NIGERIAN NAVY RECEIVES HELICOPTERS PURCHASED BY MINISTRY OF DEFENCE FOR OPERATIONS

AFRICA NEWS

13th NOVEMBER, 2024

By Oyenike

NIGERIAN NAVY RECEIVES HELICOPTERS PURCHASED BY MINISTRY OF DEFENCE FOR OPERATIONS

The Nigerian Navy has received three Agusta Westland 109 Trekker helicopters, purchased by the Ministry of Defence. The handover occurred on 12 November 2024, during a brief ceremony in Lagos, as confirmed by Commodore A. Adams-Aliu, Director of Naval Information.

Adams-Aliu stated that the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, was present, along with other senior officers, to accept the helicopters. He expressed gratitude to the Ministers of Defence, Abubakar Badaru and Bello Matawelle, for their roles in the procurement process.

The Chief of Naval Staff also thanked President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support for the Armed Forces and specifically the Nigerian Navy. He acknowledged the efforts of the Honourable Ministers of Defence in facilitating the acquisition, which will enhance various operations, including air reconnaissance and search and rescue.

Regarding the helicopters’ features, Adams-Aliu mentioned that the AW 109s are equipped for VIP transport, featuring luxurious leather interiors and a noise reduction system. They also have landing skids for improved loading capacity and auxiliary tanks for extended range.

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UGANDAN TIKTOKERS DETAINED FOR INSULTING THE FIRST FAMILY

Two Ugandans have been arrested for allegedly defaming President Yoweri Museveni, First Lady Janet Museveni, and the president’s son, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, on TikTok. Magistrate Stella Maris Amabilis remanded 21-year-old David Ssengozi, also known as Lucky Choice, and 28-year-old Isaiah Ssekagiri to Kigo prison until their initial court appearance on Wednesday.

They face charges of hate speech and disseminating harmful information against the first family and musicians associated with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).

In court, the accused denied the allegations. They are jointly charged with 19-year-old Julius Tayebwa, who has also been remanded for similar offences. Prosecutors claim that their TikTok posts were intended to “mock, belittle, and incite hostility” against the first family and others. The magistrate permitted their detention as police continued their investigation into the matter.

In September, police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma cautioned that insulting the president, referred to as the “fountain of honour,” is a criminal offence. He noted an investigation into a TikToker named Lucky Choice, who was subsequently arrested.

President Yoweri Museveni

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DOMESTIC SAFETY: POLICE LAUNCHES ANTI-CRIME PROGRAM, PROVIDES COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE

The Nigeria Police Force launched an anti-crime outreach initiative on 12 November 2024, at Jiwa Town Hall in Abuja, aimed at enhancing community-based crime prevention strategies. Organised by the Police Campaign Against Cultism & Other Vices (POCACOV), the program, themed “Breaking the Circle: Parental Responsibility in Preventing Youth Crime,” seeks to tackle significant social challenges affecting the youth and build a more resilient community.

With around 500 attendees, including parents, local leaders, and youth representatives, the event served as a forum for discussion and engagement on effective strategies against issues like cultism and substance abuse that threaten youth welfare.

The initiative also introduced youth development and rehabilitation programs, along with skill acquisition projects, to provide young people with positive alternatives to crime and promote self-reliance within the community. Various aid items, such as food, educational supplies, and clothing, were distributed during the outreach.

The Inspector-General of Police encouraged participants to foster collaboration among community members, emphasising the role of parental responsibility and proactive actions in preventing youth crime.

The Nigeria Police Force launched an anti-crime outreach initiative on November 12, 2024, at Jiwa Town Hall in Abuja

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IGP AND SPECIALISTS EDUCATE LEADERS OF POLICE INVESTIGATION TEAMS ON PROFESSIONALISM

The Inspector-General of Nigeria Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, convened a conference and workshop on 11 November 2024, with leaders of all Police Investigation units at the Nigeria Police Resource Centre in Abuja. The goal of the workshop was to improve professionalism and standardise criminal investigations, ensuring that every detective in the Nigeria Police Force follows thorough and impartial procedures while upholding justice.

Among the attendees was Professor Ayodele Atseluwa from the University of Lagos, who presented a lecture on “The Child Justice System in Nigeria: An Overview.” The IGP emphasised the force’s dedication to protecting the rights and welfare of children, adhering to high legal and ethical standards, particularly those outlined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The Nigeria Police Force is committed to implementing child-friendly policing methods that are supportive and respect the rights of children and young people, fostering a safe and nurturing environment. This commitment includes a focus on non-traumatic practices that uphold the dignity of minors.

Additionally, CP Hycenth Edozie, head of the Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Unit, delivered a lecture on enhancing the operational framework for tackling terrorism and violent crimes in Nigeria.

The Inspector-General of Nigeria Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, convened a conference and workshop with leaders of all Police Investigation units

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NIGER WELCOMES RUSSIAN COMPANIES TO HARVEST URANIUM AND OTHER RESOURCES

Niger is seeking investment from Russian firms in uranium and other natural resource sectors, as stated by its mining minister amid tensions with France. The French nuclear company Orano suspended uranium production last month due to deteriorating relations with Niger’s military junta, which took control in July 2023.

Mining Minister Ousmane Abarchi revealed that discussions have already occurred with Russian companies interested in exploring Niger’s resources beyond uranium. He expressed scepticism about allowing French firms to continue operations, given the French government’s refusal to recognise Niger’s authorities.

Abarchi’s remarks reflect a broader trend in West Africa, where several nations are moving away from traditional ties with France and seeking new partnerships with Russia and other nations. Niger’s military leadership aims to reform regulations governing foreign mining operations, positioning itself as a significant player in the global uranium market.

The junta has faced criticism from Orano over the withdrawal of a key permit for the Imouraren uranium deposit and the challenges of exporting uranium due to security-related border closures with Benin.

Niger Head of State, General Abdourahamane Tchiani

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