By Monday Ijeh
A Civil Society Organisation (CSO), Coalition for Peace in Nigeria (COPIN), said there was no subsidy grant released for personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS).

The group said this in a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Mr Emeka Akwuobi on Monday in Abuja.

Akwuobi said the clarification followed false and malicious publications by one Jackson Ude on his X (Twitter) handle @jacksonpnb, against the person and office of the DSS Director-General, Alhaji Yusuf Bichi.

He said Ude’s claim that the DSS boss had looted subsidy grant meant for personnel of the service was not true and urged the public to disregard it.

The COPIN national coordinator called on Ude to come clean on his allegations against Bichi.

He said that the coalition had investigated the claim and found it to be false.

He therefore, called on relevant security agencies to arrest and prosecute Ude over his defamatory outing against the person of the DSS boss.

Akwuobi said COPIN had kept Bichi on its evaluation radar since his recall from retirement in 2018, and could attest to his impeccable integrity and dedication to welfare of staff.

According to him, our regular evaluation reports of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in relation to performance, have continued to put the DSS at the top of the radar.

“In his latest outing, our team found that Ude accused the DSS boss of alleged looting of grants meant for staff of the Service.

“Upon seeing his post on X, we commissioned our crack team to unravel the truth or otherwise of the allegation of impropriety against the leadership of the DSS.

“Our findings will shock members of the public, no ‘subsidy grant in whatever description has been released for personnel of the DSS,” he said.

He called on Nigerians to identify and shame those that seek to pull down hard working and patriotic leaders in the country. (NAN)
Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Sumaila Ogbaje

As part of efforts towards the operationalisation of the Nigerian Army Aviation, the unit is holding a 3-Day Workshop on Aviation Emergency Response Preparedness and Tool Handling/Hangar Management to prepare its personnel.

The Chief of Training (Army), Maj.-Gen. Sani Muhammed, represented by the Deputy Chief of Training, Maj.-Gen. Olusegun Abai said this in Abuja on Monday.

The event with the theme; “Guardians of the Skies: Preparedness and Precision” had participants and resources persons drawn from the civil aviation, the Nigerian Air Force and other stakeholders.

Muhammed said the workshop marked a significant milestone in the journey towards operationalisation of the Nigerian Army Aviation.

He said the gathering represented a pivotal moment towards enhancing their capabilities, share knowledge, and fortify their commitment to ensuring a robust aviation emergency response system.

According to him, the workshop is expected to serve as a platform for fruitful insights that will undoubtedly contribute to the continued excellence of the Nigerian army aviation.

He commended the organisers, participants, and all involved in making the workshop a reality.

He also acknowledged the COAS, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, for his unwavering commitment and dedication towards operationalisation of the army aviation.

“Let us use this workshop as an opportunity to foster greater synergy among all stakeholders and chart a clear path towards a more capable and effective Nigerian army aviation,” he said.

Acting Coordinator, Nigerian Army Aviation, Brig.-Gen. Musa Alkali, said the workshop was in line with the command philosophy of the COAS.

According to him, the philosophy is to transform the Nigerian Army into a well-trained, equipped, and highly motivated force towards achieving its constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment.

Alkali said that preparedness was not merely a virtue in aviation but an imperative, adding that the Nigerian army’s commitment to excellence was reflected in its unwavering dedication to ensuring the highest standards of emergency response.

He said there was the need to strengthen their resolve to be at the forefront of preparedness by delving into the intricacies of aviation emergency response.

According to him, the hangar, a crucible of aviation prowess, requires meticulous management as it is not merely a shelter for aircraft but a symbol of commitment to precision and operational efficiency.

“As we discuss tool handling and hangar management, let us remember that the tools we wield are not just instruments; they are extensions of our dedication to excellence. In the face of challenges, we, the defenders of the skies, must be ready.

“Our preparedness is not just for ourselves but for the nation we serve. Let this Workshop be a crucible of ideas, forging a path to greater proficiency and ensuring that when duty calls, we respond with precision, skill, and unwavering resolve,” he said.

Alkali thanked the COAS for granting approval for the workshop and providing the necessary support and urged all participants to actively engage in the discussions, share their expertise and collaborate in charting a course towards a more capable and effective Nigerian army aviation.

The Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mr Kabir Mohammed, who delivered a paper titled, “Tactical Response, Search and Rescue in the Wake of an Aviation Emergency”, said that emergency in aviation required stakeholders collaboration.

Mohammed said that availability of equipment, the readiness of officers and communications during such incidents were crucial to managing aviation emergencies.

According to him, emergencies don’t give notice, they just happen, hence the need to be ready at all times.

“The more you understand how to handle an emergency situation, the better, so that in such situations people hardly have time to think.

“You might have certain procedures, but the quantum or the level of situation could naturally take you off guard.

“But, if you know what to do within the period of time, you will just be churning out orders and giving instructions on what to do and how to do it best,” he said. (NAN)

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Federal Government on Monday resumed the trial of suspected Boko Haram members in the Kainji Prosecution Project Phase IV in Abuja.

Speaking at the opening of the court session, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), said the first phase commenced in 2017.

Fagbemi said that the Federal Government, in the 2017 trial, secured a total of 366 convictions, while 896 others were discharged for lack of evidence and 61 cases adjourned for further hearings.

He said the resumption of the prosecution of terrorism suspects marked another step in the journey of ensuring the security and safety of Nigeria and Nigerians.

According to him, security is a duty that is of utmost importance to all Nigerians, and a primary duty of  government.

“I must acknowledge the fact that we have come a long way in this initiative.

“The first phase of the Kainji Prosecution Project commenced in October 2017 with remarkable achievements.

“We recorded a total of 366 convictions, 896 others were discharged for lack of sufficient evidence, and 61 other cases were adjourned for further hearing.

“There have been three phases of the exercise so far, spanning between October 2017 and July 2018.

“I must, at this point, challenge all stakeholders to ensure that the momentum is sustained, seeing how important this assignment is to the wellbeing of our beloved country and its people,” he said.

Fagbemi said prosecution is one of the end processes of criminal justice administration, assuring that the Federal Government would deploy resources to enhance its prosecutorial capacities.

He added that the ministry would continue to support efforts towards deradicalisation and reintegration of repentant terrorists.

“We have made tremendous efforts to ensure that the trials are conducted with due regard to the provisions of the Constitution regarding openness as much as can be permitted.

“And in the circumstances provide the suspects with adequate opportunities to make their defence.

“I would like to urge the prosecutors and defence counsel to continue to maintain the highest levels of professional standards in this national assignment,” Fagbemi said.

On his part, the Director, Criminal Justice, Legal Aid Council, Mr Abdulfattah Bakre, said they had the consent of the defendants to represent them in the case.

Baker promised to cooperate with the prosecution while representing the defendants to ensure quick dispensation of justice in the case.

“We are happy that this trial is resuming after such a long time and we are glad that the defendants will have the opportunity to be heard.

“We are representing them based on their trust and not on the instruction of the Federal Government.

“We were in Kainji some years ago, and also recently we were in Giwa Barracks in Maiduguri where we interacted with them, and we have been fully instructed to represent them,” he said.

In his part, the representative of the National Human Rights Commission, said they would ensure that the defendants’ rights were respected while the trial lasted.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Attorney General personally commenced the prosecution of the suspects at the resumed hearing on Monday.

NAN also reports the trial is being presided over by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court.

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, said the resumption of the trial was in line with Nigeria’s commitment to the rule of law and human rights-based approach to countering terrorism.

Ribadu said his office had ensured the full participation of the Armed Forces and other law enforcement, security and intelligence agencies towards the successful prosecution of all the suspects under the Terrorism Prevention Act.

According to him, efforts have been made through training and capacity building of investigators and prosecutors towards an evidence-based trial and witness protection.

He called on all stakeholders to commit to the identified timeline for the completion of the trials.

Ribadu assured them of the full support of President Bola Tinubu in strengthening Nigeria’s countering terrorism strategies within human rights frameworks. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vincent Obi

By Deborah Coker

The Minister of Defence, Alhaji Muhammad Badaru, on Monday said the Federal Government was very passionate about the welfare of military veterans across the country.

Badaru said this when he received a report from the Military Veterans’ Ministerial Welfare Committee at the Ship House, Abuja.

This is contained in a statement by Mr Henshaw Ogubike, Director, Press and Public Relations of the ministry.

The minister also called for more engagements between the ministry and the military veterans’ Ministerial Welfare Committee, to be able to take care of their needs.

According to him, President Bola Tinubu appreciates the military for laying their lives for peace and security in Nigeria.

“We are passionate about the welfare of the veterans. We will work with you to overcome the problems, and nothing will be too much to support you.

He added that the ministry would look at the submitted document for further engagements.

“We will look at the document for further engagements and seek for further ideas.

“I assure you that we will follow it religiously. Let us keep engaging for the better welfare of the veterans,” he said.

Similarly, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Ibrahim Kana, said there was no more intervention budget.

Kana advised that since the 2024 budget had been submitted to the National Assembly for approval, there was the need for the military veterans to engage with the National Assembly for a way out.

“Mr President wants everything to be budgeted for. I advise you to liaise with the National Assembly so that something can be done,” he advised the committee.

Earlier, the Chairman of the committee, retired Air Commodore Olufemi Oguntunyi, thanked the minister for authorising the formation of the committee.

Oguntunyi noted the minister’s passion for issues concerning the veterans’ welfare and his listening ears to their report.

“This is the first time we are asked to submit our challenges in a report form. We have done that and we have put it in executive summary; with that, all these agitations will not come up again,” he assured the minister. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

By Ibironke Ariyo

NDLEA recovered at least eight tons of Indian hemp and 8,000 bottles of codeine in raids in Edo, Delta, Bauchi, Kaduna, Gombe, Kogi Anambra and the FCT in the last one week.

Its spokesman, Mr Femi Babafemi, stated on Sunday in Abuja that operatives stormed Ujiogba Forest in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo on Wednesday, Nov. 29 where they recovered 5,988kg of Indian hemp.

He added that a 22-year-old, Mson Bunde, also known as Tete Peter Joseph, found in a hut on the Indian hemp farm was arrested.

He stated also that at least 120,000 capsules of tramadol were seized by NDLEA officers on Nov. 27.

The drugs, Babafemi added, were concealed in electronic music equipment loaded in a Jos-bound bus, but were intercepted on the Onitsha-Awka Highway in Anambra.

“One hundred-and-twenty-three blocks of Indian hemp weighing 73kg were recovered from a suspect, Abdullahi Bello on Gombe-Bauchi Road in Gombe State on Nov. 29.

“Operatives in Abuja also seized 168 blocks of Indian hemp weighing 101kgs from the store of a fleeing drug dealer in Kabusa area of the FCT,’’ Babafemi stated.

He added that at least 8,000 bottles of codeine syrup were intercepted in a vehicle on the Abuja- Kaduna Road on Dec. 1 and the driver, Shamsu Isiyaku and his conductor, Muhammad Maina were arrested.

He stated also that NDLEA operatives arrested one Ernest Esechie (30) with 44.4kg of Indian hemp on Gwantu-Sanga Road, Kaduna State also on Dec. 1.

In Kogi, NDLEA officers arrested Ahmad Umar (18) with 46.4kg of Indian hemp at a check point in Kabba.

In Bauchi, the officers arrested one Jamilu Zakari (32) at Kofar Idi with 125 blocks of Indian hemp weighing 146kg.

On Nov. 29, NDLEA operatives recovered 542.3kg of Indian hemp from a suspect, Festus Egeogoli (32) when his base at Jakpa Road, Warri, Delta, was raided.

Another 542.3kg of Indian hemp was seized from a store in the area, Babafemi stated. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Alli Hakeem

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, says impactful development is a major solution to security challenges.

Akume said this while delivering a paper titled, “Leadership, Policy Implementation, and Development in Nigeria”.

The the paper was presented at the 12th Leadership Lecture Series organised by the Centre for Leadership and Complex Military Operations, Nigerian Defence Academy, on Saturday in Abuja.

The SGF was represented by a retired Federal Permanent Secretary, Dr Olusegun Adekunle.

He said that Nigeria, like most other nations, had grappled with security challenges for over a decade, adding that there was a nexus between leadership, policy implementation, development and security.

According to him, when a country experiences significant development in various sectors, such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic opportunities, it can lead to improved security conditions.

The SGF said that development initiatives, such as job creation, entrepreneurship programmes, and investments in industries, could help alleviate poverty and reduce inequality.

This, according to him, would minimise social unrest, crime, and extremist ideologies driven by economic desperation.

He added that development projects enhance social cohesion and inclusion, promote dialogue, and address grievances by fostering inclusive societies where citizens have equal access to opportunities and feel represented.

“Development can help build trust, strengthen community bonds, and reduce intergroup tensions that may lead to conflicts.

“Investing in quality education equips individuals with skills, knowledge, and critical thinking abilities because education can promote tolerance, respect for diversity, and awareness of human rights, which are essential for building peaceful societies.

“It can also contribute to countering radicalisation and extremism by providing alternative paths for vulnerable individuals.

“Development initiatives that improve infrastructure, including roads, hospitals, schools, and access to clean water and sanitation, benefit communities in multiple ways.

“Adequate infrastructure enhances citizens’ quality of life, boosts economic activities, and provides essential services that contribute to stability and security.”

Akume added that strengthening governance systems can help prevent corruption, promote the rule of law, ensure equal access to justice, and build strong institutions capable of maintaining security and stability.

“By investing in impactful development strategies, our country Nigeria can address root causes of insecurity and mitigate the risks of conflicts and security challenges thereby create environments conducive to peace and stability,” he said.

Akume said it was important to recognise that development alone might not be sufficient and should be complemented by other measures, such as conflict resolution efforts, peacebuilding initiatives, and effective security institutions.

He said the administration of President Bola Tinubu had brought into governance, experience, energy, capacity and commitment that fits into leadership, policy and development.

According to him, six months on the saddle, the government has taken strategic steps on its eight priority areas around which policies and legislations are being developed for implementation, development and growth.

“As a way of reminder, the priority areas are food security, ending poverty, economic growth and job creation, access to capital and inclusivity,” he added.

The Director, Centre for Leadership and Complex Military Operations, NDA, Dr. Bem Audu., said the lecture series was designed to match the concept in the practice of leadership.

Audu said the series would also give the participants the opportunity to interact and understand government policies and their implemention and how they contribute to national development.

According to him, most times we make criticisms of government without actually understanding the issues involved.

“So this is a platform that we have deliberately designed to ensure that practice meet theory so that people can understand the policies of government and how they are implemented and be better aware and also contribute to development of Nigeria.

“So what we’re doing basically is to see to the extent to which we can generate this knowledge and transfer it to as many as possible, and security is the core of what we do,” he said.

Hajiya Mariam Hamza, Deputy Head of the center, said the lecture series was a platform where theory meet with practice, where ideas of shared issues were being clarified and questions been answered.

Hamza said that identifying solutions to national challenges require all hands to be on deck.

A participant, retired Lt.-Gen. Lamidi Adeosun, former Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), said that right leadership, and policy implementation were key to achieving development by any nation, adding that there was no one-fit solution to challenges. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Oladapo Udom

The Government of Japan has expressed willingness to work with UNDP and other partners to combat maritime crime and other criminal activities in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) and in particular, West Africa.

Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Kazuyoshi Matsunaga said this virtually at the closing of the Anti-Piracy and Prevention of Maritime Crimes Course 5/2023 in Lagos.

The training was organised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with the support of  Japanese government in collaborating with Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that UNDP had at the opening of training expressed worry over the 50 per cent surge in the piracy and maritime crimes in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) coastal areas in the first nine months in 2023.

The UNDP Team Lead, Governance, Peace and Security, Mr Matthew Alao,  said that the spate of piracy and maritime crimes in GoG was still of grave concern as the steady reduction in the menace experienced between 2021 and 2022 had been wiped off.

Matsunaga, however, said thatbthe Gulf of Guinea was an important trade route in West Africa, adding that ”so maritime security in the Gulf is very important for improving trade relations between Japan and West Africa.

”The Gulf of Guinea has been considered a global insecured route, however, since 2021, the security situation has greatly improved.

”The Government of Japan is committed to contributing to the security of West Africa and to protecting people’s life through a variety of measures including capacity building for personnel in checking maritime crimes.

”The Government of Japan together with international partner and the UNDP will continue to contribute to preserve the security in the Gulf of Guinea to the livelihood of the African people and to economics growth and prosperity,” he said.

The envoy lauded the Nigerian government, military, maritime and security agency and other stakeholders for their continuous effort in fighting piracy to the barest minimum in the GoG coastal area.

A cross section of dignitaries at the closing of the Anti-Piracy and Prevention of Maritime Crimes Course 5/2023 in Lagos.

”The improved security has increased the interest of Japanese companies in West Africa.

”For example, the Lagos International Trade Fair attracted 33 Japanese companies in last month.

“As Nigeria and West Africa as a whole become more stable, more Japanese companies will invest in the region,” he said.

Presentation of certificate to one of the participants 

The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC) Rear Adm. Patrick Nwatu, said that piracy in the high seas was a threat to all and anything that affects global commerce peace and security.

Nwatu said that it was important that we be kept abreast with the current continental initiatives to support the motion of peace and security.

The FOC extended the appreciation of the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla to the kind opportunity presented to the participants.

“In line with the collective security theory, the African Union has been supporting in programmes led by the Nigerian Navy.

“This is to ensure some kind of collective arrangement with our brother Navies and coast guards across the Gulf of Guinea,” he said.

Nwatu said that the idea was for partners and international countries within the Gulf of Guinea to maintain regional presence within their areas to have seamless access across the boarders.

“We have left the era of sporadic acts of piracy and if you check the statistics today from international agencies and our own records, you will see that some reasonable gains have been made.

“I commend everyone for this initiative and pray that more of such programme remains available for us to synergies and work towards global peace and security within the Gulf of Guinea,” the FOC said.

Presentation of certificate to one of the participants 

The Chief Of Training Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Sanni Mohammed, said that the Nigerian Army appreciated the cooperation and support of the Government of Japan and the UNDP to the MLAILPKC.

Mohammed was represented by the Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Signals, Maj.-Gen. Philip Ilodibia.

Mohammed said that the training was inline with one of the strategic objectives of the Chief Of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja’s command philosophy.

He said that the COAS philosophy sought to transform Nigerian Army training institutions like the MLAILPKC into world class citadels of learning and character development.

“This training is a testament to the cordial relations and international cooperation that exists between Japan and Nigeria.

“I am delighted to see that the centre has sustained its international collaborations with national and institutional partners towards delivering training in specialised areas of leadership and peace keeping.

“The programme has also allowed for the development of courses that draw participation for the economic community of West African States and other Gulf of Guinea countries,” the army chief said.

Mohammed said that the training received was designed to enhance participants skills in developing and recommending measures for combating piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.

“I thank the Navies of the Republic of Benin, Togo and Ghana for sending their officers to participants in this course.

“I can attest to the fact that the participants have been equiped in all necessary kinetic and non kinetic means of combating piracy and transnational crimes in the Gulf of Guinea.

“I hope that the participation inculcate all that was taught to ensure greater benefits in their various services and agencies,” he said.

Mohammed urged the participants to employ the valid guild in the training to facilitate safety of maritime activities in the Gulf of Guinea.

Also, the Commandant, MLAILPKC, Brig.-Gen. Obinna Onubogu said that MLAILPKC was a centre of excellence with a mission to deliver realistic and qualitative training on leadership and peace supply operations.

Onubogu said that since MLAILPKC establishment in 2004, the centre had developed the capacity to develop leadership training as well as combined individual training on UN courses.

“The centre has since 2021 started developing capacity in maritime related courses towards enhancing our visibility as a nation that can provide the maritime staff and contingents in future UN operations.

“Participants received prerequisites and realistic training on countering piracy and they can now jointly develop intervention efforts against maritime piracy in conjunction with other agencies.

“We are therefore grateful to the Government of Japan and UNDP as partners that provide funding and technical support for the centres UN maritime security package,” the Commandant said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 30 military and para-military personnel have graduated from the UNDP focused at combating piracy and all forms of crimes and criminalities in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) coastal areas.

The training which started on Nov.20 and ended on Dec.1 held at the Nigerian Army School of Finance and Administration (NASFA), Apapa, Lagos with participants from Ghana, Republic of Benin and Togo.

The training included participants from the Navy, Army, Air Force, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) among others. (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola