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Just in: IPOB attacks Transport Minister Amaechi in Madrid

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Members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) terrorist group have attacked Rotimi Amaechi, the minister of transportation, in Madrid, Spain.

The attack on the minister took place on Friday while he was on a national assignment will be the second on a high profile Nigerian official on a foreign soil after former Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu was beaten to a pulp in Germany.

In a message shared on his Twitter handle, Amaechi said the attackers were repelled by the Spanish police.

“Some minutes ago, I was attacked by a few misguided Nigerians while on national assignment at a climate change event in Madrid, Spain,” he said.

“They were quickly repelled by the Spanish police before they could do any harm. I am fine. I was not hurt. Thanks for your support & prayers.”

BREAKING: I drove Sowore in my car to DSS office – Falana

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Contrary to speculation, human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has revealed that he drove Omoyele Sowore, the founder of Sahara Reporters to the headquarters of the Department of State Services (DSS).

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) confirmed this in an interview with Channels Television on Friday.

Mr Falana, however, established that his client was detained on arrival at the DSS office and hasn’t been released.

Details later.

CDS commends army on research, technological innovations

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Ezugwu MRAP Vehicles on display at the COAS conference in Kaduna

Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin, has commended the Nigerian army for its research and development effort as well as innovation leading to the production of made in Nigeria military hardware.

Olonisakin gave the commendation during the tour of Nigerian army research and development exhibition at the ongoing 2019 Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference on Thursday in Kaduna.

He said the decision of Nigerian army to explore the full potential within its ranks to come up with reputable innovations would be a boost to ongoing counter insurgency operations.

“It is in this regard that I wish to recognise and also commend the sterling efforts of the Nigerian army under the dynamic leadership of the chief of army staff.

“Undoubtedly, the Nigerian army with vast experience in human resources is presumed to be at the driving seat in actualising a good success in the research and development project.

“Accordingly, the place as well as intended benefits of research and development in Nigerian military is even more significant in contemporary times considering the myriad of security challenges confronting the nation.

“At a time when modern armies are compelled to think outside the box and develop local initiatives through research and development in order to change the narratives.

“This is consistent with the Nigerian army stride in research and development initiatives,” he said.

Olonisakin said the recent launch of Nigerian army infantry patrol vehicles, Ezugwu MRAP, which was fabricated using local engineering experts within the Nigerian army in collaboration with its partners was heartwarming.

He added that the Nigerian army giant stride had turned on the new vista of opportunities for the countries to become a global competitor in the manufacture of military hardware.

“Therefore, the proper harnessing of this effort will help to facilitate the commercial production and sales of defence equipment and ultimately become a source of foreign exchange earning for the nation.

“The Boko Haram insurgency in particular has provided an appropriate impetus for the Nigerian army to seriously task the ingenuity of its personnel and come up with innovative ideas to address the current terrorism challenge.

“This is particularly worthy of note because even the terrorists are known to be innovative with captured weapons in the pursuit of their nefarious activities.

“Additionally, with the resourcesa allocated by the Nigerian government for defence, it is incumbent for Nigerian army to look inward and pursue this noble initiative in research and development with a view to surmounting insecurity across the nation,” he added.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, while welcoming Olonisakin, said that the initiative started in 2016 at the first research and innovation summit and exhibition in Abuja.

Buratai said the Nigerian army was proud that its research and innovation effort had progressed with the successful production of Ezugwu MRAP and other infantry patrol vehicles.

”The MRAP is quite comfortable, it is comparable if not slightly higher than some of the MRAPs that we imported or procured from abroad.

“It has the cutting edge technology which has been added to this version of our MRAP vehicle,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the vehicles were fabricated and produced by the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and Command Engineering Depot in Kaduna, using 70 per cent local content and 100 per cent indigenous engineers.

The theme of the conference was “Application of the Cutting Edge of the Nigerian Army in Tackling Contemporary Security Challenges”.

Stop witch-hunting M.A Abubakar, CSO cautions Bauchi governor

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A civil rights group, Bauchi Civil Society Organisation Network, society has accused Bauchi state Governor of witch hunt against the immediate past governor of the state Mohammed Abubakar.

At a press conference in Bauchi today, Mohammed Hussein ask the governor of the state to call to order the excesses of BAUCHI STATE FUNDS AND ASSETS RECOVERY COMMITTEE if he is not behind their action thus far. The group leader accused the committee intention is to ridicule the personality of an accomplished leader who served Bauchi State with sincerity, probity and adherence to rule of law. The primitive actions of the Recovery Committee has woken the group from slumber to map out the required defence mechanisms within the orbit of the law to strengthen the records and put those devils to shame including their sponsors that have pending cases bordering on corruption, diversion and stealing of public funds in the courts.

The group equally wants to use this medium to expose the hatchet plan of the poorly constituted committee against the rising political profile of former governor Muhammed Abdullahi Abubakar and the dare devil intention of the committee to overheat the polity and subsequently cause a breach of the peace enjoyed through the efforts of the former governor.

We will be the first to call to account the former governor if the action of the committee is not premeditated because we abhor corruption and will call him out to face any genuine allegation.

We have vowed as Vanguards of Equity and Justice and no matter the quantum of the consequences to expose to the public the real motive behind the James Bond style of administration now in Bauchi State and the cluelessness of the governor for public judgment and discourse in our desire for justice.

The latest offensive against the former governor by the Funds and Assets Recovery Committee was an attack on his private residences at Bauchi GRA and Fadaman Mada where the main entrance gate to the Fadaman Mada residence was forcefully broken without any supporting valid legal document and in the presence of attached police officers. In the illegal operation spiced with hate and envy, four (4) brand new tractors belonging to a private company that were duly purchased through due process and covered with valid official receipts with private cars were carted away under the guise of RECOVERY OF PUBLIC PROPERTIES.

Hussein said In ideal situations, it is holistic to straighten the records at least for posterity and to put a lie to the many falsehoods peddled by the Bauchi State Funds and Assets Recovery Committee in desperation to achieve a hidden agenda against certain targeted politicians in the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Benue-Taraba move towards demarcation of interstate boundary

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By Ede Ogaba Ede

In a conscious effort to fasten the definition and demarcation of the Benue /Taraba interstate boundary, the bilateral meeting of officials of the two states and that of the National Boundary Commission (NBC) today resolved to involve the governors of the two states more in the resolution of the issues and make available to them the comprehensive maps of the 1996 fieldwork based on the 1923/24 description so that they can expeditiously study and with input from stakeholders interface bilaterally on areas of concern to both sides.

The bilateral meeting which took place today in Abuja further resolved that after the interface, the two state governments shall report to the NBC not later than end of January 2020 after which the NBC shall convene another meeting to discuss the needs of the states as well as plan the way forward.

Benue State deputy governor, Engr Benson Abounu led Benue State team to the meeting while Taraba State delegation was led by Engr Haruna Manu. The acting Director General of the NBC, Surveyor Adamu Adaji led the NBC team.

In his welcome address, Engr Benson Abounu stressed the need for peace in the border corridor and highlighted the various efforts put by the two state governments into finding lasting peace in the area.

He called on the communities there to support the peaceful demarcation of the boundary and to see boundaries not as lines of division but as tools for administrative convenience.

He charged the leaders of the various communities to embark on massive sensitization of people in their areas to embrace and fully support the forthcoming demarcation exercise.

In his remarks, Taraba State deputy governor, Engr Manu, who also stressed the need for peace in the troubled area called on the people to change their concept of boundary and see boundaries as bridges of opportunities, and cooperation between communities not as barriers to development.

Also speaking, Surveyor Adaji thanked Governors Samuel Ortom of Benue and Arc. Darius Ishaku of Taraba State for their untiring support for the peace process. He enumerated the outlined activities planned towards the demarcation work and solicited the support of the states and the affected communities.

Breaking: Senate Passes 2020 Budget

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By Bukola Olasanmi

The Senate on Thursday passed the 2020 budget before the National Assembly.

President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan had announced on Wednesday that the 2020 Appropriation bill before the parliament will be passed today the 5th of December.

He informed lawmakers at plenary shortly after the Public Procurement Act 2007 amendment bills were passed, which he believes, will complement the 2020 budget.

According to Lawan, the Public Procurement bill passed by the upper chamber is the icing on the cake on the eventual passage of the 2020 budget.

Chairman of the Committee, Senator Shuaibu Isah Lau (PDP, Taraba North), in his presentation, said “certain amendments were made on the bills to encapsulate the ingredients of the varied views collated from experts and professionals, aimed at adding value to the Procurement Act.”

The Senate, in a clause-by-clause consideration of the bill, adopted the recommendations of the committee with slight amendments made to Section 1 under the Establishment of National Council on Public Procurement.

The Senate also adopted the committee’s recommendation on the issuance of Certificate of No Objection which shall be issued by a Committee of Directors of the Bureau to the chaired by the Director-General of the Public Procurement Bureau.

“The public procurement process in Nigeria has been a big bottleneck for some time, probably since it was passed.

“I believe that with this amendment, the procurement process will be faster and better, as will be the budget implementation process.

“Surely, this bill will have to go to the House of Representatives for them to concur.

Similarly, the upper chamber considered the recommendation of the committee to review upwards the mobilization fee from 15 percent to 20 percent for local contractors as insufficient.

Accordingly, Section 35 of the Act was amended to provide for not more than thirty percent mobilization for local contractors.

The amendment for an upward review of thirty-five percent mobilization for local contractors was initially proposed by Senator Jibrin Barau (APC, Kano North) and seconded by Ibikunle Amosun (APC, Ogun Central).

The Senate, however, settled for a thirty-percent review moved by Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South) and seconded by Senator Rose Oko (PDP, Cross River North).

N7.65Billion Fraud: Ex Gov. Orji Kalu Jailed

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Former Abia State Governor, Orji Uzor Kalu, who was prosecuted on a 27 counts by the EFCC has been jailed.

Kalu, now a Senator representing Abia North at the National Assembly, was jailed by a Federal High Court, sitting in Lagos and presided over by Justice Mohammad Idris. He was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment for N7.65bn fraud.

Also convicted and sentenced are two other accomplices, his firm, Slok Nigeria Limited and Udeh Udeogu, who was Director of Finance and Accounts at the Abia State Government House during his tenure as governor.

The judge also ordered that Slok Nigeria Limited be wound up and its assets forfeited to the Federal Government.

 

Troops crush more Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgents, rescue women and children

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…upscale operations to decimate criminals nationwide

In what has now become a recurring decimal for the Boko Haram criminal elements across Operation LAFIYA DOLE Theatre, owing to the growing effectiveness of the Nigerian Army Super Camp Concept, some criminal Boko Haram elements mounted on 5 Gun Trucks and motorcycles attempted to infiltrate 112 Task Force Battalion troops’ location at Mafa in Mafa LGA of Borno State on 1 December 2019.

In a shameless display of poor training and tactics, the marauding criminals made themselves easy target, as they fell prey to the superior fire power power of the resilient and highly professional troops of the said Battalion.

At the end of the encounter which lasted for about 40 minutes, the criminals once again suffered heavy casualties in both men and equipment as they were seen retreating in dissaray with some of their dead and wounded. However, the dogged troops of the Unit embarked on a hot pursuit of the scampering insurgents and exploited their withdrawal route.

During the exploitation, troops recovered 3 Boko Haram bodies (2 of them strapped with suicide vests). Additionally, one Boko Haram criminals’ Gun Truck, one motorcycle, one Anti-Aircraft Gun, one PKT Gun, one Rocket Propelled Gun Tube were captured by the troops. Other items that were equally captured by the troops include 2 Rocket Propelled Gun bombs, 2 AK 47 Rifles, 25 Rounds of Anti-Aircraft Gun, 723 Rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, 51 Rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 52 Rounds of 7.62 X 54mmR (PKT) ammunition, surgical kits, Boko Haram terrorists’ uniforms and warm clothing were also captured by the gallant troops.

ONE GUN TRUCK, BOKO HARAM UNIFORMS AND SURGICAL KITS CAPTURED BY TROOPS OF 112 TASK FORCE BATTALION, OPERATION LAFIYA DOLE IN FAILED INFILTRATION ATTEMPT ON THE TROOPS’ LOCATION AT MAFA IN MAFA LGA OF BORNO STATE ON 1 DECEMBER 2019

In a similar development, 2 female suicide bombers attempted to infiltrate the Defence Company of 26 Task Force Brigade Garrison location at Gwoza in Gwoza LGA of Borno State on 1 December 2019. Consequently, the eagle eyed soldiers deployed on sentry duty identified the criminal intruders and neutralized them before they could detonate their suicide vests.

In yet another development, based on credible intelligence, troops of 21 Special Armoured Brigade in conjunction with elements of the Civilian Joint Task Force conducted a robust Clearance Operation to suspected Boko Haram enclaves at Zua and Kotembe Villages in Bama LGA of Borno State in the early hours of 2 December 2019.

12 WOMEN AND 4 CHILDREN RESCUED BY TROOPS OF 21 SPECIAL ARMOURED BRIGADE DURING CLEARANCE OPERATION OF BOKO HARAM ENCLAVES IN ZUA AND KOTEMBE VILLAGES OF BAMA LGA OF BORNO STATE ON 2 DECEMBER 2019

Incidentally, the cowardly remnant Boko Haram criminals hibernating in the general area opened fire on the advancing troops from an ineffective range and fled in disarray towards Kerawa along the Nigeria- Cameroon boarder. Nevertheless, the gallant troops continued with their advance and bravely searched the area. It is gratifying to note that, 12 women and 4 children held captives by the insurgents were rescued and evacuated to safety.

Elsewhere, other ongoing Nigerian Army Operations and Exercises conducted across the country continue to yield positive results as our gallant troops continue to decimate the criminal gangs and deny them freedom of action.

TROOPS OF EXERCISE CROCODILE SMILE IV DISCOVERED A MAKESHIFT UNDERGROUND BUNKER IN THE HOUSE OF A NOTORIOUS SUSPECTED DRUG PEDDLER USED FOR STORING VARIOUS ILLICIT DRUGS IN LARGE QUANTITIES AT IPAJA LAGOS STATE

Relatedly, troops of 9 Brigade Garrison on Exercise CROCODILE SMILE IV, while acting on credible intelligence from some law-abiding citizens, conducted a successful Cordon and Search Operation in a resident of one notorious drug peddler in Ipaja area of Lagos State. During the Operation, troops busted and discovered a large underground makeshift bunker used for the storage of large quantities of different kinds of illicit drugs.

In a related development, troops of 146 Battalion on Exercise CROCODILE SMILE IV also neutralized one bandit while others are believed to have escaped with various degrees of gunshot wounds during an encounter at Lafarge Company general area in Akamkpa LGA of Cross Rivers State. Also, troops of 16 Brigade Garrison on Exercise CROCODILE SMILE IV arrested one armed robbery suspect and recovered one locally fabricated pistol at Tombia Roundabout in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

Similarly, on 1 December 2019, acting on credible information, troops of 343 Artillery Regiment, Quick Response Force on Operation CROCODILE SMILE IV raided a cultists’ staging area along Ahoada Road, Elele in Ikwerre LGA of Rivers State. After a brief gun battle, the criminals retreated into the nearby forest. However, the troops neutralized 2 of the cultists and recovered one AK 47 Rifle, one locally made pistol and 30 Rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.

In a similar vein, troops of 8 Division Garrison while conducting Clearance Operations, discovered a bandits’ logistics camp at Tagimba area in Gudu LGA of Sokoto State. However, the criminals fled the location before arrival of the unrelenting troops. Nevertheless, the troops destroyed their Logistics and exploited further ahead.

Also, same troops, while conducting aggressive fighting patrol along Katsina – Gusau Road, arrested 2 suspected bandits, recovered one AK 47 Rifle and 20 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.

TROOPS OF 16 BRIGADE GARRISON ARRESTED ONE ARMED ROBBER AND RECOVERED A LOCALLY FABRICATED PISTOL AT TOMBIA ROUNDABOUT IN BAYELSA STATE

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai commends troops for their exceptional display of patriotism, professionalism and responsiveness. He however admonishes them to remain resilient and continue to be steadfast in the fight against criminal elements across the nation.

Human rights group decries growing spate of war crimes by IPOB, IMN

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….As terrorists groups continue to take laws into their hands

Following the gruesome murder of two police officers by members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on Monday in Oraifite, Anambra State, human rights group have called for drastic measures to avert future occurrence.

The Coalition for Human Rights Monitoring Groups in Nigeria (CHRMGN) condemned the growing spate of war crimes perpetrated by proscribed sects – IPOB and the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN).

The coalition of human rights groups made this known at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday as a fallout from the killing of two police officers by IPOB members loyal to the Lawyer representing their leader Nnamdi Kanu.

In a statement by convener, Gabriel Agibi, the groups revealed these radical sects are sponsored by enemies of Nigeria, with the ultimate aim of causing unrest in the country.

The recent killing of security agents, the coalition reckoned, follows IMN’s trend – as both have unapologetically committed crimes against humanity.

As a matter of national interest, the coalition urged Nigerians to disassociate themselves from IPOB and Shiites members owing to their violent and terrorist tendencies.

CHRMGN, therefore, called on relevant authorities in the country to bring the leadership of both radical groups to justice, else be faced with an upsurge of militant groups carrying out actions that would undermine national security.

The coalition further urged relevant authorities at the International Criminal Court to act to serve as a deterrent to others in the future.

Read full press statement below:

The Coalition for Human Rights Monitoring Groups in Nigeria converged this press conference in the light of the upsurge of the nefarious activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra that resulted in the death of police officers in recent times by its members loyal to the lawyer of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu. This is highly condemnable and an indication that the Indigenous People of Biafra and other militant groups might have perfected plans to cause mayhem in the country.

The Coalition for Human Rights Monitoring Groups in Nigeria sees this act as an affront to the collective sensibilities of Nigerians. It wishes to condemn it in its entirety as an act of terrorism that must not be tolerated by the relevant authorities in Nigeria.

This act has further reinforced the belief in some quarters that the activities of IPOB and its sister organization, the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), are being sponsored by enemies of the Nigerian state, with the ultimate aim of causing unrest in the country.

The Indigenous People of Biafra and the Islamic Movement of Nigeria are indeed beds of the same feather but with different nomenclatures, and with the same modus operandi of attacking and killing law enforcement officers carrying out their lawful duties.

The Coalition for Human Rights Monitoring Groups in Nigeria wishes to, through this medium, call on members of the general public to as a matter of national interest disassociates themselves from members of the Indigenous People of Biafra and the Islamic Movement in Nigeria due to their violent and terrorist tendencies.

These groups have constituted themselves into a clog in the wheel of progress in Nigeria, as evident in their conduct in times past that has resulted in the death of innocent Nigerians going about their normal businesses.

The IPOB and the IMN are organizations that have resorted to carrying out their nefarious activities with the use of dangerous weapons, which has resulted in the loss of lives of innocent and unarmed civilians, including women and children.

This recent attack follows that trend in the wickedly orchestrated plans by the Islamic Movement in Nigeria and their counterparts in IPOB to freely kill law enforcement agencies who carry out their legitimate duties.

The Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Groups in Nigeria has, in times past, documented the several ways the Indigenous People of Biafra and the Islamic Movement in Nigeria have committed crimes against humanity and had indeed called on the international community to act by bringing the leadership of both groups to justice.

The Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Groups wishes to use this medium to reinforce that call for the International Criminal Court to rise to the occasion by bringing to book the promoters as well as the sponsors of the nefarious activities of IPOB and the IMN in the overall interest of justice.

The importance of the International Criminal Court acting to bring the IMN and IPOB to justice cannot be overemphasized given the fact that if their activities are left to fester, more innocent Nigerians will fall victim to their violent tendencies, as well as law enforcement officers.

The Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Groups in Nigeria wishes to recall that instance where the IMN attempted to assassinate the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, when his convoy was ambushed in Zaria, Kaduna State.

The recent events had indeed proven that the IMN would have taken the life of the Chief of Army Staff when they attacked him, but for the superior firepower of officers and soldiers that promptly acted to rescue the Chief of Army Staff from danger.

The Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Groups in Nigeria wishes to state in unequivocal terms that their actions violate global practices as the IPOB and IMN have shown in recent times that both are out to dismember the Nigerian State.

The relevant authorities in Nigeria must act in the interest of the over 200 million Nigerians by bringing the leadership of the IPOB and the IMN to justice, else we might be confronted with a more significant challenge in the future where there would be an upsurge of militant groups carrying out actions that would undermine national security and put innocent citizens in harm’s way.

The relevant authorities at the International Criminal Court must also act to serve as a deterrent to others in the future.

The Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Groups in Nigeria wishes to states that Nigerians are indeed watching how the events would unfold.

NAOWA President donates relieve materials to less privileged in Kaduna, commissions boreholes in Jaji communities

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The Wife of the Chief of Army Staff, Mrs Ummu Khulssum Buratai and the National President Nigeria Army officers wife Association (NAOWA) has donated about 786 bags of grains comprising rice, maize and millet to beggars and widows in three different communities within Kaduna on Wednesday.

Other items donated include pasta, indomie, detergent, groundnut oil and wrappers.

While presenting the items at the different communities, Mrs Buratai said the gesture was part of the objectives of Nigerian Army Officer’s Wives Association, NAOWA and also to mark the ongoing COAS annual conference in Kaduna.

She assured the people of their continous support to them and promised to do more soon.

Mrs Buratai donates 786 bags of grains to Kaduna beggars , widows

Mrs Buratai however sought for prayers for her husband while in office for God’s continuous protection and Guidance in discharging his constitutional duties.

Receiving the items at the destitutes colony in Kano road, Kaduna, the Leader of cripples in Kaduna, Abdullahi Sama’ila appreciated the kind gesture and said, they are willing to stop begging if goverment supports them with capital to start off businesses.

Speaking on behalf of the beggers, Sama’ila explained that, they are tired of begging and want to start a good life if only they are empowered.

“Here in our midst, there are cripples who at some time were given Keke Napep tricycles to earn a living but that kind of support has not been sustained. Others contributed money and rented a shop but lack capital to run the shop”.

The Leader also appreciated Mrs Buratai’s gesture of donating tricycles for about 40 cripples. “Virtually all of us here crawl to support ourselves in this place but these tricycles will ease our movements. We are very grateful”.

Sama’ila also appreciated the Chief of Army Staff’s efforts in sustaining peace, especially in Kaduna. “Peace is very important. During crisis, we are the most affected because as people living with disabilities, we cannot escape from danger”.

Mrs Buratai donates 786 bags of grains to Kaduna beggars , widows

Receiving Mrs Buratai at Kadaure community, the district head, Alh Magaji Ibrahim said the donation of 150 bags of grains, wrappers, groundnut oil, pasta and detergent is commendable. He also prayed for the success of the Army.

While receiving the items, one of the beneficiaries, Salamatu Haruna who spoke in tears appreciated the gesture and prayed God to replenish their pockets a million folds..

Also at Kyauta community, the district head, Idris Zubairu received donations of 141 bags of grains and other items.

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