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Security Agencies Apprehend 2,678 Suspects In June
The Strategic Communication Interagency Policy Committee (SCIPC) say, the law enforcement agencies have apprehended a total of 2,678 suspects for various offences across the country in June.
SCIPC is a committee of the spokespersons for the military, police, intelligence and response agencies set up by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
The update was presented at a news conference by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in Abuja, yesterday.
Adejobi said that a total number of 93 kidnap victims had been rescued unhurt and reunited with their families, and recovery of 144 firearms and 3031 ammunition within the period was recorded.
He said a team of detectives from the State Intelligence Department (SID), FCT Police Command, had on June 13, apprehended six suspects who specialise in sales of registered SIM cards to criminals.
According to him, the suspects operate with other people’s identity to avoid being traced or tracked.
He said that more than 1,100 already registered SIM cards, three registration machines and other gadgets were recovered from the suspects.
Adejobi said that operatives of the FCT command also apprehended one Ikechukwu Didi (54) a male from Enugu State who specialises in gun running and recovered seven automatic pump action short guns.
He added that a total of 1,000 rounds of live cartridges were recovered from the suspect that would soon be arraigned in court.
He said the police made significant strides, arresting suspects involved in the Ekiti killings and the mastermind of the 2012 Ado-Ekiti jailbreak on June 26.
“On June 30, one Nigerian and three Indian Nationals were kidnapped by unknown kidnappers at Ikenne area of Ogun state under heavy firing.
“They were later rescued unhurt by the Police while two of the kidnappers were neutralised after a fierce gun duel with operatives who stormed their camp.
“Recovered items include: 109 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 5 AK 47 rifles, Eight AK 47 magazines, Two cell phones.
“Equally, on June 13, operatives of the NPF-NCC arrested three suspects who hacked JAMB website granting fake admissions letters to candidates, which were used to secure admission into tertiary institutions and mobilization into NYSC illegally.
“The arrest also led to the recovery of four domain websites used by the suspects.
“The suspects have been charged to court while efforts are on to clamp down on other similar syndicate,’’ he said.
Adejobi said that four suspected illegal miners were on June 17, apprehended in Anambra, showcasing the government’s unyielding efforts to combat illegal mining activities.
According to him, the Federal Government has unveiled 350 additional operatives on June 14, to bolster mining marshals, demonstrating its commitment to tackling illegal mining activities.
Dr Peter Afunanya, Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Department of State Services (DSS), said the agency had been proactive in providing intelligence in tackling the security challenges confronting the nation.
Afunanya said that the service had also engaged in several combat operations to deter criminals from committing mayhem in some parts of the country, calling on all Nigerians to support the fight against insecurity.
The Spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service, ACC Abubakar Umar, debunked the allegation that the service had denied the detained Binance official, access to medical care.
Umar said the responsibility of the service was unique as a security agency by keeping away those who are in conflict with the law.
“We don’t just dwell only on their reformation and rehabilitation, but we have a robust healthcare system because if you check the morbidity rates and the mortality rate in our custodial centers, I will say is 0.1 per cent.
“For binance chief, he is not under any serious health condition, he is fine with us, and he will continue to be fine with us,’’ he said.
On his part, the Spokesperson for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFFC), Mr Dele Oyewale, said the planned protest by some groups had a potential of violence and underlying motives.
He accused those being investigated and prosecuted by the commission of making efforts to discredit the anti-graft agency.
According to him, about 259 civil society organizations have come out publicly to say that they are not going to support the protest, saying their moral base was totally wicked.
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Rivers Govt Hails Anglican Church’s Role In Peace, Development
The Rivers State Government has commended the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) for its outstanding contributions to the development of Rivers State, particularly in the areas of peacebuilding, education, healthcare, and moral development.
Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, stated that the Church has remained a dependable partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, moral discipline, and social harmony across society.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, made the remarks during the thanksgiving service marking the 30th Anniversary and First Session of the 11th Synod of the Diocese of Niger Delta North, held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church on Sunday.
Governor Fubara described the Synod’s theme, “Kingdom Advancement: The Priority of Every Believer,” as timely and relevant, considering the prevailing realities in society.
According to him, the Church continues to play a vital role in shaping societal values and inspiring hope among citizens.
“The Church remains a vital partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, and moral discipline. Its role in shaping values and inspiring hope cannot be overemphasized,” he stated.
The Governor further acknowledged the Anglican Communion’s contributions in education, healthcare delivery, youth empowerment, humanitarian services, and spiritual guidance across communities in Rivers State.
“The Rivers State Government appreciates the invaluable contributions of the Anglican Communion in education, healthcare, youth development, humanitarian support, and spiritual guidance. Your impact across communities in Rivers State continues to strengthen families and promote peaceful coexistence among our people,” he added.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous Rivers State where all citizens can thrive irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or social background.
He also urged the Synod to continue praying for sustainable development and progress in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
Earlier in his sermon, the Guest Minister, Joseph Olushola, spoke on the topic, “Kingdom Investment and Internal Rewards,” urging Christians to remain faithful stewards of God’s blessings and committed to advancing God’s kingdom through service and generosity.
The cleric emphasized that believers are custodians of the virtues and resources entrusted to them by God, stressing that divine rewards are based on faithfulness and impact rather than material possessions.
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Shell, MAN Back Rivers’ Drive For Expanded Gas Supply To Industries
The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.
The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.
Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.
He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.
“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.
Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.
He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.
Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.
He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.
According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.
Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.
He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.
The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.
By; Kevin Nengia
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Odu Charges Newlyweds To Build Marriage On Love
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, has charged newlywed couples to build their marriages on the virtues of love and submission as taught in the Word of God.
Prof. Odu gave the charge at the wedding ceremony of Amblessed Favour Sunny-Cookey and Samson Jesuganji at Lifegate Power Ministries, Dominion Cathedral, in Port Harcourt on Saturday, 16th May 2026.
The Deputy Governor congratulated the couple on beginning a new phase of life together and prayed for God’s blessings upon their union, noting that the couple had been raised by godly parents and encouraged them to uphold the Christian values instilled in them.
Referring to the sermon delivered during the ceremony, Prof. Odu emphasized that the principles of love and submission remain fundamental to a successful marriage.
According to her, genuine love reflects the nature of God, stressing that love should remain the foundation of the couple’s relationship as they journey through life together.
Prof. Odu further prayed for enduring peace, happiness, and progress in the home, expressing confidence that the marriage would continue to flourish under God’s guidance.
The Deputy Governor also commended the families of the couple for their support and upbringing, while urging the newlyweds to always remember the significance of the day and the commitment they had made before God and witnesses.
In his sermon at the wedding, the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, stated that marriage did not originate from Western culture, traditions, or human ideas, but from God, whom he described as the “manufacturer” of marriage.
According to the cleric, couples seeking lasting and peaceful homes must rely on biblical principles rather than societal trends or assumptions.
He explained that many marital crises and rising divorce rates stem from ignorance and failure to apply scriptural teachings in family life.
Drawing from the biblical parable of building a house on a rock, Pastor Ibiyeomie said the Word of God remains the only solid foundation capable of sustaining marriages through challenges and difficult times.
He noted that marriage naturally comes with unexpected realities and pressures, stressing that religious ceremonies or cultural practices alone are not enough to sustain a home without proper understanding of God’s instructions.
The pastor further warned that ignorance of scripture remains one of the greatest weapons against believers, urging Christians to study and practice the Word of God rather than merely attending church services.
It would be recalled that the bride is the daughter of Pastor Sunny Cookey the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Lifegate Ministries. The Ceremony had lots of Ministers in attendance which includes Apostle Zilly Aggrey, Pastor George Izunwa, and Bishop Winston Iwo
