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Defence and Security

Air Force Institute Student Runs 64km To Commemorate Nigeria’s Independence

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Success Ayagwa, a 400-level student at the Air Force Institute of Technology in Kaduna, raced 64 km to honor Nigeria’s 64th independence day.

The long-distance runner performed the feat at the Nigerian Air Force Base in Kaduna on Tuesday, beginning at 5 a.m. and ending at 10 a.m.

“I wanted to demonstrate my love for my country, Nigeria, and my talent in long-distance running,” Success said reporters after the race.

“It was really tough running for five hours, but I knew with perseverance, I would achieve it,” he joked.

Success is commemorating Nigeria’s independence for the second year in a row with a big run, having completed 63 kilometers last year.

Success’ coach, Sergeant Wayo Emmanuel, Chief Instructor at AFIT’s Office of the Director of Sports, recognized his talent two years back.

Success has made considerable progress in his sporting career thanks to Emmanuel’s mentorship.

“Success emerged 7th among runners at the Okpekpe road race last year. With determination, I believe he can achieve his desired goals, especially as he is still within the age range for runners,” Emmanuel said.

The Director of Public Relations at AFIT, Wing Commander Bassey Okon, praised Success’s resilience and urged Nigerians to work together with the government to achieve greatness.

“If youths develop this mindset, Nigeria will be great tomorrow. AFIT’s commandant, Air Vice Marshal Saleh Rabe, has provided leadership that inspires students to excel in various aspects of life,” he said.

The AFIT spokesman added that Success’s achievement was a testament to the institution’s commitment to nurturing exceptional talent.

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Abuja Reports

IGP Advocates Crime Prevention Through Public Awareness, Endorses Safety Book

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By Oso Abidemi

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has emphasized the importance of proactive intelligence gathering and public awareness as key strategies in combating crime across the country, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Speaking at the launch of a new book titled “One Step Ahead of One Chance Robbers and Other Criminals” in Abuja, the IGP, represented by the FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao Saka Adewale commended the author, Superintendent of Police (SP), Adebayo Jogbojogbo, for providing a practical, experience-based guide on personal and community safety.

Describing SP Jogbojogbo as a seasoned crime investigator, the IGP noted that the book draws from the officer’s field experience, offering vital safety tips that can help residents navigate urban life and avoid criminal traps, especially the notorious “one chance” syndicates.

“The foundation of national security begins with individual vigilance,” the IGP stated, urging citizens to stay alert, aware of their surroundings, and cooperate with law enforcement authorities.

Delivering a goodwill message, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, represented by his Special Adviser on Inter-Party Affairs, Mr. Jerry Nwohu, called for greater respect for constituted authority.

He also stressed the need for stronger collaboration between security agencies and the public in addressing rising insecurity.

In his remarks, SP Jogbojogbo expressed deep appreciation to the IGP and other stakeholders for their support, noting that the book was born out of a desire to contribute meaningfully to public safety.

Other stakeholders at the event echoed calls for improved safety consciousness and community-driven support for security operations, describing these as vital elements in achieving a crime-free society.

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Defence and Security

Troops Eliminate Terror Kingpins in Sokoto, Borno Operations

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By Onilede Titi Faith

Nigerian troops have achieved major breakthroughs in counterterrorism offensives in Sokoto and Borno states, killing several notorious terror leaders and disrupting their operational bases.

In Sokoto State, forces under Operations Fagge and Fasan Yamma, supported by air power and hybrid troops, eliminated Yellow Danbokkolo; a feared bandit kingpin long on the military’s most-wanted list.

He sustained fatal injuries during a recent offensive and died on July 1.

Known for his brutality, Danbokkolo was reportedly more dangerous than Bello Turji and was linked to the 2021 massacre of travelers burned alive in Shinkafi, Zamfara State.

The operation also resulted in the destruction of multiple bandit camps, significantly disrupting their mobility and capabilities.

The military pledged continued pressure on other top targets like Turji, who remains at large.

In Borno State, troops under Operation Hadin Kai launched a clearance mission in the Lake Chad region, targeting Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters between Rann and Gamboru Ngala.

At least 10 insurgents were killed, and a cache of weapons; some reportedly stolen from Cameroonian forces was recovered.

These joint offensives, involving the Army, Air Force, and local intelligence units, mark a renewed push to dismantle terrorist and bandit networks in the North-East and North-West.

Military authorities say operations will persist in the coming days, urging residents to remain vigilant and support security efforts as the fight against insecurity intensifies.

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Defence and Security

CP Afolabi Redeployed to Abuja After June 12 Protest

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By Samuel Adeola

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has redeployed the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, to the Force Headquarters in Abuja, barely seven months after his appointment.

Afolabi, who assumed duty in December 2024 as the 45th Commissioner of Police in the state, has been assigned to the Department of Training and Development.

Though no official reason was given for his transfer, sources suggest it may be connected to the recent June 12 Democracy Day protest in Akure, led by activist Omoyele Sowore and his group.

A police source confirmed the development, saying, “He has been moved to the Force Headquarters in Abuja.”

Spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, SP Ayanlade Olayinka, also confirmed the redeployment on Sunday, stating that a new commissioner, CP Adebowale Lawal, has taken over.

“It is true. CP Wilfred Afolabi has been redeployed to Abuja, and a new commissioner has resumed duty in the state command,” he said, adding that an official unveiling of the new CP would take place soon.

The sudden transfer has sparked mixed reactions within the police ranks in Ondo. Some officers described Afolabi as a committed leader who prioritized reforms and security.

“This is a man who inherited a lot of operational mess and made significant improvements,” said one officer. “He even used his personal funds to support crime-fighting efforts. He doesn’t deserve this kind of treatment.”

Afolabi’s removal comes amid heightened scrutiny of police actions during public demonstrations, particularly in politically sensitive periods like Democracy Day.

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