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ZONAL COORDINATOR ZONE A, ACG OG OSISANYA fdc VISITS LAGOS COMMAND
ZONAL COORDINATOR ZONE A, ACG OG OSISANYA fdc VISITS LAGOS COMMAND.
The Assistant Comptroller General in charge of Zone A, ACG OG Osisanya today 8th of February paid a working familiarization visit to Lagos State Command. The visit which forms part of his inaugural tour of all Commands and Formations under Lagos Zone is designed to give the ACG a first hand assessment of the challenges and needs of the entire Zone.
The Zonal Coordinator in his address to Officers and Men of the Command commended them for the warm reception accorded him and also distinctly expressed his delight at the professional performance of the Quater Guard Parade. He rehashed the Ag Comptroller-General, Idris Jere’s cardinal objectives but particularly expanded more on his commitment to implement a comprehensive welfare package for Officers and Men of the Service. He however, relayed the Ag CG’s demand for an improved commitment on the part of officers and men in the spirit of reciprocity.
ACG Osisanya conveyed the Ag CG’s warning against dissemination of official informaition through unofficial social media platforms. He described the act as a brazen violation of Public Service Rules as well as the Oath of Secrecy we are all signatories to.
The Zone A Coordinator closed his address by highlighting the role Divisional Immigration Officers (DIO’s) play in the internal security of the country. He charged the DIO’s to double their efforts due to the fact that Lagos is a melting pot and cosmopolitan area with the trappings that attract’s all forms of economic migrants. He particularly, highlighted the dictates of the Ecowas Protocol which demands that all Ecowas nationals that wishes to explore the rights guaranteed in the Protocol must also abide by the conditions as clearly stated in it. ACG Osisanya instructed the Comptroller to implement a mechanism that will guarantee a routine weekly security reports of all activities in the twenty LGAs in the state.
He afterwards, dismissed the parade and promised to convey the uncovered parts of his address through the CIS and the Command’s Sectional Heads in the Management meeting that held afterwards.
The Comptroller of Lagos State Command, CIS MD Bagiwa pcc in his welcome address promised to consolidate on the accomplishments of his predecessor who he said, “initiated several Corporate Social Responsibility sponsored projects which has significantly improved the conditions of the Command’s Provisional and Annex Office complexes.”
CIS Bagiwa expressed his “determination to ensure that the completed projects are duly maintained and optimally utilised as much as possible”. He declared his resolve to explore avenues that’ll facilitate the improvement of the Command’s Provisional and Annex Facilities, wherever and whenever necessity demands. He admitted that infrastructure wise, the Command is in a better condition than he left when he previously served here, and promised to ensure he will leave it in a better condition when his tenure his over.”
The Comptroller assured the Zonal Coordinator that he will ensure the nearly completed Personal Training and Resource Centre ,(PTRC) constructed by the International Organisation for Migration(IOM) will serve the purpose as intended for. He disclosed that the ever evolving digital transition of our services demands that all Officers and Men of the Command must take full advantage of the Centre to update their knowledge and keep pace with the evolving trends in our ever dynamic operating environment.”
CIS Bagiwa revealed to the ACG “he made it crystal clear to his Sectional and Unit Heads that they must observe rules of engagement and ensure that the Standard Operational Practice (SOP) is optimally observed. The rules of engagement which entails probity, professionalism, fairness, justice and discipline must be stoutly observed in all our engagements with members of the public, in line with the Ag Comptroller-General’s cardinal objectives. He also made it clear that there will be zero tolerance to extortion, undue harassment and exploitation of the public we are meant to dutifully serve. He disclosed to the Zonal Coordinator that he charged them to place a premium on the job as there can be no room for complacency in accomplishing the task of making Lagos Command, and by extension Lagos State investor-friendly in keeping with the ease of doing business mantra of the Federal Government.”
The Lagos Command Comptroller “unequivocally assured ACG Osisanya that he is staunchly commited to ensuring that the Alausa Passport Control Office transparently adhere to the newly implemented Passport Administration Policy. He made it clear that the appointment system which has brought about order and reduced the stress mileage of our Passport Processing Officers will not be sabotaged for any reason whatsoever.”
CIS Bagiwa seized the opportunity of the ACG’s first official familiarization visit to the Command by tabling a number of requests. He did seek the Coordinator’s assistance to apply the necessary pressure required to expedite the completion of the Command’s Headquarter’s Building. He pleaded that the speedy completion of the building will greatly address the challenge of office space shortage currently affecting the Command. The CIS also entreated the support of his boss with regards to pulling together human and material resources required for setting up of a Music Band. The Band which is an important Unit in all Paramilitary Agencies will not only serve Lagos Command, but also by extension serve all other Commands and Formations within the state whenever necessity demands.”
The Comptroller concluded his address by “drawing the attention of the ACG to the need for the swift renovation and fixing of necessary utilities in the Command’s Screening Centre.” This he said is imperative, given the Command’s obligation to ensure we keep up with the minimum global acceptable standard. He revealed that the Centre in its present state, requires significant material and financial support to make it more habitable for the detention of suspects in the facility.”
The Zone A Coordinator in his response disclosed that the purpose of the visit is to acquaint himself with the ongoings in biggest and most important Command in the country. He commended CIS Bagiwa for his graceful acknowledgement of his predecessors accomplishments. He urged the Management of the Command to extend the unequivocal support they accorded his predecessor which he believes was fundamental to the success of the immediate past Comptroller to CIS Bagiwa.
He labelled his visit as a form of homecoming after having visited the state on several occasions as part of the immediate past Comptroller General’s entourage. He’s also represented the outgone CG in several functions hosted in the state.
The ACG once again rehashed the need for the Command to place a premium on ensuring that the twenty Local Government Areas in the state are well monitored. He revealed that the only reason the NIS is accommodated in State Security Councils hinges on the fact that we have officers stationed in all 774 Local Government Areas in the country. He charged officers and men of the Command, particularly DIOs to double their efforts by ensuring that our inclusion in the State Security Councils is justified. He highlighted the importance of control after entry in order to rid the state of irregular migrants given the economic attraction embedded in Lagos.
ACG Osisanya urged officers to discharge their duties with the civility required of Officers of the Federal Republic as we imminently recommence inspection of companies with expatriates under their employment. He warned against embarrassment, exploitation and harassment of investors who come in with Foreign Direct Investments. He advised officers to use discretional latitude to correct documentation inconsistences when noticed rather than use it as an avenue to exploit for personal gains. He however instructed officers to force out any expatriate who refuses to comply with our attempt to correct and regularise their documents.
The ACG charged officers to dutifully protect the newly implemented appointment system for Passport applications introduced by the Service in conjunction with the Ministry of Interior. “He explained that the appointment system as currently implemented, is working as it has created order and reduce the stress mileage of Passport Processing Officers triggered by the rowdiness that was the norm in all Passport Control Offices before the appointment system. The Zonal Coordinator admitted that the challenges resulting from the appointment system due to fact that the autogenerated appointment dates assigned to some applicants may be too long. He assured that the top echelon of the Service is currently exploring measures to address the challenge. He concluded by revealing that the appointment system gives the Service ample time to verify the veracity of the documents presented by applicants as against the rumours that it is a pretext to mask our inability to provide booklets as demanded by the public.
The Tour was concluded after a guided tour of the entire infrastructure of the Command.
GEN CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA SUPPORT INITIATIVE COMMENDS STATE-FEDERAL COLLABORATION IN ZAMFARA
The Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa Support Initiative (GCGMSI) has commended the Zamfara State Government for its decisive contribution to security operations through the donation of newly acquired armoured personnel carriers (APCs), surveillance drones, and other critical operational equipment to troops and security agencies in the state.
This commendation was contained in a statement signed by the Convener of the GCGMSI, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani, Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi/Betara Biu, and made available to the press.
The equipment was formally commissioned on Wednesday, February 18, by the Grand Patron of the GCGMSI and Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, OFR (rtd.), in a ceremony at the Government House, Gusau. The event was attended by senior military officers, heads of security agencies, and top officials of the Zamfara State Government.
The GCGMSI, in its statement, hailed the donation as a “transformative and timely intervention” that aligns perfectly with its core objective of advocating for and supporting tangible measures that enhance the operational capacity and welfare of Nigeria’s security forces. The Initiative praised Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration for moving beyond rhetoric to actionable, material support, describing the move as a “blueprint for state-level collaboration in national security.”
“The provision of these assets by the Zamfara State Government is a testament to visionary leadership and a profound commitment to the peace and stability of its people,” the GCGMSI statement read. “It represents the exact kind of synergistic partnership between state and federal authorities that the GCGMSI champions. This initiative will significantly close operational gaps, boost the confidence of our gallant troops, and send a strong message to criminal elements.”
Speaking at the commissioning, General Musa emphasized that sustained collaboration is indispensable in confronting the nation’s evolving security challenges. He specifically commended Governor Lawal for his proactive support.
“Governor Dauda Lawal has demonstrated exemplary leadership and an unwavering dedication to the security of Zamfara State,” the Defence Minister stated. “The provision of these armoured vehicles, surveillance drones, and other operational equipment will undoubtedly boost the morale and operational effectiveness of our troops and other security agencies on the ground. This is a commendable effort that should be emulated by others.”
The newly commissioned assets, which include multiple APCs and advanced surveillance drones, are expected to dramatically enhance the mobility, protection, intelligence-gathering, and rapid response capabilities of security forces, particularly in the state’s remote and difficult terrains where anti-banditry operations are ongoing.
In his remarks, Governor Lawal reiterated his administration’s steadfast commitment to being a reliable partner in the security architecture. He urged security agencies to deploy the new resources responsibly and effectively to safeguard lives and property.
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Defence, reaffirmed its commitment to continuing and deepening such partnerships with state governments across the nation to strengthen coordination and resource allocation in the collective fight against insecurity.
The GCGMSI concluded its statement by urging other state governments to take a cue from Zamfara’s “bold and pragmatic” approach, affirming that such concrete support is vital for achieving lasting peace and security across Nigeria.
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Governor Dauda Lawal Commissions 25 Armoured Personnel Carriers, Aerial Surveillance Drones to Combat Insecurity
Governor Dauda Lawal Commissions 25 Armoured Personnel Carriers, Aerial Surveillance Drones to Combat Insecurity
In a major boost to the fight against banditry and insecurity in Zamfara State and the North-West Zone, Zamfara State Governor, His Excellency, Dr Dauda Lawal, on Wednesday commissioned 25 new Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and sets of surveillance drones for the military and other security agencies operating in the state.
The event, which took place in Gusau, was part of the state government’s ongoing effort to provide structured logistical support to frontline security forces and combat insurgency, banditry, and protect lives and properties. Speaking at the commissioning and handover, Governor Lawal emphasised that the new assets are intended to enhance troop protection during high-risk deployments and improve rapid response capabilities in remote communities, ensuring tactical battle and overhead surveillance for victory.
“We have provided over 600 specialised motorcycles, 150 Hilux vehicles, and 20 Buffalo vehicles to our security forces. These 25 highly sophisticated APCs being commissioned today are therefore part of a broader reform to improve response to security threats. The APC’s significantly improves troop protection during deployments into high-risk areas. They reduce vulnerability during patrols, support convoy security along major routes, and strengthen rapid response capability when distress calls arise from remote communities.” the Governor stated.
Governor Lawal explained that the security challenges of recent years had disrupted farming, limited trade, and undermined public confidence across the state. He noted that his administration’s “Rescue Mission” agenda has focused on moving from fragmented responses to structured reforms, including the establishment of a Zamfara State Security Trust Fund and the operationalisation of Community Protection Guards to improve grassroots intelligence.
The Governor specifically highlighted the importance of integrating modern technology into security operations. He noted that the newly acquired drones would expand aerial surveillance, improve situational awareness, and support better coordination between command centres and troops in the field.
“Real-time information strengthens decision-making and reduces operational blind spots,” he added.
Governor Lawal however acknowledged the critical role of the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that recent federal budgets have allocated over three trillion naira to defence, a commitment he said strengthens subnational stabilisation efforts.
He urged the military commanders and personnel receiving the equipment to ensure disciplined maintenance and intelligence-guided deployment. “Enhancing your safety enhances the safety of our communities,” he told the troops.
Governor Lawal also told the people of Zamfara that; his administration remains resolute in restoring enduring security and peace across every Local Government Area. “We will sustain preventive measures, strengthen patrol architecture in rural corridors, deepen inter-state intelligence collaboration across the North-West, and maintain fiscal prudence in security expenditure. Stabilisation will continue through structured planning, lawful enforcement, and institutional reform.”
The Governor also linked the security investment to economic recovery, stressing that stability in rural areas is essential for agricultural productivity, market activity, and food security.
The event was attended by the Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd.), who formally commissioned the assets for operational service. Governor Lawal reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to sustain preventive measures and inter-state security collaboration until lasting peace is restored across all Local Government Areas in Zamfara.
Ramadan, Lent: Ajadi Urges Religious Harmony, Prayers for Nigeria
A leading governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has extended warm felicitations to Muslims and Christians on the simultaneous commencement of Ramadan and Lent.
Ramadan, the Islamic holy month marked by 30 days of fasting and spiritual devotion, and Lent, the 40-day Christian season of fasting and reflection, began on the same day — a development Ajadi described as symbolic and spiritually significant.
In a statement personally signed by him on Wednesday, Ajadi congratulated adherents of both faiths and called for sustained religious tolerance, unity, and peaceful coexistence across the state and the country at large.
He described the coincidence in the commencement dates as a reminder of shared values between Islam and Christianity.
“The simultaneous commencement of Ramadan and Lent is a divine reminder that we all worship the same Almighty God. It is a call for unity, love, and mutual understanding among us,” he stated.
Ajadi urged Muslims and Christians to use the sacred periods of fasting and spiritual purification to pray fervently for Nigeria, especially in view of the nation’s economic and security challenges.
“Our country is facing significant hardship. The economic difficulties and prevailing insecurity require sincere prayers. This season of spiritual purification offers us a unique opportunity to seek God’s intervention for our nation,” he said.
He further emphasized that both Islam and Christianity preach peace, tolerance, and respect for constituted authority, urging citizens to embody these teachings in their daily lives.
“Let us live peacefully, tolerate one another, and continue to pray for those in leadership. Our faiths teach us to respect and uphold our leaders in prayer,” Ajadi added.
The PDP chieftain concluded by wishing Muslims a spiritually fulfilling Ramadan and Christians a reflective and enriching Lenten season, encouraging both communities to embrace love, sacrifice, and harmonious living throughout the sacred periods.
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