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How DSS Operations Fostered a Peaceful Yuletide in Niger State, South-East

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By Nathaniel irobi, Abuja

The heightened sense of security experienced during the Yuletide season in various regions of the country can be attributed to a series of covert operations conducted by the Department of State Services (DSS). These initiatives aimed to curb the violent actions of bandits and other criminal factions, according to security sources who informed ELANZANEWS on Thursday.

Sources revealed that the DSS’s actions resulted in the neutralization of members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) in the South-East and bandits in Niger State, among other areas.

Elaborating on these developments, a source disclosed to ELANZANEWS that a significant operation was executed on December 30, 2024, targeting armed bandits in the Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State. During this operation, numerous bandits, who had invaded Rafi LGA on motorcycles armed with AK-47 rifles, were neutralized by DSS operatives. Additionally, the operatives seized an array of weapons and motorcycles from the bandits.

This operation marked the second major offensive launched by the DSS against bandits within a week, following an earlier engagement on December 27, 2024, when three bandits were killed in Dogon Dawa, Mairiga LGA of the state.

Just three weeks prior, DSS operatives apprehended notorious bandits terrorizing regions in the North-East and North-West, specifically in the Janyau Fulani Area of Gusau, along the Gusau-Kaura Namoda Road in Zamfara State, and in the Dalori quarters of Maiduguri, Borno State.

Reports indicate that the bandits in Niger State, who had recently attacked Uregi village in Rafi LGA, were convening for a meeting, unaware that DSS operatives had them under surveillance. The operatives launched their attack during this gathering.

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A source familiar with the situation noted that three DSS operatives sustained injuries during the engagement but are currently recovering in an undisclosed medical facility.

Reflecting on the security landscape during the Yuletide, a security expert commended the new leadership at the DSS for adopting what he termed “increased synergy.” He emphasized that the overall security situation across the country has significantly improved due to timely intelligence sharing with the military and other security agencies.

He stated, “For instance, it is noteworthy that prior to Christmas, the DSS identified multiple IPOB (Indigenous People of Biafra) and ESN camps across various southeastern states. Collaborating with the DSS, we effectively addressed the threats posed by IPOB and ESN leaders who were disturbing residents of the Southeast. Thanks to this collaboration, we dismantled IPOB and ESN strongholds in Orsu, Oru East, Oru West, and Orlu LGA in Imo State, where numerous AK-47s and IED-making materials were destroyed.”

He further mentioned that in Enugu, the DSS led an operation to clear the Imilike Agu forest in Udenu LGA, resulting in the destruction of various weapons and the neutralization of several IPOB/ESN commanders.

According to him, similar operations were conducted in Abia, Anambra, and Ebonyi States.

“This is why residents in the Southeast were able to celebrate Yuletide in peace for the first time in several years,” he concluded.

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MSMEs backbone of the Nigerian economy – Minister

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Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, has described Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as the backbone of the Nigerian economy.

Oduwole stated this on Wednesday in Makurdi at the opening of a 2-day Benue Inventors and Entrepreneurs Exhibition 2025.

The minister stated that MSMEs contribute more than 48 per cent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and also account for 96 per cent of businesses and 84 per cent of employment.

She said that entrepreneurship was a key driver of any thriving economy and urged the Nigerians to continue to strive in the sector.

Oduwole said the Federal Government was committed to implementing policies and initiatives that would strengthen the MSMEs.

The minister promised that the government would continue to work on ease of doing business.

“This is just a call to action to continue to support your ingenuity, and we commend your resilience and your determination to build businesses that not only meet your needs in this community but also contribute to the broader economic landscape.

“So the products on display today are a testament to your hard work and creative vision, and I have no doubt that these products are poised to compete both locally and on the global stage.

“To the esteemed consumers and visitors here today, this exhibition offers you an opportunity to experience firsthand the quality and innovation of locally made products.

“By supporting these businesses, you’re contributing to the growth of our national economy, creating jobs and promoting sustainable development.

“Let us make a conscious effort to prioritise made-in-Nigeria products,” she said.

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Oduwole commended Gov. Hyacinth Alia for his vision and commitment to fostering an environment that empowers entrepreneurs, promotes local production and drives the growth of the local economy.

The minister stated that Benue, known as the Food Basket of the Nation, has vast agricultural resources that contributed significantly to Nigeria’s food security.

She said the state has embraced the entrepreneurial spirit by creating policies and directly supporting the facilitation of industrial growth and support for innovative-driven businesses.

“This exhibition is a testament to the creativity, talent and ingenuity that defines the good people of Benue.

“It reflects the spirit of resilience and innovation that defines the individual entrepreneurial energy of this great state,” she said.

Commissioner for Science, Technology, and Innovation, Mr Nick Eworo, said in his welcome address that the state was well positioned to become the hub of innovation and technological advancements in North Central Nigeria.

Eworo said the theme of the exhibition, “Innovating for a Sustainable Future”, reflects the state’s commitment to leveraging science, technology, and entrepreneurship to drive lasting change.

“Benue is brimming with untapped talent, and what you see today is just a glimpse of the vast potential that exists across our state,” he said (NAN)

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Barau condoles with victims of Edo attack, donates N16m

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Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, on Wednesday sympathised with the families of 16 travellers killed in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area of Edo.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Barau met with the families at the At-Taqwa Mosque in Bunkure town, headquarters of Bunkure Local Government Area.

Barau promised to sponsor a motion on the matter when the Senate resumes later this month.

He also announced a donation of N1 million to each family, totalling N16 million.

He said, “I am here to sympathise with you over the tragic incident that led to the death of 16 of our brothers last Thursday.

“May Allah grant them Jannatul Firdaus and quicken the recovery of those injured.

“I was worried when the incident happened and immediately contacted the state governor, security agencies, and stakeholders. They acted swiftly, and so far, 16 suspects have been arrested.”

The state governor, who visited Barau’s house in Abuja, assured him that the state government would support the families.

“We will not take this incident lightly and will ensure that the culprits face the full wrath of the law,” Barau added.

The Chief Imam of Bunkure, Sheikh Zainul Abidina Auwal, thanked the senator for his efforts in ensuring justice and described him as a leader needed for national development. (NAN)

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FG re-opens Independence Bridge in Lagos

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Federal Government has announced immediate re-opening of the Independence Bridge (Ahmadu Bello Way-Marina bound) to vehicular traffic.

The Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, announced this in a statement by the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mrs Olukorede Kesha, on Wednesday.

The government had announced closure of the bridge starting from April 1 for essential maintenance and rehabilitation works.

It was to remain closed until May.

However, in the statement, Umahi said that necessary repair works on the bridge would be carried out later.

He said that palliative works were underway to ensure that the bridge would be motorable.

He regretted inconveniences caused to the motoring public by the closure, and appealed for understanding and cooperation. (NAN)

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