Journalist Released After DSS Invitation A correspondent for Vanguard, Haruna Aliyu, has been released unharmed following an invitation by the Kebbi State Command of the Department of State Services (DSS). Aliyu had earlier raised concerns over his safety upon receiving the summons, fearing possible threats. However, after honoring the invitation, he confirmed that he was treated professionally and given the opportunity to explain his knowledge regarding a dispute involving his colleague and DSS personnel. Aliyu’s visit to the DSS Kebbi Command strengthened the relationship between media professionals and the security agency, which is known for its thorough investigations aimed at ensuring justice regardless of social status. He expressed his gratitude to Vanguard Newspaper, the Kebbi Area Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), and the Correspondent Chapel for their support. He also clarified that his initial fears were misplaced and pledged to continue fostering professional collaboration with the DSS. DSS Witness Testifies Against NSCDC Officers in Kidnapping & Banditry Case Meanwhile, at the Federal High Court in Ibadan, a DSS official, Mr. Stephen Okolo, testified against three officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) and an alleged arms dealer, all accused of involvement in kidnapping and banditry. The NSCDC officials—Olamide Okesola, Adedeji Adewale, and Asmau Omar—along with an alleged illegal arms dealer, Emmanuel Olatunji, are facing multiple charges, including conspiracy, terrorism, and illegal arms supply. How Technology Aided the Arrest During his testimony before Justice N.E. Maha, Okolo explained that the DSS deployed advanced surveillance technology to track down and apprehend the suspects. The operation, initiated in January 2023, was in response to the rising cases of kidnapping and banditry in Oyo State’s Okeogun region and parts of Kwara State. Through sustained monitoring, the DSS identified and arrested key figures in the criminal network. Among them were two notorious bandit leaders, Baguda and Banshile, who were known for their violent activities. Okolo also presented crucial evidence to the court, including a bag containing 1,000 rounds of live ammunition, reportedly seized from Lawan Buhari, another suspect linked to the case. He emphasized that breaking the chain of ammunition supply significantly reduced the rate of criminal activities in the affected areas. Arms Supplier Confesses to DSS Investigators The second prosecution witness (PW2), Lawan Buhari, admitted to selling AK-47 rifles and bullets to the defendants, who allegedly funneled the weapons to terrorist groups. Buhari, who was formerly with Operation Burst—a security task force—revealed that the accused NSCDC officers had approached him for arms supply. Before his arrest, Buhari claimed he had received substantial financial payments for his role in arming criminal elements. He was eventually detained at the 81 Battalion Barracks in Mokola, Ibadan. Charges & Next Court Hearing According to DSS prosecution counsel T.A. Nurudeen, the defendants are facing a 15-count amended charge, including terrorism, illegal arms dealing, and aiding and abetting terrorism. However, all four defendants pleaded not guilty. Justice Maha has scheduled the continuation of the trial for February 11, 2025. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
A group of armed bandits, numbering at least 20, launched an attack on the Chikakore community in Kubwa, Abuja, on Sunday night. The assailants abducted five residents, including a family of three and a guest who was visiting. The attack took place around 11 pm when the bandits stormed the Health Centre extension area of Chikakore. Among those taken were Adesiyan Akinropo, his wife, their son, and their visiting guest. Additionally, a neighboring resident was kidnapped, bringing the total number of victims to five. During the attack, a woman was severely injured, sustaining a head wound after being struck with a gun butt. She was rushed to a hospital due to significant bleeding. Police officers from the Byzahin division arrived at the scene, but by the time they reached the location, the bandits had already fled with the victims. Residents of the community expressed their frustration over the delayed police response, noting that law enforcement arrived approximately 90 minutes after the incident had occurred. One resident voiced their concerns, stating, “The bandits have resumed attacks in Chikakore. We need a police division here in our community. We have land and a fully-built five-bedroom apartment ready to accommodate the police, but there has been no deployment yet.” This attack has sparked further anxiety over the security situation in Chikakore, which had already faced violence earlier in January. At that time, fleeing bandits from Katsina State detonated explosives near an Islamic school in Kuchibuyi, Bwari Area Council, claiming two lives. Efforts to reach Josephine Adeh, the spokesperson for the FCT Police Command, for comments were unsuccessful, as calls went unanswered. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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Discover the alarming rise in ransom payments across South-East Nigeria, where families paid N419.2 million between July 2023 and June 2024. Explore the impact of separatist violence and regional security challenges. The South-East region of Nigeria has faced a troubling surge in violence, largely fueled by separatist groups enforcing sit-at-home orders. These actions have challenged Nigeria’s sovereignty and disrupted societal peace, with blatant disregard for lawful authority. The crisis intensified on November 18, 2024, when unknown gunmen carried out coordinated attacks on the Abatete and Ukpo communities in Anambra State. These incidents resulted in devastating casualties, including the deaths of three vigilante members and one civilian, leaving behind fear and uncertainty. Devastating Losses in South-East Nigeria One of the most tragic incidents occurred in Aba, Abia State, where an attack led to the deaths of 11 people—five military personnel and six civilians. The Nigerian Army attributed this assault to the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). These violent episodes have deeply scarred communities, with many civilians, including young people, reportedly harassed or killed during attempts to curb separatist activities. Shocking Ransom Payments in the South-East A report by SMB Morgen, a leading African market and security intelligence firm, revealed that N419.2 million was paid in ransom across the South-East between July 2023 and June 2024. This staggering figure accounted for 40% of the N1.048 billion paid nationwide during the same period. Anambra State bore the brunt of these payments, with families disbursing N350.2 million in ransom, representing a significant 88% of the total demands by kidnappers in the region. Here’s a breakdown of the ransom payments across South-East states: Nationwide Perspective on Ransom Payments In the broader context, data from the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS) 2024 Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey showed that the South-East paid N85.4 billion in ransom, a smaller figure compared to the N1.2 trillion recorded in the North-West region. This alarming trend underscores the pressing need for strategic intervention to curb the rising wave of insecurity and protect citizens from these traumatic experiences. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to eradicating the Lakurawa terrorist group, whose activities have terrorized communities in the north-west. Lakurawa’s Reign of Terror The Lakurawa group gained infamy for orchestrating violent attacks, including a recent assault on Mera village in Kebbi State, where over 15 people were killed and many others injured. These atrocities have heightened the need for decisive military intervention. Intensified Military Operations Addressing State House correspondents in Abuja on Monday, Oluyede revealed that the army is ramping up its offensive against the group. “We are hitting them hard at the Nigerian end,” he said. The intensified pressure has reportedly forced many of the terrorists to flee across the border into neighboring countries. Cross-Border Collaboration Oluyede emphasized the importance of regional cooperation, particularly with the Niger Republic and Chad, to completely dismantle the group. “Once you hit them hard here, they will flee to the Niger Republic. Now that Niger is coming on board, it means very soon Lakurawa will be a thing of the past,” he said. Joint Border Patrols To curb the terrorists’ movements, the Nigerian Army launched joint border patrols on December 8. These patrols aim to restrict the group’s cross-border activities and enhance security in affected areas like Sokoto and Kebbi states. Additional military personnel are also being deployed to these regions. Tackling Root Causes Oluyede pointed out that the terrorists exploit the desperation of local communities, luring them with financial aid and agricultural incentives. Addressing this issue is key to weakening their influence and recruitment efforts. Leadership Commitment During visits to military formations in the north-west and north-east, Oluyede encouraged officers and soldiers to adopt innovative strategies to combat insecurity. “I made bold to tell them that I want things done differently and I expect better results going forward,” he stated. A Brighter Future The COAS assured Nigerians that the army’s relentless efforts will yield tangible results, bringing an end to terrorism and paving the way for a safer and more secure nation. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
