The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) has issued a directive for the immediate release of students who were genuinely involved in the recent protest in Edo State. This disclosure was made by the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, during a televised interview on Politics Today, a current affairs programme aired on Channels Television on Tuesday. According to Hundeyin, the directive followed concerns raised over the arrest of individuals during the protest, particularly students who were exercising their rights peacefully. Hundeyin explained that while there has historically been a level of mistrust between the public and law enforcement agencies, efforts are ongoing to rebuild confidence and improve engagement. He noted that the situation has improved compared to previous years due to continuous advocacy and public-oriented policing initiatives carried out by the Nigeria Police Force. He stated that the Inspector-General of Police specifically instructed the Commissioner of Police in Edo State to ensure that only those who are confirmed to be genuine students arrested during the protest are released without delay. This move, according to Hundeyin, reflects the commitment of the police leadership to fairness, accountability, and public trust. The police spokesperson further explained that protests can sometimes escalate beyond the capacity of nearby police units. In such instances, standard operational procedures require officers to request reinforcement. Using the situation in Ekpoma as an example, Hundeyin said the nearest police formations may have initially struggled to control the protest, prompting the need for additional support. As a result, reinforcement teams were deployed, and senior officers, including the Commissioner of Police, moved from Benin City to Ekpoma to assess and manage the situation firsthand. He added that the Area Commander, several Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), and other officers were present on ground to restore order and ensure safety. Hundeyin emphasized that this approach aligns with global policing standards, where reinforcement is introduced when situations threaten to spiral out of control. He maintained that such measures are taken to prevent further escalation and protect both civilians and security personnel. Despite the challenges, the Nigeria Police Force reiterated its willingness to strengthen collaboration with citizens. Hundeyin concluded by calling on members of the public to work more closely with the police, stressing that mutual cooperation remains essential for maintaining peace and ensuring public safety.
Charles Omole, the author of From Soldier to Statesman, has stated that there are five distinct power blocs operating within the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Omole made this claim while appearing on Politics Today, a political affairs programme aired on Channels Television and monitored by LMSINT MEDIA on Thursday. During the interview, Omole explained that these cabals influence governance and decision-making within the current federal administration. He identified the first and most influential group as one directly led by President Tinubu himself, noting that the president remains central to the power structure of his government. According to Omole, other influential blocs exist alongside the president’s inner circle. One of these groups, he said, is associated with Femi Gbajabiamila and Nyesom Wike, describing it as a distinct alliance within the political framework of the government. He further mentioned the Seyi Tinubu group, which he identified as another significant faction playing a role within the administration’s internal dynamics. Additionally, Omole named the First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, as heading her own influential group, which he described as part of the broader network of power centres shaping governance. Omole emphasized that the presence of these multiple cabals highlights the layered nature of political influence within the Tinubu-led government, suggesting that authority and access are distributed among several key figures rather than concentrated in a single structure.
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The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2023 elections, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has voiced strong concerns over Nigeria’s rising insecurity, stating that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lost control of his government in the face of escalating violence across the nation. Adebayo expressed his views during an interview on Politics Today, a political programme aired on Channels Television and closely followed by LMSINT MEDIA. He emphasized that the disturbing frequency of kidnappings, communal attacks, banditry, and general instability shows a government struggling to manage its own affairs. According to the SDP chieftain, Nigeria possesses both the capability and the necessary systems to combat violent crime. However, he argued that these tools are not being utilized effectively. He insisted that the country cannot continue to act as though it lacks the security structure required to protect its citizens from relentless attacks. Adebayo pointed out that the growing insecurity signals a widening gap between leadership and governance, noting that when a government begins to appear overwhelmed by its own responsibilities, citizens lose confidence in its ability to deliver safety and stability. He stressed that the alarming situation demands immediate government action rather than political rhetoric. Speaking further, he explained that the Nigerian government must demonstrate a deeper understanding of criminal networks and adopt practical solutions that confront the root causes of insecurity. He warned that failure to do so would continue to weaken national unity and overall public trust. Adebayo also highlighted that insecurity has become a daily fear for millions of Nigerians, affecting movement, businesses, education, and economic activities across regions. He described the situation as “unacceptable,” insisting that leadership must be more decisive, coordinated, and accountable. He emphasized that the lives of Nigerians should never be reduced to statistics or political arguments, urging national leaders to initiate urgent reforms that strengthen intelligence systems, improve community policing, and enhance rapid response strategies. He added that no government can claim success if the safety of its people is not guaranteed.
