Why Nigeria Must Establish an Air Wing for the NSCDC Now

By Chris Echikwu Nigeria stands at a critical juncture in managing its internal security. Rising insecurity – from mass kidnappings and school attacks to assaults on religious institutions and the displacement of rural communities – has exposed a glaring weakness in the nation’s security architecture. While government efforts, including troop deployments and recruitment drives, are important, the reality is clear: Nigeria needs not just more boots on the ground, but new eyes in the sky. The call for an Air Wing within the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has never been more urgent. Insecurity Has Outpaced Our Security System Criminal networks exploit Nigeria’s forests, borderlands, and waterways as operational hideouts. Camps and routes exist deep in ungoverned spaces, beyond the reach of standard patrols. Ground forces are often reactive, arriving after crimes have already occurred. School kidnappings have become a hallmark of this crisis. Children are abducted, transported through bush corridors, and hidden in forest camps for weeks or months. The state frequently responds too late, relying only on limited human intelligence and local reports. This is not just a tactical failure, it is a structural one. Nigeria’s internal security agencies remain almost entirely land-based in an era where surveillance, rapid response, and deterrence demand aerial capabilities. Why the NSCDC is the Right Agency The NSCDC is far from peripheral. It already plays a central role in Nigeria’s internal security: Yet, it cannot effectively monitor or respond to threats across vast forests, swamps, and deserts. An Air Wing would transform the NSCDC from a reactive, defensive body into an intelligence-driven force. Strategic Benefits of an NSCDC Air Wing An Air Wing would provide: This is not about militarizing the NSCDC; it is about modernizing it. Across Africa and Asia, countries Nigeria often compares itself to already deploy drones and light aircraft as standard tools for internal security. Fighting 21st-century crime with 20th-century methods is no longer viable. Financing: Affordable and Sustainable Arguments that Nigeria “cannot afford it” ignore the true cost of inaction. Insecurity already drains the economy through: A modest fleet of drones and light aircraft would cost far less than the economic loss caused by a single kidnapping wave. Financing could come from: The return on investment would be immediate. The Risk of Doing Nothing Without modernization, the human and economic toll will worsen: A state that cannot see its territory cannot govern it. Conclusion: The Skies Matter Nigeria faces a choice: remain trapped in reactive security measures or invest in intelligence, speed, and foresight. An NSCDC Air Wing will not end insecurity overnight, but it will end Nigeria’s blindness to the spaces where crime is planned and executed. National security is no longer determined solely by personnel numbers, but by the ability to see, interpret, and respond faster than the threat. Nigeria must choose vision over delay.

Presidency Reacts To Supreme Court Ruling On Local Government Autonomy

The presidency has reacted to Thursday’s victory against 36 state governors at the Supreme Court on local government autonomy. The Supreme Court ruled that all federal allocations for local government councils should be paid directly into their accounts. In Nigeria, most states operate a joint account with local governments, Justice Emmanuel Agim, who led a seven-member panel of justices, said local government allocation should be paid directly to a separate account belonging to each local government. The federal government through the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) approached the Supreme Court, in a suit, marked SC/CV/343/2024, and sought that 36 governors of the federation grant full autonomy to the 774 local governments. Giving details of federal government’s prayer in the suit, Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on his X handle on Thursday, wrote, “The details of the Supreme Court ruling giving 774 local councils financial autonomy “The Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that all federal funds for local government councils should be paid directly into their accounts. “Justice Emmanuel Agim, who led a seven-member panel of justices, delivered the judgment in a suit filed by the federal government against the 36 state governors. “According to the judgment, henceforth, no more payments of local government area allocations will be made to state government accounts. The court also prohibited the governors from receiving, tampering with, or withholding funds meant for local governments. “Furthermore, the court barred the governors from dissolving democratically elected officials for local governments and deemed such actions a breach of the 1999 Constitution. “The federal government had approached the Supreme Court with a suit seeking to compel the governors of the 36 federating states to grant full autonomy to local governments in their domains. The suit, marked SC/CV/343/2024, was filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), on behalf of the Federal Government. “The Federal Government accused the state governors of gross misconduct and abuse of power in its suit, which was based on 27 grounds. In the originating summons, the FG prayed the Supreme Court to make an order stating that funds standing to the credit of local governments from the Federation Account should be paid directly to the local governments rather than through the state governments. “The justice minister also requested an order restraining governors, their agents, and privies from receiving, spending, or tampering with funds released from the Federation Account for the benefit of local governments when no democratically elected local government system is in place in the states. “Finally, the Federal Government sought an order stopping governors from constituting caretaker committees to run the affairs of local governments, contrary to the constitutionally recognized and guaranteed democratic system.”

Terrorists Plan To Attack Critical National Infrastructures – Nigerian Military Reveals

The Nigerian Military has unveiled plans by terrorists to attack some critical national infrastructures in the country. This revelation was made public on Thursday by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba. He, however, added that relevant security agencies have been put on standby to forestall such attacks. General Buba also called on citizens to rally support for security forces to defeat terror in Nigeria. Details later…

Bello/EFCC: Present your case transfer to Lokoja request in open court – CJ …Says defendant has pending appeal bordering on jurisdiction before Appeal Court

…’It’s improper to take any step that will amount to pre-empting Appeal outcome’ The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Terhembe Tsoho, has directed that the request by a former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, for the transfer of the alleged money laundering case instituted against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to Kogi State be presented in open court. In a letter addressed to Abdulwahab Muhammed, SAN and Musa Yakubu, SAN, the Chief Judge drew the attention of the former governor’s counsels to a pending appeal in the case: Yahaya Adoza Bello Vs FRN wherein the defendant had sought a consequential order remitting the case to the Chief Judge for reassignment. The letter, signed by Special Assistant to the CJ, Joshua Ibrahim AJI, Esq, said as a result of this, it would be improper to take any step that would be tantamount to pre-empting the outcome of the Appeal. “There is documentary evidence of a pending appeal in the case Yahaya Adoza Bello Vs FRN filed on 17/05/2024 wherein the defendant as Appellant has sought a consequential order remitting the case to the Chief Judge for reassignment. It is not proper to take any step that will tantamount to pre-empting the outcome of the Appeal. “The main issue raised is jurisdictional in nature and will be more appropriately decided by the court. The matter should therefore be presented in open court,” the CJ stated. The Chief Judge noted that the main offence alleged bordered on conversion of Kogi State funds to purchase properties in Abuja, and that the filing of the charge could either be in Abuja or Lokoja. He referred to two ongoing cases before the FHC in charge No FHC/ABJ/CR/550/22 FRN Vs Ali Bello and another, and another charge, FRN Vs Ali Bello and 3 others, where a similar request for transfer was made and the lower court refused the application.

Kidnapped  Zamfara Catholic priest in Zamfara released after two weeks

The Parish Priest of St. Raymond Catholic Church Damba, Gusau, Zamfara State, Mikah Suleiman has regained his freedom from bandits who kidnapped him two weeks ago. Suleiman’s release was announced in a statement on Sunday, July 7, 2024, by the Director of Communications, Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Pascal Salifu. The statement read, “We are overjoyed to announce the safe release of Fr Mikah Suleiman, who was kidnapped on 22/06/2024. ‘We extend our heartfelt gratitude to God for His protection and to everyone who offered prayers and support during this challenging time. “Our thanks also go to the authorities and all involved in securing Fr Mikah’s release. He is currently receiving the necessary care and support.” Salifu urged people to “continue to keep him in your prayers as he begins his recovery.” The state Police Public Relations Officer, Yazid Abubakar confirmed the priest’s abduction on Saturday, saying, “Yes, the incident happened early hour of today, the Reverend Father was kidnapped in his residence. We were not informed when the incident happened but what I gathered was that the man stays alone not in the church. “We have deployed our tactical squad to go after the kidnappers with the aim of rescuing the victim unhurt.” More so, the acting Chancellor of the Sokoto Catholic Diocese, Nuhu Iliya had urged the Christian faithful to pray for the “quick and safe release” of the priest. “We equally commend him to the powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Priests, for his speedy release from the hands of his abductors,” Iliya said.

Christian Association of Nigeria Condemns Gwoza Suicide Attacks

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed profound concern over the recent suicide attacks in Gwoza, Borno State, which resulted in the tragic loss of over 30 lives and left numerous others injured. The attacks, reportedly carried out by suspected female suicide bombers, targeted a wedding ceremony, a hospital, and a funeral in Gwoza, a town near the border with Cameroon. In response to these devastating incidents, CAN’s President, Daniel Okoh, issued a statement on Wednesday condemning the resurgence of suicide bombings in Nigeria. “The National Leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria is deeply worried by the recent suicide attacks in Gwoza, Borno State, which have claimed numerous lives and injured many others,” Okoh stated. “We are concerned about the resurgence of suicide bombing in our country and the threat it poses to the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians. This senseless act of violence is a stark reminder of the evil that terrorism represents, and the need for collective action to defeat it.” Okoh commended the efforts of security agents who have been tirelessly working to contain the threat of terrorism. He urged them not to relent in their efforts, emphasizing the importance of maintaining vigilance to prevent further tragedies. “We commend the security agents who have been working tirelessly to contain the threat of terrorism in our country,” Okoh affirmed. “We encourage them not to relent in their efforts, as every necessary intervention is welcome to prevent a relapse into the dark days of suicide attacks.” CAN called upon the government to intensify its efforts to ensure the security and safety of all citizens, particularly in vulnerable regions. The association also urged religious leaders and all Nigerians to unite against terrorism and violence, promoting peace, love, and harmony across the nation. “We call on the government to intensify efforts to ensure the security and safety of all citizens, particularly in vulnerable regions,” the statement added. “We also urge religious leaders and Nigerians to unite against terrorism and violence, promoting peace, love, and harmony.” The attacks in Gwoza serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by terrorism in Nigeria, underscoring the urgent need for concerted efforts to protect communities and prevent further loss of life.

Nnamdi Kanu’s Release Not Discussed in South-East Governors Meeting- Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo clarified that the issue of releasing the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, was not part of his discussions with the South-East governors in Enugu, Enugu State, on Tuesday. Obasanjo, accompanied by former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, met with the governors primarily to discuss regional development issues. These included security, infrastructure, economic cooperation, and collaboration aimed at complementing the national economic development agenda. In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo emphasized that the agenda did not include Nnamdi Kanu’s release. The meeting was convened at his invitation before the governors’ summit began. The South-East Governors Forum, comprising Peter Mbah (Enugu), Alex Otti (Abia), Prof Charles Soludo (Anambra), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), and Senator Hope Uzodimma (Imo), had resolved during the six-hour meeting to visit President Bola Tinubu and engage with the Federal Government to secure Kanu’s release. Additionally, the forum expressed condolences over the passing of Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, a former Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation and the first civilian governor of Abia State.

EFCC Warns Against Planned Protest

While still unable to arrest fugitive former kogi state Gov Yahaya Bello, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has switched attention, issuing a strong warning to alleged promoters of a planned protest against the commission. A statement by the commission through its Head, Media & Publicity, Dele Oyewale on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, alerted members of the public about plans by some people to stage a protest against the commission. The statement reads, “EFCC wishes to alert the general public on the plan by a shadowy group to instigate a “protest” against the Commission. “In the last couple of days, the group has been actively campaigning in the social media, recruiting impressionable young Nigerians, including students, to take up “arms” against the EFCC. “This insidious campaign is being promoted as resistance to the operational activities of the Commission, especially in respect of the enforcement of the laws dealing with cybercrimes. The EFCC identified those behind the planned protest.  “The Commission, while not averse to protests by citizens, is alarmed by emerging evidence that suggest a grand design by corrupt elements under investigation or prosecution by the Commission to exploit the so-called protest to orchestrate a national uprising that may threaten the peace and security of our dear nation. “As a responsible law enforcement organisation, the Commission will not tolerate any breakdown of law and order anywhere in the country, especially around its office locations across Nigeria. “EFCC, working in concert with sister security agencies, is therefore taking necessary measures to deal with possible threats to the peace and security of Nigeria.  The Commission, however, appeals to parents, guardians and heads of tertiary institutions to take responsibility in ensuring that their wards are not recruited to be used as cannon fodder in a proxy war against the Commission by vested corrupt interests. “The war being waged by the Commission against corruption and cybercrime is to protect the future of the youth of this country. That future is imperilled if Nigeria degenerates further in global reckoning as a den of fraudsters,” the statement concluded.

Nnamdi Kanu’s Legal Team Reacts As Court Dismisses IPOB Leader’s Suit Against FG, DSS

The legal counsel to Nnamdi Kanu, the embattled leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Aloy Ejimakor, has rubbished the recent ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja, which dismissed his client’s case against the federal government. Ejimakor said, contrary to the court’s ruling, the IPOB leader’s legal team had presented a legion of evidence to back their claims. Recall that Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed the fundamental human rights suit filed by the detained IPOB leader against the Federal Government. Kanu had sued the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Department of State Service (DSS) for N1 billion in damages for alleged rights violations. The IPOB leader, in the suit marked FHC/CS/1633/2023, claimed that the DSS and its Director General violated his right to a fair hearing by allegedly preventing his lawyers from having unhindered interactions with him while he was being detained in preparation for his defence in his criminal trial. However, Justice Omotosho, while delivering judgment on the suit on Monday, held that Kanu failed to provide credible evidence to sustain his claims that his interactions with his lawyers were interfered with. The judge also said there was no evidence that Kanu was denied unhindered access to his lawyers or that the DSS officials had eavesdropped his conversations with his lawyers, which constituted a breach of his right to a fair hearing. Reacting, however, to the court’s ruling, Ejimakor vowed to appeal Justice Omotosho’s ruling. According to him, some of the shreds of evidence presented before the court are even in the public domain. “I am already preparing the notice of appeal. The evidence submitted before the court was legion. Some of it is even in the public domain,” Ejimakor told Daily Post on Tuesday