SECURITY
NAOSRE Monthly Security Review: Nigeria At The Mercy Of Tactless Security Chiefs
Published
3 years agoon

NAOSRE Monthly Security Review: Nigeria At The Mercy Of Tactless Security Chiefs
In late July and barely few hours after terrorists threatened to abduct Nigeria’s President and Commander-in-Chief, President Muhammadu Buhari and Kaduna Governor Nasir el’Rufai in a viral video, troops of the elite Presidential Guards Brigade were ambushed and attacked by terrorists along the Bwari-Kubwa road where a Captain, Lieutenant and six soldiers reportedly lost their lives in the capital city of Abuja.
An aspect of the narratives indicated that one of the terrorists’ targets, in that major onslaught against the Nigeria government, was the campus of Nigerian Law School in Bwari.
For fear of further attacks, management of schools closed down schools and communicated parents on the urgent need to take their children home.
Veritas University, a Roman Catholic owned university, located in Bwari Local Government Council of Abuja, shut down academic activities following security reports indicating that terrorists could attack and abduct students of the school after foiled attempt at the Nigerian Law School, sited some few kilometres apart.
In like manner, the Federal Ministry of Education, for fear of impending bandits and terrorists’ attacks, directed the immediate closure of all unity schools domiciled in Abuja, while ordering immediate evacuation of students.
Before then, Islamic State West Africa Province militants,a breakaway faction of Boko Haram, attacked the Presidential Advance Team to Katsina State before the last Sallah Holidays.
In addition and within the same period under review, specifically in the first week of July, ISWAP used explosives and guns to attack Kuje Prison in Abuja.
About six cars and buses were damaged during the attack. Four prisoners and a security official were also killed.
Over 800 prison inmates escaped during the attack with about half of them still at large. Those still at large include over 60 Boko Haram suspects.
Without doubt, the fall of Abuja to terrorists is the peak of humiliation as a country.
The tactless and amoebic defence and security arrangement, implemented by security chiefs have advertised Nigeria as the most retrogressive in the comity of countries in the world.
Shutting down of schools because of insecurity is very worrisome and the lowest a country can descend as nonexistent.
Banditry sector has been created. Within the last few months, the banditry sector would have done over a billion dollar from ransom taking.
So bad has the situation been that Governor Mohammed Matawalle of Zamfara State directed citizens in the state to obtain guns to defend themselves against bandits, a move many see as a sign of final collapse of Nigeria.
Zamfara government equally gave orders for immediate closure of markets in three senatorial districts as a result of the escalating activities of terrorists in various parts of the State.
To demonstrate its seriousness, governor Matawalle has concluded arrangement to distribute 500 forms to each of the 19 Emirates in the state for those willing to obtain guns to defend themselves.
Reacting to the development, human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN described it as “A free-for-all affair,” adding that “These are all signs of imminent collapse of the Nigeria state.”
With all these, it is instructive to note that whenever armed gang controls the instrument of violence, then the state has collapsed or is about to collapse.
The enormity of the security challenges across Nigeria is the best definition of a failed state.
In the face of all this, the Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP and Boko Haram seem to be in perfect control of the entire Nigeria system.
Where are the Service Chiefs made up of the Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Air Staff, Chief of Navy Staff and the Inspector General of Police?
In the 2022 budget, passed and signed by President Muhammadu Buhari, Ministry of Defence is to spend the sum of N1.52billion on security operations as well as various sums for capital expenditure and welfare packages for officers.
Despite this humongous sum at the disposal of service chiefs, soldiers are deployed into terrorists’ enclaves blind with double-barrel guns even when technology is the ultimate instrument in modern warfare.
No single intelligence is deployed into operations.
What sends jitters into the spines of innocent citizens is the way ISWAP kills and captures Nigeria’s elite soldiers like chicken.
If elite soldiers from the presidential guard are on a mission to rescue people in distress, aren’t they supposed to be ready for trouble? How come they just got captured and killed by a so called rag-tag army of vandals?
If elite soldiers can be routed so easily, where are the helpless and hapless civilians to turn to?
Over time, the National Association of Online Security Reporters, NAOSRE, has lived up to its billing by encouraging citizens, through numerous editorial persuasions, to co operate with military personnel in the fight against insurgency.
But it does seem that service chiefs who are at the commanding heights to co ordinate all supporting channels for result driven operations are square pegs in round holes.
The failure of the security chiefs partly informed the reasons the once cohesive administrative posture of the legislative and executive arms of government at the federal level has been punctuated with Senators baying for the blood of President Buhari with impeachment threats.
The Senators are of the conviction that the ambush and killing of a platoon of the elite Brigade of Guards in Abuja are enough warnings that the terrorists are possibly planning to overrun the federal capital, adding that the Commander in Chief is a failure.
Indeed, insecurity is spreading fast. Those very close to the seat of power and perceived safe areas in Abuja are afraid.
Abuja residents are scared. Some are already relocating to other places and countries. The situation at hand is that bad.
Available information on insecurity indicates that terrorists on the rampage across the country have attacked about 16 military bases since mid 2022.
In most instances, the attacks led to the killing of about 800 soldiers have been killed in different parts of the country.
Despite huge funding and incessant presidential directives to the military and other security agencies to deal decisively with terrorists through bilateral and multilateral arrangements to tackle the trans-border and maritime crimes, given that some of our security challenges are imported into Nigeria by foreign elements, the Nigerian Army, Navy and Airforce under the command of service chiefs, have been lame duck.
This ugly development may have informed the reasons the House of Representatives’ Committee on Defence urged the Federal Government to engage mercenaries to tackle the growing insecurity.
Chairman of the committee, Honourable Babajimi Benson, who is in the vanguard of this option, got an upvote from a retired Brigadier General, John Sura, who described as unacceptable the way soldiers are being killed by terrorists, pointing at lack of cohesion and synergy among the security agencies.
Looking at it differently, a security consultant, Mr Jackson Lekan-Ojo, enthused that the bandits have become brazen, saying, “The bandits or terrorists are fighting offensively and the military are fighting defensively. These terrorists have brought the battle to our doorsteps. They are no longer waiting for us to cross to meet them. Imagine being confronted on one’s doorstep and being defeated. Our security system and apparatus are very weak and that is what gives them the audacity to come and fight offensively in our military bases.”
Corroborating Lekan-Ojo’s position, Mr Yemi Adeyemi, another security consultant, lamented saying “How can some miscreants say they want to kidnap the President? For you to know that they were not joking about it, they attacked the presidential guards brigade which is supposed to be the most fortified brigade of the Nigerian Army and killed some officers and men. They went again to Zuba and killed a man there. All the blame should go to the service chiefs who should implement presidential directives to the letter in line with national interests.”
Notably, the spate of insecurity in Nigeria has reached an alarming stage. It has become all encompassing.
From the north to the south; from the east to the west, from one geo-political zone to the other, there’s always a scary story to tell. And the story is that insecurity is spreading like wild fire.
It has become such a dastardly situation where no one is safe and the problem is escalating and totally getting out of control.
Travel in Nigeria, whether by road, rail, air or sea has become a nightmare. Homes and places of business are not safe because the bandits are on the prowl.
To be in prison is not safe either. Terrorists are invading prisons and releasing prisoners across states in the federation.
The consequence of such action is that criminals released from prisons increase the numerical strength of those already in the bush.
Having a retinue of guards does not guarantee safety.
In the south-west, there’s a surge in armed robbery, kidnapping, herder-farmer conflicts and banditry.
The Ondo State Church experience happened not too long ago.
The agitation for Biafra with its now accompanying killings, commercial crime, kidnapping, herder-farmer clashes, attacks by unknown gunmen, and banditry is now holding sway in the southeast.
In the south-south, kidnapping is not completely over.
Boko Haram insurgency and the Islamic State of West Africa Province have been holding sway for years in the northeast.
Ethno-religious killings and banditry are known to have taken a centre-stage in the north-west.
From all indications, the escalating rate of insecurity has cost Nigeria over 11% of its GDP worth N119 billion and projects worth N12 trillion were abandoned across Nigeria due to insecurity and other challenges.
The global peace index for 2021 compiled by the Institute for Economics and Peace ranked Nigeria 146th out of 163 countries with a score of 2.712, while among sub-Saharan African countries the country was ranked 39th out of 44 countries examined in the region.
According to experts, insecurity affects economic growth by drying out investments, increasing unemployment, and dwindling government revenue, among others.
To a very large extent, nothing is new. But what is required is new strategy to keep the county safe.
For instance, after the amnesty by late President Yar’ Adua, a militant leader backed out. His name was John Togo.
He went back to the creek and started a massive campaign of violence against oil installations and the Military.
John Togo was highly trained and intelligent.
But Yaradua will have none of it.
He gave the Military clear directives to get John Togo.
The military went after John Togo. There was no hiding place for him.
He was first smoked out of his hideout and shot but escaped. His men took him to a hospital, the Military came after him but again he escaped narrowly before they came.
He ran to the creeks but the order from the President was clear.
Get John Togo! It was a clear order. There was no in-between. The Military never relented.
Thinking he was safe in his fortress, his new location was found and fighter jets dropped bombs on his camp. He and his men perished. That was the end of John Togo.
No terrorist or bandit is bigger than the might of the Nigerian military or federal government.
If this was achieved by service chiefs at that time, it can be achieve now.
Therefore, the problems, really, are the service chiefs who are tactless and ineffective.
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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact saharaweekly@yahoo.com

Business
Elon Musk’s Team Accuses FEMA of Misusing $59 Million to House Illegal Migrants in Luxury Hotels
Published
1 month agoon
February 11, 2025
Elon Musk’s Team Accuses FEMA of Misusing $59 Million to House Illegal Migrants in Luxury Hotels
Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has made serious allegations against the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), claiming that the agency misused $59 million to accommodate illegal migrants in luxurious hotels.
The billionaire entrepreneur revealed this in a tweet on Monday morning, stating that the discovery was made last week. According to Musk, the funds were intended for American disaster relief but were instead diverted in violation of national regulations.
He wrote: “The @DOGE team just discovered that FEMA sent $59M LAST WEEK to luxury hotels in New York City to house illegal migrants. Sending this money violated the law and is in gross insubordination to the President’s executive order. That money is meant for American disaster relief and instead is being spent on high-end hotels for illegals! A clawback demand will be made today to recoup those funds.”
The revelation has sparked controversy, with critics arguing that FEMA’s allocation of funds should prioritize American citizens affected by disasters. The allegations have also intensified scrutiny on FEMA, which has faced previous accusations of financial mismanagement.
An inspector general audit recently revealed that FEMA mishandled nearly $10 billion in COVID-19 relief funds. The audit stated that $8.1 billion in costs remained questionable, while $1.5 billion was allocated prematurely and could have been better utilized for other emergencies.
As scrutiny mounts, former President Donald Trump has reportedly considered abolishing FEMA, describing the agency as “a disaster.” To address these concerns, Trump has established a council, led by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, to review FEMA’s operations and propose necessary reforms by late June.
The allegations against FEMA have triggered a broader debate on the proper allocation of taxpayer funds and the government’s role in disaster management. More updates are expected as the situation develops.
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Business
Shepherd freight Cargo services Now in Lagos and Ibadan Nigeria
Published
1 month agoon
February 10, 2025
Shepherd freight Cargo services Now in Lagos and Ibadan Nigeria.
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Business
Access Holdings: Imprints of a Thriving Banking Powerhouse
Published
1 month agoon
February 7, 2025
Access Holdings: Imprints of a Thriving Banking Powerhouse, By Bolaji Israel
Access Holdings has continued to evolve and reinforce its corporate stature as a formidable force in Nigeria’s financial sector, demonstrating capacity for relentless growth, resilience and ambition through strategic expansion and innovative approaches. The entity owes its significant bulk to the Access Bank Group, supported by other allied services firms.
Also known as Access Corporation, the group has grown over the last 35 years to emerge as Nigeria’s largest financial holding company, offering services such as commercial banking, lending, payment, insurance, and asset management.
Though Access started off as a corporate bank, it swiftly expanded into personal and business banking in 2012, solidifying its role as a well rounded financial solutions provider.
In his memoir, ‘Leaving the Tarmac: Buying a Bank in Africa, ‘ Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede detailed how himself and his partner, Herbert Wigwe walked the delicate path of buying Access Bank and never looked back since.
The bank’s acquisition in March 2022 by the maverick duo of Aig-Imoukhuede and Wigwe, which changed its entire growth, profit and branding trajectory as well as its merger with Diamond Bank in 2019 which shot up its customer base to over 42 million, granting it a status of the largest bank in Africa by customer base and the largest in Nigeria by assets, form a part of its remarkable and turnaround milestone.
With a keen focus on digitisation-driven growth and customer satisfaction, it has not only solidified its status in Nigeria but has also set its sights on becoming a formidable player in the international banking arena.
The group’s growth and expansion drive has been marked by a series of strategic acquisitions and mergers aimed at enhancing its market presence and delivering value to customers. In 2021, Access Bank acquired African Banking Corporation (ABC Holdings), a move that significantly bolstered its operations in Southern Africa. This acquisition allowed Access Bank to enter markets such as Botswana, Mozambique, and Zambia, thereby enhancing its regional footprint and customer base.
In addition to its African ventures, Access Holding has been eyeing opportunities in Europe and Asia. Recent announcements highlight the bank’s interest in potential partnerships and acquisitions that could facilitate its entry into these lucrative markets. The bank’s management has stated, “We are committed to diversifying our operations and exploring new markets that align with our growth strategy.”
The results of the expansion efforts have been promising. For the year ending 2023, Access Holding reported a staggering 300 percent growth in profit after tax to N612.4 billion, from N204.1 billion in 2022. This represents the largest profit ever recorded by the company, under the leadership of its late co-founder, Herbert Wigwe.
It revenue soared by 80% to N2.6 trillion, from N1.4 trillion in 2022 while assets rose by 78% to N26.7 trillion, from N14.99 trillion in 2022, marking a significant growth trajectory that positions Access Holding as one of Nigeria’s largest and most influential banks.
Leading Force in Financial Sector
Access Holding’s influence in the financial sector extends beyond its impressive growth metrics. The bank has taken on a leading role in advocating for financial inclusion and economic empowerment across Nigeria and Africa. Through various initiatives, Access Holdings is committed to providing access to banking services for underserved populations, thereby contributing to the broader goal of economic development.
The bank’s emphasis on technology and innovation has positioned it as a leader in the digital banking space, setting benchmarks for other financial institutions to follow. By continuously enhancing its service offerings and embracing new technologies, Access Holding is shaping the future of banking in Nigeria and beyond.
Innovations and Technological Advancements
Access has prioritized innovation as a cornerstone of its growth strategy. Over the past two years, the bank has invested heavily in upgrading its technology infrastructure to provide customers with seamless and efficient banking experiences. The launch of a robust digital banking platform is a clear testament to this commitment. The improved platform allows customers to perform a wide range of transactions, from fund transfers to bill payments, all from the convenience of their mobile devices.
The bank’s mobile banking app has also seen significant upgrades, incorporating features such as biometric authentication, personalized financial insights, and enhanced security protocols. These innovations have resulted in a marked increase in user engagement, with over 10 million active users reported in 2024.
Moreover, Access has revitalized its Point of Sale (POS) services to cater to the growing demand for cashless transactions. The bank has deployed thousands of POS terminals across Nigeria, facilitating secure and efficient payment solutions for businesses and consumers alike.
Leadership and Succession
The unfortunate demise of Dr Herbert Wigwe, CFR, the Company’s founding Group Chief Executive Officer and former Group Managing Director of its flagship subsidiary, Access Bank Plc on Friday, February 9, 2024, in a helicopter accident in the United States of America, would have constituted a permanent clog for any company without a formidable structure.
Access Holdings has however been able to rise above the dark moment and steadied the ship with the return of Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede as Chairman and emergence of Bolaji Agbede as GCEO. The swift realignment is a clear testament to the group’s ability to deftly manage succession.
Growth Outlook and Ambition
Access growth results and targets highlight its ambitious nature. The banking group aims to achieve a market capitalization of ₦10 trillion by 2025, with plans to expand its customer base to over 50 million across its operational territories. This ambition is supported by strategic partnerships and potential mergers, not only within Nigeria but globally.
Analysts have noted that Access Holdings is well-positioned to capitalise on the growing demand for financial services across Africa and beyond. With a solid foundation and an eye on expansion, the bank is poised to become a leading financial institution on the global stage.
The landscape of mergers and acquisitions in the banking sector has been vibrant, and Access Holdings is keen on exploring potential opportunities. In Nigeria, the banking industry has witnessed a wave of consolidation, with several banks seeking to enhance their market positions through strategic mergers. Access has expressed interest in potential acquisitions that align with its growth strategy, particularly in the areas of technology and customer service.
Globally, the banking group is also exploring partnerships that can facilitate its entry into new markets. The management has indicated that Access Holding is open to collaborating with fintech companies and other financial institutions that can complement its service offerings and enhance customer value.
Awards and Commendations
Access Corp’s commitment to excellence and innovation has earned it numerous accolades over the past year. The bank was recognized as the “Best Bank in Nigeria” at the Global Finance Awards, a prestigious honour that underscores its leadership position in the industry. Additionally, the bank received the “Most Innovative Bank” award at the African Banking Awards, highlighting its commitment to embracing technology and improving customer experiences.
These awards reflect a solid dedication to maintaining high standards of service and its ability to adapt to the rapidly changing financial landscape.
Access Holdings trajeectory stands as a testament to what can be achieved through strategic expansion, innovation, and effective leadership. With its aggressive growth strategy, commitment to technological advancement, and dedication to customer satisfaction, it is firmly establishing itself as a thriving banking conglomerate.
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