush, to attain their objective.
He said, “Initial assessments indicated that at least 36 bandits were eliminated in the engagement.
“It was eventually verified that one of those neutralised was Buharin Yadi.”
He explained that Yadi and his brigands under his command had been unleashing terror on citizens in Kidandan/Galadimawa areas of Giwa LGA.
He named other areas that had been attacked by the fallen terrorists to include Sabon Birni/Kerawa areas of Igabi LGA, communities nearby Sabuwa LGA of Katsina State, and some parts of Niger and Zamfara.
Aruwan said Yadi was involved in large-scale cattle rustling, arms trading and drug trafficking.
“He had led his gang in the pillaging of communities and the slaughter and kidnapping of thousands of citizens in Kaduna and neighboring states.
“The merciless bandit was also known to have links with other deadly terrorist groups in the Northeast and North-West.
“The breakthrough brings to an end a manhunt by security forces for this terrorist, which stretched more than five years.
“The news of his demise spread like wildfire, triggering massive relief and widespread celebrations among locals spanning Kaduna and Katsina States, “he said.
Aruwan said Gov. Uba Sani has expressed his elation at the development, which he described as a pointer to the bravery, pro-activeness and sheer efficiency of the troops involved.
He quoted the Governor as commending Saraso for his sterling leadership and lauded the troops for the comprehensive victory.
Sani reassured the security forces in the state of his unflinching support and the continued collaborative stance of the government
“Members of the public are hereby informed that some of the terrorists sustained gunshot injuries during the encounter.
” Citizens in the general area and beyond are therefore enjoined not to render assistance (medical or otherwise) to individuals carrying suspicious injuries, but to immediately report such to security agencies, “Aruwan said.
He said the Kaduna State Security Operations Room was available 24-hour a day to receive reports of this nature on the phone lines: 09034000060 and 08170189999.
While the Commissioner said that special operations against bandits was continuing in the general area, he urged the citizens to continue to volunteer supportive information to the security forces and the government.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
TJ/KOO/BRM
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Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Bashir Rabe Mnai
June 13, 2024
Eid-el- Kabir: NSCDC deploys 1000 personnel in Ondo
Eid-el-Kabir: NSCDC deploys 1000 personnel in Ondo
Deployment
By Muftau Ogunyemi
Akure, June 13, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Ondo State has deployed 1,000 operatives ahead of the forthcoming Eid-el-Kabir celebration in the state.
Mr Ibiloye Oluyemi, the State Commandant of NSCDC, made this known while addressing newsmen on Thursday in Akure.
Ibiloye explained that the operational order for the celebration period had been communicated to the eight area commanders and the 36 divisional officers covering the 18 local government areas in the state.
According to him, the deployment will also give special attention to the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure.
“The Rapid Response Squad, Tactical Team, and the Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU) will patrol black spots, vulnerable locations, recreational centres, and other flashpoints to nip in the bud any criminal intention.
“Operatives from the female squad, anti-vandal unit, agro rangers, operations department, and intelligence officers will coordinate and watchfully protect lives and property before, during, and after the Salah celebration,” he said.
The commandant assured residents that the command would be “civil and professional in the discharge of the national assignment under its watch.”
He also appealed to the people of the state to be security conscious and law-abiding.
“Report any suspicious movement of persons or consignment to the security agencies around you. I wish all Muslim faithful a blessed Salah Celebration,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
OMA/AYO/IKU
Edited by Ayodeji Alabi/Tayo Ikujuni
June 13, 2024
Eid-el-Kabir: Police ban Durbar activities in Kano
Police
By Aminu Garko
Kano, June 13, 2024 (NAN) The Police Command in Kano State has banned Durbar activities during the forthcoming Eid-el-Kabir celebrations in the state.
A statement issued on Thursday by Mr Usaini Gumel, the state Commissioner of Police stated that the ban became necessary to the sustain the peace by the Police Command in conjunction with all the relevant security stakeholders.
“In furtherance, a ban on all contending parties has been placed restraining both from conducting Durbar activities for the upcoming Eid-el-Kabir celebrations,” Gumel said.
He, however, advised worshippers to conduct their normal Eid Prayers at the various designated praying grounds, as was traditionally done in the past.
“In this trying period, the Police will enforce the existing Court Order and prevail on the two contending parties regarding the Kano Emirateship Tussle and urge them to remain apart and respect the court order,” he said.
The commissioner said the command would want to see continued collaboration and cooperation from all stakeholders to collectively work together to build a safer and more secure environment.
He urged the general public to keep reporting any suspicious movement of persons or items to the nearest police station. (NAN)( www.nannews.ng)
AAG/EMAF
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Edited by Emmanuel Afonne
June 13, 2024
Military destroys 43 illegal refining sites, apprehends 32 oil thieves
Military destroys 43 illegal refining sites, apprehends 32 oil thieves
Oil
By Sumaila Ogbaje
Abuja, June 13, 2024 (NAN) The Defence Headquarters said troops of Operation Delta Safe have in the last one week, discovered and destroyed 43 illegal refining sites and apprehended 32 suspected oil thieves.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known while briefing newsmen on the operations of the Armed Forces of Nigeria on Thursday in Abuja.
Buba said that the feat was achieved in the Niger Delta region of the country.
He explained that troops had maintained momentum against the activities of crude oil theives and recovered large quantities of stolen products.
He also said the troops recovered 728,360 litres of stolen crude oil, 143,450 litres of illegally refined AGO, 1,100 litres of DPK and 18,750 litres of PMS.
He added that the troops also discovered and destroyed 29 dugout pits, 22 boats and 26 storage tanks, among others.
According to him, troops apprehended 32 suspected oil thefts and other violent extremists and recovered 13 weapons and 442 assorted ammunitions.
“Other items recovered include 66 cooking ovens, eight vehicles and 43 illegal refining sites among others.”
Buba said the troops also conducted raid operations and apprehended violent extremists/cultists in Uruan and Ovia North-East Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom and Edo as well as Onelga and Nembe Local Government Areas of Rivers and Bayelsa. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
OYS/DCO/AMM
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Edited by Deborah Coker and Abiemwense Moru

June 13, 2024
Police confirm killing of Plateau Rider manager

Bayelsa Commissioner of Police, Mr Francis Alonyenu

Killing
By Shedrack Frank
Yenagoa, June 13, 2024 (NAN) The Bayelsa Commissioner of Police, Mr Francis Alonyenu has confirmed killing of the Manager of Plateau Rider bus station in Yenagoa.
The deceased has been identified as Alhaji Auwalu Aliyu.
Idu said that Aliyu was shot and killed by suspected armed robbers.
He made the confirmation on Thursday in Yenagoa during an interactive session with newsmen.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the robbery occurred on Tuesday about 9:00 p.m. near Bayelsa State House of Assembly Complex on Imgbi Road, Amarata, Yenagoa.
NAN gathered that the deceased was going home, after closing from work when he was shot and killed by suspected armed robbers, who made away his money.
Idu said that investigation was ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the crime.
He gave the assurance that the family of the deceased would get justice soon.
He said: “The manner he was killed is alien to Bayelsa.
“We have the suspicion that the deceased was trailed from Plateau to Bayelsa and killed, or his death is related to group of criminal elements currently assembling at Ogbia Local Government Area.
“Our drone was able to capture the signatures of the vehicle that was used to carry out the operation.
“As I am speaking with you, the location of the vehicle is yet to be known, but we are sure we will get it soon because we have every detail of the car.
“We sympathise with the family of the deceased, we are sure they will get justice and that will happen very soon,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
FS/IGO
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Edited by Ijeoma Popoola
June 13, 2024
Troops neutralise 197 terrorists, apprehend 310 in 1 week- DHQ
Troops neutralise 197 terrorists, apprehend 310 in 1 week- DHQ
Terrorists
By Sumaila Ogbaje
Abuja, June 13, 2024 (NAN) The Defence Headquarters says troops deployed in different parts of the country have in the last one week neutralised no fewer than 197 terrorists and apprehended 310 others across theatres of operation.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known while briefing newsmen on the operations of the Armed Forces of Nigeria on Thursday in Abuja.
Buba said the troops also rescued 251 kidnapped hostages and recovered 180 assorted weapons and 5,123 assorted ammunition within the week in different operations.
The breakdown, according to him, comprised two PKT guns, 73 AK47 rifles and 17 locally fabricated guns, 3,207 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 1,022 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and 243 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo among others.
In the North East, Buba said the troops of Operation Hadin Kai, neutralised 83 terrorists, arrested 71 suspects and rescued 48 kidnappers hostages within the week.
He said the troops also recovered two PKT guns, 35 AK47 rifles, nine fabricated rifles, 10 dane guns, and 10 grenades amongst others.
In the North Central, he said the troops of Operation Safe Haven neutralized 11 insurgents, arrested 64 violent extremists and rescued 21 kidnapped hostages as well as several cache of arms.
According to him, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke neutralised six terrorists, arrested 20 violent extremists and rescued 36 kidnapped hostages.
“Troops recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 66 rounds of 7.62mm special and 6 cartridges amongst others,” he said.
In the North West, Buba said the troops of Operation Hadarin Daji neutralised 65 terrorists, arrested 80 terrorists and rescued 54 kidnapped hostages within the week under review.
He added that the troops recovered 29 AK47 rifles, 7 fabricated rifles, 4 dane guns and 991 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo among others.
He added that troops of Operation Whirl Punch neutralised 19 terrorists, arrested 18 suspects and rescued 23 kidnapped hostages as well as recovered three AK47 rifles and 119 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, among others.
Buba said the security situation in the zone, especially Zamfara required collaborative approach between the state government and the locals to be able to nip it in the bud.
He said the governor of the state had come out to describe Zamfara as the epicenter of kidnapping as also corroborated by the Commissioner of Police, he said had described kidnapping as a big industry in the state.
“The military is on the ground there and we are fighting. Ours is to fight and to kill the terrorists and to destroy them.
“In this month alone, even up to yesterday, we have lost nine personnel which is a testament that we are working tirelessly to bring peace, to secure the land and create a safe environment for the people.
“I will end this by saying that it is close to impossible to win this war without the support of the people because of the caliber of people involved in kidnapping in Zamfara,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
OYS/SH
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edited by Sadiya Hamza
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June 13, 2024
NAF airstrikes destroy several top terrorist leaders’ camps in N/W
NAF airstrikes destroy several top terrorist leaders’ camps in N/W
Airstrikes
By Sumaila Ogbaje
Abuja, June 13, 2024 (NAN) The Defence Headquarters says the Air Components of the crisis operations have in the last one week, destroyed several terrorist camps operated by notorious terrorist commanders, Bello Turji’s and Halilu in Zamfara and Katsina State.
The Directorof Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known while briefing newsmen on the operations of the Armed Forces of Nigeria on Thursday in Abuja.
Buba said the camps, which were newly discovered were acquired through Intelligence Surveillance and Recognisance (ISR), adding that they were targeted and engaged with rockets and cannons.
He said the feedback had revealed that several of the terrorists, including some of the commanders were indeed neutralised as a result of the air strikes.
“But at this time we do not have report of the death of Bello Turji and Halilu,” he said.
Buba said that similar air interdiction was conducted June 8, overhead a terrorists’ enclaves in Safana Local Government Area of Katsina State following confirmatory ISR.
According to him, Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were eliminated and their structures destroyed.
He added that on June 6, the air component of Operation Whirl Punch conducted air interdiction on a senior terrorist commander enclave at Tsaunin Doka in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
According to him, battle damage assessment and feedback from locals revealed that several terrorists with high profile commanders were eliminated and their logistics destroyed.
“Similarly, on the same day, confirmatory ISR indicated terrorist activities in a terrorists’ camp within Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger killing several terrorists,” he added.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
OYS/SH
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edited by Sadiya Hamza
June 13, 2024
Eid-El-Kabir: NSCDC deploys 5,112 personnel in FCT
Personnel
By Kelechi Ogunleye
Abuja, June 13, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 5,112 personnel to beef up security in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) toward Eid-El-Kabir celebration.
This is contained in a statement signed by the NSCDC Public Relations Officer in FCT, Mr Babawale Afolabi, on Thursday in Abuja.
According to the Afolabi, the NSCDC Commandant in FCT, Dr Olusola Odumosu, has directed officers and men of the corps to ensure the six area councils in the territory are adequately protected.
He said that, to ensure a hitch-free celebration, emphasis was placed on protection of sensitive locations, soft targets, black spots and flash points prone to criminal activities.
“ We have deployed all our special forces such as the Armed Squad, Intelligence and Under Cover Officers, Counter Terrorism Unit, Female Strike Force, Special Crack Squad (operation Adaka-su), and Agro Rangers to ensure maintenance of law and order,” the official said.
Afolabi warned miscreants, vandals and other mischief makers to steer clear of critical national assets and infrastructure.
He said that the corps would not hesitate to bring the full wrath of the law on anyone caught or found culpable.
He cautioned against burning of tyres on roads, saying that it affected the integrity of roads and, therefore, constituted an act of vandalism.
He urged the personnel to be committed, vigilant, responsive and resolute in ensuring a territory devoid of security breaches or threats.
“There is no room for carelessness or over zealousness while carrying out your duties.
“Operational order must be followed to ensure professionalism on your part,” he said.
He assured the residents of continuous synergy with sister agencies to provide adequate security.
The commandant felicitated Muslim faithful in FCT as they would celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, and prayed that the Almighty would accept their sacrifices. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
KAYC/CHOM/IGO
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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Ijeoma Popoola
June 13, 2024