Security
Nigeria Police Open New Taraba Headquarters, Deny Viral Katsina Banditry Claims
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has commissioned a new state command headquarters in Taraba State and a modern divisional police headquarters in Yorro Local Government Area, describing the projects as part of efforts to improve policing infrastructure and officer welfare.
The development comes as the Force also moved to counter what it described as misinformation surrounding a viral video from Katsina State that allegedly showed a police officer interacting with armed bandits.
Police authorities said the two developments highlight both the ongoing investment in security infrastructure and the challenges posed by false information circulating online.
New Police Facilities Opened in Taraba
The commissioning ceremony brought together representatives of the Federal Government, the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF), the Taraba State Government and senior police officials.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, was represented by Taraba State Commissioner of Police Morkwap Sebastine Dongshal.
Speaking on behalf of the police chief, Mr Dongshal praised the Federal Government and the Nigeria Police Trust Fund for supporting efforts to strengthen the operational capacity of the Force.
“The projects are in line with the IGP’s people-centred policing vision, particularly the emphasis on improved welfare, modern infrastructure, and a conducive working environment for officers and men of the Force.”
The newly commissioned facilities are expected to provide improved office space, operational coordination centres and working conditions for officers serving in Taraba State.
Why It Matters
Security experts have long argued that inadequate infrastructure remains one of the major challenges affecting effective policing in Nigeria.
Modern command and divisional headquarters can improve response times, intelligence gathering, coordination among security agencies and overall service delivery.
The investment also comes amid continued efforts by the Federal Government to address insecurity across several parts of the country through improved funding, equipment and training for security agencies.
Nigeria Police Trust Fund Pledges More Support
The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, Mohammed Sheidu, said the projects reflect the government’s commitment to strengthening internal security.
“The newly commissioned facilities underscore the Federal Government’s dedication to strengthening internal security and enhancing the capacity of the Police to effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities.”
He added that the Trust Fund would continue supporting initiatives aimed at improving police welfare, operational efficiency and service delivery nationwide.
Taraba Government Welcomes Investment
Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas, represented at the event by retired Commissioner of Police Cyril Agbe, described the projects as important investments in the state’s security architecture.
“The projects are critical investments in the security and development of the State.”

The governor’s representative said improved security infrastructure would contribute to economic growth, public safety and investor confidence in the state.
Police Reject Viral Katsina Banditry Narrative
In a separate statement, the Nigeria Police Force denied social media claims that a police officer was filmed interacting with armed bandits in Katsina State.
The Force said the individuals shown in the viral video were members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria and registered hunters assisting security agencies in Musawa and Matazu local government areas.
According to police authorities, the footage captured a routine interaction between an officer and community security volunteers travelling to an operational area.
“The individuals featured in the video are not bandits. They are duly recognized members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) and registered hunters who are actively supporting ongoing security operations.”
Police described allegations linking the individuals to banditry as “false, malicious, and intended to mislead the public.”
Growing Concern Over Security Misinformation
The Force warned that misinformation relating to security operations could undermine public confidence and complicate efforts to combat crime.
Police urged citizens to verify information through official channels before sharing content online.
“Members of the public are urged to disregard the misleading claims attached to the video and rely only on information disseminated through official channels.”
The statement also warned that legal action could be taken against individuals found deliberately spreading false information capable of threatening public peace and security.
What Happens Next?
The Nigeria Police Force says it will continue expanding infrastructure projects across the country through partnerships with the Nigeria Police Trust Fund and other stakeholders.
At the same time, the Force says it will intensify efforts to combat misinformation while strengthening cooperation with legitimate community security groups in the fight against crime.
Security
Gateway Polytechnic Students Set to Tackle Campus Safety, Leadership at SWAT 1.0 Conference
Students at Gateway (ICT) Polytechnic, Saapade, Ogun State, are set to discuss campus security, welfare, academic development and leadership at a student-led conference aimed at preparing young people for life beyond the classroom.
The SWAT 1.0 Students’ Conference, organised by the institution’s Students’ Union Government (SUG), is scheduled for Friday, 9 October 2026, at the Leadership Auditorium.
The conference is themed “Preparing Students for a Purposeful Future While Navigating Campus with Excellence.”
The Ogun State Police Command has endorsed the initiative, particularly its focus on security awareness and constructive engagement between students and law enforcement.
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Why the conference matters
Unlike programmes focused solely on academic performance, the SWAT conference brings together five areas of student development — Security, Welfare, Academics, Training and Seminar.
Organisers say the objective is to give students practical guidance, leadership skills and positive values that can help them navigate campus life while preparing for their future careers and responsibilities.
For tertiary institutions, the relationship between students and security agencies can be an important part of maintaining a peaceful learning environment.
The conference therefore provides an opportunity for students to engage with security authorities beyond enforcement, including discussions around responsible conduct, peaceful coexistence and security consciousness.
Police back student-led security dialogue
The Ogun State Police Command said it supports programmes that promote constructive Police-Student relations and safer academic environments.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, 7 October, the Command commended the SUG President and host/convener, Comr. Akinpelu B. Timothy, and his executive team for organising the conference.
The Command said its participation reflects its commitment to supporting student-centred initiatives that encourage peaceful coexistence and responsible behaviour.
Beyond security: what students stand to gain
The organisers’ SWAT framework extends beyond policing.
The inclusion of welfare and academics alongside training and seminars means the conference is designed to address some of the wider issues students encounter during their time in higher education.
Leadership development is also central to the initiative, with student organisers seeking to encourage participants to take greater responsibility for their conduct, relationships and future plans.
This could make the event particularly relevant to students preparing to transition from campus into workplaces and wider society.
A different conversation about campus safety
The police endorsement also places student-police engagement at the centre of a conversation that is often dominated by incidents after they occur.
By creating a platform for dialogue before problems arise, initiatives such as the SWAT conference can help students better understand security responsibilities while giving authorities an opportunity to engage directly with young people in an academic setting.
However, the long-term value of such programmes will depend on whether conversations translate into sustained engagement and practical improvements in campus safety.
What happens next
The SWAT 1.0 Students’ Conference will hold from 9:00 a.m. on Friday, 9 October 2026, at the Leadership Auditorium of Gateway (ICT) Polytechnic, Saapade.
The Ogun State Police Command said it would continue to support initiatives that contribute to safe, peaceful and conducive learning environments across tertiary institutions in the state.
Security
Lagos Police Probe Wider Cyberbullying Claims Against Clerics After Arrest
The Lagos State Police Command is investigating a series of allegations of online attacks against religious clerics following the arrest of a Lagos-based man accused of repeatedly making disparaging remarks about clerics and their beliefs.
The suspect, identified as Saheed Teyinbo, popularly known as “Alfasuna”, was arrested by police operatives after complaints were lodged against him by at least two religious figures, according to a police source.
The development has prompted the command to look beyond the initial complaints as investigators await possible reports from other people who may have been affected by similar alleged online activities.
Police trace suspect following complaints
Teyinbo, who is said to reside in Alakuko, Lagos, was reportedly tracked down by operatives following petitions submitted to the command.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, subsequently directed detectives at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, Yaba, to investigate the allegations.
One of the petitions was reportedly submitted by Prophet Israel Oladele, popularly known as “Prophet Genesis”, a pastor of the Celestial Church.
Oladele allegedly accused Teyinbo of making disparaging comments about him and his religious beliefs.
A second complaint was reportedly filed by Alhaji Sheikh Dr Hammed Olanrewaju Alfulanny, an Islamic scholar based on Yaya Abatan Road, Ogba, Lagos.
He similarly alleged that the suspect made offensive remarks about him and his religious beliefs.
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Alleged Kwara connection
The investigation may extend beyond Lagos, as police sources said Teyinbo was also allegedly wanted in Kwara State.
According to the source, a warrant of arrest had reportedly been issued against him in connection with alleged cyberbullying complaints involving other religious clerics.
The police have not publicly disclosed the identities of those additional complainants or provided details of the allegations attributed to them.
Police seek more alleged victims
The Lagos Command is now reportedly profiling the suspect while awaiting further complaints that could help investigators establish the scale and circumstances of the alleged cyber offences.
A police source said the suspect had been interrogated and allegedly confessed to the offences.
However, any alleged confession remains part of the police investigation and would need to be tested through due legal process.
The command is also expected to gather evidence from the complainants and other relevant parties before determining the next legal step.
“All relevant parties will be given the opportunity to present their evidence before the matter is brought before a court.”
The police source said the investigation would be conducted professionally and that the command would seek to establish the facts before the case is taken to court.
What happens next?
The immediate focus of the investigation is expected to be the complaints already filed against the suspect and any additional evidence that may emerge.
If investigators establish sufficient grounds, the suspect could be taken before a court, where the allegations would be formally tested.
Until then, the allegations against Teyinbo remain unproven.
The case also highlights the challenge faced by law-enforcement authorities in dealing with alleged online harassment and cyberbullying, particularly where social media activity involves public figures, religious leaders and disputes over beliefs.
Security
NSCDC Anambra Seeks Stronger Public Trust, Citizen Feedback
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Anambra State Command, has called for stronger cooperation between its officers and residents as it marks the 2026 Customer Service Week.
The Command said the week-long observance, which runs from October 5 to 9, provides an opportunity to listen to citizens, respond to their concerns and strengthen public confidence in the security agency.
State Commandant, Commandant Maku Olatunde, said public feedback would remain important to the Command’s efforts to improve its services and deepen its relationship with communities across Anambra.
“We value and recognize that public trust is vital to the discharge of our responsibilities, and this encourages us to prioritize public feedback in our ongoing efforts to enhance our services.”
Why the week matters
The 2026 Customer Service Week is being observed under the theme, “Going the Extra Mile,” which the NSCDC said highlights the importance of making additional efforts to meet public expectations.
Rather than limiting the observance to internal activities, the Anambra Command said its officers would engage directly with members of the public throughout the week.
The engagements are expected to provide opportunities for residents to raise concerns, seek assistance and interact with personnel of the Corps.
For a security organisation whose work depends partly on cooperation with communities, the Command said building trust and maintaining open communication remain essential to its responsibilities.
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NSCDC links security to community cooperation
Commandant Maku said the relationship between the Corps and the public should be viewed as a shared responsibility.
“The NSCDC is the society and the society is the NSCDC.”
He said a peaceful and secure environment was necessary for communities to pursue social, economic and political activities.
According to him, the Command has strengthened partnerships with stakeholders and introduced community-oriented approaches in response to changing security needs across the state.
Command asks residents to report concerns
The State Commandant also appealed to residents to continue working with security agencies to maintain peace and order.
He encouraged members of the public to report suspicious activities or security concerns to the nearest NSCDC formation.
The Command said continued cooperation from residents would help support its efforts to maintain peace and stability across Anambra.
Maku also expressed appreciation to residents for what he described as their continued cooperation, trust and support.
“We sincerely appreciate the people of Anambra State for their continued cooperation, trust and support, which are crucial in fostering peace and stability within our communities.”
What’s next
The Customer Service Week activities will continue until Friday, October 9, with the Command expected to maintain its focus on public engagement and service delivery.
The observance places citizen interaction alongside the Command’s broader security responsibilities, with the NSCDC saying it remains committed to accountability, professionalism and respect for citizens’ human rights.
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