New Post Africa

Category: Cityscope

  • Tinubu lauds Ogun’s development, inaugurates Gateway Cargo Airport, Arline, and others

    Tinubu lauds Ogun’s development, inaugurates Gateway Cargo Airport, Arline, and others

    ABUJA, NIGERIA, April 5, 2026 (NPA) — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised the Ogun State government, describing its developmental strides as deliberate and enduring progress that Nigeria must emulate.

    The President made the disclosure following his state visit to Iperu to inaugurate the Gateway International Cargo Airport and the launch of Gateway Air and other operational assets. Tinubu commended Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration for its vision and consistency. He noted that the new cargo airport is proof of what is possible when discipline meets ambition. “Our investment is about our people. Today’s foundation is for tomorrow’s prosperity,” he said.

    Tinubu emphasized that true development is not about noise but about decisions that improve lives. He highlighted the state’s initiatives, from the newly launched aircraft to electric bikes, tractors, and enhanced security assets, as examples of practical and visible progress. “Development must touch every level, and I am pleased to see that principle taking shape in Ogun State,” he added.

    The president further explained that his Renewed Hope reforms are creating more resources for sub-national governments, enabling states like Ogun to deliver tangible results. “We will stay the course. We are building for people, and we are building for prosperity,” Tinubu affirmed, urging the continuation of the good work.

  • LAWMA intensifies waste operations ahead of easter, urges proper disposal to prevent flooding

    LAWMA intensifies waste operations ahead of easter, urges proper disposal to prevent flooding

    LAGOS, NIGERIA, 3 April 2026 (NPA) — The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has stepped up operations across the state ahead of the Easter celebrations, urging residents to adopt responsible waste disposal practices to sustain environmental cleanliness and avert flooding.

    In a statement issued by Mukaila Sanusi, Director of Public Affairs, LAWMA, the agency’s Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said waste evacuation arrangements had been reinforced with additional monitoring and operational support to ensure prompt service delivery during the festive period.

    He noted that festive seasons typically generate higher volumes of waste, stressing the need for both service providers and residents to play their roles in maintaining a clean environment. Gbadegesin encouraged households to embrace simple waste reduction habits such as avoiding unnecessary purchases, reusing materials, and separating recyclables from general waste.

    LAWMA has deployed personnel and equipment to critical locations including markets, motor parks, and busy commercial areas to ensure effective waste collection. The Authority is also working closely with licensed Private Sector Participant (PSP) operators to sustain regular domestic waste evacuation and swiftly address service gaps.

    Gbadegesin warned against indiscriminate dumping of refuse in drainage channels, road medians, and open spaces, noting that such practices obstruct stormwater flow and heighten flood risks as the rainy season approaches.

    He emphasized that environmental cleanliness is a shared responsibility requiring cooperation between government, service providers, and residents. He reassured Lagosians of LAWMA’s continued commitment to improving service delivery through operational efficiency, infrastructure upgrades, and sustained public enlightenment.

    Residents are encouraged to report waste management issues via LAWMA’s customer care line 07080601020 or through its social media platforms for prompt attention.

  • Lagos State announces road closures ahead of Fanti Carnival

    Lagos State announces road closures ahead of Fanti Carnival

    LAGOS, NIGERIA, 3 April 2026 (NPA) — The Lagos State Government, through its Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, has announced temporary road closures in preparation for the Lagos Fanti Carnival scheduled to take place on Monday, 6 April 2026.

    Authorities confirmed that the following roads will be cordoned off: King George V Road at the junction by Mobil Filling Station; Onikan Roundabout, inbound to Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS); Flagstaff House, inbound to TBS; Outer Marina by State House, inbound to TBS; Campbell Street by the Old Defence Building; and Catholic Mission Street by St. Nicholas Church. The closures will begin at 7:00 a.m. on the day of the carnival.

    Motorists and residents are advised to plan their movements accordingly and make use of alternative routes during the period. The Lagos State Government expressed regret for any inconvenience caused and appealed for public cooperation, stressing that the measures are necessary to ensure safety and smooth traffic management during the cultural celebration.

    The Lagos Fanti Festival, rooted in Afro-Brazilian heritage, is one of the city’s most vibrant cultural events. It features colorful parades, elaborate costumes, music, and dance, celebrating the rich traditions of Lagos while drawing thousands of participants and spectators from across Nigeria and beyond. The festival has become a symbol of cultural pride and tourism promotion, showcasing the city’s diversity and creative spirit.

  • Nigerian Navy rescues kidnap victim in Rivers

    Nigerian Navy rescues kidnap victim in Rivers

    PORT HARCOURT, NIGERIA, 3 April 2026 (NPA) — The Nigerian Navy has rescued a kidnapped victim, Mr Benedict Eze, in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State, southern Nigeria, following sustained security operations by personnel of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny.

    The victim, who was abducted on 23 March 2026 at Aganya Community, was rescued at Coconut Jetty after his captors abandoned him around the Opuoma waterside due to intensified operational pressure. Naval personnel had mounted intelligence‑led patrols, deployed technological enablers, and coordinated actions on land and across the creeks to block possible escape routes since the incident was first reported.

    According to a statement, Friday, signed by Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Naval Information, the sustained search efforts eventually forced the kidnappers to abandon their victim. Eze was evacuated to the Naval Base medical facility for evaluation and debriefing before being safely reunited with his family.

    The recovery underscores the effectiveness of coordinated maritime and land‑based security operations conducted by the Nigerian Navy in collaboration with other agencies to deny criminal elements freedom of movement within the Bonny–Port Harcourt waterways and adjoining creeks.

    The development also aligns with the directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, to intensify operational efforts against criminal activities in the maritime domain. The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining proactive patrols and intelligence‑driven operations to enhance security, protect lives and property, and bring perpetrators of criminal acts to justice.

  • Jos terrorist attack: IGP Disu visits Plateau, orders sustained security action

    Jos terrorist attack: IGP Disu visits Plateau, orders sustained security action

    ABUJA, NIGERIA, 3 April 2026 (NPA) — Inspector‑General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, has undertaken an operational visit to Plateau State following the terrorist attack in Angwan Rukuba, Nasarawa Gwong area of Jos North, which claimed several lives.

    According to Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, the IGP condemned the killings and, upon arrival, paid a courtesy call on Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang to commiserate with the people of Plateau. He later visited Angwan Rukuba for an on‑the‑spot assessment of the affected community.

    Disu noted that upon receiving the distress call, a robust response was immediately activated. This included the deployment of DIG Usman Nadada, AIG Francis Iwu, eight units of the Police Mobile Force, the Special Intervention Squad, and other tactical and intelligence teams, working in collaboration with the military.

    He said coordinated operations and engagements with local leaders and youth groups have significantly de‑escalated tensions, with personnel strategically deployed to maintain order while intelligence‑led efforts continue to track down perpetrators. The IGP stressed that operations would be sustained until normalcy is fully restored, warning against reprisals or vigilantism that could worsen the crisis.

    Governor Mutfwang commended the Police for their swift response, praising CP Bassey Ewah and the Mobile Force for their decisive role. He, however, called for structural reforms, including the establishment of State Police, and urged investment in modern tools such as night‑surveillance drones with infrared capability. He also highlighted challenges of terrain, manpower, and logistics, pledging continued support for the Force.

    The IGP assured that he will brief the President on the situation as part of national security coordination. He urged residents to remain calm, vigilant, and supportive of security agencies by providing credible information.

    The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property across the country.

  • Nasarawa Police rescue abducted three‑day‑old baby, arrest two suspects

    Nasarawa Police rescue abducted three‑day‑old baby, arrest two suspects

    ABUJA, NIGERIA, 3 April 2026 (NPA) — The Nasarawa State Police Command has rescued a three‑day‑old baby boy abducted in Mararaba, Karu Local Government Area, and arrested two suspects in connection with the crime.

    Police spokesperson SP Ramhan Nansel said the incident occurred on 29 March when two men broke into the home of 19‑year‑old Aisha Bada at Unguwan Bawa, Orange Market, threatened her with violence, and took away her newborn. Her husband, a commercial tricycle rider, was away in Lagos at the time.

    Following the report, Commissioner of Police Shetima Jauro Mohammed ordered detectives from Mararaba ‘A’ Division to launch a full‑scale investigation. Acting on credible intelligence, operatives arrested Furera Abdulrahman, 35, and Sadiya Abdullahi, 39, in the early hours of 3 April. The baby was found in their possession and safely rescued.

    During interrogation, the suspects confessed and named an accomplice still at large. Efforts are underway to apprehend the fleeing suspect. The child was examined at Mararaba Medical Centre, certified healthy, and reunited with his mother.

    The case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Lafia, for further investigation. The Police Command reassured the public of its commitment to protecting lives and property, urging citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly.

  • Lagos shuts Access Bank branch over untreated sewage discharge

    Lagos shuts Access Bank branch over untreated sewage discharge

    LAGOS, NIGERIA, 3 April 2026 (NPA) — The Lagos State Government has sealed off a branch of Access Bank Plc in Victoria Island after uncovering the discharge of untreated sewage and obstruction of regulatory enforcement, raising concerns over environmental compliance among high‑profile institutions.

    The operation, coordinated by the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO) in collaboration with the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (KAI), followed a directive from the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab. He said the move was necessary to safeguard the environment and enforce strict compliance with state environmental laws.

    According to Wahab, a whistleblower complaint prompted an inspection of the bank’s Oniru facility, where officials discovered a non‑functional wastewater treatment plant. This led to untreated faecal matter being discharged into public drainage, causing severe environmental damage.

    During the enforcement visit, LSWMO officials were initially denied access to seal the premises, as security personnel and management representatives resisted the team. Subsequent analysis of effluent samples confirmed untreated sewage, prompting the government to reinforce its officers and shut down the property.

    The Commissioner warned that Lagos would pursue legal action against any individual or institution found guilty of assaulting or obstructing government officials in the course of their duties. “There are no sacred cows in the enforcement of environmental regulations. Any organisation found violating the law, regardless of status, will be held accountable,” he said.

    Engr. Adefemi Afolabi, General Manager of LSWMO, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to safeguarding public health and ensuring full compliance with environmental regulations, stressing that there would be no compromise on environmental protection.

  • Nigerian Army deploys 850 more troops to Plateau amid rising violence

    Nigerian Army deploys 850 more troops to Plateau amid rising violence

    ABUJA, NIGERIA, 2 April 2026 (NPA) — Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has ordered the deployment of additional troops to Plateau State to stem escalating killings and terrorist attacks in the North Central region.

    According to a statement by Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, Media Information Officer for Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace, the reinforcement is a swift and decisive move to restore law and order in affected areas.

    Addressing troops at the Headquarters of Operation Enduring Peace in Jos, Lt. Gen. Shaibu urged personnel to remain professional, disciplined, and firm in confronting criminal elements. He assured them that adequate logistics and combat enablers have been provided to ensure the effective execution of their mission.

    The newly deployed contingent, numbering over 850 soldiers, was drawn from formations in Abuja and Kaduna. Their mandate includes protecting lives and property, de-escalating tensions, and ensuring the safety of residents across Plateau State.

    The Nigerian Army emphasised that the deployment underscores its commitment to safeguarding citizens and stabilising communities under siege by violent groups.

  • Imo Police disburse ₦54 million to families of fallen heroes

    Imo Police disburse ₦54 million to families of fallen heroes

    OWERRI, NIGERIA, 2 April 2026 (NPA) — The Imo State Police Command has disbursed ₦54 million to families of officers who lost their lives in the line of duty, as part of activities marking the 2026 National Police Day.

    State Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Garba Bosso, psc(+), mnips, made the presentation on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, during a ceremony in Owerri on Thursday.

    According to a statement signed by DSP Henry Okoye, Police Public Relations Officer, the cheque presentation formed part of Day 4 of the National Police Day celebration, honouring the sacrifices and dedication of fallen officers.

    Speaking at the event, CP Bosso reiterated the Force’s commitment to the welfare of officers and their families, stressing that the gesture, facilitated through the Police Force Insurance Scheme, demonstrates that the sacrifices of fallen heroes will never be forgotten.

    Beneficiaries included Bridget Innocent, Hillary Okoye, Joy Enerst Emman, Ifunaya Joy Okoro, Okafor Sampson, and Sunday Ann. Mr Okafor Sampson, giving the vote of thanks on behalf of the recipients, expressed deep gratitude to the Inspector-General and the Nigeria Police Force for their support.

    The ceremony was attended by senior police officers, representatives of the Police Force Insurance Scheme, and families of the deceased, who commended the Force for its recognition and assistance.

    The Imo State Police Command reaffirmed its dedication to protecting lives and property while ensuring the welfare of personnel and their loved ones.

  • National Police Day 2026: Nasarawa CP presents ₦39 million to families of fallen officers

    National Police Day 2026: Nasarawa CP presents ₦39 million to families of fallen officers

    ABUJA, NIGERIA, 2 April 2026 (NPA) — As part of activities marking National Police Day 2026, the Commissioner of Police, Nasarawa State Command, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, on Thursday, presented cheques totalling ₦39,147,777.24 to families of police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

    During the presentation, CP Shetima expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olantunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, for his continued commitment to the welfare of officers and their families. He noted that the gesture was intended to provide relief and support to bereaved families, urging beneficiaries to make judicious use of the funds.

    Speaking on behalf of the recipients, Mr Moses Ebi conveyed heartfelt gratitude to the Inspector-General and the Commissioner of Police for the assistance, stressing that the support would go a long way in easing the challenges faced by families of fallen officers.

    The presentation underscores the Nigeria Police Force’s dedication to the welfare of its personnel and the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation.