Crime
Bayelsa: Group Takes Campaign Against Drug Abuse To Univarsity
Bayelsa: Group Takes Campaign Against Drug Abuse To Univarsity
Bayelsa: Group takes campaign against drug abuse to univarsity, as commissioner, lawmaker pledges support. Peace Agents across Bayelsa State under the aegis of the Bayelsa State Peace Architecture (SPA) have embarked on a sensitisation campaign on the dangers of drug abuse in tertiary institutions across the state.
The group also sued for students in higher institutions to undergo mandatory drug test before matriculation and graduation.
This position, according to the group is imperative following the rising trend of drug abuse amongst students and youths in the state.
Taking the campaign to the Niger Delta University, NDU, in Amassoma, members of the Bayelsa State Peace Architecture (SPA) interacted and exchanged ideas with stakeholders especially the management staff of the institution on efforts to combat the menace.
The group also took the campaign to the doorsteps of the students, highlighting the dangers of drug abuse and its effect in the society as a negative driver against peace.
Speaking during the campaign, the Secretary of SPA, Dr. Inebaraton Preye who spoke on behalf of the team reeled out the main thrust of the campaign, stressing that drug abuse is not only destructive but has the capacity of annihilating the next generation of youths in the Society.
His words, “Rising from the persistent reoccurrence of the prevailing issue of drug abuse as a precursor to crime from our monthly SPA Meetings in the past six months from (December, 2024 – June, 2025) the menace of drug abuse among our youths (now extended to primary school pupils and students in basic classes) is not only alarming but destructive.
“The trend, if not checked, is capable of destroying our next generation and fabrics of the next generation in our society.
“Regrettably, the nexus between drugs and crime cannot be overemphasized as users are always willing tools for violence. Hence, the need to nip this societal menace in the bud for stakeholders to collaborate in mitigating drug use amongst youths.
“We are optimistic that ‘catching them young,’ parents and guidance playing their roles to monitor the activities of their children/wards will help in changing the narrative positively.
“Hence, the resolution for students to undergo necessary drug tests before matriculation and before they defend their project in the final year at the citadel of learning.”
On his part, Prof. Tonbara Barakabo-Kingdom, the DVC Academics who represented the NDU management lauded the SPA for their volunteering efforts in peacebuilding and commitment to spread the campaign against drug abuse in and around the institution.
He spoke on the school’s partnership with the Bayelsa SPA in actualising its drive in sustaining peace through advocacy as well as to join the campaign for the establishment of the Bayelsa state Community Peace Commission.
He also reiterated the need for the establishment of the Higher Institution Peace Architecture (HIPA) as a cluster to include students, staff and other peace agents within the academic environment.
Later, the team visited the President of the Students Union Government, SUG, of the institution led by Tams Apere who joined in the campaign.
The group also visited the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Gentle Emelah, at the Education House in Yenagoa to foster collaboration on how to tackle the menace of drug abuse in tertiary institutions and the society at large.
Group Takes Campaign Against Drug Abuse To Univarsity
Emelah, who expressed excitement about the mission of the SPA with support from the European Union (EU), said as a former lawmaker, he is committed to supporting the Bayelsa State Community Peace Commission as well as set up a framework to consider adding drug test in higher institutions as a policy across the State.
Also, the Chairman of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly Committee on Education, Dr. Charles Daniel, noted that the move by the group was a step in the right direction.
The lawmaker lauded the workings of the Bayelsa SPA and declared his commitment to support the Bayelsa State Community Peace Commission and other activities of the group.
Charles further expressed optimism in working with the group to promote peace in the State.
Nigerian Police Foil Bandit Attack in Sokoto, Recover Rocket Launchers
The Sokoto State Police Command has foiled an attempted bandit attack on Tsabre community in Isa Local Government Area, recovering two rocket launchers and other items abandoned by the fleeing attackers.
Eereporter.com
The incident occurred around 1am on Friday when the armed men reportedly invaded the village and opened sporadic gunfire, causing panic among residents.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmad Rufa’i, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday.
He said the Divisional Police Officer in Isa, upon receiving a distress call, immediately mobilised tactical teams, including operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and Violent Crime Response Unit, to confront the attackers.
According to him, the police engaged the bandits in a gun battle, forcing them to retreat into a nearby forest.
“The tactical teams engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun duel that lasted for some time. Due to the superior firepower and tactical positioning of the police operatives, the bandits were overpowered and forced to escape into the nearby forest with their casualties,” Rufa’i said.
He added that the police subsequently combed the surrounding bushes and recovered two rocket launchers and two empty AK-47 magazines.
Other items recovered included a Techno keypad phone without a battery, a touch light, an Army jungle hat, a sweater cap, five pairs of sandals and a rain jacket.
The Commissioner of Police, Hayatu Shaffa, commended the officers for their swift response and courage during the operation.
Shaffa reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.
Police
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons and activities to the police.
The CP further appealed to residents to report anyone with suspected gunshot wounds seeking medical attention to the nearest police station, as efforts continue to track the fleeing attackers.
Eereporter.com
Navy Rescues 2 Kidnapped Victims, Recovers Stolen Outboard Engines in Akwa Ibom
The Nigerian Navy has rescued 2 kidnapped victims and recovered several stolen outboard engines during an operation against sea robbery and kidnapping in the Ibeno general area of Akwa Ibom State on 30 September 2026.
Eereporter.com
The operation followed credible information on the activities of suspected sea robbers and kidnappers targeting fishermen and forcibly taking away fishing boats and outboard engines. In response, the Nigerian Navy Ship JUBILEE Maritime Quick Response Team, Ibeno, swiftly mobilised to the area to counter the threat.
During the operation, the naval team encountered 2 boats suspected to be operated by the criminals, prompting the occupants to flee into adjoining creeks. In the ensuing pursuit, the suspects abandoned one of the boats containing several stolen outboard engines and the 2 kidnapped victims, who were immediately rescued by the naval team and escorted to safety. The recovered outboard engines were secured for verification and further necessary action, while efforts are ongoing to locate and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The successful operation underscores the Nigerian Navy’s sustained commitment to Search and Rescue (SAR), the protection of lives and the security of legitimate maritime activities across Nigeria’s waters. Through its network of ships, bases, surveillance systems, maritime quick response teams and other operational elements, the Nigerian Navy continues to maintain a presence across the maritime domain, enabling timely responses to distress situations and emerging security threats.
Navy
The operation also demonstrates the importance of credible intelligence and community support in enhancing maritime security. The Nigerian Navy therefore encourages coastal communities, fishermen and other maritime stakeholders to continue providing timely information that could assist in preventing criminal activities and responding rapidly to persons in distress.
The Nigerian Navy remains resolute in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain and will continue to sustain proactive patrols, Search and Rescue operations, and intelligence-driven interventions aimed at protecting lives and property while denying criminal elements freedom of action in the nation’s waterways.
Eereporter.com
Cyber-Fraud: EFCC Secures Final Forfeiture of 431 Phones from Chinese Convicts
The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, secured the final forfeiture of 431 mobile phones to the Federal Government.
Eereporter.com
The mobile phones were linked to Chinese cyber-fraud operators who had previously been convicted by the court.
Justice Dehinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos issued the forfeiture order following a motion on notice filed by the EFCC through its counsel, Hannatu Kofarnaisa.
The court had earlier granted an interim forfeiture order on July 8, 2026, directing the EFCC to publish the order in a national newspaper to give interested persons or entities an opportunity to show cause why the phones should not be permanently forfeited.
While moving the application for final forfeiture, Kofarnaisa informed the court that the EFCC had complied with the directive by publishing the notice in The Guardian newspaper on August 11, 2026.
She added that no individual or entity came forward to contest the forfeiture within the period stipulated by the court.
The application was supported by an affidavit deposed to by an EFCC operative, Christopher Augustine, who detailed the findings of the Commission’s investigation.
According to the affidavit, the 431 mobile phones were linked to a cyber-fraud operation allegedly involving Chinese and Nigerian youths at a facility known as “HK” in Victoria Island, Lagos which was used to train and deploy Nigerian youths and foreign nationals to carry out romance, investment and cryptocurrency fraud.
While noting that victims in the United States, Canada, Mexico and parts of Europe were major targets, he revealed that a sting operation conducted on December 10, 2024, led to the arrest of more than 700 individuals, including about 500 Nigerians, 148 Chinese , 40 Filipinos and other foreign nationals.
The affidavit also stated that Genting International Company Limited (GICL), allegedly controlled by Huang Haoyu, also known as Ken, a Chinese and other foreign nationals, were involved in the operation.
According to the EFCC, Huang and GICL were subsequently charged with seven counts bordering on cyber terrorism, possession of fraudulent documents, failure to declare activities to the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML), illegal foreign exchange transactions and money laundering.
The Commission stated that Huang and GICL pleaded guilty to the charges and were subsequently convicted and sentenced by the court.
He stated that the 431 devices were reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities and were therefore subject to forfeiture pursuant to Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.
Fraud
After hearing the submissions of the EFCC and reviewing the affidavit evidence before the court, Justice Dipeolu held that the application had merit.
The judge consequently ordered the final forfeiture of the 431 mobile phones to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Eereporter.com
-
Crime1 year agoKogi Assembly Considers Law To Regulate Rent, Establish Control Board: Tenancy Law
-
News2 years agoAtiku Reveals Why He Failed To Pick Wike As Running Mate In 2023
-
Akwa Ibom2 years agoThe Apostolic Church Gets New Territorial Chairman, Exco
-
Crime2 years agoFederal High Court Jails 2 For Vandalizing Transformer, Telecom Mast In Kogi
-
News2 years agoThe Apostolic Church Gets New National President, Executive
-
Akwa Ibom2 years agoUmo Eno Commences Payment Of 80,000 Naira Minimum Wage With Arrears
-
News2 years agoSenator Natasha Returns To Senate With Husband Amid Seat Dispute
-
Economy1 year agoKiyosaki: Is Tinubu’s Government Afraid Of Ibrahim Traore?