Security
Operation Lafiya Dole: Air Task Force rains bombs on Boko Haram elements’ hideouts killing scores
The Air Task Force of Operation Lafiya Dole has identified two locations as Boko Haram Terrorists hide outs in Kote Kura and Bulama Isamari and rained bombs and eliminated scores of fighters.
In a statement released on Sunday to journalists by Major General John Enenche, Coordinator, Defence Media Operations said, those places.were new settlements where the terrorists stored their logistics.
The statement said:
“In continuation of the series of Air Interdiction missions being conducted to rid the North East of the Country of terrorist elements, the Air Task Force of Operation LAFIYA DOLE has taken out more Boko Haram Terrorists’ (BHTs’) hideouts and eliminated several of their fighters at 2 locations – Kote Kura and Bulama Isamari – both in Borno State.
“The air strikes were executed yesterday, 2 January 2021, employing appropriate force packages of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets and helicopter gunships based on credible intelligence reports indicating that the BHTs had recently established camps at the 2 settlements, where they store their logistics items as well as plan and launch attacks.
“Overhead Kote Kura, a settlement in Bama area, the NAF attack aircraft engaged scores of terrorists observed in the target area, leading to the neutralization of several of them as well as the destruction of structures and logistics stores, some of which were seen engulfed in flames.
“In the same vein, at Bulama Isamari, within the Timbuktu Traingle, the NAF aircraft took turns in engaging the target, scoring accurate hits which equally resulted in the neutralisation of several terrorists.
“You are please requested to disseminate this information, along with the attached declassified short video clip of the attacks, through your medium for the awareness of the general public.”
The Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Abubakar Zubairu has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to fostering community-driven security solutions.
He stated this while addressing a cross-section of Stakeholders at the Okene engagement programme and further re-echoing the call for community participation in security efforts, noting that manpower limitations and resource constraints necessitate an inclusive Policing approach.
He commended the Commissioner for his proactive leadership and stressed that “security is everybody’s business, and together, we can ensure stability and peace.”
In his remarks, CP Dantawaye reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to fostering the implementation of Community Policing project as a key approach for effective Policing.
He emphasised the importance of synergy between Law enforcement Agencies, Traditional Institutions, Local Communities, as well as other Security stakeholders in combating crime, particularly kidnapping and other security threats.
He further commended the unwavering dedication among various security formations, including the NSCDC, Local Vigilante, Hunters, as well as NYSC members.
He urged the community members to play an active role in intelligence gathering, stating that, Policing cannot be done by the men on uniform alone. We need every citizen to be our eyes and ears to ensure a safe society.
He cautioned the officers on discipline, professionalism as well as respect for Human rights. He disclosed that Police Officers are undergoing continuous training to improve the operational capacity and to also equip them with the needed skills for investigation.
The event witnessed the presence of respected traditional rulers, local government representatives, transport unions, and various ethnic and community groups, all of whom pledged their commitment to strengthening security collaboration.
As part of ongoing efforts to curb crime, the Nigeria Police Force in Kogi State will intensify intelligence-based operations, enhance police-community relations, and continue engaging stakeholders to ensure lasting peace and security in the region.
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)
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