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President Tinubu Has Raise the Bar on Security In Nigeria; Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim
BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF
The Federal Government has improved tremendously the security situations in the country in the last one year.
The Minister of Police Affairs, State , Hajiya Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim made this revelation during a media parley to mark the one year of the present administration in her office in Abuja on Tuesday.
She maintained that under the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration alot has been achieved to protect lives and properties of Nigerians.
She said the incidences of kidnapping, banditry, herders -farmers clashes and other criminalities has reduced drastically across the country.
“The recent arrests and parade of masterminds of Abuja -Kaduna train attack and 63 suspects for violent crimes along Kaduna/ Abuja expressway was a major achievements that had reduced insecurity and kidnappings in the country .”
She said the Federal government established a criminal Bank known as “National Criminal Data Fusion Center” to collate and checkmate the activities of criminal elements and criminalities across the country.
“In synergy with the Police authority, we established the “National Criminal Data Fusion Center ” (NCDFC), that provided an enabling environment where relevant law enforcement agencies worked together to collate accurate data of criminals, analyse and disseminate key criminal intelligence products to support internal security.”
“Not long after the establishment of the centre, considering the influx of people to the FCT, the seat of government, threats of criminal activities in boarder states and other states of the country, that bordered on kidnappings, banditry, among others vices through the establishment of anti- vices policies that had reduced to the barest minimum the crime rates and incidencies.” .”
The Minister stated that owing to unabated criminal activities, government also established anti -vices policies that had reduced generally crime rates across the country using special intervention squad (SIS).
“Having birthed the special intervention squad(SIS), in FCT in January, 2024, the Nigeria Police Force empowered communities through engagement and collaboration by tackling crimes and criminalities.”
“The Federal government through the special intervention squad SIS upscaled the tactical unit in FCT, across the country to tackle waves of banditry, kidnapping and violent crimes deploying the unit and counter terrorism, hostage rescue and intelligence analysis.”
She asserted that the use of technology, information and communication technology ICT has reduced human interference in high profile cases had assisted government in combating crimes.
“The Nigeria Police also deployed technology and Information and Communication Technology ICT to drive it’s activities across the country, with recognition to the prowess and transformative power of technology in modern law enforcement.”
” Government deployed through huge investment in surveillance systems, drones and communication technologies to enhance the force capacity and capabilities for real time information gathering and response.”
“The provision of 24/7 Internet service for West African Police System operated by NCIB/ Interpol officers engaged in the department that enabled the Data Collection and Registration Center (DACORE), established to be fully functional.”
“It established automated Police specialized services with unique reference number that can be validated globally and improved turnaround time for the application and processing of Police Character Certificate.”
“The signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), with INTERPOL had justified the commitment of the country to work for the greater good of the region and the world.”
“Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the government adopted a legal framework related to the West African Police Information System (WAPIS) , that gave a strong foundation for it’s operation ability among national law enforcement agencies.”
She ensured key agencies fully embraced the West African Police Information System (WAPIS) initiatives, as they are now equipped with the terminals, allowing them access to critical information that had significantly enhanced the collective efforts to combine crimes and criminalities.
The federal government invested heavily on forensic equipment through acquisition of gadgets for investigations. The Minister said.
” With the newly acquired forensic equipment for identification and investigation of perpetrators through acquisition of gadgets, reconstructive analysis, drones, pen and watch cameras, as well as infrared telescopes meant for intelligence gathering and fact verification was provided across board.”
“Constant physical raids of black spots in the FCT , across states of the Federation, had led to series of arrests of suspects numbering 1,190 in FCT, with states not left out of the exercise.”
“The Ministry of Police Affairs prioritised boarder operations to the FCT, especially Nassarawa, Niger , Kogi and Kaduna States with regular operations and checks.”
“With the establishment of SIS ,many suspects of various crimes have been apprehended, possession of unlicenced firearms, stolen vehicles, with arrests and recoveries.”
“With the involvement of Intelligence Response Unit (IRT) and Special Tactical Squad (STS) , under the directives of the IGP , an expansive upscaling of their activities has been implemented across states, hence improved security of lives and properties across the states of the country.”
” Combination of SIS, IRT and STS among other interventions, the kidnapping activities around notorious Zuma rock of neighborhood Niger state, Bwari area council of FCT, had reduced to the barest minimum in the last one year.”
“The Ministry rejigged collaboration with International Police (Interpol) to reduce international/ transnational crimes, and also launched the “Nigeria Police Veterans ” to remember those who had served the force diligently for many years.”
To encourage members of the police authority, the federal government has established annual award and commendation to officers and men. The Minister stated.
“Under the new policy , the Nigeria Police introduced annual award and commendation ceremony to motivate it’s men to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and service.”
Actor-turned-politician Desmond Elliot has become a hot topic online after a video surfaced showing his emotional reaction on Monday, shortly after Mojisola Meranda resigned as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Earlier, SPEARNEWS reported that Ms Meranda announced her resignation during a plenary session.
Following her resignation, the impeached Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, was reinstated to his former position.
In a viral video, Mr Elliot, who represents Surulere Constituency 1 in the Assembly, was emotional over Ms Meranda’s resignation.
Dressed in a black native outfit, the 51-year-old attempted to deliver a farewell speech but was overcome with emotion and struggled to hold back tears.
At one point in the viral video, he found it difficult to continue speaking and requested that another lawmaker take the floor while he composed himself.
“Madam Speaker, can you allow others to speak first?” he asked.
Ms Meranda responded, “Have your seat,” prompting him to sit down, covering his face with one hand as he wiped away tears.
Seyi Lawal, an All Progressives Congress (APC) representative from Ikeja Constituency 1, was granted permission to speak in place of Mr Elliot, who has served in the House since April 2015.
Kano State government has made arrangements to feed 91,000 people in 91 designated centres during the 2025 Ramadan Feeding Programme.
Flagging off the feeding programme in m Fagge Local Government Area on Sunday evening, the Deputy Governor and Chairman of the programme, Alhaji Aminu Abdulsalam, said that that the initiative would run for 27 days.
He said that the programme was aimed at supporting vulnerable residents and would provide daily iftar meals to fasting Muslims, alleviating the challenges faced during Ramadan.
“Since the assumption of office, Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf, has institutionalised this initiative to support vulnerable residents by providing daily iftar meals during the holy month of Ramadan.
“The programme, which is part of the state’s annual humanitarian efforts, aims to alleviate the difficulties faced by fasting Muslims during Ramadan.
“Recognising the needs of the state’s large population of Ramadan observers, the Kano State Government remains committed to ensuring that relief reaches those in need,” he explained.
Abdulsalam expressed satisfaction with the seamless commencement of the initiative.
He further urged the catering companies involved to ensure prompt and efficient delivery of meals to all feeding centers, in order to achieve the programme’s objectives.
Abdulsalam was accompanied by key officials, including the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, as well as his counterpart in the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Sheikh Tijjani Auwal. (NAN)
National
Insecurity: APC Forum Accuses Governor Dauda Of Failing to Protect Citizens Amid Party’s Abductions
The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly condemned the recent abduction of five party chieftains by armed bandits, accusing Governor Dauda Lawal of failing in his responsibility to protect citizens.
The kidnapped individuals, all from Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, were reportedly taken on Saturday while travelling to the Marafa area of the state.
The abductees include Yahaya Sani Dogon Kade, chairman of Dan Isah ward, Bello Dealer, chairman of Sakajiki ward, and three others whose names have not yet been released.
In a statement on Monday, its spokesperson Muhammed Ismaila Kaura criticised the governor’s handling of security in the state.
“As the chief security officer of the state, Governor Dauda Lawal bears the ultimate responsibility for ensuring the safety of all citizens, regardless of political affiliation,” Kaura said.
“Unfortunately, he has failed to live up to this duty. This is not the time for excuses, blame games, or empty rhetoric. It is a time for decisive action.”
The party called for immediate and effective measures to secure the release of its members and to tackle the growing wave of banditry in the state.
“The people of Zamfara are tired of living in fear. We are tired of leaders who offer nothing but excuses while our brothers and sisters are being kidnapped, killed, and displaced. The time for action is now,” Kaura added.
The APC also urged security agencies to intensify efforts in tracking down the perpetrators and ensuring justice for the victims.
“This reprehensible act is not only an assault on the affected individuals and their families but also a direct attack on the peace and stability of our dear state,” the statement continued.
The forum reaffirmed its solidarity with the families of the abducted persons and vowed to continue pressing for their safe return.
“To the criminals behind this heinous act, let it be clear: Zamfara State belongs to its people, not to bandits. Your reign of terror must come to an end. And to the Governor, we say: act now, or history will remember you as a leader who failed his people in their time of greatest need.”
There has been no official response from the state government regarding the abductions. However, insecurity has remained a pressing issue in Zamfara, with frequent attacks by armed groups targeting both civilians and public officials under Governor Dauda lawal