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  • UPDATED: Former Army chief, Dambazau, ex-SGF, Yayale chair ACF’s committees on security, unity

    UPDATED: Former Army chief, Dambazau, ex-SGF, Yayale chair ACF’s committees on security, unity

    Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. AbdulRahman Dambazau, and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, have been appointed to lead two committees established by the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) focused on security and the unity of Northern Nigeria.

    In a statement released on Sunday, the ACF announced that these committees were formed to develop strategic blueprints to address critical issues facing Northern Nigeria.

    The Security Committee will be chaired by Lt. Gen. AbdulRahman Dambazau, with former Inspector General of Police, Mohammed D. Abubakar, serving as his deputy, according to the statement signed by ACF National Publicity Secretary, Professor Tukur Muhammad-Baba.

    The Committee on Unity, Peace, and Reconciliation will be led by Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, with former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, as his deputy.

    According to the statement, the Unity, Peace, and Reconciliation Committee, has the mandate of proposing realistic strategies to foster harmony and dialogue across Northern communities. 

    On the other hand, the Committee on Security has the mandate of suggesting ways out of the insecurity, which has had devastating effects on the people of the Region.

    The statement read: “Further to the resolution reached at the meeting of the Board of Trustees (BOT) of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), on 4th September, 2024, two Special Committees were set up to recommend blueprints as pathways for addressing key, pressing and critical issues of concern to Northern Nigeria.

    “Membership of the Committees was arrived at after due consultations with leaders of thought as to their wealth of experience and commitment to the relevant issues on hand, as follows: (1) Unity, Peace and Reconciliation Committee – predicated on based on the observation made about the deteriorating state of inter-group relations among the various Northern communities, which have been inimical to peaceful coexistence and development.

    Read Also: Reps member Dambazau drums support for Jibrin

    “Therefore, this Committee was charged with responsibility for proposing realistic mechanisms for strengthening Northern unity and to reinforce processes of mechanisms for regular consultations and dialogue.

    “This Committee has Alhaji (Dr.) Yayale Ahmed, CFR, Ajiyan Katagum with Engr Babachir Lawal as his Deputy.

    “Committee on Security – predicated on the unabating stage of insecurity in the North with a view to suggesting ways out of the quagmire in view of its devastating effects on the people. 

    This Committee has Lt. General Abdulrahman B. Dambazau (rtd), CFR, Baraden Kano and former Chief of Army Staff as Chairman with Alhaji Mohammed D. Abubakar, CFR, mni, Rtd Inspector General of Police as Deputy.

    “The Committees were inaugurated at Abuja by Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, Wazirin Dutse, on 30th September and 1st October, 2024, respectively, and are expected to submit their reports to ACF by the middle of November, 2024.

    “The ACF will in turn consider and discuss the reports and recommendations with the Governors of the Northern States for submission to the Federal Government and Agencies responsible for security as may be necessary or appropriate.

    “The inaugural meetings of the Committees were covered by a team of reporters from the ACF’s online Radio now under-going test runs,” the statement read.

  • Nigeria lacks adequate equipment to fight terrorism, says Dambazau

    •’Some of the security threats are politically-motivated’

    MINISTER of Interior Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau said yesterday that the country is faced with poor logistics, including inadequate weapons and ammunition, to tackle insecurity.

    He spoke in Abuja at an emergency one-day internal security summit to examine the reality of the present security situation within the country.

    Dambazau, who expressed sadness over the development, said: “There is also a general problem of command and control, indiscipline, poor attitude to duty and poor welfare among the personnel of the security agencies in the field, which ultimately impacts negatively on operational efficiency and corporate image of our services.

    “The prevalence of porous and poorly managed borders also makes it easy for trans-national criminal activities to flourish, especially trafficking in drugs and arms and movement of terrorists. In the same vein, the spread and access to smuggled weapons, particularly AK47 assault rifles, aggravates insecurity.”

    According to the minister, some of the threats were politically motivated from within the country.

    Dambazau added that some were induced from outside the country by those who were not comfortable with Nigeria’s potentials.

    The minister said government is presently pursuing the implementation of a tripartite agreement for the voluntary return of Nigerian refugees in Cameroon.

    Nigeria, he said, was also in the process of entering such agreement with Niger and Chad, where there are also thousands of Nigerian refugees.

    His words: “There are many challenges contributing to insecurity and impeding optimum performance of security agencies. I will mention a few of them. Notably, there is poor logistics, including weapons and ammunition.

    “So much has been happening in terms of criminal violence, specifically rural banditry, kidnapping, cattle-rustling, communal violence, herders-farmers conflict, etc, and of course the number of victims has been increasing. It is the responsibility of government to protect the lives and properties of its citizens, and we are the very people entrusted with that responsibility by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    “Of course, we all know that successes have been achieved regarding the degrading and dismantling the activities and structures of Boko Harem in the country, especially in the Northeast. But we also know that part of the frustration is that the leadership of this terrorist group has been unleashing suicide missions using particularly the girl-child against soft targets. We are also aware that post-conflict peace-building is of greater challenge, especially as regards rehabilitation and resettlement of the displaced persons, who are mostly women and children.

    “The success of our post-conflict peace-building efforts will largely depend on our ability to coordinate and execute reconstruction, rehabilitation, resettlement and reconciliation efforts, including de-radicalisation and counter-narrative programmes.”

    The take-off point for tackling insecurity in Nigeria, the minister said, is intelligence; actionable intelligence.

    He said: “Currently, there are very large swathes of ungoverned forests that are inter-connected, covering Zamfara, Sokoto, Kaduna, Katsina, Niger, Yobe Borno and Adamowa states, serving as sanctuaries for armed bandits and violent criminals. Over time, these bandits and other violent groups have perfected a pattern of launching indiscriminate attacks on hitherto peaceful communities, killing, maiming, abducting, raping and traumatising scores of defenceless citizens under several guises.

    “The areas worst hit by these attacks include Birin Gwari and the adjoin communities, southern parts of Kaduna. Large parts of Benue, Plateau, Taraba and Adamawa states. In the last few years, the entire Zamfara State has been reduced to a killing field to our collective shame.

    “Other adjoin states such as Katsina, Kogi and Sokoto states have experienced similar carnage from armed bandits. A few other sanctuaries exist, albeit to a lesser degree, across the geopolitical zones from whence criminal organisation unleash violence on hapless citizens in isolated communities and unsuspecting commuters of our’ vast national road networks. Particularly, Abuja-Kaduna road and Jos-Riyom axis have acquired notoriety for wanton premeditated killings of innocent way farers. This situation is exacerbated by the inability of vulnerable communities to promptly call for help in the event of attacks.”

    The minister assured that the outcome of the security deliberation would lead to the strengthening of Nigeria’s national security.

    The representative of the Minister of Defence, Brig. Gen. Umar Ibrahim, the representative of the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Vice Marshal Olusoji Awomodu and Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, (NIS), Muhammed Babandede also addressed the gathering.

     

     

     

  • Sokoto Attack: FG will beef up security – Dambazau

    Sokoto-Interior Minister Abdulrahman Dambazau on Friday reiterated Federal Government’s commitment to beef up security in areas affected by security challenges in the country and punish the perpetrators.

    Gunmen had on Tuesday attacked Gandi and Tabanni villages in Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State, killing 39 people, injuring and displacing many others.

    Dambazau who was on a condolence visit to Governor Aminu Tambuwal said President Muhammadu Buhari was worried over the incident and promised go after the perpetrators.

    He said that Buhari had pledged to live up to the expectation of protecting the lives and property of the people by beefing up security in the affected areas.

    “Measures to track the perpetrators have been put in place, and they will surely face the wrath of the law, ” Dambazau said.

    Tambuwal, who thanked the minister for the visit, said that the incident displaced about 10, 000 people currently camped in four different places.

    Dambazau was accompanied by the Comptroller-General of Nigerian Immigration Service, Muhammad Babandede, among others.

  • Kano agog as Dambazau becomes Baraden Kano

    The ancient city of Kano went agog, as the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo,  Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Saddiq Abubakar and Corps Marshal, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, witnessed the turbaning of the Interior minister, General  Abdulrahaman Dambazau, as the new Baraden Kano.

    Also, Osinbajo witnessed the turbaning ceremony of two other personalities, Dr Aminu Ahmed Sadiq, a retired Assistant Comptroller of Customs, as Zannah Kano and Alhaji Habibu Bello Dankade as Fagacin Kano respectively.

    Speaking shortly after the turbaning ceremony, the Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II said the Emirate Council would ever remain consistent in honouring  the illustrious sons of Kano, who are due for it.

    Sanusi stressed that the conferment of the titles would serve as a source of inspiration to those who may wish to emulate them for their outstanding contributions.

    According to him, the three personalities were conferred with the titles considering the spectacular role they had  played in promoting the ideals of the Kano Emirate Council over the years.

    He said the three eminent personalities had proven their worth in contributing their quota toward the socio-economic and political development of the country in their respective field of  human endeavour at the time when such contributions were most needed.

    The Emir also counselled the appointees to offer meaningful advice to the Emirate Council and government on issues affecting the wellbeing of the entire people of the state in particular and the country in general.

  • Dambazau decorates new DCG Immigration

    Minister of Interior, Lt. Gen. Abdrahaman Dambazau (rtd) yesterday lamented that the country’s greatest security challenge is porous borders.

    Security operatives, Dambazau said step up in putting a stop to smuggling of arms, human and drug trafficking among other social vices at the borders.

    The minister spoke in Abuja at the official commissioning of projects and decoration of a Deputy Comptroller General of Immigration, (DCG) Juliet Fariku.

    Gen. Dambazau said: “We have challenges in the area of security. Our greatest challenge is that our borders are porous and we must find ways of ensuring that we always protect our borders against criminals who are involved in the smuggling of arms, humans and drugs.

    “These are the things we must stop. We must support government in the area of moving the economy forward. You are all aware of the presidential order of the ease of doing business. The order is very important if we must attract investors. We must ensure that we have security in the country. We must protect our borders. We must be able to issue visas on time.

    “Promotion comes with professionalism, hard work, loyalty, integrity. To whom much is given much is expected. The newly decorated DCG, we are expecting a lot more from you. You will sleep less now because you have to think more. I am sure this development will encourage others to work hard because it pays. You should all support what the management is doing, you must be part of the progress. The new DCG missed it last year but this years she has it.”

    The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Muhammad Babandede advised officers and men of the service to be loyal to service and shun corrupt practices.

    He expressed joy over what he described as a well deserved promotion urging others to be hard working.

    The minister later commissioned some Infrastructural Projects at the Service Headquarters, Abuja.

    The projects include the Conference Centre, Road Networks and Tree Planting.

    These infrastructures are to provide conducive atmosphere for enhanced Service delivery.

    The Conference Centre, Babandede said will house the training Centre, Seminar and workshop for improved capacity building; the Road Networks is to redefine the architectural structure of the NIS Service Headquarters and accessibility while the Tree Planting is for a green environment.

    The minister also decorated the newly promoted Deputy Comptroller General DCG Fariku with her new Rank.

  • Saraki, Dambazau, EU back Edo’s fight against Human Trafficking

    Saraki, Dambazau, EU back Edo’s fight against Human Trafficking

    The Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, Minister of Interior, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau and the European Union have thrown their weight behind the Edo State government’s efforts at combating the scourge of human trafficking and illegal migration.

    At a Senate Round-table on Migration and Human Trafficking held in Benin City, the Edo State Capital, on Monday, Saraki commended the effort of Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, in the fight against the menace.

    He said that the effort by the Edo State Government was the beginning of many steps to be taken in halting illegal migration.

    He canvassed for renewed efforts in stemming the tide, noting that it was regrettable that youths save funds to leave the country and, in the process, fall prey to predators that sell them as slaves.

    Saraki urged stakeholders to join forces to fight the menace, noting, “The government has been doing its best to liberate Nigerians from slave trade in Libya, as many lives have been lost in the cause of irregular migration. The time is apt to end the scourge.”

    Noting that the summit is expected to provide direction on how to improve collaborations to tackle human trafficking, he said that some of the resolutions will lead to improved legislation, funding to agencies such as the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and accelerating pending treaties.

    In his address, Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, said the incidence of irregular migration and human trafficking has become critical, noting that its magnitude wasn’t fully grasped before.

    Obaseki said the Edo government considered the menace at variance to the culture and value of the people, which led to the establishment of the taskforce to handle the issue.

    He added that the taskforce has “worked assiduously to achieve its objectives, as it has coordinated the receipt and reintegration of returnees, led the prosecution of offenders, and managed public perception to tackle stigmatisation.

    “Edo State Government under my watch considers modern day slavery, a practice that is at variance with our rich cultures and values.”

    Minister of Interior, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, expressed concern over the trend, noting that it was unpalatable for youths to risk their lives across difficult terrains to Europe.

    The European Union (EU), Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Ketil Karlsen, said it has recorded no fewer than 10,000 cases of irregular migration within the last two months.

    Karlsen said that EU’s illegal migration registration of the 10,000 took place in 2018, as the records were taken between January and February.

    He said that in 2017, EU registered about 187,000 cases, while number of deaths registered so far was 411, as against 116 reordered in 2017.

    He said that of the figure, Nigeria accounts for about 60 percent, adding that in view of this, there was need to correct the worrisome error.

    “What should be of worry and concern was the irregular migration and the conditions the victims were being migrated. We should also look at the causes for such migration,” he said.

  • Senate summons Dambazau 

    Senate summons Dambazau 

    The Chairman of the Senate committee on Interior, Andy Uba,has condemned the killings in Benue, Rivers and Kaduna states.

    He described the killings as sheer heartlessness and barbaric and urged the relevant security agencies to bring the criminals to book.

    He said the perpetrators were out to destabilise the relative peace being enjoyed across the country.

    In view of the dastardly acts in Kaduna, Rivers and Benue, the Senate Committee on Interior, has summoned Minister of Interior Abdulrahaman Dambazau, to appear before it on the outcome of his visit to Benue State and plans to mitigate further occurrence of these wanton crime.

    Dr Uba commiserated with the families that lost their loved ones in the attacks, and he prayed for God to give them the heart to bear the loss.

  • IYC seeks sack of Malami, Dambazau

    IYC seeks sack of Malami, Dambazau

    The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to sack Minister of Interior Abdulrahman Dambazau and Attorney General and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami who have been linked with the reinstatement of former Pensions task Force chief Abdulrasheed Maina into the federal civil service.

    The IYC statement by factional President Eric Omare lamented the development had cast a doubt on the anti-corruption crusade of the Buhari administration.

    “In the view of the IYC, this incident clearly shows that the much-touted anti-corruption crusade of the Buhari administration is mere rhetoric as far as key officers of the administration are concerned. As the saying goes,’’ show me your friend and I will tell you who you are’’.

    “If key officers of the Buhari administration, such as Malami and Abdulraham Dambazau, could be involved in such a despicable conduct, then it is safe to say that the Buhari administration pays lip service to  anti-corruption war.

    “It is on record that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other law enforcement agencies had declared Mr. Maina wanted before now. It is therefore surprising that such as person could find himself back in service under the Buhari administration that professes to be fighting corruption.”

  • Dambazau accuses Kanu of violating bail conditions

    Dambazau accuses Kanu of violating bail conditions

    Minister of Interior, Lt-Gen Abdulrahman Dambazau (rtd), yesterday accused the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, of violating the bail conditions granted him by the Abuja Federal High Court.

    Dambazau, who disclosed this in Abuja during a news conference on the state of the nation, said that “it is left for the court to determine what becomes of his action and to what extent he violated the conditions when his trial resumes.”

    He said: “If those conditions were violated, the court knows what to do. We cannot assume that those conditions are being violated. Yes, the public knows those conditions,   but the determination of the extent of the violation will be left for the court.

    “It is not that the police will go after Kanu to arrest him on the grounds that he violated the bail conditions. Kanu will have a day in court and the court will determine his fate because it is the court that gave those conditions.”

    He also spoke on why the Federal Government and the law enforcement agencies have not arrested the leadership of the Coalition of Northern Youth Groups behind the quit order given to the Igbo in the northern part of the country.

    He said: “ I am very much aware that the DSS invited all of them. He held a meeting with them  and they made a statement that what was reported in the media was not what they said.

    “They further wrote to the Acting President, indicating that they did not make the inciting statement.

    “This is a matter being handled by the Kaduna State government. I want to think that it was on that basis that the arrest was not made.

    “Again, there have been several efforts to dialogue between the northern and Igbo youths.   My understanding is that these groups are sitting to reach an understanding.

    “Today’s press briefing has become imperative to consolidate on the efforts of the Acting President towards fostering peaceful co-existence, peace and stability within the federation. As Minister of Interior responsible for public safety and internal security, I wish to reassure the public of government’s commitment to protect lives and property as well as to ensure the sanctity and integrity of the national space to promote freedom, safety and wellbeing of all as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “All those found inciting public disobedience or preaching violence and hatred under any form whatsoever will be made to face the full wrath of the law.  Government will protect anybody wherever he or she may choose to reside to exercise their rights and privileges in accordance with the constitution.”

  • FG will monitor immigrants – Dambazau

    The Minister of Interior, Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Danbazau (retd), on Tuesday said the Federal Government would monitor all immigrants to enhance national security.

    Dambazau said this while addressing State House Correspondents on the new immigration policy which the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) was due to implement.

    “It is possible to monitor all immigrants from the entry point up to where he is going to stay,’’ he said, while reacting to the obvious challenges inherent in the implementation.

    The minister said there are immigration personnel up to the ward level, adding that the NIS would partner the local communities, community and religious leaders therein to achieve the objective.

    He noted that anyone coming into the country should be known as long as the visitor would spend more than 90 days.

    He said the immigrant had to be registered because it was important  for the efficiency of the NIS and internal security.

    “Quite a lot of foreign visitors come into the country without registration and nobody knows who they are, where they come from and that itself is a security risk,’’ he said.

    NAN