By Jimitota Onoyume

THE Delta State Government and the Delta Central Senatorial candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, have traded accusations over the violence that erupted in Asaba on Saturday during a campaign rally by supporters of the party, leaving one person dead, several others injured and more than 30 vehicles vandalised.

While the state government blamed the organisers of the rally for allegedly disregarding security advice from the police, Omo-Agege accused government-sponsored thugs of attacking the campaigners.

The Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, in a statement, condemned the violence, describing the incident as unfortunate and warning that the government would not condone political violence or thuggery in the state.

Aniagwu said the police had advised the organisers to shelve the proposed street march and relocate their campaign to a designated venue where adequate security arrangements could be provided.

According to him, the organisers allegedly ignored the advice, resulting in a confrontation that claimed a life and left several people injured, while vehicles were damaged.

He further called on the police to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and ensure that anyone found culpable was brought to justice.

However, Omo-Agege, a former Deputy President of the Senate, insisted that the NDC campaigners were attacked by thugs allegedly sponsored by the state government.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Strategy and Communications, Mr Godwin Anaughe, the former senator described the incident as an act of terror, alleging that it was not the first time NDC members had come under attack during political campaigns in the state.

He recalled an alleged attack on members of his party in  September this year along Airport Road in Uvwie Local Government Area when some members of his party were attacked during a rally.

Omo-Agege also identified some persons allegedly involved in Saturday’s attack and appealed to President Bola Tinubu to prevail on the Delta State Government to demonstrate democratic tolerance as the country approaches next year’s general elections.

He said the campaign, which attracted young people and professionals under the Obidient/OK Movement, began peacefully, with participants singing and promoting the political message of Mr Peter Obi and Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso,  of the NDC.

According to him, the rally remained peaceful for about 20 minutes before armed thugs allegedly descended on the unarmed participants.

He said: “Young people, professionals — led by the Obidient/OK Movement — filled the streets in good spirits, singing and carrying the message of Mr Peter Obi and Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC.

“For about twenty minutes, it was exactly what democracy should look like. Peaceful. Joyful. Orderly. Then it changed. Thugs, fully armed with dangerous weapons and allegedly acting for elements in the Delta State Government and the Delta State APC, descended on unarmed campaigners in their own capital city.”

Omo-Agege claimed that more than 30 vehicles were smashed and over 10 party members and supporters sustained injuries, some of them bleeding heavily.

Among those he identified as victims were the State Coordinator of the Obidient/OK Movement, Hon. Favour Emerure; Mr Akpovegho Noah; Mrs Ifeoma Enuagwuna; Clinton Ossai; Mr Obiora Anaekwe; Emmanuel Ngene and Ikechukwu Michael.

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*Explains wage increase negotiation done by public sector unions

By Victor Ahiuma-Young

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has distanced itself from the negotiation of the N40,000 consequential adjustment granted to federal workers, insisting that the responsibility rested solely with the leadership of public sector unions and not the national labour centre.

The Congress said the widespread attribution of the N40,000 across-the-board addition to its leadership was misleading, accusing unnamed opponents of the trade union movement of deliberately distorting the collective bargaining process to misinform Nigerian workers and the general public.
In a statement yesterday by its Acting General Secretary, Benson Upah, the NLC explained that while it negotiates the national minimum wage through a tripartite arrangement involving government and employers, consequential adjustments are negotiated separately by unions in their respective sectors.

The statement reads: “The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has observed with grave concern the deliberate spread of falsehood and mischievous misinformation by certain opponents of the trade union movement and enemies of the Nigerian working class regarding the 2024 national minimum wage setting exercise and the consequential adjustment process. This is issued to educate the public, set the records straight, and expose the ignorance and mischief of those who seek to mislead Nigerian workers and the masses.
“For the purpose of clarity, we state that the national minimum wage is set through a tripartite process involving the labour movement, the government, and employers’ representatives. The NLC’s mandate at this stage is clear and unambiguous: to negotiate the national minimum wage; the primary and basic floor below which no worker should be paid. This is the foundational wage upon which all other wage structures are built.
“Once the national minimum wage has been agreed upon through the tripartite process, the responsibility for negotiating consequential adjustments; the process of aligning existing wage structures with the new minimum wage, and falling to the respective sectors. This is a fundamental principle of collective bargaining that we cannot belabour here.
“In the public sector, the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JPSNC), comprising governmentt representatives and approximately eight trade unions with their national leadership, sit with the federal government to negotiate implementation and consequential adjustments. Its state-level counterparts negotiate with state governments. In the private sector, industrial unions negotiate individually with employers’ associations according to the dynamics of their respective sectors. “For example, the Association of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employers (AFBTE) negotiates with the National Union of Food, Beverages and Tobacco Employees (NUFBTE) on how the national minimum wage will be applied in the food and beverage sector. This pattern applies across all sectors.
“The NLC represents both the private and public sectors. However, it is critically important to understand that the NLC does not sit at the table to negotiate consequential adjustments in the various sectors. “The leadership of the unions in these sectors bears sole responsibility for the outcomes of consequential adjustments in their respective sectors.
“Therefore, the claim that the NLC was responsible for negotiating the N40,000 across-the-board addition as consequential adjustment for federal workers is not only false but is a deliberate distortion of the collective bargaining framework in Nigeria.
“The N40,000 outcome was the sole responsibility of the leadership of the unions in the public sector.
“Any person who attributes the outcome of consequential adjustments to the NLC is either naïve, plainly ignorant, or involved in propagating outright mischief to mislead Nigerian workers and the masses. Such a person is so pathetically ignorant that they are not fit to hold any leadership position in any union, as they lack understanding of the basic structures and dynamics of collective bargaining in Nigeria because the collective bargaining framework in Nigeria is not only statutory but has enjoyed decades of flavour and traditions.
“It should be noted that throughout the history of the national minimum wage setting exercise, the leadership of the Nigeria Labour congress (NLC) has never sat down to negotiate Consequential adjustment with neither the government nor the organised private sector employers. “The JPSNC has always had that responsibility for the public sector, while the JNIC’s of the diverse industrial setors have also done the same for the private sector.
“We believe that this moment demands clarity and deep consciousness. The enemies of the working class are attempting to sow confusion and division within our ranks by shifting blame and obscuring the true loci of responsibility as we begin the negotiation of a new national minimum wage.
“The NLC stands firmly with the Nigerian working class and masses, and we will not allow our movement to be misrepresented by those who serve the interests of capital and exploitation.
“The new national minimum wage is on the verge of being negotiated. This is a critical moment for Nigerian workers and the masses to take necessary steps to hold specific institutions accountable for their specific expectations.
“The NLC will do its best to ensure that the outcome of this forthcoming exercise continues to serve Nigerian workers and masses and approximates a living wage. We will put adequate measures in place to ensure that consequential adjustment exercises are done by diverse institutions in creative ways for the benefit of Nigerian workers.”

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Orders immediate settlement of land compensation

By Omeiza Ajayi

ABUJA: The All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council APC-PCC has said President Bola Tinubu will inaugurate the Kaduna-Kano Standard Gauge Railway on December 3, 2026, and has ordered that all outstanding land acquisition and compensation issues in Kaduna metropolis be settled immediately.

The directive is meant to clear the way for the completion of the railway corridor from Abuja to Kano.

Council spokesman, Dele Alake, in a statement on Sunday in Abuja said the President “is accelerating the completion of major railway projects in Northern Nigeria.”

According to Alake, the President “has also directed that all outstanding land acquisition and compensation issues within Kaduna metropolis should be resolved immediately so that the railway corridor from Abuja to Kano will be completed.”

The statement specifically said the “completed 190-kilometre Jaji-Kano section” of the Kaduna-Kano project and the “250-kilometre Dawanu-Kano-Kazaure-Daura-Katsina section of the Kano-Maradi project will be inaugurated by December 3, 2026.”

Alake said the Kaduna-Kano line has reached “approximately 90 percent completion,” while the 400-kilometre Kano-Katsina-Maradi railway “has attained 70 percent completion.”

He said both projects were far behind when the President took office. “When President Tinubu assumed office in 2023, Kano-Katsina-Maradi rail project was at barely 5% while Kaduna-Kano was less than 30% completion,” the statement said.

The Kaduna-Kano line is an extension of the existing Abuja-Kaduna standard gauge line. It “will establish a continuous rail connection between Abuja, Kaduna, Zaria and Kano,” the statement said.

The statement said a Federal Government team recently inspected the two projects on the President’s directive. The team was led by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Engr. Funso Adebiyi.

Adebiyi “expressed satisfaction with the quality of construction work, particularly the railway alignment, drainage infrastructure, embankment protection, stone pitching and soil stabilisation,” the statement said.

It added that the inspection “included a train test-run journey from Jaji in Kaduna State to Kano, allowing officials to assess the completed track infrastructure and passenger comfort.”

On what the lines will deliver, Alake said the Kaduna-Kano railway, when operational, “will improve passenger transportation, facilitate commercial activities and provide an alternative to road travel along one of Northern Nigeria’s busiest commercial corridors.”

He said the Kano-Katsina-Maradi railway “is expected to strengthen cross-border transportation and trade between Nigeria and the neighbouring Niger Republic.”

“In line with President Tinubu’s agenda, all ongoing infrastructure projects will be delivered in every part of the country as scheduled,” Alake said.

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President Donald Trump vowed Sunday to bounce back stronger from a massive midterm elections loss that he called a “giant step back in history” for the United States.

Democrats captured both chambers of Congress in last Tuesday’s midterms that dealt historic losses for Trump’s Republican Party in states they had dominated for decades.

“America took a giant step back in History with the results of the last Election,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social, saying that the stock market that had grown during his tenture took a loss after the vote.

“But have no fear, we will be back, BIGGER AND STRONGER THAN EVER BEFORE!”

While Republican lawmakers have been licking their wounds over the setback, Trump has sounded defiant and on Friday appointed hardline advisor Stephen Miller as his new chief of staff, signaling a bare-knuckle fightback.

Democrats have pledged to hold the Trump administration to account and fight “every step of the way” against Miller, architect of Trump’s tough immigration policy.

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The United Kingdom, UK has introduced four mandatory conditions migrants must satisfy to qualify for permanent residency under its proposed earned settlement model, which will make obtaining indefinite leave to remain (ILR) dependent on applicants’ contributions and conduct.

Under the proposed reforms, migrants will no longer qualify for permanent residency almost automatically after five years in the country. Instead, the time required to secure settled status will depend on their earnings, contribution to society and immigration history.

The four non-negotiable conditions, which will apply to all applicants regardless of when they arrived in the UK, include:

1. Clean criminal record: Migrants must have a spotless criminal record, with the government proposing stricter requirements than the current rules, which allow some applicants with suspended sentences of up to 12 months to qualify.

2. High English proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate a high standard of spoken English, equivalent to A-Level English as a foreign language.

3. No outstanding government debts: Migrants must have cleared any debts owed to the UK government or taxpayer before qualifying for permanent residency.

4. Sustained National Insurance contributions: Applicants must provide evidence of sustained National Insurance contributions as proof of their economic contribution to the country.

Beyond these four mandatory requirements, the proposed model introduces different settlement timelines based on migrants’ earnings and contributions.

Under the arrangement, the highest earners could qualify for permanent residency after three years, while migrants earning more than £50,271 annually could become eligible after five years.

Certain public service workers, including doctors, nurses and teachers, would also qualify for settlement after five years.

Other migrants would be subject to a new standard settlement period of 10 years, while those who have breached immigration rules would have to wait at least 20 years before qualifying.

The government said the reforms recognise settled status as a significant privilege, granting migrants unrestricted access to the labour market, the National Health Service (NHS) and the welfare system.

The proposed changes are intended to make permanent residency a status migrants must earn rather than an entitlement granted after a fixed period.

Vanguard News

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By Dayo Johnson, Akure

The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) senatorial candidate for Ondo Central, Hon. Sunday Falae, has urged voters in Ondo State to reject vote-buying and vote according to their conscience in the 2027 general elections.

Falae, who spoke in an interview in Akure, said financial inducements would not determine voters’ choices in the forthcoming elections, claiming that many Nigerians were dissatisfied with the state of affairs and wanted a change.

“They can bring all the money they want, it is not going to work. I am on the streets every day and the anger is there. Look at what happened in Osun,” he said.

He described what he called a “Rainbow Coalition”, a voting pattern in which individuals support candidates from different political parties for various elective positions rather than voting exclusively for one party.

Falae illustrated the trend with the example of a woman who reportedly told him she intended to vote for the APC presidential candidate, him for Senate, an ADC candidate for the House of Representatives and an SDP candidate for the State House of Assembly.

“People are angry and they want change. They will take the money and vote their conscience,” he said.

On the management of public funds, the APM candidate questioned the accountability of state governors over increased allocations, arguing that the funds received by state governments were not reflected in the level of development across the country.

“We are not holding them responsible. The amount of money they are getting does not correspond to the development we are seeing,” he said.

He cited the Owena-Alade-Idanre road, which he alleged was awarded and paid for but remained unconstructed.

“That road should have been constructed. That money today, we don’t know where it is. The road was not constructed and it was approved and paid. So the money went to somebody’s pocket,” he alleged.

Falae argued that accountability should not be limited to the Federal Government, saying state governors, senators and local government chairmen must also explain how public funds allocated to their respective jurisdictions were spent.

On the 2027 presidential election, he said the South-West should complete its eight-year presidential tenure, arguing that the contest should be between President Bola Tinubu of the APC and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, whom he identified as the APM’s presidential candidate.

He explained that he did not join the African Democratic Congress because he did not want to campaign against Tinubu.

“In all sincerity, I didn’t join the ADC because I didn’t want to campaign against the President. I want us as Yorubas to finish eight years in office. Buhari finished his eight years,” he said.

Falae said he eventually joined the APM because Makinde, whom he described as a fellow Yoruba, could complete the remaining four years of the South-West’s presidential tenure.

“Tinubu deserves a second term. But if you give it to Governor Makinde, that is fine. Does he deserve it? Yes. Does Makinde deserve it? Even better. He has the energy and he has done well in Oyo State,” he said.

He also praised Makinde’s performance in Oyo State, arguing that his administration demonstrated the kind of leadership he believed Nigeria needed.

Explaining his decision to contest the Ondo Central senatorial seat, Falae said the district had been inadequately represented over the past four years.

He disclosed that he was a member of the APC from its formation until April 2026, but left the party over what he described as inadequate representation of the constituency.

“I am interested because I am under-represented right now. I was in the APC from inception until April this year. The person we have there now is not representing us the way he should. I have been to all six local governments and everybody is complaining,” he said.

Falae added that constituents felt abandoned and believed there was little to show for the outgoing tenure of their current representative.

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By Chimaobi Nwaiwu

NNEWI — The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Province of the Niger, has warned the Presidency, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) against manipulating the 2027 general elections or taking Nigerians for granted.

The church also cautioned against moves towards a one-party system, describing the alleged intimidation of opposition parties and their candidates as dangerous to the country’s democracy.

It urged Nigerians not to approach the 2027 presidential and other elections with indifference but to use their votes to hold political leaders accountable for unfulfilled promises.

The Coordinating Bishop of the Province of the Niger, Bishop of Aguata and Supervising Bishop of the Diocese of Awka, Rt. Rev. Dr Samuel C. Ezeofor, gave the warning during the 2026 Anglican Prayer Rally of Anambra State (APRAS).

Ezeofor recalled that the province had, during its synod in May, warned Nigerians about the dangers of a one-party system and urged citizens to remain vigilant.

He said, “This is the time for us to come out to show that we are human beings, that we are not robots and so everywhere in the country, we are calling upon Nigerians to take their future, and destiny in their hands with the forthcoming presidential and other elections in the country.”

Addressing the Presidency, INEC, the APC and other political stakeholders, the bishop said Nigerians were increasingly dissatisfied with developments in the country and should not be taken for granted.

“If they take Nigerians for granted, it may come to a point where there may be a revolution. I don’t pray for that, but by my training, I am trained to believe the best but be prepared for the worst,” he said.

He urged those involved in the 2027 electoral process to respect the wishes of voters and ensure that the outcome reflected their choices.

“So both the Presidency, APC, INEC and all the people who are involved in the election that is coming in 2027, let everyone of them be careful and do what Nigerians said with their ballots and would want to be done with their votes,” he added.

On the internal challenges facing the Province of the Niger, Ezeofor acknowledged that some Anglican faithful might have become discouraged by the crisis within the church.

He, however, urged them to remain steadfast, saying that setbacks in the church’s human administration did not mean God had abandoned it.

“My message to our faithfuls is that as human beings, we may stumble, but God is still on his throne. This church belongs to God, yet it is human beings who run the church and it is also a human system,” he said.

He encouraged members to continue looking up to Jesus Christ, whom he described as the author and finisher of their faith, expressing optimism that the situation would improve.

The 2026 prayer rally, themed “Dwelling in the Secret Place of the Most High God”, was attended by six bishops of the province, including the retired Archbishop of the Province of the Niger, Most Rev. Prof. Godwin Okpara.

Others in attendance were Bishop Ephraim Ikeako of the Diocese of Amichi, Bishop Prosper Amah of the Diocese of Ogbaru, Bishop Ndubuisi Obi of the Diocese of Nnewi and Bishop Obiora Uzochukwu of the Diocese of Niger East.

Earlier, the preacher at the rally, Venerable Dr Emma Ezeugo, urged Christians to devote more time to prayer and fasting, particularly as December approaches.

He said prayer brought peace, protection and peace of mind, urging believers to seek God’s presence in their daily lives.

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By Kingsley Omonobi

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 34-year-old Ugandan woman with 87 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.15 kilogrammes, allegedly concealed around her pelvic region, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

The suspect, identified as Farida Nansubuga, was arrested on Tuesday, November 3, while preparing to board a flight to Uganda after allegedly travelling to Nigeria for a religious programme at the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), Ikotun, Lagos.

According to the NDLEA, Nansubuga arrived in Nigeria on October 29 with members of her church for a prayer session but allegedly stayed behind after the other members of her delegation returned to Uganda.

The agency said she was intercepted at the screening point of Terminal 2 during a joint passenger screening exercise with aviation security personnel.

A body search reportedly revealed a substance concealed around her pelvic region, prompting officers to take her to a designated private search room for further examination.

The search led to the recovery of 87 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.15 kilogrammes, allegedly strapped around her pelvic region and secured beneath two layers of underwear.

During preliminary interrogation, the suspect reportedly claimed she stayed behind to collect the consignment on behalf of a friend in Uganda identified as Joy, who had linked her with a contact in Nigeria.

She allegedly said a man brought her to a hotel on the morning of her departure, handed her the drugs and instructed her to conceal them beneath her clothing to evade airport security.

The NDLEA said the suspect expected to receive at least $1,000 upon successful delivery of the consignment.

In another operation at the Lagos airport, operatives intercepted 750,000 tablets of Tapentadol 250mg, weighing 526 kilogrammes and valued at about N900 million.

The opioid consignment, which arrived from Ahmedabad, India, aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight on November 3, was allegedly declared as Paracetamol 500mg tablets.

The agency said the shipment comprised 11 cartons packed in two wooden structures. Following suspicions over the cargo declaration, officers placed it under surveillance before conducting a joint examination with the Nigeria Customs Service and other agencies on November 6.

The examination revealed that 10 cartons contained Tapentadol tablets, while only the last carton contained paracetamol tablets.

Also at the airport, operatives intercepted 32 parcels of Loud, a strain of cannabis weighing 16.15 kilogrammes, concealed inside two wooden sofas in a consolidated cargo from Houston, Texas, United States.

A freight agent, Ibrahim Abdulwaheed Adewale, who reportedly presented himself to clear the consignment, was arrested.

In a follow-up operation on November 6, NDLEA operatives arrested a 34-year-old caterer from Ibadan, Oyo State, Adeoye Sarafa Ojo, who allegedly came to collect the package.

Ojo reportedly claimed he was sent by a friend, Taiwo Anuoluwapo Olusegun.

The agency also announced the dismantling of a suspected syndicate involved in importing chemicals used in producing Colorado, a synthetic cannabis, from the United Kingdom.

NDLEA said nine parcels of illicit substances concealed in two cartons of snacks bearing the label “Michael Tea Guy” were intercepted in a consolidated cargo arriving aboard an Air Peace flight from the UK on October 23.

Two of the parcels contained 1.2 kilogrammes of cannabis, while forensic analysis identified the contents of the remaining seven as chemicals used in producing synthetic cannabis.

A 51-year-old freight agent, Afolabi Abiodun Wale, who allegedly came to clear the consignment, was arrested.

The agency said two additional cartons for the same recipient subsequently arrived aboard an Allied Air flight from the UK.

A sting operation conducted between October 26 and 28 led to the arrest of another suspect, Okwuite Benjamin Ojone, 51, when he allegedly took delivery of the cartons.

A search reportedly uncovered three parcels weighing 3.3 kilogrammes concealed in two packs of detergent and 11 plastic bottles containing mostly liquid substances weighing 16.25 kilogrammes.

The total seizure from the operation comprised 1.2 kilogrammes of cannabis and 28.65 kilogrammes of chemicals allegedly intended for synthetic cannabis production.

At courier companies in Lagos, NDLEA operatives intercepted 46 blocks of cannabis weighing 22.2 kilogrammes in two cartons destined for the United Kingdom on November 3.

The agency also intercepted 296 tablets of Swinol destined for Australia on October 30, alongside three consignments of tramadol bound for the UK.

The tramadol consignments comprised 20 capsules from Benin City and 96 capsules from Sapele, Delta State, concealed in vitamin C containers, as well as 600 tablets of Tramadol 225mg from Asaba hidden in female headwear.

In a separate operation in Lagos, operatives arrested a 32-year-old man, Abubakar Ali, at Marine Beach, Apapa, on November 6.

The agency said officers recovered several drugs from a small store allegedly constructed inside the sitting room of his apartment.

Items seized included 1.06 kilogrammes of Tramadol 250mg, 1.27 kilogrammes of Tramadol 225mg, 400 grammes of pregabalin capsules, 355 grammes of diazepam, 200 millilitres of codeine and 6.07 kilogrammes of cannabis.

In Ondo State, operatives raided Odofin Road, Uso, on November 6, recovering 148 bags of cannabis weighing 1,818 kilogrammes.

On the same day, officers raided a cannabis farm in Board Forest, destroyed a one-hectare plantation, recovered 242 kilogrammes of the substance and arrested a 36-year-old suspect, Itoro Linus Akpan.

In neighbouring Ekiti State, a 53-year-old man, Agbo Paul Peter, was arrested at Osin Forest, Osin Ekiti, on November 5 with 216 kilogrammes of cannabis and cannabis seeds.

In Edo State, operatives intercepted a Volkswagen Golf saloon car conveying 19 bags of cannabis weighing 201 kilogrammes along the Auchi-Ibillo road in Akoko Edo Local Government Area.

The driver, Abdulmumid Isah, 39, and a passenger, Danako Godwin, 25, were arrested.

The agency also raided a suspected drug joint on Ihama Road, GRA, Benin City, where three suspects — Emmanuel Sunday, 25; Samuel Bala, 31; and Loveth Momodu, 20 — were arrested with quantities of Colorado, Loud and cannabis.

In Taraba State, three suspects were arrested with 283 blocks of compressed cannabis weighing 226.255 kilogrammes during stop-and-search operations at the NDLEA checkpoint in Lankaviri, Yorro Local Government Area, over two days.

The suspects were identified as Ibrahim Abdullahi, 45, who was arrested on November 5 with 156 blocks weighing 149.275 kilogrammes; Kabiru Usman, 25, arrested the same day with 80 blocks weighing 40.07 kilogrammes; and Babangida Babayo, 32, arrested on November 6 with 47 blocks weighing 36.91 kilogrammes.

In Enugu State, a 57-year-old man, Celestine Uzochukwu Ejiakor, was arrested at a checkpoint in Eke Obinagu on November 3 with 44 blocks of cannabis weighing 22.5 kilogrammes.

At another interception along the Ugwuoba checkpoint, operatives arrested Godwin Shaapera, 40, with 24,000 capsules of tramadol weighing 13.4 kilogrammes and 697 grammes of ketamine.

In Delta State, a 30-year-old suspect, Edugua Othuke, was arrested at Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area, on October 31 with 10.54 kilogrammes of skunk, 9.4 kilogrammes of cannabis seeds and 4.3 grammes of methamphetamine.

Another suspect, Akpofure Tobore, 34, was arrested at Upper Agbarho, Ughelli, on November 4 with quantities of skunk, tramadol, Rohypnol and nitrous oxide, commonly called laughing gas.

Meanwhile, the NDLEA said its commands and formations across the country sustained their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation campaigns in schools, worship centres, workplaces and communities during the week.

The activities included awareness lectures at St. Andrew Basic School, Oyo; Government Technical College, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State; Sa’ad College, Kano; and Inland Girls Secondary School, Onitsha, Anambra State.

The agency’s Zone 1 Command also paid an advocacy visit to the Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Sulaiman Adamu, at his palace.

The NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), commended officers and personnel of the MMIA, Lagos, Ondo, Ekiti, Edo, Delta, Taraba and Enugu commands for the arrests and seizures.

Marwa described the arrest of the Ugandan woman as a reminder that drug cartels were exploiting religious travel to recruit couriers.

He urged officers across the country to sustain efforts to reduce both drug supply and demand.

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ABUJA — Accord Party presidential candidate, Dr Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has drawn the attention of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) to Nigeria’s estimated 3.68 million internally displaced persons (IDPs), calling for greater international intervention over insecurity, religious persecution and ethnic discrimination.

Hashim also called for the release of Hausa cultural activist, Maisango, whom he alleged was being unlawfully detained, and urged the international community to investigate reports of attacks and the burning of 11 villages in Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

He made the appeal during an engagement with the commission on Friday, where he discussed Nigeria’s religious freedom and humanitarian challenges.

According to a statement on the engagement, Hashim acknowledged that Christians in Northern Nigeria face persecution but argued that religious freedom violations also affect Muslim minorities, including Shia Muslims and Hausa communities.

He said Nigeria’s religious freedom challenges extended beyond the conventional Christian-Muslim divide, alleging that ethnic identity and cultural affiliation also influenced religious and social acceptance in some communities.

The Accord candidate particularly raised concerns about what he described as the marginalisation of Hausa Muslims in parts of Northern Nigeria, arguing that some communities experience unequal treatment despite sharing the same Islamic faith with other groups.

On Maisango’s detention, Hashim alleged that the cultural activist had been held without trial despite reportedly being dismissed from his employment with the Department of State Services (DSS).

He called for his immediate release, emphasising the need to respect due process and fundamental human rights.

Hashim also cited an estimated 3.68 million internally displaced persons in Nigeria, referencing UNHCR figures as of October 2026, and argued that the humanitarian crisis cut across religious and ethnic boundaries.

He specifically highlighted reported attacks on communities in Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi State, including Kalkami, Tungar Bori and Kawara.

According to him, reports of attacks in April 2026 indicated that suspected bandits killed residents, set buildings ablaze and forced inhabitants to flee their homes.

He said reports that 11 villages were burnt in the area deserved sustained international attention.

Hashim further alleged that some armed groups operating in the region were more interested in killing residents, destroying settlements and taking control of territory than in religious conversion.

He blamed what he described as the government’s failure to adequately protect vulnerable communities and decisively confront armed groups, warning that the country’s security and religious freedom challenges must not deteriorate further ahead of another political transition.

The presidential candidate also criticised what he termed insufficient accountability under the present administration, alleging that political considerations had weakened efforts to tackle terrorism and other forms of armed violence.

He recalled that the United States designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern in October 2025 over religious freedom concerns, following earlier recommendations by USCIRF.

He said the international community should recognise victims of religious and ethnic persecution across all communities rather than concentrate on one religious group.

Hashim called for a comprehensive approach that addresses the experiences of Christians, Shia Muslims, Hausa communities and other vulnerable populations, while ensuring that state institutions protect constitutionally guaranteed rights.

He commended the commission for its work on religious freedom in Nigeria and acknowledged US President Donald Trump’s interest in the issue.

He said religious freedom was “an intrinsic part of democratic right”.

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By Idris Salisu, Gusau

Armed men suspected to be bandits have killed 12 members of the same family and abducted several residents during an attack on Gidan Taba village in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The attack reportedly occurred on Saturday night in Dosara Birnin Kaya Ward, with the assailants setting a room ablaze after the family members reportedly locked themselves inside to avoid being abducted.

A source in the area told Vanguard that the victims belonged to the family of one Mallam Muhammadu Sani, who had gathered his relatives in a single room in an attempt to protect them from the attackers.

According to the source, the bandits ordered the occupants to open the door but, after they refused, set fire around the room, killing all 12 family members.

Several other residents were also reportedly abducted during the raid, although the exact number of those kidnapped could not be immediately ascertained.

The 12 victims were buried on Sunday morning in accordance with Islamic rites.

The attack comes amid recurring bandit attacks and security concerns along the busy Gusau-Sokoto road, where commuters have continued to face threats from armed criminals.

Residents condemned the killings, describing the incident as barbaric, and called on security agencies and the Zamfara State Government to intensify efforts to protect lives and property.

As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had yet to issue an official statement on the attack.

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By Egufe Yafugborhi

EFFURUN — A Delta State High Court sitting in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area, has awarded N50 million in damages against the proprietor of Pararan Mock News, Diamond Dietanuru Osakorigho, popularly known as Pararan, over a Facebook publication found to be defamatory against Apostle Michael Akpor.

The court, presided over by Justice R.D. Harriman, also ordered Osakorigho to publish an unreserved apology to the cleric in Vanguard and The Nation newspapers within 14 days.

It directed that the apology must enjoy the same prominence and circulation as the original publication.

The judgment was delivered on November 6, 2026, in Suit No. EHC/91/2023.

The court further restrained the defendant, his agents, privies, servants and all persons acting through him from publishing or causing to be published any further defamatory, injurious or libellous statements, videos or other materials against Akpor.

It also awarded N1 million as costs of the suit.

The case arose from a Facebook publication made on July 20, 2022, with the caption, “Warri Pastor Kpuf 2Keke passenger”, which the court found to be false and defamatory.

Reacting to the judgment, counsel to the cleric, Austin Nyekigbe, a human rights activist, described the ruling as a significant statement on responsible social media engagement.

He said the judgment reinforced the principle that freedom to use social media did not confer the right to publish false and defamatory information about others.

“People must learn to verify information before rushing to publish it, particularly on social media. An injustice to one is an injustice to all,” he said.

Also commenting on the judgment, a Warri-based lawyer, Mrs Eloho Avwaruroro-Okoye, who was present in court, said the decision underscored the legal consequences of irresponsible online publications.

According to her, freedom of expression comes with responsibility, adding that those who publish false and damaging information must be prepared to face the legal consequences.

She congratulated Akpor on his victory and commended Nyekigbe for his diligence in handling the case.

The legal dispute followed allegations linking Akpor and two policemen attached to him to the July 12, 2022, killing of two persons at Ugbolokposo community in Effurun.

However, Nyekigbe said police investigations subsequently exonerated his client and the two officers, identified as ASP Mesoro Victor and Inspector Ignatius Achazie.

He said findings from the investigation, including witness statements, vehicle identification exercises and church CCTV footage, contradicted allegations linking the cleric to the killings.

According to him, the police investigation report established that Akpor was at his church when the incident occurred, concluding that he was “going on with his religious business in the Church”. Nyekigbe, however, expressed sympathy with the families of the deceased.

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By Golok Nanmwa

JOS – Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have neutralised a suspected notorious criminal in Wase Local Government Area and arrested five suspected phone snatchers during a raid on a hotel in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The operations also led to the recovery of 26 mobile phones and other items suspected to be stolen, including laptops, earpods and power banks.

Military sources disclosed that the suspected criminal, identified as Abubakar Ango, was arrested on November 4 by troops of Sector 2 OPEP at Kukawa village in Wase.

“At about 7:20 a.m. on November 6, during interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to involvement in several criminal activities and agreed to lead troops to his gang’s hideouts in a village forest,” the sources said.

They explained that the mission was intended to facilitate the recovery of weapons and possible arrest of other members of the gang.

“However, while being escorted to the location, the suspect allegedly attempted to seize the rifle of one of the soldiers, prompting an immediate response that resulted in his neutralisation,” they said.

On the Jos operation, the sources said troops of Sector 1 OPEP arrested five suspected criminals during a raid on a Hotel along Baring Road in Jos North.

“The troops, while on patrol, responded to a report of phone snatching at about 9 p.m. on November 6, 2026. The stolen phone was reportedly tracked to the Hotel within the area, prompting troops to conduct a raid on the facility,” the sources said.

They disclosed that the five suspects were found in possession of the tracked phone, while a further search led to the recovery of 26 mobile phones, 27 pouches, three MP devices, two earpods, an HP laptop, a knife and four power banks.

“The vehicle belonging to the suspects was also towed to the headquarters of Sector 1 for a comprehensive search,” the sources added.

“The suspects and recovered exhibits have been taken into custody for further investigation and necessary action,” the sources said.

Confirming the two incidents, the spokesperson for Operation Enduring Peace, Captain Polycarp Chinonso Oteh, urged residents to cooperate with the military and other security agencies by providing credible and timely information to assist ongoing operations.

“We urge members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements and activities to security operatives,” Oteh said.

He stressed that the cooperation of residents was critical to the success of ongoing efforts to combat criminal activities and restore lasting peace across Plateau State.

“We assure residents of the military’s continued commitment to protecting lives and property and urge them not to hesitate to share useful information with security agencies,” he said.

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A British adventurer, Karl Bushby, has returned to his childhood home in Hull, northern England, after completing a 28-year walking journey around the world that covered approximately 50,000 kilometres.

Bushby, 57, was welcomed by his mother, Angela, outside her terraced house on Monday, November 2, 2026, beneath a banner reading “Welcome Home Son”.

Hundreds of supporters had gathered in the city centre to celebrate his return before he completed the final stretch of his journey to his mother’s home.

“Sorry to keep you waiting,” he joked to the cheering crowd. “Is that it, is it done?”

Bushby began the expedition, known as the Goliath Expedition, in November 1998 in Punta Arenas, southern Chile. His goal was to travel around the world and return to his hometown without using any form of motorised transport to advance his journey.

Carrying a tent, a few hundred dollars and a plastic camera, he initially expected the expedition to take about 12 years.

His route took him north through the Americas before crossing the frozen Bering Strait from Alaska into Russia. He subsequently travelled through Mongolia and China, swam across the Caspian Sea and continued towards Europe.

The journey also involved navigating the dense Darien Gap jungle between Colombia and Panama, crossing international borders and dealing with visa restrictions.

Bushby was detained after entering Russia, while funding difficulties and the global financial crisis of 2008, which cost him major sponsors, contributed to delays that extended the expedition to 28 years.

In the final stages of the journey, he swam across the English Channel last month, clearing one of the remaining major obstacles before walking the final distance to Hull.

Speaking after his arrival, Bushby acknowledged the support he received from people and organisations across different countries.

“They say it takes a village, but literally it took a world to get me here,” he said.

“The kindness of strangers, so many, from individuals to nation-states, to get me back here today. I didn’t do this alone. There was a big team. The biggest team. Earth.”

A feature-length documentary about his expedition is currently in production, while Bushby is expected to begin a speaking tour across England in the coming weeks.

Vanguard News

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Muhammad Inuwa, Dutse
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‎The Vice-Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has alleged that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration delayed the collection of taxes under the newly enacted tax laws for fear of losing the 2027 general election.
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‎Kwankwaso made the allegation while speaking at the inauguration of the NDC campaign council in Jigawa State, held in Dutse, the state capital.
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‎He claimed that although the tax reform bills had been passed into law, the Federal Government was reluctant to commence their implementation because of concerns over the possible political consequences ahead of the elections.
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‎“The bill has been passed into law, but the Federal Government is now afraid of losing the election. That is why it has delayed the collection,” he said.
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‎Kwankwaso warned that Nigerians could face increased tax collection if the ruling party secures another electoral mandate in 2027.
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‎“As soon as they get a second chance, God forbid, Nigerians will suffer from different kinds of tax collection. They will start going from house to house, checking even under your bed to collect taxes,” he added.
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‎“The worst part of it is that the session for the approval of the tax bill was chaired by one of us from Kano. Even the Senate President intentionally refused to attend because he did not want to be part of it,” Kwankwaso alleged.

“NDC is there for Nigerians, when you give us your mandate we will cancel all such unnecessary taxes, we will provide quality education and sponsor your child’s education”
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‎Kwankwaso urged Nigerians not to give second chance to All progressives Congress, APC saying that, re-election of APC is joepadizig the future of the country.

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Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has said the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will participate in the 2027 general elections despite the court ruling voiding the party’s David Mark-led leadership and the nomination of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.

Keyamo, however, said candidates nominated under the Mark-led faction, including Atiku, might not appear on the ballot, depending on the final decision of the Supreme Court.

The minister stated this in a post on X on Sunday while reacting to concerns that the Federal High Court judgment could prevent the ADC from participating in the elections.

“For the education of the public, those raising false alarm that the court judgment on ADC means the Party will not be on the ballot are spreading misinformation,” he wrote.

“The ADC will be on the ballot. It is the David Mark faction of candidates, including Atiku Abubakar, that may not be on the ballot, depending on the final judgment of the Supreme Court.”

The Federal High Court in Abuja had, on Thursday, nullified the Mark-led leadership of the ADC and invalidated decisions taken by the faction, including the presidential primary that produced Atiku as the party’s candidate for the 2027 election. The party has vowed to appeal the judgment.

Keyamo questioned why some Nigerians were protesting the ruling, arguing that the court’s decision should not be interpreted as denying the ADC’s original members the opportunity to contest elections.

He challenged those criticising the judgment to consider the rights of candidates who emerged from the party’s original leadership structure.

“Therefore, the question we must ask those raising hell is that, are those Nigerians who successfully won their primaries under the faction of the original owners of the ADC lesser humans or lesser Nigerians than David Mark and Atiku Abubakar?” he asked.

The minister’s comments come amid uncertainty over the ADC’s participation in the 2027 elections following the court’s decision.

Atiku and the ADC have rejected the ruling and announced plans to challenge it at the Court of Appeal.

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Dr Tonye Timi, an official of the Delta All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Council, has condemned the violence that trailed  Saturday’s road procession by supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), along Nnebisi Road, Asaba.

Timi, Secretary, Media and Publicity Committee of the campaign council, described the development as unfortunate and a troubling reminder of the dangers of allowing political differences to degenerate into violence.

The official, in a telephone interview with Newsmen Sunday, warned that Delta must not become a theatre of political violence.

“This incident remains condemnable and I share my heartfelt sympathy with the family of the deceased, those who sustained injuries and all others affected by the unfortunate occurrence,” he said.

The violence occurred around 12:15 p.m. during a road procession organised by the Obi/Kwankwaso(OK) Movement in support of the NDC and its presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi.

The Police Command in Delta has confirmed the death of one person during the clash.

It also confirmed that five others were  injured during the fracas.

Timi emphasised that the sanctity of human life must remain paramount and no political ambition, disagreement or contest for power could justify the loss of innocent lives or the destruction of property.

“The unfolding political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections should provide an opportunity for healthy democratic competition, robust engagement and the presentation of alternative visions for the development of Delta.

“Nothing should create an atmosphere of hostility, intimidation and insecurity,” he said.

He explained that the APC had commenced its campaign preparations and had, at the inauguration of the state campaign council, made a clear commitment to peaceful and issue-based campaigns.

“This position remains sacrosanct; political parties should seek the people’s mandate through the strength of their ideas, records of performance, policy proposals and capacity to deliver good governance,” added.

Timi advised political actors to heed the advisory issued by the state command of the Nigeria Police Force cautioning against road processions in view of its  security implications.

“Security warnings and professional advice from law enforcement agencies must be treated with the seriousness they deserve, especially where public safety and the possibility of violence are involved,” Timi said.

The campaign media scribe also advised  political parties, candidates, supporters and campaign organisations to maintain effective communication and cooperation with security agencies.

“It is important to respect their professional assessments and comply with necessary security guidelines when organising political activities.

“The constitutional right to political participation must be exercised responsibly, with due regard for the safety and rights of other citizens.”

He emphasised the need to bring those responsible for the violence to book.

“This is certainly not the time for speculation and the premature attribution of blame.

“The police should be allowed to conduct a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation into the incident, identify those involved and ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted in accordance with the law.

“Accountability must be based on evidence and no one should enjoy protection from the law on account of political affiliation, position or influence,” he added.

Timi appealed to political leaders to exercise restraint, caution their supporters against inflammatory rhetoric and conduct, and to demonstrate the maturity required to sustain a peaceful democratic environment.

“The credibility of the 2027 electoral process will depend not only on the conduct of elections, but also on the responsibility with which political actors conduct themselves throughout the campaign period.

“Well-meaning residents of Delta must demonstrate commitment to peaceful democratic engagement, reject political violence, promote tolerance and protect the prevailing peace and harmony in the state.

“Delta belongs to all its people, irrespective of political affiliation; preserving its peace and security must remain a collective responsibility,” he said

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Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) Plc has announced salary increases for all staff following an agreement with two recognised labour unions, effective Dec. 1.

This is contained in a statement issued by the management of the electricity distribution firm on Sunday in Benin.

The agreement was reached at a meeting between the company’s management, the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) and the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC) on Nov. 6.

The meeting was led by BEDC’s Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Jonathan Lawani.

SSAEAC was represented by its Deputy General Secretary, Comrade Innocent Lord-Douglas, while NUEE was represented by Comrade Mbang Ntukubes.

Lawani, in the statement, said the successful conclusion of negotiations, which began in March, demonstrated management’s commitment to staff welfare and improved organisational performance.

“The successful conclusion of this joint negotiation and review process reflects our shared commitment to staff welfare and the overall performance of BEDC,” he said.

He, however, described the recent industrial action by workers as avoidable, saying it resulted in revenue losses, reputational damage and hardship for electricity consumers.

Lawani expressed regret that the industrial action occurred before the agreed date for concluding negotiations, as reaffirmed at the Oct. 7 meeting.

He also explained that BEDC’s approved operational expenditure framework had remained fundamentally unchanged since 2013, in spite of rising costs and prevailing economic realities.

According to him, access to the company’s full approved operational expenditure allocation depends on meeting prescribed collection performance thresholds, while shortfalls result in reduced allocations.

The management said the explanation underscored the company’s financial constraints and the need to balance employees’ welfare with business sustainability.

BEDC commended the leadership of NUEE and SSAEAC for their cooperation and constructive engagement in reaching an amicable resolution.

The company reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, mutual respect and industrial harmony, describing employee welfare as central to its transformation agenda.

It said the agreement represented a step towards strengthening trust, collaboration and shared responsibility between management and organised labour

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The Chairman/CEO of EPAIL Nigeria, Kola Balogun, has called for dedicated government funding and stronger regulatory frameworks to accelerate Nigeria’s indigenous defence manufacturing industry.

Balogun said sustainable development of the industry required deliberate government intervention, structured research funding and effective regulation of local manufacturers.

He made the call in an interview with Newsman on the just-concluded Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) 2026.

He said Nigeria needed a strong regulatory institution to establish standards, monitor research activities and ensure accountability in the utilisation of funds allocated to defence manufacturing.

According to him, government funding should be directed towards clearly identified research priorities and solutions to the country’s peculiar security challenges.

“We should not merely make budgetary provisions for defence manufacturing without clearly identifying the projects, research priorities and expected outcomes.

“Government funding must be purposeful, dedicated and properly monitored.”

Balogun argued that competition among indigenous manufacturers should be driven by government-funded research and innovation rather than unhealthy commercial rivalry.

He said the government could identify specific security challenges and invite local manufacturers to develop competing technological solutions.

“For instance, imagine a situation where we want to detect any object approaching our borders within a specified distance and automatically raise an alarm.

“That should become a research challenge for indigenous defence manufacturers,” he said.

He explained that manufacturers could receive initial funding to develop different solutions, after which the government would assess the proposals and support the most promising innovations.

The EPAIL boss also advocated the establishment of defence industry incubation centres to provide platforms for researchers, engineers and manufacturers to develop and test innovative ideas.

“Incubation centres are important because that is where research and innovation can take place.

“They provide a clustered environment where individuals, researchers, engineers and companies can bring forward ideas, collaborate and conduct small-scale experiments,” he said.

Balogun said the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and other relevant institutions should play leading roles in developing such innovation platforms.

He stressed that effective regulation was equally necessary to control the production, distribution and sale of sensitive military equipment.

According to him, manufacturers must know their end-users to prevent sensitive equipment from falling into the wrong hands.

“There must be proper knowledge of the end-users to ensure that such equipment does not fall into the wrong hands,” he said.

Balogun added that a properly regulated defence industry would create a pathway for indigenous manufacturers to grow, attract investment and contribute more meaningfully to national security.

He said the successful development of Nigeria’s defence industry required sustained government commitment, strategic investment and an enabling environment for local innovation.

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FIFA President Gianni Infantino has congratulated Nigeria’s Flamingos following their historic victory at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

The Flamingos made history on Saturday night after defeating Japan’s Little Nadeshiko 2-1 in the final at Pitch 3 of the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat.

Goals from Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku gave Nigeria a 2-0 lead before Fuki Ito scored a late consolation goal for Japan.

Reacting to the victory, Infantino praised the Nigerian team for becoming the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, describing their achievement as well deserved.

“Congratulations to Nigeria, world champion U-17 Women’s World Cup of FIFA here in Rabat. First African team to ever win a (FIFA) Women’s U-17 World Cup — so many congratulations to Nigeria. Well deserved in the final,” he said.

The FIFA president also congratulated Japan for finishing as runners-up and DPR Korea, who claimed third place in the tournament.

He further commended Morocco for successfully hosting the competition, which brought together some of the world’s best emerging female football talents.

Nigeria’s victory marks the country’s first title at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, having previously finished third at the 2022 edition in India.

Vanguard News

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…Intercepts UK, Australia-bound illicit drugs concealed in female head wears

…Recovers multi-billion-naira Opioids, Loud in drug raids across states

By: Kingsley Omonobi

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have arrested a Ugandan woman who arrived the country for church crusade but turned out to be a courier when she was to return back with 87 wraps of Cocaine found hidden in her private part.

According to the agency, “34-year-old Ugandan, Ms. Farida Nansubuga, came to Nigeria with members of her church for spiritual renewal at a prayer session in Lagos. But when it was time to go home, she chose a different path.

“While the rest of her delegation flew back to Uganda, she stayed behind, not to pray some more, but to pick up a consignment of cocaine, which she hid in her private part in a bid to smuggle it into her country.

“Her plan, however, came crashing down at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, on Tuesday 3rd November 2026, when operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) intercepted her at the screening point of Terminal 2 during a joint passenger screening exercise with aviation security personnel.

“She was due to board a Ugandan airline flight to her home country.

“A body search on her pointed to a substance concealed around her pelvic region, after which she was taken to a designated private search room for a secondary search.

“This led to the recovery of eighty-seven (87) wraps of cocaine with a gross weight of 1.150 kilograms, strapped around her pelvic region and held in place beneath two layers of underwear.

“During preliminary interview, the suspect, said she arrived in Nigeria on 29th October 2026 with members of her church for a prayer session at The Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), Ikotun Egbe area of Lagos.

“She claimed that after the prayer session, the other members of her delegation returned to Uganda while she stayed back to collect the illicit consignment on behalf of a friend, simply identified as Joy, who resides in Uganda.

According to her, Joy directed her to a contact in Nigeria who arranged a vehicle to bring her to a hotel on the morning of her scheduled departure.

“It was there, she said, that the man handed her the drug and instructed her to hide it beneath her clothing to beat security screening at the airport.

“She claimed no definite fee was agreed for the trip, but that she expected to be paid not less than US$1,000 on successful delivery.

In another interception at the Lagos airport, NDLEA operatives on Friday 6th November uncovered 750,000 tablets of Tapentadol 250mg, weighing 526 kilograms with a street value of N900 million, in a consignment from India declared as Paracetamol Tablets 500mg.

The consignment, made up of eleven cartons packed in two wooden structures, arrived at the import shed of the airport on Tuesday 3rd November aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight from Ahmedabad, India.

Suspicious of the declaration, NDLEA officers placed the cargo under surveillance until a joint examination with officers of the Nigeria Customs Service and other sister agencies on Friday.

The opioid pills were found in ten of the eleven cartons, while only the last carton contained paracetamol tablets as cover.

Also at the import shed of the airport, NDLEA operatives on Wednesday 4th November intercepted 32 parcels of Loud, a strain of cannabis, weighing 16.15 kilograms, concealed inside two wooden sofas in a consolidated cargo that arrived from Houston, Texas, United States aboard a Turkish Airlines flight.

A freight agent, Ibrahim Abdulwaheed Adewale, who came forward to clear the consignment was taken into custody.

In a follow-up operation on Friday 6th November, a 34-year-old caterer from Ibadan, Oyo state, Adeoye Sarafa Ojo, walked in to collect the package was arrested. Adeoye claimed he was sent by a friend, Taiwo Anuoluwapo Olusegun.

Similarly, NDLEA said a syndicate importing chemicals used in the production of Colorado, a synthetic cannabis, from the United Kingdom has come under the NDLEA hammer, following the interception of nine parcels of illicit substances hidden in two cartons of snacks tagged “Michael Tea Guy” in a consolidated cargo that arrived aboard an Air Peace flight from the UK on Friday 23rd October.

Two of the parcels contained 1.20 kilograms of cannabis, while forensic analysis of the other seven parcels confirmed them to be chemicals used in making synthetic cannabis.

A 51-year-old freight agent, Afolabi Abiodun Wale, who came to clear the consignment was arrested, while two more cartons for the same recipient later arrived from the UK aboard an Allied Air flight.

A sting operation conducted between Monday 26th and Wednesday 28th October led to the arrest of Okwuite Benjamin Ojone, 51, when he took delivery of the four cartons.

A search of the two additional cartons revealed three parcels concealed in two packs of detergent, weighing 3.30 kilograms, and eleven plastic bottles of mostly liquid substances weighing 16.25 kilograms, bringing the total seizure to 1.20kg of cannabis and 28.65kg of synthetic cannabis chemicals.

At courier companies in Lagos, NDLEA operatives on Tuesday 3rd November intercepted 46 blocks of cannabis weighing 22.2 kilograms packed in two cartons going to the United Kingdom.

Earlier, on Friday 30th October, they had intercepted 296 tablets of Swinol going to Australia from Lagos, as well as three shipments of tramadol going to the UK: 20 capsules from Benin City and 96 capsules from Sapele, Delta state, both concealed in vitamin C containers, and 600 tablets of Tramadol 225mg from Asaba hidden in female head wears.

In Lagos, NDLEA operatives on Friday 6th November arrested a 32-year-old man, Abubakar Ali, at Marine Beach area of Apapa, where a stash of drugs was recovered from a small store he built inside the sitting room of his apartment. Items recovered include 1.06kg of Tramadol 250mg; 1.27kg of Tramadol 225mg; 400g of pregabalin capsules; 355g of diazepam; 200ml of codeine and 6.07kg of cannabis.

In Ondo state, NDLEA operatives on Friday 6th November raided Odofin Road, Uso, where they recovered 148 bags of cannabis weighing 1,818 kilograms. Earlier same day, officers raided a cannabis farm in Board Forest, where they destroyed one hectare of cannabis plantation, recovered 242 kilograms of the drug and arrested a 36-year-old suspect, Itoro Linus Akpan.

In neighbouring Ekiti state, a 53-year-old man, Agbo Paul Peter, was arrested at Osin Forest, Osin Ekiti, on Thursday 5th November with 216 kilograms of cannabis and cannabis seeds.

In Edo state, NDLEA operatives on Friday 6th November intercepted a Golf saloon car loaded with nineteen bags of cannabis weighing 201 kilograms along Auchi–Ibillo road, Akoko Edo LGA, and arrested the driver, Abdulmumid Isah, 39, and a passenger, Danako Godwin, 25.

In a related development, officers raided a notorious drug joint on Ihama Road, GRA, Benin City, where three suspects: Emmanuel Sunday, 25; Samuel Bala, 31; and Loveth Momodu, 20, were arrested with quantities of Colorado, Loud and cannabis.

In Taraba state, operatives on stop-and-search duty at the NDLEA checkpoint in Lankaviri, Yorro LGA, arrested three suspects with a total of 283 blocks of compressed cannabis weighing 226.255 kilograms within two days.

Also, on Thursday 5th November, Ibrahim Abdullahi, 45, was arrested with 156 blocks weighing 149.275kg, while Kabiru Usman, 25, was nabbed the same day with 80 blocks weighing 40.07kg. On Friday 6th November, Babangida Babayo, 32, was arrested with 47 blocks weighing 36.91kg.

In Enugu state, a 57-year-old man, Celestine Uzochukwu Ejiakor, was arrested on Tuesday 3rd November at a checkpoint in Eke Obinagu with 44 blocks of cannabis weighing 22.5 kilograms.

In another interception at the Ugwuoba checkpoint, officers arrested Godwin Shaapera, 40, with 24,000 capsules of Tramadol weighing 13.4 kilograms and 697 grams of ketamine.

A suspect, Edugua Othuke, 30, was arrested by NDLEA operatives at Ozoro, Isoko North area of Delta state with 10.54kg skunk, 9.4kg cannabis seeds and 4.3grams of methamphetamine on Saturday 31st October 2026, while another suspect, Akpofure Tobore, 34, was nabbed with quantities of skunk, tramadol, rohypnol and laughing gas on Wednesday 4th November at Upper Agbarho, Ughelli area of the state.

NDLEA said Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization activities in schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week.

These include: WADA enlightenment lecture to students and staff of St. Andrew Basic School, Oyo town, Oyo state; Government Technical College, Abakaliki, Ebonyi; Sa’ad College, Kano; and Inland Girls Secondary School, Onitsha, Anambra state, while the Zone 1 Command of NDLEA paid a WADA advocacy visit to the Emir of Bauchi, HRH Alhaji Rilwanu Sulaiman Adamu at his palace in Bauchi, among others.

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended the officers, men and women of the MMIA, Lagos, Ondo, Ekiti, Edo, Delta, Taraba and Enugu Commands for the seizures and arrests.

He noted that the case of the Ugandan woman is a sad reminder that drug cartels will stop at nothing, including exploiting faith and religious travel, to recruit couriers for their deadly trade. He urged officers across all commands to sustain the tempo of their supply and demand reduction efforts.

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