Defence/security
NCoS Food Allowance: Nababa’s Statement Taken Out Of Context- CSO reacts
A civil society group, Network of Concerned Citizens, has reacted to the statement made by the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Haliru Nababa on feeding allowance for security dogs and prison inmates.
Recall the CG had on Thursday, responding to a question from Oshiomhole during a joint hearing of the national assembly committee on interior, stated that the the total number of inmates in 2023 is 81,354 nationwide while 53,352 are awaiting trial, and that each inmate are fed with N750 daily and they are fed three times daily (N250 for each meal), while there are 900 security dogs and to feed a dog each day is about N800. This statement has raised so much dust from different persons, including Oshiomhole, the senate committee chairman.
In a statement signed and made available to newsmen today, the executive director, Amb. Kanjal Awam, the group disclosed that within its own discretion, the statement made by the CG, was taken out of malicious context for media clickbaits and to discredit the excellent service of the leadership of the NCoS.
It reads: ” As concerned citizens of this great nation, issues of national interest should be treated and addressed accordingly and appropriately free from bias. We have read and checked the statement of the Comptroller-General, Nigeria Correctional Service, Haliru Nababa, and we do not get the noise and eyebrows it has raised so far.
“The statement, “We feed each inmate with N750 daily, and they are fed three times daily (N250 for each meal). We have 900 security dogs, and to feed a dog each day, we spend N800.”, wasnt meant to put premium to animals than humans but that statement was to buttress the CGs’ concerns on the need to increase the feeding allowances of inmates which according to him, his request to the minister of interior for upward review of the amount to 3,000 per day is yet to be granted.
“It is beyond weird and unthinkable, that a clear statement from a committed public steward, is misconstrued by the media and men with so much wealth of knowledge. Let us reiterate that the CG has a right to make statement but however the statement is taken or manipulated for the self-aggrandizement and malicious intent of the publishers and major for clicks, views and perhaps monetization and to marr/ tarnish images, which we do not understand why, is not and can never be the CGs’ fault to bear.
“Even if the CG, meant it in the context it was taken or reported, taking care of animals is quite more expensive than humans because of their constant need for medications and other care considering the level of job they perform or task required of them. That aside, as watchdogs of the society, we are privy to the astute activeness of CG, Haliru Nababa and his commitment to the service, we know that he is keen to humanity and will never place value on dogs over humans.
“Let us mention, that in the process of this statement, the CG, also stated that they have made provision for the feeding of inmates, dogs and staff on training in six training institutions across the country and the money is grossly inadequate. The main stream media in their reportage didn’t take it from that angle, but took it from an angle capable of creating a scene and raising eyebrows without minding the negative impact it leaves on the person involved.
“We understand that the senate committee chairman, Adams Oshiomhole isn’t so pleased with the fact that dogs get 800, while Inmates receives 750, but like he said, this is a major Policy Issue and no one knows the intention of government to appropriate money to feed animals than to feed human beings. Hence, we are advising that instead of trying to blame issues on people, solutions should be panned to solve them.
“The half way narratives from these medium, goes to show the loopholes in credible journalism, they have the chance as respected news outlets to contact the CG for a balanced perspective in other to go beyond the clichés and name-calling and excavate richer, deeper truths, at a time of profound division. At this point, i think with all this misconstrued art of reportage, value is constantly placed in the ancient power of storytelling, because it feels like we have all reached our collective limitations.
“The CG, Haliru Nababa is a performing public steward and should not be rewarded with such controversies that could affect his mental health and his image.” The statement added.
The newly appointed Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), CP Adewale Ajao, has pledged to adopt a technology-driven approach to enhance security in Abuja.
Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, Ajao outlined plans to overhaul the intelligence department and deploy advanced surveillance tools, including CCTV cameras, drones, and digital crime mapping systems, for real-time crime monitoring and response.
He also announced the establishment of a 24-hour Command and Control Centre to coordinate emergency operations efficiently.
“My mission is to ensure that every resident of the FCT feels safe and secure in their homes, workplaces, and public spaces,” he stated, emphasizing his commitment to community policing and intelligence-led security measures.
Ajao further highlighted plans to strengthen collaboration with security agencies and engage local leaders to improve grassroots security efforts. He vowed to uphold professionalism, combat corruption, and prioritize officer training and welfare.
Calling for public cooperation, Ajao urged residents and stakeholders to support his vision of making Abuja a model for crime control and public safety.
- …Urges Stronger Nigerian Assertiveness
The Centre for Ethical Conduct, Orientation, and Empowerment (CECOE) has strongly condemned the Canadian government’s decision to deny visas to Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, and other senior military officials.
It described the move as a blatant act of diplomatic disrespect and a signal of Canada’s disregard for Nigeria’s sovereignty and military leadership.
Recall the Nigerian officials were due to attend a high-level event in Canada focused on security cooperation and honoring war veterans, but according to the CDS, only a portion of the delegation received visas.
CECOE, in a strongly worded statement signed by its Executive Director, Dr. David Owah on Thursday, denounced the decision as “unjustifiable, insensitive, and an affront to Nigeria’s dignity on the global stage.”
“This action by the Canadian government, is not just an administrative oversight, it is a clear dismissal of Nigeria’s importance in global security affairs. It raises troubling questions about Canada’s stance toward our military leadership and the overall diplomatic relationship between our two nations. We find this completely unacceptable.”
The group, further aligned with General Musa’s call for Nigeria to assert itself more forcefully in international affairs and avoid being treated as an afterthought. They also backed the remarks of National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who stressed the need for Nigeria to work toward greater self-sufficiency to prevent undue reliance on foreign cooperation.
While the exact reasons for the visa refusals remain unclear, CECOE emphasized that this incident highlights the bureaucratic and political barriers Nigerian officials often face in international engagements, urging the Nigerian government to take decisive action, ensuring that such disrespect is not tolerated in future diplomatic dealings.
“As a nation, we must demand respect and reciprocity in our international partnerships. Nigeria cannot afford to be treated with such disregard. The government must take this as an opportunity to strengthen our position and ensure our leaders are never subjected to such indignities again.
“Additionally, we are calling on the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to act upon this blatant disrespect and disregard. He should immediately engage with Canadian authorities to seek an explanation for the visa denials and to implement measures that ensure, Nigerian officials are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve in all international engagements.” They added.
The statement concluded with a call for Canada to provide immediate clarifications on its decision while urging Nigerian authorities to push back against any form of diplomatic discrimination against the country’s officials.
The Nigerian Army has successfully eliminated the notorious terrorist commander, Munzur Ya Audu, in Yobe State. The operation was confirmed by Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday.
Buba highlighted that the troops’ efforts extended beyond Ya Audu’s capture, focusing on dismantling terrorist logistics bases and disrupting terror group networks.
In addition to neutralizing Ya Audu, the military seized a large cache of weapons and ammunition. The recovered items include 145 assorted weapons, 3,825 rounds of ammunition, and various explosive devices. The arsenal recovered was extensive and included AK47 rifles, RPG bombs, hand grenades, and locally made firearms.
This operation marks a significant victory in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against terrorism, demonstrating the military’s commitment to eliminating terrorist threats and safeguarding national security.
