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Defence and Security

Niger governor calls for review of intelligence network

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Gov. Abubakar Sani-Bello of Niger State
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Gov. Abubakar Sani-Bello of Niger has advocated the review of the Nigerian intelligence network to enhance intelligence gathering and fight against crimes and criminality in the country.

The Governor gave the call during a discussion panel at the 2nd Shinkafi Intelligence and Security Summit organized by the Umaru Shinkafi Legacy Foundation, in Abuja.

The theme of the Summit was “Socio-economic Implications of kidnapping and banditry in Nigeria”.

Sani-Bello said that Niger was suffering greatly from insecurity since the inception of his administration.

He explained that the government’s reconciliatory approach was not successful because the perpetrators are mere criminals, who are not ready to change their criminal behaviours owing to its lucrative nature.

He said on that basis, his government took a decision not to pay ransom to the criminals, pointing out that the criminals have grown into a very formidable network with handy informants.

According to the Governor,  “when we have tip-off and troops are deployed, the bandits get wind of their movement and relocate.”

On the issue of State Police, he said it was an idea whose time has come because Nigeria’s population has increased tremendously.

“We can’t continue to avoid the issue of state police forever, even if it’s not now certainly sometimes to come because Nigeria’s population has gone beyond 200 million.”

He weighed-in on the role of traditional rulers and religious leaders, who he described as the best security network.

“In tackling kidnapping and banditry, the role of traditional rulers and religious leaders in our society cannot be over-emphasised.

“Traditional rulers and religious leaders should be supported to effectively check their domains and subjects. Also, our religious leader have immense influence over worshippers.”

While commending the Foundation for sustaining the legacies of Alhaji Umaru Ali Shinkafi, he described Shinkafi as a sterling Police officer, astute lawyer and professional security expert, whose footprints still radiate in our contemporary security situation.

He insisted that incorporating vigilantes in fighting insecurity is the way to go, adding that people with impeccable character must, however, be recruited.

Other participants at the event include Governors Babagana Zulum of Borno, Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto state and Hope Uzodimma of Imo as well as Prof. Mahmud Jega, who moderated the panel discussion.

They all stressed the need for government at all levels to ensure access to functional education, food, health and youths engagement in order to curtail insecurity in the country.

They equally highlighted that all relevant security institutions should collaborate in fighting the war against banditry, kidnapping and other 21st century crimes.

The Emir of Zauzau, Amb. Ahmed Bamali, who addressed the gathering virtually, described  Shinkafi as a man of impeccable character and commended the organizers of the event.

 

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Defence and Security

Tinubu Appoints Retired General, Famadewa As Special Adviser On Homeland Security

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Major General Adeyinka Famadewa (Retired)
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President Bola Tinubu has appointed retired Major General Adeyinka Famadewa as Special Adviser on Homeland Security in a move aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s internal security and intelligence coordination.

The appointment was announced on Monday in a statement issued by Chris Ugwuegbulam, Head of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).

According to the statement, the appointment reflects the administration’s commitment to improving security coordination, boosting intelligence-driven operations, and enhancing collaboration among security agencies to tackle emerging threats across the country.

The statement described Famadewa as a highly experienced military officer with more than three decades of service in national security, intelligence operations, counter-terrorism, and international security diplomacy.

It noted that during his time as Principal General Staff Officer to the National Security Adviser between 2015 and 2021, Famadewa played a key role in shaping Nigeria’s intelligence coordination system.

One of his major contributions was the establishment of the Intelligence Fusion Centre (IFC) at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). The centre brought together key security and intelligence agencies including the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, and the Armed Forces.

The platform was designed to improve intelligence sharing, national threat assessment, and strategic response coordination among security agencies.

After retiring from active military service, Famadewa continued contributing to national security discussions as a Senior Research Fellow at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre in Abuja.

He is also the author of the monograph titled “Policing and National Security in Nigeria,” which focuses on improving cooperation between civilian institutions and security agencies.

President Tinubu expressed confidence that Famadewa’s experience and strategic expertise would help strengthen the administration’s efforts to achieve a safer and more secure Nigeria.

The President also urged the retired general to use his professionalism and wealth of experience to support the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and advance the country’s national security objectives.

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Defence and Security

Insecurity: CDS Orders Troops to Intensify Offensive Against Bandits in North-West

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CDS, Olufemi Oluyede
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The Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, has directed troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA to intensify operations against bandits and other criminal groups in Nigeria’s North-West region.

The directive was given during his operational visit to the Joint Task Force Headquarters in Gusau, Zamfara State, where he assessed troop readiness and ongoing efforts to restore peace in the area.

Addressing the soldiers, Oluyede praised their courage and sacrifices, urging them to remain disciplined and relentless. He stressed that the safety of citizens depends on their commitment, calling on them to pursue criminal elements until they are eliminated.

He also assured troops of continued support in welfare, training, and provision of necessary equipment to enhance their effectiveness in the field. The CDS highlighted the importance of improved air support and better coordination across operations.

During the visit, Oluyede paid a courtesy call to the Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, commending his support for military operations and encouraging stronger collaboration, especially in intelligence sharing.

Governor Lawal, in his response, appreciated the efforts of the Armed Forces and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting security operations in the state.

The visit included operational briefings, troop interactions, and an assessment of deployments as part of ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity in the region.

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Defence and Security

Tinubu Approves ₦15bn Take-Off Grant for New Police Academy Campus in Ogun

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of a new campus of the Nigeria Police Academy in Erinja, Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The President also approved a ₦15 billion take-off grant for the institution. According to his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the move aligns with the provisions of the Nigeria Police Academy (Establishment) Act, 2021, which allows for expansion into multiple campuses nationwide.

The take-off fund will be sourced from the TetFund 2026 allocation and will support key infrastructure, academic facilities, student accommodation, and essential training equipment.

The decision followed a high-level meeting involving the Minister of Police Affairs, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, officials of the Federal Ministry of Education, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission.

The meeting considered factors such as student capacity, funding, academic standards, and the long-term needs of the Nigerian Police Force. The expansion is expected to enhance policing education, institutional governance, and national security.

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