Author: Dodo Elias Denen

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D, NPM, has approved the appointment of ASP Sunday Eitokpah Akata as the new Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Cross River State Police Command, in a move aimed at strengthening the Command’s public communication and stakeholder engagement.

The appointment was disclosed in a press statement issued by CSP Irene Ugbo, ANIPR, the outgoing Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, who noted that the posting takes immediate effect. He described the development as part of the ongoing efforts by the Nigeria Police Force to reposition its information management architecture and deepen public trust through effective, professional communication.

ASP Akata, an indigene of Edo State, was commissioned into the Nigeria Police Force in 2022 as an Assistant Superintendent of Police after successfully completing a rigorous five-year academic and professional training at the prestigious Nigeria Police Academy. During the programme, he earned a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Biochemistry, a background that underscores his discipline, analytical capacity and professional grounding.

The Cross River State Police Command expressed confidence that the new PPRO will bring renewed energy, clarity and professionalism to the Command’s public relations desk, while building on existing gains in police–community relations across the state.

During his training and service, ASP Eitokpah underwent several specialized professional courses, including:
• Combat Operations and Counter-Terrorism Course at the Police Mobile Force Training School, Ende Hills, Nasarawa State;
• Citizenship and Leadership Training Course at Shere Hills, Jos;
• Forensic Analysis Course on Basic Crime Scene Management at Wudil, Kano State;
• Basic Detective Course at Wudil, Kano State; and
• Advanced Detective Course at the Police Staff College, Jos (Course 77/23).

He is a certified Advanced Facilitator for the Nigeria Police Reform Programme and a member of the National Institute of Social Media Analysts (NISMA), Abuja.

ASP Sunday Eitokpah Akata has served in various capacities with remarkable professionalism, discipline, and versatility. His postings include:
• Divisional Traffic Officer, A Division, Calabar; and
• Officer-in-Charge, Cross River State Police Complaint Response Unit (CRU),

until his recent deployment as the Police Public Relations Officer, Cross River State Command.

The new PPRO can be reached through the following contact numbers:
0706 797 7330
0905 827 3057

Social Media Handles:
• X (Twitter): @Eitokpah_sunday
• Facebook: Eitokpah Sunday
• Instagram: official_eitokpah
• TikTok: official_eitokpah

In a move aimed at strengthening institutional collaboration and deepening community relations, the Acting Customs Area Controller of Ogun I Area Command, Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, on Tuesday, 3 February 2026, paid a strategic courtesy visit to the palace of His Royal Majesty, Dr. Yisa Sola Adeniyi Olaniyan, the Onipokia of Ipokia Kingdom.

The visit also provided an opportunity for the Comptroller to engage with other respected traditional rulers and community leaders of the kingdom, underscoring the Command’s commitment to sustained partnership, mutual understanding, and collective responsibility in promoting security and lawful trade within the area.

This was revealed in a statement by Chado Zakari, Deputy Superintendent of Customs and Public Relations Officer, Ogun I Area Command, issued on behalf of the Ag. Customs Area Controller.

During the visit, Comptroller Afeni expressed appreciation to the monarchs for their warm reception and their sustained role in maintaining peace and stability within the kingdom. Describing Ipokia as home, he emphasized the importance of strengthening collaboration with traditional institutions in line with the Comptroller-General of Customs’ policy thrust on synergy and community engagement.

The Acting Controller noted that traditional rulers remain critical partners in the suppression of smuggling and the enhancement of national security.

He reiterated the core mandates of the Nigeria Customs Service, which include trade facilitation, revenue generation, and anti-smuggling operations, while urging the traditional council to continue sensitizing members of the public on the dangers of illicit trade and its negative impact on national security and economic growth.

Comptroller Afeni further highlighted the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives introduced by the Comptroller-General of Customs, explaining that such programmes are aimed at discouraging smuggling and promoting sustainable development within host communities.

In response, His Royal Majesty, Oba Yisa Sola Adeniyi Olaniyan, commended the Comptroller-General’s transformative leadership and commitment to global best practices, while welcoming Comptroller Afeni as a “son of the soil” and pledging the unwavering support and cooperation of the Ipokia Kingdom.

The monarch encouraged the Acting Controller to carry out his responsibilities “without fear or favour,” reaffirming that Ipokia remains a peaceful and law-abiding community committed to supporting the Federal Government’s economic objectives.

The Murtala Muhammed Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has recorded ₦202.9 billion in revenue between January and December 2025, marking a 13% increase compared to the ₦181.01 billion generated in 2024.

Comptroller G.A. Otunla, Customs Area Controller, announced that the Command achieved 113% of its annual revenue target, attributing the success to improved trader compliance, effective monitoring of import transactions, timely detection of irregularities, and measures to curb revenue leakages.

He praised the dedication of officers, collaboration with sister agencies, and the support of compliant traders and licensed customs agents, noting that these factors were key to the Command’s outstanding performance.

Comptroller Otunla reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous stakeholder engagement, aligning with the Nigeria Customs Service’s mandate to facilitate trade and generate revenue.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Nigerian Army to a dynamic, intelligence-driven and technology-enabled approach in confronting asymmetric threats to Nigeria’s national security.

According to a statement formally signed by Colonel Appolonia Anele,
Acting Director, Army Public Relations, the disclosure was made on 3 February 2026, while delivering a strategic lecture titled “Combating Asymmetric Threats to National Security in Nigeria: The Nigerian Army in Perspective” to participants of the National Defence College (NDC), Nigeria, Course 34.

Lieutenant General Shaibu observed that the contemporary global security environment has undergone a fundamental transformation, shifting from traditional state-centric warfare to complex intra-state conflicts dominated by non-state actors, including terrorists, insurgents, bandits, cybercriminals and transnational organised crime networks that deliberately exploit governance gaps, societal vulnerabilities and emerging technologies.

In response to this evolving threat spectrum, the COAS stated that the Nigerian Army has deliberately recalibrated its operational doctrine, force posture and employment of capabilities through a comprehensive multi-domain strategy. This approach integrates decisive kinetic action with intelligence fusion, inter-agency cooperation, joint operations with sister services and sustained international partnerships.

“Asymmetric threats thrive on adaptability, anonymity and the targeting of civilians to erode public confidence and state authority. Our response must therefore be equally adaptive, proactive, intelligence-led and collaborative, leveraging military power alongside technology, whole-of-government coordination and strategic partnerships,” the COAS stated.

He explained that across Nigeria’s geo-political zones, Nigerian Army operations have been deliberately tailored to prevailing threat dynamics. In the North-East, sustained counter-insurgency operations have continued to degrade terrorist capabilities through a combination of offensive manoeuvres, intelligence-driven strikes and population-centric stabilisation efforts.

In the North-West theatre, he noted, wide-ranging joint operations have intensified pressure on bandit groups, disrupted their logistics and financing networks, and strengthened the protection of vulnerable communities. Meanwhile, in the North-Central region, enduring stabilisation operations have focused on area domination, protection of civilians and the containment of communal and militia-related violence.

The COAS further highlighted the growing impact of advanced technologies, enhanced training regimes and deeper jointness with sister services in improving situational awareness, operational reach and mission effectiveness. He stressed that contemporary national security transcends territorial defence to encompass economic security, cyber resilience, environmental stability and human security.

According to him, enduring peace can only be achieved when military operations are reinforced by effective governance, justice delivery and inclusive socio-economic development.

Lieutenant General Shaibu urged participants of NDC Course 34, whom he described as Nigeria’s future strategic and operational leaders, to embrace integrated, forward-looking security frameworks that address both the immediate manifestations and underlying drivers of conflict.

He reassured Nigerians of the Nigerian Army’s steadfast resolve to defend national sovereignty, protect lives and property, and secure critical national infrastructure, even as threats continue to evolve in form and complexity.

Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing quality education and youth empowerment with the renovation of an administrative building to Community Secondary School, Enugwuabo Ufuma, in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The one-storey administrative block was comprehensively renovated as part of Fidelity Bank’s interventions to address infrastructural challenges faced by the school. The renovated facility was then formally handed over to the school community at a ceremony attended by government officials, community leaders, and other stakeholders.

Speaking at the official handover ceremony, the Regional Bank Head, Fidelity Bank Plc Awka, Dr. Nosa Orumwense, said the project underscores the bank’s long-standing commitment to investing in education as a catalyst for sustainable development.

“For us at Fidelity Bank, this project represents more than a building. It represents opportunity, progress, and a shared commitment to building a better future for our youths here in Enugwuabo Ufuma and beyond.

By improving the educational infrastructure of this community, we are providing students and teachers with an environment that promotes learning, discipline, and pride”, Orumwense added.

Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Education, Professor Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, who represented the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, described the project as a true demonstration of corporate social responsibility.

“Corporate social responsibility is what gives an organisation its human nature. What Fidelity Bank has done reflects compassion and a genuine commitment to touching lives”, Prof. Chuma-Udeh said.

This school was earlier placed on an emergency list due to the deplorable condition of its buildings. During my last visit, I was genuinely concerned about the safety of both students and teachers. Today, the school wears a new look, thanks to Fidelity Bank’s support”.

The Commissioner also expressed the state government’s appreciation to Fidelity Bank, saying, “We thank Fidelity Bank for this intervention, which clearly demonstrates the true meaning of corporate social responsibility – making tangible impacts that improve lives and strengthen communities”.

The project forms part of Fidelity Bank’s broader CSR strategy focused on empowering communities, strengthening educational institutions, and creating long-term socio-economic value across Nigeria.

Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.

The Bank is a recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.

The Acting Managing Director/CEO of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) Alh. Umar Yusuf Girei recently visited two ceramic factories in Kogi state as part of the Authority’s effort to enhance ease of doing business in the state aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Visit aim to explore ways NIWA can support the growth of the ceramic industry in Kogi state, leveraging the state natural resources and using the Inland Waterways in Transporting their finished goods.

The Acting MD first visited BNL Ceramic and was received by Mr. Zhang Xin who represented the Managing Director of the company expressed the company’s readiness to partner with NIWA.

Addressing the Management of the company, Umar Gerei said the purpose of the visit is to know about their activities, challenges and how to partner with the company in the utilization of the Inland Waterways in conveying raw materials and finished goods.

The Acting MD also visited the West African Ceramic Company and was received by Mr. Emmanuel Oreye the representative of the Managing Director.

While addressing the Management of the company, the Ag. MD said the purpose of their visit is to seek partnership with the company as NIWA is working hard to ensure the Waterways is navigable all year round.

Responding on behalf of the company, Mr. Emmanuel Oreye appreciated the Ag.MD’s visit as the company needs NIWA’s Support in transporting their finished goods on the Waterways. “The company has been using the Waterways in Transporting raw materials thereby reducing the cost of production compared to road transportation and other challenges”.

Some Management staff who accompanied the Ag.MD were; Muazu Dan’Azumi GM (RPS), Engr. Dakio Horsfall GM (Marine), Barr. Naziru Biyankare GM (Legal), Engr. Fidelis Ejike GM (Engineering), Engr. Muhammed Dangana GM (Special Duties), Mr. Abubakar Danladi Head (Finance) and DCP Shuaibu Audu (Commander Inland Waterways Police Command).

The Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘A’, Ikeja, on Tuesday signalled a tough new phase in Nigeria’s anti-smuggling war as the Comptroller of the Unit, Mr. Gambo Aliyu, unveiled sweeping operational reforms and major seizures at his maiden press briefing held at the Customs Training College, Ikeja.

Aliyu, who described the engagement as the Unit’s first media interaction of 2026, said the Command had embraced a fresh enforcement philosophy anchored on change management, strict compliance and reputational discipline, stressing that business-as-usual would no longer deliver results.

He disclosed that upon assuming office, the Unit reviewed its operational structure, patrol patterns and internal controls, replacing predictable checkpoints with intelligence-driven deployments, particularly within the Lagos axis, while strengthening supervision and accountability across all teams.

These reforms, according to him, yielded swift results with the interception of 144 smuggling attempts involving contraband items ranging from 6,954 bags of foreign parboiled rice to used vehicles, vegetable oil, petrol, used clothing and a container load of stone-coated roofing sheets.

In a major blow to organised crime, the Comptroller revealed that operatives also intercepted 3,029 parcels of a synthetic strain of cannabis, popularly known as “Ghanaian Loud,” weighing about 1,431 kilogrammes, a move he said significantly disrupted drug supply networks fueling insecurity and social vices.

Aliyu noted that the operations were carried out amid rising national security challenges, adding that the Unit had suffered the painful loss of a promising officer in the line of duty, a development already reported to the Service Headquarters.

Beyond drugs, the Command also recorded a landmark wildlife protection success with the seizure of four live pangolins along the Alapa Creek, Ajilete waterways, which were subsequently handed over to conservation authorities, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to protecting endangered species.

The Unit further intercepted 581 used refrigerator compressors concealed in a vehicle, an action Aliyu described as critical to environmental protection, citing Nigeria’s obligations under the Basel Convention and provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

He disclosed that eight suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures, which had a cumulative duty paid value of over ₦3.3 billion, underscoring the economic impact of the Command’s intensified enforcement drive.

In line with inter-agency cooperation, the seized cannabis consignments are to be formally handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution, while the public was urged to report suspicious activities through confidential channels.

Aliyu concluded by reaffirming the Nigeria Customs Service’s resolve to combat smuggling, enforce fiscal policies and facilitate legitimate trade, expressing gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs and the media, while charging officers of the Unit to sustain the momentum in safeguarding the nation’s economy and security.

The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT has intensified the war against illicit drugs with a decisive raid on a suspected criminal hideout in Apapa, Lagos.

The operation targeted Gidan Drama, a notorious enclave in the Agbo Malu area, long believed to serve as a hub for drug peddling and other criminal activities.

The raid, conducted on Saturday, January 24, 2026, followed actionable intelligence received by NNS BEECROFT on the presence of suspected drug traffickers within the area.

Personnel of the naval base moved swiftly, dislodging the hideout and combing the premises in a coordinated operation aimed at disrupting criminal networks.

Although no arrests were made, the Navy recorded a significant operational gain as the suspects reportedly fled on sighting the approaching naval team.

Speaking during the handover of seized items, the Commander of NNS BEECROFT, Rear Admiral Paul Ponfa Nimmyel, represented by the Executive Officer, Captain Idongesit Udoessien, confirmed the recovery of various illicit substances.

Items recovered included cannabis sativa, codeine, and other banned drugs, highlighting the scale of illegal drug activities in the area.

Captain Udoessien said the seizure underscores the Navy’s unwavering resolve to curb the spread and abuse of illicit drugs, particularly among the youth, noting the grave implications for public health and national security.

He added that the operation aligns with the directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, to rid Nigeria’s maritime and coastal environments of crime, either independently or in synergy with sister security agencies.

Consequently, the recovered substances were formally handed over on Monday, February 2, 2026, to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Festac Area Command, for further investigation and necessary action.

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have recorded another significant operational success with the neutralisation of a top Boko Haram/ISWAP leader Abu Khalid, identified as the Second-in-Command of Boko Haram in the Sambisa Forest, alongside 10 other terrorists during a night operation in Borno State.

Barely 24 hours after troops eliminated the notorious Boko Haram/ISWAP commander, Julaibib, operating within the Gujba axis of the Timbuktu Triangle, troops of Sector 1, in conjunction with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) on Operation DESERT SANITY, made contact with terrorists at the Komala general area of Konduga Local Government Area during night offensives at about 11:00 p.m. Abu Khalid was a key figure within the terrorist hierarchy, coordinating operations and logistics in the Sambisa axis.

Following the successful engagement, troops recovered five (5) AK-47 rifles, magazines, several bicycles, assorted logistics and food items, as well as huge medical consumables.

No casualty was recorded among own troops during the operation. Troops’ morale remains high as clearance operations continue across the Sambisa Forest, Mandara Mountains, Timbuktu Triangle and other known hideouts of Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North East region.

The Joint Task Force (North East) reaffirms its commitment to sustaining the tempo of operations until all terrorist elements are neutralised , lasting peace and economic stability are restored to the region.

The Military High Command commended the troops for their sacrifices and dedication in the fight against terrorism and other criminal activities in the North East region, urging them to sustain the operational tempo.