Abuja

By Haroon Aremu 

Upon graduating from university, I eagerly anticipated joining the mandatory one-year national service with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). I shared my excitement with friends, but not all were keen to join immediately. One friend said he needed to hustle and build his career first. However, I wanted to finish it quickly and move on to my next life phase. So, I registered and subsequently got mobilised for a three-week-long camping/orientation.

Embarking on the journey to join the NYSC is more than just a transition to adulthood; it is a rollercoaster ride filled with unexpected twists and turns. 

Call up letter came, and it stated that  I was to camp at Niger State, Paikoro local government, Paiko camp, but after that three weeks, I am to complete my service in Abuja. I was happy and prepared to travel, as I had never been to Niger State before. I learned that Niger State is one of the largest states in terms of landmass. I thought about how beneficial it would be for the federal government to collaborate with NYSC and invest in agriculture to empower graduates to develop their futures. This would surely boost the economy at both the federal and state levels.

Before setting off, a friend’s cautionary words lingered in my mind. He chose to prioritise his career over immediate service, urging me to hustle first. However, my eagerness to dive into the experience outweighed any apprehensions. NYSC is a mandatory scheme for all graduates, except those over thirty, who are usually issued an exemption letter.

The night before departure, a subtle warning on the NYSC documentation reminded us not to travel at night—a precaution that resonated deeply. Despite the allure of reaching our destination quickly, we chose safety over haste, breaking our journey when dusk fell. This lesson applies beyond NYSC, reminding us that vigilance is key even in seemingly safe spaces.

As we embarked on our journey, camaraderie filled the air. The sense of unity was palpable while travelling alongside fellow prospective corps members. From shared laughter to prayers for safe travels, each moment cemented the bonds of camaraderie that NYSC fosters. My journey was fascinating, especially with a friend assigned to the same state. “Corpers on board” was boldly written on our vehicle, and the people we passed hailed and prayed for our safe journey. We chatted and played music, making the trip memorable.

Yet, amidst the laughter and anticipation, a stark reality halted us. Amid lush landscapes, armed men appeared—a stark reminder of the world’s unpredictability. It was a wake-up call, underscoring the importance of vigilance even in seemingly serene surroundings. We stopped at a canteen to eat a sumptuous meal, enjoying the privileges of being a corps member. Continuing our journey, we enjoyed the natural beauty of Nigeria’s landscapes.

However, amidst the tension, there were glimmers of hope. Security checkpoints operated by dedicated officers reassured us of their commitment to our safety. Their professionalism and integrity stood as beacons of hope on an otherwise uncertain journey.

The most unexpected twist came when a seemingly menacing encounter turned into a moment of levity. Startled awake by a tap on the shoulder, I found myself face-to-face with an armed security officer, his stern demeanour giving way to a shared joke. In that moment, fear melted into laughter, reminding me that amidst life’s uncertainties, moments of joy abound.

The journey left an indelible mark as we finally arrived at our destination. From cautionary tales to unexpected camaraderie, each moment was a testament to the importance of preparation and vigilance. As I shared my story with my hustling friend, who had chosen a different path, I couldn’t help but wonder what adventures awaited him. For in the journey of NYSC, every twist and turn is a chapter waiting to be written, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the bonds that unite us all. This is the essence of NYSC, preaching national unity and peace.

Apart from the interesting aspects of NYSC, I believe numerous advantages will convince you to join the program. If you want to know the funny joke the officer cracked with me, I guess you should also prepare to go to your NYSC to experience how interesting and memorable the journey was. As long as we take the necessary security precautions and avoid rough driving, NYSC ensures our safety because we are all dear to the government.

Haroon Aremu Abiodun is a youth Corp Member with PRNigeria centre, Abuja and wrote in via exponentumera@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Nigerian Police Force has busted a multibillion-naira jewellery syndicate that colluded with armed robbers in Abuja and its environs.

According to Force spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi, the syndicate was dismantled after an armed robbery incident occurred at a police officer’s residence in the Lugbe area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on April 28th.

The stolen items, including jewellery, money, academic certificates, documents, phones, and other valuable properties, were traced to Wuse Market, where they were purchased by one Alhaji Auwal.

Despite police warnings, Alhaji Auwal facilitated the purchase and instructed his associates on how to handle the stolen goods.

Further investigations revealed that Alhaji Auwal, his sons, and other associates are part of a cartel involved in dealing in stolen jewellery.

The group has been linked to previous similar cases under police investigation.

Twenty-six suspects have been arrested in connection with the case and are being detained legally under a court order.

They will be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigations.

This operation demonstrates the police’s commitment to tackling armed robbery and related crimes in the FCT.

The force urges the public to provide information to help in the fight against crime.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The FCT Police Command has apprehended two notorious car thieves, Ibrahim Haliru, 45, and Babangida Mohammed, 27, who have been terrorising residents of the Federal Capital Territory and its environs. 

The suspects, who were arrested on April 23, 2024, at about 3:00 p.m. in a hotel in Nasarawa State, were found to be in possession of five stolen vehicles and various charms. 

According to the FCT Police spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, the suspects had been on the command’s wanted list for several months and were trailed and arrested with the aid of digital reconstruction intelligence. 

The FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Benneth Igweh, has commended the efforts of the officers involved in the arrest and urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the police. 

The Commissioner also reassured residents of the Command’s commitment to ensuring their safety and security, and encouraged them to take the necessary steps to protect their valuables. 

The police have urged anyone with information about criminal activities to contact them through their emergency lines: 08032003913, 08028940883, 08061581938, and 07057337653 (PCB: 09022222352, CRU: 08107314192).

By Uzair Adam Imam 

In a recent crackdown, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended 34 individuals suspected of engaging in foreign exchange fraud.  

These arrests were made on Friday, April 26, 2024, during a well-coordinated sting operation conducted at the Wuse Zone 4 area of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. 

According to Dele Oyewale, the spokesman for the EFCC, the operation was prompted by credible intelligence indicating illicit sales of dollars in the area.  

Among those detained are individuals identified as Usman Mohammed, Abdullahi Nasir, Abubakar Saleh, and others.  

The EFCC’s efforts to purge and stabilise the foreign exchange market have been ongoing, leading to these recent arrests. 

Following standard procedure, the suspects will undergo thorough investigations before being brought to court for prosecution.  

This development shows EFCC’s commitment to combating currency-related crimes and ensuring the integrity of the financial system.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada, celebrated a significant milestone on Friday, April 19, 2024, as it graduated 50 officers from Junior Course 18. 

The ceremony, held at the Ahmadu Makarfi Hall of the college, was attended by top officials of the Nigeria Customs Service, family members, and friends of the graduating officers. 

Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adeniyi, represented by Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Human Resources and Development Greg Itotoh, commended the directing staff and instructors for their exceptional input throughout the training session.

He praised the graduating officers for their hard work and dedication, urging them to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during their training to enhance the service’s operations. 

“The Service is committed to building a strong and effective team, and this graduation is a testament to that commitment,” DCG Itotoh noted.

He encouraged the graduating officers to be innovative and proactive in their approach to customs operations, embracing technology to enhance effective service delivery. 

The Commandant of the College, ACG Kingsley Egwuh, also praised the directing staff for their dedication and hard work in shaping the officers’ minds.

He congratulated the graduating students, urging them to embrace the opportunities and challenges ahead and make a positive impact on the Nigeria Customs Service. 

The graduating officers, who have completed their training in various aspects of customs operations, leadership, and weapon handling, are expected to be deployed to various formations of the service, where they will apply their knowledge and skills to enhance effective service delivery. 

The ceremony featured the presentation of certificates and awards to deserving officers, recognising their outstanding performance during the training.

Earlier, the College had also held a regimental dinner for the graduating officers of Junior Course 18 on April 17, 2024, where Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adeniyi urged them to embrace professionalism and integrity in their service. 

CGC Adeniyi congratulated the graduating students after scaling through a series of rigorous trainings in the college, which was meant to equip them to master the technical know-how of the Customs work.

He added, “As you all return to your respective Commands, put everything you’ve learned to the test. That is the only gratitude you can show to those who have taken time to develop the curriculum which you were taught here.”

By Uzair Adam Imam

NAFDAC on Thursday uncovered a network of counterfeit goods being sold in Abuja, culminating in raids at Sahad Stores and H-Medix outlets.

The simultaneous raids across the capital city led to the confiscation of fake cosmetics and drugs.At Sahad Stores, renowned for its supermarket chain, authorities seized counterfeit products.

Meanwhile, at H-Medix outlets in Wuse 2 and Gwarinpa, as well as the Utako market, counterfeit cosmetics and medications were confiscated.

Embugushiki-Musa Godiya, the NAFDAC Head of Investigation and Enforcement/Federal Taskforce, FCT, Abuja, highlighted the extensive nature of the operation.

In addition to the raids in Abuja, similar crackdowns were carried out in Kugbo market in Nyanya and the Mararaba area in Nasarawa State earlier in the week.

Godiya expressed shock at the discovery of substandard products masquerading as reputable brands, such as purported NIVEA creams.

These counterfeit items, despite their inferior quality, were being sold at higher prices than genuine NAFDAC-approved products, illustrating the extent of criminal activity in the market.

The seized goods, including fake NIVEA products, cosmetics, and household items like Jik bleach, Harpic toilet cleaner, and Airwick room fresheners, amounted to a staggering total value of N50 million.

NAFDAC’s rigorous enforcement efforts underscore the agency’s commitment to safeguarding public health and combating the proliferation of counterfeit goods.

By Uzair Adam Imam  

The FCT Police Command conducted a series of coordinated raids on notorious black spots and criminal hideouts in the Durumi and Dei-Dei areas of Abuja. 

The operation, carried out between March 31 and April 4, 2024, resulted in the arrest of eighty-five suspects for various offenses. 

Confirming the success of the raids, SP Josephine Adeh, spokesperson of the FCT Police Command, highlighted the persistent criminal activities that had plagued these areas.  

She described the hideouts as notorious havens for hoodlums engaged in a range of illicit activities, including the peddling of hard drugs, manufacturing counterfeit currencies, and erecting illegal structures. 

During the operation, law enforcement officers executed search warrants on several structures within the targeted areas.  

This led to the seizure of numerous incriminating exhibits, including counterfeit paper and coins in both local and foreign currencies, light weapons, eight motorcycles, seven generators, various electronic gadgets, and a stash of ATM cards suspected to have been stolen from victims. 

Adeh stated that all the arrested suspects would undergo thorough screening, with those found culpable being profiled and subsequently arraigned in court to face justice.  

Additionally, the illegal wooden structures erected by the criminals were dismantled and set ablaze as part of efforts to deter further criminal activities in the area. 

CP Benneth Igweh, the Commissioner of Police for the FCT, reiterated his commitment to ridding the territory of criminal elements and ensuring the safety of all residents.  

He urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies by reporting any suspicious activities through designated emergency hotlines. 

Residents were reminded to contact the following police emergency contact numbers if there is newd: 08032003913 – 08028940883 – 08061581938 – 07057337653 – PCB: 09022222352 – CRU: 08107314192

 By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Kikelomo Adeniyi, the National President of the Officers’ Wives Association (COWA), and wife of the Comptroller-General of Customs, spearheaded the extension of palliative distribution to COWA members in Abuja on Wednesday, March 13, 2024. Mrs.

Adeniyi embarked on a tour that included visits to the Federal Capital Territory Command, Nigeria Customs Command, and Staff College Gwagwalada.

During these visits, she delivered a resounding message of solidarity and support to the officers’ wives in attendance, acknowledging their immense challenges and reaffirming COWA’s commitment to providing assistance and empowerment. 

Expressing gratitude to the attendees for their unwavering commitment, the COWA president recognised the sacrifices made by officers’ wives and their invaluable contributions to the Customs community.

She emphasized the significance of empowering women, aligning COWA’s initiatives with the broader national agenda of women’s empowerment championed by the First Lady, Remi Bola Tinubu. 

Encouraging swift registration as members of COWA, President Kikelomo elucidated the myriad benefits awaiting registered members, ranging from access to support services to participation in empowerment programs.

She also articulated COWA’s vision of institutionalising the association and maintaining a comprehensive database of registered members to ensure effective service delivery and support. 

Highlighting the pivotal role of COWA in uplifting women across the nation, Adeniyi reiterated the association’s commitment to empowering widows, orphans, and officers’ wives alike to be self-reliant.

She emphasised the symbiotic relationship between personal empowerment and the ability to uplift others, fostering a culture of support and solidarity within the association. 

Addressing officers directly, the National President urged them to embrace their wives’ participation in COWA activities, recognizing the positive impact on family dynamics and societal progress.

She reassured officers of the benefits stemming from their wives’ involvement, highlighting the transformative power of mutual respect and support within marital relationships. 

During her visit to the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College Gwagwalada, Mrs. Adeniyi commended the Commandant of the College, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG) Kingsley Egwuh, for his unwavering support of COWA activities and dedication to the institution’s growth and development.  

ACG Egwuh reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to providing unwavering support to COWA, recognizing the pivotal role of the association in fostering unity and support within the Customs community.

He pledged continued collaboration and assistance, acknowledging the indispensable nature of COWA’s initiatives in driving positive change and empowerment.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has unveiled plans to provide shelters for Customs officers and men. 

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony of the NCS housing scheme in Kaduna on Thursday, CGC Adeniyi emphasised the significance of the initiative, stating, “This ceremony is not the last episode of what we have planned. There are projects similar to this in Kano, Asaba, Yola, Abuja, Enugu, and Uyo ready for flag-off.” 

Highlighting the service’s commitment to addressing the housing needs of its personnel, CGC Adeniyi recalled a similar project launched in Ibadan in December 2023 aimed at serving officers and men of the NCS.

He stated the importance of providing suitable housing options, especially for retired personnel. 

The CGC indicated that the initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s vision of providing affordable housing to Nigerians and commended Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State for his support for the success of the exercise. 

Addressing officers interested in the housing scheme, CGC Adeniyi urged them to remain steadfast, announcing plans for the service to collaborate with Cooperative Mortgage Bank to streamline the payment process. 

George Anih, Portfolio and Assets Manager of Family Homes, reiterated his firm’s commitment to providing affordable housing solutions, pledging to partner with the Nigeria Customs Service to deliver 5000 houses for its officers and men. 

Mr. Musa Abubakar, Managing Director of Cooperative Mortgage Bank, affirmed his dedication to ensuring the timely completion of the housing project, assuring the Comptroller-General of Customs of his bank’s support. 

The NCS housing scheme represents a significant step towards enhancing the welfare and livelihoods of customs personnel, reflecting the service’s dedication to serving its workforce and contributing to national development.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a new initiative aimed at improving compliance and streamlining import processes for vehicles.

For a limited time, vehicle owners will have a 90-day window to regularise their import duties. 

This program applies to vehicles that have not been seized or condemned by customs officials.

Owners of such vehicles can apply to Zonal Coordinators to rectify their import duties. 

To participate in this initiative, vehicle owners will need to submit all necessary documents along with their application.

Additionally, a 25% penalty will be applied on top of the standard import duty. 

This move by the NCS is seen as a positive step towards improving compliance and generating revenue for the country.

It also provides an opportunity for vehicle owners to rectify their import status and avoid potential penalties in the future. 

The 90-day window provides a limited window for vehicle owners to take advantage of this program.

Those who wish to regularise their import duties are encouraged to contact their nearest NCS Zonal Coordinator for more information and to initiate the application process.