metro
Defence Minister faults Wike’s handling of Naval land dispute
Defence Minister faults Wike’s handling of Naval land dispute
The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has confirmed that the Ministry of Defence has launched a formal investigation into the reported land dispute between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and a naval officer, Lieutenant A. Yerima.
The incident, which reportedly occurred in Abuja on Tuesday, has sparked public debate on civil–military relations within the FCT.
According to reports, Lieutenant Yerima acted under the directive of former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo (retd.), during a disagreement involving the disputed property.
Speaking in an interview with DCL Hausa, Matawalle described the confrontation as “unnecessary and avoidable”, noting that it amounted to indirect disrespect to President Bola Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
“What happened between Minister Wike and the officer is unfortunate. The officer explained that he was obeying orders. Wike should not have exchanged words with him but rather channelled his concerns through the officer’s superior,” Matawalle said.
He explained that Wike had earlier contacted both the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff, who advised him to allow the military to handle the issue internally before taking further action.
Matawalle disclosed that despite these assurances, the FCT Minister proceeded to the site, disregarding repeated advice to wait for an official inquiry.
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“The Minister should understand that every officer has superiors. He was advised to wait for an investigation but chose to visit the site and confront the officer. As a leader, he ought to have exercised patience,” the minister stated.
Clarifying his stance, Matawalle stressed that his comments should not be misconstrued as defending military misconduct but as a reminder of the importance of discipline and respect for the chain of command.
“The officer acted lawfully and respectfully. He was trained to obey orders and did not commit any offence under military regulations,” he noted.
“Anyone who disrespects a soldier indirectly disrespects the President, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.”
The minister added that the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has since visited the disputed site to begin a comprehensive investigation into the ownership and allocation of the land.
“Now that the Chief of Naval Staff has visited the area, the matter will be investigated to determine who holds the lawful documents. If the land has been revoked, there are established procedures to address it,” Matawalle said.
He revealed that although the Ministry of Defence had not received any formal complaint from Wike, he personally contacted the FCT Minister after the video of the confrontation went viral.
Meanwhile, Minister of Defence Mohammed Abubakar has reaffirmed that no officer performing lawful duties will face punishment over the incident.
“We will always protect officers and personnel on lawful duty. Any officer acting within the law will be protected,” Abubakar said.
Defence Minister faults Wike’s handling of Naval land dispute
metro
Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu
Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu
The Delta State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the murder of retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu in Anambra State, arresting key suspects linked to the case.
Spokesperson SP Bright Edafe disclosed on Sunday that operatives of the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), acting on credible intelligence, apprehended 25-year-old security guard Godwin Mngumi on 6 December 2025. Mngumi allegedly murdered the retired judge, and authorities also recovered the deceased’s mobile phone from him.
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According to Edafe, Mngumi confessed to inviting a friend, Nnaji Obalum, and another accomplice — who remains at large — to the residence where the crime was committed. Obalum has since been arrested, while a manhunt continues for the third suspect.
The arrests mark a major step forward in the effort to bring all perpetrators of the high-profile murder to justice.
Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu
metro
Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes
Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes
The Delta State Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, has made significant strides in its ongoing campaign against cultism and violent crimes. Recent operations, including an intelligence-led arms recovery in Abraka and the arraignment of 18 suspects, highlight the command’s intensified enforcement efforts across the state.
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Spokesperson SP Bright Edafe said on Saturday that the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), under ASP Julius Robinson, executed a successful operation on December 6, 2025, targeting cult-related activities and the proliferation of illegal firearms. Acting on credible intelligence, officers conducted a coordinated search at No. 2 Umeghe Community, Abraka, the residence of Isiakpere Friday, 67.
The move underscores the Delta State Police’s commitment to restoring safety and security in communities affected by criminal and cult-related activities.
Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes
metro
Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency
Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency
The Nigerian Army has temporarily frozen both statutory and voluntary retirements for certain officers, including Generals, following the nationwide security emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu. The decision aims to bolster manpower as the country faces a surge in kidnappings and worsening insecurity.
The move comes after more than 600 abduction cases were reported in November 2025, including the kidnapping of over 300 students in Niger State, 38 worshippers in Kwara State, and 25 students in Kebbi State.
An internal circular dated December 3 and signed by Maj. Gen. E. I. Okoro on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff cited provisions in the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service Officers (HTACOS) 2024, allowing service extensions “in the interest of the service.” The memo explains that officers usually retire upon reaching age limits, completing 35 years of service, or failing promotion/conversion boards, but these rules can be overridden during national emergencies.
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The suspension affects officers who have:
- Failed promotion examinations three times
- Been passed over repeatedly at promotion boards
- Reached rank age limits
- Failed conversion boards thrice
- Completed 35 years of service
Officers granted extensions will remain in service but will not be eligible for further promotions, courses, secondments, or extra-regimental appointments. Those unwilling to continue can still proceed with standard exit procedures.
Commanders have been instructed to communicate the directive and manage morale across units, with the policy to be reviewed once national security conditions improve.
Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency
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