Author: Dodo Elias Denen

A viral video capturing a clash between personnel of the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Army in Bayelsa State has prompted immediate intervention by military authorities, who have moved to contain the fallout and restore discipline.

The incident, which occurred on April 10, 2026, drew widespread attention on social media, raising concerns over inter service relations within the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

In a statement issued by the Command Information Officer, Commander Iginla confirmed that all personnel directly involved in the altercation have been identified and taken into custody.

He disclosed that those implicated are currently undergoing administrative procedures in line with established military regulations and disciplinary frameworks.

The naval spokesman stressed that the action taken reflects the Armed Forces’ zero tolerance for indiscipline and its resolve to uphold the highest standards of conduct among its ranks.

He further noted that additional corrective measures are being implemented to ensure accountability and prevent any recurrence of such incidents in the future.

Reaffirming the unity of the military, the statement emphasised that the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Army continue to operate in close coordination, guided by mutual respect and a shared constitutional mandate.

According to him, the unfortunate clash does not represent the enduring culture of cooperation and joint operations that define inter service engagements across the country.

The Armed Forces, he said, remain a cohesive and professional institution committed to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and maintaining internal stability.

Members of the public were urged to remain calm and continue to support the military, as efforts intensify to strengthen discipline, reinforce harmony and sustain peace nationwide.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Babalola, has charged six newly promoted senior officers to redouble their efforts and justify the confidence reposed in them by the Nigerian Army.

According to the press statement by Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, Acting Deputy Director 81 Division Nigerian Army. The charge was delivered on Wednesday, 9 April 2026, during a decoration ceremony held at the 81 Division Officers’ Mess, Victoria Island, Lagos, where six Majors were formally decorated with their new ranks of Lieutenant Colonel.

The newly promoted officers are: the Acting Chief of Staff, 81 Division Military Intelligence Brigade, are Lieutenant Colonel A Sanusi, Catering Officer, Headquarters 81 Division, Lieutenant Colonel AI Lawal, Acting Deputy Director, 81 Division Physical Training, Lieutenant Colonel LA Ishaku, Chief Librarian, 81 Division Education Services Lieutenant Colonel BJ Gimba, Commandant, Command Secondary School Abeokuta Lieutenant Colonel MB Sifawa and the Acting Commander 81 Division Band, Lieutenant Colonel GO Uwagboe.

In his remarks, Major General Babalola congratulated the officers and commended them for their discipline, dedication and professionalism, which earned them the well-deserved elevation. He noted that promotion in the Nigerian Army is not merely a reward for past performance but a call to greater responsibility and higher expectations.

“I have carefully observed all of the newly promoted senior officers, and from the way they are progressing, the sky is their limit,” the GOC stated.

He reminded them that to whom much is given, much is expected, urging them to remain steadfast, loyal and committed to the ideals and core values of the Nigerian Army.

He further advised the promoted officers to continually acknowledge the place of prayer in their lives and careers, encouraging them to appreciate God for His blessings and seek divine guidance as they assume greater responsibilities.

Speaking on behalf of the newly promoted senior officers, the Acting Chief of Staff, 81 Division Military Intelligence Brigade, Lieutenant Colonel A Sanusi, expressed profound gratitude to God Almighty and the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu NAM, for finding them worthy of elevation.

He also thanked the GOC for his strategic guidance, mentorship and leadership, assuring him of their renewed dedication and unwavering commitment to duty.

Lieutenant Colonel Sanusi further appreciated their families, friends, colleagues and subordinates for their steadfast support, prayers and encouragement throughout their careers.

The investiture ceremony was attended by the representative of the President, Mess Committee and Commander 81 Division Garrison, Commander Division Equipment Support, Commander Nigerian Army Band Corps, Formation Commanders, Commandant Nigerian Army School of Music, Staff Officers, senior officers, officers and soldiers as well as family members, friends and well wishers of the celebrants.

The Airport Police Command has arrested a suspect involved in the stealing of high-value equipment from his former place of employment, Vovida Communications Limited, an IT solutions company.

According to the press statement by ASP Mohammed Adeola, Police Public Relations Officer. The suspect, one George Ikpe aged 28, was apprehended on 3rd April 2026 by operatives of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Police Division following diligent intelligence gathering and investigation.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect gained unauthorized access to the company’s premises, located along the Murtala Muhammed International Airport axis, and made away with critical equipment. A thorough review of the company’s CCTV footage clearly captured the suspect’s movements and aided in confirming his identity.

Items stolen include two custom-made Vovida Central Processing Units (CPUs) valued at ₦10,357,000 (Ten Million, Three Hundred and Fifty-Seven Thousand Naira) and one high-end printer valued at ₦4,715,000 (Four Million, Seven Hundred and Fifteen Thousand Naira), bringing the total value of stolen items to approximately ₦15,072,000.

Further investigation led to the recovery of the stolen CPUs on the disclosure of the suspect. However, the high-end printer had already been sold prior to his arrest. The suspect stated that he committed the crime as an act of revenge following the termination of his employment with the company.

The Commissioner of Police, Airport Police Command, CP Ogunbode Olufunke Mnips, PhD stated that the Command will not back down on ensuring criminal elements have no safe haven within the airport and its environs. She also stated that the suspect will be charged to a court of competent jurisdiction upon the conclusion of investigations.

CP Olufunke further urged members of the public to promptly report suspicious activities and criminal incidents to the nearest police division, noting that timely reporting greatly enhances swift response and recovery efforts.

The Airport Police Command remains resolute in its mandate to safeguard lives and property while maintaining a secure and crime-free airport environment.

Against the backdrop of persistent security concerns nationwide, the Ondo State Police Command is steadily rewriting the narrative with a string of operational breakthroughs that underscore resilience, strategy and professionalism.

Public discourse often amplifies criminal incidents, but beneath the headlines lies a coordinated and determined policing effort that is yielding tangible results across the state in 2026.

Confronted with threats ranging from kidnapping and armed robbery to cultism, the Command has adopted intelligence driven strategies anchored on proactive policing, inter agency synergy and strong community engagement.

Regular operational briefings involving Divisional Police Officers and tactical unit heads have strengthened response mechanisms, sharpened intelligence gathering and enhanced collaboration with local communities.

In February, operatives of the Anti Kidnapping Unit arrested Abubakar Sindiku and Oliver Okoh in separate operations at Sabo Sango and Ilado Community, recovering motorcycles used for tracking victims and exposing their roles in a wider kidnapping network.

In a related operation on February 12, the Tactical Intelligence Response Squad apprehended two suspected kidnappers in Ayede Community, Akure North, recovering a firearm and ammunition while linking the suspects to ongoing criminal activities.

The Command recorded another breakthrough along Liberty Avenue in Ilu Abo, where four suspects were arrested with ransom proceeds amounting to N1.4 million, following a violent kidnapping incident, with victims positively identifying the perpetrators.

Sustained intelligence efforts also led to the arrest of Abdullahi Lawal, a notorious kidnapping ringleader previously declared wanted in connection with a 2025 abduction case in Ikare Akoko, marking a major victory after months of pursuit.

Crackdowns on cultism have intensified, with the arrest of Akinwale Tomiwa, known as Bella, a suspected cult leader linked to multiple violent incidents around Owo, signalling renewed efforts to dismantle organised criminal groups.

In a sweeping joint operation in March involving multiple security agencies, ninety nine suspects were arrested across criminal hotspots, while official data shows 286 suspects were apprehended between January and March for offences including kidnapping, robbery, murder and cultism.

The Command has also made progress in sensitive cases, including the arrest of suspects linked to the killing of students of Adekunle Ajasin University, reinforcing public confidence in law enforcement.

These gains have been complemented by expanded community policing initiatives, with sustained engagement of traditional rulers, youth groups and local vigilantes enhancing intelligence flow and early threat detection.

Though challenges remain, the Ondo State Police Command’s consistent successes highlight a deliberate and evolving strategy that is steadily restoring order and strengthening public trust.

As security conversations continue, a balanced perspective is imperative, one that acknowledges both the threats and the measurable progress being made in safeguarding lives and property across the state.

The Nigeria Police Force, Zone 2 headquarters Onikan, Lagos headed by AIG Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, has recorded a major breakthrough in its sustained fight against violent crimes with the arrest of seven suspects involved in multiple cases of murder, armed robbery, stealing, cultism, unlawful possession of firearm and criminal conspiracy.

According to the press statement by its public relations officer, DSP Afolayan Gbenga, “on 3rd March, 2026, operatives attached to the Zonal Puff Adder team, acting on a credible intelligence, embarked on an operation which led to the arrest of one Fawas Opeyemi Alarape (male, 23 years old) aka Karube suspected to be involved in multiple cases of murder, armed robbery, stealing and other violent crimes.

Useful information received from Fawas upon his arrest prompted operatives to conduct a precise and targeted raid in a criminal hideout perceived to be difficult to penetrate, tagged as Lion’s den by criminal elements, located in Adeleye Street of Orile Iganmu, Lagos state and successfully arrested 5 other suspects whose names are Soliu Ahmed (male, 23years old) aka Tinko butcher man, Oluwaseun Bolarinwa (male, 26 years old) aka Porta, Bamidele Mustapha (male, 33 years old) aka Mentor, Abass Abideen (male, 22 years old) aka Omo Olomo, Salisu Ali (male, 24 years Old) aka Omo Hausa while Atanda Lukmon (male, 30 years old) aka Bansa was arrested at white sand in Orile Iganmu.

During the raid, exhibits recovered include one (1) locally made cut−to−size shotgun, four (4) cutlasses, one (1) knife, one (1) claw hammer, four (4) live cartridges, three (3) expended catridges and different charms.

In the course of interrogation, Fawas Opeyemi Alarape confessed to involvement in the murder of one Ikujowolo at Shitta under bridge, Surulere, Lagos where the deceased, a tricycle rider, was robbed of his tricycle and was subsequently shot dead. The suspect further disclosed that the act was carried out alongside one Ahmed Oladele a.k.a “Small Messi”, who is currently at large, while others including Mustapha Bamidele, Bolarinwa Oluwaseun and Soliu Ahmed participated in the attack.

The suspects confessed to the Police that they were responsible for the murders of Olumide Adegbite aka Okoro (male, aged 40 years) on 14th February, 2026, Kehinde Shuaibu (male, aged 37 years) and Monday Okoro (male, aged 35 years) on 18th February, 2026 at Orile Iganmu area of Lagos state.

The suspects are currently in police custody and are assisting with ongoing investigations. They will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations for multiple cases of murder, armed robbery, stealing, cultism, unlawful possession of firearm and criminal conspiracy.

The Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Olohundare Moshood Jimoh commended operatives for their professionalism, bravery and commitment to duty. He reiterated the resolve of the zonal headquarters to rid Lagos and Ogun States of criminal elements while ensuring the safety of lives and property of residents.

The Zonal headquarters urges members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to support the police with timely and credible information.

Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Ogun State Police Command, have recorded a major operational breakthrough with the rescue of nine foreign nationals and the arrest of two suspects linked to a transnational fraud syndicate.

According to the press statement by DSP OLUSEYI B. BABASEYI, anipr POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER OGUN STATE COMMAND ELEWERAN, ABEOKUTA, OGUN STATE. The suspects, Stephen Kwame ‘M’, and Abubakar Sulaimon ‘M’, were apprehended at their hideout in the Owode Egba area of the State.

On 6th April 2026, at about 1200hrs, following actionable intelligence received via INTERPOL, operatives of the Unit swiftly mobilized and stormed the identified criminal hideout where one Maclaud Owusu ‘M’, aged 40, a Ghanaian national, was being unlawfully held. The operation led to the successful rescue of the victim unhurt alongside eight other victims held under similar circumstances.

Preliminary investigation reveals that the suspects are members of an organized criminal syndicate that lures foreign nationals, particularly from Ghana, to Nigeria under the false promise of facilitating their travel to Europe. Upon arrival, the victims are deceived, confined, and their mobile phones are used to contact relatives and associates to demand money under false pretences. The principal victim, Maclaud Owusu ‘M’, was defrauded of the sum of Thirty-One Thousand Ghana Cedis (₵31,000) before police intervention.

The suspects were arrested at the scene, while the victims have been secured and provided with necessary assistance. The principal victim has since been reunited with his family, while efforts are ongoing to reunite the other rescued victims with their respective families. Investigation is ongoing to track down and bring all accomplices connected to the syndicate to justice. The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigation.

The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, psc, FCSS, MNIPR, commends the professionalism, tactical efficiency, and swift response of the operatives, as well as the synergy with international law enforcement agencies. He reiterates the Command’s zero tolerance for all forms of criminality and assures that such syndicates will be decisively dismantled.

The Command hereby urges members of the public, particularly those engaging in international travel arrangements, to exercise due diligence and verify the authenticity of agents to avoid falling victim to such fraudulent schemes. Citizens are further encouraged to provide timely and credible information to the Police through the Ogun State Police Command emergency lines: Gateway Shield (Toll-Free): 0800 000 9111; Emergency numbers: 0906 283 7609, 0912 014 1706, 0915 102 7369, and 0708 497 2994.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), has launched a results-driven reform agenda to improve operational efficiency and enhance Nigeria’s trade competitiveness through better-performing ports.

The initiative was unveiled at the opening of a three-day operational workshop held in Apapa on Tuesday, 7 April 2026, themed “Customs Leadership in Port Efficiency, Inspection Reform and Clearance Timeline.”

Speaking at the event, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, outlined a five-pillar strategy focused on joint inspections, risk-based cargo clearance, optimisation of scanning infrastructure, enforcement of service timelines, and strengthened inter-agency coordination. He stressed that the priority is no longer policy design but consistent execution.

“This workshop is about closing the distance between knowing and doing. The Service must now focus on translating established best practices into consistent operational outcomes”, he said.

Adeniyi emphasised the transition to intelligence-led cargo processing, noting that investments in digital platforms and scanning systems must translate into faster and more transparent clearance processes for traders.

To ensure implementation, the CGC disclosed that the workshop would produce a reform execution matrix to be closely monitored, while urging officers to uphold professionalism at all times.

“The reform implementation matrix will not end up in a filing cabinet. It will be actively monitored, and I will personally follow the progress reports. The professionalism, commitment, and integrity that this workshop asks of are qualities you need to acquire. I am therefore, asking you to deploy them consistently, not selectively”, he stated.

In her remarks, the Director-General of PEBEC, Zahrah Mustapha-Audu, underscored the importance of adopting risk-based, data-driven inspection systems to improve efficiency and reduce the cost of doing business.

“We must move from inspecting everything to inspecting the right thing”, she said, noting that efficient and transparent border processes are critical to reducing costs and strengthening Nigeria’s trade position.

Earlier, Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Tariff and Trade, Caroline Niagwan, said the Service’s evolving mandate places it at the centre of trade facilitation and economic growth, adding that operational efficiency must be reflected across all commands.

Meanwhile, the CGC and PEBEC delegation also visited the National Single Window facility, where they met with the Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Zacch Adedeji, and other stakeholders to assess progress and address operational gaps.

The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command (WNC), Rear Admiral AA Mustapha, received the Ambassador of Spain to Nigeria and Benin Republic, His Excellency, Felix Costales Artieda, alongside the Commanding Officer of Spanish Navy Ship BAM Furor, Angel Garcia Estrada, and members of their delegation during a courtesy visit to Headquarters WNC, Lagos.

The visit aimed at reinforcing bilateral relations and enhancing maritime security cooperation between Nigeria and Spain, reflecting the growing naval partnership between both countries.

In his remarks, the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander Estrada, appreciated the warm reception and expressed confidence in sustained collaboration between the Spanish Navy and the Nigerian Navy. The Spanish Ambassador also acknowledged the strong ties between Spain, Economic Community of West African States, and Nigeria, reaffirming Spain’s commitment to supporting maritime security efforts in the Gulf of Guinea.

Responding, the FOC WNC, on behalf of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, noted that the visit highlights a shared dedication to naval diplomacy and international cooperation. He commended Spain’s continued naval presence in the Gulf of Guinea, aligning it with the ECOWAS Integrated Maritime Strategy, and emphasized the role of the Combined Maritime Task Force in strengthening regional maritime security.

As part of the visit, a brief on the Combined Maritime Task Force – Gulf of Guinea , was presented by the Commanding Officer Nigerian Navy Ship CENTENARY, Commander NE Etuk, followed by an interactive session.

The Spanish Navy Ship BAM Furor is on a port call to Lagos from 7–12 April 2026 and is expected to conduct joint exercises with the Nigerian Navy as part of activities lined up for the visit, further enhancing interoperability and operational synergy between both navies.

The visit concluded with the exchange of souvenirs and a group photograph.

The Ogun State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough with the rescue of nine foreign nationals and the arrest of two suspects linked to a transnational fraud syndicate operating under the guise of overseas travel facilitation.

The suspects, identified as Stephen Kwame and Abubakar Sulaimon, were apprehended by operatives of the Anti Kidnapping Unit at their hideout in Owode Egba area of the state following a coordinated intelligence driven operation.

Police sources disclosed that the operation was triggered by credible intelligence shared through INTERPOL, which pointed to the unlawful detention of a Ghanaian national at the location.

Acting swiftly, operatives stormed the premises at about 12 noon on April 6, 2026, leading to the successful rescue of the victim alongside eight others who were found in similar circumstances.

All nine victims were rescued unharmed, bringing to light a disturbing pattern of exploitation targeting foreign nationals lured into Nigeria with promises of onward travel to Europe.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are part of an organised criminal network that specialises in deceiving unsuspecting victims, particularly from Ghana, with false assurances of facilitating migration opportunities.

Upon arrival, the victims are reportedly confined and stripped of their freedom, while their mobile phones are used to contact family members and associates to extort money under false pretences.

One of the victims, identified as Maclaud Owusu, was allegedly defrauded of Thirty One Thousand Ghana Cedis before the police intervention disrupted the scheme.

The suspects were arrested at the scene and are currently in custody, while the rescued victims have been placed under protective care and provided with necessary support.

Police authorities confirmed that the principal victim has been reunited with his family, while efforts are ongoing to trace relatives of the other victims as investigations continue to track down additional members of the syndicate.

Nigeria is facing an alarming moment of reckoning as a coalition of civil society organisations has warned that the country is edging dangerously close to collapse, urging immediate action to reverse worsening national conditions.

In a sweeping joint statement, the organisations said they were compelled to intervene as non partisan defenders of democracy, human rights and good governance, stressing that the current trajectory threatens national stability.

They lamented that across the country, citizens are grappling with hardship while political leaders remain engrossed in rhetoric, widening the disconnect between governance and reality.

According to the groups, the human cost of the crisis is evident in everyday life, from displaced farmers in Zamfara struggling to survive, to urban workers in Abuja burdened by high transport costs, and families in Lagos skipping meals to meet rent demands.

Despite these realities, they noted that governments at all levels continue to record unprecedented revenues, raising concerns about the absence of visible impact on citizens’ welfare.

The statement pointed to recent fiscal policies, including subsidy removal and currency adjustments, which have significantly increased government earnings without translating into improved living conditions.

It observed that federal budgets over the past two years have exceeded ₦100 trillion, yet public services remain weak, inequality continues to widen, and poverty deepens across communities.

On insecurity, the coalition described a nation under siege, where killings, abductions and displacement have become frequent occurrences, forcing entire communities in parts of the North and Middle Belt to flee their homes.

The groups warned that rural banditry has crippled agricultural production, leaving farms deserted and pushing food prices higher, thereby intensifying hunger among millions of Nigerians.

They further described kidnapping as an entrenched crisis that has evolved into a nationwide enterprise, affecting schoolchildren, travellers and residents alike.

Expressing concern over governance, the organisations accused public institutions of failing to deliver, citing widespread corruption, poor infrastructure and weak accountability mechanisms.

They also raised alarm over a shrinking civic space, noting that journalists, activists and peaceful protesters increasingly face threats, a trend they said undermines democratic values.

The coalition warned that growing political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 elections, combined with the influence of illicit funding, could erode democratic credibility and destabilise the political system.

It further decried declining confidence in the judiciary, stating that delays and perceived interference have weakened trust in the justice system.

In conclusion, the groups called for urgent reforms, insisting that government must prioritise economic relief, security, transparency, electoral integrity, protection of rights and judicial independence to restore hope and rebuild trust in the nation.