By Danladi Ahmed
The Tinubu Media Volunteers have applauded the deepening of cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in the areas of security and counter-terrorism cooperation.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Chukwudi Enekwechi, and Secretary, Segun Ogedengbe, the group argued that it would go a long way toward addressing security challenges in Nigeria and the Sahel region.
“It is noted that the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu had embarked on a three-day visit to the United States of America to interface with high-ranking United States government officials including the Vice President, J.D Vance, Secretary of State Marc Rubio and others.
“We are gratified that with the serious security challenges afflicting the Sahel region, Lake Chad region and other parts of West Africa, the renewed cooperation between Nigeria and the United States will help eradicate the scourge of terrorism, banditry and other security challenges.
“We believe that this strategic partnership will go a long way to strengthen Nigeria’s defence capabilities in confronting the activities of ISWAP, Boko Haram and other bandits terrorising some parts of the North East, North Central and North West parts of the country.
“There is no doubt that Nigeria stands to benefit from the expertise and intelligence-gathering capacity of the United States.
We also commend the National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu for using the opportunity of the visit to pledge Nigeria’s commitment to working with international partners in promoting peace, stability, democratic governance and economic development across Africa.
“The meeting also re-emphasised the commitment of all partners to the agreed roadmap under the Nigeria- US Joint Working Group (JWG) which was established to advance structured bilateral cooperation on strategic and security- related matters.
“Both sides also agreed on practical measures for the realisation of their strategic plans including intelligence-sharing, military cooperation, border security, counter terrorism support, capacity development and strategic communications.
“We therefore applaud the concerted efforts of the President Tinubu administration to frontally confront Nigeria’s security challenges by engaging with the United States and other partners, it added.
The group is convinced that it will restore confidence in the populace and provide enduring peace and tranquillity in the areas most impacted by insecurity.
From second left, the Director, Seaport Operation, NDLEA, Ibinabo Archieabia, receiving the intercepted cannabis worth N16.6 billion from Customs Area Controller, Tin-Can Island Port Command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, at the port on Wednesday in Lagos
Customs, NDLEA frustrate attempt to smuggle N16.6bn worth of Cannabis into Nigeria
By Ejide Onibiyo
Lagos, May 13, 2026, A joint operation of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tin Can Island Port Command, and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted 8,347 packages of Cannabis Indica, weighing 4,173.5 kg, with an estimated street value of N16.6 billion.
The seizure is coming barely two weeks after operatives of both agencies intercepted another 9,450 packages of cannabis weighing 4,729kg valued at N18.96 billion on April 30.
The Customs Area Controller, Tin-Can Island Customs Command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka during handing over of intercepted cannabis worth N16.6 billion in Lagos on Wednesday
Speaking while handing over the seized cannabis to the NDLEA on Wednesday, the Customs Area Controller of the Tin Can Island Port Command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka said the successful interception followed credible intelligence.
He said that the seizure of the drugs was possible by the Customs and NDLEA through intelligence sharing.
According to him, officers of the command’s enforcement unit intercepted a 40-foot container marked HAMU 247034/8 and conducted thorough physical examination, which led to the discovery of the illicit drugs.
Onyeka said that the container, which originated from Canada like the previous seizure, had the packages of cannabis concealed inside a used Ford bus and a Mercedes Benz C300 vehicle stashed in it.
The customs comptroller, who handed over the seized drugs to NDLEA Director of Seaport Operation, ACG Ibinabo Archieabia, said that the latest seizure highlights the desperation of criminal networks seeking to use Nigerian ports as channels for trafficking dangerous substances.
“Exactly two weeks ago, on April 30, 2026, we gathered here to brief the public on a major interception made through intelligence and collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and the NDLEA.
“Today, we are back again for another significant seizure.
Picture of some of the intercepted cannabis indica weighing 4,173.5 kg at Tin-Can Island Customs Command
“This tells us two things. First, criminal networks are still desperate to use our ports to push dangerous substances into the country.
” Second, it shows that our officers and sister security agencies are alert, focused and fully committed to stopping them.” Onyeka said.
The Tin-can customs boss described the act as a deliberate attempt by criminal elements to undermine national security and endanger the lives of Nigerians, especially the youth.
“This is not just another seizure. This represents a deliberate attempt by criminal elements to jeopardise national security, endanger lives and profit from the destruction of our hardworking young men and women.
” Thankfully, due to the vigilance and professionalism of our officers and partner agencies, who ensured that the consignment did not get to the streets,” Onyeka said.
He assured Nigerians that the command would continue to intensify surveillance, strengthen intelligence gathering and sustain collaboration with NDLEA and other security agencies to ensure, not just seizures, but arrest and prosecution of those behind the shipments.
Onyeka warned Nigerians collaborating with foreign criminal syndicates that the command would not spare anyone found compromising national security for personal gain.
He commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi and the Chairman of NDLEA, General Buba Marwa, for fostering the partnership and intelligence-sharing framework between both agencies in the fight against illicit trade and drug trafficking.
In her response, Archieabia said that the handing over was an epoch-making event as she formally took possession of the prohibited weed from the Customs.
She said that the operation followed months of intelligence gathering, surveillance and tracking of the container shipment from Canada.
The NDLEA director said that the exhibits shall undergo the necessary legal processes for final forfeiture in accordance with the law, describing the seizure as humongous with over N10.4 billion in street value.
According to her, the interception of this large cache of illicit substances by the Nigerian security architecture at the seaports is highly commendable.
The director also said that the gallant officers had served as effective and patriotic gatekeepers in ensuring the safety and security of the country’s maritime corridors.
She said the seizure was not merely about yesterday’s examination and discovery rather, it was the positive outcome of painstaking intelligence, sustained surveillance, information gathering, and strategic trailing of the container from March up until yesterday.
Archieabia said that the criminals intended to distort and frustrate the law from monitoring their deadly container by having multiple layers of movement.
She said: “They did this by subjecting the container through several routes, the container originated from Toronto by truck on March 28, was further conveyed through the rails to Montreal.
” This is before it was loaded on board vessel Jakarta Express Voyage, from Montreal. It arrived Tanger Med Port on 15/4/2026, where it was discharged and reloaded on vessel Osaka Voyage and arrived Tincan seaports on the May 9.”
A group picture of customs senior management at Tin-Can Island Customs Command headed by Comptroller Frank Onyeka and the official of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) led by the Director, Seaport Operation, NDLEA, Ibinabo Archieabia
The director said the agency under the leadership of retired Brig.- Gen. Buba Marwa was uncompromising in its mandate to rid the society of narcotic substances and protect the future of our nation.
She further buttress the importance of the renewed MOU signed between the NCS and NDLEA recently, saying that the results were obvious.
WASHINGTON (AP)/FLOWERBUDNEWS— Vice President JD Vance on Wednesday announced new steps in the Trump administration’s initiative to root out fraud in federal health programs, including a $1.3 billion deferral in Medicaid funding to California.
“How long are people going to pay into programs if they know that that money doesn’t go to a low-income kid who needs healthcare, but that money goes into a fraudster getting rich?” Vance said during an event at the White House, adding that taxpayers and program beneficiaries are victimized by such fraud.
The Republican administration also is imposing a six-month freeze on some new Medicare enrollments and warning states to investigate Medicaid fraud or risk losing funding, officials said.
The moves are part of Vance’s anti-fraud task force, which has been taking more aggressive steps to investigate states before the November elections.
The panel set up by President Donald Trump seeks to crack down on potential misuse of public money.
Caption: Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba with outstanding performance officers for the month of April
Apapa Customs boss, charges officers on discipline, revenue, trade facilitation
Lagos, May 13, 2026, The Customs Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, has charged officers of the command to intensify revenue generation, strengthen anti-smuggling operations and uphold professionalism.
Oshoba gave the directive during the command’s monthly parade held on Tuesday at the Apapa Command headquarters in Lagos.
Customs Area Controller, Apapa Customs Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba address officers in the command
He stressed the need for improved operational efficiency across terminals to block revenue leakages while ensuring seamless trade facilitation and prompt cargo clearance.
“Officers must protect the reputation of the Service. Any delay by any officer concerning any consignment will not be tolerated.
“Even at the gates, if a consignment is duly exited, there should be no delay,” he said.
The area controller urged officers to remain accessible and professional in their dealings with stakeholders.
“We must avoid actions capable of tarnishing the good image of the Service and the good work being done by the Comptroller-General of Customs and his management team.
“We should not be seen as clogs in the wheels of progress,” he said.
Oshoba also called for heightened vigilance against smuggling, especially illicit drugs and prohibited items, while warning officers against misconduct and improper dressing.
The parade featured awards for outstanding officers and operational units for exemplary performance.
Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Ismail Mohammed, emerged as the Most Outstanding Officer for April.
Chief Superintendent of Customs, Augustine Ondoma, Assistant Superintendent of Customs I, Bukola Olaleye and Inspector of Customs, Olalekan Salawu, were also recognised for professionalism, innovation and punctuality respectively.
Assistant Superintendent of Customs I, Bukola Olaleye awarded for outstanding performance in the month of April
Similarly, officers of APM Terminal received the Excellence Award on Enforcement, while officers of ECO SUPPORT Terminal received the Excellence Award on Revenue Generation.
Oshoba said the initiative was introduced to encourage hard work, professionalism and healthy competition among officers and units of the command.
Enugu Govt, NNRA partner to ensure radiation safety in health facilities
The Enugu State Government and the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) have partnered to set a minimum benchmark on radiative equipments to ensure safety in health facilities within the state.
In an address on Wednesday in Enugu at the 2026 Stakeholders’ Meeting on Radiative Safety, the state Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, said that state government places “safety and protection first”.
Ugwu noted that the state needed to look inwards into radiative equipments in health facilities and ensure they comply with NNRA safety procedures, framework and periodic regulatory inspection.
“For Enugu State Government, we strive to get the best for our people and today’s stakeholders’ meeting is to support the huge investment in healthcare delivery of our health-loving Governor, His excellency, Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.
“We want all health facilities and radiographers operating within the state to abide with NNRA guidelines and standards of radiative safety.
“In Enugu State, protection and safety of lives in all its ramifications including radiative safety remains paramount,” he said.
The commissioner noted that the 300-bedded international hospital, which would start running soon, had received seven state-of-the-art medical equipment, and these equipment had undergone NNRA inspection and certification for use.
Earlier, the Director-General of NNRA, Dr Yau Idris, commended the state government for its robust intervention in healthcare and insisting that quality and safety is never compromised in order to serve the people better.
Represented by the acting Zonal Coordinator of NNRA in South-East, Rev. Sis. Chioma Nwankwo, the director-general said that the agency had continued to ensure that Nigerians are protected from ionizing radiation nationwide.
According to him, we live in an era where radiation technology is a cornerstone of modern medicine, such as cancer radiotherapy and others.
He called on strengthening regulatory compliance and partnership, cultivating a proactive safety culture, collaborative training and workforce empowerment as well as integrating radiation protection into quality healthcare.
The director-general noted that the goal of a safe, effective and justified use of radiative equipment is a shared responsibility by every one.
“Let us commit today to a culture of compliance – not because we fear the regulatory authority, but because we value the patients, workers, public, environment and our future,” he added.
The meeting featured presentation on “The NNRA – What it Represents: It Charters”, by a Chief Technical Officer of NNRA, Mr Simon Idakwoji.
Other presentations included: “Radiation Protection in Medicine” by Head, Technical Unit NNRA, Rev. Sis. Chioma Nwankwo; and “NNRA Authorization Procedure” by NNRA Technical Officer, Mr Kingsley Agomuo.
The stakeholders, who are radiographers, at the meeting from various private, mission and Federal and State government-owned health facilities pledged to uphold NNRA safety standards in their daily practices.
The stakeholders meeting was organised by Enugu State Ministry of Health in conjunction with NNRA.
Uyo (FLOWERBUDNEWS): All clinics at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) were shut on Wednesday morning as the Akwa Ibom branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) announced the withdrawal of services after staff face-off with armed personnel of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at the facility on Tuesday.
FLOWERBUDNEWS Correspondent, who visited the UUTH in the early hours of the day, reports that though the main gates of the facility were accessible to staff and visitors, all the clinics remained shut at about 10 a.m. on Wednesday.
Staff who came early for duties at the premises were seen discussing in groups outside their offices within the hospital while the clinics and the offices were locked.
A staff member, who asked our reporter whether he came for somebody or any patient, said, “Did you come for somebody? All the offices and all the clinics are not open today”.
The female staff member, who refused to disclose her name, added: “I am a staff member. Maybe you will meet the nurses here; the doctors have announced their withdrawal of services following what happened on Tuesday.
“I will leave now and come tomorrow to see whether the situation has improved.”
Some eyewitnesses had alleged that the EFCC personnel entered the hospital on Tuesday to arrest the Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), Prof. Effiong Ekpe, a cardiothoracic surgeon.
They also alleged that masked persons wearing EFCC jackets entered the hospital premises and attempted to forcefully arrest Ekpe.
They alleged that the incident attracted resistance from some UUTH staff and others leading to a situation where more security personnel arrived and allegedly fired shots and tear gas to disperse those at the scene.
The eyewitnesses also alleged that many people sustained various degrees of injuries while some cell phones were damaged during the crisis.
The UUTH is a Federal Government-owned tertiary healthcare facility located on Abak Road in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
A primary referral centre in Akwa Ibom, the UUTH also serves as a training facility for medical students affiliated with the University of Uyo.
Citing the incident, the NMA, a professional organisation for medical doctors in Nigeria, and the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), directed members in Akwa Ibom State to stop work indefinitely in protest.
The NMA’s Public Relations Officer in the state, Dr Gabriel Eyo, also alleged that the EFCC personnel had behaved in a manner he considered traumatic and inhumane during their operation.
He said that Prof. Ekpe, a professor of cardiothoracic surgery at UUTH, was allegedly assaulted and dragged out of the hospital while preparing for surgery.
“Whatever offence he may have committed, there is due process. He should have been invited officially and not treated like a criminal inside a hospital,” he said.
According to Eyo, the professor sustained head injuries during the incident.
However, the EFCC, in a statement on Wednesday denied Eyo’s allegations, adding that its personnel were on a lawful assignment following a court’s directive.
The Commission’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, also stated that the EFCC was directed by Justice M.A. Onyetunu of the Federal High Court, Uyo, to determine the truth about a medical report presented by a suspect charged with allegations of defrauding several microfinance banks, including the University of Uyo Microfinance Bank.
According to him, the commission has written to the hospital management on two occasions (on March 11 and April 20, 2026) without receiving any response.
Oyewale also alleged that when the EFCC personnel visited the hospital for further enquiries, they were attacked by workers who pelted them with stones and other objects after the hospital gates were shut on the directive of the institution’s management.
Similarly, the Commissioner of Police (CP), Akwa Ibom State, Baba Mohammed Azare, said police officers only accompanied the EFCC to verify the identity of the operatives and ensure the execution of a court order, adding that the operation was lawful.
The CP, who spoke through the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, restated his command’s resolve on professionalism, lawful policing, and protection of lives and property.
– FCT-IRS Management Expresses Disappointment over some staff protesting despite unprecedented welfare achievements of the service in the past two years
– Notably, the recognized Union in FCT-IRS has distanced itself from the ongoing protest and is actively engaging with Management on staff concerns.
By Biola Lawal
Abuja (FLOWERBUDNEWS):
The Management of the Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) has expressed disappointment over the actions of a group of individuals protesting on issues of promotion and staff welfare, despite the ongoing efforts and interventions by the current Management.
In a statement made available to FLOWERBUDNEWS on Wednesday, the Service reiterated that the welfare and professional development of its workforce remain a top priority under the leadership of the Acting Executive Chairman, Mr. Michael Ango.
FCT-IRS Management stated further:
Staff members are the backbone of the organisation, and their dedication and contributions to the Service’s achievements are duly recognised and appreciated.
On the issue of staff promotion, the current administration, upon assumption of
office, observed that a significant number of staff were due for promotion. Consequently, the Management initiated the necessary processes, including the conduct of promotion examinations in December, 2025.
The report of the exercise
has been submitted for approval, in line with statutory requirements, particularly in the absence of a governing Board.
Management remained committed to ensuring that all processes are concluded in a fair, transparent, and timely manner.
Once approval is obtained promotion letters and successful staff will
assume their new ranks with effect from the date of eligibility.
With respect to salary review and general staff welfare, the Management acknowledges
the importance of a supportive and motivating work environment.
The current administration has taken deliberate steps to cushion the impact of the fuel subsidy removal and prevailing economic challenges.
It should be recalled that
this administration paid the backlog of various allowances owed staff of the FCT-IRS dating back to 2021 and has also increased and introduced various allowances which paid to staff.
It is important to note that salary adjustments
require approvals beyond the Service, including those of the Honourable Minister and the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission.
The process toward this has already been initiated and once concluded, the increase will be reflected in staff emoluments.
On Secondment Staff, the engagement of the 12 staff from the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) was done to provide inter-agency support and enable FCT-IRS leverage the experience and expertise of the staff in revenue administration
especially at sub-national level.
This is a practice that is prevalent in all agencies of Government and was done in good faith to support existing staff with a view to shore up our revenue collection and it has indeed added value to
our operations.
The staff will return to their parent agency once the FCT-IRS has sufficient staff to fill in positions in the expanded organizational structure introduced by this administration.
In the area of work tools and environment, the Management has demonstrated its commitment by renting new offices, procuring and distributing 240 high-quality laptops to staff in the last two years as against less than 100 functional computers that previously existed in the service since 2021.
Management has also recently purchased two 30-seater staff buses which will be deployed shortly to ease transportation challenges arising from increased fuel costs, while efforts will continue to ensure the provision of modern tools and resources necessary for optimal performance.
On staff development, training and capacity building have been prioritised more than
ever. Since August 2024, staff have cumulatively attended 105 training events, internal and external including foreign training.
Within the current year alone, every member of staff has benefited from at least one form of training, including participation in professional conferences and development programmes.
Management is also paying subscriptions for professional bodies for all staff members.
It is also on record that the present Management facilitated and encouraged the establishment of a Staff Union to promote structured and constructive engagement.
Notably, the recognized Union has distanced itself from the ongoing protest and is actively engaging with Management on staff concerns.
The current action by a group of individuals is therefore, considered unnecessary and unproductive.
Management remains open to constructive dialogue and continuous engagement with staff through appropriate and recognized channels to ensure that all concerns are addressed in a collaborative and sustainable manner.
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has charged newly sworn-in Permanent Secretaries in the state civil service to uphold professionalism, integrity, and accountability in the discharge of their duties.
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony held at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, on Wednesday, the governor said the appointments were made to fill existing vacancies in the service and were based strictly on merit, seniority, professionalism, and records of service in their respective ministries.
Oborevwori stated that the newly appointed Permanent Secretaries were selected from a pool of competent candidates and noted that every local government area in Delta State now has a Permanent Secretary in the state civil service.
According to him, the development reflects his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and fairness in public service appointments.
He explained that the appointments were also in line with Section 208(4) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which provides that such appointments should reflect the diversity of the people within the state and promote a sense of belonging.
The governor assured that as more vacancies emerge, qualified officers would continue to be appointed based on competence, ethical conduct, integrity, and professionalism.
Oborevwori also disclosed that his administration recently approved the promotion of several deserving officers, describing the move as part of efforts to strengthen the welfare and career progression of civil servants across the state.
Addressing the newly sworn-in officials, the governor described their elevation as a reward for years of hard work, perseverance, sacrifice, and dedication to duty.
He, however, cautioned them against seeing the appointments as a point of arrival, stressing that the new responsibilities demand greater accountability, leadership, and commitment to service delivery.
“The reward for hard work is more work,” he said, urging them to continue to exhibit discipline, integrity, dynamism, and dedication in the discharge of their duties.
He warned that Permanent Secretaries, as accounting officers of their ministries, would be held responsible for lapses in service delivery.
Oborevwori urged them to work closely with commissioners by providing sound advice, institutional support, and guidance to ensure smooth administration and effective implementation of government programmes.
The governor reaffirmed the importance of the civil service, describing it as the engine room of government and public administration.
He announced a new policy direction stipulating that any officer to be appointed as Head of Service must have spent a minimum of six months in the Office of the Head of Service as a Permanent Secretary.
According to him, the policy is aimed at ensuring proper understanding of administrative procedures, processes, and human resource management within the state civil service.
The newly sworn-in Permanent Secretaries are; Dr. Yinkore Paul, Dr. Okwunze Chukwuemeka, Amadubogha Peters, Nkenchor Onyeisi, Akambe Henry, Engr. Aghagba Solomon, Ogbugo Victor Chike, Ighoyota Rocky, Itawansa Augustine, Onobraekpeyan Edwin, and Nkemachor Lucky.
Responding on behalf of the appointees, Dr. Paul Yinkore thanked the governor for finding them worthy of the appointments and pledged their commitment to supporting the administration’s Renewed Hope for More Agenda.
