Nigeria

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has pledged to compensate the families of 16 hunters who were allegedly killed by a vigilante group in Uromi, Edo State.

The victims were reportedly traveling to Kano when the incident occurred.

Governor Okpebholo made this commitment while visiting the bereaved families in Torankawa, Kano State, alongside his Kano counterpart, Abba Yusuf.

“We are making arrangements to provide compensation to all the victims affected by this incident,” Okpebholo stated.

He commended the people of Kano for maintaining peace despite the tragedy.

“I also commend the good people of Kano State and the entire north for not taking the law into their own hands and carrying out reprisal attacks,” he said.

The governor prayed for the departed souls and reassured the families that justice would be served.

“We are here to commiserate with the families of the dead. We assure you that the perpetrators will be brought to justice.

“May Almighty God forgive the souls of the victims and reward them with paradise,” he added.

Okpebholo disclosed that several arrests had been made in connection with the killings.

“About 14 suspects have been arrested already; we will pursue the case until its logical conclusion.

“We are making arrangements to provide compensation to all the families affected by this incident,” he reaffirmed.

Governor Yusuf also expressed his commitment to ensuring justice and offering support to the victims’ families.

“We are working closely with my counterpart, Governor Okpebholo, to ensure that all those arrested are prosecuted.

“We will also ensure full compensation for all the affected victims,” he said.

Additionally, Yusuf announced financial and material assistance for the grieving families.”I pledged cash and food items to the families of victims,” he stated.

He noted that the government would not relent in seeking justice and providing relief for those affected by the tragedy.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the extension of Mrs. Kemi Nanna Nandap’s tenure as Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) until December 31, 2026.

Nandap, who began her career in the NIS on October 9, 1989, was appointed as Comptroller-General on March 1, 2024, with an initial tenure set to expire on August 31, 2025. Under her leadership, the NIS has seen significant progress in border management, immigration modernization, and national security.

In a statement on Monday, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga said President Tinubu commended Nandap’s leadership and urged her to remain committed to the Service’s strategic priorities under the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The President also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the NIS in safeguarding Nigeria’s borders and promoting legal and orderly migration.

By Uzair Adam

The Federal Government has announced plans to establish “Renewed Hope Cultural Villages” across all 36 states to promote Nigeria’s cultural heritage and strengthen the creative industry.

Speaking in Ilorin, Abiola Jagunlabi, Special Assistant to the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, revealed that the initiative is part of the “Renewed Hope Cultural Project,” designed to preserve historical sites, enhance tourism, and drive economic growth.

According to Jagunlabi, the project will be executed in collaboration with state governments to transform historic landmarks into creative hubs, fostering job creation and economic opportunities in the arts and entertainment sectors.

“The project focuses on restoring and conserving monuments, palaces, and artifacts while promoting cultural education and capacity building in traditional crafts,” he stated.

Jagunlabi noted that the success of the initiative depends on active participation from state governments, local communities, and industry stakeholders.

He noted that the project aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and is expected to generate significant employment opportunities while boosting revenue through tourism and creative enterprises.

He further disclosed that the National Economic Council (NEC) has approved the initiative, paving the way for its nationwide implementation.

By Abubakar Idris Misau

According to a study published 10 years ago in the journal Nature (Ehrenberg, 2015), our planet is home to a staggering 3.04 trillion trees. Now, try searching for the article titled “Global forest survey finds trillions of trees”; come back with a different result and refer to me as “Mr. Sociologist” – as Reno Omokri would say it, please. 

When writing in the realm of science and research, one cannot simply state things. Often, figures are necessary, and it is not enough to just present them; one must also explain where and how they were obtained, detailing their validity. This is the academic way. This is the scientific way. This is not the sociologist’s way. And definitely not the way of “political science.“ 

With “political science” in quotes, let me share a short story: While at the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), there was a legend involving the renowned mathematics guru, Professor M.Y. Balla. They said he remarked, “While mathematics is the simplest thing to understand, the most difficult concept ever conceived is the one that led to the naming of a department or discipline as political science.” It’s quite a legend!

Deduce, meanwhile, that science is proof, not talk. Scientific research writing can tire a person before they reach the end of the first sentence – only for one to finish the terrible journey and have people saying, “wetin this one talk nii?”

In other words, a scientific work is like a qualified doctor’s handwritten prescription: terrible and difficult to read, yet easy to understand by the right audience, such as a pharmacist, when it comes to a medical doctor’s handwritten advice.

Hence, with this message targeting the general public, it remains so – as it is. The scientific way isn’t for us.

Let’s get to work:

As we navigate the complexities of our planet’s ecosystem, one ironic truth holds: the most formidable soldiers of our planet are not those wielding guns or bombs, but rather the ones with leaves, roots, and trunks. Trees, the often-overlooked sentinels of our environment, are the true warriors of planet Earth.

Contrary to what some of us mistakenly believe, these arboreal giants are not merely passive observers; they are actively engaged in a continuous struggle to protect our planet’s fragile balance. 

From producing oxygen to filtering pollutants and supporting biodiversity, trees are the frontline defenders against the ravages of climate change. 

But if we think that’s all they do, then we cannot be more wrong. In truth, as this little note shows, trees are more than just ecological warriors; they are also master strategists. 

In an academic context and hopefully for the last time, a study entitled “Net Transfer of Carbon Between Trees by Ectomycorrhizal Fungi in the Field” demonstrates that trees have evolved complex communication networks, utilizing fungal hyphae to share nutrients and warn of potential threats (Simard, 1997). 

This symbiotic relationship eerily resembles the tactics used by human militaries, where intelligence sharing and coordination are essential to success. Technical? Sorry about that. That’s the best I can do! Keep the tempo up.

The point is that trees have developed an impressive array of defense mechanisms to counter the numerous threats they face. From the chemical defenses used by the majestic baobab tree (Adansonia digitata) to the physical barriers created by the resilient redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), trees have evolved a remarkable range of strategies to ensure their survival.

And here comes the shocking open secret: despite their critical role in maintaining planetary balance, trees are facing unprecedented threats. Anthropogenic activities are taking a devastating toll on global tree populations, including industrialization, farming, housing, and shambolic acts. 

The game of numbers: We cut down 41 million trees each day! That amounts to 15 billion trees annually. This means we have only 200 years to eliminate the remaining 3.04 trillion standing soldiers. 

Mind you, it isn’t as if we are making any real effort to reverse the dangerous trend. Currently, we plant less than 2 billion trees a year (about 5 million each day).

To maintain our current situation – without increasing our numbers, which we desperately need to avoid – we must plant 36 million more trees daily, totaling 13 billion trees needed to close the gap between what we destroy and what we establish each year.

We are, therefore, through this trade-up, waging a war against our own planet, with trees as the immediate casualties.

However, we need to understand that trees are not just individual organisms; they are part of a larger web of life. They are some of the most important elements of this web. Soldiers. Custodians. Protectors of life itself. 

Therefore, we must acknowledge the vital role trees play in protecting our planet and take steps to preserve them.

The future of our planet relies on the ongoing vigilance of these unsung heroes – the arboreal army standing tall, steadfast, and tireless in their defense of our world.

Let’s stop the starvation and attacking our saviors, please!

The Good News: We are approximately 8 billion people. Planting two trees per person means planting 16 billion trees. This results in a surplus of about one billion trees compared to the 15 billion stands we destroy each year. The ball is in our court.

Happy International Day of Forests, 2025.

Abubakar Idris, a Forestry and Wildlife graduate from the University of Maiduguri, writes from Katsina. Contact: abubakaridrismisau@gmail.com. 

By Anwar Usman

The Kano State Police Command has dismissed a false social media reports claiming an attack on an 18-seater passenger bus in Kano.

This was revealed in a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Kiyawa, in Kano on Saturday.

Kiyawa said this report was entirely false and misleading.

“The police command reaffirms its commitment to maintaining law and order, ensuring the safety and security of all residents, and promoting harmony among diverse communities.

“An investigation is currently underway to uncover the source of this fake news, and those responsible will face consequences for their actions.

“The command urges the public to disregard this fake news and refrain from spreading unverified information that can cause harm, panic and unrest in society,” he stated.

By Muhammad Ahmad Iliyasu

Nigeria’s governance and fiscal challenges are undermined by persistent corruption, inefficiencies in public finance, and a lack of transparency, all of which have stymied economic progress, among other issues. According to the 2024 Mo Ibrahim Index on African Governance, Nigeria ranked 33rd out of 53 African nations with a score of 45.7 out of 100, reflecting a decline of 1.4 in its governance score between 2014 and 2023. 

The ranking (above) is further emphasized by low scores across critical categories such as Security & Rule of Law (39.7), Participation, Rights & Inclusion (47.9), Foundations for Economic Opportunity (48.6), and Human Development (46.4). While these challenges are substantial, examples worldwide illustrate the transformative potential of fiscal transparency and public integrity when supported by robust institutions and data-driven strategies. Nigeria can identify actionable solutions to address its governance deficits by examining how other countries have succeeded in these areas.

One of the most striking examples of fiscal transparency comes from Estonia, which has emerged as a global leader in e-government. Estonia has digitized its public financial management systems and introduced blockchain technology to monitor public procurement and spending. According to the World Bank, these innovations have resulted in a 30% increase in administrative efficiency and a 25% decrease in opportunities for corruption. 

In comparison, Nigeria’s procurement processes remain largely opaque, frequently marred by corruption scandals involving inflated contracts and the misappropriation of public funds. By 2023, procurement-related corruption cost Nigeria an estimated 30% of its annual budget. Estonia’s success showcases that technology when applied systematically, can be a game-changer in ensuring fiscal accountability.

Participatory budgeting, which originated in Porto Alegre, Brazil, is another area from which Nigeria could draw valuable lessons. By directly involving citizens in decisions regarding local government budgets, Porto Alegre has boosted investment in vital services such as healthcare and education by 20%, specifically targeting underserved communities. This participatory approach has not only enhanced public service delivery but also built trust in government institutions. 

In Nigeria, public participation in budgeting remains minimal, with the process often limited to elite stakeholders. A 2021 report by BudgIT revealed that over 70% of Nigerians feel disconnected from how public funds are allocated. A more citizen-centric budgeting process would bridge this gap, fostering trust and ensuring that budgetary decisions reflect public priorities.

Anti-corruption frameworks in countries such as Singapore and Botswana highlight the significance of institutional independence and efficiency. Singapore’s Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB), established in 1952, functions independently from other government agencies and has played a crucial role in reducing corruption to negligible levels. This success is evident in Singapore’s top-tier ranking on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), where it achieved a score of 85 out of 100 in 2023. In contrast, Nigeria scored 24 out of 100, ranking 150th among 180 countries. The difference stems not only from institutional strength but also from the enforcement of laws. While Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has made strides, its efforts are frequently compromised by political interference, inadequate resources, and inconsistent prosecution of high-profile cases.

Fiscal discipline is another area where Nigeria lags behind global standards. Sweden and Germany, for instance, have adopted fiscal rules that ensure economic stability. Sweden’s balanced budget rule requires government expenditures not to exceed revenues over an economic cycle, while Germany’s “debt brake” caps structural deficits at 0.35% of GDP. These policies have allowed both nations to maintain sustainable debt levels—38% and 60% of GDP, respectively, as of 2022. In contrast, Nigeria’s public debt has risen sharply, reaching 40% of GDP in 2023, with debt servicing consuming over 80% of government revenues. Without strict fiscal rules, Nigeria risks entering a debt trap that could hinder long-term economic growth.

Open data initiatives also illustrate the potential for transparency. The United Kingdom’s Open Data Portal provides public access to over 40,000 datasets on government operations, enabling citizens and civil society to monitor public spending effectively. This transparency has contributed to a 15% increase in public trust in government institutions, as reported in a 2020 World Bank study. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s efforts at transparency, such as the Nigeria Open Contracting Portal (NOCOPO), have yet to achieve comparable results. A lack of comprehensive data and limited public awareness have restricted its impact, with Transparency International noting that only 10% of procurement data is consistently published.

In this context, the Center for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity (CeFTIP) plays a crucial role in Nigeria’s quest for better governance. Through its annual Transparency and Integrity Index, CeFTIP evaluates government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) on their adherence to standards of transparency and accountability. Its reports reveal systemic gaps in compliance with fiscal transparency norms and provide recommendations to bridge these gaps. Additionally, CeFTIP organizes sensitization campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of fiscal openness, while its capacity-building programs train public officials in best practices for financial management and anti-corruption measures. These efforts are vital in establishing the foundational infrastructure for a culture of accountability in Nigeria.

Whistleblower protection is another area where Nigeria falls short. In New Zealand and Canada, robust legal frameworks safeguard whistleblowers from retaliation, resulting in a significant increase in reported cases of corruption and misconduct. According to the International Whistleblower Protection Network, countries with effective protections detect 30% more corruption cases. In Nigeria, the whistleblower policy introduced in 2016 initially led to the recovery of over $500 million but has since stagnated due to weak legal protections and a lack of institutional support.

South Africa offers valuable lessons in civil society collaboration. Organizations such as the Public Service Accountability Monitor (PSAM) have successfully partnered with government entities to track public spending, resulting in a 25% improvement in service delivery outcomes, according to the World Bank. In Nigeria, civil society organizations like CeFTIP, BudgIT, and Connected Development have made strides in promoting accountability but often face resistance from government agencies. Strengthening these partnerships could amplify their impact and ensure more transparent governance.

Recommendations

For Nigeria to replicate these successes, it must prioritize institutional reforms like DOGE and adopt data-driven strategies tailored to its context. Establishing a robust digital public finance system akin to Estonia’s would enhance transparency and reduce corruption. Adopting participatory budgeting processes, starting at the local government level, would empower citizens and align public spending with community needs. Strengthening anti-corruption agencies through legal and financial autonomy is essential to combating high-level corruption.

Moreover, Nigeria should introduce enforceable fiscal rules to curb excessive borrowing and ensure sustainable debt levels. Expanding open data initiatives and increasing public awareness of platforms like NOCOPO would improve oversight and citizen engagement. Supporting organizations like CeFTIP through increased funding, open access, and government collaboration could scale their impact on promoting transparency. Finally, enacting comprehensive whistleblower protection laws and fostering partnerships with civil society organizations would create a more inclusive and accountable governance framework.

By learning from the advancements in countries such as Estonia, Singapore, and Brazil, and by utilizing the ongoing initiatives of organizations like CeFTIP, Nigeria can establish a direction toward fiscal transparency and public integrity. These reforms, although challenging, are essential for rebuilding public trust, attracting investment, and ensuring a prosperous future for all Nigerians.

Muhammad Ahmad Iliyasu is Strategic Communications Officer at the Center for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity. He can be reached via his email: Muhada102@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam 

The Edo State Police Command has arrested over 30 suspects in connection with the brutal killing of 16 northern travelers and the burning of their truck in Udune Efandion.  

The Daily Reality reports that the attack occurred on Thursday along the Uromi/Obajana Expressway.  

Confirming the arrests in a statement on Friday in Benin, the command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Yamu, condemned the killings and assured that justice would be served.  

Yamu stated that the police were committed to ensuring justice for the victims and that no stone would be left unturned in the ongoing investigation.  

He revealed that a truck carrying 25 travelers from Elele, Rivers State, was intercepted by a vigilante group in Uromi. 

During the stop, some travelers were reportedly found in possession of locally made dane guns, raising suspicion among the vigilantes.  

“While this was ongoing, some vigilante members raised an alarm, claiming the travelers were suspected kidnappers. 

This led some community members and passers-by to attack and lynch 16 occupants. The truck conveying them was also set on fire,” Yamu said.  

Police operatives from the Uromi Division swiftly responded to the scene and managed to rescue ten of the travelers, two of whom sustained injuries. 

The injured victims were taken to a hospital and are currently responding to treatment.  

“In the course of investigations, 14 suspects have been arrested in connection with the crime. An emergency meeting was also convened with stakeholders and community members,” Yamu added.  

Meanwhile, a unit of the Police Mobile Force and other tactical teams have been deployed to the area to prevent further violence.  

The Commissioner of Police in Edo, Betty Otimenyin, urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement while cautioning against reprisal attacks or unlawful gatherings that could escalate tensions.

By Anwar Usman

The House of Representatives on Thursday has reversed its plans on the second reading passage of an amendment bill seeking to strip vice president, governors and deputy governors of their immunity.

The House also revoked its decision on the second reading passage of a bill seeking to amend the constitution to review capital punishment in the constitution on Wednesday.

Reports has it that the leader of the House, Prof Julius Ihonvbere at plenary on Thursday moved a motion seeking to recoke the earlier second reading passage of the bill and to be relisted for further debate.

Earlier, the deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu who presided over the plenary, said the decision to rescind the passage of the bills was to enable lawmakers to thoroughly debate the bills before passage, given their sensitive nature.

The House of Representatives had on Wednesday passed for second reading, a bill seeking to amend the constitution to strip vice president, governors and deputy governors of immunity.

The bill was among the 42 considered and passed through second reading during Wednesday’s plenary session, presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Okezie KaluThe bill which was sponsored by Rep Solomon Bob (Rivers PDP), is seeking an amendment of Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution to guard against abuse of office and to ensure transparency in governance.

Also, a Bill for an Act to Alter the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to Review the Penalties for Certain Capital Offences in Alignment with Relevant International Best Practices and for Related Matters (HB. 2120) sponsored by Hon.

Benjamin Okezie Kalu and six others which was passed on Wednesday was also rescinded for further debate.

By Lawal Dahiru Mamman

For 13 years, the Zambian national side had acted as a formidable barrier between Nigeria and footballing success, much like an inspirational goalkeeper. But on a fateful day, approximately 80,000 Nigerian supporters made the pilgrimage to the National Stadium, Surulere, in Lagos, to witness a potentially historic occasion.

That day provided the ultimate platform for the challenge, where Nigeria successfully broke the Zambian jinx for over a decade. This is a summary of a piece titled “The Match that Broke the Myth,” written by Uzor Maxim Uzoatu in the 1980s.

Nigeria has participated in international conferences and organized similar events at national and subnational levels. Specifically, national conferences often provide comprehensive reports for implementation after extensive deliberations from stakeholders nationwide.

But much like the imaginary soccer team above, which endured losses for 13 years, outputs from our symposia appear to be hexed. Reports are submitted, but implementation remains shelved due to forces akin to the Zambian inspirational goalkeeper.

For enlightenment, two precedents come to mind. Since 1999, President Muhammadu Buhari is notably the only president who has not convened a national conference. The late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua is an exception, owing to his brief tenure and subsequent nine-month battle with ill health, which ultimately led to his passing.

In February 2005, President Olusegun Obasanjo convened the “National Political Reform Conference.” The gathering was an avenue to reassess, refocus, redefine, and redesign Nigeria’s political landscape to strengthen the bonds of unity.

Accordingly, it sought to enhance democratic consolidation processes, strengthen structures to solidify values that promote democracy and good governance, and open boundless opportunities for all Nigerians to be and feel part of the evolving political process and socio-economic development.

The committee was encouraged to conduct comparative studies, considering Nigeria’s unique realities, specificities, and historical context, to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand during that era.

Four hundred and two delegates attended the conference, held between February and July 2005. Copies of the report from that conference were submitted, but nothing substantial happened afterward.

President Goodluck Jonathan convened another conference in 2014. The panel, chaired by retired Chief Justice Idris Kutigi, was assigned to advise the government on the framework for a national dialogue. To accomplish this, they consulted widely with Nigerians, ensuring that diverse perspectives were represented.

The conference, attended by approximately 500 delegates from across Nigeria, proposed substantial reforms. These included scrapping the current system of 774 local authorities to reduce corruption and save costs, creating 18 new states, revising revenue allocation, decreasing the federal government’s share of national income while increasing those of the states, and modifying the presidential system to include parliamentary elements.

Other key recommendations included power sharing and rotation, specifically advocating for the rotation of the presidency and the circulation of governorship among three senatorial districts in each state. These proposals aimed to promote greater representation, equity, and national unity. However, after passing over 600 resolutions and producing a 10,335-page report submitted to the presidency, the recommendations were never implemented.

On October 1, 2024, President Bola Tinubu, adhering to the tradition of past leaders, addressed the nation. At the time of his national broadcast, the country was uncertain whether the sequel to August’s #EndBadGovernance protest, Fearless in October, would take place.

Among numerous announcements, the president declared a National Youth Conference to assemble youths from across Nigeria for meaningful conversations that drive nation-building. Whether this particular aspect of his speech helped shelve the proposed protest remains uncertain.

What is the model for selecting delegates? What topics will be discussed during the proposed 30-day conference? While every youth awaits a response, it is important to note that numerous issues impact the youth, who constitute over 60% of the federation’s population.

In economic terms, recent statistics indicate that over 40% of Nigerian youths are unemployed, leaving millions of young people feeling disillusioned and despondent. This figure may actually be higher, given the ongoing challenges the nation faces in data collection and storage. Will this pressing issue be addressed at the conference?

According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), an astounding 63% of the population—approximately 133 million individuals, nearly six out of ten Nigerians—live in multidimensional poverty, with the majority being youths. Will poverty be included on the conference’s agenda?

Limited access to quality education, caused by inadequate infrastructure, scarce resources, and a lack of strong support systems, leaves the dreams of many unfulfilled. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the student loan scheme through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) does not assist the 20.2 million uneducated young Nigerians. Will this become a subject of debate?

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) reported in 2023 that approximately 14.3 million Nigerians are involved in drug abuse, with young people predominantly affected. Regrettably, one in four women also participates in this harmful practice. Given its consequences, including widespread unproductivity and elevated crime rates, this critical issue merits discussion at the conference.

Despite youth affirmative action policies aimed at ensuring 30% representation in the public sector—including federal and state executive councils, boards of parastatals and agencies, and local government councils—and 35% representation in political party leadership positions, electoral bodies, and legislative assemblies for individuals between 18 and 35 years, there remains a significant issue of gross misrepresentation and inadequate youth participation in governance and decision-making.

Numerous other issues also impact Nigerian youth, such as migration for better opportunities, cultural constraints, child marriage and early pregnancy, cybercrime, youth radicalization, the role of young Nigerians in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and the erosion of cultural identity and values. These topics deserve thoughtful discussion.

As of the time the president promised to work toward modalities for this conference and the selection of delegates in “close consultation with our young people through their representatives,” skepticism looms large.

At the State House in Abuja earlier this month, the president inaugurated the planning committee of the National Youth Conference, tasking the youths—whom he described as the “heartbeat of the nation”—to seize the opportunity to redefine their future. Nigerians keenly await the modalities that the committee will set.

Our hopes lie in the words of Eric Teniola, a seasoned columnist, who said after the 2014 National Conference: “A conference will not solve all our problems, but it will give us a platform to exchange ideas and maybe iron out our differences. A conference may halt our present drift to anarchy.”

Therefore, we hope that this National Youth Conference, proposed by the president and his team, will be ‘The Conference that Breaks the Myth’ of unyielding conferences in Nigeria.

Lawal Dahiru Mamman writes from Abuja and can be contacted at dahirulawal90@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded its largest seizure of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in Kebbi State since the launch of Operation Whirlwind.

Speaking at a press briefing in Kebbi on Tuesday, the Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) of Financial Administration and Special Duty, as well as the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Hussein Ejibunu, made this known on behalf of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

Ejibunu noted the dangers posed by fuel smuggling, stating that it results in revenue losses, trade distortions, artificial scarcity, and national security threats.

He stressed that the operation reflects the NCS’s strong commitment to tackling illegal fuel diversion.

“This seizure marks a significant milestone in our efforts to protect Nigeria’s critical resources. The Nigeria Customs Service remains resolute in tackling smuggling activities that undermine government policies and economic stability,” he stated.

According to him, the interception was carried out in the Tsamiya area of Kebbi State based on intelligence gathered after days of surveillance.

He disclosed that among the seized items was a truck with Nigerian plate number DC 7184 RB, which contained 766 jerrycans of 25 litres each and 18 drums of 200 litres each of PMS.

Another truck, with Republic of Benin plate number AT 2457 RUP, was found carrying 1,454 jerrycans of 25 litres each and 18 drums of 200 litres each of PMS. Similarly, a truck with Republic of Benin plate number BV C240 Arubi was intercepted with 1,350 jerrycans of 25 litres each and 18 drums of 200 litres each of PMS.

In addition, 805 jerrycans of 25 litres each were confiscated at various locations, including Dole Kaina, Zaria Kalakala, Tunga Waterside, Lolo, and Tsamiya.

Ejibunu reaffirmed the NCS’s determination to sustain efforts against fuel smuggling and strengthen collaboration with other agencies to secure Nigeria’s borders.

He also disclosed that the seized PMS was sold at a controlled price of ₦10,000 per 25-litre jerrycan to benefit citizens rather than smugglers.Speaking at the event, the Customs Area Controller of Kebbi Command, Comptroller Chidi Nwakureke, assured that his team remains committed to eliminating smuggling activities in the state.

He stated that the agency would continue to facilitate trade and ensure a smooth business environment for legitimate traders while intensifying operations to curb smuggling.

Nwakureke praised the efforts of Customs officers involved in the operation and acknowledged the support of other security agencies in the ongoing anti-smuggling drive.