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Ex-NSCDC boss warns FG against merging corps with police
Desmond Agu, a retired Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has cautioned against proposals to merge the NSCDC with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), warning that it could exacerbate the country’s security challenges.
Agu, who served as a commandant in six states until his retirement, urged the Federal Government to reject any attempts to lobby for such a merger. He argued that those advocating for the merger were unaware of the NSCDC’s unique role as a specialized security entity.
He emphasized that the current security challenges in Nigeria require coordinated and diverse approaches to address them effectively, and the NSCDC has been playing a significant role in filling some of the gaps.
Agu highlighted the NSCDC’s specialized responsibilities, such as protecting critical national infrastructures and monitoring the activities of private security companies, which would be compromised by a merger with the police force.
He recalled that the Federal Government’s white paper on the Orosonya Report acknowledged the NSCDC’s special functions and recommended strengthening the corps to enhance its performance as an independent entity.
Agu stated, “We must reject the idea of merging the NSCDC with the Nigeria Police Force because it will worsen the security challenges in the country. The NSCDC was created by the Constitution to address unique and critical security challenges, primarily affecting the national economy. The corps is tasked with protecting critical security infrastructures such as oil pipelines, electrical installations, among others.”
He continued, “Any attempt to merge NSCDC with the police will dilute these crucial roles and impede the ongoing recovery of the national economy. Those advocating for this idea should abandon it because it will not benefit the country. Since its inception, NSCDC has been professionally discharging its responsibilities, earning public confidence in its activities. What the corps needs is increased funding to continue performing its critical functions, not a merger.”
An angry mob has set a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) bus on fire after it reportedly crushed a commercial motorcyclist to death at Ogolonto Bus Stop along Ikorodu Road in Lagos State.
The incident occurred on Friday, October 16, 2026. Eyewitness accounts and social media reports indicate that the motorcyclist was riding alone along the restricted BRT lane when the collision happened. He died at the scene.
Enraged residents and youths then attacked the bus driver and set the vehicle ablaze. Police officers and officials of the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), who were nearby, intervened promptly and rescued the driver unharmed.
The identity of the deceased motorcyclist and the exact circumstances of the crash had not been officially confirmed at the time of filing this report. It was also unclear whether any arrests had been made in connection with the burning of the bus.
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ARISE News Wins Seven Honours At Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards
The awards recognised the network’s achievements in television journalism and programming, with ARISE News winning the Best TV Channel (Viewer’s Choice) category.
• ARISE News Anchor and host of What’s Trending Ojy Okpe was named Best Newscaster (TV – Female)
ARISE News has emerged as one of the major winners at the just ended Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards (NBMA).
ARISE News won seven honours across television broadcasting, news reporting, presentation and production during the ceremony.
The awards recognised the network’s achievements in television journalism and programming, with ARISE News winning the Best TV Channel (Viewer’s Choice) category.
The network’s flagship breakfast programme, The Morning Show, also won the Best TV Talk Show award, further strengthening its recognition in television broadcasting.
ARISE News Anchor and host of What’s Trending Ojy Okpe was named Best Newscaster (TV – Female).
Rufai Oseni was named Nigerian Broadcaster of the Year (Male), while Vimbai Mutinhiri-Ekpeyong received the Nigerian Broadcaster of the Year (Female) award.
The recognition extended to the network’s newsroom, with Ovieteme George winning Best TV News Reporter (Male) for his contributions to television news reporting.
Behind the camera, Sam Adeyemi received the Best Camera Operator/Cinematographer award, recognising his work in television production and visual storytelling.
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Meta removes 3.7 million accounts in West Africa scam crackdown
The joint operation led to 28 arrests, identified more than 30 suspected scam centres and rescued 117 people allegedly trafficked and forced to work in scam compounds in Ghana.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has removed more than 3.7 million Facebook and Instagram accounts, pages and groups linked to suspected scam networks operating in West Africa.
The joint operation led to 28 arrests, identified more than 30 suspected scam centres and rescued 117 people allegedly trafficked and forced to work in scam compounds in Ghana.
The company announced the crackdown in a statement on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. It involved 14 technology companies and law enforcement agencies from 10 countries.
The United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency coordinated the operation with the US Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other agencies. Nigerian authorities were involved.
Other countries included Ghana, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and India.Tech companies that took part included Google, Microsoft, OpenAI, Coinbase, Starlink and Adobe.
Meta said the partnership let participants share intelligence across digital platforms, countries and financial systems to identify criminal networks.
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News3 days agoMeta removes 3.7 million accounts in West Africa scam crackdown
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Crime2 days agoBREAKING: 5 Arrested Over Imo NYSC Abduction
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News3 days agoARISE News Wins Seven Honours At Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards
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Crime2 days agoBREAKING: DSS Arrests Fugitive Maina Son, Hands Him to EFCC
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News2 days agoJUST IN: Mob Sets BRT Bus Ablaze After Motorcyclist’s Death in Lagos