President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the immediate withdrawal of police officers assigned to provide security for Very Important Persons (VIPs) across the country, in a move aimed at strengthening police presence in underserved communities.

The directive was disclosed in a statement on Sunday, November 23, by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, following a high-level security meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

According to the statement, police personnel previously attached to VIPs will now be redeployed to frontline policing duties. VIPs requiring protection are henceforth to be assigned well-armed operatives from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Onanuga explained that the decision was driven by the need to address severe manpower shortages in police stations, especially in remote parts of the country, where limited personnel have hindered effective protection of residents.

“In view of the current security challenges facing the country, President Tinubu is desirous of boosting police presence in all communities,” he said.

The presidential aide added that Tinubu has already approved the recruitment of 30,000 additional police personnel as part of broader reforms to enhance national security. The Federal Government is also partnering with state governments to upgrade police training facilities nationwide.

Sunday’s security meeting was attended by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke; Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; and Director-General of the Department of State Services, Tosin Adeola Ajayi.

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All 38 worshippers abducted from the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State, have been rescued by Nigerian security forces, days after gunmen attacked the church premises, killing at least two people.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the successful rescue on Sunday, commending the Nigerian Army, Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and intelligence agencies for what he described as a coordinated and effective operation. He also disclosed that he cancelled his planned visit to the G20 Compact with Africa Summit to personally monitor the rescue efforts.

The President added that the operation coincided with the escape of 51 abducted students in Niger State, praising security operatives for what he called “renewed synergy and determination” in tackling nationwide kidnapping cases.

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq also lauded the President’s intervention, noting that Tinubu maintained direct oversight throughout the rescue mission. He said the development signalled a new resolve to respond swiftly to security threats affecting rural and urban communities.

Meanwhile, congregants returned to the Christ Apostolic Church on Sunday morning for worship, drawing strength from one another despite lingering concerns over rising abductions across the country. Members described the reunion as a quiet but powerful moment of resilience.

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The Yobe State Government has directed the closure of all boarding secondary schools in the state in response to escalating security challenges.

The announcement was made in a statement issued by Mamman Mohammed, Director General of Press and Media Affairs to Governor Mai Mala Buni. The statement did not provide a specific timeline for reopening, emphasizing that the decision aims to safeguard students and staff amid ongoing threats.

Details on affected schools and additional measures are expected to be released by the state government in the coming days.

Also the Niger State Government directed the immediate closure of all schools across the state following the abduction of more than 300 students by gunmen in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area.

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The Niger State Government has directed the immediate closure of all schools across the state following the abduction of more than 300 students by gunmen in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area.

Governor Mohammed Bago announced the directive on Friday while addressing journalists in Minna after a security and stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House. The decision, he said, is part of urgent measures to prevent further attacks on educational institutions.

According to the governor, the shutdown affects all categories of schools — private and public institutions, Islamic and missionary schools, federal government colleges, as well as select tertiary institutions such as schools of nursing and midwifery.

“Schools are generally supposed to close for Christmas in the next two weeks, but we cannot take any chances anymore. We are closing all schools in Niger State — private, primary and secondary schools — until after the New Year. All schools in Niger North will remain closed until further notice,” Bago declared.

Speaking on the abduction at St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, the governor lamented that the incident could have been avoided, but stressed that the priority now is the safe rescue of the abducted pupils and staff.

He noted that the government will not engage in blame games but will focus on coordinated rescue efforts.

On the number of victims, Governor Bago said the figures circulating in the media were unofficial. He added that security agencies, including the Department of State Services and the police, were currently conducting a headcount.

“We have just been seeing a lot of numbers in the media, but the figures are not official. The DSS, police and other security agencies are already doing the headcount, and by the end of today, we will have the official figure,” he stated.

The mass abduction has heightened concerns over security in Niger State, prompting the sweeping shutdown as authorities work to contain the situation and safeguard students across affected communities.

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This Is a National Loss: Dr. Pat Asadu Mourns Senator Okey Ezea, ‘A Fearless Defender of Nsukka Land”

Distinguished Senator Okey Ezea, a stalwart champion of Nsukka land, has passed away, leaving a nation in mourning. Dr. Pat Asadu, a close associate, has led the tributes, describing Senator Ezea as a “fearless defender” and “authentic leader” who dedicated his life to serving his people.

Real Full statement;

This was, without a doubt, the most agonising news I received upon my return from a short trip. At first, I doubted it especially because not long before my trip, we had met at a function in Udi LGA. My hesitation also stemmed from the recent, unnecessary, and callous spread of false news about the death of highly placed individuals; too often, such reports turn out to be untrue.

But concern overcame disbelief. In prayerful hope that it was all a hoax, I reached out to some of our leaders and friends, only to have my worst fears painfully confirmed.

I am increasingly worried that many of our great men are dying early in their prime, just as the less privileged also succumb to the harsh realities of life. May the spirit of death hovering over Nigeria for some time now depart from us in Jesus’ name. Amen. Today, we mourn our dear brother, Distinguished Senator Okey Ezea, but not as unbelievers. We are comforted by the knowledge that he fulfilled his purpose.

Senator Okey Ezea, Esq., was Nsukka to the core an authentic leader, a true warrior, and a fearless voice for the marginalized and oppressed within the political spectrum. He fought countless battles for Nsukka land, often using his hard-earned resources and boundless personal energy.

He has indeed run a good race for our people and for humanity. We pray that history will remember Ideke for all his selfless and courageous efforts.

Painfully, just when it seemed he had begun to reap the fruits of his decades-long political struggles and enormous investments as our Senator, God called him home to rest. But beyond the span of time one spends on earth are the legacies one leaves behind and Okey Ezea left us with legacies of courage, truth, and unconditional devotion to justice.

As we mourn this great son of Nsukka, one of the most vocal field marshals of our liberation, we take solace in knowing that his Creator has only invited him home to rest. We dare not question God, for He alone gives and takes life at His appointed time. Yet make no mistake, this passing is a colossal loss in the prime of life of one of our finest leaders.

Nsukka Zone, Enugu State, and Nigeria have lost:

A great Iroko

A fearless warrior

A brutally frank man of affluence

A political Nzeogwu who spoke truth to power

A leader who never shied away from challenging forces bigger than himself

Even when he lost a battle, he would rise swiftly and continue pressing forward to correct the imbalance. Political correctness never swayed him, so long as the cause contributed to the transformation of Nsukka land.

You have fulfilled your part here on earth, Great Ideke.

Our prayers and deepest sympathies are with your family.
Goodnight, Ideke.
Adieu, the great Nzeogwu.
Sleep well, Distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic.
Until we meet again on resurrection morning, our fearless leader.

Rt. Hon. Dr. Pat Asadu & Family

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