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Category: Security

  • Police Denies Involvement In Formation Of Vigilante Group

    Police Denies Involvement In Formation Of Vigilante Group

    The Commissioner of Police in Nasarawa State, CP Shehu Umar Nadada, has dismissed claims of the police command’s involvement in the creation of a Fulani Nomad Vigilante team. 

    This comes in response to the recent formation of a 1,144-member security team by the President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Abdullahi Bello Bodejo.

    During a courtesy visit by members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, CP Nadada clarified that the command had no prior knowledge of the establishment of the Fulani Nomad Vigilante team and cannot be held responsible for their actions.

    While acknowledging that the police provided security during the inauguration ceremony, CP Nadada emphasized that it was done solely to prevent potential disruptions and maintain law and order.

    Residents had expressed concerns about alleged collaboration between the police and the nomad vigilante group, but the Commissioner affirmed that the police only secured the event venue and had not officially endorsed the vigilante team.

    In his statement, CP Nadada asserted, “We have been working with some vigilante groups that are recognised by the government, but we will not work with any vigilante that is not recognised by the government.”

    The Chairman of the NUJ, Nasarawa State Council, Salihu Alkali, congratulated the CP on his recent posting and pledged cooperation to ensure the success of the police command’s programs.

  • Senate Summons Service Chiefs Amidst Security Concerns; Economic Meeting Postponed

    Senate Summons Service Chiefs Amidst Security Concerns; Economic Meeting Postponed

    In response to the escalating security challenges gripping the nation, the Senate has called for a crucial meeting with the Service Chiefs, scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday.

    This decision has prompted the postponement of another significant meeting – a session with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Yemi Cardoso, and the economic team, initially slated for Tuesday, February 6, 2024.

    Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance, and other Financial Institutions, Senator Tokumbo Abiru, clarified the rationale behind the rescheduling. He elucidated that the delay stemmed from the House of Representatives’ consultations with the CBN Governor concerning the country’s economic status. Senator Abiru emphasized the importance of understanding and cooperation among legislative counterparts, underscoring the need for patience.

    Consequently, the meeting with the economic team has been deferred to Friday, February 9, 2024, at 9 am. This adjustment aims to allow ample time for discussions with both the Service Chiefs and the economic experts.

    Postponing the meeting, the Chairman Banking Committee, Senator Tokumbo Abiru said “our plan today is to have a session with the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN and the essence of the meeting is well known to all of us, which has to do with the economic situation in the country. But some how, the CBN governor has been held back in the House of Representatives as the House tries to do consultations with him regarding the situation of the economy as well.

    He said that was why the meeting was initially delayed, adding that their part “we should be rational in trying to see reasons with our brothers and sisters in the House of Representatives and the CBN governor.

    “To that extent, on our part we have to adjourn our own to Friday February 9, 2024.

    Another reason according to Senator Abiru, which he deemed proper to explain, was the meeting of the Senate with the Service Chiefs.
    “Tomorrow, we have a session with the Service Chiefs and that may extend to Thursday because they are issues of very serious concern to us. In order to play safe, to have enough time to interact properly with the economic team, which means we will extend the invitation beyond the governor to also include the economic team”, he added.

  • ISWAP Attack Police Headquarters In Borno

    ISWAP Attack Police Headquarters In Borno

    The Borno State Police Command has confirmed the killing of four policemen by Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on Friday in Gajiram, headquarters of Nganzai local government area of Borno State.

    Confirming the incident to our journalists on Saturday in Maiduguri, the state’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Nahun Daso, said the bodies of the slain police officers have been recovered.

    Similarly, sources, according to Zagazola Makama, a Counter-Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad region, revealed that the terrorists disguised themselves and sneaked into the town at about 11 am on Friday and went straight to the police quarters in Gajiram town and opened fire, killing the four policemen.

    Makama added, “Sources said mobile policemen at the police quarters engaged the terrorists in a heavy gun battle, which prevented them from burning down the quarters.

    “It was learnt that when the troops of ‘Operation Hadin Kai’ Joint Taskforce stormed the scene, the terrorists had fled.”

    Gajiram is located about 73 kilometers from Maiduguri, the restive capital of Borno State.

  • Kwara Governor Vows To Get Justice For Slain Monarch

    Kwara Governor Vows To Get Justice For Slain Monarch

    Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of Peter Aremu, the Onikoro of Koro-Ekiti in Ekiti LGA of Kwara state. 

    The traditional ruler was brutally killed during a home invasion by gunmen on Thursday, who also abducted his wife and two others.

    In a statement issued by Rafiu Ajakaye, the chief press secretary to the governor, Abdulrazaq denounced the incident as “reckless, shocking, and abominable.”

    The governor has urged security operatives to swiftly track down the perpetrators, rescue the abducted individuals, and ensure justice is served.

    “We will certainly get the perpetrators and ensure that this is their last crime against humanity,” Governor Abdulrazaq vowed. 

    “My profound condolences go to the people of Koro. Our hearts are broken, and we stand by them at this time and always.”

    This tragic event further compounds the unsettling pattern of attacks on traditional rulers, echoing the broader security challenges facing the nation.

    Just days ago, on January 29, two traditional rulers fell victim to suspected kidnappers in Ekiti state, heightening concerns about the safety of community leaders.

  • BREAKING: Many Feared Killed As Soldiers, Gunmen Clash In Mangu

    BREAKING: Many Feared Killed As Soldiers, Gunmen Clash In Mangu

    Many were reportedly killed when soldiers and gunmen clashed in two villages of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, on Saturday morning.

    The clash occurred after Governor Caleb Mutfwang relaxed the 24-hour curfew imposed on the area.

    Mutfwang had said following improvement of security, the curfew should be from 8am to 4pm.

    Sources said that about 30 gunmen were killed while some soldiers sustained injuries during the clash at Satguru and Tyop villages.

    A security operative, said, “The incident occurred between 7 to 7:30 am when the gunmen came in their numbers and started attacking some communities along Gindri road. In no time, the soldiers were alerted and immediately responded.

    “About 30 of the gunmen were killed while more than 50 of them were arrested with guns and ammunition. Four soldiers were equally injured.”

    Another source in the area who also pleaded for anonymity confirmed the incident, adding that people were still in fear.

    Spokesperson of Operation Safe Haven, a multi-security taskforce maintaining peace in the area, is yet to respond to the inquiries.

  • BREAKING: Governor declares 24-hour curfew in Plateau LG

    BREAKING: Governor declares 24-hour curfew in Plateau LG

    Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has declared a 24-hour curfew on the Mangu Local Government Area of the state with immediate effect.

    The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the governor’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere.

    He said the decision followed the deteriorating security situation in the area.

    The statement read in the part, “Governor Mutfwang took the decision after consultations with the relevant security agencies.

    “He stated that only persons on essential duties are allowed to move within the local government area until further notice.

    “He urged all citizens, especially residents of Mangu Local Government Area, to comply with the directive and assist the security personnel by providing reliable information to restore peace and order in the area.

    “He lamented that some people are still determined to create an atmosphere of insecurity in the state, despite the government’s efforts to end the activities of terrorist elements.

    “He expressed his sympathy to the families of the victims and the injured and assured them that the government will not relent in ensuring lasting peace in the state.

    “He promised that the curfew will be reviewed as soon as the security situation improves.”

  • Bandits Strike In Enugu Community, Kill 1

    Bandits Strike In Enugu Community, Kill 1

    Agu-Amede community near Eha-Amufu in the Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State witnessed another horrifying attack on Sunday, January 21, 2024. 

    Suspected herder bandits targeted Odoba and Isi Agbuhu villages, resulting in the tragic death of Ikechukwu Odomi from Isi Agbuhu.

    Community leader Ephraim Ogbu confirmed the attack, expressing deep concern over the apparent lack of response from security forces despite timely information provided by the locals. 

    Ogbu revealed that a house owned by Chibuike Olinya in Odoba Agu Amede village was also burned down, with Olinya narrowly escaping harm.

    Despite the prolonged nature of the attack, Ogbu lamented that soldiers and other security agencies did not intervene, raising questions about the effectiveness of their presence in the area. 

    Ogbu questioned, “What we don’t know is whether the soldiers are here to protect the bandits?”

    Residents have been grappling with ongoing attacks since late last year, with Fulani bandits reportedly occupying a significant portion of farmland. 

    The assailants enter the community freely, leaving destruction in their wake. Ogbu emphasized, “The bandits come into the community at will, kill and burn houses.”

    The slain Ikechukwu Odomi had been accompanying his in-law when they encountered the bandits on the road. 

    He abandoned his vehicle and fled into the bush, but tragically, the assailants pursued him, setting the bush ablaze and claiming his life.

  • New Commander Takes Charge to Tackle Abuja Kidnapping Crisis

    New Commander Takes Charge to Tackle Abuja Kidnapping Crisis

    Once a rare occurrence in the nation’s capital, Abuja, the incidence of kidnapping and other violent crimes have become rampant in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria.

    Determined to stem the escalating incidence of kidnapping in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olukayode Egbetokun, has inaugurated the Special Intervention Squad (SIS).

    This squad, under the leadership of the newly appointed commander, DC Mohammed Sanusi, aims to combat the activities of kidnappers, bandits, and enhance security in the border towns of the FCT.

    The launch of the SIS comes at a critical time as Abuja and its environs grapple with a surge in insecurity. Recent incidents have seen a rise in abductions and fatalities among civilians in the FCT.

    ESTABLISHMENT OF SPECIAL INTERVENTION SQUAD

    IGP Egbetokun, who assumed office in June, declared the establishment of the SIS as a key initiative of his administration. The squad comprises specially trained officers equipped to swiftly respond to security incidents, aligning with the administration’s priority to address violent crime threats across the country.

    Force spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi unveiled the new commander, DC Mohammed Sanusi, via X (Twitter), stating, “Behold, the new commander IRT, DC Mohammed Sanusi. His team has arrested many kidnappers and recovered arms and ammunition, many of which were displayed recently.

    In just two days since the launch of the SIS in Abuja, significant progress has been made. Adejobi reported, “IRT has picked 2 gun runners and 4 suspected kidnappers who terrorize the FCT and neighboring communities.

    The operations are still ongoing, with details to be provided soon during a media briefing. We count on your support to do more. Thanks.”

  • Police Burst Identity of Abuja Notorious Kidnapper

    Police Burst Identity of Abuja Notorious Kidnapper

    The identity of the notorious Abuja kidnapper arrested by police operatives of the Kaduna State Police Command has been revealed.

    In a statement on Friday, the FCT Command Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Josephine Adeh, said the name of the suspected kidnapper is Chinaza Phillip.

    She said Philip was arrested on Thursday, January 18, 2024, for his involvement in the recent kidnappings and killings in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    Adeh added that the suspect was handed over to the FCT Police Command on Friday and is currently in police custody.

    The statement reads: “The FCT Police Command wishes to confirm the arrest of one Chinaza Phillip, a notorious Abuja kidnapper by police operatives of the Kaduna State Police Command on Thursday 18th January 2024.

    “The suspect has been handed over to FCT police Command today being Friday 19th January, 2024, and currently in police custody.

    “More details will be communicated soon….”

  • Rising Incidents of Kidnappings in Abuja: UN Issues Stern Warning

    Rising Incidents of Kidnappings in Abuja: UN Issues Stern Warning

    The United Nations (UN) has sounded the alarm on the escalating wave of kidnappings for ransom in various regions of Nigeria, with a particular focus on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. 

    Expressing deep concern, the UN’s Chief Security Advisor, Phillip Ackatia-Armah, emphasized the need for urgent attention and heightened security measures.

    In an advisory, Ackatia-Armah urged UN staff and their dependents to exercise caution, especially during nighttime movements, as criminals increasingly target individuals perceived as capable of paying ransoms. 

    While UN personnel may not be directly singled out, their vulnerability lies in residing within communities where they may be recognized as potential sources of ransom funds.

    The advisory includes recommendations such as changing daily routes and timings to avoid predictability, keeping emergency contact numbers readily available, and informing others of whereabouts.

    It also provides guidance on interacting with kidnappers, emphasizing the importance of staying calm, subtly signaling for help, and continuously assessing surroundings for potential escape routes.

    The UN’s proactive measures come in response to a notable increase in kidnapping incidents in Abuja in recent weeks. 

    The organization aims to ensure the safety of its personnel by disseminating these guidelines to navigate the current security challenges in the Nigerian capital.