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Tag: NSA

  • Tinubu has signed bill for establishment of centre for arms control – NSA

    Tinubu has signed bill for establishment of centre for arms control – NSA

    The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, said that President Bola Tinubu has assented to the Bill for the establishment of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons.

    Ribadu made this known at the Workshop on Gender Mainstreaming in Preventing the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons in Nigeria and the West African Sub-region on Tuesday in Abuja.

    The workshop was organised by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW).

    He was represented by the Director of External Affairs, Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Amb. Ibrahim Babani.

    The NSA said that the president’s assent to the bill was a major milestone in the government’s commitment to curbing the proliferation of illegal arms.

    According to him, this legislative backing strengthens the centre’s mandate and paves the way for more coordinated and decisive action.

    Ribadu also emphasised on the need for gender mainstreaming in preventing the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the country.

    He said that the workshop was anchored in key international frameworks, including United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325.

    According to him, the resolution emphasises the critical need to protect women from the impacts of conflict while also ensuring their full participation in peacebuilding and security initiatives.

    “Moreover, the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons underscores the collective responsibility of our region in curting the spread of these dangerous weapons, which disproportionately affect women and children in conflict zones.

    “The importance of gender mainstreaming in preventing the proliferation of SALW cannot be overstated as it strengthens our strategies, and ensures that our approach to security is inclusive and sustainable,” he said.

    Ribadu commended the centre for their efforts towards addressing the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Nigeria.

    In his opening remarks, the National Coordinator of NCCSALW, retired DIG Johnson Kokumo, said the centre has in recent times, made some significant achievements in the fight against illegal proliferation of small arms and light weapons.

    Kokumo said the centre had on July 1, retrieved a substantial cache of illegal arms from the Nigeria Customs Service and subsequent arrest of 10 suspects involved in the illicit importation.

    He said the suspects were currently being prosecuted by the NCCSALW for illegal importation into Nigeria, prohibited 544 Firearms and 112,500 rounds of cartridges contrary to Section 3 (6) of Miscellaneous Offences Act Cap M17 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 among other offences.

    This, according to him, underscores the centre’s commitment to not only intercepting arms but also ensuring that those responsible for these acts face the full weight of the law.

    “In addition to the above, the National Centre has retrieved a total of quantity 3,383 decommissioned, unserviceable, obsolete and illicit small arms and light weapons and 26,749 various calibres of ammunition from the arms bearing agencies of government.

    “Later in this quarter, NCCSALW would be conducting an Arms Destruction Exercise which is a critical step in ensuring that recovered arms are permanently removed from circulation,” he said.

    Kokumo said the control of small arms and light weapons proliferation was not only a national concern but also a matter of international importance.

    He said that the illegal flow of small arms and light weapons had devastating consequences, fuelling violence, instability and insecurity in various parts of the world.

    He said that gender mainstreaming in SALW control was not only a moral imperative but also a strategic move, considering the grave impact of armed conflict on women and children.

    This, he said, highlighted the need for a gender-sensitive approach to disarmament and security policies.

    “This workshop is a significant step in ensuring that gender perspectives are integrated into national and regional strategies for Small Arms and Light Weapons control,” he said,” he said

  • NSA threatens lawsuit over election rigging allegation, demands apology

    NSA threatens lawsuit over election rigging allegation, demands apology

    The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has demanded a retraction of election rigging allegation made against him by the chairperson of Edo chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Anthony Aziegbemi.

    Aziegbemi had in a statement on Sept. 14, accused the Federal Government of planning to rig the upcoming Edo Governorship Election, using Ribadu and the Department of State Service (DSS).

    He claimed that Ribadu had released 2 million U.S Dollars to the APC governorship candidate in the election as part of the plot.

    In reaction to the allegation, Ribadu’s lawyers, Charles Musa & Co, described the allegation as “totally false” and demanded immediate retraction.

    “We write on behalf of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser (NSA) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (our Client), in response to your press statement titled “Edo 2024: presidency’s move to interfere, manipulate guber poll using DSS, NSA uncovered.”

    “The publication falsely alleges, inter alia, that, “$2 million was ordered to be released to the APC candidate by the NSA to buy votes and bribe security agencies,” the letter said.

    The lawyers said the malicious and libelous statement had brought their client into public disdain and odium.

    According to them, the portrayal of their client as a corruption enabler and his office as an appendage of a political party willing to cause chaos in Edo, is entirely false and damaging to his reputation.

    “As a renowned career police officer and pioneer Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), our Client has consistently demonstrated integrity and a commitment to fighting corruption.

    “It is inconceivable that he would be involved in such odious acts.

    “Given the extensive damage your false and baseless allegations have caused our client, we demand a written apology to our Client  and a full retraction of the publication in its entirety.

    “We also demand a publication of the retraction in a full-page advertorial in at least five nationwide newspapers; 10 reputable and well-read online news sites; seven national and international television stations, and 10 radio channels with national and international reach,” they said.

    The lawyers also demanded payment of N10 billion as damages for reputational and other injuries.

    “Take notice that if our demands are not met within seven days, we shall proceed with our Client’s further instructions, including taking legal action to enforce his rights,” they added.

  • Insecurity will end soon – NSA

    Insecurity will end soon – NSA

    The National Security Adviser, Mr Nuhu Ribado, has reassured Nigerians that insecurity will soon come to an end in the country.

    Ribado stated this on Friday in Damaturu while commiserating with the people of Yobe on the recent insurgency attack in a community in the state.

    He praised the armed forces and security agencies for their efforts in combating insecurity, saying that their sacrifices had led to improvements in security.

    Ribado noted that the Federal Government “is working around the clock to end insecurity, and it is only a matter of time before the entire country is secured”.

    Also speaking, the Minister of Finance, Mr Wale Edun, commiserated with the people who lost their lives and property, praying that such situations would not recur.

    Gov. Mai Mala Buni of the state thanked the delegation, saying their visit gave the people of Yobe a sense of belonging.

    He urged Nigerians to continue praying for the success of President Bola Tinubu, saying “his success is the nation’s success”.

  • Just in: VP Shettima summons Lokpobiri, Kyari, NSA

    Just in: VP Shettima summons Lokpobiri, Kyari, NSA

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has summoned the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, and Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari.

    Also summoned on Thursday at the Presidential Villa is the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu over the recent hike in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol.

    The Vice President is meeting with the trio in his office at the State House, Abuja.

    NNPCL on Tuesday increased the pump price of petrol from ₦568 to ₦855, ₦897 (depending on the location per litre) amid lingering fuel scarcity and the country’s crisis.

    Private suppliers already sold fuel at higher prices than the NNPCL. Some were selling at 1,200 naira per litre on Wednesday.

    The price increase came a day after NNPC acknowledged it was struggling to maintain fuel supplies because of financial difficulties.

    In Lagos, Abuja and the northern city of Kano on Wednesday, some private petrol stations were closed while huge lines of cars waited overnight outside NNPC fuel stations.

    Several Nigerians and groups have condemned the NNPCL’s hike in fuel prices amid the hardship and economic realities the citizens face.

    Among them is the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), arguing that the increment would compound the misery of Nigerians.

    NLC President, Joe Ajaero, condemned the fuel price hike and accused the government of betraying the labour movement.

    He demanded an immediate reversal in the price of petrol.

  • Top scrabble players light up Abuja for Special Scrabble Retreat

    Top scrabble players light up Abuja for Special Scrabble Retreat

    About fifty top wordsmith across the country have touched down in Abuja ahead of the Special Scrabble Retreat which gets underway this Saturday morning in honour of the President of Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF), Engineer Toke Aka.
    The list of big players battling for cash prizes and bragging rights include Peter Ebomah, Eugene Okim, Friday Ogbonyomi, Clarkson Ismail,⁠ David Yuwa and scrabble wizkid Saviour Onazi who will be playing alongside his father and coach Patrick Onazi.
    Fresh from his fine run at the MGI International Scrabble Classics UK, the celebrant,Toke Aka will be up against Negro Igbinadolor the second highest ranked player in the cast.
    Negro Igbinadolor is currently sitting on the 34th position in the NSF ratings 1565 points. John Curtis of the Transmission Company of Nigeria who was at the MGI event in May will be seeking to surpass his last outing.
    Abdulmumin Jimoh with 1572 rating points at number 29, is the top seed at the tournament.
    Here are some other faces that are fighting for prestige as well as some naira. I have been directed to publish the attached for your notification and necessary action:
    Hamza Madaki, Amaechi Molokwu, Malcom Gbishe, Okechukwu David, Success Sule, Malcom Gbishe, Ubong Udoette, Onyeka ibe, Moses James, Folarin Ilesanmi, Thelma Stephen, Achema Daniel, Richard Aladenika, Idorenyin Anthony, Geofrey Andori, Kamaludeen Abdullah, Sunny Ogbo, Ufo Chukwukelu and Lydia Ezeh.
    The One-day Retreat (SBSR), is holding at the most famous scrabble venue in Nigeria, the Zalika Garden, Garki, it’s a 10 rounds of games competition. The competition starts 9 am.
    The Retreat is one of the events used to celebrate the birthday of Engineer Toke Aka. Retreat tagged ‘Celebrating a consummate administrator’ will be rated by Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF).
    Olatunde Oduwole, the current Nigeria’s Champion of Champions and multiple National Sports Festival gold medalist, told our correspondent from his base in Illinois, Chicago, USA, that NSF Boss, Engineer Toke Aka is not just a President but a man with many parts who should be celebrated and honoured beyond his birthday.
    “Chief Toke Aka, means so many things to the Scrabble Family in Nigeria, Africa and the World. An excellent host, organizer, an encyclopedia, a consummate administrator and a man with a large heart,” Oduwole a former NSF Green Jacket holder and a multiple National Championship winner stated.
    “The unprecedented success of the male and female scrabble national teams as well as individual players cannot be attributed to any individual, it’s a collective effort but the Kogi State born Engineer Toke Aka, is a turnkey operator in that collective effort that is like a well rehearsed orchestral,” the author of Scrabble Evolution Text Book noted.
    “Aka, is kind hearted and ever ready and willing to help scrabble players, he has personally supported the academic and sporting careers of a host of young Nigerians. NSF President is not just a player turn administrator but is also a successful business entrepreneur whose experience in both worlds has helped shape the current growth of Scrabble in Nigeria and the rest of the world,” Oduwole, the initiator of the Ultimate Scrabble Showdown, further said.
    Engineer Toke Aka is the Managing Director Kadegg Nigeria Limited a world class construction, Consultancy and Management company.
    Olatunde Oduwole, Honourable Farouk Abdullahi and Dafe Efemuaye have put resources together to make the Engineer Toke Aka Special Birthday Scrabble Retreat tagged, ‘Celebrating a consummate administrator’ an event to cherish and remember.
    Amaechi Molokwu, Frex Etuk, Amana Mohammed, Mohammed Bashir, Ufo Chukwukelu, Okechukwu David, Hamza Madaki, Abdul Sambo, and Sunny Ogbo have also key in with their own contributions.
    Tony Emefile, Emma Mogbolu, Onikoyi Kamoru, Adeyemi Adeboye, Lawandy Bala, Prince Majemite, Prince Etuwewe and Christopher Nnamani have been supportive too.
    Over 350,000 naira have been set aside as prize money, the winner gets 80,000 naira and 1 pro-tiles. Runner up goes home with 50,000 naira, 1 pro-tiles while the second runner up has 30,000 naira, 1 pro-tiles. The prize money pool is for the top 15 players.
    The highest ranked under 15 player at the end of the Retreat with be rewarded.
    The Organizing Committee for the Retreat headed by Tony Emefile the chairman of Central Scrabble Club Abuja have been working round the clock to make the Retreat a huge success.
  • GAME of thrones: Deputy Gov, Gwarzo eats the humble pie, withdraws allegations against NSA, Ribadu

    GAME of thrones: Deputy Gov, Gwarzo eats the humble pie, withdraws allegations against NSA, Ribadu

    Kano State Deputy Governor, Aminu Gwarzo, has withdrawn his statement accusing the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, of interfering in the Kano emirate tussle.

    At a press conference, the deputy governor apologised to the NSA, saying he was misguided to have made his initial statement.

    “The Office of the National Security Adviser has refuted the allegations and distanced themselves from what we have alleged. I have seen it, he has done it through three media, and today, I have seen the one about going to court,” Gwarzo said.

    “We have to acknowledge that we have been misled into believing that the NSA was behind the happenings along this line.

    We apologise to the National Security Adviser, his person and office for any embarrassment and inconveniences this might have caused him

    “We are human and can err at any time. On my behalf and the Governor of Kano State, I want to assure the NSA of our continued support and cooperation in discharging his duty as the NSA,” he stated.

    The NSA Office had denied claims that Ribadu facilitated the return of the dethroned Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, to the ancient city on Saturday, contrary to the allegation by the deputy governor that the NSA facilitated the return of the dethroned emir.

    The deputy governor had said the law was clear on the process for the coronation of an emir and that “nobody has any right to interfere or enforce anyone on Kano people”.

    He had accused Ribadu of “using security” to intimidate the people of the state.

    However, the NSA said he did not provide the aircraft that returned Ado Bayero to the state and threatened to sue the deputy governor for defamation.

    Ado Bayero returned to the state early on Saturday, some 48 hours after he was dethroned by Governor Abba Kabir and replaced with Muhammadu Sanusi II.

  • Emirship tussle: Kano Deputy Governor tenders apology to NSA

    Emirship tussle: Kano Deputy Governor tenders apology to NSA

    Deputy Governor of Kano State, Malam Aminu Gwarzo, on Monday tendered an unreserved apology to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.

    Gwarzo, in a brief video interview at the Emir’s palace in Gidan Rumfa on Saturday, accused the NSA of arranging the return of the deposed 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Bayero, to Kano.

    Gwarzo made the apology while addressing newsmen at the Government House  in Kano on Monday morning.

    The deputy governor acknowledged that he was misled into making the allegation and expressed regrets for any embarrassment or inconvenience caused the NSA and his office.

    ”We were shocked to hear the NSA’s name mentioned in the plot to impose a deposed Emir in Kano, knowing his integrity and pedigree. We are human and can err at any time.

    “On behalf of myself and the Governor of Kano State, I assure the NSA of our continued support and cooperation in discharging his duties,” the deputy governor said

    The deputy governor called on President Bola Tinubu to conduct a thorough investigation into the happenings in Kano to ensure peace and stability in the state.

    The NSA had threatened to take legal action against Gwarzo, for defamation in the ongoing Emirship dispute in Kano.“The National Security Adviser provided two jets to bring the dethroned emir to Kano and to take him to the palace. We have not understood their intention,” Gwarzo said.

    Inspite of denying the allegation through his spokesperson on Saturday, the NSA, in a letter by his lawyers, Aliyu & Musa Chambers, demanded an apology from Gwarzo.

    The lawyers emphasised that while Ribadu had never been accused of any wrongdoing, he had been inundated with “a barrage of telephone calls both within and outside Nigeria” over the “false accusation.”

    Emirship tussle: We will not be intimidated – Gwarzo

    Meanwhile, the Kano State Government has said nobody can intimidate it over its decision on the appointment of the  dissolution of the five emirates and reinstatement of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi ll.

    The  Deputy Governor Aminu Gwarzo made this known while addressing newsmen in Kano on Monday.

    This development follows the signing into law of the amended Kano State Emirate Council Law by the governor on Thursday.

    The amended law dissolved the five Emirate Councils and removed the emirs appointed by former governor Abdullahi Ganduje in 2019, paving the way for the re-enthronement of Sanusi.

    ”The state government took a decision through the proper legal process. Nobody will intimidate us for taking a decision that serves the common good of the people.

    ”The importance of peaceful coexistence for the state’s progress and political stability is paramount,” he said.

    Gwarzo  noted that Gov. Abba Yusuf’s administration, is committed to restoring the state to its founding principles of peace, justice, equality, tolerance, and hospitality.

    He called for unity and forgiveness and encouraged the people to work together towards a harmonious and prosperous Kano State.

  • GAME of thrones:! NSA Ribadu vows to take legal action against Kano Deputy Gov

    GAME of thrones:! NSA Ribadu vows to take legal action against Kano Deputy Gov

    National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu has expressed intention to take legal action for defamation against Deputy Governor of Kano State, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo.

    TNG recalls Gwarzo had mentioned that Ribadu supported Ado Bayero in coming back to Kano.

    In a formal correspondence, issued by his legal representatives at Aliyu & Musa Chambers, Ribadu has requested an apology from the deputy governor.

    “We act as solicitors to Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who presently occupies the exalted position of the National Security Adviser (“our client”) and on whose instruction we write this letter.

    “The attention of our client was drawn to a video clip being shared on different social media platforms wherein you granted an interview at Emir’s Palace in Kano on Saturday, the 25th day of May 2024, in a very calm atmosphere, and without any provocation whatsoever, falsely accusing our client of using his office to kill the people of Kano State and maim their properties. In the clip, you were shown to be saying in Hausa.

    “Your false accusations against our client portraying his office as an appendage of a political party and a willing tool to cause chaos in Kano is false and done with the intention of damaging the hard-earned reputation of our client in the eyes of the right-thinking members of the society and indeed it has succeeded in doing so.

    “In all the places he has served, our client has never been accused of any wrongdoing. Given this illustrious background, it is inconceivable that someone would harbour the thought that our client would descend his exalted office so low as to interfere in the local tussle of the Kano Emirate.

    The wide coverage you gave your interview has caused serious embarrassment to our client and his family. Since the publication, our client has been receiving barrage of telephone calls both within and outside Nigeria from friends and associates who felt disappointed in him because of the false allegation owing to the fact that it came from a person occupying the office of Deputy Governor of Kano State. Our client and his office take your allegations seriously and by this letter, our client is demanding that you provide irrefutable evidence to substantiate your claims. If you have no proof, our client demands you to within 24 hours:
    “i. retract the libellous allegation in a similar manner you made it as well as give it wide media circulation; and
    “ii. issue a public apology in five National dailies with wide national coverage and on popular online platforms. Note that if you fail to do so, our client will be compelled to seek redress in a court of law.”

  • JUST IN: Finally, FG begins prosecution of Boko Haram detainees in Kainji -NSA

    JUST IN: Finally, FG begins prosecution of Boko Haram detainees in Kainji -NSA

    Finally, the Federal Government has resumed the prosecution of all Boko Haram detainees in Kainji.

    The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, disclosed this at the 2-day High-level African Counter-terrorism Summit in Abuja.

    According to him, Nigeria is also gathering intelligence on the activities of Boko Haram and the Islamic State–West Africa Province (ISWAP), to tackle the groups headlong.

    Ribadu said the summit highlights the strategic commitment of Nigeria to the UN Counter-terrorism agreement, adding that Africa faces threats from diverse terrorist groups who exploit local vulnerabilities.

    He added that Nigeria has broadened its approach to counter the evolving security threats posed by activities of Boko Haram and ISWAP, including the use of digital assets.

    On his part, the Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism, United Nations Office on Counter-Terrorism, Vladimir Voronkov, said the success of the United Nations lies in the collaboration of African countries towards providing African-based solutions.

    The 2-day high-level summit is expected to among other things, produce solutions to the multifaceted security threats in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

    The summit is being attended by President Bola Tinubu, and the President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo and the President of Togo, Faure Gnassingbé. Representatives of the Presidents of Chad and Niger are also present, while over four hundred delegates from across the African countries are in attendance.

    Details shortly…

  • What we are doing to tackle insecurity in Nigeria – NSA

    What we are doing to tackle insecurity in Nigeria – NSA

    Malam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser (NSA), says President Bola Tinubu’s astute approach and proactive strides in addressing the country’s security challenges is yielding positive results.

    Ribadu made the observation on Thursday while delivering a paper at a pre-convocation lecture of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.

    He said Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” offers a comprehensive framework to tackle insecurity.

    In the paper titled: “Navigating the Maze: Addressing Multi-Dimensional Insecurity Challenges in Northern Nigeria”, the NSA discribed the development as a stance for all inclusive government.

    “The agenda encompasses bolstering security forces, implementing community-based security initiatives, promoting socio-economic development and fostering inter-communal dialogue,” he explained.

    Ribadu highlighted the agenda’s focus on addressing underlying issues such as poverty, unemployment, social marginalisation and ethnic tensions to foster peace and stability in Northern Nigeria.

    He noted that Tinubu’s deliberate appointment of Northerners to key security positions was aimed at involving individuals with proximity to the challenges in crafting effective solutions.

    “We are not out of the woods yet, but we have made serious progress in pushing down casualty figures and depriving the miscreants access to weapons and free movement.

    “However, a more integrated approach that combines military, political and socio-economic  strategies are entailed aligning security operations with effort.

    “This is to address underlying grievances, such as poverty, unemployment and marginalisation as well as enhance cross-border cooperation to address transnational threats,” he stated.

    Ribadu underscored the government’s commitment to youth empowerment and education to prevent radicalisation and combat the appeal of extremist ideologies.

    Highlighting the stark disparity in poverty rates between Northern and Southern Nigeria, the NSA stressed the need for targeted interventions in the North, where poverty and unemployment rates “are disproportionately high.”

    He also raised concerns about the proliferation of illegal arms in Northern Nigeria, pointing out the need for concerted efforts to dismantle criminal networks facilitating arms trafficking.

    Ribadu assured Nigerians that the Tinubu-led administration’s holistic framework addresses both insecurity and poverty, signaling a proactive approach to comprehensive security management.