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Tag: security

  • Minister orders probe of security breach at Abuja airport

    Minister orders probe of security breach at Abuja airport

    Minister of State for Aviation Hadi Sirika has ordered the suspension of three top officials of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, over an incident involving Turkish Airlines at the airport.

    Mr. Sirika told reporters in Abuja yesterday that after listening to explanations by the airport officials on the incident which happened at about 11pm on December 24.

    He said the ministry ordered thorough investigation to ascertain the cause of the breach and why the airline brought in passengers without their luggage.

    The suspended officials, according to him, are the Airport Manager, Terminal Manager and Head of Airport Security, who were ordered to hand over to their next in rank pending the conclusion of the investigation, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

    He stated that the action of the passengers, forcing their way into the tarmac and blocking the aircraft from taking off was a security breach which must not be condoned.

    Sirika said: “There has been an unfortunate incident where some agitated passengers of the Turkish Airlines arrived without their luggage making them to force their way into the tarmac which is a breach of security.

    “The explanation given is not satisfactory because the primary purpose of the government is to ensure safety of lives and property of its citizens.

    “The cardinal objective of this administration is to secure the country and manage it and we cannot fail in aviation and we cannot fail in this important assignment at a very important point.

    “We have ordered for the investigation into the matter immediately and all the people that are manning the various places; Airport Manager, Terminal Manager and Head of Security, should handover to the next man in rank pending the outcome of the investigation.

    “As to the airline also, the Consumer Protection Unit of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has been ordered to find out what happened, how compliant they are and deal with it accordingly.”

    He added that the ministry was yet to get the flight manifest to be able to ascertain the number of passengers involved.

    According to him, the passengers got agitated and got access into the prohibited area because there was security lapse.

    The minister stated that the nation’s aviation sector had the capacity to grow, adding that it was already showing signal that it could tremendously contribute to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

    According to him, aviation is carrying by value, 31 per cent of the world cargo which makes it a very important industry as the fastest means of transportation.

    “With specific to Nigeria, you could see how we grew from Kano Airport where the first plane landed in the country to about 22 Federal Government owned airports plus several other private owned airports.

    On the whole, aviation I can say has grown to an appreciable level in the country and it has the capacity to grow more which is important to the economy of the country,” he said.

    Mr. Sirika added that the country also had good manpower such as pilots and engineers to move the industry forward.

    He disclosed that the government was determined to deliver a more vibrant and efficient aviation sector in 2016 by making safety, security and efficiency its watch word with regards to transportation.

    “It is not about the beauty of the airports or planting flowers or other vanities, it is about safety, security and efficiency as far as aviation is concerned,’’ he said.

  • Security operatives searching for killers of Ondo varsity student

    Security operatives searching for killers of Ondo varsity student

    The Department of State Security Services (DSS) has launched a manhunt for the suspected killers  of Olumuyiwa Ewarawon, a 400 Level Psychology student of the Adekunle Ajasin University (AAU), Akungba Akoko, Ondo State .

    Ewarawon is believed to have been killed by members of the Cadet Corps, a paramilitary organisation.

    Three weeks ago, there was commotion at the school, when a commander of the Cadet Corps, Adedoyin Adeola, a student described as “spillover student” led some gangsters to Ewarawon’s hostel, where he was allegedly beaten to a coma.

    A student said: “Ewarawon was sleeping when Adedoyin, known as Iron body, led his gang of Cadet Corps members into Shanghai Villa (a private hostel) and asked for Oluwamuyiwa’s room.

    “The next thing we heard was banging on the door. The culprits forcefully entered the room and beat the victim until blood started gushing out of his body.

    “After the incident, Adedoyin escaped. His parents who live in Igbotako, Okitipupa Local Government have also fled their home.”

    Another student said: “After the beating, Olumuyiwa was rushed to the Iwaro General Hospital.

    “His condition worsened and the doctor on duty advised that he should be transferred to another hospital.

    “He was taken to the University Teaching Hospital (UCH) Ibadan, Oyo State, where he died.”

    The news of Ewarawon’s death went viral on social media and has generated lots of controversy in the university community.

    Several students recalled that the Cadet Corps once threatened the deceased during a show organised by the university.

    The university management has declared Adedoyin wanted.

    The Dean, Students Affairs, Bolanle Ogungbamila, said the Cadet Corps would be banned, until the university management investigates the incident.

    He said: “The organisation (Cadet Corps) will remain banned while the university management investigates the situation.

    “We are on top of the situation and we have advised our students not to take the law in their hands.

    “They should remain calm, until the school investigates the matter.”

    In a statement, the Student Union Government (SUG) urged Adedoyin to surrender to the police.

    The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, has suspensed all para-military organisations on campus.

    He set up a three-man investigation panel to unravel the cause of the incident.

    A statement by the Registrar, Bamidele Olotu, said: “In view of the recent activities of para-military organisations that led to the death of a student outside the campus, the VC has suspended the activities of all para-military organisations in the university.

    “A three-man investigation panel has been constituted to look into the matter.”

  • Yuletide: Security beefed up nationwide

    Yuletide: Security beefed up nationwide

    As Nigerians begin Christmas and New Year celebrations, security agencies have mapped out measures to protect lives and property nationwide.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Police, the Nigerian Navy, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have deployed their personnel to provide security to citizens at worship centres, motor parks, recreation centres, the Creeks, waterways and Shopping Malls, among others, during the period.

    The Inspector-General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase, had directed all Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Command Commissioners of Police to ensure adequate security for travelers, picnickers, among others, across the country, before, during and after the celebrations.

    According to a statement issued by the Force Spokesman, Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP Olabisi Kolawole, the IGP also directed Command Commissioners of Police to “personally’’ ensure that worship centres, recreation centres, motor parks and shopping malls, among others, were adequately and effectively protected.

    It said Arase warned all citizens to be vigilant while receiving gifts from unknown persons that may pose as friends during the season, to avoid explosive-laden hampers as gifts.

    The Nigerian Navy, too, said in Port Harcourt that it had ordered deployment of troops to strategic locations in the creeks and waterways to enable people travel freely.

    Rear Adm. Atiku Abdulkadir, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Eastern Naval Command, told NAN that the deployment was to ensure safety of travelers before, during and after the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

    “We have ordered our Commanders of the naval bases and Commanding Officers of Forward Operating Bases to deploy patrol boats in the creeks and waterways.

    “We have also deployed ships at mouth of the channel to ensure more presence on sea at waterways.

    “The navy is also partnering with communities to get information on potential suspects or those who are intending to perpetrate criminality in their area.

    “All these activities are to ensure that our people enjoy their Christmas and New Year celebrations without fear of being molested by hoodlums,” he said.

    Abdulkadir also said that the Navy was currently collaborating with the Operation Pulo Shield and the police to ensure a hitch-free festive season.

    The flag officer called on people to corporate with naval personnel while traveling on creeks and waterways.

    In Cross River also, the Commander of 13 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Calabar, Brig.-Gen. Sani Mohammed, said he had deployed his men to strategic areas in the state to provide security.

    According to Mohammed, the joint task force in the state has witnessed a tremendous achievement with the presence of Army personnel.

    “We are in Christmas period and it is our responsibility to provide security for the people of Cross River and tourists.

    “Giving the hospitable nature of Calabar people, the number of tourists keeps increasing because of the carnival, so we are working in collaboration with other security agencies to ensure a peaceful celebration.

    “We will continue to carry out security functions at all time and to ensure that the state is peaceful,’’ he said.

    Similarly, the Police Commissioner in Cross River, Mr. Henry Fadairo, said that the state Police Command had launched an offensive against cultism and other criminal activities in the state.

    Fadairo said that the campaign was launched with a view to ensure a hitch- free Christmas celebration in the state.
    According to him, the operation will last up to and even after the New Year celebrations.

    “We have enough security men that would ensure a hitch-free Christmas and New Year celebrations in the state.

    “Cross River is a peaceful state and I can tell you that there is low rate of criminal activities here.

    “We will continue to discharge our professional duties to ensure that anyone who engages in any criminal activities is caught and dealt with,’’ he said.

    Fadairo also said that the command had deployed police personnel to festive areas in the state such as the Calabar Carnival, Christmas Village, Calabar Municipality ground, the museum and others.

    In the same vein, the Cross River Command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), said it had deployed its intelligence and uniform personnel to strategic locations in the state to provide adequate security during the yuletide.

    Mr Solomon Eremi, NSCDC Public Relations Officer in the state, told NAN that officers and men of the Corps were up and doing to ensure that the Christmas and New Year celebrations were hitch-free.

    “The Command has deployed intelligence and uniform officers to different locations of the state to ensure peaceful Christmas and New Year celebrations in the state.

    “One of the objectives of the corps is to protect lives and property of the civil populace.

    “I want to assure the peace-loving people of Cross River and tourists that the state Command of the NSCDC is on alert to respond to all security challenges within this carnival period and beyond,’’ Eremi said.

    He advised the people of the state and tourists to be law abiding, adding that the corps was a friendly force.

    Similarly, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 6, Calabar,Mr Baba Bolanta, has warned trouble makers to steer clear of the buffer zone on the border between Cross River and Ebonyi.

    The buffer zone was created by the Federal Government at Adadama in Cross River and Amagu Ikwo in Ebonyi against intrusion on the border between the two States.

    It was also meant to forestall hostilities in the lingering bloody clashes over farmland by the two neighbouring communities.

    Bolanta said that police helicopters had been deployed around the buffer zone for security surveillance.

    He said that the police was increasingly collaborating with other security agencies for effective crime control within the zone which comprises Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ebonyi and Rivers.

    “Another strategy we have put in place is to increase our collaboration with other security agencies like the military, Department of Security Service (DSS), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), among others.

    “We are doing intelligence policing where communities are brought into partner with us.

    “Traditional institutions, Church leaders, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and all other allied unions are involved,” he said.

    Bolanta also said that the ban on fireworks and unpermitted/unlawful procession during the yuletide was in force.

    He said that police personnel were also on ground to thwart any untoward occurrence before, during and after the Calabar carnival.

    And in Akwa Ibom, the state Command Police Command has also assured of adequate security of all visitors, residents and holiday makers during the yuletide.

    The Public Relations Officer of the command, ASP Cordelia Nwawe, told NAN in Uyo that the police would be on surveillance and patrol for 24 hours at strategic places to nib all criminality in the bud.

    She urged residents of the state and visitors to make use of the emergency phone numbers as advertised in the police official leaflets to give useful information for prompt action.

    “We understand that ember months are usually very troublesome period.

    This yuletide, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Murtala Mani, has alerted all officers and men that they must be on a 24-hour alert and put the security of the state on top priority,” Nwawe said.

    Nwawe said that during the festive period, the police would be at all strategic places in the state to secure lives and property.

    She said that the command had done enough awareness campaign through radio, television, flyers and leaflets on personal security by members of the public.

    The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the state, Mr Emmanuel Ojeniyi, said his men would be on patrol in all the 31 local government areas of the state to ensure adequate protection of lives and property.

    He advised people to maintain peace among themselves, adding that without peace there would be no development.

    He said that undercover officers and men of the command would be at areas like motor parks, relaxation centres and shopping complex to ensure smooth and peaceful celebration.

    “What we are doing now is just to make sure that we go to areas like parks and relaxation centres where people gather in order to protect them.

    And in Kano State, the Police in the area have intensified patrol within and outside Kano metropolis to ensure security of lives and property during the Yuletide.

    The Public Relations Officer of the command, ASP Magaji Majiya, said the Commissioner of Police, Mr Muhammad Katsina, had directed that the patrol should also cover all the highways in the state.

    Majiya said the commissioner also directed that the exercise be a continuous one.

    “The State Police Commissioner, Mr Muhammad Katsina, has directed that patrol within the metropolis and on our highways should continue on daily basis.

    “This is necessary in order to ensure that vehicles plying the roads or coming in and going out of the state do so without any fear,” he said.

    The Police Spokesman said the command would also deploy security personnel to all strategic places such as Mosques, Churches and recreational centres to provide security during the festive period.

    “We have made arrangements to deploy plain cloth security operatives at all the strategic places with a view to ensuring effective surveillance at the places,” he said.

    In the same vein, the Katsina State Police Command has set-up a quick response squad (QRS) in order to deal with any breach of the peace during the festive season.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, ASP Aminu Sadiq, who disclosed this, called on the people of the state to go about their lawful business and report any suspicious movement to the nearest Police Station.

    Also in Anambra, the Police Commissioner in the state, Mr Hosea Karma, has reassured the people of the state that the command would mount security checks in all “flash points’’ in the state to ensure peaceful Christmas and New Year celebrations.

    Karma also urged the people to be vigilant before, during and after the festivities and report any suspicious movements to the nearest police station

  • Sosan calls for security in schools

    Sosan calls for security in schools

    Former Lagos State Deputy Governor Princess Sarah Sosan has urged government and parents to pool resources together to promote a healthy and conducive learning environment within the education sector.

    She said this during a tour of schools within Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area and Oriade Local Council Development Area, in her personal capacity as a passionate advocate of excellent education.

    The former deputy governor gave a message of hope to the head teacher, teachers, staff and pupils of Awori Ajeromi Secondary School Agboju (her alma mater 1967-1972).

    She said: “Looking at the environment, it brings back memories. You are lucky to have these facilities now. We used lanterns and drank water from the nearby stream but today we give God the glory.

    “Make the best use of what you have because facilities will never be enough and be good ambassadors for the school.”

    Former Lagos State Deputy Governor Princess Sarah Sosan has urged government and parents to pool resources together to promote a healthy and conducive learning environment within the education sector.

    She said this during a tour of schools within Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area and Oriade Local Council Development Area, in her personal capacity as a passionate advocate of excellent education.

    The former deputy governor gave a message of hope to the head teacher, teachers, staff and pupils of Awori Ajeromi Secondary School Agboju (her alma mater 1967-1972).

    She said: “Looking at the environment, it brings back memories. You are lucky to have these facilities now. We used lanterns and drank water from the nearby stream but today we give God the glory.

    “Make the best use of what you have because facilities will never be enough and be good ambassadors for the school.”

  • Yuletide: Police tighten security in FCT

    Yuletide: Police tighten security in FCT

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command said it had tightened security at motor parks, hotels and other strategic places in the territory, ahead of the Christmas celebration.

    The Commissioner of Police for the territory, Mr. Wilson Inalegwu, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Thursday.

    Inalegwu said that the Inspector-General of Police’s directive to all Commands to ensure effective security, further reinforced the measure taken by his command.

    “We have taken steps to heighten security across the FCT; there are visible police deployments at all the motor parks in the FCT.

    “In addition, we have encouraged the transport unions and the luxury bus owners to also have their own internal security arrangements which we supervise and guide them,“he said.

    Inalegwu said that the command had deployed officers to hotels considered very strategic to the FCT.

    “We have deployed officers for hotel security coordination and we have also made additional deployment to most critical hotels that we consider very strategic to the FCT,” the commissioner said.

    He said that the ‘Safer Highways ‘had been fully deployed and mobilised with well motivated personnel.

    “One other thing we are doing is sustaining raids on suspected criminal hotspots where we have made important breakthroughs and arrests through, “he said.

    The Commissioner also said that the relationship between the police and communities was enhancing the command’s operations.

    He restated the command’s readiness to continue to collaborate with other security agencies to ensure security in the FCT.

    “We will continue to strategise with other security agencies to secure the territory.

    “ We have also collaborated with communities in this area. We have had a lot of engagements with the Churches,“ he said.

    “Security is about partnership, we have also circulated our help lines to the public,“ he said.

    He urged the media to help make the help lines available to residents.

    Inalegwu advised residents to be careful while receiving gift items during the yuletide.

    “Don’t get careless when you are going to the Church or Mosque, ensure that all bags are searched.

    “Pregnant women should be screened thoroughly to ensure that the pregnancy is not fake,“ he said.

  • Terrorism: U.S. mulls security master plan in Nigeria

    Terrorism: U.S. mulls security master plan in Nigeria

    The U.S. says it has concluded plans to begin the implementation of the Security Governance Initiative (SGI), a comprehensive security master plan aimed at defeating terrorism and security threats in Nigeria.

    The U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr James Entwistle, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja when he paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Interior, retired Lt. Gen. Abudulrahman Dambazau.

    The SGI is an initiative of the U.S. Government that offers enhanced approach to security sector assistance beginning with six African countries, including Nigeria.

    The envoy said that a crack team from the SGI would be arriving Nigeria in January 2016 as part of efforts to assist Nigeria in dealing with all forms of security threat to the country.

    “We are ready to partner with you on security. As you know the Security Governance Initiative (SGI) is meant to enhance the security sector, so we will be having a team here in Nigeria by January,’’ he said.

    He explained that the SGI would be implemented in collaboration with the Nigerian Government so as to ensure a holistic and efficient outcome.

    Entwistle also said that the U.S. had concluded plans for the training of the Nigerian Police and other security agencies so as to professionally deal with the threat of terrorism and all other forms of crime.

    “As the situation in the North-East improves, we need to look at issues of the Police going back to the North-East and explore ways we can help with their training, ‘’ he said.

    He, however, stressed that all forms of assistance and support will be at the request of the Nigerian Government as demonstrated by President Muhammadu Buhari when he visited the U.S. recently.

    In his response, Dambazau expressed gratitude to the U.S. envoy for the visit and assured of the readiness of the Federal government to continue to partner with the U.S.

    He said the SGI was a welcome initiative that must involve all stakeholders in the security sector for it to succeed.

    “We want to assure you that on our own part we will fulfill our own part of the partnership (SGI) and we are confident that you will also fulfill your own part of the initiative,’’ he said.

    He described the Ministry of Interior as very crucial to internal security in Nigeria and emphasised the need for all hands to be on deck to ensure peace and stability in the country

     

  • Security meeting holds Dec 15

    Security meeting holds Dec 15

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode will, on December 15, host the annual town hall meeting on security organised by the State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF).

    In a statement by LSSTF Executive Secretary Abdurrazaq Balogun, Ambode will render an account of the Trust Fund at the meeting, present the audit report and solicit  donations to the Fund.

    Balogun said the meeting would also provide an avenue for the governor to share his ideas on security and get a  feedback from decision makers and stakeholders.

    The commissioner of police will present the state’s security report to the public.

  • Lawmaker lauds Ambode over security equipment

    Lawmaker lauds Ambode over security equipment

    Mr Taofeek Adaranijo, a member of the House of Representatives, has commended Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for equipping Lagos State Police Command with security gadgets.

    Adaranijo, representing Agege Federal Constituency, in an interview with newsmen on Sunday, described the gesture as a strong statement by the governor.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ambode on Friday handed over security equipment worth N4.8 billion to the state police command.

    The equipment included helicopters, gun boats, cars, trucks and power bikes, among others.

    “It shows that the security of lives and property is of paramount importance to him.

    “It’s one of the things that we are expecting from him and he has shown his commitment to the welfare, security and well-being of the people”.

    “We have seen an upsurge in the wave of crime, especially armed robbery in the state in the past few months,” he said.

    Adaranijo said that with the procurement of modern security gadgets, the police would have no excuse than to go all out and ensure that residents were safe from armed attacks.

    “It’s no doubt a good development and beginning of good things to happen in Lagos,” Adaranijo said.

    Dr. Elijah Olu-Adewale, another lawmaker representing Ifako Ijaiye Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, said that the equipment would go a long way in boosting the capacity of the police to swiftly respond to security threats.

    He urged the people to be vigilant and give necessary information that could assist the police to track down criminal hideouts.

    “This surely is a good development for our state and it shows the commitment of the governor that security is top priority to him, ” Olu-Adewale said.

  • Borno praises NEMA, security over Dikwa, Monguno IDPs

    Borno State Government (BOSG) has praised the leadership of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other security operatives in 7 Division, Nigerian Army for the succor they are providing to thousands of Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs in Monguno and Dikwa Local Government Areas of the state.

    The commendation came from the Hon. Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Hon. Usman Zanna while speaking to newsmen in Maiduguri, the state capital.

    Records have indicated that about 40,000 people from Dikwa who were trapped by insurgents in the last one-year, have now moved into resettlement camp recently following the activities of Boko Haram and the ongoing military operations in some of the communities affected.

    Findings have also revealed that another camp was established in Monguno by the State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA in collaboration with NEMA officials and security agencies including police.

    Zanna said, “following the ongoing operation by the military under the ‘Operation Lafiya Dole’ in and around Dikwa axis and surrounding Communities of Mafa, Marte, Kala Balge and Monguno local government areas, IDPs were still trooping into the newly established camps.

    “ Apart from the effort the state government through prompt provision of more than 60 bags of 50 kgs of rice and other condiments on daily basis, NEMA under the Zonal Coordinator, North East, Alhaji Mohammed Kanar and the Theatre Commander ‘Operation Lafiya Dole’ Major General Yusha’u Abubakar, is doing excellently in complimenting effort of Governor Kashim Shettima towards the plights of innocent civilians who have become refugees in their country,” he said.

    He disclosed that government has released funds to carter for the victims of the insurgency, particularly the displaced people mostly drawn from the affected council areas, adding that “the effort put in place by NEMA and other Humanitarian Agencies like the Red Cross among others and security agencies is highly appreciated”.

    Hon. Zanna also informed that free medical services has already commenced at the camps, just as he added that, a team of medical experts have been dispatched to Dikwa camp to cater for those who were sick and to offer free medical treatment for IDPs who were mostly women and children.

    His words; “I was just informed that NEMA Zonal Coordinator in Maiduguri, Alhaji Mohammed Kanar led a team of Agency officials and other relevant stakeholders to deliver food and non food relief items, tents, medical supplies, firewood, cooking utensils and water to internally displaced persons in Dikwa L.G.A in Borno state on Wednesday 25 November 2015.

    “We are using this medium to appeal to other donor agencies to come to our aid by giving succor to our distressed people, particularly the IDPs”. Zanna said.

  • Crime: Ambode launches three helicopters, two gun boats

    Crime: Ambode launches three helicopters, two gun boats

    Lagos state Governor Akinwumi Ambode on Friday repositions RRS to combat crime and robbery in the state.

    Ambode unveiled three patrol helicopters, two gun boats, Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), patrol vehicles and power bikes at a ceremony in Lagos.

    Details later..