News
Wike asks security agencies to go after criminals, donates 50 vehicles
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike has donated 50 operational vehicles to security agencies in the territory.
Wike, while handing over the vehicles in Abuja on Thursday, asked the security agencies to take the war to the criminals in their hideouts across the FCT.
He urged the security agencies not to give the criminal space or allow them to strike before they go after them.
“You have to take the war to them; let them know that we are serious.
“This festive period, make sure that we don’t give them any gap,” the minister said.
He said that so far, the FCT Administration had donated 100 operational vehicles to security agencies, with 50 of the vehicles earlier distributed in July.
The minister boasted that there was significant improvement in the security situation in the territory following a series of interventions by the current administration.
“People can attest to the fact that there is improvement in security in Abuja. When we came here a year ago, it was not that easy with people complaining that insecurity has taken over Abuja.
“We engaged the stakeholders in all the area councils and assured them that they will see a change and I thank God that people have been confessing that they have seen the change and that they can now sleep with their two eyes closed,” he said.
Wike disclosed that the FCTA was currently building 12 Police Divisional Officers across the six area councils.
He said that the offices would be completed, furnished and handed over to the police hopefully in April 2025.
This, according to him, is part of FCTA’s support to enhance security in the city centre and the satellite towns.
“Security is key in any government. A government that cannot take care of their people, protect lives and property has no business to be in government.
“The central thing of governance is security. Once your people can have confidence and can sleep with their two eyes closed then other things will follow,” he said.
Also, Director of FCTA’s Security Services Department, Mr Adamu Gwary, said that the logistics and operational support was also being extended to organised vigilante and hunters’ groups.
Gwary said that the vigilantes and hunter’s groups were being supported because they were complementing the efforts of security agencies in rural areas.
He said that there was a significant drop in the reported cases of crime and criminality in the FCT with particular reference to kidnappings, banditry, herders/farmers clashes and communal clashes.
According to him, these security challenges are literally becoming extinct in the FCT.
“The Administration strongly believes that the provision of these crime fighting equipment will greatly empower and enhance the capacity of our security agencies in fighting crime and criminalities.
“It will also help security agencies to respond promptly to distress situations as well as rise to the security challenges confronting the territory.
“More is expected to come in ensuring the provision of effective security coverage of the territory.”
The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Olatunji Disu, who spoke on behalf of the security agencies thanked Wike for the continued support.
Disu said that the donation of the operational vehicles underscored the commitment of the FCT Administration to enhance the operational capabilities of security agencies.
“Your support is not merely logistical; it is a testament to your unwavering belief in our mission to safeguard the lives and properties of all citizens within the FCT.
“These vehicles will significantly enhance our ability to respond swiftly to emergencies, conduct patrols, and engage in community policing initiatives,” the commissioner said. (NAN)
News
Rising Political Tension: Wife Of Rivers State Head Of Service, George Nwaeke Pleads For Her husband’s Safety
By Tambaya Julius, Abuja
The escalating political crisis in Rivers State took a dramatic turn on Friday as Florence Nwaeke, wife of former state Head of Service George Nwaeke, voiced deep concerns over her husband’s whereabouts.
Fighting back tears, she appealed to the public, revealing she had lost contact with him and feared for his life.
According to Mrs Nwaeke, her husband had travelled to Abuja and confirmed his arrival via a phone call. However, subsequent events took a baffling turn when reports surfaced of an unexpected interview attributed to him. The news left her in shock, as she insisted the statements made were uncharacteristic of her husband.
“I was confused when I heard he had given an interview. I asked myself, ‘An interview about what?’ That was not my husband speaking,” she said, overwhelmed with emotion.
Fearing for his safety, Mrs Nwaeke attempted to reach her husband multiple times but received no response.
“I sent him messages asking if he was under duress, if he had been kidnapped, but there was no reply,” she recounted. “His phone is off, and I do not know where he is. Nigerians, please help me!”
Her plea for help emerged just hours after Mr Nwaeke’s interview, in which he accused Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara of secretly backing Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed for the 2027 presidential election. He also claimed Fubara had encouraged militants to stage attacks, allegations that sent shockwaves through the political landscape.
In a subsequent video, Mrs Nwaeke made a direct appeal to Governor Fubara, imploring him to intervene and ensure her husband’s safety.
“Governor Fubara, please help me. My husband is in trouble,” she cried. “He has been forced to say things he knows nothing about. He resigned just to protect himself.”
Her statement suggested that Mr Nwaeke may have been pressured into making claims against the governor, adding another layer of intrigue to the unfolding political crisis.
Governor Fubara quickly dismissed the allegations, insinuating that Mr Nwaeke had been either bribed or coerced into making false statements.
“The truth is that Dr Nwaeke has been compromised,” Fubara asserted in a statement. “He is only making these claims to fulfil promises to those who have either paid him or forced him into this.”
To support his counterclaim, the governor released purported screenshots of conversations between Mr Nwaeke and his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie.
These messages suggested that Mr Nwaeke had previously sought financial assistance and political backing, allegedly citing a monthly income of N500,000 as inadequate.
Meanwhile, the public awaits further developments, hoping for Mr Nwaeke’s safe return and a resolution to the escalating crisis.
Petrol tanker explosions in Nigeria have become a pressing concern, with alarming statistics revealing that no fewer than 555 people lost their lives between January 2020 and January 2025. Data from the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has highlighted the severity of these incidents, prompting urgent discussions on safety measures and regulations.
According to Joyce Alexander, the Sector Commander of the FRSC in Anambra State, these fatal accidents have caused extensive loss of life and destruction of property.
Speaking at a town hall meeting on “Tanker and Trailer Safety Challenges in Nigeria” in Awka, she outlined the staggering figures:
2020: 18 tanker explosions, 161 deaths.
2021: 19 tanker explosions, 55 fatalities.
2022: 14 tanker explosions, 76 deaths.
2023: 13 tanker explosions, 118 fatalities.
2024: 13 tanker explosions, 85 casualties.
January 2025: 7 recorded tanker explosions.
Recognising the severity of the situation, the FRSC has proposed several strategies to curb tanker-related accidents:
Strict Enforcement of Speed Limits: Ensuring that haulage vehicles are equipped with speed-limiting devices.
Regular Training for Drivers: Educating tanker operators on road safety measures and responsible driving habits.
Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance: Mandating periodic checks to identify and fix mechanical faults before tankers hit the road.
Legislative Action: Introducing harsher penalties for tanker owners who fail to comply with safety standards.
Establishing Rest Areas: Providing designated stops to prevent fatigue-related accidents.
Uche Noah, a Chief Superintendent of Police and the Divisional Police Officer of ‘B’ Division, Awka, urged drivers to avoid alcohol and illicit substances while on duty, which significantly contribute to road accidents.
By Amina Samuel, Kaduna
The Catholic Archbishop of Kaduna, Most Rev Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, has commended Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani for fostering an inclusive government and uniting the people of the state.
Speaking at the 2025 Kaduna North Annual Deanery Cathedraticum, Archbishop Ndagoso praised Governor Sani’s leadership, contrasting it with the divisive policies of the previous administration under Nasir el-Rufai.
“The past administration divided the people; many did not feel a sense of belonging across the senatorial districts,” Ndagoso said.
“The past government acknowledged only a selected few, but in the last two years, Governor Uba Sani has bridged the gap created by his predecessor.”
The Archbishop urged the Catholic community to focus on their faith rather than the shortcomings of individual priests.
“Nobody is perfect, and no one should judge another. We should learn to adjust our ways and look at Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for mankind,” he said.
Ndagoso also commended the lay faithful for their unwavering support of the archdiocese and called on Kaduna residents and Nigerians to embrace peaceful coexistence regardless of religion or ethnicity.
Similarly, Lt. Col. G.O.I, Parish Priest of the Chaplaincy of St Peter’s Ribadu Cantonment, expressed gratitude to the Archbishop for selecting his parish to host this year’s Cathedraticum.