News

17 SOLDIERS: CHILLING DISCOVERIES AT OKUAMA

Published

2 years ago

April 12, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

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

Former Kaduna governor El-Rufai loses mother

Published

8 hours ago

March 27, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Former Kaduna governor El-Rufai loses mother

By: Zagazola Makama

The former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has lost his mother, Hajiya Umma, who passed away on Friday.

The announcement of her death was announced by the Elrufai Family on Friday.

Family sources said the deceased had been battling age-related health challenges, which worsened in recent times.

According to the sources, her condition reportedly deteriorated further after she learned of the detention of her son by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).

They noted that El-Rufai had been closely managing his mother’s health prior to her demise.

The family prayed for Almighty Allah to forgive her shortcomings and grant her Aljannatul Firdaus.

Former Kaduna governor El-Rufai loses mother

News

NSCDC Unveils Five-Year Strategy to Strengthen National Security

Published

8 hours ago

March 27, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

NSCDC Unveils Five-Year Strategy to Strengthen National Security

By: Michael Mike

The Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Abubakar Audi has unveiled a comprehensive five-year strategic roadmap aimed at strengthening national security, boosting operational efficiency and enhancing professionalism within the Corps.

Speaking at a high-level meeting with commanding officers from state formations across the country, Audi described the gathering as both “historic and strategic,” noting that it signaled the beginning of the second phase of his leadership following his reappointment.

The NSCDC boss expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving his reappointment and to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for recommending him for the position.

According to him, the renewed mandate provides the opportunity to deepen reforms and reposition the Corps for greater efficiency and national relevance.

Reflecting on his previous tenure, Houdi highlighted reforms introduced to tackle internal challenges within the organisation, particularly the issue of staff stagnation that had affected morale among personnel.

He noted that his administration addressed long-standing promotion delays and salary arrears, adding that efforts were ongoing through a presidential committee responsible for settling outstanding payments across Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

The Commandant-General also underscored the importance of capacity building, revealing that the Corps had developed a standardised curriculum for its training institutions. He described the initiative as a major step toward strengthening professionalism and operational discipline within the agency.

He said more senior officers have also been sponsored to attend strategic leadership programmes, including courses at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), aimed at improving institutional leadership and policy competence.

“Training remains central to discipline, professionalism and productivity,” Houdi said, adding that the next phase of his leadership would prioritise retraining and ethical reorientation of personnel.

He also highlighted operational achievements recorded by the Corps, particularly in the fight against oil theft and illegal mining across the country.

According to him, the Corps’ Special Intelligence Squad has dismantled more than 400 illegal refineries, arrested and prosecuted over 1,000 suspects, and secured between 400 and 500 convictions.

Similarly, the Mining Marshals initiative has shut down more than 1,000 illegal mining sites nationwide and facilitated the arrest and prosecution of numerous offenders, including foreign nationals.

Audi said these achievements were made possible through collaboration with other security agencies, particularly the Nigerian Army, as well as partnerships with private sector actors.

The Corps has also expanded its operational infrastructure, with new command facilities constructed in several locations and modern surveillance and communication equipment deployed to formations across the country.

He further disclosed that the agency is establishing a hydrocarbon and maritime surveillance centre in partnership with Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, alongside an ICT centre project expected to be completed within the next few months.

As part of the new strategy, the NSCDC will increasingly deploy advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence and drone surveillance, to enhance monitoring and protection of critical national assets.

Aidi outlined key priorities for the next five years, including strengthening discipline within the Corps, expanding training and retraining programmes, deploying modern surveillance technologies and enhancing protection of critical infrastructure.

He also announced plans to establish specialised units dedicated to safeguarding power infrastructure and tackling vandalism in the electricity sector.

The Commandant-General warned that the Corps would maintain zero tolerance for indiscipline and misconduct among personnel.

“We must restore professionalism and discipline. Any conduct outside our code will not be tolerated,” he said.

He urged officers to remain committed to protecting critical national infrastructure and to deepen intelligence sharing and collaboration with other security agencies in strengthening the country’s security architecture.

Audi challenged personnel to demonstrate the Corps’ relevance through tangible results.

“We must prove that we are ready to serve the nation with loyalty, commitment and professionalism,” he added.

NSCDC Unveils Five-Year Strategy to Strengthen National Security

News

ECOWAS Court Launches Five-Year Strategic Plan to Deepen Justice, Regional Integration

Published

8 hours ago

March 27, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

ECOWAS Court Launches Five-Year Strategic Plan to Deepen Justice, Regional Integration

By: Michael Mike

The ECOWAS Court of Justice has unveiled an ambitious five-year strategic plan designed to strengthen the rule of law, expand access to justice and deepen regional integration across West Africa.

The plan, which will run from 2026 to 2030, was officially launched on Friday in Abuja, where the leadership of the court outlined a bold vision to transform the institution into a more effective and accessible pillar of justice within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

President of the court, Ricardo Goncalves, described the strategy as a decisive moment for the institution, saying it reflects a renewed commitment to strengthening the court’s role in safeguarding justice and promoting stability across the region.

“This moment is not merely symbolic. Above all, it represents a turning point. It is a clear affirmation of our collective resolve to strengthen the role of the Court as a guarantor of the rule of law, a promoter of justice, and a vital pillar of regional integration in West Africa,” he said.

According to him, the new strategy outlines a shared vision focused on institutional transformation, operational efficiency and measurable impact on the lives of citizens within the ECOWAS community.

Goncalves emphasised that the success of the initiative would depend on strong collaboration among judges, court staff and key regional stakeholders, stressing that each group has a critical role to play in achieving the objectives of the plan.

He charged judges of the court to reinforce the quality of jurisprudence, ensure consistency in judicial decisions and contribute to building a justice system that is accessible, timely and widely respected across member states.

The court president also highlighted the pivotal role of administrative staff, describing them as the backbone of the institution whose commitment to efficiency, case management and technical excellence would determine the effectiveness of the new framework.

Beyond internal reforms, he stressed the need for stronger partnerships with ECOWAS member states, regional institutions, legal practitioners, development partners and civil society organisations to ensure effective enforcement of court judgments and greater legal harmonisation across the region.

He noted that improved planning, transparency and a results-driven institutional culture would form the foundation of the strategy, which aims to reposition the court as a more visible and influential institution in regional governance.

In her welcome address, the Deputy Registrar of the court, Marie Saine, described the unveiling of the plan as the beginning of a renewed commitment to justice and service to the people of the ECOWAS region.

She explained that the Strategic Plan 2026–2030 was developed through extensive consultations, rigorous institutional review and forward-looking analysis to ensure that it responds effectively to emerging legal and governance challenges within West Africa.

Saine said the strategy is anchored on five key goals, including ensuring timely and impartial justice, expanding access to justice and legal empowerment, strengthening human rights protection and legal harmonisation, improving transparency and stakeholder engagement, and enhancing institutional capacity and governance.

She noted that the roadmap is both ambitious and pragmatic, providing clear priorities that will guide the court’s work over the next five years.

The ECOWAS Court of Justice serves as the judicial arm of the Economic Community of West African States, with the mandate to interpret community law, protect human rights and resolve disputes involving member states and institutions of the regional bloc.

Officials said the newly unveiled strategic framework replaces the court’s previous plan and is intended to position the institution to respond more effectively to evolving legal demands while strengthening its contribution to justice, peace and regional integration in West Africa.

ECOWAS Court Launches Five-Year Strategic Plan to Deepen Justice, Regional Integration