FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has described the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme as a cornerstone of national integration and development since its inception in 1973.

Mahmoud spoke during the NYSC pre-mobilization workshop held in the nation’s capital, Abuja, stressing that the programme was designed to foster unity among young Nigerians.

Special Advisa on Media the Minister, Austine Elemue in a statement on Tuesday quoted the minister, who was the Chief Host of the event to have noted that the theme of the workshop, “Strengthening the NYSC mobilization process for effective service delivery” resonates deeply with the aspirations of the national vision.

Mahmoud charged stakeholders to play critical role in shaping the experiences of young Nigerian graduates, ensuring that they are equipped with the necessary skills, knowledge, and mindset to contribute positively to the society.
“We are in a dynamic world where the needs of our communities are evolving rapidly.

“Therefore, our prospective corps members must be prepared to meet these challenges with creativity, resilience, and spirit of innovation.

“This workshop is an opportunity to share best practices, explore new ideas, and collaborate on strategies that will enhance the effectiveness of the NYSC programme”.

The minister used the occasion to commend the leadership of the NYSC for their unwavering commitment to improving the quality of service rendered by corps members.

“Your dedication to training and preparing our youth for the responsibilities they will undertake is commendable. By investing in their development, we are investing in the future of Nigeria,” she stressed.

While welcoming participants to the occasion, the NYSC Director General, Brig Gen. Yusha’u Ahmed, noted that over the years, the NYSC programme has been the vanguard of nation building, fostering unity among the different nationalities as well as playing critical role in national development.

According to him, “the imprints of the scheme is all over the landscape of our nation from the mega cities to the very rural communities of Nigeria.”

Ahmed emphasised that the mobilization process is a very critical component of the service year that deserved all seriousness, adding that the place of effective service delivery in a successful mobilization process cannot be overemphasized.

The Director General, pledged that the management remains committed in ensuring that the right things are done at all times from the beginning to the end of the mobilization process 

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***Apprehend Key Suspect in Stolen vehicle Syndicate

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has successfully cracked down on a notorious car theft syndicate involved in receiving, rebranding, and reselling stolen vehicles.
The operation culminated in the arrest of a primary suspect following a meticulously coordinated investigation that traced a stolen Honda Accord to a mechanic’s workshop in Plateau State.

In a statement released on Sunday, the FCT Police Command shared that the case originated on October 10, 2024, when Mr. Philemon Olaoluwa reported the theft of his 2006 Honda Accord (registration number RBC 40 NW) to the Central Police Divisional Headquarters. Olaoluwa’s car had developed mechanical issues, and a friend recommended a mechanic from Apo Mechanic Village in Abuja, identified as Abdulhamid Saidu, who is now on the run.

Olaoluwa, unaware of the mechanic’s intentions, entrusted his vehicle and its documents to Saidu for repairs. Instead of repairing the car, Saidu vanished with it, prompting an extensive investigation.

Using advanced tracking technology, police operatives traced the vehicle to Rayfield in Jos, Plateau State, where it was found in the possession of Steven Abang. Known for his role in receiving, rebranding, and distributing stolen vehicles, Abang was taken into custody. During questioning, he reportedly confessed to acquiring the Honda Accord from Saidu, confirming his role as a receiver for stolen cars.

Upon searching Abang’s workshop, authorities discovered two additional vehicles — a Hyundai Accent and a Peugeot 208 — suspected to be stolen, as they were in the process of being rebranded. Abang admitted to having a network of ready buyers and disclosed that over the past four years, he had rebranded and sold more than 16 stolen vehicles.

The suspect remains in police custody, with charges expected to follow as the investigation unfolds.

This bust is part of a broader effort by law enforcement agencies across the country to dismantle car theft syndicates. Earlier this year, in June, the Lagos State Police Command arrested another suspect, Kazeem Ahmed, who specialized in using fabricated master keys to steal vehicles, later selling them to auto parts dealers in Lagos.

The FCT Police Command has assured residents of its ongoing commitment to eliminating vehicle theft and safeguarding property across the region.

The Executive Chairman of Bwari Area Council, Hon. (Dr.) John Gabaya, has reassured the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) FCT Command of his administration’s unwavering commitment to bolstering security efforts within the Council.
During a meeting held Tuesday at the Bwari Council Secretariat, Dr. Gabaya highlighted his dedication to the safety and welfare of Bwari residents, noting that security would remain a top priority.
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Chairman Agada Ernest Godwin (JP) in a statement made available to the National Update indicated that the NSCDC team, led by FCT Commandant Olusola Odumosu, made its first official visit to the Council since Odumosu’s appointment.
The visit the statement said is aimed at strengthening cooperation between the NSCDC and Bwari Area Council, a collaboration Dr. Gabaya praised as both “longstanding and mutually beneficial.”

Dr. Gabaya lauded the local NSCDC officers for their diligent work and encouraged Commandant Odumosu to prioritize Bwari residents in future recruitment exercises.
He expressed confidence that the existing partnership with the NSCDC would continue to foster peace and stability in the community, reiterating the Council’s commitment to supporting security agencies in their mission.

“We are here to ensure security is maintained. As challenging as it may be, we will make resources available to support those who work tirelessly to protect our community,” Dr. Gabaya stated.

In response, Commandant Odumosu commended Dr. Gabaya’s administration for its continuous support of security agencies, recognizing the Council’s role in sustaining peace and governance in Bwari.
He assured that the NSCDC would remain steadfast in working with the Council and other local security bodies to uphold law and order across the Federal Capital Territory.

Other officials in attendance included Bwari Area Council Vice Chairman Hon. Aminu Musa Gumel, Council Secretary Hon. Eli Peter Kadanya, and Chief of Staff Hon. Sunday Zaka Sumpe.