Security News
Nigerian Army Declares 44 Soldiers Missing in Action Against Boko Haram Wanted for Desertion
Nigerian Army Declares 44 Soldiers Wanted for Desertion in Borno State.
In a shocking move, the Nigerian Army has declared 44 soldiers who were deployed to fight Boko Haram terrorists in Borno State as deserters. The soldiers, who were expected to report to the 403 Amphibious Brigade in Baga community by October 31, 2024, have gone AWOL (Absent Without Leave) for over a month.
According to a military signal obtained by SaharaReporters, the soldiers were deployed from various units and formations to join the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) Sector 3, Nigeria. The MNJTF is a combined multinational formation comprising units from Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria, tasked with ending the Boko Haram insurgency.
The Army authorities have not only declared the soldiers as deserters but have also frozen their bank accounts. A signal dated November 1, signed by Major HO Akoh on behalf of the 403 Amphibious Brigade Commander, directed that the soldiers’ salary accounts be frozen and that any information regarding their whereabouts be reported to the relevant authorities.
Reasons Behind the Desertion
While the Nigerian Army has denied allegations of corruption, some soldiers have blamed the issue on corruption within the army, citing prolonged stays in the North-East region beyond their approved period. The soldiers claim that this has led to low morale and a lack of willingness to continue fighting, allowing terrorists to dislodge some military camps.
Voluntary Retirement Controversy
This development comes after 196 soldiers applied for voluntary retirement, with some reportedly seeking to join foreign military forces, including the British Army and Ukrainian Army. The Nigerian Army has maintained that the processes for voluntary retirement and discharge are clearly outlined and followed.
The Director of Army Public Relations, Major-General Onyema Nwachukwu, assured that personnel are free to disengage at will, following established procedures. However, the reasons for discharge remain confidential, ranging from voluntary disengagements to medical grounds and pursuit of other professions.
Security News
Ogun State Strengthens Security: Governor Abiodun Welcomes New NSCDC Commandant
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, Welcomes New NSCDC Commandant.
Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State officially received Commandant Remilekun Omolade Ekundayo, the new State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), on November 5, 2024. During the courtesy visit, Commandant Ekundayo expressed her appreciation for the governor’s continued support of the state’s security agencies.
The governor has been a strong advocate for security in Ogun State, previously receiving awards for his efforts, including the 2021 Best State Governor with the Most Improved State in Security Infrastructure by Business Day Newspaper ¹. Commandant Ekundayo specifically highlighted the provision of security kits and equipment that have significantly enhanced the Civil Defence Corps’ operations.
The meeting concluded with Governor Abiodun reaffirming his commitment to supporting the security services in Ogun State, particularly the NSCDC, in their mission to maintain public safety. This reassurance aligns with his administration’s focus on building a secure and prosperous Ogun State.
As the governor of Ogun State since 2019, Prince Dapo Abiodun has prioritized security, infrastructure, social welfare, education, youth empowerment, and agriculture through his “Building Our Future Together” agenda ¹. His administration’s efforts to bolster security have been instrumental in maintaining peace and stability in the region.
With the new NSCDC Commandant in place, Ogun State residents can expect continued collaboration between the government and security agencies to ensure their safety and well-being.
Security News
AFRIPOL Meeting: IGP Egbetokun Pitches for Collaborative Policing
Inspector-General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun Unveils Strategic Plans for Effective Policing in Africa.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, presented his action plans for strategic policing policies in Nigeria and West Africa at the AFRIPOL Steering Committee Meeting in Algeria on October 30, 2024. This presentation built upon his earlier discussions, outlining strategies for coordinated investigations and operations across regions to combat various crime patterns.
Key Highlights of the Presentation:
– Coordinated Investigations and Operations: Egbetokun emphasized the importance of collaboration across regions to tackle crimes effectively.
– Training and Capacity Building: He stressed the need for comprehensive training of officers in all areas of policing to meet global best practices.
– Managing Violent Protests: The IGP shared expertise with Douglas Kanja, IG National Police Service, Kenya, on managing violent protests in Africa.
AFRIPOL Headquarters Visit
As part of his efforts to foster strong relationships with other African policing services, Egbetokun visited the AFRIPOL headquarters. He was received by President Douglas Kanja and Ambassador Mohammed, Head of Legal at the African Union.
Call to Action
The IGP urged regional leaders and representatives to ensure that policies decided upon at the meeting are fully leveraged at all policing levels to demonstrate expertise and proficiency in combating Africa’s rising crime waves.
This development underscores the Nigerian Police Force’s commitment to enhancing regional security and cooperation.
Security News
Police Arrest Peace Corps Commandant, Dickson Akoh, in Abuja
Nigerian Police Arrest Peace Corps Commandant Over Tenancy Dispute.
The National Commandant of the Peace Corps of Nigeria (PCN), Dickson Akoh, was arrested by armed policemen from the Inspector General of Police (IGP) office on Friday at the Peace Corps Head Office in Abuja. The arrest was reportedly over a tenancy disagreement between Akoh and his landlord, despite a court ruling in favor of the Peace Corps.
Details of the Arrest
– The policemen invaded the office in a commando style, breaking into Akoh’s office and arresting him alongside 16 officers.
– The officers allegedly vandalized doors, ransacked offices, and destroyed property.
– No warrant of arrest or detention order was produced.
– Akoh has been detained incommunicado since Friday, with no access to family members or lawyers.
Reactions
– The Youth Advancement Initiative (YAI) condemned the arrest, calling it “unacceptable, illegal, and unlawful.”
– Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju criticized the IGP for resorting to arrest in a civil case.
Court Ruling
– A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court ruled in favor of the Peace Corps, stating that the rent expires in 2025.
– Justice M.M. Adamu set aside the writ of attachment executed against the Peace Corps on February 16, 2024.
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