Security

By Fatima Dauda Salihu

Nigeria is a beautiful country with diverse cultures and vibrant people. Unfortunately, insecurity has become a significant problem in recent years, causing many to live in fear and struggle to access essential services. 

Despite being culturally rich and endowed with abundant mineral resources, Nigeria struggles with insecurity primarily due to negligence by the government and its citizens. Nigeria faces insecurity challenges across all six geopolitical zones. This insecurity takes various forms, including insurgency, terrorism, communal clashes, banditry, kidnapping, and piracy, and is fuelled by deep-rooted socio-economic, ethnic, and religious tensions.

The consequences of insecurity in Nigeria are dire, leading to displacement of communities, loss of livelihoods, economic stagnation, human rights abuses, and psychological trauma.

Effective governance is critical in addressing insecurity. The government must provide leadership, resources, and policy direction to tackle insecurity. Citizens also have a vital role to play by engaging in community policing, reporting suspicious activities, and promoting tolerance. 

The private sector can also contribute by investing in security initiatives and socio-economic development projects. Civil society organisations can advocate for policy changes and community empowerment. We can restore peace, stability, and prosperity to Nigeria by working together.

Strengthening institutions and promoting good governance, investing in education, enhancing security infrastructure and capacity building, promoting community engagement and conflict resolution, and addressing socio-economic inequalities can help mitigate if not. 

In conclusion, addressing the challenge of insecurity in Nigeria requires a holistic and multifaceted approach that encompasses effective governance, community engagement, strategic coordination among security agencies, and long-term investments in education and socio-economic development.

Ultimately, Nigeria’s future depends on our collective ability to address insecurity and promote peace, stability, and development. We owe it to ourselves, our children, and future generations to take action and create a better Nigeria.

Fatima Dauda Salihu wrote from Bayero University, Kano. 

By Uzair Adam 

A nurse abducted by ISWAP terrorists in 2018 has regained her freedom after enduring six years in captivity.  

The nurse, Alice Loksha, was taken alongside two other female health workers on March 1, 2018, while working at a United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) facility in Rann, Kala Balge Local Government Area of Borno State.  

Speaking to journalists at Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri on Friday, Kenneth Chigbu, Deputy Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation Hadin Kai, disclosed that Loksha escaped from captivity and was found in Geidam, Yobe State, on October 24, 2024.  

Chigbu revealed that the 42-year-old endured forced marriages with two ISWAP commanders and faced severe conditions during her captivity.  

“She was initially held in Tumbuma for two days before being relocated to Kwalleram, where she spent seven months and was forced into marriage with a terrorist leader named Abu Umar. 

“This marriage resulted in the birth of her son, Muhammad. Abu Umar was later killed during a gunfight with troops in 2022,” Chigbu said.  

After Abu Umar’s death, Loksha was forced into another marriage with an ISWAP commander named Abu Simak in 2022. However, he was later banished by his fellow terrorists to the Dogon Chukwu camp. 

Loksha managed to escape from this camp through the Diffa axis and reach Geidam, where she reported to JTF troops on October 29.  

“She has since undergone medical evaluation and received humanitarian support,” Chigbu added. 

Chigbu also confirmed the escape of Fayina Ali, the younger sister of the late Samuel Andrew, a soldier who served under the 212 Battalion. 

Fayina was abducted by ISWAP on October 19, 2022, while travelling to Maiduguri to process her late brother’s death benefits.  

“Fayina was held captive in Kangarwa for nine months before being transferred to Tumbuma for four years. She was later returned to Kangarwa, where she remained for another year before escaping,” he said.  

Both women were received by Zuwaira Gambo, Borno State’s Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development. 

Gambo assured that they would undergo psychosocial support and rehabilitation before being reintegrated with their families.  

“This marks a significant step in their recovery and reintegration process,” Gambo said.

By Uzair Adam

The Yobe State Police Command has dismissed a report published by an online media outlet alleging that two of its officers were involved in a recent robbery in Potiskum.

According to a statement from DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, the police spokesperson, the Command also denied accusations of obstructing court proceedings or protecting the accused officers.

The report, titled “Police disrupt court proceeding, take out colleagues accused of robbery in Yobe,” was described by Abdulkarim as “misleading and malicious.”

He clarified that no police personnel invaded a magistrate’s court to secure the release of any accused.

“There is no record of any robbery incident involving police personnel in Potiskum or elsewhere in the state,” Abdulkarim emphasized.

Setting the record straight, Abdulkarim stated that on February 23, a collision occurred between a truck and a motorcycle in Potiskum.

ASC Abubakar Umar from the Nigerian Correctional Service sought bail for the driver, which was granted, but the police retained the vehicle due to an ongoing investigation and the victim’s treatment. When Umar intervened, he was detained for obstruction.

The Area Commander subsequently ordered police personnel to return to their station, as the case involved a Fundamental Human Rights issue beyond the magistrate’s jurisdiction.

The Yobe Police Command has demanded that the media outlet retract the report and issue an apology or face legal action.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Yobe Chapter has called on the Commissioner of Police to investigate the case and ensure adherence to court orders.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, has ordered rescheduling of the Federal Executive Council meeting till another date to be announced.

Initially scheduled for today, the council meeting was postponed in honour of Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, who passed away on Tuesday night.

General Lagbaja served as the Chief of Army Staff from June 19, 2023, till his death on November 5, 2024.

President Tinubu also ordered flags to be flown at half-staff nationwide for seven days in honour of the departed general.

Earlier today, President Tinubu expressed his heartfelt condolences to the Lagbaja family and the Nigerian Armed Forces.

He wished Lt. General Lagbaja eternal peace and honoured his significant contributions to the nation.

By Uzair Adam

The Osun State Police Command has detained a man identified as Saudi for allegedly killing his father in a farm located in Ilusi village.

This shocking incident marks a rare and tragic occurrence for the local community.

According to sources, the deceased, known as Baale, was reported missing on Thursday after heading to the farm earlier in the day.

When he did not return home, a search team was organized, consisting mostly of village youth.

On Friday, the search team discovered Baale’s headless body on the farm, partially covered with palm leaves.

Ismail Olaolu, a resident of the village, disclosed that suspicions quickly fell on Baale’s son, who had accompanied him to the farm.

After being questioned, the son reportedly admitted to the killing.

Items belonging to the deceased, including his motorcycle and a cocoa harvest, were found beside his body.

The suspect has since been handed over to the police, who continue to investigate.

Osun State police spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola, confirmed that the suspect remains in custody as inquiries continue into the motive and circumstances surrounding the incident.

By Anas Abbas

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reassured Nigerians living in Libya of its unwavering commitment to their safety and welfare, particularly in light of recent tensions following a ruling by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) against the Libyan Football Association.

Reports have emerged indicating that some Nigerians in Libya faced harassment from local authorities after CAF’s decision, which criticized the Libyan FA for mistreatment of the Nigerian football team and officials during a Nations Cup Qualifying Match.

In a statement released on Sunday by spokesperson Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, the Ministry confirmed that Nigerians currently residing in Libya are safe and able to carry out their daily activities without interference.

The Ministry emphasized its proactive stance in monitoring the situation and reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad. “The well-being of Nigerian citizens anywhere in the world is a top priority for the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and we will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure their safety,” the statement read.

As of now, the Ministry assures that Nigerians in Libya are not experiencing any form of harassment from local authorities, reinforcing the government’s dedication to their security amidst ongoing diplomatic developments.

By Uzair Adam

A High Court in Kano State on Tuesday ordered the remand of Zhang Qunfang, a Chinese national, in a correctional facility over allegations of forgery and destruction of property belonging to Huafei International Nigeria Ltd., located at No. 52 Hadejia Road, Gezawa District Area, Kano.

During the arraignment before Justice Ma’aji, prosecution counsel Eristio Asaph from the Force Headquarters legal department presented a charge filed on October 3, 2024, requesting the court’s approval to read the charges to the defendant.

However, defense counsel Ibrahim Abdullahi Chedi opposed the reading, contending that the case was not ready for arraignment as Qunfang had only received the charges that day.

He noted that Qunfang, arrested by INTERPOL in Abuja, had been granted administrative bail and argued that, according to Section 127 Sub 2 of the ACJL 2019, the defendant should be served seven days prior.

The prosecution responded that the defendant had refused to accept the charge sheet post-release on bail. After reviewing both sides, Justice Ma’aji granted permission to proceed with reading the two-count charge.

According to the charge, Qunfang allegedly forged the signature of Mr. Zhu Bin, a company client, to add her name as a signatory and used her access to withdraw $80,000 from the company’s account without approval from other directors.

Additionally, she is accused of intentionally demolishing a building owned by Huafei International Nigeria Ltd.

The prosecution asserted that these acts violate sections of the Penal Code Law. Qunfang pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The court adjourned the session to November 1, 2024, to address the defense’s bail application and ordered her remand in custody pending the hearing.

By Anwar Usman

A meeting between the Northern Governors Forum and Northern Traditional Rulers Council is currently ongoing in Kaduna hoping to tackle the region’s pressing security and developmental challenges.

In attendance at the meeting which took place at the state government House, were Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa.

While welcoming his colleagues, the Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, Muhammadu Yahaya, called for collective action to tackle challenges bedevilling the region.

The region is currently battling with insecurity, economic hardship, environmental degradation, and youth restiveness.

Yahaya emphasized the need for collective action, stating, “Our collective resolve is being tested by the ongoing challenges that we face. However, our unity and commitment to the prosperity of the people remain our greatest source of strength that will enable us to overcome those challenges.”

The governor also acknowledged these challenges, saying, “Terrorism, banditry, kidnap-for-ransom, farmer-herder clashes, drug abuse, the menace of Almajiri and out-of-school children, poverty, and unemployment. We must continue to work with the Federal Government and relevant agencies to provide the necessary support and relief to those affected.”

To tackle these challenges, the governors proposed various ways including “sustaining gains against criminals, studying and implementing the Coalition of Northern Group’s Security Committee report, and engaging with security agencies and civil society groups.

“Investing in education, skills development, and job creation; supporting small and medium enterprises; and attracting investment to northern states; as well providing support to farmers, ensuring rural security, and promoting agro-allied industries.

“Partnering with the Federal Government and stakeholders to build irrigation infrastructure and promote sustainable practices.”

In his remarks earlier, Kaduna Governor and chief host, Senator Uba Sani, while welcoming his colleagues and traditional rulers in the region as well as the Chief of Defence, General Christopher Musa, emphasised unity and collective action against regional challenges.

Sani, also acknowledged the northern Governors’ commitment to peaceful coexistence and shared prosperity, urging that “We must work together to realize our vision of a secure, peaceful, and prosperous North.”

The Governor commended President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to combat insecurity, citing the establishment of a Joint Military Command and Operation Fansan Yamma as clear demonstrations of the Federal Government’s commitment.

By Anwar Usman

The Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, has instructed the troops of 17 Brigade Katsina to end the persisting insecurity and banditry in Katsina State, saying President Bola Tinubu “is ready to provide everything” needed to combat insecurity.

The minister gave the instruction while addressing journalists at the Katsina – Zamfara States border town, Gurbin Baure in the Jibia Local Government area of Katsina State on Friday while addressing troops at the 17 brigade.

Reports has it that, the defence minister was in the state to access and receive briefings on the ongoing military attacks against banditry.

The minister, told the troops that President Bola Tinubu was pleased with the progress made by the troops in fighting against banditry over the past few months.

He further added that, President Bola Tinubu has recognised the improvement in the onslaught operation against banditry in the state so far.

“President Tinubu has asked me to thank you and to also encourage you to do more in ending insecurity in these operational areas.”

The Minister, while speaking to journalists said “For the last few months there has been progress every day and I believe that all the states are cooperating in ending banditry in the North-West. We need a lot of support from the general public.

“I came here by road to assess our deployment there. Zaria-Gusau Road has been very notorious for kidnappers. We have implemented new plans and improved our deployment there and I am impressed with what I see in ending consistent attacks of motorists in the area.

The minister was accompanied by the Commander, Joint Task Force North-West Operation Fansar Yamma, Maj Gen Oluyinka Soyele and was received by the Commander 17 Brigade Katsina State, Brig. Gen. B.O Omopariola.

By Uzair Adam

Authorities in Kano have apprehended 31-year-old Salisu Bala, who has been impersonating a police officer to extort and intimidate residents in the city.

Bala was arrested by members of the Police Special Constabulary at Koki Quarters while wearing a black uniform and a camouflage peak cap.

The Kano State Police Command Spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, confirmed the arrest in a statement on Thursday, revealing that Bala, a resident of Kurna Quarters, had been defrauding members of the public and tarnishing the reputation of the police force.

Reports had been circulating about individuals posing as officers, particularly in areas like Sabon Gari, Fagge, and Koki Quarters.

In response, the Commissioner of Police, CP Salman Dogo Garba, directed Divisional Police Officers to take action, leading to Bala’s arrest on October 14, 2024.

Investigations revealed that Bala was not affiliated with the police force, despite his use of multiple police uniforms.

He also admitted to being a drug user.

The police have urged the public to come forward with any complaints about Bala or similar incidents of impersonation.

For emergencies or to report suspicious activities, the Kano State Police Command can be contacted through their emergency lines: 08032419754, 08123821575, and 09029292926.