Overview: Minister Idris Refutes Misleading Media Report on Borno Security The Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation has firmly denied claims that Minister Mohammed Idris downplayed the security crisis in Borno State, following a misleading report by an online publication. In a press statement released by Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister, the ministry labeled the headline claiming Minister Idris said, “Ignore Zulum, Boko Haram is not taking over Borno,” as false, sensational, and deliberately distorted. This clarification aims to reaffirm the Federal Government’s ongoing anti-terrorism efforts, particularly in regions like Borno State still facing insurgent threats. Minister Idris Reaffirms Government’s Anti-Terrorism Stance According to the official release, Minister Idris acknowledged that while significant progress has been made in restoring national peace, some areas still grapple with security challenges, including Borno State. “The Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is fully committed to eradicating terrorism and banditry,” said the Minister. “We recognize the situation in Borno and continue to focus resources, intelligence, and military strength to restore lasting peace.” This strong stance counters any media narratives suggesting otherwise. Call for Unity and Collective Responsibility Minister Idris stressed the need for cooperation among federal, state, and local authorities, as well as other security stakeholders, in addressing Nigeria’s complex security landscape. “Rebuilding peace is not a task for one arm of government. It requires unity, commitment, and the involvement of all stakeholders,” he said. This statement mirrors sentiments expressed in President Tinubu’s national address where he emphasized security as a top national priority. Appeal for Responsible Journalism The Ministry also addressed the negative impact of sensational headlines, urging journalists and media outlets to adhere to ethical standards and publish only verified, accurate reports. “The fight against terrorism must not be undermined by reckless media coverage. Sensationalism distracts from the efforts of our military and security forces,” the statement concluded. Conclusion: Federal Government Is Not Ignoring Borno, But Tackling Terrorism Head-On Minister Mohammed Idris’ clarification reinforces the fact that the Federal Government is actively addressing the security situation in Borno State. Rather than ignoring the issue, it is deploying comprehensive strategies and calling for a unified front against terrorism. As misinformation continues to cloud public perception, it is vital for the media to maintain truthful reporting and for citizens to stay informed through credible sources. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
On Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu gave Nigerians hope that better times are coming and presented a positive outlook for the country’s future.As he presented Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, the Acting Chief of Army Staff, with the new rank of Lieutenant General in his office at the State House in Abuja, the President credited the military’s “synergy” for the success in combating terrorism and banditry and urged the service chiefs to maintain good relations for the benefit of the nation.“The country has been calmed by your cooperation, and we need that stability to continue,” he remarked. We must reassure every citizen that prosperity is within their reach. The military was praised by President Tinubu for its steadfast bravery, commitment, and patriotism in preserving national security.The President said, “It is a privilege and an honor to decorate you today.”“Your dedication and service to the Nigerian military, demonstrated by your stellar record, are reflected in this commendation.The President remarked, “We appreciate everything you have been doing to keep the nation safe and stable.” President Tinubu gave the military his word that the government will always take their suggestions into consideration and steer the nation toward prosperity and peace.“We are having difficulties, but we are making progress,” he continued. Lt. Gen. Oluyede, the Acting COAS, conveyed his sincere appreciation, acknowledged the gravity of the situation, and reaffirmed his dedication to preserving the Chief’s vision. of Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, Army Staff, and to preserving national harmony.On September 19, 1992, Lt. Gen. Oluyede (N/9318) received a Regular Combatant Commission as a second lieutenant, joining the 39 Regular Course. Seniority in the same rank was conferred on September 12, 1987. He took part in a number of missions, such as Operation Harmony IV in Bakassi, Operation Hadin Kai in the Northeast, and the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) mission in Liberia. READ ALSO: National grid collapse: TCN blames line tripping, says will be restore
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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) recently intercepted cocaine worth over N4 billion at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos. NDLEA operatives seized 845 wraps of cocaine, weighing 18.72 kg, which were allegedly smuggled by an international drug syndicate operating between Brazil, Ethiopia, and Nigeria. The contraband, valued at N4.49 billion, was hidden in the waste compartments of two rear lavatories on an Ethiopian Airlines flight from Addis Ababa to Lagos on October 29, 2024. The NDLEA, alerted to the suspicious packages, retrieved the drugs, wrapped in nine polythene bags. Around 30 suspects have been interrogated in connection with the case. Reports indicate that couriers transported the drugs from Brazil to Ethiopia through ingestion and later excreted them in Addis Ababa, where they were collected by other traffickers. These traffickers attempted to smuggle the drugs into Nigeria but were foiled with help from the airline and other airport partners.In related news, NDLEA also intercepted other illicit drugs, including 2.928 kg of cocaine, cannabis, and tramadol 225 mg, concealed in body cream containers and art pieces intended for export to Australia, UAE, and the UK via courier companies in Lagos. At Lagos’s Apapa seaport, NDLEA officers seized 754,000 tablets of tapentadol and acetaminophen 225 mg, valued at N525 million, from an incoming container from India. In the Federal Capital Territory, a 24-year-old man was caught with 147,000 tramadol pills, while another was apprehended with 512 grams of methamphetamine. READ ALSO: Obi’s remark on turning church vigils into night shifts sparks mixed reactions Further arrests included suspects in Kogi, Katsina, Adamawa, Taraba, Ondo, Kaduna, and Edo, with large amounts of drugs and fake currency discovered in vehicles, hotels, and rural areas. The NDLEA also advanced its anti-drug campaign through educational outreach under the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) program, providing lectures at schools, workplaces, and community centers nationwide.NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa commended officers for their efforts in both enforcement and education, acknowledging their dedication to combatting drug abuse and trafficking across Nigeria. we love to have you back again, Kindly Subscribe to our Newsletter
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The Nigerian Immigration Service has unveiled intentions to use new technology advancements to improve migration management and border security in the nation. In a renewed attempt to improve its operations, the NIS also revealed that it had promoted 13,977 personnel in total since 2024 began. “We acknowledge the challenges of safeguarding our 4,047 km borders with Benin (773 km), Cameroun (1690 km), Chad (87 km), Niger (1497), and the Gulf of Guinea (853 km),” said Kemi Nandap, the Controller General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, during his remarks at the 2024 annual General Conference of the NIS in Jos on Friday. “Despite the many obstacles we have faced over the past year, we have made great strides because to our team’s perseverance and commitment. “We’re glad to allow you to understand the continuous changes over the years, such as our most recent operational and administrative reforms that have a significant impact on the following areas: Interagency Synergy, Border Governance, Passport Administration and Control, Visa Regime, Infrastructure Development, ICT Deployment, ECOWAS Heads of Immigration Forum (collaboration), Staff Welfare, and Human Capital Development, which includes the promotion of 13,977 officers in 2024 alone. “It is convenient for me to emphasize that, in the context of the NIS’s legislative responsibilities, we always seek to guarantee a fair balance between security and the facilitation of free movement. “NIS is dedicated to addressing these challenges by utilizing technology, international collaboration, and capacity building.” The head of NIS was hopeful that the conference would provide them another chance to rethink their approach and work together to take the NIS to higher levels. Nigeria can only be safe, productive, and protective if its borders are secure, according to Interior Minister Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. According to Tunji-Ojo, global security is now proactive rather than reactive. To properly safeguard the country’s borders, he urged cooperation and coordination between the Nigeria Immigration Service, Customs Service, and Border Community Development Agency. The Minister stated, “The Immigration Service is an organization for rational thinkers, strategists, and innovators with the correct ideologies; thus, research into new ideas to keep abreast of happenings in the world.” Caleb Mutfwang, the governor of Plateau State, also spoke, expressing worry about the border issues the state has had, with people from neighboring countries occasionally entering without the necessary inspections. In the person of The Governor, Samuel Jatau, the Secretary to the Government of the State, insisted that his administration was dedicated to encouraging more cooperation with the Nigeria Immigration Service and other stakeholders in order to guarantee that every issue that was discovered is resolved. READ ALSO: Jose Castillejo, a former Valencia defender, was one of 158 people killed in Spain’s flash floods. According to our correspondent, the annual conference with the theme “Enhancing Border Security and Migration Management in a Globalized World: Challenges and Opportunities for Nigeria” sought to identify new opportunities and challenges in immigration services and border governance as well as create long-term plans for reorienting the NIS to better serve both national security and economic interests. We love to have you back, Kindly Subscribe to our NewLetter.
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On Thursday, the Nigerian Senate urged swift measures to tackle the growing drug abuse problem, especially among the country’s youth. During a one-day national event aimed at encouraging parental involvement in combating drug use and irresponsible behavior, senators warned that failure to act could have significant social and economic impacts on Nigeria’s young generation. Deputy Senate Leader Senator Lola Ashiru, representing Senate President Godswill Akpabio, stressed the urgent need for action. The event, organized by the Joint Committee on Drugs and Narcotics in partnership with the National Association of Nigerian Drug Monitoring (NANDRUM), called for a united effort to curb drug abuse. Senator Ashiru highlighted the link between drug abuse and rising crime, as well as its effects on access to quality education, emphasizing that the solution starts at home, with parents playing a crucial role. “Combating drug abuse is a fight for our future. As parents, we lead this effort, providing guidance and creating environments where positive choices are encouraged. Open discussions about the dangers of drugs are essential,” he stated. Event convener Ambassador Cristabel Okoye also underscored the role of parents in guiding children from an early age. She voiced concerns over the glamorization of drugs in movies and music videos, which she believes promotes harmful behavior, costing valuable lives. READ ALSO: N300m paid to Landowners for Airpot Project in Ekiti With the youth facing a drug addiction crisis, the Senate declared the issue an emergency and called for immediate intervention to mitigate its impact.
