The Nation Newspaper

Tag: checkpoint

  • Checkpoint generate pot belly

  • Phone users open to two new cyber attacks, Checkpoint warns

    “Checkpoint Software Technologies has discovered two major vulnerabilities related to mobile devices over the past month – Man-in-the-Disk which our researchers discovered is a new attack surface for Android apps and FakesApp which researchers discovered is vulnerability in WhatsApp that allows a threat actor to intercept and manipulate messages sent by those in a group or private conversation.”

    ‘The mobile attacks are having a major impact on cooperate organisations and individuals in Nigeria just as the country is quickly becoming a mobile-first country in Africa, with mobile penetration increasing from 53 per cent in 2016 to 84 per cent in 2017.’

    Regional Director, at Check Point, Africa, Rick Rogers, who revealed this at the 2018 Check Point Experience Conference in Lagos, further revealed, African countries are under siege by cybercriminals, with the prevalence of mobile device with almost zero security features. He said Nigeria is inclusive.

    Mobile attacks on Nigerians and companies are growing in prevalence even though major malware like Ransomware, cryptominer, and banking trojans have had a big impact, however, there is still a large vacuum to be exposed, Rogers said.

    He said the attack on Nigeria has an impact on the global market, at the average of 20 per cent – 35 per cent higher between January and August this year, which according to him is not to be taken lightly.

    In his words: “The current threat landscape has evolved into a much more aggressive beast. We are now experiencing Gen V (5th Generation) cyber-attacks, which are characterised as large-scale and fast moving across multiple industries.

    “These sophisticated attacks on mobile, cloud and various enterprise networks, easily bypass conventional defenses being used by most organisations today as they rely on older generations of security.

    “It’s no surprise that mobile attacks are having a major impact on organizations is Nigeria. One of the key markets in Africa, Nigeria is quickly becoming a mobile-first country, with mobile penetration increasing from 53 per cent in 2016 to 84 per cent in 2017.

    “The sheer economy of scale offered by mobile devices is incredibly appealing to cybercriminals. They are using every available opportunity to attack individuals and organisations through their mobile devices, including Apps, particularly because these devices are so popular and people usually do not take as strict precautions when it comes to securing them as they would with their laptops for example.”

    The tech expert explained that there is the need for local businesses to partner with security specialists that can help them remain one step ahead of the game to explain why they have extended their footprint in Africa to Nigeria.

    To ensure that enterprises across Africa have access to the expertise and technology needed to protect themselves from sophisticated attacks on all fronts, the Roger said the company has invested in growing its local teams in North Africa, East Africa, South Africa, SADC, and West Africa through the following appointments:

    “We have Bryan Chuka Ofoegbu – as the Acting Country Manager for Nigeria and West Africa; Grant Hamilton – Country Manager for South Africa; Kendi Ntwiga-Nderitu – Country Manager for Kenya and East Africa; Tony Galvao – Sales Manager, South Africa; Filipe Galvao – Acting Country Manager for SADC (excluding South Africa) and Matan Burstein – Africa SE Manager,” he said.

  • Army sets up enquiry over checkpoint killing by personnel

    Army sets up enquiry over checkpoint killing by personnel

    The 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Benin, has set up a Regimental Board of Enquiry into circumstances that allegedly led a soldier to kill a man for refusing to bribe him at a checkpoint.

    A statement on Saturday in Benin by Capt. Mohammed Maidawa, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said the brigade’s attention had been drawn to the incident.

    Maidawa said the attention of the Headquarters of the Brigade was drawn to the incident through an online publication alleging that the soldier killed a truck driver who refused to bribe him at a checkpoint.

    He said the incidence allegedly occurred at a checkpoint manned by troops of 195 Battalion on Agbor Road.

    He said it was alleged that the soldier killed the driver over the deceased’s refusal to give bribe at a checkpoint.

    He, however, said it was important to put the records straight and that led to the board of enquiry.

    According to him, soldiers on routine Stop and Search Operation at Uromi shot at a moving truck that tried to evade checks.

    He said unfortunately, a civilian was hit by a bullet and was immediately rushed to a hospital at Uromi where he gave up.

    According to him, the ugly incident resulted to protest by truck drivers who initially blocked Benin Express Way at Ewu junction but later cleared their trucks and normal traffic continued.

    Maidawa further said that while the Brigade commiserated with the family of the deceased, the army as a professional force, would not condone any act of misdemeanor by troops deployed on Internal Security Operations or any other operation.

    He stated that in view of this, the soldier had been arrested and a Regimental Board of Inquiry had been constituted to unravel the circumstances.

    “I want to assure the general public that the Nigerian Army will continue to carry out its operations in line with the Rules of Engagement for internal security operations.
    “The general public, particularly those plying the highways, should be assured that the Brigade places high premium on the sanctity of human lives,” he further said.

  • Policeman killed, others injured as gunmen attack checkpoint

    A police sergeant was yesterday killed following an attack by gunmen at a checkpoint, at Kolo in Ogbia Local Government of Bayelsa State.

    The Nation learnt the hoodlums also injured a corporal, two civilians and carted away arms and ammunition.

    It was gathered that the incident occurred about 8a.m. and created confusion, as residents ran for safety.

    Sources said the four attackers were armed with guns, machetes and other weapons.

    The policemen were said to have flagged down a vehicle conveying the suspects during a stop-and-search and discovered illegally-bunkered kerosene.

    A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “The attackers came down from the vehicle and shot dead the policeman. They attacked the corporal with a machete.

    “The other two policemen ran into the station. The hoodlums chased them, but left later.”

    The police alleged in a statement that members of the community aided the gunmen to attack them.

    Spokesman Asinim Butswat confirmed that a sergeant was killed.

    He said the hoodlums stole firearms.

    Butswat said: “Bayelsa State Command wishes to use this medium to inform the public that on September 4, about 2030hrs, policemen on vehicular patrol at Kolo 2 in Ogbia Local Government were attacked by gunmen.

    “Following a tip-off, the policemen intercepted a vehicle conveying suspected militants.

    “Two of the suspects were arrested and handcuffed, but they resisted attempt by the policemen to search their vehicle. Members of the community gathered round the vehicle and rescued the hoodlums. Policemen were attacked.

    “The command lost a sergeant, arms and ammunition. A corporal and a civilian were injured. They are responding to treatment in hospital.

    “People are advised to assist the police to fight crime.”

  • Eight suicide bombers blown off at military check point

    Eight suicide bombers blown off at military check point

    …Troops rescued 38 women and children held captive by Boko Haram

     

    Eight Boko Haram suicide bombers loaded in a pick-up van detonated themselves in a failed attempt to cross over a military check point at Gubio town, Gubio Local Government of Borno State, the Army has said.

    According to a statement by the Army spokesman Col. Sani Usman, the incident occurred at about 9.15am on Tuesday at a check-point when the suicide bombers got frustrated after troops insisted on searching the vehicle before one of them detonated his explosive ridden bodies killing the rest of his colleagues.

    Gubio town is 80 km away from Maiduguri, the Borno State capital

    The statement reads: “Troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE deployed at a checkpoint in Gubio, Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State at about 9.15am this morning, foiled a suicide attack on Gubio town by 8 Boko Haram terrorists.

    “The suicide bombers who came in a Bedford pick up vehicle primed with Improvised Explosive Devices including suicide vests attempted to force their way through the checkpoint but met stiff resistance from troops who insisted that the vehicle be thoroughly checked.

    “The suicide bombers refused and blew up themselves by detonating one of the suicide vests killing all the 8 Boko Haram terrorists on board,” the statement said.

    Earlier today, nine people were killed in a car explosion along Gubio road in Maiduguri.

    The Police State Public Relation Office DSP Victor Isuku told our correspondent that “There was an explosion today along Gubio road just before the military check point.

    “According to preliminary report, a pick up van with nine persons onboard, emerged from a bush path to join the road to Gubio town, when it exploded killing all the persons onboard,” DSP Isuku said.

    In another development, troops of 8 Task Force Division through operation HARDKNOCK have rescued 19 women and 19 children from the northern axis of Borno State where the clearance of Boko Haram remainants is ongoing.

    In a statement signed by the Deputy Director Army Public Relation 8 Task Force Division said: “The troops of 8 Task Force Division has commenced an Operation codenamed Operation HARDKNOCK to clear pockets Boko Haram terrorist hiding in remote areas of northern Borno State, along Nigeria-Niger borders.

    “As the operation progresses, troops have cleared pockets of insurgents from their hideouts in Momo and Tunshe villages around Marte general area Borno state.

    “The troops have rescued 19 women and 19 children held hostages in Dumba village by the terrorists. During the rescue operation, the troops neutralized 6 Boko Haram insurgents while others fled with gunshot wounds leaving behind 22 motorcycles, flags and other items”.

  • Gunmen kill 2 policemen in Kaduna

    Gunmen kill 2 policemen in Kaduna

    Unknown gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, Thursday attacked policemen at a checkpoint along the Kagoro-Gidan Waya Road in Kaura local government area of Kaduna state, killing two of them while two others were said to be critically wounded. 

    The Nation gathered that, two of the six policemen who were manning the checkpoint however escaped unhurt.

    The bandits were also said to have made away with two AK47 rifles belonging to the deceased policemen.

    The deceased policemen were of the rank of sergeant, deployed to the area to check the activities of bandits who have been raiding communities and killing people.  

    However, eye witness said the injured policemen were rushed to the General Hospital Kafanchan.

    He said the incident occurred at about 9:30am when the gunmen swooped on the policemen and opened fire.  

    “This morning, around 9:30am, two police men were killed by gun men along Kagoro-Gidan Waya Road, we strongly believe they are fulani herdsmen that have been killing people in our communities.

    “There were six policemen at the checkpoint, two of them were killed and their AK47 rifles ‎were taken away by the herdsmen. Two others sustained serious injuries from gun shots while the remaining two managed to escaped unhurt. 

    ‎We took those that were wounded to the General Hospital Kafanchan “I understand that one of the dead policemen just resumed duty ‎here today, this is very sad and unfortunate! ” Andong said.  

    However, the spokesman of the Kaduna state police command, DSP Aliyu Usman, confirmed the incident saying, “it true, unknown gunmen attacked our men and killed two of them at checkpoint. Every other detail is skeletal, but will get across to the press at appropriate time,” he said.  

  • The real checkpoint

    The real checkpoint

    •Please extend mental checks to all policemen and women nationwide

    The idea is so laudable that we wonder why nobody thought of it before now. Perhaps we assumed that it was part of the training routine of the men and women of the Nigeria Police Force.

    But alas, it was not as news emanating from Zone 2 Command, Onikan, Lagos, of the police seems to suggest. Last week, Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of the command, Mr. Abdulmajid Ali, ordered that mental test be conducted on all officers and men under his purview.

    He did not stop at that, he also enjoined the command’s medical unit to conduct drunkenness test on all personnel. Even more salutary is that the forum was an education session for officers and men of the command to impart in them, some principles of modern policing which emphasise people-oriented policing as well as a culture of reading and continuous education.

    AIG Ali reinforced his commendable policing ethos while addressing the gathering. He reiterated “his zero tolerance for corruption, excessive use of force, dirtiness, incivility to the public, drunkenness and unethical conducts that can damage the image of the Nigeria Police Force.” He challenged the policemen to embrace reading culture and imbibe the spirit of love for all they come in contact with.

    We dare to suggest that the recommendations of AIG Ali to his men should be the standard practice in the entire force nationwide. It is a well known truism today that the Nigeria Police Force as constituted is a far cry from what a modern force should be. Every vice and misdemeanour Ali mentioned above is rife in the force today.

    No day seems to pass without reports of accidental discharge from policemen on duty; extra-judicial killings, brawling, drunkenness and unkempt appearance that characterise and define the force.

    The force has over time, earned the ugly reputation of appearing and acting like the dregs of the society, failing over the years to win the trust and confidence of the citizenry. Apart from the inherent systemic inefficiency and abysmal failure in carrying out routine policing, the situation is compounded by what seems like a poor training and orientation culture.

    When illegal road blocks are not mounted for purely extortionate ends, innocent citizens are either framed up for crimes not committed and in some cases, summarily executed. If they do not look away during the commission of crimes most times, the police arrive the scene long after the act; then they go on to harass innocent people.

    These are just a few of the lapses of the police today. Of course, there are deep systemic challenges like poor selection and training mechanism, poor remuneration and welfare schemes, to name a few. In fact, successive inspectors-general of police in recent years upon appointment, vowed to revamp the police and cleanse the rot in the system. But some of them end up being part of the muck by the time their tenures ended.

    Indeed, quite a number of the big men had been caught behaving worse than men and women of the rank and file by the sheer weight of corruption and malfeasance they have been embroiled in during their time. Some of these include fiddling with welfare funds of the officers and men.

    It is for these reasons that we commend AIG Ali for what he has initiated in his command and we urge that it should be adopted nationwide. What Ali has proved – or may yet prove –  is that, in spite of systemic shortcomings and inherent challenges, there is so much that can still be done if the leadership has the right mindset.

    In other words, there must be some form of acculturation while certain standards of behaviour and ethical codes must be enforced during training and in service. What we have today is an ‘anything goes’ police force and this must change.

     

  • Troops seize Bayelsa creeks in search of militants

    Troops seize Bayelsa creeks in search of militants

    Search for Niger Delta militants began, Tuesday, as stern-looking and war-kitted troops barricaded some creeks and waterways of Bayelsa State.

    The operation commenced following the declaration by the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Delta Safe (ODS) that it would go “on the offensive” to fish out all the militants and killers of soldiers at a military checkpoint in Nembe on Monday morning.

    Militants dared the military on Monday when they ambushed the checkpoint, killed three soldiers on duty and carted away gunboats, rifles and ammunition.

    They held the community spellbound with gunshots that lasted for about 30 minutes.

    It was gathered Tuesday that there was massive movement of troops to the community and surrounding creeks.

    Fighter jets were said to have hovered continually over the community as soldiers took strategic positions and cordoned off some waterways.

    Nembe was described by a resident who spoke in confidence as “ghost town” following massive exodus of panic-stricken locals out of the community.

    “The town is deserted. People who ran away are yet to return. Stores and shops are closed. We can’t even find anything to buy. Some ran into the mangroves, others into smaller communities and Yenagoa.

    “Some of us are only able to stay because the Deputy Governor, John Jonah, and the JTF commander held a town hall meeting with us and assured us of our safety. But people who ran away have not come back,” he said.

    Jonah who led a delegation of the state government and the Commander of ODS, Rear Admiral Joseph Okojie, were said to have met with the residents.

    The deputy governor commiserated with the military over the brutal killing of the soldiers.

    At the meeting that was held at the King Koko Square, Nembe, Jonah noted that the killing of the innocent soldiers was senseless, barbaric and not in the best interest of the government and people of the state, especially the peace-loving people of Nembe.

    He described the incident as most painful and unfortunate and recalled that a similar one occurred in July, last year.
    He said the visit was to console and engage the military authorities to douse the palpable tension in the community.

    He urged fleeing members of the community to return home and called on youths and other stakeholders to help the military fish out the perpetrators of the heinous crime.

    He further begged the clergy to continue to pray for lasting peace in the community.

    But Okojie was reported to have said that the troops would not molest innocent people.

    He assured the people of Nembe that the perpetrators of the dastardly act would be made to account for their mindless actions.

    According to him troops are already on the trail of the criminals and will soon arrest and bring them to justice.

    Okojie also urged members of the community to volunteer useful information to the military authorities, appealing to them not to be scared of military presence.

    Some leaders in the community were said to have spoken at the occasion condemning the killing of the soldiers.

    Persons who expressed their condolences were a state lawmaker from Nembe, Ebi Ben-Ololo; Vice-Chairman, Nembe Council, Chief Bright Erewari-Iweka, and Chief Walter Feghabo-Amain.

    They noted that since the coming of JTF to Nembe, the community had enjoyed relative peace.
    They said members of the community would continue to cooperate with the military to ensure that perpetrators were apprehended and made to face the law.

    But a notable chief from the community, Wilfred Ogbotobo, said it had become expedient for the Federal Government to confront the militants with maximum force instead of pampering and indulging them.

    He said treating criminals with kid gloves was the reason why they had become emboldened to carry out attacks.

    He said: “All the peace-loving people of Nembe condemn in the strongest terms this latest and all forms of criminality perpetrated in Ijaw territories under the guise of Niger Delta struggle.

    “We want to sound it loud and clear that these indolent, cowardly and dastardly acts of terrorism with no head or tail would only compound and diminish the genuine struggle for the wellbeing and uplifting of the people and the region”.

    Ogbotobo said the despicable acts perpetrated in the region did not represent the ideals of Ijaw heroes such as King Koko of Nembe Kingdom and Isaac Adaka Boro.
    “Hence, if the motive is the prevalent delusion that every piracy, kidnapping and destruction means a rational continuation of the Boro militancy, it is warped and unacceptable.

    “The Niger Delta comprises different nationalities and cultures; hence, we must be careful about the image with which we brand our identity.

    “Any attempt, under a warped and distorted delusion to make the region ungovernable for President Muhammad Buhari would only isolate the Ijaws further.

    “Boro certainly would have opted to build a national political party to project the interests of the Ijaws and pursue the aspirations of the people of the region.

    “This should not be a period of militancy rather IY should be a period of reflection considering the unprecedented corruption and ineptitude of the past administration of President Goodluck Jonathan, an Ijaw man.”

    The Nembe chief said the present realities demanded that the people of the region should imbibe seriousness in their lives, hold their traditional, local and state governments accountable.

    He said: “It is abundantly clear that the youths spearheading these dangerous ventures have not been adequately cautioned about the full implications and wrath associated with the kind of things they are doing.

    “The Federal Government should, therefore, declare a state of emergency in the affected areas and apply maximum force to dislodge ever criminal tendency and restate the entire region back to safety to fast-track development.”

  • Militants kill three soldiers in ambush at checkpoint

    Militants kill three soldiers in ambush at checkpoint

    Three soldiers were yesterday killed in an ambush by militants at Nembe, Bayelsa State.

    The attack came amid the Federal Government’s plan to talk with the militants to end the Niger Delta crisis.

    The militants ambushed the soldiers at the newly established Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Delta Safe (ODS) checkpoint around 9:30am.

    Reacting, JTF said it would, henceforth, go on the offensive to fish out militants operating in the creeks of Niger Delta.

    In Arepo, Ogun State, some bank tellers were found in militant camps destroyed by troops.

    The militants carted away military gunboats, riffles and ammunition after sacking JTF operatives at the checkpoint.

    The checkpoint, it was gathered, is at the entrance of Nembe community and has been there since militancy began in the Niger Delta.

    The checkpoint had been attacked in the past by gunmen who also killed JTF operatives and carted away their weapons.

    It was gathered that sounds of gunshots unsettled the community during the attack that lasted for about 30 minutes.

    There was pandemonium in the community as residents, who initially thought that their area was under siege, scampered for safety.

    The gunmen, who operated in many speedboats, were said to have dressed in white robes to deceive the soldiers.

    Their outfit, it was gathered, was designed to create the impression that they were on a funeral procession.

    A Nembe resident, who spoke in confidence to The Nation, said there was apprehension in the community.

    He said: “The attack was deadly and well-planned. Nobody had expected that such a thing would happen at such time when the jetties were busy with people preparing to go about their normal business activities.

    “I am sure even the soldiers did not expect such an incident to happen at that time. Some persons who were already sailing out of Nembe said they saw the gunmen but dismissed  them as mourners because they were dressed in white robes”.

    The source said some residents had started fleeing the community, with others contemplating doing so because of fear of   reprisal.

    “We are leaving in fear because the military may decide to raid the community. Some persons are already leaving while others are thinking of doing so because of the tension in the Niger Delta”, he said.

    It was gathered that the military was jolted by the incident.

    ODS Commander Rear Admiral Joseph Okojie was said to have convened a meeting of top military officers at the command to deliberate on the incident.

    He was said to have ordered full investigation into the incident and dispatched special patrol to comb the creeks for the miscreants.

    Leaders in the state were said to be afraid that the incident could lead to full-blown militancy and military operations.

    A Niger Delta activist, Mr. Alagoa Morris, lamented that the region was gradually sliding back to full-scale militancy.

    He said: “The land is gradually sliding back to full scale militancy and it is an unhealthy scenario; an ill-wind which will blow no one any good. Definitely, residents will be scared and will even begin to relocate or contemplate to relocate.”

    Bayelsa State Deputy Governor Rear Admiral John Jonah (retd), who hails from Nembe, has visited the area on assessment.

    Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) President Udengs Eradiri condemned the incident, saying there was no alternative to peace in the region.

    He advised youths involved in violence to stop forthwith in the interest of the region and residents in coastal communities.

    According to him, it is criminal and suicidal to think of attacking security personnel. He urged the security agencies to go after the culprits.

    Eradiri said the IYC would support only a peaceful and intellectual approach to the agitation for a better Niger Delta region.

    He said: “I am not happy with this development. I want to appeal to all the youths involved in this violence to sheathe their swords and allow peace to reign in this region.

    “People should stop undertaking actions to portray the Niger Delta as a region of violence. We need peace and on the platform of peace the IYC stands.

    “I am also calling on the security agencies especially the military to investigate the incident thoroughly and go after the real culprits.”

    Though no group claimed responsibility for the attack, the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) has been leading a violent campaign to cripple oil installations in the region.

    Soldiers and oil workers had been killed in the region in similar operations since NDA started its violnce, but the group denied responsibility for the killings.

    The ongoing dialogue to end hostilities in the region has generated tension and resulted in the breakaway of the Reformed Niger Delta Avengers (RNDA) from the NDA.

    A statement by the RNDA naming prominent leaders from the region as its sponsors has further deepened anxieties.

    The government and the military have also said they would not rule out force if the ongoing dialogue failed.

    All the military formations have hinted that they were on’red alert’ for a full operation if the negotiations collapsed.

  • Two killed by gunmen at Bauchi checkpoint

    A soldier and a civilian were yesterday afternoon killed at Takanda-Giwa village on the Bauchi-Jos highway by some unknown gunmen who attacked a checkpoint manned by soldiers. Another civilian was injured.

    The attack, it was learnt, has caused panic on the highway as commuters from Bauchi and Jos were forced to abandon their vehicles and ran for their life’s while some turned back.

    But Unconfirmed report said about five soldiers were killed in the attack while the attackers made away with the soldiers’ operational Toyota Hilux van parked at the checkpoint.

    A Military source  in Bauchi,however, insisted that “a soldier, who was the driver of the van, was killed in the encounter.

    The civilian was caught in the cross fire between soldiers on duty at the checkpoint and the unknown attackers.

    The source observed that the ” the Sunday attack could be retaliatory as security personnel have being chasing the gunmen suspected to be a small cell of the insurgents that were driven away from Balmoral Forest in Darazo local government of Bauchi state last year”.

    He added: “even on Saturday, security operatives chased the gunmen from a certain spot within the area.

    He added that the Army and other security agencies were on top of the situation. More security personnel have been deployed, he added.