The first batch of six A-29 Super Tucano aircraft have departed the United States of America en route Nigeria, the Nigerian Air Force has said.
NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Edward Gabkwet, in a statement on Thursday, said the fighter jets departed from the US on Wednesday and are expected in Nigeria anytime soon.
The statement was titled, ‘First Batch Of A-29 Super Tucano Aircraft Depart The United States Of America For Nigeria’.
It partly read, “The six aircraft will be leapfrogged through 5 countries including Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Spain and Algeria before arriving their final destination in Nigeria towards the end of July 2021.
“An official induction ceremony of the aircraft into the inventory of the Nigerian Air Force is already being planned at a later date in August 2021 to be announced in due course. The Office of the Director of Public Relations and Information remains open to any inquiry regarding the arrival and induction of the aircraft.”
The PUNCH had earlier reported that the Federal Government in February 2018 placed an order for 12 Super Tucano aircraft at a cost of $496million. Several delivery dates have been announced for the aircraft before Thursday’s announcement.
The fighter jets are expected to boost the operations of the military in its anti-terrorism war against Boko Haram and splinter group, the Islamic State in West Africa Province, in Nigeria’s North-East.
Chief of Defence Staff and the service chiefs have promised that welfare of troops fighting insecurity in the country remains one of their topmost priorities. By Sumaila Ogbaje The Acting Force Commander, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), Brig.-Gen. Clement Apere, has commended troops for their resilience and doggedness in the fight against crime in their Areas of Responsibility (AOR).
Apere gave the commendation during his maiden operational visit to troops’ locations in Nasarawa and Benue States.
The Deputy Director, Defence Information, Air Commodore Wap Maigida, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.
Apere said the troops had checkmated banditry, kidnapping and other criminality posing threats to the peace and stability of communities within Nasarawa, Benue and other adjoining states.
He pledged to prioritise the welfare of troops and enhance their operational efficiency, while urging them to remain patriotic and redouble efforts in the sustenance of peace and security within their AOR.
According to him, the Chief of Defence Staff and the service chiefs have promised that welfare of troops fighting insecurity in the country remains one of their topmost priorities.
He said that the government was working towards acquiring more equipment to energise the fighting spirit of troops in the theatres of operation, so as to yield the desired results in quelling insecurity within the nation at large.
The commander said that the visit had provided him the opportunity to have an on-the-spot assessment of the challenges that the troops were facing with regards the operations.
He also commended the field commanders and urged them to maintain the tempo in order to guarantee the safety of lives and properties of the civilian populace in the states.
Apere further urged residents to continue to provide credible information that would aid the operations.(NAN)
More soldiers have been moved to Adani community in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State where unknown gunmen shot and killed two soldiers on Tuesday.
The hoodlums were said to have attacked the Army check point located at Iggah/Asaba along Nsukka – Adani – Anambra Federal Road at about 4:30 am.
A statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General, Onyema Nwachukwu said soldiers had since repelled the invading criminals and were already trailing them.
Nwachukwu accused the members of the Indigenous People of Biafra and their affiliate Eastern Security Network of being behind the attack.
According to the statement titled: ‘Troops repel ESN attack on their location at Adani’, Nwachukwu, said “Nigerian Army troops deployed to checkmate the activities of gunmen at Adani community of Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State, yesterday 13 July 2021, repelled Eastern Security Network (ESN) gun attack on troops’ location at Iggah/Asaba checkpoint.
“Sadly, during the fire fight that ensued, two soldiers paid the supreme price. Troops are currently on the trail of the criminals.
“We assure the general public of our commitment to provide adequate security in the general area in collaboration with other security agencies. We also urge members of the public to complement the effort of the security agencies by remaining law abiding and provide useful information on the fleeing gunmen.”
Meanwhile, sources in the community said that the gun battle between the soldiers and the hoodlums equally left no fewer than six hoodlums dead
Though, Nwachuku did not give information about the casualty figure on the side of the unknown gunmen, the source said, “I can tell you that security forces neutralised about six hoodlums. That’s why they can categorically tell you that the attackers were ESN members”.
EverydayNews reports that the GOC 82 Division Enugu, Major Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja has visited the area and mobilized more soldiers to beef up security.
The body of the dead soldiers have also been buried at the 82 Division burial ground.
Nigeria’s Consul General in South Africa, Malik Abdul, has called on Nigerians in that country to exercise restraint, be cautious and as much as possible avoid high risk areas.
Abdul made the call in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja while reacting to the ongoing violent protests in Johannesburg and Durban areas of South Africa.
He advised Nigerians to avoid being caught up in the violent protest, as the South African police and other law enforcement agencies were working hard to bring the situation under control.
“The Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg is watching with concern the developments in the two Provinces of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, where criminal elements have hijacked the protest to free former President Jacob Zuma.
“According to reports, a considerable number of shops and establishments in Durban and Johannesburg, including those belonging to Nigerian nationals, have been burnt, looted and vandalised under the guise of protests.
“It is established that these criminal elements engage in these acts in furtherance of their interest to loot and vandalise private and public property, and not necessarily in relation to the Zuma case,” he said.
Abdul noted that the violence was condemnable and commiserated with all Nigerians in particular and others alike who might had suffered any form of loss due to the violent protest.
He added that lawful means should, however, be explored to seek redress.
He called upon relevant authorities to forestall the degeneration of the situation and to take proactive steps to prevent further loss of lives and property.
In another development, it was reported that the Consul General of Nigeria in South Africa took the first jab of COVID-19 vaccine on Sunday.
Abdul commended the effort of the South African Government in ensuring that the COVID vaccines were made available and easily accessible to the general public.
He advised Nigerians resident in South Africa to register and get vaccinated against COVID-19 and to disregard the fallacies being spread about the vaccine, saying they do not have any basis in science.
Abdul stressed that with the impact of COVID-19 on the economy and social cultural activities, it had become necessary for everyone to join the global fight against the pandemic in a bid to stop the virus in its track.(NAN)
The Police Command in Niger, on Tuesday, said it had arrested 16 students of Ibrahim Babangida University, Lapai, during cult initiation.
The command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Wasiu Abiodun, disclosed this in a statement in Minna.
”On July 7 at about 2100 hours, acting on a credible intelligence, Police operatives attached to Lapai Division arrested the suspects.
“They were arrested for being suspected members of Black Axe cult group at Gwaranyo lodge, State Low Cost area of Lapai while conducting their annual celebration in a room rented by one of the suspects.
“Items recovered during the celebration and initiation ceremony include one small axe, one Army trouser, one Army face cap, one pot soaked with dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.
“Others are one 15-litre jerrican containing concoction suspected to have been mixed with illicit drugs, two bottles of castello alcoholic drink and one MP3 radio player,” he said.
Abiodun said that the suspects would be arraigned after investigation.(NAN)
About five farmers from Ali Ugwele Village in Ekoli-Edda community of Afikpo South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State have been reportedly killed by unknown assailants.
The invaders reportedly came from a neighbouring community in Cross River State.
They allegedly attacked and killed the farmers who harvesting cassava from their farmlands.
The sources said the assailants attacked, killed and allegedly ate up the lifeless bodies of their victims as a way to cover up their crime.
The Ebonyi Community and neighbouring Erei village in Biasa LGA of Cross River State are said to have been having disagreement over the control and ownership of the palm plantation which had lasted for some years.
One of the victims of the attack escaped from the farm and alerted the villagers of the development.
Chairman of Afikpo South LGA, Dr. Eni Uduma Chima who expressed sadness over the incident said efforts were on to ensure the security of lives of the people of Ekoli-Edda Community.
He pointed out that he would not fold his arms and allow miscreants unsettle the peace in the affected community.
He said: “On Monday July 12th, 2021. Ekoli Edda people of Afikpo South L.G.A who went to farm at Aliugwelu, Ekoli Edda were attacked by Egbor people with their allies and masters from Enna, in Biase L.G.A of Cross River State.
“One Ama Chukwu, 39-year-old man, was killed and beheaded while harvesting cassava from his farm. Another, Mr. Egor Etta Oji “m” with the son Felix Egor Etta, 11 years old were slaughtered and their body eaten by the Enna barbarians.
“A fourth person Nneka Olughu, who was abducted alongside the afore-mentioned persons was however released after her abductors confirmed that she was from a different community.
“Ekoli Edda people of Afikpo South L.G.A and Egbor, with Urugbam people of Biase L.G.A of Cross River State have been enmeshed in boundary dispute since 2018 over the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) plantation land acquired by the defunct Eastern Region of Nigeria”
“The matter which was promptly reported to the National Boundary Commission for adjudication is in advanced stage. It is expected that the Commission will take urgent steps to conclude with the boundary matter and carry out the needed tracing and demarcation which will bring permanent peace in the area.”
Mr Uduma called for calm on the part of the people of Afikpo South L.G.A, especially as the Council Chairman of Biase L.G.A of Cross River State has reportedly expressed sadness over the incidence and called on the people to give peace a chance.
Also, the Commissioner for Internal Security Security, Border Peace, Stanley Okoro-Emegha described the situation as unfortunate.
He noted that as a result of the recent attack on Ali Ugwele village in Ekoli-Edda Community of Afikpo South LGA of Ebonyi State, 5 persons are currently missing, one killed while one has returned home to his people.
He noted that Ebonyi State Government have been doing its best to ensure peace among both sides of the divide.
He blamed Cross River Government for being lackadaisical in the handling of the situation even as he explained that Ebonyi State Government would write to the General Officer Commanding, GOC 82 Div. for the permanent deployment of soldiers to the affected Communities of Ebonyi and Cross River States.
“What we intend to do now is to write to the GOC of 82 Army Division, Enugu for deployment of soldiers to the area.
All verified victims of police brutality and inhuman treatment in Abia State would be paid over N511 million as compensation, subject to approval of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.
The monetary compensation was part of the recommendations contained in a five volume report of the Abia State Judicial Panel of Enquiry on Police Brutality, Extra-judicial Killings and other Related Matters after eight months of investigations.
Receiving the report from the chairman of the panel, Justice Sunday Imo (rtd), the Abia governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Chris Ezem, said that government would “clinically study the report” before implementation.
He lauded the Panel for rendering “historic and selfless services to their fatherland”, adding that the report would serve as a guide to the public on how best to relate with the police and other security agencies.
The Abia chief executive stated that the security institutions need the support and cooperation of citizens to function effectively and excel in their duties.
Earlier, the chairman of the panel, Justice Imo (rtd), who is a former chief judge of Abia, explained that the first volume of the report contains the main report while the second volume contains all the petitions with volume three has the records and proceedings of the Panel.
He further noted that fourth volume centred on findings and recommendations of the panel while the last volume contains case files, exhibits, among others.
Justice Imo said that the panel received 86 cases/petitions out of which 46 went through full hearing while the remaining cases were dismissed or struck out.
The 21- member panel was inaugurated by Governor Ikpeazu on October 23, 2020 with a charge to expeditiously treat cases of police brutality from 2015 till date. It was in response to the aftermath of the #EndSARS nation-wide protests organised by youths against police brutally.
The proceedings of the panel were replete with gory tales of blood, tears, brutality, rights abuses and cases of missing persons in the hands of the police and other security agencies without trace till date.
Some of the panel members include Bishop Sunday Onuoha, Mr. Iheonu Chionye, Mr. Nwaojigba Darlington, Engr Daniel Chinago, Comrade John Emejor, while the permanent secretary, ministry of justice, Mrs. Uche Ikonne served as secretary.
Bandits have abducted the Emir of Kajuru in Kaduna State, some members of his family and palace aides.
Also, a mother and her children were abducted in Zaria, but the mother was reportedly released by the bandits when they discovered she could not walk fast enough in the bush paths.
While confirming the abduction of Emir of Kajuru, Alhaji Alhassan Adamu at his residence in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna state, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, Muhammed Jalige, said the second class Emir was abducted alongside 10 other persons.
“A manhunt with the operatives of Police and other security agencies has already been launched to rescue the Emir and others unhurt,” he said.
However, a palace source told journalists that the bandits raided the Emir’s residence on Sunday around 12 a.m. and abducted 12 other persons, including the royal family members and aides.
It was said that those abducted included three women, two of the Emir’s grandchildren and three aides.
“A day before the incident, the Emir summoned a security meeting; about a ploy to kidnap him but unfortunately no action was taken by the authorities to prevent the attack,” a source alleged.
A source told journalists that the bandits came to the community in large numbers, shooting sporadically and hit a commercial motorcyclist.
According to the source, the commercial motorcyclist is now receiving treatment at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika.
“He was on his way home when he ran into the bandits who opened fire on him.
“The mother of the kidnapped children was released when the bandits discovered she couldn’t walk fast enough.
“The bandits initially abducted the children together with their mother but they discovered the mother had a problem with her legs, so they left her behind and went away with the children.
“The other three people were abducted within the community,” he said.
Meanwhile, two nurses who were abducted from the Idon General Hospital in Kajuru local government area of Kaduna State about three months ago have been freed.
A family source said, “We received the good news today, Saturday, July 10 (yesterday) that they have been released at Idon, but we’re yet to receive them into the family.”
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council, OYC, has condemned the recent assassination of two prominent Citizens in Enugu declaring support for Governor Ugwuanyi to arrest the situation.
The governor Thursday held a crucial security meeting Heads of Security Agencies in the state at the Government House, Enugu.
At the end of the closed door meeting the Governor proceeded with the security chiefs to some forests and escape routes of the yet-to-be identified gunmen, across four local government areas, where they took on-the-spot far reaching decisions aimed at tackling the challenges squarely.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Scientific Equipment Development Initiative, SEDI, Prof. Samuel Ndubuisi and the Managing Director of Autoease, a body repairs Outfit, Mr. Ifeanyi Okeke, were recently shot dead by unknown gunmen in Enugu.
Speaking to journalists on the development, the President-General of the OYC, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike said the murder of the federal government official was most dehumanizing and shocking.
“We are in deep pains over the gruesome murder of Prof. Simon Ndubuisi in the most horrible manner. It is so sad that this is happening barely two days after another young man, the CEO of AutoEase was cut in his prime by unknown gunmen.
“This growing trend of crime in our dear state is totally unacceptable; we are in deep pain because Enugu State is not known for this. Who did we offend that has chosen to visit this terror on us?
“We are asking the entire Enugu youths to say no to these mindless killings; it will do us no good,” Okwu declared.
While declaring that they were behind Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi in search for the restoration of normalcy in the State, the Ohanaeze Youth leader added that, “Enugu is the most peaceful State and we should not let anyone rob us of that very important toga.
“I urge all the youths of Enugu State to stand with the Governor in this very challenging time.
“May I also call on security agencies to step up action in securing the people of Enugu State; they cannot continue to be taken unaware while crimes of this magnitude are being perpetrated in our dear State. They must have to rise to the occasion,” Okwu stated.
Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba and Deputy Inspector General of police, Joseph Egbunike may be committed to prison for disobeying court order.
Others affected are Inspector Thomas Amonke and one Mr Ifeanyi Ossai.
They were respondents in Suit No:FHC/EN/CS/96/2021 before the Federal High Court sitting in Enugu instituted by Akpa Francis, Obinna Mamah and Joshua Ogbonna who were applicants through their council, Eric Ogudu.
The Court presided by Justice I.N Buba, of the Federal High Court 1 had on July 1, 2021, ordered the police who was 1st – 3rd respondents, to stay all actions and release the applicants forthwith, having been granted bail by the court.
But eight days after the court made the order, the respondents had yet to comply.
The court also on Wednesday, ordered the respondents to appear before the court to show why her orders were disobeyed and why they should not be committed to prison.
When the matter came up on Thursday, the respondents were not in court which forced the presiding Judge, Justice Buba to declare that henceforth, his court would seize to entertain any police case pending before him until police start to obey court orders.
Speaking on behalf of over 15 lawyers representing the applicants, Valentine Umeha, told journalists that their clients were in court seeking to enforce their fundamental rights to life, liberty and dignity via the notice of application filed on June 30, 2021 in Suit No. FHC/EN/CS/96/2021.
He said “In line with Order IV of the Fundamental Rights Enforcement Procedure Rules, 2009, the applicants also filed a motion exparte praying for bail and interim order directing the Police to stay all actions relating to and/or connected with the complaints of the applicants.
“Following the grant of the motion exparte, the bailiff of the court armed with the duly drawn order and other originating processes, proceeded to FCID Enugu Annex office of the first to third respondents, being the address endorsed for service of the processes on the said respondents.”
He explained that after placing calls on the DIG Egbunike, the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the FCID Annex Enugu, Mr. Kasumu refused to accept service of the court order and accompanying processes.
“The bailiff of court in adherence to the rules of service of court processes, dropped the court order and the processes in the office of the police officer but he instructed his men to lock the bailiff and the applicants’ lawyers in the police premises insisting that the bailiff and the lawyers can only be allowed to go if he takes back the court order together with other processes.
“Being constrained and in grave danger, the helpless bailiff picked up the processes and left with the applicants lawyers who acted as pointer to the bailiff.
“Notwithstanding the above, the bailiff proceeded to Abuja and on July 2, 2021, he effected personal service of the order of court and the originating processes on the above named police officers who are the first to third respondents in the suit pending in court,” he said.
It was gathered that despite the service of the court order directing the Police to release the applicants having been granted bail, the DIG Egbunike in flagrant disobedience of the order of court has refused to release the applicants on bail nor stay further action on the matter.
Upon reporting to the court the refusal of the D.I.G Joseph O. Egbunike to release the applicants as directed, the court on July 7, 2021, ordered the officer incharge of Police Legal Department State CID Enugu to appear before it to explain why the Police will disobey the order.
Also, the applicants through their lawyers have initiated committal proceedings against IGP, DIG Egbunike and Insp. Amonke by filing in court Form 48 which has been served on the officers.
Our correspondent gathered the applicants were arrested following a comment they were said to have made in a WhatsApp platform ‘Enugu Political Arena’ which was said to have offended some persons at the echelon of political governance in Enugu State using their surrogates.
