The Nation Newspaper

Tag: tight security

  • Tight security as Bauchi residents vote in large numbers

    There was water tight security at the Presidential and National Assembly elections in Bauchi Local Government Area, as residents turn out in their large numbers to express their franchise to vote.

    Armoured Personnel Tankers were manned on major highways, with policemen taking strategic positions.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission, Bauchi duly supervised the polling units at  Bauchi Local Government Area. At Koma Nassarawa, Kima Barki wards, voters were seen going about their accreditation and voting with orderliness.

    Gwaba gidau baki polling unit was also not an exception, as due procedures were followed. Same with Danyiya and Yelwa Makaranta polling units.

    However, the voting exercise did not commence at the stipulated time. There was delay in the arrival of materials in some units but at about 9:39am when INEC officials came in their convoy, voting had already commenced.

    Despite the itching sun, the electorate patiently waited for their turns to vote. The presence of the crowd was quite overwhelming but controlled. As at 3:06pm, there were no reports of ballot box snatching or violence, which is quite common during elections as recorded in some states.

    One of the electorate, Hussaini Kado, told The Nation that he was satisfied with the level of progress and peace he witnessed at his polling unit.

    “Everything is going on well and we are progressing very fast. I am also happy that the exercise is peaceful. We have not heard or witnessed any violence the election started in the morning,” he said.

    An election observer who craved anonymity because she was not authorised to speak to the press, said the ongoing election is one of the most peaceful she has ever witnessed.

    “I can tell you that this election is the most peaceful I have witnessed since I turned 18. All though, there are little hitches here and there, things are going as expected,” she noted.

    Another respondent, a Corps member serving as Presiding Officer at Makama 1 Ward, Adamu Bello, expressed optimism that elections will end well.

    “I am hopeful that everything will turn out well because we are doing our very best to ensure that everyone is served,” Bello said.

  • Murder: Zakzaky taken to court in Kaduna amid tight security

    LEADER of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shi’ites, Sheikh Ibrahim El Zakzaky was yesterday taken before a Kaduna High Court amid tight security.

    El Zakzaky, who was in the court with his wife as early as 8:30a.m, was allegedly  smuggled into Kaduna the previous night from where he was being kept.

    He was being charged for unlawful gathering, criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide punishable with death.

    Speaking to reporters, El Zakzaky’s counsel, Maxwell Kyom, said the case could not continue because two of the defendants were not in court.

    He said an oral application was moved for bail for the cleric and his wife, but the judge, Justice Gideon Kurada, asked him to put his application in writing.

    Reporters and sympathisers of the Shiites leader trooped to the court premises but were barred from entering as the major roads leading to the court were condoned off.

    From the Yakubu Gowon Way by Bida road, two Hilux belonging to Kaduna State security outfit, ‘Operation Yaki’, blocked the road and pedestrians who are not court’s workers were turned away.

    A leader of the Shiites sect in Kaduna, Mallam Abdulhameed Bello, said El Zakzaky was forcefully brought to Kaduna a night before the hearing.

    According to him, members of the movement were disappointed for his re-arraignment because in a substantive suit before an Abuja High Court, the court ruled that he should be released unconditionally.

    Bello added that the cleric was losing his sight as well as suffering from diabetes and mild stroke.

    “We call on the Federal and Kaduna State governments to as a matter of urgency obey the judgment of the Abuja court and release the Sheikh for peace to reign.

    “We as a movement will continue to use all peaceful means to put pressure on the government to see reason and allow Sheikh El Zakzaky to go home and attend to his deteriorating health,” he said.

    The case was adjourned to June 21, by Justice Kurada based on application by the prosecutor for them to properly file their statement of claim.

     

     

     

  • Tight security for $2.1b arms deal panel members

    Tight security for $2.1b arms deal panel members

    Security is to be tightened around members of the Special Investigative Panel on Arms Procurement, The Nation learnt yesterday.

    The presidential directive was said to have followed the suspicious death of a member, Rear Admiral T.D. Ikoli, and threat to others.

    The panel, which has wound up its operation temporarily, was probing the $2.1 billion arms procurement from 2007 to 2015.

    It had investigated the purchase of arms in the Army and the Air Force. The review of arms procurement in the Navy was outstanding at the time of Rear Admiral Ikoli’s death.

    Three of the members of the panel are believed to have had a close shave with death.

    Rear Admiral Ikoli died in what the panel described as “suspicious circumstances” on April 5 in Lagos.

    About one week before his death, Rear Admiral ikoli’s dog was killed, also in suspicious circumstances, it was learnt.

    Panel Chairman  Air Vice Marshal JON Ode narrowly escaped being ambushed by a 12-man gang in two separate vehicles. The wife of another member (a retired Major-General) narrowly escaped being abducted.

    It was learnt that after the developments, the panel opened discussions with President Muhammadu Buhari. Besides, it wrote a letter to Acting President Yemi Osinbajo on the danger its members were being exposed to.

    Prior to the alarm raised by the members of the panel, none of them had security presence in their homes.

    A source, who spoke in confidence with our correspondent, said: “Right from the start of the probe, JON Ode Panel members were being threatened but they defied the intimidation to complete their assignments

    “Some of those involved in the $2.1b arms scandal were associates, colleagues, junior officers and students of members of the panel. But they refused to be swayed by personal ties in doing their job.

    “But there had been obvious security threats against the panel members by some of those implicated and their fronts.

    “Ikoli’s death shattered panel members who did not bother initially to ask for protection.”

    The source said the aborted attacks against the chairman of the panel, AVM JON Ode and the wife of another member made the team to make representations to the Presidency.”

    Iit was gathered that the government directed that police and military security be provided in the homes of the members.

    Those who want escorts have also been given.

    Another source added: “The Presidency has directed that adequate security measures be put in place for AVM JON Ode members’ panel following intelligence reports on threats to their lives.

    “The government also took the steps in view of the way corruption is fighting back and the high-level risk taken by members of the panel against their colleagues and course mates.

    “We now have some level of police and military presence in the homes of the members of the panel. I will not go into details on this.”

    Also yesterday, it was learnt that members of the panel did not receive sitting allowance.

    The government spent over N200million (not up to N300million) on the committee instead of the N600million being bandied.

    A document revealed that the cash was expended only on accommodation, transportation, breakfast and lunch for members.

    A source said: “The panel members did a selfless service.  They were not given official vehicles. Some members attended sittings by taxi-cab. One of them had a rickety car which could not withstand rains.

    “Even when requests were made for official vehicles, none was made available.

    “But some mischievous elements have launched propaganda against the committee by alleging that it spent N600million. The good thing is that members signed for what was expended on them. The records are there.”

    Members of the investigative committee  include AVM J.O.N. Ode (rtd.) –Chairman; R/Adm J.A. Aikhomu (rtd.) ; R/Adm E. Ogbor (rtd.) ; Brig Gen L. Adekagun (rtd.); Brig Gen M. Aminu-Kano (rtd.) ; and Brig Gen N. Rimtip (rtd.) .

    Others are: Rear Admiral T.D. Ikoli ; Air Cdre U. Mohammed (rtd.); Air Cdre I. Shafi’I;  Col A.A. Ariyibi ; Gp Capt C.A. Oriaku (rtd.); Mr. Ibrahim Magu (EFCC); and Brig Gen Y.I. Shalangwa – Secretary.

    Some of the areas of investigation are:

    • How 10 contracts totalling $930,500,690.00 were awarded
    • Payment of  N4,402,687,569.41 for unexecuted contracts
    • Procurement of two used Mi-24V helicopters instead of the recommended Mi-35M series at $136,944,000.00.
    • Purchase of four used Alpha-Jets for the NAF at US$7,180,000.00 funded by ONSA
    • Cannibalisation of engines from NAF fleet to justify procurement of jets
    • Excessive pricing of 36D6 Low Level Air Defence Radar at $33m instead of $6m per one
    • Delivery of radars without  vital component of Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) that distinguishes between own and adversary aircraft
    • Strange transfer of $2m to Mono Marine Corporation Nigeria Limited owned by some Air Force officers
    • N15bn lavished on the maintenance of Alpha-Jets, C-130H aircraft and Mi-24V/35P helicopters.
    • N2.5billion contracts awarded to Syrius Technologies (an Ukrainian company) not registered in Nigeria
    • Award of seven contracts worth N599,118,000.00 to Defence Industry Corporation of Nigeria (DICON); two were delivered.
  • Tight security as Sheriff resumes at PDP secretariat

    Tight security as Sheriff resumes at PDP secretariat

    There was tight security yesterday at the national secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the party’s National Chairman, Alhaji Ali Modu Sheriff resumed duties.
    Police and the Nigerian Civil and Security Defence Corps (NCSDC) personnel took position within and outside the secretariat building, while some took positions in adjoining streets.
    An operation truck belonging to the NCSDC was used to block the road leading to the main gate of the secretariat, forcing motorists to divert to only one of the dual carriage way in front of the building.
    One of the police officers told our correspondent that they were mobilised to provide security at the secretariat since Monday and that they were there to prevent the breakdown of law and order.
    Sheriff, who arrived the secretariat about mid-day, was accompanied by his appointed Deputy, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh; National Auditor, Adewole Adeyanju; Imo Senator, Hope Uzodinma; and a retinue of aides.
    He was on hand to receive a group of party women from Imo State who came to pay a solidarity visit.
    The women, adorned in attire with Uzodinma’s portrait, chanted praises of Sheriff and Uzodinma throughout their meeting with the party chairman.
    Sheriff assured the visiting women of a more organised PDP under his leadership, saying that his mission was to return the party to the grassroots, particularly the women and the youths.
    Workers at the secretariat however stayed away, apparently in solidarity with the rival Ahmed Makarfi-led Caretaker Committee.

  • Tight security as former Katsina governor, Shema appears in court

    Tight security as former Katsina governor, Shema appears in court

    There was tight security in Katsina town yesterday following the arraignment of ex-Governor Ibrahim Shema in a High Court for alleged financial misappropriation during his tenure.
    Shema was the Katsina State Governor from May 2007 to May 2015.
    Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ushered Shema to the court.
    Shema was arraigned before Justice Ibrahim Bako by the Katsina state government and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday.
    He, however, did not take plea.
    EFCC counsel Jibrin Samuel (SAN) urged the court to remand Shema in prison so that they could have access to him at will.
    Samuel asked that the administrative bail earlier given to Shema be revoked, saying he had shown some signs of not reporting to the commission.
    The defence counsel, Joseph Daudu, however, objected to the prayer of the EFFC counsel to have his client remanded in prison custody.
    Daudu argued that the state High Court had no jurisdiction to try his client, adding that Shema should be allowed to go home until the case had been appropriately filed.
    The trial judge, Bako, ruled that it was premature for the EFCC counsel to pray for the detention of the ex-governor in prison.
    He advised both sides to take the case slowly in order to have a decent trial, and adjourned the case till Feb. 7 for mention.
    Security agents from different security organisations were positioned in strategic locations, particularly those leading to the state High Court, to forestall any unforeseen break down of law and order.
    In a related development, the Police Command in Katsina has banned rallies or gatherings by any group of people in the state.
    The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Salisu Agaisa, warned that anybody caught violating the order would be made to face the law.
    He urged parents and guardians not to allow their children and wards to be used by some people to achieve their selfish agenda.

  • Governor orders tight security

    Governor orders tight security

    Adamawa State Governor Muhammed Umar Jibrilla has directed security agencies to deploy more personnel to ensure that the security of lives and properties in Demsa Local Government is guaranteed.

    A statement by the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Ahmad Sajoh said: “His Excellency the Executive Governor of Adamawa State, Senator Muhammad Umar Jibrilla received the news of the recent unfortunate attacks at Kwayine, Gidan Dadi and Karlahi  Villages, of Demsa Local Government with great sadness especially considering the fact that he had just issued a directive on peace building and winning the confidence of the citizens on peace and unity.

    “The Governor feels highly disturbed that after he had sent delegations on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday to interface with the different communities in the area, a clash could occur so soon thereafter.

    “This is totally unacceptable. The Delegations which were led by Deputy Governor Martins Babale and supported fully by both the Hama Bachama and Hama Bata had achieved a great mileage in igniting an enduring peace process.

    “His Excellency feels the attacks on Kwayine, Gidan Dadi and Karlahi villages are unfortunate, unwarranted and totally unacceptable to the Government of Adamawa State because it is capable of derailing the peace process initiated by the State Government led by Deputy Governor Martins Nasir Babale which has won the confidence of the people and is on the way to address the peace imperative in the area.

    “The attacks which the Governor learnt resulted in unnecessary loss of some lives including security personnel and the loss of countless properties is callous and totally condemnable.”

     

    “It is an affront on the efforts of the Adamawa State Government to bring peace and development to the peace loving citizens of the state. This cannot be accepted by any responsible Government such as this one.

    “Consequently, Governor Muhammad Umar Jibrilla has directed Security Agencies to deploy more personnel to the area to ensure that the security of lives and properties in the area are adequately guaranteed.

    “Additionally, the Governor has reiterated his commitment to secure the lives and properties of all the citizens of Adamawa State as demanded by his mandate as the Chief Security officer of the State.

    “While sympathizing with the people of the area and the Police, His Excellency the Governor has directed that urgent action be taken to ameliorate the sufferings of the people of the affected communities especially in terms food and shelter.

    “As a responsible and responsive government, Senator Muhammad Umar Jibrilla has reiterated the commitment of his government to cater for the welfare of all the citizens of the state.

    “The Governor appreciated the gallantry of the police in confronting the attackers despite the fact that they were outnumbered resulting into casualties. The Governor calls on the citizens to continue to be calm and law-abiding and to refrain from taking laws in their hands.

    “Governor Muhammad Umar Jibrilla calls on all citizens, especially community and religious leaders to refrain from making inflammatory statements capable of fueling the situation.

    “The governor has directed security agencies to act decisively with anyone who takes the law into his hands. This Government will not condone lawlessness and acts capable of breaching the peace.

     

  • Tight security as Ebonyi Election Tribunal sits

    The Ebonyi State Election Petitions Tribunal yesterday, began sitting in Abakaliki, the state capital, amidst tight security.

    Security personnel, comprising Police and Civil Defence, barricaded the major roads. This caused tension as motorists and passers-by diverted to alternative roads.

    The police Anti-Bomb squad was stationed at the two gates to the tribunal.

    Some policemen, men of the DSS and Civil Defence were stationed inside the premises of the high court where the tribunal was sitting.

    In his inaugural address, Chairman of the Tribunal, Justice J.F Agya warned petitioners against frivolous petitions.

    He said the tribunal would not condone any action intended to frustrate the quick determination of a petition.

    Agya explained that by the provisions of section 285 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, (Second Alteration) Act 2010 (supra), an Election Tribunal shall deliver its judgment in writing within 180 days from the date of filing, a situation he noted was going to deny the tribunal the luxury of time.

    “The tribunal will therefore not allow any party to resort to any sort of subterfuge by way of unnecessary applications for adjournment or resort to technicalities,” Agya said.

    The chairman solicited the cooperation of counsels to ensure that at the end of the exercise, justice would not only be done, but seen to be done.

    He promised that the tribunal would abide by the oath they swore and dispense justice regardless of the position, status or standing of the parties appearing before it.

    “Our decisions on any of the petitions will therefore be based on the pleadings (petitions and reply), evidence (physical, documentary and oral) and the persuasive arguments of the counsel.

    “Any attempt to influence the decision of the tribunal will not only be frowned at, but will definitely attract serious sanctions,” Agya said.

     

  • Tight security as Jonathan arrives Otuoke

    There was tight security in Otuoke, Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa State on Friday as President Goodluck Jonathan arrived his hometown.

    The President will cast his vote at a polling unit near his country home.

    Prior to his arrival, two Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) were seen on the Otuoke Road, one in front of the President’s house.

    The other was parked in front of Magels Resort, a hotel close to UBA, the only bank in Otuoke.

    Earlier, a helicopter was seen hovering around the town, apparently on security surveillance.

    Soldiers and policemen were also seen on the main road, as well as plain-clothe officers who guarded the President’s house.

    There were signposts directing motorists to “keep moving,” while police officers shouted at drivers of vehicles which stopped within the vicinity of the President’s home, asking them to leave.

    The President arrived by 3 pm in company with Governor Seriake Dickson and other aides.

    Meanwhile, the Bayelsa State Command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has warned its operatives who take bribes from politicians while providing security at polling units.

    The State Commandant, Mr. Desmond Agu, said any personnel found to have been compromised during the general elections would be prosecuted.

    Addressing the men, he said: “Do not compromise. Do not allow politicians to use you to manipulate the process.

    “Also, do not allow any other security agencies or your colleagues to influence you to collect bribes. Let me assure you that your allowances have been paid.

    “We urge you to go out there and conduct yourselves as a security agency with integrity and professionalism.

    “Let me reiterate here that the Commandant General of the corps, Mr. Ade Abolurin, has warned that no civil defender should compromise. Your duties are to protect lives, staff of Independent Electoral Commission, ad hoc staff and citizens. Any compromise will be severely punished.”

  • Tight security for Nigeria, Iran clash

    Tight security for Nigeria, Iran clash

    Security has been heightened in Curitiba ahead of the city’s opening game between Iran and Nigeria.

    Combat ready troops in full military gear and trucks rolled into the city a week before the opening game featuring the two countries.

    An official told KickOffNigeria.com that the increased security was not just because of the ongoing protests in Brazil, but also the security profile of the two countries involved in the opening game.

    “Nigeria and Iran are particularly high on the security planning and to have both at the same time requires additional measures.”

    Nigeria’s first training on Saturday was away from the main stadium, and looked like a war zone, with a combination of both police and military presence.

    Every area was guarded by a pair of machine-gun wielding soldiers in combat fatigues.

    Access was severely restricted with police cars establishing a 100-yard perimeter around the venue.

  • Xmas: IG orders tight security nationwide

    Xmas: IG orders tight security nationwide

    Police have ordered a 24-hour Watertight security nationwide at government installations and strategic facilities ahead of Christmas and New Year celebrations.

    Inspector General of Police Mohammed Abubakar gave the order yesterday in his Christmas message. He directed Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs) and Commissioners of Police in charge of the 12 Zonal, 36 state Commands and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to personally take charge of security.

    The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) said it had deployed more than 60,000 regular and non regular personnel across the country to maintain law and order during the yuledtide.

    A statement by the Corps spokesman, Emma Okeh, quoted Commandant General of the Corps, Dr. Ade Abolurin, as saying that the move would ensure a hitch-free celebration devoid of any attack or threat to lives of individuals or group.

    The IG urged policemen to ensure that other vulnerable points including financial houses, shopping malls, motor parks, places of worship and recreation centres are adequately protected before, during and after the celebrations.

    According to the IG, the measures are to ensure a crime-free Christmas and to enable holiday makers, worshippers and the general public carry out their activities.

    In Delta State there is a virtual lock-down as a result of the deployment of security men and equipment on the streets, to prevent crime, especially kidnapping during the yuletide.

    “In addition, Commanders of Police Highway Patrol Teams have been directed to ensure that motorised patrols on our highways targeted at crime and accident prevention are intensified to ensure a safe, secure and peaceful celebration.

    “Police men deployed on our highways have also been directed to render necessary assistance to travellers and road users, especially accident victims and those who may suffer vehicular break down,’’ he said.

    He warned highway patrol officers to comport themselves and act within the confines of the law and be firm.

    Abubakar enjoined them to be polite, civil and professional, and respect the fundamental rights of the citizens at all times.

    He felicitated with Christians on Christmas and noted that its significance was the birth of Jesus Christ.

    The police boss urged them to emulate and imbibe the worthy virtues and teachings of Christ, and be open-minded to issues of peace, forgiveness and harmonious coexistence.

    He also urged Nigerians to appreciate and respect the diversities of the nation, and leverage on same as source of strength for national development.

    Abubakar, thanked them for cooperating with police in 2012 in the face of the daunting security challenges and solicited for further cooperation, saying that with all hands on deck the challenges would be overcome.

    Travellers entering and exiting Delta State are facing hectic times as security operations by the Army and Police lock down all roads leading in and out of the state.

    It was gathered that the security operation is aimed at keeping kidnappers and armed hoodlums at bay during the yuletide.

    The checks have resulted in miles-long traffic jam, particularly on the Warri/Effurun inward and outward routes.

    Stern-faced soldiers were deplored in about six points on the busy Warri-Benin end of the East West way to compliment the effort of police.

    It was gathered that over 2,000 security personnel, 500 patrol vehicles, Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and other security hardware have been deployed in the twin cities of Warri and Effurun as well as adjoining towns.

    Already, our investigations revealed that crime rates in the state are lower when compared with the same period last year, ostensibly due to the recent clampdown on crime.

    Delat Police spokesman Charles Muka said the move was to instill confidence of yuletide revelers, visitors and to keep criminals in checks.

    He said: “We are determined to keep criminals and crime in check in Delta State within this period and the months ahead. When the CP (Commissioner of Police) came in, he put a number of security measures in place.”

    “We are constantly raiding the dens of armed robbers and other criminals. This is to ensure that kidnappers are put in check and people are not scared away from visiting the state during this period,” Muka added on the telephone.

    The police image-maker attributed the ebb in criminal activities, particularly armed robbery in Warri and environs, compared to last year, to the killing of notorious crime lord OZ (Osaze) who was fingered in the brutal killing of a couple at the Warri Main Market last year.

    Besides, Muka said members of the public are now more forthcoming with information because of the growing confidence on the police ability to keep confidential information from criminals.

    Similarly, he said the command is working with vigilance groups in crime prone communities of the state to facilitate intelligence gathering and response to potential situations.

    The police yesterday renewed calls on residents of Borno State to supply vital information on suspected criminals and terrorists hideouts in the state.

    Mr. Ibrahim Leha the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in charge of Operations, made the appeal after a meeting with officers and men in Maiduguri.

    “People should know that the police are their friends. We must work together to fight the criminals and terrorists hiding among the people,” he said.

    Leha, however, acknowledged that the police had recorded some level of success in the state in the fight against crime.

    “I came here to see things for myself in both Borno and Yobe states. I must confess that from what I saw, there are lots of improvements in the police’s fight against crime in the states,’’ he said.

    The police also announced the death of Mr Muktari Ibrahim, the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 6 (Cross Rivers, Ebonyi and Akwa Ibom states).

    The late Ibrahim, 55, died at the University Teaching Hospital, Calabar, on Saturday after a brief illness.

    His remains were buried yesterday in Kano according to Islamic rites.