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LASG DISMANTLES OVER 200 ILLEGAL SHANTIES, DISLODGES CRIMINAL HIDEOUTS AS LASTMA OPERATIVES UNCOVER DUMMY GUN BENEATH COSTAIN BRIDGE

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

 

In an emphatic manifestation of its relentless commitment to urban regeneration, environmental rectitude, and the safeguarding of public order, the Lagos State Government has executed a sweeping enforcement exercise that led to the dislodgement of illegal squatters, demolition of over 200 illegal shanties, and evacuation of derelict vehicles sprawling around Apapa Road, Ijora, and Costain under bridges.

 

The large-scale clearance operation, meticulously coordinated through a synergy of inter-governmental agencies, was spearheaded by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa. The exercise strategically targeted the reclamation and sanitization of critical public spaces that had been desecrated by unlawful habitation, environmental degradation, and nefarious criminal activities.

 

During the extensive operation, personnel of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) made a shocking discovery—a dummy firearm and other dangerous weapons clandestinely concealed within makeshift structures beneath the bridges. This alarming revelation underscored the exigency of the intervention and validated the State Government’s proactive stance against festering criminal hideouts in key transportation corridors.

 

Hon. Sola Giwa decried the appalling condition of the affected areas, characterizing the unlawful activities and shanty settlements as “a monumental affront to public decency, environmental order, and the collective security of Lagosians.” He further asserted that “no responsive and responsible government would countenance such brazen lawlessness within vital infrastructural zones that sustain the State’s socio-economic engine.”

The Special Adviser reiterated that the clearance exercise was designed to eradicate incessant traffic robberies, dismantle drug peddling enclaves, and abate chronic environmental nuisances that had plagued the axis for years. He further disclosed that the operation equally led to the removal of unauthorized garages and evacuation of long-abandoned trucks, which had been converted into criminal dens under the Ijora Bridge.

 

Hon. Giwa reaffirmed the unwavering determination of the Lagos State Government to sustain the tempo of urban renewal and environmental enforcement across the metropolis, warning that any attempt by displaced miscreants or illegal occupants to return to the cleared sites would be met with swift and decisive sanctions.

 

The multi-agency exercise featured robust participation from the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI), Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), and the Nigeria Police Force, all working in concert to restore environmental order, safety, and infrastructural integrity.

Other affected areas included Apapa Road, Ijora, and Costain under bridges inward Iponri, where similar demolitions were executed to dismantle criminal hideouts and reclaim encroached public spaces.

 

This bold and far-reaching intervention forms an integral component of the Sanwo-Olu administration’s holistic urban renewal and environmental restoration agenda, aimed at reclaiming public infrastructure, ensuring citizen security, and preserving the aesthetic dignity and operational efficiency of Lagos State’s transportation corridors.

 

 

 

Hon. Giwa commended the seamless cooperation among participating agencies and enjoined residents to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and supportive of government initiatives.

 

He reaffirmed that the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration remains irrevocably committed to actualizing a safer, cleaner, and more habitable Lagos one that reflects the true spirit of a 21st-century megacity.

COAS redeploys top army officers, makes new appointments (+FULL LIST)

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Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has approved a wide-ranging redeployment of top army officers to strategic commands, staff positions, and military training institutions across the country.

In a statement signed by Acting Director Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, on Thursday, several senior officers were assigned new responsibilities as part of efforts to enhance operational efficiency and strengthen the service’s command structure.

Among the notable postings, Major General Bamidele Alabi moves to the Army Headquarters Department of Policy and Plans as the new Chief of Policy and Plans (Army). Major General Jamal Abdulsalam, formerly Chief of Special Services and Programmes at Army Headquarters, has been transferred to the Defence Headquarters Department of Operations as Chief of Defence Operations. Major General Peter Mala departs the Office of the National Security Adviser for the Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command Nigerian Army (TRADOC), where he will serve as Commander.

Also affected in the latest shake-up is Major General Samson Jiya, who moves from the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre (NAHFC) to the Defence Headquarters Department of Defence Accounts and Budget as Chief of Defence Accounts and Budget.

Other key appointments include Major General Mayirenso Saraso, redeployed from NAHFC to the Army Headquarters Department of Operations as Chief of Operations (Army); Major General Isa Abdullahi, who takes charge as Chief of Administration (Army) at the Department of Administration; and Major General Musa Etsu-Ndagi, who now heads the Department of Civil-Military Affairs as Chief of Civil-Military Affairs.

Similarly, Major General Abubakar Haruna has been moved from NAHFC to the Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC), Kontagora, as Commander, while Major General Philip Ilodibia leaves the Army Headquarters Department of Policy and Plans for the Defence Space Administration, where he will serve as Chief of Defence Space Administration.

“Equally appointed are Major General Godwin Mutkut, from Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) N’Djamena to Headquarters Infantry Corps Centre as Corps Commander Infantry, Major General Umar Abubakar from the Ministry of Defence to Headquarters Nigerian Army Armour Corps as Commander Armour Corps, Major General John Adeyemo moves from Nigerian Army School of Artillery (NASA) to Headquarters Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery as Corps Commander Artillery and Major General Mohammed Abdullahi from Nigerian Army Cyberwarfare Command to Headquarters Nigerian Army Signals as Corps Commander Signals,” the statement read.

The redeployment also affected the Army’s finance, logistics, and training institutions.“Additionally, Major General Taofik Sidick has been redeployed from the NAHFC to Headquarters Nigerian Army Finance Corps as Chief of Accounts and Budget (Army), Major General Abdullahi Ibrahim from NAHFC to Headquarters Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps as Corps Commander Ordnance, Major General Adeyinka Adereti from Defence Headquarters to Headquarters Nigerian Army Electrical and Mechanical Engineers as Corps Commander, Major General Nansak Shagaya from Army Headquarters Department of Operations to Headquarters Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport as Corps Commander Supply and Transport while Brigadier General Yusha’u Ahmed has been appointed Acting Corps Commander Education,” it added.

According to the statement, the COAS also approved new appointments in military schools. Major General Oluyemi Olatoye, formerly with Headquarters 82 Division/Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA, is now Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna. Major General Emmanuel Mustapha, from Defence Space Administration, takes over as Commandant of the Nigerian Army Signal School, while Major General Adamu Hassan moves from the Nigerian Defence Section, Riyadh, to head the Nigerian Army School of Artillery. Brigadier General John Bulus has been appointed Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Finance and Accounts.

According to the statement, senior officers appointed as field commanders includes,  Major General Saidu Audu from Army Headquarters Department of Training to Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), N’Djamena, as Force Commander, Major General Warrah Idris from Defence Headquarters to Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA as Commander and Major General Oluremi Fadairo from Army Headquarters Department of Civil Military Affairs to 82 Division Nigerian Army, Enugu as General Officer Commanding and Commander Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA.

The COAS further appointed Major General Olatokumbo  Bello  as the Director Defence Media Operations at Defence Headquarters while Brigadier General Samaila Uba was redeployed from the Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji to Defence Headquarters as Director Defence Information.

“Lieutenant General Waidi  Shaibu charged the newly appointed senior officers to bring to bear their wealth of operational experience, administrative acumen and strategic foresight in driving a disciplined and combat-ready Army to decisively confront the  contemporary and emerging security challenges. He urged them to sustain the current operational momentum, strengthen interagency collaboration and remain unwavering in upholding the Nigerian Army’s core ethos of loyalty, selfless service, integrity and excellence,” it added.

More trouble as number of detained military officers hits 42

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The number of military officers held in connection with the alleged coup attempt against President Bola Tinubu’s administration has reportedly increased to 42.

The Defence Headquarters had earlier confirmed the arrest of 16 officers over what it described as “disciplinary infractions,” without directly linking them to any coup-related activities.

However, sources revealed that the detentions were tied to an alleged plan to disrupt Nigeria’s 26-year stretch of democratic governance.

According to a report by Daily Trust on Thursday, security insiders said the arrested personnel are currently undergoing interrogation to determine the extent of their involvement and the nature of the alleged plot.

“So far, 42 officers have been picked up. They are being interrogated to establish the depth of involvement and whether there was any concrete plan beyond mere discussions,” one source said.

Another security source disclosed that the number of those arrested might rise further as investigators from the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) and the Military Police continue to trace communication links and possible funding sources.

Meanwhile, Presidential Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, said the Presidency stands by the position of the military authorities on the matter.

Speaking on TVC, Dare reiterated that the Armed Forces remain the legitimate institution charged with safeguarding Nigeria’s unity and territorial integrity, adding that the Tinubu administration maintains full confidence in their loyalty.

“We are going to stick to the narrative of the military because they are the ones constitutionally empowered to secure this country,” Dare said. “Until the military comes with a different narrative, we are going to stay with that.”

Security analyst and retired military officer, Bashir Galma, said that the federal government may be hesitant to publicly acknowledge any coup attempt in order to prevent public panic or discourage investors.

He, however, cautioned that sustained denial could erode public trust if new evidence later comes to light.

Two officers flee as military expands arrests over alleged coup plot

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Two Nigerian military officers have reportedly gone into hiding after being linked to an alleged plan to overthrow the country’s democratic government.

According to a report by The CABLE, sources disclosed that the armed forces have continued to detain additional suspects following the initial questioning of 16 officers who were apprehended in the first week of October in connection with the foiled coup attempt.

According to findings, 18 officers were slated for arrest, but two managed to escape and are now believed to have left Nigeria.

Military sources identified one of the fugitives as Major JM Ganaks, with service number N/14363, who hails from the Federal Capital Territory. Ganaks, a member of Regular Course 58 of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), was reportedly stationed in Jaji, Kaduna State.

Also said to be on the run is Captain Binuga, from Taraba State. He was attached to DHQ SOF Bida, Niger State, and was part of Regular Course 64.

Information obtained from some of the detained officers has allegedly aided the authorities in apprehending more suspects, with sources estimating that over 30 officers are now in custody.

While some detainees are reportedly refusing to speak, others have been described as “very cooperative.”

Contrary to speculation, the alleged coup was not scheduled for October 1, as the arrests only took place in the first week of the month.

Although the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has not officially confirmed the alleged coup plot, it stated that the ongoing investigation of the 16 officers is part of a “routine internal process aimed at ensuring discipline and professionalism within the ranks.”
(The CABLE)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

PSC WARNS AGAINST CROWD RENTING AND PROTESTS & DEMONSTRATIONS AT ITS CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS IN JABI, INSISTS AGGRIVED PARTIES MUST FOLLOW DUE PROCESS

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

 

The Police Service Commission has warned that although it will continue to ensure Police Officers are held accountable for their actions and inactions, it will not succumb to a disturbing and unfolding theatrics of crowd renting and demonstrations at the gate of its Corporate headquarters in Jabi, Abuja.

The Commission says aggrieved individuals or groups with genuine cases of Police abuse should feel free to submit petitions, which would be treated and given the required attention.

Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd mni, was reacting after an obviously rented crowd besieged its Corporate headquarters to demand for the setting up of a Special Investigation Panel (SIP) within 48 hours to investigate a case of criminal conspiracy, abuse of Office, robbery, terrorism… by the DPO Shendam, Plateau State and the DCO.

The Commission noted that the aggrived party has the right and freedom to submit its petitions but not to rent a crowd to magnify the allegations.

The PSC Chairman said the Commission will not be intimidated by crowd renting and will subsequently not tolerate such abuse of privilege.

DIG Argungu said the Commission’s headquarters is not an arena for demonstrations and advised that they should endeavour to follow laid down rules and regulations in the pursuit of their grievances. He advised that the aggrived party should also have reported the matter to the state Commissioner of Police before besieging its office with card carrying demonstrators.

The group had alleged that on the 22nd and 23rd of October, 2025 some hoodlums backed by “the Nigeria Police Force, I.e the DPO of Shendam, Bashiru Maisule, DCO, Jacob Ogbolu and almost 100 Policemen…..disrupted our peace, robbed us and destroyed our houses”

The Commission has however officially written and directed the DPO, DCO and other officers of Shendam Police Division mentioned in the petition to respond to the weighty allegations.

The Chairman said the Commission will get to the root of the matter and ensure that justice prevails at the end of the day.

45,853 arrested, 8.5m kilograms of drugs seized, 9,263 convicted in 30 months – Marwa

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

 

 

 

Rewards 220 officers, commends personnel for raising drug war momentum under President Tinubu

 

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have been commended for raising the momentum of the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking across the country in the past two and a half years of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The commendation was given by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) on Wednesday 29th October 2025 when he presented commendation letters and awards to 220 personnel for outstanding performance in the discharge of their duties while 15 senior officers were decorated with their new ranks.

In his remark at the event, Marwa said “Today, we specifically recognize those who have gone above and beyond. We celebrate those who, despite facing immense danger and relentless temptation, chose the path of integrity, selflessness, and uncompromising adherence to our mandate.

 

 

“Your commitment to the renewed hope agenda of the administration of President Tinubu has yielded tremendous results in the past 30 months on our two major planks of drug demand reduction and drug supply reduction, leading to 45,853 arrests; seizure of over 8.5 million kilograms of assorted illicit drugs; and conviction of 9,263 offenders; with 26,613 drug users counselled and rehabilitated in our treatment facilities across the country, while a total of 9,848 War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation activities were conducted in schools, work places, markets, motor parks, worship centres and communities among others within the same period.”

While noting that he has upheld the tradition of hosting the commendation and awards ceremony in the last four and a half years to appreciate and encourage officers, men and women who have distinguished themselves in the line of duty, he said the challenge of the drug scourge still remains monumental and as such there’s need for more work to be done.

 

“Without mincing words, the challenge we face is monumental. Drug abuse, trafficking, and the associated criminal enterprises represent a direct and existential threat to the social fabric, economic stability, and national security of Nigeria. They fuel crime, corrupt our youth, and provide resources for terrorism and insurgency.

“But for every kilogram of cocaine intercepted, for every clandestine laboratory dismantled, for every major drug kingpin apprehended, a critical blow is delivered to these criminal networks. These victories, are no doubt the direct result of your dedication.”

 

He said the reward system he established is to maintain the momentum and keep the workforce in optimal condition—both materially and mentally, while ensuring high morale. “This is why we uphold our tradition of rewarding key virtues: hard work, loyalty, sacrifice, integrity, commitment, honesty, courage, and obedience. In addition to the traditional incentives such as promotions, training, and others (which we continue to work towards), we introduced this reward system: the CCEO Commands Awards and Commendations. This has become one of the primary ways management expresses appreciation for the efforts of the NDLEA workforce.

“If anything, our faith in the reward system has been proven right. Over the past four and a half years, we have witnessed an improvement in both the individual and collective ethos of our workforce. However, let us not forget that each gathering to celebrate and honour our finest efforts serves as a reminder to all officers of this noble agency that there is still much work to be done.

“For decades, we lagged behind, constrained by a lack of resources and limited capacity. Now that we are gaining momentum with increased capacity, we must work to roll back the influence and dismantle the structures put in place by drug cartels, using the full force of the law. In carrying out your duties, it is essential to operate within the parameters of our SOPs. Adhering to these guidelines ensures your protection”, he charged.

He expressed appreciation to local and international partners for believing in the Agency and supporting its efforts. “I cannot proceed without thanking our media partners for their collaboration and partnership in supporting our efforts. I would also like to express our gratitude to UNODC, INL, the UK Border Force, the French government, and the Government of Germany for their invaluable contributions.

“At home, we owe a great deal of thanks to the Senate Committee on Narcotic Drugs and the House Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, who, particularly over the past years, have been immensely supportive and crucial to the growth of the NDLEA as an institution. “Similarly, we extend our gratitude to the Minister of Justice and the Attorney General of the Federation as well as the Judiciary as an arm of Government. We must also express our deepest thanks to the President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. We are where we are today because of the unwavering support we have received from these institutions, and we are optimistic that this support will continue, enabling us to fulfil our mandate of making Nigeria a drug-free country. Finally, we thank Nigerians for embracing the reforms we’ve implemented and for continuing to be one of our strongest partners”, he added

Delta State Police Command Nab Cultists, Gun Peddlers, Recovers Cache Of Arms

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

 

The Delta State Command, the image maker, SP Edafe Bright, said has tightened the net on violent crime with two decisive operations that led to arrests and the recovery of multiple firearms and ammunition. The actions, driven by credible intelligence, has sent a clear signal to cult groups and robbery syndicates that the State is not a safe harbour for notorious activities.

 

 

 

He disclosed that on 25th October 2025 at about 1800hrs, a resident of Aviara community, under Oleh Division, reported that on 22nd October 2025 at about 0812hrs, a video depicting suspected Eiye cult activity was posted on a WhatsApp group known as “Real Men”. Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Oleh Division, CSP Keme Osuluku, detailed his operatives to investigate discreetly. At 0800hrs on 26 October 2025, acting on preliminary findings, the operatives arrested the suspect linked to the post, Donatus Odovo (male, 29), of Aviara community. Follow-up investigation, Edafe revealed led to the arrest of Zachariah Okeh (male, 36), alleged to be an Eiye cult leader in Aviara. During a execution of a search warrant at his residence, officers recovered one locally made double-barrelled gun, one locally made single-barrelled gun, and six live cartridges. The exhibits were secured, and the suspects were taken into custody for further questioning, while efforts continue to apprehend additional collaborators.

In another development, on 27/10/2025 at about 1345hrs, Rapid Response Squad operatives, while on stop-and-search duty along the Asaba–Benin Expressway, intercepted a Toyota RAV4 with registration EPE 189 GN. The driver, Mordi Emmanuel (male, 45), of No. 74, Family Estate, Asaba, complied with routine checks. Inside an envelope found in the vehicle, officers recovered one fabricated Beretta pistol with breech No. 5182207, with four live rounds.

 

 

Acting under the operational direction of the Rapid Response Squad Commander, CSP Nosa Alex, who coordinated the deployment and approved immediate follow-up actions, a team executed a duly obtained search warrant at the suspect’s residence. The search yielded one pump-action shotgun with breech No. 20-R-3921, and four live cartridges from the house and premises. The exhibits and the suspect are in custody and investigation is ongoing.

 

The Commissioner of Police Delta State, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, commends the vigilance of residents and the professionalism displayed by the officers involved. He reaffirms the Command’s zero tolerance for cultism, armed robbery, kidnapping, and the unlawful possession of firearms, and restates the commitment to intelligence-led policing, community partnership, and strict respect for the law.

He urges members of the public to remain security-conscious and to share timely, credible information with the police.

Policeman, monarch’s son killed in farmers-herders clash in Gombe

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Tension has erupted in Komi District of Funakaye Local Government Area in Gombe State, where a clash between farmers and herders has reportedly claimed at least two lives and left several others injured.

According to police sources, the conflict began on Sunday following a dispute that quickly escalated, drawing in youths from surrounding communities and turning into a violent confrontation.

Among the casualties was 27-year-old Mohammed Jibrin, the son of the district head of Komi. He was rushed to the General Hospital in Biri, Nafada Local Government Area, after sustaining severe injuries during the fracas, but sadly passed away while receiving treatment.

The Gombe State Police spokesman, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, told our correspondent that three other farmers and one herder suffered minor injuries. He added that policemen and local vigilante units were mobilised to restore order, but that the situation deteriorated when groups of youths, some allegedly from Dukku and Kwami local government areas, confronted security operatives upon arrival.

“When the police and other local vigilantes were mobilised to the scene, youths, including those allegedly from neighbouring LGs – Dukku and Kwami – attacked and killed one of the police officers,” DSP Abdullahi said.

The police spokesman also said they had arrested 17 suspects in connection with the violence, and that calm had been restored to the area.

Farmers in the area frequently complained of encroachment, crop destruction, and competition over grazing paths by herders.

DSP Abdullahi added investigations were ongoing, urging residents to remain calm and to provide information that might assist the Police probe.

 

Hidden assets: Court rules Abba Kyari has case to answer

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The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday dismissed the no-case submission filed by suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, and his two brothers in the criminal case instituted against them by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.

Kyari, alongside his brothers, Mohammed and Ali, is being prosecuted by the NDLEA on 23 counts, bordering on full disclosure of their assets.

The agency also accused them of disguising the ownership of properties and converting proceeds of crime — offences punishable under Section 35(3)(a) of the NDLEA Act and Section 15(3)(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011.

To prove the charges, the prosecution called 10 witnesses and tendered at least 20 exhibits.

In response, however, Kyari and his brothers filed no-case submissions, arguing that the NDLEA failed to establish a prima facie case that would warrant them to put in any defence.

However, in a ruling on Tuesday, , Justice James Omotosho dismissed the no-case submissions, holding that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against the defendants, warranting them to open their defence.

“In view of all the exhibits and the evidence of the prosecution, the defendants need to offer explanations in this regard,” the judge stated.

He clarified that the ruling did not amount to a finding of guilt but was to ensure that the defendants were given the opportunity to present their defence and enjoy their constitutional right to a fair hearing.

“The evidence of the prosecution has established sufficient grounds for this trial to proceed. A connection between the defendants and the alleged offences, no matter how slight, constitutes prima facie evidence.

“Holding that a prima facie case has been established does not imply guilt. It simply allows the defendants to exhaust their defence options before a final judgment,” Justice Omotosho explained.

He further emphasised that the defendants remain presumed innocent until proven guilty, while the burden of proof rests on the prosecution to establish its case beyond reasonable doubt, in line with Section 135(1) of the Evidence Act, 2011.

Upon the close of the prosecution’s case, the defendants filed a no-case submission, arguing that the NDLEA failed to establish ownership of the alleged properties.

Kyari contended that under Section 128 of the Evidence Act, transactions involving state land could only be proved through certified true copies of title documents, insisting that no other form of evidence was admissible.

However, Justice Omotosho ruled that the court would not evaluate the weight of the evidence at this stage, holding that the prosecution’s case justified a response from the defendants.

“I have carefully examined the evidence presented by the prosecution. It points to the establishment of a prima facie case against the defendants, requiring them to proffer explanations or a defence, especially considering the gravity of the allegations,” he said.

He added that the defendants’ right to defend themselves was a fundamental one guaranteed under Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which could not be waived except expressly or by conduct.

“In the final analysis, the no-case submissions filed by the defendants cannot be upheld in the face of the evidence led by the prosecution. Consequently, the applications are overruled, and the defendants are hereby ordered to open their defence,” the judge ruled.

Justice Omotosho gave Kyari and his brothers three days to enter their defence and adjourned the matter to November 4, 5, and 6 for continuation of trial.

Peter Obi and the genius of Yahoo Yahoo

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Some Nigerians said it was wrong for Mr. Peter Obi to have labelled Yahoo Boys geniuses. I heard them and wondered whether ‘genius’ now has a new meaning apart from what the dictionary says it is.

The Shorter Oxford Dictionary (2007), on page 1091, defines genius as: “Natural ability or tendency, attributes which fit a person or particular activity. Natural aptitude, talent, or inclination for, to (something).”

Obi, the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 presidential election, in the post titled: “Our Youths Need Redirection”, that he shared on his verified X handle, after a conference he addressed in Onitsha, Anambra State, said that “some of our so-called Yahoo boys are geniuses who need redirection, not condemnation.”

He did not stop there. He posited further by saying that the “creativity and courage” of the Yahoo Boys, “if properly guided, can drive innovation and national development. Our challenge is to channel their energy from deception to productive enterprise. I also stressed that the reckless pursuit of money destroys both character and community. Leadership must lead by example, for a nation that rewards dishonesty cannot build integrity. I urged our youths to rediscover the dignity of labour and embrace hard work and innovation. Nations are built not by miracles but by men and women who think, work, and build.”

Pray, what do the Yahoo Boys display if not aptitude? How do they succeed in fleecing people of their hard-earned money if not that the Yahoo Boys are naturally gifted and their victims stupid or greedy, or a combination of both? How does a 17-year-old boy convince a 60-year-old man to part with his money on the promise that the old man would be given an oil block? Who swindles like that if not a genius? And we have these geniuses in our homes as children, wards and relations. The attention we pay to them matters.

A few weeks ago, I had lunch at an old friend’s house at Ido Ekiti. His wife, also a friend, was generous with the pounded yam she served. We were almost through when their 15-year-old daughter came in with two of her friends.

The girls greeted us and made for their section of the house when my friend called his daughter back. He complained that he was having an issue with his android phone and asked her to check it. The girl asked what the issue was, and the father explained. What followed almost ruined our lunch.

Taking the phone from the father, the young girl said: “But I taught you how to fix this problem before, Daddy. I know you will soon call me again because of this.” It was not what she said that was the problem. The what-else-do-you-think-that-makes-you-to-forget manner she said it, was the issue. If an adult were to say those words, he would have simply called my friend an alakogbagbe (teach-and-forget soul)!

The girl simply punched some buttons and returned the phone to the father. “I have done it”, she said, giggling. The father, surprised, asked how, since he had locked his phone. The girl, laughing, simply said: “I know your password, even mummy’s and Uncle Tunji’s password.” She dropped the phone and dashed inside to join her friends.

We simply exchanged glances and continued with our lunch. But I could feel the tension. My friend’s wife was particularly embarrassed, but I felt nothing. Only God understands the ways of this generation.

While seeing me off, I decided to douse the tension, or minimise the reprimand I knew would follow once I departed. I quipped: “That’s a brilliant girl.” My friend responded: “Yes, but she can be rude. I have told her to watch how she talks.” I stopped and asked if the girl was rude or simply wondered why an adult should forget things easily. The wife joined the husband and affirmed that the girl was rude.

Then I said to the two of them: “I think I know what you people should do. Stop paying her school fees.” “Ha!” They both exclaimed, and I added: “Yes nao, sebi you said she is rude.” We all laughed at the joke, and I left.

My friend’s daughter will be 16 years old in June next year. But I was told that there is nothing she can’t design using computer applications! We have children like her in our homes; restless, brilliant, naturally impatient with perceived docility and outspoken to the point of seeming ‘rude’! What we do with them makes all the difference.

Teckworm, an online technology news and media company, on September 19, 2018, published an article: “Meet these 5 child hackers who could become top cyber security researchers.” The article, written by Maya Kamath, demonstrates how the society could guide negative prodigies into becoming useful members of the society especially in the field of Cybersecurity that is experiencing a shortfall of skilled professionals. The first of the youngsters is Reuben Paul, a nine-year-old boy, and a third grader in Harmony School of Science, Austin, Texas, USA, who at a .B-Sides security conference, demonstrated how in a matter of minutes, hackers can easily steal all the important data from any Android smartphone including contact details, call logs and messages. The kid warned: “If a child can do it then a regular hacker can do it … so I just want everybody to be aware [and to] be more careful when you download games and stuff like that.” He went ahead to establish the Prudent Games and became the CEO at age nine!

Another kid is Betsy Davies, a seven-year-old British girl, who was able to hack the public Wi-Fi network following a short video tutorial. After 10 minutes, the article says: “Surprisingly, Betsy was able to hack the open Wi-Fi and steal the traffic of the volunteer in just 10 minutes and 54 seconds. Betsy managed this by setting up a Rogue Access Point which is normally used by hackers to carry out the “Man in the Middle” (MiTM) attack on the overly trusting web surfers to sniff web traffic.

The piece further mentions Kristoffer Von Hassel, a five-year-old kid hacker, the piece further states, “exposed the Xbox password flaw for which he has been officially added to the list of Microsoft’s recognized security researchers. We can expect a five-year-old kid to play the Microsoft Xbox Game as well as know the operating system. However, just imagine if a five-year-old kid starts finding a security vulnerability in the system. It just seems impossible; however, little Kristoffer Von Hassel discovered a back door into one of the most popular gaming systems and that is the Xbox Game.”

Another wonder kid identified only as “An Unnamed Canadian”, said to be 12 years old and a fifth grader, “launched a series of Denial-of-Service (DoS), spoofing and even defacement attacks against the Canadian government websites in support of the Quebec student protests. It seems the young protester even passed the data which was stolen from the government websites to the Anonymous group in exchange for video games. The young hacker was from Montreal and also pleaded guilty for being responsible for the shut down of a number of government sites including the Quebec Institute of Public Health and the Chilean government.”