By Our Correspondent

Disturbed by the incessant banditry and killings by bandits in parts of yhe country,Speaker, House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has expressed the 10th Assembly unwavering commitment and determination towards enacting laws and strengthening resolutions aimed at tackling insecurity ravaging Nigeria.

Abbas gave the assurance on Tuesday in Jos while addressing participants during a one day conference on the security challenges in Plateau and beyond.

Recall that the House of Representatives adhoc committee on security with the theme:” Restoring stability and unity”, brought together top government functionaries, security agents, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations as well as critical stakeholders in the peace building sector.

The 10th National Assembly Speaker represented by Hon. John Dafaan, member representing Mikang, Shendam and Qua’an-Pan Federal Constituency disclosed that since 2001 Plateau have been bedeviled by series violence.

He said the attacks are propelled by the convergence of different factors, leading to lost of thousands of lives, communities and properties worth billions of Naira.

“The House decisively decided to strengthen security appropriation to deal with emerging security challenges aimed at fostering trust among community and sustainable peaceful coexistence.

“We will strengthen intelligence gathering and early warning sign to tackle the drivers of socioeconomic and religious violence”, he stated.

Commending Nigeria’s first Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu intervention for Internally Displaced Persons and governor Caleb Mutfwang leadership quality in tackling the menace of insecurity, the speaker promised that the Legislative will continue working in synergy with the executive to improve security and wellbeing of Nigerians.

“Government must prioritize rehabilitation, reconstruction and stabilization of attack victims as we continue to extol the legacy of diversity and unity”, he added.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang described the conference as timely taking into account that the successive administrations in Plateau grapple with insecurity challenges.

The governor who was represented by his deputy, Josephine Piyo confirmed upon
assumption of office, it’s administration placed the security of lives and property at the forefront of its priorities.

“Decisive steps were taken to revamp the previously moribund state security outfit, Operation Rainbow, including the recruitment of personnel across the state to strengthen early warning systems and enhance intelligence gathering.

“Government established the Plateau Activity Centre, equipped with modern technology, including drone surveillance, to support coordinated security operations.

“Over 300 operational vehicles belonging to security agencies were refurbished, while motorcycles were procured to improve rapid response capabilities, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach communities”, she mentioned.

The Chairman, House of Representatives adhoc committee on security challenges in Plateau state and beyond, Hon. Dr. Adewale Hameed, revealed the adhoc committee was born out of necessity sometimes last year 2025.

Hameed further acknowledged that President Tinubu has directed special security deployments, approved humanitarian interventions, and insisted that the cries from Plateau must reach the highest level and be answered with action.

“We will restore Plateau State to its rightful Place. Not just as the Home of Peace and Tourism, but as a beacon of hope for Nigeria”, Hameed noted.

By George Mgbeleke

Prominent pro-democracy and civil rights advocacy group, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) strongly condemns what it describes as the growing and disturbing pattern of judicial interference in the internal affairs of political parties, warning that such actions pose a grave danger to Nigeria’s democracy and the rule of law.

HURIWA expressed deep concern over what it perceives as attempts by certain actors within the judiciary to undermine political pluralism, stressing that the courts must not be seen—under any circumstances—as instruments for advancing partisan political interests or weakening opposition politics in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress).

The association drew attention to the clear provisions of Section 83 of the Electoral Act, 2026, which explicitly states that no court in Nigeria shall entertain jurisdiction over matters relating to the internal affairs of political parties. The law further provides that courts must not grant interim or interlocutory injunctions in such cases and mandates significant financial penalties against litigants and counsel who file such actions in violation of the law.

HURIWA noted with concern that despite these unambiguous provisions, there appears to be a rising trend of judicial pronouncements and orders that contradict the spirit and letter of the Electoral Act, thereby raising serious questions about compliance, judicial discipline, and institutional integrity.

The group warned that any sustained pattern of judicial overreach into clearly defined political party matters risks creating the impression of a gradual erosion of multiparty democracy and could undermine public confidence in the independence of the judiciary.

HURIWA cautioned judicial officers to remain guided strictly by the Constitution and extant laws, emphasizing that the long-term consequences of actions perceived as partisan or unlawful could be damaging not only to individual reputations but also to the credibility of the judiciary as an institution.

The association stressed that the judiciary remains the last hope of the common man and must not be compromised by actions that suggest bias, selective interpretation of the law, or alignment with political interests.

HURIWA therefore called for strict adherence to the provisions of the Electoral Act, respect for the autonomy of political parties, and renewed commitment to the principles of justice, fairness, and constitutional order.
The statement was issued by the National Coordinator of HURIWA, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, who urged all stakeholders to protect Nigeria’s democratic institutions from actions capable of eroding their legitimacy.

By Uthman-Baba Naseer, Minna

The Niger state government said it is improving security across the state by focusing on intelligence gathering, technology, and strong community cooperation.

Speaking on the progress of the ministry, the commissioner of Home land Barrister Maurice Magaji made this known in an interview with journalists in his office.

Barrister Maurice Magaji said efforts have been made to review what was inherited and build on the achievements of the previous administration.

He explained that new strategies have been introduced to make security more sustainable, noting that crime is constantly changing.

“Criminals keep changing their methods, so we must always stay ahead by predicting their next move,” he said.

The commissioner, added that, the Ministry is now placing more attention on research, intelligence, and modern technology to stop crimes before they happen instead of reacting after incidents occur.

On challenges, Maurice identified the lack of timely and accurate information as a major issue. He, however, called on members of the public to support security agencies by reporting suspicious activities early.

He gave examples such as unusual bulk purchases of fuel, strange movement of people, or stockpiling of goods, describing them as warning signs that should not be ignored.

Magaji confirmed that information from the public has been very useful in preventing many security threats, although such successes are not always made public due to security reasons. He said efforts are ongoing to build trust so people can share information freely, even anonymously.

Responding to concerns about the role of community leaders, the commissioner praised traditional rulers and local leaders, describing them as key partners in maintaining security. He noted that they often serve as first responders and help in providing vital information from their communities.

He also stressed the importance of public awareness, urging citizens to remain vigilant and report anything unusual, including large purchases of motorcycles or food items and suspicious movements.

In collaboration, the commissioner said security agencies are working closely together, sharing intelligence and responding quickly to threats. He described the relationship among the agencies as strong and effective.

Despite challenges such as limited resources, Magaji said the government has continued to support security operations by providing vehicles and equipment, including armored vehicles. He emphasized that security remains a top priority because it is essential for development, especially in agriculture and infrastructure.

Speaking on recent attacks in some communities, Maurice Magaji said security personnel responded promptly and remained on ground to protect residents. He added that the government is strengthening early warning systems to prevent future incidents.

The issue of informants according to him was also raised, warning that such individuals can worsen insecurity by leaking information from within communities. He said steps are being taken through awareness campaigns and intelligence efforts to address the problem.

On vigilante groups, he described them as important partners at the grassroots level. He said plans are underway to organize them under a unified command structure to improve coordination and support.

Barrister Maurice Magaji added that vigilantes will continue to assist security agencies by providing local intelligence and helping to keep communities safe.