Headlines

Police operatives in Anambra State have arrested a 25-year-old man, Enediong Bassey, for possession of a pump-action gun concealed in a bag of rice.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Anambra State Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed that the suspect, a native of Ikono Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, was arrested at Nkwelle-Ezunaka following a tip-off.

“Police operatives attached to 3-3 Divisional Headquarters, led by CSP Emeka Obi, acting on credible information, arrested one Enediong Bassey on November 22, 2024, at about 6:38 p.m. A pump-action gun wrapped in a bag of rice was recovered,” the statement read.

During interrogation, the suspect confessed to being a member of a local vigilante group. He also admitted plans to flee with the firearm to join a criminal gang involved in armed robbery and other illegal activities.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, expressed concern over reports of misconduct by some vigilante and security outfit members. He emphasized the need for thorough profiling of individuals assisting the police in anti-crime operations to enhance safety in the state.

CP Itam also ordered the immediate transfer of the suspect to the command’s anti-robbery squad for a comprehensive investigation.

The police reiterated their commitment to improving security across Anambra State and urged residents to report suspicious activities promptly.

Libyan authorities have arrested four Nigerians on allegations of drug trafficking and testing positive for infectious diseases, according to a statement by Migrant Rescue Watch, an advocacy group, on Monday.

The arrests occurred in Sabha and Bani Walid, with both towns being significant transit hubs for migrants seeking to cross into Europe.

In Sabha, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) raided the premises of two Nigerian suspects, seizing 1,200 hallucinogenic pills and other illicit substances. The suspects were transferred to the Sabha Security Directorate for further investigation.

“Migrant Rescue Watch confirmed the operation, stating: ‘CID in Sabha carried out a raid on a reported location and arrested two Nigerian drug traffickers. During a search of the premises, police found 1,200 hallucinogenic pills and other illicit drugs. Both individuals were transferred to the Sabha Security Directorate.’”

In a separate incident in Bani Walid, Libyan authorities detained two Nigerians, a male and a female, during routine health screenings after they tested positive for infectious diseases.

The Directorate for Combating Illegal Migration (DCIM) in Bani Walid subsequently transferred the pair to Tripoli for further processing and eventual repatriation to Nigeria.

Migrant Rescue Watch, in its statement, added: “DCIM Bureau in Bani Walid transferred two Nigerian #migrants (female and male) who tested positive for infectious diseases to Tripoli for repatriation.”

Authorities continue to intensify operations targeting illegal migration and drug trafficking in Libya, which remains a key route for migrants attempting to reach Europe.

President Bola Tinubu has requested the Senate to confirm the appointment of Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Army Staff.

Oluyede, who has been serving in an acting capacity since October 30, was nominated following the death of his predecessor, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, on November 5.

The president’s request was conveyed in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary on Tuesday. Tinubu cited the provisions of Section 218(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act as the basis for seeking the confirmation.

In the letter, Tinubu highlighted Oluyede’s leadership qualities, professional integrity, and contributions to the military, describing him as “well-suited” for the role.

The Senate referred the confirmation request to its Committee on Army for screening, with instructions to present its findings to the full chamber for further deliberation.

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, in an earlier statement, said Tinubu expressed confidence in Oluyede’s ability to lead the Nigerian Army in ensuring national security and stability.

Before his appointment as Acting Chief of Army Staff, Oluyede was the Commander of the Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, based in Jaji, Kaduna. Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1992 (effective from 1987), he rose to the rank of Major General in September 2020.

Oluyede’s military career spans several key command roles, including Platoon Commander and Adjutant at 65 Battalion, Company Commander at 177 Guards Battalion, Staff Officer in the Guards Brigade, and Commandant of the Amphibious Training School.

He has also participated in major military operations such as the ECOMOG Mission in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and Operation HADIN KAI in the North East, where he led the 27 Task Force Brigade.

In recognition of his service, Oluyede has received numerous awards, including the Corps Medal of Honour, Grand Service Star, Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award, Field Command Medal, and Membership in the National Institute.

The Senate is expected to deliberate on his confirmation in the coming days.

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has approved a new minimum wage of N70,000 for workers in the state, marking a significant move to address the economic challenges faced by employees amid rising living costs.

The decision followed a two-day meeting between the state government and representatives of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the Joint Union Negotiating Council. Discussions focused on improving worker welfare and ensuring fair compensation for their contributions to the state’s development.

Governor Uzodimma described the policy as a demonstration of his administration’s commitment to prioritizing workers’ well-being. He highlighted the impact of harsh economic conditions nationwide as a key factor in the decision.

In addition to the new minimum wage, the governor announced the commencement of outstanding gratuity payments to retirees from both local and state governments starting Tuesday, November 26. He also pledged to increase pension allowances after the ongoing pension audit, aiming to support senior citizens who have served the state diligently.

Workers earning consolidated salaries of N70,000 or more will receive an additional 10% increase in monthly pay, ensuring that all categories of employees benefit from the new policy.

To oversee the implementation of the new wage structure, a committee comprising representatives from the NLC, TUC, and the state government has been established to ensure smooth execution and transparency.

Union leaders in the state lauded the decision as a landmark achievement for workers. They commended Governor Uzodimma’s administration for its responsiveness and pledged improved productivity and dedication from workers in return.

This development is expected to strengthen labor relations and alleviate the economic burdens faced by Imo workers.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has raised the monetary policy rate to 27.50 per cent from 27.25 per cent.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has increased the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) to 27.50% from the previous 27.25%.

The decision was announced by CBN Governor, Yemi Cardoso, during the final Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting of the year held at the bank’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.

The MPR serves as the benchmark interest rate, influencing lending rates in the country

More to follow…

The Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has confirmed that the Port Harcourt Refinery in Rivers State has commenced crude oil processing.

The Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the company, Femi Soneye, broke the news on X platform on Tuesday, 26th of November, 2024.

Soneye revealed that the refinery will operate at 60 percent capacity and process 60,000bpd.

Details later…

The Kano state government, through the Kano State Board of Internal Revenue Service (KIRS), has sealed the head office of Max Air Limited, a national airline company, over its alleged failure to remit over N190 million in Pay As You Earn (PAYE) and other liability taxes accrued from 2012 to 2017.

According to Madam Ibrahim Abdullahi, Director of Debt Management and Enforcement, the company had failed to respond to several correspondences sent by the service, prompting the agency to obtain a court order to seal the head office.

Max Air, owned by Dahiru Barau Mangal, an in-law to New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) national leader and presidential candidate, Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, is not the only company affected by the government’s crackdown on tax defaulters.

The enforcement team also sealed the office of Dantata and Sawoe Construction Company, located along Zaria Road, for defaulting on payment of over N241 million in PAYE and outstanding withholding tax liabilities for the period of 2021 to 2022.

Additionally, the Northern Rice and Oil Milling Nigeria Ltd, located at Gunduwawa Industrial Estate, off Hadejia road, Kano State, was also sealed by the agency.

Abdullahi explained that the decision to seal the companies was necessary to compel them to pay their tax liabilities, which they had failed to do despite several correspondences.

“We went out to enforce payment of tax liabilities to make sure all liability taxes are paid as and when due as we have classification of taxes because our enforcement team found out there are discrepancies in the payment of the taxes,” he said.

“So, the agency found it necessary to take the measure in order to compel them to pay such taxes after several correspondences without positive responses from them,” he added.

At least 30 people have been reported dead following attacks by suspected armed herdsmen on communities in Katsina-Ala and Logo Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Benue State over two days.

The attacks, which also left many injured and several others unaccounted for, began on Sunday morning in the Azege settlement of Tombo Council Ward, Logo LGA. Chief Joseph Anawa, a community leader in Logo LGA, stated that over 300 heavily armed men believed to be militia invaded the area at around 7 a.m. Sunday. “The attackers appeared to be hired from outside Nigeria, as they looked different from the herdsmen we have around,” Anawa said. “They stormed the community with sophisticated weapons, overwhelming local security operatives.

It was only after a military jet intervened that the attackers were repelled.” Anawa confirmed that over 20 bodies had been recovered as of Monday, with a search for more victims ongoing.

On Monday morning, armed herdsmen also attacked Adabo village and Tse Gwebe settlement in Utange Council Ward, Shitile, Katsina-Ala LGA. Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants killed over 10 people and destroyed properties.

Security operatives and the military reportedly managed to repel the attackers after significant damage had been done. The Chairman of Katsina-Ala LGA, Justine Shaku, confirmed the attacks, describing the security situation as dire. “Many heavily armed men stormed Adabo village and Tse Gwebe, killing residents, looting properties, and destroying valuables,” Shaku said.

The Chairman of Logo LGA, Clement Kev, corroborated the reports of attacks in Tombo Council Ward, claiming the assailants came from Nasarawa State. “They killed 17 people and injured over 30 in my area.

The governor has mobilized more security to the affected locations, and peace has been restored,” Kev stated. The attacks highlight the ongoing security challenges in Benue State, which has frequently been targeted by armed herdsmen. Authorities have vowed to intensify efforts to protect lives and property in the region.

The Edo State Government has alleged that almost 500 official vehicles from the previous administration remain unaccounted for, significantly higher than the initial figure of 200 announced earlier.

Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, disclosed the updated figure during an appearance on Channels Television’s Lunchtime Politics on Monday. The development follows a recovery effort initiated by Okpebholo shortly after assuming office.

“So far, the committee set up to recover vehicles has, as of this morning, recovered about 10 vehicles,” Itua said. “The chairman of the committee informed me that the initial figure of 200 was understated, and almost 500 vehicles are still missing.”

Itua added that 21 of the missing vehicles had been traced to the residence of a senior appointee from the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki. He further noted that another 15 vehicles were discovered at the home of another high-ranking official from the same administration.

The recovery committee, led by Kelly Okungbowa, has vowed to retrieve these vehicles and other state assets held in private hands in the coming days.

Itua lamented that some officials in the current administration lack vehicles, claiming that Governor Okpebholo inherited no assets from the Obaseki government.

Okpebholo recently launched a committee to probe Obaseki’s administration, citing his commitment to “probity, accountability, and transparency in governance.”

However, Obaseki has dismissed the probe as a distraction, accusing his successor of incompetence. His media aide, Crusoe Osagie, criticized the initiative as a “smokescreen” to mask Okpebholo’s lack of preparation for leadership.

“We know what their plans are with these diversionary probes,” Osagie said. “It is just a smokescreen to mask the governor-elect’s incompetence and unpreparedness for office, having come into power through a stolen mandate.”

Osagie urged Okpebholo to focus on governance and improving the lives of Edo State residents rather than engaging in what he called “meaningless probes.”

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), under the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai, has destroyed a terrorists’ food depot and neutralized several insurgents in an airstrike on their enclave at Jubillaram, in the Tumbuns area of the Lake Chad Basin.

This was disclosed in a statement on Monday by Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, Director of Public Relations and Information for the NAF, in Abuja.

Akinboyewa revealed that the operation, conducted on November 23, targeted a strategic site identified through detailed intelligence gathering as a critical food storage facility and a hideout for terrorist commanders and fighters.

According to him, intelligence linked the terrorists at the location to recent attacks, including a November 16 assault on troops in Kareto.

In response, NAF fighter jets carried out precision airstrikes, destroying storage facilities and neutralizing insurgents in the area. “Mop-up operations using cannons ensured the complete elimination of fleeing hostile elements,” Akinboyewa stated.

He highlighted that extensive Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions over several days confirmed the presence of terrorist structures concealed under dense vegetation, enabling the success of the operation.

“The destruction of the terrorist enclave, including food storage facilities, has severely disrupted their logistical operations, while the neutralisation of a significant number of fighters has diminished their capacity to launch future attacks,” he added.

Akinboyewa emphasized the NAF’s commitment to defending Nigeria and its citizens, both through independent operations and in collaboration with ground forces. He reiterated the Force’s resolve to sustain rigorous operations until all threats to Nigeria’s peace and prosperity are eliminated.