DEFENCE
Insecurity: Gov. Aliyu Inaugurates Guards, Seeks Governors Collaboration

Gov. Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State, on Saturday, appealed for collaborative efforts from Northern State Governors to tackle the lingering security challenges bedeviling the region.
Aliyu made the plea at the inauguration of Community Guards Corps (CGC) in Sokoto.
Reports says that the agile youths received three months training organised by the state government in its efforts to tackle security challenges in the state.
The governor also inaugurated 30 Hilux vehicles and motorcycles alongside other working tools to be used by the corps towards successful operations across the state.
Aliyu identified collective action and support for conventional security agencies as crucial in addressing the national security challenges.
The governor expressed concern over the frequent bandits’ attacks in the state, which according to him, resulted in casualties, displacement and abduction of people.
Aliyu identified armed banditry as one of the challenges that stagnated development of the northern region and appealed for collective action against the menace.
He said the initiative by different state governments was meant to complement the activities of statutory security agencies, saying that community policing remained the best strategy to edge out criminals.
”I want to assure the residents that we are on track and we will continue to fulfill our pledge toward ensuring a secured and habitable environment for all,” he said.
While assuring more support to CGC personnel, the governor tasked the corps on trust and selfless service to their nation.
In his remark, the Chairman of Northwest state governors and Katsina State governor, Dr Dikko Radda, admonished the trained community guards to be responsible, committed and fearless in the discharge of their duties.
Radda called on President Bola Tunubu to support the states that established CGC to effectively combat insecurity bedeviling their areas.
Special Guest, Retired Gen. Aliyu Gusau, described the initiative as commendable, adding that security issues supposed to be a collective responsibility.
Gusau urged stakeholders to support the initiative to enable the corps achieve the set goals and objectives.
Former Sokoto state governor, Sen. Aliyu Wamakko, commended the resilience of Gov. Aliyu in accomplishing his mission about the corps.
He also lauded his efforts in improving citizens’ well-being and encouraged him to sustain the tempo.
Wamako described the collaboration of northern state governors as a struggle for the betterment of their people.
He enjoined the trained corps to uphold and justify the trust bestowed on them by ensuring diligent service to the state and the country at large.
Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, assured traditional rulers’ support to enable the corps achieve the desired success.
Abubakar advised authorities to consider joining kinetic and non-kinetic strategies in confronting security challenges.
Reports says that the occasion was attended by governors of Benue, Plateau, Bauchi, Jigawa, Kano, Kebbi and Zamfara States among other distinguished personalities. (NAN)
DEFENCE
Police Rescue Robbery Suspect From Irate Mob, Recover Pistol in Enugu

The police command in Enugu State has rescued an armed robbery suspect from irate mob and recovered a locally made pistol from him.
The command Spokesman, SP Daniel Ndukwe, in a statement on Monday in Enugu, said that the suspect (names withheld) was rescued from the mob on June 8, at about 8p.
m. within the Independence Layout, Enugu.Ndukwe said that the feat was achieved through credible intelligence by a combined team of police operatives from the Independence Layout Division, Anti-Cultism Squad, working in collaboration with members of the Neighbourhood Watch.
“A locally fabricated pistol was recovered from him, while his cohorts reportedly fled the scene.
“The suspect, who sustained severe injuries inflicted by the irate mob, is currently receiving medical treatment.
“He (allegedly) confessed to being a member of the Black Axe Confraternity, while discreet investigations are ongoing to apprehend his fleeing accomplices,” he said.
Ndukwe said that the state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr Mamman Giwa, had commended the swift and collaborative efforts of the police operatives and community members that led to the arrest and recovery.
He said that the commissioner, however, strongly cautioned against mob actions and jungle justice, adding that such acts undermined proper investigation and the delivery of justice in criminal cases. (NAN)
DEFENCE
UNIPORT, Police Confirm Killing of Student by Suspected Security Operatives

The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) has confirmed the death of Godwin Akpakpan, a 300-level student of Computer Science, who was allegedly killed by unidentified security personnel.
Akpakpan was reportedly apprehended by security operatives during a stop-and-search operation in Port Harcourt.
The incident occurred late on April 16, as the deceased was returning from his brother’s lounge.
An eyewitness familiar with the incident told NAN that while the officers were conducting a search on Akpakpan, an altercation ensued between the security personnel and a group of individuals dressed in military uniform.
The confrontation escalated into an exchange of gunfire, during which Akpakpan was struck by a stray bullet and died at the scene.
Dr Sam Kpenu, Head of Information, Publications and Public Relations at UNIPORT, confirmed to journalists that the deceased was a registered student at the institution.
He stated that the university received news of the incident with profound shock and had commenced an internal inquiry to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
“UNIPORT is also actively engaging with the relevant security authorities to gain a comprehensive understanding of the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.
“We anticipate a thorough investigation and expect that appropriate action will be taken to hold those responsible accountable,” he said.
Kpenu urged students and other members of the university community to remain calm and to allow the relevant agencies to carry out their investigations without disruption.
He affirmed the university’s unwavering commitment to the safety, dignity, and welfare of its staff and students, stating that necessary measures would continue to be implemented to uphold the principles.
“We extend our condolences to the Akpakpan family, his friends, and colleagues during this deeply distressing time.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with them,” Kpenu concluded.
SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesperson for the Police Command in Rivers, also confirmed the death of Akpakpan, stating that the command had launched an investigation into the incident.
The fatal shot was not fired by a police officer, but rather by personnel identified as belonging to the military.
However, she declined to reveal the specific security agency involved.
“The Police Command is aware of the incident that resulted in the death of a 300-level student of UNIPORT.
“The command, in collaboration with a sister security agency, has commenced an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the student’s death.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the shot was fired by a military personnel,” Iringe-Koko stated. (NAN)
DEFENCE
Enugu Govt Will Support all Initiatives Promoting Safety on Roads – Gov. Mbah

Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State has assured residents of the state that his administration will continue to prioritize and support all initiatives promoting safety on roads.
Mbah gave the assurance in an address at the 2025 National Workshop for Driving School Proprietors and Instructors holding in Enugu on Thursday.
The theme of the two-day workshop was “Entrenching Highway Safety in Nigeria Through Standardised Drivers and Riders Training”.
Represented by the state’s Commissioner for Special Duties, Chief Sunday Ajogwu, the governor noted that the state would continue to put up legislative support, infrastructure investments or policy reforms to ensure avoidable accidents were checked on roads.
“We recognise that transportation safety is not merely a technical issue – it is a moral imperative.
“Let us not reduce this workshop to another ceremonial gathering, but rather, let it be a transformational platform that strengthens the building blocks of a safer road in Nigeria,” he said.
Mbah also congratulated the FRSC leadership, particularly the Corps Marshal and the training department for their vision and dedication.
In an address, the Corps Marshal of FRSC, Mallam Shehu Mohammed, said that driving school remained the first point of contact between would-be drivers and the culture of road safety.
Represented by the Deputy Corps Marshal, Mr Chidiebere Nkwonta, the Corps Marshal noted that “if the foundation at the driving school is weak, no amount of enforcement, engineering, or emergency response could sufficiently bridge gap.”
According to him, it is, therefore, critical that all driving school proprietors and instructors recognise the sacredness of their role in nation building.
He said: “Our Driving Schools Standardization Programme (DSSP) was established as a comprehensive framework to improve the quality, uniformity, and integrity of drivers training nationwide.
“Since its inception, we have witnessed significant progress through improved training curricula; adoption of driving simulators in approved schools; increased compliance with minimum operational standards; and a more structured and credible licensing process.
“However, there are still significant gaps.
“Some schools continue to cut corners. Some prioritise profit over safety. Some struggle with infrastructural deficits, regulatory compliance, and the professional development of their instructors.”
The corps marshal said that the workshop would provide the opportunity to collectively address these gaps.
“The selected lecture topics including the examination of the trucking industry’s impact on highway safety, the economic prospects standardized rider training, and an honest reflection on the DSSP journey are – designed to challenge our assumptions, and inspire collective action.
“Moreover, the second day’s Technical Session is particularly critical. It acknowledges the reality that regulation without consultation often breeds resentment and non-compliance,” he added.
He said that years of organising the annual driving school training had yielded incremental reorientation among drivers especially as all driving schools followed the DSSP protocols and guidelines before a license is issued.
Speaking, an Honourary FRSC Special Marshal, Chief Felix Ajim, commended the FRSC management for finding practical solutions to the challenges confronting the driving school industry leading to poor driving culture and avoidable accidents.
“We appreciate the FRSC management for the humanitarian efforts to ensure that all road users are safe and the corps is doing it in a proactive manner, starting with the first point a would-be driver, beginning from – the approved FRSC Driving Schools,” he said.
The State Director of Vehicles Inspection Office (VIO), Mr Val Chime, said that the place of VIO testing examination for all would-be driver should never be jettison as it completes the training of a would-be driver before obtaining a license.
Responding, Mrs Gloria Ugbebo, a driving instructor with Intergrated Automative Services Limited, Calabar, thanked the FRSC for standardising and sanitising driving in the country through a uniformed DSSP protocols and guidelines.
Ugbebo, one of the participants at the workshop, said, “The FRSC regulations have brought dignity and procedure in the driving school industry and the yearly training have continue to shape the industry for the better.”
The two-day workshop is being attended by driving school proprietors and instructors from Cross River, Ebonyi and Enugu States. (NAN)