By Abdul-Ganiyy Akanbi

As the recruitment of youths into the Nigeria Police Force continues across the country, the Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, has called on all stakeholders like traditional leaders, communities, and institutions, to support the process and encourage eligible youths to participate with sincerity and patriotism.

Gaidam, who made the call while receiving feedback from the field officers, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the ongoing recruitment exercise for its orderly and transparent nature across the country.

“Nigeria’s path to a safer, more secure future is being steadily strengthened through deliberate reforms and renewed commitment to nation-building. At the heart of this progress is the ongoing nationwide police recruitment screening exercise, an initiative that reflects both hope and responsibility for thousands of young Nigerians,” he said.

The minister, according to a statement by his Special Assistant, Lima Goje, described the process as not just a routine exercise, but a critical step toward rebuilding public trust and enhancing the operational capacity of the Police Force, and therefore, urged all participants to remain law-abiding, disciplined, and patient.

He explained that integrity and respect for due process are as important as physical and academic qualifications, noting that the future of policing in Nigeria depends largely on the character and commitment of those who wear the uniform.

“This is more than recruitment; it is a call to national service,” he stated, adding that “Nigeria needs men and women of honor, individuals who understand that security is the foundation upon which development and prosperity are built.”

Commending President Bola Tinubu for approving the recruitment of 50,000 police personnel, he said this demonstrates a clear resolve to address longstanding gaps in manpower while repositioning the Police Force to meet modern security challenges.

Gaidam noted that beyond numbers, the current administration is focused on meaningful reform—transforming policing into a more professional, accountable, and citizen-centered institution.

He added that from improved training frameworks to enhanced welfare and operational support, the reform agenda signals a new era for law enforcement in Nigeria.

The minister declared that “the ongoing recruitment exercise, therefore, stands as a symbol of renewed hope—a bridge between the present challenges and a future where communities feel safer, justice is more accessible, and the rule of law is upheld without compromise.”

By Uthman-Baba Naseer, Minna

In its total onslaught against drug trafficking and abuse the Niger State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), says it has secured 29 convictions between January to mid-April 2026.

The Commander of the agency, in the State,Alhaji Shehu Nomau Gwadabawa, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the command’s achievements in 2026.

He disclosed that the command recorded tremendous successes in drug seizures across the state within the period under review.

Gwadabawa said that from January to April, 2026, NDLEA operatives seized a total of 3,005.78835 kilograms of various illicit drugs.

He explained that cannabis sativa, popularly known as marijuana, accounted for the largest portion of the seizures, with 2,987.723 kilograms recovered.

According to the NDLEA stateCommander,other substances seized include 11.603 kilograms of tramadol tablets, 0.976 kilograms of diazepam tablets, and 0.0531 kilograms of methamphetamine, also known as “ice.”

The command, he stated recovered 4.9 litres of cough syrup containing codeine, equivalent to over 5,000 bottles, as well as smaller quantities of pentazocine injections, pregabalin tablets, nitrazepam tablets, and Rohypnol tablets, commonly called “Orochi.”

In addition to the seizures, the NDLEA arrested 36 suspects, comprising 34 men and two women, in connection with drug-related offences.

The commander highlighted some notable operations, including the arrest of a husband and wife in Takuti with 118 kilograms of cannabis sativa. He said the suspects are currently undergoing prosecution.

He further revealed that about two months ago, operatives of the command,arrested a suspect in possession of 483 components used for improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

The suspect Nomau Gwadabawa,revealed has since been handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) for further investigation.

The commander noted that beyond arrests and seizures, the command has intensified its public enlightenment campaigns across secondary schools, tertiary institutions, and communities in places like Suleja and Bida.

He added that the agency maintains strong collaboration with other security agencies, including the police and the military, especially during joint operations.

“We work closely with sister agencies, particularly in operations that require joint efforts. Recently, we carried out a raid in Suleja alongside the police and the military,” he said.

The commander, however, identified lack of operational vehicles as a major challenge affecting the command’s performance, especially in high-traffic areas like Mokwa.

He appealed for more logistical support, noting that improved mobility would further enhance the agency’s effectiveness in combating drug crimes in the state.
Gwadabawa also explained that the NDLEA avoids publicly disclosing the monetary value of seized drugs to prevent encouraging criminal activities.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining its operations and ensuring a drug-free society in Niger State.

Supreme Court fixes April 22 for hearing of PDP leadership dispute

By Our Correspondent

In a bid restore peace in the crisis thorn Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),the Supreme Court of Nigeria, has scheduled April 22, 2026, for the hearing of a high-stakes appeal arising from the protracted leadership tussle within the Party.

The development follows proceedings on Tuesday when the appeal, filed by a faction of the party led by former Minister Kabiru Turaki, was mentioned for the first time before the court.

Lead counsel to the appellants, Chris Uche (SAN), urged the court to abridge the time stipulated under its rules for filing legal processes.

He also requested an accelerated hearing, citing the urgency of resolving the dispute to avoid further instability within the party.

The appeal challenges a judgment of the Court of Appeal, which had earlier upheld the decision of Justice Omotosho.

Responding, counsel to the 1st to 3rd respondents, E.C. Ukala (SAN), did not oppose the request for expedited proceedings but sought 15 days to file their brief.

Similarly, counsel to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Kingsley Magbim, raised no objection but requested 10 days to respond.

Other parties in the matter also aligned with the position of non-opposition.

In its ruling, the Supreme Court granted the appellants’ application, significantly shortening the timeline.

The court ordered that all respondents must file their briefs within five days, while the appellants were given two days to submit any reply.

It directed that all processes be filed on or before April 21, ahead of the substantive hearing the following day.

In a related appeal involving former Governor ofJigawa State, Sule Lamido, the apex court similarly approved a request for accelerated hearing.

The case stems from an appeal against a ruling of the Court of Appeal, which affirmed the judgment of Justice Lifu.

Counsel to the appellants, Paul Erokoro (SAN), made a similar application for abridgment of time, which was not opposed by any of the respondents.

The court consequently ordered the same compressed timelines—five days for respondents’ briefs and two days for replies—and fixed April 22, 2026, for hearing.

Reacting to the developments, the PDP, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong Essien, called on members to remain steadfast and hopeful.

The party urged its supporters to continue to uphold democratic values and expressed confidence that the Supreme Court would deliver judgments that strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.

It also reiterated its belief in the judiciary as a critical institution capable of safeguarding democratic governance, particularly at a time of heightened political tension.