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Convoy Attack: Military concludes investigation, cautions Governor Zulum against ‘unverified’ claims

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The Nigerian Military has cautioned Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, against making public remarks about what it described as unverified allegations against its personnel in the theatre of operations.

This formed part of the recommendations of an investigative team set up to verify the allegations that soldiers in the war front have been engaging in farming and fishing activities.

The team lead, Major General Felix Omoigui, who is also the Deputy Theatre Commander Operation Lafiya Dole, briefed reporters on the findings of the team on Friday in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

He revealed that the allegations emanated from personnel of some security agencies, which were neither investigated nor verified before reporting same to the governor.

Omoigui who described the allegations as false and malicious explained that when the team visited Baga town, there were no records of fishing or farming by the troops as alleged.

“The prohibition of troops from engaging in farming and fishing activities in Area of Responsibility is contained in the Standing Operative Procedures,” he stated.

The deputy theatre commander insisted that soldiers have been constantly warned not to get involved in any farming and fishing activities.

He stressed that the investigative team also found that the entire area of Baga was too heavily mined with Improvised Explosive Device (IED) to encourage any farming activity, adding that 55 mines have so far been detonated since the town was reclaimed.

Overzealous Security Agencies?

“The allegations were conjured by some overzealous security agencies who for personal glory and without recourse for the tenets of inter-agency cooperation decided to propagate falsehood.

“The Governor of Borno State believed these allegations levelled against troops of the 19 Brigade in Baga given his recent utterances,” Omoigui said.

He added, “Remarks of highly placed persons is capable of demoralising the troops which would negatively impact on operations and the confidence of the locals in the military.”

The major general said the report faulted the governor has been in constant touch with the Theatre Commander and the Sector 3 Commander for not reporting the allegation for investigation.

He decried, “Allegations of such nature could be avoided if the military authority was contacted on issues concerning troops activities before going public.

“The realisations that the allegation emanated from security agencies could trigger reactions and animosity among troops and attendant negative consequences.”

According to him, the report recommends that Governor Zulum should be advised on the need to contact the Headquarters of the Theatre Command to verify any allegation against troops in Operation Lafiya Dole.

While declining to name the supposed security outfit responsible for the allegations, Omoigui advised security agencies to educate their personnel on the need to verify issues before disseminating same as intelligent reports.

When contacted, the governor’s aide on media and strategy, Isa Gusau, stated that his principal had gone beyond that.

He said, “He (Zulum) made his point which was not personal, and has moved forward.

“The governor has throughout this week, been engaged with high-level meetings at the Presidency and with the military’s service chiefs whom he visited in Abuja, to enhance collaboration on the more urgent issue of reclaiming peace in Borno.”

Fire Razes 10 Cars, One Trailer at LASTMA Office

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A fire at the office of the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency in Oshodi on Friday razed 10 cars and a trailer.

The fire started at a section of the agency’s premises where impounded vehicles were kept but its cause could not be ascertained by witnesses.

After emergency service officials battled and put out the fire, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) revealed that no life was lost as a result of the fire.

A total number of ten cars and one trailer were razed by the fire at the LASTMA office in Lagos on August 14, 2020.
The fire started at a section of the traffic management agency’s premises where impounded vehicles are kept.

“A total number of ten cars and one trailer were razed by the inferno,” the LASEMA Director-General, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, said in a statement.

“No casualties were recorded at the scene as the LRT Fire Unit and LASG Fire Service were all responders at the scene who successfully worked together to put out the fire”.

Witnesses had no clue about the cause of Friday’s fire

A short clip shared on Twitter by the agency gave an insight into the effort made by emergency workers to put out the fire and a peek into the damage it did.

LASTMA, which is responsible for traffic management in Lagos, had not put out any official reaction on its platforms as of the time of filing this report and it remains unclear how the agencies will deal with the damage done and if all the vehicles were impounded.

Former-Army spokesman spits fire on bandits, hails military’s swift probe of fishing allegations against troops

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A former Director of Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman (retd), mni, has commended the Nigerian military for swift and transparent investigation of soldiers alleged to be involved in farming and fishing activities in the northeast.

He made the commendation while contributing to a television programme called “Journalists Hangout” on Television Continental (TVC) on Friday, monitored by TheNigerian.

Speaking further, he said, “we have to give kudos to the military for rising up to the occasion by expeditiously investigating it.”

General Usman also said, “they instituted a board of inquiry spearheaded by a major general and in the course of that investigation, ye Nigerian military went along with some journalists who saw for themselves and asked commanders and soldiers questions.

“They came out with their findings and rubbished those allegations. Realistically, agriculture takes time. The fringes are littered with IEDs and as at today, the troops detonated 17 such IEDs. What time do they have to engage in such? More so, there is no population to help them.”

Usman, though, attributed the allegations to some overzealous security operatives eager to pass information to their superiors without verification or reaching out to their colleagues on the ground.

When asked to comment on the spike of banditry activities in some parts of Niger and Kaduna States, he stated that any keen observer would notice that the military is making frantic efforts to stamp out remnants of bandits from the Northwest.
According to him, the several operations under the auspices of Operation SAHEL SANITY are yielding results aplenty as the criminal elements are now fleeing to neighbouring states.

“The issue of banditry and cattle rustling has always been a problem, particularly in the Northwest. Nonetheless, the security agencies, especially the military have been taking some serious steps, for instance, the ongoing operation in Katsina and Zamfara,” he said.

“I’m so sure that maybe some of these escaping bandits are crossing to some parts Kaduna and Niger States. But Nigerians should be rest assured, troops are not resting on their oars. They will definitely get them, especially when the military move beyond the core areas where we have the problem.”

However, Mr Usman called on Nigerians, particularly those in the affected regions to support the troops flush out these bandits from their territories.

While decrying unhealthy rivalry and competition among security-agencies, the former-Army mouthpiece also advised the military to improve in their communication and enhance synergy, especially at both tactical and operational levels.

“But beyond that, we still need the cooperation and support of the people. I recall that Katsina State Governor talked about the menace of informants to these bandits. And remember whenever you have a conflict situation, there is a war economy. People tend to benefit, particularly some people gain from either supply of information or logistics,” he added.

“The military is doing their best but they are not magicians. They need the support of everyone for them to succeed”.

Appreciating Buhari On A Promise Fulfilled

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By Bukola Olasanmi

President Muhammadu Buhari is a man of his words. During the 2015 elections, he promised to do three things, improve on the economy, tackle corruption and address the insecurity in the country.

He has since assuming office started the fight against corruption from which millions of dollars have been recovered by the government and many serving and former public officials brought to book.

The current administration by the introduction of the Treasury Single Account and Bank Verification Number, BVN, also blocked major conduits for corruption.

The economy has also been on a steady rise since the stabilisation of the exchange rate, increased investment in the agricultural sector and stability of the banking system.

While much has been achieved in the areas of improving the economy and fighting corruption, the focus of this piece will be on security and how the current administration has succeeded where others feared to tread because of the impact it has had on all citizens especially the masses.

Before the coming of the current administration, the level of insecurity was so high that Boko Haram terrorism extended to all the states in the Northeast except Taraba, that life became a living hell for the people of Yobe, Bauchi, Adamawa and Gombe States.

More than 20 local councils in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States were captured by Boko Haram and placed under the administration of terrorists.
Major towns within the axis like Potiskum, Buni Yadi, Biu, Madagali, Gwoza, Garkida, Bama, Baga, Monguno, Benisheik etc. all lost their peace as the insurgents could invade any at will and sack residents.

It was so bad in the country that the Boko Haram terrorist hoisted their flags at Gwoza, excised it from other parts of Nigeria and declared their caliphate there. They did not stop at that but extended their nefarious activities to other states outside the Northeast like Kano and Abuja targetting high profile personalities like the emir and the Inspector General of Police and sensitive buildings like the United Nations building in Abuja and the headquarters of the Department of State Security. States like Niger, Plateau and Kogi State precisely, Okene and Koton Karfe, began to feel the negative impacts of the terrorists.

Extending their tentacles became so easy that the insurgents began planning to settle and extend their reign of evil to Lagos. But as Mr. President took over the mantle of leadership and kept to his words to secure Nigerians, he directed that the operational headquarters of the fight against insurgency move to the theatres of operation. From that moment, things began to change.

The terrorists, seeing the depth of intelligence put into security and the commitment of the government towards fishing them out, fled from Abuja to other places.

The effective monitoring and surveillance mounted in Kaduna, Niger, Kogi and Plateau made the terrorists in those states to also flee. Most of them were later confirmed to flee to reinforce their fast diminishing strongholds at Sambisa forest which was being battered and their members were being pushed to the fringes of the Lake Chad.

The Northeastern states of Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa and Yobe that were being traumatized by the terrorists began to heave sighs of relief as the Buhari administration, through reinforced coordination and strategies sacked the terrorists elements in those states and people began living their normal lives.

The livestock market at Potiskum has since bounced back attracting traders and other business interests beyond the shores of Nigeria while Mubi has retained its verve with schools and other activities resuming in full swing.

With sustained efforts, the Boko Haram miscreants and ISWAP activities have been confined to few border communities in Borno State. Even within Borno, places that were hitherto tormented by the terrorists like Gwoza, Izge, Biu, Benisheik and Konduga, have been liberated and kept free from their operations.

No doubt, President Buhari has kept his promise of eradicating terrorism in all these states and what is left today is the remnants of the terror group in parts of northern Borno. Nigerians are happy that President Buhari has not disappointed them with his promises to make Nigeria secure for citizens.

The level of economic activities within the states liberated from terrorism has quadrupled and many who were displaced in various parts of the country have returned to their communities.

Food security has been enhanced with the increase in the production of farm produce that are found only in those states. The general atmosphere in Nigeria has been that of fresh air and the people are happy that they have been enabled to pick up the pieces of their lives. General Buhari’s credentials as a man of integrity has been enhanced with these achievements.

Olasanmi is a journalist and wrote from Abuja.

Mailafia’s Claim on Boko Haram Commander Fake News – DSS

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The Department of State Services (DSS) has criticised the claim by a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Obadiah Mailafia, that a governor from the north is the leader of the Boko Haram sect.

In a statement issued on Friday, DSS spokesman, Peter Afunanya, described the claim as fake news, saying it only lends credence to the service’s alert about desperate efforts by some notable personalities to cause a total breakdown of law and order.

According to the secret service, Mailafia as a directing staffer at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), has unrestricted access to security agencies.

“It is disappointing that he never took advantage of these to reach any of the security or related agencies to share the so-called information at his disposal. This, he has agreed to be a grievous error on his part,” Afunanya said.

Mailafia was on Wednesday invited by the service to its office in Jos, the Plateau State capital, over the claim he made in an interview on a radio station in Abuja.

After his release from the DSS custody, Mailafia insisted he stood by his claims.

The service, however, warned that it will ill not stand idly and watch those it describes as disgruntled and aggrieved elements take laws into their hands and cause mayhem in the polity.

SEE FULL STATEMENT HERE:

PRESS RELEASE
DSS REITERATES WARNING AGAINST EFFORTS TO SUBVERT THE NATION

On 27th July, 2020, the Department of State Services (DSS) alerted the nation about desperate efforts by some notable personalities to use their exalted positions; take advantage of developments in the country and cause a total breakdown of law and order. It also revealed that part of the orchestrations was to engage in divisive acts as well as use inciting statements to pit one group against another.

With the latest occurrences in the country, Nigerians may have no reason to doubt the Service’s earlier pronouncement. Dr. Obadiah Mailafiya’s recent outburst aimed at playing to the gallery and creating unnecessary tension is a confirmation of his group’s desperation to breach the peace.

Mailafiya, as a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and currently, a Directing Staff at Nigeria’s foremost Policy Research Institute, the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, has unhindered access to government platforms. It is expected that he should be conversant with official information management protocols.

But regrettably, he chose to cross the lines of decorum and conduct expected of a personality of his status. It is disappointing that he never took advantage of these to reach any of the security or related agencies to share the so-called information at his disposal. This, he has agreed to be a grievous error on his part. It, however, suggests his mischief and determination to use the fake news he spewed to incite the people under his control.

It is even more condemnable that Mailafiya, who had profusely apologized during his visit to the Service’s Plateau State Command for his ignoble statement, would, afterwards, announce to the world that he stood by his misguided eruption.

Similarly, the Service also wishes to warn others, who in the guise of political mobilization and supposed pursuit of group interests, engage in hostile and subversive activities, to desist forthwith from advancing their inimical and parochial causes.

The Service will not stand idly and watch disgruntled and aggrieved elements take laws into their hands and cause mayhem in the polity.

In line with its mandate of detecting and preventing threats and crimes against the internal security of Nigeria, the Service hereby reiterates its previous warning that it will henceforth not condone unruly conducts of persons and groups that ought to know better.

In this regard, it will not hesitate to, within the confines of the law, decisively deal with such persons and/or groups, no matter how highly placed, that may wish to test its resolve. It will, nonetheless, continue to support participatory democracy in the country and therefore urges all players to abide by the rules of the game.

On the other hand, the Service implores law-abiding citizens to go about their normal businesses without fear. It assures them of protection and pledges to strengthen existing measures designed to achieve this objective.

Peter Afunanya, Ph.D
Public Relations Officer,
Department of State Services,
National Headquarters,
Abuja
14th August, 2020

Spain shuts nightclubs, bans smoking as cases spike

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All Spanish regions have agreed to order the closure of nightclubs and to ban smoking in outdoor areas when keeping a safe distance is impossible, among other measures aimed at curbing a rise in coronavirus infections, Health Minister Salvador Illa said.

Illa also advised against meetings of more than 10 people, and warned young people specifically not to gather outside to drink alcohol.

Infections have spiked in recent days, bringing the total as of Thursday to 337,334 since the pandemic began.

Spain

Air Strikes Crush Terrorists’ Enclave, Kill Scores of ISWAP Fighters in Borno

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The Air Task Force of Operation LAFIYA DOLE, has eliminated scores of Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters and destroyed compounds housing them at Tongule in the Lake Chad area of Northern Borno.

This according to the Coordinator, Defence Media Operations Major General John Enenche is in continuation of the air offensive against terrorist elements in the North East of the country.

“The air strikes were conducted on 12 August 2020 following credible Human Intelligence (HUMINT) reports indicating terrorists’ activities in the village following confirmatory Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, which showed presence of a sizable number of the ISWAP elements at designated locations in the settlement, the Air Task Force dispatched a force package of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets to attack the location.

“The NAF Jets then took turns in engaging the location scoring devastating hits on the designated targets leading to the destruction of the structures as well as the neutralization of several ISWAP fighters.” – Enenche said

Reacting to the development, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, commended the Air Task Force for their dedication and professionalism and urged them to intensify the air offensive against terrorists and all other criminal elements in the country.

Navy, NEXIM Bank Sign Mou Towards Opening Up Inland Waterways For International Trade

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The Nigerian Navy on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), to open up the nation’s inland waterways to boost maritime movement of goods and service.

The MoU is aimed at enhancing economic trade and movement of goods and services within the country and across the West Africa region for a more wholesome economic and national development

Speaking during the ceremony on Thursday at the Naval Headquarters Abuja, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Ibok -Ete Ibas, said the signing of the MoU would remain indelible in his memory.

Ibas said, “Since it is the constitutional responsibility of the Nigerian Navy to coordinate all national hydrographic surveys, it is only natural for the Service to be part of this strategic partnership.

”Indeed, today’s epoch signing ceremony will remain indelible in my memory as it marks a new phase in the attainment of Nigerian Navy’s statutory responsibilities regarding the charting and survey of the nation’s maritime areas.”

”Following the Nigerian Navy’s attainment of hydrographic survey and charting capacity with the unveiling of the first and second indigenous navigational charts, we are here today to move to the next phase toward opening up the nation’s inland waterways

”Today’s ceremony follows several months of tedious deliberations between the Nigerian Navy and the NIWA-NEXIM partnership for the survey of Nigeria’s inland waters

”Since it is the constitutional responsibility of the Nigerian Navy to coordinate all national hydrographic surveys and produce charts for use by Mariners within Nigerian waters, it was only natural for the Nigerian Navy to be part of this strategic partnership,” he said.

Ibas said that the partnership necessitated the drafting of an MoU to guide the engagement between the Service and NEXIM Bank toward actualizing the overall objectives of the Regional Sealink Project which the bank was driving.

”As you know, the Sealink Project was initiated to remove the huge logistics challenges and non-tariff measures along the Economic Community of West African states trade corridor.

”I am glad that after series of meetings and interactions, the Nigerian navy and NEXIM Bank have been able to produce an MoU to formalize their partnership.

”I wish to reassure our partners of Nigerian navy’s capacity to support the project to its fruition in order to enhance economic trade and movement of goods and Services both within Nigeria and across the West Africa region for a more wholesome economic and national development,” he said.

Ibas expressed gratitude to all persons who had contributed in making the MoU a reality.

Earlier, the Managing Director of NEXIM Bank, Abba Bello, noted that Nigerian is blessed with good waterways.

He assured that NEXIM would efficiently and quickly adhere to all the conditions of the partnership.

”Today is a very auspicious day for us because it will contribute significantly to trade in Nigeria and economic development of the country,” he said.

Ebonyi natives write Buratai, hail COAS over Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, other achievements

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Some well-meaning indigenes of Ebonyi State have applauded the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. T.Y Buratai for the siting of the Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Abakiliki, the state capital.

In an open letter on Friday, the group, under the auspices of Association of Ebonyi Indigenes in Abuja (AEIA) also commended the COAS for the success of various operations in the state and across the country.

According to the letter signed by its president, Comrade Collins Ezedike, the Ebonyi indigenes said the army facility “would go a long way in providing quality medical services to the people of Ebonyi as well as other neighbouring states”.

The letter said, “The Association of Ebonyi People in Abuja wishes to use this medium to extend our total appreciation to the indefatigable Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai for the wonderful initiative of the establishment of the Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.

“Our stomach is indeed filled with joy and appreciation for the choice of Abakiliki as the location for the Nigerian Army Reference Hospital. We are incredibly humbled by the decision of the hierarchy of the Nigerian Army to choose Abakiliki from the list of cities in the whole of South-East Nigeria.

“Dear Chief of Army Staff, we the members of the Association of Ebonyi Indigenes in Abuja is aware of your support and commitment towards peace and stability in the state that has resulted in the drastic reduction in the activities of bandits, kidnappers, ritualist and other criminal gangs in the state. ”

The group added that it is well informed of the COAS’ support and commitment towards peace and stability in the state that has resulted in the drastic reduction in the activities of bandits and other criminal activities.

Describing the Army chief’s commitment as “unflinching”, the group further saluted his “courage, foresight, dexterity and doggedness in leading the troops to victory in the war against terrorism, militancy and banditry”

The Ebonyi Indigenes in Abuja, however, assured the COAS of its total support and sustained cordial relationship with the state government and the entire Ebonyi people.

“The Association of Ebonyi Indigenes in Abuja wishes to inform you that the people of Ebonyi State would continue to extend its support to all the army operations in the state as well as in other states in the south-east region. It is also our desire that the fruitful relationship between the government of Ebonyi State and the Nigerian Army is sustained now and in the future,” the letter added.

“As members of this association in Abuja, we wish to on behalf of our brothers and sisters in Ebonyi state and other states of the federation extend our appreciation to you and also to inform you that you have our support always.

“We also pray that God continues to grant you the wisdom to continue to lead the Nigerian Army as they carry on with the task of protecting lives and properties in Nigeria, as well as preserving the territorial integrity of the country.

“The good people of Ebonyi state would not relent in its support for the Nigerian Army in its various operations in the state and other neighbouring states as the success of the activities of the Nigerian Army would indeed be beneficial to all of us in the country.

“The Association of Ebonyi Indigenes in Abuja is proud of your loft achievements as Chief of Army Staff, and it is our prayers that God grants you wisdom in the task at hand. We are grateful for your kind gestures towards Ebonyi, and we promise to always extend our support to you at all times. “

Terrorists Invasion: Actions Being Put in Place to Handle Intelligence Accordingly -DHQ

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The Armed forces of Nigeria has said the military is aware of moves by ISIS extremists to infiltrate parts of the country and is doing all to nip the situation in the bud noting that, actions have been put in place and are being reviewed to handle all important intelligence appropriately.

This follows a warning by the US AFRICOM that extremists have begun deploying several strategies to silently re-establish themselves across some regions in Africa including the West Africa Sub region.

Coordinator, Defence Media Operations Major General John Enenche said this

Thursday while briefing newsmen on the activities of the military across the nation in the last one week.

General Enenche noted that military operations across the nation have largely been successful with renewed commitment from the troops in line with the presidential directive to rid the nation of insecurity.

On allegations that the military is engaging in other nefarious activities such as livestock trading and businesses other than its core mandate of protecting lives and defending the territorial integrity of the nation especially in the Northeast of the country, General Enenche said such allegations are baseless and unfounded following a thorough investigation.

The full text of the statement reads below:

GENERAL UPDATE ON ARMED FORCES OF NIGERIA OPERATIONS    FROM 6 AUGUST TO 12 AUGUST 2020

Going by the routine of the Directorate of Defence Media Operations to regularly update the general public, my briefing will cover the last one week from 6 August to 12 August 2020. It will highlight the operational activities of the Nigerian Military and other security agencies engaged in various operations across the Country.

For the week under review, the overall outlook shows enhanced effort by the security forces with a commensurate degraded action on the part of the enemies of the Nation. This positive signal is connected to the directive by the Commander in Chief to the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies tackling the various security challenges in the Country to do more.

NORTH-CENTRAL ZONE

In a bid to curb the recent attacks and isolated killings in Southern Kaduna, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN have continued to intensify efforts aimed at securing the lives and property in the general area. Particularly, Special Operations Forces have been deployed to the Joint Operations Area covering the various flash points. This move is expected to achieve the desired result with the provision of credible and actionable intelligence specifically from primary sources. In this regard, the locals are requested to cooperate with the security agencies by availing them with the required information that will be useful to our collective objective of taking out the criminals from the area.

NORTH-WEST ZONE

Troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI have continued the aggressive clearance operations in the entire North-West zone of the country.  For the past one month we have witnessed downward trend in the activities of armed bandits and cattle rustlers in the general areas of Katsina, Kebbi, Zamfara, Sokoto and adjoining states. Most of these criminal elements have been decimated. Gradually there is restoration of human activities in the zone. Farmers have returned to their farms while other economic activities have picked up across the zone.

The troops have continued to dominate the general area with clearance patrols, aggressive fighting patrols and confidence-building patrols. The High Military Command congratulates the troops for the feat recorded and encourages the good people of the zone to continue to provide credible information to the troops.

SOUTH-SOUTH ZONE

Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE have intensified the fight against crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and illegal oil bunkering in the zone with significant successes. Within the period under review, Nigerian Navy Ship PATHFINDER patrol team discovered an Illegal Refining Site at Yellow Platform off Onne, Rivers State. The site had 2 metal reservoirs laden with an estimated 314.49 barrels of crude oil and 90,000 litres of illegally refined AGO. Accordingly, the site was deactivated.

Similarly, Nigerian Navy Ship DELTA patrol team located an Illegal Refining Site along Lokpobiri in Burutu LGA of Delta State. The site had 23 ovens, 15 surface metal storage tanks and 9 dug out pits cumulatively laden with about 195,000 litres of products suspected to be illegally refined AGO. Also, a speed boat laden with 4 sacks containing unspecified quantity of illegally refined AGO and 3 pumping machines, were found at the site. Accordingly, the site was deactivated while the speed boat with its content was recovered to the Base. The Armed Forces of Nigeria will sustain the onslaught against economic sabotage. The general public is hereby enjoined to continue to provide timely and credible information to the troops.

SOUTH WEST ZONE

In the South West zone, Troops of Operation AWATSE impounded a wooden boat with a sack containing 45 jerrycans of 25 litres, one 2.2 inches capacity hose of about 300 metres in length at Ibeshe area. The items were evacuated to ATLAS COVE camp. Troops also arrested a suspect in possession of some jerrycans of product suspected to be PMS and at Abule glass. The suspect was handed over to Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT patrol team. He is currently in custody at the Base while arrangements are ongoing to hand him over to appropriate prosecuting agency.

Troops have continued to dominate the general area with clearance and aggressive patrols while maintaining surveillance to rid the area of pipeline vandals and other economic saboteurs.

NORTH EAST ZONE

In the North East zone, the Armed Forces of Nigeria have continued to sustain the tempo in the fight against terrorism in the zone with attendant successes. Within the period under review, gentlemen of the press you could attest to the fact that there has been reduction in the number of incidences recorded so far from the zone. That is an evidence of own troops overwhelming superiority over the criminal elements which have drastically degraded the operational capabilities of the BHT/ISWAP elements. Troops have also sustained the clearance operations, aggressive patrols and Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance missions, sustained air offensive operations as well as artillery and aerial bombardments in the theatre of operation.

However, in the theatre the attention of the Defence Headquarters was drawn to the alleged activities of troops in Baga, regarding dealings in livestock and farming. In line with military procedures, it was investigated and found to be baseless. The full details will be made available at the next briefing.

WARNING ON EXTREMISTS MOVEMENT

Sequel to the warning by US AFRICOM that extremists have begun deploying several strategies to silently re-establish themselves across some regions in Africa including the West Africa sub region, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and all the relevant security agencies is leaving nothing to chance. Consequently, actions in place in this regard are being reviewed to handle this all important intelligence appropriately. I am directed to assure the general public that this is not a one off but continuous effort as it were to ensure that the security agencies are ahead of this evolving security challenge.

The Military High Command congratulates all the gallant troops of the Armed Forces and personnel of other security agencies for the feat recorded in various operations across the country. Troops are further encouraged to remain determined and sustain the tempo in curtailing the activities of terrorists, armed bandits and other criminals. The High Command of the Armed Forces also reassures the general public of its unwavering commitment to securing the country for all human activities to strive. Members of the general public are, as always, enjoined to continue providing timely information on the activities of criminals in their various localities to the nearest military and other security agencies location for prompt and effective action. Thank you.

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