The Calabar area office of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has rescued two sand miners whose boat capsized in transit.

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Bola Oyebamiji, managing director of NIWA, said this in a statement on Thursday in Lagos.

Mr Oyebamiji noted that NIWA, while on routine water patrol at about 5:00 p.m. on Monday, November 4, received a distress call about sand miners who were overtaken by rough tidal waves along the Calabar channel.

“The patrol team, on receipt of the call, immediately swung into action and was able to promptly rescue the two young men who were almost drowned and were gasping for breath at the point of the incident.

“Though their sand boat with the contents was completely submerged, the victims aged between 23 and 25 were resuscitated and handed over to their families,” he said.

A fatal accident involving multiple vehicles on the Kara Bridge section of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway has claimed one life, according to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

The FRSC Lagos State sector command, led by corps commander Kehinde Hamzat, confirmed this in a statement on Thursday in Lagos.

Mr Hamzat said the crash involved a White Volvo Truck (Reg. No. FKJ 484 YA), a White Toyota Hummer Bus (Reg. No. BWR 372 XC), a Benz bus (Reg. No. GNL 630 XC), and an unregistered Black Boxer motorcycle.

According to Mr Hamzat, the incident tragically highlights the catastrophic consequences of reckless driving.

“The crash was reported to the FRSC at 3:33 a.m., with response teams arriving on the scene by 3:38 a.m. Preliminary investigations suggest that speeding, wrongful overtaking, and loss of control were the primary causes of the collision.

“Upon arrival, FRSC personnel, in collaboration with the police and Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), worked to secure the area and manage the flow of traffic.

“A good samaritan assisted in transporting the injured victim to the hospital while the deceased was respectfully handled,” he said.

The FRSC Lagos state commander deeply mourned this tragic loss and urged all road users to remain vigilant.

He noted that road safety remained a collective responsibility and reminded all drivers to observe speed limits, refrain from reckless overtaking, and ensure safe driving practices.

“This heartbreaking incident underscores the need for heightened awareness and caution on the roads.

“The FRSC is dedicated to making roads safer for all, but we need cooperation and collaboration from every road user to prevent future tragedies. Let’s all work together to protect lives and properties,” he said.

Former U.S. President Barack Obama has congratulated Republican Donald Trump on his victory in the presidential election, saying the win was unexpected.

“We want to congratulate President Trump and Senator Vance on their victory,” Mr Obama said in a joint statement with his wife, Michelle. “This is obviously not the outcome we had hoped for, given our profound disagreements with the Republican ticket on a whole host of issues.”

“But living in a democracy is about recognising that our point of view won’t always win out and being willing to accept the peaceful transfer of power,” the Obamas added.

In the final stretch of campaigning, Mr Obama came out strongly for Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, asserting she would stand up for the people.

Mocking his Republican successor, Mr Trump, Mr Obama highlighted his privileged background and financial failures.

The United States has been “through a lot” over recent years, “from a historic pandemic and price hikes resulting from the pandemic to rapid change and the feeling a lot of folks have that, no matter how hard they work, treading water is the best they can do,” the former Democratic president wrote.

Mr Obama said the situations have made headwinds for democratic incumbents globally “and last night showed that America is not immune.”

“But progress requires us to extend good faith and grace even to people with whom we deeply disagree.

“That’s how we’ve come this far, and it’s how we’ll keep building a country that is more fair and more just, more equal and more free,” he said.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has expressed delight over his imminent victory in the 2024 election, saying God spared his life after his assassination attempt to save America.

Mr Trump, who addressed supporters on Wednesday, reflected on his rally encounters, saying, “God saved his life for a reason”.

“The reason was to save our country and restore America to greatness. Now, we’re going to fulfil that mission together”, CNN quoted the president-elect.

Mr Trump escaped several assassination attempts in the past, including during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania in July.

In his address, he insisted his survival was for a mission to lead the country into greatness.

“The task before us will not be easy, but I will bring every ounce of energy, spirit, and fight that I have in my soul to the job that you’ve entrusted to me”, he added.

Mr Trump was announced as the winner of the keenly contested presidential elections in the United States, having secured more votes than his closest rival Kamala Harris.

South Africa on Wednesday temporarily closed its main border crossing with Mozambique over protests against the disputed election in Mozambique continued to escalate.

According to human rights groups, at least 18 people have been killed in the protests, as opposition supporters demonstrate against what they described as a fraudulent election win by Frelimo, the party that has ruled Mozambique since 1975.

Security forces have responded with tear gas and live ammunition while the government restricted internet access and threatened to deploy the army.

South Africa has closed the Lebombo port of entry in its Mpumalanga province after receiving reports of vehicles being torched on the Mozambican side, the authority said in an emailed statement to Reuters.

“Due to these security incidents and in the interest of public safety, the port has been temporarily closed until further notice,” it said, adding that seven Mozambican officials had requested refuge in South Africa for safety and protection.

A reporter for South Africa’s public broadcaster SABC posted a video on X showing a long line of trucks which he said stretched for kilometres waiting to cross the border.

The latest protests in Mozambique are part of a week of demonstrations called by presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane, who came second in official results for the Oct. 9 election but claims to have won.

The electoral commission declined to comment on allegations of fraud and Frelimo has not replied to requests for comment.

The protests are set to culminate in a march on the capital Maputo on Thursday. Mozambique’s Defence Minister Cristovao Chume said on Tuesday the military was ready to intervene and warned against attempts to grab power.

The Mozambican Centre for Democracy and Human Rights said that 24 people had been killed due to police violence.

Human Rights Watch researcher Zenaida Machado told Reuters that she had confirmed 18 deaths so far but believed there had been more.

The interior minister defended the police response, saying the protests were violent, adding that security forces were compelled to restore public order, which resulted in deaths.

The Lagos State Command has confirmed that it confiscated the three dogs that allegedly killed a security guard, whose identity is yet unknown, in Pinnock Estate, Ilasan, Lekki area of the state.

The police also confirmed the arrest of the owner of the fierce-looking dogs, Salisu Mustapha.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, made this known in a statement released on Wednesday.

According to him, the dogs are in their custody and are receiving better treatment to avoid infringing on animal rights.

“Following the unfortunate mauling of a security guard to death by three dogs in Pinnock Estate, Ilasan, Lekki, on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, the Lagos State Police Command has arrested the owner of the dogs, Salisu Mustapha, and confiscated the dogs pending the outcome of discreet investigations that have since commenced.

“The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olanrewaju Ishola, psc+, mnips, assures residents of the estate and the entire people of Lagos State that the ongoing investigations will be brought to a conclusive end, and justice will be served as appropriate,” the statement added.

Clarifying the issue of dog rights infringement on X, Hundeyin said, “They are receiving the best treatment. We do not condone cruelty to animals.

“These were the dogs after they arrived at the Command headquarters before our K-9 unit came to take them into better custody,” he stressed.
He also challenged user #Arojinle, who claimed that the dogs didn’t kill the man, saying, “Well, I do not want to post gory pictures of the bloodied bite marks and tears on the victim’s body from head to toe.
“In any case, the investigation is ongoing.”

In a viral video shared on X (formerly Twitter) by a user with the handle @itzbasito, the security guard, who is yet to be identified, was seen lying dead as the Boerboel dogs approached his lifeless body.

The user stated that the dog owner unknowingly allowed the dogs to roam freely, leading to the attack that claimed the life of the estate guard on Monday night.

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday extended his congratulations to Donald Trump on his re-election as the 47th President of the United States of America.

Tinubu expressed his eagerness to strengthen the ties between Nigeria and the United States amid the complex challenges and opportunities of the contemporary world.

His congratulatory message was conveyed through a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Wednesday.

The statement was titled ‘President Tinubu Congratulates President-elect Trump.’

Tinubu said, “Together, we can foster economic cooperation, promote peace, and address global challenges that affect our citizens.”

According to him, Trump’s victory reflects the trust and confidence the American people have placed in his leadership.

Therefore, he congratulated the US electorate on their commitment to democracy.

“President Tinubu believes that, given President Trump’s experience as the 45th President of the United States from 2017 to 2021, his return to the White House as the 47th President will usher in an era of earnest, beneficial, and reciprocal economic and development partnerships between Africa and the United States,” Onanuga noted.

Tinubu also acknowledged the United States’ influence, power, and position in determining the trend and course of global events, trusting that President Trump will bring the world closer to peace and prosperity.

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday rescheduled the Federal Executive Council meeting to a yet-to-be-announced date.

“Initially scheduled for today, the council meeting was postponed in honour of Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, who passed away on Tuesday night,” Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced on Wednesday.

The statement was titled, ‘Lagbaja: President Tinubu Postpones Federal Executive Council Meeting.’

After announcing the postponement at the Council Chamber, Vice President Kashim Shettima led other council members in observing a minute’s silence in honour of the late Army Chief.

Shettima also announced that ministers would proceed to Tinubu’s official residence to pay him a condolence visit, saying, “Let’s do so as a family; this is the proper thing to do.”

“The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, will convene all of you at the residence,” he added.

Earlier on Wednesday, President Tinubu expressed his heartfelt condolences to the Lagbaja family and the Nigerian Armed Forces.

He wished Lt. General Lagbaja eternal peace and honoured his significant contributions to the nation.

Lagbaja served as the Chief of Army Staff from 19 June 2023 until his death on 5 November 2024.

Tinubu also ordered flags to be flown at half-mast nationwide for seven days in honour of the late general.

World leaders raced to praise Donald Trump as he claimed a stunning US election victory over Kamala Harris while financial markets also rose.

Here are the first reactions, with the presidential election result still to be confirmed:

– Israel –

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it a historic return for the former US leader and a new beginning in the US-Israel alliance.

“Congratulations on history’s greatest comeback! Your historic return to the White House offers a new beginning for America and a powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America. This is a huge victory!” said Netanyahu in a statement issued by his office.

– China –

As the results began to go Trump’s way, China said it hoped for “peaceful coexistence” with the United States.

“We will continue to approach and handle China-US relations based on the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation,” foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a regular briefing.

“We respect the choice of the American people.”

– France –

French President Emmanuel Macron congratulated “President Donald Trump”, saying he was ready to work with him “with respect and ambition” like “we managed to do for four years”.

In a post on X, Macron said that the relationship with Trump, who is leading the US presidential vote, would “take account of your convictions, and mine”, adding: “For more peace and prosperity.”

– Ukraine –

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated Donald Trump on his “impressive victory” and said he hoped his presidency would bring “just peace in Ukraine closer.”

“I appreciate President Trump’s commitment to the ‘peace through strength’ approach in global affairs. This is exactly the principle that can practically bring just peace in Ukraine closer,” Zelensky said in a statement on social media.

– NATO –

NATO chief Mark Rutte congratulated Trump and said his return to power would help keep the alliance “strong”.

“His leadership will again be key to keeping our Alliance strong. I look forward to working with him again to advance peace through strength through NATO,” Rutte said in a statement.

– India –

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Trump’s “election victory”.

“Heartiest congratulations my friend @realDonaldTrump on your historic election victory,” Modi wrote on social media platform X. “As you build on the successes of your previous term, I look forward to renewing our collaboration.”

– Financial markets –

The dollar surged, bitcoin hit a record high and European stocks rallied.

Trump has pledged to make the United States the “bitcoin and cryptocurrency capital of the world” and to put tech billionaire Elon Musk in charge of a wide-ranging audit of governmental waste.

“The markets are scrambling to figure out what happens next, but for the time being, the market is pricing in a higher growth and higher inflation outlook,” said Peter Esho, economist and founder at Esho Capital.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has appointed Justice Lekan Ogunmoye as the state’s acting chief judge.

This is contained in a statement signed by the governor’s media aide, Yinka Oyebode, on Tuesday in Ado-Ekiti.

Mr Oyebode said the appointment was in furtherance of the powers conferred on the governor by section 271 (4) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

According to him, the appointment of Mr Ogunmoye took effect on November 5.

He said the new justice replaced the former chief judge, John Adeyeye, who died on Monday, November 4 after a brief illness.

Born on November 6, 1963, Mr Ogunmoye was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1987 and was appointed a judge on April 1, 2010.

Mr Oyebanji wished the acting chief judge a successful tenure.

The Imo Police Command has confirmed that two persons died on Tuesday when an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) exploded at the International Market, Orlu.

The command’s public relations officer, ASP Henry Okoye, confirmed the incident in a statement in Owerri.

Mr Okoye disclosed that several other people sustained injuries from the explosion while scampering to safety.

He explained that the command had launched an investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident.

According to him, a preliminary investigation revealed that two hoodlums died from an IED.

“The two persons, who were incidentally the hoodlums, were killed in the process of setting up the IED.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, has deployed anti-bomb operatives to the scene,” the police spokesman added.

Mr Okoye urged residents of the area and the traders in the market not to panic.

He also urged the people to assist the police and other security agencies with relevant information on any suspicious activities by suspected hoodlums.

Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been “fired for banging on about his book” during a guest appearance on Channel 4’s coverage of the U.S. election, according to the programme’s co-host Krishnan Guru-Murthy.

He was told off for holding up his memoir and plugging it just minutes into the live programme titled “America Decides: U.S. Presidential Election.”

Channel 4 newsreader Guru-Murthy told Mr Johnson to “put it away” and “stop it, enough” as he twice referenced his new book and attempted to hold it up to viewers.

Mr Guru-Murthy described the former prime minister’s actions as “so cheap.”

Mr Johnson retorted: “There’s absolutely nothing you can do to stop me… I’m allowed to plug my book.”

Later during the panel discussion, Mr Johnson said he met with former U.S. president and Republican nominee Donald Trump after his attempted assassination in July.

“In case I failed to mention this, I am promoting my book Unleashed, and I had a talk with him about Ukraine,” he said.

When asked about following in Mr Trump’s footsteps regarding a political comeback if he were to win the presidential election, Mr Johnson said: “The answer is obviously contained in Unleashed, where you’ll find the full discussion of this subject.”

Co-host Emily Maitlis told him: “We are not all going to read your book, so just tell us, do you want to have a political comeback…. You can’t actually answer a single question.”

Mr Johnson responded: “By the way, Emily, I’ve answered all your questions all night. Currently I am blissfully engaged in promoting my book Unleashed, available in all good bookstores.”

Later in the programme, Mr Johnson was replaced on the Channel 4 panel by Michael Cohen – who served as a lawyer to Mr Trump.

Mr Guru-Murphy told viewers: “Boris Johnson has been fired for banging on about his book.”

It was not clear whether Mr Johnson’s exit from the programme had been planned or if he had departed early.

Mr Johnson, 60, has been promoting his new memoir titled “Unleashed” after it was released last month.

The 784-plooks backooks back on Mr Johnson’s time as prime minister – from 2019 to 2022 – including Brexit and the Covid pandemic.

Channel 4 newsreader Mr Guru-Murthy is at the helm of the channel’s first overnight U.S. election programme since 1992 alongside former “Newsnight” presenter Maitlis.

Political pundits, and a number of famous faces including Mr Johnson, joined the hosts in the Washington DC studio as the American public decides whether Democratic nominee Kamala Harris or Mr Trump becomes president.

Guests on the programme include Republican supporter and reality TV star Caitlyn Jenner, and Stormy Daniels, the woman at the centre of Mr Trump’s hush money trial following an affair between the two.

A representative for Channel 4 has been contacted for comment.

North Carolina’s Attorney General Josh Stein secured a significant win on Tuesday, defeating Republican Lt. Governor Mark Robinson to become the state’s next governor.

According to the Associated Press, Mr Stein received 775,821 votes (51.7 per cent) of the total vote, while Mr Robinson garnered 653,335 votes (43.6 per cent), with 25 per cent of the votes counted at the time of reporting.

Mr Stein’s victory ensures that Democrats will continue to hold the state’s top executive office, even as Republicans maintain control over the legislature and appeals courts.

A key factor in Mr Stein’s victory was his team’s use of television ads and social media to remind voters of Mr Robinson’s controversial past statements on abortion, women, and LGBTQ+ issues.

The remarks, viewed by many as inflammatory, were repeatedly highlighted to portray Mr Robinson as too extreme for a state that often swings politically between parties.

Mr Robinson, who had hoped to make history as North Carolina’s first Black governor, centred his campaign on appealing to religious conservatives, gun rights advocates, and those frustrated with the political establishment.

His sharp criticisms of abortion, his views on women’s roles, and his anti-LGBTQ+ statements might have drawn national attention and become a focal point in the race.

As Mr Stein prepares to take office, his administration is expected to prioritise expanding healthcare access, increasing teachers’ pay, and safeguarding voting rights issues he championed throughout his campaign.

With national attention on swing states like North Carolina, Stein’s leadership could have implications for the broader political landscape in the coming years.

Announcement of the Passing of Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, regrets to announce the passing of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of the Army Staff, at age 56.

He passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness.

Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. General Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu.

His distinguished military career began when he enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987. On September 19, 1992, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps as a member of the 39th Regular Course.

Throughout his service, Lt. General Lagbaja demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment, serving as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion.

He played pivotal roles in numerous internal security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States.

An alumnus of the prestigious U.S. Army War College, he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, demonstrating his dedication to professional growth and excellence in military leadership.

Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his beloved wife, Mariya, and their two children.

President Tinubu expresses his heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time. He wishes Lt. General Lagbaja eternal peace and honours his significant contributions to the nation.

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information and Strategy)

Nigeria has recorded another nationwide power system collapse on Tuesday afternoon.

Data obtained from the Nigerian System Operator’s portal (niggrid.org) revealed that as of 2 p.m., all the power distribution companies generated 0.00 megawatts of electricity.

The latest blackout makes it the tenth system collapse in 2024 and the first in November, after recording four grid failures in October.

The wife of the King of the United Kingdom, Queen Camilla, has withdrawn from her scheduled engagements this week due to a chest infection, Buckingham Palace announced on Tuesday.

According to a report from the BBC, the 77-year-old Queen is resting at home under the supervision of doctors.

A spokesperson for the Palace stated, “Her Majesty The Queen is currently unwell with a chest infection, for which her doctors have advised a short period of rest.

“With great regret, Her Majesty has therefore had to withdraw from her engagements for this week, but she very much hopes to recover in time to attend this weekend’s Remembrance events as normal.”

Sky News also confirmed the announcement, adding that the Queen “apologises to all those who may be inconvenienced or disappointed as a result.”

The Palace noted that no further details regarding her illness or treatment have been disclosed.

The BBC added that Camilla’s withdrawal from her duties includes her absence from the annual opening of the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey on Thursday, where the Duchess of Gloucester, Birgitte, will represent her.

Additionally, the Queen will not be attending a Buckingham Palace reception for Olympic and Paralympic athletes that will be hosted by King Charles III on the same evening.

The Queen and King Charles III recently returned from a royal tour in Australia and Samoa.

King Charles faced his own health challenges earlier this year when he was treated for an undisclosed form of cancer and paused his public engagements in February, resuming them in April.

The Palace statement reiterated the hope that Queen Camilla will recover in time for the weekend’s Remembrance events, which are typically attended by senior members of the royal family.

Queen Camilla is the wife of King Charles III of the United Kingdom. She became Queen Consort following the accession of Charles to the throne after the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022. She was previously known as the Duchess of Cornwall after her marriage to Charles in 2005.

The Government of Equatorial Guinea has restricted its citizens from downloading and sharing multimedia files using mobile data on WhatsApp.

This decision was followed by the guidelines that the country’s government gave to telecommunications operators when it urged them to implement measures to restrict access to inappropriate content.

The country’s Director General, National Financial Investigation Agency, Baltasar Engonga, was enmeshed in a sex scandal involving the wives of notable people.

The scandal emerged in the course of a fraud investigation against the 54-year-old Economist which resulted in the search of his house and office on impromptu notice by ANIF officials who came across several CDs that later revealed his sexcapades with different married women.

The over 400 videos reportedly include encounters with high-profile individuals, such as his brother’s wife, his cousin, the sister of the President of Equatorial Guinea, the Director General of Police’s wife, and about 20 of the country’s ministers’ wives, among others.

The footage, discovered in his office, was said to have been recorded with consent and has since been leaked online, causing a media uproar.

However, in a new development on Tuesday, a local news platform, Ahora EG, reported that the citizens have been lamenting their inability to share photos, videos, and audio when using a mobile data connection, leading users to rely exclusively on WiFi networks to share such content.

Speaking with a source, the platform quoted a source as saying, “Should an entire country pay for the actions of a few? The likely decision to restrict access to essential communication functions seems disproportionate and punitive, affecting thousands of users of these platforms who, in addition to serving them for entertainment, also use them for their work and/or educational activities.

“In a world where digitalisation is becoming more and more important, should we shut down our platforms and paralyse our activities due to the actions of a few? Currently, users are forced to rely exclusively on WiFi connections, which not only limits their ability to communicate but also interferes with their daily activities.

“This situation has generated a heated debate among the population, where many believe that the measure seems to be more focused on controlling than facilitating communication,” the report added.

Ahora EG also quoted another querying, “Is it really fair that everyone should suffer the consequences of the actions of a few? The authorities have not yet provided any explanation for the reasons behind this restriction, as well as the duration of the same. At a time when information and communication are more vital than ever, the lack of transparency only aggravates citizens’ concerns.”

Earlier, the Vice President of Equatorial Guinea, Teddy Nguema, announced plans to install surveillance cameras in all state body offices.

This sweeping measure is part of an ongoing effort to ensure strict adherence to public service laws and combat misconduct among officials.

A group of 114 #EndBadGovernance protesters, including 30 minors, whose release was ordered by President Bola Tinubu on Monday, have arrived at the State House Auditorium in Abuja.

They were brought to the premises at around 2:00 pm and were received by Vice President Kashim Shettima on behalf of Tinubu to be handed over to their respective state governors.

Their release was facilitated by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi.

Justice Obiora Egwatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja had earlier dismissed the case against the protesters as requested by the Office of the Attorney-General.

In attendance are Deputy Senate President Jubrin Barau, Chairman of the Committee on Appropriation Abubakar Bichi, as well as the Governors of Kaduna, Uba Sani, and Kano, Abba Yusuf.

Ministers of Education, Tunji Alausa; Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Nentawe Yilwatda; and Environment, Balarabe Lawal, are also present at the venue.

Others include the Ministers of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Tanko Sununu, and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (Northwest), Abdullahi Yakasai.

The Vice President of Equatorial Guinea, Teddy Nguema, has announced plans to install surveillance cameras in all state body offices.

This sweeping measure is part of an ongoing effort to ensure strict adherence to public service laws and combat misconduct among officials.

It was earlier reported that the country’s Director General, National Financial Investigation Agency in Equatorial Guinea, Baltasar Engonga, was arrested for allegedly recording over 400 sex tapes of the wives of notable people in the country.

The scandal emerged in the course of a fraud investigation against the 54-year-old Economist, which resulted in the search of his house and office on impromptu notice by ANIF officials who came across several CDs that later revealed his sexcapades with different married women.

The CCTV initiative, unveiled in an X post on Tuesday, according to him, underscored the administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

“We have taken this measure to ensure compliance with the law on public officials and to eradicate improper and illicit behaviour,” it read.

The new surveillance policy aims to deter acts that could undermine public trust and the ethical standards expected of public servants.

Authorities have made it clear that any violation caught on camera will be met with severe repercussions.

“We will not admit any fault that denigrates the integrity of our administration, and those who engage in these practices will face drastic measures,” it continued.

While the government emphasised that this step is crucial for promoting an environment of accountability, the policy has stirred varied responses from public sector employees and human rights advocates.

Some officials view it as a positive step towards reform, while others raise concerns about potential privacy implications.

The timeline for the complete rollout and the exact scope of surveillance have yet to be detailed.

However, the government has assured that the initiative aligns with existing legal frameworks aimed at strengthening governance and safeguarding public resources.

The VP noted that the installation of surveillance systems in state offices signals a resolute stand against corruption and misconduct, marking a pivotal step in fostering an atmosphere of transparency and trust within public service.

“The government will soon implement the installation of surveillance cameras in all offices of state bodies. We have taken this measure to ensure compliance with the law on public officials and to eradicate improper and illicit behaviour. We will not admit any fault that denigrates the integrity of our administration and those who engage in these practices will face drastic measures,” the post translated from Spanish by Google Translate read.

Earlier, the VP on Monday announced that the government will immediately suspend any officials involved in sexual relations within ministry offices, as it violates the Code of Conduct and Public Ethics Law.

This decisive action, he said, reinforces a zero-tolerance policy towards behaviour that undermines public service integrity.

“Today we will proceed with the immediate suspension of all officials who have had sexual relations in the offices of the country’s ministries.

“The government will take severe measures against these acts since they constitute a flagrant violation of the Code of Conduct and the Public Ethics Law.

“This action is a decisive step in our policy of zero tolerance towards behaviours that undermine the integrity of the public service.

“Ethics and respect are fundamental in our administration, and we will not allow irresponsible behaviour to compromise public trust.

“Responsibility and professionalism must be the pillars of our work as servants of the state.”

A driver identified as Emeka was killed by suspected kidnappers who abducted five passengers on a journey from Kebbi State to Asaba, Delta State.

The tragic incident occurred on Sunday between Kwana-Barau and Kundu village in Niger State.

The suspected kidnappers reportedly attacked the vehicle, a Toyota with registration number LND 863 YF, and fatally shot Emeka, the driver, before abducting four passengers.

In a related operation, the Niger State Police Command announced the rescue of 19 passengers who had been kidnapped while travelling from Sokoto to Bayelsa.

The passengers, who were attacked by kidnappers on November 1, 2024, were in a Toyota Bus with registration number LG 08 DGS when they were intercepted along the Tegina-Zungeru road in Niger State and taken into a nearby forest.

The spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incidents in a statement on Monday, noting that the victims in both cases were rescued unhurt.

“On November 3, 2024, at about 6 a.m., it was reported that suspected kidnappers attacked a vehicle with registration number LND 863 YF travelling from Yawuri in Kebbi State to Asaba, Delta State.

“The incident took place between Kwana-Barau and Kundu village, leading to the abduction of five persons and the unfortunate death of the driver, Emeka,” Abiodun stated.

He explained that a joint security tactical team responded swiftly, combing the Kattako forest in Rafi Local Government Area.

“Four of the abducted passengers were rescued unhurt, and efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining victim still in captivity,” he added.

In the case of the 19 passengers abducted from the Sokoto-Bayelsa journey, Abiodun said that intense pressure by the joint security forces led to the safe rescue of all passengers.

“Immediately after the November 1 attack, security operatives pursued the kidnappers, leading to the recovery of twelve victims on November 2 in the Pangugari forest, Rafi LGA,” he added.

Further operations saw the rescue of the remaining seven victims later that evening, bringing the total number rescued to 19.

“The victims received medical care at a nearby clinic and were safely returned to Sokoto on November 3,” Abiodun disclosed.