Category Nigeria News

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has defended its operational tactics, saying the agency can forcefully enter premises to effect arrests for those suspected of committing financial crimes. 

“Look, if I had to break down a door for me to effect an arrest, I would do that. And you see the FBI do that, you see NCA do that,” the chairman of the commission, Ola Olukoyede, said during an exclusive interview with Channels Television aired on Sunday Politics. “So why is our law different?” 

The EFCC has been under intense criticism for its mode of operation, especially when arresting suspected cyber criminals. 

READ ALSO: [Alleged Corruption] EFCC Not Witch-Hunting Malami, Opposition Politicians — Olukayode

Critics accuse the EFCC of unprofessionalism, arguing that similar agencies abroad adopt more refined approaches to arresting suspects.

However, Olukoyede says the anti-graft agency is working in line with global best practices and is calling for cooperation from Nigerians. 

“It’s important for us to appreciate the institutions we have in Nigeria and make them work. Foreigners will not do it for us,” the EFCC chief said during the interview. 

“We have had calls to carry out operations with our counterparts abroad — the FBI, the NCA — and the records are there. Professionally, we have been given laws in respect to professionalism. I, as a person, have been to so many countries. 

“I have had cause to receive the Director of the FBI in my office to acknowledge what we do here — again, from America — to acknowledge our work.

“So if foreigners acknowledge what we do, what about Nigerians? Why can’t we allow these institutions to survive? If we have been complaining that corruption is our problem, look, nobody is perfect.

“You are not going to get a perfect institution anywhere in the world. We have our shortcomings, but with our modest achievements, Nigerians should support us because what we do is for Nigeria. It is for the progress of this country.”

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, is attending a church service to mark the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at St. Cyprian’s Anglican Church, Port Harcourt.

Also in attendance is his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, and other senior government officials.

The service marked the first public appearance of Governor Fubara and his deputy since fresh impeachment proceedings were initiated against the Governor on Thursday by the Rivers State House of Assembly.

READ ALSO: Rivers Assembly Confirms Impeachment Notices Served To Gov Fubara, Deputy

The latest move represents the third impeachment attempt against the Governor in less than three years.

The Armed Forces Remembrance Day church service is being held in honour of fallen Nigerian servicemen and women who paid the supreme price in defence of the nation’s unity and sovereignty, as well as to pray for the repose of their souls and the safety of those still in active service.

The Edo State Government has reiterated its strong commitment to the safety and security of the lives and property of residents of the state, declaring that decisive measures are already yielding results in the fight against kidnapping, cultism, and other criminal activities.

According to a Saturday statement signed by Dr Patrick Ebojele, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo stated this while addressing growing public concerns over security.

Okpebholo emphasised that his administration has made massive investments in modern security apparatus, intelligence gathering, and inter-agency collaboration to confront criminal elements head-on.

The governor affirmed that the issue of kidnapping is being seriously and strategically addressed, noting that security operations are ongoing across the state.

He stressed that security matters are sensitive and not always suitable for public debate, as premature disclosures could undermine operational effectiveness.

READ ALSO: Okpebholo Decries ‘Lack Of Transparency’ In MOWAA Project

While stating that the government respects the constitutional right of citizens to peaceful protest, Governor Okpebholo warned against attempts by unscrupulous individuals or groups to exploit public sentiments to destabilise the peace and security of the state.

“This administration will not allow criminals or their sponsors to take Edo State hostage. Anyone involved in kidnapping, cultism, or any form of criminality will be tracked down and brought to justice. There will be no hiding place for perpetrators,” he stated.

The governor urged residents to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding, and to continue with their normal daily activities, assuring them that the government is firmly in control of the security situation.

Okpebholo reaffirmed his determination to win the battle against crime and restore lasting peace across Edo State, calling on citizens to support security agencies by providing useful information and refusing to shield criminals in their communities.

Doctors in Edo State have halted medical services across parts of the 18 local government areas as they continue their strike action over the abduction of one of their colleagues, Dr Ibrahim Babatunde.

Despite assurances from security agencies that efforts to secure his release are ongoing, the doctors said they could no longer work under an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty.

The industrial action sparked concern among patients and their families, many of whom are now bearing the brunt of the disruption.

A relative of a patient who recently underwent an amputation described the strike as distressing, given the critical condition of their loved one.

READ ALSO: 25 Abducted Children Rescued In Plateau

Speaking to Channels Television, the Chairman of the Association of Resident Doctors at Edo Specialist Hospital, Benin City, Dr Paul Evbuomwan, expressed concern over the constant threat health workers face.

He called on security agencies to intensify efforts to protect both medical personnel and residents across the state.

The strike has left many hospitals operating at minimal capacity, raising fears over the provision of essential medical care in the state.

Security concerns over the safety of health workers has rise over the years, worsened by the spate of abductions in the country.

In November 2025, a consultant neurosurgeon, Dr Tochukwu Mbanugo, with the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Anambra State, was kidnapped by Gunmen.

Reports from NAUTH indicated that the doctor was attacked around Omatha Junction, Uruagu, Nnewi, after performing several complex neurosurgical operations.

The Rivers Elders and Leadership Forum has expressed concern and condemned the impeachment notice issued against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, by members of the Rivers House of Assembly.

The position of the elders was contained in a statement signed by the Acting Chairman of the forum, Alabo Dr. G. T. G. Toby.

According to the statement issued on Friday, the elders said impeachment is a “serious constitutional process” and must not be reduced to “a tool for political vendettas or factional struggles.”

The forum described the reasons advanced so far in support of the impeachment as “disturbingly weak,” adding that they lack “substance, public interest justification, or constitutional weight,” the former deputy governor of Rivers State said on behalf of the group.

They warned that the action appears to be driven by “narrow personal interests rather than genuine concern for good governance.”

READ ALSO: Rivers Assembly Confirms Impeachment Notices Served To Gov Fubara, Deputy

The forum said the people of Rivers State gave Fubara’s mandate and can only be questioned in “strict compliance with constitutional provisions, due process, and on the basis of clear, compelling, and verifiable grounds.”

They cautioned that the current impeachment move could “deepen political divisions, erode public trust in democratic institutions, and further destabilise an already fragile polity.”

Recalling the recent period of emergency rule in the state, the forum noted that Rivers State has yet to fully recover from the political, social, and institutional disruptions that followed, warning that the latest development risks

“Reopening old wounds and heightening tensions at a time when stability and focused governance are urgently needed,” the group said.

The elders, therefore, called on the Rivers State House of Assembly to “immediately retrace its steps” and place “the collective interest, peace, and progress of Rivers State above all partisan or personal considerations.”

The Commander, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, accompanied by officers of the Brigade, has paid a solidarity visit to Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) Wesley Tafida, a World War II veteran and father of Major  General HT Wesley (Retired).

The visit, aimed at crisscrossing, brought to light sacrifices made by the veteran in protecting the territorial integrity of Nigeria during World War II (1944–1945), where he served as a courier conveying arms and ammunition.

Aged 106 years, the veteran warmly received the delegation and assured them of a good reward for their sacrifices and dedication to the safety of the country.

RSM Tafida commended the Commander for his steadfast commitment to securing the state.

He further disclosed that he was discharged from 93 Mechanised Infantry Battalion, Ojo Cantonment, after seven years of service as an RSM.

The Commander 6 brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 operation whirl stroke Brigadier General Kingsley Uwa, in his remark, applauded the retired RSM, underscoring the Nigerian Army’s commitment to operational excellence, institutional appreciation, and honouring the sacrifices of veterans, while sustaining peace and security in Taraba State.

According to him, the war against insecurity will be won by the military, saying that they are not deterred by the contemporary and emerging threats.

He assured Tafida of the Army’s victory against insecurity as he departed the veteran’s residence in Jalingo.

Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defense, Richard Pheelangwa, has applauded Uwa for his effective leadership and sustained efforts at ensuring peace and tranquility across the State.

According to him, the commander’s desire to flush out criminals in the state has restored public confidence in security personnel and boosted the quest for vigilance.

Pheelangwa, during a courtesy visit on the 6 Brigade commander, further lauded the discipline, professionalism, and commitment to duty displayed by officers and soldiers of the Brigade.

He described their conduct as exemplary and in line with the highest traditions of the Nigerian Army.

READ ALSO: Fire Razes Section Of LG Secretariat In Taraba

Pheelangwa encouraged the formation to sustain the current operational tempo and civil-military cooperation that have contributed to curbing insecurity and unrest within the state and its environs.

In response, Uwa expressed profound gratitude to the Permanent Secretary for the honour of the visit and reaffirmed the loyalty and dedication of officers and Men of 6 Brigade to the constituted authority.