Security
Insecurity: Group commends NSA, says bill seeking arms bearing in self-defence is invitation to doom – CSO
A Civil Society Organisation has commended President Bola Tinubu and the National Security Adviser, NSA, Nuhu Ribadu for the approach to tackling insecurity in the country, noting that the level of attack was gradually whittling down.
Operating under the aegis of Civil Coalition for Credible Election, CSCCE, its Convener, Hon. Aminu Usman, speaking at a press conference on Wednesday decried the massive illegal circulation of arms, weapons and explosives in the system, stressing that if Nigerians are allowed as suggested by the bill, Nigeria will transit to doomsday.
The reaction was at the backdrop of a bill seeking Nigerians to be able to defend themselves against bandits and terrorists, sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko representing Delta North Senatorial District.
The group pointed out that the alarming number of weapons in circulation has made it impossible for the bill to sail through, hence, they called on lawmakers in the upper and lower legislative Chambers to reject it.
The group said: “We are also quick to object to the proposed bill lying in the National Assembly proposing for citizens to bear arms in self-defence.
“Without mincing words, the bill which was sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko representing Delta North Senatorial District which has passed first reading is an invitation to anarchy and perdition and should be rejected.
“In a survey carried out by a Swiss-based non-profit organisation in 2020, said Nigeria had an estimated 6.2 million arms, excluding explosives in hands of non-state actors, a number far more than the Nigerian military with 586,600 guns and light weapons.
“The non-state actors and some civilians have used illegal arms to wage war against the State and legalizing the use of weapons as captured in the “general principles” of the bill as it were would not be in the interest of the nation.
“Therefore, the Civil Society Coalition for Credible Election is calling on the Senate President, Godswill Obot Akpabio, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas and lawmakers of the upper and lower legislative Chambers to reject the bill as soon as it is due for debate.”
According to the group, residents of communities in Katsina State who deserted their homeland due to terrorists invasion have returned home, while they called on government to intensify effort towards full restoration of peace across the nation.
The group which has strong interest in election, security and economic wellbeing of Nigerians, applauded the Federal Government and Security Agencies for raising to the ocassion of tackling banditry and terrorism in the country, insisting that Tinubu took over governance, when insecurity was at its peak.
They said: “We can effectively say, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took over governance at no ‘peace time’, given the massive insecurity of banditry, kidnapping, abductions and communal crisis at a high scale level across the country at the time.
“Statistics of Nigerians killed due to banditry, kidnapping, abductions and wanton attacks on communities, particularly in the Northern part of the country stood at 63,111 in eight years of the former President Muhammadu Bulari-led alone as reported in Vanguard of May 20, 2023 shortly before he handed over to President Tinubu.
“Also, in four years, i.e. from 2019 to 2023, which was the last four years of Buhari, the figure of Nigerians killed stood at 35,800, a well-researched figure published by Vanguard on May 20, 2023 and many other national and online media outlets in the country.
“Our commendation will not only go to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, or head of Security Chiefs who are leaving no stone unturned to change the trajectory, but to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, who has been relentlessly galvanizing and advising Mr President in a frankly manner on approach to tackling modern day terrorism and all forms of criminalities.
“Nuhu Ribadu’s capability to identify, isolate and process different causes of crises, arising from terrorism, banditry, religious, social, political, economic and communal has made the approach to tackling insecurity in the last nine months effective, moreso, that the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) as it is currently has become completely apolitical and is facing the task of advising Mr President on security in a professional and objectively manner.
“The combined effort of security agencies have decimated activities of terrorists across the country and this is no gainsaying.
“As we speak, communities in about seven Local Government Council Areas in Katsina State, the home state of the immediate past President in the North West that have been under siege of bandits for years have been liberated and residents are back to those communities preparatory for farming season.
“One among many residents of communities that have returned is Shimfida in Jibia Local Government Council of Katsina State. Shimfida is located a kilometer from the dreaded forest that is a hideout for terrorists, but with the efforts of the government, life has returned.”
Security
AIG Zubairu, CP Dantawaye visit kidnapped scene, deploys tactical team to restore law and order
In a bid to ensure confidence building and to reassure the people of kogi State of their safety, the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 8 Lokoja, AIG Abubakar Zubairu, and the Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command CP Miller G. Dantawaye, psc visited the scene of attack on passengers who were traveling in an 18-Seater Bus along Obajana-Kabba road to assess the situation and ordered for deployment of additional operational assets to carry out bush combing operation to deny criminal elements safe haven.
The AIG further engaged with the Divisional Police Officers and other key stakeholders to adopt strategies for proactive crime prevention and control management. He urged residents to remain calm, assuring them that the Command is working with critical stakeholders in security management.
CP Dantawaye reiterated the Command unwavering commitment in working synergy with other security agencies to sustain the ongoing onslaught against criminality in the state. He further stated that, the Divisional Police Officers have been directed to carry out a comprehensive crime prevention patrol as well as intelligence-driven operations, to safeguard travelers and residents.
The engagement with local security groups aimed to further strengthen community collaboration in combating crime. The meeting brought together representatives from Hunters Association, Vigilante Groups, Oduduwa People’s Congress (OPC), Agbekoya Group, National Hunters, Special Hunters, Fulani Hunters.
He commended the vital role of community-led security efforts in preventing and responding to criminal activities. He further stressed the importance of intelligence sharing, noting that the law enforcement agencies require public cooperation to effectively combat crime. While acknowledging manpower challenges, authorities assured that training and collaboration efforts would be intensified to enhance security operations.
The CP disclosed that public support is essential in providing intelligence and other forms of assistance. Community leaders pledged their continued support to completement security efforts. While urging residents to stay vigilant, report suspicious activities, and avoid direct confrontations with well-armed criminals. They emphasized the need for intelligence-driven security strategies to dismantle criminal networks effectively.
The meeting concluded with assurances of strengthened security strategies, encouraging citizens to maintain open communication with law enforcement and prioritize collective safety.
Security
Nigeria, Bangladesh to share experiences in agriculture, military in agriculture, defence cooperation – Badaru
The Honourable Minister of Defence, H.E. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar has said that Nigeria will share experiences in defence , agriculture and Military cooperation with Bangladesh . This bilateral cooperation if discussed further will successfully integrates military personnel into various non-combat sectors such as agriculture, construction, and infrastructure development.
This cooperation discussion aims to ensure that military personnel remain constructively engaged during peacetime, contributing to both their personal economic prosperity and the overall development of the nation.
This bilateral cooperation discussion took place during a courtesy visit by H.E. Mansur Rahman, the High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Nigeria, at Ship House ,Abuja. The meeting highlighted the potential of such experiences between both countries.
He emphasized that benefits of such military cooperation in Agriculture and Defence will lead to productive activities for military personnel to forter their skills and community development
The High Commissioner of Bangladesh, H.E. Mansur Rahman, expressed his support for the idea and reiterated the importance of military involvement in civilian sectors as a means of fostering sustainable development and economic stability. He highlighted that the defence cooperation can substantially develop the Nigeria’s blue economy.
This underscores the Ministry of Defence’s dedication to innovative strategies that promote the welfare of military personnel and the prosperity of Nigeria as a whole.
Security
Matawalle backs declaration of State of emergency in Rivers, warn against attack on oil installations
The Minister of State for Defence, Mohammed Bello Matawalle has thrown his weight behind the declaration of the State of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He said the declaration was to restore peace in the long troubled State, warning against attack on oil installations.
Matawalle stated that the declaration is a necessary measure to address the ongoing political crisis, which has hindered the delivery of democratic governance and the welfare of the people of Rivers State. He called on all political actors involved in the crisis to adhere to the President’s declaration and work collaboratively towards a peaceful resolution.
In light of the current situation, the Minister reiterated that the Nigerian Military is on high alert to safeguard government infrastructure and ensure the security of the citizens. He warned that any attempts to attack government facilities or disrupt public order will be met with a resolute response from security forces.
Reflecting on the President’s address regarding the state of emergency, he acknowledged the gravity of the political crisis in Rivers State and the urgent need for intervention. He highlighted the unfortunate demolition of the House of Assembly by the state governor, which has left the state without a functioning legislature for over fourteen months. This action has contributed to the ongoing political impasse and the inability of the government to effectively serve the people.
The Minister also noted the Supreme Court’s recent ruling, which reaffirmed the constitutional necessity of a functioning legislature and condemned the governor’s actions as unconstitutional. He emphasized that the court’s findings call for immediate restoration of democratic governance in the state.
Minister Matawalle expressed concern over recent reports of vandalism and threats from militants, underscoring the need for a unified effort to restore peace and security. He reiterated that the Federal Government is committed to ensuring the safety of all citizens and the protection of vital infrastructure in Rivers State.
In addition, the Honourable Minister of State reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry of Defence and the Nigerian Armed Forces to upholding national security and ensuring that Rivers State returns to peace, stability and democratic governance.
In conclusion, the Minister of State for Defence urged all stakeholders to embrace this opportunity for renewed governance and cooperation. He expressed hope that the state of emergency will pave the way for a peaceful and democratic Rivers State, benefitting all its residents.
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