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Renewed Policing; One Year of Imaan’s Policy Revolution in Ministry of Police Affairs
BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF.
Hajiya Imaan Suleiman – Ibrahim fsi was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as one of the cabinet Ministers in his cabinet in July , 2023 soon after his swearing in in May , 29th, 2023.
Having made the list , Imaan was redeployed to the Ministry of Police Affairs as Minister of State along with Senator Ibrahim Gaidam CON as second cabinet Minister, with both overseeing the affairs of the Ministry of Police Affairs.
On assumption of duty having been sworn in by Mr President and in pursuit of the realization of the Renewed Hope Agenda and vigour of her leadership as a reputable public servant before her Ministerial appointment, she settled down after acquainting herself with the mandate of the Ministry, particularly in the security of lives and properties and protecting the security image of the country locally and internationally.
Laced with performance traits and conscious of the performance bond of the new administration that basically attached to hardwork, the new Minister of State in conjunction with his colleague rolled out a lot of development in the Ministry.
Without delay ,and her background as a trained Fellow Security Institute (fsi) from the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS), the mantle of securing lives and properties of Nigerians locally and internationally was made more easier.
In synergy with the Police authority, the Minister 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 boardered 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.
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 new Minister of State 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.
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.
Imaan Suleiman 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 bs fully functional.
It established automated Police specilised 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, Hajiya Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim adopted a legal framework related to the West African Police Information System (WAPIS) , that gave a strong foundation for its operation ability among national law enforcement agencies.
The Minister 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.
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 new Ministry 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 expensive upscaling of their activities has been implemented across states, hence improved security of lives and properties across the states of the country.
With the convening of SIS, IRT and STS among other interventions, the kidnapping activities around Zuma rock of neighborhood Niger state, Bwari area council of FCT, had reduced to the barest minimum.
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 will reduce kidnapping in that sector.
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.
Under the new Minister of State , the Nigeria Police introduced annual award and commendation ceremony to motivate it’s men to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and service.
To ensure transparency and accountability, under Honourable Minister Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim capacity building, training and retraining of staff on the full implementation of Integrated Payroll and Personal Information System IPPIS which has achieved full integration.
One year down the line into the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu the ministry promoted (3,071), Education officers from level 07-17 in the system who have been in arears for over five years.
Aside deployment of survey instruments to Police command and department across the country to monitor crime, inter agency collaboration and continuity, she upgraded the modernisation of curriculum in all Police Training Institutions (PTIs) and colleges to ensure relevance, effectiveness and best practices.
This will also strengthen Police Public Complaints Committee (PPCC) to address cases of brutality against the public, while working assiduously on the drafting of a national policy document on robust community policing , that will regulate and streamline the activities of all stakeholders as well as set out operational guidelines for effective community policing in Nigeria.
Imaan , one year down the line initiated and inaugurated the committee on the development of National Policing Policy to drive the policy thrust of the Nigeria Police Force and the Ministry of Police Affairs.
In her bid to sustain standard and policy thrust, the Minister in the last one year commissioned 165 cadet and Assistant Superintendent of Police officers at Nigeria Police College , Wudil,(NPCW) in Kano state, the only degree awarding Police institution in the country, to compete favorably with the international standard, as they were Course 5 of the Academy, that completed their five years training in both academic ans professional training.
The Ministry of Police Affairs, a year under review renovated and reconstructed three nos of Cadet hostels, with furnishing at the Police Academy, Wudil , Kano state with a capacity of 100 bed space for students comfort and conducive atmosphere, learning environment.
To avoid erosion and other natural phenomenon, Imaan embarked on construction of drainages and roads within the premises of the nation’s Police Academy, construction and furnishing of Enterpreneurship centre in the academy, supply and installation of Bakery equipment to enable the academy produce their own bread for consumption.
For conducive learning and training environment for cadets under training, the Minister also provided through supply and installation of Library equipment, and office furniture for staff of the academy.
One year down the line, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, as Minister of State, Police Affairs has achieved so much , but will do more given a conducive environment of more funding, synergy between agencies and the ministry to implement service charter, regular capacity building of staff and development to enhance productivity.
Having achieved greatly , no doubt , the performance bond template been used by the current administration, will encourage more development in all areas of nations body polity.
News
Two brothers Launch Sardaunan Ikulu Fans Foundation, Sponsor WAEC Registration For 50 vulnerable Students
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
In a significant effort to promote education, two brothers have launched the Sardaunan Ikulu Fans Foundation, sponsoring the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) registration for 50 vulnerable students in Kamaru Ikulu Ward, Zango-Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Speaking at the launch on Tuesday, Yusuf Ismail Ashafa, popularly known as Sardaunan Ikulu, urged the beneficiaries to remain dedicated to their studies and strive for academic excellence. He assured them that the foundation would continue to support outstanding students by facilitating their admission into higher institutions.
Ashafa also called on parents to play an active role in motivating their children to focus on education, emphasizing that their success would contribute to a brighter future for the community.
Meanwhile, Ashafa, who played a crucial role in the emergence of Engr. Bege Gaiya Joseph as the Executive Chairman of Zango-Kataf Local Government Area, expressed deep appreciation for Joseph and his brother, Reuben Richman Bissla, for sponsoring the students’ WAEC registration in his honor.
He pledged to build on these efforts, ensuring continued support for students’ education as a means of fostering societal development.
In his remarks, the co-sponsor, Engr. Joseph Bege Gaiya, popularly known as Lordbeckson, disclosed that the initiative was aimed at improving the education of the most vulnerable students for the betterment of society.
“I am one of the beneficiaries of the goodwill of Sardaunan Ikulu. If he had wanted to become the Council Chairman, he would have been, but he decided to push me forward, and today I am the Council Chairman through his mentorship,” he stated.
He urged the beneficiaries to consider themselves fortunate and to take full advantage of the opportunity by studying hard to achieve excellent results.
“With the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, we must ensure that our students pursue science courses. We cannot afford to have a Federal University in our region and yet have our children unable to gain admission to study science-related fields,” he added.
The initiative has been widely commended as a timely intervention, helping underprivileged students overcome financial barriers to education.
Amid the recall process initiated against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Arewa Youths Progressives Assembly has told both the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and the police that Nigerians are keenly watching their actions.
This came amid viral video of some politicians in the Kogi State mass-signing signatures purported to be that of the Senator’s constituents.
It was gathered that the Senator has already petitioned the police over the development.
However, addressing journalists on Tuesday, the National President of Arewa Youths Progressives Assembly, Shuaibu Usman, accused the INEC of always compromising the electoral process in Kogi State.
Usman, who recalled how results of the last governorship election in the state emerged even before the exercise commenced, urged the commission to redeem itself.
He said, “Kogi parades as a worst example when it comes to INEC conduct of election in Nigeria. We have not forgotten how many credible organisations, including Yiaga Africa, raised the alarm of the electoral heist that went on during the last guber election in that state.
“So, INEC has been notorious for providing a thriving ground for politicians in Kogi State to mess up the country’s electoral system.
“The same people are at it again, this time hiding under the guise of a recall process against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. With their Kogi magic, they quickly manufactured over 250,000 signatures, whereas the entire voters during the main election stood at 120,000.
“One need not be a suitsayer to know that these are the same elements who are known to be chronic election riggers, with INEC as their enablers.
“However, we must caution the INEC that this should not be business as usual; this is beyond Kogi State, so Nigerians are watching.
“We were taken aback when the INEC after announcing that the petition did not meet its requirements, returned a day after to tell Nigerians that the same petitioners have met the requirements- what a quick fix!
“The INEC must not kowtow to the whims and caprices of desperate political elements in Kogi State, as this will be resisted by Nigerians.”
Similarly, the apex Igbo group also urged the police to ensure that all those in forging the signatures of Senator Natasha’s constituents were brought to book.
According to the group, the viral videos showed known faces in Kogi State, wondering why the police were yet to effect any arrest.
“By now, we had expected that some of the perpetrators should be cooling their heels in custody or having their days in court, but it is yet to happen.
“There should be no room for compromise, the culprits, no matter how highly placed, should be identified, arrested and prosecuted.
“We urge that the police should engage forensic experts to analyze those signatures before the INEC takes any further step in the said petition,” Usman further stated.
Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), to halt what it called unjust persecution of socialite, Aisha Sulaiman Achimugu, OFR
This is also as the group faulted the manner of the raid carried out by the commission on the socialite’s residential house in Abuja.
It could be recalled that a video went viral, which showed officials of the commission, reportedly in the family home of the Achimugus.
This came after she was declared wanted by the EFCC.
Her 80-year-old mother was also said to have been forced to sit on the bare floor, tortured and refused to give her water when she pleaded for it
In a statement made available to journalists on Sunday, the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, described the action of the EFCC for declaring the national honour’s recipient wanted barely some days after she was invited by the commission as gross
Okwu said enquiry by the Igbo group showed that some days after Achimugu was informed of the invitation by her lawyer, the commission rushed to the media declaring her wanted even when their letter in the public domain stated that everything accused her of is ALLEGEDLY and she is presently not in the country
“This development clearly smarks of a premeditated agenda to embarrass and discredit her personality. What else could justify the haste for an alleged crime to warrant being declared wanted just some days after she was invited by the commission?
“Mrs Achimugu is a global figure, not a politician and a national honours recipient, as well as a recipient of the US President’s award. This calibre of a person can never go under hiding.
“The fact that she is currently out of the country when the EFCC extended an invitation to her does not warrant their hasty declaration on alleged case without a competent court sanctioning such action.
“This is utterly reprehensible, and we urge that the EFCC should not continue to be used as a tool for political witch-hunting.
“Mrs Achimugu is an established, decent, and well to do businesswoman who respects the laws and humanity and from a respected family. Her source of wealth has never been a source of controversy or hidden.
“We want to declare that her rights should be respected; her contributions to the growth of citizens and the nation should not be ignored. The EFCC should withdraw the wanted tag on her.
While quoting Section 7 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and Section 36 of the Nigerian Police Act, the Youth President said the relevant laws prohibit arrest by proxy.
He said, “the reported invitation and declaration of Mrs. Achimugu is unlawful and a gross violation of the provisions of Nigeria’s relevant laws. We had waited to see whether the commission would make a turn, but its silence means that they are bent on tarnishing her image for someone who is private and law abiding.
“This is worrisome and should be condemned in all totality. There is no justification for their actions. This is a gross illegality.
“We recall that the EFCC did announce that it would stop this kind of raid, but it appears that nothing has changed. This crude method of arrest defies all logic and legality.
“All these go to show that there is more to this than meets the eye. It is albeit political is pure harassment to satisfy certain interests.
“Having said this, we urge the Chairman of the EFCC, who pledged before now to reform the commission, to direct the operatives to act right and let the law take it due course without further delay or embarrassment”