National News
Insecurity: Nigeria’s security agencies need to modernize, insists Aregbesola
Insecurity: Nigeria’s security agencies need to modernize, insists Aregbesola
Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has lamented that criminals operating in the country are modernized whereas the state nation’s security agencies are archaic in their operations.
Speaking at the opening of a 3-day anti-money laundering and combating terrorism capacity building for the Ministry of Interior and its agencies in Abuja, Aregbesola said: “We must upgrade our strategies,” noting that the criminals are in the 22nd century in evolvement of crimes while the nation’s security agencies are in the 18th century of crime fighting.
He said time has come for the government to build the capacities of the law enforcement agencies in the country to be able to continually combat the threats of criminal elements and secure the nation.
The Minister lamented that the insecurity as a result of rise in terrorism and banditry in the country can be traced to the availability of illicit fund gotten from money laundering, which mean that to put a nail to these, battle should be wage and won against money laundering,
He said: “It is in the light of this, that the Ministry and its Agencies, in conjunction with the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit, is conducting this workshop, as part of a series of measures to build capacity and effective communication networks among policy, regulatory and law enforcement agencies, in order to strengthen the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Financing of Terrorism regime in the country.”
He added that: “In this regard, the Ministry, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and indeed the Nigerian Correctional Service all have key roles to play in efforts to combat money laundering and terrorism financing and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Our target is to ensure that relevant Services in the Ministry develop a cadre of professionals in AML/CFT.”
He said: “Experience has shown that these funds are also used to undermine economic, social and political stability through funding of terrorism and terrorist related activities.
“As terrorism, banditry and other serious cross border crimes continue to proliferate, law enforcement agencies and regulators must work together to prevent, identify, punish and deter financial crimes.”
Aregbesola lamented that: “Over the past decade, Nigeria has increasingly been confronted with the violent and disruptive activities of terrorists. As a result, our laws and policies have been targeted not only to decimate the terrorists, but to target their sources of funding. We are all too aware that risks posed by money laundering on the financial system are constantly evolving.
“It is therefore necessary to continue to take appropriate measures to enhance the capacities of our law enforcement agencies for high profile investigation and diligent prosecution, in order to meet global standards for protecting the integrity of our financial system and prevent it from being used as a safe haven for the movement of illicit funds,” he said.
The Minister said: “Furthermore, as a responsible member of the comity of Nations, Nigeria is committed to meeting the global standards for the integrity of the financial system and prevent it from being used as a safe haven for the movement of illicit funds. Nigeria is also under obligation to comply with the recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and Inter Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa, (GIABA) on strengthening her AML/CFT regime.
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Nigeria recently went through a 2nd round Mutual Evaluation of its AML/CFT framework, and its effectiveness, which was carried out by GIABA. While noting that we have made significant progress, Nigeria’s AML/CFT regime was observed to be deficient in many areas in the final Report.”
He said: “This workshop has become imperative as one of the measures of developing and enhancing our collective capacities to more effectively tackle money laundering and terrorist financing in Nigeria. As you may all be aware, criminals use various techniques and mechanism to obscure the ownership of illicitly acquired assets and; introducing illegally obtained funds into the stream of legitimate commerce allows criminals to profit from their illegal activities, taints the financial system and erodes public trust in the integrity of the system.”
Also speaking, the Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ahmed Audi said the crime of money Laundering and terrorism financing is an organised one which may be nurtured by the proceeds of illegal oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism.
He said the Corps has expanded its scope of investigative activities to include tracking the movements of proceeds of illegal oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism by thoroughly profiling the suspects and their accounts in order to establish whether funds realised from vandalism is laundered or used in financing terrorism.
He revealed that: “This improvement in our Intelligence and Investigation activities is further enhanced by the introduction of Crime Report Investigation Management System (CRIMS) by Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU). More cases are now being seamlessly thrashed with the aid of the innovation.”
On his part the Controller General of Corrections, Haliru Nababa said a strong economy is a source of national strength hence, any activity which directly or indirectly plunders the national resources of a nation, puts such a nation on a horrific path, leading to humanitarian crises.
The Controller General, who was represented by Controller of Corrections, Meg Okpala said: “It is quite unfortunate that our dear nation has suffered monumental losses that have even threatened the very essence of our collective existence. More disturbing is the fact that a larger percentage of these losses are attributable to the unpatriotic activities of money launderers and terrorism financiers.”
Insecurity: Nigeria’s security agencies need to modernize, insists Aregbesola
National News
VP Shettima, Zulum Attend Eid Prayers at Ramat Square as Worshippers Observe Sallah Peacefully in Maiduguri
VP Shettima, Zulum Attend Eid Prayers at Ramat Square as Worshippers Observe Sallah Peacefully in Maiduguri
By: Our Reporter
Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, joined thousands of muslim faithful to observe the Eid prayers at Ramat Square, Maiduguri.
The two units prayer were observed peacefully at the main Eid ground and other prayer grounds across the state under tight security, marking the end of the month-long Ramadan fast.
In a sallah message shortly after the sermon by the Imam Idaini of Borno, Shettiima Mamman Saleh, the Vice President called for unity and peaceful coexistence in the state and the country as a whole.
Senator Shettima assures the Federal Government Gommitment to protecting the lives and properties of the citizenry, stressing that the fight against insurgency would be tackled head-on.
The Imam Idaini admonished worshippers to imbibe the lessons learned during the holy month and encouraged Muslim faithful to give alms to the poor (zakatul fitr) and to fast six days in the month of Shawwal to receive Allah’s bounties and rewards.
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, in a sallah message, called on faithful to recharge their spiritual beings towards rebuilding a secure, peaceful, and prosperous Borno.
He saluted the courage, resilience, and commitment of the people to all initiatives aimed at deepening security and peace-building among the various components of society, fragmented by the Boko Haram insurgency over the years.
The Eid prayer was attended by the Shehu of Borno, Shehu Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Almin El-Kanemi; the Borno State Deputy Governor, Umar Usman Kadafur; the APC Deputy National Chairman, North, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume; and Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan SAN, Minister of State for Regional Development.
Other dignitaries include members of the House of Representatives and the Borno State House of Assembly, former deputy governors, the Secretary to the State Government, Commissioners, APC stalwarts, and other top government officials.
VP Shettima, Zulum Attend Eid Prayers at Ramat Square as Worshippers Observe Sallah Peacefully in Maiduguri
Eid-el-Fitr: IPCR Urges Nigerians to Embrace Unity, Peaceful Coexistence
By: Michael Mike
The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has called on Nigerians to strengthen unity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence as Muslims across the country celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, the Director-General of the institute, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, congratulated the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria and around the world on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast.
He said the occasion, which signifies the end of a period of fasting, reflection and spiritual devotion, provides an opportunity for citizens to renew their commitment to the values of peace, compassion and national unity.
Ochogwu urged Muslims to sustain the virtues cultivated during Ramadan—such as self-discipline, patience, charity and piety—beyond the festive period, stressing that such values are essential for building harmonious communities and strengthening the nation.
According to him, Nigerians must also rise above religious, ethnic and political differences and embrace mutual respect and peaceful coexistence as vital ingredients for national development.
“At a time when the country is confronted with complex challenges, unity of purpose and collective responsibility are crucial to overcoming divisions and building a more secure and prosperous nation,” he said.
The institute also expressed concern over recent security incidents in parts of the country, including the tragic bomb blast in Maiduguri, Borno State, which claimed several lives.
Ochogwu extended condolences to families of the victims, praying for the repose of the deceased and speedy recovery for those injured in the attack.
He reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to its mandate of promoting peacebuilding, conflict prevention and resolution across Nigeria, noting that IPCR would continue to work with government institutions, communities and other stakeholders to address the root causes of conflict.
The IPCR boss further urged citizens to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies and actively support peacebuilding initiatives in their communities.
“Peace is a shared responsibility, and every Nigerian has a role to play in safeguarding it,” he added.
Ochogwu also prayed that the Eid-el-Fitr celebration would usher in renewed hope, healing and unity for Nigeria while advancing peace, stability and national progress.
Eid-el-Fitr: IPCR Urges Nigerians to Embrace Unity, Peaceful Coexistence
National News
VP Shettima Visits Victims Of Multiple Explosions In Maiduguri, Assures Of FG’s Tough Response To Terrorism
VP Shettima Visits Victims Of Multiple Explosions In Maiduguri, Assures Of FG’s Tough Response To Terrorism
By: Our Reporter
The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has restated the Federal Government’s resolve to defeat terrorism, declaring that those behind recent attacks in the country will be decisively confronted.
He noted that beyond the presidential directive to security chiefs, the Federal Government was investing more in equipment and other logistics to boost the fight against terrorism across the country.
Senator Shettima spoke on Wednesday in Maiduguri when he visited victims of the bomb blast who are receiving treatment at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
Condemning the gory multiple explosions in Maiduguri on Monday in which more than 100 people were affected by the incident, with over 20 confirmed dead, he described the perpetrators as barbaric, stressing that no cause justifies the killing of innocent people.
The Vice President said his visit was to sympathise with the injured and families affected by the tragedy, assuring of government’s support through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the North East Development Commission, and the Borno State Government.
The Vice President was accompanied by Borno State Deputy Governor Usman Kadafur; NEMA Director-General, Zubaida Umar; Chief Medical Director of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Professor Ahmed Ahijo, and other top government officials.
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