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Poultry excited over improved sales at Yueltide

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Some poultry farmers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have expressed delight as they recorded high patronage ahead of the Christmas celebration.

The farmers, who spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, said in spite of the economic hardship, the level of patronage was encouraging.

Samuel Magaji, an old layer bird farmer in Gwagwalada, said that he had about 3, 000 birds and sales had been encouraging in the last few days compared to 2017.

Magaji added that due to paucity of funds, he was not able to rear so many birds as he would have wanted.

“I am very impressed with the level of patronage despite the economic hardship in the country, people are still buying.

“If the level of patronage continues the way it is going, all my birds would have been sold before Christmas.

“Some customers said they were advised by their doctors to avoid beef and red meats for health reasons, and should eat fish or chicken,’’ he said.

Magaji said that some old layer birds were going for N3, 000 and 4, 000, depending on the size, adding that they have rich taste than the broiler birds.

However, Mrs Sarah Kaka, a broiler bird farmer in Kuje Area Council, appealed to the government to support farmers with soft loans to boost their businesses.

Kaka said that poultry farming could promote the Federal Governments diversification of Nigeria’s economy if supported with soft loans.

According to her, poultry farming was capital intensive, saying that it was expensive to purchase farmlands in FCT as well as other farming inputs.

She said average size of broiler went for N3, 500, while a bigger size was between N4,000 and N5,000, depending on the size.

“I am very happy with the level of patronage so far, but due to lack of funds, I was not able to rear many birds as expected.

“Poultry farming in Nigeria is probably one of the most lucrative farming businesses you can do but requires adequate funding for it to thrive.

“The farmers we presently have are not producing enough poultry products because of inadequate funding.

“The government, especially ministry of agriculture should assist farmers with soft loans to enable us boost our business,’’ she said.

Another poultry farmer in Abaji Area Council, Mr Audu Musa, lamented the increase in the price of feeds, saying that it affected the prices of chicken sales during Christmas season.

He said that he had to increase the price of his chicken during the yuletide to enable him recover his capital and also make a little profit.

Buhari warns police against illicit conducts

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President Muhammadu Buhari has warned the police against unprofessional conducts such as illegal detention, extrajudicial killings, torture and violation of fundamental human rights.

All these demeaning acts were unacceptable and should be avoided by the Nigeria Police Force at all times, he said at the convocation and passing out parade of the First Regular Cadet Course at the Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State.

The President warned the police against acts that could bring the community in conflict with them.

”We must abide by the constitutional code of conduct in policing our people.

”The Police in its efforts to fight crime must work in partnership with the community. You cannot properly police the people without their consent,” President Buhari told the 602 graduands.

He also used the occasion to remind police officers to shun corruption and resist all temptations that impede the integrity and professionalism of the Force.

The president said: ”It is appropriate to warn you as Police Officers not to see yourselves as being above the Law. You must be above board and resist all temptations. Be contented with your salaries and allowances.

”The Government recently increased your general emoluments to make you more efficient and effective in the discharge of your duties. With this increase in your salaries, you have less reason to fall into temptations of financial or other inducements.

”Let me again reiterate that this administration has zero tolerance for corruption. Corruption is the major reason the Nigerian economy has not developed at the rate of other comparable countries.

”If we must develop and reap the fruits of our democratic dispensation, we must shun corruption at all levels.

“It is, therefore, your responsibilities and other anti-corruption agencies to kill corruption before Corruption overtakes Nigeria.”

While commending the police for the successes they recorded in the fight against various aspects of crime in the country, the President acknowledged that they had worked closely with the military in the fight against Boko Haram in the North East.

”I am aware that you have just deployed over 2000 Police Officers, including Special Forces to the North East to support the efforts of the Military.

”The success recorded in the fight against Boko Haram in the North East cannot be related without mentioning the support you are giving to the Military.

“The group is no longer occupying any Nigerian Territory as it used to before the advent of this administration.

”The recent attacks by the Boko Haram group can be likened to attempts of defeated insurgents to re-organise its ragtag and scattered individuals.

“This, however, will not be possible as adequate strategic plans have been put in place in conjunction with our neighbouring countries to completely wipe out the group, ” he said.

On the 2019 elections, President Buhari reiterated that it was the duty of the police, supported by other security agencies, to adequately secure the elections.

He said that the elections must be conducted in a violence free environment for it to be adjudged credible, free and fair in the eyes of both local and international observers.

”You must do everything possible to make the election violence free to avoid ballot box snatching, multiple voting, vote buying on sites, attack on electoral officers and other acts which might negatively impact on the elections and their outcome, ” the president said.

According to him, his administration will continue to do all that is possible to make the Nigeria Police efficient and responsive to the security needs of the country by providing the necessary assistance to make the operations technology based.

While congratulating the graduands on successfully completing the five-year training programme in the institution, President Buhari enjoined the new officers to be courageous and determined in the fight against all forms of crime in the country.

The President said he was happy to be the first serving President to witness the passing out parade of the first batch of Nigeria Police Academy Cadet Officers.

”You should consider yourselves privileged, not only for being able to complete the course but for being adjudged worthy in character, fitness and in learning to pass out as Cadet Assistants Superintendents in the Nigeria Police Force,” he said.

A major highlight of the event was the presentation of a sword of honour to the best graduating Cadet ASP Shuaibu Aminu by the President.

He also presented an award to the best female graduating Cadet ASP Evangeline Babuba.

The event was also witnessed by Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa, the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris and other senior police officers.

PDP suffers massive defection to APC

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A major political setback has hit the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) in Kano state, as several party big guns switched to the ruling All Progressives Party.

Professor Hafiz Abubakar, former deputy governor of Kano state, who resigned recently to join Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, is one of the politicians who made his way back to the APC.

Abubakar was among the staunch allies of Kwankwaso, members of his Kwankwassiya Movement, who have retraced their steps to the APC and who met with President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday night in Abuja.

Buhari meets Hafiz Abubakar, former deputy governor, a supporter of Kwankwaso

In welcoming the party leaders back to the APC, President Buhari said the house was large enough to accommodate everyone and promised to speak to the leadership of the party and government in Kano to accommodate and work with the returnees.

He also appealed to stakeholders in the All Progressives Congress (APC) across the country to work for genuine reconciliation “for the benefit of our people and our nation.”

Other returnees at the meeting include a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Aminu Dabo; the immediate past National Treasurer, Bala Mohammed Gwagwarwa; Security Adviser to Kwankwaso, retired Gen. Danjuma Dambazau; Eng. Mu’azu Magaji, all of them staunch members of Kwankwasiyya, as well as Sen. Isa Zarewa who left in protest against the last primaries.

The returnees were led to the President by the Governor of Jigawa State, Abubakar Badaru.

Kano state Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje was also at the meeting with the President.

Responding to the Presidential directive, Gov. Ganduje welcomed the return of the party stalwarts and assured the President that he was ready to work with everyone to record yet another historic victory in the general elections.

Benue South 2019: Abba Moro kicks off campaign in Obagaji, Agatu December 28

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The senatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Benue South, otherwise known as Zone C, Comrade Abba Moro, would on Friday, December 28, 2018 kick off his campaign at Obagaji, the headquarters of Agatu Local Government Area of the state.

Moro, fondly called the Ogigo Mebe K’Idoma would be flying the PDP flag in the National Assembly election slated for February 16, 2019.

A statement by Ameh Comrade Godwin, Director, Media and Publicity of the Abba Moro Campaign Organisation said: Expected to grace the flag off ceremony are; the Executive Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, his Deputy, Engr Benson Abounu and immediate past President of the Senate, Chief David Mark.

Others are: PDP chairman in Benue State, Sir John Ngbede, all LG chairmen of the party, all serving commissioners, members of the national and state assemblies representing PDP, local government chairmen and councillors on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, party leaders across the senatorial district as well as all sons and daughters of Benue South.

During the event, Moro and his entourage would visit the palace of the traditional ruler of Agatu community, otherwise known as Ad’Agatu for royal blessing.

Interestingly, the party would also be welcoming thousands of new defectors to its fold from various political parties at the flag off.

“All sons and daughters of the land are invited to be part of this epoch-making ceremony as we kick-start the final journey to a #Better2Moro,” the statement read.

Insurgency: Nigerian Army restates commitment to protection of children, women in north east

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The Nigerian Army has restated its commitment to continue to safeguard the lives of women and children in the north eastern part of the country.

This was made known by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt General TY Buratai, at a media parley with Guild of Editors and media influencers in Nigeria.

The event took place at the Command Guest House, Maiduguri on Saturday.

The Army boss further disclosed that the Army was partnering with the United Nations Children Fund, UNICEF, National Primary Health Care Development Agency and local NGOs in the north east in ensuring the safety of women and children in crisis-ridden areas.

Lt Gen Buratai reminded them that the army has also been doing its best in the discharge of its constitutional duties, respecting extant rules.

He blamed some Non-Governmental Organizations such as Amnesty International for consistently undermining their reputation and demoralizing troops through consistent and unfounded allegations of human rights abuses.

He said, “I want to emphasize that you play a vital role in security and national development. While we fight with guns to protect the society, you fight with your pens to do the same. Consequently, fighting without one another can be compared to fighting with one hand tied behind your back. That is why this interactive session is organized to fashion out ways of coming together to fight against the security challenges facing our dear country. We also invited you here with the best of intention, to commend you for the wonderful role you have been playing in nurturing our nascent democracy and also solicit your support in our efforts to rid our society of daunting security challenges. We also noted that most of the security problems we are confronted with in this country are associated with misinformation. Therefore, we have a great task of educating and enlightening the members of the public on the true situations, as the more enlightened a society is, the more it understands its roles and contributes positively towards an enhanced national security and development.

“We are therefore appealing to you to be more understanding in the discharge of your professional duties. Your support is highly required because of the immense role you play in shaping national focus and thus, national security. We want you to trust us more as we continue to defend the territorial integrity of our country. It does not augur well for national security and troops’ morale when the military is portrayed as weak and corrupt, not trusted or respected as was the case with the recent unfortunate attacks on our locations and the lopsided reports on them. The war against terrorism and insurgency need to be viewed and reported as it is; war between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and terrorists and criminals, not Nigerian Army versus the Boko Haram terrorists. We are carrying out these operations on behalf of the Nigerian State and the people. Therefore, we should enlighten the people to enable them understand, support our efforts and appreciate our sacrifices.

“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, the Nigerian Army, like every other human system or institution, is not, and cannot be perfect. Indeed, there were instances of observed gaps. For instance, when I took over command, I realized the need for an enhanced civil-military relations, hence our concerted efforts at strengthening the Department of Civil-Military Affairs through the establishment of Human Rights desk. We have also improved on our military justice system and do not spare any officer or soldier found culpable of human rights abuses and other offenses. I have ordered the constitution of General Court Martial to try various acts of indiscipline and other offenses at Operation LAFIYA DOLE, 2 Division, 81 Division, 82 Division and Army Headquarters Garrison. We have also created new formations and training institutions to enhance operational capacity and professional efficiency. These include the establishment of 6 and 8 Divisions of the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Army Special Forces Command, 16 and 17 Brigades of the Nigerian Army, Cyberwarfare Command and the Nigerian Army Special Forces School, amongst others.

“The world over, no Army has all its required resources; nonetheless, we are doing all we could to give the best of service to our combatants. The Nigerian Army under my leadership has made giant strides in the area of discharging our constitutional duties. My Command of the Nigerian Army is doing everything possible to ensure better welfare for the soldiers. We have constructed and renovated so many living and office accommodations for both officers and soldiers across the country and more is being done. We have also upgraded and rehabilitated various Nigerian Army Medical Services and Hospitals, created Barracks Investments Initiative Programme that also caters for the welfare of troops’ families. In the Nigerian Army nobody tampers with pay and allowances of any officer or soldier. And wherever there are proven cases of deviation from our rules of engagement or laws, appropriate disciplinary measures were always taken against such erring personnel. However, we have noticed that there are consistent unjustified attacks against the Nigerian Army over troops’ welfare, particularly on pay and allowances, as well as allegations on human rights abuses. The allegations are rather unfortunate as they are not done in good faith and were mostly based on ignorance.

“At this juncture, I must clearly say that nobody loves Nigeria more than we do; therefore, we have been doing our best in the discharge of our constitutional duties, respecting extant rules. It is therefore preposterous for Non-Governmental Organizations such as Amnesty International to consistently be undermining our reputation and demoralizing our troops through consistent and unfounded allegations of human rights abuses. There is no doubt the organization cannot do what it is doing in Nigeria in many other sovereign countries.”

Osaro Onaiwu at 60: The Centre for Credible Leadership & Citizens Awareness celebrates an icon

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Over the years, Earl Osaro Onaiwu, has like old wine, mature into a rare and fine specie of those endowed with grace and are living gracefully.

Onaiwu, though a man of many parts, lives the conviction of his belief, one reason he has weathered not a few storms to remain a near-permanent feature of Nigeria’s political and social space.

A former governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, in Edo state was born on December 23, 1958 in Benin City. A scion of educator parents reputed for their disciplinary streak, he attended Ogbe Primary School and Baptist High School, Benin City, Auchi Polytechnic majoring in Mass Communications and have attended several executive courses.

Onaiwu is not only a successful business man but has a rich political resume, which started in the Second Republic.
In 1983, he was appointed Special Assistant on Special Duties to the late Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia, the famed former Governor of Old Bendel State, credited for the many legacy projects in Edo and Delta states.

In 2007, having washed his hands clean, the late former Vice-president, Admiral Augustus Aikhomu, appointed him as Special Adviser on Political & Public Affairs, a position he held until 2010.
Having ground himself in public organization with those and many other positions, Onaiwu was positioned to offer his patriotic service as coordinator, Nigeria Governor’s Forum, from 2012- 2013; and later coordinator and then director general, PDP Governors’ Forum, in 2013 to 2015.

It was in this position that Dr. Bamaga Tukur, former PDP National Chairman 2013 – 2015, appointed him as Special Adviser on Governors and Government.
In 2018, he rejoined the Peoples Democratic Party and will be appointed by Senate President Bukola Saraki, sometime in August this year, as Special Liaison on State Matters.

For many, the appointment was a crystallization of the long held notion in the political space that the Edo state born experienced politician and public administrator, understands the matrix of engagement with state governors and governments.

Before his active foray in politics, Onaiwu, who many of his followers call the Earl, had cut an enviable niche for himself on the social space with his sartorial taste and love for the arts and entertainment generally.

Owing to this, the Earl remains a toast of Nigerian entertainers as he provided a platform in the bourgeoning days of the country’s film and video industry to the upstarts.

The vehicle which he used to not only print his imprimatur as Nigeria’s primus inter pares in protocol services and events management, but to galvanise the top echelon of society is Red Carpet Protocols.

Over the years, Red Carpet Protocols became the signature for those who are keen on details to attention when planning their occasions.

The point needs to be made that Osaro’s odyssey – political and business-wise- has not come cheap but through dint of hard work, loyalty and commitment to excellence backed by the patience of learning, retooling and knowledgeable about timing.

Over the years, he has demonstrated that he is a man of many parts; entrepreneur, socialite, philanthropist, patron of the arts, and fundamentally, a vehicle for the formation of the Nigeria Governors Forum.

In the early days when the governors were without a coordinating body to present a common front on issues affecting states, Onaiwu proposed a peer review mechanism to the then chairman of the NGF and his current boss, Senate President Saraki, where states can leverage on their economies of scale for accelerated development. Years on, his vision has lived on leading to his being a pivotal presence in the circle of governors over the years.

Speaking on what drives him in an interview recently, he said: “There is no shortcut to doing well in any human endeavour especially in wanting to serve your people. You need to have vision, focus and sincerity of purpose and for you to do that you have to put in your energy, drive, passion, creativity and loyalty or commitment if you like.”
It is something of a cheer that he sees the solution in every challenge. Little wonder he cringes when others find fault rather than seek for answers. According to him, it is common for people to lament, point out faults of a system that is not working but rarely offering clear perspectives on solutions.
And true to his conviction, as a governorship candidate, his motto was ‘Solution!’

As he clocks 60 this Sunday, there is little doubt that this man who towers imposingly as Nigeria’s Number 1, protocol impresario is not your normal run-of-the-mill politician with all sorts of baggage. He has managed to stay the course, eschewing political divisions, shunning religious schisms and the temptation of filthy lucre.

A true and passionate family man, it is only fitting to say, may you continue to sail the winds like Odysseus and always come up with the crown.

Supplied by Dr. Gabriel Nwambu

CDS, Olonisakin leads Service Chiefs to visit troops

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By Ajogwu Jerry

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Gabriel Olonisakin, alongside the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas and the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, accompanied by some Principal Staff Officers from the Defence and Services Headquarters have paid an operational visit to Operation LAFIYA DOLE theatre in the North East to dialogue with troops.

According to a statement by the Deputy Director Public Relations
Theatre Command, Colonel Onyema Nwachukwu they were received by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai who has been in the theatre of Operation for weeks.

During the visit, the CDS was briefed by the Theatre Commander, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Major General Benson Akinroluyo, on the operational activities of the troops in the ongoing counter terrorism and counter insurgency operations.

The CDS and the Service Chiefs used the opportunity to interact with other field commanders who in turn gave updates on the operational activities in their respective areas of responsibility.

“The visit which was essentially to evaluate the fight against terrorism and insurgency in the North East, ended on a successful note as it was entirely hitch free,” the statement concluded.

Christmas: Dunamis Church hosts widows, orphans and less-privileged (PHOTOS)

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As part of activities to mark this year’s Christmas and New Year’s celebrations, the Dunamis International Gospel Centre, on Saturday reached out to widows, orphans and the less-privileged.

The outreach, which was powered by the Dr. Paul and Dr. Mrs. Becky Enenche-led ministry, took place inside the Glory Dome at the Lord’s Garden, along Airport Road, Abuja.

The ministration is done annually by the ministry as a way of empowering and reaching out to people and communities.

Speaking during the programme attended by over 5,000 people from various denominations and across religious lines, Dr. Paul described the gesture as a way of reaching out to people and as well reminds them about the love of Christ.

Dr. Enenche reminded the widows that despite their condition, there is a God in heaven who will never abandon them.

Among items distributed during the ministration were: thousands of bags of rice, tomatoes, grinding machines, tubers of yams, salt, toiletries, deep freezers, wrappers, and other things.

Speaking with newsmen, one of the beneficiaries, who gave her name as Mrs. Owolabi, thanked the church and its leadership for the kind gesture.

She also appreciated God for using his servants, Dr. Paul and Dr. Mrs. Becky to bless them.

“Since I lost my husband, we have been practically living from hand to mouth. We had lost hope before now but God has used his servants to bless us. God will continue to bless and keep Dr. Paul and his wife, Mummy Becky. On behalf of my children, I pray that they would never experience dryness. God will move them from glory to glory.”

Also speaking with our reporter, one of the beneficiaries broke down in tears while appreciating the ministry for the kind gesture.

“I am not a member of this church; in fact, this is the first time of coming here but I am happy for the gift. I can’t thank Daddy Paul and Mummy Becky enough,” the visibly elated woman said.

Here are some pictures from the ministration.

Defense Minister, Dan-Ali speaks on Zamfara, Kaduna killings; reveals plan to tackle insecurity

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The Ministry of Defense has reacted to the recent attack on Zamfara and Kaduna States, which led to lost of many lives and properties.

The ministry, under the leadership of Mansur Muhammad Dan-Ali, while commiserating with the government and people of Zamfara and Kaduna States, described the incidents as very sad and unfortunate.

The Minister, while praying Almighty Allah to grant the lives lost an eternal rest and also give their families the fortitude to bear the unfortunate lost, noted that Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces of Nigeria have remained committed and resolute in tackling current security challenges across the country.

Colonel Tukur Gusau, Public Relations Officer to the Hon Minister of Defence, in a statement issued on Wednesday, said the military ad been committed in ensuring safety of lives and properties as well as protecting the nation from both external and internal aggression.

The statement read, “It is pertinent to state that the Armed Forces of Nigeria is currently engaged in various Internal Security operations across the country and has made concerted efforts in tackling the incessant killings by armed bandits and other criminal activities in the North-West particularly in Zamfara and Kaduna states.

“It is worthy to note that some of the efforts made by the Federal Government include the creation of 8 Division, Nigerian Army in Sokoto and the establishment of a Brigade in Gusau and another one to be located in Birnin Kebbi to address security challenges in the North-West. Also, the Nigerian Air Force Quick Response Force was established in Gusau to give air support to the ground troops. Additionally, 500 troops of Nigerian Armed Forces and 500 other security agents were recently deployed to join Operation SHARAN DAJI to curb the activities of armed bandits and other security challenges in Zamfara and Kaduna states and the region in general.

“Recently, the Ministry directed the General Officer Commanding 8 Division to relocate his Tactical Headquarters from Sokoto to Gusau to adequately coordinate activities of Operation SHARAN DAJI until normalcy returns in the State.

“These are all geared towards realizing the mandate of the Ministry of Defence and achieving the Federal Government’s drive on security of its citizens and properties. However, it is noteworthy to state that the issue of drug abuse, unemployment and governance amongst others contributes to the deplorable security situation in Zamfara State.

“It is therefore suggested that the all necessary stakeholders should come together and take necessary steps to address these issues and to provide adequate support to security agencies so as to get maximum cooperation.”

Defense Minister, Dan-Ali speaks on Zamfara, Kaduna killings; reveals Armed Forces plan to tackle insecurity

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Nigerian Army Soldiers

The Ministry of Defense has reacted to the recent attack on Zamfara and Kaduna States, which led to lost of many lives and properties.

The ministry, under the leadership of Mansur Muhammad Dan-Ali, while commiserating with the government and people of Zamfara and Kaduna States, described the incidents as very sad and unfortunate.

The Minister, while praying Almighty Allah to grant the lives lost an eternal rest and also give their families the fortitude to bear the unfortunate lost, noted that Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces of Nigeria have remained committed and resolute in tackling current security challenges across the country.

Colonel Tukur Gusau, Public Relations Officer to the Hon Minister of Defence, in a statement issued on Friday, said the military ad been committed in ensuring safety of lives and properties as well as protecting the nation from both external and internal aggression.

The statement read, “It is pertinent to state that the Armed Forces of Nigeria is currently engaged in various Internal Security operations across the country and has made concerted efforts in tackling the incessant killings by armed bandits and other criminal activities in the North-West particularly in Zamfara and Kaduna states.

“It is worthy to note that some of the efforts made by the Federal Government include the creation of 8 Division, Nigerian Army in Sokoto and the establishment of a Brigade in Gusau and another one to be located in Birnin Kebbi to address security challenges in the North-West. Also, the Nigerian Air Force Quick Response Force was established in Gusau to give air support to the ground troops. Additionally, 500 troops of Nigerian Armed Forces and 500 other security agents were recently deployed to join Operation SHARAN DAJI to curb the activities of armed bandits and other security challenges in Zamfara and Kaduna states and the region in general.

“Recently, the Ministry directed the General Officer Commanding 8 Division to relocate his Tactical Headquarters from Sokoto to Gusau to adequately coordinate activities of Operation SHARAN DAJI until normalcy returns in the State.

“These are all geared towards realizing the mandate of the Ministry of Defence and achieving the Federal Government’s drive on security of its citizens and properties. However, it is noteworthy to state that the issue of drug abuse, unemployment and governance amongst others contributes to the deplorable security situation in Zamfara State.

“It is therefore suggested that the all necessary stakeholders should come together and take necessary steps to address these issues and to provide adequate support to security agencies so as to get maximum cooperation.”