Home Blog Page 35

Over 2.5 Tonnes of Illicit Drugs Recovered in Edo as NDLEA Arrests 49

coic
-
0
Over 2.5 Tonnes of Illicit Drugs Recovered in Edo as NDLEA Arrests 49

No fewer than 49 suspected drug traffickers were arrested in July 2026 by the Edo State Command of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA.

Dr Mitchell Ofoyeju, the NDLEA Commandant in Edo State, disclosed this on Thursday in Benin City during the decoration of 73 operatives promoted to new ranks.

The arrested suspects include 29 females and 20 males, Ofoyeju said.

He expressed concern over the growing number of women in drug-related crimes, saying it was indicative of a shift in women’s socio-economic vulnerability and the disintegration of traditional family stability.

He said that three warehouses were discovered and raided in the state during the period under review.

According to him, two of the warehouses were located in Benin City and one at Illushi, while two vehicles, a Toyota Sienna with registration number Ondo NND 975 AG and a Toyota Camry with registration number Edo BEN 503 BK, used in transporting cannabis were also intercepted.

The NDLEA commandant said cannabis topped the seizure list with 2,588.4 kilograms, psychotropic substances 6.13 kilograms, cocaine 0.071 kg, heroin 0.005 kg and methamphetamine 1.68 kg.

Read Also:Security Scare as Gunmen Abduct Five Students From Ogun Polytechnic Hostel

“Also the command recovered 15.3 litres of codeine cough syrup and 10 cylinders of nitrous oxide, also called laughing gas. The variety of these different narcotics highlighted the wide-ranging nature of substances being trafficked and abused within the state.”

In a bid to wipe out drug manufacturing, the command also destroyed one cannabis farm in the Egbisi forest of Abudu, Orhionmwon Local Government Area, Ofoyeju said.

He said the destruction was a major victory for the NDLEA in its efforts to check drug production operations in Edo State.

The command’s efforts have not gone unnoticed as it successfully secured convictions in four high-profile drug cases during the month.

“Besides, in its fight against drug abuse, it counselled 24 persons with drug use problems and reunited them with their family members”, he added.

Ofoyeju said that the prosecution of suspects and the counselling were a demonstration of the agency’s holistic approach to addressing drug-related issues in the community.

Security Scare as Gunmen Abduct Five Students From Ogun Polytechnic Hostel

coic
-
0
Security Scare as Gunmen Abduct Five Students From Ogun Polytechnic Hostel

At least five students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade. GAPOSA, Ogun State, were said to have been abducted on Wednesday by suspected gunmen.

It was learnt that the incident occurred at about 8 p.m. on Wednesday when the assailants stormed a private student hostel along Paraga Road, Ipara-Remo, one of the communities bordering the polytechnic.

It was learnt that the assailants allegedly shot and abducted some students during the attack that lasted for about 30 minutes.

The polytechnic management has called off all examinations scheduled for Thursday following the incident.

“Due to the unfortunate incident that occurred yesterday, today’s exam has been cancelled. But the exam tomorrow is still on as planned. Any change in tomorrow’s examination will be communicated through an official announcement in a timely manner.

“For now, all students are advised to remain calm, stay positive and continue preparing for their examinations. “We hope the situation will be resolved soon,” the notice said.

The Students’ Union Government, SUG said five students were affected.

Read Also: IGP Breaks Silence on 56-Day Oyo Kidnap Rescue Mission

The attacked hostel “is situated in a remote area surrounded by thick bush, making it vulnerable and unsuitable as a safe residential environment for students,” a joint statement signed by SUG President, Akinpelu Bukunmi Timothy, General Secretary Salau Boluwaduro Saidat, and Public Relations Officer, Matthew Francis Sonayon, said.

“At about 7:45 pm, suspected armed bandits attacked a private student hostel at Paraga Road, Ipara. The hostel is in a remote area with thick bush surrounding it, which makes it vulnerable and not a safe residential environment for students.

“The attack was about 30 minutes. The remote location of the hostel meant that those in the nearby areas could not hear or respond to the incident in a timely fashion. Gunshots were fired by the attackers during the attack, but no student was killed. Some students escaped through the POP ceiling by the grace of God, while others could not escape.

“We have verified that five students were abducted in the incident. “The matter has been officially reported to the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies and we are sure that immediate efforts are underway to secure the safe rescue of the affected students.

They called on students, parents, guardians and the public to disregard “false, exaggerated and unverified information” making the rounds on social media.

The union said: “While the incident is real and deeply unfortunate, many of the stories circulating at the moment do not accurately reflect the facts and only serve to create unnecessary fear and panic within the school community.”

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed the abduction but said the command was yet to ascertain if the victims were students.

The Ogun State Police Command is aware of the reported incident of abduction at a private hostel in the Ipara area on Wednesday night, July 29, 2026.

The Command reacted to the distress report immediately by launching a coordinated operational response and deploying tactical teams and intelligence assets to the area. Bush-combing and other targeted operations are ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and arrest of those responsible.

“The total number of victims is yet to be ascertained as verification and investigation are still on.

He urged members of the public to disregard unverified figures and to avoid spreading misinformation that could jeopardize the ongoing operations.

This was reported to be barely 24hrs after a final year female marketing student of D.S. Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, Itori was killed during an overnight robbery in the Eruku area of the community.

IGP Breaks Silence on 56-Day Oyo Kidnap Rescue Mission

coic
-
0
IGP Breaks Silence on 56-Day Oyo Kidnap Rescue Mission

Olatunji Disu, the Inspector-General of Police, said the long period it took to rescue abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State was because security agencies worked to ensure the victims were not in further danger.

Disu was reported to have said that security operatives avoided taking precipitate action as any wrong move could have endangered the lives of the captives the more.

The decision, he added, followed public criticism over the pace of the rescue operation.

The police chief gave the explanation during a press briefing on Thursday while addressing the abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

In May 2026, suspected terrorists attacked two schools in the area and the victims were taken away.

The attackers reportedly fled the pupils and teachers in a vehicle belonging to one of the school officials before abandoning and burning it near the forest area.

After 56 days in captivity, the victims were finally rescued in a joint operation by security agencies.

Disu said the location of the incident, poor communication networks and limited security facilities in the area hampered the rescue mission.

He said the attackers operated in a remote community where there were few access routes and communication was almost impossible.

He said police officers, soldiers and local vigilantes joined efforts to track the abductors after the incident.

He noted that the operation came with risks, as a police officer died while chasing the criminals.

“I will tell you the story of the Ogbomosho kidnap,” he said. They came that day. They went to two schools and they kidnapped those children and their teachers.

The vehicle belonged to one of the teachers, the head teacher. When they reached the entrance of the bush where they were going, they set the vehicle on fire. We didn’t understand why they did it.

“There’s no network at all in that area. And I think even police station far far far far away from them. But they only had one street, one road that leads to the two villages where this kidnapping happened.

“Policeman came, soldier came, vigilante came. I’m talking to you now because it’s only us here. They followed the track. We were chasing somebody who got shot.

“From that time, the Nigerian Air Force helicopter, the police helicopter, everybody were there searching day and night.

“Everybody were attacking us. Left and right. With gun safety. What is that? What’s that? We can’t come out and talk. We can’t let the children see this.

“It’s called collateral damage. People are making us. People are comparing us with other countries in the world. They wanted us to take rash decisions.

“So now, every night, your husband would come out at that time and tell you he was going to meet him. It is a fact. We were having meetings late at night about it, trying to make decisions.

“Most of this we did not come back and even tell a lot of our colleagues because we wanted to keep it secret. Parties we may have missed. There was a lot of things that happened, we could not talk about it.”

Five Imprisoned for Money Laundering and Unauthorised Foreign Exchange Trading

coic
-
0
Five Imprisoned for Money Laundering and Unauthorised Foreign Exchange Trading

The Federal High Court in Lagos has convicted and sentenced Sunmonu Olasunkanmi Thaoban to four years imprisonment for money laundering.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Lagos Zonal Directorate 1, on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, arraigned Sunmonu on a two-count charge bordering on money laundering.

The defendant pleaded guilty to both count charges.

After his guilty plea, the prosecution counsel H. U. Kofarnaisa went through the facts of the case and prayed the court to convict and sentence him accordingly.

The pressing judge, Justice Akintayo Aluko, found Sunmonu guilty and sentenced him to four years’ imprisonment or a fine of N1.8 million.

The court also ordered the forfeiture of the convict’s black G-Wagon Jeep and mobile phone to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

In other developments, the court also convicted and sentenced four Bureau de Change, BDC, operators to 12 months imprisonment each for engaging in illegal foreign exchange transactions.

The convicts, Umar Muhammad Lamido, Yusuf Musa Yusuf, Abdulmuhimin Mahmud and Muhammed Musa were prosecuted by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ikoyi on separate one-count charges bordering on illegal foreign exchange operations.

The defendants admitted their respective charges.

After the accused pleaded guilty, the prosecution counsel H. U. Kofarnaisa narrated the facts of the cases and prayed the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.

Justice Aluko found all four defendants guilty and sentenced each of them to 12 months in jail or a fine of N100,000.

APM Describes Makinde’s Surveillance Aircraft Purchase as a Bold Security Move

coic
-
0
APM Describes Makinde’s Surveillance Aircraft Purchase as a Bold Security Move

The Allied People’s Movement (APM) has lauded the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for the purchase of two surveillance aircraft aimed at improving security operations and combating murders, kidnappings and other criminal activities in the state.

The party said the move was a show of the governor’s commitment to the protection of lives and property of residents.

The APM said the two DA 42 MNG model aircraft, purchased for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations, were fitted with sophisticated surveillance equipment capable of identifying targets from high and low altitudes.

The aircraft, the party said, would give more support to security agencies working in Oyo State, including the Amotekun Corps, in the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping for ransom and other crimes.

This was stated by the National Chairman of the APM, Yusuf Mamman Dantalle in a statement on the development.

Dantalle said that the government had a constitutional responsibility to protect the people and the acquisition of the aircraft was in line with this.

“This is in line with Section 14(2)b of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, which states that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government,” he said.

Alhaji Gidado Tahir, the APM National Chairman, said that Makinde, who is also the party’s presidential candidate, had shown the capacity to protect lives and property in Oyo State.

He said the governor’s approach to security is vital for the growth of democracy and development.

“Governor Makinde who is also the APM presidential Candidate has exhibited outstanding leadership capacity, managerial acumen and political sagacity to protect lives and property in Oyo State which is the prerequisite for sustainable democracy and development, Dantalle stated.

The party praised what it called the governor’s visionary, purposeful and inclusive administration, saying his policies had transformed the state.

Read Also: Okoronkwo Reveals Key Reason Behind Super Falcons’ Defeat To Malawi

The people of Oyo State were called upon to continue to support the APM led government.

“The party praises his visionary, purposeful and inclusive governance that has transformed Oyo State and calls on residents to continue supporting the APM government in the state,” the statement said.

The party chairman added that the welfare of the citizens should remain at the centre of democratic governance.

“The defining feature of democratic governance is the welfare of the people. “APM will continue to put the interest of the masses first, as proved in Oyo and Bauchi States where the party is in power. “Nigerians want and deserve dividends of democracy, not carnage,” he said.

Dantalle also said he was confident that if elected President in the 2027 general elections, Makinde would transfer his leadership style to the national level.

The governor has the experience and political will to lead Nigeria to more development and prosperity, he said.

“As the presidential flag bearer of the Allied People’s Movement, Makinde will reflect his resourceful, robust, vibrant and compassionate leadership across the country and steer the ship of the nation from its perilous course to the path of progress, development and advancement, if elected into office as president in 2027,” he added.

He has the political will to make Nigeria great again,” Dantalle said.

The APM national chairman, it was learnt, appealed to Nigerians to support the party and its candidates in the upcoming elections.

He said such support would contribute to the promotion of better national security, unity and prosperity for the country.

“The party therefore calls on Nigerians to identify with APM and all its candidates in the forthcoming elections for better national security, unity and prosperity,” he added.

Okoronkwo Reveals Key Reason Behind Super Falcons’ Defeat To Malawi

coic
-
0
Okoronkwo Reveals Key Reason Behind Super Falcons’ Defeat To Malawi

The Nigeria Customs has announced the implementation of the 2026 Fiscal Policy Measures and Tariff Amendments approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Customs spokesman, Abdullahi Maiwada, announced this in a statement issued on Wednesday.

The approved Fiscal Policy Measures, aimed at promoting domestic industrial development, facilitating legitimate trade and improving the administration of fiscal and tariff policies in the country, provide for sweeping amendments to the Customs and Excise Tariff framework of Nigeria.

In this light, the approved amendments include the Revised Import Adjustment Tax (IAT) List for the implementation of the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (2022–2027), the Revised National List for the implementation of the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (2022–2027), the Revised Import Prohibition List (Trade), the Revised List of Goods Liable to Excise Duty, the Green Tax Surcharge on motor vehicles with engine capacities of 2,000cc and above and the Revised Export Prohibition List.

Read Also: Nigeria Customs Introduces Revised Tariff Structure, Fiscal Measures

Importers, exporters, manufacturers, licensed customs agents and other stakeholders are required to familiarize themselves with the provisions of the amended tariff schedules and ensure full compliance with the applicable fiscal and regulatory requirements governing their respective transactions in line with the approved Fiscal Policy Measures.

To ensure smooth implementation and promote transparency, the Service has made the full 2026 Fiscal Policy Measures and Tariff Amendments downloadable from the official website of the Service at www.customs.gov.ng.The Service continues to support government policies while executing its trade facilitation, revenue collection and border security mandate. “The successful implementation of the 2026 Fiscal Policy Measures and Tariff Amendments is dependent on the cooperation of all stakeholders in the trade ecosystem as we collectively strive to build a more competitive, transparent and sustainable economy,” the statement read.

Nigeria Customs Introduces Revised Tariff Structure, Fiscal Measures

coic
-
0
Nigeria Customs Introduces Revised Tariff Structure, Fiscal Measures

The Nigeria Customs has announced the implementation of the 2026 Fiscal Policy Measures and Tariff Amendments approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Customs spokesman, Abdullahi Maiwada, announced this in a statement issued on Wednesday.

The approved Fiscal Policy Measures, aimed at promoting domestic industrial development, facilitating legitimate trade and improving the administration of fiscal and tariff policies in the country, provide for sweeping amendments to the Customs and Excise Tariff framework of Nigeria.

Read Also: Danielle Edochie Addresses Rumours About Dating Yahoo Boys

In this light, the approved amendments include the Revised Import Adjustment Tax (IAT) List for the implementation of the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (2022–2027), the Revised National List for the implementation of the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (2022–2027), the Revised Import Prohibition List (Trade), the Revised List of Goods Liable to Excise Duty, the Green Tax Surcharge on motor vehicles with engine capacities of 2,000cc and above and the Revised Export Prohibition List.

Importers, exporters, manufacturers, licensed customs agents and other stakeholders are required to familiarize themselves with the provisions of the amended tariff schedules and ensure full compliance with the applicable fiscal and regulatory requirements governing their respective transactions in line with the approved Fiscal Policy Measures.

To ensure smooth implementation and promote transparency, the Service has made the full 2026 Fiscal Policy Measures and Tariff Amendments downloadable from the official website of the Service at www.customs.gov.ng.The Service continues to support government policies while executing its trade facilitation, revenue collection and border security mandate. “The successful implementation of the 2026 Fiscal Policy Measures and Tariff Amendments is dependent on the cooperation of all stakeholders in the trade ecosystem as we collectively strive to build a more competitive, transparent and sustainable economy,” the statement read.

Danielle Edochie Addresses Rumours About Dating Yahoo Boys

coic
-
0
Danielle Edochie Addresses Rumours About Dating Yahoo Boys

Danielle Edochie, daughter of Nollywood actor Yul Edochie, has said she has no interest in dating people involved in internet fraud. She made it clear that wealth alone cannot influence her relationship choices.

In a post on Snapchat, the influencer was reported to have expressed her opinion, stating that while some women may be attracted to the huge sums of money that internet fraudsters are associated with, it is not something that appeals to her.

Danielle said she likes money too but would never be in a relationship with anyone who is fraudulent.

“I like to keep people like that a long way from me,” she added.

“I will never be in my right senses and decide to date a Yah00 boy,” she said. I’m not turned on by the fact that those guys make a ton of money, but the ladies might be. “I like money, too, but please, just keep away from me.

Read Also: Onne Port Berth 12: Court Halts Activities, Warns Parties Against Transactions

In other news, Nigerian singer, Abiola Ahmed Akinbiyi, aka Bella Shmurda has revealed why he wrote his hit song, ‘Cash App’ for internet fraudsters aka Yahoo boys.

Bella Shmurda dropped Cash App featuring Zlatan and Lincoln in 2020. The song was an instant hit in Nigeria and in Africa in general.

In a recent interview with Clout Africa, Shmurda spoke on the inspiration behind the song and said internet fraud is stressful and comes with many challenges.

The singer said making Yahoo boys happy is good sometimes.

Onne Port Berth 12: Court Halts Activities, Warns Parties Against Transactions

coic
-
0
Onne Port Berth 12: Court Halts Activities, Warns Parties Against Transactions

The Rivers State High Court has ordered the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and International Container Terminal Services Nigeria Limited (ICTSI Nigeria Limited) to suspend all operations in respect of Berth 12 at the Federal Ocean Terminal, Onne Port Complex pending the determination of applications before the court.

The order was made on 17 July 2026 by the High Court sitting in Port Harcourt in Suit No. NHC/1/CS/2025, filed by Deep Offshore Services Nigeria Limited, against the NPA and ICTSI Nigeria Limited.

Counsel to the claimant, Ama Etuwewe, SAN, said the court ordered all parties to “stay all actions relating to the subject matter of this suit until the ruling on the motions after vacation.”
Etuwewe explained that the order was to maintain the status quo at Berth 12 pending the determination of the pending applications, which have been adjourned to 23 September 2026.

He said no party is allowed to enter into lease agreements, to give new rights or interests, to undertake construction, to take possession, to initiate development or to do any act that can change the existing state of affairs at the facility.

He also warned investors, financial institutions, contractors, prospective lessees, buyers, government agencies and other stakeholders against entering into any transaction involving Berth 12 while the court order remained in force.

Read Also: Heavy Casualties Reported as Boko Haram and ISWAP Engage in Deadly Lake Chad Clash

Etuwewe warned that any lease, assignment, financing arrangement, memorandum of understanding, sale, sublease or similar transaction entered into in breach of the subsisting order would be declared null and void and would confer no legal rights or protection on the parties involved.

He said any wilful breach of the court’s order may attract contempt proceedings against the defaulters and attendant legal consequences under the Nigerian law.

The senior advocate advised members of the public and all stakeholders to abide strictly by the court order and refrain from any transactions touching and concerning Berth 12 until the pending applications are decided or the order is varied by the court.

Heavy Casualties Reported as Boko Haram and ISWAP Engage in Deadly Lake Chad Clash

coic
-
0
Heavy Casualties Reported as Boko Haram and ISWAP Engage in Deadly Lake Chad Clash

Scores of terrorists have reportedly been killed after renewed fighting between rival insurgent groups, Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS), also known as Boko Haram, and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), in parts of the Lake Chad Islands.

The fighting took place around Mangari and Tumbun Allura, where fighters from both groups fought for control of strategic locations and logistics routes in the Lake Chad basin, said Zagazola Makama, a security source.

Initially, intelligence suggested that JAS had fared well in the opening phase of the battle, killing dozens of ISWAP fighters and taking two boats before retreating to its stronghold in Kurnawa.

At the time of filing this report, the casualty figures could not be independently verified.

The latest clash is believed to be part of a long-running feud between the two terrorist groups over territory, recruitment networks, supply routes and influence across the Lake Chad Islands.

Both groups had repeatedly attacked each other as they competed to dominate areas they considered important to their operations, security sources said.

Read Also: 10th House Achieves Milestone with 2,747 Bills in Three Years

The capture of the two boats was significant as watercraft are often used to ferry fighters, weapons, food and other supplies in the difficult terrain of the Lake Chad waterways, it said.

Military formations around the lake were reportedly put on heightened alert amid fears that fleeing ISWAP fighters could spread into nearby communities and operational areas.

Troops stationed in Mallam Fatori, Baga, Cross Kauwa, Kukawa and other places around the lake were said to be watching the moves of surviving fighters closely.

Security assessments cautioned that the terrorists may try isolated attacks, IED ambushes or other strikes as they sought to evade pressure and rebuild their operational capacity.

Sources also said the rising rivalry could lead to more defections and surrenders by fighters disillusioned by the ongoing fighting between the factions.

The development could weaken the groups temporarily by cutting their manpower, limiting their access to supplies and disrupting their command structures.

But security officials warned that the clashes could also have unpredictable consequences, including reprisal attacks and changes in the terrorists’ movement patterns.

Military authorities were said to be weighing stepped-up operations to exploit what security officials described as a temporary weakening of ISWAP.

The proposed measures include stepped up offensive patrols, precision fire operations and increased intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance activities throughout the Lake Chad Islands.

The operations are expected to help track fleeing fighters, stop them from regrouping and cut down on threats to civilian communities and military positions.

Internal divisions could weaken both sides, but security sources warned they could also open up new attacks on communities around the lake as surviving fighters look for new hideouts, supplies and targets.

1...343536...2,842Page 35 of 2,842
© Newspaper WordPress Theme by TagDiv