Commander OPSH Meets Southern Kaduna Stakeholders, Vows To Deal With Perpetrators Of Attacks

The Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) and General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, has vowed to decisively deal with criminals perpetrating attacks leading to loss of lives and property in Southern Kaduna State. The commander made this known on Sunday 10 September 2023, during an engagement with key stakeholders from the 5 local government areas of Kaduna State covered by OPSH.

General Abdulsalam noted that the recurring isolated killings, destruction of farm, cow poisoning, cattle rustling, kidnappings and other sundry criminal acts must stop with immediate effect. He warned that those perpetrating insecurity for their selfish gains must embrace peace and find lawful means of livelihood or face the consequence of their evil motive. He further pointed out that, multifaceted measures are being considered to ensure the region remain untenable for the evil doers.

While fielding response from traditional, religious and community leaders of the area, the Commander also warned the people about the consequences of shielding criminals from the security agencies. He further decried the influence of drug addiction among the youth as a catalyst to criminalities in the area and called for sincere commitment of the people to the course of peace. ” I urge you all to take this message to the most remote communities, warn your subjects and take the lead in the speedy settlement of disputes in your domain”. he said.

Earlier, the Commander and members of his entourage paid homage to the Paramount Ruler of Atyap Chiefdom, His Royal Highness Agwatyap Dominic Gambo, where he reassured His Royal Majesty of his commitment to finding lasting solution to senseless killings and destruction of properties in the region using both kinetic and non kinetic lines of operations. The Commander further remarked that the response of personnel to distress calls has improved as more troops have been drafted to Southern Kaduna in the last 48 hours. He also assured of his commitment to justice and fairness as he vowed to deal with criminal acts, irrespective of tribe or religion

Those who spoke at the meeting were representatives from the Atyap, Fulani, Hausa, Ikuru, Cristian Association of Nigeria as well as Jamatul Nasir Islam, traditional and religious leaders. The speakers while airing out their challenges pledged to support the strategies of OPSH in ending attacks on individuals and communities in the area by fishing out the bad eggs and handing them over to the security agencies. The proliferation of small arms and light weapons was also noted to be a trigger to crisis in the region and all stakeholders were directed to mop up these illicit weapons and hand them over to the authorities at once.

Source: Zagazola

Zamfara Highways Secured: Joint Security Forces Launch Anti-Terror Patrol

In a united effort against terrorism, security forces in Zamfara, in partnership with the state government, have initiated joint patrol operations on critical highways. The move was prompted by concerns raised by Governor Dauda Lawal at the recent State Security Council meeting regarding bandit activities on these routes.

Identified as high-risk zones were highways like Gusau – Funtua, Magami – Dangulbi – Dan Kurmi – Anka, and Magami – Dansadau. The state government has declared the mobilisation of mobile security personnel to these locations a crucial step in combating terrorism.

In a statement released by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, it was noted that the Army, Airforce, and Police form the joint security personnel patrolling these volatile routes. Governor Lawal had previously urged the military and police chiefs to deploy CSK armoured and Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) vehicles to sustain a constant presence on these highways. The state government is providing the necessary logistical support.

The introduction of security personnel on these highways has fostered a sense of peace and safety among the public in the last two days. The state government has also closed markets known to serve as trading centers for stolen cattle, reinforcing its commitment to ending this unlawful activity and promoting communal safety.

Additionally, the state government has completed arrangements to start recruiting and training civilian JTF, as approved by the Governor.

Insecurity: Zamfara To Recruit 4200 Civilian JTF

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has given the green light for the recruitment of 4,200 civilian Joint Task Force members as part of his commitment to tackling the ongoing security challenges. The state’s Commissioner of Information, Munnir Haidara, made this announcement during a press briefing in Gusau, marking the 100 days since Governor Lawal took office.

According to Haidara, 300 civilian JTF personnel will be enlisted in each of the 14 local government areas within the state. These recruits will undergo intensive physical training to equip them with the skills needed to provide actionable intelligence support to security agencies in the fight against insecurity.

Additionally, efforts are underway to enhance security by conducting regular patrols on the state’s volatile roads. Governor Lawal has also taken the initiative to refurbish patrol vehicles, bolstering security presence across Zamfara.

Addressing a pressing issue, Haidara revealed that the severe water scarcity in Gusau, the state capital, which had led to unfortunate fatalities, has been resolved within just two weeks of Governor Lawal’s assumption of office. This achievement has brought relief to the residents who had been struggling with the lack of access to clean water sources.

Haidara concluded by urging the people of Zamfara to continue supporting the governor’s administration, expressing confidence that it will deliver on its promise to bring good governance and positive change to the state.

Kogi State Steps Up Security: Unleashes 65 New Vehicles to Tackle Insecurity

The Kogi State Government has taken significant steps to enhance security by providing an additional fleet of 65 vehicles spread across its 21 local government areas. This move was revealed by Elder Friday Sani Makama, the Director General of the Kogi State Special Task Force on Illegal Smuggling of Firearms and Other Related Offences, during a press conference in Lokoja.

Makama issued a stern warning to those involved in the illegal procurement of arms, ammunition, and the recruitment of mercenaries for violent purposes. He emphasized that such activities would not be tolerated, and anyone caught would face the full force of the law.

He asserted that Kogi State would not become a safe haven for criminal elements, especially in the lead-up to, during, and after the forthcoming election. The current administration remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of its citizens.

Impostor Soldier Apprehended in Kebbi After Vehicle Scam

The Kebbi State Area Command of the Nigeria Police Force has successfully apprehended an individual impersonating a military officer. The suspect, named Faisal Saidu, hails from Kawarin Kudi Zango local government in Katsina state.

Saidu had allegedly negotiated a deal for a Honda Jazz with car dealers in Kebbi, settling on a price of two million, two hundred thousand naira (N2,200,000). Disguised in a military uniform, he took the car for a test drive but failed to return it.

His extended absence raised concerns among the car’s owners, who then proceeded to file a report with the police. Promptly following the report, the police commenced a search operation, eventually locating and arresting the impostor in Katsina state.

The accused has since admitted responsibility for the theft, and the vehicle has been retrieved. Saidu is currently in police custody, awaiting court proceedings pending the conclusion of investigations.

Kebbi’s Police Commissioner, Musa Titus, has issued a stern warning to potential criminals, assuring them of the police force’s readiness to apprehend any lawbreakers in the region.

About 23,000 People Missing In Nigeria In 10 Years, FG

Betta Edu, minister of humanitarian affairs and poverty alleviation, said on Wednesday that 23,000 people were reported missing in less than a decade due to the insurgency in Nigeria. The Nigerian official warned that more Nigerians will likely go missing, stressing that the 23,000 figure is “the tip of the iceberg.”

Ms Edu said this in Abuja at a stakeholders’ engagement to mark the International Day of the Disappeared. She said the figure represented half the number of missing people in Africa.

Ms Edu said that the report of the missing people released by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) resulted from the insurgency in some parts of the country.

“Today, over 23,000 persons are still missing. However, it is likely that this is just the tip of the iceberg as a more efficient mechanism is needed to improve the reporting and forensically trace cases of missing persons,” the humanitarian minister said.

Ms Edu said the issue of missing people had become one of the most critical and long-lasting humanitarian consequences of armed conflicts and called for sober reflection.

Ms Edu explained that the present administration was committed to curbing the issue, hence the need to facilitate and strengthen the legal frameworks that would substantially address the incidences of disappearance.

Yann Bonzon, ICRC head of delegation, said over 23,000 people registered by the Family Links Network in Nigeria never returned home and remain missing. Mr Bonzon said the number did not convey the true extent of the issue.

“The actual number of missing persons is likely to be much higher, with Nigeria having more missing people than any other country on the continent,” noted the ICRC head of delegation. “Until a national mechanism is created, immediate steps must be taken by the Nigerian government to prevent disappearances, to prevent the disruption of family links and maintaining links between separated family members.”

Mr Bonzo added, “It will also help to address proper management of the dead.” Mr Bonzon said ICRC would continue working closely with the government and relevant stakeholders to prevent disappearances and encourage and promote adopting international best practices.

“Let us collectively remind ourselves that while people might be gone, they will never be forgotten, and their families will never stop searching for them,” stated Mr Bonzo.

SOURCE: NAN

You cannot Keep us in IDP Camps and declare Invaders occupying our communities as owners of land -Benue IDPs Cry out

Internally displaced persons in Benue have taken their protests against the conduct of the scheduled 2023 national population census to the Benue state office of the population commission.

The displaced persons majorly women holding different placards bearing anti census inscriptions said the government is keeping them in IDP camps while their former communities are occupied by invaders. They expressed fear that the invaders may be documented by the national population commission as the owners of the lands.

Speaking to Middle Belt Times reporter in Makurdi the Benue state capital on Thursday, one of the women who preferred to remain anonymous for fear of persecution said they are aware of plots to document terrorists occupying their communities as real owners of the land.

Recall that three weeks ago terrorists suspected to be Fulani militias attacked an IDP camp in Benue state killing no fewer than 50 displaced persons.

Benue state as well as neighboring Nasarawa, Plateau and Southern Kaduna have all had their shares of attacks largely blamed on Fulani terrorists leading to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of indigenous people.

With the government claiming it has budgeted $1.3b for the 2023 census, Nigerians are questioning the integrity of the exercise with many fearing that the outgoing government may have ulterior motives.

Middle Belt Patriots Encourage Middle Belt Governors to follow the lead of South West Governors

Recently, the Governors of the South West states were reported to launch regional electricity and rail projects. This comes at the back of their successful launch of their regional security outfit “Amotekun” which in the past days reportedly was able to drive out a large portion of the criminal terrorists known as “Fulani herdsmen” from their bushes.

A Middle Belt organization known as the Middle Belt Patriots, a movement focused on the economic and political emancipation of the Middle Belt people has urged the governors of the Middle Belt states to emulate their Southwest counterparts in setting up similar structures in the Middle belt.

In a statement signed by the secretary of the group Steven Kefas and made available to newsmen on Friday, Kefas said: “The Middle Belt emancipation must be multidimensional. We must not only be focused on solving the security issues in our region, but rather, we must also ensure to develop our region in terms of infrastructure and social programs.

We must strive to continue the policies of the first Middle Belt political party which went into the infamous alliance with Awolowo’s Action Group which prioritized regional solidarity, education, agriculture, and social welfare schemes for the people of the Middle Belt.

Currently, we lag behind all the Southern States and if we are to catch up with them, we need to be proactive”.

The group said its past alliance with the core north has benefited the people of the Middle Belt nothing other than blood, tears and sorrow. It said the time has come for the Middle Belt to forge a new alliance across the Niger that will benefit its people.

Police issue call for calm as Hausa, Gbagyi youths clash in Abuja

Residents of the Gwarinpa axis have been urged by the Federal Capital Territory, FCT police command to be calm despite the altercation between certain Hausa and Gbagyi youths.

According to the Middle belt Times newspaper, since Saturday’s altercation between the youths, which resulted in at least one person’s death, there has been a distinct sense of anxiety in the neighborhood.

The FCT Police Command said it had mobilized and sent personnel to the region to ease tension in a statement released on Monday by its spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh.

In order to mediate peace between the Hausa and Gbagyi populations, she said that the acting commissioner of police for the region, DCP Ahmed Musa, met with traditional rulers of both communities on Monday at his office in the Command Headquarters.

According to the police spokeswoman, the commissioner and the traditional leaders discussed potential partnerships required to control youths and remove troublemakers from communities.

She claimed that the altercation between the two groups resulted in the arrest of one suspect who is now supporting the Police in their inquiries into the immediate and background causes of the conflict.

“The acting Commissioner ordered traditional leaders to consistently promote youth imbibing peace and resolving disputes through channels recognized by law.”

In her statement, the police spokesman said: “In the meantime, the Police have increased surveillance patrols in the regions for monitoring the situation to ensure that it does not further deteriorate.

“He [the acting commissioner of police] appeals to all law-abiding citizens of the FCT to go about their lawful business and to immediately report any suspicious persons, groups, or activities via Command emergency lines.”

Kaduna: Terrorists kill pastor’s son, abduct wife, three others

According to reports, some terrorists attacked the Karimbu-Kahugu Village in Kaduna State’s Lere Local Government District.

The son of the Baptist resident pastor was killed in the attack on Friday morning. They also abducted his wife and three other people.

The incident was confirmed to The Middle Belt Times by Peter Mukaddas, vice chairman of the Kahugu National Development Associations.

He revealed that the attackers broke into the community and proceeded to to the clergyman’s home.

It was said that the terrorists carried out their operations for more than an hour without being confronted, firing randomly towards the ceiling where the pastor’s kid was hiding.

Residents in the neighborhood are confused because contact has not yet been made with the kidnappers, according to Mukaddas, who claimed that they have already reported the incident to the police.

In order to ensure that our loved ones are saved, he pleaded with the authorities and security services.