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Cooperate with NPF to Tackle Banditry, Terrorism, Police Affairs Minister Urges Communities
The Honourable Minister of Police Affairs, Dr. Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi has charged communities leaders and peace-loving members in the communities in the country to cooperate with the securities agencies in their efforts at fighting bandits and other senseless elements threatening peace and security.
He made this known during the interactive session with Crime Correspondents at the Ministry Headquarters in Abuja.
The Minister stated that security checks have confirmed that most banditry activities are perpetrated by people living in contiguous communities, using unpatriotic people in the same communities as agents that aid them with intelligence in carrying out their nefarious activities.
Dingyadi noted that policing infrastructure is currently receiving attention, through the recent deployment of drones by the Nigeria Police, for surveillance of vulnerable locations, and the deployment of additional Explosive Ordinance Devices to detect bombs and other covert measures will help in curtailing violent crimes.
We need intelligence to guide our operations and also need the support of the general public as we are improving on our intelligence, equipment, and well-kitted officer in the course of their operations. The Minister reiterated.
He said the Police is also re-strategizing its kinetic and non-kinetic operations with a view to crushing all forms of security challenges in the country. Nigeria Police Force has strengthened kinetic operations against mindless persons or groups orchestrating violence against Nigerians. The Minister stressed.
Dingyadi reiterated the Government’s commitment to maintaining peace, and provision of safety in order to create a conducive environment for economic growth noting that government will continue to require support to promote inclusiveness and a consistent campaign against enemies of our collective good.
According to him “let me reassure Nigerians, that the President Muhammadu Buhari led administration remains committed to ensuring that justice is done for both victims of crime and their perpetrators. Your continuous support to the police will strengthen the needed synergy between the police and citizenry in the fight against all forms of violent crimes in Nigeria, together we will win the peace and enhance security.
On the issue of the salary of the police, the Minister stated that the government is fast-tracking the increment adding that police management is up and doing to ensure collaboration with the Ministry of Finance for the increment to come into fruition. They have already started implementing part of it and very soon, it would be fully implemented. The Minister stressed.
Bolaji O. Kazeem
Head (Press and Public Relations Unit)
The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, has issued a restraining order against human rights activist and lawyer Dele Farotimi, prohibiting him from further publishing, selling, distributing, or advertising his controversial book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.
The ruling was delivered by Justice Peter Kekemeke following an ex-parte application brought by Kehinde Ogunwumiju, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, and managing partner at Afe Babalola’s law firm.
The court’s order extends to Farotimi’s agents, publishers, distributors, sellers, or anyone else involved in the dissemination of the book, whether in hard copy, digital formats, or through electronic or social media channels.
The injunction will remain in effect pending the determination of a motion on notice for an interlocutory injunction, filed on December 6, 2024.
Justice Kekemeke also directed the Nigerian Police Force, Department of State Services, DSS, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, and other security agencies to seize all physical copies of the book wherever found.
These agencies are required to submit an affidavit of compliance within 72 hours of receiving the order.
In a related case, the Oyo State High Court granted a similar interim injunction against Farotimi, barring him or any associates from further printing or distributing the book.
Justice Mufutau Adegbola issued the order after hearing an ex-parte application filed on December 9, 2024, by Adebayo Adenipekun, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria from Afe Babalola’s firm.
The Oyo court directed Farotimi’s lawyers to be notified of the motion, which has been adjourned for hearing on January 7, 2025.
An Allied Air Cargo aircraft with registration number 5N-JRT, on Wednesday, skidded off Runway 22 of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, prompting a temporary shutdown of the airport.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) confirmed the incident, which occurred at 10:05am, adding that five people were on board the aircraft. All passengers were safely evacuated without injury.
FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs. Obiageli Orah, said: “The Airport Emergency Response Team is on the scene along with accident investigators.
“The runway is being cleared and is expected to reopen for operations as soon as possible. We would like to thank the aviation community and the general public for their understanding and patience. We also request that all speculation be put on hold until the preliminary report is released by the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).”
The evacuees were taken to the FAAN clinic for medical checks as a precautionary measure. The incident has drawn the attention of aviation stakeholders, while efforts are underway to restore normal airport operations.
Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged landlords and property owners not to raise rents and property prices following the inauguration of key infrastructure projects in Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area.
While commissioning the Abiola-Ajayi-Ogba and Obawole-Iju-Ishaga road projects on Monday, Sanwo-Olu emphasised that these developments aim to provide relief to residents rather than add to their burdens.
“I appeal to landlords and landowners: do not increase your rents and property prices. The essence of the infrastructure built is to bring relief to the people and not burden residents,” he stated.
The newly inaugurated 643-meter road, featuring a bridge and slip roads, connects areas that were previously accessible only via makeshift wooden bridges requiring a crossing fee.
“I am committed to addressing the long-standing problems of communities, including flooding and commuting. These projects symbolise our dedication to improving Lagosians’ daily lives,” Sanwo-Olu added.
