Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has ordered a “massive deployment” of security personnel to Plateau State following a deadly attack in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area.

The attack, which claimed the lives of several residents, has heightened concerns over security in the region.

In a statement issued on 1 April by Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, the police chief condemned the killings and pledged swift action to restore order.

What happened

The violence occurred in Angwan Rukuba, a community in Jos North, where unidentified attackers reportedly targeted residents, leading to multiple deaths.

Authorities have not yet confirmed the number of casualties, but the incident has sparked fear and tension among residents.

Police response

According to the statement, Mr Disu has deployed additional tactical teams, including Police Mobile Force units and intelligence operatives, to the state.

These teams will work alongside other security agencies to stabilise the situation and track down those responsible.

 “The Inspector-General of Police has… ordered massive deployment of security assets to restore calm and ensure the arrest of those responsible.”

Earlier, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, Umar Shehu Nadada, was sent to Plateau State to assess the situation and coordinate ongoing security efforts.

The police say operations will continue until “normal conditions return”.

Why it matters

Plateau State has experienced recurring communal and sectarian violence over the years, often linked to land disputes, ethnic tensions, and religious differences.

Security analysts warn that renewed violence could disrupt economic activities, displace communities, and deepen humanitarian concerns in the region.

For residents, the immediate concern remains safety, as many fear further attacks.

Calls for calm

The police chief has urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies.

“Members of the public should remain calm and vigilant… and refrain from taking the law into their own hands.”

He also called on citizens to report suspicious activities to authorities to support ongoing operations.

Industry & public perspective

Security experts say visible policing and community engagement will be critical in preventing further escalation.

Local leaders in Plateau have previously called for sustained federal intervention, warning that short-term deployments often fail to address underlying causes of violence.

What’s next

Authorities say intensified operations will continue across Plateau State, with a focus on:

Arresting perpetrators

Preventing retaliatory attacks

Strengthening intelligence gathering

Residents are expected to see increased patrols and security checkpoints in the coming days.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched a three-day training programme aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The capacity-building workshop, which began on 31 March 2026 and runs until 2 April, focuses on Rules of Origin — a key requirement for determining which goods qualify for tariff-free trade across Africa.

Officials say the initiative is designed to improve Nigeria’s participation in intra-African trade and ensure businesses can fully benefit from the agreement.

Why it matters

AfCFTA is one of the world’s largest free trade areas, connecting 54 African countries and creating a market of over 1.3 billion people.

However, experts say many businesses struggle to benefit due to limited awareness and technical knowledge, especially around Rules of Origin.

Without proper understanding, exporters risk missing out on trade preferences or facing delays at borders.

Customs: ‘Critical to trade and competitiveness’

Declaring the programme open, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, said the training addresses a crucial gap in trade implementation.

Represented by Assistant Comptroller General in charge of Strategic Research and Policy, Nafiu Isiaku, he stressed the importance of the initiative.

“The Rules of Origin constitute a very critical pillar of economic integration. Their correct interpretation and implementation are fundamental to trade preference, transparency, and competitiveness,” he said.

He added that the workshop is designed to combine theory with practical application, covering planning, execution and evaluation of trade processes.

AfCFTA coordinator: ‘From policy to real impact’

Nigeria’s National Coordinator for AfCFTA, Olusegun Olutayo, described the training as a shift from policy discussions to real economic outcomes.

“This agreement must not remain at the level of policy; it must translate into jobs, income, and real opportunities for Nigerians,” he said.

He urged stakeholders to increase awareness and equip businesses with practical knowledge to compete effectively in African markets.

Olutayo also acknowledged the role of the Presidency and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting economic reforms linked to trade.

Industry and development partners

The programme has drawn support from international partners, including the World Customs Organisation and the European Union, who are providing technical expertise.

Trade analysts say such partnerships are vital in aligning Nigeria’s systems with global standards.

They also note that improved customs processes could reduce trade bottlenecks and boost investor confidence.

What’s next

Participants have been urged to apply the knowledge gained to ensure Nigerian businesses are not excluded from AfCFTA opportunities due to lack of awareness.

If successfully implemented, the training could strengthen Nigeria’s trade competitiveness and increase exports within Africa.

Impact on businesses and economy

For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), understanding Rules of Origin could mean easier access to new markets and reduced costs.

Economists say increased intra-African trade could help diversify Nigeria’s economy away from oil and create jobs across manufacturing, agriculture and services.

The Delta State Police Command says it has intensified operations against drug cartels following the death of a 15-year-old boy who allegedly overdosed on a controlled medication.

Police said the teenager, identified as Gift Oberhirhi, died after reportedly consuming multiple tablets of Dexamethasone without a doctor’s prescription.

The incident, which occurred in Orogun, has renewed concerns about the growing misuse of drugs among young people in Nigeria.

What happened

According to police, the boy allegedly obtained the tablets from a friend, also aged 15, identified as Destiny Akpofure.

Authorities said the deceased swallowed about 15 tablets before falling ill.

He later died while being rushed for medical treatment.

Police operatives said they responded quickly, evacuated the body to the General Hospital mortuary in Orogun for an autopsy, and arrested the suspect.

“The deceased without a doctor’s prescription, took the drug from the suspect and swallowed fifteen tablets. He subsequently fell ill and died while being taken for medical attention,” the statement said.

The police added that investigations are ongoing.

Why it matters

Health experts warn that Dexamethasone, a corticosteroid, should only be taken under medical supervision, as misuse can lead to severe complications or death.

The incident highlights a broader issue of access to prescription and controlled drugs among teenagers.

Police say such misuse is increasingly linked to other crimes, including cult-related violence and substance abuse disorders.

Police response

The Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi John Oyeniyi, said the command is stepping up intelligence-led operations targeting drug dens and criminal hideouts.

“The Command is committed to the protection of lives and property and will take all necessary measures to address drug-related crimes across the State,” he said.

Authorities also warned young people against drug misuse and urged parents and guardians to monitor their children closely.

Wider concerns

Drug abuse among Nigerian youths has become a growing public health concern, with authorities linking it to rising insecurity and social problems.

The police say the latest incident underscores “the serious public safety risks posed by the illegal distribution and misuse of drugs.”

They are urging members of the public to report suspicious drug-related activities.

What’s next

Police say investigations into the case will continue, while broader enforcement efforts targeting illegal drug distribution networks are being expanded.

Community awareness campaigns are also expected to be intensified.