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Ex-Osun lawmaker: State Police Not Enough, Nigeria Needs Highway, Tourist Cops

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State Police

Ex-Osun lawmaker: State Police Not Enough, Nigeria Needs Highway, Tourist Cops

A former member representing Obokun State Constituency in the Osun State House of Assembly, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has said that beyond the establishment of state police, Nigeria should create additional specialised policing structures to effectively tackle the country’s security challenges.
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Oyintiloye made the call while congratulating Nigerians on the Senate’s approval of state police, describing the development as a historic milestone in the nation’s pursuit of a more effective, responsive and community-oriented security architecture.

In a statement obtained in Osogbo on Thursday, the All Progressives Congress stalwart said security is most effective when it is locally driven, intelligence-led and supported by the people.

“For years, I have remained a vocal advocate of state police because I firmly believed that Nigeria’s evolving security realities require a more localised approach.

“Today, I am delighted that this long-held dream for our dear nation has become a reality under the courageous and visionary leadership of the President,” he said.

While describing the approval of state police as a step in the right direction, Oyintiloye argued that the country should adopt a multi-layered policing system to address emerging security concerns.

“The truth is, Nigeria needs more policing structures. It is good that we have state police now. It is the right step. But beyond that, we should have other policing structures. We should have highway police, tourist police, among others,” he said.

The former lawmaker expressed satisfaction that a cause he had championed for years had finally gained traction under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

He recalled that he had consistently advocated the establishment of state police as a practical solution to Nigeria’s growing security challenges, citing a public intervention published in a national newspaper on February 25, 2018, where he canvassed a decentralised policing system capable of addressing peculiar security concerns across the country.

“The establishment of state police will strengthen intelligence gathering, enhance rapid response to security threats, deepen community policing, create employment opportunities and empower law enforcement agencies to better understand and address local security challenges,” he added.

Oyintiloye also called for the deployment of modern security technology to support the new policing structure.

According to him, tools such as closed-circuit television cameras, drones, digital communication systems and integrated crime databases are essential for improving the effectiveness of security operations.

He further stressed the need for a strong community policing framework that would integrate traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups and other stakeholders into intelligence-sharing networks.

The debate over state police has remained one of Nigeria’s most contentious security and constitutional issues for decades. Advocates argue that decentralised policing would improve intelligence gathering, response times and community engagement, especially in addressing local security threats such as banditry, kidnapping and communal conflicts.

State Police

State Police

However, critics have expressed concerns about the potential abuse of state-controlled police by political office holders and have called for strong legal safeguards, oversight mechanisms and accountability frameworks to prevent misuse.

The Senate’s approval of state police is widely regarded as a significant step towards restructuring Nigeria’s security architecture amid growing calls for reforms to address the country’s complex and evolving security challenges.
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Religious Leaders, Other Stakeholders Convene International Security Conference as Tinubu Calls for Peaceful Coexistence and National Unity

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Tinubu Adjust His Schedule To Visit Benue People

Religious Leaders, Other Stakeholders Convene International Security Conference as Tinubu Calls for Peaceful Coexistence and National Unity

Tinubu calls for peaceful coexistence and national unity. Nigeria and the Muslim World League will on Tuesday, 11 August 2026, convene an international security conference in Abuja, bringing together religious leaders and other stakeholders to advance peaceful coexistence, national unity and security.

The conference, holding at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, is expected to explore the relationship between peace, security and socio-economic development, while strengthening dialogue and mutual understanding among Muslims, Christians and people of other faiths.

The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this on Monday at the inauguration of the Muslim World League Mosque in Abuja by the Secretary General of the Muslim World League and Chairman of the Organization of Islamic Scholars, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa.

Idris, who had earlier received Sheikh Al-Issa at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and accompanied him to the mosque inauguration, described the visit as a demonstration of the strong relationship between Nigeria, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the international community.

He said the conference comes at an important time for Nigeria, as the country continues to strengthen its national security architecture while pursuing reforms and investments aimed at accelerating socio-economic development.

The Minister reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to peaceful coexistence, religious harmony and national unity, stressing that peace and security are fundamental to Nigeria’s prosperity and stability across Africa.

“The President is determined to ensure peace and tranquillity not just in Nigeria, but around the world. This is a clear demonstration of the path that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is taking,” Idris said.

He noted that Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous country, has a major responsibility to promote peace and stability across the continent, adding that a peaceful and secure Nigeria would positively influence West Africa and Africa as a whole.

Idris said the international conference would provide an important platform for religious leaders and other stakeholders to exchange ideas and develop practical approaches to strengthening peaceful coexistence, security and mutual understanding.

He commended the Muslim World League, Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), the Saudi Arabian Government and other stakeholders for facilitating Sheikh Al-Issa’s visit and the establishment of the mosque.

The Minister also expressed appreciation to Sheikh Al-Issa for his sustained commitment to peace, dialogue and understanding among faith communities.

Earlier, Sheikh Al-Issa commended President Tinubu’s efforts to foster peaceful coexistence between Muslims and non-Muslims, stressing that peace and harmony in Nigeria would contribute significantly to stability across West Africa and the wider world.

The Secretary General said his visit was centred on peace and peaceful coexistence and expressed confidence that the conference would provide an important platform for advancing dialogue and harmony in Nigeria and globally.

He also inaugurated a newly constructed Mosque in Gauda, Abuja and expressed appreciation to all those who contributed to its establishment.

The International Security Conference brings together religious leaders, policymakers and other stakeholders.

Tinubu Adjust His Schedule To Visit Benue People

President Tinubu

Attendance at the event included the Executive Governor of Sokoto State, Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto; Honourable Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate; Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi; Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, representing Sokoto North Senatorial District; Senator Mohammed Danjuma Goje, representing Gombe Central Senatorial District; and Senator Ahmed Sani Yerima, among other dignitaries.

Rabiu Ibrahim, MNIPR
Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation

Monday, 10 August 2026

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ICPC Hosts Indonesian Diplomatic Dialogue, Seeks Stronger Global Cooperation, Knowledge-Sharing Against Corruption

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Indonesian

ICPC Hosts Indonesian Diplomatic Dialogue, Seeks Stronger Global Cooperation, Knowledge-Sharing Against Corruption

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has called for stronger international collaboration and knowledge-sharing in the fight against corruption, as it hosted the second edition of its International Diplomatic Dialogue in Abuja on Monday.
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The dialogue, organised by the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN), the research and training arm of the ICPC, was themed “Experience Sharing in Anti-Corruption Strategy: The Indonesian Perspective.”
The Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria was represented at the event by Mrs. Tuty Dityawanty, Minister Counsellor for Political Affairs.

In his address, the ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, said the dialogue was designed to provide an opportunity for Nigeria to learn from Indonesia’s experience, policies and strategies in combating corruption.

Aliyu recalled that the Commission had earlier hosted the Kenyan High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Isaac Keen Parashina, MBS, during which both sides exchanged knowledge on approaches to tackling corruption in Kenya.

According to him, Indonesia’s experience is particularly relevant given the efforts of the country’s anti-corruption agency, the Komisi Pemberantasan Korupsi (KPK), also known as the Corruption Eradication Commission.

He said Nigeria could benefit from Indonesia’s experiences in areas including institutional reforms, legal reforms, enforcement and other strategies deployed to prevent and combat corruption.

The ICPC Chairman described corruption as a global phenomenon and a major impediment to sustainable development, economic growth, social justice and public trust in institutions.

He stressed that corruption has devastating consequences for the political, socio-economic and developmental progress of nations and organisations where it is allowed to thrive unchecked.

“As Nigeria continues to deepen its anti-corruption efforts, there is much value in learning from comparative experiences, understanding best practices, and identifying innovative approaches that can be adapted to our local realities,” Aliyu said.
He noted that the diplomatic dialogue reflects the commitment of the ICPC and ACAN to promoting international cooperation and evidence-based approaches to corruption prevention.

Aliyu further said the initiative aligns with the Commission’s broader objective of building a culture of integrity, transparency and accountability in both the public and private sectors.

He expressed appreciation to the Indonesian Ambassador for accepting the invitation and sharing the country’s experiences and insights with Nigerian stakeholders.

According to him, the engagement further strengthens the cordial relations between Nigeria and Indonesia while demonstrating the two countries’ shared commitment to good governance and ethical leadership.

The ICPC Chairman also commended the Provost of ACAN, Professor Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim, and his team for conceptualising and organising the initiative, describing the Academy as playing an important role in research, training, advocacy and capacity development in support of Nigeria’s anti-corruption agenda.

He urged participants at the dialogue to actively engage in discussions, ask critical questions, share perspectives and explore opportunities for future collaboration.

Aliyu stressed that the knowledge exchanged at the event should translate into practical actions capable of strengthening institutions, improving public trust and contributing to national and continental development.
“Corruption remains one of the greatest threats to development, but together, through collective action, collaboration, and unwavering commitment, we can build institutions and societies where transparency and accountability thrive,” he said.

Indonesian

Indonesian, ICPC

He disclosed that the ICPC would, in the coming months, host other heads of diplomatic missions to share their respective experiences and strategies in the fight against corruption.

The ICPC Chairman formally welcomed participants to the second edition of the International Diplomatic Dialogue and expressed hope that the deliberations would serve as a catalyst for stronger partnerships and innovative solutions in combating corruption.
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Umahi: “N752bn Abuja-Kano Highway to be Completed by November”

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Vandalisation Of Bridges

Umahi: “N752bn Abuja-Kano Highway to be Completed by November”

The Federal Government has said the remaining sections of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano highway will be completed by November, with the ongoing works on the strategic road now estimated to cost N752bn.
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The Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed this in Abuja on Monday, saying more than 80 per cent of the cost of the two major sections being handled by the present administration had already been paid.

Umahi said the government was also installing solar-powered streetlights along the highway and would deploy what he described as “superhighway guards” to protect the road from vandalism after observing attempts by some people to remove sections of the concrete pavement.

The minister spoke when he was decorated as the Patron of the National Association of Nigerian Students by the leadership of the union at the Ministry of Works headquarters in Abuja.

According to him, the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano route covers 375 kilometres in one direction, translating to 750 kilometres when both carriageways are considered.

He explained that the Federal Government had previously spent more than N200bn on the portion of the road handled by Julius Berger, with the contractor completing 240 kilometres on each carriageway, amounting to 480 kilometres. He said another 140 kilometres, representing 280 kilometres when both carriageways are considered, remained to be completed.

Umahi said the current administration had recorded an unprecedented feat by completing 118 kilometres of the road with concrete pavement within 30 months, while work was continuing on the remaining 164 kilometres, or 82 kilometres on each carriageway. He said the two sections currently being executed by the government were valued at N752bn.

“For the first time, we are able to complete 118 kilometres of Route 118 on concrete pavement within 30 months. Never happened. Never happened. And today we are battling with the remaining 164 kilometres. That’s 82 kilometres by two. Both of these projects are costing us 752 billion under the President.

“Over 80 per cent has been paid. We are believing that by November the entire stretch would have been completed. We are putting solar lights. Every 30 meters, you have four poles. All true. I just came back from Lagos where we inaugurated the coastal guards. We are also going to inaugurate on this Abuja, Kaduna, Zaria, Kano. Superhighway guards. Because I saw people digging the concrete to remove roads,” he said.

The minister said the Federal Government was determined to ensure that the huge investment in the highway was protected from vandalism and other acts capable of undermining the road after completion.

He said the proposed guards would complement the government’s infrastructure protection efforts, particularly as the road would serve as a major transport corridor linking the Federal Capital Territory with Kaduna, Zaria and Kano.

Vandalisation Of Bridges

Umahi

Umahi also used the occasion to defend the administration’s spending on infrastructure, arguing that the projects were creating jobs and opening economic opportunities across the country.

He said every major construction site had generated direct and indirect employment, stressing that the infrastructure investments should not be viewed merely as government expenditure.
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