Connect with us

News

Japan Commits To Bolstering Security In Nigeria

Published

on

The Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria , Mr Matsunaga Kazuyoshi, says Japan remains firmly committed to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to create a safe and secured environment for all its citizens.
The ambassador made the commitment at the inauguration of project 2024, at Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre(MLAILPKC) Jaji .
The Tide’s source reports that the project was executed in collaboration with the Government of Japan through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Kazuyoshi, who spoke virtually, said the project exemplified that commitment, adding, “we believe it will make a significant contribution to achieving that goal.
“One crucial aspect of building lasting peace is ensuring the active participation of women. Women are not just victims of conflicts, they are perfect agents for peace.”
According to the envoy, over the decades, Nigeria has been confronted by insurgency and terrorist attacks particularly from Boko Haram in the North-East.
He said, “These acts of violence had devastated lives and communities causing loss of lives and properties, mass displacement and significant economic losses.
“During my visit to Maiduguri on March 10, I witnessed first hand the plight of those impacted in the IDP camp.
“Just recently, the Japanese Foreign Minister, Mrs Kam Kaowa, concluded her very first visit to Nigeria, during which she emphasized the critical importance of peace and security for Nigeria’s continued development and prosperity.”
Kazuyoshi explained that since inception, MLAILPKC has trained over one 100, 000 troops on pre-deployment training and over 2200 persons on individual peace support operation courses.
They were drawn from Nigeria’s Armed Forces, Paramilitary organisations , government’s ministries, departments and agencies, civilians and allied countries.
He said the project was executed with technical support from the UNDP and financial support of the government of Japan
“It has the potential to empower women, develop the new generations of female leaders who can play critical role in Nigeria peace building efforts,” the envoy added.
Also, the Chief of Training, Army Headquarters, Maj.-Gen. Sani Muhammad, commended UNDP and the Government of Japan for sustaining the project over the years not only in Nigeria but across the globe.
The chief of training was represented Maj.-Gen. Oluyemi Olatoye, Commandant Nigerian Army School of Infantry.
He said the 2024 project covers 3 vital courses: “Leadership and National Cohesion, Comprehensive Protection of Civilians” and “Countering Violent Extremism”, all to be executed by MLAILPKC.
“ This project will significantly enhance the capacity of MLAILPKC to deliver world-class training and capacity-building programs, empowering military and security personnel.
“As well as other stakeholders, to effectively prevent, respond to, and manage emerging security challenges in Nigeria and the West African sub- region.
“Effective leadership and national cohesion, protection of civilians, and countering violent extremism are essential skills required by peacekeepers, security personnel, NGOs and selected MDAs.
“By acquiring these skills, participants of these courses will be empowered to lead, protect civilians, and counter violent extremism, ultimately contributing to a more peaceful and secure Africa, “Muhammad said.
Also in his remarks, the Team Lead, Governance, Peace and Security, Mr Mathew Alao, said the event marked the commencement of the execution of the “Enhancing MLAILPKC’s Capacities for Effective Peace Support Operations in West Africa Project”.
Alao said the project was formulated by MLAILPKC and UNDP with funding assistance from the Government of Japan.
He said the main objective of the project was to advance democracy and national cohesion, peaceful co-existence and preserve the well-being of civilians in armed conflicts.
“The funding of this project reflects the importance that the Government of Japan and UNDP attach to peace and security issues in the world, especially in West Africa.
“The project will complement the efforts of the West Africa Member States to curtail the spread and influence of terrorism, extremism and violence in the region.
“Over the last decade, the Government of Japan, in partnership with UNDP, had invested over US$3 million in Peace Support Operations (PSOs), and anti-piracy projects in West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea.
“The projects had resulted in the capacities of about 1,000 military and paramilitary officers and civilians in 11 countries of the regions built and strengthened, “ Alao said.
He said the Government of Japan, in collaboration with UNDP Nigeria, had funded over 15 projects with a budget of over US$28 million in Nigeria in a decade.
“Nigeria is the only country in Africa that has enjoyed perpetual funding of the PSOs project from the Government of Japan since 2014.
“We express our heartfelt gratitude to the Embassy of Japan, Abuja for its constant support to UNDP Nigeria,” Alao added.
Earlier, the Commandant of MLAILPKC, Maj.-Gen. Ademola Adedoja, said collaboration efforts with local and international partners have been instrumental in achieving the set objectives.
He said MLAILPKC was proud to partner with organizations such as the UNDP, AU and ECOWAS.
“ The Centre appreciates the collaborative effort of the Government of Japan towards her capacity development programmes.
“These strategic partnerships have enabled MLAILPKC to leverage resources, expertise, and networks, enhancing our impact in peacekeeping and conflict resolution capabilities in Nigeria and Africa.
“Through these partnerships, MLAILPKC continues to strengthen the capacity to promote peace, security, and development in Africa.
“The Centre looks forward to deepening our collaboration to achieve even greater results,” Adedoja said .

Continue Reading

News

Rivers DPOs Receive Awards For Outstanding Performance In Crime Prevention …As Students, Media Group Honour CSP Worgu, CSP Yusuf

Published

on

Two Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) in Rivers State have been honoured by separate groups for their contributions to security, crime prevention and improved community-police relations in their respective areas of responsibility.

The beneficiaries are the DPO of Afam Police Division, CSP  Endurance Worgu and his counterpart at Oyigbo Police Division, CSP Bello Yusuf.

CSP Worgu was honoured by a group of students under the aegis of Rivers State Graduate Students Associations for what they described as his commitment and outstanding performance in the discharge of his duties.

The students, led by  Chidi John Enyie, Esq. said CSP Worgu was selected based on his track record and status as one of the longest-serving young DPOs of Rivers State origin.

According to the group, CSP Worgu has made significant contributions to the protection of lives and property in the area since assuming office following the #EndSARS period.

The students said they were particularly impressed by the improvement in community-police relations under his leadership, noting that professionalism had remained a key feature of his service.

Enyie represented by Comrade Briggs Soku, said the students community was pleased to identify with a Rivers indigene who had distinguished himself in the police force.

He said the students considered it necessary to encourage and celebrate CSP Worgu because of his achievements as a young Rivers man excelling in a profession that many people from the state were often reluctant to join.

Receiving the award at his office in Afam, CSP Worgu expressed gratitude to God and the students for finding him worthy of the honour.

The DPO said the recognition had boosted his morale and encouraged him to sustain his efforts towards maintaining peace and security in the area.

He said he least expected the honour, particularly because it came from the students, adding that the recognition would further motivate him to serve the people better.

CSP Worgu assured residents of Afam that the police would sustain the existing peace in the area.

He appealed to members of the public to support the police by providing credible and timely information, stressing that useful information from residents would make the job of security personnel easier.

Meanwhile, the Ikwerre/Etche Media Association has also honoured the DPO of Oyigbo Police Division, CSP Bello Yusuf, for his efforts in tackling criminal activities in the area.

The media group presented the award following the swift tracking and arrest of five suspected kidnappers who had allegedly terrorised residents of the Kom-Kom axis and other parts of Oyigbo.

The group commended CSP Bello for what it described as his determined efforts to restore confidence and security in the affected communities, particularly Kom-Kom and Obeama.

According to the group, the arrest of the suspects demonstrated the DPO’s commitment to tackling criminality and safeguarding residents.

The media association said residents had received the development with relief, noting that the police action had sent a strong message to criminal elements operating in the area.

Responding, CSP Yusuf appreciated the group for the recognition and reaffirmed that there would be no room for criminality in Oyigbo.

He also commended the media for its role in disseminating credible information to the public, saying the media had remained supportive of the police in the fight against crime.

CSP Yusuf warned criminal elements operating in Oyigbo to leave the area or be prepared to face the full weight of the law.

He assured residents that the police would continue to pursue criminals and work to dismantle their hideouts, regardless of where they might be operating.

Continue Reading

News

College Of Bishops Endorses Tinubu, APC Candidates  For 2027 Polls

Published

on

The 5000 Achievers Christian Forum and Colleges of Bishops, Archbishops and Apostles, a Christian interdenominational organisation, has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State for the 2027 general elections.

International President of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, disclosed this during the ordination and consecration of three new Bishops, as well as an award ceremony held in Port Harcourt.

Aroh said the performance of the APC-led Federal Government had endeared the party to the organisation, prompting the forum to declare its support for President Tinubu and other APC candidates in Rivers State.

He said the forum would support all APC candidates in the state during the 2027 elections and urged Nigerians to vote for the party.

Aroh, who is also the General Overseer of Caring Peoples Church, Port Harcourt, charged the newly consecrated Bishops to see their new positions as a great responsibility and dedicate themselves to the advancement of the kingdom of God.

He cautioned them against conduct capable of bringing their offices into disrepute, stressing that their activities would be closely watched by members of the public.

“As Bishops, the eyes of the public are on your activities. You must therefore conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of your calling,” he said.

Also speaking, the International Coordinator of the forum, Bishop Saint Robinson, urged the newly consecrated Bishops to work diligently towards winning souls for the kingdom of God.

Robinson, who was the guest speaker at the event, stressed that the activities of Bishops must at all times be guided by godly principles.

He also called on members of the church to support and cooperate with the newly consecrated Bishops in the discharge of their responsibilities.

The Secretary of the College, Apostle Elizabeth Ayadi Abaye, said the organisation was established to advance the kingdom of God and promote spiritual development.

According to her, the forum has organised several crusades, conferences, prayer meetings, ordinations, consecrations, enthronements, empowerment programmes and other spiritual development activities across the country as part of efforts to win souls for Christ.

Abaye said the organisation has members across the world and disclosed that more programmes had been scheduled to promote the spiritual development and wellbeing of humanity.

The three Bishops consecrated at the ceremony were Prince Alban Chike, Testimony Omenihu Shedrach and Prince Ifemena.

Among those honoured at the event were the Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC), Abali Community, Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Manuchimso Prince Lemmy Wopara, and Clifford Oko Jaja, Coordinator of the 5,000 House-to-House for President Tinubu.

By: John Bibor

Continue Reading

News

Police Arrest Fake Soldier, Others For Armed Robbery, Kidnapping

Published

on

The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a 49-year-old suspected fake soldier, Andrew Atausi, and several other suspects in connection with various criminal activities, including kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, one-chance robbery and the alleged murder of police officers.

The State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, disclosed this in Port Harcourt, recently during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters, where he said the arrests formed part of the operational achievements recorded by the Command between June and August 2026.

Adepoju said Atausi was arrested on August 10 by police operatives along Ada George, Port Harcourt, while dressed in military uniform and driving a Toyota Hilux painted in Army colours.

The Commissioner said investigation revealed that Atausi was not a member of the Armed Forces, adding that he was suspected to be a serial car snatcher, with three suspected stolen vehicles recovered from him.

He said the recovered vehicles included three Toyota Hilux vehicles without registration numbers and a Toyota Corona Premio with registration number BNY 380 ES, noting that the chassis and engine numbers of the vehicles had allegedly been tampered with.

Adepoju added that an axe and military accoutrements were also recovered from Atausi, as investigation continued into the circumstances surrounding the vehicles and other items recovered from him.

On the June 29 attack on police officers at Aluu Division, the Commissioner said three members of the gang allegedly responsible for the incident had been arrested by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU-AKU.

The suspects, identified as Maduabuchi Emeka, 34, alleged gang leader; Doctor Chinedu Owhor, 42, and Kamachi Joe, 28, alleged armourer, reportedly led operatives to their hideout at Omagwa where two AK-47 rifles stolen during the attack were recovered.

Adepoju recalled that two police officers were killed during the Aluu attack, while others were wounded and one officer had his leg amputated, stressing that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fourth suspect.

On kidnapping, the Commissioner said five members of a suspected kidnapping syndicate were arrested in Oyigbo Local Government Area, adding that they allegedly confessed to operations in Kom-Kom, Railway, Obeama and Afam communities.

He said two other suspects from the same network, Anele Ogbogu, 35, alleged to be the gang’s armourer, and Kenneth Eke, 38, were arrested on July 27, with one AK-47 rifle and one SMG rifle recovered.

The Commissioner further disclosed the arrest of suspects in connection with alleged firearm offences, armed robbery, cultism and one-chance robbery, with firearms, ammunition and other exhibits recovered during the operations.

Adepoju assured residents that the Command would sustain intelligence-led, proactive and community-oriented policing in collaboration with other security agencies, while urging members of the public to continue providing credible information that would assist the police in combating crime across Rivers State.

By; King Onunwor

Continue Reading

Trending