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A new Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Simeon U. Akpanudom, has assumed duty as the 56th AIG in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon Close, Ikoyi, Lagos. His assumption of office, which took effect on Monday, marks a leadership transition at the department following the elevation of his predecessor, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to the position of Inspector-General of Police (IGP). Disu, who served as the 55th AIG of the FCID Annex, was recently appointed IGP by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and confirmed by the Nigerian Police Council as the 23rd indigenous Inspector-General of Police of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Akpanudom, a seasoned officer, was born on August 4, 1967, in Ukana Ikot Ntuen, Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. He joined the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992, as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police. Prior to his new appointment, he served as Commissioner of Police in charge of the Anti-Fraud Sec...

CAPPA Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has called on the Federal Government to significantly increase funding for tobacco control, warning that current budgetary provisions are inadequate to tackle the growing public health risks posed by tobacco use and emerging nicotine products. In a statement issued at the weekend, the organisation urged the government to raise the annual allocation for tobacco control to at least N300 million, with sustained increases in subsequent budgets. It noted that existing funding levels fall short of what is required to effectively implement the National Tobacco Control Act (NTCA) 2015. The call follows the release of CAPPA’s report titled “New Smoke Trap: New and Emerging Nicotine and Tobacco Products, Youth Exposure and Policy Gaps in Nigeria,” which highlights how tobacco companies are exploiting regulatory gaps to introduce and promote new nicotine products, including electronic cig...

Frank Oshanugor A new book on crime journalism authored by the Editor-in-Chief of Atlanticnewsonline, Mr. Frank Oshanugor, is scheduled for public presentation on Thursday, March 26, 2026. The book, Crime Beat Reporting in Nigeria, will be unveiled at a ceremony slated to begin at 10 a.m. at Osun Hall, Lagos Airport Hotel, located on Obafemi Awolowo Way, Ikeja, Lagos. The event is expected to attract dignitaries from the security, banking, maritime and other sectors of the economy. Chairman of the Book Presentation Committee, Mr. Emma Nnadozie, who is also the Crime Editor of Vanguard Newspapers, disclosed that the event will be chaired by Dr. Davidson Akhimien, a former military intelligence officer and Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of King David Group of Companies. The book will be presented by industrialist High Chief Richard Ifeanyi Agbapuru, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of RichyGold Group of Companies, while the review will be delivered by Prof. Chijioke Uwasomba of Obafemi...

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has approved a wide-ranging redeployment of senior officers across the Nigeria Police Force, in a strategic move to enhance operational effectiveness and strengthen internal command structures. The Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid said in a statement that the postings, which affect Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) and Commissioners of Police (CPs), cut across key departments, state commands, and specialised formations. Among the AIGs redeployed are AIG Ado Emmanuel to Research and Planning, Force Headquarters, Abuja; AIG Joseph Eribo to the Department of Armament; AIG Miller G. Dantawaye to the Department of Operations; AIG Henry Ifeanyi Uche to Training and Development; and AIG Olanrewaju Peter Ogunlowo to Police Accounts and Budget. Also affected are AIG Dahiru Mohammed, fdc, now posted to Zone 15, Maiduguri; AIG Dankombo F. Morris to Zone 4, Makurdi; AIG Bello Shehu to Zone 14, Katsina; AIG Ibrahim...

By Humphrey Ukeaja There is a quiet epidemic running alongside Nigeria's more publicised health crises. It does not arrive in sudden outbreaks or make international emergency headlines. It builds slowly, meal by meal, sip by sip, until it arrives as a stroke at the age of 45, a diabetes diagnosis at 38 years, or a hypertension prescription that a household cannot reasonably afford. Non-communicable diseases now account for 29 percent of all deaths in Nigeria. Cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and diet-related cancers are rising rapidly among a population that should be at its most productive stage of life. In these circumstances, the burden falls heavily on working-class and poor Nigerians in both urban and rural communities, many of whom do not realise they are ill until treatment becomes difficult and financially ruinous. It is tempting to largely interpret this crisis through the language of personal responsibility. Nigerians, we are told, must simply eat better....

By Zikora Ibeh One fact is now unmistakable. The Lagos State Government appears determined to empty Makoko of its inhabitants. But for the mass protest organised by the Coalition Against Demolition, Forced Evictions, Land Grabbing and Displacement on January 28, 2026, the historic riverine community might well have been erased with little public scrutiny and even fewer qualms. That demonstration laid bare the depth of grievance simmering across Lagos. Nearly five thousand residents gathered in collective resistance, many of them survivors of forced evictions and illegal demolitions in Owode Onirin, Oworoshoki, Bariga, Ajegunle, Sogunro, and other communities. Makoko itself had become the immediate flashpoint, suffering yet another cycle of destruction. In December 2025, armed demolition teams backed by state authorities entered the settlement under the pretext of enforcing a 30–100 metre safety corridor beneath a high-tension power line. That explanation quickly collapsed under the wei...

Four passengers have died while four others sustained serious injuries in a road accident involving a truck and a commercial minibus along the Lekki-Epe Expressway in Lagos. The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) said the crash occurred opposite Beechwood, Shapati, inward Ajah, when a HOWO truck lost control and rammed into a fully loaded Suzuki commercial minibus, popularly known as Korope. According to preliminary findings, the articulated truck veered across the carriageway and collided with the oncoming bus conveying passengers along the busy corridor. The impact led to the instant death of four male passengers, while four others, two men and two women, sustained severe fracture injuries after becoming trapped inside the wreckage of the bus. Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq in a statement said emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene and worked to rescue the injured passengers from the crushed vehicle with assis...

Civil society organisations have called on the Federal Government to introduce mandatory salt limits and front-of-pack warning labels on processed foods to help curb the rising burden of non-communicable diseases in Nigeria. The call was made in a joint statement by the Network for Health Equity and Development, Centre for Communication and Social Impact, and Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa to mark World Consumer Rights Day. The groups said Nigeria is facing a growing public health challenge, noting that about 29 per cent of deaths in the country are linked to non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, heart disease and kidney failure. According to them, excessive salt consumption remains a major driver of the crisis, with the average Nigerian consuming about 10 grams of salt daily—almost double the recommended 5 grams set by the World Health Organization. The organisations stressed that under the 2026 theme, “Safe Products, Confident Consumers,” the gover...

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Boltek System Limited, Dr. Joke Sofowora, has congratulated her childhood friend, Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein, the first female Accountant-General of the Federation, on her 61st birthday and the launch of her book and foundation. Sofowora, in a statement on Tuesday, described the celebrant as a woman of extraordinary character whose life has been defined by service, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting others. Reflecting on their enduring friendship which began in childhood, she recalled that their bond dates back to 1965 when they first met as young girls growing up in the same community. “Our shared upbringing and membership in the Blessed Bomode Oku Society laid the foundation for a lifelong friendship that has continued to flourish over the decades. “We grew up together, attended the same school, Christ Apostolic Grammar School, and shared many dreams together. When she later got married to my cousin, it simply conf...

  The Chief Executive Officer of Razor Media Group, Odita Sunday, has extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Lagos State Police boss, Olohundare Jimoh, on his elevation to the enviable rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG). In a congratulatory message on Friday, Odita described Jimoh’s promotion as well deserved, noting that it is a testament to his dedication, professionalism, and patriotic service to Nigeria. He commended the senior police officer for his exemplary leadership, discipline, and commitment to effective policing, adding that the promotion reflects the confidence reposed in him by the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force and the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu. The Razor Media Group boss expressed optimism that Jimoh would bring his wealth of experience to bear in his new role while continuing to contribute to strengthening security and professionalism within the force. Odita wished the newly promoted AIG greater success and impactful...

By Chidinma Eferebo On the morning of February 21, 2026, officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at Polling Unit 115 in Garki, Abuja, arrived early, organised their materials, and waited. By midday, fewer than five voters had appeared. This polling unit was not located in a remote village but in the centre of Nigeria's capital, only three kilometres from Aso Rock, the nation's political seat of power. This scenario, in which democracy appears to be addressing itself, accurately reflects the situation during the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections. The All Progressives Congress (APC) secured five of the six chairmanship seats, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won just one seat in Gwagwalada. However, the most consequential outcome was not the distribution of victories but the voter turnout: only 7.8 percent in the Abuja Municipal Area Council. Civil society groups, opposition leaders, and democratic observers have described this f...

By Bukola Olukemi-Odele Healthy eating is often portrayed as a matter of willpower or personal choice. Yet, for millions of women and girls, the concept of choice is an illusion. Their health is significantly influenced by their food environment—the physical, economic, and social factors that determine what food is accessible, affordable, and promoted. A poor food environment is not just about a lack of food. More often, it is about limited access to nutritious options. This can manifest as food deserts, which are urban or rural areas where fresh, affordable produce is miles away, leaving residents dependent on convenience stores saturated with high-calorie, ultra-processed foods. When food environments deteriorate in this way, the consequences are not shared equally. Women and girls bear a disproportionate share of the burden. Their bodies move through life stages that demand consistent and specific nutritional support, from adolescence to pregnancy and beyond. Yet the social realitie...

  The Kwara State Police Command has arrested 32 suspected bandits linked to kidnapping, cattle rustling and other violent crimes during coordinated operations in forest communities in the state. According to a statement by the command's Police Public Relations Officer, ‎SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the arrests followed sustained intelligence-led operations carried out by operatives of the Kwara State Police Command and detectives of the Intelligence Response Team targeting criminal networks operating in forest corridors and rural communities across the state. During an operational visit to Kaiama, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, commended the officers for their professionalism and bravery in dismantling the criminal network. SP Ejire-Adeyemi said investigations revealed that the suspects belonged to different gangs using forests around Awi, Patigi, Gbugbu, Tsaraji and Babanla as hideouts for their operations. Among those arrested were two foreign nationals from...

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has dismissed as false and malicious a video circulating on social media claiming that it arrested and is prosecuting Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja. In a statement issued and signed by the Commission’s spokesperson, J. Okor Odey on Tuesday, the anti-corruption agency said the claim contained in the video was entirely untrue and designed to mislead members of the public. The Commission clarified that it had neither arrested nor invited Justice Omotosho for questioning and was not investigating him in relation to any matter as alleged in the viral content. According to the ICPC, the video was intended to spread misinformation capable of causing unnecessary public concern and damaging the reputation of the judge. “For the avoidance of doubt, the ICPC has neither arrested nor invited Justice James Omotosho in relation to any investigation. The Commission is also not investigating the ...

Lagos CP, Jimoh Moshood A coalition of civil society organisations has asked the Police Service Commission to investigate the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Jimoh Moshood, over allegations of abduction, torture and unlawful detention of activist Hassan Taiwo Soweto during a protest in January. In a petition dated March 9, 2026, the groups alleged that Moshood ordered officers to disperse protesters with tear gas and later supervised the arrest and assault of Soweto during a demonstration held on January 28. The petition was signed by 15 organisations, including the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, Justice and Empowerment Initiatives, Take It Back Movement, the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, and the Joint Action Front, among others. According to the petitioners, the protest drew more than 5,000 participants from communities including Makoko, Owode Onirin, Oworonshoki, and Ajegunle, and was organise...

Olamide Martins By Olamide Martins The continued bombardment of Iran by the United States of America to Israel’s advantage may have again uncovered the dominance of the world’s energy system and the fragility of the least developed and oil-dependent economies. The war in the Middle East is already forcing an increase of about 10 percent in oil prices. Also of concern is the shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz, a 38 km corridor through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil transits, and if the shutdown continues, global prices could remain above $100 per barrel. This shows that the world’s glue to fossil fuels comes with grave consequences. The toll on Africa is immense. The continent can expect a staggering increase in fuel prices and a rise in food inflation. Nations such as Kenya, Ghana, and Uganda, which are oil-importing, will experience strain in their transportation and production sectors, while states that are oil-exporting might have temporary price spikes but that won’t help t...

The President of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), Olufunmilola Disu, has reaffirmed the association’s commitment to empowering police families, widows and young girls through targeted programmes aimed at improving livelihoods and strengthening community support systems. Mrs. Disu, who is also the wife of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, said the association under her leadership would continue to prioritise initiatives that provide practical support to women and children within the police community. According to her, the focus includes skills acquisition programmes, educational support, health initiatives and expanded community outreach. The empowerment programme organised by POWA brought together several beneficiaries, including widows of fallen police officers and women within the police rank-and-file community, ranging from constables to inspectors. Members of neighbouring communities also benefited from the outreach. Nearly 200 residents from surr...

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, on Monday decorated eight senior officers recently promoted to the rank of Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) at a ceremony held at the Force Headquarters in Abuja. The promotion ceremony marked the formal induction of the officers into the top leadership cadre of the Nigeria Police Force. Speaking during the decoration, the IGP described the elevation as a recognition of decades of dedication, professional excellence and leadership within the Nigeria Police Force. He noted that the rank of DIG carries significant responsibility and urged the newly promoted officers to provide strategic direction, strengthen internal discipline and drive ongoing reforms within the Force. Disu emphasised the need for the senior officers to ensure that policing strategies remain responsive to evolving security challenges, while leveraging their experience in intelligence-led policing, operational coordination, inter-agency collaboration and accountabi...

The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has criticised opposition parties in the country, saying they lack the cohesion, structure and policy direction required to present a credible challenge ahead of the 2027 general elections. In a statement on Monday, the party’s spokesperson, Seye Oladejo, said the current political climate suggests Nigeria may be heading toward a largely predictable electoral cycle due to what he described as the opposition’s internal divisions and lack of preparedness. According to Oladejo, parties expected to provide alternatives to the ruling party have instead been preoccupied with internal conflicts, populist rhetoric and personal ambitions. He said the situation has resulted in a fragmented opposition unable to build strong party structures or articulate policy-driven solutions to the country’s economic and social challenges. “The opposition appears locked in a contest of individual aspirations rather than a collective strategy that can off...