News
Gov Alia launches rapid squad, urges Forest Security Service, JTF, others to flush out criminals from Benue
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, on Thursday, launched a new security outfit named Quick Response Squad (QRS), aimed at improving the State’s ability to respond swiftly to security emergencies, particularly in vulnerable areas.
The new outfit which is made up of Civilian Protection Guard (CPG), Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS), Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), local hunters, and the Joint Task Force (JTF); is expected to collaborate with the military, police and other security agencies to enhance surveillance, community protection, and rapid deployment in times of crisis.
The squad was officially inaugurated on behalf of Governor Hyacinth Alia by Deputy Governor, Dr. Sam Ode, during a ceremony that marked the operational rollout of the initiative.
Governor Alia described the formation of the QRS as a proactive measure to close response gaps in the face of growing security challenges affecting parts of the state.
“The safety of our people remains a top priority, and this squad is designed to respond quickly and decisively wherever threats may arise,” the Governor said through his deputy.
The government says the squad will be strategically deployed to high-risk areas, reinforcing existing security structures and supporting law enforcement efforts.
It would be recalled that the Commander General of the Nigerian Forest Security Service, NFSS, Dr. Joshua Osatimehin, recently urged the Benue state Governor to work with the state command of the Service, stating that the proposed law for the establishment of NFSS, allows its operatives to bear arms.
The NFSS boss said the Service would have what it takes to comb forests, flush out criminals and protect local communities in Benue and other states across the country from attacks.
Represented by the Deputy Commander General Intelligence, Ambassador John Metchie, he spoke in response to Governor Alia’s assertion that local vigilantes and forest guards set up by the state government lack the capacity to confront bandits and other violent criminals terrorsing local communities.
Metchie, while expressing sympathy and solidarity with the government and people of Benue State for the recent killings that took place in some communities in the area, however commended the military and other security agencies for rising up to the occasion, with a view of ensuring that such ugly incidences do not re-occur.
He also commented President Bola Tinubu for personally visiting the affected state and giving directives to the security agencies to arrest perpetrators of the crimes.
Metchie said- “The Nigerian Forest Security Service, sympathies with the government and people of Benue, Plateau and other states recently affected by attacks by violent criminal elements, especially families of the victims.
“We agree with Governor Alia that local vigilantes and guards cannot protect communities, especially in cases where violent criminals who operate with high grade weapons are involved.
“It is for that reason that the NFSS is here as the missing link to bridge the gap. We recognize and commend the Nigerian military, the Police, the Department of State Security, Office of the National Security Advisor, the NSCDC and other relevant agencies for the untiring efforts to secure the nation and protect her people and properties.
“The NFSS believe that when the bill establishing the Service is assented to by His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, a lot more would be achieved through collaborative efforts and synergy, especially in the areas of intelligence gathering and sharing which are critical to security of any nation
“To that end, we use this opportunity to solicit the support of Governor Alia and all other stakeholders for the NFSS bill to be signed into law my Mr. President,” Metchie said.
The Supreme Court has nullified the national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16, 2025.
The convention had produced a factional national executive of the party led by Tanimu Turaki, SAN.
The apex court’s decision has now affirmed earlier judgments which held that the exercise was conducted in violation of subsisting court orders.
The Ibadan convention had been the subject of prolonged legal disputes before the Supreme Court’s verdict.
A Federal High Court had earlier restrained the PDP from going ahead with the convention, citing alleged breaches of the party’s constitution and failure to comply with due process.
The court also noted unresolved disputes from state congresses and the alleged exclusion of some aspirants from the process.
Despite the order, the convention went ahead, leading to further litigation. The Court of Appeal subsequently upheld the decision of the lower court.
It affirmed that the convention was held in violation of valid judicial pronouncements and that its outcome could not stand.
Dissatisfied with the concurrent judgments, the Turaki-led faction approached the Supreme Court, seeking to overturn the decisions and validate the convention as well as the executives it produced.
The Supreme Court’s decision to void the convention has effectively settled the legal dispute over the legitimacy of the factional leadership that emerged from the exercise.
….The Commission wants IGP to address use of excessive force by police
The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu OFR, SAN, has strongly condemned the alleged extrajudicial killing of a 28-year-old Nigerian, Mene Ogidi, by a police officer, ASP Nuhu Usman, on April 26, 2026, in Efurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Dr. Ojukwu described the incident as “deeply disturbing and a direct assault on human dignity, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the rule of law.”
He stressed that no Nigerian should lose their life at the hands of those sworn to protect them, reiterating that every life matters and must be protected.
According to him, “the reported action of the officer involved is condemnable, unacceptable, and completely inconsistent with the principles of justice and a civilized society.”
The statement which was signed by Hajia Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, Director, Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, quoted Ojukwu to have expressed grave concern over the recurring incidents of excessive use of force by law enforcement officers and called on the Nigeria Police Force to take urgent and decisive steps to address the issue.
He specifically urged the police authorities to subject officers deployed on special duties to periodic mental and psychological evaluations to ensure they are fit to carry arms and engage with civilians responsibly.
Dr. Ojukwu further called for the immediate disciplinary action against ASP Nuhu Usman in line with extant laws and police regulations.
He also emphasized the need for the Nigeria Police Force to fully implement the recommendations of the Commission’s Panel on Police Brutality as a necessary step toward meaningful reform and prevention of future violations.
“The Commission demands immediate arrest and a transparent investigation into the incident, dismissal of the officer involved, and swift prosecution in accordance with the law.
We hereby call for adequate compensation and justice for the family of the victim,” he stated.
He warned that justice delayed only deepens public distrust in state institutions and undermines confidence in law enforcement.
The Executive Secretary assured that the NHRC will continue to monitor the case closely and will persist in its advocacy for accountability, justice, and the protection of the fundamental rights of all Nigerians.
“Nigeria must never normalize brutality. Justice must speak louder than silence,” he concluded.
The Supreme Court of Nigeria will on Thursday, deliver judgments in two cases involving the leadership crises rocking the African Democratic Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party.
According to information on the official website of the court, the matters, listed under “Political Appeals”, have been added to the cause list for Thursday, April 30, 2026.
While judgment in the ADC matter, marked SC/CV/180/2026, has been fixed for 2 pm, there is no time yet for that if the PDP.
-
News1 year agoSenate to speed up conclusion of Nigeria Forest Security Service Bill
-
News9 months agoThe Many Lies Against Bashir Haske
-
News3 years agoBreaking: Tinubu’s authentic ministerial nominees
-
News3 years ago“Anytime we want to kill terrorists, President would ask us to take permission from France but they were killing our soldiers-” Niger Republic coup leader
-
News3 years ago“I’m leaving the Catholic church because Bishop Onah is oppressing me,” says Okunerere
-
News3 years agoRadio Nigeria’s veteran broadcaster Kelvin Ugwu dies three months after retirement from service
-
News3 years agoDokpesi and the Gazebo Mystique
-
News3 years agoTsunami: Tinubu orders dissolution of managements, boards of MDAs, to sack all Buhari’s political appointees