Like the storyline goes in the popular British historical TV series, Merlin (which explores the life and rule of Britain agelong monarch, King Arthur and his servant/wizard, Merlin), the reappearance of the dreaded vigilante group, Bakassi Boys, maybe the much-needed salvation the people of the South East have been calling out for.
Before the latest developments, the southeastern region of Nigeria has tried to have an effective security apparatus – something that mirrors the Western Nigeria Security Network popularly known as Operation Amotekun.
This has led to the creation of regional security outfits such as the Eastern Security Network (ESN) created by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Ebubeage security outfit championed by the South Eastern governors.
However, the impact of both organizations has not been felt and some could argue that the effort has been counterproductive – to say the least.
This may have led to the reappearance of the disbanded matchet-wielding security group – the Bakassi Boys – whose modus operandi is jungle justice. The latter fact is the reason their return may not go down well with a lot of people as it is a touch-and-go kind of situation.
They have been seen in vans on the streets of Awka, Anambra State, chanting war songs and no one can tell why they have suddenly reappeared or who is behind them at this time.
The police seem to be powerless at the moment, however, although he denied knowledge of the fact, the Police Public Relations Officer for the state, Ikenga Tochukwu, has said the command is willing to partner with other stakeholders in combating crimes in the state as the spate of insecurity continue to rise unabated.
It would be recalled that the reign of the group in Nigeria started in 1998 as the crime rate in the commercial city of Aba, Abia state reached astronomical heights. With the blessings of the then governor, Ori Uzor Kalu, they achieved success in terms of crime reduction in the city.
They would further gain national popularity when they moved to Anambra State at the behest of the then governor, Chinwoke Mbadinuju, and saw to the capture and killing of the popular occultic prophet, Eddy Nawgu.
Meanwhile, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has denounced efforts made by some private individuals and stakeholders to turn over the management of the Eastern security outfit, Ebubeagu, to them.
In a statement released by the secretary-general of the apex-Igbo organization, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, said it would be illegal to so as the constitution does not require that they carry out such responsibility. The statement sent to POLITICS NIGERIA on Thursday, June 17, 2021, read:
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has rejected the calls from well-meaning Igbos to take over Ebubeagu Southeast Security Outfit, saying that there were no consultative meetings and people’s approval or authorization for the outfit before its formation.
“Southeast governors should be encouraged to sufficiently provide necessary logistics and reinstate the chairman of southeast Governors Security Committee who resigned based on logistics deficiencies in operation.
“Unlike the Amotekun, where the southwest Governors provided adequate facilities and logistics, Ebubeagu was built on emotional ground and sentiments.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo are not saddled with the Constitutional rights of protection of lives and properties in the Southeast, and we are independently funded through communal support of Ndigbo without any governments consent, it will be horrible to compound the responsibility of Ebubeagu on us, Southeast Governors are capable of providing logistics and we are in full support of them.”
Kunle Remi Blasts Government on economic hardship, asks Nigerians to hold government accountable
Nollywood actor Kunle Remi has joined growing public frustration over the rising cost of petrol, using his platform to call for more open conversations about the country’s current economic strain
The actor pushed back against the idea that public figures should stay silent on political or economic issues. “Usually I say things like I don’t really get involved with politics… No, that’s the most stupid statement from anyone in Nigeria right now,” he said. “We should be discussing, we should be talking about it, we should be trying to fix… There’s nothing like sitting on the fence.”
Remi linked his concerns to the direct impact of fuel prices on everyday life, pointing to the ripple effect across businesses and households. “Today I bought petrol for 1,300-something naira,” he said, noting that everything from shopping malls to small barber shops depends heavily on petrol to operate. “I have a child, so I’m thinking not just for myself.”
He also questioned Nigeria’s sensitivity to global oil market shifts, particularly ongoing tensions in the Middle East. “I don’t understand why Nigeria is one of the first countries to be affected by the war in Iran. My spirit is very angry. All the things I’ve been working for is for what?” he said.
His comments come amid sustained pressure on petrol prices across Nigeria. Despite the start of domestic refining operations, including the Dangote Refinery, pump prices have continued to reflect global market volatility. Industry stakeholders have pointed to international crude oil price movements and geopolitical tensions as key factors limiting any immediate relief.
Recent market data shows that a nearly 20 per cent increase in petrol prices implemented last week remains in place, with a national average of about N1,300 per litre. A decline in crude oil prices earlier in the week has yet to translate into lower pump prices, raising further concerns among consumers.
Online, Remi’s remarks have drawn widespread support, with many users commending him for speaking out on an issue that directly affects daily living. Some described his comments as reflective of broader public sentiment, especially as more Nigerians grapple with rising transportation and operating costs.
NCC orders Telco’s To compensate subscribers for poor network service
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has instructed Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to make things right for customers when the network quality in certain areas doesn’t meet the expected standards.
This directive was shared in a statement released on Sunday by Nnenna Ukoha, who leads the Public Affairs Department. The statement emphasized the Commission’s firm view that customers shouldn’t have to bear the entire brunt of service problems if operators aren’t meeting the required service delivery benchmarks.
Part of the statement said “Under this directive, erring operators will compensate affected users directly for breaches of Quality of Service (QoS) Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) shall be required to pay these compensations for instances of poor quality of service recorded within specified time frames.
The compensation will be provided in the form of airtime credits, calculated based on subscribers’ average spending patterns and their presence within Local Government Areas where service failures occur.”
Ukoha explained that this directive stems from the Commission’s overall approach to regulation, which prioritizes the consumer right at the heart of Nigeria’s telecommunications landscape. They emphasized that today’s telecommunications services are fundamental to economic activity, social connections, and gaining access to digital possibilities.
“When service quality is poor, the consequences affect productivity, commercial activities, and even public confidence in our communications system.
While regulatory fines have traditionally served as a deterrent against poor service delivery, the Commission is adopting a more consumer-focused approach that strengthens accountability within the industry,” the statement said.
The Commission has designed this measure to complement existing and ongoing efforts to strengthen service quality monitoring and enforce performance standards.
“Further to this directive by the Commission to MNOs on compensation to consumers, the Commission is also mandating Tower Companies that own the critical infrastructure for Quality of Service delivery, such as masts, to invest in infrastructure with measurable outcomes using sums that it has fined these companies, in addition to other financial fines the Commission will deem appropriate.
FG Says Nigeria needs $100 billion to solve power crisis
Nigeria needs over $100 billion in public and private investments to achieve 24-hour electricity, as Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu outlines funding gaps, gas shortages, and sector reforms. The Federal Government has revealed that Nigeria needs more than $100 billion in combined public and private investment across the entire power sector to ensure a reliable 24/7 electricity supply.
At a press conference, where he was updating the public on recent developments and achievements in the power sector under the current government, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, acknowledged the recent decline in electricity supply across the country. He apologized to the people of Nigeria and promised to take quick steps to fix the situation.
Put together, we are talking of over $100bn of investments in the upstream, midstream, and downstream of the power sector value chain,” Adelabu said. “This is not a figure to be underestimated, but it is achievable in phases, through a combination of government and private sector participation. Patience and consistent investment are key.”
The minister explained that the government has worked out the costs: bringing an extra 20,000 megawatts of power online would likely set them back around $30 billion, based on an average cost of $1.5 billion for every 1,000MW plant. Getting that power to where it’s needed through transmission lines is estimated at $20 billion, while setting up distribution networks and gas pipelines would cost roughly $25 billion and $22 billion, respectively.
Adelabu pointed out that while South Africa, with a population of about 60 million, is considering a $25 billion private investment in its energy sector, Nigeria’s much larger population – over 200 million – means we need to invest even more, proportionally speaking.
Although there are difficulties now, the minister also emphasized the significant progress that has been made since the current administration took office in September 2023. “For the first time in Nigeria’s history, we achieved a generation peak of 6,001 megawatts in April 2025, and the highest transmission of 5,801 megawatts on March 2, 2025,” he said.
“This was made possible through completion of the Zungeru hydro power plant (700MW), rehabilitation of existing thermal plants, and expansion of renewable energy via mini-grids.”
Installed capacity rose from 13,000MW in 2023 to 14,400MW in 2025, while financial interventions included a N4tn debt restructuring to clear outstanding unpaid subsidies to power-generating companies, of which N501bn has already been raised from the bond market and disbursed.
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