The Nation Newspaper

Tag: INSECURITY

  • The cost of insecurity

    The cost of insecurity

    • By Mike Kebonkwu

    December 3, night was a black Sunday in Tudun Biri community in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State and the nation in general when a military drone was said to have bombed a religious gathering or procession in error, killing scores including, women and children.  There was no evidence that bandits were amongst those killed, putting to rest any guess or speculation that civilians would have been used as human shield. It was a chilling and devastating tragedy that this incident occurred while the military was trying to scale-up its operation and campaign against banditry and other criminality that have turned life into living hell for the people of Kaduna State. Given the death toll and scale of the tragedy, the government ought to have first declared a period of mourning, even if it is for one day and fly the national flag at half-mast in honour of the victims.  It is a national calamity with no parallel; whether or not people will count 14 or so similar incidents in the past. 

    The Army Chief, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja visited the village to commiserate with the community and families of victims of the tragedy.  He was seen at the grave side soberly bemused and befuddled by the sheer scale of the tragedy.  The incident was said to have occurred at night; what time of the night was it?   It was a tragic error and accident that should not have happened for the sheer human loss and in the circumstances that it occurred.  The Army has to do much more than the condolence visit of its high command to commiserate with the people but should go further to interrogate the operational intelligence that led to the fatal error and accident. 

    The victims were said to be in a religious procession or celebration of a sort.  We are a deeply religious people, starting and ending every gathering and ceremonies with prayers but yet have very little act of piety.  We have shrines and grooves for deities for traditional worshipers, churches and mosques in their denominations, numbers and factions in every nooks and crannies. We have been conditioned to seek spiritual helps and miracles to manmade problems. We are in places of worship in the day time and vigil at night time praying for solutions to political and economic problems caused by bad judgment of the ruling elite. We are unable to think straight and therefore inundate God with prayers for solution to poverty and diseases induced by poor planning, wrong economic and monetary policies of government.

    Insecurity has become pervasive, depriving us of our lifestyle. Citizens’ right to freedom of movement day or night without hindrance has been curtailed even without declaration of curfew by government.  Insecurity in the country has actually hoisted a self-imposed curfew on most communities in the country.  The only selling news item in the country is insecurity; there is wholesale abduction and kidnapping of people for ransom; bandits exert and collect taxes from communities and villages.  We have school children and travellers alike, including youth corps members in captivities of kidnappers, bandits and insurgents for months and years on end with the state doing next to nothing to rescue them.  Incidentally, communities in Kaduna State are worst hit by activities of bandits and kidnappers.  The people have virtually abandoned their farms, places of worship and even moving to IDP camps for safety.  In the midst of economic hardship and deprivation, we now face imminent danger of famine as farmers have abandoned their farms due to insecurity.  The military and security agents have a difficult job to do.  We expect them to rein in these miscreants that have become national security nuisance.  It is a constitutional and professional duty incumbent on them and they must be seen to deliver.  Whatever the situation, they have to succeed; there lies the dilemma to the military.

    Read Also: We will end war against insecurity, Defence minister assures

    Expectedly, people have reacted differently to the incident; some measured and others bellicose, threatening legal action and punitive compensation within two weeks. While the incident calls for thorough investigation, unbridled threat certainly does not offer solution to the problems of accidental aerial bombardment of civilians.  The unintended consequence of the thrust of this campaign to take the military to court over operational error and accident will only be a boon to the bandits.  Even as a general practice, in law, accident is a defence; the same is true of international humanitarian law when an act is not intentional. The accident was indeed a sad human error of judgment. While all the angers and emotions may be justified, legal threat and sanction may only act as a dis-incentive to the fight against insurgency and banditry which will only serve the interest of the criminals and their backers.  We should not contemplate a dampened morale of the military to take the fight to the criminals which will be a victory to these elements that have laid siege to our ways of life.  The problem of insecurity in the country has since passed police action or duties.  In any case, they police has not even fared well within its small confine of policing duties with self-sabotage, corruption and indiscipline. 

    With the military, we expect a sustained campaign against all forms criminality but accidents of this nature must be completely eliminated. Whatever they do, they must improve on their training and sharpen their intelligence gathering skill.  We have a professional army and members of the armed forces are not at war with the people.  They have to carry out their professional and constitutional duty. We expect them to carry out their duties with due diligence and professionalism; no room for poor judgment and errors leading to accidents. However, in the flux of life, there is room for human error and honest mistakes, but it has to be minimal by all means.

    Sadly, this incident has again brought to the fore echoes of right abuses against the military. Equating the error bombing which is a tactical operational mistake to rights abuse against the military is misdirected and serving interest of external forces and agencies who give funds to the NGOs and some civil society organizations (CSOs) behind the campaigns.  Whatever expertise, training or knowledge anybody has, the incident in Tudun Biri cannot by any stretch of semantic extension translate to the right abuse as some commentators are alluding. 

    The military has to undertake a thorough examination of its training doctrine to ensure that accident of this nature is completely eliminated. Aerial bombardment and recently the use of combat drones have always had very devastating impact on civilians.  Target identification must be painstaking, thorough and precise.  The rule in international humanitarian law is that, whenever you are in doubt, leave out.  We have to avoid mistakes, errors and accidents of this monumental proportion.  That said, we should by all means also avoid campaign of dis-incentive against the military operations in the fight against insecurity whether it is banditry, insurgency and other criminalities across the country.  We will only be reinforcing the criminals and their sponsors and turning the military a complete lame duck. 

    One agrees no doubt that there should be support system for the families of the victims from the state and other institutions not in the form of campaign for compensation as punitive sanction as some people are doing.  As things stand, one is still of considered view that by all means we should support the military in the fight against insecurity.  But in their campaign, they must be diligent and ensure that lives of innocent citizens are not needlessly wasted by avoidable errors and accident of the type we witnessed in Tudun Biri.  This incident though not isolated but certainly is not intentional. It is therefore not just enough to call for heads of military commanders to roll.  Our people must do well also to ensure that given the security situation, we should be conscious and circumspect of the time spent outside our homes, prayers and worship centres.  The military must not abandon the campaign to rid the country of criminals and armed bandits terrorizing citizens everywhere.    May the soul of those killed in this tragic error rest in peace.  For family members and relatives of the victims, we are all with you in this trying period of this tragic lost as nothing can compensate for this tragedy.  This is the cost of insecurity that we should fight collectively to defeat.

    • Kebonkwu Esq is an Abuja-based attorney.
  • Insecurity: CAS ‘84 urges Fed Govt to recruit, motivate security personnel

    Insecurity: CAS ‘84 urges Fed Govt to recruit, motivate security personnel

    Old students of the College of Advance Studies (CAS), Zaria, who graduated in 1984, yesterday urged the Federal Government to embark on massive recruitment of security personnel. The objective of the call, according to the old students, in a communique signed by Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Mr. Francis Kozah, at the end of its 4th Annual Lecture and Lunch, is to boost security of lives and properties as well as to reduce unemployment.

    They also said the call is aimed at positioning Nigeria to meet the UN security ratio of one security officer to 450 citizens,

    The annual lecture, which took place at the NAF Conference Centre and Suites, Abuja, had the theme: “Nigeria’s Security at Crossroads: Navigating the Way Out.”

    The group also called on the government to train, retrain and motivate security personnel in all security agencies.

    They advised that community policing, under the control of traditional rulers, should be introduced and adequately funded by all levels of government to secure lives and properties and reduce unemployment.

    They noted that insecurity had reached an unacceptable proportion in the past 10 years, with persistent loss of many lives and properties and a general feeling of insecurity among citizens.

    They, however, said relative peace is gradually returning in the country under President Bola Tinubu-led administration.

    “As such, government body language on insecurity should send out a strong and clear message that criminal activities or actions in all ramifications shall not be tolerated.

    “All perpetrators of crimes shall be arrested, prosecuted and if found guilty, punished under law, no matter how lowly or highly placed, to act as a deterrent to others.

    “Government, religious leaders and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) should mobilise and sensitise citizens not to see perpetrators of crime as people of a particular tribe or religion.

    “They should see and treat them as the criminals that they are since no tribe or religion is devoid of criminal elements,” they said.

    The group further called on the government at all levels to resettle all victims of insecurity across the country through the reconstruction of their burnt houses or properties, among other supports.

    They also called on the government at all levels to make schools functional and very attractive to school-age children to adequately prepare them for a profitable future and keep them away from crime.

    The group called on the Kaduna State Government to restore CAS as an autonomous college to run courses for Interim Joint Matriculation Board examination for direct entry into universities.

    Read Also: We will end war against insecurity, Defence minister assures

    They added that the college should also be given the mandate to run a General Certificate for Education (GCE) make-up programme for deficient students in the state, among others.

    The old students also advised that all IJMB courses in all institutions in Kaduna State be transferred to CAS, Zaria.

    They equally urged the government at all levels to ensure that public health facilities function optimally, easily accessible and affordable to all citizens.

    “The government should also boost power and agriculture to strengthen self-employment and boost the economy, thus reducing unemployment and insecurity.

    “The government should equally check the excesses of some religious leaders,” the old students said in the communique.

    The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, served as the keynote speaker at the event, while the guest speaker, Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State, was represented by Prof. Abdulhamid Ahmed, Commissioner for Higher, Technical and Vocational Education.

  • Nigeria’s unyielding battle against insecurity

    Nigeria’s unyielding battle against insecurity

    By Hamza Ali Usman

    SIR: In the heart of Africa lies a nation teeming with diversity, rich culture, and unrelenting potential. However, beneath its vibrant surface, Nigeria grapples with a complex and persistent challenge—widespread insecurity. As the country stands at a crossroads, the shadows of insurgency, communal clashes, banditry, and kidnappings loom large, casting a pall over the hopes and dreams of its people.

    The roots of Nigeria’s insecurity are deeply entrenched in a tapestry woven with historical, political, and socio-economic threads. Decades of colonial legacy and post-independence struggles have left scars on the nation’s fabric, contributing to a sense of disarray that continues to haunt its present.

    One cannot ignore the turbulent waves of insurgency, exemplified by the notorious Boko Haram, whose name has become synonymous with fear and destruction. Their relentless attacks, aimed at destabilizing communities and crippling progress, have inflicted immeasurable suffering on innocent civilians, leaving wounds that go beyond physical scars.

    Moreover, the spectre of ethno-religious conflicts casts a shadow over unity. Tensions between various ethnic groups and religious divides have often erupted into violent confrontations, tearing apart the societal fabric that binds the nation together.

    Banditry and kidnappings, once confined to specific regions, have metastasized, spreading like wildfire across the country. These criminal acts, driven by economic desperation and social inequality, continue to sow seeds of fear and mistrust among the populace.

    Read Also: Tinubu to Army: don’t be partisan, be vigilant to protect democracy

    The complexities of Nigeria’s insecurity cannot be attributed to a single cause. It’s an intricate tapestry woven with threads of corruption, poverty, ineffective governance, and the struggle for resources. The result is a landscape fraught with challenges, testing the resilience of a nation that yearns for stability and peace.

    Yet, amidst the darkness, glimmers of hope emerge. The spirit of the Nigerian people remains unbroken, resilient in the face of adversity. Communities band together, demonstrating solidarity and resilience, refusing to succumb to the forces seeking to tear them apart.

    Efforts to address these issues are underway, albeit amidst daunting challenges. Reforms in governance, increased security measures, and grassroots initiatives aimed at fostering unity and dialogue are steps towards a brighter future. The quest for lasting peace requires a collective commitment—a commitment to bridge divides, heal wounds, and build a nation where every citizen can thrive without fear.

    Nigeria’s struggle with insecurity is a multifaceted saga, woven with the threads of a troubled past and the aspirations of a hopeful future. It is a narrative of resilience, where the Nigerian people continue to write their story of perseverance against all odds, striving for a nation where peace and security reign supreme.

    • Hamza Ali Usman, Borno State University, Maiduguri.

  • Helping service chiefs to surmount insecurity 

    Helping service chiefs to surmount insecurity 

    Sir: The task before the service chiefs is herculean. Security experts and other well-meaning Nigerians have urged them to find lasting solutions to the security challenges bedevilling the country.

    Based on President Bola Tinubu’s antecedents, expectations of Nigerians were high when he took over the reins of power, promising that his administration would hit the ground running by finding a lasting solution to the nation’s debilitating security situation, which invariably impacts negatively on the economy. 

    But, six months down the line, the hope of a more secure Nigeria appears to be wavering, as reports continue to indicate that the security situation remains as worrisome as it was under the immediate past administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. For instance, a July 2023 report by a body, Global Rights, entitled: ‘’ Mass Atrocities in Nigeria from 2019 to 2023’’ claimed that no fewer than 555 Nigerians were killed, while 267 others were kidnapped across the country in the first month of the new administration. 

    It also added that the North-central zone ravaged by banditry had been worst hit with 312 deaths in the first 35 days of the new administration. The Northwest, according to the report, account for 123 deaths, while the Southeast and the Northeast accounted for 66 and 38 deaths respectively. Eleven lives were said to have been lost in South-south within the period under review, while the Southwest lost five lives.

    The current administration has what it takes to reverse the trend, if only it will demonstrate the willingness to insulate the operations and the activities of the security agencies from politics.

    What the country experienced during the Buhari administration has shown that security should not be mixed with politics. Under the immediate past president, security operatives were not given free hand to carry out their duties professionally. A situation where operatives would apprehend criminals but are later compelled by the top political echelon to release such suspects under the guise that they are now repentant leaves much to be desired. 

    Read Also: Ooni to Southeast manufacturers: Solution to insecurity, unemployment in your hands

    These are people suspected to have murdered other people and rendered many children orphans and many women turned widows. Some military operatives were also killed during the murderous activities of the so-called repentant terrorists. 

    Now that we have new security chiefs, my expectation from them is to recognise that it was the politicisation of security activities was the undoing of our past service chiefs. If the current service chiefs fail to impress it on the commander-in-chief that politics should be separated from military functions, they will not be able to perform well. The president should give them the free-hand to carry out their duties. 

    I know the security challenges in the country are daunting, but given the conducive atmosphere, I am sure, we will achieve appreciable improvement in dealing with the situation. We do not want a repeat of what happened under the past administration, where the then minister of information and presidential spokespersons would come out to tell Nigerians, ‘’we are on top of the situation’’ when in reality they were on top of nothing. 

    If you check the statistics of invasions in certain parts of Plateau State and Benue State, it shows that, this security challenges are far from being eradicated. Similarly, if you go to the Southeast, people are scared of going out, and the economy of the region is down because of the fear of “unknown gunmen”. The security chiefs should, therefore, be given the free-hand to put down their foot as military men. 

    The federal government should invest more in technology to enable the nation’s security agencies perform optimally. Crime is being fought these days with technology and Nigeria should not be an exception. Drones, CCTV cameras, communication gadgets, satellites, helicopters and aircrafts are some of the equipment that serious security-conscious countries avail themselves of.

    There is the need for the service chiefs to work in synergy. The federal government should also give the welfare of the nation’s security operatives the urgent and serious attention it demands, because providing military personnel with quality living standard, attractive family insurance, constant training and drilling with modern military hardware would go a long way in boosting their morale and bring out the best in them. 

    The government must equip its security agencies with capacity, both on land, air and sea. There is urgent need to critically look into the security architecture, fine-tune things and ensure that everything is put right. I am optimistic that, as soon as these key fundamental issues are resolved, insecurity will subside. 

    • Dr Goodluck F.T. Uguoji, Akute, Ogun State.
  • Ooni to Southeast manufacturers: Solution to insecurity, unemployment in your hands

    Ooni to Southeast manufacturers: Solution to insecurity, unemployment in your hands

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has challenged manufacturers in the Southeast to come together and bring to an end the current insecurity and unemployment crisis ravaging the region.

    This is just as the Ooni has restated the cordial relationship between Igbo and Youruba, saying similarities existing between the two tribes need to be exposed to deepen their brotherliness.

    The monarch spoke during the 35th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Enugu, Ebonyi and Anambra chapter held in Enugu yesterday.

    The Ooni, while charging Igbo investors to return home and develop the Southeast economy, stressed that unless Igbo investors develop Southeast by ending the insecurity and unemployment, no other person, tribe or race would do it for them, adding that God had destined them (Igbo) for greatness .

    “I implore each and every one of you, please come together for the betterment of the generation yet unborn. Come together to lift each other up. Do not desecrate your brothers.

    Read Also: Ogun places N50m bounty on killers of Finance Director

    “I commend the chairman of MAN, Lady Ada Chukwudozie here. Start working with your suppliers to build alliances so that they will build their manufacturing concerns and create manufacturing hubs across the Southeast because charity begins at home.

    “Insecurity and the solution to the insecurity is in your hands because you know your people. Nobody will come and do it for you. You have the good and the ugly.”

    The Ooni further  charged them to “bring out all that is causing trouble and hand over security to them and see whether there will be any more problems or not. It might sound stupid but it works all over the world. If you do that, I believe Igbo land will be one of the most sought after all over the world.”

    President of the chapter, Lady Ada Chukwudozie, called on the federal government to create regional incentives to support manufacturers and attract national and foreign direct investments.

    She added that the Eastern region needs to spearhead the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) like the African Union’s Free Trade Agreement (AFCFTA) and integrate with other states.

    She recommended that the government should look towards promoting tax harmonization and other fiscal policies across the region, review taxation policies to make them more friendly especially in the areas of haulage levies.

    Enugu State governor, Peter Mbah, who spoke through his deputy, Ifeanyi Ossai, however, enjoined manufacturers not to think twice in expanding their investments and operations in the state in particular and Southeast in general.

    He, however, noted that there are several indices that favour manufacturing in the Southeast which his administration has taken practical steps to improve the business environment

  • Tinubu determined to tackle insecurity, says Arase

    Tinubu determined to tackle insecurity, says Arase

    The chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Solomon Arase, has said the proposed allocation to security by President Bola Tinubu in the 2024 budget showed the president’s determination to tackle insecurity.

    Arase, who was a former Inspector General of Police, urged Nigerians to support President Tinubu’s efforts to address the security challenges facing the country.

    He said this at the second lecture series of the Abuja branch of the Ambrose Alli University Alumni Association at the weekend.

    The former IGP urged Nigerians to support the police for them (police) to effectively carry out their functions in the country.

    Read Also: I’m no longer engaged – DJ Cuppy declares

    The president of the Pan African Institute of Global Affairs and Strategy, Martin Uhomoibhi, who delivered the lecture, identified the various deficiencies of governments from the colonial era and suggested ways out of the problems created by bad leadership.

    He said Nigeria must begin to train citizens on the kind of leadership needed for the desired change in the country, using monarchs like the Oba of Benin, the Sultan of Sokoto, the Oni of Ife, and the King of England as examples.

    President of the association, Abraham Isibor called on the government to make only policies that address immediate problems of Nigerians.

    Isibor said most policies in the recent past have only inflicted more pains on the people, citing the redesigned naira notes by the government of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

  • Why insecurity festers

    Why insecurity festers

    • By Dr Goodluck Uguoji

    Sir: In societies like ours that are hungry for development, security should be a primary concern. The truth is that the level of security in a community or society has a direct correlation to the level of development of the society. Security is a costly business with enormous and even more costly implications if mismanaged.

    We no doubt require a state of peace, order, and assurance of the safety of lives and property for a healthy pursuit of our development objectives, and the creation of a conducive and enabling environment to thrive.

    I am also of the view that the security of lives and property is of primary significance, as it represents a yardstick for assessing how prepared a society is to secure its citizens from external aggressions. It is doubtful, therefore, if a society that cannot protect its citizens from itself can successfully protect same from outsiders.

    Given this background, what are the factors that constitute the most potent security threats?

    They include youth unemployment, which poses a direct threat to the maintenance of peace and security. As it is often said, an idle mind is the devil’s workshop. Underdevelopment also creates a situation of lack and results in various vices common in poor societies. Security itself is development and any environment that is not secured cannot be called a developed society and neither can it develop.

    Poverty is also another factor. Though, it is said that money is the root of all evil, I want to state here that, poverty is indeed the root of all evil as attested by the conditions in most third-world countries.

    The continuous movement of able-bodied youths from rural to urban centres is equally a threat to the security of such cities. Due to the absence of basic amenities and a sustainable means of economic survival in most of our rural areas, our youths are forced to migrate in large numbers to the cities in search of the proverbial Golden Fleece, which is later found to be largely non-existent. The result usually is a resort to crime.

    When basic social amenities are in short supply it exerts pressure on the society and populace and this ultimately leads to desperation on the part of the citizens and a desire to make ends meet at all cost.

    Read Also: Shettima approves committee to pilot FG’s human capital development programme

    The shortage of jobs, social amenities and economic livelihood is likely to be caused by the absence of social security provisions that are meant to absorb the shocks occasioned by lack and deprivation.

    Besides, the poor wage structure in the country implies that even those in employment may not be able to cater for their basic needs at the end of the day. This, to a large extent, determines how the individual reacts to social pressures.

    Closely tied to all these vices is the issue of corruption, which puts enormous pressure on our youths on account of the unexplainable affluent lifestyles of some individuals who have acquired their wealth through questionable means. This puts pressure on our youths and students and in many cases it translates into a determination to measure up financially by all means possible. Let me also add that a significant percentage of the resources meant for the combat of crime and maintenance of security may be lost to official corruption.

    The value and ethics of a people equally constitute a major hindrance to the maintenance of security when it glorifies and celebrates wealth against integrity and honesty. When people’s source of wealth is related to background, crime is given more impetus to take centre stage.

    There are also inadequate resources for crime prevention and control. This is closely tied to the strength of the state or society, and political will to combat crime. As I pointed out earlier, crime control and security is a costly business deserving of every attention.

    In the realization that security is vital, it is entrenched in the 1999 Constitution that, the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government. The citizenry equally has a significant role to play in securing the society. After all, these criminals live amongst us and our policemen and women are far from being magicians. They need information from the rest of us to perform effectively. However, the police also need to secure the cooperation of the people, as the masses need to believe in and trust them.

    •Dr Goodluck Uguoji,

    Akute, Ogun State.

  • Political class created insecurity in Nigeria, says Buratai

    Political class created insecurity in Nigeria, says Buratai

    • Army refutes plan to stage charity walk in Edo

    Immediate past Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt. General Tukur Buratai, has blamed the political class for insecurity in the country.

    Buratai disclosed this at the second stanza of the 2023 National Public Service Lecture and the 65th anniversary of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association on Friday.

    Sharing his experience in a lecture titled “Public Service and the Imperatives for National Security in Nigeria”, Buratai stated that the call for his sack as COAS during the former President Muhammadu Buhari administration over insecurity stemmed from personal biases rather than an objective evaluation of his performance.

    “These individuals might have held negative opinions of Gen. Buratai based on personal biases unrelated to his actual capabilities. It is crucial to approach discussions regarding national security matters with a fair mindset, focusing on relevant aspects rather than personal biases and idiosyncrasies.

    “The National Assembly had more than twice passed resolutions calling for the sack of the service chiefs. The President, Muhammadu Buhari had told the Ninth National Assembly to mind their business. If properly interpreted, the call was to derail democracy by the military.

    “This should be a lesson for political actors. It was a direct confrontation blaming the service chiefs as if they were the ones who started the insecurity. The insecurity being faced in the country since 2009 was the creation of the political class. With a strong political will, it can be surmounted.”

    The former COAS advised political actors and public servants to live above board by eschewing corruption, saying, “Politicians make lofty promises during election campaigns but fail to fulfill them once in power. Lack of accountability erodes public confidence and perpetuates the perception that politicians are more interested in the people.”

    Read Also: Crash: I’m in good spirits, says Minister of Power, Adelabu

    Meanwhile, the 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Benin, yesterday, refuted a purported plan to stage a 10km three-day charity walk in Benin.

    Capt. Yemi Sokoya, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, made the clarification in a statement while reacting to an online publication that the army planned the walk to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NOWA).

    He described the report as false, saying the publication was fabricated by fraudulent individuals.

    “The attention of 4 Brigade Nigerian Army has been drawn to a flyer on social media entitled: “A three-day charity exercise/10km trek 2023” to celebrate 25 years of Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA).

    “The event, according to the fraudsters behind the publication, is scheduled to hold between Nov. 3 and Nov. 5, beginning from the Officers Mess, 4 Brigade, Ekehaun Army Barracks, Benin.

    “The brigade states that this flyer is from fraudulent individuals and the general public should please kindly disregard their solicitation for funds.

    “The brigade has put efforts in place to arrest the criminals hiding under a reputable organisation like NAOWA to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians,” Sokoya stated.

    He advised members of the public to report any suspicious activities either online or within their vicinity to security agencies for immediate action.

  • Reps want proper planning of urban cities to address insecurity

    Reps want proper planning of urban cities to address insecurity

    The House of Representatives has stressed the need for adequate planning of urban cities across the country as part of efforts to address insecurity and other challenges.

    Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the House Committee on Urban and Regional Planning, its Chairman, Hon. Awaji-Inombek Abiante lamented the practice of breaching the original plans of many urban cities.

    Abiante said “If our cities are properly developed, well planned, issues of disasters, issues of emergencies would be reduced. Issues of identification would be improved because persons can be tracked to the very last location that they are.

    “But what we find, what we have, are cities lacking the very basic, relative planning for development.

    “In areas where there have been seeming semblances of planning, developments have not been according to plans. Areas where development has even reached, there have been cases of several distortions.

    “There have been cases of conversions. Areas are designated as residential, people convert them to be commercial or even industrial. It negates, and would continue to negate the essence of planning and urban development.

    “Slums have continued to spring up because of the challenges. It would be in our place to bring our experiences, and to bring our knowledge to bear, to support the government, to see how these can be redeveloped and upgraded beyond what they are called today as slums,” he said.

    He charged his colleagues in the committee to prepare for the tasks ahead, saying “We are not strangers to the activities of parliament. We are also not strangers to the issues of development. I seek your support, as it is my hope that each and everyone  of us will bring to bear, the individual expertise and wealth of experience to help steer this committee in the right direction.

    Read Also: Northern elite under fire for undermining ongoing effort against insecurity

    “All hands should be brought on the desk as we work towards the same goal, the simple goal of enhancing the status of our urban areas.

    “An enhanced urban city should be able to guarantee security, should be able to guarantee uptimisation of facilities that are available. It should be able to guarantee the quality of living for the people and should be able to guarantee that in terms and times of emergency, response can get to our people on time.

    “Details of our challenges, and our responsibilities are enshrined in our defined areas of jurisdictions in our Standing Orders. It is our intention to continue to liaise with various agencies, ministries, and departments of government.

    “Our development, as far as we would want to contribute to the urban cities, we want them to be inebriated from the point of conception, the point of initiation.”

  • Northern elite under fire for undermining ongoing effort against insecurity

    Northern elite under fire for undermining ongoing effort against insecurity

    The Arewa Security Movement has condemned what it called the disgraceful attitude of a section of the northern elite against the ongoing effort to foster synergy and cooperation in the fight against insecurity from which the entire north is bleeding.

    The Security Movement in a statement signed by its chairman, Comrade Isa Tijjani, on Friday, November 3, highlighted the importance of unity and collaboration in addressing the security challenges that have plagued the entire north.

    He argued that the northern elite should set aside their personal interests and work together to achieve peace and security in the region.

    The Security Movement’s statement was in response to a contrived protest against the minister of state for defence, Bello Matawalle, a critical partner in the effort to achieve final secession of hostilities in the region.

    The group expressed concern over the isolated behaviour of Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara state, who has consistently undermined efforts to bring all stakeholders together to confront the security situation.

    It said: “This essay aims to argue that Governor Lawal’s actions are driven by a dubious political agenda and personal gain, disregarding the lives and well-being of the people he is meant to serve.

    Read Also: Controversy over warning to ‘Iyana Oworo’ LASTMA officials over alleged extortion

    “Governor Lawal’s actions, the Security Movement said, have consistently undermined efforts to build a collaboration for unified action against insecurity.

    “He has sponsored campaigns of calumny against federal government agencies involved in finding a final resolution, thereby hindering progress. This behaviour is disheartening, as it obstructs the collective efforts of federal and state governments, as well as other stakeholders, to address the security crisis effectively.

    “One instance that highlights Governor Lawal’s isolated behaviour is his response to the attack on the Federal University Gusau, where scores of female students were abducted by bandits. Instead of remaining in the state to coordinate with federal authorities for a unified response, Lawal chose to fly out of the country on a private trip. This decision not only demonstrated a lack of commitment to the security of his state but also hindered the possibility of coordinated action.

    “While in New York, Lawal remained incommunicado and shunned all efforts to be reached by the Defense Ministry which further exemplifies his isolated approach and lack of willingness to collaborate with federal authorities. Instead of engaging in constructive dialogue, Lawal opted to pick a fight with the federal government, engaging in a blame trade game that only exacerbates the existing divisions and hampers the potential for a unified approach to combat insecurity.

    “Furthermore, Governor Lawal picked a deliberate fight with his predecessor, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, who is now the Minister of State for Defense. This unnecessary conflict further blocks the window for understanding and cooperation with the federal government. Lawal’s actions, including the sponsorship of a stage-managed protest, not only insult justice and fairness but also demonstrate political opportunism and ineptitude. Such behaviour is detrimental to the interests of the region and undermines the urgent need for collaboration and cooperation.”

    He recalled the North has long been plagued by numerous challenges, particularly in the areas of security and the economy which have been perpetuated by both local and foreign enemies who have actively worked to hinder progress and perpetuate the suffering of the people.

    The group further said: “It is crucial for northerners to recognize that these same enemies are now obstructing the current efforts towards achieving lasting security and stability in the region.

    “The North has faced a long history of challenges, with enemies both local and foreign contributing to its current state. Historically, external forces have exploited the region’s resources, leading to economic disparities and social unrest. Additionally, internal conflicts and power struggles have further weakened the region, making it susceptible to external manipulation.

    “These enemies have consistently hindered progress and perpetuated the cycle of insecurity and economic instability to ensure the continuation of the security situation that has had devastating consequences, resulting in the loss of thousands of lives, the destruction of numerous communities, and the displacement of millions of people.

    “These enemies of the north have capitalised on this insecurity, exacerbating the situation for their own gain. By perpetuating violence and instability, they have hindered the region’s development and prevented the people from enjoying a peaceful and prosperous life.”