DEFENCE
Navy Intensified War Against Oil Theft, Piracy, Launches Exercise Cold Waters, in Bayelsa
As part of efforts to assess the combat readiness of the Nigerian Navy towards tackling maritime insecurity, especially crude oil theft and piracy within the Central Naval Command (CNC) area of operations, the Military outfit has flagged-off exercise COLD WATERS ( AMI JIJI) 2021).
According to the the Flag Officer Commanding the Central Naval Command, Rear Adm.
Saidu Garba, who flagged off the exercise on Tuesday, the overall objective is to work towards fulfilling the CNC’s mandate of securing the nation’s maritime space.The exercise scenario was predicated on the most prevalent maritime threats occurring within the CNC area of operations and so it was expected to ensure that the navy sustained its presence at sea, within the creeks and on land.
He said part of the exercise would enable naval personnel conduct mobile patrols operation to check the activities of criminals involved in piracy/kidnapping, sea robbery and illegal bunkering.
He said: “We intend to leverage on sustained coverage of NN Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) platforms domiciled within the CNC AOR to continue to extend our reach.
“It has recently been observed that pirates go over 200m to launch attacks on vessels transiting through the CNC Maritime AOR.
“The incessant attacks would continue to affect the nation’s economic fortunes if allowed to persist. EX AMI JIJI will therefore show our resolve to address this unfortunate occurrences in our AOR as part of the NN efforts to tackle piracy and other economic threats in our maritime area.
“It is important to also state that the CNS has approved NN participation in the third edition of NIMASA/ INTERPOL sea operation code named ” OPERATION 30 DAYS AT SEA 2021.
“The NN as one of the lead agencies would assist to drive the exercise aimed at enhancing response of global law enforcement network to marine pollution and violation, in breach of the international convention for the prevention of pollutions from ships and National Legislation.
“Additionally , it is targeted in improving on NIN’s anti pollution role and support the operation of National Operational Plan to be implemented in the frame work of operations 30 days at sea,” he said.
Also speaking, the Special Guest of Honour and Flag Officer Commanding Logistics Command, Rear Adm. Sama’ila Lassa, reiterated that the fight against piracy and armed robbery at sea as well as crude oil theft have remained top priority of the nigerian navy.
“The operations command have therefore continued to leverage on existing technologies legal mechanism including the extant international legal regimes, towards protection of critical national assets and arresting persons and organisations that perpetrate criminality in Nigeria ‘s maritime space.
“EXERCISE AMI JIJI 2021 is therefore inline with the strategic directives and mission statements of the Chief of the Naval Staff which is to optimise the deployment of the nigeria navy in the performance of her constitutional roles, and the undertaking of assigned tasks while promptly responding with commensurate actions to other emerging national security challenges. (NAN)
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DEFENCE
Troops Rescue Wounded Civilians, Recover 117 Cows, Stolen Vehicle in Zamfara
By David Torough, Abuja
Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have recorded a series of operational successes in Zamfara State, including the rescue of three civilians, recovery of suspected rustled livestock and retrieval of a stolen vehicle.
The troops responded to a distress call over an attack by armed bandits on travellers along the Dampo–Rumba Road in Bakura Local Government Area.
According to the operation’s statement, the troops engaged the attackers, forcing them to retreat into the surrounding bush and abandon three injured civilians.
The victims were given first aid by the troops and evacuated for medical treatment. Security patrols have continued along the road to maintain safe passage for commuters.
In a separate operation around the Magami axis, troops acting on intelligence intercepted five trucks suspected of transporting rustled livestock to Gusau.
A search of the trucks led to the recovery of 117 cows, two donkeys, one goat and five cow skins. The recovered livestock and items were handed over to the Chairman of the Zamfara State Committee on the Recovery of Rustled Animals in Gusau for identification and return to their rightful owners.
Meanwhile, troops in the Tsafe Local Government Area recovered a stolen Toyota Camry with registration number RBC 804CL following intelligence shared among joint tracking teams.
The driver reportedly ignored a stop signal and fled towards a nearby community.
Troops pursued the vehicle, prompting the suspects to abandon it and escape on foot.
The recovered vehicle has been secured for further administrative and legal processes, according to the statement.
DEFENCE
Kano Police Arrest 10 Suspected Inter-state Car Thieves
The Kano State Police Command has arrested 10 suspected members of an inter-state motor vehicle theft syndicate and recovered 12 stolen vehicles linked to the group.
The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, made this known while newsmen in Kano, on Wednesday.
Bakori said the arrests and recoveries were made by operatives of the Special Intervention Squad (SIS) following credible intelligence and coordinated operations across Kano and its neighbouring states.
He said five suspects were initially detained in Adamawa on Sept. 7, during which a white Mercedes Benz GLK 350 was recovered.
According to him, discreet investigation and intelligence-led follow-up resulted in the recovery of 10 additional stolen vehicles in different locations across Kano and neighbouring states.
He added that five other suspects were arrested on Sept. 12 at about 8:30 p.m. at Kwankwasiya City Quarters, Tarauni, Kano, while in possession of a stolen white Toyota Hilux.
The CP said the suspects confessed to stealing vehicles in Kano, Katsina, Bauchi, Gombe and other neighbouring states.
He said the suspects also disclosed that their modus operandi involved stealing vehicles, concealing them in different locations and moving them across state borders for sale.
Bakori said investigation was ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate and recover other stolen vehicles.
He said 11 of the 12 recovered vehicles were unregistered, making it difficult for the police to trace some of their owners.
The CP urged vehicle owners to ensure proper registration of their vehicles, warning that the command would not tolerate the use of unregistered vehicles or vehicles with covered or concealed number plates.
He said the operation was conducted in line with the Inspector-General of Police, I-G Olatunji Disu’s, ”Handshake Patrol” initiative aimed at dismantling inter-state criminal networks through intelligence sharing and inter-command collaboration.
Bakori urged owners of the recovered vehicles to contact the Investigating Police Officer on 07063407910, the Police Public Relations Officer’s office or the Officer-in-Charge of SIS at Court Road, Tarauni Area Command, with valid proof of ownership.
He appealed to members of the public to report suspicious movements of vehicles or persons to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency numbers.
The CP said the suspects would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigation. (NAN)
DEFENCE
GOC Tasks Troops on Vigilance, Commitment to Tackling Insecurity
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Auwalu Mahmuda, has advised troops to be vigilant and committed to tackling insecurity in their Areas of Responsibility (AOR).
This was contained in a statement by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 2 Division, Lt.
-Col. Jonah Danjuma, made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Ibadan.Danjuma quoted Mahmuda as giving the advice during his visit to the troops’ location near the Old Oyo National Park in the state.
The GOC, who inspected the lIgbeti–Igboho–Sepetari Road in Olorunsogo Local Government Area (LGA) said that the visit was part of a broader framework of visiting formations and units to have an on the spot assessment of troop deployment.
Mahmuda was received and briefed on the security situation in the area by the Commanding Officer (CO), 81 Battalion, Lt.-Col. Chiemezie Asogwa.
“The GOC also visited the 169 Motorcycle Battalion Headquarters, Ikoyi-Ile, and Abaja Response Area, both in Oriire LGA, and was received by the Commanding Officer (CO), Lt.-Col. Waziri Ayuba.
The commanding officers conducted the GOC round the deployment areas and briefed him on the operational disposition of the battalion.
Addressing the troops, Mahmuda urged the soldiers to be alert, disciplined and to maintain an aggressive posture.
He also commended the troops for ensuring safety in their areas of responsibility while urging them to adhere to the core values of the Nigerian Army. (NAN)


