Category: Defence/Security

Drug

By Polycarp Auta

Jos, June 13, 2024(NAN) The Nigerian Army has organised a sensitisation workshop for officers and men of its 3 Division, Rukuba, near Jos, on effect of drug abuse, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) management and Lesson Learned Process.

Declaring the event open on Thursday in Jos, Lt.-Gen. Toareed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), described the exercise was apt.

Represented by Maj.-Gen. Abdusalam Abubakar, the General Officer Commanding 3 division, the COAS said that the sensitisation was in line with his command’s philosophy.

He explained that the exercise,  organised by its Department of Transformation and Innovation, aimed at enhancing performance among personnel.

”This sensitisation programme is one of the many measures emplaced to raise the necessary awareness in troops on the myriads of complex security challenges in Nigeria.

”The challenges impose enormous responsibility on the Nigerian army as well as the officers and men.

”In line with these expectations, the Nigerian army has continued to review its tactics, techniques and procedures in order to come up with both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to defeat these challenges.

”This programme is, therefore, premised on the need to improve the capacity of our personnel toward understanding the Nigerian army Lessons Leaned Process,” he said.

Lagbaja said that exercise also sought to rekindle the critical thinking skill in all commanders through creativity as well as the responsibility of the men, in line with his command philosophy.

He said it was aimed at transforming the Nigerian army into a well-trained, equipped and highly motivated force toward achieving its constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment.

”Also, to look at the prevailing incidents of drug and substance abuse, as well as PTSD, among troops deployed in theatres of operation is quite worrisome.

‘It will also look at troops’ awareness on the effects and management of drug/ substance abuse and PTSD- all in a bid to enhance combat effectiveness.

”Accordingly, commanders at all levels must continue to come up with innovative measures to upscale their approaches toward reducing battle fatigue, improve man-management and battle readiness.

”Lessons must continually be identified and included in our day to day planning processes; these lessons can be derived from both mistakes and successes and thus, must be properly analysed and applied in order to reduce operational cost,’’ the COAS said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

AZA/CJ/

=======

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

Police nab 14 suspects over kidnapping, other criminal offences in FCT

Suspects

By Monday Ijeh

Abuja, June 13, 2024 (NAN) The Police Command in the Federal Capital Territory  (FCT) has arrested 14 suspects over kidnapping, armed robbery, gun running, car theft, illegal registration of SIM cards and other criminal offences.

The Commissioner of Police (CP) in charge of FCT, Mr Benneth Igweh said this during a media briefing on Thursday in Abuja.

He said two network jammers, seven firearms, six vehicles, 1,100 registered SIM cards, three SIM registration machines, two fingerprint machines, and one Gionee phone were recovered from the suspects.

The CP said six of the suspects, arrested by a team of detectives from the State Intelligence Unit on May 29 followed credible intelligence over alleged involvement in a national security breach.

He said the suspects specialised in the sale of already registered Phone SIM cards to criminals that operate with other people’s identities to avoid being traced or tracked.

“It may interest you to know that four different numbers can be registered under a single National Identification Number (NIN).

“These criminals employ street SIM card vendors to get the details of unsuspecting residents who buy SIM cards and register them at the same time.

“Over 1,100 already registered SIM cards, three registration machines and other gadgets were recovered from the suspects,” he said.

The CP said the suspects had confessed to the crime.

Igweh said operatives from the command, on May 19 trailed and apprehended two suspects following credible intelligence from the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) over kidnapping and car theft.

He said one of the suspects who had been on the command’s wanted list was currently on court bail for a similar offence.

The CP said the duo were members of a four-man gang terrorising Abuja, and its environs and had freely confessed to the crime.

Igweh said an ash-coloured Toyota Camry vehicle, with reg. no. KSF 412 HT, a network jammer, seven SIM cards and a new number plate reading LSR 961 JK were recovered from the suspects.

The CP said operatives from the anti-car theft unit of the command, on June 7, trailed and arrested a suspect following credible intelligence over gun-running.

He said seven automatic pump action shotguns and 1,000 rounds of live cartridges were recovered from the suspect.

The CP said the suspects would be charged in court upon completion of investigations. (NAN)

IMC/NNO/EAL

Edited by Nick Nicholas/Ekemini Ladejobi

IPOB

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja, June 13, 2024 (NAN) The Defence Headquarters has said that troops of Operation UDO KA have raided several training camps of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its Eastern Security Network (ESN) in the South East, and apprehended 25 suspects.

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 the raid operations were carried out in the last one week following the killing of five soldiers by the group on May 30, around Aba, in Abia.

He said the operations led to the destruction of several camps and killing of 13 terrorists who had been terrorising the zone from their hideouts.

“Additionally, troops arrested violent extremists/IPOB/ESN members in Isiala Mbano and Ohaji/Egbema LGAs of Imo State.

“Furthermore, troops rescued kidnapped hostages in Anambra-West Local Government Area of Anambra State.

“Troops also conducted counter/anti kidnapping operations in Anambra East LGA of Anambra State.

“Overall, troops of Operation UDO KA neutralised 13 terrorists, arrested 25 violent extremists and rescued 15 kidnapped hostages and recovered one AK47 rifle and four dane guns, among others.

“All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action,” he said.

Buba called on all citizens to support the military in its efforts to rid the country of terrorists and other criminal elements. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

OYS/EMAF
========
Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

Land Dispute: We didn’t abduct Ebonyi man, says NSCDC

Dispute

By Uchenna Ugwu

Abakaliki, June 13, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ebonyi Command has denied the news making the rounds that its operative abducted a native of Amaedim Ngwogwo community in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some national dailies had reported that the NSCDC operatives abducted Mr Innocent Orji, following a land dispute in the community.

However, Mr Elijah Willie, State Commandant of the Corps, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abakaliki on Thursday that the command only effected the arrest of Orji.

Willie explained that the operatives arrested him following a petition written against him by Mr Innocent Igwe alleging threat to life.

He also said that Orji was alleged to be involved in championing intra and inter communal crisis, trespassing, vandalism and other conducts likely to cause breach of public peace.

He said that he received the petition against the said Orji and his cohorts from Odiegwu Ibekwe Chambers, demanding to bring the culprits to justice.

“This is a land dispute and disagreement between Mr Innocent Igwe, the complainant and Orji, the suspect. It started on how to share the land between them but Orji faulted the terms of resolution.

“Yes, it was on these bases that the suspect was arrested because he refused to follow government’s directive on the resolution of the land matters.

“A resolution was reached by the committee but the suspect was obstructing the peace process, which led to his arrest.

“I wonder how an organisation like NSCDC, empowered by law to arrest, detain, investigate and prosecute, will abduct someone”, he said.

The commandant said that he would not fold his arms and watch the community go into turmoil.

“The arrest was done for justice to stand and the publication was a distraction for me not to carry out my official duty.

“The suspect, Innocent Oji also known as Ogbonna was arrested and detained.

“On this note, I want to inform the public, who read from the false publication, that we did not abduct Orji but only arrested him,” Willie added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

UVU/DCO/KUA

===========

Edited by Deborah Coker/Uche Anunne

Eid-el-Kabir: Police deploy personnel to worship centres, highways in Osun

Police
By Olajide Idowu
Osogbo, June 13, 2024 (NAN) Police Command in Osun has deployed personnel to worship centres and highways to ensure a hitch-free Eid-el-Kabir celebration in the state.
SP Yemisi Opalola, the command’s Spokesperson, in a statement on Thursday said all area commands and divisions have been directed to provide adequate security in their jurisdiction for the Sallah celebration.
Opalola said that as part of efforts to ensure hitch-free Sallah celebration, the state Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Abba, has ordered the deployment of operatives to strategic locations and flashpoints.
She said these include highways, worship centres, and all nooks and crannies of the state.
“The CP, in a directive issued to all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers as well as Tactical Commanders in the command, charged them to ensure that no stone was left unturned in making sure that adequate security was provided in their various areas of jurisdiction.
“While stressing that maximum attention should be paid to critical public places and other points prone to public disturbance, the CP assured members of the public that security had been beefed up to ensure a crime-free Sallah celebration”, she said.
Opalola also said that the CP charged heads of formations to personally supervise their personnel deployed for this special assignment and warned them not to infringe on the rights of citizens but to protect them from untold incidences.
“They are to ensure a 24/7-hourly surveillance of their respective area of operations.
”While soliciting for the cooperation of all and sundry, the state police command urges citizens to be law abiding”, she said.
She enjoined parents and guardians to take good care of their wards, and advised them to stay away from any act capable of causing public disorder.
”Members of the public should report any suspicious movement or any infraction of the law to the police command through the following numbers 08039537995 and 08067788119”, she added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
ID/DCO/IKU
=========
Edited by Deborah Coker/Tayo Ikujuni

Security
By Mujidat Oyewole
Ilorin, June 13, 2024 (NAN) Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kwara Command, says it has deployed more than 3,000 security personnel in preparation for the upcoming Eid-el Kabir celebrations.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Ayoola Shola, stated this in a statement issued on Thursday in Ilorin.
Shola said that the NSCDC Commandant in the state, Umar Mohammed, said that the personnel were deployed to support other security officers in providing adequate security before, during and after the Sallah celebrations.
Mohammed also said that additional officers were deployed across the 16 local government areas of the state, with special attention given to high-risk areas with frequent criminal activities.
He urged Area Commanders, Tactical Commanders and Divisional Officers to conduct continuous patrols and ensure intensive deployment to guarantee smooth and safer celebrations.
He also issued stern warning to miscreants, vandals and other potential mischief-makers planning to disrupt the peace and order during the festive period to stay clear from the state.
“The command is fully prepared and equipped to enforce the law and ensure that offenders face the full consequences of their actions,” he said.
The commandant congratulated Muslim faithful on the upcoming Eid-el-Kabir, urging them to support security agencies by reporting any suspicious individual or activity that could threaten peace and stability in the state. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
MOB/MZM/DCO/WAS
Edited by Okon Okon/Deborah Coker/’Wale Sadeeq

Democracy

By Yahaya Isah

Abuja, May 13, 2024, (NAN) Mr Charles Nwodo, former National Chairman of the defunct Progressives Action Congress (PAC), has urged Nigerian leaders to come up with good policies and programmes that can turn around the nation’s fortune for better.

Nwodo gave the advice on Thursday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

He said those at the helm of affairs should display every sense of responsibility by coming up with good policies and programmes that can turn around the nation’s fortune for better.

The former PAC chairman urged the nation’s leaders to consolidate on the dividends of democracy recorded for 25 years for the benefit of Nigerians.

Nwodo said that though certain level of achievements had been recorded so far, but more could still be done for the benefit of Nigerians.

According to him, there is need for the celebration because 25 years of uninterrupted democratic rule is something that is commendable.

He said he expected the country to rise to the level of the Asian Tigers in terms of development.

“For 25 years of unbroken democracy, we are yet to get where we actually want to be, especially in area of economic reconstruction.

“Even in our moral ways of doing things, this is because of some certain level of corruption in our system,“ Nwodo said.

According to him, successive leaders of the country have Nigerians in almost all spheres of life.

“So, to me, I think we have really achieved some certain level of developments after 25 years of democracy.

“But putting the record straight, it is 25 years of striving to get where we actually want to be. Our educational system, health sector, among others need total overhaul for a better Nigeria.’’

This, he added, would no doubt go a long way to prevent our children who are graduates of medicine and other related fields from leaving the country.

“When youths and citizens are leaving a particular country, it simply means that certain things needed to be addressed or looked into to tackle the trend headlong.

“It also means that we are yet to create an enabling environment that will accommodate our citizens, give them hope, security and life in terms of standard of living.

“And we all know that failure to provide all these indices is not healthy for any nation that wants to achieve greater heights.

“Our leaders need to up their games after 25 years if Nigeria is to get it right as a nation.’’

Mr Abdullahi Jabi, Chairman, North-Central Zone, Campaign for Democracy, Human Rights Advocacy and Civil Society of Nigeria, said that 25 years of democracy in Nigeria was worth celebrating as it was not gotten on a platter of gold.

Jabi recalled that during the struggle, many lives were lost, properties worth billions of naira were destroyed, and sacrifices were made, including the life of the presidential flag bearer, Chief MKO Abiola.

According to him, at the moment, the type of democracy we are practising, vis-a-vis presidential system of government, is not really suitable for us as a nation.

“So, since we’ve been finding it difficult to really stabilise democratically, I will advise that we go back to parliamentary system of government which we began with in the first republic that was cost effective.

“That way, we will be able to nurture it to maturity before switching to the present system.

“But if we are to continue with the presidential system of government, it simply means we need a lot of magical interventions and very serious commitment to take us from where we are today,” he said.

Jabi urged the present administration to take the bull by the horn by embarking on radical measures that could revive the economy for the betterment of Nigerians.

He also urged President Bola Tinubu led-administration to, as a matter of urgency, look into other areas that had been of serious concern to Nigerians, especially in area of food security. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

YI/DCO/ADA

Edited by Deborah Coker/Deji Abdulwahab

==========