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Jonathan Currently Trapped In Guinea Bissau

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Goodluck Jonathan
Goodluck Jonathan

By Adesina Soyooye

Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, Nigeria’s former President is trapped in Guinea Bissau, the West African Country which Military Brass has just carried out a Coup D’etat and arrested the President and other top Government officials. Also, arrested are top officials of the opposition.

Jonathan, alongside other hundreds of  foreigners went to the beleaguered Country to monitor its Presidential and Parliamentary elections.

He led  members of the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) which founder he is.

On arrival, he had posted on social media: “We arrived in Bissau this evening as members of  the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) Election Mission ahead of Guinea Bissau’s Presidential and Parliamentary polls scheduled for November 23, 2025. We wish the people of Guinea Bissau a peaceful, inclusive and transparent elections.”

However, the election ran into troubled waters when both President Umaro Sissoco Embalo and the opposition candidate, Fernando Dias, each declared himself winner.

That offered a group of soldiers, which identified itself as “High Military Command  for the Restoration of Order”, an opportunity to take over the Government, suspend further action on the elections which results were being expected for release, “until further notice”.

President Embalo told a French Broadcaster in a phone exchange that he has been deposed. “I have been deposed and currently at the general staff quarters.”

A curfew is in place and all the borders are closed – air, sea, land.

Denis N’Canha, the Army Officer who led the Coup, is the head if the Presidential Guard.

Hundreds of Election Foreign Observers who rushed to the Airport to leave the country are currently stranded at the Airport.

The toothless ECOWAS has strongly condemned the military intervention.

Renewed Hope Office: Otti Targeting Kalu, Reps Dep Speaker – RHP Insists

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Hon Benjamin Okezie Kalu
Hon Benjamin Okezie Kalu

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Renewed Hope Partners, RHP on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, slammed Governor Alex Otti over the sealing of its office in Umuahia ,Abia state.

The group questioned the motives and timing of the action of the Abia State Government, in sealing the property.

The Source reports that the Abia state Government, through the Ministry of Lands and Housing, had on Tuesday, November 25, sealed the office of  President Bola Tinubu’s administration-backed RHP on 36 Ojike Street in the State capital , alongside several other buildings both in Umuahia and Aba citing purported non-compliance with a demand notice for the payment of ground rent/tax, and other related obligations as a major reason.

The sealing of the President Tinubu’s powered RHA ,and others , according to the Ministry of Lands officials , followed the refusal of the affected property owners to respond to demand notices served on them in the past few months.

Ministry of Lands: “This property is in contravention of Sections 41 and 100 of the Abia State Tax law (Codification and Consolidation) law No 7 of 2020, and is hereby sealed.

“Any person, including the owner/occupier,  neighbours or passersby who attempt to unseal this building is in contravention of the Abia state tax law No 7 of 2020 . Be warned. Keep off”, the Ministry posted on the RHP Umuahia Abia state office.

However, the Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti,  late on Tuesday ,directed the immediate unsealing of the property, citing the intervention of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu, as reason

The Abia state authorities in a  statement from Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, the Chief Press Secretary, CPS, to the Governor, denied any political motives in the sealing of the RHP office.

According to him, the sealing of the property was a general exercise undertaken by the state Ministry of Lands targeting properties and property owners in default of the observation of their statutory obligations to the Government.

Ukoha noted that the RHA office and others both in Umuahia and Aba were sealed following the failure of the property owners to respond to several earlier demand notices, requesting proof of compliance with payment of ground rent and other related charges.

But in a statement from its spokesperson, Elton Onwu, on Wednesday in Abuja,the RHP claimed that the sealing of the property was carried out without prior notice contrary to the Abia state Government claims

The group expressed serious concern and shock that the Abia State Governor, Dr Otti, could decide to target the RHP office, that serves as a rendezvous for all members and promoters of Renewed Hope Agenda RHA and its philosophy.

Onwu noted that the property in question was abandoned ,and remained dilapidated for over 30 years before the RHP through the House of Representatives Deputy Speaker stepped in to give it a facelift ,and started  using it  as the South East regional Headquarters of the group.

According to him,the core mandate and mission of RHP is to disseminate the achievements and policy direction of the President Tinubu’s administration across the nooks and crannies of the country.

“We moved into the building in June, 2025, after an extensive renovation of the facility. One wonders why the various demand notices were not sent to the owners of the property before the Renewed Hope Partners took over.

” It is telling that Governor Otti would choose to target the office which serves as a meeting point for all the evangelists of Renewed Hope Agenda message of Mr President simply because it is associated with the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Benjamin Okezie Kalu  who also represents Bende Federal Constituency of the state.

“We are compelled to say that this is not the best way to go about oppressing the opposition . But we promise to use every platform available to us to ensure the visibility of the work of the President in Abia and the South East” RHP stated .

This is as the body urged all well meaning Abians and Nigerians as a whole to rise up in condemnation of the action of the Abia state Government against the RHP.

However, the group said it would not be cowed ,and discourage in its avowed commitment to propagating the message of Renewed Hope Agenda.

“Thank You For Finding Me Worthy To Serve As APC Ambassador”, Uzodimma Tells Tinubu”

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Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has express gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to finding him worthy for appointment as the All Progressives Congress Renewed Hope Ambassador and Director General for Party Outreach, Engagement and Mobilisation.

The Governor said the appointment was not just an honour but that he recognizes the weight of the responsibility it poses on him.

President Tinubu communicated Governor Uzodimma’s appointment to the public on Tuesday, November 25,2025, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga.

In a statement he personally took to the social media platform to sign on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, Governor Uzodimma said: “I am deeply grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for finding me worthy of service in another capacity within our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“Being entrusted with the role of Renewed Hope Ambassador and Director General for Party Outreach, Engagement and Mobilization is a profound honour, and I recognize the weight of this responsibility.

“I look forward to working collaboratively with our party leadership and with our Governors to effectively advance the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda and contribute meaningfully to our nation’s progressive transformation.

“I assure Mr. President of my dedication to delivering on the mandate of this assignment, and I remain fully committed to carrying out this role with integrity, diligence, and a deep sense of duty to our country.”

Mazi Nnamdi Kanu: A Call for Calm, Responsibility, and a Path to Peace

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Osita Chidoka and Nnamdi Kanu

By Osita Chidoka

I waited to read and reflect on the judgment before making this statement. Moments like this demand calm thinking and careful consideration.

The conviction of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is a moment of deep emotion for many in the Southeast and across the country. I urge our youths, IPOB sympathisers, and all concerned citizens to remain calm and avoid actions that could deepen tension in an already fragile environment. Violence will not advance our collective cause; it will only multiply our losses. I ask you to trust that pathways to resolution will be fully explored

My earlier sympathy for IPOB stemmed from a simple democratic principle: the inalienable right of citizens to agitate peacefully within the bounds of the law. That right is foundational to any society that aspires to justice. But no movement retains moral authority once its name becomes associated with killings, injuries, fear, and the disruption of ordinary life. The Southeast has paid a heavy price; traders, travellers, young people, and security officers have all been victims. Any credible future engagement must begin with a clear renunciation of violence, the surrender of arms, and responsible acknowledgment of the harm caused by members, affiliates, and splinter groups.

On the judicial process, I must speak with clarity. In 2017, I played a quiet but decisive role in ensuring that the judiciary’s decision to grant Mazi Kanu bail—despite executive opposition—was respected. It was a reminder that our courts, even under intense pressure, can act with courage. I, therefore, reject any disparaging characterisation of the Judges involved in this matter. We may question judgments, but we must never undermine the dignity of the Judiciary. It remains one of the critical guardrails preserving our democracy.

That said, it is clear that the judgment has raised genuine concerns among legal experts and citizens alike, concerns about process, proportionality, and how the law was interpreted. These questions are legitimate in any democracy. Fortunately, our judicial system provides avenues for appeal, and I trust that the higher courts will address them with the fairness and thorough scrutiny they require.

At the same time, we must acknowledge that the Nigerian state is overstretched, battling insecurity on multiple fronts, managing economic hardship, and facing rising public distrust and global scrutiny. Force alone cannot hold a diverse nation together. Beyond the legal pathways open to Mazi Kanu, there is room for a structured political settlement: one that requires IPOB to renounce violence and accept responsibility, and the government to consider a supervised process of dialogue, rehabilitation, and reintegration.

History shows that when groups abandon violence and governments embrace dialogue, peace becomes possible. The Irish Republican Army entered a political process that led to the Good Friday Agreement. In Spain, ETA renounced violence, disarmed under international supervision, and eventually dissolved itself. These examples remind us that lasting peace is achieved not through victory or vengeance, but through accountability, courage, and negotiation.

Our nation has reached the edge of exhaustion. We must step back, not out of fear, but out of faith in our shared future. I call on the Presidency, the National Council of State, and leaders of conscience across Nigeria to help midwife a process of dialogue anchored on justice, peace, and national harmony.

Let this moment not become another scar on the conscience of our nation, but a turning point, where reason triumphs over resentment, and courage finds expression in reconciliation.

The destiny of Ndigbo will not be secured by anger or isolation but by wisdom, moral example, and strategic engagement with the rest of Nigeria. In turn, Nigeria must demonstrate fairness, inclusion, and justice to earn the trust of all its peoples: East, West, North and South.

The time to begin that journey again is now.


Chidoka, OFR
Ike Obosi, was Nigeria’s Corp Marshal and Minister for Aviation

Mixed Reactions As Senators Commence Debate On Insecurity

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Nigerian Senate

By Ayodele Oni

Senator Dickson’s microphone cut off to stop him from continuing with his submission

There were mixed reactions at the red chamber on Wednesday as Senators has began debate on Nigeria’s worsening security situation.

This followed a motion by Lola Ashiru from Kwara South, on the urgent need to address escalating insecurity in Kwara, Kebbi, and Niger states, and called for immediate and comprehensive federal intervention.

The motion highlighted recent attacks, including the abduction of School Children in Kebbi, and concerns about military withdrawals, as well as compromised operations.

The Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, said the security challenges confronting the nation were surmountable but required international support.

“We should seek assistance from overseas, urging collaboration with global partners to stem the crisis,” he said.

Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, in his argument, described the current wave of insecurity as a turning point that must not be business as usual.

Bamidele warned that the nation risks losing it unless decisive action is taken.

While he welcomed the safe rescue of abducted captives, the lawmaker expressed concern that there were no words on the terrorists neutralized in the process.

Referencing the debate by some lawmakers in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, calling for a shutdown of the National Assembly, the Senate Leader cautioned lawmakers to avoid grandstanding.

Bamidele described the argument as a move geared towards the abdication of responsibility. He also challenged the Senate to examine its own internal structures.

“If we are calling on the President to rejig the security architecture, we must also look into our own arrangement. I am not impressed with our Committee on Security and Intelligence. We should rejig it ourselves.”

An opposition lawmaker, Enyinnaya Abaribe, however, criticized efforts to blame past administrations, insisting that the current government must take responsibility for today’s failures.

Abaribe cited reports that troops withdrew shortly before the attack in Kebbi school.

He asked, “Who asked them? Nobody knows. If I were the Commander-in-Chief, I would demand answers.”

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, highlighted reports that the location of a brigadier general killed in Borno was compromised, raising fears of internal sabotage.

Akpabio also expressed concern that despite security advisories and defensive training given to students in Kebbi, bandits still invaded the school unhindered.

An uproar arose when Seriake Dickson, in his argument, warned that Nigeria was losing prestige and integrity before our eyes, accusing the majority caucus of managing the issues rather than confronting them.

Dickson’s comments triggered an uproar from lawmakers of the All Progressives Congress (APC), leading to the cutting off of his microphone.

Tinubu Nominates Fmr. DG, DSS, Two  Others Ambassadors, Sends Names To Senate

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Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

Senate Dissolves  Security Standing Committees For Non Performance

President Bola Tinubu has forwarded the names of three nominees for non-career ambassadorial positions to the Senate for confirmation.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio made the announcement during Wednesday’s plenary session.

The nominees include: Kayode Are from Ogun State, who was also a former Director General of the Department of State Services, DSS, Aminu Dalhatu from Jigawa, and Ayodele Oke.

“The list contains three names for now, I am sure others will follow,” Akpabio stated after presenting the letter from President Tinubu.

In another development, the Senate has dissolved its standing committees on Air Force, national security and intelligence with immediate effect.

It also said that new committees would be reconstituted within one week.

The decision came after the Senate Leader,  Opeyemi Bamidele, expressed dissatisfaction with the committees’ oversight performance so far.

It further directed chairmen of its standing committees on army, navy, defence, interior and police affairs to brief the senate within one week, during a closed-door session, on their ongoing efforts to reduce insecurity across the country and to justify their continued existence.

The upper chamber also began a probe into the withdrawal of security troops from the Kebbi school prior to the bandits’ attack and directed that findings be submitted within two weeks.

It mandated its committees on army, defence, police affairs, interior and special duties to jointly conduct the probe and report back to the chamber.

The Senate also probed the circumstances surrounding the killing of Brigadier General Uba, with the report expected within the same timeframe.

Additionally, the chamber resolved that its leadership should meet immediately with President Bola Tinubu to brief him on the resolutions reached during the security debate.

The lawmakers further agreed to undertake diplomatic engagements with the United States to address the escalating situation.

I Have No Plans To Join ADC – Gov Alia

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Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has dismissed widespread speculations suggesting that he is on the verge of dumpling the All Progressive Congress, APC, for the nascent opposition Coalition platform, the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in the count down to the 2027 electoral contest .

The denial is coming against the backdrop of the Governor’s recent visit to the former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic party, PDP, Senator Iyochia Ayu, which has sent many tongues waging.

The rare visit coming at a time the Governor is locked in a bitter political brickbats with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator George Akume, for the control of the soul of APC in Benue state, has accentuated rumours about his  potential defection to the ADC.

But in a statement from Tersoo Kula his Media Aide on Wednesday, November 26,2025 , Governor Alia, while describing as baseless and misleading claims suggesting that his ” secret meeting” with Ayu is in preparation for his exit from the APC, emphatically stated that he has no intention, either now or in the near future to join the ADC.

The statement attributed the rumoured defection to some mischief makers, insisting that it is a wicked, mischievous and vicious smear campaign to distract and discredit him.

Particularly, Governor Alia accused some political forces and opponents of being behind the orchestrated campaign , with the intent to pitch him against the national leadership of the APC and the Presidency.

According to Kula ,it has been the tradition of the Governor since the inception of his administration to routinely visit elder statemen , prominent sons and daughters of the state  ,and national figures irrespective of political and or religious persuasions.

The statement quoted Governor Alia as insisting that his visit to Ayu is in tandem with his administration’s inclusive approach to leadership.

According to the Governor, such routine visits ,and inclusive approach, have won numerous converts and goodwill for the APC  in Benue state.

The Governor noted that his policy of carrying everybody along has been majorly instrumental to the steady and progressive growth of APC in the state .

This is as he pledged his unflinching commitment and dedication to the task of strengthening the party  ahead of the 2027 polls for the broader consolidation plans for his administration and that of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Ihedioha Denies Sabotaging Imo Electricity Project, Says He Has No Share In EEDC

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Honourable Emeka Ihedioha

By Charles Igbo

I do not own EEDC in any form, whether whole or part; beneficial or nominal. I am not on its Board. I hold no share. Notably, I acknowledge and commend the current Imo State Government for its ongoing power initiatives.”

A former Imo State Governor, The Rt. Honourable Emeka Ihedioha,  has expressed a combination of shock, anger and indignation that anybody could, would, associate him with plans to sabotage the Imo State Electricity Project aimed at providing the State with round the clock electricity.

The Imo State Government had, on Tuesday, in a statement that took not a few people aback, signed by its Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, alleged that the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, EEDC, has concluded plans to sabotage the State Electricity Project. It plans to do so, the statement ssid, by embarking on a massive electricity outage in the State with an aim to sabotage the Government’s Electricity Project.

It said: “The Imo State Government has obtained credible intelligence of plans by the management of Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) to unleash major power outages in Imo State in a bid to frustrate and sabotage the Light up Imo Project which will soon provide uninterrupted light to all parts of the State.

“The Government has ample evidence indicating that EEDC is determined to ensure that this effort of the Imo State Government to provide reliable and affordable eletricity for Imo people is frustrated.

“The idea behind the planned massive power outage by EEDC is to turn around and blame the installation process of the Orashi Electricity Company, the State Government’s licensed company, for the blackouts.”

From behind, considering the bitter politics in the State, a few people had taken it for granted,  that the Government was pointing accusing fingers at Ihedioha, the most popular opposition politician in Imo State. It was not helped when an Aide to the State Governor, pointedly, mentioned Ihedioha’s name, and connected him to the alleged plans of sabotage. The rumour which Ihedioha has now rubbish, has been on that he is a co-owner of the EEDC.

But reacting to the suspicion and pointed allegations, Ihedioha, in a statement he personally signed, said nothing could be further from the truth. He said the allegations were not only “unfounded” but wicked. He disclosed that he had nothing to do with EEDC as he was neither owner, board member or shareholder.

On the contrary, Ihedioha said he acknowledges and commends the effort of the State Government for “its ongoing power initiatives” as “any genuine effort to expand energy access, strengthen infrastructure, and improve the well-being of our people deserves encouragement.”

To confirm this sentiment, Ihedioha pointed out: “As Governor, I championed this same vision when I established the Imo State Power and Rural Electrification Agency (IPOREA), the first dedicated institutional framework created to advance electrity development in the State.”

For the records, too, Ihedioha recalled that he revived the renowned Ahiajoku Lecture Series during his administration after nearly a decade of dormancy.

Following is the full text of the former  Governor’s statement.

“My attention has been drawn to baseless and completely unfounded allegations suggesting that I, as the purported owner of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, EEDC, am sabotaging the ongoing Imo State Power Project. Let me state firmly and unequivocally that these claims are false. I do not own EEDC in any form, whether whole or part, beneficial or nominal. I am not on its Board. I hold no shares and I do not participate in, or influence its corporate decisions in any way. Those peddling these narratives are relying on fiction, not fact.

“Notably, I acknowledge and commend the current Imo State Government for its ongoing power initiatives. Any genuine effort to expand energy access, strengthen infrastructure, and improve the well being of our people deserves encouragement.

“As Governor, I championed this same vision when I established the Imo State Power and Rural Electrification Agency (IPOREA), the first dedicated institutional framework created to advance electricity development in the State. It was established to provide stability, coordination, and long-term structure for power solutions in Imo.

“I remain proud of that foundation, and I welcome any progressive steps taken today that align with the goal of a more prosperous and energy-secure Imo.

“In the spirit of continuity and cultural advancement, I am pleased to recall that I revived the renowned Ahiajoku Lecture Series during my administration after nearly a decade of dormancy. Ahiajoku represents the intellectual soul of our people, and its preservation is essential to our cultural identity. I am, therefore, delighted that the current administration has also reinstated the programme, reinforcing a pedigree that enriches Imo’s traditional and academic heritage.

“My commitment to the development of Imo State, its institutions, its people, and its future, remains unwavering. I will continue to support any initiative that strengthens our State, uplifts our citizens, and promotes progress grounded in truth, integrity and vision.”

Ihedioha was Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, 2011-2015. He was, also, Governor of Imo State, 2019-2020. A Knight of St Christopher, Anglican Communion, he holds the National Honour of CON.

Fidelity Bank Leads Support For Indigenous Oil, Gas Dev- CEO

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Fidelity Bank Plc
Fidelity Bank Plc has restated its commitment to advancing Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, with a strong focus on supporting indigenous operators.
This was highlighted by the bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, during a first oil presentation event for Emadeb Energy at Fidelity Place, the bank’s corporate headquarters in Lagos.
According to sources, the deal was worth $25 million, in what analysts insist has further solidified the bank’s position as a major supporter of indigenous oil concerns.
At the event, Emadeb Energy’s Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Adebowale Olujimi, expressed appreciation for the bank’s role in enabling the company’s progress.
“What makes Fidelity Bank unique is its willingness to take calculated risks. Many banks prefer to work with companies only after they have achieved first oil because they want already-established customers. Fidelity Bank reviewed our proposal thoroughly, including legal, technical, financial and character assessments. We met these requirements and that is why they supported us,” Olujimi said.
Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe congratulated Emadeb Energy on its milestone and reaffirmed Fidelity Bank’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s energy sector.
“At Fidelity Bank, we are dedicated to supporting indigenous companies in developing oil and gas assets that enhance energy security and promote sustainable growth. Our interventions include financing Nigeria’s first privately built and operated onshore crude export terminal in over fifty years at the Otakikpo Marginal Field in Rivers State.
“We also led funding for the Pinnacle Oil and Gas Terminal in Lekki, Lagos, which improves petroleum product distribution and reduces costs. In addition, we part-financed the production of a 23,000-cubic-meter Liquefied Petroleum Gas carrier for Temile Development Company Limited, which supports cleaner energy use and strengthens local maritime participation,” she said.
Emadeb Petroleum Exploration and Production Company Limited, operator of Petroleum Prospecting License (PPL) 236, recently achieved first oil from the Ibom Field, a milestone regarded as a significant breakthrough in Nigeria’s upstream sector.
“Our next phase will be exciting. We plan to drill two additional wells and increase production to 12,000 barrels per day by the end of 2026. After that, we aim to expand our gas business and raise oil output to 30,000 barrels per day,” Olujimi added.

Police Debunks Claims Of Fulani Herdsmen Invasion Of Rivers State

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Nigerian Police

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Rivers State Police Command has dismissed as false, misleading and a deliberate propagation claims of  purported herdsmen attacks on some Rivers State communities .

A viral video in circulation had claimed  that Ijaw youths and fighters repelled the attacks launched by suspected Fulani herdsmen on the State.

However, a statement from the Rivers state police Command spokesperson Grace Irenge-Koko  on Wednesday, November 26 ,2025, noted that the false narrative is a deliberate ploy by some mischief makers to disrupt the peace and stability presently prevailing in Rivers state.

According to the Command, no  incident, reports or intelligence support claims of Fulani herdsmen attacks in any part of the State, as being claimed in the video.

“The narrative is a deliberate attempt by mischief makers to undermine the prevailing peace and stability in the state.

“The said video is a fabrication by individuals intent on inciting fear and disrupting the peace currently being enjoyed across Rivers state”, Irenge-Koko stated .

This is as the Command assured that a robust and enhanced security framework has been put in place to ensure adequate protection of lives and properties of law abiding residents.

The statement informed that the police is presently working in concert with other security agencies to maintain peace and stability in the state.

The police therefore urged members of the public to remain calm ,vigilant and to verify information through official channels before dissemination.

” Robust security measures are in place , including operational patrol teams, surveillance units and tactical squads. The Command working with other security agencies, remains fully committed to safeguarding lives and property”, the Police affirmed.