By Moses Omorogieva

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone-2, Mr Ali Mohammed, has warned officers and men in the zone, comprising Lagos and Ogun states, against human rights abuses and extrajudicial killings.

Mohammed gave the warning during an interactive session with newsmen on Thursday in Lagos.

He also said that unnecessary abuse of powers would not be tolerated under his watch.

Mohammed said that the interaction with the media became necessary because they are partners in progress.

The AIG said that he was posted to Zone-2 to oversee the welfare of Lagos and Ogun residents, stressing that he would do more that mere supervision.

“I will do more than supervision which I have since started; for example, there will be patrols, especially at night, and supervision of officers and men, so as to ensure that Lagos and Ogun states are safe and calm.

“As you are all aware too, once Lagos is calm, Nigeria as a whole can be said to be calm.

“I will continue to do the best I can to ensure that officers and men key into the policing principles and policies of the new I-G, Kayode Egbetokun,” he said.

Mohammed said that the number of police checkpoints on the Lagos -Badagry Expressway would be looked into to avoid unnecessary road blocks.

He also promised to check the activities of hoodlums, operating on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, particularly on the Long Bridge, where construction is ongoing.

The AIG warned suspected cultists, land grabbers and other criminals causing crisis at different communities and highways to relocate or face the consequences. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Idowu Ariwodola/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Troops of the 192 Battalion of the Nigerian Army have intercepted a truck load of substances suspected to be Indian hemp in Ogun.

The consignment belonged to a suspected international drug smuggling syndicate.

Preliminary investigations showed that the illicit substances were being transported from Ghana through Benin Republic and Igholo-Idiroko in Nigeria, en-route Sango Otta.

Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, stated on Wednesday that the truck was intercepted near Sango Otta on Tuesday.

He explained that the troops acted on a tipoff and conducted stop-and-search operations on Ajilete Road in Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun when the truck was intercepted.

He added that the troops impounded the unmarked truck, loaded with 397 wraps of the substances on-board.

Nwachukwu stated that a Beninese, Matthew Edegbe, and a one Mr Joshua Dansu of Idiroko in Ogun were apprehended in connection with the seizure and were assisting in on-going investigations.

“Items recovered from the suspects include the truck’s Registration number plate (T 1826 LA Lagos), which was detached and concealed in the vehicle to prevent identification.

“Also recovered were cell phones, a Benin Republic National Identification card, a Driver’s license belonging to one George Benyagbe, and N7,000.

“The suspects, vehicle and exhibits have been taken into custody, pending the handing over to the NDLEA.

“Troops of the battalion intercepted a truckload of over 20,000 cartridges of ammunition heading to Anambra on July 15.

“The Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja has commended the troops for their commitment and vigilance.

“He also urged them to sustain the momentum to rid the country of criminality,’’ Nwachukwu stated. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Collins Yakubu-Hammer/Alli Hakeem

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The National President, Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI), Amb. Emmanuel Okafor, has called on Nigerians to promote peace, justice, and equality for all.

Okafor made the call on Wednesday in Abuja in a goodwill message to Muslims on the occasion of the Islamic Calendar 1445.

He said the Islamic new year was an opportunity for all to reflect on the values of peace, unity, and harmony that Islam teaches.

Okafor said Islam, a religion of compassion and tolerance, inspires people to cultivate a spirit of goodwill, understanding, and respect for one another.

“It is time for us to renew our commitment to these timeless principles and to foster a society that is built upon mutual cooperation and coexistence.

“In the face of numerous challenges that our great nation, Nigeria, has encountered in recent times, it becomes even more crucial for us to unite as one people, regardless of our religious or ethnic backgrounds.

“We must come together, hand in hand, to promote peace, justice, and equality for all Nigerians.

“It is only through such unity that we can surmount the obstacles that lie before us and build a prosperous, inclusive, and harmonious nation that we can be proud to pass on to future generations,” he said.

Okafor said that the members of AANI recognised the immense potential within the people to effect positive change in the society.

He therefore called on all to harness the potential and work tirelessly to promote dialogue, understanding, and reconciliation among all Nigerians.

According to him, together, we can foster an environment where every citizen feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute to the nation’s development.

He also implored all Muslim members of AANI, as well as other Nigerians, to embrace the spirit of peace and extend it to their daily interactions.

“Let us engage in acts of kindness, compassion, and empathy towards one another, irrespective of our differences.

“By doing so, we will create a ripple effect of harmony and understanding that will transform our communities and bring us closer to the Nigeria we envision.

“I wish you all and your family, a blessed year filled with love, happiness, and prosperity.

“May the Islamic Calendar 1445 be a time of reflection, spiritual growth, and renewed commitment to building a peaceful and prosperous nation,” he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Former Chief of Army Staff, retired Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has said that coup should be seen as an organised crime and punished accordingly to allow democracy to survive in Africa.

Buratai said this at a One-Day International Conference on Organised Crimes put together by the Tukur Buratai Centre for Contemporary Security Affairs, Igbenedion University Okada, on Tuesday in Abuja.

The theme of the conference is “Organised Crimes Network as an Emergent Threats to National Security”.

Buratai, who is also a former Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, said the battle against organised crime require concerted efforts of experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from diverse sectors.

Buratai said that the contemporary challenges had shown that the military must continue to play its constitutional role without getting involved in governance while democratic governments should govern the citizens well.

He said the military had been the at the receiving end because of the rate of attrition, adding that the crave for democracy now required the military to perform its constitutional role rather than get directly involved with governance.

“They can have many ways to influence the government to make sure that security role is played appropriately and also allow the democrats, the civilians, to perform their roles properly.

“The best way is for the military to remain within the constitutional bounds and also encourage the civil administration to do their best to solve the governance challenges or the developmental challenges of our country.

“It is by doing so that everybody playing his role, the democrats doing their own properly, the politicians, the military, the populace are performing their own roles  properly.

“The politicians and the military should try to avoid being influenced externally to disrupt the democratic process in the country,” he added.

The former army chief said the causes of organised crime in the Sahel, particularly in Nigeria, were multifaceted, adding that porous borders remained one of the primary contributing factors.

He also said the easy movement of criminals and illegal goods across national boundaries as well as the prolonged conflicts in countries like Somalia, DR Congo, Libya, Mali, Burkina Faso, and now Sudan, had a direct impact on the rise of organised crimes.

“In Nigeria, organised crime has taken various forms, reflecting the country’s socio-economic challenges and political landscape.

“One notable episode of organised crime was the Maitatsine insurgency in the 1980s, which saw a radical sect advocating for a strict form of Islamic governance, resulting in violence and loss of lives.

“Another infamous case was the Anini saga in the 1980s, where Lawrence Anini led a notorious gang involved in high-profile robberies and assassinations.

“Additionally, the rise of kidnapping syndicates has posed a significant security threat, with criminal groups targeting individuals for ransom.

“Furthermore, banditry has become a major concern, particularly in the northwestern region, where armed groups engage in cattle rustling, armed robbery, and other criminal activities.

“The emergence of drug cartels has also contributed to the expansion of organised crime, leading to increased drug trafficking, money laundering, and corruption,” he added.

Buratai said the scope of organised crime in Nigeria was vast and diverse, requiring comprehensive and multifaceted approach from law enforcement agencies and government to effectively combat and protect citizens.

According to him, Nigeria has a criminality score of 7.15 out of 1 to 10 and is ranked 5th out of 193 countries.

“It is 2nd of 54 countries in Africa and 1st of 15 countries in West Africa according to the Global Organized Crime Index.”

He added that the countries with the highest criminality levels were those experiencing conflict or fragility.

Buratai cautioned that the alarming reality of ongoing criminal activities, ranging from the illicit theft of about 500 barrels of crude oil on a daily basis to the calculated displacement of communities for the purpose of mining minerals could not be ignored.

“These multifaceted crimes not only undermine the stability and well-being of affected regions but also perpetuate a cycle of violence and exploitation.

“These criminal enterprises not only rob our economy of legitimate growth and development but also inflict immeasurable harm on individuals and communities,” he said.

The Vice Chancellor, Igbenedion University, Prof, Lawrence Ezemonye, said the scale of insecurity in Nigeria was heightened by the growing convergence and proliferation of organised criminal activities such as banditry, terrorism, human and drug trafficking, kidnapping, among others.

Ezemonye said the menace had together put serious strains on the nation’s security architecture.

He said the university under the auspices of the Buratai Centre for Contemporary Security Affairs, was poised to respond to the challenges through convocation of versed security analysts and security personnel including top-notch operatives to interrogate the issues.

This, according to him, is in tandem with the overall goal of the centre, which is to build the nation’s capacity in dealing with evolving and novel security challenges through cutting edge knowledge. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Segun Giwa

The Ondo State Government on Tuesday assured the Nigerian Army of continuous collaboration in its effort to protect lives and property of residents.

The Acting Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, stated this in Akure while playing host to Maj.-Gen. Valentine Okoro, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 2 Division of Nigerian Army.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Okoro assumed duty on Thursday as the 44th GOC of the 2 Division of Nigerian Army, Ibadan.

Aiyedatiwa said that the support of the Nigerian Army was part of the success stories recorded in securing lives and property of residents of the state.

The acting governor noted the that security of Nigerians could not be done by a single security outfit, hence the need for the creation of the state security outfit, Amotekun Corps.

Aiyedatiwa, who described the Okoro as a fine gentleman, urged him to let the collaboration continue so that the residents would be able to sleep with their two eyes closed.

“The state need more collaboration, the security challenges we are facing in Nigeria can’t be sorted by only one security outfit.

“With our home grown security outfit, Amotekun Corps, and in collaboration with the Army and other security agencies, Ondo State has been adjudged to be one of the safest states in Nigeria.

“The military is part of the story.

“The military are solidly behind us and we have been supporting the military in our own little way and we will continue to do that and we will continue to support you in our own little way too,” he said.

Earlier, the GOC said since his assumption of office, the 32 Artillery Brigade, Owena Cantonment, Akure, was the first point of familiarisation visit.

Okoro, who described the division as the largest in Nigeria, said the visit was to know the operational activities of the artillery and know their challenge, and where to come in.

The GOC said he was happy with the report on the level of collaboration the state government had with the Army in the state.

“It is the largest division of all the divisions in Nigeria. To hit the ground running, l’m conducting a familiarisation visit to the operational activities of the brigade and to know their challenges and how we could come in.

”They made me to know the support and collaboration the Army is getting in the state and to thank you, and also considering that Army’s work in today’s environment is to make sure that Nigerians sleep with their two eyes closed.

“It is a collaborative effort that all citizens must also participate and provide timely information about their environment to security agencies.

“I solicit for further collaboration and to make sure we achieve our mandate in Ondo State,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/Tayo Ikujuni

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Executive Director, Prisoners Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA), Dr Uju Agomoh has again called for joint efforts to decongest custodial centres in the country.

Agomoh made the call at a news briefing and strategy session on setting agenda for Administration of Justice and Corrections Reform in Nigeria, on Monday in Abuja.

The PRAWA boss stressed the need for Strategies to promote effective reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates and ex-offenders.

She said that it was time to use provisions of the law such as quick justice for pre-trial inmates to decongest the facilities.

According to Agomoh, frequent transfer of judicial and prosecuting police officers leads to stalling of cases.

“We recommended that the legislature hastens amendment of criminal laws and decriminalisation and declassification of minor and petty offences in Nigerian Laws,” she said.

Agomoh called on the media and CSOs to be credible watch dogs in ensuring proper and timely implementation of the recommendations.

Mr Ibikunle Bamidele of Legal Aid Council, said journalists needed to always reach out to development partners and NGOs for factual information on issues that concerned inmates.

Also, Deputy Director Public Prosecution, Federal Ministry of Justice, Yusuf Abdulkadir assured that the Federal Government would streamline the suggestions by stakeholders into its policies. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)