NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
No community invaded, under siege in Enugu—Police

No community invaded, under siege in Enugu—Police

276 total views today

Community

By Stanley Nwanosike

The Police Command in Enugu State says no part of the state or community including Eha-Amufu has been invaded, under siege or its residents displaced recently.

The Spokesman of the Command, SP. Daniel Ndukwe, on Wednesday in a statement in Enugu, said that the Command was aware of a spurious online report alleging that herdsmen had taken over homes and schools in Eha-Amufu community.

Ndukwe said that after a diligent review, the Command declared the report as “baseless, mischievous, and a calculated attempt to mislead the public and instill fear.”

According to him, the farm settlements allegedly overrun by herdsmen are temporary dwellings used by farmers who periodically return to their permanent residences in their villages.

Ndukwe noted that available records indicated that farmers were temporarily displaced from these farm settlements during farmer-herder clashes sometimes in 2021 and 2022.

He said that peace and order had since been restored to Eha-Amufu through joint security operations contrary to the misleading report.

“The Police Command particularly acknowledges the intentional and intensive interventions of the Government of Enugu State to enhance security, especially in Eha-Amufu community and its adjoining communities under the leadership of Gov. Peter Mbah.

“These efforts include deploying 150 military personnel and well-equipped Special Forces, establishing security agency barracks, and constructing the nearly completed 21.7km Agape-Agu-Mgbuji-Ogbete access road leading to some farm settlements in the community.

“Regrettably, the medium that published the report ignored these facts and timelines, using unrelated pictures to support its sensational claims.

“After diligent forensic and digital fact-checking, it was discovered that the images were taken from old reports on incidents in neighboring states and other locations, then mischievously repurposed to mislead the public,” he said.

According to him, pictures of burnt houses posted by Amnesty International in condemnation of the Feb. 4, attack on the Nkalaeha community in a neighboring state have been falsely misrepresented in the report as a recent occurrence in Eha-Amufu farm settlements.

The spokesman said that the Commissioner of Police, Mr Mamman Giwa, had urged the public to disregard the unfounded report.

He said that the commissioner reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the police and other security agencies to maintaining law, order, and security across the state.

“The command calls on citizens, particularly those in the allegedly affected communities of Eha-Amufu in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area, to remain law-abiding, cooperate with security agencies, and report any genuine security concerns through official channels.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

NSE lauds Tinubu on appointment of seasoned professionals at NNPC Ltd

NSE lauds Tinubu on appointment of seasoned professionals at NNPC Ltd

271 total views today

Appointment

By Angela Atabo

The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing seasoned professionals to lead the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC).

NSEs’ President, Margaret Oguntala, stated this in a statement on Wednesday, in Abuja, describing the move as “putting the right peg in the right hole.”

Oguntala praised Tinubu for ensuring that individuals with vast engineering, technical and leadership experience would manage affairs in the NNPC Ltd.

She emphasised that the new leadership would usher in a transformative era for NNPC Ltd, fostering efficiency, transparency, and innovation in the oil and gas sector.

“NSE extends heartfelt congratulations to President Tinubu, on the appointment of Bashir Bayo Ojulari, as the new Group Chief Executive Officer.

“Ahmadu Musa Kida, as Non-Executive Chairman of NNPC Ltd and other board members.

“This significant decision underscores the President’s unwavering commitment to revitalising NNPC Ltd and enhances the energy security of Nigeria through the oil and gas sector.

“I commend President Tinubu for ensuring that individuals with vast engineering, technical, and leadership experience are at the helm of NNPC Ltd,’’ she said.

She said that the move aligned with global best practices in energy governance.

Oguntala said that the strategic appointment was pivotal to achieving sustainable energy security, infrastructural growth, and economic development.

She further expressed optimism that the new leadership would usher in a transformative era for NNPC Ltd, fostering efficiency, transparency, and innovation in the oil and gas sector.

She said that NSE remained committed to supporting the administration’s drive toward national development and energy sustainability.

According to her, NSE looks forward to a fruitful collaboration with NNPC Ltd under its new leadership.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Kevin Okunzuwa

Okpebholo pledges compensation for Uromi 16 victims

Okpebholo pledges compensation for Uromi 16 victims

323 total views today

Compensation

By Aminu Garko

Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo has pledged to compensate the families of the 16 slain hunters allegedly murdered by a vigilante group at Uromi, Edo while on their way to Kano.

He made the pledge when, in the company of his Kano State counterpart, Abba Yusuf, paid a condolence visit to the families of the late hunters at Torankawa in Kano State.

”We are making arrangements to provide compensation to all the victims affected by this incident”, he said.

Okpebholo commended the people of Kano State for remaining calm in spite of the situation.

”I also commend the good people of Kano State and the entire north for not taking the law into their own hands  and carrying out reprisal attacks,” he said.

He prayed  for the repose of the souls  of the late hunters.

” We are here to commiserate with the  families of the dead.

“We assure you that the perpetrators  will be brought to justice.

” May Almighty God forgive the souls of the victims and reward them with paradise,” he said

The Edo governor said that already arrests had been made.

“About 14 suspects have been arrested already; we will pursue the case until its logical conclusion.

“We are making arrangements to provide compensation to all the families affected by this incident”, he said.

Earlier, Yusuf, while praying for the souls of the victims, said that all hands were on the deck to ensure that justice prevailed.

” We are working closely with  my counterpart, Gov. Okpebholo to ensure that all those arrested are prosecuted.

” We will also ensure full compensation for all the affected victims”, he said.

” I  pledged cash and food items to the families of victims,” he said .

He  also promised that compensation would be paid to the victims’ families, adding that the government would not relent in pursuing justice for the victims. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bukola  Adetoye/Uche Anunne

NiMet forecasts 3-day sunshine, cloudiness from Tuesday 

NiMet forecasts 3-day sunshine, cloudiness from Tuesday 

293 total views today

Weather

By Gabriel Agbeja

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted sunshine and cloudiness from Tuesday to Thursday across the country.

NiMet’s weather outlook released on Monday predicted sunny skies on Tuesday with few cloud patches over the northern region with chances of isolated thunderstorms over parts of Adamawa, Kaduna and Taraba States later in the day.

According to NiMet, sunny skies with patches of cloud are anticipated over the North Central region with slim chances of isolated thunderstorms over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi States during the morning hours.

“Later in the afternoon or evening hours, isolated thunderstorms are expected over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Benue, Niger, Plateau and Kwara States.

“In the South, there are chances of morning thunderstorms over parts of Cross River and Akwa Ibom States.

“Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms are expected over parts of Imo, Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Abia, Anambra, Delta, Lagos, Rivers, Cross River, Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom States,” it said.

According to NiMet, sunny skies with few clouds are anticipated over northern region on Wednesday with prospects of isolated thunderstorms with or without rains over parts of Kebbi, Zamfara, Taraba, Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa and Kaduna States later in the day.

It anticipated sunny skies with patches of clouds over the North Central region in the morning hours.

” Progressing into the afternoon/evening period, isolated thunderstorms are expected over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Benue, Kwara, Niger, Kogi, Nasarawa and Plateau States.

“In the South, cloudy skies with spells of sunshine are anticipated
with prospects of morning thunderstorms over parts of Ogun, Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers and Bayelsa states.

“In the afternoon/evening hours, isolated thunderstorms are expected over parts of Ekiti, Osun, Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Anambra, Enugu, Lagos, Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Delta States,” it said.

The agency envisaged sunny skies on Thursday with few patches of clouds over the northern region in the morning hours with prospects of isolated thunderstorms over parts of Taraba in the afternoon and evening period.

“Sunny skies with patches of clouds are expected over the North Central region in the morning hours.

“Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms are anticipated over parts of the Benue, Kwara and Kogi States.

“In the South, cloudy skies with spells of sunshine are anticipated with chances of isolated thunderstorms over parts of Cross River, Rivers, Lagos, Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom States during the morning hours.

“Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms are expected over parts of Ekiti, Osun, Oyo, Ondo, Ogun, Ebonyi, Imo, Abia, Edo, Lagos, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Delta and River States,” it said.

NiMet urged people to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, stay in well-ventilated and cool spaces as temperatures are high over most parts of the country, putting people at risk of heat stress.

It advised the public to get vaccinated against meningitis, practice good hygiene by washing hands regularly, avoid overcrowding in small spaces, use a nose mask to reduce chances of infection and avoid close
contact with those affected.

“Avoid peak sun hours (noon to  3pm) and protect yourselves from undue exposure to direct sunlight. Strong winds may precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur, public should take adequate precaution.

“Airline operators are advised to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.

“Residents are advised to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet. Visit our website www.nimet.gov.ng,” it said. (NAN)(www.nanews.ng)
Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

First Lady seeks collective commitment, investment to end TB

First Lady seeks collective commitment, investment to end TB

280 total views today

TB

By Celine-Damilola Oyewole

The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has called for collective commitment and investment in ending the deadly Tuberculosis (TB) disease.

Tinubu,  who is the National and Global Stop TB Champion, made the call in her message on Monday on the occasion of the 2025 TB Day with theme: “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver”.

The first lady called on stakeholders to invest in free treatment for TB patients in order to save lives.

She said that TB treatment in Nigeria was free.

”I urge you to approach any hospital for free tests and treatments.

”The TB menace can be conquered in Nigeria and globally if necessary actions are taken towards combating it.

“Today, I join the global community in reaffirming our commitment to ending one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases, TB.

“Tuberculosis is curable, and early treatment saves lives,” she said.

The first lady urged those who have persistent coughs which have lasted more than two weeks, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, or fever, to visit the nearest health facility for free TB testing and treatment.

She enjoined all Nigerians to take TB seriously and go for proper treatment immediately they suspect any symptoms or are directed to do so.

“We are reminded that winning the fight against TB is possible when we unite our efforts, invest in proven solutions, and ensure the delivery of life-saving interventions to all who need them.

“As the National and Global Stop TB Champion, I take this responsibility with deep personal commitment. The fight against TB is not just a policy issue, it is personal,” she said.

NAN reports that the day, observed annually on March 24, amplifies the urgency of ending tuberculosis—the world’s deadliest infectious disease.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) said that the African region recorded the steepest decline globally in tuberculosis (TB) deaths since 2015, inspite of falling short of key milestones to significantly lower the burden of the disease and end its toll on health and lives.

Deaths from TB fell by 42 per cent between 2015 and 2023 while cases declined by 24 per cent over the same period, according to the WHO Global TB Report 2024. 

The reductions were mainly due to increased efforts by countries to reinforce case detection and provision of treatment, thus averting deaths.

About 1.9 million cases were detected in 2023 compared with 1.4 million in 2020.

Over the same period, the WHO said, treatment coverage rose from 55 per cent to 74 per cent across the region.

NAN also reports that the the report showed that Nigeria ranked first in Africa and sixth globally among the 30 high burden tuberculosis countries.

According to the report, 499,000 Nigerians developed TB in 2023, with more than 400,000 cases identified and treated in 2024, translating to 79 per cent treatment coverage. (NAN)

edited by Sadiya Hamza

CJ creates Insolvency Unit in Federal High Court for efficient, service delivery

CJ creates Insolvency Unit in Federal High Court for efficient, service delivery

433 total views today

Insolvency

By Taiye Agbaje

The Chief Judge (CJ) of the Federal High Court (FHC), Justice John Tsoho, has created an Insolvency Unit for the court to ensure efficient service delivery.

The Chief Registrar of FHC, Sulaiman Hassan, made this known in a statement on Sunday night in Abuja.

Hassan said the creation of the unit was done pursuant to the provisions of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), 2020, and Assets, Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) Act, 2019 (as amended).

He said the creation was also in line with the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) Act, 2024, and the Bankruptcy Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2010.

“The functions of the Insolvency Unit are to oversee the effective implementation of the provisions of the above enactments as it relates to Company Voluntary Arrangements (CVA), Administration, Receivership, Winding Up and various forms of restructuring of companies.

“The unit is created in line with global best practices on Insolvency and to also provide specialised and standardised services on insolvency matters.

“It also offers insolvency practitioners, a dedicated channel for supervisory and enforcement services,” he said.

According to him, this is a milestone in the quest for modernisation and updating insolvency practice and proceedings in Nigeria.

He said the unit would also offer fast-track services required in the implementation of its mandate.(NAN)

Police arrest 3 over kidnap of Owerri resident

Police arrest 3 over kidnap of Owerri resident

602 total views today

Kidnap

By Peter Okolie

Operatives of Imo Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit have arrested three suspects for conspiracy and kidnapping of Mr Sabinus Ibe, aged 48, from Owerri.

The suspects, Favour Dike, 22, Ifeanyi Kingsley, 30, and Wisdom Chikodi, 31, were arrested on March 18 after detailed investigations and operations.

Police spokesman DSP Henry Okoye confirmed the development in a statement on Sunday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ibe was abducted on Feb. 22 at about 8:00 p.m. in Egbu, Owerri.

“He was forcibly taken to an unknown location by the kidnappers,” Okoye said. A ransom was then demanded and paid via a POS transaction.

The payment was traced to a Moniepoint account (8213707568) operated by Dike at Timber and Allied Market, Owerri North Local Government Area.

Okoye stated that Dike admitted receiving ₦2 million on Kingsley’s instructions, a trader in Timber and Allied Market, Naze, Owerri.

Kingsley confessed to providing Dike’s POS account at the request of Chikodi, a known member of the kidnapping syndicate.

Chikodi, from Umuezuo Ekwereazu in Ahiazu Local Government Area, allegedly played a key role in planning the kidnapping.

Further investigations led to Chikodi’s arrest in his hotel room at New Owerri, according to Okoye.

Chikodi then guided operatives to Old Township Stadium, Tetlow Road, where gang members fled, abandoning an ash-coloured Toyota Camry 2.4 model.

Okoye confirmed that a search of the vehicle revealed two pump-action rifles, a locally made gun, and 18 live cartridges.

Additional arrests were made as police continued to pursue fleeing suspects involved in the kidnapping.

Okoye reiterated Commissioner of Police Mr Aboki Danjuma’s commitment to tackling crime and ensuring public safety across Imo.

He assured that the suspects would be arraigned after investigations, with efforts ongoing to apprehend remaining gang members.

Okoye urged the public to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or call 08034773600. (NAN)
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Policeman shoots officer’s wife, injures 2 others in Calabar

Policeman shoots officer’s wife, injures 2 others in Calabar

365 total views today

Killing
By Ehigimetor Igbaugba

An inspector attached to the Police Command in Cross River has allegedly killed a woman and injured two others in sporadic fatal shootings on Sunday.

The  spokesperson of the command, SP Irene Ugbo, confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria  (NAN) in Calabar on Sunday.

She said that the policeman acted strangely before the shootings.

Ugbo said the officer, who was attached to Atakpa Divisional Police Station, had returned from a night beat at a microfinance bank before the shootings.

She, however, said the police had arrested the suspect while the two injured victims were receiving medical attention.

NAN gathered that the officer started behaving strangely when he returned from night duty.

“He blocked the gate of the station and refused everyone exit and entry into the facility.

“All efforts to disarm him through peaceful dialogue proved abortive.

“Tactical teams were mobilised to the scene, and he became apprehensive and started shooting sporadically.

“In the process, he shot three persons, including the deceased aged 41 years and wife of a retired police officer as well as two others,” a source told NAN.(NAN)
(Edited by Bukola Adetoye/Mufutau Ojo)

Suspected Indian lady arrested for drug trafficking at Kano airport

Suspected Indian lady arrested for drug trafficking at Kano airport

472 total views today

Heroin

By Ibironke Ariyo

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA), has intercepted a 42-year-old Indian lady at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, (MAKIA), Kano, with 72 parcels of heroin.

A statement by NDLEA’s Director, Media And Advocacy, Mr Femi Babafemi on Sunday in Abuja said that the prohibited substances were factory sealed in wafer wraps and packaged as chocolates.

Babafemi said that the class A drug consignment weighing a total of 11 kilograms was recovered from her luggage after a thorough search.

This, he said followed credible intelligence, during an inward clearance of Qatar Airways flight QR1431 from Bangkok, Thailand via Vietnam and Doha at the arrival hall of the Kano airport on Friday, March 14.

Babafemi said that the arrest of the suspect signified a growing attempt by drug trafficking organisations to hire white ladies and foreign nationals to move illicit drugs through the Nigerian borders.

“A bid that vigilant NDLEA operatives have consistently frustrated with the aid of modern technological tools and proactive intelligence, “he said.

In another interdiction operation in Kano, NDLEA officers on Thursday, March 20 arrested a 45-year-old male suspect with a 50-litre steel gas cylinder at Gadar Tamburawa, along Zaria- Kano road.

“Based on credible intelligence, welding tools were later used to cut the giant cylinder after which 50,000 pills of tramadol 225mg concealed in it were extracted,”he said.

“Meanwhile, a 40-year-old male was nabbed at Gunduwawa area of Kano on Wednesday, March 19 with 27kg skunk, a strain of cannabis.”

Babafemi said that another female suspect was arrested with 424 bottles of codeine-based syrup at Lungun Bulala Yalwa area of the state on Tuesday.

“Also, two male suspects were also nabbed with 67.5kg skunk in Mushin, Lagos state.

“100.8kg of same psychoactive substance was recovered from the store of two fleeing suspects in Anifowoshe area of Mushin.

“Another suspect was also arrested in Apapa with 4.5kg skunk; 600grams of tramadol 225mg and 30litres of codeine syrup on Tuesday.

“Another suspect also was arrested same day in Ikotun area of the state with different quantities of cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine, “he said.

Across the country, Babafemi said that NDLEA Commands and formations continued to intensify their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) social advocacy sensitisation.

He also added that the agency engaged in  sensitisation in schools, markets, motor parts, work places and worship centres in the past week.

This, he said included: WADA sensitisation lecture to students and staff of Chrisland School, Ikeja, Lagos; Hakimi Secondary School, Mokwa, Niger state; Marist Comprehensive College, Nteje, Anambra state.

“Others are Ikole City College, Ikole Ekiti, Ekiti state; Government Day Secondary School, Sunane, Sokoto state; and Government Day Secondary School, Jada, Adamawa state, among others,”he said.

Babafemi quoted the NDLEA chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa as commending the officers and men of MAKIA, Lagos, and Kano Commands of the agency for the arrests and seizures.

Marwa noted with satisfaction the balance in drug supply and demand reduction efforts of all the formations nationwide, even as he charged them not to relent.(NAN)

Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Kevin Okunzuwa

Stakeholders hail Nigeria‘s efforts at aviation safety

Stakeholders hail Nigeria‘s efforts at aviation safety

465 total views today

Safety

By Itohan Abara-Laserian

Some aviation stakeholders have expressed satisfaction at the efforts of the Federal Government in ensuring air transport safety.

The stakeholders made their views known in interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

They advised the government to intensify efforts at aviation safety.

A former spokesman for the Federal Airports Authority (FAAN), Mr Yakubu Dati, told NAN that FAAN and the Nigerian Airspace Management Authority (NAMA) had shown commitment to improved air transport.

According to Dati, Nigeria has recorded reduced air incidents.

He expressed delight at inter-agency collaboration in the aviation sector.

He praised the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, for efforts in taking Nigeria’s aviation industry to greater heights.

“I want to commend the aviation authorities for collaborating and ensuring that safety remains a priority because, at the end of the day, aviation is hinged on safety.

“However, more needs to be done, of course, in line with International Civil Aviation Organisation standards to be able to ensure that we operate on the same platform with others.

“I also want to commend FAAN for mainstreaming the issue of training.

“It is when you have a trained manpower that you will be able to compete and operate internationally, especially in the area of safety and security,” Dati said.

Mr Ekip Eso, the President of Akwacross Aviation Professionals Association, hailed NCAA for effective regulatory functions.

Eso said that FAAN was ensuring that airport runways were intact, carrying out rehabilitation when necessary.

“The runway has been de-rubberised. FAAN ensures removal of aircraft tyre coatings from the runway because, for every aircraft landing, the tyres are coating on the runway.

“That coating is being removed, which is called de-rubberising. This will enhance the friction.

“On the side of NAMA, it is working on navigational services, it is training and re-training air traffic controllers.

“It has worked on its radios, navigational facilities are up to date, they are all functioning.

“When you aggregate all these functions, it will sum up to what Nigeria is doing to ensure a safe airspace,” he said.

Eso, however, urged more trainings for aviation personnel and procurement of all relevant equipment.

The Chairman of Air Peace Ltd., Dr Allen Onyema, had at a recent event to mark the 25th anniversary of the NCAA, said that the authority’s thorough and safety-centred oversight function had directly impacted the safety records of Nigerian airlines.

According to Onyema, as Nigeria strives to position itself as a leading force in global civil aviation, it should acknowledge its giant strides.

“Focus on safety has directly influenced the excellent safety records of Nigerian airlines,” he said.

According to NAMA’s Managing Director, Mr Umar Farouk, the authority has successfully installed the Instrument Landing System in some airports to ensure seamless navigation.

Farouk, represented by NAMA’s Director of Air Traffic Services, Mr John Tayo, told a stakeholders meeting recently that the agency had also resolved an issue with radio frequencies 127.3 and 120.9 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

Also, the Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, said that de-rubberisation of runways across the country had been a top priority of FAAN to ensure safety.

“We have also deployed additional equipment for friction testing,” Kuku said at the stakeholders meeting.

She added that FAAN had made significant progress in wildlife management although still faced with bird strikes. (NAN)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

X
Welcome to NAN
Need help? Choose an option below and let me be your assistant.
Email SubscriptionSite SearchSend Us Email