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Tag: Lucky Irabor

  • TRIBUTE: Muhammadu Buhari, the man I knew – By General Irabor

    TRIBUTE: Muhammadu Buhari, the man I knew – By General Irabor

    By General Lucky E. O. Irabor

    The news of the passing of President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, came to me and my family as a profound shock and source of deep sorrow. I know that we are not alone in this grief – millions of Nigerians at home and in the diaspora feel the same sense of loss.

    President Buhari was, in every sense, a good man. Before he appointed me as Chief of Defence Staff on 26 January 2021, I had never met him personally. Like many Nigerians, I knew him only from a distance-through the pages of history, the news, and the reverence with which he was spoken of in military circles.

    As an Officer Cadet in the Nigerian Defence Academy during his tenure as Military Head of State, I admired him from afar. It was only after my appointment as Chief of Defence Staff that I got to truly know the man behind the public image.

    In our very first meeting, he looked me in the eye and said, “I have never met you before, but I have heard of your performance. I hope you will not disappoint.” That moment has never left me

    In President Buhari, I encountered a disciplined and deeply principled leader. A soldier’s soldier. A man who said little but listened intently and deeply. He placed implicit trust in those he appointed-never micromanaging, never second-guessing.

    It was, perhaps, this quiet trust that some may have misunderstood or even taken for granted. But to me, it revealed a depth of character and a rare kind of leadership.

    As Commander-in-Chief, he gave unwavering support to the Armed Forces under my watch, within the limits of the nation’s resources. He trusted our judgment and believed in our capacity as I assured him that we would never make excuses. He believed in us that failure was not an end it was a lesson to be learned, a stepping stone to future success.

    President Buhari was firm, yet fair. He had the humility to yield to superior arguments when convinced by reason, especially on matters of national security.

    I recall two distinct occasions when I respectfully asked him to reconsider directives relayed through his staff.  After hearing my perspective, he promptly reversed those decisions-without ego, without hesitation.

    On another occasion, I drew his attention to the grave national security risks of what was then perceived as governmental passivity on a matter of urgent concern. He responded with remarkable speed and poise. That moment defined, for me, the essence of true leadership.

    At National Security Council meetings, I was often struck by his endurance-sitting for hours, attentive and composed, never once calling for a break. I once asked him, half in jest, how he found the patience and strength. He only smiled.

    Yes, like every mortal, he had his flaws. But within the man I knew-President Muhammadu Buhari-I saw a patriot who loved Nigeria deeply and gave of himself sacrificially. He desired a better nation and poured out his energy, time, and strength in pursuit of that dream.

    I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to have served in his administration, to have walked a part of this journey of nation-building with him.

    On behalf of my family, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the former First Lady, Dr. Aisha Buhari, the entire family, friends, and all who mourn this national loss. May you find comfort in the knowledge that your husband, father, and friend served with dignity, honour, and integrity.

    To my Commander-in-Chief, my Principal – President Muhammadu Buhari, at the sound of the Last Post, rest well. You fought the good fight. May your soul find eternal peace in the bosom of the Almighty.

    General Lucky E. O. Irabor (Rtd), CFR, immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, Nigeria

  • PHOTOS: Former Chief of Defence Staff, Irabor returns to Nigeria to wife’s warm embrace

    PHOTOS: Former Chief of Defence Staff, Irabor returns to Nigeria to wife’s warm embrace

    Former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor returned to the shores of Nigeria on Wednesday to the warm embrace of his wife, Barr Mrs Victoria Irabor.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports General Irabor was on official assignment in France when his replacement as Chief of Defence Staff of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was announced.

    Irabor arrived in the country via the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, in Abuja to applause from Mrs Irabor and family members who thronged the airport to await his arrival.

    “Overjoyed to receive my husband, General LEO Irabor, the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff,  today, Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja.

    “I applaud his service to the country and wish Gen Christopher Musa and his darling wife, my Sister Mrs Oghogho Musa, an accomplished time in office,” Mrs Irabor said.

    See photos below:

  • Exxon Mobil accused of illegal lifting of petroleum product

    Exxon Mobil accused of illegal lifting of petroleum product

    The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), has written to the military high command, alleging illegal lifting of petroleum product by Exxon Mobil at Bonny River Terminal in Rivers State.

    The letter, signed by the Authority’s Chief Executive, Mr Farouk Ahmed, and addressed to the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor, was sighted in Abuja on Sunday.

    The letter, with the title “Economic sabotage, criminal damage and theft through illegal petroleum lifting operations at Bonny River Terminal”, alleged that Exxon Mobil was lifting Butane at the terminal with the vessel, marked Barumk Gas without the authorisation or participation of NMDPRA.

    Ahmed, in the letter, stated that NMDPRA was the agency of Government statutorily responsible for regulating operations at the Terminal.

    The letter reads in parts, “This unlawful action is being facilitated with the active connivance of Exxon Mobil who have illegally destroyed the locks on the sea-line valve whose keys are in the custody of the Authority.

    “The actions of Exxon Mobil and Barumk Gas constitute economic sabotage, criminal damage and theft of Nigeria’s national resources.

    “You are by this letter kindly requested to urgently prevent the sailing out of Barumk Gas until investigations into the matter are concluded.”

    The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and its private security contractors, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, have been collaborating with security agents to arrest those perpetuating oil theft in the country.

    A number of them have so far been arrested and are being prosecuted.

  • DHQ clarifies presence of UN fighting equipment in Nigeria

    DHQ clarifies presence of UN fighting equipment in Nigeria

    The Defence Headquarters has clarified that the UN Peacekeeping fighting vehicles and equipment sighted recently in Benin, Edo were meant for deployment for peacekeeping mission in South Sudan.

    The Acting Director, Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Gusau said circulation of the video of the said equipment on social media, had given rise to insinuations that were inimical to public peace which might cause panic.

    He said that presently, Nigeria is contributing troops to various UN Peace keeping operations; the most recent is United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), Southern Sudan.

    “The Mission is commanded by a Nigerian, Ma.-Gen. Benjamin Olufemi Sawyerr.

    “It should be noted that the UN doesn’t have its own troops, rather it enters into agreement with troops contributing countries to provide their personnel and equipment for operations in its various missions.

    “Therefore, it is imperative to state emphatically that the military fighting vehicles and equipment painted in UN colour as sighted are being moved through the Warri port for movement to the mission area in Southern Sudan.

    “The Defence Headquarters under the leadership of Gen. Lucky Irabor, wish to assure Nigerians that our nation is not under any threat that will warrant the deployment of UN troops on our soil”, he said.

    A video clip titled, “tension as heavy military UN trucks arrive Nigeria”, surfaced on one BVI Youtube channel on Sunday.

    The commentator was seen raising the alarm that something was cooking in the country that the government was not telling the citizens.

  • FG returns repentant terrorists back to their communities

    FG returns repentant terrorists back to their communities

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Lucky Irabor says 613 rehabilitated low-risk repentant terrorists will be transferred to their state governments for reintegration into the society.

    Irabor made the disclosure during the fifth Stakeholders’ Meeting of Operation Safe Corridor (OPSC), on Thursday in Abuja.

    Represented by the Chief of Defence Training and Operation, Maj.-Gen. Adeyemi Yekini, the CDS said the 613 clients are currently undergoing deradicalization and rehabilitation handled by the OPSC.

    He said that the meeting would exhaustively discuss the Deradicalization, Rehabilitation and Reintegration (DRR) Programme ahead of the transfer of the rehabilitated clients to their state governments.

    Irabor said the OPSC was established by President Muhammadu Buhari in September 2015 as a window for willing and repentant terrorists to lay down their arms and undergo a structured DRR programme.

    He added that the scheme was a multi-agency and humanitarian operation utilising the expertise of over 17 services, ministries, departments and agencies, supported by local and international organisations and friendly nations.

    The CDS said the successes of OPSC had continued to resonate within the region and in the diaspora, thereby attracting the interest of researchers from far and wide.

    “It is also important to mention that upon graduation from the programme, each client will be provided some food and personal items, as well as start-up pack according to the trade learnt during training to enable them set up small businesses and start a new life.”

    Irabor recommended that the receiving state governments should provide necessary support to enable the ex-combatants wade through the transitional and most challenging phase of their lives.

    “We are optimistic that working closely with local and traditional authorities, the states can deploy security apparatus at their disposal to effectively track and evaluate the re-integrated ex- combatants.

    “I must emphasise that it is critical for all stakeholders involved in the reintegration processes in order to mitigate, or completely eliminate incidences of recidivism,” he said.

    Irabor said the Armed Forces had significantly degraded Boko Haram and Islamic State terrorists and restricted them to a small portion of Sambisa Forest and isolated islands on the Lake Chad.

    According to him, through consistent and effective air interdictions along with well coordinated clearance operations on positively identified strongholds of the insurgents, troops have continued to inflict heavy casualties on the groups and their leadership.

    “These sustained operations continue to put pressure and confusion within the ranks of the adversary causing many to surrender to the armed forces.

    “As at today, over 83,000 insurgents and their family members have surrendered, while those captured have been tried and convicted to various jail terms by the law courts.

    “As we speak, many more captured combatants are being held in several correctional facilities and their trial is ongoing,” Irabor said.

    The CDS said that the military has been adopting kinetic and non kinetic methods to win the war against insurgency.

    “I must emphasise that counterinsurgency operation is dynamic and requires a lot of ingenuity and proactive strategies to achieve success.

    “One of such strategies adopted by the Federal Government is by extending an olive branch to low profile members of the insurgent groups who form the critical mass,” he said.

    The Coordinator of OPSC, Maj.-Gen. Joseph Maina, said the programme had successfully processed 1,573 clients comprising 1,555 Nigerians and 18 foreign nationals from Cameroon, Chad and Niger since its commencement in 2016.

    Maina said that all the foreign clients were transferred to their respective countries for reintegration.

    He said that the 613 clients were transferred to the DRR camp on Sept. 8, 2022 to commence training, adding that among them were five foreigners from Chad and Niger.

    The OPSC coordinator disclosed that 19 of the clients have been transferred to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital neurological center for expert psychiatric management.

    On the meeting, Maina said it was to work out modalities for the smooth transfer of the clients to  their national and states authorities for reintegration after graduation in February.

    “Specifically, at the end of this meeting, all stakeholders would be fully abreast with activities of OPSC and DRR Programme in particular.

    “The State authorities and the MDAs would know in specific terms, the roles they would play in the transfer as well as reintegration process of the clients.

    “Identify and recommend in specific terms affordable resettlement package for the clients and assign responsibility to relevant MDAs to provide.

    “Determine the mode of community sensitization, camp visitation and community service programmes to take and ratify the graduation date and initiate arrangements for the ceremony,” he said.

    The Secretary to the Government of Adamawa, Mallam Bashiru Ahmad, said the state had been collaborating with OPSC to bring clients’ parent together and prepare communities to receive them after deradicalisation.

    He said they were at the stakeholders’ meeting to look at what could be done to ensure the effectiveness of the programme and expressed optimism that the effort would yield the desired result.

    On her part, Borno Commissioner for Women affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zuwaira Gambo, said the state had received the largest chunk of the repentant terrorists since the programme started.

    Gambo assured that the state would continue to assess the clients even after graduation from OPSC in Gombe to ensure that there were ready for reintegration into their communities.

    She said the only difference between the Borno model of deradicalisation and OPSC was the military involvement, adding that the Borno model was more civil in outlook.

    According to her, the repentant terrorists live with their families in Borno camps while the camp in Gombe only allows families visits.

    She called for more support from federal government and relevant stakeholders for the state government achieve its desired objective.

  • BREAKING: Terrorists release 23 remaining Abuja-Kaduna train attack victims

    BREAKING: Terrorists release 23 remaining Abuja-Kaduna train attack victims

    The remaining 23 victims of the Abuja-Kaduna train attack have been released, according to a statement released by Prof. Usman Yusuf, Secretary, Chief of Defense Staff Action Committee (CDSAC).

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the remaining 23 victims of the Abuja-Kaduna train attack were released on Wednesday and are in the custody of the the seven-man presidential committee assembled by the Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), General LEO Irabor.

    The statement reads: “I am pleased to announce to the nation and the world that at 1600Hrs (4:00pm) today, Wednesday 5-10-2022, the seven-man Presidential Committee assembled by the Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), General LEO Irabor, secured the release and took custody of all the 23 remaining passengers held hostage by Boko Haram Terrorists following the attack on the Abuja to Kaduna train on 28-3-2022.

    “The nation owes a debt of gratitude to the Nigerian Military under the leadership of the CDS who conceived and guided the operation from start to finish. All sister Security Agencies and the Federal Ministry of Transportation contributed immensely to this Operation.

    “The unwavering support of the President and Commander in Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR is what made it all possible.

    “Members of this Committee are grateful for the rare honour and privilege to be part of this Humanitarian Operation. May God Almighty Heal Our Wounds and Bring Peace to Our Land”.

     

    More details to follow…

  • BREAKING: Two more suspects in connection with Owo church attack arrested

    BREAKING: Two more suspects in connection with Owo church attack arrested

    Two (2) more additional ISWAP terrorists, suspected to be connected with the attack on St Francis Catholic Church, Owo in Ondo State have been arrested.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the suspects were arrested at Omialafara (Omulafa), Ose LGA of the State, according to a statement by Major General Jimmy Akpor, Director Defence Information.

    Recall that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor, during his parley with media executives and editors on Tuesday informed of the arrest of 4 terrorists among those who carried out the attack on the Owo church on 5 June 2022.

    According to General Irabor, they were arrested through a combined operation by military and DSS personnel at Eika, Okehi LGA, Kogi State on 1 August 2022.

    Those arrested include Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza (a.k.a Bin Malik), Momoh Otohu Abubakar, Aliyu Yusuf Itopa and Auwal Ishaq Onimisi.

    “Barely few hours after the disclosure by the CDS of the arrest of 4 of the Owo Catholic Church attackers, 2 additional ISWAP terrorists, who were also connected to the attack on the church were apprehended at Omialafara (Omulafa), Ose LGA, Ondo State yesterday, 9 August 2022.

    “The arrests were made through the collaborative effort by military and DSS personnel. The suspects are Al-Qasim Idris and Abdulhaleem Idris.

    “It is instructive to note that Abdulhaleem, alongside other high profile ISWAP commanders, had also previously coordinated attacks on military targets in Okene, Okene LGA, Kogi State resulting in casualties,” the statement by Major General Akpor reads.

    Akpor further stated: “It is the avowed commitment of the leadership of the military, Nigeria Police, DSS and other security agencies to work in synergy to enthrone peace and security all over the country.

    “This is due to the need for collaboration as an essential requirement to successfully deal with the existential asymmetric threats currently bedeviling our dear nation, Nigeria”.

  • UPDATE: Idris Ojo was planning attacks when we arrested him – Defence HQ

    UPDATE: Idris Ojo was planning attacks when we arrested him – Defence HQ

    The Defence Headquarters has again disclosed that Idris Ojo (32 years) was apprehended at Ayetoro Osi, Ondo State through the combined effort of military and DSS personnel on 7 August 2022.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports this is contained in a statement released on Wednesday by Major General Jimmy Akpor, Director of Defence Information.

    This is following a media parley Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor held with media executives and editors on Tuesday in Abuja.

    During the media parley, CDS Irabor revealed the names of the terrorists who masterminded the Owo Catholic Church attack.

    Idris Ojo, the CDS said, was one of the suspected ISWAP terrorists who escaped from the Kuje Medium Correctional Centre highlighted on 5 July 2022.

    The CDS also mentioned that Ojo was arrested alongside Jimoh Ibrahim (39 years), a sympathizer of the terrorist group, who accommodated him.

    The CDS further revealed that the arrest of Idris Ojo was crucial as he, along with others, was already planning terrorists’ attacks against some selected targets, in order to create fear amongst the citizenry aimed at discrediting the government.

    Gen Irabor also confirmed the death of a bandit leader, Alhaji Abdulkareem, who was killed alongside his fighters on 6 August 2022 during air operations in the North West region.

    ALSO READ || Arrest of Owo church attack suspects: CDS Irabor was wrong on Idris Ojo – Gov Akeredolu

    The statement released by Major General Akpor reads: “The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor, has confirmed the arrest of 4 of the architects of the terrorists’ attack on St Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State on 5 June 2022.

    “He made the confirmation during the second CDS’ parley with media executives and editors, which took place at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Abuja on Tuesday 9 August 2022. The parley was organized by the Directorate of Defence Information in collaboration with The Media Today (TMT) International.

    “The CDS said that, through the collaborative efforts of military and DSS personnel, 4 amongst the terrorists who carried out the attack on the Owo Catholic Church were arrested at Eika, Okehi LGA, Kogi State on 1 August 2022.

    “Those arrested included Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza (a.k.a Bin Malik), Momoh Otohu Abubakar, Aliyu Yusuf Itopa and Auwal Ishaq Onimisi. The Defence Chief said, preliminary investigation revealed that Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza was the mastermind of the terror attack on the Owo Catholic Church as well as the attack on a Police Station in Adavi LGA, Kogi State on 23 June 2022, during which a policeman was killed and weapons carted away.

    “The Defence Chief also mentioned the arrest of another terrorist, Idris Ojo (32 years), who was apprehended at Ayetoro Osi, Ondo State through the combined effort of military and DSS personnel on 7 August 2022. Idris Ojo, the CDS said, was one of the suspected ISWAP terrorists who escaped from the Kuje Medium Correctional Centre highlighted on 5 July 2022. The CDS also mentioned that Ojo was arrested alongside Jimoh Ibrahim (39 years), a sympathizer of the terrorist group, who accommodated him.

    “The CDS further revealed that, the arrest of Idris Ojo was crucial as he, along with others, was already planning terrorists’ attacks against some selected targets, in order to create fear amongst the citizenry aimed at discrediting the government. Gen Irabor also confirmed the death of a bandit leader, Alhaji Abdulkareem, who was killed alongside his fighters on 6 August 2022 during air operations in the North West region.

    “Whilst mentioning the unfortunate terrorists’ attacks on Kaduna-Abuja Train Service, Owo Catholic Church, Kuje Medium Correctional Centre and the presidential advance convoy, the CDS assured the media chiefs that the military, Nigeria Police, DSS and other security agencies were collaborating in many fronts, working day and night to keep the country safe.

    “He appreciated Nigerians of goodwill, in understanding what military operations were like and what the responsibilities of Nigeria Police, DSS and other security agencies were and what they were doing in ensuring that every one of us, within our geographical space, lived in peace and harmony.

    “The CDS used the opportunity to solicit the cooperation of the larger society, saying that, “what the criminals (terrorists) amongst us want to do is to stoke fear and to promote it to such a level that every one of us will not even want to leave our houses. This is the strategy, which if we do not take time, will become part and parcel of our daily lives”.

    “Gen Irabor said the media gatekeepers had a responsibility “in educating the society to understand that, never again should we allow agents of destabilization to stoke fear amongst us, that together we will crush the elements that do not want us to leave in peace”.

    “The CDS therefore, urged the media executives and editors to remain partners in progress in ensuring that their media were insulated from being used by terrorists to unintentionally fuel fear in the minds of Nigerians.

    “Gen Irabor also expressed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) in guaranteeing a secure and peaceful 2023 general elections during the parley. He remarked that, “members of the Armed Forces have a covenant with the democratic process that the covenant deposition is that the military would create conditions for free, safe and secure conduct of the 2023 general elections”.

    “The CDS further explained that, all the operational engagements of the AFN have been tailored towards ensuring that the nation’s democratic process was not only nurtured but also made to remain solid. He urged all stakeholders that would be involved in politicking to take actions that are focused and geared towards moving the democratic process forward.

    “The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), The Media Today International, Barrister Charles Odenigbo, in his opening remarks, commended the AFN for the operational successes recorded in the various theatres of operations in recent times.

    “He said the second CDS parley was planned in the spirit of openness, to elicit a practical and robust review of media reportage of defence and security sector over the intervening period since the first CDS parley.

    “This, he said was aimed at evaluating the contributions of mainstream and online media towards assisting the military and security agencies in the fight against insecurity in Nigeria. Barr Odenigbo urged the media to continue to work with the military in the task of national security and nation building.

    “In his welcome address, the Director Defence Information (DDI), Major General Jimmy Akpor, recounted that the first edition of the CDS parley with media executives and editors, which held in January this year, was mooted by the current CDS, Gen Irabor.

    “According to him, the parley was in line with the leadership philosophy of the CDS, “to foster a professional Armed Forces capable of effectively meeting constitutional imperatives.”

    “The DDI further described the CDS’ parley as a welcome development that would build sustainable trust and confidence between the AFN and the media, particularly as it concerned the conduct of military operations and engagements.

    “Highpoint of the occasion was a presentation on “Media Analysis/Review of the Defence/Security Sector in Nigeria,” delivered by the CEO PR Nigeria, Mr Yushau Shuaib.

    “The CDS Gen Irabor was also honoured by the Centre for Crisis Communication during the event. The President, Nigeria Guild of Editors, gave the vote of thanks at the event”.

  • Arrest of Owo church attack suspects: CDS Irabor was wrong on Idris Ojo – Akeredolu

    Arrest of Owo church attack suspects: CDS Irabor was wrong on Idris Ojo – Akeredolu

    The Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu has clarified that the announcement of the arrest of Idris Ojo as one of the perpetrators of the June 5 attack on St Francis Catholic Church, Owo was a mix up on the part of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Governor Akeredolu made the clarification on Wednesday following a fact check publication made by this medium on the Chief of Defense Staff’s misleading claims on the Owo church attack ‘suspect’, Idri Ojo.

    Akeredolu, shortly after TNG published the fact check, in a statement released by Richard Olatunde, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, clarified that the mix up, saying Ojo was arrested in his brother’s house in Akure and was thereafter moved and kept in the custody of the security operatives at the same time the attackers of Owo Catholic Church were arrested and brought into custody.

    “The announcement of the arrest of Idris Ojo as one of the perpetrators of the June 5 attack on St Francis Catholic Church, Owo was a mix up from the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor.

    “Idris Ojo, who is number 14 on the wanted list of the Kuje Prison Escapees was arrested in his brother’s house in Akure. His brother, Jimoh Rasheed Ibrahim, received and accommodated him after his escape from Kuje prison.

    “He was thereafter moved and kept in the custody of the security operatives at the same time the attackers of Owo Catholic Church were arrested and brought into custody. Hence, the mix up.” The Governor said.

    TNG reports General Irabor had during a media parley announced that a joint operation between the Nigerian Army, Department of State Security (DSS), Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and other intelligence agencies arrested some suspected masterminds of the Owo Catholic Church attack.

    The Chief of Defence Staff gave the names of those arrested as Ojo, whose involvement is now clarified, and four others, Idris Omeiza (otherwise known as Ibn Malik), Momoh Abubakar, Aliyu Itopa and Auwal Onimisi, who Irabor said were all arrested on August 4 at Eika in Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State.

  • FACT CHECK: Chief of Defense Staff’s misleading claims on Owo church attack ‘suspect’

    FACT CHECK: Chief of Defense Staff’s misleading claims on Owo church attack ‘suspect’

    The Chief of Defence Staff Lucky Irabor announced during a media parley that joint operation between the Nigerian Army, Department of State Security (DSS), Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and other intelligence agencies, had led to the arrest of some suspected masterminds of the Owo Catholic Church attack.

    The periodic parley, according to the army, was conceptualised to build sustainable trust and confidence of the media as the military conduct its operations and engagements, considering the cardinal role of the media in advancing the cause of national security.

    Addressing news editors and media executives during the meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, Irabor said five persons linked to the attack had been arrested between August 4 – 7, adding that he took a last-minute decision not to present them to the press, as investigations were still ongoing.

    “It is my pleasure to let you know that starting with the church attack, we have arrested those behind the dastardly act. It was my intention to present them to the public, but of course, because of certain investigations we’re still carrying out, I had to at the last count, change my mind.

    “On the 7th of August, Idris Ojo, who is 32 years old, was apprehended at Aiyetorosi in Ondo State. He is one of the high-profile Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists that escaped from Kuje Prison,” Irabor said.

    The Defense Chief went on to name the other four suspects as Idris Omeiza (otherwise known as Ibn Malik), Momoh Abubakar, Aliyu Itopa and Auwal Onimisi, who were arrested on August 4, at Eika in Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State.

    Omeiza is alleged to be one of the masterminds of the Catholic Church attack, as well as the attack on the police station in Adavi in Kogi State, which led to the killing of a policeman and carting away of weapons.

    Corroborating the announcement by the military, Governor of Ondo State Rotimi Akeredolu, said five of the attackers have been arrested, including the owner of the house in Owo where the attackers stayed before the church attack.

    “I am happy to announce that we have confirmed the arrest of the attackers of St Francis Catholic Church, Owo. The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor has also announced it. We have known for a while but we needed not to come out with it because more works are still ongoing,” Akeredolu said in a tweet via his verified twitter handle @RotimiAkeredolu.

    How true are these claims?

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) recalls that at least 40 people were killed and many injured when gunmen opened fire on worshippers at St Francis Catholic Church in Owo, the headquarters of Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State on June 5, 2022.

    This is exactly one month before the Kuje prison attack on July 5, 2022, where an initial 879 inmates escaped from the facility before 443 were recaptured, according to government officials.

    It is therefore not clear how one of the named Owo church attack suspects, Idris Ojo, who had been committed to prison custody since 2016, got involved in the attack.

    According to records from the Nigerian Correctional Service, Ojo with Case No. CR/120/15 and prison ID no. 481/16 who was sent to the Kuje prison for offences bothering on terrorism and kidnapping, was among inmates who had escaped from the facility on July 5.

    A prisons staff confirmed to this newspaper that the last numbers of an inmate’s identity number, indicate the year he/she was brought into the facility.

    Also, inmates wearing green outfits in their mugshots are awaiting trial, while those in blue are criminals who have been convicted.

    Further investigations by TNG revealed that the suspect was born on January 1, 1987, making him 35 years old currently, whereas, the Defense Chief gave his age as 32 years.

    Verdict: The claim by Nigeria’s Chief of Defense Staff that a Kuje prison escapee took part in the attack on worshippers at St Francis Catholic Church in Owo on June 5, is, therefore, unclear and misleading, as it contradicts the natural sequence of events. General Irabor might have more clarification to do on the matter.