Beyond the Headlines: A Deep Dive into Nigeria's Battle Against Political Chaos, NDDC Scandal, and Widespread Crime
Government's Response: The Zamfara State Government, through the Special Adviser to Gov. Dauda Lawal on Political Matters, Iliyasu Maijega, swiftly condemned the activities of the parallel assembly as illegal and unconstitutional. Maijega reiterated that there is only one legitimate Zamfara State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Bilyaminu Moriki (PDP-Zurmi South). He dismissed the faction's claims as baseless and their resolutions as null and void, stressing that the matter of the suspended lawmakers is currently before the court. Maijega urged the public to disregard any statements or decisions emanating from the parallel group.
This situation stems from an earlier suspension of some lawmakers by the main assembly. The suspended members, however, claim their suspension was illegal and that Speaker Moriki himself was impeached earlier. This internal political squabble highlights deep-seated tensions within the state's political structure, potentially undermining governance and distracting from crucial issues like security.
Allegations of Fraud Against NDDC
The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has publicly called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to release the forensic audit report of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). Wike made explosive allegations, claiming that a company linked to the wife of former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi allegedly received ₦4 billion monthly from the NDDC for "training Niger Delta women," totaling ₦48 billion annually. Wike asserted that these details are contained within the suppressed forensic audit report. He challenged that if his claims are not substantiated by the report, he would resign as FCT Minister.
The forensic audit was initiated by the Federal Government in 2021 to investigate financial transactions and project implementations within the NDDC from its inception in 2001 to August 2019. The aim was to uncover mismanagement, misappropriation of funds, and other irregularities. Wike specifically accused former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) Abubakar Malami of suppressing the audit report to protect those involved.
Implications: These allegations reignite long-standing concerns about corruption within the NDDC, an interventionist agency designed to develop the Niger Delta region. The call for the release of the forensic audit report suggests a deep desire for transparency and accountability in the management of public funds meant for regional development.
Suspected Herdsmen Attack in Benue
Recent Incidents: Benue State continues to grapple with severe insecurity, primarily from attacks attributed to suspected herdsmen.
Yelewata Massacres (June 2025): One of the most horrific recent incidents occurred in Yelewata town, Guma Local Council, where reports indicated that between 100 and 200 defenseless citizens were killed. The attackers reportedly targeted an IDP camp and the main market, setting buildings ablaze and mutilating bodies. Witnesses described the attacks as bearing the hallmarks of ethnic cleansing. Governor Hyacinth Alia confirmed 59 deaths from this specific attack, with military and civil defense personnel among the casualties.
Ongoing Violence: Prior to the Yelewata incident, there were other attacks in Benue, including the killing of farmers in Udei and machete attacks in Tse Ivokor. Women in Benue recently blocked a federal highway in protest, demanding action on indiscriminate arrests and an end to herdsmen killings.
The conflict between farmers and herders in Benue State has been a long-standing issue, often escalating into deadly clashes. Factors contributing to this include competition over land and resources, climate change impacts, weak law enforcement, and a proliferation of arms. These attacks lead to massive displacement and a severe humanitarian crisis, with thousands forced into internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.
Various Arrests Related to Kidnapping and Armed Robbery Across Nigeria
Nigerian police forces are actively combating rampant kidnapping and armed robbery across the country, with recent arrests highlighting their efforts:
Abuja: The FCT Police Command announced the arrest of 82 criminal suspects between May 1 and June 30, 2025. This includes 17 suspected kidnappers (with three neutralized in separate operations) and 17 armed robbery suspects. They also foiled five attempted kidnappings in areas like Apo Waru, Karshi, and Abaji, recovering vehicles, weapons, and other items.
Delta State: Police in Delta State have made significant breakthroughs against kidnapping and armed robbery syndicates terrorizing areas like Ughelli, Warri, Agbarho, and Sapele.
One suspected kidnapper, Olufemi Abaniwonda, was arrested, who confessed to being part of a larger syndicate. His arrest led to the apprehension of two more suspects, Precious Urhobowin and Julius Okpako. Okpako is notably the owner of a POS machine used for ransom collection, indicating the modern methods employed by these gangs.
In a separate operation, Delta Police also busted a "one-chance" robbery gang, arresting three suspects including the alleged leader, Lucky Oghenerobor. They recovered 16 high-end mobile phones from victims.
Imo State: The Imo State Police Command recently arrested 147 suspects for various crimes, including armed robbery, kidnapping, murder, and child trafficking. They recovered AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns, and rescued several kidnapped victims. A significant arrest was that of Ozioma Ihedoro, a 37-year-old native doctor, who had been on the wanted list of the Anti-Kidnapping operatives.
General Trends: These arrests reflect the pervasive nature of kidnapping for ransom and armed robbery across Nigeria. Criminals often operate in well-organized syndicates, using various tactics from physical ambushes to "one-chance" operations and leveraging technology like POS machines for ransom. The police are increasingly relying on intelligence-led operations and community collaboration to combat these threats. The recovery of sophisticated weapons further highlights the challenge faced by law enforcement.
