The valiant troops of Headquarters 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/ Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, OPWS in conjunction with other security agencies have arrested 10 suspected terrorists in Taraba State.
Captain Oni Olubodunde, Acting Assistant Director of the 6 Brigade Army Public Relations, said in a statement on Tuesday that the operations took place on Monday.
He said some of the operations were carried out at the Galeri and Kwondo Villages of Ardo-Kola and Bali Local Government Areas of the state.
In the first operation, two suspects, namely; Ali Ibrahim aka Yellow and Wetti Alhaji Ibrahim were arrested by the troops while an AK 47 rifle and 3 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition were recovered.
The statement added that in another operation, about 8 suspects, who have been attacking the Southern Taraba were also apprehended after weeks of covert intelligence-led operation.
It said that during a preliminary investigation, “it was revealed that the gang leader was part of Terwase Akwaza aka Gana’s gang.
“Items recovered include 10 Military Camouflage uniforms, the sum of Sixty Thousand Naira 60,000 and 30 rounds of 7.62MM Special ammunition after a search was conducted at one of the arrested suspects’ houses.
“The suspects are currently in custody and will be handed over to relevant authorities for further investigations and possible prosecution”.
Troops arrest 10 suspected terrorists, recover AK 47 rifle, 10 military camouflage
Troops arrest 10 suspected terrorists, recover AK 47 rifle, 10 military camouflage
NSCDC nabs seven for selling sand as fertiliser in Gombe
Gombe State Command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps on Tuesday paraded no fewer than seven suspects for adulteration of fertilizer in the state.
Recall that over time farmers have lamented the poor performance of fertilizer on crops.
The State Commandant Muhammad Bello, while leading a raid at their factory in the Nasarawa area lamented the economic sabotage on unsuspecting farmers who patronised their product.
According to Bello, the suspects specialised in fetching limestones from Katsina State for their business.
Bello said, “Our attention has been drawn to the wicked activities going on here where these people sell sand as fertilizer in this hardship. This is simply wickedness how can you sell in the place of fertiliser.”
While urging farmers to confirm the product before buying, Bello noted that they should buy only from authorised dealers.
“Members of the public especially farmers must desist from arbitrarily buying fertilizer without checks. You should be able to see what you want to buy. You can’t just go anywhere to get fertilizer so that you won’t fall victim to such adulterated product,” he added.
Speaking, the Plant Manager of the adulterated fertilizer, Usman Abubakar said they have so far produced no fewer than 1000 bags, adding that the raw materials for the products come from Katsina State.
“We used to get it from Kankara Local Government Area. We used to get red limestone, white limestone, potash, etc.
“We started production in Kano State but in the last two years, we have been producing in Gombe State. We have produced over 1000 bags in Gombe State,” he confessed.
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August 1: We’re not part of planned nationwide protest – Abuja owners
The original owners of the Abuja, under the Gbagyi/Gbari Youth Association, have warned anyone, groups or individuals planning to carry out a protest within the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, and its environs, to perish their idea.
The Gbagyi/Gbari youths and some of their prominent elders gave the warning at a press briefing jointly addressed by its Board of Trustee Chairman, Amb. Ayuba Ngbakp and Comrade Nuhu D. Auta, the President, Gbagyi/Gbari Youth Association.
TVN has it in authority that some Nigerians, who are no longer at home with the sufferings of the citizens across the country are ganging up to stage a large-scale protest against the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The news being spread about the protest has put all the thirty-six states of the federation and the federal capital Territory on edge.
However, the owners of Abuja said they won’t sit back and watch people from other states destroy the little they have through protest, adding that aggrieved members of the society should engage the government through dialogue.
They said that issues being canvassed are already on the table of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who, according to them, is working to ensure that those issues are adequately addressed.
The government also confirmed that the planned mass protest is in the pretence that they are fighting for the masses but with a self-serving undertone to grease their fading political relevance.
The Gbagyi/GBARI said that though the issues raised by the sponsors of the planned mass protest may be genuine, the adopted approach through a mass revolt may be counterproductive.
“The Gbagyi/Gbari Youths Association Of the Federal Capital Territory said it
has also observed that considering the loss of life and destruction of property in the EndSARProtest, such avoidable loss is glaringly imminent if the planned mass protest is allowed to pull through.
It therefore cautioned those behind the planned mass protest to shield their plans to avoid another national calamity.
”The Gbagyi/Gbari Youths Association wishes to categorically state that the youths of the Federal Capital Territory have distanced themselves from the planned mass protest being sponsored by faceless and yet-to-be-identified elements fighting for their hidden selfish political agenda.
“Youths of the Federal Capital Territory will not be used by known or unknown individuals just to settle scores with their political rivals.
“The FCT Youths are knowledgeable enough to know where to place their political priority and work for the development of the Federal Capital Territory.
“That the Youths of the Federal Capital Territory will not allow anyone or groups to truncate the ongoing development in the Federal Capital Territory occasioned by the administration of Tinubu.”
August 1: We’re not part of planned nationwide protest – Abuja owners
FG empowers Edo farmers with 18,000 bags of fertiliser
As part of efforts to boost food production, the Federal Government has empowered farmers in Edo with 18,000 bags of fertilisers to enhance their production for the 2024 farming seasons.
The State chairman of the All Farmers’ Association of Nigeria, Mr Bako Dogwo, disclosed this on Tuesday in Benin during a meeting with members of the association.
Dogwo said that the 18,000 bags, equivalent to 30 trucks, were out of the 1,652 million bags meant for farmers across the country.
The Federal Government, the AFAN chairman said, had paid over 80 per cent of its counterpart fund, while the farmers would pay at least 10 per cent of the cost of the fertiliser.
“The Federal Government is bringing so many inputs to Edo State. They are bringing fertilisers and it has paid 80 per cent of the cost of the fertilizer.
“It is supposed to be counterpart funding, but our state government, I can’t say why it has not paid its share of the fund.
“But it is now left for us, farmers, to pay at least 10 per cent to get the fertiliser if it comes to the state. For example, if the cost of fertiliser is N20,000 we are going to buy it with N10,000.
“Also, the Central Bank of Nigeria has just approved another fertiliser that will also come to the state, along with chemicals, inputs such as cassava stems, maize and rice for planting,” he said.
Dogwo said the fertiliser was only meant for the actual farmers and not “portfolio farmers”.
“The Federal Government is very serious for every farmer to benefit from its programmes. We are talking about the real farmers and not portfolio farmers.
“Members of AFAN are all genuine farmers and that was why we refused anyone to say that they are profiling farmers in the state. You cannot profile farmers. It is we that know who is a farmer and where such person farms,” he added.
Dogwo, who said the association was made up of more than 40,000 registered farmers, however, encouraged those that were yet to join the association to do so, noting that a time would come when it would cost much to be registered as a member.
He also urged members to encourage women to join any of the association’s affiliates, adding that it would provide them the opportunity to be taught all farming techniques and benefit from inputs and other intervention programmes.
NAN.
Flood: Disaster management everybody’s business – NEMA to Nigerians
Hajiya Zainab Suleiman-Saidu, Head of Operations, National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, Minna Operations Office, says disaster management is everybody’s business and not just the business of Federal Government agencies.
Suleiman-Saidu said this on Tuesday at a one-day stakeholders’ workshop on Sustainable Waste Management and Flood Preparedness held at Kwara State Library, Ilorin.
According to her, flood preparedness and waste management require a collaborative effort from governments, the private sector and local communities to build resilience against natural disasters.
She said with the increasing frequency and severity of floods due to climate change, proactive measures are essential.
“Disaster management is not just the business of NEMA or government agencies. It is everybody’s business.
“We must put our heads together to manage the disaster in 2024. We must show concern and stop showing negligence.
“Flood preparedness is very vital for safeguarding lives and property. Sustainable solutions are achievable through cooperation and dedication,” the NEMA official said.
Flood: Disaster management everybody’s business – NEMA to Nigerians
Reps pass Police Act Amendment Bill
The House of Representatives, on Tuesday, approved the Police Act Amendment Bill to allow the occupant of the Office of the Inspector General of Police to remain in office until the end of the term stipulated in the letter of appointment.
The House’s decision followed the consideration and approval of President Bola Tinubu’s request, seeking an amendment to the Principal Act to reflect on the tenure of the IGP.
The proposed legislation to amend the Nigeria Police Act 2020 seeks to guarantee the tenure of the IGP and enhance police operations by promoting accountability, modernising policing methods, and fostering a more harmonious relationship between the police and the community.
When the executive bill was read on the floor of the House on Tuesday, lawmakers voted unanimously to pass it expeditiously.
The Senate similarly passed it during its sitting on Tuesday.
Recall that earlier in July, police authorities denied allegations that the incumbent IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, made moves to influence the National Assembly to pass a bill seeking to raise the retirement age of officers.
The President appointed Egbetokun as the IGP in June 2023, and he is expected to stay in office for four years. He was appointed alongside four new service chiefs.
In compliance with Section 18(8) of the Police Act 2020, Egbetokun, who was born on September 4, 1964, is expected to retire in September 2024 at the age of 60.
A copy of the bill obtained by our correspondent showed that Section 18 of the Principal Act is amended by the addition of a new Sub-Section (8A).
It reads, “Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-section (8) of this section, any person appointed to the office of Inspector-General of Police shall remain in office until the end of the term stipulated in the letter of appointment in line with the provisions of Section 7(6) of this Act.”
Nigerian govt to pay minimum wage with N6.2tr supplementary budget
The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu, said on Tuesday the proposed N6.2 trillion supplementary budgetary would be used to pay the minimum wage.
The minister stated this while addressing the House of Representatives’ Committee on Appropriation in Abuja.
He said the funds would be spent on stimulating the economy through the implementation of various infrastructural projects.
He said N3 trillion was earmarked for the minimum wage whose bill President Bola Tinubu would send to the National Assembly soon.
Bagugu revealed that the budget was also aimed at providing counterpart funding for rail and other projects in the country.
The minister said: “These include the Port Harcourt Main Bridge which would traverse the rivers Imo, Enugu, Ebonyi, Anambra, Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau, Katsina, Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe, and other parts of the country.
“The second project is Badagry-Tin Can Port, Lekki Port, the Lagos-Ibadan Standard Gauge, and Kano-Marada Standard Gauge.”
He assured the lawmakers that the projects captured in the amendment to the 2024 Appropriation Bill would not limit the revenue available for the implementation of the 2024 budget.
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MMA Customs generates N80.3bn in six months
The Customs Area Command at Muritala Muhammed Area Command has generated N80.3 billion in the first half of the year.
The Customs Area Controller of MMAC, Michael Awe, told newsmen in Lagos on Tuesday that the amount doubled the N38.7 billion revenue generated in the first half of 2023.
He said that the additional N41.6 billion difference represented a 107.5 per cent increase when compared to the revenue generated in the same period of last year.
Awe attributed the increase in revenue generation to the support from the Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr Bashir Adeniyi and his management team.
He said that the difference recorded in the revenue collection was made possible by officers’ resilience in ensuring that agents made proper declarations and strict adherence to import/export guidelines in tandem with extant laws.
In the area of anti-smuggling, Awe said officers were not resting on their oars in enforcing government fiscal policies and other trade regulations.
“The Command made the following seizures of five packages of 250mg tramadol, 12 packages of 225mg tramadol, and one package of 50-round 9mm live ammunition.
“Other seizures include 46 packages of dried sea cucumbers, three packages of dried donkey male genitals, and 55 pieces of Jojef Tomahawk semi-automatic rifles.
“The cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the aforementioned items stood at N6.06 billion.
“These items are seized mainly because of various forms of infractions which range from false declarations, non-adherence to import/export guidelines, and failure to comply with other extant regulations as enshrined in the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCS Act) 2023,” Awe said.
The MMIA customs boss said that the command recorded N266.6 million of exported goods within the period under review, with a FOB value of $204.59 thousand.
On the command’s stakeholder engagements, he explained that the command established an open-door policy which had helped in resolving many issues of common interest with concerned stakeholders.
“Let me reiterate my call to our esteemed partners in the clearance value chain to always brace up to the emerging challenges as we work together to move the country forward,” he said.
Awe commended officers of the Command for their dedication to the noble cause of fighting smugglers, adding that they should adhere strictly to the rules of engagement while discharging their statutory duties.
He appreciated the contributions of the genuine stakeholders, other security agencies, and the media for their continuous support.
NAN.
I won’t disappoint workers, Oyebanji pledges
Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, on Tuesday, assured workers in the state that he would not disappoint them on the new minimum wage for workers.
Oyebanji, who spoke in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, during the presentation of N1b gratuities cheques to retirees, expressed hope that he would offset all outstanding pension arrears before the year ending.
The governor said, “On minimum wage, once it becomes a law when the President signs it into law, all will be well. The only thing I know, I am here to serve you. Let us wait, at the appropriate time, all will be well. One thing I know is that I am not going to disappoint you.”
The Senate and the House of Representatives on Tuesday passed the N70,000 National Wage Bill into law as forwarded to them by the President, Bola Tinubu, earlier the same day.
Oyebanji, speaking on local government autonomy, said, “We don’t have a problem with that judgment in Ekiti State. The local governments here (in Ekiti) enjoy financial autonomy and they are democratically elected local governments. We have to abide by the decision of the Supreme Court.
The governor assured the senior citizens that he would always be there for them, saying, “Pensioners are a critical part of our policies, they have worked for the state, they served the state and they deserve the best. We are not doing them a favour, they worked for these benefits and we must pay them”.
He, on behalf of the state government, apologised to the pensioners for the delay that they had endured over the gratuities.
On the occasion, 450 pensioners were handed cheques for their gratuities totalling N1b.
Oyebanji said, “Today and in this batch, we are paying out a total sum of N1b only to this batch while continuing with the monthly gratuity payment of N20m to both state and local government pensioners.
“I am proud to say we have paid in total, the sum of N12.56b as pensions since we assumed office. Similarly, this administration has paid a cumulative sum of N2.3b as a gratuity to our retired senior citizens. That is apart from the gratuity already paid to local government retirees.
“I am assuring those on the waiting list to keep hope alive as the government is doing everything possible to see that more people are paid very soon. Our ultimate objective is to completely liquidate all gratuity arrears in a short distant time.
“In addition, we have ensured that retirees are not left behind in the payment of wage awards to Ekiti government workers. Similarly, I am glad to mention that we have cleared all arrears of pension owed state pensioners totalling N1.14b earlier in the year, while about N150m outstanding deductions have been paid”.
The Nigeria Union of Pensioners State Chairman, Mr Joel Akinola, who lauded Oyebanji for his gesture to pensioners, said disbursement of a whopping N1b to gratuities to pensioners never happened in Ekiti until under the present governor.
Akinola assured the governor that money paid to pensioners would be spent in Ekiti State and enhance the state economy.
The NUP State Chairman expressed gratitude to the governor, saying, “Our welfare has improved. The free health scheme for the elderly has also benefitted us immensely, Health is wealth”.
He, however, advised beneficiaries to use the money judiciously to take care of themselves and avoid falling prey to dubious investors who would begin to knock on their doors.
ICPC’ll wield big stick when necessary — Chairman
The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, Musa Aliyu (SAN), on Tuesday, said the commission would not hesitate to wield the big stick against erring state Houses of Assembly legislators when necessary.
This is as he said the commission was ready to partner with the state legislative arm of government to fight corruption.
He spoke at the opening of a three-day capacity building workshop for Jigawa State legislators in Abuja.
Aliyu said, “At the ICPC, we will continue to carry out our three-pronged mandate of enforcement, prevention, public education, and mass mobilization within the confines of the law. We are ready to partner with the state legislature to advance the fight against corruption, as we have done and are still doing with other arms and tiers of government. However, we will succeed in wielding the big stick when the occasion demands that we do so.
“This is why I am appealing to us to take advantage of the learning sessions, share experiences where necessary, and leave the commission’s premises better informed than when you arrived.”
He urged the state legislative arm of government to be transparent and accountable to effectively combat corruption.
Aliyu said, “The relevance of the legislature in democratic governance need not be overemphasised. The oversight function is critical in ensuring that the legislature’s intent in making laws that will improve the living standard of the poor is reflected in the performance of the executive functions.
“The legislature is expected to detect waste, inefficiency, ineffectiveness, corruption, and mismanagement of public resources. However, these functions can only be effectively discharged by the legislative arm of government if it embraces transparency and accountability in its operations. This is why this workshop is so important.”
The acting Director, Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria, Richard Bello, said legislators are crucial in the fight against corruption in the country.
Bello said, “The importance of working with the legislative arm of government at both federal and state levels in combating the phenomenon of corruption can never be overstated. Legislators as direct representatives of the people in the corridors of power occupy a very sensitive position in a democratic setting such as ours in this country.
“The legislative arm of government is a veritable partner in the quest to tackle corruption in the country, as some of its institutional practices are ready tools that could be deployed to fight corruption.”