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Federal Government Approves 50% Feeding Allowance Increase For Inmates

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The Federal Government has approved a 50% increase in the feeding allowance for inmates in Nigeria’s Custodial Centres, effective August 2024.

This move aims to improve inmate welfare. The spokesperson for the service, Umar Abubakar, made the announcement at the Strategic Communications Interagency Policy Committee’s monthly press briefing in Abuja on Thursday.

Abubakar attributed the increment to the rising cost of food.

He said: “The viral video is not a representation of Nigeria Correctional Service, nor is it a mandate of the service on reformation and rehabilitation of inmates. Let me make this known here that since the inception of the change in name, significant progress has been made in reforming those who are in our custody.

“Four days ago, I granted an interview where we gave details on the alleged video. The NCoS has actually ordered for detailed investigation of the said video, which is going viral. And on the outcome of the investigation, I may not be able to speak much on that.

“And on the issue of the cost of food, the Federal Government has actually reviewed the feeding allowance of inmates in our custody with 50 per cent. And this is just the first phase of the review.”

It also disclosed that over 1,000 inmates are currently pursuing university degrees, while six are studying for PhD.

The increase in inmates’ feeding allowance follows a recent viral video in which inmates at a correctional centre in Calabar, Cross River State, complained about inadequate feeding.

Umar also stated that the NCoS had created a conducive environment for inmates to fulfil its mandate of reformation and rehabilitation.

He added that over 1,000 inmates are undergraduates, 282 are on their diploma and Master’s degree and six undergoing their PHD programmes.

Umar said, “Let me say here that currently in an effort to ensure that we have what I refer to as public safety through our reformatory activities, we have over 1,000 of our inmates who are actually going through their various degree programme, 282 doing their diploma and master’s degree programme, and six that are doing their PhD programme. Three of the PhD students are already writing their thesis.

“All this is geared towards our efforts to ensure that we change the psyche and behaviour of our inmates and to help their re-entry back to society.

“It is the care we give to these inmates in our custody that has provided a serene environment to help them learn skill acquisition across our custodial centre.”

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Dismissed Kano SSG Abdullahi Bichi Threatens To Expose Government, Political Figures

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The recently dismissed Secretary to the Kano State Government, Abdullahi Bichi, has threatened to reveal what he described as “explosive evidence” against political figures, accusing them of deceit and betrayal.

Bichi, who was removed from office in December 2024, made the declaration upon his return from Saudi Arabia.

In a viral video shared on Thursday, he addressed his supporters and accused the leaders of betrayal and deceit, saying, “I’m happy I left the office in peace, but let me be clear: this is not the best time to talk. At the right time, we will expose them.”

“I have documents, videos, and voice notes that will show everyone who they really are,” Bichi added.

The former SSG’s strained relationship with Governor Abba Yusuf and his mentor, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, became evident after his suspension from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) on October 14, 2024. Bichi described the leaders as “masters of betrayal,” claiming his evidence would expose their true nature.

Political observers and residents of Kano are speculating on whether Bichi will follow through with his threats, and how it may impact the political landscape in the region.

Bichi was accused of attempting to sever Yusuf’s ties with Kwankwaso’s political influence. He was subsequently suspended from the party alongside then-Transportation Commissioner, Muhammad Diggol.

The State NNPP Chairman, Hashimu Dungurawa, stated that the suspension followed multiple complaints from party leadership at the ward and local government levels.

Dungurawa emphasized that the actions of the suspended officials undermined the party’s leadership and structure.

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DSS Arrests Blogger For Cloning Its Website, Posting Fake Recruitment Notice

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Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested the man responsible for cloning its website and posting a false recruitment notice.

It was gathered that 32-year-old Sylvester Victor Augustus, a native of Abak Local Government Area in Akwa-Ibom State, was apprehended on Thursday at his residence on Akpan Eno Lane in Abak, Abak LGA.

Augustus, who claimed to be a graduate of the University of Uyo (UNIUYO) and worked as a blogger and content creator, had created a fake online recruitment notice on the cloned DSS website, likely intending to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.

The DSS has labeled the notice “fake” and urged the public to avoid falling victim to such fraudulent schemes. Augustus is expected to be arraigned in court soon.

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Nigeria, China Plan Collaboration On Military Training, Arms Production

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The Federal Government has announced a deepening of its security partnership with the People’s Republic of China, focusing on local arms production and military training as part of a broader strategy to address terrorism and insecurity.

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, disclosed this during a briefing at the State House after President Bola Tinubu met with China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja.

Wang Yi is on a week-long tour of Africa, visiting Namibia, DR Congo, Nigeria, and Chad.

Tuggar emphasized that closer cooperation with China would help Nigeria and neighboring countries address common security threats. He noted that the goal was to domesticate the production of military equipment to avoid delays and complex regulations involved in international procurement.

The move follows comments by Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who highlighted arms procurement as a significant bottleneck, particularly in getting timely supplies for frontline troops.

Tuggar also rejected the idea of relying on private military companies to tackle Nigeria’s security challenges, stressing Nigeria’s leadership role in West Africa’s security, especially in the Sahel region.

China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, affirmed Beijing’s commitment to supporting Africa’s security, announcing a CN¥1bn military assistance package. This includes training 6,000 military personnel and 1,000 law enforcement officers across various African nations, as well as supporting the African Standby Force and rapid response forces.

China also pledged to continue backing peacekeeping operations and counterterrorism initiatives in Africa, stressing that African nations should lead their own peace and security efforts without external interference.

Wang Yi also addressed Nigeria’s request to expand the bilateral currency swap agreement, which is currently valued at $2bn. President Tinubu urged China to increase this swap to facilitate trade between the two countries. The agreement, initially signed in 2018, aims to stabilize Nigeria’s foreign reserves and reduce reliance on the US dollar.

Additionally, Tinubu pushed for an upward revision of China’s $50bn aid package for Africa, highlighting the continent’s significant infrastructural needs. He also called for China’s support for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.

Wang Yi expressed China’s full support for Nigeria’s potential membership in BRICS and reaffirmed China’s commitment to contributing to the development of Africa, particularly through infrastructure projects such as railway modernization. He also welcomed Nigeria’s participation in issuing Panda bonds in China’s financial markets to further enhance economic cooperation.

Wang highlighted that China would continue to support Africa’s legitimate rights at the United Nations and back initiatives that promote long-term stability and security on the continent.

The visit follows the elevation of China-Nigeria relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, aimed at enhancing cooperation in trade, agriculture, finance, and mutual prosperity.

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