NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Defence/Security

Police’ll partner PCRC to fight cybercrimes, others in Kaduna–CP

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By Mohammad Tijjani

The Kaduna State Police Command says it will leverage the emergence of a new executives of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) to combat the growing menace of cybercrimes in the state.

The Commissioner of Police (CP), AIG Ibrahim Abdullahi, disclosed this on Thursday in Kaduna at the inauguration of a 26-member new executives of PCRC in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the new executive is headed by an elder statesman, Alhaji Sanusi Mohammed, including a Deputy Editor-in-Chief (DEIC) of the agency, Alhaji Abdul Hassan as Deputy Secretary.

NAN also reports that the oaths of office were administered on the new executives by a retired Assistant Editor-in-Chief (AEIC) of NAN, Alhaji Tanko Dada, National Vice Chairman, North-Central.

According to Ibrahim, the command will also actively partner with the committee to fight a myriad of crimes and all forms of criminality across the state.

Represented by the Officer-in-Charge of Community Policing, CSP Titus Ibrahim, the CP decried that vibrant youths were involving themselves in cybercrimes and other forms of criminality.

“We will therefore team up with the new PCRC executives in the state to reverse the ugly trend so as to channel the huge potential of the youths to positive use,” Abdullahi said.

The CP further commended the committee for being an active partner of the Nigeria Police Force, saying that the members have been part of the success story of the command.

Abdullahi also underscored their role in gathering credible intelligence and the execution of many developmental projects.

The National President of PCRC, Alhaji Mogaji Olaniyan, also expressed delight that the committee in the state was more united and poised to take it to greater heights.

According to Olaniyan, the committee will also partner the various transport unions in the state to stem the tide of the movement of illicit drugs and illegal firearms,.among other crimes.

He said that PCRC was strongly committed to assisting the Police and other security agencies to guarantee the security of lives and property of Nigerians.

Olaniyan, who vowed that the peace in the Kaduna PCRC would be permanent, however warned against insolence, indiscipline, impersonation and insubordination by any member.

He charged the members to be absolutely committed, loyal and dedicated, so as to take PCRC to greater heights.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Mansur Hassan, promised to work round the clock with the committee to further improve policing.

He also corroborated the CP on the need to ensure the productive use of the energies of the youths for national development.

In his acceptance speech, the new PCRC Chairman promised to be diligent and patriotic in the discharge of the all-important national assignment.

He commended the members and national leadership of the committee for reposing tremendous confidence in him and his colleagues.

Mohammed said, “We will piously uphold this utmost trust and confidence reposed in us and we will never fail you.

“We will do our best to take PCRC to greater heights and bolster the security of lives and property of the people of the state and by extension, Nigerians.

“The new PCRC team will also work round the clock to assist the Police in all their activities as this is a clarion call for more dedication and uprightness.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Defence/Security , Economy/Business

Nigeria Customs promotes 1,419 personnel

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By Martha Agas

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) management has approved the promotion of 1,419 junior officers across various ranks.

The service spokesman, Abdullahi Maiwada, made this known in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

Maiwada said that the move was ratified at the NCS’s 10th management meeting, chaired by the Comptroller General (C-G), Adewale Adeniyi, in November.

He said that the comprehensive promotion list includes both general duty and support staff who excelled in the 2024 promotion exercise.

“Specifically, 346 general duty and 384 support staff officers were elevated from Assistant Inspector of Customs (AIC) to Inspector of Customs (IC).

“Four general duty and 13 support staff officers advanced from Customs Assistant I (CAI) to Assistant Inspector of Customs (AIC); 372 general duty and 59 support staff officers moved up from Customs Assistant II (CAII) to Customs Assistant I (CAI).

“Also, 188 general duty and 54 support staff officers were promoted from Customs Assistant III (CAIII) to Customs Assistant II (CAII),” he said.

According to Maiwada, the strategic advancement is a demonstration of the transformative leadership of the NCS management team under the stewardship of C-G.

“By prioritising career growth as a cornerstone of workforce motivation, his (C-G) administration inspires a culture of excellence, empowering employees to achieve their full potential and driving the organisation toward unparalleled service delivery, “he said.

He said that while the customs boss congratulates the personnel, he also urged them to redouble their efforts in fulfilling the service’s core mandates of revenue generation, suppression of smuggling, and trade facilitation.

The spokesman stated that the promotion list for senior officers was currently being processed, pending approval by the NCS board. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Peter Amine

From left: Chairman, National Salaries Income and Wages Commission, Ekpo Nta; Commissioner, Anti-Corruption Commission of Siena Leone, Francis Ben Kaifala; Chairman of Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences, Dr Musa Aliyu; Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), Mr Olanipekun Olukoyede; and the Director General, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr Adebowale Adedokun, during the ICPC Chairman one year anniversary in office on Abuja on Tuesday
Defence/Security

ICPC recovers N52bn, $966,900.83, intercepts N5.9bn diverted funds

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By Isaac Aregbesola
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has recovered over N52 billion and 966,900.83 U.S. dollars in the last one year.

The ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Aliyu, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja, at an event to mark his one year anniversary as the Chairman of ICPC.

Aliyu said that the commission also intercepted and stopped the diversion of N5.882 billion in 323 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) within the same period.

He attributed the significant milestone to the steadfast commitment to the rule of law, adaptation to evolving trends and equipping its workforce with ICT capacity in the fight against corruption.

“The current administration’s anti-corruption agenda and my own policy thrust encapsulated in the acronym “CARE” for impact, have further motivated the Commission to enhance its tools, approaches, and engagements.

”I am therefore bold and proud to reflect on the modest progress we have made and the challenges we have overcome so far.

“These accomplishments include notable asset recoveries, enforcement actions, and initiatives promoting transparency and good governance.

”For instance, through its Constituency and Executive Projects Tracking Initiative (CEPTI), the Commission continues to ensure accountability in government funds and delivery of tangible benefits of democracy to citizens across Nigeria,” he said.

Aliyu said that in the area of asset recovery, ₦29.70 billion in cash was recovered and presently domiciled in the ICPC recovery accounts.

He said that in the same vein ₦10.98 billion in VAT was recovered and remitted to FIRS, while N10 billion COVID-19 vaccine funds meant for production of vaccine was remitted to the treasury.

The ICPC chairman stated that the commission also recovered value of assets to the tune of N2.5 billion through various courts’ order of final forfeiture.

Aliyu added that 966,900.83 U.S. dollars was also retrieved and kept secured in the ICPC-CBN account balance brought forward.

He explained that the commission intercepted over N5 billion while conducting Systems Study and Review (SSR) of the MDAs through its Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard (EICS).

“As part of its commitment to institutional accountability, the Commission assessed 323 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) through its Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard (EICS).

“It also established 80 Anti-Corruption and Transparency Units (ACTUs) across MDAs to reinforce its anti-corruption efforts.

”While doing these, the Commission stopped the diversion of public funds to the tune of ₦5.882 billion,” he said.

Aliyu disclosed that the report of the EICS exercise conducted in the middle of this year was ready and would also be released to the public through the media.

Aliyu said the commission had just completed the tracking of 1,500 projects nationwide, valued at N610 billion, under CEPTI Phase 7.

“Upon completion of tracking field work last week, follow-up activities are ongoing and the report is being collated.

”However, the report of the Phase 6 exercise conducted about this same time last year is ready and will be released to the public today,” he added.

On the petitions received by the agency, he said that the ICPC had processed 851 petitions, with 342 assigned for investigation, 95 fully investigated, 72 cases filed in court, and 16 convictions secured.

“In this regard, we are streamlining our processes to ensure faster and more effective prosecution of cases, leading to the resuscitation of 10 to 15-year-old cases in courts.

“We have also advanced the fight against sexual harassment and corruption in educational institutions and public offices, achieving ongoing prosecutions and increased public support,” the ICPC chairman said.(NAN)
Edited by Bayo Sekoni

Defence/Security

DHQ moves to harmonise court martial procedures

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By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) is to harmonise court martial procedures across the services in line with the nation’s justice system.

The Chief Defence Staff (CDS). Gen. Christopher Musa, said this on Monday, at the opening of a conference on Rules of Procedure, substance abuse and sexual orientation in the Armed Forces of Nigeria in Abuja.

Musa, represented by the Chief of Defence Administration Rear Adm. Monday Unurhere, said that Nigeria’s contemporary operating environment was confronted with multiple administrative challenges with telling consequences for military effectiveness.

According to him, given that discipline is the bedrock of the military, the DHQ responses to these challenges especially in relation to how we regulate the conduct of personnel requires added impetus.

“Accordingly, the DHQ jumped at this opportunity to develop a comprehensive approach to harmonizing the Rules of Procedure for court martial, addressing issues of substance abuse and homosexuality within the Services.

“Notably, differences in extant Rules of Procedure for administration of justice in the Armed Forces across the Services create inconsistencies in the administration of military justice.

“These inconsistencies are further deepened by fragmentation and obsolescence of aspects of the Rules.

“Consequently, it has become expedient to review the extant Rule of Procedure with a view to eliminating conflicts by harmonising the application of justice and enforcement of discipline in the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” he said.

Musa said the military was not spared from growing global debates on substance abuse and homosexuality, adding that the twin issues had massive negative effects on morale and operational effectiveness.

He expressed confidence that the conference would foster engaging dialogues, vibrant exchange of ideas towards generating bespoke and enduring solutions that would strengthen justice and discipline within the military.

The Director of Legal Services (Army), Lt.-Col. SO Okebukola in his presentation, said the Nigerian army relied on imported Royal British Army rules to court martial personnel.

Okebukola, represented by the Chief of Staff, Legal Services, Lt.-Col. Chukwudi Okonkwo, said that some obsolete materials imported were not applicable to the Nigerian criminal justice system.

He recommended that all references to obsolete foreign materials not suitable to the Nigerian criminal justice system should be expunged and replaced with pertinent policies relevant to the Nigerian military criminal justice system.

“Plea bargaining procedure should be incorporated into the Rules of Procedure,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Defence/Security

No French military base in Maiduguri- Army

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By Hamza Suleiman

The Headquarters, Theatre Command, Joint Task Force, North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) of the Nigerian Army, has dismissed claims of the establishment of a French military base in Maiduguri.

In a statement on Monday, Capt. Reuben Kovangiya, Army Public Relations, OPHK, described the claims as baseless and misleading.

The clarification followed allegations by a social media influencer, Mahdi Shehu, on his X handle, claiming that a French military base had been established in Maiduguri.

Shehu supported his claim with a video showing the acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division, Brig.-Gen. Abubakar Haruna, alongside a foreign officer, who he alleged to be a French military representative.

Kovangiya, however, clarified that the video in question was recorded during a recent press briefing at Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri, after the donation of equipment to the army by the British Military Advisory Training Team (BMATT).

“The officer seen in the video is a representative of BMATT, not a French military official.

“The donation, received by the Theatre Commander, Maj.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, on Oct. 25, was part of an ongoing military partnership with BMATT to strengthen counter-IED capabilities in the theatre of operations,” he said.

Kovangiya emphasised that there was no French military presence in Maiduguri, nor any plans to establish one.

He accused Shehu of deliberately spreading falsehoods and attempting to manipulate public opinion through the use of doctored content.

“The claims made by Shehu Mahdi are baseless misrepresentations and a deliberate attempt to cause misinformation and incite the public.

“Such antics are malicious and aimed at gaining cheap popularity,” he added. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Defence/Security

NGO donates foodstuffs, toiletries to female inmates

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Olukayode Babalola

Wise Women With Initiative (WWWI), a non-governmental organisation, on Sunday donated toiletries and foodstuffs to 43 women inmates in Keffi Old Medium Security Custodial Centre.

 

Mrs Chinyere Francis, Founder and President of the NGO, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)  in Keffi shortly after concluding it’s outreach at the custodial centre.

 

She said the NGO also counselled the inmates on the need to avoid gender-based violence (GBV).

 

According to Francis, the gesture was part of activities to mark the end of the 2024 16 days of Activism against Gender Based Violence (GBV).

 

“We decided to end our 16 days of activism here in prison to talk to women inmates on violence and how to avoid being a victim and instigator of violence,” she said.

 

She said the gesture was also aimed at showing the inmates love and motivating them to be positive in spite of their current situation.

 

According to her, they could still make meaning of their lives and impact the society positively after their release.

 

“We have former inmates who have impacted the world positively and also succeeded in life after their release. So we urged them not to see their current situation as the end of the world.

 

“We also gave each one of them basic personal needs like sanitary pads, toothpaste, bathing soaps, washing soaps, other toiletries and various foodstuffs like garri and so on.

 

“This is our own little way of showing them that the society has not forgotten them and they should be positive because they can still live fulfilled lives whenever they get out,” she said.

 

She advised the inmates to see their current predicament as a learning phase aimed at transforming and making them better people when they were released from the custodial centre.

 

Francis thanked the management of the custodial centre for taking care of the inmates and urged well-meaning Nigerians to support efforts geared toward making inmates across the country live decently.

 

WWWI is a female-focused NGO that attends to the needs of the girl child while also promoting the needs of the boy child. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Uche Anunne

Culture & Tourism , Defence/Security

Band Corps festival of security agencies holds in FCT

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By Joshua Olomu

The maiden edition of the national festival of the Armed Forces, Police and Paramilitary International Band Festival (AFOPPIBAF), is scheduled to hold in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in 2025.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the festival is aimed at promoting unity among bands of security agencies.

Mr Justin Duru, Director-General of AFOPPIBAF, stated this during a news conference to unveil plans for the festival on Thursday in Abuja.

According to him, the event with the theme, “Togetherness: Unity in Diversity, Our Strength”, is to promote synergy, harmony, and cordial working relationships among the band corps.

He said the event is a unique initiative aimed at uniting Nigeria’s military, Police and paramilitary bands, while promoting cultural diversity, creativity and regimental music.

“Military,Police , Paramilitary and Marching Bands play vital roles in providing regimental and ceremonial music for social, national and international events, and essentially in promoting national unity and peace.

“The festival is aimed at celebrating the best of regimental tattoos and music by the Nigerian Armed Forces, Police and Paramilitary bands in a competitive, creative and performing arts showcase.

“It will awaken the latent talents of the activities and services of these integral departments in the promotion of the values, and virtues of the Nigerian AFOPPIBAF.

“It is packaged to improve on and promote experience sharing, synergy, creativity, service delivery and new trends in military, Police and paramilitary regimental tattoos and music performance, aimed at enhancing bonds.

“It will also showcase their creative talents while promoting careers in the Nigerian Armed Forces, Police and Paramilitary band corps for talented and desirous Nigerian youths in music, creative and performing arts.

“This is the first ever festival bringing all the Nigerian security agencies together to celebrate and promote their bands corps in a ceremonial regimental tattoo culture under one platform.

“The theme of the festival is anchored on the song of legendary Nigerian musician, late Sonny Okosun (Ozzidi) “Togetherness”, and is paraphrased, ‘Togetherness: Unity in Diversity,Our Strength”, he said.

Duru said the historic event also tagged National Drumline Festival, will feature regimental music colloquium, serenade and street Parade.

Others are marc-past, creative and cultural displays, drum-battles, tributes and prizes, among other highlights.

He said special guests to grace the event will include past and living military, police and paramilitary leaders as well as heads of Customs, Fire Service, Civil Defence, FRSC and the Correctional Service.

According to Duru, the festival is officially coordinated and produced by African Caribbean Network Foundation (ACNF) in partnership with AfroNem Linx and Klaymann and Gremann.

Others include the Nigerian Armed Forces, Police and the Paramilitary bands.(NAN) (www.nannews,ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

Defence/Security

Army chief charges junior officers to be enterprising, resourceful

126 total views today

By Sani Idris

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has charged students of the Junior Course 98 of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, to be enterprising, diligent and resourceful.

Oluyede gave the charge while addressing the students at their regimental dinner night on Wednesday in Jaji, Kaduna State.

According to him, possessing the attributes will enable them build successfully on their career and personal lives.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the dinner night is one of the major events lined up for the graduation of the students on Friday.

Oluyede said the objective of the college was to develop the professional knowledge and understanding of selected officers to prepare them for staff and command appointments.

He said the officers in the last 23 weeks had learnt some vital concepts like counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations, estimate process and manoeuvring approach to warfare and peace support operations.

“It is also gratifying that you learnt the rudiments of time management, perseverance, determination, team spirit, staff work, self confidence and most importantly, discipline while on this course.

“Your leadership, dedication and ability to inspire and guide your teams are essential to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and excellence.

”As junior leaders, you must be able to inspire confidence in subordinates and not lead through intimidation or be overtly coercive.

“Your impact significantly contributes to the overall plan and objectives at the operational and strategic levels,“ he said.

The army chief congratulated the students on the successful completion of their course

NAN reports that prizes were given to students who distinguished themselves (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Mufutau Ojo

Defence/Security

FRSC disclaims ‘Peace Ambassador’ number plates

103 total views today

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has distanced itself from any partnership with the Wazobia Conflict Resolution and Peace Initiative (WACORPAI) on the issuance of “Peace Ambassador” number plates.

The disclaimer is contained in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by the Corps Public Education Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide.

Ogungbemide said that the disclaimer was also part of the FRSC’s efforts to clarify its stance on use of unauthorised number plates.

He described WACORPAI’s claim of a partnership as entirely false.

Ogungbemide said Federal Government number plates were reserved strictly for official use by Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

According to him, official number plates are not issued to individuals or private organisations as they are exclusively for government business.

“The public is to be aware that the announcement issued by WACORPAI informing its members of an existing partnership with the FRSC is outrightly baseless and false.

“This is because Federal Government number plates are only issued to Ministries, Departments and Agencies, not individuals irrespective of their affiliations,” Ogungbemide said.

He urged the public to desist from patronising producers of fake and illegal number plates.

“Members of the association who are presently using the number plates should take them off to avoid arrest while those intending to purchase same are equally advised to discontinue, ” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Mufutau Ojo

Defence/Security

Security: Army advocates more inter-agency collaboration

173 total views today

 

By Rita Iliya

The Nigerian Army has stressed the need for synergy among security agencies to combat insecurity in the country and Niger.

 

Maj.-Gen. Kevin Aligbe, Commander, Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), made the call at the 2024 Joint West Africa Social Activities (WASA) held at the Minna military cantonment.

 

Aligbe said the event provides an opportunity for social activities and showcases the cultural heritage of Nigerians.

 

He commended the troops of TRADOC and 31 Artillery Brigade for their bravery and sacrifices, adding that they successfully conducted all their activities for the training circle for the year 2024.

 

According to him, the success was recorded in spite of the complex security operating environment in Niger.

 

Aligbe expressed optimism that the brigade and units in the state are set to consolidate the operational gains made so far.

 

He acknowledged the efforts of other security agencies, including the 013 Quick Response of the Nigerian Air Force and all other security and intelligence agencies.

 

The commander also lauded the financial and moral support of former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja and the present COAS Lt.-Gen. Femi Oluyede to training, operations, and welfare of personnel.

 

Aligbe described WASA as an annual event that promotes unity and peaceful co-existence among the Nigerian army family.

 

Earlier, Brig.-Gen. Hamidu Bobbo, Commander, 31 Artillery Brigade, commended the troops for their bravery and sacrifices.

 

Bobbo said the army would continue to work towards winning all land battles in defence of the territorial integrity of Nigeria, protecting national interest, and accomplishing tasks in a civil authority.

 

In his remarks, Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger, commended the Nigerian army’s efforts in improving the security situation in the state.

 

Bago, represented by Rtd. Gen. Bello Muhammad, Commissioner for Homeland Security, cited improvements in travel safety, farming activities, and harvests.

 

The governor said WASA had fostered unity and cohesion among the army, and promoting a sense of oneness among Nigerians.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that WASA is an annual event organised by the Nigerian army to celebrate the diverse rich cultural heritage of Nigeria.

 

The event brings together officers, soldiers, and their families in a relaxed atmosphere to celebrate and mark the end of the year’s activities.

 

Highlights of the event included cultural displays, dance performances, and regimental activities by the troops and presentation of awards to officers for their outstanding performance. (NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

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