Category: Uncategorized

By Abel Leonard Nzwanke

Mr Mohammed Fari, the Nasarawa state Commandant of the NSCDC has revealed that the corps, has so far rescued many kidnap victims

Mr. Fari said that his officers rescued the victims from the base of a mountain around Wulko village near Akwanga on Monday night.

He said the victims, comprising five men and two women, were rescued unhurt.

Daybreak Newspapers reports that the abductors said to be in military uniform may have been responsible for the recent attack on the convoy of the Nasarawa State Deputy Governor, Dr Emmanuel Akabe, along Nasarawa Eggon-Akwanga Road on his way to Abuja.

Three policemen attached to the convoy and two other civilians were killed in the operation by the same suspected gang that kidnapped the seven persons.

According to Fari, the abductors abandoned their victims when they got wind of the presence of NSCDC officials in the area.

However, Mr Yakubu Gumjere, one of the victims narrated their ordeal in the hands of the kidnappers.
Gumjere said that he was on his way to Akwanga when the armed men picked him up at a popular location known as “Many have gone” along Nasarawa Eggon-Akwanga Road.

He said six other persons were also abducted by the armed men, who were in military uniforms.
“We were taken into the bush and ordered to lie down with someone guarding us with a gun while they returned to the road.

“We later heard gunshots, which lasted for a while before the armed men returned and ordered us to start trekking.
“They came back with additional riffles, which they claimed were gotten from the police.

“We trekked from about 7 p.m until about 2 a.m the next day before we got to their hideout in the mountains. It took us about three hours to climb the mountain,” he said.

He further said that “We the (victims) are fed with garri and crushed maggi seasoning during our eight days stay with them.

Gumjere said the 11 armed men had sophisticated weapons and a large cache of ammunition, adding that the abductors quickly relocated them to the inner part of the rock when they heard the sound of a chopper.

He explained that the abductors contacted their families and collected ransom from six of them and pardoned the seventh victim.
“They told us that they collected over N1 million each from two of us, and various sums from the others and had to pardon one of us whose family was not forthcoming.
“They were so familiar with the terrain to the extent that the movement at night was effortless to them.

“According to the kidnapers they have been in the state for about a month now.
“They were bringing us to the base of the mountain around Wulko village when they got information about the presence of the NSCDC and had to abandon us and fled,” Gumjere said.

By Abel Leonard Nzwanke

The Chairman of Toto Local Government, Nasarawa State, Nuhu Adamu Dauda, has said that 40 suspected kidnappers and their informants terrorising residents have been arrested by security agents.

Dauda made the disclosure at a security meeting, which had traditional rulers, village/district heads, community leaders and representatives of various security agents in attendance.

He said the council was impressed with the support of security agents, which had helped in curtailing cases of incessant kidnapping in the area, adding that the council’s declaration of curfew also helped.

He also said the council has commenced the construction of six modern security outposts along some major roads in the area to reduce hardships faced by security operatives and to also curtail criminal activities in the area.

The chairman appreciated the efforts of traditional rulers and community leaders and residents and their cooperation with security agents by giving them useful information.

He assured residents of his administration’s determination to protect lives and property. He urged traditional rulers to always live in peace with one another

The meeting had the first class traditional ruler, Ohimegye of Opanda-Umaisha, Alhaji Usman Abdullahi, and other chiefs in attendance.

By Danzumi Ishaku Jalingo.

A day after gunmen attacks on a family of five in Takum local government of Taraba state, a policeman and bus driver as well as his conductor were attacked by suspected gunmen in Takum local government council.

The victims who are now undergoing medical treatment in one of the hospital located in the council , were said to have been attacked yesterday in Kofai Amadu village, along Takum -Wukari road.

While the name of the attacked policeman was given as Sargent Mohammad Abdullahi, that of the driver and his conductor were given as mallam Sadiq Salihu and mallam lsiaku both of whom who were said to have hailed from job.

Confirming the attacks, the council chairman, Shiban Tikari, said three vehicles were attacked along kofai Amadu road to Takum close to a village of Kpakufun where he was attacked.

Perturbed by the incessant attacks, “a bus ” as stated by him “was attacked by militias” whom as made known by him ” came out from bush, shot the , and bus injured the driver badly .”

The unfortunate policeman was said to have ran into the suspected gunmen whom were in large numbers.

According to the chairman a police patrol vehicle ran into the gangs and one of the policeman was shot and badly injured.

The chairman who confirmed that the security operatives are working assiduously to track down the suspects, called on government at all levels to fashion out measures that would assist in flushing out bandits from the state.

When reached for confirmation, the state police command through the Public Relations Officer (PPRO), David Misal, said they are not yet aware of the attacks but promised to get back to Nigerian pilot as soon as the information gets to the command.

By Danzumi Ishaku Jalingo.

The Operations Controller Department of Petrol Resources DPR, Taraba state filled office Jalingo, Mr Jeremiah Mashat has carried out an rating surveillance which lead to the sealing of 12 filling stations that sales petroleum products above the Government’s price of N145 per litre in Taraba.

Mr Jeremiah Mashat, Operational Controller in Jalingo who lead the surveillance operation on Wednesday in Jalingo and Wukari towns said the operation was effective.

Mishak said that those petrol stations that were sealed must pay their fines slammed upon them by the department before the ‘stop work seal’ posted on their dispensers would be removed.

The Controller said four stations were sealed in Jalingo, the state capital, six sealed in Wukari town, two got sealed in Gassol local government area.

He said that the operation would go round the state, adding that the deployment of more staff of the department from other offices would ensure more efficiency.

According to Mr Jeremiah Mashat Federal government was already paying for subsidy on Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) and regretted why marketers would be shortchanging the citizens.

He assured the public that the department would not leave any stone unturned to ensure that marketers do not shortchange the citizens in Taraba.

The Controller however, said that the level of compliance by marketers was impressive, pointing out that some were doing the right thing before the inspection.

He explained that the violations were not only on pump price compliance but environmental safety of the facilities was also inspected and some were sanctioned for such negligence.

According to him, our areas of coverage includes quality, quantity, safety and licensing of petrol marketing facilities.

“We came out for the routine surveillance operation and were able to inspect about 24 petrol service stations and sealed up 12 out of the number for violation of DPR regulations.

” Some were fined for gross under dispensing of the products while others were fined due to non compliance to ensuring safety their facilities and diversion.

“Although, those who wished to pay their fines through Remittal, under the Treasury Single Account of the federal government, and after they might have corrected their inadequacies, will be unsealed for their sales.

” The federal government is already paying subsidy on PMS and marketers are not expected to sale above the official pump price.

“The DPR will ensure that the public is not shortchanged by these marketers and we have also addressed the challenge of staff inadequacy.

” We are expecting more staff who will be deployed from other offices to our office here in Jalingo to ensure effectiveness in our surveillance operations.

“Above all, I urge all the marketers to comply with all the to do the heedful to ensure adherence to petroleum downstream regulations’, He said

Nigerian pilot reports that some of the marketers shot down include, NNPC Mega Station Jalingo Wukari Road, MRS Nigeria Limited, Fort Oil, Habu Nick Nigeria Limited Jalingo and Elohim Petroleum station among others.

Our correspondent also reports that some of the violators paid their fines which ranged from one hundred thousand and above depending on the gravity of the offence caught with.

By Dauda R Pam

The Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj-Gen. Olusegun Adeniyi,Theatre commander operation LAFIYA DOLE,has disclosed, that the Nigeria Army has considered to adopt a Super Camp Concepts, aimed at fast tracking mobility, quick reaction as well as longer reach and tactical level approach to end bokoharam terrorism.

The Theatre helmsman,hinted this during a roundtable session with Borno Elders Forum (BOEF), held tuesday,at Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri,stressing that the pressing issue at hand, was the Nigerian Army change of concepts aimed at ending Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast.

He lamented that insurgency in affected states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa have claimed many lives and property in the last one decade and used the occasion to solicited for the support and cooperation of Borno Elders Forum (BOEF), to enable Army end Boko Haram insurgency in the region.

He told the Elders that the days of insurgents moving freely, and passing in between static defense locations are no more, coupled with the new strategy of striking power of the airtaskforce,ATF,.

On Super Camp adoption,he said: “We have just adopted it. It’s being fine-tuned, and when it is fully implemented, there will be no town, or village in Borno that we will not have Army presence.

“While we will deliberate and exchange ideas on the way forward, i want to ask for your support and you should exercise a little patience, because everything that will turnout excellent, has a difficult days.” Adeniyi added.

He however told the Borno Elders Forum, that Operation Lafiya Dole is open to their advices, suggestions and observations, saying the Army will do its best to make Elders’ forum see the
military point of view on counter-nsurgency operations.

BOEF’s Secretary, Alhaji Bulama Mali Gubio said, it is the duty of lders to encourage soldiers and other fighting forces to share their “experiences and wisdom” to carry out their duties effectively.

According to him, the troops have rescued the nation from collapsing, promising that people of Borno will rally round the military to end the 10-year old
insurgency in the region.

Gubio noted that ending Boko Haram insurgency will enable people to return to their ancestral homes and pick up their lives.

By Dauda R Pam

Operation Lafiya Dole, Theater Commander,Major Gen. Olusegun Adeniyi,has solicited for the support and cooperation of Borno people, particularly, Borno elders,over a statement made by the state Governor,Prof.Babagana Umara ZULUM,berating military operations in the state.

Speaking at a consultative meeting with BORNO elders,held at the Officers Mess Maimalari Cantonment MAIDUGURI,the Theatre commander condemned the manner,the governor made some political statements against the Nigerian Army operations,despite their efforts and sacrifices in providing security to the state and north east region.

According to him, the Nigerian army are equal stakeholders in the Nigerian project irrespective of the fact that they are in uniform,the Nigerian Army also have feelings and concerns over what is happening hopping that, with the support and cooperation of the people of Borno and their elders as well as all religious and ethnic organisations to fight the insurgency to it’s logical end

He expressed profound appreciation to the elders, stressing that as experienced people who have passed different stages of life and played significant roles in the society,he urged them to continue to pray for peace, unity and stability of the state and country at large.

He used the forum to disclose that, “there is a change in the mode or system of operations which was not disclosed to the people earlier where the military decided not to continue to be in the trenches and wait till boko haram insurgents come to attack them.

“Today we have a new strategy like the Americans, we are on mobility. Soldiers will now be on wheel patrolling, moving from one place to the other, village to village, towns to towns on daily surveillance 24 hours.

“While other super force are tracing the hideouts of the boko Haram insurgents on intelligence to response to distress calls and emergencies apart from the response team”.

On the change in mode of operations,he appealed to them to exercise restrain and be patient with Nigerian Army as it restrategizes its operations, describing, the alleged withdrawal of soldiers as false and unfounded.

Responding, Alhaji Asheik Jarma,former Governor of Borno State,led the 16-man elders forum,expressed appreciated operation Lafiya dole and commended the military for their sacrifices and bravery.

He said as elders, “there is need for prayers and we will continue to pray for peace, unity and stability of the state and country at large while assuring their full support and cooperation to the military over the insurgency.
Ends.

By Danzumi Ishaku.

Citing the roles played by youths in Taraba state during the last general elections, the need for the incumbent governor, Arc. Darius Dickson Ishaku, to include them in his cabinet, have become a source of concern to the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN).

The leadership of the council on Monday felicitating with the Taraba state Governor on the 28th anniversary of the state, in Jalingo and used the event
To call on the governor not to renege on his promised to provide jobs for the teeming unemployed youths in the state .

Speaking on behalf of the Taraba state chapter chairman Udi Adamu, the spokes person in the state Joachim Dangana, the group also charged members of the National Assembly to redouble their efforts by eschewing acts that would make them mendicants before the executive arm of the government.

“we challenged law makers at the National level not to be rubber stamp at the hallow chamber in discharging legislative duties but to initiate and support laws that will impact positively on the people.”

Lauding the efforts of the past Governors of the state whom they said “contributed immensely to the development of the state ” they admonished politicians to shun uncoordinated rants peddled in various platform’s but to fully support the administration of Governor Ishaku now that political activities have piped low.”

Advocating for youths inclusion in government activities, the need for the youths to eschew acts capable of jeopardizing the growth of the state and the nation at large, they said have become necessary.

Tarabans are charged to use this period to pray for sustainable peace and eschew all forms of bitterness for the overall development of the state.

More to that, youths as suggested by them should desist from making themselves available as tools for destruction in the hands of overzealous politicians

Reiterating their determination to work tirelessly round the clock for the unity of the state and the country at large, they urged the various warring groups to lay down their arms and embrace peace.

By Jennifer Y Omiloli

Lauretta Onochie, the assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on social media has said that the security of Nigeria is far over the privileges of any person.

Daybreak.ng assembles that the presidential aide owned the expression by means of her official Twitter handle on Tuesday, August 27.

"General Buhari as a military dictator, complied with ALL court orders." – Femi Falana SAN

ME: Eneke the bird says that since men have learned to shoot without missing, he has learned to fly without perching.

THE SECURITY OF NIGERIA IS FAR ABOVE THE RIGHTS OF ANY INDIVIDUAL.

— Lauretta Onochie (@Laurestar) August 27, 2019

She owned reference to a tweet by human rights extremist Femi Falana (SAN) that President Buhari conformed to all court orders when he was military head of state yet did not do as such as a democratic president.

By Jennifer Y Omiloli

The president said this on Monday, August 26 as he pronounced open the 59th version of the Nigerian Bar Association Annual General Conference in Lagos.

Daybreak.ng accumulates that the president, who was represented by the attorney general of the federation, Abubakar Malami, encouraged the representatives to exploit the meeting to tackle the legal practice.

Talking at the occasion, the NBA president, Paul Usoro, said the meeting was to empower legal advisors review the system inside which they work.

He said: “The essence of being lawyers is to ensure that the rule of law is preserved as lawyers represent the voice of the oppressed.”

By Jennifer Y Omiloli

On Saturday, August 24, a few officers of the Nigerian Army caught six Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles in Maiha local government zone of Adamawa state.

The Nigerian Military tending to the issue said that vehicles which were being brought into Nigeria from Cameroon were caught by officers at Konkol, a border town between Nigeria and Cameroon.

Likewise, days after the recuperation of the vehicles, the Nigerian Military on Sunday, August 25, gave over the recouped MRAPs to the Nigerian Customs. In any case, following the capture attempt of the vehicles, contentions have attempted the whereabout and reason for which they were brought into the nation.

It was reported that while a few sources inside the Military has said that the vehicles has a place with the Nigerian government, others asserted that, they were the property of the Cameroonian experts.

However, some others have said the vehicle belongs to the United States of America experts and was being moved as a gift to the Nigerian government.

A source said documentation for the gift of the vehicles among Nigeria and US were done and that the avoidable hole in correspondence and data sharing prompted the block attempt.

The source additionally said the vehicle will be discharged to the Nigerian specialists soon.

Be that as it may, another source said the vehicles were blocked after information was received by the DSS that a suspicious relegation was moving toward the Nigerian border.

“The DSS quickly informed its headquarters in Abuja and coordinated with other security agencies. So, we got wind of the situation beforehand,” the source said.

“As soon as the equipment was ferried across the border, we asked for relevant papers which were not provided. We realized that Niger violated the procedures,” the source added.