Author: GANUX

 

 

The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board has warned Nigerians to beware of fraudulent recruitment messages circulating online, as the 2025 paramilitary recruitment exercise enters a crucial phase.

 

In a statement posted on its official X handle late Wednesday, the board clarified that it will not contact applicants through email or SMS, stressing that all legitimate updates are available only on its portal.

 

It urged applicants to visit the site to update their profiles and print examination slips, as part of the ongoing shortlisting process.

 

“CDCFIB will not send emails or SMS to applicants. Visit our portal, and once shortlisted, update your profile to print your examination slip.

“Follow the instructions carefully. Beware of scammers,” the Board said.

 

The CDCFIB’s warning follows the release of names of candidates shortlisted for the paramilitary agencies’ computer-based test.

In a statement on Wednesday, the secretary to the board, retired Maj.-Gen. Abdulmalik Jubril, urged candidates who applied for recruitment into any of the four paramilitary agencies to visit its official recruitment portal at https://recruitment.cdcfib.gov.ng from Thursday to check if they had been shortlisted.

 

“From Thursday, October 30, 2025, candidates are to check if they have been shortlisted for the next stage of the exercise, as well as centres for the Computer-Based Test (CBT).

 

“Shortlisted candidates are further requested to take note of the venue, date, as well as time scheduled for the CBT,” he said.

 

The statement enjoined applicants to take note of the correct portal address highlighted to avoid being scammed.

 

PUNCH Online reports that the agencies are the Nigerian Correctional Service, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Federal Fire Service, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

 

 

 

Military investigation into the alleged coup plot has reportedly uncovered a trail of N45 billion disbursed from the bank accounts of the Niger Delta Development Commission to some politically exposed persons and the soldiers detained in connection with the rumoured conspiracy to topple President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

 

Earlier this month, Sahara Reporters reported that 16 Nigerian Army officers were detained for allegedly planning a coup d’etat to overthrow President Bola Tinubu.

 

The online newspaper had linked the alleged coup to the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day by the Federal Government.

 

However, the military, in a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, denied the report linking the detention of the16 military officers to a failed coup.

Multiple reports on Tuesday stated that some Nigerian Army personnel raided the Abuja residence of ex-governor Timipre Sylva, also a former Minister of State for Petroleum, in connection with the alleged coup plot currently under investigation by the Defence Intelligence Agency.

 

Sequel to the discovery, the Defence Intelligence Agency investigators grilled some top NDDC officials about the sources of the fund, beneficiaries and how it was utilised.

 

The development has set off panic alarms at the NDDC headquarters over alleged links to the financing of subversive activities.

 

The Federal Government had also denied the coup plot against Tinubu’s administration. The Defence Headquarters described reports of a coup attempt as “false, misleading, and malicious” and stated that 16 military officers in custody are being investigated for professional misconduct, not a coup plot.

 

While details of the interrogation of the NDDC officials remain unclear, investigators are said to be scrutinising a series of high-value transactions carried out in recent months allegedly linked to politically-exposed persons.

 

They include a shoreline project awarded to a former governor in the South-South to the tune of N45bn, some of which allegedly found its way to the account of some of the detained officers.

 

Security sources with knowledge of the ongoing probe confirmed that the interrogation of the NDDC top shots was “part of a broader intelligence-based inquiry into the movement of public funds.”

 

Sources in the NDDC disclosed to The PUNCH that many top officials are apprehensive that the development may trigger a broader probe into the commission’s financial dealings.

 

They affirmed that the invitation of the top NDDC executives had triggered widespread anxiety among senior officials.

According to one insider, who spoke on condition of anonymity, “Since the news broke about the interrogation of the top shots, the atmosphere here has been uneasy. Many directors are being cautious about their movements and communications.”

 

Some executive directors who maintain close administrative ties with the embattled NDDC top shots are said to be worried about the development.

 

The development has sparked intense speculation within the commission, with staff expressing concern that the investigation could widen and implicate other senior officials.

 

The NDDC spokesperson, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, declined comments when asked about the quizzing of the commission’s officials.

 

Meanwhile, Sylva has denied alleged involvement in the coup plot.

 

His Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs, Chief Julius Bokoru, said the rumour in some quarters is the handiwork of ‘’desperate and self-seeking politicians trying to actualise their ambitions in 2027.’’

 

On Wednesday, The PUNCH reported how Sylva’s Abuja home was raided by Defence Intelligence Agency operatives probing the controversial plot to forcefully change the government.

 

During the raid, which took place on Saturday, the operatives arrested Sylva’s younger brother, Paga, who is his Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs and also took his driver into custody.

 

The former Bayelsa governor and All Progressives Congress chieftain was outside the country during the operation.

 

The media aide disclosed that the operatives did not remove anything from Sylva’s Abuja residence during the operation, noting that the two men that were arrested have yet to be released from custody.

 

Bokoru explained that no reason was provided for the raid. He further clarified that the former governor’s Yenagoa residence was not raided by the operatives.

He confirmed that Sylva and his wife, Alanyingi, were out of the country at the time.

 

Explaining their absence, Bokoru said Sylva was in the United Kingdom for routine medical checks and would soon be on his way to Malaysia to attend “a professional conference.”

 

He said, “It’s not true. It is the handiwork of people in the state APC who are concerned about their governorship ambition in 2027,” he stated.

“Those doing this are in the state APC. It is about the 2027 governorship ambition. They are appointees of the Federal Government and instead of focusing on their work, they are playing local toxic politics.

 

‘’Such wicked politicians took their desperation to a nauseating level following Sylva’s intimidating political presence and credibility that had continued to expose their self-serving ambitions and evil agenda.”

 

Bokoru also said Sylva’s driver, as well as his younger brother, Paga, who were whisked away by the operatives on Saturday, were yet to be released from custody.

 

He disclosed that the operatives of the Defence Headquarters did not remove anything from Sylva’s Abuja residence when they raided it last Saturday.

 

However, a close associate of Sylva told The PUNCH that several parts of the house were damaged following Saturday’s raid.

 

He said, “Expensive doors were destroyed while a number of other household appliances were ransacked and scattered during the raid but nothing incriminating was found.”

 

He dismissed allegations linking the Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, to Sylva as part of the coup plot.

 

Ogbuku was the Chief of Staff to Sylva while he was Bayelsa governor.

 

When contacted, Ogbuku denied he was arrested. In a short message to our correspondent, he said, “I’m not aware of such. Just the way you are seeing it is the same way I’m seeing it too on social media.”

 

Earlier, in a statement on Wednesday, titled, ‘Setting the record straight on recent false reports about Sylva,’ Bokoru denied Sylva’s reported involvement in the alleged coup plot.

 

He insisted that his principal was not involved in the planning or logistics of any coup.

 

The statement read, “In the past 48 hours, I have been inundated with calls from members of the press, political associates, and concerned individuals regarding a circulating report alleging that His Excellency, Chief Timipre Sylva, has “fled” the country in connection with certain purported matters.

 

“For the avoidance of doubt, it is true that the residence of His Excellency, Chief Timipre Sylva, was recently subjected to a raid by individuals believed to be operatives of the Defence Headquarters. During the said operation, considerable damage was inflicted upon the property.

 

“Despite sustained efforts, I have been unable to ascertain the reasons or authorisation for this raid. To the best of my knowledge, the officers involved did not provide any categorical explanation for their actions, either at the time or subsequently.

“It is important to state unequivocally that His Excellency, Chief Timipre Sylva, CON, and his esteemed wife, Her Excellency, Alanyingi Sylva, were both outside the country at the time of the incident.

 

“As at my last communication with His Excellency, he was engaged in a routine medical check-up in the United Kingdom, after which he was scheduled to proceed to Malaysia to attend a professional conference.

 

“The next development I was made aware of, regrettably, were reports circulating across social media and other platforms concerning the raid on his residence.

 

“While the Defence Headquarters has already debunked the swirling rumours of a coup in Nigeria, it is important to state emphatically that Chief Timipre Sylva, CON, has no involvement whatsoever—either in planning or in logistics—with any such plot.

 

“Chief Sylva is a thoroughbred democrat, whose entire political journey has been defined by his faith in democratic processes and institutions. From the 1990s, when he was first elected into the Old Rivers State House of Assembly, to his tenure as Governor of Bayelsa State, Sylva has achieved every milestone through transparent, democratic engagement and the will of the people.’’

 

The statement further added, “His unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a matter of public record. It remains fresh in memory how he mobilized the entire Bayelsa APC structure to unanimously endorse President Tinubu at the APC Bayelsa Expanded Stakeholders’ Meeting.

 

“These rumours are nothing more than the handiwork of desperate and narcissistic politicians, already consumed by ambitions for 2027, who see Sylva as their last real obstacle—a man whose political presence and credibility continue to expose their dark, self-serving ambitions.”

 

 

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on Tuesday, received 23 abductees rescued by troops of the Nigerian Army, warning that kidnappers and other criminal elements “have no place in Kwara State.”

 

The victims were handed over to the Governor at the headquarters of the 22 Armoured Brigade, Sobi, Ilorin, following their release by the Army after weeks in captivity.

 

Speaking during the brief handover ceremony, AbdulRazaq expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Armed Forces and President Bola Tinubu for their support in the ongoing military operations to clear out bandits and kidnappers from forests across the state.

 

“We thank God that you were all freed following pressure from the security forces. We also thank the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Nigerian Army for this success,” the Governor said in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye.

“We are glad to see 23 victims freed today. The government will support your rehabilitation. The challenges we are facing are temporary. It is either these criminals leave Kwara or they die here. This is a state of harmony.”

 

AbdulRazaq commended the General Officer Commanding and the new Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Nicholas Nemetne Rume, for their renewed onslaught against criminal elements in the state, adding that their deployment has restored calm to previously troubled areas.

 

He disclosed that the state government would immediately deploy forest guards once the ongoing Army “clean-up operations” are concluded to maintain peace and enable displaced farmers to return to their farmlands.

 

“The GOC has been on the ground for two weeks, and since he came, we’ve seen a turnaround. Many criminals have been arrested or neutralised. Peace is being restored to Kwara,” the Governor added.

On his part, Brigadier General Rume praised the Governor for his support of the Army, vowing to sustain pressure on the kidnappers until they are completely flushed out of the state.

 

“Your Excellency, without the state government’s support, most of our operations would not have been possible,” Rume said.

 

“The GOC’s order is clear it is either the bandits leave Kwara State or they die here. That’s the only mandate I have, and we will continue to do our best to achieve it.”

 

One of the rescued victims, Pastor Obafemi, recounted his ordeal in captivity, describing the experience as “traumatic.”

 

“It was a very painful experience being held against our will,” he said. “I thank the Governor and the troops for rescuing us. God will continue to strengthen them to overcome the people tormenting us.”

 

Kwara, once regarded as one of the most peaceful states in North Central Nigeria, has in recent months witnessed a surge in kidnapping and banditry, particularly in parts of Ifelodun, Edu, and Patigi local government areas.

The Nigerian Army and other security agencies have since launched coordinated operations to dislodge the criminal networks believed to have infiltrated the state from neighbouring Niger and Kogi states.

 

AbdulRazaq has repeatedly assured residents that his administration will continue to support security agencies with logistics, intelligence, and welfare packages to ensure that the state remains safe for residents and investors.

 

 

 

The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Internal Security, Garba Muhammad, on Tuesday disclosed that the National Assembly has received threats from terrorists to bomb the complex and called for urgent fortification of the edifice as a proactive measure.

 

Garba disclosed this in Abuja at a public hearing on a bill seeking to establish the Legislative Security Directorate, which seeks to enhance security management, protect the lawmakers, staff members and visitors to the nation’s parliament.

 

The edifice housing the Senate, the House of Representatives and sundry offices, he said, has been facing security challenges, including cases of car and motorcycle theft, vandalism, fake identity cards, and infiltration by unregistered visitors.

 

PUNCH Online recalls a similar incident on May 4, 2021, a security alert warned lawmakers of a planned Boko Haram attack on the National Assembly complex and other VIP/government locations in Abuja. In response, security measures were intensified, including strict vehicle checks that caused significant congestion at the gates.

Lawmakers were advised to use the less-congested presidential gate for safer access. The alert underscored concerns over Boko Haram’s growing threat, with insurgents reportedly operating as close as Niger State, near the Federal Capital Territory.

 

Following the alert, the National Assembly limited members’ presence on the premises for safety, and security experts called for stronger federal protection of national infrastructure and assets.

 

Garba said, “We have received threats from terrorists to bomb the National Assembly Complex and threats from protesters to lock up the National Assembly.

 

“Legislators are exposed to threats from constituents and others who gain easy access to their offices without any formal appointment.

“It is obvious that with the ongoing security challenges, if proper measures are not taken, it will truncate the legislative activities in the National Assembly. If activities are thwarted, there will be no representation, no oversight, no annual budget, no plenary at all — and that will destabilise legislative procedure, democracy, and the stability of the system, and our nation at large.

 

The Kano lawmaker noted that robust security management requires a holistic and coordinated approach, integrating multi-layered approaches to secure the National Assembly environment to enable lawmakers to discharge their duties in an atmosphere of peace.

 

“That is why this bill is important. It seeks to address all the challenges as aforesaid and adopt the world’s best practices of parliamentary security procedures and architecture.

 

“The need for effective security measures in the National Assembly cannot be overemphasised because parliament has to remain accessible to the public. However, this bill is committed to ensuring the best security architecture in the National Assembly — to protect legislators, staff, visitors, and property,” he said.

 

He urged State Houses of Assembly to take urgent steps to protect their complexes nationwide.

 

He called for support among stakeholders to ensure the quick passage of the bill, describing it as a major step toward securing Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

“I wish us a peaceful and fruitful hearing that will ultimately bring a turnaround in the National Assembly’s security architecture,” he said.