NEWS
ASIS International Lauds Wike’s Commitment to Addressing Insecurity in FCT

The world’s largest association for security professionals, ASIS International, has commended the commitment of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in addressing insecurity in the territory.The Chairman of the Abuja Branch 273, Mr Edward Orim, gave the commendation during the association’s 2024 Annual General Meeting in Abuja on Tuesday.
Orim, who was re-elected to serve for another year, said that Nigeria has the capacity to adopt the use of technology to strengthen the fight against insecurity. He, however, added that the absence of political will was a serious challenge to deepening the use of technology to tackle insecurity across the country.He said that Wike, on the other hand, had in the last one year demonstrated the capacity and the political will to address insecurity and make FCT a great and secured capital city for all.He said that the minister’s support to security agencies, particularly operational vehicles fitted with latest technology equipment, was a game changer in the fight against insecurity in FCT.“The FCT Minister is providing the needed support, including technological equipment to strengthen the fight against insecurity with a view to keeping residents of FCT safe,” he said.He added that Mr Adamu Gwary, Director, FCT Administration’s Security Services Department, was presented with a Certificate of Excellence, in recognition of his support and contributions to the growth of ASIS International in Abuja.The chairman said that the association would be looking forward to a stronger partnership with the FCTA to improve security in the nation’s capital.He said that the association has made significant strides in Nigeria’s security sector through impactful initiatives and strategic outreach in 2024.“The chapter also advanced professional development through its Women in Security webinar, which strengthened engagement among security professionals.“In line with ASIS International commitment to humanitarian efforts and gender inclusion, Women in Security provided aid to flood victims in Borno State and championed career growth for women on the International Day of the Girl Child.“For the next one year, we will be looking forward to deepening the use of technology in addressing insecurity, through collaboration and partnership with critical stakeholders,” he said.Responding, Gwary thanked the association for the recognition, adding that the FCTA was open to more collaboration to strengthen the FCT’s security framework.Gwari, who was represented by Dr Peter Olumuji, Secretary, FCTA’s Command and Control Centre, noted that in a global community, security was everybody’s responsibility.“We are happy that ASIS is contributing to addressing insecurity in the FCT.“The FCT minister has established a robust and standard Command and Control Centre in the territory to respond effectively to security threats.“The control system will be equipped with the latest and necessary technology to fight insecurity,” he said Report says that also elected was Mr Jacob Akinola as Vice Chairman, Amos Itodo as Secretary and Ms Jane Wilson as Treasurer. (NAN)NEWS
Assault: Governorship Hopeful Demands Justice for NYSC Member in Anambra

The YPP Candidate in the upcoming Anambra Governorship poll, Mr Paul Chukwuma, has decried the recent alleged assault on a female NYSC member by vigilance operatives (Udogachi) in the state.Reacting to the incident during an interactive session with newsmen in Awka, on Tuesday, Chukwuma described the attack as inhuman.
“I have watched the video of an assault on a lady by members of Udogachi, a security outfit under the control of the Anambra Government. “The lady, identified as Ms Jennifer Elobor, a corps member serving in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area of the state, was beaten to a pulp and stripped naked by several operatives of Udogachi.“Similar barbaric behaviour, like the strange abuse of this lady, has continued to be meted out to unsuspecting members of the public in Anambra to the chagrin of all sane minds.“This particular incident must not be swept under the carpet, like the ones before it.“I am calling on the State Government to take a firm stance against these public abusers and bring them to justice.“I also call on the security agencies to ensure that these abusers are not only rounded up, but compelled to face the law,” he said.Chukwuma accused the state vigilance group of being high handed to the people they were supposed to protect.He said: “I am appalled by this absurdity, which has unfortunately become the daily experience of the residents of Anambra, who are held hostage in their homeland by a security outfit set up to protect them.“Notwithstanding, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, the governor, has never deemed it necessary to call these people to order.”Chukwuma accused the State Government of not living up to expectation, hence the abuse of power by the security outfit.“The security outfit has always been on the negative side of the news for maltreating innocent citizens,” he said.The governorship hopeful alleged that insecurity in the state had increased unabated.Report says that Operation Udogachi was established by the government to complement the police and other security agencies in the fight against insecurity, such as kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and ritual killings, among other crimes. (NAN)NEWS
Police Nab 23-year-old for Alleged Machete Killing of Girlfriend

The Police command in Rivers has arrested 23-year-old Kingsley Chinamezu for the brutal murder of Miss Confidence Sunny, 44, in Etche Local Government Area of the state. The Command’s spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
She said Chinamezu, also known as Power Sharp, allegedly hacked his girlfriend, Sunny, to death with a machete on July 30 in Umuebule community. “After allegedly committing the crime, the suspect fled Rivers but continued issuing threats to the victim’s family, boasting that he could harm them without consequence,” she stated. Iringe-Koko said that after a formal complaint from the deceased’s family, Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, assigned the case to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit (AKU). She explained that operatives of the AKU, acting on credible intelligence, tracked and arrested the suspect on Aug. 15 at his hideout in Egbeta village, Edo. “During interrogation, the suspect voluntarily confessed to the crime and gave details of the events leading up to the murder,” she revealed. Iringe-Koko said evidence was being compiled while the suspect was undergoing further investigation and profiling for possible involvement in other crimes. CP Adepoju commended the operatives for their swift response and diligence in apprehending the suspect. He assured residents that Rivers would not serve as a haven for criminals, stressing the Command’s firm commitment to justice and public safety. “Perpetrators of heinous crimes should desist, as the law will eventually catch up with them, and they will face its full wrath,” Adepoju warned. (NAN)NEWS
Alia Bows to Pressure, Suspends Council Chairman, Two Head of Parastatals

From Attah Ede, Makurdi
Benue State Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has approved the suspension of the executive chairman of Otukpo local government council, Maxwell Ogiri, for a period of one month.The Governor also affirmed the immediate suspension of the Executive Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Grace Adagba, and the Executive Secretary of the Benue State Lottery Commission, Michael Uper for the period of one month each respectively.
Their suspension followed an intense pressure from the State House of Assembly that had earlier passed resolutions calling for immediate suspension of the affected officers.The resolutions of the House were conveyed to the governor’s office regarding the suspension of some public officials.In a statement signed by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary Kula Tersoo which was made available to newsmen on Wednesday, said the governor’s action was in line with the resolutions passed by the House.Alia reiterated his unwavering commitment to the rule of law, due process and the principles of separation of powers.He commended the House of Assembly for exercising its constitutional responsibilities and assured the people of Benue State that his administration remains dedicated to transparency, accountability, and good governance.Alia urged all affected institutions to ensure seamless continuity of service delivery during this period and called on the people of Benue State to continue to support the government’s efforts towards building a state that works for all.Recall that at its sitting two weeks ago, the assembly in a unanimous resolution, recommended the suspension of the SUBEB Chairman for gross insubordination, while the Otukpo Chairman and the Executive Secretary, Benue State Lottery Board were accused of misappropriation of funds.The house had insisted that if these persons were not suspended, it would not honor any correspondence from the Governor.The house equally put on hold the screening of the list of commissioner nominees sent to the house by the governor following the inability of the governor to approve the house numerous recommendations.