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

By Aminu Garko

The Police Command in Kano on Saturday said it confiscated 820 cartons of suspected fake and expired drugs at Malam Kato Market in Fage Local Government Area of the state.

In a statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Kiyawa, in Kano, the drugs were recovered from two warehouses at the market.

He listed the drugs to include 514 cartons of eemistxmin/emstifer syrup, 219 cartons of 5mg Lisinopril tablets, 7 cartons of 5mg amlodipine tablets, 87 cartons of 50mg atenol and 40 cartons, 3 cartons of Frusemide injection.

Kiyawa said the drugs were evacuated and handed over to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) by a team of detectives deployed to the scene by the state Commissioner of Police, Usaini Gumel.

He charged residents to always report suspicious persons and items to the police for prompt action.( NAN) ( www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Nabilu Balarabe/Julius Toba-Jegede

Terrorists

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has vowed that the military would hunt down and bring to justice, all terrorists, bandits and enemies of the state.

Musa said this on Friday in Abuja, at the burial of military personnel who died recently in combat and air crash in Niger.

He said that the military would not be watching and allowed the enemies of state continued to destroy lives and properties.

The CDS assured the terrorists that the military would go after them and avenge the death of its personnel that were killed while defending the nation.

The defence chief said the day that military buried personnel was one of the most difficult days in every commander’s mind, adding that he felt highly pained to bury his officers and soldiers.

“But I want to assure the families that their death is not in vain. We appreciate them, we pray for them and we will ensure that those that did this must pay for it.

“I use this opportunity to call all commanders, all troops all over Nigeria, that we must avenge this.

“Those that did this and those that have continued to kill our men wherever they are, we will get them out,” he said.

He vowed that the military would smoke them out and ensure that they never had opportunity to kill any other person.

“Today we gather here with heavy hearts and tearful eyes to bid farewell to our fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of our nation.

“We stand there today to honor their courage, dedication and unwavering commitment to duty.

“Their lives were abruptly taken from us in the line of duty while responding to a distress call in the Chukuba community in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger,” he said.

Musa said the event was to also celebrate their lives and extra extraordinary contributions they had made, adding that their selflessness and unwavering dedication to duty would forever be remembered.

He assured the deceased families that the military would stand with them in their grief and would continue to support them during this difficult time.

“These men and women laid down their lives so that we can live in peace and security. They fought on the front lines against the forces of evil and ensuring that the flavor of hood and liberty continue to bend right in our nation.

“Their courage and dedication will forever be an inspiration to all to follow their footsteps.

“To the families who have lost loved ones not withstanding our deepest condolences, we cannot begin to fathom the pain and sorrow that you are experiencing but know that deep in your heart, you are not alone in your grief.

“To our following heroes, we will honor your memories by continuing to fight against those who seek to undermine our peace and security.

“We will remain steadfast in our resolve to be the nation worthy of sacrifice.

“To the bandits, terrorists, and perpetrators of violence, we will haunt you down, we will bring you to justice and will restore peace and security to every corner of our nation,” he added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 20 bodies of the deceased personnel were buried amidst tears at the National Military Cemetery in line with military tradition.

NAN recalls that three officers and 22 soldiers were killed in an ambush in Zungeru general area of the state while seven were wounded in action.

The NAF helicopter was on a mission to evacuate the deceased and wounded troops when it crashed at Chukuba area of Shiroro Local Government Area of the state on Aug. 13.

The crashed helicopter was conveying 14 bodies of the previously killed soldiers and seven wounded ones, two pilots and two crew members. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

By Stanley Nwanosike

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) arrested no fewer than 40 suspected illegal coal miners in Enugu, the Commandant, Mr Muhammed Dada said.

Addressing newsmen on Friday in Enugu, Dada said that during the operation items recovered included pumping machines, diggers, head-pans, shovels, and four Hanvan G7 trucks without registration numbers.

Others are a Toyota Hilux van with registration number MUS 513 HU, two heavy-duty batteries, a substantial amount of coal, and a motorcycle.

Dada said that the operation took place on Thursday, Aug. 24, at the base of Ugwuonyeama hill in Enugu.

The commandant described the act as a serious economic sabotage, adding that the arrest underlined NSCDC’s role as the lead agency entrusted with safeguarding critical national assets and infrastructure.

“The NSCDC’s intelligence team, acting on a tip-off, conducted a successful raid leading to the arrest of the 40 suspects involved in illegal coal mining at Ugwuonyeama,” he said.

Dada said that NSCDC would thoroughly investigate the matter and “ensure that those responsible for these activities face the consequences of their actions”.

He also warned individuals engaging in illegal mining activities in the state to stop immediately.

The commandant reiterated NSCDC’s resolve to collaborate with law-abiding citizens, urging residents to support government efforts in curbing these illegal activities by providing information that could aid in ending them.

“Those with valid clearance and legitimate mining operation licenses will be treated in accordance with the law.

“The NSCDC remains resolute in its actions, which underline it commitment to safeguarding the nation’s resources and preserving the integrity of its critical assets,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bayo Sekoni

By David Adeoye

The Committee of Retired Inspectors-General of Police has advocated 65 years as retirement age and 40 years as tenure of service for Police personnel.

This is part of resolutions of the former I-Gs at the end of their two-day retreat, held at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The resolutions are in the retreat’s seven-point communique issued on Thursday in Ibadan by retired I-G Solomon Arase, who is Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the retreat had the theme “Intervention of former I-Gs for strategic contribution to effective policing in Nigeria”.

The retreat gave the ex-Police heads the opportunity to brainstorm towards repositioning the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) for greater impact, relevance and strategic intervention within the country’s competitive security landscape.

The points are outlined as follows: Reforms and Policy Matters; Recruitment and Deployment of Police Personnel; Safety and Welfare; Strategic Partnership; Training and Capacity Development; Police Operations; and Police Operations.

According to the communique, there is the need for a re-evaluation of retirement age and tenure of service.

”This should be by extending the retirement age from 60 to 65 years and tenure of service from 35 to 40 years, whichever comes first.”

The committee also recommended that divisional police headquarters across the country, which they observed were usually under-staffed and under-equipped, should be adequately staffed.

”They should be provided with appropriate law enforcement equipment to enable them discharge their statutory duties effectively.”

It added that, in view of the shortfall in manpower, there is urgent need to upgrade junior police officers with higher educational qualifications.

”They should be moved to the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) to reflect the personal and carriage of their qualifications.”

The committee further urged for recruitment into the Nigeria Police to be institutionalised and captured in NPF’s annual budget proposals so as to halt intermittent request for approval.

It added that NPF should re-evaluate the large number of Police personnel usually attached to those regarded as Very Important Persons (VIPs) and politicians.

The retired I-Gs explained that this is to allow for wider coverage of the personnel in NPF’s core area of policing.

They also urged that, relying on extant provisions of the Constitution and Establishment Act, the NPF should be restored to be effectively in charge of internal security management.

”This is to avoid needless usurpation of Police’s statutory functions.”

On safety and welfare of Police, the committee called on the Federal Government to give the NPF funding priority in the face of competing demands.

It also recommended that a modern policing approach which advocates for strategic police-civilian relations, where the Police co-habit with the civil populace, should be encouraged.

The former I-Gs further said the Mobile Police Force personnel should be accommodated in barracks and well-kitted.

In addition, the committee implored President Bola Tinubu to assent to the Pension Bill exiting the Nigeria Police from the contributory pension scheme.

It explained that this is with a view to improving the welfare of retired officers and motivating the serving personnel.

The former I-Gs urged the Federal Government to implement the White Paper on the Police Reform Reports (Danmadami and M.D Yusuf reports) for optimal performance of the Nigeria Police.

On strategic partnership, the committee recommended that the Police management team should consolidate on measures aimed at ensuring harmonious working relations with the PSC.

The retired Police heads recommended that NPF should foster inter-agency collaboration with other sister agencies through joint training programmes and intelligence-sharing.

“Having noted the level of sophistication with which modern crimes are perpetrated, the Federal Government should support NPF in its quest to continually upgrade assets in logistics and intelligence-sharing technology with its strategic partners.

“As a matter of urgency, the IGP should commission the take-off of the Police Intelligence School in Share, Kwara.

“We note that all NPF training institutions are in a state of disrepair, a state of emergency should therefore be declared in this regard.

“The curriculum of the training institutions should be reviewed to incorporate contemporary security challenges and policing realities.

“NPF should further improve on the welfare of training staff and trainees in the institutions in order to have value addition as envisaged for different training programmes.

“NPF should build capacity of personnel by promoting digital literacy initiatives to enhance professionalism,” the committee recommended.

NAN reports that the retreat, which was initiated by the committee chairman, retired I-G Aliyu Attah, and facilitated by the PSC chairman, Solomon Arase, was sponsored by the Oyo State Government.