DEFENCE
Police Council Confirms Egbetokun as IGP
Police Council has approved and confirmed the appointment of the Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Kayode Egbetokun, as substantive IGP.de
Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Ibrahim Gaidam, made this known on Tuesday in Abuja while briefing newsmen at the end of the council’s meeting held at the Presidential Villa.
The Police Council has the president, governors and Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) as its members.
Its role is confined to the declared purpose of advising the president in the appointment of an IGP.
Gaidam said that the meeting centred on the confirmation of the Inspector-General of Police, who had been in acting capacity since four months ago.
According to Gaidam, Mr Egbetokun is eminently qualified to be appointed as the IGP because of his dedication and commitment to the force and to national security.
“We just had a meeting of the Police Council with President Bola Tinubu. The meeting focused on the confirmation of the acting Inspector-General of Police as the substantive Inspector-General of Police.
“He has been in acting capacity since he was appointed last three or four months ago. Based on our records and what we physically seen in him, he has a very rich Curriculum Vitae.
“He has attended several police and security courses and he is eminently qualified to be confirmed.
“I found him to be very qualified, very honest, very transparent and very hard working,’’ Gaidam said.
Similarly, the Minister of State for Police Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, said Egbetokun had demonstrated clear understanding of the Renewed Hope Police Agenda.
“I invite everyone to be part of this reform. In the past we had reform papers that were not implemented. The current reform within the police ecosystem will be different.
“This reform is going to be backed by resources so that it is fully implemented and actualised. I invite the general public to perform their obligation toward policing.
“Police affairs are citizens affairs; everybody has a role to play,’’ Nigeria’s first female minister of state for police affairs said.
On his part, the Chairman of the PSC, former IGP, Mr Solomon Arase, affirmed that Egbetokun’s confirmation would give him the necessary confidence to lead his men.
He said apart from the confirmation of the IGP, Tinubu was also desirous of security sector reforms.
“We believe that there is the need for us to sit with critical stakeholders and take a look again at our internal security management.
“We need to look at all issues; examine timelines and implementation strategies,’’ Arase said.
In his remarks, Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State underscored the need for synergy between the police and state governments, considering the security situation in the country.
“I want to use this opportunity to congratulate the IGP, but more importantly to express great appreciation to the president and members of the council for his confirmation.
“Now it is very important for us to understand the synergy between the IGP, the police as a whole and the states, especially at a time like this when we are having security challenges in one state or the other.
“I believe very strongly that the IGP knows what is happening in this country; he is concerned about the challenges that we are having.
“He has been going from state to state; I know that he has been to Nasarawa State a couple of times and we believe very strongly that he will pick it up from there as a matter of fact,’’ he said.
In another remark, Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun said Egbetokun addressed the council meeting on “The State of Police in Nigeria’’.
He said the IGP spoke about the need for technology- driven and community-based policing as well as adequate budgetary provisions.
“He also spoke about the need to re-examine police recruitment, a point that was canvassed and further elucidated upon by the Chairman of the PSC.
“This led to the constitution of a committee by the president with the Minister of Police Affairs, Chairman of the PSC, the National Security Adviser and Chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum as members.
“The committee will look at points raised and ensure that recruits are indeed very eligible,’’ Gov. Abiodun said.
Until his latest appointment, Egbetokun was decorated as the Deputy Inspector-General of Police and supervising DIG for the Southwest geo-political zone, to man the Force Criminal Investigations Department, Force Headquarters, Abuja since April 6, 2023.
The new police boss was born on Sept. 4, 1964 in Erinja, Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun.
He enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force on March 3, 1990, as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police.
He had his initial cadet training at the Nigeria Police Academy, and has attended many other courses within and outside the Police Force.
He has worked in several police commands and formations across the country and held command positions at various times.
As a Deputy Superintendent of Police in 1999, he was appointed the Chief Security Officer to the then-elected governor of Lagos State, now President Bola Tinubu.
In that capacity, he coordinated the security of the entire state while reporting to the governor.
He served as the Commander, Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Lagos; Squadron Commander, MOPOL; Anti-Fraud Unit, FCT Command, Abuja, and Chief Superintendent of Police, Administration, Lagos State Command headquarters, Ikeja.
He also served as Area Commander, Osogbo, Osun State Command and Area Commander, Gusau, Zamfara Command, among several others.
Egbetokun is a police officer and a Mathematician.
He graduated from the University of Lagos, Akoka, with Bachelor of Science degree (BSc) in Mathematics in June 1987 and lectured Mathematics briefly at Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, before his enlistment into the Police Force.
His other academic qualifications include MSc Engineering Analysis, also from the University of Lagos, Akoka (1996) and Post-Graduate Diploma in Petroleum Economics from Delta State University, Abraka (2000).
He also bagged MBA from Lagos State University, Ojo in 2004. (NAN)
The troops of 6 Brigade, Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have destroyed several bandits camps and recovered ammunition in Taraba.This is contained in a statement on Sunday in Jalingo signed by Capt. Olubodunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations.It said the successes were recorded in a series of clearance operations under Commander of the Brigade, Brig.
Gen. Kingsley Uwa, across multiple bandits hideouts in Taraba. “The operation code named OP GOLDEN PEACE commenced after extensive confidence building patrols, clearance missions, and stakeholder engagements, which proved effective in the northern part of the state.“The latest phase of the operation began on 28 November 2024 in Takum Local Government Area (LGA), focusing on known bandit and terrorist hideouts around Lijam High Ground.”The statement indicated that during the operations, several bandit camps were destroyed, and troops recovered 27 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one AK 47 Magazine, one handheld Baofeng radio and 2 motorcycles.“To further solidify the safety of residents, troops projected force into the Akume and Ananum areas of Donga LGA on 30 November 2024, reinforcing the Brigade’s commitment to securing lives and property throughout Taraba State.”The statement quoted the Commander of the 6 Brigade who commended the troops, urging them to remain vigilant.“Together, we will ensure peace and security across Taraba State and beyond.“This is our determined effort to ensure a safe and secure environment for the ongoing farm harvest season and the forthcoming yuletide and to ensure that the state does not become a safe haven for criminals,” the commander is quoted as saying.(NAN)
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, says cybersecurity is the bedrock of operational readiness and the key to mission success of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
Abubakar said this on Tuesday in Abuja, at the opening of NAF’s Cybersecurity Awareness Training.
He said the training was a vital initiative that would highlight the future of national security in the increasingly interconnected world, where artificial intelligence and advanced technologies play pivotal roles.
According to him, the integration of technology into warfare has ushered in a new era where digital bits and bytes are as formidable as physical bullets and bombs.
“The integrity of our nation’s defence systems, the security of our communications, and the sanctity of our data depend on the strength and resilience of our cybersecurity framework.
“For the NAF, which has distinguished itself as being more technological advanced than other services, cybersecurity is not just an IT concern; it is the bedrock of our operational readiness and the key to mission success.”
The CAS also said that the workshop would serve as a vital part of NAF’s efforts at ensuring that its personnel were equipped to meet the demands of securing the nation’s collective cyber environment.
He added that the recent global events had highlighted the severe consequences of cyberattacks, which could disrupt critical operations and undermine national security.
He disclosed that NAF’s platforms depended on secure digital communications, making them vulnerable to potential hijacking or operational disruptions.
According to him, these vulnerabilities emphasise the urgent need for a proactive and robust approach to cybersecurity within our ranks, which is precisely the focus of our gathering here today.
“Cybersecurity is a continuous journey that demands vigilance, ethical conduct, and a commitment to protecting our nation’s digital infrastructure.
“Let us continue to build a resilient cybersecurity posture that will enable us to stand ready against any threat, known or unknown that may arise in the digital age.”
In his remarks, the Chief of Communications and Information System, NAF, AVM Suleiman Usman, said the training was designed to equipped personnel with the necessary knowledge and tools to protect both physical borders and digital frontiers.
Usman explained that the training had dominated CAS’ strategic intent to develop and sustain optimal operational effectiveness in the NAF.
He said the cybersecurity training was an essential part of their collective mission to secure the integrity of NAF’s information networks.
“Cyber threats are more sophisticated than ever, hence the need for robust and resilient cybersecurity measures against evolving threats becomes ostensible.
“We are not just guarding the airspace but also protecting data, communications and systems that are integral to the success of every mission we undertake,” he said.
In his lecture titled, “Global Trends and Pillars of Cybersecurity for NAF”, Dr Asogbon Godwin, said that NAF must develop comprehensive cyber security policies and laws that addressed various types of cybercrimes.
He said that the cybercrimes include hacking, identity theft, phishing, and malware attacks.
Godwin urged the air force to invest in raising awareness about cybercrime risks and best practices for staying safe online and training investigators and prosecutors on digital forensics and other technical skills needed to investigate cybercrimes.
He also advised NAF to void ‘Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) police and also practice Zero Trust Principle.(NAN)
The Defence Headquarters says the Nigerian troops have in the last one week apprehended a notorious terrorist leader, Abubakar Ibrahim (AKA) Habu Dogo in Sokoto and seven IPOB/ESN commanders in South-East.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, in a statement on Saturday, said that Habu Dogo was apprehended at Rumji Village in Illela Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
According to him, Habu Dogo is a wanted terrorist on the watch list of security agencies both in Nigeria and in the Niger Republic because of the cross border nature of his terrorist activities.
He said the alleged IPOB/ ESN terror operatives apprehended include; Dr Nnamdi Chukwudoze and Chigozie Ezetoha (AKA Chapet) who were nabbed in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra.
“Others are , Mrs Ngozi Chukwuka and Mr Oyekachi Ohia who were arrested in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia,”he said.
He said others are, Mr Ifeanyi Eze , Mr Augustine Udemba and Mr Onyedikachi Udemba were arrested in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia while, Elijah Mmaduipeya Obumneke was arrested in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo.
“The ongoing counter insurgency and counter terrorism operations has continued to degrade the combat capacity of terrorists across the country,’’ he said. (NAN)
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