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NDLEA Uncovers UK-bound Cocaine In Cream Containers, Meth In Water Heater

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NDLEA Uncovers UK-bound Cocaine In Cream Containers, Meth In Water Heater

…..Raids Lagos night club over drug party, arrests owner, Pretty Mike, others; Mosotho with ice in coffee tea pack at Enugu airport; 75-year-old grandpa in Abia; female distributor of Loud in Lekki, Ikoyi, VI and environs

A total of 70 parcels of cocaine factory packed in walls of cocoa butter formula body cream containers heading to London, United Kingdom, have been uncovered at the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) with three suspects arrested in series of follow-up operations across Lagos.

According to a press release on Sunday 26th October 2025, signed by the NDLEA Director, Media & Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the cocaine consignments weighing 3.60 kilograms were discovered on 14th October 2025 during examination of cargoes packaged as personal effects going to London, UK on an Air Peace flight. A cargo agent, Lawal Mustapha Olakunle, who presented the consignment for airfreight, was promptly arrested while investigations stretching into two weeks led to the arrest of two principal suspects linked to the attempt to export the concealed Class A drug to the UK.

In a follow-up operation on 18th October, a female healthcare worker, Ogunmuyide Taiwo Deborah, was arrested, following which Mutiu Adebayo Adebiyi, the Chief Executive Officer of a travel agency, Mutiu Adebiyi & Co, was arrested at his 23 Ladoke Akintola Street, Ikeja GRA, Lagos office on Monday, 20th October.

In a similar development, an attempt by a 35-year-old Lesotho national, Lemena Mark, to export 103.59 grams of methamphetamine concealed in a Diabetas Herbs coffee tea pack to the Philippines on an Ethiopian Airlines flight from the Akanu Ibiam International Airport (AIIA) Enugu on Wednesday, 22nd October, was thwarted by NDLEA officers who arrested him and recovered the illicit drug.

No fewer than 21,950 capsules of tramadol 250mg concealed inside a 100-litre water heater were recovered from a suspect, Umar Abubakar, 40, who was arrested by NDLEA operatives at Bode Saadu, Morro local government area of Kwara state, following credible intelligence on Tuesday 21st October.

In Lagos, NDLEA operatives in the early hours of Sunday, 26th October, raided Proxy Night club at 7 Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, where a drug party was going on. Over 100 suspects, including the owner of the club, Mike Eze Nwalie Nwogu, alias Pretty Mike, were arrested and taken into custody for screening. Cartons of illicit substances, including Loud and laughing gas, were recovered from suspects at the party and the club’s store.

The raid followed intelligence about the drug party. NDLEA operatives who were embedded in the party between 11 pm on Saturday, 25th October, however, disrupted the gathering at 3 am on Sunday, 26th October based on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

In Taraba, the duo of Auwal Musa, 26, and Salihu Bala, 22, were on Tuesday 21st October arrested with 450,000 pills of tramadol and exol-5 at Dan-anacha checkpoint while conveying the consignment in a truck loaded with building materials from Onitsha, Anambra state to Mubi, Adamawa state.

While NDLEA officers on patrol along Okene/Lokoja highway, Kogi state seized 162.200kg skunk, a strain of cannabis, from a truck on Friday 24th October, operatives in Nasarawa state on Wednesday 22nd October recovered 128kg of same psychoactive substance from a suspect, Abubakar Muhammad, 55, in Keffi area of the state.

A mother of two Oyonumoh Glory Effiong who is a major distributor of Canadian and California Loud, both strong strains of cannabis in Lekki, Ajah, Ikoyi, Victoria Island and VGC areas of Lagos have been arrested by NDLEA operatives on Friday 17th October during a raid at her Lekki home where 500 grams of the illicit substances were recovered.

In Ikorodu area of Lagos, NDLEA officers on Thursday 23rd October raided the home of a suspect Ogunyabo Adenigbigbe at Solomade estate where 275 litres of skuchies, a new psychoactive substance produced with black currant drink, cannabis and opioids, were recovered.

A 75-year-old grandpa Echendu Onuoka was on Wednesday 22nd October arrested at Ovum village, Obingwa LGA, Abia state with 4.7kg skunk seized from him while a 60-year-old grandma Aukana John was nabbed with 225 grams of same substance at Apanta village, in the same LGA.

While 150kg skunk was recovered during a raid operation at Lot camp, Ikun Akoko, Ondo state, two suspects: Bashir Mohammad, 50, and Samini Ahmed Tijjani, 35, were nabbed with 234.5kg of same substance at Yan aya , Saminaka in Lere LGA, Kaduna on Friday 24th October just as another set of suspects: Isah Usman, 50, and Salvation Okoler, 18, were arrested with 8,600 pills of tramadol 225mg and rohypnol along Abuja/Kaduna highway.

At the Seme border area of Lagos, NDLEA operatives on Wednesday 22nd October nabbed Jacob Ojugbele with 55kg skunk at Ashipa area of Badagry while Amusa Oluwabukola was arrested with 121.3 litres of skuchies at Itoga Badagry.
In Zamfara state, NDLEA operatives on patrol along Gummi-Anka road on Monday 20th October arrested a suspect Abubakar Ibrahim, 30, in possession of AK 47 riffle and 1,746 assorted calibres of ammunition, for AK 47 and GPMG rifles while moving them from Sokoto to Bagega forest, Anka LGA, Zamfara. Both the suspect and the exhibits have since been handed over to the appropriate security agency for further investigation.

With the same vigour, 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 sensitization lecture to students and staff of Asabari Grammar School, Iluwa Isale Oke, Saki West LGA, Oyo; Government Day Girls Secondary School, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi; St. Mark’s College, Nsude, Enugu; Kusaki Secondary School, Gboko North, Benue; Government Day Secondary School, Serti- Baruwa, Gashaka LGA, Taraba; Police Children School 2, Port Harcourt, Rivers and Hajara Ahmad International School, Tudun Wada, Kano state, among others.

While commending the officers and men of MMIA, AIIA, Lagos, Kwara, Abia, Nasarawa, Kogi, Ondo, Anambra, Taraba, Kaduna, Seme and Zamfara Commands for the arrests, and seizures, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) urged them and their colleagues across the country to continue with the ongoing balanced approach to the drug control efforts of the Agency.

Enugu Police Rescue Kidnapped Victim, Recover Stolen Car, Firearm, And Ammunition

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Enugu Police Rescue Kidnapped Victim, Recover Stolen Car, Firearm, And Ammunition

Police Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad, Enugu State Command, have rescued a kidnapped victim and recovered his Lexus 350 vehicle, a locally fabricated Beretta-like pistol, and three live ammunition abandoned by fleeing suspects.

According to a press release on Saturday, October 25, 2025, signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Enugu State Command, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the rescue, which took place at about 11:30 p.m. on October 19, 2025, along the Ozalla/Umueze axis of Nkanu West Local Government Area, followed a swift response by the operatives to a distress call about the abduction of a male victim within the Awkunanaw area of Enugu.

According to the Command, the operatives pursued the suspects to their hideout, where the criminals abandoned the victim and the exhibits before escaping. The rescued victim has since been reunited with his family, while investigations and an intensive manhunt for the fleeing suspects are ongoing.

Commending the operatives for their professionalism and prompt response, the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining the fight against crime and criminality in the state.

He urged residents to remain law-abiding and vigilant and continue to support the Police with credible information that would aid efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.

CP Giwa Bags Award Of Excellence, Reaffirms Commitment To Proactive Policing In Enugu

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CP Giwa Bags Award Of Excellence, Reaffirms Commitment To Proactive Policing In Enugu

The Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has been honoured with an Award of Excellence by the Anambra State People Living in Enugu (ASPE) for his exceptional performance in crime prevention and control across the state.

According to a press release on Saturday, October 25, 2025, signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Enugu State Command, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the award was presented to the Commissioner on Saturday, October 25, 2025, during the ASPE 2025 Anambra Day/Iwaji Festival and Award Presentation Ceremony held at Okpara Square, Independence Layout, Enugu.

In his remarks after receiving the honour, CP Giwa expressed appreciation to the leadership and members of ASPE, as well as the entire Anambra community residing in Enugu, for the recognition. He reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining professional and proactive policing strategies that ensure the safety and security of lives and property in the state.

He further assured that the Command, under his leadership, would continue to strengthen crime prevention measures and decisively address any criminal activities whenever prevention fails.

The Commissioner also called on residents to continue supporting the Police in its efforts to rid Enugu State of criminal elements and sustain the relative peace being enjoyed across the state.

Sowore’s Baseless Criticism Of President Tinubu’s Security Team: A Case Of Hypocrisy And Desperation

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Sowore’s Baseless Criticism Of President Tinubu’s Security Team: A Case Of Hypocrisy And Desperation

By Adewole Kehinde

It is quite laughable that former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, who has consistently thrived on sensationalism and negativity, has once again found a new target,  this time, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent decision to retain key members of his security architecture, including the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun.

Sowore’s comments dismissing the President’s well-thought-out security appointments as “proof that Tinubu is not serious about changing the country’s security situation” are not only reckless but also expose his deep-seated bias and lack of understanding of how governance works.

Let’s be clear: Sowore has no moral or political right to dictate to President Tinubu who should or should not remain in his cabinet. The decision on who to retain or replace in the security sector lies solely with the President, who has the constitutional prerogative and intelligence briefings that guide such decisions.

Sowore’s attempt to question this authority is not borne out of patriotism but a desperate ploy to stay relevant through controversy.

It is also important to address Sowore’s false claim that IGP Egbetokun is an “illegal Inspector-General of Police.” Nothing could be farther from the truth. IGP Kayode Egbetokun’s appointment followed due process, in accordance with constitutional provisions and existing regulations governing such positions.

The persistent efforts by certain disgruntled elements to tag him as “illegal” are baseless and reflect a coordinated smear campaign aimed at discrediting one of the most reform-minded police chiefs Nigeria has seen in recent times.

President Tinubu has demonstrated absolute confidence in IGP Egbetokun’s leadership, which is why he has chosen to retain him. The Inspector-General has been instrumental in strengthening the national security architecture, reforming policing methods, and promoting professionalism and accountability within the force. His administration has prioritised community policing, intelligence-driven operations, and internal discipline — measures that have begun yielding tangible results across the country.

Sowore’s so-called “public calls for the removal of IGP Egbetokun” are, in reality, the voices of those bad elements within and outside the police who are uncomfortable with the sweeping anti-corruption reforms taking root under the current leadership.

These are individuals whose illicit channels of influence and corruption have been blocked and who now resort to blackmail and propaganda as their only weapons. Unfortunately for them, their schemes have continued to fail at every step.

Sowore is merely echoing the frustrations of these vested interests. His statements are not about improving national security but about undermining credible leadership for cheap political gain. Nigerians can see through this charade.

The truth is that IGP Egbetokun remains one of the pillars in Nigeria’s current security framework, working tirelessly alongside other service chiefs to stabilise the nation.

His leadership has brought renewed discipline to the Nigeria Police Force, curbed excesses, and restored a measure of public confidence in law enforcement.

Rather than engaging in baseless attacks, Sowore should learn to appreciate progress when he sees it. Constructive criticism is welcome in a democracy, but unfounded accusations and politically motivated rhetoric do nothing but discredit the messenger. President Tinubu’s confidence in IGP Egbetokun is well-placed, and Nigerians are better off for it.

In the end, no amount of propaganda from blackmailers masquerading as activists will derail the ongoing reforms within the security sector. The days of politicising Nigeria’s security leadership for selfish interests are long gone.

 

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

Minister, DG Mum Over Safety Concern In Nigerian Aviation, Alleged Compromise Of Airworthiness Standards

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Minister, DG Mum Over Safety Concern In Nigerian Aviation, Alleged Compromise Of Airworthiness Standards

Fresh concerns are emerging over alleged corruption and compromised oversight within the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), particularly in its Directorate of Airworthiness Standards (DAWS), the department responsible for certifying that all aircraft operating in the country are safe to fly.

This development has resulted in serious fear among air users and other stakeholders in the industry.

It was gathered that experts in the aviation sector fear that despite this early signs that the sector is heading on a destructive path, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Management, Festus Kayamo and the Director General of Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, Captain Chris Najemo remain unconcerned.

Findings from industry insiders and documents obtained by this newspaper suggest that under the current Director of Airworthiness Standards, Engr. Victor Goyea, serious irregularities may be undermining Nigeria’s aviation safety system.

Sources within the NCAA allege that key safety approvals and inspections are now being influenced by internal networks that prioritise personal gain over regulatory integrity. At the centre of these allegations is one Engr. Tajudeen Tokunbo Fadairo, widely known in the system as “T. Worldwide”, who is accused of manipulating certification processes and influencing other inspectors.

Multiple officials within the Authority allege that Engr Fadairo has been involved in questionable approvals of maintenance organizations and aircraft operators, often bypassing established procedures designed to guarantee flight safety.

While Engr. Goyea was once known for diligence and professionalism, insiders now claim that he has grown increasingly close to Fadairo’s operations, allegedly enabling a network of compromised decisions within the Directorate.

The sources further allege that several inspectors within the Directorate have adopted similar practices under Fadairo’s influence, perpetuating a culture of impunity that threatens air safety.

One senior aviation source described the situation as “a ticking time bomb,” warning that “when oversight becomes compromised, the consequences are not just bureaucratic—they can be fatal.”

The Directorate of Airworthiness Standards, a critical arm of the NCAA, is charged with approving Approved Maintenance Organizations (AMOs), a process that determines which firms are authorized to maintain aircraft operating in Nigeria. Any compromise in this process could directly endanger passengers and crew.

Engr. Tajudeen Tokunbo Fadairo joined the NCAA on July 24, 2007, and was recently promoted to Level 15 in October 2025. Though his official record shows a steady rise through the ranks, his name has become synonymous with controversy.

Despite a history of internal complaints and doubts about his conduct, Fadairo has retained influence under several successive Directors of Airworthiness Standards, including Engr. Benedict Adeyileka (2013–2017), Engr. Kayode Ajiboye (2020–2023), Engr. Gbolahan Abatan (May–December 2023), and the current head, Engr. Victor Goyea.

Industry insiders say Fadairo has become an indispensable figure to each administration, often serving as a “behind-the-scenes” adviser on key certification and inspection decisions.

Ironically, some of his former critics later empowered him. For example, Engr. Ajiboye, who once questioned his competence as an inspector, later assigned him to train new recruits and head the Kaduna Airworthiness office—positions that increased his influence within the system.

One of the most disturbing examples of alleged regulatory failure occurred in July 2023, when a Jabiru J430 aircraft (registration 5N-CCQ), belonging to Air First Hospitality and Tours Ltd, was issued a Special Certificate of Airworthiness by Engr. Fadairo.

Investigations show that Air First Hospitality and Tours was owned by Engr. Gbolahan Abatan, who at the time was the Director of Airworthiness Standards at the NCAA—a clear conflict of interest.
(See reference: Nigeria24 Report)

Only days after the certificate was issued, the aircraft crashed on August 1, 2023, during its maiden flight over Oba-Akran, Lagos. Aviation experts described the incident as “an avoidable tragedy” resulting from reckless certification and procedural abuse.

According to standard NCAA procedure, because the aircraft was based in Lagos, the inspection assignment should have been delegated to the Head of Airworthiness in Lagos, who would nominate qualified inspectors from the region.

Instead, Engr. Abatan allegedly bypassed this process and personally assigned the inspection to Engr. Fadairo, who was outside the Lagos region. Aviation insiders claim this was done deliberately to ensure the aircraft received approval, despite concerns about its airworthiness.

A senior safety officer told this newspaper that such incidents are not isolated. “Once a pattern of personal loyalty and favouritism replaces technical judgment, you can no longer trust the system,” the source said. “We may be lucky that there hasn’t been a major crash yet—but it’s only a matter of time if this continues.”

Experts warn that when unqualified organizations are granted maintenance approvals, the risk of mechanical failure increases dramatically. While the effect may not be immediate, history shows that neglected oversight today leads to disasters tomorrow

The findings raise urgent questions about accountability within the NCAA, particularly the role of the Directorate of Airworthiness Standards. Aviation professionals are calling for an independent investigation into how AMO certifications and aircraft airworthiness approvals are being managed under the current leadership.

A source told us that the Aviation Minister, Festus Kayamo, even though, alarmed over the development, will likely not act because of his relationship with the NCAA boss, Captain Cris Najomo, putting the aviation industry at a high risk at a time aviation safety should ordinarily be prioritized.

This investigation, the first in a multi-part series, will publish verifiable documents, insider accounts, and timelines showing how regulatory capture within the NCAA is eroding public trust and endangering lives.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya Leads Dignitaries As Late Gombe Internal Security Commissioner And Driver Are Laid To Rest Amidst Emotional Tributes

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Governor Inuwa Yahaya Leads Dignitaries As Late Gombe Internal Security Commissioner And Driver Are Laid To Rest Amidst Emotional Tributes

Governor Inuwa Yahaya Leads Dignitaries as Late Gombe Internal Security Commissioner and Driver Are Laid to Rest Amidst Emotional Tributes

Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, on Saturday, led a host of dignitaries, family members, and thousands of sympathisers to the funeral prayer ( Janazah) of the late Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Col. Abdullahi Bello (Rtd), who died in a tragic motor accident along the Malam Sidi-Gombe road.

The Janazah, which took place at the Emir’s Palace, Gombe, drew a huge crowd of mourners from all walks of life who came to pay their final respects to a man described by many as a patriot, humble and committed public servant.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya, who suspended his official engagements in Abuja to personally attend the burial, described the late Col. Bello as an exemplary officer and a dependable member of the State Executive Council whose contributions to the peace and stability of Gombe State will never be forgotten.

Speaking to newsmen at the cemetery, the Governor, in an emotion-laden voice, said, “We have lost a fine officer, a patriot, and a loyal son of Gombe State who served this administration and our dear state with utmost dedication, courage and integrity. His record of service, both in the Nigerian Army and in our government, speaks volumes. We however take solace in his sterling service to humanity and pray Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannat Firdaus”.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya extended his condolences to the bereaved family, members of the State Executive Council, and the entire Waja community, noting that the deceased also served as the National Chairman of the Waja Progressive Union (WAPU), where he championed unity and development among his people.

The atmosphere at the Emir’s Palace and the burial ground was heavy with emotion, as the late Commissioner, known for his calm demeanour, discipline and commitment to public service, was remembered by colleagues, friends, associates and family members as a selfless leader who gave his all for the peace and security of Gombe State.

Also laid to rest alongside the late Commissioner was his driver, Buhari Muhammad, who succumbed to injuries sustained in the same accident earlier in the morning. The police orderly, Sergeant Adamu Hussaini, who also died in the crash, was laid to rest in his home town, Gamawa in Bauchi State.

Dignitaries, who joined Governor Inuwa Yahaya at the Janazah, included the Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, members of the National Assembly, Sen. Anthony Yaro and Hon. Ali Isa JC , the Speaker and members of the Gombe State House of Assembly, the Secretary to the State Government, Chief of Staff, Head of Service, Commissioners, local government chairmen, traditional rulers, politicians, and senior government officials were in attendance.

The Emir of Gombe, His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, led other traditional rulers, including the Mai Kaltungo, the Bala Waja, Nidu-Gra Cham, Emirs of Dukku, Yamaltu and Gona, and the Folo Dadiya, among others, all of whom expressed their condolences and eulogised the deceased as a man of honour and peace.

It will be recalled that the late Col. Abdullahi Bello (Rtd) lost his life in a motor accident while returning from Maiduguri, where he attended the North-East Regional Consultation on the Development of a National Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration.

Delta Police Command Arrests Suspected Kidnapper, Arms Dealer, And Female Courier

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Delta Police Command Arrests Suspected Kidnapper, Arms Dealer, And Female Courier

….  Recovers Over 350 Rounds of Ammunition

The Delta State Police Command has recorded another significant breakthrough in its sustained fight against crime and illicit arms trafficking. Acting on credible intelligence from the Force Technical Intelligence Unit (TIU), Abuja, operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), led by ASP Julius Robinson, apprehended a female suspect, Jamila Abubakar, at Conoil Filling Station along Warri–Patani Road, Effurun.

According to a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, a search on the suspect led to the discovery of ₦550,000, suspected to be proceeds from illegal transactions. Her arrest provided a crucial lead that enabled the police to track down other members of the syndicate.

In a follow-up operation, the CP-SAT operatives stormed the Niger-Cat area of Warri and arrested Ahmed Ibrahim (male, 31 years) of Ekpan, Uvwie Local Government Area, around 7:25 a.m. on October 22, 2025. The operation led to the recovery of a bag containing 115 rounds of 7.63mm AK-47 live ammunition, 220 rounds of SMG ammunition, and 32 live cartridges.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Ibrahim is a major arms supplier to bandit groups in northern Nigeria and has long been on the Command’s watch list. He is also linked to several high-profile kidnapping and armed robbery cases, including the abduction and murder of Ogheneovo Onemu, who was kidnapped on May 17, 2024, at Ajaokuta Community in Ughelli North LGA and later killed despite a ₦4 million ransom payment.

Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, hailed the arrests as a major success in the Command’s ongoing effort to dismantle criminal networks and curb the proliferation of illegal arms in Delta State. He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to ensuring that all offenders face justice and called on residents to continue providing credible information to assist the police in their operations.

The CP also assured the public that the Command remains resolute in its mission to protect lives and property across the state.

For emergency and crime-related information, residents are encouraged to contact the Command through the following control room numbers:
📞 08036684974, 08114895600, 08025666914

Ndigbo Young Professionals Fault Advocates For Justice Over False Claims On Sowore’s Detention

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Ndigbo Young Professionals Fault Advocates For Justice Over False Claims On Sowore’s Detention

The Ndigbo Young Professionals has cautioned a group known as Advocates for Justice and Human Rights against misleading the public with false claims regarding the detention of activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore.

In a statement signed by its President, Ambassador Chinonso Chukwuemeka, the group described as “mischievous and ignorant” the claims by the Advocates for Justice that Sowore was “re-arrested” and unlawfully detained by the Nigeria Police Force.

The Ndigbo Young Professionals clarified that Sowore was not re-arrested but remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions as ordered by a Magistrate Court in Kuje, Abuja. The court had earlier granted bail to Sowore following his arrest during the recent #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest.

According to the statement, “The Nigeria Police Force only carried out its constitutional duty by enforcing a lawful court order. The remand of Mr Sowore was directed by a competent court, not by the Police, and his release depends solely on the fulfilment of his bail conditions.”

The group expressed disappointment at what it termed the growing trend of “mushroom and faceless organisations issuing baseless and inflammatory statements” without understanding the legal process.

“The claim that the Police are ‘insulting the rule of law and democracy’ is false, baseless, and irresponsible,” the statement read. “Nigeria remains a democratic nation governed by the rule of law, with no battered human rights record as mischievously portrayed.”

The Ndigbo Young Professionals urged genuine civil society organisations to direct their efforts toward assisting Sowore in meeting his bail conditions rather than attacking law enforcement agencies.

“Those genuinely concerned about Mr Sowore’s welfare should approach the court, not the Police,” the group added.

Unstoppable Friends Of Sowore: Get Your Facts Right Before Misleading The Public

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Unstoppable Friends Of Sowore: Get Your Facts Right Before Misleading The Public

By Danjuma Lamido

Unfortunately, a group calling itself the Unstoppable Friends of Sowore has rushed to condemn what they termed the “unlawful arrest and continued detention” of Omoyele Sowore by the Nigeria Police Force without first verifying the facts.

Their statement, filled with half-truths and sensational claims, only exposes a lack of understanding of the judicial process and a deliberate attempt to mislead Nigerians.

Let it be clearly stated: Omoyele Sowore is not being held by the Nigeria Police Force, as mischievously claimed. He is currently in the custody of the Kuje Correctional Centre based on a valid remand order issued by a Magistrate’s Court, pending when he meets the bail conditions set by the court. Therefore, any talk of “unlawful detention” by the police is both misleading and false.

Equally important is to correct another deliberate falsehood circulated by this group, that Sowore was “arrested inside the Federal High Court, Abuja.” This is untrue. Sowore himself, in his own live video, confirmed that he was invited outside the premises of the Federal High Court, not arrested within it.

The video evidence clearly shows that he walked outside to meet the officers, who politely invited him to question. Hence, the narrative that he was dramatically “picked up inside the court” is nothing but propaganda aimed at inciting public sentiment.

The call by Unstoppable Friends of Sowore for his immediate and unconditional release also reflects ignorance of judicial procedure. Sowore has been granted bail by the Magistrate Court in Kuje, and his release depends solely on meeting the bail conditions, not on emotional outbursts or social media campaigns. Until those conditions are fulfilled, the Kuje Correctional Centre has every legal right to hold him in custody.

Furthermore, the claim that there is a “weaponisation of state institutions against citizens demanding justice and freedom” is both reckless and baseless. Nigeria’s judicial and law enforcement systems are operating within the bounds of the law. No one is above the law, not even Sowore, who must face due process like every other Nigerian.

I understand that the Unstoppable Friends of Sowore are trying to justify their solidarity with their comrade. However, solidarity must be guided by facts, not emotions or misinformation. Their statement, unfortunately, is riddled with errors from the beginning to the end.

It is high time Nigerian activists and their sympathisers learnt to separate propaganda from reality. The rule of law, not social media outrage, determines justice in a constitutional democracy.

Danjuma Lamido writes from Yola, Adamawa State email: danjumalamido2011@gmail.com 

Tinubu’s Security Reshuffle: What It Means For Nigeria’s Fight Against Terror, Banditry, And Maritime Crime

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Tinubu’s Security Reshuffle: What It Means For Nigeria’s Fight Against Terror, Banditry, And Maritime Crime

By Olayemi Esan,

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s latest overhaul of Nigeria’s military leadership has stirred renewed debate within defence circles and across the country. Coming at a time of persistent security turbulence—from the insurgency in the Northeast to rising banditry in the Northwest and piracy in the Gulf of Guinea—the reshuffle is being viewed as a calculated effort to inject fresh momentum into Nigeria’s fight against multiple threats.

In the new order, General Olufemi Oluyede replaces General Christopher Musa as Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). Major-General W. Shaibu becomes Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke is appointed Chief of Air Staff (CAS), and Rear Admiral I. Abbas takes the helm as Chief of Naval Staff (CNS). Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye retains his position as Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI).

The changes, announced through a State House press release signed by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, are effective immediately.

The reshuffle comes midway into President Tinubu’s first term — a period marked by steady progress in some theatres of conflict but lingering instability in others. Security experts say the timing suggests a desire to recalibrate, not disrupt, ongoing operations.

According to a senior defence source, the move followed an internal performance review of key military commands. “The President wanted a refocusing of strategy and leadership—not because of failure, but to adapt to emerging realities on the ground,” the source disclosed.

Indeed, after over two years of steady, though uneven, security gains, Nigeria continues to grapple with complex asymmetric threats. In the Northeast, remnants of Boko Haram and ISWAP maintain isolated strongholds. In the Northwest, bandit groups continue to terrorise rural communities. Meanwhile, oil theft, illegal bunkering, and piracy remain major concerns in the South-South and coastal corridors.

For President Tinubu, this is more than a routine administrative reshuffle. It is a strategic reset designed to inject new thinking into command structures, align leadership with his Renewed Hope defence reforms, and strengthen inter-service collaboration to deal with Nigeria’s multi-front security challenges.

The new team of Service Chiefs brings together officers reputed for professionalism, operational expertise, and inter-agency cooperation. Their combined experience could help bridge the gaps that have long hindered coordination among the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

General Oluyede, the new Chief of Defence Staff, is known within military circles as a strategist who emphasises “soldier first strategist and jointness” — the synchronisation of land, air, and sea operations under a unified command philosophy. His leadership is expected to promote stronger operational synergy among the services, especially in complex theatres such as the Lake Chad Basin and the North-Central region.

Major-General Waidi Shaibu’s appointment as Chief of Army Staff signals a push for more aggressive but people-centred counter-insurgency operations. A veteran of internal security missions, Shaibu is seen as an advocate of ground intelligence and community engagement — a combination that could prove crucial in breaking the cycle of rural violence in the Northwest.

Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke, known for his experience in precision air operations, will likely enhance air support and surveillance capabilities, while Rear Admiral I. Abbas’s background in maritime security could help reinvigorate the Navy’s fight against piracy and illegal oil activities.

Together, they form what one defence analyst described as “a mission-driven team positioned to deliver integrated outcomes rather than fragmented victories.”

Security and defence experts have broadly welcomed the appointments, describing them as a blend of continuity and innovation.

A retired military person, former Nigerian Army Spokesperson and seasoned Public Relations practitioner, Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd) mni fnipr, told SpyeTV News that “the President has the right to make decisions about the leadership of the armed forces, and I believe he has done so based on his discretion as Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. The most important thing is to wish them all the best; that is, both the outgoing and the incoming.”

Similarly, retired Air Commodore (name withheld) noted that the President’s choices reflect a deliberate attempt to unify strategy across services. “Inter-service rivalry has always been a major obstacle. If this new leadership can sustain real-time intelligence sharing and coordinated joint task force operations, Nigeria’s security architecture will become far more effective,” he said.

Regional analysts have also highlighted the geopolitical implications of the shake-up. With Nigeria’s leadership role in West African security cooperation — including ECOWAS and the Multinational Joint Task Force — Tinubu’s appointments are expected to bolster Nigeria’s credibility in leading regional counter-terrorism initiatives.

Across the country, citizens and security personnel alike are expressing cautious optimism. Many Nigerians see the shake-up as an opportunity for renewed discipline, better welfare, and greater responsiveness to community concerns.

Within the ranks, morale is reportedly high, especially among middle-level officers who view the new Chiefs as reform-minded and approachable. For frontline troops, the hope is that the new leadership will prioritise logistics, intelligence support, and rapid deployment capabilities.

Public affairs analysts, however, are calling for a stronger focus on human rights and civil-military relations. “I think the change is long overdue, aside from the coup issues. I expect another change before 2027 if the insecurity persists, especially in the North. Also, intelligence gathering should be a priority, hence retaining the Chief of Defence Intelligence Major-General E.A.P Undiendeye,” said Adewole Kehinde, a public affairs analyst in Abuja.

President Tinubu’s military reshuffle is more than a personnel adjustment; it represents a strategic statement of intent. It underscores his administration’s belief that leadership renewal is key to adapting to an evolving threat environment — one where agility, coordination, and professionalism are paramount.

The road ahead remains daunting. But with a new high command and a clear mandate to “enhance professionalism, vigilance, and comradeship,” the Armed Forces of Nigeria may be entering a new era—one defined by synergy, intelligence-led operations, and renewed national confidence.

If the new team can match tactical precision with strategic collaboration, Tinubu’s gamble could yield the one outcome Nigerians yearn for most: sustainable peace and security across every region of the country.

Olayemi Esan is a media and PR practitioner and the MD of Spye Communications Limited (SpyeTV). She can be reached via email yemiesan04@gmail.com or WhatsApp number 08035132961

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