The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, on Wednesday, took delivery of 20 sets of improved version of Armoured Personnel Carrier (APCs) to boost the ongoing fight against insecurity.

This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, on Wednesday in Abuja.

Gusau said the delivery was done in a brief ceremony by the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defence, Dr Ibrahim Kana, on behalf of the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru in Abuja.

He said the APCs were improved version with improved weapons and communication systems that could locate adversaries from distance and engage them effectively.

According to him, they also allow for seamless military operations and the APCs were produced and supplied by an indigenous company based in Nigeria.

The Permanent Secretary described the consideration for contracting local manufacturers to produce the new APCs as a welcomed development.

He added that it would save the nation a lot of money, create employment and reduce over reliance on foreign currency.

In his response, the CDS thanked the Minister of Defence and pledged to put the carriers to optimum and judicious use.

He added that the machines would definitely boost the ongoing operations to rid the country of insecurity.

In a village in Mbano, Imo State, a woman named Sani Shukurat Oluwatosin bravely speaks out against a harmful and outdated cultural practice that has plagued her community for generations. The practice in question is female genital mutilation, a tradition that every female child in the village is forced to undergo.

Tragically, Sani’s first child, Bimbo, fell victim to this brutal practice and lost her life due to the unbearable pain and trauma inflicted upon her. Witnessing the devastating impact it had on her beloved daughter, Sani is determined to protect her second child, Aminat, from the same fate.

Driven by a mother’s love and a fierce desire to safeguard her child’s well-being, Sani is now seeking asylum abroad. Her goal is to escape the confines of this harmful tradition and provide a safe and secure future for Aminat, free from the shadows of the past that haunt her village.

By Austine Emmanuel, Kaduna

Kaduna State Police Command said they have arrested one suspect linked with the killings of six persons with several others injured in Ambe Community, Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna state.

The Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO) Kaduna State Command ASP Mansur Hassan, disclosed this to NewsDirect Correspondent in a phone conversation on Monday, said police is on top of the matter to fish out other masterminds of the incident.

The terrorists stormed a birthday party in the Ambe Community, Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Sunday night.

The youth leader of the community, Mr. Micah Aude, who confirmed the development, said the attackers invaded the community on motorbikes and opened fire on a particular house where a birthday celebration was taking place, but nobody was killed except those sitting around some shops.

Earlier in a press statement issued to journalists in Kaduna on Monday, the Honourable Member representing Jema’a and Sanga Federal Constituency Kaduna state, Hon. Daniel Amos condemned the incident and urged security agencies to fish out the perpetrators.

He lamented that the act is an attempt to destabilise the peace of the good people of his constituent and the state at large.

He said, “I am saddened by the news of the late night attack on the peaceful Ambe community in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State. According to reports reaching me, the brutal attack by suspected bandits claimed the lives of six innocent people, while eight others sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment.

“I strongly condemn this heinous act, which is another attempt to destabilise the peace and security in my constituency and our dear state. It is unacceptable that our people cannot live in peace without fear of being attacked by these criminal elements.

“I would like to use this opportunity to call on all residents of Sanga LGA to remain calm and peaceful, as we work towards finding a lasting solution to the insecurity in the area. We must continue to promote peaceful coexistence among our diverse communities, irrespective of our differences.

“I also call on the security agencies to act swiftly to apprehend the perpetrators of this evil act and bring them to justice. The safety of our people must remain a top priority. We cannot allow the criminals to continue to operate with impunity.”