The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

  • 748 arrested, N38m recovered in Bauchi police crackdown

    748 arrested, N38m recovered in Bauchi police crackdown

    The Bauchi State Police Command says it has arrested 748 suspects and recovered over N38 million along with stolen property in the last six months.

    Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, who disclosed this at a press briefing on Thursday to mark his six months in office, said the Command also recorded 394 criminal cases across the state within the period.

    According to him, the cases included 57 incidents of armed robbery with 113 suspects arrested, 78 homicide cases with 171 suspects, and 44 rape and indecent assault cases involving 72 suspects.

    He added that 117 fraud cases led to 106 arrests, while kidnapping, theft, forgery, breach of peace and other offences made up the rest.

    The CP cited the July 12 armed robbery of a Bauchi resident, Abdulkadir Garba, who was dispossessed of cash and valuables worth millions before being forced to transfer ₦3.3m to assailants. Nine suspects were arrested in connection with the crime, and arms were recovered.

    On August 21, detectives intercepted a stolen Toyota Corolla on Bauchi–Jos Road and arrested one Salisu Ibrahim, suspected of operating a car theft syndicate across states.

    Read Also: Bauchi police nab notorious online scammer behind 40 fraud cases

    That same day, police in Jama’are arrested Stanley Lukman, a dismissed soldier, who allegedly stole vehicles after luring a driver into an ambush. Several cars, including a Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen Golf, were recovered.

    Exhibits recovered during the period include: firearms and ammunition, seven stolen vehicles, motorcycles, plasma TVs, laptops, N38m cash, POS machines, cement bags, illicit fertiliser, and food items.

    Aliyu said the achievements were made possible through intelligence-led operations, commitment of officers, and support from the public.

    “We have remained steadfast in tackling crime and sustaining peace in Bauchi State. Our resolve is to create a crime-free society and prosecute offenders without delay,” he stated.

  • Blue economy key to Nigeria’s growth, potential, says Adeyeye

    Blue economy key to Nigeria’s growth, potential, says Adeyeye

    Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Senator Adedayo Adeyeye, has stressed the need for Nigeria to key into President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of the Blue Economy as a catalyst for unlocking the nation’s economic potential.

    Adeyeye made the call on Thursday while delivering a lecture at the maiden public lecture of the Centre for Blue Economy and Innovation of the Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa, Ondo State.

    He spoke on the theme: “Imperative of the Blue Economy in Driving Nigeria’s Economic Development.”

    According to him, the Blue Economy presents “an opportunity that can transform Nigeria’s economy into an engine of prosperity through strategic investment, strong governance, and sustainable practices.”

    He noted that the 21st century had opened new frontiers of economic growth, with the Blue Economy standing out as one of the most promising.

    Describing it as the sustainable use of ocean and water resources for growth, job creation, and improved livelihoods while preserving aquatic ecosystems, Adeyeye said Nigeria was strategically positioned to benefit.

    “Nigeria, with its over 853 km coastline, more than 200 nautical miles of exclusive economic zone, navigable inland waterways, and rich marine biodiversity, is uniquely placed to harness these resources. Yet, the sector remains largely underdeveloped,” he said.

    Quoting the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Adeyeye observed that the global blue economy is valued at $2.3 trillion annually, sustaining the livelihoods of over three billion people worldwide.

    “Nigeria cannot afford to miss her share of this wealth,” he added.

    He cited Morocco as an example, noting that the country generates revenue from fisheries almost equivalent to Nigeria’s national budget and urged Nigeria to take maximum advantage of its marine resources.

    The NPA chairman listed the key components of the Blue Economy to include: maritime transport, port services, fisheries and aquaculture, tourism and recreation, offshore renewable energy, seabed mining, marine biotechnology, shipbuilding and repair, coastal agriculture, and wetland resources.

    “With our vast coastal lines, offshore wind, tidal, and wave energy currently wasting away, Nigeria can generate cheaper, environmentally friendly, and reliable power for domestic consumption and even export to West African neighbours, thereby earning robust foreign exchange,” Adeyeye stressed.

    Remarking, Ondo State Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Adekola Falodun, urged stakeholders in the maritime sector to support the government in fully harnessing the Blue Economy initiative.

    Read Also: Oyetola receives World Bank team as Nigeria set to lead Africa in marine, blue economy

    Similarly, OAUSTECH Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Temi Ologunorisa, underscored the importance of shifting attention to ocean resources as land-based resources become increasingly depleted.

    He disclosed that the university had already aligned with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda through its School of Maritime Transport and Logistics, designed to produce skilled manpower for the emerging sector.

    “If OAUSTECH is to play a leading role in the development of the Blue Economy in Nigeria, we must collaborate with captains of industry for idea exchange, partnerships, and shared experiences,” Ologunorisa said.

    The VC further advised the Ondo State Government to domesticate Tinubu’s agenda by establishing a Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Resources to drive the development of the state’s vast coastal lines.

    Earlier, Director of OAUSTECH’s Centre for Blue Economy and Innovation, Prof. Funmilola Agbebi, said the lecture was an opportunity to explore how Nigeria could balance economic growth, collaboration, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability in harnessing its blue resources.

  • CISLAC lauds EFCC over arrest of foreign crime syndicate 

    CISLAC lauds EFCC over arrest of foreign crime syndicate 

    The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Center (CISLAC) has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for cracking down a cybercrime syndicate run by foreign nationals. 

    The EFCC last December raided a property in an estate in Victoria Island, Lagos, where 792 suspects, mostly foreign nationals, allegedly involved in a sophisticated cryptocurrency investment and romance scam network were apprehended. 

    The suspects include 148 Chinese, 40 Filipinos, two citizens of Kharzartan, one Pakistani, and an Indonesian, were believed to have recruited and trained young Nigerians to serve as local operatives, using their identities to mask the activities of the foreign masterminds behind the operations.

    The commission also secured a deportation order for some of the key suspects in the alleged crime who were recently convicted by the court. 

    Reacting to the landmark case, CISLAC said it represented a major breakthrough in the fight against cybercrime in Nigeria, and challenged the prevailing global narrative that disproportionately links Nigerians to internet fraud.

    Commending the EFCC for its professionalism, CISLAC’s Executive Director, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, said the arrest underscored the commission’s dedication to tackling cybercrime at the highest level, adding that it proved that these crimes are often orchestrated by international actors who exploit vulnerable Nigerians for their schemes.

    He reiterated that the operation has debunked the harmful stereotype that Nigerians are the main perpetrators of cybercrime. 

    Read Also: CISLAC demands accountability, integrity in justice sector

    “What we are seeing is a transnational criminal hierarchy where foreign masterminds manipulate and discard Nigerian youth after using them to front illegal operations,” he said.

    He also warned that such narratives have long damaged Nigeria’s international reputation and obscured the role of foreign actors who operate behind the scenes. 

    “These syndicates prey on unemployed or desperate young people by offering fake job opportunities and financial incentives, only to expose them to criminal risk while remaining in the shadows,” he said. 

    CISLAC urged the EFCC to carry out a thorough, transparent investigation to ensure all parties regardless of nationality are held accountable. 

    The organisation also called on the Nigerian government to increase investment in youth-focused initiatives, digital safeguards, and cyber-literacy programmes aimed at reducing vulnerability to online fraud and recruitment by criminal networks.

    Emphasizing that the fight against cybercrime cannot be won in isolation, CISLAC said: “Sustainable progress in combating cybercrime requires strong institutional collaboration among key agencies such as the EFCC, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and the Nigeria Customs Service.”

    “Enhanced immigration screening and proactive enforcement would prevent many of these actors from embedding themselves within local communities,” it stated.

    CISLAC also highlighted the role of the Nigeria Customs Service in intercepting illegal arms, equipment, and contraband used to facilitate organised crime.

    Strengthened border surveillance and inter-agency intelligence sharing, it said, would significantly support the EFCC in dismantling both foreign-led and locally-supported criminal syndicates.

    CISLAC advocated deeper engagement with international partners, multilateral institutions, and credible civil society organizations, who can provide “critical intelligence, credible data, and technical support that strengthen investigative and prosecutorial efforts”.

    In addition to law enforcement, CISLAC emphasized the importance of media and public awareness in addressing the social dimensions of cybercrime. 

    It noted with concern the growing number of Nigerian students abandoning their education in pursuit of “quick money” through online scams.

    “The media must play a proactive role in reshaping public perception and educating young Nigerians on the long-term dangers of cybercrime,” it said. 

  • Lawyer hails Ribadu, service chiefs over arrest of high-profile terrorists

    Lawyer hails Ribadu, service chiefs over arrest of high-profile terrorists

    Olaojo Temitope, a Canada-based lawyer and Chief Executive Officer of Vincent Jo Hotels & Suites, Lagos, has praised the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, the service chiefs, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for their coordinated efforts that led to the arrest of high-profile terrorists across the country.

    In a statement on Wednesday, Temitope described the breakthrough as “a reassuring signal that Nigeria is no longer a safe haven for those who thrive on violence and bloodshed.” 

    He said the synergy between the NSA’s office and the military hierarchy marks a new phase in the country’s fight against terrorism.

    “For the first time in a long while, Nigerians are beginning to see proof that intelligence sharing, patience, and professionalism can yield results in the fight against terror,” Temitope noted.

    Read Also: Nigeria projects $1b in trade, investment from Japan Summit

    He commended Ribadu and the service chiefs for showing that terrorism can be confronted “without fanfare but with diligence,” while also lauding President Tinubu for providing the political will and operational support to make the feat possible.

    Temitope urged security agencies to consolidate their gains by adopting innovative strategies. 

    He advised the government to expand investment in community-based intelligence networks, strengthen border security to choke arms supply routes, and establish a comprehensive rehabilitation programme for deradicalised insurgents.

    “Apprehension of criminals is good, but it must not be treated as an end. We need to move from reactive to preventive measures. That means investing more in technology-driven surveillance, collaborating with local vigilante groups, and addressing the economic roots of terrorism such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of education,” he advised.

    Olaojo, who doubles as CEO of WhiteRock Energy Resources further appealed to Nigerians to complement government efforts by volunteering timely information to security agencies and avoiding narratives that glorify violence.

    “Security is a collective duty. If our communities remain silent out of fear or apathy, terrorism will continue to mutate. But with cooperation, vigilance, and government’s renewed commitment, Nigeria can finally turn the page on this dark chapter,” he added.

  • Sokoto boat accident: Over 20 missing as NEMA concludes rescue

    Sokoto boat accident: Over 20 missing as NEMA concludes rescue

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has concluded its search and rescue operations following the tragic boat accident that occurred on Sunday, August 17, 2025, in Kojiyo village, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

    The agency confirmed that 25 persons were rescued alive, three bodies were recovered, and 22 individuals remain unaccounted for after the wooden canoe, carrying over 50 passengers, capsized en route to Goronyo Market.

    On television, Aliyu Kafindangi, Head of NEMA’s Sokoto Operations Office, said: “For the past three days, we have been on a rescue mission after a boat carrying farmers, market men, and women capsized.

    “The boat capsized on Sunday with over 50 passengers on board. Luckily for us, that very day, 25 people were rescued alive. And then the following day, search and rescue continued, but we were not able to retrieve anybody. But yesterday [Tuesday], three bodies were retrieved.”

    The recovered bodies were found in Kojiyo, Bari, and Wuchi communities.

    Kafindangi noted that reports of more bodies being sighted were under investigation, emphasising the need for verified data.

    “We are getting a report that some of the bodies have been retrieved, but we are going after this interview to the rural side,” he said. “We have to go there and see for ourselves, with Google and GPS location in time for us, with the Red Cross, NIWA, and other stakeholders.”

    Read Also: Cannes-recognised My Father’s Shadow hits Nigerian cinemas September 19

    Addressing the causes of the accident, Kafindangi highlighted overloading as a primary factor.

    “The canoe was overloaded. It’s a wooden canoe, overloaded with over 50 passengers, with about seven motorcycles and bags of farm produce,” he explained.

    He also pointed to the high current in the river, exacerbated by water releases from nearby dams, as a contributing factor. “There is high current. The dam has started releasing its water … That water will go down and meet with another river from Talata, Mafara, up to Kebbi State, where it joins the River Niger,” he added.

    NEMA, in collaboration with the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), local divers, and community leaders, had intensified efforts to locate the missing passengers.

    Kafindangi revealed that the Goronyo Dam management temporarily suspended water releases to lower water levels, aiding the rescue operations.

    However, with the dam reaching critical levels, water releases were set to resume to prevent a collapse, complicating further searches.

    “Thank God, we asked the dam manager to suspend the release of the water. And it’s reaching critical levels. Therefore, they must release it, otherwise the dam will reach the point of breaking,” he warned.

  • Analyst hails police for averting two terror attacks in Benue

    Analyst hails police for averting two terror attacks in Benue

    A public affairs analyst, Shehu Usman, has praised the police for averting another bloodshed in Yelewata, Benue State.

    Usman also commended the police for foiling attempts by criminals to wreak havoc in Guma Local Government Area, urging Nigerians to internalise the culture of praising security agencies when they do well.

    The analyst, who reacted to a recent report on how the police prevented two national tragedies in Benue; noted that although three farmers died in the incidents, things would have been worse if the Rapid Response Team (RRT) stationed by the Inspector- General (IGP) Olukayode Egbetokun were not proactive.

    Recalling the IGP’s earlier statement that for every successful attack by criminals, the police and sister security services must have foiled numerous attempts, Usman noted that recent events have shown Egbetokun was stating the facts.

    Read Also: Police seize hard drugs in Ondo, target unmarked vehicles

    He said: “At the time, I am sure many believed he made that statement merely to defend the inability of his men to avert the Yelewata tragedy. But recent events show that the IGP was not being economical with the truth. Without the tireless efforts of the police and other security agencies in curtailing these marauding murderers, the situation could have been far worse than it is today.

    “Our police officers are working tirelessly, often silently, to curtail crime, yet we do not amplify their heroics nearly as much as we amplify their shortcomings. Imagine if the bandits had succeeded in attacking Yelewata again, the news would have dominated headlines nationwide.

    “But because the attack was foiled, the story risks fading into the background. And it wasn’t only in Yelewata; a similar plot was also thwarted in Guma Local Government Area,” he said.

    Acknowledging the right of Nigerians to demand accountability from security agencies, Usman said the people must also appreciate the  relentless efforts in combating crime, often in the face of scarce resources, outdated equipment, and dangerous working conditions.

    “Policing in Nigeria is a high-risk duty. Officers frequently work under intense pressure, covering vast territories with inadequate manpower, while confronting criminals who are often better armed and better funded.

    “Despite these challenges, there are countless untold stories of bravery, operations that never make it to the headlines because the attacks were stopped before they could happen.

    “The grief of Yelewata still lingers – families torn apart, dreams cut short, and a community left with scars that may never fully heal. Each life lost is a reminder of what is at stake when security fails, and each life saved is proof of the value of vigilance.

    “As citizens, our voices must continue to demand justice, transparency, and efficiency from those entrusted with our safety. But alongside those demands, we must also recognise and amplify the quiet victories, those moments when disaster was averted because men and women in uniform stood their ground.

    “The foiled attacks in Yelewata and Guma are not the end of our security challenges, but they are moments worth noting. They reaffirm that while criticism keeps our institutions accountable, encouragement fuels their morale. In the balance between the two lies the path to a safer Nigeria,’’ he added.  

  • ‘Why we’re yet to arrest other policemen in ‘extortion, torture’ scandal’

    ‘Why we’re yet to arrest other policemen in ‘extortion, torture’ scandal’

    The Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Lagos, has said the other rogue policemen in the alleged torture, N4milion extortion of a Lagosian were yet to be arrested because they were at large.

    Spokesperson for the FCID Annex, Assistant Superintendent of Police Aminat Mayegun, said this while responding to a request for an update on the case.

    Policemen from the department led by detained Inspector Kalu, were alleged to have invaded the Unity Estate, Egbeda residence of a man on August 12, accused him of sundry offences including Yahoo Yahoo and allegedly tortured him, his wife and sister-in-law before whisking him away.

    The victim who took to social media on August 12 to cry out through a now deleted post shared by a handle, Oni Foto, alleged that after a horrifying experience, the rogue team forced him to admit to being a fraudster or risk being killed and no one would know.

    Read Also: Ebonyi: Police arrest 131 suspects, rescue kidnap victims, recover firearms

    He alleged that eventually, he was coerced into negotiating for his freedom with the bargaining starting from N10million and concluding at N4million which they (policemen) allegedly collected through a Point of Sale (POS) operator.

    Following his petition, the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) FCID Annex, Margaret Ochalla ordered immediate investigation which led to the arrest of Inspector Kalu, the POS operator and the recovery of the extorted N4m.

    An earlier statement by Mayegun confirmed these arrests and recovery, adding that the money had been returned to the victim.

    She also disclosed that an orderly room trial would commence against the rogue Inspector, adding that the victim was a suspect in a criminal case.

    Asked yesterday why the other members of the team as narrated by the victim were yet to be arrested, Mayegun said: “He could only identify one Olamilekan who is still on the run; the others are still at large, and the investigation is ongoing.”

  • Adamawa Govt hands over 14 trafficked children

    Adamawa Govt hands over 14 trafficked children

    The Adamawa State Government has handed to parents the 14 children who were rescued from traffickers.

    The government had last month mobilised security agencies, which acted on reports of missing children, traced the children to the state and returned them to Adamawa.

    The children, aged between five and nine years, were lured from their families in Yola and Mubi by a Yola-based woman who moved them to a receiver.

    Read Also: The moves to remake Michika

    During the handing over in Yola yesterday, the state Deputy Governor, Prof. Kaletapwa Farauta, who spoke on behalf of Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, said though it was sad that child trafficking had reared its ugly head in the state,  it was gladdening that the children were rescued and returned to their parents.

  • Death toll in Katsina mosque attack rises to 32

    Death toll in Katsina mosque attack rises to 32

    The death toll from the attack by bandits on worshippers at a mosque the Unguwar Mantau community in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State has hit 32, the state government said yesterday.

    The Media Directorate of the government said this after a visit by a delegation led by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Abdullahi Faskari, to the community.

    The delegation was received in Karfi by the village head and relatives of the deceased.

    “During the condolence visit, it was confirmed that 32 people were killed while observing prayers. The number of those kidnapped is still being verified, as a swift air interdiction by the Nigerian Air Force disrupted the bandits while they were moving with captives.

    “In the ensuing confusion, some victims scattered in different directions, while others were rescued and are now receiving treatment in hospitals,” the statement read.

    Read Also: Air strike: 62 kidnapped victims escape Katsina bandits’ den – Official

    According to the statement, the Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, who is on medical leave, consulted with the Acting Governor, Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe, on the urgent need to dispatch a delegation to commiserate with the bereaved families and affected community.

    Faskari described the attack as a “deeply painful and heartbreaking tragedy”.

    He said: “Our hearts are with the families who lost their loved ones in this senseless attack. This administration remains committed to working with all security agencies to ensure justice is served and to prevent such tragedies in the future.’’

    The delegation assured the community that support had been extended to the victims’ families, while an assessment of damages and needs was  underway.

    It included the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mu’azu; Senior Special Assistant on Community Watch, the Senior Special Assistant on Victims of Banditry and IDPs, the member representing Malumfashi at state House of Assembly; the chairman of Malumfashi Local Government.

    Others were heads of security agencies in the state, including the Commissioner of Police, Commander of the Nigerian Army 17 Brigade, Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), and Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

    Meanwhile, some angry youths of the community, on Tuesday, took to the Malumfashi–Funtua highway to protest the killings.

    The protesters, in their numbers, reportedly barricaded the highway, a major route linking Kano to Funtua, Gusau, and Sokoto Road, leaving motorists and commuters stranded for hours.

    The protest, according to eyewitnesses, eventually spread into Malumfashi town, causing a gridlock, and forcing many travellers to abandon their trips.

    The police had earlier yesterday said the death toll from the attack rose to 17.

  • NYSC, Moghalu, others condemn assault on female Corps member in Anambra

    NYSC, Moghalu, others condemn assault on female Corps member in Anambra

    • Perpetrators sacked

    The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has condemned the assault of a female Corps member, Jenifer Edema Elohor, who is serving in Oba by operatives of the Anambra State Vigilante Group in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area.

    In a statement, NYSC’s Acting Director, Information and Public Relations, Ms Caroline Embu, described the conduct of the vigilante operatives as “unacceptable.”

    According to her, NYSC appreciates the concern of the public over the incident, as well as the initial measures taken by the Anambra State Government.

    “Management wishes to assure the public that it believes in, and supports the ongoing investigation by the Nigeria Police Force towards unravelling what transpired.

    “This, we trust, will help get justice for the Corps member in question and any other aggrieved party,” she said.

    The state government yesterday sacked the perpetrators of the crime, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

    The governorship candidate of the Labour Party in Anambra, Dr George Moghalu, has called on the Federal Government to disband the state security outfit, Agunechemba.

    Also, Moghalu wants those involved in the brutalisation of the Corps member to be arrested and prosecuted.

    Speaking with reporters yesterday at his campaign office in Awka, Moghalu described the action of the members of the security outfit as irresponsible and stupidity

    Read Also: Rita’s certificate withheld because of failed biometric clearance in April – NYSC

    “This is not about politics. I want the Federal Government to take over this matter because the lady in question is government’s property. Those people who are involved in dehumanising her should be brought to book

    “It is a case too many in Anambra State from the same Agunechemba. They are involved in killing innocent persons, threatening citizens and harassing,intimidating and extorting money from motorists with impunity,” Moghalu said.

    Also, Cyrus Onu, a lawyer for the Corps member, said the perpetrators had threatened to rape and kill her for speaking out during the incident.

    “They (security agents) were banging the door, and Jennifer was trying to open it, and they just kicked the door, and it almost hit her face.

    “Most of them were masked in mufti with guns, so you can imagine how scared the kids (Corps members) were.’’

    “They (security agents) didn’t give any identification. They just said: ‘Come down, come down. You’re all thieves! You’re all ‘Yahoo’ people!’

    “When they tried to drag them downstairs, Jennifer was insisting that if they must take them anywhere, they should allow them (Corps members) to call their LGI [Local Government Inspector] because the Corps members did not know who the operatives were,” the lawyer said on  television yesterday.

    “That was when they started pouncing on her. They made derogatory comments, asking her who gave her the right as a lady to speak to them anyhow. They started beating her.

    “She asked them to allow her to change into something appropriate, and they said, ‘That thing you’re trying to cover, we’ll see it today. We’ll beat you up, we’ll rape you, kill you, and dump you, and nobody can say anything,” Onu added.

    The lawyer also claimed that the Anambra security agents threatened to kill her colleagues for trying to defend her.

    In a video that went viral, the operatives armed with guns stormed the Corps members’ apartment in the Oba community.

    The agents who were members of the Operation ‘Udo Ga-Achi,’ also known as the Agunechemba Vigilante Group, were seen beating Elobor and tearing her clothes.

    The state government, through the Special Adviser to Governor Soludo on Community Security, Ken Emeakayi, while condemning the assault on the Corps member, said those involved had been arrested.