TheNewsGuru

Tag: Security

  • Heavily armed men barricade link bridge to MMA 2, leading to gridlock

    Heavily armed men barricade link bridge to MMA 2, leading to gridlock

    Heavily armed security operatives on Monday blocked the bridge leading to the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2 (MMA 2), Lagos, from the Ikeja axis, leaving commuters and air travellers stranded.

    The officers, whose reason for the action remains unclear, declined to speak with journalists at the scene.

    The unexpected blockade triggered a massive traffic gridlock, forcing passengers arriving and departing MMA 2 to walk out of the airport, carrying their luggage under the scorching sun.

    Some of the officers, alongside two officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), were on the ground to ensure traffic movement.

    Frustrated drivers honked endlessly, while commercial vehicles attempted dangerous U-turns to escape the jam.

    Eyewitnesses said the operatives, dressed in full tactical gear and wielding assault rifles, did not appear to be expecting the arrival of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu or any other top government official.

    Details shortly…

  • There is global push by terrorists, jihadists on Nigeria – CDS

    There is global push by terrorists, jihadists on Nigeria – CDS

    Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa has attributed the recent escalation of security challenges in parts of the country to “global push by terrorists and jihadists all over the Sahel area”.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports General Musa said this on Friday after a closed-door meeting President Bola Tinubu held with his service chiefs and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) at the State House in Abuja.

    “Our meeting today is for us to review the entire security situation in the country. The President is concerned about what is going on. We have re-assured him that we are on top of our game. We are working extremely very hard.

    “What has happened of recent is that there is a global push by terrorists and jihadists all over the Sahel area. That pressure is what actually came to Nigeria because of the nature of our borders,” the CDS said.

    The meeting came in the midst of escalating security challenges in parts of the northern region of the country, especially Plateau, Benue and Borno states, where hundreds of lives have been lost in the last few weeks.

    It is also coming just a couple of days after President Tinubu approved the immediate establishment and deployment of units of forest guards to beef up security across 1,129 forests country-wide.

    Speaking after the meeting, General Musa disclosed that President Tinubu has given directives on what to do next to address the security challenges in the country.

    “So, Mr President has given directives as to what to do next for us to intensify all efforts, collaborate with all our sister countries around because it is the porous nature coming there that is actually aggravating our own issues on ground.

    “All our theatres have been enhanced. Equipments have been bought. President has given us approval for air assets and other aspects of security,” Musa said.

    Among those in attendance at the security meeting are Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla; and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun among others.

  • Wike’s mega rally: Diri’s security alarm baseless – Aide

    Wike’s mega rally: Diri’s security alarm baseless – Aide

    Mr Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Public Communications and Social Media, says Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa’s security alarm over a rally is baseless.

    Diri had on Thursday raised an alarm over an alleged plan by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s supporters in Bayelsa to stage a mega rally and inaugurate the support group.

    Disturbed by the development, Diri warned that the state government would not condone any act that would disrupt the peace of the state.

    The governor advised security agencies, youths, elders and traditional rulers to be on the alert.

    Reacting, Olayinka in a statement in Abuja on Friday, said Nigerians were free to express their support for anyone, anywhere and anytime.

    The spokesman wondered why Diri, with all the security apparatus available to him could go on national television on mere suspicion of people planning a rally.

    According to him, it is within the right of Nigerians to hold a lawful rally.

    He added that if Wike was going to attend any political rally in Bayelsa or anywhere, he would inform security agencies himself.

    “It is surprising that a governor had to call the state’s Security Council and Bayelsa Elders Council meetings to discuss a suspicion of people planning a rally for Wike,” he said.

    Olayinka advised Diri to face the serious business of governance and stop raising a baseless security alarm over a rally.

  • Katsina gov, Radda directs deployment of security to general hospitals

    Katsina gov, Radda directs deployment of security to general hospitals

    The Katsina State Government says it has directed the deployment of adequate security in all the general hospitals in the state, especially in the frontline areas.

    The Commissioner forķ Health, Alhaji Musa Adamu-Funtua disclosed this during an interactive session with newsmen in Katsina on Tuesday.

    NAN reports that the government’s action followed the announcement by health workers in the state to withdraw their services from January 30.

    The Chairman, state chapter of the National Association of Nurses and Midwives, Mr Nura Mu’azu had disclosed their demands during a press conference.

    Mu’azu said their demands included the immediate provision of “robust security” in all the hospitals in Batsari, Danmusa, Kankara, Jibia, Dutsin-ma, Musawa, Malumfashi, Funtua, and Batagarawa.

    According to him, the association is also demanding immediate measures to ensure the safe release of their colleague and others held in captivity by bandits.

    “The association also demanded the immediate compensation to their members who were subjected to one loss or the other in the line of duty due to insecurity.

    “We’re also demanding better remuneration to attract more health workers for better healthcare delivery,” he said.

    Adamu-Funtua further said that an emergency security meeting was recently held with Gov. Dikko Radda and other stakeholders to initiate proactive measures.

    “Based on our meeting, the governor directed that for proactive measures, more security personnel be deployed to those areas.

    “I believe that the action by the health workers was due to a communication gap.

    “I have just finished meeting with them, and 85 per cent of their demands have been met.

    “I assure you that as part of the proactive measures, there’s a full deployment of security across the local government areas, especially the frontline areas,” Adamu-Funtua said.

    He argued that the government had identified the problems and taken drastic measures to ensure that the situation was no longer an issue.

    The commissioner said that he had  spoken with the General Manager of the Kankara General Hospital, who assured him that he had noticed the deployment of operatives, except in some areas.

    “And I quickly communicated with the Commissioner for Internal Security for immediate measures to be taken.

    “He assured me that there will be full deployment today (Tuesday) to those areas with no adequate security,” he said.

  • Expect enhanced security in 2025 – NSA assures Nigerians

    Expect enhanced security in 2025 – NSA assures Nigerians

    National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has assured Nigerians of enhanced security in 2025. Ribadu gave the assurance in his New Year Message to Nigerians on Wednesday.

    It was released in Abuja by Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, the National Coordinator of the Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

    Ribadu acknowledged the resilience of Nigerians in the face of security challenges and emphasised the critical role of collective effort in ensuring peace and stability.

    The NSA attributed the successes achieved in 2024 to the exceptional leadership of President Bola Tinubu, whose political-will, he added, had sustained security efforts across the nation.

    He also appreciated the president for his strategic guidance, exemplary leadership and untiring support to the ONSA in the pursuit of its mission.

    According to him, the support provided the foundation for the progress made in enhancing national security.

    Ribadu noted that the collective vigilance and cooperation of Nigerians had been instrumental in the fight against terrorism, violent extremism and other security threats.

    He said the successes recorded in enhancing national security were rooted in the cooperation of Nigerians as well as dedication of the armed forces, security agencies and the intelligence community.

    “To this end, I extend special appreciation to the gallant men and women of the armed forces, police and other security and intelligence agencies.

    ” Your sacrifices in the front lines despite the harshest conditions, demonstrate staunch patriotism, courage, and dedication to safeguarding the Nation’s sovereignty and security.

    “I also salute their families who bear the weight of their absence with such steadfast support and love.

    ” The year 2024 brought its share of security challenges, including the resurgence of the Lakurawa terrorist group in the North-West and acts of sabotage on critical national infrastructure, such as power transmission lines, by non-state actors.

    “Despite these challenges, it is gratifying to note the tireless efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and security agencies in containing these threats and preventing further occurrences,” he said.

    Ribadu also commended the National Assembly, judiciary and governors for their support and commitment to strengthening policy and legal frameworks in advancing national security objectives.

    He also commended the exemplary leadership, foresight, and dedication of the Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, Inspector General of Police, and heads of other security and intelligence agencies.

    “Your sacrifices, tireless efforts, and dedication to duty do not go unnoticed and are deeply appreciated which serve as a source of inspiration to all Nigerians.

    “We, therefore, remain steadfast in our resolve to protect the nation and assuring Nigerians of our tenacious commitment to ensuring their safety and security.

    “Security is everyone’s responsibility. The fight against terrorism and criminality cannot be won without the active participation of citizens.

    ” I, therefore, implore you to promptly report any suspicious activities, movements, or characters to the appropriate authorities. If you see something, say something.

    “Looking to 2025, I assure Nigerians of the renewed focus on combating terrorism, violent extremism and other serious organised crimes through enhanced collaboration, innovative strategies and proactive measures,” he said.

    The NSA cited achievements made such as the operationalisation of the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell at the NCTC developed with support from the United Kingdom National Crime Agency.

    This, he said, had helped address kidnapping and related crimes.

    He added that dedicated emergency numbers would be made available to facilitate timely reporting and intervention.

    Ribadu urged all security stakeholders and citizens to redouble their efforts in building a safer and more secured nation.

    He added that the dedication of military, security agencies and intelligence community, with active support of Nigerians, would ensure the overcoming of the security challenges ahead.

    “On behalf of President Tinubu, I wish all Nigerians a peaceful and prosperous New Year.

    ” Let us remain united in our commitment to safeguarding our nation,” he said.

  • IGP reveals major security challenges Nigeria faced in 2024

    IGP reveals major security challenges Nigeria faced in 2024

    The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Dr Olukayode Egbetokun, said the Nigeria Police Force made remarkable achievements in 2024 in spite of challenges.

    Egbetokun said this on Tuesday in Abuja at the opening of his end of year conference with strategic police managers, consisting of officers from the rank of commissioners of police and above.

    “Reflecting on 2024, it is clear that both the Nigeria Police Force and the country at large faced a range of security challenges, but we also achieved notable successes.

    “We dealt with a variety of internal threats, such as banditry, insurgency, kidnapping, and armed robbery, as well as external threats posed by groups like ISWAP and the Lakurawa terrorists in the North West.

    “The country also confronted other critical issues, including cultism, drug trafficking, arms trafficking, terrorism financing, money laundering, and cybercrimes, especially among our youth.

    “Protests and civil unrest added to the challenges,” he said.

    The I-G said in spite of the difficulties, the Nigeria Police Force had shown remarkable resilience, collaborating with sister agencies to ensure law and order.

    According to him, throughout 2024, we made substantial strides in enhancing the safety and security of Nigerians.

    He said the force displayed remarkable dedication in combating criminal activities across urban and rural areas.

    “Through revitalised crime prevention efforts, we have made significant progress in reducing crime, ensuring public safety and improving service delivery.

    “These accomplishments reflect our firm commitment to holding perpetrators accountable for their crimes.

    “Our efforts have been comprehensive, leveraging modern technology, intelligence gathering, and community policing,” he said

    Egbetokun said that the strategies had not only increased the operational efficiency of the force, but fostered stronger collaborations with local communities as well as building trust between the police and the public.

    “While we acknowledge the complexity of the challenges, the Nigeria Police had remained steadfast in its resolve to continue to address the challenges head-on to secure the future of the country.

    “Despite our best efforts to foster trust and confidence with the public and our strong emphasis on discipline and professionalism, a small number of our officers have unfortunately continued to engage in behavior that damages our reputation.

    “This has been a significant challenge for us in 2024 and to make matters worse, we have also faced false publications aimed at tarnishing our organisation’s image.

    “This not only undermines our credibility but also erodes the trust we have worked hard to build with the community,” he said.

    He said the force would be committed to addressing the challenges head-on, exploring innovative solutions to promote transparency, accountability and excellence.

    Egbetokun said the force had achieved major successes in tackling crime, leading to the arrest of 30,313 suspects for a range of serious offenses, including kidnapping, cultism, murder, rape, armed robbery, and unlawful possession of firearms.

    According to him, we also recovered 1,984 assorted firearms, 23,250 rounds of ammunition, 1,438 stolen vehicles and rescued 1,581 kidnapped victims.

    “In the fight against kidnapping, we intensified our efforts and achieved substantial success. A prime example is the rescue of one Nigerian and three Indian nationals on June 30 in Ogun.

    “Despite being ambushed by gunfire, the victims were safely rescued, and two kidnappers were neutralised in a subsequent raid.

    “We also recovered five AK-47 rifles, ammunition, and communication equipment. This operation demonstrates our capacity to combat kidnapping and criminal enterprises effectively,” he said.

  • Come home for Christmas – IPOB begs Ndigbo, vow to provide security

    Come home for Christmas – IPOB begs Ndigbo, vow to provide security

    The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has made an appeal to Ndigbo to return to their homeland for the Christmas season, assuring them that its Eastern Security Network (ESN) operatives will provide safety and maintain a peaceful atmosphere throughout the festive period.

    This was contained in a statement by the group’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful.

    The group reaffirmed its commitment to tackling insecurity in the South East region and emphasized its role in fostering peace and development.

    It described Alaigbo as a historically peaceful region, urging all Igbos to contribute to maintaining harmony, which is critical for the region’s economic growth.

    IPOB stressed that peace and security in the South East should not lag behind other regions in Nigeria, even as it accused the Nigerian government of exacerbating insecurity in the region through militarization and alleged subjugation.

    “We need peace to thrive as a strategic economic hub in Africa. Every Igbo man and woman must work towards peace and security in Alaigbo,” the statement read.

    The group reiterated its commitment to securing investments in the South East and encouraged Igbos to bring their investments home to spur development and create job opportunities for the region’s youth.

    It also cautioned criminals to steer clear of the South East, particularly during the Christmas season, as ESN operatives and IPOB volunteers are actively working to make the region inhospitable for criminal activities.

    The group also accused the Nigerian government and its security forces of sponsoring insecurity as a pretext for continued militarization of the region.

    “We call for the dismantling of all indiscriminate and illegal military, police, and other checkpoints in the South East. These checkpoints are sources of extortion, intimidation, and harassment of travelers,” the group stated.

    IPOB highlighted the role of ESN operatives in safeguarding Biafran bushes and forests to prevent criminal elements from using them as hideouts, encouraging residents to contact ESN operatives when needed through the published security information contact numbers.

  • After fatal attack, Abia rejigs security architecture

    After fatal attack, Abia rejigs security architecture

    Governor Alex Otti of Abia State says the State Government has taken pragmatic measures to rejig the state’s security architecture.

    Otti said this on Saturday, when he briefed newsmen at the end of a Security Council meeting held at Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area (LGA).

    The government’s measure is coming in the wake of November 13 fatal attack on troops of the Joint Task Force of the South East Operation Udo Ka in Ekeneobizi Coummunity of Umuahia South LGA.

    The gunmen shot and killed three soldiers during the attack. On Sunday the convoy of the lawmaker, representing Isiala Ngwa South and North Constituency, Chief Ginger Onwusibe, was ambushed by gunmen and a police officer killed.

    On Wednesday, a police checkpoint in Ohafia LGA was attacked by gunmen, and a police operative was killed, while two others were injured.

    The governor described the attacks and killing of security personnel in the state as unfortunate. He further said that positive and proactive approaches were being taken to address the security challenges in the state.

    He said, “I am happy that today we have resolved to rejig the security architecture of the state and be sure that things like this will be a thing of the past.”

    Otti commiserated with the Nigerian Army and Nigerian Police over the loss of their personnel.

    “As I settle down I’ll try and visit the families of the deceased, including the leaderships of the Nigerian Police and Nigerian Army in the state.

    “We have also agreed to double our efforts in the different areas where there are possibilities of attacks, particularly now that the Yuletide is here. We want to also reassure our people that we are more than competent to deal with the security challenges,” he said.

    Otti urged the people not to live in fear and assured them that the government would do everything possible to protect their lives and property.

    He also urged the people not to take the unfortunate attacks as what defines Abia. According to him, effective strategies would be applied in addressing the situation, accordingly.

    He said: “We have the commitment of the security agencies and everyone is going to double their efforts to ensure that the attacks did not happen again. We also have taken a decision to smoke all the criminals out, wherever they are hiding.

    “So, we want to give notice that, if you are a criminal and in Abia, whether you call yourself IPOB or ESN or bandits or kidnappers, this place will not be safe for you. So, that is the warning from us.”

  • Wike orders maximum security for FCTA demolition team in Lugbe

    Wike orders maximum security for FCTA demolition team in Lugbe

    Mr Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has directed security agencies to provide maximum security to the FCT Administration’s team, currently demolishing illegal properties in Sabon Lugbe constructed by land grabbers.

    Wike gave the directive when he visited the demolition site in Abuja on Tuesday, along with Guards Brigade Commander and Director, FCT Security Services Department.

    Other security agencies in the entourage are Commissioner of Police, FCT, Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other FCTA officials.

    NAN reports that the FCTA Department of Development Control had on Oct.17, begun the demolition of illegal buildings on lands that were illegally acquired by land grabbers.

    A total of 50 duplexes and bungalows were being demolished to ensure total recovery of the land.

    Wike expressed dismay that the investors moved into the site and commenced development without relevant approvals.

    Fuming, the minister insisted that all land must be recovered from the grabbers.

    He directed security agencies to ensure that all threats around the areas were removed to pave the way for the demolition team to carry out their work.

    Noting that that land was already dotted with about 50 duplexes and bungalows of different designs, Wike challenged the developers who claimed to have acquired necessary approvals to come forward with the documents.

    According to the minister, the FCT Administration will not condone any act of illegal acquisition of lands and contravention of procedures for development.

    NAN recalls that the Director of Development Control, Mr Mukhtar Galadima, who led the exercise, had explained that the structures were illegally erected by land grabbers without approval of appropriate authorities.

    Galadima explained that the illegal construction in the southwest area of Sabon Lugbe was part of Phase 5 District of the Federal Capital City (FCC).

    He said that the department had warned that it would bounce on land grabbers in the area and advised people against buying any property without due diligence to ensure its legality.

  • Tight security in Jos as Plateau LG poll gets underway

    Tight security in Jos as Plateau LG poll gets underway

    There is heavy presence of security personnel in Jos, as Plateau holds election across the 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.

    A Correspondent who monitored the situation on Wednesday, reports that personnel of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the military were stationed in strategic locations.

    Also, security personnel were stationed at the various polling units to ensure a hitch-free exercise.

    The Police command had earlier restricted movements across the entire state to give way for a smooth exercise.

    Mr Alfred Alabo, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), in the state told NAN that the command had deployed adequate personnel to all the LGAs.

    ”We have made adequate arrangements towards ensuring that the election is peaceful.

    ”We have deployed our officers and men to all the 17 LGAs and some flashpoints within the metropolis.

    ”So far everywhere is peaceful, and it is our hope that Plateau residents will cooperate with the security agencies towards a violent- free poll,” Alabo said.

    NAN