Yusuf made this known in a statement by Shafii Sani, NAHCON’s Principal Information Officer, on Wednesday.

According to him, the committee is mandated to ensure security, safety, and well-being of Nigerian pilgrims during the onshore and off-shore phases of the 2026 Hajj operation.

He urged members of the committee to implement proactive, preventative strategies, including robust monitoring of departure centres to weed out undesirable persons, as well as prevent drug-related or human trafficking activities.

The NAHCON boss advised members of the committee to be vigilant and operate with the highest sense of duty and integrity, while ensuring that pilgrims get the best value for their money.

He also urged the committee to work closely with security and intelligence agencies on any matter on national security in order to safeguard pilgrims and check any potential damage to Nigeria’s reputation abroad.

Meanwhile, the head of the committee, Ambassador Lawal Rabiu, thanked Yusuf for the confidence placed on members of the committee.

Rabiu said that members would work closely with relevant agencies to gather intelligence, coordinate operations and address potential security challenges.

Source: NAN

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The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Suleiman Nguroje, disclosed this in a statement in Yola.

He said that was in continuation of a decisive operation, aimed at combating kidnapping and enhancing public safety.

“The Adamawa Police Command has successfully rescued two kidnapped victims and arrested one suspected kidnapper, following their kidnapping at Gwewan Village, Dumne in Song LGA.

“The success was primarily due to the strategic deployment of combined security assets by the Commissioner of Police,  Morris Dankombo.

“These led to a joint operation comprising Police operatives and some members of the local security outfits; The team carried out a coordinated raid on a suspected kidnappers’ hideout located at Suktu Mountain on Feb. 11.

“On sighting the security team, the suspected kidnappers engaged the operatives in gun duel but were forced to flee with possible gunshot injuries, abandoning two kidnap victims namely Rabe Mamman Sani, 18, and Aminu Mamman Sani, 16, who were rescued unhurt,” he said.

Nguroje said that during the operation, an identified  22-year-old suspect of Salasa Village, Dumne in Song local government area was arrested and he confessed to his involvement in the crime.

He added that the rescued victims were taken to the hospital, for medical examination, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate.

Source: NAN

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The command’s spokesperson, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Monday.

She said Okus, attached to 17 Police Mobile Force, PMF, and on special duty at Intels Logistics Company, Onne, was currently in police custody.

According to her, the incident occurred on January 18 at about 1:20 p.m. at Next Cash and Carry Supermarket, Trans Amadi area of Port Harcourt.

Iringe-Koko said the victim, Sani, and another officer both attached to 14 PMF, Yola, were on joint guard duty with military personnel when the incident occurred.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that Okus allegedly opened fire on his colleagues, who sustained gunshot injuries on the head and neck,” she said.

She added that the injured police officers were immediately rushed to the hospital, where Sani later died from his injuries.

Iringe-Koko said the remains of the deceased had been deposited at the Military Hospital Mortuary for preservation and autopsy.

She added that the second officer, who sustained multiple gunshot wounds, was currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.

“The suspect will face an orderly room trial to ascertain the motive behind the shooting and will subsequently be charged to court for possible prosecution if found culpable,” she said.

Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Rivers, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, ordered a comprehensive and transparent investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Adepoju advised officers handling firearms to exercise utmost responsibility and prioritise the safety of colleagues and members of the public while on duty.

He stressed that professionalism and discipline must always be upheld to prevent avoidable tragedies.

Source: NAN

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Following credible intelligence about the illicit drug activities of Gamboli, NDLEA operatives had on 20th November 2025 raided his house at Anguwan Makera, Kuta, where they recovered 471.8 kilograms of skunk, a strain of cannabis.

Though he escaped arrest during the raid and has since been in hiding, the manhunt for him eventually paid off on Thursday 11th December when NDLEA officers acting on processed intelligence traced and arrested him at one of his drug joints in Anguwan Fadama, Kuta.

Intelligence reports had indicated that Gamboli is a major supplier of illicit drugs to bandits operating in Shiroro local government area.

Meanwhile, NDLEA officers in Abia on Thursday 11th December raided a clandestine codeine syrup-manufacturing factory at Amapu Igbengwo Village, Umuakpara, in Osisioma local government area of the state.

During the operation, operatives recovered a total of 9,015 bottles of codeine syrup weighing 1,152.2kg.

In Enugu State, operatives on Thursday 11th December arrested Ossai Emeka, 45, along Onitsha – Enugu Ezike road with 7.2kg skunk, while Enoje Agada, 40, was nabbed along Enugu-Ezike -Ette Road with 94.6kg of same psychoactive substance.

A raid carried out by NDLEA operatives at a notorious drug joint known as “Beere the California” at Ido in Oyo State on Thursday 11th December led to the seizure of 3.4kg skunk, 1.6kg Colorado, a synthetic cannabis and 400grams of methamphetamine.

The owner of the drug joint identified as “Idowu the killer” is currently at large while a suspect, Ajibade Faruk, was nabbed at the joint. Another operation at Idi Oro, Elekuro, Ibadan on Friday 12th December led to the arrest of Olusanya Abosede, 35, and the seizure of 238.4kg skunk.

While the duo of Bashiru Babalola, 43, and Ugunwale Ranti, 50, were arrested on Wednesday 10th December at Gbaji checkpoint, Seme Road Badagry, Lagos with 50,000 pills of tramadol 250mg, NDLEA operatives in Ogun State arrested two suspects – Akinwale Makanjuola and Joseph Owolabi – with 73kg skunk at Iperu just as another suspect Wasiu Lateef was nabbed with 25kg of same substance at Oke Agbede, Imeko area of the state on Tuesday 9th December.

In Ondo State, NDLEA officers acting on credible intelligence on Monday 10th December raided a compound in Ogbese, Akure North local government area, where they arrested a 55-year-old woman Veronica Obi and her 29-year-old son Bright Obi, and recovered 1,187 kilograms of skunk and its seeds from them.

A suspect Ohiomah Igbafe, 44, was arrested during a raid operation at Uroe community, Owan East local government area of Edo State, where 461kg skunk and its seeds were recovered on Tuesday 9th December.

In Gombe State, a suspect Muhammed Sani (alias Sha-Mu-Sha), 50, was arrested with 40,000 capsules of tramadol at Tunfure area, Gombe, while two other suspects – Muhammad Abdullahi (a.k.a Sakalala), 52, and Muhammed Hamza (a.k.a Mamman), 32 – were nabbed at Ashaka Jalingo, with 56kg skunk on Monday 8th December.

No fewer than 907 pills of tramadol, tapentadol, cocodamol, amitriptyline and bromazepam  concealed in containers of local black soap, and designer wears, in six different consignments going to the US, Canada and Sweden were intercepted and seized by NDLEA operatives at two major courier companies in Lagos between Tuesday 9th and Wednesday 10th December 2025.

At the Apapa seaport in Lagos, NDLEA officers on Saturday 13th December intercepted a consignment of 170,000 bottles of codeine syrup weighing 23,579kg during a joint examination of a container with men of Customs Service and other security agencies.

In like manner, commands and formations of the agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, sensitization activities to schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week.

These include WADA enlightenment lecture to students and staff of Community Senior Secondary School, Sheme, Katsina; Government College, Tudun Wada Dankade, Kano; and Methodist High School, Makurdi, Benue, while the Enugu state command of the Agency paid a WADA advocacy visit to Igwe Ikechukwu Samuel Asadu, Chairman, Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers.

While commending the officers and men of DOGI, Niger, Abia, Oyo, Enugu, Seme, Ogun, Ondo, Gombe, Apapa and Edo Commands for the arrests, seizures and their dexterity, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) enjoined them and their colleagues across the country to continue with the ongoing balanced approach to the drug control efforts of the agency.

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The Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, CSP Nafi’u Abubakar, made the disclosure in a statement issued in Birnin Kebbi on Saturday.

Abubakar said the incident occurred on Friday night at about 8:20 p.m., when a gang of armed men stormed Bagudo town and kidnapped the lawmaker shortly after observing Isha’i prayer on his way home.

He said that the command had since deployed a combined team of police tactical unit, military personnel and vigilantes to track down the abductors and ensure safe rescue of the deputy speaker.

“The joint team is currently combing the bandits’ routes and nearby forests with a view to rescuing the lawmaker unhurt and arresting the perpetrators of the dastardly act,” Abubakar said.

He added that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Bello Sani, had reiterated the command’s determination to protect the lives and property of residents across the state.

“The CP has also appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to support the police and other security agencies to ensure peace and stability in the state,” the PPRO pleaded.

Source: NAN

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This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Sunday by the acting Director, Information and Public Relations of the council, Azeez Sani.

Sani said the initiative aimed to provide credible and accessible examination opportunities for Nigerians living abroad, especially those who have been unable to complete their secondary education or obtain equivalent qualifications.

He quoted the Registrar and Chief Executive of NECO, Prof. Dantani Wushishi, who unveiled the centre during the “Education Matters Conference UK 2025″, as saying that the initiative was organised to sensitise stakeholders about NECO’s presence in the United Kingdom.

Wushishi said the new centre was established in collaboration with Barnfield Education Ltd., London.

He explained that the London centre represented a strategic expansion to support Nigerians in the diaspora, in line with the federal government’s education policy on inclusivity and global engagement.

He emphasised that NECO’s mission was to make quality education and assessment accessible to all Nigerians, regardless of location.

“Our commitment to full migration to Computer-Based Examination (CBE) is the single most critical strategic objective for NECO’s future and its standing as a world-class assessment body,” Wushishi stated.

He disclosed that NECO’s SSCE was currently administered in seven countries, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with new centres awaiting accreditation in Egypt and Burkina Faso.

According to the registrar, the establishment of the London centre offered far-reaching benefits such as empowering the Nigerian diaspora, elevating national pride, enhancing global standing, and fostering socio-economic gains through education.

Wushishi also noted that NECO certificates were widely recognised by prestigious universities such as Birmingham City University and Leads Trinity University in the UK as well as institutions in the USA, Canada, India, China and Russia.

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In a goodwill message, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, commended NECO for the initiative, describing it as aligned with the ministry’s mandate to ensure educational access for every Nigerian child, including those in the diaspora.

“The Federal Ministry of Education views the diaspora not just as a community to serve, but as a resource to be empowered.

“Every Nigerian student deserves an education that enables them to compete and thrive globally,” Alausa said.

He added that accrediting BEP Education marked the first step in a broader strategy to expand NECO’s reach globally, positioning Nigerian education as a universally respected and accessible brand.

Also, the Director of BEP Education, Dr John Ibanga, highlighted that many Nigerian students in the UK faced challenges within the British education system, particularly those who struggled to attain required GCSE qualifications.

The new NECO SSCE Centre, he said, provided an alternative pathway for such students, offering recognised qualifications for further education and career advancement.

In a related development, Wushishi also led a NECO delegation on a courtesy visit to the Nigerian High Commission in London.

At the event, he briefed officials on the establishment of the examination centre, noting that NECO maintained official communication with Nigerian embassies and high commissions in all countries where it operates, to ensure coordination and transparency.

Responding on behalf of the mission, Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, Head of Political Affairs, commended NECO for the “timely and commendable initiative,” describing it as consistent with Nigeria’s policy on educational inclusivity and diaspora engagement.

Abu-Obe assured NECO of the Mission’s full cooperation in advancing Nigeria’s educational and developmental objectives in the United Kingdom.

Source: NAN

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The defectors are Rep. Abdulkarim Ahmed (Kaduna South Federal Constituency), Rep. Aliyu Abdullahi (Ikara/Kubau Federal Constituency) and Rep. Sadiq Abdullahi (Sabon Gari federal constituency).

Reading their defection letters respectively, the Speaker, House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, during plenary said their defection was due to an internal crisis within the PDP.

“They also highlighted the need to align forces with President Bola Tinubu to deliver the dividends of democracy to their respective constituents.

“The defectors pledged their full commitment to supporting President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.

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“They also pledged to promote unity and sustainable development in Kaduna State under the leadership of the Governo Uba Sani,” Abbas said.

The highlight of the defection was the presence of Kaduna State governor at the plenary.

Source: NAN

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The Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, in the state, CSP Nafi’u Abubakar, disclosed this in a statement issued to newsmen in Birnin Kebbi on Friday.

He said the incident occurred on Friday, at about 12:45 p.m., when the command received credible intelligence that a gang of suspected Lakurawa’ bandits had invaded Gorun Yamma Village in Dandi local government area.

“On the receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), in Kamba, SP Bello Lawal, immediately mobilised a combined team of policemen and vigilantes to the scene.

“The team engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun battle which lasted hours, leading to the neutralisation of three suspected bandits, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds.

“An unregistered red Honda motorcycle popularly known as ‘Boko Haram,’ was also recovered as exhibit from the scene,” Abubakar said.

He quoted the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Bello Sani, as commending the DPO and his team for their bravery and swift response which thwarted the criminals’ plans.

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”Sani urged the operatives to sustain the synergy with vigilantes and other security agencies towards curbing the activities of the Lakurawa terror group and other violent crimes in the state.

“The commissioner directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Birnin Kebbi, for further investigation.

”He reiterated the command’s commitment to the protection of lives and property in the state.

”Sani appealed to residents to continue to support security agencies by reporting suspicious movements to the nearest police formation,” the PRO said.

Source: NAN

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Mr Musikilu Mojeed, President, IPI  Nigeria, raised the alarm at a dinner organised by the institute, to honour one of its members and a retired  Director, Digital Media, Voice of Nigeria (VON) Hajia Hadiza Hussaina Sani, in Abuja on Saturday.

The dinner was organised to honour the media icon for her dedication and service, after clocking mandatory retirement age of 60 years.

The identical twin sister of the celebrator, Hajia Ameena Hassana Sani, equally retired meritoriously from the service of the agency, News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, as a Director.

Speaking at the event, Mojeed, Editor-in-Chief, Premium Times, cited the recent “disturbing” instances of banning of live political programme in Kano State and the arrest of journalists in Ekiti and Niger states.

“Akwa Ibom State Government recently evicted Channels TV crew, a journalist and a cameraman, from the press centre inside Government House, Uyo.

“The repressive action was taken over the publication of a video clip where the governor, eventually confirmed he is defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“A journalist in Kebbi State, Hassan Mai-Waya Kangiwa, was also detained after exposing neglect in a hospital.

“A former “This day” employee, Azuka Ogujiuba, was reportedly arrested and harassed by the Police for doing his job.

“Every single day you wake up, it is one form of harassment or the other against the media,” he said.

Mojeed called for continued advocacy and activism to protect press freedom and promote independent journalism.

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He stressed that efforts to protect journalists’ rights and promote independent journalism are crucial in Nigeria’s media landscape.

Mojeed said Sani’s retirement came at a critical time when the media sector in Nigeria was facing numerous challenges, including harassment, arrests, and censorship.

He noted Sani’s significant contributions to IPI Nigeria, including her role in organising its World Congress as well as her active participation in various committees.

He commended her commitment to promoting press freedom, independent journalism, and the safety of journalists.

Mojeed appealed to the celebrator to continue advocating for press freedom and supporting the work of IPI Nigeria, emphasising that her expertise and experience were invaluable to the organisation.

The Director-General, VON, Mallam Jibrin Ndace, expressed gratitude to IPI Nigeria for recognising Sani’s contributions, stating that the gesture also reflected positively on the entire VON team.

He described Sani as a professional journalist who seamlessly transitioned from traditional journalism to modern digital practices, leading the digital department with innovations and skills.

According to the DG, Sani’s leadership in the digital space kept VON at the forefront of public media institutions and global competitiveness.

He commended her experience, passion, and love for journalism, which he said, enabled her to excel in her role and serve as a role model for younger journalists.

The VON DG emphasised that, “journalism is a marathon, not a sprint”, and Sani’s long-standing career is a testament to her dedication and commitment to the profession.

Mr. Garba Shehu, former Special Adviser on Media to late President Muhammadu Buhari, described the retirement of Sani as a significant loss for the organisation but a potential gain for other sectors of the journalism profession.

Shehu praised her, as “a strong and young professional with much to contribute to journalism.”

He highlighted her unique qualities, particularly her social responsibility, selflessness, and commitment to helping others to succeed.

According to him, Sani embodies the principles of servant leadership, a concept often touted by politicians but rarely exemplified.

“Her legacy as a role model for young journalists and a champion of socially responsible journalism will continue to inspire others in the field,” he said.

Abdulwaheed Odusile, former President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, commended Sanni’s dedication and expertise, which he said, earned her recognition and respect in the industry.

Odusile said he was, particularly impressed by Sani’s dedication and selfless efforts during the IPI World Congress, hosted in Abuja in 2018.

On her part, Sani expressed gratitude to God and her family for their support throughout her 34 years career in public service.

While reflecting on the challenges and rewards of her time in service, she highlighted the importance of dedication, clear vision, and family support.

Sani emphasised the need for media professionals to adapt to new technologies and appreciate their impact on the industry and the society

She stressed that telling a good story starts with understanding oneself and one’s audience.

Despite retiring from active public service, she assured to remain active in the media space, pursuing research, teaching, writing, and lecturing.

“It has been a very difficult, challenging, interesting and rewarding 34 years in service.

“It’s not easy. You have new and great ideas, but some people don’t understand, so they find it a bit difficult to agree with you.

“But if you are consistent, if you have a clear vision of what you want to achieve, and you are dedicated  and resolute, the sky is not the limit.

“I have pulled out from active public service, but have not retired. My brain is still exceptionally active, and I plan to utilise it.

“I’ll be doing a lot of research work and writing, and I won’t get tired of seeing myself in the media space,” she said.

Sani’s dedication to her work and her commitment to excellence have been hallmarks of her career, which started with the Nigeria Television Authority, NTA, before joining VON.

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The attacks left no fewer than 40 persons dead, many others injured, and hundreds displaced in both states.

The charge sheet read that Haruna Adamu, Muhammad Abdullahi of Awe local government area of Nasarawa and others still at large, on June 13, allegedly carried out attacks against the people of Abinsi and Yelwata villages.

The offence, the DSS said, was contrary to and punishable under Section 12 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022.

The two accused persons were said to have conspired with Musa Beniyon, Bako Malowa, Ibrahim Tunga, Asara Ahnadu, Legu Musa, Adamu Yale, Boddi Ayuba, Pyeure Damina and others still at large to carry out the attacks on Yelwata.

In the charge sheet marked FHC/ABJ/CR/449/2025, filed on behalf of the Federal Government by Muhammad Abubakar, the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, DPPF, the two defendants were accused of engaging in a conduct in preparation to commit terrorism.

They allegedly jointly acted with Musa Beniyon, Bako Malowa, Ibrahim Tunga, Asara Ahnadu, Legu Musa, Adamu Yale, Boddi Ayuba and Pyeure Damina and others still at large to commit the terror act in Abinsi and Yelwata.

This, the federal government stated, was contrary to Section 29 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022.

In another charge, two other suspects Terkende Ashuwa and Amos Alede of Guma local government area of Benue were slammed with a three-count charge of allegedly carrying out reprisal attacks against the terror suspects, involved in Abinsi and Yelwata attacks.

In the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/448/2025, the two suspects were accused of attending and participating in a meeting which led to the committing of acts of terrorism, causing destruction to private property resulting in the economic loss of 12 cattle in Ukpam Village in Benue.

The DPP said this act was contrary to Section 12 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022.

In count two, they were said to have in July, at a meeting in Daudu town, Guma local government area, conspired to carry out terrorism act along with others at large, contrary to Section 26 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act.

In count three, the DSS accused the two defendants of knowingly rendering support and receiving material assistance of locally made guns and AK-47 rifles from one Alhaji Uba to commit acts of terrorism that led to the destruction of private property and loss of 12 cattle in Ukpam village, Benue.

This, the charge said, was contrary to Section 13 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act.

In another charge, a 32- year old woman, Halima Haliru-Umar of Faskari local government area of Kastina State was slammed with a four-count charge of terrorism.

This included transporting, in July, 302 rounds of AK-47 rifle live ammunition to bandits, which the service said, was contrary to Section 13 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act.

She was also charged with concealing information about one Alhaji Sani, a suspected gun runner, bandit and kidnapper, information the DSS said, would have led to preventing acts of terrorism.

The DSS also said that her action was contrary to Section 6 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022.

Similarly, a 75 year-old-man, Nanbol Tali and Timnan Manjo, were charged with four counts of allegedly engaging in buying and selling of two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles without license for N3 million.

According to the DSS, the offence is contrary to Section 9 of the Act, and is punishable under Section 27 of the Firearms Act 2024.

They were accused of having a locally fabricated AK-47 rifle in their possession in Manju local government area of Plateau.

They were also charged with buying three long-range revolvers at N60,000 each from one Chomo to resell to bandits.

Danjuma Antu of Jos North local government area of Plateau was charged with five-counts of unlawful possession of two locally fabricated pistols capable of discharging 9mm ammunition caliber.

The DSS said the move was contrary to Section 3 of the Firearms Act 2024 and punishable under section 27.

The DSS also slammed a six-count charge against one Silas Oloche of Agatu local government area of Benue for unlawful possession of 18 firearms (grenades) without licence.

Oloche was said to have been arrested on August 2 with 683 live rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, contrary to Section 8 of the Firearms Act.

No date has however, been fixed to hear the matters.

Source: NAN

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