The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

  • NEMA confirms 231 dead, 607 injured, 315,762 affected in 2025 flood

    NEMA confirms 231 dead, 607 injured, 315,762 affected in 2025 flood

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed 231 dead, 607 injured and 315,762 affected by floods this year.

    The agency also added that 114 persons are missing as a result of the flood which has affected 86 Local Government Areas in 25 States.

    The data by the agency also indicated that 113,367 persons have also been displaced with 40,493 houses affected and 46,304 farmlands affected.

    The updated 2025 flood dashboard released by NEMA on Saturday also indicates that the States that are most impacted by the flood.

    The ten most impacted States are: Lagos 52,013, Adamawa 51,713, Akwa Ibom 46,233, Imo 29,242, Taraba 26,722, Rivers 22,345, Delta 14,057, Abia 11,907, Borno 8,164 and Kaduna 7,334.

    According to the data from the agency, children are the most affected. 

    The data reads: “143,683 children, 100,079 women, 60,408 men, 11,592 elderly, and 2,265 disabled persons have so far been affected by this year’s flood.

    “Some States affected are; Abia, FCT, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Borno, Delta, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Niger, Ondo, Rivers and Sokoto States. 

    The key challenges identified in the aftermath of the flood incidence are resource shortage, inaccessibility, community resistance and security risk.

    “Resource shortage accounts for 69 per cent of the challenges,16 per cent inaccessibility, 7 per cent community resistance and 6 per cent security risk.”

    The priority needs of the affected persons according to NEMA include; food, shelter, WASH, health, livelihood, nutrition, education, protection and security. 

  • Guild of content creators celebrates DCP Adejobi on new appointment

    Guild of content creators celebrates DCP Adejobi on new appointment

    The Practitioners of Content Creators, Skit-Makers, and Influencers Guild of Nigeria (PCCSIGN) has congratulated DCP Muyiwa Adejobi on his promotion, describing him as a source of national pride.

    The national president of PCCSIGN, Michael Nwabufo, popularly known as Mike Premium, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Lagos, after a courtesy call on the former veteran force spokesman.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Inspector General (I-G) of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has transferred Force Public Relations Officer, Adejobi, to the Delta Police Command.

    Adejobi was recently elevated from the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP).

    Adejobi’s deployment, according to the Force Headquarters, is a strategic posting that places him at the helm of operations in one of the most operationally sensitive commands in the country.

    Speaking, Nwabufo, the Ambassador for the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), noted that the group’s robust partnership with the police revealed Adejobi as a thoroughbred, human and true professional.

    “We are here to congratulate you on your elevation and to encourage you to continue the good work of being an example of professionalism and humanity in policing.

    “It is a promotion well deserving and we are happy to congratulate you as a gallant and premium police officer.

    “We know that Delta police command, where you are transferred to is blessed to have a professional with wide range of exposure like you.

    “We are proud of you and we know that you will continue the great work in Delta.

    “We will always come and visit you for being a role model, and of a professional police officer,” Nwabufo said.

    Decrying a maligning report against Adejobi by a popular online platform, Nwabufo cautioned the media owner to stop character defamation.

    According to him, Adejobi’s track record and sterling performance as a dedicated and professional officer and force spokesman remain inspiring.

    “We believe that Adejobi will continue his outstanding service and uphold the high standards he is known for in the interest of national security in Delta,” he said.

    Read Also: Odunlade Adekola congratulates FPPRO Adejobi on promotion as DCP

    Recalls that in February 2022, Usman Baba, then I-G, appointed Adejobi in acting FPRO capacity when Frank Mba, the then former spokesperson, proceeded on a course at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos.

    In April 2022, Muyiwa was confirmed as the force spokesperson.

    Prior to his appointment as FPRO, Adejobi served as Lagos police spokesperson between September 2020 and August 2021.

    He was later posted to the public relations department of the force headquarters in Abuja.

    Adejobi was the police spokesperson of the Police Command Ogun from 2008 to 2016. He also served as police spokesperson for zone 2 headquarters in Onikan, Lagos.

    He also served as operations officer, anti-bank robbery and anti-pipeline vandalism, Sagamu division from 2006 to 2008.

  • Soldiers arrest IPOB IED manufacturers in Delta, kidnappers in FCT, Lagos, others

    Soldiers arrest IPOB IED manufacturers in Delta, kidnappers in FCT, Lagos, others

    In its continued efforts to root out terrorists and other criminal elements nationwide, troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested two Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) improvised explosive device (IED) manufacturers and three drug peddlers in Delta State.

    The troops’ efforts also led to the arrest of armed robbers, kidnappers, drug peddlers, and other criminal elements, as well as the recovery of illicit weapons in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Lagos and Plateau States, in operations conducted between September 1 to 5.

    A source at the Army headquarters told The Nation on Saturday that troops of the Chief of Army Staff intervention Battalion in Sokoto State arrested two terrorist informants and logistics suppliers in Gudu Local Government Area of the state.

    According to the source, troop operations in the Northwest over the past week yielded significant results, leading to the neutralization of several bandits/terrorists in the general areas of Zamfara, Katsina, and Kaduna States, as well as the rescue of many kidnap victims.

    The military source said: “In the North West, a joint operation by the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA and ground troops struck terrorist hideouts at Zango in Katsina State, killing up to 15 terrorists according to intercepted communications, and forcing others to flee with gunshot wounds.

    Read Also: Soldiers kill bandit in Kwara

    “In the Northcentral region, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralized one armed herder during a firefight in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State, recovering an AK-47 rifle and ammunition.

    “In Niger State, troops rescued two kidnapped victims and recovered 28 rustled cows following air and ground operations in Mariga Local Government Area 

    “Other nationwide operations also yielded major results. In Kaduna State, 19 suspects were arrested during raid operations in Unguwan Dosa, Rigasa, Mando, Tudun Wada, and other areas. 

    “In Rivers State, troops uncovered 35 sacks of illegally refined products amounting to about 1,750 litres, arresting one suspect despite resistance from suspected bunkers.” 

  • Gunmen kill eight NSCDC personnel

    Gunmen kill eight NSCDC personnel

    Eight personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have been killed by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers.

    The NSCDC were attached to the BUA Cement Factory in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.

    Five Chinese expatriates were abducted by the suspected kidnappers.

    An official of the NSCDC, who pleaded anonymity, said four injured persons in the attack were receiving treatment.

    According to him: “”The incident happened on Friday, August 5, 2025, at about 10 pm, when the officers were escorting five Chinese expatriates after a routine patrol at the company’s entrance.

    “The suspected kidnappers, armed with sophisticated weapons, ambushed the NSCDC personnel attached to BUA Cement Company, Okpella, Etsako East LGA, Edo State.

    “The attackers laid an ambush at the company’s entrance. They opened fire sporadically, engaging NSCDC operatives in a gun duel. Despite the loss of personnel, NSCDC operatives successfully rescued four expatriates.

    “The armed group escaped into the bush with one abducted expatriate.

    “The surviving NSCDC personnel repelled further assault and secured four expatriates safely.

    Read Also: Gunmen ambush OSOPADEC chairman’s car, attack driver in Ondo

    “The injured officers were evacuated and are receiving medical care.”

    Spokesman for the Edo NSCDC, Ogbebor Efosa, said the Edo Commandant of the agency, Agun Gbenga, visited the scene of the crime and the hospital.

    He said rescue operation has commenced for possible rescue of the victim.

    According to him: “As I speak with you, our personnel and other security agencies are combing the bush through which the kidnappers escaped. We are making every effort to ensure that the abducted expatriate is freed unhurt and the perpetrators are brought to justice.”

  • Ocean surge: Lagos community sends SOS to FG, State govt over threat of extinction

    Ocean surge: Lagos community sends SOS to FG, State govt over threat of extinction

    The Okun-Alfa Community in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State has appealed to the Federal and State Governments to save it from extinction, as a persistent ocean surge continues to threaten its survival.

    Chief Yusuf Elegushi, the Baale of Okun-Alfa, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday that the surge had already claimed over 80 per cent of the community’s land, leaving many residents homeless.

    “This community has been in existence for over 500 years. Our forefathers burial grounds are here we are not illegal immigrants and we have been calling the government attention to the situation as our land is gradually being submerged.

    “But some days ago we received a notice from government that we should evacuate the land which is very strange to us because our ancestral land we have elderlies of very 80 years residing in the community.

    “We are only seeking Federal Government help not evacuation because we don’t know where to go our forefathers were indigene of the community.

    “We only need government help to reclaim our land from surge not evacuation,”the community leader said.

    Mr Adekunle Elegushi, the Chairman Community Development Association (CDA) Okun-Alfa Community also appealed to the federal government to halt the 24 hours autimatum given to residents to vacate the land.

    Elegushi said that former Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State had tried to stop the surge in 2019 but the project was not totally completed.

    “The project stopped. No continuity, that’s why other lands have been washed away by the ocean.

    “All our maternity centre, schools and recreation centres have been submerged majority of houses have been swallowed by the ocean which rendered majority of people homeless.

    “What we need now is the federal and state government intervention not evacuation we are appealing to them to rescue us and help us to resolve our challenges in the community.

    Mrs Sidikatu Liasu-Banuso, the Octogenarians residents of the community also appealed to the federal government to halt demolition plan but rather come to their aide in fixing the surge.

    “We don’t want government to drive us away from here what we want is help to fix the surge and we are appealing there is no where to go now this is my ancestral land and home am over 80 years of age.

    Mr Taofeek Ibraheem, also a resident urged the government to consider the situation and stop the demolition plan as the community would go on extinction.

    Read Also: JCI commissions solar-powered borehole in Lagos community

    We are pleading to the federal government to assist us in fixing our challenges and not to drive us away from our ancestral land,” he said.

    “We appeal to the government to rescue the community before it is too late as many residents live plank homes due to challenges of the surge.

    “Many people staying here live in emergency homes, because all their buildings have been submerged by the surge.

  • Hoodlums flee, abandon vehicles as Police foil attacks in Anambra communities 

    Hoodlums flee, abandon vehicles as Police foil attacks in Anambra communities 

    Police in Anambra State have recovered two abandoned but reportedly snatched vehicles in Awka, state capital as well as in Oba in Idemli South local government area.

    Command spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, in a statement on Saturday, informed the suspects had abandoned the vehicles and fled following coordinated chase by Police Operatives attached to the Central Police Station, Awka.

    He listed the recovered vehicles as Lexus ES 350 car with registration number Lagos – BDG 350 JR and black Lexus RX 300 Jeep with registration number Anambra – AWK 31 DU.

    He said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the culprits.

    According to him: “Following the security and safety measures put in place by the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, patrols have continued to foil the plans of unrepentant criminals. 

    “To this effect, Police operatives have recovered two abandoned but suspected snatched vehicles in Oba and Awka respectively. Efforts are however ongoing to apprehend the culprits.

    “The swift response and coordinated chase by Police Operatives attached to the Central Police Station, Awka, led to the recovery of a snatched Lexus ES 350 car with registration number Lagos – BDG 350 JR, along Parkers Road, Awka on 4th September 2025 at about 10.10 pm. 

    “The four armed men, operating in a tricycle without a registration number, had earlier blocked the victim along Ifite Road, Amaenyi, forcing him to abandon his vehicle before they fled the scene with it.

    “Similarly, in the early hours of 5th September 2025, Police Operatives attached to Oba Division received information that a black Lexus RX 300 Jeep with registration number Anambra – AWK 31 DU, had been abandoned by yet-to-be-identified persons around Mummy Hotel axis, along Owerri–Onitsha Expressway, Oba.

    “Upon receipt of the information, Police Operatives moved swiftly to the location and recovered the vehicle which has since been towed to the station for safekeeping.

    “To this end, the Command appreciates the good people of Anambra for their timely and useful information, noting that effective collaboration between the Police and the public remains a key strategy in combating crime.”

  • Character Commission, CISLAC push for stronger equity, transparency in governance

    Character Commission, CISLAC push for stronger equity, transparency in governance

    The Federal Character Commission (FCC) has restated its commitment to promoting fairness and inclusivity in governance.

    The commission also called for stronger collaboration with civil society groups to ensure equity in appointments and distribution of resources become a reality across the country.

    Speaking during an advocacy visit by members of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) in Abuja, FCC Chairman, Ayo Omidiran,  said the commission’s constitutional mandate covers not only federal ministries and agencies but also states, local governments, and even large private corporations.

    “Our role is not just to ensure equitable representation in federal appointments, but also to guarantee fair distribution of socio-economic resources like schools, scholarships, infrastructure, and healthcare across all levels of governance. Equity must be systemic; it must flow from the centre to the grassroots,” he said.

    READ ALSO: Epidemic looms in Lagos’ largest estate as re-commissioned water project fails

    The Chairman stressed that the FCC’s work was central to sustaining national unity in a country with over 250 ethnic groups, adding that civil society organisations remain vital partners in monitoring compliance, raising alarms where imbalance occurs, and sensitizing citizens on their constitutional rights.

    On his part, CISLAC’s Executive Director and Head of Transparency International (Nigeria), Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), commended the commission for its efforts in advancing inclusivity despite challenges.

    He explained that the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration with the FCC in three key areas: public education on the federal character principle, ensuring transparency in federal appointments, and enhancing citizen engagement through participatory approaches.

    “Equitable representation of all groups in governance is crucial to reducing mistrust and marginalization,” Rafsanjani said. “Transparency in appointments will not only curb corruption but also enhance meritocracy and build public trust in institutions.”

    He added that CISLAC was ready to provide advocacy platforms, technical support, and strategic media partnerships to amplify FCC’s mandate and achievements.

  • Police arrest man in Kwara for alleged N300m political appointment scam

    Police arrest man in Kwara for alleged N300m political appointment scam

    The Kwara State Police Command has arrested one Adeola Badru for allegedly defrauding a businessman, Joseph Olugbenga, of N300 million under the pretext of securing him a federal government appointment.

    Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Ilorin on Friday. He said the suspect, who posed as a seasoned politician with strong political connections, promised to facilitate Olugbenga’s appointment to the South West Development Commission.

    Based on trust, he said, the complainant released, in tranches, the sum of N300 million to the suspect, believing his promise to facilitate his appointment into the SWDC.

    READ ALSO: Epidemic looms in Lagos’ largest estate as re-commissioned water project fails

    “Subsequently, the suspect blocked all communication channels, preventing the complainant from reaching him.

    “Upon receipt of the petition, operatives of the Criminal Investigation Department swung into action and traced the suspect to his hideout in Ibadan, Oyo State, where he was arrested.

    “During interrogation, the suspect voluntarily admitted to the crime. The command is carrying out further investigation, and at the conclusion of our findings, the suspect will be duly charged in court,” said Ojo.

    The command urged members of the public to be wary of fraudsters parading themselves as political powerbrokers, noting that no genuine appointment process requires such payments.

  • CODE gets new leadership

    CODE gets new leadership

    *N400bn projects tracked in 13yrs – Lawal

    The Connected Development (CODE) has announced Hyeladzira Mshelia as the Acting Chief Executive Officer and Head of Office of the orgsanisation.

    She replaces the Founder and former chief executive, Hamzat Lawal, who is proceeding to the United Kingdom for a Chevening Scholarship program.

    The organisation also announced Mukhtar Halilu as the Secretary-General of Follow The Money International, with a mandate to expand the initiative.

    Lawal made the announcement at a press conference in Abuja where he reflected on CODE’s 13-year journey from a small grassroots campaign to an international movement now working across 12 African countries.

    He highlighted the impact of CODE’s flagship initiative, Follow The Money (FTM), which has tracked over N400 billion in government and donor funds, ensuring resources reached schools, health centers, and communities in need.

    The new acting CEO expressed gratitude and reaffirmed her commitment to CODE’s vision.

    The Secretary-General of FTM stated that one of the new executives’ goals is to expand capacities across the world.

    He said that several states are still holding on to local council allocations despite a Supreme Court ruling mandating their full release.

    It would be recalled that on July 11, 2024, the apex court ruled that local councils must receive their allocations directly from the Federation Account, describing the long-standing practice of routing the funds through state governments as unconstitutional.

    Read Also: Fed Govt unveils plan, ethics code to boost traditional medicine

    In response, the Federal Government constituted an inter-agency panel to oversee the implementation of the ruling and directed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to open individual accounts for each of the 774 local councils to facilitate direct disbursements.

    Halilu said that the process remains largely unimplemented.

    He said many citizens were unaware of the funds released to their local councils, making it easier for state governments to continue diverting or withholding the allocations.

    Halilu said that the organisation had launched a Citizen Neighbourhood Watch campaign to educate residents on how much money is released to their councils and empower them to monitor the use of such funds.

    Lawal, recounted the organisation’s journey from the 2012 Save Bagega campaign to a continental movement known for holding governments accountable.

    He said: “We have worked in over 3,000 communities across Nigeria and 12 African countries, giving citizens the tools to hold their leaders accountable. We have tracked over N400 billion in budgeted funds, ensuring they translate into schools, hospitals, water, and critical infrastructure.

    “Our work has not been easy. We have faced resistance, intimidation, and the difficult terrain of advocating for accountability in a system that often thrives on opacity. But through it all, we have remained consistent and resilient, building trust with citizens, government, civil society, and international partners.”

  • Stakeholders call for incentives to boost French learning in Nigeria

    Stakeholders call for incentives to boost French learning in Nigeria

    Stakeholders have called for stronger incentives to promote French learning in Nigeria as a pathway to unlocking greater socio-economic opportunities nationwide.

    The call was made during the 2024/2025 French Competence Summer Out session held at Alliance Française, Iyaganku, Ibadan.

    Speakers included the Director of Alliance Française, Ibadan, Mrs. Olaide Turner-Moyet; French facilitator and Assistant Lecturer at the University of Ibadan’s Department of European Studies, Mr. Shadrack Afolabi Bamidele; and French learners, including Blessing Ojo and Oreofe Ayansola.

    Turner-Moyet noted that French is the second most spoken foreign language in Nigeria, stressing the need to create an enabling environment for its learning across the civil service, schools, social work, and trade sectors to enhance global competitiveness.

    Bamidele commended Alliance Française for equipping learners with the rudiments and conversational skills necessary to thrive internationally, pointing out that proficiency in French has helped many Nigerians integrate into global economic systems.

    Read Also: French League: Simon scores in Paris FC win

    Learner Blessing Ojo described her summer class experience as highly impactful, highlighting opportunities to engage directly with native speakers.

    She urged the government to prioritize French learning alongside English to boost international participation.

    Another participant, Oreofe Ayansola, appealed to the federal government to support French education through scholarships, seminars, and collaborations with French institutions, noting that this would help bridge social disparities and improve economic contributions from local learners.

    The event featured poetry, music, drama, a souvenir presentation in standard French, and a facility tour.