Nigeria’s Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, Pays Tribute to Late Predecessor.

In a heartfelt condolence visit, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, the Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), paid respects to the family of the late Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who passed away on November 5, 2024. Lagbaja, Nigeria’s 23rd Chief of Army Staff, was appointed by President Bola Tinubu on June 19, 2023.

General Oluyede extolled Lagbaja’s gallantry, dedication, and legacies during his service years in the Nigerian Army and the Armed Forces of Nigeria. In a poignant message, Oluyede described Lagbaja as a “dogged, gallant, and extremely dedicated leader” who gave his all to the nation.

Late General Lagbaja’s Notable Service Record

– Commissioned in 1992 as a member of the 39 Regular Combatant Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna.
– Served as General Officer Commanding 82 and 1 Divisions of the Nigerian Army in Enugu and Kaduna.
– Commanded 9 Brigade Ikeja and 2 Brigade Uyo, as well as 72 Special Forces Battalion on two separate tours of duty.
– Chief of Operations (Army) prior to becoming the 23rd Chief of Army Staff.

Under Lagbaja’s leadership, the Nigerian Army worked tirelessly to combat terrorism, banditry, and other security challenges. President Tinubu has also paid tribute to Lagbaja, acknowledging his invaluable contributions to the nation.

Nigerian Police Crack Down on Cybercrime: 130 Arrested in Abuja Raid.

In a bold move to tackle cybercrime, the Nigerian Police Force has arrested 130 suspects, including 113 foreign nationals and 17 Nigerians, for alleged involvement in high-level hacking and cybercrimes that threaten national security. The foreign nationals, primarily from China and Malaysia, were apprehended in a coordinated raid on a building in the Next Cash and Carry area of Jahi, Abuja.

 The Raid

Led by Assistant Inspector-General of Police Benneth Igweh, the operation involved officers from the Nigeria Police Force Zone 7 Command Abuja and the National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF-NCCC). The suspects were caught using sophisticated devices and computers to facilitate their criminal activities.

Investigation and Charges

According to Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police are investigating the matter and analyzing exhibits recovered from the suspects. Upon conclusion of the investigation, the suspects will be charged to court.

Cybercrime Threat

This arrest highlights the growing concern of cybercrime in Nigeria. The National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF-NCCC) has been working to combat cybercrime, particularly among young people. The centre aims to synergize AI and infrastructure to strengthen cybersecurity.

 Breakdown of Arrests

– 113 foreign nationals (87 males, 26 females)
– 17 Nigerians (4 males, 3 females)

This operation demonstrates the Nigerian Police Force’s commitment to tackling cybercrime and protecting national security.

Nigerian Military Jets Take Down Terrorists Targeting Transmission Lines Repair in Niger State.

In a swift and decisive operation, Nigerian Air Force fighter jets eliminated a group of terrorists planning to disrupt the repair of the Shiroro-Kaduna transmission line in Niger State. This move comes after the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) attributed the recent power outage in parts of the Northern region to the destruction of power generating facilities by terrorists.

According to Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, Director of Public Relations and Information for the Nigerian Air Force, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance missions confirmed the presence of terrorist fighters converging to disrupt the repair. The Air Force engaged the terrorists, neutralizing several fighters and their logistics.

The operation, conducted on November 1, 2024, targeted terrorist positions in the Alawa Forest, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State. This mission aligns with ongoing efforts to secure power infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted progress in restoring electricity to affected areas.

Key Highlights:

– Terrorist Threat Neutralized: Nigerian Air Force fighter jets eliminated terrorists planning to disrupt transmission line repair.
– Power Restoration Efforts: The operation supports power restoration in Kaduna and other northwestern states.
– Airspace Dominance: The Air Force maintains control of the airspace to prevent terrorist interference.
– Collaboration: The Nigerian Air Force works with other security agencies to protect vital infrastructure.

The Nigerian Air Force has intensified armed reconnaissance along critical power lines from Shiroro Lake to Damba, ensuring the swift and full restoration of essential services for Kaduna and neighboring states. This sustained mission demonstrates the Air Force’s commitment to safeguarding vital infrastructure and supporting the well-being of Nigerian citizens.