Category: Defence/Security

Interception

By Oladapo Udom

Lagos, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT has intercepted 72 bags of cannabis sativa in  Elegushi area of Lekki, Lagos State.

The Commander, NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Rafiu Oladejo ,in a statement signed on Tuesday by the base information officer, Lt. Hussaini Ibrahim, said the contrabands were intercepted on June 5.

Oladejo said the interception of the bags of cannabis,each weighing 40 kilograms ,was in furtherance of Navy’s ongoing Operation Water Guard.

Oladejo further said the interception was made possible by NNS BEECROFT Quick Response Team and Deep Blue Assets of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

“The interception was also made possible by the unrelenting efforts of the base at gathering actionable intelligence and maintenance of presence in Lagos waterways, under the tenets of Operation Water Guard.

“This  interception underscores the unwavering commitment of NNS BEECROFT to curtailing spread and use of illicit drugs among teaming youth which negatively affect their health and threaten national security.

“Perpetrators of illicit drugs should desist from such acts as NNS BEECROFT will not rest on its oars to pursuing all criminal elements operating within its area of operation,” the commander said.

Oladejo said the effort was sequel to  strategic directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla that personnel should maintain credible presence along Lagos waterways and adjoining creeks.

“This will help to rid the maritime environment of all forms of crime and criminality.

“The intercepted cannabis sativa have been handed over to the officials of National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Marine Command for further investigation,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

OUU/CHOM/BHB

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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Buhari Bolaji

Tour

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Air Force (NAF) has said that the international study tour to Turkiye and Morocco by participants of the Air Force War College (AFWC) would deepen understanding of global geopolitics and military-industrial dynamics.

This is contained in a statement by the Director, Public Relations and Information of the Service, AVM Edward Gabkwet, on Tuesday in Abuja.

Gabkwet said the tour was aimed at equipping the participants with a deeper understanding of the complexities of international politics, security, and interdependence of modern nation-states.

He said the tour themed: “Military Industrial Complex and National Development: Lessons for Nigeria”, focused on understanding the technological advancements and manufacturing capabilities of the armed forces in the countries.

Gabkwet said the participants explored how the two nations had leveraged their military-industrial complexes to bolster their national development agenda.

The statement quoted the Commandant of the College, AVM Gabriel Kehinde, as saying that the study tour provided the participants with a comprehensive understanding of the linkages between military capabilities, technological innovation, and economic progress.

Kehinde said that by examining the models adopted by Türkiye and Morocco, the college drew valuable lessons that would inform Nigeria’s path towards strengthening its defense industry and fostering sustainable national development.

He said the participants, upon their return to Nigeria, presented their findings in both oral and written forms.

According to him, the findings highlighted the unique strength, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) observed in each country.

“The insights and lessons learnt will be utilised to guide the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) strategic planning and decision-making processes, as the Service seeks to optimise its own military-industrial capabilities.

“The successful completion of the study tour underscores NAF’s commitment to fostering highly informed and strategically minded officers, capable of addressing the evolving challenges and opportunities in a rapidly changing global security environment,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

OYS/CEO/RSA

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Edited by Chidi Opara/Rabiu Sani-Ali

CDS hails military veterans on sacrifices, pledges continuous support

Veterans

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has commended the military veterans for their sacrifices and dedication to peace and security of Nigeria and the development of Armed Forces of Nigeria.

Musa, represented by the Director of Plans, Defence Headquarters, Rear Adm. Ibrahim Shettima, said this at the maiden Armed Forces of Nigeria Veterans Stakeholders Forum, on Tuesday in Abuja.

The forum has the theme, “the Nigerian Armed Forces Veterans in the Next Decade” aimed at enhancing the welfare and future prospects of Nigerian military veterans.

The CDS said that the significance of the forum was in recognising the dedication and sacrifices of veterans, and emphasised the need for continuous efforts to improve their welfare.

He said the Federal Government had made recent strides, such as the disbursement of the Security Debarment Allowance, a 20 cent cent increase in pension rates, and the inclusion of veterans in federal palliative programmes.

He said that the developments were notable achievements under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

According to him, the forum underscores their collective dedication to the well-being of the veterans.

He commended the ongoing efforts and achievements in veteran welfare, such as various scholarship and educational programmes for orphans, pre- and post-retirement programmes, and medical interventions.

Musa added that the establishment of a committee to develop a long-term strategic roadmap for veteran administration, with studies conducted in the UK, and planned visits to Egypt and the USA, was additional perspectives.

According to him, the forum will be addressing several critical issues, including governance in veteran administration, health and well-being, skills development, post-service employment, legal matters, and the protection and security of veterans.

Musa urged participants to engage in objective and professional deliberations, assuring them that the outcomes would guide future improvements in veteran administration.

On his part, the Director, Veteran Affairs, Defence Headquarters, Maj.-Gen. Danladi Salihu, expressed gratitude to the CDS for the improved veterans’ welfare initiative.

Salihu said the forum would help in addressing veteran issues, highlighting the collaborative efforts needed to implement the outcomes of the discussions.

He said the forum signified a giant step towards ensuring the well-being and recognition of Nigerian military veterans, aligning with the armed forces’ commitment to nurturing a professional and people-centric military.

The National Chairman of Nigerian Legion, retired Maj.-Gen. Abdulmalik Jibrin, thanked the CDS for bringing the veterans together to interact and share views and experiences.

Jibrin said the forum was a step in the right direction that would assist the government and their serving colleagues to see through the veterans, what the future held for them.

He also thanked the government for its efforts towards enhanced welfare of the veterans.

“This occasion, organised by the Chief of Defence Staff, is to help get together all the ideas that we share to assist them in planning the roadmap for the wellbeing of all veterans and those coming behind us,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

OYS/YMU/AMM

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Edited by Yakubu Uba and Abiemwense Moru

Drug

By Ehigimetor Igbaugba

Calabar, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Cross River Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), says it arrested no fewer than 100 suspects across the state between January and June over alleged illicit drug offences.

The State NDLEA Commander, Rachael Umebuali, said at a press briefing in Calabar on Tuesday that the command also seized 290kg of illicit drugs within the period under review.

Umebuali said that the briefing was part of activities to commemorate the 2024 United Nations Day against Drug Abuse and Trafficking.

She listed the seized illicit drugs to include, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, diazepam, tramadol, and cannabis sativa.

The commander expressed displeasure at the escalating level of drug consumption and trafficking in the state, and the country at large.

She identified Ikom, Abi, Biase and Calabar South as the local government areas with high drug abuse prevalence rates.

Umebuali said that the challenge of drug abuse had evolved into a significant social issue with consequences on security, economy and the overall welfare of the population.

“This has undeniable connections to the rise in insecurity, which is having negative impacts on peace and the economy nationwide.

“Armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, rape, and other violent crimes are attributable to the consumption of illegal drugs,” she said.

The commandant urged the government, corporate bodies and people with a desire for change to join forces with the agency to eliminate illicit drugs in the society.

He said that the command also used the week to visit places of worship to carry out anti-drug sensitisation campaigns.

“Our intention is that they will in turn sensitise their children and wards on the fight against illicit drugs.

“Drug abuse in the state is so high that we need to do a lot. We cannot do this alone without the collaboration of other agencies and the media,” she said.

Umebuali commended the state government for its support to the agency in the discharge its duties in the state.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

ESI/CEO/AZU

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Edited by Chidi Opara and Azubuike Okeh

Security
By Christian Njoku
Calabar, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Commissioner of Police in Cross River, Gyogen Grima, says the state police command is working hard with other sister security agencies to make the state a reference point in security.
Grima stated this while receiving the leadership and members of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) who paid him a courtesy visit in his office on Tuesday in Calabar.
The police commissioner commended Gov. Bassey Otu for creating a conducive environment for security agencies in the state to operate.
He called on residents to continue to remain vigilant, in spite of the peace and security currently being enjoyed.
Grima also appealed to journalists in the state to be more conscious while reporting crime, adding that reporting more on what criminals were doing could psychologically give them upper hand.
“Your publications should motivate the security agencies to do more and not mentally encourage criminal elements in the society.
“Even if reports of high crime rate are not true, they have the potential to prevent visitors and investors willing to come to the state for business or leisure,” he said.
The police commissioner described Cross River as a state well-positioned for tourism, being one of the few states that still had its pristine forests and other international standard tourist attractions.
He appealed to the government and residents of the state to create an atmosphere that would encourage outsiders to see Cross River as a key tourism destination in the country.
On her part, the Chairperson of NUJ, Mrs Archibong Bassey, thanked the police commissioner for the enhanced security in the state, noting that it would be a disservice if security operatives were not appreciated.
Bassey noted that few months ago, Cross River became strange to many who grew up in the state, following the high rate of crime and criminality.
She, however, said that the police commissioner had stemmed the tide since his assumption of office in the state.
“Although crime has not been totally put to a halt, I believe it is work in progress and we now see prompt response of security agencies during emergencies; this is highly commendable.
“Many years ago, even at 1 a.m., you could still find people on the roads but now, immediately it is 8 p.m., people are itching to go home due to the security situation.
“However, it is heartwarming that security agencies are now doing their best to restore security in the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Grima, the 44th Commissioner of Police in the state police command, assumed office in May 2023. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
CBN/WAS
Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

Army dismisses claim of recruiting jihadists

Recruitment

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Army says audio-visual recording being circulated purportedly suggesting that the army is recruiting Islamic fundamentalists and jihadists is misleading.

This is contained in a statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Tuesday in Abuja.

Nwachukwu said the footage also falsely portrayed an officer calling on Muslim young men to join the military to protect and propagate Islam.

He said that the narrative depicted in the footage is not in any instance a reflection of the true values and standards of the army.

“It is targeted at sparking palpable anxiety and fear, sowing discord and mistrust amongst our personnel, eroding public confidence in the integrity of the army,“he said.

Nwachukwu said it is also targeted particularly among Christian and non-Muslim communities, who might feel their lives and faith are under threat, and ultimately engender religious crisis in the country.

“The Nigerian army remains steadfast in upholding professionalism and impartiality as an institution devoid of ethnic and religious bigotry.

“Our operational and administrative processes and actions are guided by the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and not ethnicity or religious sentiments,” he said.

Nwachukwu urged the public to dismiss this misleading report, which evidently stems from a misconception and lack of understanding about Nigerian Army’s Standing Operating Procedures (SOP).

He said it was crucial to restate that any deviation from army’s SOP was met with appropriate disciplinary action, regardless of the personnel’s religious affiliation.

“We call on all citizens to rise above these divisive tactics and stand united.

“The strength of Nigeria lies in her unity in diversity, and it is this unique national strength and trait that the army seeks to protect while carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.

“The Nigerian army remains committed to serving and protecting all Nigerians, irrespective of religious or ethnic affiliations.

“Let us work together to maintain the peace and unity of our great nation,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

OYS/JPE

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Edited by Joseph Edeh

Misinformation, fake news as damaging as terrorism – Minister

Media

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, says that misinformation and fake news can be as damaging as the activist of terrorists.

Idris said this at a two-day workshop on “Effective Reporting: Towards Strengthening Alternatives to Terrorist Ideology” organised by the National Counter-Terrorism Centre – Office of the National Security Adviser (NCTC-ONSA), on Tuesday in Abuja.

The training was organised in collaboration with the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR).

The minister said that the media commanded an immense power to influence minds, shape narratives, and promote peace.

He added that the media could either undermine or bolster the collective efforts to provide alternatives to extremist ideologies in the fight against terrorism.

He said that journalists had the unique ability to educate, inform and inspire resilience among the public through their reports, images, and commentaries.

According to him, terrorism is not merely a physical threat.

“It is an ideological battle of the mind with the extremist groups exploiting vulnerabilities and spreading fear,” he said.

He added that the extremist groups also propagate messages that presented them as fighting for a social cause, in order to further their evil agenda.

Idris said there was the need to offer compelling, positive alternatives that resonated with the same audiences targeted by terrorists, adding that reporting played a pivotal role in this.

He urged the Defence Correspondents/Reporters to work closely with security experts, sociologists, psychologists, and community leaders to provide a multi-faceted perspective on terrorism and its alternatives.

He also challenged journalists to use data and research to back their stories, thereby enhancing credibility and depth.

“At all times, the media should uphold the ethics of journalism by being objective and fair and guard against sensationalism.

“You must also respect the dignity of victims and affected communities and void language that could be construed as biased or inflammatory.

“Please note that sensational reporting can inadvertently glorify terrorist acts and spread fear.

“Similarly, misinformation and fake news can be as damaging as the terrorist acts themselves and you must avoid this at all cost,” he said.

The minister commended the NCTC-ONSA for its proactive efforts in the fight against terrorism as well as the numerous successful rescue operations of kidnap victims, which he said were devoid of publicity.

He also commended the NCTC for its sustained strategy of regular engagement with the media, in advancing the frontiers of the fight against terrorism.

This approach, according to him, significantly contributed to shaping public perception and understanding of the complex issues surrounding terrorism and national security.

Idris reiterated the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to free and responsible journalism and pledged continuous support through access to accurate information, regular media briefings, and training opportunities.

“Together, we can create a strong, united front against terrorism,” he added.

The Secretary, Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Mr Ochiaka Ugwu, commended the centre for the engagement, saying the media had remained committed to the promotion of national security.

Ugwu said the ungoverned spaces in the country had continued to fuel insecurity in different parts of the country.

He added that there must be collaboration between the media and the military, security agencies and the authorities to cover those ungoverned spaces. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

OYS/AMM
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Edited by Abiemwense Moru