Military Nabs Hammadu, One Of The Most Wanted Notorious Bandits In North East

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April 25, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Nigerian Army, on Friday, reaffirmed its unwavering commitment towards providing adequate security for lives and properties in Taraba State.

The 6 Brigade and Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke, gave the assurance while announcing the arrest of one of the most wanted bandits in the Northeast region, Yusuf Hammadu, a.k.a Dogo.

Dogo who had been on the wanted list of security operatives, according to a statement from Captain Oni Olubodunde, the spokesperson for the Brigade, was apprehended in an intelligence-driven operation on April 19, 2025, in Lainde Jessy, Lau Local Council of Taraba State.

According to Olubodunde, the operation was part of an ongoing clearance exercise, codenamed “Operation Lafiyan Jamaa” aimed at decisively tackling insurgency in the North East.

Similarly, apart from the arrest of Dogo, troops also recovered a significant cache of dangerous weapons and ammunition.

“On April 16, 2025, soldiers launched a raid on suspected hideout for banditsin Dutsen Kachalla, located in the Lainde area of Lau Local Government Area following a distress call from a local hunter.

“Though the criminals managed to flee into the surrounding mountains, troops recovered an AK-47 magazine, a rifle butt, military headgear, and an identification card belonging to one Adamu Umaru Jauro.

“Three days later, on April 19, troops acting on fresh intelligence apprehended Yusuf Hammadu, also known as “Dogo” in Lainde Jessy, Lau LGA.

“Hammadu had long been on the radar of security agencies and was listed among the most wanted criminals in the region”, the Army spokesman noted.

Captain Olubodunde further stated that Dogo, apart from being a notorious and vicious banditry lord, has been impersonating the Military in most of his dastardly operations.

He described his apprehension as a milestone in the concerted efforts at ridding Taraba State, and North East region of the activities of terrorists.

Kidnapped Kaduna Catholic Priest Rev Father Amos, Regains Freedom

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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April 25, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewchi

The abducted Kaduna State Catholic Priest, Rev Father Ibrahim Amos, has been released, according to the Diocese of Kafanchan.

Father Amos was, in the early hours of Thursday, April 24, 2025, whisked away by suspected banditry elements from his residence at St Gerald Quasi Parish, Kurmin Risga community of Kaura Local Council of Kaduna State.

A statement issued by the Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, Rev. Father Jacob Shanet, on Thursday, while urging for prayers, also assured that all legitimate and available options were being explored to ensure that the abducted Cleric returned unharmed and in good health.

Rev Father Amos was, however, said to have been released by his abductors ,at about 10 pm same Thursday.

The Catholic Diocese in a statement on Friday April 25, 2025, expressed immense gratitude to the public and security operatives for their Prayers and unflinching support during the trying period.

“While we appreciate God for everything ,we equally want to thank everyone for walking with us in such a dark and terrible moment.

“Your kind gestures, love and prayers are a testament to the fact that we are not alone in the struggle to respect and promote the dignity of human life.

“May the Blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of Priests, Religious ,and all the Angels intercede for those in captivity and bring them back to their families and communities safe and sound”, Rev Father Shanet stated.

Rev Father Amos’s abduction came just about five weeks after the kidnap and subsequent murder of Rev Father Sylvanus Okechukwu within the same Kaura Local Government.

Okechukwu was kidnapped on March 4 by a 6-member syndicate from his residence at St Mary’s Catholic Church, Tachira Community, Kaura Local Council.

It was not, however, clear as at the time of reporting, if the payment of ransom was involved in securing freedom for the abducted Cleric.

The Police and other relevant authorities have continued to maintain silence.

NDLEA, NAPTIP Collaborate In Fight Against Human Trafficking, Drugs

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Ayodele Oni

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April 25, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

Two Federal Government’s intervention agencies are working out areas of possible collaboration to ease their duties and reduce menace of criminal activities in the society.

To this end, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) have set up teams on both sides to strengthen collaboration on the fight against the interconnected menace of human and drug trafficking, as well as substance abuse.

The fresh effort was the highpoint of discussions between the NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) and the Director General of NAPTIP, Binta Lami Adamu Bello when the latter led her management team on a courtesy visit to Marwa at the Agency’s National Headquarters in Abuja on Friday.

Speaking during the meeting, Marwa congratulated Adamu Bello on her well-deserved appointment to lead a very important agency like NAPTIP and commended her for hitting the ground running.

According to him, “there’s a linkage between human trafficking and drug trafficking and abuse. Some trafficked persons are used as mules, some may know, some may not know, they may give them drugs, sewn into their bag, and they can be drugged to be compliant, to do what they want.

“So, this is an area that we should collaborate further by signing an MoU that will actually bring about definite and unambiguous areas of collaboration.”

He assured her of NDLEA’s preparedness to deepen collaboration with NAPTIP while he named a three-member liaison team that will work with the team from NAPTIP on agreed areas of partnership.

Speaking earlier, the NAPTIP boss emphasized the importance of deepened partnership between the two agencies to the disruption of criminal networks involved in human and drug trafficking as well as substance abuse.

“Drug trafficking and human trafficking are increasingly connected, both globally and locally. Women and children are used as drug couriers. Victims are also drugged and subjected to substance abuse as a method of control when they are trafficked.

“Furthermore, both crimes thrive on similar enablers, that is, porous borders, corruption, poverty, weak institutions, and digital space.

“Intelligence reports have shown overlaps in networks operating in both spheres, hence the urgent need for a coordinated response. We believe that there is immense potential for deepened collaboration between NAPTIP and NDLEA .

“Some actionable areas could include joint investigation and intelligence sharing, capacity building and cross-training, victim-centered approach, technology and data integration, public enlightenment and preventive advocacy, and legal reforms.

“And this could be achieved, by our proposal of the next steps to be taken, that is, setting up of a liaison team to develop NAPTIP-NDLEA strategic action plan for the short to medium term activities, schedule bilateral meetings to review our operation partnership at least once or twice a year, and explore opportunities for international collaboration, which we are all aware that the two agencies are closely partnering with various international organizations.

“I want to affirm that NAPTIP is fully committed to partnership, professionalism, and patriotic service. We believe that together we will not only disrupt criminal networks, but also protect and empower vulnerable Nigerians who are often the ultimate victims of these crimes.”

Akpabio Leads Nigeria’s Delegation To Pope’s Funeral

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Ayodele Oni

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April 25, 2025

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Godswill Akpabio - Senate President — Godswill Akpabio, Senate President.

By Ayodele Oni

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio is leading Nigeria’s delegation to Vatican City for the funeral of His Holiness, Pope Francis, on Saturday.

He is to represent President Bola Tinubu. The Pontiff passed on Easter Monday.

Pope Francis, the revered Head of the Roman Catholic Church, died on Monday, April 21, 2025, at 88, just a day after appearing for Easter Sunday celebrations at the Vatican.

Other members of the delegation are the Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Archbishop of Sokoto Diocese, Archbishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, and Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Archbishop Ignatius Ayua Kaigama.

The delegation will formally deliver a letter conveying President Tinubu’s sympathy and condolences on Pope Francis’ passing to the Acting Head of the Vatican.

President Tinubu had, on Monday, joined the Catholic faithful and Christians worldwide to mourn the death of the Pontiff, who he described as “a humble servant of God, a tireless champion of the poor, and a guiding light for millions.”

In the condolence message, President Tinubu remarked that Pope Francis’s death, coming just after the celebration of Christ’s resurrection, is a sacred return to his Maker at a time of renewed hope for Christians.

CVFF Disbursement: House Of Reps Backs Minister Oyetola

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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April 25, 2025

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The House of Representatives, through its Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, has pledged full support for the directive issued by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, to expedite the disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund, CVFF.

Speaking during an oversight visit to NIMASA, the Acting Chairman of the Committee, Uduak Alphonsus Odudoh, expressed satisfaction with the Agency’s progress and commended the leadership of Director General Dr. Dayo Mobereola for ongoing reforms that are repositioning Nigeria’s maritime industry for global relevance.

“I want to commend NIMASA and the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy for steps taken to disburse the CVFF which has been a challenge for over 20 years. This will translate to job creation for the maritime sector in Nigeria. The DG and his team have succeeded in maintaining no piracy in Nigerian waters and this translates to better image for Nigeria. We are supporting Nigeria’s quest to seek election into category C at the IMO and hopefully we will win. The DG told us that NIMASA is domesticating a record 56 conventions in one fell, swoop. This is fantastic. The global maritime community will see us as a serious maritime nation. we are committed to work, collaborate with NIMASA, collaborate with the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, for the success of this present government and the success of Nigeria.” the lawmaker said.

The Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, welcomed the delegation and expressed appreciation for the cordial relationship that exists between the Agency and the House Committee. He lauded the Committee’s role in shaping governance and policy direction for the maritime sector, noting that such oversight and support are crucial to the Agency’s continued success. He confirmed that the Minister’s directive on the CVFF disbursement is a fait accompli.

“We are acting in accordance with the directive of the Honourable Minister to ensure indigenous shipowners finally have access to this critical funding. The guidelines have been streamlined based on the Minister’s approval, so beneficiaries can access the funds this year.”

To manage the $700 million intervention fund efficiently, NIMASA has expanded the number of Primary Lending Institutions (PLIs) from five to twelve. These banks will play a key role in risk assessment, ensuring that only credible, financially capable shipping firms benefit from the revolving fund.

The funding model will see banks contribute 35%, NIMASA 50%, and the remaining 15% as equity from the shipowners themselves.

“By involving the banks, we are ensuring financial discipline and sustainability, which are crucial for this fund to continue long-term,” the DG explained.

“We are creating a win-win scenario—access to finance and access to business,” Mobereola said.

For years, the issue of disbursing the CVFF has been a ding dong between the top Maritime Agency and keen stakeholders in the industry. Not a few insist that the current promise by the minister may be another publicity stunt.

Youths Paid 20k To Attack Opposition Leaders – Obi

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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April 25, 2025

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Peter Obi, the 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, says some youths are being paid by those in power to attack activists and critics of the government in power.

Obi spoke during an engagement at Johns Hopkins University in Washington, D.C., United States, US.

The LP chieftain said the act portends grave dangers for the future of the country and its growing democracy, noting that those doing it has betrayed the country.

He urged the youths to resist being used by leaders who have no interest in their future, adding that instead of allowing themselves to be used, they should demand accountability from their leaders. He bemoaned what he described as “transnational” politics

He said, “In the transactional politics of Nigeria, some people pay them to cause confusion.

“Go to social media—those that are being paid ₦20,000, ₦40,000 monthly to abuse you are the same youths you’re fighting for, because I am over 60 and I have few years to go.”

Recall that during the 2023 Presidential election, some thugs led by Musiliu Akinsanya, aka MC Oluomo blocked many voters in Lagos, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s home state from voting, after they threatened them not to show up on the day of the elections.

Also, the Oba Of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu had during the election threatened to dump in the “Lagoon” some persons from a section of the country, for voting against the President.

MC Oluomo and Oba Akiolu, the traditional ruler of Lagos, where Tinubu once served as Governor, and its current Political Leader are close ally of the president.

MC Oluomo, a widely known thug and enforcer was recently made the President of the National Union of Road Transport workers, NURTW, a motor drivers’ Union used by those in power to harass the opposition.

Sole Administrator Ibas Confesses: “Rivers Very Difficult To Rule”

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Ayodele Oni

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April 25, 2025

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Vice Admiral Ibok- Ete Ibas - Rivers Sole Administrator

By Ayodele Oni

The Rivers State Sole Administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas, has finally appeared before the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee overseeing affairs of the State.

He sought the Committee’s understanding for additional time to adequately prepare a detailed briefing on the ongoing situation in the State, citing the fragile security and political environment under the current state of emergency.

Addressing the Committee at the National Assembly on Friday, Ibas began by acknowledging the Leadership of the Committee and the importance of its role in upholding democratic integrity.

“Mr. Chairman, please permit me to begin by respectfully acknowledging your leadership and the critical role of this committee in safeguarding the democratic and constitutional integrity of our great nation.

“I deeply regret my inability to attend earlier engagements with this esteemed committee… Today is exactly 10 days after the first invitation, and in between we’ve had four days that were off calendar as public holidays plus the weekends inclusive.

While Rivers State is “relatively calm,” Ibas cautioned that the situation remains “fragile” and requires delicate handling.

He requested the Committee’s understanding and indulgence to allow more time for a comprehensive report.

“It is important that any engagement with this committee is done with the depth, accuracy and clarity it rightfully deserves.

He admitted the difficulty of managing the state’s affairs under emergency rule and reiterated his respect for the National Assembly’s oversight responsibilities.

Nigeria’s Police Sgt Tanko Is Best Graduating Student In Chinese University

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The Source

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April 25, 2025

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Theophilus Tanko - Best Police Graduating Student

The Inspector General of Police, Dr. Olukayode Egbetokun, has celebrated Police Sergeant Peter Theophilus Tanko, for making the Nigeria Police Force and Nigeria proud in China.

Sgt. Tanko, who was under a Government-sponsored Scolarship in China, graduated in Law, after the five-year course, as the best student in his class and the University. It was, therefore, his lot to deliver the Valedictory Speech.

On April 22, 2025, at Force Headquarters, Abuja, the IGP received and celebrated Tanko.

“A release by Force Spokesperson, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said the IGP charged Police personnel on Capacity Building.

Adejobi release reads: “In line with his commitment to promoting professional growth, academic excellence, and capacity development within the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, on Tuesday, 22nd April 2025, received Sergeant Peter Theophilus Tanko at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, following his outstanding academic achievement in the People’s Republic of China.

“Sergeant Tanko, a dedicated officer attached to the INTERPOL Section of the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID), successfully completed a five-year law programme in China, under a government-sponsored scholarship. His academic journey began with a one-year mandatory course in Chinese language at Nanjing Normal University, after which he proceeded to Jiangsu Police Institute for his Bachelor’s Degree in Law.

“He distinguished himself throughout his academic pursuit and emerged as the best graduating student at the Institute. In recognition of his remarkable performance, he was selected to deliver the valedictory speech on behalf of all international students during the convocation ceremony held in June 2023.

“The Inspector-General of Police, while receiving Sergeant Tanko, applauded his dedication, discipline, and academic excellence, describing his feat as a source of pride to the entire Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Republic of Nigeria at large. The IGP noted that such achievements reflect the potential within the Force and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting officers in their pursuit of knowledge, capacity building and professional development.

“The IGP further encouraged officers across commands and formations to emulate Sergeant Tanko’s example by striving for excellence in service and self-development, stressing that the growth of the Force depends not only on operational strength but also on intellectual capacity and international exposure.”

Tinubu: Northern Leaders Make Fresh Demands; “We Will Reject Next Census”

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James Orji

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April 25, 2025

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The Northern Elders Forum, NEF, has condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinbu’s federal appointments which they said is in favour of the South west. The decision to favour one section of the country against others, NEF said contravenes both the spirit of the Constitution and federal Character principle.

The Forum has also slammed the president for the recent constitution of the National Census Committee, NCC which they also claimed favoured the south west. With the way the Committee is constituted, the NEF said any Census conducted by it will be rejected.

According to the NEF, the only way to give credibility to the committee is for the president to rejig its membership reflect the diversity of the country.

The NEF made its position known in a statement signed on Friday by its spokesman, Prof. Abubakar Jika Jiddere, who accused President Tinubu of violating Chapter 2, section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

He decsribed Persident Tinubu’s appointments so far as a “clear affront to democratic values such as fairness, inclusiveness, justice, and balanced representation,” adding that his action “threatens the very fabric of Nigeria’s unity.”

“The composition of the Government of the Federation or any of its agencies and the conduct of its affairs shall be carried out in such a manner as to reflect the federal character of Nigeria and to promote national unity, thereby ensuring that there shall be no predominance of persons from a few states or from a few ethnic or other sectional groups in that Government or in any of its agencies.”

The president’s appointment “is not only grossly lopsided in favour of the South-West but also appears to be systematically designed to exclude other key regions,” NEF said.

Part of the statement: “This exclusionary approach is a clear affront to democratic values such as fairness, inclusiveness, justice, and balanced representation.

“The conduct of a national census is a critical and sensitive matter, one that must enjoy the confidence and participation of all geopolitical zones. Any attempt to marginalise or suppress the interests of other regions risks undermining the legitimacy, accuracy, and national acceptance of the census outcome.

“Consequently, NEF demands the following: The immediate reconstitution of the National Census Committee to ensure equal representation of all six geopolitical zones in line with the federal character principle.

“A holistic review and equitable redistribution of all federal appointments in Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to reflect true national diversity and constitutional compliance.

“The NEF warns that continued disregard for the principles of equity, justice, and inclusivity threatens the very fabric of Nigeria’s unity. The sustained marginalisation of certain regions breeds resentment, deepens divisions, and could fuel avoidable instability in the country.

“Nigeria is a diverse nation bound by a common destiny. Preserving its unity requires leadership that is fair, inclusive, and guided by the rule of law.” NEF said.

The Presidency, the magazine reported had recently responded to the allegation of nepotism saying President Tinubu has been fair to all sections of the country, noting that those appointed into government were chosen based on merit.

GTCO Gets New Chair; Agbaje Targets Foreign Capital For Second Phase Of Recapitalisation

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James Orji

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April 25, 2025

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A former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Sulieman Barau has been appointed the Chairman, Board of the Guaranty Trust Holding Company, GTCO. His appointment is part of the ongoing reconstructing and succession plan of Nigeria’s most profitable financial institution, the company said on Thursday.

Barau’s appointment was announced during the Company’s fourth annual general meeting held virtually on Thursday. He took over from Hezekiah Oyinlola, who is exiting the position after years of great leadership under him which saw the company experienced exponential growth.

Also during the virtual AGM, the company’s shareholders approved the payment of a total dividend of N7.03 per share for the 2024 financial year. It had earlier declared interim dividend of N1 per share, bringing the total dividend pay out per share to N8.03.

The new chairman is expected to leverage on his experience in the banking and financial sector of the economy, to lead the company to new heights, the company said, saying Barau’s track record is not in doubt having previously served as a pioneering director of GTCO following its restructuring few years ago as a Holco.

Speaking the Group Managing Director of GTCO, Segun Agbaje said the Group has maintained its leadership role in the sector leveraging on the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN’s recent recapitalization exercise, which saw the company raised N209.41 billion, thereby expanding its shareholder base from 332,000 to over 460,000.

Agbaje pointed out that the Group is now set to launch its second recapitalization exercise in 2025, targeting foreign capital investment into the company, hinting that the Group’s next growth trajectory will focus on “deepening digitalization, enhancing customer experiences, and expanding our ecosystem of financial and non-financial solutions,” he added that the company reached a milestone last year after ‘delivering’ N1 trillion Profit Before Tax, PBT, the first Nigerian bank to achieve the feat.

Agbaje: “In 2024, we reached a historic milestone, delivering over N1 trillion in profit before tax, becoming the first Nigerian financial institution to achieve this feat.

“In 2024, we navigated a rapidly evolving regulatory and macroeconomic environment with a focus on strengthening our financial position and delivering best-in-class banking services.”

On the public offer, he said “This Public Offer attracted strong participation from both domestic retail and institutional investors, raising N209.41 billion and expanding our shareholder base from 332,000 to over 460,000.

“With this momentum, we are prepared to launch the second phase of our capital raising plan in 2025, targeting significant foreign institutional investments to further solidify our reputation as a globally recognized and competitive financial services brand.

“Our focus will be on deepening digitalization, enhancing customer experiences, and expanding our ecosystem of financial and non-financial solutions. We will continue to invest in cutting-edge technology, strengthen our cybersecurity framework, and build strategic partnerships that unlock new growth opportunities.

“Most importantly, we will remain true to our purpose: driving economic progress, fostering financial inclusion, and creating sustainable value for all stakeholders,” the GMD said.