Security
COAS debunks report of alleged massacre of children by soldiers

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, has debunked a report accusing soldiers of allegedly killing children in the fight against terrorism in the Northeast.
It would be recalled that Reuters last December claimed that the Nigerian military carried out a covert campaign that resulted in the termination of at least 10,000 pregnancies among women who had been liberated from Boko Haram militants in the unrest-stricken region.
The report which has sparked outrage around the world claims that the Nigerian military had since 2013, engaged in a covert, widespread, and illegal abortion programme in the nation’s northeast, eliminating at least 10,000 pregnancies among women and girls who had been abducted and sexually assaulted by Islamic militants.
Countering the report at a Special Independent Investigative Panel on Human Rights Violations in the Implementation of Counter Insurgency Operations in the North East (SIIP-North East), Yahaya noted that the Nigerian military is among the best in the world and that its operations are governed by laws that are consistent with fundamental human rights.
In his words, “The armed forces are professional armed forces guided by rules and regulations under an elected government with the Commander in Chief and institutions that are there, we all know.”
“Some people think we are on top of trees, and that’s why they are writing what they are writing sometimes. This army is a professional army, armies’ work is universal, we have gone on courses, and there is nowhere we have gone that we have not performed. If you go to institutions in the world including the US, and the UK, you will see Nigerians there, professionals.”
The COAS accused Reuters of “acting a script” given the military’s dominance over Boko Haram insurgents in recent years.
According to him, the areas cited in the report are heavily guarded and would require military escorts for anyone to pass through.
Headlines
Plateau Governor Sets Up Committee to Probe Two Decades of Attacks

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has inaugurated a 10-member fact-finding committee tasked with uncovering the root causes of the persistent attacks plaguing communities across the state.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony on Tuesday in Jos, Governor Mutfwang charged the committee with conducting a comprehensive review of violent incidents from 2001 to date. “We thought that we should set up this high-powered fact-finding committee to look at the incessant attacks on our communities,” the governor stated.
According to Mutfwang, the committee is expected to perform an in-depth assessment of the recurring security breaches, determine the number of affected communities, and assess the extent of damage done over the years. “We want to understand the root causes and propose actionable recommendations for lasting peace, justice, and stability in the affected communities,” he said.
The committee’s mandate also includes establishing the number of casualties, identifying possible perpetrators and their motives, and uncovering potential routes used by bandits to access Plateau State. “Identify possible routes of bandits into the state and recommend measures to limit their access,” the governor added.
Chairman of the committee, retired Maj.-Gen. Rojas Nicholas, thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in the members. He pledged that the committee would approach its assignment with fairness and commitment. “We will do our best to produce a report that would befit its assignment,” Nicholas assured.
The committee is expected to submit its findings and recommendations in due course, with hopes that the report will provide a pathway to durable peace and security in the state.
Security
Eid-el-Fitri: FRSC deploys 1500 personnel in Delta

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Delta State Command, has deployed 1,500 personnel, including regular and special marshals, to various locations in the state to ensure safety during the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
Mr Frederick Ogidan, Sector Commander, FRSC, said this on Friday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Asaba.
Ogidan said that a total of 1,500 personnel and special marshals, 20 patrol vehicles, two bikes and two ambulances would be deployed in the state for effective enforcement and emergency response during the festivity.
“Additionally, a 70 tonne heavy-duty tow truck and strategic collaboration with the State Tow Truck Association have been put in place for swift clearance of road obstructions.
“As we celebrate, motorists are advised to avoid speeding, dangerous overtaking, overloading and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
“Passengers should also play their parts by calling drivers to order when necessary, while pedestrians must use designated crossings.
“I wish the Muslim community in Delta State a peaceful, joyful and crash-free Eid-el-Fitri celebration.
“Let us all celebrate responsibly and prioritise safety on our roads,” he said.
Security
Police bans Sallah Durbar in Kano

The Police Command in Kano State has banned Sallah Durbar activities to ensure a peaceful and incident-free Eid-el-Fitr celebration in the state.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Ibrahim Bakori stated this while addressing journalists Kano on Friday.
“The police have banned all durbar activities during the celebrations due to credible security information that miscreants have been recruited to cause chaos and unrest,“he said.
He explained that the police have also prohibited the carrying of objects that may raise tensions.
“We have mobilised sufficient armed personnel, in collaboration with sister security agencies, to provide comprehensive security coverage in our areas of supervision.
“As we celebrate, let us remember that peace is paramount. We must put aside our differences and work together as law-abiding citizens for the progress of our state and nation,”he said.
Bakori said that operational orders have been issued to area commanders and divisional police officers, outlining the necessary security protocols for the festivities in their respective jurisdictions.
The commissioner stated that specific operational orders have been issued to deployed officers, detailing security measures for praying grounds, recreation centers, and public buildings.
Bakori emphasised the importance of sustaining peace in the state and urged parents to caution their children against any acts that may cause havoc.
Residents are also advised to report any suspicious movements to the security agencies.
In case of emergency, residents can reach out to the authorities using the following emergency contact numbers: 08032419754, 08123821575, 09029292926.
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