By: Fabian Apechihin

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has stepped in to address the technical issues frustrating applicants trying to verify their recruitment status on the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) portal.

In a statement released on Saturday, Tunji-Ojo directed the immediate resolution of all glitches preventing users from accessing the site.

“Following recent complaints from applicants into the paramilitary agencies who are still unable to determine their fate due to the ongoing upload of information, I have directed the Secretary of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board to ensure that all uploads are completed immediately,” the minister said.

The CDCFIB had earlier announced that applicants could begin checking the recruitment portal from Thursday, but thousands have since reported encountering login failures, slow responses, and incorrect job placements.

Several users said the portal either failed to load after entering their details or displayed job positions different from the ones they had originally applied for.

The minister’s intervention aims to ensure a smoother verification process and restore confidence in the ongoing recruitment exercise for the nation’s paramilitary agencies.

By: Fabian Apechihin

Two Nigerian military officers accused of plotting to overthrow the democratic government are currently on the run, TheCable has learnt.

According to multiple military sources, the two officers fled the country shortly before security agents began a wave of arrests in connection with the alleged coup plot earlier this month.

So far, 16 officers have been taken into custody and interrogated, while the military continues to track down others believed to be involved. Sources said a total of 18 officers were marked for arrest, but two escaped before they could be apprehended.

One of the fugitives has been identified as Major J.M. Ganaks (service number N/14363), a member of NDA Regular Course 58 from the Federal Capital Territory, whose last posting was Jaji, Kaduna State.

The second officer, Captain G. Binuga (service number N/167722), from Taraba State, was attached to DHQ SOF, Bida, Niger State, and is a member of NDA Regular Course 64.

More Arrests Underway

Security sources disclosed that several of the detained officers have provided “useful information,” leading to additional arrests. It is estimated that over 30 officers are now in military custody.

While some suspects are reportedly refusing to speak, others are said to be “fully cooperating” with investigators.

Contrary to reports suggesting that the coup was planned for October 1, insiders revealed that no specific execution date had been set, and the arrests only began in the first week of October.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has not officially confirmed the alleged coup plot. In a brief statement, however, the DHQ described the ongoing investigation as a “routine internal process” aimed at upholding discipline and professionalism within the armed forces.

By: Fabian Apechihin

The Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, has clarified that the proposed 5% fuel surcharge will not be implemented immediately, citing current economic challenges faced by Nigerians.

Speaking at the Haulage and Logistics Magazine Conference and Exhibition in Lagos, Oyedele explained that while the levy is a sound policy designed to fund road maintenance, implementing it now would worsen the financial strain on citizens.

He noted that the surcharge — originally introduced during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo — was intended to allocate part of fuel revenue to road repairs, with 40% directed to federal roads and 60% to state and local government roads.

“The idea is brilliant and is already in practice in over 150 countries,” Oyedele said. “However, introducing it at this time would be insensitive, given the current cost-of-living crisis.”

He revealed that although the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) had proposed activating the levy following the removal of fuel subsidy, the fiscal policy committee turned down the request.

Oyedele further explained that the tax provision exists only in the draft fiscal reform law and cannot be enforced unless the Minister of Finance issues an official directive — a safeguard designed to prevent hasty implementation.

“For me, the right time will be when the naira stabilises or crude oil prices drop so that the surcharge won’t push up pump prices,” he added.

Assuring transport operators and logistics firms, Oyedele said the ongoing tax reforms aim to reduce multiple taxation, lower operational costs, and promote efficiency in the sector.

“We are not introducing new taxes; we are eliminating redundant ones that frustrate businesses and increase the cost of goods and services,” he said.

Under the reform framework, small transport and logistics companies with annual turnover below ₦100 million will be exempt from company income tax, while eligible operators will benefit from VAT refunds and other incentives.

Oyedele concluded that the reforms seek to simplify Nigeria’s complex tax system and ensure transparent, equitable revenue sharing across federal, state, and local governments.