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  • Stakeholders Advocate Unified African Currency To Foster Development

    Stakeholders Advocate Unified African Currency To Foster Development

    Stakeholders have advocated the adoption of a single currency across Africa, aiming to foster the development and growth of the entire region.

    They raised concerns about a deliberate conspiracy being the cause behind the ongoing delays in implementing a single African currency and a unified trade facilitation system.

    These perspectives were highlighted during the 2022 National Institute Seminar for the Executive Intelligence Management Course (EIMC), held at the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS) in Abuja. The seminar, themed “Globalisation and Regional Economic Integration: Implications For Sustainable Development In Africa,” featured various suggestions and discussions.

    During the event, the Chairman of the seminar and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Professor Abubakar Rasheed, emphasized that the adoption of a single currency across Africa would contribute to the growth, cohesion, and economic advancement of the entire African region. Professor Philip Afaha, representing Professor Rasheed as the deputy vice-chancellor of the University of Abuja, further expressed the view that African countries should be allowed to address their challenges using an approach that aligns with their unique circumstances, free from external interference or the imposition of European solutions.

    Professor Rasheed also pointed out that the lack of unity among African countries has been a significant obstacle to development on the continent. He believed that the adoption of a single African currency could play a pivotal role in uniting the nations of Africa.

    Another speaker at the seminar, Professor Undenta Undenta, highlighted the ongoing situation in Niger Republic as an example of interference and external interests from European and American powers, which are seeking to exploit the region’s natural resources for their own gain.

    Earlier, the director-general of the Department of State Service (DSS), Yusuf Bichi said: ” In today’s world, you will agree with me that the landscape of security challenges is rapidly evolving and the dynamism of globalization and regional economic integration play a pivotal role.”

    Represented by Bolaji Toke, the director-general, while speaking on the theme of the programme, said, “The topic of the seminar stress at the heart of our collective responsibility as professionals in intelligence, security, law enforcement and regulations. The interconnectivity of our globalised world demands high levels of collaboration by the sharing of information and expertise across the nations.

    “In our persuit of safeguarding the interest of our nations and ensuring the safety of our citizens, we are presented with the task of striking a delicate balance between security imperatives and sustainable development goals. At the DSS, we are committed to facing the challenge headon, recognizing that security and economic progressing are intertwined.”

    The 16th iteration of the Executive Intelligence Management Course (EIMC) comprises 86 participants hailing from diverse organizations including DSS, FAAN, NDLEA, Military, Police, EFCC, ICPC, FRSC, NPA, NIMASA, FIRS, NUC, as well as representatives from The Gambia, Niger Republic, Chad, and various others.

  • Nigerian Navy Flags Off Inaugural NAVTRAC Games 2023

    Nigerian Navy Flags Off Inaugural NAVTRAC Games 2023


    Amidst an air of anticipation and camaraderie, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, has flagged off the highly awaited NAVTRAC Games 2023 which kicked off with great enthusiasm at the Nigerian Navy Sports Complex in Navy Town, Ojo.

    The event, spanning from August 20 to August 26, marks a significant step forward in the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to nurturing sports talent and promoting physical wellbeing.

    Ogalla who was represented by the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Mohammed Abdullahi expressed his delight at the burgeoning role of sports as a rapidly growing profession on the global stage, with both governmental and non-governmental bodies making substantial investments in its development.

    He lauded the NAVTRAC Games 2023 as an initiative by the Naval Training Command to unearth and celebrate exceptional sportsmen and women within the Nigerian Navy. He noted that the event stands as a testament to the Navy’s dedication to fostering mental and physical wellbeing among its officers and ratings.

    “The NAVTRAC GAMES 2023″ is yet another Nigerian Navy demonstration of interest to be one of the leading sports developers in Nigeria. I am hopeful that this sporting competition will further reveal new talents that would fortify our chances of being a power house in the Nigerian sports industry. I have no doubts in the capacity of the organiser that the competitors will strive to create new national records for future local and international competitions.

    Certainly, the event will not just entertain us but also project positively the image of the Nigerian Navy as sports enthusiast as well as developer. Therefore, I am confident that this event will avail talent hunters the opportunity to hand pick new talents for greater adventures. Let me also state that the NN Department of Sports and Physical Training use this event to identify talents that will be NN representative in future competitions,” he said.

    Referencing the successful NN Games 2022, Vice Admiral Ogalla underscored the Navy’s enduring commitment to sports development and its role in strengthening civil-military relations.

    The NAVTRAC GAMES 2023, he emphasized, is a continuation of this commitment and a demonstration of the Navy’s aspirations to become a prominent player in Nigeria’s sports arena.

    The Chief of the Naval Staff expressed optimism that the competition would act as a catalyst for discovering fresh talents that would elevate Nigeria’s standing in the international sports domain.

    He confidently anticipated that participants would set new national records, setting the stage for future local and international competitions. This event, he noted, would not only provide entertainment but also enhance the Nigerian Navy’s image as a sports enthusiast and developer.

    He praised the establishment of professional sporting clubs within the Nigerian Navy, such as the Navy Spikers, Admiralty Football Club, and Polo Club, as promising initiatives that are already making their mark in the local sports landscape.

    According to him, “Today all over the world both military and civil organisations recognise sports as a key sector to invest not just for health benefits but to create a very dependable sources of employment for the teeming youths. Thus, the Nigerian Navy places high premium on sports entertainment through events such as this.

    “Presently, the Nigerian navy has taken initiative by establishing professional sporting clubs like the Navy Spikers, Admiralty Football Club and Polo Club amongst others. These are clubs already making impacts in the local sports industry in the country. It is hoped that these clubs will join professional leagues in the nearest future.”

    With an eye on the future, Vice Admiral Ogalla urged participants to view the NAVTRAC Games 2023 as a platform to launch their sporting ambitions and to compete in the spirit of sportsmanship.

    He urged strict adherence to the rules of the games to ensure fairness and camaraderie.

    The Chief of the Naval Staff also urged officiating staff to uphold professionalism, impartiality, and fairness throughout the competition.

    In his address, the Flag Officer Commanding Naval Training Command, Rear Admiral Patrick Nwatu, believed the games will engender comradeship, enable NAVTRAC personnel channel their energy into productive activities and unveil new talents to the Nigerian sports industry.

    “Being the first of its kind in recent years, this event is aimed at achieving 3 things. First, the 2023 NAVTRAC GAMES is aimed at engendering comradeship amongst NAVTRAC personnel while consolidating physical and mental aspect of training. Secondly, considering the vices in our society, this games will go a long way to enabling NAVTRAC personnel channel their energy into productive activities and away from negative vices.

    This sporting competition will further unveil new talents that would fortify our chances of being a power house in the Nigerian sports industry. I am hopeful that these would be achieved by the end of this event,” he said.

    “Dear athletes, rest assured that we all are standing with you, cheering and supporting you. May this encourage you to go faster, to aim higher and to become stronger – together. It is in this light that I urge participants to see this competition as a platform to make new friends and launch their sporting ambition in the spirit of good sportsmanship,” he said.

    Participants of the games include: Nigerian Navy Logistics College Kano, Nigerian Navy College of Account & Finance, Owerrita, Nigerian Navy College Onne, Nigerian Navy Basic Training School, Nigerian Navy Hydrographic School.

    Others are Nigerian Navy Engineering College Sapele, Nigerian Navy Ship QUORRA, Nigerian Navy School of Armament Technology, Nigerian Navy Provost and Regulating School, Nigeria Navy Centre of Education And Training Technology, Lagos, Nigerian Navy College of Health Sciences in Offa, Kwara State.

    Similar to other developing countries worldwide, the Nigerian Navy is well aware of the contemporary security challenges prevalent in society. This awareness drives their unwavering commitment to the 2023 Naval Training Command games, aimed at ensuring their physical and psychological preparedness for combat. Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, who at the opening ceremony, emphasized the Navy’s fervor for sports, aligning with global best practices.

    Rear Admiral Patrick Nwatu, the Flag Officer Commanding Naval Training Command, elucidated that these games are a pivotal component of the Nigerian Navy’s strategy to cultivate talents capable of elevating Nigeria’s influence not only within Africa but also on the global stage.

    One noteworthy football match featured the under-15 boys from Navy Barracks Mobile Road, who held the host team from Ojo Barracks to an equitable 1-1 draw. Beyond football, athletes showcased their prowess in handball, basketball, and swimming, contributing to the overarching goal of boosting productivity and efficiency in their professional responsibilities.

  • RRS Operatives Apprehend Trio Of Vandals, Mini Bus, Bridge Railings Recovered

    RRS Operatives Apprehend Trio Of Vandals, Mini Bus, Bridge Railings Recovered

    In a successful operation, the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Lagos Police Command has apprehended three individuals believed to be responsible for acts of vandalism in the Tom Jones area of Lagos Island.

    The RRS operatives, conducting their routine patrol, made the arrests in the early hours of Saturday, at approximately 02:45hrs.

    The suspects, identified as Faruk Abubakar (32), Yusuph Balogun (36), and Timothy Dauda (49), were cornered by the vigilant RRS team. Startlingly, upon spotting the police, the trio attempted to flee the scene, hastily abandoning a Suzuki mini bus, colloquially referred to as a “Korope,” bearing the license plate BDG 315 YA.

    Authorities also recovered significant evidence left behind by the fleeing culprits. Alongside the forsaken mini bus, two carts were discovered, believed to be tools used in their illicit activities.

    Most notably, sections of aluminum railings, suspected to have been forcibly extracted from the prominent Third Mainland Bridge, were also found in their possession. The assortment of incriminating articles further included a hammer and a hand saw.

    These arrests closely follow a recent series of crackdowns on vandalism incidents orchestrated by the RRS under the leadership of CSP Olayinka Egbeyemi. The suspects, in custody, have been officially charged and are slated to face legal proceedings in court. The recovery of the mini bus and the bridge railings marks a commendable achievement for law enforcement efforts in curtailing such illicit activities.

  • BEECROFT: Nigerian Navy Foils Illicit Pipeline Activities, Safeguards Critical NNPCL Facility

    BEECROFT: Nigerian Navy Foils Illicit Pipeline Activities, Safeguards Critical NNPCL Facility



    In an impressive show of vigilance and commitment, the Nigerian Navy’s NNS BEECROFT patrol team led by its Commander, Commodore Kolawale Oguntuga has effectively thwarted the efforts of vandals and economic disruptors to unlawfully drain valuable products from pipelines.

    The incident transpired at the Single Buoy Mooring (SBM) situated offshore near Atlas Cove in Lagos, a pivotal installation overseen by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). This facility serves as a key point for vessels to unload refined products, which are then distributed for public consumption.

    As a result of the timely intervention, ten suspects have been apprehended and subsequently handed over to the NSCDC for thorough investigation and eventual prosecution. The SBM’s intricate structure demands meticulous attention due to the potential fire hazards it poses. A mishap at this facility could lead to dire consequences, including catastrophic explosions.

    The SBM holds a significant position in ensuring Nigeria’s energy security, being instrumental in facilitating the widespread distribution of products across the southwestern region of the country. The culprits, engaged in acts of vandalism and oil theft, surreptitiously attach hoses and pumping machinery to pipelines using an assortment of tools.

    Oguntuga said, “This not only compromises the quality of intended products but also elevates the risk of fire outbreaks. Moreover, such unscrupulous activities enable wrongdoers to obtain products without cost, thus potentially fueling criminal activities and undermining national security.

    The rapid response of the NNS BEECROFT patrol team was achieved through the utilization of cutting-edge technology known as Falcon Eye Alignment. This advanced technological solution highlights the Nigerian Navy’s steadfast commitment to harnessing innovations for the protection of the nation’s economic interests.

    According to Commodore Kolawale Oguntuga, under the guidance of Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, the Nigerian Navy remains resolute and unwavering in its determination to combat all forms of economic sabotage. This dedication ensures the sustainable growth of the nation’s blue economy, fostering prosperity and progress.

  • Enugu CP Charges Senior Officers On Dedication To Duty, Policing Excellence

    Enugu CP Charges Senior Officers On Dedication To Duty, Policing Excellence

    In a significant development, the recently appointed Commissioner of Police for Enugu State, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, orchestrated a momentous inaugural conference at the Senior Police Officers Mess, Enugu.

    The conference brought together an esteemed assembly of Senior Police Officers comprising the Command’s distinguished Management team, area Commanders, operational formations, tactical units, Divisional Police Officers, as well as section and unit heads.

    A focal point of this remarkable gathering was CP Uzuegbu’s compelling address to the Supervisory Officers. With a resolute tone, he called upon them to remain steadfast and resolute in the execution of their responsibilities, thereby upholding the overarching objectives of the Nigeria Police Force.

    Notwithstanding the formidable security challenges that confront our times, Uzuegbu asserted that the Enugu State Command, under his astute leadership, is steadfastly committed to fulfilling its obligations to the state’s citizens and the nation at large. He emphatically underscored the importance of unwavering dedication, urging the officers to avoid any negligence that might lead to indirect liability.

    During his address, Uzuegbu reiterated the imperative of aligning with the policing vision set forth by the Acting Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun. He passionately advocated for a seamless integration of utmost professionalism, firmness, and respect for the fundamental rights of every citizen in the course of their duties.

    Furthermore, Uzuegbu unveiled a progressive and community-centered approach to policing, which he coined as the “G-3Ps”: Grassroots-driven, Proactive, People-oriented, and Problem-solving. This novel policing paradigm, he affirmed, is designed to bolster public security and safety across the state.

    The conference marked a significant milestone in CP Uzuegbu’s tenure as the Commissioner of Police for Enugu State, signaling his unwavering commitment to fostering excellence within the ranks of the Enugu State Police Command. The event not only reinvigorated the officers’ sense of purpose but also set a promising trajectory for the advancement of law enforcement practices in the region.

  • Fidelity Bank Proposes Solutions to Address E-Fraud Concerns

    Fidelity Bank Proposes Solutions to Address E-Fraud Concerns

    The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, has urged the Nigeria Electronic Fraud Forum (NeFF) to devise solutions for the issues presented by electronic fraud within the financial system.

    As reported by Vanguard Newspaper, she delivered this message during a gathering in Lagos, addressing NeFF’s 3rd quarter general meeting. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe emphasized that electronic fraud involves online activities aimed at exploiting individuals and businesses for financial gain.

    During her speech, she provided examples of electronic fraud, including Phishing, Advanced Fee Fraud (419), Online Auction Fraud, Identity Theft, Tech Support Scams, Online Romance Scams, Investment Scams, Business Email Compromises, Ransomware, Online Rental Schemes, Pyramid Schemes, and Click Fraud.

    Drawing attention to the escalating prevalence of electronic fraud in the nation and the resultant challenges, the leader of Fidelity Bank underscored, “NIBSS’s data reveals a staggering 298% Year-on-Year increase in the value of electronic payment transactions in Nigeria, rising from N34.04 trillion in Q1 2022 to N135.52 trillion in Q1 2023.”

    “As technology continues to advance at an unprecedented pace, our reliance on digital transactions has grown exponentially. However, with this rise in digital interactions, the threat of e-fraud has become a significant challenge affecting individuals, businesses, and industries alike.

    “The banking industry lost a total of N14.3 billion to electronic fraud in 2022, up from the N12.7b reported in 2021. As at Q1 2023, the total fraud loss was N5b according to the NIBSS Annual Fraud Landscape reports.

    “The Mobile channel is the most exploited channel by fraudsters in 2021 and 2022 with 42,821 and 45,090 reported fraud records respectively. Total fraud count in 2021 was 123,918 and 101,668 in 2022.

    “E-fraud has permeated multiple industries, spanning from banking and finance to e-commerce and beyond. These cybercriminals leverage advanced methods to exploit vulnerabilities, gaining unauthorised access to crucial data and funds. The repercussions of e-fraud are not limited to financial losses; they also extend to eroding trust and eroding brand reputation.

  • 81 Division Nigerian Army Launches Probe Into Alleged Fatal Shooting Of Unarmed Motorist

    81 Division Nigerian Army Launches Probe Into Alleged Fatal Shooting Of Unarmed Motorist


    The 81 Division of the Nigerian Army (NA) has initiated a thorough investigation into the reported killing of Mr. Lawal, an innocent motorist, allegedly at the hands of individuals wearing military attire on August 17, 2023.

    In a demonstration of its commitment to transparency and accountability, the 81 Division Nigerian Army Headquarters is officially disclosing the incident to the public.

    Although details about the incident remain limited, the division believes it is paramount to provide information about the ongoing investigation and the measures being taken to identify the suspects, presumed to be soldiers, and hold them accountable if found to be affiliated with the military.

    Collaborating closely with the Lagos State Command of the Nigerian Police, the division is actively conducting an inquiry to ascertain the identity of the alleged perpetrators and to uncover the circumstances surrounding this regrettable event.

    Should the investigation establish the involvement of active-duty soldiers, the division pledges to ensure that they face the full extent of both military and civilian legal consequences.

    While the investigation is underway, the leadership of the 81 Division urges the bereaved family of the victim to exercise patience and await the conclusion of the inquiry.

    Any individual implicated in wrongdoing will be subjected to disciplinary actions, as the Nigerian Army maintains a steadfast intolerance for any form of misconduct or criminal engagement involving its personnel.

    This incident will not be left unaddressed, as the Nigerian Army remains committed to upholding its high standards of integrity and accountability.

    The General Officer Commanding 81 Division NA, Maj Gen MT Usman, extends heartfelt condolences to the victim’s family. He assures them that justice will prevail and affirms that those responsible for the tragic loss will be held accountable for their actions.

  • Acting CGC Affirms Intention To Promote Awareness Of Service’s Activities Through Purposeful Measures

    Acting CGC Affirms Intention To Promote Awareness Of Service’s Activities Through Purposeful Measures

    The Acting Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has emphasized the intention to proactively enhance awareness regarding the operations of the service.

    He made this declaration during his presentation titled “Addressing Public Relations Challenges in the Nigeria Customs Service” at the 17th International Public Relations Congress on Wednesday, August 16, 2023.

    Adeniyi stressed the significance of cultivating curiosity to foster a more profound comprehension of the service’s functions.

    “We discovered that in so many cases, people are always very ignorant of what we do, and it is based on the ignorance that they’re impatient to criticise us”, he said.

    “So, we will also want to make a deliberate action to create awareness and let people have knowledge about what we do”, he stated.

    On Customs Strategic Communication Plan, the Ag. CGC says, “It has been our culture to complement our vigorous appearances with a consistently soothing voice in line with the overall corporate objectives”.

    “The strategy of putting the media in the middle is something we do to ensure we get our information across to the people.

    The Customs Chief also emphasized the significance of the Customs Community Consultative forum in addressing challenges that are giving rise to conflicts, particularly in border regions.

    This platform, as described by him, involves high-ranking officers and management members from Customs Area Commands on one side, and representatives from traditional institutions, community leaders, traders’ unions, and youth leaders on the other side.

    “This program featured periodic engagement with traditional leaders, meetings with associations, traders, and youth leaders, dialogues, identifying their problems, and showing them what the laws say, what is permitted, and what is prohibited. We laughed, prayed, and talked with them without compromising professionalism”, he noted.

    “In a couple of years, major issues causing crises, clashes, and conflicts have been mitigated, majority of the communities became at peace with Customs activities, and we became at peace with the community residents”, he revealed.

    “I must confess that this CCF initiative has been very successful, especially in border states, evidenced in Ogun, Katsina and Lagos, where this strategy has miraculously stemmed the rate of conflicts. The secret of this success, dear friends was not ammunition but communication”, he emphasised.

    The Acting CGC also emphasized that the Customs community relations strategy extends beyond mere communication forums. The service has actively undertaken collaborative endeavors aimed at fostering community projects with wide-reaching benefits, extending to border communities and beyond.

    Notable examples of such initiatives encompass the Karu Hospital, recognized as the flagship Customs CSR program, as well as the establishment of the NCS Primary and Secondary School in Idiroko, among various others.
    “We are also working on a deliberate recruitment plan for the indigenes of border communities into the Nigeria Customs Service.

    We believe there are gaps, and we can do better”, he noted.

  • Murtala Muhammed Airport Customs Command Exceeds Revenue Targets, Achieves Significant Anti-Smuggling Milestones

    Murtala Muhammed Airport Customs Command Exceeds Revenue Targets, Achieves Significant Anti-Smuggling Milestones

    The Murtala Muhammed Airport Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Muhammed Sanni Yusuf, said the command raked in ₦47,249,785,020.44 from January to July 2023.

    During the review period, the Murtala Muhammed Airport Command accomplished a remarkable feat by generating a total revenue of ₦47,249,785,020.44.

    This impressive figure constitutes an impressive 83.24% of the set revenue target. In comparison to the same period in 2022, which saw a revenue generation of ₦40,335,607,654.90, the current revenue reflects a substantial growth of ₦6,914,177,365.55k, marking a significant 17.14% increase.

    According to Yusuf, “During the period under review, Murtala Muhammed Airport Command generated a total of Forty-seven Billion, two hundred and forty nine million, Seven hundred and eight five thousand, Twenty Naira forty five kobo (₦47,249,785, 020.44) which represents 83.24% of target met. When compared to the same period in 2022 of Forty Billion, Three hundred and thirty-five Million, Six hundred and seven Thousand, Six hundred and fifty four Naira, Ninety Kobo. (₦40,335,607,654.90) a progressive difference of Six Billion, Nine hundred and fourteen Million, One hundred and seventy seven Thousand, Three Hundred and Sixty Five Naira, Fifty five Kobo (₦6,914,177,365.55k) representing 17.14% increase.”

    The command demonstrated its commitment to combating smuggling activities through coordinated actions in collaboration with key stakeholders.

    The result of these efforts was the seizure of six packages of suspected Dried Shark Fins with a FOB value of ₦221,885,769.02, and twenty-five packages of suspected Dried Donkey Genitals with a FOB value of ₦1,010,372,761.98. These seizures translate to a total value of ₦1,232,258,531.

    The seizures were carried out due to various violations of export guidelines and non-compliance with CITES Law on endangered species, as stipulated in the Nigeria Customs Service Act.

    The individuals involved in these illegal export attempts have been apprehended, and ongoing investigations are underway.

    Comptroller Muhammed Sanni Yusuf took the opportunity to express his heartfelt appreciation for the unwavering dedication of his officers and staff to the Customs Service.

    He urged them to maintain their commitment to adhering strictly to the rules and regulations governing their roles.

    In closing, Comptroller Yusuf extended gratitude to CGC BA Adeniyi MFR and his management team for their continuous support, which has empowered the command to excel. He also recognized the vital contributions of critical stakeholders and sister agencies who collaborate closely with the Customs Service.

    He reserved special acknowledgment for the press, applauding their objective and accurate reporting.

    The Murtala Muhammed Airport Command’s exemplary performance in revenue generation and anti-smuggling activities stands as a testament to the command’s dedication to upholding the integrity of the Nigeria Customs Service and ensuring the nation’s economic security.

  • CD/HURIDE Calls On Soludo To Dissolve ATMA And Ocha Brigade

    CD/HURIDE Calls On Soludo To Dissolve ATMA And Ocha Brigade

    Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has received a pressing plea to take immediate action in disbanding both the Anambra State Road Transport Management Agency (ATMA) and the Ocha Brigade.

    In a recent press release, the Campaign for Democracy (CD) in the South East and the Human Rights, Liberty Access, and Peace Defenders’ Foundation (HURIDE) voiced their concern over the ineffective management of roads within the state by the road management agency. Instead of focusing on road management, the leadership and personnel of the agency are reportedly engaging in the extortion of motorists for personal gain.

    During the press briefing, Dede Uzor A Uzor, the Chairman of CD in the South East and Executive Director of HURIDE, alleged that ATMA operatives deliberately target car owners from whom they anticipate substantial monetary gains. This stands in contrast to their neglect of addressing the issues caused by commercial bus drivers who consistently obstruct traffic and park haphazardly on main roads and streets in the urban area.

    The groups revealed that these extortion activities involve demanding amounts ranging from N20,000 to N100,000 from victims. This exploitative behavior has resulted in a pervasive atmosphere of fear, discouraging many individuals from bringing their vehicles to Onitsha due to the risk of harassment and extortion.

    Equally concerning is the behavior of the Ocha Brigade, which has strayed from its intended duty of easing traffic congestion and instead prioritized revenue generation.

    It is the collective opinion of the CD and HURIDE that both ATMA and the Ocha Brigade should be either disbanded or subjected to comprehensive refresher training.

    The rights groups also emphasized that a significant number of traders residing in Asaba, Delta State have ceased driving their vehicles to Onitsha as a result of the unfavorable conduct exhibited by ATMA personnel. These traders now prefer to park their vehicles near “God is Good Motors” and cross into Onitsha using Keke or commercial buses.

    It was observed that at Onitsha Bridge, ATMA personnel predominantly target private vehicles driving in the double lane, while commercial vehicles are disregarded due to the monetary incentives they provide.

    Also, both ATMA personnel and the CSOs have been noted to focus on private vehicles with license plates from regions outside Anambra State and the South-East, utilizing tactics of blackmail, intimidation, and extortion to extract substantial sums of money from their victims.

    “They suppose to manage traffic but they are not doing that. They are just harassing motorists, extorting money from them and giving the State a bad name especially the under the bridge,” said the rights groups.

    They demanded a fresh leadership for the agency to remove all the current “hoodlums and undesirable elements” within the organization. As a result, advocacy groups urged the Governor to dismiss the Managing Director of ATMA, Mr. Emeka Okonkwo, also known as Konti, along with his management team and other personnel such as Mr. Nnamdi Emmanuel Aghadinaulo, alias Ochudo, and Mr. Henry Ugochukwu Ezeji, also known as Dangerous Akwansa, and others.

    These individuals have gained notoriety for their harsh treatment of motorists and their apparent allegiance to a group known as KONJI, based in Awka, Anambra. This group has been responsible for lifting the one-way traffic restrictions under the bridge since the opening of the Niger bridge and the relaxation of traffic regulations.

    “Their criminal activities have risen to apogee. They make more than N500,000 per day in Onitsha and N6m in a month but the money does not go into Government cover. It goes to their private pockets. Only a paltry sum goes to the coffers of the State Government”.

    Sometimes, said the CSOs, these people would deceive a motorist and ask him to follow a particular way or park somewhere, only to turn around and bounce and unleash terror on him and extort huge money from the person.

    “Before you know it, they have jumped into your car, some of them even steal your phones and cash in the process.

    Such an illegal outfit should not be allowed to thrive in Anambra State at this age we have a Professor as a Governor.

    Their Chief Executive Mr Konji’s line is unreachable and lacks human relations. It is unacceptable.

    He and his boys should be arrested and be made to account for the money they had extorted from people” said the rights groups.

    We call on the governor to disband ATMA and train a new set of people within 7 days of this statement, failure to adhere to our advice shall attract a massive protest to seek home our request. Dede Uzor advised.