Metro
Insecurity: MLTF to Boost Police Efforts, Senator Gaidam Declares
The Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, has said that the Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing section of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) will greatly complement the NPF’s efforts in fighting insecurity in Nigeria, the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) can report.
The Minister stated this during the Training workshop on Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing for Frontline Officers and Prosecutors held at the President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan International Peacekeeping Center, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
The Minister, whose speech was read by the Director, Police Services, Ministry of Police Affairs, Mr. Ibrahim Muhammed, stated that the workshop will present a valuable opportunity to enhance their skills and share expertise on how to tackle these bedbugs, called Money laundering and terrorism financing.
In his words, “The Frontline officers and prosecutors will play a vital role in disrupting financial crimes and terrorism financing networks. This workshop will equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and best practices to tackle these complex challenges. As the Honourable Minister of Police Affairs, I want to assure the Inspector-General of Police and all officers present that I will continue to support initiatives that would strengthen our nation’s security and justice system”.
Gaidam urged the recently established special section entitled, “Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Section of the NPF” to seize the opportunity to utilized the data from the Crime and Incidence Database, the upcoming Criminal Data Fusion Center and the West African Police Information System database all at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters to boost their operation.
The Minister commended the initiative of the Inspector-General of Police in creating the section of the NPF because Money laundering and terrorism financing pose significant threats to national security by undermining financial systems, enabling organized crimes, and providing resources for terrorist activities.
These illicit activities can destabilize economies, erode public trust, and create an environment conducive to violence and instability. He stressed.
In his goodwill message, the Chairman of Police Service Commission (PSC) advised the officers not to misuse their power of investigation and avoid getting involved in land matter issues, adding that the commission is ready to discipline any erring officers according to extant law.
He urged the officers to imbibe the international best practices as the challenges of investigating and prosecuting a case need commitment, facts, and adherence to truth.
The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, represented by the Deputy Inspector General of Police (Training and Development), DIG Frank Mba pointed out that Nigeria continues to grapple with twin trends of money laundering and terrorism financing through complex crimes that not only weaken the economic foundations but also tarnish the international reputation of the country.
According to him, “to address this, the Federal Government has undertaken commendable steps by establishing specialized agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), and the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC). These institutions form the backbone of the institutional response to financial crimes and terrorism.”
In pursuance of its goal to affect humanity, foremost not-for-profit health organization, Sickle Cell Advocacy and Management Initiative (SAMI) has held its 2026 Volunteer Retreat and Awards Ceremony geared towards spotlighting the values of sustained purpose, service, compassion, sacrifice, and discipline.
The ceremony, held in Lagos on Saturday 25th April 2026, brought together a remarkable corps of volunteers whose quiet, consistent efforts have shaped lives in ways statistics often fail to capture. It also created the perfect space for reflection while boldly charting the path forward for the sickle cell NGO founded by nonprofit leader, Toyin Adesola in 2008.
During the event, a 10million naira crowdfunding campaign tagged #1kforSickle to encourage Nigerians to give a minimum of ₦1,000 to support the organization’s effort was launched. Also, 11 award categories were presented to capture the impact of individuals from various spheres of influence who have supported SAMI over the years. These include haematologists, medical doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists, educators, entrepreneurs, IT experts, media executives, and emerging young professionals in different sectors.
The event had 4 top speakers including polymath and Founder of Immerse Coaching Company, Debola Deji Kurunmi; clinical psychologist, Sheriff Ajibola Moshobalaje; leadership expert, Director Oluwatoyin Banjo; and co-founder of 9ijakids, Mrs. Titi Adewusi, to forge the awareness of a greater responsibility for impact to the sickle cell community and humanity at large.
Delivering one of the most compelling sessions of the Retreat, Debola Deji-Kurunmi challenged the volunteers to rethink their personal growth as a fundamental aspect of their influence to SAMI, family, and community. Deploying the five empires of self-leadership, she emphasized the need for self-mastery, self-direction, self-drive, self-influence, and self-expansion. “It is when you lead yourself well that you can serve others better and advance the mission” she asserted.
Noting that “SAMI is moving forward from being a founder-led NGO to a legacy-led institution”, the highly sought corporate trainer fondly called DDK, encouraged the volunteers to move from consumer mindset to creator mindset, bring forward their original ideas, make more suggestions, and become more solution-oriented.
From a psychological standpoint, Mr. Sheriff Ajibola Moshobalaje brought a refreshing depth to the conversation, focusing on the inner life of a volunteer. His session provided a vital reminder that emotional balance, life satisfaction, and a sense of purpose and fulfillment are hallmarks of a successful life.
He addressed the emotional impact as well as the toll that social media could play on mental health, advocating for self-awareness and introspection as critical components for mental resilience and sustainable impact. He highlighted that a state of positive mental health will encompass “emotional, psychological, and social well-being that focuses on how we feel, how we function, and the knowledge that we are separate from our problems.”
Speaking to the heart of volunteering, Mrs. Titi Adewusi delivered a powerful message focused on Why Team Spirit Matters to Building Trust and Credibility for a Nonprofit. Drawing largely from real stories, she challenged the volunteers to see their opportunities to serve the SAMI mission not only when they show up physically but in everything. Her insights served as a rallying call for volunteers, even as she officially launched the #1kforSickle crowdfunding campaign.
In a stirring address on leadership and influence, Director Toyin Banjo underscored the responsibility that comes with the privilege of leading within volunteer ecosystems. She centered her discussion on the 8 Pillars of M.O.B.I.L.I.Z.E. which are the principles of “motivate with meaning, orient and onboard, build belonging, invest in them, lead by example, inspire through impact, zoom in on zeal, and empower and entrust.” Her remarks provided a unique perspective into volunteering and urged leadership of the nonprofit to renew their commitment to continually pour into the development of its most valuable human resource team.
The Communication Officer of the health nonprofit, Abayomi Oyelami noted that the SAMI Volunteer Retreat & Awards Ceremony was to “honour the passion, sacrifice, and invisible work shaping lives in the sickle cell community, as well as to be a space for growth, learning, and renewed purpose.”
He indicated that Nigerians who wish to donate to the ongoing #1kforSickle campaign can donate via: A/c name: SAMI 500 by 1M Campaign, GTB – 0208883097 or use the online channels found on the official promotional materials.
The SAMI Volunteer Retreat and Awards Ceremony drew to a close with a collective call for volunteers to awaken to a higher order of service, where compassion and goodwill is matched with skill and excellence.
The Lagos State Security Trust Fund has intensified support for community-based security with the donation of 100 anti-riot kits and 1,000 pairs of operational boots to the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency.
The high quality modern equipment was presented on behalf of the Executive Secretary/CEO, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, by the Director of Administration, Mr. Adegbola Lewis, to the General Manager of LNSA, Dr. Ifalade Oyekan, at the Agency’s headquarters in Oshodi.
The Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Agency plays a critical role in grassroots security as they support the police through intelligence gathering, routine patrols, and community policing initiatives across all local government areas in the state. The Corps is also tasked with maintaining law and order, detecting suspicious activities, and fostering safety awareness within communities.
The intervention is expected to further strengthen neighbourhood-level security architecture and deepen collaboration between communities and formal law enforcement agencies in State.
The Federal government has declared Friday, May 1, a public holiday to commemorate this year’s International Workers’ Day.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the announcement on behalf of the government.
In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Magdalene Ajani, the minister congratulated workers nationwide, commending their commitment and contributions to national development.
He noted that the dedication of Nigerian workers remains vital to the country’s growth and economic progress, urging them to sustain values of patriotism, productivity and diligence.
Tunji-Ojo also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare, enhancing security and creating an enabling environment for economic expansion.
He called on Nigerians to remain peaceful and law-abiding during the celebration, encouraging citizens to reflect on the importance of unity and hard work in nation-building.
