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…Police, NSCDC Deploy 5,152 Combat Officers In Rivers
Determined to sustain adequate peace and security, and also ensure a hitch-free Salah celebrations in the state, the Rivers State Police Command and its sister agency, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), have jointly deployed 5,152 personnel across the 23 local government areas of the state.
While the police said it deployed a total of 3,532 personnel, the NSCDC deployed 1,620 officers to protect residents and corporate organisations during the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations in the state.
In their separate press statements made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, said the deployment covers all worship centres, celebration venues and other resort centres in the state.
In the statement, Iringe-Koko said that the Commissioner of Police, Friday Eboka, had assured those resident in Rivers State of peaceful celebration before, during and after Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
“In line with that, all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and Tactical Commanders have been directed to ensure strict compliance to the directive, with a view to stopping mischief makers and other criminal elements from carrying out their nefarious activities during the Salah celebration.
“Area to be covered includes worship centres, celebration venues and other resorts centres. He directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and Tactical Team Commanders to ensure that mischief makers are stopped from causing any form of mayhem for law abiding citizens.
“The command has deployed a total of 3,532 personnel to ensure a hitch free festival.
“The CP urged the residents to be peaceful and law-abiding while celebrating the Eid-el-Kabir celebration. He wished them well as they celebrate this year’s Muslim festival. The general public were asked to give useful information to the police that produce credible intelligence to curb crime in the state”, it stated.
The statement urged members of the public to be law abiding and continue to support the police in the fight against crime and criminalities, by reporting and furnishing the police with useful information or report any suspicious person/movement through the following emergency numbers: 08033396538, 09014273818 and 08160723982.”
In a related development, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Rivers State Command said it has also deployed 1,620 personnel to protect residents for the 2022 Eid-el-Kabir celebration in the state.
In a statement in Port Harcourt by the Rivers State Command’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), DSC Olufemi Ayodele, said the deployment covers all churches, mosques and other public event centres.
According to the statement, the Rivers State Commandant of NSCDC, Michael Ogar, has directed all Area Divisional Officers across the 23 local government areas of the state to work with other security agencies, stakeholders and traditional rulers to ensure hitch-free Salah celebrations.
“It is a notable fact that criminal minded persons do take advantage of festive seasons to perpetrate their nefarious acts, we must be on top of the game in safeguarding of critical national assets, infrastructure and provisions of adequate security for the good people of Rivers State; the Command Anti-Vandal Squad has been fully briefed on the need to secure the waterways and effect massive arrests of those dealing illegally in petroleum products. Our Intelligence and Undercover team, Counter Terrorism and Arms Squad are to be on red alert; we must justify the trust and confidence of the public in us by discharging our duties with all sense of responsibility and commitment”.
The commandant while wishing Rivers people a peaceful celebration, advised parents and guardians to caution their wards on the type of company they keep, and assured the public that his command will sustain the anti-vandalism war to ensure that all critical assets of the Federal Government are protected.
The statement, however, warned perpetrators of illegal petroleum products deals to desist forthwith or risk being arrested and prosecuted.
The Organised Labour yesterday, called on the Federal Government to ensure inclusiveness in policy making and guide against erosion of rights, such as free speech and association.
The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero made the call at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Eagle’s Square, Abuja.
The Tide source reports Ajaero and the President, Trade Union Congress, Mr Festus Osifo delivered a joint statement on behalf of the organised labour at the event.
Ajaero described May Day as, not only a moment to honour workers’ sacrifices, but also a platform to demand justice and accountability from those in public office.
He frowned at the alleged suppression of protests, and the erosion of rights of workers by some agents
According to him, workers have a duty to resist economic injustice, insecurity, and policies that undermine their dignity.
Speaking on the theme of the day, the NLC President underscored the need for Nigerian workers to reclaim the civic space and resist policies that contribute to worsening economic conditions.
“Our theme this year – “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the midst of Economic Hardship – reflects the urgent need for citizens to protect democracy and push back against repression.
“The civic space, where Nigerians express their concerns and challenge injustices is shrinking.
“If we fail to reclaim this space, the foundation of our democracy risks collapse,” he said
Ajaero, therefore, urged workers to unite and resist division, fear, and despair.
He also urged them to mobilise and organise for change, declaring that the right to demand better conditions is non-negotiable.
“Without workers, there is no society; without labour, there is no development. We must take our place in the fight for economic justice and democratic governance.”
Speaking in the same veins, Osifo said workers are the backbone of the nation—the educators, healthcare providers, builders, farmers, and innovators who sustain its economy -.
He stressed the need for the labour to reclaim the civic space even in the midst of economic hardship.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disassociated itself from a fraudulent site requesting payments from candidates who missed the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The board said that the site, “Copyrightwriter Personal J Rescheduling Flw” and account number 8520641017 at Sterling Bank, associated with it, are scam.
The disclaimer is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by the Board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
Benjamin said the account is being exploited to defraud unsuspecting candidates who missed their UTME.
“We issue this urgent notice to inform the public about this nefarious scheme targeting candidates who were unable to participate in the UTME.
“Some unscrupulous individuals are deceitfully soliciting payments of N15,700 under the false pretence of offering rescheduling services for the examination.
“Let us be unequivocal: this, it is a blatant scam, and we are confident that the public will not fall prey to such cheap and regressive tactics.
” The individuals behind this scam have no affiliation with JAMB or any legitimate government agency.
“The account details provided in these communications are entirely fictitious and bear no connection to any official processes; they exist solely for the purpose of perpetrating fraud,” he said.
Benjamin called on Sterling bank to take immediate and decisive action against this criminal activity.
According to him, JAMB has reported the matter to the relevant security agencies and actively pursuing those responsible for this deceitful act.
He further said that “JAMB does not reschedule examinations for candidates who miss their scheduled tests due to reasons unrelated to the Board’s actions”.
He, however, said that the Board is conducting a thorough investigation for candidates whose biometrics failed during verification and were thus unable to sit for the examination.
He said those without discrepancies would be invited to retake the examination at no cost , stressing that “no cost is required”
“It is imperative to understand that JAMB does not charge any fees for examinations after a candidate has completed their registration.
“We strongly urge all candidates to remain vigilant and not to succumb to these fraudulent schemes.
“Protect yourselves and report any suspicious activity immediately,” he explained.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has expressed its willingness to partner with the United Nations (UN) to accelerate the development of the Niger Delta region.
Dr Samual Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDC, made the appeal in a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, in Port Harcourt on yesterday.
According to the statement, Ogbuku sought the UN’s support during his visit to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (UNRHC), Mr Mohammed Fall, at the UN regional office in Abuja.
He called on the global body to provide the NDDC with technical assistance and expert services to support the region’s development.
“We are eager to collaborate with the UN, recognising that the state governments in the region and the NDDC alone cannot achieve the level of regional development required,” he said.
Ogbuku identified key areas where support would be needed, including the provision of portable and affordable drinking water powered by high-tech solar energy sources.
He also highlighted the importance of reforesting the mangrove swamps, which have been severely damaged by decades of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta.
“Although the NDDC has made progress in providing solar-powered streetlights across the region, we still require UN support in delivering solar energy solutions for residential buildings.
“We also wish to explore the possibility of installing solar mini-grids in homes across communities, which would boost local commerce and trade,” he added.
The NDDC managing director further appealed for increased UN involvement in areas such as healthcare, education, youth training, gender development, and food security.
Ogunku stated that such interventions would significantly enhance the standard of living in the region.
In response, Fall affirmed the UN’s readiness to collaborate with the NDDC to fast track development in the Niger Delta.
He assured that the UN would support initiatives in food security, job creation, education, and renewable energy, among other areas.
“We aim to approach development in the Niger Delta holistically, rather than focusing solely on environmental pollution.
“This is merely an entry point; however, the UN’s development vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are designed to positively impact various aspects of people’s lives,” Fall stated.
He assured the NDDC of continued and fruitful engagements to drive the region’s development.