TCN holds anti-vandalism sensitization in Niger community

 

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) held a sensitization campaign against vandalism of transmission infrastructure and building under transmission lines right of way in Lambata Community, Gurara Local Government Area, Niger State.

The campaign, according to a statement from TCN forms part of ongoing efforts to protect transmission installations and enhance a more reliable bulk electricity supply nationwide.

 

In his welcome address, the General Manager, Transmission, Engr. Musa Shuaibu, expressed appreciation to the district heads, security agencies, and other stakeholders for honoring TCN’s invitation.

He stated that the sensitization programme was convened in response to the increasing incidents of vandalism on transmission facilities, noting that regularity of the acts were unprecedented in the history of transmission lines vandalism.

 

Engr. Shuaibu emphasized that vandals often sell stolen transmission components for negligible amounts, while their actions plunge entire communities into darkness.

He stressed that prolonged outages could have grave consequences, particularly for hospitals and other essential services that depend on stable power supply.

Suaibu further noted that vandalism impedes the growth of Nigeria’s power sector, as funds earmarked for network expansion and new projects are diverted to replacing damaged infrastructure

 

The act, he said is sometimes fatal as the vandal is sometimes electrocuted while carrying out the act.

 

Also speaking at the event, the NSCDC representative in Niger State, DSE Adah Ngbede, warned that the consequences of vandalism are severe and that perpetrators will be apprehended and prosecuted.

He stressed the need to protect TCN facilities, stating, “No TCN, No Light.”

 

The District Head of Izom, Alhaji Ibrahim A. Salihu, addressed the gathering in Hausa and appealed to his community to embrace TCN’s partnership initiative.

He emphasized that transmission infrastructure belongs to the people and urged residents to take ownership of the facilities by remaining vigilant and collaborating with security agencies.

 

Similarly, the representative of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), ASP Galadima Edward, urged residents to promptly report any suspicious movement or activity around transmission towers and other power installations.

Edward assured the community of the police’s readiness to respond swiftly to credible information and to collaborate with other security agencies to prevent acts of vandalism.

 

The campaign seeks to educate community members on the dangers and far-reaching effects of vandalizing electricity transmission infrastructure, while encouraging greater community participation in safeguarding these assets.

 

The sensitization campaign continues with stakeholder engagements, awareness sessions, and sustained appeals for community support in safeguarding transmission infrastructure for the benefit of all.

 

The event attracted a broad range of stakeholders, including representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Vigilante Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Niger State Road Traffic Management Agency (NISTMA), traditional rulers, community leaders, and members of the press.

Court Judgement: Democracy under siege -Atiku

 

Former Vice President and Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has condemned in the strongest terms the judgment seeking to deregister the ADC and several other opposition political parties, describing it as a dangerous assault on constitutional democracy and further evidence of a coordinated effort to eliminate political opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Atiku, in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, said the ruling should alarm every Nigerian who believes in democracy, political pluralism, and the rule of law.

He noted that the judgment was particularly troubling because it was delivered in the face of a subsisting order of the Court of Appeal which had expressly stayed further proceedings in the matter pending the determination of an appeal.

“The judgment represents a dangerous escalation of authoritarian tactics and a blatant assault on Nigeria’s democracy.

“What makes the situation even more disturbing is that this judgment was purportedly delivered despite a clear and subsisting order of the Court of Appeal. On May 22, 2026, the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, granted an application staying further proceedings in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2025 pending the hearing and determination of the appeal before it.

“The implication of that order is not ambiguous. A stay of proceedings means precisely what it says. It freezes every further step in the matter, including the delivery of judgment. Any action taken contrary to that order raises serious questions about respect for the hierarchy of courts and fidelity to the rule of law.

“This latest judgment therefore does not merely contradict a subsisting appellate order; it strikes at the very foundation of legal certainty and constitutional governance. If court orders can be treated as optional whenever they become inconvenient to those in power, then the rule of law itself is in grave danger.”

Atiku said the judgment fits into an increasingly obvious pattern of political persecution and institutional manipulation aimed at weakening opposition parties before the next election cycle.

“It is becoming increasingly clear that the Tinubu administration is singularly focused on eliminating major political opponents ahead of 2027.

“Rather than confronting the mounting crises facing the nation—rampant insecurity, economic hardship, rising poverty, unemployment, and the declining purchasing power of ordinary Nigerians—the government appears consumed by a desperate quest to neutralise every viable opposition platform.

 

“This is not governance. It is political elimination by other means.

 

“The Nigerian people can see what is happening. Opposition parties are being targeted. Democratic institutions are being pressured. State power is increasingly being deployed not for national development but for political survival.”

 

The former Vice President urged members of the ADC and supporters of democratic governance across the country not to be discouraged by the ruling.

 

“We wish to reassure all members of the ADC, our supporters, and all Nigerians who believe in democratic competition that we will not be intimidated by these desperate manoeuvres.

 

“The battle before us transcends political parties. It is a battle for the soul of Nigerian democracy. It is a battle between those who believe in freedom of choice and those who seek to impose political uniformity through intimidation and institutional capture.

 

“We shall continue to pursue all lawful and constitutional avenues to defend our party, protect democratic freedoms, and preserve the multiparty system which remains the cornerstone of our constitutional order.

 

“We call on the judiciary, civil society organisations, the media, and all patriotic Nigerians to remain vigilant and resist every attempt to subvert democratic institutions for partisan advantage.

 

“Nigeria’s democracy was not won cheaply. It must not be surrendered cheaply.”

 

Atiku stressed that no amount of political desperation can override the Constitution, extinguish the opposition, or silence the democratic aspirations of millions of Nigerians who desire change.

Kwankwaso never threatened to leave us – NDC

 

The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has disclosed that its presidential running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, never threatened to leave the party.

NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, disclosed that such claims were speculations aimed at demarketing the party.

In an interview with Arise News on Saturday night, Director blamed the ruling party and some opposition members for such speculations.

He said: “At no time did our leader, Kwankwaso threatened to leave the party, those were just conjectures and media speculations trying to demarket the party and we know where they are coming from.

“Apart from media speculation and those who do not want us to succeed, there were instances in a particular constituency in Delta State where an incumbent allegedly supported five or six aspirants to run against Collins Edema.”

It was widely reported that the former Kano State governor threatened to dump the NDC if his candidates in Kano State were replaced.

NDC had replaced several candidates earlier submitted by the Kwankwasiyya faction in Kano State over an alleged breach of a power-sharing agreement.

Newspot

Kenneth Okonkwo faces another N5 billion suit over alleged bribe by NDC aspirants

 

 

Former Imo State Governor, Chief Achike Udenwa, has slammed a lawsuit against a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Kenneth Okonkwo over alleged defamatory remarks made against him.

Okonkwo had, in an interview on Channels TV on June 8, 2026, allegedly linked the former governor to alleged extortion of aspirants seeking elective positions under the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC.

He said, “This is why the NDC released a statement that it is only the South East caucus of the party that was involved in such problems.

“Onyema Ugochukwu, Achike Udenwa, Peter Obi and other leaders of the South East caucus were busy extorting the South East aspirants”.

Responding, Udenwa’s legal counsel, Soronnadi A. Njoku, SAN, demanded a retraction, a public apology and N5 billion in damages.

The NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi had also dragged the actor-turned politician to court over the same allegation. Newspot.

The Senate Committee on Army has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Major General Rabe Abubakar (Rtd.), former Director of Defence Information and a proud son of Batsari Local Government Area, Katsina State.
In a press release signed over the weekend by Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, Chairman of the Committee, the lawmakers said General Abubakar was abducted alongside his wife on May 30, 2026, along the Katsina–Matazu road.
The Committee said that throughout his career and in retirement, the late general served Nigeria with honour and continued to contribute meaningfully to national security discourse.
It extended sincere condolences to his immediate family, the Nigerian Army, the people of Batsari LGA, and the entire Katsina State. “We pray that Almighty Allah grants him Aljannah Firdaus and gives his family the fortitude to bear this loss,” the statement said.
The Committee also reaffirmed its commitment to work with the Executive and security agencies to strengthen measures that protect lives and property. It saluted the dedication of security personnel and urged Nigerians to remain united and patient as efforts to restore peace continue.
Authority

Nigerian Navy arrests three suspects over pipeline vandalism in Bayelsa

 

 

The Nigerian Navy has arrested three suspects linked to the vandalism of the Oando–Ondewari pipeline at Ogboinbiri Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

 

The arrest followed a joint intelligence-led operation conducted by naval personnel in collaboration with a private pipeline surveillance outfit after reports of a deliberate breach along the pipeline corridor. Subsequent inspection confirmed that the pipeline had been vandalised, resulting in the spillage of crude oil and posing a threat to critical national energy infrastructure.

 

Acting on actionable intelligence, naval personnel conducted a targeted raid on a suspected hideout at Ondewari Community in the early hours of 12 June 2026, leading to the arrest of three suspects. Preliminary investigations established their involvement in the act of vandalism, while further inquiries revealed that a fourth suspect remains at large.

 

The operation underscores the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to protecting critical oil and gas infrastructure and denying economic saboteurs the opportunity to undermine Nigeria’s economic interests through acts of vandalism and sabotage.

 

Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and conclude investigations, after which the arrested suspects will be handed over to the appropriate agency for further investigation and prosecution in accordance with extant laws.

 

The Nigerian Navy remains resolute in sustaining intelligence-driven operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL to safeguard critical national assets, curb crude oil theft, and ensure the security of Nigeria’s maritime and energy sectors.

June 12: Governor Ododo Calls for protection of Nigeria’s Democracy

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo on Friday in Lokoja called on Nigerians to remain steadfast in protecting and strengthening the nation’s democracy.
Governor Ododo described June 12 as a defining symbol of sacrifice, patriotism, and the collective determination of the Nigerian people to uphold democratic governance.
Ododo who made the call in his democracy day message congratulated citizens across the country on another milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey, urging them to reflect on the sacrifices made by heroes of democracy and recommit themselves to the ideals that sustain the nation.
The governor noted that Democracy Day presents an opportunity to celebrate the resilience of democratic institutions while acknowledging the efforts of patriots whose struggles laid the foundation for the freedoms Nigerians enjoy today.
According to him, democracy remains the most credible platform through which citizens exercise their sovereign will, elect leaders, and hold governments accountable.
“Despite the challenges that have confronted us as a nation, democracy has continued to provide the framework for peace, development, participation, and the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms,” he stated.
The governor urged Nigerians to reject actions capable of weakening democratic institutions, stressing the need to embrace tolerance, dialogue, national unity, and responsible citizenship.
He observed that the gains recorded under democratic governance were secured through years of struggle, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment by individuals who believed in the vision of a better Nigeria.
Drawing inspiration from the words of former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, Governor Ododo noted that “good governance remains a critical factor in promoting development and reducing poverty, adding that democracy provides the foundation upon which effective governance can flourish.”
The Kogi State governor also paid glowing tribute to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, describing him as one of Nigeria’s foremost champions of democracy whose political journey reflects the triumph of democratic struggle and perseverance.
Ododo said President Tinubu stood shoulder-to-shoulder with other pro-democracy advocates during some of the nation’s most turbulent political periods and has now earned the opportunity to serve the country at its highest level through the democratic process.
He called on Nigerians to continue supporting and praying for the President and leaders at all levels of government, emphasizing that nation-building requires the collective efforts, patriotism, and positive contributions of all citizens.
The governor reserved special recognition for the late Bashorun Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, GCFR, describing him as the enduring symbol of Nigeria’s democratic consciousness and a pillar of the nation’s democratic heritage.
According to Ododo, Abiola possessed the wealth and influence to abandon the democratic struggle but instead chose to stand firmly for the Nigerian people, a sacrifice that helped birth the nation’s modern democracy.
He urged citizens to remain united in their resolve to build a peaceful, secure, and prosperous nation anchored on democratic principles and good governance.

Democracy Day: PDP urges Nigerians to remain hopeful

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on Nigerians not to lose hope despite the political and economic challenges facing the country, assuring citizens that democracy remains the best pathway to accountable governance, national development, and the protection of fundamental rights.
In a Democracy Day message signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Jugundo Mohammed on Friday, the PDP congratulated Nigerians on the occasion of June 12 and paid tribute to their resilience, patriotism, and commitment to democratic governance.
The PDP acknowledged the difficulties confronting the nation but urged citizens not to surrender to despair, insisting that the country’s challenges are temporary and can be overcome through responsible leadership and stronger democratic institutions.
According to the party, democracy remains the strongest guarantee for transparent leadership, national progress, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
“While our nation continues to face significant political and economic challenges, Nigerians should not lose faith in democracy or despair about the future of our country,” the statement said.
The party expressed confidence that with collective determination, unity, and active civic participation, Nigeria would overcome its current difficulties and achieve lasting peace, prosperity, and progress.
It further maintained that the country’s challenges are surmountable through the collective resolve of the people and leaders committed to national development.
Reaffirming its commitment to democratic values, the PDP described itself as a party with a rich democratic heritage and a viable platform for the promotion, defence, and sustenance of democracy in Nigeria.
The party pledged to continue working with Nigerians to restore hope, strengthen democratic institutions, and build a more inclusive and prosperous nation.
The opposition party also wished Nigerians a happy Democracy Day celebration.

Is insecurity fast-forwarding the end of democracy?

 

 

By Ike Abonyi

“Democracy doesn’t rule the world, You’d better get that in your head; This world is ruled by violence, But I guess that’s better left unsaid.” —Bob Dylan

 

 

The central question facing Nigeria is whether escalating insecurity is accelerating the decline of its democratic system. As Wole Soyinka eloquently stated, ‘You cannot feed a hungry man with a ballot paper, and you cannot protect a terrified family with a constitution. If democracy cannot deliver bread and safety, the people will eventually tear down the temple.’

 

Across Nigeria, a significant portion of the population, even those who outwardly profess democratic ideals, are privately concluding that if the current democratic experiment fails to guarantee citizen security—the most fundamental responsibility of governance—then its continuation is untenable. The Nigerian populace appears to be approaching the precipice of dismantling democratic structures, a scenario foreshadowed by Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka.

 

Ironically, ethnic considerations and age seem to have tempered the renowned literary figure’s usual incisive critique of national affairs, leading to his diminished public engagement on these issues. Should Nigeria’s democracy falter, as current trends strongly suggest, the primary beneficiary would undoubtedly be the military. One can speculate that if Nigeria’s former military dictator, General Sani Abacha, were alive today, his reputation for maintaining order would likely position him as a heroic figure, offering a potential solution to the relentless bloodshed plaguing the nation.

 

During his tenure, General Abacha demonstrated considerable prowess in security matters. Despite widespread corruption allegations, his administration was notably disciplined across all sectors. The country experienced a secure environment and economic stability, with the national currency enjoying a period of unprecedented steadiness. However, debate persists regarding whether these achievements were attributable to Abacha’s individual leadership or the nature of his authoritarian governance.

 

Before Muhammadu Buhari came to power, his campaign strategists frequently highlighted his decisive handling of the Maitatsine uprising in Yola in 1984 during his military rule, promising an end to the terrorism and banditry currently plaguing the nation. Yet, from 2015 to 2023, Nigeria witnessed a markedly different Buhari, whose administration inadvertently fostered the current security crisis. This raises a pertinent question: is democracy, as practised in Nigeria and many other practisedations, primarily serving as a mechanism for elite enrichment rather than delivering tangible benefits to the burgeoning impoverished population?

 

The recent successes of military interventions in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger lend credence to this line of reasoning. After 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, Nigerians are reaching a point where they may openly declare that a secure nation under military rule is preferable to an insecure democratic one. If the United Nations were to conduct a referendum in Nigeria comparing the current democratic system since 1999 with past military regimes, the results could be surprising.

 

Ultimately, what is the value of any governmental system that cannot safeguard its citizens? Given that the primary mandate of any government is the protection of lives and property, and its failure to fulfil this core duty, why should it fulfil this at the expense of its populace? If Nigeria’s prevailing model of democracy has consistently failed to provide leadership capable of ensuring citizen security, is it not imperative to explore alternative forms of governance?

 

We stand at a critical juncture where we must acknowledge Karl Popper’s observation: ‘A democracy that cannot defend itself, that cannot protect its citizens from violence and disruption, will eventually be overthrown by those who promise order at the expense of freedom.’ Similarly, Timothy Snyder astutely noted, ‘People do not choose fascism or authoritarianism because they love dictatorship; they choose it because they are terrified of chaos. When democracy means instability, the strongman begins to look like a saviour.’

 

The democratic shortcomings of Burkina Faso paved the way for Captain Ibrahim Traoré, a 38-year-old leader now hailed as a hero, prompting questions about the efficacy of democracy. Democracy cannot thrive on mere pronouncements; it requires demonstrable action. For citizens to actively defend a democratic system, that system must possess the capacity, political will, and institutional strength to ensure national security.

 

The question of whether a struggling democracy can effectively secure a nation directly addresses the fundamental social contract. When a government fails to provide basic safety, abstract democratic principles like freedom of speech, voting rights, and the rule of law can quickly become perceived as hollow luxuries for individuals preoccupied with mere survival.

 

Historically and globally, a democratic government’s failure to deliver security leads to a rapid erosion of public trust. Nigeria is currently experiencing this phenomenon. This pattern typically manifests through several critical realities: At its most basic function, the state’s purpose is to shield its citizens from both internal and external threats. Citizens cede a degree of their individual autonomy to the state in return for protection.

 

If a democratic government is incapable of securing its borders, transportation routes, or communities, it fundamentally defaults on its primary obligation. When even school children are vulnerable to banditry, terrorism, or pervasive lawlessness, the legitimacy of that democratic framework is severely undermined. Our pretence of democratic governance is an illusion of freedom devoid of actual safety.

 

This reintroduces the question: Can an individual truly exercise democratic rights when living under constant fear? Have President Bola Tinubu’s assertive stance and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) actions leading up to the 2027 general election adequately addressed concerns about electoral integrity?

 

Security crises directly imperil democratic processes. It becomes exceedingly difficult to conduct fair, transparent, and high-turnout elections when voters, election officials, and candidates face physical threats, especially when there is perceived bias within electoral bodies like the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as well as law enforcement and judicial institutions.

 

In a nation characterised by over two hundred ethnic groups, where tribalism significantly influences the political landscape, the concentration of key electoral officials from the same ethnic group as the President raises serious questions. History demonstrates that prolonged insecurity, as seen in Nigeria today, can create an environment ripe for the appeal of a strongman, making citizens highly susceptible to populist or authoritarian rhetoric. Individuals may willingly trade political pluralism, checks and balances, and civil liberties for a centralised, decisive authority, particularly if such an order has never truly existed.

 

While authoritarian measures or military interventions often prove to be a trap, offering a seductive promise of a quick resolution—frequently exchanging one form of insecurity for another and introducing state repression without addressing the root socio-economic causes of conflict—when faced with a choice between two undesirable options, the one that prioritises citizen security invariably prioritises recedence.

 

Daily survival becomes paramount; freedoms of movement, assembly, and economic activity hold little value if venturing outside one’s home poses a risk to life or livelihood. Security forms the bedrock upon which all other democratic freedoms are built. When democratic institutions appear weak or paralysed by security crises, public opinion often shifts towards desperation. This represents a gradual, agonising decay from within.

 

Reflecting on India’s democratic journey over the past two decades, one finds strong resonance with the assertion by Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt in their book, ‘How Democracies Die.’ They contend that democratic decline is rarely a sudden event like a military coup; instead, it is more frequently a gradual, debilitating internal decay. In such scenarios, democratic structures may persist formally, yet the populace loses all confidence in their capacity to offer protection.

 

In this context, one must question what remains democratic when citizens openly express profound disappointment with the current administration, advocating for its removal, yet feel powerless to effect change. This sentiment arises despite the concentration of power, with key positions held by allies, the support of all 36 state governors, the systematic dismantling of opposition parties, and substantial financial resources allegedly allocated for re-election. The question then becomes: who possesses the ability to counter such influence?

 

Nevertheless, it begs further inquiry as to why, despite these apparent advantages, the current leadership appears apprehensive about the 2027 elections. Could this apprehension stem from an acknowledgement, as suggested by Prof that the populace is poised for radical action?

 

While the future remains uncertain, it is undeniable that in a nation plagued by insecurity, where citizens, including school children, lack basic safety, the very concept of democracy holds little sway. Professor Chinua Achebe, in his seminal work ‘The Trouble With Nigeria,’ eloquently captured this sentiment, stating that when a democracy falters, it is not primarily the politicians who bear the brunt, but the ordinary citizen whose freedoms are sacrificed for security, and whose vote becomes inconsequential in the face of coercion. The escalating security challenges in Nigeria have undeniably shifted the public’s expectations, fostering a demand for a fundamentally different leadership paradigm. Consequently, the upcoming 2027 election is poised to be a pivotal moment. May providence guide us.

Joint DSS-Army team foil planned attacks, kidnap by ESN in S/Nigeria, recover high-calibre arms

 

 

The Department of State Services (DSS), backed by troops of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, on Wednesday foiled plans by members of the outlawed Eastern Security Network (ESN) to attack several security checkpoints, kidnap women, students and children across the Southeast States.

A security source disclosed that, acting on intelligence acquired by the DSS, two ESN field commanders coordinating the planned attacks were apprehended on Monday in Garki, Enugu State.

 

The source further revealed that, based on the leads supplied by the nabbed ESN commanders, DSS sought the backing of troops from 82 Division, and executed a covert operation.

 

The operation led to the raids by DSS officers and soldiers on Tuesday and Wednesday on an ESN armoury in the Agbani axis of Enugu State.

 

The raids, disclosed the source, led to the recovery of a cache of high-calibre arms including a rocket launcher, two RPG (rocket propelled grenade) warheads, three RPG chargers, 11 AK-47 rifles, 18 AK-47 magazines, 1,071 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, two handheld grenades, one teargas gun, a baton and two teargas canisters.

 

The raids also led to the recovery of one smoke grenade launcher, two teargas canisters, 10 NYSC trousers, eight NYSC T-shirts and four NYSC lanyards. The source disclosed that intelligence revealed that the ESN members were to have used the NYSC uniforms as a cover to launch the attacks.

 

Intelligence gathered from the arrested ESN field commanders, according to another source, revealed that members of the terrorist organization were to have launched massive attacks across the Southeast States, kidnap women, students and children, spread fear and create the impression that the region has been overtaken by insecurity.

 

The Enugu recoveries came barely a week after DSS operatives arrested five suspected arms couriers linked to the gunmen who abducted students and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri Village, Niger State, on November 21, 2025.

 

The suspects, including two Nigeriens, were nabbed in coordinated operations across Kaduna, Niger and Kebbi states. Recovered from the men were 15 AK 103 rifles, 15 magazines and 1,434 rounds of 7.62 mm live ammunition.

 

The outlawed group has been responsible for series of kidnappings and attacks on security operatives in the Southeast, declared the source.

 

The raids on ESN armoury in Enugu State came shortly after a recent arrest by the DSS of several suspected members of the outlawed organization in the State. Globalupfront.