Category: Security and Crimes

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has called on the Kebbi Government to arrest and prosecute all those involved in the alleged attacks and killing of some pastoralists in the state.

Its National Secretary, Alhaji Bello Aliyu-Gotomo, who made the call in a statement on Thursday in Abuja, noted that allowing impunity to continue and people taking laws into their hands would only complicate security situation in the state.

“The National Headquarters of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) condemns the unwarranted attacks and killing of some innocent pastoralists in some parts of Kebbi recently.

“The alleged dastardly act simply shows a well organised campaign to displace pastoralists from their abodes in some parts of Kebbi.

“MACBAN commends the Kebbi government for the prompt visit to the affected areas and called on the state authority to arrest and prosecute all those involved,” Aliyu-Gotomo advocated.

The secretary decried that the alleged attacks on pastoralists would make livestock and crop production extremely difficult, adding that the harassment of both bandits and other none state actors was constituted serious threat to agric sector.

Aliyu-Gotomo said that the association is concerned that allowing “lawlessness to rein in the rural areas will have an unpleasant consequences on agriculture and livestock production in the country.”

In a related development, the Miyetti Allah leader commended Gov. Umar Bago of Niger, for taking prompt action to stop violence in the state.

He emphasised the need for enhanced synergy between the Federal and State Governments in curbing insecurity in all the nooks and crannies of the country, especially in rural communities. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Upsurge in Vandalism: MainPower DisCo urges Enugu residents to protect electricity installations

Oyo State Gets Boost in Security as Police, OYRLEA Join Forces

By Adewale Owoade

‎The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Femi Haruna, has reassured his commitment to enhancing security across the state through the support of tactical teams and partnership with the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA).

The CP gave this  assurance  while receiving OYRLEA,  led by its Chairperson, Honourable Justice Aderonke Aderemi (Rtd.), accompanied by the Executive Adviser to the Governor on Rule of Law Enforcement, CP Sonubi Olufemi (Rtd.), at the Oyo State Police Command Headquarters, Eleyele, Ibadan.

CP Haruna assured of his command’s continued tactical support toward maintaining security in Oyo State.

He emphasised the importance of intelligence sharing and coordinated efforts in tackling threats, noting that joint strategies will help strengthen operational effectiveness.

He pledged prompt and effective responses to specific threats and high-risk incidents supporting OYRLEA’s mandate.

In her remarks, OYRLEA Chairperson, Justice Aderemi (Rtd.), said  the visit was aimed at strengthening the partnership between the Nigeria Police Force and the OYRLEA to ensure seamless cooperation during enforcement and operational activities.

‎She commended the existing collaboration between the police and OYRLEA,  called for deeper synergy and enhanced operational support, especially as enforcement exercises intensify across the state.

‎Aderemi  explained that such collaboration is expected to yield improved security outcomes and operational efficiency.

‎In his contribution, CP Sonubi (Rtd.) highlighted the need for coordinated action in managing emergencies and ensuring safety during enforcement procedures.

He reiterated the crucial role of police collaboration with other security agencies in volatile areas to guarantee maximum security and the continued success of the rule of law.

In attendance were Deputy and Assistant Commissioners of Police, as well as the Chairman of the Environmental Taskforce, DCP Francis Ojomo (Rtd.), who accompanied the OYRLEA Chairperson alongside other management team members.

610 soldiers attend Nigerian Army Warrant Officers Promotional Training 2025

No fewer than 610 soldiers from different Nigerian Army formations nationwide are currently attending the Nigerian Army Warrant Officers Promotional Training 2025.

The training, taking place at the Federal Road Safety Corp Academy, Udi in Enugu State, would involve compulsory medical test, physical training/drills, weapon handling, written test, computer test (for clerical officials) and oral interview among others.

Officially opening the training, the Chief of Personnel Management (CPM) Army Headquarters, Maj.-Gen. Adewale Adekeye, warned the soldiers participating in the training against taking hard drugs or supplements to enhance performance.

Adekeye noted that most soldiers coming for the two-week promotional training are above 50 years and as such drug or supplement enhancing stimulants would be injurious to their health and adversely affect their performance.

According to him, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, appreciates your long years in service as well as your commitment, dedication and sacrifice to the nation all these years.

He said, “We want to congratulate you for attaining this feat as well as appreciate the hard work, efficiency and loyalty you have put into your career in the Nigerian Army.

“The Nigerian Army Warrant Officers Promotional Board members will be strictly objective and score you according to your performance.

“Bringing in your best and doing your best as what is expected of you and what your various tests will be based on are the usual things you do in your formations.

“You must display discipline and professionalism each day and in each activity you engage in. Do not cheat in any way as it will adversely affect you.”

Adekeye noted that the task of the Nigerian Army Warrant Officer is enormous, adding that “only the best candidates based on performance and merit will be selected”.

He lauded the COAS for providing guidance, support and funding for the training.

Earlier, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Maj.-Gen. Oluyemi Olatoye, urged the participating soldiers to remain disciplined and focused on their training.

Olatoye noted that the participating soldiers’ welfare and security was of utmost importance to the Division, while thanking God for the safe arrival of all meant for the training.

According to him, the division commends the promotion board and we are confident that the board members will be steadfast, firm and impartial in their assessments.

He thanked the COAS for his exemplary leadership, his funding of the training as well as selection of 82 Division to host the important exercise.

The soldiers attending the training are those on Master Warrant Officer rank moving up to Nigerian Army Warrant Officer rank.

Veteran skills acquisition meant to improve livelihoods, shield against socioeconomic instability – CDS Gen. Musa

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, says veteran skills acquisition meant to significantly improve livelihoods of veterans, their families and shield them from economic instability in retirement.

Musa said this in an address at the opening of a Three-Day Skills Acquisition Training for Veterans in the South-East Geo-Political Zone being held at 82 Division Headquarters, Enugu on Wednesday.

Represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 82 Division, Maj.-Gen. Oluyemi Olatoye, the CDS said that the training was a strategic initiative by the Defence Headquarters aimed at enhancing the well-being of military veterans.

According to him, the initiative is meant to equip them (retirees of the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force) to withstand the challenges posed by today’s increasingly difficult economic climate.

“It is important to highlight that a key challenge confronting our veterans is the significant decline in the purchasing power of their earnings. This, in turn, negatively impacts their quality of life and that of their families.

“The ongoing economic downturn, coupled with limited access to alternative income sources, creates a persistent cycle of need.

“In response to this long-standing concern and in our commitment to improving the welfare of our veterans, I have directed the Veterans Affairs Division to implement nationwide Skills Acquisition Training Programme, tailored to each of the six geo-political zones.

“I am pleased to see that our veterans are being actively included in our broader efforts to uplift the lives of all service personnel.

“Indeed, veterans remain vital stakeholders in our mission to improve living standards across the board,” he said.

Musa noted that diverse range of vocational skills, which included: poultry farming, fishery, snail farming, animal husbandry, livestock management, integrated and irrigation farming systems, and modern crop farming techniques would be taught.

He said that the participants would be exposed to training on financial literacy, proper record keeping, agro-produce processing and packaging, marketing strategies, and business opportunity identification among others.

“As someone with personal experience in farming, I can readily appreciate the immense value this initiative and its training holds and opportunities it presents to each participant.

“The core objective of this initiative is to equip you with the practical skills needed to establish and grow sustainable agricultural ventures within the broader value chain,” he said.

Earlier, the Director, Veteran Affairs Division of Defence Headquarters, Maj.-Gen. Danladi Salihu, thanked the CDS for his continued support and providing logistics backing up for the training.

“Without his leadership and commitment, our gathering here today would not have come to fruition; while I urge you to approach the training with open minds,” Salihu, who was represented by the Deputy Director, Brig.-Gen. Caius Baushe, said.

He said that the skill training for veterans aligns with the leadership concept of the CDS meant to ensure holistic welfare and well-being of all military personnel both serving and retired in the country.

Nigerian Army committed to observing, improving human rights in operations – Chief CCMA

The Nigerian Army says it is committed to dealing with all human rights complaints/issues and continuous improvement of all human rights records in its operations.

The Chief of Civil-Military Affairs (CCMA) of the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Gold Chibuisi, said this at 5^th Edition of Nigerian Army Human Rights Seminar 2025 held in Enugu on Friday.

The theme of the seminar is: “Human Rights and Operational Effectiveness: Establishing the Nexus”.

Chibuisi said that the Nigerian Army authorities had prioritised human rights and ensured that every formation of the army have a functional human rights desk that attends to all human rights issues.

He also said that over the years and still now, the Nigerian army had invested in training and retraining all its personnel on human rights issues especially those that relates to its operations.

He said, “The Nigerian Army is constantly reviewing all its operations to ensure that it complies with human rights and best international practices.

“We have continued to court martial and deal decisively through punishment personnel that infringe on human rights of the civil populace and ensure that justice is rightly served.

“I am optimistic that this gathering will help to promote human rights, create better understanding between the civil populace and the army and ensure that Nigerian Army wins the war and hearts of Nigerians in every ramification.”

Chibuisi appreciated the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for approving and funding the seminar as well as other programmes of the Civil-Military Affairs Department.

In a goodwill message, the Chairman of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Enugu Branch, Mr Chukwuma Odo, lauded the Nigerian Army for organising the thought-provoking engagement and it strive to do better.

Odo said that every reputable organisation providing services to the people needed to get the feeling and feedback, especially how its conduct affects human rights and well being of others.

“As NBA, we will continue to support the Nigerian Army and ensure that Nigerians especially law abiding citizens are treated with dignity, respect and civility they deserve,” he said.

Declaring the seminar open, the Chief Judge of Enugu State, Justice Raymond Ozoemena, charged the Nigerian Army to find the fine-line between operational successes and ensuring that human rights are protected.

Represented by Justice Anthony Onovo of the Enugu State High Court, Ozoemena said that by observing human rights, “the Nigerian Army will ensure that everyone is treated with decorum and fairness”.

He said that the solution in finding the connection between human rights and operational successes lies between transparency, accountability and openness as well as the mindset to do the right things.

“I must commend the participants of this seminar and appreciate the Nigerian Army in its commitments to follow the right path to ensure that our society is a secured and better place,” he added.

FRSC alerts of accident of diesel laden tanker, diverts traffic on Enugu-Onitsha Expressway

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has alerted motorists using the Ugwu-Onyema axis of Enugu-Onitsha Expressway of a rolled-over diesel ladened tanker, whose diesel product has spilled and went on flame.

The FRSC Sector Commander in Enugu State, Mr Franklin Agbakoba, issued the alert to newsmen on Thursday in Enugu.

Agbakoba, who said that the incident happened at about 6:16p.m., said that FRSC personnel had advised and diverted traffic on the expressway.

He said that motorists and pedestrians are advised and directed to follow the Inside Ngwo Community Road, popularly known as “Ngwo Snake Road” while going into and outside Enugu metropolis for now.

The sector Commander said that the lone accident did not involve any other vehicle, adding: “There is no life lost in the incident for now”.

Agbakoba noted that the Federal and State Fire Services are “currently on ground battling the fire and ensuring it doesn’t escalate”.

“At about 18:16p.m., today, Sept. 25, 2025, the FRSC Enugu State Sector Command received a crash alert along Enugu-Onitsha Expressway by Ugwu-Onyeama.

“Rescue teams from State Sector and the FRSC 9th Mile Unit Commands have been activated to the crash scene.

“More details of the report will be forwarded soon,” he added.

Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to global nuclear disarmament, urging immediate action to begin negotiations on a Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT).

The call was made by Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar Badaru, at the first Ministerial Meeting of the “Friends of an FMCT,” convened by Japan on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York. He described the treaty as both a legal necessity and a moral duty.

“Closing the fissile material gap is the most realistic way to stop an uncontrolled arms race,” Badaru said. “The FMCT will rebuild trust, strengthen the Non-Proliferation Treaty, and give momentum back to disarmament.”

According to his PA (Media & Publicity), Mati Ali, the Minister urged the international community to move beyond rhetoric to concrete action, particularly as this year marks the 80th anniversary of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. “The memory of Hiroshima and Nagasaki compels us to act with courage. The survival of humanity demands it,” he said.

Nigeria also underscored Africa’s leadership on nuclear restraint through the Treaty of Pelindaba, which established a nuclear-weapon-free zone across the continent. “Africa has shown that restraint is possible. Nigeria now calls for that same spirit to guide global action,” the Minister added.

To accelerate progress, Badaru proposed three immediate measures:

A global moratorium on the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons;

The dismantling or conversion of existing facilities to peaceful uses; and

Employing these interim steps to build political momentum toward a universal, verifiable, and non-discriminatory treaty.

He further linked Nigeria’s position to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing the connection between disarmament, security, and development. “Disarmament is not an abstract debate. Every step we take to reduce nuclear risks frees resources for health, education, and economic growth,” Badaru stated.

Nigeria’s stance marks a shift from participation to leadership in global disarmament efforts, positioning the country as a bridge-builder aligning regional achievements with global policy for a safer, more secure world.

82 Division denies troops’ involvement in C’River land dispute

The Headquarters 82 Division, Nigerian Army, says troops of 245 Battalion in a disputed land area of Cross River have remained neutral while maintaining peace.

This is contained in a statement issued by Lt.-Col. Olabisi Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations of the Division, on Sunday in Enugu.

Ayeni said the Division noted a recent report alleging that troops intimidated residents of Ochon Community, Obubra Local Government Area, in a dispute with Alesi Community, Ikom LGA.

He described the report as false, misleading, and intended to discredit the efforts of troops working tirelessly to preserve peace in the affected communities.

The spokesman stressed that the Division categorically refutes the allegation in its entirety.

Ayeni explained that troops of 245 Battalion are deployed in the area for internal security operations to protect lives, infrastructure, and ensure peace for law-abiding citizens.

He added that their presence strictly supports civil authorities in preserving public order, in full compliance with constitutional provisions.

“Following renewed clashes between Alesi and Ochon communities on 19 September 2025, troops swiftly intervened to prevent escalation and restore normalcy across Ikom and Obubra LGAs.

“82 Division wishes to reaffirm its absolute neutrality in all communal, ethnic, political, and land-related matters,” Ayeni said.

He emphasised that the Division has no stake or interest in land ownership, control, or settlement disputes between Alesi, Ochon, or any other communities.

“Our mandate is to maintain peace and forestall any breakdown of law and order that could endanger lives and property,” he stated.

“The Division reassured residents of Alesi and Ochon of its commitment to professionalism, discipline, and respect for human rights.

“It urged community leaders and stakeholders to embrace lawful and peaceful avenues for resolving disputes.

“Against this backdrop, the Division urges the public to disregard false reports designed to undermine peace support efforts,” Ayeni said.

He added that the Division will continue working with other security agencies, civil authorities, and traditional institutions to ensure lasting peace and security across Cross River.