Africa Security Investigation News

The Honourable Minister of State for Defence Dr Bello Mohammed Matawalle MON, is attending the Second Meeting of Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) Defence Ministers’ Council in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The meeting is being chaired by the Saudi Minister of Defence who is also the Chairman Council of Defence Ministers of IMCTC member countries, His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Sa’ad.

According to a press release signed by Henshaw Ogubike
Director, information, Press & Public Relations,
IMCTC was established in 2015, the first ever meeting of Council of Defence Ministers was  held in Riyadh on 26 November 2017.
The mission of IMCTC is aimed at coordinating ideological, media and counter-terrorist financing and military efforts within its member countries with a high degree of efficiency and effectiveness, unifying and supporting them in partnership with friendly countries in counter  terrorism and  international organizations. Its vision is to become a global leader on counter-terrorism and a primary partner in international security and peace making efforts.

In addition to Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, IMCTC has 40 other members some of which are Pakistan, Senegal, Kenya, Benin, Turkey, Guinea Bissau, Sudan, Cote de Voírè, Egypt, Sierra Leona and Uganda amongst others. Furthermore, IMCTC has an existing MoU with USA, United Kingdom and France as supporting countries to the Coalition whose roles include developing initiatives, political participation , advocacy, sharing information and providing resources to IMCTC when required.

During the meeting issues of terrorism in Nigeria were highlighted pointing out the negative impact of Boko Haram, Islamic State – West Africa Province (ISWAP) and other terrorist groups. The efforts of the present Nigerian administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR,against terrorism in particular and security in general was also highly appreciated by the Coalition.

In-line with its core values and strategic objectives, IMCTC reiterated its commitment to support and collaborate with the Nigerian Government in the fight against terrorism. This was made known during a closed door meeting between the representative of the Saudi Minister of Defence, Chief of Joint Staff , Secretary General of IMCTC, Nigerian Minister of State for Defence and other major stake holders of the Saudi Government. The old and strong cordial relationship that has long existed between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia was also emphasized. Issues of collaboration, transfer of military technology and Memorandum of Understanding on security cooperation were also discussed during the closed door meeting. It is envisaged that this very important meeting would eventually improve collaboration in the fight against terrorism globally and subsequently elevate  counter-terrorism and security efforts across the African Sahel region which would eventually aid in further degrading the operations and activities of Boko Haram, ISWAP and other terrorist groups in Nigeria.

… Nigeria to explore latest technologies to combat insecurity- Matawalle

The Honoursble Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, MON along with other Nigerian delegation is attending the second edition of the world Defence exhibition which commenced from 4th February 2024 in Riyadh Kingdom of Arabia.

Henshaw Ogubike mnipr
Director ( Information and Public Relations), said, the Nigerian delegation to the World Defence Exhibition comprises of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana mni, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa,  Director-General of Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Major- General Effiong Edet and other critical stakeholders of the Nigerian Armed Forces and exhibitors from the shore of Nigeria.

While going round the exhibition stands, the Minister pointed out that the aim of the Global exhibition was for participating countries  Ministries of Defence  to meet   and share information and ideas on the latest defence systems.

According to him, major international defence companies like DICON and PROFORCE  from Nigeria and others around the world are participating in the exhibition in addition to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Ministry of Defence.

Speaking further, the Minister said: “The Exhibition is designed to deliver key platforms across all five defence domains – land, sea, air, space (satellites) and security.”

The exhibition featured displays of military hardware, latest technology military aircraft including a live air show, knowledge transfer, topical debates, and opportunities to connect, collaborate and network with key defense stakeholders and leaders.

Commending the organizer of the global event, the Minister said that countries would gain a lot in terms of defence cooperation.  “The objective of the Nigerian delegation’s participation in this all important event is to  explore latest technology in military hardware that would eventually be acquired for the country and also create  ways of collaborating with key Defence stakeholders, leaders and companies to enhance Nigeria’s security structure,” he explained. This is line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Agenda on security  and further  enhancement of security in Nigeria and West African region.
The 2nd world Defence  Exhibition in Saudi Arabia is expected to end on the 8th of February 2024.

According to the Nation, EFCC quizzed and arrested Abubakar Ahmad Sirika, brother of immediate-past Minister Hadi Sirika over an alleged N8.06 billion contract fraud in the Federal Ministry of Aviation.

Of the contract sum, about N3.2 bn was traced to Engirios Nigeria Limited, owned by Abubakar Sirika, who is a Level-16 officer, a deputy director, in the Federal Ministry of Water Resources.

It was learnt that four big contracts were awarded to Abubakar’s Engirios Nigeria Limited when his brother was in charge of the ministry.

According to EFCC investigators, Abubakar Ahmad Sirika is listed as the company’s MD/CEO and also the sole signatory to the two accounts linked to the firm with two banks.

The four contracts the ex-minister awarded to his brother which were not executed are:

– Construction of the Terminal Building in Katsina Airport (N1.3bn).

Fire Truck Maintenance and Refurbishment Centre in Katsina Airport (N3.8bn), Procurement and installation of elevators, air conditioners and power generator house in Aviation House, Abuja (N615m), Procurement of Magnus Aircraft and simulator for Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria (N2.3bn).

Investigators revealed that there was a payment of N3.2bn out of the total contract sum to Engirios Nigeria Limited and upon the receipt of the payment, Abubakar Ahmad Sirika allegedly transferred it to different companies and individuals.

The investigators also alleged that there’s no trace of work done on any of the contract items to date.

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Honourable Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu has said that Nigeria will begin production of steel from government-owned steel companies in the coming months, adopting a more strategic and new approach in line with the ‘renewed hope agenda’ of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.

Lizzy Okoji, SA Media to the Honourable Minister of Steel Development in a press release signed on February 3, 2024, disclosed that Prince Audu made this known on Friday in Abuja when he held an interactive session with members of the Steel Press Corp to brief them on the mandates and expectations of the novel Ministry created by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCRF to industrialise Nigeria under the ‘renewed hope agenda’.

The Honourable Minister said that with the support and approval of Mr. President, he and his team of experts are adopting a more strategic and collegiate approach to reviving the moribund Ajaokuta steel plants, as well as  other steel plants in the country.

Prince Audu called for the support of the media as the fourth estate of the realm towards the actualization of the vision of Mr. President, describing them as critical stakeholders in the sector.

Prince Audu said that with all hands on deck, engagements with local and foreign investors, and relevant government and private institutions coming to actualization, Nigeria will commence steel production in the coming months, secure a $10 billion investment in the economy through the steel industry, and create 500,000 direct and indirect jobs.

“The mandate that the president has given us is to try and do some homework and revive the industry. It is a difficult task, and there are certain things that we plan to do over the next months and years to achieve these objectives.

“Number one is that we want to create a 10-year roadmap to revive the steel and non-ferrous metals industry in Nigeria. In addition to that, we would also put together a 3-year roadmap for the revival of the Ajaokuta steel complex. Part of what that will involve is concessioning the Ajaokuta Steel plant to people who have the core competence to get the job done.

“Ajaokuta has about 44 production units within the 24,000 hectares. Perhaps different aspects can be handled by different people with relevant core competencies.

“Part of what Mr. President has said about the revival of Ajaokuta under the 3-year roadmap is to use a collegiate approach. Two things we are looking to do under the collegiate approach to achieve short-term success are the revival of the Light Steel Mill for the production of iron rods and the production military hardwares at the engineering workshop in Ajaokuta.

“I have been in conversations with the Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi who has given me a letter that there would be off-takers of any iron rods produced from the Light Steel Mill of the Ajaokuta Steel Plant.

“I have engaged with the Minister of State for Defence, Governor Bello Matawalle, who we are looking to partner with in terms of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex together with DICON so that military hardwares can be produced. I have also engaged with  His Excellency Mohammed Badaru, I have engaged with the  hierarchy of the Ministry of Defence for that project. Part of the plans is to revive the engineering workshop to get it going to help us produce military hardware.

“It is a lot of work, and it is something that Mr. President has given us his full support, and the Federal Government is determined to do those things.

“We have also engaged with foreign investors to come and set up new steel plants. The Minister of Defence and myself were in China, in the Guangzhou and Hefei regions of China, from the 1st of January to the 2nd week of January this year, to discuss with the senior executives of the Luan Steel Group where they want to come and set up a new steel plant in Nigeria.

“Something similar again for Indian Company, Jindal Steel. Jindal Steel has committed at the sidelines of the G20 Summit in New Delhi, India, in a meeting with Mr. President that they plan to invest $5 billion in setting up a steel plant in Nigeria.

“If you look at some of the things we are looking to do: the revival of the Ajaokuta Steel plants, as well as other steel plants in the country, together with the new Luan and Jindal Steel plants, we expect that we should be able to bring an excess of $10 billion U.S. dollars into the economy and create an excess of 500,000 direct and indirect jobs for Nigerians,” Prince Audu said.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Mary Ogbe said that the President, in his wisdom, created the Ministry, knowing the importance of steel to national development, to make Nigeria enter into a committee of developed nations globally.

Maryam Aminu

In a significant step towards empowering inmates and facilitating their reintegration into society, the Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Hon. Ayodele Olawande visited the Kuje Correctional Center to unveil the “1 Youth 2 Skills” initiative, a flagship program under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration

This was contained in a statement signed by the Head Press and Public Relations, Maryam Umar Yusuf and made available to journalists on Thursday 1st February, 2023 in Abuja

While addressing the inmates, the Hon. Minister expressed the commitment of the Federal Government through the ministry of Youth Development and Ministry of Interior to provide comprehensive vocational and digital skills training aimed at equipping them with the necessary skills for a smoother reintegration into the public upon their release.

Mr. Olawande assured the inmates that the government is dedicated to creating opportunities for them to make a meaningful living after their exit from the correctional centre

The Minister emphasized the importance of empowering youths through skills acquisitions.

He disclosed that plans are underway to organise sensitization programs to reshape public perceptions of inmates and ex-convicts.

In his remarks, the Controller of Correctional Services, FCT Command, Francis John disclosed that the total of 1,225 inmates are currently serving different jail terms in the facility.

John commended the federal government’s effort to improve the lives of inmates

The Controller emphasized the significance of vocational training for inmates in the centre and therefore called for additional resources for enhanced learning, especially as youths account for 90% of the inmates.

He solicited for collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Development to ensure better livelihoods and reintegration of the inmates to society after their exit from the centres.

The Hon. Minister was accompanied on the visit by the SSA to the president on Citizenship and Training Center, Ms. Rinsola Abiola, the SA to the president on Youth Initiative Monitoring and Delivery, Ms. Titilope Gbadamosi and the SSA to the President on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education, Ms. Abiola Arogundade