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2025: A’Ibom Police Recover 179 Arms, Secure 33 Convictions, Rescue 74 From Traffickers   No fewer than 179 assorted arms, 323 rounds of ammunition and 100 live cartridges were recovered by the Akwa Ibom State Police Command in 2025. The arms haul, according to the police, formed part of a year-long crackdown that also led to 33 convictions from 563 suspects arrested for various offences, alongside the rescue of 74 victims of human trafficking and 10 kidnapped persons, all of whom have since been reunited with their families. Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Muhammad Azare, disclosed this on Monday during a press briefing at the Police Headquarters, Ikot Akpanabia, Uyo, while presenting the Command’s operational scorecard for the year. Azare who described the security situation in Akwa Ibom in 2025 as “generally peaceful, calm and stable,” attributed the achievements recorded to intelligence-led policing, proactive patrols, strategic deployment of personnel, strong community cooperation and effective inter-agency collaboration. He said the Command recorded significant operational breakthroughs during the period, particularly in the disruption of armed crime and kidnapping syndicates operating within and around the state. “The Command recorded the following major achievements in 2025, among others: the rescue of 10 kidnapped victims, recovery of 179 assorted arms, 323 different types of ammunition, and 100 pieces of live cartridges,” the Commissioner said. Beyond arms recovery and convictions, Azare noted that the rescue of 74 human trafficking victims underscored the Command’s renewed focus on protecting vulnerable persons and dismantling trafficking networks. He assured residents that security arrangements had been further strengthened for the festive period and beyond, with intensified patrols, stop-and-search operations and strategic deployments across all local government areas. Looking ahead, the Police Commissioner said the Command would deepen intelligence-driven policing and crime prevention strategies in 2026, with increased attention on violent crimes, cultism, armed robbery and kidnapping. He added that community policing would be strengthened to build public trust, while the Command would also take a more proactive stance against cybercrime and the spread of fake news, working closely with sister security agencies. Azare expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police for what he described as “purposeful leadership and unwavering support,” and thanked the Akwa Ibom State Government for its continued assistance to the Command.

Akwa Ibom Finance Commissioner Reveals Over 20% of State’s 2024 Revenue “Not Remitted” The Akwa Ibom State Government has admitted that more than one-fifth of its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) for 2024 never reached the state’s official account. The Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Emem Bob, disclosed the alarming shortfall, stating that over 20% of revenue collected by various ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) was not swept into the State Consolidated Revenue Fund. This failure, he declared, not only breaches international financial management standards but has also damaged the state’s fiscal reputation nationally. The disclosure was made during a high-stakes sensitization workshop, focusing on the imminent full implementation of a Treasury Single Account (TSA) system, dubbed AkwaRemit, in Uyo at the weekend. “Akwa Ibom State fell short… as more than 20% of the State IGR was not swept into the State Consolidated Revenue Account,” Bob stated, citing the damning evidence from the 2024 Public Financial Management Assessment Report and the state’s own Fiscal Responsibility Board. He warned that this practice “undermined the State’s Revenue Generation Status at the national level.” Positioning the TSA as the critical solution, Commissioner Bob insisted that its immediate implementation is non-negotiable for plugging these leaks. He described the TSA as a unified banking structure designed to consolidate all government funds, ensuring centralized, transparent, and accountable revenue management. “The TSA is to block loopholes in revenue management and establish an efficient disbursement and collection mechanism for government funds”. He said. He assured stakeholders of the government’s full commitment to the project. The event, attended by top state officials including the Commissioners for Science & Digital Economy, Transport, and Health, as well as the Accountant-General and heads of MDAs, presented a united front for the financial overhaul. Dr. Frank Ekpenyong, Commissioner for Science & Digital Economy, demonstrated the user-friendly AkwaRemit platform, while the Executive Chairman of the Akwa Ibom Internal Revenue Service (AKIRS), Sir Okon Okon, urged full cooperation. He noted that the federal government and other states are already benefiting from similar TSA systems.

Showunmi Calls for Urgent Restoration of Uyo’s Cleanliness National Leader of The Alternative Movement, Segun Showunmi has criticized the environmental and developmental state of Akwa Ibom, warning that the capital city Uyo is losing its status as Nigeria’s cleanest and most beautiful city. In an interview with newsmen in Uyo on Tuesday, the PDP Chieftain expressed deep disappointment at what he called a visible decline in cleanliness and stalled key projects. “I am not too happy that Uyo is beginning to lose its cleanliness. Before, when you drove through Uyo, you would not see one small piece of paper on the road. Now, I’m seeing ‘pure water’ sachets littering the streets.” He lamented Showunmi, who passionately described Akwa Ibom as “the most beautiful location Nigeria has to showcase to the world,” said he often boasts internationally about Uyo’s comparability to any global city. He however expressed fears that such a unique selling point is under threat. The chieftain who placed the blame on leadership failures, warns: “Leadership is a serious business. No man should leave the work of man for God to do for him.” He called for the immediate return of environmental standards to those of previous administrations, specifically alluding to the era of former Governor Godswill Akpabio. His frustration extended beyond environmental concerns to unfinished iconic projects , noting especially the Ibom Deep Seaport and the coconut refinery, he said; “Finish it!. You have put up billboards all over the place claiming progress, but show us the completed work. Everyone will know the job is not finished until it is functioning.” While acknowledging divine support with “God will help us,” Showunmi maintained that actionable human effort is required and non-negotiable to restore Akwa Ibom’s hard-earned reputation and push already-expended projects to beneficial ends. Showunmi’s concerns were recently corroborated on the communique issued at the end of the December Congress of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, which also drew attention to the poor sanitary condition of some parts of the capital city including Ukana Offot Street and the deteriorating internal roads in Uyo, calling for urgent repairs and improved waste management. The Union raised the alarm over the abandonment of critical roads such as the Eket–Ibeno Road, Ikot Akpan Abia Road, Ikot Iko and Ikot Akpa Edu, alongside persistent electricity outages in the affected communities, which they said have crippled local economies and worsened living conditions.

NUJ Akwa Ibom Raises Alarm Over Calabar–Itu Highway, Other Deplorable Roads       The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, has raised serious concern over the deplorable condition of the Calabar–Itu Highway, describing the road as a major threat to lives and safety, and has urged the state government to immediately take over its reconstruction.       The union made the call during December State Council Congress held at NUJ Press Centre, Information Drive, Uyo, following deliberations on issues affecting public safety and development in the state.       According to the congress, the persistent deterioration of the Calabar–Itu Highway has continued to result in frequent accidents, severe traffic gridlock and loss of lives, causing untold hardship to commuters and motorists who rely on the corridor daily.       In a communique jointly signed by the state Chairman, Comrade Nsibiet John and Chairman communique drafting committee, Comrade Okodi Okodi the union said “The Calabar–Itu Highway has become a death trap, and commuters are paying the price with their lives. We are calling on the Akwa Ibom State Government to take over the reconstruction of this road in the interest of public safety.”       Beyond the Calabar–Itu axis, the union drew attention to the poor state of internal roads within Uyo metropolis, including Ukana Offot Street, and urged the government to urgently seal the increasing potholes and maintain a clean and motorable urban environment.       The congress also expressed concern over the deplorable condition of roads in Ibaka, Mbo Local Government Area, noting that the road serves as a strategic economic corridor for the transportation of seafood to Uyo and several other parts of the country.       “It is unacceptable that a key route supporting livelihoods and commerce is allowed to deteriorate to this level,” the communiqué stated.       Congress further raised alarm over the abandoned Eket–Ibeno Road, Ikot Akpan Abia Road, Ikot Iko and Ikot Akpa Edu, lamenting that prolonged abandonment, coupled with persistent lack of electricity in the affected areas, has crippled economic activities and rendered living conditions unbearable.       In addition to infrastructure concerns, the NUJ commended the progress recorded at its Fourth Estate School and urged the management to sustain and consolidate the gains already achieved.       The union also celebrated members for outstanding academic achievements, including Comrade Edet Okpo of Sensor Chapel, who successfully defended his doctoral thesis, alongside Comrade Dan Etokidem, Comrade Udeme Utip and Comrade Blessing Urua, who completed their Master’s degree defenses at the University of Uyo.       “We are proud of our members’ academic advancement because it strengthens professionalism and ethical journalism,” Comrade Nsibiet John added.

Renewed Hope Initiative Disburses N1.9 Billion to 9,500 Elderly Nigerians The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has flagged off the disbursement of N1.9 billion to 9,500 vulnerable senior citizens across the nation. The initiative, part of the third edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS), is designed to provide direct financial support to the elderly. Representing the nation’s First Lady at the Flag-off of disbursement at Government House, Uyo on Tuesday, Coordinator, Office of Akwa Ibom First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki explained that N200,000 will be disbursed to 250 elderly persons aged 65 and above in each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Sen Tinubu explained further that other beneficiaries will be drawn from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA). This translates to a disbursement of N50 million per participating entity, as approved by the RHI Governing Board. In her words “The total sum to be disbursed is N1.9 billion. This scheme is to support 250 vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 and above in all the 36 states of the federation, the FCT and veterans from DEPOWA.” Senator Tinubu explained that the programme, launched in 2023, has become an annual intervention designed to acknowledge the contributions of senior citizens to national progress and offer crucial social protection. “Since the inception of this administration in 2023, the Renewed Hope Initiative has made it a tradition to celebrate our senior citizens every December, in recognition of their invaluable contributions to nation-building,” she said. Speaking on the theme, “Finding Joy in Old Age,” the First Lady encouraged senior citizens to maintain active and engaged lifestyles. She also called on communities and governments to prioritise the welfare of the elderly. “They have walked difficult paths so that the younger generations may have smoother roads to travel. It is therefore our moral duty to ensure that they live their twilight years in comfort, good health and dignity,” she said She further advised the beneficiaries to “stay healthy and active” and to continue contributing to society through community and charitable activities. The First Lady commending Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, and the state RHI coordinator for their support, and extended her best wishes to the beneficiaries for a peaceful festive season and a hopeful new year. “May 2026 bring renewed hope and greater accomplishments for us all and our beloved nation,” she added.

Contribute to host communities’ growth, A’Ibom Govt charges NYSC members     Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno has charged members of the National Youth Service Corps deployed to State to make positive impart in the development and transformation of their respective communities and organizations   Eno gave the charge on Tuesday during the closing ceremony of the 2025 Batch ‘C’ National Youth Corps Members deployed to the state   Represented by Mr Emmanuel Akpabio, a director in Ministry of Youth Development, the governor who noted that their predecessors have left enduring legacies in the State, charged them to surpass such legacies in their places of primary assignments.   ”I receive heart warning report of your conducts, disciplines and cooperation with camp officials, I commend you for this and encourage you to sustain such virtues throughout your service year.   ”Your predecessors have left enduring and inspiring legacies in their various places of primary assignments. It’s now your turn to contribute meaningfully to the development and transformation of your host communities” Eno said.   The governor who acknowledged that Akwa Ibom is a peaceful state, charged the corps members to integrate fully and respect their host communities’ cultural values.   ”Let me assure you that Akwa Ibom State is a peaceful and hospitable state. All you need to do is to integrate fully with your host communities and appreciate their cultural values” Eno said   He also warned the corps members against travelling by night , emphasising that unfortunate losses recorded in the scheme have resulted from night travels   Earlier, in his welcome address, the State Coordinator, NYSC, Mr Sam Pepple, disclosed that over 700 corps members deployed to the state have inculcated enough discipline, team spirit and resilience, adding that they are ”ready, fit and prepare for the service of our fatherland”.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to life imprisonment after convicting him on multiple terrorism charges. Justice James Omotosho delivered the ruling on Thursday, imposing life sentences on counts one, two, four, five, and six; 20 years for belonging to a proscribed terrorist group; and five years for unlawful importation of a radio transmitter. The judge noted that the law permits a death sentence for the offences but said he chose a more lenient approach. He also directed that Kanu be held in protective custody outside Kuje prison and ordered the forfeiture of the radio transmitter to the Federal Government. Source – TVC

PDP Faults FG Over Kebbi School Attack, Says Insecurity Worsening Nationwide     The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the attack on the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS), Maga, in Danko Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, where armed bandits killed the school’s Vice Principal, Hassan Yakubu Makuku, and abducted 25 students.       In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the opposition party described the incident as “tragic and deeply disturbing,” saying it further underscores what it called the federal government’s inability to curb the escalating wave of insecurity across the country.       The PDP said the killing of the school official and the abduction of the schoolgirls reflect a worsening security climate that has left many Nigerians feeling exposed and unprotected.       According to the statement, the Tinubu-led administration has “consistently preferred the politicization of governance over the protection of citizens,” adding that no government should distance itself from its primary duty of ensuring security of lives and property.       The party said effective leadership requires taking responsibility, confronting the security challenges head-on and abandoning what it described as repeated attempts to deflect from the core issues surrounding the national security crisis.   The PDP expressed sympathy to the families of the abducted students, the relatives of the slain Vice Principal, and the staff and management of the affected school. It also condoled with the Kebbi State Government on devastating tragedy for the education community.       The opposition party noted that the Kebbi attack forms part of a wider pattern of recent abductions in Nasarawa, Plateau, Kano and Katsina, insisting that the trend contradicts the renewed hope agenda of the federal government.       It warned that Nigeria risks sliding deeper into insecurity if urgent and coordinated action is not taken, particularly in states repeatedly targeted by criminal gangs.       The PDP called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to devote urgent and sufficient attention to national security, saying the country could not afford another round of mass kidnappings and school-targeted attacks.   It questioned whether Nigeria must wait for external pressure before taking decisive action, a reference to past incidents where foreign governments issued warnings or expressed concern over mass abductions.   The statement urged federal authorities to step up intelligence gathering, improve community security logistics and strengthen collaboration with states facing heightened security threats.   It also demanded the immediate rescue of the abducted Kebbi students and the prosecution of the perpetrators to serve as deterrence in future cases.   The PDP insisted that only a firm and coordinated response can halt the cycle of killings, kidnappings and school invasions now occurring across several states.   The party urged security agencies to deploy all necessary tools and strategies to prevent further tragedies, insisting that “the killings must stop.”

Eno Warns Disloyal Appointees to Resign or Be Removed   Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, on Tuesday issued a stern warning to political appointees and senior government officials, declaring that anyone working against his administration from within should “quietly resign” or be removed from office.   The warning came barely 24 hours after two aides were relieved of their appointments over alleged acts of disloyalty.   Addressing appointees, stakeholders and senior bureaucrats, Governor Eno said his administration will no longer tolerate individuals who enjoy government privileges while undermining its policies, programmes or unity.   “Everybody will not agree with us, and that is understood and allowed, but what we will not tolerate is for people to believe that they can be in government and be working against the government. Every action carries a consequence. And I say it again: either you carefully and quietly leave and we will be glad to receive resignations than to stay inside and begin to rock the boat. We will not tolerate it, and that is the truth.” He cautioned   The Governor anchored his position on biblical teachings, insisting that stewardship demands loyalty, commitment and sincerity of purpose. He said loyalty must remain the irreducible minimum for anyone entrusted with public responsibility.   Citing 1 Corinthians 4:2, he reminded appointees that “it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful,” adding that divided allegiance is incompatible with the demands of public service.       In his words “There are people who eat at the table of the king yet feel comfortable working against the same king. That era is over. Faithfulness and loyalty are not negotiable. They are universal standards, and anyone who cannot stand with the government is free to walk away honorably.”   Governor Eno warned that although his administration prioritises peace and stability, such commitment should not be mistaken for indecision or lack of firmness.   “Those who think they can try our resolve to maintain peace should rethink. Meekness is not weakness. I got this job on the mandate of Akwa Ibom people, and I will discharge it till the very last day. We value peace, but we will not entertain subversion or hypocrisy from within.” He added