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Police Warn of Rising Cyber Threats, Back Digital Diplomacy Drive

By
Akeem Adebayo
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The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has raised concerns over the growing use of digital platforms by criminal networks, urging stronger cyber capabilities and digital diplomacy to safeguard Nigeria’s security.

Disu made this known in a goodwill message at the Second Seminar on Anticipatory, Cyber and Digital Diplomacy (ACDD 2.0) held in Abuja on Tuesday.

He warned that advances in technology are rapidly transforming crime patterns, requiring proactive and coordinated responses from both security and diplomatic institutions.

“Criminal networks increasingly exploit digital platforms and emerging technologies, while digital diplomacy is redefining how states cooperate on security and development,” the IGP said.

He stressed that the Nigeria Police Force is adopting anticipatory strategies to tackle cybercrime and related threats, noting that traditional reactive approaches are no longer sufficient.

“The Nigeria Police Force recognises that effective response requires anticipatory strategies, strong cyber capabilities and active digital diplomacy,” Disu said.

According to him, law enforcement agencies must work closely with government bodies, the private sector and international partners to build resilient systems and counter evolving threats.

“We must proactively identify threats, build resilient systems and foster partnerships across government, the private sector and international allies,” he added.

The IGP described the seminar as a critical platform for strengthening collaboration between security agencies and diplomatic actors, as well as aligning Nigeria’s cyber policies with global best practices.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to protecting citizens from cyber-related crimes, including online fraud and cyber-enabled violence, through intelligence-led policing, capacity building and public awareness.

“This seminar is a vital platform to deepen understanding of emerging cyber threats and strengthen collaboration,” Disu said.

Participants at the two-day event are expected to develop actionable strategies to enhance Nigeria’s digital security architecture and foreign policy response to technological disruption.

Tinubu Approves Up to 80% Pay Rise for Nigerian Troops

By
Akeem Adebayo
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a sweeping salary increase of between 30 and 80 per cent for Nigeria’s armed forces personnel, in a move aimed at boosting troop morale and strengthening national security.

The approval, announced in a State House press release on Tuesday, will benefit about 250,000 military personnel across various ranks and takes effect from September 1, 2026.

Under the new pay structure, officers above the rank of colonel—including brigadier-generals, major-generals, lieutenant-generals and generals—will receive a 30 per cent increase. Personnel from colonel down to warrant officer will earn a 50 per cent raise, while junior ranks from private to staff sergeant will see their salaries rise by 80 per cent.

The adjustment is expected to raise the federal government’s annual wage bill for the armed forces from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion.

President Tinubu said the decision reflects his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of military personnel amid ongoing security challenges across the country.

“The men and women who help to keep us safe in our homes must be supported and appreciated in the course of their duties to our nation,” the President said.

He added that his government would continue to prioritise troop welfare while modernising the armed forces with the necessary weapons and technological tools to effectively combat threats.

“Our administration will continue to prioritise troop welfare and modernise the armed forces by providing the weapons and technological tools needed to discharge their duties,” Tinubu stated.

The President emphasised that national security remains central to Nigeria’s development, noting that no country can achieve sustainable progress without safeguarding lives and property.

“Our administration believes that no nation can achieve greatness without security. We therefore remain resolute in mobilising all military and law enforcement assets to eliminate security threats and protect the lives and property of all Nigerians,” he said.

Tinubu also called on military personnel to view the salary increase as recognition of their sacrifices and dedication to the country.

“I urge our servicemen to take our gesture as a sign of our deep appreciation of the services they render to our fatherland. Together we shall prevail over the enemies intent on destroying the fabric of our nation,” he added.

The pay rise comes as Nigeria continues to confront security challenges, including banditry, kidnapping and terrorism, particularly in parts of the North-West and North-East regions.

Nigeria Shifts to Proactive Digital Diplomacy, Sets Up AI Unit

By
Akeem Adebayo
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Nigeria is moving from traditional diplomacy to a more proactive, technology-driven foreign policy, with the establishment of a dedicated Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Diplomacy Unit, the Federal Government has announced.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja while opening the Second Seminar on Anticipatory, Cyber and Digital Diplomacy (ACDD 2.0).

According to him, the newly created unit within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will coordinate Nigeria’s engagement on emerging technologies and strengthen its role in global digital governance.

“A significant outcome of the inaugural seminar was the establishment of the Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Diplomacy Unit… to ensure that our diplomatic engagements reflect the strategic implications of emerging technologies,” he said.

Enikanolaiye stressed that Nigeria must adopt anticipatory diplomacy by shifting from reactive responses to forward-looking strategies driven by data, innovation and digital tools.

“Anticipatory diplomacy requires a shift from reactive approaches to proactive engagement,” he said, noting that artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and digital technologies are redefining global diplomacy.

He added that the lines between diplomacy, economics, security and technology are increasingly blurred, requiring a more integrated approach to foreign policy.

The seminar, themed “From Awareness to Activation: Operationalising AI, Cyber and Digital Statecraft for Nigeria’s Foreign Policy,” brought together diplomats, ICT experts, academics and development partners to explore practical solutions.

Enikanolaiye urged participants to develop actionable strategies that will enhance Nigeria’s diplomatic capacity and global competitiveness.

He also highlighted the importance of collaboration among government institutions, academia and international partners to build a resilient and digitally competent foreign service.

The initiative, he said, reflects the Ministry’s commitment under the leadership of Foreign Affairs Minister Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu to modernise Nigeria’s diplomacy and strengthen its global influence.

He expressed optimism that the seminar would produce recommendations to position Nigeria at the forefront of digital diplomacy in Africa and beyond.

Collaboration Key to Nigeria’s Upstream Growth — NUPRC Boss

By
Akeem Adebayo
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The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has called for stronger collaboration and resilience across Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas sector to sustain investment and drive long-term growth.

Commission Chief Executive, Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, made the call on Monday at the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition (NAICE) 2026 in Lagos.

“We firmly believe that resilient energy systems, sustained investment and long-term growth can only be achieved through strong partnerships,” Eyesan said.

She explained that collaboration remains central to the commission’s regulatory approach, citing ongoing monthly engagements with industry stakeholders and extensive consultations in shaping regulations and operational guidelines.

According to Eyesan, the global energy landscape is undergoing rapid transformation driven by geopolitical shifts, climate considerations, technological disruption, artificial intelligence, evolving investment patterns and rising energy demand.

“These changes also present tremendous opportunities for countries that are prepared to adapt, innovate and work together,” she said.

She stressed that both regulators and operators must remain agile and forward-looking to navigate emerging challenges and harness opportunities in the sector.

Eyesan added that Nigeria’s upstream industry must embrace innovation and partnerships to remain competitive and responsive to global energy trends.

The NUPRC reiterated its commitment to fostering a regulatory environment that encourages collaboration, supports investment and strengthens the resilience of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

No Room for Keke, Okada in Abuja City Centre, They’re Security Threat – Wike

By
Toyin Adebayo
-

Barr Nyesom Wike, has declared that commercial tricycles (Keke Napep) and motorcycles (Okada) will never be allowed to operate within Abuja city centre, insisting they have become a major security threat.

Speaking during his monthly media chat in Abuja on Tuesday, Wike said the decision followed the resolution of the FCT Security Council, which identified the operators as posing both security and environmental challenges in the nation’s capital.

He disclosed that he had already signed the approval to strengthen enforcement of the restriction.

“You talked about Keke Napep and Okada. Just this morning, I signed the approval because we had a Security Council meeting where we agreed that they don’t just constitute a nuisance, but have become a security threat,” Wike said.

The minister explained that security agencies had been directed to identify areas where Keke Napep and Okada would remain prohibited, stressing that while a total ban across the entire FCT may not be feasible, the city centre would remain off-limits to them.

“I have told the security agencies to map out areas where we do not need Keke Napep and motorcycles, but it would be difficult to ban them across the entire Abuja,” he added.

Wike also vowed to sustain the crackdown on beggars and destitute persons roaming the streets of Abuja, saying the FCT Administration would not turn the capital into a refuge for people migrating from neighbouring states.

According to him, security operatives regularly remove beggars from the city, but many return shortly afterwards.

He rejected calls for government to establish shelters for them, warning that such a move would only attract more destitute persons from Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger and Kaduna states.

“Each time we take them out, they come back again. If we provide accommodation for them, we will only encourage more people to come into Abuja. We cannot continue to fund that,” Wike said.

He assured residents that the FCT Administration would continue to enforce policies aimed at improving security, restoring order and keeping Abuja clean and safe.

 

 

AKK Gas Pipeline Reaches Abuja, Set for Phased Commissioning

By
Akeem Adebayo
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The Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline has reached Abuja and is set for phased commissioning later this year, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has announced.

Executive Vice President, Gas, Power and New Energy at NNPC Limited, Olalekan Ogunleye, disclosed this during the 2026 Energy Business Development Forum held in Minna, Niger State, where the company showcased investment opportunities tied to the project.

Ogunleye said construction progress on the strategic gas infrastructure remains on track, with the Niger State segment expected to be completed before the end of the year. The AKK pipeline is a key component of Nigeria’s plan to boost domestic gas utilisation and expand energy access.

The forum, themed “Accelerating Domestic Gas Utilisation and Driving the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Revolution along the AKK Corridor,” brought together investors and energy operators to explore opportunities along the pipeline route.

Highlighting the project’s economic potential, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago announced the designation of an Industrial Development Park within the 1,000-square-kilometre AKK corridor in the state.

According to him, the initiative is aimed at attracting investments in agro-allied industries, petrochemicals and fertiliser production, leveraging the availability of gas infrastructure.

The AKK pipeline is considered one of Nigeria’s flagship energy projects, expected to enhance gas supply for power generation, industrialisation and cleaner energy alternatives, including compressed natural gas (CNG).

NNPC Limited emphasised that the project would play a critical role in driving economic growth, improving energy security and supporting the country’s transition towards more sustainable energy solutions.

Amaechi Has No Vote to Offer, He’s Political Liability, Wike Blasts Ex-Minister

By
Toyin Adebayo
-

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday launched a blistering attack on former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, declaring that the ex-Rivers governor has become a political liability with no electoral value in Rivers State or the South-South.

Wike, who spoke during a media chat in Abuja, dismissed speculations linking Amaechi to a possible vice-presidential ticket, insisting that the former minister lacks the political weight to deliver votes in any national election.

According to him, if Amaechi is being considered as a running mate, it can only be for reasons other than electoral strength.

“If you are choosing a vice-presidential candidate, the only factor that may have been used to choose Rotimi Amaechi may be financial because he lacks the capacity to deliver votes,” Wike said.

The FCT minister backed his claim with the outcome of previous presidential elections, arguing that Amaechi failed to secure impressive results for candidates he supported despite serving as campaign director-general and occupying influential positions in government.

“He has never won a presidential election after 2011 when I was the Director of Campaign. He was Buhari’s Director-General in 2015 when he was governor; why didn’t Buhari get 25 per cent? He was DG again in 2019 as a super minister; why didn’t Buhari get 25 per cent? He supported Atiku in 2023; how come he didn’t get 15 per cent?” Wike queried.

He challenged Amaechi to point to landmark projects or benefits he attracted to Rivers State and the South-South while serving in the Federal Government, insisting that a true political heavyweight should have enduring grassroots support and tangible achievements.

Wike also accused the former transportation minister of double standards, recalling that Amaechi had criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary as riddled with irregularities and corruption before allegedly embracing the same political process.

“The same man said the APC primary was manual, irregular and corrupt. Now he is benefiting from the same process he condemned. How can you say there was no election and still participate in another election?” he asked.

The minister further argued that Amaechi’s opposition to former President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election in 2015, as well as his perceived role in the removal of former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, would count against him politically in the South-South.

“A South-South son wanted a second term and you were proud you helped remove him. Do you think the people of the South-South have forgotten?” Wike said.

Highlighting the current administration’s performance, Wike maintained that Rivers State has received unprecedented federal attention under President Bola Tinubu’s government, citing major infrastructure projects, including the Bonny Road, as evidence of renewed commitment to the state’s development.

 

Alake Storms White House, Courts Fresh US Investments in Nigeria’s Mining Sector

By
Toyin Adebayo
-

ABUJA – Nigeria has intensified efforts to attract foreign investment into its solid minerals sector, as the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, led the Nigeria Solid Minerals Company (NSMC) delegation to the White House for high-level talks with top United States officials.

The meeting, held in Washington, D.C., focused on deepening the Nigeria–United States strategic partnership and unlocking fresh investments in the country’s mining industry.

Alake and his delegation met with David Copley, Special Assistant to the U.S. President and Senior Director for Global Supply Chain at the National Security Council, as well as Diana London of DCI Group.

The discussions centred on expanding cooperation across the critical minerals value chain, including geological exploration, mining, mineral processing, value addition and refining.

Both countries also explored ways to strengthen secure and resilient supply chains for critical minerals required for the global energy transition, with Nigeria seeking to position itself as a major player in the international minerals market.

The minister said the engagement aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises economic diversification, industrialisation, job creation and the attraction of strategic foreign investment into key sectors of the economy.

According to the ministry, the meeting also reinforces the growing economic partnership between Nigeria and the United States through investment-driven collaboration aimed at promoting sustainable mining, local value addition and shared prosperity.

The visit is expected to pave the way for increased American investment, technology transfer and stronger collaboration in developing Nigeria’s vast solid mineral resources.

 

 

Wike to Cardinal Onaiyekan: You Backed Candidate in 2023, Don’t Claim Neutrality

By
Toyin Adebayo
-

ABUJA – Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday took a swipe at Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, accusing him of taking sides during the 2023 presidential election and questioning his claim to political neutrality.

Wike spoke during his monthly media briefing in Abuja while reacting to the controversy sparked by the cardinal’s comments after a recent closed-door meeting between President Bola Tinubu and members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN).

Cardinal Onaiyekan had alleged that those around President Tinubu were painting a “rosy picture” of the country and suggested that the President was already focused on winning the 2027 election. The Presidency later faulted the cleric for disclosing details of the private meeting.

Reacting, Wike said Nigerians already knew where the cardinal stood politically during the 2023 elections.

“If a religious leader is seen to be taking sides, which is very clear, it becomes difficult for people to see such comments as objective,” he said.

“I know the position of Cardinal Onaiyekan. All of us know it. It is not hidden who he supported. Everybody knows.”

The FCT minister said religious leaders should be fair enough to acknowledge government achievements instead of focusing only on criticism.

“It shouldn’t always be that everything is bad. Nobody hears you say government has done well in any area. As a leader, you should commend government where it performs well and criticise where there is room for improvement,” Wike stated.

According to him, when respected public figures consistently attack the government without recognising its successes, such interventions are likely to be viewed as politically motivated.

The former Rivers State governor also dismissed claims that the Catholic bishops remained non-partisan during the last general election.

“Don’t tell me they were not partisan. Everybody knows what happened in 2023. Religious leaders took sides, and it was very obvious,” he declared.

Wike insisted that it would be dishonest to pretend otherwise.

“I would be deceiving myself if I sit here and say somebody is impartial. We know ourselves in this country. We know who supported whom during the 2023 election. It was obvious,” he said.

 

Political Vampires Nearly Destroyed Fubara,’ Wike Opens Up on Rivers Crisis

By
Toyin Adebayo
-

ABUJA – Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday said Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara brought his political troubles upon himself by abandoning the political structure that produced him and listening to what he described as “political vampires” determined to hijack the state.

Speaking during his monthly media briefing in Abuja, Wike said he had done everything possible to ensure Fubara emerged governor and even publicly endorsed his second-term ambition before the relationship between them broke down.

“I flagged off the Ring Road project and told him that if he completed it, nobody would stop his second term. How do you support somebody more than that?” Wike asked.

Responding to claims that he masterminded the political crisis in Rivers State, the former governor insisted that Fubara’s predicament was self-inflicted.

“He wouldn’t have been in that position if he had not walked away from the political structure. That was where the problem started,” he said.

Wike dismissed allegations that he was acting as a political godfather, arguing that every political organisation has leaders and established structures.

“People talk about godfatherism every day. Every political party has leaders. That doesn’t make anybody a godfather. Politics is about leadership and organisation,” he stated.

The minister alleged that some politicians who initially opposed Fubara’s emergence later became his closest allies and encouraged him to confront those who worked for his election.

“Those who never wanted him to become governor suddenly became his friends. Their mission was to fight us, but in the end, what did I lose? Nothing. He was the one who had everything to lose,” Wike said.

He further alleged that powerful external interests, including some Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), attempted to seize control of Rivers State for personal benefit.

“There are people who see Rivers State as a cash cow. They moved in, gave him wrong advice and wanted to hijack the state for themselves,” he alleged.

Despite the crisis, Wike said he still wanted peace and had no personal grudge against the governor.

“If I didn’t love him, why would I have supported him to become governor? I wanted him to succeed,” he said.

The FCT minister disclosed that a reconciliation committee had already been set up to resolve the political rift and reintegrate all stakeholders.

“We have constituted a committee. The task now is to bring everybody together and move Rivers State forward,” he said.

Wike, however, warned Fubara against returning to those he blamed for the crisis.

“The danger is still there. If he allows those same people back into his political structure, they will finish him politically. He has to be careful,” he cautioned.

 

 

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