2023: BUHARI CHARGES SECURITY AGENCIES TO ENSURE SECURE, PROSPEROUS NIGERIA

Nicholas Ibekwe, were assembled at the palace of the Emir, His Royal Highness Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, for the meeting with the president.

Buhari, according to a statement issued by his spokesman, Mallam Garba Shehu, said he was extremely pained by the loss of lives and injury to many due to the explosion. He added, “My thoughts and that of the nation are with the bereaved families. I hope the injured will recover fully at the earliest possible time.”

Buhari drew parallels between Kano and his native Daura and described the palace of the emir as his own home. He commended the traditional institution and the people of Kano for standing with him at all times.

In his speech, the emir thanked the president for the condolences and commended him for providing a fair and just leadership.

He conveyed Kano community’s appreciation for the numerous things the federal government was doing in the state, and prayed for the emergence of good leaders in the coming elections.

On his part, the state governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, announced a cash support for the families of the deceased, the injured and others whose property were damaged by the explosion.

Lalong Charges Nigerian Army on Synergy, Confiscation of Illegal Weapons

Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong denounced the increasing amount of weapons in the hands of non-state actors, and said this was fuelling insecurity and heightening criminality in the country.

Speaking at the Nigerian Army Small Arms Championship (NASAC) 2022 held at Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, Lalong said the effort of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to curb crime was being jeopardised by the prevalence of small and light weapons in the hands of non-state actors. He urged the Army to mop up every illegal weapon.

The governor said the Nigerian Army boasted great men and women who possessed skills and potential essential in enhancing the national security architecture.

They have demonstrated this over and over again by addressing several cases of insecurity where lives and properties were threatened, Lalong said.

The governor explained, "Let me also use this opportunity to request that the Nigerian Army and, indeed, the security agencies in the country do more to ensure that arms are taken away from non-state actors.

“The level at which unpermitted persons get access to arms and ammunition in the country is very worrying. This has increased the cases of kidnapping, violent crimes and terrorism across the nation.

“While I urge you to continue in this regard, I wish to also emphasise the need for synergy among security agencies for better results. In a society where criminals are becoming more sophisticated, we need to close ranks and ensure that no one is left behind. This includes the civilian population, which also has the duty to provide necessary and timely information to security agencies.”

Lalong said his administration had done a lot to build the capacity of community and traditional systems as well as vigilante groups to serve as a support system to the conventional security apparatus at the grassroots.

He expressed hope that the competition would present a veritable avenue for the participating teams to discover their potential and sharpen the skills required to enhance kinetic operations of the Nigerian Armed Forces. He urged the officers and men to demonstrate teamwork, discipline, commitment and professionalism in the course of the exercise.

The GOC 3rd Armoured Division and Commander, Operation Safe Haven, Major General Ibrahim Ali, said the exercise was a bi-annual event that brought together competitors from various formations of the Nigerian Army to compete in various categories in marksmanship and handling of small weapons.

Ali thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Farouk Yahaya, for approving the hosting of the 2022 NASAC by the 3rd Armoured Division and also making funds available for the event to be organised.

The representative of the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Stephen Olabamji, in an interview with newsmen, said the exercise was part of the overall programmes of the Nigerian Army towards ensuring that officers and men are equipped with the right skills in weapon handling that would enable them continue to perform their task of protecting the country.