The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

  • Group defends NUPENG, PENGASSAN amid dispute with Dangote

    Group defends NUPENG, PENGASSAN amid dispute with Dangote

    A civic group, Frontier Waves, has expressed support for oil workers’ unions NUPENG and PENGASSAN in their ongoing face-off with the Dangote Group, while rejecting criticism of the unions by activist Zik Gbemre.

    In a statement signed by its President, Oluwa Vincent, and Secretary, Ramsey Nede, the group said Gbemre’s recent remarks on the matter did not reflect the long-standing contributions of the unions to protecting the interests of Nigerian workers.

    “NUPENG and PENGASSAN have for years championed the welfare of Nigerians in the oil and gas sector, and their efforts deserve commendation rather than condemnation,” the statement read.

    Frontier Waves argued that the two unions have played a vital role in safeguarding jobs and ensuring fair treatment for workers, adding that their actions have often come at critical moments for the oil and gas industry.

    Read Also: Group defends NUPENG, PENGASSAN amid dispute with Dangote

    The group also maintained that unions remain “responsible and constitutionally recognised organisations,” with a mandate to represent the interests of their members and the wider Nigerian public.

    On the wider debate, Frontier Waves stressed that criticism of the unions should not overshadow the “positive impact” they have had over the years.

    “Any assessment of NUPENG and PENGASSAN must take into account the many battles they have fought on behalf of workers and the Nigerian masses,” it said.

    The organisation reaffirmed its support for both unions, describing them as central players in labour relations within the sector.

  • Minister unveils measures to stop pilgrims from absconding in Jordan, Israel

    Minister unveils measures to stop pilgrims from absconding in Jordan, Israel

      …we shall arrest, prosecute guarantors – Pilgrims board

    The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has announced new measures to prevent pilgrims from absconding during trips to Jordan and Israel.

    Speaking at the pre-departure orientation for 142 intending Christian pilgrims, Mahmoud urged them to be good ambassadors of both the FCT and Nigeria.

    She encouraged the pilgrims to uphold dignity, portray the country positively, and use the holy journey to pray for President Bola Tinubu and members of the Renewed Hope Agenda team for effective governance and delivery of democratic benefits.

    Mahmoud said, “The occasion of this pre-departure orientation program is a demonstration of the government’s commitment to the spiritual well-being of the people.

    She said, “For some of you who might be contemplating absconding or indulging in any acts that are inimical to the name of our dear country, you should have a rethink because this will not be accepted at any rate. The Federal Government of Nigeria has put in effective proactive machinery to counter such efforts. I sincerely hope that this pilgrimage will provide you with unique and rewarding encounters as we await your safe return home”.

    Meanwhile, the FCT Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board has said that while it doesn’t envisage any case of abscondment, individuals who make such an attempt would put their guarantors in jeopardy.

    The Acting Director of the Board, Gloria Dandam, said for many years, FCT has achieved a great feat by not recording any abscondment of Pilgrims, but should there be any case, guarantors of those who absconded would be arrested and prosecuted.

    She said, “Right now, in FCT alone, we have 142 pilgrims who have paid to take off, but we have other states joining us. Your guarantors were made to fill out the forms so that if you don’t come back, we’ll know who to hold.

    “If you don’t come back, we hold the person to ransom, we can take him to court, and charge him, because he has signed for somebody who absconded.”

  • Delta govt backs civil service screening, warns against age falsification, indecent dressing

    Delta govt backs civil service screening, warns against age falsification, indecent dressing

    The Delta state government has endorsed the ongoing screening of civil servants, cautioning that it will no longer tolerate falsification of age, prolonged abuse of leave of absence, or indecent dressing within the workforce.

    Speaking to journalists in Asaba, Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, said the exercise was aimed at sanitising the service and restoring its integrity.

    He revealed that several officers manipulated their records, presenting unrealistic primary school certificates that suggested they began schooling immediately after birth.

    Aniagwu stressed that the government would uphold the screening committee’s decisions, including mandatory retirements, and would remove officers who stayed abroad for years while still drawing salaries, with recovery measures initiated for illegally earned funds.

    Read Also: Students kick as OAU sets rustication for kissing, heavy makeup, indecent dressing, others

     “If there is anybody that has been advised by the screening committee to retire, the government fully supports that decision,” Aniagwu said.

    “We cannot continue to accommodate individuals who falsify their age or live abroad while collecting salaries meant for those working here.”

    On the recently re-emphasized dress code for civil servants, Aniagwu said the rules were not new but anchored on provisions of the Civil Service Rules, particularly section 04314 on page 42.

    He noted that just as every profession has an expected mode of dressing, the civil service requires its workforce to appear decent and corporate.

    “When you come to work in spaghetti straps or slippers, you demean the image of the service. The civil service is not a free party where people can dress as they please,” he stressed.

    “We are not telling you how to dress at home, in church, or at nightclubs. But during official hours, we expect decency.”

    Aniagwu argued that enforcing the dress code was about protecting the image of the government and ensuring respect for public institutions.

    Reiterating the administration’s commitment to reforms, he said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s government would continue to uphold discipline, transparency, and professionalism in the civil service as part of its MORE Agenda.

  • FCSC rolls out strategic plan to end patronage, deepen meritocracy

    FCSC rolls out strategic plan to end patronage, deepen meritocracy

    ‎The Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC) has unveiled a new three-year strategic plan aimed at breaking the cycle of patronage in public service recruitment and promotions while restoring professionalism and accountability to Nigeria’s bureaucracy.

    ‎FCSC Chairman, Prof. Tunji Olaopa, announced the plan Monday at a high-level stakeholders’ validation workshop in Abuja, describing it as a “turning point” for the Commission and the entire civil service.

    ‎“The Nigerian Civil Service cannot continue with outdated, opaque, and manual systems. We are embedding meritocracy, digital transformation, performance-based promotions, and strict ethical standards to rebuild public trust and restore the lost glory of the service,” Olaopa declared.

    ‎The strategy, he said, rests on six pillars: strengthening institutional independence; introducing nationwide competitive exams and digital recruitment platforms; linking promotions to performance and citizen feedback; automating HR operations; embedding whistle-blower protections and ethical audits; and ensuring inclusivity through transparent application of federal character, gender, and disability representation.

    Read Also: FCSC unveils reforms to crush nepotism, restore merit in federal recruitment

    ‎Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, praised the initiative as a “critical enabler” of the broader Federal Civil Service Reform Agenda, pledging her office’s full support.

    ‎“Our shared vision is a world-class service that is professional, accountable and performance-oriented,” she said.

    ‎The Commission stressed that through strict implementation of the plan, it will professionalise its secretariat, drive culture change, improve staff welfare, and position itself as a credible regulator of recruitment, promotion and discipline across the federal bureaucracy.

    ‎With backing from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the FCSC said the reforms will align Nigeria’s civil service with global best practices and protect career management from political interference.

    ‎“This plan is about rebuilding broken walls and handing over to the next generation a civil service that can stand as a true engine of national development,” Olaopa said.

  • Miscreants stab guest to death at UNN

    Miscreants stab guest to death at UNN

    The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) has condemned the tragic killing of a guest, Mr. Chiebonam Nweze, during a students’ social event on its campus last Friday.

    The incident occurred on September 12, 2025, at a bonfire night organised by the Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies. 

    According to the university management, the event was infiltrated by miscreants from a neighboring community, who caused violence that led to the fatal stabbing.

    Despite efforts to save him, Nweze was confirmed dead before he could receive medical attention at the university’s medical centre.

    In a statement  on Monday, UNN’s Acting Public Relations Officer, Inya Agha Egwu, clarified that neither the deceased nor the attackers were students of the institution. 

    He added that the university’s security unit, in collaboration with the Anti-Cult Unit of the Nigeria Police, had apprehended all those responsible for the killing.

    The management expressed its condolences to the family and friends of the deceased, describing the incident as “unfortunate and deeply regrettable.”

    Read Also: UNN bans social activities on campus beyond 6pm

    In response, the university announced new restrictions on student social activities. 

    All such events will henceforth be held only during the daytime under security supervision, with no activities permitted beyond 6:00 p.m.

    “The University of Nigeria remains fully committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all members of its community and will continue to take every necessary measure to prevent a recurrence of such incidents,” the statement reads.

  • Ondo police arrest suspect, recover car

    Ondo police arrest suspect, recover car

    The Ondo State Police Command has apprehended a fleeing member of a notorious armed robbery syndicate known for stealing and reselling Toyota vehicles.

    The suspect, Silas Oteku, was arrested by operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit on the Ajibamidele, Ore-Lagos Road, following intelligence reports.

    A grey Toyota Sienna, earlier reported stolen in Akure, was recovered from him.

    According to police spokesman Deputy Superintendent of Police Olayinka Ayanlade, in a statement, Oteku allegedly confessed to being part of the criminal network that specialises in snatching and fraudulently selling Toyota brand vehicles.

    Read Also: Allow Dangote to provide relief to Nigerians – Okechukwu tells NUPENG, others

    “investigations also linked him (Oteku) to the fraudulent sale of another stolen Toyota vehicle earlier recovered in Akure, which had already been tampered with and prepared for sale to unsuspecting members of the public,” Ayanlade said.

    He said the suspect admitted belonging to the same gang whose five members had earlier been arrested, arraigned before the Akure Magistrates’ Court, and linked to the recovery of four stolen vehicles.

    Police confirmed that Oteku is in custody, but that the alleged mastermind behind the operation, along with other fleeing members, remains at large.

    The Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, commended the SWAT operatives for their success, urging them to pursue the case until the syndicate is dismantled.

    Lawal further reassured residents of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property.

    He said Oteku would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

  • Three bodies recovered, four rescued from Yaba building collapse

    Three bodies recovered, four rescued from Yaba building collapse

    One more body has been recovered from the three-storey building that collapsed while under construction last Friday night in Yaba, Lagos.

     Acting Head of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Lagos Operations Office, Mrs Ibitayo Adenike, who confirmed the development to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Lagos.

    Read Also: Tinubu urges faith leaders to promote harmony, reconciliation across Nigeria

    Adenike said the building, located at No. 333 Borno St, Alagomeji, Yaba, collapsed about 8:30 p.m, trapping several persons beneath the debris.

    “Search and rescue operations are still ongoing,’’ she added.

    NAN reports that emergency responders at the scene include the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Building Control Agency, the Nigeria Police Force, and other relevant agencies.

  • Task force halts construction at Abuja estate

    Task force halts construction at Abuja estate

    •Demolishes illegal structures

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Ministerial Task Force has stopped the ongoing construction at the contended River Park Estate in Lugbe, and arrested workers who were allegedly found to be in violation of a court order.

    An Abuja High Court had earlier directed parties in the estate dispute to maintain the status quo pending the resolution of ownership and development rights within the estate.

    On Wednesday, last week, officials of the task force, working with security agencies, visited the estate to enforce compliance. Some workers found on site were taken into custody for disregarding the stop-work order.

    In addition, the FCT Administration demolished over 30 substructures, citing violations of planning regulations. According to the administration, affected developers had continued work despite the withdrawal of their lease agreements and a ministerial committee recommendation that undeveloped plots be reverted to the FCTA.

    The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, had on August 8, this year, inaugurated an ad-hoc committee to review issues in the estate. The committee, chaired by Salman Dako, a lawyer, submitted its report last week, recommending the revocation of undeveloped plots that had either expired or breached the Development Lease Agreement (DLA). It clarified that holders of valid customary titles who had developed their plots in line with regulations should retain their titles, in accordance with a court judgment.

    Read Also: Deputy Speaker Kalu urges Nigerians to back Tinubu’s reforms, reserved seats bill

    Leading the enforcement, the Director of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, said the demolition became necessary after intelligence reports indicated that some developers were rushing to complete structures in defiance of directives.

    “About a week ago, one of the committees on River Park Estate recommended that all undeveloped plots within the estate be reverted back to the FCTA. We got reports that certain developers were hurriedly working day and night to develop some of the vacant plots. As an agency, we served them notice to stop work. This morning, we saw them still working, so we are removing the structures and  excavating all those foundations put on the ground,” Galadima said.

    He confirmed that over 30 foundations had been dug, adding that they would be covered to prevent further development.

    “Whatever we see on site, we remove it. Luckily, they are just at excavation level. But wherever we see any new development coming up, we will remove it again,” he warned.

    It was also gathered that despite the stop-work order, construction was still ongoing in some sections of the estate, including the Sector Center and Cluster 3.

  • Indian businessman, three others held over N3.9b Tramadol intercepted in Lagos

    Indian businessman, three others held over N3.9b Tramadol intercepted in Lagos

    •Couple arrested with drugs in Anambra

    The National Drug Law Enforced Agency (NDLEA) has arrested an Indian businessman Gupta Ravi Kumar and three Nigerian accomplices: Ogunlana Noah Olanrewaju, Olushola Idrees Kayode and Bakare Korede Muheebb in connection with the seizure of 2,248,000 pills of tramadol 200mg/225mg.

     Also, in Anambra State, a couple: Nzube Onyedika, 41, and Ebele Onyedika, 42, were arrested during a raid at Obosi where 13.9kg Methamphetamine and 5.3kg skunk were recovered from them.

    Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, who broke the news yesterday, said they were intercepted at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos.

    According to the statement by Babafemi, the tramadol shipment worth N3.99billion  was imported from Delhi, India, disguised as multi-vitamins in 114 cartons and arrived at the import shed of the Lagos airport on an Ethiopian Airline flight on September 8.

    Babafemi said a team of the agency’s officers, who had put the consignment under surveillance, swooped on a clearing agent and two drivers who were trying to take the shipment from the airport in two trucks last Thursday.

    He said a follow-up the following day led to the arrest of Kumar.

    At the Terminal 2 Departure gate of the airport,  operatives the previous Sunday also arrested a passenger, Onyeganochi Stanley Ifeanyi, who was on a Qatar Airline flight to Doha. The spokesman said a search of Ifeanyi’s bag led to the recovery of 900grams of skunk, a strain of cannabis concealed in crayfish.

    “As a first-time traveller, Onyeganochi claimed the bag was given to him to help take to Doha by a Qatar-based Nigerian Ohadiegwu Anthony Uchenna who actually followed him to the airport.

    His confession led to the arrest of Uchenna. Operatives who later searched Uchenna’s hotel room in Ajao Estate discovered additional 200grams of the same psychoactive substance. He claimed he was to return to Doha days later and pick the bag from Onyeganochi if he had succeeded in escaping security checks,” Babafemi said.

    According to the statement, at the Tin Can Port in Lagos, a total of 161 parcels of Canadian Loud, a strain of cannabis weighing 81.7kg and 1.2kg hashish oil were recovered from a 40-ft container of vehicle spare parts and used vehicles imported from Montreal Canada during an examination of the shipment on September 9.

    Two suspects: John Ochigbo, 53, and Okeke Kingsley, 26, have been taken into custody in connection with the seizure.

    The statement further indicated that another shipment of Canadian Loud weighing 65kg was tracked from the port to Third Mainland  Bridge where NDLEA operatives intercepted a Toyota Sienna vehicle conveying the consignment, recovered it and arrested the driver Abubakar Ibrahim, 42 on  September 11.

    Also,  “In Ikorodu, Lagos,’’ Babafemi continued, ‘’operatives  on September 11 raided a factory producing skuchies, a blend of cannabis and black currant drink. No less than 6, 029 bottles of the new psychoactive substance and 4,232kg of cannabis were recovered from the factory in Caritas, Ibeshe, while the Factory Manager Joy Awosika was arrested as well as Akeem Oriola, was the same day in Mushin, with 26kg skunk.’’

    Babafemi said in Abuja, operatives on a stop-and-search at Utako, on September 11 arrested a dispatch rider Godsplan Vincent, 29, with 50.7grams of cocaine and 66grams of Loud.

    In Lagbondoko and Akitan, Oyo, Oyo State, Three females, Faidat Azeez, 25; Alanu Fatimoh, 40, and Mojeed Taiwo, 25, who were found with 17kg skunk, were arrested.

    Read Also: Tinubu urges faith leaders to promote harmony, reconciliation across Nigeria

    “No fewer than 100,000 pills of tramadol 200mg/225mg were seized from Musa Shuaibu, 38, at Gadar Tamburawa, on Zaria-Kano Road on  September 8 while

    196 litres of Akuskura, were recovered from Abubakar Adamu, 35, at Na’ibawa, Kano by operatives who also seized 34.1kg skunk, 493 tubes of rubber solution and 25 litres of ‘suck and die’, an NPS, from Basiru Umar, 18, at Wailari area, Kumbotso Local Government Area, Kano State on September 11.

    “In Anambra State, a couple: Nzube Onyedika, 41, and Ebele Onyedika, 42, were arrested during a raid at Obosi where 13.9kg Methamphetamine and 5.3kg skunk were recovered from them while various quantities of meth, tramadol, swinol, heroin and skunk were seized from another suspect Nnamchi Tochukwu, 36. 

    “In Yobe, Mohammed Auwal was arrested after 36 blocks of cannabis sativa weighing 22.1kg were recovered from his residence at Gadan Talakawa, Potiskum, while three trans-border drug traffickers: Kunyadi Kunle Ogbungbun, 24; Olalekan Adewale, 20; and Sanya  Joshua,22, were nabbed with 394kg skunk at Imeko, Ogun State during an operation by operatives with the police and local vigilante on September 7. Three motorcycles used in conveying the illicit consignment were  recovered.

    “In Edo State, a total of 16,966.633 kilograms of skunk were destroyed on a cannabis plantation measuring 6.786653 hectares at Ugbogyi forest, Ovia Southwest Local Government Area while 112 bags of processed cannabis weighing 1,176 kilograms were also recovered at the farm where four suspects: Ebenezer Ewang, Oshore John, Emmanuel Monday and David Sunday, were arrested.

    Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), expressed his appreciation to the officers and enjoined them and their colleagues to continue with the good works.

  • Army rescues 30 kidnap-victims, recovers stolen crude, weapons in nationwide raid

    Army rescues 30 kidnap-victims, recovers stolen crude, weapons in nationwide raid

    Troops have killed one terrorist and rescued 30 kidnap-victims over the past three days as part of their intensified operations nationwide.

    The operations also resulted in the arrest of suspected kidnappers and recovery of various calibre weapons, stolen crude and petroleum products, motorcycles, cash, and other logistical items.

    A source at the Army Headquarters told The Nation yesterday that on September 10, the 22 Brigade apprehended two suspected kidnappers in Babanna, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, while the 12 Brigade, in collaboration with hybrid forces and vigilantes, rescued 17 kidnap-victims who had been abandoned by their abductors in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State.

    “Similarly, troops of Sector 1 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) rescued another victim in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State while their Sector 1 OPWS counterpart recovered an AK-47 rifle and 29 rounds of ammunition during a patrol in Ado Local Government Area, Benue State.

    “In Plateau State, Sector 8 troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) arrested two suspected rustlers in Mangu Local Government Area and recovered weapons, ammunition, and cash,” the source said.

    According to him, on September 11, troops achieved further gains in Kogi State, with 12 Brigade neutralising one violent extremist in Kabba Bunu Local Government Area and recovered a fully loaded AK-47 magazine and 31 mobile phones.

    According to him, on September 11, troops achieved further successes in Kogi State, with the 12 Brigade killing one extremist in Kabba Bunu Local Government Area and recovering a  loaded AK-47 magazine and 31 mobile phones.

    On the same day, troops of 8 Division rescued seven kidnapped victims and recovered a vehicle during an encounter with terrorists on the Marnona-Gundumi-Isa Road, while 12 Brigade rescued four kidnap victims on the Egbe-Eruku Road in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State.

    Read Also: Dangote Petroleum Refinery accuses DAPPMAN of misleading Nigerians

    In Borno State, one Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP/JAS) terrorist surrendered to hybrid forces at Ngamdu, and is providing useful valuable information and intelligence on their (terrorist) operations in the area.

    “Also on 11 September, troops intercepted smugglers in Mubi South Local Government Area of Adamawa State, abandoning a truck loaded with 20 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS),” the source said.

    “In Plateau State, Sector 2 troops repelled an extremist attack in Quan-Pan Local Government Area with support from tactical drones, while troops of Sector 3 OPEP rescued another kidnapped victim in Bassa Local Government Area.”

    In the Soutsouth, the source said, troops of Operation Delta Safe dismantled an illegal refining site containing about 3,800 litres of stolen crude oil in Bayelsa State, while another team intercepted 1,600 litres of illegally refined AGO in Rivers State.

    “On September 12, troops of Sector 3 OPEP rescued yet another kidnap victim in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, who had been abducted in Jos the previous day.’’