The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Security agencies

  • Minister orders security agencies to end Jos crisis

    Minister of Interior Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau has condemned the Jos crisis, and directed the police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to map out strategies to curtail the situation.

    A statement by his Press Secretary, Ehisienmen Osaigbovo, hailed efforts of the Plateau State government and security agencies to find a lasting solution to the crisis.

    He, however, said security agencies should redouble their intelligence gathering by working with host communities to ensure steady flow of actionable intelligence to nip such crisis in the bud.

    He commiserated with the government and people for the incident, and assured them of the Federal Government’s determination to end crisis in the country.

    Dambazau, therefore, urged the people to refrain from reprisals, promising that perpetrators of the dastardly act will not go unpunished.

  • PENGASSAN advocates more recruitment into security agencies

    The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has called on the Federal Government to begin immediate recruitment of more people into the security agencies, especially the Police Force and the  Army, to curb crimes.

    The senior staff union also demanded that the Army and the Police should reduce the number of operatives attached to politicians and few influential people to boost those at their operational areas.

    In a communiqué issued after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Warri, Delta State, and signed by the President, Comrade Francis Olabode Johnson and the General Secretary, Comrade Lumumba Okugbawa, PENGASSAN said the security agencies are already over stretched in maintenance of security and peace in the country.

    “The NEC-in-Session observed the inadequacy in the number of security agents, especially the army and police who are already overstretched in maintaining security and peace in the country. There should be immediate recruitment in these security agencies to arrest the situation.

    “The NEC-in-Session demanded that security operatives attached to politicians and powerful Nigerians in the country should be reduced to increase their number in operational areas,” the union stated.

    Recognising the strong and unequivocal commitment of the security agencies in ensuring security of lives and property in the country, PENGASSAN condemned in strong terms the resurgence of attacks by Boko Haram insurgents.

    PENGASSAN demanded that the Federal Government through the various security agencies should do everything possible in ensuring that the Dapchi Girls and all those in captivity regain freedom and re-unite them with their families.

    The union also advised relevant security agencies to immediately circulate emergency and security numbers for the benefit of Nigerians, as well as check the influx of small arms and ammunitions into the country.

  • Para-Mallam: security agencies must not be politicised

    International Federation of Evangelical Students Staff, Rev Gideon Para-Mallam, has warned of politicization of the operations and activities of security agencies.

    He spoke in reaction to last week’s invasion of the National Assembly by masked Department of State Security (DSS) operatives.

    He condemned the action as a big deficit on the nation’s democratic experience.

    He however praised Acting President Yemi Osinbajo for saving the day by sacking the DSS former Director General, Lawal Daura for the unauthorised action.

    Para-Mallam, in a statement, said: “Nigerian leaders should always resist the temptation to turn security agencies such as the DSS, Police, Army, NIA to name a few into attack dogs on her citizens.

    “Similarly agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crime Commissions (EFCC) should resist any form of manipulation in which they are used for political witch-hunting by the government of the day.

    The Convener Citizen’s Monitoring Group (CMG) added: “What happened at the National Assembly especially the role of the security agencies should serve both as a warning and a red alert for all lovers of democracy in a multicultural, multi-religious and pluralistic Nigeria as we march toward the 2019 general elections.

    “The police or any other agency should not allow themselves to be manipulated. Nigerians, let’s rise up to defend our vote and make it count for good governance.”

    He commended members of the National Assembly, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and activists for daring the security operatives and saving the day.

    “They stood up on behalf of the rest of us who live outside Abuja. The media should also be commended. These joint proactive steps saved Nigeria’s democracy and slide to anarchy,” Para-Mallam stressed.

    He said the prompt response of Osinbajo following consultation with President Muhammadu Buhari was commendable and highly necessary.

    “The Acting President acted appropriately and promptly. This is how Nigeria should be governed and we should not all be discouraged as a nation.

    “If the executive keeps acting in this manner, then overzealous political appointees such as Daura and others will think twice before acting in such an inappropriate, unprofessional and unlawful manner.”

    He went on: “One would realise political intrigues in power are real but men and women of conscience in power need to always stand up and do what is right.

    “This is what the acting President has demonstrated with the support of the president and they should be commended. Truth and justice has no APC or PDP face and Nigerians need to stand up for what is right and commend it irrespective of where it is coming from or political party.”

    On recent defections among politicians, he said: “Most of our politicians have a “what is in it for me” mentality. The current defections are a replay of what happened in 2015. It is my prayer that God will cause something good to come out of this for the nation.”

  • 2019: NBA cautions politicians against use of military, security agencies

    The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) yesterday  cautioned politicians against the use of the military and other security agencies in the 2019 general elections.

    The NBA president, Mr Abubakar Mahmoud (SAN), gave this warning at the N100 million endowment fund, organised by the association in support of access to justice for the North-east region.

    Mahmoud said it would not be in the interest of the country, if the growing trend of dragging the military and security agencies into the murky waters of the nation’s politics continued.

    He said it  was unpatriotic to “seek to enlist the military or security agencies in the ongoing political skirmishes.”

    He appealed to the security agencies and the military  to “maintain professionalism and abide by their constitutional duties and responsibilities.”

    The NBA president decried the incessant challenges of law and order and communal conflicts across the country, noting that only a few states were spared from the violence of insurgency.

    He said that as Nigeria  approaches  the election cycle, these challenges are likely to increase, as recent events have clearly demonstrated.

    Mahmoud pledged that the NBA remains  a professional non partisan organisation, and will  remain neutral among political actors.

    “We remain firm on the side of the constitution and the rule of law and will continue to demand that constitutional boundaries be respected and maintained by all governments and people in authority’’, Mahmoud said.

     

  • EU urges security agencies to be neutral

    THE European Union (EU) has expressed concern over the recent invasion of the National Assembly by heavily armed security operatives in hoods.

    EU stressed the importance of the law enforcement agencies staying neutral, while advocating for independence of institutions in line with constitutional provisions.

    In a statement in Abuja, the EU Heads of Mission also posited that the coming 2019 general elections are vital for the country’s peace and stability.

    The statement reads: “Heads of Missions have noted with concern recent examples of interference in the democratic process by law enforcement services – the most recent case being the barring of access to the National Assembly on August 7.

    “The EU is fully committed to supporting democracy in Nigeria, and it commends the Federal Government’s swift action to protect the independence of the National Assembly as a critical pillar of democracy.

    “The EU reiterates the importance of all law enforcement services staying neutral and ensuring that independent institutions can operate in line with their constitutional mandates, free from interference and intimidation.

    “The upcoming general elections in 2019 are vital in ensuring national stability, peace and prosperity for all Nigerians. It is for the Nigerian people to decide the outcome of the elections, and the EU calls upon all stakeholders in Nigeria to play their part so that voters can make their decision through a free, fair, credible and peaceful election process.”

     

     

  • Presidency: allow security agencies to function

    The Presidency on Tuesday said that it has taken note of the orchestrated campaign against President Muhammadu Buhari each time a Very Important Person (VIP) is invited by the law enforcement agencies in the discharge of their duties.

    Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity to the president Garba Shehu, said the law is intended for all, not for the poor or those at the lowest rungs of the social ladder.

    It added “It is odd, strange and bizarre that while ordinary citizens can be called up to answer questions or be interrogated, the VIP cannot be questioned without the annoying insinuations of partisanship, persecution or outright politicization.

    “This country cannot achieve development in peace when important cases are viewed through a political prism and the law is considered as being applicable to some, and not applicable to others.

    “The workings of law enforcement agencies are set out in the constitution and the laws of the country. If they worked at the discretion of past presidents, who decided who to question and who to detain, Nigerians should get used to the fact that this President is different. President Buhari does not and will not influence or interfere with cases.

    “The constitution clearly directs law enforcement agencies to promptly report and investigate any actual or potential infringement of the law and also initiate proceedings against all those involved.

    “This President is not the one who directs them on what to do.

    “President Buhari does not stand in the way of law enforcement either. Under our constitution, he has no powers to stop the investigation of anyone or institution. When they are set to investigate anything and anyone, the best friend of the law is the one who lets them do their work.

    “The President’s constant refrain is that he will not tolerate any form of illegality including corruption and the law enforcement agencies have been given complete freedom to identify and bring all culprits to justice. His instructions to them are very clear: Anyone with a case to answer or found guilty should not be spared.” it said

    The statement also said that accused persons should approach the courts to plead their innocence rather than going to the public to plead persecution.

    “The country is better served when the law enforcement agencies are allowed to do their work and we must stop the actors of this dangerous game of politicizing law enforcement.”

     

  • Masari seeks support for security agencies

    Katsina State Governor Aminu Masari has called on the people to support security agencies by providing useful information that would be helpful in the arrest and prosecution of criminals.

    Masari, who spoke yesterday while opening the Malumfashi Area Command Office of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) on Funtua road, promised that the government will work towards reducing crime, especially through policies like the amnesty introduced for cattle rustlers.

    Commissioner of Police Muhammad Wakil thanked Masari for rehabilitating their vehicles and offices, and the monthly purchase of petrol and diesel. He harped on the need for community participation to stem crime.

    The Area Commander, Abdullahi Hassan Ma’aji, thanked Masari for providing the office and asked the government to provide the new command with patrol vehicles and other logistics.

  • IG hails policemen, other security agencies

    INSPECTOR General (IG) Ibrahim Idris has hailed the conduct of policemen and other security agencies deployed for the just concluded election in Ekiti State.

    The IG had before the election deployed 30,000 personnel, two helicopters, Armoured Personnel Carrier  (APC), 150 patrol vehicles and others as part of measures to ensure a hitch-free election.

    The commendation was contained in a statement issued in Abuja yesterday by the Force spokesman, Jimoh Moshood, an Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police (Acting DCP).

    The statement reads: “The Inspector General has expressed utmost satisfaction and commends the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Department of Operations, the entire Police personnel, officers and men of other security and safety agencies deployed to complement the Nigeria Police, in the implementation of the security arrangement for the just concluded Ekiti State gubernatorial election.

    “The IG deeply appreciates the high-level commitment of the police personnel and that of other security and safety agencies in ensuring adequate security, secure and conducive environment for a free and fair gubernatorial election in Ekiti State.

    “The IG further extols the high level of professionalism, civility, politeness, firmness and unbiased conducts of the police personnel and that of other security and safety agencies, before, during and after the election.

    “As a lead security agency in election security in a democracy, the IG further commends the entire police personnel deployed for the election for their personal sacrifice, collective patriotism and commitment in ensuring that the election was conducted in an atmosphere of peace devoid of any breach of public peace and security throughout the period of the election.

    “The Police Commissioners and their personnel in the contiguous states to Ekiti State, who were placed on red alert by the IG, are equally appreciated.”

    The police boss also commended residents of Ekiti, traditional rulers, religious leaders, INEC officials, election observers, media and other stakeholders for their conduct during the election.

    The Force said the good disposition and spirit of sportsmanship exhibited by most of the political parties in the election doused fear and tensions during the election.

    It also stated that it would continue to sustain the elections security successes recorded in gubernatorial elections in Edo, Ondo and Anambra States and the just concluded one in Ekiti State as an index for the conduct of subsequent elections in the country.

  • Security agencies not doing enough, says Saraki

    Senate President Bukola Saraki said yesterday that the National Assembly foresaw the current spate of killings in parts of the country, hence its recent invitation of security chiefs with a view to nipping the problem in the bud.

    He said some of the killings could have been prevented had the necessary action been taken by the appropriate agencies.

    He regretted that some of the security chiefs misconstrued the intention of the federal lawmakers and chose to ignore the invitation.

    “We are beginning to see the wisdom in some of the things we were saying. We have always stood for what we believe is good for this country. We always politicise everything in this country,” Saraki told reporters in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

    But he vowed that the National Assembly under his leadership would not shirk its responsibility.

    His words: “The National Assembly under my leadership, many months ago, had seen the danger. We had called for security summit to address the issue of security architecture.

    “We had seen the need for us to review the security structure. We had invited service chiefs on the matter. You are all very aware that some service chiefs decided in their own wisdom that there is no need for them to work with the NASS to address these issues.”

    Saraki said the security challenge requires a drastic action immediately.

    “There is no society experiencing incessant killings as it is and then we think it is business as usual,” he said.

    “It requires drastic action. It requires collective collaboration of all agencies and all arms of government for us to be serious. We on our part at the NASS, we will not get frustrated but we have been sounding this alarm.

    “A society where gunmen could go in, shoot for seven hours and nobody is caught, that is not a normal society.”

    He said that the National Assembly will, on resumption from recess, continue to “ensure that those who have the responsibility of protecting lives and property are accountable to the people.”

    “It cannot continue. It is not something to be politicized. If somebody is not capable he should give way for others that are competent. We have heard that security personnel are working at cross purposes. A is not talking to B and B is not talking to C. They don’t attend meetings jointly. Things need to be done.

    “Let us forget about party, these are people’s lives. It is not about the Speaker of House of Representatives or the Senate President, it is about Nigeria.

    “The sooner we see that and address this, the better. Some of these could have been prevented since we have been shouting about this.

    “Until we sit down – the presidency and legislature – to thrash out the issues…We must discuss the issues. Something needs to be done. Something is wrong. This cannot continue.”

  • Ngo, security agencies warn youths against violence

    Youths in Ekiti State have been advised to reject calls from politicians to be used as agents of violence before, during and after the July 14 governorship election.

    They were also urged to contribute meaningfully to the electoral process, by voting credible candidates and by promoting peace building activities in their various localities.

    The advice was given at a town hall advocacy forum tagged ‘Vote Not Fight, Election No Be War’ held in Ido-Ekiti, headquarters of Ido/Osi Local Government Area of the state. It was also attended by the representatives of the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil

    Defence Corps and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    The parley was organised by a civil society organisation, the New Generation Girls and Women Development Initiative (NIGAWD), to sensitize the youths to use their votes to bring about a positive change in the state.

    It was funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the United Kingdom Agency for International Development (UKAID) and National Democratic Institute (NDI).

    The governorship candidate of Abundant Nigeria Renewal Party (ANRP), Rev. Tunde Afe, and his counterpart in Independent Democrats (ID), Mr. Tosin Ajibare, who spoke at the town hall meeting, gave a commitment to run a peaceful campaign.

    NIGAWD Executive Director, Miss Abimbola Aladejare, said there was need to engage critical stakeholders, including the youths, on the need to refrain from any act of bloodshed before, during and after the poll.

    She said: “It is imperative to let our youths know that their statutory obligation on the day of election is to vote and stay back to protect their votes. No rigging, no ballot snatching or killing of people.

    “When it comes to issue of violence and rigging, everybody is involved. I mean the youths, politicians, security agencies and INEC. That is why we are engaging them on the need to respect the sanctity of the ballot.

    “We witnessed peaceful election in 2014 in Ekiti, but there was crisis leading to destruction of property and killing of people after the election. But this time, we want our people to be civil, because there is nothing to gain in violence.”

    The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ahmed Bello, who was represented by the Area Commander in charge of Ido/Osi, Ijero, Moba, Ilejemeje and Efon local governments, Mr. Adetoye Adepegba, assured the voters that the command was determined to ensure adequate security of lives and property.

    He said: “On our side, we are going to be neutral. We are not going to take side and we will ensure that we monitor the election in the most professional way to enforce compliance to rules.

    “Part of our duties is enforcement of law and order. We also owe it a duty to preserve the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act. We are assuring our people that we shall be civil and neutral in this election.

    The Resident Electoral Commission in Ekiti, Prof Abduganiy Raji, said the commission has strengthened its system and make it technologically driven, saying this has made it difficult for anyone to manipulate the outcome of the election.