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INFLATION: Customs to Distribute Seized Food Rice, Others

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To alleviate hunger and reduce the soaring prices of food items in the country, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), on Tuesday, announced a plan to dispose off forfeited food items to the Nigerians.

 

Seized Items

 

The contrabands seized by officers of the Service and forfeited by the court to the federal government include rice, groundnut oil, noodles, among other commodities.

 

 

The Service, in a press statement by its National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, on Tuesday, said the decision was in response to the current critical challenges of the soaring costs of essential food items in the country.

 

 

He said the items will be certified fit for consumption by relevant agencies and made available to ordinary Nigerians through equitable distribution in Customs’ Areas of Operations nationwide.

 

 

Maiwada also stated that the modalities for the disposal of the commodities will be communicated through NCS formations nationwide, with a firm commitment to transparency, fairness, and public safety.

 

 

He said, “In response to the critical challenges of food security and the soaring costs of essential food items in Nigeria, the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, reaffirmed his commitment to advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s food security agenda. This commitment is deeply rooted in the NCS’s core mandate of serving the best interests of the Nigerian people, thereby fostering economic stability and prosperity.

 

 

“In line with this vision, the Service has launched a strategic anti-smuggling operation and public engagement in its commitment to prevent the unlawful exportation of vital food resources for individual economic gains. This urgent imperative fuels the need for a proactive stance to safeguard food availability within our nation and alleviate the detrimental effects of scarcity on citizens.

“Furthermore, to alleviate the hardships faced by Nigerians and improve access to essential food items, the Nigeria Customs Service will facilitate the direct disposal of food items forfeited to the Federal Government. These items will be certified fit for consumption by relevant agencies and made available to ordinary Nigerians nationwide through equitable distribution in our Areas of Operations (AoO).”

 

 

The Customs spokesman further stated that the exercise will be managed diligently to ensure that the benefits reach those mostly in need in the country.

 

 

“The modalities for the disposal will be communicated through NCS formations nationwide, with a firm commitment to transparency, fairness, and public safety. It is our pledge that this exercise will be managed diligently to ensure that the benefits reach those most in need.

 

 

“The NCS remains resolute in its dedication to safeguarding the nation’s food security and advancing the economic well-being of all Nigerians. With the unwavering support and cooperation of the public, we will surmount these challenges and pave the way for a more prosperous future for our beloved nation,” the Customs spokesman added.

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Police Invites APC Senator Over ‘Kill Accord’ Comment As CP Reads Riot Act

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The Osun State Police Command has summoned Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District, over his alleged comment directing supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to “kill” members of the rival Accord Party during the state governorship election.

 

The summons followed the circulation of a video on social media in which the senator, while speaking in Yoruba during an APC campaign in Ilesa on Tuesday, allegedly made the controversial remarks.

In a letter dated August 11, 2026, and signed by the Commissioner of Police, Elections, Osun State, Samuel Etaifo Erale, the command invited Fadahunsi to clarify the circumstances surrounding the statements.

The senator was directed to report to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Osogbo, at 11am on Wednesday, August 12.

The letter said the invitation was based on information available to the police alleging that Fadahunsi made statements considered “threatening, inciting and intimidating” during the campaign.

It added that the alleged statement had been circulated on various electronic and social media platforms.

Senator clarifies comment

Fadahunsi, in the video, was heard speaking in Yoruba and allegedly telling APC supporters to kill members of the Accord Party if they encountered them during the electoral process.

Following the backlash generated by the video, however, the senator’s team said his comment was misinterpreted.

In a statement titled, “Kill Osun Accord with Votes, Not Violence,” the team said the senator was calling on APC supporters to defeat the Accord Party through the ballot box.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Senator’s statement was purely political and metaphorical,” the statement said.

It described the senator’s remark as a call for supporters to “overwhelmingly reject the Accord Party at the ballot box through lawful, peaceful and democratic means” during the August 15 governorship election.

The controversy comes amid heightened political activities ahead of Saturday’s governorship election, in which incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke is seeking re-election on the platform of the Accord Party.

Adeleke has repeatedly accused the APC of using thugs to attack his supporters, allegations the party has disputed.

Meanwhile, the Osun State Police Commissioner for Election, Samuel Etaifo, has warned politicians to refrain from using violence and inciteful comments as the state heads to the governorship election on Saturday.

In a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, on Wednesday, the police commissioner condemned the alleged comment, saying the politicians must exercise restraint at this critical period.

“At this critical period of the electoral process, political leaders and public office holders are expected to exercise restraint, promote peace, and refrain from making comments capable of heightening tension or undermining public confidence in the electoral and security arrangements put in place for the forthcoming election,” he said.

While reaffirming the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to neutrality, professionalism, and the protection of democratic values, CP Etaifo emphasised that the Police will not tolerate any act, utterance, or conduct capable of inciting violence, disrupting public peace, or threatening the security of the state.

“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police has invited Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi to provide clarification on the statement and to foster mutual understanding in the interest of peace and security,” he said.

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NiMet Names 13 States To Experience Flood In August

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The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned of possible flash floods in 13 states between August 11 and 20, 2026.

 

NiMet issued the warning in an advisory posted on its X handle listing Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Niger, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Adamawa, Plateau, Benue, Kogi, Taraba, Cross River and Akwa Ibom as states at high risk.

The agency said the outlook was based on forecast rainfall intensity, soil moisture, drainage capacity, terrain and dam characteristics.

It said the advisory was intended to support early preparedness, emergency response and disaster risk reduction.

NiMet warned that flash floods could occur in flood-prone, low-lying, urban and riverside communities, with possible impacts including road closures, traffic congestion and transport disruptions.

It also warned that flooding could temporarily disrupt electricity and telecommunications services, while heavy rainfall could reduce visibility and affect road and aviation operations.

According to the agency, waterlogging could damage farmlands, crops and livestock, while flash floods could destroy roads, bridges, drainage systems and other critical infrastructure.

It added that stagnant floodwaters could increase the risk of waterborne diseases.

NiMet advised residents to follow weather forecasts and flood alerts from the agency and emergency management authorities.

It urged the public to avoid walking or driving through flooded roads, bridges and fast-flowing water, and advised people in vulnerable areas to remain alert and be prepared to relocate to safer locations if necessary.

The agency also urged emergency management authorities to strengthen surveillance, pre-position response teams and maintain emergency preparedness.

It advised farmers to improve drainage on their farms and move livestock, machinery and harvested produce away from flood-prone areas.

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CAIDOV Challenges Stakeholders Over Peaceful Election In Osun

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The Centre Against Injustice and Domestic Violence – CAIDOV has called on all stakeholders in Osun State to prioritize peace, fairness, and the rule of law as the state approaches its election.

 

As a human rights and justice organization, CAIDOV urged political parties, candidates, security agencies, INEC, traditional rulers, and voters to shun violence, intimidation, vote-buying, and all forms of electoral malpractice

In the statement by CAIDOV signed by Its Executive Director Gbenga Soloki stated
“Osun people deserve an election that reflects their true will. We want a peaceful election in Osun — free, fair, credible, and devoid of bloodshed. A peaceful Osun will guarantee prosperity for all.The ballot should be the only weapon. Any act of violence or injustice undermines democracy and hurts the very citizens we seek to serve.”

CAIDOV specifically urged Security Agencies to remain neutral, professional, and protect voters, materials, and officials.

INEC according to CAIDOV should ensure transparency and timely delivery of materials,while
Political Actors are enjoined to play by the rules and accept outcomes in good faith.

CAIDOV called on Voters to come out peacefully, vote, and protect their votes without fear

We also urge civil society, media, and community leaders to preach tolerance and de-escalate tensions.

CAIDOV will be monitoring compliance with electoral laws and report any cases of injustice or violence.

_Let the voice of Osun people be heard peacefully. Democracy thrives where peace reigns._

*Signed:*
*Gbenga Soloki*
Executive Director, CAIDOV

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