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Nuhu Ribadu Urges Immediate Action to Combat Petroleum Smuggling in Nigeria

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Nuhu Ribadu Urges Immediate Action to Combat Petroleum Smuggling in Nigeria....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has expressed grave concerns over the escalating smuggling of petroleum products out of Nigeria. He warned that without addressing this critical issue, instability in the foreign exchange market will continue to hinder economic progress.

During a stakeholder engagement for Operation Whirlwind organized by the Nigeria Customs Service in Abuja, Ribadu highlighted the severity of the smuggling problem. He stated, “We have been suffering due to smuggling, and if we want to address our economic problems, smuggling has to stop. It is difficult because it is like cancer and eats up everything.”

Ribadu emphasized the damaging effects of smuggling, saying, “It destroys us and even our security forces because of the very few individuals making profit from it, and half of them are not even Nigerians.” He called for urgent action, noting that Nigeria suffers from smuggling more than any other country, which directly affects the stability of the Naira. “If we can’t stabilize the Naira, then we are in trouble,” he added.

To combat this growing crisis, Ribadu assured attendees that his office would fully support the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies in their efforts to tackle smuggling. His comments come amid ongoing initiatives to address the issue, including Operation Whirlwind.

Operation Whirlwind’s Progress

Comptroller Hussein Ejibunu, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, reported significant actions taken since the program’s launch on May 28, 2024. “From May till date, the Customs has made about 27 seizures and detected smuggling networks in Badagry and Adamawa. Other activities have also improved border security, and we have succeeded in ensuring fuel smuggling is reduced,” he noted.

Ejibunu highlighted the achievements of the operation, stating, “So far, we have seized 500,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) with seven trucks, amounting to N475 million. The seizures were made in Kebbi, Sokoto, Lagos, and Adamawa. We have opened other axes in Kwara, Niger, Katsina, and Kano.”

He also mentioned the dangers faced by Customs officers, saying, “Most of our officers are on death threats, including myself, and we receive messages to desist from fighting. However, we won’t relent because we must ensure the survival of Nigeria.”

Continued Efforts Needed

Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, reinforced the need for ongoing efforts to combat smuggling. He explained, “We won’t spare any effort in combating the menace, which is why we launched Operations Whirlwind. We have made some progress, but we need funding because we spend about N230 million monthly to sustain the operation. Since it is not in our budget, it is not sustainable, and Customs may not be able to drive it alone.”

Adeniyi called for funding collaboration to maintain the operation through the end of the year, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the smuggling crisis for Nigeria’s economic stability.

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Economic Rollercoaster: Dollar Strengthens Slightly Against Naira In Early June Trading.

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As of Monday, June 1, 2026, the exchange rates for the US Dollar against the Nigerian Naira are as follows:....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

    • Parallel Market (Black Market/Aboki FX): According to Bureau De Change (BDC) sources, the parallel market is trading the dollar at a buying rate of ₦1,375 and a selling rate of ₦1,385.

    • Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Official Rates: The official CBN data shows rates ranging from a low of ₦1,360 to a high of ₦1,373.

    Market Type Buying Rate Selling Rate
    Parallel (Black) Market ₦1,375 ₦1,385
    CBN Official Rate ₦1,360 (Low) ₦1,373 (High)

    Important Disclaimer:

    Please be aware that the Central Bank of Nigeria does not officially recognize the parallel market and advises all individuals seeking foreign exchange to conduct transactions through authorized commercial banks. Additionally, be advised that actual market rates can fluctuate and may differ from these reported figures depending on your specific location and the individual service provider.

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Mamu In The Hot Seat Again! FG Storms Court With Fresh Terrorism Charges!.

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On Monday, the Federal Government re-arraigned Tukur Mamu, a self-styled negotiator for terrorists, before Justice Mohammed Umar at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Mamu pleaded not guilty to an amended 17-count charge, which now includes allegations of terrorism, financing terrorism, money laundering, and illegal possession of firearms.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The prosecution, represented by David Kaswe of the Federal Ministry of Justice, stated that the new charges were based on evidence already presented during the trial. Mamu, who was initially arrested in Egypt in September 2022, faced a previous 10-count charge before the scope was expanded. The specific allegations involve his purported role in the Abuja-Kaduna train attack negotiations, where he is accused of obstructing government efforts to extort ransom payments, laundering significant sums of local and foreign currency, and possessing an unlicensed pump-action firearm. The court has adjourned the trial to June 8 for the continuation of cross-examination.

Option 2: Bulleted Summary (Best for quick reading)

Case Update: Tukur Mamu Re-arraigned on Amended Charges

  • The Proceedings: Tukur Mamu, previously charged with 10 counts, was re-arraigned on Monday on an expanded 17-count charge at the Federal High Court in Abuja. He pleaded not guilty to all counts.

  • Key Charges:

    • Terrorism & Obstruction: Accused of inciting a boycott against government-led negotiation committees for the Abuja-Kaduna train attack victims to favor his own position as a negotiator.

    • Financing: Alleged to have received $120,000 in ransom payments and exchanged terrorism-related communications with a Boko Haram spokesperson.

    • Financial Crimes: Charged with money laundering involving ₦25.6 million and $269,200, alongside various foreign currencies.

    • Firearms: Accused of unlawful possession of a pump-action shotgun and 47 cartridges.

  • Trial Status: Having completed the prosecution’s case with seven witnesses, the defense began its testimony on April 23. The trial is scheduled to continue on June 8 for further cross-examination.

Option 3: Narrative Summary (For a briefing or report)

Tukur Mamu’s trial took a significant turn on Monday when the Federal Government introduced an amended 17-count charge against him. The charges, which focus on terrorism, money laundering, and illegal arms possession, solidify the government’s case against him regarding his controversial role in the aftermath of the Abuja-Kaduna train attack.

According to the prosecution, Mamu not only allegedly obstructed the government’s official negotiation team for his own financial gain but also processed vast amounts of illicit funds—ranging from millions in Naira to various foreign currencies—linked to terrorist activities. Mamu maintained his innocence during the session. With the prosecution’s case-in-chief concluded, the trial is now focused on the defense’s testimony, with Justice Mohammed Umar adjourning the matter until June 8 for ongoing cross-examination.

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The Game Changer: Ada Fredrick Secures NDP Presidential Ticket, Stuns Political Giants!.

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The National Democratic Party (NDP) has officially named Ada Fredrick as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections. The announcement was made during a press conference in Abuja on Monday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Emeka Wachuku, Fredrick emerged as the standard-bearer through a process of consensus affirmation following primaries conducted across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Wachuku described Fredrick as a young, tenacious grassroots politician possessing strong leadership capacity and a commitment to “national renewal.

Tracing her political trajectory, Wachuku noted that Fredrick initially founded the grassroots support group, Ward2Ward. She subsequently established the NDP in 2026, serving as its first national chairman alongside members of the National Working Committee during the party’s first National Executive Council congress.

The party spokesman stated that the selection exercise was observed by officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Elaborating on the party’s ideology, Wachuku emphasized that the NDP is built on inclusion, actively promoting youth participation and women’s involvement in leadership.

“NDP is a progressive political family that recognizes the inherent value of the female gender and the energy of the youth,” Wachuku stated.

He further explained that Fredrick’s candidacy embodies the party’s mission to offer Nigerians hope, promote a brighter future, and place the national interest above all other considerations.

Wachuku outlined the party’s key policy focus areas, which include:

  • Development of basic infrastructure to support economic growth.

  • Job creation.

  • Accessible and affordable healthcare.

  • Quality education and human capital investment.

  • Welfare and social support for the elderly and retirees.

He also highlighted a deliberate economic plan to shift Nigeria from an exporter of raw materials to a producer and exporter of finished goods by processing natural resources locally.

On the administrative front, Wachuku pledged that the NDP would run an inclusive government giving women and youth a strong voice in decision-making. He expressed confidence that the party would secure at least 25% of the votes in two-thirds of the states, driven by credibility, discipline, and grassroots mobilization.

In her acceptance speech, titled “Nigeria Needs Women,” Fredrick characterized her emergence as a significant responsibility. She emphasized Nigeria’s urgent need for compassionate and empathetic leadership, noting the crucial role women must play in the nation’s search for better governance.

“This responsibility is huge, but with God on our side, we will do our best,” Fredrick said. “Nigeria has come a long way; a lot is happening, and we need women. At this point in our lives, we need great women who can speak out passionately and be heard. We will do our best to make sure we give Nigerians the light of hope and fulfill all the promises in our manifesto.

Fredrick announced that the party’s full manifesto, demonstrating why the NDP is a strong political option, will be unveiled shortly.

“I will not fail you; I will not fail my country,” she promised. “I will do my best as a woman, a mother, and a sister. We are calling on Nigerian women and the youth to join hands with us to make Nigeria a better place for all of us.

Also speaking at the event, David Oroge, the NDP candidate for the House of Representatives (Abuja South), attested to Fredrick’s mobilization skills. Having worked closely with her, Oroge expressed strong belief in her leadership capacity, urging Nigerian youths to support her.

He described Fredrick as “a woman with pure hands and a pure heart, not to rule, but to lead.

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