Tag: Insecurity

Insecurity: “We live in fear” – Abuja residents

Aminu Imam

The recent activities of terrorists in Abuja and its environs which resulted in the death of military men have triggered fear, panic, suspicion and anxiety among residents of the federal capital. A staff of FCT Administration (FCTA), Susan, who lives in Madalla, told newsmen in a telephone interview that she and other residents couldn’t sleep peacefully on Thursday night because of the unexpected attack on soldiers at a military checkpoint at Zuma Rock, along Abuja-Kaduna expressway. “My brother, insecurity is a big challenge in Nigeria, and little or nothing is…

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Insecurity: Army reshuffles its top brass, appoints new GOCs, others

Aminu Imam

In an effort to reposition the Nigerian Army for operational efficiency and proficiency, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Faruk Yahaya has approved the posting and appointment of some senior officers of the Nigerian Army to command, instructional and staff appointments across its formations and units. Those affected in the redeployment, which was released on Thursday, include some Principal Staff Officers of the Army Headquarters, General Officers Commanding (GOC), Corps Commanders and Commandants of training institutions, Brigade Commanders, Commanding Officers, amongst others. According to the Army spokesman, Brig-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu,…

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“No shooting at Dantata Bridge, Minister’s Hill in Abuja” – FCT Police

Aminu Imam

The Police Command in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has said that there was no shooting at Dantata Bridge and Minister’s Hill as speculated in some quarters. The Police Public Relations Officer in the FCT, DSP Josephine Adeh, stated this in a statement yesterday, in Abuja. Recall that some sections of the media on Tuesday circulated stories of shooting at Dantata Bridge, along Airport Road and Minister’s Hill in the Maitama area of Abuja. “The attention of the Police Command in the FCT has been drawn to a series of…

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Kaduna: Govt. beefs up security over terrorists’ plans to attack State

Aminu Imam

The Kaduna State government has beefed up security throughout the State against circulated reports of plans by terrorists to launch heavy attacks in the State. To this end, security agencies have enhanced collaborative measures in view of the circulated reports of security threats by terrorists. The State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, in a statement on Monday, said security agencies will continue to monitor the situation with optimal alertness and urgency.  The statement said, “The attention of the Kaduna State Government has been drawn to a…

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Insecurity: “Cancel your planned South-East visit”, IPOB tells British envoy

Aminu Imam

…Warns of assassination plot The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has advised the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing, to cancel her planned visit to the south-eastern part of the country. IPOB made the call after it raised the alarm over an alleged plot to assassinate Laing during her visit to the region. According to an issued statement by its spokesman, Emma Powerful, yesterday, the proscribed group claimed it got the information through its intelligence arm, the M-Branch, revealing that the idea is to assassinate the envoy in the…

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Soldiers guarding vicinity removed 24 hours before Kuje Prison attack – Security sources

Aminu Imam

Security sources, yesterday, revealed that soldiers deployed to Kuje vicinity and the Correctional Centre’s environment who had mastered the terrainwere moved out and redeployed 24 hours before terrorists attacked Kuje Prison. The source wondered why it was 24 hours after troops, who had come to understand the vicinity were withdrawn while the new ones who were yet to settle in, arrived that the terrorists struck. However, the period that the soldiers were supposed to stay in that deployment had elapsed and they were due for rotation. Meanwhile, security sources informed…

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Self Defense Call: “Zamfara govt’s directive means we’ve no govt in Nigeria anymore” – MBF laments

Aminu Imam

The Middle-Belt Forum, (MBF), has said the recent directive by the Zamfara State Government to the people of the State to get arms to defend themselves is an indication that Nigerians have no government anymore. The National President of MBF, Dr. Bitrus Pogu, who made the assertion yesterday, in Makurdi, said the directive was a precursor to what would happen in other parts of the country since Nigeria had fallen apart and the people were left with no other choice but to resort to self-help. He said: “The directive by…

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‘Surrender within 10 days or risk bombardment’, Uzodimma warns bandits

Aminu Imam

The Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has granted a 10-day window to bandits operating and hibernating in the forests in Imo State to surrender themselves and arms to their traditional rulers for unconditional pardon or risk bombardment. The amnesty is with immediate effect and would be visited with severe consequences if not taken seriously by the bandits. Gov. Uzodimma, who disclosed this at the Government House Chapel, Owerri, yesterday, said the government has decided to rid the forests of bandits and accordingly, has procured the necessary equipment for the purpose,…

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Intractable Insecurity: Southern Kaduna Group writes UN, EU

Aminu Imam

…Laments neglect by FG The Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU) yesterday disclosed that it had written the United Nations, European Union and Africa Union on the plight of its people amid intractable insecurity. The National President of SOKAPU, Jonathan Asake, revealed this during a session with newsmen at the weekend, asking the international community to wade into the plight of the Southern Kaduna people. The group added that it was tired of begging Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmed el-Rufa’i, to end the carnage going on in Southern Kaduna. SOKAPU expressed…

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Owo Attack: Northern Governors express shock

Aminu Imam

The Northern Governors Forum, (NGF), has expressed shock over the attack on worshippers at the St. Francis Catholic Church Owo, Ondo State which left many dead and others injured. Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong, said the Forum totally condemns the unprovoked attack on the Church and its worshippers, saying this act is a clear attempt by criminals to instigate religious hatred and inflame passions among Nigerians. Lalong, in an issued press statement, commiserated with the survivors, families of victims, the Catholic Church and the…

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