🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
House of Representatives passes bill to professionalise National Assembly security
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
Nigeria's House of Representatives has passed legislation to professionalise the National Assembly's internal security structure by overhauling the office of the Sergeant-at-Arms. The bill mandates that the head of the National Assembly Security Directorate, the Sergeant-at-Arms, will be appointed by the National Assembly Service Commission from serving legislative personnel, rather than retired military or external security officers. This reform addresses long-standing concerns about reliance on external appointees, which critics argue weaken institutional independence and limit career progression for legislative staff. The push for reform gained momentum after security breaches, including the 2018 invasion of the Senate chamber. The new law requires eligible officers to have at least 15 years of service in the National Assembly, a minimum rank of Assistant Director, and no record of indiscipline. The legislation also elevates the office of the Sergeant-at-Arms to a full directorate with a renewable four-year tenure, up to two terms. Staff will enjoy conditions of service similar to other National Assembly staff, or the Nigeria Police where applicable. The proposed law allows the Sergeant-at-Arms to carry arms within the National Assembly complex with presidential approval, for self-defense or defense against imminent threats, and to prevent serious crimes or arrest dangerous individuals. Sponsored by Akintunde Rotimi, the bill aims to create a career-driven, institutionally
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
President Bola Tinubu has honored billionaire businessman Dr. Mike Adenuga on his birthday, April 29, describing him as a "colossus" in Nigeria's business landscape. In a statement issued on Tuesday, President Tinubu congratulated the Globacom and Conoil chairman, praising his contributions across key sectors including telecommunications, real estate, banking, and oil and gas. Tinubu highlighted Adenuga's life as a reflection of determination and vision, noting his rise from humble beginnings to become a leading African entrepreneur. The President stated that Adenuga's success serves as motivation for younger Nigerians, demonstrating the possibilities of Nigerian enterprise through hard work, innovation, and resilience. Tinubu also commended Adenuga's consistent support for the arts, culture, sports, and entertainment sectors, which has sustained culturally significant festivals and entertainment events. Furthermore, the President lauded Adenuga's philanthropic efforts in education and healthcare, encouraging him to continue giving back to the community. Tinubu concluded by celebrating with Adenuga and praying for his continued good health, wisdom, and renewed vision for future accomplishments.
The Edo State Migration Agency has successfully rescued and repatriated three indigenes from Burkina Faso who were victims of human trafficking. The Director-General of the agency, Lucky Agazuma, announced the rescue at Benin Airport, describing the day as both "happy and sad" due to the victims' experiences. The operation was initiated after Nigeria's Ambassador to Burkina Faso, Muhammad Danladi, alerted the Edo State Government about stranded indigenes. Governor Monday Okpebholo then ordered immediate intervention. One male victim, Evans, was imprisoned upon arrival in Burkina Faso after being deceived. Two young women, Precious and Peace, were trafficked under the pretense of job opportunities but were forced into prostitution. Their refusal to comply led to severe abuse, with one of the victims losing her sight due to the maltreatment. The state government is providing urgent medical attention for her. The agency is seeking public assistance to locate the family of the visually impaired victim, who reportedly lived in the Uselu area of Edo State. Agazuma also stated that one suspect in the trafficking network has been apprehended, and investigations are ongoing. The rescued individuals are currently receiving care.
The Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, successfully rescued 14 victims who were abducted by sea pirates along the Calabar–Oron waterways. The rescue operation, announced by Force public relations officer DCP Anthony Placid on Tuesday, was a result of sustained intelligence-driven operations, inter-agency collaboration, and coordinated efforts targeting criminal elements in the maritime corridor. All victims were rescued without harm and are currently undergoing medical evaluation and debriefing before being reunited with their families. Inspector-General of Police IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu commended the joint security team for the successful operation, highlighting it as an example of effective inter-agency collaboration and intelligence-led policing. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend those responsible for the abduction. The incident, which occurred when a passenger ferry traveling from Calabar to Oron was intercepted, had previously drawn attention from the Senate, which urged security agencies to intensify operations in the Niger Delta waterways.
Must ReadA disturbing video circulating on social media shows the public killing of a bound suspect by armed men, identified as alleged police officers from the Nigeria Police Force, Effurun Area Command, in Delta State. The 90-second video depicts the suspect, with hands and legs tied, pleading for his life and offering to cooperate. Despite his pleas, an armed man fires a shot into his leg, and then a second shot towards his head, in full view of onlookers. The body is subsequently placed into a police van. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation on social media, with Nigerians demanding the immediate arrest and prosecution of those involved. Activist Harrison Gwamnishu described the footage as "disturbing," while other social media users called for police leadership to take action. In response to the viral video and public backlash, the Complaint Response Unit of the Nigeria Police Force confirmed that an investigation has been initiated into the incident, providing a tracking number for the complaint.