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insecurity

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Absolutely senseless’, Adeboye cannot lead protest at 84 – Mike Bamiloye

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Founder of Mount Zion Faith Ministries, Mike Bamiloye, has defended Pastor Enoch Adeboye over calls for him to lead a protest against insecurity, saying such expectations are unreasonable considering the cleric’s age and spiritual responsibilities.

Bamiloye made the remarks while reacting to calls by some people for the cleric to lead a protest against the government over rising insecurity in the country.

In an Instagram post on Wednesday, Bamiloye said the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God had openly spoken against the growing insecurity in the country.

He stated that expecting an 84-year-old religious leader to organise and lead street protests was unrealistic, adding that Adeboye’s primary assignment remained his spiritual calling.

Bamiloye also addressed claims that Adeboye had previously led protests during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

He explained that the February 2010 demonstration followed directives from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), which instructed churches across the country to protest against insecurity.

According to him, Adeboye only led members of his denomination in compliance with the directive, just as other church leaders did.

The evangelist maintained that the church’s major responsibility is to pray for peace in the country and seek divine intervention in governance.

He wrote, “And for all those who are Expecting an 84 Year Old Man, Servant of God to lead a Protest against a Government, this does not make sense by the virtue of his age and by the Mandate of His Calling. And for all those who said he led a Protest against Jonathan, on February 2nd 2010, it was the instruction of the CAN and PFN for every church to stage a protest against INSECURITY of the Nation and He complied and led his denomination too just as some other churches did.

“Our major responsibility as the Church of God is to continually pray for the peace of our Nation and the intervention of God in the Government. I TIMOTHY 2:1-3.”

His comments came a day after Adeboye reposted a video urging the Federal Government to give security chiefs a 90-day deadline to end terrorist activities or resign.

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Headlines

Politicians benefit from insecurity – Buratai

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

A former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, has blamed the rising wave of insecurity, banditry and school abductions in the country on political transitions and the activities of some politicians who allegedly benefit from criminal violence.

Buratai made the remarks during an interview on TVC News while reacting to the recent abduction of students and teachers in Oyo State.

According to him, some politicians have over the years recruited and sponsored criminal elements for political purposes, only for such groups to evolve into terrorists and bandits.

“Unfortunately, the plain truth is that some politicians benefit from the activities of these terrorists,” he alleged.

The former Army chief said insecurity often worsens during periods of political transition when security operations experience disruptions and funding challenges.

He noted that terrorist groups and bandits appear to intensify their activities during election seasons and transitions from one administration to another.

“You discover that these terrorists or insurgents have a particular pattern, mainly when there are political activities or when there are transitions from one administration to the other,” he said.

Buratai attributed the trend partly to delays in funding and operational adjustments that sometimes accompany changes in government, creating opportunities for criminal groups to exploit security gaps.

Commenting on the recent school abduction in Oyo State, he urged Nigerians to appreciate the complexities involved in hostage rescue operations, stressing that the safety of victims must remain the priority.

He cautioned against hasty military action that could endanger abducted students and teachers, describing rescue missions as delicate operations requiring intelligence, patience and precision.

 

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Headlines

BREAKING: Insecurity will stop after elections – Akpabio

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has attributed the rising insecurity in the country to the forthcoming election, saying there will be a change after the elections.

Speaking at the official launch of the Nigerian Revenue Service Corporate Headquarters in Abuja, on Tuesday, Akpabio said President Bola Tinubu is performing so well and those opposed to him do not know what to do than to sponsor insecurity.

He said immediately after the election, insecurity will be a thing of the past.

He said, “Insecurity is increasing because election is coming, because people don’t know what to do again. Immediately after election, two weeks after election, the insecurity will stop. The insecurity is being sponsored by people.”

Mocking the opposition for being in disarray, Akpabio aimed a dig Peter Obi, candidate of Labour Party in the 2023 Presidential election, saying, “Opposition is in disarray, someone got six million votes and abandoned the party, abandoned the six million votes and went shopping for another platform and they are blaming the ruling party.”

He appealed to Nigerians to be patient with the present administration, adding, “Let Nigerians be patient with you, you are doing the right thing.”

He said Dr Zacch Adedeji is the first tax-man that Nigerians love, “even in the Bible people don’t like tax collectors. Zacch has done very well and Nigerians are happy with him.”

Among those who attended the event aside from Akpabio were President Bola Tinubu who commissioned the complex, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.

 

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USA Embassy
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U.S. Evacuates Staff, Suspends Visa Processing in Abuja

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The United States Embassy in Abuja has suspended all visa appointments, instructing applicants to check their email for information on rescheduled dates.

The announcement was made on Thursday via the official X (formerly Twitter) account of the U.S. Mission in Nigeria.

In the notice, the embassy stated: “U.S. Embassy Abuja is closed for visa appointments. Applicants should check their email for details on rescheduled appointments. Visa operations at U.S. Consulate General Lagos continue. American citizen services are available in emergencies and by appointment.”

The development follows a decision by the U.S. Department of State to authorize the departure of non-emergency government personnel and their families from the Abuja embassy, citing worsening security conditions in Nigeria.

In an updated travel advisory, the Department urged American citizens to reconsider travel to Nigeria due to concerns over crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest.

Nigeria is currently designated under a “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” advisory, while some regions have been classified as “Level 4: Do Not Travel.”

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Bandits Abudctions
Headlines

Nigerians Laments As Mass Abductions Spread Nationwide

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Nigeria is witnessing a worrying resurgence of mass abductions, with at least 145 people kidnapped in Kebbi, Niger and Zamfara states in the past four days alone.

The spike in kidnappings is reviving political and security concerns as the country edges towards the 2027 general elections. Similar patterns were recorded in the build-up to the 2023 polls, when abductions surged across several states. A report by The PUNCH showed that between January and March 2023, no fewer than 792 people were abducted nationwide, many in attacks linked to bandits and criminal gangs, particularly in the northern region.

The latest wave of attacks has again placed schools and rural communities under siege.

In the early hours of Monday, gunmen stormed the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, abducting 25 female students. A staff member was killed in the operation, while a school guard sustained injuries.

The school raid followed deadly attacks in Niger and Zamfara states over the weekend.

On Saturday, bandits launched coordinated assaults on communities in Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State, killing at least 16 vigilante members and kidnapping 42 residents.

That same day, Fegin Baza village in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State came under attack. Three people were killed and at least 64 residents abducted.

On Sunday, bandits carried out yet another raid on Tsohuwar Tasha village in the Ruwan Doruwa Ward of Maru Local Government Area, also in Zamfara State, abducting 14 people, including 11 women and three children.

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Police
Headlines

Nine Arrested Over Murder of Adamawa Politician Thomas Godwin

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Nine suspects have been arrested in connection with the killing of Adamawa politician, Thomas Godwin, popularly known as Zamfara.

Godwin, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was attacked and murdered last month near his residence in Ka’ala, Hong Local Government Area, under unclear circumstances. The incident sparked widespread outrage, with the state government and police pledging to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Providing an update on the case, the Adamawa State Police Command announced that nine individuals have been taken into custody over the incident.

In a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Suleiman Nguroje, the suspects were identified as Sunday Terrang, Umar Ibrahim, Sadiq Ishaku, Solomon Gideon, Ahmed Aminu, Danlami Ali, Godwin Chakukuyada, Akacha Daniel Samari, and Ibrahim Bakari.

Nguroje disclosed that following a preliminary investigation, the case file and suspects had been transferred to the Force Intelligence Rapid Response Team (IRRT) in Abuja for further investigation.

He also addressed reports alleging police misconduct, including torture and coercion of suspects.

“At no time did the police violate the rights of any suspect,” he stated. “Their statements were recorded in the presence of the State Legal Aid Council. All procedures—including arrests and interviews—were video recorded and conducted in line with international best practices and standard investigation protocols.”

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Tinubu
Headlines

Tinubu to meet service chiefs over rising killings

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

President Bola Tinubu is planning to meet with the service chiefs to discuss the rising killings in Plateau, Benue and other parts of the country on his return to Abuja from his two-week working visit to Paris, the French capital.

Tinubu returned to Abuja on Monday night after spending 18 days on a working visit and retreat in Paris and London.

The Air Force 001 aircraft conveying the President landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja at 09:50pm on Monday, the State House media office announced.

Since April 2, when he travelled, more than 120 locals have been killed by armed assailants.

Several homes have been burnt and 3,000 persons displaced despite the deployment of security forces.

On Monday, a top functionary privy to the development confirmed to The PUNCH that the security meeting would review the rising violence and the measures to contain it.

“The President will certainly meet the service chiefs to review the security situation across the country and the flash point of Plateau, Benue and Borno. He has been getting security briefings while away and giving directives to the security chiefs. So, he will meet his security chiefs and ministers too,’’ he affirmed.

This came as the Presidency blamed state governors for the mounting cases of killings nationwide, especially the recent incidences in Plateau, Benue and Enugu States.

It cited the governors’ poor funding of security outfits in their states despite receiving humongous security votes.

Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, stated this when he appeared on TVC’s Beyond the Headlines show with Nifemi Oguntoye Monday evening.

Bwala said, “What we are finding, very sadly, is that there are some states where the governors give N20m to the SSS, N20m to the police, and N20m to the army as monthly allocation for fighting insecurity. And you hear their security vote is between N1bn, N2bn and N3bn. Where are we going?”

A cross-section of stakeholders in Plateau agreed that self-defence is a necessary measure given the current security situation.

A security officer, Jackson Dauda, stated, “I believe that self-defence is a legitimate means of protecting lives and property. There is no better time to apply this than now in Plateau State, given the number of lives we have lost through attacks.

“This is important, especially given the rise of terrorist groups like Mahmuda, which has been terrorising rural communities in the North Central region. So, what is left is for the government to give the needed support to the local communities to enable them to defend themselves against any form of terrorism.”

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Headlines

End insecurity lastest 2025 ending – Tinubu gives military marching orders

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

President Bola Tinubu has issued marching orders to the military to end banditry and general insecurity by the end of 2025.

This was disclosed by the Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, in a viral video.

Following Tinubu’s order, Badaru said the military will continue its onslaught against bandits and all forms of criminalities.

The Minister said bandits are currently on the run and that the military won’t stop until they are all flushed out.

According to Badaru: “The bandits are now on the run, but the military will not rest until we end this thing. The president has given us marching orders to end insecurity in every part of our country by the end of this year.

“The Chief of Defence Staff, NSA are working day and night to actualize that target, as you have seen we are putting pressure on all the theatre operations.

“And indeed, mining activities have been lifted in Zamfara already and this is part of the reason we are meeting today to look at all areas where we have serious security issues and how best we can secure those areas.”

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Headlines

20 RCCG Members Not Kidnapped – Ogun Police

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Nigerian Police, Ogun Command has debunked a report by a certain Pastor Gbenga Obaleye that bandits kidnapped 20 members of the Redeemed Christian Church of God( RCCG) at Kara in Ifo Local Government Area.

The Command said the report was false and inciting, insisting bandits were not targeting worshippers at the Redemption Camp.

Obaleye, who claimed to be an RCCG Pastor alleged that bandits kidnapped 20 members of his church on the way to the annual convention of the church.

In a post on his Facebook page, Obaleye urged the police and other security agencies to do something urgently, saying he could not believe that the criminal elements were operating everywhere.

According to him: “This is not spoiling any tribe, my members in my church were coming from camp this morning at 5:30. The Fulanis came out from the Kara where they use to sell cows. 20 people have been taken into the bush, that little bush, my members left the car and ran back shooting. They came back all money, laptop ATM have been taken, the phone they stole we used now to locate where they are as at 7am. Please police in Ogun axis pls help us not to disturb people in that area, truly they are all over I can’t believe this.”

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Headlines

Buhari Seeks International collaboration to Tackle Insecurity

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday in Abuja commended collective efforts of nations towards tackling security challenges across the globe, and within Nigeria, urging more collaboration to check terrorism, banditry and insurgency.

He spoke at the Presidential Villa while receiving Letters of Credence of Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador James Kingston Christoff and Ambassador of Mexico to Nigeria, Juan Alfred Miranda Oritz.

Buhari told the diplomats that successes in taming insecurity had been recorded through collaboration across borders, and more could be achieved.

“The devastating effect of global insecurity, climate change and the post COVID-19 era has devastated global economies. Nations continue to struggle to recover from these multiple global challenges.

“The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine has undermined the progress countries have achieved in tackling food security in the last decade. While, the political instability in Libya continues to fuel terrorism in the Sahel, as well as scuttle democratic sustenance in both West and Central African regions.

“Nigeria is not left out of the equation, as we are fighting to rid our country of banditry, kidnapping, herder/farmer crisis and insurgency. We are, however, making meaningful progress with the support of friendly countries like yours to sustain these fights until we overcome these challenges,’’ he said.

At the regional level, President Buhari said Nigeria had been working with other Member-States of ECOWAS and other regional blocs, to deal with the problems of terrorism, trans-border crimes, maritime crimes such as piracy and illegal fishing on our waters, illicit drug and human trafficking, banditry, as well as unconstitutional changes of government.

“I believe that matters of security have become the business of all nations as these challenges go beyond the abilities of any single country to effectively contain.

“The world must, therefore, work closely together and Nigeria counts on your support in cementing the relations between our countries at both bilateral and multilateral levels to surmount these global threats to civilization,’’ he stated.

The President urged diplomats to monitor political developments in the country, leading to the 2023 elections, but remain true to their professional ethics of non-interference.

He also noted that Nigeria was drawing closer to its national elections and candidates representing their parties at different levels were beginning to build consensus within their respective parties in preparations to the launching of campaigns across the country soon.

“As the drums of campaign begin to rise, I urge you to be guided by diplomatic practice to ensure that your activities remain within the limits of your profession as you monitor the build-up to the elections and the conduct of the general elections,” he said.

The President further advised the diplomats to focus on building on the successes of their predecessors.

“The task before you require you both to build on the successes of your predecessors and further make efforts in the expansion and advancement of the cordial bilateral relations and cooperation between Nigeria and your respective countries. These relations as you all know, span across political, socio-economic and cultural spheres, that have overtime benefitted our peoples.

“I am confident that, in carrying out your diplomatic responsibilities in the course of your tour of duties, you will spare time to appreciate the uniqueness and strength in our country’s cultural diversities, in terms of both human and natural resources, as well as the flora and fauna across the country,’’ he said.

According to him, the cultural diversity of Nigeria “represents our pride as a nation and identity as a people,’’ while urging the diplomats to also build friendship and acquaintances in the course of their stay in the country.

In his remarks, on behalf of the ambassadors, the Canadian High Commissioner thanked the President for the ceremony of accepting the Letters of Credence.

“Today marks formal beginning of our engagement with the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We will work closely with ministers and officials to start a progressive relationship,’’ Christoff said.

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