By Naomi Sharang

Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo has said that the Federal Government and South-East Governors would come up with a road map to tackle insecurity in the region.

He made this known on Monday in Abuja while briefing newsmen after a closed-door session with the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu.

Also at the meeting were the Chief Of Defence, Gen. Chris Musa, and Gov. Alex Otti of Abia.

Uzodimma, who is also the Chairman, Progressives Governors Forum, said that a road map would be established and all stakeholders would be in agreement.

“The communities will be involved, the state will be involved, the federal government will be involved.

“The situation is worrisome both to the sub-national level and the federal government; we have to create the necessary synergy and work together to tackle the issue.

“South-east is a part of Nigeria and if any part of this country is not in peace, then the country is not in peace.

“So, the current cooperation between the Federal Government and the governments of south-east states is very necessary.

“What we have done is to sit down and discuss and to look for solutions going forward. We must identify the critical areas of this issue, the responsibility of this group.

“What the south-east stakeholders are expected to do is to work with the community leaders so that there is a solution.”

He said that the meeting was successful because the Federal Government had also scaled up their actions to deal with the situation.

“The operators in the south east; the interests vary, some are political, some are mere criminals. Others are agitators.”

Also speaking, Ribadu said “We are here on the instructions of Mr President. We have all come together to look at what is happening in the south-east to see the possibility of helping the people to overcome the challenges of insecurity.

“It’s about the people of the south-east; it’s about what we can do and help to guarantee their safety and security.

“Mr President is extremely concerned and worried. We had a fruitful discussion,” he said.

On his part, Governor Otti said: “We identified that there are different sources from where this insecurity is coming from. One of them, the major one, is unemployment.

“Nigeria occupies the second largest position in terms of unemployment at 33.3 per cent. Some states in the south-east have unemployment rate of about 51 per cent; like Abia and a few of them, they have up to 40 per cent.”

Otti said that the major jobs the governors have to do was to ensure the level of unemployment was reduced drastically.

On the sit-at-home action in the zone, Otti said “It is all about criminality; people are benefiting from causing unnecessary fear.

“Governments all over the world cannot be threatened.

“We need to sound that note of warning that you cannot afford to sit at home when you have work to do. It is null and void,” he said.(NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ephraims Sheyin

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI) Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye, says the Armed Forces of Nigeria has given terrorists, bandits and other agents of destabilisation a bloody nose in various offensive operations.

Undiandeye said this at the Accreditation of 10 Allied Defence Attaches and Advisers deployed to Nigeria on Monday in Abuja.

He said the Federal Government through the armed forces and other sister security agencies had remained resolute to improve security situation within the country in spite of the lingering security challenges that had existed in the recent past.

“In recent times, the armed forces of Nigeria has given terrorists, bandits and other agents of destabilisation a bloody nose in our various offensive operations all over the country.

“I can make bold to state that our resolve has largely paid off as the security situation has largely improved.

“These undesirable elements are being decimated daily while normal safety is being restored  to troubled spots as part of our non kinetic effort.

“However, hundreds of thousands of terrorists are surrendering to our troops on  daily basis. The resultant effect of all this is an enhanced security and safety of our land and our people.

“A major index to ensure the success achieved is a recent Global Terrorism Index report where Nigeria has moved up in the improved index by two places with significant decrease in terrorist incidents and loss of life.

“Specifically, 385 deaths recorded so far in 2023  shows a drop so far by 23 per cent from  2022,” he said.

Undiandeye said military was at the center of the significant accomplishments, saying it was a testament to the fact that the military was poised to sustain its onslaught against all enemies of Nigeria to achieve a safe, secure, prosperous and united democratic nation.

He said the military, in conjunction with relevant security agencies, contributed significantly to support the democratic processes that led to the success of the recently concluded general elections in the country.

According to him, the commendations received by the armed forces in this regard are a clear testimony of our commitment to securing the lives and property of our citizenry.

“In addition, international observers, some of whom are from your various nations, were full of praise to the Nigerian military for its display of neutrality during the conduct of the elections,” he added.

He said the accreditation of the new defence attachés had further strengthened the already existing bilateral relationship between Nigeria and the allied countries.

He assured them that the DIA was prepared to render all possible legal and approved assistance to each and every defense attachés and advisors on diplomatic missions,  in tandem with best global diplomatic practices in line with their mandate.

“At this juncture, I want to reiterate that the agency remains the link between you, our allied defense advisors and attaches and the Ministry of Defence’s agencies, institutions, establishments, as well as other agencies of Nigeria.

“We expect that all your communication channels on official matters are channeled through the DIA, specifically through the Foreign Liaison Office for appropriate action.

“Let me state, for clarity’s sake that you are not allowed to communicate directly with personnel of the ministry of defense or other components of the Nigerian government,” he added.

Earlier, the Director, Foreign Liaison, DIA, Brig.-Gen. Ojogbane Adegbe said the defense advisors and attaches were from 10 countries which included Brazil, Egypt, Iran, Morocco, Niger Republic, South Africa, South Korea, Tanzania, Ukraine and finally Zimbabwe.

Adegbe said the attaches and advisors were allowed to carry out some low level activities prior to their accreditation that would give them official recognition to conduct their affairs in line with laid down guidelines set out by the agency in accordance with  the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

He said that copies of the guidelines and Code of Conduct would be issued to them to help them succeed in their mission.

The Defence Attaché for Ukraine, Col. Andrii Vasyliev, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, said they were excited and looking forward to working with DIA to improve on the already existing bilateral relationship between Nigeria and their respective countries.

He said the accreditation had given them the official recognition to fully discharge their responsibilities as defense advisors and attachés, expressing confidence in the capacity of DIA to help them achieve their mandates in the country. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Edith Bolokor/Chioma Ugboma

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Troops of the Nigerian Army, operatives of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and those of a private security firm have jointly uncovered a major illegal refining site in Delta.

Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, stated on Sunday in Abuja that the operation was undertaken by troops of 181 Amphibious Battalion.

The battalion operates in 6 Division Area of Responsibility at Owahwa community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta.

Nwachukwu stated that the operation was in continuation of the sustained effort to deny oil thieves the freedom of action and to protect the oil sector from economic saboteurs.

He explained that the sting operation on Saturday followed a surveillance report on the activities of illegal oil refiners in the area.

He explained that the troops stormed the site and discovered 35 modular ovens used for illegal oil refining; three fabricated reservoirs; 30 dugout reservoirs and 75 galvanised pipes.

“The operatives have since clamped down on the illegal refining site.

“The Nigerian Army enjoins all law-abiding citizens to continue to support on-going anti-oil theft operations by reporting suspected illicit refining and illegal bunkering in their areas to security agencies,’’  Nwachukwu stated. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Alli Hakeem

By Monday Ijeh

The Department of State Services (DSS) has not released Nnamdi Kanu, the Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a competent source told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

The source said on Sunday that contrary to reports in a section of the media, the IPOB leader was only granted access to his personal doctors under the supervision of the Service.

Some sections of the media had reported that Kanu was on Saturday, released for the first time, since his incarceration two years ago to meet with his personal physicians in an Abuja hospital outside the facility of the DSS.

According to the DSS source, access to doctors for suspects in DSS custody is routine in line with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) of the Service.

The DSS source said the IPOB leader was granted access to his personal doctors under the supervision of its operatives.

The source said such access under the supervision of personnel of the service was not only applicable to Kanu but every other suspect in DSS custody.

The source further said Kanu’s access to his personal doctors was also in line with the order of Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

According to the source, even before the order, Kanu had always been given access to medical services.

“Apart from being routine, Kanu was also granted access to his personal doctors in line with the order of a Federal High Court in Abuja.

“Reports that Kanu was released to see his personal doctors is baseless because the access granted him was under the supervision of the DSS.

“The DSS is an organization that believes in the rule of law and so, will continue to comply with orders of court,” the source said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Monday Ijeh

A Civil Society Organisation, Save Nigerian Movement (SNM), has condemned call by some individuals and groups for the resignation of Mr Yusuf Bichi, the Director-General, Department of State Services (DSS).

The group, in a statement signed by its Convener, Rev. Solomon Semaka, on Saturday in Abuja said the call was the handiwork of high profile criminal suspects currently undergoing trial.

Semaka described the call as a desperate bid by criminal elements to hoodwink Nigerians and curry public sympathy against the service and the Federal Government.

“The call is a reckless ploy and afterthought, deployed by powerful criminal suspects undergoing trial in line with the rule of law.

“These individuals have resorted to smear campaign against the Federal Government apparently to evade justice and stamp their feet and take control of the system,” he said.

According to him, these high profile and very powerful criminal syndicates already in custody have deployed their enormous financial war against the DSS at the detriment of national security and Nigerians.

“As a frontline Civil Society Organisation, committed to promoting democracy and societal values, we deem it necessary to condemn the purported call for the sack of the DSS boss.

“We also condemned the threats of a nationwide protests by those we consider as crisis entrepreneurs who always avail themselves to be bought by wealthy criminals at the detriment of Nigerians.

“It is troubling that some Nigerians have sold their conscience to the same corrupt elements that impoverished us while in public office by engaging in criminality instead of service delivery,” he said.

Semaka said the allegations made by the “crisis entrepreneurs’’ against Bichi and the DSS were baseless and a clear case of corruption fighting back.

He said the use of criminally acquired wealth, influence and faceless groups to sponsor campaigns of calumny against the DSS was an old trick that Nigerians would not fall for.

The convener said it was shameful that some greedy Nigerians had teamed up with enemies of the country just because of selfish financial gain.

“This is a clear case of corruption fighting back to overwhelm the state.

“The DSS must do its job and refrain from falling for cheap blackmail as they strive to ensure national security,” he added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Defence Headquarters,  says the military has neutralised 59 terrorists, arrested 88 criminals, 10 kidnappers, 20 gunmen and 19 suspected oil thefts in one week.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, in a statement on Friday, said the troops also rescued 88 kidnapped hostages within the period.

He said the Armed Forces of Nigeria was engaged in several operations across the six geopolitical zones to tackle the security challenges confronting the nation.

Buba said the troops recovered a total of 68 weapons and 1,364 ammunition comprising 26 AK47 rifles, one GPMG, one AKMS rifle, one FN rifle, four pump action, five pistols and 19 dane guns.

Also recovered by the troops were, 1,083 rounds 7.62mm special, 228 rounds 7.62mm NATO, 14 rounds 5.56 x 45mm, 15 fully loaded AK47 magazines, nine rounds of 9mm ammo and sum of N41,915.00 only and CFA 49,000.

Others, according to him include, 323,650 liters of stolen crude oil, 128,700 liters of illegally refined AGO and 4,000 liters of DPK, while an estimated sum of N388,441,660.00 was denied the oil thefts.

“As at 28 July 23, the military has neutralised 59 terrorists, arrested a total number of 88 criminals, 10 kidnappers, 20 gunmen and 19 suspected oil thefts,” he said.

In the North East, Buba said the troops of Operation Hadin Kai conducted offensive operations against the terrorist enclaves in Gwoza, Konduga, Bama and Mafa Local Government Areas of Borno, neutralising terrorists, rescued hostages and recovered weapons.

He said the offensive caused some terrorist fighters to surrender and denounced their  ideology while some gun runners and collaborators were also arrested in Yobe.

According to him, troops neutralised 13 terrorists, arrested 12 and rescued 18 hostages, while a total of 764 terrorists comprising two adult males 336 adult females and 426 children surrendered to the troops at different locations within the  theatre.

In North Central, Buba said the troops of Operation Safe Haven raided criminal hideouts at Logo, Takum, Ukum Local Government Areas of Benue and Taraba States respectively.

He said the troops made contacts with the criminal elements and neutralised several, rescued hostages and recovered weapons.

According to him, troops also arrested kidnappers/criminals and recovered weapons at Lere and Sanga Local Government Areas of Kaduna State.

He added that troops of Operation Whirl Stroke raided kidnappers’ hideouts at Wukari, Ukum, Logo and Takum Local Government Areas of Benue and Taraba States.

According to him, troops also arrested suspected cattle rustlers and bandits in Guma, in Benue and a gun runners in Doma in Nasarawa State recovering large quantity of ammo, adding that a total of 17 suspects were apprehended.

In the North West, Buba said the troops of Operation Hadarin Daji rescued 50 kidnapped victims in Talata Mafara and Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara and neutralised five terrorist in Katsina, Zamfara and Sokoto States.

He said the Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji conducted air interdiction on terrorists’ hideouts in Sola in Zamfara State where the terrorists used to attack commuters along Road Jibia-Katsina and take hostages.

According to him, troops neutralised 13 terrorists and recovered one GPMG, 3 AK47 rifles, one PKT gun, one FN rifle, one fabricated rifle, two dane guns, two locally made pistols, 8 dane guns, 28 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 123 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and 22 rounds of 7.62mm empty cases.

“Others include:  12 motorcycles, two tricycles, six mobile phones, four cutlasses, one boafeng radio, one solar radio charger, one dagger and 12 arrows.

“Troops also arrested three terrorist collaborators and rescued 75 kidnapped civilians.*

In the South-South, Buba said the troops of Operation Delta Safe haven, recovered 498,650 litres of crude oil, 168,145 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, and 4,400 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosine.

He said the troops also recovered 152 assorted rounds of ammunition, 23 calibers of weapons and 8 AK47 magazines.

Others, according to him, include six vehicles, two boafeng radios, one 8HP, electric saw, matchetes, axe and IPOB flag dagger.

“Troops destroyed 42 illegal refining sites, 36 wooden boats, 68 storage tanks, 77 ovens, 19 dugout pits, 4 speedboats and 5 outboard engines.

“Meanwhile, a total of 41 suspected criminals were apprehended while an estimated sum of N388.4 million was denied the oil thefts during the period in focus.

In the South East, the defence spokesman said troops of Operation UDO KA neutralised three gunmen and apprehended 23 suspects as well as recovered cache of arms and ammunition during the period.

In South West, he said the troops of Operation AWATSE recovered 5,407 wraps of substances believed to be cannabis.

He added that the troops also recovered four vehicles, 10 mobile phones, 14 cylinders, among others while seven criminals were arrested.

“The aggressive posture of troops is yielding the desired results and denying the perpetrators of insecurity in the country the freedom of action.

“The sustained momentum by the military will certainly cause them to reconsider their decisions.

“The military will continue to take the fight to defeat these forces of evil,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Chioma Ugboma