Ariwodola Idowu

Gunmen on Sunday night reportedly kidnapped a prominent petroleum dealer, Alhaji Suleiman Akinbami, in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.

The Police Command in Ekiti State, on Monday, confirmed the abduction of the businessman and said that a manhunt had been launched with the collaboration of other security agencies to rescue Akinbami and apprehend his abductors.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Akinbami was said to have been abducted by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers on Sunday night at about 9:00 p.m. at one of his filling stations located along Ado Ekiti – Ijan Ekiti road, close to the Odo Ado Divisional Police Headquarters.

Akinbami is also one of the leaders of the state chapter of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN).

According to witnesses, he was suddenly approached by the gunmen numbering four, who came to the filling station without firing shots into the air to scare anyone, apparently because the filling station is located close to the Odo Ado Divisional Police Headquarters.

The witnesses said it was after then that Akinbami was ordered into his jeep, parked in the environment after which they drove him into unknown destination.

Spokesman of the police command in the state, ASP Sunday Abutu, described Akinbami’s abduction as unfortunate.

He said the command had deployed a special team of policemen to be assisted by the Amotekun Corp, local hunters and the vigilantes to comb the bush and track the suspects to ensure the rescue of the victim.

Abutu said that the wife of the victim, Mrs Mariam Akinbami, reported the abduction of her husband at the Odo-Ado Divisional Police Headquarters Sunday night.

He said the wife narrated that four unknown men quietly approached her husband, ordered him into his Toyota Jeep and whisked him away to an unknown place.

“Upon receipt of the information, the DPO led his team to the scene to find clues that could aid the prompt arrest of the suspects and rescue of the victim.

“The Commissioner of Police, Mr Tunde Mobayo has called for calm and assured the people of the state that the police would do its best to ensure the rescue of the victim and the arrest of the abductors.

“The Commissioner also advise everyone to be wary of strange and suspicious faces around their domains,” he said.

Abutu appealed to anyone with useful information concerning the incident to please contact the nearest police station or call 0806 233 5577. (NAN)

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Troops of the newly inaugurated Operation Tura Takaibango, a subsidiary Operation of Operation Lafiya Dole, eliminated 28 Boko Haram terrorists in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe on Saturday.

The Acting Director, Defence Media Operations, Brig.-Gen. Benard Onyeuko, in a statement on Sunday, said the troops identified and encircled a ambush site and engaged them with superior fire power.

Onyeuko said the troops tactically out-manouevered the criminals and engaged them with superior fire power resulting in high casualty on the side of the terrorists.

“In the aftermath of the decisive encounter, 28 Boko Haram terrorists were neutralised while few others are believed to have escaped with gunshot wounds.

“In the same vein, one Boko Haram Gun Truck was destroyed with its occupants while another Gun Truck was captured from the fleeing criminals.

“Other equipment captured from the criminals include; two anti aircraft guns, 13 AK 47 rifles, four extra magazines and a vulcanizing machine,” he said.

Onyeuko disclosed that one gallant soldier paid the supreme price while one other soldier was wounded during the encounter.

He said the wounded soldier had been evacuated to a military medical facility and is responding positively to treatment.

According to him, the renewed onslaught against the remnants of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists by the dogged troops of Operation Tura Takaibango is indicative of the end of all criminal elements within the North East.

“The troops are highly commended for their dedication and determination in flushing out remnants of the terrorists from their hideouts.

“They are also encouraged not to relent but build on the successes recorded.

“The entire populace of the North East region are hereby assured of the Nigerian Army’s renewed vigour and determination to crush the remnants of Boko Haram/ISWAP criminals from their enclaves in this zone,” he said. (NAN)

By Christian Ogbonna

The Ebonyi Government has described the killing of three police officers by unknown gunmen at Onueke Police station in Ezza-South Local Government area of the state on Friday as ‘shocking  and disheartening’.

The Commissioner for Internal Security, Mr Stanley Emegha condemned the act in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abakaliki on Sunday.

NAN reports that two male inspectors of police and a female officer were involved in the incident.

Emegha urged security agencies to investigate the matter and bring the perpetrators to book.

“The incident is an act of terrorism and Ebonyi people are not known for terrorism. The act is condemnable and not acceptable to the state government.

“We are still waiting for the police to brief us on what happened; we have given the officers 48 hours on that while investigation is  ongoing,” the commissioner stated.

The Police Public Relation Officer, Ebonyi Command, DSP Loveth Odah  confirmed that unknown gunmen invaded the station, killing three officers.

“Their corpses have been deposited in the morgue and investigation into the ugly incident is ongoing and the perpetrators must surely be brought to book,” Odah said.

On property damaged, the PPRO said three rooms in the police quarters were also totally burnt and property destroyed at the station.

“Two patrol, one exhibit vehicles and one car belonging to a police officer were also burnt,” Odah stated. (NAN)

By Florence Onuegbu

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Sunday commended the Armed Forces for their efforts in ensuring the unity of the country.

Sanwo-Olu gave the commendation at the Interdenominational Divine Service to mark the Year 2021 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration, held at Chapel of Christ The Light, Alausa, Ikeja.

Represented by the Special Adviser on Parastatals Monitoring Office, Mr Afolabi Ayantayo, he said that the state would continue to support the forces.

“Our armed forces have come a long way in keeping the country together. Due to their efforts, Nigerians have remained united despite the Nigeria civil war that took place from 1967 to 1970.

“They have continued to push forward to make sure that we remain safe in the hands of bandits. If not for their efforts, a lot of bad things would had happened to the country.

“We are using today to recognise and appreciate them so that they will put in more efforts in keeping the state safe,´´the governor said.

The Commissioner for Home Affairs, Mr Anofiu Elegushi, commended the armed forces for their selfless service in defending the country.

“Our appreciation also goes to all para-military organisations, members of the diplomatic corps, and all security agencies in the state.

“The state owes you a debt of gratitude for invaluable services you have rendered in securing the nation and ensuring conducive environment for businesses to thrive in Lagos and the nation at large,´´ Elegushi said.

Giving his sermon, on the theme of the service: “Love and Sacrifice´´, Venerable Olufeyisanjo Ojelabi, the Dean, Cathedral Church of St. Jude, Ebute Metta, said that everything around and about God is love.

Ojelabi who read the Holy Bible from the gospel of John 15:13, said that Jesus Christ sacrificed himself for the salvation of mankind.

He said that the armed forces had shown love and sacrifice for the country, as they had gone to battlefields for the unity of the country.

According to him, some have lost their lives, some lost their legs, some lost their arms and some cannot enjoy life again because of the effects of war.

“Are we reciprocating the love and sacrifice shown to maintain the unity of this country?.

“Are we paying their pension and gratuity regularly or are we paying them to regret ever going further to make the sacrifices they have made for this country?.

“If you refuse to pay attention to their wellbeing, then we will be abusing or insulting their sensibilities,” Ojelabi said. (NAN)

Nigerian Army restates commitment to welfare of personnel

Welfare

By Rabiu Sani-Ali

Kano, Jan. 10, 2020 (NAN) The Nigerian Army has reiterated commitment to improve the welfare of its personnel towards effective discharge its constitutional mandate.

Maj.-Gen. Usman Mohammed, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division, Kaduna, gave the assurance during the inauguration of Officers Transit Accommodation at the 73 Battellion, Janguza, on Sunday in Kano.

Mohammed said the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai had accorded premium attention to the development of infrastructure designed to improve the overall wellbeing of soldiers.

He said the project initiated in Aug. 2020, consisted of three blocks of 15 houses, designed to address accommodation problems and to give a facelift to the barrack.

The GOC said the leadership of the army had also embarked on construction of additional houses for officers and men as well as perimeter fencing to enhance security at the barrack.

Mohammed urged the officers and other personnel to ensure effective utilisation of the houses and other facilities inaugurated at the barrack.

Also speaking, Brig.-Gen. Bamidele Alabi, the Commander 3 Mechanised Brigade, Kano, lauded the COAS for the gesture, adding that it would address shortage of accommodation in the barracks.

Alabi commended the contractor for the timely completion of the project according to the contract agreement.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mohammed accompanied by other senior military officers inspected ongoing housing, offices and training shed projects.

The GOC was conducted round the projects by Yahayadeen Imam, the Manager, Deetech Nigeria Limited. (NAN)

RSA/JTJ

Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede

By Ibironke Ariyo
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says it had made the presentation of a valid National Identification Number (NIN) compulsory for all categories of vehicle registration.

Assistant Corps Marshal (ACM), Bisi Kazeem, Corps Public Education Officer, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that FRSC had commenced compliance on this directive since Dec. 21, 2020.

It followed directives by the Corps Marshal that all applicants for the National Driver’s Licence must present their NIN, before being captured for any class of licence.

Kazeem said that this was in full compliance with the directives of the Federal Government on the harmonisation of citizens’ data.

“The FRSC Corps Marshal, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi has also made provision of NIN mandatory for all categories of Vehicle registration, effective from second quarter of 2021. This is in total compliance with the Presidential directives.

“All applicants of vehicle registration are, therefore, expected to present their NIN as a precondition for the registration of their vehicles,” he said.

“Beginning from the second quarter of this year 2021, If you want to register your vehicle, it is going to be compulsory for you to provide your NIN.

” This is part of the security checks. So, once you provide your NIN, it makes the matter easier and helps the government in national planning.

”It also helps in critical decision making and enhance adequate intelligence gathering for security of lives and property, ” he said.

By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has approved new postings and redeployments of some senior officers to different divisions, units and formations, to rekindle the spirit of professionalism and enhance productivity.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Sagir Musa, who disclosed this in a statement, on Saturday, in Abuja, stated that the new postings were a routine exercise intended to reinvigorate the system, for greater performance and effectiveness.

He said that the postings saw the redeployment of Maj.-Gen. FO Agugo, from the Headquarters, Nigerian Army Signals Corps, Apapa, Lagos, to Defence Headquarters, as Chief of Defence Communications.

Similarly, Maj.-Gen. M. Mohammed was moved from the Nigerian Army Resource Center, Abuja, to Pronto Tech Nigeria Limited as Managing Director, while Maj.-Gen. AR Owolabi moved from Defence Headquarters, Department of Communications, to Headquarters, Nigerian Army Signals Corps as Commander.

In the same vein, Musa disclosed that Maj.-Gen. Aminu Bande, had been confirmed as substantive General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division Sokoto, with Maj.-Gen. IM Jallo also confirmed as the GOC 6 Division, Port Harcourt.

Other appointments, according to the statement, included the redeployment of Maj.-Gen. E Akerejola to the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, Benin, as Commandant, while Maj-Gen. UM Mohammed, remained in the Office of the Chief of Army Staff as Special Adviser Nigerian Army University, Biu, and Vice Chairman, Nigerian Army Property Limited.

The postings also included the confirmation of Maj.-Gen. Hussein Ahmed, as Provost Marshal, and Maj.-Gen. AbdulKhalifa Ibrahim, as substantive GOC 7 Division/Commander, Sector 1 Operation Lafiya Dole, Maiduguri.

The statement said that all the postings and appointments would take effect from Jan. 18.

“While wishing all the officers well in their respective appointments, the Chief of Army Staff enjoins them to take their new responsibilities/appointments seriously, and discharge all duties professionally, with utmost loyalty to the Nation and the Service,” Musa said.

By Ishaq Zaki

Bandits informants are responsible for the lingering security challenges in Zamfara, Emir of Maru in Zamfara, Alhaji Abubakar Maigari, said on Saturday in Gusau.

Maigari told the newly-deployed Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Abutu Yaro, who visited him that the police must check the activities of informants rigorously to put an end to insecurity in the state.

“We are appealing to government and security agencies to take serious measures of addressing informants’ activities in the state.

“Most of the informants are within our communities, and they are known by people. They move freely in communities carrying out ugly activities unchecked.

“We want security agencies to concentrate and deal with them decisively,’’ the emir said.

Earlier, CP Yaro told the emir said that his visit was part of his determination to ensure synergy with critical stakeholders, especially the traditional rulers.

He appealed for more support and cooperation from all stakeholders in the on-going peace process.

The Sole Administrator of Maru Local Government Council of Zamfara, Alhaji Salisu Dangulbi, who was in attendance, called for the deployment of additional police personnel to some parts of the area facing serious security challenges.

“Places like Mayanchi and its environs need urgent security intervention; we need more security personnel there for the people in the area to have rest of mind,’’ Dangulbi said.

He assured the police commissioner of continued support from the council to government and security agencies towards addressing security challenges in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that CP Yaro also held an interactive session with religious and community leaders and other relevant stakeholders in the area with a view to addressing the security challenges. (NAN)

Six French soldiers were injured during an operation against Islamist militants in Mali in West Africa, French media reported on Saturday, citing the Defence Ministry.

The attackers struck on Friday morning in the central region around Gourma, apparently driving a vehicle up to a military convoy before setting off an explosive.

The injured soldiers were taken to a military hospital in Gao, and three of them were flown to France for further treatment.

According to broadcaster Francinfo, none were in life-threatening condition.

It was the third serious attack on French soldiers since the end of December, when five French soldiers were killed in a week.

As Mali’s former colonial power, France has deployed thousands of soldiers against Islamists in West Africa, including some 5,100 troops active as part of anti-terrorism operation “Barkhane.” (dpa/NAN)