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Ogun CP Appoints Daramola as Violent Crime Response Unit Commander

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Ogun CP Appoints Daramola as Violent Crime Response Unit Commander

Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, Bode Ojajuni, has appointed CSP Daramola Sunday Thompson as the Commander of the Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU, in line with ongoing reform initiatives of the Inspector-General of Police.

The move, according to the Command, is part of efforts to strengthen tactical operations and enhance coordinated responses to violent crimes across the state, in alignment with the reform agenda of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu.

The appointment followed a rigorous screening process and coincided with the commencement of an orientation programme for selected personnel of the unit. The Commissioner of Police, alongside members of the Command Management Team, participated in the exercise, providing strategic direction and reinforcing the objectives of the reform.

The VCRU is designed as a unified, intelligence-driven unit aimed at improving operational efficiency, professionalism, and accountability in tackling violent crimes.

CSP Daramola Sunday Thompson brings extensive experience to the role, having served in several operational capacities, including Officer-in-Charge of the Anti-Cultism Unit and CP Monitoring Unit in Ogun State Command, as well as Officer-in-Charge of the Anti-Fraud Unit and Anti-Car Theft Unit in Ekiti State Command. He also previously served as Divisional Police Officer of Noyo Division in Ebonyi State.

Ojajuni charged the newly appointed commander to uphold professionalism, discipline, and integrity, while ensuring swift and lawful responses to security challenges.

The development underscores the Ogun State Police Command’s commitment to aligning with national policing reforms and strengthening internal security through specialised, well-coordinated units.

Ogunsan Pledges Welfare Advocacy as Security Operatives, Facilitators Applaud LSSTF Training

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blacktalker
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Ogunsan Pledges Welfare Advocacy as Security Operatives, Facilitators Applaud LSSTF Training

The Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, LSSTF, Ayo Ogunsan, has pledged to champion advocacy for improved welfare of security operatives, including salaries and pensions, as part of a broader effort to strengthen Lagos’ security architecture.

Ogunsan made the commitment at the close of the second batch of the LSSTF’s statewide multi-agency training programme, where participants and facilitators commended the initiative for enhancing professionalism, collaboration, and operational efficiency among security agencies.

He said the Fund would expand its mandate beyond the provision of equipment and training to include policy advocacy on behalf of security personnel, particularly on issues they may be unable to raise within structured command systems.

“I feel that LSSTF should not just give equipment and organise training, but going forward, advocacy on behalf of security agencies should be part of what we do,” Ogunsan said, adding that plans were underway to engage policymakers at federal, state, and local levels on welfare concerns affecting operatives.

The training programme, which brought together personnel from the police, military, paramilitary, and other state security outfits, focused on enhancing professional capacity, ethical standards, and inter-agency collaboration.

One of the lead facilitators, Wale Adeagbo, said the initiative was designed to address real operational gaps identified by the agencies themselves, rather than relying on theoretical assumptions.

According to him, the programme adopts a bottom-up approach to ensure that training directly improves field performance and strengthens the overall security framework in Lagos.

Another facilitator, Sola Akinrinade, emphasised the importance of applying lessons learned, urging participants to translate knowledge into practical outcomes within their respective organisations.

Participants drawn from various agencies described the training as impactful, citing improvements in areas such as inter-agency cooperation, emotional intelligence, financial awareness, and personal well-being.

A naval officer, SLT Oshiro, said the training was both educative and transformative, while a police officer, ASP Isaac Hundeyin, highlighted the importance of collaboration in achieving effective service delivery.

Officers from the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigerian Correctional Service, Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, and other agencies also shared similar feedback, noting that the programme had enhanced their professional outlook and operational mindset.

The LSSTF also recognised outstanding participants during the training, rewarding punctuality and active engagement with cash prizes.

Stakeholders at the event noted that the initiative reflects a shift toward a more integrated and people-centred security model, where capacity building is complemented by institutional support and policy engagement.

With the new advocacy direction, analysts say the LSSTF is positioning itself not only as a provider of logistics and training but also as a voice for security operatives, aimed at fostering a more motivated and resilient workforce across Lagos State.

2027: Call for Rotation in Idemili Federal Constituency Gains Momentum

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blacktalker
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2027: Call for Rotation in Idemili Federal Constituency Gains Momentum

The call for the rotation of the House of Representatives seat in the Idemili Federal Constituency of Anambra State has gained renewed attention ahead of the 2027 general elections, with stakeholders urging adherence to the long-standing zoning arrangement between Idemili North and Idemili South.

The advocacy, championed by aspirant Ifeanyi Metuh, aligns with the broader position of the Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo, who has consistently promoted the principle of power rotation as a tool for equity, stability, and balanced development across the state.

Metuh, in a statement, argued that the zoning arrangement, which has guided political representation in the constituency since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, should be respected to maintain fairness and inclusivity.

According to him, historical data shows a clear imbalance in representation, with Idemili South occupying the House of Representatives seat for a significantly longer period than Idemili North.

A breakdown of representation since 1999 indicates that Idemili South has held the seat for 19 years, while Idemili North has represented the constituency for nine years out of a total of 28 years.

He noted that the current occupant of the seat, representing Idemili South, will complete the tenure in 2027, making it appropriate for the position to rotate to Idemili North in line with established practice.

The call comes amid growing political discussions in Anambra over zoning arrangements, particularly as the state prepares for future electoral cycles. Observers say the principle of rotation has contributed significantly to reducing political tension and ensuring a sense of belonging among different regions.

Governor Soludo has repeatedly cited the rotation of the governorship among the state’s three senatorial districts as a model that has fostered inclusivity and reduced conflict.

Political analysts note that zoning, while not constitutionally mandated, has become a widely accepted convention in Nigeria’s democratic process, helping to balance competing interests in a diverse society.

Metuh warned that abandoning the rotation arrangement in Idemili could create unnecessary tension and disrupt the political balance that has been sustained over the years.

He urged political stakeholders, party leaders, and constituents to uphold the zoning principle, describing it as essential for fairness, peaceful coexistence, and continued development within the constituency.

As political activities gradually build toward the 2027 elections, the debate over zoning and equitable representation is expected to remain a key issue in Idemili Federal Constituency and across Anambra State.

FirstBank Opens New Path to Affordable Homeownership with MREIF Loan

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blacktalker
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FirstBank Opens New Path to Affordable Homeownership with MREIF Loan

For many average Nigerians, owning a home has long remained out of reach due to high interest rates, steep equity requirements, and limited access to long-term financing.

A mortgage solution that reduces these barriers not only makes homeownership possible but also promotes financial stability, wealth creation, and relief from the uncertainties of renting.

This is the opportunity being presented through the MREIF Home Loan introduced by FirstBank of Nigeria in partnership with the Ministry of Finance Incorporated, MOFI.

The mortgage product significantly departs from conventional lending structures in Nigeria, where borrowers often face interest rates of up to 30 per cent and equity contributions of 25 per cent or more.

Under the MREIF scheme, eligible applicants can access loans at a single-digit interest rate of 9.75 per cent per annum, with financing of up to ₦100 million and a repayment tenure of up to 20 years.

These features are designed to ease the financial burden on borrowers, particularly salaried individuals and Nigerians in the diaspora seeking to invest in property at home.

The reduced equity contribution, set at a minimum of 10 per cent, further lowers the barrier to entry, making homeownership more accessible to a broader segment of the population.

Analysts note that improved access to affordable mortgage financing could have far-reaching implications, including increased homeownership rates, reduced housing deficits, and stronger participation in the real estate sector.

By combining lower costs with longer repayment periods, the MREIF Home Loan positions itself as a practical solution to one of Nigeria’s most persistent challenges, affordable housing finance.

Nigeria, Malaysia Customs Deepen Cooperation on Trade, Border Management

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blacktalker
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Nigeria, Malaysia Customs Deepen Cooperation on Trade, Border Management

The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS has strengthened its strategic engagement with the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, RMCD as part of efforts to enhance trade facilitation and modernise border management systems between both countries.

This followed an official visit by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, to the RMCD headquarters on the sidelines of his participation at DSA Malaysia 2026.

The engagement comes amid growing bilateral trade between Nigeria and Malaysia. Data shows Nigeria’s imports from Malaysia rose significantly from ₦159.9 billion in 2020 to ₦716 billion in 2024, with total trade value reaching about ₦1.82 trillion over five years.

Adeniyi was received by the Director-General of RMCD, Amran bin Haji Ahmad, where both officials held high-level discussions on customs modernisation, institutional collaboration, and coordinated border management frameworks.

The Customs boss stressed that the scale of Nigeria–Malaysia trade requires a more structured customs-to-customs partnership, noting that Malaysia remains a key trading partner, supplying products such as crude palm oil, refined palm olein, jet fuel, machinery, and other industrial inputs.

Both countries acknowledged the absence of a formal legal framework guiding customs cooperation despite longstanding trade relations. To bridge this gap, they agreed to initiate processes toward establishing a Mutual Recognition Agreement under the framework of the World Customs Organization.

The proposed agreement is expected to strengthen mutual trust, improve efficiency, and support reciprocal trade facilitation measures.

During the engagement, the Malaysian delegation showcased its evolving border management system, including the establishment of the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS), an integrated frontline border control body.

In response, Adeniyi highlighted the NCS Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme and other trade facilitation initiatives aimed at ensuring predictable cargo clearance, reducing transaction costs, and enhancing regulatory compliance.

Both sides emphasised the importance of deeper collaboration in intelligence sharing, enforcement coordination, and technology-driven border management, particularly in tackling illicit trade and transnational trafficking.

The NCS reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening bilateral and multilateral partnerships as part of its broader modernisation agenda, noting that outcomes from the engagement will boost operational efficiency, enhance trade, and reinforce border security in support of Nigeria’s economic growth objectives.

As part of the visit, Adeniyi also met with officials at the Nigerian Diplomatic Mission and Defence Office in Malaysia, commending their role in advancing Nigeria’s interests abroad.

Allegations Trail Titan Trust Bank’s Acquisition of Union Bank

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blacktalker
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Allegations Trail Titan Trust Bank’s Acquisition of Union Bank

The 2022 acquisition of Union Bank of Nigeria by Titan Trust Bank has come under renewed scrutiny following emerging claims about how the $300 million takeover deal was financed.

At the time, the transaction was widely presented as a landmark move, a relatively young financial institution acquiring one of Nigeria’s oldest banks. However, recent findings circulating in financial and regulatory circles suggest the structure of the deal may have been more complex than initially disclosed.

According to the claims, Titan Trust Bank secured a $300 million facility from African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) to fund the acquisition. While Titan Trust was listed as the borrower, the reports allege that assets linked to Union Bank, including shares and treasury instruments, were used as collateral for the loan.

If substantiated, this would imply that the acquired institution may have been indirectly leveraged to finance its own purchase, an arrangement that raises questions about regulatory compliance and financial governance.

Further allegations suggest that the loan structure could require repayments to be serviced through Union Bank’s financial resources, potentially placing pressure on its balance sheet. Analysts warn that such a structure, if confirmed, could have implications for depositor confidence and systemic stability.

The deal has also drawn attention to the role of regulators at the time. Former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, has been mentioned in connection with the approval process, though no official finding has established wrongdoing.

Industry observers note that Nigerian banking regulations generally restrict the use of borrowed funds for acquisitions of financial institutions, making the allegations particularly sensitive.

By the third quarter of 2025, reports indicate that macroeconomic pressures, including exchange rate volatility and rising interest costs, may have significantly increased the exposure tied to the facility, with estimates suggesting it exceeded ₦500 billion.

Separately, governance concerns intensified in January 2024 when the CBN dissolved the board and management of Union Bank, a decision that is currently subject to legal challenge.

Ownership structures surrounding Titan Trust Bank have also come under scrutiny, with links to offshore entities and investors such as Rahul Savara and Cornelius Vink drawing attention.

As of now, neither Titan Trust Bank nor Union Bank has publicly confirmed the specific allegations regarding the financing structure. Regulatory authorities have also yet to issue a detailed public report addressing the claims.

The unfolding situation raises broader questions about transparency, regulatory oversight, and risk management within Nigeria’s banking sector, issues that analysts say will likely remain in focus as more details emerge.

AON Hails Dangote Refinery as Supplier of 95% of Nigeria’s Jet Fuel

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blacktalker
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AON Hails Dangote Refinery as Supplier of 95% of Nigeria’s Jet Fuel

The Airlines Operators of Nigeria, AON has described the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals as a critical backbone of Nigeria’s aviation industry, revealing that the facility currently supplies over 95 per cent of the Jet A1 fuel consumed across the country.

AON also disclosed that the refinery exported about 1.1 billion litres of aviation fuel to Europe between March and April 20, underscoring its growing influence in both domestic and international markets.

Speaking during a televised interview, AON spokesperson Obiora Okonkwo said the refinery’s output has been instrumental in sustaining airline operations amid global supply disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East and rising fuel costs.

“It is a matter of fact that over 95 per cent of aviation fuel supplied across the country comes from the Dangote refinery. To airline operators in Nigeria, Dangote is not just a refinery; it is a game changer and, indeed, a lifesaver,” he said.

Despite the steady supply, Okonkwo noted that airlines are grappling with severe operational pressures due to soaring Jet A1 prices, which he attributed to inefficiencies and alleged sharp practices within the downstream distribution chain.

According to him, some marketers are creating artificial scarcity despite adequate supply from the refinery, resulting in disproportionate price increases. He revealed that airline operators have experienced price hikes of up to 300 per cent since the onset of the Middle East crisis.

“We consider this exploitation. The refinery has not indicated any shortage, yet we are witnessing artificial scarcity and unjustifiable price increases. What airlines pay does not reflect depot prices,” he added.

Echoing similar concerns, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, described the situation as troubling, particularly as the Dangote refinery continues to offer comparatively lower prices.

“The truth is that marketers must be called to account. How do prices rise by as much as 300 per cent when Dangote’s supply remains the cheapest and some marketers source directly from the refinery?” Onyema queried.

Meanwhile, the refinery’s international footprint continues to expand. Industry data indicate that it exported approximately 876,000 metric tonnes of jet fuel to Europe within the period under review, about 456,000 tonnes in March and an additional 420,000 tonnes by April 20.

The export performance highlights the refinery’s increasing production capacity and logistics efficiency, positioning Nigeria as an emerging player in the global downstream oil and gas market, while also strengthening domestic energy security.

Ogun CP, FUMMS VC Move to Strengthen Security Collaboration in Abeokuta

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blacktalker
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Ogun CP, FUMMS VC Move to Strengthen Security Collaboration in Abeokuta

The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, has reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to ensuring a safe and secure environment for academic institutions.

This follow a strategic meeting with the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences (FUMMS), Abeokuta, Prof. Fatiu Abiola Arogundade.

The Vice Chancellor, accompanied by members of his management team, paid a courtesy visit to the Police Command Headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta, where discussions centred on strengthening collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and the university.

Both parties emphasised the need for sustained partnership in safeguarding students, staff, and critical infrastructure within the university community. Key areas of focus included proactive security measures and enhanced intelligence sharing to address emerging threats and maintain peace on campus.

CP Ojajuni commended the university leadership for the visit and reiterated the Command’s readiness to support academic activities through effective policing and collaboration.

He assured that the Police would continue to work closely with educational institutions across the state to promote a peaceful environment conducive to learning and academic excellence.

LSSTF Expands Multi-Agency Training to Strengthen Security Coordination in Lagos

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LSSTF Expands Multi-Agency Training to Strengthen Security Coordination in Lagos

The Lagos State Security Trust Fund, LSSTF has intensified efforts to reform Lagos’ security architecture with the commencement of the second batch of its statewide multi-agency training programme for operatives.

The training, held between April 22 and 23, 2026, builds on the inaugural session conducted earlier and forms part of a broader initiative to equip over 1,000 personnel across security and law enforcement agencies with enhanced professional and operational capacity.

The programme, themed “Enhancing Professional Capacity, Ethical Standards and Inter-Agency Collaboration for Effective Security Operations,” underscores a shift towards a more intelligence-driven, coordinated, and proactive security framework in the state.

Participants were drawn from multiple agencies including the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Nigeria Immigration Service, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency, and Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, among others.

Speaking at the opening, LSSTF Executive Secretary/CEO, Ayodele Ogunsan, emphasised that modern security challenges require collaboration rather than isolated efforts.

He noted that the training was designed to improve communication, intelligence sharing, and coordinated responses among agencies, stressing that no single institution can effectively manage security threats alone.

Ogunsan urged participants to treat the programme as a strategic opportunity to enhance professionalism and operational effectiveness, warning that agencies that fail to maximise such initiatives risk losing future training allocations.

Also speaking, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Tijani Olaiwola Fatai, described the initiative as timely, noting that effective security is driven not just by equipment but by the discipline, mindset, and competence of personnel.

Other stakeholders, including the Commander of the 651 Base Services Group of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Muhammed Imam, highlighted the importance of unity and structured collaboration, warning that gaps in coordination create opportunities for criminal elements.

The training also featured presentations on preventive security strategies, including the LSSTF Campaign Against Crime, Cultism and Other Vices (CACCOV), aimed at reducing criminal tendencies through community engagement and awareness.

Facilitators for the programme included Professor Oka Obono and Dr. Diya Ololade, who led sessions focused on intelligence, ethics, and modern security practices.

The LSSTF said the initiative reflects its long-term commitment to building a responsive, professional, and integrated security system capable of addressing Lagos’ evolving security landscape.

NSCDC Lagos Command Honours CSC Ekunola for Operational Excellence

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blacktalker
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NSCDC Lagos Command Honours CSC Ekunola for Operational Excellence

The Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC has presented a letter of commendation to Chief Superintendent of Corps, CSC, Gbenga Ekunola in recognition of his outstanding operational performance.

The State Commandant, Adedotun Keshinro, made the presentation during a strategic training forum held on April 21, 2026, aimed at strengthening the capacity of Area Commanders and Divisional Officers on the Corps’ mandates.

Ekunola, who serves as the Divisional Officer in Badagry, was honoured for his role in recent crime-fighting successes, particularly the busting of an illegal baby factory operation in the area.

The breakthrough, according to the Command, was achieved through effective community engagement, teamwork, and the deployment of credible intelligence.

Keshinro noted that the recognition aligns with the directive of the Commandant General of the Corps, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, to reward personnel who demonstrate professionalism, courage, and dedication in the discharge of their duties.

The Commandant also commended several departments and units, including Intelligence and Investigation, Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, Operations, Armed Squad, Agro Rangers, Legal, and Private Guard Companies, as well as various area commands and divisions for their contributions to operational and administrative successes across the state.

He highlighted achievements such as improved prosecution outcomes, acquisition of operational assets, and enhanced service delivery within different formations.

Keshinro urged officers to remain committed, resilient, and focused in carrying out their responsibilities, assuring that diligence and excellence would continue to be recognised.

The Lagos NSCDC Command reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening security operations and maintaining public safety across the state.

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