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Insecurity: Terrorists, bandits are threats to 2023 poll, says Dambazzau

Published

4 years ago

August 17, 2022

Former Interior Minister Abdulrahman Dambazau

Governors meet today on insecurity
Lagos stakeholders seek total ban on Okada

Former Interior Minister Abdulrahman Dambazau yesterday reflected on the worsening insecurity in the country, warning that terrorism and banditry may threaten next year’s general election.

He urged security agencies to intensify the war against terror and kidnapping by taking the battle to the criminals in their hideouts.

Gen. Dambazau, a former Chief of Army Staff, who delivered a paper at the yearly Public Lectures and Impact Series/Awards of the Blueprint Newspaper Limited in Abuja, lamented that terrorists were creating cells close to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

He called for the review of security strategies and reforms to combat criminality, while also warning against ethno-religious politics.

As concern mounts on insecurity, governors are expected to meet today in Abuja to deliberate on the common threat and solutions.

Yesterday, Zamfara State Governor Bello Matawalle signed the death penalty bill as part of measures to combat kidnappings.

In Lagos State, stakeholders who expressed worry about the security situation in the country, called for a total ban on commercial motorcycles (Okada) operators in the metropolis.

In Imo State, Governor Hope Uzodimma, who donated 10 armoured vehicles to the police, charged them to effectively maintain law and order in the state.

At the Blueprint Lecture Series to commemorate its 11th anniversary were Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, his Kogi counterpart, Yahaya Bello, the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, the Minister of Sports, Sunday Dare, and the Sarkin Sudan of Kontagora, Alhaji Mohammed Barrau II.

Danbazzau urged security agencies to take the war against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping to criminals, who are building their cells close to Abuja.

He said:” From the recent attacks on the Abuja-Kaduna train; the Shiroro mining site; the Kuje prison; military patrol in Bwari; and the attack on soldiers deployed at Madallah checkpoint, it is evident that Boko Haram insurgents are gradually establishing cells close to the Federal Capital, specifically in the neighboring states of Kogi, Kaduna and Niger.

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“Terrorists are inching closer to the seat of power. So, also the motorcycle bandits whom had almost taken control of the Abuja-Kaduna Road; and to some extent, the Abuja-Lokoja Road, and Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Road.

“These roads or highways must be constantly dominated by security activities, and the terrorists and/or bandits must be pursued with adequate firepower aimed at eliminating them.

“It is clear that the violent activities of these groups are designed to make citizens uncomfortable, in addition to embarrassing and discrediting the government.

“To elicit emotions, raise tension, and influence public opinion against the government, the terrorists would normally post video of their helpless victims and/or activities.

“They extort money as ransom from family members of their victims, and sometimes they even murder their victims after payment.

“They make deliberate efforts to put the government on panic mode, leading to closure of schools, businesses, and other public activities.

“This situation will encourage their audacity. From now on, we should take fight to wherever they are, put pressure on them and make them very uncomfortable, where the opportunity avails itself, eliminate them.

“We must live our normal lives, and not allow some violent gangs to make us live miserable lives, full of uncertainties.

“As we are preparing for the 2023 elections, we are also thinking about the possibility of attacks or disruptions of the election processes by these violent groups.”

He added: “The security threats against the 2023 politics are not limited to the activities of the terror groups in the North, but also the proscribed IPOB in the southeast, which has not only been terrorizing the people of the region, especially while enforcing their illegal sit-at-home orders, but also killing and destroying properties of northerners seeking livelihood in the region.”

The former COAS, who made recommendations to address the security challenges, said the welfare of military personnel is paramount, regretting that the Police and the military are currently being overstretched right now.

He also advised the military to put their differences aside and work together as a team in tackling the security challenges.

Danbazzau said: “The reforms of the security sector in line with the current and future security challenges are inevitable, and there are no options other than to carry them out.

“The sooner we commence the process, the better. I believe that this should be the very first item on the agenda of the government coming in May 2023.

“Aside the issues or factors earlier mentioned, the reasons why these reforms are necessary are that firstly, there appears to be no synergy among the security agencies in terms of cooperation, coordination, and collaboration while carrying out their activities, rather they operate in silos with no role convergence; they hoard information; and are reluctant to share intelligence, as if they are in competition.

“Secondly, there is poor security governance, making accountability and transparency almost impossible; and thirdly, there is duplication of efforts, leading to wastages of resources.”

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Dambazau urged Nigerians not to focus on ethnicity and religion in making their choices in 2023 general elections.

He said with over 60,000 abandoned projects in Nigeria, which is estimated to cost about N12 trillion, Nigerians should be more interested in poverty reduction; food security; youth unemployment; improved power sector and others..

He defended the choice of ex-Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State as the running mate to the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

He said Shettima was a product of merit and not religious factor.

He listed factors that could influence 2023 politics, including zoning, restructuring debate, ethnicity, religion, widespread insecurity and socio-economic challenges.

Dambazau delivered a paper in Abuja at the Annual Public Lectures and Impact Series/ Awards of the Blueprint Newspapers Limited.

He expressed concerns that 2023 politics has started with the mundane issues, which have led to insecurity and instability.

He said: “It is apparent that we have started 2023 politics with the mundane issues that brought us to the level of insecurity and instability we are today.

“We have more than enough challenges or issues confronting us. Rather than directing our energy on religious or ethnic controversies, we should be more interested in such issues as poverty reduction; food security; youth unemployment; improved power sector; quality and affordable healthcare services; and improved education system.

Dambazau however, defended the choice of ex-Governor Kashim Shettima as the running mate to the Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He added: “If it(religion) were, he could have picked from the Northwest, where about 90 per cent of the population is Muslim.

“When strategising for winning elections, all factors are put on the table for consideration. Tinubu’s choice of Kashim Shettima could not be by chance. Kashim Shettima had in the past demonstrated leadership as a two-term Governor of Borno state under the stress of insurgency, violent extremism, and terrorism.”

“We are also aware that Borno state is one of the northern states that have been hard hit by the impact of Climate Change, resulting in land degradation. With the insecurity challenge in Nigeria, including climate-related conflicts, the choice of Kashim Shettima to leverage on his crisis management experience was apt.

“At the level of personal relationship, it is an open secret that Shettima had shown loyalty and support for the presidential aspiration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu. “While it is not expected that everyone agrees with such strategic decisions, no one can also deny the candidate his right to make his choice, of course, after due consultations with party stakeholders, and this is applicable to all our fifteen or so candidates.”

Dambazau listed issues that may shape 2023 politics, especially the presidential race by 15 candidates.

He said: “So, what are the likely issues or factors that could influence the 2023 politics? Firstly, the politics of zoning the presidency between North and South, that re-emerged when the Southern and Middle Belt Leadership Forum insisted that for the 2023 presidential elections, the parties must produce candidates from the South, to which the Northern Elders Forum opposed.

“As a matter of fact, the zoning controversy was further reduced to the level of ethnicity with the agitation of what was termed “Igbo presidency”, meaning that 2023 was the chance of the Igbo ethnic group to produce the next president after Buhari.

“The development of critical infrastructures is also a key area of concern, and although the APC government under Buhari has done remarkably well by completing many of the projects it met in 2015, in addition to new ones it originated, there are however approximately 60,000 abandoned projects in Nigeria, estimated to cost about N12 trillion. And what can we do to mitigate such waste? These are only a few critical areas the 2023 politics should focus attention on, not religion and ethnicity.”

The ex-minister said tackling insecurity should be on the front burner in 2023.

He said the security problems could affect 2023 poll because “some communities would still be displaced and the terrorists would likely continue attacks on soft targets.”

“While the government records significant success in tackling Boko Haram in the North-East, the Northwest caught the insecurity virus with several incidents of banditry, cattle rustling, and kidnapping for ransom. Banditry is multifaceted with a variety of events and activities, but unlike the Boko Haram insurgency, which is ideologically driven hoping to establish a state, the bandits have not shown such territorial ambition.

“It is a complex combination of violent business entrepreneurship through kidnapping for ransom, cattle rustling by the criminal gangs, and attacks on rural settlements.”

Dambazau said the nation must address its population explosion, especially what he described as the “youth bulge.”

“The UN had projected that by 2050 the population would double to a little over 400million which also means that the young population would also double. The extent to which this human capital is developed, and its well-being adequately taken care of, is of utmost importance. The youth bulge is a matter of serious security concern now and in the future. What are our plans for the youth? This is a relevant question for 2023 politics.

“If we do not have positive plans for them in terms of poverty reduction, accessible and quality education, employment opportunities, skills acquisition, healthcare services, shelter, and other aspects of human development, there are readily available criminal and terror organizations that would easily recruit them for their violent activities.”

Buni said: “The theme “2023 Politics, National Security and Nigeria’s Stability” is very apt in view of the security threats that usually accompany National elections and the already existing security challenges that have bedeviled our nation.

“The success or otherwise of the 2023 elections hugely depends on us the politicians, the political parties, candidates and their supporters, and of course, the political umpire the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“The need for peace to conduct the elections and to have good governance and development cannot be overemphasized. It, therefore, becomes obvious for all of us to make sacrifices and consider national interests above personal interests for a free and peaceful election in 2023.

“As patriots, with the zeal to ensure the unity of Nigeria, there is no election or interest of any single individual that is worth sending Nigeria to war.”

The Nation

Related Topics:2023 Bandits Dambazzau Featured insecurity Terrorists

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68 Lawyers Elevated to Senior Advocate of Nigeria Rank in 2026 Exercise (Full List)

Published

2 hours ago

July 23, 2026

Trends Admin

68 Lawyers Elevated to Senior Advocate of Nigeria Rank in 2026 Exercise (Full List)

The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee approves 67 advocates and one academic for Nigeria’s highest professional honour following its 174th plenary session in Abuja.

The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has approved the conferment of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) on 68 legal practitioners following the conclusion of its 2026 selection exercise. The approvals were granted at the LPPC’s 174th plenary session held on Thursday, July 23, 2026, in Abuja under the leadership of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun. According to the list released by the committee, the successful candidates comprise 67 advocates and one academic, Prof. Nnamdi Onyeka Obiaraeri. The swearing-in ceremony for the new SANs is scheduled to take place on Monday, October 12, 2026.

In a statement signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court and Secretary of the LPPC, Kabir Akanbi, the committee described the SAN rank as the highest professional distinction available to legal practitioners in Nigeria. The honour is reserved for lawyers who have demonstrated exceptional excellence in courtroom advocacy or made outstanding contributions to legal scholarship. The LPPC said all successful applicants must participate in and successfully complete the mandatory Pre-Swearing-In Induction Programme. The committee said the programme will be organised in line with directives of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN), adding that attendance and successful completion are mandatory conditions for the formal conferment of the rank. The date for the induction programme will be communicated in due course.

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The committee reminded the successful candidates that they are prohibited from publishing or encouraging the publication of congratulatory advertisements, goodwill messages or notices in connection with their nomination or conferment. The restriction is in line with Paragraph 25(1) of the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Guidelines and Rule 39(3) of the Rules of Professional Conduct, 2023. The LPPC warned that any breach of the provisions could attract sanctions under the relevant professional and ethical rules. “Any breach of these provisions may attract sanctions for violations of statutory or ethical rules, as expressly stated,” the committee said.

The following legal practitioners were elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria:

Ibrahim Gamdeh Adamu
Jude Chukwuemeka Okafor
Godwill Achibong Umoh
Sunday Samuel Obende
Adebayo Olugbenga Adaralegbe
Jimson Ejovi Okodaso
Olalekan Lawrence Bade-John
Olaotan Thomas Olusegun
Philemon Audu Daffi
Adenrele David Adegborioye
James Eromosele Agbonhese
Alexander Nduka Muoka
Onome Okodiya
Emmanuel Akunke Akomaye
Ikhide Ehighelua
Mas’ud Mobolaji Alabelewe
Ogunmuyiwa Olayinka Balogun
Anthony Auditz Iroagalachi
Mohammed Tajudeen Mohammed
Odion Peter Odia
Gbemiga Adaramola
Moses Okoh Onyilokwu
Charles Azubuike Obodozie
Hakeem Obafemi Agaba
Bimbo Felix Atilola
Okechukwu Steve Emelieze
Joshua Demilade Olaniyan
Igonikon Abiola Adekunle
Christian Nnadozie Nwokorie
Sadiku Momoh Ilegieuno
Sarafa Kolawole Idowu
Olujoke Enitan Alwus
Oliver Onyenucheya Amuzie
Adebisi Emmanuel Adeniyi
Faruk Abdullah
Sagir Gezawa Suleiman
Ifeanyi Godwin Ezeuko
Adebayo Folorunsho Ologe
Sabiu Gumba Adamu
Eric Keme Egolukumor Omare
Soibi Ideriah Ovia
Somina Peter Johnbull
Chinedum Ikenna Umeche
Emmanuel Eghiegba Ekhasemomhe
Mohammed El Hassan Sheriff
Junaidu Bello Marshall
Olawale Sunday Fapohunda
Adebiyi Alaba Adetosoye
Senior Sulyman Ibrahim
Agba Eimunjeze
Ayobamidele Oyekunle Akande
Adetunji Taiwo Adedoyin Adeniyi
Olamide Mojigbotoluwa Adekunle
Umaru Yunusa
Akorede Habeeb Lawal
Darlington Nnabuike Ozurumba
Nnaemeka Francis Patrick Egonu
Kayode Orire Omosehin
Mitchel Akinrinsola Aribisala
Bolu Agbaje Akadri
Oluwaseun Asimiyu Alao
Olugbenga Olusanya Ajala
Mustapha Olayinka Ajenifuja
Afees Hassan Adebayo
Mohammed Abiodun Adelodun
Jonathan Akintola Makinde
Olajide Salami
Prof. Nnamdi Onyeka Obiaraeri (Academic)

68 Lawyers Elevated to Senior Advocate of Nigeria Rank in 2026 Exercise (Full List)

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BREAKING: 68 Passengers Escape Death as Enugu Air Crash-Lands at Benin Airport

Published

3 hours ago

July 23, 2026

Trends Admin

BREAKING: 68 Passengers Escape Death as Enugu Air Crash-Lands at Benin Airport

Aircraft overshoots runway and enters nearby bush; all passengers and crew evacuated without casualties as aviation authorities launch investigation.

No fewer than 68 passengers narrowly escaped death on Thursday, July 23, 2026, after an Enugu Air aircraft crash-landed at the Benin Airport in Edo State. The aircraft, with registration number 5N-ENR, was operating on the Enugu–Benin–Lagos commercial route when the incident occurred around midday on Thursday. According to a source at the Benin Airport who spoke on condition of anonymity, the aircraft overshot the runway after landing and veered into a nearby bush. Visuals from the scene circulating on social media showed the aircraft resting on a grassy area beside the runway, with its tail and one wing visibly detached from the fuselage. Passengers and airport personnel were seen walking around the wreckage, with no visible signs of casualties in the footage reviewed.

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Officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) responded promptly to the incident and safely evacuated all passengers from the aircraft. No casualties were recorded. The exact number of crew members on board at the time of the incident could not be immediately confirmed.

Enugu Air is a commercial airline owned by the Enugu State Government and was launched in July 2025. It is the second state-owned commercial airline in Nigeria after Ibom Air, which is wholly owned by the Akwa Ibom State Government. This latest incident comes after a previous mishap in November 2025, when an Enugu Air aircraft suffered a nose-landing gear failure while arriving at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu. In that incident, all passengers and crew were also safely evacuated without injuries.

Aviation authorities, including FAAN and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), have yet to issue official statements on the cause of the incident. Investigations are expected to commence to determine what caused the aircraft to veer off the runway.

BREAKING: 68 Passengers Escape Death as Enugu Air Crash-Lands at Benin Airport

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Ibadan Council Boss Demolishes Criminal Hideout in Apata

Published

3 hours ago

July 23, 2026

Trends Admin

Ibadan Council Boss Demolishes Criminal Hideout in Apata

Ambassador Kehinde Adeyemi Akande leads joint security operation to bulldoze den used for vandalism, robbery, and theft after months of residents’ complaints and appeals.

The Executive Chairman of Ibadan South West Local Government, Oyo State, Ambassador Kehinde Adeyemi Akande, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and properties with the demolition of a notorious criminal hideout and den in Odo Ona, Apata area of the Local Government. The decisive action followed persistent complaints from residents and community leaders over the activities of suspected criminals who had turned the area into a haven for illegal operations, making life unbearable for law-abiding citizens. According to the chairman, the criminals had been terrorising residents for a long time by vandalising public water pipelines, stealing transformer cables, burgling houses, robbing, and engaging in other criminal acts that disrupted the peace and security of the area. The location had become so notorious that residents described it as “a market for illegal things and a den for evil activities,” which had made it difficult for security personnel to assess what was going on there. Community leaders disclosed that several letters and appeals had been written to the council over a period of more than six months, inviting the chairman to come to their aid. Notices of evacuation and removal were served to occupants of the hideout, but they refused to vacate, forcing the council to take decisive action. Responding swiftly to the distress call, the council boss led the intervention that resulted in the bulldozing of the hideout used by the suspected criminals for keeping stolen items and their unlawful activities. The exercise was carried out to restore peace, protect lives, properties, public infrastructure, and ensure the safety of all residents. The operation, which was conducted in collaboration with security agencies, saw heavy equipment move into the area to level the structure that had become a source of fear and insecurity for the community.

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Speaking further during the exercise, Ambassador Akande declared that criminality in any form would not be tolerated anywhere within Ibadan South West Local Government. He stressed that his administration remains committed to maintaining law and order and creating a safe environment where residents can live and carry out their daily activities without fear. He warned criminals and other perpetrators of illegal activities to desist or face the full weight of the law, adding that the local government would continue to collaborate with security agencies and community leaders to rid every part of the council area of criminal elements. “We will not allow a few misguided individuals to hold an entire community hostage. The safety of our people is non-negotiable, and we will continue to take every necessary step to ensure that Ibadan South West remains a place where residents can go about their legitimate activities without fear,” Akande stated.

The chairman commended the vigilance and cooperation of the Odo Ona community for prompt reporting of the activities of the criminals, noting that effective security is a shared responsibility between government and the people. He encouraged residents to continue to provide useful information that would assist security agencies in preventing crime and apprehending offenders. “Security of lives and property remains our top priority. We will continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure Ibadan South West remains safe for everyone,” he said. The Chairman of the Gather Olugbode area of Odo Ona committee in Apata, Mr Adepoju Popoola, who spoke on behalf of the committee, narrated the community’s ordeal with the criminals, expressing how they often robbed and stole from residents from time to time. He expressed appreciation to the chairman for his swift intervention, describing the demolition of the hideout as a major step towards restoring peace and normalcy in the area. “The achievement here today is historical as community residents will sleep better,” Popoola said. He also pledged continued support for the administration’s efforts to promote security, safety of lives, and development across Ibadan South West Local Government. Also speaking, the Baale of Odo-Ona, Oloye Mojeed Gunwa Tajo, echoed the same sentiment, saying the raid had brought relief to residents who had lived in fear for months. He noted that the community had been living under constant threat, with criminals operating freely and brazenly, but the demolition had sent a strong signal that such behaviour would no longer be tolerated.

Present at the venue were political functionaries, the Head of Local Government Administration, Alhaji Tunde Taofeek Olagunju, the Director of Works, Engr Ademola Moshood Olona, and other local government officials. Their presence underscored the council’s commitment to the operation and its determination to restore law and order in the area. The local government has reiterated its commitment to regular patrols and community engagement to prevent crime and sustain peace across all wards. Officials have also called on residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities. The council has pledged to continue working with security agencies to ensure that criminal elements have no hiding place within the local government area.