Police launch 24-hour patrol on Lagos coastal road

The Police Command in Lagos State has launched a 24-hour anti-crime patrol along the coastal road to boost security and protect commuters and construction sites.

The Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, announced the initiative on Thursday during a show of force along the route.

Jimoh said the move was designed to prevent crime, vandalism of equipment, theft, and other offences along the newly opened road.

He stated that when the road opened in early December 2025, the command deployed 50 patrol teams, each comprising five officers.

According to him, officers were stationed at intersections, black spots, and other vulnerable points along the corridor.

“Since the deployment, we have not recorded any case of snatching, kidnapping, or robbery in the area due to the strong police presence,” he said.

Jimoh added that the command has now deployed four mobile patrol teams to operate round the clock along the coastal road.

“These teams will move continuously to cover gaps between fixed posts, monitor vandalism-prone areas, and conduct discreet investigations to arrest perpetrators,” he said.

He noted that the patrols would also protect road users, contractors’ staff, and construction equipment on site.

The teams, he said, would ensure that installed facilities, including lighting, barriers, and fencing, are not damaged.

Jimoh said the initiative is supported by the Lagos State Government through the State Security Trust Fund, in collaboration with the Minister of Works, David Umahi.

He added that patrols would extend to adjoining areas posing threats, including Kuramo Junction and the Ajah–Lekki corridor.

“Commuters, residents, and businesses along the coastal road should feel reassured of their safety.

“This initiative complements existing security arrangements and ensures that Lagos remains safe and secure,” he said.

Jimoh said designated officers would supervise the teams to guarantee continuous monitoring and swift responses to threats.

Also speaking, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Olufemi Dare, thanked the police commissioner for the intervention.

Dare said the additional four patrol vehicles would help curb the activities of hoodlums and vandals along the road.

He recalled raising concerns about the theft of manhole covers, steel directional signs, and fencing on the coastal road.

“On behalf of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, we thank the Commissioner of Police for this prompt response.

“We believe the additional patrol teams will end the activities of vandals on the coastal road,” Dare stated.

Police launch 24-hour patrol on Lagos coastal road

US troop deployment signals new phase in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism fight – Reps deputy spokesperson

US Troops (PHOTO CREDIT: Vanguard News)

The American military personnel were deployed in Bauchi State to provide specialised training for Nigerian troops and strengthen intelligence-sharing efforts aimed at combating established terrorist networks operating across the country.

The post US troop deployment signals new phase in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism fight – Reps deputy spokesperson appeared first on Premium Times Nigeria.

ICPC raids Nasir El-Rufai’s residence

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, on Thursday conducted a search of the residence of Malam Nasir Nasir El-Rufai, a former governor of Kaduna State.

The development was disclosed by his media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, on Thursday.

Ubong Akpan, El-Rufai’s lawyer, condemned the action, describing it as “unlawful and a clear violation of legal procedures and fundamental rights.”

The post reads: “The residence of Malam Nasir @elrufai was today searched by the ICPC.”

Ubong Akpan, Malam El-Rufai’s lawyer, condemned the action “as unlawful and a clear violation of legal procedures and fundamental rights.”

The ICPC confirmed on Thursday that El-Rufai is now in its custody.

DAILY POST reported that the former governor was arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) shortly after being released on bail by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday.

According to reports, DSS operatives picked up El-Rufai following his EFCC bail, in connection with allegations that he unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.

ICPC raids Nasir El-Rufai’s residence

IGP, House Committee on Petroleum meet to strengthen security of downstream petroleum sector

In a bid to protect Nigeria’s critical energy infrastructure, Inspector General of Police, IGP, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun engaged the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) to strengthen security measures across the nation’s downstream petroleum sector.

The meeting took place at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, with the committee led by its chairman, Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere and attended by senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force and the Police Management Team.

The session focused on boosting collaboration between the police and the legislature to curb pipeline vandalism, oil theft, and other security challenges that threaten uninterrupted fuel supply and investor confidence.

Addressing the IGP, the Committee Chairman commended the Force’s proactive policing, particularly during recent industrial tensions, highlighting the police’s key role in protecting national energy assets.

“I commend the Nigeria Police Force under your leadership for the unwavering commitment to safeguarding our petroleum infrastructure. Your efforts during recent industrial disturbances have been exemplary,” Hon. Ugochinyere said.

IGP Egbetokun pledged to intensify surveillance, expand intelligence sharing, and strengthen partnerships with sister agencies to ensure a steady fuel supply nationwide.

He also appealed for stronger legal frameworks and adequate funding to support personnel training, acquisition of surveillance equipment, and the welfare of officers deployed to protect critical petroleum facilities.

According to him, “The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in protecting petroleum resources, restoring stability in vulnerable communities, and ensuring uninterrupted energy access for all Nigerians.”

IGP, House Committee on Petroleum meet to strengthen security of downstream petroleum sector

Stakeholders urge Nigeria to move beyond lawmaking to effective law enforcement

Stakeholders have said Nigeria needs a legislative culture where we don’t just ask whether a law was passed, but rather whether the law is working for those on the streets.

The Country Director of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, WFD, Adebowale Olorunmola, stated this on Thursday in Asaba during the official launch of the Post-Legislative Scrutiny (PLS) Department of the Delta State House of Assembly.

While noting that Delta State is now positioned to lead that charge in the ongoing institutional strengthening of legislative processes, he said the establishment of the PLS Department is a significant step in ensuring that laws enacted by the House achieve their intended objectives for the people of Delta State.

“We must be clear: training is the foundation, but implementation is the building. The real test of this Unit’s success will not be the knowledge and skills gained, but the impact felt by the citizens of Delta State. We must move from the ‘what’ and ‘how’ of PLS to ‘doing PLS,’” he said.

While urging the Conference of Speakers in Nigeria (CSN) to ensure that PLS becomes institutionalized in the remaining 34 State Houses of Assembly across the federation, he particularly appealed to the Chairman of the CSN, Hon. Dennis Guwor, Speaker of the DSHA, to use his influential office to institutionalize it.

“Nigeria needs a legislative culture where we don’t just ask, ‘Did we pass the law?’ but rather, ‘Is the law working for the person on the street?’”

“Laws are not museum pieces meant to sit on shelves; they are living instruments. By budgeting for scrutiny, you ensure that the laws you pass are actually delivering the social and economic dividends promised to the people.”

The Speaker, Hon. Guwor, said it was a day that reflected a collective commitment to strengthening democratic governance, improving legislative effectiveness, and ensuring that the laws made truly serve the people of Delta State.

Represented by the Majority Leader of the DSHA, Engr. Emeja Nwaobi, he launched the unit at the Assembly and reaffirmed their resolve to position the Delta Assembly as a forward-looking legislature aligned with global best practices.

“The output of the Framework, which we are launching today, will enable this House to systematically review existing laws after passage, assess their impact, identify gaps, and, where necessary, recommend amendments. This will ensure that our legislation remains relevant, efficient, and people-centered.

“It is worthy to note that post-legislative scrutiny is a critical component of modern legislative practice, highlighting that lawmaking is only one aspect of our constitutional responsibility.

“Equally important is ensuring that those laws are effectively implemented, achieving their intended objectives, and responding to the evolving needs of our people.

“Through the establishment of the PLS Department, the Delta State House of Assembly is taking a bold step toward enhancing legislative oversight, promoting evidence-based lawmaking; strengthening accountability in governance, and deepening public trust in democratic institutions.

“As representatives of the people, we must constantly ask ourselves: Are the laws we pass working? Are they delivering measurable benefits? Are they addressing the real challenges faced by our constituents? The Post-Legislative Scrutiny Department provides us with the institutional mechanism to answer these questions responsibly and objectively.”

Hon. Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Delta State, Ekemejero Ohwovoriole, said he was glad that the House has progressed from validating the PLS project to endorsing it.

Represented by Mrs. Abidemi Ekpemina, Director of Legal Drafting at the Ministry of Justice, she said the endorsement gave birth to today’s programme of launching the PLS Unit for the DSHA and Ministry of Justice.

While reiterating the commitment of the Delta State Ministry of Justice to join hands with the DSHA in this progressive stride as a key institutional partner and the primary drafting authority in the State to ensure that the PLS Unit of the DSHA achieves its purpose, he said the ministry was always ready and willing to provide all necessary technical support for the success of this very important project.

“With all our hands on deck, I have no doubt in my mind that this is achievable,” he assured.

The PLS Framework was thoroughly revised by an ad hoc committee of the House, ably chaired by the Leader of the House. The revised PLS Framework was adopted by the House on 26th November 2025 as a working document of the House.

Stakeholders urge Nigeria to move beyond lawmaking to effective law enforcement

FCT dispatch riders protest ‘multiple taxation’

Thousands of dispatch riders in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, took to the streets on Thursday at the FCT Administration Secretariat in Abuja to protest what they described as “multiple taxation.”

The riders called on the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to intervene and halt the alleged extortion.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, a riders’ spokesperson, Mr. Olawale Ilesanmi, acknowledged their awareness of tax obligations, which they have consistently met.

However, he said the burden of paying multiple taxes has become overwhelming.

He explained that the protest was intended to say “no to multiple taxation” and to urge the FCT Minister to put an end to what they consider unlawful levies.

According to Ilesanmi, dispatch riders have been paying taxes to the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Bwari, and Gwagwalada Area Councils.

“The N25,000 is way higher than what we pay the area councils. We are, therefore, kicking against the multiple taxation that is affecting us directly in Abuja,” he said.

He added that many motorcycles had been impounded, and owners were forced to pay the new N25,000 fee imposed in the name of the FCT Administration before their bikes could be released.

“We riders know that it’s our statutory obligation to pay tax, and we have been complying year in, year out, paying to AMAC, Bwari, and Gwagwalada Area Councils.”

“But all of a sudden, another group of tax collectors emerged from nowhere with another demand in the name of the FCT Administration, asking for higher tax compared with what we pay to AMAC,” Ilesanmi noted.

He further explained that riders also pay N300 each time they enter a market in Abuja.

“This means that when we enter the market 10 times in a day, we are bound to pay N300 10 times,” he said.

The protest was eventually suspended after officials from the FCT Transportation Secretariat met with the dispatch riders’ leaders.

FCT dispatch riders protest ‘multiple taxation’

Governor Fubara mourns Senator Mpigi

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed shock and sadness over the death of Senator Barinada Mpigi, who represented Rivers South East Senatorial District in the Senate.

In a tribute, Governor Fubara described the late senator as a brother, a committed politician, and one of the prominent leaders in Rivers State.

He said Mpigi’s death came at a time when his contributions were still greatly needed and prayed for God to grant him eternal rest.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Onwuka Nzeshi, the governor extended his condolences to the senator’s family, the people of Rivers South East, and members of the Senate.

He urged them to take comfort in the fact that the late lawmaker lived a meaningful life and made a positive impact.

Senator Mpigi died at the age of 64. Until his death, he served as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works.

Governor Fubara mourns Senator Mpigi

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