Nigeria

By Muhammad Abubakar

The Federal University Birnin Kebbi (FUBK) has welcomed back Augustine Madubiya, a final-year student recently rescued unharmed from kidnappers, thanks to local security agencies. This is stated in a press release by Jamilu M. Magaji, Head of Information and Public Relations.

Augustine was officially returned to the university on Thursday in a ceremony held at the Council Chambers. The event was attended by Kebbi State’s Deputy Governor, Sen. Umar Abubakar Tafida, along with the Commissioner of Police Kebbi State Command, CP Bello M Sani, who personally handed over the student to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Muhammad Zaiyan Umar.

In his remarks, the Deputy Governor attributed the successful rescue to the unwavering commitment of the State Governor, His Excellency Comrade Dr Nasir Idris. He emphasised the importance of the firm directives given to security forces to take urgent action in response to the kidnapping incident.

Augustine is currently receiving medical treatment, after which he will be reunited with his fellow students at the university. The Vice-Chancellor expressed profound gratitude to the state government and security operatives for their prompt response and mobilisation of resources in support of the university during this crisis.

The university community has extended its heartfelt appreciation to Governor Idris for his ongoing commitment to the safety and security of all residents in the state, highlighting a collective effort to safeguard lives and properties.

As the university continues its mission of providing a safe learning environment, this incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced and the resolve needed to overcome them.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has received the “Public Service Person of the Year 2024” award at the 17th Leadership Conference and Awards, held in Abuja.

The recognition celebrates his impact since assuming office as head of the NCS.The Leadership Group, which hosted the event, said Adeniyi emerged as the winner following a thorough evaluation that considered the performance of more than ten high-ranking public officials.

In a statement released by the organisers, the award was conferred on him for his “transformative leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), ushering in a new era of transparency, operational efficiency, and improved revenue generation that has significantly contributed to Nigeria’s economic stability.”

Adeniyi attended the ceremony with his wife, Kikelomo Adeniyi, and some senior Customs officers. In his remarks, he thanked the organisers for the recognition and promised to intensify efforts toward trade facilitation, revenue improvement, and anti-smuggling initiatives.

Acknowledging the contributions of his colleagues, he said: “This award is not just about me; it reflects the collective commitment to transparency, efficiency, and national development.”

He restated his focus on modernization, enhancing trade processes, and raising revenue, while underlining the importance of accountable leadership and border control in ensuring national security.

Adeniyi received the award alongside notable figures such as Aliko Dangote, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and governors Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), and Abba Yusuf (Kano).

Also honoured were some senators and key players in the private sector.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has strongly advised families against paying ransoms to kidnappers, stating that it only fuels criminal activities.

His warning came as over 60 hostages, recently freed in Zangon Kataf, Southern Kaduna, were handed over to the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, in Abuja on Tuesday.

The rescued victims, including a civil service Deputy Director and a relative of Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, had spent over a month in captivity.

Ribadu commended the military and security agencies for their efforts, crediting President Bola Tinubu’s support for recent successes. Defence Minister Badaru urged the public to provide actionable intelligence to aid security operations.

One freed captive, Adesiyam Michael, recounted his traumatic ordeal and called for youth rehabilitation to deter crime.

The operation is part of ongoing efforts to dismantle kidnapping networks nationwide.

By Abdulhakeem Yetu Zakari

Police officers are sworn to protect, yet too often they become the very predators that citizens fear. The recent case of police extortion at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, highlighted by an editorial in the Nigerian Tribune on Friday, March 14, 2025, is just one of many disturbing examples.

A traveler, on his way out of the country, found himself at the mercy of uniformed officers who accused him of internet fraud merely because they discovered a love letter on his phone. What should have been a routine encounter quickly escalated into an ordeal—one that concluded with him being extorted of ₦260,000 through a POS transaction. 

The money was sent to an account linked to a suspect, a method that has become all too common in these shakedown operations. This brazen misconduct is more than just a stain on the reputation of the Nigerian police; it is a cancer eating deep into the fabric of society. 

When those responsible for law enforcement become the enforcers of lawlessness, to whom do citizens turn? Police extortion in Nigeria has evolved from sporadic bribes into a well-organized criminal enterprise embedded within the force. Officers who should be defending the rights of the people now act like rogue agents, preying on innocent citizens. 

The danger of this menace extends beyond financial loss—it breeds fear and resentment and erodes trust in the justice system. For many Nigerians, the fear of encountering police officers has surpassed the fear of encountering criminals. When citizens approach a police checkpoint, they are not concerned about security but about how much money they might have to part with to evade harassment, intimidation, or even arbitrary detention. 

Those who resist are often brutalised, falsely accused of crimes, or threatened with trumped-up charges. Some do not make it out alive. Every incident of extortion further damages the already fragile relationship between the police and the public. Citizens who are supposed to rely on law enforcement for protection now view officers with suspicion and fear. 

This loss of trust has far-reaching consequences—not just for individuals but for national security. When the public distrusts the police, cooperation in fighting actual crime diminishes. People become reluctant to report crimes, knowing that the very officers they turn to may exploit or even implicate them falsely. 

This weakens overall law enforcement efforts and emboldens actual criminals. On the international stage, these acts of extortion paint Nigeria as a nation where corruption is deeply entrenched. Foreign travellers and investors hear stories of police preying on citizens, and it raises concerns about safety, governance, and the rule of law. 

Who would want to visit or invest in a country where law enforcement officers act like criminals? I do not speak as an outsider to this reality—I, too, have been a victim. In December 2024, in Ajaokuta, Kogi State, my friend and I stepped out to buy something from a nearby store. Suddenly, police officers appeared and singled out my friend, accusing him of an unspecified crime. 

They found nothing incriminating, yet they threatened him and demanded a “bail” fee—right there on the roadside. No station, no paperwork, just a blatant extortion scheme. Having heard too many similar stories, I knew better than to linger. I ran. Because in Nigeria, when the police grab you, guilt or innocence does not matter. What matters is how much money they can extract before letting you go.

This is the harsh reality that many Nigerians face daily. Whether traveling abroad or simply walking down the street, citizens are easy targets for extortion. The very people meant to ensure safety have transformed into predators, shaking down those they vowed to protect. This must stop. 

I urge the relevant authorities to impose strict penalties on officers who misuse their power. There should be an independent complaints system where victims of police extortion can safely report cases without fear of retaliation. Surveillance and monitoring systems must be implemented, especially at known extortion hotspots such as airports and major highways.

If decisive action is not taken, police extortion will continue to thrive, deepening the distrust between the people and law enforcement. The Nigerian police force still has an opportunity to redeem itself, but it must act swiftly and decisively to purge corrupt elements from its ranks. If the police are no longer our protectors, then who will save us from them?

Abdulhakeem Yetu Zakari is interning at PRNigeria and can be reached at: abdulhakeemzakari7@gmail.com.

By Anwar Usman 

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, hosted suspended Rivers state house of assembly lawmakers in the United Kingdom on Monday.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Minister on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, posted on X.com on Tuesday that the lawmakers, who are in the UK for “legislative capacity building,” were hosted to a dinner by the minister.

He stated that “Yesterday, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, hosted Rivers State House of Assembly members who are in the United Kingdom for Legislative Capacity Building, to a dinner.

Reports have it that on Sunday, the suspended Rivers lawmakers, led by the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, departed Nigeria for a tour in the United Kingdom.

Amaewhule was said to have declared open the 10th Rivers Assembly Legislative Tour of the United Kingdom on Friday.

He emphasized that the legislative tour would allow the House to learn new things outside Nigeria, which would improve members’ capacity for the tasks ahead.

On March 18th, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Prof Ngozi Odu, and members of the state House of Assembly.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has advocated for a more impactful one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program rather than extending it to two years.

He stated the need for corps members to be equipped with job creation skills and entrepreneurial training during their service year.

Olawande made the remarks on Monday in Abuja during the 2025 Annual Management Conference of the NYSC.

His statement comes after the Minister of Education, Olatunji Alausa, proposed extending the NYSC duration to two years to expand skill acquisition programs.

The Youth Minister, however, stressed that the focus should be on a National Internship Scheme to help corps members gain valuable skills for employment or entrepreneurship.

He criticized the current system where many corps members complete their service without meaningful personal or societal impact.

“If corps members receive proper training and certifications, they will leave service more empowered rather than just participating in parades,” Olawande said.

He called for reforms to make the NYSC more beneficial to graduates and the nation. Meanwhile, NYSC Director-General Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu stated that this year’s conference aimed to reposition the scheme to meet modern demands.

The theme, “Transforming the NYSC Scheme to Meet the Yearnings of Contemporary Nigerian Graduates and Society,” reflects the need for innovation in youth service.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano/Jigawa Area Command, has hosted a sensitisation forum aimed at improving trade practices and ensuring better compliance at the Kano Free Trade Zone (KFTZ).

The one-day programme, which took place on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, brought together key stakeholders operating within the zone.

This was disclosed in a press release issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Tahir Balarabe.

While addressing participants, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Dalhatu Abubakar, stated the benefits of cooperation and adherence to trade guidelines.

He encouraged those in attendance to share their concerns, expressing hope that the forum would lead to improved collaboration and a reduction in operational obstacles.

During the event, Superintendent of Customs Muideen Alabi presented a paper titled “Roles of Nigeria Customs Service in Free Trade Zones.”

He discussed provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, outlined standard operating procedures, and explained the processes for exporting goods from free trade zones to customs territories.

He also drew attention to frequent documentation errors that tend to slow down trade activities.

Deputy Director of the Nigeria Export Processing Zone Authority (NEPZA), Richard Bassey, addressed lingering misconceptions surrounding the regulatory responsibilities of NEPZA.

“There’s been confusion about who does what in the zone. Today, we’ve cleared the air,” he said.

The event ended with an interactive session where stakeholders exchanged views directly with customs officials.

In his closing remarks, Comptroller Abubakar called for continuous dialogue and reassured participants of the Command’s commitment to supporting smooth trade operations.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Police have arrested the leader of a protest movement in Yobe State and several others who were demonstrating against the government’s proposed law to monitor social media platforms.

The protest was led by Abubakar Jawa, who was apprehended along with four other individuals that include Mohammed Kayeri Adam, Suleiman A. Gambo, Maimuna Abba, and Abubakar Jawa.

Dungus Abdulkarim, the state police spokesperson, denied that the arrests were related to the protest itself.

He clarified that the police were merely detaining the protesters for their protection.

By Uzair Adam

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has issued a warning against planned protests scheduled for Monday, April 7, 2025, by the group known as the ‘Take It Back Movement,’ and urged the organisers to reconsider the timing of their demonstration, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and other parts of the country.

According to the Police, April 7 is set aside by the Federal Government as National Police Day to honour the dedication and sacrifices of officers across the nation.

They described the planned protest on the same date as suspicious and potentially harmful to the image of the police and the country.

In a statement released on Sunday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Police reiterated their respect for citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly.

However, they expressed concern over the motive behind staging a protest on a day dedicated to celebrating the nation’s security personnel.

The statement noted that the National Police Day would attract dignitaries from within and outside Nigeria, including foreign Inspectors-General of Police and diplomats.

It said holding a protest on the same day could disrupt the celebration and cast a negative light on the country’s law enforcement image.

“The rationale behind staging a nationwide protest on the same day is questionable and perceived to be a deliberate attempt and unpatriotic act that is capable of rubbishing and maligning the image of the Nigeria Police and the nation as a whole,” the statement read.

The NPF, therefore, urged the organisers to shelve the planned protest, describing it as ill-timed and mischievous.

It advised those with grievances to explore dialogue and engage with appropriate government institutions to address their concerns.

It was reported that the ‘Take It Back Movement’ is an organisation founded by politician and activist, Omoyele Sowore.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, has called for the extension of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program from one year to two years.

The proposal aims to expand the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) training to better equip corps members for self-employment.

Dr. Alausa made the suggestion on Friday during a courtesy visit by the newly appointed NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, in Abuja.

He commended the NYSC for its digital reforms, which have helped reduce certificate fraud among foreign-trained graduates, particularly from West Africa.

The minister also addressed concerns over OND part-time graduates with full-time HND degrees who were previously exempted from national service, urging a review of the policy.

In response, the NYSC DG praised Dr. Alausa’s leadership in the education sector and proposed the creation of a database for Nigerian students pursuing degrees abroad to enhance monitoring and policy planning.

The call for an extended service period aligns with the government’s push to tackle unemployment by fostering entrepreneurship among Nigerian youths.