Security
Defence Ministers Condemn Delta Killing Of Military Personnel A Unacceptable
Ministry of Defence on Monday condemned as unacceptable, Thursday’s killing of 16 officers and men of the 181 Amphibious Battalion at Okuama in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta by youths of the community.
Youths of the community killed the battalion’s Commanding Officer, Lt.-Col. AH Ali, two Majors, a Captain, and 12 soldiers who were on a peace mission to the community.
Spokesman of the ministry, Mr Henshaw Ogubike, stated in Abuja that the minister, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru, said the perpetrators must be brought to book.
He stated that the Minister of State, Dr Bello Matawalle was in accord with Badaru’s view as he said the killing of the officers and men and a civilian was a matter of grave concern.
“The tragic incident underscores the immense sacrifices made by our servicemen and women in the defence of our nation.
“Their unwavering dedication and courage in the face of danger exemplify the highest ideals of patriotism and duty.
“President Bola Tinubu has directed the Chief of Defence Staff, to investigate the incident to ensure that those responsible for the attack face the full force of the law,’’ Ogubike quoted Badaru as saying.
The minister stressed the unwavering commitment of the ministry to safeguard the security and well-being of all Nigerians.
He noted that no threat to the nation’s sovereignty and stability would be tolerated.
“We assure the Nigerian people that every effort will be made to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“We remain resolute in our pursuit of peace and tranquillity across the nation in line with the `Renewed Hope’ agenda of President Tinubu.
“Our unwavering support for the armed forces and their efforts to maintain peace and stability across the country is not negotiable.
“We will continue to work tirelessly towards achieving lasting peace and tranquillity in every region of our dear country.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, colleagues, and loved ones of the fallen soldiers, as well as with the entire nation mourning this irreparable loss.
“We stand united in grief with all well-meaning Nigerians and the men and women of our armed forces during this difficult time,’’ Badaru also said. (NAN)
The explosion followed an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted by Boko Haram terrorists on the dilapidated and deserted road which passes through the Sambisa forest.
According to several sources, the explosion happened while cars on a scheduled military-escorted convoy were transporting passengers from Damboa to Maiduguri on Saturday leaving several others with varying degrees of injuries.
The Maiduguri-Damboa Road links Maiduguri to several local government areas in Southern Borno and has been a hotspot for Boko Haram terrorists for over a decade.
The road was closed to vehicles and commuters until the administration of Babagana Zulum opened the road for passengers to travel to Damboa, Chibok and other LGAs in southern Borno with the help of a military convoy serving as security cover for the commuters.
The convoy traverses the road two times a week after scanning for IED by the military and this has been going on for over two years now.
The injured persons whose numbers are yet to be specified have been conveyed to a hospital in Maiduguri for prompt medical attention.
A student of the Federal University Birnin Kebbi (FUBK) has been abducted by unidentified gunmen following an off-campus hostel attack.
Channels reports that the incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday at Istijaba Villa in Unguwar Jeji area of the state.
Witness accounts said five armed men entered the hostel to demand money from students who were taking a walk outside.
But the students refused to give in to their demands, which led to an assault from the attackers.
A resident, who was said to have attempted intervention, was shot dead while a final-year student of economics, simply identified as Madubiya, was whisked away by the assailants.
Responding to the incident, Muhammad Zaiyan-Umar, the vice-chancellor of FUBK, visited the scene in the company of the officers from the Kalgo police division and Department of State Services (DSS).
Addressing the students, Zaiyan-Umar said the university is committed to ensuring their safety and security.
It is understood that the VC has communicated the incident to Nasir Idris, the governor of Kebbi state, through the secretary to the state government and the director of security services at the cabinet office.
As of this reporting, the Kebbi state police command has yet to respond to enquiries about the incident.
In 2021, rumours soared of a planned attack by bandits after a heavy security presence was observed on campus.
At the time, the management of FUBK dismissed the claims.
The National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu has expressed the Federal Government’s determination in finding a lasting solution to the incessant attacks and killings in Plateau State.
Speaking at Operation Safe Haven headquarters in Jos during an operational visit in the aftermath of attacks in some communities of the Bokkos Local Government Area LGA) of the state, Ribadu promised to end the killings.
Over fifty persons were killed within a week in attacks over five communities that left over three hundred houses burnt by suspected herdsmen.
The Plateau State Government, through the Secretary to the Government Samuel Jatau, also visited some of the affected communities to ascertain the extent of damages and also donate relief materials to affected victims.
Adu expressed the Federal Government’s determination in finding solutions to the incessant attacks and killings.
Also, speaking about the killings, the District Head of Manguna wants the government to provide more security personnel in the affected communities to curb rural-urban migration.