Politics

President Buhari, ex-presidents hold crucial meeting over #Endsars protest and other demands of youths.

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President Muhammadu Buhari is meeting with former Nigerian presidents on Friday morning.

The meeting started at 10:00 a.m. with Buhari presiding from the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, a pool report said.

Former leaders who joined via a video conference include Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo, Abdulsalami Abubakar, Goodluck Jonathan and Ernest Shonekan.

Reports said Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, cabinet secretary Boss Mustapha, chief of staff Ibrahim Gambari and NSA Babagana Monguno are physically at the meeting with the president.

Gabriel Olanisakin, Mohammed Adamu, Yusuf Bichi and Ahmed Rufai are amongst security chiefs at the meeting.

The restricted meeting comes as the president moves to find a solution to the country’s security challenges arising from the #EndSARS campaign.

On Thursday night, the president addressed the nation after persistent demand from Nigerians.

Although Mr. Monguno told Nigerians critical decisions would be taken during the announcement, the president failed to mention the deployment of soldiers against protesters in Lagos that sparked additional crises of looting, vandalism and killing.

Politics

How hoodlums carted away police arms, ammunition in Oyo – Police

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The Oyo State Police Command on Friday said that some hoodlums have carted away some police arms and ammunitions.

DAILY POST gathered that there was a confrontation between some policemen and some angry Nigerians who were protesting against police brutality on Tuesday in Ibadan.

Also on Thursday, there was a confrontation between some policemen and some angry youths.

The state police command has, however, revealed that some arms and ammunitions belonging to the state police command have been taken away by some hardened criminals.

Commissioner of Police, Mr. Joe Enwonwu in a statement made available to DAILY POST on Friday, described the act as dangerous and inimical to the general safety of residents in the state.

Enwonwu in the statement signed by Public Relations Officer of the command, Mr. Olugbenga Fadeyi advised parents/guardians and all stakeholders to warn their children/wards to desist from acts that can lead to breakdown of law and order in the state.

He assured the people of the state to go about their lawful businesses without any fear of threats or molestation from any quarters.

He maintained that military and other sisters security agencies are complementing the efforts of the Police.

He said, “The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP. Joe Nwachukwu Enwonwu, has been moved with deep concerns that despite repeated pleas and advice to the End SARS protesters, traditional rulers, religious leaders, leaders of thought that miscreants/disgruntled elements would hijack the protests and capitalize on the situation to unleash mayhem on innocent citizens. It was clear that, all that were envisaged had actually come to pass. He stated further that, undue hardships, needless deaths were meted out to some Police officers/innocent citizens in Oyo State.

“Consequent upon this, the CP wishes to further implore genuine protesters to yield to the plea of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Muhamadu Buhari, GCFR and the Oyo State Governor Engr. Seyi Makinde to stop the protests forthwith to prevent needless deaths occasioned by the activities of miscreants who are using it as an opportunity to carry out coordinated attacks to loot people’ properties, but allow for a while for government attention to all their demands.

“The CP wishes to inform the general public that, due to the incessant attacks on the Police Stations and Police personnel, some Police arms and ammunitions have been carted away by hardened criminals. This act is extremely dangerous and can be inimical to our general safety and co-operate existence, and in lieu of this, he wishes to plead with all and sundry within and outside Ibadan metropolis to be on the lookout for those enemy of progress to promptly report any group/individual who are not Police/military/other security agencies personnel in possession of such arms and ammunition and report to the nearest Police station or other sister security agencies immediately for recovery and necessary action.

“In conclusion, the CP wishes to continue to advise parents/guardians and all stakeholders to warn their children/wards to desist from acts that can lead to breakdown of law and order and wanton destruction to lives and property. He equally assures the good people of Oyo State to go about their lawful businesses without any fear of threats or molestation from any quarters as the military and other sisters security agencies are complementing the efforts of the Police, while he strictly warns those criminal elements that hijacked Police arms during the protests to have a rethink and quietly return the prohibited firearms immediately before the full weight of the law catches up with them.”

Politics

Airlines announce readiness to resume flight operations from Lagos after #Endsars protest.

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Dana Air and Arik airlines have announced their readiness to resume flight operations from Lagos airport tomorrow, Saturday following the belief that the Lagos State government will lift the 24 hours curfew it imposed on the state.

The curfew was imposed by the State governor Mr Babajide Sanwo Olu on Tuesday to forestall further breakdown of law and order following series of EndSARS protests.

Confirming the likely resumption of domestic flights, the spokesman for Dana Air, Mr Kingsley Ezenwa said: “Following our earlier announcement on cancellation, we are pleased to inform you that we will resume full flight operations from tomorrow, Saturday, the 24th of October 2020.”

Ezenwa also said that tickets purchased for flights within the period of the curfew remains valid and can be ” rescheduled for free by sending an email to contact@flydanaair.com”.

“Once again our heart goes out to our brothers and sisters who lost lives and properties during the protest, ” he said.

Meanwhile, Arik Air has also said it will be resuming limited flights to some destinations where there are no curfews on Friday, October 23, 2020.

According to Mr Banji Ola, spokesperson for the airline, Flights from Lagos to other parts of the country will however resume upon the lifting of the 24 hours curfew by the Lagos state government.

“Specifically, the airline will be operating flights from its second hub in Abuja to Port Harcourt, Ilorin, Benin, Kano and Yola.”

“On Friday, Arik Air will operate one flight each from Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja to Port Harcourt, Ilorin and Kano. Also, on Saturday, the airline will operate one flight each from Abuja to Port Harcourt, Benin and Yola,” Ola said.

The two airlines had on Tuesday, October 20, 2020, suspended their flights’ operations due to the 24 hours curfew announced by the Lagos State government.

Politics

Four die as Ondo, Anambra, Oyo youths raze INEC office, police station, others

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•Obiano imposes 24-hr curfew, plans N200m compensation
•Makinde visits hot spots in Ibadan

Youths in Ondo State went berserk yesterday, destroying several public infrastructures across the 18 councils.

In Okitipupa town, the headquarters of Okitipupa Council, over 100 angry youths invaded the National Correctional Service (NCS) Centre, setting about 58 inmates free.

The Guardian learnt that they also destroyed several facilities and burnt a lot of cars in the premises, looting and razing the council secretariat.

They also torched the Okitipupa High Court Complex and the Okitipupa Oil Palm Company (OOPC), though letting the employees go scot-free.

Also, the Independent National ElectoralnCommission (INEC) office in the council was torched by the mob.

The NCS Public Relations Officer (PRO) in the state, Mr Babatunde Ogundare, confirmed the incident.

In Akure South Council, the Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s campaign office was destroyed, while two persons were allegedly killed in Ondo West Council.

Similarly, in Awka, Anambra State, banks, markets and other business premises were shut as youths chanting anti-government slogans marched on the major streets and later poured into the Enugu/Onitsha expressway.

In Onitsha, the protesters marched from Zik Roundabout to Awka road and diverted to the Inland Town Police Station, but were resisted by the officers on duty who shot into the air to disperse them.

Also at Nnewi, hoodlums who sang war songs razed the Central Police Station yesterday but attempts to attack the Police Area Command were repelled by the officers on duty.

It was gathered that two persons lost their lives during the protest at Nnewi and Okpoko, as hoodlums tried to raze Okpoko police station but were overpowered by the police.

Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra has, however, imposed a 24-hour curfew throughout the state.

He announced that the curfew would take effect from 8 p.m. to bring the tension under control, adding that the state government budgeted N200 million as compensation to people who have proven cases of rights violations, torture and deaths from the activities of the defunct SARS in the state.

Anchor Insurance Building at Barracks Road, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State was also set ablaze, following the alleged killing of a protester and injuring of others by officials of the correctional centre at Barracks road.

The incident led to serious tension in Uyo metropolis as the protesters invaded all major streets of the capital city, blocking roads, destroying properties and vandalising items.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, yesterday, embarked on a tour of hot spots of the protests in Ibadan where he declared that his government would continue to do everything necessary to secure the lives and properties of the residents of the state.

Politics

Govt condemns raid as residents loot COVID-19 palliatives in warehouse

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Hoodlums yesterday invaded a warehouse where COVID-19 palliative was stored at Mazamaza community in Lagos State.

The community is located in the Oriade Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of the state.

Viral video footages circulating on social media showed the looters, entering the warehouse and looting the COVID-19 palliative.

The warehouse is located on Benster Crescent, popularly called Monkey Village.

The looting started as early as 8:00 a.m.

It was gathered that the hoodlums also set a bonfire at a junction not far from the warehouse. The hoodlums later asked residents in the area to move into the warehouse and pick some palliative.

One of the residents, Sherif Olaiya said: “We heard sounds of gunshots.

The hoodlums attacked a place where COVID-19 palliatives were stored. They then asked residents to pick the palliatives.”

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government has condemned the vandalisation of the warehouse at Mazamaza. In a statement by Abisola Olusanya, acting Commissioner for Agriculture, the government said the warehouse held the food palliative packages donated to the state government by the Private Sector Coalition against COVID-19 (CACOVID) group.

“The Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, had on September 22nd formally taken receipt of the food palliatives from the CACOVID team meant for distribution to indigent persons,” the statement said.

“The government notes that the warehouse in question is not state-owned and its usage was made available to the CaCOVID group. The State Government had been allowed to commence rebagging of food items allotted to it from the quantities meant for South-West states.

“The re-bagging was being done to account for each beneficiary receipt, as was required and monitored by the CACOVID team.

The distribution was ongoing but had to be halted due to protests, before the invasion of the warehouse yesterday.

“For effective distribution of the food palliative, groups such as transport unions, ethnic groups, religious associations, artisans and tradesmen association, market men and women association, People Living with Disabilities, orphanages and old peoples’ homes among others were being used as distribution channels to their members.

“The State Government however regrets the invasion of the warehouse and appreciate the support offered by the CACOVID group to the citizenry of Lagos.”

Politics

Buhari told security agents to obey the law – NSA

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The National Security Adviser, Major General Babagana Monguno (retd.), on Thursday said the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), has directed security agencies to operate within the confines of the law in addressing the violence being witnessed in parts of the country.

Monguno disclosed this in an interview with State House correspondents at the end of a meeting of the National Security Council presided over by the President.
He said since the government had conceded to the demands of the protesters, it appeared that “the riots are taking a different and unwanted dimension.”

 “It is not Mr President’s desire to see any loss of lives and he is determined to ensure that things do not cascade into unpleasant situation.

“Therefore, he has directed all the security agencies to operate within the confines of legitimacy, the confines of legality, not to do anything that will aggravate the situation,” he added.

Politics

Witnesses of the Military Shooting in Nigeria Tell Us What They Saw

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According to Amnesty International, 38 people were killed on Tuesday night during an anti-police protest in the Nigerian city.

On Tuesday night, the Nigerian military opened fire on peaceful anti-police brutality demonstrators in Lagos. Hundreds of activists had gathered at the Lekki toll gate, a busy intersection in a wealthy suburb of Lagos Island that has become the epicentre of the city’s protests and where a large number of protesters have been camping for almost two weeks.

At around midday on Tuesday, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos state governor, announced a 24-hour curfew that would go into effect in just four hours. The short notice sparked citywide panic as millions of people were forced to immediately rush home, leading to gridlock in a city famous for its bumper-to-bumper traffic. While some protesters decided to defy the curfew and continue their demonstration, others were simply stuck with no way to get home.

“We imagined the most they would do was arrest us or tell us to go home, and so before the curfew began the organisers for the protest that day had already told us to go home if we wanted to,” Anthony*, who was at the toll gate on Tuesday, tells VICE News.

“Nobody knew there would be shootings, nobody even knew the soldiers would be coming,” he continues. “It was only after I called my friend who was at another protest in Alausa, Ikeja, and he told me that soldiers had driven past their protest ground and had done nothing to them that I felt the possibility of them also coming to Lekki toll gate. We just felt at peace knowing that the soldiers were friendly at Alausa.”

The shooting started at around 7PM, shortly after street lights surrounding the toll gate were turned off, as was a giant illuminated billboard that towers over the intersection, plunging the sitting demonstrators into darkness. Video from an office building overlooking the toll gate appears to show army officers approaching from the opposite end of the site and firing into the crowd. This happened despite Sanwo-Olu extending the start of the curfew to 9PM.

Photographer Inyene has been documenting the protests at the toll gate since they started. The 26-year-old was there on Tuesday night when the shooting started. Inyene had only planned to stop at the site for a short while, he tells VICE News. But when he arrived shortly after 1PM, he decided to stay and document the evening, inspired by the protesters who couldn’t make it home as a result of the citywide gridlock.

What Inyene was there as shots fired up in the air, and turned into to direct shots aimed at protesters who were sitting down and waving Nigerian flags, singing the national anthem. As the crowd scrambled, many of the protesters took to Instagram Live, showing in real-time activists tripping over themselves in panic and being shot by advancing military officers. The footage also showed that a fire had been started at both ends of the toll, trapping many of the demonstrators in.

Another photographer, Dale*, 30, who was at the scene when the shooting began, tells VICE News that some of the crowd remained seated in the hope that would calm the officers and make it clear that they were protesting peacefully. “People were rushing, and DJ Switch who was making the live video, was trying to control the crowd and get them to lie down,” Dale says. “The soldiers still kept shooting.”

With the Lekki toll gate thrown into darkness, demonstrators struggled to make their way out of the site and could scarcely make out the soldiers surrounding the crowd.

“It was an organised crime,” Anthony adds. “Mobile [signal] went down. The billboard was switched off. I was trying to get out, while helping those that were injured. There were so many of them. I saw an ambulance make away with many more bodies.”

Despite Sanwo-Olu insisting at a press conference the following morning that there were no deaths, Amnesty International reports that more than 50 people have died since the #EndSars protests began, with 38 deaths recorded on Tuesday alone.

“It feels disheartening to hear the governor deny the deaths. It makes it even more painful, it was a calculated massacre,” Anthony adds.

Adebayo*, a doctor who works in a hospital near the Lekki toll gate where injured protesters were rushed to for treatment and many more are still being attended, tells VICE News that he has treated multiple gunshot victims and polytraumatised patients. “We have been dealing with a lot of fractures, blood loss, gunshots to the abdomen, laceration of wrist,  gunshot to the lungs, gunshot to the upper limb and other injuries of the sort,” Adebayo says. “Some people were unfortunate and didn’t make it.”

“One out of the three people who contacted us for help during the shooting got a stray bullet on her foot while she was trying to find her way home,” says Temmie Ovwasa, a singer and coordinator at SafeHouse, a program set up to assist queer Nigerians to find safety, shelter, and financial assistance during the protests. “The bullet tore off her skin and chipped at her bones, she had to be operated twice.”

Kokoma, a 22-year old student and comedian, was one of the protesters who couldn’t make it home due the traffic, so she stayed at the site. She later sustained injuries from the stampede that followed the initial gunshots. She considers herself luck to have made it out, and that a close friend of hers was shot in the leg as they ran.

“While I was running to safety, I had to stop by some people who were lying about, seriously injured,” Inyene remembers. “There was an elderly woman. There was a young man with a bullet stuck deep in his thigh. It was a lot but I did my best to take photographs, to collect evidence because I knew that  the government would try to deny it.”

On Thursday night, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari broke his nine-day silence with an address to the nation that made no reference to Tuesday’s deadly attack. Instead, Buhari, a former 1980s military dictator who was elected into office in 2015, spoke against any further protests and denounced activists for spreading “deliberate falsehood and misinformation through the social media.”

“In the circumstances, I would like to appeal to protesters to note and take advantage of the various well-thought-out initiatives of this administration designed to make their lives better and more meaningful, and resist the temptation of being used by some subversive elements to cause chaos with the aim of truncating our nascent democracy,” Buhari said. “For you to do otherwise will amount to undermining national security and the law and order situation. Under no circumstances will this be tolerated.”

*Names have been changed to protect their identities.

Politics, World News

Nigerian Journalist Wins 2020 African Fact-check Award.

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Taiwo Adebulu, a Nigerian journalist, has won the 2020 African Fact-check Award.  

His story “FACT CHECK: Nigeria told UN that 7 varsities run strictly on renewable energy, but is this true?” was rated as the best among 192 entries from 27 countries across the continent.

Adebulu, a reporter with TheCable, an online newspaper, had investigated how Nigeria’s Minister of Environment, Mohammed Mahmood, had grossly misinformed the United Nations at its Climate Action Summit in 2019.

In a ceremony on Thursday as part of the virtual African Investigative Journalism Conference, Africa Check, organisers of the competition, said the impressive entries submitted for the 2020 award showed the growing and vibrant practice of fact-checking on the continent.

“In what has been a year like no other, we’ve received the highest number of entries in the history of the African Fact-Checking Awards: 192 entries from 27 countries across Africa.

“We’ve gone from strength to strength since our inaugural awards in 2014, when we had about 40 entries from 10 countries. This growth can only be a wonderful advertisement for the growing and vibrant practice of fact-checking on the continent,” the organisers said.

Adebulu, who holds a Master’s in Communication Arts from the University of Ibadan, Oyo State, is also a recipient of the 2020 BudgIT/Civic Hive Media Fellowship.

In 2017, Adebulu won the Sustainable Development Goals category of the Zimeo Excellence in Media Award in Ethiopia. 

He was a finalist for The Future Awards Africa Prize for Journalism 2018 and recently won the 2020 PwC Media Excellence Award.

Politics

DJ Switch shares heartbreaking experience at lekki toll gate.

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The celebrity disc jockey,DJ Switch has shared her heartbreaking experience at Lekki toll gate, Lagos. She shared the story which was full of sad emotions on her Instagram page earlier today.

On Tuesday, 20th of October 2020 , there was a massacre at Lekki toll gate Lagos. The massacre was done by military men, which according to rumour were ordered by the president of Nigeria.

Unfortunately, so many peaceful #endsars protesters who are vibrant Nigerian youths were killed in cold blood while others were injured. However, those who were lucky to escape the bullets are still in a state of shock, this includes DJ Switch.

Below is the video clip in which the celebrity DJ shared her experience.

Politics

Lekki massacre: Soldiers Who Shot Protesters Must Face The Law, US Officials Tell Osinbajo.

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The US have demanded that the soldiers behind the shootings must be brought to book.

Senior officials of the United States Government on Thursday met with Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo and expressed displeasure over the shooting of unarmed protesters at the Lekki toll plaza on Tuesday.

The US also demanded that the soldiers behind the shootings must be brought to book.

The Spokesperson for the State Department, Morgan Ortagus, said in a statement that the officials were led by Counselor of the US State Department, Ulrich Brechbühl.

Others at the meeting included Assistant Secretary Robert Destro and Assistant Secretary Denise Natali.

The officials, according to the statement, raised concerns over the ongoing violence in Nigeria as well as human rights violations and human trafficking.

The statement read in part, “Counselor T. Ulrich Brechbühl met with Nigerian Vice President Yemi Osinbajo today in Abuja, Nigeria as part of a previously scheduled delegation, which included Assistant Secretary Robert Destro and Assistant Secretary Denise Natali, to raise US concerns about the ongoing violence in Nigeria, human rights, religious freedom, and trafficking in persons, and to hear from senior Nigerian government officials how they are addressing those issues. 

“The counsellor expressed the US condemnation of the use of excessive force by military forces that fired on unarmed demonstrators in Lagos. He expressed condolences to the victims of these shootings and urged the government of Nigeria to abide by its commitment to hold those responsible accountable under the law.”

According to the statement, Osinbajo, as well as the counsellor, noted that the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression are fundamental human rights and core democratic principles. 

“Counselor Brechbühl and Vice President Osinbajo emphasised the importance of US and Nigerian collaboration on common goals of improving security cooperation and strengthening economic partnership to foster mutual prosperity,” the statement read.

The Nigerian Army had on Wednesday denied that soldiers were at the toll plaza despite video evidence showing soldiers shooting.

Politics

President Buhari addresses Nigerians 2 days after the Lekki toll gate massacre.

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President Buhari has finally addressed the people of Nigeria following the Lekki toll gate massacre on the 20th of October 2020.

Below is his speech.

Fellow Nigerians,

It has become necessary for me to address you having heard from many concerned Nigerians and having concluded a meeting with all the Security Chiefs. I must warn those who have hijacked and misdirected the initial, genuine and well-intended protest of some of our youths in parts of the country, against the excesses of some members of the now disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

On Monday 12th October, I acknowledged the genuine concerns and agitations of members of the public regarding the excessive use of force by some members of SARS.The choice to demonstrate peacefully is a fundamental right of citizens as enshrined in Section 40 of our Constitution and other enactments;… but this right to protest also imposes on the demonstrators the responsibility to respect the rights of other citizens, and the necessity to operate within the law.

As a democratic government, we listened to, and carefully evaluated the five-point demands of the protesters. And, having accepted them, we immediately scrapped SARS, and put measures in place to address the other demands of our youth.On approving the termination of SARS I already made it clear that it was in line with our commitment to the implementation of extensive Police reforms.

Sadly, the promptness with which we have acted seemed to have been misconstrued as a sign of weakness and twisted by some for their selfish unpatriotic interests.The result of this is clear to all observers: human lives have been lost; acts of sexual violence have been reported; two major correctional facilities were attacked and convicts freed; public and private properties completely destroyed or vandalised;… the sanctity of the Palace of a peace-maker, the Oba of Lagos has been violated. So-called protesters have invaded an International Airport and in the process disrupted the travel plans of fellow Nigerians and our visitors.

All these executed in the name of the ENDSARS protests. I am indeed deeply pained that innocent lives have been lost. These tragedies are uncalled for and unnecessary.Certainly, there is no way whatsoever to connect these bad acts to legitimate expression of grievance of the youth of our country.The spreading of deliberate falsehood and misinformation through the social media in particular, that this government is oblivious to the pains and plight of its citizens, is a ploy to mislead the unwary within and outside Nigeria into unfair judgement and disruptive behaviour.

On the contrary, both our deeds and words have shown how committed this administration has been to the well being and welfare of citizens, even with the steadily dwindling revenues, and the added responsibilities and restrictions due to the Coronavirus pandemic.Government has put in place measures and initiatives principally targeted at youths, women and the most vulnerable groups in our society.  These included our broad plan to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in the next 10 years;… the creation of N75 billion National Youth Investment Fund to provide opportunities for the youths, and the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Survival Fund, through which government is:

a. paying 3-months salaries of the staff of 100,000 micro, small- and medium- enterprises
b. paying for the registration of 250,000 businesses at the Corporate Affairs Commission
c. giving a grant of N30,000 to 100,000 artisans
d. guaranteeing market for the products of traders

These are in addition to many other initiatives such as:

a. Farmermoni,
b. Tradermoni,
c. Marketmoni,
d. N-Power,
e. N-Tech and
f. N-Agro.

No Nigerian Government in the past has methodically and seriously approached poverty-alleviation like we have done.With regard to the welfare of police personnel, the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission has been directed to expedite action on the finalization of the new salary structure of members of the Nigeria Police Force.The emoluments of other paramilitary services are also being reviewed upwards.

In order to underscore the importance of education in preparing youths for the future, this administration has come up with a new salary structure and other incentives for our teachers.Let me at this point reaffirm the Federal Government’s commitment to preserving the unity of this country.We will continue to improve good governance and our democratic process, including through sustained engagement.

We shall continue to ensure that liberty and freedom, as well as the fundamental rights of all citizens, are protected.But remember that government also has the obligation to protect lives and properties, as well as the right of citizens to go about their daily businesses freely and protected from acts of violence.To our neighbours in particular, and members of the international community, many of whom have expressed concern about the ongoing development in Nigeria, we thank you and urge you all to seek to know all the facts available before taking a position … or rushing to judgement and making hasty pronouncements.

In the circumstances, I would like to appeal to protesters to note and take advantage of the various well-thought-out initiatives of this administration designed to make their lives better and more meaningful,… and resist the temptation of being used by some subversive elements to cause chaos with the aim of truncating our nascent democracy.For you to do otherwise will amount to undermining national security and the law and order situation. Under no circumstances will this be tolerated.

I therefore call on our youths to discontinue the street protests and constructively engage government in finding solutions.Your voice has been heard loud and clear and we are responding.And I call on all Nigerians to go about their normal businesses, and enjoin security agencies to protect lives and properties of all law-abiding citizens without doing harm to those they are meant to protect.Let me pay tribute to officers of the Nigeria Police Force who have tragically lost their lives in the line of duty.

I would like to thank those State Governors, traditional and religious leaders who have appealed for calm and restraint.I also thank youth leaders who have restrained their followers from taking the law into their hands.This government respects and will continue to respect all the democratic rights and civil liberties of the people, but it will not allow anybody or groups to disrupt the peace of our nation.

Thank you all. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Politics

FULL SPEECH: Buhari’s address on #EndSARS protests

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ADDRESS TO THE NATION BY HIS EXCELLENCY, MUHAMMADU BUHARI, PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA ON THE ENDSARS PROTESTS, 22ND OCTOBER, 2020

Fellow Nigerians,

It has become necessary for me to address you having heard from many concerned Nigerians and having concluded a meeting with all the Security Chiefs.

2. I must warn those who have hijacked and misdirected the initial, genuine and well-intended protest of some of our youths in parts of the country, against the excesses of some members of the now disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

3. On Monday 12th October, I acknowledged the genuine concerns and agitations of members of the public regarding the excessive use of force by some members of SARS.

4. The choice to demonstrate peacefully is a fundamental right of citizens as enshrined in Section 40 of our Constitution and other enactments; but this right to protest also imposes on the demonstrators the responsibility to respect the rights of other citizens, and the necessity to operate within the law.

5. As a democratic government, we listened to, and carefully evaluated the five-point demands of the protesters. And, having accepted them, we immediately scrapped SARS, and put measures in place to address the other demands of our youth.

6. On approving the termination of SARS, I already made it clear that it was in line with our commitment to the implementation of extensive Police reforms.

7. Sadly, the promptness with which we have acted seemed to have been misconstrued as a sign of weakness and twisted by some for their selfish unpatriotic interests.

8. The result of this is clear to all observers: human lives have been lost; acts of sexual violence have been reported; two major correctional facilities were attacked and convicts freed; public and private properties completely destroyed or vandalised; the sanctity of the Palace of a Peace Maker, the Oba of Lagos has been violated. So-called protesters have invaded an International Airport and in the process disrupted the travel plans of fellow Nigerians and our visitors.

9. All these executed in the name of the ENDSARS protests. I am indeed deeply pained that innocent lives have been lost. These tragedies are uncalled for and unnecessary. Certainly, there is no way whatsoever to connect these bad acts to legitimate expression of grievance of the youth of our country.

10. The spreading of deliberate falsehood and misinformation through the social media in particular, that this government is oblivious to the pains and plight of its citizens is a ploy to mislead the unwary within and outside Nigeria into unfair judgement and disruptive behaviour.

11. On the contrary, both our deeds and words have shown how committed this administration has been to the wellbeing and welfare of citizens, even with the steadily dwindling revenues, and the added responsibilities and restrictions due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

12. Government has put in place measures and initiatives principally targeted at youths, women and the most vulnerable groups in our society.  These included our broad plan to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in the next 10 years; the creation of N75 billion National Youth Investment Fund to provide opportunities for the youths and the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Survival Fund, through which government is:

a. paying three months salaries of the staff of 100,000 micro, small – and medium – enterprises,
b. paying for the registration of 250,000 businesses at the Corporate Affairs Commission,
c. giving a grant of N30,000 to 100,000 artisans; and
d. guaranteeing market for the products of traders.

13. These are in addition to many other initiatives such as;
a. Farmermoni,
b. Tradermoni,
c. Marketmoni,
d. N-Power,
e. N-Tech and
f. N-Agro.

14. No Nigerian Government in the past has methodically and seriously approached poverty-alleviation like we have done.

15. With regard to the welfare of police personnel, the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission has been directed to expedite action on the finalization of the new salary structure of members of the Nigeria Police Force. The emoluments of other paramilitary services are also being reviewed upwards.

16. In order to underscore the importance of education in preparing youths for the future, this administration has come up with a new salary structure and other incentives for our teachers.

17. Let me at this point reaffirm the Federal Government’s commitment to preserving the unity of this country.

18. We will continue to improve good governance and our democratic process, including through sustained engagement.

19. We shall continue to ensure that liberty and freedom, as well as the fundamental rights of all citizens are protected.

20. But remember that government also has the obligation to protect lives and properties, as well as the right of citizens to go about their daily businesses freely and protected from acts of violence.

21. To our neighbours in particular, and members of the international community, many of whom have expressed concern about the ongoing development in Nigeria, we thank you and urge you all to seek to know all the facts available before taking a position or rushing to judgment and making hasty pronouncements.

22. In the circumstances, I would like to appeal to protesters to note and take advantage of the various well-thought-out initiatives of this administration designed to make their lives better and more meaningful, and resist the temptation of being used by some subversive elements to cause chaos with the aim of truncating our nascent democracy.

23. For you to do otherwise will amount to undermining national security and the law and order situation. Under no circumstances will this be tolerated.

24. I therefore call on our youths to discontinue the street protests and constructively engage government in finding solutions. Your voice has been heard loud and clear and we are responding.

25. And I call on all Nigerians to go about their normal businesses, and enjoin security agencies to protect lives and properties of all law abiding citizens without doing harm to those they are meant to protect. Let me pay tribute to officers of the Nigeria Police Force who have tragically lost their lives in the line of duty.

26. I would like to thank those state Governors, traditional and religious leaders who have appealed for calm and restraint. I also thank youth leaders who have restrained their followers from taking the law into their hands.

27. This government respects and will continue to respect all the democratic rights and civil liberties of the people, but it will not allow anybody or groups to disrupt the peace of our nation.

Thank you all. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Politics

Some Nigerians mistook our disbandment of SARS as weakness – Buhari

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The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd) has said some Nigerians mistook as weakness, the swift response of his regime to disband the Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Nigeria Police Force.

Buhari made this known in a live broadcast on Thursday evening.

The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, had scrapped the special police unit in the wake of the #EndSARS protests.

Adamu had announced the Special Weapons and Tactics team as replacement for the disbanded team.

Addressing Nigerians on Thursday, the President said, “As a democratic government, we listened to, and carefully evaluated the five-point demands of the protesters. And, having accepted them, we immediately scrapped SARS, and put measures in place to address the other demands of our youth.

“On approving the termination of SARS, I already made it clear that it was in line with our commitment to the implementation of extensive Police reforms.

“Sadly, the promptness with which we have acted seemed to have been misconstrued as a sign of weakness and twisted by some for their selfish unpatriotic interests.

“The result of this is clear to all observers: human lives have been lost; acts of sexual violence have been reported; two major correctional facilities were attacked and convicts freed; public and private properties completely destroyed or vandalised; the sanctity of the Palace of a Peace Maker, the Oba of Lagos has been violated. So-called protesters have invaded an International Airport and in the process disrupted the travel plans of fellow Nigerians and our visitors.”

Details later…

Politics

US kicks against Lekki Toll Gate shootings, says soldiers involved should be punished

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The United States of America on Thursday condemned the shooting of #EndSARS protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos State by the Nigerian soldiers and called for investigation into what it called “excessive use of force.”

The US State Department, in a two-paragraph statement issued on Thursday by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, said Nigerian citizens have the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, urging the Federal Government to hold those involved accountable in accordance with Nigerian law.

While extending its condolences to the victims of the shooting and their families, the US urged the security agencies to show maximum restraint and respect the fundamental human rights of the citizens.

According to the statement: “The United States strongly condemns the use of excessive force by military forces who fired on unarmed demonstrators in Lagos, causing death and injury. We welcome an immediate investigation into any use of excessive force by members of the security forces. Those involved should be held to account in accordance with Nigerian law.

“The right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression are essential human rights and core democratic principles. We call on the security services to show maximum restraint and respect fundamental rights and for demonstrators to remain peaceful. We extend our condolences to the victims of the violence and their families.”

Politics

End SARS: Hold Buhari responsible for killing of Lekki protesters by soldiers – Bamgbose

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Barrister Olusegun Bamgbose, Esq., has described the shootings of unarmed protesters at Lekki Toll Gate, by soldiers of the Nigerian army as highly condemnable, barbaric and an open act of brutality.

DAILY POST reported that End SARS protesters at Lekki grounds came under heavy fire by the military on Tuesday night.

Bullets fired by security operatives hit some persons and at least two persons were confirmed dead by the police while many injured

voices in viral footage suggested that the shootings were carried out military men.

Gunshots rented the air Tuesday night hours after the expiration of a 24-hour curfew declared by the Lagos state government.

Security agents move into Lekki at about 6:30pm

And Bamgbose, a senior lawyer, said it was unfortunate, unacceptable and unjustifiable and a clear indication that Buhari’s administration is anti-people.

In a chat with DAILY POST in reaction to the incident, Bamgbose said President Buhari has indeed lost his reputation as a leader.

“On our part as an organization, we have lost confidence in this government. We are clearly passing a vote of no confidence in this administration.

“The government is fast becoming dictatorial in nature. The President should have known that no manner of force can stop a lawful agitation. Nigerian youths are irrepressible.

“It’s really getting clearer that APC government is a colossal failure. What on earth, would have made the Chief of Army Staff to order the shooting of harmless Nigerians agitating against Police Brutality.

“This is absurd. This government should be properly informed that the voice of the people is stronger than the voice of gunshots. No amount of force, intimidation and molestation, will stop the agitation for better life of the citizens.

“What does the Government expect when we have about 14 million Nigerians who are without jobs? Our Universities students are at home wasting away, there is hardship in the land.

”The agitation is unstoppable. President Buhari should be held accountable for the loss of lives. In a matter of days, we shall compile the necessary information for the world to know what is happening in Nigeria. The ICC will equally be formally notified. Enough is enough of this executive rascality and high handedness.

Politics

41 Eminent Nigerians Urge Buhari to Halt Descent into Chaos, List Actions to be Taken

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A group of eminent Nigerians under the platform of Concerned Nigerians have urged President Muhammadu Buhari to urgently halt the descent into chaos following the mismanagement of the youth protest against police brutality.

Their call was sequel to the wanton carnage in several states of the federation following the shooting of peaceful young protesters at Lekki Toll gate in Lagos by soldiers on Tuesday night.

In a statement signed by 41 eminent Nigerians, they called on President Buhari to take immediate urgent steps to address the widening trust deficit between the government and the President on the one hand, and the Nigerian youth and its people on the other.

The statement was signed by Dr. Olisa Agbakoba SAN, Prof. Jibrin Ibrahim, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, Prof. Attahiru Muhammadu Jega, Funke Adekoya SAN, Prof. Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, Mr. Femi Falana SAN, Prof. Koyinsola Ajayi SAN, Prof. Auwalu H. Yadudu, Mal. Yusuf Ali SAN, Dr. Chris Kwaja, Mr. Chino Edmund Obiagwu SAN, Father George Ehusani, Mr. John Odah, Prof. Mohammed Tabiu SAN, Mal. Kabiru Yusuf, Cmrd. Salisu Nuhu Mohammed, Mr. Ledum Mitee, Ms Ngozi Iwere and Ene Obi.

Others are Ms Amina Salisu, Dr. Hakeem Baba Ahmed

Dayo Olayide, Danlami Nmodu, Mallam Hamza Ibrahim, Prof. Ukachukwu A. Awuzie, Dr, Peter Ozo-Eson, Dr. Dipo Fashina, Dr. Udo Jude, Ms Idayat Hassan, Abubakar Sokoto Mohammed, Prof. G.G. Darah, Prof. Adele Jinadu, Prof. Rufai Alkali, Hon. Rima Shawulu, Dr. Innocent Chukwuma, Dr. Kole Shettima, Adeyemi Candide-Johnson SAN, Mal. Y.Z. Yau, Prof. Pat Utomi and A. B. Mahmoud SAN.

The eminent personalities said to move forward, the President must take decisive action to close the trust deficit by identifying and arresting immediately the persons that gave instruction for soldiers to shoot protesting youth at the Lekki Toll gate.

They also said the President must institute an urgent independent inquiry on the events at Lekki toll gate leading to the use of live ammunition on the protestors and the apparent use of sponsored thugs or hoodlums by security operatives to infiltrate and break the peaceful protests.

They said all those identified to be responsible for this must be held to account and prosecuted.

According to them, the President must also take immediate remedial action as spelt out in the youth Charter of Demands (5For5 Demands) including the immediate release of all arrested protestors, justice and compensation for the families of victims, and an independent body to oversee the prosecution of guilty officers.

The concerned Nigerians said Buhari must address the nation with concrete plan of implementation of the modalities and timelines for police reform and respond positively to the consensus opinion that the heads of the security agencies have performed poorly and should be relieved of office.

They also said the President must announce urgent steps to address perennial insecurity and killings in the country particularly in the North-East and North-West.

Also listed as urgent step to be taken by the President include the development of a clear work plan for the implementation of the governance reform programmes for which well meaning Nigerians had been demanding.

Below is the full statement by the Concerned Nigerians

Our Youth and the Unfolding National Crisis: Need for Urgent Intervention

Statement By Concerned Nigerians

We are responsible and patriotic Nigerians who have watched with serious concern the unfolding crisis threatening to engulf our nation. This has followed the recent protests by Nigerian youth across the country, against widespread police brutality, endemic corruption, and bad governance. We are non-partisan actors who believe in the union of our people through the maintenance of democratic order founded on the rule of law. We believe in the freedom of all Nigerians to exercise the rights guaranteed in our constitution, including freedom of speech, the right to participate in peaceful protest and in processions without harassment or intimidation from any person or authority.

The developments of the last weeks culminated in a deadly attack on peaceful protestors, which from available evidence appears to be by agents of our government on 20th October 2020 present one of the most serious crisis in our nation’s history. At the root of these protests by our youth is bad governance and lack of accountability. Currently, 65% of Nigerians are young persons under 35 years of age. Majority do not feel that Nigeria works for them or supports their interests or aspirations. They have been victims of police brutality and extortion all their lives and collectively decided the situation was no longer acceptable. It was on that basis that they began the EndSARS protests to end police brutality and ultimately to defend their basic rights, including the fundamental right to life. From all accounts, their protests were peaceful, and disciplined. They were focused on defending the rule of law and good governance, on many occasions symbolically raising the national flag or singing the national anthem.

The response of the Government to these protests has been largely slow, unconvincing, and half-hearted. By formally accepting the youth’s demand to end SARS but immediately announcing it would be replaced with SWAT, that did not demonstrate good faith. This has happened several times previously when our youth had protested police brutality and extortion. With no credible response and with no basis for trust in the willingness of their government to address their real grievances, they continued their protests.

There are widespread allegations and some available evidence would appear to support this, that agents of government or other affiliated political actors sought to break the legitimate protests by the youth through sponsoring or promoting thugs to attack the protestors and damage properties which were then attributed to the youth protestors. Some evidence also suggests that there are attempts to delegitimise the protests by seeking to divide and rule the youth through ethnic and religious manipulation. This makes the situation very dangerous for the country. This divisive and cynical approach, if established, portends great danger to the nation and is unacceptable.

A cynical and brutal response, to the protests by the government or its agencies will only succeed in taking the agency of these protests from the hands of concerned, peaceful, orderly protesters for the rule of law and delivering our streets to the hoodlums and arsonists as is currently unfolding.

With over one hundred million people living in extreme poverty, Nigeria cannot afford to tread the path of exacerbating ethnic and religious divides which can only lead to anarchy. Any response from the government agencies or indeed any group, that suggests this, must be condemned strongly.

On Tuesday 20th October 2020, the nation was rudely shocked by what appears to be a premeditated violent crackdown on the protestors thereby significantly escalating the volatile situation. Earlier on that day, the Lagos State Government had declared a 24-hour curfew which would take effect from 4pm. According to reports, as the deadline was not practical, the state government extended the time for compliance to 9pm. However, before the reviewed curfew time, armed men in the uniform of the Nigerian military were deployed to the protest site at Lekki toll gate in Lagos. Available evidence suggests that they did not order the crowd to disperse and they did not engage in non-lethal crowd dispersal action, but rather opened live ammunition on the defenseless assembled youth, some of whom were reportedly killed or wounded.

This attack on unarmed protesters holding the nation’s flag and singing the national anthem will go down in infamy and will be engraved in the minds of Nigerians as one of the worst abuses of its own citizenship.

No Nation can survive a war between its security agencies and its youth, and it is to avert this prospect that we make this intervention and recommend the following urgent action.

Having carefully observed and followed these unfolding events, and to halt our descent into further break down of law and order, we call for urgent steps to be taken by all concerned.

1. We call on President Muhammadu Buhari to take immediate urgent steps to address the widening trust deficit between the Government and the President on the one hand, and the Nigerian youth and its people on the other. To move forward, the President must take decisive action to close the trust deficit by:

a. Identifying and arresting immediately the persons that gave instruction for soldiers to shoot protesting youth at the Lekki Toll Gate on 20th October 2020

b. Institute an urgent independent inquiry on: (i) the events at Lekki toll gate leading to the use of live ammunitions on the protestors and (ii) the apparent use of sponsored thugs or hoodlums by security operatives to infiltrate and break the peaceful protests. All those identified to be responsible for this must be held to account and prosecuted.

c. Take immediate remedial action as spelt out in the youth Charter of Demands (which they term 5For5 Demands) including the immediate release of all arrested protestors, justice and compensation for the families of victims, and an independent body to oversee the prosecution of guilty officers.

d. Address the Nation with concrete plan of implementation of the modalities and timelines for police reform.

e. Respond positively to the consensus opinion that the heads of the security agencies have performed poorly and should be relieved of office.

f.Announce urgent steps to address perennial insecurity and killings in the country particularly in the North-East and North-West.

g. Finally, develop a clear workplan for the implementation of the governance reform programmes for which well meaning Nigerians have been demanding.

2. We commend our youth who have been courageous and patriotic in their demands for the protection of their rights and for a better

Nigeria. We urge that all Nigerians support these demands which have been without any ethnic or religious coloration.

3. We urge the protestors to remain law abiding and patriotic and not to engage in any intimidation or harassment of ordinary citizens or engage in any form of violence. We appeal to parties and stakeholders to work for speedy resolution of the crisis.

4. We strongly condemn the wanton destruction of properties, killings and maiming of innocent citizens and ethnicization by rioters and hoodlums trying to ignite a religious or ethnic conflict and call on ALL Nigerians to remain calm and avoid retaliation or taking the law into their hands.

ISSUED THIS 22ND DAY OF OCTOBER, 2020

Politics

Ikoyi prison incident has been contained, no inmate escaped- Ministry of Interior

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The Federal Ministry of Interior says the incident that happened at the Ikoyi Correctional Center in Lagos has been brought under control.

On Thursday, October 22, a team of Army and Police officers were drafted to the prison premises after some hoodlums attempted to attack the facility to release some prisoners. A fire outbreak was also recorded within the prison premises.

In a tweet posted this afternoon, the Ministry said the situation has been brought under control

”The situation at the Ikoyi Custodial Centre is under control! Armed squad of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Civil Defence, Police and and men of the Nigerian Army are providing security at the facility. The Federal Fire Service is dealing with the fire. Ignore rumors of inmate escaping!”the tweet read.

Politics

Hoodlums set ablaze Ojodu police station, Lagos

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Hoodlums have set ablaze the Ojodu Police Station at the Berger area of Lagos State on Thursday.

The PUNCH gathered that no fewer than seven vehicles were also burnt.

An eyewitness, Idowu Jamiu, told our correspondent that the hoodlums also looted shops around the police station.

An affected trader, identified simply as Iya Agbo, said, “They also torched shops beside the station. They stole and destroyed our goods worth millions of naira.”

Our correspondent gathered that the hoodlums had attempted to set the station ablaze on Wednesday but failed.

Officials of the Lagos State Fire Service are at the scene of the incident putting out the fire.

Details later…

Politics

Many reportedly shot as officers foil attempted jailbreak at Ikoyi Prison

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Some inmates were shot as a combined team of correctional officers and soldiers are currently trying to foil a revolt and attempted jailbreak at Ikoyi Prison in Lagos, PREMIUM TIMES has learnt.

An inmate inside the prison, who was not part of those trying to escape, sent this newspaper videos and messages describing the attempts by some prisoners to escape from the prison.

The attempted jailbreak in Lagos is coming three days after hundreds of prisoners escaped from the Benin prison.

According to the source inside the prison, several prisoners have been shot as some prisoners tried to breach the gate of the prison.

Our source said troops of the Nigerian Army were called in to assist correctional officers who are trying to suppress the attempted jailbreak.

When reached for comment, another officer who refused to say his name answered the phone of the spokesperson of the Nigerian Correction Service, Austin Njoku. The officer explained that the spokesperson was in a meeting and was going to call this reporter back after the meeting.

Politics

Why we can’t speak on Lekki shootings – DHQ

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The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Thursday, gave reasons why it will not speak on the shooting at the Lekki tollgate in Lagos State that left some #EndSARS protesters dead and others wounded.

It insisted that stating the military side of the incident may compromise the findings of the Commission of Enquiry constituted by the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwolu.

The Lekki tollgate shooting, Tuesday night, has drawn widespread criticism from both world leaders, the International Community and Human Rights Organizations.

The Coordinator Defence Media Operations, Major General John Enenche, while fielding questions from Defence Correspondents, at the Defence Headquarters Abuja, said that the reports about soldiers shooting and killing protesters is mere allegation for now.

According to Eneche, who was reluctant to answer questions relating to the Lekki incident, urged Nigerians to remain calm and wait for the outcome of investigations by constituted panels.

In his words, “we are dealing with major operations, anything outside this is what is called Operation MENSA, I may not want to go too much into Operation MENSA because it is not a major operation. We have nine Operations and other subsidiary Operations which I have been directed to focus.

“Operation MENSA is strictly under the policy directive of the various states we have them all over the country and it is the oldest of all Operations. For this Operation you have the Military, Navy Air Force, Civil Defence and the Police put together. So these Operations are still standing and running and I am aware that the state governments are using them in all these capacities, that is internal security, the level we are now is internal security and that is why the Police proactively came out and then deployed all their Force package that are necessary to handle that so that is where we are. So if there was anything and if it is true, why am I saying if it is true because up to this morning, I even called analysts who have analyzed videos that were Photoshopped and put together, if not that I am not permitted, I would have forwarded it to you.

“The issue is not an operation that I can respond to. But I can tell you that it is an allegation for now, so let us not set the cart before the horse. If the matter was still open-ended I would have had I response for you but is is no longer open-ended, because immediately, not even up to five hours, before midnight the Governor of Lagos set up an Inquiry, so whatever we say now will not be fair to the Commission.

Meanwhile on update of military operations, Enenche, noted that the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies have continued their major operations across the country with attendant successes, adding that various operations have progressed satisfactorily in all the theaters.

In the North West, he stated that “troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI have continued to record significant successes against the armed bandits in the North West zone of the country. The gallant troops have continued to exhibit continued resilience in the fight against armed banditry, cattle rustling and other sundry crimes in the zone.

“One of the feats recorded, troops repelled bandits attack at Rawayu village in Kurfi Local Government Area of Katsina State on 15 October 2020. In the course of the encounter, 4 armed bandits were neutralized while others escaped with gunshot wounds. In another encounter security operatives in conjunction with vigilantes neutralized one Abubakar Haruna, a suspected arms trafficker and recovered 600 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition along Tsakiya Road in Dutsinma Local Government Area of Katsina State.

“Relatedly, troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI on 16 October 2020 arrested a suspected bandit collaborator at Sheme Junction in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State. Similarly, still on same 16 October, Forward Operating Base MAGAMI patrol team arrested 2 suspected bandits at Magami Market in Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State on their alleged involvement in an attack where one person was killed and 13 others were abducted on 21 September 2020”.

He continued that, “these successes recorded within the period are evident of the troop’s resolve, doggedness and determination to end the security challenges in the North-West zone. The general public is hereby encouraged to provide timely and actionable intelligence that will assist the troops in the operation”.

Meanwhile in the Northeast, he disclosed that troops of Operation Lafiya Dole have remained resolute in the anti-terror war.

“In the North East zone of the country, troops of LAFIYA DOLE have remained resolute in their commitment to sustain the tempo in their operational activities. Between 15 and 21 October 2020, series of ground and air operations were conducted by the gallant troops.

“These include aggressive clearance operations, cordon and search operations, Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions as well as artillery and aerial bombardments on terrorists’ hideouts at different locations in the theatre of operation. The cumulative operations of the troops with superior firepower have drastically denied the terrorists’ freedom of action and reduced their operational capabilities in the zone.

“Notably, on 16 October 2020, troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE while on clearance operations encountered Boko Haram/ ISWAP at Sawa village in Nganzai Local Government Area of Borno State. During the encounter, 4 terrorists were neutralized while 4 AK47 rifles were recovered by the troops.

“As the Land Component conduct aggressive patrols and dominate the zone, the Air Task Force of Operation LAFIYA DOLE conducted series of air operations with a force package of Nigerian Air Force fighter jets and helicopter gunships as part of the activities of its subsidiary Operation WUTAR TABKI. Several air interdiction and surveillance missions were executed, revealing terrorists’ activities in various locations in the North East.

“This led to the destruction of terrorists’ hideouts and neutralization of scores of their fighters. On 15 October 2020, air strikes were executed on ISWAP elements’ locations with structures and logistics items, camouflaged under the dense vegetation at TudunWulgo and Tumbun Gini Villages on the fringes of Lake Chad in Borno State. The air strikes led to the neutralization of several ISWAP fighters and destruction of the identified structures with their logistics facilities.

“Similarly, on 18 October 2020, air interdiction missions executed by the Air Task Force led to the neutralization of scores of ISWAP members and destruction of their hideouts at Tsilala Village near Kaza in the Diwa general area of Borno State. In another development, sustained air strikes executed on 19 October 2020 by the Air Task Force, decimated several ISWAP training camps and their logistics storage facilities at Tumbun Barorowa, also on the fringes of the Lake Chad in Borno State”.

He maintained further that, “the downward trend in kinetics from the North East is an indication of own troops superior operational capabilities as well as cooperation from the populace. Thus, as the High Command of the Military appreciates the general public for their support, it further solicits their cooperation towards providing credible and timely information on terrorists’ activities to facilitate proactive engagements in our operations in the North East zone”.

On the North Central Zone, he revealed that, “the Armed Forces of Nigeria have continued to maintain the momentum of the fight against criminality through aggressive clearance patrols, ambushes and raids in the North Central Zone. These successful kinetic efforts were supported by Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities in the form of stakeholders’ meetings amongst the various ethnic groups in the zone.

“Within the period under review, troops of operations WHIRL STROKE and SAFE HAVEN conducted several clearance operations at identified bandit’s camps. Notably, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralized 2 armed bandits in Nasarawa State. The Joint Force while on patrol on 18 October 2020 around Kango and Adumata villages came in contact with a group of armed bandits leading to exchange of fire.

“The gallant troops overwhelmed the bandits thereby neutralizing 2 while others escaped with gunshots wounds. Troops also recovered one AK47 rifle, one locally made rifle, 6 AK47 magazines, 110 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition and assorted drugs.

“Furthermore, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE while on raid operations at River Yo-Yo and Tachar villages respectively had contact with armed bandits. Troops responded with superior fire power forcing the armed elements to flee into the surrounding bushes. The gallant troops engaged the bandits in hot pursuit following which 2 were neutralized.

“In the course of operation, one locally made AK 47 rifle, one magazine, 7 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, one Toyota Corolla car, some substances suspected to be Indian Hemp as well as charms were recovered. Troops subsequently cleared the bandits’ hideout. Currently, the gallant troops have dominated the area with aggressive patrols to deny bandits freedom of action.

“Similarly, on 16 October 2020, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN deployed at Kuba responded to distress calls about an armed robbery along Road Bokkos- Barkin Ladi in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State. Troops engaged the criminals and neutralized one of them while others fled with gunshot wounds. Additionally, troops recovered one locally fabricated rifle, 2 mobile handsets, one jack knife and 4 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

“Additionally, on 20 October 2020, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN in conjunction with personnel of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) conducted a joint raid operation at the residence of suspected drug peddlers at Zamkam, Gamji, Chakwai and Menum villages of Kadarko district in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State. The raid was conducted following actionable intelligence on the activities of the drug kingpins at the location. Troops stormed the residence and arrested 6 suspects with a large quantity of substance suspected to be Cannabis Sativa.

“As part of CIMIC activities within the period under review, Headquarters Operation SAFE HAVEN on 15 October 2020, delivered drugs to Rim Primary Healthcare Clinic renovated by the Defence Headquarters at Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State”.

“In the South West zone, Troops of Operation AWATSE have continued to intensify the fight against pipeline vandals, economic saboteurs and other criminal elements. Troops of Operation AWATSE on routine patrol arrested 2 suspected oil thieves with products suspected to be stolen Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at Agala 1 and Ilado areas of Atlas Cove in Lagos State.

“Troops have continued to dominate the general area with clearance and aggressive patrols while maintaining surveillance to rid the area of pipeline vandals and other economic saboteurs.

“Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE have sustained the aggressive fight against economic sabotage in the zone with tremendous successes. On 16 October 2020, Nigerian Navy Ship PATHFINDER patrol team discovered and immobilized an illegal refinery containing 321,500 litres of illegally refined oil products at Tuma Creek in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State

“Also, on same day, Forward Operating Base Bonny patrol team immobilized an illegal refinery containing 54,000 litres of crude oil at Dabara Creek in Bonny Local Government of the State”, he stressed.

Meanwhile, he stressed further that, “in another development, troops of Operation SILENT HEAT III have continued to record tremendous successes. Gunboats of Forward Operating Base IBAKA on 17 October 2020 while on routine patrol along Utan Iyata Creek intercepted and arrested a large wooden boat containing 50kg parboiled rice suspected to be smuggled in from the Republic of Cameroon. A total of 1,637 bags of 50kg parboiled rice were recovered and 2 suspects were arrested.

“Also, on 20 October 2020, Forward Operating Base IBAKA gunboats while on routine patrol around Mbo River intercepted and arrested a small sized wooden boat laden with 33 drums of products suspected to be Premium Motor Spirit with 2 suspects. Suspects are currently in own custody and will soon be handed over to the prosecuting agency for necessary action. From these successes, it is clear that, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE and other security agencies working together remain resolute and dedicated in their endeavor to end the fight against economic sabotage.

“Overall, the Military High Command commends all the gallant troops of the Armed Forces and personnel of other security agencies involved in various operations across the country for their resoluteness, determination and loyalty. They are equally encouraged to remain unwavering and decisive in curtailing the activities of all criminal elements in the country.

“Members of the general public are hereby reassured that the Nigerian Military will continue to tackle the security challenges to ensure that normalcy is attained in all the Geo-political zones of the Country. However their support is highly solicited in the area of providing credible information to assist our operations.”

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