TheNewsGuru

Tag: Security

  • Senate President blames Nigeria’s problems on ‘the world’

    President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has attributed the inability of the Nigerian military and other security outfits to contain the disturbing nation’s insecurity to international politics.

    He said international politics was slowing down efforts aimed at acquiring sophisticated machinery needed by the security agencies to do their jobs.

    Lawan spoke on Sunday in an interview with journalists ahead of the first anniversary of the Ninth Senate, which comes up on Thursday.

    He explained that efforts to buy equipment for the Nigerian armed forces were usually frustrated by international politics with the requests taking longer than expected.

    He said the country’s security system was currently overstretched, adding that more resources are needed to tackle insecurity.

    He said, “To some extent, we are suffering from international politics. I know that in our efforts to try to buy spare parts for jets, they may write to a certain foreign government and it will take six to nine months while another country will write to the same government and maybe get it in one or two months.

    “So, something is not right, but that’s to say that it’s now one of our challenges that we will continue to engage with countries that we feel don’t understand what we are doing here.

    “Also, we need more resources for security. By resources, I don’t mean just money, we need more personnel for the armed forces.

    “We need more personnel for the police, Nigerian immigration Service, and almost all the agencies and paramilitary as well.

    “We also need resources in terms of equipment, machinery, and then training.

    “What we experience today is we don’t have sufficient personnel, the resources available to security office are inadequate.

    “Government is doing a lot to get more resources in terms of equipment and machinery.”

  • Security is for all but not everyone’s business

    By Prof Ahmed Danfulani

    There has been a propagation of mischief in the polity with regards to the tenure of the Service Chiefs in the country where some individuals and organizations have arrogated to themselves the powers and responsibilities of dictating and assessing the stewardship of the current Service Chiefs in the country.

    As a professor of law and former DG of NIPSS, I want to state that I have been involved with a strategic analysis on Nigeria’s efforts in the war against terrorism and other security threats in the country. I dare say that the bulk of the issues pushed in the public space are not in line with the realities on the ground. Those with little or no knowledge about security have joined in the fray and somewhat dictating to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces with regards to the tenure of the Service Chiefs in the country.

    Yes, it can be argued that security is for all. However, it must be noted that it’s not everyone’s business because some undercurrents go with the terrain. However, in Nigeria, every tom, dick and harry seems to be professionals in the security sector, while in truth their involvements serve as a distraction as well as a nuisance in the scheme of things.

    The recent calls for the sack of Service Chiefs provide us with a typical example of how some perceived social commentators have arrogated to themselves the discretion to articulate the tenures or the performances of the Service Chiefs in Nigeria.

    The forgoing has indicated that some of us have elected not to appreciate the efforts of the present crop of Service Chiefs in the country. In my opinion, this is the height of insensitivity to their numerous sacrifices over the past five years, especially with regards to the fight against terrorism and other militant groups in Nigeria.

    We must not forget that Nigeria was on the brink and the coming of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari was indeed the game-changer till date. Nigerians must appreciate the display of strong political will in ensuring that the enemies of Nigeria were put to shame.

    As I have stated in numerous forums that the past five years have indeed marked a milestone in the war against terrorism in Nigeria. I can’t but reiterate that in the annals of democratic dispensation in Nigeria, the present crop of Service Chiefs have indeed distinguished themselves and written their names in the sands of time. They were able to turn the tide in record time and the repositioning of the Armed Forces to meet the demands of asymmetric warfare was also outstanding.

    Their exploits are replete with an unalloyed commitment to the preservation of the territorial integrity of Nigeria in ways too numerous to mention. But the activity of idle people whose stock in trade is always to throw stones in the wheels of our progress is thriving at the detriment of our unity and progress. This is sad and an indication that if care is not taken, we might wake up one day and realize that we do not have a country.

    A situation where those with no knowledge of the intricacies of the security architecture in the country would elect to take the front seat on such a sensitive issue calls for caution. We must be reminded that acts of terrorism are not the same as domestic violence or street protest. There is a wide gap between both and this; the advocates of the sack of the Service Chiefs must come to terms with.

    We must face the issue at hand, which is defeating terrorism and not a campaign of smear. This is what it is with regards to the tenures of the Service Chiefs in the country. I won’t say I am disappointed, but I would say that I am at a loss as to why some Nigerians would throw caution in the wind and elect to be on the side of ruining the country with half-truths and illogical conclusions.

    Even those with no basic knowledge in National Security have assumed the roles of national security advisers and churning out statements that were conceived in their absolute ignorance and passing same to members of the unsuspecting general public. I am afraid that if this trend is not curtailed, there would be a time where the role of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces would be taken over by these merchants.

    As incredible as this might sound, those clamouring for the sack of Service Chiefs are not any different from the famous Pastor that linked the coronavirus pandemic with the 5G network. This indeed was ridiculous until common sense prevailed and he retracted his statements. It is expected that common sense would also prevail.

    The same goes for those that are busy occupying pages of the newspapers with stories and articles about the tenure of Service Chiefs and the likes. For one, they are not experts, and they do not understand the intricacies. As such, it is at best a very puerile attempt at the risk of insulting the sensibilities of Nigerians in general and some of us in the field of security studies.

    Like I mentioned earlier, security is for all, but not everyone’s business, and so it must remain because it would be a slight on some us that have devoted a substantial number of years in security studies. When such nuisance by ignorant people is allowed to fester is an anomaly that must be discouraged in its entirety.

    This group of persons should channel their energies towards charitable ventures if indeed they are that concerned about Nigeria. But for us in this field, we have interacted at the highest intellectual level and conducted researches on the efforts of the Armed Forces in the war against terrorism and our findings has remained consistent. So it is every form of slight for Nigerians to allow some form of propaganda to thrive at the detriment of national interest.

    It is, therefore, my considered opinion that it is an abuse of public discourse for politicians and their stooges without the privilege of research and information to write and publish stories about the Service Chiefs in Nigeria. I am using this medium to offer free tutorials to those who want to study security as a body of knowledge so that that can stop taking Nigerians for granted.
    The Service Chiefs must be left alone to concentrate on the task at hand as any form of distraction would be counter-productive at this stage. It must be stated that it remains the prerogative of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and not disgruntled politicians that are possibly not happy with the gains so far in North-East Nigeria and other parts of the country.
    These crops of Service Chiefs are achievers in their rights, and they have done the country proud. The bulk of us in the security circles would readily attest to this. So, therefore, well-meaning Nigerians must join hands with them to defeat terrorism in the interest of the country. And those with no business with security should not lend their voice in this discourse; instead, they should channel their energies towards productive ventures.

    Danfulani is former Director-General, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) and a Professor of Law & Strategic Studies, Defence & National Security Expert

  • Amnesty International: Security Experts expresses worry

    Some security experts in the country have continued to express worry over the activities of Amnesty International in Nigeria.

    According to multiple reports they stated that if the relevant authorities do not take urgent steps, the country might go up in flames due to the desperation of Amnesty International and their international collaborators in seeing to the disintegration of Nigeria.

    According to Prof. Stanly Onyia an expert in peace and conflict studies at the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) in Abuja, he stated that a cursory look at the recent posturing of Amnesty International is an indication that they are out for a mission that is not in the best interest of Nigeria.

    “AI is not a credible organization; their mission, especially in Nigeria, is tied around the innate desire to perpetuate mischief and cause a conflict of immeasurable proportion. Their reports are often lacking in objectivity and somewhat an insult to some of us that are in the field of conflict resolution.”

    He further stated that Amnesty International gained traction in their activities under a questionable international cover and backing that covered their intent and purposes in Nigeria.

    “At numerous peace and conflict forums, we have had reasons to dissect the various reports of Amnesty International and the consensus is that Amnesty International is not acting in the overall interest of the entrenchment of peace but that of fanning the embers of war. This is sad, and I hope that the relevant authorities in Nigeria would take the bull by the horns and stop them in their tracks before it gets too late.”

    In a similar vein, an associate professor of defense and strategic studies at the Nigerian Defense Academy, Kaduna stated that AI is a product of terrorist organizations that have devised means to escape the radar in the perpetuation of their nefarious activities.

    “There is a long-standing history of how Amnesty International was compromised by some of the world deadliest terrorist organizations. If you look at their reports, you will find a trajectory that promotes acts of terrorism. The case of Nigeria is very evident in the support it has been rendering organizations such as Boko Haram and the Islamic Movement in Nigeria. Their presence in Nigeria is a serious threat to our nascent democracy, and the government must, as a matter of urgency act if it’s serious about the unity of the country.”

    This newspaper also gathered from reliable sources that Amnesty International has resulted in recruitment for militant groups in Nigeria. A security source who pleaded anonymity stated that Amnesty International has recently devised means to assist the Boko Haram group in ensuring that it fills its ranks that have been depleted by the renewed onslaught by the Nigerian Army.

    “Amnesty International is carrying out espionage activities for Boko Haram. They are using their clout to lure unsuspecting youths to join the Boko Haram group. You know they have so much resource at their disposal, and they have been spending lots of money to lure these youths.”

    “The good thing is that the security agencies are aware of this plot and they are doing everything possible to nip it in the bud. But I can tell you that Nigeria would be in trouble if Amnesty International succeeds in their endeavor”.

    According to Dr Ibrahim Suleiman, a lecturer in the Department of History at Kaduna State University, he stated that Amnesty International had been covertly recruiting gullible youths from Northern Nigeria into Boko Haram and the Islamic Movement in Nigeria.

    “The threat posed by Amnesty International is real. We have had instances where some of our students disappeared from the classrooms. Upon enquiries, we realized that they were invited for workshops organized by Amnesty International and since they haven’t returned.”

    “It’s unfortunate that the security agencies are treating the threat posed by Amnesty International with kid gloves. If only they know the number of youths that have been deceived into joining the Boko Haram group by Amnesty International.”

    A top retired director of the secret police, who was interviewed by this newspaper, stated that Amnesty International is the new intellectual wing of the Boko Haram dedicated to providing discreet support to the Boko Haram group.

    “There is no difference between Amnesty International and Boko Haram. It is just a function of different nomenclatures. What is Boko Haram doing that Amnesty International is not doing? The only difference is that they don’t carry arms but what they do is worse than carrying arms.”

    “While I was in service, I presided over a report where multiple pieces of evidence on the nefarious activities of Amnesty International were presented. We escalated to the appropriate authorities, but nothing was done. You can see what is happening today. This is just despicable. I hope those in authority act in the best interest of Nigeria else the consequences might be severe.”

    It would be recalled that in times past, there were calls for the expulsion of Amnesty International from Nigeria for acts against the interest of the country. A top source in the presidency who confided in this newspaper stated that the presidency took the call lightly and didn’t act.

    “I recall that when there were street protests for the expulsion of Amnesty International from Nigeria, the presidency waved it off. They gave Amnesty International the benefit of the doubt. However, I think that was a grave mistake as the presidency is in a dilemma on how to address the threat posed by Amnesty International in light of the recent revelations.”

    “The solution now is for the government to devise means to halt the recruitment drive of Amnesty International as the efforts of our military would be in vain. This is indeed a serious situation.”

    “The government must blacklist Amnesty International as a first step. If this is not done, then we might be faced with a resurgence of the Boko Haram group and Nigeria would suffer untold consequences.”

    This same position was echoed by a former Nigerian Ambassador to the United States of America, who does not want his name in print. He stated that the option left for Nigeria because of the revelations that Amnesty International is promoting terrorism in Nigeria is a complete blacklisting.

    “There are no two ways about it. Amnesty International must be blacklisted. This is not borne out of malice but on substantiated facts. In my opinion, this should have been done a long time ago, especially when it became obvious that Amnesty International has something up their sleeves with the constant attack on the government and the military.”

    “If this is not done, I wonder what would become of Nigeria as countries where Amnesty International has succeeded started like this. I am not sure we have such luxury of time. “

  • Community Policing: Okowa inaugurates 2 committees

    Community Policing: Okowa inaugurates 2 committees

    Delta Governor, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, on Friday inaugurated two committees on community policing, saying it was in response to yearnings of citizens for local policing apparatus to check rising security challenges in the state.

    The committees are State Community Policing Advisory Committee (SCPAC) and State Community Policing Committee (SCPC).

    At the ceremony in Asaba, Okowa said that raising the committees was to deepen the security architecture in the state to enable insecurity issues to be nipped in the bud.

    According to him, the committees will help to bolster community policing to check criminal activities and assist the Police and other security agencies to provide and ensure the sustainability a crime-free society.

    The governor said, “the last six weeks or so have been very tasking and challenging, not just with the existential threats posed by the COVID-19 global pandemic but also of emerging security risks confronting the various federating units.

    “Notwithstanding the steady progress made by this administration in partnership with relevant security agencies to ensure the peace and safety of individuals, communities and public property in the state, there is a compelling need to continually deepen and expand our security architecture in such a manner that we are able to preempt and arrest any untoward development.

    “Of weighty consideration in this regard is the necessity to bolster our community policing apparatus as the monsters of farmers/herdsmen clashes, cultism, small arms and light weapons proliferations, kidnapping, armed robbery, and other violent crimes appear to be on the resurgence.

    “Urgent steps are, therefore, required to avert a possible breakdown of law and order. It is axiomatic that the security of any state or nation is a shared responsibility between the Government, law enforcement agencies and the people.

    “And, as I have always said, the job of security is too serious, too important and too demanding to be left to law enforcement agencies alone.

    “Community policing provides us with a strong platform to leverage on this partnership. Through the collaboration of the police, the people and the Government, it enables us to improve the processes and structures that engender peace-building, preserve our collective security, enhance the credibility of our criminal justice system and deliver better policing services.’’

    He recalled that community policing was the subject of the South-South Security Summit held in Asaba in November, 2019 under the auspices of the Inspector-General of Police.

    The governor explained that the inauguration of the committees, therefore, was one of the many steps his administration was taking to build on the momentum generated at the Summit.

    He noted that members of the committees reflected the qualities of professionalism, character, competence, leadership, maturity, experience and diversity expected of such a high-powered assemblage, saying it could not be otherwise because this is an urgent state assignment that requires sacrifice, dedication, tact and wisdom.

    Expressing confidence on members of the committees, he said “I trust in the abilities of these men to liaise with not just the police but all relevant stakeholders in order to advise, identify and nip problems in the bud before they escalate into full blown security challenges.

    “I want to emphasise that the three major partners in the community policing process are the people, the police and the government. In this partnership, the relationship must be such that it is consensus-oriented, promotes accountability and elicits the appropriate action necessary to preserve our collective peace and security.

    “Where one member of the ‘trinity’ is absent or non-committal, problems are bound to occur. Also, this partnership succeeds when it is not limited to occasional meetings, public declarations or simply sharing information.

    “These must be backed with appropriate and decisive action by the police to elicit goodwill and inspire confidence. One key factor that enables problem-solving is the development and deployment of incident management programme.

    “In each instance, we owe it a duty to do a proper analysis of what happened in order to correctly frame the problem and proffer the right solutions. The questions to be asked are: What went wrong? How did it happen? Was there any intelligence report? If not, why? Who was responsible, if any, and how do we prevent similar mistakes in the future?

    “In suggesting solutions, we are to prioritize diplomacy and carefully weigh the intended and unintended consequences of any action.”

    Okowa congratulated members of the committees and urged them to be guided by the zeal to make the society crime-free.

    Earlier, the Inspector General of Police, Mr Mohammed Adamu, who was represented by the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department, Michael Ogbizi, had said that the inauguration marked the commencement of community policing in Delta.

    He commended the governor for his proactive steps at ensuring that there was security of lives and property in the state, adding that atmosphere of peace was evident in the state.

    The IGP expressed confidence that the committees would “take the right steps to ensure that there is peace and crime is reduced to the barest minimum in the state’’.

    Others who spoke at the event were Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 5, Mr D.P. Yakadi and Commissioner of Police, Delta Command, Hafiz Inuwa.

    Members of SCPAC are the Chairman of Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers, Obi Emmanuel Efeizomor II (co-Chairman); Commissioner of Police, Hafiz Inuwa (co-Chairman); Brig.-Gen. Ibrahim Jallo (Nigerian Army), Mr Ademola Adebiyi (DSS), Cmdt Chike Ikpeamaonwu (NSCDC), Ocheja Ameh (FRSC) and Comptroller Ibrahim Liman (Immigration).

    Others are Mr Friday Ovie (Nigeria Correctional Service), Prof. Epiphany Azinge (Rep. Delta North),
    AIG Felix Ogbudu (retd) (Rep Delta South), Chief James Omeru (Rep. Delta Central), Alhaji Biliamin Emiko (NSCIA), Rev. Ejiniewe Joseph (CAN), and Amb. Prosper Ojoh (PCRC).

    The SCPC has The Asagba of Asaba, Obi (Prof.) Chike Edozien as Co-Chairman, Mr Mamman Rijau, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Department of Operations (Co-Chairman); Alhaji Billamin Emiko (NSCIA), Rev. Ejiniewe Joseph (CAN), Marshall Prosper Ojoh (PCRC), Dr. Kehinde Taiga (Civil Society Organisation), Comrade Goodluck Oforbruku (Labour Unions), Mrs Agatha Ajede (NCWS), Comrade Kelly Umukoro (NYCN), Barr. Fred Erulu-Ede (NBA), and Comrade Michael Ikeogwu (NUJ)

  • Delta State concludes plans to set up own security outfit

    Delta State concludes plans to set up own security outfit

    The Delta State Government says it has concluded plans to set up its own security outfit, “Operation Delta Hawk,” to combat crimes in the State.

    The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr Chiedu Ebie who disclosed this to newsmen on Tuesday at Government House, Asaba, said that the process of setting up the security outfit was being worked out.

    “A bill to this effect will be sent to the State House of Assembly in the next few days,’’ the SSG said.

    Ebie said the State government had resolved to establish an independent security outfit to help fight the rising wave of crimes, particularly that between headers and host communities in the state.

    He noted that the outfit which would comprise members of the security agencies and the vigilante groups, would report directly to the State government.

    The SSG said that the structure of the outfit would be fine-tuned over time to meet the current security needs of the people.

    “Our main concern this morning is the rising state of insecurity – clashes between headers and their host communities.

    “This matter has been under the focus of this government since its inception and it has informed the appointment and governance structure that has been created since coming into office.

    “Some of them include the appointment of Special Advisers on Peace Building and Special Assistant on Security Matters which focus on interacting and dealing with the headers and farmers clashes.

    “This also led to the formation of vigilante groups in various communities.

    “The State has been used to information and intelligence gathering which recently led to the demolition of the Abraka Market in Asaba which had turned into a meeting point of criminals,” the SSG said.

    Ebie said the State government had also engaged the headers on peaceful co-existence and described the recent clash between hearders and farmers in the state as quite unfortunate.

    He said: “Let me assure all that on behalf of the government of Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa that we are rising to the challenge.

    “Already due complements of our security architecture are investigating the incidence and arrests have also been made on the recent disturbances in the State.

    “More importantly, the state government has resolved to establish a special security outfit which will be drawn from the existing security agencies and the vigilantes to as an independent structure with code name, “Operation Delta Hawk.”

    The secretary to the state government said though funding of the security outfit remained a challenge, the state government was committed to realising the project to curb the current forms of crimes and violence in the state.

    He warned that the state government was averse to self-help by any party or individuals, adding that such could lead to an unending circle of violence, while condoling with victims of the recent clashes in the state.

    Ebie, who sympathised with the residents in the state on the hardship occasioned by the novel coronavirus (COVID -19) pandemic, said that the state would continue to collaborate with the Federal Government to fight the disease.

    The State Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, were present at the briefing.

  • US won’t pay for Harry, Meghan’s security – Trump

    US won’t pay for Harry, Meghan’s security – Trump

    President Donald Trump says the US will not foot the bill for Prince Harry and Meghan’s security amid reports that the pair have moved to the US from Canada.

    Mr Trump tweeted he was “a great friend and admirer of the Queen and the United Kingdom”, but added: “They must pay!”

    The couple said they had no plans to ask for publicly funded security in the US.

    They have reportedly relocated to Meghan’s home state of California amid the intensifying coronavirus outbreak.

    They will formally step down as senior royals on 31 March and will no longer carry out duties on behalf of the Queen, but these arrangements will be reviewed after one year.

    In a statement released through a spokesperson on Sunday, the couple said: “The duke and duchess have no plans to ask the US government for security resources. Privately funded security arrangements have been made.”

    The couple and their son Archie have spent much of this year residing in Canada’s west coast, following a six-week Christmas break on Vancouver Island.

  • JUST IN: Heavy security presence at Benin Airport over Oshiomhole’s arrival

    There is heavy security beef-up at the Benin Airport as the All Progressives Congress, APC, National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole arrives Edo State.

    There are fears that Oshiomhole will be attacked by irate youths at the airport which informed the heavy presence of security personnel.

    At the Airport entrance gate, there are soldiers and two police vehicles while others comprising officials of the Department of State Security, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were stationed at various points of the Airport.

    An armoured personnel carrier was also seen at the airport parking lot.

    It was gathered that the heavy mobilisation of security personnel was to forestall any attempt to boo Oshiomhole or prevent him from leaving the airport.

    It was further gathered that Dr. Pius Odubu, General Charles Airhiavbere, Samson Osagie and APC chieftains loyal to Oshiomhole were at the airport to receive him.

    Some youths were also seen in clusters at the airport. The youths were heard chanting anti-Oshiomhole songs.

    A security source said some APC chieftains have raised alarm of an attack on Oshiomhole and his entourage from Abuja.

    Oshiomhole has been in running battle with the incumbent governor, Godwin Obasaki in the build up to the 2020 governorship election.

    The messy war between the duo had been on since last year over unreconciled differences. Obaseki had earlier ordered that Oshiomhole should be arrested whenever he arrived Edo State.

  • PMB: UK based Nigerian think tank expresses hope towards national peace, stability

    PMB: UK based Nigerian think tank expresses hope towards national peace, stability

    The Consultative Assembly of Arise Nigeria (UK) has expressed optimism that the menace of insecurity in Nigeria will soon become a thing of the past.

    The group also lauded the efforts by the president and other security chiefs towards national peace and stability of the country.

    Arise Nigeria, UK made this known after a tentative review of the governance under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari (May 29 to January 31st, 2020); current tensions generated by insecurities.

    The body also passed a Vote of confidence in Mr. President stimulated by prospects of analytical economic growth parameters on Nigeria and efforts towards national peace, stability and cohesion.

    This was contained in a communiqué jointly singed by Dr. Stanley Ojua, Chairman, Communiqué Drafting Committee, Arthur Chukwuemeka Jnr, Secretary and Rosemary Olarewaju, Member at the end of the meeting.

  • Security Meeting: No discussion on fate of Service Chiefs – NSA, Monguno

    The National Security Adviser (NSA), retired Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno, has dismissed speculation in some quarters that Thursday’s meeting of the National Security Council discussed the fate of the country’s service chiefs.

    President Muhammadu Buhari had on Thursday presided over the 2020 maiden meeting of the National Security Council with Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha and the security chiefs in attendance.

    The meeting came amidst calls in some quarters for the removal of the service chiefs due to the ongoing security challenges in some parts of the country.

    The House of Representatives had on Wednesday called on the service chiefs to either resign or be sacked in view of their inability to proffer solutions to the nation security challenges.

    Monguno, however, told State House correspondents at the end of the security meeting that the council which is the highest security body in the country chaired by the President, did not discuss the issue of the service chiefs.

    “The issue of the National Assembly resolution did not come up at the meeting,’’ he said.

    The NSA said the quarterly meeting focused on appraisal of the security situation across the country with a view to finding lasting solutions to the problem.

    He said: “The meeting basically made an appraisal of the current security situation in the country and took a look at the possibilities, the opportunities available to government in addressing most of the recent challenges.

    “There were discussions and at the end of the day, the most important thing that we came up with is the need for collaboration, both between governmental agencies and the larger Nigerian society because of the type of the insurgencies we are faced with, the complexities, the multiplicity of all kinds of issues.

    “There is a need for both parties, governmental agencies on one hand and the larger society to collaborate more vigorously. There is a need for us to deal with these problems in a comprehensive manner.

    “Therefore, council has decided to take a closer look at issues that will help us not just at the federal level or at the state level, but right down to the local government level.

    “But this is going to be done after due consultations with the relevant stakeholders,’’ the NSA said.

  • We are having sleepless nights over Nigeria’s security situation – Reps

    We are having sleepless nights over Nigeria’s security situation – Reps

    The House of Representatives has said that the cries of victims of insecurity in the country are giving it sleepless nights, noting that urgent legislative measures were needed to stem the tide.

    The chairman House committee on Media and Public Affairs, Rep. Benjamin Kalu(APC, Abia), who spoke at a press briefing on Tuesday also disclosed that the House would henceforth take steps aimed at changing the negative narrative about it in particular, and the National Assembly in general.

    He said: “We’re going to look at what pains you and pains us, that is insecurity that is in the land. The insecurity in the land is much. It is alarming. We can no longer paint it with beautiful colours, we can no longer discuss about it in low tunes”.

    “The cries of the people that have lost their lives are giving us sleepless nights. And something needs to be done about it. So this 9th Assembly is going to look at the various legislative interventions with regards to the insecurity in the land to ensure that Nigerians are safe, better than they have been in recent years.

    “Because that is the core mandate of every government, to protect lives and property. If you don’t protect lives, then who are we structuring our government for?”, Kalu queried.

    He noted further saying that the dimension of introducing the police into the fight against internal terrorism was a step in the right direction, just as he acknowledged the strength and capacity of the nation’s police force to effectively tackle internal security challenges.

    “You and I are both aware of what is happening with the Boko Haram insurgency in the North East and the recently proposed introduction of the police into the fight against it.

    “And as you are aware, it is the responsibility of the police to take care of internal security. So its not a wrong decision for them to be called upon to play this role that the constitution gave them mandate to play.

    “Now, there is this doubt, this aspersion against the police that will they be able to do it or not? The recent report we are getting has also shown that the police is capable of handling our internal security.

    “There are some success stories coming from what they are doing at the moment and so we are going to use legislative interventions to support them in that regard.

    “And not only that, all other players within the armed forces, we will make sure that the people are motivated the more to serve Nigeria and to protect Nigerians better,” Kalu added.