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Tag: Banditry

  • Banditry: Kano govt shuts down 10 boarding schools

    Banditry: Kano govt shuts down 10 boarding schools

    The Kano State Government has ordered the closure of ten boarding schools in the state over frequent abduction of school children in the Northern part of the country.

    The order for the closure of boarding schools in the state is coming following the abduction of over 300 female boarders by bandits in Zamfara State.

    The state Commissioner for Education, Muhammad Sunusi Kiru, disclosed this in a short audio message he sent to newsmen.

    The Education Commissioner said the closure became necessary due to the rising number of abductions of school children in neighboring states.

    The closed schools are situated at Ajingi, Sumaila, Jogana, Kafinmaiyaki, Gaya, among others.

    Muhammad Kiru noted that the order takes effect immediately.

    He called on parents to evacuate their wards from affected schools without delay.

  • Buhari should wake up, fight banditry in his backyard –Obasanjo

    Buhari should wake up, fight banditry in his backyard –Obasanjo

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has averred that it is sad that banditry is happening in the north-west region of the country where the President Muhammadu Buhari hails from.

    Obasanjo, therefore, urged the president to wake up and fight banditry and other varied misconducts especially in the northern part of the country.

    He made this known as a guest on Sunday in a virtual interview with academic and historian, Toyin Falola.

    The ex- President said: “I thought I knew President Buhari because he worked with me. But I used to ask people that is it that I have not read him well or read him adequately or is it that he has changed from the Buhari that I used to know? I am not subscribing to the people who say we have a new Buhari from Sudan and all that nonsense.

    “I know what I believed was his limitations and I have written about it –he wasn’t strong in economics, not all of us are strong in anything but you need to have sufficient knowledge of it for you to direct the affairs. He wasn’t particularly too strong in foreign affairs but I thought he was strong enough in the military.

    “From his performance in his first outing as head of state, I thought he would also do well in fighting corruption. I did not know the nepotistic tendencies of President Buhari maybe because he was not exposed to that sort of situation when he worked with me.

    “But with what I have seen now, I believe that maybe he will be thinking of a legacy. Maybe he will also learn from what has happened in recent times. If you are the commander-in-chief and banditry is taking place in your backyard, then you have to wake up.”

     

  • Herders crisis: Makinde vows to end banditry in Oyo, deploys 200 Amotekun operatives to Ibarapa, Oke Ogun

    Herders crisis: Makinde vows to end banditry in Oyo, deploys 200 Amotekun operatives to Ibarapa, Oke Ogun

    Herders crisis: Makinde vows to end banditry in Oyo, deploys 200 additional Amotekun operatives to Ibarapa, Oke Ogun

    Gov. Seyi Makinde announced this in Ibadan on Wednesday at the end of a meeting held with representatives of the communities and security stakeholders.

    The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mrs Ngozi Onadeko, was also present at the meeting.

    “The Amotekun operatives will launch missions to rid forests in the areas of criminals.

    “The operatives will be presenting daily reports of their activities to the governor in the short run and periodic reports in the long run.

    “The government will continue to enforce the Oyo State Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, 2019 as the law also regulates the activities of herdsmen in Oyo State.

    “The authorities have directed the Amotekun Corps to continue collaborating with other security operatives and local vigilance groups in enforcing this law.

    “You will recall that in the security meeting of southwest governors and other stakeholders two days ago, it was agreed that open grazing be banned in the entire southwest zone,’’ the governor declared.

    Gov. Makinde stated also that his administration would adopt continuous dialogue, “as one of the measures aimed at ending insecurity in Ibarapa and Oke-Ogun axis.

    “In the next few weeks, the government will hold town hall meetings and community outreaches so as to bring together residents and security agencies to talk about security issues of immediate concerns.

    “The meetings will also examine how those security issues of immediate concerns can be resolved through dialogue and more effective community policing,’’ he stated.

    The governor added that the state government would ensure the documentation of foreigners resident in the state as one of the strategies to combat crime.

    He said that the documentation would ensure that only foreigners who had legitimate interests in Oyo State remained in the state.

    Another measure contained in the security strategy was the decision to further collaborate with federal security agencies operating in the state.

    Gov. Makinde stated that his administration was aware of how some farmers had been killed while others lost their means of livelihoods to criminal trespass and damage by pastoralists.

    He said the state government was considering the possibility of paying compensation to families of victims or victims of such criminality who could prove their claims.

    He declared that the state government had started the process of prosecuting all suspects arrested over criminal activities in Ibarapa and the Oke-Ogun, especially in connection with the on-going tensions in the area.

    Gov. Makinde thanked residents of Oyo State who complied with the directive to remain peaceful, and called on them to stay vigilant and always contact security agencies empowered by law to deal with security issues.

  • We have succeeded in reducing banditry, kidnapping – Police IG

    We have succeeded in reducing banditry, kidnapping – Police IG

    The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu says the Nigeria Police did very well in 2019/2020.

    His statement is coming despite many security challenges besetting the country.

    According to the IGP, when his administration came in, there were many issues related to banditry and kidnappings, especially along the Abuja-Kaduna road, a challenge which he claims his men have quashed.

    “Apart from the insurgency that is being successfully dealt with in the northeast, there were issues in the northcentral in terms of farmers-herders conflicts and even kidnappings.

    “We restrategized, created an operation, Puff Adder. We retrained our Special Forces, we identified police officers that have been in the theatre of operations in the northeast before they went and came back.

    “We retrained them and sent them to the field. So we were able to succeed in bringing down to a very low level of kidnapping and banditry,” the police boss stated.

    Speaking on Amotekun and other security outfits, the Police Chief said the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria indicates that there should be only one Police Force.

    He said, “any other organisation or any other arrangements that deal with prevention of crimes, passing information, creating of intelligence is just supporting the activities of the Nigeria Police”.

    IGP Adamu was of the opinion that every other security outfit set up to work with the police, should not bear arms as to avoid indiscriminate killings.

  • Kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, others dent on Buhari’s leadership – CAN

    Kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, others dent on Buhari’s leadership – CAN

    The Leadership of the Christians Association of Nigerian (CAN) on Thursday said the incessant killings, kidnappings and other anti-social activities has dented the country’s leadership.

    He advised political officer holders and civil servants to listen to Godly admonition, adding that their wisdom alone cannot curb insecurity and restore peace in the country.

    CAN President, Rev. Samson Ayokunle in his New Year message titled: ‘Dwelling in the Secret Place of the Mist High: Key to Overcoming Challenges throughout the Year’, advised all to love one another so as to put an end to: “cruelty against one another under any guise. Nigerians deserve to have their rest of mind”.

    Ayokunle pleaded with Nigerians to adhere to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) protocols no matter the situation.

    The CAN boss in a statement issued in Abuja and made available to The Nation said: “I plead with all of us to please observe all the COVID-19 protocols this year. Maintain social distancing, do hand washing or use sanitizer. Make sure you always wear your face mask whenever you are out from your house until we all together, under God, wipe away this wicked virus from the face of the earth. Avoid frivolous traveling meanwhile and use virtual meetings where possible for your safety.

    “I urge all those in political power in our nation to lead with humility by listening to Godly admonition because their wisdom alone may not be enough to reposition our nation, especially, to restore our security and bring about peace and prosperity presently eluding our nation. The present spate of kidnappings for ransom or death, terrorism, banditry, herdsmen attack, armed robbery and other anti-social activities in our nation are dents on the leadership of our nation. Though, we understand that leadership is tough and sympathize with those in power, Nigerians at the same time expect that leadership would rise more gallantly to address our near horrible socio-economic situation in this nation which is almost crippling us.

    “I congratulate everyone of us whom God has spared to see this New Year in the midst of the dreadful and devastating coronavirus that ravaged our world and sent many people to early graves more than any war in the recent past. The high and the low really fell in 2020. While we again commiserate with those who lost their loved ones and pray for fortitude for them to bear the loss, it is right for the rest of us to say, ‘to God alone be the glory.’ My prayer is that, the God of mercy who showed us mercy in 2020 shall continue to show us mercy in this New Year in Jesus’ name”.

    He said that the best way to overcome the challenges of this year without loosing anything is to dwell in the ‘Secret Place of the Most High’, adding that: “This would cause us to abide under the shadow of the Almighty always according to Psalm 91, beginning from verse one. The whole Psalm is appropriate as our watchword to overcome all challenges of the year.

    “I was reading in the newspaper the statement of Bill Gates who said that he could not explain why COVID-19 mortality was low in Africa generally where healthcare was poorer than the Developed World. The right answer is that dwelling in the secret place of the Most High saved Africa. We are technologically poor but we believe we have a big and great God whom we can trust, whom we can run to His secret place and abide under His shadow. The mercy of God made the difference in Africa, especially Nigeria where health experts predicted that 30 million people would die. I am not saying that the advanced nations of the world do not believe in God but that our own lack of human strength, lack of health infrastructure (though not our pride), have made us to trust in God more than human science and technology. The mercy of God has preserved us and will continue to preserve us all the days of our lives in the name of Jesus Christ.

    “The secret place of the Most High is like the VIP lounge where important people stay in the airport. It is different from the common lounge where other travellers stay. It is equipped with better chairs for maximum comfort and with other services making waiting at the airport more comfortable. On behalf of Christian Association of Nigeria, I wish everyone in this nation a Happy, Prosperous and COVID-19 free New Year 2021 in Jesus’ name.”

  • Insecurity: APC accuses North-West governor of sponsoring bandits attacks

    Insecurity: APC accuses North-West governor of sponsoring bandits attacks

    The ruling All Progressives Congress has accused a governor from one of the six North-West states as allegedly responsible for the intense upsurge of banditry and killings in the region.

    Mr Yekini Nabena, the APC acting National Publicity Secretary on Thursday, challenged “security agencies to investigate an intelligence report linking” the governor to the heightened cases of banditry, abductions and other violent crimes in the zone.

    Nabena, who did not name the governor because of the “security nature of the issue,” said the increased spate of banditry in the North-west was politically-motivated and not unconnected to the unnamed governor’s alleged sponsorship of banditry and other violent crimes in the zone.

    “Our security agencies have intelligence reports linking one of the Northwest governors of colluding and sponsoring the violent and criminal activities of bandits in the zone.

    “I won’t give details because of the sensitive nature of the issue. However, relevant security agencies must, as a matter of urgency, investigate the report and determine its veracity. Human life is not what we should play political chess games with.

    “We must shun enemies of the country including the Peoples Democratic Party who seek political gains from issues of insecurity.

    “Our security agencies must also be alert to plots to destabilise the North-west region further and frustrate the quick and safe release of students abducted from Government Secondary School, Kankara, Katsina State,” the party said in a statement.

    The party also warned the opposition PDP from politicising the abduction of schoolboys in Katsina state, accusing it of seeking political gains from issues of insecurity.

    APC stated this while reacting to a protest organised by the PDP and its women wing at its campaign headquarters in Abuja.

  • Gov. Matawalle proposes one-week extensive prayer to end banditry in Zamfara

    Gov. Matawalle proposes one-week extensive prayer to end banditry in Zamfara

    Gov. Bello Matawalle of Zamfara has called on residents to commence one-week of extensive prayers to seek God’s intervention to end armed banditry and other crimes in the state.

    A press statement signed by the governor’s Press Secretary, Jamilu Iliyasu, which was made available to journalists in Gusau on Sunday said the governor made the plea when the 17 emirs in the state came to condole with him over the death of the state’s PDP Chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Mallaha.

    The statement said the governor noted that “his administration is making concerted efforts to bring an end to the menace of armed banditry, kidnappings and other criminal activities in the state through the stick and carrot approach.

    “He said that there is need for persistent prayers in order to seek God’s divine intervention.”

    The governor explained that as traditional rulers who are closer to the people, the emirs should have a lot to support the government through collaborative effort aimed at securing the state.

    He, therefore, directed the traditional rulers to mobilise Imams and other Islamic Clerics to embark on the special prayers at mosques and other preaching sessions for an end to the menace and thanked them for the condolence.

    Leading his colleagues, the Chairman of the state’s Council of Chiefs, who is also the Emir of Anka, Alhaji Attahiru Ahmed, said they were at the Government House to register their condolences to the Government and people of the state over the death of Alhaji Ibrahim Mallaha, as well as an elderstatesman, Sen. Yushau Anka, who both died separately last week.

    The Emir said late Ibrahim Mallaha lived a very simple life worthy of emulation by other politicians and prayed for Almighty Allah to forgive all his shortcomings and grant his family the fortitude to bear the loss.

    Other callers at the Government House to pay their condolences included Zamfara State Islamic Clerics under the auspices of the Zamfara State Council of Ulamas led by its Chairman, Malam Abubakar Aliyu, and the state’s chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), led by its Chairman, Comrade Bashir Mafara.

  • Insecurity: We remain focus on fight against insurgency, banditry nationwide – Buhari

    Insecurity: We remain focus on fight against insurgency, banditry nationwide – Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari, says his administration remains focused on the fight against insurgency, banditry and other forms of criminality across the country.

    The President stated this on Saturday during the Combined Passing Out Parade for 67 Regular Course and Short Service Course 46 (Army) at the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report that the President was the reviewing Officer during the passing out parade

    “We remain focused in the fight against insurgencies arm baditry and others forms of criminality across the nation.

    “We remain committed to ending the security challenges bedeviling the country.

    “I am confident that the training received by the passing out cadets has adequately equipped them to face any challenges in their line of duty.”

    According to him, the broad contexts to which the officers will be deployed is complex, fluid and dynamic, as such they must keep pace with the ever changing challenges.

    Buhari noted that the cadets had gone through rigorous and demanding tasks, and were undoubtedly infused with a sense of self-esteem, efficacy and accomplishment.

    “Furthermore, it lifts your spirit and leaves you with conviction that with commitment and dedication you would successfully accomplish future tasks that will come your way as officers of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

    He also reminded them of the need to be committed to the nation.

    “This is so, specifically coming at a time of great need for cohesion, peace and unity in our country.

    “I must commend the resilience and steadfastness of our personnel in the Armed Forces for their professionalism and bravery in tackling the menace of terrorism, insurgency and armed banditry in the North East and North West zones, as well as herders/farmers conflict, kidnapping, piracy and communal clashes in other parts of our country.

    “All these accomplishments in our national security have been made possible by the untiring efforts of our military and other security agencies.

    “Soon you will join your senior colleagues in the field and you will be expected to contribute your part in the defence of your country.

    “With the quality of training you have received, I am convinced that you will discharge your duties professionally and responsibly.

    “I can say without ambiguity that the future holds promise for our national defence and security,” Buhari said.

    The President charged the cadates that their loyalty and patriotism must be sustained and strengthened.

    “To my other compatriots, I want to use this forum to appeal to our sense of patriotism.

    “Despite our obvious differences, we must strive to ensure that our actions and utterances are aimed towards strengthening our democratic framework.

    “We must subsume our personal and sectional interests to the overall national aspirations of unity, economic prosperity and good governance.”

    He commend the NDA for remaining focused and committed to its core mandate of training officer cadets since its establishment in 1964.

    “I have been made to understand that the Academy in furtherance to enriching its training curriculum recently took cadets on a tour of frontline communities in the North East Theater of operations.

    “The tour was to keep the cadets informed of the challenges of real battle scenario and to boost their combat readiness.

    “As a retired General, I can say with all sense of responsibility that, I am encouraged by the excellent work invested in the training of these officer cadets for service to this great nation and humanity in general.”

    The president appreciated the Commandant and entire staff of the Academy for their relentless efforts “in ensuring these young Nigerians received adequate training that will enable them to contribute their quota to nation building.”

  • Zamfara gets 780 additional police to fight bandits

    Gov. Bello Matawalle of Zamfara said the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Mohammed Adamu, has approved the deployment of 780 personnel to the state curb banditry.

    Mr Yusuf Idris, the Director-General of Media, Public Enlightenment and Communications to the governor, said this in a statement on Monday in Gusau.

    Idris said that Matawalle got the approval when he paid a visit to the police boss, at the Force Headquarters on Friday.

    He said that the personnel would be drawn from the Police Mobile Force (PMF), Counter Terrorists Unit (CTU), Special Forces and various other squads.

    Idris said that they would join other security agents in the final march to clear remnants of bandits from the state.

    The police deployment is coming on the heels of the ongoing special army operations taking place in the state.

    The operation would be led by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, alongside principal officers of the Nigerian Army.

    Idris, however, said the governor’s policy of carrot and stick approach to banditry would remain open for those wishing to lay down their arms and embrace peace.

    He quoted the governor as thanking the Federal Government and its agencies for their efforts to end the menace in the state.

  • Failed politicians behind violence, banditry in the North- Security expert

    Failed politicians behind violence, banditry in the North- Security expert

    A security expert and public affairs commentator, Mr Terrence Kuanum, has attributed the incessant cases of violence and bandit attacks in parts of northern Nigeria to the activities of failed politicians who want to paint the President Muhammadu Buhari administration in bad light.

    He insisted that the Nigerian military is doing a good job of ridding the country of insurgency and terrorism explaining that the scourge has continued only because other critical stakeholders in the sector have not been alive to their responsibilities.

    Kuanum who spoke with journalists in his residence in Abuja, said information available to him as an expert in security matters indicates that most of the cases of violence and banditry in northern Nigeria are politically motivated and sponsored by those who contested and lost against the ruling party in recent elections.

    The security expert said the failed politicians believe that by sponsoring violence and other acts of criminality they would be de-marketing the Buhari presidency so as to put them in stead to contest in 2023.

    Kuanum said information at his disposal indicates that many of the failed politicians are not happy with the gains made by the military against insurgents and criminals in recent times and are hellbent on thwarting the efforts due to their 2023 ambitions

    “They are scared that if Buhari is allowed to continue with his streak of achievements especially in the area of security, then he would have fulfilled one of the cardinal objectives of his administration to secure the nation and that would further bury their dreams of returning to power.

    “They know they have nothing to offer to the people so they don’t want to allow the President deliver on his mandate as that would put the final nail on their political coffin,” he stated.

    The security expert said the failed politicians were particularly angered by the accolades the Buhari administration was receiving from all over the world over its ability to neutralise terrorists operating on the fringes of the Lake Chad region so they decided to work against it.

    He said, “If you have been observing developments in the Northeast, you will notice that our military have been on top of their games neutralising the insurgents and making it difficult for them the launch surprise attacks on communities and it became obvious that the total defeat of the insurgents is a matter of days.

    “Encomiums started pouring in from all over including those critical of the Buhari administration, that the administration is doing well and the president was going to keep his promise about providing adequate secuirty in the country.

    “So they distracted the military with banditry attacks in the Northwest and in that moment, struck in the Northeast all in the bid to paint the current administration in bad light.”

    Kuanum said it is high time people are made aware of this conspiracy so they would realise that the fault is not that of the military which is doing its best to secure the nation but due to the activities of some unpatriotic elements.

    The security expert said it is curious that the Nigerian military which is one of the best in the world should be put on a negative spot light for operations carried out at home.

    He asked: “Does it not strike you as curious that the same military which liberated Sierra Leone; rescued UN soldiers from terrorists in Somalia; restored democracy in Liberia and led successful joint military operations in several parts of world would be said to be failing at home?”

    He said this is clearly an indication that some forces are behind the campaign to sustain the carnage.

    “You cannot reconcile the fact that the Nigerian military which has such a sterling record of achievements abroad could be said to be overstretched at home,” he stated.