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Nigeria News (Standard)

NDLEA Auctions Forfeited Lagos Hotel, Properties for ₦6.15bn

Proceeds from property sale set to boost federal coffers as anti-narcotics agency intensifies asset recovery efforts

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Proceeds from property sale set to boost federal coffers as anti-narcotics agency intensifies asset recovery efforts

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has auctioned a hotel and other assets in Lagos State, collectively valued at ₦6.15 billion, following a court order of forfeiture. The public auction, which took place on Monday in Lagos, is part of the agency’s ongoing drive to dispose of properties seized from individuals convicted or accused of drug-related offences.

According to officials, the assets include a major hotel within the state as well as additional landed properties and vehicles, all previously confiscated under anti-narcotics laws. The NDLEA said the process was conducted transparently under the supervision of relevant government agencies and in line with legal requirements.

The agency’s spokesperson stated that the auction demonstrates government’s resolve to deprive drug traffickers of proceeds derived from criminal activity. In recent years, NDLEA has ramped up asset seizures as part of a broader crackdown on illicit drug trade across South-West Nigeria.

Stakeholders welcomed the development, noting that recovered funds would be remitted to government treasury and could be channelled towards public sector priorities. However, some legal practitioners have called for even stricter oversight of asset disposal processes to ensure accountability and prevent future abuses.

With this latest auction concluded, NDLEA has reiterated its commitment to pursuing financial assets linked to narcotics crimes nationwide. The agency urged members of the public with information on hidden assets or illegal activities to come forward as investigations continue.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/887921-ndlea-auctions-forfeited-lagos-hotel-other-properties-for-n6-15-billion.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Police Raid Terrorists’ Hideout in Abuja, Arrest Four Suspects and Destroy Camp

Operation in Federal Capital Territory targets criminal enclave; security agencies intensify patrols amid rising concerns

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Operation in Federal Capital Territory targets criminal enclave; security agencies intensify patrols amid rising concerns

Police operatives in Abuja have dismantled a suspected terrorists’ camp and arrested four individuals during a recent security operation in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The raid, which took place on Monday, comes as part of ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to address insecurity and protect residents in Nigeria’s capital.

According to police sources, the operation was launched after intelligence reports indicated the existence of a criminal hideout within the outskirts of Abuja. Officers stormed the location, leading to the destruction of makeshift structures believed to be used by armed groups for planning attacks. Four suspects were apprehended during the raid and are currently being interrogated by security personnel.

The FCT has witnessed growing security concerns in recent months, with residents reporting incidents of kidnapping and armed robbery around several communities. Authorities have responded with increased patrols and targeted operations aimed at disrupting criminal networks and restoring public confidence.

A senior police official involved in the operation stated that investigations are ongoing to determine whether the suspects are linked to other recent attacks in Abuja or neighbouring states. “This action is part of our resolve to flush out all criminal elements from FCT,” the officer said. He urged citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to relevant authorities.

Security analysts say the destruction of such camps could help stem planned attacks but warn that sustained intelligence gathering and community engagement are crucial for lasting results. The police have assured Abuja residents that more operations will be conducted in identified blackspots as government intensifies efforts to secure lives and property across the territory.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/887930-police-destroy-terrorists-camp-in-abuja-arrest-four.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Bandits Kill Prominent Katsina Businessman After ₦5 Million Ransom Payment in Dandume LGA

Police yet to issue official statement as community mourns; family paid ransom before remains were recovered

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Police yet to issue official statement as community mourns; family paid ransom before remains were recovered

A prominent businessman, Alhaji Bala Sanin Kawo, was killed by armed men after being abducted in Dandume Local Government Area of Katsina State on Monday, 11 June. The incident occurred as Kawo returned from one of his farms near Dantakari town, accompanied by an employee.

According to sources familiar with the situation, the abductors contacted Kawo’s family on 13 June and demanded a ransom. While initial reports suggested the gunmen asked for ₦500 million, residents in the area told our correspondent that the agreed amount was ₦5 million. The family and associates managed to raise the sum quickly and sent representatives to deliver it to the kidnappers.

However, after receiving the money, the armed men directed Kawo’s relatives to a specified location where they found his remains. The fate of his employee who was abducted alongside him has not yet been confirmed as at press time. The police command in Katsina State has not released an official statement regarding the incident.

The killing of Alhaji Bala Sanin Kawo has sparked fear among residents and business owners in Dandume LGA and surrounding communities, highlighting ongoing security challenges faced by people in Katsina State and across Nigeria’s North-West region. Kidnappings for ransom have continued to disrupt daily life and economic activity, with families often forced to raise large sums under pressure.

Efforts to reach Katsina State Police Public Relations Officer for comment were unsuccessful. As at time of filing this report, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Community leaders have called for increased security presence in rural areas prone to attacks by armed groups.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/bandits-abduct-kill-prominent-businessman-in-katsina/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Abuja Hosts Inaugural Africa International Christian Film Festival, Organisers Urge Creatives to Reclaim Storytelling

Festival concludes after four days of screenings and masterclasses, with call for excellence and cultural identity in film

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Festival concludes after four days of screenings and masterclasses, with call for excellence and cultural identity in film

The maiden edition of the Africa International Christian Film Festival (AICFF 2026) ended in Abuja on Saturday, with organisers urging Nigerian and African creatives to reclaim storytelling through excellence, strong identity and kingdom influence. The four-day event, which took place between June 3 and June 6 at a venue in the Federal Capital Territory, featured film screenings, panel discussions, masterclasses and networking sessions for stakeholders across the industry.

According to festival organisers, the initiative was designed to promote values-driven content and inspire filmmakers to tell stories that reflect authentic African experiences. Attendees participated in strategic industry conversations aimed at addressing challenges facing local creatives in a global market increasingly dominated by foreign narratives.

Organisers emphasised the need for excellence and innovation among Nigerian filmmakers to help position the country as a leader in Christian-themed cinema on the continent. They called on participants to harness their unique identities and cultural backgrounds as tools for impactful storytelling that can resonate both locally and internationally.

While the festival primarily targeted Christian filmmakers, organisers said the lessons shared were relevant for all storytellers seeking to make meaningful contributions to society. “We believe African creatives have a responsibility to shape narratives that align with our values and realities,” an official stated during one of the closing sessions.

The successful hosting of AICFF 2026 has been described as a step towards building a sustainable platform for faith-based content creators in Nigeria. Organisers hinted at plans to expand future editions, with calls for greater collaboration among industry professionals.

Source: https://guardian.ng/life/film/organisers-urge-creatives-to-reclaim-story-telling-as-film-festival-ends-in-abuja/

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