DEFENCE
Foundation Says Adequate Patrol Vehicles, Constant Power Supply will Boost Community Policing
Cleen Foundation, an NGO, says adequate police patrol vehicles, constant power supply, amongst others, will aid the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in the discharge of its duties, especially in community policing.Mrs Ruth Olofin, the Acting Executive Director of the foundation stated this on Friday, in Abuja, at a Town Hall meeting involving the FCT Police Command, Market, Religious and Traditional leaders.
The meeting themed: “The police need the community, the community needs the police” was organised by Cleen foundation, in collaboration with the Ford foundation. Olofin called for adequate resources for the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), to enable it discharge its duties diligently in the vital area of community policing.According to her, it was very necessary to equip the police with the right resources for community policing, because community policing was very critical to tackling insecurity.“Community policing is about being civil to the people in the community and changing strategies to policing the community.“It is crucial for the police to change their focus on how to police the people, because the approach the people have had so far on community policing was not encouraging.“This is why the police needs resources such as police vehicles, power generating plants with constant diesel or fuel to make the police station accessible even at night and to aid easy patrols,” she said.She urged the police to also set a standard policing model where the people and the community are at the centre of its policing priorities.Olofin said that where a friendly, but standard policing approach was in practice, the police will easily recognise when the people or the community was in distress.She further urged the police to design strategies on how to gain the trust of the people, adding that the police should proactively reach out to the people, especially those in the markets, social and religious centres.CSP El-Mustapha Sani, who represented the Public Complaints Bureau (PCB), advised the various leaders at the meeting to report cases of poor service delivery by the police.According to him, the schedule of the public complaint bureau was to ensure that the police officers do their work diligently.“The bureau works and monitors the activities of police officers and give the public the opportunity to report any police officer that defaulted in the discharge of their responsibilities.“We have a checks and balances system whereby all actions and inactions of a police officer is being checked and reported to the office and the PCB cuts across the 36 states including the FCT,” he said.Mr Otunba Bolagi, the Chairman, Police Commission Relations Committee (PCRC) FCT, said that the police was seeking to partner the community in order for the community to get the best of its services and enjoy maximum security.He added that the PCRC was seeking to partner with the community, because without the community there was no police and without the police there would be no community.“So, the synergy between both organs is very crucial and any partnership at this point is inevitable to tackle security issues at the community level,” he said.CSP Bello Abdullahi, the DPO of Kubwa Police Division, lauded the PCRC for the initiative to partner with the community for better performance.Abdullahi noted that the police was under financial constraints to effectively police the division, but that it would continue to do all within its capacity to ensure that the best policing service was provided with the support of the community.“While we are doing all to enhance our performance, we call for the support of the community; we need your resources, your useful and timely security information, in order to meet your policing expectations,” he said.He applauded the significant attendance of the traditional leaders, representatives of various Churches and Mosques, heads of leisure and social centres, marketers and the youths of the community.CSP Salihu Adamu Nababa, DPO of Mpape Police Division, also urged the people to support the police by reporting and turning in suspects of crimes at the police station.He cautioned against the use of “jungle Justice system” to solve community criminal cases or to administer justice.Mr Gilbert Yanjagi, an International Accessor on Security Watch Africa, said that the youths, especially those at the grassroots level, had a critical role to play at the community policing level.Yangaji appealed to musicians, comedians and other youth role models to refrain from projecting hate on the police, through their songs and other social acts.“Part of the way to ensure that the youth buy into a friendly police system is to get the key players in the entertainment industry to join forces with the police in community policing.“These key players would influence the youths greatly because the youths look up to them, they imitate them, they follow their instructions and are willing to do whatever these key players in the social and entertainment industry incorporate,” he said.Princess Nana Ngozi, Women Leader, the Police Commission Relations Committee (PCRC) FCT, appealed to parents and guardians to enforce good morals at the home level.According to her, most of the crimes, criminals and criminal cases have been largely attributed to poor moral background, and failures on the part of parents and guardians who ought to be the first custodians of good morals of their children.Mr Bash Olasupo, a security and peace building expert, also called for the closure of the gap that exists between the police and the youths in the community.Olasupo said that the youths should no longer be excluded from policy making, especially in security matters, which largely involves them and their various youthful activities and places of leisure.“We cannot continue to downplay the roles of the youths, it is time to give them space to exhibit their prowess, especially in community growth and development, which would reduce crime and criminal activities,” she said.Dantani Dan’Soho, who represented the Sarki of Bwari, called for public sensitisation on the community policing idea and the roles expected of the community towards effective policing.He said that the knowledge gathered at the meeting would be taken back to the Sarki of Bwari and his chiefs, for further discussions and to step down the knowledge to their followers.Members of the various communities, who attended the meeting, lauded the initiative of the NGOs and the FCT police command to dialogue with the people in order to improve community policing.They, however, appealed to the police to treat all information provided by the community regarding threats, distress calls, and security alarms with the strictest confidentiality and urgency. (NAN)
By David Torough, Abuja
The Nigerian Army on Thursday marked a seamless change of leadership as Maj. Gen. Waidi Shaibu officially assumed office as the 25th Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
The handing and taking over ceremony was held at the Army Headquarters, Abuja, between the outgoing COAS, now Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, and his successor.
In his maiden address, Maj.
Gen. Shaibu commended Lieutenant General Oluyede for his exemplary leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to the progress of the Nigerian Army. He praised his predecessor’s accomplishments in equipment procurement, infrastructural development, and the “Soldier First” initiative, which placed troop welfare and operational readiness at the core of Army operations.The new COAS pledged to sustain and build upon the legacies of his predecessor while enhancing collaboration among security agencies to strengthen national security. He assured that the current security landscape would be critically assessed, with prompt responses to emerging threats.
“I salute the courage, passion, resilience, and discipline of our troops in the field. Their sacrifices remain the cornerstone of our collective success,” he stated.
Shaibu expressed deep appreciation to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for entrusting him with the leadership of the Nigerian Army. He also led senior officers in observing a minute’s silence in honour of fallen heroes.
In his valedictory remarks, the outgoing COAS and new CDS, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, appreciated President Bola Tinubu for his visionary leadership and the opportunity to serve. He lauded officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their dedication and urged them to remain loyal and committed under the new leadership.
“The mission remains the same — to ensure the security of lives and defend the territorial integrity of our nation,” he said.
Earlier, the former Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Maj. Gen. Abdulsalami Ibrahim, described General Oluyede as a selfless and visionary leader whose impact would be remembered by generations of officers.
The event featured the signing of handover documents, decoration of the new Army Chief with Headquarters insignia, inspection of the quarter guard, and group photographs with senior officers and field commanders.
By David Torough, Abuja
The Armed Forces of Nigeria have sustained an aggressive nationwide campaign against terrorists, bandits, and other criminal groups, recording major operational successes across all theatres within the week ending October 16, 2025.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, who disclosed this during the weekly press briefing in Abuja, said the operations reflected the continued dedication, professionalism, and discipline of Nigerian troops on land, in the air, and at sea.
According to him, coordinated operations under various Joint Task Forces—Operation HADIN KAI in the North East, Operation FANSAN YAMMA in the North West, Operations ENDURING PEACE and WHIRL STROKE in the North Central, Operation DELTA SAFE in the South-South, and Operation UDO KA in the South-East—resulted in the neutralisation of several terrorists, arrest of criminal elements, and rescue of kidnapped victims.
In the North East, troops denied Boko Haram, ISWAP, and JAS fighters freedom of movement through aggressive ground and air operations in parts of Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States. Scores of terrorists were eliminated, 16 collaborators arrested, and seven hostages rescued. Troops also recovered assorted weapons, vehicles, and ₦5.14 million in cash.
Similarly, in the North West, troops sustained their offensive against bandits in Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Kaduna, and Niger States. Several terrorists were killed, 14 arrested, and six kidnapped victims rescued. A gunrunner and two drug cartel members were also apprehended with 1,307 live ammunition, motorcycles, narcotics, and ₦227,000.
In the North Central region, under Operations ENDURING PEACE and WHIRL STROKE, troops carried out raids and responded to distress calls in Plateau, Kaduna, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, and Kogi States, neutralising criminals and rescuing 17 kidnap victims. Four suspects were also convicted and sentenced by a magistrate court in Plateau State.
In the South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE troops foiled oil theft valued at over ₦98.7 million, destroying 11 illegal refining sites and arresting 13 suspects. The troops also seized large volumes of stolen petroleum products and dismantled multiple illegal refining facilities across Delta and Rivers States.
Meanwhile, in the South-East, troops of Operation UDO KA arrested a notorious IPOB/ESN commander known as Gentle alongside eight accomplices in Imo and Ebonyi States. A female logistics supplier linked to the group was also apprehended in Abia State, where three children of a wanted terrorist leader were found in her custody.
Major General Kangye commended the gallant troops for their bravery and sacrifices, assuring Nigerians that the Armed Forces remain steadfast and resolute in securing the nation.
“Our recent operational successes—whether in counterterrorism, anti-banditry, maritime security, or internal operations—are not just battlefield victories but clear demonstrations of our resolve to secure every inch of Nigeria,” he stated.
He urged citizens to continue supporting the military through credible intelligence sharing, noting that collective cooperation remains vital to achieving lasting peace and stability across the country.
By David Torough, Abuja
Barely one weekend after President Bola Tinubu’s directives to immediately fish out the perpetrators of the Yelewata massacre in Benue state, the Inspector-general of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has confirmed the arrest of 26 suspects for their alleged involvement in the recent massacre at Yelewata community of Guma local government area in Benue State.
Egbetokun said in the attack, 47 villagers were killed, two attackers were killed by the police and over 100 others were displaced.
He disclosed this during a press briefing at the Force Headquarters yesterday in Abuja.
Egbetokun said the majority of the suspects were arrested on June 22.
Relatedly, the IGP also revealed that 22 suspects have been arrested for killing 12 travellers in Plateau State, while five persons have been arrested for killing two people in Benue State this week.
The arrests were coming barely a week after President Bola Tinubu directed the immediate arrest of the killer-herders who perpetrated the heinous killing of over 100 people in Yelewata community in Benue State.
Tinubu gave the directive while addressing stakeholders at the Government House, Markudi, during a visit to the State.
The meeting included the Secretary to the Federal Government, George Akume, Traditional Rulers and former governors of the state among others.
Tinubu had called out the Inspector General of Police to know why arrests had not been made at the time.
“How come no one has been arrested for committing this heinous crime in Yelewata. Inspector General of Police, where are the arrests? The criminals must be arrested immediately,” President Tinubu directed.
He urged the heads of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) to intensify surveillance and gather actionable intelligence to apprehend the perpetrators.
 | ReplyReply allForwardAdd reaction |
CBN Revamps Agric Guarantee Scheme, Targets Smallholder Farmers
Share The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has launched a major overhaul of the Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme Fund (ACGSF),...
Okonjo-Iweala, Others Urge Youths to Drive Reforms, Strengthen Civic Action
ShareNational leaders have challenged youths to lead Nigeria’s renewal, warning that meaningful change now depends on young citizens organizing, demanding...
Eight Students Die, Three Injure in Jos Road Crash
ShareFrom Jude Dangwam, Jos The Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos, Prof. Ishaya Tanko has confirmed the sad death...
ShareUNICEF Hails Bayelsa as Champion of Primary Healthcare Devt in Nigeria From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa The United Nations Children’s Fund...
EFCC Seeks Stronger Alliance with CSOs, Media in Anti-corruption Fight
ShareThe Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has called for deeper collaboration with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and the media...
ShareMutfwang Pledges Support for Minister of Defence in Fight against Insecurity From Jude Dangwam, Jos Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang,...
FRSC Deploys New Sector Commander to Benue
ShareThe Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Thursday, announced the deployment of Corps Commander (CC) Kehinde Dahunsi as new commander...
Study Links 290,000 Deaths to Sexual Violence against Children
ShareA study has linked Sexual Violence Against Children (SVAC) to 290,000 deaths worldwide, predominantly from suicide, HIV/AIDS, and type 2...
Reps Push for Lower Air Fares, Target Airport Charges, Taxes
ShareThe House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to slash airport charges by 50 per cent and offer...
Reps Make Case for Abandoned Road Project in Kogi
ShareThe House of Representatives has urged the Federal Ministry of Works to re-mobilise Setraco Nigeria Ltd. for immediate completion of...