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Category: Defence/Security

  • NDLEA intercepts 230,600 Tramadol tablets, arrests 106 suspects in Kano

    NDLEA intercepts 230,600 Tramadol tablets, arrests 106 suspects in Kano
    Arrest
    By Ramatu Garba
    Kano, June 15, 2024(NAN) The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Kano State Command, said it has intercepted 230,600 tablets of Tramadol and arrested 106 suspects in the state.
    Its Commander, Mr Abubakar Idris-Ahmad, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) on Saturday in Kano.
    Idris-Ahmad said, “The command between June 10 and June 13, in its operation ahead of Eid-el Kabir celebration, intercepted 230,600 Tramadol tablets along Zaria-Kano road.
    “The operations, mandated by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, retired Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Buba-Marwa, in curbing the menace of drug abuse in Nigeria, resulted to the arrest”
    He disclosed that the agency also arrested 106 male suspects,  among which 11 were identified as major drug dealers.
    “The suspects were arrested at various drug joints in Sani Abacha Stadium, Karkasara, Sani Abacha Youth Center, Dorayi, Dan-Agundi graveyard, Brigade Mini Stadium and the infamous Filin Idi drug den”
    The exhibits recovered include: Cannabis sativa, rubber solution, suck and die, exol tablets, codeine syrup and some other illicit substances.
    “These illicit substances were intended for distribution and use during the Eid -el Kabir celebrations.
    “NDLEA Kano Command is committed to eradicating the scourge of drug abuse and trafficking,” Idris-Ahmad said
    The commander also wished the good people of Kano State a drug-free Sallah celebration and urged the public to report any drug-related activity to the nearest NDLEA office.
    ” Together, we can work towards creating a safer and healthier community for all,” Idris-Ahmad said(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    RG/BRM
    =============
    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • CAS inaugurates runway lights, airfield facilities, other projects in Kaduna

  • Eid-el-kabir: FRSC mobilises 589 personnel for patrol in Borno

    Eid-el-kabir: FRSC mobilises 589 personnel for patrol in Borno

    FRSC

    Maiduguri, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) command in Borno says it has mobilised 589 personnel for patrol and traffic control to ensure smooth Eid-el-kabir celebrations in the state.

    The Borno Sector Commander, Mr Yelwa Dio, made this known in Maiduguri on Friday while briefing stakeholders comprising transport unions, youth groups, drivers, media, religious and traditional rulers on the ccomman’s preparations for the festival.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that all is now set for the Muslim festival of sacrifice (Eid el-kabir) on Sunday, after Hajj pilgrims have observed the standing on Mount Arafat on Saturday.

    Eid el-Kabir dates back to the historic event when Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) was commanded by Allah (God) in a vision to sacrifice his son, Ishmail (Isaac).
    The festival is to commemorate the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to Allah ‘s command. 
    Dio, therefore, said that the FRSC personnel comprised 87 officers, 464 Marshals and 38 Special Marshals.

    He added that the command also mobilised 11 patrol vans, three ambulances and a tow truck, stressing that “our rescue standby will be 24 hours. If there’s any accident or crash, don’t hesitate to call 122 emergency toll free or CUG number 08077690122.”

    He urged drivers to respect traffic rules and regulations, adding that the corps was into partnership with other security agencies to ensure motorists obey necessary rules and regulations during and after the festive period.

    He cautioned parents and guardians against giving their wards cars to be speeding around in the name of celebration.

    Dio said the command was also talking with the judiciary for a joint task force with mobile court for instant trial of offenders.

    While urging for full support and cooperation of stakeholders toward a hitch-free celebration, the commander lauded the Borno Government for its support and commitment to improving the transport sector in the state.

    He noted that the construction of roads and provision of subsidised buses and taxis to ease transportation was a welcome development that deserves commendation. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    HSM/YMU/HA

    Edited by Yakubu Uba/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

  • Eid-el Kabir: FRSC deploys 750 personnel, 16 patrol vehicles in Benue

     

     

    Eid-el Kabir: FRSC deploys 750 personnel, 16 patrol vehicles in Benue

    Deployment

    By Emmanuel Antswen
    Makurdi, June 14, 2024(NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Benue Sector Command, says it has deployed 750 officers, 16 patrol vehicles, a towing van, ambulances and motorcycles ahead of the Eid-el Kabir celebration.
    The State Sector Commander, Mr Steve Ayodele, disclosed this on Friday in Makurdi, adding that the command had also  deployed a standby rescue team.
    Ayodele said that the 750 officers were deployed to all the 23 Local Government Areas of the State and specific areas of concern.
    He said the command also deployed 16 vehicles, two ambulances, one towing van and two motorcycles for the exercise.
    He further explained that the Eid-el Kabir operation, which would last for one week, would have  officers regularly visiting  parks and other public places for enlightenment of citizens.
    He said they also have two functional clinics in Aliade and Katsina-Ala to attend to road crash victims where necessary.
    According to him, the Command also has a functional situation room and free lines to monitor happenings across the State..
    The Sector Commander warned that trailers or trucks caught conveying goods, animals and human beings would be arrested and the drivers sanctioned accordingly.
    He urged the public to support the Corps to have a crash-free celebration by reporting erring drivers.
    “When drivers drive recklessly, it is your right as commuters to report to the FRSC or any other security outposts on the highways,” he said (NAN) www.nannews.ng
    AEB/BEN/YGA
    ===========
    Edited by Benson Ezugwu/ Gabriel Yough

  • Eid-el-Kabir: NSCDC deploys 2,150 personnel for security in Ogun

    Eid-el-Kabir: NSCDC deploys 2,150 personnel for security in Ogun

    NSCDC operatives apprehend five suspected pipeline vandals in Rivers for connecting pipes to NNPC pipeline to steal crude oil

    Security

    By Bukola Adetoye

    Abeokuta, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ogun Command, has deployed 2,150 defenders for effective security  during the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations in the state.

    A statement signed by the NSCDC Corps Commandant ( CC) , Mr  David Ojelabi and released by the command’s spokesperson, Mr Dyke Ogbonnaya, in Abeokuta, on Friday said the defenders would do their best in this direction.

    Ojelabi said the mandate given to the defenders include protection of lives and property, maintenance of law and surveillance on all government critical infrastructure.

    The Corps Commander said tactical teams like the Counter-Terrorism Unit, the Special Female Squad :Special Armed Squad; the Anti-Vandal Squad were already working on their various beats .

    ” Other tactical teams deployed include the Mines and Steel Monitoring Squad; the Disaster and Rescue Management Unit amongst others, for a peaceful celebration in the state,” he said.

    He said the command would deploy sophisticated surveillance and intelligence network to oversee operational officers and men.

    “All public places such as praying grounds, market places, recreation centres, electricity cables and assets, black spots and other places with high human population and activities would be guarded ,” he said

    The NSCDC boss said the corps would not hesitate to arrest anyone suspected to be undermining the peaceful coexistence in Ogun.

    He said the operational order had also been extended to the Ojude-Oba festival in Ijebu-Ode and its environs.

    ” The festival  is a global and annual gathering of all sons and daughters of Ijebuland which comes two days immediately after the Eid-el Kabir celebrations in the state.,” he said .

    He implored residents to provide necessary and required intelligence for the arrest of anyone found to be breaching public peace. (NAN)
    (www.nannews.ng)
    OBA/EBI/SOA

    Edited by Benson Iziama/Oluwole Sogunle

  • Eid-el-Kabir: FRSC deploys 800 operatives for hitch-free celebration in Abia

    Eid-el-Kabir: FRSC deploys 800 operatives for hitch-free celebration in Abia

    FRSC
    By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
    Umuahia, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Abia Sector Command, says it has deployed 500 regular marshals and 300 special marshals to strategic locations in the state for a hitch-free Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

    The Sector Commander, Mr Fredrick Ogidan, said this at a news briefing on Friday in Umuahia, while speaking on the command’s level of preparedness for the celebration.

    Ogidan said, “Our patrol men are already on the road doing speed calming, cautioning drivers and ensuring that people drive safe to their destination.”

    He said that the major preoccupation of the corps during such festive periods was not to arrest but ensure that the road would be free of any obstructions and  gridlocks.

    Ogidan said that dangerous driving and overtaking, lane indiscipline as well as excessive speed often lead to road crashes.

    He, therefore, warned the motoring public against engaging in such acts.

    He also said that such road traffic infractions were common on the highways, adding that FRSC personnel were already on the roads to keep the situation under control.

    The sector commander further  said that the command had deployed vehicles for effective patrol and tow trucks for promp clearance of obstructions on the highway.

    He said that the corps was collaborating with Abia Emergency Medical Services, Fire Service, Homeland Security and other security agencies to ensure effective implementation of all directives for a safe celebration.

    He also said that the command  had set up a traffic control camp and rescue operation point, with a  health section that would offer first aid to accident victims before taking them to hospital.

    “Our ambulances would be visible, our tow trucks would be positioned where they could be easily called and our men will be on the road throughout the day.

    “In the office, we have a 24 hours rescue team on ground and we can be contacted on our 122 line, which is toll free,” Ogidan said.

    He said that the command had commenced effective enforcement of disallowing the use of trucks and articulated vehicles to convey passengers and goods simultaneously.

    “We have visited  the Lokpanta Cattle Market to further drive the message home that any articulated vehicle conveying goods and passengers would be stopped and sanctioned.

    “The  passengers on the trailer will be made to take appropriate alternative means of transport, while the trailer driver would be made to pay fines,” he added

    Ogidan said that the Abia Government had provided the command with special courts to facilitate timely prosecution of traffic offenders.

    “Our special operation starts from today to the 21st.

    “During the programme, we will be doing a lot of arrest of traffic offenders and arraigning them before a magistrate for prosecution.

    “There is yet another arrangement, which is the prosecution of drivers of vehicles involved in crashes, resulting in death of passengers.

    “The driver will be prosecuted not just for minor traffic offence but for driving a vehicle in a manner that led to the loss of life and property.

    “We would be organising a minimum of two mobile courts, doing one on the 19th and another on the 20th,” Ogidan said.

    He advised Abia residents to abstain from causing road obstructions, use of phones while driving and overloading of vehicles.

    He also urged motorists to wear seat belts and use child restraints because they have the ability to reduce the impact of any crash by at least 50 per cent.

    “All hands are on deck to ensure that the celebration period is hitch-free and accident-free,” Ogidan said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    INA/USO
    Edited by Sam Oditah

  • Tinubu calls for stronger collaboration with FBI to fight cybercrime, terrorism

    President Bola and FBI Director, Christopher Asher Wray, at a meeting at the State House on Friday in Abuja

     

    Collaboration

    By Salif Atojoko

    Abuja, June 14, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu has called for stronger collaboration between Nigeria’s law enforcement agencies and the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the fight against cybercrime, terrorism, and other related crimes. 

    The President made the call during a meeting with FBI Director, Christopher Asher Wray, at the State House on Friday in Abuja.

    Tinubu described the presence of the FBI Director alongside his team in Nigeria as a recognition of the enduring partnership between Nigeria and the U.S. in the fight against financial crimes and terrorism. 

    Security chiefs who attended the meeting included the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun and Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Yusuf Magaji Bichi.

    Also in attendance were the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) and Chief of Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye.

    The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Olanipekun Olukoyede; and the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, were also present.

    Tinubu said it was an honour for him to receive Wray, the leader of an organisation that had demonstrated consistent procedural sophistication and a reputation for excellence over several years.

    “Your visit conveys the importance of Nigeria and Nigerian partnership in the work of America’s law enforcement institutions and vice-versa.

    “For us, it is a recognition of what stage we are at, who we are, and the level of interest both countries share in eliminating crimes locally and globally.

    “We cannot achieve this important feat of eliminating crimes without collaboration.

    “Incidentally, as the Chairman of ECOWAS, Nigeria is also collaborating with other West African countries to fight economic and other related crimes,” the President said.

    He told the FBI Director that his administration had prioritised education as a tool against poverty, which was generally believed to be a driver of criminal activities.

    “We are working hard to eliminate terrorism, cybercrimes, sextortion, and I am glad that we have a good number of agencies that are involved in reducing these crimes to the barest minimum, and they are also well represented at this meeting,” said Tinubu.

    Noting that no single country could combat financial crimes in isolation, he called on the U.S. to support developing countries with the requisite technology and knowledge transfer required to combat complex international crimes.

    In his remarks, Wray said he was in the country to enhance the “outstanding partnership” that existed between the government of Nigeria and the government of the U.S. 

    He lauded Tinubu for supporting the growing partnerships between various agencies of government and the FBI in order to protect the citizens of both countries. 

    “We appreciate the President’s vision in countering terrorism in the region, which is a dangerous threat, not only to the countries in the region but also to the United States. 

    “We appreciate your vision in re-engineering the role of the Office of the NSA to effectively coordinate efforts on counter-terrorism, and this has already started to bear fruits in terms of the success you are recording against ISIS in West Africa and other terrorist groups. 

    “We appreciate your support and collaboration on cyber-enabled crimes and sextortion, which has unfortunately resulted in a few tragic deaths in the United States. 

    “I want to assure you of our support whether it is on counter-terrorism, cyber-enabled crimes, kidnapping, joint investigations, and intelligence sharing. Our relationship with Nigeria is a very important one,” the FBI Director said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SA/VIV

    =====

    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

  • Eid-el-Kabir: FRSC deploys 723 operatives, 12 patrol vehicles in Imo

    Eid-el-Kabir: FRSC deploys 723 operatives, 12 patrol vehicles in Imo

    Deployment
    By Victor Nwachukwu
    Owerri, June 14, 2024 (NAN)  The Federal Safety Corps (FRSC)  in Imo says the command has deployed 723 operatives and 12 patrol vehicles to ensure a hitch-free Eid-el-Kabir celebration in the state.
    Corps Commander of the FRSC in Imo, Mr Evaristus Ebeniro, made the disclosure while addressing newsmen in Owerri, on Friday.
    Ebeniro, who thanked the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, for logistics and other support, said the operatives consisted of 369 regular officers and 354 special marshals.
    He said that in addition to the  patrol vehicles, three ambulances and two tow trucks had been dispatched to various locations in the state for use by the operatives.
    These, he said, would help to achieve a reduction in road traffic crashes, fatalities and injuries as well as aid prompt response to road traffic emergencies and unhindered engagement with road users.
     “ We expect a slight increase in vehicular traffic across the state especially in the interstate roads such as the Owerri-Port Harcourt, Owerri-Umuahia and other traffic hotspots such as the Douglas road and Control post.
     “ At the headquarters, there is a situation room that monitors road situation and shares information with relevant state commands,” he said.
    He advised drivers to be civil, courteous and realise that family, friends and loved ones await them and the commuters, hence the need to avoid over speeding and reckless driving.
    He noted that mobile courts had been set up in close collaboration with the Nigerian Bar Association to checkmate the excesses of reckless drivers and urged commuters to report reckless drivers to the authorities for appropriate sanctions.
     “ The 2024 Eid-el-Kabir patrol will begin today, June 14 and end on June 21, to showcase our level of preparedness as well as our commitment to safety of road users during and after the festivities.
     “ To reduce road accidents, trucks should not be used to convey passengers,  drink-driving must be avoided at all cost and drivers must show a high level of respect for life by being safety conscious “, he said.
     “ In the event of an emergency, the general public should please call the following phone numbers : 112 and 122 which are toll free as well as the Commander’s official phone number 08077690904,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
     VIN /VIV
    ====
    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

  • Flood: LASG demolishes street gates, fences, security post in Okota

    One of the gates/fence causing flood at Victory Estate Okota Lagos, demolished by LASG on Friday (NAN)

     

    Flood
    By Moses Omorogieva
    Lagos, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Government has demolished some street gates, security post and fences of houses constructed on drainage channels and canals in Okota area of the state.

    The operation was carried out on Friday by the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) and Ministry for Environment, led by Corps Marshall, Maj. Olaniyi Cole rtd.

    A Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) who monitored the exercise reports that the operation was carried out at Liberty, Paris, Victory and Hosanna Goodness Estates, all located in Okota area.

    NAN observed that some  street gates, house fences, including security post were allegedly built on drainage channels and canals.

    It  was also observed that a security post’s toilet was constructed on a drainage, as well as many illegal structures, including Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) houses with their shrines built close to a major canal in the area.

    Cole said that some residents of the estates petitioned the Commissioner for Environment on the incessant flooding they always faced once it rained  due to the blockage of the canals and drainages by the illegal structures.

    Cole said they were given the order to pull down all illegal structures, stressing that the affected estates and houses were given 48 hours to remove the structures.

    He said that for every land approved by the government, the construction of the fence must have 10 metres distance to/from the canal and drainage.

    OPC house with strine demolished along the canal

     

    Mr Adekoya Adedeji, from the Drainage Office, Lagos State Ministry for Environment, linked the flooding situation in many parts of the state to human activities.

    Adedeji said for the operation on Friday, some people deliberately blocked the waterways by building fences, shanties and houses on the way.

    “People must have understanding that all that government is doing is for the interest of all.

    “As government, we will not rest on our effort to ensure that all illegal structures on canals, drainages and other public ways responsible for flooding are cleared for a flood free Lagos,” he said.

    Some residents of the estates who spoke with NAN commended the government for the bold step to clear the illegal structures.

    Mr Austin Odinaka, a resident, said the street gate constructed around his street always caused flooding, causing them to take longer journey out of the estate.

    Another resident, simply identified as Sunny, said they tried to intervene when they were constructing some street gates, but they were ignored by the initiators of the construction.

    Sunny, however, blamed some Lagos State Government Officials and traditional ruler of the area, who collected money and allowed the illegal structures to be constructed.

    A victim, whose illegal structure was marked for demolition along the canal, Mrs Nancy Okafor, said she purchased the land from one Mr Odo Chibuzor, at the sum of N536,000, with receipt given to the Corps Marshall as evidence. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

    MIO/VIV

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    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

     

  • National cohesion critical for fostering stability, progress -UNDP

     

    National cohesion critical for fostering stability, progress -UNDP

    Graduation

    By Muhammad Tijjani

    Jaji(Kaduna State), June. 24, 2024(NAN) The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) says good leadership and national cohesion are critical for fostering stability, progress, and prosperity within our great nation.

    The UNDP Team Lead, Governance, Peace and Security, Mr Mathew Alao stated this at the graduation ceremony of the Leadership and National Cohesion Course 1 (LNC), at Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peace Keeping Centre (MLAILPKC) Jaji, Kaduna State, on Friday.

    Alao said the graduation was a significant step towards the advancement of peace, security, and unity within our beloved nation, Nigeria and ECOWAS sub-region.

    ”Leadership start with us as parent that brings little children to this world. Leadership starts from grassroots.
    ”Unfortunately, we have lost it. Nigeria today is very individualistic. It’s all about i and my family. And this is leading us to no where. This is why this course is very critical at this moment.
    ”If nothing is done to address the leadership deficit from the family unit, from the community unit and community level, we are not going anywhere. Money can not save our society,” he said.
    He commented the participants of the training for dedication to the programme

    “Over the past two weeks, you have dedicated yourselves to an intensive programme that not only on leadership skills but also fosters an understanding of the essential tenets of national cohesion.

    “Your presence here signifies a commitment to making Nigeria a better, more unified country, “he said.

    ”Today, we recognize your accomplishments and the bright future that lies ahead.

    ”I would like to express our deepest gratitude to the Commandant and his team of instructors and resource persons at the Centre for your unwavering commitment to equipping our future leaders.

    ”Also acknowledge the generous financial support and strong partnership of the Government of Japan,” he said

    He said the funding and partnership had made the course possible, and dedication to promoting peace and stability in the continent, ECOWAS and Nigeria is deeply appreciated.

    “Together, we are working towards a brighter and more unified future for our planet,” Alao said.

    The Chief of Training, Nigerian Army, Maj-Gen. Sani Mohammed, noted that the collaborative effort between MLAILPKC and the Japanese Government through the United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) which gave raise to the course.

    The Chief of Training was represented by Maj-Gen. Oluyemi Olatoye, Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Infantry.

    He said a country without national integration was often implied as the country deprived of social cohesion, sense of nationalism and with a failed socio-politico-economy.

    “In bringing up these values, there lies a strong leadership role,” he said.

    He said the overall objective of the LNC was to develop human capacity to equip the participants to be able to handle challenges that arises with leadership.

    “It was aimed at identifying, analyzing and evaluating the drivers of disunity, disintegration and insurrection in the polity in order to provide a pathway for national integration and cohesion,” Mohammed said .

    Also in his remarks the Commandant, MLAILPKC Maj-Gen. Ademola Adedoja, said the LNC was designed to provide the participants with the skills and knowledge required to operate effectively in a complex dynamic multi-disciplinary, multi- cultural and religious environment.

    He said it was also aimed at equipping participants to become role models in their various establishments and in addition, good ambassadors of this Centre.

    “As you graduate today, as the pioneers of the LNC, please know you are vanguards of improved Leadership and National Cohesion.

    “You must always remember that so much has been given to you and as such, so much is expected from you as trained Leadership and National Cohesion Officers, “Adedoja said.

    Adedoja appreciate the Government of Japan, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for their enormous support towards achieving success of this course.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    TJ/IAA

    =======

    Edited by Isaac Aregbesola