The Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), Oshodi, Lagos, has graduated 33 mid and senior level officers who completed the Entrepreneurship and Management Course 19/2026, designed to equip them with skills for productive engagement after active military service.

The graduation ceremony brought together senior officers, representatives of the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, EMPRETEC Nigeria Foundation and other stakeholders committed to human capital development and economic empowerment.

Representing the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 2, Lagos, AIG Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, described the programme as a strategic platform for preparing security personnel for life after active service.

Jimoh, who served as the Special Guest of Honour, commended the Commandant of NAFRC, Air Vice Marshal Nnaemeka Ignatius Ilo, for strengthening the centre’s entrepreneurship and management training programmes.

He stressed the longstanding relationship between the police and the Armed Forces, saying both institutions had worked together in several domestic and international operations to promote peace and national security.

According to him, the relationship extends beyond active service, as retired officers of both institutions continue to contribute their experience and expertise to national development.

Jimoh recalled his participation in international peacekeeping operations with several senior military officers, noting that such experiences had reinforced the bond between the police and military.

He said his personal background had also strengthened his connection with the Armed Forces, recalling that his father was a Nigerian Army soldier and had taken pride in his career and promotions in the police.

The AIG said the police would seek greater participation in future entrepreneurship programmes at NAFRC, adding that he had already secured the IGP’s approval for police officers to participate in subsequent editions.

He urged the graduating officers not to limit themselves to seeking security jobs after retirement, but to deploy the skills acquired during the course to establish businesses, create jobs and contribute to the economy.

Jimoh also pledged to facilitate the participation of a professor of entrepreneurship, with whom he had studied, as a resource person for future programmes at the centre.

In his welcome address, Ilo said the graduation represented an important milestone in the centre’s efforts to equip officers with practical knowledge in entrepreneurship and business management.

He urged the graduands to apply the knowledge acquired at NAFRC to their respective services, communities and future businesses, while maintaining the values of discipline, integrity and professionalism.

Ilo commended EMPRETEC Nigeria Foundation, its Country Representative, Dr Mrs Onari Duke, facilitators, instructors and the centre’s management for their contributions to the success of the programme.

The Commandant also expressed appreciation to the Chief of Defence Staff, service chiefs, Chief of Defence Intelligence and other senior military authorities for approving the nominations and providing resources for the training.

He acknowledged the support of the Minister of Defence and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for initiatives aimed at strengthening capacity development within the Armed Forces.

Giving an overview of the programme, the Director of Training, Brigadier General Isang E. Akpaumontia, said 33 officers participated in Course 19/2026, comprising 17 mid level and 16 senior level nominations, alongside two senior officers sponsored by the Commandant.

Akpaumontia said the participants were drawn from the Defence Intelligence Agency, Defence Space Administration, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force and NAFRC.

He explained that the training covered agriculture, emotional intelligence, business management, legal advisory, health and lifestyle, entrepreneurship and technical modules, with practical sessions designed to strengthen participants’ capacity to establish and manage enterprises.

The participants also undertook local and international study tours, visiting businesses and institutions including Beloxxi Industries, the National Conservation Centre, Cormart Nigeria Limited, FoodCo Bukka Restaurant and Songhai Farm in Porto Novo, Benin Republic.

The Director of Training said the tours exposed the officers to manufacturing, agriculture, food services, biodiversity, renewable energy, integrated farming and zero waste practices, helping them connect classroom lessons with real business operations.

In her address, the Country Representative of EMPRETEC Nigeria Foundation, Dr Mrs Onari Duke, said the programme was designed to transform military service, leadership experience and professional discipline into sustainable enterprise and economic impact.

Duke urged the graduands to become builders of businesses, champions of integrity and agents of economic resilience by identifying opportunities, creating jobs and developing solutions in agriculture, technology, manufacturing and services.

She said the graduands had left the programme as entrepreneurs equipped to apply their experience beyond the uniform, adding that EMPRETEC Nigeria Foundation would remain available for mentorship, post training support and networking.

The 33 officers subsequently received joint NAFRC and EMPRETEC Nigeria Foundation certificates after fulfilling the requirements of the non graded course, with outstanding participants also recognised for their performance in practical exercises and group business presentations.

The Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yaba, on Thursday honoured 24 police officers who retired after 35 years of meritorious service to the Nigeria Police Force at the department’s premises.

The Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu, in a goodwill message, congratulated the retirees on their years of dedicated service to the Force and the nation.

Disu expressed pride in their achievements and contributions to policing over the years, assuring them that their retirement from active service did not mean they were leaving the police family.

The IGP noted that the retirees’ experience and contributions remained valuable to the Force, adding that their years of sacrifice and commitment to duty would continue to be appreciated.

He wished them fulfilment and success as they began a new chapter of their lives, urging them to remain proud of their contributions to the Nigeria Police Force.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) in charge of SCID, Yaba, Mr Dayo Akinbisehin, described the event as a monumental milestone in the history of the Lagos State Police Command and the department.

Akinbisehin said the retirees represented decades of sacrifice, bravery and unwavering commitment to duty, noting that their careers involved working long hours, investigating complex cases and protecting communities under challenging circumstances.

He said the SCID, Panti, as the foremost police investigation department in Lagos, handled high-profile, complex and sensitive cases, adding that the retirees played significant roles in bringing suspects to justice despite the risks associated with their duties.

The DCP commended the families of the retirees for their sacrifices and support throughout the officers’ careers, describing their spouses, children and friends as the “unsung heroes” behind their successful service.

He urged the retirees not to consider themselves strangers to the police, assuring them that the Nigeria Police Force and the department would always remain their home, while their experience and wisdom would continue to be valued.

Akinbisehin congratulated the 24 retirees and urged them to proceed into retirement with their heads held high, having served the nation with honour and contributed to the development of the department.

He also appreciated the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Mr Fatai Tijani, for approving the event, as well as the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, other well-wishers and corporate organisations for their support toward its success.

One of the retirees, DSP Benson Emuerhi, said his years in the police had taught him that policing was essentially about service to humanity.

Emuerhi identified welfare and remuneration as some of the challenges confronting the police, saying improved welfare would enhance personnel’s effectiveness and commitment to duty.

He noted that police officers worked under demanding conditions, often round the clock, and required better remuneration and welfare packages to remain motivated and meet their responsibilities.

Emuerhi also called for stronger public support for the police, saying improved welfare would help address some of the challenges affecting policing and boost public confidence in the institution.

Also speaking, ASP Udoh Patrick, who retired after 35 years of service, advised serving police officers to maintain good relationships with members of the public.

Patrick urged personnel to demonstrate humility, honesty, moderation and respect in their interactions with citizens, while avoiding harsh treatment.

He appealed to members of the public not to see the police as enemies but as partners in maintaining peace and security.

According to him, regular interaction between the police and communities would help build trust and confidence in the Force.

Patrick further urged officers to handle exhibits and other recovered items responsibly, stressing that integrity was essential to strengthening public confidence in the police.

Another retiree, DSP Rita Momah, who said she served in Lagos State for about 35 years, expressed excitement about retiring and having the opportunity to rest after decades of service.

Momah said her years in the police had exposed her to various experiences, adding that the service also provided her with opportunities to learn important lessons and contribute to society.

The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Lagos, has handed over seized narcotics, pharmaceutical products and mercury valued at about N3.95 billion to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, NESREA.

The Comptroller of the unit, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, made the disclosure on Thursday at the formal handover of the seized items at the Unit’s headquarters on Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja, Lagos.

Aliyu said the seizures were the outcome of sustained intelligence driven anti smuggling operations conducted from May 6, 2026, across border corridors, highways and other strategic locations within the Unit’s area of responsibility.

He said the operation targeted drug trafficking syndicates and other criminal networks involved in the movement of prohibited and controlled substances into the country.

Among the items handed over to the NDLEA were 5,669 parcels and 19 sacks of synthetic strain of Cannabis sativa weighing 3,116.9 kilogrammes.

The seizures also included three and a half packs of ground Cannabis Skunk weighing 3.45 kilogrammes, two packs of granulated Cannabis Skunk weighing one kilogramme and 11 small packs weighing 0.35 kilogramme.

Other narcotics recovered were 24 packets of Backwoods Russian Cream cigars, 49 wraps of Cannabis Skunk weighing 26.1 kilogrammes and one wrap of Crystal Methamphetamine weighing 0.35 kilogramme.

The pharmaceutical products comprised 1,754 packs and 6,948 sachets of Tramadol tablets of 225mg and 100mg, 1,200 Hypnox tablets of 1mg and 97 bottles of Codeine syrup.

Aliyu said the seized narcotics had an estimated street value of N3.951 billion, while three suspects arrested in connection with the seizures would also be transferred to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution.

He added that a truck used in the transportation of the drugs, containing 1,326 packages concealed beneath a false metal top, would also be handed over to the anti narcotics agency in line with established procedures.

The Customs comptroller said the interdiction of the substances was particularly significant because illicit drugs could fuel addiction, violence, criminality and other social problems, while also providing support for criminal networks and terrorists.

He said the Customs Service had intensified surveillance along border corridors ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing that the agency recognised the connection between illicit drugs, organised crime and insecurity.

According to him, the seizures demonstrated the impact of coordinated enforcement operations, with Customs focusing on the integrity of the supply chain before transferring suspected offenders and controlled substances to agencies with the statutory mandate for further investigation.

Aliyu also disclosed the seizure of four cylinders of high grade mercury, each weighing 34.5 kilogrammes, allegedly intended for use in illegal gold mining. He said the mercury, which poses significant environmental risks and is subject to international controls under the Minamata Convention, would be handed over to NESREA for appropriate regulatory action.

He stressed that the fight against smuggling, narcotics trafficking and environmental crimes required stronger cooperation among security and regulatory agencies through intelligence sharing, joint operations, coordinated profiling, capacity building and timely transfer of seized items.

The Customs chief commended the NDLEA, NESREA and other sister agencies for their cooperation, assuring that the Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, would sustain intelligence led enforcement, surveillance and patrols while facilitating legitimate trade and protecting Nigerians from harmful and prohibited goods.

The 4th Ehingbeti Blue Economy Hub will address weak regulatory frameworks and maritime insecurity as major barriers to investment, coastal development and job creation in Nigeria’s blue economy.

Themed “Securing Nigeria’s Blue Economy: Need to Strengthen Regulatory and Maritime Framework for Sustainable Coastal Development,” the event is scheduled for September 17, 2026, at Lagos Oriental Hotel.

The forum will be chaired by the Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Hon. Mukhtar Shehu Shagari, while the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, will serve as Special Guest of Honour.

The two principal speakers will approach the theme from legal and security perspectives. They are the President of the Maritime Arbitrators Association of Nigeria (MAAN), Chief (Mrs.) Jean Chiazor Anishere, SAN, and Executive Director, Technical and Operations, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Capt. Warredi Enisuoh.

Speaking ahead of the event, Convener, Hon. Olaitan Williams, said Nigeria could not fully harness the blue economy without deliberately integrating coastal communities into its development framework.

Williams, who traced Ehingbeti to the indigenous coastal settlement that predates modern Lagos, said the area had historically demonstrated the maritime potential of its people.

She recalled the former Floating Bukka, a floating restaurant on the waterways, and noted that the evolution of the area contributed to the development of major maritime locations including Apapa, Tin Can Island and the Marina.

Williams, who is also the Founder of Ocean Ambassadors Foundation (OAF), said the benefits of the blue economy would remain limited unless coastal communities, which constitute the foundation of many maritime activities, are included in policy and investment decisions.

Williams argued that insufficient security would discourage investors and make banks reluctant to finance inland waterways and coastal projects.

She also criticised what she described as inadequate legal provisions for coastal community development, noting that current blue economy policies appear to place greater emphasis on formal economic activities than rural fisheries and indigenous maritime livelihoods.

She linked maritime insecurity partly to socio-economic conditions in coastal communities, stressing that the same communities whose members may become involved in maritime crimes are often the first responders during boat accidents and other emergencies on the waterways.

“The low-hanging fruits of the blue economy are 100 percent from the coast,” Williams said, stressing the need to convert the skills and indigenous knowledge of coastal residents into productive economic opportunities.

She said the forum would examine two critical chapters; legal framework and security architecture, as part of efforts to develop a blueprint for Nigeria’s inland waterways and coastal communities.

Williams also identified illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing as an area requiring stronger enforcement and legal backing, arguing that Nigeria must protect its fisheries and natural assets from exploitation by foreign operators.

She further called for stronger partnerships among government, investors, financial institutions and insurers, saying effective regulation and security would improve investor confidence and unlock financing.

With Nigeria’s extensive inland waterways offering opportunities in maritime transport, tourism, fisheries, boat building and logistics, Williams urged authorities to harness the skills of traditional boat builders, divers and other indigenous operators.

She cited previous initiatives that trained young people in coastal communities, arguing that such programmes could transform indigenous skills into employment and professional opportunities.

The 4th Ehingbeti Blue Economy Hub is therefore expected to bring stakeholders together to develop practical recommendations for strengthening Nigeria’s maritime legal and security architecture while ensuring greater inclusion of coastal communities in the blue economy.