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Tag: Insecurity

  • Senate Moves to Increase FG Revenue Share, Cites Security Burden

    Senate Moves to Increase FG Revenue Share, Cites Security Burden

    The Senate has commenced legislative action to amend the 1999 Constitution in a bid to increase the Federal Government’s share of national revenue, arguing that the current allocation formula is no longer capable of sustaining the country’s mounting national obligations.

    At present, the Federal Government receives 52.68 per cent of the nation’s revenue, while the 36 states get 26.72 per cent and the 774 local government councils receive 20.60 per cent.

    The proposed amendment is contained in a bill sponsored by Sunday Karimi, which passed first reading during plenary on Tuesday.

    Addressing journalists after the session, Karimi said the existing revenue sharing arrangement has become grossly inadequate for the Federal Government, especially in the face of deepening infrastructure collapse and worsening security challenges nationwide.

    He maintained that the formula, which has remained largely unchanged for years, no longer reflects current realities and places disproportionate financial pressure on the Federal Government.

    “The revenue allocation formula is outdated and unsustainable. It fails to provide the Federal Government with sufficient resources to meet its constitutional responsibilities,” Karimi said.

    He pointed to the deplorable state of federal roads across the country, noting that the burden of construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance continues to rest squarely on the Federal Government despite dwindling funds.

    Karimi also highlighted the escalating cost of internal security, stressing that massive resources are being channelled into combating banditry, terrorism, and other violent crimes threatening national stability.

    According to him, persistent funding gaps have weakened the capacity of the military and other security agencies to effectively prosecute the war against terrorism.

    “The Federal Government is stretched thin. The responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, maintaining critical infrastructure, and preserving national unity cannot be met under the current revenue framework,” he said.

    The senator argued that increasing the Federal Government’s share of national revenue would provide the financial leverage needed to reinforce security operations, repair critical infrastructure, and stabilise governance at the centre.

    The move is expected to reignite intense debate within the Senate of Nigeria, as well as among state governments and local councils, many of which have consistently opposed any reduction in their revenue shares.

    If passed, the proposed constitutional amendment would represent a major shift in Nigeria’s fiscal structure and could significantly redefine the balance of financial power among the three tiers of government.

  • Tinubu commends military feat in North-West

    Tinubu commends military feat in North-West

    President Bola Tinubu on Saturday received with relief the news of the strings of successful operations against security threats in the northwest by troops of the Nigerian military.
    This came as troops of Operation Hadarin Daji, on Thursday, killed a wanted bandit leader, Halilu Sububu, who had been terrorising residents of Zamfara, Sokoto and other parts of Nigeria’s Northwest.
    The troops also killed another terrorist, Sani Burki, in a Joint Operation in Katsina and busted a terrorist enclave in Kaduna, where 13 kidnapped students were freed.
    “The success of the operations gives further assurance that our security operatives are up to the task of ensuring the peace and security of the nation,” the President said in a statement signed on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga.
    The statement is titled, ‘President Tinubu commends military on successful operations in North-West, pledges sustained support.’
    Onanuga noted that the successful operations followed the President’s directive to the service chiefs to relocate to the zone until normalcy returns.
    Tinubu commended the military high command, the intelligence agencies and the troops for “their valiant efforts, synergy and dedication, which have resulted in the recent laudable outcomes.”
    He also commended the entire security apparatus for improved security in the nation and encouraged them to sustain their efforts until immediate and latent threats are permanently removed.
    He reassured the security agencies of his continued support in achieving the priority objective of keeping the nation safe and secure.
  • Insecurity: Ondo Government denies Hiring Private Security To Protect Farmers 

    Insecurity: Ondo Government denies Hiring Private Security To Protect Farmers 

    The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Security, Mr Gbenga Atiba, declared on Tuesday that the governor had not hired any private firm to protect farmers in the forest reserves across the state.
    A private security firm, Global Olabod Resources Limited, had earlier claimed that the governor had engaged its services to coordinate all security agencies in the state, in response to the outcry of farmers being threatened by hoodlums on their farmlands.
    The chairman of the company, Mr Eniola Ogunbodede, through one of his managers, Mr Debo Ariyo, stated at a meeting with farmers in Idanre Local Government Area last week, “The state governor (Aiyedatiwa) wants food to be available for all in the state; that is why he has to protect farmers on their farmlands across the state through us, Global Olabod Resources Limited. We are coordinating all security agencies in the state to implement this initiative and achieve great success for the benefit of all.”
    However, the SSA, in a statement on Tuesday, said that the claim made by the company’s chairman was a
    misrepresentation of the facts.
    He clarified that the state government’s engagement with the firm was solely for the identification and enumeration of farmers to provide the government with accurate and reliable data.
    The statement read, “It is important to clarify that the state government currently enjoys a strong and cooperative relationship with all security agencies, including the Armed Forces, Police, Civil Defence Corps, and the state’s homeland security unit, Amotekun. Most notably, these security agencies in the state have been performing admirably in fulfilling their duty to protect the lives and property of the state’s residents.
    “The engagement of Global Olabod Resources Limited by the state government is specifically for the identification and enumeration of farmers in the state, to provide the government with accurate and reliable data. It is inappropriate for a privately-owned firm to claim or assume the role of coordinating all the security agencies in the state— especially in a state where government officials are already tasked with such responsibilities.
    “Under the capable leadership of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the state government will continue to collaborate with all relevant federal security agencies to ensure the safety and security of the entire state and its inhabitants. The general public can rest assured that both federal and state security agencies will not shirk their responsibilities in safeguarding the lives and property of the people.

  • Attempted Jailbreak?: Gunshots In Imo Capital

    There was pandemonium in Owerri, the Imo State capital yesterday as sporadic shooting was heard across Owerri, the state capital.
    While some wondered if the gunshots were a result of an attempted jailbreak, a security Eons Intelligence in post shared on X attributed the shooting to unknown gunmen.
    It wrote: “At 1130 am today 31st July, 2024, Owerri Prison under attack by Unknown gunmen as prison armed Squad in gun duel.
    “Reinforcement from military and other security formation ongoing.”
    It further tweeted, “Report of sporadic shooting across Owerri Municipal by UGM. Suspected Hoodlums also attacked the UBA bank at Wetheral Road.
    “Avoid the area until normalcy is restored.”
    While some witnesses attributed the gunshots to unknown gunmen, sources from Imo State capital, who witnessed the incident told SaharaReporters that the shooting could not be from unknown gunmen.
    According to one of Sahara Reporters sources, the shooting is simultaneously going on at the Okigwe road, World Bank, Control, in front of Government House, Onitsha road, Amaku-Ohia – Akwaku road, and Aba road and Wetheral Road.
    The source said: “We believe that the Governor Hope Uzodimma and his administration were behind the shooting to scare and send fear to the people who might be planning to come out tomorrow to participate in the nationwide ‘Day of Rage’ protests against hunger and misgovernance in Nigeria, and in the state.”
    “You must have seen the video of Owerri, the State capital, it has been completely deserted. In those videos do you see security agencies moving around to contain it. That shows you that the shooting was government plan to scare would be protesters from coming tomorrow. That’s is the main agenda.
    “Police, military and other security agencies are resided in the capital, with increased checkpoints in every streets in Owerri, from where did the so called gunmen came in from.”
  • Bandits Should be given promising future – Adebayo Shittu

    Bandits Should be given promising future – Adebayo Shittu

    In what seems like a shocking appeal similar to that of Kaduna-based cleric, Ahmad Gumi, former Minister of Communication Adebayo Shittu, says bandits terrorising the country ought to be given promising future. 

    The ex-minister also implores the Tinubu-led administration to negotiate with the bandits, stressing that they are able-bodied men who should be retained by the federal government. 

    The former minister stated this while featuring on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, stating that a non-kinetic approach in dealing with banditry would bring about a lot of results.

    “If I am in position, it is not too late to use non-kinetic measures in negotiating with bandits, giving them a promising future. Let us retain them. Many of them are very intelligent, many of them are able-bodied,” Shittu said.

    The ex-minister said the millions of out-of-school children in Northern Nigeria are a “production factory for banditry” in the country.

    This is coming when controversial Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi had urged the federal government to negotiate with bandits.

    Recall that popular controversial Islamic Cleric, Sheik Ahmad Gumi had warned President Tinubu against toeing the path of former President Muhammadu Buhari who refused to negotiate with bandits, while urging the president to hire him in negotiating with bandits.

  • I’m not in support of violence in South East -Kanu

    I’m not in support of violence in South East -Kanu

    The embattled Nnamdi Kanu has distanced himself from the violence in the South Eastern part of the country by Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) members.

    Speaking after the court refused to grant his bail application, Kanu vowed that those behind the violence in the name of being an IPOB member would not be spared.

    He noted that the violence persisted because he was being held in the custody of DSS, adding that if released, there would be peace in the entire South- East.

    He said, “Anybody committing crime cannot go free. I swear it. Anybody committing crime in the east cannot go free. They are doing it because I am in the DSS(custody). If I were to be outside, nobody can try this. I suspect that some people in government are complicit. They are making money with the insecurity.

    “They know if Nnamdi Kanu is outside, in two minutes this nonsense will stop. Who is the bagger or idiot that will speak when I am talking. That I will give an order in the East who is the idiot that I will an order that will counter it ? Nobody can. I am Nnmadi Kanu. Rubbish!.

    “Anybody involved in any form of violence in the East in the name of IPOB is a goner and they know it. Let me come out of this mess, only two minutes there will be peace in the East. “

  • Insecurity: Akpabio Begs Germany To Halt Deportation Of 12,000 Nigerians

    Insecurity: Akpabio Begs Germany To Halt Deportation Of 12,000 Nigerians

    President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has appealed to the German government to reconsider its decision to deport approximately 12,000 illegal migrants to Nigeria. 

    The Senator expressed concern that such a move could exacerbate existing security challenges in the country.

    During a courtesy visit by the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annette Gunther, Senator Akpabio emphasized the need for collaboration between Nigeria and Germany, citing the countries’ significant roles in their respective continents.

    “Nigeria is Germany’s second largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa,” said Ambassador Gunther, highlighting the economic ties between the two nations.

    Senator Akpabio underscored Nigeria’s current struggle with insecurity and called for a joint effort with Germany in areas such as security and power to foster socio-political development.

    Expressing concern about the potential security implications, the Senate President urged Germany to reconsider the deportation, stating, “Dumping 12,000 illegal immigrants in Nigeria would lead to the escalation of insecurity in the country.”

    Akpabio also called for Germany’s assistance in distinguishing genuine Nigerian immigrants among the group, given the challenges posed by individuals falsely claiming Nigerian identity due to crises in other African countries.

    The Senate President stressed the importance of international cooperation in addressing security concerns and urged Germany to support Nigeria in its fight against insecurity while fostering economic development.

  • “Peter Obi playing politics with insecurity” – Buhari’s former aide

    “Peter Obi playing politics with insecurity” – Buhari’s former aide

    Bashir Ahmad, a former assistant on digital communications to ex-president Muhammadu Buhari, has reacted to Peter Obi’s visit to the Al-Kadriyar family.

    Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, had paid a condolence visit to the grieving family of Nabeeha Al-Kadriyar who was murdered by her abductors in the federal capital territory (FCT), Abuja recently.

    “May the memories of Nabeeha and all those who have lost their lives to such violent attacks inspire us, especially we the leaders, to take more decisive action against this ugly monster of insecurity,” Obi said vis his X handle on Tuesday, January 30, 2024.

    Ahmad questioned the motive of the visit by the former governor of Anambra State days after the safe return of the four girls.

    “Where were you when people were going the extra mile to see Najeebah and her sisters rescued from captivity?,” Ahmad said.

    “Yet now, you have taken photographers to visit the family, which was solely to serve your personal and political interests. Haba!”

    He urged the Al-Kadriyar family to stop giving access to politicians who bring along a contingent of journalists for a visit that is more about photo opportunities than genuine sympathy.

    Ahmad added that even the former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami and his friends, who were the major contributors to the rescue effort, did not visit the family.

  • Feb 3 Bye-Elections: INEC Expresses Concern Over Threats Of Violence

    Feb 3 Bye-Elections: INEC Expresses Concern Over Threats Of Violence

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has raised worry about threats of violence ahead of the February 3 bye-elections and rerun.

    Speaking Tuesday in Abuja at a meeting of the Interagency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu stated that, based on his experience, conducting isolated elections, such as bye-elections and reruns, can be extremely difficult.

    He said, “We must pay attention to the potentials for disruptive behaviour by some candidates and their supporters. A re-run election conducted in one Polling Unit or a handful of Polling Units can be severely disrupted by acts of thuggery knowing full well that these few locations will determine the outcome of the election.

    “Arising from the reports we received from the States, concerns have been raised about the impact of the prevailing insecurity in some States on the conduct of the elections, made worse by incendiary statements by some political actors. We will present such concerns and reports at this meeting for appropriate security response.”

    Yakubu noted that there are many parties involved in elections and that security agencies must ensure that INEC can deploy staff and materials, protect observers, the media, and the polling and collation agents who represent the candidates and political parties.

    “Without a secure and peaceful environment, the conduct of credible elections is imperiled,” he stated.

    Speaking on the by-election, Yakubu said, “There are two categories of elections. First are the bye-elections arising from the death or resignation of members of the National and State legislative houses affecting two Senatorial Districts, four Federal and three State Assembly Constituencies.

    “The second category is the re-run elections by order of Election Petition Appeal Tribunals. In my remarks at the Commission’s extraordinary meeting with leaders of political parties last month, I reported that the elections affect 35 National and State Constituencies. Since then, four additional orders of the Court of appeal have been served on the Commission in respect of Yabo/Shagari Federal Constituency of Sokoto State, Madara/Chinade State Constituency of Bauchi State as well as Kudan and Kauru/Chawai State Constituencies of Kaduna State.

    “This brings the total number of affected constituencies to 39 which translates to 2.6% of the 1,491 Constituencies for which elections were conducted nationwide in the 2023 General Election.

    “The nine bye-elections are fresh elections covering the entire constituencies. However, with the exception of three Constituencies (Plateau North Senatorial District and Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency in Plateau State and Kachia/Kagarko Federal Constituency in Kaduna State), the re-run elections are to be held in a few Polling Units. In some cases, only one Polling Unit is affected in an entire Federal or State Constituency.”

  • Surge of Kidnappings: FCT Minister Summons Emergency Meeting

    Surge of Kidnappings: FCT Minister Summons Emergency Meeting

    In response to the alarming surge in violent crime within the nation’s capital, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has initiated a crucial emergency security meeting.

    Recent incidents involving brazen bandit operations, including the tragic killing of several residents, including a 13-year-old Secondary School Student, have prompted heightened concerns.

    Addressing the gathering, Minister Wike reassured FCT residents about their safety, emphasizing the government’s commitment to providing security forces with necessary resources to combat the rising insecurity.

    The closed-door summit, presently in session, brings together heads of security agencies in the FCT, key officials from the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), council chairmen, and traditional rulers.

    Stay tuned for more updates on this developing situation.