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Security: 646 Arrests Made Across National Parks – Conservator General

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Security: 646 Arrests Made Across National Parks – Conservator General

By: Michael Mike

As the Federal Government continues to take step to keep the national parks safe and free of criminals, the National Park Service during the year 2023 has made 646 arrests across the country.

Addressing the media at the weekend on successes made in 2023, the Conservator General of the National Park Service, Dr. Ibrahim Goni gave the break down of the arrest to include 44 hunters, 222 grazers, 131 loggers, and 249 others, noting that these arrests were made in all the national parks, with Gashaka-Gumti recording the highest number.

He said in relation to banditry incidents, 37 suspects were apprehended in connection with mining/banditry in Old Oyo National Park, while Kainji Lake National Park arrested three suspected bandits and neutralized five others.

Goni added that four victims were rescued during these operations conducted within the year, and various items such as motorcycles, phones, and machetes were recovered.

He also revealed that a total of 646 cases were prosecuted in the National Parks during the year, with breakdown of the prosecution cases showing 161 convictions, 215 fines, 119 warnings and discharges, and 151 cases pending. Cross River and Gashaka-Gumti National Parks recorded the highest number of convictions.

The Conservator General also disclosed that total revenue generated for the Service from January to date stands at N83.2 million, noting that the revenue was derived from various sources, including ecotourism, compoundment, compensation, and others.

He said all revenue has been remitted to the Federal Government’s coffers

Goni said within the year, the National Park Service signed several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with different organisations, with the MoUs aim to support and strengthen the capacities of the National Park Service in addressing conservation challenges, disclosing that some of the organisations MOUs were signed with include the Safe Nature and Humanity Club, Sayari Dunia Sustainable Tourism Foundation, West African Conservation Network, and Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Co. Ltd.

He noted that the signed MoUs have had a significant impact on park protection, capacity building, and support zone development.

He said within the year, the National Park Service collaborates with relevant stakeholders to combat wildlife trafficking in Nigeria, revealing that: “Seizures have been made, and efforts have been made to release live animals back into the wild. The Nigerian Customs Service recently confiscated 81 parrots among other bird species, galagos (bush babies) which were handed over to the National Park Service for rehabilitation and reintroduction to the wild. Additionally, the National Park Service has developed a policy document on combating wildlife and forest crime in Nigeria in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime.”

Security: 646 Arrests Made Across National Parks – Conservator General

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Troops rescue three kidnapped victims in Zamfara

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Troops rescue three kidnapped victims in Zamfara

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued three kidnapped victims during a fighting patrol in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Security sources told Zagazola that the operation was conducted on April 25 at about 9:00 p.m. by troops of 1 Brigade in collaboration with hybrid forces deployed at Kulchin Kalgo.

The sources said the troops advanced to Bilbis area following intelligence on the presence of terrorists and made contact with the armed group.

According to the sources, the troops engaged the criminals in a firefight, forcing them to flee and abandon three kidnapped victims in the process.

The rescued victims were subsequently handed over to the district head of Bilbis for safe custody and further reunification with their families.

The sources added that the troops have continued exploitation of the area to track fleeing suspects, while the general security situation remains under close monitoring.

Troops rescue three kidnapped victims in Zamfara

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Troops arrest suspects, rescue kidnap victim in Benue

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Troops arrest suspects, rescue kidnap victim in Benue

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have arrested two suspected kidnappers and rescued a victim in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State.

Security sources said that the incident occurred on April 25 at about 10:30 a.m., when troops deployed at Agidi responded to reports of a kidnap incident in Abenga and Mabur communities.

The sources said the troops swiftly mobilised to the area and made contact with the suspected kidnappers, engaging them during the operation.

According to the sources, the troops overpowered the criminals, leading to the arrest of two suspects and the rescue of one kidnapped victim.

The sources added that the apprehended suspects and the rescued victim have been handed over to the Nigeria Police for further investigation and necessary action.

They assured that security forces will continue to intensify operations to curb kidnapping and other criminal activities in the state.

Troops arrest suspects, rescue kidnap victim in Benue

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Troops, DSS arrest suspected IPOB/ESN member in Enugu raid

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Troops, DSS arrest suspected IPOB/ESN member in Enugu raid

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), have arrested a suspected member of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), during a raid in Enugu State.

Sources said that the operation was carried out on April 25 at about 6:20 p.m. by troops of 82 Division Garrison, 103 Battalion and 197 Special Forces Battalion.

The sources said the joint team conducted the raid at Obinofia Ndiagu village, where one suspected IPOB/ESN operative was apprehended.

According to the sources, three mobile phones were recovered from the suspect during the operation.

They added that the suspect and recovered items are currently in the custody of the 82 Military Intelligence Brigade for further investigation and necessary action.

The sources noted that the operation is part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to dismantle criminal networks and restore peace in the South-East.

Troops, DSS arrest suspected IPOB/ESN member in Enugu raid

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