I Won’t Shield Indicted Officers – Tunji-Ojo

Minister of Interior Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has pledged full accountability in the ongoing bribery scandal involving Idris Okuneye (Bobrisky), vowing that no officer regardless of rank would be protected if found guilty.

While urging Nigerians to await the conclusion of the investigation at a news conference in Abuja yesterday to commemorate his first year in office, the minister expressed confidence in the ability of the probe panel headed by the permanent secretary in the ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani, with members drawn from the legal sector, public servants and civil society organizations as members to discharge their mandate creditably.

He emphasized the importance of transparency in the process and his zero-tolerance policy towards corruption within the paramilitary agencies under his supervision. He has reassured the public that the integrity of suspended officers sends a clear message against indiscipline.

“No one will be spared, no matter how powerful they may be. We ask for your patience as we continue with our inquiry. Rest assured, there will be no cover-ups or favoritism,” the minister asserted.

I have highlighted that the suspension of certain officers, apart from those involved in the Bobrisky saga serve as a clear indication of the ministry’s zero-tolerance stance on indiscipline and corruption. “This commitment applies not just to an isolated incident involving a crossdresser, but throughout all our institutions,” he added.

Tunji-Ojo also celebrated significant advancements during his tenure, including the timely promotion of over 53,000 paramilitary officers from December 2023 until date, an accomplishment that had been delayed for almost four decades.

He detailed numerous reforms during his leadership within the period under review to include achieving long-overdue promotions within the year, a first in the agency’s 38-year history, inclusivity policies, introducing a 35 per cent recruitment quota for women in all services, welfare improvements, securing group life insurance and pension benefits for officers to enhance their welfare.

Regarding the activities of vandals in various parts of the country, the minister pointed out that in the last one year, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) made significant strides by arresting 2,254 vandals and oil bunkerers, with 550 currently facing prosecution and 122 convictions secured.

He stated, “Additionally, the NSCDC has effectively disrupted organized crime networks by dismantling 150 illegal refineries and destroying 64 illegal oil dumps.” Tunji-Ojo expressed confidence that these efforts have significantly weakened economic terrorism.

Furthermore, he has highlighted the successful reform of the private security sector, noting that 115 licensed companies are now operating legally, with an additional 178 companies in the licensing process. In total, 3,394 private security guards have received thorough training, and the sector has generated impressive revenue of ₦861,620,500.

In alignment with economic diversification goals, the minister announced the launch of the Mine Marshal initiative, developed in partnership with the Ministry of Mines and Steel, aimed at combating illegal mining and boosting national revenue. He emphasized this as part of their commitment to reducing reliance on the oil industry.

He added that the ministry has prioritized the National Plan on Safe School initiative to ensure a secure learning environment for children, allowing them to study without fear

Additionally, in the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), the minister emphasized efforts to enhance operational efficiency and inmate welfare. Key projects completed include the renovation of administrative and kitchen blocks, construction of official quarters, and installation of security infrastructure such as perimeter fences. Specific accomplishments include, renovation of the administrative block and construction of a new kitchen block in Suleja, reconstruction of an observation tower with a mini-armoury to enhance security measures in Kano state, as well as the construction of a solid concrete cell block with a capacity of 96 inmates at Kirikiri Maximum Security facility, improving accommodations for inmates.

In the Immigration service, Dr. Tunji-Ojo outlined a comprehensive overhaul of the passport issuance process, addressing persistent issues affecting millions of Nigerians. Major achievements include: clearing a backlog of 204,332 passport applications that had left many citizens stranded for extended periods., introduction of home delivery services for passports, allowing citizens to receive their documents directly at home, alleviating the stress of travel and long waits, installation of 41 e-gates at airports, with eight at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, 21 at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, and four each at the airports in Kano, Enugu, and Port Harcourt, providing automated, hassle-free screening for returning citizens.

In the Federal Fire Service, the minister noted significant advancements, including the remodeling and groundbreaking of the National Fire Academy in Sheda, Abuja, which will serve as a national hub for training, research, and development, ensuring fire personnel are well-equipped to handle emergencies., initiation of efforts to pass a new Fire Act to replace the outdated 1963 law, modernizing fire safety protocols and providing the Federal Fire Service with the legal framework necessary for effective operation in today’s context.

He added that these initiatives reflect a strong commitment to improving infrastructure, service delivery, and the overall welfare of citizens in Nigeria by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s led administration