Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Category: News

Security Threats: Nigeria’s Police Chief plans Special Intervention Squad

The Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has unveiled a strategic initiative to establish a Special Intervention Squad (SIS) aimed at addressing security challenges across the country.

Egbetokun made this announcement during a courtesy call on Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State at the Government House on Saturday.

Egbetokun sought the Kano state government’s support for the success of this initiative, as Kano is one of the chosen pilot states for the implementation of the Special Intervention Squad.

He explained, “We are introducing the Special Intervention Squad (SIS) to swiftly respond to crises and violent crimes in Nigeria. This dedicated squad will be readily deployable to manage these challenges.”

The IGP emphasized that the effectiveness of the new squad hinges on the cooperation and support extended by the Kano state government.

He assured that the squad would consist of well-trained personnel, equipped with modern facilities, and provided with adequate remuneration to effectively combat security threats.

Addressing Governor Yusuf, Egbetokun stated, “We have selected Kano state as a pilot state for this program. The success of this initiative largely depends on the support we receive from Your Excellency. I humbly urge you to consider this as a request from the Nigerian Police to Governor Yusuf.”

In response, Governor Yusuf praised the commitment demonstrated by the current police management in tackling challenges like banditry, kidnapping, and armed robbery. He commended the positive impact of effective policing in Kano state, contributing significantly to the reduction of security issues since the new administration took office.

Yusuf reiterated the state government’s commitment to support the police in their efforts to maintain law and order. He emphasized the positive relationship between the government and police authorities, highlighting joint efforts to address various security concerns.

The governor also called on the IGP to extend support in the state’s fight against drug abuse, armed robbery, and other criminal activities. He expressed appreciation for the ongoing efforts by the police to combat kidnapping on both the state and national levels.

The collaboration between the police and the Kano state government underscores the commitment to enhancing security and fostering peace in the region.

08/13/2023
Niger Crisis: ECOWAS Parliament divided over military option

The ECOWAS Parliament was on Saturday divided over taking military action as an option aimed at tackling the political situation in Niger Republic and restoring civil rule there.

Some members called for actions that would nip the military incursion into politics within the region, while others identified diplomacy and dialogue as the best approaches to tackling the crisis.

No fewer than 22 parliamentarians participated in the virtual extraordinary meeting to discuss the political crisis in Niger.

Some members who were against military intervention highlighted the economic woes that the people of Niger could experience if invaded.

Ali Djibo, from Niger Republic, said already at least 9,000 schools had been shut down owing to the crisis.

“War will only compound the economic woes the peoples of the sub-region are already going through.

“As we speak, over a thousand trucks, loaded with goods, are stranded at the border.

“If a coup happened in Nigeria or Cote’d’Iviore tomorrow, where’s the ECOWAS going to mobilise troops to fight the Nigerian or Ivorian military? How many borders are we going to close?

“We must also bear in mind that if we’re applying the ECOWAS treaty, it should be applicable to all.”

Awaji-Inombek Dagomie Abiante (Rivers), ECOWAS must pay keen attention and treat the root causes of coups in ECOWAS countries

Members of the ECOWAS Parliament making a case for military intervention in Niger said diplomacy had contributed in no small measure to the increase in the spate of military takeover of government in the West African sub-region.

Contributing, Adebayo Balogun, posited that ECOWAS leaders were proposing military action to remove the junta, and not clamouring for a fully-fledged war.

He recalled that Niger was a signatory to the ECOWAS’ revised protocol on non-military intervention.

Also, Bashir Dawodu expressed the belief that the body should open itself up to the possibility of a military option and apply pressure on the junta while also exploring dialogue.

08/12/2023
Global gas flaring detrimental to health, environment, IEA warns

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has issued a stark warning about the harmful effects of worldwide gas flaring, which releases approximately 140 billion cubic meters (bcm) of natural gas annually.

This process contributes significantly to CO2 emissions, methane, and black soot, posing severe health and environmental risks.

In its report titled ‘Tracking Flaring Emissions,’ the IEA highlighted a slight reduction in global gas flaring volume for 2022, down by about 5 billion cubic meters (bcm) to 139 bcm, marking a roughly 3% decrease. Surprisingly, the volumes of natural gas flared in 2022 were comparable to levels observed in 2010.

The report underscored that gas flaring led to the emission of approximately 500 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in greenhouse gases during 2022. Moreover, nearly 70% of flared gas is directed to flares that operate almost continuously.

In the context of the Net Zero Emissions by 2050 (NZE) Scenario, the IEA projected that all non-emergency flaring would be eradicated globally by 2030.

This ambitious target would result in a remarkable 95% reduction in flared volumes, thereby preventing the release of 365 million tonnes of CO2-equivalent emissions.

The IEA emphasized the dire consequences of non-emergency flaring and venting, processes that are even more environmentally damaging than flaring. These practices occur when operators opt to burn associated gas continually or semi-permanently during production or release it into the atmosphere.

The IEA estimated that the average global combustion efficiency, considering both active and extinguished flares, is roughly 92%, leading to the substantial release of potent greenhouse gases like methane, black soot, and nitrous oxide into the atmosphere.

Highlighting potential solutions, the report indicated that oil producers possess a range of readily available options to reduce and eliminate flaring. Additionally, various new technologies are under development to address this pressing concern.

08/12/2023
Niger Crisis: ECOWAS Parliament holds extra-ordinary session

The ECOWAS Parliament will on Saturday, August 12 hold a virtual Extra-Ordinary Session to exhaustively discuss the recent political developments in the Republic of Niger.

This is contained in a statement by the Communications Division of the parliament.

The parliament said that within the context of giant changes that occurred in the politico-economic spectrum of the world in the late 1980s, several ECOWAS member states were motivated to take decisive steps towards achieving peace and security through the development of democracy and good governance by the early 1990s.

“Thus, the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance came into force in 2001, marking an important stage in the sub-region’s political development.

“Military regimes and one-party systems caved in for the emergence of multi-Party democracies.

“Nevertheless, recent political developments in the region are pointing toward a reversal of the political gains of the past two decades.

“There is a resurgence of unconstitutional changes of government through military coup d’etat, as recorded in four Member States of the sub-region, namely: the Republics of Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and most recently, Niger,’’ the parliament observed.

It said consequent upon such developments, the day-long session would see the 115-member parliament considering the emerging developments, following the unconstitutional change of government by the military of the Republic of Niger.

Niger’s military last month imprisoned President Mohamed Bazoum and assumed power, drawing condemnation from international powers and raising the spectre of further conflict in the impoverished Sahel region of West Africa which is already overrun by a deadly Islamist insurgency.

The ECOWAS Parliament has a total of 115 seats and 14 Standing Committees.

Each member state is guaranteed a minimum of allotted five seats, with the remaining 40 seats distributed in proportion to the population of each country.

Consequently, Nigeria has a total of 35 seats, followed by Ghana with eight seats.

Côte d’Ivoire is allotted seven seats, while Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, Niger, and Senegal have six seats respectively.

The remaining ECOWAS member states, namely Benin, Cabo Verde, The Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Togo, have allotted to each of them, five seats.

08/12/2023
NiMet predicts 3-day cloudiness, sunshine from Saturday

*Thunderstorms to occur in parts of Kebbi, Adamawa, Taraba

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted cloudiness and sunshine from Saturday to Monday across the nation.

NiMet`s weather outlook released at the weekend in Abuja, forecasts cloudy skies on Saturday with intervals of sunshine over the northern region with chances of early morning thunderstorms over parts of Kebbi, Adamawa, and Taraba.

According to it, isolated thunderstorms are expected over parts of Borno, Adamawa, Taraba, Bauchi, and Gombe later in the day.

“Cloudy atmosphere is anticipated over the North Central region with chances of morning rains over parts of Kogi, Benue, the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, and Nasarawa.

“Later in the day, intermittent rains and thunderstorms are envisaged over parts of Plateau, the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Kwara, Benue, and Kogi.

“Cloudy atmosphere is expected over the inland states of the South and its coastal states in the morning with chances of intermittent rains over parts of Ogun, Oyo, Lagos, Enugu, Imo, Anambra, Abia, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Rivers and Ebonyi states, “ it said.

It envisaged intermittent rains over parts of Lagos, Ekiti, Edo, Ondo, Oyo, Ogun, and Delta later in the day.

The agency predicted a cloudy atmosphere on Sunday with intervals of sunshine over the northern region with prospects of morning thunderstorms over parts of Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara.

It anticipated thunderstorms over parts of Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Borno, Taraba, Adamawa, and Katsina States later in the day.

NiMet predicted a cloudy atmosphere over the North Central region with prospects of rains and thunderstorms over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Niger, and Kwara in the morning hours.

“Progressing into the day, intermittent rains are envisaged over parts of Benue, the Federal Capital Territory, Kogi, Kwara, and Nasarawa.

“Cloudy atmosphere should prevail over the South, both its inland states and the coastal cities, with prospects of rains over parts of Osun, Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti, Ondo, Lagos, Delta, and Edo in the morning hours.

“Later in the day, intermittent rains are anticipated over parts of Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Abia, Imo, Ekiti, Cross River, Delta, and Rivers,“ it said.

NiMet forecast cloudy skies on Monday with sunshine intervals over the northern region during the morning hours.

According to it, thunderstorms are anticipated over Katsina, Kano, Zamfara, Kaduna, and Kebbi later in the day.

The agency envisaged a cloudy atmosphere over the North Central region in the morning hours with prospects of early morning rains over parts of Benue, Nasarawa state and the Federal Capital Territory.

“Later in the day, thunderstorms with intermittent rains and thunderstorms are expected over Kwara, Niger, Benue, Kogi, Plateau states and the Federal Capital Territory.

“Cloudy skies are anticipated over the coastal states and parts of the inland states of the South in the morning hours. Later in the day, intermittent rains are expected over the entire inland and coastal states of the South,“ it said.

The agency advised all airline operators to avail themselves of weather reports and alerts periodically from NiMet for effective planning of their operations.

According to it, moderate to heavy rainfall could lead to flash floods. The public is advised to take necessary caution, and avoid driving and walking through flood waters.

NiMet urged disaster risk managers, agencies, and individuals to be proactive to avert the loss of lives and properties during the rainy season.

08/12/2023
FCTA inaugurates task force on safe handling of petroleum products

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has inaugurated a Ministerial Task Force on the safe handling of petroleum products in the capital city, Abuja.

The Permanent Secretary, FCTA, Mr Olusade Adesola, while inaugurating the task force in Abuja on Thursday, said that the measure was to curtail incidences of fire outbreaks in the nation’s capital.

Adesola said that fire outbreaks in the FCT in recent times had resulted in the loss of lives and destruction of property.

He vowed to sanction any fuel-filling station within the territory that failed to observe the necessary safety measures as required by law.

“In 2022 alone, no fewer than four filling stations were reported to have been gutted by fire within the FCT.

“Improper handling of petroleum products, as well as non-compliance with safety measures as it concerns operational guidelines of managing filling stations have been largely responsible for several fire outbreaks,” he noted.

Adesola expressed optimism that the Ministerial Task Force would work assiduously to reduce occurrences of fire outbreak by ensuring that operators of filling stations adhered strictly to safety measures.

He explained that inaugurating the taskforce was a proactive step taken by the government to secure the lives and property of residents.

He said that part of the terms of reference of the taskforce was to monitor and ensure compliance to safe timing of uploading and offloading of volatile substances, including petrol and cooking gas.

He said that the task force was also expected to monitor and ensure that all filling stations had functional, basic and relevant equipment.

Adesola also said that the task force would ensure that filling stations had trained fire safety officers.

“They are also to monitor and ensure that volatile substances are not off-loaded with vehicles or customers already waiting within the premises of the filling stations.

“The task force is expected to clamp down on “black market” operators and the filling stations conniving with them.

“The task force will be expected to recommend the closure of filling stations violating basic fire safety rules and those found colluding with black market operators.

The members of the task force were drawn from the FCT Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Development Control, FCTA Fire Service Department, and FCTA Department of Security Services.

Others, he said, were drawn from the Department of State Security Services, the Nigerian Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the National Union of Road Transport Workers.

The task force also has representatives from NNPC upstream and downstream sectors, major petroleum marketers’ associations, and independent marketers’ associations.

Responding, the Chairman of the Task Force, Dr Idriss Abbas, Director-General, FEMA, thanked the FCTA for finding the members capable of handling the assignment.

He assured the FCTA that the task force would work assiduously to deliver on the mandate.

08/11/2023
Resident doctors end nationwide strike

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has taken the decision to suspend its nationwide strike, with medical professionals scheduled to resume their duties starting Saturday. This development was officially confirmed by the association’s National President, Innocent Orji, on Friday evening.

In a concise message scooped from Channels Television by NIGERIAN ANCHOR, Orji stated, “Good evening. We just suspended the strike. Work to resume 8 am tomorrow. We will review the progress made in two weeks.”

This action comes shortly after the doctors had called off their planned nationwide protest, which was intended to underscore their various demands. Among the primary objectives pursued by NARD is the request for an expanded workforce to fill the vacancies left by doctors who have either migrated or passed away.

Orji emphasized the consequences of inadequate staffing in healthcare institutions, stating, “Our members are suffering. Nigerians are suffering too. When you don’t have the right number of doctors in the hospital, there is no way it is not going to affect the healthcare service delivery system. And nobody has come out to tell us that what we are saying is not true.”

Regarding previously established guidelines from the government, Orji expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of implementation: “The government on its own set up a ministerial committee that came up with a guideline since February this year, why hasn’t that guideline been circularised?”

He criticized the government for not meeting the doctors’ demands and raised questions about the government’s response to their concerns.

Earlier, the union’s leadership engaged in discussions with senators, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

NARD had initiated a “total and indefinite strike action” on July 25, 2023, in pursuit of various demands, including improved wages for doctors.

08/11/2023
Troops counter Boko Haram attack in Borno, eliminate insurgents

A successful counter-operation by the Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) has resulted in the thwarting of a Boko Haram terrorist attack, leading to the neutralization of two militants in Konduga LGA, Borno State.

In an official statement released to journalists, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, the army spokesman, provided insights into the operation.

The ambush was meticulously executed at a known crossing point for the terrorists called Kuka.

General Nwachukwu highlighted the troops’ strategically advantageous position, enabling them to engage the unsuspecting Boko Haram members in a fierce firefight.

A swift and coordinated action led to the neutralization of two terrorists, causing the others to disperse in panic.

The aftermath of the operation yielded substantial gains for the troops. They successfully secured 63 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition, an improvised explosive device (IED) shell, five Pento injections, and a cash sum of Nineteen Thousand, Four Hundred and Sixty Naira.

In a closely linked incident that underscores the mounting pressure on Boko Haram, a notorious member of the group surrendered to the 222 Battalion stationed at Geizuwa, also in Konduga LGA.

The surrendered insurgent relinquished an AK47 rifle, a magazine, and 26 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. Currently undergoing detailed profiling, the surrendered individual’s actions and affiliations will be further scrutinized.

Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, lauded the troops for their unwavering vigilance and remarkable combat spirit.

He urged them to sustain their current momentum, emphasizing the vital objective of completely eradicating any remnants of terrorists and bandits within their operational jurisdiction.

08/11/2023
African Union supports ECOWAS’ military response to Niger coup

The African Union (AU) has expressed its endorsement of the proposed military intervention led by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) against the coup perpetrators in Niger.

Moussa Faki Mahamat, the Chairperson of the AU, conveyed his solidarity with ECOWAS’ stance against the Niger Republic coup.

Following a pivotal summit held in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital on Thursday, ECOWAS directed its military leaders to establish a rapid-response force for potential deployment to Niger.

The organization emphasized the importance of prioritizing peaceful means to address the crisis.

Mahamat reiterated his call for the immediate release of ousted Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum and all individuals from his administration and family.

He condemned the treatment of a democratically elected leader and expressed concern about Bazoum’s reportedly deteriorating detention conditions.

The upheaval occurred on July 26 when Niger’s presidential guard removed Bazoum from power.

Subsequently, the commander of the elite unit, Abdourahamane Tchiani, seized control and dissolved the constitution. Bazoum and his family have remained confined to their residence for over two weeks.

Niger had been a noteworthy exception within the Sahel region’s “coup belt,” maintaining a democratic government and serving as a vital ally to the West in the fight against regional Islamist extremists.

The international community has unequivocally criticized the coup and urged the coup leaders to restore order and transfer authority back to the democratically elected administration.

08/11/2023
EFCC cracks down on cyber fraud hideout, arrests 14 suspects in Benue

In a significant stride against cybercriminal activities, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended 14 individuals suspected of engaging in internet fraud in the city of Makurdi, located in Benue State.

The spokesperson for the EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, released a statement in Abuja detailing the operation.

Among the detainees are Solomon Oloche, Innocent Ochola, Aselo Wisdom, Simon Jeff, Innocent Raphael, Akula Kelvin, Emmanuel Okanche, Francis Chikodirie, Atoo Michael, Ochayi Nelson, Ngutor Paul, Michael Tyobe, Samuel Okanche, and Patience Tseaa.

The arrests were conducted following an extensive period of surveillance and intelligence gathering, aimed at uncovering the alleged criminal activities of the suspects.

The confiscated items from the operation encompass a Toyota Camry Car, 14 iPhones, 11 Android phones, 6 laptop computers, various ATM cards, a flash drive, MTN Router, a Tus bike, and an assortment of potentially incriminating documents.

Uwujaren noted, “The suspects have cooperated during the preliminary interrogations and will be subject to legal proceedings once the investigative phase concludes.”

This breakthrough signifies a determined effort by the EFCC to tackle cyber-based offenses and ensure that justice is served.

08/11/2023