Rate of insecurity in Nigeria gradually reducing – Senate spokesperson hails Security Agencies

Published

July 13, 2025

The Senate says the security challenges, such as banditry, terrorism and kidnapping hitherto plaguing the country is now on the downward trend.

Spokesperson for the senate, Sen. Yemi Adaramodu, made the statement in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

Adaramodu, who is the Senate Committee Chairman on Media and Public Affairs, said that the military had done well in the fight against insecurity in the country.

“The reason the military has done well is because the National Assembly ensures that appropriation is adequately done to ensure they get what they needed for arms and ammunition and welfare of the soldiers.

“On daily basis, we now hear and see practically how the military has been neutralising these bandits and terrorists. So we can say that banditry is localised in one or two states now and they are being tackled,” he said.

According to the senate spokesperson, the spate of kidnappings witnessed several months back in some parts of the country has grossly reduced.

“All over the world, we know that there is insecurity. For instance, in America, you will be in a shop and somebody will come and open fire without any reason.

“So we will always be having criminals in the society, but it is not the same spate that we were having it before that is the situation today,’’ he said.

Adaramodu, representing Ekiti South Senatorial District, who warned against playing politics with security, noted that before now, it used to be one day one trouble in the country.

“Before now, Nigerians were unable to sleep, but now, the situation has changed but because of politics, they (critics) can go to town and be brandishing all those rhetorics.

“Anybody who choses to be reasonable can attest to the fact that the issue of kidnapping has gone down.

“For me, I think this development calls for kudos to the military, the president and the national assembly,’’ he said.

In term of the economy, the senator noted that for the first time in several years, Nigeria was recording trade surplus.

“What that means is that Nigeria now exports more goods and services than it imports, resulting in balance of trade.

“You don’t need to be a renowned economist like Prof. Christopher Okigbo or Prof. Sam Aluko to understand trade surplus, and this indicates that our economy is picking up,” he said.

Adaramodu also stated that the naira/dollar exchange rate was becoming stable.

“Initially, what Nigeria was spending in subsidising the dollar was even more than the petroleum subsidy. The subsidy was about N7 trillion, while subsidy on petroleum hovered around N4 trillion. Now that all these have stopped, it shows that our economy is picking up,’’ he said.

Adaramodu recalled that in the past, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) was not remitting any revenue to the Federation Account, as they claimed that no crude oil was going out of the country.

“All that the country relied on were taxes, dues and other duties, but today, Nigeria is exporting up to 1.8 million barrels of crude oil per day and when we add the condensate, it is up to two million barrels per day.

“For the first time, we are also hearing that debts have been liquidated.

“This is the first time the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is coming up to say that the money we borrowed (about N4 trillion) had been paid.

“This is the first time since we have been servicing debts with our in-takes with about 97 per cent that it has reduced further to 63 per cent.

“This is also the first time we are talking about Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of about 4.3 per cent. We had always been in the minus and definitely, we can’t say that the economy is in a parlous state,’’ he said.

The lawmaker, while acknowledging that the economic indexes had yet to translate into much improved living standards for the average Nigerian, called for more patience and understanding.

“If somebody is sick and he/she goes to the hospital, and after diagnosis, they start to apply the correct medication and treatments, it is not immediately that you start getting well and that also applies to the economy.

“Before now, Nigeria’s economy was in the intensive care unit (ICU), but Tinubu’s government came to put oxygen and thereafter, apply the drugs.

“Now, the economy is to be discharged from the hospital and it is only when this happens that we can begin to say that we are reaping the gains,” he said.

Adaramodu stated that though two years had gone in the first tenure of Tinubu’s administration, it won’t take too much time for things to get better in the country.

“Since we are now beginning to pay back our loans, having trade surplus, we are no more servicing debts with almost 100 per cent of what we earn, since we are now exporting almost two million barrels of crude oil per day, things will get better very soon,’’ he assured.

He said though Nigeria was still borrowing, just like any other country, what was important is that the monies were being tied to specific projects.

“There is no time the money a country is making will be enough to meet its needs in all the sectors. When you borrow, it depends at what rate and the specific projects such monies are expended on.

“Nigeria, under Tinubu’s government no longer borrows to service debts, and whenever request for foreign loan comes, the senate always interrogates it to ensure that it is attached to what the loan is meant for.

“For instance, you are doing coastal roads or you want to do humanitarian projects, apply it, and once that is done, we are not bothered,” he said.

Adaramodu said that the 10th senate would not give approval to any loan request with no specific reasons attached to it. (NAN)

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Three police officers, one army captain get community impact award

Published

20 hours ago

June 12, 2026

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3 police officers, 1 army captain get community impact award

Three police officers and one army captain have received the prestigious Community Impact Award for professionalism and humility in the line of duty from the Youth Initiative for Fitness and Impact (YIFI).

The awardees are Capt. Ishaq Abdulhamid, Officer Commanding (OC), Forward Operational Base (FOB) Bwari, and DCP Toyin Sulyman, Deputy Commissioner, Special Protection Unit (SPU), Force Headquarters, Abuja.

Others are ACP Michael Tarfa, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Homicide, FCID, and CSP Ajaegbu Onyeka, Area Crime Officer, Karu Area Command.

Speaking at the award presentation, the National President of YIFI, Kenneth Chima, said the awards were part of activities to mark Global Wellness Day (GWD) coming up on June 13.

According to him, the day was established as a non-profit social project in 2012 to promote holistic well-being and healthier lifestyles.

”It was created in Turkey in 2012 by Belgin Aksoy and is now celebrated in over 100 countries with entirely complimentary and volunteer-led activities.

“Today is a very special day for us in YIFI, because it is part of our activities to mark GWD, coming up on Saturday.

“As our name implies, fitness, we deem it fit to recognise and appreciate exceptional police officers who have done well in their professions.”

He explained that some of the officers were nominated, screened and vetted.

”We have approved them. That is why we are here.

“We gave a Community Impact Award to these exceptional officers who have demonstrated superior dedication and commitment to community safety and peace.

“We did this to appreciate and encourage them to continue to exhibit these good deeds. When you die, the only thing that can speak for you is not your words but your deeds,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the recipients, Tarfa appreciated YIFI for the award.

“It is an honour that I appreciate. I pledge to do more. I will not relent, in spite of any pressure.

”By the special grace of God, I will continue to protect lives and property and ensure that the people have a better life.

“This award is coming at a good time and I want to appreciate you for recognising me. On behalf of other recipients, we are grateful,” Tarfa stressed.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that YIFI will host a fitness and wellness event in Bwari on June 13 to commemorate GWD. (NAN)

News

*Senate orders Police to arrest bandits doing millions of naira giveaways on TikTok

Published

21 hours ago

June 12, 2026

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The Senate has called on security agencies to intensify surveillance and enforcement against bandits and terrorists who openly display their criminal activities and proceeds on social media platforms, particularly TikTok, amid rising concerns over the growing use of digital platforms by criminal networks.

The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senator Sunday Karimi, who represents Kogi West Senatorial District, on the escalating wave of bandit attacks and terrorist incursions in Kogi West and other parts of the country.

During the debate, lawmakers also backed an additional prayer moved by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central, urging coordinated action by the Nigerian Police Force National Cybercrime Centre and other security agencies to track, monitor and arrest individuals using social media to publicise criminal operations.

Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed concern that armed groups were increasingly leveraging social media not only to flaunt illicit wealth but also to conduct public displays of influence.

“Bandits and terrorists who carry out these activities live on their social media handles. Two days ago, bandits conducted a giveaway, distributing over ₦100m within the space of 30 minutes through their social media handles, especially TikTok,” she said.

She questioned why such online activities had not led to arrests despite clear digital footprints.

“I wonder why the Cybercrime Unit and the Police Force generally cannot track these activities and apprehend them since they are on social media. Therefore, I urge the Nigerian Police Force National Cybercrime Centre to track and arrest these individuals,” she stated.

The motion was seconded by Senator Osita Ngwu of Enugu West Senatorial District and enjoyed broad support across party lines, reflecting growing legislative alarm over the intersection of insecurity and unchecked online criminal exposure.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the trend as a direct challenge to state authority and an indication of rising impunity among criminal groups.

“The Department of State Services should be able to track their movements and arrest them because this is a show of impunity, as if there is no law at all,” he said.

He warned that the circulation of videos showing cash displays and criminal activities online was being used to undermine government institutions.

“I do not see why we should not have control over the social media space. That idea of showing themselves, showing the cash collected and displaying it is a way of challenging the government,” he added.

Akpabio urged security and intelligence agencies to treat the matter as an urgent national security priority, calling for stronger coordination and real-time digital monitoring.

“I want the security agencies and heads of security services to see this as a major challenge. Whenever anybody finds such content, bring it to the attention of the Senate, and we shall invite the relevant federal authorities to explain why those people have not been apprehended,” he said.

He also stressed the need for transparency in enforcement efforts, insisting that Nigerians must be informed when arrests and prosecutions are made.

“If they are apprehended, they should also report back so that Nigerians can know that those who openly show their faces while committing crimes are being arrested and prosecuted,” the Senate President stated.

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Questions, reaction over reported death of 200 Amotekun operatives

Published

21 hours ago

June 12, 2026

olalekan

Oyo APC demands clarification over reported death of 200 Amotekun operatives

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has described as “saddening, alarming and unacceptable” the reported death of more than 200 operatives of the Western Nigeria Security Network, Amotekun Corps, in undisclosed circumstances.

The party called on Governor Seyi Makinde to provide full details surrounding the revelation and ensure adequate protection for security personnel and residents across the state.

Governor Makinde had on Saturday, May 30, during a sympathy visit to Oriire Local Government Area, disclosed that over 200 Amotekun operatives had lost their lives in active service, without giving further explanation of the circumstances leading to their deaths. The visit followed an attack on Friday, May 15, in which suspected bandits killed two people and abducted over 40 schoolchildren and teachers.

Reacting on Thursday, the Oyo APC, in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, in Ibadan, expressed shock at what it described as the governor’s “flippancy” in handling such a sensitive disclosure.

“With this ugly development, there is no denying the fact that the current administration in Oyo does not attach much importance to the lives of the people,” the party said.

“How can a governor mention the death of over 200 dedicated crime fighters flippantly and without any recourse to the feelings of their family members and loved ones? Why did the governor withhold information on the high casualty figures of the slain Amotekun Corps?” it queried.

The APC argued that the reported fatalities raised concerns about the level of insecurity in the state, suggesting that crime may have reached an alarming peak.

“For Oyo to have recorded such a high number of fatalities among its security team, it indicates that crime rates in the state have reached the crescendo while the state government covers up a whole lot of things,” the statement added.

The party also raised questions about the welfare, training, and operational structure of the Amotekun Corps, urging reforms and improved coordination with federal security agencies.

“The revelation by the governor also raises a lot of questions regarding the condition of service in the Amotekun Corps Service,” it said.

“From our own discreet investigations, we found that Makinde has failed to work a synergy between the corps and the federal security agencies on account of needless ego and cluelessness,” the APC added.

It further urged the state government to strengthen security coordination and prioritize professional standards within the corps.

“The practice whereby Amotekun Corps members are being deployed to man hotels, properties and business facilities belonging to friends and political associates of the governor should be stopped, while only competent hands should be recruited, even as training, retraining and good welfare packages must be put in place for the officials for them to operate under minimum risk and high motivation,” the party stated.