The Abia State Police Command has confirmed the killing of two Chinese nationals and a police escort by gunmen, in an attack along the Uturu-Aguukwu-Amaya road in Isuikwuato Local Government Area of the state.
In a statement issued by the State Police Public Relations Officer, Maureen Chinaka, it was stated that the attack took place around 5:30pm on Thursday, April 4, 2025, when the victims were traveling to their company site located at Agukwu-Amaya, Ndundu Community.
The assailants ambushed the victims, killing the manager, Mr. Quan, and his colleague, Mr. Cai, both Chinese nationals, along with one of the police escorts, Inspector Audu Saidu.
According to the police, the gunmen also took away the rifle of the slain inspector.
“The assailants ambushed the convoy while en route to the company’s site, and in the attack, three people were killed, including two Chinese nationals and one police officer.
“Upon receiving a distress call, the Abia State Police Command, in collaboration with the military and other security agencies, swiftly mobilised a search and rescue mission. The operation successfully led to the rescue of three of the Chinese expatriates, all of whom were unharmed, although one sustained injuries,” said the statement.
Another escort, Inspector Uba Ahmed, who suffered a gunshot wound to his leg, was also rescued.
The statement added, “In an effort to ensure the safety of the remaining expatriates and officers, a tactical team from the Abia State Police, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), visited the crime scene on 5 April 2025.
“As part of ongoing operations, another officer, Inspector Ijeagwa Friday, was rescued unharmed, thanks to the collaborative effort between the police, military, and local community members.”
The State Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa, expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and vowed that those responsible for the heinous crime would be brought to justice.
A protester shouts slogans during a “Hands Off!” demonstration called by the Democrats Abroad organisation against US President’s administration and his advisor Tesla CEO in Paris, on April 5, 2025. (Photo by Thomas SAMSON / AFP)
Tens of thousands of protesters flooded the streets of major US cities on Saturday to oppose the divisive policies of President Donald Trump, in the largest demonstrations since his return to the White House.
Opponents of the Republican president’s policies — from government staffing cuts to trade tariffs and eroding civil liberties — rallied in Washington, New York, Houston, Florida, Colorado and Los Angeles, among other locations.
“I am so angry, I’m so mad, all the time, yes. A bunch of privileged, white alleged rapists are controlling our country. It’s not great,” said New York painter Shaina Kesner, 43, joining a crowd marching through the heart of Manhattan.
In Washington, thousands of demonstrators — many traveling from across the United States — gathered on the National Mall where dozens of speakers rallied opposition to Trump.
“We have about 100 people who have come down by bus and van from New Hampshire to protest against this outrageous administration (that) is causing us to lose our allies across the world, and causing devastation to people here at home,” said Diane Kolifrath, 64, a bike tour guide.
“They’re gutting our government.”
In Los Angeles, a woman dressed as a character from dystopian novel “The Handmaid’s Tale” waved a large flag with the message: “Get out of my uterus,” a reference to Trump’s anti-abortion policies.
In Denver, Colorado, one man in a large crowd of protesters held up a placard reading “No king for USA.”
The rallies even extended to some European capitals, where demonstrators voiced opposition to Trump and his aggressive trade policies.
“What’s happening in America is everyone’s problem,” Liz Chamberlin, a dual US-British citizen told AFP at a London rally.
“It’s economic lunacy… He is going to push us into a global recession.”
And in Berlin, 70-year-old retiree Susanne Fest said Trump had created “a constitutional crisis,” adding, “The guy is a lunatic.”
In the US, a loose coalition of left-leaning groups like MoveOn and Women’s March organized “Hands Off” events in more than 1,000 cities and in every congressional district, the groups said.
– Anger –
Trump has angered many Americans by moving aggressively to downsize the government, unilaterally impose conservative values and sharply pressure even friendly countries over borders and trade, causing stock markets to tank.
We’re out here to stop the, honestly, fascism,” protester Dominic Santella told AFP in Boston. “We’re stopping a leader from… jailing his opponents, stopping him from jailing just random people, immigrants.”
Many Democrats are irate that their party, in the minority in both houses of Congress, has seemed so helpless to resist Trump’s moves.
At the National Mall, just blocks from the White House, thousands heard speakers including Representative Jamie Raskin, a Democrat who served as impeachment manager during Trump’s second impeachment.
“No moral person wants an economy-crashing dictator who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing,” he told the crowd.
Activist Graylan Hagler, 71, also addressed the protest, saying: “They’ve woken up a sleeping giant, and they haven’t seen nothing yet.”
“We will not sit down, we will not be quiet, and we will not go away.”
Saturday’s demonstrations were largely peaceful. An upbeat atmosphere prevailed on a mild day in Washington, with protesters ranging from the elderly to young couples with infants in strollers.
A Women’s March shortly after Trump’s first election in 2016 drew an estimated half-million protesters to Washington.
Organizers for the latest Washington rally had predicted a turnout of 20,000 but by Saturday afternoon said the number appeared considerably larger.
As Trump continues upending Washington, his approval rating has fallen to its lowest since taking office, according to recent polling.
But despite global pushback to his sweeping tariffs and bubbling resentment from many Americans, the White House has dismissed the protests.
The Republican president, still popular with his base, shows no sign of relenting.
“My policies will never change,” Trump said Friday.
A former governor of Oyo State, Dr. Victor Olunloyo, is dead.
According to a statement by his family on Sunday, he died a few days before his 90th birthday.
The statement titled ‘Victor Olunloyo goes home’ was signed Oladapo Ogunwusi on behalf of the family.
It read, “With a heavy heart but gratitude to the Almighty, we announce the passing into glory of Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo, former governor of Oyo State, mathematician and engineer and renowned technocrat, a few days before his 90th birthday.
“The Balogun of Oyo and Otun Bobasewa of Ife, Dr. Olunloyo was first Rector, Ibadan polytechnic and first Rector, Kwara State Polytechnic among other notable appointments.
“His long record of service to the nation and humanity is a source of pride to his family and associates even as we come to grip with this devastating event.
“The Olunloyo family will appreciate the understanding of the press and the public as they commence efforts to give him a befitting burial.
“Even from everlasting to everlasting, He is God.”
About a year ago in April 2024, the rumour of the death of the elder statesman was reported by some news platforms.
But speaking with The PUNCH correspondent who visited his Molete residence in Ibadan, the state capital, he debunked the rumour, saying he was hale and hearty.
“I’m still here, not yet gone,” he declared then.
He also expressed worry over the rumour and asked who would live forever, stressing, “Those breaking death news and the person presumed dead will all die one day.
“I’ve been lucky. My father died at 42, while my mother died at 102. I’m 89. I’ve crossed the expected life age.”
The elder statesman also illustrated how the rumour of his death hit several news platforms on June 7, 2022.
He noted that the rumour mongers claimed that he died at the University College Hospital, Ibadan.
A few days later, the family issued a statement, declaring that he was not dead but suffering from old age ailment and asked Nigerians to pray for him to survive the health complications.
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have intercepted cocaine hidden inside the walls of several suitcases.
The agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, shared videos of the seized contraband on X.com on Sunday.
According to the statement, the smugglers went to extreme lengths, factory-fitting the hard drugs within the luggage with surgical precision.
The statement read, “Narco-trend update: Strewing the walls of suitcases, in factory fitting precision, with cocaine, must have taken lot of efforts and resources but at the end #ndlea_nigeria officers still uncovered all as revealed in these videos that captured the latest seizure by #ndlea.”
Videos released by the agency show officers slicing through suitcase linings to remove the hidden cocaine.
Amid growing concerns spurred by recent remarks from a popular religious leader, Nigerian pharmacists have clarified misconceptions about fluoride, emphasising its safety and efficacy when used in regulated amounts.
The comments, which circulated widely in trending videos, featured the cleric condemning the presence of fluoride in toothpaste, food, and pharmaceutical products, alleging it to be poisonous and cancer-causing.
Responding over the weekend, the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria described the claims as “not totally in alignment with scientific facts”, while acknowledging the pastor’s influence in spiritual matters.
“We at ACPN will not attempt to tackle the pastor’s anointing in God’s word,” said ACPN National Chairman, Ambrose Ezeh, and Secretary, Omokhafe Ashore, in a joint statement.
“But (we) will clarify with some scientific insight and background that the pastor’s exposition on fluorides was not totally in alignment with scientific facts”, the association added.
The association emphasised that fluoride, when applied within the limits approved by health and food regulatory bodies, is both safe and beneficial.
“Fluorides used in approved quantities by the relevant and appropriate food and drug regulatory agencies are safe,” they said.
While acknowledging that some studies have made links between fluoride and cancer, the pharmacists noted such findings often relate to overexposure or excessive consumption, not regulated use.
They said, “While some researchers have indeed linked fluoride with some cancers, oftentimes such incidences have been proven to be in instances where excessive amounts beyond the approved limits were used.”
The ACPN added that regulated fluoride use—typically no more than 5mg per kilogram—is considered safe. When added to toothpaste, fluoride strengthens enamel and helps prevent tooth decay.
They pointed out that health risks such as dental and skeletal fluorosis or thyroid issues typically stem from prolonged, excessive misuse of fluoride products, not from everyday usage as per medical guidelines.
Addressing public concern about fluoride in milk, they clarified that cow’s milk generally contains little to no fluoride, whereas some plant-based alternatives may include trace amounts either naturally or as additives.
“Even in such non-dairy milk as vegan milk, it is only the excessive addition of fluoride that poses any propensity to danger.”
The pharmacists also reminded the public of a fundamental rule of pharmacology: “No drug or pharmaceutical product is safe except when taken in the right quantities or measures over a timeline within the given drug regimen.
“This is why we often say all drugs are potential poisons depending on their use and management.”
The statement went further to educate the public on natural sources of fluoride, which include water, soil, some fruits, salmon, and even breast milk.
Highlighting recommended intake levels, the ACPN stated that adults should consume 3.7–4.5mg daily, while children should stay within the 0.7–1.3mg range. This discrepancy explains why toothpastes are age-specific, the association noted.
The ACPN encouraged parents to pay attention to children’s use of toothpaste, advising that children should be taught not to swallow toothpaste during brushing.
“How intentional are consumers about the quantities of fluoride products used, especially in children and paediatrics?” they asked. Do we ensure toothpastes are not swallowed during use, especially in children?”
On whether fluoride alternatives will emerge in future, the group acknowledged the need for continued research.
“Pharmacists and other scientists will continue to research the desirability of fluoride use in oral care products. If this yields alternative drug molecules with similar benefits without the harmful effects of fluoride overdose… then a whole range of reforms may have been informed.”
However, for now, the ACPN stood firm in its conclusion, stating, “In the world of science as of now, there is no credible evidence implicating fluoride-containing toothpaste or milk as causing cancers. Some reputable cancer associations have openly debunked claims that there is any link between fluoride and cancer after extensive research.”
They urged the public to rely on verified scientific information, cautioning non-health professionals against spreading misinformation with potential public health consequences.
The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has emerged as the flagbearer of the All Progressives Grand Alliance for the November 8, 2025, governorship election in the state.
Soludo was returned unopposed by no fewer than 3,260 delegates of the party during its primary conducted at the Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, on Saturday.
The governor, who was the only aspirant of the party, also retained his current deputy, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, as his running mate.
Announcing the results, the returning officer for the election, Uche Nwegbo, said the total delegates were 3,260, while 3,175 were accredited to vote and four votes were invalid
Nwegbo said, “Total delegates for this election is 3,260, 3,175 are accredited delegates, 3,172 is the total votes, while 0 4 votes were invalid.
“The total yes-votes garnered by the governor is 3,168, while there were no no-votes. So, in line with the INEC guidelines and with the powers conferred on me as the chief returning officer for this election, I, Uche Nwegbo, hereby declare the governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, as returned, as the candidate of our party.”
The governor, in his acceptance speech, assured the party faithful that he will continue to work hard for the people of Anambra State.
He said, “We as a party have grown from strength to strength. We are the first registered progressive party in Nigeria, and our people have taken APGA as their own. Anambra is APGA and APGA is Anambra.
“I want to say that I am humbled by this historic display of solidarity to be able to raise the flag of our party again, and I want to say that I accept this nomination wholeheartedly.
“Anambra keeps rising with the progressive leadership that we have had through APGA, and I will continue to appreciate the leadership of the party.
“I appreciate the members of our party and the INEC observers. I do not think that we have ever had this kind of peaceful election where everything was orderly and in one hour everyone was able to cast their votes.
“In 2021, Anambra interviewed all the candidates and employed me, and all through the journey, three years down the line, you have been able to give us support. That is why we have been able to do what we do, which people say is magical. We are doing this without borrowing one Naira, and I know we will continue to do even more, and we continue to ask for your prayers.
“We are only at the introductory stage; Anambra has not seen anything yet. I appreciate the citizens and captains of industries who have been supporting us, and we will keep growing higher and higher.
“I appreciate the support groups, especially all that endorsed us for a second term. They are still coming up with more donations to the campaigns, and I thank those market women who are still eager to donate to our campaign. Many political parties have declared support for us, and never in Anambra State have we ever had a consensus like what we have today.
“When I took oath of office, I promised not to let Anambra down, not to let my supporters down, not to let my family down, and not to let APGA down. We are working 247 to ensure that. Many people have said we do not have any opposition, but I say that we will not only win all 21 local governments but also the 326 wards. Someone said we should even aim for all the polling units in the state. We want to make a statement.”
The governor, who also announced his running mate immediately after clinching the party’s ticket, said he would retain his current deputy as his running mate for the race.
“In 2017, I gave a lecture which I titled ‘If it is not broken, why mend it’, and it became popular. Today, I want to say that I am renominating Dr Onyeka Ibezim as my deputy governorship candidate for the election. If it is not broken, why mend it? I want to say that the battle has only begun,” he added.
Huawei Nigeria Digital Power has introduced an innovative product, the LUNA2000-215 Series, the world’s first hybrid air and liquid cooling commercial and industrial energy storage solution.
The launch, which took place at an event attended by industry partners and key stakeholders from the C&I energy sector, marked a significant milestone in the region’s energy landscape.
In a statement shared with PUNCH Online on Saturday, the company highlighted the importance of this new technology in addressing critical energy challenges faced by businesses.
According to the statement, the FusionSolar C&I LUNA2000-215-2S10, a key component of the LUNA2000-215 Series, advances the energy storage industry by emphasising system safety, refined management, and intelligent applications.
This solution is set to enhance both the efficiency and reliability of businesses across Nigeria and beyond. In a promising start, 84 units of the newly launched series were ordered by five partners within Nigeria.
Huawei Nigeria Digital Power Business Department Director, Mr. Cruise Ni, emphasised the urgency of embracing a new era in the C&I sector. He outlined the necessity of rethinking partnerships with original equipment manufacturers and pointed to three primary drivers fueling the growth of the C&I sector in Africa: unreliable electricity supply, rising energy costs, and the falling prices of solar technology.
“The C&I ESS market in Nigeria is rapidly expanding, driven by high demand and compelling economic benefits. The LUNA2000-215-2S10 is engineered to address the unique challenges of this growing market. Huawei FusionSolar is proud to introduce the world’s first C&I ESS that utilizes smart air and liquid cooling systems, along with advanced safety, thermal management, and power supply technologies, to deliver industry-leading results,” he said.
He added, “An in-depth introduction to the LUNA2000-215 Series outlined four core values that set Huawei’s energy storage solutions apart: Proactive Safety, Premium Quality, Higher Profitability, and One-Fits-All. Proactive Safety is central, featuring Huawei’s innovative ‘Cell-to-Consumption (C2C) Dual-link Safety Architecture.’ This ensures comprehensive electrical and thermal safety, from the cell level to consumption, with rapid shutdown capabilities and robust fire suppression measures.
“Premium Quality is guaranteed through Huawei’s rigorous design, testing, and production processes, achieving a remarkable 99.999% inverter availability and the highest safety certifications. With Higher Profitability, Huawei’s advanced power supply architecture delivers the industry’s best round-trip efficiency of over 91.3%, optimizing energy management and prolonging battery life.
“Lastly, the One-Fits-All design offers flexible installation options, simplifying setup and reducing costs. Integrated digital tools enhance operational efficiency and revenue potential.”
The launch event also featured several testimonials from partners, including the Federal Fire Service.
The Head of Information Communication and Technology at the Federal Fire Service, Mr. Esan Oladimeji, delivered a presentation on solar safety.
He underscored the importance of selecting high-quality equipment, such as Huawei’s solutions, and ensuring proper outdoor installations to prevent potential risks.
Oladimeji emphasised the long-term development of the Nigerian photovoltaic market, stating, “Safety is the foundation of photovoltaic industry development. No safety, no business! We hope that the PV industry prioritizes industry safety and quality. Choose safety, reliability, and better-quality solar products!”
In addition to this, Rensource Energy, a key financing partner, introduced various financing solutions for the Nigerian PV market.
These included power purchase agreements, leasing, and other options.
They showcased practical examples of Huawei’s solutions and stressed the importance of selecting reliable brands with safe equipment and excellent after-sales service.
Powercell Limited, an EPC solutions partner, also shared insights into the successful implementation of Huawei solutions in the first batch of 14 green shopping malls and supermarkets in Nigeria. As a supplier of inverters and energy storage devices, Huawei’s localized services laid the groundwork for long-term reliability and secure, stable project operations.
The Minister of Education, Olatunji Alausa, has called for the extension of the mandatory National Youth Service Corps scheme from one to two years.
Alausa stated this on Friday when the Director-General of NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja.
According to a statement posted on NYSC’s official Facebook page, the minister also called for the expansion of the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development Training Programme content for corps members.
“The minister also advocated for the extension of national service from one to two years, with the expansion of NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development Training programme content for corps members,” the statement read.
The minister also advocated for the deployment of more graduate teachers to serve in rural schools, saying this would fill the manpower gap in the schools.
He commended the management of NYSC for its proactive and digitalised efforts in the mobilisation process, aimed at curbing certificate racketeering involving some foreign-trained graduates within West Africa.
Alausa also hailed the scheme for resolving the lingering issue of OND part-time graduates with full-time HND who were previously exempted from National Service.
Alausa stated further that efforts were ongoing in the ministry to digitise the verification of foreign-trained graduates of Nigerian origin, saying the Ministry and NYSC would further strengthen their alliance towards the improvement of education for national development.
“You have done so well as an organisation. Let NYSC give people more opportunities to become job creators that will meet the needs of the country,” he said.
Speaking earlier, the NYSC Director General, Brig-Gen. Nafiu lauded the ministry’s innovation and giant strides in the education sector.
He called for the establishment of a database for Nigerian youths going abroad to study for degree programmes, adding that this would help the government and other stakeholders in the education sector identify fake graduates.
“NYSC is ready to comply with policy guidelines as directed by the Federal Government. We are also trying to reform the Scheme to conform with the present national needs,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan, affirmed the Ministry’s readiness to work with NYSC more effectively towards uplifting the standard of education in the country.
Two Chinese expatriates and a policeman have been killed in an ambush by armed men in Abia State.
Four other Chinese expatriates and two police officers were, however, rescued by security operatives.
The attack occurred on April 4, 2025, while the group was en route to a company site in Agukwu-Amaya, Ndundu Community, Uturu, Isuikwuato Local Government Area of the state.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa, it was revealed that the attack resulted in the deaths of three individuals: Mr. Quan (male, manager), Mr. Cai (male, colleague), and Inspector Audu Saidu, one of the police escorts.
The assailants also stole Inspector Saidu’s rifle.
The statement read, “The Abia State Police Command, in collaboration with the military and other sister security agencies, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Uturu, has successfully rescued four Chinese expatriates and two escort police officers.
“This followed a distress report received on 04/04/2025 at about 17:30hrs, that unidentified armed men had ambushed and attacked a group of Chinese expatriates and their police escorts while they were en route to their company site located at Agukwu-Amaya, Ndundu Community, Uturu, Isuikwuato LGA.
“Tragically, during the attack, the manager, Mr. Quan (male), his colleague, Mr. Cai (male), and Inspector Audu Saidu (one of the escort officers) were killed. The assailants also carted away Inspector Saidu’s rifle.
“Upon receiving the information, operatives from Abia State Command, in a joint operation with the military and other sister agencies, launched a search mission.
“As a result, three Chinese expatriates were rescued unhurt, while one sustained injuries. Inspector Uba Ahmed, who was also rescued, suffered gunshot injury to his leg. Both the injured officer and the expatriate are currently receiving treatment and responding to treatment at FMC Abakaliki.
“Today, 05/04/2025, tactical team operatives of the command, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), visited the crime scene as part of the ongoing search and rescue efforts. Through collaborative action involving the police, the military, and local community members, Inspector Ijeagwa Friday was also rescued unhurt.”
In response to the attack, Isa assured the people of Abia State that the perpetrators of this heinous crime will be brought to justice, stating that they have commenced an Investigation.
He urged residents to remain security conscious, go about their lawful activities without fear, and support the police by reporting any suspicious persons, vehicles, or activities to the nearest Police Station.
Retired military generals have provided insights into why kidnappers have remained ruthless despite the spirited efforts of security operatives in the country.
The security experts attributed the unabated kidnapping activities to the compromise of some security operatives and community leaders, and insufficient collaboration among security agencies.
Kidnapping is a major security threat in the country, and many notable citizens have fallen victim, the most recent being the former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brg. Gen. Maharazu Tsiga (Retd).
He was abducted at gunpoint from his hometown in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State on February 5, 2025, alongside nine other residents.
The kidnappers initially demanded a staggering N250m ransom. But when his family and community couldn’t raise the amount, the gunmen held him hostage for nearly two months.
In the end, his family was forced to part with over N60m before the kidnappers finally let him go.
A farmer in Delta State, Godwin Anuka, was murdered in front of his wife and children on March 29, after they were kidnapped in the Ubulu-Uku area of the state.
Harrison Gwamnishu, the Senior Special Assistant on Civil Society and Youth Mobilisation to the Delta State Governor, in a Facebook post on Wednesday, said “Before targeting Anuka and his family, the gunmen had also abducted two others, identified as Chibueze and Afam.”
Further exacerbating concerns, some kidnappers also killed three abducted residents of Surubu community in the Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State on March 22, 2025, despite a hefty ransom payment.
Another chilling case that underscores the ruthlessness of kidnappers in Nigeria in recent times is the abduction of a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly who represented Onitsha North 1 Constituency, Justice Azuka.
He was kidnapped on December 24, 2024, in Onitsha.
Despite efforts to secure his release, his decomposing body was discovered near the Second Niger Bridge on February 6, 2025.
The scale of these abductions was further revealed by Afenifere National Youth President, Eniola Ojajuni, after he was released having spent 12 days from captivity.
Ojajuni disclosed that kidnappers operate at least 55 camps across the South-West alone, strategically positioned for their operations.
His revelation fueled concerns on why Nigeria continues to witness kidnapping activities despite ongoing counter-kidnapping efforts by the military, police, and regional security networks.
Speaking to Saturday PUNCH, a former Commandant of Army Signals and Chief of Defence Training and Planning, Gen. Ishola Williams (retd), attributed the ruthlessness of kidnappers to their collusion with security operatives in the country.
He said, “There are criminals colluding with security agencies. Some of these kidnappers, particularly the high-profile ones, are well known to the security agencies. That’s why no one has been able to take action against them.
“It also explains why it is often difficult for the intelligence networks of the security agencies to apprehend them. In some cases, there is even a contract between the kidnappers and the security agencies.”
The retired general emphasised that telecommunication agencies were always willing to cooperate with security agencies to track calls made by the kidnappers.
“However, some yahoo boys have mastered the art of manipulating telecom network systems and mobile phones, making it extremely difficult for the security agencies to trace the kidnappers’ communications.
“There is also a possibility that there are conspirators within the telecom agencies who are part of the kidnapping syndicates. Moreover, if the communities don’t collaborate with local security outfits like Amotekun, there is no way the security agencies can ensure their safety.”
In his submission, a former Director of Procurement at the Defence Headquarters and President of the Akoko Security Peace and Development Council, Maj. Gen. Dayo Olukoju (retd), attributed the disturbing trend to insufficient synergy among security agencies.
“There is inadequate synergy among the security and communication agencies. That’s the core issue. You also have the National Identity Management Commission and the Nigerian Communications Commission. Why would people use phones, and you still can’t track the users? In a country where you have the NIMC and NCC, people are registered and using phones, yet they remain untraceable.
“Nigeria was not like this before. Why is kidnapping becoming a daily occurrence? It’s because people are making money from it. Now, the least kidnappers collect is N20m. There needs to be special courts for kidnappers so their prosecution doesn’t get caught in the usual judicial bureaucracy.
“We have evidence from freed victims that some people are slaughtered after being kidnapped, and the abductors sell their body parts. So, there’s no doubt about this,” he stated.
A retired Colonel, who requested anonymity, also echoed this stance, emphasising that no crime can persist in an area without the involvement of the local leadership.
He said, “Testimonies from freed kidnapped victims have revealed that sometimes when kidnappers demand a ransom, and the cash currencies they receive are marked by the bank, they know immediately once the money is handed over. Who is releasing the intelligence that the money is marked? This suggests that, from the bank to everyone connected, many people are involved in the operation.”
“The kidnappers have both international and national connections. They have suppliers who arm them. It is, in fact, a cartel. And you can only break it with a robust and well-coordinated intelligence network,” he explained.
