By Isaac Aregbesola

The Chairman of Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, has called on the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and legal practitioners to collaborate with law enforcement agencies to curb money laundering and terrorism financing.

The ICPC boss made the call at the ongoing Annual General Conference of the NBA in Abuja.

Owasanoye, who was part of a panel of discussion on ethics and professional conduct of lawyers, commended the NBA President, Yakubu Maikyau and its leadership for the initiative shown in discussing pertinent matters.

The session focused on the new NBA rules and guidelines on Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing, as well as underlining the role of the legal profession in the fight against the vices.

According to him, it was inevitable that discussions on ethical conduct of legal practitioners be brought to the table due to the perceived lack of cooperation between legal practitioners and the anti-corruption agencies.

While quoting Rule 74(3) of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners (RPC), he stated that it was mandatory for lawyers to report suspicious activities bordering on money laundering and related offences.

In his words, “If you see something, say something”.

He added that it was no longer okay for legal practitioners to turn a blind eye to the source of their client’s wealth and by extension their own legal fees.

He said that lawyers had a duty to show care and concern, when dealing with public officials and politically exposed persons.

Owasanoye maintained that public interest must come first at all times and must supersede personal gain.

He also made reference to Rule 60 of RPC, which empowered legal practitioners to freeze assets of persons on the United Nations watch list.

According to him, a similar watch list exists in Nigeria and it remained the duty of lawyers to report their clients to the NBA anti-corruption unit which will forward such information to law enforcement agencies.

Owasanoye implored the NBA leadership to use the internal risk assessment policy as a set of guidelines, to make its own rules in determining what is ethical and what is not.

He stressed that any anti-corruption or anti-laundering committee must side-step the pitfall of bureaucracy, in order to avoid complicity when a law enforcement agency moves against a client.

The chairman advised members of the association to avoid shielding suspicious clients, but rather use their disciplinary committee to work with law enforcement agencies in the pursuit of justice.

“It is time to put practicable measures in place to walk the talk,” he said.

The lead speaker of the discussion session, Prof. Ernest Ojukwu, SAN, explained that financial laws were already in place to ensure certain financial transactions were flagged and tracked.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria suggested that monitoring and evaluating these transactions would considerably reduce the risk of money laundering and terrorism financing.

He added that legal practitioners had a corporate social responsibility to report suspicious activities of their clients to law enforcement agencies.

Ojukwu explained that while it might be difficult, lawyers must learn to “balance the happiness of their clients, in such a way that there is minimal social conflict”.

Also speaking, Prof. Roland Otaru, SAN, a member of the panel of discussants, opined that “once integrity is gone, everything is gone”.

He, therefore, urged lawyers to maintain ethical practice while showing uttermost respect for the rule of law.

The moderator for the session, Mallam Yusuf Ali, SAN, commended the panelists for their professional insight into the sensitive topic.

Ali urged all legal practitioners to inculcate integrity in their practice, and conduct themselves in manners that would uphold the reputation of their noble profession.

Other panelists included the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, (NFIU), Mr Modibbo Tukur; Head of Risk and Compliance at the Law Society, Mrs Pearl Moses among others.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng.com)

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Edited by Joseph Edeh

The Corps Public Education Officer, ACM Bisi Kazeem, said in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja that the arrest was in line with the ongoing nationwide clampdown on unstable, unregistered and improperly registered vehicles.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the FRSC Corps Marshal, Mr Dauda Biu recently inaugurated the special operation, directing that such drivers and vehicles should be apprehended.

Kazeem said that the operation followed public outcry about the security risks posed by noticeable violation of road traffic regulations by some motorists, including those using foreign and Nigerian number plates on the same vehicle.

He said that FRSC patrol team arrested one of the perpetrators, who is using two number plates, BBJ746AA and CV51UMC, on his Volkswagen Golf 3 car.

“The perpetrator was arrested within Idu operational area of the corps in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, following adequate intelligence gathered by the tactical team.

“There is a viral video also of another driver. The search for the vehicle in the viral video is still ongoing, but the just arrested Volkswagen and the driver have been handed over to Life Camp Divisional Police Command, FCT.

“This is for further questioning and possible prosecution, after the conclusion of preliminary investigation by the Corps Intelligence Unit,” he said.

He said that FRSC tactical teams have been strategically deployed to impound unstable, unregistered and improperly registered vehicles, and prosecute the owners. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Army and other stakeholders have emphasised the need to enhance mental health awareness among military personnel and other security agencies to address cases of stress disorder in operational fronts.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC), Department of Army Transformation and Innovation in collaboration with Peace Building Development Consult, on Monday commenced a three-day Mental Health Resilience and Wellness Course (MHRWC 3) in Abuja.

The Director General of NARC, Maj.-Gen. Garba Wahab, represented by retired Maj.-Gen. Joseph Orokpo, said the issue of mental health was crucial to the military, paramilitary and the entire nation.

Wahab said there had been instances of soldiers shooting indiscriminately and killing colleagues, saying such circumstance could be triggered by operational issues, stress, trauma, anxiety and other factors that affect mental health of personnel.

He urged the participants to advise their patients and commanders on what to do to avoid the issue of mental health on the field considering the current operations being undertaken by the military and other security agencies.

“We expect that they will find themselves in the operational areas and then they will be able to advise the commanders and treat their patients accordingly.

“Mental issues in the military is of a great concern to us at all time. People with stress disorders, trauma, and all those kind of things.

“In the military, we want them to be in the right frame of mind to carry out the operations for national security,” he said.

Dr Omoyemu Dike-Osuhor, a Consultant Psychiatrist, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), said there was need to understand the role of the brain being the control centre of the body.

Dike-Osuhor said the brain controls emotion, intelligence judgment and behavior, saying that it was crucial for security personnel who had to make important decisions and judgments when carrying out operations.

She said the issue of mental health was important for military personnel in enhancing their resilience and handling of stress to avoid poor judgment that could lead to loss of life.

The psychiatrist lamented the dearth of adequate facilities to manage and control mental health, as well as shortage of doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists and counsellors.

“It is only almost at the tertiary level that we are able to identify mental health disorder, but it is from the grassroots, the primary healthcare center that it would be discovered that a person is becoming depressed, has anxiety and should be refered appropriately.

“It is not only medication that is needed to manage mental health disorder, you have the behavioral part which involves counselling, psychotherapy and all that.

“So we need to inculcate this from the primary healthcare to the tertiary level.

“My call to the military is I know that their training involves them being resilient and being hard, but everybody has got a brain and the brain is subject to being affected by any stress situation.

“So when you feel that you are overwhelmed and not coping, please call out for help. Don’t say my training says I should not feel sick, if not, the end result, the outcome might not be so good,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Sumaila Ogbaje

In a bid to ensure effective and efficient operations of the Nigerian Army, Army Headquarters Garrison, on Monday commenced a weeklong Operational Planning Cadre for middle level career officers of the army and other sister security agencies.

The Chief of Civil-Military Affairs (Army), Maj.-Gen. Nosakhare Ugbo, said the officers would have the opportunity of understanding the rudiments and fundamentals of operational planning, urging them to seize the opportunity and enhance their capacity.

Ugbo said the theme of the 2023 Cadre, which is “Military Capacity Building and Multi Agency Approach to Counter-terrorism/Counter-insurgency operations in the Nigerian army”, was well thought out considering the contemporary security environment in Nigeria.

He said it was imperative that commanders implement a holistic and well planned approach with a view to overcome and checkmate the various security challenges within the nation’s borders.

According to him, their unwholesome activities have been characterised by killings of innocent and law abiding citizens, abduction, attacks on vulnerable communities, use of improvised explosive devices and ambushes on security personnel.

“As part of efforts to ensure that you are adequately trained and ready to confront these challenges, AHQ gave approval for the conduct of the operational planning cadre annually across all Nigerian army formations.

“I am glad to state that the sustenance of this directive over the years has caused a parameter shift in the conduct of our operations in various theaters, both within and outside Nigeria.

“Your active participation in this cadre specially organised for you will enrich and enhance your knowledge in operational arts and campaign planning within a joint environment and assist you in timely execution of all assigned tasks,” he said.

Ugbo urged the commander to adopt creative and innovativeness approach in operational planning for success and positive outputs, adding that such approach will endear them to both subordinates and superiors alike.

He also urged them to strive to galvanise and utilise the two variables towards achieving assigned operational objectives.

“I urge you all to key into this drive by ensuring that you are guided by the Chief of Army Staff Commands philosophy, which is “To Transform the Nigerian Army into a Well Trained, Equipped and Highly Motivated Force Towards Achieving its Constitutional Responsibilities Within a Joint Environment”.

The Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, Maj.-Gen. Koko Isoni, said the 2023 cadre had brought together tactical and operational level officers from Nigerian army formations as well as sister security agencies and paramilitary organisations in AHQ Garrison area of responsibility.

Isoni said the training was meant to refresh participants on the various aspects of operations planning process with a view to enhancing their skills in operational acts and campaign planning.

He added that the training would also improve the capacity of participants in joint and single operations planning process in line with the Chief of Army Staff operate in line with the COAS Command philosophy.

“As we are all aware, warfare is becoming increasingly complex due to changes in the nature of threats and advancement in technology.

“In view of this, armies all over are continually engaged in training and capacity building to enable them surmount contemporary security challenges.

“The Nigerian army fully recognises these changes and therefore seeks to develop capacity through realistic training that will enhance its operations.

“Additionally, AHQ Garrison’s experiences in its various engagements have held also draw lessons and have also assisted the Garrison to identify gaps in the conduct of these operations.

“To this end, the operations planning cadre for this year is expected to explore ways of building on existing efforts by the Garrison to meet its operational needs,” he added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Hajara Leman/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Sumaila Ogbaje

The National Security Adviser, retired AIG Nuhu Ribadu, says it is the collective responsibility of every individual to rescue the nation from the security challenges bedeviling it.

Ribadu said this on Monday in Abuja at the opening of at a two – day symposium on “Challenges and Innovations in Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism: Strategic Approaches.”

The symposium was organised by the African Centre For Strategic Studies (ACSS) Alumni,  Nigeria chapter.

Ribadu represented by the National Coordinator National Terrorism Centre Rear Admiral  Yamisu Musa, noted with concern that the current security threats bedeviling the nation had caused untold hardships to citizens

”From homegrown insurgency and terrorism in the Northeast to banditry and kidnapping in the Northwest, militancy in the South-South and secessionist agitations in the Southeastern parts of the country among many other violence fueled clashes.

” It is therefore, our collective responsibility to ensure that our country is rescued from this menace and this is the reason we are all gathered here today, ” he said.

He said that the Federal Government’s response to the emerging security dynamics of the nation led to the enactment of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act (TPPA) 2022.

”This act, informed the establishment of the National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC). The Center is charged with the coordination of counter-terrorism policies, strategies and plans in the country, ” he said

According to him experience, globally, had shown that kinetic measures or the hard approach alone was insufficient when dealing with terrorism and Violent Extremism (VE).

”What is needed to combat the menace is a combination of both kinetic and non-kinetic measures.

”For this reason, the United Nations, under the former Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon in 2015, developed the plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism.

”In the Plan, the UN Secretary General called for a comprehensive approach encompassing not only essential security-based counter-terrorism measures but also systematic preventive steps to address the underlying conditions that drive individuals to radicalise and join violent extremist groups.

”To this end, Nigeria in 2017 developed the PF NAP for PCV,” he said.

He said the policy framework was a complementary, whole-of government and whole-of-society approach for addressing threats posed by violent extremist groups.

”The framework seeks to build capacity, improve coordination, strengthen the justice system and by integrating strategic communication, provide alternative narratives to VE.

”It also, provides guidance, direction and most importantly coordination of all non-kinetic operations to prevent and counter violent extremism and terrorism within our borders.

”The Whole-of-Society and Whole-of-Government approach to our non-kinetic operations require dedicated and concerted efforts by every citizen and governments at all levels,” he said.

While commending all delegates for their resolute commitment and sacrifice to be part of the symposium, he implored them to see the event as a call to re-awaken interagency cooperation, collaborative and coordination efforts which all must embrace.

”’I therefore, implore you to see this event as a call to re-awaken our interagency cooperation, collaborative and coordination efforts which we all must embrace.

”We must ensure that challenges being experienced such as negative public perception of government policies, limited resources, uncoordinated/ disruptive activities of some International Partners and weak capacity of relevant stakeholders responsible for implementing PCVE.

“Including weak institutional and legal frameworks for some components of PCVE amid the complex demography of our land even as the conflict is ongoing are resolved with solutions proffered at this symposium within the next two days.

”I am fully assured that with the level of expertise and experience of delegates here present, we will make good progress, ” he said.

The Commandant of National Defence College (NDC), Rear Admiral Makinde Olotu, in his remarks noted that world was currently in an era where terrorism and violent extremism had become the foremost threats to global peace and security.

He said that terrorism and violent extremism are complex and multifaceted phenomena that transcend national, cultural and religious boundaries.

”They pose significant challenges to peace, security and human rights, and require multidimensional and collaborative responses from governments, civil society, private sector and the academia.

”The rise of extremist ideologies coupled with advancement in technology has made it easier for terrorists to carry out attacks and spread their massage of hate.

”Nigeria is still listed among the 10 most impacted countries by terrorism in the world. Therefore, any discourse on the subject matter is very relevant, timely and of significance to us all, ” he said.

He said the challenges faced in countering terrorism and violent extremism had continued to evolve.

According to him, terrorists for instance are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their modus operandi.

”They employ bespoke tactics including the use of emerging technologies in their operations, while exploring the social media and other online platforms to radicalise and recruit new members.

”Bearing in mind the economic realities and geopolitical influences especially in developing countries, it has become essential to adopt innovations that would enhance our abilities to detect, prevent and respond to terrorist threats.

”These innovations should be tailored towards addressing the deep rooted causes and drivers of terrorism and violent extremism in our nations,” he said.

He said that countering terrorism and violent extremism would require multi – sectorial and multidisciplinary approaches to develop comprehensive and effective solutions including counter narratives, dialogue and mediation as well as community resilience.

He expressed confidence that the symposium would provide the platform for fruitful discussions and exchange of ideas on how innovations could be leveraged to counter terrorism and violent extremism.

The President of Nigeria Chapter ACSS, retired Commodore Abimbola Ayuba, said that the symposium was to interrogate the current challenges which confront the sub-region particularly in Sahelian West Africa.

He said that it was also to take a good look at the security challenges in the Lake Chad Basin, which had been a theatre of terrorist activities, banditry and a plethora of other cross border crimes.

”It is expected that its outcomes would be trail blazing and impactful in the future of Security and conflict management in our world, ” he said.

By Deborah Coker

The Minister of Defence, Alhaji Muhammed Badaru, on Monday paid a courtesy visit on the former Military Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, in his Abuja home.

Badaru also paid a courtesy visit on the former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Martin Agwai.

The minister’s visit to the duo was to seek for professional advice on how to tackle and accomplish the task ahead of him.

This is contained in a statement in Abuja on Monday, by Mrs Victoria Agba-Attah, Director, Press and Public Relations in the ministry.

Briefing the former Nigerian leaders, the minister said that his visit was in view of the task and responsibilities ahead of him in the strategic ministry.

He said in the light of that, it was imperative that he and his state counterpart consult and tap from the wisdom and wealth of their experience.

Badaru said that he would not relent in his efforts at wider consultations with elders and former Nigerian leaders on how to tackle the current security challenges facing the nation.

He commended the former Head of State, who was also the head of ECOWAS special envoy to Niger Republic for his gigantic efforts at restoring peace and overcoming the current political impasse in that country.

Abubakar, Nigeria’s former Military Head of State between 1998 and 1999 is a renowned elder statesman and a Peace Ambassador for ECOWAS and the United Nations.

Similarly, Agwai had served the nation at one point of his career as the Commander of the combined United Nations- African Union Peacekeeping Force in Dafur.

He also served as Chief of Staff and Chief of Defence Staff.

Both leaders commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing the minister, describing him as a great achiever.

They wished him a successful tenure as minister of defence. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)(cokerdeborah@yahoo.com)

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Nigeria Peace Advocates (NPA), a non-partisan group, says the intensity of military onslaught against bandits and insurgents in the North East and North West is making them to become desperate.

This is contained in a statement by the Secretary of the group, Mr Bernard Udu, on Sunday in Abuja.

Udu called on Nigerians to continue to support and pray for the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

According to him, the military under the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, had demonstrated capacity to defend the country against the enemies of peace.

He said bandits and terrorists in the two geo political zones were already feeling the heat of intensified military operations across the country, hence their desperation.

He described the  recent death of some troops who paid the supreme price while responding to terrorists’ attacks in Niger as very painful, adding that the military had demonstrated unwavering commitment to duty.

“No matter the level of their desperation, Nigerians are solidly behind the Armed Forces of Nigeria under the leadership of Gen. Musa.

“We must stand behind our troops who continue to make sacrifices for the peace and stability of our country. We must not give in to those whose actions are inimical to peace and development.

“NPA, once more send our heartfelt condolences to the CDS, the AFN and families of the deceased personnel.

“Nigerians are behind you and we stand in hope that very soon, there will be light at the end of the tunnel,” he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker/Isaac Aregbesola