
The Kogi State Government has sealed the Daarul Kitab Islamic Training Centre in Zariagi, Adavi Local Government Area, following an alleged illegal operation without government approval. This action comes after an April 26 attack on the school by gunmen who abducted 23 pupils and the proprietor's wife. All victims were subsequently rescued through a joint operation by the Nigerian Army, the Kogi State Police Command, and other security agencies. The state Commissioner for Education, Wemi Jones, led the closure on Friday, directing the proprietor to report to the Ministry of Education. The center will remain closed until it meets all legal operating conditions. Jones emphasized that the state government prioritizes ensuring schools are conducive and safe for teaching and learning, and will not compromise on operational standards. He noted that while the proprietor had initiated the registration process, the school commenced operations without official approval. The government plans to continue monitoring schools statewide to ensure compliance with safety and operational standards.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadMr Adegoke Fayoade, the South-West Coordinating Deputy Inspector-General of Police DIG for Information and Communication Technology, has assured the safe rescue of abducted schoolchildren and their teachers. Speaking to journalists during a visit to the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters, Fayoade stated that coordinated efforts are underway across various security formations to free the victims swiftly. He explicitly rejected any involvement in ransom discussions, emphasizing that the police's operational focus remains on the safe recovery of the abductees. Fayoade's visit also aimed to strengthen supervision, review operational approaches, and engage personnel on improved strategies to address security threats. Observations from this visit will be forwarded to the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Olatunji Disu, for further action. Key challenges identified include manpower shortages, officer welfare, and logistics, with ongoing recruitment and technology adoption, such as a centralized data system and artificial intelligence, being implemented to address these issues. Fayoade urged officers to maintain professionalism and respect human rights, highlighting the importance of public cooperation for effective policing and national security.

Mr. Adegoke Fayoade, the South-West Coordinating Deputy Inspector-General of Police DIG and DIG in charge of Information and Communication Technology ICT, stated that Lagos is Nigeria's most complex policing environment. He made this remark during a working visit to the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters in Ikeja. Fayoade cited Lagos State's estimated population of over 20 million people, its strategic importance, and dynamic security challenges as reasons for this complexity, emphasizing the need for a responsive, adaptive, and intelligence-driven policing approach. He highlighted the importance of community engagement, collaboration with other security agencies, and the adoption of technology-driven operations, as well as effective traffic management, for maintaining security. The DIG commended the Lagos State Police Command for its resilience and operational effectiveness in addressing challenges like armed robbery and cult-related violence. He also praised the leadership of Commissioner of Police Mr. Fatai Tijani and acknowledged the support from the Lagos State Government under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos State Security Trust Fund LSSTF. Fayoade urged officers to enhance intelligence gathering, visibility policing, and maintain professionalism. Commissioner Tijani reported a significant decline in major crimes through intelligence-led operations, noting the arrest of 71 armed robbery suspects, 133 cultism suspects, and 35 murder suspects, with 60 firea

The Federal Government is urging cement manufacturers to lower prices, citing the burden on ongoing infrastructure projects and increasing demands for contract variations. Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, stated this during the unveiling of Lafarge Africa's rebranding to HBM following its acquisition by HUAXIN Group. Umahi announced that formal engagements with cement manufacturers will begin on July 1 to address the high cost of cement. He emphasized that manufacturers must take responsibility for reducing costs, rather than expecting the government to adjust project contracts due to rising material prices. The minister highlighted that lower cement prices would support critical infrastructure projects and benefit ordinary Nigerians. He also noted that President Bola Tinubu's administration's infrastructure expansion creates opportunities for manufacturers, contractors, and investors, urging HBM and other industry players to increase production capacity. Umahi commended HBM's transition and commitment to the Nigerian market, assuring government cooperation for industrial growth and infrastructure development. He also showcased the Tinubu administration's infrastructure achievements, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, as examples of economic transformation. This intervention comes amid concerns from contractors and stakeholders about rising construction material costs, with the government's engagement aiming to moderate prices while sustaining sector investme