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DSS Boss Advocates Community Armament To Combat Insecurity

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The Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Ajayi, has called for communities to be allowed some level of armament to defend themselves against attacks.

Speaking at the annual maiden lecture of the Alumni Association of the National Institute for Security Studies (AANISS) in Abuja, Mr Ajayi emphasized the importance of grassroots involvement in tackling insecurity.

Citing examples from Bauchi State, he referenced the ‘Siawas’ and ‘Azare’ people, who successfully repelled invaders due to their deep understanding of their environment.

“They did not only repel them, they seized their weapons. Since then, you hardly hear about Tafawa Balewa again,” he said.

He argued that relying solely on security agencies such as the army, police, and DSS to protect every Nigerian was unrealistic. Instead, he urged communities to take a more active role in their own security.

“You do not expect the Nigerian army, police, DSS to protect every Nigerian or every government. It is not going to work,” he stated.

Mr Ajayi stressed the need for a multi-layered security approach, allowing national forces to focus on organised crime and larger threats.

“It is impossible for us to deploy to every community in the country. No security agency has the resources to do it,” he said. “What we have to start experimenting with is how we can make the community the first line of defence.”

He pointed to Nigeria’s communal culture as a strength that could be harnessed in the fight against insecurity.

“We do festivals together. We do ceremonies together. So why can’t we fight some miscreants together? The community should say, ‘You cannot come here.'”

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In his lecture, the Director General of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Major General Garba Wahab (Rtd), underscored the importance of monitoring and evaluating government security policies.

He lamented that Nigeria has “paid lip service to security education” and accused elites of weaponising poverty and insecurity for personal gain.

Major General Wahab also called for greater government engagement with border communities, arguing that their neglect had worsened the country’s security situation.

Mr Ajayi’s remarks come amid ongoing security challenges in Nigeria, where attacks by armed groups, bandits, and insurgents have led to widespread displacement and loss of lives.

His call for community armament is likely to spark debate over the balance between self-defence and the risks of increased arms proliferation.

“We have to get communities to rise and defend themselves. And the time to start is now,” he concluded.

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Nigeria’s inflation dropped to 23.18% in February – NBS

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Nigeria’s inflation rate eased for the second consecutive month in February, raising hopes that price pressures may have peaked and could continue to moderate in the coming months.

The National Bureau of Statistics, in its latest report released on Monday, said the country’s headline inflation rate dropped to 23.18 per cent in February 2025 from 24.48 per cent recorded in January, reflecting a 1.30 per cent decrease within the month.

On a year-on-year basis, the inflation rate dropped by 8.52 percentage points from 31.70 per cent recorded in February 2024.

The NBS noted that while the inflation figures were calculated using a different base year, the decline suggests a significant slowdown in price increases compared to the same period last year.

The month-on-month inflation rate for February stood at 2.04 per cent, indicating the rate at which prices increased within the month.

The NBS noted, “In February 2025, the Headline inflation rate eased to 23.18% relative to the January 2025 headline inflation rate of 24.48 per cent.

“Looking at the movement, the February 2025 Headline inflation rate showed a decrease of 1.30 per cent compared to the January 2025 Headline inflation rate.

“On a year-on-year basis, the Headline inflation rate was 8.52 per cent lower than the rate recorded in February 2024 (31.70 per cent). This shows that the Headline inflation rate (year-on-year basis) decreased in February 2025 compared to the same month in the preceding year (i.e., February 2024), though with a different base year, November 2009 = 100.

“Furthermore, on a month-on-month basis, the Headline inflation rate in February 2025 stood at 2.04 per cent.”

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While prices are still rising, the slowdown suggests a gradual easing of inflationary pressures in the economy.

The drop in inflation comes amid efforts by the Central Bank of Nigeria to rein in price surges through monetary tightening and forex stabilisation policies.

Rising costs of goods and services, driven by currency depreciation, high transportation costs, and supply chain disruptions, had pushed inflation to record highs in 2024.

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Kabir Akanbi confirmed as substantive Chief Registrar of Supreme Court

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The Federal Judicial Service Commission has approved the appointment of Kabir Akanbi as the Acting Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court effective Feb. 13.

The confirmation was contained in a statement issued by Dr Festus Akande, the Director of Information and Public Relations, Supreme Court on Sunday in Abuja.

The appointment followed the retirement of Hajo Bello who attained the mandatory retirement age of 60 in public service.

Prior to his appointment, Akanbi served as the Deputy Chief Registrar in charge of the Election Petition Tribunal Unit at the Court of Appeal headquarters, Abuja.

Akanbi obtained his Law Degree at the University of Ibadan in 2001, and was subsequently called to the Nigerian Bar in 2003.

In 2005, he got his LL.M Degree at the Temple University, in Philadelphia, United States of America.

He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria and the Institute of Information Management, Africa, respectively.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, congratulated Akanbi on his appointment.

She urged him to apply his vast experience in legal practice, corporate advisory, and public service leadership, particularly in software development and legal technology, to further enhance the efficiency, transparency, and effectiveness of the Supreme Court.

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Atiku Backs Lagos Corper Facing Threats Over Viral Video

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The former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has praised National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member Ushie Rita, who referred to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as “terrible”, saying she embodies the spirit of a new generation of women championing political participation and advocacy.

Rita has accused the NYSC of allegedly threatening her after she complained about Nigeria’s economic struggles.

In a TikTok post, she expressed frustration over the country’s rising cost of living, lamenting that prices keep increasing, making it difficult for her to survive independently.

The corps member criticised President Tinubu, calling him a “terrible president” and questioning what his administration is doing to address the economic crisis.

Reacting on his X account, formerly known as Twitter, Atiku, who was the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last election, said:

“I deeply admire her boldness and wisdom—her fearless resolve to speak truth to power, undeterred by the weight of opposition.

She follows in the footsteps of formidable trailblazers like Gambo Sawaba, Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti, Margaret Ekpo, and countless other women who have stood resolute in defence of the common good.

Rather than being met with hostility, Rita deserves encouragement and support. She is a shining emblem of Nigerian youth—a testament to the long-held promise that the leaders of tomorrow are already among us, ready to shape a better future.”

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