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

    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

  • TAF Africa encourages participation of PWDs in elections

    Participants at the training programme on Thursday in Asaba

    Training

    By Mercy Neme

    Asaba, June 27, 2024 (NAN) Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Delta have been encouraged to take advantage of relevant laws and provisions that guarantee their active participation in electoral processes.

    Mr Adeolu Kilanko, Programme Lead, TAF Africa, formerly known as the Albino Foundation, gave the charge in Asaba on Thursday at the commencement of a two-day training for PWDs.

    Kilanko said the training was convened to ensure PWDs participate actively in the forthcoming local government election in Delta.

    “As you are aware, the local government election in the state will be coming up on July 13, but we realised for persons with disabilities to be active members of the society, we need to carry them along.

    “That is the reason we convened this meeting. We are here to sensitise them through our ‘ABLE2VOTE’ campaign,” he said.

    Kilanko recalled that before the 2023 general elections, there was no data on PWDs as solicited by the organisation.

    ”We were able to get the data in the different areas of the country and this enabled the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to make little provisions for them.

    ”We saw a great improvement from what it was in the 2019 general election and we are hoping to build on that ahead of the upcoming local government election in Delta.

    “We want to see how we can work with the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC) to ensure persons with disabilities are carried along,” he said.

    Kilanko disclosed that the training would also capture DSIEC, political parties and security agencies among others as stakeholders.

    According to him, participants will be exposed to what the constitution has provided for and other relevant laws to ensure PWDs fit well into all electoral processes.

    Kilanko assured that the organisation would continue to work with political parties at the national level to ensure that a particular quota was given to PWDs in the country.

    He disclosed that the training was being supported by Disability Rights Fund, describing the fund as a major supporter of the project.

    Meanwhile, TAF Africa, Corporate Service and Compliance Manager, Mr Uche Enyiocha, said the organisation focused on promoting the rights, recognition, well-being and support of individuals with disabilities.

    “Our mission is to work with state and non-state actors and dignitaries, including persons with disabilities by fostering inclusiveness and empowerment through policy and legislative interventions education.

    “Our organisation has been able to identify with political participation of persons with disabilities as a critical act of the effort towards their inclusion in our society.

    “We have taken up this endeavour to see how we can get them to participate in the electoral process,” he said.

    Enyiocha noted there had been great voter apathy within the communities, attributing it to neglect by the management of different electoral bodies at different levels and at different elections.

    The South-South Coordinator of the Association of Blind Persons, Mr Nkem Ofili, identified discrimination and lack of access to election materials among others as challenges faced by PWDs in the country.

    He appealed to governments at all levels to make necessary provisions that would enable PWDs to participate fully in electoral processes. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    MOA/MAS/

    Edited by Moses Solanke

  • Heated debate erupts in House of Reps over Tinubu’s budget request

    Heated debate erupts in House of Reps over Tinubu’s budget request

    Budget
    By Femi Ogunshola
    Abuja, June 27, 2024(NAN) The House of Representatives on Thursday engaged in a heated debate over President Bola Tinubu’s request to extend the implementation period of the N21.83 trillion capital component of the 2023 budget.

    Also debated was the extension of the N2.17trillion 2023 supplementary budget to Dec. 2024.

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas had during the plenary read a letter by the President after which the executive bills requesting the extension were introduced.

    The Leader of the House, Rep. Julius Ihonvbere, moved for the second reading of the bills.

    However, Rep. Kingsley Chinda, the House Minority Leader, raised concern on the request for extension of the two budgets.

    Chinda said that it would be morally wrong for the country to be running three to four budgets concurrently.

    He said that the 2024 budget is currently being implemented while the executive is still requesting for the extension of the 2023 main and supplementary budgets at the same time.

    According to him, rather than extension, important projects in the supplementary budget should be moved to the 2024 budget.

    Rep. Alhassan Doguwa (APC-Kano) in his contribution supported the position of the minority leader, saying that it would be morally wrong to have three budgets running at the same time.

    The Speaker, however, appealed to members to support the extension of the budget implementation.

    He said most of the items on the supplementary budget were security related issues.

    In spite of his plea, majority of the lawmakers appeared not comfortable with the request for extension of the budgets as they kept on shouting “No, no.”

    Following the disagreement, Abbas asked that the House should go into an executive session for members to iron out issues before resuming consideration of the bills. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    ODF/CEO/SH

    ==========

    Edited by Chidi Opara/Sadiya Hamza

  • UniAbuja can serve as catalyst for Nigeria’s development — VC

    UniAbuja can serve as catalyst for Nigeria’s development — VC

    Development
    By Muhyideen Jimoh
    Abuja, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The out-going Vice-Chancellor of University of Abuja, Prof. Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah says the repositioned institution can serve as catalyst for Nigeria’s greatness and development.
    Na’Allah told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja at the sidelines of an award ceremony organised by the University’s Sustainable Development Centre (SDC) in honour of him as the “Best Performed” Vice Chancellor of the institution.
    The VC who is set to bow out from office in a few days, after five years of impactful tenure said that the institution has been transformed in line with international best practices, to address some of the nation’s problems.
    He said the introduction of strategic courses/centres such as the SDC, leadership Centre, Security Centre, aeronautical engineering, nuclear engineering among others has positioned the university as a catalyst to fast track the nation’s development.
    “The Sustainable Development Centre (SDC) is one of our great centres established to respond to the need of our world.
    “Sustainable development is at the centre of the strategy of the UN to save our world from calamity, so at University of Abuja we have put together this centre as a solution centre for Nigeria and the world.
    “This is a centre that was established to look for solutions in every area of the SDG goals, so our PhD and masters students focus on finding solutions to our world,” he said.
    Na’Allah thanked the Centre and the out-going PhD students for honouring him, while charging them to continue to contribute to the development of the country, with the knowledge gained from the institution.
    Earlier, Sen. Gbenga Daniel, Chairman, Senate Committee on Navy, who was the special guest of honor, said he was delighted to be associated with the transformative leadership of Na’Allah at the institution.
    He stressed the need to always celebrate excellence, adding that that the SDC could go a long way in preferring solutions to the nation’s current challenges.
    Prof. Sule Magaji, Director, SDC in his remarks said the centre was out to champion holistic sustainable development and inspire students for a better tomorrow.
    Magaji emphasised the need for all hands to be on deck to achieve the SDG goals and evolve a better society.
    Also speaking, Brig- Gen. Adewale Adekoya, Acting Director of the Nigeria Army Heritage and Future Centre expressed optimism that the SDC will give the necessary push in Nigeria achieving the SDGs.
    Adekoya who is an out-going PhD student of the SDC, said the Centre thrives on impacting applicable contemporary studies that will help achieve the SDGs and develop the nation.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that high point of the event was the presentation of ‘sustainable awards’ to various recipients. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    MUYI/SH
    =======
    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • 3 in court over alleged theft of motorcycle valued N2m

    Theft

    By Funmilayo Okunade (07033472099)

    Ado-Ekiti, June 27, 2024(NAN) Three men, Abdullahi Usman, Abdullahi Azeez and Alex Sunday, were on Thursday, arraigned before an Ado-Ekiti Magistrates’ Court, for allegedly stealing a motorcycle valued N2 million.

    Usman, 22, Azeez, 25, and Sunday, 32,  whose addresses were not given, are being charged with stealing.

    The Prosecutor, Insp Raymond Osas, told the court that the defendants committed the offence on June 5, in Ikole-Ekiti.

    He stated that the defendants stole one Bajaj motorcycle valued N2 million, belonging to the complainant, Saliu Mohammed.

    Osas further said that the offence contravened Section 302(1) (a) of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021.

    The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge.

    The Magistrate, Mrs Olubunmi Bamidele, granted bail to the defendants in the sum of N200,000 each, with two sureties in like sum.

    She adjourned the case till July 24 for hearing.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    FOA/DEB/AZU
    ===========

    Edited by Azubuike Okeh

  • S/African president mourns soldiers killed in DR Congo

    S/African president mourns soldiers killed in DR Congo
    Soldiers
    Johannesburg, June 27, 2024 (Xinhua/NAN) South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday expressed his profound sadness over the deaths of two soldiers and injuries to 20 others in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
    The casualties of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members were inflicted by a mortar attack on one of their bases in Sake, in the eastern DRC, on Tuesday.
    In a statement issued on Thursday, Ramaphosa offered his “deep condolences” to the families of the fallen troops as well as their commanders and colleagues.
    “The president’s thoughts are also with the SANDF members who are recovering from their injuries,” the statement said.
    Ramaphosa assured the bereaved families and the injured troops that the SANDF would take the utmost care to provide the necessary logistical and psychosocial support to all those affected.
    “As we mourn the deaths and casualties inflicted on our soldiers, we value and are humbled by the sacrifices they have made for the cause of peace and stability in our region, and they shall not be forgotten,” he said.
    According to the statement, the South African soldiers were part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC, which was deployed in December 2023.
    They were deployed to support DRC government efforts to restore peace and security in the eastern part of the country. (Xinhua/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    UMD/HS
    ===
    Edited by Ummul Idris/Halima Sheji

  • Kaduna: Police nab 985 phone snatchers, 143 kidnap, robbery suspects 

  • Scholz restates support for von der Leyen 2nd term

    Scholz restates support for von der Leyen 2nd term

    Support

    Brussels, June 27, 2024 (dpa/NAN) German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Thursday reaffirmed his support for Ursula von der Leyen to be nominated for a second term at the helm of the European Commission.

    “Our intention is that the political platform that has supported Mrs von der Leyen in the past should continue to do so in the future,” said Scholz,

    While referring to an agreement between the centre-right European People’s Party, the centre-left Socialists and Democrats of which his own Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) is a member and the centrist Renew Europe group in the European Parliament.

    Von der Leyen is a member of Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU), which is affiliated to the EPP and is the principal domestic opponent of Scholz’s SPD.

    “We are now discussing this with our good friends in Europe,” Scholz said, expressing hope that the European Parliament would support the EU leaders’ nominee. (dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    HS

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    Edited by Halima Sheji

     

     

  • 2 Carpenters arraigned over alleged theft of furniture machine

    Theft

    By Ugochi Joy Ugochukwu

    Abuja, June 27,  2024(NAN) Two Carpenters, Solomon Sunday and Umar Danjuman, were on Thursday, arraigned before a Zuba Magistrates’ Court, Abuja for allegedly stealing a furniture machine.

    Sunday and Danjuman who reside at Tungamaji Zuba, Abuja, are being charged with criminal conspiracy and theft.

    The Prosecutor, Chinedu Ogada, told the court that the complainant, Onakpami Emmanuel, a Security Guard at Three Plus Construction Company, reported the matter at the Zuba Police Station on June 8.

    Ogada said that the defendants conspired with another, identified as Zakaria, now at large, to commit the offense at about 11.00p.m on June 5.

    “They entered into the premises of the firm, Three Plus Construction Company, and stole a furniture machine.

    “They could not give a satisfactory account of themselves during interrogation, and all efforts to recover the stolen items have proved abortive,” he said.

    The prosecutor said that the offence contravened Section 97 of the Penal Code.

    The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge.

    The Magistrate, Mr Abdulazeez Mohammed granted the defendants bail in the sum of N300,000 each, with a surety each in like sum.

    Mohammed ordered that the surety must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and should produce reliable means of identification.

    He further ordered that the surety’s address must be verified, and thereafter, adjourned the case until July 2 for hearing.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    UGO/AZU

    Edited by Azubuike Okeh

  • Archives: Don advocates collaborations for best practices

    Archives: Don advocates collaborations  for best practices

     

    Elvis Otobo, Professor of Archival Science and Diplomatics

     

    Archives

    By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu

    Lagos, June 27, 2024 (NAN) A professor of Archival Science and Diplomatics, Elvis Otobo, says collaboration with international bodies is key for best practices in the implementation of successful archival systems in Nigeria.

    Otobo, media aide to the Founder/Visitor, Caleb University and Proprietor Caleb Group of Schools, Dr Oladega Adebogun, made the assertion in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos.

    According to him, in order to achieve the much needed national transformation and accelerated economic growth, effective records and archives management is critical.

    Otobo, also Africa’s pioneer Archival Science and Diplomatics Professor, said that archival science and diplomatics played a crucial role in preserving the cultural heritage and administrative history of not just Nigeria, but Africa at large.

    He added that it was also not just an academic achievement, but also a pivotal step toward enhancing the country’s records and archives ecosystem.

    According to him, it promises a future where the country’s historical narrative is preserved with integrity and shared with the world.

    “Diplomatics is the study of ancient documents, which assists in verifying the authenticity of historical records; thus, safeguarding the accuracy and legitimacy of African history, reflecting on its past and informing its present as well as shaping a more informed future.

    “Across Africa, archival science ensures that valuable records are properly organised, stored and made accessible for research, which is vital for understanding the continent’s post-colonial history and development,” he said.

    Otobo added that well-kept records were also essential for transparent governance, legal certainty and attracting investment.

    He said that Nigeria had yet to achieve much in the archival science and diplomatics space.

    “Nigeria’s performance in records management has been a mixed bag.

    “Studies have shown that there are challenges in the practice of records management in the country’s public and private sectors.

    “Inadequate facilities and lack of coherent policy are prevalent.

    “However, there are also positive developments, such as the implementation of eNictronic records management, which has had a positive impact on national development in areas like security control, collaboration and efficiency,” he said.

    The professor told NAN that about 98 per cent of  organisations in Nigeria lacked a strong record management policy, which could lead to inefficiency, corruption and poor job performance.

    Otobo said that there was still room for improvement in the broader records management landscape in Nigeria.

    He said that a multi-faceted approach was essential to enhance the country’s records and archival systems.

    According to him, strengthening the legal framework to ensure protection and management of records and investing in modern technology for digitisation and electronic records management are important.

    Otobo stressed the importance of improving professional trainings for archivists and records managers.

    He said that conducting regular records surveys and acquiring new materials for preservation were also critical steps needed for the revitalisation of the sector.

    “The various laws guiding the management of records and archives must equally be respected and strictly implemented,” he said. (NAN)(www.nnannews.ng)

    MIL/FEO/IGO

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

    Edited by Francis Onyeukwu/Ijeoma Popoola