The Police Command in Bauchi State says it has apprehended four individuals involved in the production of counterfeit herbicides in Inkil, a suburb of Bauchi metropolis.

The Command’s Spokesman, CSP Ahmed Wakil, made this known to newsmen on Sunday in Bauchi.

He said that the operation, based on credible intelligence, was conducted on May 3, around 1:30 p.

m. by detectives from the Command’s Monitoring Unit.

“The suspects were caught in the act at a residential property in the Unguwan Liman area, where authorities believed the illicit activity had been ongoing,” he said.

Wakil said the operation led to the seizure of a significant cache of counterfeit materials and equipment, including 26 cartons labeled “Force Up, an empty carton of “Gobora”.

Others are two drums filled with suspicious liquid, 100 empty one-litre “Force Up” containers and sealing tapes, scissors, glue, leather materials, charcoal, and welding tools.

“During interrogation, the suspects implicated a 36-year-old resident of Fadaman Mada, as the ringleader behind the illegal operation.

“He was swiftly tracked and apprehended,” Wakil said

He said that the suspects are in custody as investigations continue to uncover the extent of the counterfeit production and dismantle the network responsible.

Wakil reassured members of the public of the command’s commitment to eradicating criminal enterprises that threaten public safety and consumer trust

By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) at the weekend, condemned the brutal attacks and persistent violence inflicted upon communities in states such as Plateau, Benue and Gombe.This was contained in a statement signed by Archbishop Daniel Okoh,President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in Abuja.

The CAN President said Nigerian Christians remain commited to advocating for safety, security, and dignity and will continue to pursue justice and lasting peace for all affected communities. Archbishop Okoh, therefore urged Nigerians from all walks of life, backgrounds, and faiths to support ongoing peace initiatives and refrain from actions that could undermine efforts to address the country’s security challenges, particularly in the Middle Belt region. He said, “Engagements with stakeholders across professional, ethnic, and religious lines are recognised diplomatic practices that foster dialogue and mutual understanding. Any actions or statements that heighten tensions risk destabilising our nation, and we therefore call for the utmost caution”.3. He said CAN as a body won’t stop condemning the senseless killings occurring across various parts of Nigeria through official press statements, and remain resolute in speaking out against violence targeting any community. “Furthermore, we have undertaken visits to affected areas, including parts of Plateau State, to express solidarity, offer condolences, and distribute palliatives. In the days ahead, we will continue with further visits to provide support, comfort, and much-needed relief to those impacted, highlighting our commitment to standing by our communities in times of distress.”We appeal to all citizens to refrain from spreading unverified information that may deepen divisions. The strength of our nation lies in our unity, and it is only through collective effort that we can build a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria. Let us embrace the teachings of the Holy Bible to love our neighbours and the pursue peace with all.”CAN encourages open and honest dialogue among all stakeholders, both local and international, including the United States, through the presence of Ambassador Richard Mills. In addition, we believe that trusted platforms like the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) provide the ideal space to raise concerns and work together towards practical, sustainable solutions”, he said.He also reaffirms the association unwavering dedication to promoting peace, unity, and understanding across the nation. And collaborate with all parties to ensure the safety, security and well-being of all Nigerians, regardless of faith or ethnicity.

The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB), Ibaka, Akwa Ibom, has arrested two suspects trafficking 500 kilos of pangolin scales worth N25 million from Cameroon to Nigeria.

The Commanding Officer, Capt. Aliyu Abdullah, stated this while handing over the suspects and the items to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in Ibaka on Saturday.

Abdullahi said that the suspects were arrested on routine patrol around Tom Shot Island on Thursday.

“The arrest was made during routine-stop-and-search of boats transiting from Cameroon to Nigeria,” he said.

He stated that Pangolins are a critically endangered species protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Abdullahi noted that smuggling of products derived from endangered animals, such as pangolin scales, across International maritime borders constituted a serious violation of both International and domestic legal frameworks.

“They play a vital role in their ecosystem, however, their population has been decimated due to high demand for scales and meat particularly in black markets across Asia and Africa,” Abdullahi said.

The commanding officer said the shipment of scales was believed to be destined to a port in Lagos for smuggling out of Nigeria to markets in Asia.

“It breaches the convention on CITES, which prohibits the commercial trade of endangered species and their derivatives.

“Both Nigeria and Cameroon are signatories to this convention.”

Abdullahi said that the Navy, under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla would continue to tackle all forms of illegal activities within the waterways, thereby improving the National image of Nigeria Internationally.

Receiving the suspects, items and boat, Deputy Superintendent of Customs, Dada Fagbola, said that the suspects would be investigated for necessary prosecution