By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

Ms Chimamanda Obiekwe, the Protocol Officer of Musharak Esteem Fumigation, says no fewer than 109 Police Primary and Secondary Schools will be decontaminated to make the environment safe against COVID-19.

Obiekwe made this known in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) during the decontamination and fumigation exercise at the POWA International Primary and Secondary Schools at Garki, Area 11, in Abuja.

“Basically, the essence of this exercise is to control pests and prevent the spread of COVID-19, Lassa fever and other illnesses that we do get from animals.

`’So the Police decided that all their schools will be fumigated, so that their Pupils, students and staff  would be safe; so we just embarked on the project and started from Abuja.

“Apparently, our first project is to fumigate POWA International Schools, so within the space of some days, they will start to see dead pests around,’’ Obiekwe said.

Similarly, Mr Ado Abdullahi, the Public Health Officer of Musharak, said the exercise is to ensure the eradication of all the micro-organisms that are present in the school, for the benefit of the pupils and teachers.

“We want to ensure a safe environment for learning and teaching service; so we are doing this at the instance of the Nigeria Police force.

“We just started the exercise today and we will cover the 36 states of the federation for police primary and secondary schools,’’ Abdullahi said.

The Assistant Programme Manager of Musharak, Mr Benjamin Oboh, said the exercise is expected to cover 92 Police Primary and 17 Police Secondary Schools across the nation. This will be done quarterly.

Meanwhile, the Head Teacher/Chief Executive Officer of POWA International Children School, Primary Section, Mr Bello Alowonle, said the exercise was in compliance to the FCT Ordinance ACT.

According to him, the school normally fumigate its classes and environment every three months.

“Before we resumed, we disinfected and fumigated, but today’s fumigation is special, because, the Musharak come to do it for us. We are very happy and appreciate.

“Please note that fumigation in an environment like this is very essential, especially at this crucial period that the Coronavirus and many other diseases are very much around.

“Through this fumigation, all reptiles, scorpion, viruses and others will be kept away from our environment and we will have a safe and healthy environment.’’

Mrs Obiageli Azubuike, the English Language teacher with Primary four in the school, corroborated Alowonle’s view saying the exercise is an indication that stakeholders have the welfare of the school at heart. (NAN)

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has concluded plans to engage in town hall meetings across six geopolitical zones with a view to addressing the prevailing security challenges in the country.

A statement from ONSA on Saturday, said the consultation was part of renewed commitment of the government to address multiple security threats facing Nigeria and make it safe and secure.

It said that the decision was reached at a meeting of the General Security Appraisal Committee (GSAC) convened by the National Security Adviser (NSA), retired Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno, on Friday.

According to ONSA, the meeting, which was attended by the service chiefs and heads of law enforcement, security and intelligence agencies discussed the threats of kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, armed robbery and the resultant consequences of these threats on lives and property.

It said that the meeting also resolved to strengthen inter-agency coordination, stakeholders’ engagement and consultation to find lasting solution to the multiple security threats.

According to ONSA, the NSA is coordinating a Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society approach that cuts across the Legislature, Judiciary, MDAs, states and local government areas and the civil society.

It stated that this was to ensure that every stakeholder plays a role in securing our towns and villages.

“The NSA believes that addressing these threats call for the deployment of all national assets, including the cooperation of all Nigerians.

“NSA will be leading a delegation of heads of law enforcement, security and intelligence agencies to the geo-political zones to hold town hall meetings with the governors, traditional and religious leaders.

“Other stakeholders will include, members of the legislature, non-governmental, youths and women organisations.

“The meetings are expected to provide direct assessment of the security situation, generate local feedback and recommendation, encourage Geo-Political synchronisation of effort among states and to also create a pathway to lasting peace and security,” it said.

ONSA disclosed that the first of the town hall meetings would hold in Kaduna State on Monday, Feb. 15 with all the seven governors of the North Western States.

According to ONSA, government is deeply concerned about the current spate of criminal activities and is taking major steps to strengthen the capacity of security agencies.

It said that the government was also upgrading the security architecture and implementing a multi-pronged strategy that involved political, humanitarian, economic and security measures.

“The Federal Government is equally committed to working with states and community leaders to strengthen peace, security and development in all parts of the country,” it said. (NAN)

By Jessica Onyegbula

National Task Force on Illegal Importation of Small Arms, Ammunitions, Light Weapons and Chemicals, says adequate personnel have been trained and mobilised to check influx of illegal arms at some borders in Nigeria.

The National Commandant, Special Squad of the Task Force,  Mr Aliyu Aminu-Wayas, stated this at the end of a special training for officers and men on Thursday in Abuja.

Aminu-Wayas said that the Task Force was also focusing its operations towards checking the activities of banditry, insurgency and cult groups in the country.

According to him,  the Force have intelligent report of some hideouts of criminals threatening peace and socio economic development in some states and the Federal Capital Territory.

He explained that it was time for security agencies to work together and address the menace posing a threat to the corporate existence of the country.

He decried the spate of kidnapping in the Federal Capital Territory and neighbouring states.

He maintained that the organisation had gathered intelligence which he said would assist the Federal Government in combating and blocking the importation of illegal arms into the country.

The FCT Commandant of the Task Force, Mr Adebayo Afolabi, commended the National Assembly for putting forward the National Task Force Bill.

Afolabi, however, appealed to wealthy individuals and heads of security agencies to provide necessary assistance in securing the nation’s borders. (NAN)

By Desmond Ejibas

The International Press Centre (IPC) in Nigeria says it is highly concerned about incessant kidnapping of journalists in the country.

IPC Executive Director, Mr Lanre Arogundade said in a statement on Thursday that the latest kidnap of Mrs Chidebere Onyia, a Port Harcourt-based journalist was one too many.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Onyia, a reporter with NTA Port Harcourt was abducted on Tuesday evening by gunmen at Woji Railway area after work.

“IPC is concerned on what is now becoming a pattern, and hereby joins the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Rivers, the family of Onyia and all lovers of freedom to demand her unconditional release.

“It is a dangerous trend that we are being confronted with and everything must be done to ensure the safety of Onyia,” he said.

Arogundade called on security agencies to secure her release and ensure that the perpetrators are apprehended and brought to justice.

“The security agencies should bring the perpetrators to justice to serve as deterrent to others who might be contemplating to target journalists.

“In view of the earlier kidnapping of Punch journalist, Okechukwu Nnodim in Abuja, IPC, hereby enjoins all journalists in the country to always take safety precautions,” he advised.

He also pleaded with the federal and state governments to take seriously the constitutional obligation imposed on them to guarantee the welfare and security of citizens. (NAN)

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Army has dismissed reports of killing of 20 soldiers by Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in the North-East Theatre of Operation Lafiya Dole.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Mohammad Yerima via a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, said the information was false.

Yerima described the report by an online medium, titled; Nigerian Army Keeps Mum As Boko Haram Terrorists Kill “20 Soldiers’ In Borno” as false, fake and baseless.

He said the report was aimed at discouraging the public and demoralising troops on the untiring efforts in the overall fight against insurgency.

According to him, there was no attack where 20 soldiers were killed in the entire Theatre.

Yerima said the recent attacks on troops providing security for road construction workers along Goniri–Kafa on Feb. 5 and on Geidam on Feb. 9 were decisively dealt with.

He said that the attack on the troops along the road construction site and the attempt to infiltrate Geidam town by the terrorists were swiftly and professionally cleared by the dogged Mobile Strike Teams (MSTs) and elements of 159 Task Force Battalion.

The spokesperson disclosed that soldiers paid the supreme sacrifice while two others who sustained injuries were currently receiving treatment at a military medical facility.

According to him, Boko Haram and ISWAP are on the run and desperate for foods, drugs and logistics from soft targets for survival as their camps, routes and enclaves have been destroyed, blocked and manned by troops of Operation “TURA TAKAIBANGO.”

He said that troops also overpowered terrorists mounted on eight gun trucks, motor bikes and foot soldiers who attempted attack on troops of 3 Battalion at Rann in Kala Balge Local Government Area of Borno on Feb. 9.

According to him, the troops held their ground and instantly destroyed one terrorists’ gun truck.

“With swift air support during the attack, the terrorists lost initiative and had to scamper for safety due to heavy aerial bombardments, while additional four terrorists’ gun trucks were completely destroyed as several of their members were killed while others fled with gun shot wounds.

“The situation within the Rann general area is under control by our troops and members of the community are going about their normal activities.

“Members of the general public are therefore requested to continue to cooperate with the Nigerian Military to fight both the terrorists and peddlers of fake and unsubstantiated stories.

“We shall continue to remain focus and determined to perform our constitutional roles and responsibilities professionally in the protection of the sovereignty of our nation, ensure the safety of lives and property, while we clear the terrorists and their cohorts within the region,” he said. (NAN)

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The newly appointed Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Yerima, on Wednesday assumed office with a promise to ensure better relationship with the media.

Yerima took over from the erstwhile Director, Brig.-Gen. Sagir Musa, who had been redeployed to the Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC) Kotangora, Niger.

He described his appointment as homecoming, saying he had come a long way with the media in terms of  professional relationship and patriotic duty to the nation.

The new army spokesperson said that he had devoted better part of his career in the military to relationship with the media to give the right information about the military and its operations to the people.

He said that the media had been helpful and friendly to him in his previous assignment as defence spokesperson, adding that providence had once again brought him back to working with the media.

“We shall be open to constructive engagements and criticisms that will support  military operations against  enemies of the country,” he said.

He gave assurance that the Nigerian Army under the current Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, would value the partnership and cooperation of the media.

According to him, the COAS, who was once in this position, is ever so determined to sustain the enduring relationship with the media through trust, respect and mutual understanding.

“On my  part as the spokesman of the Nigerian army, I assure you that my doors will be opened at all times to respond to your enquiries.

“My team and I will do all we can to make your job of informing Nigerians much easier,” he said.

Yerima said that the Nigerian media was an indispensable partner with military in the protection and preservation of Nigerian project.

”It is our collective responsibility to ensure that through the patriotic discharge of our different constitutional obligations, our country remains secured, peaceful and progressive,”  he said.

He urged  the media to contribute their  quotas to ensuring that the military defeat nation’s enemies, who had the intent to destroy the country via insecurity.

According to him, nothing boosts the morale of the fighting troops more than the solidarity of all Nigerians, especially media reports that ginger their zeal and fighting spirit and sacrifice to the nation.

“So, I urge you to be very mindful of that and to always remember that their victory is the victory of all Nigerians,” he said.

The outgone director, Brig.-Gen. Musa, stated that throughout of his two years as army spokesperson, he was able to manage the image of Nigerian army diligently and professionally even at the critical time the nation was confronted with security challenges.

He commended the former COAS, retired Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, for finding him worthy to command the directorate.

Musa also thanked the current Chief of Army Staff for appointing him a member of the Training Team at NATRAC.

He also commended the officers, soldiers and the civilian staff of the directorate for their loyalty and numerous support for his successful tenure.

He,  therefore, congratulated his successor who, he described as his mentor and friend, Brig Gen Yerima and enjoined all  staff of the Directorate to support him to succeed. (NAN)

By Ibironke Ariyo
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted 40 parcels of cocaine weighing 43.11kg with an estimated street value of over N32 billion at the Tin Can Port, Lagos.

The NDLEA Commander, Tin Can Port command, Mr Sumaila Ethan, disclosed this in a statement by the Head of Public Affairs, Mr Jonah Achema in Abuja.

Ethan noted that the agency had continued its offensive against drug barons and cartels in Nigeria with the latest seizure in recent times.

He said that the consignment containing the illicit drug was put under surveillance by operatives of the Tin Can Command of the NDLEA for some days until two clearing agents showed up on Feb. 8 to clear it.

Ethan said that the two clearing agents have been promptly arrested and the consignment, which was brought into Nigeria from Brazil on board a vessel marked MV SPAR SCORPIO, properly searched.

“After a thorough search, we discovered 40 compressed parcels, which after laboratory investigations tested positive to cocaine.

“The two clearing agents have been taken into custody while we continue with the investigation. The seizure is no doubt an attestation to the renewed vigour in the operations of the agency.

“We appreciate our Chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, who provided guidance all through the operations”, the commander,

Ethan stated that the Tin Can port seizure was coming on the heels of similar ones at the Lagos and Abuja airports as well as from the FCT, Edo, Katsina State, Nasarawa State and Benue Commands in the last three weeks.

He commended the commander, officers and men of the Tin Can Port Command for the operation.

“We will continue to do our best to motivate the officers and men of the agency, and we expect full commitment, dedication to work and discipline in return so that we can collectively achieve the goal of ridding our nation of illicit drugs,” he stated.

By Ahmed Kaigama

The Nigerian Air Force has inaugurated another batch of 203 Special Forces (SF) and Integrated Combat Operations (ICO) personnel to boost security operations of the country.

Air Vice Marshal Idi Amin, the Air Officer Commanding Ground Training Command (AOC GTC) while inaugurating the course on Tuesday  in Bauchi said the training was another NAF’s leadership effort to boost capacity of its personnel.

He said the inauguration comprised a combined inauguration ceremony of Special Forces Course 8/2021 and the Nigerian Intelligence Agency (NIA) Integrated Combat Operations Course 1/2021 in Bauchi.

Amin explained that  the objective of the Special Forces Course was to train personnel of the Nigerian air force to conduct special operations in adverse conditions within denied and semi permissive environments.

“They  shall be subjected to intense training which will cover physical fitness, weapon handling, unarmed combat, special tactics, repelling among other focused areas.

“Indeed, the training will be gruelling and only the fittest normally succeeds at the end.  Such training is required,  given the complex nature of our nation’s contemporary security threats,” he said.

According to him, the Nigerian air force has continued to synergise  not only with other services of the Armed Forces but also with other security agencies in order to operate more effectively and defeat our threats.

“It is therefore,  delightful that the National Intelligence Agency found it worthy to send its operatives to the RTC Annex Bauchi for the Integrated Combat Operations Course.

“It is anticipated that this course will serve as a platform for more collaboration between the NIA and the NAF toward enhancing national security,” Amin said.

He emphasised that the purpose of the course was to introduce the operatives to the Specialised Tactics, Techniques and Procedures of our Special Forces to enable them  operate better together in the field.

“I  wish to acknowledge the support of the NAF leadership for  consideration and sense of purpose toward improving the welfare and competencies of all NAF personnel.

“This is particularly most important considering the myriad of asymmetric security threats facing us as a nation today.

“To resolve these threats, the armed forces and indeed the Nigerian air force came up with some pragmatic approaches,” he said.

Amin commended the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari for the priority attention given to the training, operational and other requirements of NAF.

“The support provided by the Federal Government has no doubt,  positively impacted on the Nigerian air force especially in the areas of training, enhanced operational efficiency and improved provision of welfare and other services.

“We assure the President of our unalloyed loyalty and reiterate our commitment to continue to support the Federal Government in its policy thrust of providing security, improved economy and fighting corruption in our dear country,” Amin said.

Earlier, Wing Commander, Khiende Akinyosade the Commandant Regiment training center Annex Bauchi , said that 514 NAF personnel were nominated for the special forces course.

“During the selection screening, 254 were reported to be medically unfit, 5 failed physical examinations,  61 did not report, 24 voluntarily quit and 4 were withdrawn on medical grounds.

“Therefore, 164, Nigerian air force personnel comprising 7 officers,156 airmen and one airwoman as well as 39 NIA staff comprising 35 male and 4 female counter terror operatives were inaugurated,” he said  (NAN)