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Boko Haram: Troops Kill Three Terrorists, Rescue Women, Children In Borno …Track Down Bandits’ Collaborators

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Troops of Operation Fireball have killed three Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in different clearances they conducted in Borno State.

In a statement, yesterday, the Acting Director, Defence Media Operations, Brigadier General Bernard Onyeuko, indicated that the troops also rescued two women and three children kidnapped by the terrorists.

He recounted that, on November 17, 2020, troops of 251 Task Force Battalion deployed in Strong Response Area Molai while acting credible intelligence intercepted some Boko Haram criminals and relations of some kidnapped persons making efforts to pay a ransom of N2million to the terrorists.

“In a swift reaction, the gallant troops engaged the Boko Haram criminals forcing them to abort the collection of the payment as well as abandon their captives.

“In the aftermath of the decisive encounter, one Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist was neutralized while others escaped with gunshot wounds. One AK-47 rifle and one motorcycle were recovered.

“The victims, including two women and three children were all rescued unhurt”, he said.

In another development, Onyeuko noted that on November 17, 2020, troops of 151 and 202 Battalions conducted an aggressive fighting patrol to clear Boko Haram criminals’ hideout in the general area of Zaye Ngusa Village and other crossing points neutralised two terrorists.

“Similarly, on November 15, 2020, troops of 26 Task Force Brigade in Strong Response Area Pulka in a well coordinated ambush operation along Pulka – Sabon Gari – Kirawa road intercepted Boko Haram criminals’ logistics convoy.

“On sighting the terrorists, the troops engaged the criminals with gun fire forcing them to flee abandoning their consignments.

“Items recovered were: eight bicycles, several bags of grains, assorted packets of drugs and other food items”, he disclosed.

The Acting Director, however, commended troops of Operation Fireball for their resilience, gallantry and professionalism exhibited since the beginning of the operation, while also assuring the entire populace of the North-East region of Nigerian military high command determination to finally rout the remnants of BHT/ISWAP criminals from their enclaves in the zone.

Similarly, the Coordinator, Defence Media Operations. Maj-Gen. John Enenche, has said that the Armed Forces were intensifying operations to track down and arrest those collaborating with bandits in parts of the country.

Enenche said that the military was devising and deploying new strategies daily to address insecurity, noting that once it was able to crack down on the collaborators, banditry would be curbed.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, yesterday, during his weekly briefing, Enenche also disclosed that a number of collaborators had been arrested at different locations by troops, adding that three bandits’ accomplices were arrested in the North-West between November 12 and 18, 2020.

He noted that the bandits also suffered heavy casualties as several of them were killed while many others escaped with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.

Enenche said, “Based on credible information that a suspected bandit was sighted at Kukar Samu village in Safana Local Government Area of Katsina State, troops mobilised to the scene and arrested two suspected bandits’ collaborators named Nura Ibrahim and Abdullahi Yusuf while trying to escape with motorcycle belonging to bandits who fled on sighting troops.

“One Sabe Iliya from Muniya village in Safana LGA was also apprehended while pretending to be a farmer but was identified by locals as an informant,” Enenche added.

The CDMO further explained that a large cache of arms and ammunition and other items were captured by troops during the operations in the North-West while identified bandits’ camps were also destroyed.

Speaking on the activities of the troops of Operation Hadarin Daji and other subsidiary operations, Enenche said that they have sustained their operations aggressively with noticeable successes.

He disclosed that the troops within the period carried out series of clearance operations, ambushes and aerial patrols, adding that on November 15, troops of Operation Accord while on night patrol at Yar Tasha village engaged some bandits in a fire-fight.

“During the encounter, three bandits were neutralized while others escaped with varying degrees of gunshot wounds. Three AK-47 rifles were recovered during the operation.

“Same day, troops deployed at Ungwan Doka rescued one kidnapped victim named, Adamu Yahaya. Preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was kidnapped at Unguwar Sa’ida village in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State. The victim has been reunited with his family,” the DHQ disclosed.

 

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NCSU Hails Tinubu’s Intervention in Rivers Crisis

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The Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his intervention in the political rift between Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, describing the move as timely, strategic and crucial to restoring stability in the State.
The union also urged members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to reciprocate the President’s peace efforts by working harmoniously with Governor Fubara to promote good governance and political stability.
Speaking in an interview in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Chairman of the NCSU, Comrade Chukwuka Richman Osumah, said President Tinubu’s intervention has demonstrated responsible national leadership and reaffirmed his role as a unifying figure.
According to Osumah, the President’s action followed a formal appeal by the union calling for federal intervention in the protracted political crisis, a response he said clearly showed Tinubu’s concern for peace and development in Rivers State.
“By intervening at this critical moment, Mr President has done what was long expected of him as the father of the nation. His action has laid to rest doubts and speculations about his commitment to restoring peace and political stability in Rivers State,” Osumah said.
He expressed satisfaction that the intervention had effectively halted impeachment threats against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Prof Ngozi Odu, noting that the development provides an opportunity for sober reflection and a renewed focus on governance.
Osumah said the resolution of the dispute would allow the governor to concentrate fully on delivering dividends of democracy and advancing development across the oil-rich State.
While acknowledging the political realities in Rivers State, the NCSU chairman said he had no objections to the recognition of Chief Wike as the political leader in the State, while Governor Fubara remains the constitutionally elected governor.
“The most important thing is peace. All parties must sheathe their swords and embrace reconciliation in the overall interest of Rivers people,” he said.
He appealed to lawmakers, particularly those aligned with Wike, to act in good faith by complying with the presidential directive to drop all impeachment plots and work collaboratively with the executive arm of government.
According to him, a harmonious relationship between the legislature and the executive would create opportunities for effective lawmaking, smooth execution of constituency projects and improved service delivery to citizens.
Osumah further advised the lawmakers to set aside emotions and sentiments and conduct themselves in line with democratic norms and legislative rules of engagement, warning that actions capable of destabilising governance would no longer be tolerated by the President.
He also noted that the President’s peace initiative has paved the way for lawmakers to fully relocate to the new Rivers State House of Assembly Complex, commending Governor Fubara for completing and equipping the facility to support effective legislative work.
Expressing optimism about the future, Osumah said Governor Fubara was disposed to reconciliation and would readily respond to genuine peace overtures from the lawmakers in the interest of the collective wellbeing of the State.

He concluded by thanking President Tinubu for once again demonstrating his commitment to Rivers State, urging all political actors to align with the presidential directive and prioritise stability, good governance and public service.

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Group Tasks Rivers Govt To Establish Foundation In Honour Of Onyeishi Etche, Oche ENB Opurum

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A sociocultural group in the Etche ethnic nationality of Rivers State, the ELGA Committee of Friends, has called on the Rivers State Government to establish a foundation in honour of His Eminence, Oche ENB Opurum, the Onyeishi Etche and the only surviving member of the founding fathers of Rivers State.
The call was made by the Mayor of the group, Eze Charles Nweke, during an exclusive interview in Port Harcourt. Nweke described Oche ENB Opurum as a symbol of sacrifice, resilience and commitment to the struggle that led to the creation of Rivers State, stressing that such historic contributions should not be allowed to fade into obscurity.
According to him, honouring Oche ENB Opurum would amount to honouring the collective sacrifices of the founding fathers of the state, while also serving as motivation to younger generations that selfless service to society is valued and remembered.
“To keep the memories of the founding fathers alive, the only surviving member needs to be properly honoured. That is why we are calling on the state government to set up a foundation in honour of Oche ENB Opurum,” Nweke said.
He added that beyond symbolic recognition, the government should also consider incentives and welfare support for families of the founding fathers of Rivers State, noting that some of them are currently living in difficult conditions.
Nweke warned that neglecting the families of those who fought for the state’s creation could discourage future generations from making similar sacrifices for society and the nation at large. He urged both government and non-governmental organisations to take practical steps to preserve the legacy of the state’s founders through institutional support, scholarships, and historical documentation.
Meanwhile, the ELGA Committee of Friends has commended the Chairman of Etche Local Government Area, Chief Chima Boniface Njoku, for what it described as proactive and people-oriented leadership. Nweke noted that Njoku is the first chairman since the creation of the council to embark on comprehensive assessment tours across communities in the local government area.
He said the tour reflects the chairman’s commitment to grassroots development, adding that communities across Etche are already feeling the impact of his administration, particularly in the ongoing grading and rehabilitation of roads across Etcheland.
The group also passed a vote of confidence on the Executive Chairman of Omuma Local Government Area, Hon. Uchechukwu Obasi, praising his developmental strides and governance style.
According to Nweke, the leadership of both council chairmen has brought pride to the Etche nation, assuring them of the continued support of the group as they work to deliver dividends of democracy to their people.

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Registrar Bags Award Of Honour Urges Students To Prioritise Academics

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The Registrar of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Port Harcourt, Dr Ajie Chinonye, has charged Nigerian students, particularly those at the postgraduate level, to remain focused on academic excellence and eschew all forms of violence, cultism and social vices that undermine scholarship and societal development.
Dr. Ajie gave the charge while receiving an Award of Honour from the Rivers State Postgraduate Students Union, led by its President, Barrister Chidi Enyi, during a courtesy visit to him in his office.
He stressed that the primary purpose of studentship is the pursuit of knowledge, noting that academic excellence must be pursued with vigour and commitment. According to him, involvement in cultism, examination malpractice and other social vices poses serious danger not only to the university system but to society at large.
The Registrar reaffirmed that IAUE, under the leadership of the Vice Chancellor, Prof Okechuku Onuchuku, maintains zero tolerance for cultism, examination malpractice and all acts inimical to the smooth running of the institution.
Dr. Ajie further urged postgraduate students to see themselves as role models, saying they have a responsibility to lead by example for undergraduates and younger scholars to emulate.
“As postgraduate students, you are expected to prove yourselves as the best in character, conduct and academics. Society looks up to you to demonstrate excellence in all standards,” he said.
Drawing from his personal experience, Dr. Ajie disclosed that his background as a student unionist contributed significantly to his leadership journey, encouraging the students to leverage their positions to make positive impacts in society.
He also advised the Rivers State Postgraduate Students Union to strengthen collaboration with Deans of Graduate Studies across institutions in the state, noting that such partnerships would enhance effective administration and help the union achieve its objectives.
While commending the union for its unity and commitment to promoting students’ welfare and scholarship, the Registrar assured them of the university management’s continued support towards initiatives that advance academic growth and student wellbeing.
In his remarks, the President of the Rivers State Postgraduate Students Union, Barrister Chidi Enyi, said the award was conferred on Dr. Ajie in recognition of his outstanding track record, commitment to educational development and exemplary service to humanity.
He expressed appreciation to the Registrar for his support for postgraduate students and promotion of academic excellence, adding that the union was proud to identify and work with leaders who prioritize education and student welfare.

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