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Army arrests 10 suspected terrorists, recovers ammunition in Taraba

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Army arrests 10 suspected terrorists, recovers ammunition in Taraba

The Nigerian Army, in conjunction with other security agencies, has apprehended 10 terrorism suspects and recovered an AK-47 rifle with 33 rounds of ammunition in multiple operations in Taraba State.

This follows a report made to the Army regarding the actions of a suspected criminal syndicate, including terrorists, mercenaries, and kidnappers, in the state.

This was disclosed in a statement on Wednesday, signed by the Acting Assistant Director of 6 Brigade, Army Public Relations, Oni Olubodunde.

The suspects were arrested for terrorism and kidnapping in Galeri and Kwondo villages of Ardo-Kola and Bali Local Government Areas of the state.

According to the statement, the operations occurred on July 22, 2024, following a tip-off, where the troops swiftly arrested two suspects named Ali Ibrahim and Wetti Ibrahim.

The statement noted that the suspects confessed to working with a terrorist leader named Kadogo Fun, who operates around the Bangalala and Kampani Zurak areas of Plateau State.

The statement partly read, “The suspects were Emmanuel Michael, aka Assay; Gabriel Samuel, aka Badoo; Fidelis Utuna; Edward Ochan; John Orhenbaga; Desmond Agbo; Thomas Ikyar; and Shafiu Shaibu, aka Odogwu.

“During preliminary investigations, it was revealed that the gang leader was part of Terwase Akwaza, aka Gana’s gang. Items recovered include 10 military camouflage uniforms, the sum of N60,000, and 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition after a search was conducted at one of the arrested suspects’ houses.

“The suspects are currently in custody and will be handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution.”

Oni noted that the apprehension of the suspects and the recovery of the firearms is a testament to the effectiveness of a mutual relationship between the troops and the populace.

“The Brigade, therefore, appeals to the good people of Taraba State to continue supporting the security agencies in ensuring lasting peace and security in the state and ridding the entire state of criminal elements.

“Citizens are enjoined to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. Together, we can build a safer and more secure Taraba State,” Oni said.

State governors meet in Abuja

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State governors meet in Abuja

The Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed have arrived at the Nigeria Governors’ Forum Head Office in Abuja for the group’s meeting.

Other governors who have arrived at the meeting venue include Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Soludo, Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori and Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang.

Under the leadership of the Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the NGF is expected to address issues such as the anticipated nationwide protests, minimum wage, and local government autonomy, among other topics.

Recall that on July 11, the Supreme Court confirmed the financial independence of Nigeria’s 774 local governments.

In a unanimous decision by its seven-member panel, the Supreme Court upheld the federal government’s case to enhance the autonomy of local governments in the country.

On July 18, President Bola Tinubu approved a new minimum wage of N70,000 for Nigerian workers and committed to reviewing the national minimum wage law every three years.

As a result, on Tuesday, the Senate passed the 2024 National Minimum Wage Amendment Bill.

Also, several youth organisations are planning nationwide protests starting on August 1, 2024, in response to economic conditions, insecurity, and poor governance.

The 36 state governors, who have not met since these developments, are expected to discuss these issues extensively and state their position at the end of the meeting.

Tinubu calls for collaborative efforts to tackle insecurity

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Tinubu calls for collaborative efforts to tackle insecurity

President Bola Tinubu has ordered the elimination of inter-agency rivalry among law enforcement agencies, stating that the insecurity in the country requires concerted efforts to curtail it.

The President, who was represented by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, spoke during the inauguration of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre in Abuja on Wednesday.

He said, “The security situation in the country is a complex blend of threats posed by well-organised non-state actors.

Addressing it requires a concerted approach by all stakeholders within the security architecture. I, therefore, call for the elimination of inter-agency rivalries and urge law enforcement agencies to embrace a coordinated, collaborative approach.”

Tinubu assured that his administration would invest in the procurement of arms and weapons, among other measures, to ensure the police force is well-equipped.

He said, “In line with our policy objective of reforming the Nigeria Police Force, we are committed to investing further in the Nigeria Police Force through the procurement of sufficient arms, weapons and other critical equipment, as well as recruitment and continuous training to boost the number, quality and preparedness of our police personnel.”

Tinubu, who described cybercrime as a new frontier of offences, stated that the country was witnessing a rise in threats posed by cybercriminals.

He added that his administration is committed to curtailing all forms of criminality in the country.

He said, “This administration remains resolute in the fight against all forms of criminality. As an emerging and rapidly evolving category of offence, cybercrime is a new frontier in that battle. We are witnessing a rise in threats posed by cybercriminals, online financial fraudsters and cyber terrorists who use the internet to coordinate and carry out their destabilising and nefarious activities.

“It is impossible to overstate the size of this challenge. The rapid emergence of technologies, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the advent of 5G technology have all contributed to widening the scope and diversity of cyber-based threats.

Since 2020, Nigeria has witnessed an unprecedented surge in the use of social media to spread subversive messages and incite violence.”

Tinubu said the Federal Government had taken several policy decisions, including the review of the National Cybercrime Strategy, to mitigate the multifaceted threats posed by cybercrimes.

The President called for collaboration between the NCC and the Office of the National Security Adviser to ensure a greater level of scrutiny of online activities.

Speaking, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, said the NPF-NCC has achieved a lot of results within the short period of its operation. He stated, “The centre has proactively engaged in high-profile interventions addressing cybercrime-related infiltrations and attacks.

Some of these attacks were carried out on government and non-governmental agencies. Many of the suspects in these cases were arrested and prosecuted, while trials are still ongoing in some of the new cases recorded.”

Egbetokun also said 70 per cent of stolen funds and assets had been recovered by the centre.

Protests may have negative consequences – APC chieftain appeals to Nigerians

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Protests may have negative consequences – APC chieftain appeals to Nigerians

A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Ambassador Abayomi Nurain Mumuni, has declared that the planned protest across the country may negatively affect the economy and other areas of human endeavour.
Mumuni made this declaration via a statement signed on his behalf by his media aide, Rasheed Abubakar, a copy of which was made available to TVN on Wednesday.
A protest over the scarcity of food and other necessities of life has been fixed for August 1.
Mumuni said in the statement: “Dialogue is key in this kind of situation. The people involved should be able to embrace dialogue since we don’t have another country to call ours apart from Nigeria. There should be negotiations between the government and the people involved.
“A peaceful and inclusive approach is key to addressing this problem. The protesters have a right to protest but it must be done in line with the laws of the land.
“Protest will affect the economy and other social structures. The economy will not be running at that time. This will also have an impact on other social structures in the country. Property may also be tampered with or vandalized during that time. We all knew what happened during the #EndSARS protest. Some people have yet to get over it up till now.
“It may escalate into violent clashes between the protesters and security forces, as well as between different groups of protesters with opposing views. So, I am appealing to our people to think twice and to shelve the plan. We don’t have any other place to go apart from Nigeria.”
Protests may have negative consequences – APC chieftain appeals to Nigerians

Atiku’s ex-spokesman visits Tinubu again, confirms switch to APC

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Atiku’s ex-spokesman visits Tinubu again, confirms switch to APC

Daniel Bwala, former spokesman for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, paid a solidarity visit to President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday in Abuja.
Bwala, who spoke to State House correspondents at the end of the meeting, said he visited the president to show solidarity for what he was doing to address some concerns raised by Nigerians.
He said the planned protest against bad governance in the country to a large extent, had a political undertone.
Bwala had met President Tinubu at least four times since the latter assumed office on May 29 last year.
He said: “Because if you see some of the issues the people planning to protest are raising, they talk about hunger in the land, lack of transportation; minimum wage for the workers and Mr. President has taken good steps.
“He has agreed to a new minimum wage, which is now a law. We have seen the release of truckloads of food to the Nigerian people, and in the coming days, more are going to be done in that regard.
“Everybody in Nigeria acknowledges that there is suffering and the suffering did not start last year.
“There is no easy reform. Go to Brazil, or any part of the world, if you’re going to do reform, it is not going to be easy.
“It means that all of us will have to readjust. But the role of the government when initiating a reform is to bring about interventions, which is what the President is doing.”
He said the local government autonomy was a masterstroke because it had taken governance to the grassroots.
“So, I came to celebrate, encourage and show our solidarity and encourage the Nigerian people to rally round the President.
“We have only one President, and to me, patriotism is defending the leader, patriotism is showing support and ensuring that we push the development of this country.
“What is exciting for me in this entire situation is that the President has a firm grasp of what is going on in the country, the sufferings of the Nigerian people, and he has shown that concern,” the lawyer-turned-politician added.
Bwala said he had officially left the Peoples Democratic Party and decided to rejoin the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“So, yes, I’m on my way to APC and that is where I have always belonged.
“Remember, I had been in APC for eight years, from the days of President Buhari.
“I left because of differences but I’m back, and this time it is not about party, is about us coming together as a country to make sure that the country not only survives, that it is on a good trajectory.
“When that time for politics comes, those who are there will do. But I’m fully committed to President Bola Tinubu and in the coming days I will do my official re-entry to APC,” he concluded.
The post Atiku’s ex-spokesman visits Tinubu again, confirms switch to APC appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

Three men sentenced to life in jail for raping deaf woman in Kebbi

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Three men sentenced to life in jail for raping deaf woman in Kebbi

Justice Sharafadeen Jafar of the Kebbi State High Court, Birnin Kebbi, on Wednesday, sentenced three men to life imprisonment for raping an am 18-year-old deaf woman.
The convicts are – Amiru Sani, Aliyu Umar, and Bashar Dan-Inno of Warfarin Zaromawa village – were arraigned on a two-count charge of criminal conspiracy and rape.
The prosecution counsel, Faridah Muhammad, in her submission, told the court the convicts perpetrated the act at Wararin Zaromawa village in Gwandu local government area of the state.
She said: “The defendants had broken into the victim’s house, while she was asleep and forcefully had carnal knowledge of her.
“They had choked her with a thick piece of cloth and tied her two hands with a rope before having carnal knowledge of her one-by-one.”
The counsel urged the court to convict the defendants because the law imposed a mandatory sentence.
She said criminal conspiracy and rape were offenses punishable under sections 259 and 60 of the Kebbi State Penal Code Law, 2021.
The prosecution had earlier called three witnesses, and tendered six exhibits of both English and Hausa statements of the three prosecution witnesses in support of her case.
The defense counsel, Ahmed Abubakar-Filgila, called the three convicts to give evidence and testify to their defense without tendering any document or exhibit.
He urged the court to temper justice with mercy.
In his judgment, Justice Jafar said the prosecution had established all the ingredients of carnal knowledge of the victim.
READ ALSO: Teenager jailed six months for attempting to rape 35-year-old woman in Ogun
“I am of the firm view that all the defendants conspired in perpetrating the act.
“Meanwhile, the convicts conspired and raped the victim, who is an 18-year-old deaf, who is also a married woman, at her husband’s residence.
“All ingredients needed to establish a criminal conspiracy to commit rape were established beyond reasonable doubt by the prosecution.
“The court has no option than to act upon the evidence before it.
“Having found you guilty of the charge, you Amiru Sani, Aliyu Umar, and Bashar Dan-Inno are hereby sentenced to life imprisonment under section 259 and section 60 of Kebbi State Penal Code Law, 2021,” he declared.
The post Three men sentenced to life in jail for raping deaf woman in Kebbi appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

Attend to subordinates’ needs promptly, army chief tells commanders 

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Attend to subordinates’ needs promptly, army chief tells commanders 

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, on Wednesday, directed commanders in the North West region of the country to promptly attend to the administrative needs of their subordinates.

 

According to him, doing this would strengthen and boost the morale of troops in the theatres of operations.

 

Speaking at the closing of a three-day retreat for past and present commanders of operations in North West in Abuja, Lagbaja who was represented by Chief of Operations, Maj.-Gen. Boniface Sinjen, stated that the North West region is a trade hub of the country, urging commanders to step up their efforts to restore peace in the region.

He said, “Commanders in the northwest zone must be courageous, ingenious, innovative, critical thinkers and good communicators. Because the Northwest zone is a major trade axis in the country, it must be secured for the benefit of the entire nation.

“Commanders must up their games and attend to the administrative needs of their subordinates promptly to strengthen the moral component of our fighting power.”

The Army chief said the retreat had helped them to clarify events, strengthen the positives and correct shortcomings in army operations in the Northwest.

He added that the various recommendations made would assist in the review of current happenings on the ground for better performance by the army.

“I believe we have been able to reduce the spikes of kidnapping, banditry and adoption in rural communities in the zone. However, our concern is now on the shift of these criminals to urban centres in the entire northwest.

“One major objective of this retreat, therefore, was to examine the operational logistics, administrative factors and interagency cooperation and collaboration in the zone.

“This necessitated the call to our senior colleagues who have operated in the area before disengaging from the service,” he added.

He also charged them to fully embrace cooperation and collaboration in their operations, reiterating that the army must relate and work closely with other agencies and services involved.

According to him, it is through a collaborative effort that we can ensure that Nigerians go about their daily chores without fear of any form of harassment or intimidation.

In his remarks, the Director-General, Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Maj.-Gen. Garba Wahab (retd.), said all the operations being conducted by the armed forces were in joint efforts with other security agencies.

He noted that the retreat was aimed at appraising the Nigerian army operations, looking at their performance in terms of strength and shortcomings as well as what could be done for a better performance.

He explained that the Nigerian military, especially the army, had what it takes to address the challenges but required the support of all stakeholders and the society to succeed.

Monitor your children’s movement, APC warns parents

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Monitor your children’s movement, APC warns parents

The All Progressives Congress, on Wednesday, called on parents to watch the movement of their children to prevent them from being recruited for violence ahead of the nationwide planned protest.

The warning comes in the wake of Tuesday’s threat by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, that security operatives wouldn’t hesitate to make arrests if the planned protest turns violent.

The protest, scheduled to run from August 1 to 10, has continued to generate tension and elicit mixed reactions from Nigerians.

Several groups who indicated interest in championing the campaign said the call for protest was provoked by the soaring cost of living and economic hardship in the country.

Addressing newsmen after its 153rd National Working Committee meeting, the National Secretary of APC, Senator Ajibola Basiru, announced that the ruling party has joined the President to appeal to those planning protests to shelve their plans and have confidence that the Federal Government would address most of the economic challenges facing the nation.

Basiru also urged Nigerians to monitor the movement of their children to ensure they are not caught on the wrong arm of the law.

He said, “We noted that since coming on board in 2023, the government met quite several challenges, especially economic challenges, and Mr President is gradually implementing programmes and policies that would in the nearest future bring succour and relief to the citizens.

“The NWC noted that some issues highlighted by the protestants are political, while others are constitutional matters that can only be addressed through the amendment of the constitution, which is ongoing at the National Assembly.

“We, therefore, urge all those planning the protests to have confidence in Mr President’s unrelentless efforts at repositioning the economy, while assuring Nigerians that the challenges will sooner or later come to pass.

“The meeting urged parents and well-meaning Nigerians to monitor the movement of their children/wards so that they will not be used in causing chaos in the country.”

Continuing, the national secretary added that an emergency meeting of all Chairmen of the APC in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory has been called for ‘further discussions.’

Although he did not specify the date, According Online gathered that the state party leaders would meet with the leadership of the APC at the secretariat on Friday.

This was also confirmed by the National Deputy Organising Secretary, Nze Chidi Duru, in an exclusive phone call with our reporter.

Duru, however, confided that the protest was not the sole reason for the meeting.

“Yes, the meeting is scheduled for Friday. That issue (protest), of course, and the State of the Nation,” he said.

Nigerians must rally round Dangote refinery

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Nigerians must rally round Dangote refinery

Shareholders under the auspices of the Pragmatic Shareholders Association of Nigeria have defended Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, while criticising the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Farouk Ahmed, for a “deliberate attempt” at demarketing Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals.

The group also said that Nigeria and Nigerians must rally around Dangote Refinery.

In a statement by its National Coordinator, Bisi Bakare, on Wednesday, PSAN expressed dismay over recent allegations from the petroleum regulatory agency regarding the quality of diesel produced by Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

The NMDPRA boss has recently faced backlash for suggesting that the diesel produced by the Dangote Refinery is of inferior quality compared to imports into the country.

Bakare commended Dangote for his visionary approach to establishing one of the world’s foremost refineries in Nigeria.

She highlighted Dangote’s commitment to national development, stressing his patriotism and resolute character through substantial investments like the refinery.

“Dangote has ensured that the bulk of his business investments are local, contributing significantly to economic development through tax payments, extensive job creation, and consistent returns for shareholders,” she added.

The shareholders group strongly condemned what they termed as “unwarranted efforts to demarket the refinery” by regulatory bodies.

They cautioned that such actions could deter both local and international investors and undermine government efforts to stabilise fuel prices and ensure availability.

“We must rally around Dangote Refinery,” Bakare urged.

She stressed the refinery’s potential to save Nigeria “over 30% in foreign exchange currently spent on offshore refining, which could significantly alleviate the country’s foreign exchange challenges.”

Bakare added, “As shareholders, we remain steadfast in our support of Alhaji Aliko Dangote’s vision to bolster the nation’s economy and create more opportunities for our citizens.”

PSAN has joined the list of Nigerians rallying support for Dangote in the ongoing standoff.

The statement noted that prominent figures and associations such as the President of the African Development Bank Group, Akinwumi Adesina; billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola; federal lawmakers; former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar; former Anambra state governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi; Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture; and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria have all voiced their support for Dangote Refinery.

Ogun orders illegal occupants out of forest reserves

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Ogun orders illegal occupants out of forest reserves

The Ogun State Government has ordered illegal occupants in its forest reserve at Area J3 in Ijebu-East Local Government Area to vacate and stop the sale of government lands.
Commissioner for Forestry Taiwo Oludotun gave the order during a fact-finding visit to the reserve on Wednesday.
Oludotun stressed that individuals or groups that have no legitimate business in the forest would not be allowed to stay.
The commissioner, while emphasising the need to protect all of government’s forest reserves against criminality perpetrated by unscrupulous elements, added that the present administration would continue to ensure the safety and proper management of the reserves.
“Ogun State government will not fold its arms and allow people who do not have business in this reserve to stay. Those harbouring criminals should desist, as government is ready to take drastic action against any culprit,” he warned.
He stated that a means of identification would be made compulsory for legitimate occupants and directed forestry officials to take the data of people living in the area.
Earlier in his remarks, the permanent secretary in the ministry, Timothy Olatunji, urged baales in the area to protect the reserves by sustaining tree planting all through the year.
He said farmers in the reserve are permitted to plant cassava, maize and other food crops, noting that such agricultural practices should not be done to the detriment of the trees that were planted.
Responding, a representative of baales in the area, Chief Adewale Aderinwale, appreciated the commissioner and the management team for the visit, assuring them of their cooperation at all times.
Ogun orders illegal occupants out of forest reserves

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