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Tag: security

  • Mbah dedicates award to team, security agencies

    Mbah dedicates award to team, security agencies

    Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has bagged the New Telegraph Governor of the Year Award for his courage in leadership, especially in ending the illegal sit-at-home order and restoring security and stability to the Southeast state.

    An elated Governor Mbah later dedicated the award to members of his team and all the security agencies in the state, noting that he was convinced that his vision to grow the state’s economy could be a pipe dream unless he ensured a secure and tranquil environment for business and investment to thrive.

    Presenting the award amid glitz and glamour at a well-attended ceremony in Lagos at the weekend, the Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of the Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited, Ayodele Aminu, commended Mbah for arresting within a very short period the debilitating Monday sit-at-home, and the activities of Unknown Gunmen, and other forms of insecurity that had virtually crippled the state’s economy and cost many lives and property.

    “We recall your ambitious target of advancing the state from a $4.4 billion to $30 billion economy. But as you rightly acknowledged upon assumption of office, you cannot achieve these lofty dreams in a state bogged down by insecurity, occasioned by stay-at-home enforcers. This informed your decision to bring the sit-at-home order in the state to an end, effective from June 5, 2023.

    “Today, we note that the economic and social landscapes of Enugu State have become positively transformed as the average citizen can go about their normal businesses without any fear of intimidation.

    “The fact that you achieved this feat within such a short time is an eloquent testimony of your administrative acumen and love for the people of Enugu State.

    “In view of the foregoing and the impact you’ve made in the state to improve the living standard of residents, we are pleased to confer on you the Governor of the Year (Courage in Leadership) Award.”

    Meanwhile, speaking with newsmen at the event, Governor Mbah emphasised that by the award, which came early in his government, he and his team would be propelled to work harder and do more to better the lot of the state and its people.

    Read Also: Tinubu mourns former Yobe governor, Ibrahim

    “I am particularly humbled that our modest efforts in a very short time of our journey towards Enugu’s greatness is being noticed and that it is already receiving accolades. So I am grateful to the organisers, the Board, the Management and staff of the New Telegraph.

    “We recognised when we assumed office that if we are to achieve the exponential growth we have proposed to our people, we must address the issue of insecurity.

    “So, we immediately set forth at dawn and identified insecurity as the biggest elephant in the room; we mobilised the security agencies with my committed team; and through the tireless efforts of these security agents, today we are living in a peaceful and tranquil environment where we can live, work, and do business.

    “For me, this award would not have been possible without my committed team and members of the security agencies. Therefore, I dedicate this award to my team and the members of security agencies, who, through their efforts, have been able to secure a peaceful and tranquil Enugu State,” he said.

  • Time to temper the headlines on Nigeria’s security challenges by Bayo Onanuga

    Time to temper the headlines on Nigeria’s security challenges by Bayo Onanuga

    I woke up Tuesday to read some hair-raising headlines about kidnappings and killings in our country. “Over 17,000 Nigerians abducted under Buhari and Tinubu”, screamed one newspaper that described the incidents as an epidemic.

    Another newspaper wrote: “2,423 people killed, 1,872 kidnapped in eight months of Tinubu”. There was yet another scary headline that will truly scare any outsider away from my state of Ogun. It says “From Rising industrial hub to den of cultists, criminals.” The impressionistic outsider will, at first blush, think every inch of Ogun is under the siege of cultists and criminals.

    Of course, this sweeping generalisation conveyed by the newspaper does not match the reality lived by the people in the state.

    As a newspaperman myself for over 40 years, I understand the game the media play. To sell our newspapers or clickbait, we tend to exaggerate and embellish, sometimes forgetting the social responsibility of the media, not to give the impression that our country is under siege by criminals or that every nook and cranny of our country is under their stranglehold.

    One of our newspapers took this responsibility to heart in its report on the same Tuesday, making its major headline, the efforts by security agents to rein in the minority vagabonds in our midst.

    “Security men raise the bar in battle against kidnappers”, the paper reported, as it listed the bombing of terrorists’ den, and the rescue of captives by the army and police, simultaneously as it also reported the unfortunate killing of two monarchs in Ekiti, a policeman in Imo and mother and daughter in the FCT.

    The frightening headlines on Tuesday were based on the report by the Civil Society Joint Action Group that calls for an emergency on the security situation, surprisingly oblivious that our security agencies have been working in that spirit for a long time, since 2009.

    Our security agencies deserve society’s appreciation for their efforts so far, in trying to nip in the bud the evils of kidnapping, banditry, communal killings and terrorism in our country. Their efforts, most often understated, have made our country safer at least than South Africa or the United States, where 44,310 people were killed last year in gun violence.

    South Africa faces a worsening insecurity than Nigeria. In 2023, 15,343 people were kidnapped, with Gauteng Province, where the City of Johannesburg, the commercial capital, is located recording 7,818 cases of kidnapping for ransom. Ten years ago in 2013, there were only 3,822 cases of kidnapping. They jumped to 11,000 in 2021 and have been on the upward curve since then.

    Gun-related killings or murders are also high in South Africa. They increased by 35 percent between 2021-2022 and 2022-2023. In the fourth quarter of 2023, 6,289 people were killed in South Africa. An average of 70 killings occurred per day between January and March 2023. Within a more extended period, April 2022 and March 2023, the killings were 75 per day. According to official statistics, 27,272 people were killed during this period, with 11,347 shot dead.

    South Africa also leads the world in carjacking, with 18,000 cases reported in 2020 and 22,742 cases reported last year, an increase of eight percent over the 2022 figure.

    Nigerians will appreciate our security agencies better with the comparative figures about our country. Between July 2022 and and June 2023, Nigeria recorded 3,620 people kidnapped for ransom, in 582 kidnapping incidents. In 2022, 4,616 people were kidnapped. The same year, 4,545 people were killed by criminals in our midst.

    In a report by the World Population Review, Nigeria is not among the top 10 countries in the world, with kidnapping “epidemic“. Turkey leads with 42 people kidnapped out of 100,000 people. Lebanon is second with 15 people out of 100,000 and Kuwait is third with 12 out of 100,000 held in captivity. Canada, Belgium, South Africa, New Zealand, Pakistan, Eswatini and the United Kingdom make up the remaining top 10. Kidnapping in Nigeria is 0.334 per 100,000.

    Surely, every life matters. Surely, any of our compatriots kidnapped by criminals must be a matter of concern to the government as it has always been a matter of concern to our security agencies and the leadership, whose job is to keep all of us safe.

    In my view, they have all been playing a salutary role. Contrary to the uncharitable comment that President Tinubu has been fiddling while incidents of kidnapping or killings occur, as commander-in-chief, he has been providing material support to security agencies to discharge their duties. In recent weeks, we have seen the police setting up a Special Intervention Squad, equipped with drones. The DSS has stepped up its anti-kidnapping act, rescuing 154 abducted people in the last few days.

    Last week President Tinubu approved N50 billion as a Special Fund to address some of the lingering security challenges in the Northeast. He also approved special funds to the FCT, for the acquisition of equipment to track criminals.

    Media reporting about cases of kidnapping, communal killings and isolated terrorism acts must show some moderation by not giving the impression that all Nigerians no longer sleep with two eyes closed or are not safe in going about their day-to-day business.

    Read Also: FG will study northern leaders’ report on security, says Badaru

    The relative peace we used to enjoy in our country was broken in the 90s by cases of kidnapping in the Niger Delta. Then followed insurgency in the North-East in 2009, which morphed into banditry and kidnapping in the North-West and some parts of North Central. Kidnapping, which appears to be developing into an industry, has also spread to the South-West and South-East. It will definitely take some time to put the broken pieces back into the whole.

    While we do not have a crime-free country yet, there is no denying that some efforts are being made countrywide to fight the emerging scourge. Last December Lagos State celebrated four years of near-zero robbery in the state, with only one incident recorded in Epe in 2023.

    The South-West states have set up Amotekun, a local police of sorts that is working alongside the police. Such efforts must be encouraged all over the country, to give our people security cover at all times.

    Amotekun and other local police set up by the states must be strengthened to work with our existing security structure for intelligence gathering and covert operations. Citizens and the media must also, as a matter of duty, complement the efforts of the government to completely stamp out violent crimes.

    – Onanuga is a Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy

  • Tinubu should focus on agric, security, power

    Tinubu should focus on agric, security, power

    American-based lawyer, Owolabi Salis, has urged President Bola Tinubu to focus on agriculture, security, power, and addressed poverty.

    In a statement, he said in view of scarcity of resources, the President should put cost-cutting measures in place and direct efforts towards strategic sectors.

    He said: “Indeed, if it is only in agriculture, security and power that your government is able to bequeath a legacy, you will be one of the greatest leaders.

    Read Also: Imported medical syringes killing local industry, says NAFDAC

    The issue should not be left to the minister of Agriculture alone, rather, let there be collaboration in the drive to self-sufficiency.

    He urged the President  to  co-ordinate and systematise  his vision into a coherent and workable policy by prioritising  agriculture, electricity and security because they can trigger and activate growth and development.

    Salis said with unhindered supply of electricity, industries would operate to full capacity, to inspire foreign investors to invest in the country.

    The result, he said, is  bound to unfold rise in employment, and increased profitability for small scale entrepreneurs,who could not afford the cost of operating by generators.“  

  • Nigeria, security and devolution of power

    Nigeria, security and devolution of power

    By Olabode George

    In the wake of the alarming escalation of insecurity and the recent waves of kidnappings, terrorising of Nigerians, it has become imperative for us to address the critical questions Nigerians are asking.

    The pertinent question Nigerians are asking today is: “What exactly is going on in our country?”

    Nigerians are looking to the government to instil security amidst the fear and atrocious crimes being committed in Nigeria, which is destroying the security and stability of our nation, making Nigeria very volatile and a threat to the personal safety of Nigerians. The sudden increase and high prevalence rate of innocent lives lost, suffered by Nigerians communities is not only tragic but has made it almost impossible to attract the much needed international economic investment that can only prevail in a politically stable environment

    Nigerians are perpetually engulfed with fear and so they are asking what is happening to the government in power. Why are they refusing to put the national security of this nation front and centre of their political agenda? The government of the day has failed Nigerians once again.

    With the recent killing of more than 200 people in Plateau State during the Christmas season, in addition to the rampant abduction of citizens every day, Nigerians are now forced to look for tens of millions of naira in cash to pay off ransoms. I am also asking the same critical question: Whither Nigeria?

    The fundamental duty of government, anywhere in the world, is the protection of lives and property of its citizens. It also must put adequate well-coordinated security plans that prioritise national security and ensures an atmosphere; peaceful and conducive for its citizens.

    Pitiably, this is not the case in our country today. On the roads, on the farms, in the market, even in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the seat of government, it seems terrorists and kidnappers have now taken the battle to the city of power.

    Read Also: US professor accidentally shot dead by security bidding him ‘goodbye’ in Osun

    What is the government doing to eliminate this plague of insecurity in the land? How do we develop the economy and catapult economic growth when Nigerians and foreigners/investors have become endangered species in the hands of killers?

    The lack of urgency to promptly tackle banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and insecurity in the land gives me grave concern, anxiety and distress.

    This hydra-headed problem is not being tackled by the government.  It has now become a crime for Nigerians to move from one place to the other. How long will Nigerians endure this?

    Kidnapping for ransom is already creating fear all over the country. Leaders in the country must not just bombard Nigerians with the semantics of ‘We are on top of the situation’. Those in authority must show leadership qualities, and as a popular saying goes: The only thing necessary for evil to triumph in Nigeria is that good citizens watch silently and do nothing.  Elders in the country must stand up and advise government appropriately on actions that will ensure peace and stability in the land.

    Since the Supreme Court has ruled in favour of President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the February 25, 2023 election, it is now time for real governance, and Nigerians are earnestly yearning for this.

    Nigeria is close to the precipice and any little push can lead to a total disintegration. That is why the Bola Tinubu administration should put on its armour and tackle this menace in the society now.

    From Sokoto to Oyo, Rivers to Niger, Imo to Taraba; high rate of unemployment, chronic hunger and malnutrition are so prevalent in the land. According to a popular saying, an idle hand is the devil’s workshop. Since people must eat, they will resort to anything that will put food on their tables, even if it is undesirable and despicable.

    So, what is the government doing to engage this growing army of unemployed youths in the country?

    Naira is now about N1,300 to a dollar. A bag of rice is more than N60,000. Cost of living is just going up and the quality of life is going down. It appears the government is helpless and unprepared. Government must stretch out its hands to foster partnerships with all relevant stakeholders and agencies, to ensure immediate relief for those most vulnerable in our society.

    I said it before and I am going to repeat it for posterity. We must restructure this country and the time is now. If we are really practising democracy the way it should be, Abuja should not breathe down the necks of all the 36 states. We must restructure immediately.

    The federal government must also devolve power to states to achieve more effective governance and management of each state’s resources. Governors are closer to the people. They know what their people need. Apart from monetary policy, customs, defence, foreign affairs and a few others, governors should handle the rest critical matters on the Exclusive List in the constitution. For example, people in Alimosho, the most populous local government in Nigeria, cannot go to Abuja for their basic needs. The governor is there in Alausa, Ikeja to handle such things. Development should be bottom-up, not the other way round. That is why if California, a state in the United States (U.S.), were a sovereign nation, it would rank in terms of nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as the world’s fifth largest economy behind Japan and ahead of India.

    In fact, the state of California has a larger GDP than that of all African countries. Its Silicon Valley is home to some of the world’s most valuable technology companies, such as Apple, Alphabet and Nvidia.

    If we restructure, some states in the Southeast can become our own California and Nigeria will be better for it.

    The system we are using now is not sustainable. Whether we like it or not, this country must restructure. So, why are we postponing this urgent task?

    With what Nigerians are going through now, we can now safely say that the PDP government was much better in terms of the posterity of this nation.

    This APC government must take immediate action to address the crisis that has completely engulfed this nation to a stupor.

    President Bola Tinubu, the time to act is now.

    • Chief George, the Atona Oodua of Yorubaland, writes from Lagos.

  • The security conundrum

    The security conundrum

    Al-Kadriyars’ abductions must be a turning-point in the war against kidnappers and sundry criminals

    A tale of two tragedies is unfolding in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and we call for redress. One was the kidnap of Mansoor Al-Kadriyar family of a father and six daughters; and the other, the specious attempt to rescue the remaining five sisters through crowdfunding. While crowdfunding for a noble cause is a worthy invention, the use to fester the insatiable appetite of kidnappers may turn a double whammy with unpredictable consequences.

    Of course, our hearts are with the kidnapped Al-Kadriyar sisters, and we urge for their immediate rescue.

    Thankfully, the Federal Government has railed against the crowdfunding effort as illegitimate and unacceptable. We agree. But we urge security agencies to close in on the kidnappers and rescue the victims.

    Speaking after the Federal Executive Council meeting, last week, the Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, said: “We all know there’s an existing law against ransom payment. So, it is very sad for people to go over the internet and radio asking for donations to pay ransom. This will only worsen the situation; it will not help.” 

    He went further: “If we stop, over time kidnapping will not be profitable and those involved in the crime will stop. It is not easy though, but that is the law.” No doubt, the sound bites of the minister are reasonable. But, while all kidnappings are traumatic, the kidnap of Al-Kadriyar and his daughters is excruciatingly harrowing. The entire family was originally taken into custody by kidnappers within the precincts of the FCT, and that is a

     metaphor of a nation under capture.

    Whimsically malicious, the kidnappers released the father of the girls to go fetch N60 million ransom, and when he was late in coming, they killed Nabeeha, one of the girls, and tossed her body on the streets. The criminals have since raised their demand to a whopping N100 million, soon after the effort by the former Minister of Communications, Isa Pantami, to raise N50 million through crowdfunding. Obviously, the kidnappers have perceived the idea of crowdfunding as a gold mine, hence the increase in the ransom.

    The gale of kidnapping is tragically enveloping Abuja and suburbs, and we urge the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to rally the security agencies to quench it. We see as ironical, the effort by the former minister, Pantami, who promised the nation under former President Muhammadu Buhari, that the telephone SIM-card linking with National Identity Numbers (NIN), would make it easy to trace kidnappers. We wonder what happened to the promise, and why the gamut of data collected by various agencies and institutions cannot help our security challenges.

    Perhaps, it is time to rejig the nation’s security architecture, and we are happy that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given his security chiefs a marching order in the wake of the kidnappings and other criminal activities. We also hope the meeting between the FCT minister Nyesom Wike and security heads in Abuja, last week, would pep up efforts to rein in the criminals.

    Sadly, sundry criminal activity is festering in the FCT, including what is commonly referred to as ‘one chance’ robbery.

    Read Also: Adeleke’s sacking of 1,500 teachers increased out-of-school children in Osun, says Oyetola

    Undoubtedly, residents of Abuja eagerly await the impact of the Special Intervention Squad recently launched by Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, in Abuja.

    We consider it a failure of intelligence that the whereabouts of Al-Kadriyar sisters has eluded the police, the state security services, and several other military and para-military security agencies, which by now should have literally flooded the nation’s capital with their personnel. No doubt, if these agencies are up to their task, they ought to have solved this embarrassing national mystery.

    As is obvious, the lack of effective national security infrastructure has been with us for far too long, and even with the scarcity of resources, the Tinubu administration has to find solution to the problem. Sadly, monies budgeted for intelligence infrastructure in major cities like Abuja, were either stolen or mismanaged by successive Peoples Democratic Party-led administrations, while they held sway. Whether in Abuja or Lagos, humongous sums were budgeted and spent for surveillance cameras, regrettably, they have not been of much help. Regrettably too, efforts by the National Assembly and the anti-fraud agencies to recover the monies spent on them have not yielded much.

    But the consequence has yielded a nation under siege. Across states, in the north-west, north-east, north-central, south-south and south-east, kidnapping for ransom has become a common phenomenon. Until the advent of the south-west security organ, ‘Amotekun’, kidnapping was a pastime in many of the states. The success of the regional security agency suggests the need to formalise state police. We use the word formalise, because virtually, all states have their own security outfits. The challenge has been their lack of statutory authority to bear arms, to confront the criminals.

     The tragedy befalling the Al-Kadriyar sisters should be halted, and may it be a turning point for our nation under siege.                

  • Insecurity: Abuja settlements to undergo security check – FCTA

    Insecurity: Abuja settlements to undergo security check – FCTA

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) is intensifying efforts to eliminate illegal settlements and shanties in the nation’s capital, after security check.

    The is according to a directive from the Department of Development Control (FCTA) .

    Officers across the entire territory have been instructed to submit a list of all shanties and informal settlements for a verification exercise.

    The goal is to identify and address illegal shanties and informal settlements that may harbour criminal activities.

    Mukhtar Galadima, the director of the Department of Development Control, emphasized this commitment during the removal of illegal shanties and shops at Durumi 1.

    The move, he said is part of the administration’s broader strategy to enhance security and orderly development within the Federal Capital Territory.

    He said: “And looking at the rising insecurity in FCT we were mandated to clear all shanties and squatter settlement in the Federal Capital Territory.  So this is in line with the directive given by the FCT Administration.

    “The exercise is not limited to the city centre, we are going beyond the city centre but we have a line of direction that is why we are starting from the city centre outward.

    “Looking at the rising insecurity in the Federal Capital Territory, we have been mandated to clear all shanties and illegal settlements.

    “Where we are clearing now is the continuation of Moshood Abiola way which starts from the International Conference Center runs through Area 10, Area 2 down to Durumi going to games village.  You can see this is a road stretch known as Festival Road then.

    “The New strategy is that once we clear the place , we handover to responsible agency, if they fail to do their responsibility then they should be blamed not Development Control nor the Taskforce.  Like this one now , once we clear it we are going to write to the News Engineering even if it is a temporary road they should make it available to the Public so that these people will not come back again”.

    Read Also: N583m fraud: Allow EFCC to do its job on Betta Edu – Amb. Mumuni

    Meanwhile, Secretary, Command and Control, FCTA Department of Security Service, Dr. Peter Olumuji said Durumi is another notorious place where you have crises taking place especially: “when people decide to build on road corridor automatically you know that you cannot have a definite address in which you can track them down. 

    “So that is why we are here, as we are clearing it we are removing the vices within this environment because most of these boys here around in the night time they become something else to those who ply this road and even under Area 1 bridge. This is a holistic clearance we are also doing in curbing crime.

    “Yes, most of the places we have carried out operation we have recorded a very low crime rate after the clearance of the place and that is why we are also here. Durumi is a popular place and people will attest to it. And as we are here we have contacted the divisional police officer who also has sent personnel here to beef up what we have from the command and control. The crime rate here definitely will reduce to its nearest minimal”. 

    Speaking on sales of drugs, the secretary said, the NDLEA and the task team have been going round and, “we have been able to confiscate some substances already suspected to be India-helm and that is part of the devices we are talking about because here people have access to any type of Drugs and what we are also doing like I said is holistic definitely as we clear them they will have no way to stay around and they will just have to leave this environment.

    “For now we have made three arrested for drugs and obstructing the demolition exercise.”

  • Security crises: Targeted $1tr economy in danger, says Tinubu

    Security crises: Targeted $1tr economy in danger, says Tinubu

    • Vows those working against national agenda will meet justice
    • 17 killed, 58 abducted as gunmen attack three Kaduna communities
    • Insurgents kill pastor, 11 others in Yobe, Katsina
    • Bandits abduct seven family members, shoot policemen in FCT
    • Nigeria buys Turkish armoured vehicles to patrol roads; US firm donates unmanned ships

    President Bola Tinubu yesterday charged security forces in the country to expedite action against bandits terrorizing the country, warning that the nation’s target of a $1 trillion economy would be in jeopardy should the situation persist.

    He was addressing security chiefs and heads of intelligence agencies at a Presidential Security Briefing at the State House, in Abuja.

    He spoke on a day terrorists killed at least 17 people and kidnapped  58 others in three communities in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State; and suspected Boko Haram members  killed a pastor of the Church of Christ In Nations (COCIN) in Kwari, Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State in a fresh wave of banditry in parts of the country.

    A different gang of bandits struck in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT),abducting seven members  of a family and killing a policeman.

    However, the man who succeeded Abubakar Shekau as Nigerian leader of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) has been killed in a raid by troops in Borno State.

    Ba’a Shuwa was killed along with several of his fighters during an offensive by the troops on Tuesday.

    Reports from Ankara yesterday said  Turkish defense industry companies Asisguard and Nurol Makine are in the process of supplying Nigeria with 13 armoured vehicles to secure roads often targeted by terrorists.

    Tinubu ,at the security briefing, said while good progress was being made with the elimination of some security threats across multiple theatres, success would ultimately be defined by a final conclusion to the multi-dimensional menace.

    “We have too many investments that we need to make now in soft and physical infrastructure, in social security, in MSME empowerment, and other growth enablers,” he said.

    He added: “we are pursuing a $1 trillion economy in the next few years, and our efforts will be undermined if we do not finally wrap up our progressive onslaught against enemies of progress. Be encouraged. The confidence of our people in your capacity is rising, and they are appreciative of the sacrifices of our men and women.

    “The success you are recording is undeniable. Nigerians are seeing it, but the avoidable errors, as witnessed recently in Kaduna, are unacceptable and cannot be repeated. I am pleased that coordination between all agencies has dramatically improved over recent months, but there is no room for celebrations until we can end this; until we can bring our troops back to their own localities, and until we can free up resources for our critical economic expansion programme.”

    The President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, said his principal  asked the  armed forces to  deliver on his objective to ensure the nation achieves a sustainable production of two million barrels of crude oil per day, including condensates, within the first quarter of 2024.

    “I do not play with my intelligence reports. I have multiple lines of sight. The Navy and sister branches must step up their game to achieve our aims for the benefit of all Nigerians. All malign actors will be aggressively uprooted from our midst. Those working against the national agenda from within and without will meet justice. Your task is clear. We will sustain our momentum. Failure is not an option under my leadership,” the President warned.

    The President also commended the Commander of the Presidential Air Fleet (PAF), the Commander of the Brigade of Guards (BoG), and his Chief Personal Security Officer (CPSO) for their dedication and commitment in the discharge of their assignments, which has earned them a promotion.

    Speaking at the decoration of the PAF Commander, Air Commodore Olayinka Olusola Oyesola, with his new rank of Air Vice Marshal in the Nigerian Air Force; Commander, BoG, Adebisi Olusegun Onasanya, who was promoted from Colonel to the rank of Brigadier-General; and the Police CPSO, Usman Musa Shugaba, who is now a Deputy Commissioner of Police after being promoted from his prior rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police, President Tinubu said he was very impressed by the officers’ “loyalty and dedication to duty”.

    “Nigeria calls all to serve. We are the servants of the country, not the masters as you have seen. Your stewardship as leaders in your various categories is reflected in the assignments and responsibilities you have undertaken. I hope that Nigeria will continue to recognize your service to motherland,” the President said.

    The newly promoted officers were decorated by the President who was assisted by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar; the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja; and the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, respectively, in the presence of the spouses of the elevated officers.

    The event was witnessed by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; the Service Chiefs; Heads of Intelligence Agencies, as well as presidential aides.

    Speaking on behalf of the officers, AVM Olayinka thanked the President for the promotion of the officers and for the privilege to be of service to the nation. He assured the Commander-in-Chief of their continued loyalty and commitment to duty.

    17 killed, 58 abducted as gunmen attack three Kaduna communities

    At least 17 people were killed while 58 were feared kidnapped when  bandits attacked three communities at Dawaki Ward in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State yesterday.

    A former councilor in the local government, Aminu Khalid named  the affected communities as  Ungwan Sako, Kunkurai, and Dokan Kaji.

    Governor Uba Sani confirmed the attacks, saying that lives were lost during the incidents, while some citizens were abducted and others injured.

    Hon. Khalid said that the local vigilantes were able to rescue 20 of the abducted villagers during a gun battle with the bandits.

    He said: “the terrorists invaded these communities on foot and took vantage positions to attack the villagers. The terrorists always come from parts of Kajuru and Kachia forest where their camp is. Their camp is situated at Dutsen Magunguna In Kajuru Local Government Area.

    “Except for the Nigerian military raid of the terrorist camp, communities around can never experience peace,” he said.

    Governor Sani in a statement posted on his Facebook wall said: “We have received information from security forces that a band of bandits attacked Dokan Karji general area of Kauru LGA and other locations in Gefe general area of Kajuru LGA.

    “In these locations, lives were lost, some citizens were kidnapped and others injured in the unfortunate attacks.

    “We condemn in the strongest terms these acts of savagery. The perpetrators of these heinous crimes have no place in a civilized society like ours. We shall go to any length to hunt them down and bring them to justice.

    “The sole aim of these beasts in human skin is to reverse the gains the good people of Kaduna State have made in rebuilding trust, forging understanding and reviving the economies of conflict- challenged communities.

    “Our resolve to put Kaduna State on the path to sustainable peace and development is unshakeable. No amount of evil machinations will deter us.

    “The Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs has been working with the security forces towards containing the evil forces that left a trail of blood, tears and pains in these locations.

    “The relevant State Government Agencies have been detailed to visit the affected communities, assess the extent of damages and advise the government on what should be done immediately to bring relief to the families of the victims and the communities.

    Read Also: Military neutralises 43 terrorists, arrests 115

    “The government sends its deep condolences to the families that lost their loved ones. We wish the injured a speedy recovery.

    “Similarly, the Overseeing Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs has met with the critical stakeholders from Bishini general area of Kachia LGA following bandit attacks along the Kaduna-Niger inter-state boundary. Issues highlighted have been noted to form part of the ongoing action in the anti -banditry campaign.”

    Insurgents kill pastor,five others in Yobe

    Killed by the suspected Boko Haram insurgents was Pastor Luka Levong.

    Five other persons were killed during the attack.

    The insurgents struck at about 2am yesterday,shooting Levong and the church treasurer Maina Abdullahi.

    The other victims were killed in their houses one after the other before the arrival of security men, while many houses including one church and vehicles were also set ablaze.

    Bandits abduct seven family members, shoot policemen in FCT

    The bandits who raided Zuma 1 in Bwari Area Council allegedly went away with seven members of a family while shooting two policemen who had responded to a distress call from the area.

    The incident occurred on Wednesday.

    Residents said the raid was the latest in the area ,striking fear into the people.

    Nigeria,Turkey sign deal on armoured vehicles to secure roads

    Turkish defense industry companies Asisguard and Nurol Makine confirmed in Ankara that they have signed a deal with Nigeria   for an internal security project in Nigeria.

    Asisguard will procure some 13 armoured vehicle Yoruk 4×4 from military land vehicle manufacturer Nurol Makina to be used in a road safety project it will carry out in Nigeria.

    Yoruk can be outfitted with weapon systems such as 7.62 and 12.7 mm machine guns, 40 mm grenade launchers, and air and anti-tank weaponry.

    Asisguard’s General Manager, Baris Duzgun, said the company signed a $36.5 million project  with Nigeria’s Defense Ministry.

    He said the company would  ensure security of a highway between Abuja and Kaduna. “We will contribute to the security of the region with our stakeholders in Türkiye, with the latest indigenous technology systems and products,” he said.

    Reconnaissance and surveillance systems, sudden intervention and neutralisation systems, command and control systems, and communication and energy infrastructure systems will be provided within the scope of the project, he said.

    Drones from Turkish defense firms Havelsan and STM will also be sold to Nigeria, and products of around 10 companies, including Gurbag Defense and MILMAST, will be exported.

    Asisguard produces electro-optical vision and border security systems, military vehicle electronics solutions and rotary wing unmanned systems.

    US firm donates unmanned ships to Nigeria

    Simultaneously, a US  military manufacturing company –  Swiftship – donated two hi-tech unmanned water vessels to the federal government.

    The equipment is S2 and S3 Swift Sea Stalkers.

    The company donated during a recent visit by the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.

    The minister had gone to the USA to inspect the facilities of high-tech military-producing hardware companies in the country.

    Presenting the unnamed vessels to President Bola Tinubu, the minister noted that the equipment would help to protect the maritime environment of the country as well as other areas.

     He stated that the equipment would be deployed to the Niger Delta, Lake Chad region, and other maritime regions of the country.

    Troops kill ISWAP leader Ba’a Shuwa, others

    Ba’a Shuwa who succeeded Shekau in 2021 reportedly met his waterloo at Kwatan Dilla, in  Abadam LGA of Borno State.

    Security analyst in the Lake Chad region,  Zagazola Makama, said on his X account yesterday that Shuwa and scores of his fighters were killed during airstrikes by the military

    Ba’a Shuwa and his group were said to be the brains behind attacks, ambushes and planting of explosives in Damboa,, Damaturu,Maiduguri, Askira, Buratai, Buni Yadi, Buni Gari, Gaidam and other part of Borno and Yobe states.

    Military neutralises 43 terrorists, arrests 115

    The Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General  Edward Buba said yesterday that  no fewer than  43 terrorists were  neutralised and 115 others  arrested by troops in different  operations in the last one week.

    Buba in a  statement in Abuja said the military remained focused in their   campaign against insurgents and operations against other criminals across the country.

    According to him, troops are hunting  terrorists in their hiding places and conducting targeted offensives  to  destroy them.

    He said that troops had neutralised several leaders of terrorist groups and their foot soldiers as well as degraded their fighting capabilities.

    “During the week in focus, troops conducted ambushes, raids ,fighting patrols and other forms of offensives against  terrorists.

    “These offensive actions resulted in 43 terrorists being neutralised and 115 arrested.

  • Target of $1tn economy will be in jeopardy if security crises aren’t halted now – Tinubu

    Target of $1tn economy will be in jeopardy if security crises aren’t halted now – Tinubu

    President Bola Tinubu, on Friday, January 5, charged security forces in the country to ensure a conclusive victory against the various security crises facing the nation, warning that the nation’s target of a $1 trillion economy would be in jeopardy if the situation persists.

    Addressing security chiefs and heads of intelligence agencies at a Presidential Security Briefing at the State House, in Abuja, on Friday, President Tinubu said while good progress is being made with the elimination of some security threats across multiple theatres, success will ultimately be defined by a final conclusion to the multi-dimensional menace.

    He said: “We have too many investments that we need to make now in soft and physical infrastructure, in social security, in MSME empowerment, and other growth enablers. We are pursuing a $1 trillion economy in the next few years, and our efforts will be undermined if we do not finally wrap up our progressive onslaught against enemies of progress. Be encouraged. The confidence of our people in your capacity is rising, and they are appreciative of the sacrifices of our men and women.

    “The success you are recording is undeniable. Nigerians are seeing it, but the avoidable errors, as witnessed recently in Kaduna, are unacceptable and cannot be repeated. I am pleased that coordination between all agencies has dramatically improved over recent months, but there is no room for celebrations until we can end this; until we can bring our troops back to their own localities, and until we can free up resources for our critical economic expansion programme,” the President firmly stated.

    According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, the President emphasized that the armed forces must deliver on his objective to ensure the nation achieves a sustainable production of two million barrels of crude oil per day, including condensates, within the first quarter of 2024.

    “I do not play with my intelligence reports. I have multiple lines of sight. The Navy and sister branches must step up their game to achieve our aims for the benefit of all Nigerians. All malign actors will be aggressively uprooted from our midst. Those working against the national agenda from within and without will meet justice. Your task is clear. We will sustain our momentum. Failure is not an option under my leadership,” the President warned.

    The President also commended the Commander of the Presidential Air fleet (PAF), the Commander of the Brigade of Guards (BoG), and his Chief Personal Security Officer (CPSO) for their dedication and commitment in the discharge of their assignments, which has earned them a promotion.

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    Speaking at the decoration of the PAF Commander, Air Commodore Olayinka Olusola Oyesola, with his new rank of Air Vice Marshal in the Nigerian Air Force; Commander, BoG, Adebisi Olusegun Onasanya, who is promoted from Colonel to the rank of Brigadier-General; and the Police CPSO, Usman Musa Shugaba, who is now a Deputy Commissioner of Police after being promoted from his prior rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police, President Tinubu said he was very impressed by the officers’ “loyalty and dedication to duty”.

    “Nigeria calls all to serve. We are the servants of the country, not the masters as you have seen. Your stewardship as leaders in your various categories is reflected in the assignments and responsibilities you have undertaken. I hope that Nigeria will continue to recognize your service to motherland,” the President concluded.

    The newly promoted officers were decorated by the President who was assisted by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar; the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja; and the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, respectively, in the presence of the spouses of the elevated officers.

    The event was witnessed by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; the Service Chiefs; Heads of Intelligence Agencies, as well as presidential aides.

    Speaking on behalf of the officers, AVM Olayinka thanked the President for the promotion of the officers and for the privilege to be of service to the nation. He assured the Commander-in-Chief of their continued loyalty and commitment to duty.

  • Security challenges: Ex-CBN director urges Fed Govt to provide jobs for youths

    Security challenges: Ex-CBN director urges Fed Govt to provide jobs for youths

    A former Director of Research Department at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Titus Okunrounmu, has urged the Federal Government to provide more jobs for youths this year to reduce security challenges in the country.

    Okunrounmu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Ota, Ogun State, that insecurity and unemployment were two sides of the same coin.

    The former CBN director noted that an increase in unemployment would automatically lead to a rise in insecurity.

    “An idle hand is the devil’s work shop,” he said.

    Okunrounmu said most of the kidnappings, banditry and herdsmen/farmers crises, among others, were fuelled by the increased unemployment situation in the country.

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    “There is the need for the Federal Government to do the needful for the economy to grow and embrace good governance in 2024,” he said.

    The former CBN director also urged the government to leverage agriculture through the fertile lands and modern equipment on massive farming to employ the teeming youths in order to prevent them from engaging in social vices.

    “The country could respond to God’s grace by farming and constant heavy rain to solve some of the current problems in the country.

    “In addition, God has given us all these resources and population so that Nigerians would not suffer,” he said.

  • Anambra community reviews security architecture

    Anambra community reviews security architecture

    • •Plans to establish fire brigade centre

    Oba community in Idemili South Local Government of Anambra State has disclosed plans to review its security strategies and strengthen security architecture, to address security challenges in the area.

    Newly elected President General of the community, Uzochukwu Ejiofor, an engineer; who dropped the hint shortly after his victory, following election of Oba Patriotic Union (OPU), said restoration of peace and unity among members of the community would be top priority in his administration.

    He disclosed plans to establish a standard fire brigade centre to curb incessant fire outbreaks in the community.

    He said: “The expectations of the great people of Oba will be met because our tenure will be as transparent and focused as possible.

    “We have had serious security challenges in the past, but we are going to review our security strategies and strengthen the security architecture to forestall future occurrences.

    “We look forward to restore peace, unity and dignity of our people, as key agenda of our administration. I will soon present a detailed development agenda for the community.”

    Declaring Ejiofor winner in a keenly contested election, Electoral Committee Chairman, Mr. Liberty Maduekwe, said Ejiofor polled 370 votes to defeat his only opponent, Ogechukwu Obasoanya, who secured 179 votes.

    Transition Committee Chairman of Idemili South Local Government, Amaka Obi, described the election as critical in view of the community’s strategic position to the council and the state, stressing that government presence was to ensure peace and orderliness of the exercise.

    She advised the newly-elected town union executives to work in accordance with the community’s constitution as they carry everybody along in their developmental efforts.

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    Congratulating the new executives, Regent of the town, Prince Noel Ezenwa, urged them to ensure Oba remained united while bond of brotherliness among them be nurtured at all times.

    He said the community had through the election, demonstrated their preparedness to begin journey of rebuilding their homeland.

    Chairman of the outgone interim government of the community, Sir Osita Ubadi, described the election as one of the most transparent conducted in the history of the community.

    He urged the new leadership to work towards giving the community a befitting traditional ruler.

    A stakeholder in the community, Prof Austen Azubogu, praised the advisory role of Idemili South Transition Committee Chairman, Hon. Obi, in ensuring that the elections were successful and concluded in a transparent manner.

    The Nation gathered that absence of executives had contributed to delay in electing a new traditional ruler, as all forms of crime, including youth restiveness, sale and encroachment of communally-owned land held sway in the community occasioned by lack of leadership.