By Our Correspondent
Anambra State Police Command has foiled a planned cult clash in Enugwu Ukwu, Njikoka Local Government Area of the state, and arrested two suspected cultists while others escaped into the bush.

This was disclosed by the state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Tochukwu Ikenga in a statement made available to journalists in Awka on Saturday, December 6, 2025.

According to him, the operatives who are attached to the Special Anti-Cult Squad (SPACS) Enugwu Ukwu, while acting on actionable intelligence received a signal regarding the gathering of a dangerous cult group for a planned rivalry fight in the early hours of Wednesday, December 4, 2025.

He explained that following the intelligence report, the operatives swiftly mobilized to the scene and arrested two suspects identified as Oluebube Ifediorah, male, aged 21 years, and Offorbuike Emmanuel, male, aged 25 years.

The police spokesman added, “The suspects were apprehended during the operation in Enugwu Ukwu town, where the cult group had allegedly converged in preparation for the violent clash.

“The police recovered a locally-made double-barrel shotgun and two live cartridges from the suspects during the operation.

“The recovered firearm was found inside a red bag that the first suspect, Oluebube Ifediorah, had on him at the time of arrest, while several other members of the cult gang reportedly fled the scene into the surrounding bush upon sighting the operatives.”

He revealed that the recovered firearm was found inside a red bag that the first suspect, Oluebube Ifediorah, had on him at the time of arrest, while several other members of the cult gang reportedly fled the scene into the surrounding bush upon sighting the operatives.

While noting that efforts are currently in top gear to track down and apprehend the remaining members of the gang who escaped during the operation, Ikenga said that the arrest and recovery is part of the ongoing efforts of the Anambra State Police Command to rid the state of cult-related violence and other criminal activities.

He further disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu has commended the operatives for their swift response and professionalism in preventing what could have led to loss of lives and destruction of property.

He said, “The CP has once again urged residents of the state to continue providing timely and credible information to the police to aid in the fight against cultism and all forms of criminality across the state.”

The PPRO further said that the suspects are currently in custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations..

By Our Correspondent

The North‑Central Writers Advocacy Group (NCWAG), a Nigerian civic accountability and advocacy collective, said it is “profoundly shocked, alarmed, and condemning” after media reports claimed the Zamfara State Government, under Governor Dauda Lawal, secretly freed a large number of convicted terrorists and bandits from state correctional facilities.

In a press statement released to Daily Champion in Jos on Saturday and signed by Irimiya Dunat, Coordinator of NCWAG, the group said:

“According to published reports, a total of 291 Boko Haram members and 219 armed bandits were allegedly freed under circumstances that have not been explained to the Nigerian public.”

The statement added that those released “were not awaiting trial; they were convicted criminals whose offenses include terrorism, mass violence, kidnapping, destruction of communities, and other acts that have destabilised the North‑West and the entire federation for over a decade.”

“If the reports are true, NCWAG says the action represents one of the most disturbing breaches of public trust and national security in Nigeria’s fourth republic,” the release noted.

NCWAG warned that Nigeria is currently battling “unprecedented multilayered security challenges.” The alleged release of hardened terrorists without public accountability or judicial transparency “threatens to worsen this national crisis.”

The group listed further concerns about the release, including:

“A national security threat, disregard for victims and survivors of terrorism, violation of the principles of justice.”

It added that the release is “a dangerous precedent capable of undermining the rule of law across the federation.”

Questioning the legality and rationale behind the releases, NCWAG demanded that Governor Lawal provide a full, public, and verifiable explanation, asking:

“Under what legal framework such pardons or releases were granted?”

“Why individuals convicted of terrorism were considered eligible?”

“How does the decision align with national security protocols?”

“Were victims’ families, law enforcement bodies, the judiciary, or the Federal Government notified or involved?”

The group also called on the Presidency, the National Security Adviser (NSA), the National Security Council, the Ministry of Interior, and the Office of the Attorney‑General of the Federation to urgently investigate the matter and give Nigerians a clear national‑security briefing.

In a seven‑day ultimatum, NCWAG demanded that the Zamfara State Government:

– publicly address the allegations;
– provide documentary evidence of the identities of all persons released;
– disclose the legal basis for their release; and
– clarify whether any negotiations, political agreements, or election‑related considerations were involved.

To date, no rebuttal or clarification has been issued by Governor Dauda Lawal or any official spokesperson of the Zamfara State Government.

By Our Correspondent
Barely 24 hours after being sworn in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, newly appointed Minister of Defence, Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd.), officially assumed office barely 24 hours after being sworn in at the Ministry’s headquarters Ship House, Abuja.

In his remarks, the Honourable Minister assured that defence will take its place fully in the country. This he said will be achieved by synergy between the armed forces, other security agencies and all Nigerians being carried along as the saying goes Security is everybody’s business.

“It is that synergy we will build and work on. I assure you that within the shortest possible time Nigerians will see results”

This was contained in the statement signed by the Enderline Chukwu, the AD Information and Public Relations For: Director Information and Public Relations.

He emphasized the importance of securing the nation and safeguarding its territorial integrity, stating that national security cannot be achieved by individuals acting alone. “We must work together as Nigerians to make our country better,” he said.

Speaking further, Musa stressed the need for unified action and strategic coordination in defence operations, noting that the Ministry must not allow gaps between policy formulation and implementation.

According to him, “this Ministry will serve as a powerhouse of strategic direction and relentless accountability”.”We must continue to support our troops, who sacrifice their lives day and night to ensure that Nigerians sleep peacefully,” he added.

The Honourable Minister pledged to work closely with the Service Chiefs, expressing confidence that their cooperation will take the Armed Forces to greater heights. Addressing the Permanent Secretary and the civil service cadre, he described them as the institutional memory and backbone of the Ministry and reiterated the importance of training, equipment procurement, and leveraging technology, emphasizing the need for collaboration with allies and partnerships with other security agencies as paramount.

He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for the opportunity to serve nothing that he remains committed to advancing the welfare and wellbeing of personnel in the Ministry, strengthening national security, improving the welfare of the military personnel and advancing ongoing defence reforms.

Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr Richard Pheelangwa said that the Honourable Minister’s assumption of office marks a significant moment for the Ministry and for the defence sector. He reaffirmed that the entire management and staff of the Ministry of Defence is committed to supporting his leadership as he steers the Defence architecture of the nation. “We stand ready to work diligently under your guidance holding the highest standard of professionalism, integrity, discipline and accountability” he said.

Pheelangwa acknowledged that the appointment of the Minister is a testament to the nation’s confidence in his experience, character and capability to strengthen and reposition security and it is apt as it came at a time when the nation continues to confront complex security challenges. According to him, the task ahead is no doubt a herculean one but the appointment of the Minister came at a time when renewed vigour, hope, optimism bonds and strengthen collaboration with security agencies and charting new course towards lasting peace. He expressed optimism that his wealth of experience both as a seasoned civilian and military leader will advance this efforts.

In attendance at the event were Service chiefs, Chief of Defence Intelligence, Directors and staff of the Ministry amongst others.