PRESS RELEASE
NATIONWIDE PROTEST: NPF CAUTIONS AGAINST ILL-TIMED PROTEST ACROSS THE COUNTRY

The Nigeria Police Force has read in the news that a group called “Take it Back Movement” is planning a protest across various states of the Federation, most especially the Federal Capital Territory, scheduled to hold on Monday 7th April, 2025, a day earmarked by the Federal Government as the National Police Day, to celebrate the resilience and dedication of officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force.

While not against the exercise of citizens right to peaceful assembly and association in Nigeria as enshrined in the Constitution, the Nigeria Police Force is deeply concerned about the motive behind such protest scheduled on the same day the contributions of the Nigeria Police Force to national security is to be celebrated, putting into consideration that such glamorous event would bring together dignitaries from all spheres of life both internationally and within the country, including Foreign Inspectors-General of Police and Diplomats.

In line with best global practices adopted by nations in celebrating the achievements of its Police institution, the Nigerian Government has taken the bull by the horn by declaring every April 7 as National Police Day. The rationale behind staging a nationwide protest on the same day is however questionable and perceived to be a deliberate attempt and unpatriotic act that is capable of rubbishing and maligning the image of the Nigeria Police and the nation as a whole.

The Nigeria Police Force hereby advises the organizers to shelve this planned protest as it is ill-timed and mischievous.

The Nigeria Police Force under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, while reaffirming the commitment of the NPF to adequately carrying out its mandate in accordance with the Law and respect for rights of citizens hereby urges all the organizers of the planned protest as well as individuals who intend to join the protest to pursue dialogue by engaging the proper institution of government to press home their demands.

ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCAI,
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
FORCE HEADQUARTERS,
ABUJA.
6TH APRIL 2025

The Commissioner of Police in Abia State, CP Danladi Isa, has dismissed three police officers for their involvement in acts of conspiracy, abduction, and extortion of unsuspecting victims. The officers have also been handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for prosecution alongside their civilian accomplices.

The affected officers are:
– **Sergeant Jonas Nnamdi** (Force No. 501356), attached to Area Command, Aba.
– **Corporal James Daniel** (Force No. 511844), attached to the Department of Operations, Umuahia.
– **Corporal Ifeanyi Emeka** (Force No. 511853), attached to Eziama Division.

According to the police statement, the officers were arrested on January 29, 2025, after they conspired with two civilians, hired a minibus, and abducted some individuals along the Port Harcourt Expressway. They were found armed with an electric baton, an assault rifle, and a Beretta pistol, which they used to intimidate and extort money from their victims. The officers also demanded additional ransom from the victims’ families before releasing them.

Following their arrest by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Abayi, an investigation and Orderly Room Trial were conducted, which confirmed their involvement in the crime. Their dismissal follows the administrative disciplinary measures taken by the Abia State Police Command, and their service accoutrements have been retrieved.

CP Danladi Isa reaffirmed the command’s zero tolerance for corruption and unprofessional conduct, emphasizing that discipline and professionalism remain the foundation of the Nigeria Police Force. He assured the public that the command under his leadership would not tolerate any form of misconduct and remains committed to upholding the vision of the Inspector General of Police for a people-friendly and law-abiding force.

The dismissed officers and their civilian accomplices will face prosecution as part of the command’s efforts to maintain law and order in Abia State.

The Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, has ordered the immediate closure of the waterway between the Eko and Carter Bridges in Lagos.

This follows the structural damage to Eko Bridge, reportedly caused by illegal dredging activities.

The directive came during the minister’s inspection tour of critical infrastructure across Lagos on Saturday.

Umahi urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to take urgent action to enforce the closure, warning that continued activity in the area poses a significant risk to public safety.

“The dredger struck a pier cap, causing both the cap and the pier to collapse and sink,” Umahi revealed during the tour.

“He confirmed that the operator or owner of the dredging equipment has been apprehended, and assured that the Federal Government would pursue strict punitive measures due to the scale of the damage.

Expressing his dismay, the minister noted that illegal dredging is still being carried out along the Third Mainland Bridge, despite a Federal Executive Council resolution passed four months ago, banning all dredging activities within a 10-kilometre radius of any bridge in Nigeria.

“I am shocked to see dredging still going on. These activities compromise the structural integrity of our bridges,” Umahi said.

He also cautioned against the growing trend of parking and loading on bridges, urging members of the public to refrain from such practices.

The minister stressed that preserving Nigeria’s infrastructure and ensuring the safety of citizens must remain a top priority.