Category: News

The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded an unprecedented anti-smuggling breakthrough, intercepting contraband goods with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦2,006,008,898.00 within just 11 days of the assumption of office by its new Customs Area Controller.

This milestone was disclosed on Tuesday, 17 December 2025, during the maiden press briefing of the Ag. Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, held at the Command headquarters in Idiroko, Ogun State.

Deputy Comptroller Afeni, who assumed office on 4th December 2025, described the seizures as the highest ever recorded within such a short period in the history of the Command, underscoring a renewed resolve to combat smuggling, economic sabotage, and trans-border crimes.

Addressing journalists, partner agencies, stakeholders, and officers of the Service, the Controller reaffirmed that the Command under his leadership would operate a zero-tolerance policy against smuggling, driven by intelligence, professionalism, and inter-agency collaboration.

“From my first day in office, I made it clear that Ogun I Command will not tolerate economic sabotage. Our strategy is firm, fair, intelligence-driven, and uncompromising,” he said.

He attributed the success to intensified surveillance, enhanced risk profiling, deployment of actionable intelligence, and cooperation with sister security agencies and host communities.

Among the notable interceptions were: An Iveco truck (RMY-354-XA) conveying 4,998 cartons of Doga Spaghetti (10kg) and 419 cartons of Oba Spaghetti (10kg) illegally imported from Turkey; A DAF truck (JHN-590-XA) carrying 2,200 kegs of 25-litre vegetable oil of Indonesian origin.

The combined DPV of the food items stood at ₦291,260,000, while the seized trucks used as means of conveyance were valued at ₦220,000,000. The Controller warned that such unregulated food imports pose grave health risks, having bypassed mandatory quality and safety checks.

Other seizures made across multiple locations in Ogun State included: Crystal Meth (Ice): 11 wraps (12kg); Heroin: 16 wraps (16kg); Cannabis Sativa: Donut size – 128 wraps, Coconut size – 2,752 wraps, Booklet size – 401 wraps, Totalling: 3,373 wraps weighing 1,502kg. Also Premium Motor Spirit (PMS): 6,750 litres; Foreign parboiled rice (50kg): 4,738 bags; Foreign-used vehicles: 2 units; Used pneumatic tyres: 309 bundles; Means of conveyance: 8 units. The seizures were recorded across the Idiroko/Owode, Ipokia, Imeko, Abeokuta, Lusada/Ado-Odo, and Abule-Kazeem/Igbo-Ora axes, among others.

Deputy Comptroller Afeni described the narcotics seizures as particularly alarming, given their implications for youth development, public health, and national security. Citing the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) World Drug Report 2025, he noted that cannabis remains the most abused illicit substance globally, with one in three users requiring treatment.

“These seizures are not just statistics; they represent lives saved and communities protected,” he stressed.

Despite being primarily an enforcement-driven Command, Ogun I Customs also generated ₦27,291,861.00 in revenue as of 16 December 2025, reflecting improved compliance by legitimate traders. In line with inter-agency protocols, the seized narcotics were formally handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Idiroko Special Area Command.

Receiving the exhibits, NDLEA Commander Ekundayo Williams Omoniyi, on behalf of the Chairman/Chief Executive, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd.), commended the Customs Controller for strengthening collaboration between both agencies. “This is a spectacular seizure. If these drugs had entered society, especially during this festive period, the consequences would have been devastating,” Omoniyi said, assuring that investigations would be intensified to trace and arrest those behind the consignment.

During an interactive session, the Controller disclosed that postings within the Command would be merit-based and performance-driven, adding that Customs operations under his watch would prioritize trade facilitation without compromising enforcement. “We rely heavily on intelligence. Legitimate trade will not be delayed, but contraband will not slip through,” he emphasized.

Deputy Comptroller Afeni expressed deep appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for his visionary leadership and support, while commending officers of Ogun I Command for their courage and dedication.

He also acknowledged the role of traditional institutions, community leaders, informants, youth groups, and the media in enhancing operational success.

Afeni issued a stern warning to smugglers and their collaborators, declaring that Ogun I Command remains vigilant, proactive, and fully prepared to protect Nigeria’s economic and security interests. “Smugglers should steer clear of Ogun I Command. We will sustain this momentum with integrity, courage, and professionalism,” he said.

The press briefing was attended by representatives of sister agencies, key stakeholders, and officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service.

After over 200 days in detention awaiting trial, we are pleased to announce that the High Court has today, 16th of December 2025, discharged and acquitted Comrade Emmanuel Acha of all trumped-up charges of unlawful possession of firearms and fueling of communal clashes levelled against him in a strategic litigation against public participation (SLAPP).

In an official press statement signed by Spaces for Change (S4C), all that Comrade Emmanuel Acha did was to challenge, via a lawsuit, the manner in which the Ebonyi State Government handled the Effium-Ezza land dispute. Comrade Acha’s case represents a troubling precedent of how state actors continue to weaponize laws and state institutions to stifle dissent.

Today’s victory comes after months of sustained advocacy by Spaces for Change and members of the Action Group on Free Civic Space (AGFCS) against the State government, drawing public attention to the plight of Comrade Acha. We appreciate the legal team comprising Ikeazor Akaraiwe, SAN and Spaces for Changes’ legal officers, whose collective efforts were instrumental to this judicial victory. We are grateful to the members of the AGFCS for their consistent pursuit of justice and defence of the civic space. We are also thankful for the generous support of the Funds for Global Human Rights (FGHR).

Spaces for Change and partners remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that state laws and institutions are used to expand rather than restrict the exercise of civil and political rights.

Polaris Bank has continued its commitment to empowering the Nigerian girl-child through health education and essential support, with the successful distribution of female hygiene essentials to female students of Kuramo and Victoria Island Junior and Senior Secondary Schools, Lagos.

This initiative stems from Polaris Bank’s 2025 International Women’s Day celebration and forms part of our ongoing Adolescent Health and Hygiene Support Programme.

Through the Bank’s Girl-Child Support and Hygiene Education Initiative, the outreach aims to improve menstrual hygiene education, build confidence and dignity among young girls, and reduce school absenteeism resulting from lack of access to sanitary products.

Speaking at the event, Group Head, Customer Experience & Value Management, Polaris Bank, Mrs. Bukola Oluyadi, delivered a practical health talk to the girls, emphasizing the importance of maintaining proper hygiene during their menstrual cycle and in their daily lives.

She advised the students on essential personal care practices including the appropriate use of sanitary pads, the importance of daily use of clean underwear, and maintaining good body hygiene with deodorants and regular washing, especially during puberty when their bodies are developing.

“Your body is precious, and how you take care of it determines your confidence and wellbeing,” Mrs. Oluyadi told the students. “Good hygiene is not just about looking clean; it is about staying healthy, feeling comfortable, and showing up confidently in school and everywhere you go.”

She also encouraged the girls to cultivate life-long healthy habits, be informed about their bodies, and speak confidently about their health needs.

Also present at the distribution was the Non-Executive Director of Polaris Bank, Mrs. Subulade Giwa-Amu, who delivered a powerful motivational session on self-care, confidence, and self-presentation.

In her address, she reminded the girls that taking care of their appearance and hygiene contributes significantly to building a successful future.

“A clean girl equals a successful woman,” Mrs. Giwa-Amu affirmed. “Success is not only about your academic performance; it is also about how you present yourself. People see you before they know you, and first impressions always last. Loving yourself and caring for yourself should be a daily habit.”

She further encouraged the students to build confidence from within, stay self-assured, and always be conscious of their personal hygiene as young girls stepping into womanhood.
“Confidence starts with knowing who you are and being proud of yourself,” she added.

“When you take care of your body, you build respect for yourself, and others see that confidence reflected in how you speak, walk, and show up in the world.”

Polaris Bank’s support for the girl-child aligns with the Bank’s broader Sustainability and CSR strategy, which includes empowering young girls through education, access to essential learning materials, and social support systems that improve their health and academic performance.

The Bank believes that sustained investment in girls’ wellbeing ensures equal opportunity, reduces school dropout rates, and helps drive long-term social and economic development.

The female hygiene essentials distribution initiative directly addresses barriers that affect school attendance among adolescent girls, especially those who lack access to basic hygiene products.

By equipping students with knowledge and materials, Polaris Bank is helping to normalize conversations around menstruation, reduce stigma, and support healthier outcomes for young girls.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has called on youths to leverage sports to build a safer and more prosperous nation. He made the call at the opening ceremony of the maiden edition of the CDS Under-15 Boys Football Championship at the Sharks Football Club Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on 15 December 2025.

According to a press release from the Defence Headquarters, signed by Major General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information. The CDS, who was represented by Rear Admiral Gideon Kachim, the Chief of Administration Defence Headquarters stated that the championship was aimed at uniting communities, promoting healthy competition, and developing essential life skills such as teamwork and resilience among youths. Speaking further, he said the championship was also designed to strengthen civil–military cooperation by positively engaging youths in healthy competition while promoting mutual understanding, respect, and togetherness in the spirit of sportsmanship. He added that it would stir youths’ interest in football as a legitimate means of livelihood, with the overall goal of deterring unwholesome behaviour and youth restiveness for improved national security.

Furthermore, he said the six-day championship, is intended to promote unity and social cohesion amongst teams from the South-South region. These include Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, and Edo States, as well as Abia and Imo States of the South East. The CDS emphasised that the tournament plays a key non-kinetic role in aiding security efforts, adding that positively engaging youths goes a long way in discouraging social vices.

General Oluyede affirmed that the event aligns with the Armed Forces’ strategy to empower youths, promote discipline, and nurture talents. He thanked the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his commitment to youth empowerment and national security, as well as the Rivers State Government and Greater Heights Global Sports Development Limited for their support towards the realisation of the championship.

Earlier, the Director of Sports at the Defence Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Babatunde Phillips, highlighted the aim of the event, stressing that young prospective talents converged to showcase their skills, foster growth, inspire excellence, and promote mutual cooperation and brotherhood among themselves.He further stated that the tournament seeks to empower youths to contribute to Nigeria’s sports development amid challenges such as insecurity and drug abuse.

The Director of Sports informed that the event also showcases the CDS’s commitment to youth development and grassroots sports, aimed at identifying talents and instilling values such as integrity, resilience, and unity. He therefore urged teams to shun unhealthy rivalry, compete with courage, respect the rules of the championship, and uphold fair play.

The opening match ended 2–0 in favour of the Rivers Military Team (RMT) against the Delta Military Team (DMT). The tournament will climax with the final on 20 December 2025.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Friday, 12 December 2025, graduated officers of Senior Course 13 and Junior Course 23 of the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College (NCCSC), Gwagwalada, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen leadership capacity, operational efficiency and strategic management across the Service.

The ceremony attracted senior officers, instructors and invited guests, highlighting the Service’s commitment to continuous professional development and institutional excellence.

Representing the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, the Deputy Comptroller-General (DCG) in charge of Finance, Administration and Technical Services, Kikelomo Adeola, congratulated the graduates and urged them to deploy the skills and values acquired during the programme to enhance service delivery in their respective Commands and units.

“Capacity building remains a central pillar of the Nigeria Customs Service modernisation agenda, and officers who pass through this College are expected to translate their training into improved service delivery across all Commands,” DCG Adeola said.

She further charged the graduates to uphold professionalism and integrity, noting that they would serve as examples to younger officers and newly recruited personnel. “As you return to your various units, you must uphold professionalism, discipline and integrity, knowing that younger officers will look up to you as role models worthy of emulation,” she added.

Earlier, the Commandant of the College, Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG) Dow Gaura, described the successful completion of the courses as a reflection of the discipline, resilience and intellectual rigour demonstrated by the officers throughout the training period.

“The successful completion of Senior Course 13 and Junior Course 23 reflects the discipline, resilience and intellectual rigour displayed by the officers throughout a demanding programme designed to prepare them for higher responsibilities in the Service,” ACG Gaura said.

He noted that the College plays a critical role in professionalising the NCS workforce through a structured curriculum that aligns with international best practices. “The College remains committed to professionalising the Nigeria Customs Service through a curriculum that integrates customs law, leadership, operations management and strategic studies in line with global best practices,” he stated.

Speaking on behalf of the graduates, the Course Senior for course 13, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Umar Garba described the programme as transformative, noting its positive impact on their professional outlook. “The programme has been transformative, strengthening our leadership skills, deepening our understanding of customs procedures and broadening our perspective on inter-agency collaboration and national security,” Garba said.

The ceremony featured a Guard of honour for the Special Guest of Honour, presentation of certificates and awards to outstanding officers.

Earlier, a Regimental Dinner Night was held on Wednesday, 10 December 2025 at College premises to sustain the long-standing service tradition of celebrating students having undergone rigorous training for three (3) and six (6) months for Junior and Senior Courses respectively.

The Ogun State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that a Shooting Range Exercise for its officers will take place on Tuesday, 16th December 2025 at the 35 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Alamala, Abeokuta, Ogun State. This exercise is part of the Command’s training program to enhance operational readiness and marksmanship skills.

The development was made public in an official press statement signed by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi.

Residents, commuters, and members of the public in and around the exercise area are advised to exercise caution and avoid the marked vicinity during the exercise. The Command assures everyone that strict safety measures have been put in place and the expected gunfire sounds should not cause alarm.

The Ogun State Police Command seeks the cooperation and understanding of all residents as this important training is conducted. Following safety instructions will help ensure the smooth conduct of the exercise while keeping everyone safe.

Members of the public are encouraged to report suspicious activities or security concerns through the Ogun State Police Command emergency lines: Gateway Shield (General Complaints Line – Toll Free): 0800 000 9111. Emergency Numbers: 0906 283 7609, 0912 014 1706, 0915 102 7369 and 0708 497 2994.

The President of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) and Wife of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Mrs. Safiyyah Hassan Shaibu, has commissioned newly donated life-saving medical equipment at the Accident and Emergency (A&E) Ward of the Military Hospital, Ikoyi, Lagos.

The medical intervention, facilitated by NAOWA, also included the complete renovation of the Accident and Emergency Ward, which was officially inaugurated by Mrs. Shaibu as part of activities marking the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2025.

The COAS Annual Conference 2025 had earlier been formally declared open by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was represented at the event by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima.

Following the commissioning ceremony, the NAOWA President conducted a guided tour of the newly renovated Accident and Emergency Ward, as well as the Paediatrics and Gynaecology Departments of the hospital, where she interacted with patients, empathised with them, and offered prayers for their speedy recovery.

The medical equipment donated by NAOWA include a medium-sized oxygen concentrator, multi-parameter patient monitor, manual suctioning machine, autoclave sterilising unit, and an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED). Hospital authorities said the equipment would significantly improve emergency response and enhance patient outcomes.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Military Hospital, Ikoyi, Brigadier General Ebute, commended Mrs. Shaibu for her generosity and commitment to healthcare delivery, describing the donated items as world-class and life-saving.

“She donated critical medical equipment that will go a long way in impacting the lives of patients. Beyond that, she inspected the Paediatrics, Gynaecology, and Accident and Emergency wards, empathised with patients, prayed for their quick recovery, and also made gifts and cash donations to each patient,” Brigadier General Ebute said.

The CMD further explained that the equipment would enhance the hospital’s ability to manage critically ill patients, enabling medical personnel to monitor vital parameters such as heart rhythm, respiratory rate, and blood oxygen levels with greater accuracy.

He noted that prior to the donation, medical equipment used at the Accident and Emergency Ward had to be transferred to the theatre for sterilisation. “With the provision of an autoclave sterilising unit at the A&E Ward, we can now sterilise equipment on-site, improving efficiency and response time,” he added.

Brigadier General Ebute also disclosed that the Military Hospital, Ikoyi, one of the reference hospitals of the Nigerian Army currently has limited capacity, accommodating only about 10 patients in its emergency unit.

“This is a compact hospital with limited space for expansion. At the moment, we can only admit about 10 patients. We are therefore seeking the Army’s intervention for structural expansion so we can attend to more patients. We are hopeful that something will be done very soon,” he stressed.

The members of staff of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) today hosted the Director General, Dr Dayo Mobereola and the Executive Directors to a surprise reception to commemorate Nigeria’s recent election into the Category C Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

According to a statement signed by the Deputy Director/Head, Public Relations, Mr. Osagie Edward, FNIPR “The reception, which was held in the Agency’s Boardroom and attended by the DG, Executive Director Finance and Administration, Mr Chudi Offodile, Executive Director Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, Mr Jibril Abba, Directors and other members of staff was to celebrate Nigeria’s return to the IMO Council where NIMASA is the focal Agency.

Speaking to staff during the gathering, Dr. Mobereola described the victory as an important one for the maritime industry and Nigeria emphasizing that it took the unflinching support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR and the dynamic leadership of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola CON to bring this victory to fruition.

According to him, “the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the dynamic leadership of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy were very instrumental to the nation’s victory. Throughout the process, the Minister remained committed, providing strategic direction to all parties involved and personally leading the charge in engaging and canvassing support from other member states”.

The Director General also commended staff for their invaluable contributions saying “as staff of NIMASA, you all have contributed in one way or the other, whether big or small to Nigeria’s victory at IMO. You know NIMASA is the focal point for the IMO in Nigeria so the work you all do every day has been instrumental to our victory”.

He further charged staff of the Agency to redouble their efforts observing that “winning the Category C Council seat is the easier part. The most difficult part is sustainability. It’s relatively easy to get to the top but staying at the top is more difficult. We must ensure that we stay there. And to stay there, we request and we require and we need the support of every single member of staff of this Agency”.

It will be recalled that Nigeria was elected into the Category C Council of the IMO recently for 2026 – 2027 biennium after a 14 year wait.

The zonal command headquarters, zone 2, lagos wishes to inform the general public that a new Police Public Relations Officer has assumed duty following the recent posting and deployment of Police Public Relations Officers by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun Ph.D, NPM.

According to an official press release released by DSP Olowe Raphael, the Deputy Police Public Relations Officer of Zone 2 Police Headquarters, Lagos, the newly posted Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Afolayan Gbenga who hails from Ijero Ekiti local Government Area of Ekiti State enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force on the 20th of December, 2018 as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police Regular Course 1 and was trained at the Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State where he bagged a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics.

DSP Afolayan Gbenga has attended combat operation course at the Police Mobile Force Training school, Ila Orangun, Osun State and Operational Leadership and Command Course (OLCC) at the Police Staff College, Jos, Plateau State.

He has served in various capacities at Enuowa Division, Fanibi division, CP monitoring Unit, Deputy Police Public Relations Officer all in Ondo State Command. He has also served as the Personal Assistant to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in Zone 17 headquarters and Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command. Until his recent deployment as the Police Public Relations Officer, he was serving at the Police Special Fraud Unit, Ikoyi, Lagos.

DSP Afolayan Gbenga possesses requisite knowledge and experience in administration, operations, investigations and in Police Public relations and has expressed his deliberate action in ensuring that he creates and solidifies a reliable and trust centered communication as well as a progressive partnership with the community/public through result drivenengagement and service.

The zone 2 headquarters hereby call on members of the public, the good people of Lagos and Ogun State, the media, and other stakeholders to extend their usual support and cooperation to the new Police Public Relations Officer as he assumes office and discharge his duties.

He can be reached on 09062011772 and 08166350754
Social Media handles;
X: @Gbeyngar
Facebook: Afolayan Gbenga
Instagram: @Gbeyngar

Former Southeast spokesman for President Tinubu and the chairman of forum of former Enugu State House of Assembly, D3. Josef Onoh has threatened to drag the Senate to court for approving the nomination of Mr. Reno Omokri as an ambassador.

Onoh said he has directed his lawyers to immediately commence legal proceedings against the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria stating that “the Nigerian Senate’s claim of receiving ‘no formal petitions’ against Reno Omokri’s ambassadorial nomination is deeply disappointing and undermines the hallowed chamber’s credibility.

According to him, as an identifiable individual and stakeholder, I personally submitted a strong protest letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio on December 1, & 2 2025, at the National Assembly, detailing why Mr. Omokri is unfit for diplomatic service due to his past conduct and threats to Nigeria’s international reputation.

“I have also referenced an earlier petition in public statements.
By denying receipt of any such correspondence from legitimate individuals while dismissing others on technical grounds, the Senate appears to have compromised its integrity, sacrificing transparency and national interest on the altar of cheap politics.

“This risks soiling the reputation of our revered institution and eroding global confidence in Nigeria’s legislative processes. Consequently, I have directed my lawyers to immediately commence preparation of legal briefs to institute proceedings against the Senate for this misconduct.

“The Senate’s false denial potentially violates citizens’ fundamental right to petition government institutions (as enshrined in Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution guaranteeing freedom of expression, which encompasses the right to petition), breaches the principles of fairness and due process under Section 36 (fair hearing), contravenes Section 172 requiring ambassadorial appointees to be persons of proven integrity, and undermines the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act by mishandling public correspondence intended for legislative oversight.

“I will not allow this erosion of democratic accountability to stand,”he stated.