DEFENCE
Reps Seek Special Funding for Security Agencies

By Orkula Shaagee, Abuja
The House of Representatives on Tuesday, urged the federal government to create a special fund for the security agencies apart from the national budget to enable them effectively contain insurgency in the country.
The House mandated its leadership to interface with parliaments of other countries especially the United States of America with a view to overcoming all regulations that bar Nigeria’s security agencies from purchasing arms and ammunition from those countries.
It further called for the proper investigation into the activities of Non – Government Organizations working in the areas affected by insurgency and other humanitarian crisis to ensure that they do not constitute security threat.
These resolutions were reached following motion of urgent public importance on the ‘need for special intervention on the protracted security situation in Nigeria moved by Mohammed Monguno (APC, Borno).
Presenting the motion, Monguno said, the House noted that Nigeria in recent times witnessed unprecedented level of insecurity which had made national security a major issue for the government.
“The House further notes the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari towards curtailing insecurity in Nigeria as well as other security measures aimed at deterring or disrupting potential attacks.
“Aware of the interaction of the leadership of the House of Representatives with Security Chiefs on the deteriorating security situation in our country.
” Further appreciates the efforts of the security agencies in curbing the menace of insecurity despite the challenges they face. Cognisant of the need for new strategies and expedited action to ensure that insecurity in Nigeria is reduced to the barest minimum”.
The motion was unanimously adopted when put to voice vote after an extensive debate in its favour and the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila in his ruling noted that, with the revelation from security agencies, the House with look at a legislation to checkmate NGOs while the motion was referred to the joint Committee on security, comprising, Army, Navy, Air Force and Police.
Also, yesterday the House called on the Federal Government to prioritize sufficient funding of the counter-insurgency Operations across the country and mandated the Committee on Defence to ensure appropriated funds are judiciously applied to security needs.
The House took the decisions sequel to a motion on a matter of urgent public importance, calling on the Federal government to prioritize funding of counter insurgency operations going on the country sponsored by Satomi Ahmed (APC, Borno).
DEFENCE
Zulum Offers N5m Each to Families of 8 Slained CJTF Members

Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has donated N5 million each to the families of eight members of Civilian Joint Task Force ( CJTF) who recently died in an explosion on the Dikwa to Marte road.
Zulum who made this known on Friday during a condolence visit to the families of deceased in Maiduguri, also granted scholarship to their children.
The Civilian CJTF is a volunteer security group that supports military operations against insurgents in Borno State and other parts of the North-East.
” I want to announce a financial assistance of N5 million to each of the bereaved families to cater for their immediate needs.
” Furthermore, the Borno Government will provide full educational scholarship to all children of the deceased CJTF members.
” For those who left no children, we shall extend assistance to their close family members,” he said.
The governor said the gesture was part of his administration’s commitment to assisting the families of security personnel and members of the CJTF who paid the supreme price of defending his people
Zulum described the deceased as martyrs who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of their communities and assured that their bravery would always be remembered.
He prayed for the repose of their souls of the deceased and urged the bereaved families to take solace in the heroic legacy left behind by their loved ones.
The CJTF operatives died on Tuesday after they ran into an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in the area.(NAN)
DEFENCE
Police Nab 5 Suspected Cultists, Recover Firearms in A’Ibom

The Police Command in Akwa Ibom says it has arrested five suspected cultists and recovered firearms at Ibesikpo Asutan area of the state.
DSP Timfon John, the Police Public Relations Officer, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Uyo.
John said the arrests took place at the cultists’ hideout in Ikot Etuk village, Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area on Wednesday.
She said that the operatives of the command, based on credible information, arrested the cultists.
John said that during the operation, operatives recovered one locally made pistol, one fabricated single-barrel gun and assorted charms.
According to her, the suspects have voluntarily provided useful information to the police regarding their criminal activities.
“This includes their involvement in a recent attack on Fulani herdsmen, which resulted in the killing of two cows.
“The stolen cows were reportedly shared among various cult groups within Ibesikpo Asutan,” she said.
John said that efforts were currently underway to apprehend other fleeing gang members and recover their operational weapons.
The spokesman further said the developments would be communicated to the public as they unfold. (NAN)
DEFENCE
Police Arrest 4 Suspects, Recover Stolen Property in A’Ibom

The Police Command in Akwa Ibom said it had arrested four suspected criminals in Udi Street in Uyo and recovered numerous stolen items.
DSP Timfon John, the Command’s Public Relations Officer said this in a statement in Uyo on Monday.
John said that the suspects were arrested base on credible intelligence and in compliance with the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare’s directive.
She said that an operation which was inaugurated last Friday at exactly 1:15 a.
m., led to the arrest of the four suspects.”In a significant intelligence-led operation, operatives of the command raided a location in Udi Street, leading to the arrest of two individuals and the recovery of numerous stolen items.
The raid also resulted in the arrest of another two suspected receivers of stolen property,” she explained.
The command’s image maker said that exhibit including 14 sewing machine heads and a generator were recovered from the suspects.
According to her, two complainants have come forward and identified their stolen machines among the recovered items.
She added that investigation into the matter was ongoing. (NAN)