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Tag: NSA

  • NSA urges agencies to create counter-terrorism desks

    NSA urges agencies to create counter-terrorism desks

    NATIONAL Security Adviser (NSA) Maj-Gen. Babagana Monguno has urged Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs), civil society organisations (CSO) and other non-government organisations to establish National Counter Terrorism Strategy (NACTEST) desks in their domains to curb the menace of violence.

    This came as the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, said the nation’s oil and gas installations and the shipping industry were still exposed to diverse threats on daily basis.

    Maj-Gen. Monguno, however, noted that the establishment of the desks has become imperative given the adoption of various security strategies by the present administration to keep the country safe and secure from the evils of terrorism and other criminal acts.

    He said his office and other stakeholders would leave no stone unturned to ensure the implementation of the National Working Document on Counter-Terrorism, which was presented to the public last week.

    Monguno spoke in Abuja, while declaring open a two-day National Workshop and Capacity-Building organised by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) on the safety and security of the nation’s maritime domain and national infrastructure.

    Monguno, who was represented by Brig.-Gen E.O. Ndaji, said: “NACTEST is a call for action to all national and state MDAs, including NGOs and all well-meaning Nigerians, to consciously take up their roles as outlined in the strategy.

    “We must all work together identifying our crucial and collaborating towards achieving the desired objectives of securing our nation against terrorist groups and other criminalities. It against this backdrop that the initiative by NIMASA to co-host this event is both timely and commendable.

    “I, therefore, wish to call on all other MDAs to follow the example of NIMASA in not only setting up NACTEST desks and designating Desk Focal Point Officers, but should take practical steps towards implementation of the strategy consistent with their mandates.

    “Towards actualising this, MDAs are encouraged to make budgetary provisions for carrying out NACTEST activities. The Office of NSA stands ready to collaborate with any MDAs, including through facilitating contacts with resource persons – both local and foreign.

    “The fight against terrorism and other criminalities stresses the need for inter-agency collaboration and cross-border relationships to stem the current tide because terrorism recognizes no borders.”

    Peterside hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for the pragmatic step his administration has taken for the country’s security.

    Describing the workshop as timely, the NIMASA boss said there was “need for strong synergy and collaboration among security agencies in the war against terrorism and insecurity”.

    Peterside, who was represented by Alhaji Ali Ndabawa, a director in the agency, said: “All of our security apparatuses must be united and determined in the knowledge that government is committed to providing all the supports needed to guarantee victory.

  • NSA, other top security chiefs to address summit

    The Summit on National Security being organised by the National Assembly in collaboration with the Executive will today receive presentations from heads of military and para-military organisations, including the National Security Adviser (NSA)and other service chiefs.

    Also expected at the day-two summit are traditional rulers, cultural groups and religious leaders, who are expected to give their perspective on the country’s security situation and how to permanently address the crisis.

    A statement by the Office of the Senate President said top security chiefs expected to make presentations and discuss the theme: “Managing Internal Security Threats” include: National Security Adviser Mohammed Monguno and Chief of Army Staff Lt-Gen. Yusuf Buratai.

    Chief of Naval Staff, Comptroller General, Nigeria Immigration Service and the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps are also expected to present papers at the event.

     

  • Buhari meets members, leadership of CAN in Aso Rock

    Buhari meets members, leadership of CAN in Aso Rock

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday met with members and leadership of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was being attended by
    Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, National Security Adviser (NSA) Retired Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno and Head of Service of the Federation, Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita.

    The meeting, being held behind closed doors at the Council Chamber of Aso Rock, was also being attended by cabinet ministers, while the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF)
    Boss Mustapha, was represented by Permanent Secretary, Ecological Fund Office (EFO) Hajiya Habiba Lawal.

    The President would also meet with representatives of the Muslim community in Nigeria at same venue by 2 p.m.

    Read Also: Buhari backs local govt autonomy

  • Nigeria Sports Award hails Eagles, Quadri,

    Nigeria Sports Award hails Eagles, Quadri,

    Organisers of Nigerian Sports Award,(NSA) have lauded The Super Eagles for securing  the World Cup ticket after beating Zambia by one goal to nil in a World Cup Qualifier held on Saturday.

    It equally commended Aruna Quadri, Nigeria number one Table Tennis champion for winning the ITTF Polish Open.The Nigerian defeated Japan’s Kaii Yoshida after six sets (11-7, 11-13 11-8, 6-11, 11-8, 14-12) to become the first African to win an ITTF title outside the continent.

    In a statement issued by the management of the award and signed by the executive member of the panel, Kayode Idowu, he expressed delight over the hard won victory even as he commended the coaching crew, the management of Nigeria Football Federation, NFF and other sports stakeholders for rallying round the team to secure the ticket.

    Similarly, the organiser praised Aruna for putting up outstanding performance at the Open that saw him emerge winner.

    Kayode said” It is most gratifying news to hear that Nigeria has eventually qualify to flag the nation’s flag in next year World Cup holding in Russia. For us in NSA, we are most excited about the piece of news. We believe achievement such as this is a clear testimony to the improvement being witnessed in football and other sports in general. We believe it can only get better as we have seen in some other sports. I think commendations should go to all the players for giving everything to earn this most coveted ticket. We must commend the team, the coaching crew for putting up a gallant fight to secure the ticket. They truly deserve all the accolades. If you follow the last few matches, you would notice the level of consistency and skillful display by the national team. The victories over other arch rivals in the group alone are pointers that Nigeria has what it takes to beat any team if there is unity of purpose and drive to succeed. By this feat, it has shown that Nigeria football and sports in general can still get back to its rightful place that we were known for. 

    While applauding the role of the management of the Nigerian Football Federation and Federal Ministry of Sport on the Super Eagle sterling performance, he tasked them to support the team by starting preparation in earnest  to avoid a repeat of our last outing at the World cup.

    According to him, with quality friendlies and adequate training, Nigeria has what it takes to surprise the world Cup by being the first African country to win the Cup

    He said’ I need to state that we cannot afford to go to sleep now that we have secured the ticket. This is the time to begin preparation for the World cup if we are really concerned about putting upa good showing or winning the World Cup at best.

    The management of the award however advised the table tennis federation to lend their support to the tennis sensation as World Cup draws near noting that Quadri needs all the backing to perform excellently.

  • Osinbajo, Ortom, NSA meet over farmers/herdsmen clashes in Benue

    Osinbajo, Ortom, NSA meet over farmers/herdsmen clashes in Benue

    •Why grazing is difficult in Benue

    ACTING President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday met behind closed doors with Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom and the National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja over the rising wave of attacks by itinerant herdsmen and the security situation in Benue State.

    The governor explained why it is difficult for grazing to take place in his domain, even as informed that the hostilities between the herdsman and farmers are fast fading off.

    He told reporters at the State House after the meeting that there great harmony has been restored in the state.

    Explaining his mission to the State House and what transpired at the meeting, Ortom said: “It is to also brief him (Acting President) of the security situation in my state. We are on top of the situation and things are coming down, the herdsmen and the farmers are now cooperating. The understanding is that no one should encroach into anyone’s farm whether for cattle breeding or farming activities.

    “And those ones that cannot live within the community except they do open grazing already existing to other places where there is land. Like we keep saying in Benue state, almost all the land is for cultivation. So, it’s difficult to talk about grazing and the herdsmen too quite understand with us in this regard.”

    According to him, the state will soon sign the anti-open grazing bill into law?.

    He said: “And we look forward that we’ll receive the same cooperation from farmers and herdsmen so that let’s live together as brothers and sisters, we can do it.

    “It is achievable, living without strife and fighting and killing. We can live. The human live is very precious to some of us and we’ll do everything to protect lives and property in the state.”

    He also disclosed that his state has been getting positive responses from the Federal Government towards resolving the security situations.

    The governor said: “The Federal Government is actively supporting the state. As you know, the security apparatus are owned by the Federal Government and the Presidency has been very supportive in ensuring that we have peace.

    “In fact, the security personnel are at the disposal of the Benue state government any time we make request whether the police, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), they are ready to augment what we have on ground that alone is positive result.”

    Benue state, he noted, would have been worse than what it is experiencing today but for the federal support.

    “Today, even at the point we took over the mantle of leadership, you can see that we have been able to reduce criminality, assassination, killings and armed robbery to the barest minimum. I can’t say I we have eliminated all but, we have reduced it. So, that is the positive result of the synergy we have with the federal government”, he said

    Insisting that his administration has nothing to hide, the governor said: “Yes, because when people accuse falsely, tell lies to make us feel as if we are the same thing with the other people, and I ask them…where have you seen anything wrong with what we are doing?

    “So, those are the kind of people I am talking about. If you know, bring it out, let the people know. It is not just accusing government of corruption or doing this and that.

    “Those ones are libelous and we can take you to court. But if you have evidence that this is what we are doing wrong, as far as I know, my government does not encourage corruption and I think that it is the duty of all of us to work together and eliminate corruption in this country.

    “That has been the problem and people are not bold enough until President Muhammadu Buhari came in. So, for some of us, we are actively supporting what the Federal Government is doing. So, together we can eliminate this corruption. Nigeria has no business with poverty because we have enough. The only problem is corruption and all of us, journalists, government must come together to eliminate corruption.”

    On what his administration has done to tackle the challenges of huge wage bills and ghost workers, he said:  “Well, we are doing that, we have identified that yes, there are ghost workers. I set up a committee recently and they verified about one quarter of the workforce in the state and we discovered that within a period of one year, three months, there were fraudulent practices amounting to N1.4 billion.

    “These are things we are going to check. I have declared state of emergency on payment of salaries and part of what we are going to do is to do screening along with workers to ensure that genuine workers receive their salaries as at when due.”

  • $43m Ikoyi cash: NIA, NSA, CBN, EFCC shun Reps’ probe

    $43m Ikoyi cash: NIA, NSA, CBN, EFCC shun Reps’ probe

    THE suspended Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ayo Oke, National Security Adviser Maj-Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd), Acting Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission  (EFCC) Ibrahim Magu and Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Godwin Emefiele yesterday failed to honour the invitation of the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence.

    The House had given the Aminu Sani Jaji-headed committee the mandate to investigate the huge cash discovery through a resolution on April 26 and gave the committee two weeks to report to it for further legislative action.

    The committee’s resolution came after President Muhammadu Buhari set up a three-man investigative panel headed by the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to unravel the mystery surrounding the discovery of the amount.

    The committee expressed dissatisfaction that the four parties did not communicate reasons for their absence and issued  24-hour summons to compel their appearance today.

    But, Chairman, House Committee on Public Procurement, Wole Oke (Osun PDP), in a statement, warned of the dire consequence the probe might have on the country’s security, if not well-handled.

    His statement said “the investigative hearing, its reports, findings and recommendations should be treated with utmost confidentiality. This will reduce or totally eliminate that risks of inadvertently revealing highly classified national security information to the public, foreign intelligence and counter-intelligence agents within and outside Nigeria, which could significantly hurt our national security.

    “We must always avert our minds to the sacred provisions of Section 45(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as altered), which treats interest of defence, public safety and public order with utmost primacy.”

    On April 12, the EFCC uncovered local and foreign currencies totalling about 43.4 million  USD, 27,800 GBP and N23.2 million in a flat located on the 7th floor of Osborne Towers, Ikoyi, Lagos.

    The money was claimed by the NIA, which eventually resulted in the suspension of its director general and constitution of a three-man investigative panel, headed by the Vice President and a resolution by the House to investigate the issue.

     

     

  • NSA knew about $43.4m, NIA boss Oke tells panel

    NSA knew about $43.4m, NIA boss Oke tells panel

    EFCC defers action on Ikoyi cash haul investigation

    Members of the Presidential Investigative Committee probing the recovery of $43.4million at Osborne Towers in Ikoyi, Lagos sat yesterday for more than 11 hours.
    They examined documents and interrogated some officials at the marathon session.
    Grilled were the suspended Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Amb. Ayo Oke, and some top officials of the agency.
    One of the highlights of the session was when the suspended NIA DG told the panel that he wrote a memo to the National Security Adviser (NSA) on the custody of the $43.4million for covert operations.
    A source said the DG maintained his stand that he informed the NSA, Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno, who is a member of the committee, about the money.
    Oke was said to have told the committee about the covert operations and projects executed by the agency.
    Responding to a question, the source, who pleaded not to be named, added: “Oke gave a spirited defence of his career and said there was no ill-motive behind the cash.”
    “At the end of it all, Oke was heard saying ‘I did my best before the committee. I have left the rest to God.”
    But there were indications that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) may have deferred further action on the interrogation of some suspects for the Osinbajo Committee to conclude its assignment.
    The committee, which began sitting at about 10am, had not called it a day as at 9.37pm.
    A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “What the committee did was to sieve through heaps of documents submitted by the EFCC and the NIA on the $43.4million.
    “Some of the documents include findings at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) on some companies engaged by the intelligence agency.
    “After analysing these documents, the committee started interacting with some top officials of NIA.  Thereafter at about 5.40pm, the interaction with Oke then started.
    “Oke took longer time because he brought the list of projects being executed, the designs, contract papers and mode of payment.”
    A multinational company is said to be handling most NIA projects.
    The committee decided to work round the clock to meet its two weeks deadline, the source said, adding: “The  members  actually started sitting at about 10am and the only time they had respite was each time the National Security Adviser, Gen. Babagana Monguno and the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, went to observe Islamic prayers.
    On why the EFCC has deferred the interrogation of some suspects, the source said: “Since a panel is in place, the EFCC has stayed action on the invitation  of some suspects to avoid duplication of efforts.
    “The recommendation of the panel will determine the next step by the anti-graft commission.”

  • VP meets with Magu, DG DSS, NSA, others

    VP meets with Magu, DG DSS, NSA, others

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Thursday met with some top security officials and other highly placed officials at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The meeting came twenty-four hours after the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir David Lawal and the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ayo Oke, were suspended from office.

    Osinbajo yesterday met with the Director-General of the Department for State Security (DSS), Lawal Daura, the National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno, Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibrahim Magu and the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami.

    Lawal’s Adamawa State Governor Jibrilla Bindow, was also reportedly sighted at the Presidential Villa yesterday.  There was no confirmation that Bindow, whose presence was confirmed by some State House workers, had audience with the vice president or the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari.

    It was, however believed that the governor’s visit was not unconnected with the suspension of the SGF.

    Magu, after meeting with the Vice President, disclosed that he attended Assets Recovery Committee meeting.

  • ’How Jonathan’s cousin’s firm got $40m from NSA’

    ’How Jonathan’s cousin’s firm got $40m from NSA’

    The prosecution opened its case yesterday in the trial of a cousin to former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, for money laundering.

    Robert Azibaola and his wife, Stella, are standing trial for money laundering, criminal breach of trust and corruption.

    The first witness, Ibrahim Mahe, gave details of how he allegedly transferred $40million to ‘One Plus Holdings Nigeria Limited’, a company allegedly owned by Azibaola.

    Mahe, a retired Permanent Secretary, Special Services in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), said he did not know the defendants, but got to know the third defendant, One Plus Company, through a transaction.

    On how he knew the company, Mahe explained: “On August 20, 2014, the National Security Adviser (NSA), endorsed a memo to me, which originated from the Office of the Director of Finance and Administration of the Office National Security Adviser (ONSA), detailing the bank details of one company called ‘One Plus’ and the purpose for which the company was to be paid a sum of $40million.

    “The NSA instructed me to prepare payment and I prepared the payment mandate for the $40million in favour of ‘One Plus’ for the signature of the NSA. I sent it to the NSA, he signed and sent it back to me and subsequent action was for me to counter-sign the mandate and then send it to the Central Bank of Nigeria for Payment”, the witness said.

    On how he got involved in the transaction, the witness said his responsibilities as the Permanent Secretary in the Special Services Office included liaising  with the office of the NSA on matters relating to finances of the entire “intelligence community” which included the Department of State Service (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and ONSA.

    ”After formulating the budget, the Accountant General releases the funds of the ‘Intelligence Community’ through an account that is domiciled with the Special Security Office from where it is distributed to the various end users”, the witness said.

    He told the court that his office served as a warehouse for funds of the ‘Intelligence Community’ and explained how funds were utilised.

    “When funds get into the account, the NSA is informed of the arrival of the funds and proposal on the distribution to the various agencies is made to him. When he approves, the monies are sent to the end users”, he said.

    Justice Nnamdi Dimgba adjourned the matter to July 4 for continuation of trial.

  • NSA leads dialogue on Niger Delta crisis

    NSA leads dialogue on Niger Delta crisis

    President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed National Security Adviser Gen. Babagana Mongunu to head the team that will dialogue with the warring Niger Delta militants.

    The Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, stated this yesterday in Abuja.

    According to him, he is a member of the team, which also include the nation’s  security and service chiefs  and other stakeholders, to distill military intervention in the area so that dialogue can take place.

    “We are making contacts with those involved that we can identify and through them to the ones we cannot identify so that there will be inclusiveness for dialogue. Our prayer is that this works so that we resort to dialogue instead of use of force to solve problems.

    It is always difficult when arms are used against fellow citizens whether by the militants or by the government, “ he said.

    He however noted that the crisis has culminated in a loss of 600,000 barrels per day.

    Kachikwu said for the government to recover the lost barrels it has to first win back the hearts of the aggressive militants.

    He added that he has always been of the disposition that government has to engage unhappy citizens.

    Assuring the country that the government is open to dialogue, the minister said “unless the government is pushed to take extreme measures, the steer of His Excellency, Mr. President is to try engage and dialogue with issues.

    “The President has appointed a team led by the National Security Adviser to head the process of a very intensive dialogue…and I am sure in the ensuing one week the intensity of that dialogue will ramp up.”

    Kachikwu said the intensity of the attacks was causing a lot of problems, such as pollution and affects on consistent production.

    His words: “Coming to what is happening in Nigeria in terms of security challenges in the oil industry, over the last two months we have lost about 600,000 barrels from various attacks of militants in the area.”

    “We are making efforts to see how we can get those back, obviously and getting the barrels back is also getting the hearts of people back. My attitude has always been that when citizens are unhappy about something we try to engage.

    “And I know given the intensity of the attacks, which is causing a lot of problems, both in terms of pollution and in term of continuity  of production and sanctity of career paths of the oil industry to what has been happening, the response has been to ensure adequate security coverage in those areas and for the safety of lives and property and equality to bring tranquility back to what is ordinarily a very serene and wonderful geographical space to be in.

    “I am from the Niger Delta and my first appeal is to my brothers who engage in those protests to sheathe the sword and the dagger and then get back to the table so that we can have conversation as Nigerians. …the answer to the issues is not taking up of arms  . The Federal Government is committed to continue this dialogue.”

    The minister stressed the fact that the President was  interested in restoring peace to the Niger Delta, adding that Buhari has urged the use of every available opportunity to dialogue with the militants to end the matter.

    In terms of effects of the crisis on oil production, the minister said that “in terms of production, I think we are producing 1.5 and 1.6million barrels per day down from 2.2million of this year’s the basis of this year’s budget.”

    According to him, between now and August, if peace reigns, the sector would be able to raise the volume of production substantially.

    Kachikwu promised that the ministry and its related agencies would work hard to cover the gaps in a manner that the losses would not affect this year’s budget significantly.