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The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has expressed deep concern over the dire conditions faced by public sector retirees, revealing that some still receive as little as N500 per month in pensions.
Alhassan Musa, Secretary of the union in Kaduna State, described the situation as “pathetic,” highlighting that many retirees are living in precarious circumstances after years of dedicated service to the nation.
“The worst affected are pensioners in several Southern and oil-producing states, despite these regions receiving substantial allocations from the federation account,” Musa said. He noted that the situation in some Northern states and the FCT is relatively better, with monthly pensions ranging from N3,500 to N18,000.
However, Musa pointed out that only Kaduna State has implemented a N30,000 minimum pension, a policy introduced in 2020 under former Governor Nasir El-Rufa’i’s administration.
Musa emphasized the union’s call for a 50% pension increase to match the new N70,000 national minimum wage, noting that even under the Federal Government, some pensioners are still receiving just N10,000 per month. “We are hopeful that the Federal Government will ensure that no pensioner receives less than N70,000 monthly,” he added, stressing that pensioners deserve the same benefits as active workers.
Musa also raised concerns about the plight of retirees under the contributory pension scheme (CPS), stating, “Many who retired in the last decade are yet to receive their benefits. It is truly a distressing situation, not just in Kaduna but in other states and even at the federal level, where pensioners are suffering due to delayed remittances.”
Ahmad Muhammad Kabir, an undergraduate at the Federal University Dutsinma (FUDMA) in Katsina State, Northwest Nigeria, has admitted to providing logistical support and supplying firearms to terrorist groups operating in the region.
Kabir, a student of Geography and Regional Planning, was arrested while attempting to deliver a large cache of ammunition to bandits in Dutsinma.
During a video-recorded interrogation, he implicated fellow student Manir Musa as a collaborator in the illegal arms operation.
Kabir was apprehended on Saturday at a motor park in Dutsinma, Katsina State. He revealed to investigators that he had transported the ammunition from Nasarawa State, concealing it in sacks of guinea corn to avoid detection.
Originally from Kaduna, Kabir confessed to being a key logistics supplier for terrorist organizations. He also disclosed that he had moved to Dutsinma’s Hayin Danmani in the Igabi Local Government Area to pursue a university education at FUDMA.
When asked how he became involved with bandits, Kabir explained: “Two weeks ago, a friend from school, Manir Musa, told me to expect a call from someone that could earn me money. I agreed.
“I later received the call and was instructed to travel to Nasarawa State to bring in ammunition for a fee.
“I went to Lafiya, the state capital, where a man met me on the outskirts and handed me a sack of guinea corn with ammunition hidden inside.
“From there, I traveled to Abuja and boarded a commercial vehicle to Dutsinma.”
When questioned if he had ever met with the bandits in person, Kabir responded, “No, we only communicate by phone.”
Protesters involved in the #EndBadGovernance movement are set to go on trial today in Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, and Borno.
The Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Intelligence, Dasuki Galadanchi, disclosed this at the just-ended Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
The DIG revealed that 126 individuals, apprehended for waving the Russian flag and advocating for a regime change during the protest, will be charged to court today.
The protest, which spiraled into violence resulting in deaths and the looting of both public and private properties in various states, led to these arrests.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana is set to lead a team of lawyers in defending the protesters before Justice Emeka Nwite at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
These protesters were detained following a nationwide demonstration from August 1-10 against the hardship attributed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policies on petrol subsidy removal and currency floatation.
Meanwhile, a group of detained protesters has urged the Federal High Court in Abuja to overturn its earlier order allowing the police to detain them for two months.
On August 22, Justice Nwite granted the police’s request to remand 124 protesters for 60 days pending the conclusion of investigations.
Amnesty International Criticizes Trial as a Mockery of Justice
Amnesty International Nigeria has condemned the mass trials of the #EndBadGovernance protesters, calling it a travesty of justice and the rule of law.
The organization highlighted that over 1,000 protesters remain in custody nationwide and demanded their immediate and unconditional release.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) echoed this sentiment, urging the government to release the detained protesters without conditions.
In an interview with Daily Trust, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, expressed deep concern that the upcoming trials would serve only to further the government’s agenda of punishing and demonizing peaceful protesters.
“We condemn the sham trials even before they began and call for an end to these endless bizarre attempts to deprive people of the right to peaceful protest. What is going to happen to these protesters, who took to the streets last month seeking good governance, is a disguised exercise solely aimed at punishing dissenters,” Sanusi said.
He called on the Nigerian authorities to release all those arrested for exercising their right to peaceful assembly and criticized the government for prioritizing the punishment of protesters over investigating the deaths and other violations that occurred during the protests.
“The Nigerian government has been wrongfully placing priority on punishing detained protesters, without saying even a word on the urgent need to investigate the killing of dozens of protesters across Kano, Katsina, Suleja/Tafa, Jigawa and Maiduguri. Many protesters were subjected to many other violations by security personnel, including excessive use of force,” Sanusi said.
he ongoing petrol scarcity in Nigeria shows no signs of abating, with a $6 billion debt to fuel suppliers, liquidity challenges, and other factors severely hindering the Federal Government’s ability to maintain product importation.
Oil marketers have reported that the current exchange rate of $1,500 per dollar has driven the landing cost of petrol to over ₦1,100 per liter, making it nearly impossible for them to import the product.
As a result, the shortage continues to affect businesses and the broader economy.
The Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) highlighted yesterday that the country’s economy remains under significant pressure due to fluctuations in the foreign exchange market, ongoing low crude oil production, and high monetary policy rates, all of which are constraining business activities.
Investigations by Vanguard revealed that stakeholders in the fuel supply chain have adopted strategies to maximize the distribution of the limited available supply.
Major marketers and depot owners reportedly obtain the product at around ₦560 per liter, selling it to independent marketers for between ₦670 and ₦680 per liter.
These independent marketers, who bear the cost of transportation to various parts of the country, sell petrol to consumers at prices ranging from ₦700 to ₦900 per liter, depending on the location.
Long queues were observed at the few filling stations that were operational yesterday, while many others remained closed due to a lack of product.
NNPC Admits Debt to Petrol Suppliers
In response to the worsening situation, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) acknowledged its significant debt to petrol suppliers, which it says is threatening the sustainability of fuel supply in the country.
According to NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, the company is actively working with government agencies and stakeholders to maintain a consistent supply of petroleum products nationwide.
Soneye, stated: “NNPC Ltd has acknowledged recent reports in national newspapers regarding the company’s significant debt to petrol suppliers.
‘’This financial strain has placed considerable pressure on the company and poses a threat to the sustainability of fuel supply.
‘’We are actively collaborating with relevant government agencies and other stakeholders to maintain a consistent supply of petroleum products nationwide.”
NNPC also disclosed that the total subsidy on petrol from August 2023 to December 2024 is projected to reach ₦5.4 trillion.
Despite the removal of the petrol subsidy in June 2023, which initially saved the federation ₦400 billion monthly, the company’s importation costs turned negative in August 2023, largely due to the devaluation of the naira.
Independent Marketers Struggle with Supply Access
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) expressed frustration over its members’ exclusion from direct bulk supply of petrol from NNPCL.
IPMAN’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Chinedu Ukadike, emphasized that without access to direct supply, the lingering fuel queues will persist.
Although petrol has started arriving at ports in Warri, Port Harcourt, and Lagos, IPMAN members have faced difficulties in accessing the product.
Ukadike explained that independent marketers have had to source petrol from private depot owners at high rates, further driving up the cost to consumers.
He also highlighted the increased cost of transporting petrol from coastal depots to inland locations like Abuja, which has risen from ₦500,000 to ₦3.5 million due to high diesel prices, truck maintenance, and poor road conditions.
Calls for Competitive Downstream Sector
Oil marketers have called for a reduction in the pump price of diesel to around ₦700 per liter to improve the distribution of petrol across the country.
President of the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA), Benneth Korie Doi, suggested that NNPC leverage its stake in Dangote’s refinery to lower costs and create a more competitive downstream sector.
He argued that monopolies in the industry are detrimental and that a competitive environment is necessary for the healthy circulation of petroleum products.
Doi also praised Aliko Dangote’s contribution to the industry with the establishment of Nigeria’s largest refinery, which has a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day. He urged that Dangote’s refined products be distributed widely to ensure sustainable supply across the country.
Dangote Refinery Seen as Potential Solution
Chairman of the Lagos chapter of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), Joseph Ehimen, expressed hope that the Dangote Refinery could play a crucial role in ending the fuel shortage once it becomes fully operational.
He acknowledged the efforts by NNPCL to maintain refineries but stressed the need for expedited action to bring them online and alleviate the suffering caused by the limited supply of petrol.
Joseph Ehimen, said: “The sector was deregulated to bring about positive changes. But the changes have been wiped out because of this fuel shortage.
‘’Nigerians are suffering because of limited supply. As operators, we are also facing many problems, including the high cost of moving the product from the depots to the filling stations, maintenance cost and dues.
“We are aware of efforts by NNPC Ltd to maintain the refineries. We need to get them to work as quickly as possible. If all required arrangements are made, Dangote Refinery should be able to assist in ending the fuel shortage because of its huge 650,000 barrels per day capacity.”
Smart DNA, a leading DNA testing centre in Lagos, has released its comprehensive 2024 report on DNA testing trends in Nigeria, covering July 2023 to June 2024.
The report unveils several astonishing findings that shed light on societal dynamics, economic factors, and changing family structures in Nigeria.
The report, which was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Sunday showed that paternity uncertainty remained high.
According to it, 27 per cent of paternity tests conducted came back negative, indicating that more than one in four men tested are not the biological fathers of the children in question.
It also showed Immigration Tests surge, indicating that the “Japa” trend was high.
The report noted a significant increase in DNA tests for immigration purposes, growing more than any other test type, as more Nigerians seek opportunities abroad.
The trend also suggested that a growing number of parents with dual citizenship were processing paperwork for their children’s emigration
On regional dominance, the report showed that Lagos dominated, a reflection of economic disparity.
An overwhelming 73.1 per cent of all DNA tests were conducted in Lagos, with a stark divide between Mainland (67.5 per cent) and Island (32.5 per cent).
This concentration highlighted the economic divide within Lagos and across Nigeria, raising questions about access to such services in other parts of the country.
It also showed that the Yoruba ethnic group accounted for 53 per cent of tests, followed by Igbo (31.3 per cent), with Hausa at only 1.20 per cent.
Commenting on the report, Elizabeth Digia, Operations Manager at Smart DNA, said: “These findings offer a unique window into the changing dynamics of Nigerian families and society.
“The high rate of negative paternity tests and the surge in immigration-related testing are particularly noteworthy.
“They reflect broader societal trends that merit further discussion and research.
“The concentration of testing in Lagos also raises important questions about accessibility and awareness of DNA testing services across Nigeria.
“As a company, we’re committed to expanding access to our services nationwide while maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and confidentiality,’’ she said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the statistics showed that most of the children tested were aged 0-five (54.0 per cent), suggesting a preference for early paternity confirmation.
Men aged 41+ (45.6 per cent) and 31-40 (37.0 per cent) were most likely to request tests, potentially reflective of economic capabilities or increased paternity concerns in older men.
Also, it indicated slight gender bias in Child Testing as more tests were conducted on male children (52.8 per cent) than female children (47.2 per cent), insinuating a a possible cultural preference for confirming paternity of male offspring.
According to the report, peace of mind dominates reasons for the DNA testings as the majority of tests (85.9 per cent) were conducted for ‘Peace of Mind’, rather than legal motivations
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board noted that 21 candidates with fake IJMB results were recommended for 2023 admissions by various institutions.
JAMB, in a policy document obtained by our correspondent in Abuja, noted that 12 out of the 21 candidates were recommended by the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
“JAMB discovered that 21 candidates who paraded fake IJMB results were recommended during the 2023 admission. They were not approved.
“Twelve of the recommendations were by ABU, Zaria – what an audacious attitude. Recommendations were possible because certificate screening was done after
Registration, Five institutions were involved in the recommendations; JAMB insists that all certificates must have the signature of the Head of the institution (VC/Provost/Rector).”
Sunday PUNCH reports that JAMB in 2021 unveiled the Nigerian Post-Secondary Education Data System verification platform for the verification of IJMB and JUPEB results.
The unveiling followed professional operation undertaken by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Education on irregularities and faking of results as contained in a recent statement by the ICPC about the irregularities in JUPEB Board IJMB examination results, said such must be nipped in the bud.
JAMB, in a bulletin, said it had become necessary for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board as a moderator of the two examinations, to take appropriate action and put a stop to the unacceptable happenings.
“These proactive measures as well as others that are in the pipeline, are to ensure that the gains recorded in the education sector, especially the examination sub-sector over the years, are not eroded by unscrupulous individuals who do not mean well for Nigeria,” JAMB stated
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced a two-month visa amnesty initiative starting from September 1, 2024.
This program is designed to assist visitors who have overstayed their visas by allowing them to regularize their residency status or return to their home countries without facing penalties.
The initiative aims to help those who have exceeded their visa limits by providing a legal pathway to resolve their status.
This includes residents whose visas have expired, visitors who overstayed their visit visas, and children born in the UAE whose parents failed to apply for residency on their behalf.
The amnesty also extends to those who have absconded from their sponsors, though it excludes individuals who entered the country illegally.
The Head of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security, Maj Gen Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, emphasized that this initiative is an opportunity for violators to correct their status in the country.
He stated, “It is a chance for all violators to change their status in the country. The initiative will enhance the country’s position in the human rights sector.
“We want to support the people who are staying in the country by changing their status to enable them to get their rights and have a safe exit from the country or work and live decently in the UAE.”
The amnesty is accessible at various locations across the Emirates, providing overstayers with the opportunity to resolve their issues without fear of fines or imprisonment.
Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi, has reiterated his concerns about the growing radicalization of bandits in Nigeria.
On Saturday, the influential cleric took to his Facebook page to share a disturbing video that showcases bandits celebrating and chanting in Arabic, underlining the dangers he has consistently warned about.
In the video, the bandits appear jubilant, chanting religious slogans that Sheikh Gumi suggests could indicate their increasing radicalization.
The cleric, who has previously advocated for dialogue and negotiation with the bandits as a means to address the security crisis in the North, emphasized the urgent need for the government to intervene before the situation escalates further.
Sheikh Gumi has long been a controversial figure in the discussions around Nigeria’s security challenges, particularly regarding his stance on engaging with bandits.
Sheikh Gumi wrote, “Initially, bandits were fighting an ethnic war that could be resolved. I warned if the kinetic [approach] is intensified, they will turn into ideologically motivated guerilla warfare. Nobody listened.”
He noted the shift in the nature of the conflict, emphasising the complexities of ideological warfare.
“The difference between the former and the latter is that ideological war is almost intractable; Boko Haram (BH) is an example. They commit the same crime, but this time, they think they are serving God. The picture is gloomy,” he added.
This statement comes amid ongoing concerns about the increasing radicalisation of bandits in Nigeria.
A wanted ex-beauty queen, Aderinoye Queen Christmas, has surrendered to the Lagos State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency after about eight months in hiding.
The Director of Media and Advocacy of the NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, announced this in a statement on Sunday.
He said the suspect, born as Oluwadamilola Aderinoye, was declared wanted by the agency in January after she escaped from her Lekki, Lagos State residence.
This followed a raid by NDLEA operatives of her apartment at Oral Estate on January 24, 2024, after credible intelligence revealed that she deals in illicit substances.
“The suspect was Miss Commonwealth Nigeria Culture 2015/2016 and the founder of Queen Christmas Foundation,” Babafemi stated.
“Recovered from her home during the search witnessed by the estate officials include 606 grams of Canadian Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis, an electronic weighing scale, large quantities of drugs packing plastics, a black RAV 4 SUV marked Lagos KSF 872 GQ, and her picture frame among others.
“The suspect who claimed she has been hiding in Akure Ondo state since January when she escaped arrest in Lekki Lagos however surrendered to the Agency on Wednesday 28th August.”
The agency also intercepted hard drugs worth N17.9 billion in major operations in Lagos and Rivers States.
The hard drugs intercepted at the Onne and Tincan seaports were a total of 31,124,600 pills of tramadol 225mg and bottles of codeine-based syrup.
Parliamentary system will not solve Nigeria’s problems – Former presidential aspirant, Tafawa Balewa
AFOLABI
A former presidential aspirant under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Abdul-Jhalil Tafawa Balewa, says the adoption of a parliamentary system of government is not the answer to the nation’s current socio-political and economic challenges.
Tafawa-Balewa made this statement in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Lagos.
He was reacting to calls for a shift from the presidential system of government to the parliamentary system of government, to solve the country’s challenges.
Recall that Nigeria practised the parliamentary system of government, modelled after the British Westminster system, from 1960 to 1966.
During the period, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was the Prime Minister while Dr Nnamdi Azikwe served as the ceremonial head of state.
“No (adoption of parliamentary system), but I think democracy has to be modified in Nigeria to be able to represent us.
“To introduce something somewhat new, something radically different will be too costly for us, and it won’t make much sense at this time,” the ex-presidential aspirant said.
According to him, the country should rather be urgently restructured to allow for devolution of power from the centre to the federating zones.
The politician said this would make the zones develop along their comparative advantages, adding it would make most of the country’s challenges disappear.
He further stated that the South-West can concentrate on the service industry, South East on the marine industry, manufacturing and commerce.
He added that the South-South could stay with just the petroleum manufacturing derivatives while the North could concentrate on agriculture.
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CBN Governor, Deputies mum over alleged purchase of N10bn worth bulletproof cars, amid hardship
AFOLABI
The Central Bank of Nigeria has kept mum two days after a report emerged that its Governor, Olayemi Cardoso and four deputy Governors acquired six ultra-modern armored vehicles worth N10 billion despite the hardship Nigerians are facing.
Recall that the Daily Nigerian on August 30, 2024, reported that Cardoso and deputy governors, Mr. Philip Ikeazor, Emem Nnan Usoro, Bala Bello, and Muhammad Sani Abdullahi purchased six armoured Lexus LX 600 2023.
The report said that Cardoso got two for himself while the four deputies received one each.
The procurement comes despite the governors already having SUVs at part of their convoy, the publication stated.
Similarly, the governors had been alleged to have jacked up their housing allowances to over N1 billion.
However, two days after the report, the Spokesperson of CBN, Sidi Hakama has yet to confirm nor dismiss the claims.
Also, CBN has yet to speak on the matter on its official X handle, as well as website, DAILY POST gathered on Sunday.
The development comes nearly a year after Cardoso was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on September 15, 2023.
DAILY POST reports that since the appointment of Cardoso, the Monetary Policy Committee has continued to tighten measures.
The latest was the increase of interest rate to 26.75 percent in July 2024.
This comes as the country’s inflation rate declined to 33.40 in July 2024 from 34.19 in June 2023.
However, despite the drop in inflation, the prices of goods have remained significantly high as the Naira to Dollar exchange rate stood at N1598.56 and N1645 in official and parallel foreign exchange markets on Friday.
A Catholic missionary priest working in Gambia, Fr Kelvin Ugwu, has advised Nigerians to prioritise their safety as Sunday, September 1, ushered in what the people popularly call the ’ember month’.
Ugwu said vehicle owners should make every effort to do the necessary maintenance on their vehicles before praying against accidents and blood-sucking demons.
The statement is coming at a time when many Nigerians still hold beliefs
suggesting heightened risks, including road accidents, during the ’ember months’ including, September, October, November, and December than in other months.
They attribute the phenomenon to superstitious practices often referred to as ‘juju’ operations.
Although the Federal Road Safety Corps had severally in the past dispelled the widespread notions linking the ember months with superstitious, many still hold tightly to the belief.
In a post on his Facebook page on Sunday, Fr Ugwu listed five things people should do to avoid exposing themselves to danger.
He said: “While you pray against accidents and blood-sucking demons these “Ember” months, please do us the favour of keeping the following five points in mind.
“Oil: Make every effort to do the necessary maintenance on your vehicle. Change the oil, check your breaks, change your shock absorber if necessary, and check your car coolant.
“Tyre: Do not compromise on your car tyres; you are putting yourself in danger. The tyres of the car are what support the vehicle’s load, transmit traction and braking forces to the road surface, absorb road shocks, and change and maintain the direction of travel. . . If they are bald, they are bad.
“Alcohol: If you must drink, don’t drive; if you must drive, don’t drink. Alcohol consumption remains a major cause of road accidents.
“Seatbelt: Use your seatbelt always. If you think the distance is too short for you to use a seatbelt, then it means the distance is too short for you to drive. Trek instead.
“Speeding: The road is not an athletic ground where you compete with other drivers on who can run the fastest. There is no medal for the driver who overtook every vehicle on the way. Kill some of those childish instincts making you think the mark of a driver is to speed. Speed kills.”
Afrobeats sensation, Divine Ikubor, also known as Rema, donated N105m to a Christ Embassy church in Benin, Edo State, on Sunday.
The donation was made during a Sunday service, where Rema thanked the church for its support and guidance.
In a now-viral video, he said, “I’m not here to give myself any accolades or glory. I’m here to give God the glory. I feel like it is important to give back because the church has embraced, prayed for me, and has kept me very consistent with my spirit.
“Firstly, I want to give a pledge of N40m to the infrastructure of the church. I want to pledge N20m to Rhapsody of Realities, and being the fact that I came from the teens church, I also want to pledge N25m to the infrastructure of the teens church.
“I’m pledging N20 million to widows in church today.”
Rema further revealed how the church supported his family during a difficult time after his father’s passing.
He said, “When I was eight year old, when I lost my dad, we felt very lost and abandoned. All that we had was taken from us and we felt very alone and I remember at the time Pastor Joy and Pastor Thomas, the pastors of this church, they opened a shop for my mum and that was what she managed to take care of us.”
PUNCH Online reported that Rema arrived his hometown in Benin on Tuesday ahead of his highly anticipated homecoming concert.
Music producer Collins Michael, aka Don Jazzy, and Mavin crew also arrived in Benin to show support for Rema’s homecoming concert
Rema was said to have entertained the Oba of Benin at his palace who presented a royal plaque to him ahead of the concert.
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— Punch Newspapers (@MobilePunch) September 1, 2024
Afrobeats sensation, Divine Ikubor, also known as Rema, donated N105m to a Christ Embassy church in Benin, Edo State, on Sunday.
The donation was made during a Sunday… pic.twitter.com/DUdq9HV3kJ
Bello Turji: Minister Orders Chief Of Defence Staff, Other Military Heads To Relocate To Sokoto
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The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has ordered the Chief of Defence Staff and other military heads to relocate to Sokoto State as part of efforts targeted at eliminating bandits, terrorists and other criminals in the North West.
The Minister, who expressed sadness over the activities of the criminals in the region and other parts of the country, said while in Sokoto, the military chiefs would specifically supervise operations and ensure that Bello Turji and his gang are flushed out.
Naija News reports that Sokoto State is the headquarters of the General Officer Commanding, which oversees Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi states.
Matawalle said the government is deeply concerned about the persistent threat posed by banditry and terrorism in the North West particularly, and President Bola Tinubu is not happy with the situation.
He also urged the people of the region to remain vigilant and cooperate with the security forces in ridding the states of insecurity fuelled by the activities of the bandits.
The statement on Saturday, signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Henshaw Ogubike Minor, reads: “The Honourable Minister of State for Defence H.E Dr Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON has expressed his sadness over the activities of terrorists and Bandits terrorizing Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina and kebbi States and its environs.
“Consequent to this the Honourable Minister of State has directed the Chief of Defence Staff and other military chiefs to move to Sokoto which is the Headquarters of the GOC Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina and kebbi states with him as part of an intensified effort by the Federal Government to rid the North West of the menace of banditry, kidnapping and terrorism.
“This strategic move underscores the unwavering commitment of the government to restoring peace and security in the region. While in the North West, they will supervise operations and ensure that Bello Turji and his Bandits gang are flushed out.
“These criminal Bandits have been circulating videos of a Nigerian military Armoured vehicle that was stuck in a water-logged area and late in the night the officers were asked to withdraw to avoid being ambushed by bandits, later in the night the bandits went to the water-logged area, recording video of the Armoured vehicle that was stuck and celebrating it. This incident happened in Kwashabawa, Zurmi local government Area of Zamfara state. This is not acceptable as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR has been giving great support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“The Federal Government is deeply concerned about the persistent threat posed by banditry and terrorism in the North West particularly. We are ready to deploy all necessary assets to ensure that these criminal elements are flushed out and peace is restored to our communities, Dr Matawalle stated. We must move against these terrorists to enable our people to move freely.
“The time is up for these bandits and terrorists as increased and consistent operations will weaken all their bases.
“Matawalle hereby calls on the Armed forces of Nigeria to flush out the bandits and terrorists as his presence in the North West will ginger our armed forces.
“Matawalle further assured the people of Sokoto, Katsina, Zamfara, kebbi states and the entire North West region that the security forces will not leave any stone unturned until they flush out the bandits.
The Minister assured that he would be on the ground in the North West with the CDS and other military chiefs, leading the security agents against the criminals.
“In addition, the Honourable Minister of State for Defence also called on the people of Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina and kebbi states to remain vigilant and cooperate with the Security forces and he reiterated the Federal Government’s resolve to protect the lives and properties of all Nigerians, emphasizing that the security and well-being of the people remain the government’s top priority.”
[NaijaNews]