General News
Middle East Tensions: IGP Disu Puts Police Commands Nationwide on Red Alert
The Acting Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has ordered all state police commands and formations across the country to heighten security measures following escalating hostilities involving the United States, Israel and Iran in the Middle East.
The directive was conveyed in a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, amid growing concerns that rising global tensions could have ripple effects on Nigeria’s internal security if not proactively addressed.
According to the police high command, Commissioners of Police in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory have been instructed to intensify intelligence gathering, enhance surveillance operations and reinforce preventive security strategies. Special attention is to be focused on the North-West, North-East and North-Central regions.
The Inspector-General also directed commands to strengthen collaboration with traditional rulers, religious leaders and community stakeholders to prevent any form of radicalisation or sectarian agitation. Police presence is to be increased around worship centres, critical infrastructure and other public spaces to deter potential threats.
The statement stressed that although Nigeria remains stable and its security architecture intact, the Force is adopting proactive and intelligence-driven policing to forestall any attempt by individuals or groups to exploit foreign developments to incite unrest.
The police leadership warned that Nigeria would not allow itself to be drawn into external ideological or religious conflicts. It added that any attempt to import foreign tensions into the country would be met with the full weight of the law.
Disu appealed to Nigerians to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding, urging citizens to promptly report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police formation.
The Force reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, maintaining public order and ensuring national stability at all times.
Hon. Mohammed Bello El Rufai, a member of the House of Representatives, has accused the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission of waging a smear campaign against Malam Nasir El Rufai, his father, by weaponizing his constitutional right to silence. In a lengthy statement issued on Monday and signed on behalf of the El-Rufai family, Mohammed Bello El-Rufai said it was deeply unfortunate that a constitutionally established agency had descended into what can only be described as a circus of chicanery, alleging that the ICPC was prosecuting a media war rather than adhering to the rule of law.
Addressing claims by the Commission that Nasir El-Rufai refused to cooperate with investigators, the lawmaker said the allegation betrayed a misunderstanding of basic constitutional protections. He argued that the 1999 Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to remain silent, insisting that exercising that right cannot lawfully be construed as non-cooperation or guilt.
Our father has consistently told law enforcement agencies: Charge me if you have anything against me. You have had more than two years to investigate me. Take me to court, the statement said, adding that the ICPCs inability to do so explained what the family described as lies and obfuscation.
Furthermore, the family alleged that the entire search was based on a forged and legally defective warrant, purportedly issued by a magistrate who lacked the jurisdiction of a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory. They said their lawyers had already challenged the warrant in court, arguing that any evidence arising from it was inadmissible.
Describing the ICPCs conduct as a credibility deficit, the statement accused the agency of forgery, abuse of office and the peddling of falsehoods, and claimed it was acting on behalf of unnamed political interests. The family said it would pursue all available legal remedies and expressed confidence that the Nigerian judiciary would uphold their rights.
Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, who represents Kaduna North Federal Constituency and chairs the House Committee on Banking Regulations, signed the statement on March 2, 2026, describing himself as a proud son of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.
The ICPC has yet to respond publicly to the latest allegations.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has unveiled plans to stage a nationwide mock presidential election as part of its build-up to the 2027 general elections.
The electoral body said the exercise will simulate real voting conditions across the country to evaluate its result transmission technology and address operational gaps identified in previous elections.
INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, made the disclosure in Abuja during the Citizens’ Townhall on the Electoral Act 2026. He explained that the mock poll would serve as a nationwide stress test of the commission’s digital infrastructure, particularly the electronic transmission of results.
Amupitan assured Nigerians that the commission is prioritising transparency, improved logistics, and technological upgrades to ensure the 2027 elections meet higher standards of credibility and efficiency.
He added that data and feedback from the simulation would guide further refinements in planning, deployment of personnel, and management of election-day processes.
INEC also confirmed a revised timetable for the 2027 polls. Presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while Governorship and State Assembly elections will follow on February 6, 2027.
According to the commission, early system testing and strategic preparation remain central to restoring public trust and guaranteeing a smooth, transparent electoral process nationwide.
National Police Council Ratifies Disu’s Appointment as Acting IGPThe National Police Council has ratified the appointment of Olatunji Disu as the Acting Inspector-General of Police.
The decision was reached during a council meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu.
The session marked the third National Police Council meeting under his administration since assuming office.
Disu was nominated by the President last week following the resignation of Kayode Egbetokun. He is expected to appear before the Senate for confirmation, the final step before he can assume the position in a substantive capacity.
The National Police Council is vested with the responsibility of overseeing the organisation, administration, and operational control of the Nigeria Police Force, including the appointment and discipline of senior officers.
Governors of Kwara State, Ogun State, Lagos State, Ondo State, Enugu State, and Plateau State were in attendance, alongside the Ministers of Police Affairs, the Federal Capital Territory, and Interior.