Author: Dodo Elias Denen

Former Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) and the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Otunba Segun Runsewe, has bagged the award of Pillar of Nigerian Culture and Tourism.

The award was conferred on him by the Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET), the umbrella body for Nigerian travel press, on Thursday, October 23 at a colourful ceremony held at the prestigious Sheraton Lagos Hotel and Towers.

He was among some distinguished Nigerians from public and private sectors, including the former Nigerian Minister of Tourism and Culture, Ambassador Frank Ogbuewu, who were honoured for their contributions to the growth and development of Nigerian tourism.

Other distinguished Nigerians conferred with awards were: Otunba Wanle Akinboboye (Foremost National Tourism Builder and Creative Mind), Mr. Jemi Alade (National Trailblazer in Inbound Tour Operation) Engineer Tarzan Ganiyu Shekoni Balogun (National Icon in Tourist Boat Operations and Water Transportation), Mr. Nkereuwem Onung (Icon of Consistency and Resilience in National Tourism Leadership), and Chief Abimbola Bode-Thomas (Hospitality and Tourism Management Amazon).

Speaking on the award conferred on Runsewe and the other awardees, the President of ANJET Mr. Okorie Uguru said the awards aim to promote the culture of service to the people, and also showing appreciation to those who have served the nation with distinction while holding public office.

He said: “It is not about celebrating those who are serving the country now, but showing appreciation to those who have served in the past, to challenge current political office holders to put in their best.

“The individuals and distinguished Nigerians we are honouring are among the people that built the visibility and growth the tourism industry is enjoying today… They have contributed, and are still contributing to the sector.

“As holders of institutional memories and archivists of this industry, we know the roles they have played and are still playing in the development of the Nigerian tourism industry. That is why years after some of our awardees have left public offices, we still call them to bestow this honours.”

While receiving the award, Runsewe lamented the inability of Nigeria to take tourism seriously. He said: “I stopped talking for some time because there are too many talks in tourism, there is no action. We come; we speak big English and go back. Today, I am going to reveal two or three things. The last time I came out was to speak to the new executives of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN). For me, I am almost tired of talking, because there is no action.

“Let me first of all thank Ambassador Ogbuewu today. He said he does not want to come, so I urged him to come. It is only the living that can be celebrated. Let us thank God that during our lifetime, we are being celebrated. It is not everybody that has that opportunity.

“I can Stand anywhere and talk about this industry. I do not need a book.

“Ambassador Ogbuewu you would recollect that President Obasanjo took your very good self, led a delegation to Trinidad and Tobago. That was the day Obasanjo made a statement, he said ‘I going to stand on the existing protocol’. That was the first time they heard that English. The then president of Trinidad asked, ‘what is he talking about.’ That is a tourism brand.

“People do not understand tourism yet. People think it is only about moving from one place to the other. No. Let me reveal a few things: how many of us know the late Pastor T.B. Joshua. T.B. Joshua was selling religious tourism and nobody keyed into it? When T. B. Joshua was having his conference in Nigeria, there were over 20 private jets parked at the airport. I, maybe you did not know before today, I normally go to the airport to list how many countries they come from. I have my data. There is religious tourism in Nigeria. We have not tapped into it. We see them as pastors. Yes, pastors doing their job, but there is tourism content in what they are doing.

“If this country manages tourism well, we should not have a single child looking for a job. After agriculture, tourism is the biggest employer of labour, but we are still playing games, we are still telling ourselves stories.”

He thanked ANJET for the award and encouraged them to continue with the good work in the industry.

As part of ongoing security engagements ahead of the November 8, 2025 Anambra Governorship Election, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc minps PhD, has visited Aguata and Otuocha Area Commands to interface with security stakeholders and officers and men of the Command serving in the areas.

Speaking during the interactive sessions, the Commissioner reiterated that the Nigeria Police Force remains a strictly neutral and non-partisan institution. He stressed that the Police is not interested in who wins or loses the election, but is firmly committed to ensuring that the electoral process is peaceful, credible, secure and free of violence before, during and after the polls.

CP Orutugu charged Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), Tactical Commanders and operational teams to demonstrate professionalism, discipline, courtesy and firmness, especially as political activities intensify. He emphasized that officers must remain apolitical and guided strictly by the Electoral Act, the Police Code of Conduct and Standard Operational Procedures.

The Commissioner also held stakeholder engagements involving Traditional Rulers, Religious Leaders, Town Union Executives, Youth and Women Organizations, Local Vigilante Groups and other Community Security Structures. The dialogue focused on strengthening local intelligence sharing, discouraging voter intimidation, countering electoral violence, and promoting peaceful civic participation.

While acknowledging the relative calm in Otuocha, the CP commended communities in the Area for adopting dialogue and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) over communal clashes that historically occurred in the area. He encouraged communities to constitute internal peace committees to resolve civil land-related disagreements, noting that such matters are civil in nature and should not be misdirected to the Police as criminal cases.

To this end, the CP urged Ndi Anambra to go about their lawful political activities without fear, assuring that adequate deployments, intelligence monitoring and response units are already activated to secure the State during the election period. He called on political actors and community members to avoid inflammatory actions or statements capable of destabilizing the peace currently enjoyed in the State.

He emphasized that the peace, unity and collective stability of Anambra State remain paramount and above partisan interests.

The Lagos Area Office of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) on Friday deployed a task force to map out strategic operational measures aimed at tackling the buildup of water weeds popularly known as water hyacinth around the Ikorodu axis. The move is part of proactive efforts to prevent the menace from disrupting boat transportation and other waterway activities in the littoral communities.

The NIWA team, supported by heavy-duty equipment including swamp devils, harvesters, and other relevant machinery, has commenced preliminary clearing operations around Ebute Ikorodu andIkpakodo ferry terminal. The exercise is intended to ensure that the waterways remain navigable and free from obstructions caused by the invasive aquatic weed.

Engr. Sarat Braimah, Lagos Area Manager of NIWA, explained that the deployment of the task force is a preventive measure designed to guarantee the smooth movement of goods and passengers through the Ikorodu waterways a zone that often experiences recurring infestations of water hyacinth.

“We have carefully studied the pattern and spread of the water hyacinth phenomenon and have chosen to act swiftly to mitigate its impact before it causes disruption to boat and ferry operations,” Engr. Braimah stated.

“Beyond transportation, we are also mindful of the effects on local fishing activities. The earlier we address the problem, the better. My boss, the Managing Director of Niwa, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji has awarded the contract to tackle the menace of water hyacinth across the country to ensure smooth passage of movement of goods and passengers. , I will personally be on the ground throughout the week to monitor the progress of the operation, by the contractors ” she added.

The Chief Executive Officer and Editor-in-Chief of RazorNews Group, Mr. Odita Sunday, has paid glowing tribute to his former boss and immediate past Nigerian Ambassador to Togo, Ambassador Debo Adesina, describing him as a “Journalism Cicero” and an outstanding mentor whose wisdom and professionalism continue to inspire generations of journalists.

Odita, who worked under Ambassador Adesina during his days at The Guardian Newspapers, lauded his former boss for his exemplary leadership, intellectual depth, and commitment to nurturing young journalists. He recounted how Ambassador Adesina played a pivotal role in shaping his career path and facilitating his employment in Nigeria’s flagship print media decades ago.

In appreciation, Odita presented a beautifully crafted plaque to the revered diplomat, describing the gesture as a token of gratitude to a man who “combined brilliance, discipline, and humaneness in his approach to journalism and leadership.”

According to him, “Ambassador Adesina remains one of the finest journalists Nigeria has ever produced—an editor, mentor, and statesman whose contributions to the media landscape are indelible.”

The brief but emotional presentation, held in Lagos, drew nostalgic reflections from both men on their shared experiences in journalism and the enduring values of integrity, hard work, and excellence that define the profession.

The diplomat was the former Editor-in-Chief of The Guardian.

His Excellency Debo Adesina is the immediate past Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the Republic of Togo.
Before his foray into public service, he was one of the most decorated journalists in Nigeria. He was the Editor-in-Chief and Chief Operating Officer of The Guardian, the most influential group of newspapers in Nigeria. He graduated with honours in journalism from the University of Lagos, Nigeria and also studied at the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, Boston, USA.

He was named, in 1992, Editor of The African Guardian magazine at the age of 27, becoming the youngest person to be at the helm of a major publication at that time. He went on to become the Deputy Editor of The Guardian (Daily) and the pioneer Editor of The Guardian on Saturday, a weekly that broke sales records within its first year. He was appointed substantive Editor of the flagship, The Guardian, in 1999, a position he held for more than 12 years.

On his watch, The Guardian became the most commercially successful newspaper group while maintaining its editorial integrity and independence. It thus became a perennial winner of the Newspaper of the Year Award from both the Nigerian Media Merit Award Foundation and the Diamond Award for Media Excellence, including the Newspaper of the Decade on the two occasions that honour was given (in 2001 and 2011). The group of newspapers produced, on Adesina’s watch, winners of some journalism’s most prestigious honours globally, including the CNN Journalist of the Year Awards.

Adesina himself won, a record seven times, the Editor of the Year Award from the prestigious Foundations and was nominated Outstanding Young Person of the Year, among many other honours. He later served on the Board of Judges of the CNN African Journalist of the Year laurels.

He was awarded the Young Global Leader honour by the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland in 2007. With that, he was named one of a select group of young persons from different professional backgrounds around the world with the task of charting a new course for global development.

In 2008, he was appointed Federal Commissioner in the Fiscal Responsibility Commission by then President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua of Nigeria. He later gave up the position to concentrate on his journalism practice.

On assumption of duty as Nigeria’s Ambassador on May 3, 2021 and formal presentation of his Letters of Credence to President Faure Gnassingbe of the Togolese Republic, on July 23, 2021, he set for the Nigerian Embassy a goal he termed ‘Building Prosperity on Both Sides’ and worked to boost trade and political cooperation between Nigeria and Togo, encouraging investors to explore business opportunities and create employment for the young minds in both countries as well as in the rest of West Africa.

His guiding principle as ambassador was undiluted pan-Africanism, and he gained recognition in the diplomatic community for actively working on his position that “our borders are not supposed to be guardrails against each other.” Rather, “they are artificial lines of convenience and order, not barriers to our joint progress and prosperity.” Nigeria, he enunciated, as an envoy, “has a divine assignment to continue to lead the battle for the edification of Africa and the veneration of the Black Race.” He was very active in the efforts to end terrorism in both Togo and Nigeria whose northern regions were under the siege of insurgents.

He set up the Nigeria-Togo Business Council and the novel Nigeria-Togo Ideas Forum, which became a platform for the intelligentsia in both countries to collaborate, come up with ideas that are of benefit to both countries, and place same at the disposal of their leaders.

He is a Fellow of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, a member of the World Editors’ Forum and many other international organisations.

In a major anti-smuggling breakthrough, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tin-Can Island Port Command, has intercepted two containers loaded with vehicles used to conceal large quantities of illicit drugs valued at over ₦5.3 billion.

The announcement was made during a press briefing at the Command headquarters in Lagos on Friday, October 24, 2025. The disclosure was contained in a statement signed by CSC O.E. Ivara, Public Relations Officer, Tin-Can Island Port Command.

Speaking at the briefing, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, said the seizures underscore the Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting Nigeria’s maritime borders and upholding international trade standards.

According to him, the first container, with number HLXU8500072 and Bill of Lading No. HLCUTOR2506000834, originated from Montreal, Canada, and was intercepted on September 4, 2025, through precise intelligence and coordinated enforcement efforts.

A joint 100% physical examination by Customs and partner agencies uncovered four vehicles concealing 156 packets of Colorado Indica (a potent strain of cannabis) weighing 78 kilograms, and 1.2 kilograms of Hashish Oil.

The second container, numbered FANU312876/9, was seized on October 24, 2025, following actionable intelligence from the Command. Inside the container also loaded with four vehicles, officers discovered 2,081 packages of Cannabis Indica weighing 1,093 kilograms, and eight (8) packages of Crystal Methamphetamine (Meth) weighing 8 kilograms.

The total street value of the seized drugs is estimated at ₦5.304 billion.

In accordance with inter-agency collaboration protocols, the seized narcotics have been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for detailed investigation and prosecution.

Comptroller Onyeka commended the NDLEA and other partner security agencies including the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Navy, and other stakeholders for their ongoing cooperation in tackling drug trafficking and transnational crimes.

He warned criminal networks attempting to use the nation’s ports for illicit activities to desist, stressing that such actions undermine the economy, threaten national security, and endanger public health.

“Let it be known that Tin-Can Island Port Command, under my watch, remains resolute, vigilant, and uncompromising in enforcing the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and all international conventions to which Nigeria is a signatory,” Comptroller Frank Onyeka said.

The Area Controller urged legitimate importers and exporters to maintain full compliance with trade regulations and ensure accurate declarations in all shipping documentation.

He also expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for his continuous leadership and support, and to the media for their role in promoting public awareness, transparency, and patriotism.

Receiving the seized drugs, Commander Daniel Onyishi, the NDLEA Commander of Narcotics, Tin-Can Island Strategic Command, applauded the Nigeria Customs Service for its proactive intelligence and commitment to national security.

He emphasized that the handover demonstrated the strong synergy between the NDLEA and the Customs Service in combating drug smuggling and ensuring that offenders are brought to justice.

“The NDLEA remains resolute in ensuring that all seized substances are thoroughly investigated and disposed of in accordance with the law. Our collaboration with Customs and other security agencies will continue to grow stronger as we work toward a drug-free Nigeria,” Commander Daniel Onyishi added.

Comptroller Onyeka concluded by commending the gallant officers and men of the Tin-Can Island Port Command for their professionalism and dedication. He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to leveraging intelligence, technology, and inter-agency cooperation to secure Nigeria’s maritime borders, prevent smuggling, and safeguard public safety.

The Commandant, Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), Air Vice Marshal Bashir Rimi Mamman (GSS, PSC, MNIM), on Thursday, October 24, 2025, inaugurated the Middle and Senior-Level Officers’ Entrepreneurship and Management Course 16/2025 at the Centre’s Resource Complex in Oshodi, Lagos.

The course, conducted in partnership with the Empretec Nigeria Foundation, marks the fourth quarterly edition in 2025, approved by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (OFR), as part of ongoing efforts to enhance officers’ welfare and post-service preparedness.

AVM Mamman, in his inaugural address, emphasized the Nigerian Armed Forces’ resolve to equip officers with entrepreneurial, managerial, and leadership skills that foster financial independence and sustainable livelihoods beyond active service.

“Our mission is to foster an entrepreneurial mindset, develop business acumen, and build the resilience needed to thrive in today’s dynamic business environment,” the Commandant said.

“This programme is designed not only to prepare officers for life after service but also to cultivate innovation and adaptability while still in uniform.”

He revealed that the Centre has trained over 48,000 non-commissioned officers since inception, with 576 personnel currently undergoing pre-discharge training, while over 266 senior officers from the Armed Forces and sister security agencies have benefited from the entrepreneurship programme since its introduction.

The Deputy Director of Training, Navy Captain J.A. Oklobia, in her welcome address, lauded the Commandant’s visionary leadership and infrastructural transformation of the Centre.

She disclosed that 37 senior officers, 35 from the Services and 2 from the Defence Intelligence Agency are participating in Course 16/2025, while five officers from NAFRC were also sponsored by the Commandant to attend the mid-level segment, bringing the total number of participants to 42.

Oklobia noted that the course curriculum, developed in collaboration with Empretec Nigeria Foundation (a UNCTAD initiative), blends lectures, interactive workshops, and study tours aimed at developing entrepreneurial capacity and management excellence.

Planned study tours include visits to Spectra Industries Limited, the Nigerian Conservation Centre (Lekki), Commint Buka, and Songhai Farm in Port Novo, Republic of Benin.

Speaking on behalf of Her Excellency, Dr. Onari Duke, Country Representative of Empretec Nigeria Foundation, Mr. Tobe Rapu commended the partnership between NAFRC and the Foundation, describing it as “a shining example of institutional collaboration driving national human capital development.”

“This initiative empowers officers to view retirement not as an end, but as a new beginning an opportunity to create value, generate employment, and contribute to national development,” he said.

Rapu noted that the programme combines leadership development, business strategy, corporate governance, and agribusiness training, offering officers practical tools to build profitable ventures and strengthen Nigeria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

AVM Mamman appreciated the Service Chiefs and the Chief of Defence Staff for their consistent support, particularly the approval for the foreign training tour to Songhai Farm.

He also expressed gratitude to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his continued leadership and investment in national capacity-building initiatives.

“Our officers already understand the fundamentals of business, and while the Armed Forces traditionally encourage involvement in agriculture, it remains one of our top priorities,” the Commandant explained. “That is why we take participants to Cotonou to observe and learn firsthand from a practical business farm, so they can gain the experience needed to develop their own agricultural ventures over time.

We expect that, upon completion of the course, participants will have acquired the necessary exposure to decide on specific business areas to pursue after retirement. Since they are still in active service, we encourage them to begin planning and raising modest funds to start small-scale ventures before disengagement. Equipment support, however, is reserved for personnel of other ranks at the point of retirement.” Mamman concluded.

“By the powers conferred on me as Commandant of NAFRC,” he declared, “I hereby inaugurate you, singly and collectively, as participants of the Middle and Senior-Level Officers’ Entrepreneurship and Management Course 16/2025. Congratulations, and I wish you fruitful deliberations.”

As part of the ongoing engagements with critical stakeholders ahead of the Anambra Governorship Election slated for November 8, 2025, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc mnips PhD, has intensified the non-kinetic approach to peace building by engaging key religious leaders and societal influencers to use their positions and platforms to promote peace, unity, and patriotism across the State.

According to a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the CP made this call today 23rd October 2025, when he received the founder of the Mountain of Holy Ghost Intervention and Deliverance Ministry, Prophet Chukwuemeka Ohanaemere (Odumeje), who paid a courtesy visit to the Police Command Headquarters, Awka.

While welcoming the Prophet, CP Orutugu reiterated that the Police, under his leadership, will continue to engage all segments of society to ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process. He emphasized that leaders, especially those with moral and social influence, have a duty to guide their followers toward peace, lawful conduct, and love for the nation, particularly in times of heightened political activity. The CP further enjoined the clergy and faith-based organizations to partner with the Police in enlightening their congregations on the importance of peaceful participation and respect for law and order during the election period.

In his remarks, Prophet Chukwuemeka Ohanaemere commended the Police Command for its open-door engagement and prayed for divine protection and wisdom for the leadership of the Force. He assured the Commissioner of his continuous prayers and support towards achieving a peaceful election in the State.

The visit underscores the Command’s commitment to community-driven, non-kinetic strategies for sustaining peace, security, and public trust in Anambra State.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched a new digital verification platform designed to curb vehicle smuggling, enhance transparency, and strengthen accountability in the automobile importation process.

The initiative, known as the Customs Verification Management System (CVMS), was officially unveiled on Monday, 20 October 2025, at the NCS Headquarters in Abuja by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi.

Speaking at the launch, CGC Adeniyi described the initiative as a milestone in the Service’s ongoing modernisation agenda, noting that it closes long-standing loopholes in the vehicle clearance process.

“For years, verification of imported vehicles relied on fragmented and outdated methods that left room for misinformation, fraud, and revenue leakages. The launch of this system is another score on the board for our bold transformation agenda.” CGC Adeniyi said.

He explained that the CVMS was developed in collaboration with the Trade Modernisation Project (TMP) and local technical experts to provide a secure and transparent verification process accessible to all Nigerians.

According to him, the digital platform will significantly reduce the circulation of smuggled and improperly cleared vehicles while boosting government revenue.

He said, “This new solution empowers the public and strengthens the integrity of our Service by promoting transparency, accountability, and trust.”

CGC Adeniyi added, “Anyone who invests millions of naira in a vehicle would not hesitate to pay N15,000 to verify its authenticity and ensure their investment is protected.”

The Customs chief noted that payments can be made using any valid card issued by financial institutions in Nigeria or abroad, with verification results generated instantly.

He further explained that the platform creates a centralised database through which vehicle details can be traced, verified, and confirmed within minutes, improving operational efficiency across Customs formations and enhancing inter-agency coordination.

CGC Adeniyi stated that the CVMS is part of the Service’s broader digital reform strategy, aimed at simplifying clearance procedures, promoting data-driven operations, and increasing transparency in revenue collection.

“In essence, this system brings openness to an area that was previously shrouded in uncertainty and manipulation. Across all our operations, we are deploying innovative, technology-driven solutions to simplify processes and boost transparency.” He emphasised.

Speaking on behalf of the Chairman of the Trade Modernisation Project, Dr. Jummai Umar-Ajijola, the Managing Director of TMP, commended the Customs boss for his steadfast commitment to actualising the CVMS initiative.

She praised the leadership of the Comptroller-General for championing reforms that position the Nigeria Customs Service as a forward-thinking institution, saying, “The TMP will continue to support the Service in achieving its vision for modernization and ICT-driven advancement.”

Dr. Umar-Ajijola reaffirmed the Project’s partnership with Customs, adding that the CVMS represents a bold step in leveraging technology to improve revenue generation, efficiency, and stakeholder confidence.

In his remarks, the National President of the Association of Motor Dealers of Nigeria (AMDON), Ajibola Adedoyin, commended the initiative and assured that his members would key into the system after conducting an independent assessment.

“I can assure you that once the benefits are clear, the first people to adopt this initiative, 90 per cent of them, will be our members.” Adedoyin said.

The CVMS launch marks another significant step in the NCS’s transformation drive, reinforcing its commitment to accountability, innovation, and public trust in Nigeria’s trade and transport ecosystem.

The system introduces a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)-based verification process, enabling individuals, importers, and car dealers to confirm the authenticity, origin, and duty payment status of vehicles in real-time.

In furtherance of strategic preparations ahead of the forthcoming Anambra Gubernatorial Election scheduled for 8th November 2025, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc, minps PhD visited Nnewi Area Command on 22nd October 2025. The visit was a part of his ongoing tour to assess the readiness of personnel and formations for effective election security operations across the State.

According to the press statement by SP Tochukwu Ikenga, Police Public Relations Officer “During the visit, the Commissioner of Police charged officers under the Area Command to remain professional, vigilant, and impartial in the discharge of their duties before, during, and after the election. He reminded them of the Inspector-General of Police’s directive on maintaining the highest standards of conduct and ensuring that the Nigeria Police Force remains a neutral arbiter in the electoral process.

CP Orutugu also held an interactive session with critical stakeholders in the Nnewi area, where he reiterated the IGP’s directive on land-related matters, emphasizing that individuals should always seek justice through competent courts of law. He further appealed to Ndi Nnewi to show greater interest in joining the Nigeria Police Force, noting that such participation enhances representation at the Federal level and strengthens patriotism within the community.

In their separate remarks, the stakeholders appreciated the visit and commended the proactive measures being taken by the Anambra State Police Command to ensure a safe and peaceful election across the State.

The Area Commander, Nnewi, ACP Augustine Oyamiele, also thanked the Commissioner of Police for the visit, assuring him of the Area Command’s full commitment to upholding professionalism and ensuring a hitch-free election.

In attendance were representatives of the Local Government Chairman, representatives of traditional rulers, Presidents-General of various communities, members of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), and other security stakeholders in the area.

As part of the ongoing measures to ensure adequate security and safety in Anambra and credible gubernatorial election scheduled for 8th November 2025, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu fwc minps PhD has warned that the Command will not tolerate the indiscriminate use of vehicles without plate numbers or with covered registration plates across the State.

According to a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Commissioner described the practice as a serious security breach that poses a great threat, particularly at a time when the Command and other security agencies are intensifying efforts to guarantee public safety and order before, during, and after the election.

He noted that criminals often exploit unregistered or covered vehicles to perpetrate crimes, evade arrest, or disrupt the peace of the State. He therefore warned that such vehicles would be impounded and their owners prosecuted in accordance with existing laws.

Given the above, the CP further directed Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), and Tactical Commanders to intensify patrols, Stop-and-Search operations, and ensure full enforcement of this directive throughout Anambra State.

The Command urges Ndi Anambra to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by adhering to traffic and security regulations and to promptly report any suspicious movement or persons to the nearest Police station or through the Command’s emergency numbers on 112 or 07039194332