Security
Tinubu pledges to end reign of terror in South East – Shettima
Vice President Kashim Shettima, on Friday pledged the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to end the reign of terror in the South East.
Shettima stated this at the unveiling of the Peace in South East Project (PISE-P) by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Benjamin Kalu, in Bende Local Government Area (LGA) of Abia.
He condemned those he described as self-serving criminals and certain persons taking advantage of the security situation to foster their dangerous political agenda in the region.
Shettima said Tinubu had been worried about the economic devastation inflicted on the South East geopolitical zone by non-state actors since he assumed office.
He also assured that Tinubu was determined to deploy all available resources to eliminate the purveyors of falsehoods and propaganda that have become weapons against Nigeria’s unity.
In his speech, titled, “Why We are all Umunna”, Shettima said Tinubu is concerned about the extensive economic devastation inflicted by non-state actors on this beautiful region since we took office.
“Tinubu is acutely aware that our commitment to Nigeria’s future remains incomplete as long as we grapple with the sinister operations of economic saboteurs who masquerade as advocates for the Ndi-Igbo.
“That’s why he’s determined to utilise all available resources to ensure that the peace we’re establishing in this region is not cosmetic.
“And we can’t guarantee it unless all of us see through the falsehoods and propaganda that have become weapons against our unity.”
Shettima noted that the gory activities of the criminals holding the South East captive are self-serving and do not in any way represent the interests of Ndi-Igbo and the entire country.
He said the terror groups that have held the south east to ransom are not a creation of the people of the region, or of Nigerians from other parts of the country.
“The problem we are here to solve as a community, as an Umunna, is a creation of self-serving criminals who do not represent the interests of the Ndi-Igbo and Nigerians.
“Mr President knows this better than all of us, and that’s why he has never held any group accountable for the infractions of law-breaking individuals who identify as their members.
” This, I believe, is the democracy we have all chosen,” he stated.
He pointed out that the criminals disrupting the peace in the south east are doing so in connivance with “forces exploiting the situation for dangerous political agenda.”
The Vice President said attempts to undo the hard work of the nation’s heroes past would fail.
He, however, said that the catastrophic situation can’t be reversed unless the government involves the people whom he said are the ears, legs and mouths in the region.
“Today, we stand united to firmly declare: enough is enough,” VP Shettima stated.
He stressed the need for a coordinated intervention to tackle insecurity in the region head-on.
Shettima assured the south east people that the Tinubu administration “shall not rest until it fulfills its pledge to mitigate the crisis it inherited.”
The vice president noted that no better visionary could save the nation from implosion than President Tinubu.
He said the development agenda of the Federal Government in the south east would continue to elude the region if
the intricate web of security challenges the Tinubu-led federal government inherited is not contained.
“The seeds of progress can only sprout in the fertile soil of peace and security.
“This is why we take immense pride in the collaboration of all stakeholders and initiatives such as the Peace in
south east project.
“This will ensure that the shield of security in the region isn’t a distant mirage in the landscape of aspirations.”
He commended the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and convener of the peace initiative, Kalu, for his efforts to restore lasting peace in the region.
He said the event attests “to the profound understanding that no one comprehends the experience of a community better than the people themselves.”
Earlier, Kalu said that his goal for initiating the Peace In South East Project (PISE-P) was to foster peace, unity, and development in the region.
He said the project also aims at promoting reconciliation among communities and individuals affected by past conflicts.
“When I embarked on the South East Project, my vision was clear — to foster peace, unity, and development in our region through a non-kinetic approach.
“The south east has long been known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant communities, and enterprising people. Yet, we have faced our fair share of challenges, including socioeconomic disparities, insecurities, political tensions, and occasional conflicts.
“Our goals in the south east project are clear. We aim to promote reconciliation among communities and individuals affected by past conflicts.
“We recognise the need to address the root causes of conflict, including socio-economic disparities and political tensions.
“Empowering communities is another crucial goal of the project, providing them with the necessary resources, skills, and opportunities for sustainable development.” (NAN
The Global Information Team (GIT) has called on Nigeria’s security agencies to take swift action following the killing of several individuals during the recently concluded local government elections in Osun State.
Anabel Crown, GIT’s Head of Investigation and an election observer, criticised the Inspector General of Police for failing to respond to the violence that erupted in Ilesa East and West local government areas.
According to Crown, gunmen suspected to be affiliated with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) targeted voters and supporters of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on election day.
She described the killings as unacceptable and urged the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to take immediate action.
“Some APC top figures are using their influence to sponsor violence,” she alleged, calling for the immediate arrest of those responsible.
GIT has also urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene as a democrat by directing security agencies to ensure justice is served.
Crown insisted that “politics must not be a do-or-die affair” and that those behind the attacks should be brought to justice.
Reports of election-related violence have continued to raise concerns about political tensions in Osun State, with opposition parties alleging intimidation and attacks on their members.
The APC is yet to respond to the allegations.
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.