The defections led to the collapse of the entire PDP structure into the ruling APC, ending 26-year run of the PDP in the governance of Delta State.

The high-level defections followed a meeting of PDP leaders and stakeholders in the state on Wednesday in Asaba, the state capital.

Announcing the outcome of the meeting at a press conference in Asaba, the state capital, Delta State commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, flanked by Senator James Manager, a pioneer member of the party, disclosed that Vice President Kashim Shetima was expected to receive Governor Sheriff Oborewvori and the PDP family into the APC camp in Asaba on Monday.

Vice President Shettima will be attend a rally at the Cenotaph in Asaba on Monday.

Consequently, the governor has directed all PDP stakeholders in the state to join the APC.

The defections come barely a week after Governor Oborevwori and his Akwa Ibom State counterpart, Umo Eno, pledged support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 second-term ambition.

LEADERSHIP exclusively reported in January that at least five PDP governors, including Oborevwori, would defect to the APC.

Although Oborevwori had consistently denied reports of his defection to the ruling APC, PDP leaders in the Delta insisted that he had perfected his plan to jump ship.

The PDP leaders had claimed that the governor had perfected his defection to the APC during a visit to President Bola Tinubu in Lagos early this year.

The governor’s defection further reduces the number of PDP governors to 11, a far cry from the party’s peak as a ruling party in 2007 when it held 29 of Nigeria’s 36 states.

Briefing journalists at the end of yesterday’s meeting, the state commissioner for works (rural roads) and public information, Charles Aniagwu, said the decision became necessary following the unfortunate happenings at the party’s national level.

He said: “For some time now, the media, particularly social media, have been awash as to what political decisions we will take in Delta.

“While that was on, the governor and the leaders of the party have been very busy carrying out some necessary consultations and it is also part of that consultation that has resulted in this meeting today for the leaders of the PDP to be able to advise as to what necessary steps that needed to be taken.”

According to him, the party leaders were unanimous on the need for a political change in the state.

He went on: “And there was a need for change that would help cement the development in our state; to build the bond of love that has existed in our state, and to further advance the security and welfare of our people.

“As you know, all politics is local. So in taking this decision, we came to the inevitable conclusion that moving out of the PDP is very necessary for us to collaborate with our kith and kin and build that bond that we have been enjoying.

“We believe that what is happening in the PDP at the national level can be likened to that of palm wine, whose taste has changed, which is why this decision has been made.

“By the grace of God, on Monday next week, we will be able to say that we are moving to the APC boldly.”

Also speaking, Senator James, the pioneer chairman of the PDP in the state, said the decision was made in consultation with various stakeholders across the state.

“You have just been told about some things happening in the Delta State PDP. Some consultations have been going on, and the climax of these consultations is what you are seeing today.

“We have discussed and have agreed to disagree, and it is a unanimous agreement. I am the pioneer state chairman of the PDP, but you cannot be in a boat already capsizing because I am a riverine man.

“Looking at issues the way they are; we have come to the inevitable conclusion to do something else. It is a collective decision for so many reasons.”

Manager referenced the PDP Governors’ decision at a recent meeting not to collaborate with any other political party towards dethroning the ruling APC in 2027 as evidence that the PDP was heading nowher.

“But as disadvantaged as the PDP is now with about 11 governors, how do you go into a contest with an incumbent president? You think you can win? That particular resolution killed the spirit of so many PDP members.

“We (PDP) lost the election in 2015 due to a merger which even included splinter groups from the PDP. There are also other reasons.

“Today, Sen Anyanwu is the party’s national secretary; tomorrow, it will be another person. The party must be in a position to win an election. So you see that it is becoming hilarious. The PDP is truly in trouble.

“If you look closely, the current PDP state chairman, the governor, the deputy governor, the immediate past governor, and the speaker were in the meeting – all these persons were in the meeting; also National Assembly and House of Assembly members: the who’s who in Delta State were in the meeting to make this decision,” he said.

With Oborevwori now wearing APC’s colours, the South’s political map has tightened. The new alignment enhances President Bola Tinubu’s re-election chances by adding roughly 1.4 million Delta votes to the ruling party, assuming that the ordinary people align with the political choices of the political elite.

The state deputy governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, the immediate past governor of the state and former vice-presidential candidate of the party, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, members of the National Assembly, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, members of the State House of Assembly, commissioners, local government council chairmen, top government functionaries, and party officials attended the meeting.

APC Welcomes Gov Oborevwori, Okowa, Others, Assures Of Party’s Cooperation, Accommodation

Meanwhile, the APC National Working Committee has welcomed Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and other leaders of the PDP to the ruling party.

APC national publicity secretary Felix Morka, who spoke to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday after the defection of Oborevwori, Okowa and other Delta PDP leaders, assured them of cooperation and accommodation in the ruling party’s family.

He said the APC NWC led Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje was highly elated by the decision of Governor Oborevwori to join the party, along with eminent leaders of the PDP including former governor and vice presidential candidate of the PDP in the 2023 presidential election, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, senior administration officials, leaders and members of the House of Assembly, local government chairmen and councillors in the state, and teeming leaders and  members of the PDP.

“With this move, coming on the heels of steady decamping of PDP leaders and members across the state to APC, including members of Delta Unity Group in Ika federal constituency, we are delighted that Delta state, now an APC state, stands poised to contribute maximally to the success and realisation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and to the enduring good and prosperity of Deltans and all Nigerians,” Morka stated.

6-term Lawmaker Dumps PDP

In the same vein, a ranking member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Oluwole Oke, has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Oke, a six-term lawmaker representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency in Osun State, said he left the PDP after consulting his political associates, friends, and family members.

His resignation letter, which LEADERSHIP sighted, was dated April 16, 2025, and addressed to the PDP chairman in Ward 7, Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State. A copy was sent to the national and state chairmen.

“I wish to formally notify you that I am resigning my membership in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) immediately.

“This was concluded after consultation and engagement with my political associates, family and friends. I wish you would accept my resignation in good faith,” the letter reads.

However, the lawmaker did not disclose his next political move, even as he urged his loyalists and supporters to leave the PDP and await his next direction.

Oke was suspended by the Osun State PDP Chapter due to his alleged loyalty to President Tinubu.

LP Senator Mulls Joining Ruling Party 

There are strong indications that Senator Neda Imansuen, who represents Edo South Senatorial District under the Labour Party (LP) platform, may soon defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as members of the APC mount continue to pressure on federal lawmakers.

The Labour Party at national and Edo State levels have been engulfed in an intractable leadership crisis and factions.

The lawmakers had evaded questions on his continuous membership of the LP on several occasions owing to the crisis rocking the party.

Imansuen is often seen in public functions alongside notable APC leaders in Edo State. He is said to enjoy cordial relationships with the state’s ruling party members. Rumours over his likely defection had sent tongues wagging in political circles.

Giving credence to the speculation and his imminent defection, the special adviser to Governor Monday Okpebholo on Political Mobilisation and Engagement, Hon Eugene Utubor, visited the Edo politician Tuesday night pressure him into joining Governor Okpebholo in his developmental agenda.

It was reliably gathered that the meeting, which lasted for several hours, centred on bringing in the LP National Assembly member to join the party. A source privy to the meeting described it as fruitful.

Imansuen, the Senate Committee chairman on Ethics and Privileges, expressed gratitude for the visit and commended Okpebholo’s efforts at driving development in the state.

He was quoted as having stated, “The governor has done remarkably well in such a short time.

“It is crucial that we come together to ensure the success of his vision for our people. Every well-meaning Edo citizen is encouraged to rally around the governor as he works diligently for our collective progress.”

A Finnish court has approved the extradition of Simon Ekpa, a Finnish-Nigerian separatist leader, to Nigeria, where he faces serious charges including incitement, terrorism, and conspiracy.

The Päijät-Häme District Court in Lahti granted Nigeria’s long-standing request on Thursday, with the extradition set for July 15, according to reports.

Ekpa, who refers to himself as the “Prime Minister” of the self-declared Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, has been accused of orchestrating unrest in southeastern Nigeria from abroad. His arrest in November 2024 followed months of surveillance by Finnish authorities.

Although often linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in media reports, the separatist group has distanced itself from Ekpa. “Ekpa operates independently. Linking him to IPOB is misleading and dangerous,” said an IPOB spokesperson. “His actions are not part of our struggle.”

Instead, Ekpa is said to lead a splinter group called “Autopilot,” which is allegedly connected to a militant organization known as the Biafra Liberation Army (BLA). Authorities claim the group is responsible for violent “sit-at-home” orders, kidnappings, and targeted killings in Nigeria’s southeast.

Vanguard reports that Nigerian officials presented evidence under the Rome Statute—ratified by both Finland and Nigeria—to support the extradition request. Finnish authorities emphasized that the court’s decision followed due process and international legal standards.

In a statement, the Nigerian government welcomed the ruling, calling it “a major step for justice” and a strong signal to those “who seek to destabilize the country from foreign shores.”

Evil will be defeated — NSA

IGP orders withdrawal of MOPOL officers deployed for unauthorised purposes

As the dust raised by the continuing killings in Benue and Plateau states is yet to settle, Niger State governor, Umaru Bago, yesterday declared a dusk-to-dawn curfew in the capital, Minna, following incessant killings of people in the city.

The governor also said the curfew could be extended to other local government areas of the state, identifying motorcyles, otherwise known as Okada, and tricycles (Keke NAPEP) as two major vehicles used by criminals to perpetrate their nefarious activities.

The curfew came on a day 11 persons were killed by herdsmen in fresh attacks in Benue State.

The Niger governor declared the curfew as the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, in Plateau State yesterday asked the Federal Government to allow states establish their police forces to curb the increasing wave of killings and attacks across the country.

This is even as the presidential candidate of Social Democratic Party, SDP, in 2023 elections, Prince Adewole Adebayo, yesterday took a swipe at President Bola Tinubu on the worsening security situation in the country, describing him as one who had failed to take governance very seriously.

On the curfew in Minna, Governor Bago made the declaration at a critical stakeholders’ security meeting with traditional title holders in Minna emirate and heads of security agencies at Government House, Minna.

He vowed to lead the operation to all nooks and crannies of Minna to flush out criminals who had in recent times, embarked on a stabbing-spree in the city and other parts of the state.

He, however, exempted medical emergency operators from the ban, adding that the step was taken to address growing security challenges in the state capital.

Governor Bago also warned district, village and ward heads to always ensure proper documentation of people they harbour in their domains.

“Any house found to be harbouring criminals will be demolished, while buildings where hard drugs are sold will as well be destroyed.

“The responsibility of any government is to secure the lives and properties of its citizens and I will not stay back and watch criminals continue to perpetrate evil in the state.

“However, fighting insecurity should be everybody’s business and that is why we should all join hands to identify the hideouts of these criminals and flush them out because they live within us. I am ready to lead the operation to their hideouts and bring them to book,” the governor vowed.

He called on the security apparatus of the state to ensure a clampdown on the criminals, their hideouts and their cartels.

Bago equally cautioned parents to warn their children, as anyone caught in any violence-related activity would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The governor added that the state government will continue to have zero tolerance for thuggery and rascality.

11 killed in fresh herders’ attack in Benue

Meanwhile, no fewer than 11 persons were yesterday killed in renewed attacks on Afia community in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.

Consquently, the National Security Adviser, NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, lamented that President Tinubu met a bad security situation and is working hard to fix the problem.

Speaking at a meeting with the visiting NSA and selected stakeholders at Benue Government House, Makurdi, the Ter Ukum, HRH Iyorkaa Kaave, disclosed that the marauders attacked Afia in the early hours of yesterday.

He said: “The armed herdsmen attacked Afia in the early hours of today (yesterday) and 11 bodies have been recovered from that community so far and we are still searching.

“Please tell President Tinubu that we will not live with murderers as herdsmen. These are not the herdsmen we used to know that lived peacefully with us in the past.”

Addressing the gathering Mallam Ribadu, who commiserated with the people over the killings, assured that the evil would be defeated.

He said: “We will defeat it. The country is with you. I commiserate with Benue people and assure you this is a trying period for all of us, we are 100 per cent with you.

“We will confront it. Benue is an extremely important state to Nigeria. We must fight and maintain Benue as a peaceful state. The governor is doing well and we will support him. It is unfortunate but it happens sometimes.

“Our armed forces are doing well. It is impossible to post soldiers or police to every hamlet. Give us the chance and stop politicising the killings. This will help us to restore peace. Issue of security is relative.

“We inherited an extremely bad government and things have improved and we will address all these issues cropping up. It is a matter of time, to do the harm is easy but to solve it is difficult. We have reduced considerably the number of violence we met. This one too, we will confront it.”

Governor Hyacinth Alia, who decried the activities of the marauders in the state since 2011, said the state was under siege.

He said: “These people do not have any reason to live with normal people. We are faced with series of loss of lives, farmlands and property. We have 17 IDPs camps in the state. It becomes difficult to get our IDPs back to their ancestral homes.

“Sankera is our headquarter of food. The attacks have been persistent and continuous. Instead of a good Friday, we had a black Friday with venomous attacks on Katsina-Ala, Ukum and Logo LGAs

“It is quite devastating. It is telling on us. 72 lives lost. It is a terrible moment for us. I have always established contact with the NSA. Our security agencies have worked assiduously to curtail the attacks. We need help like yesterday. The President has been very supportive and we hope that support will come.

“We have bought 100 hilux vehicles to support conventional security agencies, bought 600 motorcycles. This is carnage. Attack is more of onion layer, it is vicious. We ask that support be upped. ‘’We will collaborate with the federal government to stop the killings. It is evident that what we are experiencing is a bare faced attack as the attackers speak Fulani and Hausa.

‘’It is a troubling trend. It is deliberate attempt, they disbalance the people, kill a good number of them and occupy.

“The attacks are under-reported. We are helpless. We do not have AK-47 rifles, we are defenseless. We tell the people to be law abiding and the attackers take advantage of this. We are not in a banana Republic.”

The two paramount rulers of the state, the Tor Tiv VI, His Royal Majesty, James Ayatse and the Och’Idoma, His Royal Majesty, Dr. John Odogbo, had Monday summoned a meeting of stakeholders of the two major tribes in the state to discuss the security challenges confronting the people.

The meeting, summoned by the Tor Tiv, which was held in his palace in Gboko, had in attendance prominent individuals of Tiv extraction, including Governor Alia, former governors Samuel Ortom, Gabriel Suswam, serving federal and state assembly members, political appointees, leaders and stakeholders from the 14 Tiv speaking LGAs of the state.

Though details of the meeting were not made public, the Tor Tiv expressed optimism that attendance and commitment shown to the cause of the Tiv people by the leaders was encouraging.

Also, the meeting summoned by the Och’Idoma, which held in Otukpo, had in attendance prominent sons of the nine Idoma and Igede speaking people of the state.

It was reliably gathered that the meeting also discussed the recent armed herdsmen incursions in Idoma land and sundry issues.

Allow state police, NBA tells FG

Reacting to the spate of killings in Plateau State, the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, yesterday called on the Federal Government to allow states establish their police to curb the increasing wave of killings and attacks across the country.

Chairman of the NBA, Jos Branch, Leah Hassan, made the call at a briefing attended by chairmen of the three other NBA branches in Plateau State in Jos.

Hassan condemned the recent violent attacks in Bokkos and Bassa Local Government Areas, which resulted in the deaths and displacement of many residents.

“We cannot continue to be silent in the face of these barbaric and evil acts of killing innocent citizens and taking over their ancestral lands, making them strangers in their own homes. ‘’States should be allowed to establish state police who will be armed with weapons to defend our communities,’’ he stated.

The NBA urged the Federal Government to take concrete action, including deployment of adequate security personnel to vulnerable communities and empowerment of those communities with means of self-defence.

It also demanded immediate identification, arrest, and prosecution of those responsible for the attacks, along with provision of relief and rehabilitation for victims, especially women and children.

“The Nigerian Bar Association branches on the Plateau are deeply saddened and pained by the recent spate of violent attacks in Bokkos and Bassa LGAs of Plateau State, which have claimed numerous innocent lives and left many others injured, displaced, traumatised, and grieving.

“It is utterly heart-wrenching that while Plateau State is yet to recover from the horror and pain of previous attacks, our peace is once again shattered by another wave of senseless and barbaric killings. ‘’These acts of violence are a direct assault on our shared humanity, the rule of law, and the fundamental right to life as enshrined in our Constitution,” Hassan added.

She referred to the April 15, 2025, statement by NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, which called on government to fulfill its constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property.

“We adopt the President’s address, calling on the government to uphold the tenets of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, particularly the right to life,’’ Hassan said.

While condemning the attacks as premeditated, asking security agencies to go beyond rhetoric and deliver visible and effective justice, the NBA chairman said: “The continued bloodletting in Plateau State, under the guise of communal crises, must no longer be treated with indifference or vague promises.

‘’The slogan should no longer be ‘enough is enough,’ but ‘this is enough, let’s stand up and take action.’”

The four NBA branches in Plateau State commended efforts made so far by the state government but urged both state and federal authorities to adopt proactive measures to prevent future attacks.

“This is not a communal clash as claimed by some, but a deliberate attempt to wipe out helpless citizens sleeping in their homes at night by wicked men who have no regard for human lives,” the association said.

The NBA’s key demands include: “Immediate identification, arrest, and prosecution of all perpetrators. All arrested suspects should be prosecuted in Plateau State, not relocated to Abuja, where their cases often disappear from public view.

‘’Deployment of adequate security personnel to vulnerable communities, with clear mandates to protect residents. Legal backing for the establishment of state police forces, equipped and empowered to defend local communities.

“Creation of a conflict resolution and early warning mechanism, in collaboration with community leaders, civil society, and security stakeholders. Empowerment of vulnerable communities with self-defence mechanisms and equipment due to the inadequacy of current security forces.

“Provision of relief, rehabilitation, and resettlement for affected persons and displaced communities within the shortest possible time.’’

Hassan reaffirmed NBA’s commitment to justice and peace in Plateau State, saying “we shall continue to use all legal and moral platforms available to us to demand justice, accountability, and peace for our people.’’

FG overwhelmed —Afenifere, PANDEF

In their reactions, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, and its counterpart in the Niger Delta, PANDEF, yesterday, said the Federal Government is overwhelmed by the spike in insecurity, noting that state police remains the panacea.

Afenifere’s acting Leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, in a chat with Vanguard, urged Nigerians to be alert.

He said: “The citizens should be ready and alert because the political situaton in the country is so fluid.

“The Federal Government is overwhelmed. We have been shouting and calling for state police but nobody is listening. The only panacea to what is happening now is for each state to have its police force.

“By that, you can determine who is working and who is not working. As it is now, if there is problem in a particular state, who do you call? The commissioner of police in the state says he is not answerable to the governor. He has to call Abuja before he can do anything. Each state should have its police command and then, you can talk of deployment and proper coverage of the area.”

Also, a frontline leader of pan-Niger Delta ethnic nationality, PANDEF, alleged that the country’s security agencies have no value for the lives of Nigerians, irrespective of creed.

Expressing worries over the incessant killings of innocent Nigerians, particularly in the northern part of the country, the chieftain, High Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, said the application of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic as amended “gives the President the power to proclaim a state of emergency only when there is a verifiable evidence of threat to the peace of the country.

“I live here and I saw everything that happened before, during and at this moment of political war. I can tell you that the most appropriate thing for this government to do is to seek a window of credibility.

“What I have noticed is that whoever advised the President to take the decision of suspending all democratic structures in Rivers State, is of all men most miserable.

“We hear of killings in most parts of northern Nigeria, if the Nigerian government cannot declare emergency in those northern states, what is the morality in sacking an elected governor in Rivers State?’’

Tinubu failed to take governance seriously – SDP’s Adebayo

On his part, the presidential candidate of Social Democratic Party, SDP, in 2023 elections, Prince Adewole Adebayo, yesterday lampooned President Tinubu over the worsening security situation in the country, describing him as one who has failed to take governance very seriously.

Speaking with journalists during the 50th birthday celebration of his  wife, Lilian Adebayo, the former presidential candidate blamed the lack power to govern on the part of President Tinubu for the continued killings in Plateau and Benue states, stressing that renewed killings in the two states are an indication of Tinubu administration’s failure.

Adebayo, who noted that the time had come for Nigerians to come together and rise to take back the country from bad leaders, asked the president to restrategise the country’s security architecture to address the ravaging insecurity.

He said: “What shocked me about Nigerians is that they are shocked about President Tinubu, because we knew that these people don’t take governance seriously. They take elections seriously but not governance. The first duty of the president and the commander-in-chief is national security.

“It is a disappointment what is happening in Plateau and Benue. I personally don’t like to politicise security. I think the president must be serious-minded and address the issue.”

Speaking further, Adebayo urged Nigerians to form a unified coalition and opposition against the All Progressives Congress, APC, ahead of the 2027 elections, adding that to defeat the APC, Nigerians need a coalition, and not a coalition of political actors.

He also declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election, saying “one of the mistakes Nigerians made was not listening to those who spoke to them. President Tinubu never addressed Nigerians and, as such, has shown little concern for their welfare. I will run in 2027, and the party knows I am running. We will make our intentions clear.”

Adebayo disclosed that the SDP is open to discussions on coalition but warned that the party will not be used as a “getaway car” for any political conspiracy or personal vendetta.

He said: “We are listening to the talk about coalition but what we don’t want is to be used as a getaway car for a conspiracy and robbery we didn’t plan. If the coalition is for the good of the Nigerian people, SDP is available.

“But if it’s just a crime centre for those who were once with Tinubu and now want revenge, they should go back and settle their scores with him.

“If you’re in politics to ensure Nigerians aren’t shortchanged, you’re welcome. But if it’s about personal grudges over unfulfilled promises, we want no part in it.”

IGP orders withdrawal of MOPOL officers deployed for unauthorized purposes

Following the spate of killings nationwide, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, yesterday ordered the immediate withdrawal of mobile police officers deployed for unauthorized purposes to their squadrons.

He also directed squadron commanders to commence gradual withdrawal of MOPOL officers from core assignments, which had resulted in reduction of officers available for deployment to their core duties.

Egbetokun gave the directives at a meeting of PMF Squadron Commanders summoned to review operational strategies to checkmate the rising spate of attacks and killing across the country

He said: “Directives have already been issued concerning the withdrawal of PMF personnel from unauthorized deployments. It is the duty of all commanders to enforce this directive without delay.

‘’A firm but gradual withdrawal from non-core assignments is underway. Concurrently, squadron sizes will be reviewed and reduced to ensure operational effectiveness and agility.

“It is important that we remind ourselves of the original vision that shaped the Police Mobile Force. The PMF was established as the strike arm of the Nigeria Police Force, an elite tactical unit created to respond rapidly and decisively to riots, emergencies and internal crises.

‘’Historically, it served as the ultimate resource during moments of unrest, providing critical support to state commands during high-risk operations.

“Regrettably, that foundational mandate has, over time, been severely compromised. A significant number of PMF personnel are currently deployed as escorts, guards, or aides to private individuals and VIPs.

“While we understand the pressures driving this demand, we must not lose sight of our principal responsibilities. The diversion of tactical assets weakens our capacity where they are most needed.

“Even more concerning is the persistent misconduct by a few individuals, despite repeated efforts by the leadership to enforce professionalism on such assignments.

“These unacceptable behaviours have not only discredited the Force but have also unfairly overshadowed the honourable service of countless officers. This must come to an end.

“Let me be unequivocal: moving forward, indiscipline and misconduct within the PMF will no longer be tolerated. Today marks the beginning of a new era, one defined by accountability, discipline and a re-commitment to our founding values.

“Effective immediately, all PMF squadrons are directed to maintain at least one fully equipped, combat-ready unit on standby at all times. These units must be prepared to support their respective state commands in any situation requiring urgent tactical intervention.

“Additionally, each squadron will be required to send one unit for training every quarter. These sessions will go beyond operational proficiency, placing strong emphasis on ethics, professionalism and the principles of responsible policing.

“From this moment, PMF commanders will be held vicariously responsible for the conduct of their personnel. You are expected to lead proactively through regular lectures, inspections and localized training programs that reinforce discipline, respect for human rights, and operational excellence.

“We must all rise to this challenge and take collective ownership of the task of restoring the lost prestige of the Police Mobile Force.

“The PMF must once again emerge as the elite tactical unit it was intended to be, disciplined, professional and always ready to defend the nation.

“Their continued deployment, alongside the military in the Northeast, Northwest, and other strategic areas will now be further supported by the newly established Special Intervention Squad, SIS.

“Against the backdrop of escalating and coordinated attacks on security personnel, whether from separatist elements in the South-East, bandits in the North-Central and North-West, or terrorist groups in the North-East, the urgency for a united, cohesive front cannot be overstated.

“Security is a shared responsibility. Our success depends on deepening trust, respect, and cooperation with all sister security agencies.

“Accordingly, this meeting also serves as a reaffirmation of our collective resolve to uphold operational discipline and ensure that the PMF stands as a dependable, credible, and professional arm of Nigeria’s security structure.

“Let me make this absolutely clear: the Nigeria Police Force will no longer allow the values, standards, and discipline that once defined the Police to be undermined.

“As the striking force of the NPF, the PMF carries an immense responsibility, to confront armed threats, insurgency, and criminal violence with integrity and courage. We must meet this responsibility head-on.

“As part of ongoing reforms, we will immediately embark on a comprehensive review and reorganisation of the PMF. One of the first steps will be a significant reduction in the deployment of PMF personnel for escort, guard, and VIP protection roles.

“The priority now is to refocus our strength and personnel toward combating violent crimes and safeguarding national security.

“We will also inject new leadership perspectives, strategic approaches, and continuous capacity-building initiatives aimed at restoring the PMF to its rightful place as a dominant force in internal security and a model of tactical excellence.’’

The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has expressed deep sadness at the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis, who departed peacefully on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88.  

In his condolence message, Governor Soludo extends his solemn condolences to the Catholic Church in Anambra State, Nigeria, the Vatican, and the global Christian community. 

He said the loss of Pope Francis, a globally respected icon of faith, humility, and compassion, has indeed grieved the hearts of Catholics and all humanity as his lifelong dedication to championing the cause of the poor, fostering interfaith unity, and advocating for peace and justice has left the world a better place.  

Governor Soludo further remarked that Pope Francis was a shepherd whose legacy transcended borders. His teachings on love, mercy, and solidarity touched base with the people of Anambra, inspiring the government to build a society rooted in dignity and hope. 

Indeed, the Holy Father’s passing on Easter Monday, a day symbolising Christ’s triumph over death, is deeply instructive and a reflection on the enduring power of resurrection and hope. 

Therefore, Governor Soludo stands in solidarity with the global Catholic community during this period of mourning, celebrating a life extraordinarily lived in service to God and humanity, and praying for the soul of Pope Francis to find repose in the comforting grace of the Almighty God 

Signed,

Christian Aburime

Press Secretary to the Governor