Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

The Presidential Ad Hoc Committee on the Overhaul of Security Training Institutions has said that the police college institutes and other security training facilities across the country will be rebuilt and equipped before the recruitment of the 30,000 new police personnel approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Members of the committee led by its Chairman and Enugu Governor, Peter Mbah, spoke on Thursday during their inspection visit to the Police Training College, Nonwa, Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The committee members, including Ogun Governor, Dapo Abiodun, were led to the Nonwa Police Training College by their host and Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara.

Mbah said the President had already approved the recruitment of 30,000 new police personnel, but added that the exercise would not proceed until the country’s training facilities are rebuilt and adequately equipped.

‘There’s no way that recruitment can happen if we do not have proper training ground for these men and women who protect our communities’, he said.

Mbah said the overhauling of security training institutes was a direct mandate from President Tinubu, who personally inaugurated the committee to reposition the country’s law enforcement training system.

He noted that Tinubu’s declaration of emergency on training institutes was a demonstration of the importance he attached to the security of lives and properties of the citizens.

He said: ‘The President came to the NEC meeting himself to inaugurate this committee. That tells you how much importance he attaches to the security of lives and property. He recognises that we are at a security crossroad, and nothing short of a complete and urgent overhaul is required to secure our future.

‘We are here for an on-the-spot assessment, to document the level of decay and ensure that this intervention is nationwide. That was the explicit mandate of the President.’

Mbah lamented that most of the training centres had suffered decades of neglect, emphasising that Tinubu’s intervention marked a new beginning for Nigeria’s policing architecture.

He said: ‘You cannot demand integrity and professionalism from our men and women when the institutions that train them are in ruins.

‘This is being treated as a national emergency. The first phase will last one month, during which we will begin rebuilding, reequipping and restoring the dignity of these institutions.’

Abiodun described the reform as a ‘clear demonstration of the President’s political will’ to strengthen law enforcement and ensure internal security.

He said: ‘The President is not a member of NEC, yet he came personally to inaugurate this committee. ‘That tells you his level of commitment.

‘He understands that you cannot recruit 30,000 policemen and train them in this kind of environment. You cannot incubate policemen here and expect them to behave like professionals when they get out.’

Abiodun revealed that the committee had split into northern and southern teams to meet its four-week deadline.

He said consultants were already working on a bill of quantities and cost assessments for all police and NSCDC training facilities across the country.

Abiodun said: ‘We’re determined to meet the deadline. Our report will include detailed refurbishment plans so that the President can immediately begin the recruitment drive backed by proper training infrastructure. This shows that Mr. President is not just talking; he is acting.’

Rivers Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, hailed the initiative as a ‘bold and practical step’ by President Tinubu to professionalise the Nigerian Police Force.

Fubara said: ‘What is important here is that the President has made a bold statement. He wants a police force that is trained professionally.

‘I strongly believe he means every word he has said. This is not just about fixing buildings; it’s about building capacity, restoring morale, and motivating officers to perform like their counterparts anywhere in the world.’

The inspection team, which also included retired and serving senior police officers, toured facilities at the Nonwa Police Training College and other adjoining facilities in Rivers.

The Senate has ordered the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to enforce the ban on the production and sale of alcoholic drinks in sachets and small plastic bottles by December 2025.

The Red Chamber insisted that there will be no further extension of the deadline.

The directive followed a motion sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South), who expressed concerns over the repeated postponement of the ban despite the rising health and social problems linked to the consumption of cheap alcohol.

Ekpenyong noted that NAFDAC had shifted the phase-out date several times, from 2023 to 2024 and later to 2025, due to pressure from manufacturers.

He warned that any additional delay would amount to ‘a betrayal of public trust and a violation of Nigeria’s commitment to global health standards.’

‘Packaging alcohol in sachets makes it as easy to consume as sweets, even for children,’ Ekpenyong said.

‘It promotes addiction, impairs mental and motor development, and fuels domestic violence, accidents, and crime.’

The motion enjoyed bipartisan support, with senators condemning the growing sale of high-alcohol-content sachet drinks across the country.

Senator Anthony Ani (APC – Ebonyi South) described the products as a ‘social menace destroying lives and futures,’ especially among minors.

‘These drinks are cheap, potent, and everywhere, in schools, markets, and motor parks,’ Ani lamented. ‘Every day we delay, more young Nigerians fall into addiction and violence.’

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who presided over the session, said the issue was both a moral and national health emergency.

‘This is not just a policy matter, it’s a life-saving decision,’ Akpabio declared. ‘By December 2025, sachet alcohol must become history in Nigeria.’

The lawmakers decried the rising cases of underage drinking, road accidents and domestic violence linked to the easy access and affordability of sachet-packaged alcohol, describing them as ‘silent poisons’ undermining productivity and family stability.

Nigeria had in 2018 signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with industry stakeholders, including NAFDAC, the Federal Ministry of Health, and the Association of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employers, to phase out high-strength alcohol in sachets.

The agreement expired in 2023 but was extended to December 2025 to allow manufacturers to adjust.

However, lawmakers expressed dismay that some companies were lobbying for another extension, warning that such pressure weakened NAFDAC’s authority and endangered public safety.

The Senate cited Section 17(3)(f) of the 1999 Constitution, which obliges government to protect children and the aged from moral neglect and exploitation, as the legal basis for decisive action.

It also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the World Health Organization (WHO) framework on alcohol harm reduction, which discourages small, portable containers that encourage binge drinking and underage access.

After adopting the motion, the Senate directed NAFDAC and the Federal Ministry of Health to fully enforce the prohibition nationwide and reject any future appeals for deadline extensions.

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) was also mandated to launch a nationwide campaign to educate Nigerians on the health and social dangers of sachet alcohol.

Lawmakers further urged the Federal Government to release and implement the National Alcohol Policy, which explicitly bans small-volume packaging of alcoholic beverages.

In his closing remarks, Akpabio described the Senate’s resolution as a ‘historic and moral stand to protect Nigerians from a slow-killing culture.’

‘This is about saving lives, protecting our youth, and safeguarding our future,’ he said. ‘The time for excuses is over, by December 2025, sachet alcohol must end for the health, safety, and sanity of our nation.’

The Bangui Court of Appeal, Central African Republic, has sentenced a European national, Martin Figueira, to 10 years of hard labor after finding him guilty of espionage and offences against state security.

Figueira, who holds dual Belgian and Portuguese citizenship, was convicted on six counts, including espionage, undermining state security, participation in a criminal association, and incitement to hatred and rebellion. He was also ordered to pay a fine of 50 million CFA francs to the Central African Republic (CAR).

The court’s ruling on November 4, 2025, followed a week-long trial that began on October 28. Figueira, an employee of the American humanitarian organization FHI 360, was arrested in Zemio in May 2024.

Prosecutors had requested a 20-year sentence, accusing the aid worker of maintaining links with armed groups and engaging in unauthorized cooperation with the International Criminal Court (ICC).

During the hearings, the court heard testimony that Figueira allegedly acted as an intermediary between the ICC and leaders of several armed groups, including Noureddine Adam, Bello Saidou, and Ousmane Mahamat. The prosecution also claimed that funds were transferred to these groups through Figueira in connection with his alleged collaboration with an ICC official, Nicolas Herrera.

The defense, however, maintained that Figueira’s activities were consistent with humanitarian work and denied all allegations of espionage or subversion.

The verdict has drawn attention from international observers, with questions likely to arise over the implications for foreign humanitarian operations in the conflict-torn nation.

President Bola Tinubu’s administration is implementing several far-reaching measures to combat terrorism in Nigeria, combining military action with socio-economic initiatives and regional diplomacy

Alake stated this during a News Conference hosted by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris on Wednesday in Abuja.

He explained that the insecurity in Nigeria did not start under President Tinubu or two years ago.

‘From the actions taken so far; from the platoral of actions, if such was taken ten years ago, we probably would not be where we are today.

‘Ranging from the changing of security architecture, the top brass of our security agencies.

‘The change in 2023, change again few days ago; all these are to reinvigorate and re-inject new enthusiasm and impetus into the fight against insecurity.

‘These are policies and actions emanating from deep exhaustive planning and strategising and they are yielding results.

‘When you look at the last ten years and do a comparative analysis with the last two years, you will notice the tremendous efforts that this government has put in place and actions so far taken to stem the tide of insecurity.

‘Everyone knows that there is no deliberate targeting of any religion or persecution. Sometime, when these terrorists goes to attack, they don’t do it base on religion, rather it is base on either economic or political, ‘ Alake said.

He added that ironically, some of those communities are inhabited by people of a particular religion, adding that, to use the faith of the inhabitant to explain the motive of the attack is very wrong.

‘Such do not reflect the reality on ground’.

He called on the media to stop propagating wrong narrative characterised by unbelievability happening in the country, but rather amplify the success of the armed forces in the fight against terrorism.

Entertainer Poco Lee has joined forces with rising stars Mavo and Diamond Boy for a brand-new single called ‘Enjoyment,’ set to drop on Friday.

This highly anticipated Afrobeats track promises to bring together the trio’s unique styles, blending infectious dance rhythms and street energy.

Poco Lee, known for his dynamic dance moves and viral online presence, continues to expand his artistry as a recording performer.

The Lagos-born entertainer has long been credited with helping take Nigerian street dance to the global stage, collaborating with top stars like Zlatan, Burna Boy, and Olamide.

Mavo brings his signature ‘Burbur Music’ sound, which combines Afrobeats with raw energy and relatable storytelling.

His viral hits like ‘Escaladizzy’ and ‘Shakabulizzy’ have made him one of the most exciting new names in the industry.

Diamond Boy rounds out the trio, marking one of his biggest collaborations yet.

With his growing fanbase and distinctive voice, he’s expected to add extra firepower to the track’s chemistry.

The cover art for ‘Enjoyment’ features a bright orange backdrop with the three artists’ names creatively linked by arrows, visually capturing the collaboration’s unity and shared vibe.

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Thursday approved the concession of the Port Harcourt International Airport to private investors for more efficient management and improved service delivery.

Meanwhile, the Council also approved the long-awaited contract for the provision of engineering infrastructure in Maitama 2 District of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Management, Festus Keyamo, disclosed this while briefing journalists at the State House, Abuja, shortly after the meeting, which was presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He, however, assured aviation workers that the concession would not result in job losses, stressing that the government remains committed to protecting workers’ rights while pursuing reforms to make the aviation sector more viable.

‘We have two major airports now that we have approvals in terms of the business case to begin to finalise with private investors. One of them is the Port Harcourt International Airport. Let me assure the unions that nobody will lose his job as a result of these concessions. I am pro-union, pro-workers, and I will engage them to ensure they are comfortable with the process, Keyamo said.

The Minister noted that the move was part of government’s effort to ensure that airports operate sustainably.

He explained that many airports currently run at a loss, with revenue from Lagos, Abuja, and Kano used to subsidise others.

‘Before we came in, Port Harcourt was a no-go area – no investor was interested. But today, because of the activities of this government, it has become the beautiful bride. Over six investors competed to manage the airport,’ he said.

Keyamo also listed other aviation-related approvals secured from FEC, including contracts for the maintenance and support services for airport management solutions across Nigeria’s five international airports; Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt, and Enugu, as well as the procurement and installation of advanced tertiary power systems and navigational aids.

Additionally, the Council approved the purchase of 15 airport rescue and firefighting vehicles to meet International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards and the construction of a permanent headquarters for the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) in Abuja.

Another significant approval was the exclusion of all Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) residential properties within and around airports from sale to private individuals, a move aimed at preserving operational safety and security within airport environments.

FEC also approved the concession of biometric verification systems at airports to integrate passengers’ National Identification Numbers (NIN) into boarding processes, enhance aviation security, and curb the use of fake identities.

Keyamo said the ministry also secured approvals for contracts under its 2024 budget to improve lighting systems at airports, enabling night operations and helping local airlines increase passenger capacity and revenue.

‘These reforms are designed to make our airports safer, more efficient, and commercially sustainable. We are bringing them to global standards,’ the minister affirmed.

Also speaking, Minister of the FCT, Chief Nyesom Wike, disclosed that the Council approved the long-awaited contract for the provision of engineering infrastructure in Maitama 2 District of the FCT.

Wike said the Maitama 2 project, which covers an estimated 786 hectares of land, had stalled for nearly five years after it was first awarded, until the current administration took decisive steps to revive it.

‘This contract was awarded about five years ago but did not take off. When Mr. President came, the Federal Executive Council terminated that contract. Today, FEC has approved a fresh contract for the engineering infrastructure of Maitama 2,’ the Minister stated.

He explained that Maitama 2 would serve as a new residential and commercial district in Abuja, adding that the project aligns with President Tinubu’s commitment to expanding development across the FCT.

‘Many people had been allocated land in Maitama 2 before this administration, but there was no provision of infrastructure. This is a very ambitious project, and we are determined to give it all the attention it deserves to open up that district,’ Wike said.

The Minister also announced FEC’s ratification of contracts for the design and construction of official residences for the heads of key courts, including the President of the Court of Appeal, the President of the National Industrial Court, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, and the Chief Judge of the FCT High Court.

According to him, the move reflects the administration’s recognition of the judiciary as a vital pillar of governance and its commitment to improving the welfare and working conditions of judicial officers.

In addition, Wike revealed that the Council approved the provision of water supply to several satellite towns, including Karu, Karshi, Orozo, and Bwari.

He recalled that President Tinubu had earlier inaugurated the Greater Abuja Water Supply Project, with a promise to extend it to surrounding communities.

‘We have flagged off that project, and by the grace of God, we believe that by May next year, it will be inaugurated,’ he said.

He further noted that the Council ratified the emergency rehabilitation works recently carried out at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, which was completed in time for the inauguration of the ECOWAS Parliament earlier this year.

‘That project was awarded under emergency when Mr. President directed that the Conference Centre should meet international standards. To the glory of God, it has now been fully rehabilitated and inaugurated,’ he said.

Wike assured residents of continued infrastructural development across the FCT under the Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasizing that Abuja would remain a model city for modern urban planning and governance.

The Inspector-General (I-G) of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, has hailed Lagos State Police Command for building a new multi-purpose hall, calling it a ‘foundation for vision, progress, and excellent service.

Egbetokun commended the command during the foundation laying ceremony of the I-GP Egbetokun Conference Hall at the command headquarters, Ikeja on Thursday.

He highlighted Lagos as a unique security landscape that often served as a model for policing across Nigeria.

According to him, the new hall, which replaces an older facility, will not only function as a conference center but also support various operational needs of the command.

‘As we are laying bricks, we are also laying hope and stronger bonds for efficient policing in Nigeria, professionalism, discipline, and excellent service,’ he said.

He called on other commissioners across the country to emulate the Lagos State Police Command’s initiative, emphasising the importance of improving infrastructure and service delivery in policing.

The I-G also addressed security preparations for the upcoming Anambra gubernatorial election scheduled for Saturday.

He assured Nigerians that the police were fully prepared to provide security, with senior officers already deployed to supervise all security agencies involved.

‘Voters in Anambra should come out to cast their vote. A level playing ground will be provided for all candidates.

‘The Nigeria police do not have a candidate in this election, the force’s loyalty remains with the Federal Republic of Nigeria, ‘ he said.

Turning to the upcoming festive period, the I-G stated that preparations for the Christmas and New Year season had been ongoing across all commands.

He assured the public that adequate security measures were in place to ensure safe travel and celebrations.

Addressing the recent upsurge in crime, including banditry and kidnapping, Egbetokun emphasised a community-based approach to tackling insecurity.

‘Security is not something provided in silos. We must work in synergy with other security agencies and all communities in Nigeria,’ he said.

He urged citizens to support security agencies by avoiding the spread of false information.

The police boss commended the officers, who risked their lives daily to provide security for Nigerians and called for national cooperation in building a safer country.

The Nigerian Navy (NN) said its operatives rescued 11 passengers from a sinking speedboat in Bonny River, Rivers State.

It revealed this in a statement by Director of Naval Information (DINFO) Commodore Aiwiyor Adams-Aliu, adding that the boat departed Nembe Waterside Jetty, Port Harcourt en route Coal Beach Jetty, Bonny Island, when it developed engine failure midstream and began taking in water near the Federal Ocean Terminal, Onne.

According to the statement, the victims, comprising six males and five females, were rescued on November 4, by personnel attached to Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny.

‘The swift response of the FOB Bonny patrol team under heavy rainfall prevented a major tragedy, and all rescued passengers were safely taken to the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Jetty for medical checks and subsequently handed over to the Marine Police for reunification with their families,’ the Navy said.

The statement also said the Navy intensified its anti-crude oil theft operations across the Niger Delta region with the deactivation of many Illegal Refining Sites (IRS) in four locations on Wednesday, 5 November.

‘First, personnel of FOB Escravos deactivated two illegal refining sites at Obodo Omadino Community in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State while the Nigerian Navy Ship PATHFINDER patrol team uncovered and deactivated an illegal refining site containing three cooking ovens, six reservoirs, sacks, jerrycans, and dugout pits filled with stolen crude oil and illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) around the Bakana and Isaka general areas of Rivers State. ‘Similarly, FOB Bonny personnel dismantled an active illegal refining site at Eyamba Community in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State, and the Nigerian Navy Ship DELTA patrol team deactivated another site at Opumani Creek in Warri South Local Government Area, Delta State.

‘These operations underscore the Nigerian Navy’s renewed efforts under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, to ensure maritime safety, protect critical national assets, and promote lawful economic activities while sustaining the efforts to eradicate crude oil theft and all forms of illegality within Nigeria’s maritime domain,’ it added.

ý The Alumni Association of the University of Ilorin is poised to bring its series of commemorative events for the university’s 50th anniversary to a fitting climax with a grand symposium.

ý

ý The event is scheduled to hold on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the Sheraton Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos.

ý

ýThis symposium represents a pinnacle of a year-long celebration honoring the university’s remarkable journey since its founding in 1975.

ýIt will gather distinguished alumni, academics, industry leaders, and stakeholders to reflect on the institution’s achievements, contributions to national development, and future prospects in education and innovation.

ý

ýThe event will be chaired by a distinguished alum, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), whose leadership in infrastructure and public service aligns with the university’s legacy of excellence.

ýThe symposium will be graced by Professor Wahab Egbewole, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, and Professor AbdurRazaq Kilani, President of the Unilorin Alumni Association and former Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt.

ý

ýThe symposium underscores the association’s commitment to fostering lifelong connections and supporting the university’s ongoing mission.

ý

ýEngineer Isiwat Lawal, Vice-President of the Unilorin Alumni Association and Lagos State Anchor, stated: ‘This grand symposium is more than an event; it’s a testament to the enduring spirit of Unilorin. As we mark 50 years of academic excellence, we invite all alumni and well-wishers to join us in celebrating our shared heritage and charting a bold path forward. Together, we continue to build on the foundations laid by our alma mater.’

Former Ekiti Governor Ayodele Fayose has described Thursday’s protest at the United States Embassy in Abuja, by some members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as shameful.

Fayose said it is the last kick of a dead National Working Committee (NWC) of tax collectors.

He said rather than going to the US Embassy in Abuja to carry placards, ‘the suspended National Chairman, Umar Iliya Damagum and co-travellers should have traveled to Washington to go and protest in front of the White House’.

In a statement on Thursday, Fayose wondered how it has become the duty of the US and other European countries to help fix a political party in Nigeria.

He asked if it was the fault of anyone that: ‘Damagum and his gang of political undertakers’ refused to act in accordance with the constitution of the PDP.

‘The court ruled last Friday that PDP must conclude some processes, including outstanding State Congress before holding any National Convention.

‘Rather than coming back home to take proper stock and bring all stakeholders together; ‘they chose to announce the suspension of major members of the NWC, including the National Secretary, who’s the only person authorized to issue notice of meetings.

‘Before then, they went to court to throw punches over legal representation of the party, despite that it is clearly stated in the constitution of the party that it is only the National Legal Adviser that has powers to represent or appoint lawyers to represent the party in court cases.

‘So, how is the consequences of their impunity the business the US or anyone?’