The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Professor Charles Anosike has commended the European Union (EU) for its various interventions in Nigeria.
Professor Anosike was speaking when a delegation from the Directorate General- European Commission Humanitarian Office (DG-ECHO), paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja on Monday, 23rd May, 2024.
Professor Anosike welcomed the idea of the Directorate General- European Commission Humanitarian Office (DG-ECHO) partnering with NiMet in disaster risk reduction. “The proposed partnership with the Directorate General- European Commission Humanitarian Office (DG-ECHO) in disaster risk reduction is good for Nigeria, for our farmers and operators in other economic sectors. NiMet already disseminates weather and other climate related information on a daily basis. The weather advisories and forecasts we issue help to reduce disasters. Also, the weather data we issue to NIHSA helps them in the preparation of their annual flood outlook”.
Concluding, Professor Anosike said; “When people are aware of extreme weather events, they prepare for it”.
On her part, a member of the delegation who spoke on behalf of the EU team, Lisa De La Rubia, said that the Directorate General- European Commission Humanitarian Office (DG-ECHO) considers NiMet a critical agency hence the desire to partner with it. According to her, “Directorate General- European Commission Humanitarian Office (DG-ECHO) sees strong potentials for partnership with NiMet in setting up systems and strategies over the next three years towards disaster risk reduction in Nigeria”.
The Director of Weather Forecasting Services (WFS) at NiMet, Professor Vincent Weli and other senior members of staff of the agency were present during the courtesy visit. Other members of the Directorate General- European Commission Humanitarian Office (DG-ECHO) team are; Charlotte Billoir, Confort Agwu and Sandie Romero Ruiz.
Photo Story
Left to Right: Professor Charles Anosike, Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), and Lisa De La Rubia of Directorate General- European Commission Humanitarian Office (DG-ECHO), during a meeting at NiMet on Thursday, 23rd May, 2024, to discuss partnership on disaster risk reduction.
In a bid to transform the Community into an area of genuine freedom and enhance the free movement of persons within its member states, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has commenced the learning mission to ECOWAS Commission with focus on free movement of persons regime and migration
The learning mission which aims to share experience and gain a better understanding of the free movement regime within the context of regional protocols on free movement of persons and transhumance said Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was among the first regional bodies to promote mobility within the region.
IGAD revealed it’s member states as Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya, Somalia, the Sudan, South Sudan and Uganda with ECOWAS as a regional economic community comprising of 15 Member States including Benin, Burkina Faso,Cabo Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, Gambia,Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mai, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo
IGAD Member States have continuously made commitments and made great strides towards achieving greater regional integration among Member States in order to realise trade regional expansion, economies of scale, and greater foreign direct investment, all of which contribute to accelerated economic growth and increased welfare and security of countries to benefit the IGAD citizenry.
The IGAD Secretariat noted that migration remains an irresistible and influential human process in the GAD Region visualizing it as a powerful and effective engine of growth, development and life-transforming experience for the people involved
The GAD region and the ECOWAS region are characterized by migratory movements driven by multiple political, economic and environmental factors making it difficult to establish clear lines between categories of migrants, refugees and forcibly displaced persons
Speaking during the IGAD Learning Mission To ECOWAS Commission funded by the European Union Emergency Trust Fund(EUTF) held on the 21st May, 2024 in Abuja, Nigeria, the Vice President, ECOWAS Commission H.E. Ms. Damtien L. Tchintchibidja commended IGAD for finding ECOWAS worthy of collaboration in the exchange of ideas in the areas of free movement transhumance and other institutional matters
Tchintchibidja expressed that over the years, the two RECs have been working together in areas of common interest.
“Beyond sharing of best practices on free movement and transhumance, cooperation between ECOWAS and IGAD could be nudged higher. By leveraging our collective strengths, we can enhance our capacity for conflict prevention, deepen our economic ties, and promote sustainable development for collective pursuit of prosperity and stability.”
“Our existing collaboration is a testament to what can be achieved when neighbours support each other in areas of mutual interest. Let us build upon the solid foundation of sharing of best practices that have been laid and strive towards building and strengthening REC-to-REC cooperation and partnerships.” She added
According to her, “as the torchbearer for inter-REC coordination, ECOWAS looks forward to your continuing support and cooperation. We should continuously be reminded of the shared vision that binds us ,a vision of stability, prosperity, and peace for all our member states. Let us embrace this moment of sharing of best practices and exchanging of ideas on free movement and transhumance as an opportunity and a catalyst for deepening our ties.” Said ECOWAS Vice President
The Armed Forces of Nigeria, AFN, has cleared the waves regarding an allegation of Involvement of Nigerian Military in aiding and Profiting from Terrorism activities made by the Katsina State governor, Dikko Radda.
In a statement refuting the allegation, Major General Edward Buba, Director Defence Media Operations, on the 22nd of May 2024, disclosed that the attention of the Defence Headquarters has been drawn to a weighty allegation labelled against the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) by the Executive Governor of Katsina State, His Excellency Governor Dikko Radda.
According to the press release, “The Governor granted an interview on Channels television programme ‘Politics Today’ on 5 April 2024 alleging that the Military is aiding and profiting from terrorism activities in Katsina State.
“The AFN is hereby making it unequivocally clear that, it is subservient to all elected government representatives and therefore regards the relationship with utmost respect. In the light of the aforementioned statement of His Excellency the Governor of Katsina State, the AFN elects not to join words with the state Governor, rather would encourage him to approach the military high command to substantiate his allegations.
“It is worthy of note to state that, the AFN led by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa OFR, has zero tolerance for indiscipline and any form of criminality in the conduct of operations across the country. It is for this reason that, there are standing court martials to treat any form of misbehaviour by troops especially those that portray the military negatively to the general populace.
“Meanwhile, the military remains unperturbed by such statements capable of demoralizing or dampening the spirit of troops in operational theatres. Rather, we will continue on the trajectory of conducting operations as well as working assiduously in the fight against terrorism.
“Overall, the Armed Forces is for Nigerians and as such citizens are urged to own it and also report any credible observed bad conduct within the ranks, so that they can face the appropriate military justice system. Kindly use your Media house to disseminate this information for the awareness of all.”
The Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has set up a 9 member reform committee headed by the Permanent Secretary of the Interior Ministry, Dr Aishatu Gogo Ndayako
This according to him, is in determination to reposition the practice of Private Security Guard Company and enhance their contribution to the security architecture in Nigeria.
Speaking as the Chairman of a Stakeholders Consultative Meeting held in Abuja on Nigeria Private Security Practice, the Hon. Minister explained that two other members of the committee are to be drawn from the Ministry of Interior while the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Association of Licensed Private Security Practitioners of Nigeria (ALPSPN), are to produce three members each.
“The NSCDC is Statutorily empowered to Training, Supervision, Monitored and issuing of License of operation to Private Security Practitioners in Nigeria”. He recalled
The Minister gave the reform committee meeting three weeks to submit its report which required it to work assiduously towards ensuring the standardisation of private security Companies in the country to meet the security needs of the Nigerians.
According to the minister, private guard companies have great roles to perform in enhancing the security architecture of the country in addition to complementing the duties of conventional security agencies in terms of Intelligence gathering.
While reiterating the need for adherence to the regulatory rules by operators he charged the NSCDC to enforce and regulate accordingly.
Giving assurance through support from the interior ministry and cooperation, Dr Olubunmi announced that the dividends of the proposed reforms would be enjoyed by members of Private Guard Companies who would comply with standardized regulations.
In an address of welcome, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr Aishatu Gogo Ndayako, explained that the stakeholders meeting was to address key challenges, explore innovative solutions, and strengthen the professionalism of private security services.
While stating that the forum was to ensure constructive dialogue and collective expertise to foster a more secure environment for communities and businesses, the Permanent Secretary called for maximum participation and contribution from operators who were drawn from across all zones in the country.
On his part, the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi mni OFR, said Nigeria is bedevilled with security challenges stating that the situation requires coordination, cooperation and collaboration from all state actors with the support of private security operators to be effectively addressed.
While emphasizing the crucial role of Private Security operators, the CG maintained that no agency has a monopoly of strategies, hence the need for the companies to cover the vacuum which may be left by conventional agencies.
Concerning the sole mandate of the Corps in regulating activities of Private Guard Companies as contained in the NSCDC Act (Amendment) 2007, the CG stated that the Corps is empowered to recommend private security companies to the Minister of Interior for licensing, monitor and supervise their activities and train their operatives.
While assuring of the readiness of the Corps to improve on its regulatory activities, he disclosed that as at take off in 2006 when the regulation of PGCs was handed over to NSCDC with 525 licensed companies under the ministry, the Corps through its regulatory activities has discharged its duties thus, increased the number of companies to 1,333 nationwide as at 2023.
Speaking on behalf of other operators, the National President of, the Association of Licensed Private Security Practitioners of Nigeria, ALPSPN, Mr Chris Adigwu, commended the Minister for the stakeholder’s consultative meeting and pledged on behalf of his members to adhere to new reforms that will be put in place.
Other highlights of the meeting were presentations on challenges and solutions by representatives of operators from different zones which were articulated and responded to by the Minister of Interior, Honourable Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo who presided over the meeting
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has dismantled an illegal bunkering site in whichAdobi Etche Local Government, Rivers State.
A statement signed by the National Public Relations Officer, CSC Babawale Afolabi, on Saturday, said the operatives impounded 100,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil from oil thieves in the state.
Afolabi said the operations were conducted by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad.
The Corps reiterated it’s relentless war against vandalism and crude theft across the nation
The Commander General SIS,DC Daura Appolos hinted that the operational success was achieved through credible intelligence that some suspects have vandalized s Multinational Company Well Head and connected galvanized metal pipes with large horses thereby syphoning crude and processing it locally
He disclosed that the team swung into action and uncover several site where massive illegal refining of crude oil were carried out
While those involved in the illegal refining took to their heels on sighting the NSCDC operatives, the SIS caught one Godspower Oyibo(M) 32 years from Delta state and he is now assisting the operatives with further Investigation
“Exhibits impounded from the site include one yellow robin EY 20 pumping machine, galvanised metal pipes, long large hoses, already vandalised well heads, and stolen crude worth 100,000 litres stored in reservoirs.
“Others are calibrated surface tanks, processed AGO in cooking pots and metal buckets,” he said.
The Federal Government has approved N110 billion to revitalize the National Youth Investment Fund (NYIF), for the 2024 fiscal year to serve as a cornerstone for youth empowerment.
Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, disclosed this during the closing ceremony of the ministry’s two-day management retreat on presidential priorities and deliverables with the theme: ‘Achieving the Eight Presidential Priorities and Deliverables’ in Abuja on Friday.
The Minister in a statement on Saturday in Abuja by the Director, Press and Public Relations of the ministry, Omolara Esan, expressed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration was committed to empowering every Nigerian youth through actionable policies and innovative programmes which align with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
R-L, Hon. Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, Hon. Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim and Permanent Secretary, of the Ministry, Dr. Dunoma Umar Ahmed at the closing ceremony of a 2 Day Ministry’s Retreat in Abuja.
“Federal Government has also approved the integration of Skills and Entrepreneurship Development into the NYIF programme, transitioning the NYIF Committee to an interim project management office, and investing N5 billion in the Youth Development Bank.” She added.
According to her, “the National Youth Development Bank (NEXTGEN BANK), a pioneering effort in partnership with the Bank of Industry and their private sector partners, represents a ground-breaking stride towards economic independence for our youth. With an initial take-off shareholder fund of N10 billion, this institution will be instrumental in nurturing young entrepreneurs and innovators who are the bedrock of our nation’s future.”
Bio further explained that the Retail Development Financial Institution will be dedicated to providing financial solutions tailored specifically for young entrepreneurs, youth-backed ventures, and youth-sector enterprises, adding that with an initial capitalization of N10 billion, the bank is poised to be a pillar of support for youth-led enterprises, offering not just loans and equity but development, guidance, mentorship, and a network of resources.
“The Bank of Industry will be investing N2.5 billion and their private sector partners have committed to the balance of the N2.5 billion investment, and the bank will be private sector managed” she added
The Minister said the fund is not just a financial reservoir but a catalyst for youth entrepreneurship and innovation aimed at bridging the gap between ambition and opportunity.
Bio disclosed that the government would soon commence the rehabilitation and transformation of youth development centres across the country.
These centres will be transformed into hubs of technical, digital, and creative skills training; bastions of social, political, and cultural engagement, amongst our youths; and sanctuaries for mental health and combatting the scourges of substance abuse and social decay. By investing in these centres, we are investing in safe spaces that foster the holistic development of the Nigerian youth,” she added
Speaking also, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Dunoma Umar Ahmed, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government, the Ministry, all development partners and stakeholders for their unwavering commitment and unflinching support towards lifting the quality of life of Nigerian youth
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced the temporary suspension of communication licenses in 3 categories
The Commission notified that the categories included Interconnect Exchange Licence,Mobile Virtual Network Operator Licence and Value Added Service Aggregator Licence
NCC, in a statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka said the temporary suspension was necessary to enable the Commission conduct a thorough review of several key areas within these categories, including the current level of competition, market saturation and current market dynamics.
“The public is invited to note that during the suspension period commencing on 17 May, new application for the aforementioned licences will not be accepted.”
“This is without prejudice to pending applications before the commission will be considered on their merits.” The Commission said
“Any enquiry or clarification in respect of this suspension notice should be forwarded to: licensing@ncc.gov.ng.”
Nigeria’s Omoniyi Ibietan, Elected Secretary-General of APRA
Maryam Aminu
The Head of Media Relations Management at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Omoniyi Ibietan, has been elected as the secretary-general of the African Public Relations Association (APRA)
Ibietan was elected at the ongoing 35th Annual Conference and Annual General Meeting in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire on Thursday.
Ibietan was elected into a three-man Executive Council. The other two members are Arik Karani (Kenya), President, and Dr. Michele Mekeme (Cameroon), Vice President.
Reiterating dedication, Ibietan, a fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and APRA, promised to work with other members of the Executive Council to continue the trajectory of reforms in APRA, expand the democratic space by encouraging greater participation of national public relations institutions on the continent.
He reiterated his readiness and commitment to work more closely with the African Union Commission and Council of Ministers to put public relations at the heart of policy, programmes, and project implementation.
Ibietan, a journalist, writer, and author works with the NCC where he oversees aspects of the public communication strategy of the national regulatory authority for telecommunication in Nigeria.
Earlier in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, he was Special Media Advisor to the Federal Minister of Information and Communication and has over 20 years of experience in media and communication scholarship and practice, spanning journalism, academia, policy discourse, communication strategy, regulation, and stakeholder relations.
Ibietan earned BA and MA in Communication Arts and Communication & Language Arts from the Universities of Uyo and Ibadan in Nigeria, respectively, graduating atop his classes.
He had earlier obtained a diploma in journalism with distinction from the Moscow-Based International Institute of Journalism and also holds a Ph.D. in Communication from the North-West University in South Africa, with specialisation in political communication.
Ibietan, who is a IP3 certified regulation specialist and holds a mini MBA in telecommunications from NEOTELIS in Paris, is also a member of the African Council for Communication Education (ACCE), an Associate Registered Practitioner of Advertising (arpa) and member of the International Institute of Communications (IIC), the world’s only policy debating platform for the converged communications industry.
As a scholar, Ibietan focuses on patterns of political communication through new media; media and culture studies; and theoretical & normative foundations of communication in relation to democracy and freedom.
He is on the faculty of the Nigerian campus of Italy-based Rome Business School (RBS), where he teaches doctoral students PR & Advertising and Media Management & Communication Strategy as well as facilitates learning to students in the Master of Corporate Communication programme at RBS.
APRA, the successor to the Federation of African Public Relations Association (FAPRA), instituted in Nairobi in 1975, exists to foster unity of Africans and their global allies through interactions and exchange of meaning. This year’s theme is ‘One Africa, One Voice: Bridging Africa’s Communication Divide’.
APRA Côte d’Ivoire 2024 is endorsed by the Government of Côte d’Ivoire, the Holding Opinion & Public (THOP), and major global PR associations, namely the International Public Relations Association (IPRA), The International Communications Consultancy Organisation (ICCO), the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management (GA), the African Union Commission (AUC), and PR national associations across the continent.
Additionally, the conference featured the eight edition of the Innovation Summit (IN2SUMMIT) and included the seventh edition of the SABRE Awards Africa, holding tonight. The APRA secretariat is in Nigeria, and the body maintains an observer status with the African Union.
Maryam Aminu
The Head of Media Relations Management at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Omoniyi Ibietan, has been elected as the secretary-general of the African Public Relations Association (APRA)
Ibietan was elected at the ongoing 35th Annual Conference and Annual General Meeting in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire on Thursday.
Ibietan was elected into a three-man Executive Council. The other two members are Arik Karani (Kenya), President, and Dr. Michele Mekeme (Cameroon), Vice President.
Reiterating dedication, Ibietan, a fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and APRA, promised to work with other members of the Executive Council to continue the trajectory of reforms in APRA, expand the democratic space by encouraging greater participation of national public relations institutions on the continent.
He reiterated his readiness and commitment to work more closely with the African Union Commission and Council of Ministers to put public relations at the heart of policy, programmes, and project implementation.
Ibietan, a journalist, writer, and author works with the NCC where he oversees aspects of the public communication strategy of the national regulatory authority for telecommunication in Nigeria.
Earlier in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, he was Special Media Advisor to the Federal Minister of Information and Communication and has over 20 years of experience in media and communication scholarship and practice, spanning journalism, academia, policy discourse, communication strategy, regulation, and stakeholder relations.
Ibietan earned BA and MA in Communication Arts and Communication & Language Arts from the Universities of Uyo and Ibadan in Nigeria, respectively, graduating atop his classes.
He had earlier obtained a diploma in journalism with distinction from the Moscow-Based International Institute of Journalism and also holds a Ph.D. in Communication from the North-West University in South Africa, with specialisation in political communication.
Ibietan, who is a IP3 certified regulation specialist and holds a mini MBA in telecommunications from NEOTELIS in Paris, is also a member of the African Council for Communication Education (ACCE), an Associate Registered Practitioner of Advertising (arpa) and member of the International Institute of Communications (IIC), the world’s only policy debating platform for the converged communications industry.
As a scholar, Ibietan focuses on patterns of political communication through new media; media and culture studies; and theoretical & normative foundations of communication in relation to democracy and freedom.
He is on the faculty of the Nigerian campus of Italy-based Rome Business School (RBS), where he teaches doctoral students PR & Advertising and Media Management & Communication Strategy as well as facilitates learning to students in the Master of Corporate Communication programme at RBS.
APRA, the successor to the Federation of African Public Relations Association (FAPRA), instituted in Nairobi in 1975, exists to foster unity of Africans and their global allies through interactions and exchange of meaning. This year’s theme is ‘One Africa, One Voice: Bridging Africa’s Communication Divide’.
APRA Côte d’Ivoire 2024 is endorsed by the Government of Côte d’Ivoire, the Holding Opinion & Public (THOP), and major global PR associations, namely the International Public Relations Association (IPRA), The International Communications Consultancy Organisation (ICCO), the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management (GA), the African Union Commission (AUC), and PR national associations across the continent.
Additionally, the conference featured the eight edition of the Innovation Summit (IN2SUMMIT) and included the seventh edition of the SABRE Awards Africa, holding tonight. The APRA secretariat is in Nigeria, and the body maintains an observer status with the African Union.
In a significant development, the Birnin Magaji/Kaura Namoda Federal Constituency has commenced the recall process for suspended Hon. Aminu Sani Jaji. This move follows his indefinite suspension by the All Progressive Congress (APC) Zamfara State Chapter due to anti-party activities aimed at weakening the party’s strength and popularity in the state.
Jaji’s recall process was as a result of his suspension because of his anti-party activities, which included refusing to respect invitations to APC activities at the ward and local government levels, creating factions in the party, and undermining key party members, including Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, the Honourable Minister of State for Defence. His actions were aimed at weakening President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s political grip on the North West region, and his suspension is a testament to the party’s commitment to discipline and unity.
The processes of the recall of Jaji is democratic as the he has been suspended indefinitely.
Prior to his recall process, the law maker has been having issues with the party. According to the Zamfara APC Publicity Secretary, Yusuf Idris, he was suspended following a discovery by the party of his political misconduct which included anti-party activities that led to the failure of the party in the last general elections in the state.
Accordingly, the State Executive Committee of the APC, Zamfara State Chapter held an emergency meeting at the State Party Secretariat, Gusau on the 17th May 2024, where Hon. Jaji’s suspension matter was tabled to the members during which a report of an already constituted state fact- finding committee on Anti-Party activities established in the aftermath of the 2023 Zamfara State Governorship election was presented to the state’s committee for deliberations by members.
The findings of that committee as contained in its report dated 15th July 2023 equally fingered Hon. Aminu Sani Jaji in direct involvement in anti-party activities and recommended for his immediate suspension from the party pending the review and deliberations by the State Disciplinary Committee and subsequent ratification by the State Executive Committee. The 7-Man State Disciplinary Committee also recommended his suspension from the party having failed to appear before the committee despite several invitations. The State Executive Committee thereafter reviewed the earlier findings made by the State Disciplinary Committee and agreed with its recommendations and resolved to suspend him based on the findings.
In view of the foregoing, the Zamfara State APC Executive Committee resolved and approved the suspension of Hon. Aminu Sani Jaji from the party based on the recommendations of the State Disciplinary Committee which was earlier made, coupled with his recent suspension by APC Birnin Magaji Ward Executive Committee and affirmed by APC Birnin magaji Local Government Executive Committee.
Jaji’s sins are many. Aside his anti- party activities, he has another serious allegation leveled against him by the Nigerian Patriotic Youth Against Corruption. In a petition written to the anti graft agency; Economic and Financial Crime Commission ( EFCC), the body is calling on EFCC to look into allegation of terrorism financing and banditry levelled against the House of Representatives member, Hon. Aminu Sani Jaji. The Human Rights Writers Association ( HURIWA) are also making similar demand of the EFCC on Jaji.
A visit to the State as at the time of filing in this report showd thousands of APC Supporters in Zamfara State celebrating the suspension of Hon. Aminu Sani Jaji over his multiple anti party involvement during and after the 2023 elections.
Consequent to these unacceptable behaviors of Hon. Jaji the people of his Constituency have initiated a recall process that will remove him from the National Assembly. They have started gathering signatures and the response is very high. Most people interviewed were of the opinion that the irresponsible attitude of Hon. Jaji and disrespecting of notable illustrious leaders like Dr Matawalle is the reason why they are supporting his recall. It is reprehensible to lose focus at the National Assembly and condescend so low by sponsoring attacks on Matawalle because of his support and solidarity with President Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.
However, our concern and agitation now is why should Jaji go on suspension and eventual recall without his Master, the first Civilian Governor of the State, Ahmad Sani Yariman Bakura who has been working hand in hand with Jaji in sabotaging the party in the State, who as well recently declared his ambition to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the upcoming 2027 general election.
As the saying goes, “a stitch in time saves nine.” Jaji’s recall process is a timely move, and it is advisable that the process of the recall should be completed without further delay. If the recall process succeeds, it will go a long way in determining the success of the 2027 general election in the State. APC members will know that it is not business as usual and that the supremacy of the party is sancrosant.
Defence Headquarters has debunked the rumours roaming the social media space of about 500 people kidnapped in Zamfara State says, it is all false.
According to the press release signed by Major General Edward Buba, Director Defence Media Operations on 17th May, 2024, The Defence Headquarters has dismissed the false information circulating on social media platforms, claiming that 500 individuals have been abducted in Zamfara State. “This information is baseless and lacks any factual evidence”.
The military urged the general public to disregard such fabricated news, as no such incident has occurred. They emphasized the importance of verifying information from credible sources before disseminating it further.
The military further reiterated its commitment to maintaining security and protecting the lives and property of citizens. They urged citizens to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and accurate information to apprehend criminal elements in their respective communities.
It is essential to rely on authorized information sources like the military or relevant government agencies to avoid spreading false information that may cause panic and fear among the populace.
“Troops of Op Hadarin Daji which covers the NW of the country are actively fighting and conducting ongoing operations in and around Zurmi LGA of Zamfara State. It must be noted that troops are fighting a vicious enemy in a complex combat environment in which several factors are at interplay both on and off the battlefield.
The virtual reality as well as the reality on the ground. The virtual reality which is mostly on social media is more of fictitious figures and extreme exaggeration of the situation on the ground.
“For instance, it is fictitious and over exaggerated to state that over 500 people were abducted by terrorist,while in reality troops can confirm that 4 persons were abducted. It must be recalled that same was experienced during the Kuriga abduction during which the figures brandished were much higher than those truly abducted.
On the issue of rotation or overstayed troops in operational area. It is no news that, the current military leadership upon assumption of office addressed several of these issues. In fact, both issues were prioritised in line with enhancing troops welfare and administration. Accordingly, on the ground,troops continue to demonstrate stamina, resolve and strong desire to remain focused and stay the course until the enduring defeat of the terrorist and their cohorts.
The military admits that there is still a lot of work ahead to better secure citizens and protect them from acts of terror. Efforts are ongoing to better the cooperation with the Zamfara State Community Protection Guard. Efforts are ongoing to better secure the citizens in their farmlands with the set in of the rainy season. There is also a lot more ongoing, which is better left unsaid due to ongoing operations in the area.
Overall, we are in a good and strong position in this war against the terrorist with many terrorist leaders killed. We are making them pay a much heavier price than we have been forced to pay.
Africa Security Investigation News 