DEFENCE
Aregbesola Tasks Acting NIS Comptroller-General on Securing Nation’s Borders, Passport Reforms
The Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, has urged the acting Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Idris Jere, to effectively secure the nation’s borders and ensure nobody slipped in from outside to cause any harm.The Media Adviser to the minister, Mr Sola Fasure, who disclosed this in a statement, on Tuesday, in Abuja, quoted the minister as giving the advise when Federal Commissioners and Board Secretary of the NSCDC, Correctional Service , Federal Fire Service and NIS Board (CDCFIB), visited his office to present the Acting C-G to him.
The media adviser said Aregbesola noted that the primary responsibility of the acting C-G was to lead the service to provide adequate security at the nation’s borders, and curtail any attempts by anyone slipping into the country with intent to cause harm to the country and its citizens.“It is important also that you ease the passage of persons that will add value to our country. You will maintain the delicate balance of stopping the bad guys and attracting the good guys”, Aregbesola said.On the administration of passport issuance, the minister stated that Nigerians, who were desirous of getting passports must get it expeditiously and without losing their dignity in the process of doing so.“You are pretty much aware of the reforms being carried out, foremost of which is in passport administration.“Being a passport officer, you will appreciate this challenge more than most. I have no doubt that you will be able to drive this reform and accelerate its success.“The passport is the highest affirmation of Nigerian citizenship. The extent to which we succeed in putting it in the hands of any Nigerian desirous of it expeditiously and without losing their dignity, is the extent to which we succeed as an agency of government.“There must be zero tolerance of touting and any form of corruption”, the minister told the new C-G.The minister added that the acting C-G must build on the achievements of his predecessor in office, noting that his appointment as the acting C-G was natural and easy, being the most senior officer.“He has put in 34 years of service and has been at NIS all his working life. He is, therefore, an embodiment of the institution.“It is important, therefore, that you prepare your mind for service. Your predecessor made his mark and left giant footprints. You will be assessed against this,” he said.Aregbesola also rallied the NIS to support the acting C-G and assured him of the cooperation and assistance of the ministry and the Federal Government.“I enjoin the officers and men of the NIS to cooperate with and assist you in all ramifications and I can assure you of the unalloyed support of the ministry and government in your assignment.”In his remarks, Jere affirmed his commitment, with the collaboration of officers and men of the service, to deliver on the mandate handed to him.“Sir, the service is committed to our primary mandate, which is securing Nigeria’s borders and also concluding on the passport reforms initiated by my predecessor in office.“I will also ensure staff welfare is well taken care of as no reform can be successful outside a well dedicated and motivated workforce.”The acting C-G joined the service in 1987 patiently and steadily rose through the ranks to be appointed Deputy Controller-General in 2018.In between, he has held positions as Passport Control Officer and Deputy Controller- General in charge of Finance and Accounts. (NAN)DEFENCE
Police Intensify Security in Cross River Ahead of Easter Festival
The Cross River Police command says it has beefed up security across the State preparatory to the celebration of Easter festival.
Mr. Gyogon Grimah, the Commissioner of Police, made this known in Calabar on Monday.
According to him, the tactical teams of the Police as well as other regular formations have been deployed at strategic positions within the state to secure the lives and property of the residents during the festival.
This is contained in a statement signed by the command spokesperson, SP Irene Ugbo and made available to newsmen in Calabar on Monday.
The CP who felicitated with the people of the state and Christian faithful, directed for close surveillance activities, foot/vehicular patrols, and visibility policing across, to forestall security breaches during the period.
He said the Police Area Commanders, Divisional Police Oficers (DPOs) and Tactical Commanders were directed to ensure safety and security of the general public before, during and after the event.
“The Police Command will not fold its hand and watch any group or individuals under whatever guise to obstruct or cause breakdown of law and order.”
“I urge all public spirited individuals to volunteer useful and genuine information to the Police and support the Police and other security agencies to ensure peaceful coexistence in the state and the nation as a whole,” he appealed,” he said
He enjoins citizens residing in the state to go about their lawful businesses without fear or panic.(NAN)
DEFENCE
Air Force Knocks out Terrorists’ Enclaves Near Lake Chad
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says the Air Component of the military special task force, “Operation Hadin Kai’’, has continued to decimate terrorists and their hideouts at Tumbuns near Lake Chad.
NAF’s Director, Public Relations and Information, AVM Edward Gabkwet, stated on Monday in Abuja that intelligence report received made airstrikes on a location Northwest of Arina Woje in Tumbuns on Sunday imperative.
He explained that the report indicated the presence of terrorists’ hideouts at the location.
He added that the report also confirmed an activation of terrorists’ activities around clusters of structures concealed under trees near the location.
“A post-strike Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralised and their hideouts set ablaze, thereby degrading their capabilities to attack surface forces.
“These strikes have also degraded the capabilities of terrorist elements operating in the region to attack innocent civilians residing near Arina Woje in Borno,’’ Gabkwet stated. (NAN)
DEFENCE
Army’ll Continue to Build Capacity to Surmount Security Threats -GOC
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division Nigeria, Maj.-Gen Mayirenso Saraso, says the Nigerian Army will continue to build the capacity of its Officers and men to enable them surmount the emerging security threats.
The GOC stated this at a three-day capacity building for 1 Division Operations Planning Cadre 2024 for Officers on Monday in Kaduna.
Saraso said the avenue was to bring together the participants of the ranks of Captains to Colonels in the divsion’s Area of Responsibility to build cohesion and synergize with sister security agencies.
“The training is organized to refresh us on the various aspects of operations planning process in order to enhance our
skills and improve capacity in single and joint service operations planning process,” he said.
The GOC said this was in line with the Chief of
Army Staff’s command philosophy.
It is: ‘ To Transform the Nigerian Army into a Well-trained, Equipped and Highly Motivated Force Towards Achieving our Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint Environment’.
Saraso said, “As we are all witnessing, warfare is becoming increasingly complex due to changes in the nature of threats and
advancement in technology.
“In view of this, armies world over
are continually engaged in training and capacity building to enable them surmount emerging security challenges.”
According to the GOC, the Nigerian Army equally recognizes these changes and therefore, seeks to develop capacity through realistic training that will enhance its
operations.
He explained that the division’s experiences in Birnin Gwari,Falgore, Kagara and other forests, among others, had helped it to draw useful lessons and identify gaps in the conduct of its operations.
The GOC said the 1 Division Operations Planning Cadre for this year was expected to explore ways of building on existing efforts by it to meet its operational needs in the areas of Warfare Operations Planning.
“Others are military decision making process, intelligence preparation of the battle space and logistics in operational planning amongst others, “he said.
Saraso urged the participants to have an open mind in order to derive maximum benefits from the cadre.
The GOC appreciated the Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja for providing the resources for the cadre, his exemplary and inspiring leadership, support motivation to the division..(NAN)