Lydia Beshel - News Agency Of Nigeria

Lydia Beshel
Mar, Tue, 2025

Shettima urges NASS to shun division, partisanship

NASS

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has charged the National Assembly to uphold good leadership qualities, prioritise unity and national development over political divisions and partisan interests.

He made the call on Monday when President Bola Tinubu hosted the leadership and members of the House of Representatives to Iftar (breaking of Ramadan fast) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Shettima, who spoke on behalf of President Tinubu, also urged lawmakers to embrace their responsibility with humility and a shared commitment to progress.

He said “In the end, history will not judge us by the number of personal battles we fought against one another, but by the bridges we were able to build together.

“We are gathered here this evening not as adversaries in a contest for power, but as partners in the noble task of nation-building.”

Reflecting on the significance of Ramadan, which coincides with the Lenten season, the Vice-President called for deep introspection and a reaffirmation of commitment to Nigeria’s unity.

Shettima said the government’s economic policies were yielding results, adding that the economy has turned the corner.

The Vice-President also lauded the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, and the House leadership for fostering harmony within the legislature.

Shettima urged the leaders to govern with empathy, fairness, and justice, reminding them that their positions were a sacred trust of the Nigerian people.

“Leadership is not about personal gain; it is about service. It is a burden vested in us by God, tested by history, and measured by the impact we leave behind,” he said.

Earlier, Abbas thanked President Tinubu for the invitation to break fast with him and for always showing respect and concern for the House of Representatives.

“As we all know, the month of Ramadan entails many things, one of them is reflection; where were you before, where are you now and where do you want to be?

” I believe Nigeria, more than ever before, needs this type of reflection,” he said.

He implored both Christians and Muslims to dedicate the fasting period to pray for the country.

The Speaker said Nigerians knew what the Tinubu administration had achieved within just two years and the period offered a moment for every Nigerian to reflect and pray for the country.

“Prayers for the economy; prayers for improved security, prayers for the leaders and prayers for the citizens.”

He pledged that every member of the House of Representatives was in support of the President.

He noted that the policies of the government were for the betterment of the people and Nigeria as a country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on behalf of the House of Reps, Abbas donated N705 million to the President.

According to him, the money is a six-month 50 per cent deduction from their salaries to augment the humanitarian engagements of Mr President and to support vulnerable people in the country. (NAN)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

Lydia Beshel
Mar, Sun, 2025

Defence/Security

Navy seizes petrol, foreign rice in Lagos

Navy

By Raji Rasak

The Forward Operating Base (FOB) Badagry of the Nigerian Navy has intercepted 13,800 litres of petrol and 71 bags of foreign rice in multiple operations along Badagry creeks.

The Commanding Officer of FOB Badagry, Navy Captain Oyeleye Omotayo, in a statement on Sunday in Badagry, Lagos State, confirmed that the seizures occurred between March 7 and 14.

He said naval operatives acted on intelligence received about suspected smugglers operating in the area, leading to the interception of the items during separate operations.

“In continuation of the fight against smuggling within our Area of Operation in Badagry, a target operation was launched on Friday, March 14, at 2:54 a.m.,” Omotayo said

He added that the operation focused on intercepting smugglers and confiscating products intended for illegal export.

“The smugglers initially evaded our water patrol, but were intercepted by our land patrol unit around 3:30 a.m.

“During the operation, 71 bags of foreign rice were found being smuggled. The items were seized, while the suspects fled upon sighting our patrol at 4:22 a.m.,” he said.

He noted that the seized rice has been taken to the base for further necessary action in accordance with procedures.

He said that on the same day, the intelligence team received a report at 12:15 a.m. about petrol being stockpiled at a beach near Bollington in Badagry creeks.

The intelligence indicated that the products were to be smuggled by wooden boats through Nigeria’s territorial waters into Benin Republic.

“Our team swiftly responded to the intelligence and moved to the location.

“Upon arrival, four vehicles intended for smuggling were found at the shoreline, but the suspects escaped with their keys,” he said

While searching the area, 234 jerry cans of 25 litres each, totalling about 5,850 litres of petrol, were discovered and taken to the base.

He further disclosed that 7,770 litres of petrol were also seized in other operations conducted in Badagry communities.

“On March 7, 6,770 litres of petrol in 30 and 40-litre jerry cans were seized at a filling station, along with 188 empty jerry cans.

“On March 8, 40 jerry cans of 25 litres each, totalling about 1,000 litres of petrol, were seized at Farasime community, based on intelligence from Tongeji Island,” he said

He confirmed that the 7,950 litres of petrol seized from two filling stations and Tongeji Island on March 7 and 8, respectively, were handled lawfully.

“This was to prevent the illegal products from re-entering circulation within our operational area,” he said.

Omotayo affirmed that the Navy is increasing efforts to combat smuggling and criminal activities along the Badagry-Porto Novo creeks.

“In line with the Federal Government’s directive and Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla’s Strategic Directive 2023-06, FOB Badagry has intensified operations, achieving multiple successes,” he said.

He warned all perpetrators, collaborators, and sponsors of illegal activities to desist or face the full weight of the law.

He assured sister agencies, particularly the Nigeria Customs Service, of the Navy’s continued cooperation, as well as support for the host community. (NAN)
Edited by Stanley Nwanosike / Kamal Tayo Oropo

Lydia Beshel
Mar, Fri, 2025

General News

NAHCON approves Max Air for 2025 Hajj

Max Air

By Muhammad Nasir Bashir

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has approved Max Air to transport intending pilgrims from Jigawa for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.

The Director-General of the Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Ahmed Labbo, announced this in a statement signed by the Board’s spokesman, Mr Habibu Yusuf, on Thursday in Dutse.

“NAHCON has officially appointed Max Air as the designated airline for airlifting Jigawa State pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj,” Labbo stated.

He explained that the decision followed a management meeting and the signing of an agreement with airlines at NAHCON headquarters in Abuja.

Labbo expressed satisfaction with NAHCON’s extensive preparations and assured that all necessary arrangements had been made for a smooth journey for the pilgrims.

He added that the travelling bags and uniforms for the state’s intending pilgrims are ready for collection.

Labbo further reassured the intending pilgrims of a seamless experience at home and abroad.

According to him, selecting Max Air as an air carrier for the 2025 Hajj reflects NAHCON’s commitment to safety, efficiency, and comfort for all pilgrims.

Labbo also commended Gov. Umar Namadi for his continued support and leadership, which have made the board’s operations transformative and successful. (NAN)

Edited by Yinusa Ishola / Kamal Tayo Oropo

Our reforms will protect interests of future generations – Tinubu

Lydia Beshel
Mar, Fri, 2025

Economy/Business

Our reforms will protect interests of future generations – Tinubu

Generation

By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu says the rationale behind his administration’s economic reforms is to protect the interests of future generations.

“For 50 years, Nigeria was spending money of generations yet unborn and servicing the West Coast of our subregion with fuel. It was getting difficult to plan for our children’s future,” he said.

He made these remarks at the State House while receiving a delegation of former National Assembly colleagues from the aborted Third Republic, during which he served as a Senator representing Lagos West.

The President highlighted the challenges faced at the beginning of his administration, especially economic and social issues, and expressed his gratitude for the delegation’s support in addressing these difficulties.

“We faced serious headwinds when I took over, very challenging times. Nigeria would have been bankrupt if we had not taken the actions that we took, and we had to prevent the economy’s collapse,” he said.

President Tinubu declared that the administration had been able to stem the tide and expressed appreciation to Nigerians for their collective support in turning things around.

“Today, we are sitting pretty on a good foundation. We have reversed the problem; the exchange rate is stabilising.

“Food prices are coming down, especially during Ramadan. We will have light at the end of the tunnel,” said the President.

He said firm adherence to democratic tenets was the best route to economic, social, and political development.

“I am happy that you are holding to your belief in democracy. I thank you for keeping faith and remembering how we started. Some people missed the ball.

“Some leadership failed, but we kept the faith with our democratic beliefs and freedom and the right to aspire to the highest office in the land. I am benefitting from it,” Tinubu stated.

Sen. Emmanuel Nwaka, who spoke on behalf of the group, expressed his delight at some of the programmes that the Tinubu administration had implemented, especially the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP).

“I appreciate you for what you are giving to students because the student population is the largest demographic in the country. I’ve spoken with many of them, and many have benefited from it.

“And the next one is the CREDICORP. That’s a major way of fighting corruption.

“You see a young man, you come out of school, you want to buy a car, you have to put down cash, you want to buy a house, and you are not married, but with the CREDICORP, you can get things done.

“I’m following their activities; we are delighted,” he said.

Other members of the delegation were Sen. Bako Aufara Musa, Hon. Terwase Orbunde, Hon. Wasiu Logun, Hon. Amina Aliyu, High Chief Obi Anoliefo and Hon. Eze Nwauwa. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Troops ambush bandits, neutralise 3 in Chikun LGA

Lydia Beshel
Mar, Thu, 2025

Defence/Security

Troops ambush bandits, neutralise 3 in Chikun LGA

Bandits
By Mohammed Tijjani

The Troops of Sub-Sector 4, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, on Tuesday, ambushed bandits and neutralised three of them, off the Kaduna-Abuja highway.

Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Lt-Col. Musa Yahaya, confirmed the development in a statement issued in Kaduna.

Yahaya said, “In a well-coordinated operation on Tuesday , troops of Sub-Sector 4, Operation FANSAN YAMMA successfully neutralised three Violent Extremists and Insurgents (VEIs) in an ambush at an area near Ngwagi Hill, Gwagwada Community, off the Kaduna – Abuja highway in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State.”

The spokesman said that the success of the operation was based on response to credible intelligence that the VEI were sighted near Ngwagi Hill.

He said that troops were immediately deployed on long-range fighting patrol to the likely road-crossing point of the insurgents.

According to him the troops got to the location at about 5.30 p.m. on the same date and successfully launched the ambush, which effectively neutralised three armed members of the criminal group.

“During the operation, troops also recovered a cache of arms and ammunition, including two AK-47 rifles, eight AK-47 rifle magazines, 374 rounds of 7.62mm x 39 special ammunition and 88 rounds of 7.62mm x 54 NATO ammunition.

Other items recovered were one Infinix mobile phone, medical supplies, clothings, and dry rations, ” Yahaya said.

He said that the success of the operation was a testament to the troops’ high fighting morale and combat efficiency.

“This achievement is also as a result of the effective collaboration between the military and intelligence agencies, which provided credible intelligence that informed the operation.

He said the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division, Nigerian Army, and Commander Sector 1 Joint Task Force Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Maj.-Gen. Mayirenso Saraso, commended the troops for their resilience and successful conduct of the operation.

He charged the troops not to relent on their oars until all criminal elements operating in the Division and the Sector’s area of operational responsibility were neutralised. (NAN)
Edited by Bayo Sekoni

Prisoners on death row rise by 98 in 6 months- NCoS Acting C-G

Lydia Beshel
Mar, Thu, 2025

Defence/Security

Prisoners on death row rise by 98 in 6 months- NCoS Acting C-G

Prisoners

By Naomi Sharang
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), on Wednesday, said that the number of prisoners on death row had risen from 3,590 in September 2024 to 3,688 in March 2025.

This represents a 2.73 per cent increase or addition of 98 prisoners within six months.

The Acting Controller-General of NCoS, Mr Sylvester Nwakuche, gave the figure when he appeared for screening before the Senate Committee on Interior, chaired by Sen. Adams Oshiomhole.

The NCoS also sought strategic collaboration with the Nigeria Police, Department of State Services (DSS); Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) to speed up the wheel of justice in the country.

Nwakuche said that the major challenge facing the correctional service in the country was that of inmates currently awaiting trials.

“That is the major headache we are trying to address on a daily basis,” he said.

The acting comptroller-general pledged to collaborate with other security agencies more strategically to ensure that the issues of awaiting trials inmates were permanently resolved to decongest the country’s prisons .

“This is very important for any establishment to forge ahead. An establishment like correctional centres cannot do anything without collaboration.

“We are the recipient of the products of all the prosecuting agencies,” the acting comptroller-general said.

In his remarks, Chairman, Senate Committee on Interior, Sen. Adams Oshiomhole, said the committee would submit its report based on the performance of the Acting Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS). (NAN)

Edited by Bayo Sekoni

Lydia Beshel
Mar, Thu, 2025

Defence/Security

Police applaud Anambra residents for defying sit-at-home order

Sit-at-home
By Obinna Unaeze

The Police Command in Anambra has commended residents for resisting the Monday sit-at-home order orchestrated by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in the South East.

In a statement released on Wednesday in Awka, the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, lauded the people’s resilience.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the illegal sit-at-home has severely disrupted socioeconomic and academic activities across the region.

The Commissioner of Police (CP) in the state, Ikioye Orutugu, stated that the police had intensified security measures, including the Police Safe School Initiative(PSSI), to combat insecurity.

“I want to thank the people of Anambra for standing up against the illegal sit-at-home order, thereby improving socioeconomic activities,” Orutugu said.

According to him, the PSSI is a proactive strategy aimed at safeguarding schools, students, teachers, and staff.

He also highlighted the negative impact of the sit-at-home order and reassured residents that security agencies had taken control of the streets, particularly on Mondays, to ensure public safety.

Orutugu urged residents to go about their daily activities without fear of harassment. (NAN)
Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

Shettima calls for unity to sustain Tinubu’s reform

Lydia Beshel
Mar, Thu, 2025

General News

Shettima calls for unity to sustain Tinubu’s reform

Unity

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Vice-President Kashim Shettima, has called for unity and collaboration among leaders to sustain the gains of President Bola Tinubu’s reforms.

Shettima made the call during an Iftar hosted by President Tinubu for Senate leaders at the new State House Banquet Hall in Abuja.

Shettima emphasised that Nigeria had reached a crucial point where Tinubu’s bold leadership and well-thought-out policies must be properly executed to create lasting change.

He noted that Nigerians were beginning to see the benefits of these reforms, such as falling food prices, lower petrol costs, and stability in the forex market.

He also highlighted the economy’s projected growth of 4.3 to 4.6 per cent in 2025, commending Tinubu’s “bold vision” and courageous decisions.

Shettima urged political leaders to collaborate in maintaining this momentum, stating that unity was essential for the nation’s progress.

He expressed gratitude to the Senate for its cooperative relationship with the executive branch and urged lawmakers to see themselves as one family, regardless of political affiliation.

“What unites us supersedes whatever divides us,” he said, assuring of continued collaboration between the two arms of government.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio thanked President Tinubu for his support of the 10th Senate and pledged continued cooperation.

He prayed for divine wisdom and good health for both the President and Vice- President, to ensure the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The event was attended by key senators, including Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, and former Senate President Ahmed Lawan.(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Misappropriation: Rivers Assembly invites EFCC, ICPC to investigate Electoral Commission’s Boss

Lydia Beshel
Mar, Thu, 2025

Politics

Misappropriation: Rivers Assembly invites EFCC, ICPC to investigate Electoral Commission’s Boss

Assembly

By Precious Akutamadu

The Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Martins Amaewhule have called on Economics and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offenses Commission(ICPC) to investigate the River Electoral Chairman.

Amaewhule, who is the Speaker of the Assembly, made the remark during the plenary at the Assembly quarters complex in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

He said that the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) Chairman, Justice Adolphus Enebeli (rtd), should be investigated for alleged misappropriation of the Commission’s fund.

He said that it is the duty of the Rivers State Assembly, that enacted the state Independent Electoral Commission law and set up the State Independent Electoral Commission, to exercise oversight over it.

“It is not only constitutional, but it is the convention the world over,” he said.

Amaewhule said that Enebeli and the Commissioners came before the House of Assembly for screening and confirmation and admitted that they were not going to live above the Constitution or the Rivers’ law.

“And it is usually the practice that questions are put forth to them, asking them if they will come before the House when questions are needed to be asked.

“And they also confirmed to us that they will come before the Assembly to answer questions when necessary.

“Today, we are calling on them and they are refusing to honour the summons of this August Assembly.’’

He said that the House is vested with the powers in Section 128 of the state Constitution to invite the commission for investigation, for the chairman and members to answer questions put forward to them.

Amaewhule said that it had become necessary for the house to invite the EFCC and ICPC to assist it, in pursuit of its investigative powers, to find out how funds were spent by the commission.

He said that the crime commissions should also investigate how public funds were expended by the chairman, who is the chief accounting officer of the commission, in a manner that was unknown to the Assembly.

Amaewhule said that there was no approval, no budgetary allocation, no appropriation law, and billions of public funds went down the drain in futile actions.

“It’s important that they come and bring themselves forward for this investigation and that’s exactly what this motion has said,” he explained.

Amaewhule said that the motion and the prayers were voted in favour by the 26 member against nil.

He, however, said that the House did not condemn the refusal of the RSIEC’s chairman and others who failed to subject themselves to investigation by it.

He added that the House had agreed to invite the bankers to the RSIEC to produce the commission’s bank statements from Jan, 1, 2024 till date.

Amaewhule stated that the power to also investigate the government of the River State was rested on the Assembly by virtue of the provisions of Section 128. (NAN)

Edited by Jane-Frances Oraka

EFCC alerts Nigerians on 58 ponzi scheme operators

Lydia Beshel
Mar, Wed, 2025

General News

EFCC alerts Nigerians on 58 ponzi scheme operators

Alert

By Isaac Aregbesola

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has issued a public alert regarding the activities of 58 companies allegedly operating illegal Ponzi schemes under the guise of investment opportunities.

The alert is contaned in a statement issued by the EFCC Spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, in Abuja.

The commission said that the companies were neither registered with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) nor the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), hence, making their operations illegal.

The commission said it has taken legal action against many of the entities, leading to the conviction of five, while another five have pleaded guilty and are awaiting further judicial processes.

The commission listed the companies as Wales Kingdom Capital, Bethseida Group of Companies; AQM Capital Ltd.; Titan Multibusiness Investment Ltd.; Brickwall Global Investment Ltd.; and Farmforte Ltd. & Agro Partnership Tech.

Others are Green Eagles Agricbusiness Solution Ltd.; Richfield Multiconcepts Ltd.; Forte Asset Management Ltd.; (Biss Networks Nigeria Ltd.; S Mobile Netzone Ltd.; Pristine Mobile Network), and Letsfarm Integrated Services.

Others are Bara Finance & Investment Ltd.; Vicampro Farms Ltd.; Brooks Network Ltd.; Gas Station Supply Services Ltd.; Brass & Books Ltd.; (Annexation Biz Concept & Maitanbuwal Global Venturescrowdyvest Ltd.) and Crowdyvest Ltd.

Also listed are Jadek Agro Connect Ltd.; Adeeva Capital Ltd.; Oxford International Group and Oxford Gold Integrated; Skapomah Global Ltd.; MBA Trading & Capital Investment Ltd.; TRJ Company Ltd.; and Farm4Me Agriculture Ltd.

Others are Quintessential Investment Company; deprinz Global Enterprises; Rockstar Establishment Ltd.; SU.Global Investment; Citi Trust Funding PLC; Farm Buddy; Eatrich 369 Farms & Food; and Globertrot Farmsponsors Nig. Ltd.

The commission also listed Farm Sponsors Ltd.; Cititrust Credit Ltd.; Farmfunded Agroservices Ltd.; Adamakin Investment & Works Ltd.; ititrust Holding PLC; Green Eagles Agribusiness Solutions Ltd.; and Chinmark Homes & Shelters Ltd.

Others include Emerald Farms & Consultant Ltd.; Ovaioza Farm Produce Storage Ltd.; Farm 360 & Agriculture Company; Requid Technologies Ltd.; West Agro Agriculture & Food Processing Ltd.

Others are NISL Ventures Ltd. & Estate of Laolu Martins; XY Connect Investment Ltd.; River Branch Unique Investment Ltd.; Hallmark Capital Ltd.; CJC Markets Ltd.; Crowd One Investment; and Farmkart Foods Ltd.

The commission also listed KD Likemind Stakeholders Ltd.; Holibiz Finance Ltd.; Ifeanyi Okpe Oil & Gas Services; Servapps Nigeria Ltd.; Barrick Gold Mining Company and 360 Agric Partners Ltd.

The anti graft agency assured the public of its continued vigilance in monitoring financial activities across the nation.

The commission said it remains committed to identifying and prosecuting opportunistic and predatory operators who exploit unsuspecting investors.

It advised Nigerians to exercise caution when investing and verify the legitimacy of investment firms through appropriate regulatory agencies before engaging in any financial transactions.(NAN)

Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Sadiya Hamza