Category: Nigerian Tribune

Nigeria Police Force has arrested 96 suspects and rescued 42 kidnapped victims in intelligence-led operations conducted across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory between September 26 and October 2, 2026.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Ineidu, disclosed this in the weekly operational report of the Force.

According to him, the operations also led to the recovery of 16 firearms, 31 rounds of live ammunition and 16 vehicles, while two armed suspects were killed during the operations.

He said the operations were conducted under the strategic leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, as the Force sustained its intelligence-led and community-based policing strategy.

Ineidu said the 96 suspects were arrested in connection with various offences, including kidnapping, armed robbery, homicide, banditry, cultism, terrorism, cattle rustling and other criminal activities.

He said the achievements went beyond statistics, noting that the operations had resulted in the rescue of victims, disruption of criminal networks and improved security in affected communities.

According to the report, police operatives, tactical teams and personnel of the Nigerian Army in Sokoto State foiled a bandit attack and rescued 30 kidnapped victims.

The bandits had reportedly blocked Katuru Village Junction and attacked vehicles conveying passengers returning from the weekly market at Tidibale Village before abducting them.

The security operatives engaged the attackers in a gun duel, forcing them to flee into a nearby forest and abandon their victims.

The 30 victims were rescued unhurt, while two persons who sustained gunshot wounds were taken to hospital for treatment.

In Rivers State, police operatives attached to the Eliozu Division intercepted a suspected kidnap gang following a high-speed chase towards Rumuokoro.

The operatives rescued a kidnapped victim and arrested one suspect, while an AK-47 rifle, three rounds of live ammunition and a tricycle were recovered.

In Gombe State, a joint operation by the police, military, Department of State Services, hunters and vigilantes in Ribado Ward, through Bajoga in Funakaye Local Government Area, led to the arrest of four suspects and rescue of two kidnapped victims.

The operation also resulted in the recovery of three motorcycles, while operational pressure reportedly forced fleeing gang members to release another victim the following day.

In Kogi State, joint security forces rescued a telecoms worker who had been abducted by armed kidnappers dressed in military camouflage.

The victim was part of a telecoms mast maintenance team abducted in the Kabba area. Four members of the team had escaped, while the rescued worker remained in captivity.

The security forces sustained bush-combing and rescue operations, forcing the abductors to flee after teargas was deployed and enabling the victim to be rescued unhurt.

In Ondo State, operatives of the State Intelligence-led Violent Crime Response Unit, acting on credible intelligence, arrested two suspected members of an armed robbery syndicate in Akure.

The suspects allegedly confessed to being members of a four-man syndicate operating in Akure and its environs.

A subsequent raid on their hideout in the Olufoam area led to the recovery of a locally made four-round revolver, criminal charms, a laptop, motorcycle mirrors and a vehicle number plate.

A third suspect was arrested the following day, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend the remaining member of the syndicate.

In Delta State, police operatives rescued a 23-year-old woman who had been abducted and held for ransom.

The victim was reportedly abducted on September 27, with the suspects demanding N245,000 for her release.

Following a report lodged with the Anti-Vice Squad in Asaba, operatives tracked the suspects to their hideout, rescued the victim, and arrested six suspects comprising three males and three females.

In Anambra State, 13 suspected cultists were arrested during a joint operation by the police and Agunechemba vigilante operatives in Okpoko.

The operation, conducted in the early hours of September 28 following credible intelligence, also led to the recovery of suspected cannabis sativa, other illicit substances and six motorcycles.

In Katsina State, police tactical teams foiled an attempted kidnapping along the Funtua-Zaria Highway at Dankawo Village.

The suspects had reportedly blocked the highway to abduct commuters when operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit, APC tactical teams and personnel of the 83 Police Mobile Force engaged them in a gun duel.

The attackers fled into the bush, while subsequent combing operations led to the rescue of four kidnapped victims found inside a truck. Efforts were ongoing to establish the whereabouts of the driver and motor boy and arrest the fleeing suspects.

In another operation in Katsina State, police recovered 159 electric detonators suspected to be components of improvised explosive devices during a stop-and-search operation along the Daura-Kongolam-Maiadua road.

The items were reportedly found in two bags inside a Toyota bus travelling from Kano towards Kongolam in Niger Republic. The 70-year-old driver was arrested after he allegedly failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for the items.

The police said investigations were ongoing to establish the source, destination and intended use of the detonators and identify possible accomplices.

In Benue State, police operatives arrested a suspected cultist who was allegedly threatening people with a firearm at a market square in Aliade.

A search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of an English pistol with five rounds of live ammunition, a locally fabricated pistol with four cartridges, and charms.

Ineidu said all suspects arrested in the various operations remained in custody as investigations continued, while efforts were being made to apprehend other fleeing members of the criminal groups.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to deepening intelligence-led policing, strengthening collaboration with communities and other security agencies, and sustaining operational pressure against criminal networks.

The FPRO assured Nigerians that the Force would continue to protect lives and property, respond to threats to public safety, and bring criminal suspects to justice.

THE Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered commercial banks to place a ‘Post No Debit’ restriction on accounts operated by the Osun State Government over a $13.9 million arbitration award in favour of Gamji Nigeria Company Limited.

Justice D.E. Osiagor issued the interim order following an application filed by Gamji through its counsel, Yunus AbdulSalam, SAN, in a suit marked FHC/L/CS/1233/2026.

The company is seeking to preserve $13,924,343.32 and N157.5 million, which it said were awarded to it following an arbitration arising from water infrastructure projects in Ilesa West Local Government Area of Osun State.

The financial institutions named in the application include Guaranty Trust Bank, Access Bank, First Bank, Zenith Bank, United Bank for Africa, Ecobank, Fidelity Bank, Stanbic IBTC, Sterling Bank, Union Bank and Wema Bank, among others.

Dispute over water projects

The dispute arose, according to an affidavit filed in support of the application, from two contracts awarded to Gamji by the Osun State Government in June 2017 for water infrastructure works.

The projects involved the construction of transmission mains and booster pump stations under Slot 1, and water reservoirs under Slot 2, as part of a broader water supply and sanitation project in Ilesa West.

Gamji said the projects were to be financed through a loan from the Islamic Development Bank, arranged by the Federal Ministry of Finance.

The company said the original contract value for Slot 1 was about $15.98 million, while Slot 2 was valued at approximately $9.70 million.

It alleged that changes to engineering designs, variations in the scope of work and variation orders resulted in delays and increases in the contract values.

According to the affidavit, subsequent amendments raised the value of Slot 1 to about $20.24 million and Slot 2 to approximately $10.95 million.

Gamji further claimed that about 93 per cent of the work had been completed by October 2023 and that the state government issued a Substantial Completion Certificate on November 14, 2024.

The company said disagreements later arose over claims relating to extensions of time, price adjustments and increases in the cost of materials, labour and other inputs.

Gamji said it submitted several claims which were rejected by the state government, prompting attempts by the parties to resolve the dispute through mediation.

It said it subsequently issued an arbitration notice on April 3, 2025, while the state government accepted the arbitration process and nominated its arbitrator.

The arbitration panel commenced proceedings, with a preliminary meeting held in Lagos on May 15, 2025.

According to Gamji, the panel delivered its final award on July 24, 2026, ordering the Osun State Government to pay $13,924,343.32 and N157.5 million, described as reimbursable arbitration fees.

The company also said the award provided for interest at 20 per cent per annum on any outstanding portion of the debt after the stipulated compliance period.

Gamji said the deadline for compliance expired on August 24, 2026, but that the awarded sums remained unpaid when it filed the court application.

In the interim order, Justice Osiagor directed the listed financial institutions to place a ‘Post No Debit’ restriction on the Osun State Government’s accounts maintained with them.

The judge ordered the preservation of funds up to the value of $13,924,343.32 and N157.5 million towards the liquidation of the arbitral award, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

The order partly read:

‘That a preservation order of interim injunction is granted directing the cited financial institutions in Nigeria to immediately place a Post No Debit restriction on the Respondent’s account domiciled with them for the preservation of the funds with them in the sum of $13,924,343.32 … and N157,500,000.00 towards the liquidation of the Arbitral Award dated 24th July, 2026 which has become due and enforceable; pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

The court adjourned the matter until October 22, 2026, for hearing of the motion on notice.

Veteran Nollywood actor and producer, Azeez Taofeek Alade, has opened up on his decades-long journey in the Nigerian film industry, tracing his passion for acting back to his primary school days.

The seasoned filmmaker, who officially joined the industry in March 1996 through the Ifepade Theatre Group, revealed that his initial foray into acting was far from glamorous. Recalling his very first acting experience, Alade noted with a sense of nostalgia, ‘People laughed at me.’

However, that early discouragement did not deter the actor, who first discovered his knack for entertainment as a young boy. ‘When I was in primary school, we used to celebrate end-of-year parties. I was the one who usually organized and performed in them, and from there, I developed a deep interest in the arts,’ he explained.

Today, Alade boasts an impressive filmography, having worked with top indigenous directors across various eras of Nollywood. His acting credits span numerous celebrated titles, including Owomalu (directed by Araosan), Obanikoro (directed by Samson Oluwole), the historical epic Esugbayi Eleko (directed by Bayo Tijani), Dalemo (directed by Motilola), and Aja Nlekoko (di-rected by Yemkem). He has also formed a strong collaborative bond with director Wasiu Owoiya, featuring in several of his projects such as Majala, Ajilekege, Abogunde, Lalu, and Opake.

Beyond acting, Alade has built a solid portfolio as a producer. He made his production debut with Gbafun in 2005, followed by Alhaji Agba in 2008, Ododolowo in November 2010, Edan in 2015, and most recently, Ika (Wickedness), released in June 2026.

Speaking on how he navigates the unpredictable terrain of film production, Alade credits his strong faith. ‘I am always happy because if anything happens to me, I believe God will take con-trol. I always think that if any challenge happens, it is just a part of life. I always give glory to God,’ he shared.

With a dynamic brand evolution in the works over the next five years, Alade offered words of wis-dom to the new generation of filmmakers eager to make a quick mark in Nollywood.

‘My advice to the new generation in the industry is to have patience. I will always tell them that slow and steady wins the race,’ he advised.

Popular content creator and comedian, Abiri Tobi Festus, popularly known as Folagade Banks, has given three young creatives N1m each and an iPhone 17 under his ‘Mama Deola Wedding Story’ programme.

The initiative, organised through Folagade Banks Creations, was aimed at supporting young creatives and encouraging them to pursue their talents despite the challenges they may face.

Speaking during the presentation on Saturday, Banks said the programme was launched two months ago and attracted about 4,000 entries from young creatives who shared their personal and professional stories.

He said, ‘Two months ago, we commenced the ‘Mama Deola Wedding Story’ empowerment programme powered by Folagade Banks Creations, where we were going to empower young creatives with the sum of N1m each and an iPhone 17.

‘We got 4,000 entries, which was quite overwhelming because everybody has a compelling story to tell about their journey and it is a lot.’

According to him, the large number of entries made the selection process challenging, but the organisers eventually selected three finalists to represent the other participants.

He added, ‘We have finally been able to come up with the top three finalists. Three people that will represent the remaining other winners because we all are winners as long as you don’t give up.’

Popular TikToker, Olamilekan Ridwan, also known as Ola Cruzz, emerged as the overall beneficiary, receiving N1m and an iPhone 17 for his creative efforts.

Two other creatives, Oduyebo Adedamola, popularly known as Damola Joor, and Fatai Habeebat, received N1m each as runners-up in the programme.

Reacting to the gesture, Ridwan expressed appreciation to Banks for the financial support and smartphone.

Ridwan said, ‘Boss, I honestly don’t even know how to appreciate you enough. Thank you so much for the money and the phone. Your kindness and generosity mean a lot to me, and I’ll never take this gesture for granted.’

He further prayed for continued blessings and prosperity for Banks, saying, ‘May God continue to bless you, increase you and replenish your pocket abundantly. You’re a real one, @folagade_banks. I truly appreciate you.’

The TikToker also called on his followers and members of the public to appreciate Banks for the gesture, urging them to join him in thanking and praying for the entertainer.

Temitope Chigbue, popularly known as Temi Nkem, has been declared the winner of Season 11 of the Big Brother Naija reality television show, themed ‘Show ya sef’, while Aikuo emerged as the first runner-up.

The show host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, announced Temi Nkem as the winner on Sunday after she secured the highest number of votes in the final week.

She defeated fellow finalists Aikuo, Sheba, Bluethopia, Tram to claim the ?160 million grand prize in the ‘Show ya sef’ edition of the reality show.

A total of 24 housemates participated in the show, which premiered on July 26 2026.

Temi Nkem has now become the fifth female housemate to win the show.

She joins the exclusive list of past winners of the reality television show, namely Katung Aduwak, Efe Ejeba, Miracle Igbokwe, Mercy Eke, Olamilekan Agbeleshebioba (Laycon), Hazel Oyeze Onou (Whitemoney), Ijeoma Josephina Otabor (Phyna), Ilebaye Odiniya, Kingsley Sule (Kellyrae) Opeyemi Ayanwale (Imisi) of Seasons 1-10, respectively.

Season 11 of the reality show, which ran for 72 days, was hosted by Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, who returned as the show’s host for the ninth consecutive time.

Nollywood actress, Nkechi Blessing Sunday, appears to have quickly moved past her celebrity boxing defeat to reality star, Phyna, insisting that the loss will not define her.

The actress was stopped by Phyna in the fourth and final round of their much-publicised bout at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos, last Thursday.

Rather than dwell on the defeat, Nkechi took to social media to celebrate her courage for stepping into the ring, declaring herself ‘still a champion regardless of the result.’

She then signalled her return to her familiar territory, Nollywood.

‘Now let’s go back to making movies cus I no be boxer,’ she said.

The actress revealed that she had trained for only two days before the fight, while Phyna had prepared for more than two weeks. Despite the disparity in preparation, Nkechi said she entered the ring as a warrior, describing the experience as one that tested her courage.

The bout also carried an emotional significance for the actress, who dedicated her participation to her late mother, Gloria Obasi Sunday.

According to Nkechi, she specifically requested her mother’s favourite song to be played before she entered the ring because she wanted her mother to be part of the moment.

‘Mummy, were you watching? Did you also hear when they played your favourite song? I wanted you around; that was why I asked for that song,’ she wrote.

Although Phyna walked away with the victory, including a reported ?50 million prize and a car, Nkechi’s post-fight reaction suggests she has chosen to take the experience in her stride.

Interestingly, when asked if she would consider another boxing bout, the actress answered in the affirmative.

For now, however, Nkechi Blessing appears ready to leave the gloves behind and return to the movie sets,proving that, in her words, ‘I no be boxer.’

Former Vice President and presidential candidate of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has called for transparency and accountability in the operations of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

Atiku, in a statement issued on Sunday by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of ADC Presidential Campaign Council, demanded full disclosure of N11.2 trillion recorded by NNPCL as receivables from Federation for advances and costs that include protection of oil and gas assets.

He said Nigerians deserve to know how much of amount went to pipeline security, beneficiaries, and results achieved.

‘NNPC’s 2024 accounts recorded roughly N17.5 trillion across different claims on the Federation, including petrol under-recovery and other receivables linked to advances and asset protection. Its 2025 accounts now show approximately N11.2 trillion in other receivables from the Federation. Nigerians cannot tell from these totals what was spent on pipeline surveillance. What was paid? Who was paid? For what work? Where are the results?’ he queried.

Atiku said there is need to compare N11.2 trillion receivables with N3.1 trillion allocated to Ministry of Defence in 2025, noting that while figures belong to different accounting categories, contrast raises questions about government priorities.

He also called on Federal Government to publish details of pipeline security contracts and the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway contract, including procurement process, competing bids, evaluation and contract documents.

Atiku further asked government to disclose whether contractors handling federal projects have contributed to President’s re-election activities.

He said the administration should empathize with Nigerians over socioeconomic challenges and provide clear accounting of public funds.

‘Government asking families to make sacrifices must be willing to account for every naira it claims on public purse,’ he said.

Atiku said ADC will focus on making life more affordable for Nigerians if elected in 2027.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been charged to direct an immediate investigation into more than ?94.4 billion in petroleum-sector funds allegedly diverted, unremitted, unaccounted for or irregularly spent.

The charge came from a Lagos-based rights group, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), through its letter dated October 3, 2026, signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, and addressed to the president.

SERAP arrived at the call consequent upon findings contained in the 2024 Volume 2 Annual Report of the Auditor-General for the Federation, published on August 7, 2026.

The human rights organisation declared that the audit findings cover various periods between January 2023 and December 31, 2024, and raise concerns about the management of petroleum revenues, natural gas sales proceeds and gas-flaring penalties by the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF) and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

SERAP also urged President Tinubu to order relevant anti-corruption agencies to investigate the findings and prosecute anyone found culpable where sufficient admissible evidence is established.

The group further demanded the recovery and remittance to the Treasury of all public funds found to have been improperly withheld, diverted, misapplied or otherwise unaccounted for.

SERAP said the Auditor-General reported that the MDGIF failed to remit ?26.549 billion in revenue from the sale of petroleum products between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2024.

According to the anti-corruption group, the Auditor-General had reportedly expressed concern that the money may have been diverted and recommended its recovery and remittance to the Treasury.

SERAP referenced ?12.480 billion in gas-flaring penalties for 2023, which the MDGIF allegedly failed to remit and report.

In the audit findings cited by SERAP, the NUPRC equally allegedly failed to remit ?38.610 billion in gas-flaring penalties collected and due to the MDGIF.

Another ?12.940 billion in revenue from 2024 natural gas sales, according to SERAP, was allegedly not collected and accounted for by the MDGIF.

The human rights group further referenced ?3.518 billion reportedly paid by the MDGIF to a consultant to recover gas-flaring penalties without presidential approval, adding that the Auditor-General allegedly found no evidence of due process or due diligence in the engagement and expressed concern that the funds may have been diverted.

The findings as contained in the audit report equally included ?261.852 million allegedly spent on Transaction Advisors without evidence of work executed, as well as another ?65.8 million paid to Transaction Advisors in August 2024 in circumstances the Auditor-General said may have violated public procurement procedures.

The amounts cited by SERAP total approximately ?94.4 billion.

The human rights group prayed to President Tinubu to direct the MDGIF to submit and publish its audited financial statements for 2022, 2023 and 2024 and ensure that the documents are forwarded to the Public Accounts Committees of the National Assembly.

SERAP requested that the MDGIF and NUPRC should also publish a clear schedule showing the amounts due, collected, remitted and recovered, including the dates of transactions, institutions, or officials responsible and the accounts into which the funds were paid.

The organisation insisted that every naira identified in the Auditor-General’s report should be properly accounted for, just as it argued that the alleged failure to account for petroleum-product revenues, natural-gas sales revenues and gas-flaring penalties could undermine public confidence in the management of Nigeria’s petroleum resources.

SERAP warned that unremitted gas-flaring penalties could affect funds available for environmental remediation and create risks for communities affected by environmental hazards.

The group tasked the President Tinubu-led Federal Government to implement the recommended measures within seven days of receiving or publishing the letter.

SERAP issued a warning that failure to receive a response within the period could lead it to consider legal action and other lawful measures to compel the government, MDGIF, NUPRC and other relevant authorities to act.

The rights group further invoked provisions of the 1999 Constitution, including Section 15(5), which requires the State to abolish corrupt practices and abuse of power.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted a Milan-bound businessman, Philip Tunde, with 4.80 kilograms of cocaine concealed in the soles of shoes and the railings of travel bags at the Lagos International Airport.

The 38-year-old suspect was arrested on 27th September, 2026 at the joint screening point, Terminal 2 of the Lagos airport ahead of his Royal Air Maroc flight to Milan, Italy.

A statement by the Director, Media and Advocacy of the NDLEA, Mr Femi Babafemi on Sunday said, a thorough search by NDLEA operatives led to the recovery of 16 parcels of white powdery substance hidden in the soles of eight pairs of trainers and canvas shoes, plus 195 wraps of same substance concealed in the railings of four travelling bags.

The substances, according to the statement, tested positive for cocaine, with a combined weight of 4.80kg.

During interview, the suspect claimed he paid N16 million in cash for the cocaine in the shoes, while the consignment in the bags was meant for delivery to his partner in Italy. He said he raised the money from compensation paid him for an injury at a plastic manufacturing company in Italy, in which he lost the tips of two fingers.

Meanwhile, NDLEA operatives at the Apapa, Tincan Island and Onne seaports have intercepted container consignments of Loud, a strong strain of cannabis and codeine-based syrup worth over N5 billion, following months of intelligence and tracking the movement of the shipments from their ports of origin.

At the Apapa port in Lagos, NDLEA officers acting on intelligence, subjected two containers from Bangkok, Thailand, to 100 per cent examination with men of Customs and other stakeholders. A search of one of the containers on Saturday, yielded 161 parcels of Thai Loud weighing 124kg, worth N372,000,000, concealed in two refrigerators and two cartons.

At the Onne port in Rivers state, two containers watch-listed by NDLEA based on processed intelligence were subjected to joint examination with Customs and other security agencies, during which 40 packs of Loud weighing 22kg were found hidden in a travelling bag and three of five vehicles (Toyota Matrix, Toyota Corolla and Hyundai Elantra) shipped in one of the containers, while the second container held 109,600 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup weighing 16,440kg.

The container had left India to Saudi Arabia where the history of its origin was deleted, to avoid being targeted. The codeine and Loud consignments have a combined street value of N833,200,000.

At the Tincan Island port in Lagos, NDLEA operatives on 29th September conducted a joint examination of a watch-listed container from Montreal, Canada with Customs and other stakeholders. As a result, a total of 2,595 parcels of Canadian Loud weighing 1,297.5kg, were found concealed in a Toyota Sienna and a Hyundai Elantra, with 24 blue drums and six jumbo bags in the container. The consignment was worth over N3.8 billion in street value.

A total of 20,234 kilograms of skunk were destroyed on 8.0936 hectares of cannabis farm in Area 4, Ife South Local Government Area of Osun State on 30th September by NDLEA operatives, while a suspect, Agbo Dennis was arrested on 29th September 2026 at the West of Mines area of Jos North, Plateau State, following the seizure of 33 bags of skunk weighing 385kg.

In Lagos state, NDLEA operatives on 28th September raided an unoccupied compound at Divine Estate, Ago Palace, where they recovered 209,000 tablets of tramadol, while a 23-year-old Ekundayo Taiwo, was nabbed on 30th September in a follow-up operation at Ladipo Spare Parts Market following the seizure of 61 grams of Colorado, a synthetic strain of cannabis and 24 grams of methamphetamine hidden in a bottle of an energy drink as a waybill package from a commercial bus driver along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway the previous day.

In Kogi state, NDLEA officers on patrol along the Okene-Lokoja highway on 30th September intercepted a Lagos-Abuja commuter bus and found a waybill concealing two sachets of methamphetamine weighing 1kg.

In a follow-up operation, the owner of the consignment, Michael Chukwuememka Uzoma was arrested at Utako, Abuja.

The residence of a suspect, Saturday Omimi was raided at Uyere community, Ovia North-East LGA, Edo state on Friday where NDLEA officers recovered 32.2kg of cannabis sativa. The same day, Osazuwa Iyabor Michael was arrested at Auchi Bypass, Benin City, with 59 grams of Loud, 12 grams of Colorado, 19 grams of Tramadol, 16 grams of methamphetamine, 4 grams of Swinol and 4 grams of Molly.

Six years after jumping bail, 47-year-old fugitive, Idris Mohammed Kurra was arrested by NDLEA operatives on 29th September.

Idris was facing trial at the Federal High Court, Jos, Plateau state in connection with the possession and dealing in 198 kilograms of skunk. He however jumped bail granted him by the court since December 2020 and evaded arrest since then.

While commending the officers and men of the various Lagos Commands for their professionalism and intelligence-driven approach to the various successful operations, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig-Gen. Mohamed Marwa (rtd) urged them and their colleagues across the country to sustain the onslaught against drug trafficking networks, while continuing with the current balanced approach to the drug control efforts of the Agency.

For the past few weeks, our Mental Health Diary conversation took us into another important area of mental health as we joined the rest of the world to talk about dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, early diagnosis and brain health. Now, we return to our conversation about cognitive distortions, those thinking patterns that can quietly influence how we interpret what happens to us.

Have you ever had a day when almost everything went well, but one thing went wrong and somehow that one thing became the only thing you could think about? Perhaps you received several compliments at work, but one person criticised your performance. Instead of going home remembering the encouragement you received, you kept replaying the criticism in your head. Maybe you had a beautiful family gathering, everyone laughed, ate and enjoyed themselves, but one person made an unpleasant comment and somehow that became what you remembered most. Or perhaps you looked in the mirror and liked almost everything about what you saw, but one small feature caught your attention and suddenly that was all you could see.

Why does one negative experience sometimes feel louder than several positive ones? Part of the answer lies in the way our brains naturally pay attention to things that may signal danger, problems or rejection. This ability is useful because noticing problems helps us respond to them. If something is wrong, we need to be able to notice it. The difficulty begins when our attention becomes so narrow that one negative detail takes over the entire picture. We stop noticing what is going well because our minds have become fixed on what is wrong.

This is known as mental filtering, a cognitive distortion in which we focus disproportionately on one negative aspect of a situation while overlooking other important information, particularly positive or neutral information. Imagine receiving an appraisal at work. Your supervisor tells you that you are hardworking, reliable, creative and valuable to the team. Then they mention one area where you need to improve. You leave the office thinking, ‘My supervisor is not impressed with me.’ But is that really what happened?

The feedback contained several positive observations and one area for improvement, yet your mind selected the criticism and allowed it to overshadow everything else. The criticism may be valid and worth working on, but it was only one part of the conversation.

This happens in our personal lives too. You may have a loving relationship, but after one disagreement, you begin thinking, ‘We are always fighting.’ You may have worked hard for years and achieved many things, but one setback makes you feel as though you have accomplished nothing. You may receive ten encouraging comments about something you created, but one negative comment stays with you throughout the day.

Have you ever noticed how quickly your mind can replay criticism but struggle to replay compliments? This does not mean we should ignore criticism or pretend that everything is fine when it is not. Constructive criticism can help us grow. Problems sometimes need our full attention. If someone points out something we need to improve, we should be willing to listen. The problem occurs when one negative detail becomes the entire story.

It is like looking at a beautiful painting and focusing only on one small mark in the corner. The mark is there, and you are not wrong to notice it. But if that one mark convinces you that the entire painting is ugly, you are no longer seeing the whole picture.

Mental filtering can do exactly that. It can make a good day feel like a bad day, make a meaningful achievement feel insignificant and make a healthy relationship seem hopeless because of one disagreement. It can even make us forget how far we have come because our attention is fixd on the one thing that still needs improvement.

Think about a mother who spends the entire day preparing a meal for her family. Everyone enjoys it, but one person says, ‘Mummy, the soup is a bit salty.’ She may laugh about it at first, but later, instead of remembering everyone who enjoyed the meal, she keeps thinking about that one comment. The entire effort begins to feel like a failure because one detail went wrong.

Or think about someone who has spent months working on a project. It is finally completed and people appreciate the work, but one person points out a mistake. Rather than thinking, ‘I made a mistake and I can correct it,’ the person goes home thinking, ‘I am not good at this.’ This is where mental filtering can quietly affect our confidence and emotional wellbeing.

The goal is not to force ourselves to look at life through rose coloured glasses. We do not have to pretend that disappointment does not hurt or that criticism does not matter. Instead, we can learn to hold the negative information alongside the rest of the picture.

The next time something goes wrong, acknowledge it, but then ask yourself, ‘What else is true?’ Maybe the presentation was not perfect, but you prepared well and communicated some important points. Maybe the conversation was difficult, but you were honest about how you felt. Maybe you made a mistake, but you also learned something from it. Maybe today was difficult, but not everything about today was difficult. That small question, ‘What else is true?’ can interrupt the habit of allowing one negative detail to take over everything.

Here is a little Mind Exercise to carry with you this week. The next time you notice yourself dwelling on something that went wrong, pause and ask, ‘What else am I not noticing?’ Then deliberately identify three things that went well, even if they seem small. It could be a kind word someone said to you, something you accomplished, a problem you handled well, a moment of laughter, a supportive conversation or simply something that brought you peace.

You are not trying to convince yourself that everything is wonderful. You are training your mind to see the whole picture.

Because sometimes, the problem is not that there is nothing good in our lives. The problem is that our attention has become so focused on what is wrong that we have stopped noticing what is right.

If any of this sounds familiar, be gentle with yourself. The aim is not to become someone who never notices problems. We need that ability. The aim is to become someone who can notice what is wrong without allowing it to erase everything that is right. One negative moment may deserve your attention, especially if there is something you need to learn or change, but it does not deserve to become the whole story.

Next week, we will look at what happens when the mind takes one experience and stretches it far beyond that moment, turning ‘this happened’ into ‘this always happens’ and sometimes even ‘this is who I am.’

Until then, remember: see the whole picture. One difficult detail may be part of your story, but it does not have to define the entire story.