The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Security agencies

  • FG restates commitment to strengthening security around schools

    FG restates commitment to strengthening security around schools

    The Federal Government has restated its commitment to strengthening security around schools and safeguarding students and citizens across the country.

    The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, stated this when he led a Federal Government delegation to the Governor of Niger, Umaru Bago.

    This was contained in a statement issued by Idris’s Special Assistant on Media, Malam Rabiu Ibrahim in Abuja.

    Idris described the rescue of some of the abducted students of the St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School, Papyri, Niger as a moment of profound relief for the nation and families of the children.

    He said the rescue of these children is a moment of profound relief for their families and the entire nation.

    “We are grateful for the tireless work of our security agencies, the swift response of the Niger State Government, and the strong community cooperation that made this outcome possible.

    “I want to reaffirm the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to strengthening security around schools and safeguarding students and citizens nationwide.

    “We also want to state that the protection and welfare of Nigerian children remain a central priority of the Federal Government. Our children must be able to learn safely.

    “The Federal Government is committed to working closely with states to boost school security and ensure that such violations of our collective peace have no place in our country,” Idris said.

    The Minister commended the coordinated efforts of security agencies, Niger Government, and community stakeholders, describing their collaboration as a decisive factor in the successful rescue operation.

    According to the statement,  Bago thanked the Minister and the delegation for the visit and commended the security agencies and local communities for their roles in securing the release of the pupils.

    Bago also reaffirmed the state’s commitment to continued collaboration with the Federal Government on security and social stability.

    (NAN)

  • Reps commend CDS, security agencies for efforts to ensure peace

    Reps commend CDS, security agencies for efforts to ensure peace

    The House of Representatives has commended the Nigeria‘s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa and other security agencies on the proactive efforts against insurgents, terrorists and curbing civil unrest across the country with the aim of achieving lasting peace.

    Chairman, House Committee on Safety Standards and Regulations, Hon. Sulaiman Abubakar Gumi gave the commendation during a fact-finding meeting held with the Chief of Defence Staff.

    The aim of the meeting was to “thoroughly examine the root causes of these unfortunate incidences and identify effective remedies to prevent their reoccurrence in the future.”

    He lauded the ongoing efforts toward combating insurgency and terrorism as well as curtailing civil rest across the country.

    Gumi particularly commended the “unwavering dedication and tireless efforts of the Nigerian Army in safeguarding the territorial integrity of our beloved nation.

    Read Also; How Nigeria can produce another Nobel winner, by author

    “Their commitment to defending our borders both externally and internally ensures that we can sleep soundly at night, knowing that our safety and security are being firmly protected.

    “In the face of numerous challenges and threats, both foreign and domestic, our brave soldiers stand steadfast on the frontline risking their lives to preserve the peace and stability of our nation.

    “From combating insurgency and terrorism to maintaining law and order in the case of civil unrest, the Nigerian Army has consistently demonstrated unwavering resolve to uphold the sovereignty and dignity of our nation.

    “Their resilience in the face of adversity serves as a beacon of hope and aspirations to us all.

    “The loss of innocent lives is a matter of a cause of concern and urgency that demands our collective attention and action. It is imperative that we thoroughly examine the root causes of these unfortunate incidences and identify effective remedies to prevent their reoccurrence in the future.

    “During our meeting today, we will engage in a comprehensive review of the operational procedures and protocols employed by the Nigerian Army in conducting drone operations, with a particular focus on enhancing safety measures to minimizing the risk of unfriendly fire and civilian casualties,” Hon. Gumi said.

    In his presentation, the CDS who was represented by the Director of Operations of Defence Headquarters, N. I. Ilo explained that the Defence headquarters has put in place a robust standard of operations that ensures safety of not just its personnel but civilians during operations.

    “I must on behalf of the Armed Forces express our sincere regrets on the unfortunate incident at …in Kaduna State. I also ask the Almighty to forgive the shortcomings of those who lost their lives there.

    “And we also want to thank the Senate as well as the House of Representatives for the support and necessary attention given to the Armed Forces during that trial. We also want to extend our thanks to the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It was indeed a trying period for us.

    “Be that as it may, I want to assure the House that the Armed Forces is a professional Armed Forces, a professional body and in the course of our discussion we will come to that.

    “We do have rules and regulations that guide all our operations and from time to time we try to pass these rules and regulations through teachings and sometimes workshops to incorporate us.

    “It’s unfortunate again over what happened, the Chief of Defence Staff has directed that all necessary steps are taken to ensure that such incident does not happen in the future to the best of military abilities.

    “We are facing our challenges in the front. The high-powered delegation team was set up on the directive of the Chief of Defence Staff and they went who met the stakeholders and all concerned and they sat. In fact the Team which not only the Defence headquarters, the Services as well as the Ministry of Defence has rely helped our work.

    “So, they came up with a report which is being reviewed. Maybe once they finish the review, the Defence headquarters will communicate that to the House.

    “Once again, I want to say that what happened on that day was quite unfortunate and the military operation continues which I know you are all aware of.

    “We are gaining successes here and there but the challenges still continue, but we will continue to dedicate ourselves to the security of this country, to ensure that we rid this country of criminal elements, so that we can make progress in all our activities,” he said.

  • ‘Nigerians should support security agencies’

    ‘Nigerians should support security agencies’

    Nigerians have been urged to be patient with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-administration and support security agencies to nip crimes in the bud.

    Chief Missioner/Founder of Al-Abrar Foundation, Sheikh Adam Adebayo, joined other eminent personalities from within and outside the country to make the plea.

    He urged Nigerians to return to their, noting it’s the antidote to the current hardship being faced in the country.

    The cleric and others spoke during the Mawlid Nabiyy organized by the Aljamahatul Qadiriyyah Islamic Movement, Lagos State Chapter at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

    “The antidote to this hardship is for us to go back to our creator. We should seek His assistance on the current hardship. Importantly, we should seek forgiveness from Allah because all of us have committed sins one way or the other,” he said.

    The scholar enjoined Muslims to emulate the Prophet in their deeds and words.

    He added that the Mawlid Nabiyy celebration offers a platform for members of the Qadiriyyah movement to bond together.

    The Chief Host and Khalifah Qadiriyyah Lagos, Sheikh Soliu Jamiu Amasa, noted that citizens have a role to play in tackling the hardship.

    He said: “We should pray for our nation. We should pray for our leaders. When we support our leaders with prayer, they will get it right and everything will be okay.

    “The government cannot do everything. So, at our individual level, we should be our brother’s keeper to see through this current economic downturn. On security, we should assist security agencies with relevant information. We all need to be security conscious in our various communities. We should also learn to tolerate ourselves and live in harmony.”

    Former Chairman of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Alhaji Kashim Imam, who chaired the event, commended the movement for bringing thousands of Muslims together for the annual Mawlid Nabiyy, saying the celebration is unprecedented by all standards of measurement.

    “We have leaders who have come from all over the country present here; from Kano, Abuja, Maiduguri, and so on. May Allah accept this as an act of Ibadah from all of us. May Allah grant our country peace. May Allah grant our country prosperity. May Allah guide our leaders, in particular the President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. May Allah give him good health. May Allah make our country overcome all the economic challenges that we are facing,” he prayed.

    Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ibrahim Layode, who represented Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Hamzat, also lauded the movement, saying the state acknowledges the great activities they are doing which promote peace and development.

    “On behalf of the Lagos State Government, I congratulate the Qadriyyah movement on this important occasion. As a group, we have seen a lot of great activities the Qadriyyah movement has done in the state. We thank you for your efforts.

    Read Also: House wants uniform for security agencies made locally

    “As a government, we will continue to support organisations that are promoting peace and development in our state. We will extend our various welfare and society safety programmes to members of your group as an integral part of the state.”

    The Commissioner said the government is working hard to ease things for people as soon as possible, urging for more understanding and patience.

    Layode said: “I urge parents here to continue to educate and talk to their wards, the young people. They should appeal to them to be calm and understanding with the government. Things will get better soon.

    “Our religious scholars should also help us include this appeal in their sermon. We understand there is economic downturn, and it’s everywhere across the world. The rate may differ. The government is working round the clock to address the issue and bring ease to our people. Let’s try and understand with the government.”

    Iyaloja General of Lagos State and President Bola Tinubu’s daughter, Chief Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, was decorated with turban as Iya Adinni of Qadiriyyah in Nigeria and Africa, for her contributions towards the development of Islam through the Sufi movement. Chief Tinubu-Ojo also sued for patience, charging Nigerians to keep hope alive that everything would be better very soon.

    “My message to all Nigerians is to please exercise a little more patience. Everything will be alright; it’s just a matter of time. We need to keep our hope alive. There is economic downturn all over the world, and not in Nigeria alone. But we pray Allah will see us through.”

    The grand Khalifa of Tijaniyya for Lagos State, Sheikh Aminullah Abd’Salam Akoshile, said the hardship is a test from Allah, noting Muslims should be patient and prayerful.

    “The reality with us currently is that we have hunger ravaging the country, and there is hardship. But it’s part of the test of Allah. He said in the Qur’an that he would occasionally test us with hunger and other things. And there would be glad tidings for those who are patient.

    “We need prayer. Therefore, we should continue to pray for our leaders and our country. We will come out of this.”

  • ‘How to stop clashes among security agencies’

    ‘How to stop clashes among security agencies’

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was at the weekend urged to set up a disciplinary commission to address recurrent clashes among security personnel.

    A security consultant/Chief Executive Officer of Badinson Security Limited, Mr. Matthew Ibadin, described clashes among security agencies as disgraceful, saying that the creation of a disciplinary panel will eliminate such

    Giving a rundown of clashes between security agencies, he noted that no fewer than two incidents occurred between two security agencies of the Federal Government this month.

    He recounted how some Nigerian Air Force (NAF) personnel stormed the Kaduna Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to forcefully release NAF personnel who were arrested in connection to alleged internet fraud.

    Read Also: Nigeria woos foreign investors with attractive forex repatriation, RoI

    The security chieftain, said that the endless clashes between the Army and Police, or Police and Customs, Immigration and Navy, Air Force and NDLEA, NSCDC men and the police, there was evidence of a breakdown of law and order among the agencies with the age-long slogan “Esprit de corps” no long in existence.

    He noted that sister agencies were created and funded by the Federal Government and it would be proper for the management and operatives of the agencies not to ‘wash their dirty linen in public’.

    Ibadin suggested that  the proposed  disciplinary commission/task force should include private security consultants, retired court judges, civil society organisations and National Assembly (Senate/House of Representatives) members and exclude serving and retired personnel of the nation’s security agencies.

    He suggested that the commission should have the power to try any security agent involved in fighting with any member of a sister security agency.

    The security consultant also urged Tinubu to consider restructuring the security agencies to prevent overlap of functions, which in some cases, cause friction and violent physical combat.

  • Rights coalition hails security agencies over conduct of polls

    •Group gives accounts of security in states

    THE Coalition of Civil Society Organisations on Human Rights and Conflict Resolution has lauded the nation’s security agencies for being professional in discharge of their duties before, during and after the nationwide polls.

    Its Executive Director, Maxwell Gowon, hailed the military for its efforts at ensuring peace, stability and security, even though the forecast for security and life during the election had been grim.

    Giving detailed accounts of what happened in some states during the polls, Gowon called on the security agencies to be at alert, considering that the prospect of violence in the aftermath of the announcement of results remains high.

    The group also warned parties to caution their supporters against engaging in violence.

    He said: “The coalition observed, from the data collected by its observers, that there were incidences on the election day:

    “In Abonnema, Akoku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State, gunmen suspected to be thugs hired by politicians attacked troops on duty leading to six of them being killed when the personnel of the Nigerian Army repelled the attack. A lieutenant of the Nigerian Army died in the encounter while two civilians died from gunshots of the assailants.

    The Army arrested 15 persons acting as political thugs in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of neighbouring Bayelsa State.

    “In Delta State, the police confirmed two persons dead in Sapele axis of the state.

    Edo State recorded incidents of ballot box snatching, but the Army stepped in to get the situation under control with perpetrators that were apprehended handed over to the police.

    “In Cross River and Akwa Ibom, the earlier warning issued by the Army with other security agencies was heeded as the situation was conducive.

    “Anambra State is one of the states where the Independent National Electoral Commission was compelled to reschedule elections, owing to violence while Ebonyi State recorded violence that claimed three lives on the eve of the elections. Abia, Enugu and Imo states were largely peaceful.

    “Lagos State is another state, where some elections were rescheduled owing to violence. There were cases of ballot snatching and destruction of ballot at the point of counting in some instances. Overall, security agencies and the support of the Nigerian Army made it possible for the situation to remain under control without escalation.

    “The pockets of violence in Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, Ogun and Oyo (one person was killed in Oyo state) states were easily managed. The presence of the military ensured that things did not overly get out of hand.”

    Gowon added: “In spite of the threat to mar the elections, the explosions from Boko Haram/ISWAP in Borno State did not stop citizens from exercising their rights at the polls. The Nigerian Army successfully curtailed the ability of the terrorists to cause disruptions. Similar explosions in Yobe State did not prevent voting from taking place. Gombe, Bauchi, Taraba and Adamawa recorded limited incidents that were not significant enough to affect the elections.

    “In spite of the concerns previously held and incidents of pre-election violence recorded in Kano, the presence of the Nigerian Army ensured that voters were able to carry out their civic duties without fear. Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Jigawa were largely free of major incidents to warrant concerns as the Nigerian Army’s presence in these places took away the incentive for violence while one person was killed in Zamfara.

    “The Federal Capital Territory (Abuja) had the elections taking places peacefully while pockets of violence in Kogi State resulted in at least two deaths. Kwara, Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa and Niger states recorded lesser violence than earlier feared.

    “The feedback that observers got from voters is that there are factors that mitigated the risk of violence, thereby leading to fewer cases of violence, voter intimidation and ballot box snatching than anticipated. “

    According to him: “Among the factors identified are:

    “Rivers State, Lagos State and other places where violence was intense happen to be home to the strong critics of the directive for the military to deal with ballot box snatchers. These are also the places where the highest number of persons attempted to delegitimise the directive to the Army.

    “The recorded instances of violence, especially where they resulted in the loss of life, would have been prevented if people did not attempt to criminalise the assigned role of the Nigerian Army in their bid to score political points.

    “The coalition has adopted interim positions pending the conclusion of state elections scheduled for March 9, 2019:

    “The coalition hailed the Nigerian Military for its efforts at ensuring peace, stability and security even though the forecast for security and life during the election had been grim. It is noteworthy that the military, notably the Nigerian Army, discharged this onerous responsibility with full recourse to the rules of engagement.”

     

  • Revealed: PDP’s $3m per state cash-for-vote plot

    •Ex-INEC chief named in deal    •Peace Panel member romances opposition    •Party denies claim

    Security agencies have uncovered how the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has allocated about $3million (N1.8billion) to each state branch of the party, allegedly for inducement of voters.

    The cash was remitted before last Saturday’s postponement elections, but most state chapters were  finding it difficult to change the cash to naira because of the surveillance on Bureau De Change operators by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Department of State Services (DSS).

    Also, the agencies have intercepted alleged  compromise of some officers of the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC), policemen and other security agents in some states.

    The intelligence report, including the alleged implication of a former top official of INEC, may be presented to the chairman of the electoral commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, by the security agencies.

    A former Resident Electoral Commissioner is believed to be neck-deep in the massive cash-for-votes plot.

    Besides, a member of the National Peace Committee headed by former Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar has been fingered in “political romance” with the opposition, contrary to the mandate of the group.

    The popular thinking is that the PDP has hidden under the guise of “logistics” to allocate about $3million (N1.8billion) per state, which security agencies discovered that it was for inducement of voters.

    Based on the 36 states, about $111million (N66.6billion) has been deployed by the leading opposition party to influence voters.

    The intelligence report indicated that the money was different from the cash allocated to “compromise some officers of INEC, policemen and security agents in some states” which had been marked by security agencies.

    An intelligence source said: “ Reports so far have showed that the main opposition party has allocated $3m(N1.8billion) to each of its state chapters under the guise of logistics for the general elections.

    “But intelligence confirmed that the cash is for vote buying with about N400,000 devoted to some polling units out of the nation’s 120,000.

    “Some of the huge cash cannot be converted to Naira because of the surveillance on Bureau De Change operators by the EFCC and DSS.

    “And most banks have become circumspect in view of a similar experience in 2015 in which about N23.9 poll bribery cash was shared through their branches.”

    The source, who pleaded not to be named because of the “sensitivity” of the matter, gave insights into the alleged compromise of some INEC officers through a former top shots of the electoral commission who had been engaged as consultants.

    The source added: “Detectives also discovered a ‘grand compromise’ of some INEC officers, policemen and others in some states. A former INEC top officer and ex-Resident Electoral Commissioner are implicated in the plans to compromise the nation’s electoral integrity.

    “These former top INEC officers were found to have played a key role in the recruitment of the ad hoc staff in some strategic states by using internal links/ surrogates in INEC to perfect their plot. Many officers in INEC, who were recruited by these former officers, are still loyal to them.

    “These ex-officers had infiltrated the system and could cause any sabotage of the poll at any point, if it does not favour those who hired them. This is why it is easier for the opposition to have every detail about the movement and actions of INEC chairman and his National Commissioners.

    “The intelligence report will be made available to the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, especially as it relates to its field officers in some states.

    “As for policemen and other security agents, the appropriate authorities are handling specific cases. And these issues will be attended to before the beginning of the poll on Saturday.”

    Asked if the intelligence report has been made available to the National Peace Committee, the source said: “It is still an intelligence document as I speak with you now.

    Read also: Will litigants get justice at election tribunals?

    “The challenge we are having also is that a member of the committee has been fingered in a political romance with the opposition because of vested interests in some deals.

    “Notwithstanding, the government will decide on how and when to brief relevant stakeholders.”

    Reacting, INEC said it was unaware of the existence of a recording of the PDP corrupting its men.

    In the leaked telephone conversation, a top government official in Rivers State was heard mapping out plans on how to win the last Saturday’s election, which was rescheduled.

    INEC officials were said to have been settled to pave the way for the ruling party in the state.

    Besides, names of the officials were mentioned in the conversation, which include officials from neighbouring states.

    The government official could also be heard issuing out warning to kill any INEC officials who fails to cooperate after collecting money from the government.

    However, INEC National Commissioner in charge of Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr. Festus Okoye, said the commission was yet to see the purported recording.

    Okoye, who was responding to inquiry by The Nation, said: “I have not seen the recording you are alluding to.”

    Also reacting, the PDP said the opposition party lacked the financial wherewithal to deploy such cash.

    Its spokesman Kola Ologbodiyan: “We don’t have such funds anywhere, but we enjoy massive support and goodwill of a greater number of Nigerians. As an opposition party, where can we get that money.

    “It was the same APC that mocked us a few weeks ago, saying that we were broke and that we could not fund our campaign. Now they have turned around to accuse us of spending such funds.

    “Is it not strange that a ruling party is now portraying itself as the victim simply because they have been rejected by the people?

    “Rather, it is the APC that has spent humongous amount on their campaign across the country and they are still spending. We have the figures and at the appropriate time we shall release them. For now, we are focused on the coming elections. So, we are very busy right now.”

  • Religious leaders to INEC, security agencies: be neutral

    RELIGIOUS leaders in the Interfaith Dialogue Forum for Peace have urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies to observe neutrality and impartiality in the conduct of the upcoming general elections.

    They also charged the Federal Government to take steps at improving the security situation, with special attention to insurgency that has ravaged some parts in three Northern states for the security of people in the affected areas during the elections.

    In a communique issued in Abuja yesterday, following a crucial meeting last week, the interfaith religious leaders stressed the need for INEC to be independent and impartial in the conduct of the elections.

    The communique, jointly signed by Bishop Sunday Onuoha and Alhaji Ishaq Kunle Sani, also urged the government to engage in adequate sensitisation of the public on the need to embrace peace before, during and after the elections

    The religious leaders called on political parties, traditional leaders and other stakeholders to exercise restraint in their choice of words to avoid heating up the polity.

    The communique stated: “That government should beef up security, especially in areas ravaged by conflicts and ensure that no citizen is disenfranchised owing to prevailing security challenges.

    “That the security agencies should be unbiased and remain neutral while discharging their duties during the forthcoming general elections.

    “Relevant stakeholders, such as religious bodies, civil society organisations, town unions, youth groups have critical roles to play to douse the palpable tension and ensure hitch-free elections.”

  • Ambode advises armed forces, security agencies on abuses

    Lagos State Governor Akinwumi Ambode yesterday advised members of the Armed Forces and security agencies to respect human rights and improve their understanding of the tenets and principles of the rule of law.

    This, he said, would guarantee cordial civil/armed forces relationship.

    The governor spoke when declaring open a two-day National Workshop on: “Citizen in Uniform; Implementing rule of Law and Human Rights in the Armed Forces”.

    It was organised by the Ministry of Defence at Sheraton Hotels and Towers, Ikeja, Lagos.

    Represented by his deputy, Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule, Ambode said the workshop was apt because there was need to strengthen the capacity of the armed forces and other security agencies to understand the rule of law and observe the tenets of human rights in dealing with their personnel and the civilians.

    “By fulfilling their national security functions, security agencies play a key role in enabling an environment in which the rule of law is maintained. The fundamental role of any government is to guarantee the welfare and security of citizens. To this extent, security agencies represent an institution and an instrument through which this overriding responsibility of government is achieved,” he said.

    The governor hailed members of the armed forces and security agencies for giving their best to ensure peace.

    He urged them to always remember that they are bound by the rules of law and constitution while carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.

    Ambode cautioned them to act professionally with great care for the rule of law and rights of the citizenry while performing their duties.

    He enjoined the public to support and pray for the success of the armed forces and other security agencies in their efforts at restoring peace and bringing stability to the country, noting:  ”A threat to life and safety of the armed forces must be seen as a threat to the stability of the society as a whole”

    The Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin, had said the workshop was aimed at strengthening the capacity of the participants at the strategic level to contribute to the ongoing professional understanding and application of human rights and the rule of law in administering justice to security personnel.

    He added that the workshop would provide intellectual impetus that would boost and sustain mutual trust and understanding between security forces and the civilian populace to safeguard the internal security, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country.

    In order to avoid abuses and unfriendly civil/military relations at all times, the Chief of Defence Staff noted that there was the need to prudently interrogate the contradictions inherent in the campaign of violence by the adversary forces.

     

     

     

     

  • IGP urges security agencies to close ranks

    The Inspector General of Police Ibrahim Idris has urged men and officers of all the security agencies to close ranks in the interest of peace and security of the country

    The IGP said the need to close ranks had become necessary as the country prepares for 2019.

    The IGP made the call yesterday during the closing ceremony of the inter-agencies training of men the police, military and para-military held at the police staff collage Jos, Plateau State.

    IGP Idris emphasized that the training was expected to put an end to the issue of inter-agencies rivalry in the course of duty.

    Represented by the Commandant of the college, AIG Dorothy Gimba, IGP Idris charged the 179 graduating personnel on advanced Detective Course to remain committed to the service of the country especially to the success of the 2019 general elections in the country.

    “Advanced Detective Course is primarily designed for junior officer’s cadre and their counterparts in other organizations to train and equip them with contemporary method of detecting, investigating and prosecuting emerging crimes in our society.

    “It is an opportunity for reinvigorating the need for a symbiotic working relationship with other agencies leading to the ultimate result of strengthening the internal security of our dear country Nigeria.

    “As law enforcers, you must always work and uphold the unity of this nation, I urge you to ensure that the impact of the course is reflected on your professional conduct and duties. All hands must be on deck for a successful 2019 general elections.”

    The College Commandant, AIG Dorothy Gimba in her speech through the Deputy Commandant of the Police Staff College, CP. Haruna Mshelia pointed that the Advanced Detective Course is systematically structured to enhanced the “professional skills and intellectual capacities of participants in the areas of intelligence gathering, collation, processing and sharing as well as detection, prevention, investigation and eventual persecution of criminal cases that abound in our society.”

    She added that the curriculum had been developed and expanded to accommodate new grounds in the art of crime detection and handling, including counter-terrorism investigations.

    The commandant added that the officers were equipped about respect for the fundamental rights of all citizens in the discharged of their duties toward upholding the democratic ideals that form the fulcrum of good governance as law enforcement officers.

    The Course Officer, CSP Adeyemi Olaolu thanked the IG for giving them the opportunity  to participate in the course and pledged to remain good personnel in their respective Commands, formations and organization.

  • Editors urge politicians, security agencies to avoid intimidating voters

    Editors have urged politicians and security agencies to avoid intimidating voters for democracy to thrive in the country.

    This is part of the nine-point communique issued at the end of the 14th All Nigeria Editors Conference in Asaba, Delta.

    The communique was signed by Mrs Funke Egbemode and Mrs Victoria Ibanga, President and General Secretary of the Guild respectively.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Delta State Government hosted the conference attended by more than 400 editors.

    The conference participants deliberated on the theme “Credible Elections, Sustainable Democracy and the Nigerian media’’.

    The editors observed that elections in Nigeria were not built on truth and urged politicians to do away with the culture of winning at all cost so as to avoid electoral violence.

    They decried the level of insecurity in the country, stressing that the nation deserves more than rhetoric and political slogans on issues of citizens’ welfare.

    While commending the 91 registered political parties for displaying maturity during the party primaries, the conference also frowned at the allegations of vote buying by politicians.

    They urged the umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain independent in its practice by allowing citizens’ votes to count.

    The editors also expressed the need for Nigerian journalists to intensify efforts towards sustaining investigative, balance and analytical reportage as these were being threatened by the emergence of the social media.

    “The conference challenged media practitioners to join in the mobilisation of Nigerians through unbiased reports to take collective responsibility in choosing leaders for the nation in the next general elections.

    “Editors, at the end of deliberations, agreed to defend the truth through professional practice,’’ the communique read in part.

    The Guild expressed appreciation for the presence of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the conference and thanked Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for the support towards the successful conference.