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Insecurity : Military Trains 103 Kaduna Youths on Armed Combat, Intelligence Gathering

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Youths in Training
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The Special Task Force, Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), maintaining peace in Plateau and parts of Kaduna and Bauchi states, has trained 103 youths on armed combat and intelligence gathering.

The training is part of efforts of the military aimed at tackling insecurity in southern parts of Kaduna state.

The graduation ceremony of the trainees took place at the OPSH Sector 7 Command in Kafanchan, Jema’a Local Government Area, Kaduna state.

Speaking at the graduation of the trainees on Saturday, Commander of the sector, Col. Timothy Opurum said the formation and training of the civilians was informed by the displacement of some communities by bandits in 2021.

“What brought about this training is the displacement of people living in Jankasa and Kachechere villages under Ungwan Gaya District.

“When I took over, I discovered that there were no people living in those areas because of an incident that happened in that place last year.

“Based on that, I drew these youths from among all the indigenes that had been displaced from that place and gave them

basic training.

“This is to enable the people to retake their lands, especially as we are approaching a new farming season,” he added

Opurum noted that the issue of security is a collective responsibility, hence the necessity for the locals to be involved in the fight against crime.

“Security is everybody’s business and no one individual organisation can have monopoly in ensuring security.

“It is on that basis we felt that there is the need to carry the community along in creating a secure environment for socio-economic development.

We may not completely eliminate crime, but if we work together we will be able to reduce crime to the barest minimum,” he said

According to him, the civilian joint task force comprises youths selected from different ethnic groups and religion.

Members of the civilian joint task force will work together under the control and supervision of the command.

He said the joint civilian task force was named Coalition of Vigilantes Network and will work in synergy with other existing vigilante groups to achieve a common goal.

“Other vigilantes in existence are doing their best, but there seems

to be something missing and that thing missing is synergy.

“I am trying to synergise and bring all the vigilante groups together including all the legions and hunters,” he stated

He thanked the Commander of OPSH, Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Ali, for his support towards the success of the exercise.

In his remarks, Mr Amos Gwamna, member representing Jaba/Zango Kataf Federal Constituency, commended the military for its relentless efforts towards ensuring sustainable, peaceful co-existence in southern Kaduna.

Gwamna also commended the youth for their selfless service to their fatherland in the quest for peace.

The lawmaker, however, advised them against allowing themselves to be used as political thugs for selfish interests.

 

NAN

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Defence and Security

Tinubu Appoints Retired General, Famadewa As Special Adviser On Homeland Security

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Major General Adeyinka Famadewa (Retired)
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President Bola Tinubu has appointed retired Major General Adeyinka Famadewa as Special Adviser on Homeland Security in a move aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s internal security and intelligence coordination.

The appointment was announced on Monday in a statement issued by Chris Ugwuegbulam, Head of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).

According to the statement, the appointment reflects the administration’s commitment to improving security coordination, boosting intelligence-driven operations, and enhancing collaboration among security agencies to tackle emerging threats across the country.

The statement described Famadewa as a highly experienced military officer with more than three decades of service in national security, intelligence operations, counter-terrorism, and international security diplomacy.

It noted that during his time as Principal General Staff Officer to the National Security Adviser between 2015 and 2021, Famadewa played a key role in shaping Nigeria’s intelligence coordination system.

One of his major contributions was the establishment of the Intelligence Fusion Centre (IFC) at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). The centre brought together key security and intelligence agencies including the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, and the Armed Forces.

The platform was designed to improve intelligence sharing, national threat assessment, and strategic response coordination among security agencies.

After retiring from active military service, Famadewa continued contributing to national security discussions as a Senior Research Fellow at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre in Abuja.

He is also the author of the monograph titled “Policing and National Security in Nigeria,” which focuses on improving cooperation between civilian institutions and security agencies.

President Tinubu expressed confidence that Famadewa’s experience and strategic expertise would help strengthen the administration’s efforts to achieve a safer and more secure Nigeria.

The President also urged the retired general to use his professionalism and wealth of experience to support the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and advance the country’s national security objectives.

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Defence and Security

Insecurity: CDS Orders Troops to Intensify Offensive Against Bandits in North-West

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CDS, Olufemi Oluyede
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The Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, has directed troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA to intensify operations against bandits and other criminal groups in Nigeria’s North-West region.

The directive was given during his operational visit to the Joint Task Force Headquarters in Gusau, Zamfara State, where he assessed troop readiness and ongoing efforts to restore peace in the area.

Addressing the soldiers, Oluyede praised their courage and sacrifices, urging them to remain disciplined and relentless. He stressed that the safety of citizens depends on their commitment, calling on them to pursue criminal elements until they are eliminated.

He also assured troops of continued support in welfare, training, and provision of necessary equipment to enhance their effectiveness in the field. The CDS highlighted the importance of improved air support and better coordination across operations.

During the visit, Oluyede paid a courtesy call to the Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, commending his support for military operations and encouraging stronger collaboration, especially in intelligence sharing.

Governor Lawal, in his response, appreciated the efforts of the Armed Forces and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting security operations in the state.

The visit included operational briefings, troop interactions, and an assessment of deployments as part of ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity in the region.

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Defence and Security

Tinubu Approves ₦15bn Take-Off Grant for New Police Academy Campus in Ogun

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of a new campus of the Nigeria Police Academy in Erinja, Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The President also approved a ₦15 billion take-off grant for the institution. According to his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the move aligns with the provisions of the Nigeria Police Academy (Establishment) Act, 2021, which allows for expansion into multiple campuses nationwide.

The take-off fund will be sourced from the TetFund 2026 allocation and will support key infrastructure, academic facilities, student accommodation, and essential training equipment.

The decision followed a high-level meeting involving the Minister of Police Affairs, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, officials of the Federal Ministry of Education, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission.

The meeting considered factors such as student capacity, funding, academic standards, and the long-term needs of the Nigerian Police Force. The expansion is expected to enhance policing education, institutional governance, and national security.

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