DEFENCE
Maritime Security: Nigerian Navy Partners Other Nations in Gulf of Guinea

By Gom Mirian, Abuja
The Nigerian Navy (NN) has disclosed its intention to partner with other nations to enhance surveillance so as to fight maritime criminality on and off the coast of Guinea.
The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo
made this public at an international Press Conference on the Nigerian Navy presidential fleet reviews (PFRs) for the year 2023 in Abuja, yesterday with the theme: “Fleet Readiness for National Prosperity.
”Represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Naval Headquarters, Rear Admiral Suleiman Garba, the Naval Chief said prior to the event which would commence from May 19 to May 22, the NN will have a maritime discourse with heads of Navies from other nations to proffer solutions on how to create a proper architecture that would bring piracy to an end.
He said: ” During this discourse, one of the major discussions will be on how to set up a maritime Tasks Force which is already backed up with a framework that has provision for logistics, and funding and with the powers within us I’m sure that we will bring every case of piracy to an end.”
Speaking on the significance of the event, the CNS said that PFRs are traditional events, which bring together navies globally in order to honour their sovereigns or heads of government, adding that it would also
provide an avenue for the President to assess the navy’s preparedness to meet statutory obligations in maritime security, safety and defence within a global/regional collaborative approach.
According to him, during the eight years of President Muhammadu Buhari’s led administration, a total of twenty (20) capital ships were procured for the NN.
“The ships comprise offshore patrol vessels, landing ship transport, hydrographic survey vessels, seaward defence boats, helicopters, as well as, over 300 inshore patrol vessels and assault crafts.
“The president also commissioned two locally built ships in 2016 and 2021 and laid the keel for two more, which will be ready by 2024. The NN deems it appropriate to honour the commander-in-chief for his support of the service.
“The PFR 2023 is therefore organised in honour of President Muhammadu Buhari, in recognition of his generous contribution to the service and the nation at large. it is also designed to mark the culmination of Mr president’s,” he said.
The event which involves the assemblage of ships and other maritime assets at a designated area for the purpose of demonstrating loyalty and allegiance to the State is lined up with a series of activities namely: the ice breaker, slated for Friday, May 19, the maritime discourse amongst others.
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)