News
DSS Places Politicians Under Watch
The Department of State Security (DSS) has told politicians in the leading parties in Bayelsa State that they were under its security radar ahead of the November 16 governorship election.
The DSS said that it was particularly watching the politicians to know their involvement in any attempt to recruit thugs and move arms into the state to cause violence.
Speaking at a seminar organised by the Nigeria Police Force for political party chairmen and other stakeholders, in Yenagoa, the state capital, the state Director of the DSS, Ishaku Yusuf, said persons under watch were politicians marked for having the capacity to instigate violence during the election.
The stakeholders’ seminar was spearheaded by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Zone 5, Mr D.P. Yakadi.
Yusuf said: “On the issue of identification of those intending to perpetrate crimes during the election; that is being done. Those who have the capacity have been put under security watch and homes under surveillance.”
He lamented that poor attendance of party chairmen and representatives showed their lack of readiness for the poll.
“Another source of worry I have for the coming Bayelsa election is the fact that we have 45 parties listed for the election, but 10 are in attendance here. It shows that security agencies are readier than the owners of the election,” he said.
In his lecture, the AIG, Zone 5, Mr D. P. Yakadi identified factors that could cause electoral violence, and advised stakeholders, including the media, political parties and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to step up preparations and work against corrupt tendencies before, during and after the election.
He assured the stakeholders of the preparedness of the zone under his watch to ensure a hitch-free poll.
Yakadi said: “Unemployment and poverty are some of the key factors that are responsible for election violence in Nigeria. Another factor is the get-rich syndrome, loss of societal values compared to what was attainable in the olden days. Another factor is proliferation of firearms, easy access and consumption of illicit drugs.
“We are here today to discuss with you on how we can have free, fair and credible election on November 16, 2019. The increasing problem of violence in our politics today is a source of security concern.
“The stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Nigerian Police Force today is centred on the need to create a peaceful atmosphere before, during and after the forthcoming Bayelsa governorship election.
“INEC should ensure that the Bayelsa governorship election meets and satisfies international best practices. They should regularly partner the security agencies, and create a conducive environment for stakeholders to ensure credible election in Bayelsa State. INEC should enlighten and sensitise parties on the need to comply with relevant laws and guidelines for the conduct of the election”, he emphasised.
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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