DEFENCE
Be Ruthless with Criminals, Lalong Directs Security Agencies

By Polycarp
Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau has directed security agencies to be ruthless in dealing with criminals unleashing mayhem in the state. Lalong, represented by Prof. Danladi Atu, the Secretary to the State Government, gave the task at the opening of the 2021 Inter Brigades Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers Competition on Monday in Jos.
The competition was organised by the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Rukuba, near Jos.
Lalong, who decried the rising spate of killing and wanton destruction of farmlands and houses in the state, vowed to deal with the criminals.The governor assured citizens of the state that his administration would do everything within its powers to end criminality.
“The reported killings in Bassa, Barikin Ladi, Riyom and Jos North Local Government Areas have become worrisome and persistent, even up till yesterday where many houses were destroyed and some people killed.“We have witnessed the willful and carefully planned destruction of crops in some areas of the state by criminals. “These acts of provocation are no doubt aimed at taking us back to the days of violence and bloodshed. Also, the action of these criminals is nothing but food terrorism that wants to starve our people at all cost.“This must stop and I have directed the security agencies to be ruthless with these criminals.“Let me assure the citizens that our administration will never fold its arms to see few criminals take this state back to those dark days of pain and sorrow“We are working with the security agencies to fish out those responsible and ensure that they are punished.“No matter how long it takes and how far they run or hide, they will be identified, arrested and prosecuted to serve as deterrence to others,” Lalong assured.He promised to continue to initiate policies and programmes that would entrench peaceful coexistence and harmony in the state.He also pledged his support and cooperation to the security agencies in their bid to curb insecurity in the state.Earlier, Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Ali, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) the division, explained that the competition was aimed at enhancing professionalism and competency among officers and men of the division.The GOC, represented by Brig.-Gen. Williams Dangana, the Garrison Commander of the division, added that the exercise would foster esprit-de-corps, regimentation, enhance leadership qualities and physical fitness of troops.He also said the exercise was in tandem with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) philosophy of having a “professional Nigerian Army ready to accomplish assigned missions within a joint environment in defence of Nigeria”.“As you are all aware, competition is an aspect of training which is considered the best welfare that can be given to a soldier, because it speaks to his competence and ultimately keeps him alive in battle.“It is important to mention that training foster professionalism and it is one of the four-pillar philosophy of the COAS in addition to readiness, adminstration and cooperation.“So, this competition is designed to improve regimentation, leadership qualities and physical fitness among troops.“It will also foster esprit-de-corps and healthy rivalry among formations,” he addedAli further said that the competition would enable troops learn astute organisational ability and improve their level of understanding in accomplishing tasks.Ali explained that five out of the the six formations of the division would be participating in the competition. (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)