Security

UK Backs ECOWAS Position on Niger Coup
Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Mali, News, Niger, Nigeria, Security, Senegal

UK Backs ECOWAS Position on Niger Coup

The United Kingdom has declared its support for the position taken by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) regarding the military coup in Niger Republic, which resulted in the overthrow of President Mohamed Bazoum. The coup plotters have been given a seven-day ultimatum by ECOWAS Heads of State to restore President Bazoum to power or face military action. UK Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, conveyed the UK's stance after an audience with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. He commended ECOWAS' decisive action, strong commitment to democracy, and the unambiguous message that violence is not an acceptable means to bring about political change. Cleverly recognized President Bazoum as the legitimate leader and expressed the UK's unwavering commitment ...
ECOWAS Defence Chiefs Convene Extraordinary Meeting to Address Niger Coup
Africa, Armed Forces, Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, News, Niger, Nigeria, Security, Senegal, Sierra Leone

ECOWAS Defence Chiefs Convene Extraordinary Meeting to Address Niger Coup

The Chief of Defence Staff of Nigeria, General Christopher Gwabim Musa, led his counterparts from 10 ECOWAS countries in an extraordinary meeting to address the recent coup d'état in the Republic of Niger. During the meeting, held in Abuja, General Musa emphasized the need for a united response from the military in the region to restore democratic governance in Niger. The coup, which took place on July 26, 2023, has raised serious concerns among ECOWAS member states, prompting an emergency session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government. The extraordinary meeting of defence chiefs was convened to strategize on the collective mission of restoring democracy in Niger and preserving humanitarian principles across the region. See Also: UK Backs ECOWAS Position on Niger Coup G...
Defence Chiefs from 5 ECOWAS Nations Absent at Abuja Meeting
Africa, Armed Forces, Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, News, Niger, Nigeria, Security, Sierra Leone

Defence Chiefs from 5 ECOWAS Nations Absent at Abuja Meeting

A meeting of defence chiefs from ECOWAS nations held today at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, but the gathering is conspicuously missing the presence of some key countries. Defence Chiefs from Mali, Niger, Guinea Bissau, Burkina Faso, and Guinea were noticeably absent from the meeting, while representatives from several other nations are in attendance. Present at the meeting are Defence Chiefs from Ghana, Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Senegal, The Gambia, Cote D’Ivoire, and Cape Verde. The meeting is being presided over by General Christopher Musa, the Nigeria Chief of Defence Staff. The meeting has been convened in response to the recent military coup in Niger Republic, where the Commander of Niger's Presidential Guards, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, toppled the d...
Military Intervention in Niger, Declaration of War Against Us – Burkina Faso and Mali
Africa, Armed Forces, Burkina Faso, Mali, News, Niger, Nigeria, Security, Violence

Military Intervention in Niger, Declaration of War Against Us – Burkina Faso and Mali

The junta-led governments of Burkina Faso and Mali issued a joint warning on Monday, stating that any military intervention in Niger to restore deposed President Mohamed Bazoum would be regarded as a "declaration of war" against their two countries. This came in response to threats made by West African leaders, backed by Western partners, to use "force" to reinstate the democratically elected Bazoum and impose financial sanctions on the putschists. The governments of Burkina Faso and Mali emphasized the potential disastrous consequences of a military intervention in Niger, warning that such action could destabilize the entire region. They also rejected the application of "illegal, illegitimate, and inhumane sanctions" against the people and authorities of Niger. At an emergency summi...
Obi Condemns Sit-at-Home Order, Calls for Strategic Approach to Insecurity
Law Enforcement, News, Nigeria, Security, Violence

Obi Condemns Sit-at-Home Order, Calls for Strategic Approach to Insecurity

South-east governors promise to deal with Simon Ekpa and other troublemakers Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, has strongly criticized the sit-at-home order imposed by a faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), labeling it as a criminal activity that inflicts suffering on innocent people. In a series of tweets, Obi called for a more strategic approach to address the escalating violence in the Southeast, Benue, and Plateau states. He expressed deep concern over the wanton loss of innocent lives due to communal clashes, banditry, and kidnapping activities across Nigeria. "The rising insecurity in the country leading to mindless bloodletting, particularly in the North Central zone of the country, and the continued disrupti...
Fulani Militias Attack Plateau Communities, Kill 15 Persons
Fulani Herdsmen, News, Nigeria, Safety, Security, Terrorism

Fulani Militias Attack Plateau Communities, Kill 15 Persons

At least 15 individuals have been tragically killed in separate assaults by Fulani Militias targeting the communities of Bwai and Chisu within the Mangu local government area of Plateau State. According to reports, these incidents occurred late at night on Tuesday while residents were asleep. Per investigations, the attackers simultaneously invaded both communities, engaging in acts of violence and setting fire to any structure in sight. An eyewitness named Bamshak Ishaya alleged that during the attack in Chisu village at around 11:00 pm on Tuesday, some individuals sought refuge at the house of a community leader, only to be killed by Fulani militias. It was further learned that the COCIN RCC Church in Bwai, situated along the Mangu-Bokkos Road, was also engulfed in flames, along wi...
Breaking: Service Chiefs, Advisers, Others Retired; New Ones Appointed
Armed Forces, News, Nigeria, Security

Breaking: Service Chiefs, Advisers, Others Retired; New Ones Appointed

In a major shake-up of the nation's security apparatus, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has announced the immediate retirement of all Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, Advisers, and the Comptroller General of Customs. The President wasted no time in appointing their replacements, with the newly appointed officers set to assume their roles with immediate effect. The list of the newly appointed officers was released today by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Willie Bassey. Among the key appointments are Mallam Nuhu Ribadu as the National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. C.G Musa as the Chief of Defence Staff, Maj. Gen. T. A Lagbaja as the Chief of Army Staff, Rear Admiral E. A Ogalla as the Chief of Naval Staff, AVM H.B Abubakar as the Chief of Air Staff, and...
DSS Raises Alarm Over Plans to Disrupt Handover Ceremonies in Nigeria
Elections, News, Nigeria, Security

DSS Raises Alarm Over Plans to Disrupt Handover Ceremonies in Nigeria

The Department of State Services (DSS) has raised an alarm over plans by some subversive elements to disrupt the handover ceremonies in some parts of the country. The DSS spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, disclosed this in a statement released on Thursday, May 25, 2023. The DSS stated that these elements plan to undermine the efforts of the security agencies as well as cause panic among the citizens. The DSS has urged citizens to adhere to the laid down protocols for the events across the country to ensure a peaceful and successful ceremony. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman of the Presidential Transition Council had announced activities for the Presidential inauguration on May 29, 2023, in Abuja. On the same date, new Governors will also be inaugurated in mo...
<strong>Umahi Explains Why FG Deployed Surveillance Aircraft In Ebonyi</strong>
Elections, News, Nigeria, Security

Umahi Explains Why FG Deployed Surveillance Aircraft In Ebonyi

Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State has said that the Federal Government deployed a helicopter to the state to provide aerial surveillance during Saturday’s elections. He disclosed this on Friday in Abakaliki, the state capital, noting that the deployment of the helicopter was intended to augment security measures already put in place in the state. According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the Umahi said the helicopter would be flying at low altitudes and asked residents to go about their activities without fear. The governor gave assurance that the exercise was intended to scare away insurgents or bandits from disrupting the election in any part of the state. See Also: Eight Students Travelling Home For Election Die in Auto Crash He said, “We got a surprise package from ...
<strong>Court Orders Evans To Pay Kidnap Victim €233,000, N50m</strong>
Crime, Finance, News, Nigeria, Security

Court Orders Evans To Pay Kidnap Victim €233,000, N50m

Billionaire kidnap mastermind, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans, was on Tuesday ordered by a Lagos State High Court at Tafawa Balewa Square to refund the sum of €233,000, he received as ransom from one of his kidnap victims, Chief Donatus Dunu. Justice Olukayode Ogunjobi, also mandated Evans to pay the sum of N50m as general damages in favour of the claimant.   The victim, a pharmacist, was abducted on February 14, 2018, and held hostage with ransom collected from his family, he escaped from where he was held. Dunu, a Chief Executive Officer of Maydon Pharmaceutical Company, later filed a civil suit, praying the court to order Evans to return to him the €233,000, paid in ransom. The claimant asked for an additional N50m in general damages. But Evan...