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NDLEA detains 22 Indians over cocaine shipment,ntercepts illicit drugs in coffee sachets

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

 

Wanted female drug kingpin ‘Mama Kerosine’ arrested in Ibadan; large consignments of opioids, skunk recovered in Borno, Lagos, Kwara, Jigawa raids

 

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted various quantities of illicit substances including Ketamine, Ecstasy and Tramadol pills concealed in sachets of coffee mix and book parcel heading to Zambia and the United Kingdom.

The seizures made at a courier company in Lagos on 24th and 29th December 2025 came just as the Agency has taken into custody 22 Indian crew members of a merchant vessel, MV Aruna Hulya, in which 31.5 kilograms of cocaine were seized by operatives at the GDNL terminal, Apapa port Lagos on Friday 2nd January 2026.

Those detained in connection with the discovery of the 31.5kg cocaine in hatch 3 of the ship which originated from Marshall Islands, include the Master of the Vessel, Sharma Shashi Bhushan and 21 other crew members, namely: Bharati Manoj Kumar; Bhalerao Nilesh Mukund; Nadar Anthony Macson David; Kolusu Srinivasa Rao; Sagar Gaurav; Francis Anto Beemas Nester; Jagdeep Singh; Jai Parkash; Prabhukhan Singh; Nevage Sandesh Suresh; Pandey Prashant; Nittu Anand; Akash Babu; Dasari Raju; Reddy Nandika Sanjeeba; Rana Nivesh; Melethil Insaf Rahman; Barla Chantanya Krishna; Ghosh Arijit; Mondal Raihan; and

Gangwar Shiv Om.

Meanwhile, NDLEA operatives in Oyo state on Monday 29th December 2025 arrested a wanted female drug kingpin who is a major illicit drug distributor in Ibadan, the state capital. The 65-year-old grandma, Fatima Ilori, popularly known as Mama Kerosine was nabbed in an intelligence-led operation following the seizure of 238.4kg skunk, a strain of cannabis, linked to her. She was arrested along with another female suspect Olusanya Abosede, 35, at Onireke/Elekuro area of Ibadan.

In Borno state, the supply chain of illicit drugs to insurgents was further disrupted with the arrest of two suppliers and seizure of large consignments of illicit substances. While one of the suspects, Isa Mohammed, 26, was arrested by NDLEA operatives following the interception of 9,150 ampoules of Tramadol Injection along Maiduguri-Gamboru Ngala road on Friday 2nd January 2026, the other suspect Musa Samaila, 30, was nabbed with 34,000 capsules of Tramadol at Biu market same day.

Not less than 400kg skunk was recovered along with a van at Mobolaji Johnson area of Lagos on new year day, Thursday 1st January, while a suspect Bilya Ibrahim, 39, was arrested at a motor park in Hadejia town, Jigawa State on Tuesday 30th December 2025 while trying to transport 260 compressed blocks of skunk weighing 140.8kg, which he procured from Taraba State to Nguru, Yobe State.

 

 

In Kwara state, NDLEA officers on Tuesday 30th December recovered 238.50kg skunk from the home of a suspect at Asadam area of Ilorin, while a total of 32,000 pills of tramadol and diazepam were seized from another suspect Abubakar Rabiu, 32, at Bode Saadu, Morro LGA, on new year eve, Wednesday 31st December 2025.

In like manner, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization activities to schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week. These include: WADA enlightenment lecture to students and staff of Madrasatu Fadimatul Zahra Sabuwar Abuja Kankia, Kankia LGA, Katsina; members of Topo Youth Progressive Organisation, Topo Badagry, Lagos; and residents of Madalla community at the palace of Hakimi Madalla, Niger state, among others.

While commending the officers and men of DOGI, Apapa, Oyo, Borno, Lagos, Kwara and Jigawa Commands for the arrests, and seizures, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) enjoined them and their colleagues across the country to intensify the ongoing drug control efforts of the Agency.

Body of Missing Young Woman Found in River in Benue

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The Benue State Police Command has launched an investigation into the death of Miss Usange Janet, whose body was recovered from River Agbuu in Gwer East Local Government Area.

Janet was reported missing on December 11, 2025, after leaving home to work on a farm in Mbabur community, where she lived with her elder sister and brother-in-law.

Search efforts intensified when she failed to return, leading to the discovery of her slippers, a wheelbarrow, and farm tools at the site. Her body was later discovered in the river on Sunday by a local resident, who alerted the community.

The incident has reportedly caused tension in the area, with allegations surrounding the circumstances of her death. Relatives of the deceased reportedly set fire to a house belonging to a community member.

Community leaders and residents have appealed to security agencies and the Gwer East Local Government authorities to intervene and prevent further unrest.

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) confirmed the recovery of Janet’s body and stated that investigations into the incident are ongoing.

NDLEA secures order to detain vessel, 21 crew members over cocaine shipment from Brazil

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

 

We remain resolute to frustrate drug syndicates targeting Nigeria, says Marwa

 

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has secured an order of a Federal High Court in Lagos to detain a ship, its captain and 20 other crew members following the seizure of 25.5 kilograms of cocaine in the hatch of the commodity vessel from Brazil at the Apapa seaport in Lagos by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Operatives of the NDLEA acting on credible intelligence had on 6th December 2025 discovered the cocaine consignment aboard the merchant vessel MV San Anthonio from Brazil. After the full discharge of cargo from the ship, a total of 21 crew members of diverse nationalities including Russia, Phillipines, Ukraine and Azerbaijan were taken into NDLEA custody along with the drug exhibits.

This is coming on the heels of a similar interception by NDLEA officers of another commodity laden vessel- MV Nord Bosporus from the port of Santos in Brazil with no less than 20 kilograms of the Class A drug buried under its cargo on 16th November at the Apapa seaport Lagos.

Suspects taken into custody along with the latest seized cocaine consignment include the Master of the vessel, Trofymov Oleksandr; and other crew members namely: Stoychev Sergiy; Bobrov Maksim; Stupnytsky Sergiy; Bitinev Aleksei; Novruzov Teymur; Sosnov Oleg; Bondar Ihor; Klymenko Oleh; Cala Michael De Jesus; Jamir Julfikhar Jacusalem; Blanco Crus Veloso; Fajardo Ronnel Luntaao; Gumela Lolito Jr. Serojano; Toston Romulo Jr. Oling; Smirnov Viacheslav; Gorre Mar Kemmeth Tabudlong; Cruz John Vhoie Glavez; Sablan Jamille Alorro; Abesia Kelvin Belarmino; and Ubay Kenneth Biaoco.

In line with international legal protocols, the NDLEA on Friday 12th December filed an ex-parte application in suit FHC/L/MISC/1408/2025 before Justice Frida Nkemakonam Ogazi of the Federal High Court, Lagos, for the detention of the ship and the 21 crew members pending when charges will be filed against them.

Ruling on the application, the judge said “an order of court is hereby made extending the detention of the Vessel MV San Antonio being investigated by the Applicant, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for fourteen days (14) in the first instance following the seizure of 25.5 kilograms of cocaine aboard the said Vessel on 6th December, 2025 at Apapa seaport, Lagos, pending the conclusion of investigation and or filing of criminal charge and prosecution.” The court thereafter adjourned the matter to 29th December 2025.

In his reaction to the development, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) said the latest seizure reinforces his earlier warning to international drug cartels and their local collaborators that they will never get a foothold in Nigeria.

While commending the officers of the Apapa Strategic Command of the Agency for the back-to-back successful operations, he said “this is no doubt a testament to NDLEA’s heightened capacity and unwavering resolve to frustrate the drug syndicates targeting the West African sub-region especially Nigeria.” He said the Agency will continue to collaborate with local and international partners to ensure zero tolerance for substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the country.

Anambra Police Operatives Recover Arms, Cash In Abagana

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The Anambra State Police Command has recorded another major operational success as operatives of the Commissioner of Police (CP) Special Patrol recovered arms, suspected stolen cash, and other incriminating items during a hot pursuit in Abagana.

The incident occurred at about 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, during an offensive security operation aimed at flushing out criminal elements and strengthening public safety across the state.

According to police sources, the operatives encountered suspected criminals who attempted to evade arrest upon sighting the patrol team, triggering a high-speed chase through the area.

In the course of the pursuit, the suspects’ operational vehicle was involved in an accident, forcing the occupants to abandon the vehicle and flee into the surrounding environment.

A thorough search of the abandoned ash-coloured Toyota Highlander with registration number UWN 680 PE led to the discovery of dangerous weapons and other items suspected to be linked to criminal activities.

Among the items recovered were one pump-action rifle and one locally fabricated single-barrel rifle, raising serious concerns about the intentions of the fleeing suspects.

Police operatives also recovered a sum of Six Hundred and Thirty-Six Thousand, Seven Hundred Naira (₦636,700.00), believed to be suspected proceeds of crime.

Other incriminating items found inside the vehicle are currently being analyzed as part of ongoing investigations by the Command.

Although the suspects escaped during the incident, the Police Command has confirmed that their identities are being traced through intelligence gathering and coordinated tracking efforts.

The Command disclosed that intelligence-led operations have since been intensified across Abagana and adjoining communities to ensure the arrest of the fleeing suspects.

Security presence in the area has also been strengthened to prevent any further criminal activity and to reassure residents of the police’s readiness to respond swiftly to threats.

The Anambra State Police Command described the recovery as a testament to its proactive policing approach and sustained commitment to combating crime in the state.

Residents have been urged to remain calm but vigilant, and to promptly report any suspicious movement or information that could assist security agencies.

The Police Command reaffirmed that the safety of lives and property remains its top priority, stressing that criminal elements will find no hiding place in Anambra State.

In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, the Command assured Ndi Anambra that further developments on the operation will be communicated as investigations continue.

Cult Initiation In Edo: Police Neutralise Suspect, Nabs 27

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The Edo State Police Command has intensified its crackdown on cult-related violence, neutralising a suspected cultist and arresting 27 others during a late-night raid that disrupted an alleged initiation ceremony.

 

Public Relations Officer of the command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the operation in a statement issued on Monday in Benin City. She explained that the raid was based on credible intelligence that members of the Neo Black Axe Movement of Nigeria, popularly known as Black Axe, had gathered in Urohi village, Esan-West Local Government Area, about 18 kilometres from Ekpoma, for an initiation exercise.

 

The raid took place at approximately 10:00 p.m. on Saturday and was led by the Divisional Police Officer of Ekpoma Division, SP Nelson Igbinoba. The combined team included police tactical operatives, local vigilantes, and hunters.

According to Ikoedem, the operatives came under gunfire while attempting to make arrests. “One of the cultists opened fire on the police and, in the ensuing gun duel, the suspect was neutralised,” she said.

 

Recovered items from the scene included firearms, dangerous weapons, vehicles, mobile phones, and substances suspected to be hemp.

 

Commissioner of Police, Mr. Monday Agbonika, has ordered the immediate transfer of the suspects to the State Criminal Investigations Department (SCID) for thorough investigation and prosecution. He commended the operatives for their swift response and professionalism during the operation.

 

Agbonika reassured residents of the command’s unwavering commitment to combating cultism, kidnapping, and other forms of criminality across Edo State.

 

ASP Ikoedem urged residents to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information, stressing that community cooperation is vital to sustaining the offensive against cult-related violence and other threats to public safety.

Edo Police Operatives Rescue 11 Kidnap Victims

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The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the rescue of 11 passengers who were among 18 kidnapped along the Benin–Akure highway near Obarenren village in Ovia North East Local Government Area.

 

Police spokesperson, ASP Eno Ikoedem, disclosed the development on Monday in Benin City, explaining that the victims were abducted on December 12, 2025, when gunmen ambushed their vehicle and forced it to a halt at gunpoint.

 

According to Ikoedem, the police received a distress call immediately after the incident and mobilised a combined team of police operatives, army personnel, and local vigilante groups. The joint team combed the surrounding bush in search of the abducted passengers.

On Sunday, 11 of the victims were rescued while seven others are still in the captivity of their abductors,” she said.

 

Recovered victims have since been reunited with their families, while security operatives continue intensive operations to secure the release of the remaining seven passengers.

 

ASP Ikoedem reassured residents that the command is doing everything possible to ensure the safe return of those still held by the kidnappers. She urged members of the public to remain calm and continue to support security agencies with credible information.

 

“The command remains committed to rescuing the remaining victims unharmed and sustaining the fight against kidnapping and other criminal activities across Edo State,” she added.

 

Edo Man Allegedly Kills, Buries 15-Year-Old Son in Family Compound

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“Edo State police have arrested a 49-year-old man for allegedly killing his 15-year-old son and secretly burying him in their family compound in Igueben LGA. Authorities say investigations are ongoing.”

 

A 49-year-old man from Edo State, whose identity has been withheld, has been arrested by the police for allegedly killing his 15-year-old son and secretly burying his remains within their family compound.

Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Edo State Police Command, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Eno Ikoedem, disclosed this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Benin City

 

The disturbing incident occurred in Uhe community, Igueben Local Government Area of Edo State.

According to the statement, the suspect was arrested following credible intelligence received by the police on December 6. Acting on the information, operatives led by the Divisional Police Officer visited the suspect’s residence, where the report was confirmed.

 

Ikoedem explained that preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly assaulted the teenager with a stick on December 5 at about 7:00 p.m., an attack which reportedly led to the boy’s death.

 

“The suspect allegedly dug a grave within the family compound and secretly buried the corpse,” she said.

 

She added that critical information provided by the deceased’s grandmother—an 82-year-old woman and the suspect’s mother who resides in the same household—greatly aided the investigation.

 

The police spokesperson further stated that, following due administrative procedures, officers exhumed the grave, documented the scene with photographs, and recovered the stick allegedly used in committing the offence as an exhibit.

She noted that the suspect has been taken into custody, while investigations are ongoing to fully unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident.

 

Ikoedem disclosed that the Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Monday Agbonika, has ordered the transfer of the case to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for thorough investigation and prosecution.

 

She added that the Commissioner warned against all forms of violence and urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.

 

“The command remains committed to protecting lives and enforcing the rule of law,” she said.

(NAN)

Fleeing bandits’ drug supplier ‘Gamboli’ arrested in Niger

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

 

As NDLEA intercepts US, Canada, Sweden-bound opioids in black soup containers, designer wears; uncovers clandestine codeine syrup factory in Abia; arrests woman, son over 1,187kg skunk seizure in Ondo

 

Three weeks after escaping arrest at his home in Anguwan Makera, Kuta, Shiroro local government area of Niger state, a notorious supplier of illicit drugs to bandits operating in the area, 33-year-old Mohammed Sani (alias Gamboli) has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at his hideout.

Following credible intelligence about the illicit drug activities of Gamboli, NDLEA operatives had on 20th November 2025 raided his house at Anguwan Makera, Kuta, where they recovered 471.8 kilograms of skunk, a strain of cannabis. Though he escaped arrest during the raid and has since been in hiding, the manhunt for him eventually paid off on Thursday 11th December when NDLEA officers acting on processed intelligence traced and arrested him at one of his drug joints in Anguwan Fadama, Kuta. Intelligence reports had indicated that Gamboli is a major supplier of illicit drugs to bandits operating in Shiroro local government area.

Meanwhile, NDLEA officers in Abia on Thursday 11th December raided a clandestine codeine syrup-manufacturing factory at Amapu Igbengwo village, Umuakpara, in Osisioma local government area of the state. During the operation, operatives recovered a total of 9,015 bottles of codeine syrup weighing 1,152.2kg.

In Enugu state, operatives on Thursday 11th December arrested Ossai Emeka, 45, along Onitsha – Enugu Ezike road with 7.2kg skunk, while Enoje Agada, 40, was nabbed along Enugu-Ezike -Ette road with 94.6kg of same psychoactive substance.

 

 

A raid carried out by NDLEA operatives at a notorious drug joint known as “Beere the California” at Ido in Oyo state on Thursday 11th December led to the seizure of 3.4kg skunk, 1.6kg Colorado, a synthetic cannabis and 400grams of methamphetamine. The owner of the drug joint identified as “Idowu the killer” is currently at large while a suspect Ajibade Faruk was nabbed at the joint. Another operation at Idi Oro, Elekuro, Ibadan on Friday 12th December led to the arrest of Olusanya Abosede, 35, and the seizure of 238.4kg skunk.

While the duo of Bashiru Babalola, 43, and Ugunwale Ranti, 50, were arrested on Wednesday 10th December at Gbaji checkpoint, Seme road Badagry, Lagos with 50,000 pills of tramadol 250mg, NDLEA operatives in Ogun state arrested two suspects: Akinwale Makanjuola and Joseph Owolabi with 73kg skunk at Iperu just as another suspect Wasiu Lateef was nabbed with 25kg of same substance at Oke Agbede, Imeko area of the state on Tuesday 9th December.

In Ondo state, NDLEA officers acting on credible intelligence on Monday 10th December raided a compound in Ogbese, Akure North local government area, where they arrested a 55-year-old woman Veronica Obi and her 29-year-old son Bright Obi, and recovered 1,187 kilograms of skunk and its seeds from them.

A suspect Ohiomah Igbafe, 44, was arrested during a raid operation at Uroe community, Owan East local government area of Edo state, where 461kg skunk and its seeds were recovered on Tuesday 9th December.

In Gombe state, a suspect Muhammed Sani (alias Sha-Mu-Sha), 50, was arrested with 40,000 capsules of tramadol at Tunfure area, Gombe, while two other suspects: Muhammad Abdullahi (a.k.a Sakalala), 52, and Muhammed Hamza (a.k.a Mamman), 32, were nabbed at Ashaka Jalingo, with 56kg skunk on Monday 8th December.

No fewer than 907 pills of tramadol, tapentadol, cocodamol, amitriptyline and bromazepam concealed in containers of local black soap, and designer wears, in six different consignments going to the US, Canada and Sweden were intercepted and seized by NDLEA operatives at two major courier companies in Lagos between Tuesday 9th and Wednesday 10th December 2025.

At the Apapa seaport in Lagos, NDLEA officers on Saturday 13th December intercepted a consignment of 170,000 bottles of codeine syrup weighing 23,579kg during a joint examination of a container with men of Customs Service and other security agencies.

In like manner, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, sensitization activities to schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week. These include: WADA enlightenment lecture to students and staff of Community Senior Secondary School, Sheme, Katsina; Government College, Tudun Wada Dankade, Kano; and Methodist High School, Makurdi, Benue, while the Enugu state command of the Agency paid a WADA advocacy visit to HRM Igwe Ikechukwu Samuel Asadu, Chairman, Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers.

While commending the officers and men of DOGI, Niger, Abia, Oyo, Enugu, Seme, Ogun, Ondo, Gombe, Apapa and Edo Commands for the arrests, seizures and their dexterity, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) enjoined them and their colleagues across the country to continue with the ongoing balanced approach to the drug control efforts of the Agency.

Alaafin meets Marwa, assures NDLEA of support, collaboration in fight against illicit drugs

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

Why we need traditional rulers to join the crusade against substance abuse -Marwa

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade has assured the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) of support and collaboration in his renewed mandate to curb the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the country.
The revered traditional ruler gave the assurance when he led two other royal fathers: Oloro of Oro, Oba Joel Olaniyan Olatoye and Olusin of Ijara Isin, Oba Ademola Julius Ajibola, on a courtesy visit to Marwa at the Agency’s national headquarters in Abuja on Friday 12th December 2025. He said he is proud of Marwa’s trajectory as Atunluse of Yoruba land.
According to him, “to be kind with you, we are proud of you. Your being in this position at the moment is not just by chance, it’s because of your devotion, your commitment. You have this amiable character. That’s why you are able to govern Borno and Lagos State, and you have always been a performer. Another thing which I can’t forget about you is the legacy of Keke Marwa that you brought to Nigeria.”

 

Responding directly to the charge by the NDLEA boss for traditional rulers to support ongoing efforts against drug abuse in the country, the Alaafin assured of his readiness to mobilise his colleagues to work with the Agency.
“I’ve heard your message and the same thing with some of my colleagues here and some of my other traditional rulers, we are ready to collaborate with you. I have to tell you, we are at the grassroots, we are close to the community people. We know a lot about what’s going on. So, I’m using this opportunity to tell you that we are ready. We are more than ready to work with you and to give you all the necessary support to make sure that you are successful in this job. We can tell you that anytime you are in need of us, we will always be there for you”, Oba Owoade stated.
In his welcome remark, Marwa congratulated the Alaafin for ascending the throne of his forefathers. He charged him and other traditional rulers across the country to leverage on their influence at the local level to work with NDLEA to stamp out substance abuse in communities.

 

In his words, “The drug scourge in Nigeria is at an unacceptable limit and from the drug use survey report of 2018, we find that close to 15 million Nigerians aged 15 to 64 use drugs. It’s a big problem and we have been mandated by President Tinubu, to stand up, fight the drug scourge, arrest those responsible, prosecute them and seize their assets, the traffickers. And on this assignment, we would like to call on the traditional institutions because it’s a very, very important institution.

 

 

“Nigerians respect the traditional institutions. Whoever you are in Nigeria, you still come from somewhere. And when you go back to that place, you pay homage to whoever is the leader of the community. And so when the traditional leader speaks, it carries weight. And equally we plead for traditional leaders to also engage the religious leaders in charge of churches and mosques in their domains, they should do serious advocacy against the use of drugs. The NDLEA is always prepared to work with the traditional institution.”
He said the Agency will also appreciate getting information about drug dealers in local communities from traditional rulers because of the risk they pose to many youths and their families. “We really appreciate this collaboration and I know for a fact that if we are able to control drug use, even the criminalities will come down because all the people that are kidnappers and the insurgents, terrorists, bandits everywhere, they use drugs first to charge themselves up, to make them high.”
He expressed appreciation to Alaafin for the visit and wished him long successful reign in
good health, peace, development and prosperity in the entire Oyo Kingdom.

No Christian genocide in Nigeria – Yakassai faults foreign media, Trump

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Elder statesman and founding member of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Alhaji Abubakar Tanko Yakasai, has dismissed claims of a Christian genocide in Nigeria, insisting that Christians and Muslims have coexisted peacefully for generations.

 

Speaking in an interview with Vanguard, the veteran politician accused foreign media of inflaming religious tensions and criticised U.S. President Donald Trump for comments suggesting targeted killings of Christians in the country.

Yakasai, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s radical political movement of the 1950s and 1960s and a former commissioner in Kano and special assistant on National Assembly liaison to President Shehu Shagari, said narratives of religious persecution were being exaggerated for political gain.

According to him, “I don’t agree there is Christian genocide. Some Christians close to the United States of America took advantage of their closeness to Donald Trump.

 

“Christians and Muslims have been living in peace with one another; we are brothers and sisters. Few individuals went to America to talk to Trump. Christians and Muslims are not living in separation.

 

“The majority of the people in the West, East and South are Christians, but in the North and the Middle Belt, there are a substantial number of Muslims. My parents were from the Middle Belt. For ages, long before the British came, we lived together in peace.

“Those who converted to Christianity were what we called pagans. The Muslims did not convert to Christianity, and that is why Christianity is much stronger in the Middle Belt region. Interestingly, my parents were from the Middle Belt.

 

“In every home, we have Christians and Muslims living together in peace.”

 

He argued that Trump’s claims were influenced by a few individuals with ties to the U.S., describing him as “an opportunist” seeking relevance. Yakasai stressed that religious diversity long predates colonial rule, particularly in the Middle Belt, where mixed-faith families remain common.

On insecurity in the country, the elder statesman said the problem is national but more pronounced in the North. He advocated for the establishment of zonal police commands, noting that previous proposals for regional policing should be revisited due to the overstretched capacity of the Nigeria Police Force.

However, he rejected the idea of state police, warning that it could be easily manipulated by politicians.

His words, “There was a move at one time that there should be the establishment of a zonal police. This problem is not limited to one side of the country; it is a national problem. There was a move at one time that there should be six police establishments. I think the issue should be revisited because it is a good idea because the number of the police force is not enough to cover the whole country. There will be a zonal setup, and people will know their area and locality. They will be in a better position to handle the problems more effectively.

“State police”, he said, “are subject to manipulation by individuals and political interests. At one time, there was a move for a zonal police. If anybody was in favour of a zonal police, I would support it.”

 

Addressing perceptions of a rift between the North and South, Yakasai said no such suspicion exists. He added that President Bola Tinubu is likely to seek and possibly win a second term in 2027, given the political and financial structures at his disposal.

He said, “Personally, I believe that in Nigeria’s politics today, as has been the practice, President Tinubu will seek a second term and is most likely to win because he has the resources to back his ambition. We are practising democracy, and as such, democratic norms and conventions, as well as our constitution, should be our guiding principle. 2027 is still about two years away.”

Reflecting on Nigeria’s challenges, Yakasai said every nation faces its own problems and that no single group or individual can be solely blamed.

 

“Any country has its problems. You cannot single out an individual or a group of people to make peace. The creation of God, built in America, Russia, and China – all of them have problems. Wherever you have people, human beings, you have problems. And it is the human beings who will seek the help of God to overcome their problems,” he added.