HISTORY OF NIGERIA AND HER POLICE

Nigeria today: The Fourth Republic

On May 29, 1999, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo was sworn in as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This follows his victory at the presidential polls conducted in 1999 and 2003. Elected civilian Governors for all the 36 states also took oaths of office on that day. Nigeria's Fourth Republic consists of the Executive, Legislative and Judiciary branches of government.

On May 29, 2007, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar'Adua was sworn in as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. His coming into office after the eight-year rule of Chief Obasanjo marked the first time Nigeria would transit successfully from one civilian administration to the other since the country's independence in 1960.

Looking back: the Birth of Nigeria

In 1914, the protectorate of Northern Nigeria and the Colony and Protectorate of Southern Nigeria were merged by Sir Frederick Lugard. The whole country then became known as the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria. Lugard became its first Governor General and ruled till 1919. Nigeria voted for independence in 1959; federal elections were held.

The First Republic (October 1, 1960 - January 15, 1966)

On October 1, 1960, Nigeria gained independence from Britain. An all-Nigerian Executive Council was headed by a Prime Minister, Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. On November 16, 1960, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, a pioneer of West African nationalism, became the first Governor-General of a Federation of three Regions of the North, East and West, with Lagos as the Federal Capital. Each of the Regions was headed by a Premier with a Governor as Ceremonial Head. On October 1, 1963, Nigeria became a Federal Republic and severed whatever ties were left with Britain. She decided, however, to remain in the British Commonwealth of Nations. The Governor-General's position was, therefore, re-designated as President.

Eight military regimes succeeded, beginning in 1966, interspersed between the fourth and fifth military regime by a return to civilian rule with the Second Republic between October 1979 and December, 1983. The final military regime left power on May 29, 1999, when the current Fourth Republic was installed and the president democratically elected president.
It was under the Second Military Regime (July, 1966 To July, 1975) that some of Nigeria's major development programmes were established, such as the extensive expansion and exploitation of Nigeria's mineral resources culminating in the 'Oil Boom', which in no small measure changed the economy, the taste and living standard of many Nigerians. It was also, unfortunately, a time of war: on August 9, 1967, Nigeria declared full-scale war on "Biafra" after its forces had invaded and captured the Mid-West State. With Biafra's collapse in 1970, the region was reunited with the Federal Republic of Nigeria and a period of reconciliation and reconstruction followed.
Other highlights of this period included the introduction of various forms of bursaries, scholarships and Students Loan Scheme in the 1970s; a government review programme for the improvement in salaries and wages; the Nigerianisation Decree compelling all foreign firms operating in Nigeria to nationalise or leave; the changing of road traffic from left to right-hand drive; the changing of the national currency to Naira and Kobo and the establishment of organised federal councils for the arts, sciences, sports and agriculture. Corruption was a major cause of strife under the military regimes and it took years for Nigeria to get its house in order.

Second Republic leads to a return to military rule

In October 1979, after more than 13 years of military rule, Nigeria was returned to democratic rule. The National Party of Nigeria emerged victorious in the presidential election and Alhaji Shehu Aliyu Shagari was elected the first Executive President. It was not to last. The hunger and poverty that characterised the last days of the Second Republic prompted the Armed Forces to take power in December 1983. Major General Muhammadu Buhari was installed as the new Head of State.
The Buhari Administration identified indiscipline as the bane of the nation's ills. It launched different phases of the "War Against Indiscipline" (WAI), which has become a household word in many Nigerian homes. This too, did not last. Enter the Sixth Military Regime: a bloodless coup d'état on August 27, 1985 ousted the government of Major General Muhammadu Buhari.

The Second Republic (cont)

On December 31, 1983, the military overthrew the Second Republic. Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari emerged as the leader of the Supreme Military Council (SMC), the country's ruling body. He accused the civilian government with economic mismanagement, widespread corruption, election fraud, and a general lack of concern for the problems of Nigerians. He also pledged to restore prosperity to Nigeria and to return the government to civilian rule but proved unable to deal with Nigeria's severe economic problems. The Buhari government was peacefully overthrown by the SMC's third-ranking member, Army Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, in August 1985.
Babangida cited the misuse of power, violations of human rights by key officers of the SMC, and the government's failure to deal with the country's deepening economic crisis as justifications for the takeover. During his first few days in office, President Babangida moved to restore freedom of the press and to release political detainees being held without charge. As part of a 15-month economic emergency, he announced stringent pay cuts for the military, police, and civil servants and proceeded to enact similar cuts for the private sector. Imports of rice, maize, and later wheat were banned. President Babangida demonstrated his intent to encourage public participation in government decision-making by opening a national debate on proposed economic reform and recovery measures. The public response convinced Babangida of intense opposition to an economic recovery package dependent on an International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan.

The Abortive Third Republic

President Babangida promised to return the country to civilian rule by 1990; this date was later extended until January 1993. In early 1989, a constituent assembly completed work on a constitution for the Third Republic. In the spring of 1989, political activity was again permitted. In October 1989 the government established two "grassroots" parties: the National Republican Convention (NRC), which was to be "a little to the right," and the Social Democratic (SDP), "a little to the left." Other parties were not allowed to register by the Babangida government.
In April 1990, mid-level officers attempted to overthrow the Babangida government. The coup failed, and 69 accused coup plotters were later executed after secret trials before military tribunals. The transition resumed after the failed coup. In December 1990 the first stage of partisan elections was held at the local government level. While turnout was low, there was no violence, and both parties demonstrated strength in all regions of the country, with the SDP winning control of a majority of local government councils.
In December 1991, gubernatorial and state legislative elections were held throughout the country. Babangida decreed in December 1991 that previously banned politicians would be allowed to contest in primaries scheduled for August 1992. These were cancelled due to fraud and subsequent primaries scheduled for September also were cancelled. All announced candidates were disqualified from again standing for president once a new election format was selected. The presidential election was finally held on June 12, 1993, with the inauguration of the new president scheduled to take place August 27, 1993, the eighth anniversary of President Babangida's coming to power.
In the historic June 12, 1993 presidential elections, which most observers deemed to be Nigeria's fairest, early returns indicated that wealthy Yoruba businessman M.K.O. Abiola had won a decisive victory. However, on June 23, Babangida, using several pending lawsuits as a pretence, annulled the election, throwing Nigeria into turmoil. More than 100 persons were killed in riots before Babangida agreed to hand power to an "interim government" on August 27, 1993. Babangida then attempted to renege on his decision. Without popular and military support, he was forced to hand over to Ernest Shonekan, a prominent non-partisan businessman. Shonekan was to rule until new elections, scheduled for February 1994. Although he had led Babangida's Transitional Council since early 1993, Shonekan was unable to reverse Nigeria's ever-growing economic problems or to defuse lingering political tensions.
With the country sliding into chaos, Defense Minister Sani Abacha quickly assumed power and forced Shonekan's "resignation" on November 17, 1993. Abacha dissolved all democratic political institutions and replaced elected governors with military officers. Abacha promised to return the government to civilian rule but refused to announce a timetable until his October 1, 1995 Independence Day address.
Following the annulment of the June 12 election, the United States and other nations imposed various sanctions on Nigeria, including restrictions on travel by government officials and their families and suspension of arms sales and military assistance. Additional sanctions were imposed as a result of Nigeria's failure to gain full certification for its counter-narcotics efforts. In addition, direct flights between Nigeria and the United States were suspended on August 11, 1993, when the Secretary of Transportation determined that Lagos' Murtala Muhammed International Airport did not meet the security standards established by the FAA. The FAA in December 1999 certified security at MMIA, opening the way for operation of direct flights between Lagos and U.S. airports.
Although Abacha's takeover was initially welcomed by many Nigerians, disenchantment grew rapidly. A number of opposition figures united to form a new organization, the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), which campaigned for an immediate return to civilian rule. The government arrested NADECO members who attempted to reconvene the Senate and other disbanded democratic institutions. Most Nigerians boycotted the elections held from May 23-28, 1994, for delegates to the government-sponsored Constitutional Conference.
On June 11, 1994, using the groundwork laid by NADECO, Abiola declared himself president and went into hiding. He re-emerged and was promptly arrested on June 23. With Abiola in prison and tempers rising, Abacha convened the Constitutional Conference June 27, but it almost immediately went into recess and did not reconvene until July 11, 1994.
On July 4, a petroleum workers union called a strike demanding that Abacha release Abiola and hand over power to him. Other unions then joined the strike, which brought economic life in around Lagos area and in much of the southwest to a standstill. After calling off a threatened general strike in July, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) reconsidered a general strike in August, after the government imposed "conditions" on Abiola's release. On August 17, 1994, the government dismissed the leadership of the NLC and the petroleum unions, placed the unions under appointed administrators, and arrested Frank Kokori and other labour leaders. Although striking unions returned to work, the government arrested opponents, closed media houses, and moved strongly to curb dissent.
The government alleged in early 1995 that some 40 military officers and civilians were engaged in a coup plot. Security officers quickly rounded up the accused, including former Head of State Obasanjo and his erstwhile deputy, retired Gen. Shehu Musa Yar'Adua. After a secret tribunal, most of the accused were convicted, and several death sentences were handed down. The tribunal also charged, convicted, and sentenced prominent human rights activists, journalists, and others--including relatives of the coup suspects--for their alleged "anti-regime" activities. In October, the government announced that the Provisional Ruling Council (PRC--see below: Abubakar's Transition to Civilian Rule) and Abacha had approved final sentences for those convicted of participation in the coup plot.
In late 1994 the Abacha government set up the Ogoni Civil Disturbances Special Tribunal to try prominent author and Ogoni activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and others for their alleged roles in the killings of four prominent Ogoni politicians in May 1994. Saro-Wiwa and 14 others pleaded not guilty to charges that they procured and counselled others to murder the politicians. On October 31, 1995, the tribunal sentenced Saro-Wiwa and eight others to death by hanging. In early November Abacha and the PRC confirmed the death sentence. Saro-Wiwa and his eight co-defendants were executed on November 10.
In October 1, 1995, Gen. Sani Abacha announced the timetable for a 3-year transition to civilian rule. Only five of the political parties which applied for registration were approved by the regime. In local elections held in December 1997, turnout was under 10%. By the April 1998 state assembly and gubernatorial elections, all five of the approved parties had nominated Abacha as their presidential candidate in controversial party conventions. Public reaction to this development in the transition program was apathy and a near-complete boycott of the elections.
On December 21, 1997, the government announced the arrest of the country's second highest-ranking military officer, Chief of General Staff Lt. Gen. Oladipo Diya, 10 other officers, and eight civilians on charges of coup plotting. Subsequently, the government arrested a number of additional persons for roles in the purported coup plot and tried the accused before a closed-door military tribunal in April in which Diya and eight others were sentenced to death.
Abacha, widely expected to succeed himself as a civilian president on October 1, 1998, remained head of state until his death on June 8 of that year. He was replaced by Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, who had been third in command until the arrest of Diya. The PRC, under new head of state Abubakar, commuted the sentences of those accused in the alleged 1997 coup in July 1998. In March 1999, Diya and 54 others accused or convicted of participation in coups in 1990, 1995, and 1997 were released. Following the death of former head of state Abacha in June, Nigeria released almost all known civilian political detainees, including the Ogoni 19.
During the Abacha regime, the government continued to enforce its arbitrary authority through the federal security system--the military, the state security service, and the courts. Under Abacha, all branches of the security forces committed serious human rights abuses. After Abubakar's assumption of power and consolidation of support within the PRC, human rights abuses decreased. Other human rights problems included infringements on freedom of speech, press, assembly, association, and travel; violence and discrimination against women; and female genital mutilation.
Worker rights suffered as the government continued to interfere with organized labour by restricting the fundamental rights of association and the independence of the labour movement. After it came to power in June 1998, the Abubakar government took several important steps toward restoring worker rights and freedom of association for trade unions, which had deteriorated seriously between 1993 and June 1998 under the Abacha regime. The Abubakar government released two imprisoned leaders of the petroleum sector unions, Frank Kokori and Milton Dabibi; abolished two decrees that had removed elected leadership from the Nigeria Labour Congress and the oil workers unions; and allowed leadership elections in these bodies.

History of the NIGERIA Police Force

The Nigeria Police Force had its origin in Lagos, the then Federal Capital , more than a hundred and thirty years ago. The British Consul charged with the Administration of the Colony of Lagos, complained that he had numerous duties assigned to him amongst which was the maintenance of law and order, and in April 1861, permission was obtain from his principal in London to establish a Consular Guard comprising of 30 men. Two years later in 1863, this small body of men became known as the “Hausa Guard”. It was further regularized in 1879 by an Ordinance creating a Constabulary for the Colony of Lagos. An Inspector-General of Police commanded this Force recruited mainly from Hausas and known as the “Hausa Constabulary”. The Force was mainly military in character, although the men performed some civil Police duties. On 1st January 1896, the Lagos Police Force was created and armed like the “Hausa Constabulary”. A Commissioner of Police who was also sheriff, Inspector of weights and measures and the officer in charge of the prisons headed it. Criminal Investigation Department at Alagbon Close, Ikoyi, Lagos was established in 1901 a Fire Brigade was added. While the developments were taking place in Lagos and part of the Yoruba heartland, the areas now known as Edo, Delta, Akwa Ibom, River and Cross River States were declared the Oil Rivers protectorate in 1891 with Headquarters at Calabar where an armed constabulary was formed. In 1893 the area was proclaimed the Niger Coast Constabulary, modeled on the Hausa Constabulary, was formed. It existed for six years and featured prominently in the British expedition to Benin in 1896. In the Northern parts of the Country the Royal Niger Company, which was granted a Royal Charter in 1886 by the British Government, set up the Royal Niger Constabulary in 1888 with Headquarters at Lokoja to protect its installations along the banks of the River Niger. It had a mounted company known as Carrol’s Hoses. The Royal Niger Constabulary played an important role in British campaigns against Bida and Ilorin. When the British Government in 1900 following the transfer of administration from the Royal Niger Company proclaimed protectorates of Northern and Southern Nigeria, the Royal Niger Constabulary was split into the Northern Nigeria Police Force and the Northern Nigeria Regiment. In the South, the Lagos Police Force and part of the Niger Coast Constabulary became the southern Nigeria Police Force in 1906 while the bulk of the Niger Coast Constabulary formed the southern Nigeria Regiments. In addition to normal Police duties the new Police Forces were responsible for dealing with internal disturbances and external aggression. After the amalgamation of Northern and Southern Nigeria in 1914 both Police Forces continued to operate separately until 1st April 1930 when they were merged to form the present Nigeria Police Force with Headquarters in Lagos, commanded by an Inspector-General of Police. The tittle of Inspector-General of Police was replaced with Commissioner in 1937 but the original tittle was reverted to in 1951 after introduction of a new constitution. The designation Commissioner was assigned to the Officers then in charge of the Regions. The creation of twelve (12) states On 27th May 1967, which was used as Police Commands with each headed by a Commissioner of Police, rose to Nineteenth (19) in 1976. On 14th October 1986 Zonal Commands headed by Assistant Inspector-General of Police each was introduced to conform with the Political structure of the Country. In 1986, 1991 and 1996 additional states were created thereby changing the Federal structure to thirty-six (36) states and equally providing for thirty seven (37) Police Commands including FCT, Abuja and Twelve (12) Zonal Commands in the Country while the Force Headquarters operates as a Police Command. Nigerians assumed overall leadership of the Force in 1964 when the late Mr. Louis Orok Edet was appointed the first indigenous Inspector-General of Police. Since then TEN other Nigerians, including the present incumbent Mr. Tafa A Balogun have held the Office.

THE MEANING OF POLICE COLOUR AND CREST

The Nigeria Police Flag has three colours:

• BLUE: Love, Loyalty & Unity
• YELLOW: Discipline & Resourcefulness
• GREEN: Energy & Life

THE POLICE CREST

• Eagle: Strength
• Crossed Baton: Office & Authority
• Elephant: Steadfastness & Reliability
• Green Ground: Rich vegetation of Niger

The structure of the Nigeria police

The structure of the Nigeria Police Force is provided for in section 214 (2)(a) and 215(2) of the 1999 Constitution. These sections provide inter area, section 214(2)(a):- “Subject to the provisions of this constitution (a) the Nigeria Police shall be organised and Administered in accordance with such provisions as many be prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly Section 215 (2) “The Nigeria Police Force shall be under the Command of the Inspector-General of Police and any contingents of the Nigeria Police Force stationed in a state shall; subject to the authority of the Inspector-General of Police, be under the command of Commissioner of Police of that state” From the provisions above, three different structures in the Police Force can be identified. These are:- Command (Authority) Structure. Administration structure and Organisation structure, These structures are patterned to meet the constitutional expectations of the Police, to perform effectively the duties assigned to it. COMMAND (AUTHORITY) STRUCTURE. The Command structure, also referred to as authority structure, of the Police Force is predicted on the regimental nature of the Force and conducted along the Force badges of ranks. Thus, in accordance with section 215(2) of the 1999 Constitution, section 6 of the Police Act, 1990 laws provide that “the Force shall be commanded by the Inspector-General of Police”. This simply means that orders, directives and instructions to perform or carry out the duties with which the Police is carried, flows from the Inspector-General of Police, through the chain of Command, to any Officer positioned to implement such order. Disobedience or failure to carry out such instruction, directive or order, attract punitive sanctions. According to Section 7 (1) of the Police Act, the next in the line to the Inspector General of Police, is the Deputy Inspector General of Police. Though this rank is not specially mentioned in the Constitution, it has legal backing, because the Police Act is a law made by the National Assembly in accordance with the constitution. According to section 7(1) of the Police Act, the Deputy Inspector General of Police is the second in Command of the Force and shall so act for him in the Inspector-General’s absence. Section 5 of the Act makes room for as many DIGs as the Nigeria Police Council considers appropriate. Every other rank below the IG, takes order of Command from him, in the performance of their lawful duties. The Office of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police is provided for by section 5 and 8 of the Police Act. He shall act for the Inspector-General of Police in the event of the absence of the Inspector-General of Police and Deputy Inspector-General of Police. Section 5 of the Police Act, in accordance with the provisions of section 215 (2), of the Nigeria Constitution, provides for the Office and rank of a Commissioner of Police who shall be in Control of contingents of the Police Force stationed in a State. He is subject however, to the command of the Inspector-General of Police or who-so-ever acts for him, in his absence. Every other rank in the Force is legally provided for by section 5 of the Police Act. The Command structure of the Nigeria Police can be presented in order of hierarchy as in the chain hereunder. COMMAND (AUTHORITY) STRUCTURE The Inspector-General of Police The Deputy Inspector-General of Police The Asst. Inspector-General of Police The Commissioner of Police (In-charge of contingents in a state) The Deputy Commissioner of Police The Asst. Commissioner of Police The Chief Superintendent of Police The Superintendent of Police The Deputy Superintendent of Police The Asst. Superintendent of Police The Inspector of Police Sergeant Majors Sergeants Corporals Constables Regulation 273 of the Police Regulation, Cap 359 laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1990 is instructing on this issue.

B. ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE
The Nigeria Police is administratively structured and divided into six (6) departments: ‘A’ – ‘F’ with each department charged with peculiar duties. Though their duties are inter-woven, they are distinguishable.
1. ‘A’ DEPARTMENT:- ADMINISTRATION
Direction, supervision and co-ordination of the various department within the Directorate;
Standardization of policies and procedure of administration and finance of the Force;
Periodical review of all standing force Orders, Regulations and other relevant instruments;
Maintenance of Force discipline by directing and reviewing relevant policies and instructions;
Convening of conference of the Directors, Zonal Police Commanders (Z.P.Cs) and the Command Commissioner of Police with the Inspector-General of Police;
Planning, administration and monitoring of the budget and finances of the Force;
Organization, planning and supervision of Research programmes, Management Information;
Collating data for and publication of Annual Police Report;
Convening the Force Tenders’ Board; and
Planning and Adminstration of welfare schems , e.g, Medical;
Laison, co-ordination and interaction with other Directorates of the Nigeria Police Force;
Preparation of Annual Budget for the Directorate
Police Computer;
Police Co-operatives;
2. ‘B’ DEPARTMENT:- OPERATION
a Planning and organizing internal security measures and monitoring the execution of such security measures in time of emergency;
b. Direction and co-ordination of Force policies on crime prevention;
c. Utilization of Force Animals
d. Formulation of Force policies on traffic control;
e. Planning coordinating and monitoring of the Force communication network;
f. Reviewing and formulating policies on tactical operation schemes for crime control and prevention;
g. Periodical inspections of various units for effective implementation of the operational policies of the Police;
h. Planning and coordinating joint operation;
i. Formulating policies, planning and management of incidents such as disturbance, riots, national disasters, elections, suppression of insurrections and trade union disputes or conflicts;
j. Formulation and implementation of policies on antiterrorism;
k. Liaison, coordination and interaction with other Directorates of the Nigeria Police Force;
l. Preparation of annual budget for the Directorate.
3. ‘C’ DEPARTMENT:- LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY
a. Purchase of stores, clothing an Accoutrement;
b. Planning of building programmes;
c. Construction and maintenance of Police Buildings and quarters;
d. Arrangement of Board of Survey and Disposal of unserviceable/Boarded vehicles, equipment etc;
e. Determination of costs of all equipment, e.g. vehicles, planes, Helicopters; Wireless equipment, Bomb Disposal equipment, Force Animals, Arms & Ammunition and other riot equipment, Boats, Medical, Stationers, Spare parts, Printing equipment;
f. Responsibility for the procurement of all technical equipment. Aircraft, Wireless, Medical, Armaments, Transport etc, clothing and accoutrements, Stationers and office equipment;
g. Responsibility for the allocation and distribution of the equipment procured for the various Police Commands and Directorates;
h. Organization and direction Board of survey;
i. Responsibility for the planning and execution of building projects and accommodation;
j. Erection and supervision of the maintenance Barracks, quarters, office buildings and equipment;
k. Preparation of annual budget for the Directorate;
l. Liaison, coordination and interaction with other Directions of the Nigeria Police Force.
4. ‘D’ DEPARTMENT:- INVESTIGATION AND INTELLIGENCE
a. Criminal Investigations
b. Interpol
c. Antiguitics
d. Crime Prevention Policies
e. Narcotics
f. Forensic Matters
g. Crime Records
h. Prosecution and
i. Criminal Intelligence;
5. ‘E’ DEPARTMENT:- TRAINING AND COMMAND
a. Formulation and implementation of supervision of Force Training policy
b. Supervision and coordination of the activities of the Police and Police Staff Colleges
c. Liaison with Police and Civilian Institution of higher learning at home and abroad for effective interchange of ideas;
d. Establishment of effective staff development programme;
e. Formulation training, research to keep pace with modern thought in the field of training, staff development and equipment;
f. Formulating a uniform standard of training in all in all Police Colleges/Training Schools;
g. Preparation of annual budget for the Directorate;
h. Liaison coordination and interaction with other Directorates in the Nigeria Police Force;
6. ‘F’ DEPARTMENT
a. Research;
b. Planning
c. Inspectorate Division;
d. Management Information;
e. Organization and Method
7. OFFICE OF THE FORCE SECRETARY
a. Promotion and appointment of Superior Police Officers;
b. Deployment of Superior Police Officers;
c. Records of Superior Police Officers;
d. Discipline of Superior Police Officers;
e. Police Council meeting;
f. Inter-Ministerial matter; and
g. Promotion Boards
C. ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE
The Nigeria Force is further structured in line with the geo-political structure of the Country, with provisions for supervisory formations. The structure formation enables Police operational of the internal Territory of Nigeria.
The organisational structure of the Police Force is represented as shown below:
Force Headquarters
Zonal Headquarters
State Commands Headquarters
Divisional Police Headquarters
Police Station
Police Post
Village Police Post.
By this nature, the Police Operational crime fighting function is felt by the populace. The relevance of the structuring of the Police to the defence and internal security of the nation can be appreciated by the totality of Police role in internal; security. The whole weight of the powers and duties of the Police are spread on the balance of these structures. A periodic assessment and review of these structures to determine their relevance in the scheme of the nation’s defence mechanism has remained a traditional exercise in the Force, in order to catch-up with current global policing strategies as prescribed in international defence policies. It also provides avenue for getting along with other national security out-fits.