Ahead of the final match between Nigeria and Ivory Coast at the ongoing African Cup of Nations, a self-acclaimed prophet, Dr Kan Ebube Muonso of the Power and Victory in Christ Church has predicted that Ivory Coast will go home with the cup but in error.
In a post on his church’s Facebook page on Friday, Kan predicted that the error would be caused by the referee.
However, the self-acclaimed prophet said he would collect the cup from Ivory Coast and hand it over to Nigeria after his mountain program by the power of God.
According to him, Nigeria is the rightful team to go home with the cup.
“IVORY COAST VS NIGERIA.
“I saw Ivory Coast going home with the cup in error by ref/partial against Nigeria but Nigeria is the rightful team that is supposed to go home with the cup, but I will collect the cup from Ivory Coast to Nigeria by the power of God after my mountain program which will commence tomorrow.
“In my next post after mountain, you will know that there is power in God.
“Operation show your power. My God will prove himself again,” the post read.
Enugu Community Protests Government’s Plan To Establish Cattle Ranch For Herders, Nearly 8 Years After Massacre By Militia.
Among the protesters were people widowed or orphaned by the killing of 40 residents of the community by gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen on April 26, 2016, during the government of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Hundreds of Nimbo community residents in the Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State have staged a peaceful protest against the state government’s plan to establish a cattle ranch for herdsmen in their community.
SaharaReporters gathered that the community held the protest on Tuesday along the Nsukka - Uzo-Uwani - Anambra Federal Highway.
A video of the protest seen by SaharaReporters on Friday shows the protesters, who were mostly women and youths, displaying placards and chanting: "Nimbo doesn't want cattle, doesn't want ranching."
One of the placards reads, ‘Nimbo Community Says No To Cattle Ranch In Their Land QED.’
A resident of the community told SaharaReporters on Friday that protests in Nimbo followed an alleged plan by the state government to establish a ranch where the town shares a border with Kogi State.
"The plan followed a government inspection team to the area, nearly eight years after the April 25, 2016 Nimbo Massacre, during which armed Fulani herders murdered 40 indigenes of our town.
"The incident followed farmer-herder clashes in the general area where the RUGA (Rural Grazing Areas) settlement is allegedly being planned to be sited."
RUGA is an initiative of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s government to address the herders-farmers’ clashes in the country but it was rejected in most of the southern states.
Efforts to speak with the President General of Nimbo Town Union, Clement Akogwu, were unsuccessful.
Meanwhile, the state government has confirmed that it is establishing a ranch in the community. It said it would manage ranching as a measure to solve permanently the farmers-herders clashes in the state.
A senior government official told SaharaReporters that the ranching is going to be fully controlled by the government.
This is why you 9-5 job workers should stick to civil service and farming and let capitalists run the economy .
You people from that side are naturally not entrepreneurs . You have no idea how to run a business , how will you run a country ?
Stick to your salary Jobs, you say no Stick to farming , you say no Stick to your carpentry and artisanal businesses. , you no gree .
You say you must run the country. Say you dey sophisticated. But you think a country can grow under a socialist system of welfare benefits , and government patronage and control . A palliative economy while free enterprise suffers .
Instead of turning the country into a production. base , na to dey shook eye for other people money. Is that the best you can do ? I dont blame you tho. You cannot give what you don’t have .
But go and do your research, those countries that went the way of Karl Max and Lenin , where dem dey now ?
The richest in Nigeria are still from that two sides. Don't mix up petty trading with entrepreneurship. They are the captains of industries and now the modern IT industries.
In addition, you complain of socialism and welfare state when all the current government has done so far is to break the habit of welfarism i.e. backing the naira with dollars to defend the naira and removing subsidy of fuel. What welfare can be greater than those... Governorment was giving you money to buy gas for cheap so you can drive multiple cars and V8 engines vehicles.
Government was subsidizing the naira so that you can go on foreign trips for cheap and import goods from abroad for cheap.
Access, GTB, UBA, Zenith Others To Pay Customers Money Sent From Abroad in Naira, Give Exchange Rate
Nigerian banks have started the implementation of CBN's new requirements for international money transfer operation Based on the new rule, commercial banks are now allowed to convert customers' remittances from abroad to naira Also, CBN placed a ban on the dollar and other foreign currency payouts for international transactions received through IMTOs
Nigerian banks have begun full implementation of the Central Bank of Nigeria's revised guidelines on International money transfer operations in the country. The CBN released revised guidelines for the operations of International money transfer operators (IMTOs) and instructed banks to begin paying dollars and other foreign currency payouts from abroad in naira to boost forex supply and starve the black market traders.
Part of the CBN circular reads:
"All inbound money transfers to Nigeria shall be paid to beneficiaries in Naira through a bank account, or cash. "Proceeds of IMTO more than the equivalent of $200 shall be paid through an account. Cash payments shall be made upon the provision of a satisfactory/acceptable means of identification. “Where the beneficiary does not have an account with the IMTO agent bank, the agent bank shall credit the beneficiary account in another bank.”
Banks begin full implementation In reaction to the new guidelines, Nigerian banks have issued statements to their customers explaining the changes. Ecobank message to customers seen by [/b]Legit.ng reads:
[b]"Dear Valued Customer, We would like to bring to your attention recent regulatory changes affecting international money transfers into Nigeria. "With regards to the Circular issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) dated January 31, 2024, all in-bound money transfers to Nigeria will be paid only in Naira through a bank account or in cash at the prevailing rate in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market. "Furthermore, transfers exceeding the equivalent of $200 must be credited to the recipient's bank account while cash payments for amounts below $200 will require an acceptable means of identification.
The acceptable means of identification is listed as follows: International passport, Driver's license, National Identity card, INEC Permanent Voters Card (PVC)" .
Meanwhile, the Nigerian government and the Central Bank of Nigeria have responded to reports suggesting plans by the government to convert funds in domiciliary accounts to naira. Over $30 billion is reported to be sitting idle in accounts across Nigerian banks, including Access, GTB, UBA, Zenith, and others. The report claims the move will help the naira recover in the forex market and boost forex supply in Nigeria.
Vice President Kashim Shettima met with the Super Eagles following their win over the Bafana Bafana of South Africa and promised that the Federal Government will reward them for their “commitment and dedication.”
The Super Eagles disclosed this in a statement and photos shared on their official X handle early Thursday.
The statement read, “The Federal Government has promised to reward the Super Eagles for their commitment and dedication in reaching the final of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivore.
“Vice President Kashim Shettima told the players and their officials in the dressing room, following their hard-fought victory over South Africa in the semi finals on Wednesday, that the government and people of Nigeria are proud of their accomplishment.
“The VP was in company with Governors Dapo Abiodun (Ogun) and Duoye Diri (Bayelsa), Minister for Youths, Dr. Jamila Ibrahim as well as oil mogul, Wale Tinubu, FIFA Council member, Amaju Pinnick, and NFF President, Ibrahim Musa Gusau.”
PUNCH Online reports that the Super Eagles of Nigeria advanced to the final of the tournament after beating Bafana Bafana of South Africa 4-2 on penalties.
Nigeria holds the record for the highest number of appearances at the AFCON semi-finals, having played 15 times.
The Abia State Government has given a two-week extra notice to residents of Umuahia, the state capital, to remove all extensions and illegal attachments to their buildings.
The state Commissioner for information, Okey Kanu, announced this on Monday while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
He said the notice was part of efforts by the state government to give a human face to her determination to give the state capital a facelift in infrastructural development.
The commissioner pointed out that the state government will commence the full enforcement of the order, by removing the illegal structures at the expiration of the notice.
“The government had given enough time for the owners of the affected buildings to remove the extensions and attachments to their buildings. After the two weeks extra notice, government will not have other option than to embark on the enforcement of the order.
“We want to urge the house owners to use their houses for the purpose for which approval was given to them either commercial or residential”, Kanu said.
Kanu also revealed that Otti will flag off the reconstruction of the Umuahia-Ozuakoli-Ohafi road on Wednesday, February 7, 2023.
He added that the road will be divided into three sections and awarded to three construction firms Cranbury, Ferotex and China Civil Engineering Construction Company for timely delivery of the project.
Kanu also announced that the state is embarking on the maintenance of 22 new roads scattered across the state.
The information boss also added that the government has outlawed multiple taxation in the state, adding that a new single multi-purpose agency will be introduced for the collection of government revenue with stringent measures against multiple taxation.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma, cleared the air on the move by the state government to purchase vehicles to the tune of 13 billion nairas, pointing out that the vehicles were meant for the government ministry and agencies and not for the personal use of the governor.
Police relations officer, Delta State Police Command, DSP Bright Edafe, writes on his X account.
May God forgive peddlers of fake news. These were hunters intercepted in Agbor Delta State. After profiling them. We discovered they were indeed hunters. Here you are saying the direct opposite, even saying it happened in Imo State. I repeat, May God forgive you.
Ohanaeze blasts Northern leaders over stance on relocation of FAAN, CBN units to Lagos
Okechukwu Isiguzoro, a chieftain of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, has lambasted Northern leaders for kicking against the relocation of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, and some units of the Central Bank of Nigeria , CBN, from Abuja to Lagos.
DAILY POST reports that the Federal Government’s move to relocate the two agencies to the commercial hub of the nation has been generating controversy.
Some Northern lawmakers, as well as groups such as the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, Northern Elders Forum, NEF, Coalition of Northern Groups, CNG, had in separate outings, condemned the move, alleging that it was a plot to under-develop the region.
Speaking on the matter, Isiguzoro wondered why northerners were silent when the former President, Mohammadu Buhari, relocated the military headquarters to Borno State in 2015.
“It is an act of sheer wickedness and a display of unpatriotic behavior for Northern leaders to either feign ignorance or turn a blind eye to these historical facts and evidence, specifically when their own, former President Buhari, moved the military headquarters from Abuja to Maiduguri during his inaugural speech on May 29, 2015.
“Arewa Consultative Forum, Northern Elders, and Senators from the North should recognize that President Tinubu is emulating the footsteps of Former President Buhari, who relocated the military headquarters to Maiduguri from Abuja. This marks the initial step towards the necessary restructuring of Nigeria,” he said.
In a chat with DAILY POST, Isiguzoro, however, asked President Bola Tinubu to “consider the economic importance and national security implications and approve the relocation of important Federal Ministries, including Petroleum, Trade and Investment, Commerce and Industry, and Transportation, to the old Eastern region, covering the 11 states of the Southeast and the Niger Delta”.
DAILY POST reports that the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum are expected to meet on Monday (today) to take a stance on the matter.
The Federal Government says it has begun enforcing the ban on the importation, manufacture, distribution, sale, and use of alcoholic beverages in sachets, PET, and glass bottles of 200 ml and below.
This was disclosed by the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, on Monday at a press conference in Abuja.
The agency announced that the deadline given to manufacturers of the mentioned products to cease production in sachets and PET bottles, elapsed on January 31, 2024.
“As of January 31, 2024, there is no alcoholic beverage in these categories that are registered by NAFDAC. I also want to inform you that the agency has started enforcement actions to enforce the implementation of this policy. The window period given to manufacturers by NAFDAC to sell off all alcoholic drinks in this category elapsed on January 31, 2024.
“To this end on the first day, after the elapse of the window period, the agency commenced nationwide enforcement actions on February 1, 2024 to enforce the implementation of the new policy.
“This situation is of course not acceptable, and the agency views this as flagrant disobedience to the laws of Nigeria. NAFDAC views this matter seriously and will engage all statutory means, which may include prosecution, to deal with the matter.
“I want to use this medium to ask all holders of alcohol in sachets, PET and glass bottles, empty sachets, PET bottles, empty glass bottles, and other packaging materials of these banned products to immediately report to the Investigation and Enforcement Directorate of NAFDAC for hand-over of same to NAFDAC for destruction, to prevent sterner measures including prosecution.”
Adeyeye noted that the decision was based on a high-powered delegation that consisted of the Federal Ministry of Health, NAFDAC, and other relevant agencies.
“This decision was based on the recommendation of a high-powered committee of the Federal Ministry of Health and NAFDAC on one hand, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), and the Industry represented by the Association of Food, Beverages and Tobacco Employers (AFBTE), Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN), in December 2018.
“As a commitment to the decision reached at the end of this Committee meeting, producers of alcohol in sachets and small volume agreed to reduce the production by 5 percent with effect from 31st January 2022 while ensuring the product is completely phased out in the country by 31st January 2024”.
She also noted that the decision was taken in the best interest of the country to protect under-aged and Nigerians in general.
“The people who are mostly at risk of the negative effect of consumption of the banned pack sizes of alcoholic beverages are the under-aged and commercial vehicle drivers and riders.
“The World Health Organization has established that children who drink alcohol are more likely to: use drugs, get bad grades, suffer injury or death, engage in risky sexual activity, make bad decisions and have health problems.
“The World Health Organization also stated that harmful consumption of alcohol is linked to more than 200 health conditions including infectious diseases (tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS) and non-communicable conditions (liver cirrhosis and different types of cancer).
“It is also associated with social problems such as alcohol addiction and gender-based violence.
“To curb the menace of abuse of alcohol, the World Health Organization recommended some actions and strategies to Policy-Makers that have shown to be effective and cost-effective, which include: regulating the marketing of alcoholic beverages (in particular to younger people) and regulating and restricting the availability of alcohol.”
Africa's 2nd largest country by population bans importation of Non-Electric cars.
Alemu Sime, Ethiopia's Minister of Transport and Logistics, says the country's Logistics Master Plan bans the importation of non-electric cars. The main reason for the measure is a severe shortage of foreign exchange that affects its ability to import oil and other raw materials.
Ethiopia is, by many metrics, one of the least developed countries in the world, but it is often considered an emerging power. It has the fastest economic growth of all sub-Saharan African countries due to foreign direct investment in expanding agricultural and manufacturing industries. However, in terms of per capita income and human development index, the country has high poverty rates, low respect for human rights, widespread ethnic discrimination and a literacy rate of only 49%.
We are talking, in any case, about one of the few countries in Africa that managed to resist colonial pressure, a past of independence of which they are very proud. Yet Ethiopia spent almost $6 billion on fossil fuel imports last year, and more than half of that went on vehicle fuel. In response, the country’s Ministries of Transport and Logistics have announced a drastic measure: a total ban on importing cars into Ethiopia unless they are electric.
ENUGU RERUN: VOTERS BEAT INEC STAFF TO PULP FOR COMING WITH PRE-FILLED RESULT SHEETS
Voters who trooped out to exercise their franchise have beaten an official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to pulp for allegedly coming with pre-filled result-sheets to a polling unit.
According to witnesses, in the pre-filled result, the electoral umpire allocated 443 votes to the Peoples Democratic Party candidate (PDP), 31 votes to All Progressives Congress (APC) and 15 votes to Labour Party candidates for the Igboeze North/Udenu Federal Constituency.
INEC is conducting the re-run election in the constituency following the ruling of Appeal Court which cancelled the election in some polling units over the non-inclusion of the logo of the All Progressives Congress in the Form EC8A.
However, despite INEC officials arriving late in many polling units for the elections, INEC polling officers came without results or pre-filled results especially in polling units that have a great number of voters.
At Igogoro, Ozzi Ward 2 Unit 004, the presiding officer was lucky to have left with his life after the voters discovered the already filled result sheet even before the commencement of voting.
SaharaReporters learnt that the INEC presiding officer, who gave his name Mr Ronald Ugwudani from Igbo-Etiti Council area, said the pre-filled result sheet was given to him from the local government by INEC.
Trouble for Ugwundani started when the angry voters asked him to show them result sheets following the news that so many other polling units havd no result sheets. According to eyewitnesses, Ugwundani now told the voters that his SPO was coming with it. Not convinced irate voters pounced on him and he brought out the result sheets from his bag.
“I told them that the SPO will bring it, so, they forced me to search my bag, I don’t know that the result sheet is inside my bag. I showed them the result sheet and they wanted to kill me,” the INEC Staff was overheard narrating in a video.
The state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Chukwuemeka Chukwu, had told journalists on Friday in Enugu that the commission had deployed over 700 staff and ad hoc staff as well as 700 armed.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that there has been reported disruption of the election processes by acts of thuggery and hijacking of materials in some locations in Akwa Ibom, Enugu, and Kano States.
The commission on its social media handle, on Saturday, announced the disruption of the electoral processes in the 3 states.
It said generally, polls opened promptly and accreditation going on smoothly in the 8,934 Polling Units in 26 States involved in today’s bye-elections and re-run elections.
The commission said, “UPDATE ON THE ONGOING RERUN/BYE-ELECTIONS; Generally, polls opened promptly and accreditation going on smoothly in the 8,934 Polling Units in 26 States involved in today's bye-elections and re-run elections.
“However, we are monitoring reported disruption of processes by acts of thuggery and hijacking of materials in some locations in Akwa Ibom, Enugu and Kano States. In Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State, we are investigating reported incidents in Village Hall, EdemUrua 003 in Ini LGA and Village Hall Mbiabong Ikot Udo 003 in Ikono LGA.
“In Enugu South 1 State Constituency of Enugu State, we are investigating reports of disruption in 8 Polling Units in Uwani West Ward. In Kunchi/Tsanyawa State Constituencies of Kano State, processes have been disrupted in Kunchi Local Government Area involving 10 Polling Units. “We will provide regular updates on the situation.”
SaharaReporters had reported that no fewer than four million Nigerians were expected to vote, in the re-run and bye-elections to fill 48 legislative seats across 26 states of the country. The INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, had however assured of credible exercises and tasked all stakeholders on support to ensure violence-free polls.
The affected states are Ebonyi, Yobe, Kebbi, Lagos, Ondo, Taraba, Benue, Borno, Kaduna, Plateau, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Cross River, Delta, Enugu, Jigawa, Katsina, Adamawa, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Kano, Nasarawa, Niger, Oyo, Sokoto, and Zamfara.
The Lagos State governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has announced the plan to build a state-owned airport to drive infrastructural development.
Sanwo-Olu said this on Friday after meeting with the management team of the China Airport Construction Company (CACC) at its headquarters in Beijing, China.
Sanwo-Olu who is currently in China for a working visit with some top government officials, said this is in continuation of his infrastructural development drive and the vision to make Lagos work better, smarter and more efficiently.
“We have a plan in Lagos to build our airport. We plan to see if we can identify partners; real partners who understand our market, seek the potential of our market, and appreciate that it is a market that has the potential to grow and take the lead,” he said.
“We are the most active and financially capable state in the country (Nigeria). So, it is something that we can develop further. A few other airports have also approached us.
“We haven’t made any final decision yet. We are hoping that we will be able to do that in the next couple of months so that we can push things forward.”
Responding, the Managing Director of CACC, Kui Yu, expressed willingness to partner with the Lagos State Government to realise Governor Sanwo-Olu’s vision of constructing a brand-new airport in the Lekki area of the State.
Yu said CACC has been following the development trajectory of Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole, noting that the country is rated highly in Africa, socially and economically.
“China Airport Construction Company has the necessary wherewithal to help Lagos State achieve its desired goal,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu disclosed that he also visited the Beijing Subway Signalling System Centre to inspect the signaling system in use in the capital city of China.
This is the immediate result of the policy. We hope they have what it takes to sustain it and stop the activities of speculators of which the banks are the major participant.
Nigerians banks is the only one in the world declaring huge profit without any impact in the real sector of the economy.... They are window dressing their financials or making gains frm dollars racketting.
•Banks may sell over $5bn, says official, Cardoso faces Senate Tuesday over naira fall
Amid its fresh moves to stabilise the nation’s volatile exchange rate, the Central Bank of Nigeria has ordered Deposit Money Banks to sell their excess dollar stock latest February 1, 2024.
The new circular would force banks to sell off excess dollar liquidity exceeding $5bn.
The CBN, which made the disclosure in a new circular released on Wednesday, also warned lenders against hoarding excess foreign currencies for profit.
According to officials, the central bank believes some commercial banks hold long-term foreign exchange positions to enable them profit from the volatile movements of exchange rates.
The new circular introduces a set of guidelines aimed at reducing the risks associated with these practices.
In the circular titled, “Harmonisation of Reporting Requirements on Foreign Currency Exposures of Banks”, the CBN raised concerns over the growing trend of banks holding large foreign currency positions.
The latest circular came barely 48 hours after the CBN released a circular, warning banks and FX dealers against reporting false exchange rates, among others.
The new development also came on the heels of the adjustment of the methodology used for the calculation of the nation’s official exchange rate by the FMDQ Exchange.
The top banker said, “Just as some Nigerians prefer to keep their money in dollars because naira is not a good store of value, banks also hold excess dollar liquidity to make gains. They do their own at institutional level. What the CBN is saying with this new circular is that, you cannot hold excess dollar liquidity again. Any foreign exchange you are holding must be committed to something, a transaction or obligation you can proof. Banks have made a lot of revaluation gains. Some banks, I believe, got approval under the last administration to hold more dollar than the requirement. The idea is that if banks sell all these excess dollars, there will liquidity and the exchange rate will stabilise. Foreign investors will come in.”
PassingShot: A lot of Nigerians still believe that Buhari failed woefully while a few of us think differently.
Here is a portion of an interview where the former president refused to bow to IMF in their call for him to devalue the local currency alluding t what could be the consequences of such action. Despite all the challenges his government faced, he managed to leave the naira at around N600 to a dollar in May 2023.
Fast forward to seven months after his exit, our currency has plummeted against the dollar to around N1450 on the back of devaluation, recording new low on daily basis. As a result, inflation, insecurity and other vices are on the increase to the extent that no one can predict how the current vicious cycle would end.
Surely, the man Buhari is too patriotic for Nigerians. We most times do not know our true friends.
It wasn't sustainable padding the naira i.e subsidizing it so that rich people can get us dollars for cheap.
On Arise News TV today 👇
Ibrahimcoomasie: Our problem with debt is connected with our subsidy spending and issues with FX liquidity. The decision to liberalize the FX market is a step in the right direction, Nigeria cannot afford to defend the Naira like we have done in the past. We should see the stability of the Naira by the middle of the year.
Our problem with debt is connected with our subsidy spending and issues with FX liquidity. The decision to liberalize the FX market is a step in the right direction, Nigeria cannot afford to defend the Naira like we have done in the past. We should see the stability of the Naira by the middle of the year.
So we don't have crude to sell to Dangote? Or is it confirming news going around that Buhari sold and collected money for crude in advance, so whatever that's being produced now has been paid for and the money spent by the last government, what we don't know is how.many years this deal will last.
We are in a deep shit.
He has brought some from Nigeria too. His oil traders would not be limited to just a few Nigerian suppliers.
The first cargo that arrived at the refinery plant was from Agbami crude, sold by a trading unit of Shell Plc. This was followed by more Nigerian barrels including the nation’s Amenam, Bonny Light and CJ Blend streams.
CharleyBright: It is okay if she is a model as in the video. Nothing wrong with modelling. It is only wrong if she was dressed like a transgender or gay.
Let's be free minded and not castigate people when there are no need for that.
I don't even see any proof that is Tinubu's daughter. And if that is her, it's not as bad as Peter Obi's gay son below 👇
Nigerian Army Announces ‘Discovery Of Burnt Corpses Of Policemen, Acts Of Cannibalism’ During Raid On Alleged IPOB, ESN Camps In Imo
The army claimed that shocking discoveries were made during the raids, including the burnt corpses of policemen and their rank badges.
The Nigerian Army has announced that it carried out clearance operations in several camps allegedly belonging to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its militant wing, Eastern Security Network (ESN) along Umulolo-Umukele- Amousu and Agbobu in Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State.
The raids, according to a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director, 82 Division Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, were jointly carried out by troops of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force in conjunction with the police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
The army claimed that shocking discoveries were made during the raids, including the burnt corpses of policemen and their rank badges. According to Unuakhalu, the troops stormed and destroyed the hideouts of the alleged terrorists despite encountering several Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
Unuakhalu said that the troops also cordoned off and searched several buildings used by the alleged terrorists. According to him, during the search, signs of terrorist activities, occult practices and acts of cannibalism by the group were discovered. He said: “The troops also destroyed the IED-making factory of the terrorist. “The troops recovered rank badges of two policemen that were kidnapped along Enugu-Port Harcourt Road.
“Other items discovered include Biafran currencies, fake US Dollar bills, Biafran Liberation Army T-shirts, and other Biafran insignia. “Military kit bags, cables used for IED detonation and axes. “Two suspects were arrested and also burnt policemen corpses were discovered for proper burial.”
In another development in Owerri metropolis in Imo, troops on night patrol thwarted a kidnapping attempt by some suspected IPOB/ESN terrorists.
The army spokesman said that the troops engaged the criminals in a gun duel forcing them to abandon the victim. He said that troops recovered one AK-47 rifle and magazine, a G-3 rifle with mounted magazines and the vehicle used by terrorists.
Unuakhalu said: “Furthermore, in a bid to strengthen cordial civil-military relations and create a peaceful society, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division of Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, visited Eha-Amufu community in Isi-Uzo LGA of Enugu State on Jan. 24, 2024.
“The GOC, who addressed the people of the community at their village square, advised the community on the need to cooperate and assist the military to put an end to the insecurity of the community and the region at large.
“He assured the people of his commitment to end the herders and farmers clash and youth restiveness within the region.
“He met with other security agencies in the council area and enjoined them not to relent on the ongoing collaborative efforts and synergy of information gathering and sharing with the military for improved security within the community and South-East.”
Unuakhalu said that the GOC appreciated the incredible cooperation of other security agencies for the success achieved so far.
“The GOC wishes to enjoin the good people of the South-East to support and continually provide timely, reliable and credible information through the Emergency Line ‘193’ by pressing 2.
“The Nigerian Army will continue to protect lives and property of the good people of the South-East as it carries out its constitutional roles within the ambit of the law,” he added.
Sports / AFCON Final: Ivory Coast Will Go Home With Cup In Error – Prophet Ebube Muonso by Ibrahimcoomasie: 3:54pm On Feb 10