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Category: Defence/Security

  • PSC appoints Abubakar as DIG, promotes 122 other senior officers

    PSC appoints Abubakar as DIG, promotes 122 other senior officers

    Promotion

    By Monday Ijeh

    Abuja, June 7, 2024 (NAN) The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the appointment of Mr Yahaya Abubakar as Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG), and the promotion of 122 senior police officers.

    The Head of Press and Public Relations of PSC, Mr Ikechukwu Ani, said this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

    Ani said until his appointment as a DIG, Abubakar was the AIG in charge of Zone 14 Katsina.

    He said the new DIG would represent the Northeast Geopolitical zone in the Police Management Team, replacing Mr Habu Sani who recently retired as DIG Force Intelligence Bureau.

    Ani said the 122 other senior police officers promoted were 10 Commissioners of Police (CP) to the next rank of AIG and 15 Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCP) to CP.

    The PSC spokesman said 36 Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACP) to DCP and 61 Chief Superintendents of Police (CSP) to ACP were also elevated.

    He said the decisions were taken at the extraordinary Management Meeting of the Commission, presided over by the Chairman, Dr. Solomon Arase.

    According to him, the 15 DCPs, 10 CPs and the newly appointed DIG appeared before the commission in session for the compulsory interactive promotion interview, a requirement for their promotion.

    Ani said the PSC boss urged the officers to embrace the revolution in Information and Communication Technology,  in charting out pathways for effective policing and internal security management.

    He said Arase enjoined  officers to be genuinely committed to their sacred responsibility of securing the country by effectively protecting lives and property, preventing and containing crimes and criminality across the nation.

    The spokesman said the PSC boss pledged the readiness of the commission to ensure that promotion of officers and men were regular and predictable.

    Ani said the CPs promoted to AIG were Ahmed Ammani, Mohammed Adamu, Gumel Usaini, Hamzat Ayinde, Okuoma Basil, Achinyan Fera, Baba Ibrahim, Mohammed Isyaku, and Margaret Ochalla. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    IMC/GOM/JPE

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

    Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Joseph Edeh

  • Zulum launches resettlement of IDPs from 8 LGAs

    Zulum launches resettlement of IDPs from 8 LGAs

    IDPs
    By Yakubu Uba
    Maiduguri, Friday, June 7, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno, on Friday, launched the resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), taking refuge in two unofficial camps in Maiduguri.

    In a speech at the event held at Muna Camp, Zulum said the exercise was coming three years after IDPs in official camps were resettled back to their homes.

    He said that the ones in the unofficial camps of Muna and El-Badawi indicated interest to go back to their ancestral homes in Jere, Bama, Ngala, Konduga, Mafa, Gwoza, Marte and Dikwa.

    He further said that a resettlement package had been provided for the households that indicated interest to return home or safer locations in a dignified way, in line with the Kampala Declaration.

    The governor said that all the male and female heads of households would receive N100,000 each with food and non food items, while married women would get N50,000 each.

    He affirmed the commitment of his administration to gradually close all the camps.

    He, however, raised concern over the growing cases of prostitution and criminal activities in some of the camps which, he said, must be discouraged.

    He lauded the Federal Government for its sustained support to Borno through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), describing it as a reliable partner.

    “The food items we are giving those IDPs today are from NEMA,” Zulum said.

    In a remark, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Resettlement, Alhaji Ali Goni, said the IDPs comprised at least 11,000 households.

    Also, the NEMA Director, Relief and Resettlement, Mr Abdullahi Adamu, lauded the Borno Government for its commitment to the welfare of IDPs and assured Borno of the agency’s support.

    Adamu also commended the Borno Government for its efforts to resettle the displaced persons. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    YMU/USO
    Edited by Sam Oditah

  • Soldiers’ killing: Abia govt. increases bounty to N30m

    Bounty
    By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
    Nvosi (Abia), June 7, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Alex Otti of Abia on Friday announced an increased of the N25 million bounty placed on the killers of five soldiers at Obikabia junction in Aba to N30 million.
    Otti made the announcement when the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Hasan Abubakar, paid him a visit in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of the state.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that some gunmen had, on May 30, killed five soldiers at Obikabia junction in Aba.
    The governor said that the increase in the bounty was necessary by an addition of N5 million by an indigene of the state based in U.S.A.
    “Interestingly, the government has placed a bounty of N25 million and just yesterday, an Abia son, who also comes from Obingwa and lives in the United States, sent us N5 million to upgrade the bounty to N30 million.
    “So I am happy to announce that the bounty has just been upgraded to N30 million, to encourage anyone that will have useful information that will lead to the apprehension of the criminals,” he said.
    Otti further stated that the state government had also started working with the security agencies to ensure that such incidents do not happen again in the state again.
    He said that government had been working round the clock to ensure that the state remained safe and secure.
    “We also want to thank the intelligence service of the DSS, as they dispatched quite some people here to help us to unravel this case.
    “We are very single-minded about it. We must fish them out and ensure that they get the message that this place is a no-go area for terrorists, killers, kidnappers and other criminals,” the governor said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    INA/FON/WAS
    Edited by Florence Onuegbu and ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • Police arrest 3 robbery suspects in Delta

    Police arrest 3 robbery suspects in Delta

    Suspects

    By Edeki Igafe

    Warri (Delta), June 7, 2024 (NAN) The Police Command in Delta has attested three notorious robbery suspects in Sapele, Sapele Local Government Area of the state.

    The command’s spokesman, SP Bright Edafe made this known while addressing newsmen on the arrest on Friday in Warri.

    He said that suspected hoodlums were apprehended on Wednesday by the command’s special squad deployed to Ughelli.

    Edafe said that the police squad led by ASP Julius Robinson acted on credible intelligence, and stormed the suspects hideouts in Sapele Town to effect the arrest.

    “On June 5,  the command’s special squad, while acting on credible intelligence, successfully arrested three suspected armed robbers and recovered  weapons in Sapele Town,” he said.

    Edafe said that exhibits recovered from them included one beretta pistol, one locally made cut-to-size gun, three cutlasses, cell phones and  ATM cards belonging to their victims.

    The police spokesman said that some of the victims had identified the suspects and the valuables stolen from them.

    Edafe said that upon interrogation, the suspects confessed to having been involved in six armed robbery operations in Sapele.

    He added that the suspects were currently in police custody while investigation in the matter was ongoing.

    Edafe said that the special squad was deployed by the Commissioner of Police of the command, Mr Abaniwonda Olufemi to checkmate kidnapping and armed robbery activities in Ughelli, Warri, Sapele and environs. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    EDI/EBI/JPE

    ==========

    Edited by Benson Iziama/Joseph Edeh

  • CSOs urge media to refrain from blackmailing government institutions

    CSOs urge media to refrain from blackmailing government institutions

    Media

    By Monday Ijeh

    Abuja, June 7, 2024 (NAN) Some Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), have urged the media to refrain from attempts to blackmail institutions of government and ensure accurate information before publication.

    The CSOs, Coalition for Peace In Nigeria (COPIN) and the Iconoclast Media, made the call in a joint statement on Friday in Abuja.

    The statement was signed by the National Coordinator of COPIN, Mr Emeka Akwuobi and the National Secretary of Iconoclast Media, Dr Mayago Mayago.

    The group faulted a media report on an alleged invasion of an Ogun State High Court premises and arrest of two suspects by personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS).

    According to the group, apart from the claim of invasion, the media platform also called on President Bola Tinubu to among others, “curb DSS excesses”.

    It said the DSS had, however, debunked the claim, explaining that the suspects were apprehended outside the precinct of the court.

    The CSOs said the establishment Act of the DSS had wide powers, including the detection and prevention of threats to national security, public safety and assets of government.

    The statement said investigation by the groups showed that the intelligence agency acted based on a report it received on alleged destruction of property and arson against the suspects.

    According to the group, the DSS, in our estimation, has a track record of observing the rule of law and following the due process of law in the execution of its mandate.

    “That informs why it ensures that suspects in its custody are held based on remand orders, pending when they are arraigned in court or granted administrative bail.

    “We, therefore, call on President Bola Tinubu to disregard the call by the media platform to interfere with the statutory duties of the DSS.

    “We also, call on other CSOs, individuals, groups and stakeholders in the project Nigeria, to give valuable support to the government and her institutions to facilitate the delivery of dividend of democracy,” the group said.

    The group also said the media platform, in its “scathing” editorial, failed to observe the time-honored journalism tradition of balancing reports.

    “While acknowledging that the media platform has a right to its opinion, the DSS has a history of respect for harmonious relationship with the judiciary,” the group said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    IMC/AMM

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    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

     

  • PCRC to partner hunters, vigilance groups in Kogi

     

    Groups

    By Monday Ijeh

    Abuja, June 7, 2024 (NAN) Alhaji Mogaji Ibrahim-Olaniyan, the National Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), says the committee will partner with local hunters and vigilance groups to rid Kogi of criminals.

    Ibrahim-Olaniyan spoke with newsmen on Friday in Abuja on the recent inauguration of zonal and state executives of PCRC in Kogi.

    He said with new the executive of PCRC in place in Kogi, there would be no hiding place for criminals in the state.

    The PCRC boss said the new executive would work with every member of the communities in Kogi to ensure that criminals hibernating in the state were flushed out.

    He commended the election that produced Mr Aron Ali as the Kogi Chairman of PCRC, adding that the process was free and fair.

    According to him, with the new executive, the expectation is that Kogi PCRC will compete with all the giant states of Kano, Lagos, Ogun and Kwara because Kogi has all it takes.

    He expressed optimism that the new team at the zonal and state levels in the state would come up with strong force to support the police and other security agencies.

    According to him, PCRC members are doing fine across its division because they are supporting police projects with very useful information.

    The PCRC boss urged the new executive to build and develop a strong synergy among security stakeholders in Kogi to ensure the realisation of their goals in the state.

    He commended Gov. Ahmed Ododo of Kogi and other security agencies in the state for their commitment to the security of lives and property in the state. (NAN)

     

    IMC/CJ/

    =======

    Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

  • NDLEA nabs 110 suspects, recovers 520.385kgs illicit drugs in Kaduna

    NDLEA nabs 110 suspects, recovers 520.385kgs illicit drugs in Kaduna
    Seizures
    By Muhammad Tijjani
    Kaduna, June. 7, 2024(NAN) The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Kaduna State Command, said its operatives have arrested 110 suspects and recovered  520.385kgs of illicit substances in the month of May.
    Its Commander, Mr Samaila Danmalam, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Kaduna.
    Danmalam said, “The command in the month of May  arrested 110 suspects comprising 105 males and five females.”
    He disclosed that the agency also seized various illicit substances that included  cocaine, Indian hemp, Tramadol and Methamphetamine, among others, weighing 520.385kgs .
    Danamalam added that 10  illicit drug joints were dismantled in the state.
    The commander said that the command secured the conviction of 12 suspects and arraigned 22 others within the month under review.
    He explained that in its efforts to combat the drug scourge in the state through drug demand reduction activities, the command carried out numerous sensitization programmes across the state.
    “This was with the aim of enlightening the citizenry on the ills associated with drug use and illicit trafficking while simultaneously counselling and rehabilitation of drug dependent persons,” he added.
    Danmalam  appealed to the public to shun illicit drug activities and trafficking.
    He urged the citizens to provide useful and timely information to assist the command in carrying out its mandate in the state.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    TJ/NRM
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    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Rainy season: VIO chief cautions motorists on vehicle maintenance

    Rainy season: VIO chief cautions motorists on vehicle maintenance

    Rain
    By Ibironke Ariyo
    Abuja, June 7, 2024 (NAN) The Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS) has called all motorists to be cautious on the roads during the rainy season while urging them to ensure proper maintenance of their vehicles.

    Dr Yusuf Suberu, Squadron Leader, Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) Mayors of the Federation said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.

    Suberu also harped on the need for strict compliance with traffic rules and regulations among road users especially during the period.

    The VIO chief expressed concern about the rate at which people neglected the basic ethics of driving during the rainy season, which resulted in avoidable crashes, death and fatal injuries in some cases.

    He said that low level of vehicle maintenance among motorists, especially the commercial drivers had caused major havoc on the highway across the country.

    He also said that it was also imperative for drivers to be patient and calm while driving adding that it would help to ensure sanity on the highways during the season.

    This, he said would also help to avoid road hazards that occur as a result of wet and slippery road surfaces, foggy weather and occasional poor visibility that characterise the season among others.

    According to him, we wish to reiterate our commitment towards safer road use during this rainy period.

    “We want to warn the motoring public on the need to comply with all traffic rules and regulations as they ensure proper maintenance of their vehicles.

    “It is important that drivers fix the vehicle wiper blades, head and tail lights, brakes and avoid the use of worn-out tyres to enhance safety as they ply the roads when it is raining.

    “Motorists should also note that visibility might be affected when the rain is heavy and they are advised to reduce speed and stop when it is obviously unsafe to continue driving.

    “Also, if visibility is very poor, drivers should endeavour to move off the road and park safely, leave your parking lights on and keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you”, he said.

    Suberu expressed the VIO’s concern over the attitude of many drivers in the country on tyre care and maintenance, adding that most Nigerian drivers have poor maintenance culture.

    He urged motorists to be mindful of potholes and pedestrians crossing the roads adding that the VIO mayors would visit motor parks and sensitise commercial drivers.

    He said that the sensitisation would be on how to desist from excessive speeding and dangerous driving on highways to avert road traffic mishap.(NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)

    ICA/SH

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    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • Aba Killing: We’ve started getting very credible information — Gov. Otti

    Soldiers
    By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
    Aba, June 6 ,2024 (NAN) Gov. Alex Otti of Abia says the State Government has started receiving credible intelligence on the killing of five soldiers which took place on May 30 in Aba.
    Otti disclosed this on Thursday when he paid a morale boosting visit to the officers and men of the144 Battalion Nigerian Army, at the Ngwa High School, Aba.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on May 30,
    five soldiers were killed by  yet-to-be-identified gunmen, at the  Obikabia Junction in Aba.
    The governor said that he was on the visit to address the soldiers on the killing of five soldiers at the Obikabia junction.
    He said that the efforts made by the government to gather intelligence on the incident had started producing results and it would be sustained.
    He said :”We have started getting very credible information, this intelligence gathering will continue, but I do not want it to dampen your morale.
    “We have all been working together to secure this state in the last one year that I have been the Governor of the State, and I want to encourage you to continue your work; don’t get distracted.
    “I believe, from credible intelligence available to us, that this criminal act may have been executed by people who are opposed to the progress and the good things that are happening in Abia.
    “So, we will get to the root of the matter, we will arrest everyone that is involved.”
    Otti said that he had visited the widows of the five slain soldiers and promised the commitment of the government to keep giving them adequate welfare support as well as  place their children on scholarship until they graduate from the university.
    He said that the government valued the contributions of the Nigerian Army to the security in Abia and assured the soldiers of the government’s support.
    “I feel it is my responsibility as the Chief Security Officer of the state to speak to you, commiserate with you, and also ensure that your morale is boosted, that you don’t get discouraged and you don’t get distracted by this unfortunate incident.
    “The state had already placed a bounty of N25 million on anybody who has information that will lead to the arrest and prosecution of people who were involved in this dastardly act, remotely or directly,” he said.
    Otti also appealed to the Army to carry out their investigation with the consciousness of the fact that some of the people already arrested in the course of their investigation may be innocent.
    He said that he had been informed that the people taken by the Nigerian Army for questioning had been released, except for about 10 people who were still being investigated.
    “We support thorough investigation, but we will also appeal to you that a lot of innocent civilians, who you will encounter may not have been involved.
    “I believe that most of them are not involved. It is even possible that those who committed this crime came from outside the state.
    “So whatever be the case we will not like to punish those who are innocent with those who are guilty because like it is said, two wrongs cannot make a right,” he said.
    He commended the Nigerian Army for showing commitment to its duty of protecting the citizens, which had contributed immensely to safety of lives and property in Abia.
    Otti urged the soldiers to remain alert and not to let the killing of their colleagues to dampen their spirit.
    NAN reports that the governor was received by the Commander, 14 Brigade Ohafia, Brig.-Gen. Olusola Diya and the Commanding Officer, 144 Battalion, Major K.P. Duniya.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    INA/MNA
    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

  • Youth ministry, centre partner on drug abuse, rehabilitation

    Dr Hope Omeize, Executive Director, Vanguard Against Drug Abuse (VGADA),  with Mr Ayodele Olawande, Minister of State for Youth Development.

    Youth ministry, centre partner on drug abuse, rehabilitation

    Abuse
    By Ibironke Ariyo
    Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Ministry of Youth Development is prepared to partner with Vanguard Against Drug Abuse (VGADA), to raise awareness against drug abuse.
    It is also prepared to rehabilitate and provide skills for youths affected by substance abuse.
    Mr Ayodele Olawande, Minister of State for Youth Development, made the pledge on Thursday in Abuja when he received Dr Hope Omeiza, Executive Director of VGADA detox centre.
    The News Agency Of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the VGADA detox center, a rehabilitation centre in Abuja, is a leading provider of addiction treatment and recovery services in Nigeria.
    Olawande noted, with appreciation, the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, saying that it would lift Nigerians in all spheres and make life meaningful for all.
    He emphasised the need to engage those at the grassroots, adding that they were the informal people who needed the good message of the campaign.
    “There is also need to enlighten the parents, especially the mothers at the grassroots, so as to help educate children and youths on drug abuse and illicit trafficking,” he added.
    He said that the ministry had been to 19 states and many local governments to campaign against dangers of drugs, substance abuse and illicit trafficking.
    “From our experience, we have two different types of young people today – the formal and the informal
    “The formal people know and are aware of the dangers of these drugs, but the informal are at the grassroots level. 
    “We are not engaging the informal people and that is why illicit drug use has been spreading widely to the towns, the villages, and to the grassroots.
    “This is the reason you’ll see me in every community engaging with the stakeholders, the women especially.
    “We believe that everything begins from the home; with the mothers talking to their children, it will help curtail the menace to the barest minimum,” he said.
    Olawande said that the Tinubu administration was doing all it could to ensure that issues relating to illicit drugs were resolved to the barest minimum.
    He said that the ministry would continue to educate and enlighten the youths and children to make them better patriots, promote peace and enhance unity in the country.
    “We have 774 local governments. We are planning to hit at least 500 so that we will bring the government to the doorstep of the people.
    “This will help a lot. People need to see and touch the government in every aspect. It is not everything that is about money.”
    Earlier, Omeiza had painted a grim picture of the drug situation in Nigeria, especially as it affects the youth population.
    Omeiza stressed the urgent need for all stakeholders, at all levels, to strengthen partnership with necessary rganisations, especially VGADA.
    “Such partnership will curb the menace of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking, especially since there is a strong nexus between drug abuse and security challenges facing the country.
    “We have a programme coming up on June 28 and it is for the youth. The event will address the pressing issues of drug abuse, mental health challenges and their impact on the future of Nigerian youth,” he said.(NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)
    ICA/ETS
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