Defence and Security
Polo effective tool for security agencies’ synergy – CNS

Chief of Naval Staff, (CNS) Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo says the game of Polo is an effective tool for developing synergy between the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
He made the remarks during the Chief of Naval Staff Annual Conference (CONSAC) 2021 Polo Tournament and dinner organised in his honour by the Nigerian Army Polo Association (NAPA) on Sunday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event which took place at the Nigerian Army Polo Resort was sponsored by Nasiru Danu, the patron of Casiva stables and member, board of trustees, NAPA.
The tournament and dinner was the high point of the just concluded Chief of Naval Staff Annual Conference 2021 in Kano.
The CNS Annual Conference with the theme “Enhancing Nigeria’s Maritime Safety for Improved National Prosperity” which began on Wednesday ended on Sunday.
Gambo said that the game of Polo generally perceived as the game of Kings was a team sport played with joy to demonstrate courage, endurance and strength.
“Notably as a sport, the game of Polo helps to build strong communication, leadership skills and teamwork among team mates.
“These attributes truly validate the objective of this year’s CONSAC which is to develop synergy between the Services of the Armed Forces, as well as other security agencies and stakeholders in security,” he said.
He said that the Nigerian Navy remained committed to the physical and mental well being of its workforce hence, the reintroduction of the weekly sports activities to help check stress related health concerns.
“Recall that on Saturday, we had a golf kitty in Kano where golfers displayed their individual skills on the golf course.
“I believe in no time, some of us on this side of the pitch will join this league of elite Polo players.
“Also, I am optimistic that with the support of our sponsors, we can leverage this opportunity to consider the establishing of the Nigerian Navy Polo team.
“Expectedly, this will position our Polo team to compete with other teams in furtherance of Nigerian Navy inter-agency cooperation efforts.
“,We are indeed very grateful for this synergy between us, the Nigerian Army, and of course the Nigerian Airforce as well as other sister security agencies which was exemplified today,” he said.
The Naval boss expressed his gratitude to the sponsor and organisers as well as guests who graced the event.
“I am humbled by the array of eminent personalities who took out time to grace the maiden edition of this tournament and award dinner.
“We remain indebted to you for the honour done to the Nigerian Navy.
“It is my hope that you will continue to support the Nigerian Navy in pursuit of her constitutional mandate,” he said.
NAN also reports that in the tournament played earlier, a brace by Mohammed Bello ensured that NNS Andoni defeated NNS Karaduwa 2- 0 to lift the Chief of Defence Staff Cup.
NNS Centenary whipped NNS Unity 5 to 2 goals to win the Chief of Naval Staff Cup, while Brid. Gen. Laka-led NNS Thunder beat Sen. Haliru Jika-led NNS Okpabana team 7 to 4 goals to emerge champions of the President’s Cup. (NAN)
Defence and Security
Amotekun Corps Arrest Suspects In Connection With Owo Church Attack

The Amotekun Corps in Ondo State have arrested a number of persons in connection with the massacre of worshippers at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State.
The Commander of the Corp, Adetunji Adeleye made this disclosure while addressing newsmen in Akure, the state capital.
Adeleye, however, did not give the actual figure of the suspects arrested, but the corps leader was optimistic that everyone who was involved in the Owo Attack would be brought to book.
When contacted for confirmations, the Ondo State Police Command through its spokesperson, SP Funmilayo Odunlami, said the force is not aware of such and arrest.
Nevertheless, it is expected that the Amotekun Corps would hand the suspects over to the police for further investigations and onward prosecution.
This arrest is the latest development following the attack which left millions devastated across the country.
It comes barely 24 hours after President Muhammadu Buhari assured Nigerians that the attackers who he described as “cowards” behind recent assaults on churches in the country will be punished.
“As for the cowards, they will be punished for their crimes. We will bring them to justice.
Rest assured that the full might of Nigeria’s formidable security and intelligence forces are involved in that endeavor,” Buhari was quoted as saying in a statement by his media aide Garba Shehu.
“For now, I urge all Nigerians to come together in prayer-whether Christian, Muslim, or any of our great faiths- let us hold the victims and their families in our hearts and minds.
“Let us show the cowards who seek to divide us along religious lines that we will not be divided. Let us show them that Nigerians will continue to cherish what we share while respecting each other’s differences. Let us show them that Nigerians will never be bullied by cowards, extremists, or terrorists.”
According to President Buhari, the country’s religious freedom and diversity are what makes Nigeria great.
Defence and Security
Owo Church killing: Ondo Govt Opens Account For Donations

The Ondo State Government has opened an account to receive donations from people who may wish to assist the victims of the terrorist attack in Owo, Ondo State.
This was made known on Wednesday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State, Richard Olatunde.
He commended the donations received so far while calling on well-meaning individuals and corporate bodies willing to assist the victims of the terrorist attack may do so in the following account:
ACCOUNT NAME- ODSG- OWO TERRORIST ATTACK RELIEF FUND.
ACCOUNT NO -1401203148
BANK: PROVIDUS BANK
Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has assured that the state government on its part will remain unshaken in committing its resources to the security of lives and property.
He noted that efforts are deepened to ensure that the survivors of the attack at various hospitals are given the best medical care.
Defence and Security
Bandits Kill 32, Destroy Houses In Fresh Kaduna Attack

No fewer than 32 people have been reportedly killed by bandits in separate attacks on four communities within Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The affected communities are Ungwan Gamu, Dogon Noma, Ungwan Sarki and Maikori.
The police are yet to confirm the incident, but the District Head of Kufena, Titus Dauda , told Channels Television that the attacks occurred on Sunday and that 32 people lost their lives while a church and several houses were destroyed in the process.
He added that the bandits in their large numbers first attacked Dogon Noma in the early hours of Sunday morning, and killed several people mostly men , before proceeding to Ungwan Gamu and Maikori villages where they also killed people and burnt down houses.
The district head further disclosed that the victims have been laid to rest while the affected communities have been deserted by the residents due to fear of being attacked.
A resident of one of the communities, also claimed that a helicopter was seen shooting at the residents from the air, while the remaining bandits were on the ground to attack any fleeing residents.
However, a top security source countered the claim, saying that the military engaged the bandits both by ground and air, adding that this eventually forced the bandits to retreat.
Source: CTV