Security
General update on Armed forces of Nigeria operations from 31st December, 2020 to 6th January, 2021
Briefing
1. The Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies have continued their major operations across the country with renewed vigor. I will be updating you on the operations in line with our weekly schedule. This briefing covers from 31 December 2020 to 6 January 2021.
NORTH-WEST ZONE
2. Troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI and other subsidiary operations have sustained their operations in the North-West Zone of the country progressively. The gallant troops within the period carried out several operations including rescue operations as well as clearance, ambushes and aerial patrols. These operations led to the rescue of abducted persons, neutralization of criminal elements and recovery of arms and ammunition. Within the period in focus, troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI while on routine patrol around Gidan Dan Nunu and Dutsi villages of Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State made contact with bandits. In the course of the encounter, the gallant troops rescued 7 kidnapped victims. Relatedly, on 31 December 2020, troops acting on credible intelligence rescued 2 women and a child kidnapped at Kimbisawa village of Batsari Local Government Area of Katsina State. Rescued victims were immediately reunited with their families.
3. In a related development, troops of Operation ACCORD rescued 3 kidnapped victims on New Year day following credible intelligence that armed bandits stormed Tungar Ruwa village in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State. Rescued victims have been reunited with their families. Equally, troops of Operation SAHEL SANITY arrested two suspected armed bandits on New Year day following a tip off at Maraban Maigora in Faskari Local Government Area. Preliminary investigation revealed that suspects had connection with a notorious armed bandit leader in Madachi village of Sabuwa Local Government Area.
4. In the same vein, troops of Operation SAHEL SANITY on 2 January 2021, based on credible intelligence neutralized five armed bandits at Garin Garus. Items recovered include, 2 AK 47 rifles, 2 magazines and 18 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition. Troops have continued to dominate the North West theatre of operation with aggressive fighting and aerial patrols to deny the criminal elements freedom of action.
NORTH-EAST ZONE
5. Troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies have not relented in their efforts to decimate the BHT/ISWAP elements operating in the North East Zone of the Country. Between 31 December 2020 and 6 January 2021, troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE sustained their ground and air operations by adopting continuous vigilance and offensive postures.
6. Within the period in focus, the Air Task Force of Operation LAFIYA DOLE neutralized several ISWAP terrorist elements and destroyed their structures alongside some logistics items in air strikes conducted at Tumbun Gini general area of Borno State. This was achieved after series of aerial surveillance missions indicated that the structures and logistics items, camouflaged under dense vegetation was used as staging area for the criminals and their leaders to meet, from where they plan and launch attacks on troops and civilians. Similarly, on 1 January 2021, the Air Task Force destroyed new BHT’s settlement and neutralized some of their fighters at Mana Waji in Borno State. In another development on 2 January 2021, the Air Task Force took out some BHT criminal elements’ hideouts and eliminated some of their fighters during air strikes at Kote Kura and Bulama Isamari within the Timbuktu Triangle in Borno State. The air strikes were executed based on credible intelligence report indicating that the terrorists had established camps at the 2 settlements, where they stored their logistics items as well as plan and launch attacks on civilians and troops. Subsequently, series of air patrols and Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance missions as well air cover for surface troops have been continuously conducted across the Zone.
NORTH-CENTRAL ZONE
7. In the North Central zone, troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria have continued to intensify ongoing kinetic operations to decisively stamp out armed banditry and other criminalities. Notably, on 31 December 2020, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN, in collaboration with personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS), arrested 3 suspected gun runners Yahaya Aliyu, Maiwada Idris and Ishaq Mohammed at Kafanchan in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The suspects were handed over to the DSS for further investigation.
8. Similarly, on 2 January 2021, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN, in collaboration with the DSS, arrested a suspected member of a notorious kidnap gang, one Suleiman Tanko. The suspect was picked up at a clinic at Ungwan Carpenter village in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State where he was receiving treatment for gunshot wounds sustained during a recent kidnap operation foiled by troops. Tanko’s arrest was followed by the arrest of another wanted kidnap kingpin, one Mallam Abdulmuminu Nuhu at Fobur village in Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau State on 3 January 2021.
9. Same day, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN apprehended 3 suspects, Messrs David Kure, Peter Adamu, and Bulus Duniya, in connection with the alleged murder of a Fulani herder at Matyeu village of Zonzon district in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Two other suspects, messrs Mathew Peter (the prime suspect) and Dakachi Yohanna Chawei, were arrested in connection with the murder, on 4 January 2021. All suspects are presently undergoing preliminary investigation.
SOUTH-SOUTH ZONE
10. Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE have continued with the aggressive fight against economic sabotage in the zone progressively. Within the period under review, acting on credible intelligence, Nigerian Navy Ship DELTA Patrol team located a wooden boat laden with about 200,000 litres of product suspected to be crude oil. Accordingly, the boats along with the product were handled appropriately.
11. Equally, Nigerian Navy Ship DELTA patrol team discovered and immobilized an illegal refining site with 9 storage tanks and 4 ovens containing crude oil estimated to be about 150,000 litres at Olaipase Creek in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State. The patrol team proceeded further within the same community and located another illegal refinery site with 15 storage tanks and 8 ovens laden with substance suspected to be illegally refined AGO estimated to be about 250,000 litres.
12. The Military High Command encourages the troops and personnel of other security agencies to remain resolute and to sustain the tempo in all the Joint Operations Areas. The High Command also reassures the general public of its untiring dedication towards securing the country. Members of the general public are enjoined to continue providing timely information on the activities of criminals in their various localities to the military and other security agencies for prompt and effective action. Thank you.
The Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Police Command, CP Miller G. Dantawaye, psc today Thursday 13Th March, 2025 received a delegation from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Kogi State led by the State Coordinator, Mr Femi Osungbohun. The visit aimed to strengthen security collaboration and ensure the safety of Corps Members in the State.
Speaking during the visit, Mr. Femi Osungbohun commended the Nigeria Police Force for its unwavering support in safeguarding Corp Members, particularly through their deployment to Orientation Camp and swift responses to security incidents. He highlighted the invaluable role of the Police in protecting Corp Members.
He further appealed for increased security presence at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Asaya, emphasizing the growing concerns over insecurity in the region. He called on the Police Command to strengthen patrols around the camp.
He added that the safety of Corps Members remains our collective concerns. We deeply appreciate the sacrifices of the Police Force in securing them. However, given the current security challenges, we seek even more collaboration to prevent any unfortunate incidents.
In his response, CP Dantawaye reassured the NYSC of the Command’s dedication to ensuring the safety of all Corps Members serving in Kogi State. He acknowledged the crucial role Corps Members play in community development, while pledging continued support to the NYSC in Kogi State.
He further underscores the importance of Corps Members in Nation-building. He assured that the security of Corp Members is the Command priority, and we will continue to work closely with the NYSC to ensure they serve in a safe and conducive environment.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has ordered the immediate posting of 7 Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) to various strategic offices and the posting of 18 Commissioners of Police (CPs) due for AIG ranks, pending the approval from the Police Service Commission (PSC), to AIG offices nationwide. This comprehensive redeployment of senior officers is geared at effectively repositioning the force with a view to discharging its duties as expected.
In a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi made available to newsmen on Thursday, said the newly posted AIGs include AIG Margaret Ochalla, now heading AIG FCID Annex, Lagos; AIG Abayomi Peter Oladipo, assigned to AIG Zone 13, Ukpo; AIG Fred Ekokotu, who will oversee AIG Zone 11, Osogbo; AIG Iwo Nemi Edwin Osigboka, now in charge of AIG Border Patrol Force, Force Headquarters, Abuja; AIG Garba Ahmed, taking on the role of AIG Department of Training and Development (DTD), Force Headquarters, Abuja; AIG Salman Dogo, assigned to AIG Zone 5, Benin; and AIG Kanayo Uzuegbu, now responsible for AIG Zone 9, Umuahia.
Concurrently, 18 CPs acting in the capacity of AIGs, pending the approval of the PSC, have also been posted to various strategic offices. CP Patrick Adedeji Atayero has been posted to Commandant, Police Academy, Kano; CP Tolani Alausa to AIG Zone 16, Yenagoa; CP Musibau Ajani to AIG Zone 17, Akure; CP Mobolaji Victor Olaiya to AIG DICT, Force Headquarters, Abuja; CP Laolu Adegbite, MFR, to AIG Interpol, Force Headquarters, Abuja; CP Clement Robert to AIG Community Policing, Research & Planning, Force Headquarters, Abuja; CP Gyongon Augustine Grimah to AIG Zone 10, Sokoto; CP Thomas Abraham Nabhon to AIG ONSA; CP Musa Auwal Mohammed to AIG Zone 3, Yola; CP Mohammed Shehu Dalijan to AIG CTU, Force Headquarters, Abuja; CP Olatunji Disu to AIG SPU, Force Headquarters, Abuja; CP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu to AIG Zone 12, Bauchi; CP Fasuba Akinyele to AIG Investment, Force Headquarters, Abuja; CP Musa Kareem to AIG Force Headquarters Annex, Lagos; CP Chukwudi Chris Ariekpere to AIG FCID Annex, Enugu; CP Aliyu Abubakar Musa to AIG Zone 14, Katsina; CP Godwin I. Eze to AIG DFA, Force Headquarters, Abuja; and CP Abel J. Zwalchir Miri to AIG Communications, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
The Inspector-General of Police has charged all officers affected by these strategic postings to embrace their new responsibilities with utmost dedication and justify their confidence through exemplary service. The IGP urges the new senior officers to ensure strict supervision and diligence in the discharge of their lawful duties and further encourages them to key into the ongoing police reform. These deployments are integral to the ongoing revitalization of the Nigeria Police Force, and the IGP is confident that they will contribute significantly to enhanced security and improved service delivery across the nation.
Security
Nigerian Coast Guard: Citizens warned against extortion as passage of bill is being awaited
The Provisionary Committee of the proposed Nigerian Coast Guard, PC-NCG has warned the general public against extortion in guise of recruitment or enrolment as anyone parading himself as promoter of the Nigerian Coast Guard other than Captain Noah Ichaba is an impostor and a dupe.
In a statement made available to CAPITAL POST on Wednesday, said, this information has become necessary in view of a publication in Vanguard Online of 8thMarch 2025, titled “Coordinator of provisional Nigerian Coast Guard appeals to NASS for bill passage”.
Captain Ichaba urged the public to disregard the information as it is only the PC-NCG that has the right to issue a statement updating Nigerians as the bill awaiting legislative attention would soon be passed into law by the 10th National Assembly.
Part of the statement said: “We respectfully invite the attention of patriotic, impartial and ready to act relevant authorities, misled groups, authentic stakeholders and members of the general public, to note that, the stories regarding the purported acceptance of some Registered Private Maritime Security Groups into the Nigerian Coast Guard, were nothing, but, a brazen criminal impersonation, and a contemptuous cover-up and an act meant to ridicule law enforcement agents and a provocative invitation to acrimonious conflicts.
“Some other persons are ingloriously parading themselves making weird claims without substance, but with the motive to hoodwink the intelligence of members of the general public and the desperate job seekers, whom they are ready to “dagbo”, in the name of recruitment into a non-existing job or organization, and a non-certification training of no value.
“This fraudulent practice, which they have carried out over the years, and which has led to the death of many of their victims or that has fostered disaffection and separation in some families, would not be encouraged to continue with use of the provisional operation platform of the Nigerian Coast Guard.
“While the Facilitation Team of the proposed Nigerian Coast Guard is genuinely concerned with national interest and the future of the unborn Nigerians, these immediate economic package seekers have prided themselves in hot campaign of calumny against PC-NCG.
“This is an evidence that they are persons suffering from last-card hallucination and stressful financial disorder.
“Due to that, they want to make the money and ego by hook or crook. As a result, those they succeed in deceiving becomes their caged victims, with a mirage expectation.
“Their countless but cruel illegalities tumble over one another. The extent of cajoling Registered Private Maritime Security Outfits into a never to work marriage of deception shows the degree of disregard for boundaries. Enough of that imposturous and subversive stance. Enough of mediocrity and underhandedness.
“Enough of the unprovable claim and utter falsehood. These realities have been brought to the fore to evoke appropriate action by relevant authorities, stakeholders, private maritime security practitioners and members of the public, as these are not synonymous with the ideals of selflessly and patriotically pursuing a legitimate cause of facilitating the legal existence of the proposed Nigerian Coast Guard.
“Immediate AIP on appropriate burdens be followed. No two ways about it.
“These realities have been brought to the fore to evoke appropriate action as his sordid actions were not synonymous with the ideals of selflessly and patriotically pursuing a legitimate cause.
“He has succeeded in exposing himself for immediate AIP on criminal charges. No two ways about it.”
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