Category: Security and Crimes

The Nigerian Army says the Operation Positive Identification (OPPI) in the North East has started yielding positive results with the arrest of five key terrorists suppliers and fighters.

The Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Operation Lafiya Dole (OPLD), Col. Ado Isa, disclosed this on Monday.

Isa said that the troops of OPLD had intensified searching for and arresting of all suspected criminal elements that were currently roaming parts of the North East.

He said that the Theatre Command had enjoined members of the public to always carry valid means of identification such as National Identification Card when moving or passing through Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States.

Isa said the operation was based on credible information that some of the fleeing criminals were hibernating in some towns and villages of Borno and Yobe States in particular and North East in general.

“Troops are directed to strictly check legitimate means of identification such as National Identification Card, Voters Registration Card, Drivers’ License and International Passports or other valid official identification before allowing such persons passage.

“Consequently, the operation is seriously ongoing across the region and five key terrorists logistics suppliers and fighters have so far been apprehended.

“Members of the public are requested to cooperate with the troops by moving along with valid identification cards and present same to the troops in the efforts to rid the North East zone of criminals fleeing for safety,” he said.

(FLOWERBUDNEWS) Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have agreed to continue to work collaboratively to build the capacity of security agencies under Nigeria’s Ministry of Interior.

The ministry made this known in a statement by Mr Mohammed Manga, Director of Press and Public Relations of the Ministry of Interior in Monday.

According to the ministry, the  collaboration is part of efforts to strengthen  internal security in Nigeria.

Manga said that the two countries renewed the commitment on Monday in Abuja when the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Fahad Altaffag visited the interior minister, Rauf Aregbesola.

Speaking during the visit, Aregbesola notes that strengthening the relationship between the two countries which had existed for years, would further boost the efforts of the President Muhammadu Buhari- led administration at ensuring the security of lives and property of Nigerians.

“Collaboration on security between the Nigerian Ministry of Interior and the UAE Ministry of Interior will strengthen the government’s capacity to solve internal security challenges in Nigeria,” the minister said.

He assured that Nigeria would continue to collaborate with the UAE in the areas of capacity building, educational development, fire disaster management, intelligence gathering, and border security management.

He observed that the security system of the UAE was never in doubt and as such, Nigeria could learn a lot from the country.

“When we have intellectual and physical capacities, we will not only overcome security challenges, but also neutralise them,” he reiterated.

Earlier, Altaffag said his country had in the past held discussions with Nigeria on ways to work together to solve internal security issues in Nigeria.

He said that his visit was to concretise the existing cooperation between the two countries on security matters with a view to providing the necessary support needed by the Buhari administration to create the environment conducive for foreign investment inflow o revitalise the economy.

The ambassador pledged his country’s support for the Nigerian government in its resolve to ensure the security of lives and property of Nigerinas toward moving the country to the next level of socio-economic development. (NAN)

By Naomi Sharang
Abuja,:  The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) on Thursday, unveiled its National Border Strategy 2019 to enhance national security.

Comptroller-General of the Service, Mr Muhammad Babandede presented the document in Abuja with stakeholders in the sector in attendance.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project was funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).

He said that the strategy would also help in contributing to national economic development, reinforcing social harmony and ensuring migrants’ human rights and the protection of vulnerable migrants.

“The NIS National Boarder Management Strategy (NBMS) 2019 to 2023 articulates a renewed five-year vision and institutional approach to border management in Nigeria.

” This is within the scope of the Nigeria Immigration Service,” Babandede said.”

Babandede explained that when the borders were safe, it would result into a safe nation.

“So the document has addressed the issue of national security, border security and addressed border as a means of trade.

“It will ensure transparency; it will reduce corruption, it will help to ensure that human rights are protected and we will ensure that smugglers and traffickers are not allowed to leave or enter our country.”

House Committee Chairman on Interior, Nasir Daura said that the house committee would ensure that the NIS was given the necessary support to ensure smooth implementation of the policy.

He said the document would help to provide the requisite protection that could ensure the respect and dignity of human rights.

” As a committee we will make the Nigeria Immigration Service more effective by providing the necessary budgetary support to better manage the borders.”

In her remark, Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs Zainab Ahmed
said that the effective implementation of the strategy depended on dynamic institutional framework and robust political backing.

Ahmed was represented by a staff of the project office (migration) Mr Ekom Umoren.

She said that the surge in transnational crimes, irregular migration, trafficking and other illicit activities would be tackled in line with national development goals as contained in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERPG).

A Federal Commissioner National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Basheer Mohammed was also present at the meeting.

Mohammed who was represented by Charles Anaelo said that the document was a clear demonstration of Nigeria’s commitment to entrench international best practices in border management through a coordinated approach.

He said that effective and efficient border management contributed immensely to overall migration management.

“We have no doubt that implementation will be all inclusive and coordinated to ensure coherence.”

Ms Ukamaka Osigwe, IOM Nigeria National Programme Officer, said that the document was developed through an intensive NIS and inter-agency consultations which spanned from Oct. last year to March 2019.

She said that the rationale behind the development of the strategy was to articulate a better border management in Nigeria within the scope of the duties of the lead agency for border management which is the NIS.(NAN)

FG to adopt summit recommendations on Insurgency, insecurity

 

Abuja, Sept.10, 2019 (NAN) The Federal Government says its ready to adopt recommendations of the summit organised to stem terrorism, Insurgency and incidence of electoral violence in the country.

This was disclosed by Mr. Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation in his keynote address at the summit.

This is contained in a statement signed on Tuesday by Abolade Ogundimu, Media Assistant, to the National Coordinator, Chief Executive Officer, AUDA-NEPAD/APRM,Nigeria.

The summit which has the theme ”Terrorism, Insurgency and Incidence of electoral violence in Nigeria:Role of security ‘was jointly organised by African Union Development Agency- New Partnership for Africa’s Development/African Peer Review Mechanism (AUDA-NEPAD/APRM) and the Nigerian Army through the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC), Abuja.

According to Mustapha, represented by Dr. Amina Mohamed Bello-Shamaki, Permanent Secretary, Special Services Office, the trio of terrorism, Insurgency and electoral violence have been major setbacks to economic development and governance in the country.

The two day summit which started on Tuesday, had participants and paper presenters drawn from the security, academia, civil society organisations and various sections of the population to brainstorm on the problems and come up with workable solutions.

“These three ill acts have turned many people to internally displaced persons, orphans and various pathetic status.

“The Federal Government looks forward to recommendations with nationalistic view that will be proffered by this summit,” he said.

Similarly, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, Chairman of the Summit and Chairperson, Council of Eminent Persons, APRM Continental reminded participants that other nations in Africa looked up to Nigeria.

“Remember Nigeria always lead in restoring peace to other African nations and others always strive to emulate them.

“If Nigeria fully shun electoral violence and all forms of insecurity, other sister nations are going to follow suit.

“Africa targets to silence the gun by the year 2020, Nigeria should once again assume its leadership role towards achieving that agenda,” he said.

In her welcome address, Hon. Princess Gloria Akobundu, National Coordinator, Chief Executive Officer, AUDA-NEPAD/APRM,Nigeria called for synergy among stakeholders on security.

“The need to eliminate violence and insecurity had become more prominent in the country’s national life.

“AUDA-NEPAD cannot succeed in its advocacy campaign without the collaboration of the various government security agencies including the Nigerian Army.

“It is one of the reasons why we have convened this session and assembled the well-respected resource persons.

” No single person has all the answers,our hope is that, by these our efforts, we will create a community of practice that can provide evidence-based and rigorously-debated ideas on how to win this war,” she said.

Also, Sen. Abba Ali, Chairman, National Governing Council (NGC) APRM-Nigeria said ” this Summit seeks to define the roles of Security agencies in the fight against insurgency, terrorism, militancy and electoral violence.

“Let us always be reminded of the significance and priority of peace and security in nation building, and the responsibility which is binding on both the security agencies and the civilians”.

Delivering his Goodwill message, Lt. -Gen Tukur Buratai, Chief of Army Staff commended the idea of convening the summit.

“Security and development are like siamese twins, they move in the same direction.

“We will continue to give our best by ensuring territorial integrity, as well as safety of citizens lives and properties are well secured.

” I commend AUDA-NEPAD/APRM Nigeria and NARC for organising this summit at this point in time”.

The first paper of the summit was presented by Prof. Jim Unah, a Philosopher from University of Lagos, with the paper titled ‘Terrorism, Insurgency, electoral violence and extremism as security threats in Nigeria ‘.

The second paper of the day was presented by the Director-General, Electoral Institute, represented by Mr. Ifeanyichukwu Agoha, with the paper titled ‘Addressing Challenges of Electoral Violence ‘.

The summit continues on Wednesday and a communique will be issued at the end of the day.

Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, has assured that the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) will cover all the 36 states and the FCT.

Adamu gave the assurance on Wednesday in a statement released by the National Coordinator of POCACOV, SP Ebere Amaraizu, in Enugu.

According to the statement, Adamu while meeting with the POCACOV team in Abuja, said that his administration would take appropriate measures at ensuring that the campaign succeeds.

“I must commend the National Coordinator of POCACOV, SP Ebere Amaraizu and his team over the successful national flag-off of the campaign which took place in Enugu on August 29.

“As well, overwhelming reach out they have done to seek support and partnership for the campaign so far,’’ the statement quoted the IGP as saying.

Amaraizu had in response thanked the police boss for giving the team the opportunity to serve and transform the life-style and views of misguided Nigerian youths, the statement said.

“We are appreciative of the numerous support and commitment of the IG to see that the campaign succeeds nationwide.’’

Gov. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti state has called on the state police Commissioner, Mr Amba Asuquo, to expose those behind the killing of two students of the Federal University, Oye Ekiti (FUOYE) during a protest.

Fayemi, who made the call in a broadcast on Monday, said a Judicial Panel of Inquiry would be constituted to probe the incident, as demanded by student union bodies.

He said the state government would compensate families of the dead as well as foot the bills of those injured.

The governor also lauded the exoneration of his wife, Bisi, from cause of the deaths.

He said it was wrong for anyone to terminate the lives of students holding a lawful protest over poor electricity supply to their campus.

“I have in the last few days agonised over the incident that took place at FUOYE on Tuesday, Sept 10, 2019

“Until the multiple investigations already set up are completed, I am necessarily constrained from talking about the details of what transpired

“I however do not need to be constrained about the emotions a tragedy like this evokes

“Any death is a tragedy. Any shooting arising from legitimate protests diminishes our fledgling democratic dispensation and calls to question, our commitment to fundamental human rights

“Having heard from all parties to the incident, it is pertinent that I now personally convey my deeply felt sorrow for the loss of two promising young lives and for those who suffered injuries

“Our government prides itself on its strict adherence to the rule of law. The right of citizens to protest on any issue relating to governmental actions or inactions is a fundamental component of our good governance agenda

“We could not therefore under any circumstances, have directed that deadly force be used on any of our citizens freely expressing their right to protest

“Even before the conclusion of the investigations into this matter, we have taken a number of steps; a high level government delegation has visited the families of the deceased

“This will not be a one-off intervention. We will stand firmly with, and support the families at this time. Those persons with varying degrees of injuries will also be given support whilst their hospital expenses will be defrayed by government

“I have directed the State Commissioner of Police to urgently commence an investigation into the circumstances that led to the unfortunate shooting incident with a view to identifying possible culprits within and outside the Force

“Taken together with the ongoing investigation by the University management, we will consider the need for an independent panel of inquiry, if necessary once these fact finding investigations are concluded,” he said.

The governor said he had suggested to police authorities to explore the use of non-lethal rubber bullets in managing public protests, vowing that the Nigerian Governors Forum would take this up at the highest level.

“I note the initial public statement by the University authorities and its Students Union body. We welcome the conclusion that neither the wife of the Governor nor any Government official directed the shootings

“Indeed it is obvious that the wife of the Governor and those on her entourage are victims of this unfortunate incident.

“The issue that led to the protest has been the subject of intense disagreement and negotiations with BEDC since I became Governor

“Only last week, my Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities was still in Benin to see BEDC management on the matter of inadequate and inconsistent supply of electricity in Ekiti State

“Though Governors do not have any control over privatised power distribution companies, the four Governors from the states covered by the Benin DISCO have consistently expressed dissatisfaction with the services of BEDC and taken the matter up with the Vice President who chairs the Privatisation Council

“In addition to this, I have been talking to the Rural Electrification Agency about including FUOYE in the next round of their University Electrification Project,” the governor said.

He appealed for calm and caution as government awaited the reports of the various investigations, saying no persons or group should attempt to use the tragic incident to destabilise the peace and progress of the state. (NAN)

The Police Command in Enugu State has said that no life was lost in the collapsed three storey building under construction in Enugu metropolis.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Ebere Amaraizu, said this in a statement in Enugu on Friday.

Amaraizu said that the incident took place on Wednesday around Monarch Avenue axis of Independence Layout in Enugu metropolis.

“From preliminary investigations, it is clear that no life was lost in the incident and no other property was lost rather than the collapsed building under construction.

“The members of the public should discountenance any other information to the contrary on the incident being circulated in the social media,’’ he said.

According to him, the cause of the incident is yet to be established.

“Investigation on the incident is still on as the Command plans to get to the bottom of the matter,’’ he said.

However, an eyewitness, Mr Clifford Eze, said that the collapsed might be due to use of sub-standard building materials and engineers to execute the project.

Eze, who is one of the residents of the area, said that the block work for the uncompleted building had already been completed and was at the verge of being roofed.

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has put on hold the ongoing recruitment process into the constable cadre of the Nigerian Police Force, to enable it finalise the remaining stages of the exercise.

Mr Ikechukwu Ani, the Head, Press and Public Relations of PSC, who disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, appealed to the affected applicants to be patient and await further directives from the commission.

He called on those who participated in the recruitment process up to the aptitude test level to ignore any list or information on the exercise emanating from outside the commission.

According to him, it is the constitutional responsibility of the commission to recruit Nigerians into the police force whether as constables, cadet inspectors or cadet assistant superintendent of police.

He said that the commission would not abdicate the all-important mandate, adding that “it will resist any attempt to ambush the ongoing recruitment exercise or dilute its content.”

Ani said that any attempt to ambush the process would be an affront to the commission and waste of national resources.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the commission had, on Aug. 3, conducted aptitude tests for the 80,724 shortlisted candidates for the recruitment exercise nationwide.

The commission had earlier shortlisted a total of 210,150 candidates from the 315,032 applications received at the close of its recruitment portal on Jan. 11.

NAN also recalls that President Muhammadu Buhari had mandated the commission to recruit 10,000 Nigerians into the police force.

NAN

(FLOWERBUDNEWS)  The Inspector-General of Police, IGP M.A Adamu, NPM, mni, has ordered the immediate posting of CP Ahmad Abdulrahman to Enugu State Command as Commissioner of Police in charge of the State. He takes over from CP Suleiman Balarabe, who has been redeployed to the Force Intelligence Bureau, FCID, Abuja, as the CP in-charge of Intelligence.

CP Ahmad Abdulrahman holds double Masters Degrees – one in Criminal Justice and another in Conflict, Peace & Strategic Studies, both from the Kaduna State University. A graduate of Political Science & Administration from the University of Sokoto, CP Ahmad also holds a Post Graduate Certificate in Corruption Studies from the University of Hong Kong.

Until his recent posting, CP Ahmad was the Commissioner of Police in charge of Intelligence at the FCID, Abuja. He has held many command positions across the Federation, viz. Kaduna, Bayelsa and Ekiti Commands. His posting as the CP Enugu State is predicated upon his action-oriented approach to work, his track record of outstanding leadership and interpersonal relations.

The IGP has charged the CP to bring to bear his wealth of experience, leveraging on the Force policy on Community Policing and Intelligence-driven crime fighting strategies towards overhauling the security architecture of the coal-rich State. The IGP also enjoins the people of the State to partner with the Police and accord the CP maximum cooperation in his efforts at revamping the security situation in the State.