Crime
Experts Share Insights On Improving Intelligence To Deter Bandit Assaults On Military And Police
Experts Share Insights On Improving Intelligence To Deter Bandit Assaults On Military And Police....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Security and intelligence agencies in Nigeria could significantly enhance their effectiveness and responsiveness if they were shielded from political influence and given the autonomy to address matters of national importance.
Prominent security experts and former service personnel have made this assertion in the wake of the recent killing of a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) by cultists in Rivers State.
During separate discussions with The Guardian, these experts concurred that the ambush and murder of the DPO in Rivers State serves as a distressing reminder of the extent of insecurity and may even signify a complete breakdown of the security intelligence framework.
This incident in Rivers State underscores similar incidents nationwide, where bandits, cultists, and other criminal elements have easily attacked, overrun, kidnapped, or killed Nigerian security personnel.
For instance, on May 4, 2023, gunmen killed three police officers at a checkpoint in Umunze, Orumba South local council in Anambra state. They had invaded the area and opened fire on the officers.
On February 20, 2023, gunmen attacked the Awada police station in Onitsha, Anambra State, killing two police officers and setting the station on fire. This followed an attack on the 3-3 Police Divisional Headquarters in Nkwelle-Ezunaka in the Oyi Local Council of the state, where six persons were killed.
On July 4, 2022, Assistant Commissioner of Police Aminu Umar Dayi, in charge of Dutsinma Area Command in Katsina, was ambushed and killed by bandits.
These incidents highlight a disturbing reality in Nigeria, suggesting that the intelligence system, which should detect and prevent attacks on police and military installations, may have been severely compromised or has collapsed altogether.
Dennis Amachree, a former Director of Nigeria’s secret police, lamented the rise of non-state actors like bandits, terrorists, and cultists who operate with apparent impunity, often due to their illicit ties with politicians in high positions.
He cited instances in Zamfara and Niger states where documented evidence showed leaders of bandits appearing in photos with top government officials and attending their events without fear of arrest.
Amachree urged for a review of the security infrastructure, particularly within the Nigeria Police. He suggested that decentralizing the police force could bring law enforcement closer to the grassroots, potentially ameliorating the security situation.
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Frank Oshanugor, a Certified Protective Officer, expressed deep concern over the killing of a DPO by cultists, emphasizing the need for a change in political leadership to address the prevailing issues. He pointed out that the security forces’ effectiveness is compromised by a lack of independence and a system that prioritizes loyalty to politicians over the nation.
Dr. Wilson Esangbedo, former President of Private Security Practitioners, acknowledged that ambushes can happen in policing or warfare but highlighted the importance of advance teams, surveillance, and proper funding to prevent them. He emphasized the need to enhance personnel quality and motivation.
Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, National Coordinator of Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, attributed the attack on the DPO to a progressive decline in intelligence-based policing. He stressed the importance of police reform in line with modern global standards and called for a reconsideration of current policing strategies.
Onwubiko noted issues such as widespread bribery at checkpoints and the need for Nigeria Police to adopt community-oriented policing models, in line with the Peelian principles of modern policing.
In conclusion, the experts and commentators highlighted the urgency of depoliticizing security, implementing police reforms, and adopting modern policing practices to address the rising security challenges in Nigeria effectively.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended 19 individuals in Benin City, Edo State, for their alleged involvement in internet fraud activities.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to a statement issued on Monday via the EFCC’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, the arrests were carried out by the Benin Zonal Command on Saturday, April 12, 2025. The operation was based on actionable intelligence that linked the suspects to a series of fraudulent cyber activities.
The EFCC disclosed that several high-value items were recovered from the suspects during the operation, including five luxury vehicles and multiple smartphones believed to have been used in perpetrating the crimes.
“Operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Saturday, April 12, 2025, arrested 19 suspected internet fraudsters at different locations within Benin City, Edo State. The arrests were made based on credible intelligence connecting them to cybercrime activities,” the agency’s statement read.
Although further specifics regarding the alleged schemes have yet to be made public, the EFCC has assured that investigations are ongoing, and the suspects will be prosecuted once inquiries are concluded.
This operation is part of the Commission’s broader strategy to combat the rise in cybercrime across Nigeria, a crime trend colloquially referred to as “yahoo-yahoo.”
At least 40 individuals have lost their lives in a renewed wave of violence that struck Zike, a community in Kimakpa within the Kwall district of Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau State.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The assault, which unfolded in the early hours of Monday, left residents in terror as unidentified gunmen invaded the village, indiscriminately opening fire on civilians. Many who tried to escape were tragically caught in the barrage of bullets.
Community leader Wakili Tongwe, speaking to Channels Television, disclosed that he and security agents were patrolling a nearby area when the attack erupted.
“Despite engaging the attackers and pushing them back, the toll was already severe,” Tongwe said. “Thirty-six people died on the spot, and four others later succumbed to their injuries. Several victims are still receiving medical attention.”
This latest incident follows a disturbing trend of violence in Plateau State, coming just two weeks after a similar attack in Bokkos LGA claimed 52 lives.
Plateau’s Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Ramnap, expressed strong condemnation of the act, describing it as “one attack too many” and a threat to the state’s fragile peace.
“It’s devastating to face another tragedy in Bassa, barely weeks after the Bokkos killings,” she lamented. “This appears to be a deliberate attempt to disrupt the peace we’ve been working hard to restore.”
Ramnap urged residents to stay calm and vigilant, affirming that Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s administration remains committed to bringing those responsible to justice.
“The state will deal firmly with any individual or group involved in such barbaric acts,” she assured, warning against retaliatory violence.
As of press time, security agencies had not released an official statement on the latest attack.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to Alhaji Sirajo Jaja, the Accountant General of Bauchi State, following his arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations tied to a ₦70 billion fraud.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Jaja was released under the condition that he returns for upcoming court hearings. His arrest and prosecution have sparked speculations of political motivation, especially due to his previous criticisms of federal government policies.
Alongside Jaja, two others were also detained in relation to the case: Aliyu Abubakar, an unregistered bureau de change operator, and Sunusi Ibrahim Sambo, a PoS operator. All are being investigated for their roles in what’s being described as a massive financial scandal.
The case has generated national attention and added to ongoing scrutiny of public officials’ handling of state funds.
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