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Customs seizes smuggled PMS worth N125m in Kebbi

Customs Seize Smuggled PMS Worth N125m in Kebbi

Fola Badmus6 months ago6 months ago04 mins

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has seized 125,000 litres of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) worth ₦125 million in Kebbi.The Comptroller-General of NCS, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, announced the seizure while briefing journalists in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday. Adeniyi was represented by NCS’s National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind Team, ACG Husseini Ejibunu.He stated that the operation was carried out based on credible intelligence provided by the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU).He explained that the Tsamiya area of Kebbi had been under surveillance for several days before the interception. According to him, Customs operatives, in collaboration with the Kebbi Area Command and the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) ‘B’, successfully carried out the seizure. Evening Roundup: Stories making waves in The Nation – The Nation0:17 / 1:00Keep Watching“We intercepted three Scania trucks carrying smuggled PMS, all registered in the Republic of Benin. He said the first truck with registration BC-7184RB, contained 766 jerry cans of 25 litres each and 18 drums of 200 litres each of pms. The second truck with registration numbee AT-2457RB, had 1,454 jerry cans of 25 litres each and several 200-litre drums of pms. “While the third truck with registration number BV-6240RB, contained 1,350 jerry cans of 25 litres each and 18 drums of 200 litres each of pms.” Adeniyi further said tha the team seized 805 jerry cans of 25 litres each at various smuggling flashpoints, including Dolekeina, Zaria Kalakala, Tunga Waterside, and Lolo Tsamiya. He provided a breakdown of the total seizure as, 4,375 jerry cans of pms (25 litres each, 54 drums of pms (200 litres each) with grand total of 125,000 litres of pms, with duty paid value of ₦125 million. He emphasised that the operation reaffirmed the NCS’s commitment to combating smuggling and illicit trade, which pose threats to Nigeria’s social and economic well-being. “This success highlights the importance of vigilance and collaboration in addressing complex security challenges,” he said.He acknowledged the synergy between Operation Whirlwind, the Office of the National Security Adviser(ONSA), and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for the achievement. “The coordinated efforts of these institutions have enabled us to swiftly respond to intelligence reports and secure our borders with precision and professionalism.”Adeniyi also acknowledged the crucial role played by the ONSA, led by Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for providing strategic intelligence and policy support to enhance national security efforts. “Their leadership has been instrumental in fostering trust and cooperation among all stakeholders.” Earlier, the Kebbi Area Controller, Mr Chidi Nwokorie, commended the officers and men of the Kebbi Area command, Customs, Police, Operation Whirlwind, and FOU Zone ‘B’ for their dedication and success in the operation.

Tinubu Reaffirms Commitment to Revitalizing Road Infrastructure Tinubu Reaffirms Commitment to Revitalizing Road Infrastructure

Tinubu Reiterates Commitment To Road Infrastructure Renewal

Fola Badmus6 months ago6 months ago06 mins

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to accelerating road infrastructure renewal as a cornerstone of economic development and national integration. Speaking in Delta State while flagging off the construction of the access road to the Second Niger Bridge (Phase 2A), Tinubu reiterated his administration’s dedication to fostering economic growth through strategic infrastructure projects. The 17.55-kilometer access road to the bridge in Asaba links the South South Zone to the South East The President said the occasion was not just about flagging off a road project but a testament to the administration’s unwavering commitment to economic development, national integration, and infrastructure renewal. He said: “The construction of the Access Road is a major step towards strengthening our nation’s connectivity. “This road will ease movement, facilitate trade, and enhance economic opportunities for the people of Delta, Anambra, and beyond. “It is yet another proof that under this administration, infrastructure development remains a top priority for fostering economic growth and national unity”. Read Also: Ogun 2025: Tinubu to flag off Unity Torch for National Sports FestivalThe President, who was represented by Delta Governor Francis Oborevwori, commended Delta and Anambra for their collaborative efforts to make a success of the project “I want to especially commend the government and people of Delta and Anambra States for their collaboration in ensuring the success of this project. “Your support and cooperation are crucial in making this vision a reality. Infrastructure development is not just the responsibility of the Federal Government requires the collective effort of all stakeholders, including the State Governments, Local Communities, and Private Sector Partners,” he said. On his part, Governor Oborevwori while commending all the stakeholders for their contributions to the realisation of the project, however, urged the contractors to ensure the highest standards of quality and timely completion of the project, saying, “This is not just a road; it is a legacy of progress that will serve generations to come.” “Gratitude to all present, the traditional rulers, community leaders, and all who have contributed in one way or another to the realization of the initiative. “Your support and dedication to the success of this project reflect our shared commitment to building a better, more connected Nigeria.As we look forward to its completion, let us all continue to work together for the development of our great nation,” the governor said. In a statement on Tuesday by Mohammad Abdullahi Ahmed, the Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, commended the Delta State Government for its dedication to infrastructure development, emphasizing that governance is about improving lives. “Your State is a construction site. You have demonstrated that leadership is about responsibility, not excuses. Instead of blaming the Federal Government, you are taking proactive actions. That is highly commendable,” he said. Umahi outlined the Federal Government’s broader vision for road infrastructure, revealing that several strategic projects are either in progress or planned nationwide, including the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, the Benin-Asaba Expressway, the Sokoto-Gusau-Katsina-Kaduna corridor, the East-West Road, and the remaining section of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway. He also announced that the government had approved a 9-kilometer extension of the Benin-Asaba Expressway to the Second Niger Bridge, as requested by the Edo State Government. To enhance the security and sustainability of these new roads and bridges, Umahi disclosed that the government is implementing advanced surveillance measures. He said CCTV cameras will be installed along access roads and bridges, linked directly to the offices of the respective state governors to monitor activities and prevent vandalism. He also said solar-powered streetlights will be incorporated to improve visibility and security. Reaffirming the administration’s commitment to prioritizing inherited projects, Umahi stressed that under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, road infrastructure is receiving unprecedented attention to ensure seamless connectivity and economic progress.

Rivers Administrator Appoints SSG As Head Of Service Resigns

Fola Badmus6 months ago6 months ago05 mins

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), has appointed Prof. Ibibia Worika, a legal expert and administrator, as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG). In a statement, the Sole Administrator said the appointment, which takes immediate effect, followed a rigorous selection process in which Worika’s extensive experience, academic credentials, and policy expertise stood out. In a related development, the ex-naval chief appointed Iyingi Brown as the Permanent Secretary for Welfare in the Office of the Head of Service to act as the Head of Service pending a substantive appointment. The appointment followed the resignation of the substantive Head of Service, George Nwaeke. In a statement, the government expressed gratitude for Nwaeke’s contributions during his tenure and wished him success in his future endeavors. While congratulating Brown on her new role, the administrator reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining peace and stability in Rivers State. The statement further said Worika’s distinguished career spanned academia, international legal practice, and high-level policy advisory roles, making him well-suited to support the administrator in achieving the mandate set by President Bola Tinubu for the state. “Professor Worika’s wealth of experience in legal scholarship, public policy, and governance will be instrumental in driving the administration’s agenda. His appointment underscores our dedication to excellence in public service,” the statement read. The Sole Administrator emphasized his commitment to utiliing the rich human capital of Rivers State to foster peace, stability, and security. Hailing from Okrika in Rivers State, Professor Worika is a globally recognized scholar, legal expert, and administrator with a strong background in environmental and petroleum law. He holds a Ph.D. in International Environmental and Comparative Petroleum Law & Policy from the University of Dundee, United Kingdom. Currently serving as the Director of the Centre for Advanced Law Research at Rivers State University, he previously held the position of Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Port Harcourt. His tenure in academia has been marked by significant contributions to legal education, curriculum development, and institutional collaborations. Beyond academia, Professor Worika has played key roles in shaping global and national policy frameworks. As a Senior Legal Adviser at the Commonwealth Secretariat in London, he provided strategic counsel on energy policy, regulatory frameworks, and governance. His tenure as General Legal Counsel for the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in Vienna further cemented his reputation as a leading authority in international law, energy diplomacy, and resource management. He has also served as a consultant for various governments, including Namibia, Malawi, and Guyana, helping to draft legislation and design legal frameworks for sustainable development. His contributions to public administration have earned him several recognitions, including the OPEC Secretariat Award for Distinguished Service and an honorary title from the Ogu Council of Chiefs in Rivers State.

Natasha’s Constituents Submit Petition To INEC For Her Recall

Natasha’s Constituents Submit Recall Petition to INEC

Fola Badmus6 months ago6 months ago03 mins

The lawmaker was suspended by the Senate for six months for misconduct after a seat row with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Senator Natasha had in the wake of a seat dispute with Akpabio accused the lawmaker of sexual harassment. X@NatashaAkpoti Some constituents of Kogi Central Senatorial District have submitted a petition to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), for the recall of Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan, the suspended lawmaker representing the district in the National Assembly. The petition, presented by Charity Ijese, on behalf of the constituents, was received at the INEC headquarters, by the Commission’s Secretary, Rose Anthony, on Monday, March 24, 2025. The petition was titled, ‘Constituents’ Petition for the Recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Grounds of Loss of Confidence’. The constituents said, “In particular, this petition for the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is brought pursuant to Section 69 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), as well as INEC’s Regulations and Guidelines for Recall Petitions.” They affirmed that Akpoti-Uduaghan emerged by virtue of an Appeal Court decision in October 2023 but said the petition arose as a result of their loss of confidence in her representation. “This petition arises from our loss of confidence in the Senator on the grounds of gross misconduct, abuse of office, evasion of due process, and a pattern of deceitful behaviour that has not only embarassed the people of Kogi Central but has also tarnished the integrity of the Nigerian Senate and our nation’s democratic institutions. “By this petition, which we have made sure is signed by more than half of the registered voters in Kogi Central, we hereby demand that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) immediately commence the constitutional and procedural process of recall to remove Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from office and declare her seat vacant,” the constituents said. The female federal lawmaker was involved in a seat arrangement dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The lawmaker accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and abuse of office. Senate subsequently suspended her for six months for misconduct.

Trump administration officials accidentally text a reporter Yemen ‘war plans’

Fola Badmus6 months ago6 months ago02 mins

The White House has confirmed a report by The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg, who says senior Trump administration officials accidentally included him in a Signal chat group in which they discussed plans to conduct strikes in Yemen Goldberg was included in a group chat in which US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and other top officials discussed upcoming strikes against Yemen’s Houthis. Trump announced strikes on March 15, but in a shocking security breach, Goldberg wrote that he had hours of advance notice via the group chat. “The message thread that was reported appears to be authentic, and we are reviewing how an inadvertent number was added to the chain,” National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes told reporters. The security breach provoked outrage among Democratic lawmakers, including Senator Chris Coons, who wrote on X that “every single one of the government officials on this text chain have now committed a crime.” Signal, an open-source, encrypted messaging application, is not approved by the US government for sharing sensitive information.

Internal Security: Police Arrest 13 Kidnappers; Recover 11 Rifles, 89 Rounds of Ammunition

Fola Badmus6 months ago6 months ago04 mins

In a remarkable display of operational proficiency , operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have carried out multiple diligent operations underscoring the Nigeria Police Force’s unwavering commitment to enhancing internal security and combating criminal activities across the nation. On March 11, 2025, at approximately 6:30 PM, operatives from the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) were on a special assignment en route to Edo State when they encountered an ambush set by armed kidnappers at Oshara Ganden, a boundary area between Kogi and Edo States. Demonstrating exceptional tactical skills, the operatives overpowered the armed assailants, resulting in the arrest of eight individuals. The suspects, identified as Tukur Salisu, Sani Abubakar, Mamud Sani, Umar Abdullahi, Salisu Mohammed, Salisu Usman, Bashir Audu, and Jibril Haruna, were found in possession of significant weaponry, including one AK-47 rifle with 29 rounds of live ammunition, one new Israeli pump action rifle with 4 cartridges, two pump action rifles with 72 cartridges, a single barrel shotgun with 2 cartridges, and two operational motorcycles. In a separate operation on January 27, 2025, IRT operatives acted on credible intelligence to arrest Yakubu Musa, 30, and Usman Musa, 25, both from Kaduna State. These suspects were linked to series of kidnappings and cattle rustling activities in the Soba and Ikara regions of the State. During their arrest, three AK-47 rifles and 19 rounds of live ammunition were recovered, further substantiating their involvement in criminal activities. Additionally, on January 21, 2025, three suspects—Abubakar Lawan (24), Isiaku Abdullahi (35), and Abbas Maisaude (26), were apprehended for criminal conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms, and kidnapping. The suspects confessed to participating in multiple kidnapping incidents across Rijana, Lambata, Dandume, and Ugama in Kaduna and Niger States. Recovered from them were one AK-49 rifle, two AK-47 rifles, and 28 rounds of live ammunition. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend additional members of their gang. These successful operations highlight the Nigeria Police Force’s relentless dedication to safeguarding lives and property. Citizens are urged to support the police by providing timely and accurate information, as their cooperation is vital in the fight against crime. To those who choose a life of crime, the Force is resolute in its mission to attain justice. There will be no sanctuary for criminals in Nigeria. The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., has commended the operatives for their bravery and dedication, emphasizing the importance of continued vigilance and proactive measures in maintaining law and order. The Force remains resolute in its mission to protect citizens, uphold the rule of law and assure the public that it will continue to take decisive action against criminal elements.

EFCC Arraigns One for Suspected Internet Fraud in Uyo

Fola Badmus6 months ago6 months ago03 mins

The Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned Omereonye Solomon Chigozie (a.k.a Kolor Cabiek Ye) before Justice Maurine A. Oyetenu of the Federal High Court sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State for alleged internet fraud to the tune of $1,500 ( One Thousand Five Hundred United States Dollars). He was arraigned on Thursday, March 20, 2025 on a two-count charge bordering on impersonation, possession of fictitious messages and obtaining by false pretence through a fictitious Facebook account: “Kolor Cabiek Ye”. One of the charges reads, “That you Omereonye Solomon Chigozie (a.k.a Kolor Cabiek Ye) Sometime between 2019 and 2024 in Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this honourable court with intent to obtain property and gain advantage fraudulently presented yourself as Kolor Cabiek Ye on social media platform (Facebook) and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (2)(b) (i) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention Etc) (Amendment) Act 2024 and punishable under Section 22(2) (b) (iv) of the scime Act”. Count two reads “That you Chigozie Omereonye Solomon (aka Kolor Cabiek Ye) sometime between 2019 and 2024 in Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court did take possession of the sum of $1500 (One Thousand, Five Hundred United States Dollars) while impersonating Kolor Cabiek Ye on Facebook which you reasonably ought to have known forms proceeds of an unlawful act and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and punishable under Section 18(3) of the same Act”. Chigozie pleaded not guilty to both counts when they were read to him. In view of his plea, prosecution counsel, Enobong Ubokudom prayed the court to fix a date for commencement of trial and remand him in a Correctional Centre. Defence counsel, Ikwere Davies did not oppose the prayers. Justice Onyetenu adjourned the matter to May 22, 2025 for trial and ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Correctional Centre, Uyo. Chigozie was arrested in Uyo on October 3, 2024 on credible intelligence regarding his suspicious activities on the internet. Investigations showed that he impersonated foreigners to defraud his victims across the world.

US-Russia Talks On Ukraine Begin In Saudi Arabia

Fola Badmus6 months ago6 months ago07 mins

US and Russian officials opened talks in Saudi Arabia on Monday on a partial ceasefire in the Ukraine war, a day after delegates from Washington and Kyiv had their own discussions. US President Donald Trump is pushing for a rapid end to the three-year war and hopes talks in Riyadh could pave the way for a breakthrough. Both sides have proposed different plans for temporary ceasefires, but cross-border attacks have meanwhile continued unabated. Originally planned to take place simultaneously to enable shuttle diplomacy — with the United States going back and forth between the delegations — the talks are now taking place one after the other. Russia’s TASS news agency said at around 0730 GMT that the US-Russian talks had begun. The meeting between the Ukrainian team, led by defence minister Rustem Umerov, and the Americans finished up late Sunday night. “The discussion was productive and focused — we addressed key points including energy,” Umerov said on social media, adding Ukraine was working to make its goal of a “just and lasting peace” a reality. Valentyna Guk searches for pieces of glass for mosaic fragments among debris of a heavily damaged building in Kharkiv on March 7, 2025, amid the Russia invasion of Ukraine. (Photo by Ivan SAMOILOV / AFP)Trump envoy Steve Witkoff voiced optimism that any agreement struck would pave the way for a “full-on” ceasefire. “I think you’re going to see in Saudi Arabia on Monday some real progress, particularly as it affects a Black Sea ceasefire on ships between both countries. And from that you’ll naturally gravitate to a full-on shooting ceasefire,” he told Fox News. But the Kremlin on Sunday downplayed expectations of a rapid resolution. “We are only at the beginning of this path,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russian state TV. He said there were many outstanding questions over how a potential ceasefire might be implemented. Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected a joint US-Ukrainian call for a full and immediate 30-day pause, proposing instead a halt in attacks only on energy facilities. Local resident walk among the debris near a damaged house, a day after a Russian strike on a suburb of Odesa, southern Ukraine on March 7, 2025, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (Photo by Oleksandr GIMANOV / AFP) Peskov said the “main” focus in its talks with the United States would be a possible resumption of a 2022 Black Sea grain deal that ensured safe navigation for Ukrainian farm exports via the Black Sea. “On Monday, we mainly intend to discuss President Putin’s agreement to resume the so-called Black Sea initiative, and our negotiators will be ready to discuss the nuances around this problem,” Peskov said. Moscow pulled out of the deal — brokered by Turkey and the United Nations — in 2023, accusing the West of failing to uphold its commitments to ease sanctions on Russia’s own exports of farm produce and fertilisers. A senior Ukrainian official previously told AFP that Kyiv would propose a broader ceasefire, covering attacks on energy facilities, infrastructure and naval strikes. Both sides launched fresh drone attacks on the eve of the negotiations. Ukrainian officials said a Russian drone attack overnight Saturday killed three civilians in Kyiv, including a five-year-old girl and her father. AFP reporters in the capital saw emergency workers treating the wounded early Sunday in front of damaged residential buildings hit in the strike. Deadly strikes on the well-protected city are rarer than elsewhere in the country. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged his country’s allies to put fresh pressure on Russia. “New decisions and new pressure on Moscow are needed to bring an end to these strikes and this war,” he posted on social media on Sunday. Moscow heads into the Saudi talks after a rapprochement with Washington under Trump that has boosted confidence in the Kremlin. Peskov said Sunday that the “potential for mutually beneficial cooperation in a wide variety of spheres between our countries cannot be overstated”. “We may disagree on some things but that does not mean we should deprive ourselves of mutual benefit,” he added.