NEWS
Customs Seize 2179kg Pangolin Scales in Kano
The Kano/Jigawa command of the Nigeria Customs Service has seized 2,179 kilograms of pangolin scales in a joint enforcement operation with the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC).A statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer, SC Saidu Nuruddeen, said one suspect had been arrested in Mubi,Adamawa,in connection with the matter.
Nuruddeen said the command was supported by Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone D and the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC) in seizing the pangolin scales. He said the achievement was a testament to the command’s commitment to fight all forms of crime, supporting global efforts to fight wildlife crime while protecting Nigeria’s wildlife and preserving the country’s biodiversity.“The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Kano/Jigawa Command in a joint enforcement operation with the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC) under the leadership of Comptroller Dauda Ibrahim Chana made another significant breakthrough in combating wildlife trafficking on the 5th of December 2024.“The WJC provided actionable intelligence, supported the investigation with their expertise and followed up with the NCS enforcement operation.“A trained Customs enforcement team led by Kano/Jigawa Command successfully intercepted and effected the arrest and seizure from two warehouses in Mubi.“This achievement is a testament to the command’s commitment to fight all forms of crime, supporting global efforts to fight wildlife crime while protecting Nigeria’s wildlife and preserving the country’s biodiversity,”Nuruddeen said.He said this was the third major seizure of pangolin scales by NCS and WJC in 2024.He said since the partnership began, 21,582 kilogrammes of pangolin scales had been seized in Nigeria by the Sevice as a result of the NCS and WJC partnership.The public relations officer said 54 percent of this amount or 11,673.2 kilograms had been seized in 2024 alone, and 4,473.2kg of this is by the NCS Kano /Jigawa command.He said the perpetrators would be prosecuted accordingly “and the service will leave no stone unturned to further apprehend anyone connected to this criminal network.”“The CAC commends the bravery and professionalism of the team of officers deployed and expertise of WJC.“He most importantly appreciates the support of the Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR and his management team.“He promises to continue to work tirelessly to prevent the trafficking of endangered species and all non-custom goods.“This operation demonstrates the power of collaboration; the NCS and WJC force, and it also reaffirms NCS’ dedication to combating wildlife trafficking,” he said. (NAN)NEWS
FRSC Targets Over Loading, Dangerous Driving During Yuletide Travels in Katsina
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Katsina Command says it is targeting drivers who are in the habit of over loading and dangerous driving during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
The state FRSC Sector Commander, Mr Aliyu Ma’aji, made this known at a news conference on Tuesday in Katsina.
Ma’aji said that the command was out to ensure zero road traffic deaths and crash-free during the festive period.
He said that the command had organised series of activities at motor parks, Mosques and Churches to enlighten motorists on the risks associated with dangerous driving and over loading.
Ma’aji also reminded prospective
passengers to always speak up against violations of traffic rules, dangerous driving and speeding by drivers in order to save their lives.
“Data indicated more passengers lost their lives than drivers during accidents,” the sector commander said.
He urged prospective passengers to always use faster channels to report road crashes and obstruction to the FRSC for possible rescuing without delay.
According to him, the command light tow truck had been strategically positioned in the event of any unforeseen eventuality.
He also announced that a mobile Court had also been set up for possible prosecution of traffic offenders on the spot.
Ma’aji, however, advised motorists to desist from mixing of goods and passengers in their vehicles, among other traffic violations. (NAN)
NEWS
FCTA to Ensure Effective Utilisation of Operational Vehicles by Security Agencies
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) says it has taken steps to ensure effective utilisation of the 100 operational vehicles donated to security agencies in the FCT.
Mr Adamu Gwary, Director of the Security Service Department, FCTA, stated this during the department’s end-of-year news conference in Abuja on Tuesday.
The Minister of the FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike had in July donated 50 operational vehicles, equipped with communication gadgets to security agencies.
On Dec. 12, the minister donated additional 50 new operational vehicles to security agencies, totalling 100 vehicles so far distributed.
Gwary, a fellow of the National Defence College, said that the vehicles were marked to ensure that the FCT Administration gets value for the support given to the security agencies.
“Just yesterday we had a meeting with a service provider, who, through the Presidency, provided a reporting platform of crime statistics format in all our police divisions.
“We looked at it beyond just getting information on crime statistics. We expanded it to cover other components of the FCT Administration’s support to security agencies.
“This will give us a platform to ensure that whatever the administration has provided, particularly vehicular assets to help security agencies to perform optimally, are equally monitored.
“We will put our eyes and ears on those vehicles because they were given to them for the purpose of improving and enhancing the security situation in the FCT,” he said.
He added that when there was a need for the vehicles to be used outside the FCT, it must be connected to security issues affecting the territory, especially cross-border crime.
As Christians around the world prepare for Christmas and new year celebrations, the director called on FCT residents to support and cooperate with security agencies.
He said, “when you see something, say something and we will do something.” (NAN)
NEWS
Police Arrest Man for Allegedly Raping 5-yr-old girl in Gombe
The Nigeria Police, Gombe State Command, says it has arrested a 27-year-old man for allegedly raping a five-year-old girl in Pindiga community in Akko Local Government of the state.
ASP Buhari Abdullahi, the police’s spokesperson in the state said this on Tuesday in Gombe while parading the suspect and others.
Abdullahi said that the suspect had lured the victim to his parlour where he allegedly committed the crime.
He said that the victim was taken to the hospital for medical treatment where doctor also confirmed that she had been violated.
He said the matter was reported Dec. 15 about 8.30am against the suspect at Pingiga police station.
He said that the suspect (names withheld) had lured the 5-year-old to his home and allegedly had sexual intercourse with her.
“However, upon receipt of the complaint the above mentioned suspect was arrested.
“The victim was rushed to cottage hospital for medical treatment and for doctor’s confirmation,” he said.
Abdullahi stated that during the course of investigation, the suspect confessed to the alleged crime and would be charged to court for prosecution.
Besides, the command spokesman paraded 15 other suspects for various crimes ranging from criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, possession of counterfeit Naira notes, amongst others,
Abdullahi restated the command’s commitment to tackling crimes in the state.(NAN)