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Group accuses CSOs of misinformation on Benue crisis
Group accuses CSOs of misinformation on Benue crisis
The Unity Advocacy Group (UAG) has criticized the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety), accusing the civil society organisation of spreading misinformation and demonstrating a lack of understanding regarding military operations in Benue State.
Intersociety had recently accused the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, of showing bias in the wake of the Benue killings.
The group also claimed that General Musa’s remarks on the need for ranches amounted to a subtle endorsement of lawlessness and an attempt to further the islamisation of the Middle Belt.
General Musa, in a previous statement, had proposed controlling the movement of livestock across the region as a way of addressing the long-standing farmer-herder conflict.
According to the CDS, “In doing that, it is important we create ranches… Ranches will do a great deal in securing our control and will prevent the conflict between the Farmer-Herders clashes.”
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He also urged farmers to refrain from killing stray animals that enter their farms, advocating instead for due process: “Animals should be arrested and compensations are made.”
In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by its Convener, Ifeanyi Aigbedion, UAG described Intersociety’s claims as baseless and misleading.
“Intersociety should as a matter of urgency apologize to the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the CDS for the misinformation they just churned out,” the group said.
“We are not here to defend anyone, but as stakeholders in the Nigeria project, we urge the group to investigate very well before going to the press to churn out lies.
“It is even shameful that the Group will associate the CDS with killers and marauders. CDS just made a suggestion which to any genuinely concerned Nigerian, will bring a stop to invasion of farmlands by animals.”
UAG also urged civil society organisations, non-governmental bodies, the media, and other relevant actors to verify information thoroughly before making public statements.
“We should not raise alarm or weaken the resolve of our troops,” the statement said.
Group accuses CSOs of misinformation on Benue crisis
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Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu
Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu
The Delta State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the murder of retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu in Anambra State, arresting key suspects linked to the case.
Spokesperson SP Bright Edafe disclosed on Sunday that operatives of the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), acting on credible intelligence, apprehended 25-year-old security guard Godwin Mngumi on 6 December 2025. Mngumi allegedly murdered the retired judge, and authorities also recovered the deceased’s mobile phone from him.
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According to Edafe, Mngumi confessed to inviting a friend, Nnaji Obalum, and another accomplice — who remains at large — to the residence where the crime was committed. Obalum has since been arrested, while a manhunt continues for the third suspect.
The arrests mark a major step forward in the effort to bring all perpetrators of the high-profile murder to justice.
Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu
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Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes
Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes
The Delta State Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, has made significant strides in its ongoing campaign against cultism and violent crimes. Recent operations, including an intelligence-led arms recovery in Abraka and the arraignment of 18 suspects, highlight the command’s intensified enforcement efforts across the state.
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Spokesperson SP Bright Edafe said on Saturday that the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), under ASP Julius Robinson, executed a successful operation on December 6, 2025, targeting cult-related activities and the proliferation of illegal firearms. Acting on credible intelligence, officers conducted a coordinated search at No. 2 Umeghe Community, Abraka, the residence of Isiakpere Friday, 67.
The move underscores the Delta State Police’s commitment to restoring safety and security in communities affected by criminal and cult-related activities.
Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes
metro
Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency
Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency
The Nigerian Army has temporarily frozen both statutory and voluntary retirements for certain officers, including Generals, following the nationwide security emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu. The decision aims to bolster manpower as the country faces a surge in kidnappings and worsening insecurity.
The move comes after more than 600 abduction cases were reported in November 2025, including the kidnapping of over 300 students in Niger State, 38 worshippers in Kwara State, and 25 students in Kebbi State.
An internal circular dated December 3 and signed by Maj. Gen. E. I. Okoro on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff cited provisions in the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service Officers (HTACOS) 2024, allowing service extensions “in the interest of the service.” The memo explains that officers usually retire upon reaching age limits, completing 35 years of service, or failing promotion/conversion boards, but these rules can be overridden during national emergencies.
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The suspension affects officers who have:
- Failed promotion examinations three times
- Been passed over repeatedly at promotion boards
- Reached rank age limits
- Failed conversion boards thrice
- Completed 35 years of service
Officers granted extensions will remain in service but will not be eligible for further promotions, courses, secondments, or extra-regimental appointments. Those unwilling to continue can still proceed with standard exit procedures.
Commanders have been instructed to communicate the directive and manage morale across units, with the policy to be reviewed once national security conditions improve.
Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency
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