News
Troops Eliminate 25 Terrorists, Arrest 18 …As 377 Surrender In N’East
In continuation of its efforts to end insecurity in the country, the military have neutralised 25 terrorists, while 377 of them and their family members surrendered within the last three weeks in the North–East zone.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Major General Musa Danmadami, made this known at the bi-weekly briefing held, yesterday inAbuja.
Danmadami, who noted that troops of Operation Hadin Kai, within the period under review, conducted kinetic and non-kinetic operations in the mountains, villages in Borno State, Maiduguri metropolis and some parts of Adamawa State with significant results, equally disclosed that troops also arrested 18 terrorists and rescued 47 adopted civilians, among other notable achievements in the zone.
He also disclosed that large cache of arms and ammunition, as well as cash, among other things were equally recovered from the terrorists.
He said,”Troop of Operation HADIN KAI have sustained and continued to dominate their general areas of operation. Operational activities were conducted in villages, forest, mountains, towns and cities of Bama, Gwoza, Konduga, Mafa, Monguno, Biu, Kukawa, Damboa, Ngala, Nganzai, Tarmuwa and Magumeri local government areas as well as Maiduguri metropolitan city of Borno State.
“Operations were also conducted at Nguru, Karasuwa and Gujbalocal government areas of Yobe State as well as Madagali and Song local government areas of Adamawa State in the North-East region of the country geared toward denying Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists and their other criminal elements freedom of actions and restore normalcy to the zone.
“Between December 23 and 30, 2022, troops on fighting patrols, ambushed Boko Haram /Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists at different locations within the theatre of operation. During the encounter with the terrorists at Kwatara village in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, following the fire fight troops neutralised five terrorists while their admin leader at Guduf identified as Umate Usman was captured with gunshot wounds.
“Troops also had a meeting engagement with terrorist close to their deployment at Ngoshe in Gwoza Local Government Area. During the engagement troops neutralised five terrorists while other fled. Troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, 20 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 10 rounds of locally fabricated 7.62mm special, 10 refilled ammo, two hand grenades, among other items.
“Equally, troops made contact with terrorist along Gamboru-Logomani in Ngala Local Government Area. During the encounter, troop neutralised 3 terrorists while other fled with gunshot wounds. Troops exploited the area and recovered two AK-47 rifles, one FN rifle, one RPG tube and bomb, 94 rounds of 7.62mm belted NATO, 66 rounds of 7.62mm special, 30 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition and six motorcycles.
“Also, following an encounter with terrorists at Bulge village in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State, troops neutralised four terrorists while other fled. Troops recovered two PKT machine guns, two FN rifles, 15 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and a belt link containing 60 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm ammunition.
“Furthermore, troops also had meeting engagement with terrorists while on patrol at Ngalzama village in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State and Hymbula in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State. During these encounter troops neutralised seven terrorists while other fled in disarray. Troops exploited the general areas and recovered 4 locally fabricated AK-47 rifles and 20 rounds of 7.62mm special.
“Also, on December 28, 2022, troops acting of human intelligence conducted cordon and search operation at a suspected Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists POL storage point at Gamboru town in Ngala Local Government Area of Borno State. During the operation, troops recovered 19 drums of Automotive Gas Oil and five drums of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
“Also, on January 2, 2023, troops acting on credible information and raided Major Ali village in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. During the operations, the abductors fled on sighting the troops, consequently, troops rescued 35 kidnapped civilians comprising of seven adult males, 12 adult females and 16 children.
“Cumulatively, within the last three weeks troops recovered 21 AK-47 rifles, four FN rifles, three locally pump made action guns, five locally made pistols, three PKT machine guns, 124 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 139 rounds of 7.62mm special, 29 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, 140mm bomb, one UXO 81mm mortar bomb, three RPG tubes and bombs, 5 x 36 hand grenade, five Dane guns and five FN magazines.
“Other items recovered are, 19 drums of Automotive Gas Oil, five drums of Premium Motor Spirit, 10 bags of assorted grains, 10 crates of soft drinks, 150 pieces of used clothing, 50 pieces women fabrics, 50 children wear, 30 pairs of women foot wears, textiles materials, medical supplies, 21 motorcycles, 16 bicycles, 2 grinding machines, one tanker loaded with Premium Motor Spirit, 30 rustle cattle, the sum of N938,580.00 and other sundry items.
“Troops equally neutralised 25 terrorists, arrested 18 terrorists as well as 21 terrorist logistics suppliers two terrorist foreign informants and five kidnappers. Troops also rescued 47 abducted civilians while a total of 377 Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists and members of their families, comprising of 52 adult males, 126 adult females and 199 children surrendered to troops at different locations within the theatres of operations.
“All recovered items, apprehended criminals; rescued civilians were handed over to the appropriate authority for further action while the captured terrorists and surrendered Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists and members of their families are being profiled for further action.
“Equally, the air component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted series of air interdiction operations at terrorists’ hideout, enclaves and camps. Notably, on December 22, 2022, an air interdiction operation was conducted at terrorists’ enclaves at Suwa, ArinaWoje and Amchile in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State. The battle damage assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralised with their structures destroyed in the strikes.”
He added,”In related development, the air component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted air interdiction operation at Mazuri in Southern Lake Chad region and Gabchari located in Gazuwa area of Borno State on January 7, 2023. The air interdiction operation was conducted base on credible intelligence that revealed that good a numbers of terrorists had relocated to the area following recent flooding of the Tunbuns in the Lake and the current infighting between the terrorist factions.
“Consequently, the location was bombarded and feedback revealed that scores of the terrorists were neutralised with all their structure destroyed. Similar operation was also carried out at Gabchari located in Gezuwa area following credible information that the location was a Boko Haram hideout. Information revealed that some terrorists who survived the air strikes at Mantari on December 20, 2022, were receiving medical treatment at the location. Accordingly, the location was equally bombarded with confirmed information that several of the terrorists were neutralized in the strikes while their facilities were also destroyed.”
Danmadami stressed that troops also recorded significant achievement in the fight against insecurity in the North-Central, North-West, South-South, and South-East zones of the country.
He conveyed the commendation of the military high command to troops efforts in the various theatres of operation across the nation, urging them not to leave any stone unturned in ensuring that insecurity is brought to an end across the troubled zones of the country.
He also commended the general public for their support to the Armed Forces and other security agencies,while urging them to continue to cooperate with the military by providing prompt and credible information that would lead to the defeat of insurgency and other sundry security challenges in the country.
News
Rivers DPOs Receive Awards For Outstanding Performance In Crime Prevention …As Students, Media Group Honour CSP Worgu, CSP Yusuf
Two Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) in Rivers State have been honoured by separate groups for their contributions to security, crime prevention and improved community-police relations in their respective areas of responsibility.
The beneficiaries are the DPO of Afam Police Division, CSP Endurance Worgu and his counterpart at Oyigbo Police Division, CSP Bello Yusuf.
CSP Worgu was honoured by a group of students under the aegis of Rivers State Graduate Students Associations for what they described as his commitment and outstanding performance in the discharge of his duties.
The students, led by Chidi John Enyie, Esq. said CSP Worgu was selected based on his track record and status as one of the longest-serving young DPOs of Rivers State origin.
According to the group, CSP Worgu has made significant contributions to the protection of lives and property in the area since assuming office following the #EndSARS period.
The students said they were particularly impressed by the improvement in community-police relations under his leadership, noting that professionalism had remained a key feature of his service.
Enyie represented by Comrade Briggs Soku, said the students community was pleased to identify with a Rivers indigene who had distinguished himself in the police force.
He said the students considered it necessary to encourage and celebrate CSP Worgu because of his achievements as a young Rivers man excelling in a profession that many people from the state were often reluctant to join.
Receiving the award at his office in Afam, CSP Worgu expressed gratitude to God and the students for finding him worthy of the honour.
The DPO said the recognition had boosted his morale and encouraged him to sustain his efforts towards maintaining peace and security in the area.
He said he least expected the honour, particularly because it came from the students, adding that the recognition would further motivate him to serve the people better.
CSP Worgu assured residents of Afam that the police would sustain the existing peace in the area.
He appealed to members of the public to support the police by providing credible and timely information, stressing that useful information from residents would make the job of security personnel easier.
Meanwhile, the Ikwerre/Etche Media Association has also honoured the DPO of Oyigbo Police Division, CSP Bello Yusuf, for his efforts in tackling criminal activities in the area.
The media group presented the award following the swift tracking and arrest of five suspected kidnappers who had allegedly terrorised residents of the Kom-Kom axis and other parts of Oyigbo.
The group commended CSP Bello for what it described as his determined efforts to restore confidence and security in the affected communities, particularly Kom-Kom and Obeama.
According to the group, the arrest of the suspects demonstrated the DPO’s commitment to tackling criminality and safeguarding residents.
The media association said residents had received the development with relief, noting that the police action had sent a strong message to criminal elements operating in the area.
Responding, CSP Yusuf appreciated the group for the recognition and reaffirmed that there would be no room for criminality in Oyigbo.
He also commended the media for its role in disseminating credible information to the public, saying the media had remained supportive of the police in the fight against crime.
CSP Yusuf warned criminal elements operating in Oyigbo to leave the area or be prepared to face the full weight of the law.
He assured residents that the police would continue to pursue criminals and work to dismantle their hideouts, regardless of where they might be operating.
News
College Of Bishops Endorses Tinubu, APC Candidates For 2027 Polls
The 5000 Achievers Christian Forum and Colleges of Bishops, Archbishops and Apostles, a Christian interdenominational organisation, has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State for the 2027 general elections.
International President of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, disclosed this during the ordination and consecration of three new Bishops, as well as an award ceremony held in Port Harcourt.
Aroh said the performance of the APC-led Federal Government had endeared the party to the organisation, prompting the forum to declare its support for President Tinubu and other APC candidates in Rivers State.
He said the forum would support all APC candidates in the state during the 2027 elections and urged Nigerians to vote for the party.
Aroh, who is also the General Overseer of Caring Peoples Church, Port Harcourt, charged the newly consecrated Bishops to see their new positions as a great responsibility and dedicate themselves to the advancement of the kingdom of God.
He cautioned them against conduct capable of bringing their offices into disrepute, stressing that their activities would be closely watched by members of the public.
“As Bishops, the eyes of the public are on your activities. You must therefore conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of your calling,” he said.
Also speaking, the International Coordinator of the forum, Bishop Saint Robinson, urged the newly consecrated Bishops to work diligently towards winning souls for the kingdom of God.
Robinson, who was the guest speaker at the event, stressed that the activities of Bishops must at all times be guided by godly principles.
He also called on members of the church to support and cooperate with the newly consecrated Bishops in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The Secretary of the College, Apostle Elizabeth Ayadi Abaye, said the organisation was established to advance the kingdom of God and promote spiritual development.
According to her, the forum has organised several crusades, conferences, prayer meetings, ordinations, consecrations, enthronements, empowerment programmes and other spiritual development activities across the country as part of efforts to win souls for Christ.
Abaye said the organisation has members across the world and disclosed that more programmes had been scheduled to promote the spiritual development and wellbeing of humanity.
The three Bishops consecrated at the ceremony were Prince Alban Chike, Testimony Omenihu Shedrach and Prince Ifemena.
Among those honoured at the event were the Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC), Abali Community, Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Manuchimso Prince Lemmy Wopara, and Clifford Oko Jaja, Coordinator of the 5,000 House-to-House for President Tinubu.
By: John Bibor
News
Police Arrest Fake Soldier, Others For Armed Robbery, Kidnapping
The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a 49-year-old suspected fake soldier, Andrew Atausi, and several other suspects in connection with various criminal activities, including kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, one-chance robbery and the alleged murder of police officers.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, disclosed this in Port Harcourt, recently during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters, where he said the arrests formed part of the operational achievements recorded by the Command between June and August 2026.
Adepoju said Atausi was arrested on August 10 by police operatives along Ada George, Port Harcourt, while dressed in military uniform and driving a Toyota Hilux painted in Army colours.
The Commissioner said investigation revealed that Atausi was not a member of the Armed Forces, adding that he was suspected to be a serial car snatcher, with three suspected stolen vehicles recovered from him.
He said the recovered vehicles included three Toyota Hilux vehicles without registration numbers and a Toyota Corona Premio with registration number BNY 380 ES, noting that the chassis and engine numbers of the vehicles had allegedly been tampered with.
Adepoju added that an axe and military accoutrements were also recovered from Atausi, as investigation continued into the circumstances surrounding the vehicles and other items recovered from him.
On the June 29 attack on police officers at Aluu Division, the Commissioner said three members of the gang allegedly responsible for the incident had been arrested by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU-AKU.
The suspects, identified as Maduabuchi Emeka, 34, alleged gang leader; Doctor Chinedu Owhor, 42, and Kamachi Joe, 28, alleged armourer, reportedly led operatives to their hideout at Omagwa where two AK-47 rifles stolen during the attack were recovered.
Adepoju recalled that two police officers were killed during the Aluu attack, while others were wounded and one officer had his leg amputated, stressing that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fourth suspect.
On kidnapping, the Commissioner said five members of a suspected kidnapping syndicate were arrested in Oyigbo Local Government Area, adding that they allegedly confessed to operations in Kom-Kom, Railway, Obeama and Afam communities.
He said two other suspects from the same network, Anele Ogbogu, 35, alleged to be the gang’s armourer, and Kenneth Eke, 38, were arrested on July 27, with one AK-47 rifle and one SMG rifle recovered.
The Commissioner further disclosed the arrest of suspects in connection with alleged firearm offences, armed robbery, cultism and one-chance robbery, with firearms, ammunition and other exhibits recovered during the operations.
Adepoju assured residents that the Command would sustain intelligence-led, proactive and community-oriented policing in collaboration with other security agencies, while urging members of the public to continue providing credible information that would assist the police in combating crime across Rivers State.
By; King Onunwor
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