My Blog

Category: Security

  • Comedian Seyi Law knocks Tinubu government over Cybersecurity Levy

    Comedian Seyi Law knocks Tinubu government over Cybersecurity Levy

    Comedian Seyi Law has taken to social media to knock the Tinubu administration over the new cyber security levy.

    The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had issued a directive to all banks and financial institutions to implement a cybersecurity levy on banking transactions.

    This new levy, set at 0.5% of the value of all electronic transactions, was in response to the escalating concerns over cyber threats and follows the guidelines of the recently enacted Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act 2024.

    Reacting to the development, Seyi Law wrote:

    “I hate when government agencies don’t speak up to the understanding of the citizens and allow wrong narratives to fester before tackling it. Cybersecurity level, according to the act, is 0.005%, and different figures from 0.5% to 3% are being thrown around.

    “A 0.5% charge in the Nigeria of today is in itself too much punishment on Nigerians. Are we trying to discourage banking transactions again and encourage cash keeping? @cenbank should revisit this abeg.

    “Stamp duty is something, and now this. It is unacceptable. @NGRPresident @officialABAT, let the poor breathe. When will the new minimum wage be announced and implemented? Some of your ministers need to look for another job. One year is here and we are counting”.

  • Gunmen Kidnap 6 Anambra Clerics

    Gunmen Kidnap 6 Anambra Clerics

    Some yet-to-be-identified gunmen have reportedly abducted Archbishop Uka Uka Osim of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star.

    The cleric, his wife, Anne Osim and son, Roland Uka Osim, and three other clerics from the ministry were abducted on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, in Abia State while travelling to Awka, the capital of Anambra State.

    They were reportedly on evangelical duties when they were ambushed by the armed men. The other three priests also kidnapped were identified as Azuka Ochu, Moses Okafor and Anderson Akwazie.

    The kidnapping incident was confirmed to journalists by the administrator of the spiritual organisation in Abia State, BCS, Bishop Denis Onuoha.

    He said four days later, the abductors had not reached out to anybody.

    “We are very worried, but we are assured that the Almighty Father, whom they worship and work for with total devotion, will help them out,” Bishop Onuoha told reporters.

    The cleric urged security agencies to assist and rescue the clergymen, stating that the church has embarked on deep prayers, believing that the Archbishop and his brethren will be rescued unhurt.

  • Military Court Martial Two Officers Over Kaduna Bombing

    Military Court Martial Two Officers Over Kaduna Bombing

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has acknowledged errors in the drone strikes on the Tudun Biri community in Kaduna State, resulting in the deaths of numerous innocent citizens.

    The Director of Defence Information (DDI), Major General Edward Buba, disclosed this information during a media briefing on Thursday.

    He stated that investigations had been completed, and the strikes were deemed a case of mistaken identity.

    Recall that the drone strikes occurred on December 3, 2023, and claimed the lives of several non-combatants in Tudun Biri village, located in the Igabi local government area of Kaduna State.

    The spokesperson for DHQ mentioned that the individuals responsible for the incident would be subjected to a military court martial.

    While he did not provide specific details regarding the disciplinary actions, he confirmed that the two personnel involved will face the consequences of their actions.

  • Nigerian Peace Corps Establishment Bill Introduced, Passed First Reading in the Senate

    Nigerian Peace Corps Establishment Bill Introduced, Passed First Reading in the Senate

    The Nigerian Peace Corps Establishment Bill, earlier passed by the House of Representatives on 29th February 2024 and transmitted to the Senate for concurrence, was read on the floor of Senate and passed through first reading.

    With this development, a motion for concurrence to be sponsored by the Senate Leader, Sen. Micheal Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central) will come up shortly to enable the Senate to adopt the Bill in line with the extant rules of the National Assembly.

    The Peace Corps of Nigeria established over 25 years ago by the National Commandant, Dr Dickson Akoh, is incorporated in Nigeria under the Company and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) and accorded the Federal Government recognition through the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and granted license to operate in the Country as a Non-Governmental Organization by the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning.

    Aside the Peace Corps bill, the Senate also passed for first reading, Nigerian Hunters and Security Service Bill 2024, Legislative Houses (Powers & Privileges) Act (Amendment) Bill 2024 and National Talent Rehabilitation and Integration Agency (Establishment) Bill 2024.

    Others are the Agricultural Research Council Act (Amendment) Bill 2024 and Agricultural Harvest and Processing Zone (Establishment) bill 2024.

  • Rivers LGA chairmen to court: Compel IGP, DSS to provide us adequate security

    Rivers LGA chairmen to court: Compel IGP, DSS to provide us adequate security

    Local Government Chairmen in Rivers State, have asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to compel the Inspector General of Police (IGP), and the Director General, State Security Service (SSS) to provide them adequate security for their lives and properties.

    In a fresh suit, they claimed that under sections 215 of the 1999 Constitution and sections 4, 7 and 9 of the Police Act 2020, the IGP, SSS and other security agencies are under statutory obligations and bound to ensure their security and welfare.

    In an originating summons instituted on their behalf by Mahmud Abubakar Magaji SAN, the council Chairmen also sought order of the Court against the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), not to allow any other laws to be implemented for local governments in Rivers other than the ones enacted by the State House of Assembly.

    They predicated their fears on alleged threat and boast by the Rivers State Government not to implement or enforce the laws made the state House of Assembly for the local governments.

    They formulated seven major issues for the court to determine in resolving their grievances with all the defendants in the suit.

    Among others, they asked the court to determine “whether by the combined provisions of sections 215 and 14 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as well as sections 4, 7 and 9 of the Police Act 2020, the IGP, CP Rivers, SSS and Director, SSS and other security agencies are not statutorily bound to provide security and welfare for their lives and properties.

    “Whether by the combined provisions of sections 215 and 14 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as well as sections 4, 7 and 9 of the Police Act 2020, the IGP, CP Rivers, SSS and Director, SSS are not bound to recognize and enforce all laws and regulations made by the Rivers State House of Assembly.

    Whether by the combined provisions of sections 215 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and sections 4, 7 and 9 of the Police Act 2020, the defendants are not bound to recognize and enforce Rivers State Local Government (Amendment) Law No. 4 of the 2024 passed by the Rivers State House of Assembly.

    “Whether by virtue of the combined provisions of sections 7 and the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, the local government coincils in Rivers State are not Constitutionally recognized and autonomous as the 3rd tier of government and thereby entitled to Allocation from Federation Account.

    Upon resolving the issues in their favour, the Chairmen asked the court to make declaration that the IGP, CP Rivers, SSS and Director, SSS and other security agencies are statutorily bound to provide security and welfare for their lives and properties

    They also applied for a declaration that the IGP, CP Rivers, SSS and Director, SSS and other security agencies are bound to recognize and enforce all laws and regulations inclusive of the one made by the State House of Assembly of Rivers State.

    The chairmen also want declaration that no organ of any government has power to withhold the financial allocations due to local governments in Rivers State.

    The originating summons is supported by a 29 paragraph affidavit deposed to by one Dr Chidi LLoyd, a legal practitioner and Chairman of Emohua Local Government on behalf of other 41 Chairmen.

    Some of the Chairmen who filed the suit are Dr Chidi LLoyd, Chairman, Emohua local government, Hon Alwell Ihunda Chairman,Port Harcourt local government, Dr Nwanosike Samuel, Ikwerre local government area, Barrister George Ariolu, Chairman, Obio-Akpor local government, Dr Obbinna Anyawu, Chairman, Etchi local government area and Hon Chidorom Nwaiwu, Chairman, Omuma local government area.

    Others are Dr Hope Ikiriko, Chairman, Ahoada West local government area, Barrister Benjamin Isreal Eke, Chairman, Ahoada East Local Government and Dr Roland Sekibo, Chairman, Akuku-Toru local government area among others.

    The defendants are IGP, CP Rivers, DG SSS, Director SSS Rivers, AGF, Chairman Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Rivers State Government, AG Rivers State and Finance Commissioner in Rivers State as 1st to 9th defendants.

    A Federal High Court in Abuja had on Friday last week stopped the Rivers State Government from withholding the financial allocations of the 42 Local Government Areas in the state pending the determination of a.motion on notice for interlocutory injunction instituted by the Chairmen of the Council against the state and nine others.

    In a ruling, the Court stopped the Inspector General of Police IGP, Police Commissioner in Rivers, Director General, State Security Service, SSS and Director, State Security Service SSS from withdrawing the security personnel of the local government Chairmen pending the final resolution of the their motion on notice.

    Justice James Kolawole Omotoso issued the order for status quo to be maintained by the parties in the a marked FHC/ABJ/CS/537/2024.

    Meanwhile, no date has been set for hearing of the originating summons.

  • 119 Inmates Escape Suleja Correctional Centre Following Heavy Downpour

    119 Inmates Escape Suleja Correctional Centre Following Heavy Downpour

    Suleja Correctional Centre was thrown into chaos on Wednesday night as a severe rainstorm battered the facility, leading to the escape of 119 inmates.
    Mr. Adamu Duza, the spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory Command of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), confirmed the incident, attributing it to the extensive damage caused by the downpour.

    The heavy rainfall destroyed the custodial facility and its surroundings, particularly damaging the perimeter fence and facilitating the escape of the inmates, according to Duza.

    In a statement released on Thursday morning, Duza revealed that immediate measures were taken to recapture the escaped inmates. Working in collaboration with other security agencies, the NCoS has successfully apprehended 10 fleeing prisoners, who have been returned to custody.
    However, efforts to locate and secure the remaining escapees are ongoing, with law enforcement agencies intensifying their search.

    “The Service recognizes the vulnerability of its aging facilities, many of which were constructed during the colonial era,” stated Duza. “Efforts are underway to modernize these facilities and enhance security measures.”

    Duza highlighted ongoing initiatives aimed at upgrading correctional infrastructure, including the construction of six 3000-capacity ultra-modern custodial centres across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.
    Additionally, existing facilities are undergoing reconstruction and renovation to address structural weaknesses and improve operational efficiency.

    The NCoS urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or sightings to the nearest security agency. Despite the breach, authorities reassured residents of Suleja of their unwavering commitment to ensuring safety and security in the region.

  • Tinubu declares Counter-Terrorism meeting open

    Tinubu declares Counter-Terrorism meeting open

    President Bola Tinubu has declared the high level African Counter-Terrorism meeting open.

    The meeting, which is holding at the Offoce of the National Security Adviser on Monday, April 22, has in attendance special guests including the Under-Secretary General, United Nations office of Counter-Terrorism, Vladimir Voronkov, Deputy Secretary-General , United Nations, Amina Mohammed, President Republic of Benin, Patrice Talon, President Republic of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo, President Republic of Togo, Faure Gnassingbe, amongst others.

    The Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun wrote: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) declares open, the High Level African Counter-Terrorism meeting at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

    “Special guests at this high level security summit include: 

    “Mr Vladimir Voronkov, Under-Secretary General, United Nations office of Counter-Terrorism 

    “Ms Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General , United Nations

    “H.E Patrice Talon , President Republic of Benin 

    “H.E Nana Akufo-Addo, President 
    Republic of Ghana 

    “H.E Faure Gnassingbe, President 
    Republic of Togo 

    “HM #YusufTuggar, Foreign Affairs Minister of Nigeria 

    “General Hanana Hanana , Minister of National Defence, Mauritius 

    “Mr Moussa Faki Mahmat, Chairperson, African Union Commission.”

  • Nigeria not ripe for state police, says IGP Egbetokun

    Nigeria not ripe for state police, says IGP Egbetokun

    The Nigeria Police Force has opposed the establishment of state police, saying the country was not ripe for such. 

    Speaking at a one day dialogue on state policing, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun said the establishment of state police will execerbate ethnic tension, leading to divided loyalty in the states. 

    Represented by AIG Ben Okolo, the Inspector General of Police said the establishment of state police will also lead to multiple command structures in the states. 

    He also said that state governors are likely to abuse the privilege of state police by using it for political gains, leading to possible abuse of power and abuse of huma rights. 

    He argued that the state government lack thereof required funding that will give birth to the type of policing that the nation requires. 

    Rather than estabalisibg state police, he recommend the merging of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Federal Road Safety Commission to form a department in the Nigeria Police Force. 

    He also said there is the need for a yearly recruitment of about 30,000 police personnel into the force annually to meet the UN requirements for morden policing, while also increasing annual budgetary allocation to the force. 

  • FG Resumes Prosecution Of Boko Haram Detainees In Kainji — Ribadu

    FG Resumes Prosecution Of Boko Haram Detainees In Kainji — Ribadu

    Nigeria has resumed the prosecution of all Boko Haram detainees in Kainji

    The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, disclosed this at the 2-day High-level African Counter-terrorism Summit in Abuja

    According to him, Nigeria is also gathering intelligence on the activities of Boko Haram and the Islamic State–West Africa Province (ISWAP), to tackle the groups headlong.

    The Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism, United Nations Office on Counter-Terrorism, Vladimir Voronkov, said the success of the United Nations lies in the collaboration of African countries towards providing African-based solutions.

  • Two Boko Haram bomb experts surrender in Borno

    Two Boko Haram bomb experts surrender in Borno

    Two suspected Boko Haram individuals identified as Improvised Explosive Device (IED) experts, 19-year-old Abubakar Mohammed (alias Garba) and 13-year-old Babagana Modu, have laid down their arms and surrendered to troops of Sector 3 Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Monguno, in Borno State.

    The surrender took place on April 21, 2024, marking a notable success in the ongoing campaign to dismantle Boko Haram’s operations in the region. 

    This was disclosed on Monday in a press statement signed by the Chief Military Public Information of MNJTF, Ndjamena, Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi.

    The statement reads: “Sector 3 of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) Monguno, Nigeria, has reported continued surrender of terrorists in its Area of Operations.

    “Among the latest to lay down their arms were two individuals identified as improvised explosive device (IED) experts, 19-year-old Abubakar Mohammed (alias Garba) and 13-year-old Bana Modu. The surrender took place on 21 April 2024, marking a notable success in the ongoing campaign to dismantle Boko Haram’s operations in the region. 

    “During a preliminary investigation, Mohammed and Modu revealed they had been ordered to plant IEDs along roads of Doron Baga and Fish Dam in Baga, Kukawa Local Government of Borno State Nigeria.

    “Instead of carrying out their mission, they decided to abandon their task, escape with the IEDs, and surrender to the MNJTF. Their decision was influenced by the MNJTF recently concluded Operation NASHRUL SALAM, a non-kinetic operation and sector’s personal engagement strategy with relevant sources, showcasing the effectiveness of psychological operations in the fight against terrorism.

    “Items recovered from them include two IEDs, two mobile phones, and a sum of fifty-three thousand Naira (N53,000.00) only from Mohammed and Modu. This development underscores the MNJTF’s commitment to encouraging other terrorists hiding in the Lake Chad Islands to come out, surrender, and lay down their arms, in a bid to achieve sustainable peace in the region.

    “The MNJTF remains dedicated to its mission of restoring peace and facilitating the return of normalcy to the Lake Chad Basin,” Lt. Col. Abdullahi stated.