Category: Security

  • IGP Suspends Enforcement Of Electronic CMR

    IGP Suspends Enforcement Of Electronic CMR

    By Doris Isreal Ijeoma

    The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun has ordered the suspension of the Proposed Enforcement Process on the Electronic Central Motor Registry Registration Process (e-CMR). 

    The process was initially scheduled to commence on the 29th of July, 2024.

    In a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, the relaxation of enforcement is to allow for massive enlightenment to highlight the benefits and effectiveness of the e-CMR initiative, which is designed to ensure the safety and security of all types of vehicles, including motorcycles by collating data imputed into the system by vehicle owners, and acting on such to flag the vehicles if reported stolen amongst other values.

    The statement further explained that the e-CMR is not a revenue-generating platform, but an initiative to digitalise policing for effectiveness and general safety of lives and property of Nigerian residents.

    While urging members of the public to obtain the digitalised CMR certificate online at https://cmris.npf.gov.ng, the IGP warned all police officers, to desist from requesting e-CMR certificates, as individuals found extorting or exploiting members of the public under the guise of not having e-CMR certificates, will be sanctioned accordingly.

  • Terrorists Plan To Attack Critical National Infrastructures – Nigerian Military Reveals

    Terrorists Plan To Attack Critical National Infrastructures – Nigerian Military Reveals

    The Nigerian Military has unveiled plans by terrorists to attack some critical national infrastructures in the country.

    This revelation was made public on Thursday by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba.

    He, however, added that relevant security agencies have been put on standby to forestall such attacks.

    General Buba also called on citizens to rally support for security forces to defeat terror in Nigeria.

    Details later…

  • JUST IN: Two Officers Killed As Gunmen Attack Police Checkpoint In Abia

    JUST IN: Two Officers Killed As Gunmen Attack Police Checkpoint In Abia

    Two officers of the Nigeria Police Force were reportedly murdered on Friday night when a group of dangerous criminals attacked a police checkpoint at the well-known Opobo Junction, near the Aba-Ikot Ekpene Expressway in Abia State.

    Another officer reportedly sustained some injuries from the attack, which unsettled residents of the area.

    It was reported that the police were stationed at the junction for their regular evening patrol before the assailants attacked them.

    A witness described how the attackers, who were armed and dangerous, arrived in a Sienna SUV.

    He explained that just a few minutes into the police officers’ regular night shift, multiple police squads arrived in the area as people began to evacuate the scene.

    SaharaReporters quoted the witness as saying that the event led to widespread panic, forcing local businesses and market vendors to shut down, with some even leaving their goods behind to find safety.

    The latest attack on security officials is coming a month after gunmen attacked a military checkpoint at the Obikabia Junction in Aba, Abia State.

    The attackers, who also set fire to the military vehicle, were believed to be carrying out the sit-at-home order issued by IPOB across the Southeast region to commemorate Biafra Day, a holiday celebrated in the area every year.

    The heavily armed individuals, dressed in black, were reportedly spotted firing at the junction intermittently.

  • Boko Haram Terrorists Kidnap Passengers Along Maiduguri-Kano Highway

    Boko Haram Terrorists Kidnap Passengers Along Maiduguri-Kano Highway

    Some passengers travelling along the Maiduguri/Kano highway have been kidnapped by suspected Boko Haram insurgents.

    Reports obtained on Tuesday morning revealed that the insurgents carried out the abduction between Garin Kuturu and Mannanari village near Auno, which is located along the Damaturu highway, at approximately 5:50 pm on Monday.

    Daily Trust quoted a source to have disclosed that the terrorists barricaded the highway and forcibly took away several passengers.

    As a result of this incident, numerous travellers and commuters found themselves stranded on both ends of the usually bustling road.

    Consequently, many of the commuters were left with no choice but to return to Benishek and Auno, respectively.

    “There was an incident between Mannanari and Garin Kuturu where some Boko Haram fighters came out to block the upcoming vehicles and some passengers were abducted.

    “We are not sure of the number as we speak but certainly there was an abduction on Monday evening,” the source noted.

    Some residents who spoke to journalists on the development narrated how many commercial drivers took refuge in their community momentarily when the insurgents were operating between Garin Kuturu and Mannanari villages.

    “They came out with three wheelbarrow and I believe they were looking for food stuff. We don’t know how many people abducted but some commercial drivers came back and later returned to Maiduguri before reinforcement of military arrived,” the residents noted.

    A passenger, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told reporters that he, alongside others were stranded for hours.

    “We were heading for Kano from Maiduguri when the driver got hinted about the attack and took a detour.

    “We have been waiting for the military to clear the road but we don’t know when. We are stranded here,” he said.

  • Ondo Residents Protest EFCC Night Raids On Clubs, Arrest Of Bridegroom

    Ondo Residents Protest EFCC Night Raids On Clubs, Arrest Of Bridegroom

    Scores of residents, particularly youths in Ondo State, have protested the sting operation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at some night clubs in Akure, the state capital.

    Over the weekend reported, operatives of the EFCC stormed the popular Alba Royale Club and Signatures Club located in the Alagbaka area of Akure, raiding the fun-seekers.

    The anti-graft agency also arrested a groom-to-be and his friends who were at one of the clubs for a bachelors’ eve, confiscated mobile phones and seized vehicles belonging to those arrested.

    However, in a swift reaction, the EFCC Ibadan Zonal Directorate said it arrested 127 persons who are suspected to be internet fraudsters. 

    In a statement, Dele Oyewale, the spokesperson for the EFCC, claimed that the suspects were arrested in an early morning sting operation at a “Yahoo Party” held simultaneously at the clubs.

    “Credible intelligence showed that the alleged party was initially scheduled for Wednesday, June 5, 2024, but was later moved to Saturday to beat security and intelligence networks of the EFCC,” Mr Oyewale said.

    But the invasion of the operatives of the EFCC did not go down well with residents of the state, who have been protesting the action of the anti-graft agency.

    Protesting against the EFCC invasion, Mr Olawale Odeyemi said the midnight raids on the clubs, the arrest and assaults of the youths were illegal and unacceptable.

    A renowned youth advocate in the state, Oluyemi Fashipe, condemned the action of the operatives of the anti-graft agency, describing the invasion as an abuse of citizen’s rights.

    Another protestor, Ewatomilola Emiola explained that the raid by the anti-graft agency was in defiance of its ban on night operation.

    She demanded that those arrested and profiled as internet fraudsters in the Akure clubs should be released unconditionally.

    Meanwhile, Abiola Makinde, the federal lawmaker representing Ondo East/West Federal Constituency, has condemned the raid on the nightclubs and lounges in the state.

    Hon Makinde, who also is the Chairman, the House of Representatives Committee on Human Rights, described the raid as an invasion of privacy of innocent citizens of Nigeria.

    In a statement signed by his media aide, Moshood Alli, and made available in Akure, Makinde urged the residents of the state to remain calm while the invasion is investigated and resolved.

    He specifically noted that the EFCC as Nigeria’s premier anti-graft agency, has a critical role in combating financial crimes.

    “However, it is imperative that in the pursuit of justice, the EFCC adheres strictly to the principles of human rights.

    “Reports of raids leading to violations of personal dignity and privacy, such as the incident involving a former Big Brother Naija housemate, highlights the need for the EFCC to conduct operations with respect for the law and human decency.

    “Please note that the agency’s mandate to investigate financial crimes does not exempt it from the obligation to respect human rights, which includes ensuring that raids are conducted legally, with proper warrants, and without undue harm to individuals.

    “The concerns raised by various incidents underscore the importance of accountability and the adherence to human rights standards to maintain public trust in law enforcement agencies.

    “I’ll activate the State Director of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Mr Sunday Oyewole, to look into the matter. Any violations will be addressed between the two federal agencies,” he said.

  • Bandits storm Buhari’s home state, kill several villagers

    Bandits storm Buhari’s home state, kill several villagers

    The Katsina police command has confirmed that bandits attacked three villages in Bakori Local Government Area, resulting in the deaths of 11 people. 

    Police spokesman Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu announced this in a statement on Sunday.

    “We are aware of a misleading report making the rounds, especially on Facebook, that bandits attacked three villages in Bakori and killed 40 people. The command wishes to categorically debunk this claim as misleading and set the record straight,” the police statement said.

    It added, “On May 25, 2024, bandits launched an attack on Unguwar Lamido village in Bakori where they shot and killed 11 people. The Divisional Police Officer in Bakori, on receiving the information, quickly mobilised operatives and rushed to the scene where they successfully restored normalcy and prevented further losses.”

    The command urged the public to disregard the false report, warned against circulating unverified news, and advised them to always verify information through official channels before sharing, as the spread of false information could cause panic, fear, and unnecessary tension.

    “The commissioner has also ordered a thorough investigation into the incident and deployed additional personnel to ensure the arrest of the perpetrators. The commissioner has also urged anyone with useful information that will assist the investigation to come forward and assist in bringing the perpetrators to justice.

    “The investigation is ongoing; the command is working closely with relevant stakeholders and members of the community to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack,” the police command said.

  • Terrorists Kill Soldier, Kidnap Mother In Kaduna

    Terrorists Kill Soldier, Kidnap Mother In Kaduna

    A soldier identified as Yahaya Ayuba (Zabuyia), lost his life while bravely resisting gunmen who invaded his home in Anguwan Rimi village, Zango Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

     
    The assailants also abducted his stepmother during the incident which occurred late Sunday night.

    Family member Mr. Kantiok Solomon confirmed the heartbreaking news, recounting how the gunmen, armed with AK-47 rifles, barged into the house while Ayuba was conversing with his family members. 

    Despite his courageous efforts to protect his stepmother, Ayuba was fatally shot when the gunmen noticed his uniform.

    This isn’t the first time such violence has struck the community, leaving residents like Angelo Tagwai deeply unsettled. Urging swift action, Tagwai called upon security forces to rescue the abducted woman and bring the perpetrators to justice.

    Efforts to reach the Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, for comment were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.

  • Nigerian Army Agrees to Withdraw Troops from Okuama Community

    Nigerian Army Agrees to Withdraw Troops from Okuama Community

    The  Nigerian Army has reached an agreement with Delta State Governor Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori to withdraw military personnel from the troubled Okuama community in Ughelli, South local government area.

    This decision, announced in a press release by Governor Oborevwori, comes after discussions with the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja. 

    The withdrawal is effective immediately.

    The community had been under military siege following the tragic killing of 17 soldiers, including high-ranking officers, on March 14. 

    Governor Oborevwori expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari, the Chief of Army Staff, and the Nigerian Army hierarchy for their understanding and cooperation in a peaceful resolution ofthe crisis.

    He also thanked members of the National Assembly, traditional rulers, and other leaders for their support during this challenging time. 

    Governor Oborevwori reassured the people of Okuama of the Delta State Government’s commitment to assisting them in returning to their homes and rebuilding their lives.

  • Commercial Bus Conveying Women, Children Abducted in Otukpo, Benue State

    Commercial Bus Conveying Women, Children Abducted in Otukpo, Benue State

    The growing incidence of violent attacks and kidnap of villagers in a manner akin to guerilla warfare continues unabated in Apa, Agatu and parts of Otukpo and Ohimini Local Government Areas of Benue state as armed men suspected to be cattle herders have waged a relentless war, killing them in their numbers and abducting women, children and unsuspecting victims on a daily basis.
    The armed criminals also lay siege on the highway to kidnap wayfarers for ransom in order to sustain their crime economy. A source disclosed to Nigerian Anchor this Wednesday, May 8th, that in furtherance of their criminal enterprise, armed men suspected to be Kidnappers, yesterday, at a lonely section between two villages named Omutele and Ankpechi in Ohimini Local Government Area of the state, intercepted a commercial transport mini-bus belonging to Benue Links Transport Service and conveying passengers from Abuja to Otukpo.
    As at press time, the exact number of passengers affected cannot be verified, but first responders claim that victims were mostly women, while the minor were abandoned. Sources say that the abandoned children had been handed over to men of the Nigerian Police Force.
    It was also disclosed that one of the young men from the two villages who were mobilized and currently on a hot chase for the adaptors was short while another retreated for his dear life. Meanwhile, a few others are reported to continue with the quest, combing bushes and forests in frantic search for the victims and their abductors.
    A concerned villager who commented on the incident expressed the opinion that, “There are police posts in the area. The locales must be part of this, and that’s the great challenge.”

  • Gunmen kill three Oil workers in Edo

    Gunmen kill three Oil workers in Edo

    Unknown gunmen have reportedly killed three staff of Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc located in Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo State.

    The staff were reportedly killed while working on the plantation.

    The Public Relations officer of the company, Fidelis Olise, who confirmed the incident, alleged that the killing was done by unknown persons.

    Olise, who said the company enjoys a cordial relationship with the communities in the area, noted that he could not say whether the perpetuators are members of the host communities.

    He said that the incident has been reported to the police and investigation has commenced.

    “I can confirm to you that three of our staff were killed by gunmen on Monday while they were working on our plantation.

    “We enjoy cordial relationship with the communities around us and we cannot say whether members of the communities were involved.

    “However, the matter has been reported to the police and we hope justice will be done,” he added.

    The state Commissioner of Police, CP Funsho Adegboye, who also confirmed the incident, said more personnel have been deployed by the State Command to the area to forestall a repeat of the attack.

    Adegboye, who described the incident as shocking, wondered why gunmen could carry out such attack, just as he alleged that the attackers were from a neighbouring state.

    He noted that efforts were on to arrest the culprits and bring them to book.

    The CP also said that the police were working with the management of Okomu Oil to perfect ways of making the environment safer for its staff at all times.

    “Preliminary findings showed that the gunmen came from the creek in a neighbouring state, which I would not like to mention. The attack is shocking.

    “However, more men have been deployed to the area to forestall a repeat, while the police in conjunction with Okomu is working to ensure that the culprits are arrested.

    “We will not allow such an occurrence to happen in the state again,” he added.