News
Step Up Your Game To End Insecurity, Tinubu Tells Military, Security Agencies
Step Up Your Game To End Insecurity, Tinubu Tells Military, Security Agencies
- Inducts 2 NAF helicopters, aircraft, calls for change in mindset, strategy, tactics
By: Our Reporter
President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has implored the Nigerian military and other security agencies to intensify efforts at containing the multi-dimensional security challenges in the country.
He restated his administration’s continued support to the nation’s security forces through the modernization of fleets, training and welfare of personnel.
The President gave the charge on Tuesday during the induction ceremony of two TK-129 ATAK Helicopters and a King Air 360i Aircraft at Nigeria Air (NAF) Base, Makurdi, the Benue State capital.
President Tinubu who was represented at the event by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, recalled the commissioning and induction of four additional Diamond-62 surveillance aircraft into the arsenal of the Nigerian Air Force about two months ago, saying it is a symbol of his government’s enduring commitment to the ideals of patriotism and investment in the nation’s security.
“Indeed, our solemn commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s security hinges upon the realisation that without vigilant attention to the needs of our Armed Forces who are saddled with the maintenance of peace, law, order and stability, anarchy and lawlessness would surely prevail,” he stated.
Delivering the President’s address, VP Shettima noted that the acquisition of helicopters and aircraft had become necessary to improve the strategic use of air power in combating terrorism, insurgency and other security challenges plaguing the nation.
Urging the nation’s security forces to step up their game, President Tinubu said, “I have no doubt that the deployment of these platforms would add impetus to the combat efficiency of the Nigerian Air Force in addressing our contemporary security challenges, not only within the shores of our country but also in the West African region. We are committed to taking the right steps to achieve the desired results.
“The acquisition of these aircraft amongst other military equipment despite our budgetary constraints is an expression of our commitment. We shall ensure that every sector of our nation benefits from the change that we promised. I therefore expect discipline in operation and a strong maintenance culture that will enable the nation to derive maximum benefits from these acquisitions.”
He recalled how since it was established in 1964, the Nigerian Air Force had been playing critical roles in national security, peace-keeping and humanitarian operations globally, noting that its “contributions to the sustenance and maintenance of peace and security in places like The Gambia, Guinea Conakry, Mozambique, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Mali, Guinea Bissau and Cameroun have not only been a source of pride to Nigeria but have projected the nation as a reliable regional power.
“This is indeed most commendable just as the Nigerian Air Force continues to synergize with other security agencies in curtailing the threats posed by terrorists, insurgents and other criminal elements in the country,” he further stated.
Recalling his promise during his inaugural speech last year that security shall be the top priority of his administration, the President said about six months after his proclamations, “So much has been achieved due to the gallant and synergistic efforts of our various security agencies”.
He expressed delight that coordination among security agencies has improved significantly, just as he declared that “there is no room for celebrations until we put an end to the security logjam; until we can bring our troops back to their localities, and until we can free up resources for our critical economic expansion programme”.
President Tinubu assured that “professionalism, capacity building and adequate equipping of our Armed Forces and other security agencies are a major policy thrust” of his administration.
He, therefore, reiterated that under his watch, the Federal Government “will continue to re-professionalise and re-equip the Armed Forces and security agencies to effectively discharge their duties to our nation”, noting further that as Chairman of the ECOWAS, he was working diligently to enhance regional conflict management and development mechanisms.
Inducting the aircraft and helicopters, the President said, “Finally, I congratulate the Chief of the Air Staff and all the personnel of the Air Force on this occasion of the commissioning of the T-129 ATAK helicopters and King Air 360i aircraft into the Service. At this juncture, I hereby induct the 2 x T -129 ATAK helicopters as NAF 500 and NAF 501 and King Air 360i as NAF 205 into the Service of the Nigerian Air Force and our country”.
Earlier in his welcome address, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, noted that the acquisition and induction of the T129 Atak helicopter and Beechcraft King Air 360i aircraft is a testimony of the Federal Government’s unwavering resolve to equip and empower the air force and enhance its capacity to address security challenges confronting the nation, in conjunction with sister forces and security agencies.
He thanked President Tinubu for the provision to enable the Nigerian Air Force to acquire seven brand-new aircraft within six months of his administration.
The Air Chief disclosed that the Air Force is currently overhauling its operational platforms, equipment and the entire environment to improve its efficiency and service delivery.
On his part, Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar Badaru, said the induction of the new platforms for the Air Force is a testimony of President Tinubu’s resolve to add impetus to the armed forces’ fight against security challenges in the country.
He commended the armed forces for the commitment to executing their assignments in line with the counter-terrorism plan of the present administration, just as he urged the military to imbibe a positive maintenance culture in utilizing platforms purchased by the government.
Also present at the event were the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas; Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State; some members of the National Assembly from Benue State and members of the state House of Assembly, among others.
Step Up Your Game To End Insecurity, Tinubu Tells Military, Security Agencies
News
Interior Minister Orders Investigation into Alleged Criminal Activities in Okere Correctional Centre
Interior Minister Orders Investigation into Alleged Criminal Activities in Okere Correctional Centre
By: Michael Mike
The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has directed the immediate and comprehensive investigation into allegations of criminal activities within the Okere Correctional Centre, Warri, Delta State, which have recently been reported in the media.
The Minister, in a statement signed by his spokesman, Babatunde Alao on Tuesday strongly condemned the alleged reprehensible behaviour and emphasizes that any form of indiscipline and misconduct will be met with severe consequences.
The Minister was quoted to have said: “I will not allow indiscipline to fester under my nose. Any officer found wanting will face the full weight of the law. The leadership of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) must provide explanations.”
He reiterated his commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in the administration of justice within correctional service system.
He said: “We take these allegations seriously and will not tolerate any form of misconduct within our correctional facilities.”
The Minister however called on the general public to provide any relevant information that may aid in the investigation.
Interior Minister Orders Investigation into Alleged Criminal Activities in Okere Correctional Centre
NIS to Launch Contactless Passport Solution in Europe on February 7
By: Michael Mike
Comptroller General, Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Mrs. Kemi Nandap has announced that NIS is set to launch the contactless passport application solution in Europe, with UK serving as the coordinating centre on February 7.
The Comptroller General made the announcement on Tuesday when she paid a courtesy call on Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa at NiDCOM headquarters in Abuja.
She said: “This initiative set for launch on 7th of February 2025 will enable Nigerians in the Diaspora to apply for and renew their passports online from the comfort of their homes.”
Nandap reiterated that the innovative solution is designed to simplify the passport application process for Diaspora, save time, and reduce costs associated with travelling to apply for passport.
She, however, said that the initiative is not for fresh applicants or minors but for those renewing their passports.
She said Nigerians living abroad can start the process of renewing their passports a year to its expiration.
Nandap commended NIDCOM for being a dependable partner and ally in advocacy in giving awareness to its programmes and policies, especially as it affects Nigerians living abroad.
The Comptroller General said that President Bola Tinubu has given them the marching order to make life easier for Nigerians in the diaspora, saying the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has in the meantime approved a passport processing facility for New York, to address the backlog and bring experience there.
She added that passport front offices will soon be opened in other parts of the US and other countries.
Responding to the news, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, commended the laudable initiative, which aligns with the Commission’s mandate to support and facilitate diaspora engagement.
“The launch of the contactless passport application solution in Europe is a significant step towards efficient, secure, and convenient travel document management for Nigerians in the diaspora. NiDCOM will continue to support, monitor and collaborate with the NIS to ensure the success of this initiative” she added.
She commended the Interior Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and the Comptroller General for the innovations introduced, noting that the contactless application has since taken off in Canada with commendations from Nigerians in Canada.
NIS to Launch Contactless Passport Solution in Europe on February 7
NSCDC, Search for Common Ground Organise Capacity Building for Civil Defence Officers
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in conjunction with Search for Common Ground; a Nigerian International Non Governmental Organisation has organised a 5-Day Capacity Building Training on “Common Ground Approach and Early Warning and Early Response To Conflict” for officers of the NSCDC.
The training witnessed participants who are top management staff officers of the NSCDC at Sandralia Hotel in Abuja.
The training programme was organised to provide the participants and others with the tools, insights, and strategies necessary to navigate the pressing security challenges facing the country .
While declaring the conference open, the NSCDC Commandant General, Dr Ahmed Audi said the training is to enhance development and result -oriented outcome .
The NSCDC Boss said: “Discipline starts from training and retraining, we will continue to leverage on the regular training programs because we are also product of regular training programs which has helped us to evolve professionally and gives us much required impetus to always live up to expectation.”
Audi, in his address, traced the beginning of the present day insurgency years back and lamented that what started like a child’s play has now developed to full scale monsters such as kidnapping, banditry in the North and militancy in the South South.
He postulated that to strengthen the nation’s Security architecture there is need for improvement in the area of synergy among the security agencies, adding that the present collaboration has started to yield more positive results.
He said: “We can trace the genesis of the present day insurgency to sometime in 2007. When stated somewhere in a particular state has now spread to every corner of the country with various names as banditry and kidnapping in the North East, North West and North Central to Militancy and agitators in the South South and South East.
“One thing that is constant with the present reality is that no particular security agency can lay claim to holistic strategy on how to combat this insurgency.
This is time to improve on synergy among the security agencies in the country.
“Interestingly, the synergy among the security agencies are improving in recent time with the exhibition of 3 Cs; Collaboration, Coordination and Cooperation
The good working relationship is now conspicuous and we look forward to more favourable working relationship. “
In her welcome address the Country’ Director of Search for Common Ground, Fatimah Abubakar, who was represented by Director of Programme, Miss Gift Owonipa, lauded efforts and sacrifice of the NSCDC and other security agencies in the country adding that the workshop is being organized to strengthen operational responses to emerging contemporary security threats.
She said: “We will like to recognize the immense sacrifice that NSCDC makes on daily basis together with other security agencies in safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerians especially the country’s infrastructure and salute your courage in the face of adversity.
“We have come to realize that the country has continue to grapple with myriad of conflict such as inter communal clashes , insurgency, banditry, militancy , cultism and other form of violence and conflict.
This training represents a significant step towards empowering the participants to imbibe an early warning early response system and is expected to foster a safer, more stable and peaceful Nigeria. ” She disclosed.
NSCDC, Search for Common Ground Organise Capacity Building for Civil Defence Officers
Interior Minister Orders Investigation into Alleged Criminal Activities in Okere Correctional Centre
NIS to Launch Contactless Passport Solution in Europe on February 7
NSCDC, Search for Common Ground Organise Capacity Building for Civil Defence Officers
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
EYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
News11 months agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions3 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News11 months agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
ACADEMICS11 months agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns11 months agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions3 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
Opinions12 months agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
-
National News11 months agoFraud and Mismanagement Rock INGO’s IDP Cash Assistance Effort in Bama
