Category: Defence/Security

NGO seeks urgent action to end torture

Torture
By Ibironke Ariyo
Abuja, June 28, 2024(NAN)An NGO,  Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA) has called for urgent action by African countries to intensify efforts to eradicate torture.

The Executive Director, PRAWA , Dr Uju Agomoh made this in a statement to commemorate the year 2024 International Day in Support of Victims of Torture on Friday in Abuja.

Agomoh said that torture was a grave violation of human rights, causing immense physical and psychological suffering adding that despite global advances, many individuals still endured the atrocity.

She said that PRAWA remained steadfast in its mission to create a humane and secure society that corrects and empowers to prevent crime, violence, and torture while providing comprehensive rehabilitation to survivors.

She said “we honour the resilience and strength of torture survivors and commend their courage.

According to her, PRAWA continues to work tirelessly to offer medical, psychological, legal, and social support, ensuring their reintegration into society and promoting their healing journey.

“For three decades, PRAWA has been unwavering in its commitment to eradicating torture and providing holistic support to survivors.

“Since the adoption of the UN Convention Against Torture, serves as a solemn reminder of our ongoing fight to uphold human dignity and justice.

“We once again call upon the Nigerian government and African states to intensify their efforts to eradicate torture.

“Concrete steps must be taken to implement effective legal frameworks, ensure accountability for perpetrators, and provide adequate resources for the support and rehabilitation of survivors.

“The prohibition of torture is absolute and non- negotiable, “she said.

The PRAWA boss further urged government and African states to fully implement and enforce existing anti- torture laws to ensure perpetrators were held accountable.

Agomoh also urged them to allocate resources to support comprehensive rehabilitation programs for survivors of torture.

She appealed for continuous training for law enforcement and security personnel on human rights and the absolute prohibition of torture.

“We urge them to establish and strengthen independent bodies to monitor detention facilities and investigate allegations of torture.

“Also, government need them to resource​​​ the​ National​ Preventive Mechanism (NPM) adequately to enable its effective functioning and full compliance with the provisions of the Optional Protocol to the United Nations Convention Against Torture, Cruel, Inhumane and Degrading Treatment​​or​ Punishment​​(OPCAT).​

“This includes​ providing​​ sufficient funding, staffing, and training to ensure the NPM can effectively carry out its mandate, “she said.

The PRAWA boss also called on​ the international community to support African nations in their fight against torture by providing technical ​​​assistance,​​funding,​and capacity-building initiatives.

“As we commemorate this day, let us renew our commitment to a world free from torture, where every individual’s dignity is respected and protected.

“Together, we can make significant strides towards ending torture and supporting survivors, ensuring justice, healing, and a brighter future for all.

“Together, we stand united against torture, “he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Torture Victims Day is observed every June 26 globally.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

ICA/SH

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edited by Sadiya Hamza

Insecurity

By Philip Yatai

Abuja, June 27, 2024 (NAN) Some security stakeholders said on Thursday, that addressing poverty and bad governance were key to curbing insecurity currently ravaging the Sahel region.

The experts stated this in Abuja, during a public debate on “Security in the Sahel: Effects, Challenges, Strategies and the Way Forward”, organised by West Africa Democracy Radio (WADR), Dakar, Senegal.

They described poverty and bad governance as the root cause of insecurity in the Sahel.

The Sahel stretches from the Atlantic Ocean eastward through northern Senegal, southern Mauritania, the great bend of the Niger River in Mali, Burkina Faso, southern Niger, northeastern Nigeria, south-central Chad, and into Sudan.

Mr Gad Peters, Executive Director, CLEEN Foundation, particularly said that insecurity thrived because governments have failed to provide the needs of the people to enable them to live a life of dignity.

Peters spoke on the topic, “Regional and International Responses to Security: The Role of International Organisations in Addressing Global Security Challenges”.

He said that addressing poverty was principal to addressing insecurity in the Sahel.

He also called for a functional education to equip the region’s population with life sustaining skills.

Peters argued that the over dependence of African countries on international donor organisations was depriving the countries from looking for workable local solutions.

He added that development partners’ support was usually not for the sake of humanity but to satisfy certain economic interests.

“Insecurity in the Sahel will reduce significantly if the economy works for the common man.

“There is also the need to address poverty, unemployment, and build community resilience to shocks caused by poverty and deprivations,” he said.

On his part, Dr Peter Olumuji, Urban Security Strategist, while noting the contribution of poverty and bad governance to rising insecurity, stressed the importance of co-opting traditional and religious leaders into Africa’s security architecture.

Olumuji, who is also the Secretary, Command and Control Centre, FCT Administration, stressed the need to develop the capacity of traditional and religious leaders on security.

He described the traditional and religious institutions as critical to maintaining security at community level.

“Let us localise our security solutions to achieve the desired results,” he said.

Similarly, Dr Emmanuel Ojukwu, former Commissioner of Police, also stressed the need to involve women in driving solutions to insecurity in the Sahel and the African continent.

According to him, women bear the brunt of insecurity anywhere in the word and their participation will help in reaching a workable solution to rising insecurity in the region.

“Also, people need to be provided with the right information about government efforts and the traditional and religious leaders play a critical role in this regard,” he said.

For Mr Austin Aigbe of the West Africa Democratic Solidarity Network, leadership selection process plays a key role in fuelling insecurity in the Sahel region.

According to him, bad governance thrives because of deficit electoral processes in Africa, which in the long run severed trust between the government and the governed.

“The people need to trust the government enough to provide intelligence reports to security operatives and bad governance would continue until we correct the anomalies in our electoral process.”

Earlier, Mrs Agnes Thomasi, Station Manager, WADR, explained that the debate was part of activities under the project, “Providing Quality and Relevant Information: A Counter Narrative on the Security Situation in the Sahel.”

Thomasi said that the debate was the second phase of the WADR project, under Open Society Foundation (OSF), an Africa’s Security and Rights project, designed to contribute to the process of peace building in Africa.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that West Africa Democracy Radio (WADR) is a trans-territorial, sub-regional radio station based in Dakar, Senegal.

It was established by the Open Society Initiative for West Africa now Open Society Africa in 2005 to defend the ideals of democracy and open society, by dissemination of development information across the West African sub-region. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

FDY/AMM

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Edited by Abirmwense Moru

Security

By Philip Yatai

Abuja, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The West Africa Democracy Radio (WADR), has called for regional cooperation and stronger synergy among governments, security agencies and the citizens to address the ravaging insecurity in the Sahel region.

Mrs Agnes Thomasi, Station Manager, WADR in Dakar, Senegal, stated this in Abuja on Thursday, during a public debate on “Security in the Sahel: Effects, Challenges, Strategies and the Way Forward.”

Thomasi explained that the debate was part of activities under the project, “Providing Quality and Relevant Information: A Counter Narrative on the Security Situation in the Sahel”

She said that the debate was the second phase of the WADR project, under Open Society Foundation (OSF), an Africa’s Security and Rights project.

According to her, the goal is to contribute to the process of peace building in Africa.

“Today’s debate provides the opportunity for in-depth discussions on the security situation in our region under our Security and Rights project.

“We implemented the first phase of the project in 2022 with focus on the governance aspect of security in Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali and Nigeria.

“This debate, being the second phase, also focussing on the seam countries, was organised for experts to further look at the various perspectives of insecurity in the Sahel.

“This is with a view to tell our stories and share ideas for possible solutions.”

She said that the debate was apt, considering the current state of insecurity in Nigeria, characterised by terrorism, banditry, kidnaping, and farmers-herders conflict among others

Mr Senator Ireogbu, the Convener of Geopolitics Series, described the Sahel region as a vast area in Africa, stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea.

Ireogbu added that the region served as a transition zone between the Sahara Desert to the north and the more fertile savannas to the south.

Speaking on a topic, “The Current Security Situation in the Sahel: The Nigerian Perspective”, Ireogbu said that the region was facing serious security challenges.

He identified some of the security threats as coups, insurgencies, terrorism, with high birth rates and corruption exacerbating the security challenge, making life exceedingly difficult for the people.

He pointed out that Nigeria, a key player in the Sahel, was being threatened by extremist groups, including armed conflicts and organised crime, such as smuggling and kidnapping.

According to him, understanding and addressing these challenges from a Nigerian perspective is crucial for improving regional stability and security.

He stressed the need for stronger regional cooperation, intelligence sharing, as well as building a resilient local governance and security capacity to curb insecurity.

“Government also need to address poverty, unemployment and strengthen inclusive governance to tackle the menace of insecurity,” he said.

Also speaking, Dr Maji Peters, Country Director, Equal Access International, blamed the rising insecurity in the Sahel on inequality and lack of trust in the governance system.

Peters, who spoke on the topic, “The Modus Operandi on Non-State Armed Groups in the Sahel”, said that non-state armed groups proliferated in the Sahel due to lack of public trust in the government.

“When you don’t believe in the system; when there is so much distrust of the institutions that are supposed to protect and give us guidance, people tend to look for what they can do to help themselves.

“It is within the framework of helping themselves that we are where we are today and unless we do something very intentional, this is just a taste of the real deal,” he said.

Speaking on Military Juntas and Populations: What Place for Dissenting Voices and Pro-Democracy Activists? Mrs Kemi Okenyodo, said that the role of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) as watch dogs, have been compromised.

Okenyodo, the founder and Executive Director, Rule of Law and Empowerment Initiative, said that CSOs have become tribalised, political and donor dependent, making them weak to influence good governance in Nigeria.

She noted that bad governance breeds insecurity and civil society movements were no longer effective in monitoring and reporting bad governance to create the needed change for all. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

FDY/AMM

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Edited by Abiemwense Moru

CAS reiterates commitment to students’ safety, academic excellence

School

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, says his utmost concern remains the safety, wellbeing and academic excellence of all students of Air Force comprehensive and secondary schools nationwide.

Abubakar said this while interacting with the Commandant and some staff of Air Force Comprehensive School, Iyana-Offa in Ibadan, Oyo State.

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

The CAS warned that any attempt to infringe on such priorities would not be tolerated.

He also warned that any act of negligence on the part of commandants, staff or instructors in charge of NAF schools nationwide, that could lead to injury or threat to life of any student would not be tolerated.

According to him, it is their responsibility to follow laid down guidelines as well as other means, in identifying red flags that may indicate gaps or lapses within school environments so as to forestall avoidable incidents or tragedies.

“I will not condone any act that will lead to injuries or the death of any of our students.

“The NAF remains dedicated and committed to providing a conducive learning environment, ensuring the overall development of students, and empowering them to reach their full potential,” he said.

Abubakar tasked commandants and staff of NAF schools to always ensure they put the interest of the students first before any other interest.

He said that NAF’s investment in education was a vital aspect of its welfare package, aimed at supporting the families of personnel as well as those of civilians, while also contributing to the nation’s human capital development.

’’It is also part of its soft power strategy aimed at endearing it to the populace and enabling it to engage with the civil populace through the provision of affordable and qualitative education for their wards.’’

The CAS during the visit inspected ongoing renovation works at the students’ hostels and classrooms of the school, as part of his wider phased School Intervention Strategy.

He said the intervention was to holistically renovate, upgrade and carry out repairs in NAF schools across Nigeria.

According to him, NAF currently runs 13 secondary schools nationwide consisting of nine boarding and four day schools with a total strength of 11,177 students.

’’NAF also runs 21 primary schools spread across the country with a total strength of 13, 758 pupils.

“Its oldest secondary school, Air Force Military School, Jos, was established in 1980, while its oldest primary school, Air Force Primary School, Ikeja, was established in 1976.

“Currently, the NAF is building additional schools at NAF Bases located at Abuja, Bauchi, Kaduna and Igbara-Oke in Osun State, all expected to come on stream by September 2024,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

OYS/YMU/AMM

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Edited by Yakubu Uba and Abiemwense Moru

Troops  kill 5 terrorists, rescue hostages in Sokoto

Troops

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja, June 27, 2024 (NAN) Troops of the Nigerian Army deployed for counter-terrorism operations in Sokoto State on Thursday  foiled a kidnap attempt, neutralising five terrorists and rescued  two hostages held by them

This is contained in a post on the official X Handle of the Nigerian Army on Thursday.

The Army  said troops responded to a distress call from the Baniguntu and Gohonau forest areas in Gudu Local Government Area of the state and engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle.

It said  terrorists who survived the encounter fled with gunshot wounds

According to the Army , the rescued hostages, identified as Nura Isya and Saluhu Hamza, were safely handed over to the Chairman of Gudu Local Government Area for medical attention and reunification with their families.

“The successful operation not only prevented a potential tragedy, but also led to the recovery of 5 AK-47 rifles, 32 rounds of ammunition, and a Tecno phone, further disrupting the activities of the terrorist group.

“This heroic rescue mission highlights the resoluteness of the Nigerian Army to combat terrorism and ensure  the safety and security of citizens in Sokoto State and across the country.

“The troops’ swift and decisive action serves as a testament to their dedication to protecting the lives and well-being of the people they serve,” it said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

OYS/BHB

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Edited by Buhari Bolaji

Misconduct:NCoS dismisses 3 personnel, sanctions others

Dismissal
By Ibironke Ariyo
Abuja, June 27, 2024(NAN) The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has dismissed three officers and sanctioned others for various acts of misconduct.

This is contained in a statement by the Service Public Relations Officer(SPRO), Assistant Controller of Corrections (ACC) Abubakar Umar, on Thursday in Abuja.

Umar said that the service,in a bid to maintain a high standard of discipline and professionalism ,reviewed various cases of unprofessional conduct of the affected personnel .

He said the review of the various cases,such as gross negligence of duty,absence without leave, trafficking in illicit items and general inefficiency, resulted in the dismissal of the  personnel ,including a Controller of Corrections.

According to him, in a letter issued by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB),  twenty personnel were discharged and acquitted.

“This is for the various offences which they were accused of; while one officer who was previously suspended was reinstated after the review exercise.

“Also, a total of three personnel were compulsorily retired, six personnel had their ranks reduced, while 13 personnel attracted either verbal or plain warning.

“These sanctions are in line with the zero tolerance on staff misconduct, a cardinal mantra of the Controller General of Corrections, Haliru Nababa and targeted towards ridding the Service of unscrupulous elements and misfits.

“This is so as to improve professionalism as well as to entrench discipline, ethics and excellence in its officers and men,”he said.

Umar said that the Service had the onerous mandate of keeping custody of the legally interned in a safe and humane condition as well as reforming, rehabilitating and reintegrating them to the society as responsible citizens.

He said :“In order to meet these mandates, the Service ensures that it cleanses personnel of bad eggs as well as unprofessionalism that may set back or slowdown the achievement of these important national mandates.

“The Service hereby assures  members of the general public of its resolve to secure all custodial and non-custodial facilities, and engender true correctional practice in conformity with international best correctional practices.

“The general public is also requested to support the Nigerian Correctional Service in its efforts towards effective offenders’ management so as to promote public safety and national security in general,”he said.(NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)

ICA/EBI/BHB

Edited by Benson Iziama/Buhari Bolaji

Duty

By Deborah Akpede

Lagos, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The new Commissioner of Police deployed to the Special Fraud Unit (PSFU) Lagos annex, Ayotunde Omodeinde, has assumed duty.

PSFU spokesperson, SP Eyitayo Johnson, confirmed the development in a statement on Thursday in Lagos.

“PSFU wishes to announce the assumption of duties of its 30th Commissioner of Police, CP Ayotunde Omodeinde.

“He succeeds AIG Margaret Ochalla, who has been promoted to the privileged rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) and reassigned as AIG Police Force Headquarters Annex, Obalende, Lagos,” he said.

According to Johnson, Omodeinde, who hails from ljebu North East Local Government Area of Ogun, brings with him, a wealth of experience, dedication and strong educational background.

“He holds a Bachelor of Psychology (B. Sc Hons) from the prestigious University of Ibadan (UI)  and Advance Diploma in Information Technology Management (APTECH).

“He was commissioned into the Nigeria Police Force on 18th May, 1992 as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police (C/ASP) and trained at the prestigious Police Academy Annex, Kaduna.

“An ICT expert, skilled investigator, operations expert, seasoned/result oriented administrator and a trainer; Omodeinde possesses a vast experience in ICT-based Law Enforcement and he is a firm believer in team work, dedication and discipline, ” he said.

He also revealed that Omodeinde previously served as Officer-in-charge, Okuku Police Station, Cross River Command; Divisional Police Officer, Ogoja Divisional Police Headquarters, Cross River;  Officer-in-charge, Police Training School, Calabar; IGP Monitoring Unit FHQ Abuja.

The spokesperson said that the CP served as the Officer-in Charge, Internet FHQ Abuja; DPO, Karishi Divisional Headquarters, Nasarawa Police Command; CSP, INFOTECH DICT FHQ Abuja, Officer-in-charge, X-Squad Zone 11 Headquarters, Osogbo.

Johnson said that Omodeinde also
served as the DCP INFOTECH DOIT FHQ Abuja, and DCP Operations Cross River  Police Command, before his elevation to the enviable rank of CP and subsequent posting to PSFU Lagos.

The image maker said that Omodeinde was also a member of the United Nations contingent to Kosovo, 2000- 2002; Liberia, 2005-2006; and Commander FPU Liberia, May 2013- Nov. 2013.

“During his tour of mission duties at the UN, Omodeinde was a recipient of UN Mission Medal Award in Kosovo (2001); UN Mission Medal Award in Liberia (2005);  UN Mission Medal Award (2013); UNMIL Police Commissioner Letter of Commendation (2013) and IGP Letter of Commendation (2017).

“The CP attended Police Mobile Training (1993); Citizenship and Leadership Training (1988, 1993); UN Training Assistant Course at National War College, Abuja (2004); Civil Military Coordination Course CIMIC (2007); Police Staff College, Jos (2010); Strategic Leadership and Command Course SLCC (2020) ,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

DOA/MAM/FAA

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Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Folasade Adeniran