Connect with us

News

Kidnapping now major source of money for terrorists – Nigerian govt

Published

on

The Federal Government says kidnapping has grown from a small-scale crime into a major source of funding for criminal and terror groups across Nigeria.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ workshop of the Multi-Agency Kidnap Fusion Cell in Abuja, the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Maj. Gen. Adamu Laka, explained that money from kidnappings is helping armed groups buy weapons, maintain operations, and even control territory in some areas.

According to him, the new initiative is aimed at improving coordination, intelligence sharing, and joint operations to curb kidnapping nationwide.

Laka said: “Nigeria continues to face serious security challenges driven by terrorism, banditry, separatist agitation, and clashes between farmers and herders. A common thread in all these is the widespread use of kidnapping.”

He added that kidnapping, once a minor criminal act, has now become a persistent and destabilising enterprise, enabling these groups to procure logistics, perpetuate terror, and in some cases, exert territorial control.

Laka explained that increasing concerns at home and abroad led to a partnership between the Nigerian and UK governments, resulting in the creation of the Multi-Agency Kidnap Fusion Cell.

The centre, launched on 19 December 2024, coordinates nationwide operations against kidnapping and supports Nigeria’s goal of becoming a regional hub for counterterrorism.

He said the Cell has been successful, generating intelligence that helped rescue hostages and disrupt kidnap gangs across the country.

To improve results at the state level, the NCTC also organized a training program in July 2025 for Anti-Kidnap Commanders of the police and DSS from all 36 states and the FCT.

Despite progress, Laka noted that more groups need to be involved, including the media, telecom companies, and social media platforms.

He called on participants to bring forward practical ideas to help rescue victims, break kidnap networks, and protect communities.

Acting British High Commissioner, Gill Lever said the UK government is impressed with the centre’s achievements and will keep supporting Nigeria’s counterterrorism and anti-kidnapping efforts.

 

Also speaking, Head of the UK’s National Crime Agency, Chris Gibson, said strong cooperation among key agencies is vital. He urged Nigerians to back government efforts, stressing that anti-kidnapping is a responsibility of every citizen.

Business

Fuel price hike: Gov Makinde announces N10,000 transport support for workers

Published

on

 

The governor of Oyo state, Seyi Makinde, has approved a N10,000 transportation allowance as a palliative for the state workforce to cushion the effects of the increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit, otherwise known as petrol.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Oyo State chapter, Kayode Martins, in a statement released on Monday, March 23, disclosed that the governor has granted the request of the union on the issue of transportation allowance.

The statement read

“Following the intervention and formal request made by the State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) earlier this morning, the state government has approved a N10,000 transportation allowance for all workers in the state.

The newly approved allowance is set to take effect from April 2026, providing much-needed relief to workers grappling with rising transportation costs amid current economic challenges.

This development comes as a direct response to sustained advocacy by the state NLC, aimed at cushioning the impact of increased living expenses on the workforce.

Further details on implementation are expected to be communicated by the relevant government authorities in due course.”

Continue Reading

News

Former Acting Accountant-General of the Federation bags 72years imprisonment for diverting N868.46 million security funds

Published

on

 

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, March 23, convicted and sentenced Chukwunyere Nwabuoku, former acting Accountant-General of the Federation (AGoF), to a 72-year jail term without an option of fine.

DailyTrust reports that in the judgment delivered, Justice Omotosho held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had been able to prove the nine-count money laundering charge beyond reasonable doubt.

According to the judge, the defendant is hereby convicted as charged.

Justice Omotosho convicted Nwabuoku in all the nine counts and sentenced him to eight years imprisonment in each of the counts, making 72 years.

The judge, however, ordered that the counts shall run concurrently.

Justice Omotosho, who described Nwabuoku’s act of diverting funds meant for security and defence while he served as Director of Finance and Account in the Ministry of Defence as “appalling,” commended the EFCC for being detailed in its prosecution.

The judge observed that the evidence of the 9th prosecution witness that Nwabuoku voluntarily refunded part of the siphoned money of over N200 million during investigation was not controverted by the defence.

Nwabuoku served as the Director of Finance and Accounts in the Ministry of Defence between 2019 and 2021. He became acting Accountant General of the Federation in May 2022.

Continue Reading

News

11 more arrested over Ozoro “r@ping festival”

Published

on

The police in Delta state have arrested eleven more suspects over the sexu@l ass@ults recorded during what was described as a “r@ping festival” in Oramudu Quarters in Ozoro last Thursday, March 19.

In a statement released on Saturday, March 21, the spokesperson of the command, SP Bright Edafe, said the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) was tasked with conducting a detailed investigation into the incident.

Edafe said operatives of CP-SAT conducted a thorough analysis of available video evidence and intelligence, leading to the arrest of eleven additional suspects identified as Samson Atukpodo, Steven ovie, Ugbevo Samson, Afoke Akporobaro, Evidence Oguname, and six others. Edafe mentioned that these latest arrests bring the total number of suspects currently in police custody in connection with the incident to fifteen (15)

“The Command reiterates that preliminary findings indicate that the unfortunate incident was perpetrated by criminal elements who exploited the situation to engage in acts of sexu@l v!olence, which are in no way representative of any legitimate cultural practice.

The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Aina Adesola, condemns these acts in totality and reassures the public that the Command remains resolute in its determination to ensure that all those involved are identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law. Members of the public, particularly victims and witnesses, are once again encouraged to come forward with credible information that will aid ongoing investigations. The Command assures that all information provided will be treated with strict confidentiality.”the statement in part reads

Continue Reading

Trending