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Category: Defence/Security

  • Democracy day: Gov. Mutfwang frees 10 inmates

    Democracy day: Gov. Mutfwang frees  10  inmates
    Inmates
    By Polycarp Auta
    Jos, June 12, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, has directed  the release of  10 convicted inmates across custodial centres in the state.
    Mr Gyang Bere, the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the governor, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday in Jos.
    Mutfwang said that the gesture was in consonance with his constitutional powers and recommendations of the Plateau State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.
    He said three others had their  death sentences commuted to life imprisonment.
    “In exercise of the powers conferred on me under Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended and in consultation with the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, hereby exercise my power of Prerogative of Mercy on 13 inmates,”Bere quoted the governor as saying .
    The governor said the 10  released inmates were earlier sentenced to between eight months and five years imprisonment.
    The governor said that the beneficiaries were remorseful over the crimes committed, hence the recommendation by the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.
    Mutfwang, who described democracy as the best means of addressing national challenges, advised Nigerians to focus on dialogue and reconciliation toward a progressive and prosperous state.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AZA/BHB
    Edited by Buhari Bolaji

  • Democracy Day: Activists urge govt to address hunger, inflation, insecurity

    Protesters
    By Moses Omorogieva
    Lagos, June 12, 2024 (NAN) Activists marking the Democracy Day in Lagos State have called on the Federal Government to address hunger, inflation and insecurity in the country.

    They made the call on Wednesday while marching along some major streets in Ikeja axis of the state to protest what they called economic hardship and insecurity.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the protesters, mainly human rights activists and Pro-June 12 activists, early Wednesday morning converged under the Ikeja Bridge in Lagos, as the country marks the 2024 Democracy Day.

    The protesters in their numbers chanted solidarity songs and displayed placards with different inscriptions like “Cost of living is becoming unbearable”; “We demand for better governance; payment of living wage to all Nigerians”; amongst others.

    One of the speakers, Mr Omotaje Olawale, said the current electoral process was faulty from the beginning and was imposed on Nigerians by the military government.

    Olawale said that though many Nigerians, including MKO Abiola, the acclaimed winner of 1993 Presidential Election, knew this faulty electoral process, but chose not to quit.

    He noted that too much power had been given to those in authority, while the electorate were left unprotected, living at the mercy of few Nigerians handling the `national cakes’.

    Funmi Ajayi of Activists for the Masses Coalition, called on those in authority to listen to average Nigerians.

    Ajayi said that democracy should address hunger, inflation, insecurity and basic needs of average Nigerians.

    NAN reports that the protesters were peaceful in their march.

    The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Mr Adegoke Fayoade led the Police personnel and other security agencies in providing security.

    Fayoade explained that though the protesters were peaceful in their conduct, security personnel had to be on ground to prevent the process from being hijacked by undesirable elements. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    MIO/KOO/AJA
    ============
    Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Adeleye Ajayi

     

  • Police present N38.8m cheques to family of late officers in Ondo

    Police presents N38.8m cheques to families of late officers in Ondo State

     

    Police

    By Muftau Ogunyemi

    Akure, June 12, 2024 (NAN) The Commissioner of Police (CP), Ondo State Command, Mr Abayomi Oladipo, has presented cheques, totaling N38.8 million, to widows and members of families of officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

    This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Akure by the command’s Public Relations Officer,
    SP Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya.

    Odunlami-Omisanya quoted Oladipo as saying the action was in line with the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun’s commitment to the welfare of both serving and families of the late officers.

    “IGP has made it a point of duty to ensure that the welfare of families of the late officers are adequately taken care of.

    “The cheques presented are for claim settlement, Group Life Assurance and Group Personal Accident Insurance schemes meant to improve the welfare of family members of late Police officers,” he said.

    The CP, therefore, urged  the beneficiaries to put the money to good use and improve the welfare of their families. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    OMA/KOO/AOS
    ==============
    Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Bayo Sekoni

  • 4 dead in auto crash on Enugu-Onitsha Expressway

    Accident

    By Stanley Nwanosike

    Enugu, June 12, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says no fewer than four persons lost their lives in a ghastly auto accident on Ugwu Onyeama axis of the Enugu-Onitsha Federal  Highway.

    The Sector Commander of the FRSC Enugu State Command, Mr Adeyemi Sokunbi, confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Enugu.

    Sokunbi said that the accident happened between 6:45p.m. and 7p.m. on June 11 when a trailer ladened with kerosene lost control and rammed into six other vehicles.

    He said that two persons died instantly among the 29 persons involved in the ghastly accident while two others died at the hospital.

    Sokunbi said that the FRSC used the corps’ Intensive Care Unit (ICU) ambulance and other vehicles to rush the 10 persons, who were injured to the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu.

    He also said that the deceased were taken to the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUT) Park Lane, Enugu where they were deposited at the morgue.

    The commander said that some items belonging to the victims were also recovered at the scene of the accident.

    According to him, the kerosene-laden truck lost its his break and rammed into six other vehicles, which included cars and a bus on the reconstructed section of the Enugu-Onitsha Federal Highway.

    He said: “We are thanking God that the truck that failed break was not conveying petrol, which is extremely inflammable.

    “Motorists and all road users in general, have to be very careful on the road.

    “We advise that all should put their vehicle in order and at an optimal condition before setting out on journeys.

    “You cannot afford to put a mechanically deficient vehicle on the road to cause harm to many others using the same road,” he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    KSN/MNA

    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

    ===========

  • Democracy Day: CDS assures Nigerians of victory against insecurity

    Security

    By Sumaila Ogbaje

    Abuja, June 12, 2024 (NAN) The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa has assured Nigerians of victory against enemies of the state.

    Musa stated this on Wednesday in a goodwill message by the Acting Director, Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, on the occasion of the 2024 Democracy Day celebration.

    He reaffirmed the unwavering commitment and loyalty of the Nigeria Armed Forces to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the President, Commander-in-Chief.

    According to him, the armed forces remain dedicated to supporting and strengthening democracy for the benefit of all Nigerians, and will continue to collaborate with national and sub-national institutions to entrench constitutional governance.

    The CDS acknowledged sacrifices made by members of the armed forces in various theatres of operation across the country as well as their commitment to the unity and growth of Nigeria.

    He urges personnel to uphold the tenets of democracy, safeguard citizens’ rights, and ensure a peaceful and secure environment for all.

    Musa also appealed to all Nigerians to remain positive toward the challenges facing the country,  and to support the military in the fight against all acts of terrorism and criminality.

    According to him, victory is insight and wishes President Bola Tinubu and Nigerians a happy and peaceful Democracy Day celebration. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    OYS/CHOM/RSA

    ===============

    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Rabiu Sani-Ali

  • Exercise: Don’t  panic over shooting, Army urges Kaduna residents 

    Exercise: Don’t  panic over shooting, Army urges Kaduna residents
    Exercise
    By Muhammad  Tijjani
    Kaduna, June. 12, 2024(NAN)The 1 Division Nigerian Army on Wednesday urged  residents neighboring the shooting range not to panic over the exercise, urging them to  go about their normal daily routine activities without fear.
    The acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, of the division, Lt.-Col.. Musa Yahaya, gave the advice in a statement issued in Kaduna.
    Yahaya also advised the residents to  report any breach of security to the division’s Headquarters.
    He said, “1 Division Training School will conduct its final field Training Exercise for Basic Battle Course 7, within its training area around the schools’ premises in Dalet Cantonment from June  24 -28..”
    According to him, the exercise is  designed to test the students’ shooting ability and physical fitness which will ascertain their preparedness for a real life battle.
    “The Field Training Exercise will include the use of blank ammunition and pyrotechnics to simulate real time battle situations both in the day and at night.
    “Formations, Units and locals living around the Division Training School will observe tactical drills which involve firing blank ammunition and pyrotechnics during this period.
    “Residents in the neighboring Formation, Units and locals are therefore advised not to panic and go about their normal daily routine activities without fear.
    “We sincerely apologise to communities around Dalet Barracks and plead for their understanding during the period of the exercise, “Yahaya said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    TJ/OJI/BRM
    =============
    Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Group cautions against NASS intervention in Plateau Assembly affairs

    Group cautions against NASS intervention in Plateau Assembly affairs
    Plateau
    By Monday Ijeh
    Abuja, June 12, 2024 (NAN) A socio-political group, the Plateau Patriotic Front, has cautioned against call for the intervention of the National Assembly in the affairs of the Plateau State House of Assembly.
    The group gave the warning on Tuesday, in Abuja in a statement by its Chairman,  Mr Mani Imman.
    He said the call for the leadership of the National Assembly to intervene in the affairs of the Plateau State House of Assembly was an invitation to stoke violence and disrupt governance in the sltate.
    According to him, describing the situation as “the crisis surrounding the swearing-in of new members of the Plateau State House of Assembly ”portrays those behind the request as lover of crisis.”
    He said that the development at the floor of the House of Representatives had come to the group notice as reported in the media that a motion was raised during Plenary.
    “The motion has called on the leadership of the National Assembly to intervene in the crisis surrounding the swearing-in of new members of the Plateau State House of Assembly.
    “We view this alarm as an attempt to stoke problems and disrupt governance and the peaceful atmosphere under the guise of crisis in the State House of Assembly,” he said.
    He said those behind the call had been quoted as saying, “The Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly has refused to swear in all the new members.”
    Imman said those behind the call had accused the speaker of demanding that they submit letters of resignation with accompanying court affidavits as a condition for swearing-in.
    He said that instead of calling for the National Assembly’s intervention in the matter it should be resolved to avoid crisis in the state.
    ‘Failure to address the delays and biases in the swearing-in of the new members poses a threat to security in the state and undermines the principles of justice, fairness, and democracy.

    “The Court of Appeal, hearing appeals arising from judgments of the Plateau State Election Tribunal made decisions that resulted in the nullification of Certificates of Return of 16 sitting members of the State Assembly.

    “The court has ordered the issuance of new Certificates of Return to the new members by the Independent National Electoral Commission,” he said. (NAN)
    IMC/IAA

    ========
    Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

  • DSS urges Nigerians to resist persuasion to lawlessness

    Persuasion
    By Monday Ijeh
    Abuja, June 12, 2024 (NAN) The Department of State Services (DSS) has called on Nigerians to resist any persuasions to lawlessness, disorder and anarchy in the nation by unscrupulous persons or groups.

    Dr Peter Afunanya, DSS Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, made the call in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Afunanya said that the services was aware of plans by certain individuals and groups to stage physical protests in some parts of the country on Wednesday.

    The DSS spokesman explained that the protests were designed with sinister objectives to coincide with the Democracy Day celebration.

    ”While citizens may have the rights of assembly and expression, such freedoms should not be used to undermine public safety and national security.”

    He said that the services would not tolerate non-state actors to incite mass disaffection through demonstrations that could turn violent.

    “It is instructive to note that violent demonstrations are at variance with the peaceful disposition of the Federal Government to amicably address all contentions including the minimum wage.

    “Displeased persons are rather encouraged to appropriately channel their grievances through the right channels and procedures,” he said.

    Afunanya, however, pledged the commitment of the DSS to protect the country from inimical acts being orchestrated by some groups to cause a breakdown of law and order.

    He said that the service would sustain its collaboration with all relevant stakeholders, including sister security agencies, to maintain peace and protect lives and property across the nation.

    The DSS spokesman enjoined law abiding citizens to go about their businesses without fear.

    “While felicitating the government and citizens on this auspicious occasion of celebrating 25 years of unbroken democracy, the service calls for continued patriotism, unity and commitment in building a Nigeria of our collective dream.

    “The DSS website, dss.gov.ng; email address-dsspr@dss.gov.ng and telephone lines +2349153391309;+2349088373514 remain open to the public in the event where there is need to contact it,” he said.(NAN)
    IMC/MAM/IS
    ==========
    Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Ismail Abdulaziz

  • FRSC Corps Marshal seeks stiffer penalties for traffic offenders

    The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) during the induction of the Chief Justice of the Federation, (CJN) Justice Olukayode Ariwoola

     

    FRSC Corps Marshal seeks stiffer penalties for traffic offenders

    Induction
    By Ibironke Ariyo
    Abuja, June 11, 2024 (NAN) Malam Shehu Mohammed, the Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), has called on Chief the Justice of the Federation, (CJN) Justice Olukayode Ariwoola to strengthen existing laws with stiffer punishment for traffic offenders.

    Mohammed made the call during the induction of the CJN as Honourary Special Marshal on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Mohammed said that there was need for harsh penalties that would deter road users from violating established regulations.

    This, he said was because the Corps was propelled by a great deal of passion and commitment to the safety of lives and properties on Nigerian roads.

    The FRSC boss appreciated the CJN for piloting the affairs of the Judiciary in a manner that upholds the standards of the rule of law.

    He said that honorary special Marshals were given to citizens of impeccable character who have distinguished themselves in service to the nation.

    “I am exited you joined the league of distinguished Nigerians who volunteered to join the services of entrenching safety on Nigerian roads as Honorary Special Marshal.

    “We need you to strengthen existing laws with stiffer punishment that will deter road users from violating established regulations,’’ he said.

    The Corps Marshal said that there was no doubt that the capacity, competence and administrative prowess of the CJN would in no little degree enhance and solidify the existing relationship between the Corps and Judiciary.

    Speaking after the investiture, Ariwoola said that the recognition was not a personal honour but a reaffirmation of the collective commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all road users across the country.

    “I am reminded of the profound responsibility that comes with this title.

    “The Special Marshal arm of the FRSC plays a pivotal role in the society. Our mandate is multifaceted and crucial to road safety fabric,’’ he said.

    In her welcome remark during the investiture, the President, Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensen congratulated the Chief Justice for accepting the huge responsibility.

    She expressed confidence in his ability to contribute to the eradication of road traffic crashes in Nigeria.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Corps Marshal, conducted the investiture in company of the President, Court of Appeal in the Supreme Court. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    ICA/OIF/SH

    ===========
    Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Sadiya Hamza

     

  • Alleged market closure: Aba traders stage protest in Govt. House

    Alleged market closure: Aba traders stage protest in Govt. House

    Protest
    By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
    Umuahia, June 11, 2024 (NAN) Traders at the popular Ngwa Road Market, Aba, on Tuesday, organised a peaceful protest at the Abia Government House, Umuahia over the closure of the market allegedly by the Nigerian Army.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the traders, bore placards, with different inscriptions, such as “We are under military siege at Ngwa Road”, “Please Gov. come to our aid”, “We are being intimidated by soldiers”, among others.

    The President, Ngwa Road Traders Association, Mr Chinedu Oforndu, told newsmen that they had been denied access to their shops since May 30.

    Oforndu said: “Since May 30, our businesses have been on lockdown and we cannot access our business places because vehicles and human beings are not allowed within the area.

    “This is as a result of the refusal of the military to allow us to have access to our shops.

    “We are pleading with the government to intervene and help us out in this situation.”

    Also, the Secretary of the association, Mr kenna Ohanaba, said that about 100 shops in the market had remained shut for two weeks “because soldiers do not allow traders to enter the market.

    “It has not been easy for us under this current economic situation to survive without our businesses running.

    “The area of the market within Ibere Road to Ukaegbu Road has been the worse hit.

    “We don’t know the actual reason for this action by the military,” Ohanaba said.

    He called on the State Government  to intervene in the matter because their resources were running down and they were finding it to feed their family members.

    In a response, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade, Commerce and Industry, Chief Nwaka Inem, commended the traders for registering their complaint with the government in a peaceful manner.

    “Recall that few weeks ago some soldiers were killed by criminally-minded persons and this has caused military alertness.

    “The governor is committed to ensuring that the situation does not escalate.

    “The citizens should help to get us credible information to make sure that those people are apprehended and that such things do not reccur,” Inem said.

    He appealed to the traders not to confront the soldiers over the matter and assured them that the government would take urgent steps to address the matter.

    A military source, which pleaded anonymity, told NAN correspondent that “there is no such thing and no shop was locked by the Nigerian Army”. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    INA/USO
    Edited by Sam Oditah