By Sumaila Ogbaje

Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma has neutralised over 20 terrorists in airstrikes that decimated notorious bandit hideouts in Unguwar Goga Hill-Forest in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Deputy Director, Public Relations and Information, Group Capt. Kabiru Ali, Nigerian Air Force (NAF), announced on Saturday in Abuja.

Ali said that the airstrikes, executed in the early hours of Thursday, preceded careful and actionable intelligence.

He said that the NAF advanced purposeful lethality destroyed the fortified camps of notorious bandit kingpins, Gero (Alhaji) and Alhaji Riga; thus, neutralising over 20 criminals, with additional casualties reported in the surrounding rocky hills.

According to him, the airstrikes have decisive impact on the criminals, even as the assessment of the full extent of the damage is still ongoing.

“Riga and Gero were key enablers of banditry, sheltering terrorist elements responsible for relentless ambushes along the Funtua-Gusau Road, particularly between Yankara and Sheme villages.

“Their elimination marks a major breakthrough in the ongoing military campaign to restore peace in the North-West.

“The NAF, in coordination with ground forces, remains relentless in its mission to eradicate all threats and dismantle bandit strongholds,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Stanley Nwanosike/Muhammad Lawal

By Muftau Ogunyemi

Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), has charged soldiers to brace up in order to secure Nigerians better and tackle insurgency in the South-West.

Oluyede gave the charge while addressing soldiers during his maiden operational visit to 32 Artillery Brigade Owena Cantonment, Akure.

The COAS, who said that Nigeria was faced with different security challenges, said there was need for all personnel and officers to rise up collectively and stop the menace.

“We are doing our best with other sister agencies and other security agencies to bring these challenges to the bare minimum.

“I want to tell you this afternoon that the entire Nigerian state, the entire Nigerian people are depending on you to bring all these challenges to an end.

“If there is no security, there can’t be development. So, whether you like it or not, it’s affecting you and I.

“The money the government is spending on security is so huge that if we can make Nigerians better secured, those monies can be channelled to make the lives of all Nigerians better.

“Nigerians are looking up to us to make things better. So, what that means is that you must be ready to double your efforts, to work harder,” he said.

Oluyede, who promised to ensure the welfare of the soldiers and officers, said that he would do his best to make things better.

According to him, there is a plan to build houses for soldiers across the formations to ensure they have a place to live when retired from the service.

“As we speak, we plan to produce at least 100,000 uniforms every month. So, the first set is going to be split between 81 Div and 2 Div, and that will be done tomorrow.

“You must be ready to face the challenges. As we are pursuing the criminals from the north, we have realised that some of them are coming down from the South-West.

“What does that mean? What does that tell you? That work is coming. And it is better you nip it in the bud than allow it to grow. Once it grows, it becomes a monster.

“We don’t want another North-East. Neither do we want another North-West. So, you must brace up to that challenge,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the highlights of the event included the gun drill display of 35mm Oerlikon Anti-Aircraft (AA). (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ayodeji Alabi

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Troops of Operation Delta Safe have continued to sustain the fight against activities of crude oil thieves in the Niger Delta, destroying 56 illegal refining sites in one week.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, disclosed this in the weekly report of the ongoing military operations across the area, in Abuja on Friday.

Kangye said the troops also recovered 675,266 litres of stolen crude oil, 312,593 litres of illegally refined AGO and 4,500 litres of DPK within one week.

He added that the troops also discovered and destroyed 51 crude oil cooking ovens, 49 dugout pits, 43 boats, 28 storage tanks and 131 drums.

According to him, other items recovered include four pumping machines, four tricycles, three motorcycles, seven mobile phones and eight vehicles.

“Additionally, 31 oil thieves and other criminals were arrested, 103 assorted arms and ammunition as well as three extra magazines were also recovered among others,” he said.

Kangye said the troops had between March 5 and March 10, apprehended 11 suspected criminals and rescued four kidnapped victims in Bakassi and Onelga Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Cross River and Rivers States, as well as Warri South, Sapele Uvwie and Ughelli areas of Delta.

He added that the Air Component conducted patrols and air reconnaissance missions over Imo River, Owaza, Ohaji/Egbema and Abacheke general areas,  as well as Nembe, Okpokiri, Tomkiri, Brass and Belema axis.

These missions, according to him, aided successes in destruction of illegal refining sites, boats, vehicles and tricycles among other equipment. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Nwachukwu and Benson Iziama

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Independent Investigative Panel on alleged corruption and other violations against the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has identified key areas for reform, focusing on vulnerable populations, rehabilitation and reintegration.

The Chairperson of the panel, Dr Magdalene Ajani, said this while briefing the media at the end of the panel’s two-week second public hearing on Friday in Abuja.

Ajani, who commended the NCoS for its openness and cooperation during the public hearing, also expressed appreciation for the support received from various stakeholders.

This, she said, included the Nigeria Judiciary Council (NJC), the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), UNICEF, NDLEA, United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNDOC), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Legal Aid Council, among others.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the panel’s investigation aimed to address allegations of corruption, abuse of power and degrading treatment within the NCoS.

Ajani, however, acknowledged the correctional service’s willingness to reform, stating that steps have already been taken to correct some anomalies.

“The panel’s work is ongoing, and it seeks the continued support of Nigerians in its efforts to create a better NCoS that provides efficient service to Nigerians and inmates in a more humane environment,” she said.

Ajani thanked the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his support in establishing an independent investigative committee to check the excesses in the NCoS.

Speaking, the Panel’s Secretary, Dr Uju Agomoh, said that the panel’s efforts aimed to transform the NCoS into a more effective and humane institution.

Agomoh said that specific attention was being given to implementing sections 34, 35, 13, and 14 of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act 2019.

“These provisions address the needs of women, mentally disabled persons, physically disabled persons, and young offenders.

“In addition, the panel emphasised the importance of maximising profits from enterprises within the Correctional Service, as provided by the NCoS Act of 2019.

“This initiative aims to provide inmates with funds for reintegration and contribute to their rehabilitation.

“The panel has also requested the NCoS to provide a report on the implementation of these provisions, including recommendations for addressing challenges.

“The panel has also emphasised the importance of certification for good behaviour, reintegration programmes, and mental health support as provided under Section 24.

“This provision aims to ensure that inmates with mental health issues receive adequate care and support,” she said.

Agomoh encouraged the general public to support the correctional service in providing equipment and personnel, adding that such collaborative efforts would enhance the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates.

“Furthermore, the panel has highlighted the need for sustainable mechanisms for informal training within custodial centres.

“The partnership between the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) and the NCoS has been commended, and the panel has sought to establish more sustainable mechanisms for skills acquisition and education.

“These recommendations made by the panel aim to enhance the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates, with a focus on skills acquisition, education, and mental health support,” she emphasised.

Agomoh added that the panel had also sought collaboration with the judiciary, particularly in implementing sections 12, 13, and 14 of the NCoS Act.

Other panel members who spoke also commended the Minister of Interior for the opportunity to investigate the allegations levelled against the NCoS. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has pledged to decongest custodial centres, as part of a comprehensive reform plan to transform the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).

Tunji-Ojo made the pledge at the second public hearing of an Independent Investigative Panel on alleged corruption and other violations of the law levelled against the NCoS, in Abuja.

The minister, emphasising the need for a holistic approach to address the challenges facing the correctional service, announced plans to improve the welfare of correctional officers.

This, he said, included the provision of better training, equipment, and living conditions.

Tunji-Ojo also spoke on the issue of awaiting trial inmates, which he said was a major contributor to prison congestion.

He announced plans to relocate inmates who had committed federal offenses to less populated correctional centres.

“There are some correctional centres that are densely populated or overcrowded.

“So can we critically look and analyse every correctional centre and look at those that have committed federal offenses and move them to areas that are less populated.

“Because it will shock you, there are correctional centres with about 30 per cent or 40 per cent occupation rate.

“And there are some with about 200 per cent. So how do we look at it? There are short-term gains that we can do right now.

“A scenario where we have 65 per cent inmates awaiting trial, it means that the key to our decongestion is to treat the issue of awaiting trial.

“And again, it’s also important for us to really give the attention to non-custodial measures.

“We need to redefine ourselves, because we’ve got to the point where our mantra should be enough is enough,” he said.

The minister said that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) had approved the establishment of a National Paramilitary Academy to train correctional officers.

Tunji-Ojo assured that the government would provide the necessary support to ensure the success of the reform efforts.

In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr Magdalene Ajani, expressed gratitude to the Minister of Interior for his commitment to justice, transparency, and reforms in the NCoS.

Ajani, who doubled as the Chairman of the investigative panel, noted that his presence at the hearing despite his tight schedule was a testament to his dedication to the cause.

She said that the panel’s mandate was to conduct an independent, fair, and thorough inquiry into the allegations and make recommendations that would ensure accountability and strengthen the correctional system.

She revealed that the first public hearing had uncovered serious concerns regarding the treatment of persons in custody, mismanagement of correctional facilities, and breaches of legal and ethical standards.

Ajani emphasised the importance of the panel’s work, stating that the findings and recommendations from the inquiry would serve as a foundation for meaningful reform.

This, she said, would be sustainable and ensure that the NCoS functions with integrity, professionalism, and respect for human dignity.

Ajani urged all stakeholders to approach the process with openness, courage, and a shared commitment to the truth, adding that the panel was committed to ensuring that the voices of the Nigerian people were heard.

The chairman appreciated the support of key partners, including the National Human Rights Coalition, UNICEF, International IDEA, Civil Society Groups, Prison fellowships, and individuals dedicated to justice and correctional reform.

She said that the collective resolve to uphold the rule of law and protect fundamental human rights within correctional institutions was a crucial step towards creating a fair and just society.

In his remarks, the NCoS’ Acting Controller General, Sylvester Nwakuche, assured the investigative panel of transparency and cooperation in its investigation into alleged irregularities in the service.

Nwakuche assured the panel that the NCoS would provide all necessary information and support to ensure a successful investigation, adding that the service had nothing to hide.

He urged members of staff and invited guests to open up and make contributions to the panel, stressing that their inputs would be invaluable in shaping the future of the NCoS. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bayo Sekoni

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Defence Headquarters says troops have neutralised a total of 74 terrorists, apprehended 130 suspects and rescued 61 kidnapped hostages in various operations from March 5 to March 13.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, made this known in a weekly report of ongoing military operations across the country on Friday in Abuja.

Kangye said the successful operations were jointly conducted by the land component of the Armed Forces with the Team from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), security agencies and hybrid forces.

He said that the troops recovered 71 assorted weapons comprising 32 AK47 rifles, 15 locally fabricated guns, nine dane guns, three pump action guns, two locally fabricated pistols and 10 other assorted arms.

According to him, troops also recovered 1,202 ammunition comprising 1,133 assorted rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and 69 live cartridges.

Kangye said that a total of 143 terrorists comprising five adult males, 66 adult females and 72 children surrendered to troops within the North-East theatre of operation within the week.

According to him, one of the terrorists surrendered with two AK47 rifle, 33 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and two magazines.

“The gallant men and women of the armed forces will continue to carry out their constitutional responsibilities of protecting lives and property of all Nigerians in line with our constitutional roles, Rules of Engagement and Code of Conduct for Internal Security Operations,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Tayo Ikujuni

By Ibironke Ariyo

Many inmates in custodial centres are reportedly facing death from hunger due to poor feeding and rampant food racketeering.

This was made known on Thursday in Abuja by Dr Uju Agomoh, the Secretary of the Independent Investigative Panel on alleged corruption and other violations against the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) while briefing the media.

Agomoh spoke to newsmen at the ongoing second public hearing to address the alleged corruption, abuse of power and degrading treatment of detainees against NCoS on Thursday in Abuja.

“During our inspection visit as a panel, in February 2024, there was no food up to the approved weekly standards by the service.

“The stock they are supposed to have for at least seven days, as is the practice, is not being implemented.

“This is about being open to knowing where the problem is because many inmates are dying due to lack of food.

“I have personally been going to correctional centres for more than 30 years, but I have never seen what we see these days. There have always been problems, but it has never been the way it is now,” she added.

Agomoh, who doubled as the Founder of Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Actions (PRAWA), emphasised that transparency was crucial for the investigative panel’s goal of enhancing efficiency within the NCoS.

She, however, warned that starving inmates posed a danger, as hunger could fuel aggression.

She added that the panel’s investigation revealed that officers in-charge of facilities were responsible for supplying food, but prioritised profits over performing their duties.

“First, the quantity that is provided is small.

“Second, this drive for profit-making worsens the process. The officers in-charge are one of the checks and balances for the contractors,” she maintained.

The panel secretary requested a response from the Nigerian Correctional Service regarding the implementation of Section 14, Subsection 4 of the NCoS Act.

Speaking, the NCoS Acting Controller General, Sylvester Nwakuche, disclosed that a ‘Prison Ration Committee’ had been established to monitor the quality and quantity of food served to inmates.

Nwakuche, represented by Assistant Controller General (ACG), Ibrahim Idris, assured that the Service regularly conducted routine checks and maintained a constant presence on duty.

A member of the panel, Dr Ikechukwu Ezeugo, observed that only a few of the Correctional Service’s over 12 farm centres were operational.

Ezeugo further observed that food produced by inmates in the farm centres was not utilised to feed them, but rather sold to food contractors, who then resale or resupply the produce to the farm centres and other custodial facilities.

“The panel also discovered that inmates at the farm centres were unfit for labour, including those with health conditions like sickle cell anaemia, as well as underage detainees.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, had in Sept. 2024 inaugurated the panel to probe allegations of corruption and gross abuse of office levelled against some personnel of the NCoS.

NAN reports that Tunji-Ojo, who is also the Chairman of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), suspended several officers overseeing the Maximum and Minimum Custodial Centres in Kirikiri, Lagos State. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba