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Senate Passes Controversial State Police Bill

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In a landmark decision that could reshape the nation’s security architecture, the Nigerian Senate on Wednesday passed a bill establishing state police forces across the country.

The bill, which seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to allow states to create and manage their own police services, was approved after hours of debate and multiple amendments. Lawmakers voted overwhelmingly in favor, marking a significant victory for proponents who argue that decentralized policing is essential to tackling rising insecurity, banditry, and kidnapping.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the passage as “a bold step towards true federalism and enhanced security governance.” He noted that the bill includes stringent safeguards, including oversight mechanisms by the federal police authorities and human rights protections to prevent abuse.

The development comes amid growing pressure from state governors, particularly in the southern and north-central regions, who have long complained that the centralized Nigeria Police Force is overstretched and ill-equipped to respond swiftly to local threats. Supporters believe state police will enable quicker response times, better intelligence gathering, and community-oriented law enforcement.

However, critics expressed concerns during the debate over potential risks, including the politicization of security forces, possible human rights violations, and the capacity of poorer states to fund and equip their own police. Some senators warned that without robust funding frameworks and training standards, the reform could exacerbate existing inequalities between states.

The bill now proceeds to the House of Representatives for concurrence. If passed by the lower chamber and signed by President Bola Tinubu, it will represent one of the most sweeping constitutional changes in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.

Public reactions have been mixed, with civil society groups calling for transparency in the implementation process and adequate training for new recruits. Security analysts say the success of state police will ultimately depend on proper funding, accountability, and coordination with federal forces.

This legislative move is seen as part of broader efforts to address Nigeria’s multifaceted security challenges as the country grapples with economic pressures and persistent violence in various regions.

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President Tinubu cheers security agencies for largest rescue operations in Kwara, Niger

One hundred and sixty-three of those rescued were abducted from Woro Community in Kaiama LGA, Kwara State, and 145 from Niger State.

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu warmly welcomes the successful rescue of 308 Nigerian citizens who were abducted in different attacks in Niger and Kwara states.

Bayo Onanuga Special Adviser to the President(Information & Strategy) disclosed that one hundred and sixty-three of those rescued were abducted from Woro Community in Kaiama LGA, Kwara State, and 145 from Niger State.

The victims were rescued from the Kainji Lake National Park Forest in New Bussa Local Government Area of Niger State following a coordinated, intelligence-driven operation by the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), involving personnel from the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force.

It was the largest rescue operation ever carried out on the same day by the joint security team.

President Tinubu expresses deep appreciation to the leadership and personnel of the security agencies for their bravery, seamless inter-agency collaboration, and dedication, which made the recovery of the victims possible.

“The successful execution of this intelligence-led operation demonstrates the growing efficiency and collaboration among our security services.

I commend our gallant men and women in uniform for their bravery and unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigerian lives,” the President stated.

The rescued citizens are receiving first aid and essential medical care at the Medical facility at Wawa Cantonment.

Upon completion of their medical evaluations, they will be formally handed over to their state governments for comprehensive care and reunification with their families.

While applauding the return of the victims, President Tinubu emphasises the imperative of bolstering national security infrastructure to prevent future recurrence.

He directs security agencies and relevant stakeholders to immediately strengthen early warning mechanisms, enhance community-level intelligence gathering, and improve rapid response capabilities to avert similar incidents across the country.

President Tinubu reassures all Nigerians that his administration remains steadfast in its resolve to eliminate security threats, protect vulnerable communities, and restore lasting peace across every corner of the nation.

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WAEC 2026 results: 1.2 million candidates pass English, Maths

A total of 1,959,668 candidates from 24,207 schools enrolled for the examination across Nigeria, Benin Republic, Cote d’Ivoire and Equatorial Guinea.

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The West African Examinations Council, WAEC, officially released the results of the 2026 Computer-Based WASSCE for School Candidates.

Head of WAEC Nigeria National Office, Dr. Amos Josiah Dangut, announced the results on Wednesday in Lagos.

According to him, a total of 1,959,668 candidates from 24,207 schools enrolled for the examination across Nigeria, Benin Republic, Cote d’Ivoire and Equatorial Guinea.

Dr Dangut gave the breakdown of the results as follows: Of those who sat, 1,200,514 candidates — 61.54% — obtained credits and above in five subjects including English and Maths.

1,687,378 candidates — 86.50% — obtained credits and above in minimum of five subjects with or without English and Maths.

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CGC Adeniyi announces new changes to customs recruitment

The new system would enable unsuccessful applicants to know when the next recruitment exercise would take place instead of waiting for years without certainty.

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The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, says henceforth the Service will conduct its recruitments exercise annually.

The new system would enable unsuccessful applicants to know when the next recruitment exercise would take place instead of waiting for years without certainty.

The CGC disclosed this during the release of the 2024/2025 recruitment exercises, announcing that 3,852 applicants were selected from 573,680 applications received nationwide.

He disclosed that the successful candidates were recruited into the Superintendent, Inspectorate and Customs Assistant cadres, with all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory represented.

Emphasising on the annual recruitment cycle, Adeniyi said “Recruitment will no longer be an occasional event undertaken every several years. It will be a standing, predictable, yearly process.”

According to him, the 2026 recruitment exercise will begin later this year and be concluded within the same calendar year, from advertisement to publication of the final list.

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