Army and security forces conduct massive clearance operations in Gombe

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army, alongside police, NSCDC, DSS, local vigilantes, and hunters, have conducted massive clearance operations across suspected bandit hideouts in Gombe State.

Zagazola report that the operations, began on March 10 in Billiri Local Government Area.

Security forces combed multiple towns and villages, including Kalmai, Sabon Layi, Kulkul, Ayaba, Lakurum, Bassa, Baka, Papawure, Amtawalam, Kwiba, Sansani, Lawishi Daji, and Gada Uku.

The exercise was later extended on March 11 to Pero-Chonge in Shongom LGA covering Filiya, Gwandum, Majidadi, Yelwa, Katagun, Dangeza, Daga, Kwele, Lalinling, Dwaja, and Gundale.

At about 8:30 a.m., security operatives moved to Pindiga Division in Akko LGA, conducting clearance patrols in Garin Galadima, Gagarabami, Badara, Lambo, Tundu, Kaltanga, Gizimawa, and Kolmani axis.

While no arrests were reported, police said the joint operations are ongoing to ensure security and deter bandit activities. The Command added that the overall situation in the state remains calm.

Authorities reassured residents that continued vigilance and collaboration among security agencies remain a priority in maintaining peace and stability in Gombe State.

Army and security forces conduct massive clearance operations in Gombe

ISWAP scamper in disarray as NAF, ground troops repel attack on Banki in Bama LGA

By: Zagazola Makama

Fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) reportedly fled in disarray on Friday after troops of Operation Hadin Kai, supported by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), successfully repelled an attempted attack on a military base in Banki, Bama Local Government Area of Borno.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the insurgents launched the attack in the early hours of Friday, advancing in large numbers in an attempt to overrun the military formation.

The sources said the troops immediately engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle, effectively resisting the assault and preventing the insurgents from breaching the base.

According to the sources, while the exchange of fire was ongoing, the Nigerian Air Force scrambled an aircraft to provide aerial support to the ground troops.

“On sighting the approaching aircraft, the terrorists took to their heels and were seen scampering in disarray into nearby bushes to escape the superior firepower of the troops and the air component,” one of the sources said.

The sources added that the attempted attack was successfully foiled, forcing the insurgents to abandon the operation.

There were no immediate reports of casualties as security forces have commenced assessment and clearance operations in the area.

Banki, a border town near Cameroon in Bama LGA, remains one of the key frontline locations in the ongoing counter-insurgency campaign in Borno.

ISWAP scamper in disarray as NAF, ground troops repel attack on Banki in Bama LGA

Freight forwarders protest arbitrary shipping charges at Apapa ports

By: Zagazola Makama

The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has raised concerns over what it described as arbitrary and unilateral increases in shipping charges by some shipping companies at the Apapa ports in Lagos.

The grievances were contained in a letter addressed to the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Park Lane, Apapa, and copied to the Commissioner of Police, Ports Authority Police (Western Command), Apapa.

The letter, titled “Administrative Overreach: The Non-Consensual and Arbitrary Increase of Shipping Charges in Breach of Established Procedure and Protocol,” was received at about 2:30 p.m. on March 12.

Following the complaint, the Commissioner of Police, Ports Authority Police Western Command, Apapa, convened a meeting with the leadership of NAGAFF to discuss the issue.

Those in attendance included Mr Bert Okeke, Secretary and representative of the NAGAFF Chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko; Mr Uche Nwabude, Operational Head; and Chief Raf Nwoye, Technical Director at the association’s headquarters, alongside eight other members.

During the meeting, the NAGAFF leaders expressed dissatisfaction over the alleged immediate and unilateral upward review of shipping charges by some companies without prior notification to freight forwarders and other service users.

They described the development as a breach of established procedures guiding port operations and trade facilitation.

In her response, the Commissioner of Police, Ports Authority Police Western Command, commended the association for following due process by engaging relevant stakeholders and bringing the matter to the attention of authorities.

She urged the union leaders to remain law-abiding and advised them to notify the police and obtain approval before embarking on any picketing or protest actions.

The police chief also encouraged the association to suspend any planned industrial action pending efforts by the Nigerian Shippers Council to mediate and resolve the dispute.

She further called for sustained synergy, collaboration and consolidation between the police and stakeholders in the maritime sector to ensure smooth trade facilitation at the ports.

The meeting ended at about 3:25 p.m.

Freight forwarders protest arbitrary shipping charges at Apapa ports