news

Tinubu Vows to Crush Banditry, Links Security to Livestock Reforms

Published

9 months ago

February 9, 2026

President Bola Tinubu promises to defeat banditry and terrorism in Nigeria, linking security challenges to livestock reforms during the National Economic Council conference in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu on Monday described banditry and terrorism as alien to Nigerian culture and a major economic hindrance requiring urgent solutions.

Also read: US Condemns Kwara Massacre, Praises Tinubu’s Response

He pledged that his administration would strengthen security forces to eliminate the menace.

Speaking at the opening of the two-day National Economic Council (NEC) conference at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, Tinubu said:

“This banditry and terrorism are unacceptable. It is not part of our culture. It is foreign to us. It is an economic hindrance if we do not find an immediate solution to it.”

The President’s remarks come in the wake of deadly bandit attacks across multiple states, including the February 3 massacre in Woro and Nuku communities of Kaiama LGA, Kwara State, where at least 162 residents were killed.

In Katsina State, bandits killed at least 20 people in Doma communities on the same day after a collapsed peace arrangement.

Tinubu commended governors of Borno and Katsina states, among others, for their efforts in combating insecurity.

He also linked security challenges to his administration’s livestock reforms, emphasizing that the NEC conference must produce actionable resolutions on ranching, livestock investment, and agricultural diversification as a pathway to ending farmer-herder conflicts:

“I’m confident that the resolution of this conference will include dairy farming, livestock investment, ranches, and diversification of our agricultural produce. I promise you here, I will play my part. I promise Nigeria that this will be delivered.”

The President’s remarks follow his December 10, 2025 directive to Vice President Kashim Shettima and the NEC to develop a roadmap for transforming Nigeria’s livestock sector through ranching. A Livestock Development Committee, chaired by Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris, was inaugurated to fast-track nationwide reforms.

The NEC conference, themed “Delivering Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development: The Renewed Hope National Development Plan,” is scheduled for February 9–10, 2026, and will address fiscal coordination, investment mobilisation, and shared development strategies between federal and state governments.

Also read: Uzodimma Rallies APC for Tinubu’s 2027 Re-election

State governors, top government officials, development partners, and private-sector leaders are participating as the Federal Government works to deepen reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

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crime

Police Arrest Convicted Drug Dealer, Rescue 14-Year-Old Boy in Bauchi

Published

1 hour ago

October 27, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

Bauchi drug dealer arrest leads to the rescue of a 14-year-old boy allegedly used as a drug courier and the recovery of suspected illicit substances

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a 22-year-old convicted drug dealer and rescued a 14-year-old boy who was allegedly being used to deliver illicit drugs in the state.

Also read: NRS Assures Taxpayers VAT Remains at 7.5% Amid Tax Reform Concerns

The command said operatives of its Violent Crimes Response Unit intercepted the teenager during a routine patrol and recovered a granular whitish substance suspected to be methamphetamine.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday.

According to Habib, the operatives, led by the unit’s officer-in-charge, intercepted the minor, identified as Samuel Nkemakolan Kosi, at about 11 am on October 26, 2026, while he was allegedly on his way to deliver the suspected drug, also known as Ice, to a customer.

The statement said the teenager told investigators that he had been sent by Samuel Ogochukwu, a 22-year-old convicted drug dealer, to make the delivery.

“Upon interrogation, the minor confessed that he was sent by one Samuel Ogochukwu, 22 years old, a convicted drug dealer, to make the delivery,” Habib said.

Following the information, detectives traced Ogochukwu to his location and arrested him.

A search of the suspect’s shop and residence reportedly led to the recovery of 3.5 grammes of a substance suspected to be methamphetamine, 17 sachets of 100mg tramadol capsules, five sachets of 300mg pregabalin capsules and seven sachets of diazepam.

The police also recovered 12 Exol tablets, two wraps of a substance known as Yellow Boys and one sachet of Shine Shine Leather.

Habib said the principal suspect told investigators that he received supplies of illicit drugs through waybills from Onitsha, Anambra State.

The police spokesman added that the 14-year-old had been handled in accordance with juvenile best practices and would be reunited with his family after counselling.

“The 14-year-old minor has been handled in line with juvenile best practices and will be reunited with his family after counselling, while the principal suspect will be charged to court upon completion of investigation,” the statement said.

The Commissioner of Police in Bauchi State, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, commended the operatives for their work and urged the public to remain alert to criminal activity.

According to Habib, the commissioner said four major drug busts and subsequent convictions recorded within 10 days demonstrated the command’s continued efforts to combat drug trafficking.