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FG set to begin forest guards recruitment – NSA

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The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, says the Federal Government has begun the process of establishing a forest guards programme as part of efforts to strengthen national security under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

President Bola Tinubu, on May 15, approved the creation of the National Forest Guard system as part of measures to address Nigeria’s escalating security challenges.

Under the directive, each state is expected to recruit between 2,000 and 5,000 forest guards, depending on its capacity.

However, before Tinubu’s announcement, at least 11 states had already established forest guard units with different names but had yet to equip or expand them to meet national security objectives.

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Speaking at the inauguration of 46 new vehicles distributed to strategic commands and formations in Abuja, Ribadu said he had just left a programme organised to kick-start the establishment of the forest guards.

He described the initiative as one of several ongoing measures aimed at safeguarding communities and protecting the country’s natural reserves.

Ribadu said, “I tell you that what lies ahead is leadership that will transform and better Nigeria as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda. I’m happy. Whenever things are improving in our country, the opportunity to be part of it is something we are all proud of and grateful to God for.

“Every day, something is happening—it is having a massive impact, and we are witnessing it daily. I’m just coming from an event to start the process of the forest guards. Every single day in our work, something new happens. Maybe quietly and silently, but it is happening.”

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Ribadu assured Nigerians that the security of the nation was in capable hands, adding that there were daily improvements in the security sector, some of which might not be immediately visible to the public.

He said, “Just to let you know, dear Nigerians, your country is in good hands. Nigeria is being handled very well and properly. And we can assure you that we will deliver. We’ve never known what failure is, and this time also, you will see the result of the work we put in, Insha Allah.”

He called on security personnel to remain motivated and committed to their duties.

“Whatever it takes for us to have a peaceful, law and order country, go after the bad people, change things,” he said, adding that “These last few years have been unprecedented in our country.”

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The NSA challenged NDLEA officers to view the event as a call to action to do more, remain vigilant, act within the law and uphold the highest standards of professionalism.

“The NDLEA is not only building lives, but it is also restoring dignity and shaping national policy. In light of the pandemic, this inauguration is a call to action. Use these resources responsibly, act within the law, and remain vigilant.

“The link between drug trafficking and insecurity is systemic. Criminal gangs thrive on drug profits, insurgents and armed groups fund their activities with it. Countless young Nigerians fall victim to addiction, with devastating consequences for families and communities,” he added.

In his remarks, the Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Gen Buba Marwa (retd.), pointed out that drug abuse was central to many security challenges in the country.

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“The link is undeniable: kidnapping, armed robbery, insurgency and cult violence are all fuelled by illicit substances. Drug trafficking emboldens perpetrators, strips away moral restraint and replaces hope with recklessness. No serious approach to national security can ignore drug control, and this is why we pursue our mandate with focus, determination, and the results are there to show,” Marwa said.

He, however, said that in just two years of President Tinubu’s administration, the NDLEA had achieved significant results.

“We have arrested 40,887 drug offenders, including 45 drug barons, leading to the seizure of over 5.5 million kilogrammes of assorted illicit substances, all recovered from our streets, communities, warehouses, border routes and ports nationwide, with 704.445 hectares of cannabis farms, hidden deep in forests, destroyed.

“We have equally secured the conviction of 8,682 traffickers and kingpins alike, ensured their assets forfeitures to the Federal Government through the court process, thus sending a clear message that drug crimes attract legal consequences.

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“Equally important is the fact that 24,173 drug users have been treated and rehabilitated in our 30 rehab centres located across the country while 8,698 War Against Drug Abuse sensitisation activities aimed at preventing people from going into substance abuse were carried out in schools, worship centres, work places, motor parks, and communities among others within the same period.”

In his remarks, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), commended President Tinubu for making the achievements recorded by the leadership of Marwa at the NDLEA in the past two years possible.

“Without an understanding President, it would be very difficult to have this type of gathering today,” the AGF said. “So, my first appreciation goes to him. There is a very, very close nexus between drug trafficking and all the crimes that we have.

“The chairman has chronicled some of the effects of these illicit drugs. They embolden criminals. And when the thing wears off, then you discover that they are just ordinary mortals like you and me. And that is why attention ought to be given to this fight against illicit drugs.”

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‘Na God go punish you and your family.’ — Davido hits back at critic

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Nigerian music star, Davido, has engaged in a heated exchange on social media after a user reacted to a post in which he expressed concern over the state of affairs in Nigeria.

The remarks were contained in a post shared on the singer’s official social media page.

Davido admitted that entertainers, including himself, had not done enough to speak up against the challenges confronting Nigerians, stressing that the level of injustice in the country had become alarming.

His comments, however, drew criticism from a social media user identified as Princess Luna, who questioned the sincerity of the singer’s concerns and accused him of being hypocritical.

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“Na God go punish you and your family. Go and do that performative rubbish in your City Boys group chat and get out of my face with all this pretentious nonsense. Na foolish Nigerians I blame,” she wrote.

In response, Davido denied belonging to any political group and defended his history of speaking out on national issues.

The singer recalled facing criticism after publicly commenting on governance issues during an appearance on American media platforms.

He also clarified that his relationship with President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, was purely personal, stating that they had been friends for years and that he regularly voiced his concerns about the country’s situation to him.

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Davido subsequently fired back at the critic, ending the exchange with a strongly worded rebuke directed at her generation.

“I can’t lie, we entertainers… we dey fuck up, I won’t lie, including me. We need to speak up. It’s too much injustice going on. Our country don go,”

“I no dey part of any City Boy group. When I called out the government on American media, you guys rained curses on me.

“I’ve been friends with ST for years and that’s where it stops, and I call and complain to him all the time, even in person.

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“God punish your generation,” the singer wrote.

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US set to resume attacks on Iran if talks fail — Hegseth

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The United States has warned that it is prepared to restart military strikes against Iran if ongoing negotiations fail to produce a lasting agreement, according to U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Speaking at the annual Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore on Saturday, Hegseth said Washington possessed the capability and military resources to resume operations if diplomacy breaks down.

“Our ability to recommence if necessary, we are more than capable,” Hegseth said, adding that U.S. weapons stockpiles were sufficient to sustain military action if required.

The Pentagon chief stressed that the U.S. remained committed to security in the Indo-Pacific region despite its involvement in the conflict with Iran, insisting that Washington could simultaneously manage challenges in multiple regions.

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“We can do two things at one time. We’re super-charging our defence industrial base so that we’re building two, three and four times the munitions needed to ensure our operational plans are properly funded around the world,” he said.

Hegseth also praised U.S. President Donald Trump for pursuing a diplomatic solution, describing him as “patient” and focused on securing an agreement that would prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

His comments came as U.S. and Iranian negotiators continued efforts to bridge major differences that have stalled talks aimed at ending months of conflict. Trump said on Friday that he would meet with senior advisers in a secure room at the White House to make a “final determination” on a proposal that could extend an early-April truce by another 60 days and provide additional time for negotiations.

The war, launched by the United States and Israel on February 28, has reportedly claimed thousands of lives, particularly in Iran and Lebanon, while also contributing to higher global energy prices.

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We’re using 31 days to commission projects in FCT to mark Tinubu’s 3rd year anniversary – Wike

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced an unprecedented 31-day marathon project commissionings across the nation’s capital to celebrate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.

​Speaking at a political luncheon in Port Harcourt, the Minister showcased the administrative landmark achievements under his watch, attributing the massive infrastructural development to the strategic backing and vision of the President.

​According to Wike, the month-long commissioning circuit will feature major road networks, public utilities, and massive urban renewal projects designed to completely reshape the nation’s capital.

Brushing aside critics, the Minister issued a direct challenge regarding the scale and quality of his administration’s output in the FCT.

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​”This third year of Mr. President alone…, we are taking 31 days for commissioning of projects in Abuja. I’m not talking about boreholes. I challenge anybody to contradict this” Wike stated.

​He emphasized that the rapid development unfolding in Abuja is a direct testament to purposeful leadership, throwing down a challenge to opposition figures to match the scale of the ongoing works.

​While highlighting his milestones in the FCT, the former Rivers State Governor pivoted to a surprisingly reconciliatory tone regarding the intense political friction in his home state, offering a blanket pardon to all political opponents.

​”I use this opportunity today, to announce that I have forgiven everybody,” Wike declared, stressing that prolonged political warfare serves no constructive purpose.

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​”I want you to come back home sincerely… We have played politics, we have abused ourselves, this is the right time for you to come back,” he added, urging estranged allies and adversaries alike to swallow their pride and return to a unified fold.

​Despite the sweeping offer of peace, the Minister did not mince words regarding the resilience of his political structure back home, which he described as an invincible “rainbow coalition.”

​Wike issued strong warnings and assertions regarding the political landscape.

He explicitly warned external forces against attempting to destabilize Rivers State, stating, “Anybody from another state who is trying to destroy Rivers State, the person will have problems… You put your hand, you get fire.”

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​He asserted that his political machinery has effectively locked down future electoral cycles.

“If you are talking about the governorship election in this state, forget it, it’s gone… If you are thinking that any miracle will happen to overturn, to pull the rug off us, it’s a lie,” he stated.

​ Reassuring his supporters of their strategic dominance, he noted, “We are very over-alerted anytime, any day. We’ll take you back, we’ll work with everybody. We are not selfish.”

While other states grapple with internal party crises and bitter conflicts within both the PDP and APC, Wike maintained that his political coalition remained secured and fully prepared to maintain its dominance for the next eight years and beyond.

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