TOP STORIES: Niger Coup Leaders Agree to Negotiations with Tinubu-Led ECOWAS.

Niger Coup: DHQ Directs Service Chiefs To Compile War Items.

The Defence Headquarters has reportedly commenced preparations for the possible mobilisation of troops and equipment for a possible confrontation with coup leaders in the Niger Republic.

This is coming amidst directives by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for troops to be on standby. The decision was taken at an extraordinary summit of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of States and Government hosted by President Bola Tinubu in Abuja.

The summit was attended by top diplomats from the United Nations, African Union and the regional bloc. Recall that the junta on the 26th of July had forced the elected President, Mohamed Bazoum out of office.

According to Punch, the Nigerian military high command had directed the service chiefs to compile and submit-war requirements such as the number of personnel, equipment, logistics and financial costs to the Chief of Defence Staff.

The preliminary stage in the planning process of amassing human and material resources required for the planned military intervention in Niger. A leaked memo indicated that about two battalions would be required to prosecute the war against the junta in the Niger Republic.

A battalion is a military unit typically consisting of 300 to 1,000 soldiers commanded by a lieutenant colonel and subdivided into a number of companies (usually each commanded by a major or a captain).

A military source who spoke with Punch said the total number of troops should be at least “10 times more than that of the enemy.” Apart from Nigeria, Senegal, Benin and Ivory Coast, other ECOWAS member states are expected to commit troops to the standby force.

However, giving an update on the ECOWAS resolution on Friday, reliable military sources that spoke with Punch said the Nigerian military authorities had started activating the necessary levers to give full expression to the resolutions of the West African leaders.

A source noted that the Defence Headquarters would coordinate the deployment of troops and equipment for the operation.

The source said, “No deployment has been made for now, but the build-up is ongoing. Services are to forward requirements such as the required number of men, equipment as well as funds that would be needed to mobilise troops to Niger. The DHQ will coordinate the deployment of troops for the operation in Niger.”

When asked about the total number of troops that would be deployed, another source stated, “Military deployments are shrouded in secrecy, but it depends on how many men would be contributed by all members of ECOWAS. The total force should be at least 10 times more than that of the enemy.”

However, the Director of Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau assured Nigerians that the participation of the country in the military operation in Niger would not affect the ongoing war against insecurity in the country.
His reaction followed concerns by security experts that military involvement in Niger might impact the ongoing operations against criminal elements across the country.

Asked if the ongoing operation against members of the Indigenous People of Biafra and the Eastern Security Network, Boko Haram terrorists and bandits would not suffer setbacks with the planned deployment of troops to Niger, Gusau said, “I want to assure you that it will not in any way.”
The DHQ spokesman declined to speak on the preparations for the planned military intervention in Niger.

Niger Coup: Peter Obi Reacts Amidst ECOWAS Call For Military Standby.

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi has suggested the engagement of a diplomatic resolution with Niger coup plotters amidst directives by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for troops to be on standby.

The LP candidate made the plea shortly after the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of States and Government hosted by President Bola Tinubu in Abuja, in a decision taken at an extraordinary summit attended by top diplomats from the United Nations, African Union and the regional bloc ordered the commencement of preparations for the possible mobilisation of troops and equipment for a possible confrontation with coup leaders in the Niger Republic.

Peter Obi emphasised that primacy must be given to diplomacy of resolution with minimal disruptive impact on Nigeria and the West African sub-region.

He further applauded efforts by the former Kano Emir, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi and Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar in their respective role in seeking resolution with the leader of the junta, General Abdourahamane Tchiani.

The statement reads: “Recent developments in the neighbouring Niger Republic have become the subject of international attention. For Nigeria, this development is a matter of dire and urgent national interest and security.

“Inevitably, Niger is a hot-button issue for ECOWAS, as well as various international interlocutors. Regardless of the positions taken by various parties that have direct or tangential interests in Niger, primacy must be given to dialogue and diplomacy towards a resolution with minimal disruptive impact on Nigeria and the West African sub-region.

“A total diplomatic resolution must take into consideration the realpolitik of the West African sub-region. I applaud the respective mediatory efforts by Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, His Eminence Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and His Royal Highness Sanusi Lamido Sanusi.

“Whereas ECOWAS authorities have indicated that they remain open to various conflict resolution options, diplomacy must remain the overarching imperative in resolving the present crisis.
“I join the many well-meaning Nigerians who have advocated that any intervention in the crisis, should be pre-eminently through diplomatic dialogue among all strategic interests in the crisis.

“It is therefore important that the people of Niger are allowed via their national institutions, the opportunity to revert quickly to a representative democratic government. All national, regional and international assistance should be extended to the people of Niger to return their country to normalcy.

“While ECOWAS must seek to discourage the spread of military dictatorships in West Africa, the recourse to armed deterrence must be retrained by multilateral diplomatic mechanisms.

“What the situation in Niger urgently calls for is a concerted multilateral coalition of Nigeria, ECOWAS, the AU and the UN towards a programmed return to a democratic constitutional order. In this process, Nigeria’s leadership role must not be in any doubt.”

IGP’s Successful Duty Tour to Kano: A Strong Commitment to Community Policing, Safer Society.

The Inspector-General of Police, Ag. IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, on Friday 11th August, 2023, embarked on a significant duty tour to Kano State, where he undertook crucial engagements aimed at fortifying community policing efforts, promoting safe schools, enhancing discipline, and fostering a safer society.

Giving updates on IGPs duty tour to Kano State, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said the tour included a visit to the esteemed Emir Palace and meetings with key stakeholders, and the Governor of Kano State, Engr Abba Kabiru Yusuf, on Saturday, 12th August, 2023 by 7pm.

During the tour, the IGP had the privilege to meet with His Highness, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, CFR, the Emir of Kano, and other esteemed members of the Emirate Council, including Alhaji Babba Dan-Agundi, members of the PCRC, and key stakeholders who are crucial to effective policing of Kano state and its environs.

These meetings underscored the collaborative spirit between law enforcement, traditional institutions, and other relevant sectors in ensuring the safety and well-being of the community and Nigeria at large.

As part of his commitment to set in motion measures of actualizing his reform vision for the NPF, the IGP on his visit to the State Command Headquarters, was accompanied by members of the Force Management Team, the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 1, Kano, the Commissioner of Police for Kano State; and addressing the officers and personnel of the command as well as dignitaries who graced the occasion, the IGP highlighted the pivotal role of the police in upholding the novel engagement policies of the Force focusing on key areas such as community policing, safe schools, discipline, and a safer society in general.

The IGP emphasized the importance of a closer relationship between law enforcement and the community, aiming to enhance public trust and collaboration for effective crime prevention and resolution, and standaizing policing structures in the country.

The Inspector-General of Police expressed his unwavering zeal to working tirelessly with all stakeholders to build a more secure society for all citizens in Nigeria. His duty tour to Kano State exemplifies the Force’s dedication to proactive engagement and collaboration, reiterating the vision of a peaceful and harmonious Nigeria.

The police boss, in line with his vision statement has disclosed his intention to work towards having a police force that is professionally competent, rule of law compliant, service driven and people friendly with a view to adding a boost to the efforts of the government for quick economic recovery and socio-political stability in the country.

Notorious Armed Robber Arrested In Ogun.

A 33yr-old robbery suspect operating with Vigilante Group of Nigeria, VGN, uniform, was arrested by men of the Nigeria Police Force, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State has mentioned an Inspector of police as his arms supplier.

Ogun State Police Command spokesperson, SP Omolola Odutola, according to a statement said the suspect who was caught with arms and ammunition was apprehended along Sagamu Ijebu Ode Benin Highway around 0030hrs in a 24hr spoor operation led by ACP Omosanyi Adeniyi the Area Commander Ijebu Ode.

Odutola said, “Akeem was sighted in a Toyota Camry driving inward Ijebu Ode from Ososa, and as soon as he sighted the Police while trying to negotiate the Ijebu-Ode highway, he diverted into a close, the Police chased after him, but all the occupants scampered into the bus, the ACP divided the team into a cardinal search during which, a disguised man on VGN uniform who was the mastermind, of several nefarious crime, attempted to out smart the Policemen, but he was arrested.

“A search on vehicle he earlier abandoned, the following items were discovered in a black cellophane bag:

1. 32 expended cartridges,

2. 78 live cartridges,

3. a locally fabricated short gun.

Search warrant was also executed at his residence, another,

4. Magnum Pump action riffle,

5. 1 double barrel short gun,

6. 1 locally fabricated double barrel pistol ,

7. Stunt Pistol Chocker,

8. an unregistered silver colour Toyota Camry,

9. Green colour Toyota Sienna Bus KNN 58 TD OGUN,

11. a liquid chemical,

12. a black beret with insigma of Aiye Confraternity,

13. cannabis,

14. hard drugs,

15. ATM card,

16. Power bank,

17. 2 Apple wrist watches,

18. 2 cell Phones,

19. poinous charm”.

In Akeem confessional statement as confirmed by SP Odutola, an Inspector of Police simply named Ola was mentioned as the policeman, who procured the guns for him.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police CP Alamutu Abiodun Mustapha psc has ordered his men to go after the accomplices of the suspect.

She stated further, “Ijebu-Ode Area Command has continued to raise the bar high in crime fighting, remember on the 13th of July, eight kidnap suspect that participated in the Kidnap of one Mrs Efunbote popularly called Iya Kunle in Ijebu Ode, the efforts of SP Salami Murphy DPO Obalende division and his team paid off in rescuing the woman alive, not long after that this particular arrest has Brought spite of Hope for Ogun Residents.

“Ogun State is peaceful and a hub for investors, the Commissioner of Police is combatant ready to match criminals with his crack team, to stamp crime out of the State. Suspects and exhibits will be transferred to State Criminal Investigation Department for profiling and forensic examination”.

SERIAL CAR SNATCHER REARRESTED IN OGUN

Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have arrested a suspected a serial car snatcher namely Sunday Dosunmu “m” 53yrs who was previously apprehended by Divisional Police Officer Kemta CSP Adeniyi Adekunle,on the 17th September 2022 at Olorunsogo Ogun State while trying to steal a car from park along with his syndicate bank who was recently released from prison has resumed same act that he was previously arrested for.

In a statement signed by Ogun Spokesperson, SP Omolola Odutola who said yesterday, 12th August 2023, at about 19:30hrs along Eleme Ogun State, Sunday was rearrested by youths of that area, while using fabricated master keys to unlock cars.

On the current arrest, she said, “People who saw him raised the alarm which made him take to flight, but how far can a 53-year- old man run? The young guys gave him a hot chase and caught up with him, they later alerted the police team that visited the scene and arrested the suspect.

“Two fabricated iron master key were found in his possession and obviously it is part of the instrument used to unlock unsuspecting car owners vehicles.”

A plea of double jeopardy will not suffice if there was no acquittal on a thorough investigation, he may have been released on want of evidence. However this time, the Police will prosecute him to ensure that justice is served since he has not repented irrespective of his age.

“The Commissioner of Police has been briefed and he has directed that thorough evidences are brought forward to the Court so as to ensure Sunday Dosunmu learns his lessons.

Police Raid Blackspot, Recover Arms In Ogun.

The Nigeria Police Force, Imala Divisional Police Officer CSP Nurudeen Baba Hamzat has nabbed a suspected armed robber, in a 24 hrs aggressive raid of criminal hideout along Ayetoro Obada road.

According to Ogun PPRO, SP Omolola Odutola said One AKEEM ISMAIL “m” of Oke Oba area was flagged down on a Bajaj Motorcycle with registration number OGB 592 UP, while trying to escape into the surrounding forest.

He was searched and the following dangerous weapons was recovered from him as follows : a new locally made pistol was found on him which he confessed that the pistol belong to him.

He further claimed he bought it at Ilara town. The Police has commenced investigation into his confession as it is believed from his responses that there are other gang members. The public would be further communicated as a way of update.

The Commissioner of Police has been briefed and he is upright on his unwavering commitment to eliminate lazy youth out of Ogun State if they refuse to turn a new leaf.

Niger: Why We Refused To See Gen Abubakar And Sultan Of Sokoto – General Abdourahmane Tchiani

The leader of the military junta in Niger Republic, General Abdourahmane Tchiani has explained why they refused to see the delegation sent by President Bola Tinubu in the wake of the military coup in the country.

He said at that point they were angry recall as the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government, President Tinubu had dispatched a
delegation of Niger to end the ongoing political crisis.

The delegation was led by former Nigerian military Head of State, Gen Abdulsalam Abubakar, and included the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and the President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Omar Alieu Touray.

However, the military coup leaders refused to see the delegation, and the members were forced to depart empty-handed.

Speaking in a statement on Sunday after their own meeting with the coup leaders in Niger, the national leader of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau who led a delegation of Nigerian Islamic scholars to negotiate with the junta leaders said General Tchiani narrated that they were hungry.

According to him, General Tchiani explained that it was painful that
ECOWAS did not even try to hear their side of the story before ordering sanctions against them and issuing an ultimatum for them to leave office.

The coup leader added that they were angry but he however apologized to President Tinubu.

“General Tchiani, however, said it was painful to the coup leaders that the ECOWAS leaders did not hear their side of the matter before issuing ultimatum to them to quit office.

“He claimed the coup was well intended, stating that they struck to stave off an imminent threat that would have affected not only Niger Republic but also Nigeria.

“He also apologized for not according the team sent by President Tinubu, led by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), the required attention because they were angry about the ECOWAS ultimatum,” the statement quoted him to have said.