News Agency of Nigeria
Defence/Security

IPCR seeks passage of National Peace Policy Bill into law

By Fortune Abang

The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has underscored the need for the National Peace Policy (NPP) Bill to be passed into law urgently, to proffer solutions to Nigeria’s conflict situations.

The NPP is a national framework, designed to guide efforts to prevent conflicts and build peace in Nigeria.

The Director-General of the IPCR, Dr Bakut Bakut, made the call while answering questions at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Forum on Sunday in Abuja.

Bakut lamented that the national peace policy had not yet been presented to the Federal Executive Council for endorsement.

He said that although Nigeria was the first country in Africa to develop that kind of policy, countries such as Ghana and Zimbabwe, who copied what Nigeria had done had since passed the policy into law with Nigeria still lagging.

“We were the first in the whole of Africa to develop NPP. Ghana came and copied from us, went ahead and established their own.

“Zimbabwe did the same. Other countries did their own and we now went back to try and copy what we are the originators of,” Bakut said.

Asked to shed light on the issues contained in the national peace policy, the director-general said: “The first thing we talked about was transmuting the institute to a commission and making sure there is a Commission for Small Arms and Light Weapons because that was where we saw the impending problem of harming Nigerians.

“We needed to control that. It is there.

“We also talked about the peace fund. We realised that you have to have money to do peace work and government cannot do all that alone.

“The private sector can actually bring in money to do that but it is not there.

“So if we have all these, the early warning issue came up from there too but we have extracted the early warning element, which is what we have institutionalised now and we have actually established an Early Warning Centre (EWC).

“All our zonal offices and peace-building offices are linked to the EWC.

“We get real-time information on what is happening and therefore, process it to where they should go,” said Bakut. (NAN)

Defence/Security

Institute underscores dialogue as panacea to conflict resolution

By Fortune Abang

The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) on Sunday underscored constant dialogue as the panacea for resolving conflicts in the country.

The Director-General of the institute, Dr Bakut Bakut, told a News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) forum in Abuja on Sunday that constant dialogue was the only option for Nigeria to overcome its prevailing conflicts.

He said that although efforts had been made to tackle conflicts through the use of force, more could be achieved, if dialogue could be used as a strategic approach to dealing with conflicts.

“If you want to use the kinetic approach which is what they use – force, you will not solve the problem, especially with this kind of insurgency.

“There is this talk by Boko Haram that they want to create a state but in reality what they are doing is just making life difficult for people not necessarily because they are creating a state.

“So the issue is how do we deal with that? Is it going to be (kinetic) — armed forces? The answer is no.

“You have to bring in civil society organisations, faith-based organisations, religious leaders, community leaders or even security agencies.

“So when you have both parties agreeing to pursue dialogue in resolving problems, it becomes easy.

“So until we get to the point of understanding that the critical segment of our society must be included in governance, we will continue to have problems.’’

Bakut said the need for dialogue was not in any way to suggest that there should be no sanction for people carrying arms against the state.

“With dialogue, it would be easier to solve conflicts. But rather than have dialogue given the opportunity to have dialogue, what did the state do eventually. Some people decided that the best thing to do is to use the gun.

“Supposing there was negotiation, there was dialogue? Don’t you think we probably would have doused the conflict?

“So when we say use dialogue, it does not mean terrorists should be rewarded or not be held responsible.

“Look for opportunity to have a conversation that will reduce tension or bring about a solution.

“We must do that because if we do not do that, conflict will escalate and become a bigger problem.

“So we start by saying `let us start from here. What is it that you want?’ Once you begin that with then you have a level of conflict reduced,” the don added. (NAN)

Defence/Security

Peace Institute to open offices nationwide to check conflicts — Bakut

By Ifeanyi Nwoko

The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) is to set up offices nationwide to help curb conflicts and engender peace, according to the Director-General of the institute, Dr Bakut Bakut.

Speaking at a special forum of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday, Bakut said the offices would be established before the end of 2023.

He said that establishing the offices would take the institute closer to the people and closer to the root causes of conflicts.

The director-general noted that setting up offices across the country would also put the IPCR on the path to fulfilling its mandate.

“When I came in, I felt that we had been operational for many years and we did not have serious presence in the country and yet we had an African mandate.

“So I made sure that before the end of the year 2018, we established four offices.

“One is in Gwagwalada. Then we have one in Ekiti, one in Anambra North, and one in Plateau State.

“For now I can tell you that we have 10 offices in the country. Six of them are functional and to the other four, we are in the process of posting staff.

“My estimation is that by this year, 2021 – I am going to also have another 10 offices opened.

“I am doing these because the conflicts are in our localities. The conflicts are not in Abuja. They are not in the state capitals. They are where the real people are.

“Until we are able to reach the people, sensitise them, advocate for peace, intervene and train them on how to live in peace with one another, we will just be talking.

“I want to say that between now and the time I will conclude my responsibility, I want to assure you that we would get the institute to every part of Nigeria,” he said. (NAN)

Defence/Security

Marwa warns personnel against illegal detention

By Ibironke Ariyo
The Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency(NDLEA), retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, has warned personnel against the detention of suspects beyond the limit allowed by law.
Mr Femi Babafemi, Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.
According the statement, Marwa also warned against arrest of a relation, spouse or acquaintance of a suspected drug offender, often referred to as hostage arrest.
He said the order had become imperative given the need to adhere strictly to constitutional provisions regarding arrest and detention of suspects.
‘To avoid a breach of the operations guidelines, arrangements must be made for the filing of charges in court within 24 or 48 hours as may be applicable.
“Where this is not possible, a detention order must be procured from the Federal High Court for the continuous detention of an arrested person,” he said.
It further quoted Marwa as  directing that investigations in all cases should be concluded not later than one week, adding that in all cases of raid operations, all non-culpable suspects should be separated from those culpable and released immediately.
The NDLEA boss equally said that all prosecutors should ensure prompt filing of charges in courts and pursue timely arraignment of suspects.
He reaffirmed that NDLEA personnel were empowered to arrest and carry out search whenever there was reasonable ground to suspect that a drug related offence had been committed.
He, however, prohibited the detention of person for the purposes of obtaining information and intelligence without such person committing any drugs related offence.
“The agency and its personnel shall in the course of arrest and search, respect the dignity of the human person of the suspect.
“Accordingly, a suspect shall not in any way be ill-treated.
“Leg chain and handcuff may only be used where the person is violent and/or resistant to arrest such that reasonable force is required to restrain him or her,” Marwa added. (NAN)
Defence/Security

FG bridging infrastructure gaps in military formations – Mamora

By Oladapo Udom

The Federal Government says it is taking measures aimed at bridging the infrastructure gaps in the Nation’s military formations.

Minister of State for Health Olorunnimbe Mamora, said this on Saturday at the inauguration and handing over of Jetty and Shoreline protection facilities at Underwater Warfare School, Ojo, Lagos State.

The minister said that such intervention projects was necessary in order to respond to emerging trend and sophistication in modern warfare in addressing security challenges.

“This project will also help enhance the professional competencies of the officers and men of the service and by extension, stimulate their aggressive drive of securing the country against criminal acts.

“Also, security challenges confronting the nation like maritime crime, piracy, banditry, oil bunkering, kidnapping and insurgency will be aggressively dealt with,” he said.

Mamora said that the construction of Jetty and Shoreline protection works would also help assuage the fear of menace of erosion and other ecological challenges in the area.

“This is proof that the federal government is keeping faith with the present administration’s promise that no part of the country will suffer any neglect owing to it’s geographical location or political consideration.

“I therefore, implore the Lagos State Government and Underwater Warfare School to cherish this laudable project and protect it from any abuse,” the minister said.

Mamora said that the intervention project was executed through the Ecological Fund Office (EFO), Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation for the benefit of the Nigerian Navy.

The Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Awwal Gambo, said that the efficient and effective projection of sea power by maritime forces was dependent on the physical configuration of the harbours and jetties.

“This constitutes a critical interphase connecting the sea with land. Therefore, the shoreline protection and the restoration of the jetty will no doubt enhance Nigeria Navy maritime security operation.

“The timely conclusion of this project has helped to steer off the fears associated with shoreline erosion including the attendant risk of flooding to the entire landscape.

“This is even more worrisome considering that the Navy Town is a strategic naval establishment housing the largest Nigerian Navy barracks as well as other major Nigeria Navy establishment,” he said.

Gambo said that the Nigeria Navy would take ownership of the project and assured the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to ensure the sustainability and maintenance of the project.

“Even as the project is been commissioned some of our vessels have been earmarked to berth at this facility. The only hindrance is the non completion of berthing activities from the approaches of Badagry creek,” he said.

The CNS therefore said that additional berthing operation would be required to facilitate a safe and unhindered use of the jetty.

“Additionally, I will urge further intervention in the area of the shoreline protection from the current 80metres to at least another 400 metres to cover up to the Joint Maritime Security Training centre and the Special Boat Service camp which is currently nearing completion.

“This way, the Federal Government of Nigeria will have had returns of the resources committed to the project and greatly invigorate Nigerian Navy’s response and capacity against the criminal element at sea,” he said.

Gambo appreciated the President Muhammadu Buhari for considering the Nigerian Navy as a suitable beneficiary of the project.

He, however, solicited for more EFO interventions on other identified sites at the Nigerian Navy bases and establishments namely: Escravos and F, Ibaka and Calabar jetty.

“I assure that the Nigeria Navy by such intervention will be more emboldened in the performance of her statutory role of maritime defense and Security of the nation’s maritime domain,” Gambo said. (NAN)

Defence/Security

Abia Govt seeks stakeholders’ support in fight against crime

By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom

Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia has urged stakeholders and residents of the state to support his administration’s efforts to end the rising wave of violent crimes in the area.

Ikpeazu made the call on Friday at the grand finale of the sensitisation campaign against criminal activities held at Mgboko, the headquarters of Obingwa Local Government Area (LGA).

He said: “We have a unique system that is dependent on the support of the people in order for our state to thrive.

“I urge the people to be vigilant and complement government’s efforts in the fight against crime by reporting suspected criminals to security agencies.

“It is the responsibility of everyone to be vigilant concerning the activities happening around them and the state government will  not hesitate to prosecute culprits.”

He said the aim of the campaign was to encourage members of the public to engage in legitimate ventures built on honesty and integrity.

Ikpeazu opined that criminals operate mostly under the influence of drug and described drug abuse and drug trafficking as the bane of society.

He encouraged the people of Abia to take advantage of the various government’s empowerment programmes and dissociate themselves from illegitimate businesses.

In a speech, the Commissioner for  Police in the state, Mrs Janet Agbede, said the campaign would help to ensure a crime-free Abia.

Agbede commended the state government for assisting security agencies in the state with  necessary logistics to tackle crime and criminality.

She urged the people to apply the principle of “know your neighbour” and endeavour to report unusual activities in their neighbourhood to security agencies.

In an address, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr Anthony Agbazuere, described the increasing spate of insecurity in the state as worrisome.

Agbazuere described security as everybody’s business, saying it was imperative for the public to complement government’s efforts in the fight against crime.

Earlier, the Chairman of Abia Traditional Rulers Council, Eze Joseph Nwabeke, said: “Crime is not part of our culture.

“As custodians of our culture, traditional rulers have an important role to play in keeping the state crime-free.”

Nwabeke urged  traditional rulers to encourage their subjects to eschew all forms of vices and be law abiding in order to provide the enabling environment for community development.

In an interview with newsmen, the Chairman of Obingwa LGA, Chief Ibe Nwoko, described the campaign as appropriate.

Nwoko also promised to initiate programmes that would support the state government’s efforts in tackling crime. (NAN)

Defence/Security

Police kill 4 suspected pirates in Akwa Ibom

Sunday Bassey

The Police Command in Akwa Ibom said its officers killed four suspected pirates who specialised in terrorising fishermen in Ibeno waterways in the state.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Macdon Odiko, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibeno Local Government Area of the state on Friday.

Odiko, however, said the suspected pirates had a gun battle with the marine police at Ibeno waterways which led to their death on Thursday, March 4.

“The story is true but I will soon issue a press statement to that effect,” Odiko said.

Mr Williams Mkpa, the Chairman of Ibeno Local Government Area, also confirmed the killing of the suspected pirates in Ibeno.

Mkpa who commended the security personnel for a job well done said that piracy had been a major problem hindering fishing business and other economic activities in Ibeno.

He said the four suspected pirates were killed during a gun duel between the security personnel and the suspects in Ibeno waterways.

The chairman poured encomiums on the gallant officers whom he said had justified the resources spent on security by gradually bringing back peace to the waterways.

“Yesterday, during routine patrol, the squad engaged in a shootout with pirates which saw the pirates overpowered and four of them killed with one escaping with bullet wounds,” Mkpa said.

He said that items recovered from the suspects were AK 47 rifles, life ammunition and charms.

“It is on record that pirates have terrorised Ibeno waters in recent times thereby crippling fishing and other economic activities in the area,” Mkpa said.

The chairman recalled that he had recently inaugurated a special marine security outfit to curb piracy in Ibeno waterways.

Mkpa restated his commitment to partner security agencies to drive evil elements out of Ibeno territory waterways.

“We shall not rest on our mandate to make our communities and waterways safe, we will not drop the board but will do everything to support security agencies.

“The resources invested in security in the last 100 days of our administration are yielding fruits and I must warn evil elements to either change or vacate our communities as we will not rest until they are flushed from our land,” Mkpa said. (NAN)

Defence/Security

We’ll ensure Nigerians no longer live in fear, says CDS Irabor

By Ismaila Chafe

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor, has assured that the newly promoted Service Chiefs would ensure that Nigerians no longer lives in fear.

Irabor gave the assurance when he fielded questions from State House correspondents after the service chiefs were decorated with their new ranks, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Friday.

He also pledged that the service chiefs in collaboration with other security agencies would soon restore normalcy to all troubled areas across the country.

He said: “Nigerians expect us to bring about peace and security in concert with other security agencies, that we will do.

“We can’t live in fear. And we will ensure that whatever brings fear to Nigerians before now will be a thing of the past.

“Peace and security is not just the security of the borders alone. It comes with having to build bridges across various divides.

“We, as members of the Armed Forces, will never in any way demand peace and security of our nation in the hands of the terrorists. Rather it is we that will determine the peace and not for us to leave it in the hands of the terrorists.’’

According to the CDS, what the new service chiefs will not do is to give instructions to their subordinates and not do the same.

“What we will not do is to give instructions to our subordinates and not do the same.

“By extension, we will command the troops based on the expectations that we have of them and they will do it according to the expectations that we have of them too,’’ he said.

On whether the new service chiefs will consider change of strategies in the fight against insurgency, banditry and violent crimes in the country, Irabor said they would review the current strategies with a view to meeting the demands of current security challenges.

“Strategies are not sacrosanct. Of course, there are dynamics that we need to begin to look at, what needs to be reviewed, and that is precisely what we are doing currently.

“We review various strategies and of course come up with new ones to be able to meet the demands of the current realities,’’ he added.

He noted that the president had given them a marching order to restore peace to all troubled areas in the country, saying they would work assiduously to achieve that.

On what Nigerians should expect from the newly promoted CDS and the service chiefs in the next 100 days, Irabor said:

“No doubt, next 100 days is not as important as today. I believe that as members of the Armed Forces working in concert with the rest of the security agencies, we will bring Mr President’s expectations to bear in terms of our task.

“But let me also let you know that the inevitable is that Nigerians will indeed experience peace and security across the land.’’

The CDS, who thanked the president for giving them the opportunity to serve the nation, enjoined all citizens to partner with the security agencies in ensuring peace and progress of the nation. (NAN)

Defence/Security

EFCC to be proactive under my watch- Bawa

By Philomina Attah
The Executive Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Mr Abdulrasheed Bawa has pledged to steer the organisation towards proactive and intelligence-led investigation.

Bawa said this in Abuja on Friday when he officially assumed duties at the commission’s headquarters.

Spokesperson for EFCC, Mr Wilson Uwujaren, said in a statement that the new EFCC boss promised a paradigm shift in the agency’s approach to anti-graft war, from fighting corrupt persons to fighting corruption.

“There is a difference between fighting corruption and fighting corrupt people; and going forward, we are going to be proactive in our approach in the fight against economic and financial crimes.

“I will create a full-fledged directorate of intelligence that will spearhead intelligence gathering, which will ensure proactive response in the fight against corruption.

“We are going to digitalise our processes, and we are going to create a new full-pledged directorate of intelligence to enable us gather intelligence so that we will be proactive in our fight against economic and financial crimes.

“And by so doing, we will also provide the government with necessary quality advice that will lead to good governance,” Bawa pledged.

He also assured stakeholders of the commission’s continued partnership.

“For our strategic partners across the shores of this country, we will continue to work together with you.

“We will continue to share intelligence, to see that the stolen wealth of this country is returned for the betterment of us all.

“But all of these, we will be doing it the way the EFCC is known to be doing its things.

“The provision of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, extent laws of the country have always been and will always be our guide,” he said.

The chairman also pledged to prioritise staff welfare, stressing he was going to work on it, and also seek necessary support from the government.

“We know the problems and God willing, we are going to solve these problems,” he assured.

Earlier in his handing over remarks, the out-going Acting Chairman of the Commission, Mr Mohammed Umar, said under his watch, the Commission prosecuted 804 cases and obtained a total of 583 convictions.

He added that substantial recovery running into billions of Naira was made, while various assets were equally forfeited through interim or final Order of Court.

He congratulated Bawa for a well-deserved appointment and wished him well in his new assignment.

“I am particularly delighted to be handing over the affairs of the Commission to Bawa.

“He is an officer with whom I have enjoyed close working relationship and who contributed immensely to our collective efforts in the war against Economic and Financial crimes.

“I have no doubt that he will do well, and I enjoin all staff to accord him the same support that I have received over the last seven months,“ he said.

Umar thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for giving him the opportunity to lead the Commission.

Aviation , Defence/Security

Airport police smash fake COVID-19 certificate racketeers

By Yunus Yusuf

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID), of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) says it has arrested five suspected syndicates, forging fake COVID-19 certificates.

The Commissioner of Police, Airport Command and Aviation Security (AVSEC ) CP Umar Bature disclosed the arrest on Thursday at a news  briefing held at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Lagos State Government on Dec. 29, 2020,  raised alarm over alleged sale of fake COVID-19 test results in the state.

The government warned that processes were being put in place to clamp down on both buyers and sellers.

Bature said that out of the five suspects, 35-year old Adewale Aderele was an alleged  guarantor to one of the suspects who was now at large.

The  syndicates included: Archibong Idorenyin, 34, owner of DAT  Cyber Cafe, who allegedly forged the Virology Screening test results, Abdulmalik Ibrahim (24) and Moses Sunday (20) who are staff of DAT Internet Cafe.

The other suspect was Popoola Adewale of Patovilki Airport cleaning services.

Two of the suspects, 35-year-old Shehu Imam, who allegedly took illicit assignments from the airport to DAT internet cafe for the generation of  fake COVID-19 certificates and Adeola Darlington of Skyblue Services Ltd. were now at large.

According to the commissioner, they  also lure passengers to the airport where various sums are extorted from them. In this case, N50, 000.

“On Feb. 18, Popoola Adewale and Adeola Darlington who have access to all the nooks and crannies of the international airport, approached one Michael Osagbogu who was on a queue of a  London bound aircraft and allegedly offers to help him procure  COVID-19 certificate.

“They however, cornered the passenger to an isolated toilet at the airport where N50, 000 was extorted from him.

“Thereafter, the victim was handed over to Shehu Imam who took him to Archibong Idorenyin, owner of the internet cafe at 4, Oriyomi Street Ikeja.”

According to the commissioner, some of the suspects have taken to their heels but concerted efforts are being made by the combined team of detectives of the airport police command and AVSEC  to track them down.

He also informed that the suspects confessed to the crime and exhibits, including N50,000 and laptops used to generate the fake COVID-19 certificates as well as the certificates being used as exhibits.

“They will soon be charged to court where justice will take its course,” Umar promised.

The airport police command however, warned that the public should follow due process in obtaining or procuring COVID-19 certificates to avoid unscrupulous syndicates.

The CP said the suspects would be charged to court on Friday morning. (NAN)

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