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Rivers Elections: Why We Withdrew Policemen – IGP Egbetokun

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Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun says that policemen were withdrawn from local government headquarters following the election of democratically elected chairmen.

He explained that since the elections had been concluded, there was no longer a need to maintain a police presence at the local government secretariats.

It would be recalled that after the Chairmen were sworn into office and asked to go resume at the Secretariats, suspected thugs attacked and set some of the LGs ablaze while destroying many government properties.

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Speaking on the development during a meeting with Police Strategic Commanders in Abuja on Tuesday, IGP Egbetokun said, “We were not supposed to have any issues in Rivers. The issues were avoidable. We acted very professionally and followed legal and democratic tenets.

READ ALSO: Rivers Crisis: It’s Up To Him – Wike Gives Conditions For Peace With Fubara

“We were preparing for the LG elections in Rivers State when a high court in Abuja said Police should not take part in the election. A high court in Rivers said the Police should perform its constitutional role.

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“Another court, this time, a Federal High Court again came up with an order barring the Police from taking part in the election.

‘As IGP I sent the 3 different court orders to our Legal department because we have very sound lawyers including a Senior Advocate of Nigeria for advice. The advice was that we should go with Federal High Court order and stay off.

“Because all our operations are guided by the rule of law. I wrote the governor intimating him of this decision to stay off the election and that Policemen would not be involved.

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READ ALSO: A’Court Affirms Amaewhule As Speaker, Voids Rivers 2024 Budget

“Before then we had intelligence that some persons were planning to attack and burn down the SIEC. So the next day, policemen were deployed to the Rivers State Electoral Commission (River SIEC) to protect the commission.

“The next day, the governor came out making all sorts of allegations including saying that Police were there to tamper with election materials which was unexpected.

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“After the election of the LG chairmen, if we had remained and continued to seal the LGs, we would have been accused of taking sides. That is why we withdrew our men from the secretariat.

“However following the outbreak of violence, and Mr President directed that we restore order, we went back and did so. So the police only obeyed court orders in its action.”

 

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Edo Postpones School Resumption Date

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Edo State Government has postponed the resumption of all public and private schools in Edo Central Senatorial District where Governor Monday Okpebholo hails from.

The postponement of the resumption date may not be unconnected to the rising insecurity in the area, as it would be recalled that violent protest a few days ago engulfed Ekpoma, Edo Central over incessant kidnappings in the locality.

The angry protesters vandalised the Palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma, just as shops were looted, an act the state government had condemned in strong terms.

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READ ALSO:Edo Targets 2.2 Million Children For Measles, Rubella Vaccination

In a statement, the state Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, said the school resumption postponement was till further notice and to enable them address some exigencies to improve the welfare of the pupils.

According to him, “The new date of resumption will be duly communicated to the public in due course.

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“Parents, guardians, and all education stakeholders within Edo Central Senatorial District are kindly requested to take note of this development and comply accordingly.”

 

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NAF Launches Attack On Terrorists In Borno

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The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, operating as part of the joint task force of Operation Hadin Kai, has carried out a coordinated air interdiction at AbbagaJiri in the Timbuktu Triangle, Borno State.

According to Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information of NAF, the air strikes successfully paved the way for ground troops.

He explained that the operation was based on actionable intelligence from multiple sources, which confirmed the presence of terrorists, their structures, and concealed logistics facilities in the area.

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Ejodame stated that NAF air assets were deployed in integrated surveillance and precision strike roles to target identified threats.

READ ALSO:NAF Hits Bandit Logistics Hub, Neutralises Many In Zamfara

The operation aimed to degrade terrorist capabilities, deny them sanctuary, and shape the battlefield for ground forces, all while strictly adhering to rules of engagement and protecting civilians.

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He added, “The Identified terrorist structures were decisively engaged and destroyed, denying the terrorists freedom of action, while a follow-up engagement neutralised armed elements observed converging on the location.”

Subsequent advances by ground troops into the area confirmed the effectiveness of the air strikes and validated the success of the joint air–land operation.”

Speaking on the mission, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, said, “The success of the mission reflects the NAF’s resolve to dominate the air domain in support of joint operations.

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READ ALSO:NAF Hits Bandit Logistics Hub, Neutralises Many In Zamfara

Aneke further emphasized that the operation highlighted the service’s commitment to providing precise and decisive air power in support of ground forces.

In his words, “We will continue to deny terrorists freedom of movement, sanctuary, and logistics wherever they seek to hide. Air operations will remain relentless and intelligence-driven.”

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“Our operations are carefully planned and intelligence-led, ensuring maximum effect on hostile elements while safeguarding innocent civilians.”

READ ALSO:NAF Announces Two-hour Road Closure In Abuja For 10km Walk

The Nigerian Air Force will sustain pressure until terrorist networks are completely dismantled.”

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He further noted that the operation showcased NAF’s aggressive stance, precision employment of airpower, and dedication to sustained joint operations.

Aneke added that such missions play a crucial role in enabling ground troops to maintain momentum and deliver decisive outcomes against terrorist networks threatening lives, property, and Nigeria’s national security.

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Lagos Parks To Close For Maintenance – State Govt

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The Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency, LASPARK, has announced that all public parks under its management across the state will be temporarily closed for routine maintenance and upgrades.

In a statement released on January 9 and shared via its official platforms early Saturday, LASPARK said, “All parks under our management will be closed to the public from January 12 to January 31, 2026.

“This follows increased visitor activity during the recent festive season.”

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The agency listed several popular recreational spots that will be affected, including “Ndubisi Kanu Park, Alausa JJT Park, Dr. Finnih Abayomi Park in Oregun, and all other LASPARK-managed parks across Lagos State.”

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Explaining the reason for the closure, LASPARK added, “The temporary shutdown is necessary to carry out essential landscaping, facility repairs, and general upgrades to ensure that our parks remain safe, clean, and enjoyable for residents and visitors.”

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The agency also stressed that the exercise aligns with its broader mandate, noting, “This maintenance programme is part of our commitment to providing well-maintained green spaces that promote relaxation, wellness, and environmental sustainability.”

LASPARK assured residents that “all parks will reopen at the end of the maintenance period.”

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