Welcome

Category: Breaking News

  • FG Ends Mandatory Three-Month Pre-Retirement Leave for Civil Servants

    The Federal Government has directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to stop placing civil servants on mandatory three-month pre-retirement leave, clarifying that the practice is not recognised under the Public Service Rules.

    The directive was issued by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, in a circular addressed to ministers, permanent secretaries, service chiefs and heads of government agencies.

    FG Clarifies Public Service Rule

    In the circular titled “Correct Interpretation of Public Service Rule 120243 on Pre-Retirement Activities,” Walson-Jack said several MDAs had wrongly interpreted the retirement notice period as automatic leave, resulting in officers leaving their posts before their official retirement dates.

    She explained that the rule only requires civil servants approaching retirement to provide three months’ notice, attend a one-month pre-retirement workshop or seminar, and complete pension and documentation processes before retirement.

    “The so-called ‘mandatory three-month pre-retirement leave’ has no basis in the Public Service Rules,” she stated.

    Retiring Officers Must Remain on Duty

    According to the Head of Service, the three-month period is strictly a notice requirement and should not be treated as a leave entitlement.

    She noted that retiring officers are expected to continue carrying out their official responsibilities during the period, except when attending approved pre-retirement seminars or when granted leave under existing regulations.

    “A retiring officer must give three months’ notice before their effective date of retirement. This is a notice requirement, not a leave entitlement,” the circular stated.

    The directive further stressed that officers remain active members of the service until their official retirement date.

    MDAs Directed to Comply

    Walson-Jack instructed permanent secretaries, directors-general, chief executives and heads of agencies to ensure full compliance with the clarification.

    Under the new directive, retiring civil servants are expected to remain at work while completing pension documentation, reconciling records and attending approved retirement programmes.

    The clarification is expected to affect thousands of federal workers approaching retirement each year, as many MDAs had previously treated the notice period as a form of pre-retirement leave.

    Retirement in Nigeria’s federal civil service is based on either attaining 60 years of age or completing 35 years of service, whichever comes first.

  • Buratai Questions Why Security Agencies Can Track Influencers But Not Bandits

    Former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai (Rtd), has questioned the inability of security agencies to track down bandits and kidnappers despite their ability to quickly locate ordinary citizens and social media influencers.

    Buratai made the remarks during an interview on TVC, where he addressed concerns over the growing boldness of criminal gangs operating across parts of the country.

    Buratai Raises Concerns Over Tracking Criminals

    The retired military officer reacted to complaints about bandits who allegedly flaunt ransom proceeds and criminal activities on social media without facing immediate arrest.

    He challenged the notion that such criminals cannot be traced, arguing that the same intelligence tools used to monitor and apprehend civilians should be effective in locating bandit groups.

    “I don’t think they fail to locate. If they can locate ordinary citizens or social media influencers, I don’t believe they cannot locate these bandits that flaunt their loots or their activities,” Buratai said.

    Call for Improved Security Capacity

    Buratai noted that criminal groups have continued to evolve their tactics, making it necessary for security agencies to strengthen their capabilities.

    According to him, bandits have become increasingly emboldened, openly displaying proceeds of crime and using new methods to carry out attacks.

    He stressed the need for continuous capacity building and improved operational effectiveness among security personnel to tackle the changing security landscape.

    Growing Public Frustration

    His comments come amid increasing public concern over insecurity, particularly cases of kidnapping and banditry in different parts of Nigeria.

    Many Nigerians have repeatedly questioned how criminal groups are able to operate openly and share content online while security agencies struggle to dismantle their networks and rescue victims.

    Buratai’s remarks add to the ongoing national conversation on security reforms and the effectiveness of intelligence gathering in the fight against banditry.

     

  • Isaac Fayose Criticises Brother Ayo Fayose Over Comments on Governors and Insecurity

    Isaac Fayose has criticised his elder brother and former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, over comments linking state governments to rising insecurity and alleged political attempts to undermine President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The disagreement follows Ayo Fayose’s recent viral remarks in which he argued that governors cannot be absolved of responsibility for insecurity in their states due to the security votes and structures at their disposal.

    Isaac Fayose Rejects Position

    Reacting in a video shared online, Isaac Fayose challenged the stance, describing it as inconsistent and unfair in light of recent security incidents across the country.

    He questioned why similar scrutiny was not applied uniformly across states, citing kidnapping cases in Ekiti State.

    “Four weeks ago, five weeks ago, they kidnapped people in my own state, Ekiti State, and you are supporting the governor there. Why didn’t you tell the governor of Ekiti that you are collecting security votes? Why can’t you protect the Ekiti people?” he said.

    Reference to Nationwide Insecurity

    Isaac Fayose also pointed to insecurity challenges in several states including Borno, Katsina, Zamfara, Niger and Kwara, arguing that the problem is national and not limited to individual governors.

    He questioned whether governors in those states should be solely held responsible for criminal activities, stressing that insecurity cuts across political and regional lines.

    Ongoing Debate on Security Roles

    The exchange has further fuelled public debate over the constitutional role of state governors in managing security, especially in relation to security votes and control over security agencies.

    While Ayo Fayose maintained that governors bear significant responsibility for security outcomes, Isaac Fayose insisted that attributing kidnappings and violence solely to state leaders oversimplifies a wider national challenge.

    The discussion continues to generate reactions online as Nigerians debate accountability in the country’s worsening security situation.

  • Lagos Government, Police Dismiss Viral Claims of Bandit Attacks in Eleko, Imota

    The Lagos State Government and the Lagos State Police Command have dismissed viral reports claiming that bandits attacked communities in Eleko, Ibeju-Lekki, and Imota, describing the information as false and misleading.

    The clarification follows panic triggered on Monday after unverified messages circulated on social media alleging armed attacks in parts of the state.

    False Reports Trigger Panic

    According to reports, rumours spread online claiming that armed attackers invaded Eleko and even stormed a primary school in Imota, where pupils were allegedly harmed.

    The claims caused widespread panic, with many parents rushing to schools across different communities to pick up their children over safety concerns.

    Some schools reportedly contacted parents to come for early pickup as a precaution after the messages went viral.

    The situation led to confusion, early closure of schools in some areas, and increased tension in affected communities.

    Local Authorities Refute Claims

    The Executive Chairman of Imota Local Council Development Area dismissed the reports, stating that no attack took place in the area.

    He added that there was no official security alert or report confirming any such incident and urged residents to disregard the claims.

    A school head in Agbowa also clarified that the panic in the area was triggered by an accident, not any security breach or armed attack.

    Police Begin Investigation Into Viral Messages

    The Lagos State Police Command also confirmed that no bandit attack occurred in Eleko or Imota, describing the reports as false.

    Police spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, said the command would investigate the origin of the viral messages and videos spreading online.

    “We will analyse the video and make a comment,” she said.

    Authorities urged residents to rely only on verified security updates and avoid sharing unconfirmed information capable of causing public panic.

  • NMA Issues 24-Hour Ultimatum Over Abducted Abia Doctor, Threatens Indefinite Strike

    The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Abia State branch, has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to security agencies and the governments of Abia and Imo States to secure the immediate release of abducted orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Bonaventure Aguocha, warning of an indefinite strike if action is not taken.

    The warning was contained in a communiqué issued after an emergency general meeting held in Umuahia and made available on Monday.

    Doctors Demand Immediate Action

    The association said Dr. Aguocha, a former chairman of the Abia NMA, was abducted on May 24 while travelling to Umuahia from Imo State.

    It described him as a respected medical professional who has contributed significantly to healthcare delivery in both states.

    The communiqué was signed by the NMA Chairman, Dr. Ezenwa Ezuruike, and Secretary, Dr. Clement Ifenkoronye.

    Strike Threat Over Abduction

    The association warned that failure to secure his release within 24 hours would lead to a total and indefinite strike in Abia State beginning 8 a.m. on Tuesday, June 2.

    It said the decision became necessary due to what it described as the continued targeting of medical professionals by criminal groups.

    “Doctors have increasingly become targets of assault, harassment, intimidation and abduction by criminal elements,” the communiqué stated.

    Call for Security Intervention

    The NMA called on the Department of State Services (DSS), the Inspector-General of Police, and police commissioners in Abia and Imo States to intensify efforts toward securing the doctor’s release.

    It also urged the governors of both states to mobilise all available resources to ensure his safe return.

    The association warned that failure to act swiftly could undermine confidence among healthcare workers and disrupt medical services across the region.

  • Falana Calls on Tinubu to Extend Forest Guard Initiative to Borno Amid Insecurity Concerns

    Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to approve the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards for Borno State and deploy a high-level Federal Government delegation to the state in response to worsening insecurity.

    Falana made the appeal in a statement issued on Monday, June 1, linking his call to the Federal Government’s recent security intervention in Oyo State following the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.

    Call for Expanded Security Measures

    According to Falana, the Federal Government had already demonstrated urgency in responding to the Oyo incident by sending a high-powered delegation and approving the recruitment of forest guards to strengthen local security support.

    He noted that President Tinubu had also directed the creation of a specialised security unit to aid rescue operations for abducted victims in the South-West.

    Falana argued that similar intervention should be extended to Borno State, where he said insecurity has remained persistent.

    Concern Over Abductions in Borno

    The human rights lawyer said not less than 415 abducted schoolchildren and other citizens were currently in captivity in forests within Borno State, calling for urgent federal attention.

    “In view of the fact that not less than 415 abducted schoolchildren and other citizens are in the illegal custody of bandits and terrorists in unknown forests in Borno State, President Tinubu should also dispatch a high-powered federal delegation to visit the state in solidarity with the people,” he said.

    He also urged the Federal Government to approve the recruitment of forest guards in the state to strengthen local security operations.

    Push for Armed and Trained Forest Guards

    Falana stressed that any forest guard initiative must be backed with proper training and equipment, noting that criminal groups are often heavily armed.

    “The forest guards must be well trained and fully equipped to confront the bandits and terrorists who are armed with AK-47 rifles and other dangerous weapons,” he stated.

    Call for Legal Action Review

    The Senior Advocate also suggested that the Federal Government reconsider ongoing legal action against members of the Nigeria Forest Security Service, following what he described as a policy shift towards forest-based security operations.

    He added that the Attorney-General of the Federation should discontinue the criminal case against the affected individuals in light of the new security approach.

    The call comes amid renewed national debate on how to strengthen internal security architecture and address rising cases of kidnapping across multiple regions in Nigeria.

  • NCDC Warns Nigeria Only 59% Prepared for Possible Ebola Outbreak

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has raised concerns over the country’s preparedness for a possible Ebola outbreak, disclosing that Nigeria currently stands at about 59 per cent readiness. The warning comes amid renewed Ebola cases in parts of Africa, including Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

    NCDC Flags Preparedness Gaps

    The Director-General of the NCDC, Jide Idris, made the disclosure during an interview on Arise Television on Monday, noting that a recent nationwide assessment exposed significant gaps in Nigeria’s emergency response capacity.

    He explained that the evaluation examined critical health systems, including isolation centres, emergency operations units, and available medical stockpiles needed in the event of an outbreak.

    “Our latest assessment puts Nigeria’s preparedness level at about 59 per cent. But preparedness is dynamic; you can never be 100 per cent prepared because situations keep changing,” he said.

    State and National Response Efforts

    Idris said teams were deployed across the country to assess readiness levels in collaboration with state health authorities and provide guidance on urgent areas of improvement.

    He noted that while some progress has been made, Nigeria is still not fully prepared to handle a major Ebola outbreak if it occurs.

    “We sent advisers to work with state commissioners and assess their level of preparedness. We are looking at infrastructure, isolation facilities, emergency operations centres, and available stockpiles,” he said.

    Border Security and Entry Point Concerns

    A key concern raised by the NCDC is the vulnerability of Nigeria’s entry points, particularly airports and land borders, which remain potential routes for disease importation.

    According to Idris, the Federal Ministry of Health has issued new protocols to strengthen screening and monitoring at points of entry.

    “Our primary objective is to prevent the disease from entering Nigeria,” he said.

    He added that states with international airports have been classified as high-risk areas due to increased travel flow.

    Porous Borders Remain Major Challenge

    Idris also warned that Nigeria’s porous land borders continue to pose a major risk, as many travellers enter the country through unofficial routes that are difficult to monitor.

    “The biggest challenge remains our porous borders. Not everyone enters Nigeria by air. Many people travel across borders by road and through informal routes,” he said.

    Health officials say ongoing surveillance and preparedness measures remain critical as the country works to strengthen its response systems against infectious disease threats.

  • Obasanjo Reveals How He Has Managed Diabetes for More Than 40 Years

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has opened up on how he has successfully managed diabetes for more than four decades, stressing that discipline, healthy living and regular medical care remain key to controlling the condition.

    Speaking during a recent public appearance in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Obasanjo said diabetes is not currently curable but can be effectively managed through proper lifestyle choices and routine health monitoring.

    Obasanjo Shares His Routine

    The former president said he has lived with diabetes for over 40 years and continues to maintain an active lifestyle.

    “I’ve been diagnosed diabetic for more than 40 years. I still manage it. What do I do? I play squash three times a week, Monday, Wednesday and Friday whenever I’m around. I watch what I eat. Diet can be exciting; it can be pleasurable. If you eat badly, the consequence can also be bad on you. And then rest,” he said.

    According to him, consistent exercise, healthy eating habits and adequate rest have played a major role in helping him stay healthy despite the condition.

    Call for Early Detection

    Obasanjo also highlighted the importance of routine medical check-ups and early diagnosis, noting that many people avoid health screenings because of financial constraints.

    He advocated for more affordable and accessible screening centres across the country, saying early detection remains one of the most effective ways to manage chronic illnesses.

    The former president explained that many non-communicable diseases should not automatically be viewed as death sentences if they are detected early and managed properly.

    Lifestyle Remains Key

    Obasanjo outlined what he described as the key pillars of diabetes management, including proper diet, adequate rest, regular exercise and consistent medical care.

    He maintained that individuals living with diabetes can continue to lead productive lives if they remain disciplined and follow medical advice.

    His comments have generated discussions online, with many Nigerians praising his commitment to fitness and healthy living, while others pointed to the challenges many citizens face in accessing affordable healthcare and managing long-term medical conditions.

  • Tinubu Commissions Three Naval Vessels, Hails Navy at 70

    President Bola Tinubu on Monday commended the Nigerian Navy for its contributions to maritime security and national development as the service marked its 70th anniversary in Lagos.

    The President made the remarks at the 2026 International Fleet Review held at the Eko Atlantic Waterfront, where he also commissioned three naval vessels: NNS Oloibiri, NNS Mambila and NNS Gurara.

    Tinubu Praises Maritime Security Efforts

    Speaking as the reviewing officer, Bola Ahmed Tinubu praised the Navy’s efforts in tackling piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, maritime smuggling and other crimes in the Gulf of Guinea.

    He noted that operations against crude oil theft and maritime criminality have helped boost oil production, improve government revenue and strengthen investor confidence.

    “Beyond the maritime domain, I also commend the Nigerian Navy for its contributions to counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations across the country,” Tinubu said.

    He also praised the Navy’s Special Boat Service and expressed confidence that the recent deployment of Nigerian Navy Marines would further enhance security operations.

    Navy Described as Key Security Institution

    The President described the Navy as a critical pillar of national and regional security, highlighting its role in protecting Nigeria’s territorial waters and supporting economic activities.

    According to him, the effective use of surveillance systems, rapid response mechanisms and enforcement operations has helped eliminate piracy in Nigerian waters while reducing crude oil theft and related crimes.

    “Your theme for this milestone event, ‘Seven Decades of Operational Excellence,’ is not merely a slogan but a proven reality,” he said.

    Tinubu also thanked foreign naval delegations and partner countries for participating in the fleet review, describing their presence as a sign of growing international cooperation in maritime security.

    Commitment to Naval Modernisation

    The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the operational capacity of the Navy through investments in modern platforms, technology, personnel welfare, training and capacity development.

    He congratulated the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, officers, ratings, veterans and families of naval personnel for their service to the country.

    Naval Chief Highlights Progress

    Vice Admiral Abbas attributed the Navy’s recent successes to government support, strategic investments and improved collaboration among security agencies.

    He said the acquisition of modern platforms and enhanced surveillance capabilities had strengthened Nigeria’s maritime security architecture and improved efforts against piracy, crude oil theft, sea robbery and illegal fishing.

    The naval chief pledged the continued loyalty of officers and ratings to the Constitution and assured Nigerians that the Navy would remain committed to protecting the nation’s maritime domain.

    Top Dignitaries Attend Event

    Among dignitaries present were Babajide Sanwo-Olu, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle, and senior military and security officials.

    Chiefs of Naval Staff from several Gulf of Guinea countries, including Ghana, Benin, Liberia and Sierra Leone, also attended the event.

  • Police Launch Manhunt After Gunmen Kill Two Officers in Anambra

    Two police officers were killed after suspected hoodlums attacked the convoy of the Chief of Staff to the Anambra State Governor, Dr. Ben Nwankwo, along the Amansea–Ufuma Road on Sunday night.

    The attack, which occurred at about 8:30 p.m., left the government official unharmed but claimed the lives of two police operatives and affected several civilians in the area.

    Police Order Immediate Action

    Following the incident, Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, directed all tactical formations and operational units to identify and arrest those responsible within 48 hours.

    The directive was issued during an emergency security meeting held at the State Police Command Headquarters.

    According to the commissioner, the attack represents a direct challenge to the authority of the state and must not go unanswered.

    “I want you to fish out the attackers and the killers of our officers. I demand immediate action to apprehend those responsible for this heinous act. I want results,” he said.

    Concern Over Criminal Tactics

    Orutugu expressed concern over intelligence reports indicating that some criminal groups now disguise themselves in police and military uniforms to evade suspicion.

    He warned residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to security agencies.

    The commissioner also stressed that criminal elements would not be allowed to continue operating under the cover of darkness.

    “This kind of killing cannot happen under my watch. We must bring the perpetrators to justice and put an end to their activities,” he added.

    Warning to Road Users

    The police chief specifically cautioned motorists travelling along the Amansea–Ufuma Road, describing it as an isolated route that has recently witnessed a rise in criminal activities.

    “The Amansea–Ufuma Road is a particularly isolated route. Commuters and members of the public should exercise caution while using the road, as it has, in recent times, become a den of criminal elements,” he said.

    Security Operations Underway

    The command said intelligence-led operations have already commenced across the state, with security agencies intensifying efforts to track down the attackers.

    Orutugu assured residents that the police remain committed to protecting lives and property and restoring confidence in public safety.

    He expressed confidence that those behind the attack would be apprehended within the timeframe set by the command.