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My Encounter with CSP Umar Balla: A Testament to Professionalism in the Nigerian Police Force

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My Encounter with CSP Umar Balla: A Testament to Professionalism in the Nigerian Police Force

My Encounter with CSP Umar Balla: A Testament to Professionalism in the Nigerian Police Force

 

As a journalist, this marks my first opportunity to write a column focused on the Nigerian police.

My motivation for this piece stems from a recent encounter with Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Umar Balla, a senior officer in the Nigerian police force.

My Encounter with CSP Umar Balla: A Testament to Professionalism in the Nigerian Police Force

At the time of writing this, CSP Balla serves as the Divisional Police Officer for the Ketu Police Division, located in the Kosofe Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria. The events unfolded around 11:30 AM on Saturday, January 25th.

As an automobile dealer, I had dispatched my brother, an employee at my dealership, to take one of our cars to the Ladiipo market for repairs. The car, a second-hand vehicle, had previously lost its number plate, to the former owner of the car, leaving us to use our dealership’s number plate, which it certificate, unfortunately had expired last December. Although we had renewed it, my brother had forgotten to bring the updated documentation.

When my brother reached the police checkpoint at Ketu bus stop, he was stopped by officers and asked to present his driver’s license, which he did. However, he was also asked to provide his dealership identity card and certificate. He presented the expired certificate but couldn’t produce his identity card, which he carelessly left in the office before embarking on the journey and this was ultimately used against him.

He called me, and I spoke with the officer who explained the situation. I thanked him for his diligence, emphasizing that if the vehicle had been stolen, this is how the perpetrators would be caught. I informed him that the certificate had expired and that I could send the renewed copy and my brother’s identity card via WhatsApp. Despite my reasoning, the officer insisted on taking the car to the station.

At the station, after several hours of pleading, the officer directed my brother to return to our office in Ikorodu to retrieve all relevant documents for the car. Fearing dismissal from the company for his oversight, my brother rushed back to Ikorodu. By 5:30 PM, he returned to the station with the necessary papers, only to be told that I needed to be present in person, despite having explained my absence from Lagos.

After leaving the station around 8 PM without the car, I had to inform our potential client that the vehicle would not be available for inspection, attributing it to circumstances beyond our control.

On Sunday, I set aside other commitments and traveled to Lagos to resolve the situation at the police station on Monday morning. Arriving at the Ketu police division at 10:34 AM with my brother, we went directly to the officer’s office, only to find that he was not yet there. Efforts to obtain his contact from other officers were unsuccessful.

After two hours of waiting, I decided to call CSP Umar Balla directly, a man I had never spoken to before. To my surprise, he exhibited remarkable professionalism and integrity. He informed me that he was at Mile 12 for an important meeting but would return to the office shortly.

True to his word, eight minutes later, CSP Balla called me to meet him in his office. Upon my arrival, he promptly instructed his secretary to escort me to the unit where my car was held and ordered its immediate release at no cost. I was taken aback, completely speechless. When I reached for my wallet to express my gratitude, he firmly declined any offer of money, cautioning me never to pay a dime to any officer.

In conclusion, I felt compelled to share this experience to highlight the commendable individuals within the Nigerian police force. It is essential to recognize and celebrate their integrity and professionalism, rather than focusing solely on the negative narratives often associated with law enforcement.
Story by Chief Rahman Niyi Ismail CEO JOURNAL GLOBAL AUTOS LIMITED

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UKA Gears Up for Final ATC Exchangeability Test Run as June Preparations Begin

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UKA Gears Up for Final ATC Exchangeability Test Run as June Preparations Begin.

May 30, 2026 – As the month of June gathers momentum, the *United Kingdom of Atlantis, UKA*, a sovereign nation has unveiled a series of vital guidelines and preparatory packages to ensure citizens and stakeholders run the *ATC Exchangeability* process effectively.

In an official update, the *President of Atlantic Crown Limited, Empress of Attica Empire UKA*, confirmed that the *Final Test Run of ATC Exchangeability* is scheduled for the month of June 2026. The exercise marks a key phase ahead of the *Official Exchangeability Window, set to run from July 2026 to February 2027*.

### Key Highlights from the Presidential Briefing
1. *Final Test Run – June 2026*
The test run is designed to validate systems, procedures, and user readiness before full activation. Citizens, partners, and designated participants are urged to follow all official advisories released by UKA authorities during this period.

2. *Official Exchangeability Period*
Following the successful completion of the June test run, the Official Exchangeability will commence in july 2026 and we are Expecting Full Exchange ability between July Ending, 2026 to February 2026.

UKA stated that detailed schedules, eligibility requirements, and step-by-step instructions will be communicated progressively through verified UKA channels.

3. *Benefiting Packages for June*
In line with UKA’s commitment to citizen empowerment, the month of June will feature “benefiting packages” aimed at education, preparation, and seamless onboarding. These packages are intended to equip the people of UKA with the knowledge and tools needed for effective participation.

4. *Commitment to Transparency*
Addressing the nation, the Empress of Attica Empire UKA emphasized:
_“Final Test Run of ATC Comes up in The Month of June, As We Prepare For The Official Exchangeability, Between July 2026 To Feb 2027. All Information Will Be Communicated.”_
UKA reaffirmed that only information released through official UKA platforms should be regarded as authoritative.

The United Kingdom of Atlantis is encouraging all citizens, representatives, and interested parties to remain alert to official communications, attend designated orientation sessions, and avoid unofficial sources. UKA’s dedication to order, clarity, and the collective benefit of its people as the nation moves into this significant phase.

For updates, advisories, and participation guidelines, citizens are advised to monitor official UKA communication channels.

United Kingdom of Atlantis, UKA, is a sovereign nation, committed to national development, citizen welfare, and structured economic participation through initiatives such as ATC Exchangeability.

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Three Years On, General Buratai Hails Tinubu’s Economic, Security Achievements

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Three Years On, General Buratai Hails Tinubu’s Economic, Security Achievements

 

 

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as bold economic reforms and improved security efforts as the President marks three years in office.

 

 

 

 

In a goodwill message on Thursday to commemorate Tinubu’s third anniversary as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Buratai said the administration had taken courageous decisions that would leave a lasting impact on Nigeria’s development.

 

 

 

According to him, President Tinubu broke a long-standing cycle that had hindered national growth by removing fuel subsidy and implementing foreign exchange reforms aimed at stabilising the naira and strengthening the economy.

 

 

 

 

He noted that the reforms were beginning to yield positive results, citing the global acceptance of Nigerian debit cards, the gradual revival of local refineries, access to student loans, and ongoing road and infrastructure projects across the country.

 

 

 

“The FCT Administration has also recorded remarkable progress, completing major road projects that remained unfinished for over 16 years,” Buratai stated.

 

 

 

The former army chief also praised the administration’s security efforts, saying renewed military offensives against insurgents, terrorists and bandits had led to notable successes across various parts of the country.

 

 

 

He specifically lauded recent joint operations involving Nigerian and United States forces against Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North-East, as well as intensified counter-banditry operations in the North-West.

 

 

 

 

“We have seen notorious ISWAP commanders being neutralised. I congratulate the Commander-in-Chief, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police and heads of intelligence agencies for their efforts,” he said.

 

 

 

 

Buratai, however, acknowledged that challenges remained, stressing the need for more aggressive military operations and intelligence-driven strategies in the coming year.

 

 

 

 

While urging Nigerians to remain hopeful, he said celebrating the President’s achievements did not amount to ignoring the difficulties facing the nation.

 

 

 

 

“Because you truly care, you have shown the courage to trade short-term comfort for long-term hope. Nigerians need your reassurances, and that is why we remain optimistic and full of confidence,” he added.

The retired military officer reaffirmed his support for the Tinubu administration and expressed confidence that the foundation being laid by the government would deliver a brighter future for the country.

 

He also prayed for God’s guidance, wisdom, strength and good health for the President as he continues to lead Nigeria.

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NUT Raises Alarm Over Continued Captivity of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers

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NUT Raises Alarm Over Continued Captivity of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers

NUT Raises Alarm Over Continued Captivity of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers

 

 

The Nigeria Union of Teachers has expressed deep concern over the continued captivity of pupils and teachers abducted during an attack on schools in the Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

 

 

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Oyo State wing of the union described the situation as increasingly distressing, particularly following the emergence of a video allegedly released by the abductors showing the victims pleading for their freedom.

 

 

The union said the footage had heightened fears over the welfare of the abducted pupils and teachers, describing their ordeal as heartbreaking and unacceptable.

 

NUT Raises Alarm Over Continued Captivity of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers

According to the NUT, no child or teacher deserves to be subjected to such traumatic experiences, adding that the prolonged captivity of the victims has continued to inflict psychological pain on their families, colleagues and the wider education community.

 

 

 

The union called on the Federal Government, Oyo State Government and relevant security agencies to intensify efforts towards securing the immediate and safe release of the victims.

 

 

“This is not a moment for hesitation. It is a moment for coordinated, intelligence-driven efforts to ensure the immediate and safe release of all abducted pupils and teachers,” the statement read.

 

 

While acknowledging ongoing interventions by security agencies and government authorities, the union stressed that time was of the essence, warning that every additional day in captivity deepens the trauma suffered by the victims.

 

 

The NUT urged security operatives to strengthen surveillance, improve community intelligence gathering and deploy all necessary operational and diplomatic measures to facilitate the rescue of the abductees.

 

 

It also appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to support rescue efforts by providing credible information that could assist security agencies.

 

 

 

“The safety of our children and teachers must remain a collective priority,” the union stated.

 

 

Reaffirming its support for the families of the victims, the NUT pledged continued solidarity and prayers while advocating safer learning environments across the country.

 

 

The statement was jointly signed by the Chairman of the Oyo State NUT, Comrade Hassan Ajibola Fatai, and the Secretary, Comrade Salami Olukayode.

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