News Agency of Nigeria
EFCC urges greater role for women in anti-corruption battle
Defence/Security

EFCC urges greater role for women in anti-corruption battle

Women

By Isaac Aregbesola

Ola Olukoyede, Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has urged Nigerian women to play a more active role in the fight against corruption and financial crimes.

Its Spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

According to him, Olukoyede made the call at the “You Against Crime Festival,” an event organised by You Against Crime International (YACI) in Abuja.

The EFCC boss represented by Aisha Muhammed, Head of the EFCC’s Enlightenment and Reorientation Unit, stressed that mothers and women were pivotal in shaping a culture of integrity.

He highlighted the commission’s long-standing focus on preventive strategies and early intervention through education and cultural reorientation.

“Mothers and women play crucial roles in everything we do, and they can do the same in the fight against corruption and cybercrime.

“We are talking of culture, and we have to take it back to parenting. Parents should know their children’s friends, monitor their activities, and not leave them to society. Parenting is the most important part of our culture,” Olukoyede said.

He further explained that the EFCC has established Integrity Clubs in primary and secondary schools and Zero Tolerance Clubs in universities and other tertiary institutions as part of its “catch them young” initiative.

He also referenced the commission’s Women Against Corruption programme, designed to empower women to actively participate in combating economic and financial crimes.

President of YACI, underscored the importance of collaboration in addressing crime.  He said the platform was created to explore solutions and mobilise young people, students, and civil society to support the efforts of security agencies.

“We are here to work together to see how students and youths can contribute positively to the services of security agencies.

“We can’t do it on our own. This is a dialogue to proffer solutions and not to complain any longer,” Florunsho said.

Also speaking at the event, Adedayo Laniyi, Mandate Secretary for Women Affairs at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), stressed that tackling financial crimes requires collective responsibility.

Laniyi called for stronger partnerships among government institutions, civil society, and communities to curb corruption and protect Nigeria’s socio-economic development. (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Tinubu’s support for state police will strengthen national security– TMSG
Defence/Security

Tinubu’s support for state police will strengthen national security– TMSG

By Muhyideen Jimoh

‎The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) says President Bola Tinubu’s support for state police marks a bold step towards reengineering Nigeria’s internal security framework.

‎In a statement signed by Chairman Emeka Nwankpa and Secretary Dapo Okubanjo, the group said the move aligns with the President’s long-standing stance on decentralised policing.

‎“We are aware that the first attempt in recent years to create a legal framework for the establishment of state police was in 2018 when the then Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, sponsored the bill.”

‎“Even though Ekweremadu was the Chairman of the National Assembly’s Constitution Review Committee, the move failed. He also made another effort in 2020, but it did not see the light of day.”

‎TMSG noted that the momentum now appears different, with Tinubu’s public endorsement coming as both chambers of the National Assembly work on a bill for state police.

‎“We see the President’s position as a clear message to federal lawmakers who are due to resume plenary in a few weeks to speed up the process of presenting a bill that will amend section 214 of the 1999 constitution which exclusively provides for a federal policing system.”

‎“It is also a reflection of President Tinubu’s long-standing advocacy for state police as a panacea to insecurity in the country as well as addressing local policing needs.”

‎“We acknowledge that this is the first time a sitting President would publicly declare his backing for state police.”

‎TMSG highlighted how past leaders only voiced support after leaving office, unlike Tinubu who is pushing the reform during his tenure.

‎“It was after former President Goodluck Jonathan left office that he began his advocacy for a decentralised policing system, while former Muhammadu Buhari famously declared in a rare TV interview in 2022 that state police was not an option to address the country’s security challenges.”

‎“Former President Buhari’s opposition was based on the same fears that many Nigerians had expressed about the overbearing influence of state governments and the possibility of abuse.”

‎The group expressed confidence that Tinubu will implement mechanisms to prevent abuse or politicisation of state police by governors.

‎“There are already indications that the federal government may be working on safeguards against possible misuse of state police by putting the process under the control of a central body to ensure a unified standard.”

‎“So it is not likely that the state police that the President envisages will be one that will be exclusively under the control of governors.”

‎“This is why the President was emphatic that while political concerns will always surface around the issue, they must not be allowed to derail urgent security reforms.”

‎The group believes that the state police option would meet its objectives, ending up as one of the far-reaching legacies of the Bola Tinubu administration. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Navy celebrates success against crude oil theft
Defence/Security

Navy celebrates success against crude oil theft

Celebration

By Ehigimetor Igbaugba

The Nigerian Navy’s “Operation Delta Sanity” in the Niger Delta says it has significantly reduced crude oil theft, contributing to improvements in the country’s economy.

Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of Naval Staff, made this statement at the graduation ceremony of the Naval Warfare Course 9 in Calabar on Friday.
He emphasized that the Navy will not rest on its achievements and urged officers to remain diligent in combating insecurity within the nation’s maritime domain.

He highlighted that 52 personnel trained in August 2024 have been deployed to oil platforms to prevent crude oil theft, which has helped boost crude oil production in recent months.

“Our Operation Delta Sanity has resulted in numerous arrests and created an environment where criminals find it difficult to operate,” he said, adding that the operation has curtailed criminals’ freedom of movement in maritime areas.

Ogalla acknowledged the contributions of the Nigerian Army, Air Force, Police, other sister agencies, and stakeholders in these efforts.

He noted that the successes have boosted national revenue, restored investor confidence, enhanced transparency in the oil sector, and improved national security and development.

He urged the new graduates to apply their training effectively to strengthen national security operations.

The Navy has invested heavily in capability building and professional development. Graduates were reminded that they will face challenges testing their skills and knowledge acquired at the college.

Rear Admiral Akinola Olodude, Commandant of the college, credited strategic partnerships for the successful training, including the European Union office in Abuja, University of Calabar, Nigerian Army and Air Force war colleges, Nigeria Defence Academy, and the Republic of Cameroon.

He said the institutions contributed to the curriculum and provided expert resource persons.

Olodude also thanked the governments of Delta, Andoni River states, Cameroon, and Côte d’Ivoire for their support during study tours and operational visits.

Course Coordinator Captain Suleiman Abdullahi explained that Naval Warfare Course 9 began in January with 30 participants from the Nigerian Navy, Sister Services, National Defence College, and international attendees from Ghana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Cameroon.

The eight-month rigorous training covered leadership, maritime security, military and theatre strategy, including field exercises.

The college partnered with the British Navy and military advisory teams, the Centre for Strategic Research and Studies at the National Defence College, and the European Union Office in Nigeria for the programme.

Highlights included inter-agency seminars, environmental talks in Delta State, operational visits to Rivers State, and international study talks in Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire.

Participants also took part in Exercise Skylock 2025 in Abuja, in collaboration with the National Defence College.

Throughout the course, participants underwent written exams, oral tests, and practical exercises.

Their conduct, confidence, leadership, and military bearing were assessed and reflected in their individual evaluations.

All 30 participants successfully completed the programme and defended their research projects.

Cross River Governor Bassey Otu, represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Peter Odey, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to supporting the Navy.

He credited the Navy for maintaining peace in the state’s waterways, curbing kidnappers’ escape routes, and restoring public confidence.

“We are committed to working closely with the Navy and security agencies to promote safety, investment, and development in our coastal communities,” Otu said.
He expressed Cross River’s continued partnership in national security efforts and congratulated the graduates on their achievement.

Edited by Jane-Frances Oraka

DEPOWA President tasks soldiers’ wives on parenting, entrepreneurship, self-care
Defence/Security

DEPOWA President tasks soldiers’ wives on parenting, entrepreneurship, self-care

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) has urged soldiers’ wives to strike a balance between parenting, entrepreneurship and personal well-being in order to strengthen their families and communities.

President of DEPOWA, Mrs Oghogho Musa, gave the charge during a personal development training for members of the Defence Non-Commissioned Officers’ Wives Association (DENCOWA) on Thursday in Abuja.

She said the theme of the training, “Balancing Intentional Parenting, Entrepreneurship, and Personal Well-Being,” reflected the daily realities of women who juggle responsibilities as wives, mothers and entrepreneurs.

Musa emphasised that true empowerment begins at home and extends into business, community and nation.

According to her, empowering the wives of non-commissioned officers would not only strengthen their families but also uplift the entire Armed Forces community.

“As the saying goes, ‘If you educate a woman, you educate a nation.

“I would add that if you empower the wife of a soldier, you strengthen the very backbone of national security,” she said.

The DEPOWA president also reminded participants that self-care was not selfish but essential for effective parenting and entrepreneurship.

She commended the facilitators for their role in the programme and urged participants to take the lessons home for the benefit of their families and communities.

She said the training was informed by the realisation that a gap existed between parenting and entrepreneurship among barracks women.

According to her, many of the women felt it was okay not to engage in any productive activity.

“At the same time, some are not paying enough attention to their own well-being and if they don’t take care of themselves, they can’t properly care for their children or families.

“So, we felt it was important to bring in trainers who would help them learn and improve in these areas,” she said.

The President of DENCOWA, Mrs Nancy Ezia, thanked the President of DEPOWA for paying attention to the needs of the wives of soldiers.

She expressed optimism that many of the women who do not have businesses would take advantage of the training programme, while those who already had businesses would learn how to expand them.

“Our goal is to see growth, both personally and economically.

“I feel great. In fact, all of us feel fulfilled. You can see the excitement among the women. It has been a very impactful and intelligent training.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training featured presentation lectures on Personal Well-being for Purposeful Living; Entrepreneurship Development for Economic Empowerment and Intentional Parenting. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Tinubu’s reforms, bold, fruitful – D-G SEC
Defence/Security

Tinubu’s reforms, bold, fruitful – D-G SEC

Convocation

By Mohammad Tijjani

The Director-General General (D-G) of the Securities and Exchange Commission(SEC), Dr Emomotimi Agama, says the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu will significantly stabilise and develop the Nigerian economy.

He stated this on Wednesday in Kaduna at the Nigerian Defence Academy’s (NDA) 23rd Convocation Lecture titled ‘Pathway to Economic Prosperity for a Public Server in a Deregulated Economy’.

The lecture was part of the activities lined up for the graduating Cadets of 72 Regular Course and Post-Graduate students of the military academy.

Agama said Tinubu had initiated bold and transformative reforms across key sectors in order to lay a solid foundation for inclusive growth and long-term sustainable development of the country.

Agama said, ” The government had undertaken several significant macro-fiscal reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies, the unification of exchange rates, and the tightening of monetary policy.”

According  to him, through these measures, the country has made notable progress in deregulating key sectors of the economy.

“The bold decision to eliminate Nigeria’s long-standing fuel subsidy programme on May 29, 2023, was more than a fiscal adjustment.

“It marked a pivotal shift toward a deregulated economy, aimed at reducing fiscal burdens and redirecting public funds to more productive sectors.

“The move signalled the Tinubu administration’s commitment to market liberalization, allowing fuel prices to be determined by supply and demand rather than government control,” he postulated.

Agama also said the government has begun scaling back electricity subsidies by adjusting tariffs, a strategy designed to enhance efficiency and attract private investment into Nigeria’s power sector.

The  director-general said that to  address rising inflation and support the Naira, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had adopted a tighter monetary policy stance, notably through interest rate hikes.

“These measures are part of a broader strategy to stabilise prices, restore investor confidence, and lay the foundation for a more market-oriented and resilient Nigerian economy.

“Another significant step taken by the CBN was the unification of the country’s multiple exchange rate systems, aimed at simplifying foreign exchange transactions and enhancing transparency in the currency market,” he added.
.

The SEC boss also spoke on the investments opportunities in the capital market and the need for the cadets to invest in order to secure their future.

Agama appreciated the Commandant of NDA, Maj.-Gen. Abdul Ibrahim, for inviting him to deliver the convocation lecture, saying it was a great opportunity to make the cadets financially literate.

The director-general advised that while officers and men of the military battle to make the nation secure, “it is important they have a scheme behind them to sustain their families.

“I’m grateful to the commandant that we have this ability and this opportunity to make sure that retiring officers do not retire in penury.

“The reason why some retire in penury is because there is some lack of financial education and lack of financial support that could be generated from adequate knowledge of financial products in the capital market.”

Agama explained that the capital market was providing support and condition for the people to live well after retirement.

Earlier, the Commandant, NDA  Maj.-Gen. Abdul Ibrahim, appreciated the SEC official for the incisive lecture.

.

Ibrahim said the NDA has been providing trainings for the Nigerian Armed Forces since 1964, with a focus on producing well-rounded commissioned officers.

According to him, the academy has adopted the National Universities Commission (NUC) Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standard (CCMAS) requirements to ensure quality and competitiveness in its programmes.

He added that NDA provides intensive professional training, including physical fitness, weapons handling, and tactical manoeuvres, to prepare cadets for the national defence and security challenges.

Ibrahim said the Post-Graduate students undergo programmes in military science, defence and strategic studies, psychology, technology, and national development, aiming to develop students’ critical thinking and research skills.

He said the NDA had bilateral partnerships with foreign military academies, providing opportunities for cadets to complete the final year of their training abroad and enhancing regional defence cooperation.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Security expert, Bukarti, counters El-Rufai’s ransom claims
Defence/Security

Security expert, Bukarti, counters El-Rufai’s ransom claims

By Mufutau Ojo
A security analyst, Dr Bulama Bukarti, has dismissed the recent claims by former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, that the Federal Government pays ransom and provides supplies to armed groups terrorising the country.

El-Rufai had alleged during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, that government’s complicity was worsening insecurity in the country.

But reacting during his weekly live programme, Bukarti described the claims as “politics without any element of truth.”

According to him, there is no law or policy that permits the government to fund or support bandits.

He said ransom payments that make headlines were usually raised by victims’ families or communities.

Bukarti further explained that Nigeria’s security challenges were beyond battlefield strategy.

He linked them instead to systemic corruption which he described as the “biggest enabler of terrorist activities.”

Bukarti also cautioned against making unsubstantiated allegations against sitting presidents, recalling that similar claims had been levelled against past heads of state.

Clarifying how the military operates, the analyst stressed that only the president can issue directives for military action.

He said governors, ministers, and even the National Security Adviser lack such powers.

The chain of command, he explained, runs from the president to the Chief of Army Staff and down to field commanders.

Bukarti said addressing Nigeria’s insecurity would require sustained collaboration between citizens, government and security agencies, anchored on a determined effort to curb corruption.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Mufutau Ojo

Defence health organisation seeks regular release of funds to boost veterans’ healthcare
Defence/Security

Defence health organisation seeks regular release of funds to boost veterans’ healthcare

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Managing Director, Defence Health Maintenance Limited (DHML), retired Rear Adm. Azeez Afolayan, has called for regular release of funds to the agency for enhanced healthcare delivery to military veterans.

Afolayan made the appeal at an interactive session with representatives of military veterans’ groups in Abuja on Wednesday.

He explained that funds meant for veterans’ healthcare were released by the Federal Government through the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) before reaching DHML for distribution to the services.

According to him, irregular disbursement of the funds has been affecting the agency’s ability to meet its obligations to retired personnel.

“We are not asking for anything extraordinary. All we want is the regular disbursement of funds as approved by the government.

“That consistency is what will enable us to effectively discharge our duties to veterans,” he said.

Afolayan added that DHML had exhausted its stop-gap measures, making it urgent for NHIA to ensure timely release of funds to avoid disruption in service delivery.

Meanwhile, veterans who spoke at the forum shared their experiences with the scheme, commending government efforts while also calling for improvements.

Mr Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, Secretary, Ministry of Defence’s Standing Committee on Military Veterans’ Welfare, said the government deserved commendation for sustaining healthcare for retired personnel and their registered dependents.

Durowaiye-Herberts commended the effort of the government in meeting the health needs of the veterans, adding that there was still room for improvement.

“Some ailments are not yet covered by the scheme, and we are appealing for these to be included.

“Nonetheless, we appreciate the effort because at least our families are still cared for after retirement,” he said.

Medical personnel also weighed in on the concerns of veterans who complained about poor attention in hospitals.

Dr Oluwayemisi Adegboye, a Medical Doctor at DHML, said the organisation had an open-door policy for complaints and regularly intervened to resolve issues with healthcare providers.

“Whenever personnel encounter such cases, they can reach out to us directly.

“We take it up with the facility managers and the cases are always addressed. Beyond that, we emphasize prevention and encourage veterans to learn the process of accessing care.

“Once they are properly registered and know who to contact, the system works seamlessly,” she said.

Retired Lt.-Col. Susan Dibal, Head of Veteran Health Services, explained that the interactive session was designed to create awareness among veterans nationwide through representation.

According to her, each group across the 36 states nominated two representatives to attend the meeting.

She said the participants were expected to take the message back to their colleagues.

“Many veterans in remote areas are not fully informed about the system, and this is one way of bridging that gap,” Dibal said.

She encouraged retired personnel to remain positive and active in spite of challenges.

“I always remind veterans that they are still strong and relevant. Do not allow negativity to weigh you down,” she said.

The interactive forum, which brought together veterans’ associations and DHML officials, focused on improving service delivery, bridging knowledge gaps, and strengthening collaboration between government and retired personnel. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

FRSC, Army collaborate on intelligence sharing, others
Defence/Security

FRSC, Army collaborate on intelligence sharing, others

Collaboration

By Chiazo Ogbolu

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says it will collaborate with the Nigerian Army on intelligence sharing and organisation of periodic workshops for security agencies.

The Zonal Commanding Officer (ZCO) in charge of Lagos and Ogun states, Mrs Ann Oladayo, an Assistant Corps Marshal (ACM) said this in a statement issued on Wednesday in Lagos.

Oladayo listed other areas for collaboration to include security cover for special operations, training and retraining of drivers and vehicles safety.

She said this when she led other senior officers of the corps to the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Farouk Mijinyawa.

According to her, the visit is in a bid to promote the FRSC 2025 Strategic goal two as a lead agency in traffic management and administration in the country.

”The corps will like to bring our professionalism to help in training your new Army recruits in driving. We will also want to engage some of your retiring officers, who intend taking driving as a profession.”

Responding, the GOC said that though, the responsibilities of the Nigerian Army was enormous, it has been able to stabilise security in both states.

Mijinyawa said that the Army was currently collaborating with other security agencies like FRSC, the Police, Customs and others to ensure safety and security of lives.

He pledged the Army’s continuous support and collaboration with the FRSC to ensure safety and security.

In a related development, the FRSC ZCO also visited the Zonal Coordinator, Nigerian Correctional Service; Zone A, Lagos, ACG Ope Fatinikun, where inter-agencies collaboration and synergy were also discussed.

During the interactive session, questions bothering on stigmatisation of ex-convicts, drivers’ license acquisition, and management of road traffic offenders charged to correctional facilities were addressed. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Remi Koleoso/Deborah Coker

Police rescue kidnapped Egyptian in Oyo State
Defence/Security

Police rescue kidnapped Egyptian in Oyo State

Rescue

By Suleiman Shehu

The police command in Oyo State has rescued an Egyptian, who was kidnapped in the early hours of Sept. 8 in Ibadan.

The Police Public Relations Officer in Oyo State, CSP Adewale Osifeso confirmed the rescue of the victim in a statement on Tuesday.

Osifeso said the Egyptian was kidnapped at Alomaja area of Idi-Ayunre, Ibadan .

Osifeso said the safe rescue of the victim without payment of ransom was a testament to the outstanding and dedicated efforts of officers and inter-agency collaboration.

He said that the directive and coordinated rescue initiative of the Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, resulted in prompt rescue of the victim.

“Through careful planning, intelligence analysis, and a swift response, the combined teams successfully located the abducted individual after an extensive search of the forests and border areas between Ogun and Oyo states .

“The rescue operation achieved the safe return of the victim without any ransom being exchanged,” he said.

Osifeso said the victim would be reunited with his family after undergoing all necessary medical interventions at the Police Hospital, Eleyele, Ibadan.

He encouraged members of the public to stay alert and report any suspicious activities to the Police through emergency contacts.

The PPRO said that ensuring public safety was the command’s utmost priority and that the police were committed to maintaining a peaceful Oyo State for all. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joe Idika

Troops nab 11 terrorists’ logistics suppliers, rescue 9 kidnapped victims
Defence/Security

Troops nab 11 terrorists’ logistics suppliers, rescue 9 kidnapped victims

Terrorists
By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Army says its troops apprehended 11 terrorists’ logistics suppliers and rescued nine kidnapped victims in nationwide operations in 48 hours.

A credible source at Army Headquarters told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja that troops also seized 114 livestock, recovered ₦1.1 million in cash, one pump action gun, four cartridges, petroleum products and other items.

The source said that eight suspected logistics suppliers of Boko Haram/ISWAP were arrested July 7 by troops of 149 Battalion in Gubio, Borno.

The source also said the troops recovered 28 kegs and a drum of petrol concealed in shops and a POS centre, ₦145,510 cash and five mobile phones.

In Katsina State, he said the troops of 17 Brigade foiled a terrorist attack at Gidan Kwairo village in Malumfashi Local Government Area, rescuing five kidnapped victims as the terrorists fled.

The source said that troops of 9 Brigade also apprehended a dismissed soldier, Ex-Lance Cpl. Emefik Michael, on Sept. 7 in Mowe, Ogun, for allegedly extorting locals in military camouflage.

He said the dismissed soldier, who left service in 2017, had been handed over to the police for prosecution.

According to him, troops of 5 Battalion, working with NSCDC and a private security outfit, arrested a notorious oil wellhead vandal on Sept. 7 at Okordia in Yenagoa, Bayelsa.

“The suspect was handed over to the Department of State Services for investigation.

“In Edo, troops of IV Brigade under Operation MESA arrested a suspected militant at Kokotoro Camp in Ovia South-West Local Government Area.

”A pump action rifle and four live cartridges were recovered while the criminals’ camp was destroyed,” he said

In Taraba, the military source said the troops of Operation Enduring Peace intercepted two suspects on a motorcycle at Gayam checkpoint in Gashaka Local Government Area with one million naira.

According to him, one of the suspects escaped. Subsequent information revealed that a farmer had been murdered on Sept. 6 and his cash stolen.

He added that troops also recovered a motorcycle and a mobile phone. The items will be handed over to the police for investigation.

“In Plateau, troops of Operation EP seized 105 cattle and nine rams grazing on farmland at Jwak Metumbi in Mangu Local Government Area without herders.

“The livestock were moved to the troops’ location while community leaders were contacted to produce the owners for amicable settlement.

“In Kaduna State, troops of Forward Operating Base Sanga foiled a kidnap attempt at Ungwan Bera village in Sanga Local Government Area.

“The criminals fled while four victims, including two children, were rescued. Two of the victims sustained injuries and were taken to ECWA Private Hospital, Fadan Karshi,” he added.

The source reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Army to sustain operations to deny criminals freedom of action across the country.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

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