Surge of Kidnappings: FCT Minister Summons Emergency Meeting

In response to the alarming surge in violent crime within the nation’s capital, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has initiated a crucial emergency security meeting. Recent incidents involving brazen bandit operations, including the tragic killing of several residents, including a 13-year-old Secondary School Student, have prompted heightened concerns. Addressing the gathering, Minister Wike reassured FCT residents about their safety, emphasizing the government’s commitment to providing security forces with necessary resources to combat the rising insecurity. The closed-door summit, presently in session, brings together heads of security agencies in the FCT, key officials from the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), council chairmen, and traditional rulers. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing situation.

Nigerian Politicians, Elite Responsible For Continued Insecurity- Buratai

Former Chief Of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Tukur Buratai (retired), has accused politicians and the political elite for the prolonged insecurity that has plagued the nation since 2009. Speaking in an address at the 2023 National Public Service Lecture and the 65th anniversary of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association, Buaratai criticized those who called for his removal during his tenure, asserting that such demands were influenced by personal biases rather than a fair assessment of his performance. Buratai went on to express his belief that the Ninth National Assembly’s calls for the dismissal of the Service Chiefs were an attempt to undermine democracy by involving the military in political matters. He emphasized the need for objective discussions on national security issues, focusing on pertinent aspects rather than personal prejudices. Furthermore, Buratai urged political figures, public servants, and civil servants to uphold the highest ethical standards by combatting the corruption that has plagued the nation’s political landscape for decades. He highlighted the prevalence of public fund misappropriation, bribery, and embezzlement, which divert resources from essential services and lead to public disillusionment. In addition, he called upon politicians to be more transparent and accountable, as the absence of accountability has eroded public trust and hindered the country’s development. He emphasized the importance of politicians delivering on their promises made during election campaigns to restore public confidence.

Nigeria’s Underperforming In Oil, Gas Sector Due To Insecurity – Lokpobiri

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Mr Heineken Lokpobiri, has said that the challenge of insecurity in the Niger Delta was responsible for the underperformance of the petroleum sector. The Minister, who said this in a meeting with the Abuja Chapter of the Energy Correspondent Association Friday in Abuja, added that it was also affecting Nigeria’s oil production output.   While noting that the issue was making it difficult for the country to meet its OPEC production quota, Lokpobiri said the government was working to address the drawback. He was hopeful that by the end of 2023, the country would increase its oil production to about 2 million barrels per day. Due to massive crude oil theft and pipeline vandalisation, Nigeria’s oil production presently hovers between 1.3-1.4 million barrels per day. “My sole agenda is to increase production. Once we increase production we will get more revenue for the country. You know Nigeria is still more dependent on oil. “Though the non-oil sector is also supporting the economy, a substantial part of our forex comes from oil. “The reason why we are underperforming is because of insecurity and we are gradually tackling those problems. “So, my ambition is to see how I can lead the sector to increase production so that we can get more revenue to deal with the fund and strategic rationale projects in the country. “I get the reports from relevant authorities. Today, we are doing about 1.4 million barrels of crude. So, we are steadily increasing but our target is to see how we can get to two million barrels,” he said. Lokpobiri urged the industry players to join hands together to find a permanent solution to the issue. He said the federal government was discussing with International Oil Companies and local producers to find a lasting solution to the insecurity challenge. He said the engagement was already yielding positive results. “We have identified where the problem is, and where we are getting the shortfall and we are already engaging them within the next few weeks, we will be able to give you how far we have gone in that direction. In an earlier remark, President of the association, Mr Victor Nnodim, assured the minister of the association’s readiness to partner with him as he sought to fulfill his agenda of ramping up crude oil production and delivering a better petroleum industry for the country. “We will support you to achieve your mandate,” he said.

Again, Rampaging Armed Bandits Kill 3, Abduct Others In Benue

Once again, a group of armed assailants, suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, has carried out a violent attack in Benue State, resulting in the tragic loss of three lives and the abduction of several others. The incident occurred as innocent victims were en route from Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, to Otukpo, the headquarters of Benue Zone C senatorial district. The attack took place in Tyolaha, a village situated within the Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State. According to Agbo Daniel Adakole, a youth leader who provided insight into the incident to NIGERIAN ANCHOR, the attackers were heavily armed and indiscriminately fired their weapons, resulting in the loss of three lives and numerous injuries. Additionally, there are reports of individuals still missing. Adakole further disclosed that the perpetrators of this heinous act were armed Fulani herders. The victims primarily consisted of local residents who were traveling on the Benue Links Bus service along the Makurdi-Naka-Otukpo route. At the time of filing this report, it remains unconfirmed whether the incident has been reported to the Benue State command of the Nigerian Police or if any law enforcement agencies have been alerted for assistance. These armed bandits have been a persistent threat, targeting and harming both farmers and travelers in the border areas between the Idoma and Tiv-speaking regions of Benue State. Notably, just two weeks ago, on October 2nd, a gruesome armed attack occurred in the village of Agagbe, close to Tse-Awuna in Gwer LGA, resulting in the loss of three lives.

Army Conducts Field Training Exercise to Address Insecurity in Akwa Ibom

The 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army on Friday inaugurated Exercise Still Waters III in Essien-Udim Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom, to tackle all forms of security threats in the state. Brig.-Gen. Ken Chigbu, Commander, 2 Brigade, described the exercise as an annual field training event aimed at bringing together all the security agencies in the state to sharpen their skills on the rudiments of internal security operations. Chigbu expressed hope that it would provide an opportunity for joint efforts to tackle the emerging security threats in the state especially during yuletide. He said that the 2 Brigade in collaboration with other sister security agencies in the state have supported the State Government through both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to effectively tackle the threats be-devilling the state. According to him, “the event could not have come at a better time than now when there are growing concerns about the several security challenges confronting our dear state and nation at large’’. The commander said that the brigade, under the leadership of the General Officer Commanding 6 Division Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Jamal Abdussalam was currently undergoing unprecedented changes. He noted that the brigade and indeed the Division have continued to benefit immensely from the Chief of Army Staff’s Command Philosophy of transforming the Nigerian Army into a well-trained, equipped and highly motivated force. He thanked the heads of other security agencies for their synergy and support in fighting insecurity in the state as well as the Akwa Ibom Government for the support given to security agencies. In his remarks, Gov. Umo Eno commended the brigade for collaborating with other security agencies to ensure adequate security in the state especially in the area of intelligence sharing. Eno represented by his Deputy, Sen. Akon Eyankenyi, also commended the brigade for siting its base in Ikot Afanag, “a volatile area ravaged by the activities of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)’’. He said that the presence had restored peace and normalcy in the area and many displaced persons had returned to their communities. He pledged commitment to deepening cooperation with the brigade to ensure that Akwa Ibom people and other residents enjoy maximum security and maintain its status as one of the most peaceful and secured states in the country. The highlight of the event were crowd dispersal drills, aerial surveillance/support for the flag-off event by the Nigerian Air Force, presentation of souvenirs and medical outreach. 

We’re Committed To Ending Insecurity In Nigeria –CDS

The Chief of Depence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa has restated commitment of the Nigerian Armed Forces to end security challenges in the country. Musa stated this during a condolence visit to the Emir of Zazau, Malam Ahmed Bamalli, at the weekend in Zaria, Kaduna State. He assured that the security challenges facing the country would soon be a thing of past, and sought for prayers for the military to succeed. Musa accompanied by some top military officers commiserated with the over the death of eight worshippers, who died in a mosque collapse. The CDS conveyed the condolence of the Armed Forces and prayed for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives in the tragic incident. He said: “I am in Kaduna for the Passing-out parade at Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, but felt I should take time out to pay you this condolence visit. “As a father to me and the entire north, I count on your support and prayers so that we succeed in our various operations. “I was here severally, I was in here in Zaria as the Commandant, Nigerian Army, Depot, and now as a Chief of Defence Staff, to God be the glory”. On August 11, eight worshipers died and 25 others sustained injuries sequel to the collapsed of a section of the 150-year-old Zaria Central Mosque during a congregational prayer session. Responding, Bamalli expressed gratitude for the visit and commended President Bola Tinubu for finding Gen. Musa worthy of the appointment. Bamalli noted that though the appointment was strictly base on merit, Mr President however deserves applaud from the entire people of Kaduna State for choosing a competent military officer from the state to serve in such capacity. He expressed hope that security challenges in parts of the country would be addressed under the present administration. The royal father said the council and the people of the state would continue to pray for the CDS and the government to succeed.

Sultan, Kukah seek community involvement in tackling security challenges

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has called for increased community representatives’ involvement in solving the lingering security challenges facing the nation. Abubakar, who was represented by Dr Jabbi Kilgore, the District Head of Kingori made the call during a town hall  organised by the Kukah Centre for Peace in collaboration with Global Right, an NGO on Tuesday in Sokoto. The Sultan said that bad governance, injustice and inequality were some factors contributing to insecurity. He enjoined leaders at all levels to be fair in dealing with their subjects and know that they would give an account of their stewardship after leaving this world. In his keynote address, Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Mathew Kukah also identified religious intolerance, fanaticism and injustice as some of the factors responsible for insecurity in the country. Kukah also said  that sectionalism, fanaticism, injustice and religious intolerance were responsible for insecurity in the country. He urged stakeholders at the meeting to come together to form common front in curbing the menace saying insecurity know no religion. Earlier,  Governor Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto state, represented by the Permanent Secretary Ministry for Religious Affairs, Alhaji Abubakar Torankawa rreiterated the commitment of the government to partner with groups and association in promoting peaceful coexistence in the state. The Sokoto state commissioner of police,  Ali Kaigama, also emphasised on the need for public support to community policing drives initiated by the Nigerian Police. Kaigama said the police will continue to partner with the Nigerian army and other sister security agencies in tackling insecurity in the country. In his presentation, Prof. Tukur Baba, the Dean Faculty of Social Sciences in Federal University Birnin Kebbi dwelled on factors that promoted insecurity from pre-independece. Baba advised authorities to change the land use act, taxations and consider global, regional, national and community approaches to holistically deal with the problems of insecurity. He described the assessment by the National Bureau of Statics revealing the poverty index as glaring. ”This is the effect of insecurity, maladministration and poor people attitude in the northwest,” he said.

NRC records drop as 441,725 Nigerians travel by rail

A total of 441,725 passengers travelled via the rail system in Q1 2023, lower than the 953,099 reported in the corresponding quarter of 2022. This represented a growth rate of -53.65 per cent. The rail transportation data for Q1 2023 by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), showed that 59,966 tons of goods were transported in Q1 2023, compared to 39,379 tons reported in Q1 2022. “In terms of revenue generation, N768.44 million was received from passengers over the period, lower by 63.02% relative to N2.08 billion in the same quarter of the previous year. “Similarly, N181.27 million was collected in Q1 2023 as revenue from goods/cargos, up by 99.28% from N90.96 million received in Q1 2022. “In addition, other receipts amounted to N34.17 million, indicating a decline of 41.02% in Q1 2023, from the N57.92 million collected in Q1 2022,” the NBS said.