Crime

Nigerian DSS Elect Afunanya To Lead As Director

Published

2 years ago

September 27, 2023

Nigerian DSS Elect Afunanya To Lead As Director....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The DSS has praised its Director General, Alhaji Yusuf Magaji Bichi, for his initiative in expanding the organization and appointing Afunanya to lead the Directorate.

“Afunanya brings more than two decades of extensive experience in intelligence analysis, threat assessment, security administration, VIP protection, investigation, counterterrorism, open-source intelligence management, background checks, security vetting, surveillance, security sector governance, democratic accountability in law enforcement, educational research, peace advocacy, alternative dispute resolution, development communication, interagency cooperation, joint operations, teaching, public and media relations, reputation management, strategic communication, protocol and diplomatic affairs, writing, public speaking, stakeholder engagement, among others.”

Having earned a Ph.D. in Security and Strategic Studies in 2019 from Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Afunanya also holds a Master’s degree in Peace and Strategic Studies from the University of Ilorin, Kwara State (2011) and a Master of Arts degree in English Language from the University of Uyo (2009). He completed his undergraduate studies at Abia State University, Uturu, in 1997, graduating with Second Class Upper Division in English Language. Afunanya received several awards during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year, including the President’s NYSC National Honors Award for Outstanding Performance (1998/1999) Service Year and the Edo State NYSC Meritorious Honors Award (1998/99).

Since joining the DSS in 1999, Afunanya has undergone numerous leadership, management, executive intelligence management, preventing and countering violent extremism, and tradecraft training programs. He has also completed foreign training programs, including courses at Harvard University, City University in London, ARC London, and various programs in the USA and Switzerland.

Throughout his career, he has held several positions within the DSS, with his most recent role being Public Relations Officer. He has also served on the Board of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and the Sub Committee of the Presidential Transition Council. Currently, he is a member of the Strategic Communication Inter-Agency Policy and Coordination Committee (SC/IPCC) in the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

Afunanya is recognized as a Fellow of the Security Institute (FSI) and holds memberships in various professional organizations, including the Society for Peace Scholars and Practice (SPSP), Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (NiCarb), Institute of Chartered Administration of Nigeria, Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN), Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON), American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS), Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), and Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).

In 2021, he was honored with the DGSS Meritorious Award. Afunanya is known for his patriotism, community engagement, and commitment to various causes. He is married with children and enjoys photography, golf, volleyball, storytelling, and writing poetry and short stories.”

Crime

EFCC Arrests 19 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Edo State

Published

2 weeks ago

April 15, 2025

NivoNews

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.”

Crime

Fresh Tragedy in Plateau: 40 Killed as Gunmen Storm Bassa Community

Published

2 weeks ago

April 14, 2025

NivoNews

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.

Crime

Bauchi Accountant General Jaja Freed on Bail Over Alleged ₦70 Billion Scam

Published

3 weeks ago

April 7, 2025

NivoNews

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.