Abuja

By Uzair Adam Imam 

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) police command has arrested 23 suspects in relation to rape, armed robbery, car theft, and other crimes in the territory. 

The suspects were apprehended following a crackdown by the police on crime in the FCT. 

The FCT Police Commissioner, Haruna Garba, announced this during a media briefing in Abuja.  

He said nine suspects were arrested for ‘one chance’ (a form of robbery), two suspects for rape, and 12 suspects for armed robbery.  

The briefing was held to address the FCT police’s efforts to combat crime and keep residents safe. 

According to Garba, based on the arrests and recoveries made in November, crime in the FCT had seen a significant decrease in December.  

This was evident from the data on arrests and recoveries from crime scenes. “I wish to bring to the attention of the general public that there are some mischief-makers out there posting items on social media that the FCT is not safe and that one-chance operators have taken over the FCT. 

“This is not true. I can say without any fear of contradiction that FCT is the safest city in Nigeria. 

“It is unfortunate that someone is leveraging social media to misinform the entire populace that FCT is not safe. 

“Those behind the fake news should be mindful of the fact that Nigeria is the only country that we call our own,” he said. 

He said the target of the mischief-makers was to create fear and apprehension in the minds of the people and, of course, investors who would want to come to Nigeria to invest. 

“Christmas was celebrated peacefully without any serious security breaches. The Millennium Park, Magic Land (Amusement Park), and other recreational facilities, places of worship, and other key/vulnerable points were adequately protected. 

“There was no single incident of any kind reported. The same strategies that were put in place during the Christmas period will be replicated during the New Year festival.

 By Uzair Adam Imam 

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kaduna Sector Command, announced that four people have died and 56 others have been injured in a road crash on the Kaduna-Abuja expressway. 

Mr. Kabir Nadabo, the Sector Commander, relayed the traumatic incident to journalists, which he said occurred at Sabon Sara village along the expressway on Tuesday. 

He said that the tragic accident involved a trailer (Iveco) with registration number MKA99YS, and it occurred at around 03:30 hrs. 

“The combined rescue teams of RS1.113 Zhipe and RS1.17 Birnin Yero conducted the rescue,” he said. 

According to Nadabo, the initial investigation revealed that the cause of the crash was the overloading of goods and humans, as well as fatigue. 

He said, “Further investigation of the incident shows that 73 people were involved in the crash, 59 got injured, and sadly, 4 were deceased.” 

He said the injured have been conveyed to St. Gerard and AP Smart Hospitals, all in Kakuri. 

“Kaduna State is a critical corridor that links the North to the South; this is why the Kaduna State Command has activated several measures and homegrown initiatives. 

”Like the establishment of roadside camps at Kakau and Rigachikun to promptly respond to crashes, the provision of standby ambulances at Jere, Doka, Kakau, Gonin Gora, Rigachikun, Zaria, and Tashar Yari, with experienced staff to handle first aid care. 

“Also, the corps in the state will continue to aggressively create awareness and sensitization among road users on general safety ethics. 

“For the record, I want to inform the public that henceforth, any driver arrested for overloading of goods and humans will be arraigned before the courts for prosecution for endangering the lives and properties of Nigerians. 

“Already, concerted efforts have resulted in the arrest of the trailer driver involved in this crash. 

“I wish to emphatically reiterate our resolve in reaching out to stakeholders, particularly transport unions, to preach and sensitise their drivers on the dangers of excessive speeding, overloading, dangerous driving, and using their phones while driving, among others,” he said.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigerian Army Council has approved promotions, elevating 47 Brigadier Generals to Major Generals and promoting 75 Colonels to Brigadier Generals.

This follows the recent retirement of 113 generals. 

Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, conveyed the Council’s decision on Friday, noting Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja’s endorsement on Thursday. 

Notable promotions include Brig. Gen. WB Etuk, Commandant of the Nigerian Army College of Logistics and Management, and Brig. Gen. O Nwachukwu, appointed Director of Army Public Relations. 

Furthermore, key appointments include Brig. Gen. O Nwachukwu as the Director of Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. EE Ekpenyong at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, and Brig. Gen. SI Musa as the Director of Legal Service (Army).

The promotions also extend to officers transitioning from the rank of Colonel to Brigadier General. Notable figures in this group include Col. Nwakonobi, Chief of Staff at Headquarters 3 Brigade, and Col. PA Zipele, Commander of Signal Operations Command.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adeniyi MFR, hosted a prestigious gathering at the Management Quarters in Abuja on Tuesday, marking the culmination of 2023.

Among the distinguished guests were the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassadors of the United States and Germany, and representatives from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes, as well as the World Bank. 

The event focused on reflecting on the Customs Service’s activities throughout the year, paving the way for discussions on innovative strategies to enhance efficiency. 

In his address to the diplomats, CGC Adeniyi showed the NCS’s commitment to harnessing new technological advancements.

He unveiled plans for the extensive deployment of scanners, the implementation of data analytics, and the adoption of open-door policies to foster collaboration with stakeholders, ultimately streamlining trade in the nation. 

Highlighting the responsibility to elucidate the new developments to stakeholders, CGC Adeniyi expressed the need for massive sensitization on the recently enacted Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.

He emphasised ongoing initiatives to engage Area Controllers, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the Act to augment their operational effectiveness, and characterising the new Act as ‘User Friendly.’ 

Moreover, the Customs Chief delineated the Act’s emphasis on automation processes, including the use of a single window and the authorized economy operators’ system.

He discussed the incorporation of Advanced Ruling and the expansion of scanner usage, signaling a progressive move towards modernization. 

Addressing the issue of wildlife smuggling, CGC Adeniyi reassured diplomats of his commitment to sustaining efforts against illicit wildlife trade in Nigeria.

He stressed the importance of international cooperation in customs activities and highlighted collaborative efforts with stakeholders. 

The diplomats commended the NCS’s dedication and pledged ongoing collaboration to combat wildlife trafficking and related criminal activities.

The Nigeria Customs Service Management has given the green light for the promotion of 357 officers. 

This is contained in a statement released by Chief Superintendent of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, the National Public Relations Officer of the anti-smuggling service.

The decision to elevate these officers from the rank of Customs Assistant I (CAI) to Inspector of Customs (IC) was officially approved during the 7th Management meeting of 2023, held on December 1, 2023.

The meeting, chaired by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, MFR, underlined the commitment to fostering a motivated and excellence-driven workforce. 

The comprehensive promotion list encompasses both General Duty (GD) and Support Staff (SS) personnel who demonstrated exceptional performance in the 2023 promotion exercise.

The breakdown of the promoted officers is detailed as follows: AIC to IC (246) GD, AIC to IC (37) SS, CAI to AIC (39) GD, CAI to AIC (27) SS, CAII to CAI (7) SS, and CAIII to CAII (1) GD. 

This strategic move stands as a testament to the visionary leadership of the Comptroller-General, affirming the importance of motivation, recognising excellence, and rewarding diligence within the service.

Chief Superintendent of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, serving as the National Public Relations Officer, extended heartfelt congratulations to the newly promoted officers.

In his statement, he conveyed the Comptroller General’s call for these men to redouble their efforts in fulfilling the service’s core mandates of Revenue Generation, Suppression of Smuggling, and Trade Facilitation. 

The Nigeria Customs Service looks forward to the continued dedication and enhanced contributions of its recently promoted officers, as they play a pivotal role in advancing the organisation’s mission and objectives.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Three subsidiaries of the Dangote Group, namely Dangote Sugar, Dangote Cement, and Dangote Salt, have contributed immensely to the nation’s revenue.

Hashem Ahmed, an official representative of the Dangote Group, made this revelation at the 18th Abuja International Trade Fair’s opening ceremony, held on Thursday. 

Speaking on the fair’s theme, ‘Sustainable financing and taxation as drivers of the new economy,’ Ahmed highlighted the Dangote Group’s significant role as a major contributor to the country’s economy.

He disclosed that over the course of three years, the aforementioned subsidiaries of the Dangote Group had paid a staggering total of N474 billion as taxes to the Federal Government. 

“As you may be aware, apart from being the highest employer of labor in the private sector, the Dangote Group is also the biggest taxpayer,” Ahmed stated.

“In just three years, Dangote subsidiaries paid a staggering N474 billion to the Federal Government. These are Dangote Sugar, Dangote Cement, and Dangote Salt, combined.” 

Ahmed further emphasised that this substantial financial contribution was part of the Dangote Group’s ongoing support for the nation.

He highlighted the group’s various initiatives, including empowerment and skill acquisition programmes, corporate social responsibility initiatives, sponsorships, and philanthropic schemes, all of which amounted to several billions of naira. 

The Dangote Group expressed satisfaction with the Federal Government’s efforts in implementing a tax reform policy. This policy is expected to broaden the tax net and provide essential financing for the development of the country’s infrastructure.

The group sees this as a positive step towards sustainable economic growth and development for Nigeria. The significant tax payment by Dangote Group’s subsidiaries not only showcases their financial robustness but also underscores their commitment to supporting the country’s development agenda.

This contribution is anticipated to play a crucial role in the realisation of various national projects and initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life for all Nigerians.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

A task force inaugurated by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike recently made headlines as they seized and destroyed 470 motorcycles in a crackdown on illegal motorbike operations in various parts of Abuja.

The operation, which started at the popular car wash bus stop in Lugbe, extended through Gosa, Bill Clinton Drive, Trademore Estate, Lugbe Junction, and reached Kubwa and its surrounding areas. 

According to eyewitnesses, chaos ensued when motorcyclists attempted to prevent their vehicles from being impounded.

The confrontation escalated into a violent clash between the operators and security operatives.

In a bid to evade arrest, the okada operators scattered in different directions, leading to a high-speed chase through the streets of Abuja. 

The task force, determined to curb the menace of illegal motorcycle operations in the city, pursued the operators relentlessly.

As a result, 470 motorcycles were impounded during the operation. The seized vehicles were subsequently destroyed, marking a crackdown on unauthorised motorbike activities in the capital city. 

Authorities have yet to comment on the incident, but it is clear that the task force’s actions are part of a broader effort to enforce regulations and enhance security in the FCT.

The clash serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in maintaining order while dealing with those engaged in illegal activities on the city’s streets. 

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

In an unfortunate incident that unfolded in the early hours of Saturday, suspected kidnappers targeted the prominent El-Rufai Estate in the Kuchiko Resettlement Development Area of Bwari Local Council, Abuja. 

The assailants abducted a resident identified as Chinedu, marking the fifth kidnapping case to rock the area in recent months, leaving residents gripped by fear and insecurity. 

According to reports from Daily Trust, the victim, Chinedu, was forcibly taken from his home within the secure confines of the estate. 

The daring criminals, armed to the teeth, breached the estate’s defences by breaking through the perimeter fence. 

To further instill terror, they fired shots into the air, sending panic waves through the victim’s family and neighbours, before abducting Chinedu. Chinedu’s wife, who witnessed the terrifying ordeal, recounted the horrifying encounter with the kidnappers. 

“They shot sporadically in the air to scare our family members and neighbours before taking my husband away,” she said. 

As of press time, the kidnappers had not made contact with the family, leaving them in agonising uncertainty. Mai Baba Bego, the chairman of the Kuchiko Resettlement Development Area, expressed grave concern over the escalating incidents of kidnappings in the region. 

“We now live in fear as nobody knows who the next victim would be,” Mr. Bego lamented, underscoring the urgent need for heightened security measures in the area. 

In light of this distressing situation, Mr. Bego called for the immediate deployment of additional security personnel to the Kuchiko Resettlement Development Area. 

This plea aims to mitigate the risk of further incidents and restore a sense of safety to the traumatised residents of El-Rufai Estate and its surroundings.

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

The suspended governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, has arrived at the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos for trial. 

The former apex bank boss arrived at the court premises around 9:20 am for trial on the allegations of unlawful possession of firearms. 

He is to stand trial on two counts charge of possessing a single-barrel shotgun (JOJEFF MAGNUM 8371) without a license.

Trouble began for Emefiele on June 9th, when he was suspended by President Bola Ahmad Tinubu to allow investigations into his activities as governor of the apex bank. 

Emefiele was arrested upon his suspension and has been in the custody of the Nigerian secret police since June.

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

President Muhammadu Buhari has sacked the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission, Saratu Umar.

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, disclosed this in a statement he signed on Thursday.

According to Mr Adesina, the President has communicated the directive of Umar’s termination of appointment to the Honourable Minister of Trade and investment, Otunba Richard Adeneyi Adebanjo.

He also stated that the president ordered that the most senior director in the commission takes over immediately.

The statement reads: “President Muhammadu Buhari has terminated the appointment of Hajiya Saratu Umar as the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), with immediate effect.

In a directive to the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Richard Adeniyi Adebayo CON, the President also mandated the most senior Director in the Commission to immediately take over in the interim. “