Security
Rehabilitation: UN, NCoS, NGO unveil chess game in Borno custodial centres
Speaking during the inauguration, Danilo Campisi, Deputy Country Representative of UNODC in Nigeria said that the groundbreaking initiative aims to challenge the stigma associated with imprisonment.
This, he said would be by highlighting the potential for growth and change within inmates.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the inauguration was done to celebrate the 2024 Nelson Mandela International Day.
Campisi said that the program aspired to reduce the rate of re-offending and contribute to safer communities by focusing on rehabilitation and skill development.
“Through this programme, inmates can engage in meaningful activities that stimulate their minds and promote a sense of accomplishment and self-worth.
“Nelson Mandela believed in the potential for change within every individual, and chess can fuel that change,”he said.
Speaking on the importance of the initiative, Campisi, said “Chess, with its intellectual rigor and strategic thinking, can equip inmates with critical life skills, improve their mental health, and provide a constructive outlet for their energy.
According to him, while inmates may have made wrong choices in life, it is crucial that we support and empower them with skills that aid their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
“UNODC is excited about this initiative and the partnership with the NCoS and Chess in Slums Africa.
“Through this programme, we hope to see the next chess champions emerge from the custodial centre.
“UNODC, the NCoS and Chess in Slums Africa invite you to support this initiative and follow the journey of the inmates as they learn, grow, and transform through the game of chess,”.
Campisi commended the United States Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) for funding the initiative as well as the Federal Government of Germany (2021-2023) for its work on prison and penal reform in Nigeria.
Earlier, the NCoS Controller of Corrections, Borno State, Abdullahi Mbaya, emphasised that the support from UNODC with funding from the INL, would help the correctional service achieve a lot.
Mbaya said that it would also help in showcasing the remarkable talents and abilities of inmates in Borno custodial centre.
“This intervention will contribute to the Correctional Service fulfilling its mandate regarding rehabilitation of inmates.
“It will also allow the public to see the potential of the inmates, inspiring hope for their futures beyond the walls of the custodial centres,”he said.
Also, Tunde Onakoya, Founder of Chess in Slums Africa, shared his vision saying “we have seen firsthand how chess can transform lives in the most challenging environments.
“Bringing chess to custodial centres is a natural extension of our mission to use the game as a tool for social change.
“We are honoured to partner with UNODC to make this a reality.”he said.
Inmates expressed their excitement about the programme, stating that learning chess would provide them with a mental escape and a new way to approach problem-solving.
One of the inmate who participated in the pilot phase said “Chess teaches us to think before we act, to plan ahead. These are lessons that go beyond the game,”.
NAN reports that the initiative was inaugurated following the inauguration and handover of a newly built, equipped clinic and a furnished showroom constructed to display products made by inmates from the two custodial centres in Borno state.
UNODC also donated sports equipment and apparel to six custodial centres in northeast Nigeria, including Maiduguri Maximum and Medium Security Custodial Centers in Borno, aiming to promote sports in these facilities.(NAN
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.