Defence and Security

Durov Agrees To Tackle Criticism On Telegram Content Moderation

Published

8 months ago

September 6, 2024

Telegram boss Pavel Durov said on Friday that the messaging app would tackle criticism of its content moderation and remove some features that had been abused for illegal activity.

Durov, who was last week placed under formal investigation in France in connection with the use of Telegram for crimes including fraud, money laundering and sharing images of child sex abuse, announced the move in a message to his 12.2 million subscribers on the platform.

“While 99.999 per cent of Telegram users have nothing to do with crime, the 0.001 per cent involved in illicit activities create a bad image for the entire platform, putting the interests of our almost billion users at risk,” the Russian-born tech entrepreneur wrote on Telegram.

“That’s why this year we are committed to turn moderation on Telegram from an area of criticism into one of praise.”

Durov said Telegram had disabled new media uploads to a standalone blogging tool “which seems to have been misused by anonymous actors”.

He said it had also removed a little-used People Nearby feature which “had issues with bots and scammers” and would instead showcase legitimate, verified business in the vicinity of users.

The changes are the first he has announced since being arrested last month in France and questioned for four days before being placed under formal investigation and released on bail.

His lawyer has said it was absurd to investigate Durov in connection with crimes committed by other people on the app.

In a previous post on Thursday, Durov said Telegram was not perfect. “But the claims in some media that Telegram is some sort of anarchic paradise are absolutely untrue,” he wrote. “We take down millions of harmful posts and channels every day.”

Defence and Security

Tinubu Meets Service Chiefs, Discusses Crucial Security Matters

Published

2 days ago

May 17, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Patrick Idowu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday convened an emergency security meeting with Service Chiefs and the Inspector General of Police behind closed doors at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

In attendance were the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla; and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

While details remain undisclosed, the meeting is believed to be in response to growing security threats in parts of the country, particularly the northern region where insurgent attacks have resurfaced.

The high-level discussion comes just days before President Tinubu is expected to depart for Rome to attend the inauguration Mass of Pope Leo the Fourteenth, following an invitation from the Vatican.

Defence and Security

Nigerian Air Force Gears Up for 61st Anniversary

Published

6 days ago

May 13, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Ifeoluwa Odunayo

The Nigerian Air Force has begun aerial drills over Abuja and Lagos as part of preparations for its qsixty-first anniversary celebration coming up on May twenty-third.

The display rehearsals, which started this week, feature fighter jets performing tactical maneuvers and flyovers.

The Air Force assured the public that the exercises are safe and in line with global aviation standards.

Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, in a statement released on Monday, urged residents not to panic at the sight or sound of the low-flying aircraft.

He noted that the rehearsals are routine and showcase the force’s operational readiness and air power capability.

The Air Force has encouraged residents in the affected areas to carry on with their normal daily activities, as safety remains a top priority.

The anniversary is expected to draw high-profile dignitaries and will highlight the contributions of the Air Force to national security and development.

Defence and Security

Police Bring Back Online Tinted Glass Permits

Published

3 weeks ago

April 30, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Njoku Chijioke

The Nigeria Police Force has announced the return of the Tinted Glass Permit system, now fully digitized to improve efficiency and strengthen national security.

From May 1, motorists across the country can apply for the permit online using their National Identification Number and Tax Identification Number.

The process involves biometric capture and background checks and is expected to be completed within seventy two hours.

A thirty day grace period begins on May 1, after which full enforcement will commence.

The Inspector General of Police has cautioned officers to act professionally during the exercise, stressing zero tolerance for abuse or extortion.

The revamped system is designed to simplify access for eligible users, such as medical patients and licensed security personnel, while helping law enforcement better monitor and regulate tinted glass use in vehicles.