News

‘Reorganise Nigeria’s Security Architecture To End Terrorism’

Published

3 years ago

October 24, 2022

Security experts in the North-East have advocated proactive measures to reorganise national security architecture to tackle terrorism and other criminal activities in the country.
They also called for closer collaboration between security agencies and communities to effectively address security challenges in the country.
The experts, who spoke in Bauchi, Gombe, Maiduguri and Yola, said such collaborative effort would enhance security network in the country.
A Bauchi-based security expert, Mr Abdullahi Yelwa, said that Nigerians were largely responsible for the insecurity due to lackadaisical attitude to security issues in the society.
He said: “everyone is guilty of security situation in Nigeria”.
The expert, however, blamed the leaders for their inability to demonstrate great political commitment towards providing lasting solutions to the problems.
Yelwa, a lecturer with the Department of Crime Management and Control (CMC), Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic, Bauchi, said it was imperative to prioritise security ahead of the 2023 general election.
According to him, the primary essence of government is to ensure security of lives and property of the people, noting that this has not been significantly achieved over the years.
“This is having a symbolic effect. When you talk of physical insecurity in terms of kidnapping for ransom, cattle rustling, banditry and others, you will also discover that people have been sent packing from their farms.
“Invariably, this would multiply what we call food insecurity because people cannot eat and if people can’t eat, they will be hungry.
“So, if people can’t sleep because they are hungry and certainly, the rich will not sleep because the poor are awake,” he said.
He noted that some states were relatively better than the others in terms of security, adding that, “in the North-East generally, you can appreciate God Almighty for what we have in Bauchi State”.
The expert said that all hands must be on the deck for a peaceful and crime free society.
He added that the masses have a responsibility to give credible intelligence, and the security agencies should use the information to resolve security problems.
“The challenge we have is that some security agents are complicit in these security issues.
“We have cases of security personnel involved in killing innocent people. So, if a security personnel would be involved in such obnoxious acts, what about others.
“We need to rework and reorganise the security architecture in such a way that it will be workable.
“We must ensure that people are employed, adequately trained and modern equipment deployed to handle security situation,” he said.
Corroborating Yelwa’s views, a public analyst, Mr Inuwa Abubakar, stressed the need for deployment of modern equipment to rejig security apparatus in the country.
“Security agencies are operating in an analogue dimension and the criminals are changing their tactics. It is important we go all out digital,” he said.
Abubakar further said it was imperative for Nigerians to understand the mandate of all security agencies, adding that their roles must be clearly defined and adhered to.
“Each and every organisation wants to convince the public that it is the most important, reliable and hardworking.
“And even those who are supposed to come at a very rare invitation such as the military, now partake in internal security operations.
“The civil defence too wants to carry arms even though they are not meant to do so, and everyone wants to poke nose into the police work because it is inadequate, ill equipped and ill trained,” he said.
Similarly; the Gombe Commissioner for Ethical Orientation and Internal Security, Adamu Dishi, attributed the relative in the state to effective synergy between the government and security agencies.
He said the feat is achieved through implementation of sound programmes and policies aimed at providing enabling working environment to security agencies in the state.
The commissioner said inter-agency rivalry was a major challenge threatening to internal security, adding that, ‘In Gombe, we do not have such problem.
‘’Gombe is situated at the centre of the North-East, and on daily basis we record influx of people from neighbouring states.
‘’Such working collaboration is imperative towards improving the security and ensuring that Gombe remained a safe haven for all,” he said.
The commissioner said the government successfully tackled communal clashes which was the only security problem, especially in southern part of the state.
“Throughout 2022, there was no communal clash in the state.
“The success recorded in tackling the issue may not be unconnected with the collaborative effort between the government, security agencies and relevant stakeholders in sensitising the parties involved,” he said.
Also; Special Assistant to Governor Inuwa Yahaya on Security Matters and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Alhaji Yusuf Danbayo, said the state governor prioritised support to security agencies which translated to relative peace in the state.
He said, “the governor has been providing support to security agencies and treated credible intelligence seriously.
“The security agencies are succeeding in the fight against crimes in view of the synergy between all the stakeholders”.
In the same vein, the Police Public Relations Officer in Adamawa State, SP Suleiman Nguroje, said the command had intensified surveillance and patrol to protect lives and property in the state.
“The Police Command and other security agencies designed security rink strategies, to provide enabling environment for all political parties to move around without any challenges.
“By doing so the command engaged organising secretaries of political parties to give us time tables of their campaigns to help the Command provide security everywhere,” he said.
Nguroje further reiterated the command’s commitment to fight crimes, protect lives and property in the state.
Moreso; the Police Commissioner in Borno, Abdu Umar said the command had intensified patrols and raids against criminal hideouts to sustain the gains achieved in the fight against insurgency in the state.
He said that about 1,800 constabulary had been deployed to enhance community policing across the 27 LGAs of the state.
He said the role of constabulary would assist in crime detection and prevention, conflict resolution, intelligence gathering and dissemination to maintain law and order.
“The command deployed 10 policemen across the 27 LGAs, to augment sister security agencies in combating terrorism and crimes,” he said.
For his part, a Counter Insurgency Expert in Borno, Babangida Musa, advised the security agencies to sustain the gains recorded in the counter insurgency campaign.
Musa said that reports indicated that terrorists were fleeing Borno to other parts of the country.
He called for synergy between security agencies in Nigeria, Chad, Niger and Cameroon Republics, and urged them to be on alert to monitor terrorists fleeing the region.
“We are told that they have been migrating to the North-West and North-Central to join forces with bandits.
“This analytic alert recommends a proactive state and regional intelligence, security engagement, absolute local vigilance and sustained regional collaborative effort as part of a joint strategy.
“In fighting terrorism all hands must be proactively unified towards a common positive goal,” he said.
He urged security agencies, local and the international communities to adopt a bottom up civil-military approach to effectively end terrorists’ violent activities in the country.

News

RHI: First Lady Gives N50m Business Grants To Rivers PWDS, Disabled Veterans …As RGS Unveils Free Medical Services For Vulnerable Persons

Published

2 days ago

December 5, 2025

The Tide

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has extended a major financial lifeline to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and disabled veterans in Rivers State.

The support comes under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Social Investment Programme, a nationwide economic empowerment effort.

The event, held on Wednesday at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Port Harcourt, coincided with the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities, with the theme: “Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress”.

Wife of the Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, who represented the First Lady of Nigeria, presented the small business grants to the beneficiaries.

The RHI empowerment effort covers all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Associations (DEPOWA).

Each jurisdiction will have 250 PWDs receive a N200,000 Business Recapitalisation Grant per beneficiary, amounting to N50million. In total, with N1.9 billion being disbursed to 9,500 PWDs across Nigeria.

Expressing delight at unveiling the programme under the RHI Social Investment Framework, Senator Tinubu noted that the launch was intentionally scheduled for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

She emphasised the administration’s commitment to inclusive growth, stating that the nation becomes stronger when all citizens are empowered to contribute.

According to the First Lady, “Our commitment to improving lives has also been demonstrated through various interventions in

Agriculture, Economic Empowerment, Education, Health, and Social Welfare, aimed at improving the well-being of families across our country. To all our beneficiaries, I encourage you to make good use of this opportunity.”

Mrs Tinubu said that the programme aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which seeks to promote inclusive growth and shared prosperity by ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind, especially those whose needs are often overlooked.

She announced that the RHI Governing Board has approved making the Economic Empowerment Programme for PWDs an annual event every December 3.

She thanked the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara; and his wife, Lady Valerie Fubara, for their support, and encouraged the beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity.

In her speech, Wife of Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, assured that the Renewed Hope Initiative in the State will collaborate with the National Commission on Persons with Disabilities to promote an inclusive society where the rights and privileges of persons with disabilities are guaranteed.

She said that the celebration of the 2025 World Disability Day, reaffirms the government’s commitment to create a more just, inclusive, equitable and sustainable State, where no one is left behind.

Lady Fubara also delivered a strong message of empowerment to the beneficiaries, saying “You are not defined by limitations. You are defined by your strength, your creativity, your persistence, your brilliance, and your unique contribution to this State.”

She urged society to champion inclusion, noting that disability is not a tragedy but that discrimination, silence, and exclusion are.

The governor’s wife confirmed that 250 beneficiaries in Rivers State received the N200,000 grant, and urged all the beneficiaries to utilise the funds wisely.

“Let it be a seed that grows into something greater; a business that sustains you and your family,” she said.

Also speaking, Executive Secretary, Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme, Dr Vetty Agala, announced the enrollment of the 250 persons with disabilities into the state’s contributory health protection programme, adding that the beneficiaries will now enjoy free medical care and services at primary, secondary and tertiary levels in the State.

“You’re going to not only access primary care, but anytime you require secondary or tertiary services, you will be referred to those levels of care at no extra cost,” in line with the government’s “Health For All Rivers Initiative,” she said.

In her own remarks, Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Lorenta Davis-Dimkpa, stated that efforts are underway to establish a South-South office for the Disability Commission.

She also confirmed that there was an ongoing work to domesticate the 2018 Disability Act.

In her goodwill message, former Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Mary Odili (rtd), commended both the Federal and Rivers State governments for taking bold steps to ensure persons with disabilities are included in governance.

Earlier in her speech, the State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Hon Tonye Briggs Oniyide, had said that the programme was carefully designed to address the needs of persons with disabilities and disabled veterans, helping them upscale their businesses across the State.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Kie Obamanu, called for the full implementation of disability laws to eliminate discrimination.

He expressed gratitude to Nigeria’s First Lady and the wife of the Rivers State Governor for their support.

Highlight of the event was the presentation of the Universal Health Coverage Ambassador Award to Lady Valerie Fubara by the Rivers State Ministry of Health, in recognition of her contributions to improving access to healthcare services in the State.

News

Fubara Assures Greater Collaboration With Navy

Published

2 days ago

December 5, 2025

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured greater collaboration with Navy and other security agencies in combatting crimes and criminality in the State.

The governor also hailed the appointment of Vice Admiral Idi Abbas as the Chief of Naval Staff, saying he will deliver on his mandate based on his track record of excellence and meritorious service.

Fubara gave this assurance when Abbas and his team paid the governor a courtesy call at the Government House, Port Harcourt, yesterday.

The governor also commended the efforts of the Nigeria Navy in tackling criminality on Rivers waterways and protecting critical national assets.

He emphasized the need for more security surveillance on Rivers State coastal environments to safeguard lives and properties.

According to him, the Navy’s superior technology, manpower, and tactical competence are vital to protecting the state’s vast waterways.

“We need to work together for us to succeed,” he said, stressing that collaboration remains the most effective way to keep residents, assets, and the environment safe.

Pointing out the strategic significance of Rivers State as the hub of Nigeria’s crude oil and coastal infrastructure, Fubara commended the Navy for its continuous efforts in preventing losses to lives, livelihoods, and the ecosystem, and assured the service of the government’s sustained cooperation and support.

On his part, Abbas said his visit was part of a nationwide tour aimed at assessing operational readiness across naval formations since assuming command on October 30, 2025,

The new Naval Chief noted that Rivers State hosts several critical energy installations that fall under the Navy’s mandate to protect, adding that the state also remains central to the Navy’s training operations, with several key units located within its territory.

Abbas commended Governor Fubara for the State’s consistent support, citing the provision of six gunboats and the donation of a school building as significant contributions that have boosted the Navy’s operational efficiency.

He appealed for continued collaboration as the Navy intensifies efforts to secure the maritime domain.

Taneh Beemene

News

Fubara Tasks Traditional Rulers On Peace, Security …Says Education, Job Creation ‘ll Receive Boost In 2026 Budget

Published

2 days ago

December 5, 2025

The Tide

Rivers State Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara has declared that amidst glaring challenges, his administration has remained determined and focused to dispense good governance and put in place the needed development in the State.

The governor disclosed this while addressing the 123rd and 124th combined quarterly general meeting of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers at the Council Secretariat on Monday.

Fubara who commended the traditional rulers for their supports and efforts in promoting peace and development in the State, urged them to live up to their roles as custodians of peace by becoming alert and more vigilant in their domains to tackle the menace of insecurity especially in boundary communities.

He advised the traditional rulers to work with local government chairmen and security agencies to safeguard lives and properties in their domains.

“Let me thank everyone of you from the bottom of my heart, I met you in Government House to say a big thank you, because the royal fathers stood as fathers in our most trying moments.

“I say thank you again for your support, for understanding that your role is fatherly role, and one of the reasons you were elected or selected to be head is to bridge the gap in terms of crisis, and to play fatherly role when called upon. Thank you for ensuring that peace reigns in Rivers State,” he said.

The governor reaffirmed his commitment towards the protection of lives and property in the State.

“Our vision is to ensure that Rivers State is safe, our vision includes the provision of good health care services, which we are doing, the records are there, people from the south east are witnessing what is happening in the Zonal Hospital in Bori, presently. I’m sure that before the end of this year, the Omoku and Ahoada Zonal Hospitals will be commissioned while Degema is 80% completed, we’re not just talking, we’re doing it,” he said.

Fubara, however, dismissed speculations making the rounds on the issue of 10,000 jobs, urging the public to discountenance the false information.

He assured that employment will be carried out in the state based on needs, and not on political considerations.

He disclosed that the 2026 budget will make provision for job creation and the refurbishment of schools in the State which, he noted, are currently in deplorable conditions, having given due consideration to roads and the health sector.

“Let me use this medium to address an issue, I saw some people sending messages to my WhatsApp, they want to protest against 10,000 jobs, they claim was included in the budget, which budget? We are going to employ based on the needs of the state, I’m not going to employ politically to please anybody,” he assured.

The governor promised to address the requests of the traditional rulers, and charged them to ensure that their meeting brings out a strong position that will make the State stronger.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, and Eze Oha Apara 1V, of Apara Kingdom, HRM Eze Chike Amadi Worlu-Wodo, thanked the governor for personally attending the meeting.

The royal father restated the support of the traditional rulers to the State Government, and presented some requests of the Council to the governor.

“Your Excellency, the news that we have received all over the State is quite cheering and symbolic of the peaceful life and developments that Rivers people yearn for in the State. You have brought back those glorious old days of harmonious living and peaceful coexistence the way it was. May the Almighty God bless you and help you to sustain this laudable feat,” the royal father prayed.

In his remarks, the State Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs , Egnr.Charles Amadi, expressed gratitude to the governor for his developmental strides in the State, and also commended the traditional rulers for their unwavering commitment towards promoting peace in the State.