Crime
Insecurity: Why N’Assembly must pass Nigerian Armed Forces Support Fund Bill -Kalu
The Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, has said, the passage of the Nigerian Armed Forces Support Fund Bill would go along way to strengthen the fight against insecurity in Nigeria. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); js">
The Bill was sponsored by the Member representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on Defence, Rep. Babajimi Benson.
This was, even as, the Abia lawmaker unfolded the legislative plans for 2021 fiscal year in tackling insecurity in the country.
Kalu in an interview with journalists in Abuja this weekend, said the House of Representatives has already come up with a comprehensive approach to tackle the problem of insecurity in Nigeria.
According to the House Spokesman, “We have set for ourselves, certain measurable actions for the short, mid and long term” to ensure that Nigerians and their property are secured.
Shedding light on the national security action plan already adopted by the Green Chamber, Rep. Kalu listed the lower House action plan to include the provision of, “funding in the 2021 and 2022 Budget for recruitment and training of new security operatives to strengthen the security sector workforce;
“Enact legislation and appropriate funds in the 2021 and 2022 Budgets to fund the implementation of community policing, civil-military relations, and crime prevention;
“Approve the procurement of modern security equipment in line with the Defence Procurement Policy;
“Enact laws to support structured funding of the Armed Forces to improve military readiness and enhance our capacity to respond to present and emerging threats to national security”.
Speaking specifically on the seemingly unending insurgency in the Northeast as well as the herders and farmers clashes in the middle belt and Southern part of Nigeria, Rep. Kalu decried the lack of adequate equipment for the Nigerian security agencies in the face of daunting challenges before it.
He said, “For over a decade, Nigeria has contended with a recalcitrant insurgency in the North-Eastern part of the country that continues to transform, adapting itself to changing circumstances, yet remaining a significant threat to lives and property, and a drain on limited national resources.
“Similarly, the North-West and North-Central have witnessed several incidences of banditry, cattle rustling and community clashes between farmers and herders while the South-South and South-East regions have continued to experience various agitations. In addition to these are criminal activities such as cybercrime, drug trafficking, organised crime, human trafficking, piracy and kidnapping, amongst others.
“While struggling valiantly to address these challenges, the security forces are not suitably equipped to prevail in the herculean task of protecting our lives, property and territorial integrity”.
Kalu, however, said that a bill was already before the House which is intended to fix the funding gap for the Nigerian armed forces in order to provide a lasting solution to the problems facing the security forces.
“We also promised Nigerians that between June 2020 and May 2021, we would enact legislation to support structured funding of the Armed Forces to improve military readiness and enhance our capacity to respond to present and emerging threats to national security.
“It will interest you to know that presently, we already have The Nigerian Armed Forces Support Fund (Establishment) Bill 2020, sponsored by Rep. Babajimi Benson, which has passed second reading and is scheduled for public hearing upon resumption.
“The essence of the bill is to provide Special Financial Support for the revamping of the Nigerian Armed Forces, and to also provide for regular training of Armed Forces Personnel as well as the provision of modern security and defence equipment and other related matters,” Kalu explained.
The House Spokesman urged Nigerians to “actively participate in the public hearing of the Nigerian Armed Forces Support Fund (Establishment) Bill which will come up as soon as the House resumes from the long vacation”.
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Crime
Ododo Donates Security Equipments To Kogi Poly
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
In a proactive move to enhance safety of lives and properties across tertiary institutions in Kogi State, the Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo led administration has donated advanced security gadgets to Kogi State Polytechnic, covering both the Lokoja and Itakpe Campus.
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The donation includes installation of modern CCTV surveillance cameras, lithium-powered torchlights and rapid response scooters, all aimed at strengthening campus security infrastructure.
This initiative reflects the Governor’s commitment to the safety of students, staff and educational facilities across Kogi State.
Engr. Sani Isah of Sufpay Limited, Project Executor, who handed over the items to the Polytechnic management, stated that the items were carefully chosen to meet the specific security needs of the institution.
According to Engr Isah, “the CCTV cameras will ensure real-time monitoring of critical areas, the lithium-powered torchlights will support night patrols, and the rapid response scooters will guarantee swift mobility in emergency situations”.
He also emphasized that designated security personnel would undergo technical training to ensure the efficient and effective use of the equipments, noting that continuous support would also be provided.
In his remarks, the elated Rector of the Polytechnic, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman commended the Governor for his tremendous security support, describing the intervention as timely, strategic and impactful.
Prof Usman further stated that, “we are deeply grateful to His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the people’s servant and the Executive Governor of Kogi State for yet another remarkable, generous and thoughtful gesture. These tools in the addition to the recent fencing of the Itakpe Campus will significantly boost our internal security framework and help maintain peace and order within our campuses”.
The Rector specifically highlighted the Governor’s visible commitment to the institution’s security architecture, referencing recent infrastructural achievements such as the historic fencing of the Itakpe Campus which has helped prevent land encroachment and enhanced security.
Professor Usman stressed further that the CCTV installation and other safety devices would help prevent internal disturbances and ward off intruders who may pose threats to peace and order on campus. He pledged that the Polytechnic would ensure the judicious use of the donated items, stressing their critical role in sustaining a peaceful and conducive academic environment.
The presentation was done in the presence of the Principal Officers and the Chief Security Officer of the Polytechnic.
Highlight of the brief ceremony was the tour of the security installation within the Lokoja campus and virtual demonstration of the installation at the Itakpe Campus.
Ends.
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Crime
COAS Urges Young Nigerians To Shun Criminality
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has cautioned young Nigerians against engaging in social vices such as cultism, drug abuse, and other criminal activities.
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The COAS gave the advice at the public speaking engagement held at Community Secondary School, Odo-Ape, Kabba-Bunu LGA, to commemorates the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2025.
The Commander 12 Brigade Lokoja, Brig. Gen. Kasim Sidi, who spoke on behalf of the COAS, emphasised the importance of positive values and responsible behavior among young people.
He said this year’s celebration was particularly important as it highlights the army’s resilience and commitment to national security amidst various internal security challenges.
Represented by Major Azi Izang, the Brigade Education Officer, the Commander expressed profound gratitude to the Almighty God for the Army’s victories and challenges overcome in the past year.
He emphasised the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to national resilience and security, highlighting the COAS’ command philosophy of consolidating the transformation of the Nigerian Army towards a well-motivated and combat-ready force.
He said the public speaking engagement aimed to enlighten young Nigerians on patriotism, the Nigerian Army’s ethics, criteria for joining the Army, and advocacy against drug abuse and cultism.
He admonished the students to be patriotic citizens, embracing honesty, and shunning criminality.
The Commander appreciated the Odo-Ape community for their warm reception, and encouraged the students to apply the acquired knowledge and skills for their personal growth, community development, and the nation’s progress.
The commander reaffirmed the determination of COAS to continuing strengthening the Nigerian Army in its operational strategies through various engagements.
He reiterated Army’s commitment to strengthening national security, the rule of law, and economic prosperity, emphasising its role in contemporary security and defense management.
In their respective lectures, Lieutenant Gbemisola Ojowa and Lieutenant Hassan Abdullah, conducted interactive sessions with the students, providing insights into the Nigerian Army’s career paths and the necessary qualifications.
They also enlightened the students on patriotism, imbibing the principles of honesty and integrity at all times.
They advised the students to avoid criminal company and criminality, cultism, as well as drug and substance abuse, and its attendant consequences.
In his vote of thanks, the School Principal, Mr Alfred Obayelu, thank the COAS and the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army for the choice of their school to mark the 2025 NADCEL.
“I believe the choice of selecting Odo-Ape community school is a warning signal to criminal elements in the area to relocate.
“We thank the Nigerian Army for the gesture,” Obayelu said.
The students’ representatives: Great Adeyanju and Dorcas Adeboye, said the programme has broaden their knowledge on career paths in Nigerian Army, and the danger of cultism, drug abuse and social vices.
The highlights of the event was the presentation of educational materials to students, and souvenirs to dignitaries at the occasion.
The week-long activities commemorates the 162nd anniversary of the Nigerian Army, which includes special Juma’at prayers, interdenominational church services, public speaking, among others.
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Crime
Kogi CP Begs For Intelligent Information, Prayers To tackle Insecurity
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Kogi State Commissioner of Police, CP Miller Dantawaye has appealed to the people of the state not to relent in the supply of intelligent information and consistent prayers to curb criminal activities in the state.
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He made the appeal at First Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) Lokoja during a Thanksgiving service of Mrs Salami Aderin Eunice, mother of Mr. Segun Salami of Channels TV correspondent in Kogi state who celebrated her 75th years birthday on Sunday June 29th, 2025.
He noted that Kogi state is a difficult state because it is surrounded by 9 states as some of the hoodlums will always like to enter the state and carry out their evil work, but thank God that they have been able to bring the situation under control.
He appeal to the congregation to always offer prayers for them and the state at large and also provide them useful information that can help them curb criminal activities in the state.
His words, “I beg for any kind of intelligence report from you, any information that you get. It could be in your school, your children’s school, it could be even in the church here. It can be in your place of work,’ he said.
Kogi is a very difficult terrain to oversee because of its border to about 10 States including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja
“So, we need your prayer as individual and as a church to us as the security agencies especially the police in policing the state. It is only by God’s divine backing and enablement.
“I want to beg you to always give us reliable information at your disposal that will enable us to expose the criminal among us
“We will continue to do the needful with the available resources and power to ensure that Kogi remained save and secure,”” Dantawaye said
He commended Kogi state government in its effort to fight crime in the state adding that government need the cooperation of the society and individual to fight crime in the state.
He congratulated Mrs. Salami who clocked 75th years.
In his sermon, titled: “Gratitude to God”, Rev Paul Frank, stressed the need for everyone to be grateful to God for his kindness and benevolent towards us as a people.
“For every benefit we received gratitude is demanded of us. An ingrates will never appreciate anything describing an ingrate as a murderer, selfish.
“Your miracle is attached to your worshipped and testimonies. We must deliberately thank God for His grace that has kept you safe in the midst of the rising insecurity in the country especially in Kogi,” Frank said.
Frank urged the people never to take the grace of God for granted.
Frank congratulated the Salami’s family for walking into the Sanctuary to give gratitude to God, describing the gesture as a necessity to honour Jesus in the life of the celebrant
In his remarks, Segun Salami, described his Mom as a wonderful mother and eulogised her kindness, support and for raising her children in the fear of God.
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