News Agency of Nigeria
Support Police during Ramadan- PCRC
Defence/Security

Support Police during Ramadan- PCRC

By Monday Ijeh
The Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) has called for support for Nigeria Police Force personnel through the provision of food and other items during Ramadan.

Alhaji Mogaji Ibrahim-Olaniyan, National Chairman of PCRC, made the call on Friday in Abuja during the distribution of food items to personnel at the Force Headquarters.

He said that police officers were among the most selfless civil servants in the country, often working without time to rest or celebrate with their families to ensure the security of others.

He emphasised the importance of showing love and appreciation to the officers during Ramadan, urging other organisations to support by identifying their needs and providing assistance.

Ibrahim-Olaniyan noted that the food distribution was part of the PCRC’s routine efforts to identify with both Muslims during Ramadan and Christians during Christmas.

“Since the beginning of Ramadan 2025, PCRC has distributed food to about 2,000 police officers across the country.”

He explained that the initiative was also aimed at supporting the Inspector General of Police’s efforts to improve the welfare of police personnel.

Ibrahim-Olaniyan encouraged the public to embrace peace during Ramadan and view security agents as partners in progress.

He urged the public to expose criminal elements in their communities, emphasising that it was the time for collective action against crime.(NAN)(www.nanews.ng)
Edited by Dorcas Jonah and Abiemwense Moru

Terrorism: Nigerian military ready to work with Sahelian states – CDS
Defence/Security

Terrorism: Nigerian military ready to work with Sahelian states – CDS

Sahel

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, says the Armed Forces of Nigeria is committed to working with Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger in spite of their withdrawal from ECOWAS.

Musa gave the assurance in Abuja, when he received a delegation of the Sahelian Think Tank from Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger known as ‘Alliance De Sahel’.

The delegation led by the Coordinator, Fusion Center for Dialogue and Peace Processes, Aliyu Gebi, is in the country to under study Nigeria on its non-kinetic approach to tackling the menace of terrorism and the success of operation Safe Corridor.

The defence chief stressed the need for Nigeria and the Sahelian countries to work together to address terrorism, adding that whatever happens in the Sahel resonates with the country and vice versa.

He said that the militaries of the region were working together to achieve peace, and revealed his intention to visit Mali and Burkina Faso.

“This meeting came at a very good time, especially now that so many things are happening in Africa. It shows the unity of purpose.

“Your presence here from the Sahelian countries shows that we are still united, in spite the challenges.

“And for all Africans, we must unite. The enemies we are dealing with are enemies that don’t mean well for us, especially in the Sahelian region.

“They have no respect for life, no respect for humanity, no respect for boundaries.

“It is critical that we must work together to fight and defeat them, and I am happy that we have our brothers from Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, and other countries here to come and see what we are doing with our disarmament programme with Operation Safe Corridor,” he said.

Musa emphasised that the kinetic and the non-kinetic operations must go hand in hand, adding that the kinetic accounts for only 30 per cent of the solution.

He said that the non-kinetic was basic, adding that there must be good governance within the countries, fairness, justice, and equity to be able to overcome the challenges.

The CDS advised the Sahelian countries to block terrorists access to mining sites and trace their foreign sponsors to block their sources of funding.

Responding, the leader of the delegation, reiterated that the region would be safer and stronger working together .

Gebi said that whatever happened in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso would resonate in Nigeria.

He commended the Nigerian military for winning the war against insurgents but stressed the need to harmonise strategies towards winning peace.

He said the team was in Nigeria to study how to connect kinetic and non-kinetic operations to win peace.

The Head of delegation of the Alliance of Sahel States, Gen. Aime Sampore, said that, there was the recognition that a serene and stable Sahel would transmit directly to a serene, stable and prosperous Nigeria.

Sampore said that a serene, stable and prosperous Nigeria would also directly transmits, not only to a serene, stable and prosperous Sahel, but to the whole of Africa.

This, according to him, is the purpose of the visit. (NAN)

Edited by Deborah Coker

Oil production: Rivers Govt. donates helicopter to Air Force
Defence/Security

Oil production: Rivers Govt. donates helicopter to Air Force

Donation

By Desmond Ejibas

Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers has announced the donation of a helicopter to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) as part of the ongoing efforts to increase Nigeria’s crude oil production.

Fubara handed over the refurbished Agusta AW139 helicopter to NAF at its 115 Special Operations Group base in Port Harcourt.

He stated that his administration had fully supported President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to boost crude oil production beyond two million barrels per day before December.

According to him, the state government has also provided significant logistics to security agencies to safeguard lives, property, and critical oil assets in Rivers.

“This Agusta AW139 helicopter, which has been out of use for years, is part of my administration’s commitment to supporting NAF’s operations in Rivers and the Niger Delta region.

“Furthermore, backing President Tinubu’s efforts to increase crude oil production is beneficial to us; if oil production rises, it will generate more revenue for Rivers State,” he said.

Fubara added that, in addition to the helicopter, the state government was currently resurfacing the Air Force base runway to facilitate seamless flight operations.

“We want to be remembered as an administration that paid serious attention to the security of lives and property of our people.

“The support we have provided to our security agencies is a demonstration of our commitment to ensuring a secure Rivers State and Nigeria,” Fubara added.

The governor appealed to the Air Force leadership to deploy the aircraft for surveillance operations, particularly within the state and the wider the Niger Delta region.

Receiving the helicopter, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Hassan Abubakar, expressed gratitude to Fubara for collaborating with NAF to enhance security in the state and across the country.

He noted that the Air Force had over the years, consistently received logistics support from successive administrations in the state.

“This is evident in the construction of essential infrastructure, including perimeter fencing, residential blocks, and a VIP lounge.

“More recently, Gov. Fubara approved the rehabilitation of the runway and aprons here at the 115 Special Operations Group base,” he stated.

Abubakar emphasised that the helicopter would be deployed for tactical airlift operations, search and rescue missions, and disaster relief efforts.

“With its advanced avionics, high-speed capability, and versatility, the helicopter will enhance our ability to conduct rapid response missions and humanitarian operations.

“The addition of this aircraft to our fleet further underscores our commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerians,” he added.

Abubakar further disclosed that NAF had initiated comprehensive training programmes for Air Force pilots, engineers, and technicians to ensure the optimal utilisation of its fleet.

He also stated that the Air Force had begun strengthening its maintenance infrastructure to ensure the sustainability and serviceability of its aircrafts.

He reaffirmed that NAF remained committed to collaborating with other security agencies to combat illegal bunkering and all forms of criminal activity.

According to him, through enhanced surveillance, precision air strikes, and joint task force engagements, NAF will continue to protect the nation’s vital resources and maritime domain. (NAN)

Edited by Jane-Frances Oraka

U.S. commends Nigerian Air Force for counter-terrorism efforts
Defence/Security

U.S. commends Nigerian Air Force for counter-terrorism efforts

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The United States Bureau of Counterterrorism has commended the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for its relentless commitment and significant contributions to the fight against terrorism and counterinsurgency operations in Nigeria.

The Acting Principal Deputy Coordinator for Counterterrorism at the Bureau, Jessica Long, gave the commendation when she led the US delegation on a high-level meeting with the NAF in Abuja.

Long also commended the Nigerian government and its armed forces for their steadfast commitment to combating terrorism.

She acknowledged the recent successes of the Nigerian military in disrupting terrorist networks and praised their adoption of innovative, intelligence-driven tactics that have proven effective in neutralising insurgent threats.

According to her, these efforts have not only helped secure strategic regions within Nigeria but have also contributed to the overall stability of the area.

Long reiterated the United States’ continued support for NAF’s counter-terrorism initiatives and emphasised the critical role of international collaboration in addressing evolving security threats.

She highlighted the importance of advancing purposeful lethality through precision-driven operations to ensure that NAF’s efforts remain both effective and strategically impactful.

In his remarks, the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, AVM Ibikunle Daramola, who received the delegation, reaffirmed NAF’s unwavering resolve to ensure national security and protect civilians during military operations.

Daramola highlighted the advancements made within the NAF Civil-Military Relations Branch, particularly in fostering community trust and minimising collateral damage.

He called for increased cooperation in areas such as specialised training and technology transfer to further strengthen Nigeria’s counter-terrorism capabilities.

The meeting was attended by senior NAF officers, who discussed strategies to strengthen security cooperation, enhance intelligence sharing, and bolster counterterrorism efforts between both nations.

The discussions also explored avenues for intelligence sharing, capacity building, and operational support to enhance NAF’s effectiveness in combating insurgency and terrorism. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bayo Sekoni

140 NSCDC personnel acquire new houses under Corps’ Cooperative Society scheme
Defence/Security

140 NSCDC personnel acquire new houses under Corps’ Cooperative Society scheme

By Kelechi Ogunleye

No fewer than 140 personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have acquired new houses in Abuja under the corps’ Cooperative Society scheme.

NSCDC Commandant-General (CG), Ahmed Audi, on Tuesday in Abuja, handed over the keys to the houses which comprised of one, two and three bedroom flats as well as award letters to the beneficiaries.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the houses also comprised of 80 units at Grand Luvu Estate in Masaka, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa and 60 units in Deidei area of the FCT.

Audi, while distributing the keys to the cooperative members, reiterated his commitment to an all inclusive welfare package for personnel to enhance effective livelihood and sustainability.

He noted that housing deficit was a challenge for both officers and men of the corps, and assured that more avenues would be explored to make available, affordable houses to personnel.

The CG admonished the beneficiaries to maximise the opportunities of owning houses of their own by doubling their efforts in their service to the nation.

Audi also performed a ground breaking and foundation laying ceremony of another 102 additional units of two and three bedrooms flats in Good Homes Estate in the Kuje area of the FCT.

The NSCDC Cooperative Society President, Assistant-Commandant Isa Yusuf, said that the houses acquisition was in pursuance to the CG’s charge of a better housing scheme for personnel.

Yusuf said that the cooperative executives would continue to work hard to adopt a more robust approach that would bring about more comfortable and affordable houses for its members with the best available equity. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker

Interior Ministry targets holistic reform of correctional service
Defence/Security

Interior Ministry targets holistic reform of correctional service

Reform

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr Magdalene Ajani, has reiterated the commitment of the ministry to achieving a holistic reform of the Nigerian Correctional Service.

Ajani stated this during the second public hearing of the independent Investigative panel to address the alleged corruption, abuse of power, torture, cruel, inhumane, degrading treatment against NCoS on Tuesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Minister of Interior, Dr.Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, had in Sept. 2024 inaugurated the panel to probe allegations of corruption and gross abuse of office levelled against some personnel of the NCoS.

NAN reports that Tunji-Ojo who is also the Chairman of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), suspended several officers overseeing the Maximum and Minimum Custodial Centres in Kirikiri, Lagos State.

This followed allegations of misconduct involving the handling of cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky.

Ajani, who doubled as the Chairman of the investigative panel said that one of the ultimate goals of the committee was to ensure that the Nigerian Correctional Service Act 2019 was fully implemented.

She added that both custodial and non-custodial measures should be clearly implemented across the country.

“This is an investigative committee that has to deal with torture and what is going on in our correctional service.

“The committee’s objective is to identify the challenges facing the correctional service and to proffer solutions that will lead to a holistic reform of the service.

“We want to ensure that the correctional service is transformed into a modern, efficient, and humane institution that meets international standards.

“The committee has been listening to contributions from stakeholders, including the correctional service, and has identified challenges in implementing the act.

“This is particularly with regards to magistrates and judges who claim that some sections of the act are unknown to them,” she said.

Ajani expressed hope that by the end of the public hearing, the committee would have been able to discuss the observations and challenges raised by the correctional service and identify ways to address them.

In his presentation, the NCoS Controller General, Sylvester Nwakuche appealed to the judiciary to better understand the provisions of the NCoS Act 2019, which had been a challenge for the service in implementing correctional decisions.

Nwakuche, who was represented by Ibrahim Idris, an Assistant Controller General (ACG), said that the NCoS had been facing difficulties in implementing the Act due to a lack of understanding from the judiciary.

According to him, the NCoS had been working diligently to implement the provisions of the Act, but the lack of understanding from the judiciary has been a major challenge.

“We are appealing to the judiciary to help us understand the spirit of the law.

“It is extremely difficult for correctional officers to disobey court orders, but sometimes the courts don’t understand the provisions of the Act,”he said.

“We are not asking for too much. We just want the judiciary to understand the provisions of the Act and work with us to implement correctional decisions,” he said.(NAN)
Edited by Yakubu Uba

Police detain mother for  assaulting 9-yr old son with pestle in Ekiti
Defence/Security

Police detain mother for  assaulting 9-yr old son with pestle in Ekiti

Arrest

By Bolanle Lawal

Operatives of the Amotekun Security Network, Efon-Alaaye Command, have handed over 43-year-old Mrs Damilola Clement to the police for allegedly hitting her 9-year-old son on the head with a pestle.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that details of the incident were contained in a statement signed by Amotekun’s Head of Communications, Adewale Adeleye, and made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Ekiti.

According to the statement, the suspect, who hails from Akure, Ondo State, committed the act at her residence in Efon-Alaaye during a scuffle with her son over an undisclosed issue.

Adeleye said the suspect allegedly confessed to the crime, claiming it was meant as punishment for her son’s repeated wrongdoings.

He, however, added that the suspect had been handed over to the Efon-Ekiti Police Division for further investigation, while the injured boy was receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital in the town. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Editing by Kevin Okunzuwa

Ritual killings: Why I advocate death penalty for perpetrators-Campaigner
Defence/Security

Ritual killings: Why I advocate death penalty for perpetrators-Campaigner

 

By Monday Ijeh

A campaigner against ritual killing, Mr Sunday Oyinloye, has advocated death penalty for perpetrators of the act.

 

He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja that the increasing cases of ritual killings had become a source of worry.

 

Oyinloye, who blamed the development on the decay in family values, laziness and desire to get rich at all cost, said death penalty would be a great deterent.

 

The campaigner said that society, schools, families, religious bodies and government were not doing enough to address the vice.

 

Oyinloye called for more engagements on ritual killings in the country, adding that the seeming nonchalance about the menace over time was part of the reasons for its increased rate.

 

“As it is now, there is no conversation about ritual killings and we keep having cases on daily basis.

 

“Relevant stakeholders must rise up against this menace and speak out against this ugly trend where women and young girls are often the victims.

 

“Youths must be responsible, hardworking, embrace the teachings in their places of worship and shun belief in get- rich-quick syndrome,” he said.

 

Oyinloye, a media executive, also said the police and other security agencies were doing their best to address the challenge of ritual killing.

 

He, however, added that their efforts were being frustrated by the slow pace of the criminal justice administration system.

 

According to Oyinloye, the duty of the police and other security agencies ends at the point of arraigning the suspect in court.

 

He called for comprehensive reforms of the nation’s laws to make them responsive to the current realities.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

(Edited by Nkiru Ifeajuna/Mufutau Ojo)

Lawmaker pledges collaboration with security agencies to tackle banditry
Defence/Security

Lawmaker pledges collaboration with security agencies to tackle banditry

By Naomi Sharang

Sen. Muntari Dandutse (APC, Katsina South) has pledged collaboration with security agencies to address banditry and other security issues in Katsina and the North-West zone.

Dandutse made the commitment during an inspection of a Police Area Command project in Funtua on Saturday.

Dandutse emphasised that the presence of the police area command would significantly reduce insecurity, boost the local economy, and ultimately improve the region’s overall development.

“This command we are trying to do is with the support of all the sister security agencies. We are going to face them squarely even in their hideout.

“We cannot allow criminal and disgruntled elements to be taking away people’s lives and their properties. Living in peace is the greatest key to any success in this country,” he said.

Dandutse, who is the Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on North West Development Commission (NWDC) strongly condemned any form of support for criminal activities.

He emphasised that no responsible government would tolerate the maiming and killing of innocent citizens.

Dandutse who is also Chairman Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TetFund reiterated the government’s resolve to confront criminal elements head-on, promising both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies.

“So, we cannot afford to allow this thing to continue. We are going to foster it with all kinetic and non-kinetic approach to ensure that we make it,” he said.

The lawmaker advised bandits and criminal elements to abandon their criminal activities and reintegrate into society.

He praised President Bola Tinubu’s skills acquisition programmes under the Renewed Hope Agenda, encouraging Nigerians to take advantage of these opportunities to improve their livelihoods in spite of the current global economic challenges.

“We have a lot of windows in this country. There are lots of skills acquisition which the president is trying to foster for Nigerians so that they can be on their own in spite of the challenges we have in the economy

“This economic problem is a global challenge. It’s not a Nigerian problem alone.

“We have to be very serious, resolute and wake up from our slumber to ensure that we have a sustainable economy in this country,” he said.(NAN)

Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Sadiya Hamza

Nasarawa: Police support families of fallen personnel with more than N39m
Defence/Security

Nasarawa: Police support families of fallen personnel with more than N39m

By Sunday John

The Police Command in Nasarawa State has presented cheques for over N39 million to the families of the personnel that died in active service as well as those that sustained injuries in the line of duty.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Shetima Jauro-Mohammed, presented the cheques to the beneficiaries on behalf of the Inspector General of Police (IG), Kayode Egbetokun, in Lafia.

The presentation, which took place at the Police Headquarters in Lafia, was attended by top police officers, families of the deceased and injured personnel, amongst other dignitaries.

Jauro-Mohammed said: “This initiative was part of the IGP’s Group Personal Accident, Group Life Assurance, and Family Welfare Programme.

“It was designed to enhance the living standard of the families, who have suffered loss or injury as a consequence of service in the line of duty,” he said.

Jauro-Mohammed conveyed the condolences of the Nigerian Police Force to the families of the deceased and injured personnel and lauded the IGP for his unwavering commitment to humanitarian service.

He encouraged the recipients to invest the funds in profitable ventures that would secure the future of their families.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the amount presented to each family varied, depending on the rank and service years of the deceased personnel.

Speaking on behalf of the  beneficiaries, Daniel Mathew expressed his gratitude to the IG “for his generous gesture” and pledged to make judicious use of the funds. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Sam Oditah

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