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Insecurity: Catholic Knights Task FG On State Police
Again, the federal government has been urged to consider the option of allowing the establishment of State/regional police which would aid in combating the myriads of security challenges facing the nation.
The Order of the Knights of St. Mulumba, KSM, Nigeria made the call in Jos, during its just-concluded 40th KSM supreme convention held in the serene city.
The Worthy Supreme Knight, Sir Diamond Ovueraye, KSM while briefing journalists lamented the state if the nation saying at 59 years of nationhood, Nigerians is still groaning due to the many problems in the country.
He said, “We will continue our advocacy for good governance and holding government accountable for their actions. At 59 years of nationhood, who can thump his chest and say all is well? Is it our educational system, our hospitals, roads, our political system, our youths, or our basic infrastructure? Is the dire employment situation improving? What of security of lives and property? Is the poverty level improving?
“Are there attempts at improving the bonds of our nationhood or are the seams that hitherto held us together, knowingly and flagrantly being torn apart? Is there any sign that our usually violence-prone elections and our do or die politics abating? The xenophobic attacks in South Africa, aptly illustrate how low we have sunk as a nation, terrorised at home and unwanted outside our shores. How sad.
“Perhaps more intriguing and damning is our parlous security as bandits, kidnappers and killers, terrorise, rape, kill and are now coveted, settles and rehabilitated. We are deeply saddened with these happenings. It is on these glaring inadequacies and challenges of the current policing efforts that we advocate state or regional police that comprise of people from that region, known to the people, conversant with the territory and not acting as an occupational force.
“We wholly align with the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, CBCN in calling for decentralisation of all agencies of government for effective results and the urgent necessity to pursue national integration through judicious and equitable sharing of appointments, resources and social amenities. We admonish our political leaders to at all times put on the toga of nationalism and ensure equity, fairness and that national interest trumps other political considerations.”
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
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