NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Defence/Security

IEDs poses major threat to counter-insurgency operations – NCTC boss

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By Sumaila Ogbaje

Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), has said that the use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) by terrorists poses a threat to counterterrorism operations.

Laka said this on Tuesday, at a two-day Counter Improvised Explosive Device Training for various security agencies and services, organised by the NCTC, in Abuja.

He said that IEDs had become a tool of terror used by insurgents, militants, bandits and criminal elements to destabilise communities, destroy infrastructure and inflict fear and suffering on innocent lives.

According to him, the recent blackout in the Northern part of the country was caused by terrorists that destroyed five power transmission lines using improvised explosive devices.

Laka said the training was part of the planning by the Presidential Communication, Command and Control Centre in preparation for 2024 Crisis Response Exercise, scheduled for Nov. 25 to Nov. 29.

He said the exercise was aimed at empowering security agencies and relevant ministries, departments and agencies on interagency cooperation and coordination using the National Crisis Management Doctrine during national crises.

According to him, the counter IEDs training is to further create a platform for the NCTC  to assess the readiness of participants in countering improvised explosive device procedures and operations.

“It is therefore carefully designed to refresh and sustain the capabilities of explosive ordnance disposal and canon operator on the effective operations of the various counter IEDs equipment at their disposal.

“It is also planned to test the participants’ command and control structures and to ensure that decision making processes are clear, swift and efficient,’’ he said.

The NCTC coordinator urged the participants to be open-minded and engage in a way that would allow them to learn from each other’s expertise.

According to him, this approach will lead to a successful exercise, rapid response and thereafter enhance the national security of our dear country in the long term. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Metro

ASIS International lauds Wike’s commitment to addressing insecurity in FCT

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By Philip Yatai

The world’s largest association for security professionals, ASIS International, has commended the commitment of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in addressing insecurity in the territory.

The Chairman of the Abuja Branch 273, Mr Edward Orim, gave the commendation during the association’s 2024 Annual General Meeting in Abuja on Tuesday.

Orim, who was re-elected to serve for another year, said that Nigeria has the capacity to adopt the use of technology to strengthen the fight against insecurity.

He, however, added that the absence of political will was a serious challenge to deepening the use of technology to tackle insecurity across the country.

He said that Wike, on the other hand, had in the last one year demonstrated the capacity and the political will to address insecurity and make FCT a great and secured capital city for all.

He said that the minister’s support to security agencies, particularly operational vehicles fitted with latest technology equipment, was a game changer in the fight against insecurity in FCT.

“The FCT Minister is providing the needed support, including technological equipment to strengthen the fight against insecurity with a view to keeping residents of FCT safe,” he said.

He added that Mr Adamu Gwary, Director, FCT Administration’s Security Services Department, was presented with a Certificate of Excellence, in recognition of his support and contributions to the growth of ASIS International in Abuja.

The chairman said that the association would be looking forward to a stronger partnership with the FCTA to improve security in the nation’s capital.

He said that the association has made significant strides in Nigeria’s security sector through impactful initiatives and strategic outreach in 2024.

“The chapter also advanced professional development through its Women in Security webinar, which strengthened engagement among security professionals.

“In line with ASIS International commitment to humanitarian efforts and gender inclusion, Women in Security provided aid to flood victims in Borno State and championed career growth for women on the International Day of the Girl Child.

“For the next one year, we will be looking forward to deepening the use of technology in addressing insecurity, through collaboration and partnership with critical stakeholders,” he said.

Responding, Gwary thanked the association for the recognition, adding that the FCTA was open to more collaboration to strengthen the FCT’s security framework.

Gwari, who was represented by Dr Peter Olumuji, Secretary, FCTA’s Command and Control Centre, noted that in a global community, security was everybody’s responsibility.

“We are happy that ASIS is contributing to addressing insecurity in the FCT.

“The FCT minister has established a robust and standard Command and Control Centre in the territory to respond effectively to security threats.

“The control system will be equipped with the latest and necessary technology to fight insecurity,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that also elected was Mr Jacob Akinola as Vice Chairman, Amos Itodo as Secretary and Ms Jane Wilson as Treasurer. (NAN)

Edited by Muhammad Lawal

Defence/Security

U.S. Embassy urges FG to harness technology to strengthen Nigeria’s security

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By Philip Yatai

The United States Embassy, Abuja, has urged the Federal Government to harness the power of technology to strengthen its security framework and build a safer, more resilient Nigeria.

Mr Bradley Markwald, the embassy’s Senior Regional Security Officer, gave the advice at the 2024 Annual General Meeting of ASIS International, Chapter 273, in Abuja, on Tuesday.

The security expert spoke on the topic, “Leveraging Technology for Enhancing National Security in Nigeria.”

Markwald noted that with Nigeria’s vast population, rich resources, and extensive geographic expanse, safeguarding national security presents both complex challenges and unique opportunities.

He described advancing surveillance and monitoring as “critical transformative ways” which technologies could serve Nigeria’s national security goals.

“By incorporating satellite-based imagery from platforms like the NigeriaSat-X and the European Space Agency’s Copernicus programme, we can monitor vast swathes of land, borders, and critical infrastructure in real time.

“Drones, or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), equipped with thermal imaging and Al-powered tracking software, can be deployed for surveillance in remote areas, providing intelligence on movements and activities of potential security threats.

“The integration of sensor networks along Nigeria’s borders, highways, and ports could offer a proactive approach to security by detecting unusual activity such as unauthorized vehicle movements or crossing of borders in real time,” Markwald said.

He added that technologies like Internet of Things (IoT) sensors could alert authorities to possible incursions or natural disasters that may threaten national security.

These tools, according to him, will not only enhance defensive posture but also help keep Nigerian citizens and businesses safer by enabling timely interventions.

The security expert also called for the modernisation of border control, adding that effective border control was an essential part of Nigeria’s national security strategy and technology could significantly improve this area.

He said that by adopting advanced electronic border systems, Nigeria could enhance the accuracy of border checks and reduce the risks associated with human error.

“Biometric technologies such as facial recognition and fingerprint scanning used in systems like the Advanced Passenger Information Systems (APIS) can quickly verify identities, ensuring that only authorized individuals enter or leave the country.

“Automated Border Control (ABC) gates, already in use in airports around the world, can help streamline this process, making border control both secure and efficient.

“In addition, the use of Smart Border Management Systems, which combine biometric data with real-time tracking of individuals and vehicles at the border, would significantly enhance the ability to manage immigration and trade flows without compromising security,” he said.

Markwald said that the United Arab Emirates had  implemented an eGate system that employs facial and fingerprint recognition to streamline immigration while enhancing security.

He added that for Nigeria, adopting cost-effective solutions like Suprema ID’s BioMini Slim 3 fingerprint scanners could make a significant difference.

“These portable devices offer high speed authentication and are durable enough for use in various environments.

“By implementing such biometric technologies, Nigeria can reduce wait times at border crossings, minimize human error, and prevent unauthorised entries.

“This will not only strengthen border management but also enhance the overall efficiency of border security operations,” he said.

The senior regional security officer, equally stressed the need to strengthen cybersecurity and cyber resilience, adding that in today’s digital world, cybersecurity was essential to national security.

According to him, protecting sensitive data, critical infrastructure, and digital systems from cyber threats must be a top priority.

“Advanced encryption protocols like AES-256 encryption and quantum cryptography are essential to safeguarding Nigeria’s most sensitive government and corporate data.

“Technologies such as Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFW), Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), and Al-powered anomaly detection can identify and mitigate cyberattacks in real time, protecting Nigeria’s key infrastructure from digital threats.

“Moreover, Nigeria can invest in a robust cyber defense infrastructure that includes state-of-the-art Security Operations Centers (SOC), empowered with the latest Al-driven solutions for detecting and responding to cybersecurity threats and equipped with the latest tools for real-time monitoring and incident response.

“The National Computer Emergency Response Team (ngCERT) can adopt advanced cyber defense systems such as FireEye’s Network Security and Forensics, which provide real-time threat detection and response capabilities.”

He further called for enhanced intelligence sharing and collaboration, improving crisis management and incident response

“The commitment to adopting and investing in these technologies will help Nigeria better protect its citizens, safeguard critical infrastructure, and secure the nation’s future.

“Together, let us work to leverage these advancements to create a safer Nigeria for generations to come,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Mark Longyen

Defence/Security

Nigeria needs forest guards to safeguard ‘ungoverned territories’- NHFSS DCG

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By Sumaila Ogbaje

Dr John Mecthie, the Deputy Commander-General (Intelligence), Nigerian Hunter and Forest Security Service (NHFSS), has called for transition of forest guards” into a National Security Service to strengthen the nation’s security.

Metchie, in an interview with newsmen on Monday in Abuja, said the transition of NHFSS into Nigeria Forest Guards Services (NFGS) would help to fight crimes effectively in ungoverned spaces.

He said it would serve as a potent panacea to tackling kidnapping, banditry, separatism, and other crimes perpetuated through forests, bushes, and related ungoverned territories.

According to him, the unscrupulous activities of hoodlums in and around ungoverned territories are militating against Nigeria’s economic development.

“Each time people are kidnapped and taken into the bushes, the nation continues to lose billions of naira and Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) due to bad image and negative reputation caused by insecurity”.

Metchie said that insecurity had led to many companies leaving the country while commending the Federal Government for adding greater impetus to the fight against insecurity in the country.

Metchie opposed the views conveyed by the Commandant-General of NSCDC, Dr Ahmed Audi, at a public hearing on the Bill to establish the Nigeria Mines Ranger Service in Abuja.

He said that Audi’s opposition to the establishment of a new security outfit in the country was not for the overall security well-being of the nation, adding that NSCDC was overwhelmed by its tasks.

“At this age and critical time in the history of our country, we should rise above personal sentiments, selfishness, and aggrandisement to make decisions that will be in the best interest of the nation and the nation only.

“There is a strong need for more hands to come into the security architecture of the nation.

“We should not sacrifice our motivation and opportunities to bring more hands on deck and to work to curb insecurity in Nigeria at the altar of personal interest and material gains.

“Opinion leaders have long identified the huge ungoverned territories as a major challenge in combating insecurity in Nigeria.

“These are mostly in the forests, bushes, deserts, as well as in creeks, swampy areas, and other difficult terrains that are unmanned due to inadequate capacity.

“This is the capacity and gap we as Forest Guards want to fill,” he said.

Metchie said that the Nigeria Forest Guards Services, which NHFSS was transitioning to, was the missing link, gap, and lacuna in Nigeria’s security architecture.

According to him, unless incorporated into national security, the challenges will continue to overwhelm Nigeria because of the security vulnerability in bushes, forests, and other ungoverned areas.

He added that the planned metamorphosis of NHFSS into NFGS would bring all ungoverned territories in the country under the sovereign control of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Metchie said the service was structured so that its operatives exist at the grassroots among the people and work in very familiar terrain, such as bushes, forests, deserts, and creeks.

“NHFSS has a well-structured Management, Administrative, and Operations network in line with modern security architecture for the best global national security operations and services in ungoverned, unmanned difficult terrains.

“The familiarity of the environment and penetration of our officers and men to the deepest hinterlands in forest and bushes, as well as creeks, deserts, and other ungoverned areas of the country are what Nigeria needs to rout out criminals from these areas.

“With requisite Federal backing and provision of necessary security gadgets, our men will further leverage on the familiarity of terrain, our large numerical strength, experience, and grassroots spread to man all territories, including the very difficult terrains,’’ he added.

According to him, NHFSS has good relationships and strong collaboration with, not just the police, but also the National Drug Law and Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and NSCDC. (NAN) (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Nick Nicholas/Sadiya Hamza

Defence/Security

Minister, NMA hail NSA, security forces over rescue of Kaduna doctor

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By Sumaila Ogbaje

Dr Tunji Alausa, former Minister of State for Health and Social Development, has commended the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), for rescuing Dr Ganiyat Popoola and her nephew.

Alausa also commended the military and other security agencies for the safe rescue of the kidnapped victims after 10 months in captivity.

Alausa, now Minister of Education, gave the commendation when the rescued victims got reunited with their family by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. on Friday in Abuja.

He thanked President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to the safety and security of all citizens, as well as the NSA for facilitating the release of Dr Popoola without ransom.

According to him, President Bola Tinubu has invested so much resources in making the country safe.

“As we can see, security is significantly better all across the country but we are not there yet but it is going to continue to get better.

“I will also like to thank the entire armed forces for working so hard to secure the release of Dr. Popoola.

“More importantly, the NSA, who continuously reassures us that Dr. Popoola is alive in spite of being in captivity for about 10 months,” he said.

Alausa said that Popoola and her nephew have been released without any bad occurrences.

“This shows the skills of our armed forces, they did this without paying ransom and they secured the release of  Popoola and her nephew.

“The country Nigeria is forever grateful to them,” he said.

The minister also thanked the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) for their perseverance, trust in the government and persistence in ensuring the safe release of their colleague.

He urged all Nigerians to join hands with the security forces to fight insecurity in the country, adding that the challenges should be seen as Nigeria’s.

On his part, the President of NMA, Dr Bala Audu, described the rescue of Popoola along with her nephew as a miraculous outcome that all Nigerian doctors and indeed all Nigerians were happy with.

Audu acknowledged the specific efforts and persistence of all Nigerian doctors through NARD and the persistence of the Minister of Health in reaching out to the ONSA.

Also, the President of NARD, Dr Tope Osundare, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the support and concern for all the doctors all over the country.

Osundare said the collaborative efforts of the government agencies and institutions in synergy with NMA, ensured the release of Dr Popoola.

“We were emotionally traumatised as a body, we had our meetings, we had our protests and we had the reassurance.

“That is why our thanks go to the President and the NSA for all that they have done to ensure the release of Dr Poppola out of captivity.

“Today we are celebrating and we are happy that she is out of this captivity because I can imagine what she has gone through within that period of over 10 months.

“Today we want to appreciate God and appreciate everyone that has been involved,” he said.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) had earlier in the day confirmed the rescue of Popoola and other victims through non-kinetic operations in a series of operations with other security agencies.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, in a statement, said that the details of their release had remained classified due to ongoing operations. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah and Yakubu Uba

Education

NASS committee seeks enhanced security, power infrastructure in tertiary institutions

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By Naomi Sharang

The National Assembly joint committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund has called for urgent measures to address security and power challenges in tertiary institutions in the country.

Chairman of the joint committee, Sen. Muntari Dandutse, made this known in a statement in Abuja, as a fallout of a retreat organised by the National Assembly in collaboration with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).

The retreat had as its theme “Security and Energy Challenges in Nigeria’s Tertiary Institutions”.

According to Dandutse, the rising tide of insecurity and the persistent energy crisis in tertiary institutions demand immediate and focused attention.

He said that the landscape of our educational institutions was fraught with challenges.

“These challenges threaten not only the safety and well-being of our students and faculties, but also the very integrity of our educational mission.

“As a committee that is saddled with the responsibility of oversight of tertiary institutions, we cannot fold our hands and watch idly, the deteriorating state of our institutions.

“We feel legally, morally and conscientiously obligated to rise up to occasion with a view to addressing this menace.

“However, the recent surge in violence, kidnapping, and other security threats has created an environment of fear and uncertainty thus undermining the core functions of these institutions.

“Our students and educators deserve an environment conducive to learning and research, free from the spectre of insecurity.

“And this, we are poised to achieve by providing an enabling environment through legislative frameworks that would guarantee a level playing ground”.

Chairperson, House Committee on TETFund and other Services, Rep. Miriam Onuoha called for improved measures to tackle the security measures on campuses.

Also, Chairman of the Board of TETFund, Aminu Bello Masari, said that the fund would create a new budget intervention line aimed at addressing the pressing issues of security and power in Nigeria’s higher education sector.

Masari underscored the pivotal role that education played in the nation’s development and the urgent need for improved funding in the sector.

“Threats to security and inadequate power supply pose significant risks to the stability and success of our higher institutions.”

“These issues not only jeopardise the safety of students and staff but also negatively impact academic performance and the overall functioning of institutions”.(NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Defence/Security

Over 70% of Africa affected by insecurity – Expert

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By Sumaila Ogbaje

Mr Patrick Agbambu, International Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of Africa Security Watch, says over 70 per cent of Africa remains affected by various levels of insecurity.

Agbambu disclosed this in Abuja on Monday while speaking with newsmen on the upcoming 18th edition of Africa Security Watch Award and Conference slated for December in Doha, Qatar.

He said that insecurity in the continent had resulted stagnation of development and fears with too many of the citizens trapped in poverty.

“It is within this context that we at the Security Watch Africa Initiatives (SWAI) have chosen the theme for the 18th Africa Security Watch Awards & Conference: “Developing Modules for People-Centric Governance towards the Enhancement of Peace and Security in Africa”, he said.

Agbambu said that Gov. Babatunde Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and his Borno counterpart, Prof. Babagana Zulum, were billed to speak at the event.

He said the Lagos State Governor would deliver a key paper on the conference theme focusing on Lagos example.

He added that the theme was carefully chosen to speak directly to the heart of the challenges and set the stage for actionable discussions that would help pave the way for a more peaceful and secure Africa.

According to him, the foremost responsibility of any government or leadership is to ensure the safety, security and well-being of its citizens.

He said it was through responsive and people-centred governance that societies can thrive, where policies are crafted with the people in mind, ensuring peace, stability, and security for all.

“Sadly, our beloved continent of Africa continues to face significant challenges in this regard.

“The conference is designed to deliver a practical and insightful solution to various security challenges in Africa with the selection of distinguished keynote speakers, lead paper presenters, and panellists from across the continent and beyond.

“These esteemed individuals will address critical topics that are pivotal to shaping a secure future for Africa,” he said.

Agbambu said that 30 personalities, corporate organisations and agencies from across Africa will be awarded with Crystal Award Trophies in recognition of their outstanding contributions to peace and security on the African continent.

“At Security Watch Africa Initiatives, we believe that security encompasses everything that threatens human lives and valuables, and this is reflected in our award categories.

“From leadership and governance to the armed forces, police, medical professionals, the media, hospitality, transportation, and humanitarian service honour those who make our continent safer and better,” he added.

A member of Board of Trustee, retired Brig.-Gen. Sani Kukasheka Usman, said the choice of Qatar was both symbolic and practical.

According to Usman, it exemplifies a country that places immense value on humanity, consistently striving to enhance the quality of life for its people.

“We believe that participants will experience the best practices in that country and through this experience, we can learn invaluable lessons that can be applied in Africa.

“In addition, we are bringing some Qatar’s senior government and security officials to engage with our participants and share insights on their approach to security and governance.

“Most importantly, this event will once again provide a platform to showcase African finest to a global audience,” he said. (NAN)

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