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How DSS Operations Fostered a Peaceful Yuletide in Niger State, South-East
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.
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.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) has refuted allegations of misappropriation and mismanagement of student loan funds.
In a statement on Thursday, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, the fund’s director of strategic communications, said some media reports are circulating “unverified, context-free, and inflammatory” claims suggesting that it mismanaged student loan monies.
Oluwatuyi said these allegations are “false, grossly irresponsible, and damaging” to the integrity of the scheme.
TheCable earlier reported that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has commenced an investigation into alleged discrepancies in the disbursement of student loan funds.
A report had claimed that 51 tertiary institutions were involved in illegal deductions and exploitation related to the NELFund scheme.
The ICPC said that of the N100 billion released by the federal government reportedly for the student loan scheme, only N28.8 billion had been disbursed to students as of the time of the report, leaving about N71.2 billion unaccounted for.
It noted that its special task force has invited key stakeholders for questioning, including the director general of the budget office, the accountant general of the federation, and officials of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Akintunde Sawyerr, NELFund’s managing director, has also been invited to provide relevant documentation.
The ICPC said N203.8 billion had been received by NELFund as of March 19, 2024, from multiple channels.
These include allocations from the Federation Allocation Account Committee (FAAC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
Of that figure, ICPC said N44.2 billion had been disbursed to 299 beneficiary institutions, covering 293,178 students.
Oluwatuyi said no funds have been stolen under the current student loan scheme, which officially launched its application portal in 2024.
“All institutional fees are paid directly to verified institutions, while upkeep allowances go into the verified bank accounts of eligible students,” she said.
“The reports circulating in the public space are based on outdated figures and previous interventions that predate our operations.”
The communications director said NELFund operates an automated loan system to eliminate the possibility of financial misconduct.
Every application and disbursement, according to her, is digitally tracked, time-stamped, and verifiable.
The Saudi Arabian ministry of interior has announced penalties for individuals attempting to perform the 2025 hajj pilgrimage without the required permit and those aiding such violations.
NAN reports that the ministry warned that enforcement against illegal pilgrims began on Dhul-Qi’dah 1 and will continue until Dhul-Hijjah 14 in the Islamic Hijri calendar.
This timeline, starting from the first day of the 11th Islamic month to the last day of the 12th (April 29 to June 10), marks the sacred window when the annual pilgrimage takes place in the holy city of Makkah.
According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), offenders risk fines of up to SAR 20,000 (approx. N8.5 million) if caught attempting to enter or stay in Makkah during the hajj season without valid documentation.
The crackdown extends to those who facilitate or shelter offenders.
A second-tier fine of SAR 100,000 (approx. N42.8 million) will be imposed on anyone who applies for a visit visa on behalf of individuals attempting to perform hajj illegally or found within the restricted zone during the sacred period.
The same fine applies to transporters who aid undocumented pilgrims.
The ministry stated that the fine would multiply for each individual involved, warning that drivers, hotel managers, landlords, and others who assist in hiding such pilgrims will not be spared.
It added that authorities would also confiscate vehicles used in transporting illegal pilgrims if found to belong to any accomplices.
The ministry said the clampdown is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader effort to preserve the sanctity, security, and orderliness of the hajj exercise, which annually draws millions of pilgrims from around the globe.
Meanwhile, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced that the airlift of Nigerian pilgrims for the 2025 hajj will commence on May 9.
Fatima Usara, NAHCON’s assistant director of information and publication, said in a statement that 43,000 Nigerian pilgrims have completed payments for this year’s pilgrimage.
Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, says investing in the youth is an effective way to address the shortage of skilled work force in the country.
In a statement posted on his X page on Thursday to commemorate International Workers’ Day, Obi praised Nigerian workers for their resilience in the face of harsh economic and political conditions.
“The struggles and harsh realities facing our dear workers in our nation, presently contending with severe economic and political challenges, are obvious,” Obi said.
“Despite these very challenging times, our Nigerian workers have continued to show resilience and commitment to the nation’s growth.
“Notwithstanding the recent reconfiguration of our economic indices, the reality is that today, Nigeria has unemployment and under-employment rate of over 35% and youth unemployment and under-employmemt rate of over 45% which is one of the highest globally, fueling all sorts of criminality and social vices.
“Aggressive investment in the productive population remains the best and fastest route to bridging this shortage of well-trained workers and moving our nation from consumption to production.”
Obi called for targeted investment in the population, especially the youth, to shift the country from a consumption-based economy to a productive one.
“As I have often said, we can build a productive economy by investing in education, healthcare, and poverty reduction through job creation and small business support,” he added.
The former Anambra state governor urged the government to create an enabling environment that offers opportunities and fair wages, while also recognising the value of honest labour.