Crime
Army Deploys Equipment Against Bandits, Terrorists
The Nigerian Army has deployed cutting-edge equipment for operations around the nation in an effort to combat instability, according to Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff.
The purpose of deploying sophisticated equipment, the Army said, was to strengthen the fight against terrorists, bandits, and other criminal forces that fomenting instability in Nigeria.
Lt. Gen. Lagbaja, represented by the Garrison Officer Commander 8 Division, Maj Gen Godwin Mutkut, assured at a media chat organised by the Nigerian Army civil-military cooperation, in Sokoto on Wednesday, that the Nigerian Army would continue to implement robust strategies that span relevant measures across kinetic and non-kinetic lines of operations.
He said, “I am glad to state that the Nigerian Army has taken delivery of some modern equipment and other combat enablers while the provisions of more have been finalised.
“The new additions to our operational capacity have been deployed and their effects are been witnessed across various theatres of operations.
“In consonance with my command philosophy, measures have been emplaced to ensure that our troops are well trained and motivated to adequately discharge their constitutional responsibilities.
“The culmination of these efforts is increasing tempo in all our operations and some remarkable success across the theatres.”
The COAS also emphasised that the desire to ensure the quick resolution of the security challenges necessitated the deployment of Nigerian Army troops across various theatres in all geopolitical zones in the country.
He said the deployment was carefully done to deal with the multiplicity of security challenges in the respective regions.
“It is important to state that the activities of non-state actors that seek to undermine the security, well-being and collective prosperity of our country would be highly degraded and almost non-existent without the collaboration of some unpatriotic and unscrupulous persons in the society.”
He, however, called on the media not to unconsciously provide non-state actors the oxygen to thrive by propagating their nefarious activities.
“This is because terrorists, insurgents, and other deviants seek attention and thrive on propaganda and rain of fear on well-meaning citizens.
“It is our collective efforts that would guarantee the effective decimation of insecurity and restoration of peace in our society.”
He, however, explained that the essence and desire for peace and security also require the proper harnessing of the collective strength of all well-meaning individuals and organisations.
Lt. Gen. Lagbaja further explained that the best strategy to deal with contemporary security challenges in the country encompasses the collective strength of all individuals, organisation synergising in a whole-of-nation approach to defeat the common enemy of the nation.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for his continuous strategic guidance and unwavering support to the Nigerian Army since his assumption of office.
Also speaking, the Chief of civil-military affairs, Major General Nosakhare Ugbo, said the objectives of the Nigerian Army Civil-Military Cooperation Media Chat include providing the means to propagate military activities to the general public as well as engaging with the media to strengthen and foster mutually beneficial ideas.
“As an aspect of the Nigerian army’s non-kinetic line of operation, the Military-Media relation is considered crucial and must be kept agile through frequent engagements.
“Accordingly, the Nigerian Army Civil-Military Cooperation Quarterly Media Chat is one of the several ways of promoting collaboration between the Army and media towards nation development. It is envisaged that this gathering will provide the opportunity for the Nigerian Army and media executives and experts gathered here to interact on mutually beneficial issues.”
The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the alleged terrorism financing and illegal firearms possession case involving former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, until April 15 and 16.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik granted the adjournment on Tuesday after the prosecution requested more time to prepare for the trial.
During the court session, lead prosecuting counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), informed the court that he had only recently been assigned to handle the case and needed additional time to consult with witnesses.
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“I got the instruction to take over the prosecution of the case on Monday and so I need time to interface with the witnesses,” Kehinde told the court while asking for a new hearing date.
Counsel for the defendants, Shuaibu Arua (SAN), did not oppose the request for adjournment.
Following the application, Justice Abdulmalik granted the request and fixed April 15 and 16 for the continuation of the trial.
The Department of State Services (DSS) had earlier arraigned the former justice minister and his son on a five-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms.
According to the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, Malami was accused of allegedly aiding terrorism financing by failing to prosecute suspected financiers whose case files were reportedly forwarded to him while he served as Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
The defendants were also accused of illegally storing firearms and ammunition at their residence located in Gesse Phase II Area of Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State without lawful authority.
Items allegedly recovered include a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA 5’20 live cartridges, and 27 expended Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges.
The alleged offences are said to violate provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, as well as the Firearms Act, 2004.
The trial is expected to continue in April when the court begins full hearing of the case.
A routine patrol by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has led to the recovery of a stolen vehicle in Lagos and the exposure of a wanted driver, highlighting the importance of proper vehicle documentation and cooperation with authorities.
The incident occurred at the RS2.1114 Isolo Unit Command, where officers stopped an ash-coloured Toyota Sienna bearing registration number LSD438GK for a Vehicle Licence Violation (VLV) on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at about 5:11 p.m.
While the driver initially failed to present valid documents, further checks revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen and the driver was already declared wanted.
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The suspect was subsequently handed over in handcuffs to the Nigeria Police Force, Ajao Division, for further action.
The FRSC credited the recovery to the National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS), a digital framework that strengthens vehicle verification and tracking.
The scheme has reportedly helped identify, trace, and recover numerous stolen vehicles nationwide, while curbing criminal syndicates involved in vehicle theft and identity manipulation.
In a statement, Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide stressed that enforcement is not only about traffic compliance but also crime prevention and public safety, urging motorists to always carry valid documentation and cooperate with patrol officers.
Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed commended the Isolo team for their vigilance, affirming the FRSC’s commitment to leveraging technology, intelligence, and strategic partnerships to protect lives and property on Nigerian roads.
A major election scandal unfolded on Saturday in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as security agents apprehended a young woman in the Kabusa area for allegedly possessing 20 voter cards during the ongoing area council elections.
The woman, dressed in a black shirt and red trousers with a white scarf, was intercepted at Polling Unit 001 in Kabusa Primary School.
She was immediately escorted into a police van by security personnel, raising concerns about the integrity of the election process.
SEE ALSO: Chaos At Nyanya Polling Unit As PDP, ADC Accuse APC of ₦1,000 Vote Buying
Meanwhile, the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, was on the ground monitoring the elections.
He visited several polling units, including the Karu Chief’s Palace, to interact with adhoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and assess voter turnout.
Wike reportedly inquired about the progress of the voting and the challenges faced by election officials.
This incident comes amid reports of low voter turnout and other electoral irregularities in parts of Abuja, underscoring ongoing concerns about electoral security and transparency in the FCT area council elections.
Authorities have assured that investigations are ongoing, and the suspect may face legal action pending further verification of her actions.
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