Trans-border suspect: Ohanaeze youths hail security agencies’ collaboration

By editor 

Apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has hailed the collaborative efforts of the Nigerian security forces.

The Igbo group spoke in reaction to the recent arrest of A Nigerian who specialises in money laundering and other transnational crimes.

It could be recalled that the man, whose name was given as one Bashir Hadejiya, was arrested by the Nigeria police following intelligence reports on smuggling large catches of weapons along with large bars of gold believed to have been stolen from the Central Bank of Libya.

He was also linked to the recent EndBadGovernance protest, and confessed to sponsoring a large number of youths who participated in the just concluded #EndBadGovernance Protests in Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa and Abuja.

Reacting through a statement made available to journalists, the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike said the arrest was the fruit of the deep collaboration among the security agencies.

Nnabuike, who said the arrest was of great concern, stressed that, “while we commend the police for the feat, we must state that no stone should be left un-turned in unearthing those behind this trans-border criminal activities.

“His arrest is no doubt an eloquent testimony to the fruitful collaboration and capacity of the Nigerian security forces, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu,  Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, who have all shown serious commitment to restore security across the country.

“We must, however, note that his confession is mind boggling and should not be treated with kid’s gloves. This is a great opportunity to unravel the cabal that has been destabilizing the country, especially the North, security wise.

“There is no doubt that Bashir Hadeja is not alone; just as he confessed, this is a trans-border crime, and they have a ring. Their activities constitute a serious threat to the existence of Nigeria and this is why every effort must be made to identify his collaborators. When they are found, they must be brought to book.

“This also confirms our earlier fears when we kicked against the EndBadGovernance protest. We knew that as good as the intentions may sound, there were undercurrent dealings which could jeopardise the overall interest of the country. Our fears were justified considering the wanton destruction of properties, especially across the Northern part of the country. Hadeja’s confessional statement has also buttressed the fears.

“Having said this, our utmost fear right now lies with Hadejiya's confessions, particularly regarding his connections to influential figures in the political sphere, including allegations linking him to a former Director of the Department of State Security Service (DSS). This should worry every patriotic Nigerian.

“It is imperative to urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to be mindful of some elements who are hell bent on discrediting his government and all those around him. The president should be watchful of such mischief makers who do not mean well for his government but are agents of destabilization.

“On our part, we urge the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu,  and Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, to continue with their collaborative efforts, which is bearing visible fruits. They should not be distracted by enemies of state, who hide under some faceless names and groups to disparage the efforts of the government and the security agencies.

“As we urge Nigerians to be more vigilant, we look forward to a comprehensive investigation of Hadejiya and his collaborators. There should be no sacred cow."

NSCF Alerts On Plans By Governor Lawal To Disseminate Baseless Allegations Against National Security Officials

By editor 

The Northern Stakeholders Consultative Forum (NSCF) said the forum is compelled to publicly address a concerning development that has come to her attention regarding the intentions of Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal.

 It has been reported that Governor Lawal is allegedly orchestrating a press release through a group known as the Arewa Integrity League, the purpose of which appears to be the dissemination of unfounded allegations and fabrications against esteemed national security officials which includes high-ranking individuals such as the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Inspector General of Police; the Director-General of the Directorate of State Security, Yusuf Bichi; and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle.

According to the forthcoming press statement, purportedly to be issued by one Comrade Musa Garba, accusations are expected to be leveled against these defense officials claiming that they have manipulated false reports with the intent to unjustly implicate Governor Dauda Lawal, former National Security Adviser Aliyu Gusau, and Defence Minister Badaru Abubakar in alleged criminal activities connected to the ongoing investigation involving the arrest of Bashir Hadejiya. 

NSCF in a statement issued by it's spokesperson Ali Muhammad Sani said, they find such intended allegations not only to be irresponsible but also profoundly damaging to the integrity of our national security apparatus, adding that the relentless effort to tarnish the names of respected officials, who are fulfilling their commitments to the nation, should be condemned unequivocally. 

"The ongoing investigation concerning the activities surrounding Bashir Hadejiya represents a matter of significant public interest and demands transparency, integrity, and utmost seriousness from all parties involved.

The NSCF firmly advocated for accountability and justice. We recognize the imperative of conducting investigations grounded in facts, as opposed to responding to politically motivated smear campaigns. 

"The claims to be made by the Arewa Integrity League warrant rigorous scrutiny, for they serve only to distract from the legitimate work and responsibilities of security officials who diligently work to uphold the rule of law and ensure the safety of all citizens in our diverse communities.

"We urge the public, media, and all relevant stakeholders to remain vigilant and discerning in the face of such spurious allegations. It is crucial to emphasize the importance of evidence-based assertions and to reject rumors that could lead to irreparable harm to individuals’ reputations and erode public trust in our institutions. 

"As a forum committed to enhancing awareness and promoting transparency throughout Northern Nigeria, we call upon all citizens to prioritize truth and integrity during these disconcerting times. The alleged machinations of Governor Dauda Lawal and the Arewa Integrity League present a stark reminder of the necessity for caution, discernment, and a steadfast commitment to justice over political theatrics.

"We call on the security agencies to be proactive in acting quickly to checkmate the manoeuvres of these unpatriotic enemies of state and bring whoever is involved either directly or remotely to justice to serve as deterrent.

"In conclusion, the Northern Stakeholders Consultative Forum stands resolutely in solidarity with those devoted to the truth. We will continue to advocate for transparency, accountability, and integrity in all matters concerning our nation's security and governance. The principles we champion are not just vital for maintaining the rule of law but are essential for fostering trust and harmony within our society".

NAN Warns Against Fabricated Claims by Arewa Integrity League Against Matawalle

By Editor,

The Northern Awareness Network (NAN) has brought to public’s attention disturbing developments concerning the planned dissemination of a press statement by the Arewa Integrity League, allegedly sponsored by Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State. 

The said statement is expected to contain false claims and fabricated allegations aimed at discrediting key figures in Nigeria’s national security architecture, including the National Security Adviser, Mr. Nuhu Ribadu; the Inspector General of Police; the Director-General of the Department of State Security, Mr. Yusuf Bichi; and the Minister of State for Defence, Mr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle. 

According to the Chairman NAN, Salihu Suleiman, in the planned offensive by the Arewa Integrity League, its spokesman, Comrade Musa Garba, would seek to create a narrative suggesting that these esteemed officials have engaged in manipulative tactics to engineer false reports implicated in a high-profile ongoing investigation tied to the arrest of Bashir Hadejiya.

He said, such unfounded attack aims primarily to tarnish the reputations of individuals who are steadfast in their commitment to national security and the principles of justice, while simultaneously seeking to obfuscate the real issues surrounding the investigation.

"We, at NAN, firmly believe that any attempts to distort the truth for political leverage are not only unethical but also detrimental to the integrity of our national institutions. The nature of these allegations raises serious concerns regarding the intentions behind such a coordinated smear campaign against responsible officials who are executing their duties to ensure law and order within our great nation"

NAN therefore called on the public to remain vigilant and discerning when consuming information that may serve as propaganda rather than fact. The role of the media and the public is crucial in upholding our democratic values and ensuring that truth prevails over deceitful narratives.

It also called on Law Enforcement Agencies to uphold the principles of transparency and accountability. We encourage these bodies to diligently pursue the ongoing investigations without political interference and to ensure that those who promote falsehoods face the necessary legal repercussions.

NAN further called on political leaders to conduct their affairs with integrity and honor, refraining from engaging in character assassinations that detract from the greater good of society. It is imperative for leaders to focus on genuine issues affecting our communities, rather than resorting to underhanded tactics that threaten our unity.

" We also call on Civil Society Organizations to play their part in safeguarding the integrity of our governance systems by calling out misinformation and holding accountable those who perpetuate falsehoods for their own ends".

The NAN also declared their stand in solidarity with the individuals targeted by this nefarious campaign, recognizing their dedication and service to our nation’s security and stability. We will not shy away from advocating for truth and justice while exposing those who choose to weaponize falsehoods for personal or political gain.

NAN reiterated their commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and the pursuit of truth in governance and implored all citizens and leaders to reject division and embrace integrity, prioritizing the collective interest of our nation above all else.

Bashir Hadejiya's Arrest: Ethic Groups Commend NSA, Defence Ministers, Security Agencies

By editor 

Group of ethnic nationalities namely Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF), Northern Awareness Network (NAN) and.the Yoruba Youth Council (YYC) has said that our recent collective focus on the security of the Nigerian state has been underscored dramatically by the arrest of Bashir Hadejiya, a suspect implicated in treason, gun-running, and other transnational crimes.

According to the groups in separate press statements, the operation, orchestrated by our diligent security agencies, represents a remarkable achievement in safeguarding the integrity and sovereignty of Nigeria, while commending the Nigerian Police and the myriad security agencies involved in such extraordinary success. 

According to a statements issued by the President General of AYCF Yerima Shettima, Chairman of NAN, Salifu Suleiman and the leader of the YYC Comrade Eric Oluwole, the arrest is a loud testimony of the vigilance of our country's security network being coordinated jointly by the National Security Adviser; (NSA)Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Defence Minister Abubakar Badaru and defence minister for State; Bello Matawalle, the Armed Forces, Police and other security agencies.

The groups viewed the apprehension of individuals such as Bashir Hadejiya not only protects our borders but also underscores the importance of vigilance in combating increasingly sophisticated networks of crime and terrorism. The nexus between local and international criminal enterprises calls for a fortified response from all stakeholders to dismantle these dangerous operations.

"The confession of Bashir Hadejiya has unveiled a disturbing nexus of criminality that transcends national boundaries, posing significant threats not only to Nigeria but to the broader West African region and beyond. His involvement in the gun-running trade and the smuggling of gold pilfered from the Central Bank of Libya underscores a perilous partnership with international criminal networks.

"These entities do not merely undermine our national integrity; they provide the very resources necessary for exacerbating terrorism and instability across West Africa—a situation that represents a severe affront to our sovereignty and a pronounced invasion of our peace".

The tireless work and unwavering commitment of President Tinubu's security team, specifically  the resolute efforts of key figures such as NSA, Defence Ministers are quite commendable and essential in our collective fight against such security threats. 

"To bolster our national security further, we advocate for empowering these defenders—providing them with the tools, resources, and authority necessary to navigate complex national security challenges. It is only through a well-resourced and supported security team that we can expect to confront the evolving threats that loom over our democracy, the statements added.

"While we commend the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for it's efforts to protect the sovereignty of our Country we call on the Federal Government to provide the fund and materials needed  for the security agencies to function optimally".

ENDS

AYAGL, CSOs alleges oil thieves behind calls for Kyari’s sack

 

By Editor

The Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership (AYAGL), in collaboration with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), has alleged that recent calls for the removal of the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, are being orchestrated by individuals involved in oil theft.

In a statement by the Speaker of AYAGL, Ambassador Abdul DanBature, he claimed that those pushing for Kyari’s sack are disgruntled elements who have lost the opportunity to continue their illegal activities within the oil sector under Kyari’s leadership.

According to the Speaker, "the call for Kyari's removal is a calculated attempt by those who have been involved in oil theft and other nefarious activities to get back at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

"These individuals are frustrated by the transparency and accountability that Kyari has brought to the Nigerian oil and gas sector, and they see his removal as their only chance to resume their illegal operations."

DanBature further stated that under Kyari’s leadership, Nigeria’s oil production has seen a significant increase from 900,000 barrels per day in late 2022 to 1.53 million barrels per day by July 2024, including condensates. He noted that Kyari’s tenure has been marked by efforts to curb oil theft and other criminal activities in the sector.

"When Kyari took over as head of NNPC in July 2019, the corporation was grappling with low production, widespread pipeline vandalism, and large-scale oil theft. Despite these challenges, Kyari has implemented reforms that have not only increased production but also brought greater transparency to the sector," he said.

The AYAGL Speaker also highlighted Kyari's introduction of the Transparency, Accountability, and Performance Excellence (TAPE) initiative, which he said has restored public confidence in the NNPC. 

"Kyari’s achievements, including the publication of audited financial statements and the ongoing rehabilitation of Nigeria’s refineries, are clear indicators of his commitment to transforming the sector," DanBature added.

He urged Nigerians to disregard the calls for Kyari’s removal, emphasizing that these efforts are aimed at destabilizing the progress made in the oil sector. "As a group committed to good leadership, we stand firmly behind Mele Kyari and will continue to support his efforts to bring positive change to the Nigerian oil industry," DanBature concluded.

Road Projects: Northern Group commends David Umahi, Thanks Tinubu

By Eidtor

Northern based Group, Arewa Development Forum (ADF) has commended the Minister of Works , Engr. Dave Umahi for his unwavering commitment to ensuring speedy work and visible progress made so far  on  the Lagos- Badagry to Sokoto Super Highway road projects.

According to the group, the excellent job of combining the expertise of the critical terrain with the political will by the Minister to push through the different land mines without compromising standards is a feat worthy of commendation.

"We observed with keen interest that despite being from the southeast part of Nigeria, the Minister of Works is leaving now stone unturned to ensure speedy  completion of the protracted work of the Abuja to road projects in northern areas". It stated .

In statement made available to journalists in Kaduna today, Arewa  Development Forum, which made the commendations said , the decision to single out the Minister of Works was informed by quality of work being done on the ongoing road projects 

While thanking President Bola Tinubu for the bold initiative to construct the 1000-kilometre Sokoto-Badagry superhighway,the Forum in the statement signed by the Chairman, Dr Muhammad Ibrahim Gusau  described the project as another evidence of his commitment to driving phenomenal socio-economic growth across the country.

The Forum noted that the road will not only create thousands of jobs ,but will also  open up the North western economy to the rest of the country and the World.Adding that Umahi is the best Works minister in the history of the country.

It stated , "We can recall that the Sokoto-Badagry road has been in the pipeline for the past 48 years, without considerations from  successive administrations, including immediate past Buhari led administration to kick start the project. But today,it is a reality and  we are not in doubt that  the legacy projects will be complete within time scheduled.

"For us as northerners, we view the bold vision of President Tinubu as an evidence of the priority placed on development that  commensurate with  infrastructure to connect northern regions to all  parts of Nigeria."

Yoruba youths commend security agencies over Hadejia's arrest, drum support for NSA, Bello Matawalle and President Tinubu

By Editor

Yoruba youths under the National umbrella body, the Yoruba Youth Council have commended the nation's entire security apparatus for the arrest of Bashir Hadejia, a notorious suspect implicated in treason, gun-running and other related transborder crimes that threaten the security and sovereignty of our dear Country Nigeria.

Also, they drummed support of all Nigerians for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a statement by the leader of the Yoruba Youth Council, Comrade Eric Oluwole, the youths  the arrest as "a loud testimony of the vigilance of our country's security network being coordinated jointly by the National Security Adviser; Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Defence Minister; Bello Matawalle, the Armed Forces, Police and other security agencies."

He said the security agents involved "in this superlative achievement of arresting one of Nigeria's foremost suspected enemies deserve the special commendation of all well-meaning Nigerians."

Oluwole noted that the arrested Hadeja is one of the suspected most dangerous transnational criminals with strong local connections which they allegedly exploit to fuel unrest in our Country.

In his words: "Hadejia's confession of sponsoring the recent #EndBadGovernance protests confirms the fear in some quarters that unscrupulous individuals with means could infiltrate and exploit well intentioned protests by aggrieved Nigerians, to perpetrate their criminal, unpatriotic and selfish agenda of destabilising the Country and discrediting the government in power. 

"This is a disturbing development especially when we recall the alarming turn of the protests in some parts of the North where some disgruntled and  youths, apparently infiltrators, waved the Russian flag, ostensibly calling for a replication in the democratic Federal Republic of Nigeria, of the Russian-backed undemocratic change of government in some neighbouring West African countries. 

"It is clear from this that this unacceptable action of the infiltrators deviated from the intention of the original protesters, whose noble objective was to induce government to implement policies to ease the hardship being experienced across the country. 

"By infiltrating, corruptng and manipulating a legitimate dissent to destabilise our Country in pursuit of narrow and selfish agenda, the criminals are calling an urgent attention to the need  for a thorough grilling of the arrested suspect to disclose the whereabouts of other members of his unpatriotic gang who are at large, and their pending sinister plans, so that the threat could be crushed now."

The Yoruba Youth leader said: "Commendable as Hadeja's arrest is, there is need for more vigilance by our security agencies in policing the nation's borders to fence off the threat posed to our Nation's security by these transnational criminals and their local collaborators.

"Besides, the suspicion that Hadejia in league with others at large, coordinate a ring of criminal activities such as arms trafficking, money laundering, and terrorism sponsorship, calls for more concern especially considering the collosal number of Nigerians who are being slaughtered in their hundreds across the country under the guise of banditry, kidnapping and other violent communal clashes. This is not to talk of the property and farms being destroyed in these crimes.

"Because of the international connections involved, the need to get to the root of the matter, and in view of the security implications of the activities of the suspect and his collaborators to Nigeria and our neighbouring countries, the investigation of this case should done also in collaboration with the security agencies of Nigeria's neighbouring countries, and possibly with INTERPOL. This international dimension should complement the investigation within the country."

Oluwole said: "We the Yoruba youths note that the economic hardship being experienced by all Nigerians across the country predated the present administration. The problems, which the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's, GCFR, inherited, were a carry-over from the preceding administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR

"Therefore it would be wrong to blame the Tinubu administration for the present hardship which accumulated over the years, due to wrong policies of successive administrations until May 29 last year when President Tinubu assumed office.

"It is in this wise that we call for a thorough investigation of the suspected Hadejia. He should be grilled over his confession especially concerning his connections with influential politicians and the top echelon of our Country's security apparatus to destabilise our Country.

"While we commend the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for it's efforts to protect the sovereignty of our Country we call on the Federal Government to provide the fund and materials needed  for the security agencies to function optimally.

"We declare our unwavering support for the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR."