News
FG Cracks Down on Fake Ambassadors, Criminalises Unauthorised Use of Diplomatic Titles
FG Cracks Down on Fake Ambassadors, Criminalises Unauthorised Use of Diplomatic Titles
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has moved decisively to protect the sanctity of Nigeria’s diplomatic system, declaring the unauthorised use of ambassadorial titles a criminal offence punishable under the law.
Raising alarm over what it described as a disturbing rise in impersonation and fraudulent conferment of diplomatic ranks, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the development has exposed the country to reputational risks and international embarrassment.
Speaking in Abuja on Friday, Ebienfa warned that only the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, possesses the constitutional authority to appoint and accredit ambassadors, stressing that any individual or group claiming otherwise is acting illegally.
He described as “worrisome” the activities of unscrupulous persons and organisations that confer ambassadorial titles on themselves or unsuspecting members of the public, often for financial gain or social influence.
According to him, such practices have no basis in Nigerian law or international diplomatic conventions and amount to outright impersonation.
“The Ministry has observed with grave concern the increasing trend of individuals usurping diplomatic titles and fraudulently presenting themselves as ambassadors. These actions are illegal and undermine the credibility of Nigeria’s foreign representation,” he said.
Ebienfa listed common violations to include the unauthorised use of titles such as “Ambassador” and “Diplomatic Envoy,” the issuance of fake diplomatic passports and identity cards, as well as the circulation of counterfeit vehicle plate numbers bearing official insignia.
He cautioned Nigerians against accepting such titles from unofficial bodies, warning that those who parade themselves as ambassadors based on such conferment are committing a criminal offence and risk prosecution.
In a key clarification, the ministry noted that while individuals may be appointed as brand ambassadors for commercial or promotional purposes, such recognition does not confer any legal or diplomatic status.
“Brand ambassadors remain what they are—representatives of products or services. They are not entitled to adopt or prefix the title ‘Ambassador’ to their names in a diplomatic sense,” he emphasised.
To enforce compliance, Ebienfa disclosed that the ministry is working closely with relevant security and regulatory agencies, including the Nigerian Immigration Service and the Federal Road Safety Corps, to identify, arrest, and prosecute offenders. The crackdown will also target the production and use of fake diplomatic documents and unauthorised number plates.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to preserving the integrity of Nigeria’s diplomatic service, warning that any act capable of misrepresenting the country on the global stage will not be tolerated.
“The Federal Government will continue to take firm actions against individuals or groups whose activities bring Nigeria into disrepute. The integrity of our diplomatic system is non-negotiable,” he said.
FG Cracks Down on Fake Ambassadors, Criminalises Unauthorised Use of Diplomatic Titles
Operation Enduring Peace Conducts Show of Force, Secures Church Services in Jos
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), in collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other security agencies, have conducted a show-of-force operation across major flashpoints in Jos and the Bukuru General Area of Plateau State.
The operation was conducted on Sunday, August 23, 2026, as part of measures to provide security for church services and prevent criminal elements from exploiting the period to carry out attacks.
According to a security source, personnel of OPEP, working with troops of 551 Nigerian Air Force Station, Keystone, NSCDC and other sister agencies, conducted the operation across identified flashpoints within Jos metropolis and the Bukuru General Area.
The show of force was aimed at reassuring residents and worshippers while denying criminal elements freedom of action during church services.
The security teams maintained visible patrols and presence around strategic locations to deter potential threats and ensure the safe movement of worshippers.
The operation was conducted successfully and without any reported security incident.
Security authorities said the situation remained calm throughout the exercise.
Operation Enduring Peace Conducts Show of Force, Secures Church Services in Jos
Man Killed in Attack by suspected Fulani Bandits at Illegal Mining Site in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
A man has been killed in an alleged attack by suspected Fulani Bandits at an illegal mining site around Angwan Izalla village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 5:20 a.m. on Sunday, August 23, 2026, following a report of an attack allegedly involving suspected Fulani herders in the area.
According to a security source, troops of Sector 4, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), responded to the report and immediately moved to the scene.
Upon arrival, the troops discovered the corpse of a man identified as Abdulmumuni Ibrahim, who had sustained machete wounds to his head and hand.
The circumstances surrounding the attack and the identity of the assailants were not immediately established.
The deceased’s remains were subsequently evacuated by members of his family for burial.
Security personnel have commenced a manhunt for the suspected attackers, while efforts are ongoing to establish the motive for the killing and apprehend those responsible.
The incident is being investigated as security agencies continue to monitor the area.
Man Killed in Attack by suspected Fulani Bandits at Illegal Mining Site in Plateau
OPEP Troops Recover Cattle Rustled by Berom Militia, Return Livestock to Owners in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 9, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), have recovered a herd of cattle reportedly rustled by Berom militia from Nteng village in Quan’pan Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The recovery followed a report of cattle rustling received by the troops at about 5:05 p.m. on August 22, 2025.
According to a security source, troops immediately commenced a pursuit of the suspected cattle rustlers and successfully traced the movement of the stolen livestock.
The troops also deployed a drone to monitor the movement of the rustled cattle from the air, enabling them to track the livestock until they were successfully recovered.
Following the recovery operation, the cattle were handed over to their rightful owners.
The operation highlights the continued efforts by Operation ENDURING PEACE to tackle cattle rustling and other forms of criminality threatening rural communities and livelihoods across Plateau State.
Security personnel are maintaining surveillance in the area to prevent further incidents and ensure the safety of residents and livestock owners.
OPEP Troops Recover Cattle Rustled by Berom Militia, Return Livestock to Owners in Plateau
Kidnappers Kill Two Locals, Abduct Doctor and Hakimi’s Wife in Kaduna
Operation Enduring Peace Conducts Show of Force, Secures Church Services in Jos
Man Killed in Attack by suspected Fulani Bandits at Illegal Mining Site in Plateau
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