Security

Army Rescues 12 Abducted Teenage Girls

By Web News 212

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have rescued 12 teenage girls abducted by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Mussa District, Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

This was disclosed in a post on Sunday by the Nigerian Army via its official X handle.

“The Nigerian Army has successfully rescued 12 teenage girls abducted by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Mussa District of Askira/Uba Local Government Area, Borno State,” the statement read.

“They were freed on Saturday, 29 November, following a swift, intelligence-led operation by troops of Operation HADIN KAI in the southern Borno axis,” it noted.

The army said the rescued girls had been moved to a secure military facility where they are receiving comprehensive medical care, psychological support and debriefing.

Ranging between 15 and 20 years, the victims were kidnapped on November 23 while harvesting crops on their family farmlands.

Channels TV / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Security

We want to ensure equipped and highly motivated Force – Major Gen. Usman

By Web News 208

By Oluwatoyin Adegoke 

Officers and Men of the Nigeria Army from the four major formations making up the 81 Division have converged on the 35 Artillery Brigade Alamala Abeokuta,Ogun State to participate in the weeklong competition aimed at improving leadership traits, organizational ability and promoting spirit-de-corps among troops.

Addressing the gathering during the opening ceremony, General Officer Commanding 81 Division of the Nigeria Army, Major General Muhammed Usman   noted that troops performance in peace and war was a direct result of the qualities of their training which he said remained a veritable tool for enhanced military professionalism. 

Major- General Usman explained that the Competition was in line with the Chief of Army Staff vision of ensuring a Well-trained, Equipped and Highly Motivated Force Towards Achieving the Constitutional Responsibilities of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Earlier, Brigade Commander 35 Artillery Brigade Alamala Abeokuta, Brigadier -General Muhammed Amina had explained that  the competition involving the participation of 120 military personnel was a fundamental idea for every battle winning Army hence the need for enhanced and adequate training in the Nigeria Army. 

The events rigorously competed for during the competition included; Map Reading, Combat Swimming, Obstacle Crossing and Weapon Handling/Range Classification.

The participating divisions also included,81 Division Garrison, 45 Engineering Brigade Badagry, 9 Brigade Maryland Lagos and the host 35 Artillery Brigade Alamala Abeokuta.

Crime

Army Intercept Vehicle Load of Hard Drug

By Web News 756

By Oluwatoyin Adegoke

Operatives of the Nigerian Army, 35 Artillery Brigade have intercepted a vehicle conveying a large quantity of substance suspected to be Cannabis Sativa at Mologbede village in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State. 

A statement by the Army’s Public relations officer in the state, Mohammed Goni said The 441 wrapped pieces of Pawpaw-sized Cannabis Sativa, weighing 223Kg were intercepted on Friday, 29 March 2024.

The Commander 35 Artillery Brigade, Brigadier General Mohammed Aminu who commended the troops for their effort urged them to continue to remain vigilant in their various locations. 

While handing over the 441 wrapped pieces of Pawpaw-sized Cannabis Sativa weighing 223Kg and the Mazda vehicle to the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency Ogun State Command, the Commander, represented by Major Gadzama Abdullahi reiterated that the Brigade would continue to sustain all efforts in collaborating with other security agencies to get rid of crimes and other social vices in the State.

While speaking, the Commandant NDLEA Ogun State Command, Commander of Narcotics, Mrs Jane Odili expressed satisfaction over the synergy that exists between the  Military and other security agencies in combating illicit drugs in the state.

She stressed that with the support of the military, NDLEA was able to break boundaries, burst drug syndicates and achieve a holistic outcome in their overall drug-fighting efforts.

Crime

Soldiers Intercept 296 Cannabis Wraps, Shun N12m Bribe

By Web News 494

Troops of the Nigerian Army have apprehended an 18-year-old named Michael Atanda and a 58-year-old, Adigun Olatunji, for trying to smuggle a substance believed to be cannabis into the country.

They were arrested after their vehicle was intercepted by the troops along the Balogun border in Ogun State following an intelligence report.

A statement on Sunday by the Director, Army Public Relations, Maj.  Gen.  Onyema Nwachukwu, said a total of 296 wraps of cannabis concealed in their vehicle were recovered from the suspects.

He said the troops rejected the N12m bribe offered by the syndicate.

The statement partly read,  “Troops of 192 Battalion, 81 Division, Nigerian Army, acting on credible intelligence intercepted a suspected transnational drug syndicate operating with a Sienna 2001 Model Space Bus, with registration number Lagos APP 129 EF, loaded with illicit substances, suspected to be Cannabis Sativa. The suspects were intercepted on Sunday 14  January 2024, along the Balogun border in Ogun State.

“Vigilant troops conducted a thorough search on the vehicle and detected layers of compartments packed with 296 wraps of substance suspected to be marijuana.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the wraps of illicit substance were transported from Benin Republic, through Ilara border communities en route Ifo, Ogun State.

It was further revealed that it took the transnational drug traffickers five months to conceal the substance for delivery to their clients. Two suspects were arrested in connection to the crime.

“The suspects, identified as one Mr Adigun Olatunji, age 54 years, and Mr Michael Atanda aged 18 years, both from Ilara Imeko in Afun LGA of Ogun State, reside in Benin Republic. “

The army spokesman added that the suspect had been taken into custody for further necessary actions, “after a failed attempt to bribe troops with the sum of N12,000,000.”

“Other items recovered from the suspects include one Benin Republic National ID Card, one Nigerian National ID card, and two small Itel mobile phones.

“Others include one Benin Republic driver’s licence; a Benin Republic passport, six Benin Republic SIM packs, two Benin Republic SIM cards,  one Nigerian driver’s licence, one power bank, and one MP3 player.

“ Additionally, a memory card, local charms, as well as the sum of  N52,700 only were recovered from the suspects.”

The troops of the battalion last year recorded a massive operational success when it confiscated a  large cache of ammunition and illicit substances across the Nigerian and Benin Republic border on November 12, 2023.

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Security

Army Says ‘No Gree’ for Terrorists’, Police Deem ‘No go gree for anybody’ Dangerous

By Web News 271

The Defence Headquarters has urged Nigerians to prevent terrorists from having free rein in the New Year.

The DHQ called on the citizens to be security conscious and report criminal activities in their environments to security operatives.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Thursday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Edward Buba, promised that the military would take action on such tip-offs.

“Make Nigerians no gree for terrorists this year. You see something, you say something and we assure them of doing something, ”he said in pidgin.

Buba joined in using the slang ‘no gree for anybody ‘which is currently trending among youths as slang for the year.

Many believe that the slang is about staying to one’s beliefs and not easily succumbing to the influence of others.

Unlike Buba, however, the spokesman of the Nigeria Police Force, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, had on Wednesday warned that the slang was capable of plunging the country into crisis.

After asking Nigerians to rise against terrorists, Buba noted that the aim of the military in 2024 is to locate and destroy the terrorists wherever they were hiding.

He added, ” The aim of our ongoing operations remains unchanged and clear even in the new year 2024. We aim to find and destroy the terrorist wherever they may be hiding to ensure their enduring defeat. This would deny the terrorist the ability to terrorize or hurt citizens across the country.

“Our operations indicate that we are hunting the terrorist commanders and their senior leadership. Indeed, from their topmost leadership to the lowest commanders are dead men walking and we will stop at nothing until they are dead or surrender.”

He noted that military operations in the last two weeks had resulted in the killing of 86 terrorists, while 101 have been arrested.

“Our operations resulted in 86 neutralized terrorists with 101 of them arrested. Troops also arrested 30 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 21 kidnapped hostages.

“In the SS, troops denied oil theft of the estimated sum of N736,115,470.00 only,” Buba added

Meanwhile, The Nigerian Police Force has expressed its strong disapproval of the popular slang, ‘no go gree for anybody’, being used by youths and citizens across the country.

The popular slang “No Gree for Anybody” has already gained widespread attention.

Many believe the slang is about staying true to one’s beliefs and not easily succumbing to the influence of others.

However, the police, through its spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, warned that it could clamp down on people using the slang.

During a press briefing on Wednesday, Adejobi revealed that the police had received intelligence suggesting that the slogan had the potential to incite a revolution within the country.

He said, “Let me say that the new slogan for 2023, 2024 for our young ones is ‘no go gree for anybody.’

“We have been informed from our intelligence that this slogan is coming from a revolutionary sector that may likely cause problems across the country.

“‘No go gree for anybody’ is being seen as just a normal talk, but in the security business, in the security community, we have seen it as a very dangerous slogan that can trigger a crisis.”

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Security

Osun Inaugurates Special Committee for Armed Forces Remembrance Day

By Web News 447

By Funmi Ojo

Osun State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to continue to give all necessary support to the fallen heroes, who fought gallantly to keep Nigeria, one. 

Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Teslim Igbalaye stated this position while inaugurating a special committee put in place for the year 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day. 

Alhaji Igbalaye, who is also the Chairman of the Committee, charged members of the Committee to work as a team to ensure a successful commemoration of the event by the state government.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Cabinets, Office of the Secretary to the State Government and Social Services, Mr. Olusoji Wojuade, the SSG said the annual event was aimed at honouring the fallen and retired heroes of the Nigerian Army.

While expressing confidence in the ability of the committee members drawn from the Army, Navy, Air force, Police, NSCDC, DSS, FRSC, The Legion, Religious and non-religious organisations, Health and Media sectors including the Osun civil service, emphasised the need for the tasks ahead to be carried out with all sense of responsibility. 

Speaking on behalf of the Committee members, the Director of Social Services, Office of the SSG, Mrs. Bola Olawuni, assured the SSG that, the standing committees would organize a befitting Armed Forces Remembrance Day programmes that would, just as she promised that the media committee would give the events adequate publicity.

The programme highlights for the week-long event include, the launching of the Special Appeal funds for the commemorative emblems, to be performed by the Governor of Osun state, Senator Ademola Adeleke at a day and time to be announced soon, Jumaat and church services at Osogbo while the grand finale comes up on the 15th of January 2024 at the Military Cenotaph in front of the Osun House of Assembly complex, off Osogbo- Gbongan road, Osogbo with the laying of the ceremonial wreaths on the graves of the unknown soldiers.

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Sport

Nigerian Army Holds 28th Tiger Golf Open Tournament in December

By Web News 455

By Rasheedah Makinde

The 2 Division Nigerian Army Ibadan is to organize its 28th Tiger Golf Open Tournament next month. 

This is contained in a statement signed in Ibadan by the 2 Division Nigerian Army public relations officer, Lieutenant Colonel Charles Ekeocha.

According to the statement, the Tiger Opens Golf Tournament is an annual event organized by headquarters 2 Divison, Nigerian Army to promote interaction amongst golf enthusiasts in Nigeria.

The statement notes that the tournament, which will be held from the 1st to the 3rd of next month, has grown from its humble beginnings 27 years ago and has contributed towards sports, the game of golf and in fostering civil-military relations. 

It notes further that The 28th edition of the event is scheduled to take place at Tiger Golf Club, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Ibadan. 

According to the statement, Chairman of the event, Brigadier General George Nkenke states that 200 golfers had already registered for the tournament and about 17 trophies are expected to be won.

The statement states further that the Special Guest of Honour for the event is the Governor of Oyo State Engineer Seyi Makinde. 

The event, which will start with a cocktail, ends with an elaborate closing ceremony on the 3rd of December this year.

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Security

Your Welfare Remains Paramount, COAS Assures Officers

By Web News 503

By Rasheedah Makinde

Good leadership, operational effectiveness and sound administration in the Nigerian Army would go a long way in tackling insecurity in the country.

 The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja stated this during a familiarization tour to 2 Division Nigerian Army Ibadan. 

 Lieutenant General Lagbaja gave assurance that under his leadership, the Nigerian Army would be repositioned to effectively turn the nation into a safer place. 

He said the visit to the 2 Division became imperative to physically assess the officers as well as have a one-on-one interactive with them on different challenges affecting their performances. 

 The Army boss said he was optimistic that the visit would motivate and drive the officers to continue to give their best to the nation. 

 He, therefore, called on the soldiers to gear up be more dedicated and always be ready to provide quality services to Nigerians. 

“The GOC and I have discussed about challenges you are experiencing in terms of accommodation, shortage of personnel, protection gears, uniforms, support weapons and the like. I have taken notes of all the challenges and we will address them “

 “The government is doing a lot to address the challenges that confront us as the Nigerian Army. The issue of the group live assurance that has been long drawn is receiving due attention of Mr President as he had given the approval to clear the backlog” 

“For our departed colleagues, to have their family left behind paid what is their entitlement in terms of group live assurance” 

 For all other entitlements, the government was doing similar things and the Army was being transformed not only in terms of accommodation but also in terms of force structure “

The Chief of Army Staff hinted that the Nigerian Army aviation would soon be operationalized with the arrival of an MP53K helicopter to increase the performance of the troops in the theatre war.

 Lieutenant Lagbaja said as part of his efforts to reform the Nigerian Army, he had recently flagged off an end-of-the-year exercise which included still water, enduring peace and a golden door to run from now to January 5 2024. 

 He said the purpose of the exercises was to ensure and conduct real-time operation in collaboration with sister agencies in order to neutralize bandits camps, and bursting a drug cartel in a bid to ensure that peace and stability were maintained nationwide. 

 The Chief of Army Staff noted that some personnel would soon be deployed for the exercises and enjoined them to act in line with the rules of engagement and code of conduct of the Nigerian Army.

 Highlights of the visit included the inauguration of central ordinance deport motor transport and technical building, tree planting and inspection of the Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Odogbo and Letmack Barracks Mokola Ibadan.

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Security

Nigerian Army Refreshes Officers’ Operational Capabilities

By Web News 564

By Rasheeda Makinde

The Nigerian Army says training and retraining of officers will help in capacity building to enhance performance in carrying out its operational responsibilities.

The General Officer Commanding, GOC, 2 Division Nigerian Army Ibadan, Major General Bamidele Alabi stated this at opening of a 5-day operations planning cadre 2023 at the Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Ojoo, Ibadan 

The General Officer Commanding, 2 Division Ibadan, Major General Bamidele Alabi said the event was an annual event to refresh officers on contemporary operational realities facing the Nigerian army, which includes presentation period and interactive sessions.

He said the program would instill and foster discipline, respect and synergy between the military and other security agencies.

Major General Alabi restated his commitment to transforming towards achieving its constitutional responsibilities within the joint environment.

The GOC stated further that the presence of personnel of sister services and other security agencies at the event was to make training more realistic since most internal security operations were conducted within a joint environment.

He therefore, enjoined all the participants to freely express their opinion and ideas that would aim the achievement of the object of this cadre.

“The cadre will enrich your knowledge through the variety of lectures, presentations and group discussion that would be given by various resource people “

“I advised the participants to make maximum use of his cadre to understand the dynamics of proper synergy, collaboration and sound coordination of operation with sister agencies”

“This is because the cadre is expected to present a practical joint environment that would them to interface with each other.”

Major General Alabi also urged the participants to play their roles respectively in accomplishing the mandated of the Chief of Army Staff.

“This is to be achieved by upholding the command, pillars of leadership, operational effectiveness and administrations in steering the affairs of the Nigerian Army within the 2 division areas of responsibilities”

Declaring the event open, the chief of training Army, Major General Sanni Muhammad said the event became imperative for middle cadre officer on the basic rudiments of operational act and its processes and procedures.
Major General Muhammad who was represented by Brigadier General Ilori Bindul, said the programme would also focus on selected aspects of operations planning to give participants a thorough knowledge of the combat and tactical estimate steps, its purposes and uproot.

He said the program would also focus on selected aspects of operations planning to give participants a thorough knowledge of the combat and tactical estimate steps, its purposes and uproot.

The 5-day program, which started today, ends on Friday.

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Security

JUST IN: Army Chief to visit Niger State after Ambush on Troops

By Web News 392

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, is on his way to the Wushishi Local Government Area of Niger where bandits ambushed and killed troops.

Many troops were said to have died during the attack which happened on Monday.

Also, there were unconfirmed reports that the crashed Nigerian Air Force aircraft was the handiwork of the bandits. The Air Force has yet to debunk or confirm the reports.

However, speaking in an interview with our correspondent on Tuesday, the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, confirmed there were casualties on the troops’ side but refused to give details.

He told our correspondent that attention should be on the families of the troops left behind and not the number of troops killed.

Onyema added that the Army Chief was on his way to the scene to motivate the troops.

He said, “I can confirm that there was an incident in Wushishi LG of Niger State. Our gallant patriots paid the supreme price when they ran into an ambush staged by insurgents. They were courageous till the end. They stood their ground and defended our great country with their lives.

“The focus now is how to console and bring respite to those they left behind. Sadly, the incident occurred while the Chief of Army Staff is on an operational tour of the North-West Operations theatre for an on-the-spot assessment and reinvigoration of ongoing operations. He is currently headed to the affected formation to encourage the troops.”

Punch/Olaolu Fawole

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Foreign

Sudan Boils as Army, Paramilitary Force Tussle

By Web News 481

*Also Video of the situation in Sudan

At least three have died as Sudan’s army and a notorious paramilitary force battle with heavy weapons in the capital Khartoum amid tensions over a proposed transition to civilian rule.

The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) says it has taken control of at least three airports, the army chief’s residence and the presidential palace.

The army denies this and says its air force is attacking paramilitary bases.

People are attempting to shelter from the fighting.

“Shooting is still ongoing and people are staying indoors – there is so much panic and fear,” an eyewitness told the BBC via her Kenya-based sister.

Residents had not been expecting the clashes, she said, and many had been caught in transit. with bridges and roads closed and many schools in lockdown.

Duaa Tariq was speaking to the BBC when a military plane flew over her building – “They’re shooting live ammunition at the roof of the house next door and we’re just now taking shelter,” she said.

US Ambassador John Godfrey said he “woke up to the deeply disturbing sounds of gunfire and fighting. I am currently sheltering in place with the Embassy team, as Sudanese throughout Khartoum and elsewhere are doing”. He urged senior military leaders to stop the fighting.

Russia’s embassy was also concerned by the “escalation of violence” and urged a ceasefire, Reuters reports.

There are also reports of clashes at the state TV station.

RSF commander Gen Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti, told al-Jazeera that he would fight on until all army bases had been captured.

He said army chief Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan was a “criminal” and would either be killed or “face justice”.

Earlier the RSF had said that one of its camps in the south of Khartoum had been attacked.

For its part, the army has said that RSF fighters have been trying to seize the military headquarters.

“Fighters from the Rapid Support Forces attacked several army camps in Khartoum and elsewhere around Sudan,” the AFP news agency quotes army spokesman Brig Gen Nabil Abdallah as saying.

“Clashes are ongoing and the army is carrying out its duty to safeguard the country.”

The Reuters news agency is also citing witnesses as saying that there was gunfire in the northern city of Merowe. The RSF deployed forces near that base on Thursday as tensions increased.

Generals have been running the country, through what is called the Sovereign Council, since a coup in October 2021.

Gen Burhan is president of the council while Hemedti is its vice-president.

But a proposed move to a civilian-led government has foundered on the timetable to integrate the RSF into the national army – the RSF wanted to delay it for 10 years, but the army said it should happen in two years.

Hemedti was a key figure in the conflict in Darfur that began in 2003 and has left hundreds of thousands dead.

Western powers and regional leaders had urged the two sides to de-escalate tensions and to go back to talks aimed at restoring civilian rule.

There had been signs on Friday that the situation would be resolved.

The 2021 coup ended a period of more than two years when military and civilian leaders were sharing power. That deal came after Sudan’s long-term authoritarian President Omar al-Bashir was overthrown.

There have been regular pro-democracy protests in Khartoum ever since the coup.

BBC/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Security

Elections: We’re ready to ensure a safe and secure atmosphere – Oyo Police Commissioner

By Web News 452

By Rasheedah Makinde

Ahead of the Governorship and State Assembly Elections, security agencies in Oyo State have assured the citizens of a safe and secure atmosphere before, during and after the exercise.

This was contained in a communique released by heads of security agencies and paramilitary organizations at the end of its strategic security meeting held at Police Headquarters, Eleyele Ibadan, in preparation for the Saturday’s elections.

Briefing newsmen at the end of the meeting, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Mr Adebowale Williams said all the security agencies have synergised to collectively ensure that the security architecture was restructured and re-modified to clamp down on any criminal acts in the state during elections.

Mr Adebowale said this would be the second meeting after the Presidential/National Assembly Elections where they reviewed their performances with a view to having a better and a near perfect outing on Saturday’s Governorship and House of Assembly Elections.

“On behalf of the Oyo State Heads of Security Agencies I want to applaud your support and cooperation so far. We equally appreciate your inspiring commendations and appraisals which for us means more commitment towards the protection of democratic values in the state.”

The police commissioner explained that all Heads of Security Agencies and Paramilitary Organizations in the state wished to inform residents that more pre-emptive measures towards the protection of lives and property have been emplaced towards the overall success of the Saturday’s elections.

“Residents shall witness a complete overhaul of the present security architecture to accommodate more inclusive measures effective this moment.”

He said part of the measures being put in place include joint visibility patrols, raids of black spots, coordinated intelligence surveillance as well as close monitoring of habitual criminals.

“Also, included in the new security schedule is the involvement of cyber-forensic experts to handle cyber-related offences especially circulation of fake and unverified news in other to heat up the polity as violators would be sanctioned in accordance with the provisions of sec 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrime, Prohibition, Prevention Act of 2015.”

“In a bid to secure a safe and conducive environment for electorates in the interest of Public Order and Safety, the extant ban on VIP escorts, accompanying their principals to polling units, Use of sirens and revolving lights by unauthorized persons. Tinted glasses and covered number plates, and Vehicular restrictions from 1201hrs (12:01AM Election Day) till 1800hrs (6:00pm) of same. i.e. Saturday 18/03/2023.”

He noted that vendors of food, alcohol and other consumables would not be allowed to operate around polling units and wards to deter vote buying.

“Going armed is a criminal offence and would be viewed seriously on Election day. i.e. Don’t be caught with as little as a knife in your pocket.”

Mr Adebowale also advised residents against placing objects such as bricks, wooden materials or stones on streets and major roads under the guise of recreation as it might debar immediate intervention during times of distress.

“In furtherance of the above, it is advised that post-election celebrations should be done in moderation, devoid of inciting utterances and provocative gestures that could lead to an eventual breach of peace.”

“Penultimately, parents, guardians and leaders wielding degrees of influence in the society are once again enjoined to prevail on their children, wards, protégés against being used as expendable objects of disruption in Saturday’s Gubernatorial & House of Assembly Elections as stiff sanctions await all violators in accordance with all relevant laws.”

“In cases of emergencies, the command can always be reached through these emergency control room numbers: 615(toll free) and the Oyo State Police Command emergency lines 07055495413 and 08081768614, Garrison Command Hotline – 07047703000.” Mr Williams added.

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Security

Fire Guts Army Headquarters In Abuja

By Web News 613

Fire gutted the Nigerian Army Headquarters complex in Abuja on Tuesday.

The Nigerian Army Director of Public Relations, Brigadier General Mohammed Yerimah, confirmed this in a statement.

He attributed the cause of the inferno to faulty electrical installations.

The statement read, “Electrical fault sparked a minor fire incident at the Army Headquarters Complex, Abuja, Tuesday morning.

“The incident which happened at about 10.15 am was as a result of a minor electrical fault in one of the offices.

“The Army Headquarters complex is currently undergoing some renovation involving electrical rework.

“The Nigerian Army Fire Service Department has since put out the fire. No casualty was recorded during the incident and normalcy has since returned to the complex.”

Punch

Politics

Oyo Government Warns Opposition Against Politicising Insecurity

By Web News 617

The Chief Press Secretary, CPS, to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Mr Taiwo Adisa has warned opposition elements in the state to stop playing politics with the insecurity situation in Ibarapa and Oke-Ogun areas of the state.

A statement by the governor’s aide says that most of the comments attributed to opposition elements on the security situation in the state missed the point due to pettiness, contempt and clear attempt to play to the gallery.

According to him, if opposition elements were true lovers of the state, they should have used the occasion to demonstrate patriotism by empathising with the people of the state and coming up with their own ideas on how to address the situation.

Mr Adisa said Governor Makinde had, at the height of the insecurity in Ibarapa, deployed Operation Burst, a state-backed security outfit comprising the Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Police to Ibarapa in large numbers.

The governor had also caused to be deployed, men and officers of MOPOL 72, located strategically in Ago-Are in Oke-Ogun axis.

He added that the government followed-up that deployment with the mass deployment of the men of the Oyo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun, to Ibarapa and Oke-Ogun axes to quench the rising insecurity.

Mr Adisa maintained that the mass deployment of security operatives to the area had begun to yield positive results in the last few weeks, stating that on January 9, the Amotekun Corps worked with Vigilante Group of Nigeria, local hunters, and Miyetti Allah Vigilantes to comb forests straddling four local governments in Ibarapa and Iwajowa Local Government Areas of Oke-Ogun.

“For the avoidance of doubt, before those fanning the embers of ethnic crisis and their Hosanna crowd went to town with their showmanship gimmicks, the government had made serious efforts to tame the insecurity situation in Ibarapa.”

“Apart from initiating several peace meetings between Yoruba and Fulani residents of the axes, the government took steps to deploy a heavy security presence to Ibarapa and at a point, even backed a community-based effort to rid the forests of kidnappers and bandits.”

“It would be recalled that the government had backed a similar approach in Kisi, Igbeti and Igboho axes of the state and was able to achieve a great success without necessarily making noise in the media about it.”

Iyabo Adebisi