Akpabio: U.S. Reduced Embassy Staff In Abuja, Afraid Iran Will Strike Nigeria

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said that the United States government is reducing its embassy staff, especially in Nigeria, over fears of possible attacks by Iran.

Mr Akpabio also said the adjustment in diplomatic staffing levels should not be linked to Nigeria’s current political environment, arguing that such decisions are usually driven by global security considerations.

He spoke on Tuesday at the inauguration of the National Assembly Service Commission’s new headquarters in Abuja, explaining that several countries are currently reassessing their overseas diplomatic footprint amid rising security threats across regions.

“Some say that even now, some embassies are closing down. Not many embassies are closing down. Many of the embassies are afraid of the repercussions from their foes,” he said.

Akpabio added, “For instance, I can say that America is a bit worried about the bomb blast from Iran, and so across the world, they have to reduce their staff in case Iran decides to attack their embassies.

“When people are thinking, oh! Nigeria’s embassies are closing because an election is coming. It’s not because the election is coming.

“Election will come and go, and God will protect you. God will protect Nigeria. Nigeria will outlive this election.”

His remarks come barely a week after the U.S. State Department authorised non-emergency government employees and family members to evacuate its embassy in Abuja due to the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria.

Akpabio

In its advisory, the U.S. explained that “there is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Nigeria.

“Terrorists continue plotting and carrying out attacks in Nigeria. Terrorists collaborate with local gangs to expand their reach.”

But the Nigerian government quickly dismissed the concerns, describing the U.S. advisory as a routine precaution rather than a reflection of Nigeria’s overall security situation.

IGP Disu Received POWA President During A Courtesy Visit To The Force Headquarters

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, today received the POWA President, Mrs. Olufumilola Mutiat Disu, and her delegation during a courtesy visit to the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

In his remarks, the IGP described the visit as a demonstration of solidarity, lauding POWA’s invaluable contributions to the welfare of police families. He acknowledged their role in cushioning the rigors of police service, nurturing officers’ children, and fostering peaceful home environments.

The visit further underscored POWA’s repositioning agenda, which includes the nationwide launch of a free eye care initiative, expansion of welfare programs, and commitments to mental and emotional support, economic empowerment, youth development, and national unity.

IGP Disu Received POWA President

The IGP encouraged deeper collaboration among members to strengthen welfare structures and enhance the well-being of police officers and their families.

How EFCC Boosts Lawyers’ Skills For More Effective Prosecution

As part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s fight against corruption, the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, has called on the Commission’s legal officers to demonstrate greater diligence, precision, and professionalism in preparing charges and court processes.

Olukoyede made the call in Lagos on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at the opening of a three-day intensive training programme for EFCC legal officers held at the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 Conference Hall, Okotie Eboh.

The training, titled “Training Programme for Legal Officers on Preparation and Dealing with Appeals in Financial Crimes & Allied Matters, Evidence Gathering and Trial Preparation for Young Lawyers,” focuses on strengthening expertise in key prosecution areas, including charge drafting, appeals management, evidence gathering, and trial preparation.

In his opening remarks, the EFCC chairman, who was represented by the Director of Legal and Prosecution, Sylvanus Tahir, SAN, said the training was designed to promote knowledge sharing and capacity building among legal officers.

According to him, the initiative reinforces the Commission’s sustained commitment to professional development as a key driver of institutional effectiveness in combating economic and financial crimes nationwide.

“This training is a strategic initiative designed to ensure that our officers handle cases with the highest level of competence and professionalism,” he said.

Earlier, the Acting Zonal Director, Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, Okotie Eboh, Ikoyi, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE1 Bawa Usman Kaltungo, declared the programme open and emphasized the need for continuous training and retraining of the Commission’s lawyers in response to emerging trends in criminal prosecution.

“When I received the memo and looked at the title, I said this is very apt. Our Executive Chairman is a trainer, and I am not surprised he agreed to this training. We need to constantly improve our skills. There is always a need for training and retraining”, he said.

Participants drawn from the Port Harcourt, Uyo, Benin, Ibadan, and Lagos Zonal Directorates 1 and 2 are expected to apply the knowledge gained to improve prosecution quality, reduce procedural errors, and enhance justice delivery in financial crime cases.

The training features paper presentations on topics including: Concept and Purpose of Appeals in Economic and Financial Crimes and Allied Matters; Drafting Competent and Effective Grounds of Appeal in EFCC Cases; Handling Evidence Issues in Appeals; Effective Drafting of Appellants’ and Respondents’ Briefs; Digital Evidence and Cybercrime Appeals; Strategies for Building Strong Appeals; Oral Advocacy Skills; Interlocutory Appeals; Compilation and Transmission of Records of Appeal; and Appeals in Asset Forfeiture and Recovery.

EFCC

Other sessions include: Admissibility of Evidence Under the Evidence Act 2011; Relevance as the Foundation of Admissible Evidence; Documentary Evidence and the Admissibility of Public and Private Documents; Electronic and Digital Evidence in EFCC Cases; Trial and Evidence Gathering in Financial Crime Prosecutions; Burden and Standard of Proof in Civil and Criminal Cases; Expert Evidence; Hearsay Evidence and Its Exceptions; and Confessional Statements: Admissibility and Weight in Nigerian Courts.

The training is expected to wind up on Thursday, April 16, 2026.