Africa Security Investigation News

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Dr. Solomon Arase, CFR, retired Inspector General of Police, today Thursday, September 7th 2023, received the national Leadership of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, RTEAN where he called for robust partnership between the association and the Nigeria Police Force to assist fight and contain criminality across the country.
Dr. Arase said the Association is a strategic partner in the fight against crime and criminality in the country.

According to Ikechukwu Ani, Head, Press and Public Relations on
Thursday, September 7th 2023, PSC boss noted that the Nigeria Police Force will be willing and ready  to partner the association especially taking into cognisance  the role they play in the movement of goods, services and persons in the country.

The PSC Chairman  said the Police will need vital information from Members of the association as they encounter Nigerians across the length and breadth of the country. He commended them for the assistance they give to the Police during elections and called for an improved and strategic partnership that will be enduring and productive.

He also commended the association for giving timely information to the Police on activities of criminals.
The PSC Chairman  said this is the time for all stakeholders to come together to rescue the nation from the hands of bandits.

Earlier, the Executive National Chairman of the Association, Dr. Musa Mohammed (Maitakobi) who was represented by the National Vice President Administration, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar  Bishara said the Association was impressed  by the numerous initiatives  and Reforms undertaken by the Commission under Dr. Arase’s watch to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness  of the Police Force.

“The progress made in areas such as community policing, training and development and technological advancements is truly remarkable  and a testament  to the Commission’s  commitment  to continuous improvement  as well  as the measures taken to bring reform and sanity in the Nigeria Police  both in recruitment and in service” he noted.

Alhaji Bishara said the Association felt inspired and motivated to contribute to the betterment  of law enforcement practices as its Constitution says ” we should liaise  with the law enforcement  agencies in discharging our duties”.
According to him, the Association greatly appreciate  the opportunity  to learn from the best practices implemented  by the Commission  and “we look forward  to incorporating these insights in our work”

He said the Association will remain committed to supporting  the Commission’s  endeavours and look forward  to future collaborations especially  in the area of recruitment “of our  unemployed youth who are capable of contributing  their quota in Nigeria as well as to have a well coordinated  security activities  between the Nigeria Police and RTEAN Marshal which is presently liaising with Nigerian police  in Information sharing in the motor parks  and bus stop “.

The Deputy President of the Association  urged the Commission  to build more on artificial intelligence  to curtail the insecurity  facing the country.

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, has commended the Swedish Government and Ericsson for their commitment and consistency in a strategic partnership with NCC on capacity building which has strengthened the Commission’s regulatory activities. 

According to Reuben Muoka, Director, Public Affairs, in a press release on September 6, 2023, disclosed that speaking at a workshop jointly organised by NCC and its Swedish partners within the framework of the Swedish Programme for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in Developing and Emerging Regions (SPIDER), Danbatta stressed the significant strides made by NCC in the field of ICT.

“This workshop signposts the vital role the Nigerian Communications Commission, as a regulator, has been playing in the West African sub-region. It also highlights the unending objective of keeping up with the times and ever-evolving dynamics of the telecommunications sector,” Danbatta stated.

The NCC Chief Executive reiterated the enduring commitment of the Swedish Government and SPIDER to the cause of ICT development in emerging regions and acknowledged their roles in improving access to healthcare, education, income generation, and employment opportunities in West Africa, thereby contributing to poverty reduction.

“This periodic strategic engagement under the auspices of SPIDER over the years has made the Commission a more effective regulator and enhanced it contribution to the development of the telecommunications sector. This contribution will further support the creation of an ecosystem that is beneficial to the economies and people of the region,” the EVC said.

In her speech, the Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroun, and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Mrs. Annika Hahn, highlighted the significance of ICT regulation and capacity building as key drivers for economic development and social progress.

The ambassador also commended the NCC for hosting the event and fostering collaboration between the two nations. She acknowledged the pivotal role ICT has played in Sweden’s economic growth being the birthplace of Ericsson, one of the world’s oldest and largest ICT companies, with a rich history in the sector.

Speaking further, the ambassador stressed the global technological revolution and its potential to catalyse industrial and economic development. She stressed the need for modern and adaptable regulation to navigate this rapidly-evolving landscape.

Hahn also stated that, “to cope with this new and swiftly-developing environment, we need to regulate in a modern and adaptable way. Therefore, human capacity building in ICT regulation is crucial for all of us.”

The diplomat said the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of ICT across the globe, leading to an increase in Internet users as the shift impacted various sectors, including education, commerce, and financial services. She also said that e-learning practices on various platforms played a significant role in the transformation.

Speaking further, the Ambassador said Ericsson has reported that there were more than 900 million registered mobile subscriptions in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2022, with a considerable portion of those in Nigeria.

The Swedish ambassador said that, in driving growth and contributing to the ambitious goal of over a billion mobile subscriptions by the end of 2023 within Sub-Saharan Africa, “education must be an essential part of our regulatory development strategies and policies, hence the need for collaboration in knowledge-sharing and up-skilling of human resources by all stakeholders.”

By Omojo Jennifer

The President of, World Sustainable Development Goals Organization, Emmanuel Huleji Daudu congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR over his victory at the Presidential Petition Tribunal judgment passed on Wednesday, 6th of September, 2023.

He added, “I also commend the tribunal for upholding the credibility of the electoral process. This is a positive development for our democracy as it shows that the judiciary is truly independent and can dispense justice without fear or favour. As citizens, we must continue to have faith in our democratic institutions and processes.”

Daudu expressed confidence that President Tinubu’s administration would focus on the welfare and development of Nigerians, and work towards solving the various challenges facing the nation.

He said, “President Tinubu has always been a leader with a vision for the progress and development of Nigeria. This victory for him will only spur him to work harder in bringing about positive change for all Nigerians. I urge all citizens to support his administration and work together to build a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.”

Daudu concluded by calling on all political actors to put aside their differences and work towards the common goal of building a better Nigeria for all. He said, “We must all work together to move Nigeria forward, and this can only be achieved through unity, cooperation, and a shared vision for progress.”

He also charged the youths to remain calm and watch out for the amazing and mind blowing programs, policies, and activities the Tinubu-led administration has for the youths economically.

In furtherance of the resolve to leverage the competitive advantages of Lekki Deep Seaport in attaining maritime hub status, the Managing Director, Mohammed Bello Koko, accompanied the Honourable Minister for Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, on a tour of the facility, which, apart from being Nigeria’s first deep seaport, is also the country’s first fully automated port.

Speaking during the visit, Mohammed Bello said “Lekki Deep SeaPort’s distinctive features, such as full automation, drive-through scanners, and super post-panamax size ship-to-shore cranes, amongst others, position it for quick cargo and vessel turn-around, which will greatly enhance the competitiveness of our exports, especially agro-allied products, in the international marketplace.

With enhanced competitiveness comes increased demand, which ultimately grows foreign exchange inflow into the country”.

He added that “the NPA is glad to announce that Lekki is already processing transhipment cargo, for which two of our landlocked neighbours have expressed interest, and with our renewed partnership with the Nigerian Customs towards the domestication of the World Custom Organisation’s guidelines on transhipment and other ease of doing business best practices, the numbers can only increase”.

Recall that the NPA had recently procured and deployed two first-of-its-kind in Africa Azimuth Stern Drive (ASD) 80-tonne Bollard Pull Tugboats to equip Lekki Port to provide best-in-class marine services.

The Honourable Minister expressed his delight at the world-class facilities on the ground at the Lekki Port and pledged the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy’s commitment to ensure that the opportunities for national prosperity inherent in the Lekki Deep Seaport are maximally utilised.

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu has lauded the Nigerian Judiciary as she congratulates  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his victory at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal

She also commended the tribunal for affirming the integrity of the electoral process and urged all Nigerians to cooperate with the government in its efforts to build a better Nigeria.

Dr. Edu said, “I congratulate President Tinubu on his victory at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal. This verdict is a clear affirmation of the love Nigerians have for him and the mandate they gave him. I urge all Nigerians to continue to support him and work with his administration to build a better Nigeria.”

She added, “I also commend the tribunal for upholding the integrity of the electoral process. It is important that we continue to work towards strengthening our democratic institutions and processes. This is the only way we can build a strong and prosperous Nigeria for all.”

Dr. Edu expressed optimism that President Tinubu’s administration would continue to deliver on its promises to Nigerians and work towards improving the lives of all citizens.

She said, “President Tinubu has shown time and again that he is committed to the welfare of Nigerians. I have no doubt that his administration will continue to prioritize the needs of the people and work towards building a better Nigeria for all.”

“Let me on behalf of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Congratulate Mr. President and Commander-in-Chief of Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his well-deserved election tribunal victory.

“As the then National Women Leader of our great party, the All Progressives Congress, APC I joined Mr President to campaign across the 36 states and Abuja and I know how Nigerians accepted his Renewed Hope Agenda. He will not fail Nigerians!

“Now that the Court had spoken overwhelmingly, the petitioners should join Mr. President to alleviate the Poverty and renew the hopes of millions of Nigerians which will help to reduce the Humanitarian crisis across the Country.

According to her, “This victory is a double victory as he marks 100 days of exceptional leadership to Nigeria. The victory is deserving, and proper. It reaffirms and re-validates the love Nigerians have for our dear president which they demonstrated in February with the overwhelming and popular mandate they bestowed on him”, the Minister said.

Dr. Edu further described the Tribunal judgment as “a triumph of truth over pernicious propaganda and a vindication of a man whom God has chosen to pull our country from the doldrums”

In a press statement signed by the Special Adviser Media and Publicity to Hon Minister, Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair, the Minister urged the defeated petitioners to place love for the country above sentiments and partisan striving, accept the tribunal’s verdict with utmost equanimity, and support the president in his efforts to build a better country.

“Let me use this medium to appeal to my brothers who lost at the polls and also at the tribunal to place love for the country above politics and sentiments and join hands with the president to build a greater country.

“We have no other country except Nigeria and we all, irrespective of party affiliation, religion, or tribe owe it a duty to make our country work”, the Minister said.

Sundry youth groups across the six Geo-Political Zones under the algae of Coalition of Nigerian Youth Forum, has called on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider their coalitional resolution which was reached after daily meetings for weeks which persistently ended dead lock.

According to a statement signed by the President of the Coalition, Khalid Muhammed and the Secretary of the forum Agogor Onochie, today Thursday, 31st August, 2023, disclosed that the youth have ransacked its constituency thoroughly and Dr. Raymond Edoh is the only man standing going by his high level of integrity, humility, ears to the youth community and his philanthropic and humanitarian style of leading the youths over the years.

The United Nations Habitat Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Raymond Edoh was said to be a very nice personality that was resolved to lead the youths across the federation in the capacity of youth minister under the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.

The statement also disclosed that another reason why Dr. Raymond Edoh was mutually adopted for the youth ministerial appointment is based on his wide range of wealth of knowledge, passion to serve the youths, his broad leadership experience within and outside the country, his consistency in youth empowerment, capacity building and his high level of education.

The statement which reads in parts, “Dr. Raymond Edoh, a young Nigerian Oil Magnet, an International Activist, Political Strategist, Foreign Affairs Analyst, a Real Estate Consultant, Shipping Expert and an Economist, highly accomplished, proactive, and dynamic professional with a successful Career.

“The Nigerian youth Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency, Dr. Raymond
Edoh was born on the 25th of November, 1983 into the family of Mr. & Mrs Paul Adehi Edoh in Otukpo Benue State of Nigeria.

“The Secretary General, Nigerian Youth Congress, NYC, Dr. Raymond Edoh has empowered a cluster of young journalists across Print, Radio, TV, online and outdoor in Abuja. He has also empowered over 6000 farmers across Benue and Kogi States with
hybrid seedlings and capacity building trainings.

“The Executive Secretary, National Civil Society Council of Nigeria,
Dr. Raymond Edoh has also empowered young Nigerian Youths with aquaculture related skills as well as start up funds (seed money) to take it up as a line of business as well as constituting a post mentorship and follow up team for appreciate able result.

“The Chairman, Board of Trustees, World Sustainable Development Goals Organization, WSDGSO, Dr. Raymond Edoh has empowered over 1000 young Nigerians with skill acquisition cutting across Agric, ICT, Photography, Videography, Phone Re-
pairs, Cake Baking, Website Design, Hair Barbing, Hair Dressing and Make up and several others.

“The Deputy Commandant, IPCSL and Chairman, Security Summit, Dr. Raymond Edoh also empowered over 500 Nigerian youths
spread across States within the north central region. As though not enough, in Abuja, Dr. Raymond Edoh empowered 250
participants of the 2021 Africa Youth Community leadership conference amongst sundry others.

“The one time Diaspora Affairs Director for the Nigerian Youths globally was a strategic tool to the government of Nigeria in resolving #End SARS protest which almost dragged Nigeria into a state of quagmire.

“Dr. Raymond is currently a life Fellow of the International Chartered World Learned Society, ICWLS, USA, Educational Qualification: He got his Bachelor of Science in the University of Liverpool, United Kingdom, Masters in the University of Liverpool, and PhD in the City University New York, USA. He also completed
his Coursework toward High Specialization in Rome Business School.

“He has been interviewed by NTA, Channels, BBC, AIT, Kaftan TV, Itv, London TV, FRCN, VON, Arisetv, Vanguard, Sun, Daily Trust, Punch, Leadership, Blueprint, and several others across the globe.

“Dr. Raymond Edoh has bagged several awards within and outside the country in multiple numbers.

“With all these, who else should be our Minister if not Dr. Raymond Edoh! Lucky enough, finally, we have picked him and we are glad to say Congratulations to Dr. Raymond Edoh, Youth Minister of the federal Republic of Nigeria”, the statement added.

…As Theatre harps on proficiency and professionalism

The Theatre Commander (TC) Joint Task Force (JTF) North East (NE) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) Major General Gold Chibuisi has Charged officers and troops in the Theatre to exhibit high level of proficiency and professionallism in the Counter Improvised Explosive Devised effort of OPHK In all aspect of the ongoing Counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgency operations in the NE.

Major General Gold Chibuisi represented by the Theatre Training Officer (TTO) Brig Gen SJA Ilori gave the charge on Tuesday, 5 September, 2023 while declaring open a two-day workshop organized on Counter – Improvised Explosive Device held at the Theater Training School (TTS) in Maimalari Military Cantonment, Maiduguri.

In his opening remarks, the Theatre Commander OPHK stated that the workshop is organized for Subalterns and non-commissioned Officers drawn from units and formations within the North East Theatre of Operation.

General Chibuisi further disclosed that the workshop is organized in line with the COAS Command Philosophy which is, ” To Transform the NA into a well-trained, equiped and highly motivated Force towards achieving our constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment”. He added that the workshop is to bring participants up to speed and keep them abreast with the current techniques employed by the terrorist in IED tactics.

Additionally, General Gold Chibuisi pointed out that the knowledge gained from the workshop would improve the Counter-Improvised Explosive Device strategy of OPHK and also enhanced the proficiency of troops in the discharge of their duties.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, the coordinator of the workshop Commander 47 Engineer Brigade, Brig Gen KO Ukandu stated that the workshop will exposed participants in recognizing terrorists IED, ground signs as well as actions to be taken on detection of an IED.

Present during the opening ceremony were the Chief of Staff Headquarters Theatre Command Brig Gen A Idris, Theatre intelligence coordinator Brig Gen B Sarki and other Principal Staff Officers of Headquarters Theatre Command and 7 Division as well as the participants.THEATRE COMMAND OPHK ORGANIZES A TWO- DAY WORKSHOP ON COUNTER-IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVE DEVICE …As Theatre harps on proficiency and professionalism .

The Theatre Commander (TC) Joint Task Force (JTF) North East (NE) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) Major General Gold Chibuisi has Charged officers and troops in the Theatre to exhibit high level of proficiency and professionallism in the Counter Improvised Explosive Devised effort of OPHK In all aspect of the ongoing Counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgency operations in the NE.

Major General Gold Chibuisi represented by the Theatre Training Officer (TTO) Brig Gen SJA Ilori gave the charge on Tuesday, 5 September, 2023 while declaring open a two-day workshop organized on Counter – Improvised Explosive Device held at the Theater Training School (TTS) in Maimalari Military Cantonment, Maiduguri.

In his opening remarks, the Theatre Commander OPHK stated that the workshop is organized for Subalterns and non-commissioned Officers drawn from units and formations within the North East Theatre of Operation.

General Chibuisi further disclosed that the workshop is organized in line with the COAS Command Philosophy which is, ” To Transform the NA into a well-trained, equiped and highly motivated Force towards achieving our constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment”. He added that the workshop is to bring participants up to speed and keep them abreast with the current techniques employed by the terrorist in IED tactics. 1/2 Additionally, General Gold Chibuisi pointed out that the knowledge gained from the workshop would improve the Counter-Improvised Explosive Device strategy of OPHK and also enhanced the proficiency of troops in the discharge of their duties.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, the coordinator of the workshop Commander 47 Engineer Brigade, Brig Gen KO Ukandu stated that the workshop will exposed participants in recognizing terrorists IED, ground signs as well as actions to be taken on detection of an IED.

Present during the opening ceremony were the Chief of Staff Headquarters Theatre Command Brig Gen A Idris, Theatre intelligence coordinator Brig Gen B Sarki and other Principal Staff Officers of Headquarters Theatre Command and 7 Division as well as the participants.

By Emmanuel Daudu

…says Winning the War Against Poverty Will Reduce Insecurity By 50% In Nigeria

The Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu has solicited the Nigerian  Airforce’s assistance in the delivery of humanitarian relief materials and even palliatives across the country, especially to the hard-to-reach areas.

According to the Special Adviser  On Media And Publicity,  to Hon Minister, MHAPA
Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair (ANIPR), in a press release on Tuesday disclosed that the Minister made the request on Tuesday, when she paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Hassan Abubakar at the Airforce Headquarters in Abuja.

The Minister told Air Marshall Abubakar that the Nigerian Airforce would be critical to her Ministry’s success in getting humanitarian aid across to the nooks and crannies of Nigeria. She also seek assistance to deliver humanitarian workers, relief materials to hard to reach areas as well as evacuation of Nigerians from areas under threat both within and outside Nigeria, she thanked them for their support in evacuating students from Sudan recently.

Dr. Edu identified poverty as an enabler of insecurity which led to Humanitarian crises,  adding “When we win the war against poverty we would have won the war against insecurity by over 50%; please, fly us to those hard-to-reach areas”

Continuing,  the Minister said: “I’m sure you’re quite aware that we have a good number of persons who are either internally displaced or refugees who are in need of humanitarian assistance, and some of whom are in areas where it’s difficult to access them through road due to insecurity,  we will be seeking your support to see that we can get through to them to deliver humanitarian services, including palliatives.

“We’re counting on you for support in terms of intelligence, we’re counting on you for support in terms of security, we’re counting on you for support within your mandate to see that our job is made easier, better and success is achieved”

She pledged to capture families of deceased servicemen in the poverty alleviation scheme of her Ministry and requested for deployment of Airforce personnel to the Ministry as desk officers for proper liaison.

The Minister stressed that President  Bola Ahmed Tinubu was completely committed to ensuring humanitarian crises and the number of persons who are affected by the humanitarian crisis in Nigeria are reduced to the barest minimum.

She announced that in the coming weeks, the Ministry would be visiting different areas in Nigeria to carry out humanitarian interventions.

Dr. Edu congratulated Air Marshal Hassan on his appointment and condoled with him on the loss of some of his men in active duty in Niger state.

Earlier, the Chief of Air Staff, Air  Marshall Hassan Abubakar,  pledged to foster cooperation and partnership between the Nigerian Air Force and the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in addressing critical humanitarian challenges facing the country.

“Your presence here underscores our shared commitment to the well-being of our fellow citizens during their most trying times. The challenges that confront us in the humanitarian sphere are multifaceted.

“Nigeria faces crises triggered by conflicts, natural disasters, and displacement, each presenting unique complexities.

“Responding to these crises effectively requires a coordinated and unified approach, pooling the resources and expertise of various agencies and departments, and that is precisely what we both represent in our various rights”,  we will do better, we will give all the support you need. Air Marshal Hassan told the Minister.