News

By Uzair Adam Imam

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has advocated for the utilization of advanced technology to address the security challenges in his state and the broader Northern region.

During a meeting with Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations in Washington, United States, Governor Lawal emphasized the importance of deploying advanced technology to combat insecurity.

This statement was conveyed through the governor’s spokesman, Sulaiman Bala Idris, in a release issued yesterday.

The meeting, which included governors from Zamfara, Benue, Jigawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, and Niger states, received praise from the Deputy UN Secretary-General, Amina J. Mohammed, who commended their efforts in seeking lasting solutions to regional challenges.

Governor Lawal highlighted the critical role of technology in enhancing security, emphasizing the need for a coordinated approach to leverage technological advancements such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), biometric identification systems, and surveillance cameras.

He stated, “We are faced with common problems, primarily insecurity, which demands urgent action.

“Due to insecurity, agricultural activities have suffered, and there’s a pressing need to transition from traditional farming to modern agriculture by leveraging technology to combat insurgency.”

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Plateau State Government revealed on Monday that bandits operating in the Wase Local Government Area have handed over a significant number of AK47 rifles to the state authorities.

During a press briefing in Jos, the state capital, the Special Adviser to Governor Caleb Mutfwang on Security and Commander Operation Rainbow, Brigadier General Gakji Shippi, made this disclosure.

Shippi explained that the surrender of weapons followed extensive negotiations between the government and the bandits, showcasing a willingness to pursue peace through disarmament.

He clarified that the bandits didn’t directly surrender the firearms out of fear but through an intermediary involved in the negotiations.

He further mentioned that alongside the AK47 rifles, various other categories of weapons were also surrendered by the bandits, illustrating their commitment to the peace process.

Shippi emphasized that these efforts aim to encourage more bandits to voluntarily surrender their weapons, with ongoing steps to recover additional firearms from other groups.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adeniyi, received a delegation from the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) led by Director General Hafsat Bakari at the Service’s Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, 16 April 2024. 

The meeting focused on strengthening the partnership between the two agencies to enhance border security, intensify efforts against smugglers and money launderers, and combat terrorism financing activities.

CGC Adeniyi congratulated DG Bakari on her appointment and expressed the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to supporting NFIU through a joint team to address pressing issues. 

“I want to wish you a successful tenure. I see, through your passion, your commitment to Project Nigeria, and I also see the collaborative spirit that you brought on board. These are all things that I share also because I believe that we can draw strength from each other, assist ourselves, and get things done,” CGC Adeniyi said. 

DG Bakari applauded the NCS’s commitment to safeguarding Nigerian borders and combating smuggling activities.

She stated the importance of information sharing and highlighted the need for efficient systems, processes, and technologies to identify the smuggling of currency and high-value items. 

“We recognise the vital role of the NCS in protecting Nigeria’s borders, preventing the smuggling of illicit goods, but also in ensuring that those who import goods into our country pay the appropriate fees and levies that are due to the federal government,” DG Bakari said. 

The meeting also aimed to establish a cordial relationship between the two agencies and promote intelligence sharing to ensure the safety and prosperity of Nigeria.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Tinubu has urged African leaders to establish a regional counter-terrorism centre to tackle the growing threat of terrorism on the continent.

Speaking at the African High-level Meeting on Counter-Terrorism in Abuja on Monday, Tinubu noted the need for a comprehensive approach to combating terrorism, addressing not only military might but also the root causes of poverty, inequality, and social injustice. 

“The international community has both the moral and legal obligation to help in this cause because it is external finance, not African money, that fuels these illegal operations. We shall be knocking on the door of the international community to answer this call for justice, peace, and fair play,” Tinubu said. 

The President stressed the importance of cutting off financial lifelines that fuel terrorist activities, such as ransom payments and illegal mining operations.

He noted that billions of dollars that should be used to provide education, healthcare, and food for citizens are instead spent on weapons and responding to mayhem. 

Tinubu called for the urgent establishment of a fully operational Regional Counter-Terrorism Centre, while also strengthening existing counter-terrorism structures.

He expressed the need for a regional standby force with a mandate to tackle terrorism, despite funding, legal, and logistical complexities. 

Stating Nigeria’s efforts, Tinubu stated that the country has taken bold steps forward in safeguarding the nation and the wider region.

He commended the courage and dedication of Nigeria’s security forces in the fight against terrorism and stated the need to halt the proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons on the continent. 

The Regional Counter-Terrorism Centre would serve as a hub for intelligence sharing, operational coordination, and capacity building throughout Africa, aiming to combat terrorism and address its root causes.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has taken disciplinary action against an official in Lagos who directed a female candidate to remove her hijab during the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). 

The incident occurred at Bafuto Institute, Ile-Iwe Bus Stop in Ejigbo, Lagos, during the accreditation process, causing controversy.

The candidate was told to remove her hijab, a head covering worn by some Muslim women, before being allowed to sit the examination. 

JAMB condemned the official’s action in a statement issued on Sunday, saying: “We were made aware of an unfortunate incident where a candidate wearing a hijab was asked to remove her headcover during accreditation before entering the examination hall.” 

The board reaffirmed its commitment to selecting suitably qualified candidates for admission into Nigeria’s tertiary institutions and assured that it would not allow any distractions from this goal. 

The 2024 UTME, which began on Friday, April 19, 2024, has been smooth, with over 1.2 million candidates successfully taking the examination by Monday. 

According to JAMB’s spokesman, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, “The Board is dedicated to fulfilling its statutory role and will not allow anything or anyone to hinder its pursuit of this noble goal.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada, celebrated a significant milestone on Friday, April 19, 2024, as it graduated 50 officers from Junior Course 18. 

The ceremony, held at the Ahmadu Makarfi Hall of the college, was attended by top officials of the Nigeria Customs Service, family members, and friends of the graduating officers. 

Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adeniyi, represented by Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Human Resources and Development Greg Itotoh, commended the directing staff and instructors for their exceptional input throughout the training session.

He praised the graduating officers for their hard work and dedication, urging them to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during their training to enhance the service’s operations. 

“The Service is committed to building a strong and effective team, and this graduation is a testament to that commitment,” DCG Itotoh noted.

He encouraged the graduating officers to be innovative and proactive in their approach to customs operations, embracing technology to enhance effective service delivery. 

The Commandant of the College, ACG Kingsley Egwuh, also praised the directing staff for their dedication and hard work in shaping the officers’ minds.

He congratulated the graduating students, urging them to embrace the opportunities and challenges ahead and make a positive impact on the Nigeria Customs Service. 

The graduating officers, who have completed their training in various aspects of customs operations, leadership, and weapon handling, are expected to be deployed to various formations of the service, where they will apply their knowledge and skills to enhance effective service delivery. 

The ceremony featured the presentation of certificates and awards to deserving officers, recognising their outstanding performance during the training.

Earlier, the College had also held a regimental dinner for the graduating officers of Junior Course 18 on April 17, 2024, where Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adeniyi urged them to embrace professionalism and integrity in their service. 

CGC Adeniyi congratulated the graduating students after scaling through a series of rigorous trainings in the college, which was meant to equip them to master the technical know-how of the Customs work.

He added, “As you all return to your respective Commands, put everything you’ve learned to the test. That is the only gratitude you can show to those who have taken time to develop the curriculum which you were taught here.”

By Uzair Adam Imam

Suspected bandits have unleashed terror in Katsina State, kidnapping at least 28 individuals, including men, women, and children from Zamfarawar Madogara in the Batsari Local Government Area.

The abduction occurred Thursday night, as armed bandits raided the village, according to a reliable source who disclosed the incident to journalists on Saturday.

Batsari, a frontline area, has endured years of banditry, adding to the region’s longstanding security challenges.

In a separate incident within Batsari LGA, suspected terrorists targeted Naduai village, where they kidnapped villagers and set portions of the area ablaze.

This further compounds the plight of residents already reeling from insecurity.Meanwhile, in Na-Alma village, Malumfashi Local Council, gunmen on motorcycles abducted at least 20 individuals, predominantly women, in an early morning attack earlier in the week.

Describing the harrowing ordeal, a resident who narrowly escaped abduction recounted how the assailants not only kidnapped women and children but also looted homes, taking valuable possessions.

Despite these distressing events, inquiries made to the Katsina State Police spokesperson, ASP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, regarding the incidents remained unanswered at the time of reporting, leaving the community anxiously awaiting updates on the situation.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Authorities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have announced the apprehension of a suspect in connection with the tragic killing of an elderly couple, Adebola Ezekiel, 80, and his wife, Abiodun Ezekiel, 79.

The Commissioner of Police for the FCT, Mr. Benneth Igweh, disclosed this development during a press briefing held in Abuja on Friday.

The disturbing incident occurred at the residence of the couple in Apo Legislative Quarters on April 1.

Commissioner Igweh revealed that swift investigative efforts led to the arrest of the suspect, who was identified as a former driver for the deceased couple.

Acting on leads, police detectives successfully tracked down the suspect to his hideout in Obajana, Kogi.

According to Igweh, the apprehended suspect confessed to gaining entry into the victims’ home on the fateful day, where he allegedly murdered them, slit their throats, and made off with their phones and ATM cards.

Additionally, the Commissioner disclosed another arrest made on April 11, where two suspects were detained in connection with a separate case of culpable homicide in the Mabushi area of Abuja.

Operatives from Mabushi Division acted on a tip-off regarding the discreet transportation of the corpse of one Bilkisu Mohammed.

It was alleged that Mohammed had visited her supposed boyfriend’s residence, where she fell ill and was administered non-prescribed medication by one of the suspects, leading to her demise.

Further highlighting the law enforcement’s proactive stance, Igweh mentioned the arrest of nine suspected armed robbers by operatives from Utako Division on April 6.

The suspects, upon interrogation, confessed to being part of an armed robbery syndicate responsible for various criminal activities in the FCT.

Law enforcement recovered a cache of weapons, including locally fabricated AK 47 rifles, cartridge rifles, a pistol, and a dane gun, from the apprehended individuals.

In another incident, police patrol units intercepted three suspected armed robbers at the Durumi IDP Camp on April 9, seizing an English-made pistol and a Mazda vehicle in their possession.

Commissioner Igweh assured the public that all suspects would face legal proceedings once investigations were concluded.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Tragedy struck yet again in Plateau State as communities in the Mangu and Bokkos local government areas fell victim to renewed attacks, resulting in an undisclosed number of casualties.

Although the State Police Command and Operation Safe Haven (OpSH) have yet to officially respond because their spokespersons are unavailable, credible sources have confirmed the separate incidents.

According to Monday Kassah, the Transition Committee Chairman of Bokkos, there were multiple attacks on Thursday night, claiming six lives.

The attackers, reportedly riding motorcycles in groups of two or three, unleashed violence in Mandung, Butura, Chikam, and other communities around the state university, all within the Bokkos District of Butura. Security reinforcements have been deployed to the area, but the assailants remain active.

Tragically, a university student was shot dead outside the campus, with another falling victim to the violence the following morning. Yakubu Ayuba, the registrar of the university, lamented the loss of a 200-level computer science student named Dading James Jordan in the attack on Chikam.

Despite concerted efforts by the state government, security agencies, and university management to enhance security, the assailants struck, claiming the life of a promising student.

In response, the university has declared a two-day mourning period, suspending all exams scheduled for the affected days. Management urged students to remain calm while calling for increased security measures around the campus.

In Mangu, reports indicate that attackers descended on the Tilengpat community in the Pushit District, resulting in the deaths of 12 individuals.

Expressing his condemnation of the violence, State Governor Caleb Mutfwang appealed for calm, assuring citizens, especially students, of the government’s commitment to their safety.

He pledged to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators while emphasizing the importance of collective efforts to enhance security in the region.

Governor Mutfwang extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and victims, urging swift recovery for the injured.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, paid a courtesy visit to the Voice of Nigeria (VON) Corporate Headquarters on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, reinforcing the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to public awareness. 

Welcomed warmly by the Director General of Voice of Nigeria, Malam Jibrin Baba Ndache, the CGC was praised for his accomplishments.

Ndache was quoted as saying, “The comments about you are that of joy and your achievements are highly commendable… The reason for welcoming you to our corporate headquarters personally is to thank you for your continuous and immense support to VON.” 

In response, the CGC expressed gratitude and affirmed his dedication to transparency and open governance, aligning with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“We are in a new administration investing in renewed hope for economic recovery, political stability, and the security of the nation,” he stated. 

Recognising VON’s pivotal role in disseminating government policies, the CGC pledged the Nigeria Customs Service’s unwavering support to VON in enhancing public awareness.

“We have a strategic economic team making stringent and diverse economic policies that will foster economic growth for the nation. VON is very strategic in communicating these policies to the citizens,” he said.