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Insecurity: FG directs Defence Chiefs to move to Sokoto

The Federal Government has directed the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle and other military chiefs to move to Sokoto State to rid the North-West of the menace of banditry, kidnapping and terrorism.
This is contained in a statement issued by Matawalle directive is contained in a statement issued by Mr Henshaw Ogubike, Director, Information and Public Relations, Ministry of Defence.

The directive, the government said, is part of an intensified effort to rid the North West of the menace of banditry, kidnapping and terrorism.

The federal government expressed sadness over the activities of terrorists and bandits in the states and its environs, explaining that the strategic move underscored the unwavering commitment of government to restoring peace and security in the region.

Matawalle said that while in the North West, they would supervise operations and ensure that Bello Turji and his Bandits gang were flushed out.

“These criminal bandits have been circulating videos of a Nigerian military Armoured vehicle that was stuck in a water logged area.

“And late in the night the officers were asked to withdraw to avoid being ambushed by bandits, later in the night the bandits went to the water logged area, recording video of the Armoured vehicle that was stuck and celebrating it.

“This incident happened in kwashabawa, Zurmi Local Government Area in Zamfara.

“This is not acceptable as President Bola Tinubu has been giving great support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

“The Federal Government is deeply concerned about the persistent threat posed by banditry and terrorism in the North West particularly.

“And so we are ready to deploy all necessary assets to ensure that these criminal elements are flushed out and peace is restored to our communities,” Matawalle said .

He added that there was the urgent need to move against the terrorists to enable people to move freely.

“The time is up for these bandits and terrorists as increased and consistent operations will weaken all their bases.

“I believe my presence in the North West will ginger our armed forces,” he also said.

Matawalle further assured the people of Sokoto, Katsina, Zamfara and Kebbi states and the entire North West region that the security forces would leave no stone unturned in flushing out the bandits.

“I will be on ground in the North West with the CDS and other military chiefs, leading our brave men and women in uniform.

“I also call on residents of these states to remain vigilant and cooperate with the security forces as the Federal Government has resolved to protect the lives and properties of all Nigerians.

“The security and well-being of the people remain the government’s top priority,” the minister added.

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Ebonyi to begin payment of new minimum wage September -Information Commissioner

Ebonyi State Government says it has concluded arrangements to begin the implementation of the payment of Federal Government’s approved National Minimum Wage to civil servants in the State starting this September, 2024.

The state Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Jude Okpor disclosed this in an exclusive chat with DAILY POST on Thursday.

Okpor explained that the implementation was part of the Governor’s economic policies of improving the living standards of citizens of the State.

According to him, the administration of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State was the first in the South East region to agree to the implementation of the new National Minimum Wage for workers.

He noted that the empowerment packages of the present administration were in different categories as many indigenes and non-indigenes have been benefiting from the empowerment Programmes of the Governor.

“In the commencement of his administration, his Excellency in order ameliorate the present economic hardship being faced by citizens, owing to the removal of fuel subsidy, which has continued to impact on the cost of commodities and cost of living, across the country, including Ebonyi State, for instance, implemented the wage increment of N10,000.00 and later upgraded it to N20,000.00.

“The Governor of Ebonyi State is the first Executive Governor in the South East to agree to the payment of the new national minimum wage, which directive has been given to the relevant authorities to begin the payment this September,” he stated.

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Yahaya Bello is not in our custody, still wanted – EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has denied reports claiming embattled former governor of Kogi state, Yahaya Bello, is in their custody.

In a statement released on Wednesday, September 18, EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, said the ex-governor remains wanted “for alleged N80.2billion money laundering charges.”

“Media reports today that a former Governor of Kogi State, Mr. Yahaya Bello is in the holding facility of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is incorrect. The Commission wishes to state that Bello is not in its custody.

Bello, already declared wanted by the Commission for alleged N80.2billion money laundering charges, remains wanted with a subsisting warrant for his arrest,” Oyewale said.

Earlier today, Bello’s media team released a statement claiming he had honored the invitation from EFCC.

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Police commences investigation into officer’s altercation with Elderly woman

The Lagos State Police Command has commenced an investigation into circumstances leading to the altercation captured on video between a police officer and an elderly woman.

Preliminary investigation reveals that the incident took place in the Alagbado area of Lagos State in the first week of September 2024.

In a statement released, the spokesperson of the command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the Police Inspector and his supervising DSP have been brought in for questioning while the Complaint Response Unit has established contact with the woman in the video.

Hundeyin added that the Lagos State Police Command totally condemns the unprofessional conduct of the Inspector as it does not represent the ethics and operational standards of the Nigeria Police Force.

He stated that the command assures Lagosians that the investigation will be swift, thorough and conclusive while ensuring that the officers are disciplined as appropriate and members of the public are updated accordingly.