
Crime
Security emergency: Army bans retirement of officers

Over 600 cases of mass abductions were recorded in November alone. Some of the incidents included the kidnapping of over 300 students in Niger State, 38 worshippers in Kwara State, and 25 students in Kebbi State, among others.
In response, the President on November 26 declared a nationwide security emergency and directed the military, police, and intelligence agencies to expand recruitment and deploy thousands of additional personnel.
An internal memo dated December 3 and signed by Maj. Gen. E. I. Okoro on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff stated that the suspension of retirements was to retain manpower, experience, and operational capacity as the Armed Forces expand in response to rising insecurity.
The document, referencing the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service Officers (HTACOS) 2024, noted that although officers are ordinarily expected to retire upon reaching their age limit, completing 35 years in service, or after repeated promotion or conversion failures, service extension is permissible under Paragraph 3.10(e) in the interest of the military.
The memo partly read, “Military service of a commissioned officer entails a period of unbroken service in the AFN from the date of enlistment or commissioning to the date of retirement. The period of service is determined by conditions enshrined in the HTACOS Officers 2024. These include attainment of age ceilings on various ranks, 35 years maximum length of service, and other criteria provided in Paragraphs 11.02(d) and 17.15, among extant regulations.
“Notwithstanding these provisions, Chapter 3.10(e) of HTACOS Officers 2024 allows for extension of service to officers in the interest of the service.
“The President and Commander-in-Chief declared a nationwide security emergency on November 26, mandating the expansion of the AFN and other security agencies. In line with this, and to rapidly expand manpower, it has become expedient to temporarily suspend all statutory and voluntary retirements from the Nigerian Army with immediate effect.”
According to the circular, the temporary suspension applies to officers who fall into the following categories: officers who failed promotion examinations three times; officers passed over three times at promotion boards; officers who have reached the age ceiling for their ranks; officers who failed conversion boards three times; and officers who have attained 35 years of service.
The Army noted that affected officers may apply to continue serving beyond their normal retirement dates.
“Officers in these categories who are not interested in extension of service are to continue with the normal retirement procedure. Officers desirous of extension should note that upon extension, they are not eligible for career progression, including promotion, career courses, NA sponsorship, self-sponsored courses, secondment, or extra-regimental appointments,” the memo stated.
It directed all commanders to disseminate the directive and manage morale, adding that the policy would be reviewed as the security situation improves.
Veterans, ex-generals back suspension
The Secretary-General of the Military Veterans Federation of Nigeria, Dr Awwal Abdullahi, said it was a welcome development.
He said, “I strongly support it. Even aside from insecurity, these officers are trained with taxpayer money, but they are being retired prematurely because of appointments.
“Also, most of these trained officers have more experience than the junior ones, so it is a waste of resources to retire them either because you appointed their junior. So, I think it is the best decision to suspend retirement.”
Also, a retired Brigadier General, Peter Aro, said the measure was a “reasonable short-term emergency response,” noting that retaining experienced personnel would help stabilise command structures during ongoing operations.
He said while the voluntary nature of the extension was commendable, the Army must enhance welfare and provide special financial incentives.
Aro stated, “Given the scale of insecurity and the shortage of experienced personnel, retaining seasoned officers and soldiers will help stabilise command, preserve operational experience, and prevent leadership gaps. Since officers must indicate voluntary interest, that part of the policy is commendable.
“However, because there will be no further promotion or career progression for them, there must be commensurate welfare and financial incentives. Those who have exhausted their promotion chances, age limits, or service years should be placed on an enhanced salary and welfare package based on seniority and the additional years they are required to serve. Without such incentives, many may decline the offer.”
He also called for aggressive recruitment, accelerated training, improved welfare, and reforms to address manpower gaps, urging the military to end the “silent dichotomy” between regular officers and short-service entrants.
Another retired officer, Brigadier General Bashir Adewinbi (retd.), also endorsed the suspension, describing it as a practical step in a critical security situation.
He argued that remaining in service beyond normal retirement should be seen as a privilege and an opportunity to serve the nation.
“This is a well-organised system. If there is any need to amend the terms and conditions of service, I’m sure the leadership will do so,” he said.
Adewinbi dismissed concerns that officers who failed promotion exams might face challenges serving under junior commanders, insisting that existing structures would prevent confusion.
Retired Brigadier General George Emdin also welcomed the measure but urged the military to stop the tradition of retiring officers once their coursemates become service chiefs, arguing that the practice denies the military valuable expertise.
However, he opposed retaining officers who repeatedly fail promotion examinations.
“The job is risky; their welfare should be top-notch,” he added.
Crime
Police Arrest Pastor, Accomplice Over Alleged Car Theft in Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested a Benue-based pastor, Edwin Nwabueze, and his alleged accomplice, Sadiq Jamiu, in connection with the theft of a Toyota Camry in Abuja.
The vehicle was reportedly stolen at UTC Plaza in Garki, prompting a police investigation that led to the arrest of Nwabueze at his residence on October 27, 2026.
In a statement issued on Friday, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, disclosed that Nwabueze identified himself as a pastor with Salvation Power Bible Ministry in the North Bank area of Benue State.
The suspect, who hails from Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State, reportedly led police operatives to another location where Jamiu was subsequently arrested.
According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that Nwabueze had previously been arrested by the Benue State Police Command in connection with vehicle theft cases.
The command further alleged that both suspects belonged to an interstate car theft syndicate specialising in stealing and selling vehicles across different states.
Police authorities said investigations were ongoing to uncover the full extent of the syndicate’s activities and track down other members currently at large.
The suspects remain in police custody and are expected to be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Crime
Businessman’s Suspected Suicide: Family Alleges Foul Play, Demands Autopsy

The family of a 46-year-old Ondo State businessman, Kayode Akinbolusere, popularly known as Tolufe, has raised suspicions over the circumstances surrounding his death, calling on security agencies to investigate claims that he may have been forced to record a farewell video before his demise.
Akinbolusere, who owned Esther Estate in Ondo State, was reportedly found dead in his office in Igba on Thursday after allegedly ingesting a poisonous substance.
Before his death, the businessman reportedly recorded a video in which he reflected on his personal struggles, acknowledged his wife’s support over the years and expressed his intention to leave his properties to her and their three children residing in Canada.
In the footage, which subsequently circulated on social media, Akinbolusere maintained that he was making the declaration voluntarily and had not been pressured by anyone.
He recalled starting his business from scratch and praised his wife, Esther, for standing by him during difficult times, particularly when he worked as a barber.
However, the deceased’s uncle, Femi Akinbolusere, has questioned the circumstances surrounding the recording, suggesting that his nephew’s statements and mannerisms raised serious concerns.
Speaking with newsmen, Femi wondered why the businessman repeatedly spoke about surrendering his properties, alleging that he might have been acting under duress.
He urged investigators to critically examine the footage to establish whether another person was present or exerting pressure on the deceased.
The grieving uncle further demanded an autopsy to determine the actual cause of death, insisting that the family deserved answers.
According to him, the circumstances surrounding the incident were too suspicious to be dismissed without a comprehensive investigation.
He also called on the police to question individuals who might have information about the businessman’s final moments, including his wife.
Police Recover Suspected Poison Bottles, Rule Out Visible Signs of Violence
Meanwhile, the Ondo State Police Command has confirmed that an investigation has commenced into the incident.
In a statement issued on Friday, the command’s spokesperson, Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed that the businessman, a resident of Road 7, Housing Estate, Igba, was discovered dead in his office beside BOVAS Petrol Station at approximately 3 p.m. on Thursday.
According to the police, operatives from the Bolorunduro Division visited the scene following a report of the incident and recovered two empty bottles suspected to have contained Sniper insecticide from a nearby bush.
The command also acknowledged the existence of the viral video in which the deceased reportedly lamented his personal difficulties.
Police said his remains had been evacuated to the State Hospital Morgue for preservation and further examination.
Although preliminary examination revealed no visible injuries or signs of violence on his body, the command maintained that investigations were ongoing.
The family’s allegations of possible coercion have not been independently established, while the precise circumstances surrounding Akinbolusere’s death remain under investigation.
Crime
Tenant Smashes Landlord’s For Increasing Rent Increase From N300,000 to N1 Million

A disagreement over a sharp rent increase has reportedly turned violent in Benin City, Edo State, after a tenant allegedly smashed his landlord’s head during a confrontation.
The incident followed a dispute over renovation work carried out by the tenant at his own expense to improve the apartment for his business.
In a video shared online by Edo TV on Friday, October 30, the tenant narrated how the disagreement began when his landlord questioned him over tiling work done on the property.
According to him, the landlord subsequently demanded additional payment for the renovation before increasing his annual rent from N300,000 to N1 million, representing an increase of over 233 per cent.
The tenant alleged that the disagreement escalated into a physical confrontation after the landlord slapped him, prompting him to retaliate.
“He slapped me first and out of my defence, I smashed his head. It wasn’t intentional,” the tenant claimed.
The landlord reportedly sustained serious head injuries during the altercation.
The incident has raised fresh concerns over landlord-tenant disputes, particularly disagreements involving arbitrary rent increases and improvements undertaken by tenants at their own expense.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no confirmation of police intervention or whether any arrest had been made in connection with the incident.
Crime
BREAKING: Sowore Hospitalised After Attack in Ekiti, Brother, Campaign Members Reportedly Macheted

Human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has reportedly been rushed to hospital following a violent attack by suspected political thugs in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, on Friday.
The attack, which reportedly occurred at Tawakal’tu Restaurants and Catering Services, left several members of Sowore’s entourage, including his brother, with suspected machete injuries.
Eyewitnesses alleged that armed men stormed the restaurant, attacked Sowore and members of his campaign team, and briefly abducted the activist before he was reportedly taken to hospital.
Sources linked the attackers to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), further alleging that the Department of State Services (DSS) provided information about Sowore’s location.
However, these allegations have not been independently verified.
One source claimed that Sowore was rushed to hospital after the incident, although details surrounding his reported abduction, subsequent release and the extent of his injuries remained unclear as of press time.
The attack reportedly triggered panic at the restaurant, forcing customers and other occupants to flee for safety. Several people were said to have sustained injuries during the disturbance.
Sowore’s Team Accuses DSS
Reacting to the incident, Sowore’s media team accused the DSS of compromising his security by allegedly disclosing his exact location to the attackers.
In a statement posted on his official X account, the team described the assailants as government-sponsored thugs and vowed that the attack would not deter Sowore’s political activities.
The African Action Congress had earlier raised concerns over his whereabouts, calling on the Ekiti State Governor, the Inspector-General of Police and the state Commissioner of Police to urgently establish his location and guarantee his safety.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Rex Elanu, the party demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of those behind the attack.
The AAC further warned that it would mobilise a mass protest at the Ekiti State Government House should security authorities fail to take decisive action.
Similarly, Sowore’s campaign organisation called on the Nigeria Police Force, DSS, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant authorities to intervene.
The incident occurred during Sowore’s visit to Ekiti State for political activities ahead of the 2027 general election.
On Thursday, October 29, his defence counsel informed the Federal High Court in Abuja that the activist was in Ekiti for campaign engagements. The court subsequently adjourned his ongoing cyberbullying trial until November 3, 2026.
Meanwhile, the police have reportedly confirmed that an attack occurred but disputed claims that Sowore was abducted.
As of the time of filing this report, the circumstances surrounding the incident, the identities of the attackers and the extent of the victims’ injuries had yet to be independently established.
Crime
Estate Developer Commits Suicide After Emotional Farewell Video, Leaves Properties to Wife, Children

A prominent estate developer in Ondo City, Mr Akinbolusere Kayode, popularly known as Tolufe, has reportedly died in a suspected suicide incident after leaving behind an emotional farewell video containing messages to his family.
Kayode, the owner of Esther Estate, reportedly recorded a video which subsequently surfaced on Facebook, addressing his family, speaking about his properties and paying a heartfelt tribute to his wife.
In the recording, the deceased reportedly stated that he was acting without coercion, although he did not disclose the circumstances that informed his decision.
He appealed to his relatives and other concerned individuals to ensure that all his properties were handed over to his wife and children, who currently reside in Canada.
In what appeared to be an emotional farewell, Kayode described his wife as a wonderful woman who stood firmly by him throughout his life, expressing appreciation for her loyalty, sacrifices and unwavering support during their marriage.
News of his death has thrown parts of Ondo City into mourning, with residents, friends and associates expressing shock over the tragic development.
Members of the Celestial Church of Christ, Omolore Parish, Yaba, Ondo, where the deceased was reportedly a prominent member, were also said to have been deeply saddened by his passing.
The video has since generated reactions on social media, with sympathisers extending condolences to his family.
However, the circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, while official confirmation of the suspected cause of death was not available at the time of filing this report.
Kayode’s passing has left his family, associates and members of the Ondo community mourning a man whose final message centred largely on the welfare of his wife and children.
Source: Myexclusiveinfo
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