News Agency of Nigeria
CSR: Police laud Dangote Cement supports to host communities
General News

CSR: Police laud Dangote Cement supports to host communities

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By Nana Musa

The Nigeria Police Force say the Dangote Cement Plc’s social intervention schemes has boosted security, promoted peace and supported economic development across the country.

 

This is coming on the heel of the two institutions collaboration towards safeguarding communities, protecting critical business operations, and creating a more secure environment for sustainable growth and investment.

 

AIG Abubakar Zubairu in charge of zone 8, who disclosed this during his visit to the Dangote Cement Plant at Obajana in Wednesday, noted that such collaborations would enhance law enforcement efforts.

 

Zubairu added that the collaboration would also create a stable environment where businesses can thrive and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic growth.

 

He said that the country owes Dangote Cement gratitude for its numerous social intervention programmes, which have continued to uplift communities and support national development.

 

He said that the Police remained committed to safeguarding the lives and property of citizens, while also ensuring the protection of corporate institutions whose contributions are vital to Nigeria’s economic growth and social stability.

 

“I am really impressed by your Corporate Social Responsibility schemes. I am aware you have spent money running into billions on CSR. This is commendable.

 

“For us our business is security, and the Dangote Cement is very key. You provide jobs for Nigerians, and you have been responsible and responsive to host communities and the nation.

 

“I want to assure you of our continued support. The valuable work you do in creating jobs and providing CSR programmes contributes to reducing crime in our society,’’ he said.

 

Speaking earlier, Plant Director, Dangote Cement Plc, Nawabuddin Azad, said he was elated by the visit of the top hierarchy of the Police, adding that there was the need to strengthen the partnership.

“Your presence here today is not just a routine visit; it is a powerful symbol. It is a symbol of commitment, a symbol of partnership, that the safety of key national economic assets is a top priority. We do not take this for granted.”

 

The Plant Director added that the mission of the company was aligned with that of the Federal Government, which is to grow the economy, create jobs for the teeming youths, and contribute to the nation’s GDP.

 

“But let me be very frank, without security, there can be no production. Without production, there can be no prosperity. The wheels of our company turn not just on power and raw materials, but fundamentally on the oil of peace and security,” he said.

 

Azad, therefore, urged for a stronger partnership in key strategic areas like intelligence sharing, empowering local division and fostering greater trust between the police, host communities and the company.

 

Speaking at the event, General Manager, Social Performance, Ademola Adeyemi, said the company has always enjoyed robust partnership with the Police.

 

The Head of Human Resources and Administration, Azeez Adeniyi, said that most of the company’s employees are from Kogi State, stating that the company is doing everything it can to sustain smooth operational turf.

 

Officers in the entourage of the AIG include: DCP A. Eljamal, DCP Abubakar B. Ardo, ACP Umar Ibrahim Wurno, CSP Halidu Kasimu, CSP Emmanuel P. Ganya and CSP Ujah I. Francis, among others.

 

It will be recalled that in 2018, the Aliko Dangote Foundation donated 150 operational vehicles to the Police at an event in Abuja.

 

More recently, the company also contributed an additional 25 vehicles to the Force, making it one of the largest corporate donors to the Nigeria Police in the nation’s history.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Police probe alleged N3m extortion attempt on officers
Defence/Security

Police probe alleged N3m extortion attempt on officers

206 total views today

Extortion

By Deborah Akpede
The Police Command in Lagos State says it has begun investigating a case of alleged attempted extortion of its officers at gunpoint.

The command began the investigation, after an X user, Boluwatife, with the handle @Tife_badass shared details of how police officers from Onikan Police Station Tactical Squad attempted to extort him at gunpoint.

He said that the officers apprehended him and his friend at about 1:00 a.m., on Thursday along Lekki-Ikoyi link bridge and, allegedly accused him of murder.

“The officers started cocking their guns as my car was approaching, I panicked and I stopped.

“About five of them dragged me out of the car claiming I am the guy that killed a policeman in Lekki and they have finally caught me, I was so lost.

“They put me in cuffs and bundled me into their hilux, claiming they will deal with me; they pushed my friend into the hilux too, while one of them drove my car behind us.

“We got to their station at Onikan, they told me to take off my shirt, my shoes and even my socks, saying I will sleep in the cell.

“Meanwhile they searched my car and checked my papers and saw that everything was in order, and I had nothing illegal on me, ” he said.

@Tife_badasshe said said that the officers eventually allegedly demanded N3million and started threatening him because he refused to give them a dime.

“I told them I was not going to give them anything, after about another two hours they settled for N500,000.

“They threatened to shoot me multiple times, threatened to forge document against me that I am fraudulent, and a cultist just because I refused to give them money.

“When they gave me back my phone, I used that to alert my people, ” Boluwatife said.

The command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, while reacting to the allegations on his X handle @benHundeyin said that the command had ordered a full investigation into the matter.

According to the image maker, all the officers have been summoned.

“The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, has summoned all the officers to the command headquarters in Ikeja and directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department, to investigate the complaint.

“The public will be updated on the outcome,” the spokesperson said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

Imo CP decorates Anti-kidnapping Unit Commander as ACP
Defence/Security

Imo CP decorates Anti-kidnapping Unit Commander as ACP

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By Peter Okolie

The Commissioner of Police (CP) in Imo, Mr Aboki Danjuma, on Monday, decorated the Commander, Anti-kidnapping Unit of the command, otherwise called Tiger Base, Oladimeji Adeyeyiwa, as an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP).

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the decoration followed Adeyeyiwa’s recent promotion by the Inspector-General (IG) of Police.

 

In a speech at the brief ceremony held at the command’s headquarters in Owerri, Danjuma said that “Odeyeyiwa was promoted because of his remarkable achievements.”

 

“Today’s event is not ordinary promotion, the IG deemed it fit to give a deserving senior police officer an accelerated promotion.

 

“He has achieved a lot as the head of the Anti-kidnapping Unit of the command to bring down the high wave of crime in the state,” he said.

 

The police boss also said that the unit recently caught and detained over 65 kidnappers who were currently being investigated and helping in the arrest of other suspects.

 

According to him, some Imo residents are calling for the scrapping of Tiger Base.

 

“I advise the Police hierarchy not to disband the unit but reinforce it with personnel and tools to function well.

 

“Recently, we recorded skirmishes as a result of insecurity in the state in three communities in two of the 27 Local Government Areas (LGAs).

 

“Of the over 300 communities in the state, we cannot say because of the skirmish in three communities that there is insecurity in the state,” he said.

 

He said that bringing an end to sit-at-home, declared by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra in the state and other parts of the South-East, was to the credit of the unit.

 

“We no longer have sit-at-home in Imo.

 

“Before the last election, we had some LGAs that were uninhabited, following insecurity but that is no longer the situation,” he said.

 

In a remark, Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo, acknowledged the unit’s efforts in maintaining law and order, preventing crimes, and building trust within the communities.

 

He said that Adeyeyiwa’s leadership and strategic approach had been instrumental to the unit’s success, earning praise from residents and stakeholders.

 

“I want to commend Odeyeyiwa for his meritorious service to the command and state.

 

“I urge him not to relent in any way, and equally implore him to continue to discharge his duties with excellence,” he said.

 

The governor, represented by the Chief of Staff, Mr Nnamdi Anyaehie, also commended the CP for discharging his duty effectively, “which had led to the reduction of crime in the state”.

 

He assured the command that the State Government would spare no resources in supporting it to discharge its duties efficiently and effectively.

 

Also speaking, the Assistant Commissioner of Police in-Charge of the IG X-Squad in the state, ACP Linus Nwaiwu, lauded Odeyeyiwa for his “professionalism and loyalty”, when he served as his deputy at the unit.

 

“His promotion is well-deserved.

 

“He has put his life on the line because I know how he worked with me as a loyal, hardworking and always in the office.

 

“I will not be surprised if he wins the Crime Buster Award for a consecutive third time this year.

 

“I can say he has actually worked for Imo people, especially in my area in Aboh Mbaise LGA, where peace has returned,” he said.

 

Responding, Odeyeyiwa thanked the IG, governor and CP for finding him worthy of the promotion.

 

He said the gesture would spur him to achieve greater successes in crime fighting and protection of lives and property in the state.

 

NAN reports that Odeyeyiwa, who joined the Nigeria Police Force in August 2002, was distinguished and honoured as the Crime Buster of the Year 2023 and 2024.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sam Oditah

I-G extends tinted glass permit enforcement to Oct. 2
Defence/Security

I-G extends tinted glass permit enforcement to Oct. 2

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By Monday Ijeh
The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr Kayode Egbetokun, has approved further extension of ‘’grace period’’ for the enforcement of tinted glass permit to Oct. 2.
The Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, announced this in a statement in Abuja on Monday.
He said the approval followed a significant surge in applications via the official portal, reflecting heightened public compliance with the directive.
Adejobi said that the idea was to allow sufficient time for the meticulous scrutiny of applications to ensure that the permit was issued only to eligible and qualified individuals.
He added that the extension would also provide room for the continued fine-tuning of verification processes, both digital and physical, to maintain the integrity of the permit system and prevent abuse.
“The Nigeria Police Force reaffirms that the authorised platform for the application remains https://possap.gov.ng and advises citizens to disregard any unofficial channels.
“Members of the public are further encouraged to report all forms of extortion, hidden charges, or unauthorised processing to the appropriate police authorities, including via the dedicated hotline: 09169967000,” he said.
Adejobi commended the public for their cooperation, adding that the Nigeria Police Force would remain committed to balancing public convenience with robust security measures for the safety of all. (NAN)
Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/Jane-Frances Oraka
Okiro refutes usurping I-G’s powers
General News

Okiro refutes usurping I-G’s powers

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By Joseph Edeh

A former Inspector-General of Police, Mike Okiro, has denied plans to usurp the powers of the incumbent Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr Kayode Egbetokun.

Okiro made the clarification in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Supreme Ibitomi, on Saturday in Abuja.

“Our attention has been drawn to publications in some quarters claiming that Okiro is usurping the powers of the current Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Kayode Egbetokun.

“We categorically state that these claims are entirely false. It is unfortunate that some individuals will resort to spreading falsehoods to tarnish the reputation of a respected figure like Okiro,” he said.

Okiro said the recent convergence of retired I-Gs was to discuss the compulsory retirement of some senior police officers.

He said  the forum, comprising former I-Gs, met to examine the justification behind these retirements.

The former police chief said that his role was merely as the chosen leader of the team, and not as an individual attempting to exert influence over the current police leadership.

According to Okiro, the initiative is a testament to the forum’s commitment to the welfare of police officers and the integrity of the force.

“Egbetokun is an intelligent, well-educated and experienced police officer who does not require external influence to carry out his constitutional duty as the head of the country’s police force.

“We are convinced that this publication emanates from a group of people who are not concerned about the plight of these retired police officers,” he said.

He assured that members of the forum would continue to foster harmony and advocate for the welfare of their colleagues in the service.

“We will not be swayed by malicious propaganda. Our focus remains on ensuring that the rights and dignity of both serving and retired police officers are protected and respected.

“The publication will not intimidate or stampede the forum into abandoning its commitment to the welfare of these officers; rather, it will galvanise our resolve to pursue justice and fairness for all,”he said.

Okiro urged the public to disregard these malicious claims and focus on the real issues affecting the nation.

“The forum will continue to contribute to the growth and development of the Nigeria Police Force.

“We call on well-meaning Nigerians to support our efforts in promoting the welfare of police officers and advancing the cause of justice and security in our country,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Police: Ex-NBA president seeks higher entry requirements
Judiciary

Police: Ex-NBA president seeks higher entry requirements

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By Ebere Agozie

A Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), JB Daudu (SAN), has advocated for a higher minimum entry requirement for the Nigerian Police Force, suggesting a university degree or its equivalent.

Daudu, who is the Coordinator of the Rule of Law Development Foundation, made the call at the 13th Webinar series organised by the foundation on Tuesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the webinar had the theme `Overview and Mid-Term Report of The Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (May 2023-May 2025)’.

He suggested that a more educated workforce would be better equipped to handle the challenges of policing as well as improve performance and effectiveness

“This  will ensure that all entry level officers receive a mandatory course in the recognition and enforcement of fundamental human rights that have been enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.

“It will also ensure that they receive sufficient training in the handling of firearms to curb the wave of accidental discharge and all other cases of abuse of firearms that our citizens now suffer from.

“As far as many Nigerians are concerned, the police force is not only moribund, but a large percentage of its personnel are branded as corrupt.

“Most Nigerians don’t report crimes in which they are victims because of the fear that they may, in the course of pursuing their rights, be branded as the criminals, or be exploited for financial gain.’’

He called for improvement in their remuneration package, the provision of institutional support such as insurance cover, mandatory housing programme, promotions as and when due, affordable health services, and educational support.

The Learned Silk stressed the need to rewrite the disciplinary protocols of all security agencies and ensure that these rules are subjected to ordinary laws of the land through trials in the criminal courts.

“Offences by errant policemen amounting not only to civil disciplinary issues but are also criminal in nature, must attract punishments that fit the offence.

“Such offences as reckless misuse of firearms and police power leading to death or serious bodily harm of, and on, innocent victims must be appropriately punished rather than a mere slap on the wrist”.

He added that serious and immediate thought must be given to the decentralisation of the Nigeria Police Force.

“20 years ago, I championed the advocacy of an autonomous and independent state police completely severed from the umbilical cord of the federal police that is the Nigeria Police Force.

“I cannot in good conscience state today that I can still support the creation of a blanket State Police left in the hands of the Governor of a State.

“The reason for this shift in position is that the political maturity, and I say this with the utmost respect and humility, of our new set of leaders at the state level is not such as was in existence 25 years ago’’.

He noted that creating state police at this point in time is to encourage flashpoints in different parts of the country some of which may escalate into ‘civil wars’.

“I shudder to think of what would have happened if certain states which were recently plunged into political crisis had recourse to their police units during the political crisis that recently plagued their states.

“For now and until the political actors improve in their political maturity, the alternative would be and should be ‘community police’.

“I propose most respectfully a measure where every ward in a local government would have an office of the community police that will monitor and ensure the reportage of all crimes.

“This should include the movement of all suspicious characters who may likely pose a threat to the peace and harmony of the community.”

He added that where the threat is beyond the capability of the community, and escalates to the remaining wards and the Local government Headquarters, the State Police Command should step in.

“This means therefore that the local government councils must be made to be the centre point of the maintenance of law and order and the promotion of security in Nigeria.

“Note that there is still the corruption factor and strict or severe punishment must be meted on local community police officers who corruptly abuse their power.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Insecurity: Police deploys tactical commanders to trouble areas in Benue
Defence/Security

Insecurity: Police deploys tactical commanders to trouble areas in Benue

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Deployment

By Emmanuel Antswen

The Commissioner, Benue Police Command, Mr Emenari Ifeanyi  has ordered the deployment of all tactical commanders and DPOs to trouble areas in the State.

This was contained in a press statement on Saturday signed by the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sewuese Anene and made available to newsmen in Makurdi.

The CP in the statement ordered the immediate deployment of tactical commanders and DPOs to troubled areas in Benue.

He further charged them to restrategise and confront security challenges bedeviling communities in the state.

He encouraged commanders to work with other quasi security outfits within their areas of responsibility and community policing to puts all hands on deck.

He reiterated zero tolerance on corruption and all forms of unprofessional conduct that can give the Nigeria Police Force a bad name and promised reward for police officers that are professional in carrying out their duties.

The CP declared his willingness to collaborate with all security agencies, quasi security agencies, traditional rulers,  community leaders and everyone who was interested in securing the state. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Insecurity: Senate drafting law on state police, says  Bamidele
General News

Insecurity: Senate drafting law on state police, says  Bamidele

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Police
By Naomi Sharang

The Leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele, has disclosed that the National Assembly is in the process of developing legal frameworks for the creation of state police.

He said that the establishment of the state police will serve as part of measures to address insecurity in the country..

Bamidele made this known on Sunday in a statement in Abuja through his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs.

He also celebrated with Christians worldwide to mark Easter asking leaders across boards to shun divisive agenda and narratives that could compound the country’s challenges.

Bamidele urged Nigerians at large “to consciously reflect on the virtues of Jesus Christ; learn from His consecration and live His life of purpose rooted in the pursuit of justice love and redemption for humanity”.

” In spite of the animosity He suffered and opposition He faced, Jesus Christ consciously sought and secured freedom for the captives, peace for the troubled, comfort for the sorrowful, love for the dejected, justice for the oppressed and hope for those who are in despair.

“In Nigeria today, Christ’s example clearly presents us a glimpse of how we should live together.

“As compatriots and not competitors, collaborators and not combatants, comrades and not contenders in the task of building a viable and virile federation that will serve the interest of all.

“The recent killings in Benue and Plateau states outrightly negated the virtues of peace and love that Jesus Christ taught during His days.

“The recurrent utterances by some political and sectional figures also belied the values of courage, perseverance and tolerance He evidently lived for.

“No country develops as a result of one section rising up against another vice versa.

“The Authority of the National Assembly is in the process of developing legal frameworks for the establishment of state police as one of the measures to address insecurity in the country.

“We urge security agencies to work together as a team to track and apprehend all the masterminds and sponsors of terror attacks nationwide.

“We appeal to some political actors that always lash on the country’s challenges to push divisive narratives to learn from the example of Jesus Christ.

“Such actors are no longer playing opposition politics, but simply taking advantage of the country’s internal conditions in the pursuit of their own parochial political outcomes”.

He further said that Nigeria is our ultimate project and as a parliament, we are committed to the actualisation of this project.

“This is evident in all the legislative initiatives we are pushing since the birth of the 10th National Assembly. And our goal is to build a federation that will be noted for peace, progress and prosperity anywhere in the world.

“Regardless of their ethnicity, politics and religion, all actors should shun all forms of divisive utterance and join forces against the common foes of Nigeria and not to subvert our effort to build a strong and virile federation”.

NAN reports a State Police Bill, was sponsored by a former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu (PDP, Enugu).

The bill seeks to establish the Federal Police, State Police, National Police Service Commission, National Police Council, and State Police Service Commission for the states.

It was first introduced to the eighth Senate on June 12, 2018 but did not scale through. Ekweremadu was the chairman of the constitution review committee at the time.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Police to probe Lagos explosion incident
Defence/Security

Police to probe Lagos explosion incident

380 total views today

Explosion

By Deborah Akpede

The Police Command in Lagos State says it has begun an investigation into the explosion that claimed the life of a scrap metal dealer in the Mushin area of the state.

The command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin made this known in a statement on Sunday, in Lagos.

He said that the incident occurred on Thursday at No 40, Taiwo Street, Idi-Araba in Mushin.

“The unfortunate explosion that occurred sadly claimed the life of one individual and left three others injured.

“The injured victims have been taken to the hospital and are currently receiving treatment.

“Investigations revealed that the explosion occurred when the victim attempted to cut a metal object into smaller pieces which might be unknown to him, was a military-grade grenade, resulting in an explosion that led to his death,” he said.

Hundeyin said that upon receiving the report, police explosives ordnance experts of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Unit of the command arrived at the scene

The image maker said that the remnant of one exploded grenade, and two live (active) grenades were professionally and technically evacuated from the scene to the Base Headquarters of Police EOD-CBRN, Lagos, for safety.

He said that the area was immediately cordoned off, secured, and subsequently rendered safe by the Nigeria Police Force’s EOD-CBRN unit.

“The cordon of the scene and the adjoining areas is emplaced to facilitate a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the explosion and take immediate further necessary measures to prevent such incidents in the future,” he said.

According to him, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has commiserated with the family of the deceased and wished the injured, a speedy recovery.

The spokesperson said that CP Jimoh urged residents to remain calm, peaceful, and go about their businesses and other means of livelihood without fear or apprehension.

“The CP urges residents to be peaceful and assures them of their safety as the scene of the explosion and adjoining areas have been rendered safe and declared secure,” Hundeyin said.

He said the command’s EOD-CBRN unit had been working in collaboration with the Counter Improvised Explosive Device (CIED) Squadron of the 81 Division, Nigerian Army, to determine the origin of the explosive device.

The commissioner ensured that all necessary actions were taken to prevent recurrence of such incidents in the future.

He advised members of the public to exercise serious caution, especially those involved in scavenging, scrap metal trading, and to report any suspicious objects at the nearest police station for appropriate action. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Nkiru Ifeajuna/Maureen Atuonwu

CDS’ wife tasks military, police personnel’s wives on regular exercise
Defence/Security

CDS’ wife tasks military, police personnel’s wives on regular exercise

438 total views today

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Mrs Oghogho Musa, wife of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), has urged military and police personnel’s wives to engage in regular physical exercise to boost their mental and physical health.

Musa, who is also the President, Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), made the call at the DEPOWA monthly aerobics and health walk on Saturday in Abuja.

She said that the association would add hiking and yoga to the monthly exercise to encourage the women to continue doing the exercise on their own at home.

According to her, a platform has been created for all the women to post videos of their ‘daily walk for life’ exercise to know whether they are keeping up with what they are doing.

“Also, the control of our food is very important because 80 per cent of our overall living is the food we take in, while exercise takes only 20 per cent, just to tone our body.

“So, we are encouraging all of us to be ready to drop your videos and be ready to encourage your sister.

“Now, whatever exercise you are doing, whether aerobics, whether walk, anything, we will drop it and then we will keep track just to encourage every one of us,” she said.

Mrs Salamatu Gbajabiamila, wife of the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, who was the Guest of Honour, commended the DEPOWA President for the initiative to promote physical fitness among women.

She said that walking around the neighborhood was more beneficial, adding that it did not require having any exercise equipment.

Also, popular Nollywood actress, Mercy Johnson-Okojie, who was part of the exercise, stressed the importance of physical exercise in preventing health problems.

She said it was also essential to eat right and walk out especially for pregnant women.

According to her, when a pregnant woman is healthy, the baby in her womb will be healthy, and her husband will be good.

“So, let’s do better. Eat right, walk out because when you are sane and you are in a good place, your family moves forward,” she said.

Dr Oluwayemisi Adegboye of Defence Health Maintenance Limited, said that physical activity was the best medicine, gift and investment to cater for all types of mental diseases.

Adegboye said that physical exercise could help reduce the chance of developing hypertension, diabetes, obesity, arthritis and anything that has to do with mental problems.

“So we need to begin to halt, stop and then reverse through physical activity,” she added. (NAN)

Edited by Mark Longyen

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