Security

By Uzair Adam Imam

In a joint operation, the Bauchi State Police Command and local hunters from Ahmed Ali Kwara have neutralized six suspected bandits terrorizing communities in Ningi LGA.

The operation was carried out in response to complaints from local residents about increased bandit activity in the area.

The police and local hunters are continuing to work together to keep the community safe and bring peace to the region.

The Commissioner of Police Auwal Musa Muhammad, disclosed this on Wednesday while briefing journalists in Ningi.

He said the operation was also a response to the brutal killing of eight people, including the traditional ruler of Kada and Gamji village in the LGA in July.

CP Muhammad explained that following the brutal killing of the eight people, the command raised a team of detectives in conjunction with the quasi-security outfits of Ahmed Ali Kwara.

He reported that a joint team of police officers and local hunters engaged suspected bandits in a gunfight on December 26 at 4:03 AM, resulting in the deaths of six of the suspected bandits.

CP Muhammad noted that two AK47 rifles, 55 live ammunition, four empty magazines, the sum of N4.5 million, one Golf 3 vehicle, seven new SIM cards, and six keypad phones were recovered from the bandits.

The commissioner further revealed that stolen items recovered from them included 11 Android phones, four keypad phones, 24 pieces of mobile batteries and 190 pieces of recharge cards.

He added that, “preliminary investigation revealed that the bandits, within two weeks, invaded four villages around Ningi, including Bukutumbe, Iyayi, Kayadda and Gamji, where they shot four people and killed one member of the vigilante at Bukutumbe.

“They proceeded to Kiyawa Local Government Area in Jigawa State where they kidnapped two wives of the Chairman Kiyawa LGA, Jigawa State,” He added.

The joint team is continuing its efforts to secure the community and apprehend any remaining suspects.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A wave of outrage and grief swept through Plateau State as news broke of a brutal attack on Mushu village in Bokkos Local Government Area, leaving 16 innocent lives lost.

Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, in a swift and scathing response, condemned the “barbaric, brutal and uncalled for” act, pledging swift justice and proactive measures to curb further violence. 

The attack, details of which remain unclear, has plunged the community into mourning and heightened anxieties across the state.

While the perpetrators remain unidentified, Governor Mutfwang’s strong stance served as a beacon of hope amidst the tragedy.

He directed security agencies to “promptly apprehend those responsible” and ensure they face the full weight of the law. 

Expressing deep concern over the incident, the governor urged communities to remain vigilant.

“Reporting any suspicious activities to security forces” was emphasised as a crucial step towards preventing future attacks.

He assured the public that the government would take “proactive measures” to curb the ongoing violence that continues to plague the state. 

Beyond promises of action, Governor Mutfwang extended his heartfelt condolences to the affected families.

He urged them to “find solace in God” as the government diligently works to end the cycle of violence that has claimed far too many lives in Plateau State. 

This latest attack calls for the urgent need for effective intervention and sustainable solutions to address the complex security challenges plaguing the region.

 By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Kano State Police Command has apprehended Bahago Afa, a suspected criminal ring leader, along with six associates, on charges of armed robbery. 

This comes after Bahago Afa, who had reportedly repented recently, was rearrested by the police. 

The State Commissioner of Police, Usaini Gumel, revealed the development during a Friday parade. 

Gumel noted the successful neutralization of criminal networks that had contributed to thuggery, armed robbery, and various criminal activities in the state. 

Addressing the press, Gumel stated, “Already, there are over 700 repentant criminals on our lists, and anybody among them that dares to go back will be declared an enemy of peace just like Bahago Afa and others.” 

He added, “Today, we have taken care of Daba ‘thuggery,’ but they are today carrying out robbery activities, and conducting an organized crime that is now nothing but robbery.” 

Gumel said the commitment of the police to maintaining peace, urging citizens to assist in the apprehension of the remaining 72 individuals declared as enemies of peace.

“Anywhere police or any other person sees them, they should arrest them and bring them before the police,” he declared.

By Bilyaminu Abdulmumin

Guns are the enigmatic force that charm practitioners, all over the world, have been trying to crack since time immemorial. There was no length these charm practitioners didn’t go to contain this mysterious “oyibo” invention. In 2017, Daily Trust reported an awful story about a member of a Vigilante Group in Katsina and his quest for bullet charm. This lad was said to test the charm while in the middle of the vigilante gathering, so in a show of bravery and gallantry, he wrapped himself up in the charms, did incantations, picked a dane gun, and fired on himself. He died instantly!

Coincidentally six years later two similar stories shook the internet. One was in Bauchi State. According to an interview by the Bauchi police in the viral video of the purported spiritual helper, luck ran out of them. As he was testing the charm on his client the bullet pierced the helper’s stomach. The second incident, all the way in Ghana, but this time around it was gang members who claimed to have gotten the charm against the bullet, so this too, when testing the charm against one of them he immediately kicked the old bucket. Why is the constant desperation going unorthodox ways for bulletproof when it could be easily achieved when tuned to science’s endless ways?

Bulletproof materials are simply materials fabricated using layers of strong fibers. The fibers that are strong enough can “catch” and deform a bullet, mushrooming it into a dish shape and spreading its force over a larger portion of the fiber materials. In other words, fiber materials like vests could absorb the energy from the deforming bullet, bringing it to a stop before it can completely penetrate the textile matrix. There are fibers everywhere including heaps of waste along the roadsides in our cities, this could be harnessed for such purposes. Some time ago, I heard in an interview from one Nigerian student who was working to harness the fibers in chicken feathers to develop a bullet vest. This student further elaborated the idea behind the bulletproof in another way, he said strong fibers arranged in a particular way act like black hole phenomena, the concept that was revolutionized by the greatest 21st theoretical physicist, Sir Steven Hawking.

A black hole consumes any force that comes close to it without a trace. So a carefully prepared fiber material has this awesome feature. I wish I could learn further where the idea of this student has gone. Perhaps for the show of bravery and gallantry the charms practitioners want it natural, without the use of any vest. Then they should cry no more because there is equally a research in this direction. This involved directly engineering human skin to deflect the bullet. In the Netherlands, another student researched this by bioengineering a small sample of human skin to include spider silk between its layers. The Netherlands Forensics Institute has test-fired low-speed rifle bullets at it, and shown that it halts them.

So, it’s up to researchers to pick up from here by bioengineering human skin with spider silk for higher rifle endurance. The sons of slain victims of bullet charm would have very good motivation to continue with this research. Whenever it comes to bullet charm, Bokero’s legacy stands out. Bokero claims to be possessed by snakes, as a result, he became known for assisting with every spiritual help. So when the East African countries, Tanzanians and co, grew impatient with German colonial rule, back early in the 1900s, they turned to Bokero for help. He provided them the war medicine, according to Bokero the concoction would not only protect them from the German bullets but would turn the bullet into water, motivated by this new charm, these zealots would confront German firearms. May the souls of about 300,000 rest in peace.

By Muntaka Abdul-Hadi Dabo

Monday, 21st November 1960 will forever remain a memorable day for Nigeria and the rest of the world. For it was on that day an iconic figure was born. The day is also a birthday for some prominent and famous people like Brain Ritchie and Brian McNamara in the United States,  and in this special month of November, people of the US went to the polls to elect their 46th president.

Malam, as he is fondly called by many is celebrating his 63rd birthday today. A man of impeccable character who exemplifies iconic leadership traits in all his public and private life is a globally recognized brand. He was, and still is a blessing and inspiration to millions of people near and far. He has successfully built an incorruptible record of service that still remains unbeatable by any public officer in the past and present Nigeria. Needless to add that he was the pioneer chairman of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).

Since leaving the service of the EFCC, his unstained reputation continues to ring loud bells in almost every household across Nigeria and beyond,  because of his outstanding performance in every office he occupied, particularly in the last two decades. He rose to global prominence when he was appointed to head the anti-graft Agency by the then President Chief Olusegun Aremu Obasanjo between the period of 2003-2008. His doggedness, foresightedness and fearlessness made him confronted corruption head-on, and this exemplary style of leadership catapulted EFCC as the most performing agency at then. Presently, the EFCC has lost its past glory. The excellent, selfless and competent services that were rendered and the subsequent achievements recorded by Mallam still remains undefeated to this day.

Recalled that it was during his tenure that most corrupt politicians and public office holders were brought to book for various but grave corruption charges labelled against them. The brave and fearless Malam touched those who thought they were untouchable, and they all ended up in prison. It’s interesting to note that contrary to what some misguided people say about him – that he was being used by Obasanjo to witch-hunt the latter’s political opponents, most of the people that were arrested by the EFCC under Ribadu were all convicted and sent to jail by a competent court of law. Under the leadership of Nuhu Ribadu, EFCC issued thousands of indictments and achieved about 270 convictions. One notable case was that of his boss, the then Inspector General of Police Tafa Balogun, who was convicted, jailed and made to return £150 million under a plea bargain. Bode George, DSP Alamieyeseigha were not all spared by the Nuhu Ribadu-led EFCC.

It is a common knowledge to any discerning mind that one of the arrested politicians James Ibori offered $15 million bribe and a mansion abroad to the EFCC boss so that his case could be closed, but as expected of the no-nonsense and honest police officer, Ribadu turned down the offer by not accepting the illegal money that can turn his fortune to a billionaire! He deposited the money in the central bank of Nigeria to serve as evidence against Ibori of Delta State who then fled the country in 2010 but was apprehended in Dubai and eventually extradited to the UK. Ibori was found guilty by the UK court on money laundering where he served only a 4-year prison term out of the initial 13-year sentence handed to him.

It saddens me whenever I read negative comments about Nuhu Ribadu, even though I don’t expect him to be liked by everyone, but it’s quite unfortunate when people who made a lot of sacrifices and served their fatherland diligently are not much celebrated in their homeland. Could it be a deliberate attempt to let the labour of our present heroes go in vain? While in the service of Nigeria police force and the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), Malam Nuhu Ribadu diligently served his motherland and recorded quite a number of tremendous achievements that no one has so far recorded such in the history of EFCC. The most notable amongst his achievements are the delisting of Nigeria from the FATF’s list of Non-cooperative countries and territories, admission into the prestigious Egmont group and the withdrawal of US Treasury advisory on Nigeria by the FINCEN, these, together with many unmentioned achievements, were critical to the perception of Nigeria globally.

Nuhu Ribadu, a trained lawyer and fearless crime fighter, is a proud recipient of several awards as a police officer, prosecutor and chairman of EFCC. He received the IGP special awards in 1997, 1998 and 2000. In 2008, he received the World Bank’s Jit Gill memorial award for outstanding public service for having led a courageous anti-corruption drive in Nigeria as head of EFCC. In 2008, Ribadu completed the senior Executive course of the Nigeria Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies where he was conferred with the Membership of the National Institute, MNI.

In June 2010, Babcock University Ogun State awarded him a Doctor of Laws (honoris causa) in recognition of his resolute change as well as his fierce stance against corruption in the face of sponsored disgrace and death threats. This has resulted into positive changes and global acclaim hitherto considered impossible. Since 2014, notable newspapers and magazines have repeatedly voted Dr Nuhu Ribadu as man of the year, in recognition of his outstanding achievements as a committed crusader against corruption and other related crimes.

No matter how Malam is perceived, one thing is certain, and that’s his outstanding achievements which can’t be questioned or taken away from him. The diligent and excellent services he rendered to his fatherland were not only recognized in Nigeria, but internationally. His outstanding performance later earned him a work with the United Nation as the UN Special Envoy to Afghanistan by the UN Department for International Development. The Adamawa-born politician, TED fellow and a Senior Fellow in St. Anthony’s College of University of Oxford, London has since written his name in Gold, especially when he conceded defeat in the 2015 gubernatorial elections in his state, losing to the candidate of APC. Sincerely speaking, Ribadu was the best governor Adamawa couldn’t have because of his party affiliation then (PDP), not because he lacks the basic qualities to govern the good people of Adamawa State. But as a true believer, Malam accepted the outcome of the elections in good faith and congratulated the then Governor Jibrila Bindow, knowing fully that power belongs to Allah alone, and He gives it to whosoever He wishes and at any time. This is something very rare to get from our politicians, but Ribadu stands out to be entirely different among today’s politicians.

In 2018, Malam was alongside eight individuals and organizations from Asia, America, Africa, Oceania, and Europe for their decisive role in curtailing the menace of corruption and corrupt practices. He together with former vice President of World Bank, Leonard Frank McCarthy, became the joint winners in the category of Anti corruption lifetime achievements

Indeed, Malam Nuhu Ribadu has received the ‘Game Changer’ award by ThisDay newspaper 2015 for initiating a series of no-nonsense measures as chairman of the EFCC and for giving individuals with questionable character a big chase. He is still the best in every capacity he occupied. His white garment of integrity still remained unblemished even after coming into contact with people of questionable characters.

Since 2010, Ribadu has been involved in active politics, and as one of the founding members of the APC, he played a key role that ensured the re-election of former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019 general elections and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2023. The retired Assistant inspector general of police has done a lot for Nigeria and the international community, and we can’t deny the fact that his quest to serve humanity has contributed immensely to the growth of our democracy to its present state.

Ribadu, the greatest anti-corruption Czar of Africa has indeed shone among stars, led among leaders and shown what it takes to be a great agent of change. At the moment, he is the most adorable and celebrated politician in Nigeria and is gaining aggressive popularity both home and abroad on daily basis. It’s my candid opinion that it will take a decade or more before any politician can compete with Malam in terms of popularity, acceptance and public goodwill.

The year 2012 saw Nuhu Ribadu accepted to head an inquest into government’s revenue from the oil sector under the administration of one of the most patient and tolerable President Nigeria ever had Dr Goodluck Jonathan, an assignment he handled with his characteristic passion and dexterity, turning in a report that has since become reference point on reforming the Nigeria’s oil industry.

He (Ribadu) is today, the current National Security Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a position he assumed in June this year and he’s doing an amazing job.

On the occasion of his 63rd birthday today being 21/11/2023, I join well-meaning Nigerians and the international community in wishing this exemplary leader all the good things that life can offer. May Allah (SWT) continue to shower him with more blessings, grace, good health, wisdom and knowledge to contribute more to the development of Adamawa State in particular, Nigeria, and the world at large. In sha Allah.

NB: This article was written in November 2022 to celebrate the 62nd Birthday of the greatest anti-corruption Czar Africa has ever witnessed Mallam (Dr) Nuhu Ribadu and edited for the same purpose in November 2023 to celebrate his 63rd Birthday.

Muntaka Abdul-Hadi Dabo is a Research Scholar, African Centre of Excellence on Technology Enhanced Learning (ACETEL)
National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). He can be reached via; ace21160006@noun.edu.ng, muntaka.dabo@gmail.com, +2348036397682

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari 

Gunmen suspected to be bandits have attacked a police station in Adamawa State. 

The incident happened in the wee hours of Wednesday at the police station located in Jimeta, Yola North Local Government Area of Adamawa State. 

According to a resident who agreed to speak to the press anonymously, the sounds of gunshots disturbed the peace of the community and hence caused residents to panic. 

The police spokesperson, SP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, confirmed the attack to newsmen but assured the public that the situation is under control. 

Nguroje also disclosed that the attack was repelled but that the police have yet to identify the perpetrators of the attack.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Armed bandits on Sunday attacked a religious gathering in Kusa Town, Musawa Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The attackers, armed with AK-47 rifles, stormed the Maulud procession, firing indiscriminately at attendees. 

The Katsina State Police Command confirmed that seven people lost their lives and 16 others sustained gunshot injuries during the attack.

A swift response from law enforcement agents led to the repelling of the attackers.

In the wake of the assault, injured victims were rushed to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. 

Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, visited the affected community to express his condolences and assure residents of the government’s commitment to restoring peace.

The governor’s visit was met with gratitude by the villagers, who appreciated his support during this difficult time. 

As investigations continue, the community mourns the loss of their loved ones, noting the need for increased security measures to prevent future tragedies.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Cross River State Police Command rescued a former staff member of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from her abductors at her residence in Calabar on Saturday.

The daring rescue operation was confirmed by Irene Ugbo, the spokesperson for the command, who praised the gallantry of the officers involved. 

Ugbo disclosed that the rescue operation led to the arrest of three suspects, who were apprehended by the command’s Anti Cultism and Kidnapping Squad (ACKS), led by SP Chukwuma Ogini.

The team sprang into action following a distress call reporting the abduction at Mathias Oje Avenue in Calabar Municipality.

The operation was further assisted by the courageous efforts of the Njangachang youths in the locality, who played a pivotal role in apprehending the suspects. 

During the operation, the police recovered two vehicles believed to have been used in the abduction. The suspects were found in possession of arms, ammunition, and charms, indicating their criminal intent. 

Irene Ugbo commended the bravery of the officers and the local youths, emphasizing the commitment of Commissioner Gyogon Grimah to eradicate crimes and criminal activities in the state.

She reiterated the commissioner’s resolve to make Cross River State an inhospitable environment for kidnappers and criminals. “We want to make it clear that no kidnapper or criminal will find the state a safe haven for their nefarious activities. This is the directive of the Commissioner, as mandated by the Inspector General of Police,” stated Ugbo, as quoted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). 

The successful rescue operation stands as a testament to the dedication and efficiency of the Cross River State Police Command in ensuring the safety and security of its residents.

 By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Troops from the Nigerian Army, operating under ‘Operation Whirl Punch,’ have successfully neutralized seven terrorists in Kampanin Doka Village, Birnin-Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The operation, conducted in response to ongoing attacks on the local community, resulted in the elimination of four bandits on November 1, 2023. 

According to Lt. Col. Musa Yahaya, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations Officer, Nigerian Army, Kaduna, the troops, in collaboration with 1 Division Nigerian Army, swiftly responded to reports of bandit attacks in Kampanin Doka village.

The operation led to the recovery of weapons, including one AK 47 rifle, one AK 47 magazine, one machete, a mobile phone, and fourteen motorcycles previously used by the criminals. 

In a related incident on November 2, 2023, farmers in the western part of Sabon Sara village faced a bandit attack while harvesting their crops.

The quick response from the Nigerian Army troops, supported by the courageous actions of four farmers, resulted in the neutralization of one bandit.

The attackers, with gunshot wounds, fled the scene, leaving behind two AK 47 rifles. During the encounter, one of the farmers, Mallam Abdulrahman Aliyu, sustained minor injuries and was promptly evacuated to a nearby military hospital for medical attention.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police, successfully rescued two National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) members who were kidnapped by bandits in Yargoje community, Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The Director of Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, confirmed this heroic rescue mission in a statement released on Friday in Abuja. 

The abduction took place while the NYSC members were traveling from Edo to Katsina State.

The swift and courageous efforts of the security forces, particularly the 17 Brigade Nigerian Army and the police, led to the safe return of the hostages on Thursday. 

Brig.-Gen. Nwachukwu emphasized that the rescued corps members have received essential medical care and support to ensure their physical and emotional well-being.

Currently, they are under the protective custody of the Nigerian Police in Kankara, where they are being provided with necessary assistance. 

He further stated, “The Nigerian Army continues to solicit the cooperation and support of the public in providing timely and relevant information to enhance troops’ proactive operational engagement of criminal elements.”

This call reaffirms the importance of community collaboration in the ongoing efforts to maintain security and safety in the region. 

The successful rescue of the kidnapped NYSC members stands as a testament to the dedication and effectiveness of Nigeria’s security forces, highlighting their unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety of citizens, including those serving the nation through initiatives like the NYSC program.