The Anambra Police Command has confirmed that two persons have died, while another two were abducted in an alleged cult war in Oko, Orumba-l North Local Government Area of the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the development in a statement issued in Awka and made available to newsmen on Friday.

Ikenga explained that the suspected “daredevil cultists” started shooting indiscriminately at 8.

He stated that the Joint Security Force, comprising the Police, Army, Navy, Civil Defence and Vigilante operatives had taken over the area.

The PPRO further stated that the joint security team rescued two persons, including a lady, who is currently receiving medical attention in a hospital.

According to him, the police operatives, led by the Area Commander, Aguata, was complemented by the JSF.

He added that an eyewitness account revealed that the armed criminals operated with a motorcycle and a black Lexus 350 SUV without a number plate.

According to the statement, the command has sued for calm, while the operatives are already acting on some clues from the scene and leveraging information from some eyewitnesses for the possible arrest of the suspects. (NAN) 

The Nigerian Army is working to address Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and drug abuse among its personnel, particularly those deployed in combat.

The Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, who was the special guest of honour, made this known while declaring open a combined seminar on Intensifying Warrior Ethos, PTSD and Drug Abuse in Kontagora.

The seminar titled: “From Trauma to Triumph: Building Combat Ready Warriors in the Nigerian Army, was organized for officers of Nigerian army Corps of Artillery and Nigerian Army Training Center.

Oluyede, represented by Maj.-Gen. John Sokoya, Commander, the Nigerian Army Training Centre, Kontagora, emphasised the importance of warrior ethos in the army, particularly in the face of contemporary security challenges.

“The warrior ethos embodies a deep sense of commitment, an intangible force that inspires soldiers to give their best in any situation.

“Today, warrior ethos is increasingly threatened by societal pressure and the growing trend of illicit use of drugs among army personnel,” he said.

He said the seminar aligned with his command philosophy which aimed to transform Nigerian army into a well motivated and combat ready force.

The COAS added that the seminar aimed to strengthen warrior ethos, create awareness on the devastating effects of drugs abuse and highlight ways to identify and manage PTSD

He said the seminar would present opportunity for troops to strengthen their inherent warrior ethos, enhance cohesiveness in military operations and promote the core values of discipline, loyalty and selfless service.

He reiterated the army’s commitment to providing effective leadership, sound administration professionalism, and combat readiness to better secure the terrorist integrity of the nation.

Earlier in his welcome address, Maj.-Gen. Olusegin Abai, Chief of Transformation and Innovation, said the seminar was designed to enhance the leadership capacity of senior and middle cadre officers and to still warrior ethos among troops.

Abai, represented by Maj.-Gen. Collins Adetoba, the Deputy Chief of Transformation and Innovation, added that the workshop is aimed at creating awareness on the devastating effects of drug abuse.

“It will also highlight ways to identify and manage PTSD enhancing combat readiness,” he said.

NAN reports that presentations were made on Intensifying Warrior Ethos in the Nigerian Army by Maj. Gen. Charles Ofoche (Rtd) and Combat Stress Management and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in the Nigerian Army by Lieut. Col. Susan Dibal (Rtd).

Also, Ibrahim Chikaji, the Area Commander of the NDLEA Niger Command, presented a lecture on Drug and Substance Abuse: Impact on Operational Effectiveness of the Nigerian Army. (NAN)

The Police Command in Kaduna State, said on Friday that its special task force has detained no fewer than 398 suspected criminals across the state.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued in Kaduna.

Hassan also disclosed that one locally made pistol, 29 handsets, dangerous weapons and drugs were recovered in nine days by a Police-led Joint Task Force  cracking down on criminals across the state.

Hassan said, “This is sequel to the establishment of a special task force by the Kaduna State Government.

“It comprises the Nigeria Police Force as the lead agency, the military, DSS, NSCDC, Nigeria Immigration, the Correctional Service, NDLEA, Federal Road Safety and the Nigeria Customs Service, among others .

“Within the first nine days of operations, the combined efforts of the security operatives had led to the arrest of 398 suspects in different parts of the state.

” The swift and targeted raids, based on credible intelligence, had not only led to arrests but had also reportedly forced many criminal elements to flee out of Kaduna State for the fear of being caught.”

The spokesperson said among those apprehended was Mathew Adamu, a notorious criminal and gang leader known for terrorising communities, whom a locally made Pistol was recovered from.

Those nabbed included Adamu Umar, a well-known drug dealer, whose case would be transferred to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.

“In addition to the arrests, the operation led to the recovery of various dangerous weapons, illicit drugs, and 29 stolen mobile handsets.

“Some of the recovered items had already been returned to their rightful owners following proper identification and verification,” Hassan said.

He assured  the people of the state  that the clampdown was only the beginning, as raids and intelligence-led operations would continue relentlessly until the state was completely sanitised of all criminal elements.

“In line with the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Rabiu  Muhammad, all DPOs, tactical teams, and operatives attached to the ttask force remain on high alert and committed to restoring peace and order across the state.

“The CP urge members of the public to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and supportive by reporting suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station or through our emergency contact lines, “Hassan said. (NAN)