Security
1000 hunters get protective kits, as Ododo charges them on professionalism
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo has distributed protective gadgets to One Thousand and Fifty hunters recruited by his administration at the Government House in Lokoja.
The Governor at the ceremony on Thursday urged the Hunters to exhibit high level of professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
His Special Adviser on Media Ismaila Isah in a statement quoted the Governor ti have expressed his administration’s commitment to dealing decisively with criminal elements who may wish to cause any breach of peace and security across the State.
The Governor stated that the State will not be turned into a breeding ground for criminals and called for collective efforts to wipe out criminals in the state.
He charged the hunters to remain professional by assisting other security agencies in combating crimes in the State.
“As Kogites, we must protect ourselves. If we don’t do it, nobody will do it for us. Kogi State is not a free zone for criminals.
Our faith in people-led security approach as a new strategy to combat crime is clear manifestation of our determination to recalibrate our security architecture” the Governor said.
In his address, the Kogi State Commissioner of Police Bertrand Onuoha disclosed that the recruitment of the local hunters and the provision of the protective items will assist conventional security agencies in the State to combat insecurity.
While expressing appreciation to the Governor for his foresight in securing lives and property, the Commissioner called for synergy between security agencies and the hunters, adding that their knowledge of the local communities will complement the role of the conventional security agencies in the State.
He directed Area Commanders in the state to make use of vigilantes and hunters in intelligence gathering.
In his remarks, the State Security Adviser, Commodore Jerry Omodara (Retired) applauded the state government for the community-based approach in fighting crime.
He noted that the recruitment of hunters to provide local intelligence based on their understanding of the communities where they will be deployed to serve is a game changer in the war against crime and criminalities in the state.
The Kogi State House of Assembly had approved the recruitment of 1,050 hunters with 50 from each of the 21 local government areas on the 19th of June, 2024.
Security
36 State Governors Back Creation of State Police to Combat Insecurity in Nigeria
The majority of the country’s 36 state governors have endorsed the creation of state police to decisively contain the escalating insecurity across Nigeria.
This decision cameduring a National Economic Council (NEC) meeting held on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, bringing the proposal one step closer to reality. A final resolution is expected to be reached in January 2025.
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, who spoke to the press after the meeting, confirmed that all 36 states had submitted their recommendations in favor of establishing state police.
While the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) under Nyesom Wike did not present its proposal, the overwhelming support from the other states emphasized the urgent need for tailored security measures to address the specific challenges faced by each region.
Governor Sani explained that the push for state police is driven by the recognition of Nigeria’s vast ungoverned areas and the shortage of security personnel. He highlighted that the current security forces, including the police and military, are stretched thin and unable to effectively cover all areas of the country. The governors believe that state police would enhance local security efforts and offer a more effective response to the growing violence in many regions.
Although the NEC meeting did not finalize the creation of state police, it was agreed that further consultations would take place before a decision is made. The next NEC meeting, scheduled for January 2025, will include additional discussions and stakeholder engagements to ensure all concerns are addressed before a final resolution is passed.
The establishment of state police is seen as a crucial step in addressing the worsening security situation in Nigeria, where the central government’s security agencies have struggled to contain the rising tide of violence and insecurity.
Security
Zulum Exposes Hidden Beneficiaries of Borno Insurgency
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has revealed that some individuals and groups, including civilians and military personnel, are profiting from the ongoing insurgency in the region.
Speaking as a guest on Channels TV on Sunday night, Zulum stated that these beneficiaries extend beyond Borno and are spread across the country.
He disclosed that informants within local communities and even military officers supplying ammunition to insurgents have been uncovered, complicating efforts to restore peace.
“Many times, informants were arrested within the community, and military personnel were caught trying to provide ammunition to the insurgents,” Zulum said.
The Governor also highlighted the role of porous borders, particularly around Lake Chad and the Sambisa forest, in creating safe havens for terrorists.
He noted foreign involvement as another factor fueling the prolonged crisis.
“Some people, across various strata, do not want to see the end of this crisis because they benefit from it,” Zulum remarked, emphasizing the complexity of resolving the insurgency due to these hidden interests.
Zulum’s candid revelations underscore the challenges facing counter-insurgency efforts in Borno, where both internal and external factors continue to fuel the decade-long conflict.
Security
Peter Obi Decries Rising Insecurity, Mourns Victims of Terror Attacks in Benue, Anambra
The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 General Election, Peter Obi, has expressed deep sorrow over the worsening security situation in Nigeria. In a heartfelt statement, Obi lamented the unrelenting wave of terror attacks sweeping through the nation, which continue to claim lives, destroy critical infrastructure, and disrupt businesses.
While writing on his X Handle on Thursday, Obi highlighted the recent killing of about 30 people in separate terrorist attacks on communities in two Local Government Areas of Benue State.
He also condemned the attack on the motorcycle showroom of Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing in Nnewi, Anambra State, where three staff members were abducted.
Reflecting on the growing insecurity, Obi asked a question that weighs heavily on the minds of many Nigerians: “Where are we headed as a nation with this level of insecurity?” He noted with concern that these attacks are occurring during a period of severe economic hardship, compounding the suffering of Nigerians.
Obi emphasized the economic impact of insecurity, pointing out that while foreign investors are leaving Nigeria due to safety concerns, local investors face daily threats to their businesses.
He described the current situation as “frightening” and warned that the nation could be “consumed” if decisive action is not taken to end the violence.
He extended his condolences to the victims in Benue and sympathized with Chief Innoson Chukwuma, the founder of Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing, over the attack on his facility. He also urged security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the kidnapped workers.
“This mindless waste of human lives and attacks on businesses must stop,” Obi declared. “We must end this monster of insecurity before it ends us.”
His statement is a call to action for both the government and citizens to unite in the fight against terrorism and ensure the protection of lives, businesses, and national stability.
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