Defence and Security

Gombe Governor Holds Security Council Meeting in Response to Protests

Published

9 months ago

August 5, 2024

ADMIN

In response to the violent protest that erupted on August 1, 2024, Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, convened an emergency expanded security meeting on Monday to review the situation and develop a coordinated strategy to prevent future occurrences.

The high-level meeting included heads of security agencies, relevant commissioners, local government chairmen, and traditional rulers. The primary focus was to assess the security situation following the protests and to implement measures to ensure the safety of residents across the state.

Addressing the press after the meeting, Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, along with Commissioner of Police, Hayatu Usman, and other security agency heads, provided details of the deliberations.

“The government recognizes that the protest was primarily driven by the current economic hardship. We are deeply concerned about the welfare of our citizens and are committed to addressing these issues promptly. Security is everybody’s business, and we urge the public to support the government and security agencies in ensuring the safety of lives and property,” said the SSG.

Professor Njodi announced that the government plans to roll out another round of food palliatives to support vulnerable households across the state. This initiative, the 19th in the series, aims to provide immediate relief and ensure that no resident goes hungry during these trying times.

Regarding public concerns about the activities of scrap material merchants, popularly known as Bola-Jari, the SSG disclosed that Governor Yahaya has directed the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Zubair Muhammad Umar, to develop operational guidelines to regulate their activities in the state.

The council commended the security agencies for their prompt intervention in managing the situation and preventing further escalation. The Commissioner of Police, Hayatu Usman, reiterated the commitment of the security agencies to maintaining law and order, assuring residents of their safety and urging the public to remain calm and peaceful.

“We are committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property. We urge all residents to cooperate with the authorities and refrain from actions that could lead to violence or disruption. Protests are acceptable as long as they follow the rules,” said the CP.

The CP also disclosed that several arrests have been made in connection with the looting of public and private properties during the protests, and several valuable items have been recovered. He urged those who lost property to report to the police headquarters to verify if their items are among those recovered for immediate handover.

Crime

Taskforce Storms Lagos, Nets 52 in Night Raid

Published

2 days ago

April 28, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Oso Abidemi

In a sweeping overnight crackdown, the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit arrested 52 suspects in a fresh move to curb crime and restore order across key parts of the city.

Led by the Agency’s Chairman, CSP Adetayo Akerele, the operation kicked off around 12.35 a.m., targeting notorious hotspots such as Lekki, Ikoyi, Falomo Bridge, Eko Hotel, and Ligali Ayorinde.

Acting on a flood of complaints about street urchins, hooligans, pickpockets, and other suspected criminals, the taskforce moved swiftly, rounding up 51 men and one woman in the early hours of Sunday.

Director of Public Affairs, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, confirmed that the operation was part of a broader strategy to conduct bi-weekly raids aimed at cleaning up the metropolis.

CSP Akerele, speaking after the raid, vowed the taskforce would not relent in its mission to keep Lagos safe.

“We will continue these enforcement drives until criminals have no hiding place. Anyone threatening the peace and security of residents should either stop or face the full force of the law,” he warned.

All suspects, he added, will be charged to court as the agency steps up efforts to safeguard law-abiding citizens and businesses.

Defence and Security

Flush Bandits Out of Kwara in 30 Days, Army Chief Orders troops

Published

6 days ago

April 24, 2025

ADMIN

By Oso Abidemi

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has issued a firm directive to troops to flush out bandits terrorising parts of Kwara State within one month.

During a visit to the Sobi Military Barracks in Ilorin on Wednesday, the army chief charged his men to stamp out criminal elements from affected local government areas without delay, warning that Nigeria cannot afford a repeat of the Boko Haram crisis in any form.

“You are out here, and I know you can do it. Push them out of those forests. If they want to enter another country, that is their business, but they must leave that place for us,” Oluyede declared.

He pointed specifically to the Kainji Dam axis, saying, “In the next one month, I do not want to see any footprint of those criminals within that area.”

Describing the security threat in Kwara as isolated, the army boss said it must be dealt with swiftly before it spreads.

“What is happening in Kwara cannot threaten the sanity of Nigeria. We will handle it directly,” he assured.

His visit signals a renewed military push against insecurity, with the message loud and clear—there is zero tolerance for criminal enclaves anywhere in the country.

Defence and Security

NSCDC Boss Cracks Down on ₦5.2 Million Extortion Scandal

Published

1 week ago

April 23, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Adenike Lawal

The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has ordered the detention and immediate transfer to Abuja of officers allegedly involved in a ₦5.2 million extortion case.

The officers, now facing disciplinary action, were caught in a viral video allegedly extorting a traveller journeying from Ado-Ekiti to Akure.

The footage, which sparked widespread outrage, prompted a swift directive from the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for a full investigation.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Corps Public Relations Officer, CSC Afolabi Babawale, Dr. Audi condemned the act, describing it as unethical, unprofessional, and a violation of the NSCDC’s Code of Ethics and Standard Operating Procedures.

“These actions stain the Corps’ image and will not be swept under the rug,” Dr. Audi stated.

He emphasized that the implicated officers will be held in detention at the NSCDC headquarters while a disciplinary committee probes the matter.

He reassured the public of the Corps’ dedication to transparency and accountability, vowing that any personnel found guilty would face the full consequences without protection or bias.

“No one is above the law. We must earn and maintain public trust through integrity,” he said.

Dr. Audi also encouraged Nigerians to report any misconduct, promising that harassment, extortion, and abuse of office will not be tolerated under his watch.