Category: Security

At Lekki , a group of unruly later violent, zobo-socked flag-wielding protesters and anarchists descended visiting violence on public and private property and offering violence to security personnel. Nigerian military was called to restore order .

It was dark. The place was crowded. The protesters buoyed by promise of international fake media support were unyielding to entreaties by security personnel. In a show of high level professionalism, tactical patience and courageous restraint, the soldiers armed with both lethal and non lethal weapons, carefully and methodically applied just the necessary and reasonable minimum force to disperse the arsonists protesters. At the end of this demonstration of the acme of military professionalism, not a single protester was killed, a few maybe bruised , a few broken legs due to stampedes…Dazzol!

Endsars protesters fatalities: Nil.
Own casualty: Nil. Live Ammunition expended: Nil!!
Fake news casualty figures: between 12 to 78.

Elsewhere in the United States of A, @Capitol Hill, a group of Lekki-like protesters descended. Similarly carrying national flags. The security agencies responded, meeting the anarchists with a mix of both lethal and non lethal weapons. The American protesters were not as lucky as their Nigerian counterparts as four people were reportedly shot.

I pause here to ask: Should we not salute the Nigerian military that conducted the Lekki operation for a job well done, for showing the acme of professional skills, tactical patience, courageous restraint in the face of high provocation???
If I spoke your mind, please give your salute here to the Nigerian military.

It would be recalled that In an “unprecedented assault” on democracy in America, thousands of angry supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the US Capitol yesterday and clashed with police, resulting in casualty and multiple injuries and interrupting a constitutional process to affirm Joe Biden’s victory in the presidential election.

The police, outnumbered by the maskless protesters, had a tough time in managing the mob, as hundreds of protesters breached security and entered the Capitol building on Wednesday, where members of the Congress were going through the process of counting and certifying the Electoral College votes. Both the House and Senate and the entire Capitol were placed under a lockdown.

Vice President Mike Pence and lawmakers were evacuated to safe locations. One woman who was shot inside the US Capitol has died, CNN reported, quoting a spokesperson with the Metropolitan Police Department. Multiple officers were injured during the mob attack.

Of a truth, with the recent happening in America which is regarded as the reference point for democracy, the Nigerian army should be celebrated and not vilified for preserving our democracy. No sane security agency in a sane government will look on while anarchy descends on the nation.

Following the recent editorial of The Financial Times of London in which the paper described Nigeria as a country plagued by terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, many Nigerians have unanimously taken exemption to the position of the paper saying it does not, in any way, capture the true state of security in Nigeria.

The UK-based newspaper, among other things, had posited that contrary to Nigeria’s government’s claim, Boko Haram remained an ever present threat and the country risks becoming a failed state.

But, in a swift reaction, Comrade Oladimeji Odeyemi, a Nigerian security analyst and a counter-terrorism expert, punctured the submission of the paper in its entirety, saying the London paper did not only erroneously rely on unverifiable internet figures but its editorial standpoint is fraught with terrible lies.
Odeyemi who spoke in an interview maintained that it is unfortunate that foreign media organizations have made themselves the face of the forces that seek to propagate falsehood on insurgents’ dominance of Nigeria’s security environment.

The Convener of the Coalition of Civil Society Groups Against Terrorism in Nigeria said: “Except we want to lie and deceive ourselves, is the north not better, especially North East than it was before 2015 when Boko Haram had over 14 local governments in its custody? I think Nigerians should ignore the poorly thought-out editorial as well as the groups who are gleefully hailing it. It was a wasted effort.”

He added that “With all due respect, I think there is a script being acted and some international media agencies have already been conscripted to play it out. Amazingly, they push out the scripts without any recourse to rules of engagement in the media which includes verification of all indices to be addressed to ensure credence of the report.

“From my little knowledge, I am aware that the editorial of any news medium is the heart of that media organisation because that is the position of that newspaper on the topic of consideration.

“If Financial Times could churn out such editorial as their position on this same Nigeria that we are currently living in, then there is much to be desired. Beyond that, I think the editorial veered off some of the key happenings in Nigeria and that has been the bane of many foreign media reports on the country, lately.

“The truth is that you can’t rely on resources from the internet to form either a news or editorial reportage.

“Yes, we still have pockets of security challenges, but the reality on ground is that the level of security in Nigeria has over time improved, especially in the North East and this is due to the pragmatic approach of President Muhammadu Buhari and his Service Chiefs.”

Comrade Oladimeji Odeyemi spoke further on the abducted Kankara school boys which generated drama in Katsina state. He said: “I think we must first of all thank God and commend President Buhari for providing the leadership that led to the rescue of the boys. However, I want to applaud the Nigerian Army over the release of the abducted students.

“The saying that success has many relatives is trite here but we must give honour to whom it is due. The Army showcased a high level of human rights compliance, professionalism and proactiveness in carrying out its responsibility of securing the lives of the abducted schoolboys.

“I really don’t want to get into the politics of the issue but the Nigerian Army was responsible for the release of the boys. The Nigerian Army was able to track the abductors with the boys, they were pinned down and surrounded,” he noted.

The security expert however, called on the international media and demanded an end to their media brutality against Nigeria.

He emphasized that the Nigerian military has accomplished much and investors are gaining maximally from the unprecedented national security achievements.

Civil Society Groups have exonerated security agencies over insecurity even as the leadership call on President Buhari to sack Ministers, NSA and National Assembly Leadership. In this communiqué signed by Dr. Nwambu Gabriel, the Coalition emphasized that none of the heads of security including the Inspector General of Police and other military heads are the cause of insecurity bedeviling Nigeria

A coalition of 92 Youth Based Groups and Non Governmental Organizations under the auspices of Centre for Credible Leadership & Citizens Awareness has called on President Buhari to immediately sack all the current serving Ministers and replace them with his choice of younger, patriotic and competent citizens who are desirous to patriotically contribute their quota to nation building.

While addressing the media in Abuja on Tuesday 29th December, 2020, Dr. Nwambu Gabriel who spoke on behalf of the coalition said that Ministers are relaxing in Abuja dwelling on lofty ideas without being in touch with their constituents or at least create an avenue for regular engagement like periodic town hall meetings with their constituents where the genuine efforts of President Buhari would be made known to Nigerians on a one-on-one grass roots level.

The coalition also called on the Senate President, Senator Ahmed Lawan to immediately change the Principal Officers of the 9th Senate for a more result oriented legislations that would in turn impact positively on the yearnings and aspirations of all if not majority of Nigerians.

“The same call goes to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila. We urge him to immediately relieve the current serving principal officers/leaders of the House and appoint more competent, God fearing representatives for effective, more impactful and result oriented legislations for peace, security and development of our country in line with the desire and tangible efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari, Dr. Nwambu Gabriel said.
Excerpt is the full text of the press briefing: We the above named Organization in collaboration with 92 youth based groups and Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs), having concluded a One Day Summit titled “Origin and Root Causes of Insecurity In Nigeria; The Way Forward”, resolves as follows to be solutions and panacea to mitigating and solving the myriad of insecurity situation in Nigeria.

The Boko Haram sect emanated from the sponsorship and funding of Nigerian Politicians from the North East region of the country for their own selfish ambition. This sect is now hydra- headed and has given birth to prolong local and international terrorism, banditry, marauders, rapists, killer headsmen, cattle rustling, kidnapping, etc., with its attendant heinous crimes such as gruesome murder, rape, and the general atmosphere of insecurity in Nigeria.

In the same vein, the Niger Delta militancy which has also bedeviled the nation with serious security challenges and the attendant availability of small and light arms within the region with its attendant consequences was also originally formed by politicians within the region for their own selfish political and economic interests.

Therefore, it is clearly evident that Politicians in Nigeria are the founders, root causes, financiers and pre- cursors of insecurity in Nigeria.

Accordingly, the Dishonourable Ministers are here in Abuja dwelling on lofty ideas without being in touch with their constituents or at least create an avenue for regular engagement like periodic town- hall meetings with their constituents where the genuine efforts of President Mohammadu Buhari would be made known to Nigerians on a one-on-one grass roots level. No doubt, President Buhari has done a lot in the areas of fighting corruption, agricultural transformation, railways, road networks and fighting terrorism and insecurity in Nigeria.

However, Ministers essentially are to act as deputies to the President and Commander- in- Chief by projecting the efforts of Mr President. But in Nigeria today, it is ironical that either most Ministers of the Federal Republic lack clear understanding of their functions or are completely ignorant of what to do while in office.

We discovered that there is a lacuna. This gap is caused by the ineptitude and look- worm of the said so called honourable Ministers. While Mr. President is busy toiling day and night without the commensurate support from almost all the Ministers and other political appointees including the SGF.

The inability of the NSA to effectively coordinate the security architecture of the country exposes a major weakness signifying the need for an urgent replacement of the sensitive position.

Some of these politicians and ex- Governors have now found the Senate of the Federal Republic as a shelter and resting place where they sit with practically nothing to contribute during plenary but rather indulge in unnecessary selfish political scheming, maneuvers and trading blames, heaping accusations on Mr President, and his security heads including the IGP and military chiefs.

Consequent to the above, for the peace, security and development of our country, we, as Nigerians and as a coalition, hereby, with utmost respect to President Buhari, urge the President and Commander- In- Chief to immediately sack all the current serving Ministers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and replace them with his choice of younger, patriotic and competent citizens who are desirous to patriotically contribute their quota to nation building.

Again, we have also discovered the huge disconnect between members of the National Assembly and their so- called constituents. In the Senate, most of the principal officers dwell more on diversionary issues rather than embark on result oriented legislations targeting job creation for the youths and for peace, security and prosperity for Nigeria. If we may ask; how many times do some of these so called principal officers visit their constituents? Some only visit their constituents during elections times.
We, therefore, hereby, call on the Senate President, Senator Ahmed Lawan to immediately change the principal officers of the 9th Senate for a more result oriented legislations that would in turn impact positively on the yearnings and aspirations of all if not majority of Nigerians.

The same call goes to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila. We urge him to immediately relieve the current serving principal officers/leaders of the House and appoint more competent, God fearing representatives for effective, more impactful and result oriented legislations for peace, security and development of our country in line with the desire and tangible efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari.

We also state categorically that none of the heads of security including the Inspector General of Police and other military heads are the cause of insecurity bedeviling Nigeria. The security, economic and political problems of our country are clearly caused by the so called political leaders which are the politicians especially those that have looted their states and now find a safe haven in the senate.

Let it be on record that in all fair minded judgement and assessment, Nigeria as a Nation, is very fortunate to have the current security chiefs at this trying moment of our country’s existence. With their experience, patriotism and commitment to duty, the nation is indeed lucky to have these officers at the helm of affairs irrespective of whatever anybody says.

Consequently, on the basis of our country’s corporate existence, peace and security, we, as a coalition, hereby soundly pass a vote of Confidence on the Heads of Security in Nigeria particularly the IGP and all the military chiefs for performing creditably well so far in the discharge of the onerous tasks of containing the myriad of security challenges confronting Nigeria.

Following the Federal Government’s directives on the harmonisation of citizens’ data by relevant agencies, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) had in compliance with the directives earlier put members of the public on notice. As a follow up to that, FRSC Management has resolved that effective 21 December, 2020, all applicants for the National Driver’s Licence in Nigeria must present the National Identification Number ( NIN) from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) before they can be captured for any class of the licences produced by the FRSC.

According to the press release signed by the Assistant Corps Marshal Bisi Kazeem, fsi, all driver’s licence applicants are therefore, expected to present their National Identification Number from the date, before they can be attended to, adding that there would be no waiver for anyone. Bisi further stressed the need for a harmonised database on citizens’ information which he said is critical to resolving the challenges of identifying individuals to assist security agencies in data collation and quick retrievals to address some of the national security challenges.

He called on members of the public particularly, those going for their driver’s licence processing to take note of the directives and carefully follow the procedures for obtaining their NIN from the National Identity Management Commission which must be verified to be authentic, before action can be taken on their application for the licences. Kazeem further stated that all numbers presented by the applicants must correspond with what NIMC issued to individuals for a harmonised database.

The Corps Public Education Officer solicited the cooperation of members of the public to make the policy a success in the collective interest of the nation and commitment to building and maintaining a credible national database on citizens. He assures that FRSC remains committed to supporting the Federal Government in its resolve to tackling the challenges of citizens’ identification and national security challenges.

While reassuring the driver’s licence applicants of improved services at the licence processing centres across the country, the FRSC spokesperson reiterated the earlier messages of Corps Marshal Oyeyemi that improved service delivery remains the center point of the Corps’ operations. He further stressed that with due compliance by all driver’s licence applicants, the process of physical capturing at the Licence processing centre would be smooth in line with the improved processes put in place.

A special security event convoked by the leadership and members of the National Association of Online Security Reporters (NAOSRE) on December 11 in Lagos, 2020, brought new light on the insecurity bedeviling Nigeria.

The brainstorming event––NAOSRE’s maiden Dinner Night and Discourse–– was organised by the body’s new executives that took over the helm of affairs barley two months ago, specifically on October 29.

NAOSRE’s members comprised professional journalists with strong media credentials who have worked with the conventional media and are now reporting on digital platforms, some of them, Nigeria’s finest hands in security reportage.

Established with the main objective to provide accuracy, transparency in relaying security news, the association also stands as the long expected information bridge between citizens and security agents.

To this end, it has successfully established a sustainable working relationship with key security players in the corporate world and security agencies in Nigeria, including but not limited to the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force and Nigeria Customs Service as well as Federal Road Safety Corps.
Without doubt, NAOSRE’s clout in Nigeria’s security stratosphere was displayed by the event of December 11, which, as it were, has passed into history as a watershed in the annals of security discourse in the country.

The Dinner Night and Discourse drew participants, guests and speakers from the safety and security agencies, the legislative arm of government, traditional leadership and corporate organizations and of course, the media––both traditional and the digital media.
Interestingly, the evening of intelligent discourse with a theme: “2021 Nigeria Security: Issues, Funding and Prospect,” unlocked a plethora of security solutions and ideas.

Expectedly, the convergence of key players in the security circle opened the windows set of suggestions which would embellish 2021 security policy formulation and implementations in a manner that Nigeria would be one of the secured countries on the continent.

Femi Oyewale, NAOSRE’s President, in his welcome address, set the tone for the event:

“Today’s security discourse was birthed out of the need to address the security issues in Nigeria, bearing in mind that 2020 has been a very tough year for citizens, businesses and indeed, the security sector.”

Oyewale’s remark was, unmistakably, the needed bullet that hit the bull’s eye, considering the various security challenges that reared up in the course of the year, culminating in the catharsis of the #ENDSARS protest.

It provided room for elaborate sharing of ideas and offered a 360-degree view of Nigeria’s security apparatus. Each security apparatus spoke on the unique challenges confronting their efficiency on the job, as well as also informed the public about the gains and the good strides that have been achieved by their respective organisations.

From the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, came a detailed analysis of the use of hi-tech speed sensors to check recklessness of drivers on Nigerian roads, and thus secure road transportation in the country.

Superintendent Route Commander, SRC, E. Olasehinde who represented Bisi Kazeem, the spokesman for the Commission, elaborated the professional working abilities of Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Dr Boboye Oyeyemi. He disclosed that the Corps has “Embraced technology in all its operations.”

He hinted that a drivers’ license issued by FRSC in Nigeria can validate a user’s driving permission across many countries in the world. He however sued for strict adherence to driving rules and codes by road users to mitigate the growing list of disasters on Nigerian roads.

The National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Deputy Comptroller Joseph Attah, gave a wide-angle view of the new developments. “We are not relenting. We continue to do our best to drastically reduce smuggling to the barest minimum,” he assured.

Represented by Uche Ejesieme, PRO Tin Can Island Port, the Customs Service elaborated its deployment of intelligence in the discharge of its duties at all the country’s points of entry.

The Customs particularly advocated for synergy among security agents in view of the multifaceted dimensions of border security.

Superintendent Adebisi Adewunmi, who represented Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Police Command, Hakeem Odumosu, highlighted: “There is need to spend money and there is need to inject more funds in the security apparatus from military to the Police.”

Speaking further, he said: “In Lagos, Policemen work 24/7. They are overstretched. But with proper funding, everyone will sleep with their eyes closed.”

Adewunmi, however, noted that the work of the police is further made difficult by online mischief-makers who created unnecessary panic. “Please join hands with the police, tell us our wrongs, but don’t encourage sensational journalism that can further breach the peace in society,” he appealed to NAOSRE.

Adewunmi acknowledged the positive development arising from the fallout of the #ENDSARS protest: “We have been promised an improved salary and retirement package.”

Major Osoba Olaniyi, who represented Brigadier General Sagir Musa, Acting Director, Army Public Relations, disclosed that “Nigerian Army is conducting internal security operations in 34 states.”

Major Olaniyi, Acting Deputy Director, 81 Division Army Public Relations, explained: “We accept criticism because we are a professional institution. However, what we don’t want is casting aspersion on us, because it has the tendency to weaken the resolve of those still fighting and dishonour the memories of our fallen heroes; it also has the tendency to undermine national unity.”

Olaniyi, responding to concerns raised about members of Police and Army impunity when dealing with civilians affirmed: “Irrespective of whatever uniform we wear, we still share the same humanity with members of society. And we shall try to remain humane with you.”

Both the Police and Army agreed that there are bad eggs among their operatives.

“The military is still high on discipline. We still don’t condone indiscipline,” Major Olaniyi Osoba who speaks for Army formations in both Ogun and Lagos States, asserted.

He nonetheless advised the public to report cases of infractions to 81 Division and 9th Brigade, stressing that Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, the Chief of Army Staff, has zero tolerance for indiscipline among officers and men especially in relating with the general public.

Corroborating Major Osoba’s submission, Superintendent Adewunmi added that: “There will always be Judas among people. The same applies to the Nigeria Police. But be assured that we are doing all we can to train our men on how to relate with the public.”

He gave the anecdote of how some communities rose to protect Police officers and prevented attacks on police stations located in their neighbourhood.

“Citizens should imbibe the spirit of supporting security agents at all times,” he requested.
Various speakers from the non-security sector further expanded the evening discourse.

Dr Tony Akposheri, veteran Nollywood actor, who represented Prince Honourable Ned Nwoko, Grand Patron, NAOSRE, pointed out that the public has roles to play in the security of our society.

“We cannot leave everything to the government,” he noted and further submitted: “Nigerian security discourse is timely at this time of our nation, not the issue of sacking service chiefs; if they are sacked and the right things are not in place the situation will not improve.”

Dr Akposheri noted further that: “Our security personnel are not adequately well taken care of and the number of security operatives in this country is not adequate,” he said, pointing out other deficits including working with obsolete tools and technology.

In his view, “Children of security agents should enjoy free education from primary school to university.” This, he averred, would boost the morale of security operatives.

“We are not happy with the state of the Nigerian Police. They are not well remunerated. There should be transparency in what goes to them as earnings and allowances,” Akposheri declared.

Barrister Yinka Oguntimehin who represented Aare Ona-Kakanfo of Yoruba land, Otunba Gani Adams, dwelt on how the police institution has decayed over time. He recounted the heart-breaking revelations on a recent radio programme about the poor salary of policemen.

Aside, he added the dehumanizing condition of service Police officers are subjected, starting with the barracks where they live which have degenerated into squalor, and the burden of providing the basic tools of their jobs including their uniform, beret and boots and even the charge sheets in their stations.

While commiserating with the police force for the loss of its members during the ENDSARS saga, Oguntimehin observed: “As a matter of fact, a better police service was what the youths had demanded.”

Although, the Guest Speaker of the event, Senate Committee Chairman on Air Force, Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah, was unavoidably absent ––having had to fly back home earlier on that day as he was bereaved––he nonetheless made a vital contribution that became one of the main takeaways from the event.

With the participants listening to him on phone, Senator Na’Allah avowed that “A lot of issues need to be addressed if we must reverse the insecurity facing Nigeria.”

He was blunt in holding the country’s elite responsible for the degeneration of security. “There must be an institutional commitment on the part of the government to curb some of the security challenges,” he said.

Continuing, he further asserted: “It has dawned on everyone and the government that there is an urgent need to address security issues affecting the country.”

Other highlights of the night include messages of support from the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, whose message was delivered by a Principal Officer of the House, Honourable Noheem Adams representing Constituency: Eti-Osa I.
In his message, Speaker Obasa who is also the Chairman Nigerian body of Speakers, assured Lagosians and indeed Nigerians of qualitative legislative contributions to a safer society. “As legislators, we are committed to our oversight functions to ensure that appropriated funds for military operations are judiciously utilized for its rightful purpose,” Obasa vowed.

There was also a show of support by FirstBank of Nigeria Plc team. Nigeria’s leading bank’ staff were physically present at the event, a development that sent assuring signals to the banking public of FirstBank’s commitment to security in a manner that depositors with the bank do not have any need to entertain fears in the years ahead.
From the traditional enclave was HRM. Oba (Dr.) Adeoriyomi Akeem Oyebo, Obateru of Egbin Kingdom, Ikorodu, Lagos , to lend his voice to NAOSRE’s dinner of security solutions.

The Lagos first class traditional ruler advised government across levels to consider the use of traditional methods to checkmate criminal activities. “Some criminal elements, who, at times, over power security agents use traditional powers. Why can’t the government look in that direction? He asked.

The highly respected Oba, who was accompanied to the event by Chief Lateef S. Saminu, Olisa Egbin, supported his suggestion with a story of a man who once secured and safe guarded a bank in Ibadan without being physically present.
He however prayed for NAOSRE and encouraged its leaders to sustain its noble task of promoting effective security communication. Another traditional ruler at the event was HRM Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal Abisogun, Oniru of Iruland .

The Kabiesi was ably represented by his media aide, Femi Liadi.
Nollywood star, Paul Obazele reflected on the trauma of the recent protest and called for more citizens’ co-operation with security agents.