Nigerian Army Captain, 13 Soldiers have been Kidnapped By Terrorists In Abuja. A Captain of the Nigerian Army and 13 other soldiers who responded to a distress call were reportedly kidnapped by terrorists who attempted to attack the Nigerian Law School in Bwari, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The Nigerian Army has sent a search party in search of the Captain, who served as the 13 soldiers’ commanding officer, ABUJAPRESS r learned on Tuesday

On Monday, ABUJAPRESS had reported that the Elite Guards Brigade had stopped terrorists from attacking the Nigerian Law School in Bwari.

According to a military signal that SaharaReporters was able to obtain, the gunmen ambushed the soldiers who were conducting a routine patrol of the area on Sunday.

The soldiers were reported to have defeated the terrorists.

On Tuesday morning, a military source said that the Commanding Officer, Captain Samuel, and 13 other soldiers were still missing after the operation and that a search party had been organised for them.

He said, “Thirteen soldiers are missing after responding to a distress call about the kidnapping of some locals by suspected Ansanru terrorist group last Sunday. They were with their Commanding Officer, Capt. Samuel, who manned the military checkpoint at Bwari, Abuja.

“Earlier on Friday, the terrorists abducted numerous residents of the Zuma neighbourhood near Veritas University, a Catholic university in Bwari, and demanded N500,000 in ransom from each of their victims. The issue began when a local vigilante who was later killed yesterday by the terrorist group informed the soldiers of this development.

“The military responded quickly, but their response proved fatal as we saw many soldiers being evacuated from the scene of the attack with bullet wounds, and heavy movement of military equipment like MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) Armoured Tanks and the military response team around Bwari for the past three days for a suspected cleanup operation.”

The source continued, “As of the time of this report, the military is still actively looking for the Captain and his 13 additional soldiers in the rugged terrain of Bwari; they have not discovered either them or their dead bodies.

“Some top military officers persuaded the heavily pregnant wife of the military officer, Capt. Samuel, that her husband was on a special duty and he is safe when she checked on him yesterday because she couldn’t reach him on the phone.

“It is important to note that Bwari suburb had witnessed large movements of over hundreds of people last year who were thought to be Fulani herdsmen on more than 300 motorbikes a day. Alarm was raised, but the authority said there was no reason to fear because those people were on a legitimate movement. Kidnappings, murders, and other violent crimes have reached an all-time high in Bwari and its surroundings since last year. Pray for Bwari! Pray for the soldiers who are missing!

Source; Abuja Press

*COAS VISITS OPERATION HADIN KAI… CONDUCTS ASSESSMENT, COMMISSIONS SERIES OF PROJECTS*

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya has concluded a two-day operational assessment visit to Joint Task Force, North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) Maiduguri, where he conducted evaluation of operational strategies and troops’ proficiency in the ongoing fight against terrorism and insurgency in the North East theater.

The COAS, who was briefed on arrival by the Theatre Commander, Maj Gen Christopher Musa on the ongoing simultaneous Operations (Op DESERT SANITY and Op LAKE SANITY), noted that it was crucial to regularly review troops’ counter terrorism efforts in order to sustain the operational gains so far made and reinvigorate the operations.

During the visit, Gen Yahaya commissioned newly constructed block of 36 flats, to mitigate the challenge of acute accommodation shortage experienced by soldiers in Maimalari Barracks. He also commissioned newly built 7 Division Garrison Regimental Sergeant Major’s residence and later embarked on an inspection of Women and Child Care Centre under construction at the 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital, as well as the Theatre Command Training School. An ultra modern Operations briefing and conference Hall was equally inaugurated by the COAS. While commissioning the projects, the Army Chief emphasised, that the Nigerian Army under his leadership will continue to place high premium on the welfare of troops and the provision of necessary logistics to effectively deal with security challenges.

The COAS and his team later witnessed a Fire Power Demonstration at the 7 Division shooting Range, to test fire some newly acquired platforms, as well as those refurbished within the theatre.

In his remarks during the briefing, the Theatre Commander expressed appreciation to the COAS for his
commitment to delivering on his pledge to ensure troops are provided with requisite combat equipment and logistics to effectively conduct their operations. He averred that the COAS’ visit to the North East theatre is a morale booster to the troops and assured that they will continue to give their best as they strive to bring an end to insurgency in the North East.

The COAS was accompanied during the visit by the Chief of Logistics Maj Gen Omotomilola Akintade, the Chief of Operations Maj Gen Olufemi Akinjobi, Chief of Accounts and Budget Maj Gen Adekunle Adesope, the Provost Marshal (Army), Maj Gen Robert Aiyenigba and the Chief of Military Intelligence Maj Gen Ibrahim Salisu.

ONYEMA NWACHUKWU
Brigadier General
Director Army Public Relations
25 July 2022

NORTHERN GOVERNORS COMMISERATE WITH PRESIDENT, COURT OF APPEAL OVER SON’S DEATH

The Northern Governors Forum has commissetared with the President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem over the death of her son Prince Paeke Shapnaan Dongban who died on Saturday 22nd July 2022.

Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong in a statement on behalf of his colleagues described as very sad the death of Prince Shapnaan who was 38 years before his sudden death.

He said the Northern Governors received the news with shock and are devastated by the loss of a vibrant youth who has been working hard to prepare himself towards national service in his chosen career.

Lalong while sharing in the grief of the Appeal Court President Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, said the Forum stands with her at this difficult moment where she is passing through the pains of loosing another son.

He urged her to accept the demise of her son as the will of God and remain faithful to him to comfort her and heal her pains of such tragic loss of a loved one.

The Governor prayed God to forgive the sins of the deceased and grant him eternal rest while comforting the entire family.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State and Chairman Northern Governors Forum.
25th July 2022.

The Member representing Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency and the PDP Plateau North Senatorial Candidate, Hon. Simon Mwadkwon Ph.D has urged the newly recruited personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) from his Federal Constituency, Senatorial Zone, State and Nation at large to be patriotic and good Ambassadors as they go into the work of maintaining law and order and protecting the society against criminal elements.
The Federal Lawmaker made the disclosure when some newly recruited personnel of the NSCDC paid him a visit to appreciate him for assisting them to secure the employment opportunities. He urged them to be committed to the peace and stability of the Nation.

According to Dr. Simon Mwadkwon, the Personnel are stepping into a new terrain and should put patriotism above any other sentiments in order to guarantee a more safer, secured and better Nation where people can go about their legitimate endeavors without any form of molestation and harassment.

“It is pertinent for you to display uncompromising integrity, hard work and professionalism as you carry out the duties of your new offices.
“I know the task ahead of you is a herculean one considering the level of our deteriorating security, but you must be ready to overcome the insecurity bedeviling our Nation and free us from the shackles of crimes.
“In no distant time you will become senior Officers and you must work towards achieving a more peaceful and secured Nation” he said.

The Personnel who took turn to speak appreciated the Lawmaker for facilitating and lobbying the opportunities. They promised to be good Ambassadors and not to disappoint him and the Nation by working diligently and meticulously to reduce crimes.

GOVERNOR LALONG FELICITATES WITH APC NATIONAL CHAIRMAN, SEN. ABDULLAHI ADAMU @76

Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State has felicitated with APC National Chairman, His Excellency Sen. Abdullahi Adamu on his 76th birthday, describing him as a gift to Nigeria.

Lalong in a congratulatory message described him as a man of vast experience in politics and governance as well as a patriotic Nigerian who has contributed immensely to the development of the nation.

He said “Sen. Adamu is one of Nigeria’s finest politicians who has deployed his experience, capacity and vast knowledge in building democratic institutions as well as mentoring the younger generation for the task of service and dedication to national ideals. His long political career has been very valuable in the democratic journey of the nation as he played various roles at the Local, State and national levels effectively”.

Governor Lalong said the APC National Chairman since taking the mantle of leadership of the ruling party, has brought in stability, understanding and push for robust reconciliation which is repositioning it for effective service to Nigerians especially ahead of the 2023 general elections.

The Governor noted that Sen. Adamu has also done a lot to boost the nation’s agriculture by engaging in farming and also contributing in the passage of various legislations that have boosted food production in the country during his term at the National Assembly where he headed the Senate Committee on Agriculture.

While wishing him many more years of good health, God’s blessings and divine protection, Lalong urged him to continue to serve the nation and also grooming younger ones towards making Nigeria great.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
23rd July 2022.

GOVERNOR LALONG PAYS TRIBUTE TO LATE DELOH NAOMI JUGU

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong was among thousands of sympathizers who converged on ECWA Unity Church Rayfield Jos to pay last respects to Deloh Naomi Jugu who died recently at the age of 82.

Governor Lalong described her as a mother who was loving, principled and passionate for the development of Plateau State and Nigeria as well as resolute for the protection of the lives of women, children and the less privileged.

He said Ngwo Naomi Jugu was a fearless politician who never tolerated injustice but would rather give up her rights and comfort to fight for equity, fairness and justice.

The Governor said her life story is one of Service, diligence and excellence because she carried out her assignments with the fear of God and love. This made her serve various Governments in the State and at the National level in many capacities.

Governor Lalong said she left indelible footprints in the sands of time which will need to be filled by those she has mentored and raised in the area of politics, community service, business and education among others.

In his sermon, Rev. Ayuba Ashishe challenged Christians and Nigerians of other faiths to bear in mind that they will one day give account of themselves before God who has the records of their activities.

He said the Book of Revelation in the Bible is very clear that every soul with stand before God to be judged according to his deeds without discrimination or any escape. He said Late Deloh Naomi Jugu was a committed Christian who did her best to follow the ways of God at all times.

The family of the deceased appreciated Governor Lalong for his support, respect, and love towards Mama Naomi Jugu while she was alive and even at her death.

They described her as a caring and loving mother who did not only raise her biological children, but also trained many who have become great persons in politics, business, education among others.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
22nd July 2022.

OPERATION SAFE HAVEN TRAINS PLATEAU VIGILANTE ON INFORMATION GATHERING

The Special Task Force codenamed Operation SAFE HAVEN has trained 165 members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) on community watch and security information gathering process in Riyom local government area of Plateau state.

Delivering his keynote address at the passing out ceremony at Riyom Township Stadium, the Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General Ibrahim Ali said security of the communities requires continuous collaboration and support of the people. He averred that timely sharing of information with the security agencies is key to peace and security of the communities.

The Commander who was represented by the Deputy Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, DCP Mohammad Rabiu reminded the trainees of the oath of allegiance to which they swear and warned them to be more vigilant and impartial in the discharge of their duties.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Commander Sector 6 Riyom, Colonel Hassan Gwani revealed that the trainees were drawn from various communities that cut across religious and ethnic background. “The trained vigilantes are to work with the security agencies in monitoring activities of criminal elements and report accordingly ” he said.

In their seperated remarks, the Honourable Member Representating Riyom in Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon Timothy Dachung and the Chairman Riyom Local Government Area, Hon Mafeng Gwalson applauded Operation SAFE HAVEN for initiating measures to secure the communities on the plateau. They alluded the improvement of the security situation on the plateau to the new measures recently employed by the Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, Maj Gen Ibrahim Ali. The speakers noted the importance of security patrols, vigilnace, and continues collaboration with the community members in taming the tide of insecurity on the plateau.

Delivering his vote of thanks, the Ata Ateh of Ganawuri, His Royal Highness, Da Yakubu Chairman, pledged the continues support of community leaders and the people of Riyom to troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN. He expressed optimism in the capacity of the troops to secure the people when given the necessary support.

Highlight of the event was the presentation of writing materials to primary school pupils and oath taking ceremony, administered by the Chief Magistrate of Riyom, Justice Noknaan Dreakat.

You are please requested to disseminate this information through your medium. Thank you for your usual cooperation.

ISHAKU TAKWA
Major
Military Information Officer OPSH
21 July 2022

Troops of Operation SWIFT RESPONSE of 81 Division Nigerian Army (NA) in a joint operation in charge of Joint Border Drill Patrol have intercepted 2 Filling Stations involved in smuggling petroleum products around the border town at Imeko Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The troops deployed for anti-smuggling operations on patrol with the customs personnel and other security agencies during routine patrol observed that all the filling stations at Imeko Afon Local Government Area were closed.

Further investigation revealed that most of the Filling Stations closed during the day are active at night.

Consequent to this revelation, the troops in conjunction with personnel of Operation SWIFT RESPONSE conducted a dawn operation on 16 July 2022 and discovered 2 Filling Stations siphoning Premium Motor Spirit into Jerry cans at Imeko. On sighting the troop the suspected fuel attendant and buyers fled the scene.

Accordingly, a search behind the station and its surroundings led to the recovery of filled jerrican already loaded into vehicles and ready to be smuggled out.

At the end of the operation, a total of Two Hundred and Three (30 Litres) Jerricans were confiscated out of which One Hundred and Forty-Eight were filled with PMS.

Additionally, One Dane Gun, 3 Generators, 4 Vehicles, and 6 Motorcycles were discovered hidden in the bush path. Other items ceased included.The operation was well coordinated in a professional manner and items ceased have been handed over to the Nigeria Customs Service.

It would be recalled that following the escalation of activities of smugglers around the border communities across the country, the Federal Government inaugurated the Anti-smuggling Outfit Tagged Operation SWIFT RESPONSE comprising the personnel of Army, Customs, Police, and other security agencies to checkmate activities of the smugglers which have a detrimental effect on the economy.

The National Security Council on Thursday announced that it is considering a nationwide ban on motorcycles and mining activities in the country as part of its strategy to curb terrorist activities, checkmate loopholes and cut off their sources of funding.

Addressing state house correspondents after the meeting chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami stated that investigations are still ongoing especially to establish the correlation between mining and motorcycles which they suspect provide funding for the supply of arms to the terrorists.

Malami who noted that terrorists had moved from the conventional ways of funding their activities to mining and ransom taking, disclosed the government was not unaware of the economic consequences of the proposed resolutions, particularly the motorcycle ban but it has become imperative in order to guarantee the nation’s security.

Recall that terrorists and other criminals resorted into using motorcycles to carry out its operations across the country.

Source: Channel Television

YAKUBU JANG & CLINTON GARUBA: Faces of the New Cabal running PDP on the Plateau.

Former Governor Jonah Jang, his son Yakubu Jang and Clinton Garuba, Jang Media Consultant and Manager of JAY FM 101.9 visit to Port-Harcourt recently to see Governor Nyesom Wike has been criticised by many PDP faithfuls who alleged it is another avenue to collect more money for Campaigns without the Governorship Candidate of the PDP Caleb Mutfwang in attendance.

Remember,when Wike Visited Plateau State before PDP Presidential Primaries, there were wranglings about how the dollars given developed wings.

A lot of PDP faithfuls allege that these were the same people that singlehandedly picked the Governorship and Deputy Governorship Candidates of the PDP in their House and convinced Dara Jang to do their bidding.

A flash back to the recent PDP Gubernatorial Primaries has it that it was Wike’s Dollars that did the magic of delivering Caleb Mutfwang when it was obvious Kefiano was coasting home to victory,he ended up in second position despite joining the PDP few months to the Primaries, it was Wike that saved the Jang Camp from imminent disgrace as Dara does not give Money to those he supports, a concerned PDP member laments.

It is even alleged in some quarters that Ngo Josephine Piyo is a place holder to be replaced soon by the cabals.

It is also instructive to note that this faction spearheaded by the duo of Yakubu and Clinton has hijacked all key positions in the PDP leaving PDP stalwarts like J.T Useni,Fidelis Tapgun,I.D Gyang,Eddie Pwajok,D.T Sango to lick their wounds in perpetual non-inclusion.

The recent resignation of Pamson Dagyat ,a staunch supporter of Baba Jang may not be unconnected to the dominance of Yakubu Jang and Clinton Garuba who have hijacked the running of the PDP with the Chairman Chris Hassan doing their bidding.

This has sent shivers and mutual suspicion amongst PDP faithfuls who fear that the Governorship candidate might just be a puppet in the hands of the over ambitious cabals.

Many PDP faithfuls promise to resist this tactical imposition and continuation of a political dynasty that is self centered and deceitful.

Attempts by this writer to reach the duo at the time of this report proved abortive.

Curl from Farmhouse Reporters