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Promotion in Paramilitary now on Academic Prowess
Promotion in Paramilitary now on Academic Prowess
By: Michael Mike
The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo on Thursday said promotion in the paramilitary service under the Ministry of Interior would henceforth require more than passing promotional examines, calling on officers to brace up and get academic qualifications for career progression.
The Minister made the declaration in Abuja while speaking at the books presentation of ten books authored by the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr Ahmed Audi. or co-authored with Prof Tyoor Terhemba.
The Minister who commended the academic prowess of the NSCDC Commandant General, declared that personnel must upgrade their knowledge to qualify for promotions henceforth.
The Minister while emphasizing on the need to invest in the education of personnel, said: “The best of people you find in the FBI, the best of the people you find in the MI6, all over the world in CIA, they are alumni of some of the best Institutions in the world.
“Knowledge is directly proportional to performance. You can not give what you don’t have. The battle ahead of us is more ideological than physical and you can only defeat an ideology with your ideology and your ideology is nothing but superior knowledge and knowledge comes from the place of learning.
“I will personally ensure all our agencies have a functional library for research. The era of promotion just by writing exams will soon be over. Your promotion has to be a product of a cocktail of evaluation parameters based on experience, practicability of excellence, base on theory and ability to profer solutions.
“If you want to be a DCG for example, you must let us know that you have the idea of the challenges of the moment and you are able to forecast problems that are not yet there and profer solutions. The ability to solve a problem before it comes is what leadership is all about.
“Security is like science and that is why we talk about trends, we talk about occurrences. The ability to forecast prospective incidences would determine the level of security.”
The Minister also at the occasion announced the establishment of a team tagged: Paramilitary Brain Trust (PBT), which he said would be made up of public officers and professionals with the task of providing technical advice to the government through research and other academic endeavours.
On the CG, he said Audi had shown capacity in leading the Corps to tackle criminal elements in the country.
The CG who spoke earlier, revealed that five of the books were completely written by him while the other seven were co-authored by associates.
He disclosed that he started writing the books five years ago, noting that they
discussed insecurity in Nigeria, terrorism, peace and conflict resolution among other subjects around security.
Promotion in Paramilitary now on Academic Prowess
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
By: Michael Mike
As Christians begin Lent and Muslims commence Ramadan, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has urged Nigerians to use the rare overlap of the two sacred seasons to strengthen unity and reject divisive tendencies.
In a statement released on February 18, 2026, the institute described the simultaneous observance as more than a calendar coincidence, calling it a powerful symbol of shared values and collective responsibility in a nation grappling with insecurity and social strain.
IPCR said both seasons—marked by fasting, prayer and reflection—offer an opportunity for citizens to look beyond religious differences and recommit to peaceful coexistence. It stressed that the moral lessons of compassion, self-restraint and generosity embedded in Lent and Ramadan should translate into everyday interactions among Nigerians.
The institute warned against extremist narratives that distort religious teachings for narrow interests, noting that such interpretations undermine national stability. Instead, it encouraged faith leaders and communities to amplify messages that promote tolerance, dialogue and mutual respect.
According to the institute, true spirituality is measured not only by acts of worship but also by how individuals treat neighbours of different beliefs. It added that Nigeria’s diversity should be seen as a strength capable of fostering resilience rather than division.
“With both faiths engaged in solemn reflection at the same time, Nigerians are presented with a timely reminder that we share a common humanity and destiny,” the statement noted, urging citizens to work together toward a more peaceful and prosperous society.
The Director-General of IPCR, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, who signed the statement, extended goodwill wishes to Christians and Muslims, expressing hope that the sacred period would inspire reconciliation, understanding and renewed commitment to national unity.
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
Operative dies in accidental discharge in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
An operative attached to a security unit in Niger State has died following an accidental discharge of a rifle at his duty post in Shiroro Local Government Area.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 10:00 p.m. on Feb. 16 when the operative, identified as Abubakar Iliya, 35, who was attached to a special hunters unit stationed at Galadiman-Kogo, reportedly fell from a sentry post.
During the fall, his cocked rifle disengaged and discharged, striking him in the abdomen and causing fatal injuries.
His remains were later evacuated by his unit for burial in accordance with customary rites.
Operative dies in accidental discharge in Niger
Boat mishap leaves passengers missing in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
A canoe conveying seven passengers capsized while in transit between Jata and Kami Village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, leaving several persons missing.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 7:00 p.m. on Feb. 16 when the canoe, carrying six females and one male passenger, overturned during the journey.
The passengers were identified as Mustapher Yakubu; Sahura Yakubu and her child; Zarifa Yakubu; Mommy Yakubu; Lizatu Yakubu; Zaratu Yusuf; and Sumaiya Ibrahim, all from Jata/Bmagara via Kami Village.
Rescue teams, including police and local divers, were immediately mobilised to the scene. The boat driver and his conductor were rescued alive, while search efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining passengers.
Authorities said further updates would be provided as rescue operations continue.
Boat mishap leaves passengers missing in Niger
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
Police neutralise two suspected kidnappers, recover rifle in Akwa Ibom
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