Author: Vardiafrica

The Special Protection Unit (SPU) in the police has ordered all officers attached to VIPs and beats nationwide to return “back to base”. On November 23, President Bola Tinubu ordered the immediate withdrawal of police officers attached to VIPs across the country. In a memo signed by Neji Veronica, commanding officer of the SPU Base 16 in Lagos, and shared by the presidency on X, all affected officers were instructed to return before the close of business on November 24. The commanding officer said the order is effective immediately and must be strictly complied with. “Sequel to the directive of Mr President and…

Nigeria has intensified its diplomatic push for Africa to secure permanent, veto-wielding seats on the United Nations (UN) Security Council, insisting that global governance reform is long overdue. President Bola Tinubu made the call on Monday in Luanda, Angola, during the first plenary session on Peace, Security, Governance and Multilateralism at the 7th African Union–European Union (AU–EU) Summit. He was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima. President Tinubu urged the European Union (EU) to partner with Africa in designing peace and security solutions rooted in African-led frameworks, insisting that such cooperation is essential for sustainable stability. He said; “It is time…

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, Monday unveiled Nigeria’s Counter-Terrorism Strategic Plan 2025–2030, declaring it a decisive turning point in the country’s battle against terrorism and violent extremism. The document was produced by the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). It outlines Nigeria’s new security vision for the next five years. Speaking at the launch, Akpabio, in a statement by his Media Office, described the plan as “a defining moment in our nation’s journey”, stressing that Nigeria must secure its people to unlock its full development potential. He said the plan represents a…

She Afrique, a pan-African movement dedicated to elevating the power, elegance, and unstoppable spirit of African women, convened a landmark G20 Sideline Dynamics Summit focused on “Harnessing Sustainable Women‑Led Growth in Africa Through the Digital Economy..” The event brought together influential leaders, policymakers, creatives, and digital innovators to spotlight the essential role of technology in empowering African women. The summit opened with remarks by Nikki Okedele, who celebrated the importance of meaningful and sustainable approaches to women’s empowerment. She noted the power of women in leadership and emphasized the responsibility of lifting others up rather than “folding the ladder,” a…

Governors of the South-west states have renewed their call for state police, insisting that the worsening insecurity across the region has made the reform an urgent necessity. Meeting in Ibadan the Oyo state capital under the auspices of the Southwest Governors’ Forum, (SGF), the leaders declared that the creation of state police can no longer be delayed, adding that the region must adopt new measures to protect its residents. The meeting, held at the Executive Chamber of the Oyo State Governor’s Office and hosted by Governor Seyi Makinde, examined security, agriculture, economic development and regional cooperation. The communiqué was read…

The Zamfara State Government says it is not considering closing schools despite rising insecurity and a wave of student abductions across parts of the country. Instead, the state government has introduced new security measures to protect learning centres and ensure pupils continue classes without fear of attacks. The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Wadatau Madawaki, disclosed this while addressing journalists at an event organised by the Federated Association of Zamfara State Students in Gusau, the state capital. Madawaki’s assurance comes amid the recent abduction of 25 students of Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko Wasagu Local Government Area…

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, yesterday disclosed that a new security arrangement would be put in place to secure the state in view of the recent spike in banditry, terrorism and other crimes in parts of the country. The governor said the government would begin the documentation of all undocumented foreign nationals working with multinational companies operating in the state. He also said new non-indigenes entering the state for the first time would undergo proper screening by their community leaders to ensure they were not used to orchestrate violence, stressing that government must know their purpose and means of livelihood.…

The South-East caucus of the House of Representatives has urged President Bola Tinubu to consider a pardon for the convicted leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu. They said releasing Kanu through pardon would open space for broader engagement between the Federal Government, elected leaders, and community stakeholders, leading to long-term peace. The lawmakers, in a statement on Monday after a meeting, said Nigeria has, in critical moments, relied on presidential magnanimity to heal divisions and consolidate peace. “Indeed, the authors of our constitution conceived of Section 175 in anticipation that the bare dictates of the law may…

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has formally registered his membership with the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Atiku registered and collected his membership card at Jada ward 1 in Jada LGA of Adamawa state on Monday. In July, he resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), accusing the party of straying from its founding ideals. Atiku described his departure from the PDP as “heartbreaking”, saying the party had strayed from the ideals on which it was founded. Atiku, who is 78 years old, was the PDP’s standard-bearer in the 2023 election. In May, the opposition leaders had agreed to adopt the ADC as the platform to…

Discussions and engagements held last week between a high-level Nigerian delegation and US officials will help strengthen security partnerships between the two countries and open new avenues for cooperation to protect Nigerian citizens. The delegation, led by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, met with senior officials across the US Congress, the White House Faith Office, the State Department, the National Security Council, and the Department of War. In all engagements in Washington, DC, the Nigerian delegation refuted allegations of genocide in Nigeria, emphasising that violent attacks affect families and communities across religious and ethnic lines. The delegation strongly…