The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Security agencies

  • Ambode orders security agencies to apply force against vandals, cultists

    Ambode orders security agencies to apply force against vandals, cultists

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode Tuesday ordered security agencies to apply appropriate force to clampdown on criminals, pipeline vandals, miscreants and cultists disturbing the peace of residents in the state.

    The Governor who spoke during a security inspection tour of Owutu, Ishawo, Oke-Oko and other adjoining communities in Ikorodu West Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of the state, also warned criminals to stay off the streets of Lagos, vowing to stop at nothing to ensure the restoration of peace in the area, which had hitherto being disturbed by the activities of vandals and miscreants.

    The Governor who made a brief stop at the Little Palace Hotel, where vandals once used as hideout to carry out their nefarious activities before it was taken over by a combined force of the Nigeria Army, Navy, Airforce and the Department of State Security (DSS) and the Police under the code name, ‘Operation Awatse’, expressed deep regret over the loss of three officers of the operation, assuring that his administration will give the force the necessary support to wage war against the vandals.

    “I would like to use this as a platform to give a very strong warning to vandals and even cultists that are parading themselves on the street of Lagos.

    “Just recently we heard that the fingers of some of our men in the Task Force were chopped off by some hoodlums so to speak. I’m using this platform also to direct our security forces that they should go ahead to use appropriate force in mitigating against such incidences next time and this is in the overall interest of all of us. While we make sure that we are upholding the rule of law. We would not fold our arms and allow some miscreants to disturb the peace of Lagos.”

    “If we sit down in our office, we would not be able to appreciate the extent of the problem here. People here have been living in fear in the past. We want permanent peace in the area and that is why we are coming after the vandals and criminals. Let me use this opportunity to warn criminals to get off the streets of Lagos and get off the creeks,” he said.

    The Governor while appreciating the officers whose presence in the area had reduced the activities of the vandals and hoodlums terrorising residents, said he will ensure that all necessary apparatus and welfare for the officers is made available to boost their morale in the line of duty.

    “I have come here personally with the heads of security agencies in Lagos State and the Security Council members to firstly appreciate the work of security agencies that have been posted here since last October and to also commend you for the improvement we have made since the time that you commenced operation here.

    “We like to reiterate once again our full commitment to support security agencies in eradicating vandalism and all sorts of vices from the street of Lagos. Beyond the fact that we are supporting the Nigerian Police, we are also now more than ever committed to support all the other security agencies in ensuring that they carry out their work more efficiently. So, my presence today underscores that fact that we all have to join hands together to ensure that the ugly scenes like this will not repeat itself,” he said.

    Earlier, Lt Col. Julius Ogbebe, Commanding Officer of the Operation Awatse, who briefed the Governor and his entourage on the operational base of his squad, said they dislodged the vandals from the Little Palace Hotel on October 10, 2015, which has since led to the recovery of over 2000 by 50 litres gallon of illegal products, 36 vehicles while 15 suspects were also arrested and handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for prosecution.

    The Governor who also inspected the state of the road, revealed plans to link up the community with Arepo and Kara, expressing optimism that if the road network is accessible, it would go a long way to reduce the activities of vandals in the area.

    He therefore promised to champion collaboration for the construction of a link bridge among Lagos, Ogun and the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to ensure that Ishawo, Oke Oko communities is linked to Kara and Arepo via the creek to ensure easy access to Lagos Ibadan Expressway.

    Addressing community leaders and residents at a brief town hall meeting, said although his visit to the area was to access the security situation, he also took note of the need to open up the community so as to curtail the activities of pipeline vandals to the bearest minimum.

  • NSCDC sues for synergy among security agencies

    NSCDC sues for synergy among security agencies

    The Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC Thursday called for stronger synergy among all the security Agencies across the country.

    The zonal Commander of NSCDC zone E Owerri, ACG Mohammed Hassan Lapai made the call when he paid a one day working visit to the Command headquarters in Abakaliki.

    Lapai who condemned the attitude of some security operatives who are usually in the habit of causing disaffection among their colleagues noted that such action was capable of portraying security agencies in a bad light before the members of the public.

    He emphasized that synergy among all security agencies in the country would foster effectiveness in the fight against crimes and criminality and ensure adequate protection of lives and property.

    He further identified selfishness and lack of patriotism as the factors purportedly responsible for lack of synergy in the force.

    The Zonal Commander advised security Agencies to carry out their duties with the mindset that they are all working for the federal government and nobody else.

    Earlier, the Commandant of the Corps in the state, Jibril Shuayb who welcomed the zonal Commander of NSCDC in charge of zone E and other Heads of different security agencies present at the event stated that the command was determined to fulfill its core mandate in the state

    Sector Commander, Ebonyi sector Command, Abakaliki, Charles Aborchi explained that the challenge of synergy within the force was often caused by security personnels within the rank and file.

    He advised Heads of security operatives in the state to carry out constant sensitisation of their men on the matter.

  • IPOB, MASSOB protest turns bloody in Aba

    IPOB, MASSOB protest turns bloody in Aba

    It was a bloody day in Aba, the commercial nerve of Abia State on Monday as members of two pro-Biafra groups; Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) clashed while the groups were protesting the continued detention of their leader and Director of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.

    Unconfirmed reports have it that about 30 injured members of the two groups who sustained degrees of gunshots were being treated in different parts of the commercial city; a total number of 7persons were reported dead.

    Report also has it that another person who was said to have been hit by a stray bullet died at a hospital within the city center where the victim was rushed for medical attention, but due to loss of blood and delay in getting medical attention, died in the hospital.

    Our reporter who monitored the protest report that the fracas which ensued between the protesters and the security agencies forced commercial activities to a standstill as many shop owners in various markets and within the city center forcefully closed for business.

    According to our reporter, a 20-year-old apprentice who was identified as Chidozie Okafor, the only son of his parents and a native of Omuohu, in Eziagu local government council of Enugu State died immediately along St. Michael’s road about 1.pm after a stray bullet allegedly fired by a soldier hit him on his way back to his master’s shop at Pound road after having his lunch.

    It was gathered that the pro-biafra groups who had forewarned Aba residents last week of Monday’s protest, after being dispersed by a combined team of security agencies at National High School along Port-Harcourt road; there usual point of takeoff in the morning, later regrouped around Asa and Park road.

    Sources said that while the protesters had regrouped, security agencies that were on their trail attempted to disperse them, but met stiff resistance by the groups.

    According to the sources who claimed to have witnessed the incident said soldiers serving under 144 Battalion having seen that they were being overpowered by the protesters, started shooting sporadically in a bid to scare the crowd.

    They said that the event however took another dimension when the live ammunition from the soldiers’ guns hit some of the protesters.

    They also confirmed that some members of the protesters were arrested in the process.

    Checks within Aba reveal that security was beefed up around various military formations and police barracks in Aba and its environs.

    In a telephone chat with the National Welfare Officer of Uchenna Madu led MASSOB, Mr. Jude Chukwu, he condemned the killings, and alleged that about five members of the group were reported dead, while 30 members of the groups were currently receiving medical attention in undisclosed medical centers in Aba and its environs.

    Chukwu while blaming police and soldiers for the loss of lives claimed that the protest was peaceful until the security agencies started firing live on unarmed citizens.

    He also used the opportunity to debunk the insinuations making rounds that they; IPOB and MASSOB were working for the camp of Dr. Alex Otti the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, stressing that the reason for their protest was part of their push for the release of the detained leader of IPOB and Director of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu who has been in detention since October last year.

    It could be recalled that the State Police Command in a release signed by its Public Relations Officer, ASP Ezekiel Onyeke Udeviotu had warned that the ban on street protest and any form of procession as directed by the state government was still in place and directed its men and officers to resist any attempt by any group in the state to take to the streets.

     

     

     

     

  • Danbazau to security agencies: be alert

    Danbazau to security agencies: be alert

    Minister of Interior Gen.  Abdulrahman Bello Danbazau yesterday urged security agencies to be on the alert against illegal cross borders activities.

    Speaking when he visited Illela border post at the boundary point between Nigeria and Niger Republic, Gen. Danbazau noted that illegal cross borders activities contributed to the criminal menace affecting Nigeria with over 4000 kilometres round its borders.

    “Nigeria needs absolute security, especially in this period of terrorism,” he stressed.

    The minister, who also identified human, arms and dangerous drug trafficking as responsible for most crimes, said it was time for everyone to be up and doing to overcome the problem.

    “It is in our best interest to check people who are not suppose to cross into the country for negative ulterior motive.

    “We expect you security agencies to live above board with high integrity and shun corrupt practices by living within your legitimate means.

    Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Martin Kure explained that Illela border remained one of the biggest and most vibrant in trade activities, which also reflects the affinity between Nigeria and the neighbouring Niger Republic.

     

  • Bayelsa guber poll can’t pass credibility test – TMG

    Bayelsa guber poll can’t pass credibility test – TMG

    The Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) Tuesday said last Saturday’s Governorship poll in  Bayelsa State was badly conducted and that can never pass credibility test.

    TMG however lauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for cancelling the rescheduled election in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.

    Chairman of TMG Comrade Ibrahim Zikirullahi, said Abuja, during the presentation of the organisation’s preliminary observation of its 300 observers that the security agencies disappointed Nigerians by their conduct during the election.

    “The Bayelsa State governorship election, no doubt, was a very bad election and doesn’t have the minimum test of any credible election.

    “Every aspect of the process was characterised by harassment and intimidation.

    “For us, it is not an election that can pass a credible test.

    “In Southern Ijaw, INEC team couldn’t move their materials because they were held hostage. There were gunshots and many people, including journalists were chased into the bush by political thugs. There was no way election could have taken place. We support the cancellation of the election in Southern Ijaw based on what happened,” Zikirullahi said.

    He regretted that despite series of reports it lodged with security agencies, three months before the governorship elections in both states on likely flash points and the need to take firm action, security agencies turned their faces to the other way.

    He said: “From our experiences in both Kogi and Bayelsa states, it is either the security agencies were compromised or they just wanted to dismiss our claims. For three months, we have been spotlighting our feelings about security. Unfortunately, the security agencies disappointed Nigerians.

    “The Bayelsa example calls to question the integrity and capability of security agencies in the elections. As far as we are concerned, the election in Kogi State was conclusive, even though INEC described it as inconclusive. But for Bayelsa, the intimidation, harassment and threats were more. INEC did fairly well, the entire state was militarised.

    “The above findings suggest that the gubernatorial election in Bayelsa State was characterised by serious irregularities throughout the process which calls to question, the credibility of the election.”

    TMG calls on INEC to adhere to its approved guidelines and regulations for the conduct of the 2015 general elections to ensure the credibility of the electoral process.

  • Security agencies join forces to track down Lagos bank robbers

    Security agencies join forces to track down Lagos bank robbers

    The various government security agencies in the southern part of the country have joined forces to track down the deadly armed robbery gang terrorising the region.

    This is just as the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Solomon Arase deployed the force’ Air Wing as well as Federal Anti-Robbery Squad to hunt the armed gang that attacked commercial banks in Agbara, Ogun State.

    Also deployed by the IG were operatives of the Federal Investigation and Intelligence Bureau, with a marching order to get the criminals dead or alive, The Nation gathered.

    It was learnt that the joint security operation became paramount following suspicions that Niger Delta militants could be responsible for the vicious attacks.

    The Nation gathered that the security dragnet will extend to the creeks in the Niger Delta,  while an offensive may be lunched in the various swampy areas in Lagos and Ogun, suspected to be their hideouts.

    Although the robbers who attacked the Agbara Industrial Estate in the early hours of Thursday seemed to have escaped successfully, security sources believe they are trapped within Lagos and Ogun creeks.

    Reacting to reports published on Thursday,  Ogun State command spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi said only a policeman was killed.

    He stated that every other person shot were responding to treatment including the pregnant woman.

    Adejobi boasted that the robbers would  be apprehended soon, adding that robbing in Ogun was a mistake.

    “Let me make it clear that they would be caught soon. I cannot give too much information for now. But people do not rob in Ogun and go scot-free.

    “I want to also clarify that it is untrue that they killed more than one policeman. Only a policeman attached to the bank was killed.

    “The other policeman injured did not die. He is currently receiving treatment. No pregnant woman was killed as earlier reported. Members of the public who were shot are receiving treatment,” he said

  • ISIS strikes: Military, security agencies on red alert

    ISIS strikes: Military, security agencies on red alert

    Military and security agencies have been placed on red alert to curtail Boko Haram insurgents, it was learnt yesterday.

    The government ordered surveillance nationwide to prevent terror attacks, following the bloodshed in Paris.

    Besides soft-targets, such as markets, worship centres and schools, security will be heavy at airports, seaports, military formations, the National Assembly, courts and public institutions.

    Although details of the counter-insurgency measures were kept under wraps last night, sources confirmed that the military and security agencies had been directed to be “far-ahead” of the terrorists.

    A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “Every nation, including Nigeria, is jolted by the incident in Paris. The military and security agencies have been placed on red alert and mandated to work round the clock to protect every part of the country.

    “The government will further  put many proactive measures in place to deny these insurgents any opportunity to attack any place.

    “More importantly, we will not stop  the manhunt for the run-away leaders of Boko Haram.”

    The Acting Director of Defence Information, Col. Rabe Abubakar, who spoke exclusively with our correspondent last night, said the military was not taking things for  granted in the light of the incident in France.

    He said: “What happened in Paris, France shows that terrorism has been internationalised. Therefore, it requires international efforts and cooperation to check this menace.

    “We are intensifying security surveillance nationwide, we will not give these terrorists a breathing space.

    “We are also not relenting in our search for the fleeing  leaders of these Boko Haram insurgents. With the collaboration of other security agencies, we have been able to arrest some of them.

    “So many of the insurgents have been surrendering because there is no hiding place for them again. We will soon give you the exact figures of those who have surrendered.”

    Col. Abubakar urged Nigerians to support the military and security agencies in exposing insurgents.

    “We plead with Nigerians to be vigilant by giving timely information to the military and security agencies. We should be wary of movements and strange people around us.”

  • Group intensifies efforts to work with security agencies

    Group intensifies efforts to work with security agencies

    The Police Assistance Committee (PAC) has enjoined members nationwide to intensify efforts in working closely with security agencies throughout the country in the area of crime prevention and combating.

    In a statement signed by the PAC Director General, Dr. Martins John-Oni, the organisation specifically called on all its executive members comprising chairmen, secretaries and PROs of all trade unions and associations as well as all Chief Security Officers (CSOs) of industries/companies, hotels and guest houses, mega markets and local government councils in all states to link up with state Police Commands, Area Commands and DPO’s, Directorate of State Services (DSS), Military Commands, Zonal Offices of Para-Military establishments and ensure timely passage of information/intelligence gathering to the various agencies that could assist them in detecting and fighting crime in the country.

    The organisation stated that this new move was part of its strategies being put in place towards ensuring that their members team up more closely with security agencies and constantly share intelligence and other information with them, adding that their nation-wide seminars and workshops being organized to rob minds with security agencies and all other stakeholders have been in progress.

    The PAC also re-pledged its readiness to key into the security agenda of the President Buhari administration which aims at restoring confidence of Nigerians in our national security.

     

  • Lagos: Police allay fear of Boko Haram infiltration

    Lagos: Police allay fear of Boko Haram infiltration

    As against fears of infiltration of armed groups especially members of the dreaded Boko Haram sect in Lagos the state government has assured that the security agencies have put strategies in place to prevent such infiltration.

    This assurance was given by the Lagos state Police Commissioner, Mr. Fatai Owoseni while briefing correspondents at the end of the state monthly security meeting on Tuesday at Alausa.

    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode presided over the meeting.

    Owoseni enumerated strategies being put in place to prevent armed groups from infiltrating the state.

    He said; “It is important that we do not allow any form of armed groups to come into the state before reacting. This is why we have put in place proactive measures such as constant raids on dark spots and criminal hide outs as well as random checks at entry points into the state.”

    He however urged all law abiding citizens to continue to go about their legitimate business without fear of molestation.

    The CP also assured that the law enforcement agencies in the state will intensify its enforcement against street trading as well as ensure the Road Traffic Law is enforced to the letter.

    Owoseni, said the meeting discussed various issues bothering on street trading, robbery in the traffic, influx of elements suspected to be members of Boko Haram and some other issues, with a way of finding lasting solution to them.

    According to him, “The meeting looked holistically at what transpired in the state in the past one month with a view to finding lasting solution. For instance, we discussed about issues on street trading, robbery in traffic, influx of elements being taken as Boko Haram noticed in the metropolis in the past few days,” Owoseni said.

    The CP also assured that the section of the Traffic Law as it relates to restriction of movement of trailers and articulated vehicles between the hours of 6am to 9pm will be enforced in a manner that will not impede commercial activities in the state.

    He however said that Section 2(1) of the law exempts trucks conveying petroleum products and passenger vehicles.

    “We shall ensure we enforce the law, most especially with the truck drivers complying with the extant laws and also ensure that extant laws on street trading is enforced, with regards to that we shall look at human element in enforcing the law,” he said.

    He said aside from enforcements, the council has also decided to embark upon sensitization and public enlightenment as a strategy to dissuade members of the public from patronizing street traders.

    “We shall do a lot of enlightenment with regards to that. With enforcement, we combine it with enlightenment and synergise with stakeholders to make sure that the laws that have been enacted are obeyed and we enforce them strictly.

    “We’ve also stepped up efforts on where okada are prohibited and we keep up the effort on that. In the course of enforcement we won’t add to the gridlock. We appeal to members of the public to beware of fake security operatives coming to them,” he said.

  • FCTA teams up with security agencies against crime

    The FCT Permanent Secretary, Mr. John Chukwu has assured that the FCT Administration will continue to support security agencies in the Federal Capital Territory to make Abuja safer.

    Chukwu gave this assurance while receiving the new Commander of the AHQ Garrison, Abuja, Brigadier-General Abba Dikko who paid him a working visit in his office.

    He remarked that Abuja is the seat of government of Nigeria and therefore needs more security attention considering that the city is the window in which the world sees Nigeria.

    According to him, Abuja hosts Mr. President, members of the National Assembly, Chief Justice of the federation as well as members of the diplomatic community and therefore every effort must be made to ensure adequate security of lives and property of the residents.

    He emphasised that security agents are stakeholders in project Abuja and stressed that FCT Administration will continue to cooperate and partner with them.

    The Permanent Secretary reiterated that the Administration will continue to carry out its statutory functions of city management diligently and promised to assist in solving the environmental and ecological problems affecting the Mogadishu Barracks.