IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

Abuja was thrown into confusion Monday morning as security forces blocked major routes leading to Eagles Square and the Federal Secretariat to prevent planned protests against the emergency rule in Rivers State and the controversial cybercrime law.

Reports has it that police deployed vehicles to barricade the area before dawn, disrupting regular movement.

Commuters and workers heading to offices near the protest zone were left stranded or forced to disembark and walk under close police surveillance.

The blockade caused heavy traffic congestion and chaotic scenes as frustrated citizens attempted to navigate the restricted area.

Security agencies have yet to provide an official explanation for the disruption.

Police operatives in Rivers State fired teargas on Monday morning to disperse protesters gathered at Isaac Boro Park in Port Harcourt.

The protest, led by the Take It Back Movement, was in response to the declaration of emergency rule in the state.

Heavily armed officers surrounded the area as early as 9:00 a.m., confronting demonstrators who insisted on their right to assemble.

"We are Rivers people — no one can tell us where to gather," some protesters reportedly shouted, according to Channels TV.

The Nigeria Police Force had earlier urged the group to cancel the protest.

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi on Sunday paid a condolence visit to the Ajimobi family following the death of their daughter, Abisola Kola-Daisi.

Abisola, daughter of the late former Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi, died of cancer in the UK on March 27. She is survived by her husband and three children.

Governor Abiodun described her passing as a “devastating loss,” offering prayers for the family’s strength and healing.

Troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) have neutralised three bandits, destroyed several camps, and recovered arms and ammunition in a daring clearance operation in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.

The operation which took place yon April 5, 2025 is in continuation of the ongoing military operations codenamed Operation Lafiya Jamaa aimed at flushing out criminal elements from Taraba State.

This is contained in a press statement issued by the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade, Captain Olubodunde Oni.

According to the statement, the operation, which targeted suspected bandits’ hideouts, saw troops advancing to Achalle where they thoroughly cleared the general area before projecting further force into Chibi. “On arrival at Chibi, the troops made contact with the bandits, who began fleeing upon sighting the advancing forces,” the statement read.

“In the engagement that ensued, three bandits were neutralized, and several makeshift camps used by the criminals were destroyed. Troops also recovered 2 motorcycles, 1 AK-47 magazine, and 13 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition from the scene.” The troops also conducted a thorough combing of the Dutsen Zaki and Achalle axis where over seventy criminal camps have been dismantled in recent weeks.

Oni stated that no human activity was observed during this latest sweep, indicating the sustained success of previous operations. 

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says its operatives have intercepted cocaine hidden inside the walls of several suitcases.

NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this in a post on Sunday, attaching the videos of the seized contraband on X.

He decried a situation whereby the smugglers went to extreme lengths, factory-fitting the hard drugs within the luggage with surgical precision.

“Narco-trend update: Strewing the walls of suitcases, in factory fitting precision, with cocaine, must have taken lot of efforts and resources but at the end #ndlea_nigeria officers still uncovered all as revealed in these videos that captured the latest seizure by #ndlea,” the statement read.

According to the video released by the agency, officers were slicing through suitcase linings to remove the hidden cocaine. 

The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has hailed the Ogun State Government and sports betting giant, BetKing, for their instrumental role in hosting the ongoing BetKing 3×3 National Wheelchair Basketball Championship at the Alake Sports Centre in Ijeja, Abeokuta.

During a visit to the championship venue, Olopade expressed admiration for the rapid development of wheelchair basketball in Nigeria and praised the collaboration between the government, the private sector, and the sport’s governing body. “I fell in love with this sport 15 years ago,” Olopade said. “What I’ve witnessed here is truly impressive — it reflects the sport’s growth and the incredible work being done by the federation, particularly Seyi Johnson and other board members.”

The championship, which runs from April 3 to 7, serves as a selection ground for players who will represent Nigeria at the upcoming tournament in Agadir. Olopade noted a significant uptick in participation, with several states presenting competitive teams. “States like Oyo, Lagos, and Delta no longer have a monopoly. We’re now seeing new contenders with formidable squads. It’s a sign of healthy competition,” he added. Highlighting the broader impact of the event, Olopade tied the championship to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, noting its emphasis on inclusivity and equal opportunities for differently abled athletes.

“These athletes are resilient, talented, and deserve platforms like this. Under our RHINSE initiative, they play a vital role in advancing sports across the country,” he explained. The NSC DG also commended Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, for his unwavering commitment to sports infrastructure and development. “In just one year, the transformation of the Alake Sports Centre is remarkable. Governor Abiodun’s dedication speaks volumes, and his presence at the championship underlines Ogun State’s readiness to host a world-class National Sports Festival this May,” Olopade noted.

He further lauded BetKing for its ongoing support, describing the brand as a consistent champion of wheelchair basketball in Nigeria. “What BetKing has done over the past five years cannot be overstated. Their investment in the sport has been game-changing, and we’re incredibly grateful,” he said. As the championship continues, national selectors remain on the lookout for standout talents to represent Nigeria on the international stage.