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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assented to the Nigeria Police Training Institutions Establishment Bill, 2024, a comprehensive legislation that provides statutory backing for 48 police training institutions across the country.

The bill was sponsored by Senator Ahmed Abdulhamid Malam-Madori.

The newly recognised training ecosystem encompasses five distinct categories: Police Colleges, Police Training Schools, Police Tactical Schools, Police Technical Training Schools, and other specialised institutions, scattered across the six geopolitical zones.

The Police Colleges now backed by law are the Police College, Ikeja (Lagos State); Police College, Kaduna (Kaduna State); Police College, Maiduguri (Borno State); Police College, Oji River (Enugu State); Police Staff College, Jos (Plateau State); and the Police Detective College, Enugu (Enugu State).

In the second tier, Police Training Schools have been legally entrenched in Bauchi, Minna, Sokoto, Benin, Wanune, Calabar, Ilorin, Ibadan, Iperu, Jos, Owerri, Nonwa-Tai, Oyin-Akoko, Ekiti, Gwaram, Malabu-Fufore, Bende, and other strategic locations, ensuring that capacity building extends deep into the grassroots of police formations.

The Police Tactical Schools, now empowered to deliver elite operational training, include the Mobile Training Schools in Gwoza (Borno State), Ila-Oragun (Osun State), and Ende-Hill (Nasarawa State); Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) Schools in Nonwa-Tai (Rivers State) and Gombe (Gombe State); Special Protection Unit (SPU) School in Kafin Hausa (Jigawa State); K9 Training School in Bukuru-Jos (Plateau State); Mounted Troop Training School in Jos (Plateau State); Marine Training School in Toru-Orua (Bayelsa State); and the Police Pre-Retirement Training School in Kudan (Kaduna State).

Under the Police Technical Training Schools framework, the new law covers the Police Public Relations School in Lafia (Nasarawa State) and its Abuja campus, the Central Planning and Training Unit (Jos, Plateau State), Police School of Intelligence (Shere, Kwara State), Schools of Communication in Kudan and Ikeja, School of Music (Ikeja), Police Driving School (Ikeja), and the Police Veterinary Training School (Abuja).

Beyond these, the law recognizes other Specialized Police Institutions, including the Police Institute of Digital Studies and Cyber Security in Abeokuta (Ogun State), Police School of Nursing and Midwifery in Ezimo (Enugu State), National Institute of Police Studies in Life Camp (Abuja), Police Short Service Training Institute in Ikot Ekpene (Akwa Ibom State), and the Police School of Finance and Administration in Umueri (Anambra State).

Senator Ahmed Abdulhamid Malam-Madori, described the presidential assent as ‘a transformative moment in Nigeria’s internal security architecture,’ noting that the Act would ‘professionalise police training, deepen research in security management, and align Nigeria’s policing culture with international law enforcement standards.’

The Ekiti State Police Command has arraigned one Oyedele Bolarinwa (45) at the Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti over the alleged stealing of farm produce.

The prosecutor, Inspector Akinwale Oriyomi, told the court that the defendant, and others at large, on or before August 20, 2025, in Aramoko-Ekiti, stole farm produce such as cocoa, cola nut, and plantain valued at N8 million, the property of Morufat Moruf.

Inspector Oriyomi said the defendant and others at large, on the same date and place within the Magisterial District, also threatened violence against Morufat Moruf.

The prosecutor added that the offences are punishable under Sections 302(1)(a) and 69 of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021.

Counsel to the defendant, Barrister Olumide Olowolafe, urged the court to grant his client bail, stating that he would provide a credible surety.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr. Abayomi Adeosun, granted bail of N100,000 with one surety in the like sum.

The case was adjourned until October 14, for hearing.

The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the seizure of smuggled goods valued at N1.8 billion in the South-West region of the country within the last six weeks.

The seized items include truckloads of rice, cannabis sativa, and Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), among others.

The seizures were made possible through intensified surveillance and intelligence gathering by the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A.

A total of four suspects were also arrested in connection with some of the seized items.

The Customs Area Controller in charge of the command, Muhammed Shuaibu, made this disclosure on Tuesday while showcasing some of the contrabands to journalists.

Shuaibu stated that the contrabands were intercepted across borders in Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, and Lagos States.

Shuaibu stated that between September 1 and October 7, 2025, a total of N39.3 million was recovered through demand notices.

Giving details of the seizures, Shuaibu stated that a total of 5, 015 bags of foreign bags of rice equivalent to eight trucks were seized within the period under review.

‘Others include, 15 used vehicles, 640 parcels of cannabis sativa equivalent to 431killgrams, 460 jerrycans of premium motor spirit, 25 litres each, 143 bales of used clothing, two jumbo sacks of used shoes, and one sack of used clothing, 390 bottles of codeine, 310 foreign-branded drugs, 19 cards of 210 pieces of used tyres. A duty paid value of N1.8bn was recorded during this period, reflecting the scale of our operations,’ he stated.

The 2025 Wet Season Agricultural Performance Survey (APS) released yesterday in Abuja has identified swelling supply of substandard NPK fertilizer products in the market.

The survey was conducted across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) by the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS), in collaboration with 22 ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), research institutes and development partners.

Presenting the report yesterday, the Executive Director, NAERLS, Prof. Yusuf Sani Ahmad, said smallholder farmers were confronted with high cost and surging supply of substandard NPK and organic fertiliser brands offering far less value for money to vulnerable farmers.

Prof Ahmad warned that if nothing is done to tame the deadly trends, production of many crops will dwindle.

The executive director also spoke on many aspects of the report, which include mechanisation available to farmers, commodity price index, floods and climate impacts, as well as crop pests and diseases.

‘A total of 19,358.5 hectares of farmland were affected by crop pests and diseases during the 2025 wet season, with estimated yield losses of about 22.5% (within the affected farmland),’ he said.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, while reacting to the report, said that the 2025 APS findings present both encouraging progress and critical challenges.

On a positive note, he said the report confirms steady growth in the production of major staples-rice, maize, sorghum, millet, cowpea, yam, and cassava-all of which show increases over 2024 levels.

‘This progress, coupled with a significant drop in food prices across all zones, is a clear reflection of improved supply conditions and the cumulative effect of our ongoing interventions in input support, extension delivery, and mechanisation.

‘However, the report also highlights persistent challenges. Rising input costs, particularly for fertilizer and fuel, continue to limit productivity among smallholders. Mechanization coverage, though improving, remains uneven, and postharvest losses, especially in the South-West and North-Central zones, pose serious threats to food availability and farmer incomes,’ he said.

Uche Nnaji, former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, has said he did not resign because of guilt.

Nnaji tendered his resignation on Tuesday amid pressure over authenticity of his academic certificates.

Following investigation by PREMIUM TIMES, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), disowned the Bachelor of Science degree certificate in the possession of the former Minister, saying the politician did not complete his studies at the institution and was never issued a certificate.

According to PREMIUM TIMES, Simon U. Ortuanya, the Vice-Chancellor of UNN, stated that although Nnaji was admitted to the institution in 1981, he did not complete his studies and was never awarded a degree.

But in a statement he personally signed, Nnaji claimed the reputation which he built through hard work was being ruined.

He said he had been subjected to blackmail.

‘After deep reflection and consultations with family, associates, and well-meaning Nigerians, I have today tendered my resignation as the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.’

‘This decision did not come lightly. Over the past week, an orchestrated sustained campaign of falsehood, politically motivated, and malicious attacks have been waged against my person, integrity, and office across print, electronic, and social media platforms. These unfounded allegations and media distortions have not only caused personal distress but have also begun to distract from the vital work of the Ministry and the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President.

‘As someone who has spent more than five decades building a reputation anchored on hard work, honour, and service to humanity, I cannot in good conscience allow these distractions to cast a shadow over the noble objectives of this administration.

‘My decision to step aside is therefore a personal choice – not an admission of guilt, but rather a principled decision to respect the sanctity of due process and to preserve the integrity of the judicial proceedings currently before the court. In the end, justice will prevail, and history will vindicate the just.

‘I remain deeply grateful to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the confidence he reposed in me and for the privilege to serve in his cabinet. His vision for a renewed, innovative, and technologically driven Nigeria is one I continue to hold dear, and I pledge my unflinching support to his administration and its transformative goals.’

The Kano State Police Command has commended residents for their peaceful conduct and orderliness during this year’s Maukibi celebration, describing it as one of the most tranquil events in the state’s recent history.

According to a statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, the 2025 Maukibi celebration mirrored the calm and unity witnessed during the Takutaha festival earlier in the year-a reflection of the state’s improving security situation.

The Command attributed the peaceful atmosphere to proactive security measures, intelligence-driven operations, and sustained collaboration between the police, community leaders, and other security agencies.

‘This year’s Maukibi Celebration stands as a testament to the collective effort of residents, religious leaders, and stakeholders who worked together to ensure peace and harmony,’ the statement read.

However, the statement revealed that clearance operations carried out during the festivities led to the arrest of 21 suspects who attempted to disrupt the peace. Dangerous weapons and illicit drugs were recovered from them, an act the police described as a move that led to the prevention of potential threats to lives and property.

The Yobe State Police Command has impounded over 70 vehicles for various traffic offences, in line with the Motor Traffic Regulations Act.

The move is aimed at forestalling criminal activities by disgruntled elements who use tinted glass to perpetrate crimes in the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, said the decisive action follows a noticeable increase in criminal activities involving vehicles with covered or tinted glass, which are often used to conceal the identities of suspects.

He said during the period under review, the command recorded a series of criminal incidents linked to vehicles with tinted glass. (NAN)

He said the most recent involved a vehicle burglary along the Damaturu-Potiskum Road near the Teaching Hospital, where the sum of ?500,000.00 was carted away by criminals operating with tinted vehicles, among other nefarious activities.

He further said as enforcement commenced, several categories of traffic violations were detected.

‘Vehicles without number plates, those with incomplete or invalid documentation, and vehicles with covered number plates without valid justification were impounded.

‘So far, a total of 70 vehicles have been impounded for various traffic offences. This operation aims to sustain law enforcement efforts and curb the activities of miscreants who use vehicles to commit crimes within communities,’ the Police PRO said. (NAN)

A 13-year-old herder, Abubakar Wada, and 36 cattle were killed, while 49 are still missing after gunmen opened fire on grazing animals around Inzon community of Fan district in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

According to the state chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, the incident occurred on Tuesday evening when three herders were returning from grazing.

Babayo explained that the gunmen stormed the scene of the incident and opened fire on the animals, resulting in the death of one herder, while the other two escaped the attack.

‘The incident happened in the evening. We have so far counted losses of over 80 cattle because 36 were killed while 49 are still missing. The attack was carried out by Berom people from Fan district.

‘Two herders escaped the attack. This is barbaric and unfortunate. The herders and the cattle were just passing peacefully without provocation. We call on herders wherever they are in the state to remain calm and allow security forces to investigate those responsible for the attack. Nobody should take laws into their hands,’ the chairman said.

Speaking further, the MACBAN secretary in Barkin Ladi, who informed all security agencies in the state about the attack, noted that ‘the Chief of Staff, Operation Enduring Peace, the DPO in Barkin, and the Sector Commander in the area have all visited the scene of the incident.’

The secretary, however, accused members of the Berom ethnic group of launching the attack, adding that five cattle were earlier killed on Sunday in the same area.

We are not responsible – Berom

But the National President of Berom Youths Moulders Association (BYM), Barrister Solomon Dalyop, denied the allegations, explaining that they were a peaceful nationality.

Dalyop said, ‘As far as we are concerned, the allegation labeling against our peace loving inhabitants of Nding and Fan District in general has always been a ploy to justify any planned aggression on our people.

‘We are aware of two simultaneous attacks carried out by suspected Fulani armed groups at about 7:30pm of 6th October, 2025, resulting to the killing of one Mr. Timothy Ishaku Chollom.

‘Secondly, forceful grazing into farmlands, residential areas and other restricted places have continued to threaten not only human life, but also food security and cattle rustling in and around Fan District.

‘Thus, allegations of killing cows without substantiating such claims should rather be discarded and regarded,’ the president said.

We are investigating the incident – Military

Acting Deputy Director, Public Relations, 3 division of Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, said they are investigating the matter, saying they had contacted the sector commander in the area for verification.

The management of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) has banned any form of sign-out celebration on campus among graduating students upon writing their final second-semester examination.

The authority warned that violation of the ban will attract sanctions ranging from withdrawal of certificates to rustication and expulsion of violators.

The institution, in a circular signed by its Registrar, Ademola Bobola, said any form of celebration in the name of sign-out celebration on campus after the final second semester paper is prohibited.

The circular reads, ‘No sign-out celebration of any kind, including signing on T-shirts, and playing of music, will be tolerated.

‘Indiscriminate parading around the campuses in any brand of vehicle will not be permitted, unauthorised vehicles will not be allowed into the campuses, all through the last week of the second semester examination.

‘Large gatherings of students around the faculty, school or Institute premises after examinations is equally prohibited, while photographers will not be permitted to put up a photo stand/gallery for the purpose of such celebration,’ he said.

He advised parents and guardians of final year students to stay away from the faculty, school or institute’s premises, especially on the last day of examination.

The Public Complaints Commission (PCC), also known as the Nigerian Ombudsman, has disclosed that it received a total of 2,567 complaints from members of the public in Kwara State in 2024, with over 1,500 additional cases recorded so far in 2025.

Speaking in Ilorin during an event marking the 50th anniversary of the commission, the Kwara State Commissioner of the PCC, Barrister Olanrewaju Falola, said the figures reflected the growing confidence of citizens in the institution’s role as a voice for the voiceless and a symbol of justice for the common man.

Falola said the commission remains committed to offering free legal representation in disputes, particularly for the poor and socially vulnerable.

He noted that the Ombudsman has become a global beacon of justice that ensures fairness and accountability in governance.

‘The commission reminds us that justice must never be a privilege for the few but a right for all,’ he said.

The commissioner said the PCC has been instrumental in securing redress for citizens who have no easy or affordable access to the courts.

According to him, the commission continues to bridge the gap between the government and the governed, ensuring that the marginalized and disadvantaged are not left behind.

He, however, identified inadequate funding and lack of a befitting office space as major constraints affecting the commission’s efficiency in the state.

Falola added that the National Assembly is currently amending the Act establishing the PCC to strengthen its powers and ensure better enforcement of resolutions.

Highlighting the commission’s impact across communities, Falola said several life-changing interventions have been recorded in Kwara.

He cited the case of a widow and her children who were unjustly evicted but reinstated through the commission’s effort, as well as the recovery of certificates for indigent students who had been denied access to them for years by the National Teachers Institute.

The PCC, he said, also intervened in the rehabilitation of a secondary school, averted a potential religious crisis, and facilitated the payment of gratuities and pensions to retired workers.

Other notable interventions included the refund of N7 million in a breach of contract case, restoration of electricity to a community after years of blackout, and payment of death benefits to bereaved families.

The commission also resolved several labour-related cases, securing entitlements for unfairly dismissed employees and converting dismissal letters to voluntary resignations after thorough investigation.

It further addressed environmental hazards involving a company whose operations had affected residents, compelling the removal of a power station supplying it.

Falola added that the PCC restored peace in an Islamic community where a non-indigene’s hotel had become a source of moral decay and social unrest.

He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to protecting citizens’ rights and ensuring justice at all levels, saying the PCC’s work over the past two years in Kwara stands as a testament to its enduring relevance and human-centered mission.