Kogi Gov. Yahaya Bello and Mr Onuoha Bethrand, the new CP

By Thompson Yamput

Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi on Friday harped on the need to prioritise security of lives and property of the citizens; just as he received Mr Onuoha Bethrand, the newly posted Commissioner of Police to the state.

Bethrand recently took over from Akeem Yusuf, who had been posted to Force Headquarters, Abuja..

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s strong commitment to supporting the security agencies in the state.

This, he said is part of his administration’s support to security operatives in their efforts to ensure a society free from crime.

“I wish to assure you (Bethrand) of our people’s cooperation and willingness to provide intelligence and information to assist security personnel in enhancing their operations,” Bello assured.

Responding, CP Bethrand commended Gov. Bello for his proactive efforts in securing the state and acknowledged his administration’s successes in various sectors.

Bethrand pledged the police’s commitment and support to Bello’s administration in maintaining a safe and secured Kogi.

The CP emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts with other security agencies to sustain the peace being enjoyed in the state.

“I am very aware of the landmark achievements made by your administration especially in the area of partnership with security agencies to combat crimes.

“I hereby wish to assure you sir, my desire and commitment to build upon these successes as the Commissioner of Police for Kogi Command, ” he pledged. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

By Toba Ajayi

The Kwara Government has pledged to support the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in the fight against illegal mining in the state.

Mr. Okanlawon Musa-Olarewaju, Permanent Secretary, Kwara State Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, made the pledge on Friday, when he paid a courtesy visit on the Ilorin Zonal Commander of the EFCC, Mr Michael Nzekwe.

Musa-Olarewaju, said that the state government was solidly behind EFCC in its efforts to rid the state of illegal miners operating at different locations within the 16 local government areas of the state.

He urged the anti-graft agency not to be deterred by the antics of some corrupt individuals benefiting from the illegal operations.

“We are following your activities closely, especially the latest arrest of some Chinese Nationals over alleged illegal mining in the state.

“The Chinese people have a company in Olayinka, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara. When I visited the place, I almost shed tears. The place is not developed, the roads are not motorable and yet the company is not paying royalty to the government”, he said.

According to him, no fewer than 230 mining operators are in the state, and none of them has come forward to revalidate operating licences.

“We have called them now to come to the ministry to bring their documents for regularisation and revalidation,” the permanent secretary added.

Responding, Nzekwe commended the ministry for pledging to support the commission in the fight against corruption, particularly its onslaught against illegal mining.

He said such support and collaboration from stakeholders is what the EFCC needs to stamp out corruption in the country.

The EFCC zonal commander further vowed to ensure that the operators abide by the rules of the game by paying royalties to government and also obeying the local content law.

He hinted on plans by the commission to set up a taskforce to tackle illegal mining across the state.

According to him, the task force will comprise representatives of all law enforcement agencies, while the EFCC will be saddled with prosecuting suspects arrested by the taskforce.

He added that the first task of the committee would be to meet all stakeholders to get supports for the fight against illegal mining business in the state.

Nzekwe further revealed that the zone within the last one year had secured the conviction of five illegal minners, aside the huge amount of money recovered from the sector.

He added that the commission would not slow down in its efforts to bring perpetrators to justice. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

By Monday Ijeh

The Chief of Air Staff  (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, has commended Federal Government’s commitment towards enhancing the operational capacity of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

Abubakar said so far, more than 70 new aircraft were acquired by the government to boost training and combat readiness of the NAF.

The CAS made the remarks during his maiden meeting with Air Officers’ Commanding, Branch Chiefs, Field Commanders and Commandants, on Thursday in Abuja.

”It is gratifying to note that the Federal Government has since 2015, acquired about 70 new aircraft to boost training and combat readiness of the NAF.

“In the coming months, we will be taking delivery of additional platforms to boost air power employment and projection capabilities as well as air combat training.

“No doubt, these acquisitions are clear signs of the Federal Government’s willingness to lead in combating national and regional threats to peace and security.

“Efforts have also been emplaced to enhance platform serviceability, which has led to us, maintaining an average serviceability status of over 70 per cent with positive implications on ongoing joint and independent operations,” he said.

He said with efforts emplaced to enhance platform serviceability vis-à-vis current security environment, only a carefully thought-out strategy guided by a strong philosophy could adequately situate NAF to address the nation’s security challenges.

The CAS told the commanders that the focus of his policy was “to transform the NAF into an agile and resilient force that effectively meets the airpower demands of national security in all operational environments.”

Abubakar said that NAF would leverage on technology, innovation, lessons learnt as well as the personnel and fleets at its disposal to effectively checkmate the security threats confronting the country.

The Air Force Chief pledged to ensure the optimisation of NAF structures and establishments to enhance operational effectiveness, as well as deliberate training and mission-oriented force development.

He said other enablers were proactive logistics support and strong maintenance culture, prioritising research and development, leveraging cutting-edge technology, strategic partnerships and lessons learnt.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting witnessed the handing over of seven Hilux vehicles to some Air Warrant Officers by the CAS.

Abubakar said the handover of the vehicles was in line with his command philosophy of motivating officers, airmen and airwomen to drive policies, plans, programmes and activities to achieve the objectives of NAF.

“The Service thus, places high premium on ensuring that personnel remain highly motivated to deliver their best at all times for enhanced operational effectiveness.

“This is achieved by ensuring the welfare of our personnel is given adequate priority and that selflessness is rewarded.

“Handing over these Hilux vehicles is a practical commitment in this regard,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Remi Koleoso/Maharazu Ahmed

By Ibironke Ariyo

A total of 54,171 inmates out of the 79,076 inmates in correctional centres nationwide as at July 31, are awaiting-trial persons.

Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Mr Haliru Nababa gave the figure on Thursday in Abuja at an international conference on prisoners’ justice.

The conference held to commemorate the 2023 International Prisoners Justice Day.

Nababa was represented at the conference by the Deputy Controller-General, Finance and Accounts Department of the NCoS, Mr Abdulai Magaji.

“As at July 31, no fewer than 54,171 inmates, representing 69 per cent of the 79,076 inmates are awaiting-trial persons, while 24,905 inmates, representing 31 per cent are convicts.

“This remains the most daunting setback confronting the NCoS. One can only imagine the enormity of having to consistently produce inmates in court when required.

“This is coupled with the complications of managing such high number of pre-trial detainees amidst overcrowding,’’ he said.

He noted that the NCoS Act (2019) provided the service with a more robust framework to contribute significantly to prompt justice delivery in Nigeria.

He said the significance of the conference could not be overemphasised given the fact that justice is essentially the cornerstone of any social system.

“Justice is foundational to the sustenance and growth of any human society. It emphasises the rights and dignity of all persons, including those behind bars.

“This, largely underpins the aptness of the theme for this conference: “Enhancing Global Response for Prisoners’ Justice,’’ he said.

He added that safe and humane custody in custodial centres is the high point of justice delivery for persons in custody and for the society at large.

Magaji said improved logistics support for the NCoS had resulted in significant improvement in access to justice by awaiting-trial inmates.

He said also that the era of inmates missing their day in court due to lack of mobility had been mitigated to its barest minimum.

Earlier, the Chief Convener of the conference, Rev. Fr. Victor Nyoroh said the theme was apt as the whole world was laying emphasis on the humane treatment of people in detention.

“We as a nation cannot be left behind, but must do all that is within our powers to ensure inmates get quick justice,’’ he said.

He stressed that Aug. 10 was set aside for prisoners and their supporters to honour those who died unnatural deaths in prisons.

The date was also set aside for those demanding changes to a criminal justice system that dehumanises and brutalises them, he said.

“This is the reason why stakeholders in the criminal justice system are gathered here to chart a way forward to enhance prisoners justice in spite of challenges facing this sector of the economy,’’ he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Prisoners’ Justice Day is a solidarity movement that holds annually on Aug. 10 globally.

The movement began in Canada in 1974 in support of prisoners’ rights and to remember all the people who had died of unnatural deaths while in incarceration. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Alli Hakeem

By Monday Ijeh

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, on Wednesday urged the police to synergise with other security and law enforcement agencies to ensure successful implementation of government’s Safe School Initiative.

He made the call in Abuja at the Police Strategic Forum on Achieving Safe School in Nigeria.

Ribadu was represented at the event by retired Maj.-Gen, Abba Dikko, Coordinator, National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons in the Office of the NSA.

He said the police should synergise with other stakeholders in the areas of intelligence and information sharing at strategic and tactical levels.

He added that this would mitigate the menace of security challenges in line with Federal Government’s directive.

The NSA commended the efforts of the police at producing a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) manual for the Safe School Initiative.

He said the initiative would strengthen collaboration between security and law enforcement stakeholders to address security vulnerability of schools and other educational institutions.

“Undoubtedly, education has always been the foundation of progress in any society.

“As we strive to build a prosperous country for the future of our children and the generation unborn, it is critical that we prioritise the safety and security of educational institutions at all levels.

“Education is not only about acquiring knowledge and skills, it is also about fostering an environment that encourages creativity, critical thinking and personal growth,’’ Ribadu’s representative said.

He noted that over the years, educational institutions had been faced with security challenges of mass kidnapping, abductions, senseless killing of teachers and vandalism of educational infrastructure.

He said the security challenges had impacted negatively on school enrolment, particularly for the girl child in the northern parts of the country.

They had also hindered full realisation of the collective vision of optimising education as catalyst for national, human and capital development, he noted.

In his remarks, the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Olukayode Egbetokun, said the inauguration of the SOP manual was a step in the right direction.

He noted that the focus was to achieve a secured educational environment for school children.

“The SOP is a comprehensive roadmap that underscores the commitment of the police to safeguard education by creating a secured, safe and conducive learning environment for students.

“In years past, schools used to be the safest place for children.

“Since Nigeria recorded the first incident of school kidnap in 2014, however, criminal elements had continued to threaten the safety and security of educational institutions.

“The challenges demand innovative, adaptive and sustainable approaches to ensure the efficacy of the efforts of security agencies in providing safe environment for all.

“The commitment of the police to safeguard schools and ensure unhindered pursuit of knowledge led to the creation of the SOP manual,’’ Egbetokun said.

He added that the manual outlined the meticulous procedures that would guard law enforcement agencies, educational institutions and communities to ensure safe and secured learning environment in schools.

Egbetokun said another stride taken by the police in pursuit of the safe school initiative was the establishment of the Police Protection Squad. (NAN)

Edited by Chinyere Bassey/Alli Hakeem

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

Two hundred women in Sokoto State are to benefit from the French Government and Neem Foundation’s 100,000 Euro (N84m) entrepreneurship training project.

French Deputy Ambassador in Nigeria, Mr Olivier Chatelais, disclosed this at the launch of the programme on Wednesday in Abuja.

The project is tagged “Vocational training and entrepreneurship: Empowering women survivors in Sokoto State’’.

Chatelais said the project would be executed in collaboration with Neem foundation, an NGO.

According to him, it is to provide empowerment and psychological support to women in the state, who were victims of violence in the North West and Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

He said that the 2018 National demography and Health Survey in Nigeria, showed that most women and girls experienced some forms of sexual violence before they attained age 15.

Chatelais, however, noted that today, women and girls were more directly affected by poverty, conflict and climate change than men as they faced difficulties and discrimination in every field.

“The current project which is carried out by the NEEM foundation will aim to directly support women in situations of vulnerability and to support them to access professional training opportunities, by offering them appropriate psychological support.

“One of the keys to the success of this project is professional training. We firmly believe that education and training are powerful tools for the economic empowerment of women.

“But empowerment is not only limited to the economic aspect as we all know, these projects also recognise the importance of psychological support,’’ Chatelais said.

He said that the French Government under the leadership of President Emmanuel Macron, was committed to gender equality and economic emancipation of women in Nigeria and at the world level.

“For the French Embassy in Nigeria, this focus on gender represents over two million euro in funding for civil society between 2019 and 2023 and we will continue,’’ he said.

Chatelais added that since 2019, French embassy in Nigeria, through the Fiscal Initiative Civil Society Projects and Coalition for Actors programme, supported more than 15 innovative projects.

He said that in 2023, the French Embassy would also support the international NGOs actions against hunger in Zamfara and Sokoto states, totaling 1.2 million in each projects, aimed at improving nutrition status of women and children in conflict areas,” he said.

The Executive Director, Neem Foundation, Dr Fatima Akilu, said the project was not just about empowerment, but to shape the future of women.

Akuli commended the embassy of France in Nigeria for the support granted to the foundation to support women through empowerment.

She said that the foundation firmly believed that education and entrepreneurship were powerful tools for economic and social empowerment.

The NEEM Senior Programme Officer, Ms. Minoe Duamwan, presenting the overview of the project, said the pilot phase of the project would begin with two local government areas – Sokoto South and Sokoto North.

Duamwan said the objective was to provide vocational and entrepreneurship training as well as mental health and psychosocial support services to women affected by conflict and GBV in North West Nigeria.

According to her, the project and its activities are aimed to directly support 200 women and support them in their empowerment.

“Particular attention will be paid to groups of women who fall into the following categories – women/girls who have undergone or are at risk of undergoing early forced marriage.

“Women/girls who have undergone or are at risk of undergoing sexual and gender-based violence or harmful practices.

“Thus, the project will indirectly reach 2,000 beneficiaries from the homes of the direct beneficiaries of this programme.

“Households will benefit from additional income from skills acquired during training sessions and income-generating activities,’’ she said.

Duamwan said that the embassy and the foundation was working with relevant stakeholders with the Sokoto State Government for a successful implementation of the project.

Hajiya Aisha Dantsoho, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Women and Children Affairs, Sokoto State, commended the French embassy and the foundation for selecting the state for the project.

Dantsoho, represented by Mrs Zinatu Abdulkarim, said that the state government was always ready to partner with any stakeholder on projects that would uplift the economic status of women in the state.

Mr Buhari Suleiman, Director of Administration, Sokoto State Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SOSMEDA), said that the project would have positive impacts on the people of the state and Nigeria by extension. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Idris Abdulrahman

By Edeki Igafe

The Police Command in Delta has apprehended five suspected electric pole and cable thieves in Kwale, headquarters of the Ndokwa West Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

The spokesman for the command, DSP Bright Edafe, disclosed this on Wednesday in Warri.

Edafe said that the five suspects were nabbed on Saturday by police operatives attached to the Kwale Division, following a discreet and intelligence-driven investigation.

He said that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Kwale division, Edwin Igoche, CSP, who had received complaints about the activities of the suspected vandals, detailed his men to go after them.

“On Aug. 5, 2023, the Divisional Crime Officer led a combined team of police and vigilante operatives and apprehended Michael Thankgod, Peter Onyoba, Prince Johnson, Ogochukwu Nwabochali and Chinedu Ossai,” he said.

Edafe said that items recovered from the suspects included three sacks containing electric conductor cables, two iron steel cutter and a measuring scale.

He added that the suspects and exhibits were in the police custody while investigation in the matter is ongoing.

In another development, Edafe said that the command had arrested another suspected criminal for unlawful possession of firearms in Okpe Local Government Area of Delta.

The command’s spokesman said the 27-year-old suspect, identified as Oghenetoja Douglas, was apprehended on Sunday by the police Anti-robbery patrol team attached to the Orerokpe Division.

“The Police patrol team, while on a routine stop-and-search operation on the Oha/Orerokpe Community Road, intercepted a commercial tricycle with five male passengers.

“The Policemen subjected them to a search during which one locally made double barrel cut-to-size short gun with two live cartridges and a sum of N148,000 were found in the possession of Douglas.

“The suspect was swiftly nabbed and taken into police custody while investigation is ongoing,” Edafe said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Vincent Obi