The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

  • 25-storey Great Nigeria Insurance House for demolition

    25-storey Great Nigeria Insurance House for demolition

    The  25-storey Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) House on Lagos Island will be demolished once the inferno that engulfed it on Wednesday is finally put out.

    A committee has been set up by the Lagos State Government to determine the safest and fastest method to pull down the structure within days. The committee is headed by Special Adviser to the governor on Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Gbenga Oyerinde.

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, stated this while inspecting the building at Martins Street on Lagos Island. He  added that parts of the 65-year-old  building had already suffered partial collapse, making demolition inevitable. 

    He said preliminary reports showed that the building, originally meant for office use, had been converted into a warehousing facility.

     Most floors of the building, according to Sanwo-Olu, had become stores for combustible materials.

    The governor said the fire reportedly started on the fourth and fifth floors before spreading aggressively to higher levels late Wednesday night.

    “This building has had fire incidents in the past. Unfortunately, it was being used as a warehouse, with inflammable materials stored across multiple floors, which made fire-fighting extremely difficult,” Sanwo-Olu said.

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    He explained that although first responders arrived early and deployed aerial ladder equipment, the intensity of the blaze increased around 8 p.m. due to the nature of the materials stored inside the building.

    He confirmed that there were no recorded fatalities, adding that between seven and 10  people,who sustained injuries, were taken to the hospital by LASEMA, the state emergency management agency. 

    Sanwo-Olu renewed calls for heightened fire safety awareness during the dry season, particularly between December and February, when harmattan conditions increase fire risks.

    “People must stop storing highly inflammable materials in residential and office buildings, especially in densely populated market areas. We will intensify advocacy and enforcement to prevent a repeat of this,” he advised.

    The operational commander of the Federal Fire Service in Lagos, Musa Emmanuel, said firefighters were still battling the blaze as of noon yesterday, adding that the closeness of buildings and unknown contents of the affected structures complicated suppression efforts.

    According to him, no injuries or loss of life had been recorded so far, and the cause of the fire would only be determined after the incident site is secured.

    More than 10 buildings were affected by the fire, with at least two severely damaged and others partially impacted.

  • US-based institute names Marwa security leader of the year 2025

    US-based institute names Marwa security leader of the year 2025

    A Texas United States based security research and strategy organization has named the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), as security leader of the year 2025 for coming tops in operational success, integrity, institutional reform and sustained public confidence.

    Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, made this known in a statement on Thursday. 

    According to Babafemi, in a statement published on the organisation’s website on Thursday, December 25, the organization, Ogun Security Research and Strategic Consulting LLC (OSRS), said its decision followed an independent, AI-assisted, and evidence-based assessment, which indicates “Nigeria’s security landscape in 2025 demanded more than force” but “leadership that could deliver results while earning public trust, protecting rights, and strengthening institutions.”

    The organisation said, “In a year marked by terrorism, drug trafficking, organized crime, and public skepticism toward state power, one security leader stood out”, adding that “Marwa emerged as the clear choice and what his leadership reveals about the future of security governance in Nigeria.”

    While explaining the choice of Marwa for the recognition, “OSRS set out to answer a simple but critical question. In a difficult year for national security, who demonstrated leadership that balanced effectiveness with responsibility? Rather than counting arrests alone, OSRS evaluated leadership using four pillars: Operational effectiveness and measurable national impact; Respect for human rights and the rule of law; Employee welfare, morale, and internal discipline; and Public perception, trust, and institutional credibility.

    “Artificial intelligence was used to analyze open source reports, performance data, and verified records. Human experts reviewed and validated every output. This approach reduced bias while preserving professional judgment. Across all indicators, one leader consistently ranked highest.”

    According to OSRS statement, “Under Brigadier General Marwa’s leadership, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency achieved historic outcomes in 2025. The agency dismantled international drug trafficking networks, intercepted record quantities of illicit substances, and disrupted criminal supply chains that fund terrorism, banditry, and organized violence.

    “These were not isolated seizures. They were intelligence-driven operations executed through cooperation with international partners and supported by strong internal controls. By targeting the financial and logistical backbone of crime, the NDLEA delivered national security impact beyond traditional law enforcement.

    “Results alone do not sustain institutions. Marwa’s leadership distinguished itself through reform and discipline. The NDLEA avoided major corruption scandals in a sector often plagued by them. Officers were promoted, rewarded for performance, and provided clearer career pathways. The introduction of body worn cameras and accountability mechanisms strengthened operational transparency. Employee welfare was treated as a security issue, not an administrative afterthought. This focus improved morale, professionalism, and operational consistency across the agency.”

    On public trust and ethical leadership, the organization led by a renowned global security expert, Dr. Oludare Ogunlana noted that “In 2025, the NDLEA emerged as one of the few security institutions widely viewed as functional, credible, and disciplined. Marwa’s leadership style emphasized professionalism over intimidation and accountability over impunity. The agency’s actions aligned with legal standards and avoided the human rights controversies that undermined confidence in other institutions. Trust was earned through consistency, not rhetoric.”

    On what Marwa’s  selection signals for Nigeria’s security future, the body said, “OSRS’s decision reflects a broader shift in how security leadership is judged. First, effective security now requires institutional integrity, not just force. Second, staff welfare and discipline directly influence national outcomes. Third, intelligence-led operations outperform reactive enforcement. Marwa’s leadership offers a practical model for reform across Nigeria’s security architecture.”

    “Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa’s selection as the OSRS Security Leader of the Year 2025 is not about personality. It is about proof. In a year of pressure and uncertainty, his leadership showed that results, reform, and trust can coexist. Recognition is not the end of service. It is a reminder of responsibility”, the statement added.

  • Government should decentralise security – Expert

    Government should decentralise security – Expert

    A security consultant, Francis Eloagu, has called on the federal government to decentralise Nigeria’s security architecture, stressing that insecurity will persist unless the country adopts intelligence-led, technology-driven and locally coordinated security systems.

    Eloagu, a security expert with SolidPro Security Company Ltd, said Nigeria must urgently shift from reactive security measures to preventive strategies that rely on real-time intelligence, surveillance technology and rapid response frameworks.

    According to him, insecurity continues to thrive because threats move faster than the current response mechanisms. He noted that deploying more personnel without integrated systems has proven ineffective in tackling modern security challenges.

    “My interest is driven by the need for preventive, intelligence-led security in Nigeria. Being careful is individual and reactive, but being security conscious is systemic and proactive,” Eloagu said.

    He explained that effective security requires the integration of manpower, technology and institutions, adding that the absence of this coordination remains the missing link in Nigeria’s security framework.

    Eloagu urged state governments to establish Traffic Command and Control Centres to monitor security situations within their jurisdictions. 

    He said such centres should be supported by live CCTV surveillance of local government areas, major roads and identified threat zones, allowing for centralized analysis and faster decision-making.

    “With real-time monitoring and coordinated response, threats can be detected early and addressed decisively before escalation,” he said.

    The security consultant also emphasised the role of technology such as smart CCTV, drone patrols, vehicle scanners, plate recognition systems and geo-tagged community reporting, describing them as essential tools for modern security operations.

    He argued that while security agencies remain committed, they are overstretched and require technological support to improve efficiency and reduce response time.

    Eloagu further advocated the introduction of state police, supported by centralized intelligence systems and strong oversight, saying this would enable states to respond effectively to their peculiar security challenges.

    He also raised concerns about Nigeria’s dependence on foreign security equipment, urging the government to invest in local capacity and manufacturing.

    “National security is not something you outsource. While we need foreign technology, we are equally capable of developing our own solutions,” Eloagu said.

    According to him, insecurity has worsened over the past 15 years partly due to youth unemployment, poor education and lack of inclusion. 

    He urged the government to invest more in youth development and win the trust of young people across the country.

    “There are many youths who still want to fight for this country, but they must be given the opportunity,” he added.

  • Christmas: Ikeja residents applaud LG vice chairman Omisore over free food items 

    Christmas: Ikeja residents applaud LG vice chairman Omisore over free food items 

    Hundreds of families in Alausa, Ikeja, benefited from a Yuletide food relief initiative as the Executive Vice Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Mr. Abisola Omisore, distributed mini bags of rice to residents of his immediate community.

    The three-day distribution exercise, which ended on December 25, took place at Sunday Adigun Street, Ikeja, as part of efforts to support residents during the Christmas season.

    An octogenarian and long-time resident, Mrs. Seliat Bashiru, commended the vice chairman for the kind gesture, noting that the food items would significantly support her family during the festive period.

    “We really appreciate the vice chairman for his kindness to the residents, and we pray that God continues to bless him in his political career,” she said.

    Another beneficiary, Mr. Sodiq Adebayo, also expressed gratitude, describing the initiative as timely and impactful.

    “We are really happy with the rice given to us at this point in time. It will go a long way in taking care of the beneficiaries during this season,” he said.

    Speaking during the exercise, Omisore described the initiative as a modest way of giving back to the people and sharing in the joy of the festive period.

    He said the gesture aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Ikeja political agenda, both of which emphasise people-centred governance and social support.

    The vice chairman acknowledged that while the relief package could not reach every household, it would nonetheless provide meaningful assistance to many families during the Yuletide.

    He also urged residents, particularly youths, to remain calm and peaceful throughout the festive period, stressing the importance of unity and social harmony.

    Omisore further assured the community of his commitment to expanding and improving the scope of such relief initiatives in subsequent years, adding that the welfare of residents remains a priority.

    “This is one of the little ways we can bring relief to the people during the festive season by providing them with essential items to celebrate,” he said.

  • Christmas Eve bombing leaves 5 dead, 35 injured in Borno

    Christmas Eve bombing leaves 5 dead, 35 injured in Borno

    No fewer than five persons died and 35 others sustained injuries yesterday when a young suicide bomber detonated the bomb strapped on his body at a mosque in Ngamboru Market, Maiduguri, during evening prayers.

    Eyewitness said the blast occurred in the middle of the congregational prayers around 6:10pm, when many traders in the busy Ngamboru market gathered to worship.

    The explosion, it was learnt, caused fire and smoke, destroying parts of the mosque’s ceiling.

    The state Police Public Relations Officer ( PPRO), Nahum Kenneth Daso, confirmed the casualties.

    “Today about 6pm, we heard a case of a suicide bomber who attacked worshippers at a mosque in Ngamboru. We found five persons dead while 35 sustained injuries.

    “Ongoing sweeping operations by police EOD as a suspected explosion incident was recorded at Al-Adum Jumaat mosque in Gamboru Market at about 1800hours during prayers. Police EOD personnel have cordoned off the area to ensure public safety, while investigations are ongoing,’’ he added.

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    A victim’s relative, Ahmadu Mohammed, said their brother went for magrib prayers and then they heard a loud bang, but when they rushed to into the mosque, all they could see was dust, before they later found their brother holding his neck.

    Another relative of the bomb victim, Abubakar Ciroma, said they heard the blast and rushed out to see what happened and realised it was an explosion.

    “We rushed him to the hospital here where they are treating him,” he said.

    Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has condemned the attack.

    Zulum’s Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, said his boss, said: “I am deeply saddened by the Gamboru mosque suicide attack which occurred on Wednesday evening when worshippers were performing Maghrib prayer, killing 5 people and injuring 35 others. The act is utterly condemnable, barbaric and inhumane.

     “Attacking a place of worship is a desecration of the sanctity of the mosque at a time when Muslim faithful are performing acts of worship.”

    “I wish to express my condolences to the families of all those that lost their lives in the attack and pray for the repose of their souls, and for the speedy recovery of those injured.’’

    The governor assured that adequate measures had been put in place to avaert a recurrence.

  • Troops foil kidnap attempt, rescue 24 passengers in Benue

    Troops foil kidnap attempt, rescue 24 passengers in Benue

    Troops of Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have foiled a kidnap attempt on the Otukpo–Enugu Road in Benue State and rescued 24 passengers.

    Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters JTF OPWS, confirmed this in a statement in Makurdi yesterday.

    Zubairu said the incident, which occurred in Amoda in Ohimini Local Government Area on Monday night, forced the kidnappers to flee and abandon the passengers.

    He said the troops, who acted on a distress call, mobilised to the scene.

    “The armed criminals had emerged from the bush and briefly occupied an existing checkpoint.

    “The assailants subsequently stopped two 18-seater commercial buses travelling from Jos, Plateau, to Ibadan, Oyo State, and attempted to abduct all passengers.

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    “However, the timely intervention of troops of OPWS led to a firefight that compelled the kidnappers to abandon their victims and flee into the bush.

    “In the initial encounter, 15 passengers were rescued and handed over to the Nigerian Police Division, Otukpo, while six adults and four minors were declared missing.

    “Subsequent operations led to the rescue of an additional five adults and four minors in custody of the Police Area Command, Otukpo, with search efforts ongoing to locate the remaining missing passenger,” he said.

    According to the statement, the Force Commander, OPWS, Maj.-Gen. Moses Gara, has commended the troops for their prompt response and professionalism.

    Gera reaffirmed the Task Force’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property within its area of responsibility.

    He said they would sustain offensive operations, intelligence-led patrols, and coordinated engagements with sister security agencies to deny criminal elements freedom of action.

    The commander assured the people of a hitch-free yuletide in Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba states.

    He prayed that the season brings God’s abundant mercy, peace, and enduring joy to families and communities.

    He urged believers to remain united, shun violence, and live by the noble virtues exemplified by the Lord Jesus Christ of love, humility, tolerance, and compassion.

  • Fake Customs officer arraigned for ‘defrauding’ Soun of N39.5m

    Fake Customs officer arraigned for ‘defrauding’ Soun of N39.5m

    A man, Mr Ali Muhammed, was on Tuesday arraigned by the Oyo State Police Command for allegedly defrauding the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, of N39,5million on the pretext of selling him a car by auction by the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS).

    The 45-year-old suspect was arraigned at a magistrates’ court in Ogbomoso on a four-count charge.

    The suspect, according to the charge sheet with the number MOC/234c/C/2025, presented himself as the NCS Comptroller in Oyo State with a promise to auction a car to the monarch. The act was described as impersonation, which the sheet said is contrary and punishable under Section 484 of the Criminal Code Cap 38. Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria, 2000.

    The charge sheet read: “That you, Ali Muhammed, ‘M’ and others at large, between October 12 and 19, 2025, at Oja-Igbo, Ogbomoso, in Ogbomoso Magisterial District did conspire with one another to commit felony to wit: obtaining money under false pretence, stealing and impersonation and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 516 of the Criminal Code, Cap 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria, 2000.

    “COUNT II: That you Ali Muhammed, ‘M’ and others at large, on the same date, time and place in the aforementioned Magisterial District with intent to defraud and obtain N39,500,000 from Oba Ghandi Olaoye ‘m’ under the pretence of selling auctioned vehicles and bags of rice to him which you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 419 of the Criminal Code, Cap 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria, 2000.

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    “COUNT III: That you Ali Muhammed ‘M’ and others now at large, on the same date, time and place in the aforementioned Magisterial District did steal and fraudulently convert N9,500,000 to your own use property of Oba Ghandi Olaoye ‘m’ and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 383 and punishable under Section 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Cap 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria, 2000.

    “COUNT IV: – That you Ali Muhammed ‘M’ and others at large, on the same date, time and place in the aforementioned Magisterial District did falsely represent yourself to be the Comptroller of Customs, Oyo/Osun Command, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, ‘m’ with intent to defraud Oba Ghandi Olaoye ‘m’ of N39,500,000 and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 484 of the Criminal Code, Cap 38, Vol. II, Laws of Qyo State of Nigeria, 2000.”

    Muhammed pleaded ‘not guilty’ to the charges. He was granted bail of N5 million with two sureties living within the court’s jurisdiction.

    Hearing was adjourned to January 28, next year.

  • Kwaramonarch regains freedom from abductors after 25 days

    Kwaramonarch regains freedom from abductors after 25 days

    Bayagan Ile community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State on Tuesday erupted in celebration following the release of its monarch, Ojibara Kamilu Salami.

    Bandits invaded the farm of the monarch 25 days ago and carted him away.

    The residents stormed the monarch’s palace to congratulate him and the family on the safe return.

    Spokesperson of the community, Ayinla Lawal, confirmed the development.

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    Lawal told reporters that the monarch was released after payment of unspecified amount.

    He added that the community did not get assistance from outsiders to pay the bandits.

    “I am happy to inform you that our monarch has been released. He was released on Tuesday night.

    “Our elders and members of the community have pleaded that we should not mention the amount. So, I won’t be able to tell you the amount, but it was huge.The local and state governments didn’t come to our rescue throughout our ordeal.

    “Only members of the community contributed the amount. It was really tough for us in the community, and that was why it took longer time before our monarch was released. Above all, we thank Almighty God that he came back alive, and we also thank the media, and members of the community for their support,” he added.

  • NBA seeks urgent police action over missing lawyer

    NBA seeks urgent police action over missing lawyer

    The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lagos Branch, has called for urgent intervention by security agencies to secure the safe return of its member, Mr. Ugwuoke Henry Onyebuchi.

    The missing lawyer, popularly known as “Odogwu Lawyer,” was last seen about 9 pm on December 10 in Lagos, and his whereabouts have remained unknown since then.

    NBA, in a statement by the Chairman, Uchenna Ogunedo Akingbade, said a complaint has been lodged at the Ilasan Police Station, where preliminary investigations are ongoing.

    It added that the case has also been escalated to the state Commissioner of Police (CP) for further action.

    Describing the development as troubling, the NBA noted that the disappearance of a legal practitioner raises serious concerns not only about his safety, but also about the broader issue of security and the protection of members of the profession and Nigerians at large.

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    “In light of the security realities in the country, this development is extremely disturbing,” the statement said.

    Stressing that cases of missing persons require swift action, the Branch called on the state CP to intervene by deploying investigative resources to determine Mr. Onyebuchi’s whereabouts and ensure his safe recovery.

    It warned that with each passing day without progress, the chances of a safe outcome could diminish, and, therefore, urged relevant authorities to treat the matter with the urgency, seriousness, and priority it deserves.

    NBA Lagos assured that it stands ready to cooperate with security agencies in the investigation and would continue to monitor developments until the matter is resolved.

  • Fire guts Great Nigeria House in Lagos

    Fire guts Great Nigeria House in Lagos

    A fire outbreak has engulfed parts of the Great Nigeria House on Martins Street, Idumota, Lagos, triggering an emergency response from authorities.

    The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the incident in a statement posted on X, stating that the blaze affected the 6th and 7th floors of the building.

    “A fire has broken out at the Great Nigeria House. The @LagosRescue has been alerted and is responding promptly to contain the situation,” the agency said.

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    LASTMA disclosed that its traffic personnel are on ground to control vehicular movement and ensure a smooth emergency operation, while other relevant agencies are providing support to limit the impact of the fire.

    Emergency officials also confirmed that four firefighters are actively battling the blaze. The area has been cordoned off for public safety, with traffic diverted to Ali Balogun Street and Nnamdi Azikiwe Street.

    As of the time of filing this report, no casualties have been recorded.