Troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke have arrested 12 persons suspected to be involved in kidnapping and other vices.

Captain Olubodunde Oni acting Assistant Director, 6 Brigade Army Public Relations Jalingo who disclosed this in a statement yesterday in Jalingo, said that the troops recovered one locally made pistol, 14 motorcycles and two bags of Indian Hemp.

“Following a distress call from the residents of Chachanji village regarding the abduction of two individuals by a group of about 10 armed men on motorcycles on November 7, 2024 ,and acting immediately, troops launched a rapid response operation aimed at rescuing the victims and intercepting the kidnappers.

“Upon making contact with the armed group, the superior firepower of the troops forced the kidnappers to withdraw deep into the bush, leaving behind their locally fabricated pistol and two bags of Indian hemp. The troops’ thorough exploitation of the area prevented further criminal activity and disrupted the kidnappers’ operations.

“In a subsequent follow-up operation which was based on credible intelligence, troops on November 9 arrested 12 suspects and seized 14 motorcycles at a local drinking joint in Mbhakyir village close to Agu Centre. During an intensive interrogation, the arrested suspects admitted to being part of the kidnapping operation and identified their leader as a notorious terrorist who has been on the wanted list of security agencies for orchestrating criminal activities in parts of southern Taraba and Benue states.

“The suspects further confessed that Veior was with them at Agu centre on November 5,2024, before the killing of two locals and abduction of two individuals on November, 6 and 7 respectively at Chachanji general area. They added that Veior was displeased with the locals in Chachanji, hence he wanted to ensure the market is closed down by putting fear and terror in the mind of both buyers and sellers.

“While commending the efforts of local residents for their cooperation and encouraging them to continue providing timely and credible information to facilitate security operations. 6 Brigade Nigerian Army remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all communities within its area of operation. Members of the public are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to security agencies” the statement reads in part”.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has accused the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank and other Western machineries of deliberate efforts to destroy the public university system in Nigeria.

Its President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, stated this at the 2024 ASUU Heroes’ Day celebration, in Abuja, yesterday.

He said the day was set aside a few years ago to honour members who made great sacrifices for the Nigeria educational system in general and the Nigerian public university system in particular.

He said: “Sadly, this year’s celebration of our heroes is also taking place as we continue with the struggle to rescue Nigeria’s public universities from the suffocating clutches of the World Bank and the IMF, whose determination to destroy and bury our public university system has not abated.

“It is rather lamentable that we are still in the struggle to compel the renegotiation of our 2009 agreement with the Federal Government since it should have been concluded and four circles of renegotiation thereafter.

“It is most disheartening that despite the several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), and Memoranda of Action (MoAs), the ASUU/FGN 2009 agreement is yet to be renegotiated and sighted.

“The situation has been further complicated with the enforcement and persistence of IPPIS on the public universities even with the directives of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to exit the tertiary education institutions thereof.

“Not to be forgotten is our three and half months’ salaries that are still unjustly withheld. The arrears of wages award, promotions arrears, and Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) are also still outstanding.

“At the state universities, our members are still being punished for fighting for the interest of members and the university system. Let me re-emphasise that we stand with our members in Kogi State University, Lagos State University, Ebonyi State University, and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, in their persecution for their principled support and solidarity in the struggle for the defence of the soul of public university education in Nigeria.”

Meanwhile, 14 members who were found to have contributed significantly in the Union’s struggle for a better university system and working environment for its members, were honoured.

Immediate-past Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Abubakar Rasheed and former Secretary General, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Peter Ozo-Eson, were among those honoured.

Others were Prof. Uzodimma Nwala, Prof. Oye Oyediran, Prof. Imeh Ikiddeh, Prof. Sola Olukunle, Tunde Oduleye, Akin Oyebode, Mustapha A. Danesi, Prof. Bright Ekuerhare, Mallam Bashir Kurfi, Mr. S.A. Fadipe, Nasir Hussain, and A.T. Gana.

Executive Secretary, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Sonny Echono, in his remarks, appreciated ASUU leadership for the industrial peace being experienced in the university system.

He assured them of the commitment of the Fund to any course that will strengthen the tertiary education system for visible socioeconomic growth and development.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has launched the Students Anti-Corruption Vanguard (SAV), an initiative aimed at empowering young Nigerians to take an active stand against corruption in the country.

Addressing the new members of the Vanguard, who are students from various tertiary institutions, on Tuesday in Abuja, the Secretary to the Commission, Barr. Cliford Oparaodu, stated that youth play a critical role in combating corruption and fostering a culture of transparency and integrity in society.

The Secretary noted that 60% of the country’s population is under the age of thirty, with the passion, energy, and creativity needed to address corruption.

Represented by Mr. Demola Bakare, Acting Director of Public Enlightenment and Education, he stressed that corruption has long hampered national development, eroded public trust, and perpetuated poverty, inequality, and injustice, making it crucial for the younger generation to understand its impact and be actively involved in the fight.

“Education and awareness are powerful tools in combating corruption. As young Nigerians, we must strive to educate ourselves about the detrimental effects corruption has on our society.

We must understand that corruption not only stifles economic growth but also perpetuates poverty, inequality, and injustice. By equipping ourselves with this knowledge, and building capacity for anti-corruption, we can become advocates for change, spreading awareness among our peers, families, and communities,” he said.

Oparaodu also highlighted the role of technology, encouraging youths to leverage their technological skills to enhance transparency and accountability. “Embracing technology can be a game-changer in our fight against corruption. We are living in an era of unprecedented technological advancements, and Nigerian youths have proven themselves adept at utilizing these tools.

We must harness the power of technology to increase transparency, enhance accountability, and improve governance. Mobilizing our coding skills, data analysis abilities, and social media prowess, we can expose corrupt practices, track public spending, and facilitate citizen participation in anti-corruption initiatives,” he remarked.

The Secretary also emphasized the importance of youth engagement in politics, advocating for ethical leadership, and holding elected officials accountable.

“As young Nigerians, we must challenge the status quo, advocate for ethical leadership, and demand accountability from our elected representatives,” he added.

He concluded by calling on the youth to unite, collaborate with civil society, and work towards a corruption-free Nigeria.