My Blog

Category: Security

  • Police Deny reports of missing 3,907 firearms

    Police Deny reports of missing 3,907 firearms

    The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has strongly refuted claims that 3,907 firearms are missing from its armouries’. 

    The Force Headquarters described the allegations as misleading and based on outdated records.

    In a statement on Thursday, the police acknowledged past challenges, including attacks on armouries during civil unrest, leading to the loss of some weapons.

     However, they confirmed that efforts have been made to recover and account for them.

    The police clarified that the claim originated from a 2019 audit report by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation.

     The report mentioned unaccounted firearms, not missing ones. 

    The Force explained that during audits, some weapons may not be in the armoury because they are in use by officers on duty.

    Additionally, the police stated that internal audits are conducted regularly to track firearms, and no significant discrepancies have been recorded. 

    The Force assured the public of its commitment to transparency and accountability while urging media outlets to verify information before publication.

    A Senate Committee on Public Accounts is set to review the issue further in a hearing scheduled for February 17, 2025.

  • CSOs allege powerful elites depleting Nigeria’s mineral resources 

    CSOs allege powerful elites depleting Nigeria’s mineral resources 

    Some Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), short of naming names, have strongly alleged that powerful elites were sponsoring illegal  mining to strip Nigeria of its mineral wealth.

    The stakeholders said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

    They warned that the situation could undermine President Bola Tinubu’s economic diversification policy, aimed at  enhancing the solid minerals sector to contribute significantly to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). 

    It would be recalled that Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, had alleged that retired military officers were involved in illegal mining, using sophisticated machinery and procuring arms for the activity.

    He said that they use choppers to transport minerals out of the country, making billions of dollars in the process. 

    He added that the arms procured to secure illegal mining sites were also used for banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities.

    The Executive Director of Renevyln Development Initiative (RDI), Philip Dakpor, stated that powerful interests were behind illegal mining, depriving Nigeria of revenue from the sector, which required deliberate action to address the menace

    “There is no doubt that powerful interests are behind illegal mining across the country, so Comrade Adams Oshiomhole may be right in pointing fingers. However, his allegations lack the political will needed to address the issue.

    “This is because he said the perpetrators are known yet no names were mentioned, and no one has been arrested. If those behind the menace are known and can’t be named and arrested then it shows something even deeper.

    “ It is either collusion at certain quarters in government or total negligence, but I suspect it is collusion. Some people in government are benefiting maximally from illegal mining and so choose not to halt the practice, “ he said.

    An activist, Dr Abdullahi Jabi, alleged that traditional rulers were conniving with illegal miners, mostly expatriates, to cart away Nigeria’s mineral wealth.

    Jabi, the Chairman, North Central Zone, Campaign for Democracy, Human Rights Advocacy, Civil Society of Nigeria, said that locals in mining communities aid illegal miners in perpetrating the act.

    “These activities have been on over the years and government did not pay attention to it, until it got escalated with illegal expatriates coming to the country with machineries.

    “They are using residents and citizens within those communities, who show them the way, and then connive with traditional rulers to perpetrate these wounds against the states, “ he said.

    He described the situation as complex, resulting from factors such as the negligence of constitutional duties by political leaders and public office holders.

    “ It is a network that is critical to destroy. Its not as easy as you see it, because the high and the mighty are behind it.

    “This is because a poor man, who cannot feed, who has no energy, cannot go to exploration of minerals resources that is almost 200 or 500 miles into the mother earth. 

    “Who will give him the equipment? Who will provide him with security to do that, “ he said.

    The activist listed poor governance, weak leadership, and a deteriorating economic situation as factors further making the sector vulnerable to expatriates, whom he alleged were supported by some leaders.

    According  to him,  to address the situation, a holistic legal framework must be established to ensure that the solid minerals sector received the required attention.

     He emphasised the need for adequate logistics to enable the government to implement strict measures for the benefit of the people, rather than a few individuals who were exploiting the nation’s resources.

    It will be recalled that the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, during the Ministry’s budget defence in 2023, had also alleged that illegal miners were sponsoring banditry in the affected states.

    He said that efforts were ongoing to identify the perpetrators, adding that various strategies, including both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches were being deployed to address the situation.

  • Egbetokun Assigns New Leaders for SIS, Marine Unit

    Egbetokun Assigns New Leaders for SIS, Marine Unit

    Kayode Egbetokun, IG of Police has appointed Abayomi Shogunle as the head of the Special Intervention Squad (SIS) and Chima Ogarashi as the Force Marine Officer (FMO).

    The decision aims to strengthen security operations and tackle crime, especially along the country’s waterways. 

    The announcement was made on Friday, February 7, by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

    Shogunle, an experienced officer in operations and public relations, will also oversee Elections Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation, as well as the Safe School Protection Squad. 

    Ogarashi will manage maritime security, ensuring effective enforcement of maritime laws.

    These appointments coincide with the launch of 25 newly acquired gunboats, along with plans to obtain more equipment to boost security on the waterways. 

    The move is part of the Nigeria Police’s efforts to enhance safety and protect lives and property across the country.

  • Security agencies profiling ‘pantaker’ markets’ operators in FCT

    Security agencies profiling ‘pantaker’ markets’ operators in FCT

    Security agencies ) have concluded plans to commence profiling of ‘panteker’ markets’ operators in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT.

    Pantaker is a market for the sale of fairly used items and scrap metal and materials, including furniture and home appliances.

    Chief Felix Obuah, Coordinator, Abuja Metropolitan Management Council disclosed this during a meeting with officials of the pantaker markets’ operators across the FCT, in Abuja on Friday.

    Obuah explained that the move was to ensure effective monitoring and regulation of the operations of all pantaker markets in the FCT.

    The FCT Security Council, had on Jan. 13 announced a two-week suspension of operation of all pantaker markets in the territory.

    The move, Obuah said, was to ensure that only legitimate pantakers operate across the FCT, as part of efforts to curb the menace of vandalism in the territory.

    He revealed that a recent raid across some pantaker markets by the Police and other security agencies had led to the recovery of public items worth more than N1 billion. .

    READ ALSO: Appeal court affirms IPOB as a terrorist organisation

    “Therefore, the FCT Administration and security agencies have decided that all pantaker operators must be registered and profiled.

    “This will enable us to identify the genuine ones and determine who is doing what, how and where.

    “This will also ensure effective monitoring and regulation of pantaker activities by both security agencies, Abuja Market Management Ltd and AMMC,” he said.

    Obuah added that the pantaker operators were also required to register their buyers, and supplies; “we want to know who and who supplies you what; who and who are you selling to?

    “Let us have such a register for our record and for security action where necessary.”

    He advised the pantaker operators against buying illegal properties and patronising vandals, stressing that there would be no supply if there was no demand.

    READ ALSO: Infantry commander charges officers on victory

    He urged them to alert security agencies whenever someone bought something suspicious to sell to them.

    He warned that anyone found with stolen or vandalised items in his shop would be considered a partaker of a crime and would be arrested and prosecuted.

    The AMMC boss also advised the operators to come under one acceptable platform or union for easy interface with government and security agencies.

    Also, Mr Adamu Gwary, Director, Security Services Department, FCT Administration, said that only pantaker operators that were recognised by the Administration would be profiled and allowed to reopen.

    Gwary added that all illegal pantaker operators must be registered and recognised by the Administration, and thereafter, profiled by security agencies before they would be allowed to operate.

    On his part, the Commissioner of Police in the FCT, Mr Olatunji Disu, said that the profiling of the pantaker operators would begin on Feb. 1.

    “It is a disgrace that this kind of thing is happening here, in the FCT, and we have made up our minds to ensure that it stops

    “We are not going to stop until we bring sanity in pantaker business.

    “We are going to profile you to get a list of people that we think are capable enough to be trusted with the business of pantaker in the FCT,” he said.

    Disu advised the operators to always ask whoever comes to sell to them, where the person got the items from, the receipt and who sold it to them.

    “This will enable security agencies to trace all suspects involved in the supply of stolen or vandalised items,” he added.

    Responding, the National Chairman of Pantaker Operators, Alhaji Abbas Bello, pledged the full support of the operators to the ongoing efforts to sanitise their operation.

    READ ALSO: Naira ends week stronger against dollar, gaining N11.17

    Bello noted that there were criminal elements masquerading as pantaker operators in FCT, adding that the move would help to remove the bad eggs among them.

    Also, the Secretary of the group, Malam Salisu Abubakar, said that the association would work with the security agencies to stop all forms of vandalism in the FCT.

    Similarly, the Secretary of Mpape Pantaker, Mr Mohammed Kashim, pointed out that pantaker contributes to the development of the FCT, through job creation.

    Kashim noted the need to fish out the criminals that were giving pantaker business a bad name in the FCT. 

  • Infantry commander charges officers on victory 

    Infantry commander charges officers on victory 

    The Commander Infantry Corps (CIC), Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Abdul Ibrahim, has urged Infantry officers, soldiers, and units to confront the enemy for a total defeat.

    Ibrahim issued this charge during a send-off ceremony for six senior officers, held at the Headquarters ICC Conference Room, Jaji Military Cantonment, Kaduna State, on Friday.

    He also encouraged the posted officers to maintain professionalism and distinguish themselves in their new assignments.

    Ibrahim acknowledged the contributions of the posted officers, wishing them success in their future roles.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported the posted officers include Brig.-Gen. HM Bello, former COS HQ ICC, Brig,-Gen. AS Bugaje, and Col. OU Lawal.

    Also posted were Lt.-Col. YU Andrew, Lt.-Col. MM Garba, and Lt.-Col. A Audu, holding various roles at the ICC Records Office and Training.

    NAN reports that the redeployed officers will assume positions as Brigade Commanders, Commanding Officers, and Garrison Commanders, among others.

    Ibrahim praised the redeployed officers, describing them as hardworking, competent, and professional.

    He thanked them for their significant contributions and urged them to excel in their next assignments, meeting COAS Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede’s expectations.

    The CIC commander encouraged Infantry officers to look forward to serving at Jaji, whether in the Corps Headquarters, NASI, or other Infantry units, as Jaji is the Infantry’s home.

    He promised a shift toward a more cohesive, mission-oriented, and efficient Infantry.

    From the right Commander Infantry Corps Center Maj-Gen. Abdul Ibrahim, presenting plaque to out gone Chief of Staff Infantry Corps Center Brig-Gen. Brig-Gen. HM Bello, on Friday at Headquarters Infantry Corps Centre, Jaji Military Cantonment on Friday.

    In his vote of thanks, Brig,-Gen. Bello thanked God for the day and expressed gratitude to COAS for trusting them with key positions.

    Bello vowed that the posted officers would work hard to make the COAS proud and pledged loyalty to the Corps and Nigerian Army.

    NAN reports that senior officers at the ceremony lauded the posted officers’ contributions to the Corps and said they would be greatly missed.

    Highlights included the presentation of plaques to the posted officers by the Infantry commander.

  • Troops arrest 18 suspected kidnappers, gunrunners, rescues 18 victims 

    Troops arrest 18 suspected kidnappers, gunrunners, rescues 18 victims 

    Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) and 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Rukuba, near Jos, have arrested 18 suspected kidnappers, bandits and gunrunners in Plateau and part of Kaduna state.

    Maj. Samson Zhakom, the Media Officer of OPSH disclosed this during a press conference on Thursday in Jos.

    Zhakom said that troops also rescued 18 victims kidnapped in a forest at the boundary communities between Plateau and Taraba.

    The media officer explained that the arrest followed an operation held between Dec. 2024 and Jan. 4.

    READ ALSO: Emulate the virtues of Fawehinmi, Emir Sanusi tasks lawyers

    “In continuation of efforts to ensure the security of lives and property across the joint operation area, our troops intensified offensive operations supported by robust non-kinetic engagements.

    “Notably, the past two months witnessed intensive and offensive operations around the borders between Plateau and Taraba state, especially around Bangalala and Kinishi forests around Wase and Karim Lamido LGAs of Plateau and Taraba state.

    “The operations led to the neutralisation of several bandits and destruction of their life support structures.

    “The move mounted pressure on the criminals leading to the rescue of 18 kidnapped victims who have been reunited with their families after profiling and documentation by relevant agencies.

    READ ALSO: Security structure crucial to aircraft leasing – Boeing Director

    “Troops have also neutralised some bandits and arrested some suspects in some parts of Southern Kaduna,” he said

    Zhakom added that the troops also recovered a cache of arms and ammunition and destroyed many criminal hideouts within its areas of responsibility.

    The media officer called on residents of  Plateau and Kaduna to support its efforts toward stemming the tides of insecurity in the areas. 

  • Good governance is required to end terrorism – CDS

    Good governance is required to end terrorism – CDS

    As part of efforts to boost the morale of the forces, the CDS disclosed that starting this year, the annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day shall be changed to Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day in order to reward the gallantry of existing combatants.

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa has attributed the delay in winning the war against terrorism to the absence of good governance at the sub-national levels.

    He said the armed forces’ efforts must be complemented by good governance at the federal, state, and local government levels.

    He also revealed that the armed forces is mainstreaming welfare packages to motivate the combatants.

    In that regard, he said there is a proposal to change the annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day to Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day.

    READ ALSO: Kano Emirate Tussle: Kingmaker appeals Court of Appeal Judgement

    He said the name change is informed by the objective “of celebrating both the dead and the living.”

    According to him, “this year’s event of Armed Forces Day entails celebrating those combatants on active duty, families of the deceased and the dead officers.”

    Speaking this morning on Arise TV’s The Morning Show, General Musa said a situation where some Nigerians live in conditions that make it seem like they are not part of an organised modern society makes them vulnerable to the manipulation of those that come to recruit them into violent crimes like terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping.

    The CDS therefore, calls on leaders at the sub-national levels to up their games to make it sync with governance efforts at the federal level.

    “So when you go and see people living in a manner as if they are not part of an organised modern society, they will be open to other interests to manipulate,” he said.

    Another factor, he said had made the war to linger is the access of the terrorists to foreign funding.

    He said the Nigerian armed forces had found a cache of foreign currencies on some of the arrested terrorists.

    In a bid to eliminate this causative factor, he said the armed forces are collaborating with relevant government agencies to track the source of these funds.

    “So, that’s the oxygen we want to cut off,” the CDS disclosed.

    READ ALSO: Ahead of Mid-term: Emerging Signs Favourable for the Tinubu Presidency

    General Musa also cited “the nature of the enemy the army is dealing with” as another reason why the war on terror has lingered. According to him, the enemy appears like every normal citizen.

    He explained that this was the reason the army adopted “the non-kinetic approach that is based on the understanding that the war can not be fought by the armed forces alone but by all citizens and other stakeholders.”

    “Also, there are saboteurs who provide support for the non-state actors just to make it seem as though Nigeria is ungovernable.”

    General Musa disclosed that it was based on these discoveries that the country is working closely with countries in the Sahel to fortify the international boundaries.

    He said the window was still open on the possibility of convincing the three member countries that recently left the ECOWAS to reconsider their stance.

  • Defence Policy: New Perm Sec Promises to Expedite Review

    Defence Policy: New Perm Sec Promises to Expedite Review

    The new Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Amb. Gabriel Aduda has promised to expedite action on the review of defence policy as a critical component of the national security.

    Aduda said this at  a familiarisation visit to the Defence Headquarters on Thursday in Abuja.

    He said the military would continue to collaborate with all the services to ensure  the policy was quickly reviewed.

    READ ALSO: FG Bans Money Ritual, Five Other Vices in Nollywood Movies

    According to him, the defence policy review may be an opportunity for them to begin to see how they can make that available for them in public service rules.

    He also promised to work with them  to  enhance services’ welfare as well as address deficiencies, especially in the areas of housing.

    “I am already having meetings in those areas, drawing from international best practices to see how we can have the armed forces better positioned to enjoy stronger welfare provisions.

    “One of such is for us to see very quickly,  if we also can begin to think in the area of mortgage finance. I mean, just as we have the Federal Mortgage Bank as you know, there has been a very good positive increase.

    “Our civil servants can now take up to N50 million as loans and pay over time.

    READ ALSO: Akpabio Seeks Saudi Arabia, Nigeria Collaboration on Security Through Intelligence Sharing

    “Perhaps,  we need to have one for the military and if we have it established and run with that, maybe more of our officers will not only have houses while serving but will have where to retire to,” he said.

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, represented by the Chief of Defence Policy and Plans, AVM Sayo Olatunde, thanked the permanent secretary for the visit.

    The permanent secretary and his directors also visited the three services as part of the familiarisation tour. 

  • President Tinubu Mourns Soldiers Killed In Borno

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of six soldiers during a terrorist attack on an army base in Sabon Gida, Damboa, Borno State. 

    The tragic event, which occurred at dawn on January 4, 2025, underscores the ongoing challenges in ensuring national security.  

    In a show of solidarity, the President extended his condolences to the families of the fallen heroes, recognizing their sacrifice in safeguarding the country.

    read also: Tinubu’s Cabal More Dangerous than Buhari’s

     He also called for a detailed investigation into the incident to identify gaps and strengthen future military responses.  

    Acknowledging the armed forces’ swift retaliation, President Tinubu commended their air raids, which eliminated several terrorists and disrupted their operations. 

    He reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to defeating terrorism and called on the military to intensify efforts, particularly in the Northwest, to dismantle terrorist camps and secure vulnerable communities.  

    The President appealed to Nigerians to support the military’s mission, emphasizing unity in the fight against insecurity.

  • Troops Launch Major Assault on Bello Turji’s Hideout in Zamfara, Eliminate Notorious Terrorists

    Troops Launch Major Assault on Bello Turji’s Hideout in Zamfara, Eliminate Notorious Terrorists

    Troops from the 1 Brigade, Sector 2 Joint Task Force, Operation Fansan Yamma, stormed the camp of the notorious terrorist leader, Bello Turji, in Zamfara State. 

    This operation, conducted on January 4, 2025, marks a decisive effort in the fight against insurgency, following the military’s continuous pursuit of Turji and his associates.

    According to a statement from the Brigade’s spokesman, Lt. Col. Abdullahi Abubakar, the operation targeted not only Turji’s hideout but also other known terrorist camps across the region. 

    The Army confirmed that Turji, one of the most wanted terrorist leaders in the area, is now living in hiding, with his fighters being systematically neutralized by the forces.

    The operation was part of a broader strategic initiative aimed at eradicating terrorist cells in the state.

     During a fierce engagement with the militants, the troops successfully neutralized Sani Rusu, a notorious terrorist kingpin, in Bamamu Village, located in the Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State. 

    The elimination of Rusu, a key figure in the insurgent network, is considered a significant blow to the operations of the terrorists in the region.

    In addition to the ground assault, intelligence-driven operations have continued to disrupt terrorist activities. On the same day of the encounter, troops launched an ambush operation at Kwanar Jollof in Shinkafi Local Government Area, leading to the neutralization of several terrorists, with others sustaining fatal injuries.

     The troops also seized vital equipment during the operation, including one AK-47 rifle, one G3 rifle, several rounds of ammunition, and three motorcycles.

    As part of the ongoing offensive, the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma carried out air strikes in late December 2024, targeting terrorist forces converging in the Fakai and Kware areas of Shinkafi Local Government Area.

     These airstrikes were instrumental in weakening the terrorist strongholds in the region and further complicating their movements.

    Military authorities have made it clear that the relentless pursuit of terrorist leaders like Bello Turji will continue until peace is restored to the affected areas.