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Nigeria has achieved 80% success against kidnapping –NSA
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has said the nation has achieved significant progress in its fight against insecurity, as the security agencies recorded 80 per cent success against kidnapping.
Ribadu, who stated this while inaugurating the Multi-Agency Kidnap Fusion Cell (MAAKFC) on Thursday in Abuja, commended the efforts of the security agencies in the war against kidnaping in the country.
The fusion cell is housed in the National Counter Terrorism Centre in the Office of the National Security Adviser and is supported by the National Crime Agency of the United Kingdom.
“Let me commend the National Coordinator and the dedicated staff of the National Counterterrorism Center for their remarkable efforts. I’m immensely proud of the progress you have made so far.
“We don’t even advertise the work we are doing yet, but I can assure you those who are working, they are making a massive difference in our country today.
“In a short period of time, less than two years, we can say we are probably getting to 80 per cent of success, we do not talk about it.
“It is all as a result of this dedication and commitment of Nigerians who have made themselves, or sacrificed themselves for the good of all of us,” he said.
The NSA described the MAAKFC initiative as a significant step in addressing one of Nigeria’s most pressing security challenges.
He said that the anti-kidnapping fusion cell represents a renewed focus on collaboration, innovation, and dedication to ensuring the safety and security of all Nigerians.
Ribadu said that the initiative underscored the critical role of international collaboration in tackling crime.
“Kidnapping remains one of the most pressing security threats in Nigeria today. This demands a robust, multi-agency approach, which this fusion cell represents,” he said.
Ribadu commended the fusion cell staff, emphasising the importance of their work in tackling kidnapping, and urged them to leverage their training and the diverse expertise within the team to achieve impactful results.
He assured them of the Federal Government’s continued support, pledging adequate resources to ensure their success.
“We have already seen the difference your work is making.”
Maj-Gen. Adamu Laka, the National Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Center Office of the National Adviser (NCTC-ONSA), said the initiative would enhance security operations against kidnapping in the country.
He said that establishment of the cell followed Security Defence Partnership Dialogue signed between the NSA of Nigeria and UK in 2022 in a bid to stem the rising spate of kidnapping in the country.
Laka said that between 2022 and 2024, UK through the National Crime Agency (NCA) had partnered with the office of the NSA to provide capacity-building exercises as well as support to the National Counter-terrorism Center in a bid to set up a kidnap fusion centre.
The national coordinator commended all the law enforcement agencies for working together to build capacity for the fusion cell, as well as the efforts in putting together a Terms of Reference and Standard Operation Procedure to guide the activities of the cell.
He emphasized that the fusion cell was a 24/7 coordination centre and not an operational outfit which could duplicate efforts.
He urged Nigerians to trust security agencies rather than resorting to ransom payments in kidnapping cases.
He maintained that with the initiative in place, security would be enhanced and by 2025, Nigeria would be better.
The NCA Operational Manager, Mr Chris Grimson, called for public awareness in the fight against kidnapping, noting that awareness is key in fighting the menace.
Grimson thanked the Nigerian government for the partnership and stressed the importance of having solutions tailored to the needs of Nigeria and implemented by Nigerians.
Chris Hall, the NCA Regional Manager, delivered a strong message to kidnappers, stating, “their jobs just got harder; they may have got away before, but not anymore.”
Hall stressed the impact of the fusion cell in disrupting kidnapping operations and reaffirmed the commitment of international partners to supporting Nigeria in tackling the menace effectively. (NAN)
By Abubakar Yunusa
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has slashed its ex-depot price of premium motor spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, to N825.
Esan Sunday, head of media relations and branding communications at Dangote Group, announced the reduction in a statement on Wednesday.
The development comes more than three weeks after the refinery reduced petrol price from N950 per litre to N890.
The new price means that the refinery has significantly cut the ex-depot price by N125 from N950 per litre in January.
“This recent price reduction will also ensure that Nigerians pay between N860 and N865 per litre for petrol at the pump in Lagos,” the statement reads.
“This strategic price adjustment is designed to provide essential relief to Nigerians in celebration of the Ramadan season, while also supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic recovery policy by alleviating the financial burden on the Nigerian populace.
“It is important to note that Dangote Petroleum Refinery has consistently lowered the prices of petrol and other refined petroleum products to the benefit of Nigerians.
“This marks the second reduction of PMS prices in February 2025, following a previous decrease of N60 earlier in the month.
“Additionally, in December 2024, during the yuletide period, the refinery reduced the price of PMS by N70.50, from N970 to N899.50 per litre, as part of its commitment to easing the cost of living and providing relief to Nigerians during the holiday season.”
The oil firm refinery also said previous reductions have positively impacted the overall cost of living, benefiting various sectors of the economy.
Dangote refinery added that its high-quality products, which have become a favourite in both domestic and international markets, will remain available nationwide, particularly through its key partners — MRS Holdings, AP (Ardova Petroleum), and Heyden — at market-friendly rates.
The organisation assured the public of a consistent supply of petroleum products, with sufficient reserves to meet domestic demand and a surplus for export, thereby boosting the country’s foreign exchange (FX) earnings.
The refinery also called on marketers to support the initiative, ensuring that Nigerians remain the primary beneficiaries of its effort
Abdullahi Ganduje, the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says the ruling party had a debt of N8.9 billion when he assumed office.
Ganduje took over from Abdullahi Adamu, who was the national chairman of the APC until his resignation in July 2023.
Speaking during the APC’s NEC meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, the former Kano governor said the expenses were incurred during pre-election legal battles, election cases, and appeals for legislative, governorship, and presidential elections.
“The current NWC inherited debts and legal liabilities to the total tune of N8,987,874,663, arising from various legal engagements,” Ganduje said.
However, the APC chairman said Kareem Kana, the national legal adviser, has been working to reduce the debt burden.
“We still passionately appeal to the national executive committee to intervene accordingly,” he said.
Earlier today, the chairman said the party is making efforts to mend internal divisions and bring aggrieved members back into the fold.
Ganduje explained that the APC had initiated high-level discussions among party leaders and stakeholders to address lingering disagreements and strengthen party unity.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Jude Okoye, the elder brother and former manager of Paul and Peter Okoye of the defunct music group, P-Square, on charges of laundering ₦1.38billion, $ 1 million and £34,537.59.
Jude was arraigned alongside his company, Northside Music Ltd, before Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court, Lagos, on a seven-count charge
One of the counts read: “That you, Jude Okoye Chigozie and Northside Music Ltd sometime in 2022, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did directly acquire a landed property known as No 5, Tony Eromosele Street Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos worth ₦850,000,000.00 (Eight hundred and fifty million naira) only, which money you knew or reasonably ought to have known forms part of proceeds of unlawful act and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (2) (d) and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”
Another count read: “That you, Jude Okoye Chigozie and Northside Music Ltd sometime in 2022, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did indirectly using bureau de change convert the sum of $1,019,762.87 (One million nineteen thousand, seven hundred and six-two dollars eighty-seven cents), domiciled in Access Bank Plc operated by Northside Music Lid to the naira equivalent and remitted into various bank accounts with the intention of concealing that the said fund form part of the proceeds of an unlawful act and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (2)(a) and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”
He pleaded “not guilty” to the charges.
In view of his plea, the prosecution counsel, Larry Peters Aso, applied for a date for hearing as well as for the remand of the defendant in the correctional facility pending trial.
The defendant’s counsel, Inibehe Effiong, informed the court of a pending bail application. He asked for a short date for the hearing. Effiong also asked that the defendant be remanded in the EFCC’s custody pending the hearing of the application.
Aso objected to the request for the defendant to be remanded in the EFCC custody. He argued that the EFCC custody was already congested with suspects awaiting arraignment. He urged the court to remand the defendant to the correctional facility since he had taken his plea.
Justice Owoeye adjourned the matter till February 28 for bail hearing and April 14 for trial.
He also ordered that the defendant be remanded in the Ikoyi correctional facility.