By Kelvin Adegbenga

In the past few days, public discourse, especially on social media, has been dominated by sensational claims of an alleged “assassination attempt” on Lt. Yerima. But as more facts emerge, it has become increasingly clear that the narrative is not only exaggerated but also fundamentally misleading. It is therefore important to lay out the facts and clear the fog of misinformation.

The first narration to greet the public space, as reported by Vanguard Newspaper, cited a military source who claimed that Yerima was trailed by unidentified men dressed in black, riding in two unmarked Hilux vans with no number plates.

According to the report, the vehicles allegedly followed him from the NIPCO Filling Station off the Kubwa Expressway all the way to Gado Nasco Way. This version of events created understandable tension and drew widespread concern until the police provided verifiable details.

Shortly after, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command issued a press release signed by its PRO, SP Josephine Adeh, categorically debunking the so-called “assassination attempt”. Rather than supporting the dramatic Hilux-van-in-pursuit narrative, the police statement presented a completely different and much more credible account. 

According to the police, on 16th November 2025 at about 6:15 p.m., a routine stop-and-search operation was being conducted at NNPC Junction along the Kubwa Expressway. During this operation, officers intercepted an ash-coloured Toyota Camry being driven with its number plate concealed and its windows deeply tinted. Both conditions violate road safety and security protocols.

In line with standard operating procedure, the patrol team approached the vehicle and politely requested the driver’s identity as well as an explanation for the concealments. Shockingly, the occupant, who later turned out to be Lt Yerima, refused to identify himself. Instead, he made several phone calls and wound up his tinted windows, refusing to cooperate or even engage with the officers.

A few minutes later, three naval personnel arrived at the scene. They cordially identified the occupant as their colleague while also taking videos and photos of the encounter. Once the officers confirmed his identity, the police allowed the vehicle to proceed, and the patrol team continued its operations peacefully, without any further incident.

Interestingly, the second version of events circulating online, through a video shared by Yerima’s colleagues, completely contradicts the original Hilux-van narrative that was initially pushed into the media.

In the video, the only vehicle present was the ash-coloured Camry with a covered plate number and deeply tinted windows, exactly as described by the police. No men dressed in black. No unmarked Hilux vans. No chase. No threat. No “assassination”.

From the combined accounts of the police and the video evidence, it is crystal clear that the entire story of an “assassination attempt” was nothing more than a false alarm, one that should never have been sensationalised in the first place.

Frankly, I believe the military hierarchy should caution Lt Yerima for this unnecessary escalation. When uniformed personnel raise false alarms, especially ones capable of causing public panic or tarnishing the image of another security agency, it sets a dangerous precedent. It encourages others to manufacture threats or interpret lawful police procedures as personal attacks.

Security agencies must work together, not against one another. Cooperation, professionalism, and mutual respect are essential for national security. Sensational false alarms only create friction where none is needed.

If anything, this incident has reaffirmed the professionalism of the FCT Police Command in handling a situation that could easily have been escalated by unnecessary drama. The facts speak for themselves: there was never an assassination attempt on Lt Yerima, only a lawful stop-and-search exercise that he decided to misinterpret.

It’s time we stop glorifying misinformation and start holding individuals accountable for narratives that endanger the public peace and undermine inter-agency trust.

Kelvin Adegbenga writes from Kubwa, Abuja. kelvinadegbenga@yahoo.com @kelvinadegbenga

By Adewole Kehinde

The abduction of twenty-five innocent schoolgirls from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko/Wasagu LGA of Kebbi State is yet another heartbreaking reminder of the cruelty of terrorists who prey on the most vulnerable among us.

This barbaric act deserves the strongest possible condemnation from all well-meaning Nigerians. No parent should ever endure the nightmare of sending a child to school only to be met with terror and despair.

But while the nation mourns and security agencies swing into action, it is deeply disappointing, though not surprising, that Mr Omoyele Sowore, the serial failed presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), chose this tragic moment to peddle political falsehoods and target the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.

Sowore alleged that the Inspector General of Police had “not uttered a word” about the Kebbi abduction. This claim is not only baseless but also malicious, clearly designed to score cheap political points rather than contribute meaningfully to national security discourse.

The facts speak differently.

Upon receiving the distressing report that heavily armed bandits stormed the school and abducted the students, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, immediately directed the Commissioner of Police in Kebbi State to deploy a combined team of police tactical units, military personnel, and vigilantes to the area.

These teams are currently combing suspected bandits’ routes and surrounding forests, working tirelessly to rescue the abducted girls and apprehend the perpetrators of this dastardly act.

This is not the first time IGP Egbetokun has acted swiftly and decisively. Sowore, who thrives on sensationalism rather than verified facts, should be reminded of the IGP’s pivotal role in ensuring the arrest and prosecution of those involved in the Yelwata massacre in Benue State, contrary to the false narrative Sowore desperately tried to sell to the public.

It must also be emphasised that the IGP remains a competent officer, duly and legally appointed by the President in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

His record reflects professionalism, collaboration, and a firm commitment to national security.

At a time when the nation needs unity, focus, and collective resolve, what Nigeria does not need is reckless commentary from individuals seeking political relevance through tragedy.

A serious presidential hopeful should not latch onto the suffering of abducted children in an attempt to revive a dwindling political career. Instead, he should join hands with government institutions to confront and defeat the monstrous threat of terrorism. Security, after all, is everyone’s business.

The IGP has reiterated the unwavering determination of the Nigeria Police Force to safeguard lives and property across the country.

What the nation needs now is for members of the public to remain calm, vigilant, and supportive of ongoing security operations. Cheap political publicity helps no one, least of all the abducted schoolgirls whose safe return should be the priority of every patriotic Nigerian.

This is a time for solidarity, not sensationalism. A time for responsibility, not recklessness. And a time to support the men and women risking their lives daily to protect ours.

May the abducted students be rescued safely and reunited with their families, and may Nigeria overcome those who seek to destabilise her peace.

Adewole Kehinde is a public affairs analyst based in Abuja. kennyadewole@gmail.com @kennyadewole

By Adewole Kehinde

Since assuming office, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, has consistently demonstrated that security leadership in the 21st century must be built on collaboration, coordination, and mutual respect among all security agencies.

Contrary to the false narratives being pushed by mischief-makers and those seeking to incite non-existent inter-agency rivalries, the synergy between the Nigeria Police Force and sister agencies has grown stronger, more strategic, and more result-driven under his watch.

From the Defence Headquarters to the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy, DSS, NSCDC, FRSC, Immigration, Customs, and other critical stakeholders, IGP Egbetokun has entrenched a culture of seamless cooperation, one that prioritises national security over institutional ego.

His leadership style is anchored on inclusiveness and operational harmony, ensuring that every agency sees the other as a partner rather than a competitor.

Those attempting to manufacture inter-agency friction lack both facts and context. The truth remains that joint operations across the country, whether against banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, oil theft, or violent crimes, have recorded greater efficiency precisely because the Nigeria Police Force is working hand-in-hand with the military and other security organs.

This synergy is visible in intelligence sharing, coordinated patrols, rapid response operations, and harmonised security strategies.

Under IGP Egbetokun, the Nigeria Police Force has remained focused, disciplined, and unwavering in its mission to secure Nigeria, both from within and without. The Force continues to affirm its role as the lead internal security agency while fully acknowledging and embracing the indispensable support of the Armed Forces and other partners.

This teamwork has strengthened national security architecture, improved public confidence, and ensured that criminals find no haven.

Inter-agency collaboration is not just a slogan; it is a working reality under IGP Egbetokun. And it is this unity of purpose that continues to frustrate the efforts of those who profit from division, misinformation, and falsehood.

At a time when Nigeria needs solidarity among its security institutions, IGP Egbetokun has shown leadership that binds rather than breaks, inspires rather than divides, and strengthens rather than weakens. The synergy today is stronger than it has ever been, and it is this partnership that will continue to keep Nigeria safe.

Adewole Kehinde is a public affairs analyst based in Abuja. kennyadewole@gmail.com @kennyadewole