Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, a former Special Adviser on Political Matters to President  Bola Tinubu has disclosed that the North will in the next six months unveil their preferred candidate for the 2027 presidential election. He said this in a video interview he granted in Hausa language alongside a former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme, Usman Yusuf. According to him, no politician can win the presidency in 2027 without the support of the region, just as he bemoaned the state of the nation. He said, “In the next six months, the North will decide where it stands. If the rest of the country wants to join us, fine. If not, we will go our own way. One thing is clear: nobody can become president of Nigeria without northern support. “We want a government that understands our problems and can address them. After Buhari’s eight years, we became wiser. Now, we are in another government, and we are still crying. Is crying all we know how to do?” While lamenting the challenges facing the North, Baba-Ahmed said: “Before Buhari became president, Boko Haram was bombing mosques, churches, Abuja, and Lagos. That was a time Northerners had to unite. "Today, no politician can just show up and expect Northerners to fall in line. Who are you?” "If they plan to rig the election, they should be careful. It won’t be good for Nigeria. The North is watching, elders, masses, and interest groups will soon say enough is enough. The injustice and sidelining must stop," he warned. “We are tired of being deceived into voting based on religion or ethnicity. That era is over. We just want a right leader, we just want someone who will solve our problems,” he said. NATIONAL POST reports that ahead of the 2027 presidential election, there is likelihood that President Tinubu will face toughest challenge from the Northern party of the country. There is mounting opposition against Tinubu from key Northern leaders, including former Kaduna governor, Nasir El-Rufai. Senator Ali Ndume has been speaking out strongly, accusing the president of lopsided appointments.

Operatives of the Nigeria Police have rescued 12 kidnap victims in a series of successful operations. While one suspected bandit was neutralised in the process, others were arrested. The raid was confirmed on Sunday by ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer. According to him, "These operations, exemplified in several states across the country, have led to the arrest of 3 suspected terrorists, recovery of significant amounts of cash, arms and ammunition, and rescued of kidnapped victims "In Imo State, operatives of the Force have sustained their operational momentum against criminal elements threatening public safety. "On April 17, 2025, at approximately 1:02 am, police operatives in synergy with local vigilante groups acted on credible intelligence and stormed a suspected IPOB/ESN hideout on Cameron Street, Ubahu, in Okigwe LGA. "On sighting the operatives, the suspected terrorists opened fire, resulting in a gun battle during which three suspects identified as Onyekaba Ikenna Innocent ‘m’ 21yrs, Ugwu Ikenna ‘m’ 31yrs, and Ofor Kasarachi ‘m’ 37yrs were arrested. "Recovered from the scene were one AK-47 rifle, two pump-action guns, eighteen live cartridges, mobile devices, laptops, and N10.3 million in cash suspected to be proceeds of kidnapping for ransom." He said in another development in Edo State, following the news of the abduction of 10 students who were on their way to Backcock University for the annual GYC Africa conference on the 16th of April 2025, police operatives of the State Command immediately picked up the trail of these kidnappers, and upon encounter, engaged them in a fierce gun duel. "One of the kidnappers was neutralized in the process, and the 10 victims were rescued unhurt.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Enugu State chapter, weekend, vowed that it will block the state Gov, Dr Peter Mbah from decamping to the party. This is as no less than 150 members of the Labour Party (LP) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) defected to the APC. Speaking while receiving the defectors, during the expanded stakeholders meeting of the party, at the party Secretariat in Enugu, the state chairman of APC, Chief Ugochukwu Agballah, vowed that the APC would defeat the PDP government under Mbah in 2027. APC accused the PDP government of failure to prioritize the security of lives and property of the people, alleging that killer herdsmen have turned Uzo-Uwani LGA, Isi-uzo LGA and other parts of the state into a killing fields as they rape, kill and destroy several communities without let or hindrance. Among the decampees to APC were: former Commissioner for Local Government Affairs in Enugu State, Barr Peter Okonkwo, who joined from PDP; Hon Nonso Ochi, LP House of Assembly candidate for Awgu North Constituency in the 2023 election; Hon Onyeka Chukwuedo, PDP House of Assembly aspirant, Awgu South Constituency in the 2023 election; Chief John Edeh, PDP House of Rep Aspirant from Nkanu West LGA; and Chief Tony Chigbo, former Chairman of Uzo-Uwani LGA and former Member of Enugu State House of Assembly under PDP, among others. Reading a communique at the end of the meeting, the APC State chairman, Agballah, said the party would no longer tolerate indiscipline, warning that anyone caught indulging in anti-party would be suspended. He attributed the failure of APC to win political positions in Enugu State to activities of those he described as paid moles, adding that efforts are on the top gear to weed out the moles. While hinting APC was fully committed to takeover the Lion Building (Enugu's Government House) in 2027, Agballah disclosed that the party has a competent and capable candidate to takeover from Governor Peter Mbah, who he noted has misgoverned the state. "The meeting welcomes new members who joined our party and assure them of equal treatment with other members. "The leaders note with excitement that our party has witnessed significant growth with influx of new members in the last one year. "The number of new decampees that we received today is evidence of such influx across the local government areas and wards," he said. Agballah decried rising kidnapping and killing in Isi-uzo and Uzo-Uwani Local Government Areas in the state in recent time, especially along the Ugwogo-Nike-Opi-Nsukka road. "The leaders condemned the apparent inaction of the state government and its strenuous efforts to suppress the news of the killings. "The party declared that the Peter Mbah-led government has failed in its primary duty of protecting lives and property of citizens of Enugu state. "They wondered why the state prefers to engage in deceit of showcasing what they call Command and Control Center that could not resolve security breaches beyond 10 kilometers radius from the capital city. "The huge population of the citizens in the rural areas are left at the mercy of killer herdsmen and other criminals. "The stakeholders endorsed the suspension of Senator Chukwuka Utazi and mandated the State Executive Committee to ratify the suspension in her next meeting and forward same to the Zonal leadership of the party," Agballah said. One of the decampees, Mr. Peter Okonkwo, promised to collapse the PDP structures in Nsukka zone in the forthcoming election, adding that he would make APC popular in the zone.

Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, has urged President Bola Tinubu to address Nigeria’s deepening crises of insecurity, hunger, and despair. The outspoken Bishop said this in his Easter message. Kukah likened the state of the nation to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, stating that Nigerians have been “dangling and bleeding on this cross of pain and mindless suffering for too long.” While bemoaning the level of suffering and challenges in the country, he told Tinubu, “Mr. President, bring us down from this cross of evil." “We all admit that you neither erected this cross nor effected our collective crucifixion. Nonetheless, you are now in a position to bring us relief. “A culture of cynicism and self-doubt over our capacity to secure peace for ourselves pervades our land," he added. Kukah expressed deep concern over the worsening state of national security, warning that “marauders, murderers, savages, and ravenous predators” threaten to overrun the country. “Often, we come across people who are discouraged, pessimistic and cynical about the future. The road to our collective discouragement in Nigeria has been laid by these forces of darkness. Mr. President, immediately rid our dear country of them," he added. The Bishop also criticized the persistent hunger and economic hardship plaguing millions of citizens, calling for food security to be recognized as a fundamental human right. “Hunger, sickness, and desolation stalk the land. We still believe removing fuel subsidies was the right move, but Nigerians must now see tangible benefits. “Mere palliative distribution diminishes the dignity of citizens. Mr. President, bring us down from this painful cross of hunger,” he stated. Referencing past statements by political figures about enabling insecurity to achieve political goals, Kukah lamented how the situation has deteriorated into a full-blown crisis. “Some of our public officers confessed that they brought our current killers into the country to gain power. "Today, that strategy has grown into a cancer of insecurity and violence threatening the very foundation of our country,” he said. He warned that bandits and kidnappers have become entrenched in everyday life, turning Nigeria into a nation gripped by fear and lawlessness. “Kidnapping is now a dog whistle for undermining the structure of our country. We now hang on the cross at the mercy of these forces of darkness. "Mr. President, please bring us down from this cross of insecurity.” Bishop Kukah further challenged President Tinubu to lead with courage, justice, and compassion, calling on Nigerians to unite and restore the nation’s lost hope. “We are the light of the world, a city set on a hill,” he said, urging collective effort to push back the darkness. “Is the persistence of insecurity a reflection of the incapacity of our armed forces, or are some benefitting from prolonging this crisis? Mr. President, step up, get to the finishing line, and bring us down from this cross of shame,” Kukah admonished.

Days after the Dangote Refinery reduced petrol price, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPLC has followed suit. It could be recalled that Dangote Refinery last week slashed the ex-depot price of petrol to N835 per litre from N865. The NNPCL has now toed the same line, reducing its price from N950 to N935 in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The recent price adjustments are in connection to the downward slope in the global price of crude, which was attributed to the sweeping economic policies of United States President, Donald Trump. Nigerians have been made to pay more for petrol since coming on board by President Bola Tinubu, with petrol selling at over N1300 per litre. However, the price has been moving downwards.

A communal clash between two Benue and Ebonyi communities has claimed at least two persons, and the disappearance of several others. The incident occurred in Otsukputu community, Ezaa, in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State on Friday. The Ezza Ezekuna Benue Development Association, EEBDA, in a statement on Saturday, identified the victims as Mr Jude Nweke and Mrs Nwankwo Umanyi. The President-General of EEBDA, Perpetual Nkechi Okafor, and the chairman of the association’s board of trustees, Chief Ogbuefi Nweke Linus Chinedu, who both signed the statement, strongly condemned the attack and called for immediate government intervention. “We are calling on the Benue State governor, the Inspector-General of Police, and all relevant security agencies to urgently intervene and halt the ongoing violence against our people. “It is imperative to establish security camps in the affected areas to protect lives and property and restore peace in Ado LGA.” The association also appealed to non-governmental organisations and civil society actors to lend their voices and resources towards addressing the growing humanitarian crisis in the region. The latest incident marks another chapter in the persistent communal clashes that have plagued parts of Benue and neighbouring Ebonyi State, as tensions between the Effium and Ezza communities continue to escalate, claiming lives and displacing families. Several efforts made in the past to end the clashes have not yielded results. The latest development comes amid the killing of several persons in Benue by suspected herdsmen.

The Police in Kogi State have confirmed that a man and a woman died at an apartment in the Ankpa Local Government Area of the state. It said an investigation was ongoing to confirm the circumstances surrounding the death. The development was confirmed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP William Aya on Saturday. He gave the names of the deceased persons as Sheriff Salifu and Blessing Adama, who were both from Ankpa. Aya said, “One Salisu Ibrahim from Alo in Ankpa came to the station about 12 pm, where he reported that his tenant, one Sheriff Salifu, did not come out of his room as usual at about 09:31 am. “So, the brother to the deceased entered the room through the ceiling and met his brother and one Blessing Adama of Ojogobi Road Ankpa lying lifeless in the room. Both deceased were seen naked.” Meanwhile, it is unclear whether the deceased were couples, but both were naked when their lifeless bodies were discovered in the room.

Prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, may be subjected to a mandatory drug test, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency is advocating. Chairman of the NDLEA, Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), who spoke during a ‘Training the Trainer’ event, organised by NDLEA in partnership with Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries in Abuja on Saturday, said the agency is tackling drug abuse by promoting drug testing in universities, communities, and among families. Represented by Mrs Ngozi Madubuike, NDLEA’s Director of Drug Demand Reduction, Marwa said drug tests at NYSC camps would help deter substance use. He explained that the tests would also enable timely support and intervention for those who test positive for drugs during orientation. The programme is part of the War Against Drug Abuse campaign, aimed at reducing drug demand and building stronger support networks for youths. The policy has already been adopted by some universities and state governments and is gradually gaining wider acceptance. NDLEA supplies affordable test kits to schools and assigns trained officers to carry out drug testing procedures. The agency is pushing for drug test requirements in other sectors, including public service, in spite of some opposition. “If youths know camps include drug tests, they’ll avoid it. The goal is early help for those who need it,” PUNCH quoted Marwa as saying. He emphasised that urgent collective action is needed to address the rising trend of drug abuse in the country.

President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, CBCN, Most Reverend Lucius Ugorji has lamented that Nigerians are under siege as insecurity worsens in the country. The cleric stated this in his Easter message in Owerri the Imo State capital. NATIONAL POST reports that in the last few days, Nigerians have witnessed wide-scale killings and maiming, especially in Plateau and Benue States. Ugorji said the continued kidnap for ransom and gruesome killings of innocent citizens by criminals portends that the country is under siege. According to the Church leader, “We are celebrating Easter this year in an atmosphere that breathes pessimism and despair. “The general insecurity of life and property is heightened by the rising wave of kidnapping for ransom, and the mindless slaughtering of innocent citizens by criminal gangs. “We seem to be a nation under siege. No place seems safe: our homes, places of business, our highways and even the sacred precincts of places of worship. “Government’s lack of political will to address the rising criminality across the nation, is pushing the populace to resort to self-help to defend their lives and sources of livelihood.”

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has again come hard on President Bola Tinubu, accusing him of lacking competence and ideas in tackling the security challenges in Nigeria. Atiku, a former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), spoke in reaction to the wanton killings and destruction of properties in Plateau and Benue states. He accused Tinubu’s presidency of indifference to the killings, adding that the President chose to "galvanize in Europe" while unable to solve Nigeria's insecurity challenges He wrote: "The Tinubu administration has proven, time and again, to be utterly incapable, wholly incompetent, and completely devoid of any coherent ideas for tackling Nigeria’s deepening security crisis. "This is not just my position — it is a growing consensus among political opposition leaders, respected security experts, and even members within the ruling party who, though too timid to speak publicly, confess this uncomfortable truth behind closed doors. "The blood of innocent Nigerians continues to be spilled with appalling regularity—most recently in the Logo and Gbagir communities of Ukum LGA in Benue State. Yet, the Tinubu presidency remains disturbingly indifferent, displaying neither urgency nor the basic decency of public empathy. "Yet President Bola Tinubu, incapable of solving Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, chooses instead to gallivant across Europe — governing Nigeria in absentia as if from a holiday perch."

Popular Nigerian gospel singer, Bolaji Olarewaju, known as Big Bolaji is dead. Big Bolaji passed on following after a brief illness. This came not long after he celebrated his 50th birthday. His death was confirmed by his family on Saturday. “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Bolaji Olarewaju, affectionately known as “Big B,” a cherished father, husband, brother, and an esteemed figure in both the church community, an ordained Pastor in the RCCG and a giant in the music industry and our community. "Bolaji left us on Easter Saturday, 19th April 2025, after a brief illness," the family said, adding that details of his obsequies will be shared in due course.

A Northern leader, Buba Galadima, has warned that Nigerians will not have a credible election in 2027. Galadima, a former political ally of former President Muhammadu Buhari, said unless something was done urgently, Nigerians should forget 2027. He said this in an interview with Vanguard, stressing that votes would not count unless Nigerians rise up and demand an amendment to the Electoral Act. There are talks about a coalition movement to unseat President Bola Tinubu in 2027, but the Northern politician believes something more serious needs to be done. “It is for us to come together and ensure that we get a proper Electoral Act that will ensure that everybody’s vote counts. “That’s the only thing we can do. If we can’t do that one, then let’s forget it, because if Nigerians don’t come together, some people will continue to write the results of the election. “The way we are going presently, votes are not counting in Nigeria. If we don’t amend the Electoral Act, the courts will continue to give everything to them, like they did in Edo. Somebody won an election, they gave the result to another person and the courts affirmed it,” he said. While bemoaning the level of impunity and injustice in the polity, he added: “Look at what happened in Kano. Everybody knows that it’s the responsibility of the governor to approve the appointment of an Emir. “He doesn’t appoint, he approves and gives suggestions. But somebody wants to install an Emir from Abuja, and nobody is talking. So, why should I waste my time talking? “Look at what is happening in Rivers. An unelected person will uproot an elected person. Look at what is happening in the Senate. An elected Senator will uproot an elected senator. “I say, whose fault is it now? It’s our fault. Nigerians allow them to have their way and if you are talking, and they catch you, they put you underground, like the one I tasted. “Does poverty or hunger know a Yoruba man or an Igbo man or Hausa man? We are all in it. So, we have to remove certain sentiments and work for the good of the system, not for an individual. “We have to do that, we have to come together and fight for a better society, fight for a better system, where justice would prevail, irrespective of whatever. “If it affects the Igbo man, we all should shout that it’s not good. If it affects the Hausa man, we all should come around to say this. The point is that what happened to an Igbo man can happen to a Hausa man and a Yoruba man.”

Air Peace, on Saturday announced that it has suspended all flights scheduled to Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, Enugu State. It blamed the decision on the deteriorating airport infrastructure which it said has continued to raise safety concerns. Before now, there have been rumour that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, was planning a shutdown of the airport for a repair of the runway. Speaking, Air Peace complained about the airport runway, stating that it had been causing a major disruption to its flights. Necessitating the decision to suspend further flights into the airport until further notice. “At Air Peace, we prioritise safety first over convenience. We believe that if flights are not operated into this aerodrome for the next few days, it will allow the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria the opportunity to perform the necessary repairs on the runway. “Please be informed that all flights scheduled into and out of Enugu will now be operated into and out of Asaba. “We regret any inconvenience this change may have caused,” the airline stated. Meanwhile, there are indications that other airlines would follow suit in the coming days.

Ten students who were kidnapped on their way to the Babcock University Annual GYC Africa Conference, on Wednesday, have regained freedom. They were rescued by men of the Edo State Police Command on Friday at a location bordering Edo and Delta states, have The Command Spokesperson, Moses Yamu, stated this in a statement on Friday. The statement read, “The Command wishes to update the general public of the unfortunate kidnapping of some students who were on their way to Babcock University for the Annual GYC Africa Conference on 16/04/2025 at a location bordering Edo and Ondo States. “On receipt of this information, the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, immediately deployed operatives of the Ohosu Division, IRT, tactical teams alongside vigilantes and hunters into the bushes for possible rescue of the victims and arrest of suspects. “During the operation, operatives engaged in a gun duel with these kidnappers. In the process, one of the kidnappers was neutralised, while others escaped with bullet wounds. “The operatives were cautious to avoid collateral damage as the kidnappers used the victims as a human shield. Unfortunately, an Inspector of Police sustained a gunshot injury and is currently receiving treatment. “This rescue effort eventually paid off as the 10 kidnapped students, comprising eight males and two females, were released due to intense pressure mounted on the kidnappers. “In a related development, two suspects, Binigolo Ebimene (25 years) and Mathew Denwei (27 years) were arrested following a distress call that they robbed their victim of his motorcycle and his phones at Malim Camp Gbelebu community in Ovia South West Local Government Area.” “Preliminary investigation revealed that these suspects who were arrested with a locally fabricated pistol and two headlamps as well as the motorcycle earlier robbed, have been terrorising farmers and commuters in that axis of the State. “The suspects have confessed to the crime and will be charged in court as soon as the investigation is concluded,” he added.

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has confirmed the loss of 20 lives in a renewed attack by herdsmen in the state. Alia made the confirmation in a post on his Facebook Page on Friday night. The governor, who expressed sadness over the latest killings, assured the people of the state that efforts were on to end the brutal killing of residents of the state. He said, “It is with a heavy heart that I address the people of Benue State regarding the recent coordinated attacks by suspected herdsmen on our beloved communities in Ukum and Logo Local Government Areas. “As of this moment, we have confirmed the tragic loss of twenty (20) precious lives in the Sankera axis. “Five corpses were initially recovered in Gbagir and taken to the mortuary. Two more were later found by residents searching for their loved ones. “One family, devastated by their loss, insisted on an immediate burial of their relative in Gbagir, and our security forces stood by them, ensuring their safety as they laid their relative to rest. “Simultaneously, in Logo, the police recovered twelve more bodies, bringing the total number of lives lost to twenty. These are not just numbers; these are fathers, mothers, children, brothers, and sisters whose lives were cut short by senseless violence.” “I have spoken directly with our security operatives and I want to assure you, we are not backing down. We remain committed to protecting every Benue life and will continue to work relentlessly to restore peace and order to our communities. “To our people, I appeal once again: speak up. Share information with our security agencies. Help us fish out the perpetrators of these evil acts. Our strength lies in our unity. “Benue will not bow to fear. We will rise, rebuild, and remain unshaken,” he assured. It could be recalled that suspected herdsmen have repeatedly launched a series of attacks on Benue communities for weeks now. Despite efforts of government and security agencies, the attacks have continued, forcing some natives to desert their ancestral homes and farm lands.

The Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, during the 2023 presidential election, Mr Peter Obi has vowed to pursue justice for Quadri Yusuf Alabi who was detained for several months at the Kirikiri prison. NATIONAL POST recalls that Alabi was released by the court on Thursday, as confirmed by his legal representation, Barr Inibehe Effiong. Obi, thereafter, met with the teenager on Friday, during which he assured that those behind his ordeal would be held accountable. He wrote on his social media page: “Today, I had the opportunity to meet with Quadri Yusuf Alabi, the young boy whose story moved us all. After enduring unjust and illegal incarceration, he is finally free, and I am very grateful to the lawyers led by @inibeheeffiong, who fought for his release and also @DeleFarotim and Ms Hassana Nurudeen,, whose constant intervention was instrumental in securing justice for the young lad. “I listened to Quadri today, and one thing stood out clearly: his unwavering desire for education. Despite all he has been through, his only dream is to return to school and complete his education and I will make sure he gets it. “His determination is not just inspiring; it is a call to action, and I am committed to ensuring that he gets the education he desires and deserves. “In addition, we must not stop at his release. Those responsible for his illegal incarceration must be held accountable. As we strive to build a Nigeria where fairness and integrity prevail, we cannot afford to allow such acts of criminality to go unpunished. “I once again thank the lawyers and everyone who stood and remained unrelenting for justice. “Together, we will build a Nigeria where education, freedom, rule of law, equity and justice, care and protection of the less privileged in our midst will stand as the foundation of our democracy. A new Nigeria is Possible. - PO.”

Former Vice Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has advised President Bola Tinubu not to seek re-election. He was of the opinion that Tinubu and his ruling All Progressives Party would lose in 2027. Baba-Ahmed said if Tinubu is truly a smart politician, he should not seek re-election. He made the remarks when he appeared on Arise Television’s political program, ‘Prime Time,’ on Friday. The LP chieftain said, “I expect Tinubu to throw in the towel if he is that smart politician that he turns out to be.” While describing Tinubu as a smart politician, he added, “He skipped 2007 and jokingly made Atiku (presidential) candidate, made Ribadu and somebody 2011, made Buhari in 2015, Buhari won, and then skipped 2019 and they stole 2023. “If he is that smart, everything is there for him that he’s going to lose 2027.” He said further: “it has been proven that APC is a lie. “Buhari did not develop Nigeria, Buhari did not provide security, Buhari did not fight corruption. Neither will Tinubu ever do this. “I see APC losing this election. I see Nigerians somehow uniting, listening to what someone like me is saying that if you cannot practice this, democracy is not for you, and then Nigerians will decide to come out and practice democracy for the first time, and then bad leadership will begin to have no hiding place in Nigeria.”

Three suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB), have been arrested by men of the Imo State Police Command. They were arrested during a raid on an alleged terror hideout located on Cameron Street, Ubahu, in the Okigwe Local Government Area of the state. The suspects were paraded, alongside items recovered from them at the command’s headquarters in Owerri on Friday. Spokesperson of the Imo State Police Command, Henry Okoye, announced that the raid, which took place in the early hours of Thursday, April 17, 2025, was carried out by the command’s tactical teams in collaboration with local vigilante groups, acting on credible intelligence. The operation led to a gun battle, during which two suspects reportedly fled into the surrounding bushes, while three others were captured. The arrested suspects were identified as: Onyekaba Ikenna Innocent (21), Ugwu Ikenna (31) and Ofor Kasarachi (37) The announcement of this operation and the subsequent arrests was made by the Imo State Police Command, underscoring their commitment to tackling suspected criminal elements within the state. According to Okoye, the successful raid marks a notable step in the ongoing efforts to maintain law and order and address security concerns in the Okigwe Local Government Area and the wider Imo State. Further details regarding the investigation and any recovered items are expected to be disclosed by the police command. Items recovered include: One AK-47 rifle, Two pump-action shotguns, Eighteen live cartridges, Multiple mobile devices and laptops, N10.3 million in cash. “The recovered cash, based on preliminary investigations, is believed to have been contributed by IPOB members to finance acts of terrorism,” Okoye said. He stated that the command, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police CP Aboki Danjuma, remained committed to sustaining the ongoing crackdown on criminal elements threatening public safety in Imo State.

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, came under attack in Abuja on Thursday night. The attack has left three officers hospitalized for gunshot injuries they sustained. It was gathered that they came under attack from some armed men during a raid operation in Jahi area of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The incident was confirmed by Femi Babafemi, Director, Media & Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters. Babafemi disclosed that the incident occurred when a team of NDLEA operatives acting on intelligence and surveillance report raided an uncompleted building at NNPC area of Jahi where 74 bottles of codeine, 10 litres of codeine syrup, 48grams of tramadol 225mg and 4.9kilograms of skunk, a strain of cannabis, as well as five android phones were recovered. "As the NDLEA team made their way out of the location, they came under gun attack. "Three of the NDLEA personnel involved in the raid sustained gunshot injuries: one in the rib and two others on their back and leg. "The wounded officers were initially stabilized at the Police Clinic in Garki Area 1 before they were transferred to the National Hospital Abuja for further medical attention," he said. Reacting to the development, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), expressed appreciation to the staff of the Police Clinic for their prompt support. Marwa also thanked the Chief Medical Director of the National Hospital who was personally reached by him for overseeing the treatment of the wounded officers. The NDLEA boss who is in Kano on official engagements also spoke on phone with the injured officers to wish them quick recovery. He further assured them that the Agency will deploy every means at its disposal and work in collaboration with other security agencies to fish out those responsible for the attack on them.