Security
N1.1Bn Project, DSS Counters Media Report
The Department of State Services, DSS, has countered TrackaNG–BudgIT report that its Counter-Terrorism training centre, Gubi Dam, Bauchi State allegedly valued at N1.1 billion in 2021 FG budget was “not done”.
TrackaNG–BudgIT, also referred to as
Tracka, a budget implementation monitors had on 19th February, 2022, on its social media platforms, particularly Facebook and Twitter, posted that the construction of DSS Counter-Terrorism Training Centre, Gubi Dam, Bauchi State allegedly valued at N1.1 Billion in 2021 FG budget was “not done”.
The report also added that it “visited the site and discovered they only renovated a primary school and mosque adjacent to the site”.
However, the DSS spokesperson, Dr Peter Afunanya, while reacting to the allegation, said: “To set the records straight, the DSS outrightly dismisses Tracka’s unfounded claims. It further expresses dismay at the shoddy way Tracka embarked on its project verification exercise as well as the manner it drew conclusions without the slightest efforts to be diligent.
“DSS’ findings have shown that the Tracka field officer did not visit the project site where about 17 structures are simultaneously being executed by different contractors. It is instructive to note that the projects are at different levels of completion. It may also be noted that the primary school in question was a dilapidated Nomadic Education Centre located at Galga, near Gubi Dam, Firo where the CTC is located.
“The Service, in conjunction with its Land School (site of the CTC), found the primary school in a bad state and decided to renovate it as part of its corporate social responsibility, typical of the Service wherever it has such public facility and cohabits with the community. As evidenced by attached pictures, the said school was rehabilitated and handed over to the appreciative Galga community whose children now use better facilities including desks at the school.
” Surprisingly, Tracka only stopped its verification of the budget implementation at the primary school from where it drew hasty conclusions of non-implementation. What a lazy way of discharging a mandate.”
The DSS also said: “For the avoidance of doubt, the CTC projects as captured in the 2019, 2020 and 2021 budgets are ongoing. The DSS and its director general, Alhaji Yusuf Magaji Bichi are committed to transparency, accountability and service.
” Accordingly, the public is hereby properly guided and should therefore disregard the initial story by Tracka, which is expected to show evidence that disciplinary action is being taken against its staff that misled it. This is how to be accountable and transparent.”
The Global Information Team (GIT) has called on Nigeria’s security agencies to take swift action following the killing of several individuals during the recently concluded local government elections in Osun State.
Anabel Crown, GIT’s Head of Investigation and an election observer, criticised the Inspector General of Police for failing to respond to the violence that erupted in Ilesa East and West local government areas.
According to Crown, gunmen suspected to be affiliated with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) targeted voters and supporters of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on election day.
She described the killings as unacceptable and urged the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to take immediate action.
“Some APC top figures are using their influence to sponsor violence,” she alleged, calling for the immediate arrest of those responsible.
GIT has also urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene as a democrat by directing security agencies to ensure justice is served.
Crown insisted that “politics must not be a do-or-die affair” and that those behind the attacks should be brought to justice.
Reports of election-related violence have continued to raise concerns about political tensions in Osun State, with opposition parties alleging intimidation and attacks on their members.
The APC is yet to respond to the allegations.
The Katsina State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has successfully repelled multiple attacks by suspected armed bandits, killing four criminals in separate operations at the Federal University Dutsin-mama (FUDMA) and the Federal Government Special Grains Reserve (Silo) in Darawa, Dutsin-ma local government council of the state
According to the command spokesman, Hamisu Buhari, the incident happened on Friday, February 21; NSCDC operatives stationed at FUDMA’s permanent site engaged armed bandits who attempted to infiltrate the institution around 2:00 a.m.
The security team neutralised three of the assailants, including a notorious bandit identified as Ayuba Buzaru. During the operation, they also rescued three kidnapped victims: JafaruAlh. Bawa, 52 years, Delu Alh. Amadu, 40 years, and Huzaifa (alias Zulai) Alh. Bawa, 37 years.
Additionally, livestock stolen by the criminals, including goats, were recovered.
In a separate attack on Sunday, February 23, bandits attempted to raid the Federal Government Special Grains Reserve in Darawa.
The NSCDC Agro Ranger operatives, working alongside the Nigeria Police Force, Dutsinma Division, engaged the attackers in a fierce gun duel. One bandit was killed, while others fled with gunshot wounds.
The body of the deceased has been deposited at the General Hospital, Dutsinma.
The Silo, which serves as a vital storage facility for grain distribution to Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto states, has been a recurring target for criminals.
However, security forces remain committed to its protection, following directives from the NSCDC Commandant General, A.A. Audi, and the National Security Adviser’s office.
Additionally, NSCDC personnel, in collaboration with other security agencies, dispersed another group of suspected bandits at Gago Village, near Isah Kaita College of Education, in Dutsinma LGA.
Commandant Aminu Datti Ahmad praised the gallant efforts of his officers and assured the public of the Corps’ dedication to safeguarding lives and critical national assets.
He urged residents to report any individuals with gunshot wounds to the nearest security office.
The NSCDC Katsina Command remains steadfast in ensuring peace and security across the State.
A notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, has imposed a levy of N22 million on four villages in Sokoto State as compensation for the death of one of his men during a military operation, according to local sources.
The affected villages include Garin Idi, the hometown of the state’s deputy governor, Engineer Idris Gobir, as confirmed by the member representing Sabon Birni West Constituency in the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Hon. Aminu Boza.
Turji, who has reportedly shifted his base to the eastern part of Isa Local Government Area, also demanded the payment to cover firearms lost during the military operation.
Negotiation with Bandits
According to Hon. Boza, villagers had to negotiate with Turji, who initially demanded N25 million but later reduced it to N22 million.
“He is just like a businessman who has multiple shops and goes around to supervise them. He is currently in the eastern part of Isa. That was where the villagers met him for negotiation,” Boza said.
The lawmaker criticised the military’s approach, stating that their failure to sustain operations in eastern Sokoto had left villagers vulnerable to reprisals from bandits.
“I have always criticised the military for withdrawing after their operations. Each time they leave, it is the villagers who suffer the consequences. The bandits always vent their anger on them,” he said.
Ongoing Security Concerns
Despite multiple visits by the Minister of Defence and assurances that banditry would soon be eradicated, attacks continue in the region.
“Just a few days ago, bandits killed six operatives of the Sokoto Community Guards. I am appealing to the military to intensify and sustain their operations in eastern Sokoto. This is the only way to restore total peace in the area,” Boza added.
In a separate incident, Turji has also demanded a N250,000 ransom from each family of 13 worshippers abducted two weeks ago in Sabon Birni Local Government Area. So far, five captives have been released after their families paid the ransom.