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Security experts have blamed insecurity in Nigeria on the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.

According to them, the weapons are smuggled through the borders and circulated across the country.

They spoke on Thursday during a one-day seminar on Effective Post-Judgment Management of Small Arms and Light Weapons, organized by the National Centre For The Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Speaking at the event, the Zonal Director, South-West Zone NCCSALW, CP Abiodun Alamutu (rtd) lamented that these large chunk of arms get into the hands of non-state actors and perpetrators of crime.

Alamutu stressed the urgency and need to mop up illicit arms already in circulation, calling for collaboration with traditional rulers, community leaders among other relevant stakeholders.

He said, “So far, we have discovered that the major enabler of insecurity, banditry, terrorism in the country is the proliferation of small arms and light weapons. And we have equally discovered that a large chunk of these arms are in the hands of non-state actors.

“And that explains why we want to now shift our focus to mopping up of those illicit arms that are already in circulation. The bulk of the successes we have recorded has been at the border points, those that are about to come into our society. And we have made tremendous successes in that.

“But now, we want to divert our attention into mopping up those that are already in circulation. That is why we require the active collaboration of stakeholders, traditional rulers, NGOs, community leaders to talk into the minds of these criminals so that those that will involuntarily bring out these arms will.”

Alamutu disclosed that in the South-West, about five million illegal arms are in circulation, harping on the need for immediate mop up.

“We should not take things for granted. We should put up a system that will ensure that such illicit arms we have in circulation are mopped up. Some claim the estimate is up to five million, but we cannot say categorically this is the number. But from records available, it falls within or quite above five million,” he said.

Also speaking, the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, stressed the need for better coordination in handling recovered weapons.

He said, “We have many of these arms that have been recovered… and they are in the police armories. I feel that the center should devise another avenue to mop up these weapons immediately.”

Ojajuni warned against delays in transferring recovered arms, noting potential risks and called for a structured system across states to ensure timely collection and transfer of seized arms to the NCCSALW.

Meanwhile, the resource person, Dr. Kunle Olawuni, argued that most seized weapons are poorly documented, court exhibits remain in insecure armories for prolonged periods, and weak inter-agency handover protocols after conviction or forfeiture create room for theft, substitution, leakage, or re-circulation into criminal networks.

Olawuni who is the HOD, International Relations & Diplomacy, Chrisland University, Abeokuta, recommended a shift from fragmented paper-based practices to a secure digital record system linked to case numbers, exhibit identifiers, court orders, and disposition status.

He also called for the adoption of specialized armory standards, advocating periodic audits backed by documentary reconciliation and accountability measures for any discrepancies.

Stakeholders blame insecurity on proliferation of small arms, light weapons

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated Mr Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe as Minister of Power.

The president’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, announced this in a statement on Thursday.

He said the nomination has been transmitted to the Senate for screening and confirmation in accordance with the Constitution.

“The nomination follows the resignation of the former Minister, Adebayo Adelabu, who stepped down from office to pursue elective office.

“Mr Tegbe, from Oyo State, is a fiscal and economic reform expert with over 35 years of experience spanning the public and private sectors.

“He is a former Senior Partner and Head of Advisory Services at KPMG Africa, where he led wide-ranging initiatives in fiscal policy reform, institutional transformation, and governance. He has also advised key government institutions and private sector organisations on strategic reforms, regulatory frameworks, and investment structuring.

“He is at present the Director General and Global Liaison for the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), where he is responsible for strengthening bilateral development cooperation between Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China.

“The NCSP also coordinates engagements with public sector stakeholders to advance economic and social development in line with FOCAC objectives”, Onanuga said.

BREAKING: Tinubu nominates new Minister of Power

Nigerians have been urged to see religion as a viable platform for driving socio-economic development, rather than merely a channel for divine communication.

The call was made by the Catholic Bishop of Lafia Diocese, Most Rev. David Ajang.

Making the call on Thursday while leading hundreds of Catholic faithful on a pilgrimage to Alogani Hill in Nassarawa-Eggon Local Government Area (LGA) of Nasarawa State, Ajang explained that the pilgrimage was part of activities marking the Silver Jubilee of the Catholic Diocese of Kaduna.

According to him, “Nigerians should see religion as a viable platform for driving socioeconomic development, not merely a channel for divine communication.”

He advised that adherence to all religions should shift from viewing religion as a matter of private piety to using it to make a public impact.

He stated that religion already has the trust, networks and reach needed for development, stressing the need for adherents of every faith to channel these into improving their lives across all sectors of the economy and ensuring peaceful coexistence.

On the essence of the pilgrimage, Ajang said that Alogani Hill holds historic significance for the diocese, noting that church records show that Irish missionaries erected a Catholic church on the hill in 1938 in their bid to propagate the gospel and introduce Western education.

He said, “Nearly nine decades later, their footprints remain visible despite the area being largely deserted.”

He added that the church on Alogani Hill was instrumental in the spread of Catholicism in the northern zone of the state, noting that the area was later linked to the Jos and Makurdi Dioceses, which gave birth to the Lafia Diocese in 2001.

Ajang further explained that the Catholic Church designated the site as the Diocesan Pilgrimage Centre, where members across the state and beyond could learn about the history of the church.

‘Religion should drive socio-economic development, not merely worship’ — Catholic Bishop Ajang

The Ekiti State Government has condemned the recent attack on Eda Oniyo in Ilejemeje Local Government Area, describing it as heinous and unacceptable.

The government said a joint operation involving the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force and Amotekun Corps is underway to track down the perpetrators.

This was made known in a statement issued on Thursday by the Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun.

The government extended condolences to the families of the victims and assured residents of its full commitment to ensuring safety and security across the state. It stressed that no stone would be left unturned in efforts to rescue abducted persons and bring perpetrators to justice.

A high-powered security delegation led by Special Adviser on Security Matters, Brigadier General Ebenezer Ogundana (rtd.), has been deployed to coordinate on-ground operations.

The government also ordered the immediate deployment of the 148 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, alongside its Commanding Officer, to the area.

Full-scale surveillance operations have been activated to monitor the environment, track down perpetrators, and prevent further breaches.

Security operatives remain on ground conducting intensive search and rescue operations.

The government cautioned against late-night activities, including vigils, in border communities and areas adjoining forest zones.

Conveners of such activities are advised to notify security agencies in advance to ensure adequate protection.

Citizens are further urged to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and credible information to assist ongoing operations.

The Ekiti State Government reiterated its unwavering commitment to protecting all residents and ensuring those responsible for the act are swiftly apprehended and brought to justice.

Ekiti Govt deploys Army, Police, Amotekun against Eda Oniyo attackers

Fiona Ahimie has been elected the 14th President and Chairman of Council of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), making her the first woman to occupy the role in the Institute’s more than three-decade history, a development widely lauded across the financial market as a glass-ceiling breakthrough.

Her election by the Council marks a significant milestone for gender inclusion at the highest level of the Institute. Ahimiesucceeds the 13th President, Oluropo Dada, whose tenure recorded several notable achievements. She is scheduled to be formally inaugurated on June 25.

 In line with the Institute’s succession framework, Ahimie previously served as 2nd Vice President and later as 1st Vice President.

Following her elevation, former 2nd Vice President, Dr. Akeem Oyewale, has now assumed the role of 1st Vice President, while a new 2nd Vice President will be announced in due course.

Speaking on the transition, Dada expressed confidence in the new leadership.

“Fiona Ahimie brings proven expertise, strong leadership, and a clear vision for the Institute’s future. I am confident she will build on the progress made and further strengthen the Institute’s role in the financial services sector,” he said.

An accomplished investment expert, Ahimie has over 15 years of experience in the financial services industry and currently serves as Managing Director of First Securities Brokers Limited, a subsidiary of First Holdco Plc.

Her career spans roles at Lead Capital, Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers, FBNQuest Capital, and African Alliance Securities Nigeria, where she held senior leadership positions across trading, client development, and market strategy.

 She holds an MBA from Lagos Business School and a Diploma from IESE Business School, Spain. Ahimie is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, an Associate of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, and a member of several professional and corporate boards.

Addressing stockbrokers at the Institute’s 31st Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos, Dada  expressed gratitude for their support during his tenure and urged them to extend the same to the in-coming administration.

He explained that his administration focused on branding and funding and recorded
many landmarks. For instance, he noted that the Corporate Strategic Plan
(2024-2030) has witnessed significant implementation, collaboration with
stakeholders, upgrade of CIS Diploma to Certified  Securities and  Investment
Support Specialist (CSISS), increased media presence, restructuring of the
Secretariat, update on CISIN Bill Enactment, successful 2025 National Workshop
at the State House Conference Centre , Abuja,  debt recovery programme and
investor/investiture and induction of many high-profile Nigerians among others.

Ahimie Elected First Female President Of CIS is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

In early 2026, Olatunji Rilwan Disu became Nigeria’s 23rd substantive Inspector-General of Police through a swift, three-step constitutional process. Following the resignation of Kayode Egbetokun, President Bola Tinubu appointed Disu as Acting IGP on February 24. His leadership was unanimously confirmed by the Nigeria Police Council on March 2, and he was formally sworn in at the Presidential Villa on March 4. This transition marked the rise of a seasoned commander—formerly of the Lagos RRS and the IRT—tasked with institutionalizing accountability within the Force.

IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu is a Lagos-born officer and elite strategist who rose through the ranks as Commander of the Lagos RRS (2015–2021), head of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), and CP of the FCT. Most recently, he served as AIG in charge of Force CID Lagos, building a career defined by urban policing excellence and high-level criminal investigation.

The handling of the Effurun incident by IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu has emerged as a definitive roadmap for institutional integrity within the Nigeria Police Force. By prioritizing swift accountability and a zero-tolerance stance on human rights violations, the IGP has replaced traditional bureaucratic silence with a model of immediate transparency. This approach was vividly demonstrated following the tragic extrajudicial killing of Mene Ogidi on April 26, 2026, where the IGP’s response served as a blueprint for genuine institutional reform.

A cornerstone of this new era is the shift toward immediate and decisive intervention. Unlike previous years characterized by administrative delays, the IGP ordered the transfer of the involved officers, including ASP Nuhu Usman, from the Delta State Command to the Force Headquarters in Abuja within just 48 hours. This strategic move neutralized local influences and signaled that the high command was taking direct responsibility for the investigation. By accelerating disciplinary proceedings through rapid Orderly Room Trials, the IGP ensured that justice was not delayed; by April 29, 2026, he had already approved the dismissal of the officers and recommended their criminal prosecution for murder.

This decisiveness functions as a powerful deterrent. In the past, disciplinary actions often lingered for months, fueling public suspicion of internal cover-ups. By acting within a 72-hour window, IGP Disu demonstrated that the Force would no longer provide a “slow-motion” shield for misconduct. Furthermore, his direct oversight of the process reinforced a uniform national standard of professionalism, sending a clear message that local unit loyalties would not be permitted to interfere with the course of justice.

Central to this reform is the reinforcement of the rules of engagement and clear public communication. By declaring that “no uniform is a license to kill,” the IGP provided a moral anchor for the institution, clarifying that such acts are personal misconduct rather than institutional policy. This vocal and transparent stance prioritizes the lives of citizens over the protection of rogue colleagues, which is essential for rebuilding the “social contract.” Ultimately, by ensuring justice moved at “the speed of thought” for the family of Mene Ogidi, IGP Disu is repairing the fractured relationship between the police and the public, proving that a stronger institution is one that is unafraid to purge its own ranks to uphold the law.

The absence of the typical protests and civil unrest that historically follow extrajudicial killings in Nigeria is perhaps the strongest testament to the impact of IGP Olatunji Disu’s leadership. His handling of the Effurun incident has “endeared” him to the public because it addressed the root cause of past riots: the feeling of helplessness and the anticipation of injustice.
The following factors explain why the IGP’s decisive strategy effectively defused a high-tension environment that could have easily spiralled into unrest. The pervasive feeling of helplessness and the anticipation of institutional impunity. By replacing silence with action, he successfully de-escalated a potentially volatile situation through a strategy of proactive accountability.

A critical factor in this de-escalation was the speed of the intervention, which pre-empted public anger. Historically, civil unrest in Nigeria often stems from “justice delayed,” where the perception of police stalling to protect their own fuels street-level frustration. By concluding the dismissal and recommending the prosecution of ASP Nuhu Usman within a mere three days—between April 26 and April 29, 2026—IGP Disu effectively removed the “incubation period” for unrest.

The public witnessed a system moving faster than the momentum of a protest, neutralizing the need for mass mobilization. This was bolstered by a commitment to radical transparency; unlike previous administrations that issued vague or defensive statements, Disu’s leadership openly acknowledged the wrongdoing and provided real-time updates on the transfer of suspects to Abuja. This openness acted as a pressure valve, reassuring the citizenry that the system was working for them.
Furthermore, the IGP successfully humanized the institution by adopting a “human-first” narrative. His explicit declaration that “no uniform is a license to kill” reframed the conflict from “The Police vs. The People” to “The Institution vs. Rogue Elements.” This distinction made it difficult for protesters to justify rioting against a force that was visibly and aggressively purging its own bad actors. This moral clarity was supported by the “social capital” Disu had earned during his tenure as the Lagos State Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Commander. His established reputation for civil policing and accessibility gave him a unique credibility, allowing Nigerians to believe in the sincerity of his actions.

The strategic decision to move the case from the local Delta State Command to the Force Headquarters in Abuja served to neutralize local tensions. By shifting the “battleground” away from the immediate site of the tragedy, the IGP discouraged local mobs from attacking stations in Effurun or Warri, as they recognized that both the decision-makers and the suspects were no longer within physical reach. Ultimately, IGP Disu has replaced a historical “culture of impunity” with a “culture of consequences.” In this instance, Nigerians did not feel the need to take to the streets because the IGP had already stepped into the role of the victim’s advocate, fulfilling the very demand for justice that the public usually has to fight for.

IGP Olatunji Disu’s handling of the Effurun incident served as a masterclass in de-escalation by replacing cold bureaucracy with a strategy of empathetic, multi-level communication. By reaching out directly to Mene Ogidi’s family, he transformed a legal crisis into a human narrative, acknowledging their grief and immediately lowering the emotional temperature of the community. His transparent engagement with the people of Delta State acted as a vital safety valve, removing the impetus for “jungle justice” through real-time updates, while his address to the entire nation converted a local tragedy into a powerful policy statement against the “culture of silence.” This proactive approach didn’t just manage a crisis—it de-weaponized the systemic anger that typically fuels national unrest, replacing public skepticism with a rare and much-needed sense of institutional trust.

OPINION: Effurun Killing: IGP Disu Raises The Bar On Police Accountability is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, has called on the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, and officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to uphold the highest standards of integrity, discipline and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.

The monarch made the appeal on Thursday while receiving the Lagos police commissioner and a delegation of EFCC officials on separate courtesy visits to his palace on Lagos Island.

He stressed that the reputation of both institutions depends largely on the conduct of their personnel, warning that ethical behaviour remains key to sustaining public trust.

Akiolu noted that law enforcement and anti-corruption work require consistency, honesty and accountability, adding that officers must remain committed to their responsibilities while avoiding actions capable of undermining confidence in the system.

“The police job is one that, if you carry it out with honesty and sincerity of purpose, you will end well. If you do otherwise, the consequences are also there,” he said.

Drawing from his experience as a former police officer, the monarch advised security personnel to maintain moral discipline, avoid negative influences and ensure their actions reflect the values of the institutions they represent.

He acknowledged that while the Nigeria Police Force often faces public criticism, many officers continue to serve with integrity and dedication.

“Be close to God, do not listen to gossip, and let your conscience guide you,” he added.

Akiolu also advocated continuous training and retraining of officers, particularly in addressing concerns around professionalism, accountability and public complaints such as abuse of power. He said improved welfare and supervision would help reposition the police force for better service delivery and stronger community relations.

The monarch expressed confidence in the capacity of the commissioner, urging him to deepen community policing strategies, enhance intelligence gathering at the grassroots, and strengthen collaboration with traditional institutions and local stakeholders.

He also assured the police leadership of his continued support in maintaining peace and security in Lagos.

Earlier in his remarks, Commissioner Tijani said the visit was a mark of respect for tradition and an opportunity to seek royal blessings. He described the Oba as a father figure whose counsel remains valuable to security operations in the state.

“I have come as a son to seek the blessings of my father,” he said, adding that “wherever we serve, it is important to honour the custodians of the land.”

He noted that his previous experience in Lagos would be an advantage in improving coordination, strengthening operational efficiency and enhancing security response across the state.

Also speaking, the Lagos Zonal Director of the EFCC, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Bawa Kaltungo, emphasised the importance of professionalism and ethical conduct in sustaining the credibility of the anti-graft agency.

Kaltungo said the commission remains committed to intensifying its anti-corruption operations through investigations, prosecutions and public sensitisation, adding that performance would be continuously improved.

“We do not intend to maintain the tempo; we intend to improve on it. As our chairman often says, we must strive to do our best and ensure we do the right thing. Corruption concerns all of us, not only the EFCC,” he said.

He further urged members of the public to provide credible information to support investigations, assuring that informants’ identities are protected under strict confidentiality protocols.

“The EFCC is one of the safest places to provide information, and confidentiality is guaranteed. We do not expose our informants; otherwise, people will stop coming forward,” he said.

Kaltungo added that even within investigative teams, access to informant details is tightly controlled to ensure security and encourage greater public cooperation in the fight against corruption.

Oba of Lagos tasks police, EFCC on integrity, professionalism

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has held high level talks with the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Abuja to strengthen bilateral trade relations and enhance customs cooperation between both countries.

During the diplomatic engagement in Abuja, the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed, congratulated Adeniyi on his emergence as Chairman of the World Customs Organization (WCO), describing the appointment as a significant milestone for Nigeria and the African continent.

Saeed commended the leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service under Adeniyi, noting that collaboration between both countries has yielded tangible results, particularly in the growth of non oil trade.

According to him, trade volumes in the sector recorded a substantial increase between 2023 and 2025, despite prevailing global and regional challenges.

He further disclosed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been forwarded to enhance cooperation between the Nigeria Customs Service and UAE Customs, with a focus on trade facilitation and improved customs administration.

The ambassador described Adeniyi as one of the most distinguished guests received by the embassy, attributing Nigeria’s sustained trade growth to the efforts of the Customs leadership.

Adeniyi expressed appreciation for the warm reception and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening ties with the UAE.

He said the engagement marked the beginning of a new phase in bilateral relations aimed at boosting trade efficiency and fostering closer collaboration between customs administrations.

“We are committed to working with the UAE to simplify trade processes, particularly for small and medium-scale enterprises, and to leverage diplomatic channels to enhance cooperation among customs authorities,” he said.

Adeniyi added that trade relations between Nigeria and the UAE have seen significant improvement in the past two years, pledging continued engagement with stakeholders to promote efficiency and support legitimate trade.

He also stressed the need for both countries to collaborate in addressing activities that undermine Nigeria’s global image, noting that stronger bilateral cooperation would enhance security, build trust, and drive economic growth.

Adeniyi, UAE Move To Boost Trade, Customs Cooperation is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Adamawa State College of Nursing Sciences, Yola has matriculated no fewer than 233 students into nursing Programme for 2025/2026 academic season.

The Provost of the College, Salome Tarfa, disclosed this at the 2nd matriculation ceremony on Thursday in Yola.

She congratulated the students and charged them to embrace the opportunity with seriousness and determination. She urged them to commit themselves to discipline, integrity, compassion and lifelong learning-qualities that defined the nursing profession.

She added that “the College of Nursing has a clear mandate; to train competent, compassionate and highly skilled nurses who can meet the healthcare needs of our nation and beyond.

“Our role extends beyond academic instruction; we aim to shape character, instill professional ethics and prepare students to serve humanity with dedication and empathy. Our National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) nursing programmes are structured to provide balanced blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience.”

According to her, some students of the college are currently practicing in the UK, the United States of America and other countries of the world. She appreciated the state government’s efforts toward the development of the college and called for more to meet global standards.

The provost said that the establishment of college was driven by the vision to expand access to quality nursing education and to address the critical shortage of healthcare professionals.

In his address, the Chairman of the Governing Council of the college, Mr Benson Kongyiburi, described the college as “the best in the North-East.”

He urged students to abide by the rules and regulations of the college, take their studies serious
to succeed in the future. Kongyiburi advised parents to continue doing their best to ensure the students study hard and not to relent.

The college Legal Officer, Mr Murtala Hamidu, administered the oath to the new students.

Adamawa College Matriculates 233 Nursing Students is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Campos FC head coach Gaptus Chibueze is optimistic about his team’s chances in the 2026 President Federation Cup.

The Owerri-based club edged Nigeria National League side Heartland to reach the finals of the competition.

Chibueze said he has confidence in his players’ ability to perform well at the national level.

“Everything is possible with my boys. We are physically and psychologically ready for the competition,” Chibueze told Dica Stories.

“We are not scared of any opponents as we have done it against Heartland and we can do it again.”

Chibueze said the team wants to replicate Abakaliki FC’s run in last year’s tournament.

“We want to replicate what Abakaliki FC did in the tournament last year,” he said.

DAILY POST reports that Abakaliki FC finished as runners-up in the competition last year.

Campos FC coach Chibueze confident ahead President Federation Cup