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Alarm by DSS on ING is ploy to arrest Obi, Atiku before May 29, says Timi Frank

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The alarm about a plot to foist an Interim National Government (ING) on the country is a ploy by security agencies to arrest the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar and his Labour Party (LP) counterpart, Peter Obi, before the May 29 handover date, former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank has alleged.

The DSS had on Wednesday accused those it referred to as “entrenched interests” of plotting to subvert democracy by forcing the emplacement of an ING in the country.

Frank in reaction to the DSS’ claim, said the secret police know more than they chose to tell Nigerians and urged them to be more forthcoming.

He said the security alarm by the agency was meant as an alibi to crackdown on peaceful protesters demonstrating against the rigged 2023 presidential election and to massively arrest opposition politicians in the country.

He said: “The DSS’ purported intelligence is fake. It is a plot to crackdown on protesters and arrest opposition political leaders before May 29.

“We have credible information that the DSS issued the statement in preparation for its planned disruption of ongoing protest by Nigerians who are demonstrating peacefully to demand for justice and the restoration of their stolen mandate.”

Frank, who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), Ambassador to East Africa and Middle East, said that the DSS ought to have used the same intelligence to stop abuse and killing of Nigerians by terrorists groups over the years.

He said: “Where was their intelligence when the Independent National Electoral Commission and Mahmood Yakubu were compromised to rig the 2023 general election?

“Nigerians have been under siege by bandits, kidnappers and terrorists for a long time now, but the DSS never gave intelligence to foil kidnapping, heinous attacks, maiming and killings of innocent Nigerians.

“The only time you see the DSS coming up to talk about intelligence is whenever Nigerians are preparing to either protest against obnoxious government policies, rules, human rights abuses or carrying out lawful political activities.

“The DSS must stop this method of intimidating Nigerians, especially politicians, whenever they want to exercise their constitutional rights.

“In fact, we dare the DSS or any other security outfit in the country to arrest Atiku and Obi before May 29 and see the wrath of Nigerians.”

He however called on protesters not to be intimidated by “this DSS’ fake intelligence of a phantom ING plot.”

He enjoined the UK, US and EU to immediately call on the Nigerian Government to allow Nigerians to exercise their democratic rights which is to ensure that the stolen mandate of the Nigerian people is restored through peaceful protests and the judicial process.

He added: “We are aware that the DSS is planning to sponsor counter protests across the country to clash with the peaceful protesters and use that as an excuse to clampdown on them.

“We dare the DSS to name those involved in the phantom plot if they genuinely have the ‘intelligence’ about a m plot to instigate an ING so the world will know those who plan to stop the inauguration of the President.

“But we know they are not being sincere. This is often their style whenever they want to engage in propaganda and do a hatchet job.

“On the contrary, let them name the purported politicians involved in the plot. Their real intent is to clampdown on protesters and arrest Atiku and Obi before May 29. Nothing more.

“We use this opportunity to call on the international community to prevail on President Muhammadu Buhari to call the DSS to order and stop them from meddling in the democratic process.

“The DSS is the one that is about to scuttle democracy in the country at this moment by plotting to arrest Atiku and Obi and other top opposition politicians,” he said.

He further urged the DSS not to allow the agency to be used to truncate democracy or as purveyors of fake news.

He insisted that the DSS had of recent attempted albeit unsuccessfully to arrest and prosecute the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele for allegedly financing terrorism in the country.

“They later pulled back following the outcry that trailed the move. This is another of such hoaxes and it is one too many,” he said.

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Security

IGP writes senate over Missing firearms, kicks against public session

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Kayode Egbetokun

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun has written to the Senate requesting for an executive session with the senate panel on Public Accounts over the investigations into the 3,907 missing fire arms citing security reasons.
The IGP’s request aims to push back against the 2019 Audit Report by the Auditor-General for the Federation, which alleged that 3,907 assault rifles were either missing or unaccounted for in police armories as of January 2020.
In a letter addressed to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Egbetokun appreciated the efforts of the Senate to conduct “thorough investigation” into the alleged missing firearms from their armoury as of December 2020.

“We appreciate the Senate committee’s probe into the alleged missing firearms and urge the committee to conduct future hearings on sensitive security issues in camera so that the wrong impressions would not be created in the minds of Nigerians and in the minds of the international community.

“This is crucial to prevent misinformation and ensure national security. Conducting hearings on these sensitive security issues in camera will help prevent the spread of misinformation and protect national security interests. It will also allow for more candid discussions and fact-finding.

The police dismissed the Auditor General’s report as “rooted in inaccuracies” and criticized the handling of the issue by the Senate Committee on Public Accounts.
Egbetokun expressed deep disappointment over how the police were treated during the public hearing, which he claimed played out “in the full glare of the public and the international community.”

He pleaded for more time to conduct an internal investigation into the alleged missing weapons.
He also urged the Senate to handle future security-related probes behind closed doors, citing national security concerns.

Meanwhile, Senate Deputy Whip Onyechachi Nwoebonyi, who presided over the hearing in the absence of Committee Chairman Aliyu Wadada, directed the police to return next Monday with a clearer explanation.
Despite his attempts to justify the committee’s public approach, police concerns over the handling of the matter were largely ignored.

The Inspector General of Police said he is committed to maintaining a strong partnership with the National Assembly, working together to drive positive changes in the country and improving the lives of Nigerians and the security of the nation.

Senator Akpabio said the IGP’s letter was noted, very clear, adding that investigation will be done both internally by the police and further investigation will also be conducted by the Senate.
As tensions rise over the issue, all eyes are now on the police to provide a more detailed and convincing account of the missing rifles.

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Security Redefined: CP Azare sets new tone for policing in Akwa Ibom

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***DECORATES 142 senior Officers

In a ground-breaking move to strengthen security operations across Akwa Ibom State, the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare has held his maiden strategic security meeting with key officers of the command.
He also used the event to decorate 142 newly promoted senior officers.

The high-profile meeting, which convened the Management Team, Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), and Tactical Commanders, focused on enforcing zero tolerance for corruption, extortion, and indiscipline within the ranks.
Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John I’m a statement quoted CP Azare to have stressed the need for professionalism, accountability, and proactive crime prevention strategies.

Addressing the officers, CP Azare outlined his vision for an inclusive, people-centred policing system backed by actionable crime-reduction plans specific to each jurisdiction.
He emphasized that every officer must serve as a pillar of public trust, leveraging intelligence-driven policing and community engagement to curb criminal activities.
The highlight of the event was the decoration of 142 officers promoted to new ranks. Among them were two Chief Superintendents of Police (CSP) elevated to Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACP): ACP Inyang John Abia, DPO Shelter Afrique and ACP Ahiwa Ribadu, OC Anti-Cultism
In addition, 25 Superintendents of Police (SP) advanced to Chief Superintendents of Police (CSP), including, CSP Felix Ekpoudom, 2IC QIU, CSP Cordiella Nwawe, Provost 26 PMF, Uyo and CSP Ebong Thompson, OC SWAT
Other notable promotions included 22 Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSP) elevated to Superintendents of Police (SP), and 93 Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASP) promoted to Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSP)
While congratulating the officers and their families, CP Azare reminded them of their role as ambassadors of the Nigeria Police Force. He challenged them to embody integrity, courage, and dedication in their new positions.
“The promotion you have received is not just a reward for past performance but also a call to higher responsibilities. The public will be watching, and you must earn their trust every day,” CP Azare remarked.
He extended gratitude to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, the Police Service Commission, and the Force Management Team for prioritizing the welfare and career progression of officers.
This landmark event signals a renewed commitment to combating crime, improving service delivery, and restoring confidence in law enforcement across Akwa Ibom State.

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Security

Military Defends Sokoto Airstrikes, Reaffirms Target Was Terrorist Group

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The Nigerian military has strongly defended its recent airstrikes in Sokoto State, insisting that the operation targeted members and associates of the notorious Lakurawa terrorist group, not civilians as widely speculated.

In response to reports alleging that the strikes mistakenly hit two communities in Silame Local Government Area, Lt. Col Abdullahi Abubakar, spokesman for the Joint Task Force North West Operation Fansan Yamma, clarified that the operation was conducted based on credible intelligence and rigorous surveillance.

“Importantly, the targets struck in the vicinity of Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa were positively identified as linked to the Lakurawa terrorist group,” Lt. Col Abubakar stated. “The operation was necessary to degrade their operational capacity and ensure the safety of residents.”

Abubakar emphasized that the military’s intelligence-gathering process prioritizes precision and minimizes risks to civilians. He acknowledged the sensitivity of the operation but stressed its importance in combating terrorism in the region.

“These strikes followed extensive reconnaissance to confirm the presence of terrorist elements in the area,” he said. “We deeply regret any civilian casualties that may have occurred, but we assure the public that the operation adhered to strict rules of engagement.”

The Joint Task Force also urged the public to avoid speculation and misinformation that could inflame tensions or undermine security efforts.

“We appeal to residents to remain calm and trust that ongoing operations are aimed at restoring peace and stability,” Abubakar added.

The military’s explanation comes after Sokoto State Governor’s Press Secretary, Abubakar Bawa, reported that at least ten civilians were killed in the strikes. However, the Joint Task Force has yet to verify this claim, stating that investigations are ongoing.

Meanwhile, security analysts have highlighted the challenges of conducting airstrikes in areas where terrorists often use civilians as shields. They noted that such operations, while essential, underscore the need for improved coordination and intelligence-sharing to avoid collateral damage.

Lt. Col Abubakar reaffirmed the military’s commitment to protecting civilian lives and called for public support in the fight against terrorism.

“Our forces are here to protect Nigerians, not harm them. We will continue to work tirelessly to eliminate terrorist threats and ensure lasting peace,” he concluded.

As the dust settles over Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa, the military maintains that its focus remains on dismantling terrorist networks and securing the region.
Residents, however, remain watchful, hoping for both security and safety in the aftermath of the operation.

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