Politics
Again, Wike Leads Security To Demolish Cultists’ Hideouts
As part of measures to
root out cultism and crime, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, on Saturday led security agencies to the hideouts of kidnappers at the Eagle Island neighbourhood in Port Harcourt.
The governor, who was joined by the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Foluso Adebanjo, supervised the demolition of two deadly cultists’ camps in the area.
One of the camps is located behind the Redeemed Church and the other located at the Andoni camp in the area.
This is the second time in less than four days that the governor is leading security operatives on the demolition of cultists’ hideouts in the state.
On Thursday, the governor had led security agents on a similar exercise in Port Harcourt.
Speaking at the venue of the exercise, Wike announced that a Police Station will be built at the cultists’ camp behind the Redeemed Church, while a community hospital will be built at the site of the demolished Andoni camp.
He told journalists after the security operation that the entire cultists’ hideouts in the area will be demolished so that law abiding residents will live peacefully.
Wike noted that the war against cultists and kidnappers will be sustained to ensure that people carry out their lawful businesses without molestation.
The governor called on residents to always avail the security agencies the necessary information on the hideouts of criminals to facilitate action against them.
He said: “There will be no hideouts in the state. This war against cultists and kidnappers will be sustained. We are happy with the results we are getting.
“We appeal to residents to continue cooperating with the state government and security agencies by providing the necessary information. All across the state, these joint raids are taking place and the results are encouraging. Rivers State is safe for business and residential purposes”.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Mr Foluso Adebanjo, said that several suspected cultists and kidnappers were arrested during the operation.
It would be recalled that the Rivers State Kidnap (Prohibition) Law Number 3 of 2009 as amended by the current Rivers State House of Assembly and assented to by Wike provides for additional penalties, including confiscation of assets derived from kidnapping, cultism and related crimes.
Politics
Alleged Coup: Protests Rock N’Assembly As Detained Officers’ Children, Wives Demand Justice
Scores of children and wives of military officers detained over an alleged coup plot yesterday staged a peaceful protest at the National Assembly, demanding a speedy trial and the release of the accused officials.
The protesters who gathered at the entrance of the National Assembly complex, moved in a slow procession while clutching placards with inscriptions such as “Don’t Kill Our Daddies,” “Detention Without Trial is Injustice,” and “Six Months of Torture: Enough Is Enough.”
Amid tears and trembling voices, the children appealed for justice and access to their detained fathers, many of whom they said they had not seen for months.
The appeal was made during a press briefing in Abuja attended by no fewer than 20 wives and several children of the detained officers, including a two-month-old baby.
The families were accompanied by human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju and activist Omoyele Sowore.
At the briefing, the families lamented that the officers had been held for over 160 days without trial or contact with their relatives, describing the situation as a violation of their fundamental rights.
Speaking on behalf of the families, Memuna Bashiru said the prolonged detention had thrown their households into uncertainty and emotional distress, noting that while allegations had been widely publicised, families remained in the dark about the fate of their loved ones.
The arrest of the indicted officers was first announced on October 4, 2025, by the then Director of Defense Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, who disclosed that 16 officers were taken into custody for alleged breaches of military regulations and acts of indiscipline.
However, an interim investigation later suggested the existence of a clandestine network of officers, allegedly coordinated by a senior Army officer, which had begun preliminary planning for a coup.
According to the report, the alleged plot involved surveillance of key national assets, including the Presidential Villa, Armed Forces Complex, Niger Barracks in Abuja, and major international airports, with October 25, 2025, cited as the planned date for the operation.
Those reportedly in custody include Brig Gen M. A. Sadiq, Col M. A. Maaji, Lt Col S. Bappah, Lt Col A. A. Hayatu, Lt Col P. Dangnap, Lt Col M. Almakura, Maj A. J. Ibrahim, Maj M. M. Jiddah, Maj M. A. Usman, Maj D. Yusuf, Capt I. Bello, Capt A. A. Yusuf, Lt S. S. Felix, Lt Cdr D. B. Abdullahi, Sqn Ldr S. B. Adamu and Maj I. Dauda.
The alleged plot, according to findings, targeted senior government officials, including President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
In a statement issued yesterday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Felix Morka, said the exercise would take place in all wards and designated centres nationwide.
He called on existing members to update their records, while encouraging new entrants to join the party through the digital platform.
“As the electronic membership registration exercise resumes in all wards and designated locations nationwide, we urge existing members to validate their membership while new members are encouraged to register and join the progressive family,” Mr Morka said.
According to him, eligibility for registration is limited to individuals aged 18 and above who possess a valid National Identification Number (NIN).
The party said the initiative is part of efforts to modernise its operations by transitioning to a digital database that would enhance record accuracy and accessibility.
Mr Morka noted that the e-registration would “digitise the party’s membership register, ensure the integrity of records, and enhance efficient access to membership data for planning and management decisions.”
He added that the move is also aimed at promoting internal democracy within the party and strengthening its commitment to democratic innovation.
The APC had previously introduced electronic registration as part of broader reforms to streamline its membership system and improve organisational efficiency.