BREAKING; FG to curb use of Police officers other security operatives by VIPs
BREAKING; FG to curb use of Police officers other security operatives by VIPs
The Federal Government has announced plans to stop the misuse of security operatives by Very Important Persons (VIPs).
The Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala-Usman, said this during the Ministry of Interior’s performance retreat on Thursday in Abuja.
Bala-Usman insisted that the use of security operatives by the elite for protection should no longer deprive Nigerians of adequate security.
She decried the widespread diversion of police personnel, including specialised anti-terrorism squads to VIP escort duties, saying such practices have left critical security gaps across the country.
“We cannot continue to deploy police that have been trained for anti-terrorism to be guiding VIPs in Ikoyi.
“That is completely wrong. If the person feels he needs protection, let him go and pay a licensed security company to provide it,” she said.
She revealed that the government was pushing for an amendment to the Private Guard Companies (PGCs) Act to empower certified private security firms to handle VIP protection services.
“We must free our policemen to do national security as required so, whoever feels too important, needing submachine guns around him, should go and hire PGC with the necessary documentation and not take our mobile policemen,” Bala-Usman added.
The presidential aide noted that Nigeria’s police force was overstretched with the actual number of officers available on the ground falling far below the official strength.
According to her, redeploying officers from VIP escorts to national security operations was long overdue.
She further suggested integrating retired senior police officers into structured private security companies to professionalise the industry and create jobs.
Bala-Usman stressed that the reform was among the high-impact deliverables her office was tracking while urging the Ministry of Interior and the National Assembly to fast-track the legislative process before the third quarter of 2025.
“VIP protection is not a public entitlement. It is a service that should be paid for; our policemen must be freed to protect Nigerians at large, not just a privileged few,” she declared.(NAN)
News
Governor mourns as unknown persons kill Woman and six Children in her residence
Governor mourns as unknown persons kill Woman and six Children in her residence
Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State has expressed deep sorrow, over the brutal killing of a woman, Fatima Abubakar, 35, and her six children in Dorayi Chiranchi Quarters of the state.
The governor described the incident as barbaric, senseless, and a grave assault on human dignity.
In a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Mr Sunusi Dawakin Tofa, on Saturday, Gov. Yusuf extended his condolences to the bereaved’s family, the people of Dorayi Chiranchi, and the entire Kano State.
He prayed that Allah grants the departed souls, eternal rest and gives their loved ones the fortitude to bear the painful loss.
Meanwhile, the governor vowed that his administration would ensure that perpetrators of the tragic incident, are brought to justice.
He directed the Kano State Police Command to immediately hunt down the perpetrators and ensure they are arrested and prosecuted.
According to the statement, Gov. Yusuf also ordered the Kano Neighborhood Corps, to intensify patrols and community surveillance across vulnerable areas, to prevent a recurrence of such tragedy.
He called on residents to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies, and promptly report suspicious activities, while assuring that the government remains committed to protecting lives and property.( NAN)
News
‘This bronze feels like gold’, President Tinubu hails Super Eagles’ AFCON third place victory
‘This bronze feels like gold’, President Tinubu hails Super Eagles’ AFCON third place victory
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Super Eagles for winning the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
Tinubu described the achievement as a “bronze that feels like gold,” praising the team’s resilience and fighting spirit.
“This bronze medal surely feels good like gold. Thank you, our gallant Super Eagles and our national team players,” the President said.
This is contained in a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday in Abuja.
The Super Eagles defeated Egypt, seven-time AFCON champions, via penalties after regulation time ended in a draw.
Tinubu commended the team for overcoming the disappointment of their semi-final loss to host nation, Morocco, on Wednesday.
He said the players demonstrated determination, persistence and the can-do spirit for which Nigeria is known.
“Despite their good run during the tournament, the Eagles lost the semi-final match to Morocco during the penalty shootout last Wednesday, and our people’s hopes of winning the championship were dashed.
“However, our players remained undaunted, and exhibiting the resilience of the Nigerian spirit, their efforts have now paid off,” Tinubu said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the bronze medal is Nigeria’s ninth in AFCON history.
Nigeria has now won the AFCON title three times, finished runners-up four times and claimed third place on record nine occasions.
Tinubu said Nigerians would be proud as the team receives their bronze medals on Sunday in Rabat, Morocco.
“We will all be proud of them as they receive their hard-earned bronze medal on Sunday in Rabat, Morocco,” he said. (NAN)
News
Governor, Emir, over 3 million crowd gather for Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass’ Maulud
Governor, Emir, over 3 million crowd gather for Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass’ Maulud
An estimated 3 million followers of Tijaniyya Islamic Sect from within and outside the country, on Saturday, converged on Katsina for the celebration of Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass’ Maulud, 2026.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event which took place at Muhammad Dikko Stadium, Katsina, was organised by the “Majma’u Ahbab Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass”.
The Chairman, organising committee, Sheikh Muhammad Hadi-Balarabe, said that they anticipated about 4 million guests from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as well as West and North African countries.
NAN gathered that almost all hotel rooms in Katsina metropolis were occupied by those who came from far places, the situation made some residents to provide their unoccupied houses for their visitors as a demonstration of hospitality.
Those who could not afford to lodge in hotel rooms slept in the stadium in spite of the cold weather.
Before 9a.m. of Saturday, the stadium had already filled to capacity, both the seats and pitch were occupied by people, while all available surrounding spaces inside the stadium were later occupied by people.
The dual carriage road linking to the venue from the WTC roundabout up to Barhin roundabout was filled up by people.
NAN also observed that the event presented opportunities for traders, especially those selling food, water, soft drinks, herbal medicine, clothing materials, books, among others to make brisk businesses.
Addressing the gathering, Sheikh Ibrahim Dahiru-Bauchi, thanked the Katsina State Government for hosting the historic event and prayed Allah to bring lasting peace, stability and prosperity to the state, Northern Nigeria and the country in general.
In his remarks, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi II, urged Muslims to continue to stand firm in obeying the commandments of their creator.
He advised them to intensify efforts in seeking Allah’s forgiveness, follow the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), endeavour to seek for knowledge, and engage in business activities to become self reliant.
Gov. Dikko Radda of Katsina, thanked the organisers for choosing his state to host the 2026 Maulud.
He appreciated the scholars for offerings prayers for peace and stability in the state and the country at large.
Radda revealed that with such prayers, peace was gradually returning to the state and urged them to sustain the prayers for the overall betterment of the state and Nigeria.
Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass’ eldest son, Sheikh Mahi Ibrahim-Nyass, represented by his younger brother, Sheikh Muhammad Ibrahim-Nyass, prayed Allah to repose the soul of the revered Islamic scholar, Sheikh Dahiru Usman-Bauchi, who passed away some months ago.
He urged the Muslims across the globe to continue to be united, love one-another and uphold the sect firmly.
A special prayer was also offered for Katsina, Nigeria and the leaders. (NAN)
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