It is now total war on bandits, terrorists and criminal elements behind the escalation of insecurity in parts of the country, the Federal Government said yesterday.

It added that the declaration of security emergency by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given the military the marching order to take the war to the terrorists and bandits in a major push to end the insecurity in the country.

Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris said this in Lokoja, Kogi State capital...TAP TO CONTINUE FULL READING.

He spoke at the 10th memorial anniversary for former Kogi State Governor, Prince Abubakar Audu.

The minister quoted the President as vowing to hunt down the enemies of the country, reform the national security architecture and restore peace.

Idris, who represented the President at the event, said: “Prince Audu understood that democracy is only as strong as the prosperity and security of its people. He was a builder.”

He added: “The recent Declaration of a State of Emergency on national security underscores the gravity with which we view this challenge. This is not a mere proclamation; it is a declaration of war against all forms of insecurity. As part of this, we have immediately begun the process of expanding the capacity of our armed forces and security agencies in numbers, in advanced weaponry, and in intelligence capabilities.

“We will hunt the enemies of our state wherever they may be and restore the peace that is the rightful inheritance of every Nigerian.”

The President insisted that reform of the security architecture would start with the setting up of state police.

He said: “To secure our people permanently, we must reform the architecture of our security. This is why my administration is courageously championing the establishment of State Police.

“We believe that a more localised, community-sensitive security structure is vital to complement the valiant efforts of our national forces. It will also boost employment.

“This is a bold, necessary constitutional step, one that requires our collective will, and we are committed to seeing it through.

“We are actively presenting the true picture of Nigeria to the world, a nation where people of different faiths live, work, and pray side-by-side in peace. We will not relent until the world sees us for who we truly are.”

He noted that the recent setbacks and security challenges have tested the nation’s resolve. The President said ensuring safety and welfare of Nigerians required a decisive action.

President Tinubu emphasised that the security emergency signalled a renewed commitment to the expansion of security manpower, modernised intelligence, and strategic reforms.

He explained that the Federal Government is also intensifying international diplomacy to correct false narratives that misrepresent Nigeria’s religious harmony and peaceful co-existence.

At the weekend, the military swooped on terrorists’ camps in Katsina and Borno states with airstrikes.

Many abducted persons were also rescued by troops.

NAF strikes in Katsina, troops repel ISWAP in Chibok

Precision airstrikes by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and coordinated land operations by troops have continued to degrade terror networks in the country.

Security agents were also confronted with fresh cases of abductions in Kogi, Kwara, Kano and Taraba states.

NAF spokesman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said yesterday that fighter jets under Operation FANSAN YAMMA conducted two intelligence-driven strikes on Thursday, destroying fortified hideouts of terror kingpins in Kankara, Faskari and Malumfashi councils of Katsina State.

The first strike about 6:30am levelled the camp of a notorious kidnap leader, while a second attack at 5:55pm hit another enclave in Danfako, destroying structures, logistics hubs and neutralising several insurgents.

In Borno State, NAF aircraft also supported ground troops of 28 Task Force Brigade, Sector 4 of Operation HADIN KAI, to repel a coordinated ISWAP/Boko Haram assault on Chibok. Four precision strikes on regrouping fighters along their escape routes inflicted heavy casualties and disrupted the terrorists’ withdrawal.

“Additional precision strikes on fleeing fighters further disrupted their withdrawal and shattered their ability to reorganise.

“The integrated air-ground response ensured the terrorists suffered substantial casualties while protecting the community and preventing a resurgence of the offensive,” Air Commodore Ejodame said.

Troops rescue seven kidnap victims in Kano

Troops of Operation MESA, under 3 Brigade rescued seven abducted persons during a late-night operation in Tsanyawa Local Government of Kano State.

The operation followed a distress call from Yankamaye Cikin Gari village where a 60-year-old woman was killed. Four other victims remain missing as troops pursue the fleeing bandits toward Kankia in neighbouring Katsina.

Four militia members killed, policeman arrested in Taraba

In Taraba State, troops of 6 Brigade neutralised four militia members during an operation to quell renewed communal clashes between Shomo and Wurkun communities in Karim Lamido Local Government.

Brigade spokesman Lt. Umar Muhammad said a serving police officer allegedly found operating with the militia was arrested for investigation. Weapons, ammunition and motorcycles were recovered.

“Subsequent exploitation of the area led to recovery of three dane guns, fabricated AK-47 rifle, 25 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and two motorcycles.

“One personnel of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) found operating with the militia was arrested. He is undergoing further investigation and profiling to determine his level of involvement,” he said.

Pastor, wife, church members abducted in Kogi

A Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, Yagba West Local Government of Kogi State was yesterday attacked by gunmen, who kidnapped the officiating pastor, identified as Orlando, his wife and several worshippers during service. The attack forced congregants to flee amid heavy gunfire.

Information Commissioner Kingsley Fanwo said security agencies and local vigilante structures launched an operation to rescue the victims.

“Yes, I have information to that effect and I am also aware that the security network, comprising conventional security agencies and the local security architecture are doing what they should do.

“The authorities of Yagba West Local Government are working hard with the security agencies to ensure those kidnapped are rescued alive. The perpetrators too know that Kogi will do everything possible to secure every one of its residents abducted,” said the commissioner.

He urged residents to report suspicious movements and advised worship centres in remote locations to remain vigilant.

Abductors of Kwara monarch demand N150m

In Kwara State, kidnappers of the Ojibara of Bayagan, Alhaji Kamilu Salami, have demanded N150m ransom. They were said to have contacted his family to make their demands known.

The monarch was abducted from his farm in Ifelodun Local Government on Saturday. His abandoned motorcycle was discovered by other farmers, prompting a search.

A witness who hid in a guinea-corn farm reportedly saw the monarch being forced onto a motorcycle.

Police were yet to confirm the incident as at last night.

Bride, bridesmaid, eight others kidnapped in Sokoto

Spokesman of the Sokoto State Police Command, Ahmad Rufa’I, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), yesterday confirmed abduction of a bride-to-be, her close friend and eight others in the state.

They were kidnapped by suspected bandits in a fresh attack on Chacho community in Wurno Local Government of Sokoto State about 1:30 am.

All the victims were women, except for a man. One person, who sustained injuries during the attack, was taken to a facility for medical attention.

Residents claimed that the bride was preparing for her wedding scheduled for yesterday when the attackers struck.

A community member, who did not want his name in print, described the incident as tragic.

He said her wedding was supposed to hold this morning. Instead, she and the bridesmaids were abducted.

He added that security operatives were alerted during the attack but arrived about an hour after the gunmen had fled, a delay he said has left villagers frustrated.

DSP Rufa’i, who confirmed the incident, noted that preliminary information had been received and further details were being compiled.

The attack is the latest in a string of mass abductions that has rocked parts of the country.