Category: News

On July 16, 2025, the Nigerian Navy conducted a training program for its personnel focused on fisheries regulation enforcement at the NNS Beecroft Officers’ Mess in Apapa, Lagos.

This training, organized in partnership with the Federal Department of Fisheries, aimed to equip naval personnel with the knowledge and tools to effectively enforce fisheries laws within Nigeria’s maritime domain.

Command Operations Officer Commodore A Mohammed represented the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command (FOC WNC), Rear Admiral MG Oamen. In his remarks, Commodore Mohammed emphasized the Nigerian Navy’s crucial role in combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities, threatening Nigeria’s maritime economy and ecosystem.

Facilitators from the Federal Department of Fisheries, Mr. Adedayo Akinbobola and Mr. Taiwo Are, delivered comprehensive lectures on key aspects of fisheries regulations, including licensing requirements and the collaborative roles of security agencies in ensuring compliance.

The session covered various topics, such as types of fishing vessels, non-trawling zones (0 – 5 nautical miles), and classification of fishing zones (ranging from 6 nautical miles to distant waters). The lectures explained practical procedures for identifying mandatory documents on board fishing vessels, mesh size regulations (44 mm for shrimping and 76 mm for fishing), as well as the procedures for apprehending violators, reporting violations, and preserving evidence for prosecution. Furthermore, the importance of collaboration between the Navy and fisheries officials for the sustainable management of marine resources was underscored.

The training concluded with an interactive session where participants raised operational questions and shared experiences from the field, reinforcing the Navy’s commitment to maritime security and national development.

Relevant pictures are hereby attached

On Thursday, 17 July 2025, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT handed over 45 bags of cannabis sativa to officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Marine Command.

The consignment, weighing approximately 1,575kg, was intercepted on 4 July 2025 by the NNS BEECROFT Quick Response Team. Acting on credible intelligence, the team discovered two wooden boats suspected of transporting illicit substances around the Takwa Bay and Ilesha axis. The swift operation led to the successful seizure of the narcotics.

The Commander NNS BEECROFT, Commodore PP Nimmyel, ably represented by the Executive Officer, Captain Idongesit Udoessien, noted in his remarks that the interception is part of a broader series of sustained efforts by the Nigerian Navy under the leadership of Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, Admiralty Medal, to clamp down on illegal maritime activities — particularly the trafficking of narcotics and other contraband through Nigeria’s coastal waters.

He reiterated the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to supporting ongoing operations and collaborating with sister agencies to safeguard lives and property within Nigeria’s maritime domain. Captain Udoessien commended the vigilance and professionalism of naval personnel and urged the public to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information to enhance safety across the state.

Accordingly, the seized contraband was handed over to Deputy Commander of Narcotics (DCN) Morrison Udo, a representative of the NDLEA, for further investigation and necessary action.

In a significant move to bolster inter-agency collaboration and enhance maritime and border security, the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) Badagry recently conducted a two-day joint training exercise and patrol with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), including the Seme Area Command and Western Marine Command.

The joint initiative, held from July 16 to 17, 2025, was aimed at strengthening operational coordination, promoting unified enforcement efforts, and improving capacity development among the agencies operating in Nigeria’s backwaters and border regions.

Speaking at the opening of the training, the Commanding Officer of FOB Badagry, Navy Captain BO Omotayo, stressed the need for strong cooperation, shared understanding, and effective information exchange to address evolving security challenges. He described the exercise as a strategic platform for enhancing inter-agency synergy and more efficient responses to economic threats and border crimes.

The first day featured two engaging lectures: “Optimizing Multi-Agency Cooperation Towards Enhancing Operations” and “Impact of Inter-Agency Collaboration: Leveraging Core Competence and Security Cohesion.” The sessions were followed by an interactive dialogue where participants exchanged ideas and strategies to improve coordination and intelligence sharing.

The exercise concluded with a joint patrol across designated waterways in the Badagry area, allowing the participating officers to apply knowledge gained from the training in real-time scenarios. The patrol showcased the improved interoperability between the Navy and Customs and reaffirmed their shared commitment to combating smuggling, human trafficking, and other trans-border crimes.

This effort aligns with the strategic vision of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, as outlined in the CNS Strategic Directive 06-2023, which emphasizes proactive engagement and inter-agency collaboration in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime and border environments.

The Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB), Badagry, has recorded major operational successes in its ongoing efforts to combat smuggling, human trafficking, and other transnational crimes within its Area of Operations.

According to a statement signed by Navy Captain B.O. Omotayo, Commanding Officer of FOB Badagry, the Base intercepted a total of 423 bags of foreign parboiled rice during intelligence-driven operations conducted between June 22 and July 14, 2025. The seizures occurred at key smuggling routes including Badagry Market Waterside, Badagry-Porto Novo Creek, Erekiti axis, Point of No Return, T-Junction, Isalu, and Tongeji Creek.

In a separate series of anti-smuggling operations conducted between May 29 and July 9, 2025, the Base also intercepted 16,895 litres of illegally transported Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) across locations such as Bollington, Idale-Badagry, Owode-Apa, Ijofin, Ashikpa, and again at Badagry Market Waterside. The seized fuel was subsequently destroyed as a deterrent to future smuggling activities.

In line with the Nigerian Navy’s Standard Operating Procedures and existing inter-agency protocols, the Base formally handed over the 423 bags of rice to the Nigeria Customs Service. Specifically, 364 bags were transferred to Superintendent of Customs I.N. Dauda of the Western Marine Command, while 59 bags were handed to Deputy Superintendent of Customs A.U. Abubakar of the Seme Area Command for further administrative processing.

The Base also made significant strides in its anti-human trafficking efforts, rescuing 11 suspected victims of human trafficking in three separate incidents between June 27 and July 9, 2025. Among the victims were three 15-year-old girls rescued at Owode Border, a 19-year-old girl intercepted en route to the Republic of Benin, and seven teenagers found onboard a passenger boat heading to Porto Novo—some of whom were suspected to be recruiters.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims, mostly from Imo, Akwa Ibom, and Abia States, were being trafficked to destinations including Mali, Cotonou, and Ghana under false pretenses. All rescued individuals have been handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for further investigation and family reunification.

These achievements, the Navy said, are in line with the strategic vision of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, as outlined in CNS Strategic Directive 06–2023. The directive emphasizes the Nigerian Navy’s pivotal role in securing the maritime environment, safeguarding national economic assets, and fostering inter-agency cooperation.

FOB Badagry reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism and community partnership in the fight against transnational crime and economic sabotage.

Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, has highlighted its dedication to community-focused interventions with the donation of a newly renovated block of classrooms and text books to Aso Pada Government Secondary School, Mararaba in Karu local government area of Nasarawa state.

The Elite Bankers class of inductees, through the Fidelity Helping Hands Program (FHHP), supported a classroom renovation and book donation as part of the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiative. FHHP enables Fidelity Bank staff to identify community needs, raise funds, and receive matched support from the bank.

At the handover ceremony, Dr Meksley Nwagboh, Divisional Head, Brand and Communications, highlighted that the project supports the bank’s focus on quality education and youth empowerment. The project was funded with voluntary contributions from newly inducted staff, matched by the bank.

He stated, “The school was selected due to its role in the development of Mararaba’s residents. The school had not undergone renovation for the past fifteen years, and with support from the bank and pooled resources from our Elite Bankers class of inductees, this renovation is now possible.

“We encourage the beneficiaries to put the facility to good use and reaffirm Fidelity Bank’s devotion to continue supporting quality education delivery across the length and breadth of our country”.

Responding to the gesture from the bank, the Vice Principal Administration, Aso Pada Government Secondary School, Abdullahi Idris, appreciated the bank for the kind gesture and also lauded government efforts towards providing a better learning environment for the students of the school.

His words” Your investment in our school is an investment in the future of our nation. We are inspired by your commitment and look forward to a lasting partnership that will continue to uplift and empower our students. Let us continue to work together to build a brighter future for our children and community”.

The donation comes to join Fidelity Bank’s extensive intervention in the Nigerian educational sector. It will be recalled that the bank donated 1,000 schoolbags fitted with solar powered lamps to school children across all the local government areas in Ogun State recently to enable the pupils study after dark especially in areas where power supply is a challenge.

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 the 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.

A Nigerian-born security expert, Ifeanyi Obinali, is gaining international recognition for his exceptional strides in global security management, having built a reputable security empire spanning the United States and Nigeria.

Obinali, who is the President/CEO of **LEAD Security Group** in New York and the CEO of **LISS – LEAD Integrated Security Solutions** in Lagos, has over 16 years of experience in corporate security, risk assessment, crisis response, and strategic security development.

His journey, which began in 2008 after relocating from Nigeria to the United States, is one marked by grit and determination. Starting as a security guard, Obinali rose through the ranks working with major American security firms such as *Allied Universal*, *Summit Security*, and on the *MTA East-Side Tunnel Access Project* in New York and New Jersey—critical infrastructure sites requiring high-level security coordination.

In 2017, he founded LEAD Security Group, a physical security and protective services company that now boasts over 300 employees and provides innovative 24/7 patrol services across New York and New Jersey. By 2023, the firm was named one of the top patrol service providers in the U.S., largely due to its seamless integration of technology with traditional security operations.

Obinali, who holds a degree in Business Administration from the *City University of New York (CUNY)*, is the only student-alumnus serving on the board of the CUNY–Hostos Foundation, where he contributes to student empowerment and institutional development.

His Nigerian-based firm, LISS, is also setting new standards in private security and consulting, as he seeks to replicate the excellence of his U.S. operations in Africa’s largest economy.

Obinali is a member of **ASIS International – New York City Chapter**, the world’s largest organization for security professionals. He continues to leverage his global affiliations to raise security standards and bridge the knowledge gap between developed and developing nations in the area of security operations.

According to Obinali, his mission remains clear: “To provide reliable, tech-enabled security services that protect people and assets, and build systems that make communities safer.”

With his impressive track record and growing international influence, Ifeanyi Obinali is fast becoming a household name in the global security industry, inspiring a new generation of African professionals in the diaspora.

The Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to revamp public schools across the state. His vision, he emphasized, is to provide quality education that nurtures and empowers young, underprivileged children to become the leaders of tomorrow.

Governor Mutfwang made this declaration during a courtesy visit to the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Hajiya Aisha Garba at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja. He stressed that unless public schools across the country are adequately equipped with critical infrastructure, trained personnel, and sufficient instructional materials, the future of education remains uncertain.

Commenting on measures his administration has taken to curb the rising number of out-of-school children in Plateau State, Governor Mutfwang stated that deliberate and strategic interventions are being implemented to promote enrollment and retention in public schools by creating conducive teaching and learning environments.

“For us, basic education is absolutely critical. Without a strong foundation, any structure built on it will eventually collapse. I firmly believe that unless we fix public education, we are only deceiving ourselves. While a few of us may afford private schools for our children, the overwhelming majority of Nigerian children depend solely on public education,” he stated.

“It has therefore become an urgent responsibility for those of us in leadership to improve the system for the benefit of the greater majority. We are already grappling with a growing number of out-of-school children, including challenges from the Almajiri system. Strengthening basic education is fundamental to reversing this trend.”

The Governor described UBEC as a key national institution that deserves focused support and collaboration to bridge the education gap in the country. He disclosed that his administration is aggressively addressing issues around the quality of teaching personnel, infrastructure deficit, and the availability of learning materials to enhance the cognitive development of schoolchildren.

“We are also paying attention to child nutrition, in order to ensure that pupils receive the appropriate diet to support learning and development. After all, the next governor of Plateau State could very well emerge from a public school. We must, therefore, give the sector the attention it deserves, and we are doing our part to make a meaningful impact,” Governor Mutfwang said.

The Governor also commended the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr. Aisha Garba, for her passion and dedication to improving basic education in Nigeria. He recalled knowing her from years past as a committed public servant with a clear drive to leave a lasting legacy in the education sector.

In her response, the Executive Secretary, Hajiya Aisha Garba, expressed deep appreciation for the Governor’s visit and praised his proactive approach to improving public education. She described Governor Mutfwang as a reliable and visionary partner, noting that UBEC looks forward to strengthening collaboration with Plateau State to build a more resilient basic education system.

Garba also commended the Governor for the timely release of counterpart funding, which has significantly contributed to ongoing improvements in infrastructure and the general learning atmosphere in public schools across the state. She called on State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) nationwide to align their goals with UBEC’s mission to advance public education in Nigeria.

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has extended its condolences on the passing of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, describing his legacy as one marked by early discipline, public engagement, and valuable lessons for future leadership in the country.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, Executive Director of CISLAC and Head of Transparency International Nigeria, expressed deep sympathy over the former president’s death and offered prayers for his eternal rest.

“May his soul rest in peace. Nigerians will particularly remember him for his early leadership as a military head of state, during which he launched the War Against Indiscipline (WAI),” Rafsanjani said.

He highlighted that the WAI initiative fostered a sense of civic responsibility, discipline, and patriotism among citizens. “During that time, people began to observe greater order, coming to work on time, queuing properly at public places, and displaying the national flag in offices. National symbols were respected, and a stronger sense of civic duty was instilled,” he recalled.

Rafsanjani also noted that Buhari’s military administration attracted criticism over human rights concerns. This remained a point of reflection even as he returned to power in a democratic capacity years later.

Buhari was elected as a civilian president in 2015 after multiple attempts, enjoying broad support both domestically and internationally. According to CISLAC, this raised high hopes that his presidency would address pressing issues such as insecurity, corruption, and unemployment.

“Expectations were high when he assumed office, and many believed he would drive major reforms,” Rafsanjani noted. “However, over time, especially during his second term, public confidence waned, with many Nigerians feeling that anticipated changes were not fully realized.”

While acknowledging Buhari’s sincere intentions and international credibility, Rafsanjani pointed to internal political challenges that may have constrained his administration’s effectiveness.

“He came into office with noble goals and enjoyed public trust in the beginning. However, governance is complex, and political dynamics—particularly the influence of certain figures within his administration—posed significant challenges,” he said. “This offers an important lesson. Leadership must go beyond vision and must include effective execution, transparency, and accountability.”

Rafsanjani further remarked on Buhari’s wide popularity and how his leadership helped shape national discourse around anti-corruption, security, and civic discipline. He noted that civil society organizations, including CISLAC, engaged actively with his administration on governance, institutional reform, and accountability.

He concluded by encouraging current and future Nigerian leaders to place national interest above all else and to strive for legacies that command respect both within and outside the country.

“May Allah grant him eternal rest. Ameen,” the statement concluded.

In a bold move to transform grassroots healthcare delivery, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has officially inaugurated traditional rulers as Health Ambassadors to champion primary healthcare initiatives across the state.

The landmark investiture ceremony held at MNS Hotel in Pankshin Local Government Area drew a cross-section of stakeholders including traditional leaders, top health officials, and local government chairmen. The event amplifies the government’s commitment to achieving universal health coverage through community ownership and participation.

In a statement issued by the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Gyang Bere, on July 11, 2025. Addressing the royal fathers, Governor Mutfwang emphasized the critical role of traditional institutions in galvanizing public support for health programs and ensuring accountability.

“As respected custodians of our communities and culture, your influence is invaluable in mobilizing grassroots participation and fostering a sense of ownership that is key to the success of our healthcare interventions,” he said.

The Governor directed all 17 Local Government Chairmen to prioritize the construction of new Primary Healthcare Centres in each district as part of their 2026 budget proposals, marking a coordinated push for infrastructure expansion in the health sector.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicolas Ba’amlong, described the initiative as “a strategic, culturally rooted intervention” that places traditional rulers at the heart of a responsive and people-centered health system.

Also speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the Plateau State Primary Healthcare Development Board, Dr. Raymond Juryil, commended the Governor’s leadership for approving the recruitment of 1,450 healthcare workers and the timely release of funds for ongoing measles vaccination campaigns.

Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, the Long Goemai of Shendam, His Royal Highness, Miskoom Martins Sheldas III, lauded the initiative and assured the Governor of their full support. He pledged that royal fathers across the state would mobilize their chiefs and subjects to ensure the success of the healthcare transformation agenda.

As a demonstration of his commitment, Governor Mutfwang proceeded to inspect the ongoing renovation of the Primary Healthcare Centre in Pushit, Mangu LGA. He expressed satisfaction with the quality of work and declared his intention to make the facility a model for others across the state.

“By God’s grace, we will strengthen staffing, upgrade medical equipment, and enhance workers’ allowances to reflect improved service expectations,” he affirmed.

The Governor called on community members to take ownership of the health facility and remain vigilant, stressing that citizen engagement is key to sustaining quality service delivery.

“If you see something, say something. This is your facility, own it, protect it,” he urged.

In further recognition of local leadership, Governor Mutfwang announced that the District Head of Pushit will soon be formally installed as a Health Ambassador to provide local oversight and ensure the sustainability of healthcare reforms.