TheNewsGuru

Tag: Security

  • Security: NSCDC creates female squad in Kwara

    Security: NSCDC creates female squad in Kwara

    The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC) Command in Kwara has created a female squad to take charge of security in schools across the state.

    The State Commandant of NSCDC, Makinde Ayinla, stated this at a press conference in Ilorin.

    Ayinla said that the squad was set up to prevent abduction of pupils and students in schools.

    “There is need for a female squad that will keep watch over our schools and checkmate students’ abduction.

    “We have trained some selected personnel on this, and with the permission of the state governor, we will deploy them to schools this month,” he said.

    He said that the command planned to deal ruthlessly with vandals, prevent economic sabotage and safeguard government installations and other properties.

    The commandant said that the officers would work in conjunction with the Nigeria Customs Service to tackle smugglers in border towns across the state.

    Ayinla also said that NSCDC intended to keep 24 hours surveillance on correctional centres, to forestall any breach of security in the facilities.

    He said that the corps would intensify efforts on training of its officers, especially on how to handle weapon as well as intelligent information gathering, to further aid their performance.

    Ayinla disclosed that the Agro-ranger unit of the corps in 2021 handled 76 cases on agro-allied matters and farmer/herder clashes, and added that 63 of the cases were resolved.

  • Bishop Kukah: Two issues that bother me with Buhari’s administration

    Bishop Kukah: Two issues that bother me with Buhari’s administration

    The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah has opened up on two key issues that bother him with the President Muhamamadu Buhari-led government.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Bishop Kukah made the two issues known during an exchange with journalists at St Bakhita Catholic Secretariat, Sokoto.

    Kukah said that one thing lacking in this administration is the inability to manage the diversity of the nation and that the other issue is the quantum of loss of lives.

    The revered cleric made this known while saying that despite being a major critic of the President, he [the President] still picks his [Kukah] calls.

    The Bishop stressed that there was no hard feelings between him and the nation’s number one citizen, and that the president still picks his calls.

    “If I pick up my phone and call Mr. President now he will pick it up. The other time he missed my calls, he called me back and we greeted each other.

    “But you know some people cry more than the bereaved. All what I have been clamouring for are not personal.

    “There are two issues that bothered me with this administration. One is the quantum of loss of lives and I don’t think there is anybody who is happy about this.

    “The second is the allocation of positions with favouritism and nepotism. One thing lacking in this administration is the inability to manage our sense of diversity.

    “I have always been a critic of government before this administration and I stand on my challenge to those who don’t reason along with me to counter my position with superior argument.

    “Nigerians are still to learn how to disagree on the disagreeable. We are still to learn how to debate without argument and we are still to agree that some of our best friends are those that criticize us. Criticism is not an abuse; it is what purifies democracy,” he added.

    Kukah also blamed overzealous aides for trying to drive a wedge between him and President Buhari.

  • Security challenges in Nigeria will soon end – DG NATFORCE

    Security challenges in Nigeria will soon end – DG NATFORCE

    Nigeria’s security challenges will soon end, the Director General of National Taskforce on the Prohibition of Illegal Importation/Smuggling of Arms, Ammunition and Light Weapons (NATFORCE), Dr. Baba Mohammed has said.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Dr. Mohammed made this known in a statement by the DG’s office, congratulating Christians in Nigeria and across ECOWAS member states on the occasion of the 2021 Christmas celebration.

    While acknowledging that Christmas symbolizes hope for humanity, Mohammed urged Nigerians to remain optimistic, assuring that Nigeria’s security challenges would not last long.

    He also noted that the NATFORCE bill would soon be passed and upgraded to Commission status.

    The DG urged citizens to emulate God’s love to mankind and replicate same by helping to make Nigeria illegal arms, ammunition and light weapons free and peaceful in the spirit of this season.

    The DG also noted that the bill has passed the first and second reading, currently awaiting the final stage to give NATFORCE the required legal framework and backing to carry out its activities as required.

    He further explained that as a legally recognized Organization, NATFORCE when fully established, will hence be known as National Commission (NATCOM) and is independent from any other Agency or Center. It is an Organization with unique community based structures and mandate as agreed by the leaders of the ECOWAS member states.

    He stated that the National Assembly has made significant progress on the bill since the beginning of this year and has assured Nigerians of their commitment to expedite the process because the establishment of NATFORCE/NATCOM is critical to our national security.

    The DG directed officers to refrain from granting media interviews or making press statements without first obtaining permission from the DG’s office. He thanked the officers for their dedication and patriotism in helping in the elimination of illegal arms, ammunition, and light weapons in West Africa, in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment to Nigeria’s Safety and security, adding that despite obstacles, the President had remained unwavering in this cause and has made some appreciable success.

    He stated that there has been remarkable and notable advancement in security agencies growth, development and officers’ welfare improvement under the Buhari administration.

  • We’ll keep doing our best until we leave in 17 months – Buhari

    We’ll keep doing our best until we leave in 17 months – Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari says his administration will keep giving its best for the development of the country until May, 2023, reiterating that he will handover as stipulated by the Constitution.

    The President’s spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina, in a statement said the president gave the assurance at the inauguration of Oriental Energies Resource Ltd Hanger, Muhammadu Indimi Distance Learning Centre and an International Conference Centre.

    The Centre was donated to the University of Maiduguri by business mogul, Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi, in Maiduguri, Borno, on Thursday.

    President Buhari also inaugurated the Tijjani Bolori Memorial Secondary School and the first fly-over in Borno State, Custom Roundabout (3.5km) with a stretch of 10 km Gamboru Ngala Road constructed by the state government.

    The president said: “ I know I swore by the Constitution, and I will leave in 17 months. I pray that the person that will take over from us will also follow the targets of securing the country and building the economy.

    “Without securing the country, you cannot grow the economy.”

    He added that Nigerians should appraise the performance of the administration based on what the situation was on security, economy and corruption before he came in, and where it is now.

    “We have a great country,” he said, “and we thank God for giving us so much resources. But we need to develop our resources.”

    The president noted that development would be more sustainable by empowering the people.

    On security in the North West, he said it was sad that the people who lived together, sharing same culture and outlook for a long time would start stealing, kidnapping and killing one another.

    According to him, the military will come down hard on the North West to stabilise the situation, having procured more hardwares.

    “I am highly impressed with what I have seen at this state of the art Centre for Distance Learning and Auditorium sited here, the University of Maiduguri. I am told that this international conference hall has 1,300 seats.

    ”The high quality standard of this edifice is a major contribution by Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi. This intervention will benefit not only students from Borno and the North East but also students from all parts of Nigeria.

    “For the Oriental Energy Resources Hangar which I commissioned, it will welcome and offer support services to aircraft and pilots involved with Humanitarian Air Services,” the president noted.

    Buhari also commended Governor of Borno Prof. Babagana Zulum, for the work he had done in two years, noting that he was in the state earlier in June to commission developmental projects.

    In his remarks, Zulum appreciated the president for honoring the state, adding that Indimi’s contributions to the development of the state showed he loved his people.

    “Words cannot convey our gratitude for the statesmanship, “ he said.

    The governor said the state had recognised the contributions of Alhaji Indimi by renaming the Damboa Road after him, now Alhajji Muhammadu Indimi Road.

    In his remarks, Indimi said he was motivated to build the Distance Learning Centre and the International Conference Centre to encourage education in the state.

    “I believe the centre will help in delivering training and skills as well as encourage those who will be taking lessons from remote places,” he said.

    Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Aliyu Shugaba, thanked President Buhari for honoring the invitation anf Alhaji Indimi for the contribution.

  • Buhari dispatches security, intelligence heads to Sokoto, Katsina States over incessant attacks, killings

    Buhari dispatches security, intelligence heads to Sokoto, Katsina States over incessant attacks, killings

    President Muhammadu Buhari Friday dispatched a high-level delegation, made up of the heads of the nation’s intelligence and security services to Sokoto and Katsina States in response to the recent spike in bandit activities.

    According to senior special media aide, Garba Shehu, the president is expecting an immediate situation report and recommendations on actions to follow to effectively deal with the worrying situation.

    The delegation led by the National Security Adviser, Major General Babagana Munguno (Rtd) is made up of the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, the Director-General of the DSS Yusuf Magaji Bichi, the Director-General, National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Ahmed Rufa’i Abubakar and the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major General Samuel Adebayo.

    The president’s latest action was prompted by the recent gruesome killing of several travelers in Sokoto and the assassination of a commissioner in Katsina State.

    President Buhari in an earlier statement expressed sadness and condemned the killings saying it shows that the evil his administration is confronting is one that requires the support and involvement of all Nigerians.

    He extended deep condolences to the families of the victims, assuring Nigerians that security agencies would continue to give their all to bring to an end the operations of the criminals.

  • Nigeria’s security trauma will be over soon – Osinbajo

    Nigeria’s security trauma will be over soon – Osinbajo

    “A lot of the security challenges we experience in Nigeria today will be resolved in due course.

    “This country will be stronger and greater, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo said in Abuja on Thursday.

    He was responding to remarks made by members of the Muhammadu Buhari/Osinbajo Dynamic Support Group, who visited him.

    “We must never relent in ensuring that we keep to the ideals of the country and we don’t lose sight of what we are trying to achieve here.

    “The president has always remained steadfast and focused in resolving the problems of the country beginning with security.

    “He is a steady hand; he is unflappable, he is not panicky, he is focused and looking at the security issues every day, and trying to advance the best possible solutions,’’ Osinbajo said.

    “People who suggest that the country breaks up, whatever may be the reason for their views, are certainly not correct and we must say so to them at every turn.

    “The unity of this country is important for all of the different ethnicities, religions, everybody. Whatever the group or ideology, unity is important for every one of us.

    “It is wrong for a country that is the largest economy in Africa and definitely going to be one of the largest economies in the world, to start thinking in terms of fragmenting itself.

    “If you fragment, the problems are going to multiply, poverty will multiply,’’ the vice-president added.

    Earlier, the National Coordinator of the visiting group, Usman Ibrahim, commended Osinbajo for his commitment to leadership and promotion of national unity.

    Ibrahim said Osinbajo’s performance in office, his excellence, humility, loyalty, industry, professionalism and dedication to duty were enviable.

    He pledged the loyalty and support of the group for the actualisation of the objectives of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

    “We appreciate you for your sacrifices and commitment to the actualisation of the `Next Level’ agenda, especially your commitment towards improving the welfare of the downtrodden through the platforms of “Tradermoni’’ and “Marketmoni’’, programmes.

    Ibrahim told the vice-president about the forthcoming launch of a compendium showcasing the achievements of the Buhari’s administration across different sectors.

  • Obasanjo backs creation of state police, says it will end Nigeria’s security challenge

    Obasanjo backs creation of state police, says it will end Nigeria’s security challenge

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said it will take the creation of state police to tackle the insecurity problem facing the nation.

    Obasanjo said nation building could only be achieved when government was able to guarantee a safe environment for citizens.

    The ex-President spoke on Friday in Lagos during a lecture titled, ‘Social responsibility in nation building,’ which he delivered at the 78th anniversary of Island Club.

    He said, “I have said it before and I will say it again. Nigeria should have state police in all the states so that they can adequately tackle insecurity. Guaranteeing citizens a safe environment and round security is one thing a government must do.

    “No nation can be built where peace, security and stability are not assured or guaranteed and with reasonable predictability of the President and the future not enthroned.”

    Obasanjo also said a government that failed to listen to its citizens was doomed to collapse.

    He added said, “Any government that is deaf, dumb and blind is a government that will not last. As a government, you need to listen to the people. If you fail to listen to the people, the day of reckoning will come for you and it will come soon. We can see it all around us; it has come.

    “You have to realise that there is an element of hazard in life itself. What would make you not talk? Fear? There is a Yoruba proverb that says, ‘You talk, you die; you don’t talk, you’ll still die.’ Death is inevitable. As I am here, I am not afraid of death.

    “It is painful what we are seeing. There are currently over four million out-of-school children in Nigeria. That is a fact. They cannot hide that. No Nigerian should bury their faces because they are scared of death. State the fact; if they want to deny it let them deny it.”

    He urged Nigerians to embrace their diversity and work as one nation towards a common goal of one Nigeria.

    He added, “Diversity is of God; sameness is of the devil. We, as Nigerians, must learn to manage our diversity so that we can have one goal – the Nigerian dream. A nation is not formed until there is a stake and mutual dignity and responsibility and purpose for every component.”

  • Anambra Poll: Massive security deployment can affect turnout, but necessary – IGP

    Anambra Poll: Massive security deployment can affect turnout, but necessary – IGP

    AHEAD of the November 6 Anambra State Governorship poll, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Usman Baba, yesterday, said that the massive deployment of security personnel to the state might discourage voters turnout but the measure was necessary to stop criminals from disrupting the process and causing mayhem.

    The police will deploy 34, 587 personnel including two DIGs, five AIGs, 92 other top officers and three helicopters to Anambra for the election.

    The Police boss’s stance came as the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, said it had neither made any official statement on the poll nor called for its boycott, contrary to several blackmailing statements against the group.

    Meanwhile, the Voters Rights International, VRI, has dragged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to court seeking to postpone the governorship election to February 15, 2022, over insecurity.

    IGP Baba, featuring at the ministerial media briefing organized by the Presidential Communications Team at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, said to ensure that the electorate come out to exercise their franchise the police had been releasing jingles and talking to stakeholders to assure them of safety.

    He explained that most of the officers that would be assigned to polling booths would be unarmed as they would be involved in checking vote rigging and illegal campaign at venues.

    Asked if the mass deployment would not be counterproductive, he said: “As for the massive deployment, yes, it has its advantages, and disadvantages.

    “Knowing the fact that it has the disadvantage of maybe militarising the electoral process we try to engage in public enlightenment and enlightenment of stakeholders that our presence is to police the situation in two ways.

    “That is while we are asking people to come out and vote, another group or other subversive elements are saying ‘don’t come.

    “If you come, we will do this, we will do that.’ So, there must be some level of assurance that we would give to these people to come out.

    “That requires massive deployment of officers and men who would also ensure that the subversive elements do not take over the process.”

    According to the police boss, personnel would be deployed to polling stations ”to ensure orderliness and checking of electoral malpractices, like vote buying, campaigning in the place and so forth, this does not even require carrying of arms”

    Also, ”there is need to put officers on standby, on patrol that would check the would-be persons that can carry arms against the state.

    “We are trying to educate and enlighten people that our presence is for the benefit of everybody, ensure that electorate come out and exercise their franchise of voting who they want.

    “That is the essence of the jingles we are doing, the essence of going to do community engagements, stakeholders meetings, talking to their religious leaders and so forth.

    “It is for the advantage of everybody that the massive deployment should take place.”

  • Security forces foil jailbreak in Edo

    Security forces foil jailbreak in Edo

    Security forces, yesterday, foiled jailbreak at the Sapele Road Correctional Centre in Benin City, the Edo State capital.‎

    Members of the public were scared by gunshots at about 1.30pm, at the Correctional Centre, popularly known as White House, yesterday, as a combined security detail of the police, army, correctional centre armed personnel and vigilante reportedly secured the facility.

    Thereafter, a vigilance group was seen blocking half of the ever busy Sapele road, while motorists scampered for safety.

    “There was an attempted jailbreak today at the Benin prison, leading to serious shooting. Soldiers and policemen have been drafted to the area,” a source said.

    But, in a statement titled “Disturbance at the Custodial Centre, the Public Relations Officer of ‎the Edo State Command of Corrections, DSC Aminu Suleman, said: “At about 12.30pm, some awaiting trial inmates, especially the recaptured escapees, started protest which led to a confrontation between them and the convicted inmates. Reinforcement was immediately mobilised from the State Headquarters to enforce law and order.

    “The situation has been completely controlled and the Custodial Centre is calm. There was no escape of any inmates or death.

    Sister security agencies have shown solidarity by drafting their men around the outer perimeter fence to compliment Correctional Service Armed Squad personnel, to ensure total security of the custodial centre.

    “The Controller of Corrections, Felix Lawrence, wishes to assure the general public that they should go about their normal business without any fear,” the statement said.

    It added that investigation into the incident has been instituted by the Controller to unravel the immediate and remote causes of the disturbance.

    At the time‎ of filing this report, soldiers and security personnel of the correctional centre were seen parading around the facility yesterday evening.

    During the #EndSARS protests in October last year, the Sapele Road Correctional Centre as well as the Oko Airport Road Centre were compromised, with thousands of inmates escaping.

  • Police beef up security ahead of Independence Day anniversary

    Police beef up security ahead of Independence Day anniversary

    The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, has assured the nation of ‘maximum security’ as the country marks its 61st independence anniversary on Friday.

    He stated that the Force has instituted adequate security measures to protect the citizens, ensure the success of all the activities lined up for the anniversary celebration and prevent any ugly situation throughout the celebration and after.

    “Consequently, the Assistant Inspectors General of Police and Commissioners of Police in all the Zonal and State Commands and the FCT have been directed to lead the Independence Day anniversary security operations from the frontline.

    “They are to ensure high visibility and confidence-boosting patrols around the venues of the celebrations, residential areas and other places of public resort to prevent any infiltration by hostile elements,” a statement on Wednesday by the police spokesman, Frank Mba, said.

    The statement titled, ‘Independence celebration: IGP assures maximum security,’ said the IG congratulated the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), and Nigerians on the occasion of the celebration.

    He pledged the loyalty of the Nigeria Police Force to the sovereignty of the country as well as “its unflinching commitment to combating crimes and criminality in the country and ensuring the safety of the citizenry.”

    The IG called on citizens to go about the celebrations in the most peaceful and law-abiding manner.

    “He appealed for a new sense of pan-Nigerian spirit, patriotism, love and deliberate efforts by leaders at all levels at de-escalating ethnic tensions and suspicions in the land.

    “He further enjoined the citizens to continue to cooperate with the police and other security agencies in fighting crimes and criminality in the country,” the statement read.