Lagos State Police Command Beefs Up Security Around Schools, Other Infrastructure

Amidst the growing insecurity in the country and the fear in some quarters that it might encroach into the South-west region of the country, the Lagos State Police Command has strengthened security across schools, places of worship, markets, recreational centres and event venues as part of renewed efforts to prevent threats and guarantee public safety in the state.

The move followed recent security breaches in parts of the country, including the attack on a Catholic church in Eruku, Kwara State, and the abduction of students in Kebbi and Niger states by suspected bandits.

Commissioner of Police (CP)Olorundare Jimoh, who briefed journalists at the Command Headquarters in Ikeja, said personnel have been deployed to strategic locations across the state to ensure a crime-free Yuletide.

“We have created a special squad to take charge of school protection, and we are making steady progress with no fear of apprehension,” he said. “Our intelligence teams are moving in and out of major areas to prevent any criminal infiltration into Lagos.”

The police chief said security has also been reinforced across other critical infrastructure and border communities, noting that waterways are now better secured following the deployment of 26 gunboats recently launched in Lagos by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun.

He added that a new Submarine Tactical Squad has been established to strengthen internal maritime security, while land-based patrols have been expanded through the EkoStrike Force, a rapid-response unit created by the IGP to complement the Rapid Response Squad (RRS).

Jimoh said the EkoStrike Force has improved emergency response to security flashes and has contributed to the reduction in crime levels in the state, announcing that Somolu Local Government has constructed a permanent site for the strike force. 

He also announced the expansion of the tactical squad from 23 teams to 35, with plans to increase the number to 57 so that every local government and LCDA can have a dedicated response team.

On the successes recorded by the command, Jimoh disclosed that 56 suspects involved in various offences including armed robbery, kidnapping, stealing, conspiracy, assault occasioning harm and threats to life were arrested during multiple operations in November.

He said the arrests were accompanied by significant recoveries, including nine stolen exotic vehicles taken by drivers and car wash attendants, as well as one motorcycle allegedly removed from a park through fraudulent conversion and smuggling.

Across the same period, operatives recovered six firearms, including locally made pistols, cut-to-size guns, a single barrel gun, live cartridges, and several dangerous weapons such as a machete, battle axe and assault dagger. 

Police also seized Nigerian military camouflage, charms and fake foreign currency amounting to $4,000.

“These achievements are a testament to our sustained November strategy aimed at dismantling criminal gangs, intercepting stolen property, removing illegal firearms from circulation, and strengthening public safety across Lagos State,” Jimoh said.

He added that Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, Tactical Squads and Unit Commanders have been directed to provide adequate security at all worship centres, especially during services and festive activities.

“The security situation in Lagos is not alarming. We are firmly on top of the situation,” he assured. “The successes recorded are not due to police efforts alone but also the support and collaboration of residents who have continued to work with the command to safeguard lives and property.”

Jimoh urged Lagosians to remain vigilant and continue partnering with the police to sustain the state’s security gains.

 

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Chemical Preservatives Now Used On Moi Moi Sold In Nigerian High Brow Shopping Malls

Now consider this scenario. You see a lovely pack of moi moi on the shelf of a shopping mall. You buy it and take it home for the purpose of consuming it but after eating a portion of it, you realize you have lost appetite and cannot finish the entire pack. You leave it on top of the sink in the kitchen and go to sleep. 

Next morning and you are about to dispose of the remnant moi moi when you suddenly discover that it has not shown any sign of decay even though it has been exposed since the previous evening. In fact, when you take it up to your nose and smell, it smells the same way it was when you bought it the previous day.

Now curious, you decide to leave it in the kitchen till evening. However, when you come back in the evening, the story is the same: the moi moi has not shown any sign of decay. And it stays that way for one, two, and three whole days before you begin to notice small signs of decay.

The above situation is not fictional. It was the experience of Mr Kofi Bartels , a popular radio presenter with Nigeria Info 99.3 FM. You could feel the shock in Mr Kofi’s voice as he narrated his ordeal in the course of one of his programmes. And if you think his experience is a case in isolation, then you will need to think again. A lady, who gave her name as Linda, told Natural Health Africa that she bought a wrap of moi moi from a shopping mall in Port Harcourt and felt very uneasy after eating it. She felt like she had developed constipation. She was surprised when she went to the toilet the next morning and saw that everything came out the same way it had gone in.

“It was as if no digestion took place; the whole thing came out the same way I had eaten it. I had to examine it with the aid of a torchlight because the issue gave me a sleepless night and I was wondering if I had been poisoned even though nobody else but me touched that moi moi,” she said.

What Is Moi Moi?

Moi moi is a protein-rich, steamed bean pudding that is a good source of vitamins A, C, and E, as well as iron, folate, and potassium. A 100g serving contains approximately 108-155 calories, 6.5-13g of protein, 2-3g of fat, and 16-24g of carbohydrates. The exact nutritional value varies based on the ingredients and preparation, such as the amount of oil and other additions like fish, eggs, or meat. 

Moi moi is a healthy food due to its high content of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals from its main ingredient, beans. It supports muscle growth, aids digestion, and can help manage weight because it is low in fat and high in fiber. Its preparation as a steamed dish is also a healthier alternative to fried foods, and it is naturally gluten-free.  

Naturally, moi moi that is left unprotected and unrefrigerated will begin to show signs of decay and spoilage when left overnight. This is often manifested in the taste, smell, and texture, making it undesirable or even unsafe for consumption. So, when such a pack of moi moi stays for up to 72 hours before beginning to exhibit these manifestations, then something must be wrong somewhere. But before we look into why this particular moi moi could not decay, let’s first look at the process of food spoilage and what causes food to decay.

How Bacteria Causes Food Spoilage 

Bacteria and other microorganisms spoil food by breaking down its chemical composition for nutrients, which creates unwanted byproducts. This activity alters the food's taste, smell, and texture. 

Microorganisms consume the proteins, carbohydrates, and fats in food through enzymatic action and metabolic processes, leading to characteristic signs of decay. 

In the case of moi moi and other byproducts of beans, Bacteria secrete enzymes that break down proteins and amino acids. This process, known as putrefaction, produces foul-smelling compounds such as ammonia, amines, and sulfur-containing substances, leading to the rotten odor associated with spoiled moi moi.

It now becomes clear that if moi moi refuses to decay after a long period of time, something must have been introduced to prevent these bacteria from acting on it. And this takes us to another level of the conversation.

How Chemical Preservatives Prevent Food Spoilage 

Chemical preservatives stop food spoilage by inhibiting or killing microorganisms and preventing oxidation, which causes rancidity. They work by creating an environment that is hostile to microbes and by slowing down the chemical reactions that lead to spoilage, thereby extending the food's shelf life. 

Preservatives like benzoic acid, sorbic acid, and nisin can stop the growth of bacteria, yeasts, and molds, or destroy them altogether, thereby extending the moi moi’s shelf life and making it look just as fresh as when it was cooked. Bottomline? Producers of this kind of moi moi do so to extend the shelf life of the food, and this they do by adding harmful preservatives for that purpose. But what is the health implication for the consumer. If moi moi cannot decay more than two days after it has been exposed, what is the guarantee that it would not affect the health of the consumer negatively.

How Dangerous Are Food Preservatives To Human Health? 

The danger of food preservatives to human health varies, with some being linked to adverse effects like allergic reactions and asthma, while others are associated with more serious conditions like cancer and cardiovascular disease with long-term consumption. Some preservatives, such as sulfites, can trigger allergic reactions, while others like nitrites and some artificial dyes and emulsifiers have been linked to cancer, behavioral issues in children, and other chronic health problems.

Foods laced with preservatives do not digest easily and can disrupt the digestive process. Instead of speeding up digestion, the additives in these foods can cause inflammation and alter the gut microbiome, which can lead to digestive discomfort. 

Preservatives And Digestion Problems

• Harmful to gut bacteria: Many preservatives are antimicrobial, meaning they are designed to kill microorganisms like bacteria, yeast, and fungi to extend shelf life. This can disrupt the balance of your gut microbiome by killing off beneficial bacteria necessary for proper digestion.

• Trigger inflammation: Preservatives like sodium benzoate and certain emulsifiers can trigger inflammation and irritation in the gastrointestinal tract. Chronic inflammation is a risk factor for conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

• Inhibit enzymes: Preservatives can suppress the release of digestive enzymes, which slows down the digestion process. This can cause food to sit in the stomach for longer than it should, leading to indigestion and bloating.

• Hinder nutrient absorption: An altered microbiome and inhibited digestive enzymes can prevent your body from properly absorbing nutrients from food. This means that even seemingly "balanced" processed foods can lead to nutrient deficiencies.

• Contribute to constipation: Processed foods often lack fiber, an essential nutrient that helps regulate bowel movements. Combined with the effects of preservatives, this can lead to constipation. 

Conclusion 

Moi moi laced with preservatives is for the purpose of protecting the business of the producer at the expense of the health of the innocent consumer. So, when next you see that lovely pack of moi moi displayed on the shelf of a shopping mall, please ask questions before you pick it up.

                

Culled From Natural Health Africa  

 

 

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Peace Returns To Shasha Community After Attack On Air Force Officer

peace has  returned to the Shasha Kingdom in Alimosho Local Government Area following the intervention of the monarch of the kingdom, Oba Babatunde Akanbi Ogunronbi. According to eye-witness accounts, some youths in the area had reportedly attacked an Air force officer with broken bottles.

The traditional ruler in the area, the Onishasha of Shasha Kingdom, Oba Babatunde Akanbi Ogunronbi, brokered peace after a week of tension in the community.

It was gathered that the youths allegedly stabbed the officer with broken bottles during a football session in the Oremeji area.

Fortunately for the officer, he survived the attack but with serious wounds on his head.

Spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed the incident, noting that no life was lost.

A community leader in Shasha, Chief Muyideen Muniru, said the youths tried to prevent the unforeseen but the officer, who was on mufti, started a showdown with them but he was unfortunately overpowered.

According to Muniru, “the officer ran into the youths during a football match, the ball mistakenly hit him and he seized it.

“The youths suspended further activities to ask the officers for forgiveness but he ignored everyone, deflated the ball and turned it to shreds.

“Still the youths kept pacifying him to tamper justice with mercy but he boasted that he was an Air force officer and would call for enforcement to teach them a lesson.

“This disrupted the existing mood as the youths were agitated and called off the officer’s bluff. One of them reached for a bottle, broke it and hit the officer on his head.

“Before the officer could call for reinforcement, the situation turned rowdy as some other youths descended on the him.

“The following day being a Monday, colleagues of the officer stormed the community and raided many houses in retaliation.

“This continued for days thereby causing tension in the Shasha Kingdom until the monarch stepped into the matter and doused the tension.

“As from yesterday, relative peace has returned to the town.” He said.

 

 

 

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Army Confirms Death Of Soldier Attacked By Mentally Unstable Man In Ikorodu

The 81 Division of the Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of a soldier, who was attacked by a mentally unstable man on Sunday, in the Ikorodu area of Lagos.

A video that went viral on social media showed the lifeless body of the soldier lying in a pool of blood. The body of the attacker, dressed in tattered clothes, was also seen on the ground, while voices in the footage suggested that the attacker had shot the soldier with the deceased rifle.

However, a statement by the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army through its acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Musa Yahaya, clarified that the deceased, who was deployed for internal security duty in the Imota area of Ikorodu, was struck on the head with a heavy log by the mentally unstable man. The statement said the soldier was attempting to de-escalate a chaotic situation when the attacker struck from behind.

The statement read: “Without prejudice to the ongoing investigation into the incident, it is necessary to provide preliminary information on the circumstances surrounding the incident. On November 16, 2025, about 4p.m., one of the soldiers deployed for internal security duty in the Imota area of Ikorodu, while attempting to de-escalate a chaotic situation, was attacked by a mentally unstable individual. The attacker struck the soldier on the head with a heavy log, causing severe injury.

“The situation was brought under control by other soldiers at the scene, who neutralised the attacker and recovered the soldier’s body”

 

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Lagos Makes History As Bond Subscription Hits N310 Billion

Lagos State has made history, with the conclusion of the bookbuild for its landmark Bond Issuance that has recorded an overwhelming reception from the investment community.

According to the state’s Commissioner for Finance Hon. Yomi Oluyomi, the state offered a ₦200 billion conventional Bond and a ₦14.8 billion Green Bond, both of which were significantly oversubscribed.

He said, “The Conventional Bond, which is the largest ever issued by a non-corporate sub-national in Nigeria’s history, attracted subscriptions totaling ₦308 billion, representing a 54% oversubscription above the initial offer.

“Lagos State is the first sub-national government to issue an impact climate bond. The Green bond attracted ₦28.7 Billion – 94% more than the target.”

Excited about the feats, the State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu said: “This is a reflection of the global confidence in Nigeria’s economy, fostered by the bold reforms initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR  as reflected in the recent oversubscription of the Federal Government’s Eurobond.

“In Lagos, ours is a testament to our resilience and the unwavering support of our private sector partners who believe in our vision of building Africa’s model megacity that is safe, secure and functional.

“We shall continue to ensure prudent financial management,  accountability and fiscal transparency as we continue to provide a conducive environment for businesses to grow. Our dream is to make Lagos a global financial hub; we will keep our eyes on the ball.”

The governor maintained that the proceeds from the Bonds are earmarked to fund critical projects across the state, directly aligned along the line of the THEMES+ Agenda of his administration.

“These projects will focus on vital areas such as transportation, healthcare, education, and environmental sustainability, all aimed at significantly improving the livelihood and well-being of all Lagosians and securing a more prosperous and resilient future for the state,” he said.

 

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Ponmo Consumption Threatens Nigerian Leather Industry - FG

There is no doubt that Lagosians love eating ponmo. They use it as ingredient for stews and soups of all kinds. But have you ever realized that each time you take a chunk of ponmo in your mouth and chew, you are actually eating up potential shoes, sandals, handbags, and every other material that is made from cowhides? The Federal Government says the continued consumption of hides and skins, popularly known as ponmo, poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s leather industry, currently valued at about $5 billion.

The Director-General of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council, Prof Nnanyelugo Ikemounso, stated this at the National Campaign Against the Consumption of ponmo held on Thursday in Abuja.

Prof Ikemounso stressed that the practice deprives local industries of vital raw materials needed for leather production and export.

According to him, the Nigerian leather goods market was valued at $2.79 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to $4.96 billion by 2033, warning that the continued diversion of hides for consumption could derail this growth.

“From an economic and industrial standpoint, cowhides are one of Nigeria’s most valuable raw materials. Our nation possesses a vibrant leather industry with enormous potential for job creation, foreign exchange earnings, and contributions to GDP.

“As of 2024, the Nigerian Leather Goods Market was valued at USD 2.79 billion, with a forecast to grow to USD 4.96 billion by 2033.

“Sadly, the continuous diversion of hides for ponmo consumption denies our industries access to quality raw materials, weakens our tanning and leather manufacturing sector, and diminishes Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global leather market,” he said.

Ikemounso further explained that the global leather value chain is estimated to be worth between $420 billion and $1 trillion, and with proper policy direction, infrastructure, and raw material availability, Nigeria can significantly increase its share of that market.

He stressed that the campaign was not designed to undermine cultural or dietary choices but to ensure that hides and skins are channelled into productive industrial use for national benefit.

 

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Why We Included "PWDs Corner" As A Beat In Lagos Today Extra - Publishers

The management of Kimekwu Communications Concept, publishers of Lagos Today Extra!, has explained why it included “PWDs Corner” as a major beat in the publication, stressing that the decision was informed by the need to evolve a more inclusive societal participation and give everyone a sense of belonging in the Nigerian media space.

In a statement, the publishers noted with dismay that most general interest publications in Nigeria do not have a desk  solely dedicated to issues and news materials involving persons with disabilities (PWDs).

“Apart from a few broadcast media outlets, which allocate between 15 to 30 minutes of their time to weekly programmes on PWDs, most general interest print media organisations do not see the need to have a beat, even if it is weekly, dedicated to this most vulnerable subsect of the society. If at all you find such stories, they are mostly presented as minor stories embedded in other related beats. This is rather unfortunate because issues affecting persons with disabilities should be top of priority in any organized society and should be highlighted in a beat dedicated to them. There should be a desk, with an editor and reporters assigned for that purpose,” the statement read.

“It is in view of the above ugly realities, that we decided to dedicate a beat to the PWDs community, and give them a space in the media to amplify their voices,” the statement added.

According to the statement, the PWDs Corner in Lagos Today Extra will accommodate news items, articles, opinions, essays, interviews, events and other issues relating to persons with disabilities within and around Lagos. It advised clusters in the state to take advantage of the beat to amplify their voices and project issues affecting them up to the public consciousness.

The management also stated that there is a 50 percent discount of advert rates for products and services coming from the PWDs community. This, it said, would go a long way in projecting these products and services into the market and thus help in empowering entrepreneurs across the various clusters in the community.

Lagos Today Extra! is an online authoritative and premium grassroots publication with a variety of beats, including News. Sports, Entertainment, Business, Brands And Marketing, Politics And Policies, Governance Today, Christianity Today, Islam Today, Crime, Motoring Lagos amongst several others.

Lagos Today Extra! is the first general interest publication in Nigeria to be fully owned, operated and staffed by persons with disabilities. Its publisher and editor-in-chief, Dumbiri Frank Eboh, is a visually impaired journalist with over three decades of practice in the industry. 

 

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