NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
JEE report rates FCT high on immunisation coverage  
Health

JEE report rates FCT high on immunisation coverage  

235 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Joint External Evaluation (JEE) Report, an Assessment of Health Security Capacities at sub-national level has rated FCT high on immunisation coverage.

Ms Nsikak Inman, Senior Officer, International Health Regulation (IHR), revealed this at the Dissemination of the FCT JEE Report, in Abuja on Monday.

Presenting the report, Inman said that the FCT was rated high on vaccination coverage as part of a state-level programme, as well as vaccine access and delivery.

She added that FCT equally did well in the surveillance system and reporting network and protocol under surveillance and reporting.

She, however, added that the Administration needs to improve on use of electronic tools and surveillance data analysis.

Other areas of strength include case management capacity for health security related events and Emergency Operations Centres capacities, procedures and plans.

Inman also said that best practices observed during the assessment include multi-sectoral representation and participation, transparency, commitment and state ownership.

Others, she said, were available human resource strategy and annual human resource gap analysis.

She however identified some gaps that need to be addressed, particularly suboptimal collaboration across relevant sectors and secretariat departments and agencies.

“There are also inadequate policies, strategies, guidelines and plans to improve health security in FCT.

“Inadequate laboratory capacity should also be addressed while budget allocation for epidemic preparedness should include animal and environmental sectors,” she said.

She explained that the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), in its capacity as the IHR National Focal Point, supported state governments in assessing and identifying gaps in the health security core capacities.

She added that working with the FCT Administration, the assessment was conducted from Feb. 19 to 21, 2024, using the adapted evaluation tool for the assessment of subnational level health security capacities.

She equally said that the benchmarks for strengthening subnational health security in Nigeria to validate the self-assessment.

Earlier, the Director-General, NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, said that dissemination of the report marks a new beginning in the renewed commitments to building a stronger, more resilient health security system for the FCT.

Represented by Dr Fatima Saleh, Director, Surveillance NCDC, said that the FCTA has shown ownership and leadership, vital for a collective health security.

“The JEE is a critical component of the IHR 2005 monitoring and evaluation framework, which provides clear evidence of the strength, the gaps in our public health preparedness and response capabilities.

“It is not an end in itself; but a tool for action, a mirror that reflects where we stand today and a map that guides us where we must go,” he said.

Responding, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, welcomed the reports and reiterated the FCTA’s commitment to do better.

Fasawe, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Baba-Gana Adam, noted that the indicators of the reports would help the FCTA to plan on how to improve on areas of weakness.

“So, we assure you that by our next report, you will see the action plan that will be done, and evidence provided to deliver and improve on our health security capabilities,” she said.

Also, the FCT Epidemiologist, Dr Lawal Ademola, emphasised that the FCT has the capacity to detect, respond, and prevent all public health concerns.

“The JEE is just a tool that is used globally to assess our strength so that we can see the gaps and work together to strengthen where those gaps are,” he said.

Speaking on the FCT performance on immunisation coverage, Dr Ruqayya Wamako, Executive Secretary, FCT Primary Healthcare Development Board, attributed the feats to the emphasis on disease prevention in the FCT,

Wamako said that the most diseases were vaccine preventable as the first level of defence, stressing that “when children are well immunised, they won’t have diseases that are vaccine preventable”. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Minister wants tractors to replace armoured tanks to boost food security  
Defence/Security

Minister wants tractors to replace armoured tanks to boost food security  

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By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Federal Government aims to shift from military equipment to agricultural tools, specifically replacing armoured tanks with tractors and machine guns with milking machines, to bolster food security.

The Minister of Livestock Development, Dr Abubakar Maiha, this known during the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Counter Terrorism Centre – Office of the National Security Adviser (NCTC-ONSA) and International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) on Friday in Abuja.

This initiative, he said, focuses on modernising the livestock sector and increasing food production through technology and precision farming. 

He said the collaboration between NCTC and IITA was a noble framework for integrating ex-combatants into the normal society to support President Bola Tinubu’s agenda on food security.

According to him, once people are productively engaged, they will not be available for recruitment into violent crimes no matter the enticement.

“This is what we are looking at and our vision today in the country we want Nigeria’s countryside to be the symbol of what we want.

“We use tractors to replace armoured tanks, and we want milking machines to replace machine guns because they have no place in our countryside.

“This is what the ministry is driving, and we are going to work with NCTC-ONSA and other MDAs in terms of empowerment of women and youths,” he said.

In her remarks, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Iman Suleiman -Ibrahim, commended NCTC and IITA for the innovative partnership in advancing Nigeria’s peace and security through inclusive and sustainable approaches.

Suleiman-Ibrahim said that agro-business, allied with the empowerment project, was a vital step in addressing the root causes of violent extremism, particularly amongst vulnerable populations, which includes women, youths, and families at risk.

She emphasised that empowering women and marginalised groups was essential for sustainable peace and development in the country.

According to her, family units, particularly women, are central to community resilience and affirmed commitment to ensuring women’s active participation in livelihood programs through integration and community development initiatives.

Also, Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, represented by his Deputy, Dr Emmanuel Akabe, said it was incumbent on levels of government to support the initiative for collective good.

Sule said the North Central region in particular was faced with associated security challenges with attendant consequences on its agriculture and other facets of human development.

He said that application of kinetic approach alone in the fight against insecurity was not sufficient in addressing the peculiar security challenges.

He said that the MOU which targets on enhancing food security and agricultural development would have a better and more sustainable synergy in addressing the nexus between food security, agriculture, and counterterrorism in the country.

On his part, Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Malam Bukarti Tijani, said that Borno alone had over 200,000 repentant terrorist Combatants.

He said the situation had brought to fore the importance of the MoU while looking at non-kinetic approaches to bring more terrorists to voluntarily surrender.

This, according to him, is to ensure that after surrender, communities being resettled would have livelihoods in agriculture as relative peace has come to the region.

“So, the state governments in the Northeast region are battling with their finances to settle and also to find livelihoods,” he said. (NAN) 

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Wike announces plans to overhaul FCT transport’s sector  
Metro

Wike announces plans to overhaul FCT transport’s sector  

226 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says plans have been concluded to introduce reforms in the FCT transportation sector to improve safety and comfort.

Wike said this in Abuja on Friday, after he inspected the completed Kugbo and Mabushi Bus and Taxi Terminals in preparation for inauguration to celebrate President Bola Tinubu second year in office.

The minister also inspected the completed access road to Giri District, which is also ready for inauguration.

Wike said that there would be a lot of reforms, adding that a lot of things would happen in the transportation sector in the FCT.

He said that a committee was already working on the reforms, which would be ready before the bus and taxi terminals would be inaugurated.

“Obviously a lot of things will happen in the transport sector in the FCT. There will be a lot of reforms

“Because as part of security measures, we must know those involved in taxi business and what colour to use, so that if anything happens, we will be able to identify them.

“Just be assured that we are doing everything possible to strengthen our transportation system,” he said.

The minister added that the FCT Administration was working to remove a lot of motor parks on the road.

Speaking of the quality of the project, Wike expressed satisfaction with the delivery of the project, adding however, that he has pointed out some areas that needs to be corrected.

He commended the contractor, which he said had done his best, and promised to continue to support local contractors to give the best to Nigerians.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Kugbo and Mabushi and Central Area Bus and Taxi Terminals were constructed as part of efforts to improve the transportation system in the FCT.

While that of Kugbo and Mabushi terminals were ready for inauguration, the one at central area is under construction.

The minister also revealed that two additional terminals would be constructed, one each in Bwari and Gwagwalada. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Wings of Pride: Celebrating Nigerian Air Force at 61
Features

Wings of Pride: Celebrating Nigerian Air Force at 61

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By Sumaila Ogbaje, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Since its establishment on April 18, 1963, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has played a vital role in defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, protecting its airspace, and contributing to regional stability.

By many accounts, the NAF has demonstrated remarkable commitment to its mission, with personnel displaying exceptional bravery, skill, and professionalism.

From counter-insurgency operations to humanitarian assistance, the NAF has consistently risen to the challenge, putting the nation’s interests above all else.

The NAF has played a crucial role in supporting ground troops in the fight against Boko Haram and other terrorist groups, and has also provided critical support during natural disasters, evacuating citizens and delivering aid to affected areas.

It has contributed to regional stability through its participation in peacekeeping missions and joint exercises with neighbouring countries.

As the NAF celebrates its 61st anniversary, it continues to modernise and adapt to emerging challenges.

The acquisition of new aircraft, upgrade of existing platforms, and investment in cutting-edge technology are some of the initiatives aimed at enhancing the NAF’s operational capabilities.

At the event commemorating NAF’s 61st anniversary, it showcased a lot of breakthroughs in platforms procurement and advancement in Research and Development (R&D) efforts as well as induction of the first batch of the newly acquired Agusta 109 Trekka Helicopters by President Bola Tinubu.

The president, who was represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, said he was very emphatic on assumption of office that security would be a top priority of his administration, as neither economic prosperity nor justice can prevail amidst insecurity and violence.

He said the induction of the new combat helicopters marked another milestone in his unwavering commitment to strengthen the nation’s armed forces, particularly the Air Force towards a more secure Nigeria.

Tinubu said the acquisition was made alongside orders like the Diamond 62 Surveillance Aircraft, the T-129 Attack Helicopters, the King Air 360 aircraft, as well as others that will be delivered in the coming months.

“Let me use this opportunity to assure you all that my administration will continue to support the Nigerian Air Force and indeed other security agencies by giving due attention and priority to fleet modernisation as well as training and welfare of our men and women in uniform.

“As your commander-in-chief, I understand that a well-equipped military is essential not only for securing our nation but also for preserving our democracy.

“A democratically stable Nigeria is fundamental to our national progress and regional peace and the defence of democracy requires a military that is well-prepared, well-trained and well-equipped,’’ he said.

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, said the dynamic security landscape of the nation demands an agile, well-equipped and responsive air force capable of rapid deployment across multiple theatres.

He said the reality underscored the need for continuous investments in modern platforms to bolster the Nigerian Air Force’s capacity to deliver air power across all spectrums of warfare.

Abubakar said the successful acquisition of the Augusta Westland 109 Trekka helicopter was a significant leap in our modernisation efforts of the NAF.

The air chief said the helicopter was designed to operate in challenging environments, providing critical support to both military and civil operations, including disaster relief and humanitarian missions.

“By inducting this platform into the NAF, the service is further strengthening its multi-domain operational capability, making us more responsive and efficient in the protection of Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

“It is noteworthy that from 2024 to date, NAF has received a total of nine brand-new aircraft into its inventory, comprising four C-129 attack helicopters, three King Air 360 aircraft, as well as the two Agusta 109 trekker helicopters being inducted.”

Abubakar said the NAF was poised to receive 49 more aircraft within the next two years, in line with Mr President’s firm commitment towards Nigerian security.

He said the 49 aircraft being expected included 10 additional A-109S trekkers, 12 AH-1 Zulu attack helicopters, 24 M-346 attack and ground attack aircraft, and three Kata 295 medium airlift aircraft.

According to him, the acquisitions will significantly bolster precision strike, ground attack, and air mobility capabilities, to support counter terrorism, and counterinsurgency operations.

In the area of building local capacity through research and development, the air chief said the NAF was optimising strategic partnerships in artificial intelligence, unmanned aerial vehicle research and development, small arms and rocket developments, as well as radar enhancements.

He said that NAF’s various research and development institutions, such as the Air Force Institute of Technology, were partnering with universities and government institutions towards accelerating their research and development capabilities.

“As part of efforts to optimise our employment of NAF platforms, we have recorded research and development breakthroughs, such as revalidation of the Alpha Jet aircraft ejection seats, retrofitting of unserviceable 68mm rockets, and the development of a test kit for determining the specific impulse of pyro cartridges, amongst several others.

“Also, just two weeks ago, I inaugurated a research committee tasked with initiating the local production of the C-5 57mm rockets integral to some of our attack platforms.

“These achievements highlight our shift towards self-reliance and resilience in defence technology,’’ he said.

During the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoU), with Lagos State University and a local defence firm, EPAIL Nigeria, the CAS expressed the desire of the NAF to pursue locally driven solutions in addressing the nation’s security challenges.

According to him, in a rapidly changing world, the ability to continue to anticipate, rapidly adapt and innovate is imperative for the transformation of the NAF into an agile and resilient force that effectively meets the air power demands of national security in all operational environments.

Abubakar said the NAF had since 2015, flown over 8,000, conducted more than 80,000 sorties with only few verified incidences of collateral damage.

He said it represented an occurrence rate of less than 0.005 per cent, an exceptional record by global standards, particularly within the complexities of asymmetric warfare.

The CAS said that in the few instances where civilian casualties were reported, the NAF had promptly conducted investigations, accepted responsibility with deep regret, and taken necessary corrective actions to prevent future occurrences.

According to him, the service has proactively invested in advanced technologies and robust protocols aimed at preventing civilian casualties.

In his remarks, the Vice President, Defence Industries Association of Nigeria (DIAN), Ade Ogundeyin, commended the NAF for its continuous efforts in modernising air operations, enhancing research and development, and fostering civil military cooperation.

Ogundeyin said that DIAN was established to promote local industry, defence manufacturing, and enhance Nigeria’s military industrial capabilities, aimed to advance indigenous defence technology through innovation and strategic partnerships.

He said that by fostering partnerships between defence industries and institutions, research bodies, and the academia and private industries, Nigeria was positioning itself for self-sufficiency in aerospace technology and defence manufacturing.

Available data indicates that the NAF has contributed to UN peacekeeping operations, providing air support and transportation services to peacekeeping troops in addition to its internal security operations over the years.

By participating in global and regional security initiatives, the NAF has demonstrated its commitment to protecting Nigeria’s interests and contributing to international peace and security.

The NAF’s global ranking is 54th in terms of airpower, according to the Global Firepower Index 2025 while ranking third in Africa, behind Egypt and Algeria, with a firepower index of 0.5771.

As part of measures to mitigate civilian casualties during air operations, the NAF also unveiled the Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plans Document during the NAF Day 2025 Seminar.

The seminar was part of activities marking NAF’s 61st anniversary in Abuja.

Experts are of the view that with continuous training of its personnel, systematic upgrading and acquisition of modern combat equipment, the NAF will continue to prove its mettle in protecting Nigeria’s airspace. (NANFeatures)

***If used, please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria

Security: Niger Govt. seeks media support to combat misinformation
Defence/Security

Security: Niger Govt. seeks media support to combat misinformation

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By Rita Iliya

The Niger government has solicited for media collaboration on how to address the challenge of misinformation in reporting security issues.

The Commissioner for Homeland Security, Retired Gen. Muhammed Bello, made the call during a pre- security summit news conference in Minna on Monday.

Bello said misinformation and disinformation posed significant threats to effective security information management in the state.

He highlighted the need for strategic communication in security contexts to balance transparency and confidentiality.

“Decisions about what information to share and what to withhold can be complex and fraught with ethical considerations,” he said.

According to him, to combat misinformation, the state government is exploring ways to work with the media to promote accurate and responsible reporting on security issues.

He said that security information management involved systematically collecting, analysing, sharing, and protecting information about threats, incidents, vulnerabilities, and risks that impact public safety.

According to him, the rise of social media and digital platforms has increased the risk of misinformation affecting public perception and security.

The commissioner reiterated that the state government would host security summit on May 22 that would bring together government officials, security agencies, traditional and religious institutions.

Other participants at the summit would be youth and women associations, and inter-tribal organisations, transport groups, human rights groups, and the media to discuss collaborative approaches to security and peacebuilding.

Bello disclosed that the theme of the summit would be: Collaborative Approaches to Security and Peace Building with a View to Safeguarding Niger State Security Information Management. (NAN)
Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Joe Idika

BRICS foreign ministers reaffirm commitment to strengthening security, economic, cultural cooperation
Foreign

BRICS foreign ministers reaffirm commitment to strengthening security, economic, cultural cooperation

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Foreign ministers of the member states of the BRICS bloc have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in three areas: politics and security, economy and finance, and cultural and humanitarian exchanges.

A statement published on the official website of the Brazil’s BRICS Presidency, indicated that the ministers reaffirmed their commitment at a two-day BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in Rio de Janeiro with the participation of the BRICS member states.

The meeting, the statement further indicated, was held in an expanded format with representatives of the BRICS partner countries in attendance.

The ministers emphasised the key role of BRICS as the voice of the Global South.

The group expressed support for the idea of reforming the United Nations, including increasing the representation of developing countries in the UN Security Council of the global body.

The ministers favoured greater use of national currencies in mutual settlements, as well as the development of their own payment platforms.

The group acknowledged the important role of the New Development Bank (NDB) as a key financing instrument for emerging economies, its further expansion, and the re-election of Dilma Rousseff as President of the NDB.

The Leaders acknowledged the role of Artificial Intelligence in inclusive development and expressed their intention to assist developing countries in this area.

They also welcomed the work on an agreement to manage the data economy.

The ministers condemned, in strong terms, all forms of terrorism and, in particular, the attack in India on April 22 that killed at least 26 people.

They affirmed that the countries of the association would deepen cooperation in the fight against terrorism.

The foreign ministers welcomed the activities of the BRICS specialised working group and called for the finalisation and adoption of the UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.

They spoke in favour of the peaceful use of space, reliable and secure ICT environment and free access to reliable information, stressing the importance of digital literacy and agreed rules in cyberspace.

In addition, the ministers spoke out against cybercrime, reaffirmed the need for reform of the global financial architecture and the importance of the role of the G20.

Given the recent enlargement, they emphasised the importance of institutional strengthening of BRICS, including through the creation of a common database to facilitate access to relevant documents and background information.

The Heads of the ministries supported Brazil’s BRICS chairmanship.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had earlier held a news conference on the results of the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

He said that the parties agreed to continue working with partner countries in various formats.

In addition, the ministers emphasised the importance of strengthening the role of the world majority in solving key problems. (TV BRICS/NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Expert urges urgent action to end school kidnappings
Defence/Security

Expert urges urgent action to end school kidnappings

416 total views today

By Daniel Obaje

Dr Jibrin Abubakar, a media and public relations expert, has urged the Federal Government to implement stronger measures to tackle the growing menace of school kidnappings across the country.

 

Abubakar made the call after defending his 174-page PhD thesis on school kidnappings at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Abuja.

 

He said the situation demands urgent action beyond policy talks and recommended the swift passage of the Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS) Bill to secure forests and ungoverned spaces that have become hideouts for bandits.

 

He called for the full implementation of the National Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools, stressing that security measures must move from paper to action to safeguard children.

 

Abubakar said there is a need to combine security operations with non-kinetic approaches such as education, economic empowerment, and community engagement to undercut the appeal of banditry.

 

“These will help generate more ideas. It is also disheartening that our borders are very porous,” he said.

 

According to him, the unchecked proliferation of small arms and light weapons due to porous borders poses a serious threat to national security.

 

The media expert warned that the growing population of out of school children could fuel future insecurity if not addressed.

 

He therefore recommended that grievances and motivations of violent groups should be carefully studied to design interventions based on the Social Contract Theory and the Greed and Grievance Framework.

 

Abubakar called for regulating sermons that could fuel extremism, stressing that unchecked radicalisation remains a major security risk.

 

He urged the government to apply a strategy of leadership decapitation, targeting the top commanders of Boko Haram, ISWAP, and armed bandit groups, to disrupt their operational capacity.

 

Abubakar called for collaborative effect, noting that achieving safe schools and communities requires collective efforts from government, communities, NGOs, private sector and international partners.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

MACBAN commends DSS, lauds Tinubu’s appointments
General News

MACBAN commends DSS, lauds Tinubu’s appointments

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By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for its professional handling of the security situation in Plateau, Benue, and other states.

The National President of MACBAN, Alhaji Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, expressed the association’s commendation in a statement released on Friday in Abuja.

He noted that the DSS had managed the security challenges in the mentioned states with utmost professionalism, deserving of recognition.

Othman-Ngelzarma also lauded President Bola Tinubu for appointing Mr Tosin Ajayi as the Director-General of the DSS, describing it as one of the best decisions of his administration.

He urged other security agencies to learn from the way the new DSS leadership had approached securing lives and property.

The MACBAN President highlighted the efforts of the DSS to investigate the root causes of the problems affecting the states.

“We salute the professionalism with which the DSS has been handling the delicate security challenges in Plateau, Benue, and several other states,” he said.

He also noted that the DSS, under Ajayi’s leadership, had successfully distinguished between law-abiding Fulani herdsmen and criminals.

Othman-Ngelzarma further alleged that more than 20 per cent of MACBAN members and four million heads of cattle have been forced to flee Nigeria due to insecurity, with many families displaced.

He pointed out that the exodus of herders had driven up the cost of beef, which had traditionally been the cheapest source of meat in Nigeria.

He reiterated the association’s readiness to cooperate with both the Federal and State Governments to support security agencies in restoring peace, thereby ensuring the smooth functioning of business and economic activities.

He also thanked President Tinubu for fulfilling one of his campaign promises with the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.

According to him, the ministry will significantly improve Nigeria’s livestock industry.(NAN)(www.nannews,ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Is Neighbourhood watch the missing link in Nigeria’s security strategy?
Features

Is Neighbourhood watch the missing link in Nigeria’s security strategy?

507 total views today

By Ismail Abdulaziz, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Insecurity in Nigeria has evolved into a national crisis, touching nearly every part of the country.

From the Maitatsine riots of the early 1980s to the enduring Boko Haram insurgency, the nation’s security challenges have deepened, albeit successive efforts to curb them.

As traditional military solutions yield limited results, stakeholders are calling for alternative, community-led approaches.

One of such is the implementation of a neighbourhood watch programme.

Nigeria’s descent into widespread insecurity can be traced back to the Maitatsine uprising in Kano state during the Second Republic under President Shehu Shagari.

At the time, the violence was seen as a temporary phase of unrest under a young democratic government.

However, the emergence of Boko Haram in 2009 marked the beginning of a more entrenched conflict.

Originating in the North-East, the insurgency has since spilled into other regions, evolving into a prolonged armed struggle and humanitarian crisis.

It has destabilised the Lake Chad region, with repercussions felt in Cameroon, Chad, and Niger.

According to a 2025 report by the Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect, the activities of various armed groups; including bandits and kidnappers are closely tied to the Boko Haram conflict.

The report reflects that since 2011, persistent violence between herders and farmers; mainly over access to scarce resources, has escalated in central and north-western Nigeria.

These groups have committed numerous atrocities, including murder, rape, kidnapping, and organised cattle rustling.

Also, large areas of farmland have been seized by armed bandits, leaving many farmers too fearful to cultivate their land.

In response, the Nigerian government has launched several initiatives to push back against these non-state actors and protect the rights of citizens.

Yet, the impact of these efforts remains limited.

In recent years, some analysts have advocated for a more balanced strategy that includes both kinetic (military) and non-kinetic (non-violent) approaches.

The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has been at the forefront of this shift, promoting policies that focus on addressing the root causes of insecurity.

Non-kinetic measures aim to promote long-term peace through education, community engagement, and social development rather than direct confrontation.

In spite of these efforts, tangible progress remains elusive.

A lack of widespread awareness, public education, and behavioural change continues to hamper results.

Disturbing incidents circulating on social media, such as a boy being brutally flogged by his tutor in Maiduguri, the alleged abuse of a pupil by a teacher in Lagos, and the cruel treatment of a widow by her in-laws in Enugu reveal a broader societal issue.

These acts show a troubling disregard for the consequences of individual actions.

This pattern of indifference is visible across homes, workplaces, public services, and even within the armed forces.

As one analyst aptly asked, “Can we afford to continue like this? What is the implication of our actions on national security? Are we heading towards a society where only the strongest survive?”

Malam Garba Ibrahim, a civil servant, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that when they were growing up, there was a fear of being watched at all times.

He said it was easier to follow the rules because one is not sure if the lunatic on the street is a security agent.

This sentiment resonates with many Nigerians in their 40s and 50s, who recall a time when discipline and communal responsibility were more ingrained in daily life.

Therefore, some security experts are calling for a comprehensive neighbourhood watch programme.

With the vast youth population in the country, the neighbourhood watch programme has been suggested as part of a non-kinetic approach to tackling insecurity.

A neighbourhood watch security programme is a community initiative focused on reducing crime and anti-social behaviours through increased vigilance and collaboration between residents and local law enforcement.

It encourages neighbours and communities to be aware of suspicious activity, report it promptly, and work together to create a safer environment.

Some key aspects of a neighbourhood watch programme include increased awareness by residents to be more observant and aware of potential threats in their neighbourhood.

It also encourages the reporting of suspicious activities to relevant authorities through training, while fostering a sense of community and encouraging residents to work together to improve safety.

How does this neighbourhood watch work and organise itself?

It involves residents organising into groups to oversee their neighbourhood security.

Participants receive training on suspicious activity, reporting procedures, and crime prevention techniques.

The groups also communicate with each other, residents, and law enforcement to share information and coordinate efforts.

It also involves active surveillance, such as neighbourhood patrols or citizen monitoring of public areas and working with the police to enhance community safety and address local crime issues.

Some analysts have proposed the use of social media in the employment of the neighbourhood watch programme.

They say deliberate training by the government on the positive use of social media by citizens would help, not only in checking the rate of crime, but nip it in the bud quickly.

The recent proposal by the Federal Government to review the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) can be streamlined to accommodate this factor of a non-kinetic approach.

Some suggest that the personnel of the civil service are experienced enough to be engaged to tackle insecurity because they only need to be given schedules to follow.

Others agree that retired armed forces personnel are also veritable tools for keeping the peace because their training and years of service can match those of the non-state actors causing havoc across the country.

One fact security experts agree on is that the number of security personnel employed to handle the various security challenges in the country are not adequate for the task.

Involving every capable Nigerian will serve as a way forward in making everybody to “see something” and “say something”.

Neighbourhood security programme has several successes, including deterring crime, boosting neighbourhood awareness, building stronger bonds between neighbours, and improving the overall sense of security.

These programmes can also lead to more effective reporting of crimes and better communication between residents and law enforcement agencies. (NANFeatures)

***If used, please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria.

Tuggar seeks responsible reporting on security
Defence/Security

Tuggar seeks responsible reporting on security

358 total views today
By Fortune Abang
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, has called for credible reporting to address Nigeria’s complex security challenges and encourage constructive dialogue over division.

Tuggar made the call on Friday in Abuja, responding to a reported social media post by the U.S. Embassy, Abuja, concerning Nigeria’s security situation.

In a statement issued by ministry spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, Tuggar expressed concern over recent remarks by Bishop Wilfred Anagbe and Reverend Father Remigius Ihyula.

Their testimonies during the U.S. Congressional Hearing on Religious Persecution in Nigeria reportedly highlighted threats faced following their appearance at the hearing.

Tuggar said although their views oversimplify a complex national issue, the clerics are entitled to freedom of expression and association under Nigeria’s constitution.

He added: “The claim that the Nigerian government has allowed violence to escalate unchecked is both inaccurate and unfair.”

The minister explained that the government has consistently taken action, including deploying security forces to areas impacted by communal violence.

It has also implemented peace-building initiatives between farmers and herders, improved intelligence gathering and introduced land reforms and economic development programmes.

He stressed that it is wrong to suggest the government is inactive amid various threats, including banditry, terrorism and organised crime affecting diverse communities.

According to him, the government remains committed to protecting freedom of religion and expression, promising to investigate threats against religious leaders.

“Nigeria values its partnership with the U.S. and other global allies in tackling security challenges,” Tuggar noted.

He urged caution against narratives that deepen religious divides or misrepresent the country’s situation, and not encouraging support for peacebuilding efforts.

Tuggar added: “While Nigeria acknowledges concerns raised, it firmly rejects portrayals of the crisis as an ‘Islamist extermination’ of Christians.”

He reaffirmed government’s priority to protecting all citizens, regardless of faith or ethnicity, through national and international security cooperation.

“We urge responsible reporting that captures the complexity of the situation and promotes constructive dialogue rather than polarisation,” Tuggar said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
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