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Edo State Launches Comprehensive Festive Security Framework

Phinadon Mag

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Quick Summary:
The Edo State Government deploys a multi-agency security strategy involving the Police, NSCDC, Army, DSS, and vigilante groups to safeguard residents, travelers, and tourists during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

As the 2025 festive season reaches its peak, the Edo State Government, in collaboration with multiple security agencies, has rolled out a comprehensive security framework to protect residents, visitors, and travelers across the state.

The proactive initiative, led by Governor Monday Okpebholo, integrates high-visibility policing, intelligence coordination, and community-based vigilance to ensure a peaceful and secure Yuletide period.

Enhanced Security & Personnel Deployment

NSCDC Deployment

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 1,200 personnel across Edo’s three senatorial districts to safeguard critical national assets, public spaces, and transport corridors before, during, and after the festive period.

Police Operations

The Edo State Police Command has intensified operations through intelligence-led raids on known criminal hideouts and increased patrols along highways and urban centers to deter kidnapping, robbery, and other crimes common during the holidays.

Joint Show of Force

On December 19, 2025, the Nigerian Army led a 10km joint security road march across Benin City, featuring personnel from the Police, Air Force, Department of State Services (DSS), and Civil Defence. The exercise demonstrated inter-agency unity and tactical readiness to respond to any security threat.

Logistics and Infrastructure Support

Operational Mobility

To enhance rapid response capabilities, the state government recently procured and distributed 20 new patrol vehicles to various security agencies operating within Edo State.

Forest and Boundary Security

Over 300 motorbikes have been distributed to security operatives to improve mobility in forest terrains and border communities, particularly in areas vulnerable to banditry and illegal migration.

Vigilante Groups

The government has lifted the previous ban on the Edo State Vigilante, allowing them to resume community-based operations in close collaboration with federal security forces. This move aims to strengthen grassroots intelligence and local response capacity.

Public Safety and Traffic Measures

Traffic Control

An inter-ministerial task force began full enforcement on December 18, 2025, to clear road obstructions, remove illegal parking, and ensure smooth traffic flow for the high volume of holiday travelers.

Fireworks Ban

The use of pyrotechnics, including “bangers” and “knockouts,” has been strictly prohibited to prevent public panic and false security alerts during the festive period.

High-Profile Clearances

The government has advised high-profile visitors and politically exposed persons to seek security clearance from the Governor’s Office before hosting public events, ensuring that large gatherings do not create security vulnerabilities.

Tourism and Diaspora Assurance

The Edo State Diaspora Agency (EDSDA) and the Edo State Tourism Agency (EDTA) have issued a joint statement assuring that the state remains “safe, vibrant, and fully prepared” to host returnees and tourists throughout the Yuletide.

They emphasized that the enhanced security measures are designed not only to protect lives and property but also to promote confidence among visitors and investors during the festive season.

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Wike says the labour union’s strike in Abuja is politically motivated.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has described the indefinite strike declared by the FCT chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress as politically motivated.

The strike followed the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to the FCT Administration over unresolved concerns about teachers’ promotions, including the requirement for vacant positions before promotions can be granted. The labour council directed workers in schools, hospitals, government offices and other establishments to withdraw their services.

Wike, however, maintained that the issues raised by labour had already been addressed and were being implemented. He also claimed that the Trade Union Congress and the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools had distanced themselves from the action.

The minister warned that the government would enforce its “no work, no pay” policy against participating workers. He further alleged that the FCT NLC chairman was pursuing a political agenda linked to the African Democratic Congress.

The dispute has therefore extended beyond the immediate questions surrounding teachers’ promotions, with both sides maintaining sharply different positions on the status of the negotiations.

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Court Issues Arrest Warrant for Former Imo Governor Okorocha and Araraume Over Alleged Forgery.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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A Senior Magistrate Court sitting in Jiwa, Abuja, has issued bench warrants for the arrest of former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha, Senator Ifeanyi Araraume and two others over allegations of criminal conspiracy, forgery and the presentation of false documents.

The court also ordered the arrest of Timothy Ama Chuks and Amen Okorocha, who are accused of conspiring with Okorocha to produce and submit allegedly fabricated All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary results.

The warrants, issued on September 9, 2026, authorise police officers nationwide to arrest the four suspects and produce them before Senior Magistrate Court 3 in Jiwa, Abuja. The case was brought by the Inspector-General of Police.

The development follows a complaint by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which asked the police and the Department of State Services to investigate Okorocha over his alleged circulation of fake primary election results.

INEC said the authentic results submitted by the APC showed that Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma won the Imo West Senatorial District primary. The commission added that the party subsequently submitted Uzodimma’s name as its candidate.

In a letter dated October 8, 2026, INEC described the document allegedly presented by Okorocha as “fraudulent and fictitious.” It urged security agencies to investigate the matter, warning that the alleged conduct could threaten law and order in Imo State.

The accused persons have yet to appear before the court to respond to the allegations.

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Alleged Sexual Offense: Poco Lee Returns to Social Media Following Arrest in the UK.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Nigerian dancer and influencer Poco Lee has returned to social media following his arrest in the United Kingdom over alleged sexual offenses.

According to reports, Poco Lee was arrested and remanded in August 2026 after reportedly facing five charges, including two counts of assault by penetration, one count of attempted rape, and two counts of rape. He was released on bail in September 2026.

Since his release, the dancer had largely stayed out of the public eye. However, he recently shared new photographs on Instagram with the caption, “ODINAKA,” while asking fans to forgive his absence from social media.

In the background music, he reportedly said in Yoruba, “E ma binu pe mi si ni online oo,” meaning, “Please forgive me for not being online.”

Several celebrities, including Zlatan, Israel DMW, Phyno, Yhemo Lee, Cubana Chief Priest, Cute Abiola, Destiny Etiko, Kiekie, and others, welcomed his return in the comment section.

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