The National Economic Council (NEC) has appointed Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State as chairman of a new committee tasked with overhauling the training institutions of Nigeria’s security agencies.

The appointment was one of the key resolutions from the 152nd NEC meeting held on Thursday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where the Council endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s plan to modernize and standardize the country’s security training infrastructure.

Governor Mbah will head the reform committee alongside six other governors; Uba Sani (Kaduna), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Kefas Agbu (Taraba), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), and Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa).
Former Inspector-General of Police, Baba Usman, has been named Secretary of the committee.

In his address to the Council, President Tinubu underscored the urgency of improving Nigeria’s security capacity through better training and institutional standards.

“We must make our security training facilities more conducive for both trainers and trainees,” the President said, stressing that quality training remains the foundation of effective national security.

The committee has been given one month to submit a comprehensive blueprint for the renovation, modernization, and harmonization of all security training centres across the country, including those of the Nigeria Police Force and other paramilitary agencies.

The reform effort is part of the administration’s broader security sector transformation agenda, which aims to enhance coordination among security agencies, strengthen discipline and professionalism, and rebuild public trust in law enforcement.

President Bola Tinubu has carried out a major shake-up of Nigeria’s military hierarchy, appointing new Service Chiefs in what officials describe as a move to strengthen national security and reinforce discipline within the Armed Forces.

The announcement, made on Friday through Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, follows weeks of mounting speculation about unrest within the military and persistent coup rumours that have stirred unease nationwide.

Under the reshuffle, General Olufemi Oluyede becomes the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), replacing General Christopher Musa.

Major-General W. Shaibu takes over as Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke assumes the position of Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas becomes the Chief of Naval Staff.

The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye, retains his position.

According to the statement, all appointments take immediate effect.

President Tinubu praised the outgoing Service Chiefs for their “patriotic service and steadfast leadership,” while urging the new appointees to “uphold professionalism, vigilance, and unity in defending Nigeria’s democracy.”

Although changes in military command are routine, the timing of this overhaul is significant.

It comes amid renewed “coup scare” reports that have dominated public discourse in recent months.

Rumours about possible unrest in the Armed Forces resurfaced earlier in February 2024, when reports alleged that the Guards Brigade, which protects the Presidency, had been placed on alert over a suspected coup plot.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) swiftly dismissed the claims as “baseless,” describing them as malicious attempts to sow panic.

More recently, in October 2025, unverified reports claimed that 16 senior officers were detained for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government.

The DHQ again refuted the story, explaining that the incident involved internal disciplinary matters unrelated to any coup attempt.

Security experts say the repeated coup rumours reveal deeper social and political tensions rather than genuine threats of military takeover.

“The real issue is not that soldiers are plotting, but that citizens are losing confidence in governance and institutions,” a retired military officer told The Guardian.

Nigeria’s economic struggles, widespread insecurity, and growing distrust of public institutions have created a fertile ground for speculation, analysts note.

Nigeria’s situation is further complicated by its proximity to West African nations recently hit by coups, including Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. While Nigeria’s military has repeatedly affirmed its loyalty to democratic rule, observers caution that the “coup contagion” in the region has added pressure on Abuja to maintain internal cohesion.

In a statement earlier this year, the DHQ reaffirmed its loyalty to the Constitution, saying:

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain committed to defending the country’s unity and democratic order.”

Officials blame social media for amplifying false claims and fuelling panic. Many coup reports begin as anonymous posts online before going viral.

Minister of Information Mohammed Idris warned in February that:

“Fake reports of coups are as dangerous as coups themselves. They spread fear, weaken trust, and distract from the real work of governance.”

Civil society groups, however, argue that government officials should address the frustrations fuelling such narratives instead of dismissing every report as fake news.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) recently cautioned that “national security must not be used as a pretext to silence dissent.”

For President Tinubu, the reshuffle is not merely administrative but symbolic, a demonstration of authority, loyalty, and recalibration at a time of growing national uncertainty.

“The real coup Nigeria must guard against is one of public despair,” another retired officer said.

“When citizens lose faith in leadership, even rumours can shake the foundations of democracy.”

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has clarified under what circumstances he would agree to appear as a witness in the ongoing trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Speaking during a media session in Abuja on Friday, Wike dismissed reports that he had already agreed to testify, emphasizing that he would only do so if formally summoned by the court.

“You don’t become a witness just by reading your name in the newspapers,” Wike said.

“Nobody has served me any process or subpoena. But if I am officially invited by the court to give evidence, I must obey.”

When asked why Kanu might have included his name among his list of witnesses, Wike said he had no idea and suggested that only Kanu could explain that decision.

“Ask Nnamdi Kanu why he listed me,” the former Rivers State governor remarked. “I never volunteered to be a witness.”

Earlier this week, Kanu filed a motion at the Federal High Court in Abuja, listing 23 witnesses, including prominent political figures and security chiefs, as part of his defence in his terrorism trial.

The motion, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015, followed the court’s directive that he open his defence on October 24.

Among those listed were former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, Minister of Works Dave Umahi, and retired Generals Theophilus Danjuma and Tukur Buratai.

The witnesses were grouped into two categories, voluntary witnesses and compellable witnesses to be subpoenaed under Section 232 of the Evidence Act (2011).

Some, like political historian Emeka Umeagbalasi and U.S lawyer Bruce Fein, are expected to testify on issues ranging from self-determination to the legality of Kanu’s rendition from Kenya.

Others, including Kanu’s physician, Prof. Martin Aghaji, will speak on his health and detention conditions.

Kanu, detained since June 2021 following his extradition from Kenya, continues to maintain that his trial is politically motivated.

The Enugu State Council of Presidents-General has thrown its weight behind Governor Peter Mbah following his recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the move as a strategic decision that has repositioned Enugu at the centre of national politics.

The Council announced its support during a capacity-building workshop held on Thursday in Enugu for community Presidents-General across the state, aimed at improving grassroots leadership and service delivery.

In his remarks, the Council’s President, Hon. Arinze Ogbodo, commended Governor Mbah’s leadership style and developmental strides, hailing him as “a visionary leader whose governance model is transforming every part of the state.”

Ogbodo said the Council’s endorsement of the governor’s move to the APC was unanimous and reflected the people’s collective desire to align the state with the federal government.

“What the governor did recently was not a personal decision. He heeded the voice of the people to align Enugu with the centre of power and decision-making,” Ogbodo said.

“Enugu has regained its voice in national politics, and we are already beginning to feel the positive impact of being part of the ruling party. Our voices can now be heard.”

He highlighted the governor’s infrastructure expansion, rural electrification, and flagship projects such as the Smart Green Schools and Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres as evidence of Mbah’s commitment to equitable development across all 260 wards of the state.

Ogbodo also appealed to the state government to review the benefits of community leaders to enhance their capacity as partners in local development.

“Our loyalty and support for Governor Mbah remain total. We will sustain peace, complement government efforts in security, and take ownership of projects in our respective communities,” he assured.

In his goodwill message, the Commissioner for Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Okey Ogbodo, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to empowering town unions as key drivers of grassroots transformation.

He disclosed that the ministry was advancing several reform initiatives, including reviewing the town union constitution and guidelines, establishing a Community Coordination Department, and introducing regular leadership training for community leaders.

“This workshop underscores our shared vision to transform every community in Enugu into a modern, organized development unit aligned with the state government’s overall agenda,” the Commissioner said.

He emphasized the critical role of town unions in mobilizing citizens and effectively communicating government policies at the grassroots level.

Participants at the event described the workshop as timely and impactful, commending the initiative for strengthening community governance and deepening collaboration between the state government and local institutions.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has scheduled Tuesday, October 28, for the screening of all aspirants contesting positions in the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) ahead of its elective national convention slated for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Chairman of the National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC) and Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri, announced the development in a statement on Thursday.

According to the statement, Monday, October 27, is the deadline for submitting completed Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms to the committee’s secretariat.

“The screening of all aspirants for various national offices in the 2025 PDP Elective Convention has been scheduled for Tuesday, October 28, at 2 pm,” the statement read.

“It will hold at the NCOC Secretariat Conference Hall, Legacy House, Maitama, Abuja, while the Screening Appeal will take place on Thursday, October 30.

“All aspirants, stakeholders, and members are to note these dates and comply accordingly.”

The announcement comes amid heightened tension within the main opposition party over internal leadership and zoning disagreements ahead of the convention.

Supporters of FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, are reportedly displeased with the leadership of Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, particularly regarding control of the party structure in the South-South and the distribution of key offices.

The crisis has spilled into the courts, with PDP chairmen from Imo and Abia States filing a suit against the Damagum-led NWC, accusing it of violating the party’s constitution.

The case, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, is expected to be ruled on October 30.

Adding to the controversy, the party’s National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, denied signing the notification letter sent to INEC regarding the convention.

“He has since called for a security probe into what he described as “forgery and impersonation.”

However, the PDP leadership dismissed the allegations, describing them as baseless and aimed at distracting preparations for the convention.

Despite the internal wrangling, the NCOC maintained that preparations are on track, promising a transparent and credible process that will produce new leaders to steer the party into the next election cycle.