DEFENCE
Anyim Advocates Establishment of Civil War Memorial Arcade

A former Senate President, Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim, yesterday called for the establishment of a memorial arcade with detailed account of the Nigerian civil war to enlighten the younger generation.
Anyim was also the Secretary to the Government of the Federation during Goodluck Jonathan presidency.
He made the call at an International Research Conference on 50 Years Post-Nigeria Civil War organised by the Centre for Health and Allied Legal and Demographical Development Research and Training at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), Awka.
Theme of the conference was “50 Years Post Nigeria Civil War: Issues, Challenges and Prospects Toward National Integration, Justice, Peace and Security.
”Anyim said that establishment of the arcade would help the younger generation to appreciate the scale and extent of the ugly experiences of the civil war.
According to him, such memorials will not only provide soothing effect, but highlight war as national tragedy that must never be contemplated.
He said: “51 years after the Nigerian civil war, Nigeria is yet to properly situate the issues and lessons of that experience in our nation’s history.
“As at today, it appears there is neither official record nor memorial of the war.
“We need a detailed and factual account of the war in sequence of events, social and economic costs, number of lives lost, details of the victims, among others.
“Such an account will help the upcoming generations to appreciate the scale and extent of the unfortunate event.
“The resource materials and outcome of this conference should bridge the gap and service to ward off any reckless desire for war.”
Also, the immediate past President of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief John Nwodo, said there was need for dialogue and negotiations to drive progress and peaceful coexistence in the country.
“We have for too long allowed the bitterness of the war and its lingering feelings to dictate our political relationships.
“The young men and women who were not part of the war are frustrated by the impasse.
“We do not want any war. We have shed enough blood without producing corresponding political results.
“Fifty years after civil war, the time is now over ripped for a fresh approach, including discussions and fruitful negotiations,” Nwodo said.
Also, Mrs Bianca Ojukwu, the widow of ex-Biafran warlord, Odumegwu Ojukwu, urged the Federal Government to respect and adhere to the principles of the Federal Character to ensure equity in appointment. (NAN)
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)