Troops deployed for peacekeeping mission in Gambia on Friday at Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre Jaji Kaduna state.
Nigeria deploys troops for peace keeping in Gambia
Deployment
By Muhammad Tijjani
Jaji(Kaduna State), June. 14, 2024(NAN)The Armed Forces of Nigeria on Friday, announced the deployment of 197 personnel for the peace keeping mission in the Gambia.
The Chief of Operations Nigerian Army, Maj-Gen. Boniface Sinjen made the announcement in Jaji, Kaduna State, at the graduation of troops of Nigerian Company 9 Economic Community of West African States Mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), report that the 197 troops began Pre-Deployment Training (PDT) on May 4, at Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC) Jaji Kaduna State.
According to him, the PDT is in line with the commitment of the Chief of Army Staff , Lt -Gen Taoreed Lagbaja and the Armed Forces of Nigeria in deploying quality peacekeepers in support of international peace and security.
He said that the training had equipped them with the necessary tactical skills and knowledge required for peace support operations.
“It has prepared you for the protection of civilians and the accomplishment of assigned tasks under the ECOMIG mandate.
“You have learned the importance of teamwork, leadership and cultural sensitivity as well as other factors that would ensure your success in the mission area.
“You have been trained in the latest techniques and procedures for maintaining peace and stability in a complex environment and instilled with the values of discipline, respect for human rights and compassion for the people you are going out there to protect.
“Your mission comes at a critical time, as The Gambia faces a period of
uncertainty and instability, “he said.
According to him, the country’s political crisis has affected the lives of many innocent civilians and their presence will sustain the existing peace and stability to the region.
“Your role is crucial in maintaining peace, protecting lives and promoting sustainable development.”
Sinjen charged the troops to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and respect for human rights.
He advised them to adhere strictly to the ECOWAS’ mandate, which guides your mission and ensure that your actions align with the principles of peace, stability and human rights.
”Remember that your conduct will not only reflect on yourselves but also on your country, the ECOWAS region and the international community.
”Additionally, your training has exposed you to the culture and religious diversity of The Gambia.
“You are, therefore, expected to approach all interactions with sensibility and respect. Be mindful of the local customs, traditions and socio-political dynamics of the mission area.
”You must remain vigilant in the face of potential security threats and avoid any actions that may be perceived as insensitive,” he said.
He said that as peacekeepers in a sovereign nation, they must adhere strictly to the UN principles and guidelines for peacekeeping operations.
“Respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of The Gambia and avoid any actions that may be perceived as interference in the country’s internal affairs.”
He said the Armed Forces of Nigeria had zero-tolerance on sexual exploitation and abuse in line with United Nations’ policies.
”Therefore, any form of sexual exploitation and abuse will be met with severe consequences.
“As ambassadors of the armed Forces of Nigeria and our great nation, you must uphold the esteemed values and enviable image of this country, “Sinjen said.
Earlier, the Commandant of MLAILPKC, Maj-Gen. Ademola Adedoja, said the six weeks training had been intense, comprehensive, and was conducted in line with the Standard UN Core Pre-Deployment Training Modules.
Adedoja said the PDT was to equip the earmarked unit with the requisite skills and knowledge to function effectively and efficiently in their deployment to the Gambia.
He said as part of their training, the troops were taken through crosscutting issues like Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, Conflict Related Sexual Violence, Conduct and Discipline as well as Protection of Civilians amongst others.
“This graduation is a testament to the capacity and capability of the MLAILPKC as a United Nations accredited Centre to conduct quality training of prospective peacekeepers for deployment to multidimensional Peace Support Operations in fulfillment of her mandate.
“The Centre has within the last six weeks been able to train, retrain and refresh the troops on requisite knowledge and expertise to succeed in a Peace Support Operation environment.
” It is my fervent belief that these men are better informed and equipped to perform their roles in the Gambia, “Adedoja said.
He said the graduation ceremony once more showed the commitment of Nigeria and the Nigerian Armed Forces to global peace and security. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
FG restates commitment to power infrastructures protection
Infrastructure
By Kelechi Ogunleye
Abuja, June 14, 2024(NAN) The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to adequately protect Nigeria’s power infrastructures against vandals.
Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo said this on Friday in Abuja at the inauguration of the second batch of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals.
Tunji-Ojo said the ministry would collaborate with the Ministry of Power to stop power transmission and generation points vandalisation.
“”It is not acceptable for millions of dollars to be spent on power and then we have them vandalised as no country grows without a good power sector.
“We will take this sector by sector and get to the agricultural sector which will ensure food security.”
The minister said he would ensure that the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of President Bola Tinubu to ensure the protection of critical infrastructure in all sectors is realised.
“We have seen the result of the first batch as the revenue in the mining sector has improved. However, there is need to train more to ensure all mining critical infrastructures are properly secured.
“In the solid minerals sector we are winning the battle, although we have not won yet, but we are winning gradually because there is nothing inappropriate in Nigeria that cannot be made right by Nigerians.
“I challenge you as a corps to keep to your word to protect every asset of government and defend Nigeria and hand over to generations after you,” Tunji-Ojo said.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, said that the operations of illegal miners had displaced legitimate miners.
Alake, represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Mary Ogbe, said that the integration of the Federal Mines Officers and the Marshals across states would sanitise the sector.
“No one could have imagined the plight of licence owners who can neither engage in the exploration or mining of the cadastral units of their licences because bandits had defied the law by occupying such places illegally.
“Since the inauguration of the mining marshals, we have provided relief by deploying the squad to successfully recover such places and enable the owners to resume legitimate businesses.
“The illegal haulage of minerals has come under scrutiny as arrests are made daily and the culprits face prosecution in the courts of law,” Ogbe said.
NSCDC Commandant-General Ahmed Audi said that the newly inaugurated 350 mining marshals would swing into action immediately having undergone eight weeks of intensive training.
“You are expected to imbibe the spirit of patriotism, absolute loyalty and to eschew unethical conduct capable of dragging the corps in the mud as anyone found culpable will be appropriately sanctioned.
“It is no longer news that the nation’s security, especially in the mining sector, is being threatened by the nefarious activities of illegal miners, bandits, kidnappers, terrorists among others.
“Illegal mining operations has not only led to shortchanging the government but also led to loss of revenue, environmental pollution, degradation and health hazards,” he said.
Audi said that safe legal mining operations would attract and encourage genuine local and foreign investors to engage in mining activities in Nigeria.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
KAYC/DCO/IS
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Edited by Deborah Coker/Ismail Abdulaziz
Sallah
By Clara Egbogota
Asaba, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Delta Command, has deployed 654 personnel including regular and special marshals to various locations in the state to ensure safety during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
Mr Muftau Irekeola, Sector Commander, FRSC, said this on Friday in Asaba while addressing personnel of the command in preparation for the Eid-el-Kabir special patrol.
Irekeola said that a total of 654 personnel, 19 operational vehicle, one ambulance, one power bike, and others would be deployed in the state.
The sector commander, however, said that the command was partnering with private tow truck owners, saying that the command’s tow truck was not in good condition.
“If it is more than 30 tons truck, we will call FRSC Onitsha command for towing because Onitsha is less than four kilometers away from Asaba,” he said.
He urged motorist to drive with caution, and pay attention to other road users.
“During rainy season, the grip of their tyres on the road is reduced because of the rain, they need to speed less, in fact they are supposed to go on a reasonable speed.
“Even the passengers should not board overloaded vehicle, they should talk to the driver and if he is not listening they should drop at the next available bus stop.
“They can alert any FRSC officials or security agency on the road,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
FG declares Monday, Tuesday public holidays to mark Eid-el-Kabir
Declaration
By Yahaya Isah
Abuja, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government has declared Monday, June 17 and Tuesday, June 18, as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
This is contained in a statement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr Aishetu Ndayako, on Friday in Abuja.
She stated that the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulated all Muslim Ummah both at home and in the Diaspora.
She quoted the minister as urging the Muslim community to continue to imbibe the spirit of peace, kindness and sacrifice, as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim.
Tunji-Ojo also urged them to use the period to pray for unity, prosperity and the stability of the country.
The minister assured Nigerians that the administration of President Bola Tinubu would safeguard the lives and property of everyone. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Sallah: FRSC deploys 1080 personnel, 17 patrol vehicles in Ondo
Deployment
By Muftau Ogunyemi
Akure, June 14, 2024(NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ondo State Command, has deployed 1,080 personnel, 17 patrol vehicles and four ambulances to ensure free flow of traffic during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration in the state.
Mr Ezekiel SonAllah, State Sector Commander, FRSC, made this known during a stakeholders’ meeting on Friday in Akure.
SonAllah, who explained that the personnel deployment comprises 596 regular marshal, 484 special marshal, said that the motive was to record zero crashes during and after the celebration.
The sector commander said that it was imperative for all stakeholders to join hands with the command to eradicate road crashes in the state.
SonAllah, while calling on leaders of driver’s union to counsel their members on the need to maintain appropriate speed limit, said that motorists must ensure that their vehicles were in good condition before embarking on any journey.
“In spite of FRSC efforts, we are still hearing crashes and it cannot continue; we need to come together as a team to fight the menace on our roads especially highways.
“So, it is compulsory for all commercial drivers to install speed limit devices on their vehicle, have standard tyres, functional wipers and vehicle lighting system must be working especially as we are in raining season,” he said.
He, therefore, vowed that the command would impound any vehicle without a valid driver’s licence.
“Please, if you don’t have valid driver’s licence, you don’t need to drive during this Sallah because we will impound your vehicle here in Ondo State.
“Go and renew your licence because driver’s licence is the only document that permits you to be on steering, and those who don’t have it have no business being on the wheel.
“We are going to be very aggressive about driver’s licence, and underage drivers will not be allowed in Ondo State.
“If you are 17 years, you are not suppose to be on the wheel because any person that we caught here in Ondo state, his or her vehicle will also be impounded.
He called on members of the public to inform the command of any obstruction or accident for quick intervention.(NAN) (www.nannnews.ng)
The Sector commander , Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) FCT Command, Mr Muta’a Chorrie addressing the officers and men
Eid-el-Kabir: FRSC deploys 2,517 personnel, 83 patrol vehicles in FCT
Operations
By Ibironke Ariyo
Abuja, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), FCT Command, has deployed 2,517 officers and men, 83 patrol vehicles, ambulances, tow trucks and bikes for the Eid-El-Kabir special patrol operations in the territory.
The Sector Commander, Mr Muta’a Chorrie said this on Friday in Abuja during a news briefing on the 2024 Sallah operations in the FCT.
Chorrie said that the celebration involved mass movement of vehicles and people across the FCT, which might lead to traffic congestions like gridlock points, obstructions, and Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs), among others.
He said that the command was carrying out Eid-el-Kabir special patrol operations with the aim of ensuring motorists and other road users had a safe and memorable celebration, amidst security challenges in FCT.
“The operation will also ensure mass movement of both vehicles and people in and out of the FCT, while ensuring vigorous public enlightenment to motorists on safe road use.
“This, as well as rescue operation, clearing of obstructions and enforcement to traffic regulation,” he said.
According to him, the focus of the operation is to portray the corps’ visibility and capability on the FCT road corridors through early deployment of personnel and logistics.
“It will ensure reduction in Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) Road Traffic Fatalities (RTFs) and Road Traffic Injuries (RTIs).
“This will also prompt response to road traffic crash victims, engagement in robust public education and enlightenment, so speedy removal of obstructions from the highways, among others.
“Also, high visibility of the corps on the highways, Intensify enforcement on critical offences, adequate supervision , surveillance and monitoring and harvesting feed backs from motorists
“To this end, the corps has deployed 549 officers and 1,243 marshals which brings to the total of 2,517 personnel.
“The command also deployed 54 patrol cars, 15 Ambulances, four Standby tow trucks and 10 patrol bikes and brings to the total of 83 vehicles in all.
“These vehicles are for visibilities, patrol activities, clearing obstruction, emergency services and rapid response to any traffic matters in FCT and its environs, “he said.
Chorrie explained that the corps would be collaborating with other sister agencies like the Nigeria Army, Nigeria Navy, Nigeria Air force, Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Department of State Services (DSS).
He said others include Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Intelligence Agency (NIA), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Federal Fire Service (FFS), and FCT Directorate of Road Traffic Service (DRTS).
The sector commander added that the command would cover all the 21 critical corridors during the period to ensure free vehicular movement in and out of FCT.
Chorrie assured that the rescue team would be on standby throughout the night, adding that there would be night rescue team in all commands. (NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)
Eid-el Kabir: NSCDC deploys 3,168 personnel in Kano
Personnel
By Ramatu Garba
Kano, June 14, 2024 (NAN) Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kano State Command, has deployed 3,168 personnel to ensure hitch-free Eid-el Kabir celebrations in the state.
Its Commandant, Mr Mohammed Lawal-Falala, said in a statement issued to newsmen by the Public Relations Officer of the corps, Ibrahim Idris-Abdullahi, on Friday in Kano that the personnel would monitor sensitive places to prevent criminal activities or disorders during the celebration.
He said the personnel would work with the Nigerian Police, DSS, Federal Road Safety Corps, and KAROTA to maintain law and order, as well as free flow of traffic.
According to him, the personnel will provide maximum security at various Mosques, recreational centres, nooks and crannies throughout the festive period and after.
He urged officers and men to ensure protection of critical national assets and infrastructure, as enshrined in the Act establishing the corps.
He enjoined the public to cooperate with security agents, obey laid down laws for peaceful Eid-el Kabir celebrations in the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
All is now set for Muslims across the world to celebrate eid el-kabir (the festival of sacrifice) on Sunday, after Hajj pilgrims stand on Mount Arafat on Saturday.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Abuja, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The Police Command in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in a combined operation with the Nigerian Military has foiled a bank robbery attempt in Abaji Area Council of the FCT.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the FCT, SP Josephine Adeh said this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.
She said the Commissioner of Police in charge of the FCT, Mr Benneth Igweh led the operation that foiled the robbery attempt that happened on June 13.
Adeh said security forces had engaged the 15-man robbery gang in an intense gun duel after the robbers had attacked the bank with dynamite in an attempt to rob.
She said the gun duel forced the armed robbers to scamper to safety with various degrees of bullet wounds, while the security forces succeeded in apprehending three of the gang members.
The FCT police spokesperson said the suspects were arrested with various degrees of bullet injuries.
According to her, a yet-to-be-identified suspect was set ablaze by an irate mob at the scene after being neutralised by the security forces.
“A police operative and the gang leader, with bullet injuries were rushed to the hospital, but later confirmed dead by the doctor on duty, while others are still receiving treatment,” she said.
She said search operation was still ongoing to apprehend fleeing members of the gang with bullet injuries.
Adeh said the commissioner commended the effectiveness of the combined operation, and reaffirms the command’s commitment to continue to make FCT unsafe for criminals. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Malam Shehu Mohammed
Eid-el-Kabir: FRSC deploys breathalysers to curb drunk driving
By Ibironke Ariyo
Collaboration
Abuja, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Shehu Mohammed says breathalysers have been deployed to motor parks and highways to check drunk driving.
Mohammed, while addressing newsmen on Friday in Abuja, said the the deployment was in collaboration with the Beer Sectorial Group (BSG)
He said that the essence of the deployment was to check and stop drivers who controlled the wheel under influence, and also to minimise tendencies of fatalities on the roads.
According to the corp marshal, i believe that most of the drivers who indulge in substances before mounting on the wheel always end up in fatal crashes.
“Another key road traffic infraction we have stepped up against is driving under the influence of alcohol and other substances.
“This is a deadly road use behaviour that has led to unprecedented crashes and fatalities on the highways.
“In addition to the aforementioned interventions, the corps has also gone into aggressive sensitisation campaigns for all road users.
“This time around, we are taking it down to their door steps. We have commenced the education of these drivers at their loading bays, transit camps as well as trailer parks.
“The essence of the exercise is to ensure that the advocacy appeals to the conscience of these drivers against unnecessary contravention of traffic rules,“ he said.
Mohammed called on motorists, especially commuters, that the corps could not achieve a crash free celebration unless they played their part.
According to him, this will be by checkmating the excess of these drivers any time they transit from one destination to another.
“When drivers drive recklessly, it is your right as commuters to speak up and report such drivers to FRSC operatives or any other security outposts on the highways.
“Expectedly, with the massive deployment of these breathalysers, and the envisaged public support, the corps is confident that the celebration would be a huge success,” he said.
The FRSC boss reassured motorist of the corps renewed vigour towards entrenching sanity on the roads, and wished all Nigerians safe and peaceful Eid-El-Kabir celebrations. (NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)
ICA/AYO/SH
Deployment
By Ibironke Ariyo
Abuja, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says it has deployed no fewer than 41,470 officers, marshals and special marshals, alongside 1,163 vehicles for the Eid-El-Kabir special patrol, nationwide.
The FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, said this during a news briefing on Friday, in Abuja.
Mohammed said that the objectives of the Eid-El-Kabir special operations were to achieve reduction in Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs), Road Traffic Fatalities (RTFs), and Road Traffic Injuries (RTIs).
He said that other objectives include prompt responses to RTCs victims, unhindered engagement in purposeful public education, and speedy removal of obstructions from the highways.
According to Mohammed, the operation will strengthening of surveillance activities to regulate unprofessional excesses, sustained effective patrol, as well as adequate monitoring on the highways.
“To this end, I am honoured to let you into strategies already in place to combat crashes on our roads during this year’s Eid-El-Kabir special patrol scheduled to commence from Friday June 14, to Sunday June 23, 2024.
“Personnel deployed for the special operations are 7,994, 20,449 marshals , 13,027 special marshal with the total of 41,470 in all.
“Over 743 patrol vehicles, 184 administrative vehicles, 92 ambulances, 23 tow trucks and 144 motorbikes are being deployed as part of the patrol logistics. This brings to the total of 1,163,“ he said.
The FRSC boss said that reflective jackets, traffic cones, tyre pressure gauges, a number of extricating machines and digital breathalysers were part of the tools set aside for the special operation.
Mohammed added that a total of 23 help areas were mobilised to ensure prompt removal of obstructions, and rescue operations during the period.
According to him, this is in addition to the 15 traffic control camps which would be dedicated solely to identifying traffic gridlock areas to be manned by the personnel on 24/7 basis.
“For effective monitoring and prompt response, the Corps has put in place a Situation Room at the National Headquarters to monitor the activities across the country.
“It will also collate and process information for dissemination to relevant commands and stakeholders as the case may be.
“This is in addition to 28 RTCs Clinics and 53 Zebra points located along the major routes.
“This would be covered by the 92 ambulances to be fully utilised for prompt response to crashes and rescue of injured victims to hospitals for more professional attention, “he said.
The corps marshal urged commuters to check the excesses of reckless drivers and report to the FRSC operatives or any security outpost on the highways. (NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)
