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Retired Generals back calls for state of emergency on Terrorism

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Some retired senior military officers have backed the call by a former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor (retd), for the declaration of a state of emergency to effectively address the Boko Haram insurgency.

In his new book, ‘Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum,’ Irabor argued that the absence of political will had hindered Nigeria’s response to the insurgency, stressing that an emergency proclamation backed by the National Assembly would mobilise all elements of national power towards ending the war.

Irabor, who served as the CDS under the Buhari administration, wrote, “The government had not yet mustered the political will and instruments to declare a war against Boko Haram. With an emergency proclamation, backed by the National Assembly, there will be greater and more focused attention by the government to galvanise all the elements of national power towards the war.

“It should be noted that strategy deals with the aggregate of the elements of national power. These include economic, political, social, diplomatic, information, and military.

‘’The political authority stands at the apex. The success at the tactical and operational levels will never translate to victory if there is failure at the strategic level. Tactical operations alone rarely bring about the desired outcome in political situations.”

Despite being degraded by the military following the killing of many of its top commanders and the arrest of hundreds of its foot soldiers, Boko Haram’s attacks in the North have intensified recently, causing widespread destruction and displacement.

Last week, the group seized the border town of Kirawa in Borno State, forcing thousands to flee to neighbouring Cameroon.

The attack led to the destruction of a military barracks, dozens of homes, and the palace of the district head. Over 5,000 people reportedly fled to Cameroon due to the recent attacks.

Boko Haram fighters also stormed an army base in Borno State, killing four soldiers and setting military equipment on fire. A coordinated attack on security formations in Banki was repelled by joint security forces, with one police constable sustaining minor injuries.

Governor Babagana Zulum has called for increased military presence in border communities, citing the need for adequate security.

More than 2.2 million people remain internally displaced in Nigeria.

The group’s ability to launch coordinated attacks has stretched security forces thin.

The humanitarian impact of the attacks continues to worsen, with many communities left without access to necessities.

Commenting on Irabor’s proposal, Brigadier General Peter Aro (retd.) described it as apt and borne out of deep operational and strategic experience.

He said a properly declared and legislatively backed state of emergency would give coherence and urgency to the fight against insurgency.

Aro noted, “General Lucky Irabor’s position is both apt and deeply informed by experience. Having served at the operational, strategic, and geo-strategic levels, he speaks with the authority of someone who truly knows his terrain.

“But it must be a genuine state of emergency — not the kind where governors and local government chairmen still operate as if it were business as usual. When politics steps aside and security takes full command, coordination improves, resources flow faster, and the chain of authority becomes clear. Such an approach, free from political interference, would give the military and other agencies the freedom to act with precision and integrity.”

Also supporting Irabor’s position, retired Major General Dayo Olukoju said while a state of emergency was necessary, it should be complemented by a broader, multilateral approach that addresses the root causes of terrorism.

Olukoju argued,  “I agree with him. But like I do say, a multilateral approach should be added to it. I was in Maiduguri when we captured one of them, and the terrorist was unrepentant. We have the elite, traditional, spiritual, and military leaders — all of them have roles to play.

“The root causes are there — have we been able to look into them? Those causes include issues of freedom, identity, among others. If these things are not looked into, I hope we don’t have a resurgence. I am not saying the state of emergency can’t work — it’s perfect — but we can go further to do what I have earlier said.”

Col. Saka Folusho (retd.) also said there was nothing wrong in declaring a state of emergency on insecurity.

He, however, warned that alone would not solve Nigeria’s security problems unless the authorities tackle the illicit trade in arms and ammunition sustaining the violence.

“The issue at hand — which is the state of emergency — yes, it’s okay. There’s nothing wrong, but there are some things we have not been addressing. For you to decide to sell ammunition, it means there is a lot of interest you are getting from the other side you are selling to. If somebody decides to sell what is supposed to be used to defend himself, that’s like the person wants to commit suicide,” Folusho said.

He urged that commanders be given clear responsibility and that soldiers be properly equipped and not underpaid. “When you are paying somebody N50,000, you are not giving them all the equipment to operate.”

He also noted that the recent moves by the Nigerian Army to boost local production and capabilities are welcome, but called for more sustained effort.

Lending its voice, the Northern Elders Forum reiterated its demand for a state of emergency on insecurity in the northern part of the country.

The spokesperson for the forum, Prof. Abubakar Jiddere, in an interview with one of our correspondents, said, “In one of our press releases, we called for this. For the second time, we called for it twice.  So, it is important for now that the government should declare a state of emergency on security.

“That does not mean suspending any government or doing any other thing.  But rather by massively deploying security agencies. The police, the military, and all the armed, all armed policemen and then take very serious action.

“Areas that are prone to serious crisis, like Zamfara, Katsina, Niger, Kwara, Benue and in fact, Borno, where Boko Haram has been operating.

“So, until the Federal Government takes serious action and deploys massive security personnel, this issue will continue to be. It’s a matter of national emergency. National emergency requires declaration of a state of emergency on insecurity in Nigeria, which will require deployment of heavy police forces.”

The Federal Government could not be reached for comment on Irabor’s proposal. The Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, promised to respond, but he had yet to do so as of the time of filing this report.

The Borno state Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, said Irabor is entitled to his opinion on the declaration of a state of emergency on insecurity.

‘’He is entitled to his opinion; if you want further clarification, ask him. We have nothing to say about that,” Tar said

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives member representing Demsa, Numan and Lamurde federal constituency, Adamawa State, Kwamoti Laori, has said that only state policing can address insecurity in Nigeria.

Speaking to The PUNCH in Yola, the Peoples Democratic Party federal lawmaker said that state police stand out as the best solution to the country’s insecurity, pointing out that it was experimented with in the 60s and proved effective.

“In the 60s, we had state police in my area, Numan, called Friday police because they were working only on market days to assist the federal police to control crime on market days.

“When people with criminal intentions see the Friday police, they are afraid because the Friday police know them by name, their houses, so if they do anything, they can be traced and arrested. So, there was fear of committing a crime,” he said.

On how to manage the state police without politicians abusing the initiative, he said the law establishing state police should empower communities to nominate people the recruits.

“The reason is that they know the criminals in their communities, so they will not nominate such youth; everyone recruited will not be posted to another community, it will be his area where he knows everyone.”

In a related development, the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has criticised President Bola Tinubu over what it described as his administration’s insensitivity to the worsening insecurity across the country.

In a statement issued on Sunday via X by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC accused the President of neglecting his constitutional responsibility as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces while insecurity continues to escalate nationwide.

The party condemned Tinubu’s frequent attendance at social and political events amid rising attacks and killings, describing it as “unacceptable and irresponsible.”

Abdullahi said nine local government areas in Kwara State, once known for peace, were recently attacked by armed bandits, with residents allegedly forced to provide food, drinks, money, and other items as ransom.

He added that a similar attack occurred in Kogi State, where travellers were killed and several others, including women and children, were abducted.

The ADC noted that over 180 schools in northern Nigeria had been shut due to insecurity, adding that incidents of abductions, killings, and forced displacement were increasing in states such as Plateau, Zamfara, Benue, Niger, Kaduna, and Kwara.

The party faulted the Federal Government’s repeated assurances of “progress” in tackling insecurity, saying the claims were contradicted by the daily killings of innocent Nigerians.

It also criticised the President for failing to visit communities affected by violence, particularly in Plateau State, where hundreds were killed earlier in the year, accusing him of showing “cruel indifference” to the plight of citizens.

“The President’s claim of progress in the fight against insecurity is a tragic denial of reality,” Abdullahi said, arguing that Tinubu’s actions have further divided the country.

‘’The ADC urged the Federal Government to acknowledge the scale of the security crisis, engage directly with affected communities, improve coordination of military and police deployments, and provide transparent public reporting on security operations and spending.

“Nigeria is under attack. This administration must stop pretending otherwise. The time for symbolic gestures is over; what the country needs now is responsible leadership, operational urgency, and measurable results,” the statement concluded.

However, the All Progressives Congress countered the ADC, stating that Nigeria is steadily progressing from a period of insecurity to greater national security, insisting that recent arrests of high-profile kidnappers and gang leaders underscored the government’s unwavering commitment to protecting citizens and stabilising the country.

APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, said the ADC is confused, ‘’having failed to gain acceptance among the populace.’’

Ibrahim, in an interview with The PUNCH, stated, “We are not expecting anything different from them. You see, the simple fact is that they have not been able to gain acceptance from the public. They will continue to attack whatever the APC is doing. But Nigerians know better. Nigerians know that the country is moving from insecurity to greater security.

“Yes, there are challenges here and there, but the speed with which these challenges are being confronted is a signal that the APC takes security seriously. Don’t forget, only recently, the APC government announced the arrest of the most high-profile kidnappers and gangsters that have been terrorising the entire West African region.

 “These people have been captured, they are in custody, and their confessions are helping the security operatives to nip these things in the bud. So, whatever the ADC is saying, it is out of desperation because they have not succeeded in gaining the acceptance of Nigerians.”

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Crime

PHOTOS: NDLEA Smashes Cocaine Cartels Behind UK-bound Shipments, Conducts Nationwide Raids

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In series of intelligence led operations that lasted over three weeks across Lagos, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have successfully dismantled two major drug cartels.

It was reports that the cartels are behind six different consignments of cocaine concealed in walls of stainless cups, body cream and hair gel containers, leading to the arrest of five suspects and ultimately the arrowhead of the syndicate, Alhaji Hammed Taofeek Ode who parades as a businessman and real estate developer.

According to a statement on Sunday by the Director, Media & Advocacy, NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, the beginning of the end of the criminal syndicate’s operations began on 16th September 2025 when operatives at the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Ikeja Lagos intercepted 174 parcels of cocaine weighing 13.40 kilograms concealed in walls of cocoa butter body cream containers.

He stated that a cargo agent was promptly arrested, promoting further investigations to reveal Alhaji Hammed Taofeek Ode as the mastermind of the shipment and after weeks of intelligence, it was established that the drug baron had reported a dispute at the Zone 2 headquarters of the Police in Lagos, after which the Agency sought the cooperation of the police to get the suspect into custody.

The statement continues: “During his preliminary interview, Alhaji Hammed Ode admitted ownership of the consignment which he claimed he bought at over N150 million. He claimed to be a businessman and estate developer following his return from the United Kingdom in 2024. He had lived for over 27 years in many European countries including Austria, Netherlands, France, Germany, and Saudi Arabia before settling in the UK.

“In like manner, five other desperate attempts by another criminal syndicate to export cocaine consignments to the United Kingdom were also thwarted by operatives of the MMIA Strategic Command of NDLEA. The unravelling of the gang started on 26th September following the seizure
of 2.10kg cocaine concealed in walls of hair cream containers at the export shed of the Lagos airport.

“The apprehension of a cargo agent led to the arrest of the consignor, Smith David Korede, a furniture maker, on Tuesday 30th September at his 3 Arowojobe street, Mafoluku, Oshodi, Lagos base where another consignment of 1.40kg cocaine meant for export to the UK was recovered from him. Same day, another consignment of 1.00kg cocaine with similar mode of concealment also going to the UK was also intercepted at the export shed of the airport.

“The cargo agent arrested in connection with the 1.00kg cocaine also identified Smith David Korede as the consignor, bringing to three the number of seized cocaine consignments linked to the suspect.

“Two other cocaine laden consignments going to the UK were also intercepted by NDLEA operatives at the export shed of the MMIA on Thursday 2nd October. Two suspects: Ogunbiyi Oluseye Taiwo and Popoola Francis Olumuyiwa linked to the seizures were promptly arrested. One of the consignments contains crayfish, and 12 pieces of stainless cups used to conceal 1.00kg cocaine while the second consignment also contains crayfish, and 36 containers of hair cream used to conceal 1.60kg of cocaine.

“The bid by another criminal gang to smuggle into Lagos 6.3 kilograms of Loud, a strong strain of cannabis concealed in bedsheet and hibiscus flower from Thailand was equally thwarted by NDLEA operatives attached to some courier companies, while a joint operation between NDLEA officers and Customs Service personnel at a check point along Danbatta-Daura road, Kano, on Thursday 2nd October led to the arrest of 38-year-old Sa’adu Ali and seizure of 290, 450 pills of tramadol 250mg and pregabalin capsules.

“In Lagos, a notorious drug dealer John Igbe, operating under the nickname: SammyBless to distribute illicit drugs in Lekki and Ajah axis, was on Tuesday 30th September arrested at Admiralty road, Lekki. At the time of his arrest, 550 grams of Colorado, a synthetic strain of cannabis, packaged in retail plastic cups, were recovered from him. Three other suspects: Idris Lukman; Fuad Abdulsalam and Mobolaji James were nabbed same day in Mushin area of the state, with 109kg skunk, 20 bottles of codeine syrup and 2kg of nitrous oxide seized from them. At the Trade Fair Complex, Alaba area of the state, 3,700 bottles of codeine syrup and 550,000 caplets of expired 225mg diclofenac were recovered.

“While a total of 27,700 pills of tramadol 100mg/225mg were seized from a suspect Salisu Abubakar, 25, at Bode Saadu, Morro LGA, Kwara state on Monday 29th September, Blessing Ovaka, 50, was caught with 498.5kg skunk at Kudandan, Chukun LGA, Kaduna, same day, just as Dahiru Salisu, 27, was arrested in possession of 34,180 capsules of tramadol at Gwargwaje along Kaduna – Zaria road on Thursday 2nd October.

“In Ogun state, NDLEA operatives on Monday 29th September raided Isheri, Obafemi Owode LGA, where a suspect, Abubakar Audu, was arrested with 112kg skunk and 16grams of tramadol. Three suspects: Chuimieze Shedrack, 28; Sunday John, 25, and Solomon Okopko, 27, were nabbed by NDLEA officers on Thursday 2nd October at Owena/Ijesha forest reserve, Osun state where they destroyed 14,000kg skunk on 5.6 hectares of cannabis plantation and recovered 142kg of same psychoactive substance.

“In Edo, NDLEA operatives on Wednesday 1st October intercepted a Toyota Sienna vehicle marked KUJ 47 NW loaded with 22 bags of skunk weighing 244.5kg at Igbanke, Orhionwon LGA and a suspect Ineh Excellent Obindi, 28, arrested. A total of 10,897.35kg skunk was destroyed on four farms measuring 4.358938 hectares at Ugbodo forest, Ovia North East LGA, on Friday 3rd October, with two suspects: Michael Ayang, 40, and Bernard New Year, (a.ka Don), 47, arrested. Not less than 223.5kg processed cannabis and seeds were recovered from the farms.

“Operatives on patrol along Okene/Lokoja highway intercepted a waybill parcel coming from Lagos to Abuja containing 3.272kg Loud and a sachet of Colorado. A follow up operation at Gwagwalada park in Abuja led to the arrest of the owner, Tobi Odubote, 34, while another suspect Ismail Abdurrahim, 32, was arrested in possession of 25.5kg skunk along Abaji- Abuja expressway on Thursday 2nd October.”

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PHOTOS: Bandits shoot man, kidnap his wife and two children in Kogi; demand N100m ransom

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The bandits who abducted a mother and her two children in Bareke, Isanlu community in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, have demanded N100m ransom.

The gunmen invaded the community at about 2 am on Friday, October 2, abducted the woman and her children while her husband, Tokpe Gody, escaped with bullet wounds from two gunshots sustained.

A member of the Kogi State Vigilante agency, who confirmed the incident to Punch on condition of anonymity, said that while the woman’s husband had been rushed to a hospital within the community, the kidnappers had demanded a ransom of N100m to release the attack victims

The local security source hinted that Gody was in a critical condition at the hospital, and he might be taken to another hospital for proper treatment.

The state Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omadara, said he was not aware of the fresh attack.

“I will find out, but we are giving the bandits hot pursuit, and we have recorded significant success in the last month. Right now, we have chased them as far as Kwara in our efforts to rid the state of kidnappers, bandits and other criminals,” he said.

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Crime

Police arrest 10 over assassination attempt on Ondo monarch

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The Ondo State Police Command has arrested 10 men over a robbery incident and assassination attempt on the traditional ruler of Igoba Community in Akure North Local Government Area of the state.

It was gathered that the hoodlums allegedly attacked the community on Thursday, October 2, 2025 and stole some items from the residents at gunpoint. They also allegedly injured some of their victims.

The traditional ruler of the community, Obaloogun of Igoba, Oba Adeniyi Adinlewa John, was said to have escaped the attack when the suspects allegedly invaded his palace.

The spokesperson of the command, Olayinka Ayanlade, who confirmed the incident in a statement on Saturday said policemen swung into action and arrested the 10 suspected criminals.

“The Ondo State Police Command wishes to inform the public of the arrest of 10 suspects in connection with a violent attack on the Igoba Community at about 11:30 pm,” the statement read.

“On the said day, a group of hoodlums, armed with firearms, knives, charms, and other dangerous weapons, invaded Igoba Community with the intent to wreak havoc. In the course of their violent activities, one Mrs. Ogunoye Oluomo was viciously attacked, injured, and dispossessed of her belongings.

“The assailants further advanced to the palace of His Royal Highness, Oba Adinlewa John of Igoba, where they attempted to assassinate the monarch. Fortunately, the royal father narrowly escaped the life-threatening assault.

“Upon receipt of the distress call, the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, promptly directed all necessary operational assets and manpower to the area. Led by the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, the tactical team effected the arrest of 10 suspects.”

Ayanlade further stated that the suspects had confessed to their various roles in the attack and would all be charged in court upon the completion of investigations.

According to the PPRO, the items recovered from the suspects include: two locally fabricated pistols, one single-barrel gun, several rounds of live ammunition, assorted charms, knives and machetes, and other dangerous weapons used during the attack.

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