NEWS
FCT Urges G7 to Strengthen Joint Security, Intelligence Sharing
By Laide Akinboade, Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) yesterday tasked members of the G7 state technical committee to be more committed in providing a holistic approach to our security architecture for effective delivery.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, stated this in Abuja at the G-7 states technical committee meeting. The G-7 comprises of Commissioners of Police, State Directors of Security, Commandants of NSCDC of Benue, Kaduna, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau states and the FCT, that periodically hold joint meetings to appraise the prevailing security challenges and articulate an agenda of action and operation order for the consideration and support of the Chief Executives of the G-7 States. She said the nature of security threats and challenges has become increasingly complex and dynamic due to the fact that criminals have adapted and exploited technological advancements to further their illicit activities, and this requires a dynamic approach like synergy and joint operations.According to her, “This meeting, therefore, marks yet another significant watershed in our commitment to providing a holistic approach to our security architecture for effective delivery. In a rapidly evolving world, the nature of threats and challenges has become increasingly complex and dynamic. Criminal elements have adapted and exploited technological advancements to further their illicit activities, thus requiring such a dynamic approach like synergy and joint operations among other strategies to overcome the exploits of criminally minded individual”.She noted that the meeting was apt considering the security challenges facing the member states.Adayilo, who declared the meeting opened on behalf of FCT Minister Nyeaom Wike, said, “On behalf of the Honourable Minister FCT, Nyesom Wike and the residents of the Federal Capital Territory, I consider it a great honour and privilege to be here today to declare open this very important meeting which is the meeting of the Technical Committee of the G-7 States.You may wish to be informed that the G-7 Security Summit was initiated by the FCT Administration in the Year 2007 for the purpose of intelligence sharing and tackling cross-border criminal activities among member states.”It is imperative to explain here that the Technical Committee of the G-7 which comprises Commissioners of Police, State Directors of Security, Commandants of NSCDC of Benue, Kaduna, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau states and the FCT periodically hold joint meetings to appraise the prevailing security challenges and articulate an agenda of action and operation order for the consideration and support of the Chief Executives of the G-7 States.Following the successes recorded in control of criminal activities in the Federal Capital Territory and the criminal elements traversing its adjourning states, a decision was taken at the FCT Security Committee Meeting of 5th August 2025 to reconvene the meeting of the G-7 to review the current security situation with the view to proffer appropriate operational arrangement to address same”.She therefore challenged members of the Technical Committee of the G-7 States to put on your thinking cap and come up with most adaptable strategies in combating cross-border crime and criminality and deploy same for the safety and security of the seat of Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the States contiguous to the FCT.Speaking on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, AIG Usaini Gumel said the G-7 collaboration has proven its relevance over the years. “Alone, each state may not achieve the desired results, but when seven states come together to fight a common enemy crime and criminality the outcome is always greater,” he said, urging members to develop lasting strategies that align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.FCT Commissioner of Police and Chairman of the G-7 Technical Committee, CP Ajao Adewale, also called for deeper inter-agency collaboration and sustained intelligence sharing. Citing recent successes, he revealed how the arrest of a Nasarawa-based kidnap syndicate led to the capture of its leader, Muhammad Tahir, who had coordinated operations across Nasarawa and Plateau states. Over ₦7.4 million ransom recovered from the group, he said, underscored the need for cross-border cooperation.The Commander, Defence Headquarters Garrison, Major General Alechenu Alechenu, described the G-7 initiative as a critical framework for tackling sophisticated criminal networks.He pledged the military’s continued support to civil authorities in protecting the FCT and its neighboring states, warning that no single agency can win the war against insecurity alone.Also, Brigadier General Bisi Onasanya underscored the critical link between security and economic growth, stressing that nations cannot thrive when the safety of lives and property is compromised. He noted that the convergence of the G7 Commissioners of Police, heads of military formations, and senior security officials was not only timely but also strategic in reinforcing collaboration towards safeguarding the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and its contiguous states.He recalled the security challenges of the early 2000s, warning against complacency in the face of current gains. “It will be very dangerous for us to rest on our oars because it is not yet Uhuru. This gathering must translate into actionable strategies that guarantee that every man and woman in the FCT and neighboring states can go to bed with their two eyes closed,” he said. Onasanya urged participants to make meaningful contributions, assuring that their deliberations would go a long way in shaping sustainable solutions for the security architecture of the nation’s capital.The meeting also spotlighted the impact of insecurity on education. The Mandate Secretary of the FCTA Education Secretariat, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, warned that abductions of teachers in rural communities were worsening the out-of-school children crisis despite the government’s renovation of 73 public schools.Similarly, the Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs, Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, stressed that insecurity in vulnerable communities was discouraging teachers from serving and pushing more children out of classrooms. “We cannot continue this way because the negative impact of out-of-school children is too dangerous to ignore,” she said.FCTA Director of Security Services and Secretary of the G-7 Technical Committee, Mr. Adamu Gwary, reaffirmed that while states may record individual successes, greater results are achieved collectively.The G-7 Committee is expected to map out vulnerable areas, develop operational strategies, and recommend decisive measures to strengthen security in the region.
By Tambaya Julius, Abuja
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the American Business Council (ABC) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening trade relations and addressing bottlenecks affecting business operations through sustained public-private sector engagement.
The resolution was reached during the quarterly meeting held on 16 June 2026 at the Service Headquarters in Abuja, where discussions centred on improving trade facilitation, enhancing security, and promoting stronger economic ties between Nigeria and the United States.
Speaking during the meeting, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi stressed the importance of regular consultations with stakeholders, noting that the engagement would be institutionalised as a permanent feature of the Service’s calendar.
“It is our intention that we will institutionalise this as a permanent feature of the Customs calendar because of the importance we attach to this kind of engagement,” Adeniyi said.
CGC Adeniyi also briefed participants on developments in key trade facilitation initiatives, including the Advance Ruling system, the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, Post Clearance Audit, the B’Odogwu platform, and ongoing improvements in scanning integration and cargo clearance procedures aimed at enhancing operational efficiency.
Members of the American Business Council welcomed the reforms and commended the Service’s efforts, while also calling for quicker mechanisms to address outstanding challenges affecting businesses.
President of the American Business Council, Nneka Enwereji, described the meeting as productive and praised the Customs leadership for its commitment to improving the ease of doing business in the country.
“This session has been phenomenal and demonstrates your commitment to improving ease of doing business. You have raised the bar, and there is a lot that can be learned from this,” she said.
By Tambaya Julius, Abuja
In collaboration with international partners, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has foiled an attempt to smuggle a large consignment of Tap Tramadol 250mg through the Murtala Muhammed Area Command (MMAC).
The intercepted shipment was formally handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Thursday, 11 June 2026, for further investigation and action.
Speaking during the official handover ceremony, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller of Customs, Godwin Otunla, noted that the operation reflects the NCS’s sustained efforts to combat the trafficking of controlled substances that pose serious threats to public health and national security.
He commended the officers of the Special WILD Office of the NCS Intelligence Unit for their professionalism and timely intelligence, which played a critical role in the successful interception. He also praised the dedication and teamwork of officers and men involved in the operation.
The CAC further acknowledged the technical support and cooperation received from the United Arab Emirates’ Customs. “Their assistance was instrumental in identifying and intercepting this illegal shipment, further demonstrating the importance of international collaboration in the fight against transnational crime,” he said.
The CAC further reaffirmed the NSC’s commitment to strengthening inter-agency collaboration and intelligence-driven operations in the collective interest of national security.
By David Torough, Abuja
Actor and social commentator Ugezu J. Ugezu, was detained by the Nigeria Police Force following an investigation into an allegedly defamatory social media publication in which he claimed that international businessman and philanthropist Prince (Hon) Daniel Kanu had been arrested, prosecuted and imprisoned in the early 2000s.
The investigation was triggered by a petition filed by Kanu on March 23, 2026, alleging that the Facebook publication contained false and malicious claims intended to damage his reputation.
The petition accused Ugezu of criminal defamation, cyberbullying and cyberstalking, prompting investigators at the Nigerian Cybercrime Centre (NCCC) in Abuja to invite the actor for questioning.
According to our sources, Ugezu honored an invitation from investigators at the NCCC in Abuja on June 3, 2026, where he was questioned over the source of the claims contained in his Facebook post.
During the interrogation, Ugezu allegedly told investigators that the information had been obtained from the internet. However, he was reportedly unable to provide any credible or verifiable source to substantiate the claims when pressed by investigators. He also reportedly stated his intention to apologize to Kanu for the false publication once he was released from police detention, adding that his objective in publishing the post was to advise young people to make responsible life choices.
Police subsequently detained Ugezu after questioning him.
According to accounts from a source that preferred anonymity, the actor was later granted administrative bail, but had to be transferred to the detention facility of the Federal Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) after he failed to satisfy the conditions attached to his bail.
Sources close to the matter said that although Ugezu admitted authoring the false publication and later issued an apology following his detention, the statement stopped short of a clear retraction of the allegations or an unequivocal acknowledgment that the publication was false as he had previously admitted during police interrogation.
They maintained that the apology did not sufficiently repair the damage allegedly caused to Kanu’s reputation.As a result, Ugezu has been invited to report to the police in two weeks for further interrogation.
Those familiar with the matter said the action is intended not only to clear Kanu’s name but also to reinforce accountability for the publication of unverified allegations on digital platforms.
In an earlier statement responding to the controversy, Kanu categorically denied ever being arrested, charged, tried or imprisoned in Nigeria or any other jurisdiction. He described the claims circulated on social media as “patently false, malicious and defamatory” and insisted they were part of a deliberate attempt to destroy his reputation.
He also emphasized his record as an entrepreneur and philanthropist with investments and youth empowerment initiatives across Nigeria.
At the time of this report, neither Ugezu nor his representatives could be reached for comments on the investigation.
The dispute adds to growing concerns over the spread of unverified information on Nigeria’s social media space.The investigation remains ongoing.
Our source says the police have assured Prince Kanu that complaints of cyberbullying and related offences are taken seriously and will be thoroughly investigated.
They further stated that the outcome of the probe will determine whether additional legal or administrative steps will be taken in connection with Ugezu’s publication.
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