News
Tinubu charges security chiefs to end insecurity
President Bola Tinubu has asked the nation’s security chiefs to ensure a conclusive victory against the myriad of security threats assailing the country.
Ajuri Ngelale, a presidential spokesperson, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.
Addressing security chiefs and heads of intelligence agencies at a Presidential Security Briefing at the State House in Abuja on Friday, President Tinubu said while good progress is being made with the elimination of some security threats across multiple theatres, success will ultimately be defined by a conclusion to the multi-dimensional menace.
“We have too many investments that we need to make now in soft and physical infrastructure, in social security, in MSME empowerment, and other growth enablers. We are pursuing a $1 trillion economy in the next few years, and our efforts will be undermined if we do not finally wrap up our progressive onslaught against enemies of progress. Be encouraged. The confidence of our people in your capacity is rising, and they are appreciative of the sacrifices of our men and women.
“The success you are recording is undeniable. Nigerians are seeing it, but the avoidable errors, as witnessed recently in Kaduna, are unacceptable and cannot be repeated. I am pleased that coordination between all agencies has dramatically improved over recent months, but there is no room for celebrations until we can end this, until we can bring our troops back to their own localities, and until we can free up resources for our critical economic expansion programme,” the President firmly stated.
The President emphasised that the armed forces must deliver on their objective to ensure the nation achieves a sustainable production of two million barrels of crude oil per day within the first quarter of 2024.
“I do not play with my intelligence reports. I have multiple lines of sight. The Navy and sister branches must step up their game to achieve our aims for the benefit of all Nigerians. All malign actors will be aggressively uprooted from our midst. Those working against the national agenda from within and without will meet justice. Your task is clear. We will sustain our momentum. Failure is not an option under my leadership,” the President warned.
The President also commended the Commander of the Presidential Air Fleet, the Commander of the Brigade of Guards, and his Chief Personal Security Officer for their dedication and commitment in the discharge of their assignments, which earned them a promotion.
The commander of the Presidential Air Fleet, Air Commodore Olayinka Olusola Oyesola, was promoted to the new rank of Air Vice Marshal in the Nigerian Air Force, while the commander of the Brigade of Guards, Adebisi Olusegun Onasanya, was promoted from Colonel to the rank of Brigadier-General. The President’s Chief Personal Security Officer, Usman Musa Shugaba, is now a Deputy Commissioner of Police after being promoted from the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police. President Tinubu said he was very impressed by the officers’ “loyalty and dedication to duty.”
“Nigeria calls all to serve. We are the servants of the country, not the masters, as you have seen. Your stewardship as leaders in your various categories is reflected in the assignments and responsibilities you have undertaken. I hope that Nigeria will continue to recognise your service to Motherland,” the President concluded.
The newly promoted officers were decorated by the President, who was assisted by Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja and Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, respectively, in the presence of the spouses of the elevated officers.
The event was witnessed by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle, the service chiefs, heads of intelligence agencies, and presidential aides.
News
Nigeria deploys troops for peace keeping in Gambia
He said as part of their training, the troops were taken through crosscutting issues like Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, Conflict Related Sexual Violence, Conduct and Discipline as well as Protection of Civilians amongst others.
“This graduation is a testament to the capacity and capability of the MLAILPKC as a United Nations accredited Centre to conduct quality training of prospective peacekeepers for deployment to multidimensional Peace Support Operations in fulfillment of her mandate.
“The Centre has within the last six weeks been able to train, retrain and refresh the troops on requisite knowledge and expertise to succeed in a Peace Support Operation environment.
” It is my fervent belief that these men are better informed and equipped to perform their roles in the Gambia, “Adedoja said.
He said the graduation ceremony once more showed the commitment of Nigeria and the Nigerian Armed Forces to global peace and security.
News
Tinubu calls for stronger collaboration with FBI to fight cybercrime, terrorism
President Bola Tinubu has called for stronger collaboration between Nigeria’s law enforcement agencies and the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the fight against cybercrime, terrorism, and other related crimes.
The President made the call during a meeting with FBI Director, Christopher Asher Wray, at the State House on Friday in Abuja.
Tinubu described the presence of the FBI Director alongside his team in Nigeria as a recognition of the enduring partnership between Nigeria and the U.S. in the fight against financial crimes and terrorism.
Security chiefs who attended the meeting included the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun and Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Yusuf Magaji Bichi.
Also in attendance were the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) and Chief of Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye.
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Olanipekun Olukoyede; and the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, were also present.
Tinubu said it was an honour for him to receive Wray, the leader of an organisation that had demonstrated consistent procedural sophistication and a reputation for excellence over several years.
“Your visit conveys the importance of Nigeria and Nigerian partnership in the work of America’s law enforcement institutions and vice-versa.
“For us, it is a recognition of what stage we are at, who we are, and the level of interest both countries share in eliminating crimes locally and globally.
“We cannot achieve this important feat of eliminating crimes without collaboration.
“Incidentally, as the Chairman of ECOWAS, Nigeria is also collaborating with other West African countries to fight economic and other related crimes,” the President said.
He told the FBI Director that his administration had prioritised education as a tool against poverty, which was generally believed to be a driver of criminal activities.
“We are working hard to eliminate terrorism, cybercrimes, sextortion, and I am glad that we have a good number of agencies that are involved in reducing these crimes to the barest minimum, and they are also well represented at this meeting,” said Tinubu.
Noting that no single country could combat financial crimes in isolation, he called on the U.S. to support developing countries with the requisite technology and knowledge transfer required to combat complex international crimes.
In his remarks, Wray said he was in the country to enhance the “outstanding partnership” that existed between the government of Nigeria and the government of the U.S.
He lauded Tinubu for supporting the growing partnerships between various agencies of government and the FBI in order to protect the citizens of both countries.
“We appreciate the President’s vision in countering terrorism in the region, which is a dangerous threat, not only to the countries in the region but also to the United States.
“We appreciate your vision in re-engineering the role of the Office of the NSA to effectively coordinate efforts on counter-terrorism, and this has already started to bear fruits in terms of the success you are recording against ISIS in West Africa and other terrorist groups.
“We appreciate your support and collaboration on cyber-enabled crimes and sextortion, which has unfortunately resulted in a few tragic deaths in the United States.
“I want to assure you of our support whether it is on counter-terrorism, cyber-enabled crimes, kidnapping, joint investigations, and intelligence sharing. Our relationship with Nigeria is a very important one,” the FBI Director said.
News
Saudi Weather: NACHON urges pilgrims to avoid direct sunlight
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has advised Nigerian pilgrims to use umbrellas to protect themselves from the scorching sun.
The Executive Chairman of NAHCON, Malam Jalal Arabi, gave the advice in an interview with the newsmen, on Friday in Mina, a valley located eight kilometres South-East of the city of Mecca.
This year’s hajj is taking place in sweltering temperatures that test the endurance of worshipers during the mostly outdoor rituals.
He implored the pilgrims to always seek shade whenever possible to avoid direct sunlight.
Arabi said,” It is important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, even if they do not feel thirsty.
” Pilgrims are also advised to pay close attention to all health advisories and instructions provided by the medical team.
” To limit sun exposure, pilgrims should avoid going outside during peak heat. They should also stay cool by refraining from walking on or touching hot surfaces like rooftops.”
Meanwhile, the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health has issued a heat advisory for the pilgrims in the wake of scorching surface temperatures, which pose a significant health risk.
The ministry highlighted the intense heat in Makkah as a major challenge for hajj, adding that prolonged sun exposure could be dangerous.
On Saturday morning, pilgrims will proceed from Mina to the plain of Arafat for the major ritual of standing.
Spanning approximately 33 square kilometers, Arafat hosts over two million pilgrims each year.