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DEFENCE

Tinubu ‘ll Change Security Architecture, NSA Assures

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By Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

President Bola Tinubu, Thursday met with the Service Chiefs and heads of security and intelligence agencies and told them that he would change the security architecture in the country to to blend with his phIlosophy to address the insecurity challenges across the federation.

The President also said as far as he is concerned, ‘Nigeria should not go on her knees as a result of security challenges while ather countries are working, moving forward and recording tremendous achievements.

Tinubu stated this in his maiden official meeting with Security and intelligence heads led by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor at the Presidential Villa, Abuja as the the National Security Adviser, NSA, Major Gen.

Babagana Monguno (retd), who briefed State House correspondents after the meeting that lasted two hours, said the President has directed heads of security agencies to come out with their blue prints.

He ordered the security agencies to crush anyone involved in oil theft, stressing that his administration will not tolerate such menace.

“He is going to embark on a lot of reforms in terms of our security architecture, he is going to take a closer look at our misfortunes in the maritime domain, focusing particularly on the issues of oil theft, that as far as he is concerned, he is not going to tolerate oil theft  Wherever the problem is coming from it must be crushed as soon as possible,” he stated.

He has already mandated the security agencies to come up with a blueprint as far as he knows and as far as he concerned, he doesn’t have the luxury of time. And whatever changes will be made have to be done as soon as possible. 

“The President also has decided that what ever ventures the armed forces are going to be engaged in, they must carry along those operatives in the theatre. They must be well fed, well kitted, motivated and given all that they require. 

He said it was an appraisal meeting for the President to get briefing on the activities of the different security formations and for him to tell them his own philosophy and what he expects from the security heads.

He said, “The President and Commander in Chief of the armed forces has just concluded a meeting of the general security appraisal committee consisting of the Chief of Staff service chiefs Inspector General of Police, and heads of the intelligence agencies. 

“This is the very first meeting he’s had with the heads of the security agencies. The meeting lasted for two hours. 

“Having been briefed by the participants of the meeting, Mr. President, addressed prevailing issues confronting the nation in terms of insecurity and also mentioned his own philosophy towards dealing with national security issues. 

“First and foremost, he appreciated the armed forces and intelligence agencies and the wider paramilitary agencies for the work they have been doing in the past couple of years. Their sacrifice, their loyalty, and he also paid tribute to those who died in defending this country, from the great big menace of terrorism, insurgency banditry, oil theft, sea robbery, piracy, etc.

“The President has made it very clear that he’s determined to build on whatever gains that have been made and to reverse misfortunes and turn the tide in our favour. 

“As far as he’s concerned, this country should not be on its knees struggling while other countries are working and achieving greater heights.”

President Tinubu said in moving the country forward he needs the security agencies to redouble their efforts, stressing that his own philosophy is one of contemporary security measures dealing with the requirements of the time.

According to the NSA, “He has made it very clear that he will not accept a situation in which our fortunes keep declining. And his own trajectory is that national security has to be coordinated, there has to be whatever…whether it is a basket system, but there must be a clearing house. 

“All agencies must work to achieve one single purpose. Working at cross purposes and colliding with each other is not something that he will condone. He has made it very, very clear that all the security agencies must comply with the demands of coordination, with the demands of frequent consultations and also timely reports which must be acted on.

“President has said clearly that he will do whatever is within his powers to enable the operational elements but the intelligence agencies must also make their work easy for them by providing the type of intelligence that they require to carry out the assignment.”

DEFENCE

Killing of 16 Military Personnel, Unconscionable Crime Against Nigerian People – Groups 

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Some civil society groups have condemned the killing of 16 military personnel in Delta, saying it was an unconscionable crime against the Nigerian people.

The  groups described the killings as horrendous and atrocious and called for thorough investigation and prosecution of the perpetrators.

One of them, the Unity Advocacy Group (UAG), in a statement on Monday in Abuja by its Convener, Mr Ifeanyi Aigbedion, said the group would fly its flag at half-mast in honour of those killed.

He urged the government and military to fish out the perpetrators and make them pay for their crime.

“We commend the President and Commander in Chief, Bola Tinubu for standing solidly behind the Armed Forces in these trying times.

“The President should also be commended for giving the Defence Headquarters and Chief of Defence Staff full authority to bring to justice anybody found to have been responsible for this unconscionable crime against the Nigerian people.

“We commend the defence chief for ordering a thorough investigation into the appalling and barbaric incident. We must get to the root of this.

”We use this opportunity to commiserate with the entire armed forces, and we are saying that Nigerians indeed appreciate your sacrifices for our country.”

In its reaction to the attack, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), sympathised with the families of the deceased soldiers and said the perpetrators must face justice.

The IYC President, Mr Jonathan Lokpobiri, and its spokesman, Amb. Binebai Princewill said this in a statement issued on Monday in Yenagoa.

It however called for caution as the military investigates those behind the horrendous attack.

“The innocent must not pay for crimes they did not commit. We are urging the military to go after those behind the act with a view to bringing them to face the law. 

“The IYC is using this forum to sympathise with the families of our gallant 16 soldiers that lost their lives in the deadly ambush carried out by the criminal elements. We seek justice for the slain soldiers.” 

It added that “this is an evil that must not be swept under the carpet as bringing the culprits to book will serve as a deterrent to others”. 

The group called on Delta Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, to quickly resolve whatever differences the people of Okuama and Okoloba have with each other.

“The government must swing into action now. We have lost too many precious lives in this battle already and we cannot afford to lose anyone going further. 

“The Ijaw and Urhobo are one united big family, whatever that is affecting Ijaw is also affecting Urhobo. Most Ijaw people are traceable to Urhobo likewise the Urhobos as well. We are actually fighting over nothing. 

“Peace is indeed priceless, we must continue to learn how to tolerate ourselves and live peacefully together. What binds us together as brothers is greater than what divides us as a people,” the IYC added.

Also, the Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP), said in a statement issued in Kaduna that the perpetrators must face justice.

In the statement signed by its Chairman, Mr Isaac Abrak, the group said there should be “swift identification and prosecution of those responsible for this heinous act. Justice must be served to honor the sacrifices of our brave servicemen and women.

“We urge the Nigerian Army to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into this incident, ensuring that justice is pursued professionally and without harming innocent civilians.”

The group, however, advised the military against high handedness in pursuing those responsible for the killings so as not punish innocent civilians and create bad blood between it and the civil populace.

The NCYP said that maintaining positive relationship between the military and civilians was crucial in the fight against terrorism.

“We encourage all community members, including traditional leaders, to cooperate fully with the army and provide any necessary information to bring the perpetrators to justice.”

The group urged President Bola Tinubu and State Governors to revitalise the forest guards and use them to confront the violent criminals taking over the country’s forests.

“A well-groomed Forest Guard made of local people around the forests will help the military to tackle the activities of these groups,” it added. (NAN)

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DEFENCE

Defence Ministers Condemn Delta killing of Military Personnel as Unacceptable

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Ministry of Defence on Monday condemned as unacceptable, Thursday’s killing of 16 officers and men of the 181 Amphibious Battalion at Okuama in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta by youths of the community.

Youths of the community killed the battalion’s Commanding Officer, Lt.

-Col. AH Ali, two Majors, a Captain, and 12 soldiers who were on a peace mission to the community.

Spokesman of the ministry, Mr Henshaw Ogubike, stated in Abuja that the minister, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru, said the perpetrators must be brought to book.

He stated that the Minister of State, Dr Bello Matawalle was in accord with Badaru’s view as he said the killing of the officers and men and a civilian was a matter of grave concern.

“The tragic incident underscores the immense sacrifices made by our servicemen and women in the defence of our nation.

“Their unwavering dedication and courage in the face of danger exemplify the highest ideals of patriotism and duty.

“President Bola Tinubu has directed the Chief of Defence Staff, to investigate the incident to ensure that those responsible for the attack face the full force of the law,’’ Ogubike quoted Badaru as saying.

The minister stressed the unwavering commitment of the ministry to safeguard the security and well-being of all Nigerians.

He noted that no threat to the nation’s sovereignty and stability would be tolerated.

“We assure the Nigerian people that every effort will be made to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“We remain resolute in our pursuit of peace and tranquillity across the nation in line with the `Renewed Hope’ agenda of President Tinubu.

“Our unwavering support for the armed forces and their efforts to maintain peace and stability across the country is not negotiable.

“We will continue to work tirelessly towards achieving lasting peace and tranquillity in every region of our dear country.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, colleagues, and loved ones of the fallen soldiers, as well as with the entire nation mourning this irreparable loss.

“We stand united in grief with all well-meaning Nigerians and the men and women of our armed forces during this difficult time,’’ Badaru also said. (NAN)

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DEFENCE

Troops Rescue 5 Abducted Women, Babies in Zamfara

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Troops of the Joint Task Force Operation Hadarin Daji (OPHD) have rescued five women and two babies in  Zamfara after spending two months in captivity.

This is contained in a statement issued in Gusau on Thursday.by the Information Officer to the Operation, Lt. Suleiman Omale,

“Troops in a daring operation, successfully stormed Kuyambana forest in Zamfara state and succeeded in rescuing five women two babies.

“They were kidnapped in January 2024 from Marange village in Kagara Local Government Area of Niger State.

“The victims, who endured months of captivity, were liberated following the relentless offensive operations carried out by the vigilant troops in the Kuyambana area.

“The successful rescue operation came as a result of the unwavering pressure exerted on the bandits by the troops, leading to the victims’ escape from the terrorists’ enclaves”, Omale said

He added that the victims underwent debriefing sessions and were promptly handed over to the relevant authorities for the necessary procedures to reunite them with their respective families.

“The General Officer Commanding 8 Division of the Nigerian Army Sokoto, Maj. Gen. Godwin Matkut lauded professionalism exhibited by the troops during the rescue operation.

“Matkut urged them to maintain the momentum until all nefarious elements are eradicated, ensuring the restoration of peace and normalcy in the region”, Omale said. (NAN)

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