News

Act On Intelligence Provided By DSS-CSF Urges Security Agencies

Published

1 year ago

November 13, 2022

The Citizens Stability Forum (CSF) ,a civil society and citizen’s groups coalition calls on the security
agencies in Nigeria to act on intelligence provided by the Department of State Services (DSS) in
containing the security threats bedevilling the country.

This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen including NIGERIAN TRACKER

The statement which was signed by the lead convener of the group Mukhtar Lawal and Co -Convener John Azi said the current insecurity happenings in Nigeria have exposed the lack of collaboration and synergy between security agencies in the country.

The statement said the most disturbing aspect been the continuous disregard to security intelligence provided by the Department of State Services (DSS) to the Military, Police and Paramilitary security agencies, something that in some countries can be treated as treasonable offence.

“The Department of State Services (DSS) is one of the most important arms of Nigeria’s security setup
saddled with critical functions of prevention and detection of any crime/terrorism against the internal
security of Nigeria and provision of timely advice to Government on all matters of National security
interest among others. This function has made the DSS the fulcrum of intelligence gathering and
sharing among sister security agencies. As such when there is inefficiency in collaboration or a lack of
synergy with other security agencies the result will be that criminals and terrorist will be having a
field day and will be pulling up acts of terrorism that will otherwise be impossible for them. One may
then question what is the problem? Why is the collaboration and co-operation between the security
agencies this ineffective and who is at fault and responsible for this? To answer these questions, one
needs to understand the role that each agency needs to play in this security co-operation. The roles are
clearly defined by Nigeria’s constitution, that DSS are responsible for security (of all sort) intelligence
gathering and sharing this intelligence with relevant sister agencies while the role the other agencies is
to act on such intelligence. ”

Arewa Coalition demands police report on Gulak’s death, Nwosu’s arrest

Mukhtar Lawal and Azi said based on all relevant evidence and happenings in the country, it is very clear that the DSS has been playing its role diligently and have been feeding the relevant agencies with intelligence before the occurrence on most of the unfortunate insecurity events that recently occurred. For example, before the Bombing, shooting and Kidnapping incident on the Abuja-Kaduna Train on the 28th of March 2022, the DSS issued a security alert about the suspicious movements and activities of terrorist elements in the vicinity of the rail lines between Rijana and Kateri to both the Military and police as well as the Nigerian Railway Corporation. Unfortunately, the disregard to such critical intelligence by relevant authorities led to the loss of lives of eight (8) Nigerian citizens, forty-one (41) hospitalised and over sixty (60) civilians kidnapped by terrorist. Likewise, before the terrorist attack on Kuje
Prison on the 5th of July 2022 where they succeeded in releasing their fellow colleagues. It is on
record that the DSS shared 44 intelligence reports relating to this threat with relevant agencies before
the attack on the prison. This has been proved by remarks from the Deputy Speaker of the House of
Representatives, Idris Wase who stated that he has went through the report, but unfortunately the
relevant agencies failed to act. These are just among the few proofs that found their way to public
domain as DSS does not flaunt its operations and activities to the public, rather most operations and
activities are classified, and as is the norm for State and Secrete Service departments all over the
world.

The full statement of the coalition also reads as follows

“A lot of the success and ability of the DSS to meet up with its own security responsibility is down to
the excellent leadership from the DSS hierarchy led by Director-General of the DSS, Mr. Yusuf Bichi.
The DG has instilled commitment, diligence, and pro-activeness in tackling insecurity across the
county. Mr Bichi has also vigorously drive improvement in welfare and wellbeing of personnel
including improved and frequent payment of allowances, more investment in infrastructure in
commands and formations across the country, as well as providing officers and operatives with more
training and re-training opportunities. These are all geared towards creating a conducive working
environment and increasing the efficiency of the workforce. As a result, DSS personnel have shown
increased professionalism, discipline and loyalty in carrying out their duties. Of late, strong remarks
and proofs that security personnel from various military and paramilitary agencies are highly involved
in crude oil bunkering in the Niger Delta has been very disappointing to Nigerians. Among all these
security agencies it is only personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS) that are mentioned to be part of this dirty and treasonable acts. This was backed by remarks from the biggest and most experience pipeline private security contractor i.e., Government Ekpemupolo A.K.A Tompolo who stated that only the DSS can be exonerated from the sabotage by some security personnel in stealing
Nigeria’s resources by promoting bunkering activities. The professionalism of the DSS led by Mr
Bichi has been nothing but excellent, for example the threat issued by the USA and Britain Embassies
recently was long gathered and issued to the relevant authorities by the DSS in a more professional
manner without causing any form of panic and the Service has since then been working behind the
scenes to nip the possible threat in the bud. The DG of the DSS is more concerned and interested in
achieving results and not craving for undue publicity.
One will wonder then, if the DSS is able to meet of its responsibilities and perform excellently, then
why are the other relevant agencies failing? The answer to this is that it entirely points to the lack of
willing leadership in these agencies. To fix this, the buck falls on the table of the President of Nigeria

Muhammadu Buhari. So many heads of security agencies have gotten away with negligence and
disregard to rule of law and it is his responsibility to ensure that decisive action is taken against any
security agency and its hierarchy that are found wanting and neglecting intelligence. To secure this
country the security agencies must work collectively together, and it is the responsibility of the
Presidency to ensure that.
It is also important to point out that such disregard of intelligence by other relevant security agencies
is likely contributed to reason why the United States and its allies including the UK and Canada are
wary of sharing intelligence with Nigeria, thus leading to the recent wrong and unfortunate situation
of going to the public with terror alert. Decision to avert such from happening again must be taken by
the Presidency and it is highly imperative that the DSS is promoted and empowered to engage through
diplomatic channels with foreign missions and their intelligence to work together to provide the DSS
with security intelligence and avoid foreign mission from releasing terror alerts to the public.
It is clear that the public commendation and appreciation of the DSS is important to the confidence
and motivation of its personnel as they work tirelessly to keep Nigeria safe. And it will be
encouraging that Nigerian’s continue to support the DSS and other security agencies as we battle
through these security challenges”

News

Zamfara Residents Petition NERC Over Inadequate Electricity Supply

Published

4 hours ago

April 19, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

Governor Dauda Lawal Dare

Electricity consumers in zamfara state have petitioned the Nigeria electricity Regulatory commission NERC to investigate the activities of the kaduna electric distribution company over inadequate supply of electricity to customers.

A cross section of residents who spoke to radio Nigeria in Gusau express concern that the company has failed to live up to it’s responsibility by not supplying them with adequate power especially at this period.

One of the resident Mal Awwal Umar Damba alledge that the company is now supplying power to customers of Band A at the detriment of the other bands.
According to him, since the commencement of the banding policy electricity consumers have not been getting supply from the company.
Another customer, Musa Mohammed Mareri expressed concern that non supply of electricity has hampered Small and medium enterprise activities as light was only given to them for only thirty minutes within twenty four hours.

He Said that this has negatively affected their businesses and called for action to address the sufferings of customers.
Musa Mareri explain that so far many businesses such as tailoring, grinding, welding and have close their operation due to non availability of power.

Radio Nigeria correspondent’s in Gusau report that the problem of inadequate power supply in the state has worsen in the last few days as some residents spent days without electricity thereby causing untold hardship to residents.

News

Preside Tinubu Calls For Stronger Partnerships In Manufacturing Sector

Published

6 hours ago

April 19, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

President Bola Tinubu says Nigeria’s investment climate has been bolstered by critical new reforms, with an array of opportunities across sectors for investors.

Speaking during the presentation of a letter of credence by the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Nigeria, Vice-Admiral Kim Pan Kyu, at the State House, on Friday, the President said Nigeria is a huge market for Korean products, particularly for Korean goods manufactured and produced in Nigeria, while emphasizing that Nigerian goods will be of great benefit to the Korean market.

Highlighting the favourable economic outlook of the country, President Tinubu invited more South Korean companies to leverage these opportunities by establishing production bases in Nigeria.

”I am glad that you have a very good knowledge of Nigeria and appreciate the role of our country in Africa. Our doors are open for economic opportunities and trade, and I acknowledge that several South Korean companies and products are firmly entrenched in the Nigerian market.

”Nigerians appreciate South Korean technology, and Nigerian products can also be beneficial to South Korean markets. You need to bring more of your companies and manufacturing plants here. We have everything your industries require to excel as we progress over the near-term. We can partner on skill development and the systematic transfer of knowledge to further empower our country’s innovative youth population.

”We have investment opportunities in the solid mineral sector and other areas, and cooperation in these areas will strengthen our bilateral relations,” the President said.

Recounting his fruitful discussions with President Yoon Suk Yeol during the G20 Summit, in New Delhi, in 2023, and their mutual commitment to strengthen cooperation, President Tinubu pledged to build on the outcome of that meeting to further expand bilateral ties.

He welcomed an invitation from President Yoon to attend the first-ever South Korea-Africa Summit from June 4 to June 5, 2024, in Seoul, South Korea, and directed Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to keep him abreast of the matter.

Ambassador Kim underscored President Tinubu’s pivotal role as the Chairman of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government and leader of Africa’s largest economy, population, and democracy.

He noted the importance of Nigeria’s participation at the highest level at the Summit to enhance bilateral relations while also creating a future of prosperity for Africa and Korea as genuine partners in progress.

”Your Excellency’s visit to South Korea for the Summit will provide an excellent opportunity to strengthen the relations between the two nations,” the Ambassador said after reading a formal invitation from President Yoon.

Earlier, President Tinubu also received letters of credence from Ambassador Antit Mohsen of Tunisia and High Commissioner Muhali Imbuwa of Zambia.

At the separate events, the President emphasized the need to strengthen African unity and brotherhood that not only creates economic opportunities but also works toward eliminating conflicts across the continent.

Speaking with the High Commissioner of Zambia, the President said African unity and cooperation are important if the continent must overcome perennial conflict.

”We are ready to explore more areas of cooperation that promote African brotherhood and ensure sustainable growth across different sectors and provide economic opportunities for our citizens.

”Our doors are open, and do not hesitate to bring any challenges you may have in the course of your duty to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” the President told the Zambian High Commissioner.

In his audience with the Tunisian Ambassador, the President affirmed Nigeria’s willingness to deepen partnership with North African countries toward achieving continental prosperity for all African people.

He declared that Nigeria is open for business like never before and that the international community is taking notice, while investor confidence in the country is returning.

He thanked the Ambassador for acknowledging the progress in the country in the last eleven months of his administration, promising that his government will continue to ensure a memorable and rewarding stay for representatives of foreign governments.

The Tunisian Ambassador said his government welcomes the new vibrancy and determination the President has brought into national leadership since his inauguration on May 29, 2023.

”We welcome the economic reforms and the enhancement of national security in Nigeria under your leadership.

”Because of what we have seen, we are emboldened to collaborate on a new level, particularly in the areas of trade, economy, and defence,” the Tunisian Ambassador said.

News

Kano APC spokesperson accuses Presidency of sabotaging Ganduje

Published

1 day ago

April 18, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

Ahmad Aruwa ,Kano APC spokesperson

The spokesperson of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano, Alhaji Ahmad Aruwa, has issued accusations against the Presidency for undermining and conspiring against the suspended Acting National Chairman of the APC Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

Mr. Aruwa articulated these claims in a short video he produced in Kano circulating on social media where he blamed the some forces in the presidency that are pushing for the exit of the former Kano State Governor as the Ag. national chairman.

He asserted their awareness of individuals engaged in conspiracies to sabotage Mr. Ganduje’s efforts, with the intention of fracturing his relationship with the President.

He warned of the potential for a significant political upheaval if any APC members dared to oppose Ganduje in Nigeria as he was one of the pillars of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s success at the 2023 polls.

Breaking:Court Confirms Ganduje’s Suspension As APC member

“We will confront anyone within the APC who dares to challenge Ganduje, regardless of their status or political influence.”

Mr. Aruwa also criticized Tinubu for disregarding the support extended to him in Kano when others had rejected him.

He observed that no one in Kano, a state with largest voter turnout would support Tinubu’s cause, as Ganduje was the sole architect of his success in the state. Therefore, they will not tolerate any subversion at the Villa.

“I solemnly pledged that if anyone is to confront Ganduje within the APC, it would inevitably lead to a substantial political crisis which we are very ready to fight back.”

“Irrespective of the individual’s identity, we are acutely aware of the plotting and machinations orchestrated by certain APC members at the Villa.

“It was solely Ganduje who facilitated Tinubu’s presence in Kano when there was a lack of support from others.

“Every resident of Kano is refraining from associating with Tinubu, as those within the APC who are acquainted with him are distancing themselves due to Buhari’s influence.”

Reliable sources from the Presidential villa who pleaded for anonimity revealed that Ganduje’s trivails started when he was directed to galvanize the attention of Kano state Governor Abba Yusuf and his political Godfather Rabiu Kwankwaso to abandone thier political party (NNPP) and join the ruling APC.

It was reported that contrary to the terms of reference given to Mr. Ganduje, he arrived Kano and chaired a stakeholders meeting where he mocked Kwankwaso and Kano state Governor, a situation that stalled the negotiation process with Kwankwaso’s team.