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  • 9,303 terrorists killed, 9562 fighters surrender in 1 Year – SCIPC

    9,303 terrorists killed, 9562 fighters surrender in 1 Year – SCIPC

    Terrorists

    By Sumaila Ogbaje

    Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) No fewer than 9,303 have been killed,  6,998 arrested and 9,562 Boko Haram/ISWAP combatant fighters and their families surrendered to security forces in the last one year.

    The Director Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known during the joint briefing by Security, Defence and Response agencies organised by the Strategic Communications Interagency Policy Committee under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) on Thursday in Abuja.

    Buba said the troops also rescued no fewer than 4,641 hostages, while 1,437 suspected oil thieves were apprehended within the period under review.

    According to him, troops killed 363 criminals and rescued 245 kidnap hostages in the Niger Delta Region within the period.

    Buba said the the Nigerian Police Force within the year apprehended 4,796-armed robbery suspects, 3,068 kidnap suspects and 2,474 suspects for rape/sexual crimes.

    He added that 1,213 suspects were apprehended for unlawful possession of firearms, 3,523 suspected cultists, 3,381 suspects for murder/homicide, and 13,382 suspects for other offences.

    According to him, the Police rescued 1,713 kidnap victims and recovered 1,465 vehicles/motorcycles, 2,566 firearms and 19,310 rounds of ammunition.

    Buba said the Police prosecuted 29,052  cases within the year and secured conviction of 16,200 suspects.

    He gave the breakdown of prosecuted cases as “7,675 cases conclusively dispensed, 11,376 suspects are currently undergoing trial, 51 cases are under appeal in appellate courts, and 16,200 cases resulted in the conviction of suspects who have received various punishments for their criminal acts.

    Buba said the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on the other hand foiled 48 attacks/kidnap attempts on schools and dismantled over 1,975 illegal mining sites across the country.

    He added that 165 illegal local refineries were uncovered and dismantled within the period under review.

    “Relatedly, the Nigeria Customs Service generated exceptional revenue of about N4 trillion.

    “National security and anti-smuggling efforts led to significant seizures of contraband goods, illegal arms, and narcotics.

    “The agencies recovered over 21,000 pump action cartridges, 440 pump action rifles, and 228,741 rounds of ammunition and, prevented potential attacks by recovering suicide jackets and lethal weapons.

    “Criminal activities involving illicit petroleum products were disrupted, with 50,000 illicit liters impounded,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    OYS/SH

    =======
    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • Court delivers judgment in a case of attempted theft filed against a 20-year-old man

    Court delivers judgment in a case of attempted theft filed against a 20-year-old man

     

    Stealing
    By Adepote Arowojobe
    Ikorodu (Lagos State), June 6, 2024 (NAN)A Magistrates’ Court in Ikorodu, Lagos State has adjourned until June 27 for sentencing in a case of theft filed against a 20-year-old man, Abass Apanpa.

    Magistrate T. A. Shotobi, fixed the date on Thursday, following Apanpa’s plea of guilty to attempted theft.

    He was also charged with willful damage and attempt to steal before

    According to the prosecutor, ASP Christian Okonofua, the defendant committed the offence on June 1 and June 2 respectively at about 10.30 p.m. at No 57, Oba Sekumade Road, Ebute area of Ikorodu.

    He said that Apanpa attempted  to steal an air condition worth N350, 000 belonging to ABF Enterprise Ltd.

    The prosecutor said that the offence contravened the provisions of Section 350 and 405 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    ADEX/CEO/SH

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

    Edited by Chidi Opara/Sadiya Hamza

  • We demolished illegal structures to curb crimes in Bauchi – Official

    Security

    By Ahmed Kaigama

    Bauchi, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Bauchi government has said that the ongoing demolition of illegal make shift structures would enhance security network in the state capital.

    Mr Abdulhamid Bununu, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs said this at a news conference on Thursday in Bauchi, 

    He said the exercise was prompted by credible intelligence on activities of criminal elements hibernating some of the structures on the road side and other strategic locations in the metropolis.

    “The government is not unaware of the consequences of such order on small business owners, but sees it as paramount to upheld the fabulous security enjoy by the state.

    “The security will rapidly increase while security operatives will work for the protection of peace without hindrances in the state,” he said. 

    Also speaking, Amina Katagum, the Commissioner for Land and Survey, said that Gov. Bala Mohammed had directed for the relocation of the affected businesses to a designated area to continue with their businesses. 

    “Where by each business owner will be allocated with a piece of land using a cluster system to enable them to continue with the bussinesses,” she said. 

    While soliciting support for government’s programmes, Katagum said the exercise would address security challenges in the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    MAK/RSA

    ========

    Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

  • FRSC’ll address number plate’s scarcity, driver’s license- Corps Marshal

    Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Shehu Mohammed while inspecting the Strategic facilities in FCT

     

    FRSC’ll address number plate’s scarcity, driver’s license- Corps Marshal

    Challenges

    By Ibironke Ariyo

    Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, says adequate measures are being put in place to address issues associated with current scarcity of numbers plate nationwide.

    Mohammed also said the issues associated with issuance of driver license nationwide would also be addressed.

    The FRSC boss made this known while inspecting the FRSC strategic facilities at Wuse, Kado and Gwagwalada in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Thursday in Abuja.

    Mohammed commended the investment of the Federal Government and the administration of President Bola Tinubu, to enhance Motor Vehicle Administration in the country.

    He said that the Corps would soon meet with the Joint Tasks Force (JTF) and other partners, to address the challenges of production and distribution of FRSC products and services.

    According to him, within the few days that I assumed office, I received series of complaints from the general public concerning the National Driver’s License (NDL) office.

    Mohammed said, “We are not unaware of their pains and suffering and that necessitated our on spot assessment of the uniform license care facilities in FCT.

    “We have visited the NDL centre in FCT. We have visited the print farm where the licenses are being produced and we are here at the plant where number plates are produced.

    “Equally, we have identified the problems. The problems are in two categories. We have the internal problems and the external problem.

    “The internal problems are more administrative and we have set up administrative measures and processes to tackle the problem, so that we can reduce the suffering of the public.

    “The external problems are more of technical and financial.

    “We are going to sit down with our technical partners and our supervisors, to fashion out how we are going to find solutions to all those problems,” he said.

    The FRSC boss maintained that the new administration would highlight out new initiatives that would bring effective traffic management across the country.

     

    Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) with top officers of the Corps

    Mohammed also stressed that the corps would place priorities on good working environment and improve welfare package to boost the productivity of personnel.

    He said that the corps would continue to work with sister agencies for National Security, while assuring the motoring public of safety of their lives and their investments on the highway.

    “We will play our role towards enhanced National Security and do everything possible to support security agencies across the country.

    “I want to assure the motoring public and the general public that we are committed to continue delivering quality service of all FRSC products.

    “I also want to assure that the problems identified with driver’s license centre will soon be a thing of the past. We want the general public to support us to continue to deliver our mandate,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Inspection Tour was the first major assignments of the Corps Marshal on assumption of duty.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    ICA/AMM

    ==========

    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

     

  • NIIA research fellow harps on digital diplomacy to save cost

    NIIA research fellow harps on digital diplomacy to save cost

     

    Diplomacy

    By Busayo Onijala

    Lagos, June 6, 2024 (NAN) Adopting digital diplomacy can help Nigeria  to reduce the number of its missions abroad and solve funding problems, says Prof. Joshua Bolarinwa.

    Bolarinwa, a Senior Research Fellow and Head of Security and Strategic Studies Division, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos.

    Digital diplomacy is an evolving aspect of diplomacy that promotes the use of information technology tools to achieve  foreign policy objectives of a nation.

    With digital diplomacy, there is an interplay of diplomacy, the internet and, more importantly, new information technologies to achieve national interest through  diplomatic engagements.

    According to Bolarinwa, digital diplomacy presents many advantages, particularly for countries with many foreign missions.

    NAN reports that Nigeria has over 100 diplomatic missions, including embassies, high commissions and consulates.

    Bolarinwa said that conversations around digital diplomacy were emphasised between 1999 and 2007 during the Chief Olusegun Obasanjo-led administration and between 2015 and 2023 under the retired Gen. Muhammadu Buhari-led government.

    He noted that the conversations were on reducing Nigeria’s missions abroad; considering redundancy and inadequate funding.

    “I recall that some field works were done years ago, with the involvement of NIIA, where we came up with recommendations that some missions should be scrapped and others converted to smart missions.

    “With smart missions, you don’t need more than one or two trained foreign service officers.

    “All other things will be done through the use of information technology, and with the snap of a finger, information is passed.

    “Promoting this will also equip and update foreign service officers and diplomats to be at par with their colleagues elsewhere,” Bolarinwa said.

    He, however, cautioned that digital diplomacy was associated with some challenges because of the level of secrecy attached to some areas of foreign affairs.

    According to him, restricted or classified information has to be communicated carefully, considering the prevalence of cyber hacking.

    Bolarinwa said that this should, however,  not deter its use, adding that countries such as the U.S., United Kingdom, Russia and China had been using digital diplomacy to an extent without their secrets being divulged.

    “It is information that is fed into the software on digital diplomacy that will be relayed.

    “Leaks can be controlled and minimised,” Bolarinwa said. (NAN)

    OMB/KTO/IGO 

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    Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo/Ijeoma Popoola

  • Kano: Customs generates N50.7bn from January to May

    Kano: Customs generates N50.7bn from January  to May

    Revenue

    By Aminu Garko

    Kano, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Kano Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), said it generated a total of N50.7 billion from January to May as revenue.

    It said the amount generated was a testament to its intensified efforts to curb illegal trades and smuggling in the area.

    The Area Comptroller of Customs, Mr Dauda Chana, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano on Thursday that the command was implementing measures to enhance security at the border posts.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Kano area command covers Kano and Jigawa.

    He explained that the area command would ensure  a 100 per cent physical examination of goods to prevent offensive items from entering the country.

    According to him, to combat smuggling, the command is engaging traditional rulers in border communities to encourage residents to provide valuable information on suspicious activities.

    “Strategic deployments of officers have also been made to apprehend those involved in illegal trades.

    “We remain resolute in our commitment to eradicating illegal activities that pose a threat to our society,“he  said.

    “This achievement demonstrates the command’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s borders and economy, and its determination to surpass revenue targets,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AAG/AYO/JPE

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

    Edited by Ayodeji Alabi/Joseph Edeh

  • Man, 37, docked over alleged N3.4m school fees theft

    Man, 37, docked over alleged N3.4m school fees theft

    Fraud

    By Ngozi Njoku

    Ikeja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) A 37-year-old man, Mosuro Hammed, was on Thursday docked in an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court, for allegedly converting N3.4 million meant for payment of a lady’s school fees to another purpose.

    Hammed whose residential address was not provided, is standing trial on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, fraud and stealing.

    The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    The Prosecutor, Insp John Iberedem , told the court that the defendant,  and another still at large, conspired and committed the offences on April 18, at Ladoje Street, Oko-Oba,  Agege, Lagos.

    Iberedem alleged that the defendant conducted himself in a manner likely to cause breach of the peace, by stealing the sum of N3, 450,000 under false pretence.

    According to him, the defendant fraudulently obtained the sum of N3, 450,000 from one Tonia Okoye on the pretext that he would help her to make payment  for her school fees.

    He said that the defendant stole the money from the complainant by conversion after deceiving her, and failed to return it.

    He said that the offences contravened Sections 280(2), 314, and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos, 2015.

    The magistrate, Mrs E. Kubeinje granted the defendant bail in the sum of N250, 000, with two sureties in like sum.

    She ruled that the sureties should be gainfully employed and show evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

    Kubeinje adjourned the case until July 3, for mention. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    NG/DCO/SOA

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

    Edited by Deborah Coker/Oluwole Sogunle

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Bank clerk docked over alleged N1.2m fraud

    Fraud

     

    By Dorcas Elusogbon

     

    Ile-Ife (Osun), June 6, 2024 (NAN) A 25-year-old Micro-finance Bank Clerk, Akintaro Folasade, was on Thursday arraigned in an Ile-Ife Magistrates’ Court for an alleged fraud of over N1.2 million.

     

    The prosecutor, Insp Adesina Elijah, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on May 28, around 9.00 a.m. at Moore Area, Ile-Ife.

     

    Elijah alleged that the defendant fraudulently converted the sum of N1,207,500, belonging to one Adesetan Ademola, to her use.

     

    According to him, the offence contravened Sections 383 and 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Osun, 2002.

     

    The defendant, who was not legally represented, however, pleaded not guilty to the one-count charge of fraud.

     

    Magistrate Taofeek Badmus granted her bail of N1 million with two sureties each in like sum.

     

    Badmus stated the sureties must swear to affidavits of means, and reside within the court’s jurisdiction, while their addresses were to be verified by the prosecutor.

     

    He added that the sureties must produce three-year tax clearance certificates with three recent passport photographs each.

     

    Badmus said one of the sureties must pay N250,000 to the court, to be returned at the end of the trial.

     

    The defendant was remanded in Ilesa Nigerian Correctional Centre, pending the perfection of her bail.

     

    The case was, subsequently, adjourned till July 4, for hearing. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

     

    EDA/AYO/MAS

     

    Edited by Ayodeji Alabi and Moses Solanke

     

     

  • Reps to investigate alleged fraudulent land allocation in Abuja

    Investigation

    By EricJames Ochigbo

    Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate all allocations of land in the Minister of the FCT from May 29, 2023 to Aug. 21, 2023.

    The resolution was sequel to the adoption of a motion by Rep. Jonathan Gbefwi (APC-Nasarawa) on Thursday in Abuja.

    Moving the motion, Gbefwi explained that by virtue of Section 297 of the Constitution, the ownership of all lands in the FCT, is vested in the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    He said that section 302 of the Constitution provides that the President may appoint a Minister who shall exercise powers and perform such functions as may be delegated to him.

    “Aware that President Bola Tinubu was sworn on Monday, May 29 2023 and the current Minister of FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike assumed office as the FCT Minister on the August 21, 2023.

    “Observed that in the period  May 29, 2023 to Aug. 21, 2023, several title documents on land in the FCT were issued to some real estate developers in a highly suspicious manner.

    “I wonder if the Director of Lands or any official of Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) issued Right of Ownership (R of O) purportedly in the name of the FCT Minister at the period when the office of the Minister was vacant,” he said.

    The lawmaker said that some of the lands affected were subject to litigations which were yet to be resolved.

    According to him, some of the beneficiaries of these alleged fraudulent allocations are already using them to forcibly grab disputed land which is a recipe for conflicts.

    He said that if the title document of any land is fraudulently issued or procured should not stand in the interest of the public:

    The house recommended that all such lands which are subject to litigation or multiple allocations, should be identified and their allocation withdrawn by the Minister pending the resolution of the matter.

    In his ruling, the Deputy Speaker, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, mandated the relevant committees to investigate and report back to the house within four weeks. (NAN)

    EOO/SH

    =======
    edited by Sadiya Hamza

    ——

  • 27th Convocation: Sanwo-Olu gifts LASU’s best graduating student N10m 

    Sanwo-Olu gifts LASU’s best graduating student N10m

     

    Convocation

    By Oluwakemi Oladipo/Aderonke Ojediran

    Lagos, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Government (LASG) on Thursday gifted the best graduating student at the Lagos State University (LASU), Olaniyi Olawale, with a sum of N10 million.

    Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu made the announcement at the 27th Convocation of the Lagos State University, which held at the Buba Marwa Auditorium in LASU.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Olawale graduated from the Accounting Education Department with a cumulative CGPA of 4.98.

    NAN reports that some eminent stakeholders, Prince Tajudeen Olusi and Dr Samuel Adedoyin, were awarded honorary doctorates while two professors, distinguished Prof. Amidu Sanni and Emeritus Prof. Martins Anetekhai were elevated.

    “Congratulations Olaniyi Olawale, well done! Your hard work has brought you this far, the reward for hard work is more work. I believe there are so many Olawales in here, I want you to be inspired, LASU is a school of excellence.

    “LASU has continued to lead in academic excellence. Products of this great institution have continued to excel in all their chosen fields.

    “Just last week, I swore in some new judges for Lagos State, 10 out of the 13 new judges were alumni of LASU, that has gone to show that we’re indeed great,” Sanwo-Olu said.

    The governor also advocated for more inclusivity for women in subsequent editions.

    “I’d like to see more inclusivity for our women, as all our recipients are men. We need to have at least a woman in the mix,” he said.

    The governor applauded the institution’s governing council for ensuring all-round education.

    “I applaud the governing council for instilling discipline and diligence, and this is evident wherever your products are.

    “LASU remains the best state university in Nigeria, and also the most digitally-advanced university in Nigeria.

    “We’re doing well we shouldn’t rest on our oars, we will keep setting the pace as the state of excellence. Thank you all,” Sanwo-Olu said.

    NAN reports that no fewer than 11,195 students graduated from the state university. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    OKG/OAF/COF

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

    Edited by Christiana Fadare