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Afenifere, northern leaders demand state police amid delays

Published

7 months ago

September 5, 2025

Barely 17 months after the Tinubu administration first expressed interest in establishing a decentralised police force, several sociopolitical groups, civil society organisations and ex-service men and women have intensified calls for its implementation.

This followed Tuesday’s meeting between President Bola Tinubu and eminent citizens of Katsina State, where he stated that the Federal Government will hasten the devolution of power to the sub-national levels and further equip recently deployed forest guards.

“I am reviewing all the aspects of security; I have to create a state police,” Tinubu told the delegation led by Governor Dikko Radda.

On Thursday, the National Publicity Secretary of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Jare Ajayi, welcomed the renewed call by the President.

Speaking in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, Ajayi expressed hope that Tinubu would remove delays clogging the implementation pipeline before the end of 2025.

“As is well known, the idea of state police has been on the front burner for quite a while. We recall that Tinubu has never hidden his desire to have state police.

“Indeed, going by the posture of Mr. President, one had thought that the scheme would have taken off before now,” he stated.

Ajayi cited a briefing by the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, who, in February 2024, announced Tinubu’s renewed move to create state police after talks with state governors at the Aso Rock Villa.

“We have a feeling that for Tinubu to again openly describe state police as inevitable now means that the Federal Government is ready to have it take off,” he opined.

According to him, the National Chairman of Afenifere Executive Committee, Olu Falae, called the creation of state police “long overdue.”

On February 15, 2024, the FG, alongside the 36 states, began talks expected to culminate in the creation of state police. This formed part of the agreements reached at the emergency meeting between the President and state governors.

It followed pockets of killings and kidnapping recorded nationwide, hikes in food prices and economic hardship.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, who addressed journalists after the meeting, explained that the process was still in its infancy and would only take shape after more deliberations between stakeholders.

“The Federal Government and the state governments are mulling the possibility of setting up state police,” said Idris, adding that “this is still going to be further discussed. A lot of work must be done in that direction. But if our government and the state governments agree to the necessity of having state police, this is a significant shift.”

Consequently, the National Economic Council requested each state to submit detailed reports outlining their positions and plans for implementing state police.

By March 2024, 16 states had submitted their reports, with the remaining states expected to submit theirs by May. However, the lagging states only submitted their reports in December 2024.

Although all 36 states had submitted reports, NEC has delayed full deliberations on the issue three times.

On April 24, 2025, the Council deferred talks on State Police until its next meeting.

“Unfortunately, we were unable to get to that bit of it,” Bayelsa Governor, Duoye Diri, told State House Correspondents after the Council’s 149th meeting at the Aso Rock Villa.

NEC meetings are held on the last Thursday of the month. However, the gatherings have been infrequent over the last couple of months.

At its last meeting in August, the Council gave Kwara, Sokoto, Kebbi, and the Federal Capital Territory until September 9 to submit their positions, with a final decision expected in January 2026.

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, confirmed that there is widespread agreement among state governments on the matter.

“Most of us agreed that the establishment of state police is the way forward. We have a lot of ungoverned space in Nigeria, and also we have a lot of deficit in terms of the number of boots on the ground,” Sani said.

The Afenifere spokesperson expressed regret that the Council had not convened another meeting since then to deliberate on the matter.

Ajayi said, “Governor Duoye Diri of Bayelsa State, who spoke with the media after the meeting, cited lack of enough time as the reason for not discussing it.”

The renewed calls come amid a surge in brutal attacks across multiple regions in recent weeks. On August 19, an armed assault on a mosque in Unguwan Mantau, Malumfashi LGA of Katsina State, during dawn prayers killed at least 50 worshippers.

In the northwest, the military freed 76 hostages, including children, in airstrikes targeting kidnappers near Pauwa Hill, following an earlier attack that left dozens dead.

In Zamfara State, a cholera outbreak further magnified the crisis, with eight dead and over 200 infected, as health response was delayed due to bandit violence.

According to the National Human Rights Commission, at least 2,266 people were killed in the first half of 2025, more than double the 1,083 deaths recorded during the same period in 2024, and already surpassing the total of 2,194 for the whole of last year.

Analysts say the security vulnerabilities have increased, particularly in areas where the national police are sorely overstretched or inaccessible.

Calls for state-level policing have also intensified, with most proponents arguing that the nationally administered Nigeria Police Force is too centralised to manage localised security threats effectively. Security experts say that decentralisation could empower states to respond more quickly and tailor strategies to local needs. Critics counter that state forces could be politicised, used by governors to suppress opponents.

Afenifere asserted that it had been calling for state police since the Buhari years and described Tinubu’s body language as laudable.

It called on the National Assembly to, as a matter of urgency, take all necessary steps to enact appropriate law and/or amend the relevant sections of the 1999 Constitution to facilitate the immediate take-off of state police.

MBF queries Tinubu’s readiness on state police

The Middle Belt Forum questioned the President’s commitment to tackling insecurity, citing the delays despite rising insecurity in the country.

Speaking in Jos on Thursday, the Forum’s national President, Dr. Bitrus Pogu, expressed concern, noting that the group had constantly advocated state police because it aligns with true federalism.

“We have continually advocated for state police. Our reasons are quite simple: current policing in Nigeria is not in line with true federalism, Pogu said.

He explained that at independence, Nigeria had a two-tier policing system, with the native authority police performing well before its abolition by the military.

“Since then, we have been in a mess,” he lamented.

Pogu dismissed concerns of potential abuse of state police by governors, saying, “We pretend and say if we have a state police, the state governors will abuse it, as if the Federal Government is also free from abusing it.”

He urged the FG to expedite the implementation of state police, stressing, “It is long overdue.”

PANDEF demands action

For its part, the apex socio-political body of the South-South geo-political zone, Pan Niger Delta Forum, said the establishment of state police is long overdue, urging the FG to order a constitutional amendment to give effect to it.

PANDEF said the existing vigilante groups working with regular police and traditional institutions suggest that state police exist, but without the necessary legal backing.

It observed that with the present structure of the police, in which a Commissioner of Police is answerable to the Inspector General and not the Governor, who is the chief security officer of the state is a drawback.

PANDEF’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr Obiuwevbi Ominimini, stated this while responding to questions from one of our correspondents on Thursday.

Ominimini stated, “PANDEF has been advocating for state police. That is one of the issues in the devolution of powers. We want more powers to be devolved to the sub-nationals.

“In Nigeria today, the insecurity is rising and it is only state policing that can help to curb the upsurge of insecurity. We want to emphasise that there is already the existence of state police. However, it has not been official.”

He continued, “What we are now advocating for is the legalisation of state police. For example, we have vigilantes working with traditional rulers, governors, and community leaders everywhere.

“In fact, in most police posts, the number of vigilantes that work with the police are more than the police themselves, which means there is already state policing, but it has not been legalised.

“So what we are saying is that the federal government should be sincere enough to legalise state policing. In fact, there should be a constitutional amendment to encourage state policing because the present structure, the structure of the Nigeria police, does not allow a commissioner of police to take instruction from the governor as against the instruction of IGP, AIG or DIG.”

Omonimini said state police will make the governors, who are the Chief Security Officers of their various states, effective.

On its part, the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People said the issue of state police, whilst important, is not the most pressing challenge in the country.

MOSOP argued that there would be no need for state police if the FG addressed core economic issues that lead to insecurity.

The Movement’s Publicity Secretary, Oscar Imeabe, who made this statement, criticised the government for not prioritising its responsibilities.

Imeabe said state policing is not the solution to Nigeria’s security woes.

“It is unfortunate that we have a government that is going about wrong with its priorities in the country.

“As much as we have insecurity in the country, as much as insecurity is one of the major setbacks we are having in the country, we believe that state police are not the solution to the security challenges we are facing,” he stated.

He said the push for state police is political to give the governors more powers to actualise their ambitions at the 2027 polls.

“Some of these security issues are a result of economic aspects. It is not when you talk about insecurity; there are factors that contribute to it.

“The current hardship in the country is enough to create insecurity. When people are unable to find a source of income and economic hardship becomes too great, it can also create insecurity.

“Then decisions and policies of the government are another thing that causes insecurity, it is not something that came out of the moon, but sometimes as a result of government policies,” he stated.

The Jigawa Next Forum, a prominent youth advocacy group, called on the Northern Elders Forum, Arewa Consultative Forum, and other influential groups to pressure both state governors and the FG over State Police.

In a phone interview on Thursday with The PUNCH Correspondent, the Forum’s leader, Habu Isa, expressed frustration over the delay.

“The prolonged silence and lack of movement by the Nigerian government and northern governors reflect a worrying lack of urgency. Our people are losing lives every day and the delay undermines efforts to restore peace,” he stated.

Isa explained, “It’s imperative that these leaders unite and show real leadership by fast-tracking the state police policy, which has been languishing in bureaucratic limbo. We cannot afford more delays. Our lives matter, and we expect our government and leaders to act decisively.”

Supporting this view, Jigawa-based activist Shu’aibu Kafingana told one of our correspondents in a separate interview: “We have waited long enough. The implementation of state policing is critical to addressing localised insecurity effectively. The National Economic Council’s delay is unacceptable, and those responsible must be held accountable.”

“Young people in Jigawa and across the north deserve better protection. We urge our leaders not to be distracted by politics but focus on actionable security reforms,” Kafingana added.

A former Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Ojukwu, criticised the Federal Government’s handling of the debate on state policing, accusing authorities of indecision and lack of sincerity.

“Reading the body language of the government of the day, it does appear to me that they have an approach-avoidance conflict. They want state police and its advertised advantages. But they do not know what it implies and how to go about it. And they are not consulting experts,” Ojukwu said.

According to him, the Federal Government is deliberately reluctant because the existing policing structure benefits those in power.

“On the other hand, the government is playing hide-and-seek. They know the present system favours them. The unitary police, erroneously called federal, favours the government of the day.

“An impoverished, ill-trained and ill-equipped police favours the establishment. A system where there is no constabulary independence, and where the police is tied to the apron strings of the president favours the government. ,” he argued.

Ojukwu also accused lawmakers of avoiding their responsibility on constitutional reforms to address state policing, adding that the government was insincere in tackling insecurity, as there was no will to apprehend criminals.

“The NASS knows what to do to amend section 214 of the Constitution, but there is no seriousness in that regard. The government is paying lip service to the protection of the lives of the citizens. Every now and then, they tell us that they have identified the sponsors of terrorism. But that is where it stops. On television. There is no will to apprehend the oil bunkerers, vandals, or the actual benefactors of kidnapping and banditry,” he said.

FG reacts

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has defended the Tinubu administration over the delays in implementing state policing.

He assured Nigerians that the initiative remains a top priority in the government’s broader security reform agenda.

Idris gave the assurance on Thursday in an interview with The PUNCH, amid growing public frustration over the country’s worsening insecurity and criticism of perceived federal inaction.

“President Bola Tinubu’s avowal to create a state police stemmed from the need to add a layer to the national security apparatus in the country,” Idris said.

He noted that the delay in operationalising state police should not be interpreted as a lack of political will.

“The President was also clear that the objective required working with the National Assembly leadership to dismantle political and bureaucratic bottlenecks that could stall the operationalisation of the state police,” he added.

Idris emphasised that the initiative is being approached with the seriousness it deserves.

“The idea, and the agitation for a state police in Nigeria, is not new, but the President is keen to have additional security buffers that will be indigenous to the communities across our vast country,” he said.

He further noted that, “President Tinubu is deeply concerned about the security situation and is doing everything to stem the tide, through our gallant security forces who are out there protecting our nation from the actions of subversive elements.

“Certainly, the state police, which requires legislative mainstreaming, underscores the President’s total commitment to addressing the security situation through a multi-pronged approach.”

Meanwhile, the Northern Youth Council of Nigeria has branded the creation of state police a “misplaced priority” that would do little to reform the nation’s beleaguered security architecture.

In a statement issued on Thursday in Kaduna, the NYCN National President, Isah Abubakar, said the plan threatens to compound existing problems, including underfunding, manpower shortages, inadequate welfare packages, poor equipment, and alleged corruption in security agencies.

“It is a misplaced priority. Creating state police is simply a waste of time. What we need is a commitment to fix and strengthen the current system,” Abubakar said.

He maintained that existing institutions, especially the Nigeria Police Force, struggle with systemic constraints, including inadequate budgets and staff, outdated logistics, and operational inefficiencies.

Abubakar noted that if the government was serious about tackling insecurity, “there must be a robust recruitment drive and proper welfare provisions within the NPF rather than broadening the scope with new agencies.”

Highlighting the political risks of a state-controlled police force, he warned that such an entity could become a tool for intimidation and suppression.

“Nigerian politicians are not yet mature enough to handle a security structure without federal oversight. We are convinced they will abuse the authority entrusted to state police and violate citizens’ fundamental rights,” he said.

Abubakar proposed the immediate inauguration of a committee to overhaul and expand the Nigeria Police Force. According to him, a nation with a population exceeding 200 million currently operates with fewer than 300,000 officers, which he considers inadequate.

“We are proposing a law enforcement body of at least five million officers. That number better aligns with contemporary demands and demographic realities.

“History will vindicate us. In moments of crucial national decisions like this, we must add our voice and say no to state police.

“The alternative is to build a stronger, better-resourced, and more accountable federal police force, not a politically segmented one,” he added.

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Plateau killings: Tinubu visits Jos, IG deploys mobile police

Published

22 hours ago

April 2, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday postponed his scheduled trip to Iperu, Ogun State, to prioritise a condolence visit to Jos, Plateau State, over last Sunday’s attacks that left at least 27 people dead.

The decision comes shortly after President Tinubu met with Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang at the Aso Rock Villa on Wednesday evening, where the governor briefed him on the security situation in the state.

Also, the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has ordered the deployment of Police Mobile Force units and other tactical teams to Plateau State.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, revealed this in a statement he signed on Wednesday, titled “President Tinubu postpones Ogun trip, heads to Jos as he begins four-state visit.”

The President will now travel to Jos today to commiserate with the government and people of Plateau State over the recent attacks in the Angwan Rukuba district of Jos North.

Onanuga said from Plateau, the President will travel to Lagos to observe Good Friday and, on Saturday, April 4, he will proceed to Ogun State for the inauguration of the Gateway International Cargo Airport and the inauguration of two commercial aircraft for the export and import of goods.

The President will also inaugurate the new edifice of the Federal Operations Unit of the Nigerian Customs Service and its operational vehicles during the Ogun visit.

He will return to Lagos to continue the Easter holiday, during which he is expected to inaugurate infrastructure projects undertaken by the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

These include the Ojota/Opebi Link Bridge, the Lagos State Geographic Information System Building, the Multi-Agency Complex named after the President, and a school complex.

The President Tinubu would also visit Bayelsa State on April 10 to inaugurate some completed projects of Governor Douye Diri, including the independent power plant.

Earlier, Mutfwang had told State House correspondents that the President was contemplating a personal visit to the state to commiserate with the people.

“The President commiserates with the entire state, and as a matter of fact, he’s contemplating coming to the state personally to commiserate with the people.

“It’s something that has touched him personally, and he wants to show the people his love and affection for them,” Mutfwang had told State House correspondents.

Tinubu had on Monday strongly condemned the attacks in Jos and in Kahir village, Kaduna State, describing them as “barbaric and cowardly” acts that will not go unpunished.

He also disclosed that he had invited the governor to brief him on the development alongside security chiefs to stop the killings.

Mutfwang arrived at the Villa at approximately 6:45pm on Wednesday.

Speaking with State House correspondents after meeting the President, he said security forces were yet to apprehend any of the attackers responsible for last Sunday’s killings in Angwan Rukuba district.

“Unfortunately, we’ve not been able to lay hands on the attackers yet to know their identities and their motive,” he said.

The governor said that without apprehending the perpetrators, authorities would not be able to determine the actual reasons behind the attack or establish their identities.

“In a crisis of this nature, you can’t reduce it to one reason. It is a mixture of multiple reasons, and sometimes you can only deduce the actual reasons when you are able to get two groups of people, first the victims and then the attackers.

“Unfortunately, we’ve not been able to lay hands on the attackers yet to know their identities and their motive,” he explained.

Mutfwang also revealed that looters attempted to disrupt the fragile peace in Jos on Wednesday morning, hours after the state government relaxed the curfew imposed following the attack.

“We relaxed the curfew this morning from 8am to 3pm, but unfortunately, this morning, there were some looters who tried to disrupt the peace again.

“But I’m glad that the security forces, working together, were able to calm the situation as of noon,” he said.

The governor disclosed that President Tinubu invited him to brief him first-hand on the attack and discuss the way forward.

He said the President had approved certain security measures to be implemented in conjunction with security forces, though he did not specify what these measures entail.

Mutfwang described the attack as an act of criminality, barbaric, and terrorism, insisting it could not be justified under any religion.

He said, “We are seeing this as an act of criminality. It is barbaric. We condemn it.

“It is an act of terrorism, because whatever religion you belong to, it does not give you any basis to come and do the kind of actions that were done on Sunday.”

The governor expressed optimism that the crisis would mark a decisive turning point for proactive security actions in the state.

“What I can assure you is that this has become a decisive turning point that I’m sure going forward we’re going to see more proactive actions,” he stated.

He added that corpses had been evacuated to the mortuary and some families had already buried their dead.

In a statement on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, the IGP ordered the deployment of Police Mobile Force units to the state.

Additional deployment, according to the statement, included tactical teams and intelligence operatives working in collaboration with other security agencies to prevent further breakdown of law and order across the state.

“In response to the situation, the Inspector-General of Police had earlier deployed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, DIG Umar Nadada, to Plateau State to assess the security situation, coordinate ongoing operations, and strengthen the existing security architecture,” the statement said.

It added that the IGP had further intensified operations through the deployment of additional mobile police units and other security assets to tackle the ongoing security challenges.

“The Inspector-General of Police states that these actions will continue until normal conditions return.

“He has instructed all operational commanders to ensure visible policing and actively engage with vulnerable communities,” the statement added.

The police boss also commiserated with the Plateau State Government, the people of the state, and the families of the victims affected by the attack in Angwan Rukuba.

He urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies, warning against taking the law into their own hands.

Earlier on Wednesday, tension remained high as security operatives struggled to restore calm, following the relaxation of the curfew.

Our correspondent reports that the curfew was initially imposed after gunmen attacked residents of Angwan Rukuba in Jos, leaving at least 28 people dead.

However, the state government eased the curfew earlier imposed on the Jos North Local Government Area following improved security in the area.

The Commissioner for Information, Joyce Ramnap, who disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday, explained that the curfew would run from 7 am to 3 pm daily, effective Wednesday, April 1, to allow residents to attend to their normal activities within the permitted hours.

But on Wednesday morning, hoodlums and an irate mob reportedly attacked many motorists and passersby in different parts of the city, raising fresh fear and panic among residents.

A video of a young man hacked to death by hoodlums on the road leading to the University of Jos permanent site raised tension across the town.

It was further learnt that motorists in the Terminus and Bauchi Road, Gangere areas, had their windscreens smashed by hoodlums.

Some of the most affected areas included the University of Jos axis, Bauchi Road, Farin Gada, Tina Junction, and Chobe, among others.

Banks and schools located in the affected areas were forced to close down operations.

“We are scared to open our shops, we don’t know what might happen. But there is no need for the current tension in Jos.

“The governor has done well by relaxing the curfew in the interest of the people, but it’s very unfortunate how some people can decide to take the law into their hands for no reason, and I think the government should not allow them to have their way.

“The government needs to do more to ensure our safety,” a resident, Joy Bature, who runs a provision shop at the Terminus Market, said

UNIJOS evacuates students

Our correspondent reports that following the disturbances, the University of Jos ordered the evacuation of students from its hostels, citing the worsening security situation.

The directive was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the institution’s Deputy Registrar, Information and Public Relations, Emmanuel Madugu.

The statement read, “In view of the general security situation in Jos, and particularly the near chaotic scenarios that unfolded today (Wednesday 1st April 2026), in areas near the university which heightened tensions and threatened the safety of students in the hostels, the Vice Chancellor, Prof Tanko Ishaya, has directed the immediate evacuation of students of the university from the hostels.

“The evacuation is facilitated by HE Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, who has provided transport services, fully authorised to carry out the assignment even within the curfew hours.”

Students residing within Jos and its environs were directed to vacate the hostels from 3 pm on Wednesday, while those whose parents or guardians live outside the state are to be evacuated from 8 am on Thursday.

The management assured all that adequate security had been deployed to safeguard the hostels and the institution.

It also urged students and members of the university community to remain calm, adding that further updates would be communicated as necessary.

UNIJOS alumni worried

The University of Jos Alumni Association, in a statement on Wednesday, expressed concern over the recent rise in tension and reported threats affecting students, staff, and the broader university community within Jos North Local Government Area.

In a statement signed by its Global President, Gad Shamaki, the association urged the Plateau State Government and security agencies to deploy an enhanced security presence across all University of Jos campuses, student hostels, residential areas, and major access routes.

“We specifically request round-the-clock patrols, intelligence-led surveillance, and rapid response units to ensure that any potential threats are proactively addressed and swiftly neutralised,” Shamaki said.

The association also advised students to stay indoors, remain vigilant, and report any suspicious activity, prioritising their safety and well-being.

A cross-section of residents who also reacted to the situation called for increased security deployment, particularly around the University of Jos, where students are stranded.

“There’s an urgent need for security deployment to the University of Jos environment, precisely the students’ village hostel.

“We appeal to the security agencies to beam their searchlight around that axis,” said a resident.

Another resident, Ishaku Mark, who lamented the situation, noted, “The Plateau State Government has relaxed the curfew, allowing movement from 7 am to 3 pm daily, effective April 1, 2026, following relative calm in the area after a violent attack that claimed 28 lives.

“What needs to be done is for the residents to maintain peace and not escalate tensions. Those responsible for the renewed tension should be fished out and dealt with.”

When contacted, the spokesman for the Plateau State Police Command, Alabo Alfred, was not readily available to comment on the situation, but sources at the command headquarters in Jos assured all that security agencies had been deployed to the affected areas and were working to restore calm and maintain law and order”

Fresh curfew announced

In a bid to maintain peace, the chairman of Mangu Local Government Area, Emmanuel Mwolpun, imposed a fresh curfew in Mangu metropolis, effective from April 1, 2026, until further notice.

It was learned that the curfew will run from 8pm to 6am, effective on Wednesday, April 1.

The spokesman for the Mwaghavul Development Association in the council area, Friday Derwan, confirmed the development in an interview with The PUNCH in Jos on Wednesday.

Derwan said, “Yes, it’s true. There is a curfew in Mangu. It was imposed by the LG chairman in consultation with the security agencies and other stakeholders.

“It is not as if there is any crisis anywhere in the LGA. We felt there was a need to take proactive measures to protect the citizens, given what is happening in Jos and given the past experience of the Mangu LGA.”

A statement later issued on Wednesday by the LGA authority also confirmed the curfew, stating that the move was aimed at ensuring the safety and security of residents and property within the metropolis.

The statement signed by the Director of Press and Publicity to the Chairman, Mangu LGA, Jeremiah Dakahap, read, “Following a careful deliberation with heads of security operatives, the Chairman of Mangu Local Government, Emmanuel Bala Mwolpun, has imposed a curfew in Mangu metropolis, effective from April 1st, 2026, until further notice.

“The curfew hours have been set from 8pm (night) to 6 am daily. This measure is taken to ensure the safety and security of residents and property within the metropolis.”

“The Local Government Administration urges all residents to comply with the curfew directive. Members of the public are advised to stay indoors during the curfew hours and cooperate with security personnel on duty.

“The Executive Chairman appeals to residents to go about their daily activities peacefully and report any suspicious activities to the relevant authorities.

“This curfew is imposed in the interest of public safety and security.”

NYSC suspends clearance

The National Youth Service Corps on Wednesday suspended the ongoing biometric clearance across all local government areas in Plateau State.

The suspension, approved by the NYSC Director General, affected all the LGAs in the state.

According to a statement signed by the NYSC state coordinator, J. Yavala, the suspension was due to security concerns.

The statement assured that clearances done for April remained valid, adding that the exercise would resume as soon as normalcy returned to the state.

It advised corps members to stay indoors and stay safe.

Lawyers demand tougher action

The Plateau Lawyers Bar Forum called for stricter penalties against commercial motorcycle operators who violate the ban on their activities within the Jos-Bukuru Metropolis.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the forum’s chairman, Ledak D. Dafer and Secretary, Dr D.N. Dashe, strongly condemned the killings and urged the state government to ensure that those responsible were brought to justice.

The lawyers called on the government to identify, arrest and prosecute the attackers and anyone found to have sponsored the assault.

They also demanded an investigation into what they described as a delayed response by the police, noting that security formations were located close to the scene of the incident.

“The Plateau Lawyers Bar Forum has found it imperative to unequivocally condemn the dastardly and mindless killings of defenceless residents of Angwan Rukuba in Jos, Plateau State, by armed criminals,” the statement said.

The forum urged the Plateau State Government to strictly enforce the existing ban on commercial motorcycles across the Jos-Bukuru metropolis without exception.

Police arrest fake soldier

Operatives of the Plateau State Police Command arrested a fake soldier in the state capital.

It was learnt that the suspect was immediately taken to the police headquarters in Jos to be paraded by the Commissioner of Police, Bassey Ewah.

In a statement confirming the arrest, the Police Public Relations Officer, Alabo Alfred, invited members of the press to cover the event, stating that the arrest was made in Angwan Rukuba, a community in Jos North LGA of the state, still reeling from a recent deadly attack that claimed 28 lives.

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Alleged coup: Families of detained officers protest at N’Assembly

Published

22 hours ago

April 2, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

Scores of children and wives of military officers detained over an alleged coup plot staged a peaceful protest at the National Assembly on Wednesday, demanding a speedy trial and the release of the accused officials.

The visibly distraught protesters gathered at the entrance of the National Assembly complex, moving in a slow procession while clutching placards with inscriptions such as “Don’t Kill Our Daddies,” “Detention Without Trial is Injustice,” and “Six Months of Torture: Enough Is Enough.”

Amid tears and trembling voices, the children appealed for justice and access to their fathers, many of whom they said they had not seen for months.

Speaking exclusively with The PUNCH, eight-year-old Halima Mohammed, daughter of Lt Col Mohammed Almakura, said, “Please don’t kill our daddy. We want justice for him.

“Since he was arrested by the government, our lives have not been the same again. My mummy cries every day. I really miss him so much.”

Nine-year-old Ibrahim Bala, son of Major Bala, also expressed deep longing for his father.

“Let the government bring my daddy back safely.”

The last time I saw him was nine months ago. I really miss him. He used to teach me things about school and how children should behave towards adults.

“I’m in primary four. But I last saw him about six months ago. Our house has been lonely without him. I also miss him because nobody used to take me out as he used to do before,” he said.

Four-year-old Fatima Yusuf, daughter of Wing Commander Yusuf, made an emotional plea to the nation’s leadership.

She said, “I want to beg the President and our First Lady to bring my daddy safely back. Since he left, I have no one to play with. He always helped me to learn things I didn’t know and took me out.”

Eleven-year-old Nana Aisha Usman urged the authorities to either release the detained officers or charge them in court.

“Please help us beg the government to release my daddy or take him to court. He and other people locked up deserve justice. Since he was taken away, the house is empty without his presence.

“If he is at home, he takes me to the shop and buys things for me. Any time I bring my assignments, he is always happy to help me with them. I don’t think my dad is a bad person. He never meant harm to anybody. I want the government to help us investigate and free him.”

One of the spouses, Nana Ibrahim, described the circumstances surrounding the arrests and continued detention as questionable.

She said, “The whole coup allegation and arrest are shady. Investigations and statements have been conducted for over six months.

“Yet, they have been denied access to their families and lawyers. If they have any evidence about their involvement, they should come out with it boldly with their chest.

“They should let the world know how many people are indicted or in detention and charge them in court. That is all we are asking.

“After all, they have announced that they have concluded their water-tight investigation and evidence. So, why the delay? They should take them to court and come out with the evidence.

“We want an open trial where everybody will listen to the charges and defend themselves. If they can prove themselves beyond a reasonable doubt, they should be set free. Enough is enough!”

The protest comes about a month after families of the detained officers appealed to President Bola Tinubu to grant them access to their husbands and ensure they are either released or arraigned before a court of law.

The appeal was made during a press briefing in Abuja attended by no fewer than 20 wives and several children of the detained officers, including a two-month-old baby.

The families were accompanied by human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju and activist Omoyele Sowore.

At the briefing, the families lamented that the officers had been held for over 160 days without trial or contact with their relatives, describing the situation as a violation of their fundamental rights.

Speaking on behalf of the families, Memuna Bashiru said the prolonged detention had thrown their households into uncertainty and emotional distress, noting that while allegations had been widely publicised, families remained in the dark about the fate of their loved ones.

They appealed directly to the President and the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, to intervene, stressing that their demand was not for favours but for adherence to constitutional provisions.

The arrest of the indicted officers was first announced on October 4, 2025, by the then Director of Defence Information, Brig Gen Tukur Gusau, who disclosed that 16 officers were taken into custody for alleged breaches of military regulations and acts of indiscipline.

However, an interim investigation later suggested the existence of a clandestine network of officers, allegedly coordinated by a senior Army officer, which had begun preliminary planning for a coup.

According to the report, the alleged plot involved surveillance of key national assets, including the Presidential Villa, Armed Forces Complex, Niger Barracks in Abuja, and major international airports, with October 25, 2025, cited as the planned date for the operation.

Those reportedly in custody include Brig Gen M. A. Sadiq, Col M. A. Maaji, Lt Col S. Bappah, Lt Col A. A. Hayatu, Lt Col P. Dangnap, Lt Col M. Almakura, Maj A. J. Ibrahim, Maj M. M. Jiddah, and Maj M. A. Usman.

Others are Maj D. Yusuf, Capt I. Bello, Capt A. A. Yusuf, Lt S. S. Felix, Lt Cdr D. B. Abdullahi, Sqn Ldr S. B. Adamu and Maj I. Dauda.

The alleged plot, according to findings, targeted senior government officials, including President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.

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News

El-Rufai returns to ICPC custody

Published

2 days ago

April 1, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

A former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has been returned to the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Commission (ICPC).

El-Rufai, who left custody on March 27, 2026, following the death of his mother, was re-arraigned on Tuesday.

Earlier, the court had adjourned his application for bail till March 31, 2026.

But, on Tuesday, he first appeared at the Kaduna State High Court for a separate charge filed against him by the ICPC.

The absence of the second defendant stalled the hearing, which was then adjourned to 10 April 2026.

Subsequently, he was taken to the Federal High Court, Kaduna, which was scheduled to hear his application for bail today, Wednesday.

Shortly after the court’s proceedings, the former governor was returned to the ICPC custody pending the continuation of his trial on Wednesday.

Daily Trust reports that the chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was taken to the court amid tight security, less than 24 hours after he received dignitaries over the death of his mother, Hajiya Ummar El-Rufai.

Confirming the adjournment of the bail application to one of our correspondents on Tuesday, El-Rufai’s Counsel, Upong Akpan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, said the hearing on the bail application would determine his client’s fate temporarily.

Akpan, who did not go into details, expressed confidence that the former governor would regain his freedom in due time.

“I’m sorry, I can’t talk now, we are in the middle of work. I have to go and file responses. The hearing of the bail application has been adjourned till tomorrow,” he told Daily Trust.

Charges against El-Rufai

El-Rufai is standing trial before the Federal High Court on a 10-count charge bordering on alleged conversion and possession of public property, as well as money laundering.

The charges include: alleged unlawful receipt of about N289.8 million as severance allowance above-entitled benefits; alleged receipt of $320,800 through multiple deposits into a domiciliary account; alleged receipt of $155,800 and $305,300 from separate individuals; and alleged receipt of smaller dollar deposits from different persons at various times.

He denied all allegations levelled against him.

What happened in court

In the court, the Defence Counsel filed a motion, urging the presiding judge, Justice Rilwan M. Aikawa, to recuse himself from the case on grounds of alleged bias and a pending petition.

However, another motion was subsequently filed to withdraw the earlier request seeking the judge’s recusal.

The prosecution also filed a counter-affidavit opposing the bail application, which contributed to the adjournment.

Earlier, El-Rufai, who was arraigned before a Kaduna State High Court sitting in Kawo before Justice Darious Khobo on separate charges, was scheduled to be docked alongside his co-defendant, one Amadu Sule, but the latter was absent in Court over reported ill-health.

Specifically, ICPC said the duo were being arraigned over allegations that border on abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud and conferring undue advantage.

It was gathered that the case, with charge number KDH/KAD/ICPC/01/26, was adjourned to April 10, 2026, for further hearing. The anti-graft agency had earlier explained that both charges were filed on March 18, 2026.

Specifically, armed personnel of the police, DSS and Kaduna State Vigilance Service were deployed to strategic locations, while major roads, including Ali Akilu Road, witnessed heavy traffic due to movement restrictions.

Journalists were barred from covering the proceedings, as the prosecuting counsel, Dr Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha, declined to speak to the media.

Similarly, the Defence counsel, Ubong Akpan (SAN), also declined to comment at the State High Court.

The spokesman of the ICPC, John Odey, could not be reached last night when contacted, as calls to his mobile phone did not connect.

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