ContiNews.com.ng

Insecurity: Security Chieftain Ibadin, Calls For Establishment Of Arms Control Agency As Nigeria's security forces continue to engage kidnappers, bandits, terrorists and other violent criminals in a battle of wits, a security specialist, Mr. Matthew Ibadin has called for the urgent establishment of what he described as Arms Control and Licensing Authority to deescalate the increasing circulation of small arms and light weapons in the country.  In a press statement e-signed and released to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers, NAOSNP in Lagos on Wednesday, the Badison Security Chief Executive Officer noted that kidnapping of Citizens in the last nine years has become the order of the day with an increased frequency and intensity of such abductions across the country in the last two months of December 2023 and January 2024, especially in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. According to him, the Federal Government through an Act of the Nation...

Customs CG Provides Strategies for Meeting 2024 Revenue Target at RMFC The Nigeria Customs Service has briefed the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission (RMFC) on its various activities, procedures, and measures aimed at increasing revenue generation, fiscal efficiency, and blocking revenue leakages. Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR made this known during a presentation on Wednesday, 24 January 2024, at the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission office in Abuja. He emphasized the need to build trust when collaborating with other government agencies to achieve objectives. The CGC, pleading for support from the commission and other agencies, revealed that since his appointment in 2023, the service has taken significant steps in revenue recovery and addressing areas of possible revenue leakages. He disclosed that there are agencies with legal provisions to stay at the port, and the NCS is actively collaborating wit...

ARM PENSION MANAGERS (PFA) LIMITED TO MERGE WITH ACCESS PENSIONS LIMITED Access Holdings Plc (‘Access Holdings’) is pleased to announce a major development in its ongoing growth strategy. Access Golf Nigeria Limited (‘Access Golf’), a majority shareholder of Access Pensions Limited (‘Access Pensions’) which is a subsidiary of Access Holdings, has received the ‘no-objection’ of the National Pension Commission and the approval of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission for its proposed acquisition of a majority equity stake in ARM Pensions Managers (PFA) Limited (‘ARM’). Subject to the receipt of relevant regulatory approvals, it is intended that following the acquisition, the operations of ARM and Access Pensions will be merged to create Nigeria’s second largest Pension Fund Administrator (PFA) by Assets Under Management. Commenting on this transaction, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, the Group Chief Executive, Access Holdings, said: “We are pleased to have reached thi...

*NIGERIAN ARMY TROOPS RAID TERRORISTS' HIDEOUT IN KEBBI STATE, RESCUE 4 ABDUCTED PERSONS*  Troops of 8 Division, Nigerian Army, in conjunction with operatives of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and local vigilantes have successfully raided a terrorists' camp, where they rescued 4 abducted persons and recovered arms and ammunition. The raid operation was conducted in the identified terrorists' hideout at Sabon Gari Village in Shanga LGA of Kebbi state in the early hours of 23 January 2024. During the operation, the troops neutralized one of the terrorists and extricated 4 kidnap victims. The troops also recovered 3 AK 47 rifles, 3 Magazines, 142 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition and 2 pairs of camouflage uniform.  All the rescued victims have since been reunited with their families, while the troops have continued to trail the wounded and fleeing terrorists. Yahaya Ibrahim Captain Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations...

FACT-CHECK: NIGERIAN ARMY, NOT POLICE, CONDUCTED SUCCESSFUL RESCUE OF ABUJA  KIDNAPPED VICTIMS In a detailed fact-checking exercise, the Zagazola Makama has ascertained that recent reports claiming the involvement of the Nigeria Police Force in the rescue of kidnapped victims in Bwari are inaccurate. The operation, which took place on January 20, was exclusively carried out by the Nigerian Army's 197 Special Forces Battalion, contradicting the police's narrative of events. Troops involved in the operation have provided a comprehensive account backed with pictorial evidence embedded with coordinate data of the rescue mission near Gurara Dam in Kachia LGA, which was based on intelligence received at 2200 hours (10pm) Zagazola authoritatively learnt that the troops swiftly responded and located 12 individuals – three adult females, two female children, and seven male children – who had been left by their captors. The army's intervention was prompt and precise, with...

SANWO-OLU’S AFCON BUZZ CATCHES ACROSS LAGOS, AS COMMISSIONER FOR YOUTH, HON OGUNLENDE IGNITES COMMUNITY SPIRIT In a spectacular display of unity and community spirit, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the visionary leader of Lagos State and the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat orchestrated a resounding AFCON experience that resonates across the heart of Lagos. A captivating blend of free viewing centers and a dynamic predict-and-win initiative, powered by Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende (RAK), Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, elevated the experience to new heights, Trek Africa Newspaper can report. A United Lagos: Governor Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to fostering unity took center stage with the establishment of free viewing centers in each of the 20 Local Governments across Lagos. This strategic move provides Lagosians, especially the youth, with a common ground to come together, forging bonds that transcend boundaries. Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende (RAK), the Commissioner...

Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army (NA),  conducting clearance operations at Umuedeokwara Community, Odogwa  Town in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, successfully  busted a carefully concealed illegal oil bunkering site. The operation was conducted,  following credible intelligence on the activities of criminals in the site.  The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Nigerian Army/ Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force, Operation DELTA SAFE, Major General Jamal Abdusalam visited the location to see for himself the magnitude of the criminalities going on in the area. While speaking to newsmen at the site, the GOC was amazed by the level of criminality at the site. "We are here to let Nigerians know what is happening here. In fact, even if you use the air, using a helicopter or drone, you won't be able to see what we saw on the ground, " he retorted. He further remarked that "We have discovered so many illegalities taking plac...

A total of 136,177 candidates for the ongoing Police recruitment exercise have already been screened just six days after the commencement of the exercise on Monday, 8th January 2024 throughout the federation.  The Police Service Commission through the Police Recruitment Board is currently Screening 416,270  Nigerian youths who have shown interest and applied to be considered for a career in the Nigeria Police Force. The candidates are being subjected to physical and credentials screening, a prelude to an aptitude test and other processes including medical examination. The Commission has with the ongoing recruitment exercise, upgraded and automated the processes to ensure its credibility and create a measurable standard for final selection of successful candidates. Results/outcome of the screening exercise are uploaded real time to the Commission's portal and monitored by the Situation Room set up and led by Commission Chairman, Dr. Solomon Arase CFR,  retired ...

CGC Adewale Adeniyi  The Comptroller-General of  Customs  (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has stated that he will continually support and encourage Officers and Men of the Service who show interest in sports activities as part of his efforts to maintain Customs' dominance in the sports circle. The CGC made this disclosure on Sunday, January 15, 2024, when he attended the Polo Tournament between Customs Players and the Nigeria Army, along with the unveiling of the Nigeria Customs Service's Polo Shirt at the Nigeria Army Polo Resort in Abuja. He reiterated, “We will consider officers who have expressed interest in the Polo game here to be the nucleus of our team — and we will give similar encouragement to other Officers to engage in the game.” Commending the NCS' representatives at the match, CGC Bashir Adeniyi said, “I am quite impressed with what I have seen, and this will mark the beginning of the resurgence of Polo Games development in Customs.” Regarding...

1.      In a significant milestone for Nigeria's maritime landscape, a pivotal strategic meeting was held at the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy on Monday, 15 January 2024. The distinguished attendees included: - Hon. Minister of Marine and Blue Economy: Gboyega Oyetola - Hon. Minister of Transportation: Senator Said Ahmed Alkali - Comptroller General of Customs: Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR - Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC): Fidet Okhiria (Virtual Attendee) 2.        The primary thrust of this collaborative venture was to deliberate and actualize initiatives that would not only open up ports but also foster seamless cooperation and trade and facilitation. A key focal point of discussion was the strategic integration of the Non-Intrusive Inspection Technology (NIIT) to bolster operational efficiency in Nigerian Seaports. *Key Resolutions:* *a. Priority on Scanning over Physical Examination:*    Acknowledging the ...

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has expressed readiness to partner with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Scretieriate for enhanced trade facilitation in the African Continent. The CGC made this known on Monday, 8 January 2024, when he received members of AfCFTA at the Customs Corporate Headquarters in Abuja.  Lamenting the low trade volume in Africa, CGC Adeniyi said the NCS fully understands the importance of balancing trade facilitation and revenue while pointing out that Africa's share in global trade is around 3–4 percent. He expressed concerns about how the African trade system refuses to grow beyond 14–15 percent, estimated over the last three to four years. He said, "We are not unmindful of the benefits that trade presents — economic growth, job creation, and poverty alleviation because Customs trade plays a role in fostering regional and international bonds." He expressed i...

...Inspects Ongoing Construction Projects Along Abuja Airport Road In a remarkable display of commitment to both personal well-being and the success of the Nigeria Customs Service, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR undertook a 6.6-kilometer 'Walk Life Balance' at the iconic Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, on Saturday morning of 6 January 2024. This fitness initiative, a recurrent practice for the CGC, underscores Adeniyi's dedication to harmonizing the demands of a rigorous customs profession with the imperative of maintaining physical and mental health. In an exclusive interview after completing the refreshing walk, CGC Adeniyi highlighted the importance of such exercises for himself and his officers, acknowledging the strenuous nature of their duties, particularly in bustling urban centers. “Every weekend that I am in Abuja, we try to make it count that we really want to achieve a balance between the rigorous demands o...

....you are not merely  fulfilling a duty, You are shaping the future of NPF,  he told travelling PSC staff The recruitment of  Nigerians into the Constable cadre of the Nigeria Police Force starts tomorrow, Monday, January 8th 2024, throughout the federation with physical and credentials screening of successful applicants after  six weeks period for receiving of applications in line with the requirements of the Federal Character Commission. The Chairman of the Commission. Dr. Solomon Arase, CFR, retired Inspector General of Police told PSC staff at a pre-deployment briefing at the Commission's Parry Osayande Auditorium,over the weekend that "this is not merely a Recruitment exercise; rather, it is a saga - an epic tale where your actions will reverberate through time, "each decision, each interaction  becomes a paragraph  in this narrative,  shaping the perception  of our Commission  and the legacy we leave behind", adding that c...

...Solicits Support for NCS Mandate of N5.0 Trillion Revenue Target in 2024 In a gesture of appreciation and strategic engagement, the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, paid a thank-you visit to His Excellency, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima GCON, at the State House. The visit, which took place on January 5, 2024, aimed to express gratitude to Vice President Shettima for his attendance and delivery of a Keynote speech on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR at the recently concluded 2023 CGC's conference held in Lagos.  During the conference, key issues and strategies for the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) were deliberated, contributing to enhancing customs operations. Comptroller General Adeniyi took the opportunity to provide Vice President Shettima with a comprehensive briefing on the outcomes and resolutions from the CGC's conference. The discussions covered a spectrum of topics...