News September 01, 2026 Retired DIG Ibrahim urges 800 police cadets to embrace smart policing

The Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF), Rtd. DIG Zanna M. Ibrahim, mni, has urged 800 graduating cadets of the Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State, to embrace innovation, technology, intelligence and accountability in tackling emerging security challenges.

Mr Ibrahim gave the charge on Tuesday while delivering a lecture titled “SMART Beyond SWOT: A Practical Framework for Contemporary Policing in Nigeria” at the Academy.

According to the former Deputy Inspector-General of Police, the changing nature of crime requires the Nigeria Police Force to move beyond traditional approaches and develop smarter, technology-driven and community-oriented policing strategies.

He explained that while the conventional SWOT framework—Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats—helps institutions assess their strategic environment, the SMART framework focuses on what the police must become to effectively confront contemporary security threats.

He identified the five pillars of SMART policing as Smart Intelligence, Modern Technology, Accountable Institutions, Resilient Communities and Transformational Leadership.

Mr Ibrahim said smart intelligence would enable officers to move from merely reacting to crimes to analysing information, identifying patterns and anticipating threats, while modern technology would promote the use of digital tools, forensic science, data analytics and artificial intelligence.

He also stressed the importance of accountability, respect for human rights, strong police-community relations and leadership capable of driving institutional reforms.

“Technology should make the police officer more capable, not less accountable,” he said.

Using a popular expression associated with the late Afrobeat icon, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti — “Uniform na cloth, na tailor dey sew am” — Ibrahim reminded the cadets that the significance of the police uniform ultimately depends on the character and conduct of the officer wearing it.

He said: “The tailor makes the uniform. The officer gives it meaning. The institution gives it authority. But only integrity gives it honour.”

The NPTF chairman further warned that criminals were increasingly exploiting cyberspace, artificial intelligence, digital financial systems, social media and transnational networks, making continuous professional development and technological adaptation essential for modern policing.

He, however, cautioned that technology must remain subject to professional judgment and the law.

On insecurity in the North-East and other parts of the country, Ibrahim advocated stronger intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration, community participation, good governance, development, rehabilitation and resilience.

He noted that Nigeria’s complex security challenges could not be resolved by a single institution or strategy.

The former police chief urged the graduating cadets to see themselves not only as law-enforcement officers but also as custodians of public trust and representatives of the Nigerian state.

He charged them to wear the uniform with pride, exercise authority with restraint, treat citizens with dignity, embrace technology responsibly, lead with courage and uphold the integrity of the police institution.

The lecture was attended by the Commandant of the Nigeria Police Academy, AIG Auwal Mohammed, his deputy and other senior officers.

The cadets also engaged Ibrahim in an extensive question-and-answer session on issues including insecurity, intelligence gathering, resistance to change, technology adoption and professional development.

Ibrahim concluded with a message to the graduating officers: “SWOT tells us where we are. SMART tells us what we must become.”

News September 01, 2026 ‘I’ve lost a true friend, associate,’ Wike mourns Dan Orbih

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has described the death of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP National Vice Chairman (South-South), Daniel Orbih, as painful, saying he has lost a true friend and political associate.

In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, on Tuesday in Abuja, Wike described Orbih as “a friend indeed.”

Orbih passed away on Monday, 31 August 2026. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Florence Orbih; his children, Miss Winifred Anwosiobor Orbih and Dr. Mildred Omonemi Orbih; his brothers and sisters; as well as other members of the extended family.

Describing the death as the “fall of one of the biggest trees in the political forest of Edo State,” Wike said the late PDP stalwart would be missed by all who knew him.

He said, “I have lost a friend and a committed political ally. Dan Osi Orbih was everything anyone could desire in friendship and political associate. But we can’t question God, He gives and He takes.”

The minister extended his condolences to the Orbih family over the loss, describing the deceased as a man of faith.

“On behalf of myself, my family and political associates, I commiserate with the family of Chief M.C.K. Orbih, on the demise of Chief Dan Orbih, a good friend, a great politician, and a man of faith in the Almighty God,” he said.

News September 01, 2026 BREAKING: PDP chieftain Dan Orbih is dead

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, Chief Daniel Osi Orbih, is dead.

In a statement announcing the passing, the family said it was made “with profound sadness and a heavy heart but in total submission to the will of the almighty God.”

The statement was signed by Francis Udukhomoi Orbih, Esq., for the Orbih family.

Orbih, an ally of the Federal Capital Territory FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, reportedly died on Monday, 31st August 2026.

According to the statement, the late Orbih is survived by his wife, Mrs. Florence Orbih; his children, Ms. Winifred Anwosiobor Orbih and Dr. Mildred Omonemi Orbih; his brothers and sisters; as well as other members of the extended family.

The family, in the statement, appealed to relatives, friends and well-wishers to hold them up in prayers as they come to terms with the loss.

“At this difficult time, we ask family members, friends and well-wishers to remember the entire family in their prayers as we mourn this painful loss,” the statement read, adding that further details, including funeral arrangements, would be announced in due course.

VANGAURD

Crime News September 01, 2026 JUST IN: Ex-gang leader Keffe D found guilty of Tupac’s murder

A jury has found Duane “Keffe D” Davis, the former Los Angeles-area gang leader, guilty of orchestrating the killing of legendary rapper Tupac Shakur.

Tupac was killed on September 7, 1996, after suffering a gunshot wound from a drive-by shooting. The rapper died six days after being put on life support. He was in Las Vegas for a Mike Tyson heavyweight fight.

Davis, one-time leader of the South Side Compton Crips, was arrested in September 2024. His trial began in August in a Las Vegas court 30 years after the fatal shooting and a week after jury selection.

At the start of the hearing, Davis, who is now 63, pleaded not guilty to a murder charge involving the use of a deadly weapon in connection with gang activity.

Binu Palal, the prosecuting lawyer, argued that Davis had “visceral anger” towards Tupac over the earlier attack on Orlando “Baby Lane” Anderson, his nephew, and subsequently obtained a gun and handed it to Anderson, who then shot at Tupac’s vehicle in Las Vegas.

He argued that no one was prosecuted for years because “silence means survival” in the world of gangs, but claimed Davis was the one person who struggled to remain silent.

He cited his interviews and book in which he allegedly discussed his role in the case.

At the resumption of sittings on Monday, the jurors deliberated for about three hours. They found Davis guilty of murder with the use of a deadly weapon with the intent to promote, further or assist a criminal gang.

In their verdict, the twelve jurors agreed that Davis was guilty of orchestrating the murder of the late rapper Tupac.

“Count one, murder with use of a deadly weapon, guilty of first-degree murder with use of a deadly weapon,” the foreperson of the jury announced to the court.

The 63-year-old faces a possible maximum sentence of life in prison.

Davis, who wore a black suit, stood alongside his lawyer as the verdict was read to them. The gang leader later sat down, his fingers clasped together on the table.

Carli Kierny, the judge in Clark county district court, has October 13 set for Davis’ sentencing.

News September 01, 2026 Forum hails Nigerian Armed Forces over rescue of 610 kidnap victims, killing of bandit kingpin

The North Peace and Stability Forum has commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for rescuing 610 kidnapped victims and eliminating a notorious bandit kingpin during recent operations across the country.

The forum described the military’s latest achievements as a major boost to national security, saying the successes had demonstrated growing effectiveness in the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its Chairman, Aminu Daura, the NPSF particularly praised the military for the successful rescue operations carried out in August, as well as the neutralisation of the notorious bandit leader in Katsina State.

According to the forum, the killing of the bandit kingpin represents a major setback for criminal networks operating in the North-West, where communities have suffered years of attacks, abductions and destruction of livelihoods.

It said the operation was evidence of the impact of sustained military offensives and intelligence-led missions targeting criminal enclaves and restoring peace to communities affected by insecurity.

The forum described the rescue of 610 kidnapped victims as a significant humanitarian achievement, noting that the operation had reunited hundreds of families with their loved ones.

It also singled out the rescue of 15 National Youth Service Corps members abducted by criminal elements, saying their safe return had brought considerable relief to their families and colleagues nationwide.

Daura said the successes reflected the commitment, courage and professionalism of Nigerian troops, who continue to risk their lives in defence of the country despite challenging operational conditions.

The forum also commended the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and the service chiefs for maintaining pressure on criminal groups and enhancing joint military operations across the various theatres.

While welcoming the latest gains, the NPSF urged security agencies not to relent in their operations, calling for the continued pursuit of fleeing terrorists, bandits and kidnappers until they were no longer capable of threatening national peace and stability.

It equally appealed to Nigerians to support security agencies by providing credible information capable of aiding ongoing operations, stressing that securing the country required collaboration between security forces and local communities.

The forum expressed optimism that the recent military successes would encourage displaced persons to return to their communities, revive economic activities and boost public confidence in government’s efforts to protect lives and property.

“On behalf of the North Peace and Stability Forum, we congratulate the Nigerian Armed Forces on these outstanding accomplishments. The elimination of dangerous criminal elements and the rescue of hundreds of innocent citizens, including NYSC members, are clear indications that the fight against insecurity is yielding positive results. We encourage our gallant troops to remain steadfast as Nigerians continue to support and appreciate their sacrifices,” Daura stated.

News Politics September 01, 2026 2027: Donald Duke backs consensus opposition candidate, willing to step down

Donald Duke, presidential candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), has said he is willing to step down and support a consensus opposition candidate ahead of the 2027 general election.

Duke, a former governor of Cross River State, made the disclosure during an interview with Channels Television on Monday.

He said the decision on who should lead the opposition into the election should be based on who is best suited to achieve the common objective.

When asked by the programme’s anchor, Seun Okinbaloye, whether he would be willing to step down for another presidential candidate, Duke answered in the affirmative.

“Absolutely. First of all, once we have a commonality and objective, the next question is who is best suited for this, right? But the beauty of it is that it brings you into the playground. You know, I was liking this thing to sports,” he said.

“When you go watch a match in a stadium, it could be 50,000, 60,000 people in the stadium, each one believing that he’s a soccer expert, knows better than the coach, knows better than the players.

“But it’s only the 25 folks on the field of play. The 22 players, the referee and the two linesmen that would determine the play.

“I want to be in that because I think you need some voice of reason amongst a lot of them.”

Duke warned that President Bola Tinubu may win the 2027 elections if opposition is not united ahead of the poll.

“Absolutely, with the chequered opposition it won’t work; Tinubu might win,” the former governor said.

“The reality is that things are bound to happen on that (election) day, how to mitigate those things should be the major concern of the opposition.

“I don’t like people who cry wolf after it has happened and all that. We have done this several times over, we should anticipate it, and united we stand if we do it, if we don’t, then we will only have ourselves to blame because it has repeated itself.”

He also admitted that the president is a formidable politician, noting, however, that Tinubu is weak is governance.

According to him, the president does not deserve re-election, arguing that the country is already in a state of disaster due to what he described as poor governance.

“Give it to him, he is a formidable politician, my issue with him is governance not politics. He is weak on governance, from what we have seen over the last three years he is very weak on governance,” Duke said.

Duke cautioned that allowing Tinubu to continue in office while poverty increases year after year would take the country further in the wrong direction.

However, the PRP presidential candidate said he would establish a better governance structure than the one under President Bola Tinubu if elected in 2027.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, and Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, are among the major opposition contenders for the 2027 presidential election.

It remains unclear whether the opposition parties will agree on a consensus candidate to challenge President Tinubu in the election.

Crime News September 01, 2026 $14.86m Fraud: EFCC summons wanted ex-gov Sylva

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has asked former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, to appear before the agency for questioning over an alleged $14.86 million fraud case.

The commission’s spokesman, Dele Oyewale, disclosed this on Monday in response to allegations by Sylva that the EFCC had allowed itself to be used as a political tool by the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“He has been declared wanted; he should make himself available to the commission,” Oyewale said.

The development followed Sylva’s resignation from the APC, which he announced on Monday after what he described as consultations with family members, associates and political allies.

In his resignation letter, dated August 31, 2026, Sylva accused the party’s leadership of abandoning the principles that informed its formation and criticised the performance of the APC-led Federal Government.

“As a founding member of the APC, and one who joined other well-meaning Nigerians in building the Party with sweat and money, it is deeply saddening to witness how the ideals we espoused have been so thoroughly and unrecognisably thwarted,” he said.

The former governor said he could not remain in a party whose leaders, according to him, had adopted the view that “all is fair in politics”.

He further claimed that the government had failed to meet Nigerians’ expectations.

“The present Government, formed under the banner of the APC we once loved, has disappointed the vast majority of Nigerians. And I can see neither a credible attempt nor any possibility of a revamp,” Sylva wrote.

He also specifically referenced the EFCC in the letter, alleging that the commission had become increasingly politicised.

“I am deliberately putting the EFCC in copy of this letter because, of late, it has conducted itself more as an organ of the APC than as an institution of State,” he alleged.

Sylva said he was conscious that his resignation could lead to additional pressure from the anti-graft agency but maintained that he was prepared to face the consequences.

“I am fully aware that this action of mine may invite a redoubled witch-hunt against me and my associates, but that is a risk I am willing to take,” he stated.

The EFCC had declared Sylva wanted in November 2025 in connection with an alleged case of conspiracy and dishonest conversion involving $14,859,257.

The former governor is also facing a separate 13-count charge linked to an alleged plot against the Tinubu administration. The charges include alleged treason, terrorism-related offences, conspiracy and money laundering.

Sylva has denied involvement in the alleged plot. The case remains before the court, and he has not been convicted of the allegations against him.

Oyewale’s latest statement indicates that the EFCC expects Sylva, who remains wanted by the commission, to present himself for questioning.