SA News

Hon. Seye Oladejo The passage of the State Police Bill by the House of Representatives represents one of the most consequential legislative milestones in Nigeria’s democratic journey and a major breakthrough in our nation’s battle against insecurity. For years, progressive voices across the country have argued that Nigeria’s security challenges require bold, innovative and constitutionally-backed solutions. The increasing sophistication of criminal networks, the persistence of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of violent crime have exposed the limitations of a policing structure designed for a much smaller and less complex nation. Today, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria is once again demonstrating the courage to embrace reforms that previous administrations merely discussed but failed to implement. The House of Representatives deserves commendation for taking this historic step. Its action reflects a growing national consensus that the securit...

President Bola Tinubu Seye Oladejo   The Democracy Day address delivered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, was both reassuring and inspiring. It reflected the conviction of a leader who understands the challenges confronting our nation and possesses the courage, vision, and determination to surmount them. At a time when Nigerians desire renewed hope, security, and prosperity, the President’s speech offered renewed confidence in the resilience of our democracy and the capacity of our institutions to respond to the yearnings of the people. His unequivocal commitment to democratic values, constitutional governance, and the sanctity of the people’s mandate is commendable and deserving of support from all patriots. Particularly inspiring was the President’s reaffirmation that democracy remains our best form of government despite its imperfections. His acknowledgment of the sacrifices of our democratic heroes and the struggles that birthed the Fourth Republic was a timely reminder th...

DECAN Newly Elected Officers  The Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) has elected a new executive committee to lead the association for the next two years. The new officials emerged through a peaceful and transparent electoral process and include Sunday Odita as President, Linus Aleke as Vice President, Musa Umar Bologi as Secretary and Benjamin Samson as Treasurer. Other elected officers are Kikelomo Okere, Financial Secretary; Ihotu Odoh, Welfare Officer; Agbor Jame, Provost; and Mathew Abi, Public Relations Officer. Sunday Odita Speaking after his election, the new DECAN President, Sunday Odita, pledged to prioritise members' welfare while strengthening partnerships with stakeholders in the defence and security sector. Odita said a professionally empowered and motivated membership was crucial to effective defence journalism and promised that the new leadership would work towards building a stronger and more united association. He also said the association would...

The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has warned that Nigeria's worsening insecurity poses a serious threat to the country's democratic progress and could undermine participation in the 2027 general elections. In a statement issued on Thursday to commemorate the June 12 Democracy Day anniversary, the organisation urged the Federal Government to treat insecurity as a direct challenge to democracy, the rule of law and electoral credibility. CAPPA's Assistant Executive Director, Zikora Ibeh, said democracy cannot flourish when citizens live under the constant threat of kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, communal violence and other forms of criminality. “Democracy cannot thrive where people are afraid to travel on highways, send their children to school, cultivate their farms, operate businesses, or participate in elections,” Ibeh said. The organisation expressed concern over the continued spread of kidnapping-for-ransom across the country, noting t...

The Delta State Police Command has arrested four suspected members of a gun-running syndicate allegedly linked to the recovery of a Beretta pistol at a transport park in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area, on May 1, 2026. The Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, disclosed this during a press briefing in Asaba, stating that the arrests followed weeks of intelligence-led investigations and coordinated operations across Bayelsa and Imo states. According to the commissioner, the suspects were identified as Emmanuel Chukwuemeka, Clifford Boleyelefa, Amadi Princewill and Amadi Felix Chibuike. CP Oyeniyi said investigators traced the firearm recovered in Effurun to Emmanuel Chukwuemeka, who was arrested in Bayelsa State on May 4, 2026, alongside a friend and roommate whose phone was allegedly used in communications relating to the purchase of the weapon. He said during interrogation, Chukwuemeka reportedly confessed to purchasing the firearm from Amadi Princewill for N290,000 before resell...

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has rescued a female victim who sustained serious injuries in a hit-and-run accident along the Lekki-Epe Expressway and facilitated her prompt evacuation for medical treatment. The incident occurred at EFF Bus Stop inward Marwa on the busy expressway when an unidentified motorist allegedly knocked down the woman and fled the scene, leaving her injured and unattended. According to a statement issued by LASTMA's Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq, officers on traffic monitoring and control duty in the area quickly responded to the emergency after discovering the victim, who suffered fractures to her arm and leg. The traffic officials immediately secured the accident scene, removed the victim from further danger and alerted the Lagos State Ambulance Service while implementing traffic management measures to prevent secondary accidents and maintain the free flow of vehicles along the corridor. The a...

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has explained the reasons behind the delayed conduct of Mathematics and Agricultural Science papers in some centres during the ongoing 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for school candidates. In a statement issued and signed by the Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola Adesina, on behalf of the Head of National Office on Monday, WAEC said it immediately launched preliminary investigations following reports of delays experienced by candidates in some examination centres across the country. According to the council, the disruption was caused by a combination of logistical and operational challenges, including a fatal road accident involving officials transporting sensitive examination materials. WAEC disclosed that the accident, which occurred on June 3, 2026, claimed the lives of three personnel who were conveying examination materials across state boundaries. The council described the incident as a tragic loss that ...

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai The Lagos State Police Command has reassured residents that there is no verified intelligence indicating any imminent attack on schools following the circulation of a threatening notice alleging that bandits planned to abduct schoolchildren in parts of the state. In a statement issued and signed by its State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi on Monday, the command said it had become aware of reports concerning a notice purportedly pasted at a school warning of a planned attack by bandits. It, however, urged parents, guardians, school authorities and residents not to panic, stressing that there is currently no credible intelligence to support the claim. According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Tijani Fatai, has ordered an immediate assessment of the situation and directed the deployment of enhanced security measures across the affected area and other strategic locations within the sta...

  CAPPA's Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi As the world commemorates World Food Safety Day 2026, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has called on the Nigerian government to adopt stronger healthy food policies to address the growing burden of diet-related diseases across the country. In a statement marking the observance themed "From Burden to Solutions – Safe Food Everywhere," CAPPA argued that food safety should extend beyond protection against contamination and foodborne illnesses to include safeguards against excessive levels of sugar, salt, unhealthy fats and harmful additives linked to non-communicable diseases. The organisation warned that Nigeria is facing a worsening public health challenge driven by increased consumption of ultra-processed foods and beverages, coupled with what it described as weak regulatory measures that leave consumers vulnerable to unhealthy products. According to CAPPA's Executive Director, Akinbode O...

The Nigeria Silent Heroes Awards Initiative has praised the leadership of the Military Pensions Board (MPB), commending its chairman, Mikail Abdulraheem, for efforts aimed at improving the welfare of retired military personnel and reforming the military pensions system. The commendation was made during a courtesy visit by the founder and convener of the Nigeria Silent Heroes Awards Initiative, Odita Sunday, and his team to formally invite the MPB chairman to the eighth edition of the awards ceremony scheduled to hold on June 27 in Abuja. Speaking during the visit, Sunday lauded Abdulraheem's stewardship of the Military Pensions Board, noting that his leadership has brought positive changes to the administration of military pensions and enhanced the welfare of retirees. He described the chairman's contributions as deserving of recognition, stressing that the award initiative was established to celebrate individuals whose efforts have significantly impacted society, often without...

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has called on senior police officers to embrace innovation, strengthen professionalism and take an active role in advancing ongoing reforms within the Nigeria Police Force. Disu made the call while declaring closed the Operational Change and Leadership (OCL) Course for Superintendents and Chief Superintendents of Police at the Nigeria Police Institute, Jabi, Abuja. Addressing participants at the end of the five-day programme on Friday, the Inspector-General stressed that modern policing requires leaders who are adaptable, accountable, technologically driven and capable of responding effectively to emerging security challenges and evolving public expectations. He urged the officers to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the training to improve leadership practices, operational efficiency, professionalism, respect for human rights and service delivery within their various commands and formations. According to the IGP, part...

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Tijani Fatai, has charged senior officers of the command to intensify proactive policing, intelligence gathering and operational readiness to strengthen security across the state. The charge was given during a strategic security meeting held with Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), Commanders of the Police Mobile Force and other tactical commanders to review the security situation in Lagos and enhance crime prevention efforts. Addressing the officers, the police commissioner stressed the importance of vigilance, effective supervision of personnel and prompt responses to emerging security threats within their various areas of responsibility. He urged the commanders to maintain high standards of professionalism and ensure that the same values are reflected in the conduct of officers under their command. In a major boost to the command's operational capacity, the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) donated 200 bullet...

The Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Lagos, and the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration in combating domestic, sexual and gender-based violence across Lagos State. This commitment was made during a courtesy visit by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of FCID Annex, Lagos, Simeon U. Akpanudom, and members of his leadership team to the DSVA. Welcoming the delegation, the Executive Secretary of the DSVA, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, commended the longstanding partnership between the Nigeria Police Force and the agency, describing it as crucial to supporting survivors and ensuring access to justice. She stressed the need for sustained care and support for victims of domestic and sexual violence, noting that survivors often require comprehensive assistance to recover from the trauma associated with abuse. Vivour-Adeniyi acknowledged the role of the police in investigating cas...

Senator Ipalibo Banigo Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has commended the Nigerian Senate for passing a bill seeking to reform the country's tax on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSBs), describing the move as a major step toward improving public health outcomes. The bill proposes replacing the existing N10-per-litre excise duty on sugary drinks with a percentage-based levy linked to retail prices, while also allocating part of the revenue generated to health promotion and disease prevention initiatives. In a statement issued on Wednesday, CAPPA's Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, described the Senate's decision as a bold and evidence-based policy intervention aimed at addressing Nigeria's growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). According to him, the passage of the bill demonstrates the Senate's responsiveness to the country's public health challenges and reflects a commitment to policies that prioritise the well-bein...

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested four suspected cultists and alleged hitmen linked to a series of violent crimes and killings in Ajanmgbadi, Ojo Local Government Area, and its surrounding communities. The suspects, identified as Emmanuel Nwokolo, also known as "Oblo" (35), Ayola Israel, alias "Essy Pawpaw" (39), Ebuka Nnamdi (31), and Chinedu Okafor (22), were apprehended by police operatives at a hotel in Ajanmgbadi following credible intelligence. According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, preliminary investigations uncovered evidence allegedly linking the suspects to several violent criminal activities in the area. SP Adebisi disclosed that a video recovered from one of the suspects' mobile phones allegedly showed the killing of unidentified persons in Ajanmgbadi and neighbouring communities. During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to being members of the notorious Aiye Co...

  The Lagos State Police Command has dismissed as false and misleading a viral social media alert alleging that armed bandits had invaded communities in Ibeju-Lekki, Imota, Oke-Afo and other parts of the state, targeting schools and children. In a statement issued on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, described the claims as unfounded and intended to create unnecessary fear, panic and apprehension among residents. SP Adebisi stated that there is no security crisis, invasion or coordinated attack on any school or community in the affected areas or elsewhere in Lagos State, assuring residents that schools remain safe and security agencies have maintained adequate surveillance across communities. She, however, disclosed that the false alarm had already led to a tragic loss of life. According to the command, a 24-year-old commercial motorcycle rider, identified as Kulaha Ayuba, was allegedly mistaken for a bandit by some youths who acted on the unverified...

CP Tijani Fatai The Lagos State Police Command has dismissed as misleading a viral video circulating on social media that purportedly shows the recent arrest of Fulani men found with arms and ammunition in Ikorodu. In a statement issued on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, clarified that the footage is an old video of an incident that occurred more than three years ago and does not reflect the current security situation in Ikorodu or any part of Lagos State. The command expressed concern over the recirculation of outdated content, warning that such actions could create unnecessary panic, fear, and apprehension among residents. According to the statement, members of the public should disregard the video and avoid sharing unverified information capable of undermining public confidence and peace. The police also cautioned social media users and content creators against spreading false, unverified, and alarmist reports that could trigger public disorder, s...

By Robert Egbe In 2009, Brazil banned electronic smoking devices (including e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and other emerging nicotine delivery systems. However, a loophole in the law left open a pathway for Big Tobacco and their allies to seek approval if they could demonstrate that their products were safe. Nearly two decades later, none has succeeded. Brazil's health regulator, ANVISA, required tobacco and nicotine companies to provide scientific evidence supporting claims that these products were “reduced risk”, and “harm reduction” substitutes for smoking, or treating tobacco addiction. The industry failed to meet to those criteria. Instead, evidence showed that these products carry significant public health risks, particularly for young people. As the world marks World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) on May 31, the tobacco industry is once again attempting to rebrand itself through a parallel campaign it calls "World Vape Day." Unlike World No Tobacco Day, which was e...

The Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) has awarded scholarships to 20 pupils and students across its schools as part of efforts to promote education and inclusion among Nigerian children. The National President of POWA, Chief Mrs. Oluwafunmilola Mutiat Disu, disclosed this during the 2026 National Children’s Day celebration held on Tuesday. According to her, the beneficiaries were drawn from 19 primary schools and one secondary school, with priority given to children of fallen police officers. Chief Mrs. Disu said the gesture reflects POWA’s commitment to supporting children and ensuring access to quality education, especially for vulnerable groups. She noted that this year’s Children’s Day theme, “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child,” highlights the need for equal opportunities and protection for all children. “The future is now. Every child carries the power to dream, learn, and lead,” she said. The POWA president also commended the Force Education Unit fo...

Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni The Ogun State Police Command has deployed over 2,500 personnel and operational assets across Ijebu Ode and adjoining communities ahead of the 2026 Ojude Oba Festival . In a statement issued on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the deployment was part of proactive security measures approved by the Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free celebration. According to the command, the personnel include conventional police officers and tactical teams drawn from the Police Mobile Force, SWAT, Violent Crime Response Unit, Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Monitoring Unit, Force Intelligence Department, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit and Motor Traffic Department. The command also deployed Armoured Personnel Carriers, patrol vehicles, police motorcycles, surveillance teams, undercover operatives and rapid response squads to strategic locations across the state. Areas covered include the...