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Nigeria, Sierra Leone Deepen Digital Cooperation As Minister Bosun Tijani Leads Bilateral Trade Mission

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Nigeria, Sierra Leone Deepen Digital Cooperation As Minister Bosun Tijani Leads Bilateral Trade Mission

The Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, has led a high-level Nigerian delegation to Freetown for the Nigeria–Sierra Leone Digital Economy Bilateral Trade Mission, resulting in the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at strengthening collaboration across key areas of digital development.

The two-day mission, hosted by Sierra Leone’s Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Hon. Salima Monorma Bah, focused on expanding cooperation in digital public infrastructure, artificial intelligence, digital trade, cybersecurity, youth innovation, and technology transfer. The visit followed Dr. Tijani’s participation in the Regional Summit on Digital Transformation in the Benin Republic, underscoring Nigeria’s leadership role in driving West Africa’s digital integration.

The delegation engaged in ecosystem tours, technical sessions, press briefings, and high-level government deliberations centred on harmonising digital trade frameworks, coordinating cybersecurity efforts, developing regional talent, and advancing AI capabilities.

Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening regional digital infrastructure, improving connectivity, and building a more resilient and inclusive digital economy for West Africa.

Key Outcomes of the Mission

Enhanced Bilateral Cooperation
Nigeria and Sierra Leone agreed to deepen collaboration in several priority areas, including:

  • Digital public infrastructure and interoperable government systems
  • Broadband expansion and resilient connectivity
  • Digital identity, cybersecurity, and data governance
  • Artificial Intelligence development and responsible innovation
  • Digital literacy, talent development, and institutional capacity building
  • Cross-border digital trade and private-sector partnerships

Signing of MoUs
Government representatives from both nations signed MoUs covering:

  • Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)
  • Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies
  • Talent development and digital skills
  • Broadband infrastructure and spectrum coordination

Multiple private-sector agreements were also signed, targeting:

  • Expansion of digital services across both markets
  • Strengthening of fintech, edtech, healthtech, govtech, and cloud solutions
  • Joint innovation and technology transfer
  • Startup exchange and enterprise development

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Dr. Tijani said the collaboration reflects Nigeria’s broader commitment to building a harmonised and innovative digital ecosystem across Africa.

“Our partnership with Sierra Leone is not only a bilateral engagement; it is part of a broader vision to ensure that technology, talent, and trade flow seamlessly across our continent,” he stated. “Together, we are laying the foundations for a digital economy that empowers our young people and creates shared prosperity.”

Hon. Salima Bah expressed optimism that the partnership would fast-track Sierra Leone’s digital transformation priorities and strengthen continental cooperation rooted in shared history and development goals.

The mission also highlighted the role of the private sector in advancing regional digital growth, with leading Nigerian technology firms—including IHS Towers, Flutterwave, CcHUB, Miden, Cybervergent, Prunedge, Itana, and Awarri—participating in B2B matchmaking sessions aimed at stimulating investment, boosting innovation, and supporting digital infrastructure expansion.

The Nigerian delegation comprised heads of key agencies under the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, including:

  • Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA)
  • Prof. Ibrahim Adeyanju, Managing Director/CEO, Galaxy Backbone Limited (GBB)
  • Dr. Olubunmi Ajala, National Coordinator, National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR)
  • Victoria Fabunmi, National Coordinator, Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI)

The mission concluded with both nations reiterating their resolve to continue working closely to advance digital transformation and foster a stronger regional digital economy.

Enough Of Sowore’s Baseless Claims; Citizens Deserve The Truth

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Enough Of Sowore’s Baseless Claims; Citizens Deserve The Truth

By Kelhinde Adewole

We must speak plainly: Sowore’s assertion that Nigeria has only some 210,000 active police officers, with the remainder being “ghosts”, is a lie from the pit of hell.

It is not only reckless and unverified, but it is also a dangerous distortion that undermines public confidence in our security institutions for no good reason.

The facts contradict Sowore’s narrative

According to publicly available records, the NPF currently lists its sworn strength at about 371,800 officers.

Several recent reports, including those from credible media outlets and oversight bodies, continue to use 370,000+ as the baseline strength for Nigeria’s policing needs.

That figure aligns with the reality that Nigeria remains grossly under-policed, given its population, a fact openly acknowledged by security commentators and analysts.

For Sowore to reduce that realistic figure to “about 210,000 active officers” without providing any verifiable audit, headcount, or credible source is not just irresponsible; it is malicious.

On alleged “ghost” officers and payroll fraud

Sowore’s vivid claim that “through a network of racketeers and proxy beneficiaries across the country, salaries are drawn in the names of non-existent or unavailable officers, with funds routinely remitted back up the chain to senior police officials” is sheer fiction.

There is no credible, recent evidence to support such sweeping allegations under the current leadership of IGP Kayode Egbetokun as Inspector-General of Police.

In fact:

The payroll of the NPF is now administered under the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), a computerised system designed specifically to prevent payroll fraud, ghost workers and salary padding.

When IPPIS was first integrated (several years ago), the number of officers on payroll was adjusted, and a reduction was recorded, but that was part of a broader cleanup across all federal agencies, not a confirmation of Sowore’s extreme assertion.

Indeed, the initial audit under IPPIS revealed a drop in “on-paper” numbers, but that reflected the elimination of ghost or phantom records from a bloated nominal roll, not a wholesale confirmation that only 210,000 officers are active.

In short, IPPIS has proven to be a powerful tool against payroll fraud, widely applauded for cleaning up personnel and payroll data across the police and broader federal service.

On claims of “over 100,000 officers withdrawn from public policing”

Sowore’s dramatic claim that “well over 100,000 police officers are effectively withdrawn from public policing” is, yet again, unsubstantiated and false.

While it is true that there are many officers assigned to VIP or protection duties, a longstanding problem many have highlighted, the latest publicly available estimates don’t support Sowore’s exaggerated figure. For example, recent press accounts estimate the total NPF strength at around 371,800.

Moreover, independent analyses note that, while VIP deployment drains manpower, the idea that this drains over 100,000 officers from public policing under the current IGP has no empirical backing.

It is on record that only 11,566 were deployed to VIPs. Sowore must produce credible, documented evidence, a payroll audit, a deployment roster, or a verified headcount of the 100,000. Otherwise, the claim stands as baseless propaganda.

On the assertion that NPF officers are “deployed to guard militants”

The allegation that NPF personnel are being deployed to guard militants, as claimed by Sowore, is reckless and inflammatory. There is no credible public record supporting this claim.

Indeed, credible reporting on police deployments has repeatedly stressed the shortage of manpower and the challenge of deploying officers efficiently, not an overabundance of diversion to illicit assignments.

To suggest that police officers are used to shield militants, without evidence, is tantamount to defamation and risks undermining public trust in the very institution meant to safeguard lives and property.

A call for calm, truth, and responsibility

I call on the general public, and especially the Nigerian youth who often look up to activists like Sowore, to reject this wave of misinformation.

Posting fake news, concocting baseless numbers and peddling grandiose claims about “ghost police” may get likes on social media, but it damages national security, sows distrust, and gives fodder to criminals.

If Sowore, or anyone else, has credible evidence to challenge the official numbers for NPF, let them publish a full audit: a head count, deployment roster, payroll vs. nominal-roll reconciliation, and verified field deployment data. Until then, his claim remains a lie, and no responsible citizen should give it airtime.

Truth matters more than sensationalism. If we must reform our police, we should do so with facts, not fiction.

 

Kelhinde Adewole writes from Abuja. email: kennyadewole@gmail.com X: kennyadewole

Oshiomole Should Bury His Ugly Head In Shame When A Patriot Like Amaechi Is Talking – Eze

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Oshiomole Should Bury His Ugly Head In Shame When A Patriot Like Amaechi Is Talking – Eze

Erstwhile National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New People’s Democratic Party (nPDP) and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has berated former Edo Governor and lawmaker representing Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Oshiomole, over recent uncouth, disparaging comments credited to him on national television and targeted particularly at a notable Nigerian opposition leader and former Transportation Minister, Rt Hon Barr Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.

Mr. Oshiomole had, during the Channels TV programme “Politics Today”, anchored by Seun Akinboloye, accused Amaechi of shutting down the Judiciary in Rivers State when he was Governor, calling him ‘the most terrible’ and accusing him of mismanaging the rail system during his ministerial tenure under the late President Muhammadu Buhari. Oshiomole also faulted Amaechi’s contribution in the victory of the APC in 2015, alleging that as Director-General of the Presidential Campaign of the APC, he boycotted the polls.

Reacting through a statement made available to the media, Chief Eze said Oshiomole and his irks in the APC are currently finding their bile rising at the thoughts of the imminent defeat that awaits the clueless administration of the APC at the centre led by the notable kakistocratic kleptomaniac, Bola Tinubu, whose gross incompetence has seen the country drift into the abyss.

The APC Chief said Amaechi left the Rivers State Government House, not just as the best Governor the state has produced ,but also the best in the history of Nigeria, with verifiable records of multi-sectoral developmental strides. Whereas Adams Oshiomhole left in Edo, a legacy rooted in the ruthless looting of public funds running into hundreds of billions of naira.

It is in record that 80% of contracts executed during the Oshiomhole administration in Edo State were never advertised and the costs massively inflated.

The same Oshiomomole who used N5 billion for chartered flights during his time as governor of his state aside from his fraudulent indulgences in contract splitting, where contracts for roads awarded along with road infrastructures such as street lights, walk ways, drainage were later re-awarded to the same contractors?

Is it not the same Oshiomomole who diverted security votes to proxy accounts vis: Chief M. A. Kadiri vouchers from 2008 to the last day of his administration, totalling N42 billion?

It was Oshiomomole who as Governor, inflated the price of the purchase of 2 units of Toyota Prado TXL at N28,953,600.00. “ Sata Motors Ltd., 3 Oyaide Street, GRA, Benin city, purchase of 2 units of Toyota Land Cruisers V8 at N45,031,200.”

As Governor, Oshiomomole constructed 168 male students’ hostel complex at the rate of N10 million per room at the University of Science and Technology, Uzaire. The said contract was awarded to Messrs A & K Construction Ltd. at a
total cost of N1,880,483,836.66.

He used the common patrimony of Edo people to build an event centre, cinema theatre hall and shopping mall, directly opposite the University of Benin, Ugbowo,
Benin city.

It is the same Oshiomhole expended N20 billion on personal mansion at Okoro Otun and a hotel constructed next to Benin Club in GRA, Benin City.

As Governor, Oshiomomole used state money to acquire properties everywhere in Edo to satisfy his thirst for avaricious land-grabbing like his irk did in Port Harcourt and is doing in FCT as Minister.

He bought the Guinness guest house located along Reservation Road, GRA Benin City soon after he was sworn in
as governor in 2009. He quickly converted the property to the office of HANI and ASSOCIATES, the consultancy firm that supervised all civil construction works in Edo State from the beginning to the end of his administration.

In America, Oshiomomole used Edo money to buy properties located in Miami, Florida and in Louisiana.

The shameless fellow who have the gut to run his mouth around also bought a luxurious apartment valued at one hundred million dollars at Peachtree Corners (Miami) FL; acquisition of the Penthouse of One and Only Hotel in
Cape Town, South Africa, as well as apartments in Dubai, and London (UK).

It was Oshiomhole who took advantage of the Joint State/Local Government Account to appropriate and misappropriate the monthly allocations accrued to the 18 local government councils to the disadvantages of the ordinary people at the grassroots.

Eze dismissed Oshiomomole as one of those who, by their penchant should be behind bars if the systems were working in Nigeria, but instead, he’s currently serving as one of the puppet Senators of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, just to evade prosecution.

Amaechi speaks truth to power because he has no cockroach hidden in his cupboard. And so people like Oshiomomole should bury their heads in shame when the likes of Amaechi are making patriotic efforts to liberate the country.

Chief Eze said Amaechi believes in due process and non-violence and must be respected for sticking on the right thing at all times.

The APC Chief called on Oshiomomole to take his bile elsewhere, stressing that Amaechi would not give him the attention he seeks being preoccupied with issues of nation concern and the liberation project for Nigeria.

Eze stressed that Amaechi has no regret reviving and revolutionising the hitherto moribund rail system in Nigeria and his blueprint for the development of the rail subsector in the South South, South East through to the North East is still being followed and executed albeit selectively and sluggishly by the present Minister of Transportation.

On why the judiciary was shutdown during the Amaechi tenure, Eze advised shameless Oshiomhole to go and acquaint himself with the facts. That was when his friend Wike who shares the same character of recklessness wanted to use five lawmakers to impeach a sitting Governor contrary to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Oshiomhole should go and hide his ugly face for becoming the first National Chairman of a political party to be impeached by his ward of his ugly activities.

Eze cautioned Oshiomhole never in his ugly activities of supporting the present administration that have nothing to show to the world that it is a serious administration should mention the name of Amaechi or Atiku or his ugly history be postulated to the entire world.

Delta Police Arrest Suspected Cultists, Armed Robbers; Recover AK-47 Rifle In Oghara

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Delta Police Arrest Suspected Cultists, Armed Robbers; Recover AK-47 Rifle In Oghara

The Delta State Police Command has recorded another significant breakthrough in its ongoing operations against criminal gangs in Oghara and surrounding areas, with the arrest of two suspected cultists and armed robbers, alongside the recovery of an AK-47 rifle fitted with a double magazine.

The operation, carried out by the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) led by ASP Julius Robinson, followed earlier successes on 24 November 2025 when confessed cultists were arrested, and a pump-action gun was recovered.

Acting on fresh intelligence, the team intensified surveillance and launched coordinated follow-up raids across strategic locations in Oghara.

On 25 November 2025, operatives arrested two suspects believed to be linked to an armed criminal network, 38-year-old Justice Ikutu and 55-year-old Peter Okomeje. They were picked up at separate hotspots within the town.

A further search of the residence of one Peter Kome resulted in the recovery of an AK-47 rifle with a double magazine and other items suspected to be connected to ongoing investigations into cultism and armed robbery in the area.

According to a press release signed by SP Bright Edafe, Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State Command, Asaba, all suspects are currently in custody, while efforts continue to track down additional members of the syndicate.

Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, commended the CP-SAT team for their swift and professional response. He appealed to residents to remain vigilant and continue providing useful information to aid security efforts across the state.

Integrity Youth Alliance Hails Tinubu For Appointing Ribadu, Egbetokun To US–Nigeria Security Working Group

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Integrity Youth Alliance Hails Tinubu For Appointing Ribadu, Egbetokun To US–Nigeria Security Working Group

The Integrity Youth Alliance has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, and other top security officials to the newly formed United States–Nigeria Joint Working Group on Security Cooperation.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Kelvin Adegbenga, the group described the appointees as “round pegs in round holes”, noting that their selection reflects the administration’s renewed commitment to tackling insecurity through strengthened international collaboration.

The Alliance recalled that the Joint Working Group emerged from a high-level engagement in Washington on 19 November, where a Nigerian delegation led by Ribadu met with US officials. Both countries agreed to establish a working group to enhance coordination, intelligence sharing, and cooperation on critical security issues.

According to the statement, the formation of the Joint Working Group marks a significant step toward deepening bilateral efforts aimed at addressing terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, transnational crime, and other emerging threats confronting Nigeria.

The group noted that the officials appointed are already central figures in the nation’s security architecture, covering defence cooperation, intelligence operations, internal security management, humanitarian response, and inter-agency coordination. Their inclusion, it added, underscores the government’s focus on deploying seasoned professionals to drive security reforms.

The Integrity Youth Alliance urged the Nigerian team to collaborate effectively with their US counterparts to ensure full implementation of agreements reached during the Washington meetings.

“The momentum from the strategic discussions in Washington must translate into actionable programmes and sustained collaboration,” the group said.

The Alliance expressed optimism that the Joint Working Group will strengthen intelligence sharing, strategic planning, counter-terrorism efforts, military cooperation, and other initiatives designed to enhance Nigeria’s internal security landscape.

IGP Egbetokun Reaffirms School Protection Squad’s Operations

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IGP Egbetokun Reaffirms School Protection Squad’s Operations

… Orders Probe Into Latest Security Breach

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has reaffirmed the continued operation and effectiveness of the Nigeria Police Force’s School Protection Squad (SPS), declaring that the special unit has successfully foiled multiple attempts on schools across the country despite recent security concerns.

Speaking on Thursday at the Senior Police Officers Conference held at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Peacekeeping Hall in Abuja, the IGP stressed that the protection of schools and vulnerable communities remains a top priority for the force.

Egbetokun described any single attack on a school as unacceptable, noting that the police will not relent in ensuring that learning environments remain safe for children, teachers and administrators.

According to him, the School Protection Squad, established to enhance security around educational institutions, has been actively deployed in high-risk areas and has prevented several planned attacks through intelligence-led operations and rapid response mechanisms.

The IGP also confirmed that he has ordered a full investigation into the most recent security breach involving a school, stating that the inquiry will ensure accountability and help prevent similar occurrences in the future.

He reiterated that the Nigeria Police Force will continue to expand intelligence gathering, strengthen community partnerships, and enhance collaboration with other security agencies to guarantee the safety of schools nationwide.

Citigroup Honors Fidelity Bank For Leadership In Cross-Border Payment Efficiency

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Citigroup Honors Fidelity Bank For Leadership In Cross-Border Payment Efficiency

Fidelity Bank Plc has received the Straight-Through Processing (STP) Excellence Award from Citigroup in recognition of its outstanding operational efficiency in foreign currency payments in 2024.

STP refers to transactions processed accurately and without human intervention, resulting in a cost-effective and timely process. Fidelity Bank, which has consistently earned this award over the years, achieved an impressive STP rate of 97% or higher in concluding USD payments during the awarding period.

Citigroup, a leading global bank headquartered in New York and present in more than 160 countries, annually honours select banks and financial institutions that demonstrate the highest levels of efficiency in foreign currency transactions.

Dr Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, OON, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, attributed the achievement to customer trust and the team’s dedication.

“This award reflects the quality of initiatives we have implemented to simplify cross-border payments for our customers. It affirms our commitment to delivering cutting-edge services in servicing our valued customers,” said Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe.

The recognition adds to a growing list of accolades for Fidelity Bank,, especially in deploying innovative services and products in meeting customer needs. These include an award from the Nigeria Customs Service for being the first bank to successfully process Customs Duty and the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) on the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS). The bank also won Most Innovative Bank of the Year and Best Bank for Export and Trade Finance at the 2025 BusinessDay Bank and Other Financial Institutions’ (BAFI) Awards.

“We are delighted by this recognition and remain committed to providing seamless, value-adding services to our customers as we pursue our mandate to help individuals grow, support businesses to thrive, and propel economies to prosper,” added Dr Onyeali-Ikpe.

IGP Egbetokun Orders Tougher Intelligence, Visibility Policing As Police Move To Contain Nationwide Security Breaches

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IGP Egbetokun Orders Tougher Intelligence, Visibility Policing As Police Move To Contain Nationwide Security Breaches

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, on Thursday addressed senior police officers at the Strategic Police Officers Conference held at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Peacekeeping Hall, Abuja, outlining sweeping security measures to curb rising criminal attacks across the country.

In his remarks, the IGP described the recent abductions in Kwara, Kebbi and Niger states, involving worshippers, schoolgirls and pupils, as painful reminders that “a single breach anywhere is a disruption of peace everywhere in Nigeria.”

Egbetokun acknowledged public concerns over the incidents but stressed that the Police Force has been responsive, leading successful joint rescue operations in Kwara and Kebbi states through coordinated deployments, intelligence sharing and inter-agency collaboration.

He said the outcomes reaffirm that “crime is defeated fastest when response is unified, intelligence-driven and operationally coordinated,” adding that such synergy must now become the institutional standard for policing nationwide.

New Security Measures Announced

The IGP unveiled a series of enhanced policing strategies aimed at boosting territorial dominance, improving intelligence gathering and strengthening response mechanisms. These include:

  • A stronger native intelligence network: Commands are to expand intelligence frameworks into markets, transport unions, student bodies, religious institutions and rural communities, supported by actionable analysis from Intelligence Response Cells.
  • Reinforced community policing structures: Police commands are directed to deepen collaboration with traditional rulers, vigilante groups, youth organisations and local hunters to build grassroots security ownership.
  • Massive increase in policing visibility: Commands must activate layered foot patrols, convoy-style highway patrols, night confidence patrols and data-driven sector deployments to deter criminals.

  • Stronger partnerships with sister agencies: Egbetokun ordered joint patrols, shared intelligence briefings, unified threat responses and coordinated border-security operations, especially in high-risk states.

“These methods are proven policing fundamentals,” he said. “Nigeria wins when the police work ahead of crime, not behind it.”

VIP Police Withdrawal: 566 Personnel Recalled

Egbetokun also clarified the recent presidential directive on withdrawing police personnel from VIP protection assignments, describing it as a necessary realignment of national security priorities.

He emphasised that the measure is not punitive but a strategic shift to redirect manpower to critical security needs such as rural protection, highway safety, investigative capacity and rapid response operations.

So far, 566 officers have been recalled for redeployment to active policing duties.

The IGP warned against misinformation, stressing that implementation guidelines will be released in phases to prevent exploitation by “undesirable elements”.

Operational Achievements

The police chief disclosed notable operational successes achieved since the last strategic meeting, including:

  • 8,202 arrests for various offences, including 451 for armed robbery, 356 for kidnapping and 534 for homicide.
  • 249 firearms and 20,989 rounds of ammunition were recovered.
  • 238 stolen vehicles recovered.
  • 232 kidnapped victims rescued nationwide.

Festive Season Deployment

With the approaching festive season, Egbetokun directed all state commands to activate comprehensive seasonal security plans featuring:

  • Expanded highway patrols
  • Special foot patrols in motor parks and public areas
  • AI-driven policing tools, including drones
  • Inter-agency route protection patrols
  • Mandatory visibility-hours reporting

“Let this festive period be defined by safety, policing dominance and citizen confidence — not fear,” he said.

Commends President Tinubu

The IGP thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for renewed federal backing toward logistics, recruitment, operational mobility, training and welfare, assuring that the Force will “justify this trust through outcomes and not excuses.”

Egbetokun ended his address by urging police commanders to return to their jurisdictions with “renewed urgency, clarity of strategy and determination of execution”, adding that the Nigeria Police Force remains fully committed to its constitutional mandate.

“Nigeria depends on us, and we will not fail her,” he said.

IGP Egbetokun Confirms Recall, Redeployment Of 11,566 Police Personnel

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IGP Egbetokun Confirms Recall, Redeployment Of 11,566 Police Personnel

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has confirmed the recall of 11,566 police personnel, announcing that their redeployment to underserved and vulnerable communities across the country has already begun.

Egbetokun said the move is part of ongoing reforms targeted at strengthening internal security, advancing community policing, and ensuring a more balanced distribution of police manpower nationwide.

According to the IGP, the newly redeployed officers will reinforce security presence in rural and high-risk areas that have, for years, grappled with inadequate policing. He noted that the deployment is expected to improve response time, enhance community engagement, and bolster ongoing operations against criminal networks.

Reaffirming the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to professional and efficient service delivery, Egbetokun described the exercise as a key component of a broader strategy to enhance public safety and guarantee adequate security coverage for all communities, regardless of size or location.

He further assured Nigerians that additional reforms are underway to reposition the police force for greater efficiency, accountability and national security impact.

Integrity Youth Alliance Denies Sahara Reporters’ Claims On Alleged Police Contract Scandal

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Integrity Youth Alliance Denies Sahara Reporters’ Claims On Alleged Police Contract Scandal

The Integrity Youth Alliance has refuted a recent publication by Sahara Reporters alleging a N2.7 billion contract scandal, abandoned projects, and questionable payments within the Nigeria Police Force.

In the report titled “Audit Exposes N2.7Billion Contract Scandal, Abandoned Projects, Dubious Payments In Nigeria Police Force,” Sahara Reporters cited findings from the Auditor-General’s Annual Report on Non-Compliance and Internal Control Weaknesses in MDAs for 2022.

According to a statement signed by the National Coordinator of the Integrity Youth Alliance, Kelvin Adegbenga, the report was misleading and unfairly linked to the current leadership of the Nigeria Police Force. 

According to the group, the Auditor-General’s report covered activities within Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, including some police units, during the 2022 fiscal year, a period that predates the appointment of the current Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun.

The Alliance stressed that Egbetokun assumed office in June 2023, making it impossible for the alleged contract irregularities to have occurred under his administration. It described any attempt to associate the findings with the present Police leadership as “mischievous” and aimed at creating a false narrative.

The group further dismissed Sahara Reporters’ claim that the IGP had appointed a “Senior Special Assistant on revenue and tax matters,” calling it a fabrication with no basis in fact.

The Integrity Youth Alliance reaffirmed its confidence in IGP Egbetokun’s commitment to transparency, financial discipline, and adherence to procurement regulations.

It urged media organisations to verify information and respect professional standards to avoid misleading the public.

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