Flowerbud News

Category: Security and Crimes

  • NDLEA intercepts 3.1m pills of opioids in Kano

    NDLEA intercepts 3.1m pills of opioids in Kano

    By Flowerbud News

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested three suspected drug dealers with 2,000 ampoules of pentazocine injection as 3.1 million pills exol-5 in Gadar Tamburawa in Kano State.

    The Director of Media and Advocacy of the NDLEA, Mr Femi Babafemi said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

    Babafemi said the suspects aged 38, 32 and 27, were arrested on Thursday.

    He also said that no fewer than 2, 120kg of Ghanaian Loud, a strong strain of cannabis produced in Ghana were intercepted by NDLEA operatives at the Ilesan beach, Lagos on Thursday.

    “A suspect, was arrested in connection with the seizure while four vehicles that were to convey the shipments from the water front were also recovered.

    “This came on the heels of the seizure of 472kg of the same psychoactive substance at Idi-Iroko, Imeko area of Ogun state on  Nov. 25.

    In another development, he said two suspects: were apprehended in Benin with 185.6kg cannabis.

    He said that operatives recovered a Toyota Previa bus marked BEN 06XL conveying the consignment during an intelligence-led raid by NDLEA operatives at Ukuwague street, Benin city.

    Babafemi quoted the NDLEA Chairman, retired, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa as commending the officers and men of Lagos, Kano, and Edo Commands of the agency for the arrests and seizures.

    Marwa stated that their operational successes and those of their compatriots across the country especially their balanced approach to drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts were well appreciated.

    NAN

  • NDLEA arrests 645 drug suspects, secures 117 convictions

    NDLEA arrests 645 drug suspects, secures 117 convictions

    Flowerbud News

    The Osun Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), said it has arrested 645 persons for drug offences and secured 127 convictions.

    The State Commandant, Mr Nnadi Chidi, made this known on Thursday during his address at a workshop on Drug Abuse Prevention organised for Osun State Business Owners Association with the theme “Lounges are not safe havens for drug abuse.”

    Chidi said the arrests and convictions were achieved within his two years as the commandant, adding that a total of 15.8 hectares of Cannabis farms, with 39,500 tons of Cannabis Sativa were also destroyed.

    He explained that drug abuse remained very prevalent in the country and that NDLEA is not relenting on its mandate as this year alone 52,901 drug suspects including 48 barons were arrested.

    “The agency equally secured 9,000 convictions in three years with 7.6 million kilograms of assorted illicit substances seized,” he said.

    He said that the state command has set up its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) programme where the campaign against drug abuse is taken to schools, markets, religious centers and others.

    Chidi said that the NDLEA understood that no individual or agency can win the war against drug abuse alone hence the collaboration with the Osun hospitality owners for a united front in the fight.

    Mr Ibrahim Chakaji, the NDLEA officer who delivered a lecture on the roles of business owners in the fight against drug/substance abuse, spoke on types of drugs and what drug abuse can cause.

    Chakaji said that statistics by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in 2018, showed that 14.3 million Nigerians (aged between 15 to 64 years) abused drugs and that one out of every four drug users is a female.

    Similarly, Dr Ayantunde Ayankola, who delivered a lecture on curbing drug abuse in this digital age, admonished hospitality owners to ensure they put in place a no drug use policy on their business premises.

    Ayankola also enlightened them on how to detect when someone is using drugs (illicit drugs) and the right steps to take.

    He equally admonished them to ensure they censored their internet facility so as to prevent customers from making drug orders (online) or selling drugs in their premises.

    NAN

  • Ondo election: I-G deploys Alabi as coordinating DIG

    Ondo election: I-G deploys Alabi as coordinating DIG

    Flowerbud News

    The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Dr Olukayode Egbetokun, has deployed Mr Sylvester Alabi as the coordinating Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) for the Nov. 16 governorship election in Ondo State.

    The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday.

    Adejobi said  that Alabi, the DIG in charge of Criminal Investigation Department, would oversee the implementation of the police security strategies to maintain law and order throughout the electoral period.

    He said the I-G had also approved the deployment of Mr Bennett Igweh, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 7 as AIG Elections in the state.

    Adejobi said  further that Mr Tunji Disu, the Commissioner of Police (CP) in charge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) had been deployed as CP Elections in the state.

    He said the deployments were part of  comprehensive security measures to ensure a peaceful, transparent and credible process during the election.

    According to him, as part of the security framework, there will be a restriction of all vehicular movements on roads, waterways and other means of transportation from 6:00am to 6:00pm on Election Day.

    He said those on essential services, such as ambulances, media officials, fire services and other accredited media were exempted from the restriction.

    “Furthermore, security aides and escorts attached to VIPs are banned from accompanying VIPs to polling booths and collation centres to prevent disruptions.

    “Unauthorised security personnel and quasi-security agencies will not be permitted to operate during the election while strict ban on the use of sirens by unauthorised vehicles will be enforced.

    “Special consideration will also be extended to individuals with disabilities, pregnant women, nursing mothers and those facing mobility challenges to ensure that polling stations remain accessible,” he said.

    The police spokesman said designated election lines, to be publicised soon had been established for inquiries and report of incidents.

    Adejobi urged citizens to report suspicious activities that could threaten the integrity of the electoral process and reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police to foster a safe and democratic environment for the election.

    NAN

  • Military deactivates 216 illegal refining sites in 1 month

    Military deactivates 216 illegal refining sites in 1 month

    Flowerbud News

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says the troops of Operation Delta Safe destroyed 216 illegal refining sites across the Niger Delta region in  October.

    The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known while briefing newsmen on the operations of the military on Thursday in Abuja.

    Buba said the troops also destroyed 195 wooden boats as well as recovered 30 vehicles and 429 assorted ammunition during the period.

    He said that the troops also impounded 3.2 million litres of crude oil, 763,860 litres of Automated Gas Oil (AGO) and 12,690 litres of Premium Motor Spirits (PMS).

    According to him, troops operations have progressively increased the nation’s daily crude oil production to over 1.5 million barrels per day.

    “During October, troops arrested 126 persons involved in crude oil theft and recovered 429 assorted ammunition,” he said.

    Buba said the troops of Operation UDO KA in the South East, conducted offensive operations against IPOB/ESN terror group in several states killing 40 terrorists, apprehended 55 suspects and rescuing 35 kidnapped hostages.

    According to him, IPOB/ESN incidents were recorded in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Imo and Enugu States.

    “Troops recovered 21 AK47 rifles, 24 pump action guns, 19 assorted arms, 177 live cartridges and 191 assorted ammunition,” he added.

    NAN

  • Lagbaja: Defence ministers, service chiefs pay condolence visit, sign register

    Lagbaja: Defence ministers, service chiefs pay condolence visit, sign register

    Flowerbud News

    The Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru, and his State counterpart, Bello Matawalle, on Thursday, led service chiefs to pay a condolence visit to the family of the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the death of Lagbaja was announced by President Bola Tinubu in a statement by
    his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Wednesday.

    Lagbaja, who was the 23rd COAS, passed on at the age of 56 after a brief illness.

    The service chiefs are the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of the
    Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar and Chief of Defence Intelligence, Man.-Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye.

    Also on the visit was the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

    The acting Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, received the visitors at the Flag Staff House, official residence of the
    COAS at Nigerian Barracks, Abuja.

    The ministers and the service chiefs took turn to pen down their individual condolence messages in the condolence register opened
    at the residence.

    NAN

  • PSC Chairman Urges Respect for Human Rights, Protection Of Crime Victims’ Rights

    PSC Chairman Urges Respect for Human Rights, Protection Of Crime Victims’ Rights

    The Chairman, Police Service Commission (PSC), DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd), has renewed his advocacy for respect for human rights of Nigerian citizens including the recognition and protection of the rights of victims of crime.

    DIG Argungu, who led a delegation from the PSC, renewed his advocacy at the Headquarters of the Human Rights Commission in Abuja when he met the Executive Secretary, Dr Tony Ojukwu, and members of the commission’s Management team.

    He also recalled his days as a member of the Anti SARS Panel that sat at the Human Rights Commission’s office and the cooperation he got throughout his membership.

    According to him, more efforts are still required of the Human Rights body to stop human rights abuses in Nigeria.

    The PSC Chairman said that extra-judicial killings, illegal arrests, searching and detention, sexual abuses were some of the issues still the nation’s Human Rights record in Nigeria.

    He urged the Commission to find ways to mitigate or eliminate those issues.

    DIG Argungu also frowned at the parade of suspects in chains and neglect of victims of crime.

    He called for balancing of the Justice system where attention should also be given to victims of crime and not only the suspects.

    He called for a collaborative partnership with the Human Rights Commission, adding that the PSC would involve the Commission in its recruitment processes.

    In his remarks, Ojukwu said that the commission is building a digitalised platform for the processing of human rights cases.

    He said that the platform would be linked to the PSC so that the two government agencies would collaborate to take the war against abuses to the next level.

    Ojukwu appealed to the PSC Chairman to partner with the commission to give Nigerians something to cheer.

    He also expressed the hope that with DIG Argungu, a former member of the Panel on the Anti SARs riot, as the PSC Chairman, most of the unresolved cases would be resolved.

  • CDS to military hierarchy: We cannot afford to allow insecurity to continue

    CDS to military hierarchy: We cannot afford to allow insecurity to continue

    Flowerbud News

    Musa gave the charge during the taking over of office by Maj.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede as the Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), on Friday in Abuja.

    He said that Nigeria as a nation was going through several challenges that required all hands on deck, adding that President Bola Tinubu decided to appoint the acting COAS to ensure continuity and avoid any gap.

    “We cannot afford to stay back and allow insecurity to continue to prevail. It is important that we all understand this clearly and give the acting COAS all the support to make sure he is successful.

    “Gen. Lagbaja is somebody we all know as a regimented fine officer who would not want any gap to occur in his absence.

    “That is why this event is taking place. So I want to count on all of us, whatever issues we have in mind, whatever opinions, please put it that Nigeria must survive, the armed forces must survive and the services must survive.

    “So everybody should put his hands on deck and let us succeed.

    “To all our commanders out there in the field, the challenges are there and we want to commend them for all the efforts they are making.

    “We know they are performing magic but we want to urge them not to relent because the bandits, the terrorists, the criminals are not relenting.

    “We are moving towards December, and we know the challenges that will come up. So we need to take all measures necessary to ensure that Nigeria remains peaceful,” he said.

    The CDS gave assurance that all the services would be working as a team to keep Nigeria safe in line with the mandate of the commander in chief.

    According to him, by this appointment, the responsibilities of administering the Nigerian Army now rest on Maj.-Gen. Oluyede.

    “Your responsibilities are wide and varied, and cannot be covered in this administrative note.

    “All shall yield to your new responsibility, and to begin to immediately continue administering the affairs of the Nigerian army.

    “It is expected that at the end of this formal event, you will be briefed extensively by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army) and other Principal Staff Officers of the Army.

    “Accordingly, you have to note that your installation was based on your vast knowledge of military leadership at all levels, character and competence.

    “You are a member of a larger team of professional soldiers who are satisfied with the responsibility of defending the territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by land, sea, and air, as captured in our Constitution.

    “It is therefore expected of you to consolidate and improve on the achievements the substantive COAS and other past chiefs in order to sustain the high level of professionalism, discipline, resilience, and regimentation that the Nigerian army is known for all over the world,” he added.

    NAN

  • FCTA intensifies crackdown on streetlight vandals, detains 16 suspects

    FCTA intensifies crackdown on streetlight vandals, detains 16 suspects

    Flowerbud News

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has intensified crackdown on streetlight vandals across the capital city.

    Briefing journalists on Friday in Abuja, Chief Felix Obuah, the Coordinator, Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), said that 16 suspects have been detained within the last seven days.

    He added that five suspects were arrested with the support of local vigilantes and hunters on Thursday alone, while two others were on the run.

    Obuah urged residents of the FCT to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity around streetlight facilities to security agencies.

    He said that public participation was key to the protection of public facilities, particularly streetlights.

    “We have already enlisted the support of local vigilante and hunters’ groups, which led to Thursday’s clampdown on the five suspects. “

    He warned that any individual involved in vandalising government property would be prosecuted, including the buyers.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAM) reports that the crackdown of the vandals has become necessary following rising concerns over continued vandalism of newly installed solar-powered streetlights in some parts of the city.

    One of the contractors executing streetlight installations, Mr Aderemi Rashid, had reported that some of the company’s equipment were stolen by unkwown persons.

    “The equipment used indicates a high level of sophistication beyond ordinary miscreants, suggesting possible involvement of well-equipped perpetrators,” he said.

    NAN recalls that the AMMC coordinator had, on Oct. 29, announced the arrest of an expatriate contractor for allegedly vandalising streetlight facilities.

    Obuah added that the expatriate had been handed over to the police for investigation and prosecution.

    According to him, the expatriate involvement may be part of a ploy to secure the contracts for the restoration of the vandalised streetlight facilities.

    He said that AMMC would continue its crackdown on the vandals and urged residents to report any suspicious activities related to public properties across the city for quick response.

    NAN

  • Niger Delta militant group threatens to shut down oil installations over Wike

    Niger Delta militant group threatens to shut down oil installations over Wike

     

    A nascent Niger Delta militia group christened Niger Delta Development Force, has threatened to blow up oil installations in the Niger Delta should President Bola Tinubu refuse to rein in and stop the meddlesomeness of the Minister of the Federal Capital territory, Nyesom Wike, in the administration of Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State.

    NDDF said it is particularly piqued over plot by Wike to use a friendly judge to rule in his favor stopping Local Government allocations to the state on Monday.

    Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court Abuja had recently dismissed a request by the Rivers State Government seeking to stay proceedings in a suit seeking to stop allocation of funds to all the Local Government Areas of Rivers State.

    The judge held that the request argued by the Rivers State Government through their counsel, Gordy Uche, was frivolous, vexatious, unwarranted and mischievous.

    But spokesman for the group, Justin Alabraba, said in a statement that the group will waste no time in shutting down oil installations should any judge in Abuja make any pronouncement that would render Local Governments in River State financially incapacitated to carry out their business of rendering governance to the people at the local level.

    “We will waste no time. It would be swift response. We will shut down major oil installations in the Niger Delta. If President Bola Tinubu would allow Wike ground governance at the local governments in Rivers State, we will also ground governance at all levels. We cannot be suffering while other parts of Nigeria are enjoying. Wike should leave Fubara alone.”

    The group said it had watched for several months now how Wike had used his position as a Minister and a member of the Tinubu’s cabinet to undermine the activities of Governor Fubara, warning that it would no longer fold its arms and watch Wike destroy its state.

    “For months now, Wike has continued to insult and intimidate Governor Fubara using his federal might. We won’t tolerate that anymore. Any move against Fubara by Wike would now be met with destructions of oil installations. Since Tinubu would want to continue to play the ostrich, let us all go mad then.

    ”Rivers State does not belong to Wike and he cannot finish serving his eight years without intimidation or harassment from those who helped him get there and now wants to disturb his successor.”

    The group warned that there would be no going back when judgement is given against Rivers State, insisting, “we will bomb and continue to destroy oil installations. This is not a threat. This is a promise. This is what we will do. Enough is enough. Wike and Tinubu cannot take us for a ride anymore.”