Security
Ortom orders arrest of illegal group of hunters, forest guards
For constituting themselves into security risk in the state capital governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has ordered the immediate arrest of the leaders of an illegal group, ‘Hunters and Forests Security Guards in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.
The chief press secretary to the Governor, Nathaniel Ikyur in a statement issued on Tuesday said, an illegal group known as Hunters and Forests Security Guards caused heavy security breaches on the streets of Makurdi when they shaved a young lady’s hair.
The Governor who disowned the illegal organisation that forcefully shaved a young lady’s hair on the street of Makurdi said “they are not an agency of the state government.”
He maintained that the state government has no relationship with the Hunters security outfit and will not in anyway condone their operations in the state.
“The Hunters and Forest Security Guards group is not a creation of the Benue State Government and we absolutely do not have any relationship with it in whatever form. “As the Chief Security Officer of the State, I am appalled by the unlawful acts of these people and I condemn this in unequivocal terms and state categorically that my government has nothing to do with this group and its actions”
Governor Ortom reiterated that his government does not condone injustice of any form and inhuman treatment of persons based on gender, social, political religious or ethnic segregation.
The Governor emphasized that as a government, which has been in the forefront of the fight against insecurity and all forms of injustice and discrimination against her people, he would not fold his arms and watch some lawless persons maltreat his subjects.
“I have repeatedly maintained that i will never allow criminals take over the state. Benue citizens are law-abiding and we cannot allow illegal bodies to operate and harass people here.”
Consequently, the following persons who are leaders of the group have been arrested by the Police for breach of security in the state.
The statement listed those arrested to include: State Commandant, Ajonye Peter, Deputy Commandant, Leva Luther, Admin Officer
Jov Peter Charles and the State Adviser Godwin Adinya,
The statement charged the police to properly investigate those involved in the act and ensure that justice is done in order to serve as a deterrent to other persons or groups that may want to take laws into their hands to visit mayhem on innocent citizens
Security
Acting Army Chief, Oluyede in Sokoto over rising threat from new terror group ‘Lakurawa’
The Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has arrived in Sokoto for his first operational visit to the 8th Division Area of Responsibility, following reports of increased terrorist activities by a new group, ‘Lakurawa,’ in Sokoto and Kebbi states.
During his visit, General Oluyede will engage with the Sultan of Sokoto and other local leaders and stakeholders, as well as troops involved in Operation Fasan Yamma, the military’s counter-terrorism effort in the northwest.
His visit is coming just days after the Defence Headquarters confirmed the emergence of Lakurawa, a terror group believed to be linked to militants in the Sahel, particularly from Mali and Niger.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, explained that the group’s rise follows recent regional instability and the breakdown of security collaboration between Nigeria and Niger after the recent coup in Niger.
“We’re now facing a new terrorist sect in the northwest region known as Lakurawa. They’ve been identified as affiliates of terror networks in Mali and Niger,” General Buba said. “Their infiltration is centered in northern Nigeria, mainly Sokoto and Kebbi states.”
Five local government areas in Sokoto are reportedly under threat from the group, which has intensified local security challenges.
In response, Nigerian troops have scaled up their operations to contain Lakurawa’s spread, with intensified patrols and surveillance in affected regions.
The military has also released a list of nine individuals wanted in connection with the security issues facing the northwest.
General Oluyede’s visit reaffirms the military’s resolve to combat the rise in terrorism and reinforce security efforts in vulnerable regions. By meeting local leaders and frontline troops, the Acting Army Chief is reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to stabilizing the region and protecting communities from emerging threats.
Security
Nigeria Fortifies Cyber Defenses with Landmark Workshop to Safeguard Critical Infrastructure
In a decisive move to strengthen Nigeria’s defenses against cyber threats, the Federal Government has hosted a Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) Protection and Resilience Workshop, bringing together key policymakers, security agencies, and sector regulators at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in Abuja.
The workshop, a landmark event aimed at fortifying cybersecurity across critical sectors, saw the participation of high-profile leaders including Finance Minister Wale Edun, Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
Director of Information and Public Relations Muhammed Manga in a statement said the workshop underscored the growing importance of cybersecurity in protecting Nigeria’s digital infrastructure amidst a global rise in cyber threats.
The statement quoted Edun to have highlighted the urgency of safeguarding digital assets, noting a surge in cyber threats impacting government and private sectors.
“To truly understand the extent of the commitment made to cybersecurity, one only needs to look at this gathering of our nation’s foremost leaders,” Edun stated, adding that Nigeria’s cybersecurity efforts are critical for both national security and economic resilience.
National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu outlined the workshop’s key objectives, emphasizing a coordinated strategy to protect Nigeria’s digital landscape from cyber-attacks.
Ribadu explained that the event was integral to fulfilling an executive mandate under the amended Cybercrimes Act, which authorizes the designation of essential computer systems and networks as critical infrastructure.
This designation mandates their protection, ensuring the security of key systems that support both the nation’s security and its economic infrastructure.
The workshop attracted significant stakeholders in national security and governance, including EFCC Executive Chairman Olanipekun Olukoyede, NSCDC Commandant General Ahmed Audi, and Nigeria Governors’ Forum Director General Abdulateef Shittu, reflecting the priority given to cybersecurity at the highest levels of government.
The event will culminate in a strategic action plan aimed at fortifying cybersecurity resilience across Nigeria’s essential infrastructure sectors.
This comprehensive roadmap will guide efforts to implement effective cybersecurity measures to ensure the resilience
Security
Obi Condemns Rise in Violence, Insecurity Across Nigeria
Former Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 General elections, Peter Obi has expressed grave concern over the escalating incidents of killings, kidnappings, and violent crimes plaguing Nigeria.
In a recent statement, via his X-handle, he highlighted the continuous suffering inflicted by non-state actors, who have left countless families in grief and despair.
Obi specifically condemned the tragic ambush of Supersports TV crew members along the Ihiala-Orlu Road in Anambra State, which resulted in fatalities and the kidnapping of others. “These media practitioners were on their way to fulfill their official duties when this horrific incident occurred,” he stated, mourning the loss of life.
He also referenced a recent attack in Agatu local government area of Benue State, where several individuals were reportedly killed and others injured, further illustrating the rampant violence affecting communities across the nation.
“The violent attacks, many of which go unreported, have come to define our daily existence in what was once a secure nation,” Obi lamented. “We are gradually losing count of those who have fallen victim to this insecurity.”
Obi urged Nigerians to unite in demanding improved security for all citizens, questioning how much longer the nation would tolerate such tragedies.
He extended his condolences to the families affected by these recent attacks and called for a collective effort to ensure the safety of lives and property across Nigeria.
“We are all in this together as a nation,” Obi concluded, emphasizing the need for urgent action to address the growing threat of violence.
-
Crime1 year ago
Police nabs Killer of Varsity Lecturer in Niger
-
News10 months ago
FCT-IRS tells socialite Aisha Achimugu not to forget to file her annual returns
-
Appointment1 year ago
Tinubu names El-Rufai, Tope Fasua, others in New appointments
-
News From Kogi1 year ago
INEC cancells election in 67 polling units in Ogori-Magongo in Kogi
-
News From Kogi1 year ago
Echocho Challenges Tribunal Judgment ordering rerun in 94 polling units
-
News1 year ago
IPOB: Simon Ekpa gives reason for seperatists clamour for Biafra
-
Metro8 months ago
‘Listing Simon Ekpa among wanted persons by Nigeria military is rascality, intimidation’
-
News10 months ago
Kingmakers of Igu/ Koton-Karfe dare Bello, urge him to reverse deposition of Ohimege-Igu