Metro
We Must Be Proactive, Aggressive Against the Enemy, Says Police Affairs Minister, Gaidam
The Honourable Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, has urged the Nigeria Police Force to embrace a new strategy of proactivity and aggression to fight against the enemies of peace in the country.
He stated this during an official visit of the Ministers and management of the Ministry of Police Affairs to the Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force in Abuja.
The Minister said the Nigeria Police Force should no longer wait for the enemy to strike, but instead, take the fight to their very doorstep. We must seek out their hideouts, disrupt their operations, and dismantle their networks piece by piece. Gaidam stressed.
In his words, “I stand before you today not just as a Minister, but as a fellow warrior in the battle against terrorism and banditry that threatens our beloved nation. We are facing a formidable enemy, one that thrives in darkness and preys on fear and uncertainty. But I come to you with a message of hope and determination, a message that together, we can overcome these challenges and emerge victorious”.
He said the defensive approach has emboldened the enemies and allowed them to grow stronger adding that it is time to change the narrative, to shift the balance of power in our favor. By being proactive, and taking the fight to the hideouts of the terrorists and bandits, we can weaken them, disrupt their plans, and ultimately defeat them. The Minister reiterated
Gaidam acknowledged that the task will not be easy and requires courage, sacrifice, and unwavering determination. “I have full faith in every one of you. I have seen your bravery on the frontlines in many peacekeeping missions, your dedication to duty, and your unwavering commitment to protecting our people. Together, we are a force to be reckoned with, a force that cannot be defeated”. He stressed.
The Minister pointed out that the Nigerian Police Force holds a special place in the hearts of our citizens and they are entrusted with the important responsibility of maintaining peace, protecting lives, and ensuring the security of our communities adding that dedication and sacrifice in the face of numerous challenges are commendable.
Gaidam assured that their welfare and professional development are of paramount importance to the government and recognizes the need to address the various challenges faced daily, including inadequate infrastructure, insufficient equipment, and limited resources.
“We will invest in modernizing the Nigerian Police Force. The world around us is rapidly evolving, and law enforcement agencies must keep pace with emerging trends and technologies. We will enhance your capacity through the provision of state-of-the-art equipment, advanced training programs, and technological solutions. We will foster partnerships with international organizations and friendly nations to leverage their expertise and experiences for the benefit of our officers” The Minister stated.
The Minister of State for Police Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim said that the Ministry will collaborate with relevant stakeholders to create an improved welfare, training, and supportive environment for professional growth.
She urged the Inspector General of Police to promote gender equality and facilitate the inclusion of female police officers in the top management of the force as well as effective implementation of a safe school environment policy.
In his welcome address, the Inspector General of Police IGP Olukayode Egbetokun thanked the Honourable Ministers for the commendation which will serve as motivation to officers and rank and file of the force to serve the country better.
He assured them of the readiness of the Nigeria Police Force to work with the Ministry and support efforts put in place to enable the police to get better deals such as improving welfare, modern equipment, and reform of the police force
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the immediate withdrawal of police mobile force (PMF) personnel from private individuals nationwide.
The IGP, according to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, gave the directive during a meeting with PMF squadron commanders at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, on Tuesday.
He decried the assignment of PMF operatives to escort and guard duties for VIPs and private individuals across the country.
He also announced a series of reforms, including quarterly ethics and professionalism training, and the mandatory standby of fully equipped, combat-ready units.
In the statement, Adejobi said the move is part of the reorganisation of the Police Mobile Force (PMF).
“He expressed concern over the diversion of PMF personnel to non-core roles, including escort and guard duties for private individuals and VIPs, a trend which has undermined the unit’s effectiveness,” the statement read.
“To address this, the IGP has announced a series of measures including the immediate withdrawal of PMF personnel from unauthorized deployments, regular quarterly training focused on ethics and professionalism, and mandatory standby of fully equipped, combat-ready units across all Squadrons for rapid tactical support.”
According to the IGP, all PMF Commanders will be held accountable for the conduct of their personnel.
Egbetokun, however, urged them to lead proactively through regular training, inspections, and mentorship aimed at upholding discipline, respect for human rights, and operational excellence.
The police in Bauchi State have arrested a 40-year-old woman for allegedly raping a 12-year-old boy in Azare, headquarters of Katagum Local Government Area.
The State Police Command in a statement by the PPRO, CSP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, said: “On March 1, 2025, at about 14:00 hours, a concerned citizen from Katagum Local Government Area reported a serious incident to the Divisional Police Headquarters in Azare.
“The report implicated Fatimah Ibrahim, a 40-year-old resident of Tashan Jama’are, in a troubling case involving a 12-year-old boy (names withheld), who had been employed to assist in her business.”
The victim, an Arabic pupil, was reportedly housed at the defendant’s residence, where he was subjected to inappropriate conduct over two months.
During an interview, Wakil said the victim described how the defendant, who he trusted as a maternal figure, engaged him in acts of a sexual nature, especially when her other visitors were not present.
He recounted being given a mixture of lemon juice, which he believed may have been tampered with before these incidents occurred, and indicated that he had been subjected to such behavior on multiple occasions.
Wakil said during the subsequent interrogation, the defendant admitted to her actions. He added that investigation is ongoing, adding that the suspect will undergo profiling before charged to court for the appropriate offence.
A prominent Lagos hotelier, Otunba Kunle Akinyele, tragically passed away on Saturday after collapsing during a church thanksgiving service held in honour of his wife’s 60th birthday.
The incident occurred at Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Iyanu, Odemuyiwa District Headquarters, Egbeda, Lagos State, leaving family, friends, and well-wishers in deep shock.
In a now-viral video shared on Facebook by Ayoade Ojeniyi on Sunday, the late businessman appeared visibly distressed, gesturing frantically—apparently requesting water or an inhaler—moments before slumping while delivering his testimony.
The thanksgiving service had been organised to celebrate his wife, Deaconess Catherine Adejoke Akinyele, with a grand reception scheduled to follow immediately after at Noble Castle Events Centre, Igando.
However, those plans were abruptly halted when news broke that Akinyele had collapsed in church. Despite frantic efforts to revive him, he was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.
One of the event vendors, who shared their experience via Facebook, said they had arrived at the reception venue as early as 10 am for the party, which was set to commence by 2pm.
The vendor wrote: “The celebrant, her husband, their children, and guests had all gone to church for the thanksgiving, intending to proceed to the reception afterwards. Varieties of foods were ready, decoration set, cocktails, emu oguro, and more. The live band had already mounted about 25 speakers. This is how people die? I can’t even think of asking for my balance for the job.”
