Category: PM News

Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi has ordered closure of all markets, stalls and shops in Akure and its environs on Monday, Aug. 17 and Tuesday Sept. 1 for celebration of Aheregbe and Amole festivals.

This is contained in a statement on Friday in Akure by the Chief Press Secretary of the traditional ruler, Mr Michael Adeleye.

‘The closure is indeed an integral part of the requirements to observe the age long tradition of the annual Aheregbe and Amole festivals.

‘We wish to emphasize that there shall be no trading or opening of shops under any guise on these revered days.

‘Residents, market women and shop owners are kindly enjoined to take note and comply with this directive accordingly, ‘ the statement said.

According to the statement, only registered pharmacy stores are allowed to open during the festivals excluding patent medicine stores.

The statement, however, added that there would be no human and vehicular restriction during the days of the festivals.

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called for greater investment in second-chance education for girls whose schooling has been disrupted by early pregnancy, economic hardship, cultural barriers and other challenges.

Tinubu made the call on Friday at the commissioning of the rehabilitated Alternative High School for Girls in Agboju, Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos, where she urged government and other stakeholders to ensure that no girl is denied the opportunity to complete her education and fulfil her potential.

The First Lady, who was represented by the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, expressed satisfaction with the rehabilitation and equipping of the school through the intervention of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

The Alternative High School for Girls was established in 2007 by then Lagos State Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu, now President of Nigeria, to provide girls whose education had been interrupted with an opportunity to return to school, complete their secondary education and acquire vocational skills.

The First Lady said the initiative had grown beyond its original purpose, with similar alternative schools now being established in other parts of the country under efforts to provide out-of-school girls with renewed opportunities.

She disclosed that another alternative high school was under construction in Ikorodu to serve the Lagos East senatorial district, and urged the Lagos State Government to establish another facility in Lagos Central.

‘I therefore urge the Lagos State Government to complete the plan by establishing an additional school in Lagos Central, while ensuring the smooth operation and proper maintenance of all the schools so that more girls can complete their education,’ she said.

According to her, every girl deserves the opportunity to overcome circumstances that may have interrupted her education and build a productive future.

She urged the students not to allow their past experiences to determine their future, stressing the importance of determination, discipline and hard work.

‘To the students, I encourage you to take the most of this opportunity. Let your past not define your future. With determination, discipline, and hard work, you can achieve your dreams and become positive contributors to our nation’s development,’ she said.

The First Lady also commended Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his wife, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, for their support for education and the rehabilitation of the school before formally commissioning the facility.

Representing Governor Sanwo-Olu at the ceremony, his wife, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, described the occasion as a homecoming, recalling that the Alternative High School for Girls was initiated in 2007 when Oluremi Tinubu served as Lagos State First Lady.

She said the school had since become a model for restoring educational opportunities to girls whose schooling had been disrupted by early pregnancy, economic hardship and cultural barriers.

According to her, the institution has helped young women return to education, obtain Senior Secondary School Certificates and acquire vocational and life skills.

‘Since then, this institution has quietly restored dignity and destiny to countless young women, guiding them back to the Senior Secondary School Certificate and equipping them with skills and values for life,’ she said.

She added that some graduates of the school had gone on to become professionals, entrepreneurs and mothers, describing their achievements as evidence of the transformative impact of second-chance education.

Sanwo-Olu assured that Lagos State would sustain the rehabilitated facility and preserve its mission of providing a pathway back into education for girls who had been left behind.

‘Educating a girl, as you all know, is educating a family, a community, and a nation,’ she said.

She further pledged that the state would ensure that the school remained a ‘sanctuary of second chances’ while using its model to strengthen efforts to reach out-of-school children across Lagos.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, also urged the students to look beyond their present circumstances and pursue their ambitions with confidence.

He told them that their backgrounds or past challenges should not determine their future, noting that they could become teachers, doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs, scientists, lawyers, innovators, public servants and community leaders.

‘The nation is awaiting what you will become,’ Alli-Balogun told the students.

He commended Oluremi Tinubu, the Federal Government, UBEC, teachers, parents and other stakeholders for their contributions to the initiative and reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to providing quality and inclusive education for girls.

The ceremony also featured the presentation of empowerment items and gifts to outstanding students. Ten of the best-performing students in various vocational departments received prizes, while students graduating from skills programmes received support in areas including catering, makeup, cosmetology, hairdressing and gele-making.

A deep freezer was also presented to the school by the wife of the Vice President.

Christian leaders have called for sustained intercessory prayers for President Bola Tinubu and other political leaders to navigate Nigeria out of its current security and economic challenges.

?The call was made at a national prayer gathering organised by the Northern Christian Religious Leaders Assembly (NOCRELA) on Thursday in Abuja.

The meeting brought together leaders from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), and various church groups.

?Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of NCPC, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, urged Christians to stand in the gap for President Tinubu, describing him as a leader committed to the nation’s unity, greatness, and well-being.

?Adegbite acknowledged the economic difficulties currently faced by many citizens but expressed optimism that ongoing reforms would yield long-term benefits for the country.

?’You are not the type that will be bringing Nigeria down; you are building Nigeria up,’ Adegbite said, emphasising that intercessory prayer remained essential amidst insecurity and real-world uncertainties.

?The Convener and Leader of NOCRELA, Archbishop JohnPraise Daniel, declared that in spite of banditry, bloodletting, and financial strain, Nigeria could overcome its plight through divine intervention and collective citizen action.

?’Nigeria will rise. Don’t give up. Great things will happen. There shall be healing in our land,’ Daniel said.

?He stressed that nation-building was a shared responsibility rather than a duty meant solely for political officeholders.

?’If Nigeria must change, things must happen. It must come from every one of us. Not just from the President, Vice President, governor, or Senate. Every one of us has something to contribute to make our nation great,’ he added.

?Delivering a message, the CAN President, His Eminence Archbishop Daniel Okoh, noted that Nigeria stood at a critical juncture as political activities build toward the 2027 general elections.

Okoh was represented by the Director of Ecumenism and Interfaith Relations, Very Rev. Princewill Ireoba.

?He cautioned against political manipulation, asserting that the country’s primary need must move beyond political strategies to divine wisdom, justice, and responsible leadership.

?’We should encourage our members to participate actively and responsibly in the democratic process and remind all political actors that political power is a trust, not a licence for oppression and corruption,’ Okoh stated.

?He reaffirmed CAN’s commitment to collaborating with NOCRELA and other bodies to promote peace, democratic integrity, and social justice across the nation.

?Quoting biblical principles from 2 Chronicles 7:14, the faith leaders jointly urged Nigerians to maintain hope, practice humility, and embrace repentance as fundamental steps toward national recovery.

?The national prayer session featured intense intercessions for divine wisdom for leaders, an end to violent crime, economic revitalisation, peaceful elections, alongside worship and song ministrations by interdenominational choir.

President Bola Tinubu has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to ensure a peaceful, transparent and credible governorship election in Osun State.

The President gave the directive as voters across the state prepare to elect a governor on Saturday, August 15, 2026.

Fifteen candidates are participating in the election, with the major contenders including the incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party, All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, and African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Hon. Najeem Salaam.

Tinubu urged INEC to protect the integrity of the electoral process and ensure that the election is conducted in a manner that reflects the wishes of Osun voters.

‘As the people of Osun State head to the polling units to elect who will govern them in the next four years, I call on the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure orderly conduct of the election.

‘The election must be transparent, free and fair. I urge INEC to ensure the integrity of the process,’ the President said.

He described the Osun election as the last off-cycle governorship election before the 2027 general elections and urged INEC to use the poll to demonstrate its preparedness for the next general election.

‘INEC must use this last off-cycle election as a test case to demonstrate to Nigerians their full preparedness for the 2027 polls,’ Tinubu added.

Tinubu Warns Against Electoral Violence

The President also directed the Inspector-General of Police and other security chiefs involved in the election to provide maximum protection for voters and electoral officials.

He warned troublemakers against attempting to disrupt the electoral process.

‘I have charged the Inspector-General of Police and other heads of security outfits taking part in the election to provide maximum security at polling units. No room should be allowed for troublemakers to disrupt the process,’ he said.

Tinubu stressed that electoral officials and voters must be able to carry out their responsibilities without intimidation or fear.

‘Electoral officials and voters must be protected so they can perform their civic duties without fear or intimidation,’ he added.

President Assures Osun Voters of Safety

Tinubu also urged eligible voters to turn out in large numbers and exercise their constitutional right to vote.

He assured residents that adequate security measures had been put in place before, during and after the election.

‘Voters should feel confident to go out in their numbers to vote for the candidate of their choice as all measures necessary to ensure a peaceful, free and fair election have been put in place,’ the President said.

The President insisted that the credibility of the election would depend on the extent to which the final result reflects the choice of the electorate.

‘Our elections must be credible, and the outcome of the Osun Governorship election must reflect the will of the people,’ Tinubu declared.

The Tanimu Turaki-led faction of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has declared its support for Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Accord in the Saturday governorship election in Osun.

The PDP faction made the declaration despite the Court of Appeal judgment which upheld the nomination of Adebayo Adedamola as the party’s candidate for the election in the state.

Ini Ememobong, National Publicity Secretary, PDP Interim National Working Committee, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

The factional PDP spokesperson confirmed that the party’s lawyers had informed the INWC that the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja on Thursday upheld the nomination of Adedamola, as submitted by the Turaki-led faction.

He also noted that the court directed Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately include the party’s logo on the ballot for the election.

‘The panel of the court held that the party, having duly conducted primaries which were monitored by INEC and the name of the winner forwarded to the commission, there was no legal impediment to the participation of the candidate in the election.

‘Specifically, it held that the access code for nomination on the portal was a mere administrative formality which cannot override the statutory provision of forwarding names to the commission, which PDP had done,’ he said.

Ememobong said that the judgment confirmed what he described as bias and unceasing opposition by INEC against the the Turaki-led INWC which, according to him, is the legitimate leadership of the party.

‘The primaries that produced our candidate was peaceful, transparent, and the result uncontested.

‘It was duly monitored by INEC, but the commission blatantly refused to recognise our candidate thereafter and withheld the codes for the upload of candidates from us.

‘The party approached the court and today the Court of Appeal allowed the appeal by the Turaki-led PDP and directed INEC to include the party’s logo on the ballot papers for the elections,’ Ememobong said.

He said that though justice had finally been done, the delay amounted to a denial, as there was no opportunity for Adedamola to undertake campaigns in preparation for the election.

Ememobong added that the situation, which he described as ugly, would have been avoided had INEC acted in partisan way.

‘Faced with the unimaginable difficulty that the situation put on PDP, the iNWC choose to throw its weight behind the Accord party candidature, Gov. Ademola Adeleke.

‘As a true opposition party and in defence of multi-party democracy, and after exhaustive consultations with key stakeholders, the committee has decided to support the candidature of Gov. Adeleke of Accord party for Saturday’s governorship election.

‘We therefore ask all our members to vote for Gov. Adeleke.

‘We encourage them to go out on Saturday to vote, defend their votes and ensure that their votes count in the election,’ he said.

Ememobong urged Nigerians to resist a do-or-die approach to election and the desperation of winning election against the clear wishes of the people.

‘Elections must be a true reflection of the people’s wish, freely expressed through the ballot. Anything short of that is robbery and must not be allowed to stand,’ he said.

The Accord Party has dismissed the endorsement of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Osun State, Bola Oyebamiji, by its expelled former 2023 presidential candidate, Chris Imumolen, describing him as a politician without electoral value.

Accord said Imumolen no longer represents the party and has no authority to speak on its behalf after he attended the APC campaign rally in Osogbo and publicly endorsed Oyebamiji ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the party’s National Chairman, Chief Maxwell Mgbudem, described Imumolen as a ‘political hireling and hustler’ seeking ‘stomach infrastructure’, while arguing that he lacked the political structure and influence to affect the outcome of the election.

The party also rejected claims that Imumolen is a factional chairman of Accord, insisting that the party has no faction.

‘That Imumolen attended the APC rally in Osogbo, where he backed its candidate, is a glaring testament that he is not a member of Accord and does not represent the party in any capacity,’ the statement said.

Accord maintained that Osun remains one of its strongholds and expressed confidence that voters across the state would overwhelmingly support the party and Governor Ademola Adeleke in the August 15 governorship election.

The party predicted a landslide victory for Adeleke, saying such an outcome would further consolidate its position in the state and strengthen the delivery of democratic dividends to residents.

Accord Accuses APC of Intimidation

The party also accused the APC of allegedly resorting to violence, harassment and intimidation in an attempt to influence the election.

It further alleged that federal institutions, particularly the police and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), were being used to suppress the Osun State Government, residents and Accord members.

According to Accord, the alleged actions were driven by the APC’s fear of defeat and an attempt to compromise the electoral process in its favour.

‘The good people of Osun remain resolute, firm and steadfast in their support for Accord and their governor,’ the party said.

Party Urges INEC, Security Agencies to Remain Neutral

Accord called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to maintain neutrality and conduct a free, fair and credible election.

It also urged security agencies to remain impartial and professional in carrying out their statutory responsibilities before, during and after the election.

The party appealed to the international community, including the European Union Delegation to Nigeria, African Union, ECOWAS, United States and United Kingdom, to closely monitor the election and sanction individuals found culpable of electoral violations.

Accord said it was fully prepared for the election and expressed confidence in victory, citing Adeleke’s achievements and what it described as his transformational leadership in the state.

The party urged all stakeholders to ensure that the Osun governorship election sets a new national standard for credible and peaceful elections in Nigeria.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Ogun State Police Command have stepped up collaboration to enforce regulations governing alcoholic beverages and safeguard public health across the state.

The partnership was disclosed by the command’s Police Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police Oluseyi Babaseyi, in a statement posted on the command’s X handle on Friday.

The latest move followed a meeting between the NAFDAC State Coordinator for Ogun Office 1, Akinwale Fagoroye, and the Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, at the command headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta.

Fagoroye said NAFDAC had already begun enforcement operations in Abeokuta and would take the exercise to other parts of Ogun State.

‘The enforcement exercise, which commenced in Abeokuta, is being extended to other parts of Ogun State and will continue until full compliance is achieved,’ Fagoroye said.

A major focus of the operation is the withdrawal from circulation of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and PET bottles containing less than 200ml, or 20cl.

Fagoroye said the restriction was part of efforts to limit access to cheap and easily portable alcoholic drinks, particularly among children and young people.

He appealed to manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers and consumers to obey the regulations and allow NAFDAC officials to carry out their duties without obstruction.

According to him, enforcement personnel are visiting markets, motor parks, bars, retail outlets, warehouses, factories and other locations where regulated products are manufactured, stored or sold.

The agency is also authorised to clamp down on counterfeit, unregistered, adulterated, substandard, expired or improperly labelled products, as well as facilities operating without the necessary approvals.

Ojajuni welcomed the collaboration and pledged the police command’s support for NAFDAC during lawful enforcement operations.

‘The Police and NAFDAC will continue to work together, within their respective mandates, to ensure compliance with the law and protect residents from activities and products that may pose risks to their health and safety,’ Ojajuni said.

The commissioner said the police were equally enforcing the Liquor Act and other relevant laws regulating the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages in Ogun.

He explained that the measures were intended to curb illegal alcohol trade and prevent practices that could threaten public safety, especially those that could expose young people to harmful behaviour.

Ojajuni consequently urged producers, distributors, retailers and consumers to comply with existing regulations and cooperate with authorised enforcement personnel.

He also called on residents to provide information to the authorities about suspected counterfeit or unsafe products and illegal activities linked to the sale of alcoholic drinks.

The command said it would continue to provide security support for legitimate regulatory operations and other initiatives designed to protect lives and promote public safety in Ogun State.

The Police operatives attached to Zone 1 headquarters, Kano, have detained five suspects over alleged impersonation, production, sale and distribution of counterfeit herbal medicines.

The Zonal Police Public Relations, Abdullahi Hussaini, made this known in a statement on Friday in Kano.

Hussaini said the suspects were allegedly using the name of a registered traditional medicine practitioner to operate.

He said they were arrested following a complaint received on Aug. 10, from Dr Abdulwahab Goni Bauchi, the Chief Executive Officer of Dr Abdulwahab Abubakar Herbal and Islamic Clinic, Bauchi.

The complainant alleged that the suspects and others now at large, had been using his name, business identity, and lectures to market and sell counterfeit products.

He alleged that some of them collected money from some people in his name, but failed to supply the medicines purchased, while others sold fake herbal mixtures that can cause harm to health.

‘The suspects have volunteered statements admitting involvement in the alleged offence, while investigation is ongoing to identify and apprehend other persons connected to the activities,’ he said.

He said the police were strongly warning members of the public to be wary of fraudsters who use the identities and reputations of legitimate businesses to deceive people.

The statement advised the public to always verify the authenticity of products, vendors, and payment channels before making transactions, particularly on social media.

It also warned those engaged in similar activities to desist, as anyone found wanting, would face the full weight of the law.

More than 2.3 million registered voters across Osun State will go to the polls on Saturday, August 15, to elect the governor who will lead the state from 2026 to 2030.

The election will take place across the state’s 30 Local Government Areas, 332 wards and 3,763 polling units, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Voting is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. and close at 2:30 p.m.

The election will be the seventh governorship poll conducted in Osun since Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999, following previous elections in 1999, 2003, 2007, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022.

Unlike most states where governorship elections are held alongside the general election cycle, Osun’s poll is an off-cycle election.

The unusual electoral timetable is rooted in a landmark legal battle that followed the 2007 governorship election, when the judiciary eventually removed a sitting governor and installed his challenger after three years in office.

How Osun Became an Off-Cycle Election

Osun has witnessed intense political contests since its creation in 1991, with virtually every governorship election since the return of democracy becoming the subject of legal challenges.

The 2007 election produced the development that ultimately altered the state’s electoral timetable.

INEC had declared Olagunsoye Oyinlola of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) winner of the election.

However, after about three years of legal battles, the Court of Appeal nullified Oyinlola’s election and declared Rauf Aregbesola of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) the rightful winner.

Aregbesola immediately assumed office.

Although Oyinlola had spent about three years in office, Aregbesola’s tenure was counted from the day he took office following the court judgment.

The development shifted Osun’s governorship election cycle away from that of most other states.

The winner of Saturday’s election will therefore serve a four-year term from 2026 to 2030.

Adeleke Seeks Second Term

The incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke, is seeking a second term in office.

Adeleke won the 2022 governorship election on the platform of the PDP, defeating the then incumbent governor, Gboyega Oyetola.

He has since moved to the Accord Party and is seeking re-election under its platform.

Adeleke is campaigning on his record in office and has repeatedly highlighted what his administration describes as achievements in infrastructure, governance and other sectors of the state economy.

He faces two major challengers in Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Dr Najeem Folasayo Salaam of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The three candidates have strong political pedigrees and influential backers.

Oyebamiji, a former Osun Commissioner for Finance, is the APC candidate and enjoys the backing of the party’s national structure as well as former Governor Oyetola, who is now the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.

Salaam, a former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly and former governor of the state, is running on the ADC platform and has received the backing of former Governor Rauf Aregbesola.

While 14 political parties are fielding candidates in the election, the contest is largely expected to be dominated by Adeleke, Oyebamiji and Salaam.

2.3 Million Voters, 5,130 BVAS Machines

INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, said 2,339,233 eligible voters are expected to participate in the election.

The voters will cast their ballots across 3,763 polling units and 332 wards in the state’s 30 Local Government Areas.

INEC has also increased the number of Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines deployed for the election from 4,427 to 5,130.

The commission also doubled its backup BVAS devices from 664 to 1,328 to facilitate quick replacement in the event of equipment failure.

The move is aimed at reducing delays and ensuring a smooth accreditation process at polling units.

INEC has also activated its Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) mechanism to identify and monitor potential flashpoints across the state.

According to the commission, it has engaged traditional rulers and transport unions as part of efforts to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free election.

New Electoral Act to Shape Poll

Saturday’s election will also test some of the provisions of Nigeria’s new Electoral Act.

The Osun election is expected to be the third major election conducted by INEC since President Bola Tinubu assented to the new electoral legislation.

Among the provisions expected to affect the electoral process are changes to voter registration, electronic transmission of results and the nomination of candidates by political parties.

Under the new framework, the documents required for voter registration have been streamlined to include a birth certificate, Nigerian passport and National Identification Number (NIN).

Registered voters will also be able to download their voter cards from the INEC website.

The law further provides for electronic transmission of election results to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV).

However, where network failure or other technical problems prevent electronic transmission, the physical result sheet, Form EC8A, will serve as the primary document for collation and declaration of results.

The new law also provides for direct primaries and consensus as methods through which political parties can nominate their candidates, replacing indirect primaries.

Another provision requires the government to release funds meant for INEC at least six months before a general election, reducing the previous 12-month requirement.

Political parties are also required to submit their candidates’ names to INEC 120 days before election day, instead of the previous 180-day deadline.

INEC is expected to publish the final list of candidates 60 days before the election, compared with the previous 150-day requirement.

Security Tightened Ahead of Poll

Security has also been stepped up across Osun ahead of the election.

The new Commissioner of Police deployed to oversee security during the election, Samuel Etaifo, has arrived in the state and commenced duties ahead of Saturday’s poll.

The police have promised adequate security measures to protect voters, electoral officials and other stakeholders and to prevent violence before, during and after the election.

Security agencies are expected to maintain a strong presence around polling units, collation centres and other strategic locations across the state.

Seven Elections, Ten Administrators

Since Osun State was created in 1991, 10 individuals have served as governor or military administrator.

They are Leo Segun Ajiborisha, Isiaka Adeleke, Anthony Udofia, Anthony Obi, Theophilus Bamigboye, Bisi Akande, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Rauf Aregbesola, Gboyega Oyetola and the incumbent, Ademola Adeleke.

Saturday’s election will add another chapter to the state’s politically charged electoral history.

For Adeleke, the poll represents an opportunity to secure a second term and defend his administration’s record.

For Oyebamiji and the APC, it is a chance to return the party to power in the state after losing the 2022 election.

For Salaam and the ADC, the election offers an opportunity to disrupt the two-party contest and emerge as the alternative choice for Osun voters.

With more than 2.3 million registered voters, 14 political parties on the ballot, heightened security and new electoral rules in operation, all eyes are now on Osun as voters prepare to decide who will govern the state for the next four years.

The Nigerian Navy has rescued 22 passengers following the hijack of a wooden passenger boat along the Calabar-Oron-Ibaka waterway.

This is contained in an operational report by the Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, made available to newsmen on Friday in Abuja.

According to Folorunsho, the operation was conducted by personnel of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ibaka, in collaboration with Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) Sector four and the Marine Police.

He said the operation was conducted following the attack on a passenger boat traveling from Henshaw Town Beach in Calabar to Utan Uyata, Ibaka on Aug. 11.

‘The boat was reportedly intercepted by armed sea robbers shortly after passing Enwang Community, resulting in the hijacking of the vessel and the abduction of its passengers. Upon receipt of information on the incident, personnel of FOB Ibaka, in coordination with the collaborating security agencies, commenced coordinated efforts to locate the victims and recover the hijacked boat. The sustained response resulted in the recovery of the hijacked passenger boat and the rescue of 11 victims who had been abandoned by the suspected criminals at Asak-Ikang Creek,’ he said.

The naval director of information, also disclosed that a further 11 passengers who had earlier escaped during the attack were subsequently located and accounted for at the OPDS Sector four command post, bringing the total number of rescued and accounted-for victims to 22.

He said that all the rescued passengers were subsequently taken to the FOB Ibaka Sickbay for medical assessment and first aid before arrangements were made for their safe return to Calabar alongside the recovered passenger boat.

Folorunsho said that no ransom was paid for the release of the victims.

According to him, the successful rescue further demonstrates the navy’s determination to protect lives, safeguard legitimate maritime activities and maintain a secure maritime environment.

He said the service would continue to sustain operations in collaboration with sister security agencies and other stakeholders to counter sea robbery, kidnapping and other forms of maritime criminality.

The Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command, Rear Adm. Chidozie Okehie, reaffirmed the navy’s commitment to sustaining robust maritime security operations.

He said the navy would continue to strengthen inter-agency collaboration and leverage on timely intelligence to deny criminal elements freedom of action along the nation’s waterways.