Category: News

  • Nigeria Customs Reforms Boost Apapa Command to Record ₦2.93 Trillion Revenue in 2025

    Nigeria Customs Reforms Boost Apapa Command to Record ₦2.93 Trillion Revenue in 2025

    The Nigeria Customs Service, Apapa Area Port Command generated a total revenue of Two Trillion, Nine Hundred and Thirty Billion, Five Hundred and Eight Million, Eight Hundred and Twenty Seven Thousand, One Hundred and Ten Naira and Thirty Two Kobo (₦2,930,508,827,110.32) only in 2025, recording an impressive increase of ₦573,295,266,571.10 over the ₦2,357,213,560,539.22 collected in 2024, representing a 24.32 per cent growth. The performance reinforces Apapa Command’s position as the nation’s leading revenue hub.

    In a statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSC Isah Sulaiman “The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, attributed the achievement to effective leadership, disciplined manpower and the strategic deployment of technology under the guidance of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, psc(+). He also commended compliant stakeholders whose lawful trade practices contributed significantly to the revenue growth.

    A major contributor to the success was the deployment of the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), also known as B’Odogwu, which enhanced transparency, efficiency and accountability in cargo clearance processes. Regular performance reviews and timely revenue recovery measures further strengthened collections.

    In the area of trade facilitation, the Command intensified stakeholder sensitisation following the rollout of the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme and expanded the One-Stop Shop (OSS) initiative to ensure faster processing and release of compliant cargoes. Efforts are also at an advanced stage to deploy the FS6000 cargo scanning system, a non-intrusive technology capable of scanning up to 200 containers per hour.

    The Command also recorded enforcement successes, intercepting 53 containers laden with illicit drugs and prohibited items, including cocaine, Canadian Loud, tramadol, and expired pharmaceuticals with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N12,632,239,303.00k. Some of the interceptions in the year 2025 were handed over to relevant agencies such as NDLEA and NAFDAC for further investigation and possible prosecution.

    Looking ahead, Comptroller Oshoba expressed optimism that the Command would achieve more greater revenue milestone in 2026, driven by deeper implementation of B’Odogwu, AEO, and OSS, stronger intelligence-led enforcement, and expanded collaboration with sister agencies.

    Comptroller Oshoba further assured stakeholders of enhanced engagement with terminal operators, shipping companies, licensed customs agents, freight forwarders, haulage operators and the media to promote transparency, compliance and seamless trade at the nation’s busiest port.

  • CGC Declares Intelligence the Heart of Modern Customs Operations, Urges Officers to Strengthen Enforcement

    CGC Declares Intelligence the Heart of Modern Customs Operations, Urges Officers to Strengthen Enforcement

    The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, on Monday, 5 January 2026, charged officers of the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to place intelligence at the centre of their professional conduct, warning that no modern security or revenue operation can succeed without timely, credible and well-applied intelligence.

    CGC Adeniyi charged the CIU Officers at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College (NCCSC), Gwagwalada, during the opening ceremony of the training programme. He described the training programme as the Service’s first formal engagement of the year and a moment that could shape the professional outlook of participants.

    Welcoming officers to the College, the Comptroller-General said the programme came at a critical time, urging participants to see the new year as an opportunity to make tangible contributions to the Service and the country.

    Reflecting on recent global and domestic security developments, Adeniyi referenced military and security interventions across different regions, including operations within Nigeria that led to the interception of arms and ammunition.

    According to him, intelligence remains the common thread behind every successful military or paramilitary operation, stressing that Customs officers must appreciate its value beyond theory.

    He urged participants to revisit papers earlier presented during the programme, noting that they already contained practical guidance required for effective field operations.

    In his address, the Commandant of the NCCSC, Assistant Comptroller General of Customs Dow Gaura, described intelligence as a quiet but decisive force in institutional transformation.

    He said the ability to gather, analyse and apply intelligence has become indispensable in responding to emerging security and economic realities.

    ACG Gaura said the Nigeria Customs Service has consistently invested in intelligence-led training as part of its capacity-building strategy, describing the programme as a key phase in the professional development of participants.

    He explained that intelligence underpins risk management, revenue protection, the disruption of smuggling networks and the protection of the national economy.

    He urged officers to approach the training with seriousness, noting that Management had provided experienced facilitators, relevant materials and a structured learning environment to enhance focus and outcomes.

    While acknowledging that comfort levels might differ from what some participants were used to, he said the objective was to instil discipline and concentration.

    Senior officers present at the opening ceremony included the Deputy Comptroller General of Customs in charge of Human Resources Development, Tijjani Abe, the Deputy Comptroller General of Customs in charge of TRADOC, Sulaiman Chiroma and the Assistant Comptroller General of Customs in charge of Headquarters, Muhammad Shu’aibu, among others.

  • Seme Border Command Achieves Landmark Revenue Growth in 2025, Cracks Down on Prohibited Substances

    Seme Border Command Achieves Landmark Revenue Growth in 2025, Cracks Down on Prohibited Substances

    The Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command has recorded unprecedented revenue milestones in 2025, achieving its highest-ever monthly and annual collections since inception.In December 2025, the Command generated a historic Three Billion, Six Hundred and Twenty-Eight Million, Four Hundred and Eighty-Five Thousand, Five Hundred and Ninety Naira (₦3,628,485,590.00); the highest monthly revenue on record.

    In a statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SC Tunde Ayagbalo “This record is attributed to the effective rollout of the One-Stop Shop (OSS) initiative by the Comptroller-General of Customs, which improves the Command’s coordination and trade facilitation for stakeholders.

    From January to December 2025, the Command generated the total of Fifteen Billion, Five Hundred and Ninety-Eight Million, Nine Hundred and Forty-Five Thousand, Seven Hundred and Ninety-Four Naira (₦15,598,945,794.00k) only, marking a remarkable 117% increase over the ₦7,166,576,397.49 recorded in 2024.

    According to the statement “On 11 November 2025, the Command hosted the launch of the Green Border Initiative by the National President of the Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA), Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, featuring an empowerment programme that distributed industrial sewing machines, grinding machines, gas burners with cylinders and start-up grants to members of the COWA Seme Chapter. On the same day, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR PhD launched a free medical outreach under the Customs Cares Initiative, delivering essential healthcare to over 1,000 beneficiaries, alongside a tree-planting exercise for environmental sustainability.

    In alignment with the Comptroller-General’s directive, Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, has successfully reduced checkpoints along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor to the Two (2) locations approved by the Federal Government, significantly easing legitimate trade, minimising delays and contributing to the Command’s outstanding revenue performance.

    The Command also maintained robust anti-smuggling operations, seizing in December 2025; 685 parcels of Cannabis sativa (Marijuana), 495 packs of Tramadol, and 2,000 packs of Super Power Sildenafil tablets (300mg) an excessively high-dosage sexual enhancement drug, through intelligence-led operations, enhanced patrols, risk profiling and inter-agency collaboration.

    Comptroller Adenuga warn smugglers that the Seme borders are no longer safe for illicit activities. With advanced intelligence, technology and unwavering vigilance, the Officers/men of the Command will intercept and prosecute offenders. He advised Smugglers to desist immediately or face the full weight of the law.

    Conversely, legitimate traders and compliant stakeholders are assured of a safe, conducive and efficiently facilitated Seme corridor, with seamless processes and reduced delays to support genuine cross-border commerce and economic growth.

    Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, expressed profound gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR Phd and the Management for their steadfast support and leadership. He also thanked the Command’s officers and men, stakeholders, sister agencies, military and paramilitary forces, the media, traditional and community leaders for their invaluable contributions, while pledging even greater achievements in 2026.

  • AIP Conference 1.0 Debuts in Lagos, Connecting Students and Working Professionals to Opportunities and Innovation

    AIP Conference 1.0 Debuts in Lagos, Connecting Students and Working Professionals to Opportunities and Innovation

    The Anything Is Possible (AIP) Conference 1.0 is scheduled to hold on January 10, 2026, in Lagos, bringing together undergraduates, graduates and working professionals for a day of learning, inspiration and personal development.

    According to the Media & Publicity Manager Mr. Joshua Yousouph, the conference aims to challenge limiting beliefs and encourage participants to embrace the philosophy that success is achievable with the right mindset, discipline and strategic action.

    The conference, which will take place at the Kindness Conference Centre, Road 1, Ikota Complex, VGC/Ajah, is expected to commence at 9:30 a.m. and will be held live in Lagos.

    Organised under the Anything Is Possible (AIP) initiative, the event is designed to empower participants with practical insights on mindset development, leadership, purpose discovery and personal effectiveness in an increasingly competitive environment.

    Leading the conference as the Lead Facilitator is Dr. Tim Atimoe, Principal Consultant at Timatimoe Consult Limited and widely known as “The Mind Doctor.” Dr. Atimoe is expected to deliver keynote sessions focused on mindset transformation and purposeful living.

    Other speakers billed for the event include Mrs. Mary Ayuba, Founder of Multi Women Network; Dr. Joshua Oyeniyi, Chief Executive Officer of Amborion Consulting LLC; Minister John Effiong, a music minister; and Dr. Shola Johnson, Managing Director of Banks Luxury Serviced Apartment Limited.

    The AIP Conference 1.0 will also feature awards and giveaways as part of activities lined up for attendees.

    The event is powered by the Tim Atimoe Empowerment Foundation, a platform committed to raising purpose-driven individuals through empowerment, mentorship and capacity-building initiatives.

    Participants and members of the public have been encouraged to register and attend the conference as well as follow updates via the foundation’s social media platforms.

  • Fidelity Bank Extends Lifeline to Oluyole Cheshire Home, Reinforces CSR Drive in Ibadan

    Fidelity Bank Extends Lifeline to Oluyole Cheshire Home, Reinforces CSR Drive in Ibadan

    In the spirit of the festive season, leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive community support through a charitable outreach to Oluyole Cheshire Home, Ibadan. The visit, carried out through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, the Fidelity Helping Hands Programme (FHHP), provided food items and essential supplies to children living with disabilities at the home.

    Speaking at the outreach, the Divisional Head, Brand and Communications Division, Meksley Nwagboh, emphasized that the exercise was not just an act of seasonal giving but part of the bank’s broader mission to advance social inclusion and welfare.

    “Under the Fidelity Helping Hands Programme, our staff-led CSR initiative, we empower our employees to participate in community development projects; and one of such projects is our donation here today to the Home.

    “This Home caters to children with special needs who are some of the most deprived members of our society and we just want to contribute our quota towards their welfare,” Nwagboh said.

    He further explained that the outreach which was spearheaded by the Visionary Team of newly inducted employees, forms a key component of Fidelity Bank’s onboarding programme. Through this platform, new staff are introduced to the bank’s CSR values and immediately tasked with identifying and executing impactful community projects.

    “At Fidelity Bank, our CSR pillars are education, health, social welfare, the environment, and youth empowerment; and we ensure every new staff member is grounded in these principles,” he added. “The Visionary Team has done an excellent job by showing that beyond banking, we owe society a duty of care.”

    Items donated to the home include foodstuffs, toiletries and other essential supplies intended to ease the home’s operating costs during the festive season and beyond.

    Receiving the items on behalf of the home, Caregiver and a senior representative for the Home, Mr. Jimoh Taiwo, expressed deep appreciation for the gesture while calling on Nigerians and organisations to emulate such acts of kindness.

    “We sincerely appreciate Fidelity Bank for this gesture. It means a lot to the children and to the home,” he said. “We want other stakeholders to support us like Fidelity Bank has done. Well-meaning individuals and organisations should emulate this gesture by putting smiles on the faces of the less privileged during this period.”

    With this outreach, Fidelity Bank continues to strengthen its legacy of community support, inclusion, and shared progress—demonstrating that impactful giving remains at the heart of its corporate culture.

    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.

  • Hadiza Idris Kuta Praises Maritime Journalists, Endorses Oyebamiji’s Award for Sectoral Impact

    Hadiza Idris Kuta Praises Maritime Journalists, Endorses Oyebamiji’s Award for Sectoral Impact

    The Niger State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Hadiza Idris Kuta, has thrown her full weight behind the planned visit and award presentation to the Immediate Past Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and Osun State APC governorship candidate, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, by the Coalition of Maritime Journalists.

    Kuta, who previously served as the Commissioner for Transportation in Niger State, described the honour as well-deserved and patriotic, noting that Oyebamiji’s contributions to the development of inland waterways and support for the media deserve recognition from stakeholders in the maritime sector.

    She recalled her experience working with a section of the Coalition of Maritime Journalists led by veteran journalist, Mr. Frank Meke, during her tenure as Commissioner for Transportation, describing the engagement as richly rewarding.

    According to her, the visiting maritime journalists demonstrated a high level of professionalism, intellectual depth and engagement, while their presentations and subsequent reports following the visit were brilliant, balanced and impactful.

    “These reports did not only reflect a proper understanding of the transportation and maritime landscape, they also contributed positively to governance and policy direction in Niger State,” she said.

    Kuta further disclosed that during the fact-finding visit of the maritime press to Niger State, the Coalition held strategic meetings with the Deputy Governor and five other commissioners, following a directive from Governor Mohammed Umar Bago.

    She noted that the governor was particularly excited by the depth and seriousness of the engagement, describing the visit as timely and insightful, adding that the successful interaction was largely influenced by the groundwork and reforms put in place during her tenure as Commissioner for Transportation.

    Speaking on her current role, the Commissioner said she has hit the ground running at the Ministry of Women Affairs, mobilising women across the state and embarking on visits to hospitals and health facilities to assess conditions firsthand.

    She explained that part of the ministry’s early interventions includes ensuring that sick women receive timely medical attention, while also taking inventory of the needs of health workers and caregivers, with concrete plans underway to support and strengthen their capacity to deliver quality care.

    Kuta reaffirmed her commitment to people-oriented governance and inclusive development, stressing that strategic collaboration with professionals, including the media, remains key to achieving sustainable progress in Niger State.

  • Breaking: 30.1kg Cocaine Recovered as Customs, NDLEA Raid Marshall Islands–Flagged Ship in Apapa

    Breaking: 30.1kg Cocaine Recovered as Customs, NDLEA Raid Marshall Islands–Flagged Ship in Apapa

    In a significant blow to international drug trafficking networks, officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Apapa Area Command, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), have intercepted 30 slabs of cocaine weighing 30.1 kilograms concealed onboard the MV Aruna, a Marshall Islands-flagged vessel.

    In a statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSC Isah Sulaiman, “The seizure occurred on Friday, January 2, 2026; the first working day of the new year at the Greenview Terminal within Apapa Port, Lagos. The illicit substance was carefully hidden aboard the ship, underscoring the sophisticated tactics employed by smugglers attempting to exploit the nation’s busiest seaport.

    Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, Customs Area Controller for Apapa Command, commended the officers from both agencies for their vigilance and professionalism. “This achievement reflects the strong inter-agency synergy between federal government entities and our commitment to intelligence-led enforcement,” he stated. “While criminal elements seek to outsmart us, our officers remain one step ahead, ensuring no smuggling attempt, whether disguised as import, export, or transit cargo, succeeds under my watch.”

    Comptroller Oshoba described the interception as a bold statement for 2026, reaffirming the command’s zero-tolerance policy towards illicit trade. In line with established protocols, the NDLEA has taken possession of the seized cocaine for further investigation and potential prosecution of those involved.

    This latest bust marks the third major drug interception by the joint NCS-NDLEA team in recent weeks. Barely two weeks ago, the agencies seized 25.5kg of cocaine hidden in five bags aboard another vessel based on intelligence.

    Additionally, on 11 December 2025; 1,187kg of “Canadian Loud”, a premium and highly expensive strain of cannabis, packaged in 2,374 parcels across 55 bags and concealed within imported vehicles in a 1x40ft container.

    The Area Controller reiterates that the Apapa Port Command remains steadfast in its mandate to facilitate legitimate trade while safeguarding national security.

  • Fidelity Bank appoints Onwughalu as Chairman following completion of Chike-Obi’s tenure

    Fidelity Bank appoints Onwughalu as Chairman following completion of Chike-Obi’s tenure

    Tier one lender, Fidelity Bank Plc, has announced the completion of the tenure of Mr. Mustafa Chike-Obi as Chairman of its Board of Directors effective December 31, 2025, and the appointment of Mrs. Amaka Onwughalu as the new Chairman of the Board, effective January 1, 2026.

    The board transitions are in alignment with the Bank’s policy and have been communicated to the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Nigerian Exchange Group, and other stakeholders.

    Under Mr. Chike-Obi’s leadership, Fidelity Bank repaid its Eurobond, completed the first tranche of its public offer and rights issue that were oversubscribed by 237 percent and 137.73 percent respectively, expanded internationally to the United Kingdom, and received improved ratings from various agencies amongst a long list of achievements. His tenure also saw the Bank strengthen its capital position, record steady growth in customer deposits and total assets, deepen its digital banking capabilities, and enhance its corporate and investment banking proposition. The bank equally made notable progress in governance, risk management, and operational efficiency, all of which contributed to strengthened market confidence and the Bank’s sustained upward performance trajectory.

    Reflecting on his tenure, Mr. Mustafa Chike-Obi said, “It has been a privilege to serve as Chairman of Fidelity Bank. The dedication of our Board, management, and staff has enabled us to reach significant milestones. I am confident that the Bank will continue to thrive and deliver value to all stakeholders.”

    Mrs. Amaka Onwughalu’s appointment marks a new chapter for Fidelity Bank. She joined the Board in December 2020 and has chaired key committees. With over 30 years of banking experience, including executive roles at Mainstreet Bank Limited and Skye Bank Plc. She holds degrees in Economics, Corporate Governance, and Business Administration, and has attended executive programmes at global institutions. Mrs. Onwughalu is a Fellow of several professional bodies and has received awards for accountability and financial management.

    “I am honoured to lead the Board of Fidelity Bank at this exciting time. Our recent achievements have set a strong foundation for continued growth. I look forward to working with my colleagues to drive our strategy and deliver sustainable value,” commented Mrs. Onwughalu.

    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.

  • FAGBEMI STEPS IN: Nigerian Attorney-General Overrules Fakorede’s Police Report On Ghanaian Business Dispute

    FAGBEMI STEPS IN: Nigerian Attorney-General Overrules Fakorede’s Police Report On Ghanaian Business Dispute

    The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has formally overturned the controversial investigation conducted by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Monitoring Unit led by CP Akin Fakorede on some Ghanaian businessmen in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

    The AGF decision was conveyed in an official circular issued by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (DPPF) to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, obtained by SaharaReporters on Thursday, following a comprehensive review of all investigation files submitted by the police.

    In the circular referenced DPPA/REQ/224/25 and dated December 30, 2025, the AGF unequivocally ruled that there was no basis for criminal prosecution against the Ghanaian investors: Sir Samuel Esson Jonah, Mr. Kojo Ansah Mensah, Mr. Victor Quainoo and Mr. Abu Arome, Esq.

    According to the DPP: “No prima facie case of forgery and other related offences as contained in Charge No: CR/402/25 has been established against the aforementioned individuals.”

    As a result, the 26-count charge of fraud and forgery earlier announced by the police has been discontinued in its entirety.

    The AGF further affirmed the findings of the 13-man Special Investigation Panel (SIP) led by DCP Imam, which had earlier investigated petitions concerning Jonah Capital Nigeria Limited, and the Houses for Africa Nigeria Limited.

    The AGF circular, obtained by SaharaReporters, partly read, “The investigation and findings by the Special Investigation Panel on Petitions relating to Houses for Africa Nigeria Limited, Jonah Capital Nigeria Limited dated 28th March 2025 is valid, comprehensive, unbiased, and is thus affirmed.”

    Also, the AGF described the Monitoring Unit investigation led by CP Fakorede as misleading and legally defective, noting that it wrongly criminalised what is essentially a commercial and contractual dispute.

    “The investigation and findings by the IGP Monitoring Unit were highly misleading, disregarding the burden and standard of proof necessary to establish criminal liability, and inappropriately attempted to characterise a commercial disagreement as a criminal matter, contrary to Section 8(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.”

    Recall that on June 26 and 27 2025, CP Fakorede and the then Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, held a widely publicised press conference where Sir Sam Jonah and his team were accused of fraud.

    The AGF has now ruled that the action was unlawful and prejudicial, stating: “The utterances and actions of the IGP Monitoring Unit and the Force Public Relations Officer where Paul Odili, Dr. Adeniran Ogunmuyiwa and others were declared as the ‘owners’ and ‘managers’ of River Park Estate without judicial determination are inappropriate and in excess of the lawful authority of the Police.”

    The circular emphasised that: “The Nigerian police do not possess jurisdiction to independently determine land ownership or adjudicate contractual disputes.”

    Following the press conference, the accused parties alleged that the Monitoring Unit had suppressed the SIP report and replaced it with a unilateral investigation.

    In a petition dated May 22, 2025, Sir Sam Jonah had informed the AGF that although the SIP report had been disclosed to parties on April 9 by the Office of the IGP but they were later informed that CP Fakorede had jettisoned the SIP report and commenced a fresh investigation.

    Amid escalating tensions, encroachments, and violent incidents within River Park Estate, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) had constituted an investigative committee led by Salman Dako, General Counsel of the FCTA.

    In another controversial development, the investors alleged that on 8 December 2025, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) disregarded court processes and AGF notices by altering the shareholding structure of JonahCapital Nigeria Limited and Houses for Africa Nigeria Limited.

    The shares were reportedly reassigned to some parties despite the matter being sub judice.

    The issue had further escalated when Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, formally petitioned the ECOWAS Conference of Foreign Ministers, citing harassment and intimidation of Ghanaian investments in Nigeria, particularly Sam Jonah’s interests.

    Following his review, the AGF has now directed the Registrar-General of the CAC, Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, to restore the ownership and shareholding of the affected companies to the status quo ante, that is, their position before the December 8 alterations.

    The AGF also drew attention to unresolved allegations of violence within the estate:

    “It has been observed that allegations of destruction of property, criminal intimidation, and assault allegedly by thugs acting pursuant to the directives of Paul Odili remain uninvestigated.”

  • New Year Message From the Frontlines: Naval Chief Celebrates With Armed Forces Personnel in Maiduguri, Lake Chad

    New Year Message From the Frontlines: Naval Chief Celebrates With Armed Forces Personnel in Maiduguri, Lake Chad

    On Thursday, 1 January 2026, the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas (Admiralty Medal), undertook an operational tour of the Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Maiduguri and the Naval Base Lake
    Chad (NBLC) Baga in Borno State thereby spending the new year day with Armed Forces personnel on the frontlines of the North East counter terrorism operations. On arrival at the Headquarters OPHK, the CNS was received by the Theatre Commander (TC), Major General AE Abubakar who briefed the CNS on the recent gains made by the JTF, the current challenges and future plans. Pertinently, the TC highlighted the contributions of the Land, Maritime and Air Components noting that seamless joint offensives had severely degraded adversary capabilities.

    According to an official release made available to the media by Commodore Adams-Aliu, Director of Information. The CNS commended the TC and all the officers and men of OPHK assuring them that the challenges would be addressed expeditiously.

    Thereafter the CNS proceeded to Naval Base Lake Chad located in Baga. On arrival, he was received and taken round the Base by the Commander, Commodore Peter Gambo Yilme. The CNS also undertook a boat ride on the Lake Chad which had recently been cleared by the Base to restore navigation, and revive economic activities in the area. Subsequently, the CNS shared a new year meal with the officers and men of NBLC and 196 Amphibious Battalion which are co-located in Baga. Before departing Baga, the CNS thanked the personnel for their sacrifice and service noting that being deployed at the extreme flank of Nigeria’s North-Eastern border was very challenging but necessary to secure the nation’s territorial integrity and also control the waterways.

    The presence of the CNS in the North-East Theatre on new year day 2026, was a morale booster to the officers and men deployed in the area. Furthermore, it is in fulfillment of CNS’ vision for the NN which is “to have a mobile, agile and professional naval force dedicated to securing Nigeria’s maritime domain and advance national security objectives in synergy with other security agencies.” The CNS accompanied by the Chief of Operations, Rear Admiral MB Katagum and the Chief of Logistics, Rear Admiral SH Abdullahi stated that the Nigerian Navy remains fully committed to denying the terrorists the use of Lake Chad waterways through sustained and coordinated operations in synergy sister services and other security agencies deployed in the North-East Theatre of operations.

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