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Actions of Recalled Ambassadors Yet to Return to Nigeria, A Show of Shame, Insist Groups
Actions of Recalled Ambassadors Yet to Return to Nigeria, A Show of Shame, Insist Groups
By: Michael Mike
The actions of some Nigerian Ambassadors to stay back abroad after they were recalled by President Bola Tinubu has been described as a show of shame and tantamount to waging war on their employers.
Addressing a press conference on Thursday at the FCT NUJ Press Centre, Abuja, a coalition of support groups for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said the recall of the ambassadors was within the president’s prerogative and no ambassadors should have resorted to media war against the nation’s Number 1 citizen.
The group, Progressive Arewa Support Asiwaju/Shettima (led by its Director General, Amb. Rabi Garba Dangizo), NAPC Progressives Women Network for Tinubu/Shettima (led by Hon Charity Jabengo Egbe) and Asiwaju Progressive Forum And National Coordinator Tinubu National Think Tank (TNT), Amb. Adewale Adeogun, in a jointly addressed conference said: “According to media reports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu using the powers conferred on him, in early September recalled serving ambassadors, representing Nigeria. They were also given till the 31st of October 2023 to return to Nigeria. What was supposed to be a routine Diplomatic Process has turned into a campaign of calumny against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, government officials and symbols of the country.
“We have called this Press Conference to register our dismay and outright displeasure on the uncharitable behaviour of a few that were chosen out of hundreds of millions to represent Nigeria. We, the Coalition of APC Political Support Groups for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, wish to register the dismay of our members on this show of shame being exhibited by some recalled envoys.”
They said: “Distinguished Members of the Press, based on our investigations into the matter It is important to note that that these Diplomatic officials who represent the topmost point of the pyramid of the exalted positions have not only engaged the country in a media war but have gone ahead to release documents that flout the Official Secrets Act. These documents have found their ways into the media and digital media space. This action not only undermines the oath sworn to by the envoys, but it is also against the extant rules and regulations guiding public officials in Nigeria. Thereby making them knowingly committing an offense.
They started that: “Nigerians from all walks of life should remember, especially appointed public officials by the APC government should remember that, we have no any other country to call ours other than Nigeria, as such we must remain steadfast and support the government instead of derailing it with malicious publications, half-truths and outright misinformation. This caution also applies to those who will be appointed as ambassadors in the coming weeks, that they are first representatives of the Nigeria’s interests and Mr President in their country of residence.
“Consequently, according to our investigations, we have discovered that severance payments known as passages have been sent to the recalled envoys, through the Central Bank of Nigeria, this is verifiable information. Also they are well aware that severance payments in Nigeria and all over the world follow due diligence and other forms of bureaucracy before payments are received. At this juncture we must thank those envoys who have not only written to their host governments but have registered their return in Abuja. Most importantly we thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving these payments as a testimony to the appreciation of the work of the envoys to Nigeria.”
They however asked that: “This orchestrated media war must end to protect the integrity of Mr President and sovereignty of Nigeria. The country is bigger than all of us.
“The recalled Nigerian High Commissioner To Zambia, Ambassador Ominiyi Eze and his cohorts should therefore desist from the international embarrassment they are causing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the government of Nigeria. The general public is hereby advised to pay no heed to what is purely an administrative and procedural matter that has become the basis of misrepresentations in the media intended to undermine the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, we the members of Coalition of APC Support Groups stand firmly with the APC led Government and hereby call for an end to actions tantamount to insubordination and disrespect of our country and symbols.”
Actions of Recalled Ambassadors Yet to Return to Nigeria, A Show of Shame, Insist Groups
NDLEA Secures 974 Drug Convictions in Three Months, 11 Kingpins Bag 254 Years in Prison
By: Michael Mike
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recorded a major breakthrough in its anti-narcotics campaign, securing 974 convictions across the country within the first quarter of 2026, including 11 high-profile drug traffickers who collectively received 254 years in prison sentences.
Data released by the agency showed that between January and March 2026, a total of 974 offenders were convicted and sentenced for drug-related offences. Of this figure, 899 were male and 75 female convicts. Monthly breakdown indicates 265 convictions in January, 316 in February, and 393 in March, reflecting a steady escalation in enforcement outcomes.
Among those convicted are 11 identified drug kingpins whose cases were prosecuted across various divisions of the Federal High Court nationwide, following NDLEA operations targeting trafficking networks and illicit drug distribution chains.
One of the most prominent convictions involved Italy-based businessman, Adegbite Solomon, also known as “Obama,” who was sentenced by the Federal High Court in Lagos to a cumulative 130 years in prison after being found guilty on a 15-count charge. The court also ordered the revocation of his pharmacy licence, forfeiture of two pharmacy outlets, and the seizure of funds in multiple bank accounts to the Federal Government.
In another case, 32-year-old Ridwan Animashaun was handed a 25-year sentence by the Federal High Court in Ibadan, Oyo State. The convict had previously been jailed for a related drug offence in 2022, marking him as a repeat offender.
Similarly, two traffickers, Rauf Asogba and Seun Olaniyi, received 17-year prison terms each from the Federal High Court in Abeokuta, Ogun State, after being convicted for trafficking 1,779 kilograms of cannabis (skunk).
Other notable convictions include Jonathan Nuhu, also known as “Doctor,” sentenced to 15 years in Kano, and Idris Yusuf, who received a 15-year term in Damaturu, Yobe State, alongside an additional eight-year sentence from a related case.
Several others across different jurisdictions were handed seven-year sentences for various drug trafficking offences, underscoring what authorities describe as an intensified nationwide crackdown.
Reacting to the development, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), described the outcome as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing war against illicit drugs.
He said the conviction of nearly 1,000 offenders within three months sends a strong warning to drug cartels and traffickers operating in the country.
“Securing 974 convictions in just three months reflects the determination of our officers and the declining tolerance of the Nigerian state for drug merchants. The combined 254-year sentences handed to these kingpins show clearly that impunity in the drug trade is no longer sustainable,” Marwa stated.
He commended the judiciary for what he described as swift and decisive adjudication of drug cases, stressing that timely justice remains a key deterrent to organised criminal networks.
Marwa also praised NDLEA operatives for their operational courage and professionalism, pledging continued investment in their welfare and operational capacity.
He further called on Nigerians to support ongoing efforts by providing credible intelligence, noting that community cooperation remains vital in dismantling drug trafficking networks.
The agency reiterated its commitment to sustaining pressure on drug cartels through arrests, prosecution, and asset forfeiture, as part of a broader national strategy to curb substance abuse and protect vulnerable populations.
NDLEA Secures 974 Drug Convictions in Three Months, 11 Kingpins Bag 254 Years in Prison
Troops arrest suspected cattle rustler in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops under Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have arrested a suspected cattle rustler in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State.
Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 4:20 p.m. on April 15, 2026, at Anule community.
According to the sources, troops of Sector 1 OPWS deployed in the area arrested the suspect during ongoing security operations.
The suspect is currently in custody, while further investigation is underway to determine possible links to cattle rustling activities in the area.
Troops arrest suspected cattle rustler in Benue
Troops arrest suspected terrorist, recover motorcycle in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops under Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have arrested a suspected terrorist during an operation in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State.
Security sources said the operation was carried out at about 5:19 p.m. on April 15, 2026, following intelligence on the presence of a suspected criminal hiding in Tse Atu community.
According to the sources, troops of Sector 1 OPWS deployed at Anguhah and Umbagbo swiftly responded and conducted a targeted operation in the area.
During the operation, one suspect was apprehended, while a motorcycle believed to be linked to the suspect was also recovered.
The suspect and the recovered item are currently in custody, while further investigation is ongoing to ascertain the suspect’s involvement in criminal activities.
Troops arrest suspected terrorist, recover motorcycle in Benue
NDLEA Secures 974 Drug Convictions in Three Months, 11 Kingpins Bag 254 Years in Prison
Joint security forces discover and destroy IEDs during patrol in Imo State
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