The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Scores killed as NAF jets bombard ISWAP’s hideout

    By Ndidi Okodili

    Several Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters were on Monday, killed as the Air Task Force of the Operation Lafiya Dole bombarded their hideout at the fringes of the Lake Chad in Borno state.

    The Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, said the operation was in continuation of the onslaught against terrorists in the Northeast.

    According to him: “In continuation of the sustained onslaught against terrorist elements in the Northeast of the Country, the Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE has neutralized several Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters at Bukar Meram on the fringes of Lake Chad in the northern part of Borno State.

    Read Also: EXCLUSIVE: How Nigeria Air Force’s Failings Prolonged the War against Boko Haram

    “The operation was executed on 21 October 2019, based on credible intelligence reports that indicated a resumption of the use of the location to provide logistics support to the terrorists, using fishing activities as a cover. Accordingly, the ATF dispatched its attack aircraft to engage designated areas within the settlement.

    “Before the strikes, over 35 terrorists were observed within the area of interest. The attack aircraft subsequently engaged the location in successive passes recording accurate hits on the target area, leading to the neutralisation of several ISWAP fighters as well as the destruction of some of the structures.

    “The NAF, operating in concert with surface forces, will sustain its efforts to completely destroy all remnants of the terrorists in the Northeast”.

  • Security agencies join forces against kidnapping in Lagos, Ogun

    By Precious Igbonwelundu

    Security agencies have resolved to eschew rivalry and collaborate to stamp out kidnapping, pipeline vandalism, cultism and other violent crimes in Lagos and Ogun States.

    This resolution was reached at a training day for Exercise Crocodile Smile IV starting from November 8 to December 23 organised by the 81 Division Nigerian Army at the Ikeja Cantonment, Lagos.

    The Nation reports that Crocodile Smile is an Army Headquarters sponsored joint operation usually embarked upon during the ember month to tackle criminalities.

    Agencies at the event yesterday included the Police, army, Nigerian Navy (NN), Nigerian Airforce (NAF), Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigerian Correctional Service (NPS) and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

    Speaking at the event, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command (WNC) said the exercise would be conducted in 2, 6, 81 and 81 divisions simultaneously.

    He said that the exercise would be carried out on both land and waterways, adding that it would metamorphose to a real operation if a potent threat was encountered
    Daji said: “Similar exercises were conducted in the past years and this is therefore another opportunity to consolidate on the gains achieved in our internal security operations by clearing identified critical threats, particularly those along our waterways and hinterlands.

    “The two basic objectives are training and operational. The conduct of the exercise will feature aspects of civil-military cooperation, media, psychological operations, rules of engagement and the observance of international humanitarian law in the conduct of the joint operations.

    “It is therefore my hope that the strategic end state of the exercise and training will achieve the theme of the training which is ‘Interagency cooperation: imperatives for efficient joint operations’.

    “This will assist in carrying out the myriad of internal security responsibilities especially those that concern the protection of lives as well as critical national assists against warranted attacks and sabotage.”

    Read Also: Seven held for ‘kidnapping’ in Adamawa

    Earlier, the General Offcier Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Maj.-Gen. Olu Irefin said parts of the objectives of the exercise was to improve troops and relevant security agencies operational capacity as well as strengthen cooperation and synergy in tackling common security challenges confronting the country.

    He said the exercise would include medical and educational outreach to less privileged communities.

    “The Nigerian Army concluded the maiden operation CROCODILE SMILE I in 2015 within and around the Niger Delta region. The exercise yeilded great success which included degradation of the activities of militant, destruction of kidnappers’ den, rescue of kidnapped victims and destruction of cultists’ camps among others.

    “The successes of the exercise, however, pushed some criminal elements to other parts of the country, thus necessitating Exercise CROCODILE SMILE II and III. In order to consolidate on the gains of CROCODILE I to III.”

  • Terrorism: EOD may deploy new detection systems to airport, seaport

    By Precious Igbonwelundu

    Two new mobile radiation detection equipment donated to the Explosives Ordinance Disposal (EOD) by the United State (US) may be deployed to the airport and seaport to check threats to nuclear security, the police said yesterday.

    Police Commissioner in charge of EOD Maikudi Shehu disclosed this in Lagos while taking delivering of the equipment donated by the US Depatment of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration/ office of Nuclear Smuggling Detection and Detterence (USDOE/NNSA/NSDD).

    Shehu who acknowledged the gadgets would fortify the nation’s entry/exit points against smuggling of radiation and explosive materials, said he would have to seek the input of the Inspector General of Police (IG) Mohammed Adamu on the issue.

    “You are all aware of the fact that we have a very large border landmass. We are starting with these two and we may deploy them to the airport or seaport. By the time I return to Abuja, I will discuss with my boss the Inspector General of Police (IG) to know the best place to deploy these machines.

    “When we do that and see how effective they are, we will have to procure more to be able to cover other international entry and exit points. These two are free gift from the US,” he said during interview with reporters.

    According to him, the donation was facilitated by the office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

    Aside donating the mobile detectors, The Nation reports that a team of experts were brought in to train EOD operatives on the usage and maintenance of the equipment.

    Thanking the donors for their kind gesture towards Nigeria, Shehu said the equipment came at the right time when the country was making efforts to contain menace of terrorism and other security threats that have bedeviled it.

    “It is worrisome to note that Nigeria’s rank in the world, according to the Global Terrorism Index of 2018, demands for more action by initiating a purposeful technology driven policing and workable security strategies in combating terrorism and other crimes.

    “On behalf of the IGP Mohammed Abubakar Adamu, I thank our partners, the US-DOE/NNSA/NSDD for the donation of two mobile detection systems with associated equipment, spare parts and maintenance kits to the Nigeria Police Force to enhance Nigeria nuclear security detection architecture.

    “It is important to emphasize that the training is provided at no cost to the Nigeria Police Force and it will offer participants the ability to operate and maintain the mobile detection systems and associated handheld equipment with a view to strengthening our capability to deter, detect and investigate smuggling of nuclear and radioactive sources/materials thereby combating threats associated with nuclear and terrorism crime.

    “Participants for the training were selected on merit from bases/units where the equipment will be deployed to maximise the benefits. It is my belief that the training will improve the capacity of the Nigeria Police, in conformity with her statutory responsibility of crime prevention and detection in the following ways:

    Read Also: Alleged N6.9bn fraud: ‘I received money for Fayose at Akure Airport’

    “Detect and identify illegally imported ot transported radioactive materials/sources at international entry/exit points of the country; mop up radioactive materials that are out not regulatory control; deter terrorists and other criminal elements from.accessimg radioactive materials that can be used to perpetrate heinous crimes; prevent exportation of radioactive materials as scrap metals and enhance security at major public events against Improvised Nuclear Device (IND), Radiological Dispersal Device (RDD), Radiological Exposure Device (RED) and other nuclear security threats…”

    In his remark Senior Advisor DOE/NNSA/NSOD Byrccon Shulman said they were committed to assisting partner agencies check illicit trafficking, adding that Nigeria was the first country in first West Africa and the second in the continent to receive such equipment.

    “This week we are training them on usage of the devices but in the future, we will focus on maintenance training to allow them actually do the maintenance on the equipment themselves. We are not just providing equipment, we are providing the expertise to maintain the equipment and sustainability to make sure the vans continue to function.

    “If there is additional training or maintenance need, we are going to be here to ensure that Nigeria Police EOD has everything needed to continue operating, whether it is their vans, the equipments inside them or additional experts equipments,” he said.

  • Navy wants special tribunal for oil thieves

    By Precious Igbonwelundu

    Challenged by the delays in the criminal justice system, the Nigerian Navy (NN) has appealed to the government to consider establishing a special tribunal for speedy trial of suspected oil thieves.

    Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command (WNC) Rear Admiral Oladele Daji stated this during interview with reporters at the 81 Division’s training day for Exercise Crocodile Smile IV held at the Ikeja Cantonment, Lagos.

    Daji noted that judges were bedevilled by excess workload which has led to delays in adjudication of criminal cases and by extension seen arrested suspects on bail returning to commit same crimes over again.

    “Judges are human beings. They have so many cases and we cannot keep a suspect in detention or awaiting trial indefinitely. So, you see they are granted bail, they return to their criminal ways within that intervening time.

    “We have had cases where we arrested the same set of people two or three times over. It is a problem that needs all stakeholders to address. That is why we are clamouring for special tribunals for quick dispensation of justice.

    Read Also: Navy hands over 8 suspects, smuggled petrol to NSCDC

    “It will go a long way to serve as deterrence to criminally minded people especially oil thieves. Crude oil theft or pipeline vandalism is economic sabotage and poses environmental security issues.

    “As these pipes are broken, hydrocarbons get back into the ground and it takes billion of years to decompose. To make use of that soil for any productive venture, you need to do cleanup which does not come cheap. Take what is happening in Ogoni as example. The money being spent to cleanup that area would have been used to develop the communities and make them vibrant economically,” he said.

    Asked if there were plans by the military to incorporate host communities in its fight against oil thieves, Daji said the military cannot do much in that regard.

    He said: “There is a limit to what the military can do. It is the responsibility of our political leadership.

    “Various agencies of government have roles to play. Ours is to deter criminals and fight any aggression against our country.

    “Even at that, you will agree with me that the military cannot declare war. It is the political leadership that take that decision and we execute.”

  • BREAKING: Court freezes 23 properties allegedly linked to Maina

    By Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the temporary forfeiture of 23 properties allegedly linked with the ex-Chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team, Abdulrasheed Maina.

    Justice Folashade Giwa-Ogunbanjo gave the order on Tuesday in a ruling on an ex-parte motion for interim forfeiture filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    The affected properties were listed in a schedule attached to the motion, which EFCC’s lawyer, Mohammed Abubakar argued on Tuesday.

    Justice Giwa-Ogunbanjo ordered the EFCC to publish the order in The Nation newspapers to enable interested parties show cause why the properties should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.

    Details shortly…

  • Buhari arrives Sochi ahead of Russia – Africa Economic Summit

    By Agency Reporter

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday evening arrived Sochi, Russia, ahead of Russia – Africa Economic Forum fixed for between Oct. 23 and Oct. 25.

    State House correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) monitoring the presidential trip reports that presidential aircraft conveying the president and some members of his entourage landed at Sochi International Airport at about 11.25 p.m (Local Time) with the temperature out at 22 degrees centigrade.

    Buhari was welcomed at the airport by Mayor of Sochi, Anatoly Pakhomov and othe Russian government officials.

    While in Russia, President Buhari will participate actively in the Russia – Africa Summit, which would focus on exploring and expanding opportunities in security, trade and investment, science and technology, and gas production.

    During the summit, the president will also meet with President Vladimir Putin of Russia to further strengthen relations between Nigeria and Russia.

    The two leaders would hold bilateral talks on security, trade and investment, and building partnership that would enhance Nigeria’s huge gas potential following Russia’s remarkable success in gas exportation.

    “The summit, which will be attended by African Heads of State will bring fresh perspectives on some global issues and challenges like nuclear technology, energy development, digital transformation, environment, technical security, mining and steel, education, agriculture, infrastructure and development strategies.

    Read Also: Buhari departs abuja for sochi, participates in Russia-Nigeria Summit

    “An African Business Forum, which will bring together African and Russian business leaders will be held during the event to enhance Russian investments in Africa and promote African business interest in the host country,’’ a presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu said in a statement on Sunday.

    Those on the president’s entourage included Governors Muhammad Yahaya of Gombe, Bello Matawalle of Zamfara and Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti.

    Others also on the trip are ministers of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, Trade and Investment, Adeniyi Adebayo, Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Olamilekan Adegbite and Minister of State, Petroleum, Timipre Sylva.(NAN)

  • Sen. Adamu condoles Etsu Karu over father’s death

    By Agency Reporter

    Sen. Abdullahi Adamu, (APC Nasarawa West), has condoled Luka Panya-Baba, Etsu Karu, over the death of his father, Rev.Panya Baba.

    The Senator, who condoled the Paramount ruler on Tuesday in Karu, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, said the deceased died when his experience was needed most.

    Adamu called on the royal father and indeed, the entire family to take solace in the fact that their father lived a “hugely fulfilled and successful life.“

    “As people of faith, we know that it is God who gives and takes life, therefore we must subjugate our will to that of the Almighty and accept what has happened as the will of God,” the Senator said.

    Read Also: Gov. Sule submits 15 commissioner- nominees to Nasarawa Assembly

    Adamu prayed God to grant the decease eternal rest and give the families and friends he left behind the fortitude to bear the loss.

    The deceased, who was the President of Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), between 1983 and 1993 died on Oct. 19.

    The late Rev.Panya Baba was also the father of the present President of the Church Stephen Panya-Baba.

    Responding, Etsu Karu expressed gratitude to the Senator for the condolence and prayed God to bless him. (NAN)

  • Jakande’s tenure will remain evergreen -Lagos club

    By Oziegbe Okoeki

    Lagos State Public Service Club had described the first executive governor of Lagos state, Alhaji Lateef Jakande as a visionary leader whose tenure will always remain evergreen.

    President of the club, Mr Oluremi Ajenifunja, stated this at a press briefing to commemorate the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the club at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja.

    Ajenifunja hailed Jakande for his foresight in creating the club during his tenure in September 1979 as a recreation centre for civil servants in the state.

    Ajenifunja said as a mark of gratitude to the elder statesman for his interest in the welfare and wellbeing of the civil servants, members of the club would pay a courtesy visit to him as part of activities marking its celebration.

    He charged civil servants in the state on efficient service delivery urging them to engage in regular recreational activities to remain healthy, urging them to exercise and check their health regularly because their health is very important in carrying out their daily activities.

    Activities marking the celebration started last Monday and will last for about three weeks.

    “It is not all about work, after work you have to exercise to have a sound mind and a sound mind for service delivery.

    “You have to be of stable mind, there was sometime we have some civil servant who dropped dead, we don’t want this to happen again.

    Read Also: 10 facts about Lateef Jakande at 90

    “We want civil servants to be up and doing , recreate and exercise their bodies. If you want efficient service delivery you have to be healthy.

    “The club is not meant for civil servants alone , we have those that are associate members, the club is also open to members of the public .The club’s membership strength is about 6,000.

    Activities line-up for the celebration include: visit to the founder of the club, Jakande, mosque and church services on Friday and Sunday as well as sports and health check would be held for the benefit of members and invited guests.

    There will also be visits to orphanages, walk for fitness at Ikeja, sporting competition, gala night etc.

    The club also expressed gratitude to its Grand Patron, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Patron who is the Head of Service, Mr Hakeem Muri-Okunola for their active role in the development of the club.

    Lagos State Public service club was established in 1979 to serve as a platform for social and sporting activities amongst public officials in the State.

  • Two children die in Ondo flood

    By Damisi Ojo, Akure

    Residents of Ajapa in Ese-Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State are mourning the death of two children, Igulapelewe Inuesokan and Justinah Seiwei, following torrential rainfall of several hours.

    Sources said two-year-old Igulapelewe and three-year-old Justinah, went missing when their parents allegedly went through canoe to find the means of preventing their floating house, which has been partially submerged in flood.

    On their return, they discovered that their two children were missing.

    Ajapa, a riverine community, has been submerged by water which has rendered hundreds of people living in the community homeless before this latest incident.

    The Iginabou of Ajapa Community, High Chief Godwin Akpo, who confirmed the incident, gave the names of the two parents who lost their children as Mr. Mike Inuasokan and Mr. Posi Feiwei.

    He said: ” It has never happened like this before. The situation has badly affected the whole community. No house was spared including schools and churches.

    “It started about four days ago but today is the worst. All our houses and property are gone. It was so unfortunate that we even lost two children to the incident.”

    He described the situation as worrisome which has resulted in starvation and economic loss.

    Read Also: FLOODS OF Tears in Ondo, Ekiti as downpour

    ”Presently, there is a serious starvation and famine in the community. We are appealing to the governments and all other relevant agencies to come to our aid by way of providing relief materials.”

    Secretary of the council, Chief G.A Jolowo, said the flood was caused by excessive rain which had destroyed property and crops worth several millions.

    According to him: “As we speak now, it is still raining thereby adding more to the destruction. All our houses have been submerged and over flooded.

    ” We are finding it difficult to survive. Our economy has been broken down completely. Even to cook is a serious problem. Fishermen and women could no longer fish, all my property are inside the water.”

    The Principal, Okubama High School, Ajapa, Mr. Luke Azerege, described the flood situation as very pathetic, adding that it has taken over the school premises there by making teaching and learning impossible.

    He appealed to governments for immediate response to bring succor to the community.

    It would be recalled that most communities in Ilaje and Ese Odo LGA, which include Igbotu, the home town of the mother of the State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, were badly affected by the flood.

    The development gingered the state government to compel public primary and secondary schools to proceed on three weeks holiday to forestall further flood disaster.

  • Melaye, Adeyemi to slug it out Nov. 16 – INEC

    By Agency Reporter

    The fresh Kogi West Senatorial election involving Sen Dino Melaye of the PDP and Sen Smart Adeyemi of the APC, is to hold on Nov. 16, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    INEC, in a statement signed Mr Festus Okoye, Chairman of its Information and Voter Committee, said that the senate election would hold simultaneously with the Kogi governorship election.

    Okoye, INEC National Commissioner, in a statement made available to newsmen on Monday in Abuja, said that another by-election for the Sabuwa State Constituency in Katsina State, had been slated for Nov. 30.

    “The decision was taken at the commission’s meeting held on Monday,” the statement said.

    He said that the fresh election was sequel to the nullification of the Kogi West Senatorial District election conducted on Feb. 23, by the Election Petitions Tribunal and its subsequent affirmation by the Court of Appeal.

    The Court of Appeal had upheld the ruling of the Election Petitions Tribunal which nullified the election of Sen. Dino Melaye (PDP), following a suit filed by Sen. Smart Adeyemi of the APC.

    The Appeal Court, on Oct. 11, 2019, ordered INEC to conduct a fresh election within 90 days from the date of judgment with all those who participated in it as eligible candidates.

    Okoye appealed to the candidates and political parties to conduct issue-based campaigns.

    “We also enjoin stakeholders to eschew violence and avoid acts capable of creating apprehension or a sense of fear before, during and after the elections,’’ he said.

    Okoye also disclosed that following extensive consultations with stakeholders and a review of the security situation with the relevant security agencies, the Commission fixed Nov. 30 for the conduct of bye-election in Sabuwa State Constituency, Katsina State.

    Read Also: Kogi West: Melaye returned, defeats Smart Adeyemi

    He recalled that the Katsina State House of Assembly, vide a letter with Reference Number KTSHA/PER/HON/l24/VOL.l/24, dated Sept. 26, notified INEC of the death of Mustapha Abdullahi, who represented the constituency, and and subsequently declared the seat vacant.

    He said that the Commission would issue the Notice of Election on Oct. 23, while the conduct of party primaries would take place between Oct. 24 and Nov. 6.

    According to Okoye, the last day for the submission of personal particulars of candidates (form CF001), and the list of candidates (Form CFOO2), is Nov. 8.

    “The last day for the submission of names and addresses of polling agents is Nov. 15, while campaigns will end on Nov. 28,” he said. (NAN)