Category: PM News

By Joan Odafe (NAN)

Beyond the famous meeting point of warm and cold springs, journalists attending a media immersion at Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort in Ekiti encountered a different story unfolding across the sprawling tourism asset.

It is one of deliberate investment, renewable energy, local job creation and a long-term vision aimed at redefining destination tourism in Nigeria.

The atmosphere is calm and serene, the smell of wet earth and vegetation hangs lightly in the air, particularly after in the early morning and after a rainfall.

Staff members greet visitors warmly and meals feel less like hotel cuisine and more like home-cooked food.

Away from the spring itself, hiking trails wind through vegetation rich with different scents and plant species, while recreational facilities such as five-a-side football pitches, volleyball, basketball and badminton courts reflect efforts to broaden the visitor experience.

The resort’s famous Tree House, decorated with board games on tables, offer another attraction. Rock speakers, not only add to the ambience but also provide music across the surrounding environment while flowerpot speakers deliver sound within the structure itself.

For many visitors, however, the most significant story at Ikogosi may not be what is visible on the surface but the business model quietly taking shape behind the scenes.

Speaking during an engagement with journalists, the General Manager of Glocient Hospitality, Lanre Balogun, says the company’s objective is not merely to operate a resort but to transform neglected tourism assets into sustainable businesses capable of generating economic and social value.

According to Balogun, Glocient Hospitality, the hospitality subsidiary of Cavista Holdings, took over a facility that was largely uninhabitable in 2022.

Balogun notes that every aspect of the transformation was executed by Nigerians.

“If you had been here four years ago, Ikogosi was not a place that was habitable.

“It will interest you to know that every transformation you see here is done by Nigerians, Nigerian expertise, Nigerian skill, Nigerian artisans, no experts. It was done by us,” he says.

His remarks reflect a recurring theme throughout discussions at the resort the belief that local expertise and long-term capital can unlock the value of Nigeria’s tourism sector.

That philosophy appears to influence investment decisions at Ikogosi.

This is evident in the resort’s energy strategy.

Like many businesses across Nigeria, Ikogosi faces mounting energy costs arising from reliance on diesel-powered generators.

Balogun discloses that diesel expenses alone reached more than N46 million in a single month at the height of recent energy price increases.

“We spent over 46 million on diesel alone.

“That is not sustainable,” he says.

The challenge prompted the company to invest about 200,000 dollars in renewable energy infrastructure, including solar panels, battery systems and supporting facilities.

According to him, the investment now provides approximately 12 hours of renewable energy daily and is projected to save the resort more than N500 million annually.

Balogun says Glocient Hospitality is investing more than two million dollars in the development of its Camp A.

The project will add new guest rooms, staff accommodation, expanded laundry facilities and additional renewable energy capacity.

The resort currently operates Camp B and Camp C, where visitors can access villas, including a presidential suite designed to attract premium leisure and corporate travellers.

According to Balogun, additional room capacity has become necessary because the resort is increasingly turning away group bookings.

“The businesses that we’re getting is 100, 120, 150 rooms and they don’t want double occupancy,” he says.

The expansion is expected to strengthen Ikogosi’s position as a Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) destination.

While tourism assets are often evaluated through profitability metrics alone, discussions at Ikogosi highlight another dimension: community impact.

The resort currently employs more than 230 workers, with about 60 per cent drawn from host communities and nearly 70 per cent being women.

Balogun says the transformation has extended beyond hospitality operations.

According to him, young people who previously lacked stable livelihoods have been trained in electrical works, plumbing, tiling, landscaping and maintenance.

One story in particular appears to resonate with participants.

Balogun recounts how a former unemployed youth from the community was able to improve his standard of living after receiving training and employment opportunities linked to the resort’s redevelopment.

Such examples underscore a broader argument increasingly advanced by tourism stakeholders: that destination development can serve as a tool for rural economic transformation.

The investment strategy also extends to agriculture and environmental sustainability.

Vegetables consumed at the resort are grown on-site, while food waste is used to support livestock operations.

He says future plans for the resort includes greenhouses, expanded farming activities and visitor experiences that allows guests engage directly with food production.

Security, another concern often raised by potential visitors, also featured prominently during discussions.

Balogun acknowledged national security challenges but says that perceptions are sometimes amplified beyond reality.

“We have security challenges. However, it’s not as bad as people portray it on social media,” he says.

To reinforce visitor confidence, the resort maintains extensive security arrangements involving security personnel; civil defence officers, hunters, police in the resort and military support within surrounding areas.

For tourism analysts, Ikogosi’s experience offers insight into a broader challenge confronting Nigeria’s tourism industry.

Many destinations possess significant natural attractions but struggle with inadequate infrastructure, energy costs, weak investment and poor maintenance.

Balogun says reversing decades of decline requires patience and a willingness to prioritise reinvestment over immediate returns.

“Our goal is not short-term.

“We are very deliberate and intentional.

“Every step that we take is a step forward in achieving sustainability and profitability,” he says.

Facility Manager at the resort, Okon John, explains that solar installations currently powers the entire resort.

He says the system includes an 80-kilowatt solar installation and a 480-kilowatt-hour battery bank capable of supporting operations for several hours after sunset.

“All the resort is on the system currently,” he says.

John adds that guests rarely notice transitions between power sources because the system automatically switches between solar, battery storage, grid electricity and generators when necessary.

Interestingly, Stephen Ademiluwa, Communications and Community Engagement Manager of Glocient Hospitality, describes the national grid as a backup rather than the primary source of power — a reversal of the traditional energy model adopted by many hospitality businesses.

As part of a broader expansion, the company plans to scale the renewable energy system to one megawatt

The expansion itself illustrates another aspect of the resort’s long-term investment approach.

That philosophy appears shared by the resort’s stakeholders as Uche Ibemere, Director, Communications, Cavista Holdings, notes during the engagement, “We are here for the long haul.”

Whether the model ultimately succeeds may depend on factors beyond the resort’s control, including economic conditions, infrastructure and national perceptions.

Yet on a rainy evening in Ikogosi, amid the scent of fresh grass, the sounds from hidden rock speakers and the steady hum of a resort increasingly powered by the sun, there are signs that a different approach to tourism development is being tested — one built on patience, sustainability and belief in local capacity.

The Nigerian naira continued to gain strength against the British pound in the foreign exchange market.

According to the latest data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the naira closed at N1,823 per pound on Friday, June 5, 2026.

This represents a slight improvement from the beginning of June when the exchange rate was around N1,845 per pound.

The appreciation comes as the CBN continues efforts to manage liquidity and stabilize the foreign exchange market. The bank maintained its Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) at 26.5% and kept the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) at 45% to reduce excess liquidity in the financial system.

Nigeria’s foreign reserves, estimated at about $50 billion, have also helped support the naira. High crude oil prices, currently around $100 per barrel, have boosted the country’s foreign exchange earnings and reserves.

Market analysts noted that even though the British pound gained value against the US dollar in international markets last week, the naira’s strength in Nigeria reduced the pound’s value in the domestic market.

Despite improvements in the official market, the CBN continues to face challenges in increasing the supply of foreign currencies. Demand from manufacturers, importers, and service providers remains high, putting pressure on exchange rates.

While the official exchange rate has remained around N1,810 to N1,815 per pound, the parallel market rate has stayed above N1,850 per pound.

Analysts say developments in global energy markets will continue to affect the naira. Strong oil prices could help the CBN maintain foreign reserves and support the local currency, while weaker oil demand or production could put pressure on the naira.

Pound Under Pressure Globally

The British pound has also faced pressure internationally following stronger-than-expected US employment data, which strengthened the US dollar.

The pound fell below 1.34 against the dollar, declining by about 0.37% in recent trading sessions. The stronger US dollar followed positive US Non-Farm Payroll (NFP) figures, which increased expectations that the US Federal Reserve may maintain higher interest rates.

Geopolitical developments in the Middle East have also influenced currency markets. Although a ceasefire agreement helped ease some concerns, tensions remain in the region, keeping investors cautious.

Analysts believe the US dollar could remain strong if geopolitical risks continue and if expectations of tighter US monetary policy persist.

Traders are also watching upcoming US economic data, particularly employment figures, which could influence future Federal Reserve decisions and affect movements in global currency markets.

By Ayorinde Oluokun

Police operatives have arrested eight foreign nationals who are alleged members of a transnational criminal syndicate involved in a coordinated fake kidnapping scheme to extort money from their families and relations abroad in Adiyan Town, Agbado Area of Ogun State.

The suspects were arrested following credible intelligence and sustained surveillance into a reported kidnapping incident that was later uncovered to be a staged abduction, Ogun Police Command spokesperson, Oluseyi Babaseyi said in a statement.

Babaseyi, in a statement issued in Abeokuta on Monday identified the suspects as Zakaria Zawadogo ‘M’ aged 34yrs, Burkina Faso; Cheik El-Mehdi ‘M’ aged 23yrs, Mauritania; Suren Neta ‘F’ aged 25yrs, Ivory Coast; Koffi Breno ‘M’ aged 36yrs, Ivory Coast; Gondo Treso ‘M’ aged 32yrs, Ivory Coast; Kunuji Ezekiel ‘M’ aged 27yrs, Republic of Benin; Kougasi John ‘M’, Ivory Coast; and Hemue Blinsi ‘M’ aged 30yrs, Ca’te d’Ivoire.

He said the suspects were arrested by police detectives following a report received on June 6, 2026, from a concerned informant.

Babaseyi said the informant had alerted the Police that a 23-year-old Mauritanian national, Cheik El-Mehdi, had contacted his family abroad in May 2026 claiming he had been kidnapped in Nigeria and demanding ransom for his release.

Shortly after, another suspect, Zakaria Zawadogo, reinforced the demand with threats that the victim would be killed if the ransom was not paid.

He said upon receipt of the complaint, detectives of Ifo Division immediately activated intelligence-driven investigation revealed that the suspects were operating from a hideout in Adiyan Town, Agbado Area of Ogun State.

“Acting on this intelligence, operatives were swiftly mobilized to the location where Zakaria Zawadogo was arrested. He subsequently led detectives to the syndicate’s hideout, resulting in the arrest of Cheik El-Mehdi, Suren Neta, and five other foreign nationals.

“All suspects were taken into custody, while the premises were secured and thoroughly searched in line with due process,” the Police spokesperson said.

Babaseyi said preliminary findings revealed that the operation by the foreigners involved a coordinated criminal enterprise involving the deliberate staging of a kidnapping scenario to defraud the victim’s family.

“It was further established that Suren Neta lured Cheik El-Mehdi into Nigeria, while Zakaria Zawadogo coordinated the ransom demands and issued threats to compel payment. The purported victim was also found to have actively participated in the orchestration of the fake abduction.

“The principal suspects, Zakaria Zawadogo, Cheik El-Mehdi, and Suren Neta, have all confessed to their involvement in the conspiracy, while further investigation is ongoing to determine the full extent of the syndicate’s operations and possible links to other transnational criminal networks,” Babaseyi said.

He added that the case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for discreet and further investigation.

By Richard Elesho

Senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District, Sunday Steve Karimi, has expressed optimism that Nigeria’s current security challenges will not derail the country, insisting that insurgency, banditry and kidnapping will ultimately be defeated.

Karimi’s legal aide, Toye Ibitiye who made this known in a statement said the senator spoke in his Abuja residence when he received constituents from the seven local government areas of Kogi West who visited to mark his third year in the Senate.

He described the recent wave of violent attacks across parts of the country as a coordinated attempt by criminal elements to destabilise national cohesion, spread fear, and distract the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from its governance agenda.

According to him, local miscreants and their foreign collaborators are intent on bringing the administration to its knees. This, he noted, has informed simultaneous, sporadic, and asymmetric assaults on the country from different parts, which is precipitating scare and fear.

Despite the prevailing concerns, the senator maintained that Nigeria’s security forces continue to show resilience, recording operational gains in the ongoing fight against criminal networks.

“What we are witnessing is a deliberate effort to create fear and instability. But Nigeria has gone through difficult moments before and emerged stronger. This phase will also pass,” he said.

Karimi cited recent rescue operations, including the release of Mrs. Olaide Busayo John-Paul, younger sister of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and her twin sons, as examples of ongoing successes by security agencies.

He also referenced sustained military operations against insurgent groups and armed criminals in different parts of the country, describing them as evidence of continued pressure on hostile elements.

The senator, who chairs the Senate Committee on Services, commended President Tinubu for what he described as consistent backing of security agencies and ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening national security architecture.

He noted that proposals around expanded security coverage and state policing reflect the government’s recognition of the need for deeper structural responses to insecurity.

“Our security personnel continue to make sacrifices in defence of the nation. They deserve national support and cooperation as they work under difficult conditions,” he said.

Karimi also expressed confidence that victims of recent abductions, including schoolchildren and teachers in various parts of the country, would be rescued through sustained security operations.

He acknowledged the trauma faced by affected families, assuring that efforts were ongoing to secure the safe return of all abducted persons.

Earlier, leader of the visiting delegation, Abdulganiyu Salaudeen, commended Karimi’s performance in the Senate, describing his representation as responsive and impactful.

Salaudeen also praised the senator’s focus on security interventions and infrastructure development, particularly his push for the rehabilitation of the KabbaIsanluEgbeIlorin road, which he said remains critical to the economic life of Kogi West.

By Rukayat Moisemhe

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) have said the Sugar-Sweetened Beverage (SSB) Tax Bill being considered by the National Assembly could worsen challenges facing Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.

LCCI and CPPE said this in a separate statement issued in reaction to passage of the Customs, Excise Tariff, etc. (Consolidation) Act (Amendment) Bill 2025, to reform excise duties on sugar sweetened beverages by the Senate.

The bill also aims to strengthen public health financing and addressing the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in Nigeria.

In its own statement issued in Lagos on Monday signed by its Director-General, Dr Chinyere Almona, LCCI said that though it supported efforts to address public health concerns associated with excessive sugar consumption, such interventions should not impose undue burdens on businesses and consumers.

She noted that manufacturers were already grappling with high energy costs, exchange rate volatility, elevated interest rates, logistics bottlenecks, multiple taxation and weak consumer purchasing power.

According to her, the introduction of additional taxes on beverage manufacturers is likely to increase production costs, which can ultimately be passed on to consumers through higher prices.

“This may further worsen inflationary pressures and reduce demand for locally manufactured products.”

The LCCI boss also said that the tax could have unintended consequences across industrial value chains, affecting suppliers, distributors, transport operators, retailers, farmers and service providers linked to the beverage industry.

She added that any decline in production volumes resulting from increased taxation could lead to lower investments, reduced capacity utilisation and potential job losses.

Almona advocated a more balanced approach that combined public health education, voluntary product reformulation, improved product labeling, consumer awareness campaigns and broader stakeholder engagement.

She noted that experiences from more advanced economies showed that similar policies were designed primarily to encourage manufacturers to reduce sugar content in products.

According to her, Nigeria’s SSB tax framework should form part of a broader public health strategy and be carefully calibrated to minimise disruption to industry and employment.

“We want to see manufacturers reformulate their products over a transition period rather than simply raise prices due to SSB taxes.

“A reformulation-focused tax may be more effective than a revenue-focused tax as it can achieve health objectives while preserving industrial activity,”

Almona also stressed the need for policymakers to assess the likely impact of the tax on agriculture, manufacturing and supply chains before implementation, especially in sectors that supported large numbers of jobs.

She urged the Federal Government and the National Assembly to undertake a redesign of the policy through wider consultations with manufacturers, health experts, organised private sector groups, consumer associations and other stakeholders.

” Such engagement will help develop a tax framework that promotes product reformulation while preserving sales, jobs and industrial competitiveness,” she said.

She added that this would ensure that public health objectives were pursued in a manner that supports sustainable industrial development and economic growth.

“We urge the Federal Government and the National Assembly to undertake a redesign exercise through more technical engagement with manufacturers, health experts, organised private-sector groups, consumer associations, and other stakeholders to birth a tax policy that drives product reformulation and preserves sales and jobs.

“This will help ensure that public health objectives are pursued in a manner that preserves economic competitiveness, jobs, and supports sustainable industrial development,” she added

CPPE, an NGO, in its own statement, urged the House of Representatives to reject the sugar-sweetened beverage tax bill, describing it as ill-timed and insensitive to prevailing economic realities for manufacturers.

The Chief Executive Officer, CPPE, Dr Muda Yusuf signed the statement issued on Sunday in Lagos.

He also stressed that the move was inconsistent with the Federal Government’s commitment to reducing the tax burden on businesses and detrimental to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.

He expressed deep concerns that the Senate had proceeded with the passage of the bill in spite of strong objections from private sector stakeholders, particularly the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN).

He noted that manufacturers were already contending with high energy costs, elevated interest rates, foreign exchange pressures, logistics challenges, weak consumer purchasing power, and multiple taxes and levies.

Yusuf described the food and beverage industry as one of the strongest pillars of Nigeria’s industrial economy, contributing significantly to manufacturing output and employment.

He said that the sector’s strong linkages with agriculture, packaging, logistics, retail trade, hospitality and distribution made it a key driver of inclusive economic growth.

According to him, imposing additional taxes on the non-alcoholic beverage subsector would increase production costs, raise consumer prices, weaken demand, reduce capacity utilisation and threaten jobs across the value chain.

“The food and beverage industry is one of the strongest pillars of Nigeria’s industrial economy, accounting for a significant proportion of manufacturing output and jobs.

“The non-alcoholic beverages subsector is a major contributor to this ecosystem and should be supported, not burdened with additional taxation.

“Any additional tax burden on the industry would inevitably increase production costs, raise consumer prices, weaken demand, reduce capacity utilisation and threaten jobs across the value chain,” he said.

The CPPE boss also expressed concern over what he described as policy inconsistency, noting that the 2026 fiscal policy framework already provides for an excise duty of N10 per litre on non-alcoholic beverages.

He warned that introducing further taxes through additional legislation would heighten regulatory uncertainty and undermine investor confidence.

“Investors thrive on predictability. Frequent additions to the tax burden send the wrong signal to both existing and prospective investors,” he said.

On the public health justification for the tax, Yusuf acknowledged the need to address the rising incidence of diabetes and other non-communicable diseases.

He, however, argued that sugar taxes alone had limited effectiveness in improving health outcomes.

He said major drivers of diabetes and related illnesses in Nigeria included poor dietary habits, excessive consumption of carbohydrate-rich foods, physical inactivity, sedentary lifestyles, inadequate health awareness and genetic factors.

According to him, lawmakers should instead prioritise nutrition education, public health awareness campaigns, promotion of exercise and physical activity, healthier food choices, preventive healthcare and urban infrastructure that supports active living.

Yusuf maintained that such measures would deliver more sustainable public health benefits without harming production, investment and employment.

He urged House of Representatives to decline concurrence to the bill in the interest of manufacturing sustainability, job preservation, investment confidence and policy coherence.

“The house has historically demonstrated sensitivity to the welfare of citizens and the concerns of productive enterprises.

“We urge members to uphold that tradition by rejecting this legislation in the interest of manufacturing sustainability, employment preservation, investment confidence and policy coherence,” he said. (NAN)

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called for the exposure and defeat of those sponsoring terrorism, kidnappings and violent attacks in Nigeria, saying the country must not lose hope despite the worsening insecurity troubling many communities.

Akpabio spoke on Sunday at an Inter-Denominational Church Service held at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, as part of activities marking this year’s Democracy Day celebration.

The service, themed “God of Hope, Actualise our Dreams,” brought together top government officials and worshippers to reflect on Nigeria’s 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule.

In a statement issued by his media office in Abuja, Akpabio said Nigerians must continue to pray for the sponsors of violence to be exposed, whether they are within government circles or outside them.

He said, “We must continue praying so that the evil doers and their sponsors shall be exposed in Jesus Name.

“If they are in government, they shall be exposed. If they are outside government, they shall be exposed in Jesus Name. Those sponsoring it, whether it is politically motivated or not, may they never have peace until they are defeated.”

The Senate President recalled that when he served as governor of Akwa Ibom State, he introduced monthly prayer sessions as part of efforts to confront kidnapping, militancy and killings in the state.

According to him, the prayer initiative was born out of the troubling security situation at the time.

“When I had the opportunity to serve as governor about 19 years ago, I started monthly prayer. I used to ask myself a question whenever there was militancy, kidnapping and killing. I would say, what if we were not praying?

“Today I want you to ask the same question, the things happening around us, what if we were not praying,” he said.

Akpabio acknowledged the pain and trauma caused by insecurity across the country, especially attacks on communities, abductions of children, and the fear now confronting farmers, travellers and families.

“There is no denying that insecurity continues to trouble our land. Communities have been attacked. Farmers fear returning to their fields. Travellers journey with uncertainty. Families mourn loved ones lost to violence and criminality,” he said.

The former Akwa Ibom governor said President Bola Tinubu had directed that this year’s Democracy Day be marked in a low-key manner because of the current situation in the country.

He, however, urged Nigerians not to give up, saying the country had survived political crises, economic hardship, insurgencies, pandemics and years of democratic uncertainty.

“We have survived political upheavals, economic turbulence. We will survive insurgencies. We have survived pandemics like Ebola and COVID-19 and seasons of despotism. Yet here we stand. Twenty-seven years of democratic governance. Twenty-seven years of constitutional order and hope renewed.

“But gratitude must never blind us to reality,” Akpabio said.

Speaking emotionally on the plight of abducted children and their families, Akpabio said the trauma of insecurity was deeply personal to him, recalling his experience as a child during the Nigerian Civil War.

“That is why my heart breaks for every child in captivity and every parent who lies awake through the long hours of the night, not knowing whether a son or daughter is safe, hungry, frightened or even alive.

“I know something of that anguish. Yet what I experienced as a child cannot be compared with the horror, humiliation, cruelty and unspeakable ordeal these innocent children have endured since their abduction.

“It is a tragedy that wounds the conscience of our nation. But I assure you, there is a brighter tomorrow. The evil you see today, you shall soon see no more,” he said.

Akpabio assured Nigerians that the Tinubu administration remained committed to restoring peace, ending insecurity and securing the release of all persons still being held in captivity.

“We shall continue to act together, pray together, and continue to persevere until our children are safely returned and our nation is secure,” he added.

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians to play a more active role in the fight against terrorism and other forms of violent crime, declaring that securing the country is a collective responsibility that extends beyond the battlefield.

In a message of appreciation to members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies on Monday on X, the President said the battle against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and violent extremists cannot be won by security personnel alone, stressing that citizens must support security efforts through timely intelligence and information sharing.

“The fight against terror is not only a military operation. It is a national duty,” Tinubu said.

“Citizens must support our security forces by providing timely, useful information. When you see something, say something. When you know something, report it.”

The President’s remarks come amid ongoing military operations across several parts of the country, particularly in regions grappling with terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.

Tinubu paid glowing tribute to frontline troops and security operatives, describing them as the nation’s protective shield against forces seeking to undermine peace, security and national unity.

According to him, soldiers and security personnel continue to make immense sacrifices in difficult and often dangerous environments to ensure that Nigerians can go about their daily activities without fear.

“You stand as a shield between innocent citizens and those who seek to destroy the peace, safety and dignity of our communities,” the President said.

“In the forests, on the roads, at forward operating bases, in the air, creeks and across difficult terrains, you carry the burden of national protection so that millions of Nigerians can sleep, work, worship, farm, trade and raise their children in hope.”

The President acknowledged that the fight against insecurity has come at a heavy cost, noting that many personnel have endured enormous pressure, hardship and personal sacrifice in the line of duty.

“This fight has not been easy. It has come with pain, pressure and sacrifice. But your courage has remained firm. Your service is acknowledged. Your sacrifice is honoured. Your country does not take you for granted,” he stated.

Tinubu also extended appreciation to officers and personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, intelligence agencies and local security formations for their contributions to safeguarding the country.

Beyond the men and women in uniform, the President recognised the sacrifices made by their families, many of whom endure prolonged separations and emotional strain while their loved ones serve on the frontlines.

“I also acknowledge the families behind the uniform. Many of you have endured long absences, anxious nights and the emotional cost of duty. Nigeria remembers that sacrifice too,” he said.

The President paid special tribute to fallen security personnel who lost their lives defending the country, saying their bravery continues to inspire hope and resilience in communities rescued from criminal elements.

“We honour those who have paid the supreme price in defence of our country. Their names may not always trend, but their courage lives on in rescued communities, protected families and the survival of the nation they served,” he added.

Reaffirming his administration’s determination to defeat criminal groups threatening national stability, Tinubu vowed that Nigeria would not bow to fear or allow violent actors to define the country’s identity.

“Nigeria will not surrender to fear. We will not allow terrorists, bandits, kidnappers or violent extremists to define who we are as a people. Their violence is not our identity. Their hatred does not represent Nigerians of any faith, creed or community,” he said.

By Ayorinde Oluokun

Four members of alleged gun running syndicate linked to a berretta pistol recovered from one Oghenemine Ogidiman who was later shot dead by a police officer at park in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State on 1st May 2026 are now in police net.

The Delta State Police Command announced the arrest of the suspects in a statement on Monday.

In the statement signed by its spokesperson, Bright Edafe, the Command identified the suspects as Emmanuel Chukwuemeka, Clifford Boleyelefa, Amadi Princewill and Amadi Felix Chibuike.

The Command said the suspects who were arrested in Bayelsa and Imo states respectively after a pain staking investigation and intelligence led operations carried out by operatives of the command are members of Black Axe confraternity cult gang.

According to Edafe, the first suspect, Emmanuel Chukwuemeka, was arrested in Bayelsa on the 4th of May 2026 alongside his friend and roommate whose phone he used as a means of communication to purchase the gun.

He added that Emmanuel revealed that he bought the gun from one Amadi Princewill for the sum of N290,000) and sold the gun to one Desmond (at large) for the sum of N380,000 who in turn way- billed it to Effurun and contacted Oghenemine Ogidi (now deceased) to collect it and send to Sapele.

The Police spokesperson said following the confession of Emmanuel Chukwuemeka, the second suspect Amadi Princewill was trailed and arrested in Imo State on 15th of May 2026.

“Upon the arrest of Amadi Princewill, and on interrogation, he stated that he bought the gun from one Amadi Felix for the sum of Two Hundred Thousand Naira (#200,000). Consequently, Amadi Felix was trailed and arrested in Owerri Imo State on 16th May 2026,” Edafe said.

He added that the suspects will be charged to court upon completion of investigation while manhunt for other suspects including Desmond is still ongoing.

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has condemned the attack on its enforcement officers by suspected illegal waste operators during an environmental monitoring operation along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.

The Managing Director of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, condemned the incident in a statement issued by the agency’s Director of Public Affairs, Mr Mukaila Sanusi, on Monday in Lagos.

Gbadegesin described the attack as unacceptable and warned against attempts to obstruct the agency’s lawful activities.

According to him, the incident occurred on Sunday at Mazamaza Bus Stop, shortly after FESTAC First Gate, during a routine environmental monitoring and compliance exercise.

He said LAWMA operatives encountered individuals engaged in illegal waste disposal activities while carrying out their statutory duties.

“The enforcement team was attacked by suspected illegal waste operators and cart pushers who attempted to obstruct the exercise.

“Our enforcement officers were carrying out their statutory responsibilities when they were attacked by individuals seeking to frustrate government efforts,” he said.

Gbadegesin described the attack as a direct affront to government efforts aimed at safeguarding public health and maintaining environmental sanitation.

He said such actions would not deter the agency from discharging its mandate of maintaining a clean and healthy environment.

The managing director noted that assaults on enforcement personnel constituted a serious offence under the law.

He warned that anyone found to have participated in the attack or obstructed lawful government operations would face prosecution.

Gbadegesin added that efforts were ongoing to identify and apprehend all those connected with the incident.

He said that in spite of the attack, the enforcement team continued its monitoring operation along the corridor, covering Iyana Iba, Okokomaiko and Agbara.

According to him, the exercise is part of ongoing efforts to curb indiscriminate waste disposal and promote compliance with environmental regulations.

Gbadegesin said the activities of illegal cart pushers and operators of unauthorised dumpsites remained a major challenge to effective waste management in the state.

He added that such activities also posed significant risks to environmental sanitation and public health.

The LAWMA boss urged residents and businesses to patronise only approved waste service providers and dispose of waste through authorised channels.

He stressed that maintaining a clean and sustainable environment required collective responsibility.

Gbadegesin called on residents to support government efforts by complying with environmental laws and reporting illegal waste disposal activities.

He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to sustaining enforcement operations across the state and warned that offenders would continue to face sanctions. (NAN)

By Desmond Ejibas

Port Harcourt, June 8, 2026 (NAN) The Police Command in Rivers has commenced an investigation into allegations of unlawful detention and related misconduct contained in an online publication.

Reports circulating on social media alleged that an unnamed individual was arrested and detained at the Octopus Unit, C4i, Mile 2, Diobu, Port Harcourt.

According to the reports, the individual was arrested over a petition unrelated to him, physically assaulted and compelled to pay N180,000 before regaining his freedom several days later.

The command’s spokesperson, ASP Blessing Agabe, told journalists in Port Harcourt on Monday that the Commissioner of Police in Rivers, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, had ordered a full investigation into the allegations.

Agabe said an investigative panel had been constituted to examine the claims and establish the facts surrounding the incident.

According to her, the action is in line with the command’s commitment to professionalism, accountability and the protection of fundamental human rights.

“The investigative panel has been directed to thoroughly examine the incident and ascertain the facts surrounding the allegations,” she said.

Agabe said that Adepoju had urged individuals and members of the public with credible information to come forward and assist the investigation.

He advised affected persons to report to the Office of the Police Public Relations Officer or contact the Complaint Response Unit through the designated channels.

The commissioner reiterated that detention beyond the constitutionally approved period without due process remained unlawful.

“Detention beyond the legally stipulated period without due process is unlawful, unacceptable and will not be tolerated under any guise,” he said.

Adepoju warned that any officer found culpable of unethical or unlawful conduct would face disciplinary action in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.

“The Rivers State Police Command remains committed to accountability, transparency and respect for human dignity,” he assured.

He further assured residents that the rights, freedom and dignity of every citizen would be protected at all times.

Meanwhile, Mr Wisdom Chude, a lawyer and rights advocate who published the allegations, claimed that police officers initially refused to release the victim’s personal belongings after his release from detention.

Chude alleged that the victim’s belongings, including clothing and footwear, were only returned after additional payments were made.

He further claimed that some detainees had remained in police custody for between two and three months without being granted bail or charged to court.

According to him, one detainee allegedly paid N200,000 for bail but was returned to the cell after making the payment.

He described the unlawful detention as a violation of fundamental human rights.

“In Rivers State, we have the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee, while judges and chief magistrates are required to inspect detention facilities regularly,” he said.

Chude expressed concern that the alleged abuses suggested that existing oversight mechanisms might not be functioning effectively.

“The Octopus Unit deserves urgent scrutiny. The scale of the alleged human rights violations should be a matter of serious public concern,” he added.

The lawyer questioned how individuals could allegedly remain in detention for weeks or months without bail, court arraignment or effective oversight.

He called for a thorough investigation into the allegations and urged the relevant authorities to ensure compliance with the law.

Chude also appealed to the Commissioner of Police in Rivers to conduct regular inspections of tactical police units across the state.

“Direct inspections would enable the police leadership to independently assess conditions in detention facilities rather than relying solely on reports from unit commanders,” he said.

He urged authorities to strengthen accountability measures and safeguard the rights of persons in custody.

(NAN)