
News
INSECURITY: We’re sitting on landmines — Abuja residents react to US terror alert
…As schools, religious centers, mall shut down
…We’re beefing up security — Police
…Govt must take lives of citizens seriously— CSOs
Following last Sunday’s travel advisory by the United States Embassy in Nigeria to American citizens in the country over heightened risk of terrorist attack in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, particularly at government buildings, places of worship and schools, among other targets, there has been pandemonium amongst Abuja residents.
The US Embassy, in the advisory warned American citizens in Nigeria to be cautious of their movement in response to what it called “elevated risk of terror attacks in Nigeria, specifically in Abuja.”
The US government, in its update said, “On October 25, 2022, the Department authorized the departure of non-emergency U.S. government employees and family members due to the heightened risk of terrorist attacks. The U.S. Embassy Abuja continues to have limited ability to provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens in Nigeria. The U.S. Consulate in Lagos is providing all routine and emergency services to U.S. citizens in Nigeria”.

On the heels of this warning, Saturday Vanguard observed that the British High Commission in Abuja which used to be a beehive of activities for those seeking travel visas, has been left completely desolate while Australia, Ireland, and Canada reduced services and would only attend to critical needs.
Australia, in a memo, reportedly urged its citizens to reconsider traveling to Nigeria “due to high threats of terrorist attacks and kidnapping, the volatile security situation, possible violent civil unrest, and high levels of violent crime. If you are in Abuja, avoid all travel, stay alert, and follow local news and security authorities’ advice,” the memo said.
Another warning reportedly came from the Irish Government through its mission. It said: “Government buildings, shopping malls, hotels, bars, large gatherings, international organizations, transportation facilities, schools, markets, places of worship, and law enforcement institutions, among other things, could be targets”.
Following these terror alerts by foreign missions to their citizens in Nigeria, some residents of the FCT, Abuja, have expressed fear for their lives while many are in total shock wondering how the nation’s capital became an easy target for terrorists.
In a swift response to these terror alerts, however, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said Nigeria will not be stampeded by whatever any government decides to tell its people living in Abuja and parts of the country. He stressed that the government has in the last few months taken a firm handle of security, urging citizens to avoid liking or sharing materials that could incite panic.
Despite Lai’s message to Nigerians, residents of Abuja, in their scores, including clergymen, CSOs, who spoke with Saturday Vanguard averred that the news of evacuation of US citizens in Abuja, heightened anxiety amongst Abuja residents which has led to an unusual calm, and drastic reduction of vehicular movements. They described the situation as double jeopardy, seeing how the dwindling economy is having a toll on their mental health, but are now being forced to face hassles of insecurity alerts.
In his reaction, an Abuja-based business mogul, Promise Chucks, said most residents were in serious panic and that “it appears residents are sitting on landmines. He explained that in the past few days, he had been avoiding crowded places as well as movements around Abuja.
He said: “I avoid traffic like most residents now. It is really frightening. It appears as if we are sitting on landmines or gunpowder. We don’t even know where to go from here or how to go about this situation. Some of us are not even sure if the government believes that this is real because they are protected with lots of security forces around them but we who are in the suburbs are dealing with a lot of fear. Some of us had to withdraw our children from their schools because prevention as they say is better than cure. I honestly want to plead with the government to work very hard and ensure that no life is lost and those who are bringing unrest to this country are caught and made to face the law squarely”.
He said most traders in Wuse markets now close earlier than before, while others decided to stay clear of the area pending when the Abuja becomes calm again.
Another resident, Dada Sholadoye, a Radiographer, urged the government to take intelligence reports seriously, saying attempts by the government to beef up security in Abuja would help forestall imminent attacks.
“I have read and heard the news of the Security Alert raised by the US and UK likewise and also the position of the Ministry of information and DSS accordingly. I don’t think any information on security concerns should be ignored. Until proven otherwise, it should be treated as highly important.”
Also speaking, a building engineer, Athanasius Manji Albert, said: “It is fascinating how threats within the capital of our country are seen first by a foreign government. Seeing that the US government is evacuating its citizens, I think it’s fair to believe the threat is real and it’s just pathetic that the Nigerian government is yet to address the citizens.”
On her part, a civil servant, Beatrice Odeh, argued that the issues of insecurity in Abuja should not be treated mildly as it could affect the image of the country.
Her words: “It’s really disheartening and a thing of concern that Abuja, the seat of government, is not exempted from insecurity. One would think that people from other parts of the country should run here to take cover and be protected as all sorts of security agents are here in their rank and file. But then, they’re incapacitated and lack the capability due to under fortification in terms of equipment and technological intelligence.”
She said, however, that the result of the tension would be that schools may shut down as part of steps to save the lives of the children, adding that it may take a toll on the livelihood of teachers.
Schools, religious centers, malls shut down
At the last count, at least five foreign missions had issued warning notices to their citizens to avoid non-essential trips to Nigeria’s capital over a possible attack by terrorists.
Just recently, the management of Jabi Lake Mall in the Utako area of Abuja, in a post on the mall’s Instagram page, announced that it had shut down its operations amid the threats to security.
The statement reads: “To all our valued shoppers, Jabi Lake Mall will be closed today, Thursday, October 27, 2022. This decision has been taken in the overall interest of the safety of all staff and customers of the mall. Centre Management is committed to minimizing any disruptions; however, the safety of our staff and shoppers remains our highest priority. Management is constantly reviewing the security situation in consultation with relevant security authorities and will inform you when the mall will be reopened. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and hope to provide you with a quality shopping experience soon.”
On shut down of schools, the proprietor of Precious Foundational School, Karu, in Abuja, Pastor Remijus Ukanwa, said that the terror alert within the past few days should not be despised as failure to attempt safety measures may hugely jeopardize the lives of innocent children.
According to him, “whether or not the information was correct, at least we should be able to take precautionary measures in order to forestall impending dangers. It will cost us nothing to protect the lives of children and at the end of the day, if the report is not true it will cost us nothing. But it would cost us more to be recalcitrant to information such as these and jeopardize the lives of innocent children. I know quite a number of schools that have shut down, some of them went on midterm break and from the mid term break, it will be extended pending when calm will be restored in Abuja. I am calling on schools that are still operating to take the lives of students seriously, and my advice to parents is that they should keep their children and watch the time”, he added.
On his part, the General Overseer of Christ the King Missionary Church, Reverend Timothy Ikechukwu, disclosed that the church has reduced its weekly activities since the terror alert from the US Embassy.
“I think everyone should be alert and the church is not an exception to this because even the Bible acknowledges the role of man in decision making. Stubbornness will not yield any good result. So, as a church we have reduced services for the week but on Sundays, we have also written to the police for special security. I believe that safety will be assured because we have played our role and God will do His”, he said.
New security measures around Abuja
Despite denials by the Federal Government of imminent attacks, it was observed that security operatives from the Nigerian Air Force, Department of State Services, DSS, Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Immigration Services have beefed up security in the nation’s capital.
Major areas around the Garki axis have been designed with various military apparatuses such as the armoured tanks, military personnel stationed at critical positions with heavy machine guns and military camouflage.
Similarly, fighter and surveillance jets have now been massively deployed on the air to map out potential hideouts of the terrorists, planning to wreck havoc.
A military officer, who did not want his name in print, explained that the security operatives were already on red alert following ‘an order from above.’
“Following orders from the above, we, in collaboration with DIA, NIA, DSS and other security forces, have stepped up our games. We will tackle those criminals,” the senior military officer told Saturday Vanguard.
Similarly, on Friday, there was heavy deployment of security operatives at soft targets like entry points to the city centre as well as churches, mosques, recreational and business centres. Soldiers at the early hours of Friday deployed near the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport were seen mounting checkpoints before the entrance of the airport, which restricted the free flow of vehicles.
There was also heavy presence of policemen in the Asokoro area of Abuja, close to the ECOWAS building. There were also thorough checks on motorists entering Immigration’s passport office located along Dukpa road, Gwagwalada, National Mathematical Centre, Sheda, along the Abuja-Lokoja highway, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada. Military operatives were likewise seen paroling Karu- Jikwoyi axis, while there were thorough checks at the army checkpoint at Giri along the Airport Road, Zuba-Kubwa Express Way and at the Abaji- Abuja-Lokoja highway, as vehicles were completely stopped for a search.
CSOs react
The Director General, DG, Coalition of Nigerian Youths on Security and Safety Affairs, CONYSSA, Ambassador Ade Mario Emmanuel, while stating that the federal government has failed in its intelligence gathering, advised that government at all levels should act accordingly to the terror alert.
“My advice to the Federal government is to make good use of all volunteer organisations in Nigeria that have have been vetted by the DSS, it will enable us have more man power to help in sensitising and gathering information from local communities”.
Also, the Founder of Concerned Nigerians, a Non-Governmental Organizations, Sandra Okezie, expressed fear over the US alert and appealed to relevant authorities to, as matter of urgency, put in place security measures to avert any eventuality.
Police launch counter-terrorism exercise
Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, has announced the immediate commencement of a counter-terrorism Incident Simulation Exercise code-named “Operation Darkin Gaggawa”.
According to him, the exercise will involve the diversion of traffic, use of blank ammunition, and other operational manpower and assets, designed to improve interoperability and synergy between different Units and Formations of the Force in response to terrorist incidents and other violent crimes.
The IG ordered the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Federal Capital Territory, heads of tactical squads domiciled in the FCT, and other State Command CPs to re-strategise security management within their jurisdictions. “The NPF will continually work with other security agencies to make every part of Nigeria safe, especially the FCT,” the police chief said in a statement issued on his behalf by the force spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
FCTA deploys 60 Operational Vehicles To Security Agencies
Meanwhile, in a bid to secure the lives and property of residents of Abuja, the FCT administration has procured and distributed 60 operational vehicles to security agencies and relevant agencies domiciled in the territory to fight insecurity.
Those to benefit from the vehicles are: police, the armed forces, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other paramilitary organisations, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA).
The vehicles would have a state-of-the-art security equipment installed in them, which will be controlled centrally. (Vanguard)

News
How Businessman Lucky Adimike was stabbed to death by his son – Sources
Businessman Chief Lucky Adimike, also referred to as Lucky Godwin Adimike, was allegedly stabbed to death by his 19-year-old son in Abuja.
The incident is said to have happened after an argument at their home in Guzape.
A report says the son, who was reportedly keeping late nights and returning from a night club allegedly stabbed him multiple times and is currently in police custody while investigations continue.
The police reportedly confirmed that a homicide investigation is ongoing.
The incident allegedly happened at his residence in Guzape, Abuja.
He was described as a businessman and electrical dealer.
Sources claimed there was an argument between him and his son, reportedly a nightcrawler, in which he scolded him to be more serious with his studies and life instead of roaming aimlessly, spending lavishly and getting into substance abuse.

The disagreement allegedly also involved money, lifestyle expectations, and accusations about business funds.
Police reportedly found him injured after a distress call and later confirmed him dead at the hospital.
The Nigeria Police Force reportedly said several people, including a relative, were taken into custody while investigations continue.
Why youth corps member stabbed billionaire father dead -Associate
Friday, May 15, 2026, will linger in the memories of family members of the late multi-billionaire business tycoon, Chief Godwin Adimike, as the day he was allegedly killed by his 21 -year-old son.
Chief Adimike, popularly known as Egonaejeije Na Awka-Etiti, was killed in the early hours of that fateful day at his Number 3, Hassan Adamu Street, Guzape home in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
Findings revealed that Adimike, a native of Awka Etiti in Anambra State, a major figure in Nigeria’s electronics and import business, was renowned for his strong presence and influence at the Alaba International Market in Lagos.
Having built a vast business empire over the decades, he was widely respected as one of the leading merchants in the popular market.
Findings revealed that Adimike was killed by his son, a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), on that night following a heated argument at their Guzape home.
When our correspondent visited the Guzape home of the deceased on Friday, the premises were cordoned-off with security operatives still carrying out forensic analysis in his apartment.
One of his close friends resident in Abuja and pleaded anonymity told our correspondent that Adimike owned houses in Lekki, Lagos and in Guzape and Maitama, Abuja, frequently shuttling between the two cities for his business interests.
He explained that the news of the incident reached the union after reports emerged that the businessman was allegedly stabbed three times by his son, who had returned from a club before the confrontation.
He said: “We received news that one of our members, one of the big boys in the market, was involved in a tragic incident. He is an importer, a major dealer, and also involved in real estate.
“He travelled to Abuja to see his first son who is working there as a youth corps member and also manages some of his father’s real estate business.
“Godwin shuttles between Abuja and Lagos because of his business.
“We were told that his son went to a club and later returned to his Guzape home, one of the estates he manages for his father.
“Apparently, a heated argument ensued after the son confronted his father about being unfair with money, citing how some of his friends’ fathers, who are not as wealthy, buy cars for their children.
“Following the confrontation and an argument over mismanagement of business funds, the son allegedly stabbed his father three times in different parts of the body as seen in the body of the deceased.
“The boy is currently in police custody in Abuja, and the wife of the deceased has also been invited for questioning”.
Adimike belongs to the Electrical Dealers Association of Nigeria (EDAN).
A neighbour, who also pleaded anonymity, said: “It was my husband that his son called at about 1am that day that he should come and see his father on the floor.
“When my husband got to their apartment, because we have six flats here, our own is the first while Adimike’s own is the second. My husband got there and saw Adimike on the floor, and he was the one that called the police. The son did not call the police.
“That day, the son was with two ladies and another of his friends.”
Another neighbour described the incident as unfortunate, saying: “That night to the following morning, there is a dog in the neighborhood that barks whenever there is a stranger.
“But that day, the dog did not bark, and this tells a lot about the situation.
“My prayers are that the police should do their investigation and come out with results. This is not funny.”
Details of the incident remain sketchy as investigations are ongoing. The motive behind the incident is yet to be established by the police.
The death of Adimike has left many people in deep shock and mourning. A man widely known for his generosity, kindness and support for the less privileged, whose name echoed across Awka-Etiti and beyond because of his philanthropic lifestyle.
Another close friend said: “What an abomination and painful tragedy. A man known for helping widows, supporting the church, empowering people and touching lives positively did not deserve such an ending.
“This heartbreaking incident is a reminder that anger, lack of self-control and family conflicts can destroy lives within seconds.
“It is also a painful lesson that wealth, fame, and influence cannot replace peace at home.
“The entire Awka-Etiti community, friends, business associates and loved ones are mourning the fall of a great iroko tree.”
Many people who knew him described him as a humble and cheerful giver whose doors were always open to the needy.
During the COVID-19 period, he reportedly distributed food items and cash worth millions to members of his community in Awka-Etiti, showing his heart for humanity and the welfare of others.
It will be recalled that the FCT Police Command on Tuesday issued a statement confirming the incident and the arrest made.
FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Ade, said the police had commenced investigation into the death of Adimike, whose body was discovered following a distress call from concerned persons.
Reacting to the incident, Adeh said the police responded to the report and discovered the victim lying injured in a pool of blood at his residence.
Adeh said he was immediately rushed to Karu General Hospital where doctors on duty confirmed him dead.
“Following the incident, the police swung into action and arrested five suspects, including a relative of the deceased, as part of ongoing investigations.
“The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, ordered a discreet investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.
“The Command urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with investigators by providing any useful information that could assist the investigation,” Adeh said.
As of Friday, Adeh told our correspondent that investigation was still ongoing. “I would not want to disclose any information now till we conclude our investigation. This is a very serious case,” he said.
While all of these are unfolding, the family members issued a statement over the circumstances surrounding his death, frowning at growing speculations and unverified claims over the tragedy.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by the Adimike Family, a copy of which was obtained by THE NATION, the family cautioned the public against what it described as misinformation, speculation and false narratives circulating across social media and some news platforms regarding the gruesome killing of the businessman.
The family said many of the claims being circulated about the circumstances surrounding Adimike’s death were speculative, misleading and unsupported by facts emerging from the ongoing police investigation.
“The Adimike Family of Awka Etiti, Anambra State, wishes to strongly caution the public against the growing wave of misinformation, speculation and false narratives being circulated across social media and certain news platforms regarding the tragic circumstances surrounding his death,” the statement said.
The family stressed that contrary to widespread reports, no official determination had been made regarding the identity of the perpetrator or the brains behind the killing.
“As of this moment, no official determination has been made regarding the identity of the perpetrator(s), and the family considers it irresponsible and deeply hurtful for individuals and platforms to spread unverified allegations and assign blame without evidence,” the statement added.
The family further appealed to members of the public and media organisations to avoid sensational reporting and allow law enforcement authorities to conclude investigations professionally.
“The family respectfully appeals to the public and media organisations to refrain from sensationalism, allow the police to conclude their investigations professionally, and keep the family in prayers during this difficult period,” it stated.
News of Adimike’s death had sparked widespread reactions after reports emerged alleging that the prominent businessman and philanthropist was killed inside his Abuja residence following a domestic altercation.
However, the family’s statement appears to push back against what it described as premature conclusions while police investigations continue.
Our correspondent also saw a viral audio sound of the deceased’s wife crying and saying in Igbo language that she is being accused of killing her husband.

News
DISCLAIMER: NDC disowns John Paul Anih
…Says he’s neither Enugu State Chairman, nor represents NDC
The attention of the National Working Committee (NWC) and entire leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has been drawn to the nefarious activities of a certain John Paul Anih who is purporting to be the Enugu State Chairman of NDC, there by impersonating the authentic and legally recognised Enugu State Chairman, in the person of Engr. Ibuchukwu Obeta.
Apart from impersonating our state Chairman, the said Mr. John Paul Anih, we learnt also conducted a kangaroo state Congress where he allegedly installed himself as state chairman. He has also approached a court in Enugu, seeking to compel NDC to recognise him as our state Chairman for Enugu State.
Mr. John Paul Anih did not stop at that. While his case is yet to be heard, he went ahead to forge and reproduce copies of the NDC Expression of Interest Forms which he sold to unsuspecting prospects.
The NDC hereby warns unsuspecting members of the public that Mr. John Paul Anih does not represent the NDC in any category whatsoever, and whoever transacts any business with him on behalf of the NDC does so at his/her own risk.
Earlier today, we learnt that John Paul Anih has also seized the opportunity of the ongoing screening of aspirants by the party and set up what he called an aspirant screening Committee for Enugu State, which he is using to further defraud and extort some gullible politicians.
For the avoidance of doubt, the National leadership of the NDC has set up screening committees to screen aspirants for the state houses of assembly across the 36 states of the Federation. The three-man team for Enugu State comprises the following:

Hon. Sylvester O. Nwankwo – Chairman
Barr. Ifeanyi Emmanuel Agbom- Secretary
Ngene Helen Funmilola – Member
Any other person outside of the above mentioned, purporting to be a member of the Enugu State House of Assembly aspirants screening Committee is a fraud and should be treated as such.
We reiterate that John Paul Anih is a fraud, does not represent the NDC, and is not by any stretch of the imagination, the Enugu State Chairman of NDC.
Signed:
Osa Director Esq.
National Publicity Secretary,
Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC)

News
Supreme Court restrains FG from controlling waterfront lands in states, voids parts of NIWA Act
The Supreme Court has delivered a landmark constitutional judgement limiting the federal government’s powers over lands adjoining inland waterways across the country, declaring portions of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) Act unconstitutional.
In a major victory for Lagos State in Suit No. SC/CV/541/2025, the apex court held that Sections 12 and 13 of the NIWA Act are invalid to the extent that they empower the federal government to regulate and control lands adjoining waterways for purposes unrelated to navigation, maritime activities and fishing.
In addition to Lagos, other states that joined the suit against the federal government were Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Ogun, Cross River, Kaduna, Enugu, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Benue, Rivers, Osun, Oyo and Anambra.
Lagos State’s legal team was led by the State’s former Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN, alongside Olasupo Shasore SAN, and Muiz Banire SAN, while the federal government was represented by Akin Olujinmi SAN.
The court affirmed that state governments retain constitutional authority over adjoining lands used for non-navigational purposes, thereby restricting the federal government and the NIWA from exercising sweeping control over such areas.
The seven-member panel of the court, led by Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba, also issued a perpetual injunction restraining the federal government from dealing with lands adjoining waterways within Lagos State and other states of the federation for non-navigational purposes.

The matter was determined by a panel comprising Justices Garba, Emmanuel Akomaye Agim, Chidiebere Nwaoma Uwa, Haruna Simon Tsammani, Stephen Jonah Adah, Abubakar Sadiq Umar and Mohammed Baba Idris. Justice Umar, read the lead judgment.
Although the court was unanimous on most issues, the decision recorded a 5-2 split on the constitutionality of Sections 10 and 11 of the NIWA Act.
Justices Agim and Idris dissented on some aspects of the decision, maintaining that Lagos State ought to have succeeded on additional reliefs relating to federal control over waterways.
Lagos State had approached the Supreme Court under its original jurisdiction, challenging the constitutional validity of several provisions of the NIWA Act.
The state argued that the National Assembly exceeded its constitutional authority by enacting provisions empowering the federal government and NIWA to exercise control over lands adjoining waterways within states.
Specifically, Lagos contended that Sections 10, 11, 12 and 13 of the NIWA Act conflicted with Sections 4 and 315 of the Constitution, the Land Use Act, and Items 36 and 64 of the Exclusive Legislative List.
The state further argued that the federal government could not validly exercise powers over inland waterways that had not been designated as international or interstate waterways by the National Assembly.
Lagos also maintained that the federal government lacked constitutional authority to regulate lands adjoining waterways for purposes unrelated to navigation.
The state sought multiple declarations and orders nullifying the disputed provisions and restraining federal authorities from exercising control over adjoining lands within its territory.
Before delving into the substantive issues, the Supreme Court first considered preliminary objections filed by the federal government and other defendants challenging the jurisdiction of the court. The objections were dismissed for lacking merit.
The court subsequently proceeded to determine the constitutional questions raised in the suit.
One of the key issues addressed by the court was whether the case had already been settled in the earlier dispute between NIWA and the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LSWA).
The defendants had argued that the doctrine of res judicata applied because the issues had been determined in the earlier NIWA v. LSWA decision.
However, the Supreme Court rejected the argument, holding that the present suit was distinguishable from the earlier case and therefore not barred.
That finding cleared the way for the court to fully examine the constitutional validity of the disputed provisions of the NIWA Act.
In its substantive findings, the court held that Sections 12 and 13 of the NIWA Act went beyond the constitutional powers granted to the National Assembly.
The apex court ruled that while the federal government possesses authority over navigation, maritime activities, fishing and international waterways, those powers do not extend to general control over lands adjoining waterways within states.
The court held that the National Assembly acted ultra vires by attempting to regulate adjoining lands for purposes outside navigation-related activities.
Accordingly, the court declared Sections 12 and 13 unconstitutional to the extent of their inconsistency with the Constitution.
The court specifically held that the federal government cannot rely on those provisions to deal with lands adjoining waterways for non-navigational purposes.
The judgment is expected to have far-reaching implications for waterfront development, land reclamation, urban planning, environmental regulation and revenue generation in Lagos and other coastal states.

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