Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos PTML Customs, Port Police Strengthen Maritime Security Collaboration
Agencies pledge tighter port security, focus on anti-smuggling and intelligence sharing in fresh joint effort
Agencies pledge tighter port security, focus on anti-smuggling and intelligence sharing in fresh joint effort
The Nigeria Customs Service, Ports Terminal Multi-services Limited (PTML) Area Command, and the Ports Authority Police Western Command have intensified their partnership to improve maritime security in Lagos, following a high-level meeting held on Thursday. The courtesy visit, led by Customs Area Controller Nura Miko and his management team to the Police Western Command headquarters, aimed at reinforcing joint strategies for safeguarding Nigeria’s busiest commercial port corridor.
During the meeting, both agencies reaffirmed their commitment to promoting a secure and efficient trade environment at the port. Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in key areas such as port security operations, intelligence sharing between officers, cargo protection protocols, anti-smuggling initiatives, and preventive measures against maritime-related crimes.
Maritime insecurity remains a major concern for stakeholders in Lagos and across Nigeria’s coastal region. The collaboration comes amid persistent threats including smuggling activities, unauthorised cargo movement, and the need to maintain public trust in the nation’s import-export processes. Improved coordination between customs and police is seen as vital to reducing illicit trade and supporting legitimate economic activity at the PTML terminal.
In a statement signed by Police Public Relations Officer Isaac Hundeyin after the event, both sides agreed to deepen operational links and share actionable intelligence on suspicious movements within the port area. “Our agencies are committed to ensuring that the port remains safe for business,” Hundeyin said. Customs Area Controller Nura Miko also noted that the ongoing cooperation would help close operational gaps exploited by criminal elements.
The agencies announced plans to expand joint patrols and conduct periodic reviews of security protocols at PTML. Stakeholders are expected to monitor the impact of this renewed collaboration on cargo throughput and overall trade efficiency in Lagos ports over the coming months.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Rivers Police Seize Browning Pistol Hidden in Bread, Arrest Suspect in Port Harcourt
Command says weapon was discovered during routine stop-and-search on Azikiwe Road; investigation ongoing into firearm’s origin
Command says weapon was discovered during routine stop-and-search on Azikiwe Road; investigation ongoing into firearm’s origin
Rivers State Police Command has intercepted an alleged attempt to smuggle a firearm through Port Harcourt, arresting a male suspect after officers found a Browning pistol concealed inside a loaf of bread. The incident occurred along Azikiwe Road near Red Cross Junction during a routine stop-and-search operation on Friday, according to police authorities.
Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, stated that the recovery was made by operatives acting under the directive of Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju. Officers stopped a vehicle for security checks and conducted a thorough search of its occupants. During the search, the pistol was found ingeniously hidden inside bread belonging to one Braya Nanas, identified as a resident of New Road, Borikiri.
The discovery has raised fresh concerns over the creative methods employed by criminal elements to evade law enforcement in Rivers State and across the South-South zone. The command noted that the Browning pistol had no visible serial number, complicating efforts to trace its origin and raising questions about its intended use within the city.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the firearm had no serial number,” Kaborlo said in an official statement issued on Friday. The suspect reportedly admitted ownership of the weapon during interrogation and claimed he bought it in Okrika. Police said further investigation is ongoing to uncover potential accomplices and determine how widespread such tactics may be among criminal networks in the region.
The Rivers State Police Command urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly. Authorities assured that efforts would continue to clamp down on illegal arms trafficking and pledged increased patrols around key entry points into Port Harcourt. No further details about possible charges or court proceedings were provided as at press time.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/police-foil-gun-smuggling-attempt-in-port-harcourt/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Sokoto High Court Sentences Three Boko Haram Terrorists to Death by Hanging for Terrorism Offences
Judgement comes as Nigeria ramps up terrorism prosecutions; DSS seized assets linked to arms trafficking syndicate
Judgement comes as Nigeria ramps up terrorism prosecutions; DSS seized assets linked to arms trafficking syndicate
A High Court in Sokoto State has sentenced three men—Yusuf Muhammad (alias Sallau), Jabbi Alhaji Yalle, and Kabiru Muhammad—to death by hanging after convicting them on multiple terrorism and arms trafficking charges. The ruling was delivered by Justice Bello on Wednesday, following their arrest by Department of State Services (DSS) operatives during a counter-terrorism operation on 13 June 2025.
According to the judgement, the court found all three defendants guilty on every count related to terrorism activities and illegal proliferation of firearms. The presiding judge also ordered that all funds and assets traced to the convicts be forfeited to the Federal Government. DSS officials attached to the Counter-Terrorism Unit apprehended the suspects based on intelligence reports linking them to cross-border arms dealings in Sokoto, North-West zone.
This verdict is part of a wider judicial push across Nigeria targeting suspected members of Boko Haram and its breakaway faction, ISWAP. In recent weeks, courts have handed down several death sentences for terrorism-related offences—including a Federal High Court in Katsina, which sentenced Hauwa’u Mukhtar to death after she was allegedly caught transporting 438 rounds of ammunition for a bandit leader. In Abuja, four men were also condemned for their roles in the 2022 Owo church attack that left over 40 worshippers dead.
Justice sector officials say these convictions demonstrate Nigeria’s renewed commitment to addressing a backlog of terrorism cases—many involving suspects held since military operations intensified in the North-East. “The government remains committed to bringing all those who threaten national security to justice,” said an official familiar with ongoing prosecutions.
The latest ruling coincides with the Federal Government’s ongoing mass trial of more than 500 suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP members, which authorities describe as one of the largest terrorism cases in Nigerian history. Security experts argue that consistent convictions may help deter future attacks while rebuilding public confidence in the country’s justice system.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/sokoto-court-sentences-three-terror-suspects-death-2026062614092884209
Nigeria News (Standard)
Abuja Court Nullifies NDC Registration Amid Legal Challenge
Judgement raises questions about future of the party as members await leadership response and next legal steps
Judgement raises questions about future of the party as members await leadership response and next legal steps
A Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified the registration of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), effectively removing the party from Nigeria’s list of recognised political parties. The ruling, delivered on Friday, follows a legal challenge questioning the legitimacy of NDC’s registration process.
The court decision was handed down after a review of documents and arguments presented by parties involved. The judge ruled that due process was not followed during the party’s initial registration, leading to the cancellation of NDC’s status as a registered political party in Nigeria. Party officials and supporters were present in court to hear the judgement.
The NDC, which has participated in recent electoral cycles at various levels, now faces an uncertain future. The ruling is significant as it comes at a time when political parties are preparing for upcoming elections and has left members concerned about their political participation and representation.
NDC leaders are yet to issue an official statement on the court’s decision. However, sources within the party indicated that consultations are ongoing among stakeholders to determine whether to appeal the judgement or explore other legal options. Political observers note that this development could impact alliances and electoral strategies ahead of future polls.
With this ruling, attention now shifts to both the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other parties that may face similar legal scrutiny over their registration processes. The next steps from NDC’s leadership are expected to clarify whether they will seek redress through higher courts or comply with the judgement.
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