Defence/Security
Banditry: Matawalle cautions journalists on crisis reporting
Gov. Bello Matawalle of Zamfara, on Friday in Gusau, cautioned journalists against reeling out unverified information on the security situation in the state.
The governor specifically cautioned journalists, especially social media influencers, against reeling out unverified figures and sensitive information, capable of fueling the already tensed situation in the state.
Matawalle spoke at the close of a two-day training of 200 journalists in the state on objectively reporting the fight against insecurity in the state.
He said releasing unverified information to the public would jeopardise the fight against banditry and kidnapping in the state.
Our correspondent reports that no fewer than 200 journalists participated in the training with the theme “Role of Media in the fight against insecurity.”
The event was organised by the state Ministry of Information, in collaboration with some foreign media partners.
Represented by Alhaji Ibrahim Dosara, Commissioner for Information, the governor urged journalists to be professional and to observe high ethical standards while discharging their duties.
Matawalle said the role of the journalists as watchdog of the society was critical as both the government and the governed relied on the media for accurate information to guide their decisions.
He said media professionals could not afford to be less professional and unethical while reporting figure and statistics, especially during crises.
According to him, the media are expected to report responsibly by providing factual information about fight against banditry and kidnapping as that will reduce tension among the people.
The governor urged journalists to cultivate entrepreneurial spirit and skills in the use of new technologies in order to remain relevant in the media and communication industry.
He assured journalists of government support and advised them to be objective in their reportage.
In his remark, on behalf of the resource persons at the training, Mr Yusuf Dingyadi called on the participants to ensure they verify sensitive information before going to press.
He advised media professionals on the positive use of technologies and to verify each information at their disposal before releasing same to the public.
Dingyadi said responsible journalism would impact positively in the fight against banditry and kidnapping in Zamfara.
The Department of State Services (DSS) has trailed to Oyigbo, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and arrested one Innocent Chukwuma who used his social media handle to rally the military to overthrow the current government.
Posting on his “X” handle “@TheAgroman,” Chukwuma stated that a coup was needed in Nigeria and called on the military to “suspend the Nigerian government.”
He posted, “A coup in Nigeria is needed.
Dispose of APC, suspend the Nigerian Government, and join the AES. That is all we need now.
“It will happen eventually. Nigerians, the military needs your support now! Only them can save this country.
“The bastard in Aso Rock has basically sold this country to the West, and they run our intelligence apparatus. Only the military can reset this country. Support them,” Chukwuma posted.
A source disclosed that the suspect is cooperating with DSS investigators.
By: Fabian Apechihin
President Bola Tinubu has written to the Senate, requesting the confirmation of the newly appointed Service Chiefs.
The letter, addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and read during Tuesday’s plenary in Abuja, listed the nominees for the country’s top military positions.
Those named include:
- General Olufemi Oluyede – Chief of Defence Staff
- Major-General Waheedi Shaibu – Chief of Army Staff
- Rear Admiral Idi Abbas – Chief of Naval Staff
- Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke – Chief of Air Staff
- Major-General Emmanuel Undiendeye – Chief of Defence Intelligence
In the correspondence, President Tinubu urged the Senate to expedite the confirmation process to enable the new military heads to assume their duties without delay.
The Senate has since referred the request to the Committee of the Whole for screening and confirmation of the nominees, scheduled to take place next week.
By: Fabian Apechihin
The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Internal Security, Hon. Garba Ibrahim Muhammad, has revealed that terrorists have issued threats to bomb the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.
Hon. Garba made the disclosure on Tuesday during a public hearing on a bill seeking to establish a Legislative Security Directorate, a new body proposed to strengthen security and protect lawmakers, staff, and visitors within the National Assembly.
“We have received threats from terrorists to bomb the National Assembly Complex, and also from protesters planning to lock up the premises,” Garba stated.
He warned that Nigeria’s seat of democracy faces growing security risks, including vehicle and motorcycle theft, vandalism, infiltration by unregistered persons, and the use of fake identity cards.
According to him, failure to address these lapses could have grave consequences.
“It is clear that if proper security measures are not implemented, legislative activities could be truncated. Without sittings, there will be no representation, oversight, annual budget, or plenary — and that will destabilize both the legislature and the nation’s democracy,” he cautioned.
Garba emphasized the need for a coordinated security framework to ensure a safe and functional parliamentary environment.
“That is why this Bill is crucial. It aims to tackle these challenges and align Nigeria’s parliamentary security system with global best practices,” he added.
The proposed legislation, titled “A Bill for an Act to Provide for the Establishment and Functions of the Legislative Security Directorate in the National Assembly (HB 1632)”, was considered at the House Conference Hall 028 in Abuja.
While acknowledging the importance of keeping Parliament accessible to citizens, Garba insisted that public access must not compromise security.
“The need for effective security in the National Assembly cannot be overstated. This Bill is committed to ensuring the best possible security architecture to protect legislators, staff, visitors, and property,” he said.
He further encouraged state Houses of Assembly across the country to adopt similar frameworks to strengthen legislative security nationwide.
“With these few points of mine, I wish us a peaceful and productive hearing that will mark a turning point in the National Assembly’s security system,” Garba concluded.
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