News Agency of Nigeria
Lawmaker seeks stronger safety culture
General News

Lawmaker seeks stronger safety culture

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Oluwatope Lawanson/Lydia Chigozie-Ngwakwe

A House of Representatives member, Mr Sulaiman Gumi, has urged stronger enforcement, investment, and cultural change to deepen occupational health and environmental safety in Nigeria.

 

Gumi made the call at the International Conference and Awards on Health, Safety, Security, and Environment on Thursday in Ikeja.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the two-day conference has the theme: ‘Promoting Resilient Occupational, Governance, Risk Management, and Environmental Safety Standards (PROGRESS)’.

 

The event was organised in partnership with the World Safety Organisation (WSO), Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON), and other regulatory bodies.

 

Gumi, a former Chairman of the Committee on Safety Standards, said the theme was a blueprint challenging stakeholders to embed safety into governance, workplaces, and environmental practices.

 

He said organisations must invest in scenario planning, business continuity, and predictive safety technologies.

 

The lawmaker stressed the importance of resilience against pandemics, climate change, and industrial hazards.

 

As Chairman of the House Committee on the North West Development Commission, he emphasised that every worker deserved protection, and every community deserved freedom from unsafe practices.

 

“Safety must shift from being a compliance requirement to a cultural norm,” he said.

 

He called for stronger governance to ensure policies translate into action.

 

“Standards on paper collapse in implementation without accountability. Regulators must be empowered and industries must embrace transparency, because hidden safety reports cost lives,” he added.

 

According to him, government must prioritise inspections and legal enforcement.

 

He further urged employers to invest in their workers.

 

“The civil society must demand accountability, and professionals must lead by example,” he said.

 

Earlier, Dr Soji Olalokun, Country Director of WSO Nigeria, said safety should be seen as a way of life rather than just compliance.

 

He noted that the International Labour Organisation (ILO) estimated 2.7 million lives are lost globally every year to work-related incidents.

 

Olalokun stressed that the human and economic impact of such tragedies underscored the need for a proactive safety culture.

 

He said the event aimed to highlight strategies to strengthen workplace safety amid economic and environmental pressures.

 

According to him, the conference’s essence was to educate, innovate, recognise, inspire, empower, and build capacity.

 

He explained that it would provide a platform for knowledge-sharing on occupational standards.

 

“It will also enhance governance, risk management, and environmental safety, while exploring technology and leadership in shaping effective policies,” he added.

 

Olalokun identified weak regulation enforcement and poor training as major challenges in the sector.

 

He said that without strong leadership frameworks, even the best safety policies would fail.

 

He, therefore, urged participants to commit to being safety ambassadors within their spheres of influence.

 

NAN reports that partners at the forum noted emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and predictive analytics could help Nigeria manage risks more effectively.

 

The programme’s highpoint was the presentation of World Safety Awards to individuals and organisations that demonstrated outstanding commitment to health, safety, and environmental standards.

 

One of the recipients, Amb. Maurice Odiete, President and Rector of Highstone Global University, USA, said the recognition would encourage further workplace safety improvements.

 

“This validates our years of effort in creating safer workspaces. It will also motivate us to deepen our safety culture going forward,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Security expert, Bukarti, counters El-Rufai’s ransom claims
Defence/Security

Security expert, Bukarti, counters El-Rufai’s ransom claims

By Mufutau Ojo
A security analyst, Dr Bulama Bukarti, has dismissed the recent claims by former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, that the Federal Government pays ransom and provides supplies to armed groups terrorising the country.

El-Rufai had alleged during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, that government’s complicity was worsening insecurity in the country.

But reacting during his weekly live programme, Bukarti described the claims as “politics without any element of truth.”

According to him, there is no law or policy that permits the government to fund or support bandits.

He said ransom payments that make headlines were usually raised by victims’ families or communities.

Bukarti further explained that Nigeria’s security challenges were beyond battlefield strategy.

He linked them instead to systemic corruption which he described as the “biggest enabler of terrorist activities.”

Bukarti also cautioned against making unsubstantiated allegations against sitting presidents, recalling that similar claims had been levelled against past heads of state.

Clarifying how the military operates, the analyst stressed that only the president can issue directives for military action.

He said governors, ministers, and even the National Security Adviser lack such powers.

The chain of command, he explained, runs from the president to the Chief of Army Staff and down to field commanders.

Bukarti said addressing Nigeria’s insecurity would require sustained collaboration between citizens, government and security agencies, anchored on a determined effort to curb corruption.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Mufutau Ojo

Experts urge coordination to sustain West Africa’s health security gains
Foreign

Experts urge coordination to sustain West Africa’s health security gains

By Abujah Racheal

Prof. Benjamin Uzochukwu of the Department of Public Health, University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), has called for stronger multi-sectoral coordination to sustain health security gains in West Africa.

Uzochukwu made the call at the opening of the 2nd ECOWAS Lassa Fever International Conference (ELFIC2025) on Monday in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

He was speaking on “Operationalising Multisector Coordination Mechanisms (MCM) for Greater Coordination of International Health Regulation (IHR) Implementation in West Africa”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some progress has been made since the 2019 Abuja conference on Lassa fever.

More diagnostic laboratories have been established across Nigeria, surveillance systems have been strengthened, and international research collaborations, including vaccine trials supported by CEPI and WHO are expanding.

In addition, Lassa fever has gained greater global visibility, having been designated as a WHO R&D Blueprint priority disease.

The professor reviewed the achievements of a regional health security project supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which integrated human, animal, and environmental health under the One Health framework.

He said that the project enhanced disease surveillance, strengthened laboratories, and promoted community-led reporting of human and animal health threats in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia.

Similarly, Dr Chinyere Okeke, a lecturer at the Institute of Public Health, UNN, noted that funding gaps, procurement delays and the inability to retain personnel continue to threaten the sustainability of health security initiatives.

Okeke said that community participation was essential in order to mobilise residents for surveillance, risk communication and transparency in data sharing.

She said that strong institutions and flexible funding remain the backbone of health security, adding that domestic investment and coordination was also key to sustain the momentum.

Dr Monstapha Grorigui, Coordinator of the Regional Disease Surveillance Systems Enhancement (REDISSE) Project in Guinea, said the country successfully implemented the project, which began in January 2017, shortly after the 2014–2016 Ebola outbreak.

Grorigui said that the project established five major laboratories for testing epidemic-prone diseases and performing genomic sequencing.

He said it also enhanced human and animal health capacities through Field Epidemiology Training Programmes at different levels.

He added that the project deployed a robust frontline surveillance platform, decentralised to community levels and integrated into multiple ministries, including Fisheries, Scientific Research and Vocational Education.

Further achievements, he said, included the formation of thematic working groups for surveillance, logistics and communication, as well as sustained support from WAHO to ensure results were linked to the wider regional health security framework.

He added that Guinea mounted a rapid response to COVID-19, mobilising 13.2 million dollars, and later supported vaccine procurement during the 2021 yellow fever outbreak.

He, however, acknowledged ongoing challenges such as the need for greater engagement of the Ministry of Environment, stronger participation of women in advanced training, and the sustainability of surveillance platforms across all sectors.

Mr Ali Sani, Director of Planning and Health Information at WAHO, said that sustained multisectoral collaboration among the ministries of Health, Agriculture and Environment is essential to strengthen disease surveillance and early warning systems.

Sani noted that while progress has been made in improving early warning systems through national action plans and evaluation exercises, several gaps remain and continuous efforts are needed.

He further stressed the importance of strengthening veterinary services, with technical support from WHO, to ensure their full contribution to One Health initiatives.

He urged countries to mobilise national resources alongside donor support and highlighted the role of structured dialogue, negotiation and ministerial meetings in fostering collaboration.

According to him, although the REDISSE project (2016–2023) laid the groundwork for One Health implementation, continuous effort is required to institutionalise these systems.

Mr Franck Berthe, Senior Livestock Specialist at the World Bank, described the anchoring of health security initiatives within ECOWAS and member states as a key achievement.

Berthe said the establishment of One Health platforms at regional and national levels had fostered coordination across sectors, while Field Epidemiology Training Programmes created a network of trained cohorts capable of working together across borders.

He also pointed to the institutional strengthening of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), adding that this served as a model of a National Public Health Institute, and highlighted the adoption of harmonised laboratory and biosecurity standards in 2017 and 2018.

He added that during the COVID-19, the region demonstrated its readiness to respond, with the Pasteur Institute becoming one of the first WHO-accredited testing centres.

He acknowledged, however, that many efforts remain donor-driven, that roles within One Health coordination have sometimes been unclear, and that the environmental sector remains largely absent, with veterinary services still under-resourced.

He recommended embedding project units within health ministries to promote ownership, linking prevention, preparedness and response rather than treating them separately, and aligning with continental strategies such as the Africa Health Strategy 2016–2030, the Africa CDC Strategy 2026 and the Africa Union’s New Public Health Order.

He also underlined the importance of viewing health security as an investment rather than a cost, stating that every dollar invested in health security yields an estimated return of 1.7 dollars in economic growth.

Meanwhile, Dr Olusegun Adeoye, a pharmacist and allied health expert, who moderated the session, said the One Health approach, though complex, is vital to balancing human, animal and environmental health priorities.

He stressed that institutionalising this approach was critical to preparing West Africa for future epidemics.

NAN recalls that in spite of these gains, many of the challenges identified in 2019 persist.

A licensed vaccine is still unavailable, diagnostic access remains uneven, and stigma and delayed presentation continue to hinder care.

Funding is still largely donor-driven rather than government-owned, while cross-border coordination and large-scale community-led interventions remain weak.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Tinubu calls for united African defence strategy against insecurity
Defence/Security

Tinubu calls for united African defence strategy against insecurity

Crime

By Salisu Sani-Idris

President Bola Tinubu has emphasised the urgent need for collective action and cooperation among African nations to effectively tackle terrorism, cybercrime, transnational crime, and other security threats across the continent.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the maiden edition of the African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit 2025 in Abuja, President Tinubu urged defence chiefs to develop a new continental defence doctrine.

He said the strategy must be anchored on trust, shared intelligence, and coordinated action to effectively address the growing security challenges facing the African continent.

He stressed that the scale of threats on the continent demanded a united response.

“From the deserts where insurgency festers, to the high seas where piracy prowls, from the silent corridors of cybercrime to the ruthless networks of transnational criminals, none of these tragedies respects borders,” Tinubu said.

He emphasised that in the face of such widespread threats, African nations must not respond in isolation, adding, “Neither should our response.”

“This is the moment to reassess our military objectives in the collective aspiration to make Africa safe.”

Highlighting Africa’s interconnectedness, Tinubu described the continent as a family whose shared geography and destiny demanded mutual defence.

“In this family, defence is the first expression of love each member can promise the other,” he added.

He proposed the establishment of a permanent African Chiefs of Defence Staff Forum, which would serve as a platform for continuous dialogue, strategic planning, and operational coordination.

“This summit must not end with applause. Let it become a cornerstone of Africa’s new security architecture,” he said.

Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s long-standing commitment to regional peace and cooperation through peacekeeping missions, counterterrorism, and humanitarian efforts.

He urged African countries to invest in cyber defence, artificial intelligence, and indigenous military innovation, adding that Africa must move beyond merely consuming technology to becoming creators and owners of security tools.

“Africa cannot remain merely a consumer of technology; we must be creators, innovators, and owners of the tools that secure our tomorrow,” he declared.

He also called for partnerships with the private sector to drive investment in defence innovation and capacity building.

Paying tribute to fallen soldiers, Tinubu said their legacies must be honoured through the institutions, values, and partnerships that secured Africa’s future.

Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, represented by Minister of State, Bello Matawalle, described the summit as a bold step in African security cooperation and called for African-driven solutions to the continent’s challenges.

Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed, described the summit as the beginning of a new era in African security, noting that the continent could not afford to be passive in the face of modern threats.

ECOWAS Commission President, Dr Omar Touray, represented by Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Amb. Abdel-Fatau Musah, affirmed that the initiative aligned with President Tinubu’s vision for a more secure Africa and emphasised regional cooperation.

Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to regional stability and urged his counterparts to lead efforts in cyber defence, AI, and indigenous technology.

Also speaking, former Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, commended the summit and called for stronger coordination and intelligence-sharing across the continent.

He emphasised that Africa must build and own its security framework to ensure long-term peace and stability.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Echefu hails I-G’s support for indigenous security solutions
Defence/Security

Echefu hails I-G’s support for indigenous security solutions

By Patricia Amogu

Dr Bright Echefu, Chairman of EIB STRATOC, has commended the Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Kayode Egbetokun, for recognising and supporting indigenous expertise in strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.

Echefu, in a statement on Friday outlined the I-G’s leadership as forward-thinking.

The commendation followed Egbetokun’s inspection of state-of-the-art intelligence installations at Idu community in Abuja.

It was as part of efforts to deepen intelligence-led policing in the country.

He stressed that EIB STRATOC remained committed to providing innovative homegrown solutions to enhance national security.

“We are grateful to the I-G for recognising and supporting local expertise. EIB STRATOC remains dedicated to providing innovative security solutions that will continue to enhance national security,” he said.

The statement quotes Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, as saying the visit was part of strategic engagements between the Police and indigenous security experts to boost operational capacity and public trust.

It also quotes the I-G as reaffirming that intelligence gathering remained the bedrock of 21st-century policing, while stressing the Force’s commitment to harnessing technology, innovation and expertise to stay ahead of security threats.

Egbetokun was accompanied on the visit by senior officers, including DIG Ben Nebeolisa Okolo (Force Intelligence Department), DIG Adebowale Williams (ICT), AIG Adeleke Taiwo (Operations), and CP Felix Obe (Federal Operations).

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that EIB STRATOC is a Nigerian security solutions company specialising in intelligence, surveillance, geospatial systems, and cybersecurity.

It operates a fusion centre that integrates advanced technology and expertise to detect, prevent, and respond to security threats.

The firm has handled projects for national and state agencies, including building fusion centres, monitoring oil infrastructure, and supporting security operations with AI-powered analytics and real-time monitoring tools. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Civil society commends Ribadu, Buba, urges stronger security efforts
Defence/Security

Civil society commends Ribadu, Buba, urges stronger security efforts

By Daniel Obaje

The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) has commended the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu and the Chairman, Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Sen. Shehu Buba, for their pragmatic approach in tackling insecurity in the country.

 

 

Amb. Blessing Akinlosotu, Executive Director of NCSCN, made this known in Abuja while briefing newsmen on findings by the Council’s Directorate of Security and Intelligence Matters.

 

 

He said the directorate had, since the commencement of 2025 operations, been documenting developments around Nigeria’s security architecture with a view to assessing progress and rating performances of key actors.

 

 

“Our findings have been very interesting and encouraging, especially from the offices of the National Security Adviser and that of the Chairman, Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence.

 

 

“Indeed, there have been commendable achievements and remarkable improvement in the sector in the last one year, which are traceable to the policies and strategies put in place through the joint efforts of the Executive and Legislative arms of government.

 

 

“Both Sen. Buba and Malam Ribadu have shown exceptional commitment to service beyond normal bonds of duty.”

 

 

Akinlosotu noted that while most policymakers relied solely on hardline measures such as weapons and troop deployments, Ribadu and Buba had consistently insisted that banditry and insurgency could not be defeated by force alone.

 

 

According to him, their insistence in combining kinetic and non-kinetic approaches has led to a drastic reduction in violent incidents across the country.

 

 

“Under the eagle-eyed watch of the NSA and the legislative oversight of Sen. Buba, coupled with the diligence of our security apparatus, dialogue, negotiations and non-kinetic approaches have helped to douse farmers/herders conflicts and inter-communal violence in recent times,’’ he said.

 

 

He, however, lamented that in spite of the progress made, some detractors had deliberately misinterpreted the duo’s approach, tagging them as weak or even as alleged allies of bandits.

 

“As would be naturally expected in complex geopolitics, backlashes, deliberate misinterpretations of intent and mischievous scandals are normal occurrences against performing leaders and astute administrators.

 

 

 

 

“Some mischief makers have gone ahead to attack their capacity and successes, all in the aim of tarnishing their reputations and instigating the public against them.

 

 

 

 

“The Civil Society Council feels compelled to speak up against these unsubstantiated allegations aimed at discrediting and undermining the achievements of the Chairman, Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence and the NSA.”

 

 

 

 

Akinlosotu said global evidence supported the adoption of dialogue and non-kinetic methods in addressing security challenges, citing research conducted in the Lake Chad Basin by UNIDIR and ISS in 2023, which confirmed their effectiveness.

 

 

 

 

He added that crisis negotiation units institutionalised by the FBI and other security agencies worldwide, as well as Nigeria’s own amnesty programmes were further proof that negotiated peace could help restore stability.

 

 

 

 

“Negotiations and dialogue have recorded global success rates up to 94 per cent, thereby prompting many security authorities across the globe to reconsider conventional military approaches to fighting terrorism, insurgency, kidnapping and banditry.”

 

 

 

 

The NCSCN director said while commending Ribadu and Buba for their efforts, the Council also urged them to intensify actions as much ground still needed to be covered.

 

 

 

 

“While once again commending their laudable achievements, we enjoin them to redouble efforts and be more proactive, as the quest for satisfactory national security is yet to be attained,’’ Akinlosotu said (NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

How security forces captured top Ansaru terrorist leaders- NSA
Defence/Security

How security forces captured top Ansaru terrorist leaders- NSA

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, said on Saturday that security forces recorded a major breakthrough with the capture of two top leaders of the Ansaru terrorist group.

 

Ribadu told newsmen in Abuja that the intelligence-led operation conducted between May and July decapitated the leadership of the Al-Qaeda-linked group and dealt “the most decisive blow against them.”

 

He said the operation was carried out in collaboration with the armed forces, intelligence agencies and other security stakeholders.

 

Ribadu added that the operation was launched against Ansaru enclaves in and around Kainji National Park, straddling Niger and Kwara, with links extending into Benin Republic.

 

He identified one of the suspects as Mahmud Muhammad Usman (aka Abu Bara’a/Abbas/Mukhtar), the self-styled “Emir of Ansaru.”

 

Ribadu also identified the second suspect as Mahmud al-Nigeri (aka Malam Mamuda),Bara’s deputy and Chief of Staff.

 

He said both suspects had been on Nigeria’s most-wanted list for years.

 

“Abu Bara was described as the coordinator of terrorist sleeper cells across Nigeria and mastermind of several high-profile kidnappings and armed robberies used to fund terrorism.

 

“His deputy, Malam Mamuda, was said to have trained in Libya between 2013 and 2015 under foreign jihadist instructors from Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria, specialising in weapons handling and Improvised Explosive Device (IED) fabrication,” he said

 

The NSA said the two leaders jointly spearheaded multiple terrorist attacks, including the 2022 Kuje prison break and the attack on a Niger uranium facility.

 

Others, he said, included the 2013 abduction of French engineer, Francis Collomp, in Katsina, the 2019 kidnapping of Alhaji Musa Umar Uba (Magajin Garin Daura) and the abduction of the Emir of Wawa.

 

He added that they were also linked to Ansaru’s networks across Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso.

 

According to him, the capture of Abu Bara and Mamuda marks a turning point.

 

” It has dismantled Ansaru’s central command structure and signals the beginning of the end to impunity for terrorist leaders in Nigeria,” Ribadu said.

 

He said security forces also recovered valuable materials and digital evidence during the operation which were now undergoing forensic analysis.

 

According to him, these are expected to generate further actionable intelligence against residual Ansaru cells and their foreign collaborators.

 

“This feat exemplifies Nigeria’s advancing counter-terrorism capabilities.

 

“It followed months of deep surveillance, human intelligence and technical tracking, demonstrating enhanced sophistication and seamless inter-agency synergy,” he added.

 

The NSA commended President Bola Tinubu for providing strategic guidance as well as the armed forces, intelligence agencies and security services for their doggedness in achieving the success.

 

He reassured Nigerians that the government would sustain the momentum, stressing that the fight against terrorism was far from over.

 

“Nigeria will continue to pursue extremists with precision, resolve and unwavering determination,” he added.

 

He also called on citizens to remain vigilant and provide timely information to security agencies, noting that “national security is a shared responsibility.”

 

In his remarks, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, commended the military and other security forces for the collaborative efforts.

 

He also urged the media to continue to deny the terrorists the opportunity to use the media to propagate their evil agenda.

 

“It is incumbent on all of us to ensure that we work collaboratively together so that Nigeria can be safe again,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Mufutau Ojo

Analyst lauds Wike’s security interventions in FCT
Defence/Security

Analyst lauds Wike’s security interventions in FCT

By Philip Yatai

Akinloye Oyeniyi, an Abuja-based public affairs analyst, has commended the Minister for Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, for boosting security in the nation’s capital.

Oyeniyi, who is also a legislative consultant, gave the commendation in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday, as a reaction to the ongoing clearance of shanties and criminal hideouts in the federal capital

The commendation comes amidst the minister’s response to growing concerns about safety and security in Abuja, especially with the increasing need for secure environments for residents, businesses, and visitors.

According to the analyst, the minister was not only rejigging the infrastructural aspect of Abuja and its environs, but has now moved to securing lives and properties.

“The move by Wike is a welcome development in the quest for improved security in the capital.

“Operations by the FCTA involved the latest removal of illicit structures, impounding vehicles, and seizing weapons in a bid to curb criminal activities and enhance safety in the nation’s capital.

“Honestly, this recent commitment to improving the FCT security is what everyone should commend the Minister and his team for.

“Yes, it is their job, but there is what is called commendation if an official has performed his duty well.”

He argued that such efforts had not been heard in the FCT in a long while, “thus, the reason every reasonable person should commend the Wike-led FCT Administration’s actions to improve public safety”.

Oyeniyi called for the sustainability of such efforts to ensure that the federal capital remained safe and secure for residents’ well-being and sustainable development. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

FCTA pledges continued clearance of criminal hideouts across Abuja
Metro

FCTA pledges continued clearance of criminal hideouts across Abuja

By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has assured residents that it will continue the clearance of shanties and parks, serving as hideouts for criminals in the territory.

Mr Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communications and Social Media gave the assurance in a statement in Abuja on Sunday.

Olayinka said that the FCTA, with other security agencies, had on Aug. 6 commenced a city-wide cleanup exercise of all identified criminal hideouts across the capital city.

He said that the move, designed to remove criminal hideouts, and restore sanity and security to Abuja city, was in accordance with Abuja’s Development Control Regulations and public safety protocols.

He said that the FCTA Development Control, Security Services Department and Directorate of Road Transport Services have already cleared some areas identified as major threats to the capital’s security and aesthetic standards.

He said that the exercise, which involved removing illicit structures, impounding vehicles, and seizing weapons, was being followed up with a mop-up operation to ensure criminal elements do not return.

The spokesman added that the demolition of Jazz and Blues Entertainment at Panorama Recreational Park, Wuse Zone 3, was part of the clean-up exercise.

“Intelligence obtained and verified through several surveillance and undercover investigations of these locations, amongst which was the Jazz and Blues Entertainment, was that a segment of the park containing shanties and batchers had evidence of sustained criminal activity tied to organised networks operating within the FCT,” he said.

He explained that contrary to claims of abrupt action, the FCTA Department of Development Control had issued several Contravention Notices to the Park’s Management prior to the exercise.

He added that in February 2024, a formal notice was issued to inform the park operator of the identified infractions and was followed by three formal notices between October 2024 and June 2025.

He said that the final eviction order was served on July 25, 2025.
“However, these Contravention Notices issued by the FCTA were completely ignored.

“For the avoidance of doubts, the FCTA wishes to state that the main facilities/activities within the park (i.e. the football field, its viewing platforms, the Gymnasium area, and several other facilities) were unaffected and remain functional following the removal of these criminal elements from the park.

“While the FCTA acknowledges and respects the military service of retired Air Commodore Balogun Abayomi, one of the Management of the park, it reiterates that national service is not a license for any individual to harbour criminal elements/activities, and endanger the general public.

“Not minding any orchestrated media reports, the FCTA will continue with the city-wide cleanup exercise in the coming weeks.

“This shall be extended to other districts within the city with a view to achieve the administration’s goal of building a city where its residents will be safe to live, work and recreate,” he said.

Olayinka said that the operation was a targeted public safety intervention based on credible intelligence, and not an act of persecution against anyone.

“Security agencies, including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Department of State Services (DSS), identified several locations and facilities that serve as a criminal hideout and safe haven across the Federal Capital City.

“Notable in these areas were the Banana Green Belt, extending from the Central Mosque area towards Zone 3 and Zone 1 of Wuse District, including Area 10 corridor.

“In these areas, innocent citizens are assaulted by assailants who then run to seek refuge within the surrounding Banana Green Belt/vegetation cover to escape arrest,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Yakubu Uba
======

Lawmaker decries erosion, security challenges in Imo
Politics

Lawmaker decries erosion, security challenges in Imo

By Peter Okolie

The Lawmaker representing Ideato North and South Federal Constituency of Imo, Mr Ikenga Ugochinyere, has expressed concern over the threats posed by erosion and insecurity to his constituency.

Speaking on the two challenges at a news briefing in Owerri on Thursday, Ugochinyere urged the State and Federal Governments to address the issues without further delay.

He regretted that the erosion had already ravaged buildings and farmlands, while many lives had been cut short by bandits.

Although the lawmaker commended the State and Federal Government’s progress in controlling the Umuchima erosion menace, he said that bigger erosion challenges had emerged in other areas.

“Ideato is sinking and is at the verge of extinction, and requires the deliberate attention of the State and Federal Governments to salvage the people.

“We have succeeded with the Umuchima erosion control but we have bigger challenges in places like Urualla.

“In Urualla, where the World Bank pulled out, the erosion has gone out of control with new communities sinking day by day,” he said.

He also said that Urualla alone had three erosion sites, pointing out that a 1.2km drainage was currently being built to control the erosion into the Orashi River.

He, however, said that his effort towards achieving the drainage system was limited, in view of the new erosion challenges in Obodoukwu, Isiokpo and Ejezie communities.

“The bye-pass being used for Umueshi-Amanator-Isiekenesi-Dikenafai-Okwelle is already sinking too and needs to be fixed.

“We need the State and Federal Government as a matter of urgency to intervene in controlling erosion in the two Local Government Areas, which have contributed to the development of the state and the country,” he said.

He also said that other erosion-ravaged communities included Akokwa, Osina and the Umuobom Bridge, which was about to collapse.

Speaking on security, the lawmaker lamented the worsening breaches in the area, calling for the establishment of local vigilance groups to tackle the menace.

He expressed deep regrets over the recent attack on Arondiizuogu communities, including Umualaoma, Ejezizuogu and Ndiakunwanta, where more than 26 people were reportedly killed.

He said: “Whether it was caused by separatist groups, kidnappers or organ harvesters, the situation has gotten scary as people no longer go to farms, while many have fled to the cities.

“We need the support of not just the Federal but State Government because we have revenues that should take care of security of lives and property of the people in their local domain.

“We want the activation of the local vigilance system funded by Local Governments and supported by the various communities.”

According to him, most communities lack local security guards, while those with established local guards barely boast of guns, motorcycles and vehicles, and are paid paltry sums of N50,000 for risking their lives.

“That is why you see different armed groups terrorising these communities.

“By now, I had expected the State Government to have visited the area with relief materials to support the victims,” he said.

Ugochinyere said he had visited and disbursed N5 million to assist survivors and families of deceased persons.

He disclosed that he had launched the “Ideato Emergency Fund” to support families of victims and survivors of various armed attacks in the constituency.

“The fund has so far realised N32 million with a N50 million target through donations from friends in the next few days,” he said.

He, however, called on the Ideato North and Ideato South Local Government Chairmen to rise up to the occasion by visiting and supporting the victims and survivors of insecurity in their areas.

“We cannot continue to accept a situation where local government chairmen cannot cut grasses in their council secretariats, equip health centers, provide boreholes, streetlights, security and rehabilitate schools, yet receive nothing less than N350 million monthly allocation,” he said.

The lawmaker also voiced concern about the crisis plaguing the Peoples Democratic Party, frowning at the way he was “unfairly” treated by the party.

Ugochinyere, who described himself as a “shinning light” of the party in the state, following his “victory from exile”, wondered why he was being treated unfairly, in spite of his loyalty and support to the party.

He threatened to quit the party with his supporters, if his alleged maltreatment continued.

“We are still in the party today. We have not moved and have not taken a decision to move.

“If you treat us fine, we will be with you, and if you don’t, we will face another direction with our structure,” he warned.

He enumerated some of his achievements at the National Assembly to include Bills for the Establishment of a Federal Skill Center at Umuobom as well as a Federal Hospital.

He also said he had constructed boreholes and installed over 4,000 solar streetlights, rehabilitated schools, and facilitated federal employments for many youths.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sam Oditah

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