Metro
Guber, Assembly Polls: We’ve Put in Place Robust Security Arrangements – NSCDC
Ahead of the March 18, 2023 gubernatorial and House of Assembly elections, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has assured Nigerians of a strengthened security network to ensure that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conduct a free and fair election.
The Corps gave this assurance in a statement signed by the Director of Public Relations, CC Olusola Odumosu, and made available to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP).
The statement noted that following the review, analysis, and processing of reports and observations from the field on the Presidential and National Assembly elections held on the 25th of February, 2023, the management of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has put in place a robust security arrangement geared towards the success of the forthcoming governorship election.
The tightened security approach, according to the statement, is to ensure that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) staff, election materials and citizens are secured during the elections.
In his remarks, the NSCDC Commandant General, Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, while addressing some personnel ready for deployment to states for the elections, said that efforts to curb disruption of the voting process necessitated the deployment of personnel to old and newly discovered flashpoints.
“Ensure the protection of critical national assets and infrastructural domains where vandalism of public utilities frequently occurred,” he ordered.
He affirmed that the already deployed 102,000 officers and men who had been properly trained in regimentation, crowd control, arms bearing and election management techniques are to ensure full security coverage of the election.
He further assured that the Corps will continue to work with members of the public to obtain credible information to nip criminal activities in the bud before, during and after the election.
Audi charged all personnel on election duty to observe the rules of engagement and get themselves acquainted with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), code of ethics, and the electoral law as amended.
He warned against any form of misconduct, compromise, or accidental discharge as such acts are unpardonable under his administration.
“You must be professional, apolitical, and non-partisan, respect the fundamental human rights of the citizens, and avoid Intimidation and harassment of voters.
“Personnel must respect fundamental human rights of citizens, protect voters against political thugs, arrest vote buyers, election fraudsters.
“You are to ensure the obedience of law and order, be good ambassadors and maintain the integrity of the system,” CG said.
The Corps helmsman reiterated the need for continuous partnership with the police and other security agencies involved in election security duties, advising them to avoid unnecessary confrontation but to handle misunderstandings (in case of any) with maturity.
Audi warned mischief makers who may intend to perpetrate violence to take lessons from the last Presidential and National Assembly election where many political thugs lost their lives while snatching ballot boxes amongst other electoral crimes
He urged personnel to attract only good comments to the service with their conducts and performances during the polls as anyone found wanting will not be spared and assured those yet to receive the second tranch of the election allowance to exercise patience as glitches in the network is seriously affecting most financial transactions.
“Except for those who supplied wrong account details, and some network glitches, many personnel had received the second credit alerts,” CG informed.
There was panic on Friday after human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, collapsed following a confrontation with the police during a Democracy Day protest at the Unity Fountain in Abuja.
Reports said that Sowore collapsed after police operatives moved to disperse protesters gathered to demonstrate against insecurity, economic hardship and bad governance.
The demonstrators were dispersed after security personnel fired teargas canisters at the protesters in an apparent attempt to break up the gathering.
Following the incident, Sowore has reportedly been taken to an undisclosed hospital for further examination and treatment.
The FCT Police Command has successfully rescued five kidnapped victims following an intensive joint rescue operation conducted in the Byazhin area of the Federal Capital Territory.
Acting on recent kidnapping incidents within Paze community in Byazhin area, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, PhD, FCAI, personally led a clearance operation with a team comprising operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the NPF Intelligence Response Team (IRT), and Kubwa Area Command, in collaboration with local hunters and vigilante groups.
On 9th June, 2026, at approximately 9:00 p.m., the joint security team launched an intensive search, clearance, and rescue operation across Paze and Byazhin communities. During the operation, the team engaged suspected kidnappers in a gun duel, resulting in the neutralization of two suspects and the arrest of two others identified as Icheh Mohammadu and Abubakar Usman, while other gang members fled into nearby hills with varying degrees of bullet wounds. During the operation, the police team also recovered two AK-47 rifles with magazines. The Command therefore calls on healthcare practitioners, private and public hospitals, and members of the public to promptly report any individual presenting gunshot related injuries or seeking treatment under suspicious circumstances.
The sustained pressure mounted on the criminal elements forced them to abandon five hostages, who were promptly rescued unharmed.
The rescued victims have since been taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention, while efforts are ongoing to reunite them with their families. Meanwhile, search operations continue across the general area and adjoining communities aimed at apprehending the fleeing suspects and dismantling the criminal network.
The Commissioner of Police commended the bravery, resilience, and professionalism displayed by the operatives and supporting local security volunteers during the operation. He reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes across the Federal Capital Territory.
Members of the public are encouraged to remain security conscious and report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency numbers: 08032003913, 07057337653.
Ecobank Nigeria has concluded all preparations for the fifth edition of the highly anticipated Ecobank Adire Lagos Experience, reaffirming its readiness to host local and international brands, partners, customers and visitors at the four-day fair scheduled to hold from June 11 to 14, 2026, at the Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC), Victoria Island, Lagos.
The Bank has put in place all necessary arrangements to ensure a seamless, secure and memorable experience for exhibitors and attendees, further underscoring its commitment to promoting African creativity, entrepreneurship and intra-African trade.
Among the international exhibitors confirmed for this year’s edition are Creative Hub Africa and Shades of Class from Sierra Leone, Drame Khadidatou from Senegal, Tampoori from Ghana, and Naylah Collection from the Republic of Benin. Their participation highlights the growing continental appeal of the Ecobank Adire Lagos Experience as a platform for cultural exchange, business collaboration and market access across Africa.
The event will also feature more than 100 exhibitors and vendors, including leading Nigerian brands such as Obida Design Associates, This Is Us, Imani Kids, Ashabi Fads, E25Dresses, Miné by Ejiro Amos Tafiri, Buss Fabrics Store, Aina Aladire and many others, showcasing the richness of African craftsmanship, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Speaking on the Bank’s preparedness for the event, Head of SMEs, Partnerships and Collaborations at Ecobank Nigeria, Omoboye Odu, said all arrangements have been successfully concluded to deliver a rewarding experience for exhibitors, partners, customers and visitors throughout the four-day fair.
According to her, attendees can look forward to a vibrant showcase of fashion, craftsmanship, art, music, culture and entrepreneurship, with participants drawn from Nigeria and several other African countries.
“We are fully prepared and excited to welcome guests from across Nigeria and the African continent to another edition of the Ecobank Adire Lagos Experience. From exhibition spaces and cultural showcases to networking opportunities and customer engagement activities, every necessary arrangement has been put in place to ensure a seamless and rewarding experience for all attendees,” Odu said.
She added: “The Ecobank Adire Lagos Experience continues to evolve as a unique platform that connects creatives, entrepreneurs and consumers from across Africa. Attendees can look forward to exceptional products, interactive sessions, entertainment, cultural exhibitions and valuable opportunities to build relationships, explore new markets and expand their businesses.”
Over the years, the Ecobank Adire Lagos Experience has grown into one of Nigeria’s foremost platforms for promoting indigenous textile production, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, and showcasing the ingenuity of African creatives. The event has also played a significant role in expanding market access for businesses while preserving and celebrating Africa’s rich cultural heritage.
Beyond the exhibition, participants will have opportunities to network, explore business partnerships, discover unique products and experience the diversity and vibrancy of African culture. The event is open to the public, and visitors can look forward to an immersive experience that seamlessly blends tradition, innovation, fashion, enterprise and entertainment in a grand celebration of Africa’s creative economy.
