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FG reiterates commitment to improve security in Nigeria – Minister of Interior

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Kuje Prison Attack: “Our men couldn't hold their position effectively.”- Aregbesola lampoons Security

FG reiterates commitment to improve security in Nigeria – Minister of Interior

By: Michael Mike, Abuja

The Federal Government has  once again reiterated her determination and   commitment to improve the  security of all citizens  in Nigeria with a view  to reducing the  current security challenges bedeviling  the country.

Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola stated this today during the inauguration of the Committee to study the Recommendations and implementation Strategies on Strengthening Internal Security Framework and Community Policing in Nigeria, in Abuja.

Aregbesola in his remarks   titled; A Quantum Leap on National Security: said  that the journey to today’s event began with the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 40,2018  of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), on Strengthening Internal Security Framework and Community Policing in Nigeria.

“Consequently, the Committee observed that the absence of a National Security Policy and Strategy document as  well as a  Monitoring and Evaluation Framework on Internal Security has negatively affected the operations of the Internal Security Agencies in the country which therefore necessitated the directive of Mr. President to approve an Inter-Ministerial Committee with all relevant stakeholders on Internal Security” to be put in place.

Aregbesola   stressed that one of the nine priority areas of the Administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is to improve governance and provide security for all citizens. “Therefore, it calls for all seriousness to provide the needed apparatus and security architecture to fight insecurity in the country.”

The Committee inaugurated has Seven  Sub – Committee and their  Terms of Reference (TOR).

A statement from Blessing Lere-Adams, Director  Press of the Ministry explained that, “The Committee to develop internal security    Policy and strategy with the Interior Minister as Chairman, Committee to Develop Mechanism for effective Synergy and Coordination among Internal Security Agencies and Adopt Community Policing as a National Strategy with the Police Affairs Minister as Chairman

“Committee to Develop Comprehensive Monitoring and Evaluation Framework for Internal Security Operatives with the Permanent Secretary  of Interior as Chairman while Committee on the Application of Appropriate Science , Technology and Innovation for Strengthening Internal Security ,Management , including Forensic Satellite Imagery, Drones , CCTVs etc with the representative of the Federal Ministry  of Science and Technology Innovation as Chairman.

“Committee on the  Establishment of Internal Service Trust Fund with  Permanent Secretary Ministry of Police Affairs as Chairman and Committee on the  Appropriate Devolution of Control of Resources along the chains of Command of Internal Security Agency with the Director General, National Drug Law & Enforcement Agency  as Chairman

“Committee to  Innovate  Funding Mechanism for upgrading Equipment Holdings of Internal Security Agencies and for providing Needed Equipment for Security Agencies  with the Inspector General, Nigeria Police Force as Chairman.”

Aregbesola also empathically said” I do not need to reiterate the seriousness of this assignment , providing security for lives and property of the citizens is the primary responsibility of the Government. This is a mission on which we cannot afford to fail.”

Also Read: Money Laundering: Abdurasheed Maina sentenced to 8 Years

The Minister said three things are clear in their mandate, the first is. There must be a new and effective  strategy thinking that should be at least two steps ahead of these current challenges .

He pointed out the recent incidents at the correctional facilities  which are no longer internal insurrection by inmates but mass  armed invasion from outside .A new strategy therefore must emerge to tackle these new challenges. Secondly is the issue of galvanizing resources –human, financial and technology

The third concern is community policing .The people he said are the primary agents in their security,  nevertheless , they must be socialized and well organized along that line-with the people in the first line of Defence . Therefore , if people are organized for their own security , it makes the work of security agencies easy.

Earlier, the  Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr.Shuaib Belgore expressed his appreciation to the Minister and the Executive Course (SEC) 40 ,2018  of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic  Studies (NIPSS), for the Report and  documents on Monitoring and Evaluation Framework on Internal Security  that made President Muhammadu Buhari to approve this Inter-Ministerial  Committee.

The Director Planning Research and Statistics, Mr Ayuba Kabir, thanked  all members  that attended   the inauguration and appreciated the Minister  and the  Permanent Secretary for ensuring a successful inauguration.

Other members of the Committee  are officers from ONSA, NN, NA, NAF, DSS, OSGF, IPCR, FMST, NICOMSAT, FMDE and Brig, General, Udaya (rtd) NIPSS DG,Air Commodore  I.J  Ukeh, representative of Chief of Air Staff, Brig Gen. MK Ibrahim  representative of Chief of Army Staff, Service Chiefs under Ministry of Interior and other personalities.

FG reiterates commitment to improve security in Nigeria – Minister of Interior

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Sultan of Sokoto calls for proper understanding of jihad, says Islam abhors extremism

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Sultan of Sokoto calls for proper understanding of jihad, says Islam abhors extremism

By: Zagazola Makama

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has stressed the need for Nigerians to understand the true meaning of jihad, noting that it is not about violence but about striving for excellence in all spheres of life.

The Sultan stated this on Thursday in Abuja at the public presentation of “Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum,” a book authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd.).

He cautioned against misinterpretations of Islamic concepts, saying extremists and uninformed commentators had for decades wrongly associated jihad with terrorism and violence against non-Muslims.

“Jihad simply means striving — striving to be a better Muslim, a better Christian, a better citizen, and a better human being. It is not about killing anyone. Islam abhors extremism, and no true Muslim can claim to follow the teachings of the Prophet while embracing violence,” the Sultan said.

He explained that Islam, properly understood, promotes peaceful coexistence and good governance, adding that Islamic teachings have over the years helped shape Nigeria’s democratic journey by emphasising justice, accountability, and leadership responsibility.

According to him, Islamic institutions such as mosques, scholars, and traditional councils continue to play a stabilising role in the country by mediating conflicts, guiding leaders, and educating citizens on tolerance and civic duties.

“Islam is not about seizing power; it is about ensuring good governance and accountability in society. Our democracy has benefitted from these values because justice and fairness are principles rooted both in the Qur’an and in democratic practice,” he said.

The Sultan also called for stronger interfaith dialogue, stressing that Nigeria’s unity depends on mutual understanding between Christians and Muslims.

“If I know who you are, and you know who I am, we can live in peace. Understanding one another is the foundation for national security and stability,” he added.

He commended Gen. Irabor for writing the book, describing it as a timely resource that not only documents the scars of insurgency but also provides insights for policy, governance, and national healing.

The launch attracted dignitaries including former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, the Minister of Defence, service chiefs, traditional rulers, senior military officers, and members of the diplomatic corps.

Sultan of Sokoto calls for proper understanding of jihad, says Islam abhors extremism

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Jonathan says Boko Haram insurgency too complex, calls for holistic solutions

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Jonathan says Boko Haram insurgency too complex, calls for holistic solutions

By Hamza Suleiman

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said that the Boko Haram insurgency remains one of the most complex and enduring security challenges in Nigeria’s history, warning that military action alone cannot end the crisis.

Jonathan stated this on Thursday in Abuja at the public presentation of Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd).

He said that unlike previous crises in Nigeria such as the Niger Delta militancy and ethno-religious violence, the Boko Haram insurgency carried deeper scars because of its external connections, extremist ideology, and advanced weaponry.

“Boko Haram is more complex than what many people imagine. At some point, their fighters had more ammunition than our soldiers, which clearly showed that external groups were deeply involved,” Jonathan said.

The former President noted that the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls in 2014 remained one of the most painful scars of his administration, stressing that no form of cosmetic remedy could erase it from the nation’s collective memory.

He recalled his personal engagement with Niger Delta militants as Vice President, saying that his decision to personally visit their camps without armed escorts was borne out of the conviction that dialogue must complement military action.

“In the Niger Delta, I met the militants in their camps. We succeeded in restoring peace not only because of military action but because we engaged them, listened to them, and created opportunities for their communities. That approach worked,” he said.

Jonathan, however, emphasised that Boko Haram presented a different challenge. According to him, the insurgency must be tackled through a holistic strategy that combines security operations with good governance, poverty reduction, youth empowerment, and social justice.

He said: “We cannot treat Boko Haram simply as a law-and-order problem. It is rooted in poverty, exclusion, and broken dreams. Only a comprehensive approach will deliver lasting peace.”

According to him, Nigeria must adopt a similar approach to Boko Haram by tackling poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion in communities vulnerable to extremist recruitment.

He commended Gen. Irabor for documenting his reflections, saying the book would enrich national understanding of insurgency and guide future leaders in shaping policy responses.

“Those who were directly involved must tell their stories. This book will help the nation understand what really happened, what lessons we must learn, and how we can do better in the future,” he added.

The event attracted dignitaries including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former National Security Adviser Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd.), service chiefs, ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, and traditional rulers.

Jonathan says Boko Haram insurgency too complex, calls for holistic solutions

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Nigeria@65: FG’s programmes improving welfare of Nigerians- NOA

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Nigeria@65: FG’s programmes improving welfare of Nigerians- NOA

The National Orientation Agency (NOA), on Wednesday said that the Federal Government’s programmes and policies under President Bola Tinubu-led administration were improving the welfare of Nigerians.

Mrs Adaline Patari, the State Director of NOA, Gombe State office, stated this shortly after a road show to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day anniversary in Gombe.

Patari said that programmes and policies of Tinubu-led administration had supported many Nigerians from the student’s loan to conditional cash transfer to support to small businesses amongst others.

She stated that the initiatives by the present administration had restored hope and put the country amongst serious countries pursuing better reforms to improve their economy while revamping infrastructure.

According to her, many undergraduates benefitting from the student’s loan scheme which has removed all financial hindrances impeding access to tertiary education now feel a sense of belonging.

She said that the programmes and policies of the Federal Government have benefitted many households and improved their welfare in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.

“The reforms of the Federal Government are working and many persons are proud to be Nigerians and more persons are now trying to do the right things as Nigerians.

“People are beginning to see themselves as proud Nigerians and that confidence of being a Nigerian is being restored.

“Today, many Nigerians are benefitting from the programmes of the current administration, this means that the country is now working for them,” she said.

While acknowledging that there were still challenges that needed to be addressed, Patari said, at 65, we have made tremendous progress especially working together in peace and unity.

She urged Nigerians to continue to support Tinubu administration’s programmes towards building a better country that works for all Nigerians.

The state director said that with the necessary reforms being carried out and already yielding results in the economic, agriculture, security and other sectors, more Nigerians would be prouder to be Nigerians in the future.

“Today, the country is progressing and we are united; we are now prouder to be Nigerians and I can tell you that the labour of our heroes past, indeed is never in vain,” she added.

Commending the contributions of youths to national development, Patari urged them to have a positive mind-set towards Nigeria and to always express optimism of a better Nigeria for everyone.

Patari also lauded the renewed strength with which NOA under the Director General of the agency, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu was being driven.

She said that government’s policies and programmes were getting more supports from Nigerians because of the constant engagements of Nigerians by the NOA nationwide.

The event also featured sensitisation of residents on Federal Government’s policies, programmes and the need for the people to support the current administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda

Nigeria@65: FG’s programmes improving welfare of Nigerians- NOA

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