Wednesday, July 29, 2026

NDPC Launches Meta-Backed Data Protection Initiative After Landmark Settlement

By
Fortune Temitope
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The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has unveiled a new Meta-supported programme designed to strengthen data privacy protections and safeguard the rights of millions of Nigerians in the digital space.

The initiative, known as the Meta-Supported Initiatives for Data Protection (M-SIDP), was launched as part of commitments arising from a regulatory process involving Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, following investigations into the company’s data processing practices in Nigeria.

According to the commission, the programme stems from a court-approved settlement reached in 2025, which concluded regulatory proceedings between the NDPC and Meta. Under the agreement, Meta committed to supporting a two-year programme focused on enhancing public-facing data protection measures in line with Nigeria’s evolving privacy framework.

The NDPC said the initiative is designed to reinforce protections for data subjects while advancing the objectives of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDP Act) 2023, the General Application and Implementation Directive (GAID), and the Commission’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP) 2023–2027.

As part of the programme, attention will be placed on strengthening governance structures, promoting research and development in data protection, improving safety and sustainability mechanisms within the technology ecosystem, and building capacity among Data Protection Officers (DPOs) and Data Protection Compliance Organisations (DPCOs).

The initiative will also focus heavily on public awareness campaigns aimed at educating Nigerians about their privacy rights, with special emphasis on vulnerable groups who may be at greater risk of data exploitation and online privacy violations.

Announcing the programme, the commission stressed that the settlement does not in any way diminish its regulatory authority over data processing activities in Nigeria.

“Nothing in this settlement limits the Commission’s independent statutory powers as we continue to exercise our regulatory mandate in relation to data processing activities in Nigeria, in accordance with the NDP Act and other applicable laws,” the NDPC stated.

The commission added that it would provide regular updates on the implementation of the M-SIDP programme and called on stakeholders across government, the private sector, civil society and the technology ecosystem to support efforts aimed at strengthening data privacy and accountability in Nigeria.

The launch comes as Nigeria intensifies efforts to build a robust digital economy while ensuring stronger safeguards for personal data amid growing concerns over privacy, cybersecurity and the increasing use of digital platforms by businesses and consumers.

WAEC Reveals Three Officials Died in Crash That Caused Exam Delays

By
Justice Oladapo
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The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has attributed the delayed conduct of the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in some centres across Nigeria to a combination of logistical setbacks, security concerns, and operational challenges, including a tragic road accident that claimed the lives of three officials transporting sensitive examination materials.

In a statement addressing widespread concerns over the late commencement of the Mathematics and Agricultural Science papers in some examination centres, the examination body said it immediately launched preliminary investigations after receiving reports of disruptions during the ongoing school candidates’ examination.

According to WAEC, the most significant factor behind the delays was a devastating motor accident that occurred on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, involving officials responsible for interstate transportation of examination materials.

The council disclosed that the crash resulted in the deaths of three personnel and severely disrupted its distribution schedule. It stated that the tragedy, coupled with prevailing security challenges in some parts of the country, affected the timely delivery of examination materials to several centres.

“The delay was caused by a combination of logistical and operational challenges, notably the direct result of a devastating motor accident on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, which tragically claimed the lives of three of our dedicated personnel who were transporting sensitive examination materials interstate,” WAEC said.

The examination body added that while mourning the loss of its staff, emergency contingency measures were immediately activated to minimise disruptions and ensure that candidates in affected locations were still able to sit for their examinations.

“While we mourned our fallen colleagues, our team of indefatigable staff worked around the clock to deploy emergency contingency measures to ensure that the examination was still conducted in the areas affected,” the council stated.

WAEC further identified issues surrounding the finalisation of examination modalities and the late registration of some candidates as contributing factors that complicated the timely preparation and distribution of examination materials.

The council also pointed to security-related disruptions in some regions, including protests linked to the abduction of schoolchildren, which affected movement and logistics despite efforts by officials to maintain the examination timetable.

Despite the challenges, WAEC assured candidates, parents, schools and other stakeholders that measures have been put in place to prevent a recurrence of the delays during the remainder of the examination period.

“The Council hereby assures the general public that it has put modalities in place to ensure that the rest of the examination is conducted hitch-free as observed from the conduct of the examination on Friday, June 5, 2026,” the statement said.

WAEC expressed appreciation to its key partners, including the Federal and State Ministries of Education, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies, for their support throughout the examination process.

The council reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the integrity and credibility of its examinations, stressing that it remains focused on delivering a smooth and transparent assessment process for candidates across the country.

“WAEC remains unwavering in its commitment to maintaining the academic credibility and administrative integrity for which it is widely reputed,” the council added.

FG Approves Payments to 1,240 Contractors, Processes ₦700bn in Verified Claim

By
Kazeem Busari
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Minister for Finance, Taiwo Oyedele

The Federal Ministry of Finance has approved payments to more than 1,240 local contractors in a move aimed at easing liquidity pressures on businesses and accelerating economic activity across Nigeria.

The approval, granted by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, follows what the ministry described as a rigorous verification and reconciliation process to ensure that only validated financial obligations were cleared for payment.

According to the ministry, the disbursement covers contractors engaged by various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and is expected to address longstanding payment backlogs, particularly those affecting indigenous businesses and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Contractors with verified claims of ₦100 million or less were prioritised in the latest payment batch. The ministry said the release of funds is expected to provide immediate relief to hundreds of businesses, enabling them to resume work on project sites, pay employees, settle suppliers, meet financial obligations and contribute to broader economic growth.

The latest approval forms part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to resolve inherited liabilities while maintaining transparency and fiscal responsibility in public finance management.

Recent figures released by the ministry show that the Federal Government has processed payments exceeding ₦700 billion in verified obligations to local contractors over the past few months. In May 2026 alone, approximately ₦436.6 billion in transactions were processed, reflecting a significant increase in payment activity aimed at unlocking liquidity within the economy.

Officials said the government deliberately prioritised a larger number of smaller contractors rather than concentrating payments among a handful of major beneficiaries. The approach is expected to widen the economic impact of the disbursements by supporting businesses across multiple sectors and regions of the country.

The ministry noted that the payments are also intended to strengthen confidence among contractors, suppliers and service providers working with government by demonstrating a commitment to honouring verified obligations in a timely manner.

For many beneficiaries, the release of funds is expected to go beyond immediate financial relief, helping businesses preserve jobs, complete ongoing projects and sustain operations amid prevailing economic challenges.

The ministry further reiterated its commitment to fiscal discipline, stressing that efforts would continue to ensure legitimate obligations are settled promptly while reducing outstanding liabilities over time. It added that the strategy is designed to strengthen confidence in public financial management and support the effective delivery of public services and infrastructure nationwide.

Police Rescue Adelabu’s Sister, Twin Sons After Kidnap Ordeal, Arrest Four Suspects

By
Kazeem Busari
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The Oyo State Police Command has successfully rescued Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke, the younger sister of former Minister of Power and APC governorship aspirant Chief Adebayo Adelabu, along with her twin sons, following a coordinated intelligence-led operation that also led to the neutralisation of two suspected kidnappers, the arrest of four members of the criminal syndicate and the recovery of firearms, ammunition and operational vehicles.

The breakthrough was announced during a press briefing by the Oyo State Police Command, which provided further details on the operation that brought an end to the high-profile abduction that shook residents of Ibadan earlier this week.

According to the police, Mrs. Adegoke and her 11-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, were abducted on June 3, 2026, at about 7:30 a.m. by four armed men operating in an unregistered ash-coloured Toyota vehicle. The incident occurred along Elewura Street, off Ring Road, Ibadan, while the mother was taking the children to school.

Some of the criminal items recovered from the kidnappers

The command disclosed that following the distress report, the Inspector-General of Police directed an immediate response, prompting the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State to launch a coordinated manhunt involving operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT), the Oyo State Police Command and other tactical units of the Nigeria Police Force.

Police investigators swiftly deployed intelligence-gathering resources and surveillance teams to track the kidnappers. Their efforts led to the arrest of one Wale Abolalewa, popularly known as “Oloro,” a suspect already on the police watchlist for related criminal activities.

Investigators said the arrest of Abolalewa provided a crucial breakthrough that exposed the wider kidnapping network. Further interrogation and intelligence exploitation subsequently led to the arrest of another suspect, Dare Oyedele, also known as “Solution,” who was identified as a key operative within the gang.

Preliminary findings revealed that the criminal syndicate had begun plotting the abduction several weeks earlier. Police said the gang allegedly attempted to recruit an insider within the victim’s household through a staff member identified as Segun. Investigators believe the suspects conducted extensive surveillance on the family’s daily movements, routines and the schools attended by the children before executing the kidnapping.

According to the police, the operation eventually culminated in the successful rescue of the victims, the neutralisation of two armed kidnappers during tactical engagements, and the arrest of four other members and collaborators of the syndicate.

The command also confirmed the recovery of weapons, ammunition, operational vehicles and other incriminating exhibits believed to have been used in carrying out the abduction and other criminal activities.

Police authorities described the operation as a significant breakthrough in the fight against kidnapping and violent crime in Oyo State, noting that the success was made possible through intelligence-driven policing, inter-agency collaboration and sustained investigative efforts.

The rescue comes days after the Adelabu family publicly confirmed the abduction of Mrs. Adegoke and her children, expressing confidence in security agencies to secure their release. The incident had generated widespread concern across Oyo State and beyond due to the prominence of the family and the growing threat of kidnapping in parts of the country.

The Oyo State Police Command reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability and public safety, assuring residents that investigations are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate and dismantle the entire criminal network behind the abduction.

Authorities urged members of the public to continue providing credible information to security agencies, stressing that community cooperation remains vital in the ongoing effort to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.

NDLEA Seizes 320,840 Tramadol Capsules Hidden in Building Materials, Arrests 75-Year-Old Drug Dealer, Female Traffickers

By
Kazeem Busari
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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its nationwide crackdown on drug trafficking networks, intercepting large consignments of opioids and other illicit substances concealed in building materials while arresting a 75-year-old suspected drug dealer and several notorious traffickers across multiple states.

In what the agency described as a major breakthrough against opioid trafficking, NDLEA operatives in Taraba State intercepted a truck loaded with building materials transporting a massive cache of illicit drugs from Onitsha, Anambra State, to Jalingo. The operation, carried out on Saturday, June 6, 2026, followed credible intelligence and led to the arrest of a 22-year-old suspect, Buhari Abdullahi, at the Nukkai Timber Shade area of Jalingo.

A detailed search of the vehicle uncovered a substantial quantity of narcotics hidden beneath the cargo. Recovered items included 320,840 capsules of tramadol, 600 ampoules of pentazocine injection, 4,500 tablets of Rohypnol, and 299 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup. The seizure represents one of the largest opioid interceptions recorded by the agency in recent months.

In Ebonyi State, NDLEA operatives arrested a 75-year-old suspect, Okebe Samuel, in Okposi. According to the agency, the elderly suspect was found in possession of 300 grams of skunk, which he allegedly packaged and sold in retail quantities to young people within the community.

The anti-narcotics agency also recorded a significant success in Imo State following a raid on a notorious drug enclave in Umulolo, Orlu. During the operation, officers apprehended 32-year-old Chioma Okeke and recovered eight kilograms of skunk.

In Edo State, an intensive operation targeting major drug hotspots across Benin City led to the arrest of four suspected traffickers, including three women. At Uyosa, operatives arrested Chioma Igba, 24, and Precious Ozomah, 22, with quantities of skunk, Loud and methamphetamine. Another female suspect, Anita Abraham, 21, was apprehended along Agbor Road with Scottish Loud and regular Loud, while 43-year-old Henry Okey was arrested at Upper Mission with a variety of psychotropic substances, including Loud, Colorado, Swinol and methamphetamine.

The crackdown extended to Kano State, where NDLEA officers arrested 19-year-old Saifullahi Lawan at the Kafi area of Madobi on June 4. The suspect was found in possession of 40 blocks of skunk weighing 38 kilograms.

In Gombe State, operatives intercepted 28-year-old Ugwu Sabastine Ifebuchi near Dantiti Plaza in the Tumfure area of the state capital. He was arrested with 15,000 capsules of tramadol during the operation.

Beyond enforcement activities, the agency continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy campaign across the country. Sensitisation programmes were conducted in schools, including Holiness Foundation Primary School in Saki, Oyo State; Dorras High School in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos State; Ado Girls Secondary School in Onitsha, Anambra State; and Army Day Secondary School in Kano State.

Reacting to the successful operations, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended officers and operatives in Taraba, Ebonyi, Imo, Edo, Kano and Gombe states for their vigilance and professionalism.

Marwa praised the commands for sustaining momentum in the fight against drug trafficking while simultaneously advancing drug demand reduction initiatives. He reaffirmed the agency’s determination to dismantle drug supply networks nationwide, stressing that traffickers would continue to face the full weight of the law regardless of “age, gender, or concealment methods.”

The latest operations underscore the NDLEA’s renewed offensive against illicit drug trafficking and its commitment to disrupting criminal networks responsible for the distribution of narcotics across Nigeria.

Zverev Ends Grand Slam Drought, Captures Maiden French Open Title in Roland Garros Thriller

By
Agency Report
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Zverev celebrates his Roland Garros title on Sunday. Photo: ©Jean-Baptiste Autissier / FFT via rolandgarros.com

Alexander Zverev finally shed the unwanted tag of being one of the greatest players never to win a Grand Slam after the German star claimed his maiden major title with a dramatic five-set victory over Italy’s Flavio Cobolli in the French Open final at Roland Garros on Sunday.

The world No. 3 overcame a spirited challenge from Cobolli to win 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-1 in a gripping contest that lasted more than four hours, securing the first Grand Slam crown of his career after three previous final defeats.

The victory marks a significant milestone for the 28-year-old German, who had suffered heartbreaking losses in the finals of the 2020 US Open, the 2024 French Open and the 2025 Australian Open. This time, however, Zverev made no mistake as he seized a golden opportunity presented by the absence of some of the sport’s biggest stars from the championship match.

The emotional weight of the moment was evident immediately after the final point. When Cobolli missed an overhead on championship point, Zverev collapsed onto the clay court, covering his face with his hands as tears streamed down his cheeks. The German eventually rose to his feet, his shirt stained with Roland Garros clay, before raising his arms in celebration of the achievement he had chased for years.

With the triumph, Zverev joins an exclusive group of players who won their first Grand Slam title in their fourth major final. The list includes tennis legends Andre Agassi, Goran Ivanisevic and Dominic Thiem.

The road to the title opened significantly during the tournament. World No. 1 Jannik Sinner endured a shock second-round collapse after surrendering a commanding two-set lead and a 5-1 advantage against Juan Manuel Cerundolo. Twenty-four-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic was also eliminated early, while defending champion Carlos Alcaraz withdrew before the tournament because of a wrist injury.

Having reached the final as the overwhelming favourite, Zverev showed his intent from the outset. He dominated the opening set with near-flawless tennis, breaking Cobolli’s serve early and dictating play with his powerful baseline game.

Cobolli, making the first Grand Slam final of his career, refused to fade away. The Italian, ranked 14th in the world, fought back to claim the second set and pushed the German to the limit throughout the contest. The 23-year-old was attempting to become the first Italian man since Adriano Panatta in 1976 to win the French Open singles title.

Backed by a passionate group of supporters dressed in Italy’s national colours, Cobolli displayed remarkable resilience. He forced a deciding fifth set after overturning a deficit in the fourth-set tiebreak, delighting the Paris crowd with a series of spectacular winners.

However, the physical demands of the marathon encounter eventually took their toll. Zverev took complete control in the fifth set, racing to a double-break lead and refusing to allow his opponent any route back into the contest.

The title is the 25th of Zverev’s professional career and arguably the most important. It also provides redemption after the painful memories of previous Grand Slam disappointments, including his collapse from a two-set lead against Thiem in the 2020 US Open final and his loss to Alcaraz in last year’s Roland Garros championship match.

For Cobolli, despite the defeat, the tournament represents a breakthrough moment. The Italian had never advanced beyond a Grand Slam quarter-final before this year’s French Open and emerged as one of the standout performers of the tournament.

The men’s final concluded a memorable fortnight in Paris, coming a day after Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva claimed the women’s singles title.

Zverev’s long-awaited triumph now places him firmly among tennis’ Grand Slam champions and could mark the beginning of a new chapter in his career as he looks to build on the breakthrough success that finally arrived on the clay courts of Roland Garros.

AP

Troops Rescue 360 Abductees in Major Offensive Against Boko Haram Stronghold in Borno

By
Justice Oladapo
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The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has recorded a major breakthrough in the fight against insurgency with the rescue of 360 abductees from a heavily fortified Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) enclave hidden within the rugged Mandara Mountains of southern Borno State.

Military authorities described the operation as one of the most significant hostage rescue missions carried out in the North-East theatre in recent years, highlighting the growing intelligence and operational capabilities of troops battling insurgent groups in the region.

The rescued victims, comprising men, women and children, had reportedly been held captive under harsh conditions after being abducted from several communities, particularly within the Ngoshe axis of Borno State.

According to military sources, the operation was the culmination of weeks of intensive intelligence gathering, covert reconnaissance missions and detailed operational planning conducted by Special Forces and troops of Sector 1 under Operation HADIN KAI.

The military disclosed that the rescue mission was launched after receiving credible intelligence from multiple sources regarding the exact location of the hostages and the existence of an insurgent support network sustaining the enclave deep within the mountainous terrain.

Intelligence personnel subsequently commenced an extensive target development process involving the integration of Human Intelligence (HUMINT), Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations supported by unmanned aerial systems and long-range reconnaissance patrols.

Through sustained intelligence collection and analysis, commanders were able to build a comprehensive picture of the terrorists’ disposition, defensive structures, movement patterns and the conditions under which the abductees were being held.

Military authorities said the intelligence-led approach enabled troops to accurately map the objective area, identify vulnerabilities within the insurgent network and significantly minimise risks to the hostages during the execution of the operation.

A major breakthrough reportedly came through the successful penetration of the terrorist network by intelligence assets cultivated and supervised by OPHK military intelligence personnel. The assets provided critical information regarding the precise locations of the abductees, the deployment of insurgent commanders, internal security arrangements and planned relocation routes for the captives.

The military further revealed that coordinated information and psychological operations were simultaneously deployed to create confusion and mistrust within the ranks of the insurgents. These measures reportedly weakened the terrorists’ command structure, disrupted internal coordination and provided troops with a significant operational advantage before the commencement of the assault phase.

The successful rescue operation marks another milestone in ongoing efforts by Nigerian troops to dismantle terrorist enclaves across the North-East and restore security to communities affected by years of insurgent violence.

Military authorities said the operation demonstrated the increasing effectiveness of intelligence-driven counterterrorism operations and reaffirmed the commitment of Operation HADIN KAI to protecting civilians, degrading terrorist capabilities and denying insurgent groups freedom of action across the theatre.

The rescued victims are expected to undergo medical examinations, profiling and rehabilitation procedures before being reunited with their families and communities.

The latest operation comes amid sustained military offensives targeting Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) elements in Borno and neighbouring states, as security forces continue efforts to eliminate terrorist strongholds and secure lasting peace across Nigeria’s North-East region.

Security Forces Foil Terror Attack in Kogi Community, Bandits Flee With Gunshot Wounds

By
Laziz Olatunde
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Security operatives in Kogi State have successfully foiled a suspected terrorist attack in Ikoyi, Ijumu Local Government Area, preventing what authorities described as a potential major security crisis in the state.

The Kogi State Government disclosed that the incident occurred at about 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026, when armed bandits reportedly attacked a gathering in the community with the apparent intention of abducting participants and causing panic among residents.

According to a statement issued by the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the gathering involved members of the Tiv community and was held in violation of an existing state government security directive restricting public social gatherings beyond 4 p.m.

The government said the attackers took advantage of the gathering and launched an assault on the community. However, security agencies responded swiftly, mobilising personnel to the scene within minutes of receiving reports of the attack.

Fanwo stated that troops of the Nigerian military, officers of the Nigeria Police Force, operatives of the Kogi State Vigilante Service and local hunters coordinated efforts to repel the attackers.

“Their rapid intervention denied the bandits the opportunity to execute their mission, leading to a fierce gun battle that forced the criminals to abandon their plans and flee,” the commissioner said.

According to the state government, the coordinated operation prevented the abduction of any resident and averted what could have escalated into a large-scale security incident.

Despite the successful operation, one member of the Tiv community was killed during the exchange of gunfire, while another sustained gunshot injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment.

Authorities said intelligence reports indicate that several of the attackers suffered gunshot wounds during the encounter before escaping into nearby forests. Security agencies have since launched a manhunt to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects.

The state government called on residents to assist security agencies by reporting any individual seeking treatment for suspicious gunshot wounds or firearm-related injuries at hospitals, clinics or other locations.

Fanwo described the operation as another demonstration of the effectiveness of Kogi State’s security framework, noting that the combined efforts of conventional security agencies, local vigilantes and hunters played a decisive role in frustrating the attack.

“This incident once again underscores the effectiveness of Kogi State’s community-based security architecture and the seamless collaboration among security agencies operating in the State,” he said.

The commissioner also highlighted the growing role of the Kogi State Vigilante Service in strengthening grassroots security following its integration into the mainstream civil service and the provision of pensionable appointments by the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.

He added that local hunters have continued to complement the efforts of conventional security agencies through intelligence gathering and rapid response operations in vulnerable communities.

The state government commended the courage and professionalism displayed by all security personnel involved in the operation, saying their swift intervention prevented what could have resulted in significant loss of lives and widespread insecurity.

Fanwo further reiterated the importance of strict compliance with government-issued security directives, particularly restrictions on unauthorised gatherings and activities in vulnerable locations and during high-risk periods.

He said security agencies had been directed to enforce existing security measures across the state in order to safeguard lives and property.

“The Kogi State Government remains resolute in its commitment to protecting lives and property and will continue to provide every necessary support to security agencies to sustain the peace, security, and stability currently enjoyed across the State,” he said.

The latest incident comes amid ongoing efforts by security agencies to combat criminal activities and strengthen security across Kogi State, with authorities urging residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible intelligence to support law enforcement operations.

Tinubu Showing Courageous Leadership Through Infrastructure Revolution, Says Wike

By
Kazeem Busari
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FCT Minister Nyesom Wike

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, describing it as courageous, visionary and transformative, with ongoing infrastructure projects across Nigeria serving as evidence of a determined effort to bridge the country’s long-standing development deficit.

Wike made the remarks on Saturday while delivering a lecture titled “Leadership and Infrastructure Development in Nigeria: Lessons for Future Leaders” at the 36th Convocation Ceremony of the University of Port Harcourt.

The former Rivers State governor said Nigeria was currently witnessing a rare period of purposeful leadership, driven by a clear commitment to infrastructure development as a catalyst for economic growth, national integration and social progress.

According to him, President Tinubu has demonstrated an uncommon readiness to take difficult decisions and mobilise resources toward addressing the nation’s critical infrastructure challenges.

“What the present moment offers is a rare and defining possibility, a window in which purposeful leadership can begin, in earnest, to narrow the enduring gap between Nigeria’s vast potential and its historically uneven performance,” Wike said.

“In this regard, the evidence increasingly suggests that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated, beyond reasonable doubt, the courage to confront difficult choices, the capacity to mobilise national resources, and the will to pursue infrastructure as a serious instrument of transformation.”

The minister argued that infrastructure remains one of the most important indicators of effective leadership, noting that investments in roads, railways, power, housing and digital connectivity form the backbone of sustainable development.

While acknowledging that some of the projects currently under execution were inherited from previous administrations, Wike said the Tinubu government had injected fresh momentum, strategic direction and urgency into their delivery.

He noted that projects which previously existed as isolated initiatives were now being integrated into a broader national development framework designed to boost productivity, expand economic opportunities and strengthen national cohesion.

Wike cited several flagship projects as evidence of the administration’s commitment to reshaping Nigeria’s economic landscape. These include the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road, the East-West Road and the network of access roads linked to the Second Niger Bridge.

He also highlighted ongoing investments in the railway sector, including the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri railway corridor and efforts to expand standard-gauge rail networks across the country.

In the power sector, the FCT minister pointed to the implementation of the Presidential Power Initiative in partnership with Siemens, alongside rural electrification projects and mass metering programmes aimed at improving electricity supply and boosting consumer confidence.

According to Wike, the administration’s energy transition agenda is also positioning Nigeria for future growth. He singled out the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Initiative and the National Hydrogen Policy as key interventions designed to align the country with emerging global energy trends.

Beyond physical infrastructure, he commended government investments in housing, aviation, broadband expansion, security architecture and education. He specifically referenced the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing it as a significant initiative aimed at expanding access to higher education for Nigerian students.

Wike further defended the removal of fuel subsidy, describing it as one of the boldest and most consequential policy decisions of the Tinubu administration.

“Transformative leadership often requires the courage to choose long-term stability over short-term comfort,” he stated.

According to the minister, the policy has increased fiscal resources available to federal, state and local governments, enabling greater investments in infrastructure and development projects across the country.

President Tinubu has consistently maintained that infrastructure development is central to his Renewed Hope Agenda, with his administration pursuing large-scale investments in transportation, energy, housing and digital infrastructure as part of efforts to stimulate economic growth and improve living standards.

Wike’s remarks come amid continued government efforts to accelerate the execution of strategic infrastructure projects nationwide, which officials say are aimed at unlocking economic opportunities, creating jobs and enhancing connectivity across Nigeria.

Police Bust Calabar Burglary Syndicate, Arrest Four Suspects, Recover Cache of Stolen Household Items

By
Justice Oladapo
-

The Cross River State Police Command has dismantled a suspected burglary and theft syndicate operating within Calabar metropolis, arresting four suspects and recovering a large quantity of stolen household and electronic items in a major crime-fighting operation.

The Command disclosed that the breakthrough followed intelligence-led operations carried out by operatives of the Uwanse Division on June 4, 2026. According to the police, the operation led to the arrest of 27-year-old Effiong Ene, a suspect who had previously escaped from lawful custody. His arrest subsequently opened up fresh leads that enabled investigators to track down and apprehend other alleged members of the syndicate.

The additional suspects arrested were identified as Hope Linus, 18, Patrick Etim, 26, and Maurice Asuquo, 27. Police said preliminary investigations linked the suspects to a series of burglary and stealing incidents across parts of the Calabar metropolis.

Following the arrests, detectives conducted coordinated searches at various locations connected to the suspects. The operation resulted in the recovery of an extensive collection of suspected stolen property, including several plasma television sets, laptops, decoders, DVD players, MP3 players, a tablet, projector, microwave oven, refrigerator, standing fans, solar modulators, gas cylinders, stabilizers, POS machines, household appliances, clothing items, furniture and other valuables.

Investigators also recovered burglary tools allegedly used by the syndicate during operations. These included an iron bar, hammer, pliers, spanner, scissors, a knife, damaged padlocks, master keys and a carton of nails.

Police authorities said the recovered exhibits suggest the group may have been involved in multiple burglary operations over an extended period. Efforts are currently underway to identify additional members of the gang who remain at large and to trace the rightful owners of the recovered property.

The suspects have been transferred to the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) for further investigation, while detectives continue to gather evidence and establish the full scope of the syndicate’s activities.

Commending the officers involved in the operation, Cross River State Commissioner of Police, Rashid Afegbua, praised their professionalism, resilience and dedication to duty.

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