Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Category: Security

  • NDLEA in Adamawa reports 1.3 tonnes seized and 150 arrests in December crackdown

    NDLEA in Adamawa reports 1.3 tonnes seized and 150 arrests in December crackdown

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-20 10:30:00

    Based on reports carried by The Harmattan News, the NDLEA in Adamawa says it seized 1,396.5kg of narcotics and arrested 150 suspects during December operations.

    The command attributed the figures to enforcement sweeps and urged communities to report dealers, framing the push as a youth-protection campaign.

    While the numbers are significant, longer-term impact depends on prosecution, intelligence-led targeting of financiers, and consistent interdiction across borders and interstate routes.

    Alabingo repeated the briefing, quoting officials that the update was disclosed at a press conference in Yola, while Harmattan News also reported NDLEA “has seized 1,396.5 kg of narcotics and arrested 150 suspects.”

    Echotitbits take:
    Big seizures make headlines, but outcomes matter: track court cases, asset forfeitures, and whether syndicate leaders—not only couriers—are being identified. Also watch prevention work in hotspots.

    Source: The Harmattan News — December 20, 2025 (https://www.theharmattannews.com/ndlea-seizes-1396-5-kg-of-narcotics-arrests-150-suspects-in-adamawa/)
    The Harmattan News 2025-12-20

  • EFCC refinery investigation drags on as Nigerians press for named suspects and charges

    EFCC refinery investigation drags on as Nigerians press for named suspects and charges

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-21 00:40:00

    Reporting by The Punch indicates the EFCC’s probe into alleged mismanagement of billions allocated to state refinery rehabilitation remains unresolved months after invitations and reported recoveries, with no suspects arraigned.

    The report says investigators are looking at how funds for Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna refineries were spent without commensurate improvements in output, as civil society groups warn delays deepen perceptions of selective enforcement.

    In the piece, advocacy groups argue prolonged silence can weaken public confidence and create room for interference, while the economic cost of non-performing refineries remains a recurring policy sore point.

    BusinessDay reported the EFCC opened investigations into alleged abuse of office and misappropriation tied to refinery funds, describing it as “an investigation into alleged abuse of office and misappropriation of funds.” The Punch also quoted an anti-corruption advocate urging action, saying, “It baffles us that nothing has been heard from the EFCC after over six months.”

    Echotitbits take:
    The credibility marker is court action: charges filed, defendants named, and a clear recovery/prosecution track. Watch for any formal arraignments, asset recovery disclosures, and whether NNPCL’s governance reforms alter how such projects are procured and audited.

    Source: The Punch — December 21, 2025 (https://punchng.com/nnpc-refinery-probe-drags-as-efcc-keeps-mum-on-suspects/)
    The Punch 2025-12-21

  • US jury convicts Nigerian man in $7.5m charity fraud case as DOJ outlines sentence exposure

    US jury convicts Nigerian man in $7.5m charity fraud case as DOJ outlines sentence exposure

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-20 14:20:00

    According to The Punch, a Nigerian national, Olusegun Adejorin, was convicted in a US federal court of defrauding two charities of more than $7.5 million, with prosecutors citing wire fraud, identity theft and unauthorised computer access.

    The report says the scheme involved compromising email accounts, impersonating staff, and manipulating withdrawal approvals to divert funds to accounts not linked to the charities.

    US authorities say Adejorin was extradited from Ghana, and sentencing is expected in 2026, with potential penalties that include lengthy prison terms for multiple counts.

    In its press release, the US Department of Justice said the defendant “faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for each of the five counts of wire fraud.” TheCable also reported the conviction and noted he was found guilty after a six-day trial for “wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and unauthorised access to a protected computer.”

    Echotitbits take:
    Expect NGOs and payment providers to tighten verification and anti-fraud controls, which can increase friction for legitimate transactions. Watch for sentencing, restitution orders, and whether investigators identify co-conspirators or linked networks.

    Source: The Punch — December 20, 2025 (https://punchng.com/court-convicts-nigerian-of-7-5m-charity-fraud-in-us/)
    The Punch 2025-12-20

  • Zelensky urges stronger US pressure on Russia as new talks format is floated

    Zelensky urges stronger US pressure on Russia as new talks format is floated

    Photo Credit: The Punch

    2025-12-20 19:15:00

    Reporting by The Punch indicates Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky says only the United States has enough leverage to pressure Russia toward ending the war, as diplomats hold renewed discussions on possible talks.

    Zelensky’s comments reflect Kyiv’s insistence that negotiations must be backed by meaningful pressure—sanctions, security guarantees, and sustained military support—rather than vague concessions or frozen conflict lines.

    The statement comes amid signals of a US-proposed talks format that could include Ukraine, the US and Russia, with possible European participation, though Zelensky voiced skepticism about quick breakthroughs.

    Reuters quoted Zelensky calling for pressure, saying, “America must clearly say: if not diplomacy, then there will be full pressure.” AFP also reported Zelensky urged Washington to “put more pressure on Russia,” linking his remarks to fresh talks in Miami.

    Echotitbits take:
    Ukraine is signalling that any deal must be enforceable and backed by deterrence. Watch the next US steps on sanctions, arms deliveries, and whether the proposed talks format becomes formalised with agreed agendas and timelines.

    Source: The Punch — December 20, 2025 (https://punchng.com/zelensky-says-only-us-can-pressure-russia-to-end-war/)
    The Punch 2025-12-20

  • Auchi tanker blast injures residents as fire spreads through spilled fuel

    Auchi tanker blast injures residents as fire spreads through spilled fuel

    Photo Credit: Vanguard / File
    2025-12-18 10:00:00

    Vanguard reports that a fuel tanker crash in Auchi, Edo State triggered a dangerous fire that left multiple people injured and caused damage around the impact area.

    The account points to a spill scenario where fuel fed the flames, forcing responders to focus on evacuation, containment and treatment of casualties.

    Verification: The Guardian (Nigeria) and The Whistler (citing NEMA) also reported the incident and the scale of injuries.

    Quotes: The Guardian: “no fewer than 25 persons sustained varying degrees of injuries…” The Whistler: “the incident occurred… when a tanker reportedly lost control…”

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: This is a recurring national safety failure: weak haulage standards, poor road design and weak route control. Watch for enforcement on tanker safety, speed limits, and safer transport corridors—beyond condolence statements.

    Source: Vanguard — 2025-12-18 — https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/12/scores-injured-as-tanker-explosion-rocks-auchi/

    Vanguard 2025-12-18

  • Military foils Mandara Mountains infiltration attempt near Bitta

    Military foils Mandara Mountains infiltration attempt near Bitta

    Photo Credit: Channels TV / File
    2025-12-18 11:00:00

    Vanguard reports that Nigerian troops under Operation Hadin Kai thwarted an early-morning infiltration attempt by insurgents operating from the Mandara Mountains, with multiple fighters neutralised.

    The incident involved surveillance-led detection and a rapid response that prevented militants from gaining a foothold around the Bitta axis.

    Verification: Channels TV and The Sun also reported the operation and described it as a foiled attack/infiltration attempt.

    Quotes: Channels TV: “thwarted an early-morning attempt… to infiltrate Bitta…” The Sun: “neutralising a top commander… and others.”

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: Tactical wins matter, but communities judge security by reopened roads, safe farms and fewer abductions. Watch for holding operations and civilian protection—not just headline casualty figures.

    Source: Vanguard — 2025-12-18 — https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/12/troops-kill-top-boko-haram-commander-foil-terrorists-infiltration-in-bitta-mandara-mountains/

    Vanguard 2025-12-18

  • South Africa arrests four traffic officers after Nigerian man is shot dead during stop

    South Africa arrests four traffic officers after Nigerian man is shot dead during stop

    Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
    2025-12-18 12:00:00

    Punch reports that a Nigerian national, identified as Osinakachukwu Marcus Onu, was shot dead on the N12 in Klerksdorp during a traffic operation, with four traffic officers arrested in connection with the incident.

    The case has intensified diaspora safety concerns and renewed attention to policing conduct in roadside operations.

    Verification: IOL reported the arrests tied to the fatal shooting, while TimesLIVE reported the officers’ court appearance and bail outcome.

    Quotes: IOL: “Four traffic police officers… have been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting…” TimesLIVE: “…were denied bail when they appeared…”

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: Beyond the tragedy, this is a consular responsiveness test. Watch for Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement, transparent updates, and support pathways for the family as the case moves through South Africa’s courts.

    Source: The Punch — 2025-12-18 — https://punchng.com/safrican-police-shoot-nigerian-man-dead-at-traffic-stop/

    The Punch 2025-12-18

  • FG orders phased reopening of 47 Unity Schools shut over insecurity

    FG orders phased reopening of 47 Unity Schools shut over insecurity

    Photo Credit: The Guardian Nigeria News

    2025-12-18 13:00:00

    The Nation reports that the Federal Government has directed the reopening of 47 Unity Schools previously closed due to insecurity, signalling a push to restore learning under strengthened safety arrangements.

    The return is expected to be phased, with security readiness and local risk context shaping how quickly each school fully resumes.

    Verification: Premium Times and PulseWire also reported the reopening directive and the security-driven context behind earlier closures.

    Quotes: Premium Times: “FG announces reopening of 47 unity schools…” PulseWire: “UPDATED: FG Announces Reopening Of 47 Unity Schools…”

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: Reopening is only step one. Watch for measurable protection: perimeter hardening, early-warning networks, rapid response protocols and sustained funding—without turning schools into conflict zones.

    Source:

    The Guardian Nigeria News

    — 2025-12-18 — https://guardian.ng/education/insecurity-fg-reopens-47-unity-schools/

    The Guardian Nigeria News

    2025-12-18

  • Stakeholders warn Senate against death-penalty option in kidnapping bill

    Stakeholders warn Senate against death-penalty option in kidnapping bill

    Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
    2025-12-18 17:00:00

    The Nation reports that stakeholders at a Senate hearing pushed back against proposals to introduce death penalty provisions for kidnapping, citing legal, rights and implementation concerns.

    Critics argue deterrence is unlikely if conviction rates remain low, and that reforms should prioritise investigation quality, prosecution capacity and victim protection.

    Verification: Premium Times and Channels TV also reported the public hearing and documented opposition from the AGF, NBA and other groups.

    Quotes: Premium Times: “AGF, NBA, others oppose death penalty for kidnapping…” Channels TV: “raised concerns… at the public hearing…”

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: Nigeria’s crisis is less about harsh laws and more about weak enforcement. Watch the final Senate wording and whether the bill strengthens investigations, forensics and witness protection without expanding punitive powers that can be abused.

    Source: The Nation — 2025-12-18 — https://thenationonlineng.net/stakeholders-oppose-death-penalty-for-kidnapping/

    The Nation 2025-12-18

  • Burkina Faso Releases Nigerian Air Force Crew After Emergency Landing Talks

    Burkina Faso Releases Nigerian Air Force Crew After Emergency Landing Talks

    2025-12-18 00:00:00

    In a report carried by Punch, Burkina Faso has released Nigerian Air Force personnel detained after a military aircraft made an emergency landing, following diplomatic engagement between both countries.

    The development, according to the report, followed high-level talks led by Nigeria’s foreign affairs officials, with authorities seeking to de-escalate what had become a sensitive regional incident.

    The aircraft, Punch notes, was en route for scheduled maintenance when the emergency diversion occurred—an episode that unfolded amid broader tensions in the Sahel region.

    The Associated Press quoted a spokesperson as saying, “Matters have been resolved, they are no longer detained,” while noting that the incident had triggered heightened security posture in the Sahel alliance. (AP)

    The Guardian earlier described the landing as an “unauthorised” incident that deepened a diplomatic standoff and fuelled conflicting reports about the troops’ status. (The Guardian)

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: The quick resolution underscores how fragile airspace and security incidents can become in West Africa’s current climate. Watch for whether this episode leads to new protocols on military transit, clearer regional deconfliction channels, and re-calibrated Nigeria–Sahel alliance engagement.

    Source: Punch — December 18, 2025 (https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/843935-burkina-faso-frees-detained-nigerian-soldiers.html)

    Photo credit: Premium Times