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Category: Defence/Security

  • NSCDC uncovers illegal refinery, arrests 12 suspects in Abia

    NSCDC uncovers illegal refinery, arrests 12 suspects in Abia

    Refinery
    By Leonard Okachie
    Umuahia, June 10, 2024 (NAN) The Abia Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says it has arrested 12 alleged pipeline vandals in Obiakpo Obuzo Asa in Ukwa West Local Government Area.

    NSCDC’s Spokesperson, ASC II Doreen Udugwu, disclosed this in a statement issued in Umuahia and made available to newsmen on Monday.

    Udugwu stated that operatives of the command successfully dismantled a syndicate, allegedly operating illegal refineries in the state.

    She added that the operation was carried out in collaboration with the Commandant-General’s Special Intelligence Squad.

    According to her, the raid uncovered a vast network of illegal refineries, cleverly hidden in the forest of Obiakpo Obuzo Asa Community.

    She explained that large quantities of crude oil, allegedly tapped from a vandalised nearby pipeline, were uncovered.

    “Also, large quantities of petroleum products in various stages of processing were seized during the operation,” she stated.

    Udugwu also stated that the leader of the team, SC Jamilu Aliyu, had announced that 12 suspects were apprehended at the scene of the illegal activity.

    “Further investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend all individuals involved in this criminal enterprise, which poses a serious threat to the nation’s economy,” the statement added.

    It quoted the State Commandant, Usman Alfadarai, to have reaffirmed the commitment of the corps “to root out criminal elements from Abia and beyond.

    “He warned all criminal elements operating within the state to desist from illegal activities or face the full wrath of the law,” the statement added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    LEO/FON/USO
    Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Sam Oditah

     

  • Police yet to fix date for recruits training – PSC

    Date
    By Monday Ijeh
    Abuja, June 10, 2024 (NAN) The Police Service Commission (PSC), says  it has not fixed date for training of the recently shortlisted candidates for recruitment into the Constable cadre of the Nigeria Police Force.
    The Head of Press and Public Relations of PSC, Mr Ikechukwu Ani said this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.
    He said the training dates being speculated on  social media were fictitious and  should be ignored.
    According to him, the commission has  been inundated  by calls and messages by concerned Nigerians on the authenticity of the dates in the public space.
    “The commission is currently, working with the Nigeria Police Force to determine the training colleges and will make a formal announcement at the appropriate time,” he said.
    He urged  successful candidates to wait for the official announcement of the date and  the colleges for the exercise. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    IMC/CHOM/JPE
    ============
    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Joseph Edeh

  • Police rescue American from jumping into Lagos Lagoon

     

    Suicide

    By Deborah Akpede

    Lagos, June 10, 2024 (NAN) Operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Police Command in Lagos State have rescued an American from committing suicide on the Third Mainland Bridge.

    RRS made this known in a post it shared on its official X handle, @rrsLagos767, on Monday.

    It stated that the American, name withheld was at 1.23 p.m. on Monday,  restrained from committing suicide on the bridge.

    “The American, who is in his early 30s was driven to the Third Mainland Bridge by his “Baby Mama” in company of his daughter.

    “He directed the lady who was unaware of his motive to park somewhere, while he walked to a spot for a leap into the Lagoon.

    “A passerby who observed his movement quickly alerted patrolling RRS operatives who persuaded him from jumping and reunited him with his wife before taking them to RRS Headquarters in Alausa,” RRS stated.

    It stated that the  RRS Commander, CSP Olayinka Egbeyemi, gave the man some advice.

    “Egbeyemi, after advising the man and his family, directed that the case be transferred to Gender Department, Lagos police command for further counselling and necessary actions.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    DOA/CHOM

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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma

     

     

  • Amnesty report: DHQ challenges AI to substantiate allegations

    Amnesty report: DHQ challenges AI to substantiate allegations

    Allegation

    By Sumaila Ogbaje

    Abuja, June 10, 2024 (NAN) The Defence Headquarters has challenged Amnesty International (AI) to substantiate the allegations levelled against the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) in its recent report.

    The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made the call in a statement in reaction to the allegations on Monday in Abuja.

    AI had in its recent report accused soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) of abusing Boko Haram survivors while in detention.

    It alleged that Boko Haram survivors said they were insulted and beaten by soldiers and witnessed the beatings of others during their detention in all facilities where they were held by the Nigerian military.

    According to the report, in some facilities, CJTF members played supporting roles.

    Reacting to the allegations, Buba said the armed forces  of Nigeria was a professional military force that operated within the ambit of International law of armed conflict and adheres to humanitarian law and principles governing human rights.

    According to him, the military elects not to join words with organisations such as Amnesty International, rather would encourage them to approach the military high command to substantiate their allegations.

    “The military has self regulating mechanisms with which it administers the military justice system to address any proven case of misconduct of personnel.

    “It is worthy of note to state that, the AFN led by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa OFR, has zero tolerance for indiscipline and any form of improper conduct during operations across the country.

    “It is for this reason that, there are standing court martials to treat any form of misbehaviour by erring personnel, especially those that portray the military negatively to the general populace,” he said.

    Buba said the military would remain focused on its objective, saying it would remain unperturbed by such “self serving statements targeted at dampening the moral of troops in operational theatres.”

    He added that the military would engage constructively with Amnesty International, where available.

    “Overall, we will continue on the trajectory of conducting operations assiduously to defeat terrorism in our nation,” he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    OYS/SA

    Edited by Salif Atojoko

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

  • Army holds Inter-Brigade combat competition in Benin

    Army holds Inter-Brigade combat competition in Benin

    Competition

    By Nefishetu Yakubu

    Benin, June 10,2024(NAN) The 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ekehuan Cantonment, Benin, has commenced its annual Inter-Brigade Warrant Officers and Senior Non- Commissioned Officers combat competition.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the competition is to improve the standard of their battle readiness and physical fitness.

    The participating formations include, 4 Brigade, Benin, 12 Brigade, Lokoja , 22 Brigade, Ilorin, 32 Artillery Brigade, Akure, 42 Engineers Brigade, Ibadan and 2 Division Garrison, Ibadan

    The activities lined up for the competition are drills, combat swimming, map reading, weapon/shooting as well as physical fitness.

    Maj.-Gen. Nansak Shagaya, the Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport (NASST), who declared the competition opened, said it was to reposition the Army to discharge its responsibilities.

    Shagaya, who was represented by Brig. -Gen. Moses Ikobah, the Deputy Commandant of NASST, said the competition was in line with the Army Headquarters training directive for 2024.

    He urged all the participants to prepare themselves to be challenged, inspired and exhibit the spirit of sportsmanship, so as to attain the highest standard of professionalism.

    “I urge participants to take this competition seriously.

    ”The competition is in line with the training directive of the Chief of Army Staff Philosophy which is to transform the Nigerian Army into a well-trained and highly motivated force, ” he said.

    Shagaya commended the Chief of Army Staff for providing the resources for the competition and for providing direction and necessary guidance.

    According to him, to our judges and instructors who will be bringing their experience to bear, I say thank you and urge you to remain unbiased.

    He also thanked Gov. Godwin Obaseki for his continued support to the Brigade.

    Earlier,  the Commander, 4 Brigade, Brig.- Gen. Ebenezer Oduyebo, said the competition was intended to prepare the officers to be professionally responsive to effectively deal with the present security challenges in the country.

    He noted that Warrant officers/SNCOs hold a unique and vital position within Army ranks, adding that they were the backbone of the military.

    Oduyebo said that the was also bridge the gap between enlisted personnel and commissioned officers.

    “Their expertise, experience and leadership are indispensable to the success of our operations and the effectiveness of our units.

    “Let me quickly remind us that this competition is not merely an event; it is a testament to the high standards we uphold in 2 Division and the Nigerian Army at large.

    “It is an opportunity for our warrant officers/Senior NonCommissioned Officers to demonstrate their proficiency, leadership, and commitment to excellence, ” he said.

    According to him, competitions like these foster camaraderie, esprit de corps, and professional development.

    “They provide a platform for sharing knowledge, honing skills, and pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve together, ” he added.
    (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    NY/DE/JI

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    Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Joe Idika

  • Respect human rights, DIG charges police officers

    Respect human rights, DIG charges police officers

    Visit
    By Opeyemi Gbemiro
    Ado- Ekiti, June 10, 2024 (NAN) The Deputy Inspector-General of Police(DIG) in-charge of South-West, Abiodun Alabi, has charged police officers in Ekiti State to always respect human rights in the discharge of their duty.

    Alabi gave the charge on Monday in Ado-Ekiti during an engagement with stakeholders as part of his familiarization tour of the South-West Zone

    The DIG affirmed that zero crime was achievable only if the police uphold professionalism and build mutual relationship with the public.

    According to him, the police can achieve much in the fight against crime without the support of the public, hence he directed commissioners of police to ensure constant engagement with stakeholders in their domain.

    He revealed that the Nigeria Police was also keying into the use of Information and communications technology (ICT) to fight crime, while noting that the welfare of officers would be given priority to boost their morale.

    “My coming to Ekiti State is to complete my assignment in the South-West geo political zone.

    “My mission is in compliance with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police(IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, who directed all DIGs in-charge of the six geopolitical zones to embark on tour across the zones and access the strategic deployment of our arsenals in crime fighting and see how our officers are doing their jobs.

    “This is to enable us know the challenges they are facing in the course of their duty so that they can be addressed appropriately; so that their capacity and flexibility will be enhanced in delivering good services to the public.

    “It’s not yet over, technological improvement is more essential. Gadgets like drones that will gather information for us, that will dig into kidnappers’ hideout will help to deal with them instead of us rescuing victims.

    “Technology is very important, we will definitely migrate to imbibe the technological advances.

    “It’s obvious that we can not effectively utilize our policing work without involving technological devices to assist us.

    “We are not shying away from the usage of drones, we are going to get used to it,” Alabi stated.

    In his welcome address, the Commissioner of Police, Akinwale Adeniran said the command had successfully reduced to the barest minimum the crime rate in the state.

    He said: ”I wish to intimate the DIG that the command under my leadership has successfully many times tamed the activities of criminal elements across the state, and consequently, creating an enabling environment for the good people of Ekiti State through the adoption and implementation of the IGP’s Community Policing Strategy.

    “I want to state here that in addition to the challenges of inadequate manpower and logistics confronting the command, there is the additional problem of incessant transfer of personnel out of the command, both from the Force Headquarters and Zonal levels.

    ”In this wise, I wish to make a passionate appeal to the DIG to help in stemming the tide. The command needs more hands than the strength at its disposal, in order to sustain the peace being witnessed in the state and even do better.

    “The Command has been unarguably adjudged as one of the most peaceful states in the country.

    “This fact does not come by chance, but can be attributed to the commitment, dedication and dexterity of the personnel with the attendant partnership and cooperation of the good people of Ekiti state being the Fountain of Knowledge.”

    The News Agency of Nigeria NAN reports that the DIG later paid homage to the Ewi of Ado, Oba Adeyemo Adejigbe where he sought the support of the traditional ruler in the fight against crime in the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    OPA/IKU

    Edited by Tayo Ikujuni

  • NSCDC FCT Commandant seeks regulation of pantaker markets

    NSCDC FCT Commandant seeks regulation of pantaker markets

    Regulation
    ByKelchi Ogunleye
    Abuja, June 10,2024 (NAN) Dr Olusola Odumosu, Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command has called for the regulation of Pantaker markets in the territory.

    He said this while addressing personnel on Monday  at the NSCDC FCT Command Headquarters.

    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that pantaker is an open market where scrap and used items of any type are sold or exchanged for monetary purposes.

    Odumosu said that, it was imperative for the FCT administration to regulate pantaker markets in the territory as intelligence gathered revealed that most vandalised items end up in pantaker markets for sale.

    “With the proliferation of pantaker markets all over the city, and the suburbs, criminals have ready markets to sell vandalised metals, iron, aluminium, armoured cables, scraps and other stolen items which has increased the spate of vandalism of public properties in the FCT.

    “There is a need to address pressing concerns related to the sale and purchase of second hand goods in pantaker markets which currently lacks comprehensive and diligent oversight.

    “Regulation, monitoring and enforcement of compliance with government policy will help curb to a reasonable extent the cases of vandalism of infrastructure in the territory,” he said.

    According to him, proper regulation will not only help to curb the excesses of criminally minded dealers who receive items from vandals of public facilities, it will also foster economic stability by ensuring that only legitimate activities and authentic products are bought or sold in the market.

    “Unregulated markets for used items poses inherent risks to consumers and undermined the integrity of it’s commercial operations.

    “It is imperative that we establish clear rules and guidelines to protect properties of individuals and that of the government. ”

    “Proper regulation has the potential to enhance marketplace accountability, and will help security agencies in identifying and bringing criminals who engage in acts of vandalism and theft to book,” Odumosu said.

    Odumosu said that the recent completion of projects and the successful commissioning of various infrastructure by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike calls for improved service and a renewal of strategy against destruction of government property.

    “It is therefore our collective responsibility as a Command to ensure the protection of these infrastructure which is a fulfilment of the ‘renewed hope’ promise of this current administration,” he said.

    He also said that there was a need for his officers and men to redouble their efforts in the protection of critical infrastructure in the territory.

    The Commandant further said that he had charged the Command’s Intelligence Department to increase its searchlight on the activities of the pantaker markets with a view to arresting identified accomplices of vandals and violators of the market standards.

    He however warned that anyone caught attempting to sell vandalized or stolen  items in these markets would face the full wrath of the law to serve as a deterrent to others.

    The Command’s helmsman called on members of the public to assist the Corps by reporting any suspicious activities or persons attempting to vandalise any public infrastructure.

    “This infrastructure provided is meant for the good of all, therefore, every member of the public has a duty to protect them from vandals,” he reiterated.

    Odumosu congratulates the FCT Minister for the laudable projects he has completed and commissioned in the FCT.

    “I want to congratulate the Minister for his doggedness and commitment to infrastructural growth.

    “He has indeed lived up to his reputation of being Mr Project, as he has given FCT a new look,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    KAYC/SH

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    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • Hunters’ body begs Tinubu to give assent to NHFSS bill

    Hunters’ body begs Tinubu to give assent to NHFSS bill

    Bill

    By Sumaila Ogbaje

    Abuja, June 10, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Hunter and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) has called on President Bola Tinubu to consider the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Bill before him for assent to give it legal backing.

    The Commander General (CG) of NHFSS, Dr Joshua Osatimehin, made the call during the training of over 375 officers of the service by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), in Abuja.

    Osatimehin said the signing of the bill would boost and empower the service to do more and contribute to the fight against criminality in Nigeria.

    According to him, in the South-South, men of NHFSS are doing fantastically well in the fight against oil bunkering, oil theft and saving money for the Federal Government.

    He called for the financing of the activities of hunters and forest security services, adding that the personnel had been working voluntarily.

    ”We are attacking the bandits because nobody knows the forest more than the hunters.

    ”We have been saying this over and over, that Nigerian hunters and forest security is the missing link in Nigeria’s security architecture,’’ he said.

    Osatimehin, said the training workshop was designed to enhance the capacity of its operatives in their quest to actively fight criminals in the forests.

    He added that the training would go a long way in enhancing the productivity of NHFSS personnel towards strengthening the security of lives and property in forests across the country.

    The CG said that the capacity workshop was also to enable the hunters to contribute to the realisation of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in the area of security.

    He thanked the Commandant-General of the NSCDC for giving them the platform to have well trained personnel and to boost their capacity to deliver on their mandates.

    “NSCDC has over the years being rendering necessary security training to NHFSS to enable the service be abreast with current strategies on intelligence gathering, security tips, code of conduct among others in line with the best international security standard.

    ”This is geared towards safeguarding the country from crimes and criminality, especially in the ungoverned space which is the forests nationwide.

    ”The training has been impactful and we have learnt a lot in the last couple of days and it is a good effort in the right direction.

    ”This is one way to boost the confidence of the citizens that the Nigerian hunters and forest security personnel are well trained and are ready to take up the assignment of protecting the forest,’’ he said.

    The NHFSS CG commended Tinubu for the successes so far recorded in the fight against insecurity in the last one year.

    The Deputy Commander General (DCG), Technical Services, Dr John Metchie, said the training was a train the trainer initiative to enable the senior officers passes same down to the local level.

    Metchie said the organisation was determined to bring everybody up to standard, to the same level as the NSCDC, Police, Army and other security services.

    He said the organisation had over the years, been collaborating with all the security agencies to get its personnel adequately trained.

    ”We have also collaborated with the Police Department of Training and Development on managing security and security challenges within the forested region.

    ”We have also effectively collaborated with the Department of State Security Service on intelligent gathering within forested region.

    ”And now with the NSCDC being one of the lead agencies in Nigeria in terms of internal security awareness campaign and the mandate of securing the critical infrastructure.

    ”So, part of their job is what we are also doing within the forest because pipelines pass through the forest and mineral resources are also embedded within the forest.

    ”So we are here to learn from them being one of the parenting bodies of security,’’ he said.

    Metchie further said that the NHFSS had been clamouring for presidential assent to its bill to be able to prove to the public and the federal government that they were up to the task.

    ”We want Mr President to give official assent to empower our officers the command structures to work with the constituted authority to curb crimes and criminality within the forest.

    ”You will agree with me that forest is the treasure base of any country, and 80 per cent of our mineral resources are located within the forested region and bandits and other criminal elements have taken over this forest”, he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    OYS/DCO/

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    Edited by Deborah Coker

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • FG advocates harmonisation of NIN, TIN for access to information

    Harmonisation

    By Yahaya Isah
    Abuja, June 10, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government has advocated the harmonisation of the National Identification Number (NIN) and Tax Identification Number (TIN) to ensure easier access to information for taxable income for the country.
    The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji- Ojo, stated this in a statement in Abuja on Monday by Mr Ozoya Imohimi, the Director of Press and Public Relations of the ministry.
    Tunji-Ojo made the call when the Secretary of the Joint Tax Board (JTB), Mr Olusegun Adesokun, paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.
    The minister, who decried the issue of tax evasion, said that technologically, if the NIN and TIN brought together as one number, it would difficult for people to evade tax.
    He also called for synergy between the critical agencies such as the JTB and the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) to enhance better achievements.
    “The relationship between the JTB and NIS should be like siamese twins. If there is a synergy, a lot will be achieved.
    “Many expatriates today are evading tax both at state and federal levels.’’
    He said that the NIN should be the unique security identifier, adding that it would display tax status and all the relevant information needed.
    Tunji-Ojo said that the JTB should create solutions to the harmonisation of data and identity systems, calling for the adoption and implementation of technology to help harmonise critical data.
    In his remarks, Adesokan said the purpose of his visit was to seek further meaningful collaboration with the ministry on capacity building.
    He added that the visit was to commence dialogue on issues relating to expatriate data and expatriate tax.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    YI/DCO/ADA
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    Edited by Deborah Coker/Deji Abdulwahab

  • NAF engineers undertake 4800-hour inspection on DO-228 aircraft

    NAF engineers undertake 4800-hour inspection on DO-228 aircraft

    Inspection

    By Sumaila Ogbaje

    Abuja, June 10, 2024 (NAN) In a significant engineering milestone, Nigerian Air Force (NAF) engineers have, for the first time, successfully undertaken a 4800-hour Periodic Depot Maintenance (PDM) on a Dornier -228 (DO-228) aircraft.

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

    Gabkwet said that such level of scheduled maintenance on the DO-228 aircraft, previously performed by foreign Maintenance Repair Organisations (MROs), was completed at a significantly cheaper rate and with reduced aircraft downtime.

    In his remarks, the Chief of Aircraft Engineering (CACE), AVM Pius Oahimire, said that the completion of the in-country PDM was a major boost to capacity building and demonstrated a newfound confidence in aircraft maintenance in the NAF.

    Oahimire said the motivation for the feat was no doubt derived from a key enabler of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Command Philosophy which harped on prioritising logistics support and strong maintenance culture.

    He commended the Unit Commander, AVM Olanrewaju Oyename, for his exceptional leadership and creating the enabling environment for his engineers to thrive and achieve this remarkable milestone.

    Oahimire encouraged the engineers to continue striving for excellence, adding that the NAF would remain committed to providing the necessary support and conducive working environment for personnel to function effectively and achieve the service’s mission objectives.

    He appreciated the CAS for his unwavering commitment to ensuring quality aircraft maintenance in the NAF.

    On his part, the Air Officer Commanding, Air Training Command, Kaduna, AVM Nnamdi Ananaba, expressed delight at the command for the attainment of the feat.

    Ananaba said that the vision for the 431 Engineering Group Kaduna, was to be an MRO, saying the accomplishment of the 4800-hours inspection indicated that the vision was achievable.

    Earlier, the Commander, AVM Oyename, said the inspection of the aircraft which was designated NAF 031, began in May 2021 but faced several delays, primarily due to challenges in acquiring necessary spare parts.

    He praised the determination, commitment, and expertise of the engineers and technicians who undertook the historic task.

    According to him, this is the first PDM on a NAF aircraft conducted entirely by NAF personnel in the First Engineering Unit of the NAF at the Premier NAF Base in Kaduna.

    The Commander emphasised the need for NAF engineers to undertake further specialist training to enhance their maintenance capabilities.

    In his remarks, the Commanding Officer of 30 Engineering Wing, Wing Commander Micheal Aransiola, explained that the 4800-hours inspection was the highest level of maintenance carried out on the DO-228 aircraft.

    Aransiola said the PDM was done in five-phase processes, saying that Phase one involved acceptance, documentation and docking while the Phase two included paint stripping and removal of components.

    According to him, Phase three focused on repairing discrepancies; Phase four involved reinstallation of components and operational checks; and Phase five concluded with ground checks, taxi checks, and a Functional Check Flight.

    “The successful completion of the 4800-hours inspection marks a new era of self-reliance and technical proficiency for the NAF,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    OYS/AMM

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    Edited by Abiemwense Moru