Defence and Security

Amotekun Raises Alarm Over Surge in Kidnappings, Denounces Ondo State as Criminal Haven

Published

1 year ago

February 12, 2024

The Ondo State security network, known as Amotekun Corps, has voiced concern over a sudden increase in kidnapping incidents within the state. The Corps Commander, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, attributed this surge to the heightened presence of security personnel in neighboring Ekiti State but emphasized that Ondo State will not tolerate criminal activities.

Speaking during the parade of 43 suspected kidnappers apprehended within the past week, Adeleye highlighted the Corps’ proactive efforts across all 18 Local Government Areas. He stressed that nearly half of the apprehended suspects were suspected kidnappers, underlining the seriousness of the situation.

Adeleye linked the influx of criminals to Ondo State to the intensified security measures in Ekiti, suggesting a displacement effect. However, he affirmed Ondo’s commitment to thwarting criminal activities within its borders.

The Commander detailed the Corps’ swift response to kidnapping incidents, with successful operations leading to multiple arrests. He noted the decline in housebreaking incidents due to increased surveillance, particularly during vulnerable times such as Sundays and working hours.

Despite progress in curbing herders’ destruction of farmlands in the northern part of the state, Adeleye expressed concern over escalating herder-farmer conflicts, identifying them as areas of security breaches. Additionally, challenges persist along the state’s borders, particularly the Kogi/Ondo and Edo/Ondo borders, requiring collaborative efforts among security agencies.

Adeleye highlighted a recent joint operation involving security forces from Kogi and Ondo states, along with Amotekun, to address a kidnapping incident in the Akunu/Ayere axis. He emphasized the importance of grassroots security cooperation in areas lacking formal security structures.

Acknowledging the directive from the governor to intensify efforts in apprehending criminals, especially along the borders, Adeleye assured that all measures were in place to ensure security during upcoming events honoring the late governor, a pivotal figure in the establishment of Amotekun in the South-West.

Crime

Tension: Herdsmen Allegedly Kill Man in Abuja Community

Published

1 week ago

March 6, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Patrick Idowu

Fear has gripped Riwaza community in Kwali Area Council, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), after suspected herdsmen allegedly hacked a man, John Moses Gwatana, to death following a dispute over a water pond.

Eyewitnesses said the violence erupted around 11:23 a.m. on Sunday when herders led their cattle to drink from the pond, contaminating the community’s only water source.

Angered by the sight, some women confronted the herders, sparking a heated argument.

As the situation escalated, two women ran back to the village to report the incident.

The deceased, along with two other men, rushed to the scene to question the herders.

However, in the confrontation, one of the herders allegedly pulled out a machete and fatally stabbed Gwatana, while two others sustained serious injuries.

The wounded villagers were rushed to a hospital in Gwagwalada, while the attackers fled with their cattle before local vigilantes could arrive.

Reports suggest the herders were migrating from Zago village in Niger State.

The police in the area have confirmed the incident, but the FCT Police Command is yet to issue an official statement on the attack.

Defence and Security

NSCDC Boss Warns Against Rivalry Among Security Agencies

Published

1 week ago

March 5, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Njoku Chijioke

The Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ahmed Audi, has cautioned officers against inter-agency rivalry, warning that it threatens national security and public trust.

Addressing personnel of the NSCDC’s FCT command, Dr. Audi stressed the need for seamless collaboration among security agencies to enhance the country’s safety.

“Rivalry weakens our collective mission and compromises the security of Nigerians,” he stated.

Under his leadership, the NSCDC has intensified efforts to safeguard national infrastructure, combat terrorism, and support disaster management.

Dr. Audi urged officers to remain focused on their core responsibilities, emphasizing that unity among security forces is crucial to tackling Nigeria’s security challenges.

His message serves as a strong reminder that security agencies must work together, not against each other in order to build a safer Nigeria.

Defence and Security

PSC Elevates 38 ACPs, 100 CSPs

Published

3 weeks ago

February 21, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Ade Iyamoye

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the promotion of 138 senior police officers, advancing 38 Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs) to Deputy Commissioners (DCPs) and 100 Chief Superintendents of Police (CSPs) to ACPs.

Announced in Abuja on Friday by PSC spokesperson Mr. Ikechukwu Ani, the promotions were finalized during an extraordinary plenary session led by the Commission’s Chairman, retired Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Hashimu Argungu.

Notable officers elevated to DCP include Emmanuel Deenom, Olufemi Takeet, Yusuf Doki Sani, Joseph Habakkuk Anche, and Faruku Umaru.

Others are Benedict Omotomilola Olomo, Bernard Adedayo Ojewale, and Mohammed Lawal Bello, among others.

Among those promoted to ACP are Ibrahim Mohammed Agava, Akinloye Joseph Oyegade, Rilwanu Mohammed Dutse, and Anthony Olusola Ojo.

Notable mentions include Joy Ugo Elemoke, Mansur Mahmud Tafida of Ekiti State Command, and Chinyere Ajuolachi Akalaga, DPO of Lokogoma, FCT.

Chairman Argungu reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to merit-based promotions and urged the newly promoted officers to rededicate themselves to national service.