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APC Akida Forum Denies Involvement in Protest Against Defence State Minister
The All Progressives Congress (APC) Akida Forum has distanced itself from a recent protest at the State Security Service (SSS) headquarters in Abuja, asserting that the demonstration was an attempt to discredit both the forum and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mattawalle.
In a statement on Wednesday, Comrade Ibrahim Muhammed, Secretary of the APC Akida Forum, condemned the protest, describing it as a “national embarrassment” orchestrated by opposition elements, specifically the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
“We, the real APC Akida Forum, want to clarify and address the recent events surrounding the protest that took place yesterday at the State Security Service (SSS) headquarters,” said Muhammed.
“We strongly distance ourselves from this incident and any actions against the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mattawalle.”
The forum emphasized that it has never endorsed any action against Mattawalle or any government official.
Muhammed reaffirmed the group’s loyalty to the party and its commitment to guarding against manipulation for political purposes.
“Last month, in a public statement, we pledged our loyalty and vowed to be vigilant against any attempt to mislead or manipulate us for political purposes,” he said. “We stand firmly by that pledge.”
According to Muhammed, the protest was a calculated move by PDP actors seeking to politicize events and tarnish Mattawalle’s image.
He described these actions as attempts to “fabricate” opposition against the minister.
“These actors, intent on fabricating and politicizing events, are seeking to discredit the Honourable Minister and undermine our forum,” Muhammed said.
“We categorically deny any involvement in their agenda.”
Muhammed warned that the APC Akida Forum is aware of groups posing as members without authorization.
He said that any individual or organization found misrepresenting the forum would face legal action.
“We want to make it clear that any individual or group claiming to represent us without authorization will face legal consequences,” he warned.
“We are prepared to take swift legal action to protect our identity and integrity.”
In light of the protest, Muhammed said forum members have begun investigating the matter and would soon organize a press conference to present their findings and address the issue fully.
“We want to assure the public and our supporters that our members are currently investigating the incident,” he said.
“Once we have gathered the necessary information, we will call for a world press conference to address the issue comprehensively.”
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday stated that troops of Operation Delta Safe have sustained their operational tempo against crude oil thieves and other criminals in the Niger Delta, recording significant successes in their efforts to curb illicit activities in the region.
A statement by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, revealed that troops recovered a substantial quantity of stolen crude oil, illegally refined AGO, and PMS, totalling 392,174 litres, 138,757 litres, and 830 litres, respectively.
He stated that the troops also discovered and destroyed 29 crude oil cooking ovens, 31 dugout pits, 48 boats, 21 storage tanks, 18 drums, and 16 illegal refining sites.
Additionally, they recovered various items, including pumping machines, drilling machines, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones and four vehicles.
The operation, according to General Kangye, resulted in the arrest of 11 oil thieves and other criminals, with assorted arms and ammunition, as well as dynamites, also being recovered.
In related developments, troops conducted successful offensive operations, arresting six criminals, including a suspected kidnapping kingpin, and recovering a locally made pistol and live cartridges.
The Director also stressed that troops rescued two kidnapped hostages and recovered a vehicle during counter-kidnapping and anti-criminality operations in Ndokwa West LGA of Delta State.
These successes, he said, demonstrate the effectiveness of Operation Delta Safe in combating crude oil theft and other criminal activities in the Niger Delta.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation Udo Ka foiled planned kidnapping and terrorism attacks in Anambra, Imo, and Abia states, arresting several suspects and rescuing kidnapped victims.
According to Kangye, “On 20 and 21 March 2025, troops conducted offensive operations in Igbariam Local Government Area of Anambra State and Owerri Municipal Local Government Area of Imo State, resulting in the arrest of three suspected terrorists/kidnappers and the rescue of four attempted kidnapped victims.”
He stated that troops also recovered arms and ammunition, including several Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and live cartridges, as well as a vehicle and tricycle.
He said that troops arrested many extremists in Imo and Enugu states, recovering one pump-action gun, live cartridges, and some quantities of illicit drugs.
Additionally, troops rescued a kidnapped victim in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State, arresting the suspects and recovering a locally made pistol and a tricycle.
Also, troops of Operation Hadin Kai recorded significant successes against ISWAP/JAS terrorists in the North-east region.
Kangye said that between 21 and 26 March 2025, scores of terrorists, including adult males, females, and children, surrendered to troops following intense military operations.
He revealed that troops also conducted offensive operations in various locations, including Konduga, Gwoza, and Bama, resulting in the neutralisation of several terrorists, the apprehension of others, and the rescue of kidnapped hostages.
Afghanistan’s Taliban government released nearly 2,500 prisoners ahead of celebrations marking the end of Ramadan, the supreme court said on Saturday, in a country where the UN has warned of a growing prison population.
The exact number of prisoners held by various security bodies in Afghanistan is unclear, but a spokesman for the Office of Prison Administration (OPA) told AFP on Saturday between 11,000 and 12,000 convicted prisoners were in the authority’s custody.
Around the same number are in detention awaiting trial, sentencing or appeal, spokesman Mohamad Nasim Lalahand added.
The supreme court said on X that “2,463 prisoners who were eligible for amnesty were released, while 3,152 others received sentence reductions” as per a decree by the Taliban supreme leader.
The release of prisoners convicted of minor crimes is common practice ahead of the Eid al-Fitr holiday, expected to start on Sunday or Monday.
Last year, Taliban authorities released around 2,800 prisoners ahead of the end of Ramadan, local media reported.
Last October, the United Nations mission to Afghanistan, UNAMA, said it was informed by the OPA that the prison population was growing, “with more detainees admitted daily than are released”.
UNAMA warned of high volumes of arrests and lengthy jail-time sentences putting “unsustainable pressure on prison facilities”.
Residents of Tsafe in Zamfara State have expressed gratitude to the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, following the successful elimination of the notorious bandit leader, Dan Isuhu.
The community hailed the development as a significant step towards restoring security in the region.
In a statement signed by its chairman, Engr Muhammad Hussaini, residents attributed the success to Dr Matawalle’s strategic directives, which have bolstered military operations against terrorist elements, including the notorious bandit kingpin, Bello Turji.
Dan Isuhu, known for orchestrating kidnappings, killings and other criminal activities, had terrorised communities across Tsafe, Funtua and Gusau for years.
He said ” His death is considered a major breakthrough in the fight against insecurity in Zamfara.
“Dr Matawalle has been instrumental in driving intensified military operations in the state, ensuring the dismantling of criminal networks and the liberation of affected communities from the grip of banditry.”
With Dan Isuhu eliminated, residents are optimistic that it is only a matter of time before Bello Turji, the most wanted terrorist in the region, is brought to justice. As military efforts continue, there is renewed hope that Zamfara will soon experience lasting peace after years of violent attacks.