Army arrests four suspects over attempted transformer vandalism

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Udo Ka have arrested four suspects in Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State for attempting to vandalize a transformer at the SETRACO live camp in Amasiri.

According to source, at about 0650 hours on March 21, troops from 24 Special Engineering Regiment and 2 Works Battalion responded to a distress call from the camp’s Public Relations Officer about a suspected individual trying to tamper with a transformer.

“On arrival, troops confirmed that one suspect had been apprehended by camp security personnel while attempting to carry out the act,” the source said.

Preliminary interrogation of the suspect led to the arrest of three additional accomplices and the recovery of a large quantity of copper wires, aluminum cables, batteries, cutting tools, and other equipment believed to be intended for theft or vandalism.

The suspects and recovered items are now in the custody of the troops for further investigation and appropriate legal action.

Army arrests four suspects over attempted transformer vandalism

Army troops recover 75,000 litres of stolen crude oil in bonny, River state

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), have recovered about 75,000 litres of stolen crude oil in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Sources told Zagazola that troops of the 146 Battalion (Maritime) discovered a wooden boat anchored around the Lady B creeks, loaded with the crude oil suspected to have been illegally bunkered.

The recovered items were handled in accordance with the directives of OPDS, the statement added.

Military authorities reiterated their commitment to combating oil theft and illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta, urging residents and stakeholders to cooperate with security agencies to protect national resources.

Army troops recover 75,000 litres of stolen crude oil in bonny, River state

Zulum Visits Ngoshe, Pledges Reconstruction of Damaged Infrastructure

…Vows Ngoshe Will Not Fall Again

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Sunday, visited Ngoshe which is about 40 kilometres away from Gwoza to see for himself the level of damage.

Zulum, who has embarked on a two-day confidence and resilience-building tour to victims of recent Boko Haram attacks in Ngoshe and Pulka, disbursed cash and relief items to over 30,000 people affected by the recent incident.

Speaking to newsmen shortly after inspecting the affected community, the governor described the level of destruction as shocking and heartbreaking.

“It is saddening to see this kind of devastation. In recent times, I have not witnessed such destruction. It is sheer madness, but Insha Allah, we shall build back better,” the governor said.

He assured residents of Ngoshe in Gwoza Local Government Area that government will rebuild homes and public infrastructure destroyed by recent attacks, while intensifying security efforts to restore lasting peace in the area.

Zulum said he had directed officials of the Ministry of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement to immediately assess the extent of the damage with a view to rehabilitating all burnt structures.

“I am here with representatives of the Ministry for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement, and I have directed them to assess the level of damage so that all the burnt infrastructure can be rehabilitated,” he said.

The governor noted that the Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, had recently released funds to the Multinational Joint Task Force to boost military operations in the region.

“I am pleased to announce the support and funding recently released by the Federal Government of Nigeria, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to the Multinational Joint Task Force for military operations in this general area,” he said.

He explained that the Mandara Hills remain a major stronghold for insurgents, stressing that the only effective response is to take the battle directly to them.

The governor commended the military authorities, particularly the General Officer Commanding 7 Division and the Brigade Commander, for their renewed effort in Ngoshe.

According to him, security presence in the area has now been significantly reinforced.

“The military has taken over Ngoshe again. They have increased the number of personnel in Ngoshe by 100 per cent, and I believe with what they have done so far, we will keep Ngoshe secure,” Zulum added.

…Vows Ngoshe Will Not Fall Again

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has reaffirmed the commitment of both the Federal Government and Borno State Government to decisively address the lingering security challenges in the state, assuring residents of Ngoshe that the town will not be allowed to fall back into the control of insurgents insha Allah.

Addressing troops of 82 Division Task Force Battalion Ngoshe, Zulum said efforts are ongoing to strengthen the military’s capacity.

“I want to assure you that the Federal Government of Nigeria, and indeed the Government of Borno State, in partnership with the Armed Forces, will do everything possible to contain the lingering security situation,” he said.

The governor emphasized the strategic importance of Ngoshe, warning that its fall could have wider security implications for surrounding communities.

“Ngoshe is very important. The fall of Ngoshe would send a very bad signal to Pulka, Kirawa, Gwoza, and even Bama. We shall not allow this town to be taken over again by insurgents.”

Governor Babagana Zulum was accompanied on the visit by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, member House of Assembly representing Gwoza, Hon. Abdullahi Buba Abatcha, Commissioner for Transport and Energy, Mohammed Lawan Buba, and Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, among other personalities.

Zulum Visits Ngoshe, Pledges Reconstruction of Damaged Infrastructure