Metro
Why We Hold Townhall Engagements – Sulaiman-Ibrahim
The Minister of State for Police Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim, has said that townhall engagements across the country would catalyze grassroots understanding of security dynamics and foster community-specific solutions.
She stated this according to a statement by Deputy Director, Information & Public Relations, Mr. Bolaji Kazeem, and made available to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), during the Renewed Hope Police Agenda: Citizens Town Hall Engagement on Strengthening Community Policing in Nigeria with the theme; Community Policing: Building A Safer Nigeria Together, held at the Alhaji Aliyu Akwe Doma Banquet Hall Nasarawa State Government House, Lafia.
The Minister stated that security is inherently local, and people’s approach must reflect an appreciation for each community’s distinct characteristics, challenges and strengths.
In her words, “Security is local, and we must acknowledge and embrace the unique dynamics of each community in ourpursuit of a safer nation. Today’s town hall is a reflection of the significant shift in our approach to policing. As you may be aware, Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 puts the security and welfare of our people as the government’s priority”.
Imaan added that Mr. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has placed security at the centre of the administration’s eight(8) priorities, and they have commenced the implementation of the Renewed Hope Police Agenda, which will ensure that our police force is strategically positioned to fulfill its mandate.
According to her, “At the heart of this Renewed Hope Police Agenda is the implementation of a community policing strategy that is designed based on local peculiarities and considerations, withthe full participation of members of the various communities and stakeholder blocks, to ensure inclusivity and full ownership. The Minister of State opined that NasarawaState is unique in terms of security. The state is home to a very diverse andrapidly growing community. She noted that Nasarawa has substantial mineral deposits that attract both local and international attention. Its proximity tothe Federal Capital Territory (FCT) brings significant socio-economicopportunities but also increases the security burden. She stressed. Imaan reiterated that the Renewed Hope Police Agenda for Nasarawa State, therefore, seeks to build on local efforts while supporting the existing collaborations that have made Nasarawa a shining example of effective security measures within the North Central Region.She outlined the six foundational pillars that serve as strategic frameworks carefully designed to redefine andstrengthen the Nigeria Police Force such as Technical and Operational Excellence: Infrastructure Advancement: Welfare Enhancement: Policy Framework Development: Policy Framework Development and Re-branding, Strategic Communication, and Public Trust Management. The National Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Alhaji Mogaji Ibraheem Olaniyan represented by the National Vice Chairman, Don Kenneth Otuonunyo, stated that police are the main focus in policing, and security revolves around them, noting that there is a wide gap between Nigeria Police Force and the society, making policing difficult in the country.
He added that the community must be ready to collaborate with the police by giving necessary information that will enhance their performance. Police work 24 hours every day without break, and they need support and encouragement to succeed.
In his remarks, the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, said that the state is willing to collaborate with the Ministry of Police Affairs and NigeriaPolice Force to enhance policing in Nigeria and urged the private sector andother relevant stakeholders to support the Renewed Hope Police Agenda to achieveits objectives.
In his welcome remarks, the Inspector General of Police IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, represented by the Deputy Inspector General, (Intelligence), DIG Dasuki Galadachi, revealed that the Inspector General of Police in conjunction with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has approved the Crime Data Analysis and Mapping in all the local government in the country.
By Eric Elezuo
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police have debunked reported assassination attempt on the life of Naval Lt MA Yerima, the soldier, who stood to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, over a disputed land.
In a statement by the FCT Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the command insisted that no such incident happened or was reported anywhere around Abuja, asking residents to ignore the reports as fake.
The statement further advised the public to ‘disregard the false information, and desist from spreading unverified claims capable of causing unnecessary panic’.
Recall that it was reported on Sunday night that Lt. Yerima escaped assassination after black hilux trucks trailed him. This reported escaped is coming on the heels of a heated altercation the Naval officer had with Wike over a parcel of land said to belong to a former Chief of Naval Staff.
The Presidency has since welded into the matter, ordering a stay on the demolition plans.
The statement in full:
The attention of the FCT Police Command has been drawn to publications circulating on social media alleging an attempted assassination on Lt. Ahmed Yerima. The Command wishes to categorically state that no such incident has been reported or recorded anywhere within the Federal Capital Territory. The public is advised to disregard this false information and desist from spreading unverified claims capable of causing unnecessary panic.
For the safety of all residents, the Command urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the nearest Police Division. You may also reach the Command Headquarters through our emergency lines: 08032003913 and 08068587311 for prompt response.
Nigerians were last night divided over the report that Navy Lieutenant Ahmad M. Yerima narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in Abuja, with many now questioning whether the incident happened exactly as described.
Initial reports from multiple news platforms claimed Yerima was trailed by two unmarked Hilux vans without number plates, prompting a high-speed chase and a “tactical manoeuvre” that allegedly saved his life.
The report quoted military sources who said the vehicles allegedly followed him from the NIPCO Filling Station off the Line Expressway to Gado Nasco Way at about 6:30p.m.
The source added that the matter is under investigation and is receiving “the seriousness it deserves,” noting that further details are being withheld so as not to compromise the process.
The development comes days after Yerima, while on duty with other security personnel, engaged in a tense confrontation with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike over a disputed land site in Gaduwa District. The clash, captured on viral videos, sparked widespread public debate and prompted intervention from the Presidency, which subsequently halted the demolition exercise at the site.
But as the story spreads, so do doubts. Critics argue that the details remain vague and rely heavily on Yerima’s personal account, with no confirmed CCTV footage, eyewitness statements, or official security briefings to back the claims. Some security analysts say the descriptions sound “too cinematic,” raising the possibility of misinterpretation or exaggeration.
Adding to the skepticism is the timing of the report, coming just days after Yerima’s viral confrontation with Wike over a halted demolition exercise. While social media users have tried to link both events, officials insist there is no evidence connecting Wike or any political figure to the alleged chase.
Already, military veterans nationwide have criticised Wike for verbally insulting the officer and rejected calls for disciplinary action against Yerima. Spokesman for the Coalition of Retired Veterans, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, warned that ex-service members would “occupy the office and residence of the FCT Minister” if the officer faced any punishment.
Many others want clarity: Was the officer truly targeted, or is this a case of panic amplified by public emotion and online speculation? Investigators are yet to provide answers.
Adron Homes set the stage for a remarkable sporting experience by hosting the Adron Cup Golf Tournament, bringing together golf enthusiasts, industry professionals, and distinguished guests for a day dedicated to excellence, competition, and camaraderie.
The tournament was officially declared open by the Chairman of Adron Group, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, who earlier this year received the first-ever Nigeria’s Noble Golfer Award, reflecting his growing influence and passion for the game of golf. In a moment that drew applause across the course, he performed the ceremonial tee-off, symbolically setting the tournament in motion.
Following the opening, the Chairman embarked on a tour of the golf course, delighting participants and spectators alike. He played several holes, showing his enthusiasm for the game, while also taking time to engage, encourage, and cheer on the competing golfers.
Players described the experience as inspiring, noting that the Chairman’s presence elevated the spirit of the competition and reinforced the values of sportsmanship and unity that the tournament represents.
As the tournament concluded, Mr. Sunday Aderibigbe, representing the Chairman of Adron Homes, officiated the presentation of awards and the official unveiling ceremony. His presence added prestige to the event and affirmed the company’s continued commitment to celebrating excellence within the golfing community.
The inaugural Adron Cup Golf Tournament marks the beginning of what promises to be a premier sporting event in the region, reflecting Adron Group’s commitment not only to excellence in real estate but also to promoting recreation, community engagement, and healthy living through sport.
The event concluded with commendations for the organizers and enthusiastic feedback from participants, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.
