From Sylvia Udegbunam, Enugu

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has inducted 145 fresh Special Marshals to ensure traffic flow and sanity on roads within Enugu State.

Speaking after days of training and subsequent induction on Sunday, the Sector Commander of FRSC Enugu State Command, Core Commander Franklin Agbakoba, urged the new special marshals to uphold the age-long discipline of the corps.

Agbakoba, represented by his Second-in-Command, Deputy Corps Commander, Kyrian Okolo, noted that the special marshals had become the backbone of volunteerism in the country.

He commended them for sacrificing resources and time to serve, adding: “This is patriotism and love for the nation and humanity in action”.

According to him, through intensive days of training, we have prepared you physically and psychologically for the job and to protect FRSC core values of integrity, service and professionalism.

“Thank you for volunteering to serve humanity and the nation and joining FRSC to ensure accident-free roads,” the sector commander said.

In a goodwill message, the state’s Commissioner of Police, Mamman Giwa, lauded the special marshals for the sacrifice of serving without expecting “a kobo”.

Represented by the Assistant Commissioner of Police in-charge of Operations, Oliver Odimega, the commissioner assured the special marshals of cooperation of the police to ensure seamless operations in the state.

Speaking, Dr. Elijah Willie, the Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Enugu State Command, congratulated the new special marshals for coming onboard to protect lives.

Represented by his Personal Assistant, Emmanuel Nwatu, the commandant urged them to be faithful in their service, “since the Almighty has ways of paying back good works and sacrifices”.

The State Coordinator of FRSC Special Marshals, Comrade Anthony Orji, cautioned the new special marshals against lawlessness.

Orji urged them to ensure that their vehicle documents are up-to-date and intact, adding that they must first comply before ensuring others comply with traffic rules.

“Special Marshals are men and women of proven integrity and people that stand out in their places of work and carry out traffic duties as need arises,” he said.

One of the inductees, Dr. Godwin Lamidi, thanked the FRSC for providing the privilege and platform for him to carry out public-spirited work of safety that would touch lots of lives in the state.

The Defence Headquarters says no Nigerian soldier was killed during the operation that eliminated the terrorist commander, Abu Bilal Al-Minuki.

Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, Director, confirmed this on Saturday during an interview on a television programme.

Onoja described the mission as a carefully executed precision strike against a high-value terrorist target.

He said the operation reflected the professionalism, discipline and tactical readiness of troops involved.

 “We are happy to state that due to our troops’ professionalism, there was no loss of life on our side,” Onoja said.

He said the mission was planned through detailed intelligence and close operational coordination.

According to him, earlier reports about Al-Minuki’s death in 2024 were based on mistaken identity.

Onoja said the man neutralised was the original Abu Bilal Al-Minuki, who used multiple aliases.

He explained that the aliases helped the terrorist evade detection for years. “This individual has been on international watchlists for a very long time,” he said.

He added that security records linked the commander to several global monitoring agencies.

 “These include the United Nations, the United States, the European Union and Nigeria,” he added.

Onoja said months of intelligence gathering led troops to the terrorist’s exact location.

He said the final operation was launched only after commanders confirmed credible intelligence.

On foreign support, he said no foreign soldiers participated in the mission.

According to him, the United States only provided intelligence and surveillance assistance.

 “There were no foreign boots on the ground during this operation. What we received were intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance support and other force enablers,” he said.

He said Nigeria would continue strengthening strategic security partnerships against terrorism.

Onoja also said other notorious terrorist leaders remained under active surveillance. He specifically mentioned wanted bandit leader Bello Turji.

 “He cannot hide forever. It is only a matter of time,” urging citizens to support military operations with timely information.

He warned that ransom payments often strengthen criminal networks and prolong insecurity.

He reaffirmed the military’s determination to restore peace across affected communities in Nigeria.

The Police Command in Rivers has begun disciplinary proceedings on an officer Ekawhe Thomas, over alleged negligence that led to a suspect’s escape from detention.

The spokesperson, Blessing Agabe, told journalists in Port Harcourt that the officer was attached to the Criminal Investigation Department.

Agabe said that following the suspect’s escape, the police leadership ordered immediate disciplinary action against Thomas.

“The officer has been detained and formally issued a query in line with existing disciplinary procedures of the police force,” she said.

She said that efforts were ongoing to re-apprehend the fleeing suspect while investigations into the incident continued.

The spokesperson said the Commissioner of Police in Rivers, Olugbenga Adepoju, had expressed displeasure over the development, and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to professionalism, discipline and accountability.

Agabe said Adepoju had warned that the command would not tolerate misconduct, negligence, or abuse of office by any personnel.

“Any officer found culpable after investigation would be sanctioned in accordance with extant laws and disciplinary regulations,” she said.

She assured members of the public that the command was fully committed to transparency, justice and the protection of citizens’ rights.