The Nation Newspaper

Tag: INSECURITY

  • Insecurity: Media, military must work closely for national interest, says CDS

    Insecurity: Media, military must work closely for national interest, says CDS

    …journalists should purge social media of fake news – Gov Sani

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa has said that relationship between the military and the media cannot be overstated, saying that both institutions serve critical functions in national development and stability.

    General Musa noted that the need for synergy between the military and the media has never been more pressing than in this era of insurgency, and evolving security threats in the country.

    The Chief of Defence Staff spoke on Thursday at a symposium organised by Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kaduna State council.

    The CDS was represented at the event by Brigadier General Mohammed Kanah, One Div. Garrison Commander.

    The symposium was titled, “The future of journalism practice in Nigeria; challenges and prospects”.

    According to General Musa, “It is with great honour and a deep sense of responsibility that I stand before you today to deliver this keynote address at this important symposium of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Kaduna Council. 

    “The theme of this gathering is timely and relevant, given the evolving landscape of journalism in Nigeria and the growing complexity of our security challenges. In today’s rapidly changing security environment, the media plays an indispensable role in shaping public perception, disseminating vital information, and fostering national unity. 

    “The relationship between the military and the media, therefore, cannot be overstated, as both institutions serve critical functions in national development and stability.

    “The need for synergy between the military and the media has never been more pressing than in this era of asymmetric warfare, insurgency, and evolving security threats. 

    “While the military is tasked with protecting our national sovereignty and maintaining law and order, the media serves as the watchdog of society, ensuring accountability and transparency. 

    Read Also: ‘How Alia is tackling insecurity in Benue’

    “However, the interface between these 2 institutions has often been fraught with challenges, stemming from issues of misinformation, sensationalism and a lack of trust. It is therefore imperative that we foster a more dynamic and collaborative relationship that ensures responsible reporting while safeguarding national security interests.

    “To achieve this synergy, there is a need for continuous engagement, capacity-building, and mutual respect between the military and the media. The media must be empowered with accurate and timely information to counter false narratives that may undermine national security. 

    “Likewise, the military must appreciate the crucial role of the media in nation-building and adopt a more open and transparent communication approach. Establishing structured communication channels, conducting regular workshops, and enhancing media literacy within the security sector will go a long way in bridging the gap and fostering trust between these 2 entities.

    “It is noteworthy that journalism in Nigeria depends largely on its adaptability to modern challenges and its ability to collaborate with key national institutions, including the military. As security challenges continue to evolve, so must our approach to media-military relations. I urge journalists and security operatives to work together in the spirit of patriotism, professionalism and national interest. 

    “A well-informed public, guided by accurate and responsible journalism, will ultimately contribute to a more secure and prosperous Nigeria. Let us, therefore, commit to strengthening this partnership for the collective good of our nation. Thank you and may we all continue to serve Nigeria with dedication and integrity”.

    In his address, the Special Guest of Honour, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State who was represented by his Principal Private Secretary, Professor Bello Ayuba urged professional journalists to device ways of purging the social media space of misinformation for a better society.

    Governor Sani noted that the social media space has opened up for all manner of people,  polluting the situation with half-truths and insensitive materials that are masquerading around as sound information. 

    He said the misinformation on social media has become a challenge for journalism, advising that journalists should not remain passive, but offer a way out of the mess and redirect public discourse anchored on practice and ethics of journalism profession.

    “The NUJ commendably has been a worthy partner praising our efforts where such praises are merited and as well pointing out our flaws with appropriate suggestion on the way forward.We pray that the partnership continues in the overall interest of the people of Kaduna State.

    “This event particularly the topic for discourse, the nature of journalism practice in Nigeria: challenges and prospects could not have been apt at this point in time when the world is facing threats from unscrupulous users of social media. 

    “The situation today is that the social media space has opened up for all manner of people with the result that the atmosphere is polluted with fake, half-truths and insensitive materials that are masquerading around as sound information,” he said.

    Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of NUJ, Alhaji AbdulGafar Alabelewe said the Symposium was put together by the Council to build capacity of its members in the practice of their profession, adding that the topic ‘Future of Journalism practice; challenges and prospects’ was carefully selected to prepare journalists ahead.

  • Southwest and insecurity

    Southwest and insecurity

    By Oluwole Ogundele

    Boko Haram insurgency rooted very firmly in unbridled Islamic fundamentalism and cultural colonialism started 20 years ago or thereabouts in northern Nigeria. This ugly development has become Nigeria’s number one enemy or monster, thereby making peace and progress on a sustainable scale, a wild goose chase.  Many innocent lives and property have been wasted. Indeed, Nigeria has become a geo-polity where humans are killed like chickens almost on a daily basis.

    However, both local and international collaborators of Boko Haram and several other satanic groups continue to make the struggles against their activities very unsuccessful. Some community leaders appear to have become complicit. Local leaders who are supposed to protect their people have been reported in the media to be supporting these evil members of the society. Who are we to trust? Even our immigration policies appear to encourage dangerous foreign neighbours to enter Nigeria without proper scrutiny.

    It is not an overstatement to claim here that the Nigerian immigration management (in the last eight years or thereabouts) has been very loose. Therefore, there is an urgent need for an overhaul. Unfettered religious sentiments and very narrow ethnic/village solidarity have combined   to reduce many of the traditional and political leaders to nonentities. The quality of political leadership of any system determines the degree of its success or failure as the case may be. Leaders including security agents who are surreptitiously or otherwise supporting insurgents and/or kidnappers are a monumental disaster to society.

    The insecurity rate of Nigeria reached an unprecedented level in the last eight years, largely as a result of the points stated above. This situation has continued to engender more economic hardships and hopelessness both at the national and sub-national levels. Our political leaders (with a few exceptions) have failed us. They have  thrown caution to the winds primarily because of their almost irredeemable, primordial stone age mentality. Not surprisingly, Nigeria bleeds profusely. It worries me a great deal, that some Nigerians (probably due to spiritual bankruptcy) are still celebrating those leaders who have robbed them of their dignity and economic progress in a number of ways. Huge monies have been spent on curbing the menace of insurgency and other forms of violence. But yet there are little positive results until very recently. Huge budgets continue to be set aside for this contemporary self-created problem. Indeed, to those who are benefitting from shedding the blood of innocent people, insurgency, banditry and/or kidnapping are a lucrative business. No scruples because they have sold their souls to Satan. Such a godless group of people will not want Nigeria to know peace. Painfully, the Nigerian youth are being thoroughly polluted and/or miseducated.

    Read Also: Reps demand urgent action on incessant gas explosions in Nigeria

    Anybody with a healthy/godly conscience will appreciate the fact, that PBAT is trying hard to combat the menace of insecurity especially in the northern region, where the blood of innocent citizens flows like a river. However, this assignment is too humongous and complicated to be completed overnight, even by a magician. This is time for good governance as opposed to smelly politics of greed and desperation. But as President Tinubu confronts these insurgents and other evil people who are prepared to run Nigeria aground, the southern governors cannot afford to go to sleep.  They must use all the resources at their disposal to flush out these evil people from within and without their states. It is an insult of huge dimensions, for some foreigners to be disturbing the peace and progress of our land.  Enough is enough! It is naturally expected that more and more Boko Haram members and other deadly groups will be moving southward as PBAT is dislodging them. The National Assembly needs to enact a law that makes kidnapping punishable by death. The so-called deradicalisation of ‘repentant’ Boko Haram members, is a disservice to God and humanity. It is a clever ruse!

    The southwest governors, regardless of political affiliations, should strengthen their alliance so as to crush the menace of insecurity or reduce it to the barest minimum. A stitch in time saves nine.  It is cheaper and wiser to nib in the bud, the regrouping of all kinds of dangerous persons in our land. It is very worrying, that the Nigerian leadership culture is not embedded in proactivity. Most of our political leaders are good mourners, with the usual rhetoric that every calamity is the will of God. We are, out of ignorance, giving Providence a bad name.

    How can some dangerous elements from Niger and Mali know where to stay in the southwestern forests without the support of certain local accomplices? How can they be moving into our regions with huge arms and ammunition without being detected? Does it mean that our intelligence gathering mechanisms are inadequate or what?

    Are we still in the stone age period without modern technologies for intelligence gathering and scrutiny? Who is fooling who? The governors, working in collaboration with local leaders can change the current nauseating narrative enshrined in “village-ness’’ or primordial philosophies of unspeakable proportions. They (the state governors) should with due respect, stop setting questions for themselves and marking the scripts. In other words, they must allow the led to assess them instead of eulogizing and/or celebrating themselves. Self-congratulations are inappropriate in this context! Again, this is a democracy. Consequently, power belongs to the people as opposed to a few ‘powerful’ individuals often with behaviours that do not match whom they claim to be in actuality. In other words, our state governors should focus much more on good governance, and certainly history will judge them accordingly. Afterall, nobody can bribe history.

    Although men and women of profound integrity have become an endangered species in today’s Nigeria, the political leaders can still begin to work more than hitherto for the common good. This is possible through the lens of justice, equity and fairness. Each political leader is writing his curriculum vitae that will outlive him. Any state governor who fails to provide adequate security (despite the positive body language and efforts of Mr. President) has no justifiable reason to remain in office. Let the forest guards service be fully operational. These guards working in collaboration with the Amotekun Security Network and other stakeholders should be able to monitor each state. There should be no ungoverned spaces in the southwest. Bad eggs among them must be fished out and dealt with according to the law of our land.

    Community leaders are also critical in this regard. We should not allow bandits and kidnappers to completely destabilise us before appreciating the fact, that there is need for proactivity. There is fire on the mountain! Both the leaders and the led particularly in the Southwest, have to be much more vigilant than before. This is the time for our governors to demonstrate that they are capable of managing their states. They must craft a much safer environment for the citizens to flourish. No basis for cowardice. A new Sheriff (with the mind-set to serve humanity) now occupies Aso Rock Villa. Let us re-claim our collective, age-long dignity that has almost completely vanished.

    •Prof Ogundele is of Dept. of Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Ibadan.

  • Insecurity: Alia to deploy digital equipment at border areas, IDP camps

    Insecurity: Alia to deploy digital equipment at border areas, IDP camps

    Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has facilitated the deployment of digital equipment to key areas across the state, including internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, schools, farms, and markets.

    The development was announced in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Communication and Digital Economy, Mr. Kwaghgba Amande, during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Makurdi. 

    The MoU was signed between the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA), Benue Digital Infrastructure Company PLC (BDIC), and the Bureau for Homeland Security (BHS).

    According to Amande, the initiative aims to enhance emergency management and tackle insecurity in the state by leveraging technology for security operations. 

    The project will also focus on empowering displaced youth by establishing digital hubs in IDP camps, offering training in technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

    He said: “Governor Alia’s strategic partnerships, including international trips to Zambia, Dubai, and China, have begun to bear fruit. These trips, focused on understanding global digital trends which are now being applied to meet the unique needs of Benue State.

    Read Also: Inter-agency cooperation vital tool to combat insecurity, says Ogunsakin

    We are already seeing the impact of these international engagements. 

    “One of the most ambitious features of the new infrastructure is the integration of a digital monitoring system that will detect absentee civil servants, this will be implemented starting January 2025. This collaboration aims to address a range of pressing issues, from disaster management to public safety”. 

    The commissioner noted that as part of the MOU, BDIC will be responsible for installing essential infrastructure for BSEMA’s operations in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps.

     He added that a state-of-the-art Emergency Command and Control Center will be established at BSEMA’s headquarters to improve the coordination of emergency responses and security operations.

    The managing director, BDIC Terwase Gbande added that this partnership will significantly enhance the state security monitoring capabilities with advanced surveillance systems at high-risk locations, such as IDP camps and border areas, ‘we will be able to proactively address threats and improve response times.’

  • Insecurity: Oyo moves to curb illegal arms, light weapons, illegal migrants

    Insecurity: Oyo moves to curb illegal arms, light weapons, illegal migrants

    …pledges reward to security personnel, residents

    Oyo state government has vowed to curb the proliferation of illegal arms, light weapons and illegal migration in the state. 

    The government noted that it would reward security personnel and citizens who help in its efforts to apprehend smugglers of illegal arms and ammunition as well as those involved in human and child trafficking and other illegal acts through its border towns.

    Special Adviser on Homeland Security to Oyo State Governor, Retired Assistant Comptroller General of Immigration (ACG), Segun Adegoke, explained the government’s efforts when he led a team of security officers from the Department of State Security (DSS), Police, Immigration, Customs, and NSCDC on a sensitisation visit to the state’s border towns, on Wednesday.

    He maintained that the governor mandated the visit to inform residents of border communities on measures being taken by the government to stem the proliferation of small arms and ammunition in the state. 

    Adegoke noted that the governor’s mandate was based on security report, following the interception of some trucks filled with arms, ammunition and illegal immigrants in the state and the allegation of collusion between some residents and the smugglers/traffickers.

    Some of the communities visited included Iwere-Ile in Iwajowa Local Government, Saki West Local Government, Iseyin Local Government and Ibarapa North Local Government. 

    The Special Adviser and the security team met with local government chairmen, traditional rulers and border patrol security personnel.

    During interactive sessions with the people of various local governments visited, Adegoke noted that the proliferation of small arms and light weapons had placed Nigeria in a vulnerable state of insecurity, conflict, destruction and communal clashes, which had resulted in loss of lives and rendered people homeless.

    Read Also: Insecurity: Senate urges military to halt spread of Lakurawa insurgency

    He said: “The purpose of the visit is to sensitise and educate the people and relevant security stakeholders within the border towns on the dangers of possession of illegal arms, light weapons and migration of irregular foreigners, as they affect security of lives and property in the state.

    “The proliferation of small arms and light weapons is part of organised crimes and adjudged as the major security challenge to people, societies and states worldwide, fuelling civil wars, insurgency, organised criminal violence, human trafficking and drugs, armed robbery, abduction and kidnapping. 

    “The menace poses challenges to security and sustainable development in the country. Based on the existential experience in some parts of our country, the influx of illegal immigrants has the potential of being a threat to our collective security and socio-economic development.

    “We cannot continue to turn a blind eye to these issues and it is our collective responsibility to take measures to stem the tide. As leaders, we must work together to address these challenges and ensure the safety and well-being of our people.”

    While identifying inadequate border control, weak law enforcement and expansive nature of the border areas as some of the factors contributing to the proliferation of small arms, Adegoke sought the cooperation of relevant security stakeholders to strengthen the borders and improve on surveillance to prevent the illegal importation of arms.

    He added: “To our youths, I wish to reiterate that you play a crucial role in addressing these issues, as you are the eyes and ears of your communities to report any suspicious activity to the relevant authorities.

    “I also urge the traditional rulers and community leaders present here today to use your influence to discourage the possession and use of illegal arms in your communities.”

    In their separate contributions, the chairmen of the local governments and the traditional rulers pledged to intensify efforts in ensuring that the state’s border towns are secured from illegal arms and immigrants.

    Adegoke, who also addressed the border patrol security agencies to perform their duties professionally, assured them that there would be rewards for outstanding officers, who apprehend perpetrators of illegal ammunition.

    He added that more work should be put in to promote a culture of peace and unity in the communities, as it would help to reduce the demand for arms and curb the influx of illegal arms and light weapons and immigration.

  • Insecurity affects 70 percent of Africa, says expert

    Insecurity affects 70 percent of Africa, says expert

    International Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of Africa Security Watch, Mr Patrick Agbambu, has said that over 70 percent of Africa remains affected by various levels of insecurity.

    Agbambu stated this in Abuja while speaking with newsmen on the upcoming 18th edition of Africa Security Watch Award and Conference slated for December in Doha, Qatar.

    He said that insecurity in the continent had resulted in stagnation of development and fears, with too many of the citizens trapped in poverty.

    He said: “It is within this context that we at the Security Watch Africa Initiatives (SWAI) have chosen the theme for the 18th Africa Security Watch Awards & Conference: “Developing Modules for People-Centric Governance towards the Enhancement of Peace and Security in Africa.”

    Agbambu said Lagos Governor Babatunde Sanwo-Olu and his Borno counterpart, Babagana Zulum, were billed to speak at the event.

    He said Sanwo-Olu would deliver a key paper on the conference theme focusing on Lagos example.

    He added that the theme was carefully chosen to speak directly to the heart of the challenges and set the stage for actionable discussions that would help pave the way for a more peaceful and secure Africa.

    According to him, the foremost responsibility of any government or leadership is to ensure the safety, security and well-being of its citizens.

    He said it was through responsive and people-centred governance that societies can thrive, where policies are crafted with the people in mind, ensuring peace, stability, and security for all.

    Agbambu said: “Sadly, our beloved continent of Africa continues to face significant challenges in this regard.

    “The conference is designed to deliver a practical and insightful solution to various security challenges in Africa with the selection of distinguished keynote speakers, lead paper presenters, and panellists from across the continent and beyond.

    “These esteemed individuals will address critical topics that are pivotal to shaping a secure future for Africa.”

    Agbambu said that 30 personalities, corporate organisations and agencies from across Africa will be awarded with Crystal Award Trophies in recognition of their outstanding contributions to peace and security on the African continent.

    He added: “At Security Watch Africa Initiatives, we believe that security encompasses everything that threatens human lives and valuables, and this is reflected in our award categories.

    “From leadership and governance to the armed forces, police, medical professionals, the media, hospitality, transportation, and humanitarian service honour those who make our continent safer and better.”

    A member of Board of Trustee, Brig.-Gen. Kukasheka Usman, said the choice of Qatar was both symbolic and practical.

    Read Also: Obasanjo urges FG to intensify efforts in combating insecurity

    According to Usman, it exemplifies a country that places immense value on humanity, consistently striving to enhance the quality of life for its people.

    He said: “We believe that participants will experience the best practices in that country and through this experience, we can learn invaluable lessons that can be applied in Africa.

    “In addition, we are bringing some Qatar’s senior government and security officials to engage with our participants and share insights on their approach to security and governance.

    “Most importantly, this event will once again provide a platform to showcase African finest to a global audience.”

  • The seismic insecurity in Anambra State

    The seismic insecurity in Anambra State

    By Chekwube Nzomiwu

    Yet again, the insecurity in Anambra State claimed three precious lives penultimate week. The deceased who are members of the crew of Supersport were killed when their vehicle ran into an ambush by gunmen at Iseke, a border town of Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State to Orlu, Imo state. Luckily, security operatives rescued six members of the crew, while one is yet to be accounted for, according to reports in the media. The dead were identified as a cameraman, police officer and driver.

    They were on their way to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State to cover the AFCON qualifying match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and their Libyan counterpart, when the gunmen struck. This incident occurred on October 8, about three days before the October 11 AFCON qualifier, which the Nigerian side won by a lone goal.

    This latest attack once more brought to the front burner, the terrifying level of insecurity in Anambra State under the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo. Four days before the Iseke incident involving the Supersport crew, the police foiled an attempt to kidnap a foreign expatriate working for a construction company at Ogbunka, Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State. The expatriate, a Syrian national, narrowly escaped abduction, but two of his police guards were shot by the gunmen. The police spokesman in Anambra State, Tochukwu Ikenga who confirmed this report in a statement, said the injured policemen were in stable condition.

    Two days prior to the Ogbunka incident, unidentified gunmen killed two policemen at Uruagu Nnewi community in Nnewi North Local Government Area of the State. According to media reports, the attackers hurled an impoverished explosive device at the police team and it exploded immediately, killing the two policemen instantly at the spot.

    Read Also: NDLEA winning anti-drug war, says Marwa

    Between August and September, gunmen attacked three police stations in Anambra State, namely the Divisional Police Station Oba and Nnobi Police Station, both in Idemili South Local Government Area and Nnewi Police Station. The attacks claimed the lives of policemen. Last year, nine members of a United Nations entourage, including policemen, were brutally murdered by gunmen at Ogbaru Local Government while on a visit to an erosion site in the area. 

    Besides the remote areas, the insecurity in Anambra State extended to Awka, the capital city and its adjoining communities, which have all become hotbeds for bloody clashes between rival cult groups. In Awka in particular, people are lynched, maimed, butchered and killed in broad daylight. While the media reports some of these gory incidents, many go unreported.

    Some people would argue though that insecurity is a national malady. However, the situation in Anambra State has assumed a very dangerous dimension that some parts of the state are now being called Sambisa, after Sambisa Forest, the main base of the Boko Haram insurgents in the Northeast.    

    More worrisome is that the Soludo administration appears to have been overwhelmed by the insecurity, which is currently rocking the state like a volcanic eruption. Rather than confront the seismic security situation bedevilling his domain, Soludo, the Chief Security Officer of Anambra State who receives almost N1 billion monthly as security vote, keeps looking for a scapegoat to blame for the insecurity.

    In February this year, he said that the fight against insecurity in Anambra State has been hindered by the infiltration of vigilante operatives by criminals. To me, such an excuse, coming from a governor who took an oath to strive to preserve the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy, contained in Chapter II of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), sounds ridiculous. Under the aforementioned chapter, Section 14 (2) (b) clearly states that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government;”

    Therefore, it is the duty of the government to safeguard lives and property in Anambra State and not the vigilante operatives who are not recognized by the Nigerian law. If Soludo has lost confidence in the vigilante operatives, the constitutionally recognised security apparatuses of the Nigerian state, such as the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps and even the military, are at his disposal.

    The excuse that criminals infiltrated the vigilante operatives cannot be an alibi for the governor’s inability to secure the state. The vigilante operatives are meant to complement the efforts of the security agencies of the Nigerian State who are better trained and equipped in handling security matters. So, what’s the fuss about the infiltration of the vigilante groups?  

    Soludo should please swallow his pride and learn from his nearby counterparts, Peter Mba of Enugu State and Alex Otti of Abia State who have both exhibited the political will and capacity to confront the security challenges on ground when they assumed office. In Enugu for instance, Mba has empowered the police and the military with the necessary equipment, including vehicles, operational and communication gadgets, drones and other advanced technology, needed to confront the insecurity in Enugu State. Surveillance cameras have been mounted all over the Enugu capital city, to monitor the movement of people and vehicles in the city.             

    To attract both indigenous and foreign investors, security is very paramount. The efforts of Governor Mba in the area of security have started yielding results with the influx of investors into Enugu State, to revamp moribund industries, such as the Sunrise Flour Mills Enugu and Enugu United Palm Products Limited, Ibite Olo, Ezeagu Local Government Area of the State.

    Unfortunately, rather than pay attention to the insecurity plaguing Anambra State, which his government used as an excuse for delaying local government election, Soludo appears to be obsessed with how to control the allocation coming to the 21 local government areas of the State from the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC). Having been obligated by the landmark judgment of the Supreme Court to conduct local government election, which he failed to do for over two and half years, he introduced a bill in the Anambra State House of Assembly, to compel the 21 councils to remit a portion of their allocation to a consolidated account controlled by the state government. In spite of public outcry, the House of Assembly passed the bill, which has now been signed into law. This is ludicrous, considering the fact that the Supreme Court granted the councils financial autonomy.

    Quoting former Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, “the lack of local government autonomy potentially inhibits solutions as well as efforts by the federal and state governments towards addressing the nation’s security challenges.” This statement made by Lawan in an interview with State House Correspondents in Abuja in May last year, aptly corroborates scientific evidence from a research paper published in the International Journal of Public Administration and Management (IJPAMR) Volume 6. No. 4, 2021. Ubi and Akie in the paper titled, “Local Government System and Escalation of Insecurity in Nigeria, concluded that if the local government system functions at full capacity, rural people will be empowered, rural urban migration curbed, local economy enhanced, youths provided with direct and indirect jobs, and thus, they will not be given to crime, which triggers insecurity..” 

    I therefore expect Professor Soludo to live up to his billing as a distinguished Professor of Economics and a consummate public servant, having served at different times as the Chief Economic Adviser to the President, Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria and the de facto Minister of National Planning. He should quickly re-order his priorities by making the insecurity one of the focal points of his administration.

    Soludo should allow the councils to enjoy the autonomy that they were granted by the Supreme Court, to enable them perform optimally. A functional local government will help to end the alarming insecurity in Anambra State. 

    •Dr. Nzomiwu an indigene of Ozubulu in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State is a communication scholar, media consultant and political scientist.

  • Insecurity: FCT CP deploys more armed officers to Bwari, Ushafa communities

    Insecurity: FCT CP deploys more armed officers to Bwari, Ushafa communities

    Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Commissioner of Police (CP), Olatunji Disu on Friday, October 11, ordered the deployment of more officers to secure Bwari and Ushafa Communities.

    Disu made a deployment when he visited the communities to assess the security situation.

    According to a statement issued by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh: “On Friday, October 11, 2024, CP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, the newly appointed Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), visited the Bwari/Ushafa Communities to assess the security situation and evaluate ongoing deployments.

    “This visit underscores the Command’s commitment to ensuring peace and security across the FCT, especially in communities facing challenges. CP Disu engaged with traditional rulers, youth groups, and residents, addressing their concerns and emphasizing the police’s dedication to swift and professional responses to threats.

    Read Also: FCT CP drums support for SLTV, Nigerian satellite pay TV

    “He highlighted the importance of collaboration with the community, urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities. The Command has strengthened deployments in key areas of Bwari, focusing on intelligence-driven operations and rapid response units. CP Disu assured that the FCT Command is committed to tackling crime and maintaining a secure environment for all.

    “The FCT Command will continue to engage stakeholders, enhance its security strategies, and promote community policing initiatives. Residents can report suspicious activities via the emergency numbers: 08032003913, 08028940883, 08061581938, and 07057337653. For complaints against police conduct, contact PCB at 09022222352 or CRU at 08107314192.”

  • Reps urge govt to address food smuggling, insecurity

    Reps urge govt to address food smuggling, insecurity

    The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to, as a matter of urgency, implement the Exports (Prohibition) Act, 2004 to curb food smuggling and food insecurity in Nigeria.

    The House also urged the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to provide more incentives for farmers to boost agricultural production and productivity.

    The Committees on Agricultural Production and Services, Legislative Compliance, Customs, Commerce and Industry were mandated to ensure compliance and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.

    These resolutions followed the adoption of a motion titled, “Need to Curb Export Prohibition Act to Curb Insecurity in Nigeria” sponsored by Hon. Muktar Shagaya.

    Read Also; 13 repentant terrorists escape with govt rifles in Borno

    The House noted that Section 14(2) (b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) states that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.

    It also noted that Nigeria is currently experiencing high levels of food insecurity, food inflation, and food shortages.

    This situation, it said, has led to millions of citizens lacking access to sufficient and nutritious food, resulting in untold hardship, hunger, and misery among the population.

    The House was concerned about reports from the World Bank and the International Rescue Committee (IRC) indicating that over 31.8 million Nigerians, approximately 16% of the population, are currently facing severe food insecurity and malnutrition among women and children.

    It was also concerned that food smuggling and exportation is a major driver of the current food insecurity, with large quantities of food products smuggled out of the country, consequently undermining agricultural output and threatening the livelihoods of farmers.

    The House said it was aware that the Export (Prohibition) Act, 2004 was passed at a period when the majority of Nigerians were unable to acquire basic necessities like rice, corn, yam, garri, cassava, and beans due to the fact that these goods were being transported, sometimes covertly, to foreign markets.

    It worried that the failure to implement the said legislation overtime has led to severe food shortages, high food prices, increased food insecurity, and the loss of revenue for farmers and the federal government.

    The House said it was cognizant of the need to address the current food crisis by enforcing the Export (Prohibition) Act, 2004 to prevent food exportation, ensure food availability, and reduce the cost of living for Nigerians.

  • Insecurity: 250 Nigerian Army captains begin promotion examination

    Insecurity: 250 Nigerian Army captains begin promotion examination

    Over 250 Captains from different units and formations of the Nigerian Army have commenced the Captain to Major Practical Promotion Examination (CMPPE).

    This examination is designed to enhance their understanding of military operations, equipping them to better address the country’s current security challenges.

    Speaking to the participants in Akure, Major General Kevin Aligbe, Commander of the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC NA), emphasised that the exercise aims to deepen their knowledge of various military operations.

    He highlighted the need for this training due to the ongoing security issues that have led to the deployment of Nigerian Army personnel for internal security operations nationwide.

    The officers will be tested in key areas including Tactics and Low-Intensity Conflict, Map Reading, Radio Communication, and the French language.

    “The objective of this examination is to equip participants with a broader understanding of military operations, considering the security situation in our country.

    Read Also: Insecurity: Sokoto govt constructs military base in Illela

    “I urge all candidates, especially those from outside, to be mindful of their health. We have deployed medical doctors, paramedics, and ambulances to handle medical cases. We have also made arrangements to provide quality meals throughout the examination.”

    He advised them to focus on the examination and avoid unnecessary social interactions.

    “The security situation in Akure is relatively peaceful but unpredictable. Therefore, I advise you to be vigilant and mindful of your movements. It is also advisable to follow instructions and use only the designated vehicles and buses provided for you,” he said

    General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Obinna Onubogu, said the examination was a critical step in the career progression of Nigerian Army officers and encouraged the candidates to display utmost honesty, commitment, and professionalism.

    “It is a golden opportunity for the candidates to further consolidate their careers by assessing and evaluating their proficiency and developing their junior leadership capabilities for higher responsibilities in the Nigerian Army.

    “Your performance in the examination will be a key determinant of your career progression, as well as ensuring that the Nigerian Army continues to succeed in its operations across the nation,” he added.

  • Katsina monarch blames weak punishments for rising insecurity

    Katsina monarch blames weak punishments for rising insecurity

    …urges traditional leaders to enhance law and order

    The Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir-Usman, has attributed the rise in insecurity and banditry in the country to inadequate punishments for criminals.

    During the turbanning ceremony for three Katsina leaders—Deputy Governor Alhaji Faruq Jobe as Sarkin Fulani Jobe, Chief of Staff to Governor Dikko Radda Alhaji Jabiru Tsauri as Lamidon Katsina, and Abdullahi Aliyu, House of Representatives member for Musawa and Matazu Federal Constituency, as Dujiman Katsina—the Emir emphasized the need for traditional titleholders to reassess their roles in maintaining law and order.

    He underscored that this reassessment is crucial for fostering peace, unity, and tranquillity.

    The Emir urged residents to support the state government’s initiatives by contributing to various committees focused on Zakkat collection, peace and security, and graveyard management.

    He said: “As leaders at all levels, you must reconsider your roles in maintaining law and order, as the absence of punishment has contributed to the current situation in the country.”

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    “I urge you to use your influence to assist people, especially those in need. This will bring more rewards and blessings from Allah in the hereafter.

    “You have much to contribute towards moving the state and the country forward. The government cannot be left with all the responsibilities.

    “We must give Zakkat to the needy, disabled persons, and the poor, as God has directed. Please do your best to improve people’s lives.”

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajuddeen Abbas, who was represented by Alhassan Ado-Doguwa, the Majority Leader, spoke to journalists after the event and praised the emir for allowing the celebrants to be part of the emirate council.

    After the Turbanning ceremony, the governor joined his Chief of Staff for a durbar in Tsauri town, Kurfi Local Government Area.