COAS Tells IGP: Unified, Coordinated Approach Among Agencies Remains Indispensable

Coordinated Approach. The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has underscored the critical importance of a unified and coordinated approach among security agencies as a cornerstone for addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.

He made this assertion while receiving the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, during his maiden familiarisation visit to Army Headquarters in Abuja on 25 March 2026.

During the engagement, the IGP emphasized the need for strengthened collaboration and sustained inter-agency synergy between the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police Force to more effectively tackle prevailing internal security threats. He commended the long-standing and strategic partnership between both institutions, noting that such cooperation remains vital to the attainment of national security objectives.

The IGP further expressed appreciation to the COAS for his commitment to capacity development, particularly the Nigerian Army’s support in training Police Mobile Force personnel, which has significantly enhanced operational effectiveness across multiple theatres. He also assured the Army of continued intelligence sharing and operational coordination to reinforce joint efforts in ongoing and future security operations.

In his response, the COAS congratulated the IGP on his well-deserved appointment as the 23rd Inspector General of Police and reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to deepening jointness in line with his command philosophy. He noted that their professional relationship dates back to their joint service in the United Nations Mission in Darfur, reflecting a shared foundation of cooperation in complex operational environments.

COAS Tells IGP

The COAS also acknowledged the invaluable support of the Nigeria Police Force, particularly in support of troops deployed in Kogi, Kwara and Niger States, where ongoing operations against banditry and kidnapping continue to yield favourable results.

He assured him of sustained Nigerian Army support to the Nigeria Police Force, reiterating that only through a unified and well-coordinated inter-agency framework can enduring peace and security be achieved nationwide.

APPOLONIA ANELE
Colonel
Acting Director Army Public Relations
25 March 2026

INEC: New Voter Education Manuals Signal Fresh Push To Boost Participation Ahead Of 2027 Polls

New voter education manuals. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alongside key national and international partners, has launched the updated National Voter Education Manual and a youth-focused Civic and Voter Education Manual, in a renewed push to tackle voter apathy and strengthen democratic participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The event, held at Reiz Continental Hotel, brought together stakeholders from government agencies, civil society organisations, development partners, and youth groups, in their call for a more informed and engaged electorate.

In his welcome address, Mohammed Haruna, Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, highlighted the steady decline in voter turnout since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.

He noted that participation has dropped from over 60% in 2003 to below 30% in recent elections, stressing that while Nigerians may take the right to vote for granted, many lack the knowledge or motivation to exercise it effectively.

Haruna explained that the manuals were developed in collaboration with the Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) to both educate citizens and encourage greater electoral participation.

Delivering the keynote on behalf of INEC Chairman
Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, National Commissioner Malam Haruna warned that voter apathy remains one of the biggest threats to Nigeria’s democracy.

He pointed to data from recent elections showing a widening participation gap, where a minority determines leadership for the majority.

The Commission reaffirmed that the Electoral Act 2026 strengthens transparency through improved legal frameworks and electronic processes but emphasized that laws alone cannot solve disengagement.
“An indifferent electorate is a democracy in retreat,” the keynote stressed, calling for sustained civic education to rebuild trust and participation.

In his remarks, Bukola Idowu, Team Leader of KDI, described the launch as more than a presentation of documents, calling it a strategic intervention to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic foundation.
He noted that the revised manual reflects new electoral laws, evolving technologies, and the realities of modern political participation, while the youth-friendly version is tailored to engage young Nigerians as voters, educators, and change agents.
Idowu stressed that declining turnout signals deeper issues of trust and awareness, which the initiative seeks to address through accessible and practical civic education tools.

Representing the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Dr. Oluwakemi Afolayan emphasized that democracy is sustained not just through elections, but through values and informed citizenship.
She described the initiative as timely, noting that embedding civic education within the National Youth Service Corps(NYSC) framework will deepen grassroots engagement and create long-term impact.
“An informed electorate is the strongest defence against voter apathy, misinformation, and electoral violence,” she said.

Also speaking, Dr. Matthew Ayibakuro of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office underscored the importance of sustained voter education in ensuring credible and inclusive elections.
He noted that elections are not one-day events but the outcome of continuous civic awareness and public trust, adding that the manuals will play a vital role in equipping citizens to participate meaningfully.

New Voter Education Manuals

Providing an overview, Victoria Eta-Messi, Director of Voter Education and Publicity at INEC, explained that the manual has been comprehensively revised to align with the Electoral Act 2026.

She highlighted key updates, including changes to party primaries, campaign finance regulations, electoral offences, and the continued use of technologies like BVAS.
The manual, now structured into 11 modules, also incorporates global best practices and expanded digital engagement strategies to reach Nigeria’s tech-savvy population.

A major highlight of the launch is the integration of the civic manual into the NYSC Community Development Service (CDS), positioning corps members as frontline civic educators nationwide.

Stakeholders said this approach leverages peer-to-peer learning to spread democratic values across communities, schools, markets, and religious institutions.
Kimpact Global

Court Jails Man for $19,400 Bitcoin Fraud In Edo

Bitcoin fraud. The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has secured the conviction and sentence of Osamudiamen Philip Ikilo for fraud.

The convict was arraigned on one -count charge of stealing before Justice W.I. Aziegbemhin of the Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City.

Upon arraignment the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge, setting the stage for trial.

The charge reads: That you Osamudiamen Philip Ikilo (m) sometime in March 2024 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did steal Bitcoin worth the sum of $19,400 (Nineteen thousand, four Hundred United States Dollars) belonging to one Cynthia Imade Alile by fraudulently converting the said sum to your own use, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 287 of the Criminal Law of Edo State Law 2022 and punishable under Section 294 of the same Law.

Bitcoin

In the course of the trial, prosecution counsel, A. S. Bala-Ribah called two witnesses and also tendered documents which were admitted by the court. On his part, the defendant called two witnesses including himself.
Delivering judgment on Monday, March 23, 2026 Justice Aziegbemhin found the defendant guilty of the charge and sentenced him to two years imprisonment without an option of fine.

Ikilo’s road to jail began when he offered to assist the petitioner convert her 0.52092582 Bitcoin worth $19,400 but failed to remit the money to the petitioner as he converted same to his personal use.