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RESOLVING THE MILITARY ILLEGALITY IN NIGER REPUBLIC

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RESOLVING THE MILITARY ILLEGALITY IN NIGER REPUBLIC

RESOLVING THE MILITARY ILLEGALITY IN NIGER REPUBLIC

Following the July 26 2023 General Tchiani led military coup in Niger republic which ousted incumbent democratically elected President Mohammed Bazoum and continued to hold the country by the jugular in defying calls, demands and sanctions for restoration of democratic governance, it is appropriate to situate the issues in proper perspective in order not to allow mischief makers and anti democratic elements who have unleashed their arsenal of lies, falsehood and misinformation to continue to confuse and incite the people as in their character.
The anti democratic elements have been on the prowl since the military putchists seized power illegally by twisting the narratives against the Nigerian government solely for political capital in response to the 30th July 2023 ECOWAS ultimatum to the coupists to return power to the democratically elected President Mohammed Bazoum who is being held hostage or be prepared for a military action as a last resort if dialogue fails.
The July 30 2023 communique of ECOWAS on the illegal coup in Niger republic was very clear and comprehensible and it received global commendation as the most appropriate response to a defiant bunch of terrorists who usurped a democratic system of government in Niger republic.
RESOLVING THE MILITARY ILLEGALITY IN NIGER REPUBLIC
But rather here in Nigeria, a section of the Nigerian society who have refused to come to terms with the electoral loss of their candidates and parties at the last successfully and credibly conducted 2023 general election, saw this bold and courageous move to restore democracy in a troubled West African country by a sub-regional bloc ECOWAS, being presently led by President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria, as an opportunity to get back at the Nigerian government and so at every opportunity, they have taken to the media to whip up emotions and sentiments against the Nigerian government by capitalizing on the ignorance of a large population of our people with the lie that Nigeria is trying to wage a war against Niger republic which is untrue.
But the truth of the matter is that even when ECOWAS reconvened another extraordinary meeting on Niger republic in Abuja Nigeria on August 10, 2023, no where in the communique issued and read at the meeting was it ever mentioned that ECOWAS not to talk of Nigeria, was going to wage a war against Niger republic.
The communique of ECOWAS from the earlier meeting of 30th July and the latter extraordinary meeting of 10th August 2023 stated emphatically that the body was going to pursue all necessary peaceful means including the use of military option as a last resort to restore constitutional democracy in Niger republic through the immediate reinstatement of the democratically elected President Mohammed Bazoum.
Some of the anti democratic elements and mischief makers have been deploying their arsenal at full throttle to peddle the lies, falsehood and misinformation of, “We don’t war”, “Nigeria should no go to war against Niger republic”, when in actual fact, what they are saying is that ECOWAS should not intervene in restoring constitutional governance to Niger republic, but should allow the treasonable felons to remain in power, in utter violation of the constitution of Niger republic and ECOWAS protocol.
When these characters lie about the attempt to remove an illegal junta from power in a country by a regional bloc to which that country belongs to and is a signatory to the treaty on democratic governance as a declaration of war on the country, we need to inform those who might want to fall for the campaign of blackmail and calumny against ECOWAS because of the hate against Nigeria government from expected quarters, that in 2017, ECOWAS removed from power, a former President Yahya Jammeh in Gambia, when he lost a presidential election and refused to hand over to the winner to be sworn in, ECOWAS did not go to war against Gambia and no war ensued, but went there to restore and sustain democratic governance.
The same scenario of The Gambia reared it’s ugly head earlier in Cote D’Ivoire in 2010 when then President Laurent Gbagbo lost election to the incumbent President Alhassane Quattara, but refused to concede defeat and it degenerated into a social crisis costing hundreds of lives, but in 2011, Laurent Gbagbo was arrested and taken out to restore democracy in Cote D’Ivoire and the consequences is that no war broke out as would have been insinuated by anti democratic elements if such action had been contemplated as they are doing fraudulently and mischievously now.
The anti democratic elements have also gone further in trying to launder the image of the coupists by claiming that they enjoy the support of the people of Niger republic on the basis of some state sponsored rallies that have been organized to drum up support for the illegal junta repeatedly, but again we ask, can a rally or rallies be the basis for which an illegal junta should derive it’s legitimacy against a democratically elected government? The answer is absolutely no.
However, we must acknowledge the concern from some genuine quarters who have called for caution and appealed for dialogue in resolving the matter, and have even taken concrete steps to wade in, but till date, the junta in Niger republic is still obstinate and refusing to accede to the voice of reason.
Moreover, we are not surprised that the illegal junta in Niger republic is being supported by their sisters illegal juntas in Mali and Bourkina Faso, after all, it is said that, birds of a feather, flock together.
As the military junta in Niger republic continue in their path of illegality and perfidy as exemplified in their latest announcement of arraigning the incumbent President Mohammed Bazoum for treason, we call on ECOWAS and other defenders of democracy globally to remain steadfast and resolute in deploying military action as a last resort to drive out this terrorists who are presently illegally occupying the Presidential palace in Niamey as soon as possible so as to send an unmistakable and unambiguous message to coupists and their sponsors that the only acceptable, tolerable and legal route to political power in Africa, is through the ballot and not the barrel of the gun.
God bless ECOWAS
God bless Africa
Thank you.
Your’s Sincerely,
E-signed,
Nelson Ekujumi.

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Nigerian Prophet Begs Federal Government to Stop Killing of Christians, Backs Tinubu’s Second Term

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Nigerian Prophet Begs Federal Government to Stop Killing of Christians, Backs Tinubu’s Second Term

 

Abuja – Rev Prophet Dr Hungbenu Michael Olusegun, Founder of Celestrial Deliverance Church of Christ in Zhidu Village, Abuja, has made an emotional appeal to the Federal Government to stop the killing of Christians across Nigeria while also throwing his weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office.

 

Speaking from his Abuja headquarters, the Prophet declared that leadership is a continuum and that Nigeria’s ongoing reforms require stability and time to bear fruit. He said, “Politics has nothing to do with religion. The ballot box is not the altar. Whether you are from the East, the North, the West, or the Yoruba community, we are one people under God.”

 

Rev Prophet Dr Hungbenu Michael Olusegun used the opportunity to make a special appeal to the Federal Government, saying, “I beg the Federal Government, in the name of God and for the sake of humanity: Please help stop the killing of Christians across this nation. From the villages to the cities, too much innocent blood has been shed. Targeted attacks on Christian communities must stop. We plead for stronger protection, justice for victims, and lasting peace.” He acknowledged the pain of insecurity, especially the killing of Christians and farmers across the Middle Belt and Northern Nigeria, but also noted verifiable security gains under President Tinubu including over 3,000 hostages rescued from bandits and terrorists in the last 12 months, deployment of new attack helicopters and surveillance drones to flashpoints, and a reduction in oil theft from over 400,000 barrels per day to under 200,000 barrels per day.

 

He said, “The issue is security, and security is everybody’s business. We cannot build a nation if our people are not safe. But we must also acknowledge progress.” He added that a second term would allow the administration to consolidate its security architecture rather than restarting with new leadership.

 

On economic reforms, Rev Prophet Dr Hungbenu Michael Olusegun argued that President Tinubu’s first term has witnessed the most audacious economic reforms in Nigeria’s recent history, including fuel subsidy removal saving the nation over ₦400 billion monthly, a unified exchange rate attracting over $2 billion in foreign portfolio inflows, the Student Loans Act benefiting over 100,000 students, and local government autonomy. He argued that no major economy in the world has successfully reversed course after landmark reforms within a single term, adding that abandoning the reform agenda now would plunge Nigeria back into uncertainty.

 

Rev Prophet Dr Hungbenu Michael Olusegun stressed that President Tinubu’s emergence broke a dangerous cycle, noting that Tinubu is the first Southern Muslim to lead Nigeria since 1993, balancing power after eight years of a Northern President. He pointed out that under Tinubu, the South holds the presidency of the Senate but the Speaker of the House is from the North-West. He urged, “Let the East join hands with the West. Let the North embrace the South. Let the Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, and all 250 plus tribes say: ‘Nigeria first.’”

 

Drawing comparisons to global examples such as India’s Narendra Modi, Rwanda’s Paul Kagame, and Indonesia’s Joko Widodo, the Prophet argued that second terms deliver long-term prosperity. He said, “Nigeria is not an exception. If we change leadership every four years, we will remain a building site forever.”

 

Rev Prophet Dr Hungbenu Michael Olusegun closed with a prayer and a charge: “Nigeria will only rise when we rise above division. I am not speaking as Ogu, Yoruba, Igbo, or Hausa. I speak as a Nigerian, and as a minister of the gospel of peace. God bless President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” He urged all Nigerians to pray for the nation, support security agencies, and give President Tinubu the opportunity to complete what he has started. The press release was issued on 20th April 2026 from his church in Zhidu Village behind Piwoyi Village off Lugbe Airport Road, FCT Abuja.

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₦100 Million Bribe Offer Rejected As Police STS Operatives Expose Criminal Syndicate

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₦100 Million Bribe Offer Rejected As Police STS Operatives Expose Criminal Syndicate

 

 

 

The Special Tactical Squad (STS) of the Nigeria Police Force has recorded a major breakthrough in its sustained crackdown on the vandalisation of critical national infrastructure, with the arrest of two notorious suspects and the recovery of railway materials valued at over ₦400,000,000.

 

Acting on the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, to decisively tackle acts of economic sabotage, operatives of the Force Intelligence Department – Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS), under the leadership of ACP Victor Ogbeide Godfrey, executed a swift, intelligence-driven operation that led to the arrest of Chisom Goodnews (32) and Ahmed Adamu (22) on April 9, 2026, in Akwanga, Nasarawa State.

 

The suspects were intercepted while transporting vandalised railway infrastructure in a calculated attempt to evade detection. Recovered from them was a trailer truck with registration number KRB 355 SX, conveying railway tracks and sleepers weighing approximately 60 tonnes, cleverly concealed under sacks of groundnut shells. Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects are part of a well-coordinated syndicate responsible for the illegal removal and transportation of railway materials from Bauchi State to Ilorin, Kwara State, representing a significant threat to Nigeria’s transportation infrastructure.

 

Speaking on the operation, ACP Victor Ogbeide Godfrey revealed that in a desperate bid to compromise the officers and frustrate the arrest, the suspects offered a staggering sum of ₦100 million as a bribe to allow them passage with the illicit cargo. The offer was, however, outrightly rejected by the operatives, who remained resolute in the discharge of their duties. This firm stance underscores the Nigeria Police Force’s renewed commitment to professionalism, integrity, and its zero-tolerance policy towards corruption.

 

Further investigations are ongoing to apprehend the intended receiver of the stolen materials in Ilorin, as well as other members of the syndicate, while efforts are being intensified to recover additional exhibits linked to the criminal network.

 

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has reiterated the Force’s unwavering resolve to bring all perpetrators of economic sabotage to justice, warning that acts of vandalisation of public assets will not be tolerated. He assured that all individuals found culpable will be made to face the full weight of the law.

 

₦100 Million Bribe Offer Rejected As Police STS Operatives Expose Criminal Syndicate

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Nigeria Police Initiative Targets Youth Vices As POCACOV Undertakes Strategic Visit To Cross River

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Nigeria Police Initiative Targets Youth Vices As POCACOV Undertakes Strategic Visit To Cross River

 

 

As part of a two-day strategic working visit to Cross River State, the National Coordinator of POCACOV (Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices), SP Orvenonne Ikwen, Ph.D., embarked on a series of high-level engagements aimed at strengthening partnerships, deepening community participation, and advancing the non-kinetic approach to crime prevention across the state, in line with the vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, whose policing philosophy is rooted in community partnership, public trust, proactive engagement, and preventive policing aimed at building safer communities across Nigeria.

 

The visit commenced with a courtesy call on the Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, CP Rashid B. Afegbua, psc, mnips, who warmly received the National Coordinator and commended the POCACOV initiative for its significant impact in tackling cultism, bullying, drug abuse, gangsterism, school violence, and other social vices affecting young people and vulnerable groups. He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to supporting proactive policing strategies that promote trust, restore public confidence, and ensure lasting peace and security across Cross River State.

 

 

In continuation of the visit, the National Coordinator paid a courtesy visit to the Honourable Commissioner for Youth Development, Barr. Ijom Ukam, who described the POCACOV visit as timely and highly strategic, especially during what he referred to as a volatile and transitional period in society. He emphasized that the engagement reinforces the collective responsibility of government, institutions, and citizens in addressing the growing concerns of social vices among young people.

According to him, “The primary responsibility of every government is the security of its citizens,” noting that the adoption of the non-kinetic approach by the Nigeria Police Force through POCACOV demonstrates that the Police truly care about the future of Nigerian youths. He commended the Nigeria Police Force for embracing preventive policing and pledged the Ministry’s full support for POCACOV activities in Cross River State.

 

 

Barr. Ijom Ukam further declared that POCACOV has come to stay in Cross River State and assured the National Coordinator of sustained collaboration in mobilizing young people, creating awareness, and implementing youth-focused interventions that will help eradicate crime and social vices from the state.

 

 

As part of the media advocacy component of the visit, SP Orvenonne Ikwen also visited prominent radio stations including HIT FM and Sparkling FM, where she engaged media stakeholders on the need for continuous public sensitization, youth mentorship, and strategic communication in crime prevention. She stressed the critical role of the media in shaping positive narratives, promoting civic responsibility, and supporting national efforts to discourage cultism and other harmful behaviors among youths.

The National Coordinator also met with content creators and digital influencers in the state, including popular creative personality MC Koboko, to strengthen collaboration in using social media and entertainment platforms as tools for advocacy and youth engagement. She emphasized that content creators remain powerful voices in shaping public perception and influencing positive behavioral change among young people. She called for stronger partnerships with creative stakeholders to amplify the message of POCACOV and promote peace, responsibility, and social values across communities.

She noted that POCACOV remains a major strategic initiative of the Nigeria Police Force designed to complement law enforcement with prevention-focused solutions, reflecting the IGP’s vision of policing that is rooted in public trust, inclusiveness, and strong community partnership.

The working visit further strengthened collaboration between POCACOV, the Cross River State Police Command, the Ministry of Youth Development, educational institutions, religious leaders, traditional institutions, parents, and the media, all united in the shared goal of building safer communities and securing a better future for the younger generation.

The visit stands as another strong testament to the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to preventive policing, youth empowerment, and sustainable peacebuilding through stakeholder engagement and strategic partnerships.

 

Nigeria Police Initiative Targets Youth Vices As POCACOV Undertakes Strategic Visit To Cross River

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