News
Rivers Police Nab Corporal, 18 Other Suspects …Over Robbery, Kidnapping
Rivers State Police have arrested a Police Corporal Edonwa Timi and 18 other suspects for their alleged complicity in various criminal activities in the state.
Acting Commissioner of Police in the State, DCP Ahmed Magaji said while parading the suspects that Cpl Timi was allegedly arrested by operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squard (SARS) on February 11, 2017 along with his gang members, Tony David West 22, Micheal Odih 27, and Kelly Oba 25 who specialized in snatching exotic cars and selling them in Neigbouring states.
Also in police net and paraded were an inspector of the Nigeria Prison, Eket, Akwa Ibom State, Inspector George Ina and one Mr Jonathan Okon of same address who were arrested by the Rapid Respond Team (RRT 029) at Okpoko junction East-West road for allegedly being in possession of illegal weapons and ammunition.
The Rivers acting Police boss, while briefing journalists at the weekend on the modest achievements recorded by the command within the months of January and March 2017 in Port Harcourt, said that the Special Anti-Robbery Squard (SARS) on the 9th March, at about 1300hrs arrested a fake soldier, from Isiala-Ngwa LGA of Abia State who claimed to be a member of Army Recruitment Committee.
He said the suspect would be charged to court at the conclusion of investigation.
Represented at the briefing by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) DSP Nnamdi Omoni the Rivers acting Police Commissioner gave a breakdown of the achievements recorded by the command. According to him, six armed robbery suspects, eight kidnappers and four cultists were arrested by the command during the period under review.
The breakdown also showed that three armed robbers were fatally wounded, 18 arms, 200 ammunition, magazines and six vehicles were recovered as well as large quantities of weeds and some charms.
The acting CP said he had directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and other tactical units to redouble their efforts and to embark on massive raid of suspected criminal hideouts and black spots.
He used the opportunity to thank the press for their cooperation in the activities of the command, adding that the aggressive onslaught against criminals in the state would be sustained until crime and criminalities are brought to a tolerable level.
President Bola Tinubu has expressed confidence that the country would win the fight against insecurity.
The President gave the assurance at the Argungu International Fishing Festival in Argungu town, Kebbi State, on Saturday.
He noted that the relative peace currently being enjoyed in Kebbi and neighbouring states was the result of sustained investments in security intelligence, coordination among security agencies, and community engagement.
Tinubu assured farmers and fishermen of sustained federal support to guarantee food security and safety across the country.
“The peace we are witnessing today is not accidental. It is the outcome of deliberate and sustained efforts. I assure you that the fight against banditry, insurgency, and insecurity will be won.
“Our farmers, fishermen, traders, and families will go about their lawful activities without fear,” he assured.
The President commended the organisers of the festival for sustaining the cultural event for decades, noting that it had endured for 83 years despite social and security challenges.
Describing the Argungu festival as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence, Tinubu stated that it reflects the richness of the country’s culture and the opportunities to harness its natural and human resources for national growth.
He said, “Today, this festival stands as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence among our people.
“It reflects the richness of our culture, the strength of our traditions, and the opportunities inherent in harnessing our natural and human resources for national development.”
The President was received by a large crowd of residents, traditional rulers, fishermen, tourists, and government officials from across the country.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth and women empowerment, irrigation development, rural electrification, and agricultural productivity.
Earlier, the Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, said his administration was determined to elevate the Argungu Fishing Festival to full international standards while pursuing aggressive development across critical sectors of the state.
The United States Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed today, in observance of Presidents’ Day.
The mission made this known in a notice shared on its official X page, yesterday.
“The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026, in observance of Presidents’ Day,” the post read.
According to the embassy, Presidents’ Day was originally established to honour the birthday of the former US President, George Washington, but has evolved into a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents and their leadership in shaping the country’s history.
The embassy noted that the holiday also recognises the influence of U.S. presidents on global affairs.
In a related message, the mission highlighted that Washington created the first “Badge of Military Merit,” which later became the Purple Heart. The medal still bears Washington’s image today.
Presidents’ Day is observed on the third Monday of February annually in the United States as a federal holiday.
News
Guterres Backs Nigeria’s Bid For UN Security Council Seat …Hails Tinubu’s Reforms, Regional Security Role
United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has charged Nigeria with spearheading Africa’s quest for a restructured global order, describing the country as uniquely positioned to lead the continent toward superpower status.
Guterres, who backed Nigeria’s bid for the world body’s security council seat, also praised the economic reforms of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration as well as Nigeria’s leadership in stabilising the Sahel and ECOWAS regions, despite facing its own security challenges.
The UN scribe made the remarks last Friday night during a high-level bilateral meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima on the sidelines of the 39th African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Speaking during the meeting, Guterres said Nigeria’s large population, sustained democratic governance, vast natural and human resources, and longstanding commitment to multilateralism placed it in a unique position to lead Africa in the evolving global order.
“Given Nigeria’s demographic strength, democratic continuity and deep resource base, the country stands a real chance of leading Africa to becoming the next superpower in the evolving global architecture,” he said.
The UN Secretary-General and the vice president discussed key developments in Nigeria and the country’s expanding leadership role in promoting regional stability across West Africa and the Sahel.
Guterres commended the remarkable and outstanding reforms of the administration of President Tinubu, noting that Nigeria’s bold economic restructuring and security commitments have strengthened its continental standing.
The meeting focused on strengthening Nigeria–UN collaboration to advance global economic growth, peace and security, sustainable development, and a coordinated humanitarian response across Africa.
In his remarks, Shettima thanked the UN Secretary-General for his leadership in advancing global peace, noting that Africa has benefited immensely from his tenure, even as the United Nations undergoes internal restructuring.
“We remain committed to multilateralism and to deepening our partnerships with the United Nations and other global institutions,” the vice president said.
Shettima also reiterated Nigeria’s longstanding call for comprehensive reform of the United Nations system to reflect evolving global realities.
He emphasised that Africa must have stronger representation in global decision-making structures and declared that Nigeria deserves a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
Both leaders pledged to deepen cooperation, with Guterres reaffirming the UN’s support for Nigeria’s reform agenda and its growing leadership role in advancing peace, security, and development across Africa.