The Nation Newspaper

Tag: security

  • Security threat: Over 500 uncompleted buildings under watch

    Security threat: Over 500 uncompleted buildings under watch

    Unfinished buildings have become a source of worry to the authorities because criminals could hatch their plots in them, reports   GBENGA OMOKHUNU

    IT is mainly the fear of the unknown. Will violent criminals launch an attack from that uncompleted and abandoned building in the corner, or that other one over there?

    Those are questions that have agitated the minds of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, (AMMC).

    Acting coordinator of the council, Hajiya Safiya Umar said that the high rate of abandoned buildings in the nation’s capital has become a source of worry to the Federal Capital Territory Administration, (FCTA) as such uncompleted buildings pose serious security challenge to residents of the territory.

    She stated that the authorities are still considering giving owners the prerogative of seeing whether they could complete their buildings or whether such structures would be demolished.

    Umar who disclosed this during a press briefing also stated that such buildings have been identified as hideouts for criminals operating in the nation’s capital.

    She said, “The Council and the FCT Administration as well as the security operatives know that these places are the hideouts of criminals. But the issue of either demolishing or revoking them, there are so many committees that have sat on the issue, and have made several recommendations. The Council is not in a position to tell you exactly the present position since it is being worked on from the top.

    “So, I cannot actually tell when the uncompleted buildings will be demolished or even whether it will actually be demolished. But equity and good conscience have made the FCT Administration to reach out to the owners of these structures, through newspaper advertisement in recent past.

    “I think we are still considering giving them the prerogative of seeing whether they could come in and complete their buildings, before the powers that be decide on next line of action”.

    Acting Director, Development Control Department under the Council, Mukhtar Galadima, who puts the total figure of such structures at over 500, disclosed that the department has compiled the list of all abandoned structures in the city.

    He said the department forwarded the list to the Department of Land Administration, which gave it the addresses of the owners, and with the approval of FCTA, the AMMC published the names of these individuals, given the timeframe within which to comply, failure of which the Administration will decide appropriately.

    Commenting on the recent High Court judgment stopping the planned demolition of illegal structures in Mpape, the director said the Department is still discussing with its head of Legal team for the possibility of appealing the judgment.

    “But the good thing about the said judgment is that due process was not followed. So if we were to follow due process in serving all relevant notices, and getting necessary approvals and orders, we can go ahead and do the demolition.

    “There is also a judgment before this (the latest court verdict) which says that he who has no title over land, we don’t need to serve him or her notice, because it is considered as illegal development.

    “But all the same, we are prepared to serve all the relevant notices and follow due process, to make sure that all the holes and leakages are blocked. Then we will go and do the needful, carry out the demolition exercise”, Galadima affirmed.

    When pressed to state exactly when the department will embarked on the planned demolition of the suburb, he insisted; “I cannot precisely say how soon it will be, as it depends on the outcome of the appeal against the current judgment; and we have 30-day window to file an appeal. I’m not saying that Mpape must go, but due process will be followed”.

    Hajiya Umar also said that residents of Gidan Mangoro resettlement and other resettlement communities in the Federal Capital Territory will soon heave a sigh of relief as the FCT Administration has vowed to open up road networks aimed at decongesting the city centre.

    She revealed that the development of satellite towns will receive priority attention by the present administration.

    Umar said it was the duty and responsibility of the AMMC to manage the city and offer advice to the area councils on how manage their councils, adding that the council is committed to minimize the challenges of the residents of these resettlement communities.

    The Ag. Coordinator revealed that apart from Gidan Mangoro, other resettlement communities that have been mapped out for opening up the road networks by AMMC include Kichuku, Apo Mechanic and Kubwa Mechanic village resettlement.

    Umar said the Department of Development Control was done with the infrastructure design of these communities and that they were ready to move in whenever funds were made available.

  • Security agencies probe alleged espionage by Turkey

    Security agencies are probing alleged espionage on Nigeria by Turkey, The Nation learnt yesterday.

    Diyanet, Turkey’s Directorate of Religious Affairs, has been implicated in the alleged espionage.

    Maarif Foundation, set up by the Turkish government, has been placed under watch.

    The probe followed a petition to the National Security Adviser( NSA), Gen. Babagana Monguno.

    The Turkish government has been uncomfortable with the refusal of the Federal Government to clampdown on the followers of United States-based Islamic cleric, Fethullah Gulen.

    His Hismet Movement established the Nile University and some colleges in the country.

    The “espionage” have been targeted at the Movement.

    A security source said: “Security agencies have been grappling with the after effects of the internal politics in Turkey. This involves counter-claims on alleged sabotage and the Hismet Movement.

    “We are now in receipt of a petition on alleged espionage activities in Nigeria by the Turkish government. We are investigating this allegation which may be true or not.”

    But the petitioner asked the Federal Government to take action urgently to avoid any breach of security.

    The petition reads: “Turkey has also been undermining Nigeria’s sovereignty by engaging in acts of espionage through Diyanet, the country’s Directorate of Religious Affairs. On the directives of the Turkish government, Diyanet has been engaging in spying activities through some Imams in Nigeria, Germany and 36 other countries.

    “Whereas this criminal activity is purportedly aimed at tracking the activities of the followers of US-based Islamic cleric, Fethullah Gulen, chances are that Turkey could well be leveraging on that fact to partake in other acts of espionage that may undermine or threaten our national interest.

    “Hurriyet Daily News, a major newspaper that fully supports the policies and actions of Turkish President Erdogan, published this disturbing news on its website: www.hurriyet dailynews.com.

    “Though the publication is now almost a month old, the Turkish government has not issued a rebuttal, which means the story is true.

    “Germany, being one of the countries spied on, is not taking the matter lightly. It has since commissioned an investigation into the matter.

    “Nigeria and other African countries mentioned in the report should waste no time in doing same.”

    In the petition, Turkey is also accused of setting up Maarif Foundation for covert religious activities.

    The petition said: “ In 2015, the government of Turkey set up the Maarif Foundation with the dubious objective of taking over foreign investments of Turkish nationals that the government of Turkey disagrees with.

    “On the surface, Maarif has deliberately been made to look inviting and noble, with the stated intention of granting scholarships to Muslims from poor homes.

    “But our investigation has shown that that is only a bait. In a recent partnership Turkey struck with Saudi Arabia, the funding of Maarif Foundation is going to be taken over by the Islamic Development Bank and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in an unholy alliance that is bound to negatively affect the new world order.

    “In exchange for the funding it is going to provide, Saudi Arabia is going to latch on the opportunity to introduce to unsuspecting Nigerians, the extreme concepts of Wahabism and Salafism, with all the dire implication of that.

    “We wonder how a leader that styles himself as a Caliph will order for the detention of an innocent Nigerian young Muslim woman, Miss Rukayya Usman, in a cell with men, for the ridiculous offence of attending a school belonging to his political opponents.

    “This was on September 26, last year at 8am, when Miss Usman, a student of political science and international relations of Malikseh University, arrived at Istanbul Airport as a student.”

  • National Theatre a security threat, says police chief

    National Theatre a security threat, says police chief

    The National Theatre in Lagos has become a security threat, according to Commissioner of Police Fatai Owoseni.

    The police chief raised concerns over the state of the country’s pride during a visit to the edifice.

    He said: “How could they have left this bush to grow like this? Is there no somebody that is responsible for this place? I expect that they should know that not clearing a bush like this exposes residents to security risks, as hoodlums can capitalise on the situation to dispossess residents and passersby of their valuables.”

    A visibly disturbed Owoseni was forced to seek the attention of those in charge of the edifice.

    He declined journalists’ requests to join him in meeting the management.

    The situation on ground has also become worrisome for people within the premises.

    A trader said: “the area has now become a security risk and a clear danger to lives and property in the neighbourhood. There is still need to light up the whole area and the overgrown weeds should be cut.

    “Most of the area boys around now use the place as toilet at night. Everywhere smells during the day. As you can see that it is now a think bush which doesn’t befit this place apart from the hazard it poses to the residents.”

    A man who declined mentioning his name said: “For government to sanitise the place, let them start by securing the place because there are fears that the people go through the place at their own risk except the issue of security is taken care of.

  • ‘Dickson has restored security in Bayelsa’

    ‘Dickson has restored security in Bayelsa’

    Bayelsa State Commissioner for Information and Strategy Jonathan Obuebite spoke with EMMANUEL OLADESU in Lagos on the first year anniversary of Governor Seriake Dickson’s second term, the security agenda of the state, the management of government/labour relations and how the state is coping with the economic recession. 

    It is a year into Governor Seriake Dickson’s second term. How far has it been?

    One year, how far? Ordinarily, because of the recession that we are into, governments across the states have been affected. But, in Bayelsa State, we have fared well. Within the one year, we have been able to complete so many projects. The good thing about the governor’s style of administration is that we made provisions for project funding and also for recurrent expenditure. Government decided that, based on the current realities, we had to cut our emoluments as government appointees. What we are getting now is half of what the commissioners used to get. That cut across all political appointees. Through that, we have been able to save some money which should have been used for personnel cost for political appointees and we channeled the money into project funding. That has reduced the recurrent expenditure.

    That’s a drop in the ocean. How much has the government been able to save through that?

    I think we have not saved enough from that. But, the number of political appointees has drastically reduced. That is the beauty of it. When you know you don’t have, you have to cut your coat according to your size. Now, we cut our coat according to the material available. So, in the last one year, we have been battling with a lot of issues and we are able to get it right in the sense that we were able to complete important projects. We were able to complete the new Governor’s Office, a multi-billion naira project. Also, we have been able to complete the Government House Hospital Complex this year. It has both the private and the public wing. It can be accessed from two frontiers. Also, we have been able to complete the House Officers’ Quarters, and the Federal Medical Centre, which is not a state project, but a Federal Government Hospital. But, since it is Bayelsa State and there is the need for that accommodation, we had to build it for them. We were able to complete the Diagnostic Centre; furnished and functional. We also have the forensic equipment within the same complex.

    What is unique about the Forensic Centre?

    It is unique. It is about the sixth we are going to have all over the country. Nigerians don’t need o travel out again for it. It is even good for security. It helps in curbing fraud and perjury. The centre can uncover the cause of the death of a person, if someone wants to attribute it to another cause. It is highly needed. The police work with it. It is very helpful to society. It is very important. It helps the society.

    What are other projects?

    Within the one year, we have been able to build the Civil Servants’ Hospital. We call it a clinic designated for civil servants. All civil servants go there and get treated. Where they are to pay N10 outside, they just pay three naira because they are civil servants. What they need is to show their identity that they are civil servants. Then, we have also completed the Cultural Boulevard. It has four different structures standing on their own. We have the Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre, the school of language studies.  We have also completed the Osborn Lake Pavilion. It is a place that will house about 3,000 persons at a go; with a VIP stand. It is a place of cultural activities. We want tourism to thrive in the state. We have competed the five hundred pounds acqua far. Each has a size of 50 by 70 metres. That is to tell you how big that place will be. It will take you three hours to go round. It has a processing factory, a conference hall, a restaurant. It is a village of its own. It was started and completed within the one year. The AIT/Sani Abacha Road was completed. It has two bridges. It is a dual carriage road, not a single lane road. We completed the Igbogini by-pass, linking the New Gate Road. We have done electrification in 50 communities across the three senatorial districts; in Sagbama, in Amasoma, where we have the Niger Delta University. The university now has a good power supply. The university cannot run with a generator alone. We now separate the school from Amasoma community. We have completed the Ijaw National Academy. It is going to be one of the best schools in Nigeria built by a state government. One thousand students will be in the boarding house. Al the beds and hostel facilities are provided for. We have completed the 11 boarding schools that the government has initiated. We have one in each of the eight local governments. For Southern Ijaw; Yenegoa and Sagbama, we have more than one because of the population. Then, we have completed the Tourism Institute. It has started functioning with students already admitted.

    How many projects are you commissioning during the one year anniversary?

    We are commissioning 34 projects. I don’t think you find that anywhere now in this period because of the recession. That is a cumulative of projects done from the beginning of his tenure from 2012. Some should have been commissioned. Most of the projects have a life span in terms of completion.

    What’s the cost of these projects?

    It is more expensive to construct roads in the coastal areas. In Lagos and the East, if you use N300 million to build a road, you will need almost N1 billion to build the same road. The studies have shown this. The oil companies will tell you because they also do social responsibility. Bayelsa State is more riverine than Rivers State. It is more delta than Delta State. That is why Bayelsa is the epic centre of the entire Niger Delta crisis. Bayelsa is the headquarter of the Ijaw Nation. Every Ijaw man has a root in Bayelsa. We have Ijaw in Ondo State, Edo, Delta, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River. That is the fusion. If you look at the map of Nigeria, you will see what Bayelsa is carrying. Because the majority of the oil is found in the Niger Delta and the Ijaw area of the Niger Delta, the agitation is high among our people. They feel that the resources is taken from their area are used to develop other areas.

    Could you shed light on the security agenda of the administration?

    Bayelsa was adjudged the safest state in Nigeria. But, before the election, it became the worst state in terms of security because of the inflow of hooligans and thugs imported into the state. They were there before while the former governor was in the saddle. But, when Dickson came, he granted amnesty to the cultists. Then, the anti-cult law was passed. From that point, it means nobody will entertain cultism and crime from anybody. Moving forward, we now have the status of the most peaceful state in the country. But, that we lost within the spate of six or seven months. After the election, it became a major problem because they came and they did not succeed in winning the election. They left, but they left these criminals behind. It became a major problem for the Bayelsa State government. We had three-minute response rate before from Operation DOO-AKPO. Now, working with the security agencies, the governor was able to curtail those criminal activities. As I speak, all of them have left the state. There was an issue outside the state capital; the vandalisation of pipelines. Most of them were politically motivated before the Avengers came. You know Avengers declared me a persona non grata and threatened to kill me. They gave an ultimatum that they will kill me because of my openness and because of the government’s stand  on their activities. It was published in most of the national dailies. I was the person they said they were going to kill. If his commissioner for information could be threatened, that is to tell you government’s non-tolerance for crime and criminality. So, we fought seriously. Today, I must tell you, we have got it right again. Our crime rate response is three minutes. Some few days ago, the Assistant Inspector General of Police visited Bayelsa State and said Bayelsa State is now the most peaceful state in the Niger Delta and he also wished that other states should toe the line of Bayelsa State. Also, few days ago, the military intelligent officers that came to Bayelsa State and visited the Security Command Centre in Bayelsa State. Indeed, they also affirmed that it was a good thing that those facilities could be found here and that they can only be found in advanced countries.

    But, should there be no security in a state ruled by a governor who is a former police officer and a deputy governor who is a retired naval officer? How does that combination translate into security effectiveness?

    That is the beauty of it. The governor is a former police officer. The deputy governor is a retired Real Admiral. You can see the packaging. Because of whom they are, they enjoy a smooth relationship with the security agencies. Because of that, they have been able to provide what they need to do their job successfully. And that synergy between the governor, and the deputy governor and the serving security chiefs in the state has been helpful. We owe this to them because they are able to key in the state’s dream of making sure that there is no crime and criminality. When a security chief is posted to the state, the governor will tell him to deal with the criminal according to the law, irrespective of the person’s political tendency or leaning, and without political bias. It means if you are a member of the ruling party in the state, the PDP, you will be dealt with if you are found wanting. There is no alternative to that. He sings it like a song. Every member of the Restoration Government is guided by that. In everything in life, you need leadership. We have the right leadership when it comes to security and infrastructural development. The governor does not play with it. There are pockets of thieves. Even, in America, you find them, They are isolated cases. During that period of election, the governor’s younger sister was kidnapped for six months. He refused to pay ransom.

  • Lagosians urged to donate towards improved security

    The Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr. Abdurrazaq Balogun has appealed to Lagosians to donate to the Fund for improved security.

    Balogun stated that the military, paramilitary and other security agencies  needed the resources and interventions to combat crime.

    According to him, without adequate security, Lagosians cannot prosper in their endeavors be it social, economic, political or religious.

    He said: “As security is everyone’s business, I use this medium to encourage Lagosians to rekindle our resolve to achieve a better society by investing in our security, which is paramount to the ability of security agencies to fight crime and keep us safe.

    “To also be more vigilant and to endeavor to contact the Law enforcement agents through our emergency and toll free numbers 112/767 when you see anything suspicious.”

    The CEO urged every Lagos resident to play his/her part by donating generously to the Fund in order to sustain the model of funding of our security agencies  which will further translate into a more robust infrastructural development, employment and the well-being of the entire people of Lagos State.”

  • Security operatives, others killed in Niger attack

    A Police inspector, a superintendent of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), and six others were killed by suspected herdsmen in Rafin Gona and Gbagyi villages in Bosso Local Government Area of Niger State.

    The attack left 6,000 people displaced and property, including farm produce, houses and belongings worth N700 million destroyed.

    Sources said the officers went on a rescue mission.

    Chairman of Bosso council Isah Wakili said after killing the villagers, the herdsmen set their farm produce ablaze.

    Wakili, who visited the area with Senator David Umaru (Niger East) and House of Representatives member, Salihu Shandafi, said more bodies were still being recovered from a nearby bush.

    “I can tell you that almost all the houses in the villages, including yam and corn barns, were completely burnt in the attack. We put the estimate of all damaged properties to over N700 million,” he said.

    Senator Umaru described the attack as barbaric, inhuman and a dastardly act.

    “What I have seen is heart breaking, it is an act of wickedness and complete disregard to human live. This is a very serious problem; a lot of people have been displaced. Most of them have fled from their houses and even if they were here, they would not have anywhere to stay because their houses have been burnt, including cloths and food barns. This kind of situation is not acceptable,” he lamented.

    Umaru called on the state government to take decisive action to stop a recurrence, adding that government should also provide relief materials to the victims.

  • Peace, security facilitate development, says NDDC

    Peace, security facilitate development, says NDDC

    Hanaging Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Nsima Ekere said yesterday in Port Harcourt that development could only occur in an atmosphere of peace and security.

    He said allegation by a militant group, Niger Delta Revolutionary Crusaders (NDRC) that N80 billion, which was supposed to be used in developing Niger Delta, was used to prosecute election of a former Southsouth governor, was false.

    Ekere also disproved allegation that N40 billion was withdrawn from NDDC to prosecute the December 10 rerun in Rivers State.

    Ekere, who spoke through NDDC’s Head of Corporate Affairs Chijioke Amu-Nnadi, said the management and board had just assumed duties and had neither awarded projects nor undertaken transactions.

    He said: “It is important for stories, where such claims are made, to pass the litmus test of verity and fact. Otherwise, we will be subjected to mischief and manipulation of propagandists and peddlers of rumours and lies.

    “While the commission recognises the right of individuals and groups to advance regional development, we wish to, once more, restate that development occurs best in an atmosphere of peace and security.

    “We urge NDRC and other groups to eschew violence. They should pursue peace to ensure Niger Delta’s development.”

    The managing director said NDDC management and board would ensure the region’s development.

  • Security nabs suspected Boko Haram member in Abuja

    Security nabs suspected Boko Haram member in Abuja

    A middle-aged man suspected to be one of Boko Haram’s fleeing members has been arrested in Abuja by men of the recently established Abuja Municipal Area Council – the AMAC Marshal.
    A statement by spokesman of the AMAC Marshal, Kingsley Madaki,last night, said the suspect who gave his name as Usman, was nabbed around 4:30pm at Utako market “with a Qur’an and a chaplet on his neck while trying to lobby people in the market.”
    The statement said the suspected Boko Haram member “confessed that there are so many of his colleagues out there in Abuja who are out to unleash mayhem on innocent residents.”
    Madaki urged FCT residents to be vigilant and report any suspicious movement to AMAC Marshal personnel,
    While handing over the suspect to the Army at Mabila Barack at the Berger Nisiwe, the Marshal General of AMAC Marshal, Kasimm Isyaku Chicha, said the AMAC Marshal were out to assist the conventional security agencies in the council.
    He urged the residents to be careful and stay at alert at every point
    Troops at the weekend invaded Camp Zero, the last Boko Haram stronghold in Sambisa Forest, forcing Boko Haram members to flee into various parts of the country.
    Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai announced at the weekend that a suspected commander of the sect was arrested in Ikorodu, Lagos on Monday.

  • El-Rufai’s convoy attack: Governor cautions against reprisal

    El-Rufai’s convoy attack: Governor cautions against reprisal

    … 24-hour curfew imposed on 3 Kaduna LGAs

    Aftermath of the Tuesday’s  attack on Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai’s convoy by youths in Southern part of Kaduna State, the Governor has appealed to citizens not to retaliate.

    The Governor and his entourage were pelted with stones and some of the vehicles broken after addressing some demonstrators immediately after he chaired Kaduna State Security Council meeting in the area.

    The official residence of the local government chairman, Dr. Bege Katuka was also burnt.

    The governor’s spokesman, Samuel Aruwan in a statement issued in Kaduna on Wednesday described the unfortunate incident as part of the burden of leadership. He added that the Governor is of the view that there must be no reaction to the incident other than a continued commitment to restore peace and harmony.

    Meanwhile,  a 24-hour curfew has been imposed on three local government areas of Zangon-Kataf, Kaura and Jema’a. The Kaduna State Security Council said it took the step based on credible intelligence about risks to lives and property in the affected areas.

    Aruwan statement quoted the Governor El-Rufai as saying that, “in the name of God, I am begging you. No one should take the law into his or her hand over what happened in Kafanchan. Although it is unfortunate, but we must rise above induced prejudice and hatred. We must defeat hate with patience, love and dedication to duty and not eye for an eye.

    “It is also a burden of leadership and we will, by the special grace of God, overcome these forces of darkness who are dividing our citizens using religion, ethnicity and politics. I commend the high sense of professionalism exhibited by security personnel.

    “I listened to three of the women who led the protesters as they asked me questions. I answered them and even invited them to a larger meeting, but they went on rampage and burnt the residence of the local government chairman.

    “The government of Kaduna State and the Security Council sympathize with the chairman of Jema’a local government, Dr.Bege Katuka and his family over the unfortunate incident that led to the burning of their home. Our prayers and support go with them,” the Governor said.

    On the curfew, Aruwan said, the governor will update the people of the state on the steps being taken to improve security in the state in a state-wide live radio interview on Wednesday night, from 8pm to 10 pm.

    He also disclosed that the Kaduna State Security Council also reaffirmed the ban on all processions and unlawful assembly throughout the state.

    The statement said that security agencies have also been empowered to arrest and prosecute any individual or groups that violate these orders.

    “Furthermore, the Security Council urged security operatives to ensure best practices in enforcing the directives.

    “The meeting, which was chaired by Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, had the following members of the Council in attendance: The Deputy Governor, Arc. Barnabas Yusuf Bala, Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Agyole Abeh,, Director DSS, Mohammed Tijjani Wakili,, Brig. Gen. I. Isa, Commander, 1 Division Garrison, Nigerian Army, Rear Admiral T. T. Dakwat, Commandant Nigerian Navy School of Armament, Kachia and AVM Bello Garba, Base Commander, Nigerian Air Force, Kaduna,” the governors statement read.

  • NCC, security bodies partner on mobile crime

    NCC, security bodies partner on mobile crime

    The Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications (NCC), Prof. Umar Dambatta, has restated the regulator’s commitment to hunting criminal elements who use the mobile phone to perpetrate heinous crimes.

    Dambatta spoke through the Commission’s Executive Commissioner, Technical Services,  Ubale Maska, at the weekend during a sensitisation workshop organised by NCC in Kano, Kano State.

    He said the agency was partnering all the security agencies to ensure that crimes aided by mobile phones were reduced to the barest minimum.

    Dambatta said: “With the support of the security agencies, the commission has been able to carry out raids on criminal clusters to mop up pre-registered SIM cards and the need to migrate from there to design more effective strategies to beat every instance of violation of the laws that will ensure that anyone who is arrested in this regard is prosecuted.”

    Dambatta said the Commission inaugurated 700 projects in various institutions across the country as part of its school support programme, adding that it was all part of NCC’s series of social capital programmes aimed at galvanising the nation’s socio-economic development.

    “The projects are similar initiatives instituted by the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), a special intervention fund supervised by the department of the Commission.

    “In this regard, the USPF has delivered over 400 projects to educational institutions and communities across Nigeria,” he said.

    According to him, NCC’s contribution to the nation’s GDP is put at 10 per cent, “yet, we look forward very enthusiastically to seeing greater development in the sector because we are irrevocably committed to full implementation of the National Broadband Plan.”

    Dambatta added that the commission organised the workshop to form a coalition of forces in a renewed strategic partnership with all players in the security sector to contain criminal assaults on telecommunications operations.