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Naval Officer Who Clashed With Wike Weds Heartthrob In Kaduna

Lieutenant A.M. Yerima, the Nigerian Navy officer who became popular after his encounter with FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike has married his heartthrob in Kaduna.

 

 

 

The wedding video began circulating online this week, showing Yerima seated beside his bride during a traditional ceremony at her family home.

 

 

An elderly woman, believed to be a relative of the bride, sat between the couple in the usual northern setting.

 

 

 

Yerima gained nationwide attention when a clip of him engaging the FCT Minister over a land matter in Abuja went viral.

 

 

 

Many who watched the video felt he handled the situation with courage and control.

Recall that reports emerged two weeks ago that an assassination attempt was made on Yerima following his clash with FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

 

 

 

However, the spokesperson for the command, SP Josephine Adeh dismissed the claim that no incident was reported or recorded anywhere.

 

 

 

Reacting, in another statement, FCT police clarified that it was a normal stop-and-search process and not the assassination attempt as reported in the media.

 

 

 

Part of the police second statement read that: “The attention of FCT Police Command has been drawn to publications by an Instagram blogger, “Mazitundeednut,” alleging an attack on one Lt. Ahmed Yerima at NNPC junction in Kubwa area of the FCT. FCT Police Command wishes to state that these publications are false and grossly misleading.

 

KIDNAPPED COUPLE IN EDO STATE :POLICE LAUNCHES INTENSIVE SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATION

By Ebinum Samuel

 

 

The Edo State Police Command says its has been drawn to a video currently circulating on social media alleging the kidnapping of a couple in Aviele.

 

The Command, according to the imafe maker,CSP Joel Moses Yamu, wishes to inform the general public that upon receipt of the information, all necessary operational and investigative mechanisms were immediately activated to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and the arrest of the perpetrators.

 

Yamu said that the Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc has further directed a thorough investigation into the incident, and all persons found to be complicit—whether directly or indirectly—will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with extant laws

 

Members of the public are advised to remain calm and continue to provide credible information that may assist ongoing investigations. The Command reiterates its unwavering commitment to the security and safety of all residents of Edo State.

 

Further updates, ge disclosed will be provided as the investigation progresses.

Success of UNILORIN: Pro-Chancellor, Aluko Commends Ilorin Emirate For Total Support And Acceptance

 

 

Raheem Ibrahim

 

 

The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, University of Ilorin, His Excellency, Surv. Abiodun Jacob Aluko, has commended the people of Ilorin Emirate for seeing the University as their own.

 

His Excellency, Surv. Aluko gave this commendation on Tuesday while receiving the National President of Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), Alhaji Abdulmumini Ayo Abdulmalik, in his office.

 

The Chairman said that his experiences as a member of the Governing Councils of a few other universities before his current appointment showed that the people of Ilorin Emirate are fantastic hosts who do not have any problem whatsoever with the University.

 

Surv. Aluko, who is a former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, said that the prevailing peace of the University and the magnitude of its achievements cannot be divorced from the fraternity of its host community.

 

He specifically thanked the people of Ilorin Emirate for always supporting the University as he also thanked the management of the Ilorin Central Jumaat Mosque for its decision to build a 250 bedspace hostel at the University, among other wonderful supports.

 

The former Deputy Governor said the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN and the Registrar, Mr Mansur Adeleke Alfanla, as well as other Principal Officers have been leading staff and students of the University towards greatness.

 

The Pro-Chancellor who spoke glowingly of His Royal Highness, Mai Martaba, the Emir of Ilorin, assured IEDPU, which is the umbrella sociocultural organisation of the people of Ilorin Emirate, that the Council and management of the University would continue to work with the institution’s host community for mutual benefits.

 

Speaking earlier, the National President of the IEDPU, Alhaji Abdulmumini Ayo Abdulmalik, thanked His Excellency, Surv. Aluko, for working harmoniously with the University Administration.

 

Alhaji Abdulmalik, who is also an alumnus.of the University, congratulated the institution on its golden jubilee anniversary and commended the University’s management under the leadership of the amiable Vice Chancellor, Prof Egbewole.

 

He then recalled that several indigenes of the community worked with other stakeholders from the old Kwara State and across Nigeria towards the establishment of the University.

 

He then pointed up that the Union had always been eager to work with successive administrations of the University to ensure a prevailing peaceful environment for the institution to operate; in addition to maintaining continuous harmonious relationship between the gown and town. He explained that the Union earlier written a congratulatory letter to the Chairman shortly after his appointment.

 

The community leader said that the people of the University’s host community would always support the University in order for it to achieve its corporate objectives as he urged the University to continue to show more concern to the yearnings of its host community.

 

Alhaji Abdulmalik was accompanied on the visit by his Deputy, Alhaji AbdulRauf Babatunde Issa; the National Secretary, Abubakar Imam; the National Auditor, Mr Adam Olumide Alabere and Mr Habeeb Atanda.

Security Expert Urges Technology to Secure Nigeria’s Porous Borders

By Ebinum Samuel

 

 

Security expert Bone Efoziem has called for increased technological measures to monitor and secure Nigeria’s porous land, air, and sea borders.

 

Speaking at the 2025 Annual Lecture and Awards Ceremony of the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN) in Ikeja, Efoziem emphasized that most security threats entering Nigeria, ranging from arms smuggling to insurgency, come through unmonitored land routes rather than official airports or seaports.

 

He noted that many villages along the borders serve as informal entry points, making it difficult for conventional border security to function effectively.

 

“Almost every village around the border is a potential route into the country,” Efoziem said. “Even security officers on the ground cannot monitor all these points effectively. This is where technology, like drones and remote monitoring systems, becomes essential.”

 

He stressed that current equipment and manpower are insufficient to tackle insurgents and armed criminals operating along the borders.

 

Highlighting the limitations, Efoziem noted that soldiers often face better-equipped insurgents with night vision goggles and heavier weaponry, while border surveillance remains largely manual.

 

The expert called for redefining border security strategies and integrating technology to detect illegal movements, track suspicious activities, and enable rapid intervention.

 

He also urged community engagement platforms to allow Nigerians to anonymously report cross-border threats, improving real-time intelligence collection.

 

“Strengthening border security with technology is critical to reducing the flow of arms, drugs, and criminals into Nigeria,” Efoziem said, stressing that proactive monitoring is the only sustainable solution to the nation’s border challenges.

Presidential Directive On Recruitment Of 30,000 Police Officers: PSC, NPF Set up Joint Ad-hoc Committee to Drive the Process.

    The Police Service Commission (PSC) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have established a high-powered joint Ad-hoc Committee to drive the immediate commencement of the recruitment of 30,000 new police personnel. The Ad-hoc Committee, according to a press statement issued by Ikechukwu Ani, PSC spokesman, was inaugurated today, 26th November, 2025 by the Chairman, Police Service Commission DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu (rtd) at the Police Service Commission Corporate Headquarters, Jabi, Abuja, following the presidential directive to bolster the numerical strength of the NPF and enhance national security. The primary mandate of the Joint Ad-hoc Committee is to collaborate and brainstorm on creating a seamless, transparent, and efficient recruitment process. The committee will work to ensure the exercise is conducted with the highest standards of integrity and merit. In his remarks, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, who was represented by DIG (Bar) Taiwo Lakanu (rtd), fdc, stated that “the collaboration is crucial for a successful exercise”. He reiterated the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that the recruitment is fair and based on established guidelines. DIG Lakanu is also the Chairman, Nigeria Police Force Matters Committee, PSC. The Inspector-General of Police, who was represented by CP Edwin Eloho of the Department of Training and Development, Force Headquarters, emphasized the importance of the recruitment in strengthening the police force’s capacity to serve and protect the citizens of Nigeria. He affirmed the NPF’s full cooperation with the PSC to ensure the timely and successful achievement of this national objective. The inauguration of this committee marks a critical step forward in the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing security challenges and improving the police-to-citizen ratio across the country. The Police Service Commission is the Federal Executive Body empowered to appoint, promote, dismiss, and exercise disciplinary control over persons holding offices in the Nigeria Police Force, except the Inspector-General of Police. The Nigeria Police Force is the principal law enforcement agency in Nigeria. It is designated to, amongst others, prevent and detect crime, protect lives and property, and maintain public order and safety.

King Karma is coming!

 

 

By Ayo Oyoze Baje

 

 

 

Quote:

 

“A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life”.

 

-Holy Bible (Galatians 6:7–9).

 

 

Believe it or not, the Law of retributive justice, or call it karma is real. But what does it truly mean? In Buddhism, Hinduism, and some other religions “the force produced by a person’s actions in one life that influences what happens to them in future lives: Hindus believe in karma, meaning they will answer for their actions – if not in this life, then in the next”. Most interestingly, it has started unfolding before our eyes with specific regards to Nigeria’s effervescent political spectrum, within a short space of less than two decades.

 

 

For instance, how else can we explain the harsh reality of the fact that the very set of political helmsman who trooped to the United States,US to meet with the then President Barack Obama to lay complaint of serious “insecurity” against the President Goodluck Jonathan-led government back in 2014, with some of them asking him to resign from office are currently at the receiving end of even worse insecurity ravaging the country? These same people are embittered by the President Donald Trump-led United States tagging Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern,CPC troubled by “Christian Genocide”.

That is Karma for you.

 

 

It would be recalled that a top intelligence analyst, who was part of the Obama administration, Mr. Matthew T. Page, has explained the claim made by former Governor of Niger State, Babangida Aliyu, that the State Department invited 12 northern governors to Washington to seek their support on the need to achieve regime change in Nigeria during the 2015 Presidential election.

.

 

Similarly, former President Goodluck Jonathan, who lost the election to President Muhammadu Buhari, knowing full well that the well staged kidnap of the Chibok School Girls was aimed at denting his image as incapable of battling insurgency,

also alleged international conspiracy in the build up to the elections. The statements of both Aliyu and Jonathan were revealed in the book, entitled ‘Against Run of Play’ by Segun Adeniyi.

.

 

In fact, Mr. Page alleged that,“at that meeting, Admiral Murtala Nyako read out a memo he had written itemizing the case against Jonathan. He was so openly and almost violently against the Jonathan administration in his speech that he had to be openly rebuked at the meeting by the then Nigerian ambassador to the US, Ambassador Adebowale Adefuye, of blessed memory. It was so venomous that it prompted a rebuttal from the Gombe State governor, Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, who showed loyalty to the then Nigerian President. According to Mr. Page, this prompted most of the other Northern governors present to turn on him.

 

 

Another intriguing aspect to the political gambit was that at the same time, Obama confidant and former White House Senior Advisor, David Axelrod’s firm, AKPD Message and Media, began to work as a paid consultant for the then Nigerian opposition party, All Progressives Congress.”Subsequently,

“sublimal messages were communicated by President Obama” in the special broadcast he made to Nigerians on March 28, 2015, urging them to come out and vote. Eventually, their nebulous aim of outsting Jonthan from power succeeded.

 

 

But well aware of the insidious plans by the desperados to unleash haunting havoc on innocent people

should he refuse to vacate office, he openly stated that: “My political ambition is not worth a drop of blood of any Nigerian”. Unforgettable demonstration of an uncommon patriotriotic fervour for a country some want to rule over more by crook thsn by hook! So, what has transpired within the insecurity matrix in the past decade, since Jonathan humbly handed over the baton of political leadership to the All Progressives Congress,APC

from 2015 to 2025? That is the million naira question. The answers are the gory pictures painted before us all to see.

 

 

Ever since, the terrorism incubus has metamorphosed from mainly the Boko Haram to the ISWAP, the bandits, the Lakurawa and the Mahmuda. It has spread from the embattled North East zone to the North Western states of Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi and Kaduna in addition to the mineral – rich North Central states of Plateau, Benue, Zamfara and Kwara currently

turned from the once fertile farmlands into the killing fields of Nigeria.

 

 

And some of the traducers of the then Jonathan-led administration have started exhibiting a deep sense of remorse. One of them, a chieftain of the NNPP, Buba Galadima in a recent interview with ARISE Television has this to say; ” I’m sorry that I have come here to discuss the truth, not politics. Let me address more. During Jonathan’s birthday, I spoke to journalists. And I said something. I was one of the greatest critics of Jonathan’s presidency. I didn’t know that God will disgrace me to show me that Jonathan was even a saint, a better administrator than those that came after him.

 

 

“During his time, the insecurity reached its highest level, six weeks, I mean some few days to election. Jonathan suspended the election, put off the election, and took another six weeks. And brought mercenaries. If this government today has that opportunity of chaos one or two weeks to election, they will allow it to continue so that they can write figures and announce themselves as winners. But Jonathan stopped that election, and he knew for sure that if there was a fair election, no incumbent, the government can get second term.

 

 

He added that: “This is an educated man with PhD. He knew that. But because of his humane nature, he postponed the election for six weeks, brought in mercenaries, and within six weeks, those mercenaries stabilized Nigeria, and there was no polling booth in Nigeria thar elections did not take place. If Jonathan has done that at that time, 2015, what stops this government from copying what Jonathan has done?.” That is asking for credible answers.

. Put simply, What goes around comes around, according to Karma.

 

 

Yet, according to Galadima: “This government is only concerned about receiving the decampees or trying to destroy opposition political parties. And I want to tell them that it is not in their interest to destroy opposition, because without opposition, there is no democracy. And if there is no democracy, it means we are gravitating to fascism, dictatorship. And this is exactly where they are taking a pass. ” This should serve as food-for-thought to our political leaders.

 

 

And it is all because, whether we like it or not King Karma is coming for all those who have by crass corruption in high places diverted the wealth of this God-blessed country to satisfy the self instead of the state, and all others who have thwarted the pendulum of justice to always swing in their favour against the right choices of the long-suffering people. Not left out of course, are all those blood – sucking vampires in human skin who have at one time or another armed and sponsored all manner of terrorists, or negotiated with them,

as well as the greed-driven supporters of evil that have brought us to this sordid mess.

 

 

But to others who have remained faithful to the Nigerian dream in the long search for good governance, as the Bible rightly admonishes us.”Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up”

 

One thing is certain though, whatever we sow in other people’s lives, that shall we also reap because King Karma is coming for each and everyone of us.

WEEK FUNSO OWOYEMI LOCKED DOWN LAGOS FOR WIFE, DAUGHTER

 

By Tunde Olusunle

 

 

Thursday January 11, 2024, all roads led to the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Ikate, Surulere, Lagos, for the formal admission of Otunba Funso Davies Owoyemi, Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Accountants, (FCA), into the septuagenarian rungs. Those who know FDO as acronymed from the initials of his names, know him for his social unobtrusiveness and reticence. This is despite his humongous achievements as an astute professional, conscientious husband, consummate parent, devoted community leader and revered elder statesman. Turning 70 in our kind of environment with its many viccissitudes was worth giving thanks to God and inviting friends and family to join the celebration which was just what Otunba Owoyemi did on that occasion.

Nearly two years later very recently, there was compelling need for a double-barreled encore in Owoyemi’s family. It was the occasion of the engagement of one of his six delectable daughters, Oluwasolape, to her hearthrob, Precious Adeniran, on one hand, and the 70th birthday of his beloved wife, Mrs Rita Abeke Owoyemi, his inseparable partner of five decades. Beginning from Thursday October 30, 2025, therefore, Otunba Funso Owoyemi was going to lock down Lagos for the following half a week to commemorate both landmarks. And from Lagos and beyond, family, friends, associates and acquaintances rallied steadily behind the Owoyemis as they celebrated their own.

 

Chief (Mrs) Rita Abeke Owoyemi

 

The highbrow Rosetree Event Centre, Oniru, Victoria Island, Lagos, hosted the engagement ceremony of Oluwasolape and Precious. Expectedly, it had the orderly, organised imprimatur of FDO, classy without being exhibitionist, the best of Nigerian culture on display as the two youngsters pledged their futures to each other before the world. Lagosians continue to raise the bar of ceremonial sophistry though, ever giving their upcountry guests novelties to think about. Fulfilment was writ large on the faces of the older Owoyemis who have devoted a considerable segment of their more recent years joyfully oversighting the lateral flourish of their family, with the addition of more and more grandchildren.

Sunday November 2, 2025, the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Ikate, Surulere, was the venue of the 70th birthday thanksgiving of the Owoyemi matriarch, Chief (Mrs) Rita Abeke Owoyemi. It was a packed Sunday service which coincided with the annual “Adult Harvest” of the church, which was going to keep guests and parishioners in church for a long duration. The Rt. Rev. Akinpelu Johnson the Vicar and Archdeacon, led the proceedings. The excitement of celebrating with the Owoyemi family, despite Lagos’ typically unpredictable rain descent, however, overshadowed every proclivity to boredom and restlessness. Guests proceeded to The Podium Events Centre, Lekki, Lagos for the post-thanksgiving reception thereafter.

The socials were a celebration of the finest aspects of Nigeria’s cultures. Otunba Owoyemi’s kinsmen from Yagbaland in the Okun hemisphere in Kogi State, matched their in-laws from Owo in Ondo State with costume, dance and displays. It was a most befitting tribute to the life and multitasking career of a wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt, who worked her way to Nigeria’s exchequer, the Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN), from humble beginnings. Starting out in Secretarial Studies, Mrs Owoyemi with the unflinching support of her redoubtable husband would go on to become a public administrator in her own right. She trained at the Crown Secretarial College and the Pitman’s College, both in London, where she earned a Diploma and a Higher Diploma in Secretarial Studies.

 

Chief (Mrs) Rita Abeke Owoyemi

 

Within the same period, her husband, Otunba Owoyemi earned his badges as a charterered accountant and management professional. The couple wedded in London Borough of Hackney in 1979 and welcomed their first child, Olumuyiwa, one of their two sons, before returning to Nigeria during the regime of President Shehu Usman Shagari in 1980. Mrs Owoyemi began a lifelong career in the CBN in 1981 and grossed three and half eventful decades in service before her retirement at 60 in 2015. She has since redoubled her focus on mentoring and supporting not just her children and their offsprings, but siblings, relatives and adopted children, while also supporting her husband as they both age gracefully together.

Mrs Owoyemi’s commemoration was a harvest of testimonies from a broad spectrum of people and publics she encountered and impacted in a most eventful life. Siblings, childhood peers, schoolmates, colleagues, members of church, voluntary and social organisations, stepped forward to speak so glowingly and eloquently about a rare breed who has lived her life principally for others. The second child of her nuclear family, fate thrust leadership upon her when she lost her older sibling and she had to fill in spontaneously as Numero Uno in the family and pathfinder, a role she has played so very ably and gracefully.

The Owoyemis had very good company at the twin ceremonies. Former Ministers in the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR at the programme, included Chief and Justice (Mrs) Bayo Ojo, SAN, CON, and Asiwaju and Chief (Mrs) Kola Jamodu, CFR. Prince Olusola Akanmode, Chief of Staff to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, GCON; Arc Yomi Awoniyi, FNIA, former Deputy Governor of Kogi State; Aremo (Dr) and Chief (Mrs) Yemi Ogunbiyi, former Managing Director of Daily Times of Nigeria Plc, and Senator Musiliu Obanikoro. Rear Admiral Okanlawon Oni, (rtd); AIG Tunji Caulcrick, (rtd); Brigadier-General Benjamin Ipinyomi, (rtd); Ambassador Kayode Shinkaiye; Chief (Mrs) Florence Omotehinwa; Justice Suyi Olateru-Olagbegi and Justice and Mrs Adeniyi Ademola, (rtd), equally added colour to the event.

Mr Eniola Bello, Managing Director of Thisday Newspapers; Mr and Mrs Akin Opeodu, FCA; Mr and Mrs Kunle Owuye; Dr Kola Ibirogba; Otunba Sam Olu Owa; Chief Kunle David; Chief and Mrs Korede Adedayo; Chief Tosin Atewologun; Chief Jide Oni as well as Mr and Mrs Bayo Ibirogba, honoured the milestone. Chief Kayode Soyombo; High Chief Tobi Oduyale; Chief Sanmi Fabode, FCA; Hon Deinde Abolarin; Mr and Mrs Iyiola Oyefeso; Otunba and Mrs Babs Alatise; Engr and Mrs Owa Adewale; Captain and Mrs Ade Olopoenia; Mr and Mrs Uwa Ehanire; Elder Tunde Alogbo and Chief Tunde Odunewu, all kept faith with the Owoyemis. Not forgetting Members of “Klub D’Aspirers” and the “Long Table” respectively.

It was indeed a fitting and memorable week of landmarks which the family of Otunba Funso Davies Owoyemi, FCA, will savour and treasure for decades to come.

Tunde Olusunle, PhD, Fellow of the Association of Nigerian Authors, (FANA), is an Adjunct Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Abuja

2027: Kano APC stakeholders endorse Tinubu as sole presidential candidate

 

 

Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress(APC) in Kano State on Sunday endorsed President Bola Tinubu as the sole candidate of the party for the 2027 presidential election.

The APC leader in the state,Dr.Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, announced the decision at the end of the three-day meeting of the stakeholders held at his Miango Road residence in Kano.

Ganduje told journalists shortly after the meeting that the stakeholders drawn from the entire 44 local government areas and 484 wards unanimously endorsed the sole candidature of the president for the 2027 poll.

He said all the stakeholders had expressed their commitment to the party’s unity, progress as well as solidarity with President Bola Tinubu and his Renewed Hope Agenda that is positively impacting the lives of Nigerians.

He said for the last three days the stakeholders which comprised the Chairmen of all the 44 local government chapters and other leaders of the party, discussed unity and the need to be fully committed to the President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The former governor of Kano State said all the decisions were imperative as the nation moves towards the 2027 general elections.

He said the meeting also agreed to ensure that the party wins all elections for positions to be contested for in the state as well as work for the total victory of President Tinubu in the 2027 elections.

“We have directed the chairmen of the 44 local government branches of the party and chairmen of the 484 wards that the party offices should be physically accessible and functional,” Ganduje said.

He said this would enable members of other parties defecting to the APC to smoothly partake in the party’s activities.

“We also directed executives of the party at all levels to go round and make pronouncement that Tinubu is the sole candidate of the APC,come 202,” Ganduje said.

He said the takeholders also discussed issues of e-registration of members of the the party,and that they had already acquired computers for the party’s offices for the exercise.

He recalled that Kano State produced the highest number of the APC faithful in the last registration of members of the party, adding that the state chapter of the party is determined to sustain the feat.

I’m keeping close watch on security nationwide, says Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu says he is keeping a close eye on the security situation across the country, reacting to the rescue of 38 worshippers kidnapped in Eruku, Kwara State.

Armed men had stormed Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Isegun, in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of the state on Tuesday, taking several worshippers away.

In a message posted on his X account, Tinubu referenced his cancelled trip to the G20 summit in South Africa, saying the decision allowed him to focus on domestic security efforts. He reaffirmed his commitment, declaring that “under my watch, we will secure this nation and protect our people.”

He praised the security agencies for their recent operations, noting that “all the 38 worshippers abducted in Eruku, Kwara State have been rescued.”

The President also addressed, for the first time, the mass abduction at a Catholic school in Niger State. Until now, neither he nor the Presidency had commented on the incident, even as the Federal Government ordered the closure of 41 unity colleges and at least five states shut down schools in response to rising insecurity.

The PDP had criticized the situation, calling on Tinubu to resign if he felt overwhelmed.

But on Sunday, the President restated his resolve to restore safety nationwide.

“I am closely monitoring the security situation nationwide and receiving continuous updates from the frontline. Let me be clear: I will not relent. Every Nigerian, in every state, has the right to safety and under my watch, we will secure this nation and protect our people.”

He added: “My fellow Nigerians, You will recall that I cancelled my trip to the G20 summit in South Africa to enable me coordinate the security efforts at home.

“Thanks to the efforts of our security forces over the last few days, all the 38 worshippers abducted in Eruku, Kwara State have been rescued.

“I am equally happy that 51 out of the missing students of the Catholic School in Niger State, have been recovered.

“I am closely monitoring the security situation nationwide and receiving continuous updates from the frontline.

“Let me be clear: I will not relent. Every Nigerian, in every state, has the right to safety — and under my watch, we will secure this nation and protect our people,” he wrote.

NDLEA intercepts cocaine shipment from Brazil, detains ship, 20 Filipino crew members

By Ebinum Samuel

 

Nigeria is not, and will never be your foothold, Marwa warns drug cartels

Barely six months after 10 Thai sailors and their ship were convicted and fined $4.3million
for bringing 32.9kg cocaine into Nigeria, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have again intercepted another commodity laden vessel- MV Nord Bosporus marked 9760110 from the port of Santos in Brazil at the Apapa seaport in Lagos with no less than 20 kilograms of the Class A drug buried under its cargo.
The illicit drug consignment was discovered on board the vessel on Sunday 16th November 2025 by NDLEA officers who thereafter took the Master of the ship, Captain Quino Eugene Corpus and 19 other crew members who are all Filipinos into custody for investigation.
Following the seizure and arrest of the crew members, the Agency filed an application for an order of court for the detention of the vessel and the 20 Filipinos on board for further investigation. The motion ex-parte in suit number FHC/L/MISC/1306/25 was argued before Justice Musa Kakaki of the Federal High Court, Lagos, who on Thursday 20th November 2025 granted the application for an initial 14 days detention of the vessel, Capt. Corpus and 19 other Filipino crew members.
Preliminary investigation revealed that this was the first time the vessel was coming to Nigeria and Africa as it’s been largely transporting coal between Colombia and Brazil while Captain Corpus has been barely three months with the ship.
The Agency had in a similar circumstance arrested 10 sailors who are nationals of Thailand on 13th October 2021 on board a vessel named MV Chayanee Naree for trafficking 32.9 kilograms of cocaine from Brazil into Nigeria through the Apapa seaport. Nine Nigerian suspects were also arrested along with the Thai crew members. The 10 Thai sailors and the vessel were eventually convicted on Thursday 15th May 2025 by a Federal High Court in Lagos presided over by Justice Daniel Osiagor who also fined them $4.3 million.

 

In his reaction to the latest significant seizure of 20kg cocaine on board MV Nord Bosporus, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) commended the officers, men and women of the Apapa Strategic Command of the Agency as well as the Directorate of Seaport Operations for their vigilance, diligence and professionalism.
​Marwa said the cocaine seizure is not just an operational success but “a clear demonstration of our heightened capacity and unwavering resolve”, adding that “we will continue to tighten our grip on all entry and exit points, especially our seaports, which transnational criminal organisations have historically attempted to exploit.”
According to him, “Let this be an unambiguous message to every international drug cartel and every internal collaborator: Nigeria is not, and will never be, your space or your foothold. The NDLEA is operating with zero-tolerance, and we will not permit any illicit drug to pass through our borders, whether by air, land, or sea. You may scheme, you may attempt sophisticated concealment, but you will fail. Our intelligence network, collaboration with international partners, and the dedication of our officers are steps ahead of your nefarious activities.”
For any Nigerian who chooses to collaborate with foreign syndicates in the illicit drug trade, the NDLEA boss reminded them of the consequences of such. “You are not just committing a crime; you are betraying your nation’s future. The consequences of aiding and abetting drug trafficking will be severe and unrelenting. We are committed to using the full force of the law to dismantle your structures, seize your illicit assets, and secure your long-term incarceration”, he warned.