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Orlu not Sambisa forest neither is Orsu Biga forest, FENRAD cries out against Gov. Hope Uzodinma
The latest deployment and concentration of military force size of the war scale within the coordinates of Orlu and Orsu could be likened to an overkill or may well lead to one, says the Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development (FENRAD, as acronymed). As a human and environmental rights group, FENRAD condemns, in its entirety, the latest show of aerial (naked) power by the Nigeria Army at Orlu and Orsu both in Imo State on invitation of the state governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, to come “flush out” Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB and its Eastern Security Network, ESN.
FENRAD, after studying the press briefing from the state government as issued by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Cyprian Akaolisa, wondered so much whether the state government is in the know of the dire and brutal consequences of its act of extending invitation to the army as it claimed. The targetless sporadic aerial shootings carried out by the army left the affected communities in panic and as well caused huge disruption of activities – economic and cultural. What is however more worrisome, FENRAD says, is that peace was gradually returning after the first dust-up the military had with IPOB’s Eastern Security Network, ESN earlier this year when this operation began.
The proscribed want-away organization, IPOB, FENRAD learns, set up a security network of the subnational and nonstate type – Eastern Security Network, ESN – to act, as it was mandated to, as a forest guard unit in the wake of the sanguinary killings, maiming and raping playing out and trailing all over the nation as perpetrated in large part by armed herdsmen in what had been termed “farmers/herders clash” by authorities. This kind/level of subnational security outfit arrangement had recently been flagged off elsewhere at other regions to help address the rising security threat within the nation whereas the five governors of Southeast states did nothing of the sort as custodians and chief security officers of their various states, region combinedly.
Truth be told, Nigeria is drifting towards the brinks of insecurity with former Heads of State hinting earlier of either “risking a civil war” or “disintegration” if the killings are not tamed while governors like Hope Uzodinma see no danger not even with the writing clearly on the wall.
Even the average student of affairs need not be told that current happenings unfolding within the nation point to one direction – that need is now for a vertical rejig of security apparatuses and architecture in the federation with the locals being protected according to the milieux and ethoses they are most familiar with. A system where one tier of government alone controls all security agencies even those of the paramilitary cannot be rightly considered a “federation” in the real sense.This means that localized and decentralized security outfits – even if not ESN – not only in the Southeast but the whole nation will serve better in area of intelligence gathering and analysing if indeed Nigeria’s is to represent a true federation. This issue of state/community police however is not being pushed by Hope Uzodinma and other governors of the Southeast, unfortunately.
With Minister of Defense – who pockets billions of naira as budgetary numbers every fiscal year – telling unarmed Nigerians to brace up and face terrorists, no one can dismiss further the subliminal code embedded in that talk impliedly suggestive of self-help or, better still, self-defense. If other regions are having their arrangements towards security what stops governors like Uzodinma from doing same concertedly at regional level? And if they had done same would the ESN have arisen?
While it is true that based on Nigeria’s laws, both extant and constitutional, an outfit like ESN has no legal backing or contemplation, Nigeria is well served if a tour is taken back to her national history; especially the history of her post-colonial era. The Biafra question is one that needs a revisit so its vital lessons are learned, emotive sentiments apart. Owing to much unsettled questions of Biafra, many groups, of the militia type, within the nation had all bid for secession at one point or the other, FENRAD recalls. Heretofore, there have been the O’odua Peoples Congress (OPC), Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Egbesu Boys of Africa (EBA) just to mention but a few. The history that is Biafra today stands entirely unaddressed and even anathematized by the authorities of the day such that those who feel or suffer marginalization by the system recall the inhuman, deleterious experiences that proceeded and preceded the war creating thereby an army of youth calling for a separation from Nigeria or even for a rematch of 1967-70 where over 2 million persons died mostly children and women largely of Igbo extraction.
Rather than address this chapter of its history, Nigerian governments – some within the nineteen (19) Norhern states and the federal – close the page and tend towards deadly and dreaded terrorists and groups even creating an informal diplomatic corridor where a cleric acts as go-between, truce breaker and armchair diplomat between the government(s) and terror forces result of which is likely to culminate in negotiated amnesty for the terror forces! It is no longer joke that certain governors had equally absolved bandits as not being “criminals”. Though the unity of Nigeria is a beauty, FENRAD maintains, the position of IPOB, barring any resort to unjust means, in international law is well and within.
Having seen the arrest and prolonged detention without trial of religious leaders and followers at Orsu, Orlu and Njaaba axis all in the name of “flushing out IPOB and their so-called ESN” as Akaolisa said it, FENRAD will be willing to take necessary measures within the law to see that only what is justice is served. If indeed Governor Uzodinma invited the Nigerian army, as he claimed, whose combat contingent comprises air and land forces, police Intelligence Rapid Team, against a single ESN, then FENRAD holds that in international laws of war – were it to be a war so properly called – such heavy concentration of amphibious army units and police at a part of Orlu or Orsu or wherever is not proportional force and does not only breach the peace but could lead to countervalue operation as civilians have been displaced and livelihoods affected. Since the overhead war jets raiding Orlu coordinates fired from air, it goes without saying that were innocent farmers or agrarian population may be affected if such attack is allowed to go on.
FENRAD, having monitored this development, is concernedly worried that while the Nigeria Army has not launched an aerial or amphibious attack at Biga Forest said to be the stronghold and base of bandits whose thriving industry of kidnap has reached, in the recent time, an alarming proportion at the North, even in Katsina the home state of President Buhari it does so in a relatively more peaceful area of the nation. Moreso has the military been unable to rout out Boko Haram over a decade now in the battle of Sambisa Forest – the unfortunate national park made the den of terrorists.
FENRAD believes that in the principle justice the names of the civilians killed by IPOB and ESN, as Akaolisa advanced, be made public, even those of the police officers too as life is paramount and a natural right which should not be taken from humans by any group whether police, army ESN or IPOB. Though no life is said to have been lost so far, FENRAD is documenting and following the whole issue in Orlu, Orsu and Njaaba and will as well be taking actions within the confines of the law including writing to the international courts and community. Orsu, Orlu and Njaaba axes are not Biga and Sambisa forests and neither are the Gwoza Hills where terrorists have erected their own republics.
FENRAD cautions Governor Uzodinma to make sure peace reigns in his charge or be willing to answer to international court and community when event is right.
Sign
Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor
Executive Director
FENRAD
Barr. Olusegun Bamgbose
Head Legal Team
Foundation for Environmental Rights,Advocacy & Development FENRAD
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India’s parliament has passed a landmark bill outlawing online gambling, citing growing concerns over financial losses, addiction, and suicides linked to the industry.
The legislation, approved late Thursday, August 21, by both houses, criminalises the offering, promotion, and financing of online gambling platforms, with violators facing up to five years in prison.
It covers card games, poker, and fantasy sports including India’s hugely popular fantasy cricket apps.
Government figures revealed that gambling companies had extracted an estimated $2.3 billion annually from more than 450 million Indians. Officials said nearly one in three citizens had lost money on gambling apps.
The ban casts uncertainty over Indian cricket’s biggest sponsorship deal. Fantasy sports giant Dream11, named in July 2023 as the lead sponsor of the national team, has its logo splashed across Team India’s jerseys.
While no announcement has yet been made by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), its secretary Devajit Saikia said the board would comply with the law.
“If it’s not permissible, we’ll not do anything,” Saikia said on Friday. “The BCCI will follow every policy framed by the central government.”
Dream11 has since suspended cash contests, telling users on its website: “Following the passing of the bill, cash games and contests have been discontinued. Stay tuned.”
‘Predatory Platforms’
The government defended the move as necessary to protect vulnerable citizens from what it called “predatory gaming platforms.”
“This legislation is designed to curb addiction, financial ruin and social distress caused by misleading promises of quick wealth,” a statement read.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi added that the new law would encourage safe digital gaming while shielding society from the harmful effects of gambling.
“It will encourage e-sports and online social games,” Modi said, “while saving our society from the dangers of online money games.”
The sweeping ban does not cover e-sports or educational games, which the government said it would continue to promote as part of India’s growing digital economy.
Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw explained that the bill draws a clear line between competitive online gaming and gambling.
“It separates constructive digital recreation from betting and fantasy money games that exploit users with false promises of profit,” he said.
Gaming industry groups had lobbied for regulation and taxation instead of an outright ban, warning the decision could push millions of players toward illegal offshore platforms.
But lawmakers insisted the social costs were too severe to ignore.
Beyond addiction and financial ruin, officials said gambling apps had been linked to fraud, money laundering, and even terrorism financing.
The bill, titled the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, now awaits presidential assent before taking effect.
Once signed into law, it is expected to transform India’s vast online gaming landscape, placing heavy restrictions on one of the world’s largest digital markets while reshaping its $1.5 billion fantasy sports industry.
The Nigeria Police Force has successfully repatriated a notorious Chinese fugitive, Mr. Dai Qisheng, in a groundbreaking operation coordinated by the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) in Abuja.
This achievement, announced on Sunday by the Force spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, was executed through close collaboration with INTERPOL NCB Beijing and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria.
The operation underscores Nigeria’s commitment to tackling transnational organized crime.
Dai Qisheng, a notorious gang leader wanted in Guizhou Province, China, for orchestrating violent organized crimes, fled his country in 2024 after the Public Security Bureau of Zhijin County issued a warrant for his arrest.
In an effort to evade justice, he sought refuge in Nigeria. However, operatives of INTERPOL NCB Abuja tracked and arrested him in the Federal Capital Territory on August 8, 2025.
He was subsequently repatriated to Beijing on August 15, 2025, under the framework of police-to-police cooperation facilitated by INTERPOL.
The Nigeria Police Force emphasized that this operation highlights their unwavering resolve to ensure that Nigeria does not become a safe haven for fugitives.
It also reflects the growing strength of international partnerships in addressing the complexities of global crime networks.
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olukayode Egbetokun, commended the successful mission, reiterating his commitment to strengthening international alliances through intelligence-sharing and operational collaboration.
He stressed that this operation sends a powerful message to criminals worldwide: “The Federal Republic of Nigeria will not serve as a sanctuary for fugitives.”
However, this milestone showcases Nigeria’s dedication to upholding justice on a global scale and reinforces its position as a reliable partner in the fight against international crime.
A former deputy Governor of Abia State, Ude Oko-Chukwu, has formally joined the Labour Party.
Chukwu, who served under former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, announced his defection on Saturday at his hometown in Nkporo, Ohafia Local Government Area.
“All Nkporo people are here today. The implication is that Nkporo is now in the Labour Party,” Chukwu declared.
He commended Governor Alex Otti’s leadership style, saying: “I decided to join you because you treat governance as a personal mission. You have done well. Today, we can proudly say we are Abians. PDP in Abia State has closed shop as from today.”
Governor Otti, while receiving Chukwu into the Labour Party, hailed his decision and described him as a principled leader.
According to him, Chukwu is “a man who will give you your due respect.”
However, state Labour Party Chairman Sir Emmanuel Otti called the defection “a move that will awaken the people of the area to new opportunities.”
Ohafia LGA LP Chairman Godwin Kalu pledged unity and development, while PDP’s local chairman, Egesi Eze Azu, also announced his move to the Labour Party alongside Chukwu.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum has warned the Minister of the federal capital territory, Mr. Nyesom Wike and other party leaders not to obstruct preparations for the party’s national convention slated for November 15, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The warning was issued in a communiqué made available to newsmen on Saturday, August 23, 2025.
The governors pledged full support for the decisions of the party’s 101st National Executive Committee (NEC) taken in July, affirming that the convention will go ahead as planned.
“The Forum reaffirms its full commitment to the resolutions of the 101st National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of July 2025 regarding the November 15 National Convention.It urges members to resist all attempts to derail the convention by anti-party forces; but to see the PDP as the only democratic institution and viable alternative for restoring Nigeria along the path of good governance and national development,” the communiqué stated.
The meeting, chaired by Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, reviewed national security concerns, threats to democratic institutions, and preparations for the Ibadan convention.
The opposition governors commended PDP members for standing firm against defections and political distractions, insisting that the party remains a credible alternative for Nigerians seeking better governance.
The forum also accused the ruling APC of divisive policies that, according to them, have worsened hardship across the country.
Though, this is coming after Wike during appearance Channels Television on August 19, renewed his criticism of the PDP National Working Committee, rejecting the zoning panel headed by Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri and disputing the recognition of Ali Odefa as National Vice Chairman (South East).
He warned that tensions could escalate if the party refused to acknowledge the zonal congress that produced his ally, Chief Dan Orbih, as National Vice Chairman for the South-South.
“Well, it is over for now. A few things are remaining, and I have told them that they must do it. Our congress was held in Calabar, and there’s nothing anybody can tell us. If they want to have another round of crisis, so be it. In that congress, Chief Dan Orbih emerged as the National Vice Chairman. They never wanted the congress to be held, but congress was held.The so-called acting national chairman of the party wrote a letter to INEC after congress was held that the congress has been postponed. There is no two ways about it. The National Vice Chairman of PDP South-South is Chief Dan Orbih. If they don’t agree, that’s another round of crisis,” Wike said.
Meanwhile, Wike’s fallout with his former G5 ally, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, has further deepened divisions in the party.
The FCT minister, who serves in the APC-led federal cabinet, continues to deny accusations of anti-party activities.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 50-year-old widow in Lagos for allegedly attempting to traffic 1.3 kilograms of cocaine while pretending to be pregnant.
The suspect, identified as Mrs. Ifeoma Ezewuike, was picked up by NDLEA operatives at the Jibowu bus terminal in Yaba on Friday, August 22, 2025.
She was reportedly on her way to Abuja to deliver the consignment when she was intercepted.
According to the agency’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, Ezewuike runs a fashion outfit known as Golden Star Creation along Ago Palace Way in Okota.
A subsequent raid on her home led to the recovery of 200 grams of a cutting agent commonly used in the preparation of cocaine.
“In her statement, Ezewuike claimed she inherited the criminal trade from her husband, who died two years ago, although she has been in the fashion business for over two decades,” Babafemi said in a statement on Sunday, August 24, 2025.
Other Major Seizures
The arrest was one of several drug operations carried out by the agency in the past week.
In Lagos, NDLEA operatives of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation (DOGI) intercepted 90 parcels of loud a potent strain of cannabis hidden inside three cartons of kitchen sinks.
The shipment, weighing 48.6kg, was traced to a courier company and had reportedly been imported from the United States.
In Adamawa, a raid on the home of a suspected drug kingpin, Idris Garba, forced the dealer to flee by scaling a fence. His associate, 55-year-old Boniface Nnaji, was not as lucky.
He was arrested in Yola South while attempting to escape.
NDLEA said Nnaji drove into the city with 354,480 pills of tramadol concealed in a Toyota Thundra jeep (FST-885-CZ) and a Toyota Yaris (DSA 776 AA), both of which were impounded.
The agency also arrested another suspect, Neche Okonkwo, at Idah waterside in Kogi State.
He was caught after crossing the River Niger from Onitsha, Anambra State, with 5,000 capsules of tramadol, 400 ampoules of pentazocine, and 200 ampoules of diazepam injections.
Across several states, NDLEA operatives continued their clampdown on cannabis cultivation.
In Taraba, officers working with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) destroyed 7,500kg of skunk grown on three hectares of farmland in Dadin Kowa village, Bali.
Another 901kg was recovered from a warehouse in Uzebba, Edo State, where a 54-year-old woman, Fodo Stella Sunday, was arrested.
In Edo, 14,233kg of cannabis was destroyed across four plantations in Owan West Local Government Area.
In Delta, operatives, backed by the military, cleared 25,500kg of cannabis grown on 10.2 hectares in Emu-Obiogu, Ndokwa West.
In Ondo, 25,025kg of cannabis was destroyed on three farms in Uso.
NDLEA described the series of arrests and seizures as evidence of its renewed pressure on drug syndicates operating across the country.
“These operations reflect our commitment to dismantling criminal networks and preventing dangerous substances from reaching our communities,” Babafemi said.
Ezewuike and other arrested suspects are currently in custody and will be charged to court after investigations are concluded.
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