News

Community Policing: Edo Graduates 1,500 Security Personnel

Published

2 years ago

August 10, 2023

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said the 1,500 Edo State Security, Vigilante/Hunter Network (ESSVN), will strengthen efforts to boost intelligence gathering and community policing across the state.

Obaseki made the remarks at the passing out parade of the second set of ESSVN officials, held at the Ogida Police Training School, in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State.

The governor said the exercise was part of the process to firm up the security architecture of the state.

He added: “Today marks a major milestone in our renewed efforts to strengthen the security structure in Edo State to protect lives and properties, as we graduate another batch, making it about 2,037 trainees. The first set was 537 and now another 1,500.

“As a government, we are aware of the roles security plays in our socio-economic growth and development. This is why we have sustained efforts to continue to build a capable and well-trained security network across the state and to ensure that they are adequately equipped with the knowledge and skills which are required to effectively deal with the rapid changes in the security landscape.

“We are committed to building the capacity of all our security personnel who are at the forefront of combating crimes in Edo State. We understand the need to collaborate with other agencies, particularly with the Federal Government. That is why we have put in resources to upgrade facilities in the Police Training School”.

Obaseki also thanked the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Commissioner of Police (CP) and other security agencies for collaborating with his administration in designing the training programmes for members of the vigilante and hunter network.

He noted that the state government recognises the peculiar need for a decentralised and participatory security model which is the current trend in the world. The governor added that a reward system has been implemented to motivate operatives of the ESSVN.

“We believe that it is when citizens are empowered to take ownership of their safety and become an integral part and partners in preventing and addressing the security concerns in their communities, that is when there would be guaranteed security,” he added.

The governor expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Nigerian Police Force, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Correctional Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Department of State Services (DSS), and other partners and members of the Edo State Security Council who have continued to support and strengthen efforts to prevent, deter and respond to criminal activities which have led to the success recorded in the management of security over last few years.

On his part, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Adamu Dankwara, said the Force takes the training seriously as it will help in combating crimes and ensuring a crime-free society.

The CP, represented by DCP, Millar Dantawaye, urged the trainees to work in synergy with DPOs, Heads of operational units of Police in their various communities and other sister security agencies to check crime and immediately hand over suspects to the Police for further actions.

The Commandant, Police Training School, Benin, ACP Joseph Esegine, said about 1,500 personnel of the Edo State Security Vigilante/Hunter Network (ESSVN) Batch B from 12 local government areas of Edo South and Edo Central Senatorial Districts passed out from the school after 10 days of intensive training.

News

NAF Launches Attack On Terrorists In Borno

Published

9 hours ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, operating as part of the joint task force of Operation Hadin Kai, has carried out a coordinated air interdiction at AbbagaJiri in the Timbuktu Triangle, Borno State.

According to Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information of NAF, the air strikes successfully paved the way for ground troops.

He explained that the operation was based on actionable intelligence from multiple sources, which confirmed the presence of terrorists, their structures, and concealed logistics facilities in the area.

Ejodame stated that NAF air assets were deployed in integrated surveillance and precision strike roles to target identified threats.

The operation aimed to degrade terrorist capabilities, deny them sanctuary, and shape the battlefield for ground forces, all while strictly adhering to rules of engagement and protecting civilians.

He added, “The Identified terrorist structures were decisively engaged and destroyed, denying the terrorists freedom of action, while a follow-up engagement neutralised armed elements observed converging on the location.”

“Subsequent advances by ground troops into the area confirmed the effectiveness of the air strikes and validated the success of the joint air–land operation.”

Speaking on the mission, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, said, “The success of the mission reflects the NAF’s resolve to dominate the air domain in support of joint operations.”

Aneke further emphasized that the operation highlighted the service’s commitment to providing precise and decisive air power in support of ground forces.

In his words, “We will continue to deny terrorists freedom of movement, sanctuary, and logistics wherever they seek to hide. Air operations will remain relentless and intelligence-driven.”

“Our operations are carefully planned and intelligence-led, ensuring maximum effect on hostile elements while safeguarding innocent civilians.”

“The Nigerian Air Force will sustain pressure until terrorist networks are completely dismantled.”

He further noted that the operation showcased NAF’s aggressive stance, precision employment of airpower, and dedication to sustained joint operations.

Aneke added that such missions play a crucial role in enabling ground troops to maintain momentum and deliver decisive outcomes against terrorist networks threatening lives, property, and Nigeria’s national security.

News

Lagos Parks To Close For Maintenance – State Govt

Published

10 hours ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

The Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency, LASPARK, has announced that all public parks under its management across the state will be temporarily closed for routine maintenance and upgrades.

In a statement released on January 9 and shared via its official platforms early Saturday, LASPARK said, “All parks under our management will be closed to the public from January 12 to January 31, 2026.

“This follows increased visitor activity during the recent festive season.”

The agency listed several popular recreational spots that will be affected, including “Ndubisi Kanu Park, Alausa JJT Park, Dr. Finnih Abayomi Park in Oregun, and all other LASPARK-managed parks across Lagos State.”

News

PAP Sends Additional 34 Foreign Post-graduate Scholarship Beneficiaries To UK Varsities

Published

1 day ago

January 9, 2026

Editor

The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has deployed an additional 34 foreign post-graduate scholarship beneficiaries to various universities in the United Kingdom for the 2025-2026 academic year.

This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Warri by Mr Igoniko Oduma, Special Assistant on Media to Dr. Dennis Otuaro, the Administrator, PAP.

According to the statement, the scholars’ programmes include data science, fintech analytics, cyber security, international energy law and policy, construction project management, public health, agri-food technology, electrical and petroleum engineering, among others.

The statement added that more foreign post-graduate scholars will be sent to UK universities in the current academic session.

“In December 2025, nine students, who were the first set of offshore post-graduate scholarship developments by the PAP Administrator, Dr Dennis Otuaro, for the 2024-2025 academic year, graduated from their various programmes in UK universities.

“Otuaro has deployed over 9000 students to universities within and outside Nigeria for different industry-relevant programmes since he assumed office in March 2024,” the statement partly reads.

Speaking at the pre-departure orientation programme for the scholars at the PAP headquarters in Abuja, on Thursday, Otuaro said that the large-scale deployment was aimed at making the Niger Delta a knowledge-driven region.

He said that his leadership reinvigorated the programme to give it a new momentum in service delivery to the people of the region based on the mandate of President Bola Tinubu.

Otuaro said, “We are sending all of you for post-graduate studies in various universities in the United Kingdom.

“The PAP now has a new momentum and direction because of the repositioning and broad reforms that we carried out in line with the mandate of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.

“The objective behind the huge scholarships deployment is to ensure that we develop the needed human capital to transform the Niger Delta and generate knowledge-wealth.

“We want to develop relevant manpower in critical disciplines for our region and by extension, the country, because you are expected to contribute your quota to national development after successful graduation.”

The PAP boss, who was represented at the event by his Technical Assistant, Mr Edgar Biu, advised the scholars to study hard to achieve academic excellence in their various fields of research.

According to him, the scholars have an obligation to justify the Federal Government’s investment in their education and future.

He reiterated his warning that beneficiaries should not take for granted the opportunity to further their academic pursuits in the interest of the Niger Delta and indeed the country.

Otuaro expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his “enormous interest and support for the Programme”, particularly the approval of an upward review of the programme’s budget from N65billion to N150billion.

He also expressed gratitude to the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his impeccable guidance and supervision of the programme’s initiatives.

Otuaro, therefore, cautioned the scholars to obey their host country’s laws and the rules and regulations of their various institutions, stressing that they are ambassadors of Nigeria, the Niger Delta and their communities and families.

Highpoint of the orientation programme was the presentation of laptops to the scholars to help them in their studies.