The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

  • Residents protest incessant killings, abduction in Ondo

    Residents protest incessant killings, abduction in Ondo

    •Gunmen abduct woman, injure three

    Angry residents of the Ilu-Abo community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State yesterday protested the killings and abductions allegedly by suspected gunmen in the area.

    The protesters blocked the major Akure-Owo-Benin highway to draw the government’s attention to what they described as persistent insecurity and inadequate response from security agencies.

    Armed with placards bearing various inscriptions, the residents said they had been traumatised and forced to live in fear, chaos, and uncertainty due to repeated violent attacks in the community.

    One of the protesters, Mr Lawrence, said the protest was triggered by the recent abduction of a community member and attacks on three other residents., inxluding hat of a women.

    According to him, the latest incident occurred at Liberty Community, a peaceful settlement on the Akure Expressway in Ilu-Abo, and was part of a long pattern of insecurity that has plagued the area for nearly three years.

    Lawrence explained that the attack occurred between 6:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., when many residents were returning from work or  settled in their homes.

    He said the calm of the community was suddenly shattered when suspected herdsmen reportedly invaded the area, unleashing terror on innocent and defenceless residents.

    “Ilu-Abo has suffered repeated violent attacks for almost three years, and our appeals to the authorities have yielded little improvement in security,” Lawrence said.

    Another resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, accused security operatives, particularly the police, of insufficient commitment and delayed response to distress calls.

    He alleged that these perceived lapses had emboldened criminals operating in and around the community.

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    The residents called on the government to implement a permanent solution to the crisis, urging security agencies to flush out suspected bandits hiding in nearby forests to restore safety and confidence among residents.

    The state Commissioner of Police (CP) Adebowale Lawal, denied allegations of complicity, insisting that police officers were actively carrying out their duties to secure the area.

    Also, the Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen Justin Ifeanyi, appealed for calm and assured residents that security agencies were working to address the situation and bring those responsible to justice.

    Recall that suspected gunmen abducted a woman identified as Oladeinde Tomilola and injured three other persons during a violent attack on Ilu Abo community in Akure North Local Government Area of the state.

    The incident occurred about 8pm last Sunday on Liberty Avenue in the Ilu Abo when about six armed men reportedly stormed the neighbourhood and opened fire on residents.

    Lawal, who visited the community, condemned the attack and said additional tactical and intelligence-driven measures had been deployed to ensure the arrest of the perpetrators and prevent a recurrence.

    The police commissioner also visited the palace of the Olu Abo of Iluabo, Oba Samuel Oluyemi Falae, who condemned the incident and pledged the support of the palace in assisting security agencies.

  • Terrorists now live in cannabis-growing communities, says Marwa

    Terrorists now live in cannabis-growing communities, says Marwa

    Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), retired Maj.-Gen. Buba Marwa, yesterday said terrorists and kidnappers live in cannabis growing communities.

    Marwa said this in Akure, the Ondo State capital during a visit to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa ahead of the Alternative Development Project campaign targeted at engaging illicit drug growers in the state.

    He said the agency created the Alternative Development Project unit to discourage the peasant farmers growing the illicit drug, especially cannabis sativa.

    He said the programme, which will not stop the enforcement role of the agency, was another way to combat terrorists and other criminals who stay closer to where illicit drugs are being produced.

    According to him, the drug use prevalence is unacceptably high with about 15 million Nigerians using drugs between15 and 64 years, based on the last United Nations drug use survey of 2018.

    Marwa said with the figure, it meant that one in seven Nigerians use drugs in the age bracket and the campaign would start in Ondo.

    The NDLEA chairman, who said the agency had convicted 128 drug barons in the last five years, added that of the 15,000 tonnes of illicit substances that the agency seized during the same period, over 75 per cent was cannabis sativa.

    According to him, 70 to 75 per cent of those using drugs in Nigeria actually use cannabis sativa.

    “The Boko Haram, the terrorists, the kidnappers, in fact the kidnappers now, through our intelligence sources have been shown to live among the cannabis cultivating communities in the deep forests.

    “And that makes sense to them, why not establish a base where the drugs are readily available?

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    “In Ondo State, the drug use prevalence is 17 per cent, which is approximately 400,000.

    “In 2025, the NDLEA in Ondo State made 336 arrests with seizures of 22,316 kilogrammes of illicit substances, convicted 62, seized and destroyed 207,000 kilogrammes worth of cannabis in the plantations and farms.

    “We have a counselling and rehab centre here; we’ve treated 243, but more significantly, your excellency, Ondo State is the highest producer of cannabis in Nigeria for several reasons; including the climate and the nature of the soil. It encourages this type of trade,” he said.

    Marwa, who appreciated the governor for the efforts in the fight against illicit drugs, said the agency was carefully reviewing its law- enforcement effort and had decided to choose an alternative path instead of constant raids and arrests.

     Aiyedatiwa applauded Marwa for leading the initiative which was under his office.

    Aiyedatiwa praised the NDLEA boss for his efforts and commitment towards ensuring that the society is rid of illicit drugs.

    “We, as the government, will support you in any way that we can to ensure that we achieve the needed success. We will look into that direction of having our own alternative development programme like yours,” he added.

  • CDS reaffirms military’s commitment to human security

    CDS reaffirms military’s commitment to human security

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s (AFN) commitment to a people-centred, ethically grounded and professionally accountable military, stressing that modern security operations must prioritise the protection of civilians and human dignity.

    Gen. Oluyede stated this at the opening of the Human Security and Gender Advisers Course yesterday at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Asokoro, Abuja, where he was represented by the Chief of Defence Standards and Evaluation, Maj.-Gen Ibrahim Lassa.

    He said Nigeria’s security environment has become increasingly complex, marked by asymmetric warfare, violent extremism, communal conflicts, transnational crimes and humanitarian emergencies that directly affect civilian populations. According to him, these challenges require a shift from a purely territorial defence approach to one focused on human security.

    The Defence Chief noted that the AFN is being repositioned as a force that is not only capable but also responsive to socio-cultural realities in its areas of operation, with the protection of lives, preservation of human dignity and strengthening of societal resilience now central to military effectiveness.

    Gen. Oluyede said the course aligns with his strategic focus on strengthening AFN capacities through enhanced joint operations, improved welfare, sound administration and a reinforced operational posture, within a whole-of-government framework to safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty and prosperity.

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    He emphasised that preventive action, collaboration with civilian institutions and the protection of civilians are now integral to military success, describing human security and gender advisory roles as force multipliers that enhance legitimacy, expand operational reach and support mission sustainability.

    The CDS commended the British Defence Staff for their continued support, describing the partnership as a reflection of enduring defence cooperation between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, based on shared values and people-oriented security approaches.

    He urged participants to apply the knowledge gained to operational planning, deployments and engagement with civilian communities.

    Earlier, the Chief of Defence Civil-Military Relations, Rear Admiral Saburi Lawal, said the course was designed to strengthen professional competence across Nigeria’s security institutions. He said participants were selected to serve in advisory roles within the AFN, the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

    Rear Admiral Lawal expressed confidence that the training would improve professionalism, enhance civil-military cooperation and build public trust in security agencies, urging participants to approach the programme with dedication and professionalism.

    He added that the AFN would continue to collaborate with partners to strengthen capacity building and professional development.a

  • Bandits hold 13 villagers, after Kaduna community paid N40m ransom

    Bandits hold 13 villagers, after Kaduna community paid N40m ransom

    Elders of Gidan Waya community in Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State have said they sold more than 3,000 bags of maize to raise the N40 million ransom demanded by kidnappers, yet 13 abducted villagers remain in captivity weeks after the payment.

    Speaking at a press conference in Kaduna yesterday, Chairman of the Gidan Waya Elders Forum, Mallam Rabo Sambo, said gunmen invaded the community on November 11, last year, killing four residents and abducting 13 others—five men and eight women.

    Sambo said the attack occurred between 11 p.m. and midnight, when most residents were asleep.

    “We suddenly heard gunshots, and before we could understand what was happening, the bandits had surrounded the settlement. Our community is a closed area, so they easily ambushed us,” he said.

    He added that four people were killed during the raid, while five others sustained gunshot injuries.

    “This is the first time we are experiencing such an attack. We have always lived peacefully here. There has never been any crisis among us,” Sambo said.

    According to him, the attackers could not be identified as they operated with face masks throughout the operation.

    Sambo said this month, the kidnappers contacted the community and demanded N40 million for the release of the abducted villagers.

    “To raise the ransom, we sold over 3,000 bags of maize. When trailers came to load the maize, the entire community was in tears. As soon as we gathered the money, it was taken straight to the kidnappers,” he said.

    Despite paying the ransom, Sambo lamented that none of the abducted villagers had been released.

    “It has been three weeks since the ransom was paid. None of our people has returned,” he said.

    The elders, he explained, decided to go public after realising that the Kaduna State government and the Lere Local Government Council might not be fully aware of their plight.

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    “We don’t know whetherGovernor Uba Sani, or even our local government chairman has been properly briefed about what happened to us. That is why we are appealing through the media,” he said.

    While acknowledging the efforts of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Lere, who reportedly visited the community several times after the attack, Sambo called for urgent intervention by the state and federal governments.

    “We are appealing to the state government, the local government, and Governor Uba Sani to help us secure the release of our people. We also urge the governor to reach out to the Federal Government for assistance,” he said.

    Beyond the abduction, Sambo said the community is battling hunger after selling off its grain reserves to pay the ransom.

    “After selling our food to free our people, we are going hungry. We can no longer adequately feed our families,” he said, appealing for food assistance.

    He described the situation as heartbreaking, saying the community has been plunged into mourning, fear, and uncertainty.

    “Everybody shed tears. We are suffering, and our people are still in captivity,” he said.

  • 20 illegal refineries destroyed, 32 oil thieves arrested in two weeks, says DHQ

    20 illegal refineries destroyed, 32 oil thieves arrested in two weeks, says DHQ

    Troops of Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), a military offensive against oil theft and economic saboteurs in the Southsouth, destroyed 20 illegal refining sites and arrested 32 oil thieves and other criminals, during operations conducted between January 1 and 15.

    Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen Michael Onoja, made this known while giving an update on the military’s successes against terrorists and other non-state actors over the past week.

    He said the troops also recovered assorted arms and ammunition.

    The military high command stated that troops of Operation Udo in the Southeast, rescued eight Cameroon nationals earlier kidnapped by sea pirates at Ikang waterways in Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River State.

    It said three criminals were arrested in Ogburu Local Government Area of Anambra State.

    “Similarly, about 80 militants presented themselves to troops with their arms and ammunition for amnesty at Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State.

    “The militants were reported to belong to two camps headed by Thankgod Ebikontei (aka Ayibanuagha) Camp and John Isaac (aka Akpokolo) militant fighters camp,” the DHQ added.

    The troops killed scores of terrorists and arrested 67 criminals.

    According to Gen. Onoja, troops, in synergy with other security agencies, have continued to carry out operations against terrorists and other non-state actors. Despite the insecurity, the troops have remained resolute and resilient, recording notable successes through precision strikes, clearance operations, and sustained patrols.

    The troops also rescued 21 kidpa-victims.

    In the Northeast under Operation Hadin Kai, the Defence spokesperson said troops killed scores of terrorists, arrested seven others, and rescued four kidnap victims during their operations in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states between January 19 and 23.

    In the Northwest zone, he said Operation Fansan Yamma troops killed many terrorists, arrested 10 others, and rescued seven kidnap victims during operations in Katsina, Sokoto, Kaduna, and Zamfara states between January 19 and 23.

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    Some of the operations were conducted in Maru, Anka, Kaura Namoda, Bungudu, Tsafe, Talata Mafara and Birnin Magaji local government areas of Zamfara State; Batsari and Kankara local government areas of Katsina State; Tangaza and Wurno local government areas of Sokoto State; Giwa and Birnin Gwari local government areas of Kaduna State.

    Gen Onoja said troops of Operation Endurance Peace and Operation Whirl Stroke, in the Northcentral also achieved feats in the past week.

    According to him, troops of Operation Enduring Peace in Plateau State killed many terrorists during firefights in Bokkos, Bassa, Jos North, Jos South, Riyom, Mangu, Barkin Ladi and Wase local governments of Plateau State, between January 19 to 23.

    He said the troops also arrested 39 criminals and rescued four kidnap victims, while recovering a large cache of illicit weapons and $4,500 from a suspect, believed to be proceeds from the sale of rustled cattle.

    The Defence spokesperson said troops of Operation Whirl Stroke arrested 11 suspected kidnappers and rescued six victims, adding that arms, ammunition, motorcycles, and other items were also recovered from the suspects.

    He said the operations were conducted between January 19 and 23, in Donga, Takum, Wukari, Sardauna and Kurmi local governments of Taraba State as well as Guma, Otukpo, Katsina Ala, Ukum and Apa local governments of Benue State.

    “Similarly, they responded to distress calls on kidnapping activities in Yagba West, Lokoja and Kabba Bunu local governments of Kogi State as well as Ifelodun and Ekiti local governments of Kwara State. Others are Obi and Doma local governments of Nasarawa State as well as Gwagwalada Area Council of the FCT,” he said.

  • Soludo shuts Onitsha main market over sit-at-home

    Soludo shuts Onitsha main market over sit-at-home

    The popular Onitsha Main market in Anambra State has been closed for one week by the state government for obeying the sit-at-home.

    The shutdown could extend to one month by next Monday, if the traders and market leaders continue such a practice.

    The decisive move is to enforce compliance with the state government’s directive against the controversial Monday sit-at-home order by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in 2021.

    This was announced yesterday by Governor, Prof.  Chukwuma Soludo in Awka

    Two days ago, the government ordered that workers in the state who failed to resume work yesterday would lose 20 per cent of their pay.

    As a result, a register has been provided in every ministry for attendance of workers.

    The state government had repeatedly warned workers and traders to ignore the sit-at-home order imposed by non-state actors.

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    This order, has disrupted economic and social activities across the Southeast for years, but the fear of being killed by the non state actors had prevented the residents from following the government’s directive

    According to Soludo,”if they don’t open at the expiration of the shut down, the market will be shut down for one month and so on and so forth.

    “The closure is a necessary step to protect law-abiding citizens and reinforce the authority of the state, the government cannot stand by while a few individuals willfully undermine public safety and disregard official directives meant to restore normalcy” he said

    Security personnel, including the police, and Army, have been deployed to seal the market gates and ensure compliance.

  • N10m grants: NYSC, BATNF renew three-year youth agribusiness pact

    N10m grants: NYSC, BATNF renew three-year youth agribusiness pact

    The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and the BAT Nigeria Foundation (BATNF) have renewed their agribusiness empowerment partnership, committing up to N10 million in grants to support young Nigerian graduates with viable agricultural business ideas over the next three years.

    The renewed collaboration was formalised with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on January 22, 2026, in Abuja, extending a programme first launched in 2019 under BATNF’s Farmers for the Future (F4F) initiative.

    Speaking on the renewed partnership, the BATNF’s General Manager, Oludare Odusanya, said the agreement reflects the value of continuity in youth-focused development efforts.

    “This MoU is a reaffirmation of a collaboration that began in 2019 and has continued to demonstrate how strategic partnerships can unlock youth potential in agriculture,” Odusanya said.

    “Through Farmers for the Future, we are not only providing grants but also building a system of mentorship, structure, and support that enables corps members to see agribusiness as a serious enterprise pathway,” he added.

    According to Odusanya, under the new agreement, six outstanding NYSC corps members will be selected through a competitive process to benefit from a mix of cash and non-cash support aimed at building sustainable agribusiness ventures. The prize structure, he said, provides N3 million for the first-place winner, N2 million each for two second-place winners, and N1 million each for three third-place winners.

    He noted the partnership leverages NYSC’s nationwide reach to expose young graduates to agribusiness as a viable enterprise option, while BATNF provides funding, mentorship, and structured capacity-building support. Rather than launching a new programme, the MoU deepens an existing initiative that both organisations say has already delivered measurable outcomes for youth entrepreneurship and food security.

    Beyond funding, Odusanya said selected beneficiaries will undergo an intensive development process, including a boot camp, mentorship sessions with agribusiness experts, and ongoing project evaluation. To ensure transparency and accountability, grant disbursement and oversight, he said, will be managed by an independent implementing partner.

    “The renewed agreement will run for another three-year cycle, reinforcing both institutions’ commitment to youth economic inclusion and sustainable agriculture. The programme also aims to reposition agriculture in the minds of young Nigerians—from subsistence activity to a modern, scalable business capable of driving economic resilience,” he stated.

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    The MoU was signed on behalf of BATNF by Odusanya and the foundation’s Project Manager, Adetola Oniyelu. Representing NYSC were the Director of the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) Department, Kehinde Aremu-Cole, and Barr. Christopher Ogar of the NYSC Legal Unit.

    “As part of the renewed collaboration, NYSC will continue to deploy its national platforms, including orientation camps and digital communication channels, to drive awareness and participation among corps members. The Scheme will also formally endorse the F4F project, collaborate on programme monitoring and evaluation, and participate in key milestones such as launch and closing ceremonies. BATNF will continue to lead overall project implementation and provide comprehensive reporting at the end of each project cycle,” Odusanya added.

  • DHQ confirms submission of probe report on 16 officers arrested for service violations

    DHQ confirms submission of probe report on 16 officers arrested for service violations

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said it has concluded investigations into the arrest of 16 officers over acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations.

    It said that the report on the matter has also been forwarded to the appropriate superior authority in line with extant regulations.

    The Director of Defence Information, Major General Sumaila Uba, announced this in a statement on Monday.

    The statement said, “The comprehensive investigation process, conducted in accordance with established military procedures, has carefully examined all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel. The findings have identified a number of officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government, which is inconsistent with the ethics, values, and professional standards required of members of the AFN.

    “Accordingly, those with cases to answer will be formally arraigned before an appropriate military judicial panel to face trial in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations. This ensures accountability while upholding the principles of fairness and due process.”

    “In October 2025, the military high command announced in a statement that 16 officers were facing military justice for alleged indiscipline and breaches of service regulations.

    It stated that investigations had revealed that their grievances stemmed largely from perceived career stagnation due to repeated failures in promotion examinations, among other issues.

    It further explained that some of the apprehended officers were under jurisdiction for various offences, either awaiting trial or currently undergoing trial.

    The military high command, however, reiterated that “measures being taken are purely disciplinary and part of ongoing institutional mechanisms to preserve order, discipline and operational effectiveness within the ranks.”

    It reaffirmed its resolute commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, loyalty, and respect for constitutional authority.

  • WAYC honours Osunde with the Nelson Mandela Leadership Award 

    WAYC honours Osunde with the Nelson Mandela Leadership Award 

    The West Africa Youth Council (WAYC) has conferred the prestigious Nelson Mandela Leadership Award of Excellence and Integrity on Ambassador Eghosa Alvin Osunde, distinguished philanthropist, businessman, pastor, and Chairman of Hadi Group, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to ethical leadership, youth empowerment, and sustainable community development across West Africa.

    The award, named in honour of the global icon Nelson Mandela, is reserved for visionary leaders whose lives reflect integrity, courage, selfless service, and commitment to humanity.

    Amb. Osunde has consistently exemplified these values through his humanitarian initiatives, faith-inspired leadership, and enterprise-building efforts that continue to create opportunities for many.

    As a pastor, he has provided spiritual guidance, promoted moral values, and encouraged young people to pursue excellence with integrity and purpose.

    Under his leadership, Hadi Group continues to drive innovation, support entrepreneurs, and empower youths through mentorship, employment, and capacity-building programmes.

    In his remarks, Amb. Osunde expressed heartfelt appreciation to the leadership of the West Africa Youth Council, noting that he is deeply humbled by the recognition. He reaffirmed his commitment to ethical leadership, youth development, and meaningful contributions to national and regional growth.

    Representatives of WAYC commended his passion for service, describing him as a leader whose character and impact reflect the enduring legacy of Nelson Mandela.

    The Leadership of the West Africa Youth Council proudly celebrates Ambassador Eghosa Alvin Osunde as a shining symbol of integrity, excellence, spiritual guidance, and transformational leadership in West Africa.

  • NASENI, African University partner on innovation, research commercialisation

    NASENI, African University partner on innovation, research commercialisation

    The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and the African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja, have formalised a partnership to advance innovation, technology development, and the commercialisation of research outputs.

    The collaboration was sealed with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Abuja by the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, and the management of AUST.

    Speaking at the signing ceremony, Halilu described the agreement as a significant step toward strengthening institutional collaboration with measurable impact, noting that NASENI is committed to ensuring that research translates into practical solutions.

    “NASENI is focused on innovation that targets the right audience and produces tangible outcomes. Our Innovation Hub was established to ensure that promising ideas are nurtured, supported, and scaled into usable technologies that contribute to national development,” he said.

    He further reiterated the Agency’s readiness to work closely with universities and research institutions, stressing that sustained collaboration is key to bridging the gap between academia and industry. “This is your home, and we look forward to doing a lot of collaborations together,” Halilu added.

    In his remarks, the President of AUST, Prof. Peter Azikiwe Onwualu, highlighted the long-standing relationship between both institutions, recalling past collaborations, postgraduate training programmes, and joint initiatives that have benefitted NASENI staff and researchers.

    The AUST delegation emphasised the need to renew and expand cooperation in line with emerging innovation priorities. Prof. Onwualu explained that the AUST Inspire Innovation Hub was established to tackle the persistent challenge of limited research commercialisation.

    “We are changing the narrative from research done solely for academic promotion to research that ends in products, innovation, and real value,” he stated, referencing ongoing agro-waste conversion projects supported under NASENI’s Delta-2 programme.

    Both institutions agreed to strengthen cooperation in innovation, technology transfer, and human capital development. AUST also invited NASENI to participate in its international conference on innovation scheduled for April, where the Agency’s leadership is expected to be recognised for its contributions to advancing research commercialisation and innovation in Nigeria.