Author: Dodo Elias Denen

The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded a second violent attack on its officers within one week, underscoring rising tensions around intensified anti-smuggling operations in the state.

The latest incident occurred at about 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2026, when a patrol team intercepted a convoy of motorcycles transporting smuggled foreign parboiled rice along a bush path at Alapoti in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State.

According to a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Zakari Chado, the officers seized 46 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, which were promptly evacuated in an official patrol vehicle. However, as the team withdrew from the area, they were ambushed by a large group suspected to be smugglers and their accomplices.

The attackers, reportedly armed with dangerous weapons including locally made firearms, stones, bottles and charms, attempted to overpower the officers and recover the seized items. The confrontation, which lasted for about 30 minutes, was eventually repelled by the patrol team.

In the course of the encounter, one of the assailants sustained injuries and later died, while a suspect who claimed ownership of the seized rice was arrested and is currently under investigation.

The incident came barely a week after a similar attack on Customs officers at the Akokoro area of Iwoye in Imeko-Afon Local Government Area, where two officers sustained severe injuries and remain hospitalised.

The Command noted that the renewed wave of attacks is linked to sustained enforcement actions that have resulted in major seizures of contraband, including prohibited goods and other items that pose threats to national security. It added that criminal networks are increasingly resorting to violence to frustrate lawful operations.

Reacting, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Ogun I Area Command, Deputy Comptroller Olukayode Afeni, condemned the attack, describing it as a direct challenge to the rule of law and constituted authority. He stressed that the Command would not be deterred by intimidation or violence.

Afeni warned that all those involved in attacks on Customs personnel would be identified and prosecuted, while reassuring law-abiding residents of Ogun State of the Service’s commitment to their safety and strict enforcement of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

He reiterated that the Command would continue to intensify anti-smuggling operations in line with its mandate to protect the nation’s economy and secure its borders.

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), has dismissed as fake a purported manifesto currently in circulation, describing it as the handiwork of political opponents bent on misleading the public.

Oyebamiji spoke while welcoming members of the Ajisope Development Initiatives, led by Alhaji Abdulkabir Okikiola Ajisope, who formally endorsed his candidacy and collapsed their entire political structure into the AMBO campaign ahead of the August 8, 2026 Osun off-cycle governorship election.

According to Oyebamiji, any document or claim being circulated in his name is part of what he described as “dangerous lies and propaganda” orchestrated by the outgoing Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)/Accord Party-led administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke and its handlers.

He stressed that neither he nor the APC has released any manifesto, assuring that his programmes would be unveiled at the appropriate time directly to the people of Osun State.

“I use the occasion to call on members of the APC and our supporters across Osun to remain calm and focused. I made it clear that no manifesto has been made public by me or our party. When the time comes, we will unveil our programmes openly and directly to the people of Osun,” Oyebamiji said.

“Any claims or documents currently being circulated are part of the dangerous lies and propaganda of the outgoing government and their handlers. We will not be distracted. We will confront falsehood with truth, organisation and political action, and we are fully prepared to send them packing through the ballot this year,” he added.

Speaking on the endorsement by the Ajisope Development Initiatives, Oyebamiji described the group’s decision to align with the AMBO project as a strong statement of confidence in his leadership and a shared commitment to rescuing Osun State from what he termed maladministration.

He noted that, alongside the Chairman of the APC in Osun State, Sooko Tajudeen Lawal, and other party leaders, he received the group as they pledged full support for his candidacy.

Oyebamiji further said the endorsement was particularly significant, given the group’s longstanding focus on promoting and defending the re-election mandate and progressive vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“The decision of the Ajisope Development Initiatives to align with the AMBO project is a strong statement of belief in our collective mission. This development further strengthens our resolve to build a broader, people-driven political movement anchored on progressive values, credible leadership and purposeful governance for Osun State,” he said.

HybridNewsNG has reached a defining milestone in its editorial journey with the formal approval of its International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) by the National Library of Nigeria, a development that confers official recognition on the platform as a registered serial publication.

The ISSN, a globally accepted eight-digit identifier, is used to authenticate and distinguish serial publications such as newspapers, magazines and journals, whether in print or electronic form. With this approval, HybridNewsNG is now fully listed within national and international bibliographic databases, a status that enhances its credibility, visibility and long-term archival value.

Industry observers note that the approval places HybridNewsNG on the global publishing map, opening the door to wider circulation, institutional referencing, indexing and formal partnerships. It also strengthens the platform’s standing among stakeholders in the media, academic and policy communities who rely on verified publications for information and analysis.

Speaking on the development, the management of HybridNewsNG described the ISSN approval as a validation of years of dedication to professional journalism, accuracy and ethical reporting. The platform reaffirmed its commitment to responsible media practice, balanced storytelling and service to the public interest.

Beyond its technical significance, the milestone is seen as a call to higher editorial standards as the organisation expands its reach and deepens its impact. With official recognition now secured, HybridNewsNG is positioned to consolidate its role as a trusted source of news, features and informed commentary across diverse sectors.

Above all, the management returned all glory to God Almighty for the grace and guidance that made the achievement possible, describing the moment as both an encouragement and a renewed responsibility to uphold excellence.

As celebrations continue, congratulatory and goodwill messages from readers, partners and well-wishers are warmly welcomed.

Mr. Hyacinth Nwafor
Managing Editor, HybridNewsNG
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Former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, has disclosed that the Federal Government approved about ₦14.6 billion for the procurement of modern boats and ferries to strengthen safety, trade and passenger transportation across Nigeria’s inland waterways.

Oyebamiji made this known in Osun State on Thursday while receiving a delegation of a Coalition of Maritime Journalists on a courtesy visit, where he was formally presented with a letter of nomination as the “Most Friendly Maritime CEO.”

He explained that inland water transportation in many hinterland states had been constrained for years by obsolete wooden boats and unsafe operational practices, which often resulted in avoidable mishaps.

“I presented a paper to the Federal Government through the Honourable Minister, and about ₦14.6 billion was approved for the procurement of standard boats and ferries capable of carrying agricultural products and passengers safely on our inland waters,” Oyebamiji said.

According to him, the vessels are targeted at riverine states such as Niger, Benue, Kogi, Kwara and Kebbi, where waterways remain critical transport links for local communities and commercial activities.

He noted that the initiative would reduce reliance on unsafe craft and improve food supply chains by ensuring faster and cheaper movement of farm produce from rural communities to urban markets.

Oyebamiji added that while wooden boats account for about 20 to 25 per cent of challenges on inland waters, human factors contribute nearly 70 per cent of accidents, stressing that safety reforms must combine infrastructure, training and discipline.

“There was a time I organised training and discovered some operators came under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Safety is not only about vessels, it is also about behaviour. With better boats, supervision and sensitisation, we can change that culture,” he stated.

Reflecting on NIWA’s transformation, Oyebamiji said the agency was once largely associated with boat mishaps until his administration prioritised staff welfare, motivation and stakeholder engagement.

“When I came into NIWA, we listened to the workers and engaged journalists as part of management by objective. Without employing new staff, the same workforce delivered about 75 to 80 per cent improvement,” he said.

Beyond maritime matters, Oyebamiji, now the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Candidate in Osun State, used the forum to seek the continued support of the maritime media as he transitions into politics.

He told the journalists that transparency, accountability and people-focused leadership, which defined his tenure at NIWA, would also guide his political ambition, adding that the media remains central to public enlightenment and governance.

“I believe in engaging the media, listening to criticism and improving. As I move forward, I still count on your professionalism and partnership,” Oyebamiji said.

Earlier, Chairman of the Coalition of Maritime Journalists, Mr. Frank Meke, thanked Oyebamiji for his accessibility, encouragement and welfare support to journalists during his tenure at NIWA.

Meke said Oyebamiji’s openness strengthened maritime reporting and helped project reforms in the inland waterways sector.

“Your support and concern for the welfare of maritime journalists strengthened our work and the industry. This nomination is our way of appreciating your people-centred leadership,” Meke said while officially presenting the letter of nomination as “Most Friendly Maritime CEO.”

Receiving the honour, Oyebamiji described the recognition as symbolic of accountability and cooperation between regulators and the media.

He pledged continued support for maritime journalism and inland waterways development, stressing that the ₦14.6bn boat procurement initiative remains one of the most strategic interventions aimed at improving safety, productivity and confidence on Nigeria’s inland waters.

The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded a significant improvement in revenue generation and anti-smuggling operations, remitting over N454.6 million to the Federal Government in 2025, representing a 47 per cent increase over its 2024 performance.

The Acting Customs Area Controller, Oladapo Olukayode Afeni, disclosed this yesterday at a press conference in Idiroko, Ogun State, where the command also handed over seized narcotics, arms and ammunition to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW).

Addressing journalists and stakeholders, Afeni said the command’s performance in 2025 reflected its unwavering commitment to the core mandates of the Nigeria Customs Service, particularly revenue generation, suppression of smuggling and facilitation of legitimate trade.

According to him, the command generated and remitted N454,672,406.30 to federation and non-federation accounts in 2025, compared to N275,835,602 recorded in 2024. He expressed optimism that the command would surpass the 2025 figures in the current fiscal year.

Afeni disclosed that the positive trajectory had continued into 2026, with the command generating N106,277,312 between January 1 and January 28, 2026, an increase of 84.3 per cent over the N89,584,419 collected during the same period last year.

He attributed the improved revenue performance to the diligence of officers, enhanced compliance by traders, baggage assessment and proceeds from auction sales of seized Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

On enforcement, Afeni said the command intensified intelligence-driven anti-smuggling operations in line with extant laws and government fiscal policies, working closely with sister security agencies to police the expansive land borders within its jurisdiction.

He revealed that a total of 487 seizures were recorded in 2025, including 22,725 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 2,669 kegs of PMS, 13,332 parcels of cannabis sativa, 2,128 cartridges, 1,315 pieces of explosives, firearms, hard drugs and other prohibited items. The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of seizures for the year stood at N4.13 billion, up from N1.79 billion in 2024.

“These achievements are a testament to the dedication of our officers in protecting the economy, safeguarding lives and preserving national security,” he said.

Afeni further disclosed that between January 1 and January 29, 2026, the command intercepted additional consignments, including 1,042 bags of smuggled rice, 3,738 parcels of cannabis sativa, 780 used tyres, 473 kegs of PMS, locally fabricated rifles, cartridges, used vehicles, controlled substances and suspected antiquities, with a combined DPV of N721.45 million.

He noted that the seizure of suspected traditional carvings highlighted the threat of antiquity theft, stressing that the items would be subjected to expert appraisal to determine the appropriate course of action.

The customs chief emphasised that arms and ammunition are listed under Schedule 4 of the Absolute Prohibition List, warning that the consequences would have been devastating if the seized explosives and ammunition had fallen into the wrong hands, especially amid prevailing security challenges.

On inter-agency collaboration, Afeni commended the synergy between Customs and other security agencies at the Idiroko–Igolo axis, including the DSS, NDLEA, NIS, NSCDC, the military, police, NAFDAC, SON and traditional institutions, noting that such cooperation was critical to operational success.

As part of this collaboration, the command handed over seized cannabis sativa to the NDLEA Idiroko Special Command, and arms and ammunition to the NCCSALW South West Zone, while controlled pharmaceutical products were transferred to NAFDAC.

Afeni also expressed concern over increasing attacks on customs officers by smugglers, citing a recent incident in the Akokoro area of the Imeko axis, where officers and operational vehicles were attacked.

“Attacks on our officers will not deter us from performing our lawful duties,” he warned, adding that the command would no longer tolerate intimidation or obstruction of officers.

He called on traditional rulers and community leaders to educate youths on the dangers of smuggling, particularly narcotics, arms and ammunition.

Afeni commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for his leadership and support, and praised officers and men of the Ogun I Area Command for their professionalism and resilience.

He urged members of the public to support the Nigeria Customs Service with credible information, stressing that collective effort was required to curb smuggling and economic crimes.

“As we progress in 2026, Ogun I Area Command remains resolute in protecting the economy, ensuring security and contributing to national development,” he said.

The Ogun State Police Command has dismantled a child trafficking and illegal surrogacy syndicate operating under the cover of an orphanage, rescuing seven children and arresting five key suspects in a sting that exposed a baby sales racket allegedly valued at ₦1.5 million per child.

Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, disclosed the breakthrough during a press briefing in Abeokuta, stating that the operation was executed by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) following intelligence-led investigations.

According to the police, the case originated on November 28, 2025, when a woman identified as Amara reported the disappearance of her six-year-old son, Samuel Honesty, at the Idanyin Divisional Headquarters. Initial inquiries led to the arrest and prosecution of two suspects, after which the matter was transferred to the SCID for further investigation.

A major lead emerged on January 21, 2026, when the missing child was brought to Gowon Police Station in Lagos State. The boy reportedly told officers that he had been taken to Joyful Kids Orphanage in Badagry and identified the operator of the facility, popularly known as Madam Joy.

Acting on the information, detectives stormed the orphanage, where they rescued six additional children, bringing the total number of recovered minors to seven. The rescued children were identified as Ramsey Chiedozie (8), Rafael Rofiu (6), Kazeem Chiedozie (6), Segun Uthman (9), Ola Abdulhakeem Abdulrasheed (9), David Oyelese (9) and Samuel Honesty (6).

The police confirmed that Samuel Honesty has since been reunited with his mother, while the remaining six children have been placed in the care of the Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development for welfare assessment, protection and family tracing.

Further investigation at the facility revealed the presence of two pregnant teenagers, Tanimola Martins and Favour Martins, both aged 18, who allegedly confessed to being recruited to carry pregnancies for the purpose of selling their babies to pre-arranged buyers through the syndicate.

The prime suspect, Joy Chiedozie (36), also known as Madam Joy, was arrested at the orphanage. Police said she allegedly admitted to purchasing the abducted child for ₦1.5 million and subsequently reselling him to a buyer identified as Emmanuel, who is currently on the run. Investigators also uncovered the alleged involvement of Yusuf Adebowale (31), the orphanage driver, who reportedly acted as an unlicensed surrogate agent linking pregnant girls with prospective buyers.

Other suspects in custody include Rachael Chiedozie (16), alongside the two teenagers found at the facility.

The police said investigations were ongoing to apprehend fleeing suspects, trace financial transactions linked to the syndicate, identify additional victims and collaborators, and dismantle the wider trafficking network.

Reaffirming the command’s zero tolerance for child trafficking, illegal adoption and exploitation, Ogunlowo urged members of the public to report suspicious orphanage operations and trafficking-related activities to the nearest police station, assuring that the command would continue to safeguard vulnerable persons and uphold the rule of law.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George; top naval officers and other dignitaries yesterday gathered at the Naval Dockyard Limited, Victoria Island, Lagos, to pay glowing tributes to the late Dame Rebecca Aikhomu at a solemn Service of Songs held in her honour.

Dame Aikhomu, widow of the late Admiral Augustus Aikhomu—former Chief of General Staff and Vice President of Nigeria—passed away on Tuesday, December 11, 2025, after a brief illness. Her death came just months after she marked her 85th birthday in August.

Governor Sanwo-Olu was represented at the ceremony by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin. Also in attendance were the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas represented by the Admiral Superintendent, Naval Dockyard Limited (ASNDL), Rear Admiral Ibrahim Shehu; retired Major-General Ike Uwachukwu; and the deceased’s son-in-law and Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT, Rear Admiral Paul Nimmyel, among other senior officers, friends and associates.
Children, grandchildren and well-wishers took turns to recount the virtues of the departed matriarch, describing her as a woman of deep faith, compassion and uncommon service, whose influence extended far beyond her family to the wider society.

In his homily, the officiating minister, Reverend Abednego Okpala, urged the bereaved family and mourners to find comfort in God, noting that while life is brief and filled with challenges, its true meaning lies in total submission to the will of God.

Quoting from John 14:6, the cleric reminded the congregation of Christ’s assurance that hearts should not be troubled, stressing that trials including death are an inevitable part of human existence. He also cited Job 14:1 to underscore the transient nature of life.

Reverend Okpala emphasised that the true concern of life should not be death itself, but how one lives before God, adding that joy and peace are found in trusting God amid uncertainty. He identified total submission to God’s will as central to overcoming the vanity of life, warning that speed without direction is dangerous.

According to him, God’s word sanctifies and guides believers, providing clarity and purpose even when human wisdom fails. He further reminded the congregation of the hope of resurrection, noting that everyone would ultimately give account of their lives before God.

The cleric observed that testimonies shared about Dame Aikhomu reflected a life devoted to giving and service, adding that such deeds endure long after death and remain the true legacy of the faithful.

The service concluded with prayers for the family and an altar call, as the minister encouraged all present to dedicate their time, talents and resources to God and to purposeful living, in honour of the values exemplified by the late Dame Rebecca Aikhomu.

The Central Naval Command has intensified its strategic engagements with key maritime players, following back-to-back sessions aimed at securing Nigeria’s blue economy and hitting national production targets.

​The Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Suleiman Ibrahim hosted a high-level meeting with maritime stakeholders and industry partners on Wednesday, 28 January 2026. This followed a similar robust engagement held on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, with major Oil Exploration Companies. Both sessions were characterized by intense, productive discussions on neutralizing threats to Nigeria’s economic heartbeat.

​A major highlight of the Tuesday meeting with oil executives was the collective resolve to meet the Federal Government’s production goals. Stakeholders and the Navy concluded the session with a strong assurance that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mandate of 2.5 million barrels per day (bpd) is “doable and achievable” if all parties synchronize their efforts toward eliminating crude oil theft and operational disruptions.

​Addressing the gathering during his maiden meeting with maritime partners on Wednesday, Rear Admiral Ibrahim, emphasized that the Navy’s primary role is to create an enabling environment for such national targets to be met.
​”Maritime security is a collective responsibility,” Rear Admiral Ibrahim stated. “Sustainable outcomes can only be achieved through close collaboration and mutual understanding between the Nigerian Navy and you, our industry partners whose assets, personnel, and investments we protect.”

​The FOC further assured the stakeholders of the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas’ continuous support and unwavering dedication to the Command’s mission. He noted that the CNS remains committed to providing the necessary platforms and strategic leadership required to optimize security deployments across the Central Naval Command Area of Responsibility.

​The dual engagements provided a platform to review the evolving security landscape and assess emerging threats. Rear Admiral Ibrahim encouraged “frank and constructive engagement,” noting that the feedback from industry partners is vital for improving the Navy’s service delivery and operational effectiveness.

​The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to a “synergy of purpose,” with stakeholders expressing confidence that with the current trajectory of Naval leadership and inter-agency cooperation, the nation’s maritime economic goals are within reach.

The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy (FMM&BE), Hajiya Fatima Sugra Tabi’a Mahmood, has engaged the management of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) on strengthening safety awareness and improving service delivery across Nigeria’s inland waterways.

The meeting, held in Abuja, focused on familiarising the Permanent Secretary with NIWA’s operations and assessing how the Authority’s programmes align with the Ministry’s mandate under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Addressing the session, the Acting Managing Director of NIWA, Alhaji Yusuf Umar Girei, alongside members of the management team, briefed Mahmood on the Authority’s core mandate, vision and mission, as well as key achievements and operational challenges. He said NIWA has continued to roll out initiatives with visible impact in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Girei noted that the Authority is sustaining collaboration with the private sector to enhance efficiency and expand service delivery. According to him, such partnerships remain vital to unlocking the economic potential of inland waterways while improving navigation, infrastructure and safety standards nationwide.

In her response, Mahmood commended NIWA for its efforts and emphasised the need to broaden safety sensitisation. She urged the Authority to take awareness campaigns to religious centres in order to reach more water users and operators.

She also encouraged closer collaboration with sister agencies, improved human capital development, stronger engagement with the media for public enlightenment, and regular updates to the Ministry on NIWA’s activities and progress.

From the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, officials in attendance included Hajiya Kalthum Ibrahim, Director of Planning, Research and Statistics; Mr. Oyinloye Adeola Meshack, Director of Maritime Services Department; and other staff of the Office of the Permanent Secretary.

The NIWA delegation included Barrister Naziru Biyankare, General Manager, Legal Services; Dan’Azumi Muazu, General Manager, Planning, Research and Statistics; Engr. Dakio Horsefall, General Manager, Marine Services; Engr. Fidelis Ejike, General Manager, Engineering Services; and Surv. Henry Adimoha, General Manager, Survey Services.