…15 Arrested With Illicit Drugs in Separate Raid

The Edo State Government has begun demolishing properties allegedly linked to cult activities in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area, as part of intensified efforts to curb kidnapping, cultism and other criminal acts across the state.

The action followed a major security raid on 17 November 2025 by the State’s Special Security Squad, conducted in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies. During that operation, 31 suspects were arrested at various hideouts, while leaders of the Black Axe and Eiye confraternities—accused of orchestrating the violent clash in Uromi on 16 November—were given a seven-day ultimatum to surrender.

With the ultimatum expired and no compliance from the wanted cult leaders, the government moved to pull down buildings where officials said incriminating evidence had been uncovered. Authorities described the demolition as a clear signal of the administration’s resolve to stamp out criminality.

The operation was led by the Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo, supported by the Divisional Police Officer in Uromi, local vigilante groups, the Esan North-East Anti-Kidnapping Committee and personnel of the Nigerian Army.

Idemudia Noah, coordinator of the security outfit codenamed Operation Flush Out Kidnapping and Cultism, said the demolition became necessary after the suspects failed to take advantage of both the ultimatum and an extended grace period.

“This demolition exercise should serve as a warning to landlords and property owners in Uromi to properly profile their tenants. These houses were demolished because incriminating evidence was found in them,” he said.

According to him, the affected properties will now be taken over by the Edo State Government for use as operational bases.

Noah reaffirmed the commitment of the Okpebholo administration to eliminating cultism, kidnapping and all forms of criminality. “We are serious about this exercise. We want Edo State to be crime-free. No one is above the law,” he stated.

In a separate operation based on credible intelligence, the squad raided the Hausa quarters in Uromi, arresting 15 persons after illicit drugs were discovered in their possession. The suspects have been transferred to the Uromi Divisional Headquarters for profiling, further investigation and eventual prosecution.

Noah explained that drug peddling in the area had become a magnet for hoodlums, cultists and kidnappers. “We received information from our colleagues in Uromi on the ongoing illicit drug trade, which promotes nefarious activities. We swung into action and arrested both sellers and buyers,” he said.

One of the arrested suspects, a marijuana dealer identified as Tajudeen Lawal, admitted to selling drugs alongside two others in the Hausa quarters.

Signed:
*Dr Patrick Akhere Ebojele*
Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor
6-12-25

In a significant visit to key operational commands in the Niger Delta, the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has directed commanders to prioritize the welfare of their personnel while sustaining the offensive against crude oil theft and other illegalities.

The CNS issued the directive on Tuesday during an operational briefing at the Headquarters of Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

Addressing the command, Vice Admiral Abbas commended the efforts of the troops and urged the OPDS Commander not to relent in the critical mission of securing the nation’s maritime environment. He pledged the continuous support of the Nigerian Navy to the joint task force, emphasizing the importance of strong leadership in achieving their objectives.

Later, the visit took on a personal tone as Vice Admiral Abbas moved to the Headquarters of the Central Naval Command (CNC), a formation he described as “home.” Recalling his previous tenure as the Command Administrative Officer, Chief Staff Officer, and later Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) of the CNC, the Naval Chief expressed his delight at returning.

“On the occasion of my first maiden visit to the command as CNS, I am highly delighted to be back ‘home’,” he stated.

He assured the officers, ratings, and civilian staff of his dedicated support, leveraging his intimate familiarity with the command’s operations. The CNS expressed his admiration for the visible developmental projects and the well-maintained aesthetics of the base, commending the FOC and his team for their excellent stewardship.

“I am impressed with the giant strides in developmental projects within the Command HQ. I commend the FOC and his team for maintaining the aesthetics of the Base,” Vice Admiral Abbas noted.

He concluded by thanking the entire CNC personnel for their resilience and dedication and offered a prayer for their continued protection in the discharge of their arduous duties.

The visit, marked by a spirit of camaraderie and forward momentum, reinforces the strategic focus of the Nigerian Navy under Vice Admiral Abbas’s leadership

The Nigerian Navy has appointed Rear Admiral Suleiman Dantsoho Ibrahim as the new Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Central Naval Command (CNC), Yenagoa, following the formal handover from Rear Admiral Ahmed Gaya.

The ceremony, held on Wednesday at the Command Headquarters, marked a smooth transition of leadership within one of the Navy’s most strategic operational zones.

In his remarks, Rear Admiral Ibrahim expressed gratitude to the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to consolidate the gains recorded in maritime security and operational efficiency.

“It is a great honour to assume command of the Central Naval Command. I fully appreciate the strategic importance of this command to Nigeria’s maritime safety and economic prosperity. I assure the Navy and our nation that I will uphold this trust with utmost dedication,” he said.

Rear Admiral Ibrahim emphasized his resolve to strengthen inter-agency cooperation to combat crimes such as crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, and piracy. He also pledged to prioritize personnel welfare and professional development under his leadership.

A seasoned naval officer and accomplished administrator, Rear Admiral Suleiman Dantsoho Ibrahim brings over three decades of professional service marked by strategic leadership, operational depth, and academic distinction.

Born on September 9, 1973, in Ondo State, and originally from the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, he began his education at Command Children School, Zaria, before proceeding to the Nigerian Military School, Zaria.

He was admitted into the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) on August 17, 1990, as a member of the 42 Regular Course, and was commissioned Sub-Lieutenant on September 16, 1995. His steady progression through the ranks culminated in his elevation to Rear Admiral on August 17, 2023.

Rear Admiral Ibrahim holds a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Chemistry from the NDA, a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration from Nasarawa State University, Keffi, and a Diploma in Intelligence.

He also earned two master’s degrees: M.Sc. in Security and Strategic Studies, Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna (2017), and M.Sc. in Industrial Engineering (Emergency Response, Hazard Prevention, and Disaster Management), IRGIB African University, Benin Republic (2020).

His professional development includes several prestigious local and international courses such as: Sub-Lieutenant Technical Course, NNS QUORRA (1995), Young Officers’ Intelligence Course, Nigerian Navy Intelligence School, Apapa (2002), Junior and Senior Staff Courses, Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji (2002 & 2007), Officers Long Course (Communications), Indian Naval Ship Venduruthy, India (2004–2005), National Defence Course 25, National Defence College, Abuja (2016), National Security and Country Resilience Course, Israel (2022), Crude Oil Custody and Transfer Course, Dubai, UAE (2022).

Over the years, Rear Admiral Ibrahim has served in various command, instructional, and staff capacities across naval formations and defence institutions. His notable appointments include: Flag Lieutenant, Naval Training Command (1999), Chief Instructor, Nigerian Navy Basic Training School, Onne (2011), Command Intelligence Officer, Eastern Naval Command, Calabar (2013), Assistant Director, Security, Defence Intelligence Agency, Abuja (2014), Assistant Director, Training (TOPS Branch), Naval Headquarters (2017), Director, Veterans Affairs, Naval Headquarters (2023), Director, Physical Training and Sports, Naval Headquarters (2024).

His command appointments include: Commanding Officer, NNS OBULA (2015), Commanding Officer, Forward Operations Base, FORMOSO (2019), Commander, Naval Unit, Abuja (2021), Commander, NNS PATHFINDER (2022), Chief Staff Officer, Western Naval Command (2024–2025).

Rear Admiral Ibrahim’s service is decorated with several honours and affiliations, including: Forces Service Star (FSS), Meritorious Service Star (MSS), Distinguished Service Star (DSS), Fellow, Defence College (fdc), Pass Staff Course (psc), Member, Nigerian Institute of Management (MNIM), Member, Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON), Fellow, International Institute of Professional Security (FIIPS), Member, Royal Institute of Navigation (MRIN), Justice of the Peace (JP)

Beyond the uniform, Rear Admiral Ibrahim is known for his passion for sports and intellectual pursuits. He is an avid polo player and captain of the Nigerian Navy Polo Team. His hobbies include golf, swimming, reading biographies, and traveling. He also enjoys studying human behavior and nature, reflecting his curiosity and disciplined lifestyle.

He is happily married and blessed with children.

In his farewell address, the outgoing FOC, Rear Admiral Ahmed Gaya, who assumed command in October 2024, described his tenure as “challenging yet fulfilling.” He noted that under his watch, the Command achieved significant milestones in curbing maritime crime, enhancing fleet readiness, and improving personnel welfare.

“I am confident that Rear Admiral Suleiman Ibrahim will consolidate on our gains and lead the Command to greater heights,” Gaya said.

The transition marks another milestone in the Navy’s effort to sustain maritime security and safeguard Nigeria’s vast maritime domain a mission Rear Admiral Ibrahim is poised to advance with renewed energy and strategic focus.