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Tag: ONSA

  • Prove allegations or apologise to ONSA – NCSCN to El-Rufai

    Prove allegations or apologise to ONSA – NCSCN to El-Rufai

    The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria(NCSCN) has condemned the recent media attack by  the former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, on the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu.

    El-Rufai had alleged that the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) coordinates a policy of ransom payments and inducements to bandits and insurgents in the guise of non-kinetic approach to the fight against banditry and terrorism.

    NCSCN’s Executive Director, Amb. Blessing Akinlosotu, who briefed newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja, challenged El-Rufai to come forward with his proofs within 72 hours, or apologise to the ONSA and the national security architecture.

    According to the executive director, NCSCN will blacklist El-Rufai if he fails to present his evidence or tender an apologise within the given time frame.

    He said that in as much as NCSCN totally aligned with the global posture of non-negotiation with terrorists and bandits, it remained resolute in its advocacy for the adoption of non-kinetic measures in securing the lives of Nigerians in captivity.

    “One can never fully understand or feel the pains of victims affected by terrorist attacks or kidnapping until one experiences such devastating nightmare.

    “The public allegations made by El-Rufai, without authoritative facts and figures to back his claims, is most unfortunate and unexpected from a high-profile leader of his calibre.

    “His utterances were too unguarded, highly volatile, and very vindictive, sounding more like that of a political detractor bent on mischief and blackmail.”

    He said that Nigerians from all walks of should put the security of lives of fellow citizens above personal interests, and must appreciate efforts and investments being made towards securing lives.

    Akinlosotu challenged El-Rufai to retract or validate his claims.

    “El-rufai should in next 72 hours, and as a matter of urgency, responsibility and responsiveness, come out boldly with evidence and proves to the allegation made against the NSA and the security architecture, or render unreserved apology.

    “In the case of failure to substantiate his allegations, he will be blacklisted by NCSCN.

    “We urge the ONSA to strengthen good collaboration with the organised civil society community towards the dissemination of information on the activities of the offices as and when necessary.

    “The civil society council advocates immediate creation of a Non-Kinetic Civil Space Engagement Unit within ONSA to be manned by a seasoned civil society activist, with desk officers in all security formations.

    “Any nation claiming absolute non-negotiation posture or total military force in dealing with terrorism, without any form or case of dialogue and negotiation, is either living in denials or being hypocritical.

    “Nigeria must institutionalise and learn to strategically combine the use of kinetic and non-kinetic methodologies in fighting insecurity in the country,’’ he said.

  • How ONSA averted national telecom shutdown – NCC

    How ONSA averted national telecom shutdown – NCC

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) have successfully brokered peace in a labour dispute that threatened to shut down the country’s telecommunications services.

    The NCC made this known in a statement signed by its Head of Public Affairs, Nnenna Ukoha, on Wednesday in Lagos.

    The commission said that the intervention averted a potential nationwide disruption of critical communications infrastructure.

    NCC said the intervention followed a planned strike by the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA) which, if carried out, would have halted diesel supply to telecom sites nationwide.

    The commission said such disruption would have crippled operators’ ability to power their diesel-driven generators, jeopardising network availability, economic activities and national security.

    According to the statement, the ONSA, under the leadership of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, held strategic engagements with NOGASA’s leadership on the potential risks of service disruptions.

    The commission said the engagements resulted in the suspension of the industrial action, preventing what could have been a nationwide communication blackout.

    Quoting the NSA, the statement read: “Telecommunications infrastructure is the backbone of our connectivity and digital economy.

    “Any disruption, whether through vandalism, accidental damage during construction work, theft of equipment or denial of access to maintenance teams, has far-reaching implications for service delivery, economic stability and national security.

    Commenting on the development, NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman, Dr Aminu Maida, said the commission would continue to enforce strict compliance by licensees to technical standards for deploying and maintaining telecommunications infrastructure.

    Maida said that the NCC would also continue to work closely with stakeholders to raise awareness and strengthen cooperation on protecting such facilities.

    “We recognise mediation as an effective tool for building consensus among stakeholders. This resolution underscores the importance of dialogue in preventing avoidable service disruptions.

    “Ultimately, we call on all Nigerians to regard telecom infrastructure as a shared national asset, one that underpins our ability to connect with loved ones, transact businesses, access healthcare, pursue education and participate in the global digital economy,” he said.

    Maida commended the ONSA for its leadership and applauded the understanding shown by stakeholders in recognising the national importance of protecting telecom facilities.

  • FG begins phase 7 mass trials of terrorists

    FG begins phase 7 mass trials of terrorists

    The Federal Government of Nigeria has commenced the Phase 7 of the Kainji Mass Trials of terrorist suspects.

    This is contained in a statement from the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser (NCTC-ONSA), on Wednesday in Abuja.

    The National Coordinator of NCTC, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, said the trials represent Nigeria’s unwavering pursuit of justice and a reaffirmation of its resolve to confront terrorism through lawful and transparent means.

    He said it was encouraging to see the convergence of the Judiciary, law enforcement, legal practitioners, and partners, once again united in purpose and duty.

    According to him, these trials are a cornerstone of the national commitment to upholding the rule of law while addressing terrorism and violent extremism.

    Laka noted that Nigeria had recorded significant successes in strengthening its criminal justice capacity to handle terrorism-related offences.

    He added that recent progress in the prosecution of such cases has played a critical role in addressing concerns raised by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

    “Indeed, the advancements made through these trials have greatly contributed to Nigeria’s efforts toward exiting the FATF Grey List,” he said.

    Laka extended appreciation to the Federal Government, the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, and the Justices of the Federal High Court for their professionalism and dedication to justice.

    He also acknowledged the valuable support of international partners, investigators, legal teams, and support staff.

    On his part, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), commended the collaborative efforts of the ONSA and various local and international stakeholders for their ongoing support and contributions to the trials.

    Fagbemi was represented by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Mohammed Babadoko, at the ceremony.

    He reiterates the Federal Government’s determination to ensure justice is served to both victims and accused persons within a framework that respects the rule of law and human rights.

  • NATFORCE, NATCOM have no legal backing – ONSA

    NATFORCE, NATCOM have no legal backing – ONSA

    The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has reaffirmed the authority of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), as the only legally recognised body to perform such responsibility in Nigeria.

    This is contained in a statement by the Head, Strategic Communication at ONSA, Mr Zakari Mijinyawa, on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Mijinyawa said that ONSA had in 2021 directed the dismantling of illegal security outfits involved in extorting and harassing Nigerians and specifically cautioned the public about an illegal group known as NATFORCE.

    He said that law enforcement agencies had in the past three years, acted against individuals operating the illegal outfits, adding that some of those individuals had been arrested and were currently being prosecuted.

    According to him, in spite of these efforts, some members of the public, including key stakeholders in both the public and private sectors, have fallen victim to the fraudulent activities of NATFORCE, which has recently rebranded as NATCOM.

    “We remind the public that NATFORCE and NATCOM are not part of Nigeria’s security architecture and have no affiliation with any official security agency.

    “These outfits are not backed by federal law, lack the authority to recruit, and are not approved to operate as security organisations.

    “To clarify, pursuant to Section 24 of the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons, Nigeria established the which has been under the Office of the National Security Adviser since May 3, 2021.

    “The NCCSALW is the National Focal Point on Small Arms and Light Weapons in Nigeria, coordinating with all relevant stakeholders to implement the UN and ECOWAS Plans of Action on the control of small arms and light weapons.

    “The current National Coordinator of the NCCSALW is a retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Johnson Kokumo, appointed by President Bola Tinubu on March 26,” he said.

    ONSA spokesman advised State Governments, international organisations, private sector, and all stakeholders to remain vigilant about the activities of illegal security outfits operating under any name or form.

    He called for close collaboration with the NCCSALW to address concerns around the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.

    According to him, law enforcement agencies have been instructed to continue arresting and prosecuting individuals and groups who fraudulently present themselves to the public as security forces,” he said.

  • CBN introduces new transfer charge for cybersecurity

    CBN introduces new transfer charge for cybersecurity

    The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has directed all financial institutions in the country to begin the implementation of a new transfer charge known as cybersecurity levy.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that beginning from May 20 any electronic transactions made by banks customers would attract a charge of 0.5% of the transferred amount.

    Deduction of the cybersecurity levy on all electronic transactions effective May 20, 2024, is coming six years after the CBN first issued the directive.

    The deductions were to be remitted to the National Security Fund, which is being administered by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

    The deductions were to be effected on all electronic transactions consummated through commercial banks, merchant banks, non-interest banks, payment system banks, Other Financial Institutions (OFIs) mobile money operators and payment service providers. Failure to comply and remit within the stipulated time frame will lead to a penalty of two per cent of the annual turnover of the institution.

    On June 25, 2018, the apex bank had released guidelines for the collection of a 0.005 per cent levy on electronic transactions for the National Cybersecurity Fund, directing that the levy will take effect from 1st of July 2018. The directive however did not take off.

    Consequently, in a circular dated May 6, 2024 and jointly signed by the CBN director of payments systems management, Chibuzor Efobi and Director, Financial Policy and Regulation, Haruna Mustafa, the CBN directed that banks in the country begin the deductions for onward remittance.

    According to the circular, following the enactment of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) (amendment) Act 2024 and pursuant to the provision of Section 44 (2)(a) of the Act, “a levy of 0.5% (0.005) equivalent to a half percent of all electronic transactions value by the business specified in the Second Schedule of the Act”, is to be remitted to the National Cybersecurity Fund (NCF), which shall be administered by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

    “Accordingly, all Banks, Other Financial Institutions and Payments Service Providers are hereby required to implement the above provision of the Act as follows: The levy shall be applied at the point of electronic transfer origination, then deducted and remitted by the financial institution.

    “The deducted amount shall be reflected in the customer’s account with the narration: “Cybersecurity Levy”. Deductions shall commence within two (2) weeks from the date of this circular for all financial institutions and the monthly remittance of the levies collected in bulk to the NCF account domiciled at the CBN by the 5th business day of every subsequent month.

    “System reconfigurations towards ensuring complete and timely submission of remittance files to the Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS) Plc shall be completed within four weeks of this circular – Commercial, Merchant, Non- Interest and Payment Service Banks; and Mobile Money Operators.

    “Within eight weeks of this circular – all Other Financial Institutions (Microfinance banks, Primary Mortgage banks, Development Finance Institutions). Exemptions – To avoid multiple application of the levy on the same transaction/transfer, Appendix 1 (attached) captures transactions currently deemed eligible and are exempted from the application of the levy.

    “Section 44 (8) of the Act prescribes that failure to remit the levy is an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of not less than two per cent of the annual turnover of the defaulting business, amongst others.”

  • ONSA directs full enforcement of Nigeria’s cybercrime law

    ONSA directs full enforcement of Nigeria’s cybercrime law

    The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), has directed all law enforcement agencies, regulators, businesses and stakeholders to put in place mechanisms for the full enforcement of the Cybercrimes Prohibition Act.

    This is to secure Nigeria’s Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), counter terrorism and violent extremism, strengthen national security and  protect economic interests.

    The Head-Strategic Communications, ONSA, Mr Zakari Mijinyawa, made this known in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

    He said that the directive was part of the concrete steps being taken to prevent the use of social media and other platforms by terrorists and organised criminal groups.

    Mijinyawa said that Nigeria had in 2022, joined 66 other countries that signed and ratified the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime.

    The convention was to enhance international cooperation, provide common platform and procedural tools for efficient and safe cyberspace.

    This, he said is pursuant to section 41(2) (a) of the Cybercrime Act 2015 requiring conformity of Nigerian cybercrime and cybersecurity laws and policies with regional and international standards.

    Mijinyawa said that African leaders had recently stressed the urgent need for improved deployment of greater support and resources towards strengthening cybersecurity activities in Africa.

    He added that the measure was also in line with the agreement reached at the just concluded High Level African International Counter Terrorism Meeting in Abuja.

    Mijinyawa said additional resources would be deployed to counter terrorism and violent extremism as provided in section 44(5) of the Cybercrimes Act.

  • Tinubu makes new appointments in NSA’s office

    Tinubu makes new appointments in NSA’s office

    President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of new Coordinators for the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) and National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW).

    This is contained in a statement by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Ngelale said that new Coordinator for the NCTC is Maj.-Gen. Adamu Garba Laka while that of the NCCSALW is retired DIG Johnson Babatunde Kokumo, both under the Office of the National Security Adviser.

    The presidential spokesman said that Laka served in various capacities in the North-East, where he deployed tactical means to degrade terrorist groups.

    He said that Laka also served in Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of Congo under the United Nations and was part of the Nigerian contingent in the US AFRICOM exercise in Senegal.

    He holds Master’s Degrees in National Security from the National Defence University, Pakistan, and in International Affairs and Strategic Studies, Nigerian Defence Academy.

    Ngelale said that Kokumo is a seasoned and accomplished law enforcement professional with over 30 years of experience in crime prevention, management, analysis and control.

    He said that Kokumo was Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigations Department, Force Headquarters, Abuja, from 2022 to 2023.

    Ngelale said that the President anticipated that the new appointees would bring their vast experiences into these critical roles to effectively remove security threats through pre-emptive, proactive and diligent coordination.

  • ONSA breaks silence on escape of Binance executive from detention

    ONSA breaks silence on escape of Binance executive from detention

    Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has confirmed that Nadeem Anjarwalla, an executive of Binance, indeed escaped from detention.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Anjarwalla, Binance’s Director of West & East Africa, and Tigran Gambaryan, Binance’s Head of Financial Crime Compliance were being held in detention in Nigeria.

    However, reports emerged on Monday that Anjarwalla escaped from detention after guards on duty led him to a nearby mosque for prayers in the spirit of the ongoing Ramadan fast.

    The Binance executive, a Briton, who also has Kenyan citizenship, is believed to have flown out of Abuja via a Middle East airliner using a Kenyan passport.

    Reacting, ONSA confirmed that indeed Anjarwalla, a suspect in the ongoing criminal probe into the activities of Binance in Nigeria escaped from lawful custody on Friday, 22 March 2024.

    “Upon receiving this report, this office took immediate steps, in conjunction with relevant security agencies , MDAs, as well as the international community, to  apprehend the suspect.

    “Security agencies are working with Interpol for an international arrest warrant on the suspect,” a statement by Zakari U. Mijinyawa, Head of Strategic Communication, Office of the National Security Adviser reads.

    According to the statement by Mijinyawa, preliminary investigation shows that Mr Anjarwalla fled Nigeria using a smuggled passport.

    “The personnel responsible for the custody of the suspect have been arrested, and a thorough investigation is ongoing to unravel the circumstances that led to his escape from lawful detention,” the statement added.

    Recall that the Federal Government of Nigeria has been investigating money laundering and terrorism financing transactions perpetrated on the Binance currency exchange platform.

    Until his escape, Nadeem Anjarwalla, who holds British and Kenyan nationalities  and serving as Binance’s Africa regional manager, was being tried by Nigerian courts.

    The suspect escaped while under a 14-day remand order by a court in Nigeria, according to Mijinyawa, adding that Anjarwalla was  scheduled to appear before the court again on 4 April 2024.

    “We urge the Nigerian  public and the international community to provide whatever information they have that can assist law enforcement agencies to apprehend the suspect,” the statement added.

  • Forex: ONSA, CBN join forces to crackdown on speculators

    Forex: ONSA, CBN join forces to crackdown on speculators

    In a concerted effort to safeguard Nigeria’s foreign exchange market and combat speculative activities, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) are joining forces to address challenges impacting the nation’s economic stability.

    This is contained in a statement by the Head, Strategic Communication at ONSA, Mr Zakari Mijinyawa, on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Mijinyawa said the recent intelligence reports had highlighted continued illicit activities within the Nigerian foreign exchange market, saying the ONSA and CBN were embarking on collaborative approach to tackle the infractions.

    He said the partnership would involve a coordinated effort with key law enforcement agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).

    According to him, the primary objective of this alliance is to systematically identify, thoroughly investigate and appropriately penalise individuals and organisation involved in wrongful activities within the FX market.

    “By leveraging the expertise of these agencies, we aim to deter malicious practices, protect investor interests, and promote sustainable economic growth.

    “This joint effort underscores the commitment of the Nigerian government to improving its Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) framework and exiting the grey list of the Financial Action Task Force.

    “In addition, the efforts will make progress in ensuring a stable and transparent foreign exchange market, fostering investor confidence, and advancing the nation’s economic well-being,” he said.

    Mijinyawa said that the CBN’s proactive measures to stabilise the foreign exchange market and stimulate economic activities had been commendable.

    He said the effectiveness of the initiatives was being undermined by the activities of speculators, both domestic and international, operating through various channels.

    These activities, according to him, is exacerbating the depreciation of the Nigerian Naira and contributing to inflation and economic instability.

    “Recall that to address the exchange rate volatility, the CBN initiated a comprehensive strategy to enhance liquidity in the forex market, including unifying FX market segments, clearing outstanding FX obligations, introducing new operational mechanisms for Bureau De Change operators.

    “The CBN is also enforcing the Net Open Position limit for commercial banks, and adjusting the remunerable Standing Deposit Facility cap.

    “To reduce the pressure on the naira, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has raised a 7,000-man special task force across its 14 zonal commands to clamp down on dollar racketeers,” he added.

     

  • ONSA clears air on notice of attacks to airports nationwide

    ONSA clears air on notice of attacks to airports nationwide

    The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) on Thursday assured members of the public that there is no threat to the nation’s airports.

    It said it only sent an advisory to security agencies to liaise with airport management to upgrade existing security measures at the nation’s airports.

    ONSA described the advisory as a “routine threat assessment” to ensure the preparedness of all relevant agencies.

    The clarifications were made in a statement by the Head of Strategic Communication in the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Mr. Z.M. Usman.

    The leakage of the advisory to all security agencies on Thursday caused panic in all airports among aviation workers and air travellers.

    But ONSA reassured the public and all aviation stakeholders of the safety of the nation’s airports.

    The statement said: “The attention of the Office of the National Security Adviser has been drawn to reports of a threat to the nation’s airports from an internal government correspondence.

    “The correspondence was a routine threat assessment to ensure the preparedness of agencies and not meant for public dissemination.

    “In the period covered by the correspondence, threat analysis identified the need to advise airports’ management nationwide to upgrade existing security measures around the nation’s airports.

    “Regrettably, the unauthorised release of this advisory is likely to raise fear among airport users home and abroad.

    “Accordingly, this statement is issued to reassure the public and all aviation stakeholders of the safety of our airports.

    “The security and intelligence services will continue to monitor security threats and provide the assessment and timely advice required by airports’ management to continuously upgrade security measures in the airports.”

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) had earlier received an alert from the Ministry of Aviation over planned attacks on airports in the country.

    These airports are those in Kaduna, Maiduguri, Sokoto, Kano, Abuja and Lagos State.

    The report of the threat was contained in a memo signed by FAAN’s Deputy General Manager of Administration and Logistics, S.M. Mamman, and addressed to airport chiefs of security.