Niger Delta

Northern Youths Kick Against FG’s Proposed NIRSAL Loan To Ex-Niger Delta Militants

Published

4 years ago

February 9, 2022

The Northern Youths Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has expressed concern on the alleged report that the Federal Government, through Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) Micro Finance Bank, plans to grant loans to 1,500 former Niger Delta militants to enable them to start businesses of their choice.
Comrade Isah Abubakar and Comrade Mock Samuel Kure, President and Director-General, Media and Publicity of NYCN, in a joint statement made available to DAILY POST in Kaduna on Tuesday, stated, “The attention of the Northern Youths Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has been drawn to a viral report wherein it stated that the Federal Government, through NIRSAL Micro Finance Bank PLC, has concluded plans to dish out loans to 1,500 ex-Niger-Delta Militants to enable them to start businesses of their choice.”
The youths explained that they are shocked that despite what they described as “the humongous amount” that is released monthly to the Presidential Amnesty Office, the government is still planning to dish out billions to persons who once raised arms against the state and threatened the country’s national unity.
According to the statement, the council noted that the action of the management of the NIRSAL MFB if not called to order, is capable of making the country’s able-bodied graduates, who are roaming the streets and have tried in vain to secure the Federal Government facility, to consider venturing into crime seems the only shortest and surest way of getting the government’s attention and interventions.
“We are aware that the NIRSAL Micro Finance Bank is being funded by our commonwealth domiciled in the Central Bank of Nigeria, hence, the activities of the Bank must Follow the tenet of Federal of Character. Meaning, Ex Criminals must be treated equally with law-abiding citizens,” the statement observed.
“Where the bank insists on going ahead to favour a section of the country at the detriment of others, the council will have no other option than to call on the appropriate Committee in both chambers of the National Assembly responsible for ensuring compliance in the principle of Federal Character to probe the disbursement that has been made by the bank since its inception,” the group said.
The youths said that if they fail to do so, they won’t hesitate to seek legal redress at the same time, but however, called on the members to occupy the streets until they are treated equally in the Nigeria project.

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

2 weeks ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Mr. Monday Agbonika, has vowed to hunt down and bring to justice those behind the killing of eight NSCDC operatives in the State.

Agbonika gave the assurance on Tuesday during an on-the-spot assessment of the attack scene, which also involved the abduction of a Chinese national.

Describing the incident as “a dastardly act that will not go unpunished”, the Commissioner expressed condolences to the Edo State Command of the NSCDC.

He paid tribute to the fallen operatives, describing them as “gallant personnel who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.”

“We stand in solidarity with the NSCDC in this grief. Their sacrifice will not be in vain, and Edo people should expect justice”, Agbonika said.

In a separate meeting with Chinese community members at BUA Cement, Okpella, the police chief assured that efforts were ongoing to rescue the abducted expatriate alive.

“Our men are on the ground, and operations have been intensified. We are determined to rescue the kidnapped victim and prevent further incidents in the area”, he said.

Agbonika appealed for calm among residents, urging cooperation through timely and credible intelligence to aid ongoing security operations.

“Security is a collective responsibility. We call on residents to support us with information. Together, we will defeat criminals threatening Edo’s peace”, he added.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and properties, stressing that it would not relent until the attackers were arrested and justice delivered.

The Tide’s source reports that the Okpella attack occurred on Friday.

Niger Delta

Police Nab Suspected Illicit Drugs Dealer In Delta

Published

2 weeks ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Police Command in Delta State has arrested a suspected female illicit drugs dealer in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.

The command’s Spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Warri on Wednesday.

Edafe said the suspect was nabbed alongside her three apprentices on August 29 by the police operatives attached to the Ughelli Area Command.

He said the operatives carried out the raid following credible information on the activities of some individuals that indulged in the sale of illicit drugs within Afisere/Ughelli town.

“The operatives trailed and arrested a drug baron who operates a chemist store in Afisere Community alongside three of her apprentices.

“The suspect led the operatives to her house at Afisere and a search warrant was executed.

“Exhibits recovered from the suspects included: 355 bottles of CSC codeine, 57 rolls of 50MG tramadol capsules, 335 rolls of 100mg tramadol capsules.

“Others were: 33 rolls of 200mg super royal, seven backwoods, 540 sachets of swinol capsules and 16 cups of Canadian liquid cannabis”, he said.

The police spokesman said investigation further revealed that the suspect was a major dealer in illicit drugs in Ughelli and its environs.

Edafe added that investigation in the matter was ongoing.

Niger Delta

C’River Assembly extends Bekwarra LG Chairman’s Suspension By 3 Months

Published

2 weeks ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Cross River State House of Assembly has extended the suspension of the Bekwarra Council Chairman, Ms. Theresa Ushie, to 90 days.

Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Elvert Ayambem, made the remark on Wednesday during plenary.

The Tide’s source recalls that Ushie was suspended on June 10 for three months on allegations of corruption, misconduct and abuse of power.

The suspension followed a petition from the Bekwarra Local Government Legislative Council, signed by eight of its members, who also attempted to impeach her.

Ayambem explained that the extension was to allow the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions and Conflict Resolution more time to investigate the petition written against the chairman by the Bekwarra Legislature.

The House had earlier deliberated on a motion calling for the extension of the office of the LGA Acting Chairman, Mr. Egbung Obama, before agreeing to extend Ushie’s suspension.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Investigative Committee and member, representing Abi State Constituency, Mr. Davies Etta, said the committee needed more time to carry out a thorough investigation.

Ushie was elected as Bekwarra Local Government Council Chairman and sworn-in in November 2024.