News
DCP Lough denies falsifying police records, demands retraction
DCP Lough denies falsifying police records, demands retraction
By: Michael Mike
The Head of Chambers, Legal Section of the Nigeria Police Force, Deputy Commissioner of Police Simon Lough has denied the allegation of backdating his police records to delay his retirement levelled against him by a civil society group, The Integrity Youth Alliance.
Lough, subsequently demanded a retraction of the libellous report published by Trojan Insight News and Sahara Reporters Media Group.
This was contained in a letter dated January 24, 2025, written by his lawyer, Adeleke Agboola, SAN, and addressed to The Integrity Youth Alliance, Trojan Insight News and Sahara Reporters.
The letter partly read, “We are instructed by DCP Simon Lough, SAN, the first police officer in Nigeria elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2021, and we have his instructions to write this letter.
‘’our client’s attention has been drawn to the above-referenced story which has been published by different online media houses, like the TROJAN INSIGHT which tagged the defamatory statement thus:“SIMON LOUGH, NIGERIA POLICE LEGAL HEAD, OTHERS UNDER INVESTIGATION FOR BACKDATING RECORDS TO DELAY RETIREMENT.
“Published online on the 19th January 2025 via https:/trojaninsights.com/simon-lough-nigeria-police-legal-head-others: under-investigation-for-backdating-records-to-delay-retirement.
“The Sahara Reporters also headlined the defamatory statement as: ‘Simon Lough, Nigeria Police Legal Head, Others Under Investigation For Backdating records To Delay Retirement’ via https://saharareporters.com/2025/01/19/simon-lough-nigeria-police-legal-head-others-under-investigation-backdating-records.
‘’It is our client’s express instruction that the above-captioned story as it relates to him at the material time is false. Our client was born on 14th May 1969 and joined the Police as a Cadet ASP on the 10th of May, 2000.
“Our client was never enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force on January 8, 1987, and therefore could not have retired on January 8, 2022, as maliciously published by you, with the intention to besmirch his reputation.
“You published the defamatory and injurious story against our client without seeking his side of the story in accordance with the media principle and ethical responsibility of news balancing.
‘’Thus, DCP Simon Lough has requested a retraction of the defamatory statement made against him wherein he was listed among the police personnel engaged in the unethical practice of backdating their history records.’’
DCP Lough denies falsifying police records, demands retraction
Military
Mutiny: Presidential Guard Tightens Security Around Niger Presidency Amid Reports of Military Protest
Mutiny: Presidential Guard Tightens Security Around Niger Presidency Amid Reports of Military Protest
By Zagazola Makama
Security was significantly reinforced around Niger’s Presidential Palace in Niamey following reports of unrest involving elements of the country’s armed forces, security sources told Zagazola Makama.
According to multiple security sources, the heightened deployment of the Presidential Guard, supported by armoured vehicles around the Presidential Palace on the night of July 3 and into July 4, followed what was described as a limited protest by personnel of an armoured unit within the Niger Armed Forces (FAN).
The sources said some soldiers reportedly declined deployment to frontline positions in northern Tillabéri Region, particularly around Inatès and Chinagodrar, citing inadequate heavy equipment and insufficient operational resources to confront the growing security threats in the area.
The protest was described by one source as a “small mutiny,” although there has been no official confirmation from the Nigerien authorities.
Security sources said the development triggered concern within the country’s leadership, prompting the reinforcement of security around the Presidential Palace and temporary restrictions on movement in the surrounding area as a precautionary measure.
The Tillabéri Region remains one of Niger’s most volatile security zones, with recurrent attacks by armed extremist groups, including factions linked to the so-called Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS).
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerien government and military authorities had not issued any official statement regarding the reported protest or the increased security presence around the Presidency.
The situation remains under close observation.
Mutiny: Presidential Guard Tightens Security Around Niger Presidency Amid Reports of Military Protest
News
Two suspected criminals arrested during patrol in Plateau
Two suspected criminals arrested during patrol in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1 under Operation Enduring Peace have arrested two suspected criminals during a routine patrol in Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau.
Security sources disclosed that the suspects, identified as Azi Ezekiel, 21, and Ajiji Emmanuel, 19, were apprehended at about 10:30 a.m. on Saturday along the road leading to Forbur Village.
The sources said the suspects were intercepted by troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, while conducting a routine patrol in the area.
According to the sources, the two suspects have been handed over to the Keystone Police Station in Forbur for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The arrest forms part of ongoing security operations aimed at combating criminal activities and enhancing safety across Plateau State.
Two suspected criminals arrested during patrol in Plateau
News
Troops arrest suspected kidnapper in Plateau community
Troops arrest suspected kidnapper in Plateau community
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 4 of Operation Enduring Peace have arrested a suspected kidnapper during a security operation in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau.
Security sources said the suspect, identified as Mohamdu Surajo, 29, was arrested at about 6:45 p.m. on Friday at Sabon Layi Village following sustained security operations in the area.
The sources disclosed that the suspect is currently in military custody and is undergoing preliminary interrogation to aid ongoing investigations.
They added that the arrest is part of continued efforts by security forces to dismantle criminal networks and enhance security across Plateau State.
Troops arrest suspected kidnapper in Plateau community
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