NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Foreign

Union urges SA govt. to fish out killers of Nigerian

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By Mark Longyen

The Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) has urged the authorities in that country to effect the arrest of the alleged killers of a Nigerian, Anthony Mbonu.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mbonu was killed in Durban City, South Africa.

 

NUSA National Publicity Secretary, Akindele Olunloyo, who made the plea in a statement on Thursday, said the union strongly condemned the killing.

 

He said that the 43-year-old Nigerian was brutally shot and killed on Sunday by two unidentified assailants, leaving his eight-month-old pregnant wife and two children in sorrow.

 

Olunloyo described Mbonu’s untimely death as a great loss to the Nigerian community in South Africa.

 

He said that the deceased would be remembered for his contributions and the life he lived.

 

“NUSA strongly condemns this act of violence against a member of our community.

 

“We call on the South African authorities to leave no stone unturned in their efforts to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

 

“NUSA is working closely with local authorities to ensure that a thorough investigation is conducted and justice is served for Mbonu and his family,” Olunloyo said.

 

He said the victim’s remains had been deposited at a mortuary in Durban for further examination, while investigation was ongoing, as the case had been reported to the police authorities.

 

“At this time, the motive behind this heinous act remains unknown.

 

” In the light of this tragic event, NUSA urges all members of the Nigerian community in South Africa to exercise extreme caution in their daily activities, remain vigilant and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

 

” They should also report any suspicious activities to the local authorities immediately, remain law-abiding at all times, and support one another during this difficult time,” he said.

 

According Olunloyo, NUSA is committed to supporting the late Mbonu’s family during their challenging time and will provide updates on the case as they become available.

 

“We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and loved ones,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

(Edited by Mufutau Ojo)

World Health Organisation (WHO) logo
Foreign , Health

WHO says breast cancer cases projected to rise by 38% by 2050

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Cancer

By Cecilia Ologunagba

World Health Organisation (WHO) says in a new report that breast cancer cases are expected to increase by 38 per cent globally by 2050.

The findings from a report from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a specialised branch of WHO, also projected annual deaths from the disease to rise by 68 per cent.

It warned that if the current trend was not checked, the cases would continue to rise.

The findings were published in Nature Medicine on Monday.

They warn further that if current trends continued, the world will see 3.2 million new breast cancer cases and 1.1 million related deaths each year by mid-century.

“The burden will be disproportionately felt in low- and middle-income countries, where access to early detection, treatment and care remains limited,” the findings indicate.

“Every minute, four women are diagnosed with breast cancer worldwide and one woman dies from the disease, and these statistics are worsening,” the report, quoted Dr. Joanne Kim, an IARC scientist and co-author of the report, as saying.

“Countries can mitigate or reverse these trends by adopting primary prevention policies, such as WHO’s recommended ‘best buys’ for non-communicable disease prevention, and by investing in early detection and treatment,” she added.

Kim noted that breast cancer remained the most common cancer among women worldwide and the second most common cancer overall.

In 2022 alone, an estimated 2.3 million new cases were diagnosed, with 670,000 deaths reported.

However, the report highlights significant disparities across regions.

The highest incidence rates were recorded in Australia, New Zealand, North America and Northern Europe, while the lowest rates were found in South-Central Asia and parts of Africa.

Meanwhile, the highest mortality rates were reported in Melanesia, Polynesia and Western Africa, where limited access to healthcare contributes to poorer outcomes.

The link between breast cancer survival and economic development is stark.

In high-income countries, 83 per cent of diagnosed women survive, whereas in low-income countries, more than half of women diagnosed with breast cancer die from it.

WHO launched the Global Breast Cancer Initiative in 2021, aiming to reduce breast cancer mortality rates by 2.5 per cent per year, which can prevent 2.5 million deaths by 2040.

The initiative focuses on early detection, timely diagnosis and access to quality treatment.

Dr. Isabelle Soerjomataram, Deputy Head of IARC’s Cancer Surveillance Branch, emphasised the need for high-quality cancer data to drive better policies in lower-income regions.

“Continued progress in early diagnosis and improved access to treatment are essential.

“These will help to address the global gap in breast cancer and ensure that the goal of reducing suffering and death from breast cancer is achieved by all countries worldwide,” she said.

The report underscores the importance of stronger health systems, increased funding for breast cancer screening and treatment and the adoption of cost-effective prevention policies.

With the projected rise in cases and deaths, the international community faces an urgent challenge.

This is the one that requires coordinated action to ensure millions of lives are not lost to a disease that is increasingly preventable and treatable.(NAN)
(Edited by Olawale Alabi)

Foreign

ECOWAS calls for logistics support for standby force

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By Mark Longyen

ECOWAS has urged experts from member states to develop a comprehensive logistics concept and depot policies for operation of the bloc’s standby force (ESF).

Amb. Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, gave the charge at a validation meeting on the ESF logistics concept and depot policies, on Monday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ESF is ECOWAS’ proposed 5,000-strong counter-terrorism force established to tackle the surge of violent extremism in West Africa, and unconstitutional changes of government.

The five-day meeting drew experts within the government of the member states to comprehensively review the ESF logistics documents to ensure compliance with global best practices.

Musah, represented by Dr Sani Adamu, Head of ECOWAS Peace Support Mission, noted that having effective logistics to support the takeoff and deployment of ESF is critical to tackling terrorism and violent extremism, thereby promoting peace, stability, and security in the subregion.

According to him, the gathering is a clear demonstration of the significant progress made by the bloc towards strengthening the ESF’s regional logistics capabilities.

“Indeed, there is no gain saying that, the development of a comprehensive logistics concept and depot policies are significant steps forward in enhancing ECOWAS capacity to respond to emerging security challenges.

“Governmental Experts, with exceptionally well-experienced logistics experts from our member states are all gathered here.

“I urge you all to bring to bear, your wealth of experiences to comprehensively review these documents and make them in tandem with continental and global best practice,” he said.

The commissioner said the increased acts of terror, violent extremism, and political instability being experienced in some member states, necessitated a well-resourced logistics strategy with fully functional and operational static depot.

He disclosed that with the completion of the ECOWAS Logistics Depot, which has its headquarters in Lungi, Sierra Leone, it was imperative to develop relevant documents to guide its daily operations.

“Thus, the ESF logistics concept and other relevant documents were developed as tool kits for the management, coordination, and utilisation of the depot’s resources and services, accordingly.

“Your collective inputs will be invaluable in ensuring that these documents are robust, relevant, and effective in our peace support operations objectives.

“Over the next five days, I expect you to engage in constructive discussions, share expertise, and validate these policy documents, toward ensuring that these documents are robust, effective in our peace support operations objectives,” Musah said.

Also speaking, Air Cdre Sampson Eyekosi, the Chairman of the ESF logistics concept and depot policies, assured that the participants would bring collective value to finetune its current drafts.

According to him, this is in order to develop the best and most suitable operating procedures for the discharge of logistics during Peace Support Operations (PSOs), and other emergencies in the subregion.

“Likewise, the need to look closely at the nitty-gritty of all essential that is required to be in place to ensure that the ECOWAS Logistic Depot (ELD) at Lungi, Sierra Leone becomes functional and attains full operational capability in the shortest possible time.

“This is especially as the ELD is now at the verge of being commissioned this year, with over ninety percent of expected infrastructural work already completed on the facility,” he said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Foreign

Indonesia offers free medical check-ups to citizens 

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By Sarafina Christopher

Indonesia has introduced a free medical check-up programme for all it’s 280 million citizens.

A statement from the Chief of the Presidential Communication Office (PCO), Hasan Nasbi and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said the healthcare initiative was the first of it’s kind.

The initiative tagged Cek Kesehatan Gratis (CKG) programme aims to promote preventive healthcare, eliminating barriers to access healthcare services.

Nasbi said that citizens can access the programme through the Satu Sehat mobile app or by visiting the nearest government health clinic.

He said that the CKG programme marks a significant shift in Indonesia’s healthcare approach, prioritising preventive care over expensive treatments.

“By detecting health issues early, the programme aims to promote positive and healthier behavior, reducing household costs for treating sick family members.

“The initiative has earned global recognition, with WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus applauding Indonesia’s commitment to preventive healthcare ” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh

Foreign

Foreign language proficiency will foster cross-cultural understanding- Envoy

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By Chinenye Offor

Mr Suzuki Hideo, the Japanese Ambassador-Designate to Nigeria, says that learning a foreign language helps to foster cross-cultural understanding, connect people, and bridge divides.

Hideo stated this at the 5th Nihongo Speech Contest and Award Ceremony on Saturday night in Abuja.

According to him, in today’s interconnected world, such efforts are crucial in creating a more peaceful and prosperous global community.

Describing language as a bridge, the envoy said that learning Japanese could open the door to a deeper and truer understanding of Japan.

“I deeply honour the passion and hard work of those who value the Japanese language and culture.

“The large number of participants in the first round of the contest demonstrates the growing interest in the Japanese language and culture in Nigeria.

“I sincerely wish that all our Nigerian friends maintain their passion for the Japanese language and culture and explore the rich and fascinating world that the Japanese language unlocks,” he said.

While congratulating the winner and awardees, the envoy said that it was inspiring to witness the remarkable talent and dedication on display at the speech contest.

“On behalf of the embassy, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all six participants who delivered a speech in a foreign language, which is a difficult task.

“Each of you demonstrated courage, passion, and a genuine commitment to learning Japanese, and you all performed wonderfully,” he said.

The envoy commended the panel of judges for their expertise and discerning judgment in selecting the winners.

“Thank you for your dedication to promoting Japanese language study and for spending your precious time with us today,” he said.

He also lauded the audience for their support, which he described as a vital tool for strengthening the relationship between Japan and Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Hamidat Mohammed won the Speech Contest, while Akanbi Esther, Obiozo Ifeanyi, and others received consolation awards. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Foreign

Martyrs’ Day: Bangladeshi envoy advocates language preservation

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By Sarafina Christopher

The Bangladesh High Commission in Nigeria has emphasised the importance of preserving indigenous languages as a reflection of history, culture, and shared human connection.

Mr Masudur Rahman, the High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Nigeria, made this known on Friday during the “Martyrs’ Day” and “International Mother Language Day” ceremony in Abuja.

He extended his deepest gratitude to the language martyrs of 1952 who made the ultimate sacrifice in the battle to protect the sanctity and identity of the mother tongue.

The High commissioner underscored the importance of International Mother Language Day in demonstrating respect for and preserving the diversity of languages globally.

He emphasised that mother tongue plays a vital role in fostering peace, mutual understanding and building an inclusive society.

He reiterated the Chief Adviser of the Interim Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and the Foreign Adviser of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh commitment to the significance of ‘Amar Ekushe February’ (Immortal 21) in Bangladesh’s national history.

“This historic movement aimed at securing the right to the mother tongue and safeguarding the nation’s self-identity and cultural heritage against external threats.”

He also acknowledged the silver jubilee of International Mother Language Day, which was officially recognised by the UNESCO General Assembly in 1999.

He lauded individuals from all linguistic backgrounds, especially Bengali speakers, and recognised the contributions of the Bangladeshi diaspora in preserving and promoting the language and culture.

Prof. Chinwe Anunobi, the CEO of the National Library of Nigeria, emphasised the need for Nigeria to draw inspiration from Bangladesh’s commitment to language preservation to prevent the extinction of indigenous languages.

She highlighted the alarming rate at which many Nigerian indigenous languages, particularly in regions like Taraba, are facing the threat of disappearance.

“We have produced a map of Nigerian indigenous languages.

“Taraba has 61 languages and out of the 61, many of them are endangered.

“So, we went to Taraba with the support of regional UNESCO, UN House, to begin to see how we are going to address those at least three that are endangered,” Anunobi said.

Prof. Patricia Lar, the Acting Vice Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja also stressed the importance of incorporating original languages into educational curricula to enhance effective communication and knowledge dissemination.

She outlined plans to develop policies that promote the use of indigenous languages in educational content delivery to bridge the communication gap and foster community development.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event witnessed the participation of members of the diplomatic corps, Bangladesh communities, Nigerian officials and families who paid their respects by laying floral wreaths at the martyrs’ monument.(NAN)(www.nannews.com.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Foreign

Vatican says pope’s condition has improved

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Improvement

The clinical condition of Pope Francis who is suffering from pneumonia has improved slightly, the Vatican said late Thursday.

The 88-year-old pontiff also has no fever, a spokesman said.

Francis was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Friday last week.

There is currently no indication when he might be discharged.

A few days ago, doctors diagnosed pneumonia in both lungs.

Francis had resisted going to hospital since mid-December, in spite of evident health problems.

Italian Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi on Thursday said he thought the pope would consider resigning if his health deteriorated.

“If he found himself in a situation where he was compromised in his ability to have direct contact with people, then I believe he might consider resigning,” Ravasi said in a radio interview.

He described the pope’s condition as “complex, but not critical.”

French Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline also did not rule out resignation. Regarding speculation that Francis could follow the example of his predecessor, Benedict XVI, Aveline said: “Everything is possible.”

Benedict XVI resigned in 2013 and lived a secluded life in the Vatican until his death at the end of 2022.

Pope Francis has repeatedly rejected rumours of his possible resignation.

However, some time ago he announced that he had deposited a signed letter of resignation at the Vatican Secretariat of State at the beginning of his term of office – but only to take effect if he were incapacitated and too severely affected by a serious illness to carry out his duties.

The health of the leader of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide has been poor for a long time.

Pneumonia can sometimes be life-threatening, especially at such an advanced age and with various pre-existing conditions.

French Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline called for prayers to be said for Pope Francis during a news conference in the Vatican earlier on Thursday.

“He is tired. He is one of those people who have to be taken to hospital if we really want them to get better.

“Otherwise they never recover,” the influential archbishop of Marseille told journalists.

Aveline said he had no more precise information and would not engage in speculation. But he also expressed his concern. The 66-year-old cardinal is among the possible successors to Francis.

Earlier on Thursday, the Corriere della Sera newspaper reported that Francis had been in jovial mood when Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni popped in to visit him in hospital.

“The doctors have said that I have to watch my health, otherwise I would go straight to heaven,” the 88-year-old pontiff said, according to the report.

“I know that there are people outside there who say my time has come,” he added.

Meloni visited the pope on Wednesday, for an audience lasting around 20 minutes.

Her office subsequently reported that Francis had been awake and alert.

“We joked constantly. He has not lost his proverbial sense of humour,” Meloni said after the visit.

The Vatican reported that the pope had spent a sixth “restful night” in hospital without further complication.

He had got up and taken breakfast in an armchair, the Vatican statement said.

The pope was admitted after falling ill with bronchitis. Concerns grew following a Tuesday update in which the Vatican reported that he was suffering from double pneumonia.

While there are more than 250 cardinals around the world, only 138 of them are currently under the age threshold of 80 and would participate in the conclave to elect the next pope.

The conclave sits in secrecy in the Sistine Chapel. A plume of white smoke from the chapel’s chimney indicates that a decision has been reached. (dpa/NAN)

(Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

Foreign

Japan pledges $3m assistance to Nigeria towards combating cholera epidemic— Envoy

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By Chinenye Offor

The Japanese government on Thursday, pledged assistance of three million dollars to Nigeria to combat cholera epidemic in parts of the country.

Mr Suzuki Hideo, Japanese Ambassador-Designate to Nigeria said this at the Japanese Emperor’s 65th birthday reception held in Abuja

He revealed that the assistance was funded by a recently approved supplementary budget for the current fiscal year.

Japan has indeed been a steady partner in providing humanitarian and development support to Nigeria, following the visit of Japan’s former foreign minister in April 2024, Japan announced an emergency loan of 108 million dollars to support Nigeria.

He added that there was also a grant of 5.4 million dollars to enhance the country’s agricultural and health capabilities in 2024.

Japan’s government has been working with international organisations to assist Nigeria.

In 2023, Japan’s supplementary budget allocated two million in emergency aid to support peace and stability in Northeast Nigeria, and disaster prevention efforts using Japanese expertise.

The envoy said that since the birth of the Emperor in 1960 which also coincided with when Nigeria gained independence; this marked the beginning of a diplomatic bilateral relation that has continued to deepen over the years.

According to him, at the Lagos international trade fair organised by Japan’s external trade organisation (JETRO) held in November 2024, a record of 40 companies exhibited at the Japan Pavilion, this is a clear indication of the high expectations Japanese companies have for the Nigerian market.

“It is true that Japanese companies in Nigeria are facing various business challenges.

“I hope that under the strong leadership of the Nigerian government, the business environment will continue to improve.

“I am optimistic about the future of the Nigerian economy. I visited the Dangote refinery which has garnered global attention, and I was impressed by the groundbreaking vision, skill, and cutting-edge technology on display.

“This experience gave me a profound sense of the huge potential for future development in Nigeria,” he said.

According to the envoy, 2025 marks a significant milestone in Japan-Nigeria and Japan-Africa relations and in expectation of TICAD 9 which will hold in Aug. 2025 in Yokohama.

Hideo, said that he is looking forward to seeing the participation of the Nigerian government from the highest level in TICAD 9 2025. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Halima Sheji

Foreign

U.S. Air Force ‘ll target terrorists across Africa —Gen. Hecker

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By Mark Longyen

Gen. James Hecker, Commander of the U.S. Air Forces, Europe and Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA), says the U.S. Air Force will carry out airstrikes against terrorist targets across Africa.

Hecker stated this at a digital news conference while attending the 2025 African Air Chiefs’ Symposium (AACS), on Wednesday in Lusaka, Zambia.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the digital conference was organised to enable Gen. Hecker to discuss U.S. commitments to military partnerships with African nations and AACS operations.

Hecker said terrorist groups like ISIS were high-value targets that threatened African nations and the U.S., and would be targeted by the U.S, as it did against ISIS in Somalia recently.

“They are significant high-value targets that threaten African nations and threaten the United States.

“So we will continue to go after terrorist organisations that threaten our African partners as well as the United States,” he said.

Hecker said that the U.S. was willing to collaborate with African air forces, not only by way of security support, but also through humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts.

On Boko Haram insurgency, and how the U.S. Air Force can help the Nigerian military achieve air superiority over the terrorists, he said the U.S. had already been supporting Nigeria.

“Well, I think as you know, the U.S. Government has provided training and equipment to Nigeria for quite a while, so hopefully that will help them out.

“But what we’re looking at in this conference is not that. We’re not talking about air superiority or conflict.

“We’re talking about how we can help each other – African nations can help one another – and that’s what the goal of this conference is,” Hecker said.

Also speaking, Zambia’s Air Force Commander, Lt.-Gen. Oscar Nyoni, gave an insight into the symposium and how AACS member states would respond to humanitarian needs, if a disaster struck.

According to him, with AACS,  humanitarian/disaster needs like foodstuff, logistics, supplies and aerial vehicles will be easily provided by member states contributing whatever they are able to contribute.

“Remember, we are an air force – we are air forces that have come together, and with our friends from the U.S. and all the other member-states.

“It becomes easier for logistics to come on board and makes it easy for the one who is in trouble to be assisted. The more the numbers, the better for us,” Nyoni said(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Foreign

Safeguarding Nigeria’s critical infrastructure against vandalism

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By Kelechi Ogunleye, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

The destruction of Nigeria’s Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) by miscreants has become a growing concern for citizens, security agencies, and the Federal Government.

Vandalism affects various sectors, including the national grid, pipelines, railways, streetlights, and manholes.

The theft of transmission lines has further deepened Nigeria’s infrastructural deficit.

Recent data reveal the extent of this worrisome crisis.

In 2024 for instance, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) reported over 13 cases of vandalism on power transmission infrastructure across the country, greatly disrupting electricity supply.

Between January and November 2024, TCN spent approximately N8.8 billion repairing 128 vandalised transmission towers, leading to frequent blackouts in major cities such as Abuja, Lagos, and Kano.

In Northern Nigeria alone, N9 billion was expended to restore vandalised power infrastructure, with additional delays caused by attacks from armed groups.

According to reports, between January 2022 and February 2024, at least 117 electricity towers were vandalised, incurring repair costs of around N12.8 billion (TCN Annual Report).

Specific incidents underscore the severity of the situation.

On January 9, 2025, vandals damaged towers 105, 106, and 107 along the Katsina-Gazoua 132/33kV transmission line, putting them at risk of collapse.

Similarly, in Abuja, vandals targeted 132kV underground transmission cables near Millennium Park, disrupting power supply to key areas.

Analysts say the consequences of such vandalism are dire, as Nigeria’s power grid is already fragile due to aging infrastructure, poor maintenance, and underinvestment.

According to the World Bank, vandalism has worsened these challenges, contributing to Nigeria’s annual loss of an estimated $29 billion due to power outages.

Albeit efforts by security agencies, the national grid collapsed multiple times in 2024, leaving entire regions in darkness.

Beyond the power sector, other critical infrastructures have also been severely affected.

The Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) has also struggled with the theft of rail tracks, causing operational disruptions and financial losses.

In the oil and gas industry, pipeline vandalism and oil theft have reduced Nigeria’s oil output by 27.4 per cent, bringing production down to 1.4 million barrels per day in spite ongoing security efforts.

In response to all of these concerns, the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, has played an active role in repositioning the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

This is to ensure the effective protection of all CNAI across the country.

As the agency responsible for crisis management and other security enforcement duties, the NSCDC has worked tirelessly over the years to curb the menace of vandalism.

However, in spite numerous arrests of vandals across the country, they appear unrepentant.

The Corps continues to express concern over the repeated reconstruction of dismantled illegal mining sites, the theft of newly installed public facilities, and other criminal acts.

Over time, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has become a hotspot for vandalism, notwithstanding the presence of security agencies.

Cases of theft, such as the removal of streetlights and manhole covers, have become increasingly common.

According to NSCDC FCT Commandant Dr Olusola Odumosu, between January and December 2024, the command arrested a total of 188 suspected vandals of CNAI across various parts of the territory.

He further revealed that out of the 243 cases recorded by the CNAI department, 16 had been prosecuted, while eight had resulted in convictions (NSCDC FCT Annual Report).

Following investigations, the Corps discovered that many acts of vandalism and theft of public property in the FCT were carried out by criminals disguising as scavengers, popularly known as “baban bola”.

The NSCDC has since recovered numerous stolen public properties, including manhole covers, streetlights, telecommunication cables, and railway sleepers.

Due to the increasing frequency of these crimes, the FCT Security Council, headed by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, established the Joint Task Force (JTF) to tackle insecurity across the territory.

This multi-agency security team, with the NSCDC as the lead agency for infrastructure protection, has successfully recovered numerous vandalised manhole covers from various “pantaker” markets in the FCT.

“Pantaker” markets, known for selling second-hand items and scrap metals, have become hotspots for trading stolen public assets.

To curb this trend, the FCT Administration banned scavenging activities within the territory, restricting them to designated dump sites while also suspending pantaker market operations for two weeks.

To further address the crisis, the Federal Government inaugurated the Coordinating Council for Critical National Assets and Infrastructure Protection (FCCCNAIP), led by National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu.

Speaking at the inauguration, Ribadu stated: “In an ever-evolving landscape fraught with challenges, Nigeria’s CNAI is faced with growing threats from various sources: criminal terrorists, bandits, saboteurs, malcontents, cyber-attacks, and other malicious activities”.

He added that the council was not just a reactionary response to security threats, but a proactive initiative aimed at fostering collaboration, innovation, and strategic planning among security agencies for the benefit of all citizens.

The Minister of Interior, who serves as Co-Chairman of the council, assured Nigerians of the ministry’s full support, alongside that of the NSCDC.

Tunji-Ojo also revealed plans to collaborate with the Ministry of Power to curb vandalism at power transmission and generation sites.

With the support of the military and other stakeholders, NSCDC Commandant General (CG) Ahmed Audi stated that the agency had made progress in tackling vandalism.

He warned that the Corps had declared a nationwide manhunt for CNAI vandals, adding that no criminal act threatening public peace would be tolerated.

The NSCDC Special Anti-Vandal Squad and the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’s SIS) have been instrumental in dismantling criminal networks.

Since their inception, these squads have arrested 1,667 suspects (NSCDC Arrest Records).

Among them, 78 individuals were apprehended for illegal bunkering, 31 cases were prosecuted, 34 more cases remain ongoing, and 1,069 illegal refineries and 203 illegal oil storage facilities have been destroyed.

Additionally, 45 trucks carrying vandalised railway tracks have been impounded (NSCDC Annual Report).

Audi issued a strong warning to criminals, urging them to desist or face the full force of the law.

He also called on parents to monitor their wards to prevent them from engaging in criminal activities.

“I just want to remind the vandals that vandalising critical infrastructure of government is a criminal offence, and I want to tell them to desist because we are watching them and would not sit down and watch people doing that”.

Meanwhile, NRC Managing Director, Mr Freeborn Okhirie, has expressed concern over the rising theft of rail infrastructure.

“Rail tracks are still being vandalised while the number of perpetrators is rising in spite of many arrests”.

In addition, Terrence Kuanum, National Coordinator of the National Coalition Against Terrorism, praised the NSCDC’s progress under Audi’s leadership.

He urged President Bola Tinubu to increase funding for the agency to ensure sustained enforcement efforts.

Nevertheless, stakeholders opined that the destruction of Nigeria’s Critical National Assets and Infrastructure is a serious national threat requiring urgent intervention.

They say while security agencies have made progress in tackling vandalism, sustained efforts, greater public awareness, and stricter law enforcement are essential to protecting Nigeria’s infrastructure and economic future. livelihoods.  (NANFeatures)

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