CRIME
Lawmaker Says Military is Ill-equipped for Terrorists, Wants Gov’t to be Wary of Repentant Terrorists
By Aondowase Kajo, Abuja
Member, House of Representatives, Honourable Abdulrazak Sa’ad Namdas has called on the Federal Government to prioritize security and defence by investing more in the military and police so that they can tackle the increasing insecurity that is afflicting the nation.
Honourable Namdas who represents Jada/ Ganye/ Toungo/ Mayo – Belwa Federal Constituency, in an interview with journalists on Monday in Abuja said government should be making adequate budgetary provision for security and defence in the light of the widening activities of bandits, Boko Haram, ISWAP and the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its other arms in the South-east.
The Chairman, House Committee on Army lamented the near absence of superior military hardwares except those purchased by former President Shehu Shagari three decades ago, which he noted are now obsolete.
He said it has become necessary for government to prioritize defence and security.
According to him, “My only take on this is to advise the government even if it is good for us to make defence and internal security our priority for the next 10 years, so that even if we defeat Boko haram tommorow, it does not stop you from still making defence and security your top priority.
“Some of these gunships we are using is what (former President Shehu) Shagari acquired between 1979 to 1983. If Shagari did not have that foresight to have invested in those equipment, which other equipment are we going to use today?”
Besides, the lawmaker advocated for critical investment in the Nigerian Police Force training and equipment, saying most of the internal security issues are sole responsibilities of the police.
On the issue of absorbing the alleged repentant members of the dreaded terrorist Boko Haram sect into the Nigerian Army, and other security agencies, the legislator advised government not to do so considering the atrocities committed by them.
“This is just what the human rights people are talking about. But me that I come from the North East, somebody will kill my mother or my father, and you will tell me he has repented, I should do business with him as usual! Me I am not part of it”, he stated.
He cautioned some human rights activists and members of the international community who has been canvassing for reabsorbing of the repentant terrorists into the army, noting that no terrorists should be trusted, present or former.
“We have had cases of people who repented, and still went back, and displayed that they are still commanders. Remember, they have shot some people who can no longer walk straight, some people don’t have eyes to see, some people had all their properties looted. So where will government place those victims?”
CRIME
Police Detain 2 Suspects, Recover 25 Stolen Phones in Borno
The Nigerian Police Command in Borno has apprehended two suspects and recovered 25 stolen mobile phones during a stop-and-search operation along Damboa Road, in Maiduguri.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Daso, disclosed this in a statement in Maiduguri on Wednesday.
Daso explained that the suspects, identified as Ibrahim Abubako, and Ibrahim Mohammed, were intercepted by the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) on Dec.
10 while riding a tricycle.He said that during the search, the operatives uncovered various mobile phones reportedly stolen from individuals across communities and villages along the Borno -Adamawa State border.
He identified some of the communities as Mubi, Tashan Alade, Miringa, Kwaya Kusar, and Biu Local Government Area of the state.
The spokesman said that during interrogation, the suspects confessed to snatching the phones from their victims.
“The police have initiated efforts to return the recovered devices with their rightful owner.
“Also, the suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations,” he said.
Daso reiterated the commitment of the Police Commissioner in the state, Yusufu Lawal, to maintain public safety during the Yuletide season. (NAN)
CRIME
Niger Police Command Arrests Three Suspects over Assault on Council Boss
From Dan Amasingha, Minna
Days after the Chairman of Katcha local government area of Niger State, Danlami Abdullahi Saku was assaulted and seriously injured over his inability to settle a campaign loan he obtained, the State Police Command said three suspects were now in their custody over the incident.
Niger State Police Command Spokesman, Wasiu Abiodun in a release on Wednesday said On 16/06/2024 at about 1800hrs, information was received at Katcha Div that the Chairman Katcha LGA Hon.
Danlami Abdullahi Saku was attacked by some miscreants along Saku-Gadza village after the Sallah prayer at his village Saku, Katcha LGA.According to the Police Public Relations Officer, the attack was allegedly reported to be linked to a debt issue between the Chairman and one Yanda of the same area.
He noted that the Chairman sustained serious injury during the attack and he was taken to Gen. Hospital Bida, and later referred to another hospital for further treatment.
A preliminary investigation was conducted at Katcha Div and three suspects were later identified, apprehended and transferred to Bida Area Command.
The suspects arrested are; Alh. Abdullahi Kasimu 68yrs of Gadza village, Katcha, Alh. Baba Moh’d 30yrs of the same village and Ahmadu Moh’d 25yrs.
The suspects were transferred to SCID on June 21st for discreet investigation and prosecution.
“During interrogation, Kasimu narrated that he lent the victim over a million naira since August, 2023 and that several attempts to recover the money proved abortive.
“He further said that on June 16th, the victim promised to come and see him, and while he was on the way after the Sallah prayer, his son Ahmadu Moh’d, his in-law Alh. Baba Moh’d among others accosted the Chairman, had an altercation and inflicted serious injuries on the victims”
The State Police Command acknowledged that the victim was about to transfer the money to him at the point before being rushed to the hospital.
However, the suspects are under investigation in SCID, Minna. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend others at large, and they will be charged to court for prosecution immediately after investigations.
CRIME
Chief Imam’s Sallah Ram Stolen in Jos
There was a drama as the sacrificial ram of the Chief Imam of the Mista Ali community in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, Imam Abdulkadir went missing on the eve of the Ed-el-Kabir.
Abdulkadir’s ram was reportedly stolen during a downpour in the area on the eve of the Ed-el-Kabir.
An Imam in the community, Haruna Yaqub, disclosed this during the sermon, shortly after the two Raka’at prayers.
Yaqub, who condemned the incident, described it as “insensitive”.
He added that the act showed that people lack fear for God.
The Imam said, “The Ram of our Chief Imam, which he purposely brought to sacrifice, has been stolen in the night.
We are really shocked by the incident. We were surprised to hear this story. This means that people are not God-fearing.“It is scary that people have gone to the extent of stealing ram meant for religious activity.”
Speaking further, he urged people to be God-fearing and not engage in either stealing or any act of criminality.
He stressed that everyone will account for their actions on earth and hereafter.
“It is high time people repented and took the path of Allah. It is not too late. People should stop committing bad things and act according to Allah’s commandments,” he urged.