Security
IPOB warns Enugu gov’t not to associate IPOB with Simon Ekpa’s auto-pilot fighters
A stern warning has been issued by the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB to Enugu State government to desist from associating its operatives with the Finland-based Simon Ekpa’s auto-pilot fighters.
The warning was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, saying Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State err by associating IPOB with Simon Ekpa.
IPOB said, its militant wing or the Eastern Security Network should not be associated with auto-pilot of Mr Ekpa.
The statement was in response to claims by Enugu State Governor on Wednesday, asserting that 21 IPOB operatives, kidnappers and other criminal elements were killed within two weeks by the joint security operatives in Enugu State.
Mbah said, the IPOB operatives are members of auto-pilot, who are the armed wing of Finland-based agitator, Simon Ekpa.
However, Emma Powerful denied and described the report as fabricated and fallacy being peddled by Enugu State governor.
He said: “The claim is not only false but also a cheap propaganda against IPOB and ESN,” the IPOB spokesperson said, questioning why the state government associated the criminals with the IPOB.
“In the usual malicious intent of the Nigerian governmental bodies, the police claimed that the so-called neutralised criminals were ESN operatives loyal to Autopilot IPOB.
“For a long time, IPOB has maintained that there is nothing like Autopilot in IPOB.”
He said the “criminals and kidnappers have nothing in common with IPOB, ESN, and the Biafra struggle.
“The Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mba and the Nigeria Police in Enugu State should stop being maliciously mischievous. They should stop the unnecessary blackmail against IPOB and call the criminals by their name.
“Already, the criminals captured said where they belong, and it is not with the IPOB’s Eastern Security Network (ESN).
“We are warning the Enugu State Governor’s media office to desist from linking ESN and IPOB to the self-acclaimed Autopilot leader, a double agent in Finland, and his criminals in Enugu, and anywhere else.”
He said that all the ESN operatives are under the command of the Directorate of States (DOS) of the IPOB, and that there are no ESN operatives loyal to Ekpa.
“IPOB has no faction nor any affiliates. If not IPOB, it’s not IPOB,” he stressed, adding, “The group by themselves have stated that they do not belong to IPOB and ESN, why is the Nigerian government and her security forces forcing them on IPOB and keep associating them with IPOB and ESN?”
He insisted that “ESN operatives don’t get involved in any criminal activities”.
He said, “They are disciplined vigilantes who are strictly focused on their mandate of dislodging terrorists and herdsmen from destroying our farmers and farmlands.
“ESN operatives have never been involved in crimes, nor have they threatened the peace and security of South-East that they vowed to protect.”
Lt. Cynthia Akor, a Navy officer attached to Defence Headquarters in Abuja and two others have been abducted with their abductors demanding for N100 million ransome for their release.
The officer and others were reportedly kidnapped from their residences in the Mpape area of the Federal Capital Territory on Friday night and by Saturday their abductors called their families and demanded for N100 million ransom for the victims to be freed.
Our correspondent learnt on Saturday that their abductors have gotten in touch over ransom.
A source said: “Anong the three people that were kidnapped on Friday night in the Mpape area is a DHQ official, Akor.
“The kidnappers have already reached out to their families and are demanding N100m ransom,” the source said.
Efforts to reach the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Markus Kangye, and the Director of Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, were unsuccessful, as they had yet to respond to messages as of the time of filing this report.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, Josephine Adeh, said she would confirm the incident and provide further details.
“I will confirm and get back to you shortly,” she simply stated.
She has not reverted as of the time of filing this report.
The Security Adviser to Kogi State governor, Commodore Jerry Omodara (retd) has said security operatives are on the trail of abductors of 18 passengers on a bus belonging to the ABC Transport.
The passengers were kidnapped on Sunday.
Mr Omodara disclosed this on Thursday in Lokoja.
The bus, reportedly heading to Abuja on Sunday, March 16, from the South-East was reportedly hijacked by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers at Oloma in the Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi, a border town between the state and Enugu State.
Reliable sources said that all the bus passengers including the driver were abducted by the gunmen.
However, Mr Omodara, who confirmed the incident, said that a combined team of security operatives had launched a manhunt for the abductors.
He said the operatives in Kogi State, including the military, police, SSS, NSCDC and vigilante groups were in synergy to rescue the victims.
He stated, “Just on Wednesday, all the security heads met twice to see that we get the kidnappers and rescue the victims.’’
According to him, this kind of synergy and cooperation from residents provide security agents useful information that helps them to succeed.
He said that Kogi State had recorded a drastic drop in kidnapping incidents and crimes due to synergy and cooperation from residents.
The state security adviser said though they might not be able to completely eradicate crime in the state, they were making efforts to tackle any that reared its ugly head.
He assured families of the abducted passengers that they would be released unhurt.
He added, “We want Kogi to be a haven for all residents and passers-by alike.”
(NAN)
Security
AIG Zubairu, CP Dantawaye visit kidnapped scene, deploys tactical team to restore law and order
In a bid to ensure confidence building and to reassure the people of kogi State of their safety, the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 8 Lokoja, AIG Abubakar Zubairu, and the Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command CP Miller G. Dantawaye, psc visited the scene of attack on passengers who were traveling in an 18-Seater Bus along Obajana-Kabba road to assess the situation and ordered for deployment of additional operational assets to carry out bush combing operation to deny criminal elements safe haven.
The AIG further engaged with the Divisional Police Officers and other key stakeholders to adopt strategies for proactive crime prevention and control management. He urged residents to remain calm, assuring them that the Command is working with critical stakeholders in security management.
CP Dantawaye reiterated the Command unwavering commitment in working synergy with other security agencies to sustain the ongoing onslaught against criminality in the state. He further stated that, the Divisional Police Officers have been directed to carry out a comprehensive crime prevention patrol as well as intelligence-driven operations, to safeguard travelers and residents.
The engagement with local security groups aimed to further strengthen community collaboration in combating crime. The meeting brought together representatives from Hunters Association, Vigilante Groups, Oduduwa People’s Congress (OPC), Agbekoya Group, National Hunters, Special Hunters, Fulani Hunters.
He commended the vital role of community-led security efforts in preventing and responding to criminal activities. He further stressed the importance of intelligence sharing, noting that the law enforcement agencies require public cooperation to effectively combat crime. While acknowledging manpower challenges, authorities assured that training and collaboration efforts would be intensified to enhance security operations.
The CP disclosed that public support is essential in providing intelligence and other forms of assistance. Community leaders pledged their continued support to completement security efforts. While urging residents to stay vigilant, report suspicious activities, and avoid direct confrontations with well-armed criminals. They emphasized the need for intelligence-driven security strategies to dismantle criminal networks effectively.
The meeting concluded with assurances of strengthened security strategies, encouraging citizens to maintain open communication with law enforcement and prioritize collective safety.
-
News5 days agoBill to establish National Cashew Production and Research Institute in Kogi passes first reading in Senate
-
Politics1 week agoCPDPL accuses Adeyanju of orchestrating smear campaign against FCT Minister Wike
-
News5 days agoReport of attack on Wike’s Port Harcourt residence false, misleading – Police
-
News5 days agoShehu Sani debunks Governor Uba Sani’s alleged diversion of LG funds, challenges El-Rufai to publicly tender evidence
-
News5 days agoPlateau gov’t expresses concern over violence in Shendam LGA, calls for calm
-
Sports6 days agoMerino gives Arsenal win over Chelsea
-
Interview6 days agoSenators Natasha-Akpabio saga should have been resolved privately – Rev. Mrs Emeribe
-
Politics3 days agoOpposition leaders announce coalition to challenge Tinubu in 2027