…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 General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, has charged newly promoted soldiers of Headquarters 81 Division to continue to uphold the highest standards of discipline, hard work, and dedication in the discharge of their duties and responsibilities.

According to a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 81 Division Nigerian Army “Major General Mijinyawa gave the charge on 18 November 2025, at the Division’s Headquarters Complex, Victoria Island, Lagos, during the decoration ceremony of the newly promoted soldiers.

At the ceremony, Staff Sergeant Babagana Abacha and Staff Sergeant Kassim Musediku were decorated with the ranks of Warrant Officers. In addition, six Sergeants were elevated to the rank of Staff Sergeant, four Corporals to Sergeants, while three Lance Corporals were decorated with the rank of Corporals.

While congratulating the soldiers on their well-deserved promotions, the GOC commended their high sense of discipline, commitment, and professional conduct. He stated that their dedication has significantly contributed to the Division’s success in achieving the Chief of Army Staff’s Command Philosophy for the year.

The GOC further emphasized the critical role of clerks in the Nigerian Army, urging those among the newly promoted soldiers to remain diligent, as their efforts continue to play a vital role in the Division’s administrative efficiency. He also appreciated the families of the celebrants for their continuous supports, noting that their encouragement has enabled the soldiers to excel in their duties.

Delivering the vote of thanks on behalf of the newly promoted soldiers, Warrant Officer Babagana Abatcha, expressed gratitude to God Almighty for making the day a reality. He also appreciated the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu NAM, for finding them worthy of elevation, and the GOC for his consistent guidance, support, and mentorship.

Warrant Officer Abatcha pledged that he and all the beneficiaries would justify the confidence reposed in them by being more dedicated, committed, and ensuring that their families feel the positive impact of their promotion and new rank.

The ceremony was graced by the Chief of Staff Headquarters 81 Division, Commanders, Staff Officers, families, friends and well-wishers of the celebrants. It concluded with a group photograph to mark the memorable occasion.