News
Enugu Youths Give Forest Guard Commander 72-Hour Ultimatum Over Alleged AK-47-Wielding Gunmen in Ugwuaji Forests
…….Threaten to Petition Olasoji, Ben Alukwu to NSA, Minister of Defence
Enugu youths under the aegis of Ugwuaji Youths for Peace have issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Commander of the National Forest Guard in Enugu State, Dr. Akinbayo O. Olasoji, to explain the alleged presence of unknown gunmen wielding AK-47 rifles alongside his personnel in Ugwuaji forests. They also demanded explanations over his alleged repeated meetings in the forests with an NDC chieftain, Mr Ben Alukwu, whom they claimed was neither from Ugwuaji nor owned property in the area.
Reacting to a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the National Forest Guard, Enugu State Command, on October 17, 2026, the youths accused Olasoji of avoiding allegations of harassment, assault and involvement in land grabbing.
According to The counter-statement that was signed by Barr. Ogbodo Nwobodo on behalf of Ugwuaji Youths for Peace, it says“We have carefully read the press statement issued on 17 October 2026 by the National Forest Guard, Enugu State Command, in response to allegations of harassment, assault and involvement in land grabbing against the State Commander, Dr. Akinbayo O. Olasoji, and personnel under his command. We consider the statement an attempt to divert attention from the specific allegations raised against the Command. Rather than address the central issues, the Commander has chosen to recount previous security incidents and discuss the reasons for establishing a Forward Operating Base in the Ugwuaji–Obeagu forest area. While we recognise the need to protect residents against kidnapping and other criminal activities, security operations must not become an excuse for evading legitimate questions about the conduct of personnel.”
The youths demanded that Olasoji identify the individuals allegedly carrying AK-47 rifles alongside Forest Guard personnel in the Ugwuaji–Obeagu forest area and explain their official status, recruitment, training, authorisation and chain of command. They questioned the authority under which the individuals carried the weapons and demanded relevant deployment records and arms authorisations. The group also challenged the Commander to explain his alleged repeated presence in the forests with Mr. Alukwu, asking whether the NDC chieftain was a recognised security chief, an appointed Forest Guard officer or a member of another security agency authorised to participate in the operations. They insisted that the purpose of the alleged meetings, the identities of the participants and the official records supporting their presence should be disclosed.
“Dr. Olasoji must explain why unknown individuals alleged to be operating alongside his personnel in our forests are carrying AK-47 rifles. Who are these individuals? Are they duly recruited, trained and authorised members of the National Forest Guard? Under whose authority are they carrying such weapons, and where are their deployment records and relevant arms authorisations? We also challenge Dr. Olasoji to explain his alleged repeated presence in the forests with one Ben Alukwu. What official capacity does Alukwu occupy in these operations? Is Ben Alukwu, who is known to us as a member of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), a recognised security chief, a duly appointed Forest Guard officer or a member of any security agency authorised to participate in such deployments? If he holds an official position, the Commander should state it clearly and provide the basis for his involvement. If these encounters are legitimate security operations, there should be no difficulty in explaining who participated, the purpose of the visits, the authority under which they took place and the official records supporting them.”
The youths faulted the Commander for citing previous kidnapping incidents and an alleged attack on Forest Guard personnel without directly answering the allegations concerning the armed individuals and Alukwu’s alleged presence in the forests. They maintained that previous security threats which were lies ,still ,could not automatically justify every subsequent action by personnel and insisted that each statement made against the Command should be investigated on its own merits.
The group argued that residents and investors were entitled to question the activities of armed individuals in their environment and challenged Olasoji to refute any false allegations with verifiable evidence, identify authorised personnel through official channels and explain why unauthorised individuals were allegedly operating alongside his men.
“We find it troubling that the Commander’s statement discusses sugarcoated historical kidnapping incidents and an alleged attack on Forest Guard personnel but fails to provide direct answers to the concerns about AK-47-wielding individuals and Ben Alukwu’s alleged presence in the forests. Previous non existent security threats cannot automatically justify every subsequent action by forest Guard personnels. Each averment made against Enugu forest guard must be investigated on its own merits. Dr. Olasoji must understand that Ugwuaji residents and investors are entitled to ask questions about the activities of armed individuals operating in their environment. Demanding accountability is not an attack on security institutions, nor is it an attempt to undermine the fight against kidnapping as he alleged. We therefore challenge the Commander to explain why he would issue a lengthy statement that avoids the central questions instead of providing verifiable facts. If the allegations are false, he should refute them with evidence. If the individuals involved are authorised personnel, he should identify them through the appropriate official channels. If they are not, he must explain why they are operating alongside his men.”
The group gave Olasoji 72 hours from receipt of its statement to publicly address five issues: the identity, official status and authorisation of the alleged AK-47-wielding individuals; the legality of their deployment and arms authorisations; Alukwu’s identity, official capacity and role during the alleged forest meetings; whether he held any recognised appointment or authorisation within the National Forest Guard or another security agency; and the purpose of the alleged joint visits, including the official records establishing their legitimacy.
The youths also demanded clear and verifiable answers rather than another general statement about kidnapping, forest security or the establishment of a Forward Operating Base. They warned that failure to respond within the stipulated period would lead to a formal petition, accompanied by available supporting evidence, to the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), the Minister of Defence and other appropriate security and investigative authorities.
“Consequently, we hereby give Dr. Akinbayo O. Olasoji, the State Commander of the National Forest Guard, Enugu State Command, a 72-hour ultimatum from the receipt of this statement to publicly address the following: the identity, official status and authorisation of the individuals alleged to be carrying AK-47 rifles alongside Forest Guard personnel in the Ugwuaji–Obeagu forest area; the authority under which these individuals carry such weapons and whether their deployment and arms authorisations comply with the law; the identity, official capacity and specific role of Ben Alukwu during his alleged repeated presence with the Commander in the forests; whether Ben Alukwu holds any recognised appointment or authorisation within the National Forest Guard or any other security agency that permits him to participate in these operations; and the purpose of these alleged joint visits and the official records establishing their legitimacy. We expect clear, specific and verifiable answers, not another general statement about kidnapping, forest security or the establishment of a Forward Operating Base. Failure to address these questions within the stipulated period will compel us to submit a formal petition, together with any available supporting evidence, to the appropriate security authorities and other relevant investigative institutions for an independent investigation. We will also consider other lawful avenues for ensuring accountability and the protection of residents and investors.”
The youths reiterated their support for lawful security operations against kidnapping and other criminal activities but insisted that no security institution or public official should be exempt from scrutiny. They said they had prepared documents and evidence to be forwarded to the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Minister of Defence concerning the allegations against Olasoji and Alukwu.
The group maintained that the same accountability expected of residents should apply to security personnel and called for a thorough examination of the allegations, stressing that their demands were aimed at obtaining explanations and protecting residents and investors rather than undermining legitimate security operations.
“For the avoidance of doubt, we support every lawful effort to combat kidnapping and protect lives and property. However, no security institution or public official is above scrutiny. The same standards of accountability expected of residents must apply to those entrusted with public security. Ugwuaji is not a lawless territory, and its forests must not become places where armed individuals operate without transparent identification, lawful authority and accountability. We have put in place all the necessary documents and evidence that will be forwarded to the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and Minister of Defence against Dr. Olasoji and Mr Ben Alukwu. We demand answers, not diversion. We demand accountability, not intimidation.”
Ebonyi State is still awaiting the arrival of three aircraft Governor Nwifuru reportedly paid for about two years ago.
The governor had promised the arrival of the aircraft years back but as at the time of this report not even one aircraft has landed to start the proposed Ebonyi Air.
This is even as Enugu Air which is taking over the Nigeria Airspace has secured regulatory approval to commence direct flights between Lagos and London Gatwick in December 2026, with bookings for the international route now open.
The state-owned airline announced the development in a statement on Wednesday, describing the approval as a major milestone in its international expansion and efforts to strengthen air connectivity between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
The Lagos-London Gatwick service will be operated in partnership with Omni-Blu Aviation (OBA), which has been appointed as the designated operating partner for the route.
“Enugu Air has received approval for its Lagos-London Gatwick route, with Omni-Blu Aviation (OBA) appointed as the designated operator under a strategic partnership.
“Bookings are now open, and flights will commence in December 2026,” the statement said.
For an airport that has refused to function the governor may have decided to change the narrative but for some reasons the project may have gone the way of the Vanco flyover which has become a burden to the government.
While the former governor Dave Umahi completed flyover projects in less than one year, Governor Nwifuru has failed to deliver just one in more than three years.
As Enugu Air goes to the United Kingdom, Ebonyi people are whispering the question in hushed tones for fear of the unknown; “when will the planes arrive?
Meanwhile, Enugu Air described the latest development as a significant step towards expanding its international operations, improving passenger connectivity and creating new opportunities for trade and investment between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
It also credited Governor Peter Mbah’s strategic aviation agenda, saying his administration’s vision was positioning Enugu as an emerging gateway for international connectivity, investment, tourism and economic growth.
The announcement comes barely six weeks after Enugu Air operated its maiden international flight to Douala, Cameroon, on September 23, 2026.
Launched in July 2025 with an initial fleet of three Embraer aircraft comprising the E170 and E190 series, the airline was established as part of the Mbah administration’s integrated plan to develop a modern, multimodal transport system.
The initiative is also aimed at positioning Enugu as a major aviation hub in West and Central Africa.
Since its launch, Enugu Air has expanded its fleet and route network, with the latest regulatory approval representing another step in its international expansion drive.
No wonder the Ebonyi governor took the whole time given to him at the recent APC rally in Enugu to praise the developmental magic Governor Peter Mbah is doing. The governor could not name one project he was able to deliver for his people.
News
Ogarabe Returns To Enugu As Commissioner Of Police As PSC Deploys New Commissioners To Four States
The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the deployment of four new Commissioners of Police to Enugu, Plateau, Nasarawa and Ondo states.
Among the newly deployed officers is CP Fidelis Ogarabe, who has been appointed Commissioner of Police for Enugu State.
Ogarabe was formerly the Commissioner of Police in charge of the INTERPOL Annex, Lagos.
Other officers affected by the deployment include CP Sunday J. A. Okoebor, formerly Commissioner of Police, Police Accounts and Budget, Force Headquarters, who has been posted to Plateau State.
CP Sheikh Mohammed Danko, formerly Commissioner of Police, Force Intelligence Annex, Lagos, has been deployed to Nasarawa State, while CP Johnson Ayodeji Babalola, formerly of the Special Inquiry Unit, Force Headquarters, Abuja, has been posted to Ondo State.
The appointments followed a series of interviews conducted by the commission to assess the officers’ fitness, competence and suitability for their new responsibilities.
The deployment was approved on Thursday at the Solomon Arase Conference Hall, Police Service Commission Headquarters, Abuja.
In a statement signed by the commission’s Head of Protocol and Public Relations, Torty Kalu, the PSC said the appointments were made in accordance with its constitutional mandate.
The Chairman of the commission, DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu, said the appointments were consistent with Section 215(1)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which provides for the commission’s authority in the appointment of Commissioners of Police for the states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Argungu, who was represented by a board member, Justice Paul Adamu Galumje (JSC, rtd.), said the officers had been found worthy in learning and character following the assessment.
He charged the newly deployed commissioners to discharge their responsibilities with impartiality, professionalism and a strong commitment to the expectations of their respective offices.
News
Failed Government: Nwifuru Praises Mbah’s Achievements in Enugu, Fails to Highlight Own Projects at APC Rally
The Anyichuks Campaign Office has criticised Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, for failing to showcase any significant achievements of his administration during the Southeast presidential campaign flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Women’s Mobilisation held at Okpara Square, Enugu, describing his remarks as another indication of the absence of tangible accomplishments to justify his four years in office.
The campaign office expressed disappointment that while the governors of Imo and Enugu states used the opportunity to reel out projects and development initiatives executed with their respective states’ resources and federal allocations, Governor Nwifuru chose to devote his speech to praising his Enugu counterpart, Governor Peter Mbah.
According to the campaign office, the contrast was particularly striking because the event provided an opportunity for the three governors to demonstrate what their respective administrations had achieved and how they had deployed public resources to improve the lives of their people.
“But when the microphone got to Governor Nwifuru, what did Ebonyi people hear? Instead of telling the audience what he has done with the enormous resources accruing to Ebonyi State, he chose to commend Governor Peter Mbah for his achievements in Enugu State.
“Why couldn’t he tell the gathering what he has done with Ebonyi people’s money? Why was he more interested in celebrating another governor’s achievements than presenting his own scorecard to the people he was elected to serve?” the campaign office queried.
It recalled that Nwifuru, in his remarks, praised Governor Mbah for initiatives aimed at promoting unity, developing skills and introducing innovations to women, but offered no comparable account of what his administration had done to advance the welfare and economic fortunes of Ebonyi residents.
The campaign office said the governor’s decision to focus on another state’s achievements, rather than present his own administration’s record, was a missed opportunity that had further reinforced public concerns about his performance.
“It is particularly unfortunate that a governor who has spent almost four years in office could stand before an audience of political leaders and party faithful without identifying concrete achievements of his administration that ordinary Ebonyi people can relate to.
“Ebonyi people deserve more than political slogans, praise-singing and repeated appeals for votes. They deserve leadership that can point to measurable improvements in their living conditions, infrastructure, education, healthcare, employment and economic opportunities.”
The campaign office further argued that Nwifuru’s remarks were symptomatic of what it described as an administration that had failed to add sufficient value to the lives of ordinary men and women in Ebonyi State.
It said the governor’s appeal to women to support the APC and his declaration that the party had an open manifesto would mean little to citizens who, according to the campaign office, were more interested in the practical benefits of governance than political promises.
The office said the growing clamour for Anyichuks to emerge as Ebonyi State’s next governor was rooted in the people’s desire for a departure from what it described as years of disappointing leadership and unfulfilled expectations.
It maintained that Ebonyi could not afford another administration that would merely occupy the Government House without delivering meaningful improvements in the lives of its citizens.
“The growing support for Anyichuks is a reflection of the people’s hunger for a government that understands their struggles and is prepared to translate public resources into tangible benefits.
“Ebonyi people cannot continue to endure an administration that adds little or no value to the everyday lives of ordinary citizens. They want a government that will create opportunities, empower families, support businesses and ensure that the state’s resources work for the people.
“Leadership is not about praising another governor for what he has accomplished. It is about being able to stand before your own people and account for what you have done with the mandate and resources entrusted to you.”
The campaign office therefore urged Ebonyi residents to look beyond party slogans and political endorsements and begin demanding accountability, measurable performance and leadership that places the welfare of the people above political interests.
It said Anyichuks represented the aspiration for a new direction in Ebonyi State, insisting that the state deserved leadership capable of converting its resources and enormous human potential into prosperity for its people.
By Ugoo Aniagoh
From the restoration of electricity at the local government secretariat after 13 years to renewed road, water, sanitation and security initiatives, the Okakpu-led administration is setting its governance agenda in motion.
The administration of Hon. (Dr.) Ikechukwu Okakpu, popularly known as OKD Jnr, and his Deputy, Hon. Ifunanya Nwanadile, has recorded a number of developmental milestones as the duo mark their first 30 days in office as Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Since assuming office on October 3, 2026, the administration has initiated interventions across critical sectors, including infrastructure, environmental sanitation, water supply, grassroots governance and community security.
One of the notable achievements recorded within the period is the restoration of electricity at the Njikoka Local Government Secretariat after 13 years without public power supply. The development marks a significant improvement in the working environment at the council headquarters and is expected to enhance administrative efficiency.
In the area of water infrastructure, rehabilitation of pipe-borne water facilities across the local government has commenced, reflecting the administration’s commitment to improving access to basic amenities.
The administration has also strengthened its governance structure through the appointment and inauguration of elected councillors, Supervisory Councillors and Special Advisers to support grassroots representation, policy implementation and effective service delivery.
Environmental sanitation has received considerable attention, with over 100 ad-hoc workers engaged to support waste management, routine cleaning and general environmental sanitation across the local government.
On infrastructure development, the administration has commenced a Public-Community-Private Partnership (PCPP) road project along the Awovu–Osili axis in Enugwu Ukwu. An assessment of Ezi Norbert Road has also been conducted as part of efforts to identify infrastructure needs and explore possible interventions.
Security has equally featured prominently in the administration’s first-month activities. Adopting a zero-tolerance stance towards insecurity, the council has mounted CCTV cameras at strategic locations to strengthen surveillance and improve security monitoring.
In a grassroots-driven security initiative, local traders and street operators have also been engaged as Community Safety Marshals. Equipped with walkie-talkies, the marshals are expected to serve as additional sources of community security intelligence, promptly reporting suspicious movements and activities to the appropriate authorities.
These initiatives represent some of the administration’s early efforts to address longstanding challenges while laying the groundwork for sustained development across Njikoka’s six communities.
Speaking through its first-month performance record, the administration maintains that its focus remains on practical governance, improved public services, environmental responsibility, infrastructure development and a safer community.
Although the administration is still in its early days, its first 30 days have provided an indication of its immediate priorities and development direction.
For residents of Njikoka, the expectation will now be to see these initial interventions translated into sustainable projects, measurable improvements and lasting impact across the local government.
Thirty days down, more work ahead. Njikoka First.
The Federal Government has released guidelines explaining how Nigerians selected for its N50,000 relief grant can confirm their eligibility, accept the offer, access the funds and withdraw the money.
The government also warned beneficiaries against fraudsters seeking to exploit the intervention by demanding money or sensitive personal information.
The National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI) is designed to support vulnerable households struggling with rising living costs.
The programme, managed by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, provides a one-off grant of N50,000 to selected beneficiaries through mobile wallets operated by five approved payment providers.
According to the frequently asked questions published on the programme’s website and sighted by PUNCH Online on Thursday, the grant is not a loan, requires no repayment and can be accessed without a smartphone or internet connection.
Here are the key things Nigerians need to know about the programme.
1. Who qualifies for the N50,000 grant?
The government said beneficiaries were selected from the National Social Register and verified national identity records.
It explained that individuals cannot apply directly or pay anyone to secure a place on the beneficiary list.
Selection is based on need, with beneficiaries drawn from the six geopolitical zones, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation.
The government also clarified that payments would be made in phases, meaning not everyone would receive a notification at the same time.
2. How can you check if you are eligible?
Selected beneficiaries will receive SMS notifications from one of the five approved payment providers: ALAT, MoMo PSB, NairaGram, OPay and Moniepoint.
The messages will confirm their selection and provide a USSD code to dial to accept the grant.
Beneficiaries can also dial their assigned provider’s USSD code and select the eligibility-check option to confirm their status.
Those who are not selected will receive a notification informing them that they are currently not eligible for the relief support.
3. How do beneficiaries claim the N50,000?
Recipients are required to dial the USSD code contained in the notification from their payment provider and follow the instructions.
The process activates a mobile wallet, after which the N50,000 is credited and a confirmation SMS is sent.
The government stressed that receiving a selection message does not automatically mean the money has been paid. Beneficiaries must first accept the offer.
Those who mistakenly reject the offer can dial the code again and select the acceptance option.
4. Can people without smartphones receive the grant?
Yes. The government said beneficiaries do not need smartphones or internet access to receive the money.
A basic mobile phone is sufficient because the USSD codes work without an internet connection.
However, customers of OPay, Moniepoint and MoMo PSB can also use their providers’ official mobile applications to access their wallets and carry out transactions.
5. How can beneficiaries withdraw the money?
Beneficiaries can withdraw their funds through Point of Sale agents by transferring money from their mobile wallets and collecting cash.
Each approved payment provider also offers alternative withdrawal and transfer options.
The available USSD codes include:
- ALAT: Dial 94523Account NumberAmount# to transfer funds.
- MoMo PSB: Dial 6710# or use the MoMo NG application.
- NairaGram: Dial 72600#.
- OPay: Dial 95520# or use the OPay application.
- Moniepoint: Dial 557327# or use the Moniepoint application.
Beneficiaries can withdraw the entire N50,000 or take only part of it, leaving the balance in their wallets.
They can also transfer the money to personal bank accounts or other beneficiaries through the available channels.
6. Are there charges for receiving the grant?
The government said accepting the grant, receiving the money and responding to programme SMS notifications are free.
However, POS operators may charge their usual withdrawal fees when beneficiaries collect cash.
Recipients are therefore advised to confirm the applicable charges before completing transactions.
7. What if you have not received an SMS?
The government explained that payments were being made in phases, with payment providers contacting beneficiaries in batches.
Therefore, not receiving an SMS does not necessarily mean an individual has been permanently excluded.
Interested persons can check their eligibility through their assigned provider’s USSD code.
The government, however, warned that nobody could add an individual to the beneficiary list or accelerate payment in exchange for money.
8. How can beneficiaries avoid fraud?
The government warned Nigerians against individuals claiming they could help them secure or release the N50,000 grant for a fee.
It stressed that programme officials and payment providers would never request beneficiaries’ PINs, one-time passwords or Bank Verification Numbers.
Genuine messages will come only from the official sender names of the five approved payment providers and will not contain links.
Beneficiaries were also advised against clicking unfamiliar links, downloading unknown applications or forwarding WhatsApp messages claiming that sharing them would guarantee access to the grant.
The government further warned recipients not to refund money to anyone claiming that the payment was made in error. Such claims should first be verified through the provider’s official customer service channels.
9. What happens if you lose your phone or SIM card?
Beneficiaries who lose their phones or SIM cards should immediately contact their payment providers to secure their wallets.
They should also obtain replacement SIM cards bearing the same phone numbers from their network operators.
The government assured beneficiaries that their money would remain in their mobile wallets even if they lost their phones or SIM cards.
10. What should beneficiaries do if their USSD codes stop working?
The programme advised beneficiaries to check their network signals and retry if their USSD codes fail.
If the problem persists, they should contact their payment providers through their official customer service channels.
The following helplines were provided:
- ALAT by Wema: 0803 900 3700
- MoMo PSB: 671 or 0803 106 7100
- NairaGram: 0201 330 0880 or 0201 330 0881
- OPay: 0700 888 8328 or 0201 888 8328
- NERSI programme: 0700-022-2222
Enquiries concerning mobile wallets and payments should be directed to the respective providers, while questions about the intervention can be addressed to the programme’s helpline.
11. Which organisations are authorised to disburse the grant?
The Federal Government identified five approved payment providers for the N50,000 intervention.
They are ALAT, the digital banking platform of Wema Bank; MoMo PSB, a licensed Payment Service Bank; NairaGram, a digital money transfer service; OPay, a licensed mobile money operator; and Moniepoint, a licensed microfinance bank.
Beneficiaries were advised to deal only with their assigned providers and use official channels for enquiries and transactions.
The government reiterated that beneficiaries do not need to pay anyone, click external links or download unfamiliar applications to access the grant.
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