Members of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) during the workshop on Wednesday in Abuja

By Ibironke Ariyo
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) says it has spent N697.34 million on welfare of serving, retired and deceased personnel of the service between January and December 2022.

The Comptroller General, NCoS, Mr Haliru Nababa, said this at the 17th anniversary of the Correctional Welfare Insurance Scheme, on Wednesday in Abuja.

Nababa said that the welfare of serving, retired and deceased personnel of NCoS alongside members of their families remained paramount in the policy thrust of the service.

He said that the workshop offered unique opportunity to take stock of the operations of the insurance scheme, evolve new ideas and strategies to make it better, in line with current economic realities.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the workshop is “Making Retirement a Happy Experience”.

According to him, the correctional welfare insurance scheme also centre on entrepreneurship skills development, exploring investment opportunities and business risks management, among others.

“Worthy of note is the fact that the scheme has been able to pay 242 death claims to the respective Next of Kin to the tune of N330, 522, 488 between Jan. and Dec. 2022.

“For those who sustained various degrees of injury in the line of duty, medical claims amounting to N86, 113, 890 were paid to 325 personnel while 304 beneficiaries got retirement claims totaling N280, 707,239.

“To aggregate all the payments within the period under review, 871 beneficiaries received N697, 343, 617,” he said.

Nababa said that the service was conscious of the fact that the best of laws, policies and plans could not yield fruitful results without a highly motivated workforce.

He, therefore, assured that the scheme would continue to grow stronger and better for the collective benefit of all.

“We are committed to ensuring that enduring reforms continue to manifest in all fronts,” Nababa said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Jacinta Nwachukwu/Maharazu Ahmed

By Kelechi Ogunleye

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has warned vandals to desist from the nefarious act of vandalising public infrastructure.

Mr Olusola Odumosu, NSCDC Director Public Relations told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja that the Corps had put in place measures to deal with culprits.

The director said it was worrisome that vandals have targeted pipelines, rail lines, manhole covers and bridges in their continued sabotage of national assets.

“ Vandalism of bridges constitutes great risks and dangers to the lives of users as they could fall to their untimely deaths unknowingly.
“A bridge could also collapse once it becomes weakened by the destruction of its various parts which makes it structurally deficient at some points.
“ The Federal government is investing heavily in infrastructural development in the country and has provided bridges amongst other public utilities to ensure safe mode of movement for citizens,” he said.
The director reiterated that NSCDC would intensify monitoring of all infrastructure and arrest of vandals across the country.
He enjoined citizens to join hands with security agencies in ensuring adequate protection and safety of lives and public infrastructure.
Odumosu said Nigerians should give useful and prompt information to the Corps and other security agencies to ensure proper protection of public assets.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), retired Brig.-Gen. Muhammed Marwa, said the agency has secured 3,733 convictions of drug dealers in 24 months.

Marwa who said this on Wednesday in Abuja while briefing newsmen on the activities of NDLEA during his tenure, said 26,458 drug traffickers including 34 drug barons were also arrested within the period.

He said 2,346 convictions were recorded in 2022 alone, the highest in the history of the agency and almost doubled the highest ever recorded in the 33 years of NDLEA.

He added that the agency also counselled 19,401 addicts during the period.

“In 2022, I issued a New Year appeal to them and also warned that those who refused to heed the warning will find themselves in a difficult situation.

“Already, we have 34 barons in our net and they are facing the music in court. We have secured orders for the temporary forfeiture of their assets.

“In these two years, we arrested 26, 458 drug traffickers, among them, 34 barons. In 24 months, we successfully prosecuted 3,733 offenders who were convicted and handed various jail terms in court.

“This is not happenchance but a result of professionalism, determination, commitment and hard work of our officers, men and women,” he said.

Marwa described 2022 as an epoch year, saying that the agency had taken giant leap in drug demand reduction.

He said that the inauguration of the NDLEA drug abuse call centre had broadened access to treatment and rehabilitation.

“It is a year that NDLEA has unprecedented support too, notably from the Governors’ Wives Forum which made commitments to broaden and deepen social efforts to ameliorate the consequences of drug abuse,” the chairman added.

Marwa warned that unrepentant drug barons and cartels would face tougher time in 2023, promising to ensure that they spend long time in prison and lose their wealth and assets.

“The signs are clear: we have already in the first two weeks of this year taken down three major drug cartels, one of which has built extensive networks across the world while at least six of their kingpins are in our custody as I speak.

“The details you will get to know in the coming days.

“We also had support from our international partners, chiefly the UNODC, counterparts and governments of the United States, France, Germany, United Kingdom, India, and South Korea.

“The support came in the form of donations of equipment, training, intelligence and other logistics’’, he added.

The NDLEA boss assured Nigerians that the agency was firmly on the task of making Nigeria safe from illicit substances, adding that it was achievable.

He said that NDLEA would sustain its offensive action and shut down the drug route from other countries into Nigeria.

The chairman pledged that the agency would broaden access to treatment and rehabilitation, and carry Nigerians along on the journey to curb trafficking and abuse of substances in the country.

Marwa warned citizens to be wary in their dealings with people of questionable wealth, saying that the anticipated amendment of the NDLEA Act would strengthen the arm of the agency in its drug law enforcement.

“We look forward to arresting more barons and the 34 in the net presently will know their fate in court in the weeks and months ahead.

“The Proceed of Crime Act 2022 enacted last year has given us new leverage and I will like to remind those who benefit from the proceeds of drug crimes, this time, families, friends and associates, that our investigations are thorough.

“And where we find any link between a drug baron and private citizens, we shall scrutinise their assets. The onus is now on every citizen to be honest in their financial dealings with people whose source of wealth is suspect’’, he said.

He expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari and other stakeholders for their support in the total transformation of the agency. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Maharazu Ahmed

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) have eliminated scores of Boko Haram terrorists and rescued abducted victims in recent encounters in the Lake Chad Basin region.

The Chief of Military Public Information Office for MNJTF, Lt.-Col. Kamarudeen Adegoke made this known in a statement on Tuesday in N’Djamena, Chad.

Adegoke said the troops of MNJTF Sector 4 in Niger, while on patrol along Kara–Diffa Road on Jan. 9, 2023, intercepted four persons suspected to be Boko Haram/ISWAP logisticians conveying about 1,000 litres of fuel.

He said the fuel was cleverly concealed in plastic bags inside a Toyota Highlander Jeep and was being transported from Maine Soroa to the Lake Chad Islands, possibly to suspected terrorists.

He added that the sum of N650,000 was also recovered hidden in the vehicle, saying that suspects and exhibits were in custody of MNJTF Sector 4 for further investigations.

Adegoke said the troops of Sector 3 (Nigeria), had in another incident on Jan. 11, 2023, repelled an attempted infiltration by the Boko Haram/ISWAP criminals due to superior firepower.

He said that two terrorists were killed at the end of the encounter and one Rocket Propelled Grenade, seven bombs, two 60mm mortar bombs, 36 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, seven mortar chargers and two wooden canoes were recovered.

According to him, the canoes were promptly destroyed.

“Similarly, on Sunday, unspecified number of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists also attempted to infiltrate Monguno in MNJTF Sector 3 (Nigeria) in the early hours of the morning but met the gallant and alert troops.

“Troops engaged the criminals in a fire fight forcing them to withdraw in disarray.

“The unrelenting troops pursued and engaged the criminals along their withdrawal routes neutralizing three criminals while many fled with gunshot wounds.

“The troops also recovered one AK 47 rifle and 2 magazines after the encounter .

“Regrettably, a soldier paid the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty in this encounter.

“Five young men suspected to have been abducted were rescued by the troops while five brand new boxer motorcycles were also captured from the terrorists during the encounter.

“Efforts are being made to ascertain the origin of the motorcycles and how they were smuggled into the Lake Chad Islands while the rescued young men are being profiled in the Sector Headquarters before further processing,” he said.

MNJTF spokesman further said that a total of 70 terrorists surrendered to troops of Sector 4 MNJTF (Niger) and troops of Sector 1 (Cameroon).

He said the surrendered terrorists would be treated in line with standard procedures for such surrenders which would include interrogation and profiling by the relevant authorities.

He added that the Force Commander (FC), Maj.-Gen. Abdul-Khalifah Ibrahim, had enjoined the troops to continue to maintain resilience and offensive posture until the criminals surrendered totally or are defeated completely.

According to him, the force commander reaffirmed the fact that the terrorists have been severely degraded and there is need to finally finish them off.

“He reminded the Force of the obligation they have to observe international humanitarian laws and to be professional at all times.

“The FC praised the courage and determination of the troops of the MNJTF and their commanders and paid tribute to the fallen hero and passed his deep condolences to the soldier’s family.

“He called on the people of Lake Chad basin region to continue to support the MNJTF and other security forces with useful information to help bring this conflict to an end. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/Vincent Obi

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The new Acting Director, Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, on Tuesday took over the Directorate of Defence Information from the erstwhile director, Maj.-Gen. Jimmy Akpor.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Akpor was moved to Army Headquarters as Director Personnel Services.

Gusau commended his predecessor for forging better relationship with the media which helped to positively project the operations of the armed forces.

He also appreciated the media for the continuous support of the armed forces, and called for stronger relationship between the military and the media on matters of national security.

“I urge you to provide the enabling environment for members of the armed forces of Nigeria to perform their constitutional roles without distractions.

“As the nation gradually approach the coming general elections starting from next month, I urge you to avoid reports capable of affecting the morale of our gallant troops and the credibility of our armed forces,” he said.

Gusau assured that the armed forces would assist media practitioners to discharge their duties where necessary.

He added that the military would also support other government agencies to achieve peaceful and credible elections across the country.

The director described the military and the media as partners in progress, saying the two should strive to promote the interest of the country at all times.

“I urge you to offer me the same support, cooperation and understanding which you have rendered to Maj.-Gen. Akpor as Director of Defence Information,” he said.

In his remarks, Akpor said the media and the military now have deep understanding of their responsibilities.

He said the Chief of Defence Staff had done so much in forging enduring relationship with the media.

Akpor said this was necessary because the media, like the military, has crucial role to play in creating peaceful and orderly environment for all citizens.

He commended the CDS for holding two media parleys with editors and media chief executives where fruitful discussions led to better understanding of the responsibilities of each profession in furtherance of national security.

Akpor, who tagged his speech the “Truth About the Armed Forces of Nigeria”, said the Nigerian military has rich history of great exploits.

He cited the North East where life has been returning to normal due to the efforts of the military after over a decade of insurgency.

According to him, there was bumper agricultural harvest in 2022, and for the first time in 13 years, Independence day parade was held in Maiduguri on Oct. 1, 2022.

“Irrespective of the security challenges confronting the nation and the way they mutate, the armed forces will continue to build requisite capabilities through the support of the Federal Government.

“Whilst there were 48 piracy/armed robbery related incidents in Nigeria’s territorial waters in 2018, 35 in 2019, 35 in 2020 and six in 2021, there was none in 2022.

“This was not due to wishful thinking, but due to dogged efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and availability of the critical assets provided.

“The truth about the armed forces is therefore a professional one rooted in its desire to meet its constitutional imperatives,” he said.

Akpor, therefore, urged the media to extend the same support given him to his successor, for him to discharge his responsibilities effectively.

NAN reports that the new spokesperson, Brig.-Gen. Gusau, is a thorough bred public relations professional who has served in different units, formations and military operations both at home and abroad.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Maharazu Ahmed

By Sumaila Ogbaje

A civil society group, Alliance for Protection of Democracy (APD), has commended the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Lucky Irabor for ensuring that the military remained committed to protecting the nation’s democracy.

This was contained in a statement signed by Secretary of the group, Bimbo Salau and made available to newsmen in Abuja on Monday.

According to him, the assurance given by the CDS about the readiness of the military to support the Police in ensuring hitch-free elections, was worthy of commendation.

He added that Irabo’s comment that “democracy has come to stay because it’s a system of government that gives people the power to determine who govern them”, was a big relief to Nigerians.

The Secretary said it was a strong signal to those who are bent on giving negative narratives on the outcome of the elections.

“This statement is a warning to those who want to truncate the nation’s democracy, as the military will deal with anybody who tried to subvert it.

“Nigerians must support all the security agencies in order to ensure peaceful general elections.

“We in APD commend the CDS and the AFN for the unwavering disposition towards sustenance of democracy in our country.

“Without doubt, Gen. Irabor is positively showing the way forward for his troops,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Hajara Leman/Maharazu Ahmed

By Ikuru Lizzy

Mr Erastus Awortu, Chairman, Andoni local government area in Rivers, has called for review of remunerations and reward system for Nigerians offering special services in the country.

Awortu made the call on Sunday at Ngo, the council headquarter, during an emblem launch to mark the 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

According to him, this will encourage more patriotism and dedication among those categories of persons in the service of their fatherland.

“Those aspiring for leadership positions in the country should reconsider workers welfare because we cannot continue to neglect those who are doing the most sensitive jobs,” he said.

The council boss specifically commended officers serving in the area for their commitment to his peace initiative.

“As a government, we appreciate the service Chiefs, particularly those officers serving in Andoni in the past 18 months.

“These officers have played a major role in enthronement of the peace we are enjoying today in Andoni.

“They’re always at alert responding to distress calls and as such should be appreciated alongside widows of fallen soldiers,” he said.

Awortu pledged an empowerment package for widows of army officers in honour of the fallen heroes.

He said that the empowerment package would be disbursed to the widows by the end of the month in order enable beneficiaries set up small businesses to cushion effects of the economic hardship in the country.

Earlier, in his address, retired Maj. Humphrey Mesharacks, Chairman, Nigeria Legion, Andoni local government area chapter, sued for continued support for the military.

“One of the objectives of today’s gathering is to consider how to ameliorate the challenges faced by officers, particularly, families whose breadwinners have died in the process of keeping the peace and unity of our fatherland,” he said

The legionnaire also called on government and well-meaning individuals and philanthropists to support the military emblem launch.

“The donations will enable Legionnaires in the area cater for widows, the aged, deformed, orphans and dependants of fallen soldiers,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

By Abbas Bamalli

The Police Command in Katsina State says terrorists have attacked and kidnapped five persons in Dantsauri Village in Kankara Local Government Area.

The police spokesperson in the state, SP Gambo Isah, confirmed the incident in a statement issued to newsmen on Sunday in Katsina.

“On Jan.15, 2023, at 7a.m, a distress call was received that terrorists, in their numbers, shooting sporadically, invaded Dantsauri Village in Kankara.

“The terrorists shot one Pastor Haruna on his hand and kidnapped five women who were preparing to go to church for Sunday service,” he said.

“The DPO of Kankara led a team of policemen to the village but, before his arrival, the terrorists had escaped with the victims.

“The injured pastor was evacuated to the General Hospital, Kankara, for treatment,” Isah said.

He said that the command for doing its best to apprehend the kidnappers. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Editted by AbdulFatai Beki/Ijeoma Popoola

By Ismaila Chafe

Barely four days after President Muhammadu Buhari assured Nigerians of his administration’s determination to consolidate gains recorded in security, troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralised scores of bandits, including Ibrahim Kachalla Gudau.

Gudau, a notorious and one of the most dangerous bandit leaders, commanded a group carrying out kidnappings and killings in Kafuna, Katsina, Zamfara and part of Niger Republic.

Gudau’s gang was believed to have killed the seven personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), who were ambushed and killed by bandits in Kaduna State while on official duty, last week.

According to available intelligence, Gudau, whose corpse had gone viral in the social media, was one of those killed by the troops as they repelled an attack in Kankami village in Kaduna State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Buhari had in the course of the week, pledged that the gains recorded in security would be further consolidated and more attention would be given to the economy, before handing over on May 29.

The president stated this when he received the Executive members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at the State House, Abuja, on Wednesday.

Buhari said that the security situation had improved over the years, particularly in the North East where the focus had shifted to rebuilding infrastructure and re-orientation on education.

President Buhari had earlier visited Yola, Adamawa State, where he called on voters to shun sentiments and make history by electing the first female Governor in the country in 2023, Sen. Aisha Ahmed-Binani.

According to him, her track record of dedication to duty and service will improve the livelihood of citizens.

Buhari gave the challenge at inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential and governorship campaign in Adamawa on Monday.

The president told voters that Binani had consistently worked for the welfare of the State and indigenes over many years, and entrusting her with the Office of the Governor would further strengthen her to reposition the State for greatness.

According to him,the election of Sen. Aisha Binani as the next governor of Adamawa will open opportunities for women in the country and send a signal to the world on Nigeria’s leadership maturity.

On the same day, President Buhari moved to Damaturu, Yobe, where he inaugurated some projects and also attended State Banquet organised in his honour.

While in Damaturu, Yobe capital, Buhari urged Nigerians to develop strong confidence in the country, its security institutions and never allow any terrorist group to destablise Nigeria again.

According to the president, the Federal Government will continue to protect the right of every Nigerian child to education, particularly the children displaced from their homes by Boko Haram.

At the State Banquet, Buhari restated his vow to serve God and Nigeria until his last day in office and beyond.

According to the president, nobody can blackmail him on inexplicable wealth and illicit enrichment while in office, saying ‘‘I do not have one square-inch outside Nigeria.’’

He advised Nigerians to remain patriotic, saying ‘‘as I said more than 30 years ago, we have no other country than Nigeria, we must all stay here and salvage it together.’’

Buhari said that the most critical security challenge inherited by the administration nearly eight years ago was the potent and pervasive threat of terrorism.

He, however, expressed delight that normalcy had returned to affected States in Northeast Nigeria.

Buhari also attended the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally at August 27 Stadium in Damaturu, Yobe on Tuesday.

At the rally, the president urged eligible voters in Yobe and the northeastern part of the country to ensure that his party’s presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu was elected in the 2023 general election.

The president said a vote for Tinubu and his running mate, Kashim Shettima, would guarantee the sustenance of progress made in the security, economy and education sectors of the country.

According to him, following the victory against terrorists in the region, the APC-led government is more than ever before energised to defeat whoever threatens the unity of Nigeria.

Also on Jan. 10, President Buhari approved the appointment of Obadiah Nkom as Director General of the Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office for a second and final term of four years .

Nkom was first appointed on Jan. 12, 2019 for an initial period of four years.

The president hosted a delegation of the Universal Peace Federation Africa, saying from his experiences both as military head of state and as civilian president, multi-party democracy is the best system of government.

Buhari said he wondered why some African countries were still descending into the abyss of unconstitutional change of government, saying: “I thought we had finally put that behind us.’’

The president on Thursday received Letters of Credence from Ambassadors of Switzerland, Sweden, Republic of Ireland, the Kingdom of Thailand, the Republic of Senegal and the Republic of South Sudan, at State House, Abuja on Thursday.

At the event, Buhari affirmed that Nigeria was working closely with ECOWAS to deal with insecurity in the West African region as well as implementing strategies to contain the spate of unconstitutional changes in government.

He called for cooperation and collaboration from the countries to overcome challenges in West Africa.

The president on Jan. 12 expressed his anguish over the death of seven personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), who were ambushed and killed by bandits in Kaduna State while on official duty.

He described the loss of the NSCDC personnel as a tragic event and saluted the courage of the men who gave their lives to the nation.

The president also addressed the Global South Virtual Summit, where he urged leaders of the Global South to agree on a common agenda on ways to reduce the increasing burden of debt and inflation on that region of the world.

The Nigerian leader expressed optimism that the meeting, hosted by India, in its capacity as the voice of the South, will address issues of climate change, food security and access to energy.

President Buhari on Friday promised to consider the requests for assistance made by Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun, who was at State House on a ‘thank you’ visit.​

The governor, elected on platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), said he had come to appreciate the President for providing a level playing field in the election that held in July last year.​

The governor believed that free and fair elections would be one of the greatest legacies President Buhari would bequeath to the country, as the development was already being applauded home and abroad.

​President Buhari also hosted Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi at the Presidential Villa Abuja on Friday.

The governor, who spoke to State House correspondents after the closed door meeting with the president, said he was on a ”thank you” to the villa.

President Buhari had on Dec. 29, 2022, visited Kogi where he inaugurated some legacy projects.

Bello, who spoke to newsmen at the end of his meeting with the president, boasted that with 21 governors backing the Presidential flag bearer at the APC, Bola Tinubu, the APC candidate would emerge victorious in the Feb. 25 elections by a landslide.

The governor described Tinubu as one that had touched lives of Nigerians across the board, adding that those campaigning against him were only making him popular.

President Buhari attended wedding fatiha of the daughter of his late Chief of Staff, Mallam Abba Kyari at the National Mosque in Abuja, on Friday.

The wedding which took place at the National Mosque, had in attendance dignitaries including some state governors, National Assembly members and heads of security agencies, among others.

Kyari, died on April 17, 2020 of complications from coronavirus at the First Cardiology Consultants, Ikoyi in Lagos State. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ali Baba Inuwa