Category: News

The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has issued a strong warning to businesses across the state, cautioning them against the use of misleading prices and hidden costs in advertisements. In a statement released on Monday, the agency’s general manager, Afolabi Solebo, expressed concern over the rising trend of entrepreneurs advertising goods and services at attractive rates, only for consumers to encounter unexpected charges or conflicting terms at the point of sale.

Solebo emphasized that such practices erode consumer trust and violate established consumer protection laws. He stressed that all advertised prices must be transparent, accurate, and all-inclusive, and that businesses have an obligation to present pricing clearly to avoid confusing or deceiving buyers. The agency warned it will not tolerate tactics like unclear pricing, fake discounts, or bait-and-switch schemes designed to lure unsuspecting customers.

Additionally, Solebo cautioned businesses running promotions, discounts, or raffle draws to avoid ambiguous phrases like “while stock lasts,” unless clearly defined, as such terms may infringe on consumer rights. He urged businesses to specify the exact duration of offers, including start and end dates, along with all associated conditions. The general manager reiterated that non-compliance with fair pricing and advertising rules is an offense under the Lagos State Consumer Protection Law, particularly the “right to be informed,” and will result in penalties, sanctions, and possible prosecution.

LASCOPA called on all business owners—including supermarkets, online vendors, automobile dealers, electronics stores, service providers, and retailers—to review their pricing and advertising practices to ensure full legal compliance. Consumers are encouraged to report instances of misleading pricing or false advertisements through the agency’s official complaint channels. LASCOPA reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding consumers and fostering a fair, transparent, and competitive marketplace in Lagos State.

In a swift response to an attack on an investigative journalist, the Rivers State Police Command has apprehended 13 individuals. The arrests follow an incident where journalist Allwell Ene was reportedly assaulted while conducting solo investigative work in a Port Harcourt area known for criminal activity.

Commissioner of Police Olugenga Adewole Adepoju took immediate action upon receiving the report, initiating an investigation and inviting the journalist for an account. The Divisional Police Officer of the Olu-Obasanjo Division deployed operatives to the scene, successfully rescuing the journalist.

According to a statement from Police Public Relations Officer ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, the rescue was followed by coordinated operations in the Olu-Obasanjo axis and surrounding areas, leading to the detention of 13 suspects. These individuals are allegedly linked to phone theft and harassment of residents.

The command stated that investigations are ongoing, with efforts to apprehend other criminals and ensure they are prosecuted. Additionally, police advised journalists and private investigators to avoid working alone in dangerous locations and to collaborate closely with security forces to ensure their safety.

The Rivers State Police Command reiterated its dedication to protecting lives and property and vowed to continue operations to cleanse the state of criminal elements.

The Ebonyi State Government has officially ended the curfew imposed on Amasiri Autonomous Community in Afikpo Local Government Area. The restriction was lifted three months following the deaths of four individuals from Okporojo Village in Idima Community, Edda Local Government Area.

Mrs. E.Y. Kolawole, the Director of the State Security Service (DSS) in Ebonyi, shared this update during a press briefing after a security council meeting at the Governor’s Office in Abakaliki on Monday. She confirmed that the curfew has been fully lifted but emphasized that security personnel will remain stationed in the region to preserve peace and order.

Kolawole further stated that authorities are preparing to declare wanted other suspects still at large in connection with the attack.

The State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Barrister Ben Odoh, explained that the government’s decision was influenced by multiple apology letters from the Amasiri Community, which were accepted by the Okporojo Village. Odoh noted that these letters were submitted through Amasiri’s traditional leaders, who pledged their dedication to peace and reconciliation.

Odoh also revealed that appeals from founding fathers and the council of elders played a key role in the government’s rejection of a proposed bill that sought to remove Amasiri Development Centre from the list of the state’s 64 development centres.

Regarding the return to normalcy, Mrs. Rita Mary Okoro, the State Head of Service, stated that her office will oversee the removal of restrictions on schools and healthcare facilities in the area. She added that a circular will be sent to the Ministries of Education and Health, along with the Local Government Service Commission, to facilitate the return of staff previously redeployed from Amasiri Development Centre.

Meanwhile, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Hope Okafor, represented by Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Mr. Tarzan Tsav, announced that investigations into the murder of the traditional ruler of Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, Eze Francis Igwe, have been completed, and suspects will soon face charges. He also mentioned that inquiries into the killing of the traditional ruler of Ishinkwo Autonomous Community are ongoing, with assurances that those responsible will be prosecuted once the investigation concludes.

A journalist with TheCable, Olalekan Fakoyejo, has shared a disturbing account of being physically attacked by a soldier following a minor traffic disagreement in the Ogba area of Lagos State. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, has sparked outrage over the conduct of military personnel in civilian settings.

Fakoyejo, who serves as Assistant Business Editor at the online news platform, recounted the events in an interview on Monday. He was traveling in a tricycle from Ikeja to Ogba when he encountered soldiers managing traffic near Pleasant Event Centre on Ajao Road.

The altercation began when a soldier ordered another tricycle driver to climb onto the roof of his vehicle as a form of punishment. Fakoyejo voiced his concern that this action was worsening the traffic situation. The soldier overheard his remark and forcibly dragged him out of the tricycle, threatening him and demanding that he report himself to other soldiers nearby.

Fakoyejo refused to comply, asserting that he had done nothing wrong and that the soldier had no authority to make such a demand. The soldier persisted in pushing him backward toward his colleagues. When a colleague approached to speak with Fakoyejo, the original soldier suddenly slapped him across the face.

An eyewitness video recorded the soldier repeatedly pushing the journalist and attempting to strike him with a cudgel picked from the ground. During the scuffle, Fakoyejo’s mobile phone fell and sustained a cracked screen.

Bystanders eventually intervened, urging the journalist to leave the area to avoid further harm. As he departed, two other soldiers approached and threatened to flog him, but onlookers appealed for calm.

Efforts to obtain a response from the Nigerian Army spokesperson, Appolonia Anele, were unsuccessful at the time of this report. The incident has raised concerns about the conduct of security personnel involved in traffic management and the need for accountability.

Security forces in Zamfara State have recorded a significant victory, neutralizing two suspected terrorists during a recent patrol. The counter-insurgency operation, carried out by the 1 Brigade Quick Response Unit from Forward Operating Base Bagega, took place in the early hours of May 4.

According to reports from Zagazola Makama, a security analyst specializing in the Lake Chad region, the troops conducted a sweep through several villages, including Maikwanuga in Talata Mafara Local Government Area, and extended their operations to Aljumma, Gidan Dawa, Magami Didi, and Tungar Magaji in Maradun Local Government Area.

The confrontation occurred at Tungar Magaji village when the patrol team encountered armed suspects, leading to an exchange of gunfire. During the clash, two terrorists were neutralized, while the remaining assailants escaped, believed to be wounded.

The operation resulted in the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and a motorcycle. Authorities have confirmed that troops are currently combing the area to apprehend the fleeing suspects and prevent any further security threats.

The Nigerian Army’s 8 Division, supported by the 1 Brigade Combat Team and other tactical units, launched a major offensive against suspected terrorist camps in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State. The operation, which began around 9 a.m. on May 4, targeted several known militant strongholds in Kamara, Dan Gwandi, Manawa, and Katsira villages.

The news was shared by Zagazola Makama, a security analyst specializing in counter-insurgency operations in the Lake Chad region. According to him, troops engaged the militants in a fierce firefight at Katsira village, resulting in multiple enemy casualties. However, three soldiers suffered gunshot wounds during the clash and are currently receiving medical treatment.

Under sustained military pressure, the terrorists were forced to retreat toward the Fakai high ground. The army maintains control of the area and is pursuing the fleeing fighters to prevent them from regrouping. Efforts are ongoing to ensure the security of the region and deny the militants any freedom of movement.

The Plateau State Youth Council (PYC) has voiced strong condemnation over the reported kidnapping and coercive religious conversion of a 17-year-old girl, Jinkai Yusuf Simon, allegedly by a Muslim man named Abdulsamad in Kaduna State. The council is urging state authorities to intervene and secure the minor’s immediate release.

In a statement issued on Monday, jointly signed by PYC Chairman Panan Gongden Dapar and Public Relations Officer Bahal Nanpyal Mark, the group detailed that the incident took place in Kuregu, Zaria, where the teenager, originally from Pankshin LGA of Plateau State, had been residing with her elder sister while attending St. Bartholomew’s Secondary School in Wusasa.

The PYC characterized the abduction as a clear case of child trafficking and called on both the Plateau and Kaduna state governments, along with security agencies, to do everything possible to rescue the girl, apprehend the perpetrators, and ensure they face justice.

According to the council, Jinkai left for school on an unspecified date and never returned. After days of searching, her school bag was discovered with a minor allegedly connected to a neighbor named Rukkaya. Initially denying knowledge of Jinkai’s whereabouts, Rukkaya later admitted the teenager had been in contact with a man identified as Abdulsamad.

The PYC revealed it had obtained disturbing photographic evidence showing the minor wearing a hijab alongside Rukkaya. Even more alarming, they claimed to have court affidavits from Kano State indicating that Jinkai’s name had been changed to “Aisha Sani” and “Aisha Abdulsamad,” with her age also falsified.

“The Plateau State Youth Council condemns the forceful abduction and religious coercion of a 17-year-old student, Miss Jinkai Yusuf Simon, and hereby calls for immediate intervention from security agencies to secure her release,” the statement read.

The council argued that this act violates several provisions of the 1999 Constitution, including Section 38 (freedom of religion), Section 34 (human dignity), and Section 35 (personal liberty), as well as Section 27 of the Child Rights Act 2003, which prohibits the unlawful removal of a child from parental custody.

“As a minor, Miss Jinkai cannot legally give informed consent. The Council is therefore demanding a thorough investigation by the Plateau and Kaduna State governments, the Department of State Services, NAPTIP, and the Nigeria Police Force to ensure her rescue, rehabilitation, and safe reunification with her family. We also call for the prompt identification, arrest, and prosecution of everyone involved because this case bears the clear markings of child trafficking, exploitation, and abuse,” the PYC added.

The council vowed to continue pursuing justice until Jinkai is safely returned to her family.

During a meeting held at the police headquarters in Maiduguri on Monday, the Borno State Police Command issued a firm directive to its officers regarding the prohibition of torture and human rights violations. Commissioner of Police Naziru Abdulmajid addressed tactical commanders, department heads, and divisional police officers, emphasizing the need for accountability and respect for human dignity in all law enforcement activities.

Abdulmajid underscored that any form of torture, excessive force, or abuse is strictly illegal and contrary to the Police Act and operational guidelines. He stressed that such misconduct not only damages the reputation of the Nigeria Police Force but also erodes public trust, which is critical for effective policing and intelligence gathering.

The commissioner specifically noted that officers must comply with Force Order 237 regarding the use of force and maintain professionalism in every operation. He warned that any officer found guilty of rights violations will face disciplinary action as per existing procedures.

The warning comes at a time when police conduct across the country is under increased scrutiny, following recent incidents that have sparked demands for stricter enforcement of rules on the use of force and greater protection of citizens’ rights. Abdullahi also encouraged the public to report any misconduct through the Police Complaint Response Unit or other official channels, assuring that all complaints will be handled seriously and confidentially.

The command reiterated its dedication to safeguarding lives and property while upholding human rights and professional policing standards.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has launched a forward-looking emergency response initiative while reinforcing its partnership with the Department of State Services (DSS). This move underscores the agency’s dedication to mitigating disasters through proactive measures.

Director General Zubaida Umar emphasized this commitment during a meeting with a delegation from the DSS’s Simulation and Crisis Management Directorate at NEMA’s headquarters in Abuja. She highlighted that the agency is ramping up efforts to reduce risks and enhance community resilience via early warning systems, preparedness activities, and coordinated response strategies.

“Our focus remains on advancing a proactive and risk-informed approach to disaster management, with emphasis on early warning dissemination, preparedness, mitigation, and coordinated response to emerging threats,” Umar stated.

She noted that after the release of the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction by NiMet and the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook by NIHSA, NEMA activated measures to lessen the impact of anticipated flooding during the rainy season. The agency has increased stakeholder engagement, convened technical coordination platforms, and launched sensitization campaigns targeting state governments and vulnerable communities.

Umar assured the DSS delegation of NEMA’s readiness to bolster cooperation in disaster preparedness, simulation planning, and emergency response. “We are ready to continue working closely to enhance coordinated emergency response across the country,” she added.

Acting Assistant Director General of the Directorate, Safiya Yusuf, stated that the visit aimed to strengthen institutional cooperation and improve national crisis response mechanisms. She noted the Directorate’s role in providing support before, during, and after emergencies, and affirmed its commitment to working with NEMA to improve preparedness nationwide.

The statement was released on NEMA’s official page on May 4, 2026.

The Nigerian Army has reported a series of successful operations in the Southeast region under the auspices of Operation UDO KA. Troops, working alongside other security agencies, captured a suspected arms trafficker in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State. Initial inquiries indicate the individual was implicated in channeling firearms to criminal networks through an intermediary based in Bayelsa State. Authorities are actively pursuing the recovery of the weapons and the identification of additional network members.

In a separate incident, soldiers were attacked while inspecting a charred vehicle along the SPDC–Etekuru road in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area, Imo State. Despite the ambush, personnel secured the area and retrieved two burned vehicles and two bodies, which were removed for further investigation.

Additionally, in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State, military forces joined with local vigilantes to storm a suspected cult hideout, resulting in the detention of five individuals. One detainee has volunteered to guide troops to a potential weapons cache in the vicinity. These operations highlight ongoing efforts to break up illicit groups and bolster safety across the Southeast.