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17 SOLDIERS: CHILLING DISCOVERIES AT OKUAMA
17 SOLDIERS: CHILLING DISCOVERIES AT OKUAMA
By: Zagazola Makama
Since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu vowed to ensure justice on the brutal killing of 17 soldiers at Okuama community, Ughelli Local Government Area, Delta State, and his consequent matching order to the Nigerian Army to thoroughly investigate and fish out the perpetrators of the dastardly act, facts revealed by every passing day firmly point at the entire community as complicit, not just the group of militants who actually carried out the execution.
In response to the President’s directives, the military high command ordered the extension of the search for suspected killers of the 17 soldiers in the Okuama community. Before the Operation, leaders of the community alleged that soldiers had begun targeting innocent civilians in the community rather than going after the miscreants who committed the crime.
Further searches fan across the community and sink deeper into the affairs and proclivities of its residents have revealed, with firmer confirmation, that the entire Okuama, from its traditional and community leaders and other elites down to the lowest residents in socioeconomic and political status is a community of militants thriving on terror.
But even before the Operation to find the culprit began, leaders of the community had orchestrated an allegation in the media that soldiers were targeting innocent civilians in the community rather than going after the miscreants who committed the crime. This move which some observers saw as being contrived to cast the military in bad light and to demonize its operation, did not deter them from going after the killers of the soldiers and masterminds of the crime.
Military investigations, which have, all through, been conducted in the finest and most-careful fashion to guard against incriminating innocent citizens, according to the presidential directive, findings have been revealing the most-chilling set up of Okuama and its surrounding communities.
First, all expressions of sympathy and commiseration by the traditional rulers, tending to exonerate themselves from the act, as well as their commitment to aid the military in the search for the perpetrators, are all feigned. The wider the search, and the deeper the investigation, the more glaring the complicity of the community’s elites and traditional rulers.
Second, and most-chilling, the deeper the military’s search across the community to disarm the residents, in compliance with directives, the more it is discovered that the entire community is sitting on an expansive cache of arms, which the youthful militants deploy to unleash terror on the behest and command of their elders and elites.
On April 10, 2024, troops of 63 Brigade conducted a raid/ cordon and search operations at Olota Community of Ugheli South LGA of Delta State confirming all these facts about Okuama and its surrounding communities with regard to their stockpile of arms for terror activities.
During the Search of the residence of one Mr Kenneth, who escaped on sighting the troops, the team discovered one G3 rifle, 853 rounds of 7.62 MM Nato and 19 rounds of 7.62 Special MM.
A further search of other locations within the community led to the discovery of 4 G3 rifles and Magazines, one pump action gun and 3 Sub Machine Guns, Magazines and 476 carriages. Additionally, the troops recovered 5 dane guns and one big plastic containing substances suspected to be Carbis satin.
Armed with robust intelligence effort, the military were said to have stormed a number of hideouts and homes of individuals suspected to be complicit in the heinous crime. The operations, however, paid off with the arrest of three leaders of the Olota community in Ugheli South LGA of the state.
The arrest of the three identified individuals followed a painstaking effort of the military to track down the masterminds and killers of the soldiers. The manhunt of the perpetrators has compelled the military to look beyond Okuama community as they are said to have extended their dragnet to surrounding communities and across the creeks of the Niger Delta region where they suspect that the killers might be hiding.
The troops are also in search of weapons which they believe are stockpiled in many homes within the general area.
One Intelligence source who spoke to Zagazola Makama, said the communities where the troops have conducted searches were full of weapons and the directive handed over to the troops was to mop up the arms and ammunition and disarm the communities.
According to him, the troops will not relent until that particular order has been carried out to the letter. He said the domination of the general area is in progress while the search for weapons belonging to the slain military personnel and culprits in the dastardly act continues. “All these communities have what they call, ‘community weapons’ ‘ which they use to cause havoc here”, he said.
Recall that on the 14th day of March, Lt. Colonel A. H. Ali, the Commanding Officer of 181 Amphibious Battalion, led three other officers and 13 soldiers to the Okuama Community to mediate in the lingering dispute with Okoloba Community, and were killed by members of the Okuama community.
They went as peacemakers and peacekeepers, respectfully seeking to bring an end to the hostilities between the two communities. They did not go with tanks, machine guns, and other weapons. They were on a mission for peace.
*Zagazola Makama, is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad region
17 SOLDIERS: CHILLING DISCOVERIES AT OKUAMA
News
IPOB attacks police patrol teams in Anambra, snatches rifles, and abandons stolen SUV after shootout
IPOB attacks police patrol teams in Anambra, snatches rifles, and abandons stolen SUV after shootout
By: Zagazola Makama
Suspected members of the proscribed IPOB/ESN militia on Wednesday launched a coordinated armed attack on joint police patrol teams along the Abatete–Eziowelle road in Anambra State, injuring an officer and carting away two service rifles.
Zagazola gathered that the gunmen, armed with general-purpose machine guns and AK-47 rifles, operated with a white Toyota Hummer bus, a black Lexus 350 SUV, and a white Toyota Highlander, all with registration numbers yet to be identified.
The attackers, dressed in full military and police uniforms, opened heavy fire on personnel from the Department of Operations (DOPS), State Headquarters, Awka, and the Special Anti-Cultism Squad. The patrol teams engaged the militants in a fierce gun duel, forcing them to retreat.
During the exchange of fire, rounds fired by the assailants struck the patrol bus of the Special Anti-Cultism Squad, setting it ablaze, while the DOPS patrol pickup van was sprayed with bullets and damaged.
Sources said that during the operation, Insp. Uduak Anthony of MOPOL 29 Awka, attached to the DOPS patrol team, lost his Type 06 rifle (Breech No. 10967) loaded with 35 rounds of ammunition after it slipped from his grip as he dashed for cover. The weapon was carted away by the militants.
As the gunmen fled, they reportedly snatched a Mercedes Benz SUV from a motorist, Eze Tochukwu, from Enugu State, and headed towards Umuoji in Idemili North LGA.
At Umuoji, the attackers sighted two police inspectors attached to former Anambra Governor and ex-Minister of Labour, Senator Chris Ngige. The officers, Insp. Eniobong Roberts of 29 PMF Awka and Insp. Udezike Kingsley of DOPS, were travelling in a vehicle when the militants double-crossed them and opened fire.
Insp. Udezike was shot in the left leg as he attempted to take cover, and his AK-47 rifle was stolen. Insp. Roberts engaged the attackers, forcing them to abandon the snatched Mercedes Benz SUV, which was later recovered by police.
The injured officer is currently receiving treatment at Crown Hospital, Nkpor, and is responding well.
A senior police officer revealed that the Command’s tactical units have been fully activated and are “currently combing suspected hideouts, camps, and escape routes of the terrorists” to arrest the attackers and recover the stolen firearms.
IPOB attacks police patrol teams in Anambra, snatches rifles, and abandons stolen SUV after shootout
HONORARY CONSULATE REPUBLIC OF CÔTE D’IVOIRE – MALTA
By: Michael Mike
Honorary Consulate of Côte d’Ivoire in Malta Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Paradigm Communications Ltd. | Paradigm News, an International Media Partner of ECOWAS Commission, Foreign Affairs Ministry in Nigeria, Germany Embassy in Nigeria and CDD/ WADEMOS West Africa.
The Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire in Malta and Paradigm News, a publication of Paradigm Communications Ltd., have formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing a strategic media partnership aimed at enhancing visibility, communication, and public engagement surrounding the Consulate’s diplomatic activities in Malta and internationally.
Under this agreement, Paradigm News is officially accredited as the African Media House for the Honorary Consulate of Côte d’Ivoire in Malta. The partnership reinforces a shared commitment to strengthening diplomatic communication, promoting Côte d’Ivoire’s interests, and supporting accurate, responsible journalism across regional and global platforms.
Speaking at the signing, H.E. Mrqs. Anthony C. Coleiro, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire in Malta, emphasized the significance of the collaboration:
“This partnership marks an important milestone in reinforcing Côte d’Ivoire’s presence and engagement in Malta. Through Paradigm News’ professional coverage, we aim to ensure that our diplomatic initiatives, bilateral engagements, and cultural activities receive the visibility and clarity they deserve.”
Representing Paradigm Communications Ltd., H.E. Ambassador Raymond Enoch noted:
“We are honoured to serve as the official African Media House for the Consulate. Paradigm News is committed to providing accurate, ethical, and comprehensive coverage that reflects the diplomatic aspirations and international outreach of Côte d’Ivoire.”
Scope of the Partnership
Through the MoU, Paradigm News will:
Provide professional coverage of the Consulate’s diplomatic activities, official events, and public engagements. Report on governmental delegations from Côte d’Ivoire visiting Malta and cover international conferences, summits, and events involving the Consulate. Notwithstanding publishing of information related to bilateral cooperation, cultural programmes, business initiatives and disseminate content through its regional and global media channels.
The Consulate, in turn, will:
Grant Paradigm News official accreditation as its African Media House, providing timely press releases, updates, and access to relevant events, subject to protocol. The Consulate will recognize / Paradigm Communications Ltd. as its media partner in appropriate communications and events.
Both parties commit to maintaining professionalism, transparency, and respect for diplomatic sensitivities, ensuring that all published material reflects accuracy and integrity.
About the Honorary Consulate of Côte d’Ivoire in Malta:
The Honorary Consulate works to strengthen bilateral relations between the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire and Malta, promoting diplomatic cooperation, business engagement, cultural exchange, and support for Ivorian nationals.
About Paradigm News / Paradigm Communications Ltd.
Paradigm News is a respected media organization committed to delivering global news and insights. Through its international correspondents and editorial network, Paradigm News covers stories of local, regional, and global relevance with accuracy, neutrality, and journalistic professionalism. Paradigm News International is a Media Partner of ECOWAS Commission, Foreign Affairs Ministry in Nigeria, Germany Embassy in Nigeria and CDD/ WADEMOS West Africa.
HONORARY CONSULATE REPUBLIC OF CÔTE D’IVOIRE – MALTA
News
EU–IDEA, Stakeholders Call for Urgent Review of Social Development Act, Seek National Alignment
EU–IDEA, Stakeholders Call for Urgent Review of Social Development Act, Seek National Alignment
By: Michael Mike
The European Union- International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (EU-IIDEA), as well as relevant stakeholders has called for an urgent review of Nigeria’s Social Development Act (SDA), insisting that it may be impossible to achieve inclusive growth or protect vulnerable groups in the country under the current fragmented framework.
The call was made on Wednesday in Abuja at the National SDA summit, organized by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IIDEA), a programme funded by the European Union under its CSOs-Bridge Strengthening Project, in Abuja.
The SD Act was first conceptualised in the 1970s and enacted in 2004 as the central framework for coordinated and inclusive social development in the country.
The Enugu State Commissioner for Children, Gender and Social Development, Valentina Enih, while delivering the keynote address, decried that the existing Act, originally enacted as Decree 12 in 1974 and later reissued in 2004, does not any longer reflects the country’s realities.
She described the Act aa older than many of people in the hall, insisting that outdated provisions and emerging social challenges demand urgent reform.
She also stressed that unity among civil society organisations (CSOs) remained essential for progress, adding that personal interests often overshadowed collective objectives.
She noted that: “One stick is easily broken, but a bundle of broomsticks is not. We must speak with one voice,” while appealing to lawmakers to increase funding for ministries responsible for women affairs, poverty eradication and social protection, added that: “Many times, we use our personal resources just to ensure the work is done.”
On his part, the Chairman of the House Committee on Civil Society Organisations and Development Partners, Hon. Victor Obuzor acknowledged the legislative gaps that have hindered effective coordination of social development nationwide.
He said the National Assembly had made the Act’s review a priority, noting that: “Fragmentation, institutional reassignments and multiple regulatory frameworks have weakened the effectiveness of the Social Development Act.
“Our Committee is reviewing historical gaps, engaging stakeholders and supporting the development of a modernised civil society regulatory bill.”
He said the revised law would create clearer lines of authority, harmonise federal and state mandates and institutionalise civil society participation.
The Deputy Director at the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Peter Audu, said the forum aligns with federal reforms targeting gender equality, social protection and national cohesion.
He noted that the government was committed to building stronger collaboration across ministries, development partners and state institutions.
“This forum provides an important opportunity to consider proposed amendments and develop a national coalition for sustainable financing and measurable results,” he said.
The CEO of the Accountability and Transparency Initiative, Dr. Fumi Akinyele, called for the revised law to embed gender responsiveness from the design stage.
She noted that many rural women were excluded from social protection programmes due to requirements such as smartphones, bank verification numbers and digital literacy.
“Inclusion must go beyond words. We need clear definitions, gender-responsive budgeting and disaggregated data. Committees must be balanced so that different voices are heard,” she said.
The Chairman of the Anambra Civil Society Network, Prince Chris Azor, shared experiences illustrating the challenges faced by sub-national CSOs, including inconsistent regulations that once led to the closure of community organisations’ bank accounts.
“We were stranded. Even registration processes were unclear. When grassroots operators cannot function, you are shrinking the civic space,” he said.
He urged that the amended Act provide states with a clear legal framework for social protection and civil society participation. “We want a standing law that expands the civic space and ensures citizens are part of governance.”
EU–IDEA, Stakeholders Call for Urgent Review of Social Development Act, Seek National Alignment
IPOB attacks police patrol teams in Anambra, snatches rifles, and abandons stolen SUV after shootout
HONORARY CONSULATE REPUBLIC OF CÔTE D’IVOIRE – MALTA
EU–IDEA, Stakeholders Call for Urgent Review of Social Development Act, Seek National Alignment
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