The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Kano State Command has deployed 3,256 personnel to ensure a hitch-free Eid-el-Fitr celebration in the state.

The NSCDC State Commandant, Mr Shafi’u Abdulmumini, disclosed this in a statement issued to newsmen by the Corps’ spokesman, SC Ibrahim Idris-Abdullahi, on Friday in Kano.

He said personnel would be posted to strategic locations, including Eid praying grounds, recreational centres, markets, and other public places, to safeguard lives and property and ensure smooth traffic flow.

“Personnel of the command have been briefed to work in synergy with all security agencies for a peaceful Sallah celebration,” he said.

He reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to protecting critical national assets and infrastructure during and after the festivities.

Abdulmumini urged the public to cooperate with security agents and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies for prompt response. (NAN)

From Joseph Ebi Kanjo, Benin

Representatives of the Ijaw Nation and Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities yesterday demanded the immediate sack of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

They made the call during one day National Sensitization in Bomadi, where they converged to X-ray the state of affairs of the Ijaw Nation vis-a-vis the present happenings in Rivers State.

In a communique at the end of the one day event,  the leaders strongly condemned the “Unguarded utterances and actions of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, who had been insulting and making derogatory statements against the Ijaw Nation, particularly the revered leader, late Papa Chief Dr.

According to them, Wike’s comments were not only unacceptable but also a clear attempt to falsify well established facts and history and also undermined the contributions of the Ijaw people to the development and politics of Rivers State.

The communique jointly signed by Hendrick Opukeme, Chief Dan Ekpebide, Kennedy Orubebe, Bunor Agbomudarho, Felix Tuodolor, Ari Sylvester Ari and Loveth Timothy, the leaders said Wike’s statements were capable of stoking ethnic crisis in the Niger Delta.

“We strongly condemn the unguarded utterances and actions of Minister Nyesome Wike, which have been insulting and derogatory towards the Ijaw Nation, particularly our revered leader, Papa Chief Dr. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, Chief Wike’s comments are not only unacceptable but also a clear attempt to falsify well established facts and history, and also undermine the contributions of the Ijaw people to the development and politics of Rivers State.

“His statements are also capable of stoking ethnic crises in the Niger Delta. This must be resisted.

“In order to avoid such conflicts, we are demanding for the immediate suspension of Minister Nyesome Wike from the Federal Executive Council,” the communique added.

According to the communique, Wike’s actions were the most embarrassing antagonist in the Rivers State conflict, stressing that his continued stay in office is a national embarrassment.

The leaders and stakeholders pointed out that Wike’s actions had brought shame and disrepute to the nation, and his presence in the Federal Executive Council undermined the integrity of President Tinubu’s government.

The Niger Leaders urged President Tinubu to take immediate action to address the embarrassment situation in Rivers State and restore peace, stability, and good governance to the Niger Delta region.

From Abel Zwànke, Lafia

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant Gen. Olufemi Olatunbosu Oluyede has reaffirmed his commitment to transforming the Nigerian Army into a combat-ready force capable of addressing the nation’s security challenges.

He made this known during the Senior Command and Leadership Seminar held in Lafia, Nasarawa state on Tuesday at the Taal Conference Hall, where he was represented by Major General Abubakar Sadiq Indalolo, Chief of Training in the Nigerian Army.

Declaring the seminar open, Major General Indalolo conveyed the Army Chief’s message, emphasizing the significance of the training in enhancing operational command and leadership within a joint security environment.

“The Chief of Army Staff considers his absence a missed opportunity to engage with key actors in the realization of his command philosophy. However, he sends his sincere appreciation for your dedication and commitment to service on the front lines,” he stated.

According to him, the seminar aims to equip operational commanders and senior military leaders with the necessary skills to navigate the complexities of modern security threats.

“The theme of this year’s seminar, Enhancing Operational Level Command and Leadership within a Joint Environment, aligns with the Chief’s vision of consolidating the transformation of the Nigerian Army,” Indalolo noted. “This transformation is geared toward building a well-motivated and combat-ready force capable of fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities in a multi-agency environment.”

Highlighting efforts to improve the Army’s operational capabilities, he revealed plans for the establishment of a Special Forces School in Doma to enhance training to international standards.

He further urged participants to fully engage in discussions, exchange best practices, and embrace innovative ideas in line with global security trends.

“The security challenges we face today are dynamic, evolving beyond national borders and agency domains. It is, therefore, essential to strengthen collaboration with other security agencies, civil society organizations, and traditional institutions,” he emphasized.

The Commander of Army Headquarters in Doma, Major General Hilary Nzan, in his welcome address, stressed the importance of the seminar in equipping senior military officers with the necessary competencies to enhance the Army’s operational efficiency.

“This seminar provides an opportunity to reinforce the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy, which is centered on consolidating the transformation of the Nigerian Army,” he said. “It will also serve as a platform for commanders to learn from each other’s experiences and reaffirm the Army’s commitment to upholding human rights principles.”

He added that the lectures would focus on leadership complexities, strategic command responsibilities, and innovative strategies to address modern security threats.

The Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, commended the Nigerian Army for its role in safeguarding the state and the country at large.

“We appreciate the efforts of the military in ensuring stability in Nasarawa State. The presence of the Army Headquarters in Doma has contributed significantly to maintaining peace and security in the region,” Akabe stated.

He urged the participants to take the seminar seriously, emphasizing its importance in tackling the evolving security challenges in the country.

The seminar, attended by senior military officers, government officials, and traditional rulers, is part of the Nigerian Army’s ongoing efforts to enhance operational leadership and improve synergy among security agencies.