News
IPAC Justifies Anger Over Excesses Of SARS Operations
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has commended the actions taken so far by the Federal Government in response to nationwide protests against the operations of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) unit of the Nigeria Police Force, leading to the disbandment of the unit earlier in the week.
IPAC said that it was in support of the protesters, stressing that SARS outlived its usefulness when its operatives became oppressors and killers of innocent citizens, particularly youths.
The IPAC National Chairman, Dr Leonard Nzenwa, told journalists in Abuja, yesterday, that “no nation folds its hands and watch the gruesome killing of its people by law enforcement agents who are paid and sustained by tax payer’s funds. Therefore, the anger in the land over the excesses of SARS operations is justified.
“We are, however, concerned that after the government has acceded to the wishes of the people by disbanding SARS, committing to reform the police, the protesters have failed to return home and go about their businesses.
“Some protesters called for an end to police brutality, others called for an end to oppression of the people, for restructuring of Nigeria, while some are demanding that Buhari must go. It’s worrisome that some protesters even attacked police stations; some were violent while police officers opened fire on some of them.
“So far, some policemen and civilians have been killed and many others wounded in these avoidable fracas that has seen protesters block major roads across the country, preventing innocent citizens and school children from accessing the roads thus creating a climate of fear and public disorder”.
IPAC insisted that they support the right of Nigerians to peacefully protest, encouraging orderly protests.
“It’s inappropriate, unfair and unjust to disrupt public peace indefinitely. It is a recipe for anarchy, more so, when the objective of the protest has been achieved”, the IPAC said.
The council called for an end to the nationwide protests so that it won’t be hijacked by hoodlums and enemies of the country.
“Nigeria belongs to all Nigerians. Nobody should be prevented or hindered from carrying out his or her lawful business due to elongated protests. Attacking public facilities, blocking airports and major roads and stopping innocent citizens to go about their business is no more protest.
“Besides, the economy is in recession, damaged and crumbling following the COVID-19 pandemic global lockdown. Therefore, all hands must be on deck to revamp the economy and move the nation forward as the nation’s economy is private sector-driven”, Nzenwa said.
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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