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150 Suspected Criminals Arrested In Imo – Imo CP
A total of 150 suspects have been arrested in connection with terrorism, kidnapping, and armed robbery in Imo State, the police have said.
According to the Commissioner of Police in Imo, Rabiu Hussaini, the suspects were arrested within a period of one year, specifically between January 2021 and January 2022.
He made the disclosure on Friday while briefing the state governor, Hope Uzodimma, who visited the Police Command Headquarters in Owerri, the state capital.
Giving a breakdown of the figure, Hussaini explained that 105 of those apprehended were suspected kidnappers and the remaining 45 were suspected terrorists.
He admitted that he met a series of security challenges on the ground on his assumption of office to take charge of the command in August last year.
For the police commissioner, the Eastern Security Network (ESN) and proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), and others are to be blamed for the problems.
He, however, thanked the governor for his support which he said led to the vigorous and aggressive attacks on the terror groups and the decimation of their camps.
Hussaini revealed that the police were collaborating with traditional rulers, youth, and religious leaders, among other stakeholders on community policing.
February 5, 2022
Send fighter jets to flush out terrorists from hideouts, Senate urges FG
The Senate has urged the Federal Government to, as a matter of urgency, send fighter jets to flush out terrorists in their hideouts who are behind the kidnappings and killings of Nigerians.
The call was made on Tuesday during plenary in resolutions reached following a point of order raised on the “Urgent need for the Federal Government to take drastic actions to bring to an end the act of banditry and kidnapping in Faskari Local Government Area.”
The point of order was raised by Senator Bello Mandiya (Katsina South)
Relying on Order 41 and 51 of the Senate Rules, Mandiya noted that the act of banditry and kidnapping has become a daily incidence in Katsina with huge consequences of loss of lives, means of livelihood, and displacement of communities.
A statement from the Senate quoted the lawmaker as recalling that on Sunday, January 31, 2022, gunmen struck Ruwan Godiya, a Community in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State where 38 members of the community were kidnapped.
He stated that the Federal Government had made a frantic effort in curbing the menace by setting up Operation Sharan Daji and an Inter-Agency Task Force to tackle cases of banditry, cattle rustling, and kidnapping in Katsina state.
“Worried that the continuous security challenges and related attacks by bandits on towns, villages, and communities in Faskari Local Government Area have meted untold hardship on the people and have subjected the affected areas under serious survival threat; and
“Further worried that if this menace is not drastically and promptly addressed, the consequence is going to be huge on food sufficiency since the affected communities are mostly farmers”, Mandiya said.
Contributing, Senator Kabir Abdullahi Barkiya (Katsina Central), faulted the inability of the military to contain the situation despite several calls for it to act.
The Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, in his remarks, said the repeated cases of kidnappings and killings make it imperative for the military to “wake up” to protect Nigerians.
He wondered why full-scale action was yet to be carried out by the military in spite of increased funding for security in the 2022 budget by the Executive and National Assembly.
He said, “The expectation of their Senate is that there is supposed to be a remarkable difference in success in terms of the fight against insurgence, banditry, and militancy in Nigeria.
“The military is getting better funding from the government and what we expect is to see an improvement in output.
“I know the resources are not enough, but recently for one and a half years, the government has upscaled the level of funding for our military.
“Secondly, when we declared the bandits as terrorists, my understanding was they are going to be dealt with ruthlessly now. I wonder whether that is the case.
“The military-like some of our colleagues have said, need to wake up. We want to see a difference because we have made a difference in terms of funding.
“I know funding alone will not be enough, but funding can make a difference and we expect a difference in outcome.
“Thirdly, we need to mobilise our citizens, because when a hundred people are kidnapped and abducted, they are not taken by aircrafts, they are taken by motor bikes, pass through the villages and possibly towns, how come do we then say that nobody has seen something?
“We need our citizens to be part and parcel of our security architecture. In fact, there’s no way we can achieve better security for this country without the participation of the citizens in the fight against Insecurity.”
Accordingly, the Senate urged the Security Agencies to comb all known hide outs of the kidnappers in a bid to rescue the Thirty Eight (38) persons abducted by the gunmen in Ruwan Godiya.
It also called on the Federal Government to send enough military personnel and fighter jets to apprehend the bandits and restore normalcy in the affected areas.
February 3, 2022
Terrorists invade Niger communities, kill two, scores abducted
Two people have died and many abducted following terrorists’ invasion of Tungan Bako and Kawo communities in the Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told our correspondent that the terrorists demanded a ransom of N70m for the victims.
It was gathered that the attacks, which occurred on Thursday night, made villagers in the two communities flee.
The source said, “They called us that we should pay N70m as ransom before those abducted would be released. The situation is serious and villagers are fleeing the communities.’’
According to the source, the terrorists, riding over 30 motorcycles with two armed men on each, attacked the communities at about 11pm.
Another eyewitness, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “Two people were shot while trying to escape into the bush. The operation lasted till about 3.30am on Friday morning without any help for the villagers from anywhere. The assailants left only when they satisfied themselves.’’
It was further gathered that a pregnant woman and her two-year-old son were among those abducted but the woman was later released while the son was taken away.
The police spokesperson in the state, Wasiu Abiodun, could not be reached for comments. Calls made to his mobile were unanswered as of the time this report was filed.
January 30, 2022
950 Terrorists, 537 Bandits Killed In Seven Months – DHQ
The Defence Headquarters on Thursday said 950 terrorists including high-profile commanders and emirs between May 20, 2021, and January 6.
It also said in the period under review, a total of 537 bandits and other criminal elements, including two key bandits’ leaders in Zamfara State, namely Alhaji Auta and Kachalla Ruga, were neutralised.
The Acting Director, Defence Media Operation, Major-General Benard Onyeuko disclosed this at a media briefing in Abuja.
He said Nigerian troops also rescued about 1,000 kidnapped civilians and recovered assorted weapons from the criminal elements.
“Within the period under review, own troops operational activities resulted in the neutralisation of 950 terrorists including their high profile commanders and amirs. Also, a total of 79 terrorists were arrested, 113 kidnapped civilians were rescued by the troops of operation Hadin Kai within this period,” he said.
“In the Hadaran Daji, the operational Air Force of our troops yielded appreciable results between May 20, 2021 and January 6, 2022. The total of 537 armed bandits and other criminal elements were neutralised in action by own troops.”
January 6, 2022
FG Have Crushed Over 1000 Terrorists In 2021 – Lai Mohammed
Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who addressed a press conference in Lagos, said no fewer than 1000 terrorists were neutralised.
He said while 22,000 insurgents surrendered, 2000 civilians were rescued in the outgoing year in addition to the Many arms and ammunition which were recovered, adding that several IED/bomb making factories of the ISWAP and Boko Haram terrorists were destroyed.
Lai Mohammad acknowledged that the biggest challenge of the Federal Government in the outgoing year is insecurity.
According to him, despite the challenge, the military has been able to live up to expectations.
“For the outgoing year in particular, the major challenge has been that of insecurity. In spite of this and the usual economic challenges, especially the dwindling resources available to the government, the Administration has availed itself creditably, as we will be demonstrating shortly.
“Gentlemen, in the North East Zone under Operation HADIN KAI, a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic operations, coupled with a review of strategies, led to the neutralization of over 1000 terrorists, rescue of 2000 civilians and the surrender of over 22,000 terrorists including their families.
“Despite the enormity of the challenge, our military has continued to live up to their billing,” he said.
The Minister explained that to keep the country safe, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) set up various operations across the country.
According to the Minister, the effectiveness of the military was enhanced by the leadership provided by President Muhammadu Buhari and the unwavering commitment of the armed forces and its leadership.
He stated that the procurement of “modern platforms for the armed forces” also helped “in raising the level of their operational readiness and efficiency, in addition to boosting their capabilities.”
In the area of economy, the Minister stated that the recovery of the economy remained on a “steady path” throughout the year, recalling that the Nigerian economy was hit by the pandemic in mid- 2020, and the economic disruptions led to a recession.
“The poor performance of the economy during the COVID-19 era affected output growth, trade, household welfare and livelihood. However, this led to a quick response by the federal government with the rolling out of effective fiscal and monetary policies as well as health-related policies intended to curb the spread of the pandemic and mitigate the negative impact of the pandemic on the economy.
“This has yielded considerable results. For example, the country’s domestic growth in the first three quarters of 2021 was positive, recording real GDP of 0.51 percent in Q1, 5.01 percent in Q2 and 4.03 percent in Q3 2021, This was an improvement from a declining performance in the first three quarters of 2020 (which led to economic recession) put at 1.87 percent in Q1, -6.10 percent in Q2 and -3.62 percent in Q3 2020.
“Nevertheless, the fourth quarter 2020 recorded a slight improvement of 0.11 percent, ushering in positive growth rates in the three quarters of 2021. This economic performance in 2021 shows a steady improvement in growth over the last three quarters of 2020, and this can be attributed to government policies and strategies such as the Economic Sustainability Plan; the N500 billion COVID 19 Crisis Intervention Fund etc.”
Mohammed reiterated that in spite of daunting challenges, the country made tremendous progress in 2021 in fighting insecurity, growing the economy, reforming the oil sector to spur more investments, emplacing world-class infrastructure, providing social safety net for the poor and most vulnerable in the society and also taking advantage of the huge opportunities offered by the Information and Communications Technology Sector.
He added, “What we have done here is to highlight the major achievements, hence this is by no means exhaustive. That’s why we are also giving you a list of 100 achievements of the Buhari Administration in 2021, Success is not
measured by the number of challenges you face, but by how you tackle the challenges. This is what the Administration has demonstrated by tackling insecurity headlong while also growing and diversifying the
economy.
“We want to most sincerely thank all Nigerians for their support and perseverance. We want to reassure the nation that President Muhammadu Buhari is determined to leave a legacy of a safe, secure and prosperous nation. We urge Nigerians not to relent in supporting our security forces, who continue to make sacrifices to keep our country safe.”
December 30, 2021
‘Let them go and see God, there’s nothing like repentant terrorists’ — El-Rufai
Nasir el-Rufai, Kaduna state governor, says he does not believe in rehabilitating terrorists.
He said the best way to deal with the persons terrorising Nigerians is to kill them.
The governor made his position known on Tuesday while briefing state house correspondents after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari.
He was in the state house to brief the president on the recent attack which led to the death of 40 persons in Kaduna state.
The governor was accompanied by Samuel Aruwan, Kaduna commissioner for internal security and home affairs.
He said: “There is nothing like repentant terrorists. The only repentant bandit is the one that is dead. Our intention in the state is to kill them (terrorists), let them go and see God.”
El-Rufai said the whereabouts of the bandits are not hidden but that the military is wary of the collateral damage it could cause the civilian community.
The governor said there are three types of terrorists; the Boko Haram insurgents, the bandits, and members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
He said the recent declaration of bandits as terrorists has given the military more power to wage war against them.
El-Rufai asked for the intervention of the president for more deployment of security forces to enable a comprehensive operation.
He called on the security agencies to carry out aggressive operations against the terrorists.
December 22, 2021
Insecurity: COAS Warns Of Possible Increase In Activities Of Bandits, Terrorists By 2022
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Farouk Yahaya, has called on commanders of various theatres of operation to prepare for a possible increase in attacks by bandits and terrorists among other criminal elements disturbing the peace of the nation.
He made the call on Friday in Abuja while addressing senior officers at the closing ceremony of the COAS Annual Conference 2021.
“We must take the fight to the adversary in order to neutralise and defeat them,” the army chief said in his charge to officers and soldiers fighting insecurity in various parts of the country.
“Commanders are also urged to develop contingency plans to ensure our forces always retain the initiative in all our theatres of operation. In that vein, commanders must plan for the possible increase in scope and dimension of the activities of violent state actors in the coming year.”
READ ALSO: Buhari Sends Security, Intelligence Heads To Sokoto, Katsina Over Worsening Attacks
Yahaya noted that the conference was declared open on Monday by President Muhammadu Buhari who was represented by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Iraboh.
He stated that in the course of the event, participants discussed salient issues affecting the performance of the army’s constitutional roles and the sustenance of professionalism.
According to the army chief, participants also deliberated the various security issues plaguing the nation, including the activities of bandits, terrorists, and secessionists among others.
As a result, he hinted that the focus of the army for the coming year would be on developing more capacities for improved performances across board.
“Emphasis will be placed on both individual and unit training that will enhance teamwork and professionalism,” Yahaya disclosed. “In this regard, I urge commanders and commandants of the Nigerian Army apropos to ensure they conduct realistic training in their various institutions to ensure our officers and soldiers are equipped with the right skills and competencies to confront criminal elements in the various theatres of operation
“Furthermore, commanders must ensure that their troops master the art of night operations and anti-ambush drills by engaging in effective night operations and anti-ambush drill training.”
December 11, 2021
Court Proscribes Bandit Groups, Declares them “Terrorists”
A federal high court in Abuja has declared the activities of Yan Bindiga and Yan Ta’adda bandit groups as acts of terrorism.
Taiwo Taiwo, presiding judge, gave the order on an ex parte motion filed by the federal government.
Mohammed Abubakar, director of public prosecution (DPP) at the federal ministry of justice, who filed the motion ex-parte, said President Muhammadu Buhari gave approval for his action, of which objective is the proscription of Yan Bindiga and Yan Ta’adda groups and other terrorist groups in the country.
In its supporting affidavits, the federal government said security reports have confirmed that the bandit groups were responsible for the killings, abductions, rapes, kidnappings and related acts of criminality in the north-east, north-central and other parts of the country.
It alleged that the group is responsible for the growing cases of “banditry, incessant kidnappings for ransom, kidnapping for marriage, mass abductions of school children and other citizens, cattle rustling, enslavement, imprisonment, severe deprivation of physical liberty, torture, rape, sexual slavery, enforced prostitution, forced pregnancy, other forms of sexual violence, attacks and killings in communities and commuters and wanton destruction of lives and properties in Nigeria, particularly in the Northwest and Northcentral states in Nigeria are being carried out by Yan Bindiga and Yan Ta’adda groups and other groups associated with or engaged in the same or similar activities as Yan Bindiga and Yan Ta’adda groups in Nigeria.”
“The activities of Yan Bindiga and Yan Ta’adda groups and other similar groups constitute acts of terrorism that can lead to a breakdown of public order and safety and is a threat to national security and the corporate existence of Nigeria,” the government added.
Delivering ruling on Thursday, the court specifically declared the activities of the “Yan Bindiga group” and the “Yan Ta’adda group” and other similar groups in any part of the country, especially in the north-west and the north-central as “acts of terrorism and illegality”.
The court proscribed the activities of the group as well as other similar groups in any part of Nigeria, “either in groups or as individuals by whatever names they are called”.
The judge also made an order restraining “any person or group of persons from participating in any manner whatsoever, in any form of activities involving or concerning the prosecution of the collective intention or otherwise of the Yan Bindiga group and the Yan Ta’adda group under any other name or platform however called or described”.
The court asked the federal government to publish the proscription order in the official gazette and two national dailies.
November 26, 2021
Onslaught against terrorists evidence of effective intelligence- CSOs
…say critics of intelligence agencies mischievous
Some Civil Society Groups have reacted to media reports credited to a coalition of NGOs questioning the efficiency of the intelligence gathering architecture in the country.
The groups, Concerned Citizens of North-East Region, Citizens Action for Better Nigeria and Arewa Youth Federation in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja and signed signed by their leaders, Mallam Idris Muhammad, Smart Edward and Adamu Matazu respectively wondered why anybody will cast aspersions on the capacity and professionalism of Nigeria’s intelligence architecture.
“We are dismayed to note that certain unscrupulous elements whose stock in trade is peddling falsehood could question the role of the Department of State Security (DSS) and Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA). These are top performing agencies that are at par with their sister agencies like FBI, CIA and KGB. To say they are not performing is treasonable” the statement added.
Recalling the excellent outings of both DSS and DIA in arresting the duo of Nnamdi Kanu and Sunday Ighoho, the group is surprised that any well-meaning Nigerian will underplay these giant strides and seek rather to blackmail officers and men who put their lives on the line for the service of their father land.
“We make bold to say that the arrest of Nnamdi Kanu of IPOB and Sunday Ighoho of Oduduwa Republic as well as other top arrest and clamp down on errant citizens bent on distabilising the country is nothing but the pure work of professionals who infiltrate enemy lines to gather information as its never done elsewhere” the groups intoned.
Nigerians have not forgotten the fact that the Southeastern part of Nigeria was flashpoint of criminal activities. The Anambra election almost didn’t hold until the military and DSS stepped in, flushing the bad eggs and making the southeast safe age. This is a job well done and worthy of commendation instead of criticisms, the statement added.
While intelligence gathering is important, what is done to the intelligence is another thing all together. “If intelligence gathering is enough, America wouldn’t have experienced the tragedy of 9/11, the IRA would have stopped bombing British towns and Israel would have been free from the attacks of Hamas and Hezbollah” the statement added
While there is no justification for the lapses that occasionally occur as it is common and usual with human systems, the groups called on all Nigerians to support the security agencies with credible intelligence as security is everybody’s business. Taking the backseat and being an agent to be used by critics is not just unpatriotic but treasonable.
The groups urged the DSS and DIA to discountenance what they described as ranting by enemies of the state who only desire is to plot evil against the country and her leaders.
November 25, 2021
Terrorists Slaying Numerous In Goronyo, Illela Callous – Tambuwal
By Muhammad Goronyo, Sokoto
Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto state has described as callous the killing of over 15 people by unidentified gunmen in two local government areas of the state.
According to him, 13 people were killed by the marauders in Illela, a town bordering Niger Republic, some 97 kilometers from the state capital while two people were murdered at Goronyo, 76 kilometers east of the state capital.
The disparate attacks took place from Sunday night till the early hours of Monday.
Gov. Tambuwal disclosed this Monday when he presented the state’s 2022 budget to the state House of Assembly (SOHA).
The Governor, who also later described the perpetrators as ‘bandits graduating into terrorists,’ while receiving participants of Course 44 of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), appealed to the Federal Government to expedite action in order to checkmate the reign of brigandage in the affected areas of the state.
He stated that economic development is difficult to attain where there is insecurity no matter the financial resources available for such undertaking.
Similar attacks were experienced in Kalmalo,Runji and Kawadata villages where about 22 lost their lives also on Sunday and Monday.
Last month bandits, in a dare-devil evening raid had killed 43 at Goronyo market.
November 16, 2021