![Rev. Fr. Anthony Odiong, a US-based Nigerian Louisiana Catholic priest, was arrested in Florida on Tuesday for possessing child pornography, according to law authorities. The suspect is reportedly accused of many other cases of sexual assault. The Waco, Texas, Police Department announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday that officers detained Father Anthony Odiong in Ave Maria, Florida, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Waco police announced in March that they had received "credible information" about a sexual assault allegedly committed by Odiong in Texas in 2012. “During the subsequent investigation, a case of possession of child pornography was uncovered,” the police said. The priest was apprehended in Florida by the Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force. The Waco Police Department said that he will be extradited to Texas. Odiong had previously served in the Archdiocese of New Orleans before being removed as priest in December of last year due to controversy over homilies in which he claimed, among other things, that the Catholic Church was being taken over by "the gays." At the time, the priest was also accused of abusive behaviour; a Louisiana lady claimed in U.S. bankruptcy court that Odiong had committed both financial and sexual abuse against her. Prior to joining the New Orleans Archdiocese, Odiong served in at least two Texas parishes. On Tuesday, Waco police stated that during their sexual assault investigation, "the presence of other survivors was revealed." “Multiple women have come forward to tell similar experiences as the sexual assault survivor who reported the initial allegation,” the police department said. “Survivors’ experiences ranged from sexual assault and indecent assault, more commonly recognised as groping, and financial abuse, with some survivors experiencing every element of Anthony Odiong’s manipulation.” The police said they “believe there may be more survivors, and we wish to speak with anyone who [has] had similar encounters” with the priest. The Archdiocese of New Orleans issued a brief news release on Tuesday noting Odiong's arrest in Florida. The archdiocese “encourages anyone with any information to contact law enforcement,” the release said.](https://chronicle.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ezgif-6-4730550ede-300x200.jpg "Odiong: US-based Nigerian Catholic priest convicted over sexual assault")
Troops of the Nigerian military have eliminated numerous terrorists, detained at least 100 suspects, and saved a minimum of 29 abducted individuals in several missions throughout the nation.
The Director of Media Operations for Defence, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, revealed this on Monday in Abuja while providing updates on the results of current military operations from January 19 to January 23.
Onoja stated that the operations, conducted in collaboration with other security forces, were based on intelligence and executed with professionalism, strict compliance with the Rules of Engagement, and consideration for international humanitarian law and human rights.
He stated that the ongoing offensive operations disrupted terrorist and criminal organizations, resulted in the seizure of significant amounts of weapons and ammunition, and brought a degree of tranquility back to various affected neighborhoods.
In the Northeast, Onoja reported that Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai eliminated numerous Boko Haram, ISWAP, and JAS terrorists during missions across Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states.
He reported that seven individuals were arrested and four abducted victims were saved in the Damboa, Askira/Uba, Chibok, Mafa, Gwoza, and Biu local government areas (LGAs) of Borno, in addition to the Michika and Damaturu LGAs of Adamawa and Yobe states.
“Air interdiction and armed reconnaissance missions carried out in the Damboa, Abadam, and Doron Duguri areas of Borno State resulted in multiple precision strikes.
“Battle damage assessment confirmed that dozens of terrorists were neutralized and their equipment destroyed,” he said.
In the Northwest, Onoja reported that Operation Fansan Yamma forces eliminated multiple terrorists, detained 10 suspects, and freed seven individuals who had been kidnapped during missions in Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, and Kaduna states.
He mentioned that firearms, cars, and stolen livestock were also retrieved.
The defense spokesperson announced that forces of Operation Enduring Peace in North Central eliminated some extremists, arrested 39 offenders, and freed four abducted individuals during activities in Plateau and regions of Kaduna states.
He mentioned that weapons and ammunition were seized, including 4,500 dollars linked to profits from cattle theft.
In the same vein, Onoja noted that Operation Whirl Stroke troops apprehended 11 alleged kidnappers and freed six abducted individuals in Benue, Taraba, Kogi, Kwara, and Nasarawa states and the Federal Capital Territory.
In the South-South, Onoja reported that troops from Operation Delta Safe dismantled 20 unlawful refining locations and apprehended 31 oil thieves and other offenders throughout Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers, and Imo states.
In the Southeast, Onoja reported that Operation Udo Ka troops freed eight Cameroonian citizens taken by sea pirates in Cross River State, apprehended three suspects in Anambra State, and accepted the surrender of approximately 80 militants along with their weapons and ammunition.
He reiterated the Armed Forces’ dedication to safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and ensuring the safety of citizens, urging the media to maintain responsible and precise reporting in support of national security initiatives
![Rev. Fr. Anthony Odiong, a US-based Nigerian Louisiana Catholic priest, was arrested in Florida on Tuesday for possessing child pornography, according to law authorities. The suspect is reportedly accused of many other cases of sexual assault. The Waco, Texas, Police Department announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday that officers detained Father Anthony Odiong in Ave Maria, Florida, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Waco police announced in March that they had received "credible information" about a sexual assault allegedly committed by Odiong in Texas in 2012. “During the subsequent investigation, a case of possession of child pornography was uncovered,” the police said. The priest was apprehended in Florida by the Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force. The Waco Police Department said that he will be extradited to Texas. Odiong had previously served in the Archdiocese of New Orleans before being removed as priest in December of last year due to controversy over homilies in which he claimed, among other things, that the Catholic Church was being taken over by "the gays." At the time, the priest was also accused of abusive behaviour; a Louisiana lady claimed in U.S. bankruptcy court that Odiong had committed both financial and sexual abuse against her. Prior to joining the New Orleans Archdiocese, Odiong served in at least two Texas parishes. On Tuesday, Waco police stated that during their sexual assault investigation, "the presence of other survivors was revealed." “Multiple women have come forward to tell similar experiences as the sexual assault survivor who reported the initial allegation,” the police department said. “Survivors’ experiences ranged from sexual assault and indecent assault, more commonly recognised as groping, and financial abuse, with some survivors experiencing every element of Anthony Odiong’s manipulation.” The police said they “believe there may be more survivors, and we wish to speak with anyone who [has] had similar encounters” with the priest. The Archdiocese of New Orleans issued a brief news release on Tuesday noting Odiong's arrest in Florida. The archdiocese “encourages anyone with any information to contact law enforcement,” the release said.](https://chronicle.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ezgif-6-4730550ede-450x300.jpg "Odiong: US-based Nigerian Catholic priest convicted over sexual assault")
