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  • Emergency on security: Tinubu okays State Police

    Emergency on security: Tinubu okays State Police

    • National Assembly to amend Law
    • Military, police to recruit more men

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday gave a nod to the establishment of state police as part of measures to combat rising insurgency and banditry.

    “I call on the National Assembly to begin reviewing our laws to allow states that require state police to establish them,” he said in a statement he personally issued.

    The President, who declared a nationwide security emergency in response to the wave of violent attacks, directed the military and the police to embark on massive recruitment of personnel in readiness for a reinvigorated onslaught against terror.

    The President also ordered the activation of forest guards and tighter security measures for all vulnerable areas.

    Although state police has been on the front burner of constitutional amendment, some states and other individuals have urged caution, saying that the structure could be abused by heads of sub-national units.

    Currently, each of the five Southwest states of Lagos, Oyo, Ondo, Ogun, and Ekiti operates a security outfit, especially Amotekun, in response to the mounting security challenges.

    Lagos, which pioneered the idea of a security trust fund, also funds an outfit, neighbourhood watch, to complement the police.

    In the Southeast, Ebube Agu was mooted by the governors of Anambra, Imo, Abia, Enugu and Ebonyi.

    In the North, many state governments have set up the civilian Joint Task Force for the maintenance of law and order.

    Yesterday, governors from the Southwest, Southeast and Southsouth met in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, to brainstorm on strategies for strengthening the apparatus in their domains.

    They said in their communique that state police is non-negotiable.

    Acknowledging the imperative of a decentralised policing structure, President Tinubu said the Federal Government would support the initiative at the state level.

    He said: “Our administration will support state governments which have set up security outfits to safeguard their people from the terrorists bent on disrupting our national peace.”

    President Tinubu said to strengthen the current federal police, “the police will recruit an additional 20,000 officers, bringing the total to 50,000.”

    He directed the police to use the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps as police training centres in response to the need to meet the requirements for an expanded capacity.

    President Tinubu also ordered that officers being withdrawn from Very Important Personalities (VIP) guard duties must undergo crash retraining.

    He said the goal of the exercise is to “debrief them and deliver more efficient police services when deployed to security-challenged areas of the country.”

    The President said the Department of State Services (DSS) would be empowered to activate the forest security architecture.

    He said: “The DSS also has my authority to immediately deploy all the forest guards already trained to flush out the terrorists and bandits lurking in our forests.”

    He added: “There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil.”

    Describing the prevailing situation as“a national emergency,” the President said the Federal Government was responding by “deploying more boots on the ground, especially in security-challenged areas.”

    He appealed to citizens to play their part, saying: “The times require all hands on deck. As Nigerians, we should all get involved in securing our nation.”

    President Tinubu commended security forces for the recent breakthroughs, including the rescue of abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi and the 38 worshippers seized in Kwara State.

    He said: “We will continue to sustain the efforts to rescue the remaining students of Catholic School in Niger State and other Nigerians still being held hostage.”

    To the security agencies, President Tinubu said: “I commend your courage and your sacrifice.

    “I charge you to remain resolute, to restore peace across all theatres of operation, and to uphold the highest standards of discipline and integrity.

    “There must be no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence.”

    He cautioned state governments against operating boarding schools in remote, unsecured areas, urging religious institutions to “constantly seek police and other security protection when they gather for prayers, especially in vulnerable areas.”

    The President reiterated his administration’s stance on resolving farmer-herder clashes, alluding to the establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development.

    He urged herder groups to abandon open grazing and embrace ranching, saying: “I call on all herder associations to take advantage of it, end open grazing and surrender illegal weapons. Ranching is now the path forward”.

    President Tinubu expressed sympathy to families affected by recent attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe and Kwara States.

    He also paid tribute to fallen soldiers, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.

    Read Also: Agriculture as tool for economic recovery

    The president added: “Those who want to test our resolve should never mistake our restraint for weakness.

    “This administration has the courage and determination to keep the country safe and ensure our citizens live in peace.”

    Emphasising the importance of surveillance and intelligence gathering, he said: “I urge you not to give in to fear and never succumb to despair…

    “Report suspicious activities. Cooperate with security agencies. We are in this fight together, and together we shall win.”

    State police non-negotiable, say Southern governors

    The Southern Governors’ Forum said state police is non-negotiable if Nigeria desires to effectively tackle banditry.

    The meeting was attended by Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Alex Otti (Abia),  Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Charles Soludo (Anambra) and Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo).

    Also there were Deputy Governors Kola Adewusi (Osun), Bayo Lawal (Oyo), Peter Odey (Cross River) and Dennis Idahosa (Edo).

    Abiodun, who welcomed the governors, said the abduction of worshippers in Kwara State, school children in Kebbi State and Catholic school pupils in Niger State reinforced the urgency of a decentralised policing system.

    He said state police would enable the states to take responsibility for safeguarding their citizens and residents.

    Abiodun said a unified Southern position on state police would not only enhance intelligence gathering and early-warning capabilities but also strengthen the region’s ability to secure schools, farmlands, border communities, and critical infrastructure.

    He recalled that the South has consistently advocated for a security system that is closer to the people and more responsive to local realities, and better equipped to address the rapidly evolving threats.

    Abiodun said the speed at which insecurity spreads also shows that geography is no longer a guarantee of safety.

    He stressed that, given the dense populations, major industrial corridors, seaports, airports, and strategic highways, the Southern region faces unique exposure to security risks from non-state actors.

    He said the time had come for a shift from a mindset of assumed safety to one defined by structured, preventive, and deliberate security planning.

    Abiodun urged Southern Nigeria to adopt a proactive and integrated security framework anchored on intelligence-sharing, border protection, safe-school systems, corridor surveillance, and strong community participation.

    He said the gathering would provide a critical opportunity to strengthen the region’s collective resolve, deepen cooperation, and act decisively to protect its people and maintain national cohesion.

    He urged the forum to reaffirm its support for state police as each participating state has submitted individual positions on the subject.

    Abiodun added: “A real-time digital security and intelligence-sharing platform linking all Southern states will ensure seamless communication and rapid threat alerts.

    “A comprehensive safe school programme must be established to protect educational institutions, particularly in vulnerable locations.

    “Joint audits of major transport corridors – road, rail, and maritime – will help identify weak points and inform the deployment of sentinel units and rapid response teams.

    “Community, private security partnerships should be strengthened to bring together local vigilance groups, youth teams, private security firms, and formal security agencies within one coordinated ecosystem.

    “A dedicated regional rapid response fund will also be essential for emergency deployments, rescue operations, forensic support, and inter-state training.

    “At the state level, measures such as mandatory documentation of foreign nationals, dismantling unlawful enclaves, regulating scavenger activities, intensified forest operations, and a crackdown on illegal mining must be pursued with renewed vigour.”

  • Ex-DSS DG, ex-NIA boss, envoy tipped as ambassadors

    Ex-DSS DG, ex-NIA boss, envoy tipped as ambassadors

    Three top public officials have been nominated as Ambassadors by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    They are the first set of individuals to be tipped to lead Nigeria’s Missions abroad by the Tinubu’s administration.

    Those recommended for screening and clearance by the Senate are: Ambassadors Ayodele Oke and Amin Mohammed Dalhatu. Also on the list is former Head of the Secret Service, Lateef Kayode Are.

    The President nominated the three seasoned security and diplomatic figures to represent Nigeria in the United States (U.S.); the United Kingdom (UK) and France, a post by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said yesterday.

    Read Also: Dangote Cement tops tax compliance chart

    Ambassador Dalhatu, one of the nominees, previously served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to South Korea duringr the administration the late President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Dalhatu, who was appointed in 2016, completed a tenure marked by strengthened bilateral cooperation between Abuja and Seoul.

    Ambassador Oke, a graduate of Emory University in Atlanta, served as Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).

    He earlier represented Nigeria at the Secretariat of the Commonwealth of Nations in London and is widely regarded for his extensive diplomatic and intelligence background.

    A technical committee rated him the best among those considered for ministerial posting during the Buhari Administration. The committee considered his impeccable pedigree on international relations.

    But before the name was announced, a former Oyo State governor rushed to the Presidency and engineered the removal of his name and replaced it with his own stooge.

    Col. Are will be bringing decades of national security experience to the diplomatic corps, having served as Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS) from 1999 to 2007 and later as National Security Adviser (NSA) in 2010.

    The former officer in the Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI), graduated with First Class Honours in Psychology from the University of Ibadan in 1980.

    The three nominees are expected to play strategic roles in strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic presence in key global capitals once their postings have been finalised after Senate confirmation.

  • Senate seeks review of firearm law to allow citizens own guns

    Senate seeks review of firearm law to allow citizens own guns

    • Barau rallies states, citizens behind Tinubu’s push to defeat insecurity

    A resolution urging the Federal Government to review the firearm laws to allow responsible citizens to own guns was yesterday passed by the Senate.

    The Red Chamber’s decision was triggered by the escalating insecurity in Kwara, Kebbi and Niger states.

    The resolution followed consideration and adoption of a motion titled: “Urgent need to address escalating insecurity in Kwara, Kebbi and Niger States.”

    In his lead debate, Deputy Senate Leader Senator Lola Ashiru (APC, Kwara South), who sponsored the motion, highlighted recent attacks on schools, worship centres, and rural communities.

    He noted the November 18 attack on Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, where two worshippers were killed and 38 others abducted.

    The worshippers were released on Sunday.

    In their contributions, senators urged immediate action to curb the rising wave of banditry, kidnapping and violent crimes.

    They warned that mass school abductions and persistent raids have forced closures of schools, including 47 unity schools, disrupting the education of thousands of children.

    The lawmakers commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for cancelling foreign trips to coordinate security responses, which led to the release of 38 abductees in Kwara and the 24 Kebbi schoolgirls.

    The Senate also called on communities in the affected states and across Nigeria to remain vigilant, united and supportive of security agencies while resisting internal collaborators who undermine national safety.

    According to the senators, the firearm laws should reflect current security challenges, similar to over 175 countries where responsible citizens are permitted to legally own guns.

    Expressing concern over the worsening insecurity across the land, they urged the executive to act decisively against terrorists, bandits and kidnappers, who continue to unleash terror on communities.

    The lawmakers insisted that internal sabotage within security agencies must be investigated without delay.

    Read Also: North’s insecurity, other challenges surmountable – Deputy Senate President

    Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South) raised the alarm over alleged security failures, citing Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris’ revelation that troops were withdrawn from a community shortly before 24 schoolgirls were abducted from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga.

     “What Nigerians want to know is — who ordered the withdrawal?” Abaribe queried.

    “If I were the President, I would summon the commander immediately. Someone must account for that decision.”

    Adams Oshiomhole, who hailed Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening the armed forces, warned that Nigeria must adopt fresh strategies.

    He also demanded the disclosure of the identity of the officer who authorised the withdrawal of troops from the attacked Kebbi school.

    Oshiomhole said: “Nigerians are entitled to know who issued that order. The President is doing his best, but we must do things differently.”

    Henry Seriake Dickson lamented the killing of Brig.-Gen. Musa Uba by terrorists, describing it as evidence of internal compromise within security operations.

    “It is not ordinary to lose a Brigadier-General. Our country is losing prestige, and public trust in military operations is declining.”

    Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, urged swift reforms of Nigeria security architecture, warning that time was running out.

    “Yes, we are relieved that 38 abducted victims from Kwara have been rescued, but we are not celebrating — the kidnappers are still roaming free,” Bamidele said.

    He added that the Senate must also review and reposition its Committee on Security and Intelligence for greater effectiveness.

    Bamidele rejected suggestions that the National Assembly should shut down to signal seriousness, saying such an action would amount to abandoning responsibility.

    “This is no time for theatrics. Lives are at stake,” the Senate leader said.

    Barau drums up support for Tinubu

    Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau commended the President’s decisive and sustained efforts toward curbing insecurity. He urged states, corporate bodies and citizens to actively support the ongoing fight.

    Barau argued that the security challenges are not the responsibility of the Federal Government alone and require collective action to achieve lasting results.

    He said: “Mr. President is doing extremely well. All his efforts should be complemented by all Nigerians – state governments, private organisations, even ordinary citizens.

    “This is an issue for every Nigerian to admit and confront. With the trend and effort the President is putting in, we shall surmount this problem.”

    He particularly called on state governments to invest in surveillance infrastructure, intelligence channels and operational logistics to support federal security agencies.

    According to him, insecurity can be defeated faster if every state builds systems to monitor forests and communities within their jurisdiction.

    Barau said: “State governments should help with necessary hardware and surveillance. If each state creates facilities to monitor activities in forests and local areas, the military can respond more effectively.

    “When this is replicated nationwide, the results will come quickly.”

    Describing Tinubu as “a leader working daily to secure the country,” Barau referenced the President’s decision to shelve his trip to South Africa for the G20 Summit to focus on national security – an action he said contributed to the recent rescue of abducted victims in Kebbi State.

    “The President is serious about ending insecurity. He inherited this problem, but he is committed, and with collective support, this challenge will be addressed in a short time,” he added.

    On the Senate’s resolutions regarding national security, Barau said the leadership of the Senate would meet with the President to convey the urgency of the decisions taken.

    He expressed confidence that Tinubu would give full attention to the recommendations.

    Barau also weighed in on renewed calls for state police, stating that the priority should be funding, training and equipping security personnel rather than the label attached to the structure.

    “It is not about the nomenclature. Even the federal police need better training and funding – which the President has begun addressing. What matters is capacity, not just naming.” he said.

  • BREAKING: Tinubu declares nationwide security emergency, orders massive recruitment into army, police

    BREAKING: Tinubu declares nationwide security emergency, orders massive recruitment into army, police

    …says ‘there will be no more hiding places for agents of evil’

    …tasks herders to abandon open grazing, embrace ranching, surrender arms 

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday declared a nationwide security emergency in response to the wave of violent attacks across parts of the country, announcing sweeping directives for expanded recruitment into the Armed Forces and Police, the activation of forest guards, and tighter security measures for all vulnerable areas.

    In a statement personally he issued, President Tinubu said, “Today, in view of the emerging security situation, I have decided to declare a nationwide security emergency and order additional recruitment into the Armed Forces.”

    By this order, he said both the police and the army had been authorised to recruit more operatives, saying, “The police will recruit an additional 20,000 officers, bringing the total to 50,000.”

    The president also directed that the police could now use National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps as training depots, noting that although he had previously approved the upgrade of police training institutions, the new security reality required immediate expansion of capacity.

    He further ordered that officers being withdrawn from VIP guard duties must undergo crash retraining. 

    According to him, the exercise is to “debrief them and deliver more efficient police services when deployed to security-challenged areas of the country.”

    Tinubu also empowered the Department of State Services (DSS) to activate fully the forest security architecture. 

    “The DSS also has my authority to immediately deploy all the forest guards already trained to flush out the terrorists and bandits lurking in our forests,” he said, adding that the agency had his directive to recruit additional personnel. 

    “There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil”, the President said.

    Calling the situation “a national emergency,” the President said the federal government was responding by “deploying more boots on the ground, especially in security-challenged areas.” 

    He appealed to citizens to play their part, saying “the times require all hands on deck. As Nigerians, we should all get involved in securing our nation.”

    President Tinubu commended security forces for recent breakthroughs, including the rescue of abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi and the 38 worshippers seized in Kwara State. 

    “We will continue to sustain the efforts to rescue the remaining students of Catholic School in Niger State and other Nigerians still being held hostage,” he assured.

    To military personnel across the country, he delivered a firm charge, saying “I commend your courage and your sacrifice… I charge you to remain resolute, to restore peace across all theatres of operation, and to uphold the highest standards of discipline and integrity. There must be no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence.” 

    He added that his administration would support them fully to succeed.

    Tinubu also pledged federal support to states with existing security outfits and urged the National Assembly to begin a legislative review to allow states that require state police to establish them.

    He cautioned state governments against operating boarding schools in remote, unsecured areas, and advised religious institutions to “constantly seek police and other security protection when they gather for prayers, especially in vulnerable areas.”

    The President reiterated his administration’s stance on resolving farmer-herder clashes, pointing to the establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development. 

    He urged herder groups to abandon open grazing and embrace ranching, saying “I call on all herder associations to take advantage of it, end open grazing and surrender illegal weapons. Ranching is now the path forward”.

    Tinubu expressed sympathy to families affected by recent attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe and Kwara States. 

    He also paid tribute to fallen soldiers, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba. 

    “Those who want to test our resolve should never mistake our restraint for weakness. This administration has the courage and determination to keep the country safe and ensure our citizens live in peace”, he warned.

    In a rallying call to Nigerians, the President urged unity and vigilance, saying “I urge you not to give in to fear and never succumb to despair… Report suspicious activities. Cooperate with security agencies. We are in this fight together, and together we shall win.”

  • FULL PROFILES: Meet ambassadors nominated by Tinubu for U.S, UK, France

    FULL PROFILES: Meet ambassadors nominated by Tinubu for U.S, UK, France

    President Bola Tinubu has asked the Senate to confirm the appointment of three non-career ambassadors. 

    This is coming nearly two years after Tinubu recalled all Nigerian ambassadors, both career and non‑career, in September 2023.  

    The nominees are Kayode Are of Ogun state, Aminu Dalhatu of Jigawa state, and Ayodele Oke of Oyo state.

    Here’s what you need to know about the nominees:

    AYODELE OKE, AMBASSADOR-DESIGNATE

    State of Origin: Oyo State  

    Status: Retired Career Diplomat & Former Director General, National Intelligence Agency (NIA)  

    Professional Summary:  

    Distinguished career diplomat with over three decades of service in Nigeria’s foreign affairs and intelligence sectors. Expertise in international relations, multilateral diplomacy, and national security. Served as Nigeria’s top intelligence chief from 2013 to 2017, overseeing covert operations and foreign intelligence. 

    Key Appointments  

    Director General, National Intelligence Agency (NIA) Federal Republic of Nigeria  

    November 2013 – October 2017  

    – Appointed by President Goodluck Jonathan; oversaw Nigeria’s external intelligence operations, including counter-terrorism and strategic intelligence gathering.  

    – Ambassador to the Commonwealth Secretariat London, United Kingdom  

    c. 2005 – c. 2009.

    – Represented Nigeria in multilateral engagements with the Commonwealth of Nations, advancing diplomatic, economic, and governance initiatives.  

    – Contributed to high-level policy dialogues and bilateral relations within the 56-member organization.  

    Director (Regions), National Intelligence Agency (NIA) Headquarters, Abuja  

    – Managed regional intelligence coordination and operations across Africa and beyond.  

    Earlier Diplomatic Career  

    – Joined the Nigerian Foreign Service as a career diplomat

    – Served in various diplomatic postings and roles within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, focusing on international relations and consular affairs

    LATEEF KAYODE ARE, AMBASSADOR-DESIGNATE

    Year of Birth: 1955  

    Status: Retired Nigerian Army Colonel & Former Director General, State Security Service  

    Education:  

    – Master’s Degree in International Law and Diplomacy – University of Lagos, Nigeria – 1987  

    – B.Sc. (First Class Honours) Psychology – University of Ibadan, Nigeria – 1980 – (Best graduating student: University Senate Prize, Faculty of Social Sciences Prize, Department of Psychology Prize)  

    – Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Regular Combatant Course 12 – Commissioned 2nd Lieutenant, Nigerian Army – December 1974 (Among top 10 cadets)  

    Military Career: 

    – Commissioned 2nd Lieutenant, Nigerian Army – 1974  

    – Intelligence Officer, Directorate of Military Intelligence  

    – Promoted to Colonel  

    – Compulsory retirement from Nigerian Army – 1993  

    Senior National Security Appointments:

    Director General, State Security Service (SSS) May 1999 – August 2007  

    (Longest-serving DG SSS in Nigerian history; served under Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Umaru Yar’Adua)  

    Deputy National Security Adviser, Federal Republic of Nigeria  

    April 2010 – c. 2010/2011  

    Acting National Security Adviser  

    18 September 2010 – 4 October 2010  

    (Interim appointment following resignation of Gen. Aliyu Mohammed Gusau)  

    Professional profile summary:   

    Retired intelligence and national security expert with over 33 years of combined military and civilian intelligence service, including eight consecutive years as head of Nigeria’s domestic intelligence agency.

    AMIN MUHAMMAD DALHATU, AMBASSADOR-DESIGNATE

    State of Origin: Jigawa State  

    Status: Career Diplomat & Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria  

    Professional Summary:   

    Seasoned Nigerian diplomat with extensive experience in international relations and bilateral diplomacy. Served as Ambassador to the Republic of Korea (South Korea), fostering economic, cultural, and political ties between Nigeria and host nations.

    Key appointments  

    Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Korea (South Korea) Embassy of Nigeria, Seoul  

    c. 2017 – c. 2023  

    – Presented Letters of Credence in September 2017 under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.  

    – Oversaw diplomatic operations, consular services, and promotion of Nigeria-Korea relations, including trade, investment, and cultural exchanges.  

    Earlier Diplomatic Career  

    – Career diplomat in the Nigerian Foreign Service, with prior postings and roles in international diplomacy 

    – Contributed to Nigeria’s foreign policy implementation across various capacities within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  

    – Advanced diplomatic training and qualifications through the Nigerian Foreign Service.

  • JUST IN: Tinubu nominates ambassadors for U.S, UK, France

    JUST IN: Tinubu nominates ambassadors for U.S, UK, France

    President Bola Tinubu has asked the Senate to confirm the appointment of three non-career ambassadors. 

    This is coming nearly two years after Tinubu recalled all Nigerian ambassadors, both career and non‑career, in September 2023.  

    Tinubu made the request in a letter addressed to the Senate and read on Wednesday, November 26 by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

    Tinubu said the nominations were made in accordance with section 171 (1), (2)(c) and (4) of the 1999 constitution (as amended).

    He urged the senate to “consider and confirm the appointments expeditiously”.

    The letter was referred to the senate committee on foreign affairs, which has been directed to report back within one week.

    The nominees are Kayode Are of Ogun state, Aminu Dalhatu of Jigawa state, and Ayodele Oke of Oyo state.

    Tinubu, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, said: “President Tinubu has nominated non-career ambassadors for three countries: the United States, the United Kingdom, and France. 

    “The postings will be finalised following Senate screening. The three nominees are Ambassador Ayodele Oke, Retired Colonel Lateef Kayode Are, and Ambassador Amin Mohammed Dalhatu.

    “Ambassador Amin Mohammed Dalhatu previously served as Nigeria’s ambassador to South Korea during President Buhari’s administration, having been first appointed in 2016.

    “Ambassador Ayodele Oke, an alumnus of Emory University in Atlanta, is a former Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and previously served as Nigeria’s ambassador to the Secretariat of the Commonwealth of Nations in London.

    “Retired Colonel Lateef Kayode Are was Director General of the State Security Service (SSS) from 1999 to 2007, served as National Security Adviser in 2010, and was an officer in the Directorate of Military Intelligence. He graduated with First Class Honours in Psychology from the University of Ibadan in 1980.”

  • Property destroyed as fire guts Nnewi factory 

    Property destroyed as fire guts Nnewi factory 

    Property worth millions were on Wednesday morning gutted by fire in a factory in Nnewichi, Nnewi North local government area of Anambra state.

    The inferno said to have destroyed mostly tissue papers and baby clothings, including diapers (pampers) started around 5.30am.

    A resident of the area Obinna Okoye said the fire took them by surprise as they were still fast asleep when the incident occured.

    He however said fire fighters were on ground to battle the fire.

    “The fire service men are still trying to quench the fire. You know how inflammable pampers and tissue papers can be,” he added.

    Confirming the incident, Commander of Fire Service in charge of Nnewi zone, F Jerry said the fire had been brought under control.

    He however said no casualties were recorded, while the cause of the fire was yet to be ascertained.

  • President orders 24-hour aerial watch over Kwara, Kebbi forests

    President orders 24-hour aerial watch over Kwara, Kebbi forests

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday ordered a 24-hour aerial surveillance on forests in Kwara, Kebbi and some parts of Niger State in a renewed offensive against insurgency and banditry in the troubled Northcentral and Northeast zones. 

    He ordered a full scale cordon by soldiers who were mandated to displace the terrorists and halt the violence being perpetuated by the abductors.

    The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, disclosed the presidential directive on his verified X handle, @SundayDareSD.

    He said the President had mandated the Nigerian Air Force to expand air surveillance “across the innermost parts of the forests” where criminal groups are believed to be hiding.

    In compliance with the directive, the Air Force is to maintain an uninterrupted 24-hour aerial watch over the troubled zones and synchronise operations with ground troops already deployed for rescue missions and counter-terrorism actions.

    Dare said the same operational intensity is to be replicated along the Kebbi–Niger axis, where multiple rescue efforts are ongoing.

    READ ALSO; ‘How alleged terrorists’ negotiator, Mamu got N50million for his efforts,’ DSS official tells court

    The instruction comes amid a worrying escalation of insecurity in the Northcentral and Northwest regions, including last week’s mass abduction of worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State, and attacks in parts of Kebbi and Niger that have unleased tension.

    On Sunday, 38 abductees from Eruku in Kwara State were rescued while 51 Niger pupils were reunited with their parents.

    Also, kidnapped Kebbi students have regained freedom.

    But yesterday, bandits attacked Isapa in Kwara State, carting away 11 people, including a pregnant woman and children.

    President Tinubu, who has been receiving continuous updates from the frontline commanders, has directed all military and security formations to adopt an “all-out, no-retreat posture” until the perpetrators are neutralised and every abducted citizen is safely returned.

    Dare noted that the affected communities in the troubled states have also been urged to provide timely intelligence on unusual movements, gatherings or suspicious activities to support the intensified military offensive.

    Last week, the President ordered the withdrawal of police escorts from ‘Very Important Personalities (VIPs)’ to strengthen community-level policing, and the  reinforcement of joint operations in the North.

    Security analysts view the new full-spectrum cordon as an aggressive federal response to the rising wave of rural and peri-urban insecurity, signalling the administration’s determination to restore stability and send a clear warning to armed groups terrorising communities.

    Expectant woman,

    10 others abducted in Isapa

    Three days after the 30 abducted people from Eruku were rescued, bandits have kidnapped 11 people in the neighbourhood Isapa community.

    Among those kidnapped are a pregnant woman and some children.

    According to a community elder, the terrorists  fired sporadically as they advanced, forcing residents to flee for safety.

    He said: “11 people were kidnapped, seven of them from the same household. The victims include a pregnant woman, two nursing mothers and several young children”, he said.

    Eyewitnesses said the gunmen moved through sections of the town, leaving bullet holes in walls and doors.

    Expended AK-47 shells were later recovered from several points in the community after the attackers retreated with their captives.

    The Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, who confirmed the incident has visited the community for an on-the-spot assessment.

    A statement by the command’s spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi (DSP), said: “At about 6:30pm of the same date, the command received distress information on sporadic gunfire within the community.

    Swiftly responding, police operatives mobilized patrol vehicles and tactical teams to the scene.

    ”Preliminary findings revealed a group of armed men suspected to be herders invaded the village shooting sporadically.

    As a result, a woman sustained gunshot wound to her leg; she has since been treated and discharged. Further details from police operatives discovered that 10 persons were later abducted.”

    Ejire-Adeyemi added: “The CP met with the Onisapa of Isapaland, Oba Gbenga Adeyeye, and Olokesa of Okesaland, Oba Olu Fagbamila Raphael Olusegun, local and youth leaders; to assure residents of intensified operational efforts to rescue the victims safely and restore confidence in the area.

    ”A search-and-rescue operation is currently underway, involving police tactical teams and local vigilante groups, who are combing the surrounding bushes with the objective of rescuing the victims and apprehending the culprits.

    “Normalcy has been restored in the village, and the situation remains under strict monitoring.”

  • Tinubu relieved by freedom for 24 abducted Kebbi schoolgirls

    Tinubu relieved by freedom for 24 abducted Kebbi schoolgirls

    • Release facilitated through non-kinetic approach

    • Pupils to reunite with parents today

    The freedom for the 24 Kebbi schoolgirls yesterday, nine days after they were abducted by terrorists, has excited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The President directed security agencies to intensify operations to free all remaining victims still in captivity.

    The girls, taken away by force at dawn from their hostel in Maga, Kebbi State, got their freedom after days of coordinated search-and-rescue efforts, coordinated by Minister of Defence (State) Bello Mattawale.

    Their abduction sparked a wave of kidnappings in Eruku, Kwara State, where five worshippers were killed, and Papiri, Agwara Local Government in Niger State.

    All 38 worshippers abducted in Eruku were rescued on Sunday.

    On the same day, Niger State Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) announced that 50 of the abducted 315 pupils and members of staff of the Catholic School in Papiri, had returned home to their families.

    President Tinubu, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, lauded security operatives for “all the efforts made to secure freedom for all the victims taken away by the terrorists.”

    The President, however, urged the security forces not to relent, insisting that those still being held must be rescued without delay.

    “I am relieved that all the 24 girls have been accounted for. Now, we must put, as a matter of urgency, more boots on the ground in the vulnerable areas to avert further incidents of kidnapping. My government will offer all the assistance needed to achieve this,” President Tinubu said.

    The President reiterated his administration’s commitment to securing every community in the country.

    He assured citizens that the government would continue to strengthen counter-terrorism operations to prevent future attacks.

    Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, who visited Governor Idris yesterday, promised to battle banditry to a halt.

    Schoolgirls rescued after nine days in captivity

    Governor Nasir Idris, who announced the rescue of the abducted pupils, told reporters that they were being conveyed to the state capital, Birnin Kebbi, yesterday, for medical examination ahead of today’s handing over to their parents and guardians.

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    They are pupils of Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School in Maga, Danko Wasagu Local Government.

    The vice principal and watchman of the school were killed during the attack.

    The governor said: “We did not pay any ransom to anybody before they were rescued. We have to thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for making this possible.”

    He said their rescue was due to the marching order given by the President.

    “The girls were rescued in good time. We have to commend the security personnel who helped us to rescue our girls”, he said.

    The girls got freedom through a non-kinetic approach adopted by the Federal Government.

    National Security Adviser (ONSA) and Department of State Services (DSS) led the security team that facilitated release of the pupils.

    It was learnt that a non-kinetic approach involving dialogue, negotiation, and confidence-building measures, was adopted.

    The successful release of the pupils is a major relief for the affected families and the community.

    Girls rescued unharmed

    Governor Idris, who lauded President Tinubu for his efforts in the rescue process, told reporters that the girls were rescued unharmed.

    He said: “Let me seize this opportunity on behalf of the people of Kebbi State to commend President Bola Tinubu for his concern for Kebbi State.

    “Because since the abduction, Mr President has been up and doing to ensure that these girls are rescued unharmed.

    “Similarly, I want to thank the security agencies, comprising the military, police, DSS, Civil Defence and others for being alive to their responsibilities.”

    The governor noted with joy that the security agencies didn’t take Mr President’s order lightly since the abduction of the girls.

    He assured that the families of the affected victims were on their way to Birnin Kebbi, the state capital, for formal takeover of their children today.

    Idris also lauded the clerics and all other individuals who spent day and night praying for the safe return of the abducted schoolgirls.

  • BREAKING: Kidnapped Kebbi school girls freed

    BREAKING: Kidnapped Kebbi school girls freed

    The 24 students abducted by bandits from the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS) Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, have regained freedom.

    The girls regained freedom through a non-kinetic approach adopted by the Federal Government.

    A top government official confirmed this to The Nation. 

    He said the girls were yet to be handed over to their families. 

    The release of all the kidnapped victims was reportedly facilitated through coordinated efforts by officials from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Department of State Services (DSS).

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    The abduction of the students, followed by a similar one in Niger State, had drawn concerns at the national and international levels, and prompted a decisive operational order from the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-General, Waidi Shaibu, for troops to intensify efforts to rescue the students. 

    The successful release of the students is a major relief for the affected families and the community.

    The use of a non-kinetic approach, which involves dialogue, negotiation, and confidence-building measures, underscores the government’s shift toward resolving mass abduction crises through peaceful means.