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REVEALED: Why Kidnapping Is Thriving In Nigeria – Rtd General

Published

2 years 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

Senate Confirms New FCC Chairman, Approves 37 Commissioners

Published

7 hours ago

November 27, 2025

Editor

The Senate on Thursday confirmed Hon. Ayo Omidiran, a former member of the House of Representatives, as the Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC).

At the same time, 37 commissioners representing the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) were approved.

The confirmation followed the adoption of the report by the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs, presented by Chairman Senator Allwell Heacho Onyesoh.

He informed the Senate that all nominees had successfully passed thorough screenings, submitted required documents—including Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) clearances, police reports, DSS vetting, and curriculum vitae—and had no criminal petitions filed against them.

The Senate conducted a state-by-state review in the Committee of the Whole, which was adopted when lawmakers returned to plenary.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, addressing the chamber after the unanimous confirmation, urged the appointees to serve with dedication and uphold public trust.

“Go and serve in the interest of the nation. I congratulate all the nominees and wish them a successful tenure,” he said.

Notable appointees include Peter Ogbonna Eze (Enugu State) and AbdulWasiu Kayode Bawa-Allah (Lagos State), while Mohammed Musa was retained as Secretary of the Commission.

Other confirmed commissioners are: Obinna Oriaku (Abia); Lawal Ya’u Roni (Jigawa); Abubakar Atiku Bunu (Kebbi); Eludayo Eluyemi (Osun); Bema Olvadi Madayi (Adamawa); Dora Ebong (Akwa Ibom); Nnoli Nkechi Gloria (Anambra); Babangida Adamu Gwana (Bauchi); Sir Tonye Okio (Bayelsa); Aligba Eugene Tarkende (Benue); Engr. Modu Mustapha (Borno); Dr. Stella Odey Ekpo (Cross River); Ederin Lovette Idisi (Delta); Barr. Nwokpor Vincent Nduka (Ebonyi); Hon. Victor Sabor Edoror (Edo); Hon. Sola Fokanle (Ekiti); Ibrahim Baba Mairiga (Gombe); Hon. Jerry Alagbaoso (Imo); Ruth Jumai Ango (Kaduna); Muhammad Awwal Nayya (Kano); Hon. Anas Isah (Katsina); Bello Idris Eneye (Kogi); Dr. Ibrahim Abdullahi (Kwara); Alh. Isah Jibrin (Niger); Comrade Ajimudu Bola (Ondo); Prince Ayodeji Aleshinloye (Oyo); Hon. Pam Bolman (Plateau); Aaron Chukwuemeka (Rivers); Alh. Aminu Tambar (Sokoto); Bobboi Bala Kaigama (Taraba); Hon. Jibir Maigari (Yobe); Sani Garba (Zamfara); and Solomon Ayuba Dagami (FCT).

The Senate expressed confidence that the newly confirmed FCC leadership will enhance the commission’s capacity to promote equitable representation across Nigeria’s public institutions.

News

Tinubu Constitutes Membership For US–Nigeria Security Working Group

Published

8 hours ago

November 27, 2025

Editor

President Bola Tinubu has approved the formation of the Nigerian delegation to the US–Nigeria Joint Working Group, a bilateral initiative aimed at strengthening cooperation on security matters.

The decision follows a recent visit to Washington DC by a high-level Nigerian delegation led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. Ribadu will head the multi-agency team, which includes senior officials from key security and foreign policy institutions.

According to a statement signed by the President’s aide, Bayo Onanuga, members of the working group include the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar; Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar; Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Bernard M. Doro; Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Amb. Mohammed Mohammed; and Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun.

“Ms Idayat Hassan of the Office of the National Security Adviser and Mr Paul Alabi of the Embassy of Nigeria in the US will serve as the secretariat,” the statement added.

Tinubu urged the team to engage closely with their American counterparts to ensure the implementation of security agreements reached during the visit. The working group is tasked with coordinating bilateral efforts on counter-terrorism, defence cooperation, and regional stability.

The initiative has gained prominence following recent remarks by US leadership. US President Donald Trump designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged religious-freedom violations and warned of possible military intervention should attacks on Christians persist, increasing pressure on the Nigerian government to strengthen its security response.

Bilateral cooperation
Recall that last week, a high-level Nigerian delegation led by Ribadu concluded a series of engagements with United States officials aimed at reinforcing bilateral security cooperation.

The discussions, held in Washington DC, involved senior representatives from the US Congress, the White House Faith Office, the State Department, the National Security Council, and the Department of War.

During the meetings, the Nigerian delegation rejected allegations of genocide in the country, emphasising that violent attacks affect communities across religious and ethnic lines.

“Wrongful framing of the situation would only divide Nigerians and distort the realities on the ground,” the delegation stated.

The United States expressed readiness to deepen security support, including enhanced intelligence sharing, expedited processing of defence equipment requests, and the potential provision of excess defence articles, subject to availability, to bolster ongoing counter-terrorism operations. Additional support in the form of humanitarian assistance and technical aid to strengthen early-warning mechanisms was also discussed.

Both nations agreed to implement a non-binding cooperation framework immediately and to establish a Joint Working Group to coordinate efforts across the agreed areas. The Nigerian delegation reaffirmed the government’s commitment to civilian protection measures and the safeguarding of vulnerable communities, particularly in the Middle Belt region.

The Nigerian delegation included Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, Attorney General of the Federation; General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff; Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Parker Undiandeye, Chief of Defence Intelligence; Mr Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector General of Police; Ambassador Ibrahim Babani, Director of Foreign Relations at the Office of the National Security Adviser; and Ms Idayat Hassan, Special Adviser to the NSA.

The Federal Government highlighted that the engagements provided an opportunity to correct misconceptions about Nigeria, build trust, and advance a coordinated approach to protecting citizens.

It urged the public to remain assured that coordinated measures are being taken to enhance security nationwide.

News

Edo Assembly Invites Obaseki, Others For Questioning Over MOWAA

Published

10 hours ago

November 27, 2025

Editor

The controversy surrounding the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) and Radisson Hotel, remains unabated as Edo State House of Assembly Ad-Hoc Committee investigating the matter has invited a former governor of the state, Godwin Obaseki for questioning.

A statement by Secretary of the Ad-hoc Committee, Bekisu Oshone, on Thursday, stated that the former governor and others are expected to appear on December 4, 2025.

Other persons invited by the committee are a former Edo Finance Commissioner, Joseph Eboigbe, former Attorney General of Edo State, Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi, MOWAA’s Director, Philip Iheanacho and Managing Director, Tilbury House Nigeria Limited.

According to her, others invited are Project Manager of Hospitality Investment and Management Company, Pramod Thorat, Managing Director, Afrinvest Capital Limited, Ugochukwu Anigbogu, Managing Director, Meristem Trustees Limited and
Managing Director, Emerging Africa Trustees Limited.

The statement reads: “The Edo State House of Assembly Ad hoc Committee constituted to investigate the Museum of West African Arts and Radisson Hotel invites former Governor Godwin Obaseki and 10 others/organization (listed above) to appear before the committee for public hearing on December 4.”

She said attendance by Obaseki and others was required as part of the committee’s investigation.

The former governor and other invitees are expected to give insights into funding of the Radisson Hotel.

The MOWAA and Radisson Hotel were both conceptualized by Obaseki.

While first phase of the MOWAA has been completed, Radisson Hotel is near completion.

Recall that an exhibition at the museum turned chaotic on November 9 after angry protesters stormed the venue, forcing a high-profile event to shut down abruptly.

The preview opening, described as a private exhibition for investors, artists, and foreign envoys, quickly descended into panic when a mob claiming the museum belonged to the Oba of Benin breached parts of the premises.