The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has reported an early morning raid on its national headquarters, Right House, in Ikeja, Lagos by the Nigerian Police. According to a statement from CDHR’s National President, Comrade Debo Adeniran, and National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Idris Olayinka, police operatives blocked access to the building and disrupted plans for an Education Rights Campaign Symposium.

The CDHR condemned the police action as an infringement on the rights to peaceful assembly and free speech. They have called on the Inspector General of Police and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police to intervene and address what they describe as an unlawful obstruction of a scheduled event.

In a major security operation across Nigeria, the military reported the elimination of 108 terrorists and the rescue of 214 kidnapped hostages within a single week. This was revealed by Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, in a statement released on Friday in Abuja.

The operations led to the apprehension of 204 suspected terrorists and other criminal elements, as well as the recovery of 66 assorted weapons and over 4,000 rounds of ammunition. The military also seized various vehicles, motorcycles, and other equipment, including nearly N5 million in cash.

In the North East, troops under Operation Hadin Kai were particularly effective, neutralizing 47 terrorists, arresting 18 suspects, and rescuing 130 hostages. Additionally, 622 terrorists, including men, women, and children, surrendered during the operations.

In the North West, operations by troops under Hadarin Daji resulted in the neutralization of 15 terrorists and the rescue of 27 hostages across several states, including Kaduna and Katsina. The air component conducted successful airstrikes on terrorist hideouts, leading to the destruction of their camps and logistics.

Operations in the North Central, South-South, and South East regions also yielded significant results, with troops neutralizing insurgents, rescuing hostages, and disrupting illegal activities such as oil theft and refining.

All rescued hostages and recovered items have been handed over to the relevant authorities for further action.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed security agencies to intensify their efforts in combating illegal mining across Nigeria. The directive was issued during a presentation titled ‘Harnessing the Mining Industry for Enhanced National Security and Development: Strategic Options for Nigeria by 2035,’ delivered by Course 32 participants from the National Defence College (NDC) in Abuja.

Tinubu emphasized that his administration is committed to ensuring that companies involved in mineral exploration prioritize the health and safety of Nigerians and the communities where they operate. He praised the NDC participants for their in-depth study on the mining sector and urged them to use their findings to bolster national security and economic diversification.

The President highlighted the ongoing challenges posed by illegal mining and stressed the need for immediate action, noting that military officers are well-positioned to address these issues effectively. He also assured the delegation of his administration’s commitment to completing the NDC headquarters in Abuja.

During the session, Tinubu expressed concern about the health impacts of mining activities on local communities and called for the establishment of medical centers and other facilities to safeguard the well-being of those living near mining sites.

Rear Admiral Olumuyiwa Olotu, Commandant of the NDC, acknowledged the President’s support and outlined the college’s achievements since its founding, including its role as the ECOWAS Training Centre of Excellence for Peace Support Operations. He also requested further assistance to complete the college’s permanent site in Abuja, which has faced delays since 2010.

The 111 participants of NDC Course 32, including members from various Nigerian security agencies and international representatives, conducted an 11-month study on the factors affecting national security and development, with a focus on the mining industry.