Retired military generals have provided insights into why kidnappers have remained ruthless despite the spirited efforts of security operatives in the country.

The security experts attributed the unabated kidnapping activities to the compromise of some security operatives and community leaders, and insufficient collaboration among security agencies.

Kidnapping is a major security threat in the country, and many notable citizens have fallen victim, the most recent being the former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brg. Gen. Maharazu Tsiga (Retd).

He was abducted at gunpoint from his hometown in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State on February 5, 2025, alongside nine other residents.

The kidnappers initially demanded a staggering N250m ransom. But when his family and community couldn’t raise the amount, the gunmen held him hostage for nearly two months.

In the end, his family was forced to part with over N60m before the kidnappers finally let him go.

A farmer in Delta State, Godwin Anuka, was murdered in front of his wife and children on March 29, after they were kidnapped in the Ubulu-Uku area of the state. 

Harrison Gwamnishu, the Senior Special Assistant on Civil Society and Youth Mobilisation to the Delta State Governor, in a Facebook post on Wednesday, said “Before targeting Anuka and his family, the gunmen had also abducted two others, identified as Chibueze and Afam.”

Further exacerbating concerns, some kidnappers also killed three abducted residents of Surubu community in the Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State on March 22, 2025, despite a hefty ransom payment.

Another chilling case that underscores the ruthlessness of kidnappers in Nigeria in recent times is the abduction of a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly who represented Onitsha North 1 Constituency, Justice Azuka.

He was kidnapped on December 24, 2024, in Onitsha.

Despite efforts to secure his release, his decomposing body was discovered near the Second Niger Bridge on February 6, 2025.

The scale of these abductions was further revealed by Afenifere National Youth President, Eniola Ojajuni, after he was released having spent 12 days from captivity.

Ojajuni disclosed that kidnappers operate at least 55 camps across the South-West alone, strategically positioned for their operations.

His revelation fueled concerns on why Nigeria continues to witness kidnapping activities despite ongoing counter-kidnapping efforts by the military, police, and regional security networks.

Speaking to Saturday PUNCH, a former Commandant of Army Signals and Chief of Defence Training and Planning, Gen. Ishola Williams (retd), attributed the ruthlessness of kidnappers to their collusion with security operatives in the country.

He said, “There are criminals colluding with security agencies. Some of these kidnappers, particularly the high-profile ones, are well known to the security agencies. That’s why no one has been able to take action against them.

“It also explains why it is often difficult for the intelligence networks of the security agencies to apprehend them. In some cases, there is even a contract between the kidnappers and the security agencies.”

The retired general emphasised that telecommunication agencies were always willing to cooperate with security agencies to track calls made by the kidnappers.

“However, some yahoo boys have mastered the art of manipulating telecom network systems and mobile phones, making it extremely difficult for the security agencies to trace the kidnappers’ communications.

“There is also a possibility that there are conspirators within the telecom agencies who are part of the kidnapping syndicates. Moreover, if the communities don’t collaborate with local security outfits like Amotekun, there is no way the security agencies can ensure their safety.”

In his submission, a former Director of Procurement at the Defence Headquarters and President of the Akoko Security Peace and Development Council, Maj. Gen. Dayo Olukoju (retd), attributed the disturbing trend to insufficient synergy among security agencies.

“There is inadequate synergy among the security and communication agencies. That’s the core issue. You also have the National Identity Management Commission and the Nigerian Communications Commission. Why would people use phones, and you still can’t track the users? In a country where you have the NIMC and NCC, people are registered and using phones, yet they remain untraceable.

“Nigeria was not like this before. Why is kidnapping becoming a daily occurrence? It’s because people are making money from it. Now, the least kidnappers collect is N20m. There needs to be special courts for kidnappers so their prosecution doesn’t get caught in the usual judicial bureaucracy.

“We have evidence from freed victims that some people are slaughtered after being kidnapped, and the abductors sell their body parts. So, there’s no doubt about this,” he stated.

A retired Colonel, who requested anonymity, also echoed this stance, emphasising that no crime can persist in an area without the involvement of the local leadership.

He said, “Testimonies from freed kidnapped victims have revealed that sometimes when kidnappers demand a ransom, and the cash currencies they receive are marked by the bank, they know immediately once the money is handed over. Who is releasing the intelligence that the money is marked? This suggests that, from the bank to everyone connected, many people are involved in the operation.”

“The kidnappers have both international and national connections. They have suppliers who arm them. It is, in fact, a cartel. And you can only break it with a robust and well-coordinated intelligence network,” he explained.

Three native doctors in Anambra State—Chidozie Nwangwu, widely known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Ki, Onyebuchi Okocha, alias “Onyeze Jesus,” and Ekene Igboekweze, dubbed “Eke Hit”—have been remanded in prison following their arraignment before the Anambra State High Court in Awka on charges related to kidnapping and money rituals.

The trio appeared before Justice Jude Obiorah on Friday, April 4, 2025, facing multiple charges. The formal charges, including conspiracy and kidnapping, were read out during the court session, which was attended by a large crowd. Despite pleading not guilty to the allegations, the defendants were ordered to remain in state custody, with the case adjourned to April 11, 2025, for further proceedings.

The specific charges are as follows:

COUNT I: Statement of Offence: Conspiracy contrary to Section 495 (a) of the Criminal Code Cap 36 Rev. Sec Laws of Anambra State 1991. Particulars of Offence: Chidozie Nwangwu, alongside others at large, allegedly conspired on or about the 4th day of September 2024 at Nkpor, within the jurisdiction of the court, to commit a felony, specifically kidnapping.

COUNT II: Statement of Offence: Kidnapping contrary to Section 315 (1) of the Criminal Code Amendment Law 2009. Particulars of Offence: Nwangwu, Okocha, Igboekweze, and others at large are accused of kidnapping on the same day and location.

The arrests of the three men, who are known for their flamboyant public personas and large social media followings, occurred in February 2025, following an investigation into their involvement in providing protective charms for criminals and conducting money rituals. These activities are believed to contribute to the rising insecurity in the region, as authorities claim that such practices fuel criminal behavior and disorder.

Nwangwu, who is popularly referred to as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Ki (“The Egg That Breaks the Kernel”), has been a polarizing figure in Anambra. While some admire his alleged supernatural abilities, others have criticized him for promoting harmful practices. Similarly, Okocha, known as “Onyeze Jesus,” and Igboekweze, or “Eke Hit,” have gained significant attention for their claims of spiritual power, often showcased through social media.

The three defendants were arrested under the provisions of the Anambra State Homeland Security Law, which targets such activities under the current administration of Governor Charles Soludo. This law was enacted as part of a broader effort to crack down on activities deemed to be fueling criminal behavior in the state, including practices traditionally associated with native doctors.

The case has generated considerable public interest, not just because of the high profiles of the accused but also due to the contentious nature of the charges and the intersection of traditional practices with modern law enforcement. Authorities have vowed to tackle the nexus between traditional practices and rising crime in Anambra, especially as they seek to curb criminal activities involving native doctors.

Despite their not guilty pleas, the three men were remanded at a state correctional facility.

Their case has drawn attention to the broader issue of how traditional practices, like those engaged in by the accused, intersect with Nigeria’s legal system and contribute to social issues.

Monday Okpebholo, governor of Edo, says Asue Ighodalo, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the September 21 election, and the opposition party will fail in their bid to overturn his electoral victory at the appeal court.

On Wednesday, the Edo state governorship election petition tribunal affirmedOkpebholo as the elected governor of the state and dismissed Ighodalo’s petition.

Ighodalo, who rejected the tribunal’s ruling, said he respects the judiciary but noted that Edo people’s right to credible elections must not be compromised.

The PDP gubernatorial candidate also said his legal team has been instructed tochallenge the judgment at the court of appeal.

However, speaking on Friday during a celebration hosted by his supporters, Okpebholo boasted that he would win at the appeal court and even at the supreme court.

The Edo governor said the opposition party is “wasting money on court cases,” adding that his “mandate cannot be hijacked”.

“The opposition party has been talking and shouting, but Edo people spoke very clear and loud with their votes on September 21, 2024,” Fred Itua, spokesperson to the governor, said in a statement.

“Edo people voted for the right person in Senator Monday Okpebholo. The people will speak again when the time is right.

“We have defeated them at the tribunal, and they said they want to appeal the ruling. If they like, let them appeal and even get to the Supreme Court. We will defeat them.

“They have stolen enough money from Edo State. So, they are wasting the money on court cases. If they like, let them spend the whole money they stole from the people.

“They will never steal Edo people’s mandates given to me and the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the September 21st governorship election.”

In 2024, the Independent National Electoral Commission declared Okpebholo of the APC as the winner after he polled 291,667 votes to defeat Ighodalo, his closest challenger, who scored 247,274 votes.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Nasir Naeem Abdulsalam as the Managing Director, Ajaokuta Steel Company.

Naija News reports that this was made known in a statement released on Friday and signed by Segun Imohiosen, Director, Information & Public Relations for: Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.

Imohiosen stated that the appointment takes effect from 3rd April, 2025 and is in accordance with the provisions of the Certain Political and Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, etc) Act 2008 as amended.

Until his appointment, Nasir served as the Technical Adviser to the Honourable Minister of Steel Development as well as the Special Assistant (Academics) to Director General of National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) .

“President Tinubu tasks the appointee to leverage on his wealth of experience in the steel industry in his new assignment in revolutionising the company to generate important upstream and downstream industrial and economic activities that will position the nation as the industrial hub of Africa in line with the diversification drive of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” the statement read.

Brent crude oil price fell on Friday to $65.58 per barrel for the first time in four years.

During trading, Brent crude price, the global oil benchmark, depreciated by 7 percent to trade at $65.58 — the lowest since April 2021.

The US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) also dropped by 7.35 percent to 62.03 per barrel.

According to Reuters, the crude oil price dropped as China increased tariffs on US goods in a retaliatory move, sharply intensifying a global trade war that has investors worried about a recession.

On April 2, President Donald Trump announced sweeping global tariffs on all imports into the US, imposing 14 percent on Nigeria.

A day after, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the director-generaI of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), said the recent tariffs announced by US will have significant implications for global trade and economic growth prospects.

The drop in oil prices also follows an increase in oil production by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies (OPEC+).

On April 4, the oil alliance decided to increase oil production by 411,000 barrels per day (bpd) in May.

The development followed eight member countries’ decision to phase out oil output cuts.

The current oil price is lower than Nigeria’s 2025 budget target of $75 per barrel.

The sacked Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Mele Kyari, has handed over the company’s reins to his successor, Bayo Ojulari.

The NNPC Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, disclosed in a statement that the handover took place briefly at the NNPC Towers on Friday in Abuja.

Ojulari commended Kyari for his contributions to the growth of NNPC Ltd and his sterling service to the nation.

According to him, his management’s objective was to consolidate his predecessor’s successes and take the company to the next level.

Ojulari said that although the targets set for his management were quite enormous, he would be relying on the cooperation of the management and staff of the company, as well as the counsel of his predecessor to achieve set targets.

Ojulari told Kyari, “I will be counting on your support. I will need it. I will be coming around to seek your counsel.”

In his remarks, Kyari congratulated Ojulari and thanked the management and staff of the company for their support while in office.

Kyari also pledged to do everything within his power to support the new management to succeed, stressing that he was only a call away.

The Kaduna State Police Command has distanced itself from an alleged officer of the Nigerian Police who threatened to attacked southerners in the north over the killing of 16 alleged hunters in Uromi, Edo State.

Naija News reports that the alleged police officer, Hadaina Hussaini (Dan-Taki), reacting to the recent lynching of 16 travellers of Northern extraction in Uromi, Edo State, in a Facebook comment, threatened retaliatory attacks against Southerners living in northern Nigeria.

Dan-Taki vowed by Almighty God that northerners would take decisive action against southerners in their domain.

He wrote, “I swear to Almighty God, we must do something for you guys, have you forgotten all your brothers that are leaving here in the North make my word, after one week you shall see the result.”

Following persistent criticisms of his comment, Dan-Taki changed his first name and restricted access to his Facebook page, limiting users’ viewing of his posts and comments

Reacting in a statement on Friday, the Kaduna Police Command Spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, disclosed that Hussaini is neither a member of the Nigeria Police Force nor a personnel of Kaduna State Police Command.

The Command, however, admitted that he was a member of the Police Special Constabulary attached to Kaduna State Constabulary Office, but was dismissed from the voluntary outfit two years ago due to his questionable character.

The statement read: “The attention of Kaduna State Police Command has been drawn to a comment made on a Facebook book post credited to one Hadaina Hussaini (Dan-taki), which has been making rounds on various social media platforms with the caption “Kaduna Police Officer Threatens Retaliation Against Southerners in Uromi Killings”.

“To set the record straight, Hadian Hussaini is neither a member of the Nigeria Police Force nor a personnel of Kaduna State Police Command.

“It is pertinent to note that his picture captured on Police Uniform as displayed on the Social Media, which is an improper dressing, is that of him when he was a member of the Police Special Constabulary attached to Kaduna State Constabulary Office, but was dismissed from the voluntary outfit two (2) years ago due to his questionable character.

“As such, members of the general public are advised to carefully observe the identity card attached to the uniform which contains the word ‘PSC/KD’ meaning Police Special Constabulary. Similarly, the pictures of him on uniform were posted on the Facebook platform two (2) years ago, prior to his dismissal.

“The Suspect has been arrested and will be charged to court upon the completion of preliminary investigations in accordance to extant laws.

“The State Command however wishes to state categorically that, the Nigeria Police Force is a disciplined and regimented organization committed to upholding law and order, and would not condone any form of incitement, hate speech, or threat to the peace and harmony of our dear Country.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Rabi’u Muhammad psc,mni wishes to once-again call on members of the general public to remain calm and continue to report suspicious incidents of this nature to the Police.”

promises permanent fix soon

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, on Friday reopened the Independence Bridge in Lagos, which had been closed for maintenance, sparking widespread public outcry and traffic chaos across the city.

Speaking to journalists during a visit to the site, Umahi assured residents that permanent repair work on the bridge will commence within the next three weeks.

He acknowledged the importance of the bridge, which links Victoria Island to other key parts of Lagos, and apologized for the inconvenience caused by the temporary closure.

The reopening comes after two days of intense gridlock, with commuters and motorists expressing anger over the lack of proper traffic management and alternative routes during the shutdown.

Vanguard earlier reported how frustrated Lagosians were stranded for hours in traffic, with many describing the situation as a “nightmare.” The closure brought adjoining roads to a standstill, severely impacting daily activities in the bustling metropolis.

Social media platforms, especially X (formerly Twitter), were flooded with complaints from residents who decried the absence of traffic control agencies at critical points around Victoria Island.

Motorists criticized both the Federal Government and the Lagos State Government for what they described as poor planning and coordination, with users particularly highlighting the lack of presence from LASTMA, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and traffic wardens to ease the congestion.

Umahi said the ministry has taken note of the public reaction and emphasized that lessons learned from this incident would inform better planning for future infrastructure interventions.

“We understand the hardship this has caused Lagosians, and we are working to ensure that permanent work begins in three weeks to restore and improve this vital bridge,” the minister stated.

The Independence Bridge is a critical component of Lagos’s road network, serving as a major gateway for both private and commercial transportation within the city.

A strong and stable currency is a crucial economic asset for any nation, particularly for countries in Africa striving for long-term economic growth and global competitiveness.

A resilient currency helps in mitigating inflation, stabilising exchange rates, and fostering investor confidence — elements that contribute to sustained economic development.

In recent months, African countries have been navigating economic shifts, emphasizing the need for stable currencies.

A robust currency reduces inflationary pressures, lowers the cost of imports, and makes financial planning more predictable for businesses and investors.

Top 10 Strongest Currencies in Africa (March 2025)

According to the Forbes currency converter, last updated on March 26, 2025, the following African currencies have the highest value against the U.S. dollar:

1. Tunisia – 3.09 – Tunisian Dinar

2. Libya – 4.83 – Libyan Dinar

3. Morocco – 9.57 – Moroccan Dirham

4. Botswana – 13.62 – Botswanan Pula

5. Seychelles – 14.37 – Seychellois Rupee

6. Eritrea – 15.00 – Eritrean Nakfa

7. Ghana – 15.49 – Ghanaian Cedi

8. Lesotho – 18.15 – Lesotho Loti

9. Namibia – 18.15 – Namibian Dollar

10. South Africa – 18.15 – South African Rand

Six banks paid N751.796 billion as income tax to the Federal and State Governments and agencies for the 2024 financial year ended on December 31, 2024.

The figure represents a 189.9 per cent increase from the N395.79 billion tax paid in the 2023 financial year.

A News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent that monitored the banks audited statements on Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) platform reveals that the banks also recorded profits in their earnings.

The banks analysed include Zenith Bank Plc, Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) Plc, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Fidelity Bank Plc, Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc and Wema Bank Plc.

Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) paid N248 billion as against N69.65 billion paid in the corresponding period of 2023.

Zenith Bank Plc paid N293.956 billion against N119.1 billion paid as income tax expenses in 2023, while Fidelity Bank Plc paid N93.777 billion for 2024 FY against N24,806 billion paid in 2023.

UBA Plc paid N37.15 billion as against N149.98 billion paid in 2023, Stanbic IBTC Plc paid N78. 485 billion against N32.290 billion paid as tax in 2023.

Wema Bank Plc paid N16.2 million to the government as against N7.675 million paid in 2023.

The banks listed categories of taxes paid to include corporate tax, and withholding tax on dividend income.

Others according to them are education tax and National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure- Information Technology (IT) levy, Police Trust Fund, windfall levy/tax and deferred tax among others.

Reacting to the tax increase, Mr Okechukwu Unegbu,a financial expert and a former President of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) said the tax increase would be beneficial to the government.

Unegbu stressed the need for more companies, especially government-owned, to list on the stock exchange market.

The financial expert who said that only about 140 companies were listed on the country’s stock market, said that no fewer than 3,000 companies were listed in the market in other countries.

He frowned at the delay by the government to list the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) in the stock market.

Unegbu appealed to the government to list its owned companies in the stock market to encourage other private companies to list.

”It is so sad that rather than more companies listing at the stock market, they are exiting the market and it is not good for the economy.

”About 140 companies are listed in the stock market, it is rather very abysmal because in other markets, you have more than 2,000 to 3,000 companies being listed.

”Getting more companies to list will guarantee more taxation and then guarantee more income for the government.

”The business operating environment is not conducive for people to come and list, the government needs to do something.

”We have been talking and recommending that NNPCL should be listed on the stock exchange but up till now, that has not been done, the government is sitting over that.

”If government does that and lists their own companies, you will see that a lot of people will benefit and a lot of companies will come to the market to list,” he said.

Ms Pearl Ogbunobi, another financial expert, appealed to the government to channel the tax into the development of infrastructure and local companies in the country.

”We want to see the huge tax reflect on our infrastructures,” she said.

NAN reports that the banks also posted N3.41 trillion as Profit After Tax (PAT) for the year 2024 ended against the N2.1 trillion recorded in 2023 financial year.

The figure represented a 62.38 per cent increase from the amount recorded during the 2023 financial year (FY). (NAN)