NSCDC Parades Four Streetlight Vandals in Abuja

By: Michael Mike

Four suspected vandals of streetlights have been arrested by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Parading the suspects at the FCT Command of the NSCDC on Friday, the FCT Commandant, Dr Olusola Odumosu, said they were caught in the act.

He said: “Today, we have four suspects in connection with vandalism of streetlight poles at different locations in the city centre.

‘This arrest is the latest in a series of successful operations against vandals, marking another remarkable milestone in the Command’s ongoing efforts to combat vandalism in the Federal Capital Territory.”

Odumosu while stating that the exhibits recovered from them include one medium size traffic light pole and two gigantic traffic light poles, said the suspects are Japheth Adams, male 21 years and his accomplice Friday Ojo, male 51 years from. He said they were both arrested by my his men around 0100 hrs on Wednesday around Eden Garden in Utako area of the Federal Capital Territory, vandalizing medium street light poles.

He added that Ibrahim Aliyu, male, 19 years and Hassan Abdullahi; 23 years were caught in the act of vandalizing gigantic street light poles along Moshood Abiola stadium, National Hospital junction around 2:00 am on Thursday.

Odumosu said the suspects are currently undergoing investigation, assuring that due diligence will be followed in ensuring that justice is served.

The Commandant, while warning vandals in the capital city to desist from their unpatriotic acts, said his men would continue to conduct 24-hour surveillance and patrol of the metropolis and the surrounding suburbs.

He therefore solicited the cooperation of residents of the FCT to furnish the Corps with credible intelligence and information.

NSCDC Parades Four Streetlight Vandals in Abuja

Continuous training key to successful fight against drug cartels – Marwa

By: Michael Mike

The importance of training in tackling the scourge of drug trafficking has been emphasised by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd).

Marwa stated this on Friday at the closing ceremony of a two-week training sponsored by the German government for NDLEA officers on combating international drug trafficking.

The closing ceremony, held at the agency’s national headquarters was attended by top management team of the agency and a team of German instructors led by a representative of the German embassy in Nigeria.

Speaking at the occasion, Marwa said: “To tackle the drug challenge, the number one priority, obviously, is the professionalism of the human resources, which you can only achieve through training. Unless personnel are properly equipped with training, they cannot do their job. That is the more reason we are emphasizing the training of our personnel.”

The two-week training organised by the German Federal Criminal Police Office, otherwise known as Bundeskriminalamnt (BKA) covered core areas including principles of crime scene investigations and training in West Africa Police Investigation System (WAPIS). The 23 participants, drawn from various departments of the agency, were engaged in classroom work, presentations and practical exercises for the duration of the programme.

The representative of the German embassy, Ms. Uduak Abasi Akpabio said: “The federal foreign office funding of this programme is part of the German government’s greater engagement in police reforms and security sector reform more generally. Our support reflects the German government’s commitment to fostering stability, especially as it pertains to addressing the menace of international drug trafficking.”

She further appreciated the work of the NDLEA which she described as “a critical pillar in safeguarding Nigeria’s stability, security and wellbeing of its citizens”, adding that: “By investing in the capacity of these officers, you have strengthened not only Nigeria’s fight against drug trafficking but also the global framework for combating this menace.”

Marwa, while appreciating the German government’s gesture, said: “We appreciate deeply the gesture of supporting the NDLEA with the right training for combating international drug trafficking. It’s a collaborative effort now. Because the drug terrain is international.”

He noted that the canine unit supplied and funded by the Germans has been very effective in critical cases such as the discovery of the Captagon shipment in Lagos Port in 2021.

He said: “To those who have been trained today, congratulations. You are quite lucky to receive this calibre of training from the BKA, one of the world’s most efficient institutions on criminal policing. You have to remember that German training in any respect is at its peak globally. Count yourselves lucky that you are beneficiaries of training from BKA and you have to take full advantage of it and let’s see it on the ground. We also, in time, take full advantage of this training to also train others in the skills that you have acquired.”

The ceremony featured the presentation of certificates to the participants.

The BKA liaison officer in Nigeria, Dominik Muller presented a donation of kits and resources for substance test to the agency, while the NDLEA also presented plaques and mementos to the trainers in appreciation of their efforts.

At the Abuja International Carnival, 2024 Borno contingent scoops second overall and several benchmark prices

By: Sam Kayode

The Borno State culture delegation has won the second overall best award in the just concluded Abuja international carnival 2024.

A statement from the commissioner of information in Borno state Prof Usman Tar stated that the 60 man troop which participated at the 2024 Abuja International Carnival held on 21-25 November 2024 did so along participants from Nigeria, Africa and overseas.

The Abuja Carnival comprised several benchmark activities which included opening ceremony, command performance, street march, fashion parade, and culinary contest.

The Borno contingent presented the cultural/historical artifacts of Borno during the carnival, and participated actively in all the keenly contested events.

“Team Borno swept the second overall award, next to Rivers State. After a very competitive exercise.

“The Borno team won the following awards: 2nd Overall Best Carnival King Award, after Rivers, 2nd Best in International Food Competition Award. 2nd Best in Cultural Night Events Award.

“2nd Best carnival Queen Award. 2nd Best carnival costumes Award. 3rd Best Indigenous Nigeria Fashion parade Award. 3rd Best Carnival Float Award and 2nd Overall Best State Award.” Said Tar

Meanwhile, Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima who graced the opening ceremony, showed his appreciation to the Borno Team for participating in the culture show.

Senator Shettima praised Borno State Governor Prof Babagana Zulum for his investment in reinvigorating Borno’s rich culture.

Similarly, the Minister for Culture and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musawa, praised the Borno Team for putting up a rich show during the carnival.

As Borno State emerges from a decade-long insurgency, its participation in National Culture Festivals demonstrates the resilience and determination to overcome its challenges and showcase the state’s deep history and splendour in the national culture events.

The Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof Usman Tar in his remarks stated that: “Borno’s 25 year development plan projects cultural renaissance and social reorientation as a pillar of our recovery and sustainable development under the watch of the Executive Governor, Prof Babagana Zulum.

“What we are witnessing is a bold step to reposition our state in the national cultural map, as a strong and active constituent part of the Nigerian federation.

At the Abuja International Carnival, 2024 Borno contingent scoops second overall and several benchmark prices