Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: security

  • Burkina Faso detention row: Nigeria says detained soldiers safe as talks continue

    Burkina Faso detention row: Nigeria says detained soldiers safe as talks continue

    According to The Punch, Nigerian soldiers detained in Burkina Faso after a Nigerian Air Force C‑130 made a precautionary landing remained in custody days later, with Abuja pursuing diplomatic engagement to resolve the dispute.

    Punch reported that the aircraft was on an overseas mission and landed due to a technical concern, while Burkina Faso’s authorities and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) framed the incident as an unauthorised entry into their airspace.

    Premium Times quoted the Nigerian Air Force saying the landing was “in accordance with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols,” underscoring Abuja’s argument that the diversion was legitimate and safety-driven.

    The Guardian’s international coverage noted the AES described the episode as an “unfriendly act,” reflecting the heightened regional tensions between ECOWAS states and the Sahel alliance.

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: This is as much about regional politics as it is about aviation procedures. The AES–ECOWAS rift has created a trust deficit where even routine incidents can be interpreted as hostile moves. Watch for: the final terms of release/transfer, any formal diplomatic note exchanged, and whether Nigeria adjusts flight-clearance protocols when transiting AES-controlled airspace.

    Source: The Punch — 14 Dec 2025 (https://punchng.com/nigerian-soldiers-spend-sixth-day-in-burkina-faso-detention/)

     

    Photo Credit: Nigeria Troops — Crisis Group

  • U.S. lawmaker describes Nigeria visit as ‘heartbreaking’ amid violence concerns

    U.S. lawmaker describes Nigeria visit as ‘heartbreaking’ amid violence concerns

    According to The Punch, U.S. Congressman Riley Moore described his recent trip to Nigeria as “heartbreaking,” saying he encountered accounts of killings and insecurity that he believes deserve stronger attention from international partners.

    Punch reported that Moore linked his comments to broader debates about how violence in Nigeria is framed globally, and urged greater focus on protecting civilians and addressing the drivers of attacks.

    Daily Post also reported Moore’s remarks, repeating the “heartbreaking” description and situating it within ongoing discourse in the U.S. about Nigeria’s security challenges and religious/communal violence narratives.

    The comments add to a growing pattern of Nigeria-related security issues surfacing in U.S. political debate, often influencing advocacy, hearings and policy proposals.

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: External commentary can amplify pressure—but it can also oversimplify complex conflict dynamics. The key is whether Nigeria’s security agencies and political leaders can show measurable progress that undercuts “genocide” or “state failure” narratives. Watch for diplomatic engagements, any new U.S. legislative moves tied to Nigeria, and local conflict-prevention steps in flashpoint states.

    Source: The Punch — 14 Dec 2025 (https://punchng.com/my-trip-to-nigeria-heartbreaking-us-congressman-moore/)

     

     

    Photo: Riley Moore image — AFP

  • US Lawmakers to Brief Trump on Alleged Killings in Nigeria

    US Lawmakers to Brief Trump on Alleged Killings in Nigeria

    Photo Credit:Punch Newspapers

    A United States congressional delegation led by Congressman Riley Moore has concluded a fact‑finding trip to Nigeria over alleged genocidal attacks on Christian communities and is expected to brief former President Donald Trump before the end of the month. The team met internally displaced persons, survivors, religious leaders and top Nigerian officials, including the National Security Adviser and Attorney‑General.

    Moore, speaking in a broadcast interview, described testimonies from victims as some of the most disturbing of his career and alleged that extremist groups were behind many of the killings. The planned briefing underscores how Nigeria’s internal security challenges are increasingly featuring in US political debates and among diaspora advocacy groups.

    Source: Punch Newspapers – 12 Dec 2025

    2025-12-12 10:00:00 Punch Newspapers – 12 Dec 2025 2025-12-12

  • Amotekun Security Corp Kicks off in Ogun State

    Amotekun Security Corp Kicks off in Ogun State

    Amotekun, the alternative security architecture established by Governors in the South West of Nigeria as a result rising insecurity in the region has now gone operational in Ogun State.

    The Chief of Staff to the State Governor, Alhaji Shuaib Salisu disclosed this while featuring on a live television programe in Abeokuta, adding that the commencement of the outfit in the State was expected to fortify the existing security architecture, towards addressing the challenges headlong.

    Alhaji Salisu maintained that the State Government would not fold its arms and allow criminals have free rein, saying ‘’the days of criminals are numbered with the appointment of former Commissioner of Police, David Ajibola Akinremi, as the Commandant of the security outfit.

    Speaking further, the Chief of Staff said Government had procured 100 Patrol vehicles, 200 motorcycles and communication gadgets, to enhance its operations, adding that Amotekun would have formations in all the 20 Local Government Areas of the State.

    He said part of strategies of the State Government to curb criminality was to devise means, noting that over 20,000 youths have been employed through Ogun Jobs Portal, while disclosing that companies in the State were also mandated to source for qualified applicants on it for recruitment.

    The Chief of Staff added that many infrastructural projects inherited from past administrations would be completed by the end of Q1 2021, while the newly initiated projects would not be neglected, saying that the Owode-Ilaro, and Odo-Afa roads in Yewa axis; the Epe-Ijebu Ode, and Molusi College roads in Ijebu division; and the Sagamu Interchange-Siun-Abeokuta, and Lafenwa-Rounda roads are all receiving robust attention of government.

  • U.S. Africa Command Strike Kills Three al-Shabaab in Somalia

    U.S. Africa Command Strike Kills Three al-Shabaab in Somalia

    In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AfriCom) conducted two airstrikes in Somalia on Jan. 1, 2021.

    According to a statement by AfriCom, both strikes targeted al-Shabaab compounds in the vicinity of Qunyo Barrow, Somalia. Current assessments indicate the strikes killed three and wounded one al-Shabaab members and destroyed six and damaged one al-Shabaab compound buildings.

    The command’s initial assessment is that no civilians were injured or killed as a result of this operation. We take significant measures to comply with the principles of the Law of Armed Conflict during the course of our operations while we continue to disrupt and apply pressure to the al-Shabaab terrorist network.

    “This action clearly demonstrates our continuing commitment to Somalia and our regional partners,” said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Joel Tyler, director of operations for U.S. Africa Command. “We retain the means and the will to strike the al-Shabaab terrorist network when necessary to protect the region and ultimately, our own nation.”

    U.S. Africa Command and its international partners recognize the importance of stability in Somalia. Violent extremist organizations like al-Shabaab present long-term threats to U.S. and regional security interests.

    “Al-Shabaab remains a threat to Somalia’s future and U.S. interests, and we will continue to disrupt their efforts to terrorize innocents,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Dagvin Anderson, Joint Task Force-Quartz commander. “Our strikes help keep these terrorists off balance to help our partners then address deeper problems such as governance and development.”

    U.S. Africa Command remains committed to working with East African countries to help provide political, economic, and physical stability in the region and to work with international and African partners to achieve long-term security goals in Somalia for the Federal Government of Somalia and its Member States.

    See video of the mission strike posted at: https://go.usa.gov/xA9ZV

  • Nigeria: Project Contractors in Ekiti State Assured of Security

    Nigeria: Project Contractors in Ekiti State Assured of Security

    The Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi has assured contractors and workers working on various project sites in the State of adequate security, stressing that the security networks across the sites have been improved and expanded to guarantee their safety.

    The Governor who disclosed this during an inspection tour of all road projects across the State on Wednesday, said all ongoing road projects would be completed and delivered within the stipulated deadlines.

    The road projects visited by the Governor in company of the Commissioner for Works and Transport and the project monitoring team are the dual carriage new Ado-Iyin road, Aramoko-Erinjiyan-Ikogosi road, of Ado-Ilawe-Igbaraodo-Ibuji road; Agbado-Ode-Isinbode-Omuo road; Ilupeju-Ire_Igbemo-Ijan road and Oye-Iye-Ikun road.

    The Governor who expressed satisfaction over the quality of work done in the places visited disclosed that the expertise, technicality, and materials deployed in the construction of the new Ado-Iyin road would make it last for a period of thirty years without damage.

    He said; “We are just getting along with our work. We will deliver it just as we have promised our people.

    “You can see yourself, look at the stone base, it is almost a foot and you are still going to have two layers of asphalt on top of this stone base. It tells you that this road will go on for a period of thirty years without any damage.

    “I am sure you noticed some difference in security arrangement because we want those that are working to be safe and secured. We have improved and expanded the security network around here.”

    Also the Director of the Company handling the rehabilitation of Ado-Ilawe-Igbaraodo-Ibuji road, Mr. Folorunso Omoya disclosed that the Governor approved the construction of drainages along the roads to forestall flooding and ensure the durability of the road.

    Mr. Omoya said the rehabilitation of the roads and construction of drainages were carried out according to the technical specification issued by the State Ministry of Works, assuring that the road would stand the test of time.

    He said; “Mr. Governor approved the job and we are have done the job in accordance to specifications and I believe the governor was satisfied.

    “It was just rehabilitation but of course water was disturbing the road at many locations even at points where we don’t expect. The governor has approved that drainages be constructed at some points in accordance with technical specifications from the Ministry of Works and we have done exactly that.

    “Ado to Ilawe to Igbaraodo to Ibuji, all the problem at the location has been tackled and we believed that the road will stand the test of time”.

    The Governor was accompanied on the inspection by the Commissioner for Works and Transport Mr. Sola Adebayo, the Special Adviser on Road Infrastructure and Transport, Mr. Sunday Adunmo, and other Government officials from the Ministry of Works and Transportation.

  • Buhari Expresses Nigeria’s Readiness to Meet Contemporary Security Challenges

    Buhari Expresses Nigeria’s Readiness to Meet Contemporary Security Challenges

    President Muhammadu Buhari Saturday assured that the Federal Government would increase manpower and improve training to meet the changing dynamics of security in the country, Nigeria is passing through a time of great need for cohesion, peace and unity.

    The President expressed full confidence in the ability of the Nigerian Army to protect the territorial integrity of the nation, particularly in the ongoing war against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping and commended “the resilience and steadfastness of our personnel in the Armed Forces for their professionalism and bravery in tackling the menace of terrorism, insurgency and armed banditry in the North-east and North-west zones as well as herders/farmers conflict, kidnapping, piracy and communal clashes in other parts of our country.”

    Buhari stated this at the Combined Passing Out Parade of the Cadets of 67 Regular Course and Short Service Course 46 (Army) at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna.

    According to him, “We remain committed to ending the security challenges bedeviling the country. I am confident that the training received by the passing out cadets has adequately equipped them to face any challenges in their line of duty.

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    “The broad contexts to which these prospective officers will be deployed is complex, fluid and dynamic. Thus, you will have to keep pace with these ever changing challenges.

    “Let me at this juncture, restate our administration’s will to support the operations of the Armed Forces in the defence of the nation. Just recently, I approved the increment of manpower intake into the three services in order to cater for the deficit of personnel being experienced.

    “Additionally, the Federal Government will sustain the provision of adequate modern equipment, logistics and infrastructure needed to support the operations of the Armed Forces.

    “These no doubt will enhance the preparedness of the Armed Forces to meet contemporary security challenges especially with innovations in the field of warfare, Information, Communication and Technology.”

    The President, who was the Reviewing Officer, said the loyalty and patriotism of service personnel must be sustained and strengthened, appealing to all Nigerians to uphold and project the unity of the country.

    “Despite our obvious differences, we must strive to ensure that our actions, and utterances are aimed towards strengthening our democratic framework.

    “We must subsume our personal and sectional interests to the overall national aspirations of unity, economic prosperity and good governance,” he said.

    Buhari noted that the government remains focused in the fight against insurgency, armed banditry and other forms of criminality across the nation.

    He said: “Gentlemen Officer Cadets, a successful completion of a rigorous and demanding task of this nature undoubtedly infuses you with a sense of self-esteem, efficacy and accomplishment.

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    “Furthermore, it lifts your spirit and leaves you with conviction that with commitment and dedication you would successfully accomplish future tasks that will come your way as officers of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “Let me now remind the passing out cadets of the need to be committed to the nation by taking your rightful place among your peers in the Armed Forces of our country.”

    The President said all the accomplishments in national security was made possible by the untiring efforts of the military and other security agencies, urging the graduates to join their senior colleagues in the field and contribute to the defence of the country.

    “With the quality of training you have received, I am convinced that you will discharge your duties professionally and responsibly. I can say without ambiguity that the future holds promise for our national defence and security,” he added.

    Buhari commended the Commandant, officers, men and academic staff of the Nigerian Defence Academy for their dedication to duty and determination to run the course despite the peculiarities of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

    “I note that despite the challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Academy has remained focused and committed to its core mandate of training officer cadets. I therefore, commend the Nigerian Defence Academy Council for its steadfast performance

    “The Nigerian Defence Academy has since its establishment in 1964 continued to train young Nigerians for the Armed Forces to discharge their role of protecting the territorial sovereignty of the nation.

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    “I have been made to understand that the Academy in furtherance to enriching its training curriculum recently took cadets on a tour of frontline communities in the North-east Theatre of operations. The tour was to keep the cadets informed of the challenges of real battle scenario and to boost their combat readiness.

    “As a retired General, I can say with all sense of responsibility that, I am encouraged by the excellent work invested in the training of these officer cadets for service to this great nation and humanity in general,” Buhari pointed out.

    The President said it had been a challenging year for all nations in the world, and Nigeria which recorded her index case of COVID-19 in February, adding that “this administration has proactively responded to the challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic by helping to prevent further spread and taking necessary appropriate measures.

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    “In addition, government has taken positive palliative measures to cushion the adverse impact of the pandemic through people-oriented policies,” said the President, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu.

    Buhari also appreciated the parents and guardians of the young men and women for taking the bold steps of ensuring that their wards enrolled into the military.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Serial killer Escape: Oyo govt decries killings in Akinyele, House berates police

    Serial killer Escape: Oyo govt decries killings in Akinyele, House berates police

    Oyo State government on Tuesday decried the incessant killings at the Akinyele Local Council Area of the state after yet another murder of a middle-aged woman identified as Mrs. Funmilayo, by a suspected serial rapist and killer who escaped from police custody after being paraded by the Oyo State Police command barely a month ago.

    The Special Adviser to Governor Makinde on Security, Fatai Owoseni, at at a security town hall meeting with stakeholders in the council, stated that providing security for a community should be devoid of ethnic, religious and other biases.

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    The retired police commissioner maintained that the state government would continue to place a premium on security as the backbone of sustainable development.

    He, therefore, urged non-state actors, especially residents of the affected communities, to give their maximum support to the government and security agencies during the period of the operation through intelligence sharing mechanism.

    Similarly, Oyo State House of Assembly has ruled that the police re-arrest the suspected serial rapist and killer, Sunday Sodipe.

    Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin

    As part of resolutions reached by the House on Tuesday after deliberations on the matter under urgent public importance, the Committee on Security and Strategy was directed to urgently meet with the Oyo State Police Commissioner, Joe Nwachukwu Enwonwu, to ascertain and unravel the circumstances surrounding the escape of the prime suspect in the serial killings in Akinyele Local Council Area of the state.

    Urging the Oyo State Commissioner of Police on a prompt re-arrest and prosecution of the suspect, Sodipe, who confessed to killing five people, the House called for the deployment of more security agents to the council area.

    Furthermore, Oyo House also appealed to the Board of Oyo State Security Network, code-named Operation Amotekun, to expedite action on the ongoing recruitment of officers of the security outfit to enable them collaborate with other security agencies for the promotion of peace and security in the state.

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    The Speaker, Adebo Ogundoyin, however berated the police for being careless in their duty, such that a suspect could escape from their custody.

    Ogundoyin added that the development was an embarrassment to the entire Police Force.

    Other lawmakers who contributed to the motion also condemned the police, describing the situation as lackadaisical.

     

  • Akeredolu inaugurates Amotekun in Ondo, tasks FG on more police funding

    Akeredolu inaugurates Amotekun in Ondo, tasks FG on more police funding

    Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has inaugurated the pioneer officers of Ondo State Security network Agency Amotekun Corps.

    During the inauguration ceremony in Akure, the state capital , Governor Akeredolu expressed delight with the performance of the pioneer Amotekun corps officers, who recently completed their training.

    In his remark, the Governor urged the corps officers to put to good use the knowledge gained from the training to ensure security of life and property in the state.

    Akeredolu who pleaded with the Federal Government to allocate more fund for equiping the police, explained that the Amotekun Corps is designed to support the existing security framework in the state.

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    Stressing that with a workable synergy among the leadership of the security agencies and that of Amotekun, the Governor expressed confidence that a water-tight strategy capable of arresting crimes even before they occur could be achieved.

    At the ceremony, the Governor commissioned some equipment that will aid the effective operation of the corps officers, including vehicles, motorcycles, and other communication gadgets.

    In his remarks, the Commander of Ondo State Amotekun Corps, Ade Adeleye commended Governor Akeredolu for making the dream of the security outfit come alive.

    Commander of the Ondo State Amotekum Corps, Ade Adeleye, addresses guests and men of the security outfit at the inauguration ceremony.

    Adeleye said that the Amotekun Corps was a child of necessity born out of the need to explore other means of securing communities across Ondo State.

    The Ondo Amotekun Corps inauguration was well attended by government officials, traditional and religious leaders, including representatives of the Nigerian Police Force, Ondo Command.

    Ondo is the latest Southwest state in Nigeria to inaugurate its own command of the Amotekun Corps, which came to light by the determination of Governors in the region to tackle growing insecurity.

    The governors of the Southwest met and agreed to establish a security outfit that will support the security framework of the region.

    At the early stage, the plan to own a regional security outfit was greeted with mixed reactions, while some persons said it was a good idea, others believed Amotekun is a ploy to decentralize the police through the back door.

    One of the worries of those against the security outfit was that Amotekun will be a tool in the hands of politicians to fan their self-interest.

    On the ground of a number of concerns, the Federal Government frowned at the Soutwest governors and even went ahead to declare illegal, the establishment of the security outfit.

    In a communique in January 2020, Special Assistant, Media and Public Relations (Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice), Dr. Umar Jibrilu Gwandu declared on behalf of government that “The setting up of the paramilitary organization called “Amotekun” is illegal and runs contrary to the provisions of the Nigerian law”.

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    The Federal Government maintained that “the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) has established the Army, Navy, and Airforce, including the Police and other numerous paramilitary organisations for the purpose of the defence of Nigeria”.

    The Federal Goverent’s initial resistance to the regional security outfit led the Southwest governors to meet the President, which resulted in unanimous resolutions that allowed states in the region to proceed with Amotekun.

    The resolutions include: That the structure of Amotekun should align with the Federal Government’s community policing strategy; that necessary legal instruments be put in place by each state to give legal backing and regulatory measures to Amotekun.

    More photos:

    In this photo, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu is seated next to the Commander of the Amotekun Corps in Ondo State, at the inauguration of the security outfit.
    Members of the Amotekun Corps mount a guard of honour at the inauguration of the Ondo State arm of the security outfit

  • Buhari assures he’ll restore security in North-East, acquires modern military equipment

    Buhari assures he’ll restore security in North-East, acquires modern military equipment

    President Muhammadu Buhari Monday gave strong assurances that security would be restored to Borno State in the North-east and the nation at large, following the recent adoption of new strategies, and the acquisition of modern military equipment.

    Speaking at the State House in Abuja during a meeting with the five North-east State Governors, Buhari said: “Things will improve very soon. We are acquiring modern equipment; some are here, some are being cleared, and others still coming. We need patience with acquisition of equipment. You need to train the trainers for their usage ahead of their deployment to the field.”

    The meeting was attended by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police and the heads of intelligence agencies.

    Reacting to the governors who spoke through their Chairman, also Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, the President added: “I have listened to your presentation. I assure you, the North-East Governors, especially that of Borno, that we go to bed and wake up thinking about you, how to secure our country, that is the responsibility of every government.

    “Our party campaigned in 2015 on three major objectives, among which is Security. We said the same thing in 2019 and Nigerians believed us. We are doing our best and we will continue to do even better.”

    Buhari lamented the impact of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on the economy, making scarce resources even scarcer, coupled with its severe impact on the supply chain of military equipment and spare parts.

    “Our government is doing its best on the question of equipment and the military personnel know. We have equipment coming from some countries. The acquisition of military wares and spares is not easy, especially if you are not the manufacturer,” the President said, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu.

    The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), the Chief of Staff, the National Security Adviser and all the Service Chiefs, who spoke in support of the President, assured that things would get better soon.

    They made a strong case for strengthening ties among the military, state governments, traditional institutions and all communities and the residents of the region.

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai, gave an assessment of the current efforts, noting that Boko Haram terrorists have been flushed out of all the states in the region, leaving Borno State as the last stop.

    He said: “There are no Boko Haram terrorists in neighbouring states. They have been pushed out, and now cornered in Borno State. We are coordinating with civil and traditional authorities, mobilising and reinforcing and all we need is patience. We will not relent.”

    On his part, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, briefed the meeting on the acquisition of military aircraft, explaining that the imminent arrival of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, UAVs, known as drones with more than 10 hours of flying time, would strongly reinforce the battle front.

    Briefs were also received on equipment needs of the police as well as the changing alliances between criminal gangs and terrorist groups in the region from the intelligence community.

    In their address at the beginning of the meeting, the North-East Governors noted that the security situation in the region has now greatly improved, compared to the time the President assumed office.

    While commending Buhari for the establishment of the North-East Development Commission and the take-off of Mambila Dam Power Project, they however, called for attention to the condition of most of their roads.

    They also warned of the consequences of a “war economy” and the need to address the root causes of the insurgency.

    The governors said: “A large population in the region, especially in Borno State, have no access to their homes and farmlands,” while calling for efforts to curtail the “increasing trust deficit between the population and the armed forces.”

    Photos:

    Idowu Sowunmi