by admin | Apr 7, 2025 | government, military, national security, politics, security
In August 2024, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, a prominent figure within Nigeria’s intelligence sector, was appointed as the new Director-General of the Department of State Security.
After six months of being here, Ajayi is advocating for fresh ideas regarding Nigeria that imply the breakdown of the government’s conventional security framework and its role in addressing the escalating instability.
As stated by the head of DSS, communities—as opposed to the nation’s security agencies—ought to be considered the primary defense against present challenges.
He made
the proposal
In mid-February in Abuja, several current and former security officials were present, including the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa; neither raised objections to this dubious notion.
You shouldn’t anticipate that the Nigerian Army, police, and SSS will safeguard each individual citizen,” he stated. “That approach won’t be effective.
We anticipate that security agencies will carry out their duties. This aligns with the constitution, which states that “ensuring the safety and well-being of citizens should be the main objective of governance.” It emphasizes this as not just a secondary aim, but rather the principal one.
This indicates that ensuring the safety of citizens is the top priority for the national government of the federation, which holds authority over and manages the security organizations.
Ajayi provided instances of Nigerian communities that have successfully countered and thwarted assaults, suggesting these could serve as models for Nigeria to overcome its security challenges.
This is a feeble argument. Nigerian communities have consistently protected themselves, and continue to do so, even when faced with an uneven distribution of contemporary weaponry. They often confront assailants armed only with traditional weapons like sticks and machetes, while their adversaries wield more advanced firearms such as pistols and automatic rifles—tools frequently used by abductors, extremists, or sometimes law enforcement personnel against these groups.
The state holds the primary duty to safeguard its populace, an obligation that falls upon the government once they have taken their oath of office. However, in Nigeria, following the swearing-in of officials, the pursuit of opulence and a feeling of authority frequently overshadow this sense of commitment.
We should remember that the APC gained power in 2015 primarily due to the unrest in Nigeria, with Muhammadu Buhari promising to leverage his military expertise to tackle this issue.
This indicates that both he and his successor, President Bola Tinubu, have collectively held power for the APC party for 10 years, unfortunately resulting in an increased sense of insecurity across Nigeria.
Remember, Buhari spent considerable time in a London hospital as insecurity grew worse. Similarly, Tinubu has frequently traveled to France for various trips, seemingly mired in ineptitude or crafting excuses to shirk their duties. This lets citizens bear burdens that the law assigns to officially designated bodies and institutions.
“Our society emphasizes community,” Ajayi stated in his intricately crafted initial strategy for defense.
Why can’t we join forces against scoundrels and frauds?
I was unaware that powerful, violent, and well-organized terrorist organizations were referred to as “miscreants.”
The head of DSS continued, “It is essential for the elite class to engage with their respective communities, approach us for validation and advice, after which we can jointly curb these troublemakers… security begins at an individual level…”
What does ‘Join us… get some form of approval and guidance’ mean? Who exactly are these ‘us’? In what way do Nigerian communities ‘join us’?
What exactly does “some form of approval” mean? Is there anything in Nigerian law that allows the Department of State Services (DSS) to equip villages and communities with items like brooms and clubs to confront herders who are equipped with automatic firearms and GPS technology?
Through which routes will villagers journey from the various parts of Nigeria to reach the DSS Headquarters along the Lagos-Kano railway line?
The Ajayis within the Tinubu administration have overlooked another aspect beyond the constitution: the APC came to power through what many perceive as fraudulent means, having sworn to eradicate Nigeria’s security issues.
Sure, here’s the information retrieved from the website of the electoral commission:
the 2015 APC Manifesto
, where it grandiosely promoted “APC’s practical answers.”
In addition to other commitments, the party pledged to:
Hire at least an additional 100,000 police officers and create a well-trained and adequately equipped Federal Anti-Terrorism Multi-Agency Task Force aimed at dismantling Boko Haram and all forms of insurgency.
Implement an instant salary increase along with enhanced benefits for all five security teams.
Tackle the root causes of unemployment, poverty, and social inequality that sparked the uprising by implementing an all-encompassing economic development plan aimed at revitalizing the impacted regions and their populations.
The APC expressed concerns: “Sixty percent of Nigerians reside below the poverty line, merely three percent receive adequate healthcare, and only about half of our children progress from primary to secondary education. Additionally, our roadways and railway networks are severely deteriorated. Fewer than thirty-five percent of the population has reliable access to electricity, with many experiencing frequent outages and persistent power deficits…”
It stated, “The Nigerian population requires assistance; aid from mismanagement, respite from the severe poverty faced by so many of us; relief from a deteriorating nation. An APC administration would deliver this support.”
Relief? A decade later, the APC had merely exacerbated the issues, leading to stratification marked by opulence and laziness among the elite and their relatives.
This all happened as the economy crashed, the naira depreciated sharply, major corporations withdrew, the power supply became unstable, joblessness surged, and many Nigerians migrated to neighboring countries like Niger, Cameroon, and Ghana. Wealthy Nigerians often relocate their loved ones overseas.
Rather than achieving security, we have accumulated an
Air Force arsenal
as the terrorists gain strength, which targets civilians, while the National Security Adviser offers praise
phantom “Tinubu Gains
.”
In January 2024, the Nigerian armed forces
announced
that it had dispatched its special forces throughout the nation as part of an intensified effort against insurgency, kidnappings, and various security threats.
In January 2025, Air Force chief Hassan Abubakar also
announced
That the Air Force completed 15,915 flight hours over an 18-month period. Then why has Nigeria become more insecure?
The issue lies within the lack of sincerity among Nigeria’s leaders, which keeps the country stagnant. The fact that Tinubu took a private trip to France while the crisis in Uromi was unfolding and as new US trade barriers were approaching serves as a reminder that he does not perceive our situation with any sense of immediacy.
Thus, Nigeria seems to be operating on autopilot with issues like insecurity, inadequate infrastructure, and a shrinking economy becoming routine. This situation is perpetuated by a government that believes citizens who are struggling to make ends meet should manage on their own.
However, it is not typical citizens such as Ajayi who possess the legal power to operate across Nigeria’s 36 states and 774 local government areas. If the DSS under Ajayi fails to recognize and neutralize these terrorist groups—which lack airports, sea ports, or diplomatic facilities—but can still freely resupply with weapons, then they bear responsibility for this failure.
How can armed herders managed by the DSS move freely to remote villages and farms across the nation, carrying out unchecked violence?
Why, DSS, are the intelligence agencies reveling in all the authority, prestige, armaments, and funds, whereas it is the impoverished citizens who have to resort to taking up weapons?
In this era of remarkable technological advancements, why is DSS concealing itself in Abuja, offering security and domestic assistance to politicians as Nigeria faces turmoil?
Perhaps citizens ought to take their defense into their own hands, rendering the DSS an unnecessary extravagance. If this were to happen, then it should be dismantled first.
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by admin | Apr 7, 2025 | ghana, government, international relations, politics, Travel
Ghana is moving forward with efforts to enable visa-free travel for its citizens visiting Morocco. According to Samuel Okudzeto, the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, both nations have consented to establish an accord that will remove visa restrictions for various types of visitors.
On a post made on the social media site X (previously known as Twitter), Okudzeto mentioned that the accord would shortly be submitted to the legislatures of both countries for approval. This comment came after his talks with Imane Ouaadil, who serves as Morocco’s ambassador to Ghana, which took place during the previous week.
The Ghanaian minister further emphasized the pledges made during the discussions to enhance collaboration in agriculture, tourism, and security sectors. Moreover, Morocco has opted to double the number of scholarships available for Ghanaian students pursuing their studies there, increasing them from 90 to 180.
Based on the Visa Index, citizens of Ghana need a visa to visit Morocco and should apply beforehand. Additionally, they require visas for 123 other nations, whereas e-visas can be obtained for travel to 38 destinations.
The post
Ghana aims for visa-free travel arrangement with Morocco
appeared first on
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by admin | Apr 3, 2025 | crime, crimes, government, nigeria, police and law enforcement
AKURE
A group of 28 individuals who engage in scams targeting people looking to emigrate for better opportunities has been dismantled by the Ondo State Security Network, also known as Amotekun Corps.
Led by a Ghanaian, the syndicate attracts the majority of its victims from Ghana by promising them secure visas to travel to the United States (USA), the United Kingdom (UK), Canada, and Australia.
The testimonies of the victims indicated that the syndicate had amassed more than $144 USD (₦216 million) from those they defrauded.
While recounting his experience, Jeremiah Amoah received communication from the leader of the syndicate—a Ghanaian based in Nigeria—who offered assistance in securing a visa for Australia.
He revealed that he had been requested to visit Nigeria. Upon arriving in Lagos, he was instructed to use public transportation to reach Akure, which is the state capital of Ondo State.
Upon reaching Akure, he was instructed to ride a commercial motorcycle to Oda town, where the group linked him up with others.
As per Jeremiah, once they stepped into the house, they promptly gathered $2,000 from him.
He eventually realized that he had been deceived when he learned about the plan to replace him with someone else from Ghana in order for him to gain freedom from the camp.
He revealed that he spotted 72 individuals along with several others who were being held hostage inside the building.
However, Jeremiah climbed over the compound’s wall and managed to flee.
After reaching out to his sibling in Ghana who listened to his harrowing experience, his brother then got in touch with his buddy from Nigeria.
The friend reached out to the Amotekun Corps, who promptly intervened and apprehended every individual in the premises.
Eight months prior, Jeremiah’s first brother reached the camp, followed by his second brother arriving three months ago and his third brother coming one and a half months back.
The Corps Commander, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, revealed that the individuals displayed as criminal suspects were apprehended over the past fortnight through collaborative efforts in the forested areas by various security agencies within the state.
He stated: “You know that the government of Ondo State, led competently by Dr. Lucky Aiyeditiwa, established a panel and a task force recently to address the growing security concerns within the state.”
This led to our code-named mission: Operation Daadaa. Security personnel from various units across Ondo State—such as the Amotekun Corps, the Police, the Army, and the Civil Defence—conducted extensive operations in areas like Alagada, Ago Ademekun, Ago Oyinbo Forest. These efforts were also directed towards Ose and Owo Local Government Areas, along with both Akure North and South Local Government Areas within Ondo State.
Today, we are marching with 61 suspected individuals. These suspects were apprehended due to multiple offenses occurring throughout the state. Regarding the matter of kidnappings, we have included both the victims and the detained perpetrators; these parties mutually recognized one another.
We also managed to dismantle a group of 28 individuals who specialize in abduction, human trafficking, and cattle theft.
They lure unwitting members of the public whom they claim can assist with obtaining U.S. visas. There are 28 Ghanaians who were lured to Akure; upon their arrival, these individuals are extorted for varying amounts—some pay $2,000, others $1,500—and then get kidnapped and held captive in Oda.
The sole condition for them leaving this location is to provide another group as replacements. The Eagle Eye unit from the Intelligence Division of the Amotekun Corps managed to locate them, and currently, we have 28 individuals with us. Additionally, some of these people have been rescued by the Corps and reunited with their families.
In the Owo Local Government Area, we managed to save a family of five from kidnappers without demanding any ransom. Similarly, another family of four was rescued under the same circumstances. These families are present as well, and not even one kobo was paid as ransom.
The only funds recovered from the Idanre group amounted to ₦210,000, which was what they had on them during negotiations for an exchange of £10 million. However, thanks to our intelligence network, we launched operations in the forest where they were being held, successfully rescuing them unharmed.
We also apprehended several individuals for cattle theft and breaching the anti-grazing regulations.
In particular, we have had Sylvester under surveillance as a potential kidnapper and he was apprehended at the old garage in Akure.
We also had Olaoluwa Akinmuyi and Anthony detained for comparable crimes. Additionally, Blessing Imafidon was apprehended in Araromi, Akure, charged with attempting murder. Furthermore, several individuals involved in cult activities were seized with weapons; these include Abdullahi Suberu and Abiodun Edward, who were caught in Owo and Ikare respectively.
“Also, under these two weeks under review with the Amotekun Rangers and Operation Daadaa, in collaboration with other security agencies, we arrested a group in the far Arimogija boundary of the Ondo/Edo that were dismantling critical Federal Government assets in terms of aluminum conductors and wires. This brings to a total of 61 suspected criminals.
Consequently, during Operation Daadaa, the armored rangers continue their efforts unceasingly within the forest regions. Meanwhile, officials from all 18 local government areas have been placed on high alert to safeguard lives and property across Ondo State.
We continue to uphold our commitment to guaranteeing the safety of lives and property in Ondo State.
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by admin | Apr 3, 2025 | culture, government, heritage, politics, politics and government
ABUJA
– The federal government plans to initiate the “Renewed Hope Cultural Project,” a countrywide program aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s cultural legacy, boosting tourism, and driving economic development.
This initiative supports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and seeks to protect Nigeria’s extensive cultural heritage while fostering economic growth by developing Renewed Hope Cultural Villages throughout the country.
Recently, speaking with reporters in Ilorin via telephone, Barr. Abiola Abdulkareem Jagunlabi, who serves as the Special Assistant to the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, and is also the project coordinator, detailed the goals of this new initiative.
He emphasized strategies for rehabilitating and protecting historical locations, landmarks, royal residences, and treasures, along with boosting cultural instruction and strengthening skills within nearby artisan communities.
Jagunlabi highlighted that this program aims to bolster rural areas by delivering vocational education, furnishing local craftsmen with business acumen, and presenting alternate professional routes for young Nigerians.
“The plan involves investing in historic sites, landmarks, and natural attractions, providing vocational skill development for women and young people in rural regions, and hosting lively cultural festivals and tourism events to showcase Nigeria’s rich diversity,” he said.
He additionally emphasized that the project’s success hinges on working together with state governments, local communities, and various stakeholders.
“Through collaboration, Nigeria has the potential to utilize the transformative impact of its arts, culture, tourism, and creative sectors for sustainable growth and social unity,” Jagunlabi emphasized.
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hajia Hannatu Musa Musawa, is leading initiatives aimed at fostering economic development via cutting-edge programs and policies.
She is proactively building alliances to foster growth within the creative sector, thereby opening up job prospects for young Nigerians.
The art and cultural industry in Nigeria holds substantial promise for enhancing tourism and fostering economic development.
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTWC) reports that Nigeria’s tourism industry accounted for around $7.2 billion, which represents roughly 2.8% of the country’s GDP in 2019.
By strategically investing in cultural tourism, this number could rise substantially, leading to increased employment opportunities and higher foreign exchange revenues.
Nations like France and Italy, which boast robust cultural tourism sectors, earn billions each year from their historical sites and events.
Through harnessing its rich tapestry of cultural elements—which includes more than 250 distinct ethnic groups, numerous traditional celebrations, and iconic historic sites—Nigeria has the potential to draw greater numbers of global visitors and boost domestic tourism income.
Statistics from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) show that more than 4.2 million Nigerians are now employed in the creative sector, suggesting substantial room for growth should adequate support be provided.
Jagunlabi further disclosed that the National Economic Council (NEC) has provided complete support for the initiative, acknowledging the essential part played by state governments in guaranteeing its successful implementation.
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by admin | Apr 3, 2025 | airport security, aviation, government, safety, security
Yet for the God of Sallah, who ordained a holiday at the start of the week, Nigerians might have been faced with further flight disruptions at our airports come Monday.
Flight personnel have now warned that they will shut down airports across the country beginning March 31st unless the customs official involved in assaulting the FAAN aviation security chief is dismissed.
The National Union of Air Transport Employees, represented by Ocheme Aba; the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, represented by Frances Akinjole; and the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals, represented by Abdul Rasaq Saidu, jointly issued a statement condemning the recurring physical attacks on Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria staff. They declared their refusal to accept further occurrences of these incidents.
The unions additionally requested the government to promptly decrease the count of customs personnel working in civil aviation, aligning with international norms.
Recently, the Nigerian aviation industry has seen an alarming pattern emerge: ongoing disputes and competition between various security organizations working within the nation’s airport facilities.
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Not only has this issue weakened the impact of security measures, but it has also endangered the well-being and peace of mind of travelers.
The competition between various security organizations such as the Nigerian Immigration Service, Nigerian Customs Service, Nigerian Police Force, and AVSEC staff has resulted in redundant tasks, contradictory instructions, and an overall climate of mistrust.
This has led to unnecessary disputes, hold-ups, harassment of travelers, and an adverse effect on the entire journey experience.
How do we get out of this deadlock?
Initially, there is a critical requirement for defining the roles and duties clearly amongst the different security organizations functioning within the airports. Achieving this involves conducting an extensive evaluation of current safety measures along with setting up a distinct hierarchy of authority.
Secondly, improving cooperation and communication between agencies is essential.
This can be achieved via frequent gatherings, shared training drills, and setting up a combined operations hub.
Through collaboration, security agencies can exchange information, synchronize their actions, and address security threats with greater efficiency.
Thirdly, the Nigerian authorities should allocate resources for the education and skill enhancement of law enforcement officers. This step is essential for improving their expertise, understanding, and professional standards.
Efficient security staff are well-prepared to manage intricate security scenarios, deliver outstanding client support, and foster a favorable national impression.
Ultimately, there is a requirement for robust supervision and tracking of security measures at the airports.
This objective can be met by setting up an autonomous oversight body capable of offering immediate input on security measures, pinpointing regions needing enhancement, and suggesting remedial steps.
The competition between security agencies at Nigerian airports acts as a ticking time bomb that needs urgent consideration.
Through clarifying duties and obligations, fostering better cooperation between agencies, allocating resources for education and skill enhancement, and ensuring robust monitoring, we can unify security efforts, create safer surroundings, and improve the entire journey process.
It’s time to take action immediately.
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by admin | Apr 2, 2025 | controversies, government, news, politics, politics and government
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected Peter Obi’s criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government, describing it as a rant from someone experiencing “an extended period of post-election defeat frustration.”
In a statement released on Wednesday, Barrister Felix Morka, who serves as the National Publicity Secretary for the governing party, commented on remarks allegedly made during a Prime Time show on Arise Television on Tuesday by the previous Labour Party contender.
The APC alleged that Obi delivered a comprehensive criticism of the Tinubu administration while intentionally overlooking its accomplishments in nearly every sector.
To tell you the truth, watching Mr. Obi struggle fruitlessly to construct any coherent critique of the economy despite the clear and indisputable evidence of progress from the administration’s reform efforts was quite distressing. Even his usual tactic of exaggerating temporary challenges faced by Nigerians who have backed the President’s ambitious and innovative economic strategy failed to provide him with an escape route. As he stumbled through his presentation on national TV, he ended up looking like a symbol of exasperation and political hopelessness.
Mr. Obi often says, ‘I could have done better as president,’ indicating a prolonged state of disillusionment following electoral defeats. He seems unable to accept that he does not hold the office of presidency. Similar to an unqualified passenger who believes they are a professional racer, Mr. Obi ought to rein in his inflated and misguided sense of self.
Latest Update: Edo Court Rejects Action Alliance’s Petition Against Governor Okpebholo
In Other News: Tinubu Heads to Paris on Working Visit
Updated Information: Tinubu Names Bayo Ojulari as New Head of NNPC Group
Opposition politics isn’t focused on dismissing the numerous achievements of the administration. Instead, it involves pointing out potential issues while also recognizing the positive aspects. This approach doesn’t aim at overall criticism meant to deceive or gain easy political points. The consistent advancement made by the Tinubu administration in various fields is clear and visible to every Nigerian.
In listing the government’s achievements in reviving the economy, increasing foreign reserves, restoring idle refineries, and reducing inflation, the APC asserted that Tinubu would remain focused despite criticism from figures like Obi. As the former Governor of Anambra State, Obi left behind an unfortunate heritage marked by economic decline, deteriorated infrastructure, environmental crises, and heightened religious tensions.
The declaration went on to say: “As both the previous governor of Lagos State and currently serving as president, Tinubu has proven himself to be an unyielding achiever who fearlessly tackles daunting tasks head-on, converting them into chances for progress. Just like his accomplishments in Lagos, President Tinubu is now driving similar advancements across Nigeria. The country’s economy shows steady recovery, consistently recording enhanced trade surpluses leading to projected economic growth of 3.6% this financial year. Foreign reserves are rapidly increasing, domestic refineries have been restored and put back into operation, food price increases are slowing down, various currency rates have successfully converged which encourages more foreign investment and remittance inflows, and the foreign exchange market remains relatively stable.”
The administration highlights its achievements through the resolved $7 billion foreign currency backlog and Ways and Means debt exceeding $30 billion. They have decreased their debt servicing ratio from 98 percent down to around 64 percent. Oil production has surged past 1.8 million barrels per day (mbpd), breaking OPEC’s long-standing quota of 1.5 mbpd after numerous years. The country’s stock exchange market, which has become among the most lucrative globally, reflects this progress. Additionally, significant growth across various sectors including agriculture, mining, steel, manufacturing, creativity, and others aims at boosting non-oil contributions to Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Recently, Chatham House recognized the national economy as being more competitive than ever before within the last quarter-century.
While global organizations and specialists are praising the quiet economic transformation underway under President Tinubu’s leadership, Obi and his fellow opposition supporters persist in dismissing President Tinubu’s remarkable and unparalleled accomplishments nearing the midpoint of his term.
President Tinubu continues to remain unwaveringly concentrated on achieving effective governance and enhanced economic circumstances for Nigeria’s entire population.
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