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Do not panic about mass surrendering of Boko Haram members – CDS
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Leo Irabor, has allayed the fears of Nigerians on the ongoing mass surrendering by members of the dreaded Boko Haram sect.
Irabo gave the advice in a statement issued by Maj.-Gen. Benjamin Sawyer, Director, Defence Information at the end of an interactive session which the CDS had with retired senior military officers residing in the North-East Zone.
The session held on Tuesday in Yola.
Irabor expressed appreciation to the people of the North-East for supporting the military operations.
“Gen. Irabor posited that the solutions to the North-East security challenges lie in the region, as he was optimistic that the situation would get better and better in the days ahead.
“On the recent fear and apprehension making the rounds about the mass surrendering of Boko Haram /ISWAP ex-members, the CDS reassured Nigerians to trust the relevant agencies that have been tasked with responsibility of planning the rehabilitation of repented insurgents,” Irabo was quoted as saying in the statement.
According to him, the military will deal with the matter for the good of the region, as there would be no loose ends.
The four-star general urged the military veterans to take full advantage of the security parley in evaluating the various military operations.
He noted that their patriotic and constructive assessment of the general security situation would add value to the ongoing military offensive in the region.
“What remains very clear is the desire and will of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to speedily turn around the fortune of the North-East to a state where everyone will be happy again,” the CDS said.
He described the attack on the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) officers’ residential quarters as more of a criminal activity associated with bandits.
He said the military was already on the matter.
The Chief of Defence Civil Military Cooperation (CDCIMIC), Rear Adm. Fredrick Ogu, disclosed that the one-day security parley would include a briefing by the Chief of Defence Intelligence.
He said there would be a briefing on the general security situation in the North-East, group presentations and an interactive session.
In his address, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.- Gen. Ismaila Ali, commended the Defence Headquarters for the laudable initiative of tapping from the wealth of experience of retired senior officers.
Ali was represented by the Commander 23 Brigade, Brig.- Gen. Aminu Garba.
According to the GOC, the cross fertilisation of ideas between the AFN leadership and veterans is tailored to find solutions to the security challenges bedeviling the nation.
Notable among the top military brass that attended the parley were the Chief of Defence Administration, Rear Adm. Mohammed Adamu and the Air Officer Commanding, Special Operations Command, Nigerian Air Force, AVM Charles Ohwo. (NAN)
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported its seventh partial grid collapse in 2024. Despite the recurring issue, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, reassured the public that efforts to restore power are well underway, with about 90% of substations receiving bulk power.
Mbah noted that the Azura Power Station initiated the grid recovery, although a minor setback occurred. However, power supply has been restored to the Abuja region and other key distribution centers. The Ibom Gas Generating Station remained unaffected, continuing to supply power to the South-South region.
An investigation into the cause of the collapse will commence once full grid restoration is achieved.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic tanker explosion in Jigawa State, which claimed over 100 lives. In a statement issued by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, extended condolences to the affected families, praying for strength and comfort in their time of grief.
Shettima assured the public that the federal government is mobilizing resources to support the injured and assist those affected. He has directed the immediate deployment of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide aid. The Vice President also stressed the need for a review of fuel transportation safety protocols to prevent future incidents.
In a separate statement, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu offered her condolences to Jigawa Governor Umar Namadi and the people of Jigawa, praying for peace and comfort for the families affected. She called the incident “unfortunate” and extended prayers for the recovery of the injured and the repose of the souls lost in the tragedy.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has revealed that it intercepted a total of 10,598 pieces of arms and 114,929 rounds of ammunition valued at N9.58 billion over the past six years. Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, made this disclosure during a press conference on enforcement activities in Zone A.
Adeniyi highlighted that 60% of these seizures occurred in 2023, reflecting the Customs’ increased efforts to curb arms smuggling. He also mentioned that recent operations such as Operation Whirlwind and Operation Swift Sting are part of a strategic response to tackle evolving smuggling tactics.
In addition to arms seizures, the Customs CG announced the largest pangolin scale seizure since 2020, with 9,493 kg of scales confiscated in collaboration with the Wildlife Justice Commission. The joint operation led to four arrests across Kano, Kaduna, and Lagos. The NCS continues to intensify efforts against wildlife trafficking, targeting supply routes in northern Nigeria and border areas.
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