The Police command in Lagos State has declared activist, Mr Omoyele Sowore, wanted for allegedly planning to incite public disorder and obstruct major roads in the state.

Commissioner of Police, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, disclosed this to journalists on Monday at the Iyana-Oworo section of the Third Mainland Bridge.

He said the command was closing in on Sowore and others accused of coordinating activities intended to disrupt public peace.

“Sowore should surrender at the nearest police station or face arrest wherever he is found.

“Anyone attempting to cause disturbance or block our roads will face the full weight of the law,” he said.

According to him, intelligence reports indicated plans by Sowore and his associates to stage demonstrations at strategic locations, including the Third Mainland Bridge, Lekki Tollgate, and Freedom Park.

The commissioner described the alleged plan as criminal and warned it could trigger severe traffic congestion and endanger lives.

“It is only someone who needs examination that would attempt to block such a vital route used by thousands daily,” he said.

He revealed that 13 suspects had been arrested in connection with the planned protest, while Sowore allegedly fled. Investigations are ongoing to identify sponsors and collaborators.

Jimoh said officers had been deployed across key areas, especially major bridges and highways, where roadblocks and diversions were in place.

He noted that the measures were temporary and aimed at safeguarding peace and protecting critical infrastructure.

“The Third Mainland Bridge was not designed to hold stationary weight. Any gathering on it could pose structural risks,” he said.

The commissioner also addressed tension linked to recent demolitions in parts of Lagos, particularly in the Oworo-Soki area, stating that eligible residents had already received compensation.

“The government compensated those affected, and the media witnessed it. There is no justification to provoke crisis under the guise of protest,” he said.

He urged Lagos residents to continue their normal activities without fear, assuring that security agencies were fully deployed to maintain order.

“We are not sleeping. We will apprehend, investigate, and prosecute anyone attempting to undermine public safety in Lagos,” he said.

Jimoh reaffirmed the command’s commitment to enforcing the law without fear or favour, stressing that freedom of expression must not turn into public nuisance or risk lives.

The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Idi Abbas has approved the appointment and redeployment of 65 Rear Admirals to strategic positions across the Nigerian Navy, Defence Headquarters, and Tri-Service institutions.

This is contained in a statement in a statement by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Ayiwuyor Adams-Aliu, on Monday in Abuja.

Adams-Aliu said the large-scale postings were part of efforts to strengthen operational efficiency and enhance the Navy’s maritime security posture.

He said the new postings reflect the CNS’s commitment to repositioning the service for improved performance and synergy among commands.

Among the key appointments, Rear Adm. Suleiman Abdullahi, formerly at Defence Headquarters (DHQ), is now Chief of Logistics at Naval Headquarters (NHQ), while Rear Adm. Kasim Bushi moves from Headquarters Naval Training Command to the International Maritime Institute of Nigeria as Executive Director.

Rear Adm. Suleiman Dahun was appointed Director of Defence Cooperation at DHQ and Rear Adm. Abdullahi Ahmed becomes Commandant, National Defence College.

Others include Rear Adm. Musa Katagum as Chief of Operations; Rear Adm. Fredrick Damtong as Chief of Naval Engineering, and Rear Adm. Abdul-Rasheed Haruna as Chief of Training, all at NHQ.

Adams-Aliu also disclosed that Rear Adm. Abiodun Alade becomes the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Logistics Command; Rear Adm. Abubakar Mustapha as FOC, Western Naval Command; Rear Adm. Chidozie Okehie as FOC, Eastern Naval Command; and Rear Adm. Suleiman Ibrahim as FOC, Central Naval Command.

He added that Rear Adm. Mohammed Muye had been appointed Commandant, Naval War College Nigeria, while Rear Adm. Abdul-Hamid Baba-Inna becomes the Navy Secretary.

The CNS, while congratulating the newly appointed officers, urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them by rededicating themselves to duty, upholding professionalism, and contributing to national security and development.

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) on Sunday said that the student loan scheme has crossed one million applications on its official portal.

The organisation noted that this marked one of the biggest uptake levels for a government-backed social scheme since the start of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

NELFUND, in a statement by the Director, Strategic Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, stated that the milestone comes barely one year after the programme’s launch on 24 May 2024, describing it as proof that the student loan initiative is gaining strong national traction and public trust.

said that over ₦116bn has so far been disbursed to students across universities, polytechnics and colleges of education in Nigeria, covering institutional charges and upkeep allowances.

The Managing Director of NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyerr, said the development reflected the impact of the President Tinubu Renewed Hope policy drive on access to higher education.

The statement explained: “Crossing the one-million mark represents more than data; it represents renewed hope for a generation of Nigerians determined to rise above financial barriers to education

“It is a testament to visionary leadership, sound policy design, and the collective efforts of all stakeholders driving this transformative agenda.”

NELFUND reiterated that it is committed to continuous process improvement to make sure “every qualified Nigerian student, regardless of background or location, can access education funding with transparency, efficiency, and dignity.”

The agency described the programme as non-discriminatory — saying it benefits Nigerians across religions and ethnic backgrounds — and is helping to unify national aspirations through equal learning opportunities.

It said it remains focused on ensuring “no Nigerian is denied the opportunity to learn, grow or contribute to national progress because of financial limitations.”

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, has joined the global community to commemorate the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists.

The event which is observed annually on November 2 was designed to implement definite measures to end impunity against journalists.
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‎The Council in a statement signed by the Chairman, Comrade Paul Bazia -Nsaneh and Secretary, Dr Ijeoma Tubosia expressed deep concern the high level of impunity against journalists has persisted over the years even with the creation of national safety mechanism.

“There has been.increasing threats, harassment, and violence faced by journalists in the course of carrying out heir duties, both in the State and other parts of the Country”

‎The statement called on government well meaning individuals, security agencies and employers of Journalists to promote a safe and enabling environment for Journalists to perform their duties without harn.

“Journalists deserve better for their sacrifices in pursuit of truth, accountability, and justice for the society.”

‎The NUJ also reiterated its commitment to continue advocating for the safety, welfare, and professional development of journalists in the State.

It further called on Journalists to adopt individual safety measures by upholding the the Journalistic codes, practice collaborative journalism and build public support.
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‎The Union also urged journalists covering sensitive assignments, especially in the risky area to analyze the risk involved before venturing into them, exercise caution in a crime scene, know the law and above all prioritize their lives.

Similarly, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Federal Capital Territory, FCT Council, also called on government authorities, law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders to ensure the safety, protection and dignity of media practitioners in Nigeria.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, the Secretary of the Council, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, condemned all forms of violence and intimidation targeted at journalists, describing them as an assault on democracy and freedom of expression.

According to the Council, this year’s observance of the Day is a solemn reminder of the continuing threats, harassment and violence faced by journalists in the line of duty, and the alarming lack of accountability for those responsible for such crimes.

It expressed deep concern that attacks on media practitioners, including intimidation, unlawful arrests, and physical assaults have continued to rise, often without justice being served.

“A society that silences its journalists silences the truth. We cannot build a transparent and accountable democracy when those who bring information to the public are constantly harassed, attacked, or unjustly detained,” the statement read.

The Council further urged the Federal Government and security agencies to demonstrate genuine commitment to ending impunity by thoroughly investigating all past and recent cases of attacks on journalists and prosecuting perpetrators, irrespective of their social or political standing.

It also called on state and non-state actors to respect the constitutional role of journalists, guaranteeing them the freedom to report without fear or interference, adding that the culture of impunity not only endangers journalists but also undermines the citizens’ right to know.

“Justice for journalists is justice for society. Every attack on a journalist is an attack on truth, accountability, and the people’s right to be informed,” the statement stressed.

The Council reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to defending press freedom, promoting journalists’ welfare, and working with relevant partners to ensure that all members of the press can carry out their duties safely and responsibly.

It also paid tribute to journalists who have suffered, been detained, or lost their lives in the pursuit of truth, urging society never to forget their sacrifice.