Security
Gov Radda gives reasons why citizens should be allowed to bear arms
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State has urged the federal government to allow citizens to allow citizens to buy arms to protect themselves since bandits freely buy weapons such as AK-47 and RPG in the market illegally
He said governors should not be blamed for the security challenges bedevilling their states because they are chief security officers without the authority to command the military forces, the police and other security agencies to deal with security issues in their states.
Governor Radda asked the federal government to play a more critical role in the security of lives and property in the country adding that his administration had legally established a ‘community watch corps’ to deal with banditry in conjunction with the military.
The governor, at a media parley on Thursday in Abuja, said bandits are hardened criminals who must be eliminated in Katsina, stressing that his administration would not leave any stone unturned in ensuring they are exterminated.
He said some traditional rulers in the state are under investigation over their alleged “romance” with bandits, stressing that whoever is found to be a sponsor or ally of bandits would not be spared no matter how highly placed.
He said, “We governors are so-called chief security officers of our states, but we don’t have the authority to command the military, police or civil defense. They receive orders from above.
“In our efforts, we have come up with the intelligence unit within the Katsina Community Watch Corps. This intelligence unit, even the corps members don’t know them. The reason for setting it up is to check the excesses of the Watch Corps and also to gather information.
“There are some traditional rulers who have been identified, adding that they are already under scrutiny. So, we are not sparing anybody even commissioners in my regime, we are not going to spare anybody found to be involved in one criminal activity or the other.
“We are talking about the lives of over 10 million people not one single individual. No single individual is more important than 10 million people or the lives of an innocent person in the village. We are trying as much as possible to gather a lot of information together with the intelligence we are getting from the DSS so that we can build a network that we can arrest and prosecute any person found wanting.
“It is a double-edged sword. We cannot fold our arms and say we will not protect ourselves because we don’t have the sophisticated arms that these bandits have. We have the numbers, we have the zeal and the determination, and you should remember, if they are going for any outing, it is just like the way it was done in Borno through the Civilian JTF.
“They will be covered by the police and the military who are heavily armed. So, I think it is a concerted and joint effort. And I think gradually, we are working within what the law allows us to possess.
“We are driving towards that, and we are seeking reforms within the federal government in that regard. If a bandit can go to the market and buy AK-47, RPG, and all of those weapons, what of the people that want to protect themselves? They, too, should equally be allowed to do so. These people are holding it illegally, we are trying to hold it legally. Why can’t the government allow the people to hold this thing and equally confront the challenges?
“Negotiations with bandits is a no go area in my perspective but I said if I am at the point of advantage, if the bandits come out and say look, ‘we are dropping arms, let us sit down and talk’, we could reintegrate them back into the society.
“But I will not go begging bandits to come for negotiations. Let us deal with the situation. If they are weak, let them come out, let us negotiate, and we will reintegrate them back into society. They are our people, our brothers, but we cannot protect a criminal.”
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun has written to the Senate requesting for an executive session with the senate panel on Public Accounts over the investigations into the 3,907 missing fire arms citing security reasons.
The IGP’s request aims to push back against the 2019 Audit Report by the Auditor-General for the Federation, which alleged that 3,907 assault rifles were either missing or unaccounted for in police armories as of January 2020.
In a letter addressed to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Egbetokun appreciated the efforts of the Senate to conduct “thorough investigation” into the alleged missing firearms from their armoury as of December 2020.
“We appreciate the Senate committee’s probe into the alleged missing firearms and urge the committee to conduct future hearings on sensitive security issues in camera so that the wrong impressions would not be created in the minds of Nigerians and in the minds of the international community.
“This is crucial to prevent misinformation and ensure national security. Conducting hearings on these sensitive security issues in camera will help prevent the spread of misinformation and protect national security interests. It will also allow for more candid discussions and fact-finding.
The police dismissed the Auditor General’s report as “rooted in inaccuracies” and criticized the handling of the issue by the Senate Committee on Public Accounts.
Egbetokun expressed deep disappointment over how the police were treated during the public hearing, which he claimed played out “in the full glare of the public and the international community.”
He pleaded for more time to conduct an internal investigation into the alleged missing weapons.
He also urged the Senate to handle future security-related probes behind closed doors, citing national security concerns.
Meanwhile, Senate Deputy Whip Onyechachi Nwoebonyi, who presided over the hearing in the absence of Committee Chairman Aliyu Wadada, directed the police to return next Monday with a clearer explanation.
Despite his attempts to justify the committee’s public approach, police concerns over the handling of the matter were largely ignored.
The Inspector General of Police said he is committed to maintaining a strong partnership with the National Assembly, working together to drive positive changes in the country and improving the lives of Nigerians and the security of the nation.
Senator Akpabio said the IGP’s letter was noted, very clear, adding that investigation will be done both internally by the police and further investigation will also be conducted by the Senate.
As tensions rise over the issue, all eyes are now on the police to provide a more detailed and convincing account of the missing rifles.
***DECORATES 142 senior Officers
In a ground-breaking move to strengthen security operations across Akwa Ibom State, the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare has held his maiden strategic security meeting with key officers of the command.
He also used the event to decorate 142 newly promoted senior officers.
The high-profile meeting, which convened the Management Team, Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), and Tactical Commanders, focused on enforcing zero tolerance for corruption, extortion, and indiscipline within the ranks.
Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John I’m a statement quoted CP Azare to have stressed the need for professionalism, accountability, and proactive crime prevention strategies.
Addressing the officers, CP Azare outlined his vision for an inclusive, people-centred policing system backed by actionable crime-reduction plans specific to each jurisdiction.
He emphasized that every officer must serve as a pillar of public trust, leveraging intelligence-driven policing and community engagement to curb criminal activities.
The highlight of the event was the decoration of 142 officers promoted to new ranks. Among them were two Chief Superintendents of Police (CSP) elevated to Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACP): ACP Inyang John Abia, DPO Shelter Afrique and ACP Ahiwa Ribadu, OC Anti-Cultism
In addition, 25 Superintendents of Police (SP) advanced to Chief Superintendents of Police (CSP), including, CSP Felix Ekpoudom, 2IC QIU, CSP Cordiella Nwawe, Provost 26 PMF, Uyo and CSP Ebong Thompson, OC SWAT
Other notable promotions included 22 Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSP) elevated to Superintendents of Police (SP), and 93 Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASP) promoted to Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSP)
While congratulating the officers and their families, CP Azare reminded them of their role as ambassadors of the Nigeria Police Force. He challenged them to embody integrity, courage, and dedication in their new positions.
“The promotion you have received is not just a reward for past performance but also a call to higher responsibilities. The public will be watching, and you must earn their trust every day,” CP Azare remarked.
He extended gratitude to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, the Police Service Commission, and the Force Management Team for prioritizing the welfare and career progression of officers.
This landmark event signals a renewed commitment to combating crime, improving service delivery, and restoring confidence in law enforcement across Akwa Ibom State.
The Nigerian military has strongly defended its recent airstrikes in Sokoto State, insisting that the operation targeted members and associates of the notorious Lakurawa terrorist group, not civilians as widely speculated.
In response to reports alleging that the strikes mistakenly hit two communities in Silame Local Government Area, Lt. Col Abdullahi Abubakar, spokesman for the Joint Task Force North West Operation Fansan Yamma, clarified that the operation was conducted based on credible intelligence and rigorous surveillance.
“Importantly, the targets struck in the vicinity of Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa were positively identified as linked to the Lakurawa terrorist group,” Lt. Col Abubakar stated. “The operation was necessary to degrade their operational capacity and ensure the safety of residents.”
Abubakar emphasized that the military’s intelligence-gathering process prioritizes precision and minimizes risks to civilians. He acknowledged the sensitivity of the operation but stressed its importance in combating terrorism in the region.
“These strikes followed extensive reconnaissance to confirm the presence of terrorist elements in the area,” he said. “We deeply regret any civilian casualties that may have occurred, but we assure the public that the operation adhered to strict rules of engagement.”
The Joint Task Force also urged the public to avoid speculation and misinformation that could inflame tensions or undermine security efforts.
“We appeal to residents to remain calm and trust that ongoing operations are aimed at restoring peace and stability,” Abubakar added.
The military’s explanation comes after Sokoto State Governor’s Press Secretary, Abubakar Bawa, reported that at least ten civilians were killed in the strikes. However, the Joint Task Force has yet to verify this claim, stating that investigations are ongoing.
Meanwhile, security analysts have highlighted the challenges of conducting airstrikes in areas where terrorists often use civilians as shields. They noted that such operations, while essential, underscore the need for improved coordination and intelligence-sharing to avoid collateral damage.
Lt. Col Abubakar reaffirmed the military’s commitment to protecting civilian lives and called for public support in the fight against terrorism.
“Our forces are here to protect Nigerians, not harm them. We will continue to work tirelessly to eliminate terrorist threats and ensure lasting peace,” he concluded.
As the dust settles over Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa, the military maintains that its focus remains on dismantling terrorist networks and securing the region.
Residents, however, remain watchful, hoping for both security and safety in the aftermath of the operation.
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