Sequel to reports that suspected bandits reportedly bombed a train travelling between Abuja-Kaduna, inflicting technical damages on the country’s major rail infrastructure the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) has indefinitely suspended all train services along the route. This is to guarantee safety of passengers and crew members while efforts were being put in place to ensure absolute safety along the route. NRC’s managing director, Engr. Fidet Okhiria, who confirmed the attack, said the explosives inflicted damages on the rail tracks somewhere between Dutse and Rijana. “There was an explosive on our rail track somewhere around Rijana and Dutse last night, and this damaged the tracks. “Efforts are currently ongoing to ensure that the train services along the Kaduna-Abuja route are fully restored,”

Personnel of the Nigerian Police have reportedly arrested some persons who came out to protest on the anniversary of the alleged shooting at Lekki Tollgate in Lagos. One of those reportedly arrested, a journalist with LegitTV claimed that his mobile phone, driver’s license and other documents were taken away from him. It was gathered that the journalist identified as Abimbola, was picked after failing to present his identification card. The Lagos State commissioner of police, Hakeem Odumosu have earlier warned against any protests but that car procession around Lekki would be allowed. Comedian popularly called Mr. Macaroni and musician Falz had on Monday declared that protests will hold despite the warning by the police.

The Lagos State Judicial Panel on Restitution for Victims of Special Anti-Robbery Squad Related Abuses and other matters on Monday awarded N128.2m as compensation to 24 petitioners. The panel ended its almost 12 months sitting. According to the chairman of the panel Doris Okuwobi, the panel heard 186 petitions from 252 petitioners. She said cases not opened and unconcluded would be sent to the Lagos State Ministry of Justice for consideration on the future body that would handle human rights violations in the state. Mrs. Okuwobi advised the police to further investigate two officers, identified as Bawa and Salisu, attached to the Ojo police station. She did not give details of what the policemen committed. Concerning Pelumi Onifade’s petition vs state environmental task force, Mrs. Okuwobi said “petition adjourned sine die to await recommendations of the panel on the unheard petition.”

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Police Service Commission (PSC) have announced the resumption of the 2020 recruitment exercise of 10,000 constables, which was earlier suspended. This was disclosed on Saturday in a statement by NPF spokesman, Frank Mba titled, “NPF, PSC set to conclude 2020 recruitment exercise”. According to the statement, candidates are advised to check their status on the recruitment portal, www.policerecruitment.gov.ng which will be accessible from Monday, October 18 to Tuesday, October 26, 2021.

President Muhammadu Buhari, on Monday, announced that Nigeria will soon begin the production of weapons to lessen over-dependence on foreign countries for supply, even as the country battles increasing security challenges in several states of the country. To this end, he has ordered the Ministry of Defense to create a modest military-industrial complex for the local production of weapons to meet some of the requirements of the country’s armed forces. The President disclosed this at the opening of a two-day Mid-Term Ministerial Performance Review Retreat organised to assess progress made towards the achievement of the nine key priorities of his administration. President Buhari emphasized that the creation of the industrial complex would address Nigeria’s over-dependence on other countries for military equipment and logistics. He added that the project is being implemented under the Defense Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), a military department responsible for arms manufacture.

The Lagos Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, on Monday strongly cautioned against any planned protest in the state. This followed a public display of interest by some individuals and groups to protest and honour the lives of those lost during the last ENDSARS protests. A statement signed by the State Police Command’s Spokesperson, Adekunle Ajisebutu, revealed that the command had received information of a planned protest to mark one year of the #EndSARS protest. The police boss promised that his officers would resist any of such protests. The statement reads: “Credible intelligence at the disposal of the Command has revealed clandestine plans by some youths, individuals, or groups to embark on protest today in commemoration of the first anniversary of ENDSARS. “Lagosians and indeed Nigerians cannot afford to relive the distasteful experience of last year's protest which caused pain, anguish, needless loss of lives, and wanton destruction of public and private property.
“In view of the volatility of the present situations in the country, and the breakdown of law and order which the planned protest might cause, the Lagos State Police Command sternly warns against any form of protest today.