The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

  • Troops arrested 74 terrorists, rescued 318 kidnap victims in November

    Troops arrested 74 terrorists, rescued 318 kidnap victims in November

    • N217m stolen crude seized
    • Customs confiscated N181m petrol in 55 instances

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says troops on internal security operations across the country arrested 74 terrorists and their collaborators, and rescued 318 kidnap victims. 

    It said troops also arrested 25 oil thieves in the Southsouth, while 69 terrorists and their families surrendered to troops in the Northeast in the past month.

     The Director Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, said this during a press conference at the Defence Headquarters yesterday.

    Gen Onoja said: “Troops foiled oil theft worth N217,664,618 representing quantity 201,700 litres of crude oil and 88,177 litres of AGO, while 16 illegal refining sites were deactivated.”

    Read Also: Troops rescue six kidnapped victims in Kogi councils

    Also, the Operation Whirlwind unit of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has confiscated premium motor spirit (PMS) with duty paid value of over N181 million in 55 instances from ‘‘smugglers’’ around Adamawa State in the last two months.

    The Operation is the unit of the NCS fighting smuggling.

     of petroleum products, said there were 55 instances of seizure of petrol with aggregate duty paid value of N181,603,515; including 284,006 litres of PMS packed in 2,642 Jerry cans of 25 litres each; 11,256 litres of PMS deposited in a filling station; and 485 drums of 220-litre capacity each.

    The contraband was said to be destined for neighbouring countries from exit points in parts of Adamawa State.

    Two large wooden boats which were means of conveyance of the contraband were among the items taken away from the smugglers.

    The National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, ACG Kolapo Oladeji told a news conference in Yola that the fight against the economic saboteurs called smugglers would continue with zeal.

    “We will keep up the fight till we come to a point in our national life when smuggling, especially smuggling of petrol from out of the country, is seen as indeed a forbidden plague,” he said.

    This was even as he expressed regret that daring smugglers were still in the act of attacking Customs officers doing their lawful duty.

    “We will not be deterred,” he assured.

  • Ekiti lawyer cries out over office invasion by alleged political thugs

    Ekiti lawyer cries out over office invasion by alleged political thugs

    A lawyer in Ado-Ekiti, Layi Obisesan, has raised the alarm after his chambers and several neighbouring offices were violently invaded by suspected political thugs and alleged members of some transport unions.

    The attack happened around 1:15 pm on October 21, 202, at No. 110 Old Iyin Road, Ado-Ekiti, a short distance from the State Secretariat of the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

    According to Obisesan, the assailants were allegedly led by some executives of the National Union of Road Transport Workers and the Ekiti State Okada Riders Union.

    The gang had reportedly attacked the ADC Secretariat earlier before descending on the office complex, assaulting occupants and destroying properties.

    The victim said he was beaten out of his office and escaped only by scaling a fence.

    Read Also: Ulerawa: How Oyebanji’s reforms is turning Ekiti public hospitals into centre of hope

    Several people on the main road were also allegedly attacked and left with injuries.

    The thugs reportedly threw generators from the first floor, vandalised offices and stole valuables including mobile phones, iPads, bags, money and other items.

    The affected offices include Layi Obisesan & Co. Legal Practitioners, Crusader Sterling Pension Office, Omattid Survey Limited, DK Royal Pharmaceutical Store and a trading store owned by Mrs Ibosiola.

    At least, three generating sets, glass windows and multiple office items were said to have been destroyed.

    The lawyer said he has submitted petitions to the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police and the Divisional Police Officer at New Iyin Road Police Station, seeking immediate investigation and prosecution of those involved.

    Copies of the petitions were also addressed to Governor Biodun Oyebanji and the Attorney-General (AG) and Commissioner for Justice.

    Obisesan, however, regretted that no action has been taken about the matter by the State Police Command; the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji and the Ekiti State AG and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Dayo Apata, SAN, since filing the petition over a month ago.

    He urged the government to protect innocent residents and ensure swift justice, saying those responsible must be brought to book to prevent Ekiti State from being “turned into a battlefield.”

  • Teenager jailed 10 years for sexually assaulting four-year-old

    Teenager jailed 10 years for sexually assaulting four-year-old

    • By Olamide Olakanse

    An Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court yesterday  sentenced 18-year-old Obisesan Saltan to 10 years’ imprisonment for sexually assaulting a four-year-old girl (names withheld).

    Justice Rahman Oshodi sentenced the convict to seven  years for indecent treatment of a child and three years for sexual assault by penetration.

    The incident occurred on October 11, 2023, about 9:30 p.m. at Gbagada area of Lagos.

    Saltan was first arraigned on November 25, this year, where he pleaded not guilty after the charges were read to him.

     During the second hearing of charges, the prosecution witnesses testified against him to establish his guilt.

    The convict later entered a plea bargain agreement with the prosecution.

    During the third hearing on November 4, 2024, the prosecution Bukola Okeowo informed the court that the defence had entered into a plea bargain agreement.

    During resumed proceedings, the terms of the plea bargain agreement were read to the defendant, and he confirmed that he understood and agreed to the consequences.

    Read Also: Ibadan court sentences tricycle operator to prison for assaulting traffic officer

    Before sentencing, the convict, through his counsel, Adegboyega, pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy.

    Adegboeyega, also appealed for leniency, noting that the defendant’s father had suffered deeply, having lost his wife when Saltan was just a year old, and that the young man had begun learning shoemaking to better himself.

    Prosecution counsel,  Okeowo, however, urged the court to follow the plea bargain agreement strictly and apply Section 135 of the Lagos State Criminal Law of 2015 while also writing Saltan’s name in the Lagos State Sex Offenders Register as required under sections 35 and 38 of the Sexual Offences law (2015 amendment).

    Delivering judgment in the matter yesterday, Justice Oshodi sentenced Saltan to a total of 10 years.

    The judge ordered that the sentences should run concurrently from the date of his arrest on October 11, 2023.

    Justice Oshodi also ordered that  the name of the convict be written in the  register of sexual offenders.

  • Immigration CG visits Kebbi, assesses checkpoint attack, meets stakeholders

    Immigration CG visits Kebbi, assesses checkpoint attack, meets stakeholders

    The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, has concluded a two-day working visit to Kebbi State following the recent attack on the Bakin Ruwa checkpoint, where personnel and facilities of the Service were affected.

    Nandap arrived in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday, December 3, and proceeded to the office of the Deputy Governor, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida, at about 6:30 p.m.

    She thanked the state government for its support to immigration personnel, particularly those deployed to border areas, and explained that her visit was to commiserate with officers and men of the Service, as well as the people of Kebbi State, over the tragic incident. 

    She also said she was in the state to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the destroyed facilities.

    The Deputy Governor, in his response, condoled with the Service and assured that the administration of Governor Nasir Idris would continue to prioritise security. He added that the state would ensure that those responsible for the attack are brought to justice.

    The Comptroller General and her delegation later visited the Emir of Gwandu, Maj.-Gen. (Dr.) Muhammed Ilyasu Bashir (retd.), at his palace. 

    Nandap commended the Emir for his leadership, describing the traditional institution as a vital bridge between government and the people. The Emir thanked her for the visit and prayed against a recurrence of such attacks.

    As part of the visit, Nandap held a strategic meeting with comptrollers and border commanders. 

    She charged them on the need to be on high alert on their primary responsibilities.

    On Thursday, December 4, at about 11 a.m., the Comptroller General visited the Bakin Ruwa checkpoint for an on-the-spot assessment. She inspected the damage and received a briefing from officers on the ground.

    Nandap addressed personnel at the checkpoint, assuring them of the Service’s full support. She also met community leaders who had gathered at the site, urging them to continue cooperating with security agencies in tackling banditry.

    Read Also: Play-Offs:  NFF tips Super Eagles to subdue Panthers  after pay dispute

    Speaking to journalists, she said the Federal Government and the Minister of Interior had been fully briefed on the incident and were committed to providing necessary assistance and logistics to strengthen border security.

    “I’m here to visit the scene of the incident that occurred where we lost three officers. My presence here is also to underscore the fact that what happened is very disturbing. It’s also to let Nigerians know the Nigeria Immigration service and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu take the welfare and safety of our officers very seriously. And also to assess the damage, and more importantly to meet with the officers on ground. It’s to also let the officers know that their safety & welfare is priority for myself, the minister of interior, and indeed the federal government of Nigeria. I have also come to engage the community leaders and let them know that we need their support to strengthen our operational response. I’ve also considered it needful to make it clear that what happened was not just an assault on NIS, it’s an assault on Nigeria’s sovereignty, legal border governance and the collective security of this nation. 

    “And we will not take it likely. We will make sure that the perpetrators of this act are brought to book. I want to thank the kebbi state governor for his continued support for the service. And to the families of our lost officers, we want to let them know that the service and federal government is solidly behind them and will do the needfuls to support them. In NIS, I want to Reaffirm that we remain undaunted. And will continue to defend our borders and the sovereignty of our country. Our determination is now renewed to keep our borders safe in service to our nation. I know that we have the support of the minister for interior, National security adviser and the president to get more needed facilities to deliver on our job”.

    She added that the attack would not deter the Service from fulfilling its mandate of protecting Nigeria’s borders.

  • Ondo Amotekun rescues four kidnap victims after forest shootout

    Ondo Amotekun rescues four kidnap victims after forest shootout

    • …bus driver shot dead, one hospitalised 

    Operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, known as the Amotekun Corps, engaged suspected armed bandits in a fierce gun battle inside a forest in Ondo State, successfully rescuing four kidnapped victims.

    The state Amotekun Commander, Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed this on Thursday while presenting five suspects arrested for various crimes, including kidnapping and fraud, at the agency’s headquarters in Akure.

    Adeleye explained that the shootout occurred after the suspected bandits attacked a passenger bus, killing the driver and abducting five passengers.

    “The local security agency was alerted by a distress call reporting heavy gunfire in a forested area. This prompted the deployment of a rapid response team to rescue the abducted passenger. 

    Read Also: Play-Offs:  NFF tips Super Eagles to subdue Panthers  after pay dispute

    “On entering the forest, our men came under heavy attack. At the end of the operation, we successfully rescued four of the five kidnapped passengers, though the bus driver was shot dead when the attackers tried to stop the vehicle,” he said. 

    The Amotekun boss added that the rescue operation lasted over three hours, with operatives combing the forest.

    He revealed that among those rescued were three women and the bus conductor. 

    “One of the women, who had been shot by the attackers prior to Amotekun’s arrival, was stabilized at the corps’ health facility.

    “Two of the suspected kidnappers, who allegedly fired at officers and killed the bus driver, were arrested during the operation,” he further added. 

    In a related development, Amotekun boss said his men also foiled an attempted abduction of a female Correctional Service Officer. 

    According to him, the suspects had posed as visitors assisting inmates before attempting to kidnap her. 

    “The officer escaped by raising an alarm near the Amotekun outpost at Cathedral Junction, where operatives rescued her and apprehended the suspects.”

    However, he said the 5th suspect paraded was accused of defrauding his employer of N77.2 million, attempting to sell her property, and issuing death threats.

    Commending the efforts of his men, Adeleye said the arrests resulted from multiple operations conducted over the past 48 hours under Operation Le Won Jade, supported by border patrol teams and the ongoing 24/7 ember-month security watch.

    “There is no hiding place for criminals, bandits, or kidnappers in Ondo State,” the commander reiterated.

    He added that Amotekun, in collaboration with the military, police, DSS, civil defence, vigilantes, and local hunters, has intensified regional security coordination.

    Adeleye, however, assured residents that major roads, communities, and public spaces across the Southwest are being reinforced to ensure a crime-free environment.

  • Oba of Benin bars funeral rites during Igue festival

    Oba of Benin bars funeral rites during Igue festival

    The Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, Oba of Benin, has barred funeral rites in the kingdom during the celebration of Ugie festival.

    Ugie festival, according to Secretary, Benin Traditional Council, Frank Irabor, will commence on December 14, with the Ugierhoba rite.

    The statement said the barring of funeral rites was in line with the ancient tradition.

    Read Also: Tinubu, First Lady, Shetimma, hail PFN at 40

    It said the Otue Igue Oba ceremony would hold on December 16, followed by the Ugie-Emobo traditional rite.

    The statement said the festival would climax with a worship by the Oba of Benin at the Holy Aruosa Cathedral.

  • Four killed as vigilante–youth clash sparks unrest in Delta community

    Four killed as vigilante–youth clash sparks unrest in Delta community

    Tension engulfed the Elume community in Sapele Local Government Area on Sunday after a violent confrontation left four people dead, several others injured, and parts of a hotel set ablaze.

    The incident reportedly began around 1:30 a.m. when four hotel lodgers stepped outside their rooms to get fresh air after a power outage.

    Witnesses said a vigilante operative, allegedly intoxicated, confronted the men and ordered them back inside.

    The lodgers insisted the room was too hot and requested that electricity be restored first.

    According to witnesses, the argument escalated when the vigilante officer attempted to use force, pushing one of the men and threatening to shoot.

    He allegedly deployed tear gas before opening fire, shooting one of the youths in the face at close range. The victim, rushed to the hospital, died Monday morning.

    Community members claimed the vigilante officer had a questionable history. News of the young man’s death triggered widespread anger, prompting his friends and youths from the Ibada community to storm the vigilante base in search of the suspect, who had already fled.

    Read Also: NBM of Africa renovates school, donates learning materials to pupils in Delta community

    A confrontation ensued between the youths, vigilante operatives, and accompanying police officers. During the clash, the vigilante commander and his team reportedly opened fire, killing two more people, including a 15-year-old boy and a close friend of the first victim.

    The situation quickly spiralled, with enraged youths setting parts of the hotel ablaze.

    The arrival of soldiers eventually restored order after they appealed for calm and assured the community that all those involved, vigilante members and police officers present, would face justice.

    Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the deaths via SMS, noting that the suspects were currently at large.

  • Group hails FG’s renewed efforts at tackling insecurity, Gen Musa’s appointment

    Group hails FG’s renewed efforts at tackling insecurity, Gen Musa’s appointment

    A justice sector reform advocacy group, the Centre for Socio-Legal Studies (CSLS), has hailed the renewed efforts of the federal government to address the nation’s security challenge, which has begun to yield results.

    The group commended the decision by President Bola Tinubu to the immediate past Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Christopher Musa, as Minister of Defence, and the planned recruitment of security personnel as part of efforts to end insecurity.

    Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, CSLS’ president, Prof. Yemi Akinseye-George (SAN), said such efforts should be supported with capacity building for law enforcement personnel to enable them to devise ways of preventing attacks rather than responding or reacting after attacks have taken place.

    Prof. Akinseye-George spoke while addressing the opening session of a two-day capacity-building workshop on “the model practice direction on the implementation of the National Minimum Standards (NMS) for the effective implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) and Administration of Criminal Justice Laws (ACJLs).

    He said, “I cannot conclude without expressing support for some of the concrete actions of the government aimed at improving the security situation in the country.

    “The appointment of more competent professionals to man the security sector is notable. We also note with delight the planned recruitment of more personnel for the police and proactive actions being taken by the military to address rising cases of banditry and violent extremism.

    “However, it is important to build the capacity of the law enforcement personnel and the military to prevent attacks rather than merely responding or reacting after attacks have happened.

    “The capacity of the personnel must be strengthened so that they are able to go after the subversive elements who are hiding in the forests and other places only to come out and launch deadly attacks,” he said.

    Prof. Akinseye-George added that, beyond military operations, governments at all levels must ensure the provision of economic opportunities for militants, bandits, and insurgents who are willing to abandon the life of criminality.

    Such efforts, he said, must involve the provision of free and compulsory secondary education for all children and young people from all over the country.

    The CSLS’ President said the two-day workshop is intended to afford participants the opportunity to take a closer look at the proposed Model Practice Direction, which was developed through the collaborative efforts of stakeholders across the federation with the goal of filling gaps in the ACJA & ACJLs of the various states.

    Read Also: FULL PROFILE: Meet Minister of Defense-designate, General Christopher Musa

    Prof. Akinseye-George noted that the Model Practice Direction equips judges and magistrates with powerful tools such as active case management, time-bound remand review, virtual hearings where appropriate, technology-driven record keeping, clearer standards for bail, and periodic audit of awaiting-trial cases, among others.

    He said, “As we engage in today’s sessions, I urge each of you to see yourselves not merely as interpreters of orders but as architects of justice reform.

    “Your leadership, discipline, empathy, and willingness to innovate will determine how far these reforms travel into the daily lives of Nigerians,” Prof. Akinseye-George said.

    He expressed concern about the surge in the number of street children in Abuja and urged the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to quickly address the issue.

    He said, “The phenomenon of street children, which appears to be rising in Abuja, must be addressed with urgency.

    “We appeal to the Minister of the FCT to apply his proactive approach to project improvement to address the problem of street children in the FCT.”

  • 2,000 elders benefit from Tunji-Ojo’s free medical outreach in Ondo, rally support for Tinubu

    2,000 elders benefit from Tunji-Ojo’s free medical outreach in Ondo, rally support for Tinubu

    No fewer than 2,000 elderly persons in Ondo State have benefited from a free medical outreach sponsored by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s healthcare intervention and grassroots engagement initiative ahead of the 2027 election.

    The outreach, which largely targeted senior citizens within the All Progressives Congress (APC), provided essential services including eye examinations, blood pressure and sugar checks, diabetes screening, basic treatments, and free medications—further boosting the ruling party’s presence among its core support base.

    Speaking at the event on Thursday, the leader of the PBAT Mandate Elders Forum, Erastus Akeju, described the exercise as both a humanitarian effort and a strategic intervention to reinforce support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid.

    Akeju said the initiative was designed to bring healthcare closer to the people, especially at a time when many elderly citizens are struggling with economic hardship. He revealed that the programme aims to reach “at least 2,000 elderly residents in each senatorial district,” noting that it followed extensive planning within the elders’ forum.

    He commended Tunji-Ojo for his “unwavering political loyalty and commitment to the welfare of the people,” saying the minister’s interventions are crucial to consolidating the APC’s grassroots structure. The party stalwarts also described the medical outreach as a reflection of the minister’s humanitarian disposition and steadfast support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid.

    “Our elders are the foundation upon which our victories stand. Their sacrifices, wisdom, and endurance shaped our journey. It is therefore both a moral duty and a political responsibility to prioritise their health and dignity,” he said.

    The Secretary of the PBAT Mandate Elders Forum, Chief Ebenezer Alabi, noted that many elderly APC members had long neglected their health due to economic challenges, adding that the outreach renewed hope among the party’s senior supporters.

    He said a monitoring team had been constituted to ensure effective and transparent implementation.

    Earlier, the programme facilitator, Hon. Ademola Ijabiyi, urged beneficiaries to appreciate Tunji-Ojo’s continued support, citing the minister’s facilitation of jobs, assistance for monthly elders’ meetings, and various development initiatives across Ondo State.

    Read Also: Rivers APC lauds Tunji-Ojo for promoting 75,202 paramilitary officers

    Ijabiyi cited the monthly elders’ meetings and job opportunities facilitated by the minister and various development projects across Ondo state as evidence of his commitment to humanity.

    Also speaking, APC chieftain and National Chairman, Senior Citizen Centre, Abuja, Chief Ade Ayeni, noted that opinion leaders under his coordination had been working tirelessly to mobilize support for the APC, particularly towards securing President Tinubu’s reelection.

    A guest lecturer at the event, Dr. (Mrs.) Joy Eloho-Orji of the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, educated participants on healthy living in old age, stressing that ageing is a natural transition rather than a disease.

    She also advised elders on domestic safety precautions and urged political leaders to prioritise regular medical check-ups, including blood pressure and prostate screening.

    Dr. Orji further encouraged adherence to prescribed medications, adequate sleep, and avoidance of smoking and alcohol.

  • Ondo APC endorses Tinubu for 2027, moves to digitise membership register

    Ondo APC endorses Tinubu for 2027, moves to digitise membership register

    The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State has declared its support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    The endorsement was announced on Thursday during a meeting of the party’s State Executive Committee (SEC), chaired by Ade Adetimehin, in Akure, the state capital.

    The decision followed a motion moved by the State Central Senatorial Chairman, Hon. Festus Aregbesola, and seconded by the APC Chairman in Ose Local Government, Chief Victor Tenabe.

    Adetimehin said the SEC carefully reviewed Tinubu’s economic reforms and expressed satisfaction with the administration’s efforts in stabilising the country, especially in tackling security challenges.

    “The chapter further charged its members to commit sincerely to the Renewed Hope Agenda project of President Bola Tinubu so that the state could deliver the highest percentage of votes during the election,” he said.

    He recalled that Ondo, also known as the Sunshine State, delivered one of the highest voting percentages for the Tinubu/Shettima ticket in the 2023 elections.

    Adetimehin added that the APC remains the dominant political party in the state, with several members of opposition parties defecting to the ruling party due to the performances of President Tinubu and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

    In a related development, the party has concluded plans to authenticate and harmonise its membership register across the state through an electronic process.

    This was disclosed in a statement issued by the party’s spokesman, Alex Kalejaiye.

    Read Also: Ondo APC leaders vow to mobilise massive support for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid

    According to the statement, the SEC meeting – also presided over by Adetimehin – deliberated extensively on the need for secure and permanent membership records.

    “Adetimehin explained that the exercise would provide both the National and State offices the opportunity to obtain accurate and authentic membership records,” the statement read.

    Party leaders at the local government and ward levels were urged to give the exercise top priority.

    The SEC also resolved that 18 resource persons – one from each local government – would be trained to coordinate the process and further train ward-level officials.

    The digital registration is expected to commence with the enrolment of the state governor and leader of the party, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

    A committee led by the State Organising Secretary, Hon. Charles Fagbohunka, has been constituted to ensure speedy and hitch-free implementation of the exercise.