Is Abuja Safe Anymore? NBA Raises Alarm Over Return of ‘One-Chance’ Killings After Murder of Nurse and Lawyer

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has raised a grave alarm over what it described as the disturbing return of “one-chance” criminal operations in Abuja following the brutal killing of two professionals in separate incidents across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). In a statement signed by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, the association warned that insecurity is once again tightening its grip on Nigeria’s seat of power.

According to the NBA, the victims were Ms. Chinemerem Pascalina Chuwumeziem, a nurse, and Princess Chigbo Mediatrix, a lawyer and former Treasurer of the NBA Abuja Branch. Both women were allegedly murdered after falling prey to criminals posing as commercial transport operators—an infamous tactic known locally as “one-chance.” Their bodies were later discovered in different parts of the city, sparking widespread fear among residents.

The association described the killings as a chilling reminder of the growing vulnerability of Abuja residents, stressing that the victims were not faceless individuals but professionals who simply intended to return home safely from their daily engagements. The NBA said the incidents had plunged the capital into grief and exposed a dangerous deterioration in public safety.

Condemning the attacks in the strongest terms, the NBA warned that the pattern of “one-chance” crimes could no longer be ignored. It stated that criminal gangs masquerading as transport operators have turned routine commuting into a life-threatening gamble, making ordinary citizens, workers, and professionals targets on the city’s roads.

Osigwe described the killing of Princess Chigbo Mediatrix as particularly painful for the legal community, noting that she was a committed member of the Bar whom he knew personally. He said her death was not only a professional loss but a deeply personal blow, underscoring that lawyers—like all Nigerians—remain dangerously exposed in an environment where criminals operate with impunity.

The NBA warned that the murders represent more than individual tragedies, arguing that they signal a broader erosion of security in the FCT. It stressed that when citizens cannot commute safely, when professionals are attacked in plain sight, and when criminal networks act unchecked in the nation’s capital, the foundations of social order are severely threatened.

Calling for urgent action, the association urged the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, the Nigeria Police Force, and other security agencies to treat the situation as a full-scale security emergency. It demanded immediate, visible, and coordinated measures to dismantle “one-chance” syndicates, including intensified intelligence gathering, surveillance, policing of transport corridors, and targeted operations against known criminal networks.

The NBA also insisted on thorough, transparent, and time-bound investigations into the killings, warning that failure to deliver justice would deepen public fear and embolden criminal elements. It emphasized that justice must not only be promised but must be seen to be done, with perpetrators, collaborators, and enablers identified, arrested, and prosecuted.

Reaffirming the state’s duty to protect lives, the association said citizens should not have to choose between earning a living and staying alive. It warned that Abuja must not become a hunting ground where criminals prey on the vulnerable while law enforcement appears distant or reactive.

The NBA extended condolences to the families of the victims, the healthcare community, the NBA Abuja Branch, and residents of the FCT. The killings have reignited public debate over safety in Nigeria’s capital, raising urgent questions about urban security, policing, public transport safety, and government accountability in protecting citizens from organized street crime.

BREAKING NEWS: The Nigerian Army has indefinitely suspended all statutory and voluntary retirements for specific categories of officers, in response to the nationwide security emergency declared by President Tinubu.

Tinubu’s ‘Security Emergency’ Is Not a Constitutional State of Emergency — Odinkalu Warns Against State Police

In a detailed opinion piece, Chidi Anselm Odinkalu critiques President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a “nationwide security emergency,” arguing that it does not meet the constitutional requirements for a state of emergency and bypasses necessary oversight by the National Assembly. Odinkalu warns that the move appears politically calculated and masks the administration’s reluctance to acknowledge Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.
He further cautions against the push for state police, citing historical abuses—from Native Authority Police to Bakassi Boys—and the failure of state-led security initiatives in Zamfara, Benue, and Anambra. Odinkalu warns that creating 37 separate police forces could decentralize despotism, enabling governors to weaponize security agencies against opponents. He argues instead for decentralizing the Nigeria Police Force with stronger oversight, autonomy, and professionalism.


#StatePoliceDebate

#ChidiOdinkalu

#NigeriaSecurity

Tinubu Nominates Ex-CDS General Christopher Musa as New Defence Minister After Badaru’s Resignation




President Bola Tinubu has nominated former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence following the resignation of Mohammed Badaru due to health reasons. The President communicated the nomination to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, expressing confidence in Musa’s ability to strengthen the nation’s security architecture.
General Musa, 58, previously served as CDS from 2023 to October 2025 and has held several notable military positions, including Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai and Commander of the Infantry Corps. His distinguished career earned him the Colin Powell Award for Soldiering in 2012.
Badaru’s exit comes amid heightened security concerns and President Tinubu’s recent declaration of a national security emergency. The Presidency thanked Badaru for his service and confirmed that Tinubu will officially present Musa’s nomination to the Senate this week.

What Nigerians Can Do To Help President Tinubu Make Nigeria Secure Again

It is not an overstatement to say that President Tinubu was created to lead our nation at a time like this. His declaration of a National Security Emergency and the powerful, actionable steps contained therein show that we finally have a leader with the political will and tactical ability to bell the cat that has proven most stubborn and elusive in the past.

For too long, we have had a numbers challenge—i.e., we did not have enough troops to physically secure a population of 235 million with a landmass of almost 1 million square kilometres.

Today, the President has provided strong leadership to address this lacuna in our national security architecture. And right-thinking Nigerians are grateful for this step to address this hateful scourge.

Already, we have seen results in the recent and decent rescue of students in Kebbi State and worshippers in Kwara State. It is certain that more Tinubu wins will come.

This recruitment into our military and paramilitary forces, along with the recall of 100,000 police officers previously on VIP protection detail, is a welcome development and step in the right direction that all Nigerians should support.

I urge our people to enlist in our Army, Airforce, Navy, Police and paramilitary agencies.

Furthermore, President Bola Tinubu taking the issue of State Police to the National Assembly in his National Emergency on Security is the most radically progressive step a Nigerian leader has done in the War on Terror since 1999. I not only commend the President, but also join in appealing to Parliament to make haste and hearken to, as well as hearten to, the President's call.

If they do this, this tenth National Assembly will be the greatest Legislature in the history of democratic governance in Nigeria.

I call on all Nigerians who want a secure country to contact their Senators and Representatives and ask them to support President Tinubu's initiative. Together, we can help the President fulfil his vision to secure Nigeria.

Once again, we plead with the National Assembly to employ all means, including the Doctrine of Necessity. The nation will be on a sounder footing if our Parliament gives the right hand of fellowship to the President and helps make Nigeria Secure Again!

Reno Omokri

Gospeller. Deep Thinker. #TableShaker. Ruffler of the Feathers of Obidents. #1 Bestselling author of Facts Versus Fiction: The True Story of the Jonathan Years. Hodophile. Hollywood Magazine Humanitarian of the Year, 2019. Business Insider Influencer of the Year, 2022. 21st Most Talked About Person in Africa, 2024.About Person in Africa, 2024.

The Senate has begun amending the Terrorism Act, passing a bill for first reading to classify kidnapping as terrorism punishable by death. Lawmakers also set up an 18-member ad hoc committee, led by Senator Orji Kalu, to investigate the Safe School Initiative amid concerns over misused funds and rising school attacks. This follows recent violent incidents, including mass abductions in Niger and Kebbi states. Meanwhile, President Tinubu has declared a nationwide security emergency, ordering fresh military and police recruitment and authorising NYSC camps to be used as training centres.

DECLARATION OF NATIONWIDE SECURITY EMERGENCY & RECRUITMENT OF ADDITIONAL ARMY AND POLICE PERSONNEL

Fellow Nigerians,

Today, in view of the emerging security situation, I have decided to declare a nationwide security emergency and order additional recruitment into the Armed Forces.

By this declaration, the police and the army are authorised to recruit more personnel. The police will recruit an additional 20,000 officers, bringing the total to 50,000.

Although I had previously approved the nationwide upgrade of police training facilities, the police authorities are, by this statement, authorised to use various National Youth Service Corps camps as training depots.

The officers being withdrawn from VIP guard duties should undergo crash training to debrief them and deliver more efficient police services when deployed to security-challenged areas of the country.

The DSS also has my authority to immediately deploy all the forest guards already trained to flush out the terrorists and bandits lurking in our forests. The agency also has my directive to recruit more men to man the forests. There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil.

My fellow Nigerians, this is a national emergency, and we are responding by deploying more boots on the ground, especially in security-challenged areas. The times require all hands on deck. As Nigerians, we should all get involved in securing our nation.

Let me take this moment to commend our security agencies for working together to secure the release of the 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi and the 38 worshippers in Kwara State. We will continue to sustain the efforts to rescue the remaining students of Catholic School in Niger State and other Nigerians still being held hostage.

To the leadership and rank and file of our Armed Forces, I commend your courage and your sacrifice. This is a challenging moment for our nation and for the military institution itself. I charge you to remain resolute, to restore peace across all theatres of operation, and to uphold the highest standards of discipline and integrity. There must be no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence. The Nigerian people are counting on you, and this administration will provide the support you need to succeed.

Tinubu Declares Nationwide Security Emergency, Orders Armed Forces To Recruit More Personnel
President Bola Tinubu also authorised the Department of State Services to immediately deploy all the forest guards already trained to flush out the terrorists and bandits lurking in our forests.

"Flush out these bandits"- Tinubu orders Police, DSS to storm forests in Nigeria.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a nationwide security emergency, directing security agencies to intensify operations against terrorists and armed groups hiding in forests across the country.

In a national address on Wednesday, the President ordered the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately deploy trained forest guards to comb and secure wooded areas where bandits and insurgents are believed to be operating. He also authorised the agency to embark on fresh recruitment to strengthen manpower for the operation.

“There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil,” Tinubu warned, instructing the DSS and police to storm forested regions and flush out criminal elements responsible for recent deadly attacks.

As part of the emergency measures, the President approved the recruitment of an additional 20,000 police personnel, increasing the force to 50,000 officers nationwide. He further directed that National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps be used as temporary training facilities to fast-track the process.

Tinubu also ordered the withdrawal of police officers attached to VIPs, saying the personnel would undergo rapid retraining and be redeployed to areas facing heightened security threats.

“My fellow Nigerians, this is a national emergency, and we are responding by deploying more boots on the ground,” he said, urging citizens to support security agencies and report suspicious activities.

The President commended security operatives for securing the release of kidnapped schoolgirls in Kebbi State and worshippers abducted in Kwara, assuring that efforts to rescue remaining hostages including students kidnapped in Niger State would continue.

While praising the Armed Forces for their sacrifices, Tinubu cautioned against indiscipline, collusion, or negligence, stressing that the military must restore peace across all operational zones.

He also encouraged states with established security outfits to intensify local efforts and called on the National Assembly to begin reviewing laws that would allow states to create their own police structures where necessary.

Addressing the long-running clashes between herders and farmers, Tinubu urged herder groups to embrace ranching and take advantage of the newly created Livestock Ministry, warning against continued open grazing and illegal possession of weapons.

The President extended condolences to families affected by recent attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara, and paid tribute to military personnel who lost their lives, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.

“Those who want to test our resolve should never mistake our restraint for weakness,” he stated.