News

FG Partners Transport Workers, Cattle Breeders To Curb Waybill, Arms Proliferation In Northeast

Published

1 month ago

November 14, 2025

The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), Northeast Zonal Centre, under the Office of the National Security Adviser to President Bola Tinubu has partnered with road transport workers and cattle breeders to curb waybill and proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons in Northeastern states of Nigeria.

Speaking during an engagement with officials of the National Union of Road and Transport Workers (NURTW), National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and Borno Express, Maiduguri, Maj-:Gen Abubakar Adamu (Rtd), the Northeast Zonal Director of NCCSALW, reiterated the commitment of the centre to curb the menace of the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the state.

He explained to the stakeholders that trafficking of these small arms and light weapons through motor parks and public transport services in concealed waybills or personal luggage is an issue of interest to the Centre.

While highlighting the key roles that transport unions and motor parks managers could implement to ensure an arms free society, the Zonal Director urged the stakeholders to take ownership of their communities and adopt a community-based approach.

He called on them to collaborate with the Centre and support efforts geared towards sensitizing the public on dangers of the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons in the country.

“This engagement aligns with broader NCCSALW objectives and underscores the North East Zonal Centre’s commitment to work harmoniously with stakeholders to strengthen Borno State’s security posture,” he said.

In their separate reactions, Abba Shuwa Baba, Chairman of NURTW, Abba Jiddah Bishara, Chairman of NARTO and Saminu Yakubu, Manager of Borno Express all expressed readiness to collaborate with the Centre and pledged their support.

The interactive session provided an insight on the stakeholders’ commendable efforts and achievements such as the arrest of several arms couriers in their respective motor parks and terminals.

However, they expressed concern over lack of accountability and transparency in the prosecution of suspects by authorities, alleging that most of the people apprehended with arms and ammunition in the motor parks are serving military and security personnel.

They also expressed frustration over the lack of feedback from authorities on disciplinary action taken against those arrested.

Additionally, it was observed during the engagement that the spring up of illegal motor parks outside government approved locations pose a serious security challenge which aids the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the state.

There was consensus amongst the stakeholders on the need for the government to enhance security presence in motor parks and close all illegal motor parks just as the call for feedback on reported cases to motivate the stakeholders was amplified.

Similarly, the Centre visited the International Cattle Market in Potiskum Local Government Area of Yobe state where it held a stakeholder sensitization meeting with the State Chairman, Amalgamated Cattle breeders Association of Nigeria, the representative of the Emir of Fika and Mai Patiskum in charge of livestock, Miyetti Allah officials, amongst others.

The meeting focused on identifying practical strategies to mitigate the proliferation of SALW in Yobe State. This engagement aligns with the Centre’s mandate to promote community-level security collaboration and reinforces the Centre’s commitment to work closely with local stakeholders.

The Northeast Zonal Director urged market leaders and traditional ruler to take ownership of community safety efforts, emphasizing a community-based approach to combating arms proliferation in Northeast.

In their responses, the State Chairman of the Amalgamated Cattle Breeders Association, Alhaji Hamza Nguru and the Executive Chairman of Potiskum LGA, Hon. Ado Gojun, appreciated the Centre’s outreach efforts to the grassroots communities and pledged continued partnership and support and requested more frequent engagements with the Centre.

The Centre also paid a working visit to Brig:-Gen D. Abdussalam, the Special Adviser on Security Matters to the Executive Governor of Yobe State.

News

Christmas: Otuaro Preaches Peace, Unity In N’Delta, Hails Tinubu’s Support For PAP

Published

11 hours ago

December 25, 2025

Editor

The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro, has extended warm Christmas greetings to the people of the Niger Delta, calling for renewed commitment to peace, unity and communal harmony as the region prepares to enter the New Year.

Otuaro, in a message issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Igoniko Oduma, thanked stakeholders, traditional rulers, ex-agitators, youths and communities across the Niger Delta for their sustained support for the PAP and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He described peace and unity as the bedrock upon which sustainable development in the Niger Delta must continue to be built, urging the people to remain steadfast in protecting the hard-earned stability currently enjoyed in the region.

“Peace and unity remain the strongest foundations for sustainable development. As a people, we must continue to reject violence and embrace dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect as we work collectively for the progress of our region.

“I also express my profound appreciation to all stakeholders and the people of our region for your sustained support for the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,” he said.

Otuaro noted that the PAP recorded significant milestones in 2025, including improved welfare for beneficiaries, enhanced educational and vocational opportunities, and strengthened reintegration outcomes, all aimed at empowering Niger Delta youths to contribute meaningfully to society.

He attributed these achievements to the visionary leadership of President Tinubu and the institutional support of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), which provides strategic guidance for the effective implementation of the programme.

Reflecting on the meaning of Christmas, the PAP boss described it as a season that embodies love, sacrifice, compassion and reconciliation, values that resonate deeply with the communal culture and shared heritage of the Niger Delta people.

“Christmas reminds us of the power of love, sacrifice and togetherness. These values align naturally with the communal spirit of the Niger Delta, where collective responsibility, mutual support and shared progress have always defined our identity,” he added.

He urged beneficiaries of the Programme and residents of the region to celebrate the season with moderation and a renewed sense of responsibility to their communities.

Otuaro wished the people of the Niger Delta a Merry Christmas and expressed optimism that the New Year would usher in greater opportunities, peace and prosperity for the region and the nation at large.

“As we step into the New Year, I am confident that with continued unity, peace and collaboration, the Niger Delta will record even greater progress. I wish our people a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Prosperous New Year,” the PAP Administrator stated.

News

Okpebholo Slams ₦25bn Libel Suit On Edo PDP Chairman

Published

11 hours ago

December 25, 2025

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has given Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, a seven-day ultimatum to pay ₦25 billion in damages over alleged defamatory statements.

In a letter by the governor’s counsel, Ray Okezie, and addressed to Aziegbemi, the PDP State Chairmen was also requested to publish a public apology in three national dailies over the alleged defamatory statements.

Aziegbemi was said to have allegedly accused the governor of using thugs and non-state actors to carry out official duties.

“In the letter dated December 22, 2025, and titled ‘Demand for Damages and Apologies for Defamation of the Character of the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo,’ the PDP Chairman was said to have in a press statement of December 7, 2025 portrayed Okpebholo as an unintelligent, dishonest, and, lawless person.

“Accordingly, we have the instructions of our client to demand from you the sum of N25, 000,000,000.00 (Twenty Five Billion Naira only) being compensation for the damage you have inflicted on his reputation through your said press release.

“The above stated sum must get to our client within seven (7) clear days from the date of this letter. In addition, you are required within seven (7) days to publish a retraction of the said press release in three (3) National Newspapers which must include the Guardian and the Vanguard newspapers,” the letter partly reads.

The governor’s counsel threatened to proceed on legal action in any Nigerian court should the PDP State Chairman fail to comply with the demands

News

YULETIDE: UBTH CMD Charges Nigerians To Be Hopeful In Coming Year

Published

14 hours ago

December 25, 2025

Editor

The Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu has urged Nigerians to remain optimistic about the upcoming year, despite current challenges.

Prof. Ize-Iyamu expressed optimism that the coming year would bring improvements for everyone.

The CMD made these remarks during the Nine Lessons and Carol night /End of Year Party organized by UBTH for staff and students held in Benin.

Prof. Ize-Iyamu encouraged everyone to place their trust solely in Christ to overcome the numerous challenges facing the country.

She expressed her gratitude to the hospital community for their support during her first four months in office.

Prof. Ize-Iyamu assured them that the coming years hold many opportunities and that hope in Christ would transform lives daily, just as Christ’s birth brings joy and is the reason for the season.

She also extended her appreciation to everyone in the spirit of the season.

“I want to appreciate everyone in the spirit of the season. Our commitment to excellence and professionalism remains at UBTH.

“UBTH CARES and just like Christ cares. As we celebrate Christ and the season. Let’s hope on him. When you have Christ, you have hope.We are hopeful that the coming year will be better as a people and institution,” Ize-Iyamu said.

The ceremony’s highlight featured a visit to the hospital wards where the CMD distributed gifts to patients and newborns, with management, staff, and students in attendance.