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More than 100 commuters perished along the Maiduguri Damaturu road before the advent of RRS to stop the carnage….Commander Babalola
More than 100 commuters perished along the Maiduguri Damaturu road before the advent of RRS to stop the carnage….Commander Babalola
By: Bodunrin Kayode
More than 100 commuters perished along the Maiduguri Damaturu route before the formation of the rapid response squad (RRS) in Borno state.
Some were killed on the spot while on their journeys but hundreds were wheeled into the savanna by dare devil insurgents who slaughtered them like cattle when they resisted certain crazy directives before the advent of the RRS.
Casualties caused by boko haram insurgents on the Damaturu Maiduguri road alone became so alarming that Governor Babagana Zulum had to step in with the formation of (RRS) five years ago to ameliorate the situation.
These were the words of the Commander of the RRS squad Abioye Babalola in a recent chat with this reporter during an operational visit of the Commissioner of Police Abdulmajid Naziru to their base.
Before now, he noted, there was no easy movement by commuters on this route but the coming of RRS has eased that wickedness by the insurgents on the road.
” RRS has become a single strike unit of the State government and it has been serving the state diligently without any fear.
“The CP is passionate about the squad which is why he came to see things for himself and know where we have challenges and where he can make his input.
” For instance about twelve officers do not have office accommodation to work effectively and many more of these similar challenges which the CP intends to handle for the squad” Assistant Commissioner of Police Babalola posited.
The RRS squad established Jan 10, 2010 is made up of men of the Nigerian police in charge of internal security and all the paramilitary agencies in the state including the civilian joint task force (JTF) known to have been fighting along side troops in the last fifteen years.
The visit further revealed that the Borno state Police command has been able to arrest 1,541 suspects for various forms of infractions against the laws of the land during the period under review.
This massive haul of arrests which occurred especially during the period of the arrival of the new CP includes 32 dismissed military personnel alleged to have been involved in various forms of criminal activities in the state.
The RRS commander revealed that 1,164 suspect were convicted, 247 released, 1,197 charged to court with 64 still under detention and awaiting trial.
Commander Babalola said that the squad also recovered exhibits from the suspects which include dangerous weapons, military uniforms. illegal drugs worth N27.1m and many more.
Meanwhile, the Borno Commissioner of Police Abdulmajid Naziru has commended the squad for their efforts in fighting all manner of criminality and charged them to be professional in all their duties.
RRS now has extra patrol routes between Mafa and Maiduguri apart from Maiduguri Gubio to Mongonu where they are stationed at Mongumeri along the way.
More than 100 commuters perished along the Maiduguri Damaturu road before the advent of RRS to stop the carnage….Commander Babalola
Easter: IPCR Calls for Peace, Unity, National Reconciliation
By: Michael Mike
The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has called on Nigerians to embrace peace, unity, and national reconciliation as Christians across the country mark Easter.
In a press statement issued on Saturday, the Director-General of the institute, Joseph Ochogwu, extended warm greetings to Christians, describing Easter as a sacred season that reflects sacrifice, redemption, and hope.
He noted that the celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ remains a defining moment in the Christian faith, symbolising victory over adversity, renewal of life, and the triumph of light over darkness.
Ochogwu urged Christians to use the period to pray for peace, tranquility, and harmony in Nigeria, especially at a time when the country is grappling with security challenges. He referenced recent incidents of violence in parts of the country, including Plateau State, Kaduna State, and Maiduguri.
The IPCR boss expressed condolences to families and communities affected by the violence, offering prayers for strength, healing, and comfort for those grieving.
He emphasised that Easter serves as a reminder of the enduring power of hope, urging Nigerians—regardless of religion, ethnicity, or background—to embrace peaceful coexistence and mutual respect.
Ochogwu also called on citizens to remain vigilant and support lawful efforts to safeguard lives and property, stressing that peacebuilding is a collective responsibility.
“As we celebrate this holy season, let us preach love, extend kindness, and demonstrate compassion in our daily interactions,” he said, adding that the spirit of Easter should inspire reconciliation and a renewed commitment to building a peaceful and prosperous nation.
The institute reaffirmed its commitment to promoting dialogue, strengthening conflict resolution mechanisms, and supporting initiatives aimed at achieving sustainable peace across Nigeria.
He gave a message of hope, praying that Easter would bring healing to the nation, comfort to the afflicted, and renewed optimism for a future defined by unity and shared progress.
Easter: IPCR Calls for Peace, Unity, National Reconciliation
Army, DSS arrest notorious cultist, gunrunner in Cross River, recover weapons
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 13 Brigade, in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS), have arrested a suspected cultist and gunrunner during a raid operation in Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River State.
Security sources said the operation was carried out at about 1:10 a.m. on April 3 along Effangha Spring Road in Ikom.
The sources disclosed that the suspect, who hails from Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, was apprehended during the coordinated raid.
According to the sources, troops recovered one revolver pistol, one sword, two laptops, four mobile phones, one digital camera, one wristwatch, three identity cards, and a sack of garri allegedly used to conceal the weapon.
The suspect and recovered items have since been handed over to the DSS for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Security authorities said the operation is part of ongoing efforts to curb cult-related violence and illegal arms circulation in the South-South region.
Army, DSS arrest notorious cultist, gunrunner in Cross River, recover weapons
Gunmen kill village head, wife in Adamawa, son hospitalised
By: Zagazola Makama
Unknown gunmen have killed a village head and his wife in Tunga Waja community, Lamurde Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 8:50 p.m. on April 2, when the assailants attacked the residence of the village head and opened fire on him, his wife and their son.
The sources disclosed that the village head died on the spot, while his wife and son sustained gunshot wounds and were evacuated to a medical facility in Tingno for treatment.
According to the sources, the wife later died at the hospital, while the son is currently receiving treatment.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, while efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
The incident has heightened concerns among residents, as security agencies intensify efforts to restore calm and prevent further attacks in the area.
Gunmen kill village head, wife in Adamawa, son hospitalised
Easter: IPCR Calls for Peace, Unity, National Reconciliation
Man O’ War personnel reports abduction of female colleague in Bayelsa
Army, DSS arrest notorious cultist, gunrunner in Cross River, recover weapons
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