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Galaxy Backbone Seeks EFCC’s Collaboration on Cyber Security, Training

Managing Director of Galaxy Backbone Limited, Professor Muhammad Bello Abubakar has called for a working relationship and active collaboration between his Agency and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in the areas of training and cyber security.

He made the call in Abuja on Monday, March 27, 2023 while on a courtesy visit to the EFCC Chairman, Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa at the Corporate Headquarters of the Commission.

Abubakar said his Agency was desirous of exploring possibilities of collaboration with the EFCC in the areas of cyber security, storage of data and personnel training.

“We give training, particularly Information Communication Technology, ICT, training, which I believe organizations like the EFCC would want to explore to train their personnel to keep them abreast of the current cyber security challenges”, he said.

He congratulated the EFCC on the successes and achievements recorded since the Chairman assumed the leadership of the Commission.

“I will start by congratulating the Chairman on the achievements and the successes he has recorded since his appointment as the Executive Chairman of the Commission.

“It was truly a very wise decision for the government to have a pioneer cadet of the Commission as the head of the EFCC”

Responding, Bawa said the EFCC could not have recorded the referenced successes without leveraging technology in its day to day activities, ranging from case file management system, human resources management to the creation of a corruption reporting application, Eagle Eye App, among others.

“There is no way we can do this kind of job here without leveraging ICT… One of the things that we have done is developing software that could in the long run make us paperless,” he said.

He called for what he described as the creation of an e-governance structure that would ensure that most ministries, departments and agencies, MDAs, of government are integrated electronically.

CDS Mourns Former Chief Of General Staff Lt Gen Oladipo Diya

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Chief of Defence Staff General Lucky Irabor CFR has expressed sadness over the sudden death of the former Chief of General Staff, Lt Gen Donaldson Oladipo Diya (rtd). Gen Diya who was also the fifth Chief of Defence Staff died on Sunday, March 26, 2023.

According to the Acting Director Defence Information, General Tukur Gusau, Brigadier in a press release signed on Monday, 27 March 2023,
General Irabor, on behalf of himself and members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria join millions of Nigerians and other well-wishers to mourn the former Chief General Staff. The CDS extends his deepest condolences to the family of the late General Diya and the good people of Ogun State.

Gen Irabor describes Late Gen Diya as a complete gentleman and a thoroughbred General and Elder Statesman who has made positive impacts on the Armed Forces of Nigeria he served meritoriously for 33 years and the Nation in general. He prayed to Almighty God to grant him eternal rest in His bosom.

Meanwhile, a condolence register is opened at Defence Headquarters for the general public to register their condolence over the sad exit of the Late General.

New EFCC Lagos Commander Charges Staff on Professionalism, Diligence

The new Lagos Zonal Commander of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, ACE 11 Michael Wetkas, has urged officers in the Command to always demonstrate professionalism and diligence in the discharge of their duties.

Wetkas, who took over from ACE 11 Ahmed Ghali, who has been deployed to the Port Harcourt Zonal Command of the EFCC, gave the charge on Monday, March 27, 2023 during his inaugural meeting with the staff of the Command.

While hammering on discipline, he said: “You are a human being and you have been asked to judge fellow human beings like you; therefore, you must be seen as angels and not mere mortals.

“It is a very difficult and demanding task that requires the fear of God and discipline.

“You cannot abandon case files and be doing other things; you must ensure that case files are treated without unnecessary delay.”

Wetkas, who also warned the staff against involvement in any act of corruption, further said: “How can you fight corruption and be corrupt yourself? If you are doing that, we will not condone it. We are here to tell people to do the right things, so you should not be found doing the same thing.”

The new Lagos Zonal Commander also sought the cooperation of the staff and assured them of his utmost support, saying, “You will take the lead, while I follow from behind. I will watch from behind and watch every one of you. There is no Commander without a troop, and you are the troop.”

Speaking further, he enjoined the staff to always use “the proper channels to express a complaint”” rather than engaging in rumours.

Until his new posting, Wetkas was Head of Operations, EFCC Headquarters.

In a similar development, the new Ag. Commander of the Ibadan Zonal Command of the Commission, ACE II Rufa’u Halima Mustafa has vowed to raise the bar set by her predecessors in achieving the mandate of the Commission. She stated this on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 while taking over from ACE II, Kanu Idagu who has been redeployed to the Benin Zonal Command.

Kenya Forces goes Kinetic, Distributes Foodstuffs To Ijara Residents

Emmanuel Daudu

In the Spirit of the holy month of Ramadhan, KDF personnel stationed at Matha Adon led by Maj Ahmed Juma have distributed clean water to Ijara GSU Camp, NPS Station, and assorted foodstuff to the local mosque and residents of Ijara.

Following the prolonged shortage of rainfall, the region is currently experiencing a shortage of clean drinking water and food scarcity. The KDF intervention was applauded by the local administration and elders, who said that KDF troops had stood with them during the dry season. “I thank the Multi-agency troops for their support to the locals and ensuring the security of this area is guaranteed.” Stated Mr. Mohamed Ali, the area chief.

He further expressed gratitude to the KDF troops for the continuous interventions to assist families in the area.

While overseeing the food and water distribution exercise, Maj Juma thanked the locals for supporting the KDF team through information sharing as it is vital in defeating all forms of terror.

“Collaboration is critical in problem-solving, an approach that requires military, Police, and the community working together, proactively, to identify underlying problems that can be addressed to reduce insecurity at its roots.” Stated Maj Juma, who further called on well wishers to stretch their hands and alleviate human suffering, especially at this time when a lot of people go through tough economic times.

During the distribution, exercise beneficiaries received a variety of foodstuffs, including maize, wheat flour, rice, sugar, dried vegetables, milk, salt, eggs, and cooking oil. The locals thanked the KDF team for their generosity during the onset of the holy month of Ramadhan and promised to continue supporting the LAPPSET Project and other government-initiated programs that are meant to bring economic development in the region.

Present during the exercise were regional peace coordinator (Rtd chief) Muhammad Mahmoud, community leader Mohammed Dagane, and OCS IJARA, who thanked the troops for their warm gesture.

NPF Reviews 2023 Electoral Process As IGP Commends Officers For Peaceful Polls

Emmanuel Daudu

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, CFR, on Monday 27th March 2023, met with Strategic Police Managers of the Nigeria Police Force comprising Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs) and members of the Force Management Team, Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs), Commissioners of Police (CPs) and other Tactical Commanders at the Goodluck Jonathan Peacekeeping Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja, to evaluate Police performance during the 2023 General elections, highlight lessons and strengths, and dissect complex dynamics for subsequent optimal performance.

According to CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, mnipr, mipra, Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters,
Abuja, the IGP seized the opportunity to commend the Senior Police Officers and Commanders and other ranks for their resilience, sacrifices, and professionalism which ensured the containment of the pockets of election security breaches across the country during the electioneering process and enhanced the overall credibility of the elections in line with the police reform initiatives of President Muhammadu Buhari. He equally assured of effective collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to expeditiously and transparently prosecute the 781 electoral offenders apprehended from a total of 489 major electoral infractions across the nation, as all Commands were tasked with submitting casefiles centrally at the Electoral Offences Desk, Office of the IGP, Force Headquarters, Abuja, for coordinated processing to INEC Legal Section.

The Inspector-General of Police, therefore, charged the Strategic Police Managers to readjust strategies and operations towards ensuring a stable post-election security order and refocus policing attention on routine law enforcement duties. He similarly, and firmly, admonished all political actors and their supporters to submit to democratic norms, peaceful means, and legal procedures in advancing their interests as the Police and other security agencies shall not tolerate the resort to incitement or any act designed to threaten our national security.

British Govt trains NDLEA marine officers in Nigeria, UK

No fewer than 35 officers of the Marine Command and Seaports Operations of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), have undergone diverse trainings organised by the United Kingdom Home Office International Operations, HOIO, in recent weeks. Of the number, five are currently undergoing a two-week Maritime Patrol and Tactical Coxswain training by the UKs Central Maritime Training Unit based in Southampton.

According to a press release signed by Femi Babafemi, Director, Media & Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters Abuja, on
Saturday 25th March 2023, disclosed that the trainings, according to the HOIO, are to enhance the border control capabilities of the NDLEA by providing specialised training, mentoring and advanced drug detection equipment. Key areas covered so far include: boat handling, weapons handling, riverine operations, boarding and vessel search, among many others. Some of the trainings have been facilitated by the British Military, Nigerian Navy and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) under the Global Maritime Crime Programme (GMCP).

The ongoing two-week training of five NDLEA marine officers including their first female coxswain will enable them to plan maritime deployments, pursue, stop and board vessels on the high seas.

While thanking the UK government for its continued support and commitment in helping the NDLEA to enhance its capacity and capabilities to tackle drug trafficking, Chairman/Chief Executive of the Agency, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) urged the officers to remain steadfast in their professional calling and ensure they bring to bear the essence of the training on their formations and colleagues. He assured them that he will continue to prioritise training and retraining for all officers, men and women of the Agency.

Kris Hawksfield, the Home Office International Operations Regional Manager for West Africa in his remark during his visit to the team undergoing training in Southampton stated that HOIO was immensely proud and honoured to work with and support the work of NDLEA.

He added that the UK remains committed to strengthening the mutually beneficial work of the Agency to interdict, seize and destroy illicit substances and drugs which would otherwise harm Nigeria and the UK.

GOC 3 DIVISION COMMISSIONS NEWLY BUILT RSM HOUSE IN JOS, CHARGE TROOPS ON ADEQUATE MAINTENANCE OF ARMY FACILITIES

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army (NA) and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), Major General Abdulsalami Bagudu Ibrahim has charged army personnel to develop maintenance culture and ensure adequate care of facilities placed under their care. He stated this on 24 March 2023, while commissioning a newly built three bedroom flat for the 43 Engineer Brigade Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) in Maxwell Khobe Cantonment Jos.

While appreciating the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya for his untiring efforts towards improving the welfare of troops, General Abdulsalami noted that the lack of maintenance of equipment and facilities coupled with nonchalant attitude of some personnel has been a serious setback in infrastructural development in the barracks. He warned that such attitude will no longer be tolerated.

The GOC/Commander OPSH revealed that the commissioning of the RSM’s residence is one of the numerous welfare packages approved by the COAS towards reinvigorating the prestige, pride and good reputation associated with the office of the RSM in military profession. He further appreciated the COAS for his leadership qualities and commitment to rejuvenate the spirit of regimentation, discipline and professional soldering through the RSM.

Welcoming the GOC/Commander OPSH and dignitaries at the event, the Acting Commander 43 Engineer Brigade, Colonel Saidu Iliya revealed that the building was approved by the COAS and completed within three months. He noted that furnishing, landscaping, installation of both generator and solar power, as well as fencing and water reticulation have all been completed in the building.

Delivering the vote of thanks, the RSM 43 Engineer Brigade, Master Warrant Officer Olakunle Stephen who appreciated the COAS for acknowledging the importance of RSMs in the NA also disclosed that ‘’RSMs all over the NA units are proud of the COAS.’’ He further pledged to reciprocate the gesture by discharging his duties professionally and with a high sense of regimentation.

Kenya: Westcom Maj Gen David Tarus joins service as St Mark’s AC Sunday School Classes dedicated At 9kr Eldoret

The GOC Westcom Maj Gen David Tarus joined worshippers of Moi Barracks Eldoret for a Church service at St Mark’s Anglican Church 9 KR.

The service was preceded by the official opening of Sunday School classes by the GOC and dedication by his lordship Rt Rev Dr. Christopher Rutto Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Eldoret on behalf of the Bishop-In-Ordinary to the KDF the Most Rev Dr Jackson Ole Sapit.

The GOC emphasized the need to empower children through Christian Education in order to mitigate lawlessnness of young people witnessed in our society. “Training children in the ways of God will go a long way in positively shaping their character for their own good and the good of our society.” He said.

The new Sunday School classes were handed over to the KDF Principal Chaplain of the AC Col Rev A K Lelei for use by the Military Episcopate.

The Principal Chaplain exibited his joy for the work KDF is doing in empowering Children through Christian teachings and mentorship. He informed the congregants that a similar event would be held across all KDF Units where AC Christians have build Sunday School classes and multi-purpose halls.

The Bishop applauded KDF Christian soldiers who served in Sierra Leone where he visited recently and was shown a permanent church built by Kenyan troops during their deployment there some years back.

He encouraged worshippers to honor God, authority, instituitions and leadership that God has ordained because the opposite breeds chaos while our creator is a God of order. He also echoed the ecumenism displayed by inviting Roman catholic Christians to the day’s ocassion.

NiMet Warns Of Possible Thermal Discomfort

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has warned of a possible rise in temperature across some cities in Nigeria, which may lead to thermal discomfort.

According to Muntari Yusuf Ibrahim, GM/PR, in a press release signed on the 25th of March, 2023
the Agency said that observations from the source region indicates that temperature is expected to rise above 40 degrees in the next 48 hours.

According to the statement “parts of Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Taraba, and Adamawa are expected to record temperatures greater than 40°C. While most parts of the Northern cities are expected to record temperatures between 35°C to 40°C, this includes parts of Oyo, Kwara, FCT, Nasarawa, and Benue”. It reads.

The statement further warned that cities like Bauchi, Gombe, Borno, and Yola are at risk of experiencing high thermal discomfort, while the following days, parts of Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Taraba, and Adamawa are expected to experience temperatures greater than 40°C.

The Agency therefore advise people in these locations to drink a lot of fluid through this period.
NiMet assures of continuous monitoring of the weather and update Nigerians accordingly

Nasarawa Guber polls: INEC, Ishaya Tanko the reason behind crisis

…INEC And Its Influence On Derailing National Interest And Intergrity

The chaos in Nasarawa is tearing the state apart, and the man responsible for the mayhem is none other than Ishaya Tanko, Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos and the INEC State Collation and returning officer. Tanko’s actions have resulted in protests, tears, and despair.

Tanko’s complicity in the gubernatorial elections has had a profound impact on the psycheof the people and activities in the state. In local governments such as Awe and Lafia, where the government holds sway, results were deliberately delayed, causing great anxiety among the populace. In the state capital, wards such as Ciroma and Gayam were unable to complete collation in two days, while other states had already concluded their elections in a single day. The 2 wards are less than 3 minutes drive or about 10 minutes walk from the collation centre, yet, collated Polling Unit results could not be delivered. They were being delayed for the dirty job. However, the chaos was compounded when the panel decided to proceed on break only for Gayam and Ciroma wards to be arbitrarily ruled inconclusive under suspicious circumstances. The police and other agencies appeared to be acting in cahoot with INEC and State Government officials.

The inconsistencies in the election results are also deeply troubling. For instance, the total summary in numbers of the governorship votes suspiciously rose from 540,566 to 650,357. Furthermore, in Lafia LGA, 154,677 votes were cast for the governorship, while only 70,000 votes were received for the House of Assembly election in the same election usungvthe same BVAS. It suggests that some voters only turned up at the polls to vote for the governorship, leaving the House of Assembly ballots uncollected?

The outcome of the election was undoubtedly influenced by Tanko’s tardiness. There appeared to be an extraordinary population explosion in all of the wards and local governments that were collated late, resulting in 109,791 new voters, with 91,000 of them coming from the two local governments whose announcement INEC had postponed. Tanko suspiciously reconvened the collation at 7am when PDP members and agents had already left the center as ordered and directed by INEC officilas, and declared AA Sule the winner.

The collusion between Tanko, Atiku, AA Sule, and other political heavyweights in the state is evident. Atiku allegedly supported AA Sule of the APC over David Ombagadu, the PDP candidate for governor, because of religious and ethnic sentiments and a long business history with AA Sule. Governor Yahaya Bello, Elrufai, and Tinubu’s running mate, Shettima, were also reportedly seen in Nasarawa at the time of the electoral heist, suggesting that there was more going on in the state than meets the eye.

The situation is worsened by the fact that Tanko’s wife is the secretary of the High Court in Abuja, and should the case go to court, she may have a role to play there. Even more disheartening is the fact that Professor Tanko, a native of Southern Kebbi, allowed himself to be used as a tool to subjugate other Middle Belt natives.

The outcome of the elections has left the people of Nasarawa in a state of despair. Women are protesting naked against what they call “their stolen mandate.” The tears and cries of these women reflect the pain and agony that the people of Nasarawa are experiencing. The electoral fraud has not only caused chaos but has also shattered the hopes and dreams of the people of Nasarawa.