Author: Lukman Laleye Babalola

Lukman Laleye Babalola is a graduate of Journalism,a content creator and Editor with Emporium Reporters online

IMPI urges National Assembly to Fast-Track State Police Through Doctrine of Necessity

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Independent Media and Policy Initiative (IMPI) has called on the National Assembly to invoke the doctrine of necessity to accelerate the establishment of state police as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s internal security architecture. In a policy statement signed by its Chairman, Dr. Omoniyi Akinsiju, the policy think tank expressed concern over what it described as delays in implementing a decentralised policing system, arguing that the country’s security challenges require urgent reforms. According to IMPI, the police force should serve as the foundation of Nigeria’s internal security framework,…

Tinubu’s Anti-Terror War Not Failing Despite Challenges – IMPI Insists

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Independent Media and Policy Initiative (IMPI) has said that despite recent security challenges and the resurgence of kidnappings in some parts of the country, the administration of President Bola Tinubu has recorded significant successes in the fight against terrorism and banditry. In a policy statement signed by its Chairman, Dr. Omoniyi Akinsiju, the policy think tank argued that the Federal Government’s counter-terrorism efforts have yielded notable tactical victories, including the neutralisation of more than 8,000 terrorists and bandits since 2023. According to IMPI, military and police offensives have also…

Benue Under Siege, Senator Moro Tells Senate, Demands Release of Detained Community Defender

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Senator Abba Moro on Wednesday raised alarm over what he described as worsening attacks by suspected armed herders across communities in Benue South Senatorial District, informed the Senate that residents are living under siege and abandoned to their fate. Raising a matter of urgent public concern under Order 42 on the floor of the Senate, Moro cited the recent killing of a public health worker, Ojama Emie, who was reportedly ambushed, murdered and beheaded by suspected armed herders at Ugbobi Road Junction in Ikobi, Apa Local Government Area of Benue…

House Clarifies Minority Leadership Rules, Bars First-Term Lawmakers from Principal Offices

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The House of Representatives has moved to end controversy surrounding eligibility for principal offices by formally defining “cognate legislative experience” as the completion of at least one full four-year term in the National Assembly, effectively ruling out first-term lawmakers from occupying key leadership positions, including those in the minority caucus. The resolution was adopted on Wednesday following the unanimous passage of a motion sponsored by the member representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency of Lagos State, Hon. Babajimi Benson, titled “Need for a Precise Definition of Order Seven, Rule 15 of the…

FG to Receive 268 Nigerians Evacuated from South Africa Amid Xenophobic Attacks

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Federal Government will on Thursday receive the first batch of 268 Nigerians being evacuated from South Africa following ongoing xenophobic attacks in parts of the country. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed on Wednesday that the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, will personally receive the returnees at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on behalf of the Federal Government. According to a statement signed by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the evacuation flight, operated by Air Peace Airlines, is expected to arrive at about…

Niger Police Debunk Alleged Attacks on Schools, Launch Probe Into False Report

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Niger State Police Command has dismissed as false reports alleging that hoodlums attacked schools in Bosso, Kpakungu, Sabon-Wuse and Lambata areas of the state. In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, the Command said it had conducted verification visits to all the schools mentioned in the reports and found that no such attacks occurred. The police described the circulating claims as misleading and capable of causing unnecessary panic among residents, parents, students and school authorities. “The Command hereby states categorically that,…

Belfast Unrest: NIDCOM Moves to Protect Nigerians, Appeals for Peace

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has said it is closely monitoring the recent unrest in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and is taking steps to safeguard the welfare of Nigerians in the area while urging calm and peaceful coexistence among all residents. NIDCOM Chairman/CEO, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said the Commission was concerned about reports of disturbances affecting parts of the Belfast community and emphasized the need for dialogue, restraint and mutual respect. In a statement issued by the Commission’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the Commission expressed sympathy…

COAS Warns Retiring Soldiers Against Fraudulent Investments, Urges Financial Prudence

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has advised retiring military personnel to exercise financial discipline and avoid fraudulent investment schemes that could erode their retirement benefits. Speaking at the graduation dinner for participants of Pre-Discharge Course 1/2026 at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), Oshodi, Lagos, the Army Chief urged the retiring personnel to conduct proper due diligence before committing their retirement savings to any business venture or investment platform. Represented by the Commander, Nigerian Army Corps of Engineers, Major General Shamsideen Shafaru, at the…

ANOCA Endorses Nigeria’s Preparations for 2027 African School Games

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Nigeria has received a major boost in its preparations to host the 2027 African School Games after the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) expressed satisfaction with the country’s level of readiness for the continental event. The endorsement came on Tuesday during a strategic working session between the ANOCA African School Games Coordination Commission and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) at the ANOCA Secretariat in Abuja. Chairman of the LOC, Mr. Lekan Abari, presented a comprehensive 46-slide blueprint detailing Nigeria’s plans for the Games, covering governance structures, competition…

IGP Deploys DIGs to Geopolitical Zones, Orders Inter-State ‘Handshake Patrols’ to Boost Security

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has approved the deployment of Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs) to their respective geopolitical zones as part of efforts to strengthen security operations and improve policing across the country. The deployment, which takes effect from June 15, 2026, was announced during the monthly conference of strategic senior officers held at the Force Headquarters in Abuja. In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placid, the IGP said the move is aimed at bringing strategic leadership closer…