Security

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Plateau State Government revealed on Monday that bandits operating in the Wase Local Government Area have handed over a significant number of AK47 rifles to the state authorities.

During a press briefing in Jos, the state capital, the Special Adviser to Governor Caleb Mutfwang on Security and Commander Operation Rainbow, Brigadier General Gakji Shippi, made this disclosure.

Shippi explained that the surrender of weapons followed extensive negotiations between the government and the bandits, showcasing a willingness to pursue peace through disarmament.

He clarified that the bandits didn’t directly surrender the firearms out of fear but through an intermediary involved in the negotiations.

He further mentioned that alongside the AK47 rifles, various other categories of weapons were also surrendered by the bandits, illustrating their commitment to the peace process.

Shippi emphasized that these efforts aim to encourage more bandits to voluntarily surrender their weapons, with ongoing steps to recover additional firearms from other groups.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Tinubu has urged African leaders to establish a regional counter-terrorism centre to tackle the growing threat of terrorism on the continent.

Speaking at the African High-level Meeting on Counter-Terrorism in Abuja on Monday, Tinubu noted the need for a comprehensive approach to combating terrorism, addressing not only military might but also the root causes of poverty, inequality, and social injustice. 

“The international community has both the moral and legal obligation to help in this cause because it is external finance, not African money, that fuels these illegal operations. We shall be knocking on the door of the international community to answer this call for justice, peace, and fair play,” Tinubu said. 

The President stressed the importance of cutting off financial lifelines that fuel terrorist activities, such as ransom payments and illegal mining operations.

He noted that billions of dollars that should be used to provide education, healthcare, and food for citizens are instead spent on weapons and responding to mayhem. 

Tinubu called for the urgent establishment of a fully operational Regional Counter-Terrorism Centre, while also strengthening existing counter-terrorism structures.

He expressed the need for a regional standby force with a mandate to tackle terrorism, despite funding, legal, and logistical complexities. 

Stating Nigeria’s efforts, Tinubu stated that the country has taken bold steps forward in safeguarding the nation and the wider region.

He commended the courage and dedication of Nigeria’s security forces in the fight against terrorism and stated the need to halt the proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons on the continent. 

The Regional Counter-Terrorism Centre would serve as a hub for intelligence sharing, operational coordination, and capacity building throughout Africa, aiming to combat terrorism and address its root causes.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Two students from the Federal University Wukari, who were kidnapped two weeks ago, have been liberated from captivity.

Mrs. Ashu Agbu, the Head of the Information and Protocol Unit at the institution, relayed this development in a WhatsApp message to our correspondent on Friday.

“After enduring days in the grip of their abductors, the two students of the Federal University Wukari have regained their freedom,” she affirmed.

Agbu, however, refrained from divulging the specifics regarding the manner in which the students were set free.

Nevertheless, it was previously reported that the abductors had demanded a ransom of N50 million.

The pair, identified as Joshua Sardauna from the Economics Department and Obianu Elizabeth from the Microbiology Department, were seized on Wednesday, April 3, around 10:00 PM, near a shop adjacent to the university.

The students had returned to the campus to retake their examinations due to academic setbacks from the previous session when the unfortunate incident occurred.

Earlier accounts revealed that on Monday, April 3, 2024, gunmen suspected to be herdsmen had raided the Federal University Wukari in Taraba State, abducting two students.

Mr. Sule Gani, the Chief Security Officer of the university, corroborated the occurrence in a telephone conversation with journalists in Jalingo.

Gani confirmed that armed herdsmen, described as gunmen, infiltrated the school premises and abducted a male and a female former students who had returned to complete their carry-over papers.

The attack unfolded as the herdsmen stormed the campus and seized the two students while they were dining at a food vendor’s stall.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Benue State government solemnly laid to rest 17 victims of a recent brutal attack by armed bandits on Mbakyor community in Mbalom Council Ward, Gwer East Local Government Area.

The harrowing incident, which occurred on the night of March 7, 2024, claimed the lives of 19 individuals, including a retired Army Officer and a young boy.

With two victims already interred due to rapid decomposition from the heinous acts, the remaining 17 were honored in a mass burial ceremony.

Governor Hyacinth Alia, represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Sam Ode, delivered a poignant funeral oration, condemning the tragic spectacle and emphasizing the urgent need for community vigilance.

He advocated for the formation of vigilante groups, stressing that security is a collective responsibility.

Expressing profound sadness, Governor Alia pledged relentless efforts by the government to address the security challenges plaguing the state and urged unity in combating insecurity.

In the wake of the attack, lawmaker Elias Audu criticized the perceived inefficiency of security agencies, questioning their response despite the availability of attack helicopters during the three-hour onslaught.

He commended Governor Alia’s swift actions, including the distribution of Easter aid to the bereaved families.

Prof. Vitalis Tarhule, President of the Masev Development Association, underscored the government’s duty to safeguard lives and property.

He highlighted previous attacks in 2014 and 2018, totaling 40 lives lost, and urged the establishment of a security post in Mbakyor to deter future violence by armed herdsmen.

As Benue mourned its fallen, calls echoed for proactive measures, community vigilance, and decisive government action to prevent further bloodshed and ensure the safety of its citizens.

By Zayyad I. Muhammad

In just one week, bandits and Boko Haram terrorists have abducted scores of students, female IDPs, Almajiris and other innocent citizens across Northern Nigeria.

On February 28, 2024, bandits killed two residents of Anguwan Auta in Gonin Gora, Kaduna state and kidnapped 16 others. The kidnappers are demanding a ransom of N40 trillion, along with 11 Hilux vans and 150 motorcycles, for their release.

On March 7th, 2024, 287 students, boys and girls between the ages of 8 and 15, were abducted by bandits from primary and secondary schools in the town of Kuriga in Kaduna State. The bandits have demanded a N1 billion ransom to set their captives free. They also threatened to kill the victims if the ransom was not paid in 20 days. It was reported that, on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, the bandits made contact through the principal of the school, Abubakar Isah, who was abducted alongside the students. The bandits contacted Aminu Kuriga, a friend of the school’s principal, at around 2 p.m. on that Tuesday, asking for the amount.

On Friday, March 8, 2024, Amnesty International (AI) reported that Boko Haram terrorists abducted over 400 people, including women and children, in Borno State. Boko Haram kidnapped the IDPs from different IDP camps in the Gamboru Ngala area of the state, which is one of the least secure parts of troubled Borno State, according to some observers.

In the early hours of Saturday, March 9, 2024, 15 Quranic school students and an elderly woman were kidnapped when bandits raided Gidan Bakuso village in the Gada Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

Looking at outrageous demands and the targets, the bandits and the Boko Haram terrorists are all out to embarrass the government and cash out from it because most of their targets are soft and in rural areas.

However, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Muhammed Idris, was quoted as saying that President Tinubu has directed that security agencies must, as a matter of urgency, ensure that these children and all those who have been kidnapped are brought back in safety and also in the process, to ensure that not a dime is paid as ransom.

Can the government secure the release of the hostages as soon as possible without negotiation or payment of a ransom? Have the terrorists discovered a loophole in the current approach? It appears that the bandits and terrorists are exploiting the successes achieved in certain hotspots, possibly causing security agents to focus on other areas.

What needs to be done is a holistic approach to the deployment of both the kinetic and non-kinetic approaches.

The state, federal, and local communities should work together; collaboration is key to security management. On March 14, 2024, The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, all the service chiefs have met with all 19 northern governors to deliberate on the issue of security. This is good.

Managing security in a vast country like Nigeria with inadequate modern technology for security management is difficult, and federal security operatives cannot be everywhere and anywhere at the same time. And, Here comes the importance of a well-designed and structured state police. They play a crucial role in maintaining law and order within their respective states by enforcing state laws, responding to emergencies, investigating crimes, and ensuring public safety. Thereby, they contribute significantly to the overall security and well-being of the citizens within their jurisdiction, while complementing the efforts of other federal security agencies.

The hope is that the government should consider revitalising and re-strategizing both kinetic and non-kinetic security approaches as being implemented by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). This will not only lead to more successes and breakthroughs; however, more intelligence gathering is needed. Community engagement and direct psychological communication with the bandits should be employed. In community engagement, communities should be made to feel like part of the solution in security management, thus providing intelligence and also acting as watchdogs for security operatives without being endangered. Secondly, the reported ongoing soft approach’ should be sustained, and in direct communication with the bandits, psychological, social media, and artificial intelligence (AI) methods should be greatly utilized. Most bandits and Boko Haram terrorists now also use social media. Therefore, a coordinated effort should be launched by the ONSA and other relevant bodies to recruit individuals who speak the languages of the bandits. These individuals can then send convincing messages to them regarding the disadvantages and dangers associated with their activities, while also highlighting the benefits of adopting a normal lifestyle. This includes attending both Western and religious schools while still maintaining their culture, beliefs, and legal trade inherited from their communities.

Furthermore, radio and TV remain effective tools to reach the bandits, especially with the widespread availability of satellite TV and advancements in solar power technology. This allows bandits hiding in thick forests to charge their phones, watch TV, and listen to the radio and watch satellite TV.

To enhance security for soft targets and rural schools, the government at all levels, along with security agencies and local communities, should collaborate on implementing both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches.

Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Abuja. He can be reached via 08036070980, zaymohd@yahoo.com

By Uzair Adam Imam 

The Chairman of Faskari Local Government Area in Katsina State, Musa Faskari, has confirmed a tragic incident where two worshippers were killed during Ramadan prayers in the Mairua community of the council. 

Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa Service, as reported by Vanguard, Faskari disclosed that the attack occurred during Tarawih prayers on Saturday night.  

He recounted how the assailants barged into the home of Alhaji Lado Mairua during prayers, demanding his compliance.  

When Mairua refused, they fatally shot him. Additionally, a neighbor who arrived at the scene on a motorcycle was also killed after witnessing the incident and raising an alarm. 

Faskari sadly confirmed that the attack resulted in the abduction of Alhaji Lado Mairua’s wife and their 15-year-old daughter.  

This marks the second time Mairua’s wife has been kidnapped by bandits, highlighting the dire security situation in Faskari. 

Expressing deep concern over the escalating boldness of the bandits, Faskari recounted another incident earlier on Saturday where they attacked Malalai village, killing two individuals and abducting two women.  

Tragically, a soldier was also killed in Ruwan Godiya on the same day. Faskari urged the Federal Government to intervene urgently, stating that the state alone cannot effectively address the escalating security challenges.  

He stressed the necessity for security forces to launch decisive actions against the bandits, including invading their hideouts to neutralise their operations and ensure the safety of residents. 

The recurring attacks by bandits have plunged Faskari and its residents into a state of fear and insecurity, demanding immediate and robust measures to restore peace and stability to the area.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) expressed outrage over the deaths of two students at Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK) during a stampede caused by the distribution of palliatives.

NANS President, Comrade Lucky Emonefe, called for a “thorough investigation” into the incident.

“The tragic event at Nasarawa State University, Keffi, which resulted in the loss of two lives and numerous injuries, is vehemently condemned,” Emonefe said in a statement.

He offered condolences to the bereaved families and demanded that “those responsible for the mishandling of the distribution of palliatives be held accountable.”

NANS urged authorities to adopt “modern distribution methods” to prioritize safety during aid distribution.

They also called on the university to provide counseling and support services to the affected students.
 

By Sabiu Abdullahi

There was a tragic incident on Thursday, March 14, 2024, as troops from the 181 Amphibious Battalion, stationed in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State, found themselves under attack during a peacekeeping mission in the Okuoma community.

Responding to a distress call following a communal crisis between the Okuama and Okoloba communities, the military personnel were surrounded by youths from Okuoma and brutally attacked. 

The assault resulted in the loss of lives, including the commanding officer, two majors, one captain, and 12 soldiers from the reinforcement team. The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, swiftly responded by ordering an immediate investigation into the incident and the apprehension of those responsible for this heinous crime.

The Delta State Government has been notified of the occurrence. In the wake of this tragedy, the military reaffirms its unwavering commitment to maintaining peace and security across the nation.

Despite the setback, efforts are underway to identify the motives behind the attack, with several arrests already made. Further details will be provided as the investigation progresses. 

Tukur Gusau, Brigadier General and Acting Director of Defence Information, issued this statement on March 16, 2024, indicating the gravity of the situation and the military’s determination to ensure justice is served.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider reopening the country’s borders for the importation of foodstuff in order to address the current food crisis.

Governor Yusuf stressed that the closure of the borders has had a significant impact on the people of Kano State, leading to increased food prices and suffering.

In a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Kano Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf called for the reopening of the country’s borders to address the current food crisis.

The statement was released following a meeting between the governor and the Controller General of the Nigerian Customs Service, Alhaji Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, at the Government House in Kano.

Governor Yusuf noted the critical condition of hunger and starvation in the country, which has been exacerbated by the sharp increase in commodity prices.

The statement read in part; “We wish appreciate the President’s intervention on the ongoing national food initiative which he considers Kano as the host for the initiative to be launched believing that the programme will cushion the effects of food scarcity if implemented”

Governor Yusuf stressed the urgent need for intervention, including the reopening of the borders to allow for the importation of commodities.

In his meeting with the Controller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Governor Yusuf highlighted the hardships faced by the people, particularly during Ramadan.

He stressed that the opening of the borders would be a crucial step in alleviating the distress of the people.

In addition to advocating for the reopening of the borders, Governor Yusuf commended the Customs Service’s initiative to distribute food items to the people of Kano, who have been facing hardship and hunger.

He urged the Customs Service to ensure that the food reaches those who are most affected. The governor also pledged his support to the Customs Service in its efforts to benefit the people of Kano and Nigeria as a whole.

In his response, Adeniyi emphasized the importance of building strong ties between the Nigerian Customs Service and the Kano community.

He emphasized the Service’s commitment to collaboration and constructive dialogue, and pledged to implement policies that would improve business processes and strengthen engagement with all stakeholders.

In addition to his interaction with stakeholders, the Controller General Adeniyi revealed that the Customs Service had made extensive plans to address the challenges of food scarcity and hardship in Kano. This includes the distribution of food items to the people of Kano.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Bandits have reportedly abducted 15 tsangaya students in a fresh attack Saturday at Gada local government area of Sokoto state.

The Daily Reality learned that several other students are currently missing.

The students were said to have been abducted from their school around 1:am on Saturday.

The attack was coming after President Bola Tinubu on Thursday vowed to crush insecurity in the northern part of the country.

The President was said to have directed the security agents to fish out the perpetrators of these abductions.

The proprietor of the school, Liman Abubakar, told journalists that 15 students were unaccounted for so far after the early morning attack.

Abubakar narrated how the bandits invaded the town around 1 am, shot one person and abducted a woman.

“As they were leaving the town, they sighted our students rushing into their rooms and they kidnapped many of them.

“We have so far counted 15 who are missing and we are still searching for more,” he said

He added that this was not the first time the village was attacked by bandits.

Speaking with the journalists, the member, representing Gada-East Constituency at the state House of Assembly, Kabiru Dauda while has confirming the attack.

He stated that he received a call from the village around 2 am that it was invaded by bandits.

“I reached out to the local government authorities and security agencies and I am sure they are doing something about it,” he said.

However, the Sokoto State Police Command has denied awareness of the attack.