Crime
Lakurawa: FG plans more troops as sect spreads in North
As part of efforts to combat the Lakurawa sect, the Federal Government will deploy more military personnel and formations in the states where the terrorists operate.
Reports say that the sect, which operates in North West states Sokoto and Kebbi, has moved into Niger State in North Central Nigeria, as well as Kaduna State.
The Sokoto State Government asserted that it was concerned about the lives and property of its people, noting that security topped its nine-point agenda.
The Special Adviser on Security Matters to Governor Ahmad Aliyu, Col Ahmed Usman (retd.), said the Federal Government promised to deploy more security operatives in the state to tackle the sect that attacked Mera village, Kebbi State, leaving 17 residents dead November 8.
The terrorist group also rustled dozens of cattle in the community as the village vigilante fought back killing two members of the group during an exchange of fire.
Usman said, “If you can remember, the Minister of State for Defence during his working visit to Sokoto had disclosed the kind of pressure mounted on the Federal Government by the state government on the need to come to their aid.
“And the Federal Government has promised to establish more military formations and deploy more personnel and equipment to Sokoto State.
“On our part, the state government has provided the facility for the air component of operation ‘Fansan Yamma.’ Now, we don’t need to wait for fighter jets from Katsina in case of any emergency or air support.”
He added, “So, there has been investment in security infrastructure, including establishing more security outposts (Forward Operation Bases) and upgrading surveillance systems in key locations.
“The Sokoto State government has strengthened partnerships with federal security agencies to ensure a coordinated approach to tackling security challenges.
“Similarly, the government has launched public awareness campaigns with the support of the United Nations Development Programme and other local NGOs to educate citizens on security issues and encourage them to report suspicious activities.”
Speaking further, the governor’s aide explained that the current administration had been providing logistics support to the security agencies, assuring that Lakurawa “will soon be a thing of the past.”
Usman stated, “We provided tens of operational vehicles, including motorcycles, to security agencies and restored their allowances. In addition to other measures, we created the state-owned security outfit, which we called Sokoto State Community Guards, and they were equipped.
“Their role is to support the conventional security agencies in intelligence gathering, among others. The state government has inaugurated a security community under the leadership of the Deputy Governor of the state.
“The committee comprises security agencies, traditional and religious leaders, among other stakeholders in security. In fact, even the latest news about the Lakurawa was broken by the deputy governor while receiving members of the National Defence College in the state.”
The special adviser further explained that the state government also set up programmes to empower youths to discourage their involvement in crime and violence or being recruited by the Lakurawa.
He added, “The government has set up a conflict resolution mechanism to address disputes before they escalate into violence, promoting peace in communities just as it has been mediating between farmers and herdsmen to reduce conflicts over lands and resources, which can lead to insecurity.
“There has been massive investment in social welfare aimed at alleviating poverty, which is often the root cause of insecurity. And we hold regular security meetings with stakeholders to assess the security situation and develop strategies for improvement.”
The Minister of Defence, Muhammad Abubakar, assured citizens and residents of Sokoto and Kebbi states of the readiness of the armed forces to crush Lakurawa and other terrorist groups.
The minister gave the assurance in Sokoto as the Lakurawa sect reportedly extended its tentacles to Niger and Kaduna from its former hideouts in Kebbi and Sokoto States.
Following the November 8 attack on Mera, the Defence Headquarters deployed more troops in the area to dislodge the terror group which was said to have occupied the area for over six years.
A report said the group was dislodged from its hideout and several cattle recovered.
Speaking while inspecting the facilities of the air component of Operation ‘Fansan Yamma’ in Sokoto, the defence minister disclosed that the military had taken a decisive decision against Lakurawa.
He noted, “You heard it from the chairman of the Local Government Area attacked by the Lakurawa in Kebbi State, testifying to the heavy presence of troops in the area.
“The Lakurawa was sent away from the area. This is a result of the resilience and dedication of our security operatives. You are aware of the successes recorded by our air force, they bombarded some of the hideouts of the bandits and the bandits are now on the run.”
However, the Senate a few weeks ago raised the alarm that the militants had moved into Niger, Kaduna and other North-Central states, sparking fear among the people.
Worried by the activities of the terrorist group, the northern states have decided to unite against the Lakurawa in a clear move to contain its spread and operations.
The Niger State Commissioner for Homeland Security, Mohammed Bello, said the affected states were working together with the Federal Government to eliminate the terrorist cell.
“You know how we do in Nigeria. Sometimes, we neglect things until they become real problems, they can become complicated. For the first time, more than two or three states are putting resources together to see that things are being done to eradicate the problem.
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
Fresh fears have gripped residents of Ifite Awka following an alleged plot by suspected gunmen to establish camps in the area where four Fulani herders were killed two days ago.
Security reports indicate that the attack may have been aimed at scaring away visitors to the bush in an attempt to facilitate the establishment of new camps in the area.
Residents recalled that similar tactics had allegedly been used by criminal elements to take over communities, often with the assistance of local collaborators.
The area shares boundaries with Awka North Local Government Area, where there have been reports of gunmen operating in some communities.
Following the development, youths from Ifite Awka have stormed the Ifite Agu area in a manhunt for the suspected gunmen.
The development comes as Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has issued a fresh directive to traditional rulers and President-Generals (PGs) of communities to take charge of the security architecture in their respective areas in conjunction with local security operatives and the mayors of the 21 local government areas.
It was gathered that as early as 5 a.m., some youths in the area had moved into the bushes in search of the suspected gunmen and cattle reportedly missing following the incident.
The youths were accompanied by local hunters who assisted in the search.
Speaking with reporters, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Christian Aburime, confirmed the fresh directive to traditional rulers and President-Generals of communities across the state.
He said, “We have a government that is people-oriented and that is the government of Prof. Charles Soludo, who is a man that loves the people, is at home with the ordinary people and feels their pains.”
Aburime described the incident as unfortunate and urged the police and other relevant security agencies to take immediate action.
He noted that traditional rulers and President-Generals are the first points of contact when it comes to the security of lives and property in their communities, adding that the governor had reiterated his charge to security stakeholders to take control of security in their respective areas.
He, however, said the possibility of sabotage could not be ruled out, but added that it would be premature to draw conclusions before the completion of investigations by the relevant security agencies.
“The issue of sabotage against security in Anambra State cannot be ruled out, and that could just be an attempt to undermine the efforts of the government. But I cannot categorically tell you that it is an act of sabotage. We have to wait for the investigations of the security agencies before drawing conclusions,” he said.
He added that the Agunechemba Security Squad was working to improve security in the state, noting that residents had commended the governor for the improved security situation.
“We have a good security architecture in place, and I can tell you that this could just be an isolated incident. Everything necessary that needs to be done will be done in that regard,” Aburime said.
He stressed that security was the responsibility of everyone, regardless of social status or position.
“It is very simple, and the governor has always said that security is everybody’s business. When it happens, it affects everyone, irrespective of class or position,” he said.
According to him, “The President-Generals and traditional rulers are the first points of security in their communities and should be able to ensure that there is no security breach in their respective localities.”
He urged residents to provide useful intelligence to security agencies, assuring them that their identities would be protected.
“If you see something, say something. These people doing these things are human beings, and they live in the localities. People should be able to know them. They should avail us of intelligence reports, and that will help us fish them out. Your identity will always be protected,” he said.
The Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), CP Ahmed Sanusi, has urged residents, particularly youths, to resist attempts by police officers to search their mobile phones during stop-and-search operations.
Sanusi said such searches violate a directive issued by the Inspector-General of Police, stressing that officers are not permitted to randomly search the phones of members of the public.
The commissioner made the remarks during a press conference shared by News Central Television on Tuesday.
He explained that although mobile phones could be used as evidence in criminal investigations, they should only be examined after a suspect has been lawfully arrested and taken to a police station.
According to him, officers are not authorised to stop people on the road and demand access to their phones merely on suspicion that they may be involved in internet fraud or other criminal activities.
Sanusi urged residents confronted by officers demanding to search their phones to seek assistance by contacting the police emergency line or nearby police officers.
He reaffirmed the FCT Police Command’s commitment to enforcing the Inspector-General’s directive, warning that officers found violating the order would face disciplinary action.
He said the command would continue to take action against officers who abuse their authority or engage in extortion under the guise of conducting stop-and-search operations.
The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a 39-year-old man, Udeme Emmanuel Ekpeme, for allegedly impersonating a medical doctor and defrauding a woman of ₦500,000 under the guise of securing employment for her children at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH).
The command’s spokesperson, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, disclosed this in a statement issued to journalists on Tuesday in Calabar.
According to the statement, Ekpeme was arrested by officers attached to the Uwanse Division in Calabar South Local Government Area following a petition by a 45-year-old woman, Mrs Edemawan Samuel.
The complainant alleged that the suspect falsely presented himself as a medical doctor and collected ₦500,000 from her after promising to facilitate employment for her children at UCTH.
Police said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect allegedly used the false representation to deceive the woman into handing over the money.
Relevant exhibits believed to be connected to the alleged offences were also recovered during the investigation, while the suspect remains in police custody.
The police spokesperson said the suspect is being investigated for alleged impersonation, obtaining money by false pretence and unlawful use of medical equipment.
The Commissioner of Police, Rashid Afegbua, has directed detectives to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the full extent of the suspect’s activities and identify any other possible victims or accomplices.
The command said the suspect would be charged to court upon completion of investigations if sufficient evidence is established.
The police assured members of the public that further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.
The arrest comes weeks after the Edo State Police Command announced the arrest of a 46-year-old man, Osaze Okungbowa, who was accused of impersonating a medical doctor and allegedly delivering babies and trafficking newborns.
The Edo suspect was arrested following a complaint by a woman, Princess Oke, who reported that the baby she delivered under his care had gone missing, leading to a police investigation.
Also killed were three women, including the commander’s sister, who were with him during the attack.
The assailants reportedly attacked the vigilante commander while he was relaxing outside his compound with the women along Oba Road in Omoku.
It was gathered that the killing may have been a reprisal following a violent clash linked to a community dispute.
A source told our correspondent that a youth meeting had been disrupted earlier on Tuesday after armed security personnel and OSPAC members allegedly stormed the venue and opened fire, leaving two youths with gunshot injuries.
Videos of the aftermath of the attack circulating on social media and seen by our correspondent on Wednesday showed multiple casualties, including the three women.
Residents, some believed to be relatives of the victims, were seen crying at the scene, while others carried the injured into a vehicle.
A source told our correspondent that the incident had caused panic in the area, with some residents fleeing to safer locations and business activities disrupted.
The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the matter, said, “As I speak to you, many businesses and markets have remained shut since Tuesday.
“Many residents have also fled to neighbouring communities for safety because of fear. There is serious panic here.”
Confirming the incident in a voice note, the Public Relations Officer of OSPAC in Rivers State, Nkem Godknows, said the gunmen attacked the vigilante commander while he was sitting with his sister and her friend near his residence.
He further said two other victims sustained gunshot wounds and were rushed to hospital, where they are receiving treatment.
He said, “It was about 5:05 p.m. Our commander was hanging out with his sister and friend around his neighbourhood. Before you know it, the gunmen got there and shot him dead.
“There are three women that died on the spot, while two others are in the hospital with bullet wounds.
“We reported to the police immediately. My call to the people of Omoku and ONELGA in general is that they should remain calm. Nobody should panic.
“By God’s grace, OSPAC and the security agencies are on top of the matter. I also appeal to the government and the security personnel to come to the aid of OSPAC because we are not properly taken care of.
“We are not paid. We have no source of income.”
When contacted on Wednesday afternoon, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Blessing Agabe, confirmed the attack and expressed sadness over the incident, describing it as a setback to the relative peace being enjoyed in the state.
Agabe said the command strongly condemned the attack and reiterated its commitment to ensuring that those responsible are arrested and prosecuted.
She said, “I can confirm the incident. The Rivers State Police Command is saddened by this incident, which has disturbed the relative peace being enjoyed in the state.
“The command condemns this act in its entirety and assures that the perpetrators will be brought to justice.
“The Rivers State Police Command seeks credible information from members of the public that will assist us in our ongoing investigation.”
The command also arrested the alleged proprietor of the institution, who was accused of luring young people from across Nigeria and neighbouring West African countries with promises of admission into a foreign university.
The operation was carried out in the early hours of Monday following days of intelligence gathering and covert surveillance by NSCDC operatives.
According to the corps, the suspected institution was operating without an official name, registration, signboard or recognised campus, while allegedly presenting itself online as a distance-learning centre affiliated with a foreign university.
Students of the fake Lagos university during the raid by NSCDC…Photo Credit: NSCDC
On Monday, the Badagry Area Commander of the NSCDC, Chief Superintendent Gbenga Ekunola, said the raid followed credible intelligence about activities at the apartment.
“We got reliable intelligence about the activities going on there. Our officers monitored the place for days before moving in. We have arrested the proprietor, who is assisting with our investigation, while the students have been taken into our protective custody,” Ekunola said.
Investigations revealed that the rescued youths, mostly between the ages of 19 and 24, came from several Nigerian states, including Kogi, Oyo and some northern states. Others reportedly travelled from neighbouring countries such as Niger, Cameroon and Togo after being recruited online.
Preliminary findings indicated that the victims were persuaded to pay admission and processing fees ranging from ₦200,000 to ₦1.5 million, while some foreign nationals reportedly paid between $400 and $500 after being promised admission into a foreign tertiary institution.
The NSCDC further discovered that the admission offer allegedly came with a recruitment condition requiring participants to bring in more students in exchange for commissions.
One of the victims reportedly told investigators that after paying $400, he convinced his brother in Kogi State to enrol and had already started receiving referral commissions.
The command also uncovered another dimension of the operation, alleging that some participants were involved in promoting unidentified products online while earning percentages from product sales and recruitment.
Expressing concern over the incident, Ekunola said many parents were unaware of what their children were actually doing in Badagry.
“We have started contacting their families. One parent told us her child informed the family that he came to Badagry to learn a trade, not to attend a university. That shows many of these parents were completely unaware,” he said.
He said all the rescued youths would be profiled before being reunited with their families after investigations.
The area commander added that anyone found culpable in operating the alleged fake institution would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The NSCDC said investigations had been expanded to uncover the full network behind the operation, identify other collaborators and determine whether similar schemes are operating in other parts of the country.
The discovery has renewed concerns over the growing number of fraudulent online admission schemes targeting young Nigerians and foreign nationals seeking opportunities to study abroad.
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