How Military Eliminated Kachalla Fadama, Ameer Modu, 4 Other Wanted Terrorist Leaders in August
The Defense Headquarters has reported significant progress in ongoing operations across the country, resulting in a substantial weakening of terrorist groups. During the month under review, Troops neutralized 1,166 terrorists and arrested 1,096 suspected terrorists and criminal elements, while also rescuing 721 kidnapped hostages. Among those taken off the battlefield were key terrorist leaders and commanders, including Munir Arika, Sani Dilla, and Ameer Modu in the Northeast, and Kachalla Dan Ali Garin Fadama, Sani Baka Tsine, and Ibrahim in the Northwest. The strategy of dismantling these terror groups by targeting their leadership, commanders, and collaborators is significantly diminishing their capacity to carry out major offensives. Additionally, the military recovered 391 weapons, over 15,000 rounds of ammunition, and disrupted oil theft activities worth over N5 billion.
MARITIME SECURITY
The Nigerian Navy, under Operation DELTA SANITY, continued its aggressive campaign against crude oil theft, resulting in the destruction of 15 illegal refinery sites, 17 wooden boats, and 10 refining ovens across Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta, and Ondo States. Notably, a massive refinery site with a capacity of 2 million liters per day was dismantled along the Ogoloma-Bakana waterways in Rivers State. Additionally, 72 bags of cannabis sativa were seized, and four suspects, including three Ghanaians and one Beninois, were arrested. These efforts have contributed to Nigeria’s crude oil production reaching 1.658 million barrels per day, reinforcing the Navy’s role in safeguarding the nation’s economic interests.
LAW ENFORCEMENT
NIGERIA POLICE FORCE AND OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES
The Nigeria Police Force conducted extensive operations during the nationwide ‘End Bad Governance in Nigeria’ protest, which spanned from August 1st to 10th. During this period, police arrested a total of 873 individuals across several states, including Kano, Jigawa, FCT, Katsina, Kebbi, Niger, Sokoto, Yobe, Borno, Edo, and Gombe. These arrests were made in connection with various criminal activities such as armed robbery, arson, and vandalism. Among the recoveries were two AK-47 rifles, assorted live ammunition, stolen items worth billions of naira, and Russian flags from the protesters. Additionally, a coordinated effort with other security agencies led to the arrest of nine suspects involved in a plot to destabilize the government with alleged foreign financial support. Notably, Andrew Whynne, a British national, and Lucky Ehis Obiyan were declared wanted for their alleged roles in terrorism financing.
In Lagos on August 1st, police apprehended two-armed robbery suspects and recovered two AK-47 rifles, one K2 assault rifle, and various ammunition. Similarly, On August 4th, the Anti-Kidnapping unit of Niger State intercepted a vehicle containing fifteen automatic pump-action rifles and thirty cartridges. In Taraba State on August 7th, a joint operation led to the neutralization of three bandits and the seizure of four AK-49 rifles and other ammunition. Further, between August 20th and 21st, the Katsina State Command successfully rescued thirty kidnapped victims from different locations, recovering one AK-47 rifle in the process. Additionally, on August 16th, the Kwara State Police Command, in collaboration with local vigilantes, rescued twenty kidnapped victims along the Osi/Obbo-Aiyegunle road.
Currently, ongoing joint operations coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) are targeting bandits and terrorists in the FCT and surrounding states. We anticipate continued success and will keep the public informed about our progress.
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CUSTODIAL MANAGEMENT
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has recently seen notable achievements and activities across various states. At the Female Custodial Facility in Auchi, four female inmates completed the June/July 2024 Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) organized by NECO, demonstrating their commitment to education despite their circumstances. Additionally, the service, in collaboration with the Chief Judges of Ondo and Gombe States, facilitated the release of 72 and 185 inmates respectively to alleviate overcrowding. This initiative is expected to be extended to other custodial centers as well.
ANTI-CORRUPTION CRUSADE
Gentlemen of the press, the EFCC and ICPC achieved significant milestones in their anti-corruption efforts. Notably, The EFCC in collaboration with Network of Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA) hosted the sixth Annual General Assembly from August 19-21 at ECOWAS’ Secretariat in Abuja, where Vice President Kassim Shetima represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The Assembly focused on implementing the ECOWAS anti-corruption protocol and featured the launch of an electronic learning studio at the EFCC Academy. During this period, the EFCC also arrested a syndicate involved in a $1 million fraud and identified impersonators posing as its staff. Meanwhile, the ICPC made notable progress in addressing corruption in the healthcare sector. They arrested healthcare workers for diverting supplies and uncovered tax evasion issues involving NASRDA and other MDAs. The Commission recovered N21,529,742.19, closed twelve cases, and conducted biometric capture of 85 public officials, recording 156 bank accounts under the PND portfolio.
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STRENGTHENING FINANCIAL SECURITY THROUGH INTELLIGENCE
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The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) made significant strides in advancing Nigeria’s financial integrity and combating financial crimes. The Hon. Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, inaugurated the NFIU’s First Management Retreat, acknowledging the Unit’s contributions to combating money laundering and terrorist financing, and its impact on increasing foreign investment. The NFIU also led an inaugural meeting with South Africa’s Financial Intelligence Centre to collaborate on a typologies study focused on money laundering by organized crime groups involved in drug trafficking, cybercrime, and fraud.
WAR ON NARCOTICS
In August 2024, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) achieved significant milestones in its operations. The agency made 1,821 arrests—1,640 males and 181 females—and seized 142,291.3 kilograms of various drugs. NDLEA charged 415 suspects, securing 414 convictions and asset forfeitures, and destroyed 49.63 hectares of cannabis farms. In drug demand reduction, 949 individuals were treated and rehabilitated, and 338 public enlightenment activities were conducted. Notably, two major drug barons were apprehended: Alhaji Sulaiman Jimoh (alias Olowoidiogede, known as Temo) was arrested in Mushin, Lagos, and Alhaji Suleman Ganiu Aremu was detained for cocaine trafficking in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, N280,389,068.08 was recovered from forfeited assets, and a workshop was held to bolster the Alternative Development Program.
EFFORTS TO COMBAT HUMAN TRAFFICKING
In August 2024, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) advanced its mission through a 5P approach: Prevention, Protection, Prosecution, Partnership, and Policy. For prevention, NAPTIP intensified awareness campaigns by deploying officers to schools and markets and observed the 2024 World Day against Trafficking in Persons with nationwide sensitization activities, including radio programs and town hall meetings. Despite court recess, NAPTIP pursued several human trafficking cases, notably prosecuting a high-profile organ harvesting case involving Alliance Hospital in Abuja. In protection efforts, the agency managed over 150 victims through its 13 shelters, offering counseling, rehabilitation, and educational opportunities. NAPTIP also strengthened partnerships with organizations like the U.S. Embassy, British High Commission, and UNODC, which supported its operations financially.
REVENUE GENERATION, SUPPRESSION OF SMUGGLING AND TRADE FACILITATION
In August 2024, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) achieved significant milestones across key areas, including revenue generation, enforcement activities, trade facilitation, and strategic stakeholders’ engagement. The NCS collected ₦277.5 billion in import duties and ₦15.8 billion in excise duties, reflecting its commitment to revenue maximization.
In an effort to suppress smuggling to the barest minimum, the NCS recorded 83 seizures across various commands, including 170,000 liters of PMS, 3,083 bags of foreign rice, 1,014 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, 23 vehicles, and other contraband, with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦975,066,791.65.
The NCS also intensified its “Operation Whirlwind” (OPWW) to combat the smuggling of petroleum products, especially in border states. The operation over the months have led to the interception of seven PMS trucks, the sealing of 12 retail outlets, and the seizure of 466,000 liters of PMS and 23 vehicles. Investigations have led to the prosecution of seven suspects, and three marketers have been fined by the NMDPRA, with sealed filling stations transferred for further action.
In trade facilitation, the NCS made strides through Time Release Studies, Advance ruling, stakeholder engagement, and the commencement of the Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) programme benefits for qualified approved operators. The AEO initiative, which aligns with global best practices, aims to enhance trade facilitation and bolster Nigeria’s position in the international trading community
NIGERIA IMMIGRATION SERVICE
In August 2024, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) advanced its capabilities with the near-completion of the NIS Technology Complex, featuring cutting-edge facilities and e-Border solutions. The new Visa Policy facilitated 8,352 Visas on Arrival. Anti-smuggling efforts led to 97 trafficked victims being intercepted, with 87 cases handed over to NAPTIP and 10 reunifications. The NIS also launched an anti-corruption campaign, conducted workshops at five international airports, and upgraded its Country Signing Certificate Authority (CSCA) and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) to meet ICAO standards. Additionally, NIS collaborated with the Netherlands on Hostmanship Training and eased out 61 foreign nationals to address irregular migration.
PROTECTION OF CRITICAL NATIONAL ASSETS AND INFRASTRUCTURE (CNAI)
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) during the period under review engaged in several strategic activities and achieved significant milestones. Key activities included the deployment of personnel to safeguard Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) during the 10-day #EndBadGovernanceProtests, strategic nationwide mobilization, and intensified surveillance of mining sites. The Corps effectively managed the protests, preventing extensive CNAI damage and dispersing violent protesters. Notably,141 suspected hoodlums were apprehended during the protests in Kano, with 104 of them being minors released on bail, while 37 faced prosecutions out of which 21 were convicted, and 16 pleaded not guilty. Additionally, the NSCDC’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’s SIS) uncovered a major illegal operation at Odagwa Creek in Etche Local Government Area, Rivers State. The squad discovered a clandestine trucking point used for siphoning crude oil and dismantled multiple massive reservoirs and packaged nylons filled with stolen crude. This operation was part of the Corps’ broader efforts to combat oil theft and ensure the security of the nation’s petroleum resources.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
FEDERAL ROAD SAFETY CORP KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
The FRSC also handled 691 road traffic crashes, rescuing 2,083 victims and arresting 51,485 traffic offenders. Key innovations include the launch of the FRSC App, which offers comprehensive services and real-time updates, and the National Road Traffic Crash Information System (NACRIS) for better data management and policy formulation. Additionally, over 200,000 National Drivers Licenses were produced, nine stolen vehicles were recovered, and a substantial number of number plates were produced and registered, showcasing the Corps’ commitment to improving road safety and efficiency.
NATIONAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (NEMA)
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has successfully completed the distribution of 42,000 metric tons of food commodities, as authorized by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to vulnerable Nigerians across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. This initiative was carried out in coordination with key stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the Department of State Services, anti-corruption agencies, and the Office of the National Security Adviser. NEMA is now focused on coordinating relief interventions, with current flood impacts reported as affecting 29 states, 154 local government areas, and displacing 225,169 people. Overall, 611,201 individuals have been impacted, 2,119 injured, 201 lives lost, 83,457 houses damaged, and 115,265 hectares of farmland affected.
CONCLUSION
Distinguished guest, these accomplishments highlight the dedication and resilience of our security and response agencies, who continue to work tirelessly in the face of evolving challenges. We commend the bravery and sacrifice of all personnel involved in these operations and urge the public to continue with their cooperation and support as we collectively strive towards a safer and more secure Nigeria.
