Defence/Security

Be ruthless with criminals, Lalong directs security agencies

Published

4 years ago

August 2, 2021

Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau has directed security agencies to be ruthless in dealing with criminals unleashing mayhem in the state.Lalong, represented by Prof. Danladi Atu, the Secretary to the State Government, gave the task at the opening of the 2021 Inter Brigades Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers Competition on Monday in Jos.The competition was organised by the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Rukuba, near Jos.Lalong, who decried the rising spate of killing and wanton destruction of farmlands and houses in the state, vowed to deal with the criminals.The governor assured citizens of the state that his administration would do everything within its powers to end criminality.“The reported killings in Bassa, Barikin Ladi, Riyom and Jos North Local Government Areas have become worrisome and persistent, even up till yesterday where many houses were destroyed and some people killed.“We have witnessed the willful and carefully planned destruction of crops in some areas of the state by criminals. “These acts of provocation are no doubt aimed at taking us back to the days of violence and bloodshed. Also, the action of these criminals is nothing but food terrorism that wants to starve our people at all cost.“This must stop and I have directed the security agencies to be ruthless with these criminals.“Let me assure the citizens that our administration will never fold its arms to see few criminals take this state back to those dark days of pain and sorrow“We are working with the security agencies to fish out those responsible and ensure that they are punished.“No matter how long it takes and how far they run or hide, they will be identified, arrested and prosecuted to serve as deterrence to others,” Lalong assured.He promised to continue to initiate policies and programmes that would entrench peaceful coexistence and harmony in the state.He also pledged his support and cooperation to the security agencies in their bid to curb insecurity in the state.Earlier, Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Ali, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) the division, explained that the competition was aimed at enhancing professionalism and competency among officers and men of the division.The GOC, represented by Brig.-Gen. Williams Dangana, the Garrison Commander of the division, added that the exercise would foster esprit-de-corps, regimentation, enhance leadership qualities and physical fitness of troops.He also said the exercise was in tandem with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) philosophy of having a “professional Nigerian Army ready to accomplish assigned missions within a joint environment in defence of Nigeria”.“As you are all aware, competition is an aspect of training which is considered the best welfare that can be given to a soldier, because it speaks to his competence and ultimately keeps him alive in battle.“It is important to mention that training foster professionalism and it is one of the four-pillar philosophy of the COAS in addition to readiness, adminstration and cooperation.“So, this competition is designed to improve regimentation, leadership qualities and physical fitness among troops.“It will also foster esprit-de-corps and healthy rivalry among formations,” he addedAli further said that the competition would enable troops learn astute organisational ability and improve their level of understanding in accomplishing tasks.Ali explained that five out of the the six formations of the division would be participating in the competition.

Defence/Security

DSS Arrests Man Who Used Own Social Media Handle To Canvass Military Coup

Published

1 day ago

October 29, 2025

Our Reporter

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.

Defence/Security

Tinubu Seeks Senate Confirmation of Newly Appointed Service Chiefs

Published

2 days ago

October 28, 2025

Our Reporter

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.

Defence/Security

Terrorists Threaten to Bomb National Assembly — Lawmaker Raises Alarm

Published

2 days ago

October 28, 2025

Our Reporter

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.