The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

  • Ondo attack: Terrorists targeted monarch in New Year raid —Eyewitness

    Ondo attack: Terrorists targeted monarch in New Year raid —Eyewitness

    • Traditional ruler condemns attack; Police go after attackers

    Residents of Ipele-Owo in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State have recounted how gunmen invaded the community on New Year’s Eve in what was alleged to be a “failed plot” to abduct the traditional ruler.

    The attack, which occurred around 10pm, sparked panic as the assailants fired shots into the air and set a police station close to the palace on fire, forcing residents and officers to flee.

    An eyewitness said about 20 armed men, riding in a motorbike, stormed the town while many residents were preparing to attend crossover church services, sending people scrambling for safety.

    A resident identified simply as Kunle, who spoke on Saturday, said the gunmen were heading for the palace to kidnap the monarch, adding that the police station was targeted because of its closeness to the royal residence.

    He said the plan was thwarted following the swift response of security operatives, who secured the monarch and prevented the attackers from accessing the palace.

    Another resident, who spoke crafted anonymity, described the incident as frightening, saying residents ran into nearby bushes to escape the gunfire before security agents restored calm.

    Recall that the Olowo of Owo Kingdom and Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, had called on residents of Ipele to remain vigilant following the New Year’s Eve attack on a local police station.

    In a statement released by his Special Assistant on Media, Sam Adewale, the monarch described the assault as “very sad and condemnable,” noting that it was intended to disrupt peace and spoil the festive spirit of the yuletide season.

    Oba Ogunoye, who noted that no lives were lost in the attack, emphasized that the preservation of human life was a key relief despite the destruction of property.

    He commiserated with the monarch of the community, the Nigeria Police Force, and the entire community, assuring them of his full support and solidarity during this difficult period.

    Read Also: Terrorists attack: Ondo monarch calls for vigilance, community cooperation

    The monarch urged citizens to be security-conscious and proactive, advising them to report any suspicious movements or unfamiliar faces to the nearest security agency or trusted community leaders.

    He stressed that community cooperation with security agencies is crucial for protecting lives and property, adding that collective responsibility remains the most effective strategy against crime.

    The statement added, “He prayed for divine protection over the people, security personnel and the land, while expressing confidence that with unity, vigilance, cooperation with Security Agencies and God’s help, peace will continue to reign across Owo Local Government Area and Ondo State at large.”

    Assessing the level of the attack on the Police Divisional Station, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Adebowale Lawal vowed to clamp down on the terrorists behind the violent attack and destruction of the police facility.

    The police boss, who visited the affected station in the company of other officers of the command, further affirmed that no life was lost and no church was destroyed during the attack.

    He explained that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had already held a meeting with the security chiefs – which included the police, the military, the DSS, NSCDC, and the Amotekun Corps in order to get a proper briefing of the attack.

    “Following the meeting held with the governor, we will be able to assess the situation of what happened yesterday and come up with strategies that we would activate in ensuring this attack doesn’t occur again in our state.

    “Also, let me correct this rumour on social media. No life was lost, and no church was attacked, but Iwant to assure you that we are up to the task. We are going to ensure that the perpetrators of this dastardly attack do not escape justice.

    “Shortly after we leave here, we are going to meet again to continue with our deliberations, and that is going to be within the hands of the security agencies.

    “You recall that prior to now, Ondo was one of the safest states in Nigeria. So if this happened yesterday, well, it’s something that we’ve been proactive about, but this time around, we are going to be reactive.”

    He added, “At the end of the investigation, we will be able to come up with what and what was looted and if a terrorist attack is, well, I wouldn’t call it a terrorist attack because we’ve not made arrests. We’ve not ascertained the veracity of that information.

    “By the time we make an arrest and complete our investigation, we will be able to come up with something, whether they are actually terrorists. But the good people of Ondo should be assured that we don’t have terrorists in Ondo State.

    “The governor has given us a marching order that the perpetrators should be arrested in no time, and we have just commenced the investigation. At the end of the investigation, if they are arrested, we need to come up with who and who were behind the attack. So, it’s too premature for us to conclude that they were terrorists.”

    Following the attack, Governor Aiyedatiwa explained that the attack occurred while many residents were attending night services to usher in 2026.

    The governor said that upon receiving the report, he immediately contacted the police and the Brigade Commander of the army, instructing that security personnel be deployed to support officers on patrol and protect residents.

    Aiyedatiwa, however, has directed intensified patrols across communities and forest areas, stressing that security remains a 24-hour responsibility, particularly during festive periods.

    He noted that security operatives, including members of the Joint Operations Task Force and Amotekun Corps and Forest Rangers, were already on patrol throughout the state and in forested areas.

  • Gunmen kill seven in Qua’an-Pan LGA, Plateau, injure scores

    Gunmen kill seven in Qua’an-Pan LGA, Plateau, injure scores

    Gunmen Friday night reportedly attacked Bong village of Doemak District in Qua’an Pan local government council of Plateau State, killing no fewer than seven persons.

    The assailants, according to eyewitness accounts, stormed the village while residents were asleep and launched a house-to-house attack, targeting women, children, and the elderly who could not escape. Survivors said the attackers were heavily armed.

    A native of the local government council, Lawrence Dogari, told reporters that several people were injured following the attack. “For now I can confirm to you that over seven persons have been killed, while some persons are still missing,” he said.

    Read Also: Plateau’s runners tops Prince Adewole Adebayo Christmas marathon

    Danaan Cletus Sylvanus, Director of Press and Publicity to the Executive Chairman of Qua’an-Pan Local Government Council, Christopher Audu Manship, confirmed the incident to reporters. He, however, said the number of those killed cannot be ascertained at the moment.

    He said the council boss is doing everything possible to ensure that the perpetrators of the dastardly acts are brought to book.

  • Agbese hails Tinubu’s approval of NNPCL debt cancellation, praises Ojulari’s leadership

    Agbese hails Tinubu’s approval of NNPCL debt cancellation, praises Ojulari’s leadership

    The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has hailed President Bola Tinubu’s approval of the cancellation of substantial legacy debts owed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to the Federation Account as a resounding endorsement of the transparent and transformative leadership of NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari.

    The presidential directive, which wiped out approximately $1.42 billion and N5.57 trillion in outstanding obligations as of December 31, 2024, followed a meticulous reconciliation by the Stakeholder Alignment Committee.

    Agbese described the move as a clear vote of confidence in Ojulari’s stewardship.

    “This debt forgiveness is not just financial relief; it is a powerful testament to the trust the Presidency has in Engr. Ojulari’s commitment to transparency and accountability,” Agbese said.

    “Under his leadership, NNPCL has opened its books like never before, enabling accurate reconciliation of long-standing disputes and paving the way for this historic clean slate.”

    Agbese pointed to several landmark achievements under Ojulari  as evidence of his disciplined approach that has repositioned NNPCL as a commercially viable and profit-driven entity.

    “The resumption of monthly financial and operational reports – a practice dormant since 2021 – has restored stakeholder confidence and ensured real-time oversight,” he noted.

    “This level of openness directly facilitated the transparent reconciliation process that led to the debt cancellation.”

    He further commended the record-breaking performance in upstream operations.

    Read Also: Why House repealed, re-enacted 2024, 2025 Appropriation Acts, by Agbese 

    “NNPCL’s subsidiary, NNPC Exploration and Production Limited, achieved a daily output of 355,000 barrels on December 1, 2025 – the highest in 36 years,” Agbese stated.

    “With average production surging 52% from 203,000 barrels per day in 2023 to 312,000 in 2025, and national output climbing to over 1.7 million barrels per day, Ojulari has delivered tangible results through collaborations with partners and robust measures against crude theft.”

    On infrastructure, Agbese highlighted major breakthroughs.

    “The completion of the main line welding for the $2.8 billion Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano gas pipeline, including the challenging River Niger crossing, is a game-changer,” he said.

    “This milestone, achieved under Ojulari’s watch, will soon deliver gas to northern Nigeria, sparking industrial growth and economic diversification.”

    Agbese also praised Ojulari’s forward-looking targets.

    “Setting realistic goals for 1.8 million barrels per day in 2026, backed by the Petroleum Industry Act reforms that have freed NNPCL from federal funding dependency, shows visionary leadership,” he added.

    “These reforms have turned NNPCL into a profit-oriented company focused on national energy security.”

    Touching on downstream efforts, Agbese noted steady advancements in refinery rehabilitation.”Ojulari’s team has made significant progress on the Port Harcourt Refining Company, aligning with broader initiatives to boost domestic refining capacity and reduce import dependence,” he remarked.

    “This comprehensive approach ensures long-term sustainability.”

    Agbese emphasised the broader impact.”With this debt resolution, NNPCL can now channel full energy into current operations and future investments,” he said.

    “Engr. Ojulari’s transparent leadership has not only resolved historical burdens but is building a stronger, more accountable national oil company for all Nigerians. We look forward to even greater milestones ahead.”

  • Experts flay U.S. over Maduro’s, wife’s arrest

    Experts flay U.S. over Maduro’s, wife’s arrest

    Former Vice Chancellor, Federal University, Oye-Ekiti and  Professor of International Relations, Kayode Soremekun, and the Director of Studies at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Prof.  Efem Ubi, have condemned the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife from their heavily guarded location in Caracas to face the American court system.

    Maduro and his wife were immediately slammed yesterday with drug and weapon charges in New York, after being captured.

    Reacting about the arrest in an interview with The Nation, Professor Soremekun said Maduro’s capture was a sign of the end times.

    “It speaks to what can be called the current near unipolarity of the international system.

    “This is because such a situation would not have been possible during the Cold War. But I’ve just read the announcement from the Venezuelan authorities, and they went into history to say that they’ve always had to contend with this big neighbour, i.e. Washington. And that is, according to them, the latest in the offensives of Washington in what can be called its backyard.

    “It is also a reenactment of what can be called the Monroe Doctrine, whereby the U.S. simply sees its neighbours as puppets, as non-entities to be toyed with at will, which is a non-liberal order. Having said that, you also have to appreciate that in recent times, Venezuela has always been disposed towards Cuba, an arch-enemy of Washington. So, this is only to be expected under a post-Cold War warrior like Donald Trump.

    Read Also: NAF strikes terrorist hideouts across North East, North West

    “As it is, since in relative terms, there are no dynamics to this kind of offensive from Washington, because in an earlier era, the former Soviet Union would have been saying some things about what has just happened. 

    “And what it also means is that the only competing power to the United States at the moment, i.e. China, will now be free in relative terms to also annex Taiwan. So, you can see a game of hegemonies on the part of Washington on one hand, and Beijing, that is China, in the potential sense.”

    The don argued that what saw with Maduro’s experience also was a relative recession and near-death of multilateral diplomacy, “because in the light of this unilateral offensive from Washington, one begins to ask, where are the United Nations? Where is the NAM, i.e. the Non-Aligned Movement? Where is the OAS, the Organisation of American States?” He submitted that what it means is that, for now at least, multilateral diplomacy is in recession. 

    “Gunboat diplomacy is now the order of the day, and the chief warrior, for better or worse, is Mr. Donald Trump. But this also has consequences, because in diplomacy, what you seek to do is to multiply your friends.

    “This will not go down very well with a lot of countries in Latin America, because they know that if this can happen to Caracas, they can always ask, who is next?” Prof. Soremekun warned.

    For Prof. Ubi, what the world witnessed yesterday was an aggression on the state of Venezuela for U.S. to invade and capture its president.

    “That is the undermining of the sovereignty of Venezuela and its territorial integrity. In fact, it has also shown that we need a reform of the United Nations. We actually need a new organisation that will be able to maintain order.

    “A country cannot just wake up and now invade another country, capture the president, and take the president to their own country. We cannot continue to live in a world where a single power is depicted, irrespective of the circumstances and irrespective of the international law that is in place.

    “They don’t care. All they think about is their interests. If it means crushing heads, even if it means undermining states and their territorial integrity. This is uncalled for.”

    Prof. Ubi argued that in the 21st century, the world should begin to think differently. 

    According to him, the world is reacting that what the United States did was totally wrong.

    He added: “I think my take is that we should begin to look for an alternative world order where there can be justice, there can be equity, there can be respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and not for just one power to rise up and determine what should be in the international order. And so, multipolarity still stands out in our thinking of a new world order. Multilateralism also stands in terms of our engagement with the international community.

    “Let the people of Venezuela be the ones to change the regime, and not for you to come tease the President by taking him to the United States. This is uncalled for.”

  • O B Lulu-Briggs foundation launches adopt-a- senior-citizen initiative in Port-Harcourt

    O B Lulu-Briggs foundation launches adopt-a- senior-citizen initiative in Port-Harcourt

    The O.B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation has launched a new humanitarian initiative, Adopt a Senior Citizen, aimed at strengthening long-term care and support for elderly persons in Port Harcourt and surrounding communities.

    The initiative, which forms part of the foundation’s Care for Life programme, was announced on Thursday during a New Year celebration organised by the foundation for senior citizens under its care in Port Harcourt.

    Founded in 2001 by its chairman and founder, Dr. Seinye Lulu-Briggs, the O.B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation was established to promote human dignity through targeted humanitarian interventions, with a core focus on healthcare, elderly care, social welfare, and support for vulnerable populations in under-served communities.

    Seinye Lulu-Briggs reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to the wellbeing of senior citizens, describing elderly care as a moral and social responsibility that must be sustained throughout life. 

    She explained that the Adopt a Senior Citizen initiative is designed to encourage individuals, families, and organisations to partner with the foundation by directly supporting the care of elderly persons.

    According to her, the Care for Life programme provides comprehensive support, including medical care, daily basic needs, personal assistance, and emotional support. She stressed that the foundation remains responsible for the senior citizens under its care until the end of life, guided by principles of compassion, dignity, and service.

    Read Also: No investment in education is a gamble — Shettima

    While appreciating the consistent yearly donations and support from groups and individuals, Dr. Lulu-Briggs urged more Nigerians to participate in the initiative by adopting a senior citizen, noting that caring for the elderly reflects enduring societal values and shared responsibility.

    She informed more than 600 senior citizens have benefited from the foundation’s Care for Life programme over the years, receiving sustained medical attention, essential daily support, and social care following enrolment.

    Goodwill messages from medical volunteers, beneficiaries, and representatives of the African Women Lawyers Association commended Dr. Lulu-Briggs for sustaining the humanitarian service she began many years ago alongside her late husband, describing the foundation’s work as a vital contribution to social welfare.

    The event concluded with a sermon, followed by the cutting of a New Year cake by the senior citizens and the distribution of food items and gifts to all attendees.

  • Jimoh Ibrahim hails Armed Forces as Nigeria ranks 31st in global military strength

    Jimoh Ibrahim hails Armed Forces as Nigeria ranks 31st in global military strength

    Senator representing Ondo South, Jimoh Ibrahim, has commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their professionalism, resilience and sustained contributions to national security.

    The commendation followed Nigeria’s ranking as the 31st strongest military in the world in the 2025 Global Firepower Report.

    In a statement yesterday, Ibrahim, who is also Nigeria’s ambassador-designate and founder of the Institute for Security and Modern War Studies at the University of Fortune, Igbotako, Ondo State, said the Armed Forces had continued to demonstrate exceptional commitment despite evolving security challenges.

    “The Nigerian Armed Forces have remained steadfast in their constitutional responsibility of safeguarding over 250 million Nigerians, even as security threats grow more dynamic and sophisticated,” he said.

    The lawmaker noted that with an estimated personnel strength of about 230,000 and an annual defence budget of roughly $2 billion, representing about one per cent of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product, the military had recorded notable progress in counter-terrorism and internal security operations.

    He said, “The successes recorded in counter-terrorism and internal security efforts are critical to preserving Nigeria’s sovereignty, internal cohesion and territorial integrity.”

    Ibrahim also highlighted Nigeria’s role beyond its borders, pointing to peacekeeping and stabilisation missions under the Economic Community of West African States in Liberia and Sierra Leone, as well as operations in Sudan, Mali, The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau.

    “These interventions have consistently reinforced Nigeria’s standing as a stabilising force and a responsible security leader on the African continent,” he added.

    He further cited the 2025 Global Firepower Report, which ranked Nigeria 31st globally and third in Africa, describing the ranking as evidence of the Armed Forces’ increasing strategic relevance.

    Ibrahim attributed recent improvements in operational capacity and morale to the commitment of President Bola Tinubu, particularly in troop welfare and institutional support.

    “As Nigeria approaches 2026, Nigerians must continue to stand firmly with the Armed Forces, whose sacrifices remain central to our peace, unity and stability, not only within our borders but across the African region,” he said.

  • Yoruba diaspora group hails Nigeria–US security collaboration

    Yoruba diaspora group hails Nigeria–US security collaboration

    Some Yoruba in the Diaspora, operating under the platform of the Yoruba World Congress Worldwide (YWC), have described the recent collaboration between Nigeria and the United States of America (USA) as a step in the right direction.

    The group congratulated the Nigerian government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on what it described as a successful partnership and intelligence-sharing arrangement with the United States aimed at strengthening security and safeguarding the lives of citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    This position was contained in a statement jointly signed by the Vice President of the organisation, Engineer Adekunle Ogundana; the Secretary General, Engineer Stephen Ajayi; and the Mobilisation Director, J.P. Ade.

    In the statement, the group also expressed appreciation to the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, for what it described as his timely intervention in addressing Nigeria’s multifaceted security challenges.

    Reacting to the recent destruction of terrorist camps and the neutralisation of ISIS elements in Sokoto State, the group expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the collaboration, describing it as encouraging.

    According to YWC, the development represents the beginning and foundation of lasting peace within Nigeria and along its borders.

    The group further advised the Federal Government of Nigeria to sustain the momentum by ensuring adequate protection of lives and property across the country, with particular emphasis on Kogi, Kwara and Edo states.

    It specifically drew attention to the plight of the Okun people of Kogi State, whom it said had been subjected to repeated terrorist attacks without sufficient intervention.

    The statement said, “YWC express their joy on the recent operation should continue until Nigeria is safe and free from terrorism, vandalism by militants and extremist groups.

    “Many of the towns/villages have since been deserted due to insecurity. We call for the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency; like all other roads in the country that the Federal Government had commissioned for rebuilding and pay attention to the Ilorin-Mopa-Kabba road which is currently a death trap on which the terrorists ambush travellers. Okun people of Nigeria also deserve than they are being served since 1999. They also requested for commensurate security presence in all the communities on the stretch of the road. This is necessary to save innocent citizens avoidable panic attacks and distresses.

    “The Nigerian government should continue their full cooperation with foreign governments and international agencies for the safety of the citizens of Nigeria especially the Yoruba enclave; and to, with the strongest arm possible, hunt down all terrorist (including all those camouflaging as herdsmen, terrorists’ sympathisers and their advocates or financial negotiators such as Sheikh Ahmad Gumi. The group calls on the Federal government of Nigeria to arrest and charge Sheikh Ahmad Gumi with sedition.  It was alleged that Sheikh Ahmad Gumi was denied entry into Saudi Arabia due to his alliance with identified terrorist groups terrorising Nigeria. His son, Abdurrahman Ahmad Gumi, who recently graduated from the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) and commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Army should also be removed from the Nigerian Army because of conflict of interest. 

    Read Also: RTEAN Lagos chair felicitates Nigerians

    “The FGN is also advised not to shield any sponsor, sympathiser, negotiator or anyone mentioned in the terrorist/kidnappers network and supply chain. Anyone mentioned in connection with the terrorist must be arrested, publicly prosecuted and made to face the full weight of the law to avenge for the victims. We call on the National Assembly to fast-track the passing of the bill for the creation of state police most especially in the South-western states for the safety of life and properties of the Yorubaland and Nigeria in general.

    “The group also want justice for the displaced persons in the IDP camps. All the illegal occupants (Fulani militias) currently occupying the ancestral land must be driven out and be made to face justice. The original owners of the lands in Benue, Plateau and other North Central States must be resettled back on their ancestral lands and their towns/villages re-built through intervention funds.

    “Open grazing is not completely banned and Yoruba land is still experiencing attacks of deadly herders destroying farms and illegally feeding their cows with farmer’s farm produce even those not ripe for harvest causing great losses to the farmers without justice for the farmers who are the victims.

    “We also want the Federal Government to review the activities of the scavengers’ scrap collectors/dealers who have also been going about to carry out surveillance and intel gathering for the bandits/terrorists. We are calling on security agencies to fish out unscrupulous elements who are disturbing the peace of the people in Nigeria.

    “The Federal Government and all the arms of government should be more proactive in securing lives and properties rather than being reactive, it is not right to wait for the head to be cut off before crying over the hanging and lifeless limbs. We hereby call for the deployment of all necessary security apparatus and personnel to secure the territories with adequate intelligence gathering.”

  • Youths protest killings, other criminal activities in Kogi communities

    Youths protest killings, other criminal activities in Kogi communities

    Youths from Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area in Kogi state staged a protest on Friday against the worsening insecurity in their communities, highlighting persistent killings and other criminal activities.

    The protesters, mostly from Bunuland, blocked a major road during the peaceful demonstration, chanting solidarity songs and holding placards with messages such as “Bunuland Bleeds” and “Why should we ask for permission to live?” to draw attention to the escalating violence and displacement of residents.

    One protester lamented that dozens of communities had been completely abandoned due to repeated attacks.

    Read Also: Group condemns alleged attack on women protesters in Kwara

    “We have 44 communities in Bunuland. Those communities have been deserted—places like Kayetoro, Kiri, Ole, and others. The last attack in Ole claimed three lives, and many more have been killed over time,” the protester said, adding that fear and insecurity had forced residents to flee their ancestral homes.

    It was gathered that despite the teargas by the police, the youths remained resolute, insisting on urgent intervention from the government and security agencies. “We are resolute. We are not leaving here,” the protester declared.

    Residents of Kabba-Bunu and surrounding areas have repeatedly raised concerns over killings, kidnappings, and the occupation of farmlands, accusing authorities of failing to protect lives and property.

  • Customs, NDLEA smash smuggling ring, seize 30.1kg of cocaine in Lagos

    Customs, NDLEA smash smuggling ring, seize 30.1kg of cocaine in Lagos

     By Oluwakemi Dauda

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Apapa Area Command, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has smashed an international drug trafficking ring that specialises in bringing Cocaine and other prohibited items into the country.

    The joint enforcement, which was carried out in Lagos on Friday, led to the interception of 30 slabs of cocaine weighing 30.1 kilograms concealed onboard the MV Aruna, a Marshall Islands-flagged vessel, in Apapa port.

    The seizure occurred on Friday, January 2, 2026, the first working day of the New Year at the Greenview Terminal within Apapa Port, Lagos.

    The illicit substance was carefully hidden aboard the ship, underscoring the sophisticated tactics employed by smugglers attempting to exploit the nation’s busiest seaport.

    The Area Controller of Apapa Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, commended the officers from both agencies for their vigilance and professionalism.

    “This achievement reflects the strong inter-agency synergy between federal government entities and our commitment to intelligence-led enforcement,” he stated. “While criminal elements seek to outsmart us, our officers remain one step ahead, ensuring no smuggling attempt, whether disguised as import, export, or transit cargo, succeeds under my watch.”

    Oshoba described the interception as a bold statement for 2026, reaffirming the command’s zero-tolerance policy towards illicit trade. In line with established protocols, the NDLEA has taken possession of the seized cocaine for further investigation and potential prosecution of those involved.

    Read Also: Customs moves to end physical cargo checks at Apapa Port

    The latest bust marks the third major drug interception by the joint NCS-NDLEA team in recent weeks. Barely two weeks ago, the agencies seized 25.5kg of cocaine hidden in five bags aboard another vessel based on intelligence.

    Also, on 11 December 2025, 1,187kg of “Canadian Loud”, a premium and highly expensive strain of cannabis, was packaged in 2,374 parcels across 55 bags and concealed within imported vehicles in a 1x40ft container.

    The Area Controller reiterates that the Apapa Port Command remains steadfast in its mandate to facilitate legitimate trade while safeguarding national security.

  • Troops foil bandits’ attack, kill five in Plateau

    Troops foil bandits’ attack, kill five in Plateau

    • Gunmen kill seven on New Year’s eve
    • Kidnappers of 28 travellers cut ransom to N30m, demand three motorcycles

    Troops of 3 Division Nigerian Army, under Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace (JTF OPEP), have foiled a planned bandit attack on communities in Plateau State, killing five bandits during an intelligence-led operation.

    A military source told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the operation was conducted yesterday as part of Operation Peace Shield in Wase Local Government Area of the state.

    The source said the troops ambushed the Dutsen Zaki–Odare Forest axis after receiving a report that some bandits were mobilising to attack adjoining communities.

    Apart from killing the bandits, two AK-47 rifle magazines loaded with 11 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, two machetes and a knife were recovered.

    Also, gunmen struck at Bum village of Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing seven residents.

    In a statement, the National Publicity Secretary, Berom Youths Moulder Association (BYM),Rwang Tengwong, said the residents were attacked about 11:00 p.m. on December 31, last year.

    Read Also: Plateau: Kidnappers demand N42m ransom from 28 travellers

    He added: “The incident came despite an earlier security alert, warning that several communities in Jos South council had been earmarked for possible attacks. Sadly, the Bum community has fallen victim to this renewed wave of violence.

    “This latest attack adds to the growing list of violent assaults on innocent rural communities in Plateau State, further deepening concerns over the safety of lives and property, especially during festive periods meant for peace and celebration.”

    Kidnappers of the 28 travellers abducted in Zak community of Wase Local Government Area have reduced the ransom from N42 million to N30 million.

    The abductors have also demanded the relatives of the victims to provide three new brand motorcycles in addition to the N30 million.

    The victims, including men, women and children, were heading to Sabon Layi community of the same Bashar District to attend a Maulud when the bandits intercepted their vehicle and took them to their den.

    The kidnappers had on Tuesday contacted the victims’ relatives, demanding N1.5m ransom per person, a demand the relatives said they could not afford, pleading with the kidnappers to release the victims.

    However, on Wednesday, the kidnappers slashed the ransom to N30million and asked the relatives to buy three new brand motorcycles.

    Babawo Gwadabe, a resident of Zak community, whose seven nephews and nieces, were among the victims, said: “We don’t have that amount. It is huge. The community and relatives have raised a little amount, but they have refused to agree. We are really in tension and apprehension. Even if the money is provided, there is no certainty if they would release them because last year, my father was abducted and N3million was demanded. We paid; yet, they killed my father. We are confused. Only God can help us out of this trauma.”