Category: Security and Crimes

Stemming Terrorism: SNPM calls for massive recruitment into para-military, military formations

The Southern Nigeria People’s Mandate (SNPM), a socio-economic and political pressure group, has called for massive recruitment of youths into para-military and military formations to stem the tide of terrorism and criminality.

The Chairman of the group, Chief Augustine Chukwudum, made the call on Thursday in Enugu while speaking on the spate of kidnapping and banditry across the country.

Chukwudum noted that due to vast land area and fast growing population of the nation, it had become imperative to have large number of men and boots on ground.

According to him, criminality in the country is becoming an enterprise and highly coordinated and as such the nation needed to up its game of securing everywhere even its ungoverned spaces (forest spaces).

He said, “We are renewing our call to Federal Government to recruit a minimum of 500,000 youths into the Nigeria Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

“There should be close to similar number in recruitment in immigration, customs, Department of State Services (DSS),Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force among others.

“The formations and personnel recruited should have ICT and technology devices to work with as well as state-of-the-art personal protective gadgets as well.”

Chukwudum also reminded President Bola Tinubu that during his electioneering; he did pledge to use technology and other hi-tech devices to tackle insecurity frontally.

He noted that it was regrettable that terrorists and criminal elements had taken over large portion of agrarian communities in the North; placing taxes on farmers, abducting and killing at will.

“SNPM as a group is tired of hearing stories; we demand that money budgeted for security agencies must be fully released, used transparently and be accounted for.

“Trillions of naira have been budgeted for the past years in fighting insurgency, terrorist and criminals but no measurable positive impact felt due to lack of proper accountability,” he said.

Civil defence wives empower 50 women on revenue generating skills

No fewer than 50 women in Enugu have been empowered with revenue generating skills by the Civil Defence Officers’ Wives Association (CDOWA).

Distributing starter packs to the empowered women in Enugu, the Chairperson of CDOWA Enugu State Command, Dr Josephine Willie, said that the empowerment would transform families in Enugu especially wives of serving personnel.

Willie noted that women empowerment would always impact much on their families, communities and society at large, adding: “CDOWA move today will ensure better family earnings and financial stability”.

She said that within one year of inauguration of CDOWA in Enugu, the association had carried out numerous medical outreaches that touched communities in Enugu.

According to her, CDOWA Enugu State Command has done back to school initiatives to support pupils and students of various schools as well as supported widows and widowers of the command financially.

She said, “Empowerment of women have lots of benefits, which included: increased household income, more women inclusion, better family feeding and welfare as well as uplift of community living standards,.

“I must appreciate the National President of CDOWA, Hajia Aisha Audi, for supporting CDOWA Enugu State for making the empowerment possible as well as the commandant and personnel of NSCDC Enugu State Command for their support.”

In an address, Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Enugu State Command, Dr Elijah Willie, said that when women are properly placed, the society would witness positive transformation from the family level upwards.

The commandant said, “I am happy with the growth and achievements of CDOWA in Enugu State within a year.

“The role of women remain crucial in the society and they needed to be supported and empowered to bring out the best for family, community and societal growth.

“The command will continue to support CDOWA and her programmes and initiatives for a better society.

“I must appreciate Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA); Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA); and Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives (NAOWA) representatives for making it to the NSCDC Command and the event.”

In a lecture on the topic: “Women Take Charge of Your Health”, Dr Chinwe Nwankwo, counseled women to prioritise their health and well being beyond daily struggles.

Nwankwo, who is a Senior Registrar of Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Parklane in Enugu, urged women to create time to have adequate rest daily and reduce household chore stress as much as possible.

“I will want you to engage in daily exercise of about 30 minutes, always eat balance diet with lots of vegetables, fruits and water as well as do regular cervical cancer, sugar and blood pressure checkups among others,” she said.

One of the beneficiaries of the empowerment and its starter pack, Mrs Essien Henshaw, lauded CDOWA for the training and starter pack to ensure a successful enterprise would be made from the empowerment package.

“I will ensure that I build a viable enterprise from all I have learnt and use its proceeds to support my husband and family,” Henshaw said.

The revenue generating skills, which those empowered were trained on, included: perfume, air freshener, confectionery, bead making as well as  modern farming practices and agro-allied produce processing and marketing.

The event, which featured end of the year get together for CDOWA members, included practical demonstration of how to produce perfume and liquid air freshener among others.

Nigerian Army seeks stronger synergy with royal fathers

Maj.-Gen. Oluremi Fadairo, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, has called for stronger synergy with traditional rulers in South-East to curb insecurity.

Fadairo made the call during a courtesy visit to Eze Imo, His Royal Hghness, Eze Okeke, in Owerri, Imo on Saturday.

The GOC, who was on operational visit to units, formations, and stakeholders in the Division’s Area of Responsibility (AOR), reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to strengthening civil–military-cooperation and deepening engagement with traditional institutions.

The GOC expressed appreciation for the opportunity to interact with the custodians of culture and peace within the region.

He emphasised that the Nigerian Army remained a people-centric institution and continued to rely on the support, cooperation, and credible intelligence from locals to sustain peace.

“it is a great pleasure to be in your midst this afternoon. We believe in working closely with our royal fathers because we have a common goal; to ensure lasting peace and stability in the South-East.

“I will continue to visit from time to time for your royal blessings, guidance, and words of wisdom,” Fadairo said.

The GOC assured the royal fathers that the Army would not take their support for granted, pledging to further consolidate on the ongoing non-kinetic efforts aimed at deepening trust and community partnership.

Responding, the royal father expressed delight over the GOC’s visit and described it as a commendable initiative that reinforced confidence between the military and the civilian population.

He noted that traditional rulers remained ready partners to ensure and maintain peace.

The royal father applauded the Nigerian Army for its contribution to peace and security in the region, praising the non-kinetic measures employed to win the hearts and minds of residents.

The royal father commended the commander and troops of 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze, for being professional, versatile and proactive in their approach to combating security challenges in Imo.

The visit, which further solidified the bond between the military and traditional leadership, is a timely and strategic move towards sustained stability in Imo and the entire South-East.

CCIDESOR advocates transformational policing practice based on structured communication, community dialogue

The Citizens Centre for Integrated Development and Social Rights (CCIDESOR), an NGO, has advocated transformational policing practice in Nigeria through investing in structured communication, continuous dialogue and mutual respect.

The Executive Director of CCIDESOR, Dr Emeka Ononamadu, made the call in a policy brief statement on Sunday in Enugu, titled: “Strengthening Stakeholders’ Effective Communication to Sustain Mutual Accountability Forum and Scorecard”.

Ononamadu said that the policy brief statement was a fallout of the Mutual Accountability Forum and Scorecard initiative implemented by CCIDESOR in partnership with International Alert and supported by UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

He said that effective communication remained the cornerstone of trust and partnership between the police and the communities they serve.

Ononamadu, who is a former Resident Electoral Commissioner for INEC in Enugu, said that sustaining the Mutual Accountability Forum and Scorecards would institutionalise dialogue, transparency and shared responsibility — key drivers for effective policing and community safety.

He noted that key findings from Mutual Accountability Forums and Scorecard engagements held in Abia and Enugu States had revealed that “poor communication is the root of most misunderstandings between police and communities”.

He said, “We also found out that stereotypes and suspicion flourish when dialogue is absent, creating barriers to cooperation.

“Many citizens remain unaware of recent legal reforms, such as the provision under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) that forbids keeping suspects in police custody beyond 24 hours without arraignment.

“Transactional policing, often perceived as corruption, thrives in information vacuums — where communities believe all releases from police custody require payment.

“Regular dialogue platforms such as the Mutual Accountability Forum significantly improve understanding and reduce tension when institutionalised.”

The CCIDESOR boss said that by fostering mutual understanding through constant dialogue and communication, the police and communities could collaboratively tackle crimes; thus, achieving sustainable peace and development.

Ononamadu recommended that police authorities should Institutionalise regular Community–Police Dialogue; adopt a simple communication framework; integrate legal education into policing practice; promote inclusive policing and evaluation through monitor and report outcomes.

He urged Federal and state governments to provide budgetary support for community engagements; enhance police training; support digital tools for officers serving in communities; and decentralise policing oversight by strengthening Police Community Relations Committees (PCRC).

The CCIDESOR executive director called on the national assembly to legislate mandatory community accountability mechanisms; ensure oversight and evaluation; and encourage local policing frameworks.

He urged civil society organisations and development partners to strengthen advocacy for accountability; build capacity for dialogue; document and share best practices; and enhance citizen awareness among others.

Commandant Willie tasks NSCDC personnel on capacity building meant to build community trust

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has tasked its personnel on capacity building on their duties meant to enhance operational efficiency and build community trust.

The Commandant of the NSCDC Enugu State Command, Dr Elijah Willie, gave the task on Thursday while declaring open a two-day Junior Staff Retreat 2025 (JSR 2025) held in Enugu.

The retreat, which is meant for junior personnel between level seven and level three, is themed: “Capacity Building and Empowerment: Keys to Excellence in Security Service Delivery”.

Represented by the Second-in-Command in the Command, Deputy Commandant, Jonathan Olariche, the commandant said that the retreat would be a game-changer for personnel as it would strengthen their commitment to the service of the people.

He said that the NSCDC headquarters had approved and organised three retreats in 2025, which included: senior management retreat, middle officers retreat and junior staff retreat.

According to him, we appreciate the Commandant-General (C-G) of the Corps, Prof. Ahmed Audi, for his vision on training and retraining of all cadres of personnel.

He said, “The C-G envisioned training or retraining has really impacted on the quality and performance of personnel in Enugu State Command.

“The Command has lined up various career enhancing topics as well as sessions of shared professional experiences that will surely improve the performance of men in the field.”

The commandant urged the participants to take due advantage of the retreat to upgrade their capacity and be better positioned for a more fruitful career in the corps.

Responding, one of the participants, Kingsley Egbo, said that he was anticipating presentations that would bring out the best in him and would enable him to work better and smarter.

“To whom much is given, much is expected. I will use the presentations, the practical and discipline in this retreat to sharpen my security skills.

“I want to laud the C-G and Commandant for approving and funding the retreat and supporting personnel of NSCDC Enugu State Command,” Egbo noted.

Over 300 personnel, who are drawn from 37 Divisions and seven Area Commands as well as the Corps State Headquarters in the state, are currently attending the retreat.

COAS charges RSMs on sound regimentation, mentorship of soldiers

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has charged Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSMs) on sound mentorship and regimentation of soldiers for operational readiness.

Shaibu gave the charge on Thursday while declaring the Second RSMs’ Convention 2025 closed in Enugu.

He urged them to uphold the cherished culture and heritage of the Nigerian Army that rests on discipline, regimentation and professionalism.

The army chief said that their positive influence must bear on soldiers under their units as well as the entire barrack community.

According to him, I want you to go to your various units and barracks to nurture soldiers and people living in the barracks community under you to be the best.

He said, “You must lead by positive example, guide with wisdom and mentor with courage and fatherly care.

“As an RSM, you are the moral compass of a soldier, which guides his or her career path.

“By fulfilling your role, the Nigerian Army will have troops that are disciplined and professionally ready to accomplish tasks with resounding successes.”

The COAS thanked the Chief of Administration for a successful convention devoid of hiccups as well as RSMs for their devotion and commitment to attend the important convention.

The army chief appreciated the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Tinubu, for his continuous support to the Nigerian Army programmes and operations throughout the country.

He also thanked the government and people of Enugu State for creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere for a successful convention.

Earlier, Chief of Administration (Army), Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Abdullahi, said that the convention had exposed the participants to presentations and practical experience sharing sessions that enriched their knowledge in a variety of issues under regimentation and operations.

“RSMs are the custodial of regimentation, discipline and professionalism and they must live above board and be shining mentors to emulate.

“The joint participation of other security agencies in the convention was meant to further enrich the event with their experiences and specialised expertise,” he said.

The RSMs Convention, a week-long event that started on Nov. 10, was attended by 250 RSMs from various formations of the Nigerian Army nationwide.

The theme of the convention was: “RSM’s Role in Operational Readiness and Combat Effectiveness”.

250 Nigerian Army RSMs attend convention in Enugu meant to build capacity

No fewer than 250 Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSMs) of the Nigerian Army are currently attending RSMs Convention 2025 in Enugu.

Declaring the convention open, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, said that RSMs must uphold discipline, regimentation and professionalism both at the barracks and theatres of operation.

Represented by the Commander of Nigerian Army Armoured Corp, Maj.-Gen. Umar Abubakar, the COAS also urged the RSMs to continue and improve in their leadership role, mentorship and good examples to soldiers.

According to him, your role remains fundamental in our barrack organisation and operational successes in the Nigerian Army.

He said, “I will urge you to participate fully in the convention and take advantage of all knowledge and experiences shared both by the resource persons and retired RSMs.

“It is hoped that the convention will make a great impact and sharpen your effectiveness in all the formations you serve as well as ensure you conduct yourselves above board.”

The COAS appreciated the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Tinubu, for his continued support to the Nigerian Army especially in the area of funding.

Speaking, the Chief of Administration (Army), Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Abdullahi, said that the convention would sharpen the regimental and operational skills and capacity of RSMs in all formations in the Nigerian Army.

Represented by Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Gambo, Director, Personnel Services, the chief of administration said that the convention was meant to get the RSMs fully prepared to lead soldiers in combat and professional readiness.

He said that the theme of the convention reflects the central role of discipline, regimentation, professionalism and mentorship expected from every RSM in the Nigerian Army.

“RSMs are the link between the soldiers and officers and their role to ensure operational and professional organisational and readiness remained vital to the Nigerian Army,” he said.

In a welcome address, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 82 Division, Maj.-Gen. Oluremi Fadairo, noted that the convention is never a mere meeting, but an avenue to sharpen professionalism and regimentation among the RSMs.

Represented by the Garrison Commander of 82 Division, Brig.-Gen. Steven Dogo, the GOC also commended the COAS for his guidance, funding and selecting 82 Division to host the important convention.

“I urge the RSMs to continue to uphold the tradition, regimentation and professionalism in order to build a resilient and operational ready troops,” he said.

The theme of the five-day convention is: “RSM’s Role in Operational Readiness and Combat Effectiveness”.

NSCDC calls for closer community synergy, inaugurates Community Partnership Network

 

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) has called for closer community synergy with the Corps to strengthen information and intelligence gathering to curb crime at the community level.

The Commandant of NSCDC Enugu State Command, Dr Elijah Willie, made the call on Wednesday in Enugu while inaugurating the members of Civil Defense Community Partnership Network (CDCPN).

The members of the CDCPN are elite and leadership personalities in various communities within the state.

Willie said that the CDCPN members would work closely within the 37 NSCDC Divisional Police Stations and its Divisional Corps Officer as well as “be covert security information manager and contact persons”.

He said that the complexities of modern security threats – kidnapping, terrorism, cultism, vandalism and oil bunkering – should be approached in a holistic manner through the involvement of community members.

According to him, crime and criminality have got to a level where people commit it or even kill without any remorse at community level.

The commandant said, “We have lost our humanity and value for human life as a people. The community and its leaders should stand up to their traditional role of being security conscious.

“Today, most people in the community do not have respect for government or communal amenities serving everybody and most times some will want to vandalise or directly steal government or communal amenities.”

Willie said that the communities’ members should know the mandate of the NSCDC dealing with vandalism of public and communal property, herder/farmers clashes, security of schools, oil bunkering and mining activities among others.

Earlier, Coordinator of CDCPN in the Command, Assistant Corps Commandant, Mr Robinson Odoh, lauded the commandant for developing the initiative – CDCPN; adding that the initiative would deepen security in the state.

Odoh said that the major objective of the initiative “is to enhance the security network and partnership with the people”.

“We needed information to work effectively and safe-guard lives and property.

“We want more communities’ members to work closer with us and supply us with actionable information to work better,” he said.

Responding, one of the CDCPN patrons, Igwe Charles Ochi, the Chairman of Igbo-Etiti LGA Council of Traditional Rulers, commended the NSCDC commandant for the initiative and “personal stride to close the information and relationship gap.”

Represented by Igwe Uchenna Anikwe, the Traditional Ruler of Diogbe Community in Igbo-Etiti LGA, the chairman assured that the CDCPN members would work closely with the NSCDC as well as move the frontiers of the corps activities within communities and council areas in the state.

“The CDCPN Initiative is laudable and the communities’ members’ involvement in security especially in rural communities will engender greater and better security results in the state,” he said.