Blog - Page 6 Of 1620 - Swift Reporters

……As agency intercepts 90 parcels of Loud in kitchen sinks; arrests dispatch riders distributing illicit drugs in Abuja; destroys 75,544kg skunk in Delta, Ondo, Edo, Taraba forests; recovers 825,000 pills of opioids in Kano, Adamawa, Kogi

A 50-year-old widow and fashion designer, Mrs. Ifeoma Henrietta Ezewuike has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) over attempt to traffic 1.3 kilograms of cocaine, using fake pregnancy as a façade to escape scrutiny and detection.

According to a press release on Sunday 24th August 2025 signed by the NDLEA Director, Media & Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the widow who is a mother of one and proprietress of Golden Star Creation, a fashion outfit in Ago palace way, Okota Lagos, was arrested at a bus terminal in Jibowu, Yaba area of the state on Friday 22nd August 2025 while attempting to move the cocaine consignment to customers in Abuja.

A follow up operation at her house in Ago palace area led to the recovery of 200 grams of cutting agent used in the production of a strain of cocaine. In her statement, Ezewuike claimed she inherited the criminal trade from her husband who died two years ago, while she has been in the fashion business for 20 years.

Not less than 90 parcels of Loud, a strain of cannabis weighing 48.6kg, imported from the United States of America and concealed in three cartons of kitchen sink were intercepted at a courier company in Lagos on Tuesday 19th August by NDLEA officers of the Directorate of Operation and General Investigation (DOGI).

In Adamawa, NDLEA operatives acting on credible intelligence on Friday 22nd August raided the home of a notorious drug dealer Idris Garba who scaled the fence to escape arrest while one of his associates Boniface Nnaji, 55, who attempted same was caught in the act at Rumde Baru area of Yola South.

Recovered from the premises include a black Toyota Thundra jeep marked FST- 885-CZ driven to Yola by Nnaji to supply Garba 354,480 pills of tramadol 225mg, 250mg and others as well as a Toyota Yaris car with registration number DSA 776 AA.

A total of 5,000 capsules of tramadol, 400 ampoules of pentazocine injection and 200 ampoules of diazepam injection were seized from a suspect Neche Okonkwo at the Idah waterside after crossing the River Niger from Onitsha, Anambra state to Lokoja, Kogi state with the opioids on Wednesday 20th August.

In Kano, the duo of Buhari Ibrahim, 25, and Mansur Musa, 24, were nabbed at Zangon Dakata Ungogo, with 5,850 capsules of pregabaline on Tuesday 19th August, while a total of 452,070 pills of opioids were recovered from the home of a suspect Rabilu Mukhtar who is at large, at Rangaza, Ungogo LGA just as Buhari Idris, 35, was arrested at Tashan Rami area of the state with 140 litres of codeine syrup, both on same Tuesday. No fewer than 7,000 capsules of tramadol were seized from Adamu Yusuf, 29, along Zaria-Kano road, Kwanar Dangora area of the state on Saturday 23rd August.

A total of 2, 289.49 kilograms of skunk, a strain of cannabis were intercepted in three interdiction operations by NDLEA operatives in Kwara state. While 1,232.86kg was recovered from a Mitsubishi Canter truck marked ZUR 66 XT on Wednesday 20th August at Ajase-Ipo area of the state with a suspect, Kabiru Abdullahi arrested, another consignment of same psychoactive substance weighing 328.42kg was seized from Paul Olaniran, 47, in a Mercedes Benz truck marked LSD 659 YE same day, same location.

The following day Thursday 21st August, NDLEA operatives intercepted another consignment of skunk weighing 728.21kg in a Mitsubishi Canter truck with registration number GAD 287 XA, at Ajase-Ipo junction, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara state where two suspects: Abubakar Zaki, 44; and Yau Babangida, 45, were arrested. Similarly, two suspects: Awe Sunday, 50; and Ayodele Adedayo, 54, were nabbed at Alafia Quarters, Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti state in connection with the seizure of 96 kilograms of skunk.

In Taraba, NDLEA operatives in conjunction with Civil Defence Corps personnel on Wednesday 20th August destroyed 7,500kg skunk on three hectares of farmland at Dadin Kowa village, Bali LGA, while 901kg of same substance was recovered from a warehouse at Uzebba in Owan West LGA, Edo State where a 54-year-old female suspect Fodo Stella Sunday was arrested on Tuesday 19th August.
In other operations in Edo state, a total of 14,233.37 kilograms of skunk were destroyed on four plantations that measured 5.69375 hectares at Ebule forest, Owan West Local Government Area on Wednesday 20th August.

In Delta state, NDLEA operatives supported by the military destroyed a total of 25,500kg skunk on four plantations measuring 10.2 hectares in Emu-Obiogu community, Ndokwa West LGA on Thursday 21st August, while in Ondo state, 25,025kg of same psychoactive substance was destroyed on three farms with a combined measurement of 10.01 hectares at Asolo camp, Uso area of the state.

Two dispatch riders were on Thursday 21st August arrested by NDLEA officers in a stop and search operation in Jabi area of Abuja for distributing illicit substances in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). While Garba Sule, 29, was caught with 300 milligrams of pentazocine injection, Isaac Augustine, 35, was nabbed with 8.64grams of skunk packaged for delivery.

In the same vein, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, sensitization activities to schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week. These include: WADA enlightenment lecture to women and teachers at Women Islamiyya School, Kanti Central mosque, Kanti, Katsina state; students and staff of Fathul Bari Islamiyya, Hayin Gwarmai, Bebeji LGA, Kano; while the Abia state command of NDLEA paid WADA advocacy visit to Governor Alex Otti just as Zone 4 command of the Agency paid WADA advocacy visit to HRH Andoma of Doma, Alhaji Ahmadu Aliyu Ogah in his palace in Doma, Nasarawa state.

While commending the officers and men of DOGI, Lagos, Kano, Kogi, Kwara, Taraba, Delta, Adamawa, FCT, Ondo, Ekiti and Edo Commands for the arrests, seizures and their dexterity, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) enjoined them and their colleagues across the country to continue with the ongoing balanced approach to the drug control efforts of the Agency.

Ndigbo Young Professionals Debunks Speed Darlington’s Allegations Against Nigeria Police

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Security/Crime

Swift Reporters

August 23, 2025

Ndigbo Young Professionals Debunks Speed Darlington’s Allegations Against Nigeria Police

The Ndigbo Young Professionals has dismissed allegations made by controversial singer, Speed Darlington, describing his comments about the Nigeria Police Force as false and misleading.

In a recent video, the singer accused the police of being an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violations, further alleging that “if they do not violate you, it is as if they are not even doing their job.”

Reacting in a statement signed by its President, Ambassador Chinonso Chukwuemeka, the group said the assertions were baseless and amounted to an unfair misrepresentation of the police.

According to the statement, the Nigeria Police under the leadership of Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, operates within the ambit of the law and remains committed to upholding the rights of citizens.

The group also faulted Speed Darlington’s claim that the police engage in “arrest before investigation,” insisting that due process is followed, with investigations carried out diligently before arrests are made in line with constitutional provisions and global best practices.

It further described as untrue the allegation that “if you give police money, they oppress your enemy,” noting that the Force currently operates under strict codes of conduct, transparency, and accountability with zero tolerance for corruption and abuse of power.

The statement urged the public to disregard the singer’s unsubstantiated remarks, while reiterating support for ongoing police reforms aimed at strengthening community policing, professionalism, and respect for human rights.

It also called on entertainers and public figures to exercise restraint and responsibility in their public utterances, warning that spreading falsehoods about security institutions could undermine public trust and weaken national security efforts.

Clarifying Sowore’s Misrepresentation Of The Nigeria Police

Opinion
Security/Crime

Swift Reporters

August 23, 2025

Clarifying Sowore’s Misrepresentation Of The Nigeria Police

By Kelvin Adegbenga

It has become a disturbing pattern for Mr. Omoyele Sowore to exploit every opportunity to malign the Nigeria Police Force and its leadership.

His latest Facebook post, in which he claimed to have “deployed his Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses” to combat a so-called “notorious police extortion team” stationed along the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Road in Lagos, is another example of reckless sensationalism designed to mislead the public.

The truth is clear: Mr. Sowore was not acting in defense of any noble cause; rather, he was charged before the Federal High Court for obstructing policemen carrying out their legitimate duties.

No society governed by law can condone citizens, no matter how influential, taking the law into their own hands under the guise of activism.

Equally mischievous is his attempt to drag the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Muyiwa Adejobi, into his baseless narrative.

Sowore alleged that Adejobi deployed his cameraman, Victor Chiemerie Aku, to forcibly snatch his Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses. This is nothing but fiction. There was no such incident, and no official of the Police Force engaged in such conduct.

Sowore’s persistent habit of manufacturing falsehoods to score cheap political points is not only unfortunate but also undermines public trust in verified channels of information.

Furthermore, his sweeping assertion that the Nigeria Police Force under the leadership of Inspector General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, is “drowning in corruption and impunity” is a deliberate falsehood.

The current police leadership has, in fact, introduced reforms aimed at entrenching professionalism, transparency, and accountability within the Force.

The progress made in intelligence-led policing, improved community relations, and enhanced welfare of officers runs contrary to Sowore’s distorted picture of a “drowning” institution.

The Nigerian public must be wary of individuals who cloak personal vendettas and political ambitions in the garb of activism.

Sowore’s reliance on theatrics and half-truths may generate social media traffic, but it does nothing to strengthen our democratic institutions or advance justice.

The Nigeria Police Force is not perfect, no institution is, but it remains committed to reform and service under IGP Egbetokun.

Citizens must therefore resist the temptation to be swayed by the deliberate falsehoods of those whose activism thrives on perpetual conflict rather than constructive engagement.

Kelvin Adegbenga writes from Lagos. email: kelvinadegbenga@yahoo.com

Sahara Reporters’ Dangerous Precedent: Recklessly Publishing Confidential Police Documents

Opinion
Security/Crime

Swift Reporters

August 22, 2025

By Danjuma Lamido

In every democracy, the role of the press is central to transparency, accountability, and justice. Yet, there is a thin line between responsible journalism and reckless disregard for the law. Sahara Reporters, unfortunately, has continued to cross that line by publishing confidential police and security documents in violation of Nigeria’s laws.

The Law Is Clear: Confidential Documents Must Remain Confidential

Nigeria’s Official Secrets Act leaves no room for ambiguity. It prohibits unauthorized publication of classified government information. Any public servant who leaks or publishes such material without lawful authority commits an offense punishable by a fine and/or imprisonment.

The Criminal Code Act further criminalizes the act of publishing or leaking official documents known to be confidential, thereby reinforcing this prohibition. Importantly, neither the Constitution nor the Freedom of Information Act provides a defense for journalists or media platforms to override these legal safeguards under the guise of “public interest.”

In fact, the Federal Government reiterated in July 2024 that unauthorized leaks of official documents remain a felony. Simply put, the law is unambiguous: confidential documents must remain confidential.

Sahara Reporters’ Publications: A Pattern of Breach

Sahara Reporters has made a habit of recklessly releasing documents that are never meant for public circulation. A few examples stand out:

Leaked DSS Memo (2024): Sahara Reporters published a DSS directive to airport authorities to arrest activist Omoyele Sowore upon arrival.
Watchlist Directive: In the same publication, the platform disclosed that Sowore had been placed on a security watchlist—again, from an internal memo.
Free Movement for Abacha’s Children: Another DSS memo, granting the children of late General Sani Abacha unrestricted travel privileges, was exposed by Sahara Reporters.
Leaked Intelligence Report (2019): The platform publicized a DSS intelligence document on planned Boko Haram attacks, a report originally meant for the Police Command in Ondo State.

These are not isolated lapses. Sahara Reporters has repeatedly published memos, operational plans, and intelligence analyses marked “confidential” or “classified.” Such reckless disclosures put lives and national security at risk.

Why It Matters: The Risks of Such Recklessness

Compromised National Security: Publishing operational directives undermines active security efforts and exposes citizens and officers to danger.
Violation of Legal Obligations: By enabling the unauthorized disclosure of protected information, Sahara Reporters may be complicit in breaching the Official Secrets Act and Criminal Code.
Erosion of Institutional Trust: Security agencies depend on confidentiality. Constant leaks corrode trust within these institutions.
Undermining Rule of Law: While transparency is essential, it must never come at the cost of national security or in direct violation of established law.

The Legal Consequences: Real Penalties Exist

The laws are not toothless.

Under the Official Secrets Act, publishing confidential materials can lead to one year imprisonment and/or a fine.
The Criminal Code Act states that public servants who abstract or copy official documents without authority are guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable with one year in prison.

Even if Sahara Reporters is not staffed by public officials, those knowingly in possession of and publishing confidential documents can still be held criminally liable. This points to a systemic disregard for the law, a culture of unauthorized disclosure, that must be checked.

Conclusion: Press Freedom Must Respect Legal Guardrails

As someone who values fearless journalism, I strongly believe that accountability must coexist with legality. Sahara Reporters’ consistent publication of confidential police and DSS documents demonstrates a willful defiance of the Official Secrets Act and Criminal Code. This is not bold journalism; it is recklessness dressed as activism.

The press must never compromise national security in the pursuit of sensationalism. Sahara Reporters must rethink its approach and recognize that press freedom does not mean freedom from the law. Nigeria, in turn, must enforce these protections decisively if we are to safeguard both our security and the integrity of journalism.

A responsible press strengthens democracy; an irresponsible one weakens it. Sahara Reporters, sadly, is walking the latter path.

Danjuma Lamido is the Publicity Director of Integrity Youth Alliance. Email: danjumalamido2011@gmail.com

Senate Committee On NDDC Inspects Road Projects In Cross River

NDDC News
News

Swift Reporters

August 22, 2025

Senate Committee On NDDC Inspects Road Projects In Cross River

The Senate Committee on the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, led by its Chairman, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, has inspected ongoing road construction projects being executed by the Commission in Cross River State.

Members of the Senate Committee, accompanied by the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku and the Executive Director, Projects, Dr Victor Antai, inspected the 20-kilometre Okomita–Uyanga–Ehom Road in Akamkpa and Biase Local Government Areas.

The team also inspected the 1.5 km Idundu Junction–Idundu Bridge Road in Akpabuyo LGA, and 10.8km Aking–Osomba Road in Akamkpa Local Government Area.

Speaking during the inspection, the NDDC Chief Executive Officer reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to delivering quality infrastructure.

He stressed: “The NDDC is determined to deliver durable projects that truly benefit our people. These roads will ease transportation burdens and stimulate socio-economic growth in Cross River State and across the Niger Delta. We will continue to work closely with the Senate Committee and stakeholders to ensure transparency, accountability, and timely project delivery.”

Giving details of the projects, the NDDC’s Executive Director of Projects, Dr Victor Antai, described the Okomita–Uyanga–Ehom Road as a lifeline for commerce, agriculture, education, and healthcare in the region. He assured that the Commission would closely monitor the contractor to ensure quality and timely completion.

The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku 2nd left), briefing the Senate Committee Chairman on NDDC, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (2nd right), during the inspection of ongoing road construction projects in Cross River State. With them is the NDDC Executive Director, Projects, Dr Victor Antai

He noted: “This road reconstruction is not just about asphalt and concrete; it is about opening up communities, reducing travel time, and boosting economic activities.”

Senator Ekpenyong, while commending Governor Bassey Otu’s infrastructural drive, emphasised the Senate’s support for the NDDC’s focus on Renewed Hope projects that directly impact communities.

“These roads are vital lifelines for our people; opening up communities, boosting trade, and improving access to markets, schools, and healthcare. The 10th Senate under the leadership of Senator Godswill Akpabio, remains fully committed to supporting the NDDC in completing these projects to the highest standards,” he said.

The inspection team was received by the Cross River State Director, Dr. Daniel Ajunwa, Chairman of Akamkpa LGA, Hon. Felix Akposi, alongside State Legislators and Councillors representing the host communities.

Enugu Police Arrest Eight Robbery Suspects, Recover Stolen Vehicles

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Security/Crime

Swift Reporters

August 22, 2025

The Enugu State Police Command says it has intensified its crackdown on criminal gangs, leading to the arrest of eight robbery suspects and the recovery of eight stolen or snatched vehicles, among other exhibits.

A statement issued on Friday, August 22, 2025, by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, disclosed that the arrests followed multiple operations carried out by different tactical units across the state.

On August 21, operatives of the Command’s SWAT arrested three suspects—Eze Obinna, 44; Jideofor Igwumba, 35; and Martina Okwor Ada, 49—in Awka, Anambra State, where they were preparing to sell a stolen Toyota Highlander SUV reportedly snatched in Enugu on July 21.

Similarly, on August 19, police operatives attached to Ozalla Division intercepted a gang along Udi/Ozalla Road, arresting 26-year-old Somadina Udeh while others escaped. A Toyota Hiace bus with Delta registration number ASB 108 YF was recovered, while another Hiace bus earlier stolen in Udi LGA was abandoned by the fleeing suspects. The arrested suspect reportedly confessed to being part of a burglary syndicate operating between Anambra and Enugu states.

In a related development, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad on August 12 arrested 42-year-old Chigozie Ebisike in Ogui, Enugu, recovering a blue Toyota Corolla linked to a car-snatching incident. Further investigation led to the recovery of a Toyota Sienna, a Lexus 350, vehicle particulars, keys, and number plates.

Earlier on August 8, the Command’s Crack Tactical Squad arrested three men—Nwafor Chinenye, 35; Chidera Ezeoha, 32; and Ekete Joseph, 41—over an armed robbery in Amokpu-Nike, Enugu East LGA, where a motorcycle and a mobile phone were snatched from victims. The stolen motorcycle and another displayed for sale were recovered. The suspects have since been arraigned and remanded in custody.

The statement added that investigations are ongoing to arrest fleeing suspects, while those in custody will be prosecuted.

Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, commended the operatives for their resilience and urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspected criminal activities to the police.

Eze Hails Akin Fakorede On Birthday

News

Swift Reporters

August 22, 2025

…Commends Police Service Commission (PSC) as the Supercop Rises to the Rank of Police Commissioner

“…..The fact remains that Fakorede is not only good at fighting crime but has good human relations with people that come across him; always ready to render assistance to the needy within his reach. Consequently, he has been able to inculcate the spirit of hard work, discipline, integrity and leadership among the officers and men of the force under his authority….”

Erstwhile National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New People’s Democratic Party – (nPDP), and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze has expressed delight over the promotion of one of Nigeria’s most disciplined Police Officers and popular Supercop, Akin Victor Fakorede, to the rank of Commissioner of Police.

In a statement made available to the media, Eze described the promotion as a testament to Mr. Fakorede’s trajectory of exceptional service, discipline and record of excellence in the various offices he held previously in the Police Force where he displayed patriotism and observed established standard of practice in line with global best practices, in tackling crime and criminality in our society.

In 1992, Fakorede began his journey with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) as a cadet and was commissioned as a police officer after graduating from the Nigerian Police Academy. His career which spans over three decades is distinguished for notable feats as the supercop in his official carriage has earned himself numerous awards and special recognitions sterming from his undaunted discipline in promoting peace and arresting crime.

The Supercop – Fakorede holds a law degree (LL.B) from the University of Calabar, a postgraduate diploma in business management from the same university, and a Barrister-at-Law (B.L) qualification from the Nigerian Law School. His academic achievements have equipped him with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in his role, make impacts and leave notable footprints in the sand of time.

As Commander of the now defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) Rivers State, Fakorede, in his strive to get rid of crime and ward-off criminal elements from the oil-rich state, made giant strides to the pride of citizens. While he led this special Police Unit, he recorded a huge success in the prosecution and conviction of numerous criminals in high profile criminal cases.

Akin Fakorede would later lead the Special Monitoring Team at the office of the Inspector General of Police, where he continued to demonstrate his sterling capabilities, leading high-profile, complex criminal investigations.

His appointment as Commissioner of Police, Eze said will significantly spur him to make even greater impacts in the Nigerian Police Force, and the Nigerian society in general.
With his wealth of experience, Fakorede, a valuable asset, will remain committed to justice, security, and the well-being of Nigerians in his new role.

The APC Chief recalled how his honest policing during SARS days in Port Harcourt earned him serious adversaries from the camp of those who were hellbent on using the Police as an instrument to destabilize the peace of the state in pursuit of their selfish, private vendetta.

Fakorede’s insistence on professional policing brought him enemies even within the ranks of the Police Force, leading to denial of promotion on several occasions.

In the same vein, Chief Eze joined people of goodwill and the entire civil society to extend a warmth felicitation to the supercop on the auspicious occasion of his birth today, 22nd August, 2025.

Describing his birth as significant and epochal in the annals of history, Eze said it was God Himself in his infinite mercy and love who decided to bless humanity with the birth of a special breed in the person of CP Akin Fakorede on a day like this.

In a birthday message, the APC Chief described CP Akin as a special breed whose sense of duty in the fight against crime and criminality sent shivers down the spines of criminal elements across Rivers State when he held sway as F-SARS Commander.

In the course of his career, Akin has etched his name on the sands of times through numerous achievements and accolades while fighting crime and getting society rid of criminal elements.

“The fact remains that Fakorede is not only good at fighting crime but has good human relations with people that come across him; always ready to render assistance to the needy within his reach. Consequently, he has been able to inculcate the spirit of hard work, discipline, integrity and leadership among the officers and men of the force under his authority.

Congratulating Fakorede on his birthday, Eze urged him to remain committed in promoting professionalism, as he continues to lead as beacon of hope for younger men of the Police Force.

NEMA Activates Flood Preparedness Along River Niger

News

Swift Reporters

August 22, 2025

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has stepped up flood preparedness measures in communities along the River Niger following alerts of rising water levels in the upstream areas of the river in the Republic of Benin.

The head of the agency’s Media and Public Relations Unit, Manzo Ezekiel, disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Abuja. In a directive to NEMA’s operational offices, the Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, ordered intensified advocacy and community sensitization on flood risks. She advised residents in flood-prone areas, particularly in Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara States, to remain vigilant and relocate to safer, higher grounds to avert possible disaster.

Mrs. Umar also urged State Governments in the high-risk zones to strengthen support for their State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) and Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs) by activating contingency plans to mitigate the impact of potential flooding.

Reaffirming the agency’s commitment, the DG stressed that NEMA would continue to coordinate proactive actions to safeguard lives and livelihoods along the River Niger.

41 Rescued, Four Confirmed Dead In Sokoto Boat Mishap

News

Swift Reporters

August 22, 2025

41 Rescued, Four Confirmed Dead In Sokoto Boat Mishap

The joint search and rescue team has confirmed the rescue of 41 persons and the recovery of four bodies following the tragic boat mishap at Goronyo Dam in Sokoto State. The death toll rose after an additional body was recovered on Thursday, 21st August 2025. The deceased was laid to rest immediately after funeral prayers conducted in line with Islamic rites.

As part of Thursday’s operations, the response team visited Takuske, Kwakwazu, Bari, and Gamiha villages, where many victims of the accident resided. The visits enabled officials to verify the number of missing persons and commiserate with bereaved families. Authorities also confirmed that 16 people had survived the accident.

With the recovery of the last body, officials announced the conclusion of the multi-agency search and rescue operation.

The exercise was jointly conducted by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Goronyo Local Government Authority, and local divers.

The Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, commended the rescue team and stakeholders for their diligence and collaboration throughout the operation.

It will be recalled that the ill-fated boat capsized on Sunday, 17th August 2025, around Kojiyo village area of the Goronyo Dam.

Labour Party Warns Against Proposed Salary Increase For Politicians

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Politics

Swift Reporters

August 22, 2025

The Labour Party has strongly criticized the call by the Chairman of the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Mr. Mohammed Shehu, for a salary increase for Nigerian politicians.

In a statement signed by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Prince Tony Akeni, the party described the proposal as “unconscionable and insensitive,” especially at a time when millions of Nigerians are grappling with economic hardship.

Mr. Shehu, while addressing journalists, had claimed that the President earns N18 million annually, about N1.5 million monthly, while ministers receive N12 million per annum, or N1 million monthly. The Labour Party, however, faulted the claim, insisting that the President already lives in affluence beyond his salary, citing a Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) report that dismissed such figures.

The party warned that pushing for higher salaries for politicians would only worsen Nigeria’s debt profile, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of deepening corruption and mortgaging the future of unborn generations.

Instead, the LP urged the RMAFC to focus on reviewing and increasing the national minimum wage, currently pegged at N70,000, which it described as inadequate. The statement recalled that even the United States government had recently advised Nigeria to improve workers’ welfare, stressing that politicians should not be prioritized over struggling citizens.

“The fight to dismantle the structure of corruption is not Labour Party’s fight alone but that of all Nigerians,” the statement read, while calling on citizens to unite ahead of the 2027 general elections to resist what it called “the wolf packs ravaging our values and destiny as a great country.”