The state of security in Nigeria has been a source of concern to both the government and the governed. The unfortunate situation has left the citizens looking up to the security organizations in the country to nip the escalating levels of violence, criminality, and killings happening across the nation in the bud. But what happens when those charged with the task of protecting and defending the country and its citizens are now under attack themselves?
This has been the question on the minds of so many Nigerians as they waited for the reaction of the Commander In Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Mohammadu Buhari, who has since responded to the attack by the so-called ‘bandits’ on the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Afaka, Kaduna State through a spokesperson.
On Tuesday, August 24, 2021, news about an attack on military property in Kaduna State broke and it seemed like a rumor until major media houses started reporting it. It was reported the armed bandits stormed the NDA premises in Afaka in the early hours of the morning – around 2 am to be precise.
Having breached the security and the gate and gained entrance, the brutes wounded and killed some military personnel while abducting others. The Nigerian Army, later that day, confirmed the fears of millions of Nigerians as they corroborated the story, revealing that two of its officers were killed and one senior officer was kidnapped from the Defence Academy.
The Presidency also responded to the NDA Kaduna attack, calling it was a ploy to discourage, distract, and dampen the morale of the officers with regards to the fight to curb the insecurity challenges in the country. He vowed not to give in to their ploy as he said instead of giving up the fight, the unfortunate incident has further strengthened his resolve to ‘uproot of evil in the polity’. The President also commiserated with the families who lost their loved ones as he prayed for God to give them the strength to bear their loss.
Here is the statement from the Presidency:
“The attack launched on the facility of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) on Tuesday, rather than throw a dampener into the morale of our Armed Forces as it is intended to, will buoy their determination to make a decisive end of criminality in the country, President Muhammadu Buhari has said.
“Noting that the attack, which led to the loss of lives, came at a time that the military had put insurgents, bandits, kidnappers, and other types of criminals on the retreat, the President says the heinous action would accelerate the total uprooting of evil in the polity, which members of the Armed Forces are solidly resolved to accomplish in the shortest possible time.
“Commiserating with the families who lost their loved ones, and praying God to comfort them, President Buhari vowed that the deceased would not die in vain, as the degenerate act would have consequences that will eventually clean the country of vermin, and emancipate the polity from deliberate, targeted and contrived atrocious acts.
“The President thanks all Nigerians who value and appreciate the efforts of our military, and urges those playing hateful politics with the dastardly act to desist, noting that rather than recriminations, this is the time for all patriots and people of goodwill to support and encourage those who are in the vanguard of the battle against wickedness in the land.”
EFCC to Arrest EezeeTee over Mercy Chinwo’s $340,000 Royalties
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reiterated that Ezekiel Thankgod, known as EezeeTee, must appear before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi to answer allegations concerning Mercy Chinwo’s royalties. The EFCC accuses Thankgod of laundering and dishonestly converting $340,000 in royalties meant for the gospel artiste.
According to the EFCC’s statement, Justice A. O. Owoeye ruled on Monday, February 17, 2025, that the defendant must appear in court to take his plea, setting March 6, 2025, as the next hearing date.
“The defendant, Ezekiel Thankgod, has consistently evaded arraignment despite multiple attempts by the EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate to serve him. This prompted the issuance of a warrant for his arrest on January 16, 2025,” the commission’s statement read.
The EFCC detailed that the former manager of Mercy Chinwo and the CEO of Eezee Global Concepts Limited are facing a three-count charge involving money laundering and dishonest royalties conversion.
One of the charges states that in 2023, Thankgod retained $260,494 in an EEZEE Global Ministry account with Zenith Bank, an amount allegedly linked to unlawful activity.
The EFCC prosecutor, Bilikisu Buhari, noted that the agency had been unable to serve the charges directly to Thankgod, as he remained unreachable.
However, on January 24, 2025, his defense counsel, Dr Monday Ubani, SAN, accepted service on his behalf but filed a preliminary objection to challenge the charges.
Justice Owoeye had previously adjourned the case for arraignment, but Thankgod failed to appear, opting to be represented by his counsel.
With the bench warrant still active, the EFCC insists that the accused must personally appear in court on March 6 to defend himself.
AfDB President Hints At Possible Run For Nigerian Presidency
The outgoing President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwumi Adesina, has hinted at the possibility of running for Nigeria’s presidency in 2027, stating he is “available to serve” once his tenure at the bank concludes.
In an interview with Arise Television’s news host, Rufai Oseni, Adesina, who also served as Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture under former President Goodluck Jonathan, affirmed his commitment to national service, saying he is open to serving “globally, in Africa, anywhere, including my own country, Nigeria.”
When asked directly about his political ambitions, Adesina reflected on his deep attachment to Nigeria, recalling a moment when he chose to retain his Nigerian citizenship despite the opportunity to obtain a U.S. passport.
“I remember telling a colleague that this passport is a Nigerian passport, a green passport. I cannot and will never trade it for anything,” he said. “God did not make a mistake in making me a Nigerian. He didn’t make a mistake in making me an African.”
Expressing his passion for public service, Adesina noted that his ultimate source of happiness is witnessing a transformative change in people’s lives.
Drawing a parallel with Nigerian pop artist Davido’s hit song, ‘Unavailable,’ Adesina playfully remarked, “I would ask Davido to change that song—‘I am available, they will see me.’”
Adesina was first elected as AfDB President in 2015 and secured re-election for a second term in 2020. His tenure at the continental financial institution has been marked by a focus on economic development, infrastructure financing, and poverty alleviation across Africa.
While he did not declare his candidacy for the 2027 presidential race, his remarks have fueled speculation about his political future.
His track record and reputation as an economic reformer have long positioned him as a potential contender for Nigeria’s highest office.
As Nigeria’s political landscape gradually shifts towards the next general elections, Adesina’s latest remarks may signal a move towards a more defined political role.
Whether he formally declares his ambition remains to be seen, but his message was clear: he is ready to serve in any capacity that aligns with his vision for change
Veteran Nollywood actor, Columbus Irosanga Passes On
Veteran Nollywood actor, Columbus Irosanga, popularly known for his role as a native doctor is dead.
His death was announced on Instagram on Thursday by fellow movie star, Hilda Dokubo.
Sharing the news, Dokubo wrote, “There can’t be a shortage of angels in heaven that the few here are called home like this na! This one is heavy on Uniport Rivers State Nollywood.”
Beyond acting, he was a senior lecturer at the Department of Theatre Arts, University of Port Harcourt.
His most notable film roles include Issakaba (2003) and 7 Kilometre (2015).
Throughout his career, he received numerous awards, including Best Actor in a Supporting Role (AMAA), Best Actor in a Drama (City People Entertainment Awards), Most Promising Actor in Nigeria (AMVCA), and Best Actor in a Leading Role (Best of Nollywood Awards).
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