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2024: 1 Division Nigerian Army succeeds in improving security – GOC
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division Nigerian Army Kaduna, Maj.-Gen. Mayirenso Saraso, has said the division has recorded modest achievements in improving security in its Area of Responsibility (AOR) in 2024.
Saraso stated this at the annual 2024 West African Social Activities(WASA), held at the 2 Battalion parade ground in Ribadu Military Cantonment on Saturday in Kaduna.
He commended the troops for their robust and aggressive clearance operations against insurgents in Niger and Kaduna States, which had led to the release of kidnapped victims and the surrender of bandits.
The GOC acknowledged the contributions of other security agencies and stakeholders in addressing security challenges.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the WASA is an annual event that marks end of the year training and the regimental activities.
It affords officers, soldiers and their families the opportunity to socially interact, showcase their rich cultural heritage that enhances the unity of people.
Saraso recalled that the security situation in Kaduna when he assumed duty as the GOC was disturbing due to criminal activities.
“In the beginning of the year, there was the abduction of the Kuriga school children and also the unfortunate bombing of the Tudun Biri community, which we seriously regretted and took measures.
“But, here we are running through this year, most of these incidents have been curtailed, criminal activities have also reduced to a large extent,”he said.
According to him, commuters can now freely drive unescorted, unlike the beginning of the year where the travelers were put together and escorted to and from by the military especially along Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Road.
Saraso said, “With time, we stopped escorting, we started picketing the road at intervals.
”Today, we are only doing patrol along the road, with commuters driving freely. It is a big achievement for us.”
Similarly, the GOC said along the road and rail line of Kaduna-Abuja corridors, they have also recorded tremendous progress, almost free of criminal activities as compared to the previous years.
He, therefore, said with all the achievements they have recorded, there was every reason for them to come together with their families, friends, stakeholders to celebrate and think of what they would do in the new year.
He thanked the Chief of Army Staff for the support and guidance in the conduct of their operations.
Saraso also expressed appreciation to the Army chief in enhancing professionalism and regimentation in the Nigerian Army.
He also thanked the government and people of Kaduna state, the media and other stakeholders including security and law enforcement agencies for their cooperation and support.
Gov. Uba Sani said he was particularly impressed by their division’s achievements in combating kidnapping, cattle rustling, and banditry.
Sani, represented by the Commissioner, Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr James Kanyip, said the division successes have had a profound impact on the security of the state and its surrounding areas.
He said the collaborative approach with other security agencies through Operation FANSAN YAMMA had significantly contributed to the peace and stability of the state.
Saraso said, “The gallantry and courage displayed by your troops in these operations are both commendable and deeply appreciated.
”As we look toward 2025, I assure you of my steadfast support and encourage you to remain focused and resilient in confronting emerging challenges.”
Sani urged the 1 Division to continue embracing the highest standards of professionalism, steadfastness, proactiveness, and ever-committed to the noble task of safeguarding Kaduna state and nation in general.
NAN also reports that awards were given to the soldiers who distinguished themselves in 2024. (NAN)
The Confederation of All Progressives Congress (APC) Support Group (CASG) and Concerned Nigerian Citizens for Justice and Sovereignty have condemned what they describe as a coordinated campaign by US federal agencies targeting President Bola Tinubu, warning that such actions threaten Nigeria’s sovereignty and democratic integrity.
Engr Muhammed Kailani, Director General of the groups in a statement
issued on Wednesday, accusing the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) of orchestrating a “politically engineered witch-hunt” against Tinubu.
He described the actions as an affront to Nigeria’s democracy.
“President Tinubu was elected to lead, not to be distracted by foreign conspiracies or trial by media,” Kailani said.
“The world must respect our sovereignty and our right to choose our leaders without external intimidation.”
The groups pointed to the recent release of decades-old documents by US agencies as evidence of a deliberate attempt to tarnish Tinubu’s reputation and undermine the will of Nigerians, who elected him in the 2023 presidential election.
The vote, widely regarded as free and fair, saw Tinubu emerge as the country’s leader despite longstanding allegations that have never been substantiated in court.
“This sudden rush to dredge up old documents is nothing short of a politically motivated attack,” Kailani added.
“Nigeria is a sovereign nation, not a satellite state to be dictated to by foreign intelligence bodies acting on behalf of interest groups.”
He called on the FBI and associated agencies to “immediately halt this charade,” warning that continued actions could be interpreted as foreign interference in Nigeria’s domestic politics.
The groups also raised concerns about the timing of the allegations, suggesting they were fuelled by “politically biased actors” seeking to destabilise the country.
Tahe National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has directed the immediate implementation of a one-stop joint-interest screening system of passengers across Nigerian airports.
The directive is part of efforts to eliminate operational clumsiness, curb touting, and streamline security innovations in the aviation sector.
Also, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has disclosed that many airports and airspace facilities have yet to benefit from modern security technologies.
These were disclosed at an aviation security symposium themed: ‘The Fundamentality of Security in Achieving the Safe Skies Goals,’ organised by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
The NSA noted that aviation security must evolve to meet emerging threats and emphasised a coordinated national approach.
The NSA, who was represented by a member of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Air Commodore Ahmad Madawaki, further stated that the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) is developing a security track assessment framework to monitor and evaluate all airports and airspace operations in Nigeria.
“The Nigerian government, especially the Office of the National Security Adviser, is concerned about the security of our airspace and airports. The mandate of the Office is to coordinate the operations of relevant security agencies to ensure that the operations of the aviation sector are protected from acts of unlawful interference.
“Security agencies are also required to collaborate and cooperate with all operators to ensure their duties are carried out most efficiently and professionally. As part of the efforts of the Office of the National Security Adviser, the NSA has directed the implementation of the one-stop joint-interest screening system to avoid clumsiness and touting innovation operations at our airports.”
“The National Security Adviser’s office is also developing a security track assessment framework to monitor and evaluate all airports and airspace operations in Nigeria. This initiative involves a multi-stakeholder setup, drawing expertise from various sectors to assess risks and bolster nationwide aviation safety.
“The framework will guide assessments and help ensure that operators across the industry are security-conscious. Stakeholders must share timely information to safeguard both our airports and the airspace,” the NSA stressed.
He reiterated that aviation security is a shared responsibility, urging all players in the aviation ecosystem to align with global standards of vigilance, safety, and operational excellence.
“The beauty of ensuring safer skies lies in our collective action. The challenges of insecurity are no longer isolated to any region. We must treat our airspace as a critical national asset and protect it accordingly,” he said.
He also called for sustained collaboration among security agencies and aviation stakeholders, underlining that the ONSA’s mandate is to coordinate all security operations seamlessly and professionally.
“This symposium is a timely reminder that aviation security must be treated with the seriousness it deserves. It’s not just about protecting air routes but also our national integrity,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, NAMA said obsolete screening systems, inadequate perimeter fencing, poor surveillance coverage and limited access control systems expose key installations to avoidable threats.
He added that the integration of physical and cyber-security systems remains suboptimal, limiting the ability to detect, deter, and respond to security breaches in real time.
The managing director of NAMA, Farouk Umar Ahmed, said there is a lack of synergy among security agencies. Despite the shared responsibility for securing aviation infrastructure, coordination among security agencies remains weak.
Ahmed said the absence of structured inter-agency communication channels, overlapping mandates, and fragmented incident response mechanisms continue to compromise the effectiveness of security operations at airports.
“This lack of synergy delays critical decision-making and hinders unified responses to security threats,” he added.
Ahmed, who was represented by Rita Egbadon, director of Legal Services, said the critical role of aviation security personnel is undermined by insufficient training, poor remuneration, and limited opportunities for career development.
“Several frontline officers are not conversant with evolving international security standards, while low morale continues to affect performance, vigilance, and professionalism.
“A growing concern is the deployment of inadequately qualified individuals into sensitive aviation security positions. These appointments often bypass necessary screening, certification, and background verification processes required by ICAO Annex 17 and national civil aviation regulations. The result is a vulnerability in the leadership and execution of security protocols at airports and related facilities,” he explained.
He suggested that there is a need to put in place a joint aviation security task force and create a National Aviation Security Coordination Framework, anchored by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and regularly inspected or audited by NCAA, to drive seamless collaboration among all security stakeholders.
This task force, he suggested, should convene regularly to share intelligence, develop joint action plans, conduct simulations, and issue coordinated advisories.
He also spoke on the need to prioritise investment in security infrastructure and federal and state authorities, in partnership with the private sector, must invest in modern aviation security equipment.
These, he said, include biometric access systems, smart surveillance solutions, integrated command centres, and advanced threat detection tools.
“Funding mechanisms should be developed to ensure sustained upgrades and maintenance. Adopt a Comprehensive Capacity-Building and Incentive Program. The security personnel should undergo recurrent training accredited by ICAO and relevant bodies.
“Training must cover not only physical security but also cyber security, behavioural detection, and emergency response Additionally, structured motivation frameworks- including health benefits, hazard allowances, and career progression plans-should be introduced to retain top talent,” Ahmed explained.
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has reactivated the issuance of Tinted Glass Permits (TGP) nationwide through a “secure and user-friendly” platform available at possap.gov.ng.
Muyiwa Adejobi, spokesperson of the police, detailed in a statement that the move comes in response to widespread public complaints about the harassment of motorists over the use of tinted windows.
He said the initiative reflects the need for a clear, transparent, and accountable process for regularising factory-fitted tinted glass on vehicles.
“With modern automobiles increasingly manufactured with tinted windows it has become essential to provide a standardised system that accommodates legitimate use while ensuring public safety,” the statement reads.
“Vehicles have often been exploited for criminal purposes, including kidnapping, armed robbery, ‘one-chance’ scams, and other forms of banditry. Their use hampers police visibility and impedes effective law enforcement, thereby contributing to public insecurity.”
Adejobi said the reactivation of the permit system is a strategic move to identify lawful users, such as individuals with medical requirements or members of the security community, while preventing misuse for criminal activities.
He said it is expected to enhance police investigative capabilities and strengthen national security efforts.
The police spokesperson said applicants can now process their permits online, with identity verification integrated through the National Identification Number (NIN) and Tax Identification Number (TIN), alongside biometric capture and background checks.
He said the system also features QR-coded digital permits, with a streamlined processing timeline of 72 hours.
The spokesperson announced that a 30-day grace period has been approved, starting from May 1, during which motorists are expected to comply with the new regulations.
Adejobi said that enforcement will commence at the end of this period, adding that officers found engaging in unprofessional conduct such as extortion or harassment in the course of enforcement, will be decisively dealt with in accordance with extant disciplinary procedures.
In June 2021, Usman Baba, former inspector-general of police (IGP), ordered the suspension of the issuance of permits for tinted glasses and SPY number plates.
Last year, the police said it would reintroduce issuance of tinted glass permits for vehicles in the country.