Television Nigerian

AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the governor of Kwara State, greeted 23 kidnappees who had been freed by the Nigerian Army on Tuesday.

Following a well-planned military operation, the victims were let free and given to the governor at the 22 Armoured Brigade Headquarters in the state capital of Ilorin.

Governor AbdulRazaq commended the troops for their valor and dedication, stating that the victory demonstrated the security agencies’ renewed cooperation in the battle against kidnapping and banditry.

The governor remarked, “We thank God that you were all freed following the pressure from the security forces.” “We also thank the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their collaboration in achieving this success, as well as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support.”

The governor gave the rescued victims assurances about the government’s commitment to their complete recovery. “The release and presentation of 23 victims today makes us glad. The government will support them as they heal. The difficulties we encounter are fleeting. These criminals either leave Kwara or perish here, as stated by the GoC. This is a harmonious condition,” he continued.

In order to maintain calm and enable farmers to safely return to their farms, AbdulRazaq also announced intentions to deploy forest guards once the military completes its cleanup operations.

On Wednesday, October 29, 2025, the newly appointed Service Chiefs showed up at the National Assembly complex so the Senate could screen them.

Senior military officers were reportedly with the new service chiefs as they arrived at the National Assembly grounds at around ten in the morning.

On Tuesday, the Senate changed its original plan to hold the exercise next week and rescheduled the screening for Wednesday, October 29.

The screening came after Senate President Godswill Akpabio delivered a letter from President Bola Tinubu in plenary.

In order to maintain continuity in the country’s security coordination, Tinubu encouraged lawmakers to give the confirmation process prompt consideration in the letter.

According to Akpabio, the date change was required to enable the new military chiefs to take up their responsibilities right away.

The newly appointed Service Chiefs appeared at the National Assembly complex on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, in order to be screened by the Senate.

The new service chiefs reportedly arrived at the National Assembly grounds at around 10 in the morning accompanied by senior military officers.

The Senate postponed the screening for Wednesday, October 29, on Tuesday, abandoning its initial plan to undertake the exercise next week.

Following the delivery of a letter from President Bola Tinubu by Senate President Godswill Akpabio in plenary, the screening took place.

In the letter, Tinubu urged lawmakers to take the confirmation process seriously in order to preserve continuity in the nation’s security coordination.

According to Akpabio, the date adjustment was necessary so that the new military chiefs could begin their duties immediately.

After General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja passed away last year, General Oluyede, the new Chief of Defense Staff, was appointed Chief of Army Staff.

General Musa, who has served as CDS since June 2023 alongside Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla and Air Marshal Bala Abubakar, is replaced by Oluyede.

The departing service chiefs were in charge of significant operations in the North-East and North-West against armed bandits, ISWAP, and Boko Haram.

Despite some noteworthy achievements during their tenure, calls for new leadership and a shift in tactics grew as gunman attacks persisted across the nation.

The proposed law aiming to create a Legislative Security Directorate for the National Assembly has received strong support from State Houses of Assembly and a number of important parties. Some security organizations, such as the Nigeria Police Force, have expressed disapproval of certain provisions of the proposed legislation.

During a public hearing held on Tuesday by the House of Representatives Committee on Internal Security regarding the Bill titled:

A Bill for an Act to Establish and Operate the Legislative Security Directorate in the National Assembly; to Specify the Qualifications and Terms of Service for the Sergeant-at-Arms and Other Directorate Personnel; and for Related Matters, 2024 (HB 1632).

The Committee’s Chairman, Hon. Garba Ibrahim Muhammad, emphasized in his opening remarks the urgent need for a more robust security system in all branches of government, especially the Legislature, which sees a lot of human traffic every day from lawmakers, aides, staff, civil society organizations, members of the executive and judicial branches, and visitors.

He noted that the National Assembly has recently struggled with a number of security issues, such as theft of cars and motorcycles, damage, unauthorized access, the use of fictitious identification cards, and unlawful trading within the complex.

According to Hon. Garba, the proposed legislation seeks to “establish a structured framework that ensures the safety and smooth running of legislative affairs and align with international best practices in parliamentary security management.”

AIG Emmanuel Aina, speaking on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, issued a warning that establishing a distinct Directorate would result in “parallel administrative functions” and jurisdictional overlaps.

“While the goal to enhance security within the National Assembly is commendable, creating a separate Directorate might disrupt the existing coordination between the security agencies already operating effectively in that environment,” he said.

While endorsing the Bill in principle, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) demanded that certain of its provisions be reviewed. The Corps noted that parliamentary security systems are frequently managed by the police or a recognized organization in nations like the United States and Canada, with the Sergeant-at-Arms playing a crucial role in security coordination.

However, the initiative received unwavering support from a number of State Assemblies.

Paul Samuel, the deputy clerk of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, called the effort “timely and essential,” stressing that it would improve security within the legislative branch and foster a clear career structure for its employees.

In a similar vein, the Bill received complete support from the Plateau State House of Assembly, represented by Deputy Sergeant-at-Arms Sokowar John, and the Kano State House of Assembly, represented by Hon. Tukur Muhammed (Fagge Constituency).

The creation of the Directorate was also fully supported by the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), as represented by Comrade Mohammed, National President.

The Sergeant-at-Arms of the National Assembly underlined that only qualified and legally certified personnel will be allowed to carry firearms, addressing concerns expressed by some attendees over this matter.

“The handling of firearms is subject to proper authorization and strict training,” he clarified. To keep the National Assembly complex safe, our staff members have undergone professional security training and are still closely collaborating with various law enforcement organizations.

Hon. Philip Agbese, the House of Representatives’ deputy spokesperson, praised Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the interior minister, calling him “more than just a performing minister, but a priceless asset to the National Assembly.” He also dismissed the recent controversy surrounding his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate as “baseless political propaganda from forces opposed to progress.”

Agbese said that the accusations were a part of “a deliberate plot to distract a visionary reformer whose groundbreaking initiatives have transformed the operations of Nigeria’s public institutions” in an interview with journalists on Tuesday in Abuja.

The member declared, “Dr. Tunji-Ojo has transformed the Ministry of Interior into a symbol of innovation and efficiency in less than a year.”

“He created new passport offices overseas to serve Nigerians living abroad, introduced a fully automated system that removed middlemen and corruption, and cleared a backlog of over 200,000 passports in just three weeks.” Thanks to his visionary leadership, Nigerians may now process and obtain their passports in a matter of days as opposed to months.

Agbese pointed out that Tunji-Ojo’s influence has extended beyond the Immigration Service to the ministry’s other agencies and the prison industry.

“He has brought discipline and order back to the prison system. In order to reduce traffic, more than 4,500 prisoners have been released, escapees are now tracked using biometric data systems, and jailbreak occurrences have all but vanished, he claimed.

The congressman claims that the minister’s focus on employee welfare and human capacity development has boosted morale among the paramilitary organizations.

“He has improved officers’ welfare packages, implemented digital performance tracking systems, and prioritized prompt promotions. These days, the ministry is renowned for its honesty and efficiency. It has brought in more than ₦6 billion this year alone, demonstrating that efficiency and accountability can coexist,” Agbese continued.

Agbese argued that Tunji-Ojo’s exceptional record threatened those responsible for the NYSC certificate scandal, calling it “a desperate smear campaign.”

“Those who are unable to compete with perfection are behind the certificate charge, which is pure fabrication. It’s a recurring strategy: whenever a young, goal-oriented leader starts to challenge the established quo, critics surface with made-up narratives. However, Nigerians are now wiser, he claimed.

Agbese urged the public to prioritize observable outcomes over baseless assertions.

“Performance, not rumors, should be used to evaluate governance.” Faster services, increased accountability, better transparency, and improvements in the Interior Ministry are all things that every Nigerian can attest to, he stated.

Additionally, he warned against the increasing abuse of social media to disparage public employees, stating that valid issues should be sent to the appropriate authorities.

“There are reputable institutions to address any legitimate issues. Agbese cautioned that using online mob trials merely erodes due process and destroys our democracy.

The deputy spokesperson commended Tunji-Ojo as a brilliant example of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, pointing out that his blend of youth, skill, and patriotism had restored public trust in government agencies.

“Dr. Tunji-Ojo exemplifies a new breed of leaders who are creative, disciplined, and results-oriented. He is creating mechanisms that will endure political noise rather than chasing attention. Agbese said, “Those who propagate falsehoods will eventually disappear, but his record of excellence and reform will endure.”

On Tuesday, Nasir Kwarra, the National Population Commission’s (NPC) chairman, formally ended his five-year term by transferring the commission’s leadership to Muhammad Dattijo, the Federal Commissioner for Niger State.

According to reports, Dattijo will act as chairman while President Bola Tinubu swears in Aminu Yusuf.

Federal Commissioners, the Director-General, Directors, and commission personnel attended the short but symbolic ceremony at the NPC Headquarters in Abuja.

Kwarra thanked his coworkers and subordinates for their support while he was in office in a statement released by the commission on Wednesday.

“I am grateful to the Federal Commissioners, Management, and Staff of the NPC for their steadfast support and commitment during my five-year tenure,” he stated.

Strengthening data collection systems, digitizing the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics system, and accelerating preparations for the upcoming national population and housing census were among the major achievements under Kwarra’s leadership.

He emphasized that professionalism and group dedication made the progress feasible.

During the handover ceremony, official letters were signed, Kwarra received a parting gift, and a group photo was taken to commemorate the occasion.

It is anticipated that Dattijo, in his interim capacity, will continue ongoing initiatives until the new chairman formally takes office.

Former President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Kwarra in 2020, and he oversaw the commission as Nigeria prepared for its first housing and population census in almost 20 years.

The upcoming census is an urgent national concern because the last one was carried out in 2006.

Under his direction, the NPC implemented digital mapping and enumeration area demarcation, a technological advancement intended to enhance accuracy and modernize census operations.

The government change caused the census, which was originally planned for 2023, to be delayed.

It is now anticipated that Aminu Yusuf, the new substantive chairman, will lead the commission to finish the long-overdue task, which is thought to be essential for equitable national development and evidence-based planning.

A bill to alter the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s Constitution to permit the establishment of more Local Government Areas, or LGAs, in Benue State has been submitted by the House of Representatives.

The House of Representatives has approved the bill’s second reading.

Representative David Ogewu of the Oju/Obi Federal Constituency (APC) is the bill’s sponsor. It is registered as HB2527.

On Tuesday, October 28, it was put up for second reading, and after much discussion over its general principles, it was approved.

Rep. Ogewu made the motion for the bill’s second reading, arguing that by bringing the government closer to the people, the proposed modification will improve grassroots governance.

He pointed out that Benue needs more local councils for fair development and effective governance because of its large landmass and expanding population.

Rt. Hon. Chinedu Ogar, who represents the Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency, seconded the resolution, viewing it as a step toward strengthening democracy and enhancing rural areas’ access to services.

Rep. Ogewu expressed hope that the bill will open the door for the establishment of more LGAs in Benue, especially in his area, if it were to become law.

Additionally, he recalled that near the end of his second term in 2007, Senator George Akume, who was the governor of Benue State at the time, had attempted, if unsuccessfully, to increase the number of local government areas in order to improve administrative efficiency.

For additional legislative action, the bill has now been forwarded to the House Committee on Constitutional Review.

The federal government’s $1 billion investment in Lagos ports has been justified by the All Progressives Congress (APC) chapter in Lagos State, which characterizes it as a component of a national modernization plan.

In response to criticism from opposition parties, APC spokesperson Seye Oladejo reportedly said this in a statement on Tuesday. He clarified that the investment was intended to make Nigeria the leading marine hub in West Africa.

The opposition claimed that President Bola Tinubu was concentrating on Lagos ports while ignoring Warri, Calabar, Onne, and Port Harcourt ports, but Oladejo denied this.

He called such assertions absurd and naive.

“The opposition’s persistent lack of fundamental economics and governance is further shown by this careless assertion. Rarely are their outspoken beliefs supported by data, statistics, or even a rudimentary grasp of the trajectory of national policy. Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Federal Government is not ignoring any ports. China Harbour Engineering Company and Singapore’s Tolaram Group, who both saw in President Tinubu’s vision a business climate worth their billions, have invested in the Nigerian project, which is not a Lagos initiative, according to Oladejo.

He claims that modernization projects are being carried out concurrently by President Tinubu’s administration in other important ports throughout the nation.

He noted that while the Calabar Port is still undergoing dredging to make room for larger vessels, the Onne Port is undergoing digitalization and equipment upgrades.

In addition to the extension of the Warri Port corridor, which includes new rail link integration to facilitate cargo transportation inland, Oladejo stated that the Port Harcourt Port complex is being renovated under a new concessionary framework.

“The opposition, of course, wouldn’t know this—they’re too busy tweeting ignorance and recycling talking points from the political dustbin,” he stated.

Economic Foresight in Lagos Port Investment
Oladejo emphasized that rather from being interpreted as sabotage, the $1 billion investment in Lagos Port should be viewed as economic vision.

He clarified that the initiative’s goals were to increase exports, create jobs, and get rid of inefficiencies that had made Nigerian ports among of the priciest in Africa.

He cited the Lekki Deep Sea Port as an illustration of the advancements made under Tinubu’s leadership, pointing out that it is Nigeria’s first completely automated port that has already redefined port management, accelerated turnaround times, and increased government revenue.

Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, according to the APC spokesperson, is still a national initiative rather than a regional favor. He cautioned that the opposition’s attempts to incite feeling in the region were merely sabotage against the advancement of the country.

“The opposition’s attempt to use regional sentiments as a weapon against national advancement is the only sabotage occurring here. This administration has made a comprehensive, inclusive, and national commitment. Strategy is what drives governance, not emotion. Oladejo continued, “President Tinubu and the APC are still committed to creating a functional Nigeria, one port, one project, and one policy at a time.”