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REVEALED: Why Kidnapping Is Thriving In Nigeria – Rtd General

Published

1 year ago

March 10, 2024

As the nation grapples with kidnappings by terrorists, highlighted by the abductions of over 600 victims in eight days including school students, children and women in Borno, Kaduna and Sokoto states, a Retired General and Security Consultant, Major Gen Obidah Ethan (Rtd) has declared that there are “gaps in our entire security sector which has to be narrowed and filled”.

Recall that on the 4th of March, 2024, over 300 women and children were kidnapped from Baban Sansan, Zulum and Arabic IDP camps in Borno, on Friday 8 March, 287 students were kidnapped from a school in Kurliya, Kaduna state and another 15 students kidnapped in Sokoto state on Saturday.

Speaking on the topic, “Realism of Kidnapping in Nigeria”, at the 40th Anniversary of SSC Course (Short Service Combatant Course) 25 of the Nigeria Defence Academy on Saturday, Gen Ethan said, “Present realities on insecurity, kidnapping and other criminalities demand the participation, involvement of all Nigerians. It should no longer be the military and Police alone. It has to be all encompassing”

“The country has to come up with a workable strategy. You have to be innovative and think outside the box. The recent talk about the establishment of state police is a welcome development but this is just an aspect. It should not be taken in isolation”.

Commenting on steps to be taken to put the military above new criminal scenarios being introduced by terrorists and bandits, Gen Ethan said, “There is no success in combat by accident. Training is the key. You succeed in warfare by training and you succeed by inculcating modern trends of domestic, kinetic and private security”.

In his remarks, Chairman of the occasion, Gen Paul Tarfa (Rtd), former Commandant, Nigeria Defence Academy and the Chairman, North East Development Commission disclosed that despite the challenges of insecurity plaguing the country, Nigerians should not give up hope but remain steadfast for a brighter future.

“We should have hope. This country should have hope no matter what we are facing today. Even America at a time, they faced more difficulty than what we are facing today. But they are better for it now.”

To SSC Course 25 who were trained under him as NDA Commandant, Gen Tarfa said, “40 years ago, I was in my early 40’s and you were in your 20’s or thereabout. I thank God for the privilege that I contributed to your careers and progression in the military and service to the nation”

“We have to thank God that we served in different capacities, lost our colleagues but today we are alive to celebrate 40 years anniversary”

Continuing he said, “Let us (Military) know that we are the ones this country has and relies on to save it from security challenges. Nothing compares to the military. We have about 50 different languages among us but today we remain one and united in the goal of keeping this country safe.

“That is because we are readily trained to sacrifice for the nation irrespective of tribe, ethnicity and religion”.

Earlier, Chairman of the SSC Course 25, christened Friends Club 2584, Brigadier General John Abuka (Rtd) disclosed that FC2584 has come of age not only in terms of span of life but was still a baby with fragile clay feet.

“We all therefore must be committed morally and financially to nurture this club to greatness. I humbly call for a change of attitude from all of us especially those who have not really been playing the roles expected of all members.

“Fate did not make any mistakes when it brought us to together to begin the life of soldiering on that fateful 5th day of March, 1984. There’s strength in large numbers. Let’s exploit the advantages that number has to offer.

“In the course of our stewardship, we had the sad experience of losing a number of our members to the cold hands of death. They include Lt Col AY Edrah, Capt MIke Mkpang, Capt BC Garba, Capt ECN Obi, Maj Didioma and most recently, Lt Col AB Mohammed

“The Short Service Combatant Course 25, 40th anniversary of our entry into the service of the Nigerian Army is being modestly marked on account of the prevailing harsh economic climate and the fact that majority of us have still not seen the need to appropriately respond to our constitutionally enshrined financial obligations to our club.

“Be that as it may, let us give all glory to God Almighty for His mercy over us over the years.”

A new executive was elected to pilot the affairs of Short Service Combatant Course 25 with Major Gen Sulaiman Aliyu taking over as President and Captain Karga (Rtd) taking over as Secretary of Friends Club 2584.
VANGUARD

News

Peter Obi’s Son, Oseloka, Speaks On Gay Allegations

Published

11 hours ago

August 23, 2025

Editor

Oseloka Obi, son of the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, has responded to viral allegations linking him to homosexuality after photographs of him with London-based British-Nigerian Kent Okwesa, circulated online this week.

The pictures, which emerged on Wednesday, showed Oseloka and Okwesa sitting closely at a restaurant in the United Kingdom, sparking a wave of online speculation and gossip.

In a detailed statement, Oseloka dismissed the rumours as malicious falsehoods driven by his father’s involvement in Nigerian politics.

He noted that while he rarely responds to such narratives, the persistence of gossip and unfounded claims made it necessary to address the matter.

“Because of my father’s involvement in Nigerian politics, there has been a persistent curiosity and, at times, malicious obsession with me.

“I have no social media presence and no interest in maintaining one, so I rarely correct these falsehoods. But perhaps it is time I address them,” he wrote.

Oseloka stressed that the photos of him in circulation were being misrepresented, insisting they were ordinary snapshots with friends and colleagues.

“The truth is simple: Peter Obi’s son appears in photos with his friends and colleagues, nothing more. If people wish to invent otherwise, I hope they sleep soundly knowing they are spreading lies,” he added.

He further emphasised that neither he nor his father is perfect, but attested to his father’s integrity and commitment to Nigeria’s future.

“My father has my vote, not because he is my father, but because he is the right man for the job. If others wish to go low, invent scandals, or attack me to wound him, they are free to do so. But we will go high, and we will continue to focus on the future of Nigeria.”

Concluding, Oseloka urged Nigerians to redirect their attention from idle gossip to the pressing socio-economic challenges facing the country.

Read the full statement below:

News

FULL LIST: PenCom Bars Seven Mortgage Banks From Processing Housing Loans

Published

11 hours ago

August 23, 2025

Editor

The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has barred seven Primary Mortgage Banks (PMBs) from processing applications under the pension-backed equity contribution scheme for residential mortgages, citing their non-compliance with housing loan guidelines.

In a letter published on PenCom’s website, addressed to Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) and Pension Fund Custodians (PFCs), the organisation instructed them to immediately stop accepting or processing equity contribution applications submitted through the affected institutions.

The blacklisted mortgage banks are:

• Jigawa Savings & Loans Limited

• FHA Mortgage Bank Limited

• Delta Trust Mortgage Bank Limited

• AG Mortgage Bank Limited

• Infinity Trust Mortgage Bank Pic

• First Trust Mortgage Bank Limited

• Mutual Alliance Mortgage Bank Limited

“Following the cited letter, the commission instructs that PFAs, including Closed Pension Fund Administrators and Pension Fund Custodians, immediately stop accepting or processing equity contribution applications submitted by the following Primary Mortgage Banks… Please be guided,” the circular read in part.

Explaining the decision, PenCom’s spokesman, Ibrahim Buwai, told The PUNCH that the sanction was imposed because the affected institutions failed to generate the mortgages for which funds had been approved.

“The whole purpose of giving access to RSA holders is to enable them to own houses through mortgages,” he said. “It was discovered that some of the primary mortgage institutions were not generating mortgages. If that is the case, it means they are not complying with the regulations. That is the reason for their blacklisting.”

PenCom introduced the equity contribution for residential mortgages in September 2022, allowing Retirement Savings Account (RSA) holders to withdraw up to 25 per cent of their balances to fund equity contributions for home ownership.

According to the commission, 24,582 RSA holders had accessed the scheme as of the first quarter of 2025, with disbursements totalling ₦149.84bn.

RSA holders who submitted applications through the barred mortgage banks are now advised to reapply with other eligible PMBs. Those who have made upfront payments were urged to contact the affected institutions for the next line of action.

News

VIDEO: How ‘Close Friend’ Leaked Cat Secret To Security During My House Invasion — Sunday Igboho

Published

12 hours ago

August 23, 2025

Editor

Yoruba Nation agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has opened up again on the July 1, 2021 midnight invasion of his Ibadan residence by security operatives, including the Department of State Services (DSS).

Speaking during a visit to the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, at his palace in Ondo State, Igboho alleged that the attack was carried out with the intent to take his life.

“When my house was invaded, they wanted to kill me but failed. Some said my intestines were shattered, others said my leg was broken, but there was nothing of such. They fired guns at me very well, but the prayers of you my fathers on me were answered.”

According to him, the DSS operatives forcefully gained entrance into his residence and pointed a gun at his Personal Assistant so he could lead them to his room.

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Death of cat after friend’s betrayal

While recalling the invasion, Igboho said one of his trusted friends betrayed him by leaking sensitive information about his cat to the operatives.

He disclosed that the so-called ‘trusted’ friend had told the agents not to let the cat escape, which led to the security operatives killing the animal.

“When I opened the door of my room for them, they saw my cat on the bed. One of my friends that I entrusted with secret had told them not to let the cat go. So they killed the cat and wrapped it with clothes like a corpse. They destroyed everywhere in the house and killed one of my brothers alongside one other person and they left,” he narrated.

Appeal to the Olowo

Speaking at the palace of the Olowo, Igboho said his absence from the country had lasted about five years and that he was eager to return to contribute to tackling insecurity in the South-West.

“But why I came to meet you Kabiesi is that till when will I be doing that. Nigeria is my motherland. This is about five years since I’ve been chased from here. Tinubu is your son, you can convince him to free me. If not for the wanted tag on me, I would have come to Nigeria to face the insecurity facing the South-West region. I would have entered the bush and faced them,” Igboho pleaded with the monarch.

Monarch’s response
In his response, Oba Ogunoye described Igboho as a beacon of hope for his generation and future ones, urging him not to be discouraged by the challenges he has faced.

The monarch enjoined Igboho and his supporters to remain law-abiding amid ongoing challenges.

He assured him of continued support and called for peace and cooperation across South-West communities, noting that no region can achieve sustainable development without security.
(TRIBUNE)