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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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Boko Haram Denies Ceasefire with FG, Vows Continued Attacks

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Boko Haram has strongly denied reports of a ceasefire agreement with the Federal Government and insisted that it will continue its campaign of attacks.

In a statement released by the group, the militants dismissed claims of any truce or negotiated pause in hostilities, describing such reports as false and misleading.

The group reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing operations against government forces and other targets, vowing that its attacks will persist without interruption.

The denial comes against the backdrop of persistent insecurity in the northeast and other affected regions, where the group has maintained a long-standing insurgency.

Security sources note that the latest statement appears aimed at clarifying the group’s position and rejecting any suggestion of dialogue or de-escalation with the authorities.

Military and government officials have not issued an immediate detailed response to the claim, though security operations against the militants remain active. Authorities continue to urge vigilance as the group signals its intention to sustain violence.

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Police Raise Alarm Over Terrorists and Informants Spying on Schools, Other Targets

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Police authorities have raised a serious alarm over intelligence indicating that terrorists and their informants are actively spying on schools and other sensitive targets across the country.

According to security sources, the surveillance activities form part of a broader effort by extremist groups to gather information on soft targets, with educational institutions identified as particularly vulnerable. Officials warn that such reconnaissance could be a precursor to planned attacks and have called for immediate heightened vigilance by school administrators, security personnel, and the general public.

The police statement urges institutions to strengthen access controls, report suspicious individuals or activities promptly, and cooperate fully with security agencies. “We are treating these reports with the utmost seriousness,” a senior police official said, noting that the involvement of local informants makes the threat more difficult to detect.

The military has responded by confirming that it is closely monitoring the situation. In a brief statement, military authorities said relevant formations have been placed on alert and are working in coordination with the police and other security agencies to track and disrupt any potential threats.

Security experts note that schools and public gathering places have increasingly featured in the operational planning of terrorist groups in recent years, making continuous intelligence sharing and community awareness critical to prevention. Authorities continue to appeal for calm while stressing that proactive measures are already underway.

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Dangote Refinery IPO: SEC Warns Investors, ‘Don’t Pay Into Wrong Hands’

The warning effectively places investors on notice that interest in the IPO should not override basic due diligence, particularly in verifying where subscription applications are submitted and where payments are made.

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Aliko Dangote , flanks by her daughters and capital market regulators, during the gong opening ceremony on the NGX, Monday September 14,2026

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has warned prospective investors in the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Initial Public Offering (IPO) against fraudsters and unauthorised platforms seeking to divert subscription funds.

The warning came as the refinery’s was quoted on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) on Monday, September 14, 2026, marking a major milestone in the company’s planned public offer.

With strong public interest expected around one of Nigeria’s largest capital-market offerings, the SEC urged investors to deal only with officially designated and approved receiving agents, subscription channels and platforms.

“The public is hereby advised to exercise caution and ensure that all applications and payments relating to the IPO are made only through the officially designated and approved receiving agents/subscription channels and platforms,” the Commission said.

The regulator’s alert highlights growing concerns over the possibility of fake investment websites, cloned platforms, fraudulent payment channels and individuals posing as authorised agents to exploit the huge interest generated by the Dangote Refinery offer.

The SEC therefore advised prospective investors to obtain information about the IPO only through the Commission’s official channels, the issuer’s official channels and other channels specifically established and approved for the offer.

The warning effectively places investors on notice that interest in the IPO should not override basic due diligence, particularly in verifying where subscription applications are submitted and where payments are made.

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