Category: Defence/Security

Take advantage of security agencies’ reporting channels- Group tells Nigerians

Security

By Monday Ijeh

Abuja, June 27, 2024 (NAN) An Interest Group, Security Now Whole Of Society Approach, has called on Nigerians to take advantage of security agencies’ reporting channels to report suspicious movements around their environment.

The group, in a statement signed by its Coordinator, Dr Justify Obogoh on Thursday in Abuja, urged Nigerians to support the ongoing efforts by security agencies to address the security challenges in parts of the country.

He said that the fight against terrorists and other non-state actors would be more successful if public provide useful and timely information for security operatives for necessary action.

He cautioned community members against shielding the enemies of state who live among them.

“We are aware that the Department of State Services (DSS), Police, the Armed Forces and other law enforcement agencies, have always availed the public email addresses, websites and phone numbers for possible contacts.

“The DSS, for instance, can be contacted on the website, dss.gov.ng; email address – dsspr@dss.gov.ng and Telephone lines on +2349153391309 and +2349088373514.

“The contact numbers of senior police officers, as well as those of the respective Police Public Relations Officers (PPROs) can be accessed online,” he said.

The group enjoined constituted authorities to ensure the fulfillment of their campaign promises of providing basic amenities for the people.

Obogoh urged governments at all levels make funds available for law enforcement authorities to carry out mass recruitment of personnel.

According to him, continuous recruitment exercises will ensure adequate personnel for security agencies mane ungoverned spaces that have been converted to ‘sanctuaries’ by  criminal elements.

“We are encouraging states to establish internal security platforms, to complement the efforts of the military, intelligence and security agencies.

“Our men in uniform symbolise the authority of the State and we must at all times, give them the support needed to guarantee the sovereignty, indissolubility, and indivisibility of Nigeria.

“We are also, calling on the public to imbibe the culture of ‘see something, say something”, that we may restore the glory of our nation,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

IMC/AMM

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Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Troops repel attack on police station, kill 5 terrorists in Ebonyi – Army

Attack

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja, June 27,2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Army says its troops deployed for counter-terrorism operations in Ebonyi on Thursday repelled an attack by suspected IPOB terrorists on Isheke Police Station killing five terrorists.

This is contained in a statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Thursday in Abuja.

Nwachukwu said the attack on the police station resulted in the torching of the facility and several vehicles.

He said that the troops, on arrival at the scene, launched a counter-attack on the terrorists overpowering and compelling them to flee in disarray.

According to him, troops engaged the terrorists in a hot pursuit, leading to an intense gun battle, which resulted in the elimination of the five suspected terrorists and seizure of several weapons.

“The troops recovered one PKT Machine Gun with a link belt containing 94 rounds of ammunition, two AK-47 rifles with three magazines, containing 11 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and one Sub Machine Gun with a magazine.

Troops also recovered a Sienna SUV with registration number Ebonyi CHR-364JC.

“The Nigerian Army will continue to operate in synergy with sister services and other security agencies to combat the terrorists’ activities by IPOB and its armed affiliate, the ESN.

“We urge all law-abiding citizens to be vigilant and report any suspicious movement or activity to the security agencies,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannwes.ng)

OYS/IAA

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

PDSA unveils Best Driver in Nigeria competition

Competition

By Ibironke Ariyo

Abuja, June 27, 2024(NAN) The Professional Driving and Safety Academy (PDSA) in collaboration with the National and International stakeholders in transportation sectors unveiled the 2024 best driver in Nigeria competition and free road safety education for drivers nationwide.

Speaking at a news conference  to officially kick-start the programme on Thursday in Abuja, the Registrar and Chief Executive, PDSA, Mr Jide Owatunmise said that driving remained one of the most complex tasks.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the  briefing is:  “Drivers’ Education, Recognition and Motivation: Vital tools for Road Traffic Crash (RTC) Reduction”.

Owatunmise said that several global and national research reports have affirmed that over 80 per cent of Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) were caused by  human factors while over 70 per cent were attributed to drivers.

He said that if the causative factors associated with the drivers were effectively addressed, the rate of RTCs would be significantly and sustainably reduced.

He also said that as high as the rate of RTCs, injuries and deaths were, they were preventable with adequate knowledge and compliance to  road rules.

He, however, said that  over 70 per cent of all classes of drivers currently knew little or nothing about safety measures.

According to him, vehicle technology has been changing, road traffic regulations are regularly updated, the mental and physical fitness of drivers/riders is not static and the road environment is also dynamic among other developments.

“Section 57 (1) of the National Road Traffic Regulations (NRTR 2012 and 2016 Amendments) clearly states that Drivers (and Riders) are to undergo a minimum of Cumulative Nine hours of Competence training before every renewal of their Licence.

“The Resolutions of the National Council on Transportation (NCT, Dec.8, 2022) also affirmed that the employers of drivers and even drivers of personal vehicles should periodically undergo seminars in driving and road safety use in Nigeria,  thereby,  reducing the rate of RTCs on Nigeria roads.

“It is,  however,  disheartening that over 80 per cent of drivers’ are not complying with provisions of the NRTR and  Resolutions of NCT on the need for regular updating of knowledge, skills and attitudes on driving in Nigeria.

“Driving is one of the most complex tasks because it involves simultaneous use of the eyes, ears and nose to gather information.

“It also needs the brain to interpret  information gathered and hands and legs to apply the interpreted information in a continuously changing environment to enhance effective and safe vehicle control,” he said.

The Registrar said that research reports revealed that most of the Government MDAS, Private sector organisations, professional commercial divers and drivers of self – owned  vehicles had not been complying with provisions of the Laws.

He said the Law provided compulsory regular proficiency training, adding that they all complained of lack of time and or money to undergo  regular training while some were not even aware of the existence of the laws and resolutions.

He added that  in view of the high rate of RTCs, injuries and deaths in Nigeria, there was,  therefore,  an urgent need to bridge the gaps toward ensuring Safety on Nigeria roads.

According to him, our organisation, in collaboration with several road safety stakeholders initiated and commenced the annual drivers’ day event in Nigeria on Nov. 15, 2023.

He said “representatives of the relevant stakeholders attended the event including Ministry of Transportation, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Directorate of Road Traffic Services (VIOS), and Lagos State Drivers Institute (LASDRI), Transport Unions, NGOs/CSOs, Media and driving schools among others.

“The expanded year 2024 edition of the Annual Drivers’ Day has three branches of events as follows: Best Driver in Nigeria Competition and Free Road Safety Education, International Drivers Conference and Awards to deserving Organisations and Individuals in Transportation and Road Safety.

“The goal is to collaborate with all stakeholders to advocate for Policies, Initiatives and Activities which effectively enhance road safety education and safer road use in Nigeria.

“Our objective is to boost road safety education, enhance road safety consciousness, reiterate the  relevance of drivers and riders in the prevention of RTCs, and to boost Drivers’ and Riders’ Motivation for improved performance and safety.

“Other objectives are to significantly reduce the rate of RTCs, injuries and deaths, to emphasise the fact that road safety is a shared responsibility and to promote road safety culture for all road users in Nigeria.

Representatives of various stakeholders like FRSC, DRTS, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Women Drivers Association, VIO mayors of the Federation among other present at the briefing all pledged their support for the 2024 National Drivers Day Competition.

NAN reports that special awards, certificates of participation, books on driving, riding and safety tips and other packages shall be given to participants and staff of organisations that will participate.

Best driver will be given a car worth N20 million,  First Runner up will get fN5 million,  Second runner up- N3 million, fourth  to 10^th position – N1 million each and varieties of consolation prizes for all other contestants.

Registration for participation starts from Friday June 28, nationwide with a fee of N2, 000. Screening and Free Road Safety training starts from July while the grand finale is Nov. 21, 2024.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

ICA/CHOM/SH

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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Sadiya Hamza

Assurance

By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko

Ibadan, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The new Commissioner of Police (CP) in Oyo State, Sonubi Ayodele, has assured that the Nigeria Police Force would continue to uphold its statutory responsibilities of protecting lives and property.

Ayodele who said this on Thursday in Ibadan during his inaugural media briefing said this would be without prejudice to background, religion or association.

The CP also assured that the Police Command in Oyo State under his watch, would not tolerate the existence of any criminal enterprise.

“I will not hesitate to identify, isolate and bring to deserved justice any person or group that may attempt to threaten the existing relative tranquility in the state,” he said.

Ayodele disclosed that, as part of the modalities put in place to further secure the state, the Police Command in Oyo State has further rejigged its security architecture.

“This is to accommodate more actionable tools to clamp down on criminal elements through the adoption of a five-step action plan with our sister security services, tagged ‘RACAI’, which is Robust Inter-Agency Collaborations.

“We have amplified community policing engagements, capacity-building for police officers through training and retraining.

“Also, there is advanced intelligence and technology-driven policing, just as we are increasing layers of supervision for our officers and men, and increased visibility policing, among others,” he said.

The CP assured of better collaboration with groups such as the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC).

“To our immediate family, the PCRC, I acknowledge your immeasurable contributions.

“We also reassure you that we shall further consolidate on the existing relationship while soliciting your continued collaboration and support,” he said.

Ayodele also assured newsmen in the state of a cordial police-media relationship, and acknowledged them as worthy partners in the business of perception and image management.

“On behalf of the Police Command, I look forward to formidable partnerships and strong collaborations with residents and all citizens in Oyo State.

“If you see something, say something and the Police will immediately do something,” Ayodele said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

CC/AYO/OLAL
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(Edited by Ayodeji Alabi and Olawale Alabi)

Why military should exploit artificial intelligence for operational efficiency – CNS

Operations

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, has called for the Armed Forces of Nigeria to exploit the potentials of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to achieve operational efficiency in their operations.

Ogalla made the call at the Second Quarter 2024 Defence Headquarters and Services Departments/Branches Transformation Seminar, hosted by the Nigerian Navy, on Thursday in Abuja.

The theme of the seminar was “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence as a Transformation Tool in Contemporary Military Operations”.

According to him, the seminar came at a time the armed forces was exploiting transformational and innovative initiatives towards enhancing operational efficiency in line with best practices.

Ogalla said the complexity of security challenges across the nation underscored the need for innovative strategies and initiatives, adding that emphasis had been on modernisation of hardware and equipment for enhanced national security.

He said the technological innovations required extensive application of artificial intelligence in conjunction with research and development.

“We are cautious of the fact that the application of artificial intelligence has permitted all spheres of human endeavor, particularly in the field of finance, medical, space, technology, agriculture, logistics, among several other areas.

“It is in fact the future of military operations and we must, therefore, ensure that the Armed Forces of Nigeria meets up with this evolving technological achievement.

“Our armed forces must, therefore, prioritise artificial intelligence in order to achieve the desired innovation and transformation for enhanced operational readiness and effectiveness.

“This is the desired goal which you, as leaders of the transformation branch of the various services, must work to actualise.

“I therefore encourage us to use these two days to brainstorm on critical issues and challenges in inherent in the application of artificial intelligence for improved operational efficiency.

“This is because everything that has advantages must have some disadvantages.

“So as much as we want to exploit the advantages of AI, we must also be able to surmount those inherent challenges and disadvantages that could arise from them,” he said.

The Chief of Naval Transformation and Innovation, Rear Adm. Michael Oamen, said the seminar was specially designed to explore viable options for integrating artificial intelligence as a veritable tool for improving operational effectiveness in the armed forces.

Oamen said it was aimed at identifying and encouraging innovations, as well as research and development with a view to building capacity and capabilities of the armed forces in support of national security imperatives.

According to him, the second quarter’s seminar has been programmed for two days to cover topics on artificial intelligence in defence transformation, a potential tool for enhancing operational efficiency in the armed forces.

He added that the second paper would be leveraging artificial intelligence for enhanced research and development towards transforming military operations lessons for the emphasis of Nigeria.

“It is hoped that proceedings from this seminar will serve as a veritable platform for charting workable strategies.

“This will improve the integration of artificial intelligent defence research and development, as well as drive transformational and innovative aspirations in the services,” he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

OYS/AYO/SH

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Edited by Ayodeji Alabi/Sadiya Hamza

NSCDC arrest 4 suspected vandals, recover firearm in Kwali, Abaji

Vandals
By Kelechi Ogunleye
Abuja, June 27, 2024 (NAN) Personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, have arrested four suspected vandals in Kwali Area Council of the territory.

A statement released on Thursday by the spokesperson for the command, Samuel Idoko, indicated that one AK-47 rifle was discovered in farmland in Abaji, Abaji Area Council of the territory.

Idoko said in the statement that one of the suspects was nabbed while removing an armoured cable at the National Mathematical Centre (NMC), adding that his arrest led to the apprehension of the three others.

He added that the suspect’s confession upon interrogation led to the successful recovery of more stolen cables from a market where they had been taken for sale.

According to him, the suspects, aged between 20 and 35 years will be prosecuted if found guilty in tandem with Section 3 of the NSCDC Act.

“This section empowers the corps to arrest, detain, and prosecute in the name of the Attorney General of the Federation,” he said.

Idoko said that in another development, men of the Anti-Vandal Unit of the command recovered an AK-47 rifle without the magazine on a farm in Abaji while on patrol.

“The farm owner alerted the men on patrol. He said he discovered the rifle on his maize farm in the morning when he went to work.

“The rifle has been taken to the command’s headquarters for safekeeping and further investigation,” he said.

The NSCDC FCT Commandant, Dr Olusola Odumosu commended the command’s anti-vandal team for its gallantry and commitment to protecting the country’s critical infrastructure and ensuring the safety of FCT residents.

Odumosu charged the team not to rest on its oars but to redouble its efforts at dislodging vandals by effecting more arrests.

He praised the farm owner for alerting the operatives on patrol upon discovering the rifle and not keeping it to himself.

He urged citizens to emulate the “patriotic spirit” exhibited by the farm owner by promptly reporting any crime or suspicious movements and activities in their communities to security agencies closest to them. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

KAYC/CEO/YEE

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(Edited by Chidi Opara/Emmanuel Yashim)

Military kills 2, 245 terrorists, apprehends 3,682 others in 3 months

Terrorists
By Sumaila Ogbaje
Abuja, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The Defence Headquarters says the troops of the armed forces have in neutralised 2,245 terrorists, apprehended 3,682 terrorists and criminal elements and rescued 1,993 kidnapped hostages between April and June.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known while briefing newsmen on the operations of the military in the second quarter, on Thursday in Abuja.

Buba said the troops recovered 2,783 weapons, 64,547 ammunitions and  denied the oil thieves of an estimated sum over N10 billion during the period.

He said the arms and ammunition recovered includeed 1,169 AK47 rifles, 36,273 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 14,764 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 713 assorted arms and 9,850 assorted ammo.

Others, according to him, are 9.2 million litres of stolen crude oil, 2.8 million litres of illegally refined AGO, 29,900 litres of DPK and 31,380 litres of PMS amongst other item.

In the North East, Buba said the troops of Operation Hadin Kai conducted operations deep in terrorist enclaves in Sambisa Forest and the Tumbuns of the Lake Chad Region targeted  at terrorist commanders and leaders strongholds.

He said the operations denied terrorists the ability to carry out major offensive as well as diminished the their offensive capability, saying the terrorist were limited to low level skirmishes and attacks, mostly on soft targets.

According to him, troops neutralised 857 terrorist, arrested 913 suspects and rescued 594 kidnapped hostages during the second quarter of the year.

“Additionally, troops recorded a total of 4,582 surrendered BH/ISWAP terrorists combatants and their families.

“Troops dismantled the terrorist military capabilities by recovering 559 AK47 rifles, 151 fabricated rifles, 181 dane guns, 157 assorted arms, 13,493 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 5,409 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and 4,921 assorted ammunitions.

“The air component of Operation Hadin Kai in the second quarter of the year conducted air interdictions to terrorists enclaves at Mandara mountain, Maradun, Southern Tumbun Fulani and several other locations in the NE.

“Several terrorist enclaves and hideouts were destroyed killing terrorist leaders, commanders and foot soldiers as well as destroying their logistics dumps,” he added.

In the North Central, Buba said the troops of Operation Safe Haven neutralized 130 terrorist violent extremist, arrested 544  suspects and rescued 277 kidnap hostages.

He added that the troops also recovered 39 AK47 rifles, 37 fabricated guns, 126 assorted arms, 3,852 rounds of 7.62mm special, 827 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and 499 assorted ammunitions.

Under Operation Whirl Stroke, he said the troops with the support of sister services had  emplaced measures to minimise communal clashes and optimised operations against terrorist and their cohorts.

Buba said the troops neutralised 138 terrorist, arrested 377 suspects and rescued 204 kidnapped hostages as well as  recovery of 63 AK47 rifles, 110 assorted arms, 3,563 rounds of 7.62mm special, 1,524 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and 649 assorted ammunitions.

In the North West, he said the troops of Operation Hadarin Daji neutralised 764 terrorist, arrested 673 suspects and rescued 592 kidnap hostages.

According to him, troops recovered 420 AK47 rifles, 126 fabricated guns, 174 assorted arms, 9,893 rounds of 7.62mm special, 4,678 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and 1,239 assorted ammunitions.

He said the Air componen conducted air interdiction to terrorists enclaves/camps in Kankara, Zurmi, Danmusa, Maradun and Gusau as well as other areas within  Katsina and Zamfara States.

According to him, several terrorist leaders and commanders were wiped off the battlefield via air interdictions conducted.

Under Operation Whirl Punch, defence spokesman said the troops neutralised 170 terrorist, arrested 366 suspects and rescued 178 kidnap hostages in the last three months.

He added that the troops recovered 60 AK47 rifles, 88 assorted arms, 2,016 rounds of 7.62mm special, 924 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and 88 assorted ammunitions.

Accordobg to him, the air component conducted air strikes on terrorists enclave at Mariga, Kabago, Alawa Forest, Kwaki forest, East Getamiya, Katarma, Chikun, Kuduru, Giwa and several other area in which terrorist hibernate within in Niger and Kaduna States.

In the South -South, Buba said the toops of Operation Delta Safe, neutralised 14 violent extremist and arrested 455 persons involved in crude oil theft.

He said the troops also recovered 9.2 millio litres of stolen crude oil, 2.8 million litres of AGO, 29,900 litres of DPK and 31,380 litres of PMS, as well as recovered 2,752 assorted weapons.

According to him, troops also discovered and destroyed 243 wooden boats, 2,752 assorted ammunitions and 543 illegal refining sites within the quarter.

In the South-East, Buba said the troops of Operation UDO KA conducted rigorous clearance operation across the theatre to frustrate the activities of IPOB/ESN group and  maintain peace in the region.

According to him, troops neutralised 180 terrorist, arrested 354 suspects and rescued 149 kidnap hostages.

“Troops also recovered 28 AK47 rifles, 44 pump action guns, 3,456 rounds of 7.62mm special, 1,402 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 801 live cartridges and 324 assorted ammunitions,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

OYS/SH

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edited by Sadiya Hamza

Navy

By Frank Shedrack

Nembe (Bayelsa), June 27, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO in Brass, Bayelsa, has destroyed 10 illegal refinery sites in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa.

The FOB also destroyed a speedboat and seized 100,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil.

The Commanding Officer, FOB FORMOSO, Capt. Ifeanyichukwu Mabeokwu, disclosed this while speaking with newsmen during the operation on Thursday.

Mabeokwu said his team carried out the operation and subsequent destruction in line with the navy’s aspiration to decimate illegal refining sites and crude oil theft in the Niger Delta.

“My team and I are here to carry out deactivation operations in these illegal refining sites.

“As you can see, there is a large one with over 10 refining units; it has, cumulatively, about 80 litres of illegally refined AGO and 100,000 litres of stolen crude oil respectively.

“Essentially, the illegal refining site is hidden away at the core of Nembe Creek, and it took the deployment of high-resolution drones to discover this site.

“Now it has been discovered, we are going to do everything possible to see that this does not exist and will cease from this moment.

“The discovery was made early this morning at about 0630-7000 hours,” he said.

According to the commanding officer, the team met all the ovens still active on arrival, to prove illegal activities were ongoing just before they sensed the naval presence and fled.

“I believe they heard the sound of our gunboat, and they abandoned the site; as we arrived here, nobody was seen,” he said.

He says the navy, under the leadership of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, will stay committed to maintaining the security and safety of the Nigerian maritime domain.

According to him, the navy will continue to facilitate a conducive environment for legitimate businesses to flourish and contribute to the nation’s economic progress.

He, therefore, warned those who indulge in such illegitimate businesses to desist, promising that the navy would not allow them to find peace. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

FS/NN/MAS

Edited by Nathan Nwakamma/Moses Solanke

3 injured as farmers, herders clash in Jigawa

Clash

By Muhammad Nasir Bashir

Dutse, June 27, 2024 (NAN) Three persons were confirmed injured when farmers and herders clashed around Baranda forest in Kiyawa Local Government Area of Jigawa, the state Police Command confirmed on Thursday.

“We received the information about the incident on Tuesday, at about 2:15 pm,” DSP Lawal Shiisu, the Police Public Relations Officer(PPRO), said in a statement.

“On receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer of Kiyawa Division, alongside his patrol team, rushed to the scene.

The team included Kiyawa Local Government officials, Chairmen of Kautal Hore and Miyetti Allah, Association of Farmers of Nigeria (AFAN), and Village Heads of the four affected communities.

“While dialogue was ongoing among the critical stakeholders, the Police team seized the opportunity to identify three injured victims and rescued six others who were about to be attacked,” he said.

The PPRO added that the victims were rushed to the hospital where they were treated and discharged.

According to him, no arrest was made in connection with the incident in order to avoid further chaos.

Shiisu, however, said that two of the leaders of the herders were identified and would be invited by the Police.

He said preliminary investigation had revealed that the herders acted on a misleading information which suggested that the state government had revoked farmlands within the forest reserve that were allocated for farming activities.

The PPRO stated that normalcy had been restored in the affected villages, while patrol had been intensified to avert further breach of peace.

NAN recalls that on May 27, five farmers were injured in a similar incident at Hayin Kogi forest in Birnin-Kudu Local Government Area. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

MNB/YMU/ETS

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