Security
Nigerian Security Forces Counter IPOB Sit-At-Home Order In Forest
The 31st of July 2023 witnessed a significant milestone as the combined troops of 82 Division Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police, and other security agencies carried out a daring raid on hideouts and training camps belonging to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, Eastern Security Network (ESN), in the expansive Orsomoghu Forest, extending across Anambra and Imo States.
The daring operation was in response to the illegal and disruptive two-week sit-at-home order declared by IPOB and ESN in Onitsha, Nnewi, Iheme Obosi (Anambra State), and New Market (Enugu State).
The enforcement of this order posed a serious threat to the safety and stability of the region.
During the meticulously planned raid, the troops encountered armed fighters from the irredentist group.
The hostile confrontation led to the detonation of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), colloquially known as Ogbunigwe, and the use of locally fabricated mortar tubes.
Despite facing such dangers, the valiant troops managed to overpower the dissidents in the ensuing firefight, compelling them to abandon their positions and flee into nearby forests, leaving behind evidence of their criminal activities.
The determination of the troops led to the successful clearing of IPOB camps in Ekeututu, Orsomoghu, Lilu, and Mother Valley.
Additionally, during the cordon and search of the hideouts, five fleeing members of the group were apprehended, and several items of importance were recovered, including one IPOB flag, one CCTV camera, two detonated IED bombs, and a fabricated mortar tube.
Regrettably, five soldiers and two Nigeria Police operatives sustained injuries from the detonation of the IEDs by the criminals.
Nevertheless, the Nigerian Army urged all law-abiding citizens of the South East to disregard the unlawful sit-at-home order and continue with their daily activities and businesses.
It is the collective responsibility of the people to support ongoing operations with actionable information to ensure the safety and stability of the region.
The Nigerian Army, in collaboration with sister services and security agencies, reaffirms its unyielding commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of the good and enterprising people of South East Nigeria.
All efforts will be carried out within the boundaries of the law and rules of engagement to maintain peace and prosperity in the region.
The Katsina State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has successfully repelled multiple attacks by suspected armed bandits, killing four criminals in separate operations at the Federal University Dutsin-mama (FUDMA) and the Federal Government Special Grains Reserve (Silo) in Darawa, Dutsin-ma local government council of the state
According to the command spokesman, Hamisu Buhari, the incident happened on Friday, February 21; NSCDC operatives stationed at FUDMA’s permanent site engaged armed bandits who attempted to infiltrate the institution around 2:00 a.m.
The security team neutralised three of the assailants, including a notorious bandit identified as Ayuba Buzaru. During the operation, they also rescued three kidnapped victims: JafaruAlh. Bawa, 52 years, Delu Alh. Amadu, 40 years, and Huzaifa (alias Zulai) Alh. Bawa, 37 years.
Additionally, livestock stolen by the criminals, including goats, were recovered.
In a separate attack on Sunday, February 23, bandits attempted to raid the Federal Government Special Grains Reserve in Darawa.
The NSCDC Agro Ranger operatives, working alongside the Nigeria Police Force, Dutsinma Division, engaged the attackers in a fierce gun duel. One bandit was killed, while others fled with gunshot wounds.
The body of the deceased has been deposited at the General Hospital, Dutsinma.
The Silo, which serves as a vital storage facility for grain distribution to Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto states, has been a recurring target for criminals.
However, security forces remain committed to its protection, following directives from the NSCDC Commandant General, A.A. Audi, and the National Security Adviser’s office.
Additionally, NSCDC personnel, in collaboration with other security agencies, dispersed another group of suspected bandits at Gago Village, near Isah Kaita College of Education, in Dutsinma LGA.
Commandant Aminu Datti Ahmad praised the gallant efforts of his officers and assured the public of the Corps’ dedication to safeguarding lives and critical national assets.
He urged residents to report any individuals with gunshot wounds to the nearest security office.
The NSCDC Katsina Command remains steadfast in ensuring peace and security across the State.
A notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, has imposed a levy of N22 million on four villages in Sokoto State as compensation for the death of one of his men during a military operation, according to local sources.
The affected villages include Garin Idi, the hometown of the state’s deputy governor, Engineer Idris Gobir, as confirmed by the member representing Sabon Birni West Constituency in the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Hon. Aminu Boza.
Turji, who has reportedly shifted his base to the eastern part of Isa Local Government Area, also demanded the payment to cover firearms lost during the military operation.
Negotiation with Bandits
According to Hon. Boza, villagers had to negotiate with Turji, who initially demanded N25 million but later reduced it to N22 million.
“He is just like a businessman who has multiple shops and goes around to supervise them. He is currently in the eastern part of Isa. That was where the villagers met him for negotiation,” Boza said.
The lawmaker criticised the military’s approach, stating that their failure to sustain operations in eastern Sokoto had left villagers vulnerable to reprisals from bandits.
“I have always criticised the military for withdrawing after their operations. Each time they leave, it is the villagers who suffer the consequences. The bandits always vent their anger on them,” he said.
Ongoing Security Concerns
Despite multiple visits by the Minister of Defence and assurances that banditry would soon be eradicated, attacks continue in the region.
“Just a few days ago, bandits killed six operatives of the Sokoto Community Guards. I am appealing to the military to intensify and sustain their operations in eastern Sokoto. This is the only way to restore total peace in the area,” Boza added.
In a separate incident, Turji has also demanded a N250,000 ransom from each family of 13 worshippers abducted two weeks ago in Sabon Birni Local Government Area. So far, five captives have been released after their families paid the ransom.
Governors from the North West region of Nigeria are currently holding a high-level meeting in Abuja to address pressing issues affecting the region.
The meeting, presided over by Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State, is taking place at Katsina House in the nation’s capital.
In attendance are Governors Uba Sani of Kaduna State, Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State, and Umar Namadi of Jigawa State. The forum provides a platform for the regional leaders to deliberate on security, economic development, and other critical challenges facing their states.
Also present at the closed-door session are Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed, UN Resident Coordinator Mohammed Malik Fall, and UN Consultant on the North West, Maryam Uwais. Their participation suggests a broader collaboration between the Nigerian government and international partners in addressing issues such as insecurity, humanitarian aid, and development projects in the region.
Security, Development Top Agenda as North West Governors Meet in Abuja