TheNewsGuru

Tag: Security

  • 2023 elections will be rancor free – NSA

    2023 elections will be rancor free – NSA

    The National Security Adviser (NSA) to the President, retired Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno, has assured Nigerians that the 2023 general elections would be conducted in an atmosphere devoid of rancor.

    Monguno gave the assurance during his meeting with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and leadership of security agencies in the country.

    He advised Nigerians to dispel any form of misinformation, fake news, and fear on the conduct of 2023 general elections, saying the election would be conducted under a peaceful atmosphere.

    Monguno said that the meeting was to look at certain issues that dominated both the political and economic spaces in the country in the last couple of weeks, leading to apprehensions, agitation, fear, and uncertainty with regards to the general Elections.

    “We are all aware of the current situation in the country. There is a need for me to reassure citizens of this country that whatever fears, whatever agitations we have I would want to dispel such feelings.

    “The 2023 elections will go on in a climate devoid and bereft of rancor. The security agencies have done a lot in the last couple of months to put things in place.”

    Monguno said that the security agencies were sure of the measures they had put in place.

    “We are not in anyway in doubt what the situation of the country is but we need to let the entire country know that agents of bad news are peddling all kinds of stories around.

    “We see these on social media and hear things on many platforms. If these are intended to scare people, I want to dispel such illusions.

    “Everybody that is concerned in carrying out his legitimate undertaking, casting his or her vote will do so in a secured atmosphere.

    “It is very important that Nigerians are not pushed to the limit where they will abandon their number one responsibility as citizens.

    “I have confidence in the work of security agencies had been doing.

    “The Nigeria Police Force is a lead agency and has assured all of us repeatedly during our meeting and engagement and I know all the security agencies are up to the task.”

    Monguno said that the remaining days to the election would be used to intensify efforts among security agencies for election security.

    On his part, the Chief of Defense Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor, restated the commitment of the armed forces to work with the Police and other security agencies to ensure that INEC conducts the 2023 general elections without hitches.

    “I believe that this meeting today couldn’t have come at a better time to look at what we have done thus far. What gaps do exist and how we can close it,” Irabor said.

    The Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba, also assured members of the public that the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, are fully prepared for 2023 general elections.

    Baba pledged that the security personnel would provide a level-playing ground for Nigerians to exercise their franchise.

    “We are aware of the situation in Nigeria in terms of crime and criminality, and in terms of the general situation, particularly in the south East.

    “We are prepared to checkmate the activities of those who do not even want the election to take place and also provide a level-playing ground for those who are willing to exercise the franchise to do so,” Baba said.

    In his remarks, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmud Yakubu, welcomed the assurances from security agencies for the peaceful conduct of the 2023 general elections.

    Yakubu said that INEC looks forward to the comprehensive plan for the deployment of security personnel to their various duty posts.

    “This arrangement has been done in the past and has greatly facilitated rapid response to situations that may arise in the field either on Election Day or during the collation of results.”

    Yakubu said that for INEC, its preparation for the election had gone far as most of the sensitive and non-sensitive materials were already in the various locations nationwide.

    “Training of all categories of ad hoc staff will soon take place and election technology has been tested, mock accreditation conducted and configuration underway.

    “The movement of personnel and materials has been worked out with the land and maritime transport unions.

    “Facilities destroyed in recent attacks have either been repaired already or are being repaired.

    “Where the damage is extensive, alternative facilities have been secured while materials lost will be replaced.”

    He said that INEC had also engaged other critical national institutions such as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) with regard to the adequate supply of petroleum products and the arrangement to pay for critical services without any encumbrances.

    “We are glad that additional security has been deployed to our facilities nationwide.

    “We also note the increasing tempo of activities in many troubled spots nationwide.

    “We are confident that these actions will further reassure voters, our personnel, service providers and stakeholders of their safety during elections and of a free, fair and peaceful process,” Yakubu said.

  • Polls: Buhari directs NIS to tighten border security

    Polls: Buhari directs NIS to tighten border security

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday directed the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to enhance border surveillance and control ahead of the forthcoming general election.

    This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja by Mr Sola Fasure, the Media Adviser to Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola.

    Aregbesola conveyed the President’s directive while inaugurating Katsina State NIS Command office and Roll-Out of the enhanced e-Passport in the state.

    “President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered that Nigerian borders should be made impenetrable to foreign bodies who might want to come in and manipulate the election process or engage in other nefarious activities.

    “The order from the President is that between now and the time that we conclude all the elections, please make our borders impregnable. They should still remain impregnable, even after the elections.

    “We don’t want a situation whereby those who are not qualified to vote in Nigeria will come into our nation to illegally participate in the process,” Aregbesola added.

    The minister reiterated that the primary assignment of the service was border control and not passport issuance.

    The minister, however, said migration management was another primary responsibility of the service, as such, they  must ensure migrants were effectively regulated and documented, as passport issuance was complimentary.

    He assured that the nation’s borders would soon be covered using latest surveillance technology.

    “We are deploying electronic digital technology to ensure 24/7 inch by inch surveillance of the 4,500 kilometres borderline from the eastern part to the western part including coastlines.

    “This is one of the several achievements of the President’s administration.”

    He added that Katsina has 14 border positions across 400km borderline manned by immigration personnel, and assured that the government was confident of protecting the border positions.

    In his remarks, Gov. Aminu Masari, represented by the Secretary to the Government of Katsina State, Alhaji Muntari Lawal, commended the NIS for helping to curb the menace of insecurity in the state.

    The governor also commended the Ministry of Interior for successfully establishing a state command of the immigration service in Katsina.

  • Govt beefs up security as Buhari arrives Kano

    Govt beefs up security as Buhari arrives Kano

    Security has been beefed up in parts of Kano metropolis in readiness for President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to the state to commission eight development projects.

    As of 7 a.m., security personnel – the Police, the Civil Defence Corps, the FRSC and the state’s Road Traffic Agency (KAROTA), were drafted ahead of the visit.

    The roads manned by the security operatives included Sabo Bakin Zuwo, formerly known as State Road, Emir’s Palace, Ahmadu Bello Way and Audu Bako Way.

    A statement on Sunday by the state Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Malam Muhammad Garba, said arrangements had been concluded to receive the President.

    Garba said Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje would receive the President and his entourage.

    While in Kano, Buhari would commission the 10 megawatts Federal Government’s Kano Grid Solar Power, and the multi-billion Naira Dala Inland Dry Port in Zawachiki, Kumbotso Local Government area.

    He also said Buhari would commission the Kano State Data Centre at Audu Bako Secretariat, Tier Data Centre and office complex at Galaxy Backbone Limited on Ahmadu Bello Way.

    The others are Cancer Treatment Centre at Muhammadu Buhari Specialist Hospital, Giginyu; Muhammadu Buhari Road Rotary Interchange at NNPC Station, on Maiduguri Road; Aliko Dangote Ultra-Modern Skill Acquisition Centre, Zaria Road and Federal Government Housing Units at Gandun Sarki, Darmanawa.

  • What I will do before handing over on May 29 – President Buhari

    What I will do before handing over on May 29 – President Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday in Abuja said the gains recorded in security will be further consolidated, and more attention will be given to the economy, before he hands over on May 29, 2023.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports President Buhari disclosed this while receiving Executive members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at the State House, President Buhari.

    Buhari said the security situation in the country had improved over the years, particularly in the North East where he said the focus had shifted to rebuilding infrastructure and re-orientation on education.

    “I am very grateful for your visit to the Presidential Villa, and I agree with you on some of the observations you have made. The question of insecurity is most important to us because unless a country or institution is at peace, it will be difficult to manage.

    “I just came back from Adamawa and Yobe States. During the visit to both states, I listened carefully to what the people and officials had to say. And they all said the situation had improved since 2015, especially in Borno State.

    “Boko Haram was just fraudulent and a plot to destroy Nigeria. You can’t say people should not learn; the people need to grow intellectually,’’ he said.

    President Buhari told the Catholic Bishops that the government will continue rebuilding infrastructure in parts of the country affected by terrorist attacks, while underscoring that terrorists had no control over any space in Nigeria.

    “Some people have acknowledged the difference,’’ he added.

    On the economy, the President said creditors had full confidence in Nigeria, with the capacity to utilize resources and repay loans before the approvals were granted.

    “We are credible, that’s why the countries and institutions agreed to support our development with the loans,’’ he stated.

    President Buhari said the destruction of oil facilities slowed the generation of revenues, and the government would be harder on saboteurs.

    “If you look at the economy, we are trying hard to rely more on ourselves. Nigerians rely more on agriculture for livelihood, and we are putting in our best to enable more people, and diversify,’’ the President noted.

    He said some of the challenges faced in the past, which include coups and counter-coups, and civil war, had prepared the nation for survival.

    “We thank God that Nigeria is still one,’’ he said. “We should not forget that more than a million died for the nation to survive.’’

    The President noted that he had been part of Nigeria’s history since 1967, fighting in the civil war, serving as governor, minister, Head of State, Chairman of Petroleum Trust Fund, contesting presidential elections in 2003, 2007 and 2011, before winning in 2015.

    “We should thank God, and we should reflect on these things and thank God more,’’ he added.

    In his remarks, the leader of the delegation and President of the CBCN, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, commended the President for reforms in the electoral system, making it more stable and fair, particularly the signing of the Electoral Bill into law.

    “We commend and congratulate you for the efforts the government has put into ensuring real improvement in our electoral system and processes, especially your signing into law the electoral bill.

    “Please do not relent in making sure that INEC and other relevant agencies of government carry out their serious duties to conduct peaceful, free, fair, and credible elections,’’ he said.

    Ugorji urged the President to use the remaining months in office as Commander-in-Chief to tackle insecurity in the country, and improve the economy.

    “The main crux of our message to you today is one of fervent appeal and strong encouragement. Your tenure of two terms as President, Commander-In-Chief of Nigeria, is drawing to an end. But we believe a lot can be done to turn things around for the better in the about four months left of your presidency before you step down in May 2023.

    “We have seen some signs that the government is not entirely incapable of tackling the sad state of insecurity in the land, which has consumed thousands of innocent Nigerians across all religions, creed, and ethnic groups,’’ the cleric noted.

    The Catholic Bishops presented a souvenir to President Buhari, containing a letter of encouragement and prayers for the forthcoming elections.

  • Police beef security in Adamawa ahead of President Buhari’s visit

    Police beef security in Adamawa ahead of President Buhari’s visit

    The Police Command in Adamawa has deployed additional assets to ensure a hitch-free visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to the state.

    The command also ordered officers to display high level of professionalism and respect for human rights.

    SP Suleiman Nguroje, the Command’s spokesman, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Yola.

    Buhari will be in the State on Monday to flag off the governorship campaign rally of Sen. Aishatu Binani.

    He stated that the additional operational assets included, but not limited to, surveillance patrol men, tactical/operational teams, Police Mobile Force (PMF) and Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU).

    “The teams are expected to carry out covert surveillance as well as confidence-building patrols in the state in conjunction with sister security agencies.

    “The CP is assuring of synergy and good working relationship amongst all security agencies which will be put into place.

    “And that the NPF is committed to working with other patriotic stakeholders towards ensuring public order in the State before, during and after the visit of Mr President.

    “The CP being the head of internal security in the state is already on ground to coordinate the security deployment and ensure all things being equal, the visit of Mr President is hitch-free,” he stated.

    Nguroje further said that CP has equally directed that vehicular movement be restricted especially those coming from Sangere-Numan road to Yola town to branch from FGGC junction through Jambutu Motor Park leading to Doubeli Junction.

    He said for those coming from Yola town to the Airport, they are advised to take the 80 Housing units through the Commissioner’s Quarters down to Mubi roundabout.

    “The Command while regretting the inconveniences it might have caused, appeal to the general public to conduct themselves and cooperate with security agents in the course of discharging their constitutional mandate,” he urged.

  • AIG assures Sokoto residents of security during Yuletide season

    AIG assures Sokoto residents of security during Yuletide season

    The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 10 Headquarters, Sokoto, AIG Bello Dalijan, has reassured residents in Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara states that efforts to prevent crime and improve public safety will continue during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

    In compliance with the Inspector-General of Police’s order, Dalijan has instructed the commissioners of police and tactical commanders in the zone to strengthen security during the holiday season and beyond to prevent any incidents.

    The AIG urged and advised that supervisory CPs in Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states with their respective area commanders should ensure adequate deployment of officers and assets to prevent crimes as well as build confidence in the citizens.

    The police boss charged officers to engage in critical assessment of threat prone areas, thorough stop and search, raids on black spots and other anti-crime strategies capable of sustaining peace and public safety in the zone. The AIG further warned that personnel deployed must be professional and mindful of the fundamental human rights of the citizens, and discharge their responsibilities with all sense of decorum and alertness.

    AIG Dalijan also used the opportunity to advise politicians within the zone to play according to the rules and ensure peaceful electioneering campaigns while also admonishing parents not to allow their children to be used as political thugs in the forthcoming elections. He assured the general public that the Nigeria Police Force under the leadership of the IGP had put all security mechanisms in place to ensure peaceful conduct of the 2023 general election.

    The AIG Zone 10, while congratulating the Christian faithful in the zone and the country in general, enjoined them to celebrate and enjoy the beauty of the Christmas season while remaining security conscious. He equally urged them to report all suspicious individuals, movements, or activities to the police for prompt intervention as he admonished them to cooperate with men of the Police and other sister security agencies deployed to duty at strategic places for the Christmas/New Year celebrations across the zone.”

  • We have made significant strides in security, anti-corruption, others – Buhari

    We have made significant strides in security, anti-corruption, others – Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari has stated that the Government has recorded significant strides in the three major pillars of the present administration since 2015. The major pillars included security, economy and anti-corruption.

    He stated this at the Ebonyi Maiden Honours Awards at the state Ecumenical Centre in Abakaliki on Thursday night.

    Buhari, represented by his Chief of Staff, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, commended Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi on his shining principles and for the development of the state.

    “I commend Umahi on his support to the federal government policies on diversification of the economy through agriculture and ensuring food security.

    “Today, Ebonyi state is one of the highest producers of rice in the country. This is a shining example of what is possible under a visionary and determined leader,” the president said.

    On the state award, Buhari noted that it was good to encourage quality services and leadership.

    Newsmen reports that an award was conferred on former President Goodluck Jonathan as Great Grand Commander Of Ebonyi Hall of Fame (GGCEHF).

    Responding, Jonathan described the award as significant and urged Umahi to continue to showcase good governance for his people and Nigeria at large.

    He further commended Umahi for lifting Ebonyi with meagre resources for mega projects.

    “Umahi is doing well for his people and Nigeria at large. Award is a relevant thing and not just groundnut shared by the children.

    “Awards are being given to those who have made significant contribution to the state of the nation. We are happy today, we have been honoured.

    “So, we thank Ebonyi state government for recorgnising us and we promised to do our best to support them in any way and anywhere we are.

    “As we have been honoured today, we are indebted to the state,” the former president stated.

    NAN reports that other awardees are the Inspector General of Police Baba Alkali and the family of late General Sani Abacha, who created the state.

    The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Onyenuche; former governor of Abia Theodore Orji; and Ebonyi founding fathers, were among other recipients for their selfless contributions to the progress of the state.

    Umahi had earlier said the event was to recognise those who contributed enormously to the creation and development of the state.

    He thanked Buhari and Jonathan on their support to Ebonyi.

  • Dakuku tasks experts to monitor likely threats of bioterrorism

    Dakuku tasks experts to monitor likely threats of bioterrorism

    Turnaround Expert and former DG/CEO of Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dakuku Peterside has advised biosafety professionals to keep an eye on the possibility of terrorists in the country resorting to bioterrorism to achieve their wicked objectives.

    Dr Dakuku was speaking as the chairman of the annual conference of Nigeria Biological Safety Association (NIBSA) held in Abuja.

    While appreciating the work being done by the association in building capacity for biosafety and bio security in medical science and laboratory practice, particularly in response to emerging diseases,  he noted that it is also important to look at other areas.

    Peterside argued that biotechnology has applications in agriculture, veterinary medicine, industries, warfare and the environment, while stressing that emphasis should not be on medical science alone.

    He commended Nigeria for being among the few African countries with regulatory framework for managing biosafety and biosecurity, in addition to being party to a number of international conventions.

    The former NIMASA boss charged practitioners to collaborate with regulatory agencies and society at large to ensure the safe use of biotechnology applications as biosafety by its nature requires teamwork.

    “We as practitioners owe ourselves, stakeholders and society as a whole the duty of preventing and mitigating hazards associated with our work in handling biological materials.

    “This responsibility extends to enlightening and educating citizens on possible risk associated with biotechnology and handling of biological materials,” he stated.

    He also advocated the deepening of biosafety in drug manufacturing, agriculture and industrialization to boost the economy.

    Equally important is the threat of the next pandemic, he disclosed, saying it is an added reason to build capacity as practitioners.

    Dr Dakuku commended NIBSA for the good work they are doing and wished all participants successful deliberation at the conference.

    At the conference were Dr Oliver Manijart of Prolab, working with World Health Organization who joined online; Hon Daniel Nanbol of Plateau State House of Assembly, Representative of Dr Adetifa Ifedayo of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Dr Ahmad Waleed Joyan, Representatives of Federal Ministry of Health, Medical Laboratory Council of Nigeria, Nurses and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and Representative of Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

  • 2023: Atiku vows to restore security in Nigeria, revamp economy

    2023: Atiku vows to restore security in Nigeria, revamp economy

    People’s Democratic Party’s (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar has promised to address security challenges in Nigeria and revamp the nation’s economy if elected as president in 2023.

    Abubakar said this at the flag off campaign rally in Jos on Tuesday. He also promised to run a government that would work for every Nigerian and restore its glory.

    “If elected into office at the general election, I promise to restore the peace and security in the country and revamp the economy.

    “I also promise to bring back the peace that Plateau had enjoyed in the past, revamp its economy and ensure we connect Plateau to its neighbouring states.

    “The roads in Plateau state is in a very bad state, there are no connecting roads to neighbouring states, I will ensure we fix them immediately we get into office,” he said.

    The PDP National Chairman, Sen. Iyorchia Ayu in a remark, said that the party was on a historic mission, stating that there were no cracks in the party and were one on the same mission.

    Ayu called on party supporters to vote for all candidates on the platform of the PDP, promising to restore what the country had lost.

    Similarly, the Director-General of the party’s presidential campaign council, Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, said that Plateau was a PDP state, urging them to vote the party across all levels to return the lost glory of the state and country at large.

    The PDP governorship candidate in the state, Dr Caleb Mutfwang, appreciated the people of the state for always voting the party over the years.

    Mutfwang called on citizens of Plateau to vote the party again to bring about the desired change they desired.

    Plateau PDP Chairman Chris Hassan assured citizens that the party was one and had mapped out strategies to win the election, assuring the presidential candidate of more than two million votes.

    In Atiku’s entourage are Gov. Emmanuel Udom of Akwa Ibom, Sen. Bukola Saraki and Sen. Philip Aduda, among others.

  • Buhari promises to hand over Nigeria free of insecurity

    Buhari promises to hand over Nigeria free of insecurity

    President Muhammadu Buhari says he is ready to hand over Nigeria free of insecurity to the next administration.

    Buhari made the promise at the 46th Convocation ceremony of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, at Oduduwa Hall Amphitheatre of the University, on Saturday in Ile-Ife.

    Represented by Dr Biodun Saliu, the Director, Academic Planning at the National Universities Commission (NUC), Buhari reaffirmed his commitment to the security of lives and property.

    “We remain firmly committed to the security of lives, property and investment across the country.

    “This administration will continue to confront all forms of banditry, criminality, terorism ad insurgency in the land.

    “I promise to hand over a Nigeria that is free of insecurity to the next administration,” the president said.

    He, also reiterated his commitment to education, saying that his administration had pumped more funds into the nation’s tertiary education more than any previous government.

    According to him, the flagstaff of this regime remains the enhancement of higher educational institutions, as they are supportive of the efforts to promote training, research and community services in the universities.

    The president said he expected that the nation’s universities should be problem- solvers and impact heavily on the socioeconomic life of the nation.

    According to him, more premium has been placed on education and security and I have no intention of lowering the guard.

    “In our determined effort to resolve the incessant strikes in our higher institutions of learnings, we have provided a total sum of N470.00 billion in the 2023 budget from our constrained resources, for revitalisation and salary enhancement.

    “I want all of us to know and note that government alone cannot provide the resources required for funding tertiary education.

    “In fact, in most countries, the cost of education is jointly shared between the government and the people, especially at the tertiary level.

    “It is imperative, therefore, that we introduce a highly sustainable model of funding tertiary education.

    “This government remains committed to the implementation of agreement reached with staff unions within the available resources, and we are resolute that we will not sign any agreement that we cant truthfully implement.

    “Government is equally committed to improving the quality of education at other levels, ” Buhari said.

    Earlier, the Etsu Nupe, also the Chancellor of the university, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, commended the effort of the graduands to succeed through their persistence, resilience and determination, which singled them out for excellence, honour and recognition.

    Abubakar advised them to hold their head high as worthy ambassadors and explore the world around them and beyond with natural resources of great wealth, waiting to be tapped.

    Also, the university Pro-Chancellor, Owelle Udoji, congratulated the graduands and their relatives on their success academically.

    Udoji acknowledged the fatherly roles played by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, to maintain peace and tranquility between the community and the university.

    He urged the graduands to utilise the knowledge gain from the university to make their lives better.

    Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simeon Bamire, commended the university staff for their unflinching supports for stability and return of normalcy to the institution, in spite of the unresolved issues between them and the government.

    Bamire pledged to strengthen student/alumni relations, increase opportunities for internally generated revenue, while removing leakages and wastages.

    The vice-chancellor promised to improve the institution’s agricultural production initiatives, prioritise staff welfare through regular promotion with training and retraining programmes for achievement sustainability.

    “The university has continued to play a leading role of technology, while the African Centre of Excellence in Software Engineering Project of the school has tremendously advanced the frontiers of technological development in Nigeria and Africa.

    “The university is reconstituting the Town and Gown Committee to further strengthen the cordial relationship between the two entities to meet up with the social and communal challenges that may arise,” he said.

    Bamire assured them that the graduands have been academically equiped, urging them to utilise their gainful knowledge to provide solution to the nation’s economic challenges and be good ambassadors of the university.

    Newsmen reports that 130 bagged First Class out of 6,542 graduands.