A 38-year-old former inmate, Fakorede Olawale, on Friday explained how the intervention of the Redeemed Christian Church of God Prison and Hospital Ministry helped him navigate what he described as the darkest period of his life after he was sentenced to death by hanging.

Olawale shared his testimony at the seventh edition of the RCCG National Prison and Hospital Ministry Conference, themed, “A New Beginning,” held at RCCG House of Favour, Redemption City, Ogun State.

According to him, he was arrested in 2015 while in his 300 level at the university on charges bordering on cultism, armed robbery, attempted murder and other offences.

He said he spent seven years in prison awaiting trial, a period during which he lost his father, freedom and education.

He said, “Due to some bad choices I made during my secondary school days, I joined a cult. It was not because I came from a broken home. My late father was a minister in this church and my mother is a deaconess.”

Olawale said he encountered the RCCG Prison and Hospital Ministry while in custody and gave his life to Christ in 2017.

However, he noted that his conversion did not shield him from the legal consequences of his actions.

He said, “In 2022, after seven years of awaiting trial, I was sentenced to death by hanging. I was given two death sentences, two life imprisonments, one 14-year sentence and another 10-year prison term. After that, I was transferred to Abeokuta prison.”

Olawale said he was eventually set free through the intervention of the ministry.

He, however, did not state the process that led to his freedom.

“I wrote a letter to Daddy G.O. in 2024 asking for prayers and help. I remember he sent one of his pastors to pray for me. Till today, I do not know how God did it. I know that amid those difficulties, God’s mercy found me. As of today, I am the first and last person in my family to ever go to prison.”

Speaking at the conference, the Secretary to the General Overseer, Pastor Niyi Adebanjo, said not everyone in correctional centres is a convicted criminal, noting that many inmates are still awaiting trial.

Adebanjo stressed the need for continuous evangelism and support for inmates, saying spiritual transformation remains central to rehabilitation efforts.

Not everybody in prison is a criminal. Some are just awaiting trial. There are forces in this world that keep people in prison. Sometimes, they are human forces. Somebody may hate you, lie against you and get you locked up, and at the end of the day, the fellow is forgotten behind bars.

“What RCCG is doing and what we will continue to do is to empower our people to visit prisons. When the word of God melts the hardness in people’s hearts, it becomes easier for God’s power to transform lives,” he added.

Earlier, the National Chairman of the RCCG Prison and Hospital Ministry, Pastor Ariyo Popoola, appreciated the support of Pastor Adeboye, his wife, Folu, and members of the ministry for sustaining intervention programmes across correctional centres.

According to him, the ministry has provided food items, educational materials, pro bono legal services and payment of hospital bills, while also rehabilitating vehicles used in correctional facilities.

Popoola also revealed plans to construct a N600m “Halfway Home” on a 10-acre parcel of land to provide temporary accommodation and reintegration support for ex-inmates after their release.

He said, “The impactful work we do in prisons often loses continuity after inmates are released. Although many are spiritually and vocationally transformed in custody, a large number face accommodation challenges upon release.

“Many are rejected by their families and there are limited rehabilitation structures where they can stay temporarily while adjusting and reintegrating into society.”

He called on the government to pursue reforms that would strengthen the justice system and improve conditions within correctional facilities.

Speaking on the theme, the Special Assistant to the General Overseer on Administration, Pastor Oladele Balogun, described a new beginning as a divine reset made possible through God’s intervention.

He said, “A new beginning is not dependent on your location, condition or past. It is dependent on God’s intervention. It is a divine reset, a supernatural intervention and a fresh opportunity.”

In his address, the Assistant Controller-General of Corrections, Dele Ajibogun, urged stakeholders to move beyond rhetoric and pursue measurable reforms.

He said, “The theme, ‘A New Beginning,’ calls on the government, the Nigerian Correctional Service, police, judiciary, civil service, NGOs and philanthropists to move from rhetoric to measurable reform.

“The Nigerian Correctional Service cannot do it alone. The church and other faith-based institutions have historically been the conscience of society and first responders to human suffering.”

Traditional rulers in Yorubaland are considering invoking ancestral deities and deploying other indigenous spiritual mechanisms to combat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes

The development comes amid persistent insecurity across the South-West, where communities continue to grapple with rising cases of abductions and violent attacks

Some of the monarchs, who spoke on Thursday and Friday, said the move was being considered as a complementary measure to support conventional security efforts against terrorists, bandits and kidnappers operating in the region.

The development followed a call by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, urging traditional rulers across Yorubaland to deploy ancestral means to tackle rising insecurity in the region.

Oba Ogunwusi, who is the Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, made the call while speaking at the grand finale of the 2026 Ifa Festival.

He also urged traditional rulers to collaborate with the government to restore peace and order.

The South-West region has in recent times witnessed a surge in abductions and other violent crimes, with over 40 teachers and pupils of three schools in Yawota and Esinle communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State still being held hostage.

Traditional rulers adopt spiritual intervention

Speaking on Saturday, the Olowu of Owu-Kuta in Osun State, Oba Adekunle Oyelude, said traditional rulers were “seriously considering the deployment of our ancient inherited deities to serve the purpose” in the fight against terrorists.

He expressed confidence in traditional means of tackling insecurity, saying many traditional rulers in Yorubaland believe in the potency of ancient powers and deities to protect their communities.

“The traditional rulers are seriously considering the deployment of our ancient inherited deities to serve the purpose of the moment, the invading bandits and kidnappers who are launching onslaughts on our various communities. We believe most of these deities can serve the purpose.

“Many Yoruba traditional rulers, at least 90 per cent of them, believe in the Yoruba gods, and they believe in the potency of the deities irrespective of their religion,” Oba Oyelude said.

Oba Oyelude revealed that the implementation had already begun in certain areas, though some communities were proceeding with caution due to potential implications on local trade.

“It is very certain that some communities are already taking these actions. We in the South-West will not fold our hands and wait for the Federal Government to do it all. We will support the government’s efforts because we are the direct beneficiaries.

“We are seriously working on all options. We are not limiting it to professional security forces. While we are asking Christians to deploy the Psalms they know, we are also asking Muslims to deploy the Quranic verses they know, while traditionalists, who are the custodians of the land, are being asked to move and invoke the spirit of the land to protect those who are on the land legitimately, not the invaders,” he said.

Similarly, the Ondo State Chairman of the Council of Obas and the Olowo of Owo Kingdom, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, said his kingdom was considering adopting traditional measures to protect its people against banditry and other security threats.

He maintained that Yoruba traditional institutions had, from time immemorial, served as custodians of both the physical and spiritual well-being of their communities.

Oba Ogunoye added that there was nothing unusual about deploying time-tested indigenous mechanisms to safeguard lives and property.

He said, “We are Africans, and before now, we had ways of addressing insecurity challenges. I believe in what the Ooni said. We have to combine everything to fight this challenge.”

Oba Ogunoye also reiterated that the creation of state police would go a long way in combating insecurity.

“If state police is in effect, supported by traditional means, it would be arms for arms, so our communities would be safe to a very large extent,” the monarch declared.

The Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, also disclosed that the adoption of traditional mechanisms was already being considered in his kingdom to combat the invasion of terrorists.

He said, “We are having meetings to consider most of these suggestions on the need to use our traditional weapons in defending our people. We will also do this within the ambit of the law and ensure that no one is hiding under such a guise to perpetrate any illegality.

“We are already working with some of the vigilantes within our communities in this respect. We are hopeful that the results of these efforts will be visible in no distant time,” the monarch said.

Also speaking, the Onimeko of Imekoland in Ogun State, Oba Benjamen Olanite, said there was growing pressure on traditional rulers from their subjects to deploy indigenous spiritual mechanisms to tackle the worsening security situation in Yorubaland.

This is the way our forefathers safeguarded their communities, and there is nothing wrong with deploying traditional means to combat criminality. Even the Nigerian Constitution recognises our traditions and the people’s right to defend themselves,” he said.

The monarch, however, called for caution, stressing that while traditional institutions might consider indigenous methods in addressing insecurity, such measures must remain within the bounds of the law and respect for human rights.

On his part, the Olu of Imasayi in Ogun State, Oba Lukmon Kuoye, said traditional institutions possessed indigenous protective mechanisms that could help secure communities and border areas, but stressed the need for proper legal backing and caution in their application.

He called on the National Assembly to urgently consider granting traditional rulers defined constitutional roles, saying this would enable them to contribute more effectively to the fight against insecurity.

“If we engage directly in the fight against insecurity, the government may rebuke us for exceeding our boundaries as traditional rulers. This is one of the things hindering the traditional institution from stepping forward to combat kidnapping and banditry in our region.

“We have a lot of means we can deploy. For instance, in our area, we have a charm we can place around our borders that can instantly kill any invader, even without physically confronting such an invader. We can use that to protect our boundaries,” Oba Kuoye said.

We are ready to invoke deities – traditionalists

Meanwhile, traditionalists have expressed readiness to collaborate with traditional rulers in efforts to tackle insecurity across Yorubaland, saying indigenous spiritual systems remain an important but underutilised tool for protecting communities.

Speaking with Saturday news the leader of Ijo Orunmila Ifa Koseunti, Ifaniyi Akinside, said the call by monarchs for a return to traditional practices reflected the urgent need to revive cultural mechanisms that once helped safeguard communities.

“Each deity in Yorubaland has its purpose and function. For example, the Oro deity is invoked to ward off danger; we appease the river spirit to repel invaders and their co-conspirators. There are things we can do as traditionalists to protect Yorubaland from marauders, but many of these practices have been abandoned because of the nonchalant attitude of our traditional rulers towards tradition and culture.

“The Ooni is not asking us to engage in physical warfare or carry arms and ammunition to fight bandits. What the monarch is trying to tell us is that we must engage our attackers in spiritual warfare. If we had been doing this, what happened in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, would not have happened.

“We must fortify our borders spiritually. We can use the wind, the land and the water to fight the invaders and prevent them from infiltrating Yorubaland. There are things we can do to cause confusion in the camps of the terrorists or even make them kill themselves without us engaging them physically,” he said.

Another traditionalist and Ifa priest, Ifashina Atanda, called on South-West governors to dedicate a portion of their security votes to traditional interventions, insisting that collaboration with indigenous spiritual leaders could help curb insecurity in the region.

He said government efforts alone might not be sufficient without the involvement of traditionalists, who, according to him, can provide spiritual solutions through consultations with the Ifa oracle and prescribed rituals to appease deities believed to govern the land.

Atanda explained that through such consultations, the Ifa oracle is believed to reveal impending dangers, their timing and possible preventive measures, adding that this could help authorities take early action against security threats.

“What happened in Oyo is unfortunate, but it would have been prevented if they had consulted the Ifa oracle, which would have revealed the danger ahead of time. The gods of the land would have prevented the bandits from taking away the schoolchildren if the right thing had been done before the incident.

“Each South-West state has its own deity, and these deities must be consulted and appeased regularly to prevent the invasion of evil. This does not prevent Christians and Muslims from practising their faith,” the Ifa priest said.

On his part, a traditionalist and Nollywood actor, Pa Peter Fatomilola, said the government must begin to explore indigenous methods alongside conventional security strategies in addressing the rising insecurity across the South-West.

He stated that citizens should also be encouraged to adopt protective measures rooted in Yoruba culture, insisting that the region’s rich traditional heritage provides tools that could help defend communities against attacks.

Insecurity requires spiritual, physical response – Gani Adams

Meanwhile, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland and National Leader of the Oodua Peoples Congress, Gani Adams, called for a combined spiritual and physical response to the worsening insecurity across the South-West, urging all religious groups and security stakeholders to be involved.

He said traditional rulers, traditional worshippers, Muslims and Christians all have roles to play in efforts to secure the region, stressing that the situation requires a collective approach beyond any single belief system.

According to him, spiritual intervention remains an important component in addressing insecurity, particularly through consultations and prayers across different religious platforms.

The Oodua Peoples Congress leader added that traditional worshippers, in particular, must intensify consultations with deities to seek protection for the land, while clerics of other faiths should also contribute through their respective spiritual obligations.

The Lagos State Chairman of the Social Democratic Party, Femi Olaniyi, has said the party remains committed to what he described as the “unfinished business” of the June 12, 1993, presidential election won by the late Chief MKO Abiola, calling for renewed commitment to credible elections, people-centred governance and national unity.

In a Democracy Day statement issued on Friday and titled “Completing Abiola’s Unfinished Business”, Olaniyi said June 12 remains a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic history, when Nigerians, under the SDP platform, voted overwhelmingly for what he described as hope, justice and a better life.

He recalled that the 1993 election was more than a political contest, but a “covenant between leaders and the people,” adding that Nigerians at the time chose what he called “hope over fear” and rallied behind Abiola and the SDP’s “Farewell to Poverty” vision.

“June 12 was not just an election. It was a covenant between the leaders and the people. A covenant that the government must be just, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of the poor.

The Social Democratic Party of today is the custodian of that covenant. While others have changed names and platforms, SDP remains the party that June 12 was fought for. The ideals are the same: social justice, equity, and government for the people, by the people,” he said.

According to him, the SDP of today remains the ideological custodian of that historic mandate, insisting that while political parties may have changed names and structures over the years, the party continues to stand on the principles of social justice, equity and people-oriented governance.

Olaniyi outlined what he called three key commitments for the SDP in Lagos State: credible elections, people-centred governance, and national unity.

First, credible politics. We must make Lagos elections free, fair, and reflective of the people’s will. The blood and sacrifice of June 12 demand nothing less.

Secondly, Abiola’s ‘Farewell to Poverty’ must not be just a slogan. SDP Lagos will keep pushing for policies that put food on tables, create jobs for our youth, and make healthcare and education accessible.

“Third, unity. Abiola showed us that competence is more important than creed, and capacity is more important than clan. That spirit is what Lagos needs today,” he added.

Addressing young Nigerians, Olaniyi urged them to remain politically engaged, insisting that the sacrifices of 1993 demonstrated the power of collective civic action.

“To our youths: June 12 is your inheritance. Do not let anyone tell you that your vote does not count. The generation of 1993 proved that when Nigerians unite, we can change history,” he said.

He concluded by reaffirming the party’s commitment to the ideals of June 12, saying the SDP in Lagos would continue to pursue governance anchored on integrity and service.

“As we mark this day, let us pledge that Lagos SDP will continue to keep the flame of June 12 burning. Not with empty rhetoric, but with service, with integrity, and with a clear vision for a Lagos that works for all,” he said.

“May the souls of Chief MKO Abiola and all heroes of June 12 rest in peace. May their sacrifice never be in vain.”

Suspected members of a transnational fraud syndicate arrested by personnel of the Ogun State Police Command have claimed that their activities in Nigeria were coordinated by a Malaysian national who operated entirely online.

They claimed that all members of the network worked under the directive of the Malaysian national, whom none of them had met physically.

The spokesperson for the command, Oluseyi Babaseyi, had in a statement on Monday stated that the suspects, arrested in the Agbado area of Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State, were allegedly involved in a networking scheme known as “Ignite,” through which foreign nationals were lured into the country with promises of wealth and business opportunities.

Babaseyi revealed that the group allegedly recruited victims from several African countries and persuaded them to pay for products that never arrived, while encouraging them to bring in more members into the network.

The command also accused members of the syndicate of orchestrating a fake kidnapping plot involving a Mauritanian national, Cheikh Mhedy, from whose family they allegedly sought to obtain 6.5 million CFA Franc.

In a confessional statement obtained on Friday by Saturday PUNCH, one of the leaders of the group, 34-year-old Zadariah Sawadogo from Burkina Faso, said he came to Nigeria in 2023 in search of better opportunities before he was introduced to the Ignite networking scheme by a friend identified as Sebasien.

Sawadogo said, “We took orders from Malaysia. Our boss is a Malaysian national, and I have never met him before. We only communicate on the internet. I was born in Burkina Faso, but I grew up in Ivory Coast. When I came to Nigeria, my friend Sebasien told me about Ignite Networking. He said I would make a lot of money from the business, but before I was arrested, I had only received $90,” he said.

He explained that participants were expected to recruit new members and purchase products allegedly supplied by the Malaysian-based operator.

“When Sebasien introduced me to Ignite Networking, he told me I would get products from our boss in Malaysia and earn money based on the number of people I referred to the business,” he added.

The suspect claimed that after buying land in Ivory Coast with the intention of building a house, he persuaded his father to sell it and send him the proceeds to invest in the business.

Sawadogo, however, lamented that the products never arrived.

“My father sold the land for 1.6 million CFA Franc and sent the money to me in Nigeria. I rented the apartment where we were arrested for N500,000 and used the remaining money to order Ignite products.

“Till the moment we were arrested, my product had not arrived from Malaysia. Our boss kept saying more people needed to pay before the products could be shipped together. I only received $90 as a referral bonus,” he added.

The police also identified 25-year-old Sole Nata as the woman who allegedly lured Mhedy, whom she met online, from Mauritania to Nigeria.

Nata admitted to introducing Mhedy to the networking scheme after they became lovers online.

According to her, Mhedy arrived in Nigeria without enough money to purchase the products, and she paid N500,000 on his behalf.

She said, “I met Cheikh online, and we became lovers. I told him to come to Nigeria and make money through Ignite Network products. When he came to Nigeria, he didn’t bring money with him and could not pay for his product. I used my own N500,000 to pay for it,” she said.

Nata, however, claimed that Mhedy was the one who devised the fake kidnapping story used to obtain money from his father.

“He lied to his father that he had been kidnapped in Nigeria and that the kidnappers were demanding 6.5 million CFA Franc as ransom. We told him the amount was too much, but he insisted that his father was rich and would only send money if he believed his son had been abducted,” she further stated.

Another member of the group, a Togolese artist identified as Kuneji Ezekiel, described himself as a victim of the scheme.

Ezekiel said he joined the network after a friend, identified simply as Zanu, promised that he would become wealthy.

“I paid 400,000 CFA Franc for my product, but I never received anything before the police arrested us. There were about 50 of us living in the apartment. It was the leaders who communicated with the boss in Malaysia and passed instructions to the rest of us,” he said.

Babaseyi warned residents against falling victim to fraudulent networking schemes.

He reiterated the command’s commitment to ridding the state of criminal elements and protecting residents from fraudsters operating under the guise of legitimate businesses.

The PPRO told Saturday PUNCH that preliminary investigations showed that some of those arrested were victims who had been recruited into the scheme.

According to him, such persons have been transferred to the Nigerian Immigration Service for further profiling and necessary action.

The Federal Government may begin paying salaries, pensions and social welfare benefits through the eNaira under a new Central Bank of Nigeria roadmap aimed at transforming the country’s digital currency into a major payment channel.

The proposal is contained in the Nigeria Payments System Vision 2028, released by the CBN, which outlines plans to expand the use of the eNaira and move it from a pilot project to a core payment rail for government and private-sector transactions.

The eNaira, launched in October 2021 as Africa’s first central bank digital currency, was introduced to deepen financial inclusion, reduce the cost of transactions and remittances, and promote a cashless economy. However, adoption has remained relatively low despite years of regulatory support.

In the new document, the apex bank said it would revisit the existing CBDC framework to better align it with market realities and operational needs.

he CBN stated, “Transition CBDC from pilot to core payment rail through defined use cases.” It identified government-to-person payments, payroll processing, offline payments and micro-enterprise enablement as key domestic applications for the digital currency.

The proposal suggests that government salaries, pensions, conditional cash transfers and other public-sector disbursements could in future be channelled through the eNaira platform as part of efforts to accelerate adoption and improve payment efficiency.

The document further highlighted the programmable-money features of the digital currency, noting that it could support advanced functionalities such as time limits on spending, purpose-specific payments, payment splitting and sub-wallet creation.

According to the CBN, “The ‘programmable money’ feature of digital currency could have additional features such as time-limits, purpose-specific usage, splitting payments, sub-wallets, etc.”

The bank added that the digital currency could also strengthen financial market infrastructure by supporting settlement systems, banks and tokenised financial assets, including bonds and securities, while making transactions faster and cheaper.

The initiative forms part of the broader Payments System Vision 2028, which seeks to modernise Nigeria’s payment ecosystem through greater adoption of digital financial services, stronger payment infrastructure and the deployment of emerging technologies.

CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso, in the foreword to the document, said the payments system vision was designed to consolidate Nigeria’s position as a leading digital payments market while improving efficiency, resilience and inclusiveness.

He said, “PSV2028 sets clear strategic priorities: modernising payments infrastructure, strengthening regulatory and supervisory frameworks, accelerating the adoption of digital financial services, and fostering deeper collaboration across stakeholders.”

The document showed that the apex bank intends to deepen and scale existing initiatives, including contactless payments, open banking and the Central Bank Digital Currency.

The CBN’s Deputy Governor for Economic Policy, Dr Muhammad Abdullahi, said the vision would support the broader application of digital currencies and other innovative payment technologies within a robust regulatory framework.

He stated, “The PSV2028 seeks to deepen and scale these initiatives, while also assessing and adopting new technologies capable of expanding the reach, functionality and quality of financial services.”

The document acknowledged that despite recording millions of wallet registrations and transactions worth about N22bn, the eNaira had yet to achieve widespread use in everyday economic activities.

It noted that the digital currency suffers from limited merchant adoption, weak integration with banking and fintech applications, and the absence of live cross-border CBDC payment corridors.

To address these challenges, the CBN proposed repositioning the eNaira for government payments, remittances and trade settlements while opening application programming interfaces for fintech integration.

The document stated that the apex bank would also pursue bilateral CBDC corridor pilots with major trade and remittance partners to support cross-border transactions.

The CBN said, “Reposition eNaira for G2P, remittances, trade settlement; open APIs for Fintech integration; launch bilateral CBDC corridor pilots with priority trade/remittance partners.”

The bank also disclosed that Nigeria had already recorded millions of eNaira wallets and transactions valued at N22bn, although it admitted that usage remained low due to limited real-economy applications and weak merchant value propositions.

The latest proposal comes as central banks across the world continue to explore digital currencies as alternatives to cash and private digital assets. According to industry estimates, more than 130 countries are currently researching, piloting or developing central bank digital currencies.

Activist and African Action Congress 2027 presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, reportedly fell on Friday during a Democracy Day protest in Abuja after security operatives allegedly fired teargas at demonstrators in front of the Force Headquarters.

The protest formed part of a nationwide mobilisation declared by a coalition of civic groups, labour activists, youth organisations and social movements, which designated June 12 as a day of mass action over worsening insecurity, rising economic hardship and deteriorating living conditions in the country.

The coalition’s declaration was contained in a statement jointly signed by human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), Committee for the Defence of Human Rights President, Yinka Folarin, #EndBadGovernance Movement organiser, Hassan Soweto, and Falz.

The demonstration in Abuja reportedly turned chaotic after teargas was deployed to disperse protesters, with videos shared online showing Sowore on the ground amid confusion as others attempted to assist him.

According to footage circulated by ChuksEricE on X, Sowore was seen lying on the ground surrounded by protesters who tried to revive him by fanning him with placards.

“Them don start. Police are already shooting. Sowore don faint ohh. Nigeria police,” some protesters were heard shouting during the commotion.

As the situation escalated, Sowore was eventually helped into a vehicle while attempting to recover, covering his nose with a red handkerchief as others fanned him.

A woman was heard saying, “They are still shooting more tear gas.”

Some time after they had entered the vehicle and begun driving off, the presidential candidate was asked if he was stable, to which he responded, “Yeah.”

Eyewitness videos also showed protesters struggling to move amid heavy disorganisation as security operatives continued dispersing the crowd with teargas.

The condition of Sowore at the time of filing this report remains unknown, with no official statement yet from security agencies on the incident.

The Kebbi State Police Command has launched an investigation into the death of Zaharadden Nuhu, a 300-level student of the Federal University Birnin Kebbi, who died after sustaining injuries in an incident at a private student residence in Kalgo Local Government Area.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, June 11, 2026, at a private compound occupied largely by students but not owned or managed by the university.

In a statement released on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, said preliminary findings showed that the victim was found with injuries and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kebbi, where he later died while receiving treatment.

According to him, the assailant responsible for the attack is yet to be identified.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was found with injuries and was immediately rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kebbi, where he unfortunately passed away while receiving treatment. The assailant is yet to be identified,” Usman stated.

Usman said police officers visited the scene, secured the area, and commenced investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

He added that efforts were ongoing to apprehend those responsible and ensure justice is served.

The command urged residents of Kalgo and members of the university community to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information while investigations continue.

“Following the report, a team of police officers visited the scene, secured the area, and commenced investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and apprehend the person(s) responsible,” he said.

“The Command urges members of the public, particularly residents of Kalgo LGA and students, to remain calm and avoid speculation.

“While the incident is regrettable, members of the public are encouraged to await the outcome of the investigation and avoid drawing conclusions that may create unnecessary tension or affect any group or community,” the statement added.

The police also called on anyone with useful information to assist ongoing investigations, assuring that all information would be treated with confidentiality.

Usman said the command remained committed to uncovering the truth behind the incident and would keep the public updated as the investigation progresses.

The death has caused concern among students and residents, with many awaiting the outcome of the police probe.

The Ondo State Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has described insecurity as a major threat to the sustenance of democracy in the country..

The governor called on collective efforts to sustain the ongoing democratic government in Nigeria.

He stated this at the commemoration of the 33rd anniversary of the June 12 Presidential Election , held in Akure, the state capital .

The anniversary was themed, ‘June 12 And beyond: reflecting on the progress of democracy and security concerns

Aiyedatiwa noted that democracy could only be sustained by the collective commitment of the citizens to uphold its values and principles in everyday governance and civic engagement but in an atmospheleaders alike embracere of insecurity, civic participation in governance would not be encouraged.

He said, “We must always remind ourselves that democracy is not a destination but a continuous journey. True democracy is measured not only by elections but by good governance. It is a system that thrives only when citizens and responsibility, active participation, accountability and unwavering respect for the rule of law.

“Democracy is sustained not merely by constitutional provisions, but by our collective commitment to upholding its values and principles in everyday governance and civic engagement. Democracy can only truly thrive in an atmosphere of peace and security. Where insecurity prevails, democratic values are weakened, civic participation is discouraged, and public trust in governance is eroded. Insecurity, therefore, poses a direct threat to the consolidation and sustenance of democracy itself.”

The governor, however, commended President Bola Tinubu for ongoing efforts to address insecurity across the country,.

He noted that the Tinubu administration had continued to show a strong commitment to addressing insecurity in Nigeria “under the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

“In response to emerging security challenges across different parts of the country, the Federal Government does not relent in strengthening coordination within the security leadership structure through the reorganization and regular engagement of the Service Chiefs and heads of key security agencies under the National Security Council, with the aim of improving cooperation, intelligence sharing and overall operational effectiveness.

“The President has also repeatedly expressed support for decentralised policing and community-based security to improve grassroots security and intelligence gathering across communities.”

Aiyedatiwa also emphasised that this administration under the “OUR EASE Agenda” had demonstrated commitment to delivering good governance, infrastructure renewal and people-oriented development across all sectors.

“Our administration shall remain fully committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property, because no meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of insecurity. The welfare of our security personnel shall continue to be a top priority of this government, as we remain fully committed to motivating and supporting those who risk their lives on a daily basis to safeguard our communities” the governor stressed.

Speaking the guest speaker and former governor of Edo State, Senator Adam Osiomole, emphasised the beauty of democracy, saying it enabled the citizens to query the political leaders and to debate meaningfully at the state and national assemblies.

“Democracy is not merely about elections; it is about accountability, transparency and the willingness to ask hard questions, regardless of who occupies public office.Democracy empowers ordinary people to challenge powerful interests, demand justice and defend the public good.

“Democracy does not promise a perfect society. What it guarantees is the freedom to speak, the freedom to criticize, and the protection of the rule of law. If you break the law, you are taken before a court, not detained indefinitely without trial.”

The Cross River State Government has unveiled a new electric mobility initiative with the distribution of 36 electric vehicles to Permanent Secretaries in the state civil service, as part of activities marking Democracy Day.

Governor Bassey Otu said the rollout represents the beginning of a wider shift towards clean energy transportation and a renewed effort to strengthen governance through improved welfare for senior public servants.

According to a statement made available to PUNCH Online on Friday, speaking at the presentation ceremony, Otu said the initiative was designed to improve efficiency in the public service while easing transportation costs for top officials.

“One of the main directions and focuses of our administration is to build integrity in service and also dignify the different officials and give them confidence to be able to produce at the highest level anybody can think of,” he said.

The governor described permanent secretaries as key drivers of government performance, noting that a strong bureaucracy remains central to effective governance.

“Cross River State is never lacking in capacity at any point in time. Some of the people we are trying to strengthen are among the best you can think of in the country.

“Nobody can beat them, as far as I am concerned. But whoever puts in labour also deserves a reward,” he said.

Otu explained that the decision to adopt electric vehicles followed an assessment of rising transport costs and the need for a more sustainable alternative to fossil fuel dependence.

“We discovered that about 60 per cent of our expenses are on transportation.

“We first looked at CNG because we have a lot of gas in the country, but later it became clear that if we were to build our people’s support on this, we had better go electric,” he said.

He added that the vehicles would significantly reduce running costs for beneficiaries.

Today, you are going to save almost more than 75 per cent of what you expend on fueling your cars and running up and down.

“With these vehicles, you are not changing oil or constantly visiting mechanics. Once the battery is charged, the car is ready to move,” Otu said.

According to the governor, the 36 vehicles form the first phase of a larger programme involving 100 electric vehicles and 100 electric tricycles aimed at expanding clean transport access across the state.

“This is the first in a series. We still have a lot to do. Before the end of our term, or at the beginning of the next, everybody should be able to own the keys to an electric car because that will make movement seamless,” he said.

Otu also disclosed plans to develop charging infrastructure to support the growing adoption of electric vehicles across Cross River State.

“Beyond these cars, we are going to begin to set up charging ports, particularly for those that will serve the public,” he said, adding, “We have gone quite far with the plans, and the relevant ministries are already working on them.”

He commended the State House of Assembly for supporting the administration’s development agenda through budget approvals and legislative backing.

Earlier, the Head of Service, Orok Okon, described the initiative as a landmark intervention in the civil service, saying it had restored pride to the bureaucracy.

“Generations of Permanent Secretaries who worked for this state in the last ten years were not this fortunate,” he said.

“Today, His Excellency has broken that jinx. The first beneficiaries of the latest global technology in electric automobiles are Permanent Secretaries serving in the Government of Cross River State. We can never thank you enough,” he added, pledging renewed commitment to public service delivery.

The Command’s spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday.

Habib said detectives from the State Intelligence Department successfully tracked and apprehended the suspects after receiving a kidnapping complaint from the victim’s father.

According to the statement, the father, a 45-year-old resident of Gida Dudu Housing Estate in Bauchi, reported that his four-year-old son, Musa (surname withheld), had been abducted.

Habib said, “On 10th June, 2026, the Command acted on a formal complaint of kidnapping lodged by a 45-year-old father, a resident of Gida Dudu Housing Estate, Bauchi. The complainant reported that his son, Musa (surname withheld), a four-year-old boy, was abducted from the frontage of their residence.”

He explained that preliminary investigations revealed that one of the suspects, identified as Muhammad Usman, 39, allegedly lured the child away from his home on June 9 and subsequently took him to the residence of the second suspect, Hayatudeen Ahmad, 40, who resides in the same estate.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that on 9th June 2026, the first suspect, Muhammad Usman, 39-year-old, lured the minor from his home at Gida Dudu Housing Estate. He thereafter took the child to the residence of the second suspect, 40-year-old Hayatudeen Ahmad, both of the same housing estate,” the police spokesman stated.

According to Habib, the first suspect allegedly deceived the second suspect by claiming that the boy was his sister’s son and that the child’s mother was critically ill.

“To conceal his crime, Muhammad Usman deceived Hayatudeen Ahmad, claiming the boy was his sister’s son and that she was critically ill. He further claimed it was too late to travel to Kano that night and pleaded with the second suspect to keep the child overnight, promising to take him to their family in Kano the following day,” he said.

The police further disclosed that the suspect later wrote a ransom note demanding N5 million from the victim’s family.

Subsequently, the first suspect wrote a ransom note and dropped it at the complainant’s frontage, demanding the sum of N5,000,000 and providing a phone number for payment,” Habib added.

He noted that detectives immediately launched an operation after receiving the complaint, leading them to the house of the second suspect where the child was found alive and unharmed.

“Upon receiving the complaint, the detectives swung into action, tracked the suspects, and proceeded to the house of the second suspect where the victim was found alive and in good health. The child has since been reunited with his family,” he stated.

The spokesman said both suspects remained in police custody and were cooperating with investigator.

“Both suspects are currently in police custody and are cooperating with investigators. Discreet investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the incident is ongoing, after which the duo will be charged to court,” he said.

Habib also revealed that the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, commended the detectives for their professionalism and prompt response.

He said the commissioner reassured residents that the command remained committed to safeguarding lives and property and warned that perpetrators of kidnapping and other crimes would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

The police commissioner also advised parents and guardians to educate their children against trusting strangers, remain vigilant, and promptly report suspicious activities involving children to the nearest police station.

In May, the Edo State Police Command arrested three suspected kidnappers in Jattu, Edo North, following intelligence-led operations linked to a recent abduction case in the area.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, said the arrest followed credible information and coordinated action by police operatives and the Edo State Security Corps.

Afrobeats singer and activist, Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, on Friday criticised the Federal Government over worsening insecurity and economic hardship, urging Nigerians to use the democratic process to express their dissatisfaction with governance.

Falz spoke while addressing demonstrators at the June 12 protest in Lagos, where a coalition of civil society organisations, trade unions, youth groups, community associations, social movements and faith-based groups gathered to protest rising insecurity and the cost-of-living crisis.

The singer said the country was grappling with increasing cases of kidnappings and killings, lamenting what he described as the government’s failure to adequately protect citizens.

“Apart from the insane corruption and gross mismanagement of our resources, I think everybody can see the worsening insecurity. It’s unbearable now,” he said.

He cited recent abductions across parts of the country, including the kidnapping of students and the abduction of a relative of a former minister in Oyo State, arguing that all Nigerians deserve equal protection regardless of status.

“They don’t care about us. They don’t care about ordinary people. But it must be known that no Nigerian life is more important than the other. Every single Nigerian life matters. And every single person must be cared for and protected at all costs,” Falz stated.

The entertainer called for an immediate end to kidnappings and killings, expressing concern that students were still being abducted despite schools remaining open. He said the situation had left many Nigerians frustrated and disillusioned about the country’s future.

Asked about the chances of the ruling party in the next general election, Falz declined to predict the outcome but said public dissatisfaction with the management of national affairs was evident. He accused political leaders of failing to demonstrate the will to address the country’s challenges despite having sufficient time in office.

The protest formed part of a nationwide action declared by a coalition of civic groups, labour activists, youth organisations and social movements. The coalition had designated June 12 as a day of mass action against what it described as worsening insecurity, escalating economic hardship and the declining living conditions of millions of Nigerians.

The declaration was contained in a statement jointly signed by prominent activists, including human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), Committee for the Defence of Human Rights President Yinka Folarin, #EndBadGovernance Movement organiser Hassan Soweto and Falz himself.

While reaffirming his faith in democracy, Falz said Nigerians would ultimately use the ballot box to make their voices heard. His remarks echoed growing public concerns over security and economic challenges, issues expected to remain central in national political discourse ahead of future elections.

The Edo State Government has directed schools that were temporarily shut down due security concerns to re-open on Monday, June 15, 2026.

The directive was contained in a circular issued by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Enodolomwanyi Otamere, on Thursday.

Governor Monday Okpebolo had on Tuesday instructed the temporary closure of three schools, Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School and Makeke Secondary School, in Akoko Edo in Edo North following an alert raised by the Department of State Security on the plan by bandits to attack some schools in the state.

However, according to the latest circular, the decision to reopen the schools followed a comprehensive review of the security situation by the state government in collaboration with relevant security agencies and other stakeholders.

The government stated that enhanced security measures had been implemented and additional safety mechanisms deployed across the affected communities and schools to guarantee the safety of learners, teachers and other school personnel.

“The government is satisfied that the necessary arrangements have been put in place to ensure the safety and well-being of learners, teachers and other school personnel and the schools should be re-opened on Monday June 15.

Consequently, all public and private schools affected by the earlier closure order have been directed to resume normal academic and administrative activities from June 15.

School heads, proprietors and education authorities were instructed to make adequate preparations for the safe return of students and staff, while maintaining close collaboration with security agencies, community leaders and government officials to sustain a secure learning environment,” the circular stated.

The state government also reassured parents, guardians and other stakeholders that adequate security measures had been deployed across schools and pledged to continue monitoring developments to protect lives, property and the education sector.

Government also parents and guardians to ensure that their children and wards return to school promptly to continue their academic activities.

The circular, which takes effect from Monday, June 15, called for wide publicity and strict compliance by all concerned stakeholders.

The news has reported that the schools were shut after the Department of State Service wrote to security agencies about a planned mass abduction of students in the state.

Speaking on Friday at The Platform, a public policy forum held in Lagos as part of activities marking Democracy Day, Fashola said the complexity of conducting nationwide elections makes absolute perfection difficult to attain, Vanguard reports.

According to him, large-scale electoral exercises, particularly presidential elections, involve extensive logistical operations across the federation, creating challenges that no electoral body can entirely eliminate.

“Elections are an imperfect event because they require a large logistical operation across a federation,” Fashola said.

He explained that thousands of polling units across the country are expected to carry out the same procedures simultaneously, often under different conditions and circumstances.

“The reality of a presidential election is that all polling units across the nation have to be doing the same thing at the same time. The question then is how we assign blame when things go wrong, especially when the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission cannot be everywhere at the same time,” he stated.

Fashola noted that electoral shortcomings are not unique to Nigeria, arguing that even long-established democracies acknowledge such challenges while working to improve their systems over time.

He said mature democracies recognise that elections may not always be flawless but continue to strengthen institutions and processes without undermining public confidence in democratic outcomes.

In other jurisdictions, they accept these imperfections and aspire to improve, but they also accept the results,” he said.

The former minister further expressed concern over what he described as a growing tendency among some political actors to reject election results, warning that such attitudes could hinder democratic growth and stability.

“It seems to me that an unwillingness to accept the outcome of an election perhaps blinds the unsuccessful participants from seeking and taking up the role of opposition for the development of society,” he said.

Fashola emphasised that opposition parties have a vital role to play in democratic governance and should contribute to national development regardless of electoral outcomes.

He also stressed that democracy should not be reduced solely to elections, urging citizens and political leaders to engage in broader conversations about democratic values and governance.

“If we are to discuss democracy beyond elections, the question I ask is: What kind of democracy do we want?” he asked.

His remarks formed part of wider discussions at The Platform on the state of Nigeria’s democracy, governance, accountability, and the responsibilities of both leaders and citizens in sustaining democratic institutions.

Fashola maintained that while elections remain a fundamental pillar of democracy, the true measure of democratic maturity lies in the ability of institutions, political actors, and citizens to uphold democratic principles long after the ballots have been counted.

The protesters said governments at all levels had failed to adequately address the rising wave of kidnappings, banditry and other violent crimes in the country.

The groups, which included the Centre for Sustained Dialogue, Osun Coalition of Civil Societies, Democratic Socialist Movement, Take It Back Movement and the Federation of Informal Workers Organisations of Nigeria, converged at Ayetoro area before marching through Old Garage to Olaiya Junction, where leaders addressed journalists.

Carrying banners with inscriptions such as “Government must end kidnapping in Nigeria,” the protesters specifically demanded the immediate rescue of abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State.

Addressing journalists during the protest, Osun State Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, Victor Lijofi, said Nigeria’s democracy was “derailing” and urged government at all levels to act decisively on the worsening security situation.

“We demand immediate rescue of the school pupils abducted in Oyo State. Nigeria’s democracy is derailing, and we warn the Federal Government to act fast. Nigeria is drifting dangerously. Tinubu can’t watch as if nothing is happening,” Lijofi said.

In separate remarks, Wole Oladapo of Nigerians for Good Governance and Saka Waheed of Dialogue 365 also called for urgent intervention to address insecurity in the country.

Oladapo said insecurity across the country was already affecting economic activities, adding that both federal and state governments had failed in their responsibility to protect citizens.

Comrade Waheed Lawal, who read the protest demands, said the march was not only about insecurity but also against worsening economic conditions in the country.

He demanded the immediate release of all abducted Nigerians, including schoolchildren and teachers kidnapped in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, as well as others held across the country.

Lawal also called for improved security nationwide and decisive action to tackle banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, herder-farmer clashes and police brutality.

“Government must take decisive action to end banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, abduction, herder-farmer conflicts, and police brutality.

“Accountability from the Federal and State Governments regarding the trillions of naira allocated to security and defence over the past three years. Nigerians deserve to know how these resources have been utilised. No to another Dasuki-gate.

“The reversal of all anti-people economic policies that have worsened the living conditions of Nigerians and denied millions of families access to basic necessities, including adequate food,” he stated.

Doro made the appeal on Friday, stressing that beyond celebrating democratic governance, Nigerians must also reflect on values such as compassion, solidarity, and shared responsibility.

He said the returnees, who arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, aboard a chartered Air Peace flight facilitated by the Federal Government, require collective support to rebuild their lives and livelihoods.

According to the minister, while the government has provided initial assistance including reception, profiling, health screening and documentation, sustainable reintegration will depend on broader societal involvement.

The government cannot do it alone. We welcome the support of the private sector, development organisations, philanthropic institutions, state governments and citizens who are willing to help restore dignity, rebuild lives and create opportunities,” he said.

Doro noted that democracy is not only defined by institutions and elections, but also by how society treats vulnerable citizens and those facing difficult circumstances.

He explained that many of the returnees experienced disruption to their livelihoods and would need support systems to help them recover emotionally and economically

As we celebrate our democratic journey, we must also recommit ourselves to empathy, unity and shared responsibility,” he added.

The minister said reintegration efforts would include humanitarian assistance and economic empowerment programmes aimed at helping beneficiaries regain stability and independence.

He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to the welfare of Nigerians both at home and abroad, describing the evacuation as part of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Doro acknowledged the roles of agencies involved in the exercise, including the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons , the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, National Emergency Management Agency, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Nigeria Immigration Service, Port Health Services, and Air Peace.

He urged Nigerians to embrace the returnees and support their reintegration, stressing that nation-building is a collective responsibility.

“Democracy is strongest when citizens care for one another,” he said.

The Redeemed Christian Church of God has announced plans to train more than 100,000 young Nigerians in technology-related skills as part of activities lined up for its Mega Music Festival 2.0 scheduled for Friday at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.

The church said the initiative, tagged the RCCG Young Adult and Youth Tech Fellowship, would be officially launched during the event, which is expected to draw thousands of worshippers from across Nigeria and beyond.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, the Special Assistant to the General Overseer on Youth Affairs, Sola Olukoya, said the fellowship would provide a four-month practical training programme aimed at equipping young people with skills required for the digital economy.

According to him, the programme, being organised in partnership with Reach4Christ, will focus on areas including data analysis, product development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, software development and digital innovation.

This transformational initiative is designed to empower over 100,000 young adults and youths through an intensive four-month practical, hands-on technology training programme,” he said.

Olukoya noted that the church’s goal was to prepare young Nigerians for global opportunities while contributing to national development.

“Our mission is to equip young people spiritually, mentally, and professionally — giving them the tools required to access global workforce opportunities, create solutions, build enterprises, and contribute meaningfully to national development,” he said.

The cleric disclosed that the Mega Music Festival, themed “A New Season,” would combine worship, prayers, thanksgiving and prophetic declarations for Nigeria.

He said the event was inspired by the church’s belief that collective worship and prayer could usher in national transformation.

“We believe that when a people honour God with genuine praise, the land responds with increase, restoration, peace, and divine blessings,” Olukoya said.

He added that the church would use the gathering to pray for economic recovery, security, education, innovation and national progress.

“We believe the new season Nigeria desires must include a generation of young people who are empowered, innovative, productive, and guided by godly values,” he said.

Olukoya said the event would feature gospel ministers including Nathaniel Bassey, Dunsin Oyekan, Yinka Alaseyori and Bidemi Olaoba.

He added that senior ministers, including J. F. Odesola and J. T. Kalejaiye, would lead prayer sessions, while the General Overseer of RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, would pronounce blessings and prophetic declarations over the nation.

Olukoya said more than 5,000 volunteers had been mobilised for the event, covering areas such as security, logistics, medical support, sanitation and crowd management.

He also disclosed that free buses would operate from designated locations across Lagos and Ogun states to convey worshippers to and from the venue.

Describing the festival as more than a musical event, he said, “It is an altar of praise. It is a sound of hope. It is a movement of transformation. It is a declaration that Nigeria is entering a new season.”

Insecurity in North-West Nigeria has evolved beyond a security problem into a broader challenge involving livelihoods, climate change, governance, social cohesion and economic opportunities.

For nearly a decade, what began as farmer-herder disputes evolved into widespread banditry, organised crime and the proliferation of small arms.

Speaking on Thursday during the inauguration of 152 mass housing units for the internally displaced persons in Jibia Local Government Area, the governor said peace and prosperity could only be achieved through lawful means and honest labour.

He said, “To those our brothers and sisters in the bush or in the forest, to those who still raise weapons against our own people, to those who have taken to banditry, kidnapping and violence, hear me very well today. There is a better way.

“The doors for dialogue, repentance and reintegration remain open to you. Lay down your arms, come back to your families, come back to your communities.

“The same houses, the same grants, the same opportunities being delivered here today can be yours tomorrow, not through fear, not through bloodshed, but through peace, good governance and honest labour.

Choose your children over your weapons, choose prosperity over destruction and choose life,” adding that the government was ready to receive every son and daughter willing to embrace peace.

Radda recalled that the Jibia housing project, flagged off in October 2024, had become a reality through collaboration between the Katsina State Government and development partners.

“What was then a vision is today a living reality, and that, distinguished guests, is what hope, partnership and resolute action can build together,” he stated.

He disclosed that each beneficiary family would receive not only a house but also mattresses, mats, blankets, cooking stoves, one bag of rice and a cash grant of N200,000.

“These houses are far more than walls and roofs. They are a promise kept to internally displaced families who endured the cruel pain of banditry, kidnapping and violent crime.

Families who lost loved ones, livelihoods and the simple dignity of a place to call home. Today, we restore that dignity. Today, we tell every displaced mother, father and child in Katsina State that they have not been forgotten and never will be,” he said.

Radda explained that the Jibia intervention extended beyond housing to include the construction of a Climate Peace Entrepreneurship Centre, solar mini-grid electrification, a veterinary clinic, market stalls and shops, VIP toilets at the cattle market, rehabilitation of the cattle loading ramp and provision of potable water and streetlights, among others.

The governor revealed that the council had not recorded any deliberate attack or kidnapping in recent years.

“Across the state, our farmers have returned to their fields in both rainy and dry seasons. Productivity has risen, and prices of several food items are beginning to ease. Children are returning to school. Markets are reopening. Hope is rising.

“Indeed, we are determined that the insecurity that has scarred our region will in the nearest possible future be confined to history, Insha Allah,” he said.

Radda expressed appreciation to the United Nations Development Programme, the German Government through GIZ, the Norwegian Government and other development partners, describing the housing project as the beginning of deeper cooperation.

“The root causes of insecurity, poverty, displacement, climate stress, unemployment and weak livelihoods will not yield to one project, one ministry or one government acting alone. They demand sustained, coordinated and ambitious partnerships”, Radda added.

Also speaking, the Resident Representative of the UNDP, Ms Elsie Attafuah, described the project as a major step towards restoring dignity and rebuilding communities affected by conflict and displacement.

She said, “It is about families rebuilding their lives. It is about communities recovering from hardship. It is about creating opportunities for a more secure and prosperous future,” she said.

Attafuah acknowledged the impact of insecurity, displacement and climate-related pressures on communities in North-West Nigeria but commended residents for their resilience.

“Despite these challenges, the people have shown remarkable resilience, and the investments we are commissioning today are designed to support that resilience,” she said.

According to her, the 152 housing units provide “more than shelter, they provide dignity, stability and a place families can once again call home.”

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the killing of a senior terrorist commander, Mohammed Khalifa, and the surrender of two high-ranking commanders of the Islamic State West Africa Province, identified as Ismail Mohammed and Abu Umar, to troops of Operation Hadin Kai in Borno State.

The Acting Media Information Officer of the North-East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, Lt Col Haruna Sani, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday.

According to Sani, the two commanders surrendered to troops on June 8, 2026.

He said they occupied strategic positions within the terrorist hierarchy and operated in the Mangari axis of the Lake Chad region

The statement read, “Operation Hadin Kai has recorded another significant success in the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign following the surrender of two high-profile Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commanders to troops on 8 June 2026.

“The surrendered terrorists, identified as Ismail Mohammed and Abu Umar, are currently in military custody and undergoing appropriate profiling and debriefing procedures.”

Sani said one of the surrendered commanders, Ismail Mohammed, was a close associate of senior ISWAP leader Baa Shuwa and possessed extensive knowledge of the group’s command structure and operations.

The second individual, Abu Umar, was widely known within the terrorist network as a skilled explosives specialist with responsibilities linked to the fabrication and maintenance of vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices and other combat-support equipment used by the terrorists,” he added.

The military spokesperson further stated that preliminary interrogation revealed that another senior terrorist commander, Mohammed Khalifa, a member of the ISWAP Shura Council, was killed during joint operations conducted by Operation Hadin Kai.

According to him, the surrender of the two commanders represented a major setback for the terrorist organisation, given their experience, influence and technical expertise acquired over several years within the insurgent network.

“Their decision to flee and surrender further underscores the effectiveness of sustained offensive operations by troops of Operation Hadin Kai, complemented by precision engagements conducted with the support of allied partners against terrorist enclaves across the theatre,” he said.

Sani noted that sustained military pressure had continued to degrade terrorist capabilities, weaken operational networks and compel increasing numbers of insurgents to surrender.

“This development further demonstrates the growing desperation and declining morale within terrorist ranks as relentless military pressure continues to deny them freedom of action and safe havens.

“It also reinforces the effectiveness of ongoing efforts aimed at dismantling terrorist leadership structures and disrupting their operational capabilities,” he said.

He added that Operation Hadin Kai remained committed to maintaining pressure on terrorist elements across the region.

“The military will continue to exploit all available opportunities to dismantle terrorist networks and restore lasting stability to affected communities,” he assured.

The Lagos State Government has commenced plans to reconstruct and upgrade major road networks in Ikeja GRA, including Ladoke Akintola Road, Oladipo Bateye, Tayo Ayeni, Adetunji Adeoba and Sowemimo roads, as part of efforts to improve infrastructure and enhance connectivity within the highbrow neighbourhood.

The government disclosed this during a stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Office of Infrastructure under the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to brief residents on the scope of the projects and obtain their support ahead of construction.

Speaking at the meeting, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Olufemi Daramola, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Office of Infrastructure, Tokunbo Oyenuga, said the projects formed part of the state’s broader urban regeneration and road rehabilitation programme.

According to him, the engagement was necessary to ensure that residents understood both the benefits and temporary inconveniences associated with the projects.

To ensure a seamless process, the Office of Infrastructure under the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure held a stakeholders meeting to allow residents to understand the peculiarity of pains and gains before the end of the projects,” he said.

Oyenuga noted that the roads would be reconstructed using concrete pavement technology and fitted with solar-powered streetlights to improve durability, safety and environmental sustainability.

He called on residents to cooperate with the government and contractors to facilitate the timely completion of the projects.

The permanent secretary also assured residents that the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure would continue to engage stakeholders throughout the execution of the projects to ensure that concerns were addressed promptly.

He further urged property owners to adhere to approved building setbacks and avoid encroaching on public road alignments.

Representing residents at the meeting, the chairman of the Ikeja GRA Residents Association, Muiz Banire, who spoke through Ade Atobatele, welcomed the government’s intervention and described the planned road upgrades as critical to development.

He commended the state government for engaging residents before commencing the projects and expressed confidence that the project would improve mobility and infrastructure within the community.

Banire, however, appealed to the government to ensure the prompt completion of the projects to reduce the disruption construction activities could cause to residents and businesses.

“At the same time, we urge the government to ensure prompt completion of the road projects to minimise the hardship that residents and businesses may experience during construction.

“We assure the government of the maximum cooperation of residents towards the success of the projects,” he said.

The contractors handling the projects also pledged to deliver the works within schedule, assuring stakeholders that the roads would provide long-term benefits for residents and support future development within the community.

Stakeholders at the meeting further called on the state government to address issues raised during the engagement to ensure the successful execution of the projects.

Global refugee numbers declined in 2025 by three per cent to 41.6 million while in 2025, 5.4 million people escaped violence and persecution by fleeing to other countries.

UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric disclosed this at a news conference on Thursday in New York.

Dujarric said the Global Trends Report released by the UN Refugee Agency (UNCHR) showed that global forced displacement had decreased for the first time in a decade while remaining unacceptably high.

“The report showed that returns are also gathering pace; 14.7 million displaced people returned to their areas or countries of origin in 2025, with a sharp increase in Afghanistan, Sudan and Syria.

Refugee returns were the second highest since records began 60 years ago, though UNHCR many occurred under pressure and to precarious conditions at home.

“70 per cent of refugees trapped in exile for years and many living below the poverty line,’’ he said.

Barham Salih, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, urged the international community to back a new initiative to lift millions out of long-term displacement and reliance on humanitarian aid.

Salih outlined a clear and measurable goal: to reduce by more than half, over the next decade, the number of refugees in long-term displacement reliant on humanitarian assistance, improving prospects for millions of people

The report also flagged a sharp drop in resettlement, with arrivals through resettlement or sponsorship pathways falling by more than half, year on year, to just 81,800 in 2025.

It noted there was widening gap between available places and pressing needs.

The report says more than 70 per cent of refugees originated from Afghanistan, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine and Venezuela.

The largest hosting countries, it said, were Colombia, Germany and Türkiye.

“Asylum and protection are lifesaving and not up for debate.

“We cannot accept a future in which millions of refugees remain trapped for years or decades without realistic prospects of rebuilding their lives,” Salih said.

NAN

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has recovered and secured the Cockpit Voice Recorder and Flight Data Recorder from the private aircraft involved in the controversial Asaba roadway landing incident, marking a significant step in efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding the occurrence.

The aircraft, a Bombardier Challenger CL-601 with registration number N989BC, operated by VMO Aero Limited, was involved in an incident on Wednesday when it landed on a roadway near Asaba, Delta State, during a flight from Lagos before subsequently departing the scene without regulatory approval.

In a statement on Thursday, the NSIB said it activated its emergency response procedures immediately after receiving notification of the occurrence and dispatched an investigative “Go Team” to the site to commence a full-scale investigation.

According to the bureau, the recovered flight recorders will play a crucial role in establishing what transpired in the cockpit and the aircraft’s performance during the incident

As part of this rapid response, the aircraft’s Cockpit Voice Recorder and Flight Data Recorder have been successfully retrieved and secured for detailed analysis,” the NSIB said.

It added that investigators are also collecting operational, maintenance and air traffic control records relevant to the flight while coordinating with stakeholders and regulatory authorities in accordance with international aviation investigation protocols.

Speaking through the statement, the Director-General of the NSIB, Capt Alex Badeh Jr., said the swift recovery of the recorders was critical to determining the facts surrounding the incident.

.

Badeh said, “The NSIB acted promptly following the occurrence on June 10, 2026. The immediate deployment of our investigative Go Team and the swift recovery of the Cockpit Voice Recorder and Flight Data Recorder are critical steps that will help establish the facts of this incident.

“We are relieved that there were no reported fatalities or serious injuries. Our commitment remains the advancement of aviation safety in Nigeria.”

The incident has attracted widespread attention within Nigeria’s aviation sector, particularly after reports emerged that the aircraft landed on a roadway and later departed without returning to a designated airport facility.

The NSIB said ongoing investigative activities will include detailed analysis of the recovered flight recorders, examination of technical and operational records, interviews with relevant personnel and review of additional evidence.

The bureau also appealed to members of the public who may have witnessed the incident or possess photographs, videos, CCTV footage or other relevant information to assist investigators.

“The objective of the investigation is to determine the circumstances and contributing factors and to issue safety recommendations to prevent recurrence. The investigation is conducted solely for the advancement of transportation safety and does not seek to apportion blame or determine liability,” the agency stated.

An official with the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources has denied claims that locally produced cooking gas is being exported in foreign currency at the expense of domestic consumers, insisting that a ban on Liquefied Petroleum Gas exports remains in force despite rising prices and supply concerns across the country.

The clarification followed concerns by cooking gas retailers that some locally produced LPG was being sold to West African buyers because it was more profitable than supplying the domestic market.

The Chairman of the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Retailers Association, Ayobami Olarinoye, had told The PUNCH that the persistent scarcity and high prices of cooking gas were being worsened by limited product availability and alleged exports by a local refinery.

Speaking exclusively with The PUNCH, the spokesman for the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Louis Ibah, dismissed the claim, saying the Federal Government’s restriction on LPG exports remains in place and is being enforced by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.

The ban on exports of LPG announced by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Dr Ekperikpe Ekpo, is still in place to stabilise prices and is strictly enforced by the NMDPRA,” Ibah told The PUNCH on Thursday.

Ibah emphasised that none of the local producers is allowed to export cooking gas, saying all resources are focused on making the product available for Nigerians. “It’s important to note that none of our producers are currently exporting the LPG meant for cooking in Nigeria, so all resources are focused on meeting our local needs,” he said.

The government’s position comes as concerns mount over soaring cooking gas prices and supply shortages across several parts of the country. Retailers and consumers have reported difficulties accessing supplies, while prices have continued to rise.

Describing the situation, Olarinoye said access to products had become increasingly difficult in recent weeks. “Getting the product has been excruciatingly difficult, and it is not readily available. Out of every 10 plants, only one or two would have products to sell to our members. Many of them, especially those situated in relatively residential areas, prefer to sell directly to end-users, while a few are still selling to retailers,” he stated.

He warned that prices were unlikely to decline in the immediate term unless there was an intervention. “The high price may remain the way it is until the situation changes positively,” the LPGAR boss noted.

Olarinoye called on the Federal Government to create incentives that would encourage more investors to enter the LPG market and boost local supply.

A source at the NMDPRA said the regulator was working with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and other stakeholders to improve product availability. “The regulator is collaborating with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and other key stakeholders to further boost LPG availability in the local market,” the source said.

It was also learnt that a new Seplat gas facility is expected to begin LPG supply to the domestic market by July. “This means we can expect a significant improvement in supply,” the source added.

The concerns come as the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, called for stronger efforts to improve domestic gas distribution and utilisation across the country.

Speaking at the Association of Local Distributors of Gas Business Forum 2026 in Abuja, Ekpo said Nigeria’s vast gas reserves would remain economically insignificant unless they are translated into accessible energy for households, industries and businesses.

Represented by the Director, Midstream and Downstream, Mrs Ikenma Irene, the minister delivered a keynote address titled, ‘From Gas Abundance to Gas Access: Reassessing Nigeria’s Gas Distribution Imperatives’.

He noted that Nigeria holds more than 209 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas reserves but said the country’s development would depend on how effectively those resources are utilised.

“Nigeria’s development will not be measured by the volume of gas beneath our soil but by the extent to which that gas powers industries, supports households, creates jobs, and fuels sustainable economic growth,” the minister stated.

According to him, infrastructure gaps, weak distribution networks and limited market penetration remain major obstacles to increased domestic gas utilisation.

Ekpo reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment under President Bola Tinubu to accelerate domestic gas development through the Decade of Gas initiative and highlighted reforms under the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 aimed at improving investor confidence and encouraging private sector participation.

“Nigeria must now move decisively from gas abundance to gas accessibility. The success of this vision requires policy consistency, strong institutions, strategic investments, infrastructure expansion, security collaboration, and sustainable stakeholder partnerships,” he said.

He urged operators to focus on practical solutions that would expand infrastructure and distribution networks while ensuring affordable and reliable access to gas.

Let us remain focused on building a gas sector that delivers real value to Nigerians—one that powers industries, supports households, creates jobs, enhances energy security, and drives inclusive national development,” he stated.

The minister concluded with a call for the implementation of gas sector reforms. “Let us move from gas abundance to gas access. Let us move from policy to implementation. Let us build a gas economy that works for all Nigerians,” he added.

The Kwara State Government has intensified efforts to reduce maternal and newborn mortality through a sensitisation campaign targeting pregnant women, with a strong emphasis on antenatal care attendance, hospital delivery and birth preparedness.

The campaign was organised by the Kwara State Ministry of Health in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund to commemorate the International Day of the Midwife.

This was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Press Secretary of the Kwara State Ministry of Health, Saad Hamdalat, in Ilorin.

According to the statement, the programme was designed to raise awareness among expectant mothers on the importance of seeking quality maternal healthcare services and ensuring that deliveries are conducted under the supervision of skilled health professionals.

Addressing participants at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Taoheed Abdullahi, urged pregnant women to register early for antenatal care and remain committed to all scheduled clinic appointments throughout pregnancy.

He said, “Early registration for antenatal care and regular attendance at all ANC visits are essential for monitoring the health of both mother and baby and ensuring timely medical intervention when necessary.

“Pregnant women should ensure that delivery takes place in health facilities under the supervision of skilled birth attendants to guarantee the safety of both mother and child.”

He noted that many pregnancy-related complications can be successfully managed when detected early, describing prompt diagnosis and treatment as critical measures in reducing maternal and newborn deaths.

“Early detection and management of pregnancy-related complications remain key factors in reducing maternal and newborn mortality,” he stated.

Abdullahi further disclosed that delivery kits were distributed to pregnant women during the sensitisation exercise as an incentive to encourage antenatal clinic attendance, skilled birth attendance, hospital delivery, and proper birth preparedness

In her goodwill message, the UNFPA Focal Person, Gloria Enueze, described midwives as indispensable partners in the drive to improve maternal and child health outcomes.

“Midwives play a vital role in ensuring safe pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal care. Their contributions remain critical to safeguarding the lives of mothers and newborns,” Enueze said.

She also highlighted the benefits of family planning, noting that it provides couples with a safe and effective means of planning and spacing pregnancies.

“Appropriate birth spacing helps reduce health risks for mothers and children and contributes significantly to healthier families and communities,” she stated.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Head of Department of Health, Ilorin East Local Government Area, Hajia Sulyman Ajibola, encouraged participants to make effective use of the delivery kits provided during the programme.

Ajibola also advised pregnant women to consistently sleep under insecticide-treated mosquito nets as a preventive measure against malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases.

“Pregnant women should make proper use of the delivery kits distributed and regularly sleep under treated mosquito nets to protect themselves and their unborn children,” she said.

The organisers noted that the sensitisation campaign formed part of activities marking the International Day of the Midwife, underscoring the commitment of the Kwara State Government and its partners to strengthening maternal healthcare services and improving health outcomes for women and children across the state.

International Day of the Midwife is observed every year on May 5 to recognise and celebrate the vital role midwives play in ensuring the health and well-being of mothers and newborns.

Established in 1992 by the International Confederation of Midwives, the annual event also raises awareness about the need for increased investment in midwifery services to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes worldwide.

The All Progressives Congress in Oyo State, on Thursday, described the reported loss of more than 200 members of the Western Nigeria Security Network codenamed Amotekun Corps in the state in undisclosed circumstances as saddening, alarming and unacceptable.

APC, in a statement released by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, in Ibadan, the state capital, called on Governor Seyi Makinde to provide more details about the revelation and ensure that the corps officials as well as all responsible residents were protected by his administration.

The PUNCH reports that Makinde, on Saturday, May 30, during his sympathy visit to Oriire Local Government Area where suspected bandits killed two people and abducted over 40 school children and their teachers, on Friday, May 15, said over 200 men of the Amotekun Corps lost their lives in active service recently, without giving details of what led to their death.

Reacting to the development in a statement, on Thursday, Oyo APC expressed dismay over “lack of empathy on the part of Governor Makinde who broke the sad news with utmost flippancy, triviality and insensitivity as if he was talking about chickens or goats killed by epidemics.

“With this ugly development, there is no denying the fact that the current administration in Oyo does not attach much importance to the lives of the people

How can a governor mention the death of over 200 dedicated crime fighters flippantly and without any recourse to the feelings of their family members and loved ones? Why did the governor withhold information on the high casualty figures of the slain Amotekun Corps?

“For Oyo to have recorded such a high number of fatalities among its security team, it indicates that crime rates in the state have reached a crescendo while the State Government covers up a whole lot of things.

The revelation by the governor also raises a lot of questions regarding the condition of service in the Amotekun Corps Service. From our own discreet investigations, we found that Makinde has failed to work a synergy between the Corps and the federal security agencies on account of needless ego and cluelessness.

“Meanwhile, it is important for the governor to involve relevant security experts in the fight against crime in the state.

“The practice whereby Amotekun Corps members are being deployed to man hotels, properties and business facilities belonging to friends and political associates of the governor should be stopped while only competent hands should be recruited even as training, retraining and good welfare packages must be put in place for the officials for them to operate under minimum risk and high motivation,” APC stated.

The Federal Government has declared Friday, June 12, 2026, a public holiday in commemoration of this year’s Democracy Day celebration.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a statement issued on Thursday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Magdalene Ajani.

He said the annual observance of June 12 remains a significant milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey, paying tribute to the courage, resilience and sacrifices of Nigerians who fought for the entrenchment of democratic governance in the country.

“June 12 remains a significant day in Nigeria’s history in honour of the courage, resilience and sacrifices of Nigerians whose efforts made democratic governance possible in this country. Their legacy continues to inform the values and responsibilities of the Nigerian state,” he said.

Tunji-Ojo reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to upholding democratic principles, including the rule of law, transparency, accountability and inclusive governance.

He noted that the administration remains dedicated to protecting and strengthening democratic institutions in line with its constitutional responsibilities.

The minister also assured Nigerians that the Ministry of Interior, in collaboration with relevant security agencies, would continue to strengthen internal security measures to safeguard lives and property across the country.

He stressed that a secure and peaceful environment is critical to sustaining democracy and promoting national development.

Calling on Nigerians to use the occasion for reflection, Tunji-Ojo urged citizens to recommit themselves to national unity, civic responsibility and respect for the law.

“As we mark this historic day, every Nigerian is encouraged to remain law-abiding, uphold the institutions that sustain our democracy, and remember that the strength of any democracy lies ultimately in the character of its citizens,” he said.

He further encouraged Nigerians to reflect on the nation’s democratic journey and contribute positively to efforts aimed at deepening democratic governance and fostering national cohesion.

Democracy Day is observed annually on June 12 in honour of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola and the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as the freest and fairest election in Nigeria’s history.

The Senate on Thursday called on security agencies to urgently intensify surveillance and enforcement actions against bandits and terrorists who openly showcase their criminal activities and financial proceeds on social media platforms, particularly TikTok, amid growing concerns over the brazenness of criminal networks operating online.

The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senator Sunday Karimi, who represents Kogi West Senatorial District, on the rising wave of bandit attacks and terrorist incursions in Kogi West and other parts of the country, as lawmakers again confronted the widening security crisis across multiple regions.

During deliberations, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, introduced an additional prayer calling for coordinated action by the Nigerian Police Force National Cybercrime Centre and other relevant security agencies to track, monitor and arrest individuals who use social media platforms to publicise criminal operations.

Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed alarm that armed groups were no longer operating covertly but were instead leveraging digital platforms to project influence, flaunt ill-got wealth and, in some cases, carry out public “giveaways” believed to be funded through criminal activity.

She said, “Bandits and terrorists who carry out these activities live on their social media handles. Two days ago, bandits conducted a giveaway, distributing over ₦100m within the space of 30 minutes through their social media handles, especially TikTok.”

The senator questioned why such overt digital footprints had not translated into arrests by relevant security agencies, particularly units mandated to track cyber-enabled crimes.

“I wonder why the Cybercrime Unit and the Police Force generally cannot track these activities and apprehend them since they are on social media. Therefore, I urge the Nigerian Police Force National Cybercrime Centre to track and arrest these individuals,” she stated.

The additional prayer was seconded by Senator Osita Ngwu of Enugu West Senatorial District and received broad support across party lines, reflecting growing legislative concern over the intersection of insecurity and unchecked digital exposure by criminal elements.

The additional prayer was seconded by Senator Osita Ngwu of Enugu West Senatorial District and received broad support across party lines, reflecting growing legislative concern over the intersection of insecurity and unchecked digital exposure by criminal elements.

Responding to the development, Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio described the conduct of the suspects as a direct affront to state authority and a troubling display of impunity.

“The Department of State Services should be able to track their movements and arrest them because this is a show of impunity, as if there is no law at all,” Akpabio said.

He warned that the open circulation of videos showing cash displays and criminal activities on social media platforms amounted to a deliberate attempt to ridicule government institutions and undermine public confidence in the country’s security architecture.

“I do not see why we should not have control over the social media space. That idea of showing themselves, showing the cash collected and displaying it is a way of challenging the government,” he added.

The Senate President urged intelligence and security agencies to treat the matter as an urgent national security priority, calling for improved coordination and real-time response to online intelligence.

“I want the security agencies and heads of security services to see this as a major challenge. Whenever anybody finds such content, bring it to the attention of the Senate, and we shall invite the relevant federal authorities to explain why those people have not been apprehended,” he said.

He also emphasised the need for accountability mechanisms that would ensure the public is informed once arrests are made and prosecutions commenced.

“If they are apprehended, they should also report back so that Nigerians can know that those who openly show their faces while committing crimes are being arrested and prosecuted,” the Senate President stated.

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund has approved 174 research grants valued at N7.5bn under the 2025 National Research Fund grant cycle as part of efforts to strengthen research and innovation in the tertiary institutions.

The Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, announced the approval on Thursday, during a press conference in Abuja, saying the Federal Government was increasing support for research and development as a catalyst for economic transformation, job creation and national development.

Echono said research remained critical to unlocking Nigeria’s vast human and natural resources and driving innovation across key sectors of the economy.

“We believe strongly that if we can use the knowledge in our tertiary institutions and we can harness those intellectual talents and deploy them efficiently, we will be able to better utilise our natural resources,” he said.

According to him, research-driven innovation would help create new products and services, improve productivity and contribute to national prosperity.

The TETFund boss announced that the 2025 NRF selection process had been concluded following a rigorous multi-stage assessment conducted by the Fund’s National Research Fund Screening and Monitoring Committee.

Explaining the process, Echono said applicants first submitted concept notes, which were reviewed before selected candidates were invited to submit full proposals.

Those proposals underwent another round of evaluation before shortlisted researchers were invited to Abuja to defend their projects.

“The third stage, the shortlisted researchers were invited to Abuja, and they had to do oral presentations to defend their proposals. And at the end of that, we have the eventual selection of the successful research proposals,” he said.

According to him, 174 grants were approved across key sectors of national development.

He noted, “A total of 174 grants were recommended and approved. And these went to a few single individuals, but the majority of them are research teams that participated in the exercise.

“The programmes and projects cut across various thematic areas, which we call various sectors and the total amount that we are recommending today is the sum of N7.5bn.”

The approved grants cover several priority areas, including health and social welfare, agriculture and food security, sustainable use of natural resources, science and engineering, power and energy, blue economy, defence technology, clean energy, education and human capital development, gender equity and social inclusion, as well as conflict, defence and security studies.

The TETFund Boss added, “The grants range from N13.6m to N49.97m each for the researchers.”

Echono disclosed that the Federal University of Technology, Minna, emerged as the top-performing institution with 18 grants. It was followed by the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, with 11 grants, while Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, secured 10 grants. The University of Ilorin received eight grants.

Bayero University, Kano, and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, each secured seven grants, while the University of Jos received six. The University of Ibadan, the University of Lagos and Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, won five grants each.

He noted that newly established federal universities, state-owned institutions, polytechnics and colleges of education also featured among successful beneficiaries.

Among the new federal universities that secured grants were the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, Kaduna State; the Federal University of Environment and Technology, Koroma/Sakpenwa, Rivers State; and the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, Iyin Ekiti.

State-owned institutions that received grants include Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Ekiti State University, Kwara State University, Adamawa State University, Rivers State University and Sokoto State University.

Several polytechnics and colleges of education also emerged successfully in the competitive process.

Echono congratulated the successful institutions and researchers and announced that preparations would soon begin for the 2026 NRF grant cycle.

We encourage all researchers in the country to take advantage of that opportunity to express interest and to participate on the assurance that they will go through a process that is transparent, very competitive, but also a learning process even for new researchers,” the ES said.

He added that the programme was helping Nigerian researchers improve their competitiveness in securing international research grants.

The TETFund boss explained that grant administration is handled by a specialised committee comprising experienced researchers, industry representatives and members of leading academic bodies, while disbursements are tied to performance milestones and monitored through approved work plans.

According to him, accountability measures built into the system have prevented misuse of research funds despite delays experienced in some projects due to challenges such as insecurity.

Echono further revealed that more than 55 patents had emerged from TETFund-supported research projects over the past three years.

“In fact, we have the number of patents that have come from our researchers in the last three years, about 55 of them,” he stated.

He also announced plans for another National Research Fair in November to showcase research outputs and connect innovators with investors, financial institutions, manufacturers and other stakeholders.

Responding to questions from journalists, Echono highlighted several innovations developed through TETFund-supported research, including food preservation technologies, mechanised gari processing systems, improved seed varieties, water purification systems, wind-powered energy technologies, hearing aids, electric vehicles and locally manufactured fire engines.

He added that TETFund was working with institutions and manufacturers to accelerate the commercialisation and large-scale adoption of locally developed technologies.

The tertiary education sector has in recent years faced persistent challenges, including limited research funding, inadequate infrastructure, and a growing need to align academic work with national development priorities.

In response, FG, through the TETFund, has increasingly expanded targeted interventions such as competitive research grants aimed at improving the quality and relevance of scholarly output.

Some Nigerians among the first batch of returnees evacuated from South Africa have spoken out about their experiences, describing alleged harassment, intimidation and attacks in the country following renewed xenophobic tensions.

The group of about 270 Nigerians is expected to arrive in Lagos on Thursday morning aboard an Air Peace aircraft from Johannesburg, as the Federal Government continues evacuation arrangements for citizens willing to return home.

Speaking in an interview with The Cable on Thursday, one of the returnees, Henry, said he faced repeated challenges with authorities during document checks, which he described as frustrating and discriminatory.

“I went through a lot. Because when they come to you, they will ask you, your papers, even when you show your papers, they still find something,” he said.

He said the experience left him with no option but to return to Nigeria, insisting he would rather start afresh at home.

“There is nothing I can do than to start afresh. I am home, after all, this is my country, nobody will ask me where is your document and all that… I came back alive” he said.

Another returnee, Emilia Godwin, alleged that Nigerians were routinely mistreated in South Africa, claiming they were subjected to violence and humiliation.

They are wicked. They are wicked and wicked. They don’t like us. They make jests of you, they pull you. They beat you. We are like salves, we don’t have mouth to talk,” she said.

Godwin said she had lived in South Africa since 2014 but decided to leave after years of what she described as worsening conditions for foreigners. She added that she would not allow her child, who was born there, to return.

“This my child she was born there but yeah, she will never go to South Africa anymore,” she said.

She further stated that she had long hoped for better opportunities but only became convinced to leave in recent years due to what she described as increasing hostility.

“This best opportunity I’ve been waiting for since 2014, I came to South Africa. I started seeing this sign 3 years. But I didn’t see this opportunity to come back. They are wicked,” she said.

The returnees’ accounts come amid renewed concerns over xenophobic violence in South Africa, which has in the past triggered diplomatic tensions across the continent and repeated calls for stronger protection of African migrants.

The evacuation comes amid concerns raised by the Federal Government over alleged harassment of Nigerians in South Africa. Authorities have previously warned that retaliatory diplomatic measures were not off the table, even as evacuation plans were being finalised to bring willing citizens home.

Sixteen ex-inmates who participated in the Farming Justice Project have received starter packs comprising fish tanks, cash support of ₦50,000 each and other items.

This initiative by the Nigerian Correctional Service, FCT Command, and non-governmental organisation, Hope Behind Bars Africa is aimed at helping the former inmates to rebuild their lives following release from custody.

A statement on Thursday by the FCT Public Relations Officer, Nigerian Correctional Service, FCT Command, A. S Duza said the distribution of the items  is part of ongoing efforts to support post-release reintegration and reduce recidivism by equipping beneficiaries with tools for immediate economic activity.

Duza said the  starter packs were tailored to support farming, fishery and small-scale trade.

The distribution is part of ongoing efforts to support post-release reintegration and reduce recidivism by equipping beneficiaries with tools for immediate economic activity.

“The starter packs included items to support farming, fishery, and small-scale trade: 7 fish tanks, 10 knapsack sprayers, 350 buckets, 30 units of various seeds, 1,050 fingerlings allocated at 150 per fish-farming beneficiary, payment of shop rent for one beneficiary, 1 clipper, 1 fan, and ₦50,000 cash support for each of the 16 beneficiaries,” the statement partly read.

The Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Christopher Jen, described the partnership as aligned with the Service’s mandate of reformation, rehabilitation, and reintegration.

He urged beneficiaries to make productive use of the items.

“Let your success be the strongest argument for more support to those coming behind you,” he said.

He added that they have gotten these skills freely from the custodial centre and should give out freely now that they are outside.

Speaking at the ceremony, Nurudeen Hassan of Hope Behind Bars Africa described the initiative as rooted in the conviction that release from prison should not mark the end of support for ex-inmates.

Hassan said, “The Farming Justice Project is built on the belief that freedom should come with opportunity.

“These starter packs are not just tools — they are a bridge from custody to community. We are committed to ensuring that ex-inmates have the capital, skills, and dignity to restart their lives.”

The FCT Command of the NCoS has in recent years pursued closer collaboration with civil society partners to strengthen its reintegration programmes, reflecting a broader institutional recognition that the correctional service alone cannot bear the full burden of post-release support.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Edo State Command, on Thursday destroyed narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances valued at about ₦2.8bn in Benin City.

A total of 73,463.21 kilogrammes of seized drugs were destroyed during the exercise, the agency said.

A breakdown showed that Cannabis sativa accounted for the bulk of the seizures with 73,210.23 kilogrammes, while psychotropic substances weighed 246.36 kilogrammes. These included Tramadol (141.81kg), Diazepam (8.43kg) and Codeine syrup (61.77kg).

Other substances destroyed included 2.66 kilogrammes of Methamphetamine, 3.74 kilogrammes of Cocaine and 0.21 kilogrammes of Heroin.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), described the exercise as a demonstration of the agency’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and abuse in the country.

Marwa, who was represented by the Director of Operations and General Investigation, Suleiman Ahmed Ningi, said the destruction of the seized drugs reflected the resolve of the agency to dismantle illicit drug networks.

“What we are gathered here to do transcends the physical act of burning contraband. We are, in the most powerful terms, reaffirming our collective and unshakeable resolve to confront, dismantle, and ultimately defeat the menace of drug abuse,” Marwa said.

He expressed appreciation to the Edo State Government for its support to the agency, including the allocation of land for the construction of a model state command headquarters.

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, who was represented by the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady and Chairperson of the State Drug Control Committee, Edesili Anani, described drug abuse as a major threat to security and public health.

He warned drug traffickers to stay out of the state, pledging government support for the fight against narcotics and plans to establish a rehabilitation centre for drug users.

Senator representing Edo Central and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, Joseph Ikpea, commended the NDLEA for its seizures and pledged legislative backing to strengthen the agency’s operations.

The Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Commander of Narcotics Mitchell Ofoyeju, said the command had intercepted drugs concealed in vehicles, trucks and even shrines, noting that officers had faced armed attacks in the course of duty.

He urged parents and guardians to pay closer attention to their children, warning that wealth and comfort mean little if young people are exposed to drug abuse.

This is as he disclosed that over N206bn has been paid by NELFUND to institutions and students in two years.

Lawal, who represents students on the agency’s board, said the scheme introduced by President Bola Tinubu was already transforming lives by enabling students from low-income backgrounds to pursue tertiary education without the burden of tuition fees and other educational expenses.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Thursday, Lawal noted that the interest-free loan scheme had boosted access to universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, allowing many students to continue their studies despite economic challenges.

According to him, before the establishment of NELFUND, many students who secured admission into tertiary institutions were often forced to abandon their academic pursuits due to a lack of financial support.

“Today, students can focus on their academic pursuits without the constant fear of dropping out because of financial difficulties. The intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through NELFUND has changed the narrative for thousands of Nigerian students,” he said.

Lawal said the programme had particularly benefited students from less-privileged families, many of whom previously viewed higher education as beyond their reach.

Many students can now aspire to study courses of their choice in tertiary institutions knowing fully well that NELFUND will cater for their tuition fees while also providing monthly upkeep allowances to support their living expenses,” he added.

He urged parents and guardians to encourage their children and wards to take advantage of the scheme, stressing that no qualified Nigerian student should be denied access to higher education because of financial hardship.

“I want to encourage parents to continue motivating their children to embrace this opportunity. They should not allow financial challenges to kill their dreams of obtaining tertiary education because the government has provided a reliable support system through NELFUND,” Lawal said.

The student representative also pointed to the success stories emerging from the programme, citing the case of Oladepo Olugbenga, the overall best graduating student of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, who graduated with a first-class degree and a cumulative grade point average of 4.89 on a 5.0 scale.

According to Lawal, Olugbenga publicly acknowledged that support from NELFUND helped him overcome severe financial difficulties during his academic journey.

He described such testimonies as evidence of the programme’s transformative impact and a reflection of the Federal Government’s commitment to investing in human capital development.

Lawal further commended the management of NELFUND for ensuring transparency and efficiency in the implementation of the scheme and urged beneficiaries to remain committed to academic excellence.

He also highlighted recent NELFUND figures showing that more than,” N206 billion had been disbursed to over 1.16 million students across 270 tertiary institutions nationwide since the scheme commenced.

“The data showed that N128.84 billion was paid directly to institutions as tuition fees, while N77.45 billion was disbursed to students as upkeep allowances.”

Lawal said the figures demonstrate that the government’s investment in education is yielding results and creating opportunities for students regardless of their economic background.

He expressed optimism that increased awareness of the programme would lead to more beneficiaries and further strengthen Nigeria’s education sector.

NELFUND was established under the Student Loans Act signed by President Bola Tinubu to provide interest-free loans to eligible Nigerian students in tertiary institutions.

The initiative is aimed at expanding access to higher education, reducing dropout rates caused by financial hardship and supporting students with both tuition and upkeep costs. Since its rollout, the Fund has become a key component of the Federal Government’s education financing strategy.

The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority has intensified its enforcement against illegal open grazing and unauthorised livestock rearing, impounding animals found grazing in violation of state regulations in Apata Olomo, along Ado-Awaye Road in Iseyin Local Government Area.

The Chairperson of the Authority, Justice Aderonke Aderemi (retd.), disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday and made available to journalists in Ibadan.

According to Aderemi, the operation followed complaints from farmers in the community who alleged that livestock belonging to some herders had destroyed farmlands and consumed crops, causing significant losses to their means of livelihood.

“The enforcement operation was initiated following petitions received from farmers within the community, who alleged that the activities of some herders had led to the destruction of farmlands and the consumption of agricultural produce by livestock, thereby affecting their livelihoods,” she said.

She explained that an enforcement team led by retired Deputy Commissioner of Police, Francis Ojoomo, alongside the Chief of Staff to the OYRLEA Chairperson, Kofoworola Akinbode, and other security personnel, visited the area to investigate the allegations.

Aderemi said the team confirmed the complaints during the operation and discovered livestock openly grazing in contravention of the state’s livestock management regulations.

“During the operation, the allegations were verified as the team discovered livestock openly grazing in violation of the state’s regulations on open grazing and livestock control. This led to the impoundment of some of the animals by the enforcement team,” she added.

The chairperson reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to enforcing the law, protecting farming communities and ensuring compliance with regulations guiding livestock management across the state.

Oyo state is among several states that have introduced measures to regulate open grazing in a bid to reduce recurring clashes between farmers and herders, protect agricultural investments and strengthen food security.

The state government has repeatedly warned against illegal grazing activities and directed relevant agencies to enforce compliance with existing livestock management laws.

The Taraba State Internal Revenue Service has warned residents and business owners against paying taxes into private accounts, insisting that all tax payments must be made through approved government channels.

The Chairman of the Taraba State Board of Internal Revenue Service, Brig. Gen. Jeremiah Faransa (retd.), gave the warning on Thursday in Jalingo during a statewide sensitisation campaign on new tax reform initiatives.

The campaign, which brought together traders’ associations, market women, bankers and other stakeholders, was organised to educate taxpayers on the provisions of the new tax laws and encourage voluntary compliance.

Faransa said the exercise was aimed at strengthening public confidence in the state’s revenue system and ensuring proper understanding of the ongoing tax reforms.

He warned that no individual was authorised to collect taxes on behalf of the government through private accounts.

No individual is authorised to collect taxes on behalf of the government through private accounts. Taxpayers should only use approved payment channels and deal with authorised revenue officers.

“We will not tolerate any act capable of undermining the state’s revenue system. Anyone caught defrauding the government through illegal tax collection or diversion of revenue will face the full weight of the law,” Faransa said.

Faransa urged residents to embrace the reforms, stressing that taxation was essential for development and public service delivery.

He added that the state government remained committed to ensuring transparency in the management of revenue generated for infrastructure and other public needs.

Some participants at the campaign described the exercise as timely, saying it would help curb illegal tax collection and improve compliance among taxpayers.

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State, Armstrong 'Tope Akintunde, has reaffirmed his commitment to the unity, growth, and continued success of the party, urging leaders, members to remain united and focused on collective progress ahead of future political engagements.

Akintunde, who is a member of the All Progressives Congress Ward 5 in Iperu and Convener of the Yayi Progressives Movement, made the appeal during a meeting with his ward party leaders and members on Tuesday.

Addressing concerns and speculations circulating within his constituency, Akintunde dismissed misinformation suggesting that he is planning to shift his political allegiance or activities away from Ikenne Local Government to Sagamu following the establishment of his group's secretariat in Sagamu.

According to him, the secretariat was strategically located in Sagamu because of its central position within Remoland and serves as an administrative hub for the movement's activities and documentation. He stressed that the establishment of the office should be seen as a symbol of progress and expansion rather than a departure from his political roots in Iperu.

Akintunde reiterated that his primary objective remains the mobilisation of support for the APC across Ogun State, particularly in strengthening the party's structures and ensuring electoral victories for all the party's candidates in future elections.

He also highlighted the importance of supporting the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun, CON, and advancing the political aspirations of Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi.

"I am here today to appeal to all our leaders and members in Iperu Ward 5 to embrace unity and continue working for the progress of our great party in Ikenne Local Government and Ogun State as a whole. There have been insinuations and misinformation around; that information is completely false.

"While we established the secretariat of the Yayi Progressives Movement in Sagamu because it serves as the central point of Remoland, I cannot abandon my home. Iperu remains my political home, and Ikenne Local Government will always occupy a special place in my heart.

"I want to appeal to all aggrieved members to remain committed to the growth of our party. This is our home, and we have a collective responsibility to strengthen and move the APC forward.

"I appreciate our respected leaders, elders and members who are present here today. My mission is to correct the wrong impression being circulated and to reaffirm my unwavering commitment to the unity, peace, and progress of our party from Ward 5 in Iperu, Ikenne Local Govt to the entire Ogun State.

"Our collective efforts and contributions remain vital to the success of the APC. Anyone who neglects his roots cannot truly succeed elsewhere. Home remains the foundation upon which greater achievements are built, and together we must make that foundation stronger than ever before." - Akintunde insisted.

Armstrong 'Tope Akintunde is widely regarded as a grassroots politician, mobiliser, and dedicated party loyalist whose political activities have continued to impact communities across Remoland and Ogun State. 

As Convener of the Yayi Progressives Movement, he has consistently championed party unity, youth engagement, and grassroots development while maintaining strong ties with his political base in Iperu. 

Known for his accessibility, commitment to party ideals, and unwavering dedication to progressive politics, Akintunde remains one of the emerging political figures working to strengthen the APC's structure and expand its influence across Ogun State.

The Police Public Relations Officer for the Command, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a signed statement, copies of which were made available to journalists in Warri on Thursday.

Edafe stated, “On June 9, 2026, operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit, acting on credible intelligence, commenced surveillance on a five-man syndicate reportedly involved in defrauding unsuspecting members of the public using counterfeit United States dollar bills while operating in a red unregistered Mercedes-Benz GLK SUV.

“The intelligence-driven operation led to the arrest of four suspects identified as Joshua Nwaosa, Daniel Arhewe, Prince Chukwuma, and John Egwuba along Nnebisi Road, Asaba.

During preliminary interrogation, the suspects confessed to operating from a hideout in Asaba.

“A follow-up operation was immediately conducted at the location, where operatives recovered 1,600 counterfeit United States Dollar notes and military camouflage concealed within the premises.”

The police spokesman affirmed that an investigation is ongoing to unravel the full scope of the syndicate’s activities.

In a separate operation on Tuesday, at about 11:15hrs, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit, acting on actionable intelligence, stormed Owaliru and Alihame communities in Ika North-East Local Government Area of Delta State, where two female suspects were apprehended.

The PPRO disclosed that the suspects, identified as Ifeoma Egbule (36 years) and Anayeokwu Florence (51 years), were arrested in possession of substantial quantities of suspected illicit substances, including GH Gold, Colorado, Cannabis and Canadian Loud.

The exhibits were recovered and taken into custody alongside the suspects.

Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspects were actively involved in the distribution of the prohibited substances within the area.

Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the drug distribution network, the police spokesman stated.

In a swift response, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, has commended the operatives “for their professionalism, diligence, and commitment to duty”.

The CP reiterated the Command’s resolve to sustain intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and ensuring the safety and security of all residents of Delta state.

Recall that in May, the Ondo State Police Command arrested six men in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, in connection with fraudulent activities that occurred in Ondo town.

The suspects are Adeola Kolawole (56), Alhaji Gani Bello (73), Oladoja Akeem (56), Wasiu Adigun (55), Azeez Yusuf (49) and Ojo Mudasiru (40).

The Senate on Thursday distanced itself from comments by Senator Adams Oshiomhole describing the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited as “a bunch of criminals and thieves,” insisting that the remarks did not reflect the position of the Red Chamber.

The upper legislative chamber also declared that no Senate committee has the authority to issue, authorise or execute a warrant of arrest except in strict compliance with the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act and with the express approval of the Senate President.

The resolutions followed a motion sponsored by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, during plenary.

The clarification came barely 24 hours after the Senate Committee on Public Accounts reportedly recommended the issuance of a warrant of arrest against the immediate past Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPCL, Mele Kyari, over his alleged failure to honour invitations extended by the committee.

Lawmakers who contributed to the debate condemned the comments attributed to Oshiomhole, stressing that personal opinions expressed by senators should not be construed as official positions of the Senate.

The Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, and several other lawmakers cautioned the Edo North senator against making remarks capable of undermining public institutions.

They urged members to remain guided by the Constitution and the Senate Standing Orders in the discharge of their duties.

The Senate reaffirmed its commitment to due process, legislative decorum and adherence to established legal procedures in carrying out its oversight functions.

Some lawmakers also demanded that Oshiomhole publicly withdraw the statement.

Responding, the former Edo State governor defended his comments, saying they were made in reaction to attacks on lawmakers by NNPCL officials.

“I acted under provocation because distinguished members were being attacked without any proof of the allegations being made. We are knowledgeable of the rules and not ignorant of them.

“If it is the view of the Senate that I should apologise, I have no problem with that,” he said.

Oshiomhole said he had no intention of bringing the Senate into disrepute and maintained that he was only defending the institution and its members.

“Rather than provide answers, we were told that senators do not have a monopoly on patriotism and were accused of recommending their children for employment in NNPC. The lawmakers were denigrated, and I reacted in defence of the Senate,” the lawmaker said.

He added that he was surprised to be singled out in the controversy.

“I was not the mover of the motion seeking the issuance of a warrant of arrest, and I do not understand why my name was singled out. The Senate Leader referred to my reaction and not to the issues that prompted it,” he added.

The senator further recalled that the Senate had previously deliberated on allegations contained in the Auditor-General’s report concerning an unaccounted N210tn.

“We sat here and took a decision regarding the alleged missing N210 trillion. We were informed that Mele Kyari refused to appear before the committee.

“What brought us here in the first place was the allegation that NNPC’s approved auditors could not account for the funds, according to the Auditor-General’s report,” the Edo North senator told lawmakers.

His remarks were interrupted when the Senate Chief Whip raised a point of order, urging him to confine his comments to the matter before the chamber.

The intervention triggered a brief uproar before Senate President Godswill Akpabio restored order.

Akpabio reminded senators that the motion under consideration was limited to Oshiomhole’s alleged unparliamentary remarks and the issue of a purported arrest warrant issued without following due process.

The development comes hours after Kyari’s reaction to the warrant arrest, claiming that he is currently outside the country undergoing critical medical care.

The claim was contained in a letter seen by Nairametrics and purportedly signed by Kyari on May 8, 2026.

The letter began circulating following the arrest order issued by the Senate Committee on Public Accounts.

The House of Representatives has passed the state police bill, effectively making way for the decentralisation of the Nigerian policing architecture.

The resolution followed the voting by 289 lawmakers in favour of state police during Thursday’s plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas.

Recall that the House committed Thursday’s plenary to voting on the State Police Bill following the spike in killings, kidnappings, and banditry in the past few months.

The session was not without its fair share of drama, as shortly after the lawmakers settled down for the business of the day, Kaduna lawmaker, Bashir Zubairu, moved a point of order, explaining that the document on the proposed state police put together by the House Committee on Constitution Review got to the lawmakers only on Thursday afternoon

Recognised to speak by the speaker, Zubairu said, “Mr Speaker, this document was only made available to lawmakers in the chambers, and we are yet to go through it. We cannot do justice to it because we have not gone through it.”

Zubairu, a member of the African Democratic Congress, was ruled out of order, allowing the process to proceed.

While the Speaker took members through the clauses, voices shouting “Point of Order” could be heard, but the presiding officer ignored them.

Before the voting began, Abbas announced that the electronic voting system was faulty, noting that the exercise would be conducted based on attendance.

Out of the 290 members in attendance, 289 voted in favour of state police while one voted against. The Speaker abstained from voting.

Details later…

The Zamfara State Police Command has rescued five travellers who were abducted by suspected bandits along the Anka–Bukkuyum Road in the state.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Yazid Abubakar, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, saying the rescue followed a swift response by operatives of the Anti-Violent Crime Response Unit.

According to him, the incident occurred on June 10 at about 7 p.m. when armed bandits reportedly barricaded the road and abducted five travellers.

“Upon receiving the distress information, the police team immediately mobilised to the scene and launched a coordinated rescue mission,” Abubakar said.

He explained that the operatives pursued the suspects into the surrounding bush and engaged them in a gun battle.

“The operatives pursued the suspects into the surrounding bush, where they intercepted the fleeing bandits and engaged them in a gun battle.

Faced with the superior firepower and determination of the police operatives, the criminals abandoned their mission and fled into the forest with suspected gunshot wounds,” he stated.

Abubakar said the operation led to the successful rescue of all five victims, who were unharmed.

He added that two motorcycles believed to have been used by the bandits were recovered during the operation.

The police spokesperson reiterated the command’s commitment to tackling criminal activities across the state and ensuring the safety of residents.

He also urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could aid efforts to combat crime.

The report was adopted during Thursday’s plenary session presided over by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.

The approved clauses formed part of recommendations considered by lawmakers during deliberations on constitutional amendments aimed at strengthening governance, security, and institutional effectiveness across the country.

More to come…

Future-X Unilever Campus Ambassador (FUCA) Program aims to engage future leaders and take them on a leadership journey as liaisons between Unilever and their respective Universities or Polytechnics.

The Unilever Import and Export (ImpEx) Internship is a paid opportunity that will recognize the top young talents around the country who have the passion to want more, do more, and contribute more to become great leaders with a positive impact.

This post will tell you all you need to know about the program and the stepwise procedure to successfully apply for it.

More scholarship opportunities are ongoing in countries across Europe, the United States and Canada. Check out some selected opportunities below:

Future-X Unilever Campus Ambassador Summary

• Host: Unilever Plc 
• Category: Internships | Training
• Eligible Country: Nigeria 
• Reward: ₦140,000 Monthly Stipend | Training | Employment Opportunity
• Deadline: June 14, 2026
  

Future-X Unilever Campus Ambassador Details:

Unilever Nigeria’s Future-X Unilever Campus Ambassadors Program is providing working experience opportunities for Graduates and Undergraduates alike. 

Unilever Nigeria is hiring for its Future-X Unilever Campus Ambassadors Program (FUCAP) a 1-year Import and Export (ImpEx) Internship.

The intern will support shipment tracking, logistics documentation, clearing agent coordination, and supply chain processes within one of Nigeria’s leading FMCG companies. Working hours are 8AM–5PM, Monday to Friday

Unilever Import and Export (ImpEx) Internship Requirements:

To be considered for the Unilever Import and Export (ImpEx) Internship, you must meet the following requirements:

• Must be serving or have completed NYSC
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong data analytical skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other MS Office tools
• Good stakeholder management, interpersonal, and collaboration skills
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Passion for high performance
• Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines
• Available to work full-time for the full 1-year duration

Future-X Unilever Campus Ambassador Duration and Reward

• ₦140,000 monthly gross stipend
• 1 year of practical FMCG supply chain and logistics experience
• Exposure to real import/export operations and global logistics
• Work with internal and external stakeholders across Unilever’s network
• Skills development in supply chain, documentation, procurement, and international trade

Future-X Unilever Campus Ambassador Responsibilities

• Maintain and update shipment trackers, capturing all data from origin to delivery, container return, and invoice settlement.
• Liaise with clearing agents, suppliers, banks and Unilever’s global logistics partners to ensure timely documentation, dispatch, and accurate shipment tracking.
• Ensure all shipping documents, permits, and certificates are compete, up to date, and submitted at least 5 days before vessel arrival.
• Prepare, upload, and follow through with document signings as per Unilever’s Statement of Authority
• Monitor and escalate risks or delays in shipment timelines, documentation, and supplier/ agent compliance.
• Support container deposit/ bond tracking, financial postings, and continuous process improvements in the ImpEx function.

How To Apply for Future-X Unilever Campus Ambassador Program (Step by Step)

To apply for the 2026 Future-X Unilever Campus Ambassador Program, interested and qualified applicants should follow the steps provided below;

• Click the green button below to proceed to the application form
• Complete the form and submit your application.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Deadline: June 14, 2026

Schools in some parts of the country closed early on Wednesday as fears of bandit attacks spread.

The schools were hurriedly shut down following an attack by bandits on the UBE Secondary/Primary School, Iluke, Kogi State and a threat of possible invasion at learning centres in Edo and Niger States.

This is happening a few weeks after school pupils were abducted in Oyo, fuelling national and international condemnation of the worsening security situation in the country.

At least three persons lost their lives when suspected bandits attacked the UBE Secondary/Primary School, Iluke, in the Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The deceased include Mr Ganiyu Anifowose, the Vice Principal of UBE Secondary/Primary School; Mr Sunday Alhassan, aged 70 years; and six-year-old Sunday Ayele.

The tragedy was confirmed in a statement by the Kogi State Police Command spokesperson, Salihu Afusat.

During the exchange of gunfire, the police disclosed that one of the attackers was neutralised, while a security operative attached to the joint team sustained gunshot injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment.

The statement read, “At about 10:00 a.m., the Command received distress information that a large number of heavily armed bandits, operating on about 40 motorcycles, had invaded Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu, with the suspected intention of abducting students and other residents of the community.

“Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer, Kabba ‘A’ Division, immediately activated a coordinated security response by mobilising personnel from the Division, alongside operatives of the Police Mobile Force and the Command’s Tactical Teams. Other security personnel already deployed in the area, including military personnel and local vigilante groups, were equally alerted and joined the operation.’’

Police preliminary findings indicate that there was no conclusive evidence of a successful mass abduction of students or other residents.

However, investigations and ongoing assessments are continuing to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

“Regrettably, during the attack, three persons lost their lives. They include Mr Ganiyu Anifowose, the Vice Principal of UBE Secondary/Primary School, Iluke; Mr Sunday Jacob Alhassan, aged 70 years; and one Sunday Ayele, aged six. The Command commiserates with the families of the deceased and assures them that every effort is being made to bring the perpetrators to justice,” the police stated.

In Edo State, three schools were shut down following a Department of State Security intelligence report about a planned mass abduction of school children, particularly in Edo North Senatorial District, by bandits.

The secret police, in a letter addressed to the State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps dated June 5, 2026, called for heightened security around the schools in the area.

The DSS said the intelligence was obtained from two suspected bandits, who were intercepted while conducting surveillance on their targets.

“During the conversation, the duo disclosed their plans to kidnap school children in Edo North Senatorial District, as previous attempts to kidnap wealthy individuals had not yielded the expected financial gains.

“To this end, they concluded that abducting school children would attract greater government attention and potentially increase the likelihood of huge ransom payments and concessions.

“On June 4, 2026, one Emmanuel Momidu (25 years) was apprehended while he was perceived to be surveilling Makeke Secondary School at Makeke Community, Akoko Edo LGA.”

However, a top officer in the Edo State Police Command, who pleaded anonymity, noted that the command has already acted on the reports, wondering how the security report got to the public.

The officer noted that they get several security reports, which most of the time determine the actions they take over security issues.

The officer said, “The security reports have already been acted upon. We have increased surveillance in the areas identified in the letter. We have also visited schools near the forest to double security.

But the leaked report and the media attention it gets will surely get to those planning these nefarious acts, but we are proactive and have already taken steps to ensure this does not happen.

“It’s not even clear how a document like that got to the public domain, and the person who leaked it has contravened the civil service rule.”

In response to the threat, the Edo State Government ordered the temporary closure of Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School and Makeke Secondary School, all in the Akoko- Edo LGA.

The State Ministry of Education disclosed this in a circular dated June 9, 2026 and made available to newsmen in Benin City.

The statement said the closure of the schools followed the security alarm raised by the DSS. The statement signed by Enodolomwanyi Otamere on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the ministry was addressed to the principals of the affected schools.

The ministry, however, directed that candidates currently participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination should be allowed access to sit for their examinations under strict security arrangements.

“All academic and non-academic activities in the affected schools are hereby suspended with immediate effect and shall remain so until further notice from the Ministry.

However, candidates currently participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination shall be allowed access to sit for their examinations under strict security arrangements and supervision as may be provided by the relevant security agencies and community stakeholders,” the statement read in part.

In Minna, Niger State, reports of an imminent attack sent school children scurrying home on Wednesday.

A parent who identified herself as Chinenye Nwadike said when she heard about the alleged terrorists’ invasion, she asked her husband if their three children had left school.

“Nobody wants to risk their life. Our three children attend a Catholic primary and secondary school in Bosso. Immediately I learnt about the planned terrorists’ invasion of Minna, I started calling my husband to find out if our children had left school and were at the shop.

“I learnt that these terrorists target Christian schools. I understand all the children kidnapped from the Oyo school are Christians. Nothing must happen to our innocent children,” she said.

The principal of a Catholic school, a Reverend sister, who pleaded anonymity, said the pupils fled the school hurriedly on hearing the speculation.

“From 11.30 am, when I heard the news that bandits had invaded Minna and were targeting Christian schools, I continued to receive calls from parents of my pupils wanting to find out if their children were safe and if they had closed the school for the day.

“I simply told them that I also heard the rumour but had not seen any terrorists. I have also contacted the Niger state police command, and the PRO has assured me that there was nothing like that. I don’t know what to believe again because the way bandits are abducting school children and the government, both at the federal and state levels, appear helpless, is a major cause for concern.”

A parent, Mr Isah Usman, explained that he ran to fetch his son from school following the speculation of a bandit attack.

“This thing is very scary. The rate at which these bandits invade schools and abduct even little children is worrisome.  The worst thing is that the government cannot do anything. They will say don’t pay ransom to bandits, but they don’t give any option except to let the abducted child die in the terrorists’ den. This is wickedness.

“I suggest that the Niger State government should declare Thursday a public holiday because parents are still scared. Moreover, Friday is a public holiday for Democracy Day.”

Meanwhile, a statement by the spokesman for the Niger State Police Command, Wasiu Abiodun, dismissed the speculation.

“The Niger State Police Command wishes to respond to the false and misleading report circulating in the public space, alleging that schools in Bosso, Kpakungu, Sabon-Wuse and Lambata areas were attacked by hoodlums.

“The Command hereby states categorically that, having visited all the schools mentioned in these areas, no such attack occurred within the State.

The Police Command urges members of the public to disregard this false information, which is suspected to have originated from mischief makers to cause panic and fear in the public and school environment.

“However, an intelligence investigation has commenced to unravel the source of the false report, identify and arrest the mischief makers.’’

It further stated that the state Commissioner of Police, Adamu Elleman, had earlier directed Divisional Police Officers to work closely with school administrators and ensure the safety of students, staff and the community.

Amnesty International condemned the deadly attack in Iluke community and called on relevant authorities to urgently bring those responsible to justice and strengthen protection for schools, students, and rural communities.

“No child should have to fear violence while pursuing education,’’ the organisation said.

Similarly, the National Association of Okun Students has described the incident as a disturbing reflection of the worsening security situation across Okun Land.

The association called for an urgent overhaul of the region’s security architecture, urging traditional rulers, political office holders, security agencies and community leaders to immediately convene a security summit to address the growing threat posed by criminal elements.

In a statement signed by its National President, Olu Opeyemi, the group expressed concern over the rising cases of kidnappings, killings, attacks on travellers and invasions of communities across the region.

“The frequency of these attacks is becoming unbearable. Hardly a week passes without reports of kidnappings, attacks on travellers, invasions of communities, and loss of lives. Our people deserve to live in peace and carry out their daily activities without fear of being attacked by criminal elements,” Opeyemi said.

According to him, the latest attack underscores the urgent need for stakeholders to move beyond rhetoric and develop a coordinated response to the security challenges facing the area.

The NAOS president called on traditional rulers, elected officials, community leaders and security agencies to urgently convene a strategic security summit aimed at developing a comprehensive and sustainable framework to tackle insecurity in Okun communities.

“We need to act now. Every day of delay exposes more innocent people to danger. Our traditional rulers, political leaders, and security agencies must work together to design practical solutions that will strengthen intelligence gathering, community vigilance, rapid response mechanisms, and collaboration with security operatives,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Oyo State Police Command has refuted rumours of terrorist movement into Ogbomoso, warning against spreading unverified information.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, while reacting to a video and accompanying voice note circulating on various social media platforms, alleging the movement and infiltration of suspected Lukarawa terrorists into forests around Ogbomoso and the Old Oyo National Park.

The statement read, “The Oyo State Police Command wishes to address and clarify a video and accompanying voice note currently circulating across various social media platforms alleging the movement and infiltration of suspected Lukarawa terrorists into forests around Ogbomoso and the Old Oyo National Park.

“The Command unequivocally rejects and dismisses the claims contained in the said video and voice note as false, misleading, and entirely without factual basis. Comprehensive intelligence assessments and security reports available to the Command do not support nor suggest the existence of any such terrorist movement or infiltration within the areas mentioned.’’

It added, “Notwithstanding the falsity of the report, the Oyo State Police Command remains proactive and resolute in its commitment to the safety and security of all residents of the state. Consequently, intelligence and covert operatives have been strategically deployed to border communities and other vulnerable locations within the affected axis to further strengthen the robust security architecture and early warning mechanisms already in place.

“The deployed operatives are working in close synergy with existing local security structures, community-based intelligence networks, traditional institutions, hunters, vigilante groups, and other critical stakeholders to ensure enhanced intelligence gathering, prompt information sharing, and swift response to any emerging security concerns.

“In addition, the Command has significantly increased visibility policing, confidence-building patrols, intelligence-led stop-and-search operations, and strategic deployments across Ogbomoso, the Old Oyo National Park axis, and adjoining border communities. These measures are aimed at reassuring residents, deterring criminal elements, and maintaining the prevailing peace and security within the area.”

The Command therefore called on members of the public, particularly residents of border communities and rural settlements, to remain vigilant and security-conscious.

Culled from punch 

The aircraft, which reportedly failed to land at the Asaba Airport on Wednesday morning, landed on a concrete road still under construction in the Ogwashi-Uku area near the Delta State capital.

In a statement, made available to journalists by Tunde Moshood, media aide to the minister, on Thursday, the minister said the aircraft attempted to land at about 7:43 am local time but was unable to access the airport runway before making a safe landing on the unfinished roadway.

Recall that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, in a statement earlier on Wednesday, said it grounded the aircraft upon its arrival in Lagos pending the outcome of a comprehensive investigation.

The regulator has also suspended the operator’s Permit for Non-Commercial Flight and launched a full-scale review of the incident.

Reacting to the development, Keyamo expressed relief that no lives were lost but stressed that the circumstances surrounding the incident and the aircraft’s subsequent departure without authorisation raised serious concerns.

Keyamo said, “The Honourable Minister, while expressing gratitude that no lives were lost, described the incident and the events that followed as a matter of grave regulatory and security concern.

It has further been established that Air Traffic Control was only notified after the aircraft was already airborne, implying that the flight departed without the necessary operational clearance.”

Describing the action as unacceptable, Keyamo said the development constituted “a serious breach of aviation regulations and security protocols.

The NCAA has placed the flight under comprehensive regulatory review and has commenced further inquiries into both the circumstances surrounding the incident and the subsequent unauthorised departure of the aircraft from the location.”

The minister added that the authority was working closely with the aircraft operator, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency and other stakeholders to determine the full circumstances of the incident.

“The NCAA will undertake a thorough review of all operational, airworthiness, maintenance, and flight-related records associated with the aircraft and operator, and will not hesitate to impose further enforcement actions as may be warranted under the applicable civil aviation regulations,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, Keyamo disclosed that relevant security agencies had taken custody of the flight crew, who are currently assisting investigators.

“The Honourable Minister has been in contact with the relevant security agencies and has received assurances that the flight crew are currently in their custody and is fully cooperating with ongoing investigations,” the statement.

The minister assured Nigerians that a transparent investigation would be conducted and that all necessary actions would be taken based on the findings.

“The minister assures the public that a thorough and transparent investigation will be conducted and that all appropriate actions will be taken based on the findings.

“No individual or operator, irrespective of status, will be permitted to circumvent established aviation procedures designed to safeguard lives and maintain the integrity of Nigeria’s airspace system,” it added.

The Lagos State Government on Wednesday cautioned contractors, consultants and suppliers doing business with the state against actions that could erode public confidence in government projects, warning that professionalism and timely delivery would increasingly determine access to public contracts.

The warning was issued at the 2026 Procurement Stakeholders’ Forum in Ikeja, where government officials and private-sector operators gathered to review the role of procurement in delivering public infrastructure and services.

Speaking at the forum, the Head of Service, Olabode Agoro, said the state would continue to back firms that demonstrate competence, integrity and value for money, while discouraging conduct that affects project delivery and service quality.

“We must continue to discourage practices that undermine public trust, delay project execution, or compromise quality standards.

The government will continue to support credible and competent service providers who demonstrate professionalism, timely delivery, and value for money,” Agoro said.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission, Abdulrafiu Fashola, the Head of Service said contractors and service providers should be viewed as partners in development because government programmes rely heavily on their performance.

He said Lagos’ progress in infrastructure, healthcare, education, transportation and technology had been strengthened by effective collaboration between public institutions and private-sector operators.

A prosperous Lagos cannot be built on weak systems, poor service delivery, or compromised standards.

Rather, it must rest on a foundation of excellence, innovation, compliance, and responsible partnership between Government and the private sector,” he said.

The Director-General of the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency, Fatai Onafowote, said the quality of roads, schools, hospitals and other public projects ultimately depends on the competence and ethical standards of contractors engaged by the government.

“Service providers constitute the foundation upon which public projects and essential services are built,” he said, adding that “a prosperous Lagos cannot be built on weak foundations.”

Onafowote said the agency was strengthening procurement oversight through digital reforms, stakeholder engagement and stricter compliance measures, adding that procurement should be seen as a tool for economic development rather than a routine administrative process.

The Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Procurement, Samuel Apata, said the legislature would continue to enforce oversight mechanisms to promote transparency and accountability in public spending.

“The Lagos State House of Assembly remains committed to supporting policies and legislative frameworks that promote efficiency, fairness, competitiveness, and professionalism within the procurement system,” Apata said.

He added that lawmakers would continue to monitor compliance with procurement laws to ensure public funds are used effectively and projects deliver value to residents.

The Senate Committee on Public Accounts, on Wednesday, ordered the arrest of the immediate past Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari, for failing to appear before it over allegations of N210tn unaccounted funds between 2017 and 2023.

The directive followed Kyari’s repeated absence from an investigative hearing probing queries raised by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation over the company’s financial records during the period under review.

However, former Chief Financial Officer of the NNPCL, Umar Ajiya Isa, challenged the allegations before the committee, insisting that no funds were missing and describing the N210tn figure as misleading when compared with the company’s actual earnings within the period.

The arrest warrant was issued after lawmakers ruled against further delay in the investigation.

During the sitting, Saliu Mustapha (Kwara Central) and Tony Nwoye (Anambra North) appealed for caution, urging the committee to grant Kyari another opportunity to appear, noting that he was reportedly ill and receiving treatment in Germany.

But their plea was strongly opposed by other members of the committee, who insisted that the investigation must proceed without further delay and demanded the issuance of a warrant of arrest.

Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) argued that verbal excuses should not be accepted without documented proof of illness, a position later supported by Victor Umeh (Anambra Central), who formally moved the motion for Kyari’s arrest.

Seconding the motion, the Deputy Chairman of the committee, Peter Nwaebonyi (Ebonyi North), warned that further delay would undermine the committee’s work.

He said, “This is the ninth time this committee is meeting on the 19 queries raised against NNPCL by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation, three of which were chaired by me.

“Mr Chairman, the time to issue a warrant of arrest against Mele Kyari is now because the committee must conclude its assignment and report back to the Senate.”

Former Edo State Governor and senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, also argued that the Senate risked diminishing its own authority if it failed to enforce compliance with its summons.

“Some people believe they are bigger than Nigeria. The law must be effective when it catches the lion, not only when it catches the rabbit,” he declared.

After a voice vote, the chairman of the committee, Ibrahim Dankwambo (Gombe North), ruled that Kyari should be arrested and produced before the panel.

Anywhere Mele Kyari is, he should be arrested and brought before this committee,” he declared.

At the centre of the controversy is the alleged N210tn said to be unaccounted for within the NNPC Limited accounts.

But Isa rejected the claim, insisting that it was mathematically inconsistent with the company’s financial records.

He said, “To be clear, if money had gone missing at NNPC during our tenure, we would not have had the courage to publish audited accounts.

“For over 40 years, those accounts were either not prepared, not made public, or not even shared with the Auditor-General.

“N210tn is an enormous sum. NNPC’s total revenue in the period under review was about N54.5tn, even before deducting production costs. It’s impossible for N210n to be missing or unaccounted for.”

He also dismissed claims that N5.8bn was spent on registering NNPC Limited, describing the allegation as inaccurate and damaging, and urged the committee to verify the figures with relevant agencies.

“Unfounded claims do real damage. They harm the reputations of individuals, the company, and Nigeria itself.

International rating agencies use public information to assess countries. Negative, inaccurate reports can hurt Nigeria’s credit rating and our national interests.

“We’ve seen this before. While seeking about $2.5bn in Chinese financing for the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano Gas Pipeline, an unpatriotic petition was submitted to Chinese authorities. Despite a sovereign guarantee, the financing was disrupted, and the project remains uncompleted.

“Actions like that discourage public servants. At times, it’s frustrating. But as Nigerians, we remain committed to serving our country and contributing to its development.

“When people claim N210tn is missing, they should be asked: where exactly did it go? Agencies like the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission should investigate and establish the facts so Nigerians can trust the truth,” he said.

The committee subsequently directed Isa and former Chief Upstream Investment Officer during the period under review, Bala Wunti, to reappear before it within two weeks as the investigation continues.

Nigeria is targeting a major expansion of its electricity generation capacity, with plans to achieve 209,000 megawatts of power generation by 2050, especially with 53 large-scale renewable solar power projects valued at about $11bn underway, according to a report by IIR.

The projects, which IIR said are being tracked across the country, form part of a growing pipeline of solar investments aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s energy mix and improving electricity access, particularly in underserved communities.

The report indicates that the 53 large-scale solar projects are currently underway in Nigeria, reflecting rising investor interest in the country’s renewable energy sector.

The projects are expected to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s long-term energy transition plans, which prioritise solar expansion as a key driver of future electricity supply.

In addition to utility-scale developments, Nigeria is also pushing ahead with decentralised electrification efforts through solar mini-grids and off-grid systems.

Under a nationwide initiative led by the Rural Electrification Agency, the Federal Government is deploying more than 1,300 solar mini-grids and off-grid power systems to expand electricity access in rural and underserved areas.

The programme includes 250 interconnected mini-grids designed to supply electricity directly into the national grid, helping to stabilise supply and reduce reliance on diesel generators in off-grid communities.

The initiative is backed by $750m in public funding and is expected to attract an additional $1.1bn in private sector investment, according to the REA.

Speaking on the programme, REA Managing Director Abba Aliyu described the initiative as a landmark intervention in Nigeria’s power sector.

“For the first time, we are witnessing the implementation of the biggest publicly funded renewable electricity project in the entire world. It is a $750m project that will catalyse $1.1bn in private sector funding to deploy 1,350 mini-grids across the country,” he said.

Aliyu added that the Federal Government is repositioning renewable energy as a key alternative source of electricity.

For the first time in the history of the country, the Federal Government is positioning the renewable energy sector of the Nigerian economy as the alternative source of electricity in the country. It’s the easiest and most economically viable means of powering the country, and we have an abundance of renewable energy sources. President Bola Tinubu is positioning Nigeria now to be the renewable hub of Africa, and there is a structured programme which will see 17.5 million Nigerians (20 per cent of the population) provided with electricity in just three years,” Aliyu said.

It was learnt that Nigeria has already made progress in deploying mini-grids nationwide, with over 1,000 systems installed, more than half of which were financed by the REA.

The country’s Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up programme, supported by the World Bank, is also accelerating rural electrification through solar mini-grids, standalone systems, and storage-based solutions.

The initiative aims to replace over 250,000 diesel generators across the country while expanding access to clean and reliable electricity.

According to the Global Solar Council, Nigeria added 803MW of solar capacity in 2025, bringing total installed solar capacity to approximately 1,019MW.

It was stated that Nigeria’s renewable energy expansion aligns with broader continental efforts such as the World Bank-backed Mission 300 initiative, which seeks to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030.

Since its launch in January 2025, the programme has reportedly delivered electricity access to 44 million people across Africa.

While gas-fired plants remain the dominant source of electricity generation in Nigeria, renewables currently account for about 23 per cent of the energy mix, largely driven by hydropower and solar installations.

The Federal Government has set a target of a 30 per cent renewable energy contribution by 2030 and 82 per cent by 2050, as part of its long-term energy transition and net-zero 2060 commitment.

Most of the future capacity growth is expected to come from solar energy, with Nigeria aiming for 209,000MW of installed solar capacity by 2050.

There was palpable fear in Osun State on Wednesday following the sudden collapse of a podium where guests, including Governor Ademola Adeleke, were seated at a rally held in Ijebu-Jesa.

In a 30-second video obtained by The PUNCH showing the moment the podium caved in, Adeleke, Deputy Governor, Kola Adewusi, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, and the spokesperson of the Imole Campaign Council, Pelumi Olajengbesi, were among those on the platform when the incident occurred.

In the video, musical performances were ongoing when the event anchor brought the session to a close and was about to announce the next item on the programme before the podium collapsed.

A source at the event, who spoke on condition of anonymity as he was not authorised to comment, said the incident disrupted proceedings.

He, however, added that the programme later resumed after security personnel evacuated those involved from the rubble.

The incident happened. The event is the inauguration of the Imole canvassers for Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency. The event was held in Ijebu-Jesa, and the crowd was a bit much.

“The governor and some members of his cabinet were seated in that part of the podium that collapsed. No casualty. The event resumed, and the governor addressed the gathering after the incident,” he said.

When contacted for reaction, the Deputy Spokesperson to the Governor, Oladele Bamiji, said the incident was not as serious as being portrayed.

“The event thereafter went on smoothly with the governor and members of his cabinet. No injuries.

“Had there been any fatal accident, the event would not have continued. There were no casualties. The governor, after leaving the venue, went to another event in Odo-Otin Local Government,” Bamiji said.

The Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in Ekiti State, Dr Wole Oluyede, has assured that he will emerge victorious in the June 20 election.

Oluyede reassured the people that if elected, his administration would usher in a new dawn and a fresh lease of life to the state and its people.

The Wole Oluyede Campaign Organisation, which made the disclosure in a statement by its Press Secretary, Idowu Adelusi, in Ado Ekiti, on Wednesday, urged voters, saying, “Do not be influenced by election-season incentives. The June 20 governorship election will provide an opportunity for residents to remove the heartless government.

“Ekiti people should come out en masse on the election day to vote for Wole Oluyede and to shun the inducement by the All Progressives Congress.

“We are confident that Dr Wole Oluyede will emerge victorious at the poll to usher in a new dawn in Ekiti.”

The council disagreed with the statement by Vice President Kashim Shettima during the inauguration of Ado Ekiti flyover on Tuesday that the governor had done well and deserved reelection, adding that Ekiti people had not felt the governor’s impact.

Adelusi, who queried why it took about four years to complete the bridge, said, “The Oyebanji administration has failed to justify the huge allocations received from the Federal Government.”

The campaign organisation stated that the Oyebanji administration had failed to deliver the level of development expected by residents, adding that the government was embarking on last-minute empowerment programmes and payments as the governorship election approached.

“There are a limited number of visible projects delivered by the Oyebanji administration despite the increased revenue inflow.

“Vice President Shettima’s assertion that Oyebanji has performed well enough to deserve another term in office has merely added salt to the wounds of many Ekiti residents who have been impoverished by the policies and actions of the Oyebanji administration,” he stated.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday, stated that President Bola Tinubu’s infrastructure achievements in Abuja can guarantee his political future, stating the President should “sleep with his two eyes closed.”

Speaking during the official commissioning of Arterial Road N5 in Abuja, on Wednesday, the minister maintained that if governance and infrastructural transformation are the true yardsticks for electoral return, the Tinubu administration has already secured its footing in the nation’s capital.

“If indeed we want to say governance is what will make people to return you to come back to office… I don’t think Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu should be sleeping and keeping one of his eyes open. No, he should sleep, and his two eyes closed,” Wike stated.

“I challenge everybody in this FCT, who can come out to say we don’t have the impact, we don’t feel the presence of government. These people who are carrying placards here… if people send you to go back and carry placards, it will not work,” he added.

Reflecting on the hurdles faced during the construction of the road, Wike explained that the project hit a standstill when construction giant Julius Berger was blocked by community members demanding compensation over structural demolitions.

He said, “When we are doing this road, and thank God, it’s good to come out and know what is happening, not to be in the office. That time, Julius Berger was having a problem. The community said they would not do the road because they have not been compensated for the demolition.

“I came down by my humble self and addressed the communities on the road, and they said they have not been compensated… The Director of Settlement and Compensation said some people are saying that they are indigenous, but that they are paying those who have houses.

“I said, we are only paying those that we have demolished their properties. We are not paying because you belong to the so-and-so community. We pay you money because we are doing a project. It is those who have properties along the line where development is taking place that we have to pay.”

Issuing a direct challenge to the aggrieved groups, the minister insisted that the Federal Capital Territory Administration fulfilled its financial obligations to every verified property owner affected by the clearance, vowing that his administration would not misuse public funds to satisfy entitlement sentiment.

“And I want to say clearly, we paid. We paid,” the Minister asserted. “I want to challenge anybody who has a property along this line that was not paid.

“So if you are saying that development has passed and the government did not dash you money, we will not dash you money when we are carrying out development. If you say you have property and it was demolished, and you were not paid, come and say so. I challenge anybody. It is not correct.”

Report that during the Tuesday inauguration of the main carriageways of the Outer Southern Expressway, linking Ring Road 1 Junction to Ring Road 2 Junction, the FCT Minister had similarly stated that the current administration is actively fulfilling its commitments by providing infrastructure, including access roads and water supply.

Wike reportedly emphasised that a considerable portion of completed projects under the present administration were inherited from previous governments but were continued and delivered rather than abandoned.

In March 2026, the minister had expressed optimism that President Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress would record improved electoral performance in the FCT during the 2027 general elections, citing ongoing infrastructural development across the territory.

culled from punch 

The former Anambra State governor also threatened legal action against Okonkwo and indicated that he could seek higher damages if the demands are not met.

In a letter dated June 9, 2026, Obi’s lawyers, led by Alex Ejesieme (SAN), accused Okonkwo of making false, malicious and defamatory allegations against their client during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on Monday, June 8.

The legal team said the remarks were subsequently published and circulated by several media organisations and online platforms.

According to the letter, Okonkwo allegedly claimed that “Obi, together with the leaders of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the South-East, informed the party’s aspirants that any person seeking to contest as a member of the House of Representatives must, after paying the prescribed expression of interest fee, pay a bribe of Ten Million Naira (N10,000,000.00) to the NDC and to the Caucus leaders.”

The lawyers also alleged that Okonkwo claimed there was documentary evidence of the payments, that Obi personally compiled the party’s list of candidates from a hotel room, warned aspirants that Obi would “scam” them, collected money from people abroad and was involved in criminal activities alongside other party leaders.

The letter stated that the allegations portrayed Obi as a person engaged in bribery, extortion, fraud, financial dishonesty and criminal conduct.

The above statements, in their natural and ordinary meaning, and by necessary implication, falsely and maliciously represent our Client as a person who demands, solicits, organises and collects bribes; who extorts, defrauds and swindles political aspirants of their money; who is a fraudster, a scammer and a dishonest political actor; and who, in concert with others, is engaged in criminal conspiracy and is actively perpetuating criminality,” the letter read.

Obi’s legal team described the allegations as “false, baseless, malicious, reckless, defamatory and wholly unsupported by any fact.”

They argued that the statements went beyond political commentary and amounted to a direct attack on Obi’s integrity and public reputation.

The lawyers demanded that Okonkwo, within seven days of receiving the letter, withdraw the statements, publish an “unequivocal and unreserved” apology, and ensure the apology receives the same or greater prominence as the original publication.

The demand added: “Pay to our Client, through our Chambers, the sum of Five Billion Naira (N5,000,000,000.00) only, as general, aggravated and exemplary damages for the grave injury occasioned to his hard-earned reputation, character and public standing by the said false, malicious and defamatory statements; and

“Deliver to us a written undertaking that you shall cease and desist from making, publishing, circulating or causing to be published any further false, malicious or defamatory statement concerning our Client.”

The letter warned that failure to comply with the demands within the stipulated period would leave Obi with no option but to seek legal redress, including claims for damages, injunctive reliefs, public retraction and legal costs.

“Take notice that should you fail, refuse or neglect to comply with the above demands within the stipulated period, our Client shall be left with no option but to seek legal redress against you without further recourse to you,” the letter stated.

Responding in a statement posted on his X handle on Tuesday, Okonkwo dismissed the demand and said he had yet to read the letter.

It has been brought to my notice that there is a letter circulating online from the hypocrite, Peter Obi, and his lawyers that I should pay him N5bn. Hahaha! If Peter Obi is looking for money to campaign, he should privately ask me for assistance, not come from extortion, and I will help him,” he wrote.

Okonkwo said he would respond formally after reviewing the letter.

“I will reply to the letter whenever I have the time to read it later in the day. Please send it here if you have it. It will be a shame to Peter Obi and his lawyers if they do not take this case to court. I don’t have time or patience for scammers,” he stated.

The former spokesperson also warned that any legal action could lead to the disclosure of information he acquired while serving in that role.

“Anyone who decides to sue his former spokesperson for defamation is indeed very unwise,” he added.

The attack, which occurred at about 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, threw the community into mourning and heightened concerns over security in the area.

Confirming the incident in a statement issued by its spokesperson, ASP Saliu Afusat, the Kogi State Police Command said a large number of armed bandits, operating on about 40 motorcycles, invaded the school with the suspected intention of abducting students and other residents.

The statement said the Divisional Police Officer of Kabba ‘A’ Division immediately mobilised a joint security response after receiving distress calls, deploying personnel from the police division, the Police Mobile Force, and tactical teams.

It added that military personnel and local vigilante groups already stationed in the area also joined the operation.

“The combined security operatives engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun duel, forcing the criminals to flee into the surrounding bush.

“Preliminary findings indicate that there is presently no conclusive evidence of a successful mass abduction of students or other residents.

However, investigations and ongoing assessments are continuing to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the incident,” the statement said.

The Command, however, confirmed that three persons were killed during the attack.

“They include Mr Ganiyu Anifowose, the Vice Principal of UBE Secondary/Primary School, Iluke; Mr Sunday Jacob Alhassan, aged 70 years; and Sunday Ayele, aged six years.”

The police said one of the attackers was neutralised during the exchange of gunfire, while a member of the joint security team sustained gunshot injuries and is currently receiving treatment.

The Commissioner of Police has ordered sustained bush-combing operations and confidence-building patrols in the affected area. According to the Command, joint security operatives are still conducting intensive operations to apprehend fleeing suspects and prevent further attacks.

Members of the public were urged to remain calm and assist security agencies with credible information.

“Further developments will be communicated as investigations and operations progress,” the statement added.

The Nigeria Police Pensions Limited has proposed an increase in the Federal Government’s pension contribution for police personnel from 10 per cent to 20 per cent.

It said the current contribution structure is inadequate to provide decent retirement benefits for officers after service.

The Acting Managing Director of NPF Pensions Limited, Muhammad Dutse, disclosed this on Wednesday during a press conference in Abuja, where the company unveiled a digital platform designed to improve pension service delivery to police personnel nationwide.

Dutse said the proposal had already been forwarded to President Bola Tinubu through the National Pension Commission as part of ongoing efforts to address the challenge of low pensions among retired police officers

The proposition given to Mr President is to ensure that at least for police officers, the monthly contribution would be increased by the Federal Government from 10 to 20 per cent while they will still contribute eight per cent, making a total of 28 per cent,” he said.

Dutse’s remarks came amid growing concerns over the welfare of retired police personnel.

The PUNCH earlier reported that retired officers, under the aegis of the Police Retired Officers Forum of Nigeria, urged President Bola Tinubu to sign the Police Exit Bill into law, arguing that existing pension and gratuity payments were too meagre to support them in retirement.

According to Dutse, the current proposal became necessary after successive reviews showed that existing contribution levels were insufficient to guarantee adequate pensions for retirees.

He explained that when the Contributory Pension Scheme was introduced, both employers and employees contributed 7.5 per cent each, based on projections that the arrangement would be enough to sustain workers in retirement.

He added that the enactment of the Pension Reform Act 2014 increased contributions to 10 per cent by employers and eight per cent by employees following concerns over the adequacy of pension benefits.

“Ten years later, we realised that that is also not adequate. And that is what is affecting our retirees today,” Dutse said.

He noted that the Pension Reform Act was currently undergoing another review and expressed optimism that the process would result in stronger measures to improve retirement benefits.

According to him, increasing the government’s contribution to 20 per cent would significantly boost the Retirement Savings Account balances of police personnel and reduce the need for pension augmentation by the government after retirement.

“That way, we believe in the near future, five to seven years, that their RSA will be able to take care of their pension needs without having to go to the government to augment what they are receiving,” he said.

Dutse said the challenge of inadequate pensions extended beyond the police, noting that workers across the public sector had continued to raise concerns over retirement benefits.

“Frankly speaking, the issue of low pension is not only affecting police officers. Generally, civil servants are complaining. I remember university professors have been complaining,” he said.

He added that the Federal Government was exploring measures that would enable university professors to retire with benefits equivalent to their salaries while still being funded through their Retirement Savings Accounts.

“And that’s exactly what we are working on for police officers,” he added.

Meanwhile, NPF Pensions unveiled an interactive virtual assistant platform aimed at providing police personnel with easier access to pension services and information.

Dutse said the initiative was introduced to address the logistical challenges associated with serving police personnel deployed across the country.

“Our clients are spread all over the country. Every nook and cranny of this country, you’ll find a policeman. Delivering services to that point has proven to be very difficult for us,” he said.

According to him, about 30,000 police personnel had already enrolled on the platform before its official launch.

“We already have almost 30,000 policemen enrolled on the platform before today, and I do believe that this number will continue to grow astronomically,” he said.

He expressed optimism that all police personnel nationwide would be enrolled on the platform within the next two to three months.

“The product is ready. If we can have all the police officers nationwide enrolled within a span of two to three months, we will be very happy with that,” he added.

The acting managing director said the platform would enable contributors to instantly check their RSA balances, download account statements, monitor fund performance, view daily unit prices and access other pension-related services.

He further stated that the platform had been equipped with security features to prevent unauthorised access and would operate round the clock.

Dutse added that NPF Pensions was also developing USSD services to enable personnel without smartphones to access pension services, while continuing to provide quarterly RSA statements in compliance with regulatory requirements.

The National Association of Okun Students has condemned Wednesday’s bandit attack on a school in Iluke Bunu, Kogi State, describing the incident as a disturbing reflection of the worsening security situation across Okunland.

The association called for an urgent overhaul of the region’s security architecture, urging traditional rulers, political office holders, security agencies, and community leaders to immediately convene a security summit to address the growing threat posed by criminal elements.

In a statement signed by its National President, Olu Opeyemi, the association expressed concern over the rising cases of kidnappings, killings, attacks on travellers, and invasions of communities across the region.

The statement, which came in the wake of the attack on the Iluke Bunu school, said residents were increasingly living in fear as insecurity continued to spread.

The frequency of these attacks is becoming unbearable. Hardly a week passes without reports of kidnappings, attacks on travellers, invasions of communities, and loss of lives. Our people deserve to live in peace and carry out their daily activities without fear of being attacked by criminal elements,” the statement said.

According to him, the latest attack underscores the urgent need for stakeholders to move beyond rhetoric and develop a coordinated response to the security challenges facing the area.

The NAOS president called on traditional rulers, elected officials, community leaders, and security agencies to urgently convene a strategic security summit aimed at developing a comprehensive and sustainable framework to tackle insecurity in Okun communities.

We need to act now. Every day of delay exposes more innocent people to danger. Our traditional rulers, political leaders, and security agencies must work together to design practical solutions that will strengthen intelligence gathering, community vigilance, rapid response mechanisms, and collaboration with security operatives,” he stated.

He stressed that the security of lives and property should take precedence over political considerations, noting that the time had come for collective action.

Opeyemi also appealed to governments at all levels to provide adequate resources and support to security agencies and local communities to combat criminal activities in the region.

The association expressed solidarity with victims of recent attacks and their families, reiterating its commitment to advocating a safer and more peaceful Okunland.

Bandits on Wednesday invaded Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu, in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, killing three persons, including a vice principal and a six-year-old child.

The attack, which occurred at about 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, threw the community into mourning and heightened concerns over security in the area.

The latest attack on the school in Iluke Bunu has renewed concerns over insecurity in Okunland, the Yoruba-speaking axis of Kogi State, where residents have repeatedly reported incidents of kidnapping, armed attacks, and other violent crimes.

Community leaders, youth groups, and civil society organisations in recent years have intensified calls for stronger security measures and greater collaboration between local vigilante groups and conventional security agencies, warning that persistent attacks are threatening livelihoods, education, and economic activities across the region.

A brief fire outbreak caused panic within the Senate wing of the National Assembly complex in Abuja, near a hearing room, on Wednesday.

Video clips circulating on social media showed smoke filling the room as lawmakers and staff responded to the emergency.

Voices in the video could be heard saying, “The fire came from gas,” while another said, “No fire extinguisher.”

Another clip showed Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North) exiting the affected area.

According to TVC, the incident occurred shortly after the Senate Committee on the Niger Delta Development Commission concluded the screening of Dr Zainab Marwa, the North-East nominee for the commission’s board.

It cited eyewitness accounts and said the fire started in the kitchen compartment of the hearing room, reportedly triggered by a microwave that was left switched on.

It also said Senators Asuquo Ekpenyong and Salihu Mustapha were among those who took immediate action, leading manual efforts alongside others to extinguish the flames using available means, including water and detergents, before the fire could spread.

No casualties were reported, and normal activities in the area resumed shortly afterwards.

Authorities have not yet issued an official statement on the cause of the fire or preventive measures.

The Oyo State Police Command has refuted rumours of alleged terrorist movement into Ogbomoso, Oyo State, reiterating its warning against the spread of unverified information.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday made available to newsmen in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Ayanlade was reacting to a video and accompanying voice note circulating on social media, alleging the movement and infiltration of suspected Lukarawa terrorists into forests around Ogbomoso and the Old Oyo National Park.

The statement read, “The Oyo State Police Command wishes to address and clarify a video and accompanying voice note currently circulating across various social media platforms, alleging the movement and infiltration of suspected Lukarawa terrorists into forests around Ogbomoso and the Old Oyo National Park.

The Command unequivocally rejects and dismisses the claims contained in the said video and voice note as false, misleading, and entirely without factual basis. Comprehensive intelligence assessments and security reports available to the Command do not support nor suggest the existence of any such terrorist movement or infiltration within the areas mentioned.

“Notwithstanding the falsity of the report, the Oyo State Police Command remains proactive and resolute in its commitment to the safety and security of all residents of the state. Consequently, intelligence and covert operatives have been strategically deployed to border communities and other vulnerable locations within the affected axis to further strengthen the robust security architecture and early warning mechanisms already in place.

“The deployed operatives are working in close synergy with existing local security structures, community-based intelligence networks, traditional institutions, hunters, vigilante groups, and other critical stakeholders to ensure enhanced intelligence gathering, prompt information sharing, and swift response to any emerging security concerns

In addition, the Command has significantly increased visibility policing, confidence-building patrols, intelligence-led stop-and-search operations, and strategic deployments across Ogbomoso, the Old Oyo National Park axis, and adjoining border communities. These measures are aimed at reassuring residents, deterring criminal elements, and maintaining the prevailing peace and security within the area.”

The Command called on members of the public, particularly residents of border communities and rural settlements, to remain vigilant and security-conscious.

It also urged citizens to promptly report any suspicious movement, persons, or activities to the nearest police station, security formation, or through established emergency channels.

The Command also expressed concern over the increasing circulation of fake news, misinformation, and unverified security alerts on social media platforms.

“Such false reports are capable of creating unnecessary panic, generating fear among law-abiding citizens, undermining public confidence, disrupting economic activities, and diverting security resources from genuine security concerns.

“The dissemination of false security information is not only irresponsible and unethical but also constitutes a criminal offence punishable under extant laws. Individuals who deliberately originate, publish, or circulate false information with the intent to cause public alarm, incite fear, or destabilise the peace and security of the state are hereby warned to desist forthwith,” the Command said.

The Command assured that the Nigeria Police Force, Oyo State Command, would leave no stone unturned in identifying, investigating, arresting, and prosecuting any individual or group found culpable of spreading falsehoods capable of jeopardising public peace and security.

It also reassured residents that there is currently no credible intelligence indicating the presence or infiltration of the purported terrorist group within the state.

It advised citizens to remain calm and go about their lawful activities without fear, while relying solely on verified information from official channels of the Nigeria Police Force and other recognised security agencies.

“The public is urged to disregard the said video and voice note in their entirety. Together, through vigilance, responsible information sharing, and sustained cooperation with security agencies, we shall continue to keep Oyo State safe, peaceful, and secure,” the Command said.

Duke spoke in Abuja during the presentation of certificates of return and party flags to the PRP’s presidential, governorship and legislative candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

His concerns came five days after the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, demanded the release of school children and teachers abducted in recent attacks in Oyo and Borno states.

While accepting the party’s presidential nomination, Duke said Nigeria had lost its direction and was now being controlled by self-serving politicians who had deepened poverty and insecurity across the country.

The former governor painted a grim picture of the nation’s security situation, alleging that criminal groups had become more powerful in some areas than the government itself.

Citing figures attributed to the National Bureau of Statistics, Duke said ransom payments to kidnappers had reached alarming levels.

He said, “Our land has become so desolate that bandits, gangsters and kidnappers collect taxes while the government collects excuses. As reflected in a report by the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, approximately N2tn was paid as ransom to kidnappers in 2025 alone—an amount equivalent to about 10 per cent of the entire federal budget.

All this is because our leaders have failed to do what is right when it was right and for whom it was right. At the end of the day, the best politics is, and always will be, doing the right thing—not the expedient thing. And he who does not know what is right has no business leading others.”

He pledged to pursue policies that would restore security and improve living conditions for ordinary Nigerians.

“We must strive for a Nigeria where farmers return safely from their fields and where every child has a desk and chair in a decent learning environment.”

Duke said the PRP’s mission was to empower ordinary Nigerians rather than political elites.

The scavengers have had their turn. Now it is the turn of the common man—the true Nigerian: keke rider, okada, street hawker, market woman, farmer and the unemployed graduate. And I, Donald Duke, seek to be their champion.

“This fight will be tough and bitter, for they will fight back. But we are tougher, more resilient, and our cause is both right and just. If we stood together to win our independence from an empire, together we can redeem Nigeria from these scavengers,” he vowed.

Earlier, PRP National Chairman, Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, described Duke as the party’s best choice to lead Nigeria and rescue it from its current challenges.

“Today, we present our team of candidates who will lead the march towards national revival and the retrieval of the dreams of past generations who believed that Nigeria has a destiny to fulfil. As a party, we are humbled that they chose to fly our flags,” he said.

Baba-Ahmed said the party’s candidates were committed to selfless service and understood the consequences of poor leadership.

“Every one of our candidates is steeped in the values of selfless service with excellence. These men and women who laboured to be our candidates understand the task ahead of them.

“They know the type of politician who has brought our country to its knees. They know the price we have paid for having leaders who have hijacked our democratic institutions to run us aground. Above all, they know they can stop the rot and turn our country around,” he said.

Endorsing Duke’s candidacy, the PRP chairman emphasised that he represents the best of Nigerian leaders.

“Under the leadership of Donald Duke, Nigeria will be safe, secure, prosperous and a nation worth respecting by its citizens and the international community.

“The PRP is fielding hundreds of candidates who speak volumes for the democratic nature of our party. Other parties competing with us cannot do justice to their own members in internal leadership selection processes.

How can they be fair to Nigerians? Big parties that trash all requirements for justice and fairness for their members now want Nigerians to trust them,” he stated.

The Edo State Government has ordered the immediate closure of three secondary schools in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area following intelligence reports of a planned kidnap attack targeting students.

The affected schools are Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School and Makeke Secondary School.

The directive was contained in a circular dated June 9 and signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mr Enodolomwanyi Otamere.

The decision followed security advisories from relevant agencies warning of credible threats to the safety of students, teachers and residents in parts of Akoko-Edo.

The Ministry of Education has received intelligence reports and advisories from relevant security agencies regarding credible threats to the safety of students, staff, and school communities in some parts of the Akoko Edo Local Government Area,” Otamere stated.

He said all academic and non-academic activities in the affected schools had been suspended indefinitely as a precautionary measure to protect lives and property.

The closure comes on the heels of a Department of State Services intelligence report which allegedly uncovered plans by suspected bandits to carry out mass abductions of schoolchildren in Edo North Senatorial District.

According to the report, security operatives intercepted communications between two suspected bandits, who allegedly discussed shifting their focus to schoolchildren after previous attempts to kidnap wealthy individuals failed to generate the expected financial returns.

The report further disclosed that a 25-year-old suspect was arrested on June 4 while allegedly conducting surveillance around Makeke Secondary School, raising concerns that preparations for the planned operation may have already commenced.

Following the development, security agencies recommended increased protection around schools, deployment of additional personnel, stronger collaboration with local vigilante groups and hunters, as well as intensified patrols in vulnerable communities.

Despite the closure, the government said candidates currently writing the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination would continue to sit for their papers under enhanced security arrangements.

“Candidates currently participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) shall be allowed access to sit for their examinations under strict security arrangements and supervision as may be provided by the relevant security agencies and community stakeholders,” Otamere said.

He directed school authorities to ensure the orderly release of students to their parents and guardians, secure school facilities and maintain close communication with government officials and security agencies.

The government also appealed to residents and parents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as efforts continue to neutralise the threat and restore normal academic activities.

NAN

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota said Onyeanusi, 32, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler to time served—just under six months in custody—followed by one year of supervised release.

He was also ordered to pay a $1,000 fine and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

According to a statement issued by the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Wednesday, Onyeanusi had earlier been indicted in December 2025 on charges of fraud and misuse of visas, false, fictitious or fraudulent documents, and aggravated identity theft by a federal grand jury.

He later pleaded guilty on February 27, 2026.

“Onyeanusi is an alien with lawful permanent status to be in the United States,” the statement said.

It added that “on November 10, 2025, law enforcement in Oklahoma conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle Onyeanusi was driving for speeding.

Onyeanusi possessed a Texas commercial driving license with his image but another person’s name. Onyeanusi also possessed an employer’s identification for Great Plains Tribal Leaders’ Health Board located in Rapid City, South Dakota, with the same false name.

“This ID described Onyeanusi’s position as a ‘Cyber Threat Analyst.'”

The statement further said Onyeanusi used the fraudulent Texas CDL and a false Social Security card to secure employment with the organisation, and also falsely claimed on an immigration employment form that he was a United States citizen.

“This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organisations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime,” the statement added.

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Craig County Sheriff’s Office in Vinita, Oklahoma, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Schroeder.

The donation was made on Tuesday during a condolence and solidarity visit to the community following the recent abduction of teachers and pupils in the area.

Speaking during the visit, Onireti expressed optimism that the abducted teachers and pupils would soon regain their freedom, noting that government authorities were actively working to secure their safe release.

He urged residents to remain hopeful and prayerful, assuring them that efforts by security agencies and relevant stakeholders were yielding positive results.

The reports that scores of teachers and pupils were abducted during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School; and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, in the local government area on Friday, May 15, 2026, at about 9:30 a.m.

Onireti said, “We have the assurance that the teachers and pupils will return in peace. Government is working tirelessly to ensure their safe release. We are here to identify with the people of Esinele and support the community during this difficult period.

“I want to advise you all not to lose hope. The government and security agencies are doing everything possible to secure their release. Your children will return in peace. We share in your pain and will continue to pray and support you until they are reunited with their families.”

He added that the medical supplies would improve access to basic healthcare services and provide relief to residents.

The director also presented a cash donation of N1 million to the family of the late Michael Oyedokun, one of the teachers affected by the tragic incident.

He further announced scholarship awards for the late teacher’s sons, Oyedokun Abiodun and Samuel Oyedokun, to support their education.

The Elesinele of Esinele, High Chief Tajudeen Abioye, commended the Federal and Oyo State Governments for their interventions and support since the incident occurred.

He specifically appreciated President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde for their concern and commitment towards resolving the situation.

According to the traditional ruler, government emissaries who visited the community assured residents that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of the abducted teachers and pupils.

Abioye, however, appealed to the authorities to intensify and expedite efforts to ensure the victims regain their freedom without delay.

He said, “We appreciate the Federal and State Governments for standing by us during this difficult time. We have received assurances from government representatives that the teachers and pupils will be released. We appeal that all necessary steps be taken to hasten their return to their families.”

The abduction of teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area sparked widespread concern across Oyo State, with residents and stakeholders calling for intensified efforts to secure the victims’ release and improve security in rural communities.

The incident also claimed the life of a teacher, Michael Oyedokun, whose death has drawn sympathy from individuals and groups across the state.

The Peoples Democratic Party, on Wednesday, suffered another setback in the House of Representatives as a member representing Misau/Dambam Federal Constituency of Bauchi State, Mr Aliyu Misau, formally defected to the Allied Peoples Movement.

Misau’s defection comes barely days after four other members of the Bauchi caucus in the House of Representatives elected on the platform of the PDP dumped the opposition party for the APM, deepening concerns over the PDP’s shrinking influence in the state.

The lawmaker’s decision was conveyed in a letter addressed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and read during plenary on Wednesday.

In the letter, Misau cited the protracted leadership crisis rocking the PDP as the reason for his decision to leave the party.

I would like to thank the PDP for the opportunity given to me to serve the good people of Misau/Dambam Federal Constituency. The leadership crisis in the PDP has made it impossible for me to continue to represent my people and contribute to the development of the constituency,” the letter read in part.

His defection is widely seen as part of the political realignment that has followed the recent exit of Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, from the PDP to the APM. Since the governor’s move, several political office holders and party loyalists in the state have either joined the APM or signalled their intention to do so.

Political observers had predicted that federal lawmakers aligned with the governor would eventually follow suit, given his influence on the state’s political structure and the growing uncertainty surrounding the PDP’s internal cohesion.

The latest development further weakens the PDP’s numerical strength in the House and underscores the challenges facing the party as it grapples with internal divisions and a wave of defections across several states.

For months, the PDP has been embroiled in leadership disputes at both the national and state levels, with disagreements over the party’s direction, control of its structures and preparations for future elections fuelling tensions among key stakeholders.

The party’s crisis has already triggered a series of defections by elected officials and prominent members, raising concerns about its ability to maintain a united front ahead of future political contests.

With Misau’s departure, the APM continues to strengthen its foothold in Bauchi State, buoyed by the influx of key political figures and elected representatives from the PDP.

The Osun State Police Command has announced the arrest of three suspected cultists and political thugs, and the recovery of firearms, ammunition, charms and other dangerous weapons during separate operations in the state.

The command disclosed the arrests in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan.

According to the statement, the suspects were identified as Adekola Olayinka Abdulazeez, 27; Omolara Ezekiel, 28; and Babatunde Azeez, 32.

Items recovered from the suspects included three English Beretta pistols, one live ammunition, a cut-to-size gun, two live cartridges, four cutlasses and three axes.

The statement said, “On 22nd of May 2026 at about 1000hrs Police patrol team attached to Ikirun area command while on daily routine stop and search/patrol, one Adeyinka Adekola ‘m’ 27yrs of age was intercepted on an unregistered motorcycle, search was conducted on him, during search, two English bereta pistols, one axe and charms were recovered from him.

The case was subsequently transferred to State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) and assigned to the Anti robbery section of the command for in-depth investigation. The team of detective swung into action and upon thorough investigation, Adekola Olayinka ‘m’ 27yrs confessed to be a member of Eiye confraternity and that he wanted to deliver the arms and ammunition to one of their members name Omolara Ezekiel ‘m’ before his arrest.

Further intelligence-led investigation led to the arrest of Omolara Ezekiel ‘m’ 28yrs and one Babatunde Azeez ‘m’ 32yrs and recovery of one short cut to size gun, one Bereta pistol with one live ammunition. Search was conducted in their houses and premises and the following additional exhibits were recovered: four cutlasses, two axes and two live cartridges. Investigation is on going for the possible arrest of others.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, mnips is using this medium to issue stern warning to Political thugs, miscreants and individuals who may be contemplating on any act capable of disturbing the peace of the State as he reiterates his pledge to continue collaborating with relevant critical stakeholders in the state to root out all criminal elements in the State.”

The youth leader of All Progressives Congress in Imo State, Franklin-Kennedy Ibeh, has condemned the xenophobic attacks going on in South Africa against foreigners of African descents.

Ibeh in a statement in Owerri on Wednesday condemned the attacks, accusing president Cyril Rqmaphosa and the ruling African National Congress of paying lips service to what he described as the “shameful” xenophobic attacks by South African nationals against their Africa brothers and sisters living in South Africa.

The Imo APC youth leader said that ex-South African leaders like Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo, mama Winnie Mandela and Mvumbi Luthuli would be angry in their graves seeing what South Africans had subjected other Africans living in the Southern African country to.

Ibeh said, “As the Imo state Youth leader and president of Duruiheoma Group, I condemn the on going xenophobic attacks against Africans living in South Africa.

“President Cyril Ramaphosa led government and the ANC are failures. Late South African leaders like Oliver Tambo, Luthuli, Nelson Mandela and Mama Winnie Mandela must be turning over angrily in their graves because of the ongoing shameful xenophobic attacks in South Africa when dismantling of colonial-era borders ought to be an answered prayer across Africa .

The worst are South African citizens who should be going after supposed leaders who failed them rather than foreigners.

“The truth is that the unfortunate situation In South Africa is traceable to leadership failure. Their leaders have failed them and instead of them to channel their anger to the appropriate quarters they have chosen for execution innocent non South Africans who are in the country doing legitimate businesses and growing the economy.”

Ibeh called for an immediate end to the attacks and urged Africans to promote peace, economic cooperation, political tolerance and security across the continent.

South Africa has witnessed recurring incidents of xenophobic violence over the years, with foreign nationals, particularly migrants from other African countries, often targeted during periods of social and economic tension.

The attacks have repeatedly drawn condemnation from African leaders, civil society groups and regional organisations, which have called for stronger measures to protect migrants and promote African unity.

The Nigeria Immigration Service says it has strengthened border security through advanced technology deployment and enhanced surveillance to curb irregular migration and migrant smuggling across the country’s borders.

The Service Public Relations Officer, Mr Akinsola Akinlabi, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday in Abuja.

Akinlabi said the NIS had recorded significant successes in detecting and preventing illegal movement of persons through the nation’s land borders.

He attributed the achievements to sustained border patrol operations and surveillance mechanisms.

According to him, border officers have consistently intercepted irregular migrants attempting to leave or enter the country through unauthorised routes.

“Most of the time, when people embark on irregular migration journeys, our officers stationed along the borders are able to intercept them and, in many cases, reunite them with their families.

“A lot has been recorded in this area, and these efforts have significantly reduced the number of people using land routes to leave the country irregularly.”

The NIS spokesman also explained that the service’s Border Surveillance Architecture was designed to monitor difficult and remote terrains that may be inaccessible to personnel.

He said the surveillance infrastructure had enabled the service to identify routes frequently used for irregular migration and strategically deploy assets to such locations.

He noted that the service’s mandate in the area focused on border security and the prevention of migrant smuggling, adding that surveillance activities covered both inbound and outbound movements.

He added that irregular migrants attempting to enter Nigeria through illegal routes were often intercepted by border officers and returned to their countries of origin or the locations from which they came.

Speaking on challenges confronting border management efforts, Akinlabi said irregular migration remained a complex societal issue requiring collective action beyond enforcement measures.

According to him, while no border management agency in the world operates without challenges, the federal government has continued to support the NIS through the provision of critical operational tools and resources.

He, however, said one of the major obstacles was the failure of many people to fully appreciate the risks and consequences associated with irregular migration.

“We see irregular migration as a societal problem because many people do not understand the dangers associated with it.

When the NIS Comptroller General, Kemi Nandap, was appointed, she promised to develop policies that would prevent illegal migration, safeguard the lives of Nigerians and foster positive bilateral relations.

“That is why the service under her leadership is investing heavily in public enlightenment campaigns, stakeholder engagements and the issuance of advisories to discourage people from embarking on such journeys,” he said.

On long-term strategies aimed at sustainably reducing irregular migration, Akinlabi identified technology as a key component of the service’s approach.

He said that while physical border patrols remained essential, technological solutions had become a game-changer in border management.

“Technology enables us to monitor terrains and locations that may not be easily accessible to personnel.

“With technological support, areas that are difficult to physically monitor can now be observed effectively, helping us detect and prevent irregular migration activities,” he said.

The NIS spokesman further disclosed that the service, with the support of the Ministry of Interior, had completed the first phase of its e-Border Solution project and was preparing to commence the second phase.

He said the next phase would complement existing infrastructure and further strengthen border surveillance capabilities across the country.

Akinlabi commended the Federal Government for its continued support to the service, saying the administration of President Bola Tinubu had remained committed to strengthening border security under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He also attributed some of the NIS achievements to the support of the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, noting that the minister had consistently backed the service in its efforts to fulfil its mandate.

“The support we have continued to receive from the minister and his supervision have been instrumental to all our activities and implementation of our reforms.

“The minister strongly believes in the NIS and remains committed to ensuring that the service continues to effectively deliver on its mandate and provide leadership in migration management and border security.

“The government is also fully in support of what we are doing, and the President Tinubu-led administration has continued to provide the needed support to enhance our operations and secure the nation’s borders,” he said.

(NAN)

A group of at least 270 Nigerians, who are expected to make up the first batch of returnees from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks, is scheduled to arrive in Lagos on Thursday morning as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to assist affected citizens.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa.

According to the ministry, the evacuees will be flown back to Nigeria aboard an Air Peace aircraft departing Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport on Wednesday night.

The flight is expected to land at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at approximately 5 a.m. on Thursday.

Ebienfa said the Federal Government had taken responsibility for the evacuation exercise, including funding and arrangements for the reception of the returnees upon arrival.

“Upon arrival, the evacuees will undergo documentation and profiling procedures and will receive the appropriate assistance and support before being reunited with their families,” the statement added.

The repatriation exercise was initially scheduled to commence on Monday but was postponed until Wednesday due to what the ministry described as “unforeseen logistical considerations.”

Providing further clarification on the delay, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, explained that additional time was required to conclude documentation and screening processes being carried out in collaboration with South African authorities.

She noted that more than 1,000 Nigerians in South Africa had participated in the screening exercise, adding that the number of individuals seeking repatriation continued to rise.

The Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria also revealed that discussions with South African authorities resulted in concessions for some Nigerians facing immigration-related issues.

According to the mission, it had “negotiated waivers with host authorities” to ensure that individuals with “immigration-related offences” could depart through the repatriation programme instead of being detained.

The evacuation operation is being coordinated by the National Emergency Management Agency alongside other relevant government agencies.

The repatriation follows growing concerns over attacks on foreign nationals in parts of South Africa, prompting Nigerian authorities to facilitate the voluntary return of citizens who wish to leave the country.

FG has repeatedly assured Nigerians residing in South Africa of its commitment to their safety and welfare while continuing diplomatic engagements aimed at addressing the situation

The Traditional Ruler of Awka Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Dr Gibson Nwosu, Eze Uzu II, has enjoined newly-installed members of the Cabinet Advisory Council to dedicate themselves to the promotion of peace, unity and sustainable development within the kingdom.

The royal charge was delivered during the formal installation of nine new members of the council at the monarch’s palace on Saturday.

Those inducted into the advisory body are Chief Obiora Charles Anueyiagu (Oshishiama III) of Umueri, leader of the Obidient Movement in Anambra State; Chief Jonathan Nzekwe (Chinyelugo) of Umuonaga; Chief Uche Nkwo (Arinze Olise) of Obunagu Amikwo; Chief Ken Chukwuma (Omeogo) of Umuogbu; Elder Chief Daniel Anawetalu Moghalu (Ewulu) of Umujagwo; Chief Ken Ekwenugo (Uzu Nka Awka) of Umuogbu; Mr. Godwin Chimezie Okafor (Eze Chukwuchili) of Omuko; Prince Emeka Ndigwe (Adumnwerige) of Umuayom; and Dr. Ikechukwu Felix Nwanna (Egbeigwe) of Okperi.

The ceremony was presided over by the monarch and assisted by the Palace Leader, Benjamin Okoye (Otutu Awka II). It attracted members of Ndi Ozo Awka, cabinet chiefs, kingmakers and other notable stakeholders from across the kingdom.

Speaking on behalf of the monarch, Okoye described the appointments as a solemn call to service and urged the new advisers to deploy their wealth of experience, wisdom and influence in fostering harmony and advancing the progress of Awka Kingdom.

He disclosed that the selection process, which commenced nearly a year ago, was painstaking and transparent, aimed at ensuring that only individuals of proven integrity and credibility emerged.

He said, “The strength and stability of every kingdom rest on the commitment of its leaders to peace, unity and development. You have been chosen because of your character, experience and contributions to society. I urge you to bring wisdom, honesty and dedication to this important responsibility.”

In their response, the newly installed members pledged unwavering loyalty to the throne and promised to discharge their duties with diligence, integrity and commitment.

Speaking on behalf of the council, Chief Jonathan Nzekwe expressed gratitude to the monarch and the people of Awka for the confidence reposed in them.

“We appeal to all stakeholders to work together for the peace, unity and continued progress of our kingdom. Collective effort remains the surest path to restoring and preserving the dignity of Awka,” he stated.

Also speaking, Chief Obiora Anueyiagu assured the monarch that members of the council would justify the trust placed in them by supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening peace, preserving the kingdom’s rich cultural heritage and driving meaningful development.

Earlier, the Palace Secretary, Chief Pius C. Okonkwo (Onyemecheliweli), explained that the appointments were made to fill vacancies arising from the death and withdrawal of former representatives.

The call formed part of the resolutions reached at a virtual international conference organised by the group, led by the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, which brought together Yoruba organisations, community leaders, professionals, intellectuals and cultural advocates in Nigeria and the diaspora.

The South-West region has, in recent times, witnessed a surge in incidents of abductions and other forms of terrorism, with over 40 teachers and pupils of three schools in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State still being held hostage.

In a communiqué signed by its Secretary-General, Adedokun Ademiluyi; Organising Secretary, Victoria Harley; and Publicity Secretary, Samuel Olamuyiwa, on Sunday, the group emphasised that the security of Yorubaland depends on unity of purpose and effective collaboration among stakeholders, including traditional rulers.

peakers at the conference posited that the security situation in Yorubaland had deteriorated significantly in recent years, with increasing incidents of kidnapping, banditry, violent crimes, killings and attacks on communities, and called for urgent action.

The communiqué read, “The conference advises traditional rulers to eschew their differences, close ranks and forge a common front in the fight against insecurity in Yorubaland.

“The future security of Yorubaland depends on unity of purpose, effective collaboration among stakeholders, community participation and the adoption of decentralised policing structures capable of responding to local realities.”

The conference stressed the need for collective action, strategic partnerships and sustained commitment for Yorubaland to overcome the current security challenges and restore peace, progress and prosperity across the region.

The participants demanded the collaboration of the Federal Government, South-West governors, security agencies, traditional institutions and community leaders to ensure the urgent release of the abducted schoolchildren and adopt proactive measures to prevent a deterioration of the security situation in the zone.

They noted that the recent escalation of insecurity stemmed from the failure of government, security agencies and other stakeholders to heed early warnings and intelligence reports about the gradual infiltration of Yorubaland by bandits and others with criminal intent.

“The existing centralised policing structure has demonstrated limitations in effectively responding to local security challenges and emerging threats.

“Early warnings and intelligence reports regarding the gradual infiltration of bandits into Yorubaland were not given adequate attention by relevant authorities, thereby allowing criminal networks to strengthen their operations.

“Community-based security groups possess valuable local intelligence, grassroots networks and operational experience that can complement government security efforts,” the communiqué further read.

According to them, the Oyo attack underscored the fact that communities across Yorubaland remain vulnerable due to inadequate security presence, difficult terrain, porous borders, isolated settlements and limited emergency response capacity.

“The coordinated attack on schools in Oyo confirmed that the threat has now fully spread to the South-West region, which was previously considered relatively safer.

“Understanding the changing face of insecurity in Yorubaland requires examining both traditional and emerging threats, their root causes and the collaborative strategies needed to ensure sustainable peace, security and development across the region.

“This grisly picture of growing insecurity ravaging Yorubaland and South-West Nigeria demands urgent strategic attention and action,” the communiqué read.

The group reiterated calls for the establishment of state police and local government police, just as it urged President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to hasten legislative action towards providing a constitutional framework for decentralised policing in Nigeria.

The communiqué also read, “The conference strongly condemns the growing wave of insecurity, kidnappings, banditry, terrorism and violent crimes threatening the peace, stability and development of Yorubaland.

“It renews the demand for the establishment of State Police and Local Government Police as part of broader constitutional and security reforms necessary for effective grassroots policing and intelligence gathering.

“It urges President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly and relevant stakeholders to accelerate legislative actions that will provide a constitutional framework for decentralised policing across Nigeria.”

Despite the call for action by the government and stakeholders, the YOV also stressed the importance of community vigilance by residents to support security agencies.

This was as it called for a bottom-up approach to intelligence gathering to mitigate security challenges in Yorubaland.

“We recommend institutional engagement with the South-West Security Stakeholders’ Group and other credible grassroots security networks for intelligence sharing, surveillance and coordinated security operations.

“We also advocate increased investment in rural security infrastructure, including improved road access, communication systems, surveillance technology and rapid response mechanisms.

“We call on all Yoruba people, irrespective of political affiliation, religion or social status, to unite in safeguarding their communities and supporting legitimate security initiatives. We also encourage continuous public enlightenment and community vigilance as essential tools in preventing criminal infiltration and strengthening collective security,” the communiqué read.

Earlier, Maj. Gen. Ishola Williams (retd.) delivered the keynote address on issues of governance, security reforms and democratic accountability, which set the tone for the conference.

The conference also had other participants, including opinion and community leaders, intelligentsia, security experts, professionals, entrepreneurs, workers, scholars, students, media practitioners and stakeholders from within and outside Nigeria.

The Ondo State Magistrate Court on Tuesday remanded three persons in prison custody over allegations of land grabbing in the state.

The defendants are High Chief Lateef Adelusi, Pastor Akintola Alaba, and a land surveyor, Adebiyi Olanibi.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Kayode Ajulo (SAN).

According to the statement, the defendants were arraigned on allegations bordering on encroachment on another person’s land and unlawful takeover of property.

The statement read, “Those charged include High Chief Lateef Adelusi, Pastor Akintola Alaba, and Surveyor Adebiyi Olanibi, on allegations bordering on encroachment on another person’s land, unlawful takeover of property belonging to Mr Akinnusi Folorunsho and others, as well as illegal sale of landed property belonging to the Ojumu family.”

Ajulo said the Ondo State Anti-Land Grabbing Task Force would continue to intensify enforcement without compromise, insisting that there would be no retreat in the implementation of the law.

He described the prosecution of the defendants as part of ongoing operations under the task force’s mandate, adding that efforts were being intensified to audit government lands and properties that have been encroached upon across the state.

This is only one phase of our assignment under the Anti-Land Grabbing and Property Protection Law. As you can see, the law respects no one.

“When a surveyor, who is expected to be a custodian of land documentation, finds himself on the wrong side of the law, it signals the seriousness of our enforcement.

“We will continue to act within the law, but we will not retreat,” the Attorney General stated.

He also urged persons currently occupying public land without valid approvals to either regularise their occupancy where possible or voluntarily vacate such properties before enforcement actions commence, stressing that the government would not tolerate land fraud or illegal allocation of public assets.

“I am deeply shocked that some government houses, which are already insufficient to meet the needs of the government, are being sold illegally.

“As though that were not enough, even critical government assets are being targeted under dubious schemes.

“Fortunately, we have been able to halt some of these transactions.

“Within the scope of our mandate and through the instrumentality of the law, we will ensure that no government property is unlawfully transferred into private hands,” he said.

President Bola Tinubu has established a Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease Preparedness and approved the immediate release of N10bn in emergency intervention funding.

This follows the rapidly expanding outbreak that has already killed at least 349 people across the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, with the World Health Organisation declaring it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the task force would be chaired by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, with membership drawn from relevant ministries, departments and agencies and state representatives.

The N10bn, Onanuga said, will strengthen the operational preparedness of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and support critical national public health emergency response activities.

The task force was constituted following a stakeholder meeting convened by Gbajabiamila to review Nigeria’s preparedness.

It was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Interior, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and the Lagos State Government, among others.

According to Onanuga, Tinubu directed the “intensification of passenger screening at all international airports, including enhanced temperature checks and crowd-control protocols, and enhanced monitoring of passengers arriving on high-risk airline routes, including Air Uganda, RwandAir, Air Tanzania, Air Angola, Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airlines, all carriers with direct or connecting services from the affected region.”

He ordered the immediate activation of referral and isolation centres at Lagos and Abuja international airports, with other airports to follow, and the mandatory activation of QR code-based pre-arrival health declaration systems for passengers originating from or transiting through designated high-risk countries.

The President also directed the disinfection of departure halls, cargo areas, baggage sections and airport facilities as precautionary environmental measures.

Tinubu directed the task force to designate specific airports or terminals for high-risk flights to enable controlled screening and isolation procedures, and to consider adjusting flight timings to minimise interaction between high-risk passengers and other travellers.

He also mandated the group to consult with security, diplomatic and aviation bodies on the possibility of regulating flights from affected and high-risk countries.

The President directed all states hosting international airports and international border corridors, as well as relevant MDAs, to immediately submit their plans, funding requirements and intervention needs for coordinated implementation.

The current outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, a species of Ebola, was first confirmed in DRC’s Ituri Province on May 15, 2026, and rapidly spread to Uganda after a case was confirmed in Kampala.

As of June 7, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reported 515 confirmed cases and 91 confirmed deaths, with 283 individuals in isolation.

By May 29, the total suspected case count had risen to 1,037 with 349 deaths.

Unlike earlier-known Ebola strains, there is no licensed vaccine or specific therapeutic agent against the Bundibugyo virus, though early supportive care has been shown to be lifesaving.

Case fatality rates in previous Bundibugyo outbreaks ranged from 30 to 50 per cent.

In 2014, during the West African Ebola epidemic, Nigeria recorded 20 confirmed cases and eight deaths after a Liberian-American diplomat, Patrick Sawyer, arrived at Lagos’s Murtala Muhammed International Airport infected.

The Federal Government through its Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission has fixed Friday, June 12, 2026, as the deadline for the submission of technical and commercial bids by prequalified applicants participating in the country’s ongoing 2025 Licensing Round.

The commission disclosed this in a notice posted on its official X handle on Tuesday, urging all qualified bidders to comply strictly with the timelines stipulated in the licensing guidelines.

“The NUPRC hereby notifies the general public that submission of Technical and Commercial Bids by Prequalified Applicants for the 2025 Licensing Round closes on Friday, June 12, 2026, at 16:30 hours (WAT) in line with the 2025 Licensing Round Guidelines,” the notice read.

The commission advised interested stakeholders to obtain further details through the official licensing round portal. “For more details, visit the licensing round portal: br2025.nuprc.gov.ng,” it added.

The announcement signals the transition of the exercise into one of its most critical phases, as investors compete for opportunities in Nigeria’s upstream sector amid renewed efforts by the government to attract capital and boost hydrocarbon production.

The two-stage process, qualification followed by bidding, requires shortlisted firms to lodge final proposals by the stated time.

The 2025 Licensing Round, conducted under the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act, is part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to unlock dormant hydrocarbon assets, deepen exploration activities, and improve the country’s reserve base.

The successful completion of the technical and commercial bid stage would pave the way for the eventual award of oil blocks to successful applicants. The 2025 round, opened in December, offered 50 oil and gas blocks intended to attract about $10bn in investment.

The portfolio included 15 onshore blocks, 19 shallow-water blocks, 15 frontier blocks, and one deep-water block. NUPRC projects that the round could unlock around 2 billion barrels of oil over the next decade and potentially add about 400,000 barrels per day when fully developed.

The commission completed the prequalification stage in March and said successful applicants were notified. The latest update also comes against the backdrop of preparations for another licensing exercise expected to commence later this year.

Only days ago, the Commission Chief Executive of the NUPRC, Mrs Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, announced that the 2026 Licensing Round had secured ministerial approval and would commence no later than the third quarter of 2026.

According to the commission, preparations for the next round are already underway as authorities seek to sustain investor confidence in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

Eyesan had expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded in the ongoing 2025 Licensing Round, noting that the commercial bid stage would precede the launch of the 2026 exercise.

The move underscores the regulator’s determination to institutionalise annual licensing rounds in line with the Petroleum Industry Act, which provides a transparent and competitive framework for the allocation of petroleum assets.

Bamidele revealed the proposal during an interview with journalists in his office on Tuesday, saying the legislation would be among the first bills he intends to introduce in the next Senate after the 2027 general elections.

Nigeria currently operates a two-term system under which presidents and governors can serve a maximum of two four-year terms.

However, the Senate leader argued that the arrangement often compels elected officials to begin strategising for a second term barely midway into their first tenure, thereby diverting attention from governance.

“One of the first set of bills that I look forward to moving, by God’s grace, when we come back for the 11th Senate, God willing, is for a bill that will only make it possible for anyone who wants to be president of this country, or governor in any part of this country, to spend only one term of six years,” he said.

According to him, a single six-year tenure would remove the pressure and distractions associated with seeking re-election.

“So that you don’t even have to worry about wasting almost one and a half years of your first term thinking and struggling and looking forward to how you’ll be re-elected.

If you know you are there for six years, only one tenure, you put in your best from day one. You know this is the only chance that you have,” Bamidele said.

The lawmaker acknowledged that the proposal may generate debate and may not attract unanimous support, but insisted that lawmakers must continue to pursue reforms aimed at improving governance.

That’s my opinion. It doesn’t mean everybody will agree with me. But it also does not mean that I am prevented from doing that because that has not been the law,” he said.

Bamidele further noted that laws are not static and should evolve to meet changing national realities.

“The essence of law, the essence of parliament, is that laws are like human beings; they grow,” he added.

The proposal is expected to reignite a long-running constitutional debate over the tenure of elected executives in Nigeria.

Similar suggestions for a single tenure have surfaced at different times since the return to democratic rule in 1999, with supporters arguing that it would curb the distractions of re-election campaigns and encourage long-term policy implementation.

In recent constitutional review proposals sent to the National Assembly, former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, advocated for a six-year single term for president and governors, with the presidency constitutionally rotated among the country’s six geopolitical zones.

He stated that he would make the constitutional amendment his top priority if elected.

Critics, however, have contended that a second-term option gives voters the opportunity to reward performance or reject underperforming leaders at the polls.

If formally introduced and passed by the National Assembly, the bill would require far-reaching amendments to the 1999 Constitution and approval by at least two-thirds of the state Houses of Assembly before it can become law.

According to the SGF, the annulment of the June 12 election, won by the late Chief MKO Abiola, prompted political leaders to take difficult decisions aimed at preserving national unity and strengthening democracy.

A statement by his Media Aide, Yomi Odunuga, said Akume made the clarification on Tuesday while responding to questions at a World Press Conference in Abuja, as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 27th Democracy Day anniversary.

He recalled that leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party met in Kaduna under the leadership of the late Chief Solomon Lar and Alhaji Adamu Ciroma to deliberate on the country’s political future, with the issue of power rotation featuring prominently

It was a tough argument before the issue of rotational presidency was agreed on. At the end, we had to concede. We must do this.

“June 12 annulment had complicated the whole thing. It was finally agreed that we’ll be alternating between North and South.

“Atiku was one of the leaders at that meeting, which was convened by Chief Solomon Lar. He was part of that agreement,” Akume was quoted as saying.

The SGF explained that the decision to alternate presidential power between the North and South was designed to address the political consequences of the annulled election and promote inclusiveness and national cohesion.

Akume’s remarks come amid ongoing political debates over power rotation ahead of the 2027 general election.

Atiku, a northerner and the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress for the 2027 election, is expected to challenge incumbent President Bola Tinubu, who is seeking a second term in office.

Tinubu, a southerner, was elected President in 2023 following the completion of the constitutionally permitted two-term tenure of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, a northerner.

Atiku has been criticised by political rivals and the Presidency for running for the highest office and maintaining future presidential ambitions during election cycles when political consensus favours power rotation to the South.

Reflecting on the significance of June 12, the SGF described the annulment as a painful setback to the democratic aspirations of Nigerians.

“Abiola won that election round and square. That election was annulled by the military government. It was very painful because the people spoke, and they spoke freely. They made their own choice,” he said.

According to him, one of the major lessons from the June 12 experience is the supremacy of the people’s will in a democratic system.

“The first lesson is that the voice of the people must always be supreme; it must be sacrosanct. That’s the beauty of democracy. We prefer the ballot to bullets,” he stated.

Akume expressed confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions, particularly the Independent National Electoral Commission, saying the country had learned from the events of 1993 and would never allow a repeat of such an annulment.

“If an election is conducted very fairly, and one wins, no problem. The actors at the Independent National Electoral Commission are not young people; they were adults when this thing happened.

“If we were to take a poll at that time, over two-thirds of Nigerians would have condemned that act of annulment,” he said.

The SGF further commended INEC officials, describing them as men and women of integrity committed to protecting the nation’s democratic process.

“Fortunately for us, those at INEC are men of honour and integrity. They are well-read, patriotic Nigerians, and they are determined to make a difference. Never again would such happen in this country.

GUSAU — One person was killed and seven others injured after an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) exploded along the Bagega–Anka road in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

A resident of the area, Aminu Bagega, told Vanguard by telephone that the incident occurred at about 6:15 p.m. on Monday when a commercial Volkswagen Golf 3 Wagon conveying passengers from Bagega to Anka ran over the explosive device.

According to him, the IED was allegedly planted by suspected bandits operating in the area.

“The passengers were travelling from Bagega village to Anka town when the device detonated, killing one person on the spot. Seven others sustained varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving treatment at a healthcare facility in Bagega,” he said.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Zamfara State Police Command, DSP Yazid Abubakar, said the explosion occurred on June 8, 2026, and resulted in one fatality and seven injuries.

Abubakar stated that security forces responded swiftly after the blast, with the command deploying specialised tactical teams to the scene in collaboration with the military.

According to him, the joint security teams were tasked with assessing the situation, securing the area, clearing the road and restoring normal movement along the route.

He reiterated the command’s commitment to combating banditry and terrorism in the state, noting that security agencies had recorded significant successes in recent operations.

The police spokesman assured residents that efforts to eliminate criminal elements would continue, adding that no stone would be left unturned in the fight against insecurity.

He also appealed to members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with credible and actionable intelligence, stressing that community cooperation remains vital to ongoing security operations.

The latest incident comes about a month after a similar IED explosion along the same Bagega–Anka route reportedly killed six people and left six others injured, raising fresh concerns over the security situation in the area.

The Kebbi State Government has intensified efforts to strengthen its investment climate through a series of reforms and executive orders aimed at making the state more attractive to local and foreign investors.

The Director-General of the Kebbi State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr Muhammad Kamba, disclosed this on Tuesday during a ministerial press briefing organised in collaboration with the State Ministry of Information and Culture.

Kamba said the administration of Governor Nasir Idris had recorded significant progress in repositioning the agency to drive economic growth and create a more efficient, transparent and investor-friendly business environment.

According to him, the agency has established a clear roadmap for building a competitive and investment-ready economy through systemic reforms, strategic partnerships and innovation.

KIPA has set a clear direction toward building a competitive, transparent and investment-ready economy driven by systemic reforms, strategic partnerships and innovation,” he said.

He explained that the agency was collaborating with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, with technical support from the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, to align Kebbi State with ongoing national business reforms.

Kamba noted that the reforms are being implemented in line with the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council framework, which targets key areas affecting business operations and investment.

“PEBEC is implementing systemic reforms across critical sectors, including improving the efficiency of property registration and ensuring the sustainability of land-based investment processes,” he said.

The KIPA boss stated that the reform agenda also seeks to strengthen regulations governing private investment in fibre-optic infrastructure, establish an effective Public-Private Partnership framework and improve transparency in government fees and procedures.

He added that efforts were also being made to clarify levies affecting interstate trade and exporter certification, simplify the local business tax regime and ensure faster resolution of commercial disputes.

Speaking on institutional governance, Kamba described it as a central component of the state’s investment strategy.

He said Executive Order No. 04 of 2023 provides a framework for responsible and inclusive land-intensive agricultural investments, while Executive Order No. 05 of 2023 promotes transparency, accountability and efficiency by simplifying administrative procedures across government institutions.

“Institutional governance remains at the heart of our reform agenda. Executive Order No. 05 of 2023 institutionalises simplified administrative procedures across MDAs to enhance the ease of doing business in Kebbi State,” he said.

Dr. Kamba further revealed that the Investment Promotion and Facilitation System, established in December 2023, was designed to strengthen the state’s capacity to attract, retain and facilitate investments.

He also disclosed that the state’s PPP Unit had developed a governance structure and was strengthening partnerships with several national and international institutions to support investment growth.

Among the organisations collaborating with the state, he listed the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Bank of Industry (BOI), Afreximbank, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), North West Development Commission (NWDC), Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).

According to him, these partnerships are expected to align Kebbi State with national and regional investment frameworks while opening new opportunities for economic development.

The reforms, he said, underscore the commitment of Governor Idris’ administration to creating an enabling environment that supports private-sector growth, attracts investment and drives sustainable economic development across the state.

Some retired officers of the Nigeria Police Force on Tuesday appealed to President Bola Tinubu to sign the Police Exit Bill into law to improve their welfare in retirement.

The retired officers, under the auspices of the Police Retired Officers Forum of Nigeria, lamented that they had been suffering after retirement, citing their pensions and gratuities as meager.

The National Coordinator of the Police Retired Officers Forum, CSP Raphael Irowainu (retd), while addressing journalists in Akure, the state capital, said the retirees were suffering under the force’s current Contributory Pension Scheme.

According to him, over 30,000 members of the forum wanted exemption from the Contributory Pension Scheme, as had been granted to their counterparts in other federal security agencies.

He said, “This press conference is conceived passionately to urge President Bola Tinubu to graciously give assent to the Police Exit Bill that will ultimately exempt the Nigeria Police Force from the Contributory Pension Scheme.”

Irowainu stated that the Police Exit Bill had been passed by the National Assembly in December 2025 and had since been transmitted to the President for assent, urging the president to give the assent in the interest of fairness, justice and national security.

“This bill is not merely a welfare reform; it is a strategic national security investment whose benefits will be felt across every community, state, and all sectors of the Nigerian Federation.

Our position remains unchanged, unwavering and non-negotiable — total exit from PENCOM and restoration of pension justice for retired police officers. This struggle is not about privilege but about justice, equity, fair play and human dignity. The Nigerian Police Force cannot continue to protect the nation while the nation fails to protect them in retirement.

This bill is not merely a welfare reform; it is a strategic national security investment whose benefits will be felt across every community, state and sector of the Nigerian Federation. Officers who are uncertain about their future after retirement cannot be expected to perform optimally while in service.

“A motivated police force performs better in crime prevention and intelligence operations. Financial security after service encourages integrity during service, while officers who trust their future fight harder to secure the nation’s present,” he stated.

Recalling Tinubu’s reputation for prioritising police welfare during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State, the PROF coordinator urged him to extend the same commitment at the national level.

“Assenting to this bill will cement your place in history as the President who courageously prioritised national security by securing the future of the nation’s largest internal security institution,” he said.

The retirees insisted that exiting the CPS should be viewed as a long-term investment capable of improving professionalism, reducing corruption and enhancing public confidence in law enforcement institutions.

“No investment produces more sustainable national stability than one directed at the welfare of those entrusted with safeguarding lives and property,” Irowainu declared.

To this end, the group threatened to embark on a nationwide peaceful protest if the bill was not signed into law before June 22, 2026.

The Presidency has dismissed claims by the 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, that the administration of President Bola Tinubu has accumulated more than N100tn in debt within three years, attributing the increase in Nigeria’s debt profile largely to the impact of naira devaluation.

Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, stated this on Tuesday while responding to Obi’s criticism of the government’s borrowing record and fiscal management.

“For the umpteenth time, Nigeria’s obvious debt portfolio increase over the past three years under the administration of President Tinubu is not a function of new borrowings rather; vast majority of them are mathematical impacts of currency devaluation which you also promised to implement during your campaigns,” Olusegun said.

He argued that a significant portion of the country’s debt profile predated the current administration, noting that the government inherited about N20tn in Ways and Means debt, which was later securitised.

Tinubu’s three-year debt spike is math, not new borrowing, presidency faults Obi

June 9, 2026 3:54 pm

The Presidency has dismissed claims by the 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, that the administration of President Bola Tinubu has accumulated more than N100tn in debt within three years, attributing the increase in Nigeria’s debt profile largely to the impact of naira devaluation.

Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, stated this on Tuesday while responding to Obi’s criticism of the government’s borrowing record and fiscal management.

“For the umpteenth time, Nigeria’s obvious debt portfolio increase over the past three years under the administration of President Tinubu is not a function of new borrowings rather; vast majority of them are mathematical impacts of currency devaluation which you also promised to implement during your campaigns,” Olusegun said.

He argued that a significant portion of the country’s debt profile predated the current administration, noting that the government inherited about N20tn in Ways and Means debt, which was later securitised.

“In addition, this administration inherited a whopping ways and means debt of around 20trillion which was securitized to ensure swift repayment by the nation. This makes up a significant portion of the debts Mr Obi is claiming the administration has accumulated within three years,” he said.

Olusegun also maintained that Nigeria’s public debt figures include obligations incurred by state governments over the years and should not be attributed solely to the Federal Government.

Questioning Obi’s interpretation of the debt figures, the presidential aide said fluctuations in exchange rates significantly affect the naira value of external debt.

“If tomorrow, President Tinubu decides to fix the Naira against the dollar at N500/$ and the value of our debts in Naira drops drastically, will Mr @peterobi unequivocally agree that the President has repaid all of our debts?” he asked.

The aide further argued that Nigeria’s debt stock in dollar terms had remained relatively stable.

“Lastly, Nigeria’s debt in dollar value has remained relatively stable, ranging from $108bn in 2023 to $109bn in 2026. This tells the true story of the country’s debt levels,” he said.

Olusegun added that the country’s net external reserves had increased from about $3bn in 2023 to around $40bn in 2026, urging Obi to consider such indicators when assessing the economy.

The response followed comments by Obi, who criticised the Tinubu administration over what he described as excessive borrowing and poor fiscal accountability.

The former Anambra State governor said Nigeria’s total public debt had risen to about N200tn, which he attributed to what he called imprudent governance.

Obi had argued that the debt level represented an increase of more than N100tn in three years, contrasting it with the approximately N49tn accumulated during the eight-year administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Bamidele said the proposed legislation would be among the first bills he intends to introduce when the next Senate is inaugurated, arguing that it would enable elected leaders to focus on governance rather than re-election campaigns.

Speaking during an interview with reporters in his office on Tuesday, the lawmaker said the current two-term arrangement often compels officeholders to devote a significant portion of their first term to political calculations and preparations for re-election.

“One of the first set of bills that I look forward to moving, by God’s grace, when we come back for the 11th Senate, God willing, is for a bill that will only make it possible for anyone who wants to be president of this country, or governor in any part of this country, to spend only one term of six years,” he said.

According to him, a single tenure would eliminate distractions associated with seeking a second term.

“So that you don’t even have to worry about wasting almost one and a half years of your first term thinking and struggling and looking forward to how you’ll be re-elected,” Bamidele said.

If you know you are there for six years, only one tenure, you put in your best from day one. You know this is the only chance that you have.”

The Senate Leader acknowledged that the proposal may not enjoy universal support but maintained that lawmakers have a responsibility to initiate reforms they believe would strengthen governance.

“That’s my opinion. It doesn’t mean everybody will agree with me. But it also does not mean that I am prevented from doing that because that has not been the law,” he said.

Bamidele stressed that laws are meant to evolve in response to changing realities and public needs.

“The essence of law, the essence of parliament, is that laws are like human beings; they grow,” he added.

The proposal, if formally introduced and passed by the National Assembly, would require constitutional amendments before it can take effect.

In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, said the IMF’s 2026 Article IV Mission Concluding Statement acknowledged significant progress in strengthening macroeconomic stability and improving the country’s resilience to external economic shocks.

According to the minister, the IMF highlighted improvements in the foreign exchange market, stronger external reserves, ongoing fiscal reforms, banking sector stability and broader macroeconomic gains recorded over the past two and a half years.

“The report provides further independent validation that the bold and necessary reforms undertaken under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are strengthening macroeconomic stability, restoring confidence and laying the foundation for sustainable and inclusive growth,” Oyedele said.

He noted that the IMF recognised the impact of key policy decisions, including the removal of fuel subsidies, the end of deficit monetisation, foreign exchange market reforms and efforts to improve fiscal discipline.

“The report notes that Nigeria now faces global shocks with stronger policy frameworks and buffers than before,” he stated.

Oyedele said the government was encouraged by the IMF’s assessment that Nigeria has remained resilient despite global economic uncertainties, including the effects of recent tensions in the Middle East, which have contributed to higher energy prices and inflationary pressures worldwide

He added that the IMF observed that Nigeria could benefit from higher oil prices through increased export earnings, improved government revenues and stronger foreign exchange inflows.

According to the minister, the Federal Government is focused on leveraging these opportunities by boosting crude oil production, expanding domestic refining capacity, increasing gas exports and attracting fresh investments into the energy sector.

While acknowledging concerns raised by the IMF regarding poverty and food insecurity, Oyedele said the government remains committed to ensuring that economic reforms translate into tangible benefits for citizens.

He pointed to several intervention programmes, including direct cash transfers to vulnerable households, support for small businesses, student financing through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, consumer credit schemes and healthcare investments.

“Macroeconomic stability, while necessary, is not sufficient on its own. Economic growth must be inclusive and must translate into tangible improvements in the welfare of Nigerians,” he said.

The minister also highlighted ongoing investments in agriculture aimed at improving food production, expanding irrigation, strengthening agricultural value chains and creating employment opportunities in rural communities.

On public finance reforms, Oyedele said the government welcomed the IMF’s recognition of progress in domestic revenue mobilisation, tax reforms, digitisation of revenue collection processes and improvements in fiscal transparency.

He added that efforts were underway to strengthen fiscal reporting systems, improve budget transparency and enhance coordination among relevant institutions in line with the IMF’s recommendations.

The minister expressed optimism about Nigeria’s medium-term economic outlook, noting that the IMF projects economic growth above four per cent, stronger fiscal revenues, rising investments and improved external reserves in the coming years.

He also cited recent sovereign credit rating upgrades as evidence of growing confidence in the Nigerian economy.

“While challenges remain, the direction is clear, and the foundations are stronger. The ultimate objective of these reforms is not merely improved economic indicators, but better outcomes for every Nigerian — lower inflation, decent jobs, higher incomes, greater economic opportunity and a better quality of life,” Oyedele said.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining fiscal discipline, accelerating economic reforms, improving the investment climate and creating opportunities for sustainable and inclusive growth.

The Defence Headquarters has dismissed a video circulating on social media which falsely portrays the Chief of Defence Staff and, in some instances, the Chief of Army Staff.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the military described the video as fabricated, misleading and digitally manipulated.

According to the DHQ, the video falsely depicts the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, while some versions attempt to misrepresent the individual featured as the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede.
.
The statement said. ‘The Defence Headquarters has observed the circulation of a fabricated video on social media platforms falsely portraying the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General OO Oluyede and in some instances attempting to misrepresent the person featured as the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General OO Oluyede.

The military said the video did not represent any official communication, statement, engagement or position of either military chief

The Defence Headquarters categorically states that the video is false, misleading and does not represent any official communication, position, statement or engagement involving either the Chief of Defence Staff or the Chief of Army Staff. The content is a deliberate attempt to misinform the public and create confusion regarding the activities and leadership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

The DHQ urged members of the public to disregard the video, stressing that it did not originate from any official military source.

“Members of the public are advised to disregard the video in its entirety, as it did not originate from any official military source.

It added that preliminary assessment indicated clear signs of artificial intelligence-driven digital manipulation.

“Assessment of the video indicate that the content bears clear signs of digital manipulation premised on Artificial Intelligence and should not be relied upon in any way.

The military expressed concern over what it described as a growing trend of individuals using digital technologies and social media platforms to fabricate content involving senior military officers.

“The Defence Headquarters remains concerned about the growing trend of individuals exploiting digital technologies and social media platforms to fabricate content involving senior military officers. Such actions not only constitute misinformation but also have the potential to undermine public confidence and ultimately compromise national security efforts.

The military also cautioned social media influencers, bloggers, content creators and online commentators against sharing or amplifying unverified military-related content.

“The Defence Headquarters further urge social media influencers, bloggers, content creators and online commentators to desist from sharing, reposting, endorsing or amplifying unverified military-related content. The quest for online visibility and engagement must not come at the expense of truth, national security and responsible journalism.

The Defence Headquarters urged media organisations and members of the public to verify information through its official communication channels before publication or dissemination

“Media practitioners and members of the public are encouraged to verify information through the official Defence Headquarters communication channels before publication or dissemination.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains focused on its constitutional responsibilities and will continue to work tirelessly to protect the sovereignty, peace and security of the nation, the statement added.

The House of Representatives on Tuesday called on the Nigerian Railway Corporation to conduct a thorough investigation into the recent train accident on the Itakpe-Warri rail corridor and ensure adequate compensation for victims affected by the incident.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Delta lawmaker, Francis Waive, during plenary on Tuesday.

Waive expressed concern over the tragic accident that occurred on Monday, June 8, 2026, which resulted in the death of four persons and injuries among passengers and other affected persons.

Moving the motion, Waive noted that preliminary reports indicated that “At least four persons lost their lives while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries

The lawmaker described the Itakpe-Warri rail line as one of Nigeria’s most strategic standard-gauge railway corridors, linking Delta, Edo and Kogi states and serving thousands of commuters, traders and businesses daily.

He said, “The accident has heightened concerns about passenger safety, operational standards, maintenance practices and emergency preparedness within the country’s railway system.”

The All Progressives Congress lawmaker also noted that beyond the loss of lives and physical injuries, “many passengers suffered financial losses, emotional trauma, disruption to business and personal engagements, as well as damage to their belongings.

The incident has raised serious concerns regarding the safety and reliability of rail transportation in the country and underscores the need for urgent remedial measures to prevent a recurrence.”

The House commended the Delta State Government, emergency response agencies, healthcare workers, security personnel and residents who participated in rescue efforts and ensured prompt medical attention for the injured.

Following the adoption of the motion, lawmakers urged the NRC to “carry out a comprehensive investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the accident and make its findings public.”

The House also directed the corporation to “adequately compensate passengers affected by the incident for injuries sustained, losses incurred and the trauma suffered as a result of the mishap.”

The House further mandated its Committee on Land Transport and Committee on Legislative Compliance to monitor implementation of the resolution and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.”

The Itakpe-Warri rail corridor, commissioned for commercial operations in 2020, is one of Nigeria’s major standard-gauge rail projects and serves as a critical transportation link between the North Central and South-South regions.

While rail transport has increasingly become a preferred mode of travel for many Nigerians because of rising road insecurity and the high cost of air travel, concerns over safety and infrastructure maintenance have persisted.

In recent years, Nigeria’s rail sector has recorded several incidents that have raised questions about operational safety. In March 2022, a passenger train travelling from Abuja to Kaduna was attacked by terrorists, resulting in deaths, injuries and the abduction of several passengers.

The incident forced the suspension of services on the route for months and led to renewed calls for improved security around railway infrastructure.

There have also been cases of derailments and technical failures on various rail corridors, although most did not result in significant casualties.

Industry stakeholders have repeatedly urged authorities to strengthen maintenance regimes, improve safety protocols and invest in modern monitoring systems to prevent accidents.

The latest accident on the Itakpe-Warri route is expected to intensify demands for a comprehensive review of railway operations as the Federal Government continues efforts to expand the country’s rail network and encourage greater reliance on mass transit systems.

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday inaugurated the zonal office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and hailed the anti-graft agency for successes recorded in the anti-corruption fight.

Tinubu, represented by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, who inaugurated the state-of-the-art office complex zonal office covering Ondo and Ekiti states in Ado Ekiti, noted that EFCC occupied a central position in both the country’s economic report and its national security.

The President, who hailed the successes recorded by the anti-graft agency, said, “The EFCC’s recent prosecution of several high-profile corruption cases, including the conviction of a former minister and a former managing director of a national investment bank, sends a clear message that there are no hiding places for the corrupt”.

He said, “EFCC’s contributions to tackling cyber-terrorism are evident in the dismantling of a foreign-controlled cryptocurrency syndicate in Lagos, resulting in the conviction of 192 foreigners in a single operation.

Its successes in forcing fraudulent Ponzi schemes and securing Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force’s grey list have further strengthened our economic reforms and improved the investment outlook.

“Through aggressive asset tracing and recovery, the Commission has made resources available for critical social investment programmes such as the Students’ Loan Scheme Network and Credit Corp,” Tinubu said.

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, who said that the state government provided the land for the EFCC zonal office, was part of a demonstration of our “commitment to good government, intergovernmental cooperation, transparency, support to the commendable job of the commission and also complement the fight against corruption crusade of our dear president”.

Oyebanji said, “There is no doubt that this office will enhance the administrative capacity of the Commission” and make access to the commission easy for victims of financial crimes who had been discouraged by repeated trips to far distances to pursue justice.

The governor said that “apart from the office accommodations, we also provided a 220kva standby generator to ensure a constant power supply. It must be emphasised that the Ekiti State government has always extended other forms of assistance to other similar federal agencies in this state.”

EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, who appreciated President Tinubu for identifying with the project, said, “Your presence today is a testament to the unbroken resolve to strengthen the EFCC’s hand in the war against corruption”.

Olukoyede, who said that EFCC was significantly energised to continue its work in an atmosphere of professionalism and total compliance with the Rule of Law, also expressed gratitude to the Ekiti State Government for making the site available and supporting the project from conception to conclusion.

The EFCC chairman, who said that the establishment of the zonal office covering Ekiti and Ondo states would bridge gaps in the commission’s enforcement framework, said, “The chink is now permanently covered with this modern office complex, which has statutory responsibility to take the crusade against corruption to the people of Ekiti and Ondo states, including the contiguous communities and towns”.

He said, “This facility is an assurance to the governments and peoples of Ekiti and Ondo states that EFCC is fully on ground to bring our services as Nigeria’s leading anti-corruption agency closer to our people in this Zone. With this investment, I want to pledge that fraudsters will have no hiding places in the zone. This pledge is a statement of conviction as the Commission’s pedigree in this region speaks for itself.

“Those of us who have followed the activities of the EFCC in the Southwest will attest to our impressive record of enforcement against cybercrime and illegal mining activities. These activities threaten the economic well-being of our people and, and by the special grace of God and the support of all of you, we will spare no efforts in stamping them out.

“There is no gainsaying the fact that corruption has become the most dangerous threat to human existence because every security, political, economic and social crisis can be traced to the contagion of corruption.

“As a Commission, we are fully aware of this, which is why we are unrelenting in our determination to completely eradicate the malaise from Nigeria. Those who doubt our resolve must sooner come to terms with the fact that the EFCC is a marathoner and when it comes to the fight against corruption, we never give up”.

The EFCC boss said that proceeds of recovered assets by the commission were being invested in critical social programmes like the Students Loans Scheme and the Consumer Credit Scheme, adding that several national institutions, including the NNPCL, NRS, AMCON, and NDDC, had been beneficiaries of the Commission’s asset recovery drive.

He said, “In spite of these milestones, it is obvious that there are still challenges in ridding our nation of corruption and fraud. However, the structures are already laid, and the future is bright for the teeming foot soldiers of anti-corruption”.

He enlisted the support of the people of Ondo and Ekiti states, saying, “All stakeholders and all our stakeholders in the anti-corruption community are to rally around the EFCC by providing support in whatever way possible to enable the Commission to deliver on its mandate. Success in the fight against corruption is an impossible task without the buy-in of the people. This is your Zone, own it and run with it!”

Among dignitaries that graced the inauguration were Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele; Chairman, Senate Committee on Anti-corruption and Financial Crimes, Senator Emmanuel Udende; Former Ekiti State Governor, Segun Oni; Ekiti State Chief Judge, Justice Lekan Ogunmoye; and Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede.

The Anambra State Government has decried the rising cost of rent and housing deficits in the state and is planning to develop a policy for mass housing in partnership with the private sector to address the challenges and ensure sufficient housing supply.

This was disclosed in a press statement issued by the State Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Law Mefor, on Tuesday.

Mefor said the decision to develop a mass housing policy and other key resolutions were taken during the Anambra State Executive Council meeting at the Light House, Awka, on Monday.

According to him, a law on the protection of public property and regulation of the scrap business was also proposed for monitoring and surveillance, adding that the proposed law will require the licensing of scrap dealers, including those dealing in scrapped vehicles.

He added that the legislation follows increasing reports of vandalism and theft of public property in the state.

The statement read, “On June 8, 2026, the Soludo government’s second-term Anambra State Executive Council met for the second time at the Light House, Awka, and made several significant decisions, including to develop a policy for mass housing.

“The Council decried the housing deficit in Anambra State. It resolved to tackle the supply side to address the twin issues of rising house rents and the private sector’s partnership with the government to ensure sufficient housing in the state.

Companies bidding for projects to show proof of tax worthiness. The Council insisted that tax worthiness be part of the prequalification requirements before any company can henceforth participate in bidding for projects in the state.

“This will further ensure that the state fully benefits from companies doing projects in the state as responsible corporate partners

The Council also resolved to henceforth involve professionals from relevant departments and faculties in the universities in the state in project design, execution and delivery. This way, professionals in the universities will be able to match theory with practice.

“For purposes of monitoring and surveillance, the proposed law will require the licensing of scrap dealers, including those dealing in scrapped vehicles. The legislation follows increasing reports of vandalism and theft of public property in the state.”

According to him, the Council also approved some projects, including the construction of a floodwater diversion channel at Ezioko, Oko-Nanka, Orumba North LGA, as well as the supply and installation of new medical equipment and accessories at the General Hospital, Oroma Etiti.

“The Council approved the sum of N801.6 million for the construction of a floodwater diversion channel at Ezioko, Oko-Nanka, Orumba North LGA, awarded to Lebtech Construction Ltd.

“The sum of N279,488,986.35 for the supply and installation of new medical equipment and accessories at the General Hospital, Oroma Etiti, was awarded to Calyzid Ventures.

“The sum of N92,693,289.65 for the construction of general external works/landscaping at the Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe (NOCEN), was awarded to Ozoh United Ventures Nig. Ltd,” the statement added.

Mefor also said the Council observed a minute of silence in honour of Lt. Gen. Chikadibia Isaac Obiakor, who passed recently.

“Lt. General Obiakor (Rtd), an illustrious son of the state, had a meritorious military career as a member of the 10th Regular Course, serving the Nigerian Army and the nation at regimental, brigade, and divisional levels. Notably, he served as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division and later as the Chief of Administration at Army Headquarters.

“He also served with distinction as the Force Commander of the United Nations Mission in Liberia and was the first African to ever hold the position of the United Nations Military Adviser for Peacekeeping Operations in New York in 2008,” the statement concluded.

The confirmation was contained in a statement issued by the Nigerian Railway Corporation on Tuesday through the Federal Ministry of Transportation and signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Funsho Adebiyi.

The statement disclosed that preliminary findings showed that four coaches capsized while another coach derailed during the incident.

“The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) regrets to confirm that a serious train accident occurred yesterday along the Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) corridor near Agbor, Delta State,” the statement partly read

It added, “Preliminary reports indicate that four coaches capsized while one coach derailed, resulting in the unfortunate loss of four lives, comprising two adult females, one adult male, and one infant passenger.”

According to the ministry, 442 passengers had booked the train, while 40 crew members, security personnel, and third-party service providers were also on board.

“A total of 442 passengers were booked on the train, while 40 crew members, security personnel, and third-party service providers were also on board, bringing the total number of persons on the train to 482,” the statement read.

The ministry stated that rescue and evacuation efforts commenced immediately after the accident with support from relevant agencies and the Delta State Government.

“Rescue and evacuation operations were immediately activated with the support of the Delta State Government, NEMA, FRSC, the Police, Civil Defence, local authorities, security agencies, and other emergency responders, and were completed by 6:30 p.m. Injured passengers were evacuated to medical facilities in Agbor for treatment.

“Other notable individuals on board included the Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Senator Ede Dafinone, and former Delta State Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Patrick Ukah, among others.”

The statement further noted that, “As of the time of this release, 24 serious injuries have been recorded, while several other passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries and are receiving medical attention. One NRC staff member suffered a traumatic limb injury and is currently receiving treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.”

The ministry expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the accident.

“The Ministry and the NRC extend their deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and pray for the quick recovery of all those injured.

“The Corporation also appreciates the swift intervention of the Delta State Government, emergency responders, security agencies, the NRC Mechanical Directorate, the Special Rescue and Emergency Team, medical personnel, and members of the public who assisted in the rescue efforts,” the statement added.

It also said that the passenger manifest had been retrieved to aid identification and documentation efforts.

“The full onboard manifest has been retrieved and will be made available upon request by the relevant authorities. Efforts are ongoing to identify all the injured and deceased persons for proper documentation.”

The ministry noted that an investigation had begun into the cause of the accident.

“A full investigation into the cause of the accident has commenced, while efforts will continue to account for all passengers and provide the necessary support to those affected,” the statement concluded.

The incident occurred on Monday when coaches of the Warri–Itakpe Train Service derailed near Agbor in Delta State, prompting an emergency response from relevant authorities. Initial reports by the Nigerian Railway Corporation had confirmed that emergency response teams and other agencies were deployed to the scene to assist affected passengers and assess the situation as rescue operations commenced.

Following the accident, Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, expressed condolences to the families of the victims and directed state officials to coordinate rescue efforts at the scene. The governor described the incident as tragic and assured that the state government would continue to support survivors receiving treatment in medical facilities.

Kwankwaso, in a statement on Tuesday shared on X, said the escalating wave of insecurity across several states had left many Nigerians living in fear, with banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, communal clashes and armed robbery becoming frequent occurrences.

“I have noted with grave concern the escalating wave of insecurity that has engulfed our beloved nation. Once again, Nigeria is bleeding profusely,” he said.

The former governor listed states including Zamfara, Borno, Sokoto, Katsina, Kwara and Oyo among areas affected by the violence, lamenting that many citizens could no longer “sleep with both eyes closed.”

He also expressed concern over what he described as the growing boldness of criminal groups.

“What is most alarming is the audacity of these criminals, who now brazenly hold live sessions on social media to taunt the authorities and terrorise the public. This is totally unacceptable and not befitting of a sovereign nation like ours,” he said.

Drawing from his experience as a former governor and defence minister, Kwankwaso argued that the security challenges confronting the country were not impossible to overcome.

As someone who has served this country at various levels, including as Governor of Kano State and Minister of Defence, where we confronted and significantly reduced security challenges through decisive leadership and community engagement, I remain convinced that insecurity is not insurmountable,” he said.

According to him, the country’s challenge is not a lack of resources but insufficient political will to decisively confront insecurity.

He said the current strategy had failed to deliver the desired results despite substantial budgetary allocations to the security sector, adding that innocent lives continued to be lost while thousands of families had been displaced.

Kwankwaso called for improved welfare and motivation for security personnel, stronger intelligence gathering, enhanced community policing and measures aimed at addressing the root causes of insecurity.

He also urged the government to invest more in education, healthcare, infrastructure, electricity supply, agriculture, skills acquisition and job creation, arguing that such interventions would help reduce poverty, unemployment and other factors fueling insecurity.

“We must immediately prioritise the welfare and motivation of our gallant security personnel, strengthen intelligence gathering, enhance community policing, and, most crucially, tackle the root causes of this crisis; poverty, mass unemployment, and poor governance,” he said.

The remarks come amid renewed concerns over insecurity in several parts of the country, with attacks by armed groups, kidnappings and communal violence continuing to pose challenges to public safety and economic activities.

The Bauchi State Police Command has recovered a stolen motor vehicle and arrested three suspects allegedly linked to its theft and subsequent sale.

The Command’s spokesperson, Nafi’u Habib, disclosed this in a statement dated Monday and made available on Tuesday in Bauchi.

According to him, the complainant, a 53-year-old resident of Danjuma Goje Street, Bauchi, reported the theft of his black Honda vehicle, a 2000 model with chassis number JHGC9564614804512.

Habib said the vehicle, which was stolen in March 2026, was reported to the police on June 8, prompting an immediate response by operatives attached to the ‘A’ Division Township.

The complainant, a 53-year-old man and resident of Danjuma Goje Street, Bauchi, reported the theft of his Honda vehicle on June 8, 2026. The vehicle is a 2000 model, black in colour, with chassis number JHGC9564614804512. It was stolen in March 2026,” he said.

He explained that following the report, the operatives launched an intelligence-led investigation which led to the recovery of the vehicle along Gombe Road in Bauchi.

“Upon receipt of the complaint, operatives of the Command attached to ‘A’ Division Township swung into action and launched an intelligence-led investigation. Through untiring follow-up and coordinated efforts, the stolen car was located and recovered on June 8, 2026, along Gombe Road, Bauchi,” Habib added.

The police spokesperson said the operation also resulted in the arrest of three suspects connected to the offence.

He identified the suspects as Sani Saidu, 58, of Madaki Street, Bauchi, who was allegedly the first buyer of the vehicle; Shuaibu Fagarau, 54, of Kofar Idi area, said to be the second buyer; and Samaila Abdullahi, 46, also of Kofar Idi area of the state.

Habib noted that all three suspects are currently in police custody and assisting investigators.

“All suspects are currently in custody and are cooperating with investigators. The vehicle has been recovered and kept as an exhibit pending the conclusion of investigations,” he stated.

The spokesperson further revealed that the recovery was the third stolen vehicle recovered by operatives of the division within the last month.

He added that the Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, commended the operatives for their swift response and professionalism.

Habib said the commissioner of police reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling criminal activities across the state and assured residents that the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

He also urged vehicle owners to adopt additional security measures, including the installation of tracking devices and proper documentation, to facilitate the recovery of stolen vehicles.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku dismissed Lawal’s accusations as “an unfortunate cocktail of bitterness, conjecture, and political revisionism masquerading as public interest.”

The response followed Lawal’s recent television interview in which he questioned the credibility of the ADC presidential primary and alleged manipulation of the process.

According to Atiku’s camp, Nigerians who watched the interview were presented with “a curious spectacle” of sweeping allegations unsupported by facts.

Mr Lawal spent nearly an hour making grave accusations about the conduct of the ADC presidential primary. Yet he failed to produce a single piece of verifiable evidence. No document. No petition. No result sheet. No witness statement. No recording. Nothing.

“For a man who repeatedly insisted that proof was ‘everywhere,’ his performance was a masterclass in making extraordinary allegations without meeting the elementary obligation of substantiating them.

“He arrived with accusations. He left with accusations. In between, the evidence never arrived,” Shaibu said.

The former vice president’s spokesman argued that Lawal relied heavily on claims involving unnamed sources and unverifiable accounts rather than presenting concrete proof.

“Ordinarily, one would expect a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and former National Vice Chairman of a political party to understand the elementary distinction between evidence and suspicion. Instead, Nigerians were treated to stories about unnamed callers, unnamed officials, unnamed witnesses, and unnamed conspirators,” he stated.

The statement also suggested that Lawal’s criticisms stemmed from disappointment over the outcome of the ADC primary.

“What the interview ultimately revealed was not a whistleblower exposing wrongdoing but a disappointed political actor struggling to come to terms with the failure of his preferred candidate.

“By his own admission, Mr Lawal openly aligned himself with another aspirant long before the conclusion of the process. He campaigned for that candidate, promoted that candidate, and publicly believed that candidate should emerge victorious. Having failed in that objective, he now seeks to dress personal disappointment in the borrowed robes of moral outrage,” Shaibu said.

Atiku’s camp further faulted Lawal for what it described as contradictory claims about the former vice president’s political relevance.

“Perhaps the most laughable contradiction in Mr Lawal’s performance was his attempt to portray Atiku Abubakar as both politically irrelevant and politically omnipotent at the same time.

According to his own account, Atiku was inactive, unpopular, and absent from the field. Yet Nigerians are simultaneously expected to believe that this same supposedly dormant politician somehow orchestrated a nationwide conspiracy across 8,809 wards,” the statement said.

The statement maintained that such allegations underestimated the judgment of party members who participated in the process.

“What makes this theory particularly absurd is that it requires Nigerians to believe that thousands of ADC members across the federation abandoned their own judgment and surrendered their votes to an invisible conspiracy directed by a man whom Mr Lawal simultaneously describes as politically inactive,” Shaibu argued.

Beyond the dispute over the primary, Atiku’s spokesman seized on comments reportedly made by Lawal regarding his relationship with President Bola Tinubu.

“More revealing, however, was Mr Lawal’s astonishing confession on national television that if he ever needed money, all he had to do was call President Tinubu and the money would reach him before he got home.

“Nigerians heard him. Nigerians understood him. And Nigerians can draw their own conclusions from the implications of such a remarkable declaration,” the statement added.

Shaibu further accused Lawal of attempting to undermine Atiku’s standing among Christian communities in the Middle Belt and other parts of the country where the former vice president enjoys support.

He described the former SGF’s intervention as an exercise driven more by grievance than reason.

“The tragedy of Mr Lawal’s intervention is that he appears to have become so consumed by bitterness that he no longer recognises the difference between evidence and speculation. Every outcome he dislikes is rigging. Every defeat is a conspiracy. Every disagreement becomes proof of manipulation. This is not the language of reason. It is the language of grievance,” he said.

The statement also rejected Lawal’s assertion that Atiku had “absolutely nothing” to offer politically, pointing instead to the former vice president’s role in economic reforms and the liberalisation of Nigeria’s telecommunications sector during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

“Nigerians know Atiku Abubakar’s record. They know his role in the liberalisation of the telecommunications sector, his contributions to economic reforms, private sector development, education, and national growth,” Shaibu stated.

The latest exchange highlights growing tensions within opposition political circles ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle, with disagreements over party structures, leadership influence and candidate selection increasingly playing out in the public arena.

While Lawal has questioned the integrity of the ADC primary process, Atiku’s camp insists the allegations remain unproven and politically motivated.

Emmanuel Kanu, younger brother of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, has challenged the legal foundation of his brother’s terrorism conviction, arguing that any criminal conviction must be anchored on a valid law in force at the time judgment is delivered.

In a statement shared on Tuesday, the younger Kanu defended the detained IPOB leader’s courtroom exchange with Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, describing it as “a legitimate constitutional challenge rather than an act of defiance.”

According to him, the issue at the centre of the case is whether the conviction complies with Section 36(12) of the 1999 Constitution, which provides that a person cannot be convicted of a criminal offence unless the offence and its penalty are prescribed in a written law.

“Any criminal conviction must be anchored on a valid law in force at the time judgment is delivered,” he siad.

Emmanuel Kanu said that during proceedings on November 20, 2025, the IPOB leader repeatedly demanded that the court identify the specific law under which he was convicted.

He claimed that while the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, is Nigeria’s current terrorism law, the conviction allegedly relied on provisions associated with the repealed Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013.

He said, “The prosecution’s case was initially instituted under the 2013 law and continued after its repeal through a savings provision contained in Section 98(3) of the 2022 Act.”

He maintained that the appeal would ultimately determine whether the conviction was grounded in a valid and existing law as required by the Constitution.

Kanu is facing terrorism-related charges filed by the Federal Government over activities linked to IPOB.

The case has remained one of Nigeria’s most closely watched legal battles, attracting local and international attention.

In October 2022, the Court of Appeal discharged Kanu after ruling that his extraordinary rendition from Kenya to Nigeria violated both domestic and international law.

However, the federal government challenged the decision, and the Supreme Court subsequently set aside the discharge order and directed that the trial continue on its merits.

Following the continuation of proceedings, Kanu was later convicted and sentenced by the court and subsequently remanded at the Sokoto Correctional Centre, where he is currently serving his sentence.

Activist and African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has urged the federal government to apply the same stringent measures used against kidnappers’ hideouts to the luxurious mansions of politicians and public officials accused of embezzling public funds.

In a statement posted on his X handle on Tuesday, Sowore argued that public treasury looting constitutes a severe form of kidnapping that deprives millions of Nigerians of essential services.

He said if the government believes that property acquired or used for criminal activity should be destroyed immediately, then the principle should be applied equally to all offenders.

“There is no reason why the demolition of houses should be limited only to kidnappers.

If the government truly believes that property acquired through or used for criminal activity should be destroyed immediately, then the same principle must apply to politicians.

Public treasury looting is a form of kidnapping too, it kidnaps healthcare, education, jobs, infrastructure, and the future of millions of Nigerians,” he said.

The Sahara Reporters publisher added, “Public officials, and other powerful individuals who steal public funds to build mansions and acquire vast assets should have their mansion demolished.”

Sowore’s remarks come in response to the Oyo State Government’s demolition of a building in Ibadan allegedly used as a hideout by kidnappers who abducted Mrs Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, sister of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, along with her 12-year-old twin sons.

The structure in the Lako Community area of Oluyole Local Government Area was pulled down less than 48 hours after the victims were rescued by security operatives.

The state government described the action as part of its zero-tolerance stance against criminality.

Some gunmen suspected to be kidnappers on Monday killed a soldier and injured another while attempting to kidnap a man in the Magbon-Etido area of Mowe in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The news gathered from multiple sources that the incident occurred in the early hours of Monday.

A viral video sighted by our correspondent showed a vehicle conveying what appeared to be the corpse of a military personnel soaked in blood, with about four other people inside the vehicle.

A message accompanying the video read that “bandits are now in Magbon around Mowe, they have killed two soldiers,” while a young man in the video was also heard saying in Yoruba, “Won ti pa soja,” which literally means, “They have killed a soldier.”

Speaking with our correspondent on the condition of anonymity due to the nature of the incident, a community source told our correspondent in a telephone conversation on Monday that the gunmen had stormed the area in a commando-style operation and attempted to kidnap a man, prompting an intervention by some soldiers.

The source noted that the attackers opened fire on the soldiers, leading to the death of one of the officers, while another sustained injuries.

“I was not around when it happened. What I gathered was that the gunmen wanted to kidnap a man in the area and the soldiers intervened.

“It was during the shoot-out between the soldiers and the kidnappers that one of the soldiers was shot dead while another sustained injuries.”

Another source within the area narrated that the soldiers were attempting to foil a kidnapping attempt when they were shot by the suspects.

“They wanted to kidnap a man and the soldiers tried to intervene but were shot by the kidnappers. One of the soldiers was killed and another was injured,” the source said.

Similarly, a security source who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity confirmed the killing of the soldier but declined to provide further details on the incident.

The security source, however, clarified that the attackers were not bandits, as speculated by residents and social media users.

“Yes, it happened, but it is not a bandit attack. One security personnel was killed while another was injured. The security operatives are dealing with the situation.”

A viral voice note reportedly made by one Jimoh Owolabi, who claimed to be the Chairman of the Ajumoni Community Development Council, also stated that the incident was not a bandit attack but a kidnapping incident involving a sand miner popularly known as Kapo

Owolabi said one of the security personnel attached to the sand miner was killed, while another was injured during the attack.

“My name is Jimoh Owolabi, Chairman, Area CDC, Ajumoni Progressive Area CDC. I heard that there were bandits in Magbon; it is fake news.

“There are no bandits in Magbon. It was kidnappers who came to attack a sand miner who is popularly called Kapo. It was during the attack that a security personnel attached to the man was killed while another was injured.

“We already have all the security agencies, the police, the army, and everyone around our community, so people should stop spreading fake news,” Jimoh narrated in Yoruba.

Our correspondent could not independently verify the identity of Jimoh as of the time of filing this report.

When contacted for a reaction, the spokesperson for the 35 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Alamala, Major Idereghi Samuel, told our correspondent to wait for the official statement of the Army on the incident.

He had, however, yet to send the statement as of 9:50pm when the story was filed for publication.

Meanwhile, the Ogun State Police Command, in a statement on Monday by its Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed the killing of the soldier.

Babaseyi also clarified that the incident was not connected to banditry but a criminal attack.

The PPRO stated, “Regrettably, a soldier on security duty lost his life during the incident, while another sustained injuries and is currently receiving treatment.

“Following the report, police operatives, in collaboration with the military, swiftly mobilised to the area and commenced coordinated operations to apprehend those responsible.

“Preliminary findings do not indicate any connection between the incident and banditry activities in Ogun State. Investigations and tactical operations remain ongoing.”

He assured residents of the state that the situation was under control while adding that security had been reinforced in the area.

“The command assures residents that the situation is under control, security presence has been reinforced, and there is no cause for alarm,” he added.

culled from punch 

The Department of State Services on Monday arraigned a man, Paul Jibrin Oweleke, before the Federal High Court in Lagos over allegations that he used social media to call for a military coup to remove President Bola Tinubu from office.

Oweleke was arraigned before Justice Akintoye Aluko on a two-count charge bordering on alleged cybercrime and the transmission of messages said to be capable of inciting public disorder.

When the matter was called, counsel for the DSS, Michael Bajela, informed the court that the prosecution had filed a two-count charge against the defendant and requested that the charges be read to enable him to take his plea.

The charges were subsequently read, and Oweleke pleaded not guilty to both counts

The DSS alleged that the defendant, through his social media platform known as “Oweleke TV,” published messages and broadcasts calling on the military to overthrow the Tinubu administration and replicate the political developments witnessed in Burkina Faso.

According to the prosecution, the messages were subversive and intended to incite members of the public, cause disaffection and undermine law and order in the country.

Bajela told the court that Oweleke allegedly, on or about May 23, 2025, knowingly transmitted messages and broadcasts through his social media handle, “Oweleke TV,” which the prosecution described as subversive.

The DSS alleged that the messages incited Nigerians and called for a military coup to remove Tinubu in a manner similar to events in Burkina Faso, with the intention of causing disaffection and a breakdown of law and order.

The prosecutor also told the court that Oweleke knowingly transmitted messages through the same social media platform that bullied, threatened or harassed President Tinubu, thereby placing the President and the office of the President in fear of death, violence or bodily harm.

According to the prosecution, the alleged offences contravened Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024, and is punishable under the same provision and  contrary to Section 24(2)(a) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024, and punishable under Section 24(2)(c)(i) of the Act.

However, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.

Following the plea, Bajela asked the court to fix a date for trial and remand the defendant to correctional custody, pending the determination of the case.

Counsel for the defendant, however, informed the court that he had filed a motion seeking his client’s bail and had served the application on the prosecution.

While stating that he had no objection to the fixing of a trial date, defence counsel said he was prepared to move the bail application if permitted by the court.

Responding, Bajela acknowledged receipt of the application but told the court that it had been served on him shortly before proceedings commenced.

The prosecution said he required time to study the application and file an appropriate response.

After listening to both parties, Justice Aluko adjourned the matter until June 16, 2026, for the hearing of the defendant’s bail application and ordered that he be remanded in custody pending the determination of the application.

Students of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, have won three prestigious awards at the 10th Huawei ICT Competition Global Finals held in Shenzhen, China, defeating teams from 40 countries to emerge among the world’s best in cloud computing, artificial intelligence and innovation.

The students clinched the grand prize in the AI/Innovation category with their project, ParaVision, secured first position in the Cloud track and came second in the Computing category.

They also received the coveted Women in Tech Award alongside the Nigeria Network Team during the competition’s award ceremony held on June 5, 2026.

The global finals, which took place between June 2 and June 5, attracted 177 teams from across the world in network, cloud, computing and AI/innovation tracks.

A statement issued by the Public Affairs Directorate of Ahmadu Bello University on Monday said the achievement underscored the institution’s growing reputation in technology, innovation and digital skills development.

The statement noted that the Huawei ICT Competition began in October 2025 with over 220,000 students participating worldwide before progressing through national and regional stages.

According to the university, the students qualified for the global finals after emerging successful at the national finals in December 2025 and the Southern Africa regional finals in March 2026.

The statement read, “At the award ceremony in Shenzhen, China, after the global finals, the students received two grand prizes – first position in Cloud and second position in Computing.”

It added that TeamABU2026 recorded another major success by winning the grand prize in the AI/Innovation category with its project, ParaVision.

Describing the innovation, the university said, “ParaVision is an AI-powered solution using the Orange Pi AIPro built around the Huawei Ascend 310B4 chip.

The institution explained that the technology was designed to conduct tests either simultaneously or independently and generate printed laboratory reports in less than three minutes.

“It also has a multilingual interface supporting French, Arabic, Chinese, Swahili and other languages,” the statement added.

The university further disclosed that the network, cloud and computing finals involved an intensive eight-hour laboratory challenge requiring contestants to solve real-world technological problems.

It noted that the AI/Innovation category, regarded as the highlight of the competition, tasked participants with designing and developing artificial intelligence-based solutions using Huawei technologies.

The victorious students are Kumba-Banna Tekanyi of Computer Engineering, Yakubu Musa Yakubu of Computer Science, Adekunle Abdulroqeeb Oladimeji of Electrical Engineering and Wakili Sefiu Bolaji of Computer Engineering.

Others are Yunus Muhammad and Ruqayyah Hassan Labo of Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering, as well as Khadija Khalid and Grace Temitayo Olorunfemi of Computer Engineering.

The students were mentored by Dr Bashir Halliru Sani of the Institute of Agriculture and Information and Communication Technology and Dr Zaharaddeen Haruna of the Department of Computer Engineering.

The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof Adamu Ahmed, attended the event alongside the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof Raymond Bako.

Also present were the Director of the Distance Learning Centre, Prof Muhammed Bashir Mu’azu, and the Director of the Institute of Agriculture and Information and Communication Technology, Prof Emmanuel Adewale Adedokun.

The Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in Ekiti State, Dr Wole Oluyede, has called for a comprehensive overhaul of the state’s security architecture to ensure the safety of lives and property, as well as make the state more investment-friendly.

Oluyede said that if elected in the June 20 governorship election, his administration would prioritise investment in security to protect lives and property and attract investors to Ekiti State.

The PDP candidate, speaking with journalists at his Ikere-Ekiti residence on Monday, also expressed concern over the continued captivity of 16 worshippers abducted by gunmen during an evening church service at Eda Oniyo, Ekiti, in Ilejemeje Local Government Area on April 28.

He reiterated that “good governance, security, and accountability should remain central issues in political discourse, both in Ekiti State and across the country.”

The PDP candidate made a case for the availability of drones for deployment when necessary, surveillance technology, solar-powered police stations, improved emergency communication systems and stronger collaboration between conventional security agencies and traditional community-based security structures.

Oluyede, while harping on the need for adequate investment in security, said no meaningful economic growth, investment or development could occur in an atmosphere of fear and insecurity.

He said, “There can be no development without security. Investors will not come to a place where people are afraid to live and do business. Security must be treated as the foundation of development.”

He accused the state government of failing to adequately equip security agencies, saying fear had become a defining feature of life in parts of the state, with residents increasingly unable to attend social, religious and community gatherings without concerns over their safety.

Oluyede painted a grim picture of policing infrastructure across the state, describing many police stations as dilapidated, poorly equipped and unfit for effective security operations.

He said: “I have visited some police stations across Ekiti. Many of them look like abandoned facilities. There are no adequate seats, no functional equipment and no conducive environment for officers to work. If I were a police officer serving in some of these stations, I would be depressed.”

The governorship candidate further lamented the lack of modern security tools, noting that many officers still rely on obsolete vehicles, poor communication systems and manual documentation processes in an era increasingly driven by technology.

The PDP candidate dismissed suggestions that endorsements by political heavyweights would determine the outcome of the election, saying voters would ultimately decide based on performance, competence and issues that directly affect their lives.

“They have seen us, they know what we are capable of doing and will vote for me,” he said.

Nigeria’s spending on the importation of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly known as petrol, plunged by over 96 per cent in the first quarter of 2026, marking a dramatic shift in the country’s fuel supply landscape and signaling the growing impact of local refining capacity.

Latest foreign trade statistics released by the National Bureau of Statistics on Monday showed that only N87.401bn was spent on the importation of Motor Spirit Ordinary, the official trade classification for petrol, between January and March 2026.

The figure represents a sharp decline of N2.184tn, or 96.15 per cent, compared to the N2.271tn spent on petrol imports during the corresponding period of 2025. The development is particularly significant as petrol, which had consistently ranked among Nigeria’s most imported commodities for years, was completely absent from the list of the country’s top traded products in the first quarter of 2026.

An analysis of the NBS data by our correspondent showed that petrol did not feature among the top 19 traded products with the rest of the world, Africa, or West Africa during the review period.

Instead, the leading traded products included crude petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous minerals, gas oil, durum wheat, machines for reception, conversion and transmission of data, used vehicles, motorcycles, agricultural seeders, medicaments, aircraft parts, butanes, petroleum bitumen, sugar cane, herbicides and fuel additives.

The report read, “The value of total imports stood at N13,619.33bn in the first quarter of 2026, representing a 18.17 per cent decrease from the value recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2025 (N16,644.42bn) and a 21.05 per cent decrease compared to the value recorded in Q4 2025 (N17,250.93bn).

“Analysis of Nigeria’s import trade reveals that China remained the leading source of imports in the first quarter of 2026, followed by the United States of America, India, Germany, and the United Arab Emirates. The most imported commodities during the quarter were petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous minerals (crude), gas oil, durum wheat, machines for the reception, conversion, and transmission of voice, images, or data, and used vehicles with diesel or semi-diesel engines.

The value of other oil products imported in Q1 2026 stood at N748.10bn, reflecting an 85.05 per cent decrease from N5,005.22bn in Q1 2025 and an 81.38 per cent decrease from N4,018.31bn recorded in Q4 2025.”

The latest import figure is also the lowest quarterly amount spent on petrol imports since at least 2022, according to available trade records reviewed by our correspondent.

Data from previous years showed that Nigeria spent N2.694tn on petrol imports in the first quarter of 2022. The import bill declined by N661bn, or 24.5 per cent, to N2.033tn in the corresponding period of 2023.

However, petrol import spending surged by N1.780tn in 2024 to N3.813tn, representing an increase of 87.6 per cent year-on-year. The figure later dropped by N1.542tn, or 40.4 per cent, to N2.271tn in the first quarter of 2025 before plunging by a massive N2.184tn, or 96.15 per cent, to N87.401bn in the first quarter of 2026.

The latest figure means that for every N100 spent on petrol imports in the first quarter of 2025, only about N4 was spent during the same period in 2026. The NBS data also highlighted the changing structure of Nigeria’s petrol import trade profile over the years.

According to the report, the total trade value involving the petroleum product stood at N7.705tn in 2022. This declined marginally by N194bn, or 2.5 per cent, to N7.511tn in 2023.

Trade value, however, more than doubled in 2024, rising by N7.907tn, or 105.3 per cent, to N15.418tn, the highest level during the period under review. The figure subsequently fell by N5.045tn, or 32.7 per cent, to N10.373tn in 2025, reflecting changing trade dynamics in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.

The PUNCH reports that the sharp reduction in petrol imports reflects the increasing contribution of domestic refining facilities to fuel supply, reducing Nigeria’s dependence on foreign suppliers and helping conserve foreign exchange.

For decades, Nigeria relied heavily on imported petrol despite being Africa’s largest crude oil producer, owing largely to the poor performance of state-owned refineries and inadequate domestic refining capacity.

The trend began to change following investments in local refining and the gradual increase in output from domestic refineries, which have reduced the need for large-scale fuel imports.

The sharp decline in petrol imports in the first quarter of 2026 comes amid growing domestic refining capacity, particularly from the operations of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, which began supplying petrol to the Nigerian market in 2024.

For decades, Nigeria relied heavily on imported Premium Motor Spirit despite being Africa’s largest crude oil producer. The country’s state-owned refineries operated far below capacity for years, forcing marketers and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company to spend trillions of naira annually importing fuel to meet domestic demand.

The commissioning of the 650,000 barrels-per-day refinery in Lekki, Lagos, marked a turning point in the downstream petroleum sector. Since commencing petrol production, the refinery has steadily increased output, supplying marketers, industrial users and fuel distributors across the country.

In January, the Nigerian Midstream Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority reported that Dangote refinery supplied an average of 40.1 million litres of petrol daily, accounting for 61.78 per cent of Nigeria’s petrol supply. Imported fuel contributed 24.8 million litres per day during the month.

It increased significantly in February as imports collapsed. The refinery supplied about 36.5 million litres per day, while imports dropped to roughly 3.1 million litres per day, meaning locally refined fuel accounted for more than 92 per cent of national supply.

According to the NMDPRA March fact sheet, Dangote remained the sole domestic supplier of petrol, supplying 34.2 million litres per day. Imports rose slightly to 5.9 million litres daily, bringing total supply to about 40.1 million litres per day.

Supply rebounded strongly in April. Dangote supplied 40.7 million litres per day to the domestic market, while imports declined further to 3.7 million litres daily. Total petrol supply stood at 44.4 million litres per day, giving the refinery a market share of approximately 92 per cent of locally consumed fuel and about 80–92 per cent of overall supply, depending on the methodology used.

The disappearance of petrol from the list of top imported products is expected to strengthen arguments that local refining is beginning to alter Nigeria’s trade patterns, lower import dependence and reshape the country’s foreign exchange requirements.

The sustained reductions in fuel imports could improve Nigeria’s trade balance, reduce pressure on the naira and retain more value within the domestic economy, provided local production continues to meet demand.

The first-quarter data therefore represents one of the clearest indications yet of a major shift in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector, with petrol imports falling to levels not seen in more than four years.

Suspected kidnappers invaded a residential area near the Quarry area of Arab Road in Kubwa, a suburb of the Federal Capital Territory, on Saturday, abducting one resident and shooting another.

The attack occurred between 11pm on Saturday and midnight on Sunday, our correspondent gathered.

Our correspondent on Monday gathered that the resident who was alleged to have been shot later died in the hospital on Sunday.

Speaking in a telephone interview with PUNCH Metro on Monday, the secretary of the community, identified only as Dairo, said residents were alerted to the attack by the sound of gunfire as the assailants reportedly entered the community through a nearby hill.

We started hearing gunshots, and the house is towards the hill. From what I was told, because my house is not too far, the local security tried to repel them in a gun battle,” he said.

Dairo explained that despite resistance from local security operatives, the attackers succeeded in entering the victim’s apartment.

“While they were doing that, they were able to enter the guy’s apartment. They shot him and took his younger brother away,” the secretary narrated.

He added that police officers arrived shortly after the attack, but the kidnappers had already escaped with the victim.

“Not too long. I think the police came around past 12 to 1. Before the police could come around, they had gone with the guy. They came in through the hill and went back through the hill,” he said.

The community secretary described the incident as the third successful kidnapping in the area in recent years.

“This is the third time kidnappers have come to the community through the hill,” he said.

He recalled that a previous kidnapping incident occurred around 2021 or 2022, during which a corps member was abducted and a resident identified as Mr Oshodi was killed.

Dairo also noted that another resident was kidnapped in May last year and was released after paying ransom.

He disclosed that suspected kidnappers had attempted to enter the community two or three weeks earlier but were repelled by local security personnel.

“Two, three weeks ago, they came, but they could not enter because of the local security presence before they came on Saturday,” he said.

Dairo said the community had established a local security network comprising vigilantes and hunters to safeguard residents.

“We were able to set up our local security men, the vigilantes and the hunters. They are the ones guiding the community,” he added.

The secretary called on the government and security agencies to establish a police station or increase patrol operations in the area.

“If the government can come and set up a police station or a patrol, they’ll be moving around every day. Once they see the presence of security personnel around, I think that will scare them away,” he said.

Also speaking, another resident, who did not want to be named, said, “The boy is dead; he didn’t make it. May his soul rest in peace. The one taken to the hospital by the police,” the resident said.

Efforts to get a reaction from the FCT police spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, were not successful, as calls to her number indicated it was not reachable.

He recalled that a previous kidnapping incident occurred around 2021 or 2022, during which a corps member was abducted and a resident identified as Mr Oshodi was killed.

Dairo also noted that another resident was kidnapped in May last year and was released after paying ransom.

He disclosed that suspected kidnappers had attempted to enter the community two or three weeks earlier but were repelled by local security personnel.

“Two, three weeks ago, they came, but they could not enter because of the local security presence before they came on Saturday,” he said.

Dairo said the community had established a local security network comprising vigilantes and hunters to safeguard residents.

“We were able to set up our local security men, the vigilantes and the hunters. They are the ones guiding the community,” he added.

The secretary called on the government and security agencies to establish a police station or increase patrol operations in the area.

“If the government can come and set up a police station or a patrol, they’ll be moving around every day. Once they see the presence of security personnel around, I think that will scare them away,” he said.

Also speaking, another resident, who did not want to be named, said, “The boy is dead; he didn’t make it. May his soul rest in peace. The one taken to the hospital by the police,” the resident said.

Efforts to get a reaction from the FCT police spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, were not successful, as calls to her number indicated it was not reachable.

The Federal Government on Monday declared that it is displeased with the South African government’s failure to respond firmly enough to the renewed wave of xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerian nationals, warning that retaliatory diplomatic gestures, including a review of bilateral privileges, were being actively considered and were not off the table.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who briefed State House correspondents after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, also rejected outright claims by some South African authorities that the Nigerians under attack were illegal migrants.

She argued that Nigerian passport holders were being harassed, having their shops looted and set ablaze, and that their children were being intimidated in schools, all while South African police looked on.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu said, “Our citizens are being harassed. Our citizens’ properties are being looted. Criminal actions are being perpetrated, and the police refuse to do anything. The South African government has not come out strongly and firmly enough to condemn these incidents.

“To say that Nigerians who are in South Africa doing legitimate business are illegal migrants is absolutely untrue. People who are doing legitimate business have their shops looted, their shops set on fire. Children cannot go to school because they are intimidated in their schools.”

The minister cited Nigeria’s historical sacrifice for South Africa’s freedom, a sacrifice she argued makes the current treatment of Nigerians especially painful and unacceptable.

“Nigeria is not happy with South Africa. Nigeria sacrificed much for the South African struggle for independence. Nigeria committed funds, committed resources. In schools, seats were reserved for South African students.

My own generation, we carried placards, we demonstrated in front of South African assets. Sometimes we even got arrested for doing this. Nigeria is a serious frontline state, and Nigerians are not happy about how they have been treated,” she said.

On the nature of the attacks, she said, “They are not asking other migrants to leave. They are only asking black migrants to leave.”

When asked whether Nigeria was considering retaliatory measures, including the suspension or review of privileges currently enjoyed by South African businesses and nationals in Nigeria, the minister said, “That is a situation that we are considering. This is a decision that has to be taken at the highest level of government. But it is not off the table.”

The House of Representatives had earlier recommended a temporary suspension of business permits for South African companies operating in Nigeria, and the Senate resolved to send a high-level delegation led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio to South Africa to formally express Nigeria’s displeasure.

On the evacuation exercise, Ojukwu confirmed that President Tinubu had approved five Air Peace evacuation flights and directed a crisis response unit to be immediately established within Nigeria’s consulate in Johannesburg and the mission in Pretoria.

As of Monday, June 8, 1,092 Nigerians had voluntarily registered for repatriation, with the screening exercise now extended to June 10 to accommodate all applicants.

Over 500 Nigerians have so far been screened and cleared for evacuation.

The first flight, which was to airlift approximately 270 passengers out of Johannesburg on Monday, was rescheduled to Wednesday due to logistical considerations, with the foreign ministry saying the delay was not caused by diplomatic setbacks but by operational issues requiring additional coordination.

The minister explained that the evacuation, being undertaken in coordination with the National Emergency Management Agency and other federal agencies, would be followed by rehabilitation support.

She stated, “This evacuation is being undertaken with NEMA. We are doing that with various government agencies and parastatals to ensure that once Nigerians come in, they can be rehabilitated.”

The current crisis was triggered by anti-immigration protests organised by groups including Operation Dudula and March for March in late April 2026, which generated widespread anxiety among foreign nationals across multiple South African provinces.

South Africa’s government has publicly objected to Nigeria’s evacuation plans, with South Africa’s foreign minister expressing concern and misgivings about the exercise during a call with Ojukwu on May 7.

Ojukwu said she held her ground, explaining to her South African counterpart, “I maintained that our government cannot stand by and watch the systematic harassment and humiliation of our nationals resident in South Africa as well as the extrajudicial killings of our people, and that the evacuation of our citizens who want to return home remains our government’s priority at this time.”

The Federal Government on May 4 summoned South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner, Lesoli Machele, for urgent talks at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.

Waves of xenophobic violence erupted in 2008, 2015 and 2019, each time displacing and killing foreign nationals, many of whom are Nigerians, and straining the bilateral relationship between the two countries.

Amid severe attacks in 2019, Air Peace CEO Allen Onyema had offered free evacuation flights for Nigerians wishing to leave.

Nigeria had recalled its High Commissioner from Pretoria as several South African businesses in Nigeria faced retaliatory attacks.

The Federal Government has given civil servants performing human resource functions across ministries, departments and agencies a one-year deadline to obtain approved professional certifications as part of efforts to professionalise human resource management in the Federal Civil Service.

An exclusive circular obtained by The PUNCHfrom the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation on Monday showed that officers currently serving in HR-related roles have been granted a 12-month moratorium to acquire recognised certifications or risk becoming ineligible for deployment to key personnel management positions.

The circular, addressed to all ministers, permanent secretaries, and heads of government agencies and parastatals, stated that the directive was issued in furtherance of earlier circulars on the professionalisation of human resource management in the Federal Civil Service.

According to the document, the policy sets out certification requirements, transitional arrangements and conditions for the deployment of administrative cadre officers to human resource roles across the service

The circular defined HR roles in ministries, extra-ministerial departments and agencies as positions responsible for workforce planning and recruitment, onboarding, employee records and information management, performance management, career progression, training and capacity development, staff welfare and compensation, discipline, employee and industrial relations, exit management and other duties approved by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

It stated that the OHCSF would only recognise professional HR certifications obtained from approved institutions, including the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, the Society for Human Resource Management, the Human Resource Certification Institute and Chartered Professionals in Human Resources.

The document added that other certification bodies may be recognised from time to time, subject to approval by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

A moratorium period of 12 months from the date of this circular is granted to all affected officers to obtain approved HR certifications,” the circular stated.

It added that officers could remain in their current positions or be deployed to HR-related duties during the transition period, provided they present verifiable evidence of enrolment and demonstrate progress toward obtaining certification within six months of the issuance of the circular.

The document further stated that upon the expiration of the moratorium, possession of an approved HR certification would become a mandatory requirement for deployment to human resource roles in HR departments across the Federal Civil Service, the Career Management Office, Service Policies and Strategies Office, Service Welfare Office within the OHCSF, and the Federal Civil Service Commission.

The circular noted that the directive takes immediate effect and directed ministries, departments and agencies to bring its contents to the attention of all affected staff for compliance.

The latest directive is part of ongoing reforms by the Federal Government to strengthen professionalism and improve efficiency in personnel administration across the public service.

In August 2023 and March 2024, the OHCSF introduced policies aimed at professionalising human resource management, a move designed to transform HR functions from a largely administrative responsibility into a specialised profession requiring recognised qualifications and competencies.

The reforms align with global best practices and are expected to enhance workforce planning, talent management, employee development, performance evaluation and succession planning across federal institutions.

Officials say the initiative is intended to build a more skilled and professional human resource workforce capable of supporting the Federal Government’s broader civil service transformation agenda and improving service delivery to Nigerians.

Online reports that over 40 pupils alongside their teachers were kidnapped during a coordinated attack on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, in the local government, on Friday, May 15, 2026, around 9:30 a.m.

Alamu, while issuing an emotional distress call from the kidnappers’ hideout, begged Nigerians to circulate the video and beg the government not to play politics with their lives.

She said in the viral video, “Good day, everyone. Please, I have come to make some clarifications. Today makes it the 24th day that we have been in this place. And it seems that some people are making our problems more complicated already. We were shown some print media where it was stated that these people who abducted us requested the release of some people. They requested N1 billion; they requested that Sharia law be enshrined in the country.

“These are not true. They are just trying to create problems for us. We have been here since, and we have not been forced to worship in an Islamic way. We have been left alone. They have not troubled us concerning that. They are not asking for Sharia law; they are not asking for money. The single thing they are looking for is the release of some of their people. I don’t know why they are peddling this rumour to make it complicated for us.

“Please, we are begging you, please, don’t play politics with our lives. Nigerians, please help us to circulate this, let it go viral. They are not asking for Sharia law. It’s not true. They are not asking for weapons; they are not asking for money. All they want is the release of some people. And the government should negotiate with them and know what they will release for them.

“I don’t know why they are playing politics with our lives. Please, Nigerians, our lives are in your hands. Please, help us make it go viral. Don’t let the government deceive the whole world. They are not asking for Sharia law, they are not asking for money, they are not asking for weapons. All they want is the release of some of their people. Please, let everybody know about it.”

The reassurance comes amid growing concern among parents and school authorities after reports emerged of a notice purportedly pasted at a school, claiming that bandits intended to attack and kidnap pupils.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, said the Command had assessed the situation and immediately activated enhanced security measures across the affected area and other strategic locations in the state.

“The Lagos State Police Command has seen reports of a threatening notice allegedly pasted at a school, claiming that bandits intend to attack and abduct school children.

The Command wishes to reassure parents, guardians, school authorities, and all residents that there is presently no verified intelligence indicating any imminent threat of such an attack within Lagos State,” the statement said.

The police, however, stressed that all security concerns are being treated with the utmost seriousness and urged residents to remain calm and avoid panic.

Commissioner of Police Tijani Fatai has directed an immediate security assessment and ordered what the Command described as “watertight security measures” to protect schools, critical infrastructure and communities.

Police personnel, working alongside other security agencies, have been deployed to strengthen security presence and prevent any potential threat.

The Command reiterated that Lagos remains secure and warned criminal elements against any attempt to disrupt public peace.

“The Command will not tolerate any attempt by miscreants, bandits, kidnappers, or other criminal elements to threaten the peace and safety of residents.

“Any individual or group found engaging in acts capable of causing fear, panic, or insecurity will be decisively dealt with in accordance with the law,” the statement said.

The police also urged residents to support security agencies by providing credible information and promptly reporting suspicious activities.

“Security is a collective responsibility, and effective policing thrives on active partnership between the Police and members of the public,” the statement added.

Residents were encouraged to report suspicious persons, objects or movements through the nearest police station or the Command’s emergency lines.

The Command assured Lagosians that all necessary measures were being taken to guarantee the continued safety and security of residents across the state.

“The public is once again assured that all hands are on deck to ensure the continued safety, security, and well-being of every resident of Lagos State,” the statement said.

The Deputy Commissioner of Operations in Delta, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, has issued a warning to individuals who mount intense pressure on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to release or pardon suspected criminals.

In a post shared on his official X handle on Monday, the former spokesperson for the NPF described such interventions as “shameful,” declaring that anyone who lobbies for the evasion of justice is “also a criminal.”

“I always maintain my stance and principles when it comes to fighting crimes and criminality. Don’t even bother to contact me, pleading for a criminal. It’s shameful, and it won’t work out well.

Anyone begging and mounting pressure on the police and security agencies to release or pardon a criminal or overlook a crime is also a criminal,” he wrote.

Adejobi concluded by charging the security architecture of the country and citizens to stand firm against vices, saying, “No two ways about it. We need to stand firm, remain resolute in curbing crimes and vices in our society, collectively.”

Adejobi’s remarks come amid terrorists’ demand for the release of detained fighters in exchange for the freedom of an abducted retired Major General and Oyo school pupils

The Osun State Government has cautioned the state police command against yielding to alleged political pressure in the handling of a suspected bandit linked to the Lameco area, warning against what it described as attempts to secure the suspect’s release on unsubstantiated psychiatric grounds.

The government’s reaction followed allegations by a civil society organisation, the Public Safety Accountability Group, which accused some high-profile members of the All Progressives Congress in the state of mounting pressure on the police to release the suspect on medical grounds.

According to the group, certain APC chieftains had allegedly visited police stations and sent emissaries to facilitate the suspect’s release, describing the move as an attempt to undermine efforts to dismantle a criminal gang.

The police had earlier responded by confirming that the suspect was undergoing psychiatric evaluation and that an herbalist had reportedly been treating him for mental illness for the past 10 years.

However, the police statement did not address allegations regarding the involvement of APC leaders in efforts to secure the suspect’s bail.

Reacting to the development on its X handle, the Osun State Government warned against the manipulation of law enforcement for partisan interests and urged the police command to remain vigilant against actions capable of undermining public confidence in the security system.

In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi on X on Monday, the government called on the police to provide clarification on several issues surrounding the case.

Where is the medical report on the reported psychiatric condition of the suspect? Who is the herbalist and where is his statement of treating the suspect for the last 10 years? Is it true that APC chieftains have visited and sent emissaries to the police to secure the release of the suspect?” the government queried.

The government also questioned the timing of the police response to the matter.

“Why was the police silent on the Lameco suspect until the civil society group raised eyebrows on the subject?” the statement asked.

The state government warned the police against actions that could embolden criminal elements at a delicate time for the state’s security.

“The state police command should be wary of actions and activities that may embolden criminals in this delicate period,” the statement said.

It further called the attention of the Inspector-General of Police and other security agencies to the development, urging them to ensure transparency and professionalism in the handling of the case.

The government also tasked the Commissioner of Police in Osun State with halting what it described as the politicisation of a sensitive security matter.

“The commissioner of police should stop the ongoing politicisation of a delicate state security matter,” the statement noted.

Shettima spoke at the Invest Lagos Summit 3.0 on Monday, where he praised the city’s economic history, leadership structure and role in shaping national prosperity.

He said, “Lagos is the live wire of our continent,” adding that “Lagos is the furnace in which our ideas are tested against the discipline of execution,” as he outlined the state’s importance to Nigeria’s economic direction.

The Vice President said Lagos represents the space where national ambitions are refined into practical outcomes, stressing that the city continues to shape Nigeria’s economic future.

He said Lagos remains a critical driver of national progress, noting that it reflects the country’s capacity to translate ideas into tangible development when supported by leadership and structure.

Shettima also credited Lagos for producing major business figures, stating that “it was Lagos that gave Africa its richest man, not Kano. Aliko Dangote is a Lagos man.”

He added that Africa’s second richest man, Abdulsamad Rabiu of BUA Group, also emerged from the Lagos economic environment, reinforcing the city’s influence on continental wealth creation.

According to him, “Lagos made almost everybody who is who in Nigeria,” while adding personal reflection, saying, “I am also a Lagos boy.”

Shettima further said Lagos has evolved into a model of governance and economic resilience, crediting successive leadership for its transformation over the years.

He said the state has demonstrated that “a place may be crowded without being confused, prosperous without being complacent, and ambitious without losing its soul.”

The Vice President also referenced the political foundation of modern Lagos leadership, noting that President Bola Tinubu “planted the tree whose shade has sheltered a succession of leaders committed to futurist ideas, institutional continuity, and disciplined governance.”

He said the foundation laid over the years has enabled Lagos to grow into a continental economic powerhouse.

Reflecting on the city’s past, Shettima said Lagos had undergone significant transformation, noting that it had once faced severe urban challenges but had since improved through sustained governance reforms.

He added that Lagos now stands as a major economic centre, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s GDP and hosting a large share of Africa’s leading startups and unicorn companies.

The Vice President said, “Of the nine unicorns in Africa, five are based in Nigeria, all in Lagos,” underscoring the city’s dominance in the continent’s innovation and investment ecosystem.

A married woman identified as Oluchi has been found in a hotel in Delta State after she faked her abduction and demanded N50 million from her family.

Children of the woman, including her daughter in Canada, had pleaded with the public to help them raise money even as the kidnappers reduced the ransom to N20m.

They had told the police that their mother was kidnapped at the Ikpoba Hill area of Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State.

But the police investigation led its crack team to Delta State, where the supposedly kidnapped woman was found with her lover in a hotel.

A source said, “Police traced the number of the man to a hotel in Ubiaroko, Delta State. They met the man and the kidnapped woman inside a hotel. They called the husband, and he was happy. It was at the station that the police broke the news to him. The wife begged the husband not to tell her children what actually transpired.”

In an online video, her daughter, Anita, who is based in Canada, said her mum’s action has shattered the family. She vowed that the family would allow the law to take its course.

According to her, “My mum has been released. My mum is involved in this kidnapping case. I only did what I did to save my mom. The family is in shock. This is not right. This has shattered my family. My dad has some health issues. This is so unfortunate. What did I do wrong?

My reputation has been ruined. I am short of words. I am so mad. I have no hand in this. I never knew. I only wanted my mother back home. The law will take its course. I am sorry this is happening. I only did what any daughter would do. My family has been shattered.

We were called that my mum has been released. We didn’t pay the kidnappers. The money is intact. We are going to make a refund. We involved the Police from the beginning. We now know it was not a real kidnapping. They said my mom is involved. They are having a relationship. The guy was traced. They had agreed to take what we already raised to N20m.”

The Harmony Ladies Club, a social club Anita belongs to, in a statement on its WhatsApp group and forwarded to journalists, dissociated itself from the staged kidnapping.

It expressed deep disappointment, shock, and embarrassment at Mrs. Oluchi’s actions.

The statement read, “When news of her alleged abduction broke, the club acted swiftly in good faith. Out of sisterhood, love, and a sense of community responsibility, we rallied immediately.

“Our members provided extensive emotional, logistical, and financial support during what we believed was a life-threatening crisis, carrying the heavy burden of anxiety alongside her family.

“It is with a profound sense of betrayal that we have now discovered, through investigations, that the entire kidnapping incident was staged by Mrs. Oluchi herself.”

Edo Police spokesman, Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the incident and said four persons have been arrested in connection with the incident.

She added, “I can confirm the incident and also let you know that four people have also been arrested in connection with the incident.”

A media executive, Mr Femi Obong-Daniels, has warned that radio stations risk becoming irrelevant if they fail to adapt to changing audience habits in the digital era, stressing that the biggest threat to the industry is not social media but uninspiring content.

Obong-Daniels, who is the General Manager of Cool FM, Wazobi FM and Nigeria Info, made the assertion on Monday while delivering a keynote address at the 10th anniversary celebration of LASU Radio 95.7FM, the campus radio station of Lagos State University.

The event, held at the Femi Gbajabiamila Conference Centre on the university’s main campus in Ojo, Lagos, brought together broadcast industry leaders, academics, students and media professionals to discuss the future of campus broadcasting in a rapidly evolving digital environment.

Speaking on the theme, “Campus Radio in the Digital Era: Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of LASU Radio,” Obong-Daniels said radio must evolve beyond traditional terrestrial broadcasting if it hopes to remain relevant in an age dominated by digital platforms.

The keynote address was delivered on his behalf by Mr Chuma Nnoli, Head of Sports at Cool FM, Wazobia FM and Nigeria Info.

“The biggest question facing radio globally today is whether radio can still matter in the digital era. My answer is simple: yes, but only if radio understands that the world has changed permanently,” he said.

According to him, the rise of social media platforms, podcasting, streaming services and artificial intelligence has fundamentally altered how audiences consume information and entertainment.

The real threat to radio is not social media; it is boring radio. The danger is not digital media; the danger is irrelevant broadcasting,” he stated.

He noted that modern radio stations must transform into multimedia content hubs capable of engaging audiences across various digital platforms.

“Radio can no longer exist only on radio. A modern radio station is now a content ecosystem, a social media brand, a podcast platform, a livestream hub, a community builder and a digital conversation engine,” he added.

Obong-Daniels described campus radio stations as critical training grounds for the next generation of journalists, broadcasters, content creators and communication professionals.

“Campus radio is not merely training broadcasters; it is shaping communicators, thinkers, creators, journalists, digital strategists, influencers and civic voices. LASU Radio is not simply producing presenters; it is producing future media architects,” he said.

He urged students to acquire skills in podcasting, digital storytelling, audience engagement, branding, content creation and the use of artificial intelligence tools, noting that the future media landscape would increasingly reward versatility and innovation.

The media executive also challenged LASU Radio to strengthen its digital presence through podcasting initiatives, multimedia production, content archiving, creator development programmes and strategic industry partnerships.

“LASU Radio should aim not merely to be a campus station; it should aim to become a recognised media innovation hub in Nigeria,” he said.

The anniversary celebration attracted the Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, members of the university management, media practitioners and industry stakeholders.

The event also featured a panel discussion on the future of campus broadcasting, with participants examining the impact of emerging technologies on journalism and broadcasting as well as opportunities available to young media professionals.

Over the last decade, LASU Radio has served as a practical training platform for students of communication and media studies while contributing to information dissemination, education and community development within and outside the university community.

Stakeholders at the event reaffirmed the need for innovation and digital transformation as the station begins its second decade of operation.

The Lagos Waste Management Authority has condemned the attack on its enforcement officers by suspected illegal waste operators during an environmental monitoring exercise along the Lagos–Badagry Expressway.

The Managing Director of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, issued the condemnation in a statement released on Monday in Lagos by the agency’s Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Mukaila Sanusi.

Gbadegesin described the incident as unacceptable and warned against any attempt to obstruct the agency’s lawful enforcement activities.

According to him, the attack occurred on Sunday at Mazamaza Bus Stop, shortly after FESTAC First Gate, during a routine environmental monitoring and compliance operation.

He said the enforcement team encountered individuals allegedly engaged in illegal waste disposal while carrying out their statutory duties.

“The enforcement team was attacked by suspected illegal waste operators and cart pushers who attempted to obstruct the exercise,” he said.

Our enforcement officers were carrying out their statutory responsibilities when they were attacked by individuals seeking to frustrate government efforts,” he added.

Gbadegesin described the incident as a direct affront to government efforts to safeguard public health and maintain environmental sanitation across the state.

He stressed that such actions would not deter the agency from fulfilling its mandate of ensuring a clean and healthy environment.

The managing director noted that assaults on enforcement personnel constitute a serious offence under the law, adding that anyone found involved in the attack or obstruction would face prosecution.

He said efforts were underway to identify and apprehend all those connected to the incident.

Gbadegesin added that despite the attack, the enforcement team continued its monitoring operation along key corridors, including Iyana Iba, Okokomaiko, and Agbara.

He explained that the exercise forms part of ongoing efforts to curb indiscriminate waste disposal and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

According to him, illegal cart-pushing activities and unauthorised dumpsites remain major challenges to effective waste management in Lagos State, posing significant risks to public health and environmental safety.

He urged residents and businesses to patronise only approved waste service providers and dispose of waste through authorised channels.

Gbadegesin also called on the public to support government efforts by complying with environmental laws and reporting illegal waste disposal activities.

He reaffirmed LAWMA’s commitment to sustained enforcement across the state, warning that offenders would continue to face sanctions.

The Police in Ekiti State said on Monday that two additional suspects had been arrested in connection with the abduction and assault on the Chairman of Ikere-West Local Council Development Area, Rufus Olorunfemi and one Funso Ajayi.

The police also dismissed allegations by the People’s Democratic Party deputy governorship candidate in next week’s election, Ayodeji Ogunsakin, that the Command was intimidating, harassing and illegally arresting their members through its Rapid Response Squad Unit.

Recall that the police had said over the weekend that they arrested an initial three suspects who abducted the council boss at Ikere Ekiti.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Ekiti State Command, Sunday Abutu, said in a statement in Ado Ekiti that “two suspects, one Daramola Sehinde and Oluyede Dapo, were arrested on the 6th of June, 2026, by the Command Violent Crime Response Unit in addition to the three suspects arrested on June 4th 2026.

They were arrested over the alleged conspiracy, abduction and assault occasioning harm on Ikere-West LCDA Chairman, Hon. Rufus Olorunfemi and one Funso Ajayi.

“The suspects arrested will be objectively and thoroughly investigated and charged in court, while efforts are underway to arrest other suspects mentioned in connection with the crime,” he stated.

Abutu said, “The attention of the Ekiti State Police Command has been drawn to the press conference granted by the PDP Deputy Governorship Candidate, Deji Ogunsakin, alleging the command of intimidating, harassing and illegally arresting their members ahead of the forthcoming election through its RRS Unit.

The Command wishes to state clearly that no illegal arrest was made and no arrest was unjustifiably targeted at any political party member for any political reason as alleged.”

According to the police spokesperson, the suspects arrested were in connection with an alleged conspiracy, abduction and assault occasioning harm to the council boss.

The Police Command, while reiterating commitment to justice, professionalism and the rule of law, reiterated that “it will never be intimidated or deterred through propaganda, emotional outbursts or usual political gimmicks from performing its statutory responsibilities of maintaining law and order irrespective of the citizens’ individual political, religious or cultural affiliations”.

Abutu stated that the State Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, while calling on everyone to be law-abiding, avoid fake narratives and be security-conscious, maintained that the Command under his watch would never engage in unlawful arrests, detentions and/or intimidation of citizens.

The association said the development is coming at a time when farmers are already battling severe post-harvest losses, declining prices of farm produce, and rising costs of agricultural inputs.

Chairman of FADA in Plateau State, Mr. Geoffrey Monday Bisat, stated this in a press statement released in Jos on Monday , where he expressed sympathy with farmers over what he described as one of the most difficult farming seasons in recent years.

According to him, many farmers have suffered significant losses due to the sharp drop in the prices of grains and other agricultural commodities, a situation that has reduced profitability and discouraged investment in farming.

While sharing in the pains of our farmers, we wish to strongly caution against the increasing circulation of fake and adulterated fertilizers and other farm inputs in various markets.

“At a time when farmers are already grappling with economic hardship and losses, it would be unacceptable for desperate individuals to further exploit them through the sale of substandard agricultural products,” he said.

Bisat warned that fake fertilizers not only reduce crop yields but also pose a serious threat to food security and the livelihoods of thousands of farming households dependent on agriculture.

He stressed that the association would not remain silent while unscrupulous dealers undermine genuine farmers through the distribution of adulterated farm inputs.

The FADA chairman urged farmers across Plateau State to patronise only approved, reputable and registered fertilizer and agro-allied dealers to avoid falling victim to fraudsters.

He also called on farmers and members of the public to report cases of fake fertilizer distribution to relevant security and regulatory agencies, including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), FADA offices, and the Ministry of Agriculture.

Bisat further lamented the continued rise in the prices of fertilizers and other agricultural inputs, saying the situation has worsened the challenges faced by farmers this season.

He, however, clarified that the price increase was not caused by dealers or stakeholders within the agricultural supply chain.

According to him, the development is largely driven by disruptions in the global market and geopolitical tensions affecting petrochemical products used in the production of fertilizers and agrochemicals.

He expressed optimism that prices would stabilise as global market conditions improve and international tensions ease.

The association reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the availability of genuine and quality fertilizers across Plateau State, stressing that sustainable agriculture and food security depend on protecting farmers from exploitation and ensuring access to standard farm inputs.

Bisat called on government agencies, security operatives, and stakeholders in the agricultural sector to intensify efforts toward eliminating fake fertilizers from the market and safeguarding the future of farming in the state.

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command on Monday launched a specialised Violent Crime Response Unit aimed at combating kidnapping, armed robbery, violent attacks and other serious crimes across Abuja and its satellite communities.

Speaking during the inauguration, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ahmed Sanusi, said the unit was established on the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, as part of efforts to strengthen operational effectiveness and improve public safety.

Sanusi said the creation of the unit reflected the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to proactively addressing emerging security threats and enhancing its response capabilities.

“The Violent Crime Response Unit is a specialised intervention unit established by the Inspector-General of Police as part of efforts aimed at confronting violent crime and strengthening operational effectiveness across commands nationwide,” he said.

According to him, the unit has been strategically divided into five operational sectors to ensure wider coverage, faster response, improved intelligence gathering and effective crime-fighting operations throughout the FCT.

“This sectoral structure is designed to ensure that no area is left vulnerable and that policing services remain proactive, visible and responsive,” he added.

The police commissioner disclosed that officers deployed to the unit were carefully selected and rigorously trained based on competence, discipline and operational capacity.

The officers and men making up this unit have been carefully selected, thoroughly screened and rigorously trained for this assignment. Their selection was not accidental. It was based on competence, discipline, operational capacity and the ability to function effectively under demanding circumstances,” he said.

Sanusi charged members of the new unit to uphold professionalism and respect for human rights in the discharge of their duties, warning that misconduct would not be tolerated.

He said,”You must conduct yourself with the highest level of professionalism, discipline, restraint and integrity. You are expected to operate in accordance with established laws, police regulations, human rights principles and globally accepted policing standards.

“Let me state clearly that no form of misconduct, abuse of authority, intimidation, harassment, extortion or extrajudicial use of power will be tolerated under any circumstance.”

The CP also appealed to residents of the territory to support security agencies with timely information, stressing that effective security requires collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities.

“Security cannot succeed through the effort of security agencies alone. Sustained security can only be achieved through collective action, collaboration and mutual trust between law enforcement agencies and the communities we serve,” he said.

Also speaking, the Commander of the Guards Brigade, Brig. Gen. Adebisi Onasanya, commended the initiative and urged members of the unit to justify the confidence reposed in them.

“I am aware of the efforts that the CP put in to ensure that your training was top-notch. To whom much is given, much is expected. You must justify that confidence that he has in you,” he said.

Onasanya described the unit as a force multiplier and expressed confidence that it would make a significant impact on security in the FCT.

“He has created this unit to serve as force multipliers and the FCT must feel your impact. Go out there and show them the stuff of which you are made of,” he charged.

The brigade commander assured the police of the military’s continued support, noting that soldiers were deployed across the FCT, including area councils, to assist security operations.

“We are always here to provide the necessary support and backing. We have established communication links and we are going to improve on it to ensure that our operations yield very positive results,” he said.

During the event, the FCT Police Command also presented a special commendation award to the Commander of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, CSP Mustafa Mohammed, for his gallantry during a high-risk anti-kidnapping operation conducted in the Bwari area of the FCT on June 5, 2026.

Presenting the award, Onasanya described Mohammed as a dependable officer whose dedication had contributed significantly to joint security operations.

This is a very reliable officer. Call him any time, day or night, and you can be sure he will respond,” he said.

The traditional institution also pledged support for the new initiative.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the FCT Council of Chiefs, the Ona of Abaji, Adamu Yunusa said the establishment of the VCRU was a timely response to growing security concerns.

“The establishment of the VCRU is not merely an addition to the security architecture of the Territory; it is a bold and timely declaration that violent crime will no longer find a foothold in our communities,” he said.

The traditional ruler assured the police of continued cooperation from community leaders in intelligence gathering and efforts to curb criminal activities across the territory.

On May 6, 2026, the Inspector-General of Police, announced the establishment of a new Violent Crime Response Unit as part of ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening the operational capacity of the Nigeria Police Force.

The specialised unit was created to enhance the police’s ability to respond swiftly to violent crimes, including kidnapping, armed robbery, and other organised criminal activities, while improving intelligence gathering and operational effectiveness across commands nationwide.

The West African Examinations Council has attributed the delayed conduct of some papers in the ongoing 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination to a combination of logistical and operational challenges, particularly a fatal road accident that claimed the lives of three of its officials.

WAEC disclosed this in a statement on Monday by its Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola Adesina.

Three WAEC officials died on Wednesday in a road accident along the Gombe-Yola highway following a collision involving a truck.

WAEC said the accident, which occurred while personnel were transporting sensitive examination materials across states, disrupted its distribution schedule and significantly delayed the commencement of some examinations at affected centres.

Recall that candidates who sat for the Mathematics and Agricultural Science papers last Wednesday and Thursday in several centres across Oyo, Lagos and Osun states were forced to sit their examinations late into the evening due to delays in the delivery of question papers and answer booklets.

In some centres, candidates relied on torchlights, mobile phone flashlights and solar-powered lamps to complete their papers, which began after 8 pm, while others moved outside classrooms after sunset to take advantage of available light.

According to WAEC, preliminary investigations revealed that the disruption resulted from a combination of factors, including the fatal accident, prevailing security challenges, issues surrounding the finalisation of examination modalities and the late registration of candidates.

The council stated, “The delay was caused by a combination of logistical and operational challenges, notably the direct result of a devastating motor accident on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, which tragically claimed the lives of three of our dedicated personnel who were transporting sensitive examination materials interstate.

“This heartbreaking loss, coupled with prevailing regional security challenges, severely compromised our distribution schedule, which inadvertently led to the delayed start times.

While we mourned our fallen colleagues, our team of indefatigable staff worked around the clock to deploy emergency contingency measures to ensure that the examination was still conducted in the affected areas.”

The council further noted that the delays were compounded by challenges linked to the finalisation of examination arrangements and the late registration of candidates, which affected the timely production of examination materials.

It also noted that security concerns, including protests triggered by the abduction of schoolchildren in some areas, hampered the distribution of examination materials.

“The issues of finalising the mode of conduct of the examination and the subsequent late registration of candidates affected the timely preparation of examination materials.

“Security challenges which led to mass protests against the abduction of schoolchildren also affected the timely distribution of examination materials in spite of the council’s best efforts,” WAEC stated.

The council stated that measures had been put in place to prevent a recurrence of the delays during the remaining papers.

According to WAEC, the smooth conduct recorded on Friday, June 5, indicated that the challenges had largely been addressed.

“The council hereby assures the general public that it has put modalities in place to ensure that the rest of the examination is conducted hitch-free, as observed from the conduct of the examination on Friday, June 5, 2026,” it said.

The 2026 May/June WASSCE for school candidates, which began on Tuesday, April 21, is scheduled to end on Friday, June 19, 2026.

Officers of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested one Akaninyene Udo for allegedly deploying social media platforms to circulate false, misleading and provocative security-related messages aimed at creating fear, panic and unnecessary apprehension among residents of the state.

A statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, in Uyo on Monday said the suspect, a resident of Akpautong, Esit Eket Local Government Area, who operates on social media under the name “AK Philo,” was apprehended following investigations into a viral social media post in which he circulated a threatening message titled, “Eket get ready for us.”

The post, which was accompanied by an image of an armed bandit, generated fear and widespread concern among residents of Eket and its environs, the statement added.

While emphasising that there is no cause for alarm, the command noted that the security situation across the state remains calm, stable and under control, assuring that the police and other security agencies would continue to maintain vigilance and deploy proactive measures to safeguard lives and property.

Akwa Ibom State Police Command has observed with concern the activities of certain individuals who use social media platforms to circulate false, misleading and provocative security-related messages aimed at creating fear, panic and unnecessary apprehension among residents of the state.

“The Command wishes to assure the good people of Akwa Ibom State that there is no cause for alarm. The security situation across the state remains calm, stable and under control, while the police and other security agencies continue to maintain vigilance and deploy proactive measures to safeguard lives and property.

“In line with its commitment to preserving public peace and order, the Command has arrested one suspect, Akaninyene Udo, a resident of Akpautong, Esit Eket Local Government Area, who operates on social media under the name ‘AK Philo.

The suspect was apprehended following investigations into a viral social media post in which he circulated a threatening message stating, ‘Eket get ready for us,’ accompanied by an image of an armed bandit. The post generated fear and widespread concern among residents of Eket and its environs,” the statement said.

The command, while noting that it has concluded investigations into the matter and assuring that efforts have been intensified to track other individuals using social media content to spread fear, however, warned the public against the creation, publication or sharing of unverified security alerts, fake news and other misleading information.

It further advised residents to verify security-related information through official channels and credible sources before sharing or acting on such reports.

The statement read, “Investigation into the matter has been concluded, and the suspect will soon be charged in court in accordance with the provisions of the law. Efforts are also ongoing to identify and apprehend other individuals who may have collaborated in disseminating the false and inciting content.

“The Command, therefore, warns members of the public against the creation, publication or sharing of unverified security alerts, fake news and other misleading information capable of disturbing public peace. Such actions constitute criminal offences and offenders will be traced, arrested and prosecuted.

“Residents are advised to verify security-related information through official channels and credible sources before sharing or acting on such reports. The Akwa Ibom State Police Command remains committed to ensuring the continued peace, security and stability of the state.

“Members of the public are encouraged to remain calm, law-abiding, and promptly report suspicious activities or genuine security concerns to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency lines. Together, we will continue to keep Akwa Ibom State safe and secure.”

The Oyo State Government, on Monday, began the demolition of a kidnapper’s hideout located in the Lakoun community, along the Ayegun-Olojuoro Road in Ibadan.

The structure was identified as the operational base where Mrs Olaide Adegoke John-Paul, the younger sister of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, and her 12-year-old twin sons were held captive before their rescue over the weekend.

Sharing a video of the demolition on X on Monday, an Oyo-based local media platform, Oyo Affairs, wrote, “The Oyo State Government has demolished kidnappers’ den at Lakoun, Ayegun-Olojuoro road, Ibadan, where the sister of former Minister Adebayo Adelabu and her children were held captive.”

The flattening of the criminal den was said to follow a high-powered security assessment of the site led by the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Oluwagbemiga Abimbola, on Sunday.

reports that two members of the kidnapping syndicate involved in the abduction were shot dead during the rescue operation on Saturday, after which four arrested suspects where paraded on Sunday at the State Police Headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan, urging residents to remain vigilant and report fleeing members of the kidnapping syndicate.

By Kayode Odunaro
 
By June 9, 2026 Senator Solomon Adeola would have been representing the people of Ogun West senatorial district for three years in the Red Chamber of the National Assembly. For this ranking parliamentarian popularly called ‘Yayi’ by his admirers across board, his representation is nothing short of unprecedented on all scores, a fact that has been well documented not only across all media platforms but  in tales told across international borders as an exemplar of what an ideal representation should be relative to the sometimes parlous deliveries of some legislators. His doings for the indigents and other persons have often been destiny changing and testimonies abounds in the public domain of his philanthropy.
 
But for majority of people of his present senatorial district and indeed Ogun State and elsewhere, Yayi is nothing but God sent to take Ogun State to a new level of inclusive and holistic development for the utmost good of the majority of the people. Not a few are amazed at the accomplishments he has delivered to Ogun West and other parts of Ogun State for the good of the people in three years as a senator of Ogun West.
 
 In addition to performing his constitutional duties as a lawmaker and overseer of the executive arm of government, Senator Adeola has more than fulfilled all his campaign promises for the generality of the people through concise and cognate facilitations of massive infrastructural projects as well as mega empowerment that are contents for many viral videos on social media platforms.
 
For the record Senator Adeola has sponsored 16 legislative bills on the floor of the 10th Senate in the last three. His record in this functional area is in the category of highest first eleven among the 109 members of the 10th Senate. One of the bills for the upgrade of the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro to a University of Technology, Ilaro, has been passed by both Chambers of the National Assembly and signed into an Act of the National Assembly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This effectively brings a first ever federal university into his district.  Another bill to amend the over 50 years old Chartered Institute of Accountants in Nigeria, ICAN Act, has passed second reading and public hearing. It is awaiting passage by the Senate while another bill for the establishment of Federal College of Geological and Cement Studies Iselu, Yewa North has passed second reading and is ready for public hearing. And as the chairman of the Appropriation Committee, he has successfully midwifed three Appropriation Acts of 2024, 2025 and 2026 as well as amendment bill to 2025 Appropriation Act and two Supplementary Appropriation Bills.
 
On record also, Senator Adeola has moved 5 motions that were passed into Senate resolutions dealing with matters of local and national issues. One of such was the motion on the allegation against the Senate and the Presidency on 2024 Appropriation Act that led to a resolution briefly suspending Senator Abdul Ningi for about a month. Another was the re-opening of petrol stations along international border areas that is now being implemented to alleviate the hardship of Nigerians along borders areas.
 
But for the people of Ogun West Senatorial District and elsewhere in Ogun State, it is in the area of infrastructure development of great magnitude and multi-billion expenditure that the enduring impact of Senator Adeola are gleefully praised for making a great difference. Some of these projects are total restorations of projects abandoned and decrepit since execution in the time of late sage Chief Obafemi Awolowo! As at three years in office as senator of Ogun West, Yayi has completed over 852 infrastructural projects that are in use across the 5 LGAs of Ado-Odo-Ota, Ipokia, Yewa South, Yewa North and Imeko Afon and in the two other senatorial districts of Ogun State.
 
These projects cannot be listed in a review here for their extensive numbers but suffice to note that they are always listed in the brochures of his empowerment programmes and not a few Ogun State indigenes and other residents can testify to seeing or indeed enjoying these visible projects. Of the numbers, 169 are domiciled in Ogun Central Senatorial district while 108 are in Ogun East Senatorial District.  These projects in their numbers cut across construction of roads, school buildings, ICT Centres, primary healthcare centres and Intensive Care Units ICUs, modern markets, Police Stations, Townhalls, supply of transformers and solar street lights projects across communities numbering over 30,000 poles. At present, several other new projects are in various stages of completion while work is ongoing at advance stage on others like the critical Rounda-Olorunda- Imeko Road abandoned for years in a state of collapse and the 107 Kilometer Ilara-Ilase Road cutting across 4 out of 5 LGAs and over 20 major communities of the senatorial district.
 
Senator Adeola has also facilitated the donation of buses and minibuses numbering 74 over for such diverse groups as traditional rulers, Muslim and Christian groups, Market Women, tertiary institutions and other groups across the three senatorial districts of Ogun State. And in addition to construction of a couple of new Police Stations to boost security, he facilitated the donation of security vehicles for Police in Ilaro, Sango, Agbara, Imeko, Idiroko Area Commands as well as DSS and NSCDC, Ogun State Commands.
 
 One may want to agree with some observers that notes poignantly that Ogun West in the last three years of Senator Adeola has had more variegated and evenly spread infrastructure development projects than it did through all administrations since the creation of the state over 50 years ago! That is how exceptional and impactful the last three years of Senator Adeola has brought to bear as a demonstration of good governance under a democracy and fulfilling the promises of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
 
Again, Senator Adeola has ensured personal impact and human resource development in Ogun West and beyond in the last three years in the form of facilitation of mega empowerment programmes that had touched no fewer than 50,0000 constituents directly. A resolute believer in touching lives directly, these facilitations often take the form of skills acquisition trainings for women and youths and subsequent empowerment for with multi-million-naira worth equipment and cash grants to start income generating self- employment. At the second town hall meeting and empowerment programme, some of the trainees in leather goods turned out with products that led Senator Adeola to promise the establishment of a complex dedicated solely for leather products in the senatorial district. For follow ups and future assistance, a record of all beneficiaries of the Senator’s empowerment are captured in programme brochures.
 
The senator has also facilitated cash grants for market women to assist them in their trades. During the first edition of the programme 5,000 women benefitted to the tune of N25,000 each with the money paid directly into their account. The second edition saw additional 10,0000 women benefitting from a N50,000 grant that extended to women in other markets in Ogun State beyond Ogun West Senatorial District. Similarly, 6000 farmers in clusters and individually were empowered with tractors, farm implements, improved seedlings and other inputs as well as cash grants.
 
In the educational sector and beyond the construction of school buildings that had increased classrooms to over 200, Senator Adeola scholarship and bursary awards facilitation in tertiary institutions to the tune N200,000 and N100,000 respectively has so far benefitted about 5,000 undergraduates. The process for another round of scholarships and bursary award for about 6,000 students is about being concluded by the Scholarship and Bursary Board headed by Professor Tope Popoola as I write. On religious level, Senator Adeola continues with goodwill gestures of massive gifts of rice, rams, cows and hampers during festive seasons as well as sponsorship of Muslims and Christians pilgrims to Holy Lands in their numbers. In the last three years Senator Adeola has sponsored over 500 Ogun State indigenes to Mecca, Saudi Arabia on Hajj and Christians to Jerusalem, Israel on pilgrimage respectively.
 
There is doubt that in the last three years as senator representing Ogun West, Senator Adeola has more than fulfilled all items on his campaign manifesto and promises he made while seeking office. Senator Adeola representation is nothing short of exceptional from all angles for a law maker. It is this exceptionalism in showing what good governance should look like that has made him the talk of the town across Ogun State. No doubt his developmental focus and impact may be largely responsible for his unprecedented and historical emergence as the consensus candidate for the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC for Ogun State governorship election in 2027 and his subsequent election through direct primary as the candidate of APC. There is no doubt that Ogun State indigenes believe a repeat of his doings in Ogun West as a senator is a good model for the whole Ogun State going forward. The remaining years of his representation promise to be more exceptional.

High Chief Kayode Odunaro kayodunaro@hotmail.com

write from Alaagba Compound, Ilaro, Yewa South LGA, Ogun State.

The Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Babatunde Adewale AJAYI (Torungbuwa II), has charged renowned community leader and philanthropist, Dr. (Mrs.) Oluwatoyin Sakirat MADEIN, to remain steadfast in her service to humanity, declaring that “her best is yet to come” as Nigeria, Remoland and her hometown of Iperu continue to need her contributions. The royal father gave the charge on Saturday, 30th May, 2026, at the Royal Haven Event Centre, Sagamu, during the 8th Anniversary Celebration of Egbe Degbuyi Remo, where Dr. MADEIN was formally installed as the group's Matron.

The colourful anniversary celebration featured the induction of new members, investiture of patrons and matrons, presentation of awards to deserving members, and a fundraising drive towards the completion of the group's Permanent Secretariat and Club House.

Speaking at the event, the Akarigbo eulogised Dr. MADEIN, the first female and the immediate past Accountant General of the Federation, for her steadfast commitment to the development of Nigeria, Remoland and Iperu, describing her as one of the most distinguished daughters of Remo land. He commended her consistent readiness to support communal development initiatives whenever called upon to do so.

The monarch described her as a pride of Remoland and challenged the notion held by some that the region lacks capable and accomplished women. According to him, there is currently a list being compiled for an important upcoming assignment in Remoland which, regrettably, does not contain the name of any woman. He therefore publicly declared Mrs. MADEIN as the first female whose name would be included on the list, citing her exemplary record of service, leadership and impact.

Oba Adewale AJAYI rejoiced with MADEIN on her 61st birthday, book presentation, and foundation launch held last March. He stated that he would have loved to attend the event but was unable to do so due to an engagement abroad. He prayed for her to enjoy many more years in good health, happiness, and fulfillment.

The royal father also congratulated the Giwa of Egbe Degbuyi Remo, Gbuyi Saheed OLOYEDE, and the entire membership for the successful organisation of the anniversary celebration. He praised the association's numerous empowerment programmes and community intervention initiatives, noting that their contributions have earned them a place of honour at the palace.
While calling for deeper collaboration between the palace and the group, particularly in the area of security, the monarch stressed that no meaningful development can thrive in an atmosphere of insecurity.
“No amount of empowerment or giving back to society can achieve the desired impact if the people do not have peace of mind. Security remains a key prerequisite for a peaceful and progressive society,” he stated.

The Akarigbo further advocated the establishment of a dedicated social fund to support security-related interventions, noting that the financial demands of maintaining security continue to increase.
He also congratulated the newly invested patrons and matrons, all of whom he described as longstanding friends of the palace and familiar faces committed to the development of Remoland.

Responding, an elated Dr.. MADEIN, who is the Founder and Chairperson of the Olowo Oloye Foundation, expressed profound appreciation to Egbe Degbuyi Remo for finding her worthy of the prestigious appointment as Matron. She pledged to work closely with the association in advancing its programmes and developmental objectives.
She stated that her confidence in the organisation was strengthened by the integrity and character of one of its members she already knows personally, adding that she believes the association is made up of men committed to honour, service and community development.

Dr. MADEIN also appreciated her husband, Engr. Sir Adeleke MADEIN; her close friend, Dr. Joke SOFOWORA; and members of the Blessed Bomode Oku Society, who accompanied her to the event and shared in the honour bestowed upon her.
Reaffirming her commitment to the ideals of Egbe Degbuyi Remo, she pledged her continued support for initiatives that promote human development, social advancement and community upliftment across Remoland and beyond.

The event drew distinguished sons and daughters of Remoland, traditional rulers, professionals, community stakeholders and development partners, all united in celebrating eight years of impactful service by Egbe Degbuyi Remo and its contributions to the growth and progress of society.

Also inaugurated alongside Dr. MADEIN as Matron, is Dr. (Mrs.) Oluremi Falilat RUNSEWE, while Hon. Oladipupo ADEBUTU, Otunba Tunji LAWAL-SOLARIN, Mr. Sammy OGUNJIMI, and Engr. Adewale FAYEMI were installed as Patrons.

Dr. MADEIN was appointed in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the development of Remoland, Ogun State, and Nigeria at large.

According to the leadership of the group in its letter dated 2nd March, 2026, and jointly signed by the Giwa of Egbe Degbuyi Remo, Gbuyi Saheed Olawale OLOYEDE, and the Otun Giwa of Egbe Degbuyi Remo and Chairman of the Anniversary Planning Committee, Gbuyi Dr. Olajuwon Ariyo ABIJO, the appointment is in celebration of Dr. MADEIN's visionary leadership, selfless service, and steadfast commitment to societal advancement. The group noted that her contributions have left an enduring impact on the preservation of traditional heritage and the promotion of national development.

The appointment is regarded as a significant milestone for Egbe Degbuyi Remo, as the group looks forward to benefiting from Dr. MADEIN's wealth of experience, wisdom, and guidance. The group expressed confidence that her role as Matron will further strengthen its advisory structure and enhance its efforts toward community development and the advancement of the noble aspirations of Remoland.

Temitope OYEKAN
Consultant on Media to Dr. MADEIN
7th June 2026

A day after offering prayers for the safe return of victims abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, Madam Olufunmilayo Adelabu found herself facing a similar nightmare when her daughter and twin grandsons were kidnapped.

The elderly matriarch, mother of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, disclosed this while speaking with journalists at her residence in the Challenge area of Ibadan on Sunday, following the successful rescue of her daughter and grandchildren by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force.

Recounting the emotional ordeal, Madam Adelabu said she was left heartbroken and overwhelmed with grief when news of the abduction reached her.

“I was devastated when I heard what had happened. It brought me to tears because no mother wishes to receive such frightening news about her children and grandchildren,” she said.

What made the experience even more poignant, according to her, was that she had spent the previous day praying for the release of victims who had been kidnapped in the Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

I had sincerely prayed for those who were in captivity in Oriire, asking God to bring them home safely. I never imagined that the very next day, my daughter and grandchildren would become victims of a similar incident,” she said.

Madam Adelabu described the development as a painful reminder that insecurity can affect any family, regardless of status or background. 

She expressed profound gratitude to God and to security operatives whose efforts led to the safe rescue of her loved ones.

I thank God Almighty for preserving their lives and bringing them back to us safely. I also appreciate the Nigeria Police Force, government officials and all well-meaning Nigerians who stood by us and supported the rescue efforts,” she stated.

Despite the relief of being reunited with her daughter and grandchildren, Madam Adelabu said her thoughts remained with families whose relatives are still being held captive across the country.

My joy will be complete when every victim still in captivity regains freedom and returns home safely to their loved ones. I continue to pray for the victims in Oriire and others facing similar situations across the country,” she said.

She called for sustained efforts by security agencies and stakeholders to tackle kidnapping and other criminal activities, expressing hope that Nigeria would witness lasting peace and improved security.

ABUJA: President Bola Tinubu has vowed that his administration will never succumb to terrorism, banditry or any form of criminal intimidation, while also pledging to double efforts at reducing the economic hardship confronting Nigerians.

The assurance was conveyed through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, on Sunday during the National Inter-Denominational Church Service held at the National Christian Centre in Abuja, as part of activities marking the 2026 Democracy Day celebration.

Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the SGF, Yomi Odunuga, in a statement said the service, themed “God of Hope, Actualise Our Dreams,” was attended by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack.

Delivering President Tinubu’s message, Akume congratulated Nigerians on 27 uninterrupted years of democratic rule since 1999, describing the milestone as a testament to the resilience and sacrifices of citizens who fought for the restoration of democracy.

He paid tributes to pro-democracy activists of the June 12 struggle, noting that many endured persecution, injuries and death in that quest.

Acknowledging the hardship facing many households, the SGF said the government was fully aware of the economic strain, insecurity, kidnappings and displacement affecting communities across the country.

“Government is sensitive to all these pains, shares in these pains and has heard your cries,” he said, adding that Tinubu was addressing the challenges with compassion and a strong sense of responsibility.

On security, the President described recent attacks and abductions as painful reminders that more work remained to be done, but assured citizens that the safe return of all persons in captivity remained a national priority. He said security agencies were being supported with the necessary resources to protect lives, secure communities and preserve Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

The government of Nigeria shall never succumb to terror, banditry or any form of criminal intimidation,” he declared.

With political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gathering momentum, the SGF urged Nigerians to reject violence, hate campaigns and divisive rhetoric, warning that democracy must never be reduced to a battleground.

He appealed particularly to young Nigerians not to allow themselves to be used for thuggery, political violence, misinformation campaigns, ethnic abuse or religious intolerance

Do not rent out your conscience for money, drugs, political patronage or online applause. Your future is worth more than any politician’s temporary convenience,” he said.

Tinubu also called on religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, the media and families to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence as the nation moves toward another election cycle, and applauded members of the armed forces and other security agencies for their sacrifices in sustaining democratic rule.

Culled from vanguard 

The Federal High Court in Lagos has declared unlawful the National Assembly’s controversial N110bn expenditure on vehicles and allowances for lawmakers, holding that the spending violated procurement laws, constitutional obligations and the public trust.

In a judgment delivered on May 6, 2026, Justice Yellim Bogoro ruled that the planned expenditure of N40bn for the procurement of 465 vehicles for members of the National Assembly and N70bn in support allowances for newly elected lawmakers breached the provisions of the Public Procurement Act, the Code of Conduct for Public Officers and the oath of office prescribed by the Constitution.

The suit, marked FHC/L/CS/1606/2023, was instituted by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas on behalf of members of both chambers.

Justice Bogoro also directed Akpabio and Abbas to ensure that all future procurements and expenditures of public funds by the National Assembly strictly comply with due process requirements and are guided by transparency, accountability and value for money.

According to the certified true copy of the judgment obtained by SERAP last week, the court held that the scale of the expenditure and the failure to demonstrate compliance with due process rendered the procurement unlawful.

“Looking at the magnitude of the expenditure, coupled with the absence of demonstrable due process, leads me to conclude that the procurement is arbitrary, disproportionate and inconsistent with statutory procurement standards,” the judge held.

Justice Bogoro further found that lawmakers stood to benefit directly from the expenditure they approved.

The beneficiaries of the expenditure are the very officials approving it, and the expenditure confers direct pecuniary and material benefits.

“This, to my mind, constitutes a case of self-dealing and conflict of interest,” she held.

The court took judicial notice of the economic challenges facing Nigerians and criticised the allocation of public funds for lawmakers’ benefit amid widespread hardship.

“I have taken judicial notice of the economic realities in Nigeria and the widespread financial hardship affecting Nigerian citizens.

“In this context, the allocation of N110bn for the benefit of lawmakers demonstrates a failure to prioritise national interest,” Justice Bogoro stated.

She rejected the defendants’ argument that the doctrine of separation of powers shielded the National Assembly from judicial scrutiny.

“The doctrine of separation of powers does not operate as a shield for illegality. The court is concerned with the legality and constitutionality of legislative spending,” she said.

The judge further ruled that the expenditure undermined the fiduciary duty public officers owe Nigerians.

“Public office must not be used for personal enrichment. Public officers must act within constitutional boundaries and in good faith. I hold that the conduct complained of is inconsistent with the oath of office,” she added.

SERAP had approached the court in August 2023 after reports emerged that lawmakers planned to spend N40bn on 465 bulletproof vehicles and N70bn in support allowances for newly elected members at a time of worsening economic hardship.

The organisation argued that the spending violated Section 57(4) of the Public Procurement Act 2007, Paragraph 1 of the Fifth Schedule to the Constitution, and the oath of office contained in the Seventh Schedule.

In its defence, the National Assembly contended that the expenditure was lawful, duly appropriated and had already been implemented, making the suit academic.

It also challenged SERAP’s standing to sue and argued that the group failed to serve the required pre-action notice.

However, Justice Bogoro upheld SERAP’s right to bring the action, affirming the growing recognition of public interest litigation in Nigeria.

NGOs can institute actions to protect public interest. SERAP, being a public interest organisation committed to transparency and accountability, has demonstrated sufficient interest.

“I, therefore, hold that SERAP has locus standi to sue, as the matters are of undeniable public concern,” she ruled.

The court also dismissed objections relating to pre-action notice, holding that the matter involved urgency and significant public interest concerns.

On the substantive issues, the judge found that the National Assembly failed to provide evidence of compliance with procurement procedures.

“The defendants have failed to provide any credible evidence of compliance with procurement procedure, competitive bidding and value-for-money assessment.

“The defendants have not rebutted the allegations specifically made, and as such they are deemed admitted,” she said.

Justice Bogoro consequently held that the planned expenditure breached the Public Procurement Act and the Code of Conduct for Public Officers.

“Where the exercise of legislative powers violates the Constitution or statutory provisions, the court not only has jurisdiction but a constitutional duty to intervene,” she stated.

Following the judgment, SERAP Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, described the decision as a significant victory for accountability in public finance management.

“This landmark judgment is a major victory for transparency, accountability and responsible management of public resources in Nigeria,” Oluwadare said.

He added that the ruling reaffirmed that “public office is a public trust and that public funds must be used strictly in the public interest and in accordance with constitutional and statutory requirements.”

“The judgment comes at a critical time when millions of Nigerians are facing severe economic hardship, poverty and insecurity. Every naira diverted to unlawful or wasteful spending is a naira denied to education, healthcare, social protection and security.”

Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, also welcomed the judgment, saying it exposed the disconnect between public officeholders and the suffering of ordinary Nigerians.

“SERAP deserves commendation for this legal victory. It has been confirmed that the decision of members of the executive and legislature to live in obscene opulence while the people are forced to live in poverty cannot be justified,” Falana said.

He urged the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission to enforce Section 70 of the Constitution by fixing the salaries and allowances of members of the National Assembly and called on the legislature to comply with the court’s decision without delay.

In a letter dated June 6, 2026, addressed to Akpabio and Abbas, SERAP urged the leadership of the National Assembly to immediately implement the judgment.

“The immediate implementation of the judgment by the National Assembly will be a victory for the rule of law, transparency and accountability in the governance processes and management of public resources,” Oluwadare said.

The court granted three principal reliefs, including declarations that the N40 bn vehicle procurement scheme and the N70 bn support allowance for lawmakers violated constitutional and statutory provisions, as well as an order directing the National Assembly to ensure that future spending complies with due process, transparency, accountability and value-for-money principles.

The National Association of Nigerian Students has launched a 90-day nationwide review of Tertiary Education Trust Fund projects following growing concerns over alleged project abandonment, poor execution and delayed delivery of interventions in tertiary institutions across the country.

The student body announced the constitution of an independent TETFund intervention project assessment, verification and monitoring committee to investigate the implementation and impact of projects funded by the intervention agency.

In a statement issued on Sunday, NANS President, Akinteye Babatunde, said the decision was informed by persistent complaints about the quality and completion of some TETFund-funded projects in beneficiary institutions.

According to the association, while the Federal Government has continued to invest heavily in the education sector through TETFund interventions, concerns remain over whether the projects are being delivered as approved and whether students are deriving the intended benefits.

NANS said allegations of project abandonment, poor execution, substandard delivery, delayed completion and other irregularities involving some contractors had generated public concern and raised questions about the effectiveness of the interventions.

The association noted that the committee would embark on a nationwide tour of universities, polytechnics and colleges of education to independently verify the status of TETFund projects and assess their impact on teaching, learning and student welfare.

“The committee shall evaluate the level of implementation, utilisation, quality of delivery and overall impact of these projects on students and host institutions,” the statement said.

It added that the exercise was also intended to support ongoing efforts to improve transparency and accountability in the management of public funds allocated to tertiary education.

The committee is expected to submit its findings and recommendations within 90 days.

NANS said the report would guide its engagement with relevant authorities and would be forwarded to the Presidency, the Federal Ministry of Education and other stakeholders for necessary action.

The committee is chaired by Salahudeen A. Lukman, with Okereke Godson Bishop, Dominic Philip, Odiahi Thomas Ikhine, Wande T. Ajayi and Ibrahim A. Ibrahim serving as members, while Gambo Abubakar acts as secretary.

NANS urged tertiary institutions, TETFund officials, contractors and student leaders to cooperate with the committee to ensure a credible assessment process.

TETFund was established by the Federal Government to provide supplementary funding for public tertiary institutions through revenues generated from the education tax. The agency finances the construction of lecture theatres, laboratories, hostels and other infrastructure, as well as research grants, academic staff development and institutional capacity-building programmes.

Over the years, TETFund has become one of the major sources of capital funding for public tertiary institutions.

However, concerns about abandoned projects, cost overruns, delays and quality of execution have continued to attract criticism from education stakeholders, prompting calls for stronger oversight and monitoring of intervention projects.

The Federal Government has released funds to pay five months of accumulated Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance owed to lecturers in federal universities and has directed vice-chancellors to immediately clear all outstanding payments.

A letter exclusively obtained by The PUNCH showed that the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, instructed vice-chancellors of federal universities to ensure the prompt disbursement of the funds to eligible academic staff.

The directive, dated June 4, 2026, was addressed to vice-chancellors of federal universities and forms part of the Federal Government’s implementation of agreements reached with the Academic Staff Union of Universities.

According to the minister, the funds were released in line with the provisions of the 2025 agreement signed between the Federal Government and the union.

The Federal Government has released funds for the payment of five (5) months Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance to eligible academic staff of federal universities, in accordance with the provisions of the signed FGN/ASUU 2025 Agreement, and in fulfilment of the FGN’s commitment to effective implementation of the Agreement,” the letter stated.

Alausa subsequently ordered vice-chancellors to ensure that all outstanding allowance payments are settled without delay.

“Consequently, you are requested to ensure the immediate clearance of all outstanding CATA payments due to lecturers and other eligible academic staff in your university,” the minister directed.

The letter also addressed universities that may have previously funded the allowance payments from their internally generated revenue or other institutional sources.

According to the minister, such institutions are expected to refund the expenditures to the appropriate university accounts and budget heads once the Federal Government allocation is received.

“Where the university had advanced funds from its Internally Generated Revenue or any other institutional source for the payment of the allowance from January 2026, appropriate steps should be taken to refund such amounts to the relevant university accounts and budget heads upon receipt of the Federal Government allocation,” the letter added.

The minister further directed university authorities to maintain strict compliance with financial regulations and to ensure proper documentation of all payments and reimbursements made under the arrangement.

You are also requested to ensure strict compliance with extant financial regulations and maintain proper records of all payments and reimbursements effected under this arrangement,” he stated.

Alausa urged the vice-chancellors to treat the matter with urgency.

“Kindly accord this matter the highest priority and urgency,” the minister said.

The development is expected to bring relief to thousands of lecturers across federal universities, many of whom have long complained about delays in the payment of welfare-related entitlements.

The Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance is designed to support lecturers’ professional activities, including research, academic publications, internet access, teaching materials and other tools necessary for effective teaching and scholarship.

The payment of the allowance has remained a major issue in negotiations between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities over the years, featuring prominently in discussions on lecturers’ welfare and university funding.

Successive administrations have faced pressure from the union over the implementation of agreements relating to earned allowances, revitalisation funds, salary issues and conditions of service.

Disputes over these matters have often culminated in nationwide strikes that disrupted academic activities and prolonged students’ stay in universities.

In 2025, the Federal Government and ASUU reached a fresh agreement aimed at addressing some of the lingering issues affecting university lecturers and improving industrial harmony within the tertiary education sector.

Education stakeholders have repeatedly argued that prompt payment of allowances and adherence to agreements are essential to improving staff morale, boosting research productivity and strengthening the quality of higher education in the country.

The latest release of funds is therefore seen as part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to sustain stability in public universities and avert industrial disputes that could disrupt the academic calendar.

A United Kingdom court has remanded a 32-year-old man, Maxwell Oguanaya, in custody over the alleged murder of a 41-year-old Nigerian, Taiwo Ekerin, following an assault in Lewisham, London.

The Metropolitan Police disclosed this in a statement obtained by PUNCH Metro on Sunday.

The police noted that Oguanaya was charged with murder after Ekerin died from injuries sustained during an altercation.

According to the statement, officers were called to Lewisham High Street at about 4:40am on May 24, following reports of an altercation.

The police said Ekerin later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead on May 30.

The statement read, “Police were called at around 04:40hrs on Sunday, 24 May, to Lewisham High Street following reports of an altercation.

“Officers attended the scene and discovered a 41-year-old man with a serious head injury. He was treated at the scene by colleagues from the London Ambulance Service and taken to the hospital. On Saturday, 30 May, he was sadly pronounced dead.

He can now be named Taiwo Ekerin. His next of kin are being supported by specialist officers.”

The Metropolitan Police said Oguanaya, 32, of Eastfield Road, Enfield, was arrested on suspicion of murder on June 4 and charged the following day.

Oguanaya appeared before Ealing Magistrates’ Court on June 5, where he was remanded in custody pending further proceedings.

The police said he is expected to appear in court again on June 9.

“Maxwell Oguanaya, 32 (21.07.1993), of Eastfield Road, Enfield, was arrested on suspicion of murder on Thursday, 4 June.

He was charged on Friday, 5 June, and appeared at Ealing Magistrates’ Court on the same day. He was remanded in custody and will next appear on Tuesday, June 9,” the police added.

The statement also disclosed that a second man, aged 34, was arrested on suspicion of murder on June 5 and remains in police custody while investigations continue.

The police have yet to reveal the circumstances surrounding the altercation that resulted in Ekerin’s death.

Meanwhile, Taiwo’s brother, Kehinde Ekerin, confirmed that he died from an unprovoked assault during a night out.

In a GoFundMe appeal, Ekerin said the family seeks public support to cover funeral costs.

“It is with profound sadness and heartbreak that we share the passing of our beloved Taiwo Ekerin, who tragically lost his life following an unprovoked attack during a night out.

Born on 25th December 1984, Ekerin was a much-loved father, son, brother, uncle, and friend. He shared a special bond with his twin brother, and his loss left an unimaginable void in the lives of all who knew and loved him.

“Above all, Taiwo was a devoted father to his daughter, who now faces the future without her dad. He was known for his warmth, kindness, sense of humour, and the love he gave so freely to those around him. His life was taken far too soon, and our family is struggling to come to terms with this devastating tragedy.

“As we prepare to lay Taiwo to rest, we are asking for support to help cover funeral expenses and give him the dignified farewell he deserves. Any contribution, no matter how small, will help ease the financial burden on the family during this incredibly difficult time,” the appeal read.

As of the time of filing this report, a total of £3,710 has been raised out of the £10,000 target.

PUNCH Metro reported on Friday that a 28-year-old Congolese man, Benjamin Katabana, was found guilty of murdering a UK-based Nigerian student, Uchenna Okirie, following a fatal stabbing at a shared accommodation in Norwich, England.

Katabana was found guilty by a jury at Norwich Crown Court on Wednesday after an 11-day trial.

The renewed focus on forest security follows President Bola Tinubu’s approval of the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards after recent attacks and abductions linked to suspected bandits in Oyo and Kwara States.

Against the backdrop of the increasing attacks by criminals, President Tinubu on Sunday restated his administration’s commitment to intensify the fight against insecurity and ensure the release of all persons held captive across the country.

In Kebbi State, 819 newly trained National Forest Guards have been deployed following a nine-week intensive training programme held in Kalgo Local Government Area.

Deputy Governor Umar Tafida at the passing-out ceremony said the operatives were being deployed to deny criminal groups access to forest reserves used as hideouts.

He urged traditional rulers and local communities to support the initiative by sharing intelligence.

Representing the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Commissioner of Police, Umar Hadejia, said Kebbi was among seven pilot states selected for the scheme.

The newly trained forest guards will be deployed immediately to ungoverned spaces and vulnerable forest corridors to enhance security and support existing law enforcement efforts,” Hadejia said.

Meanwhile, in Gombe State, the government said it had commenced implementation of its forest guard programme, with recruits currently undergoing training at the Mobile Police Training School in Osun State.

The Director-General of Press Affairs at the Government House, Ismaila Misilli, told The PUNCH that about 700 recruits had been screened and selected for specialised training in surveillance, intelligence gathering and forest security operations.

He added that Governor Muhammadu Yahaya had approved N337m for the exercise.

“The state has already activated the process and is actively building the operational capacity of its forest guards as part of broader efforts to enhance security and protect forest reserves across Gombe State,” Misilli said.

Transitioning to Kwara State, the government disclosed that about 3,300 forest guards had been recruited and deployed under the Presidential Forest Guards initiative to strengthen rural security.

The programme began with over 700 operatives deployed across Kwara North and Kwara South senatorial districts, working alongside security agencies and vigilante groups.

In October 2025, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq approved the recruitment and advanced tactical training of an additional 2,600 operatives.

A statement made available to The PUNCH by the Senior Special Assistant on New Media to the Governor, Akeweje Fafoluyi, said the expansion was aimed at improving security coverage across the state.

“The new recruits will join the 700 forest guards earlier engaged, who are already working alongside security agencies at the frontline to combat banditry and restore peace in affected communities,” he said.

He added that the operatives would undergo advanced military training to improve operational effectiveness.

However, in Benue State, the Director-General of the Bureau for Homeland Security, retired Air Commodore Jacob Gbamwuan, clarified that the recruitment of forest guards is a federal responsibility.

Speaking in a telephone interview, he said recruits from the state had already commenced training.

“It is the Federal Government that recruits forest guards and not the states. Those recruited in Benue have gone for training,” he said.

The Special Adviser to the Sokoto State Governor on Security, retired Col. Ahmed Usman, said the operatives should not be deployed for frontline combat operations.

“Forest guards are primarily trained to protect forest resources, prevent illegal logging, combat poaching and support conservation efforts. While they may receive basic security training, they are not structured or equipped to undertake complex combat operations,” he said.

He stressed that high-risk operations should remain the responsibility of the military, police and other specialised agencies.

“Without adequate training and a clear operational framework, involving forest guards in sensitive security operations may create confusion and increase the burden on existing security structures,” he warned.

Katsina State Governor Dikko Umar Radda’s administration announced the recruitment of 70 forest guards under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development as part of measures to curb terrorism and other criminal activities.

The forest guards, recruited on Grade Level 01, were assigned responsibilities including protecting forest reserves, preventing illegal logging, monitoring encroachment on forest lands and supporting conservation efforts in affected local government areas.

The state government announced in January 2026 that the personnel had been deployed to strengthen surveillance and protection of forest reserves and stock routes across the state.

The deployment was said to be part of the government’s broader strategy to deny criminal groups access to forests, often used as hideouts for planning and launching attacks on communities.

Similarly, the Kano State Government has recruited 150 forest guards through the Ministry of Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change.

Confirming the development to The PUNCH, the Director of Public Enlightenment in the ministry, Hajiya Maryam Abdulkadir, said the initiative was designed to address security challenges while promoting environmental protection.

“Yes. The Kano State Government through the Ministry of Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change has recruited 150 forest guards,” she said in a WhatsApp message on Thursday night.

Abdulkadir explained that the officers had already been deployed across six operational zones to secure forest reserves, plantations and shelter belts across the state.

According to her, the zones include Dambatta, Bichi, Gwarzo, Tudun Wada, Wudil and Kano.

She said, “The recruited officers have already been deployed across the six zones to man the state’s forest reserves, plantations and shelter belts.”

The director explained that the Tudun Wada zone covers Tudun Wada, Bebeji, Rano, Kura, Garun Malam and Bunkure Local Government Areas, while the Wudil zone comprises Wudil, Gaya, Albasu, Ajingi, Takai, Sumaila and Garko LGAs.

She added that the Kano zone includes Tarauni, Kano Municipal, Gwale, Kumbotso, Dawakin Kudu, Warawa, Fagge, Nasarawa and Dala local government areas.

Abdulkadir further disclosed that major forest reserves are located in Bichi, Dawakin Tofa, Bagwai, Tsanyawa, Shanono, Gwarzo, Madobi, Karaye, Kiru, Rimin Gado and Kabo Local Government Areas.

Security concerns had heightened in several parts of Kano State following repeated attacks by bandits on rural communities.

Residents of Shanono, Tsanyawa and Bagwai local government areas, as well as parts of Gwarzo LGA, have in recent months suffered attacks that reportedly resulted in the deaths of several residents and the abduction of women and children.

The attacks, which locals alleged were carried out by armed groups operating from neighbouring Katsina State, have fuelled demands for stronger surveillance of forests and border communities.

Abdulkadir noted that apart from enhancing security, the initiative would also help tackle deforestation, desertification and the growing impact of climate change.

Ekiti State Government stated that the forest guards have been recruited to boost security in the state.

Commissioner for Information Taiwo Olatunbosun said on Thursday that “the state government has recruited forest guards, and all the local governments were involved in the recruitment. We chose the guards from the communities.

“They have been working in collaboration with the military, the police and other security agencies as well as the Amotekun Corps. We have been engaging in bush combing, which the forest guards are actively participating in.”

The commissioner further explained that the state government had done a lot in the area of security to protect the lives and property of residents.

Olatunbosun said, “We have done a lot. We are upscaling and upgrading the security activities here. We have a security council that includes the local government chairmen, and there is a regular security meeting with the traditional rulers.”

The Ondo State Government, on the other hand, said it has no plan to recruit forest guards, saying it already has the Amotekun Corps.

The government said it has already recruited 500 men into the Amotekun corps with plans to recruit 500 more.

We already have our own Amotekun Corps, which is doing well. The governor has just approved the recruitment of 500 men into the Amotekun Corps, and he is also planning to recruit another 500. So, we don’t need FG’s forest guards.”

Similarly, the Commander of the state Amotekun Corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, said the Amotekun Rangers created by the corps have been deployed in the forests across the state.

“Our men are in the forest doing the work; we have Amotekun rangers who are in the forest to flush out criminals.”

On a positive note, the forest guards’ recruitment has commenced in Kaduna State with the training of 1,000 men.

The recruits, drawn largely from security-challenged communities, are expected to complement the conventional security agencies by monitoring forests, gathering intelligence and helping to flush out criminal elements hiding in remote areas.

Speaking during the commencement of the six-week training programme at the Police College, Kaduna, Governor Uba Sani said the initiative was aimed at enhancing security, protecting lives and property, and restoring confidence among residents, particularly farmers affected by persistent attacks.

The governor, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Sani Kila, urged the trainees to uphold discipline, professionalism and patriotism in the discharge of their duties.

According to him, the forest guards will work closely with security agencies and serve as the first line of intelligence gathering in communities prone to banditry and kidnapping.

He said, “The people of Kaduna State are ever ready to answer the call. These trainees were selected from flashpoint areas because they are familiar with the terrain and understand the security challenges confronting their communities.

“We should appreciate our Governor, Uba Sani, and also thank President Bola Tinubu for making this initiative possible. At the end of the six-week training, these men and women will be deployed back to their communities and flashpoint areas.”

Kila identified some of the local government areas expected to benefit from the deployment as Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Kagarko, Kachia, Chikun, Kajuru and Igabi, all of which have experienced repeated attacks by bandits and kidnappers.

“With the deployment of these personnel after training, the issue of insecurity in Kaduna State will drastically reduce,” he added.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shuaibu, said the training was being coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser as part of a broader national strategy to strengthen grassroots security architecture.

Shuaibu explained that the forest guards would be equipped with the skills needed to monitor forest corridors, gather actionable intelligence and support security agencies in preventing attacks.

We have here 1,000 men and women who have gathered for a six-week training that is being organised by the Office of the National Security Adviser,” he said.

“We want to use this opportunity to thank President Bola Tinubu, who has made this possible. We also want to thank our Governor, Senator Uba Sani, who worked hard to see that this training sees the light of day.

“Despite all the challenges we have gone through, the training commenced successfully, and the participants are charged and ready to go.”

In recent years, communities in the Birnin Gwari, Chikun, Kajuru, Giwa and Kachia LGAS have suffered devastating attacks by bandits, resulting in kidnappings, killings and disruption of farming activities.

Last Thursday, the Edo State government also announced plans to commence training for newly recruited forest guards on June 5.

Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Festus Ebea, in a statement, noted that the training would take place at the Police Training School, Ogida Barracks, Benin City.

Ebea stated that all candidates have successfully been profiled by the Department of State Services  and completed medical screening at Edo Specialist Hospital.

Meanwhile, Zamfara, Rivers, Abia, Osun, Lagos and Benue, have yet  to commence recruitment despite growing concerns over banditry, kidnapping and criminal activities in forested areas.

The Zamfara State Government cited the lack of federal approval for the exercise.

The Special Assistant to Governor Dauda Lawal on Media and Communication, Mustafa Jafaru, said the state was still awaiting a directive from the Federal Government.

He said although the state was prepared to begin recruitment, it could not proceed without official clearance.

“The establishment of the forest guards is now the sole responsibility of the Federal Government,” he said.

“Zamfara State has wanted to do that, but we have to wait for further directives. We are still waiting, and I am telling you that Zamfara is ready to do that, considering the security problem affecting the state,” he added.

Jafaru noted that the state already operates a Community Protection Guards structure, which has been active for about two years in supporting counter-banditry operations and forest monitoring alongside other security agencies.

Speaking with one of our correspondents, the Special Adviser on Security to Osun State Governor, Samuel Ojo, said plans were being concluded by the state government to recruit forest guards.

Ojo added that a security outfit that would include forest guards, operatives of the Nigeria Forest Security Service and members of the Oodua Peoples Congress, among others, will soon be unveiled by the state with the specific task of flushing criminals out of forests across the state.

“We are concluding plans on the recruitment of forest guards in Osun. Also, the state governor, Ademola Adeleke, will soon unveil a special security group that will have both the conventional and unconventional security outfits with the specific task of ridding our forests of criminals.

“Apart from the conventional security agencies, the new security outfit that will be unveiled will have operatives of the forest guards, hunters, Nigeria Forest Security Service, OPC men, among others.”

In Rivers State, authorities are yet to begin recruitment despite reports of criminal activities in forest communities.

Security concerns intensified after suspected bandits abducted Collins Ohahurun, commander of the local vigilante group, Ipo Security Planning and Advisory Committee, during a gun battle in Ikwerre Local Government Area in March.

Although a joint security operation combed the area, only his rifle was recovered, and his whereabouts remain unknown.

Delta State has an operational Nigerian Forest Security Service presence across its 25 local government areas. However, officials acknowledge that inadequate mobility continues to hamper effective operations.

The NFSS in the state currently focus on intelligence gathering and preventive security measures, with plans underway to deepen collaboration with local farmers and rural communities.

In Imo State, more than 400 forest guards and vigilante operatives have been trained and deployed to high-risk forests in Owerri West Local Government Area. Working alongside the police, the operatives have participated in operations targeting criminal hideouts, leading to arrests and the recovery of suspected illicit substances and unregistered motorcycles.

Bayelsa State operates both a state-backed Forest Security Service and 46 Community Forest Rangers trained under a biodiversity conservation partnership.

Beyond security patrols, the personnel play a key role in enforcing the state’s logging ban and supporting environmental conservation initiatives. However, officials say inadequate funding and logistics continue to limit their effectiveness.

Anambra State has integrated forest guards into its wider security architecture under the Homeland Security Law 2025. The operatives work alongside local vigilantes, hunters and security agencies to identify and flush out criminal elements from forests and rural communities. Security stakeholders credit the initiative with helping reclaim areas previously troubled by gunmen.

In contrast, Abia State is yet to establish a forest guard system. State officials say they are awaiting further directives and operational guidelines from the Federal Government, although they maintain that the existing Operation Crush security outfit has helped contain criminal activities.

President assures

President Tinubu has vowed that Nigeria will not bow to terrorists or bandits.

The President’s position was conveyed on Sunday by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, at the National Inter-Denominational Church Service held at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, as part of activities marking the 2026 Democracy Day celebration.

A statement by the SGF’s media aide, Yomi Odunuga quoted Tinubu to have said that, “The government of Nigeria shall never succumb to terror, banditry or any form of criminal intimidation.”

Safeguarding lives, he said, remains the government’s top priority, noting that recent attacks and abductions underscore the need for sustained and strengthened operations by security agencies.

Tinubu added that efforts are ongoing to ensure the safe return of all kidnapped victims, while reaffirming that security forces are being adequately supported to defend communities and protect the country’s territorial integrity.

“The safety of Nigerians remains a top priority of the Federal Government. The recent attacks and abductions are painful reminders that more work remains to be done.

The safe return of all persons in captivity remains a national priority. Security agencies and relevant institutions are being supported with the necessary resources to protect lives, secure communities and preserve Nigeria’s territorial integrity,” he added.

Tinubu said he remains committed to fulfilling his constitutional duties and would “double efforts” to ease the economic hardship facing citizens through improved delivery of democratic dividends.

According to him, the administration is aware of the rising cost of living, insecurity, kidnappings and displacement in several parts of the country, but assured that the government is working to address them decisively.

“Government is sensitive to all these pains, shares in these pains and has heard your cries,” he assured.

With political activities ahead of the 2027 elections gradually building momentum, the president urged Nigerians to reject violence, hate speech and divisive rhetoric, warning that democracy must not be turned into a battleground.

He also cautioned young people against being used for thuggery, misinformation, or political violence, urging them to protect their future.

“Do not rent out your conscience for money, drugs, political patronage or online applause. Your future is worth more than any politician’s temporary convenience,” he admonished.

Tinubu further called on religious leaders, traditional rulers, the media, civil society and families to promote peace, tolerance and unity as the nation moves toward another election cycle.

He also commended the Armed Forces and other security agencies for their sacrifices in defending the country and sustaining democratic governance, while urging Nigerians to honour the legacy of the June 12 heroes by building a safer, more accountable and peaceful nation.

Nigeria will mark 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule on June 12, 2026, commemorating the restoration of civilian governance in 1999 and the sacrifices of pro-democracy activists linked to the June 12 struggle.

The anniversary comes amid ongoing economic challenges and persistent security threats, including terrorism, banditry and kidnappings, which have remained key concerns for citizens and the Federal Government.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Sunday, urged Nigerians not to give up hope, saying he was compelled to introduce monthly prayer sessions to tackle abduction, killings and militancy when he served as the governor of Akwa Ibom State.

He said Nigerians must continue to pray so that terrorism sponsors will be exposed.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by his media office in Abuja.

According to him, Nigeria has endured and survived past waves of political crises, pandemics and insurgencies.

Akpabio spoke at an Inter-Denominational Church Service held at the National Christian Centre in Abuja as part of activities marking this year’s Democracy Day celebration.

The service, themed “God of Hope, Actualise our Dreams,” brought together top government officials and worshippers to reflect on Nigeria’s 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance.

In a reflection on his time as governor, Akpabio said he introduced a monthly prayer initiative as part of efforts to confront rising cases of kidnapping, militancy and killings in his state at the time.

He said, “When I had the opportunity to serve as governor about 19 years ago, I started monthly prayer. I used to ask myself a question whenever there was militancy, kidnapping and killing. I would say, what if we were not praying?

“Today I want you to ask the same question, the things happening around us, what if we were not praying. We must continue praying so that the evil doers and their sponsors shall be exposed in Jesus Name.

“If they are in government, they shall be exposed. If they are outside government, they shall be exposed in Jesus Name. Those sponsoring it, whether it is politically motivated or not, may they never have peace until they are defeated.”

The Senate President also used the occasion to acknowledge the pain caused by insecurity across the country, particularly kidnappings and violent attacks, while calling for national resilience.

Akpabio said Nigeria’s democratic journey remained a testimony of endurance despite years of turbulence.

“We have survived political upheavals, economic turbulence. We will survive Insurgencies. We have survived pandemics like Ebola and COVID-19 and seasons of despotism. Yet here we stand. Twenty-seven years of democratic governance. Twenty-seven years of constitutional order and hope renewed.

“But gratitude must never blind us to reality. President Bola Tinubu has directed that this year’s Democracy Day be observed in a low-key manner because of the current situation in the country.

“There is no denying that insecurity continues to trouble our land. Communities have been attacked. Farmers fear returning to their fields. Travellers journey with uncertainty. Families mourn loved ones lost to violence and criminality,” he said.

The former governor, who spoke emotionally about the impact of violence on families, said the trauma of insecurity is deeply personal, recalling his experience during the Nigerian civil war.

He said, “That is why my heart breaks for every child in captivity and every parent who lies awake through the long hours of the night, not knowing whether a son or daughter is safe, hungry, frightened or even alive.

“I know something of that anguish. Yet what I experienced as a child cannot be compared with the horror, humiliation, cruelty and unspeakable ordeal these innocent children have endured since their abduction.

“It is a tragedy that wounds the conscience of our nation. But I assure you, there is a brighter tomorrow. The evil you see today, you shall soon see no more.”

Akpabio also assured Nigerians that Tinubu’s administration remains committed to ending insecurity and restoring peace across the country, as well as securing the release of all persons held in captivity.

“We shall continue to act together, pray together, and continue to persevere until our children are safely returned and our nation is secure,” he added.

Also speaking at the service, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, said the federal government was intensifying efforts to ease economic hardship while also strengthening measures to defeat insecurity and secure the release of all abducted persons nationwide.

MTN Nigeria has defended its data billing system, insisting that customers’ data are neither manipulated nor stolen, as it unveiled new transparency measures to address persistent concerns over data depletion.

The telecoms operator made the clarification at a public engagement held in Lagos at the weekend, tagged “Data on Trial.”

Executives, independent auditors, regulators, media professionals and digital content creators at the event examined how mobile data is consumed and billed.

Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola, said the event was designed to place the company’s data processes under public scrutiny and provide evidence-based explanations to consumers.

“For some time, discussions have centred on data consumption. Today, consumers are the judges. Our responsibility is to provide facts and transparency,” he said.

Toriola said many data depletion complaints are linked to modern digital habits, including video streaming, cloud backups, software updates, artificial intelligence tools and background application activities.

According to him, customers often underestimate the volume of data consumed by contemporary applications and connected devices.

He urged subscribers to review phone settings regularly and disable unnecessary background mobile data activity to better manage usage.

“We are not asking customers to trust us blindly. We want them to see the evidence and understand exactly how data is consumed,” he said.

Toriola disclosed that MTN’s Data Analyser Portal had undergone independent validation by KPMG and regulatory review by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

Responding to demands for unlimited mobile data, Toriola said no mobile operator could sustainably provide unrestricted high-speed internet access without usage limits

He explained that mobile network capacity was finite and must be shared among millions of subscribers, making unlimited consumption technically and economically impractical.

The chief executive officer also attributed some service disruptions to infrastructure vandalism, citing recent incidents where damaged telecoms facilities affected connectivity for millions of users.

According to him, telecoms operators continue to contend with fibre cuts, site vandalism, power challenges and other environmental factors impacting service quality.

Toriola revealed that MTN invested heavily in network expansion and maintenance after the recent tariff adjustment, which, he said, was necessary to keep the industry financially viable.

He said the company would integrate the Data Analyser Portal into the MyMTN App before the end of June to give customers easier access to usage information.

The company also announced plans to partner with the Lagos Business School on a nationwide “Data Experiment” that would independently test data consumption patterns across different digital activity.

The MTN boss said the initiative formed part of the organisation’s broader commitment to what he described as “radical transparency” in customer engagement.

“We do not cheat customers. What you consume is what you are billed for, and we will continue providing evidence to support that position,” he said.

A KPMG representative said the audit confirmed complete alignment between customer data displayed on the portal and records captured by MTN’s charging and billing systems.

According to the firm, data displayed on the portal accurately reflects actual network usage and corresponding billing records.

Chief Technical Officer of MTN Nigeria, Yahaya Ibrahim, explained that data consumption had increased significantly because digital platforms now delivered richer and higher-quality content.

He said applications such as TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook continuously preloaded content, consuming data, even, when users are unaware.

Ibrahim noted that cloud services, automatic updates and synchronisation features also contributed substantially to data usage.

He dismissed claims that operators deliberately depleted customer data, describing such perceptions as misconceptions about how modern internet services functioned.

Ibrahim demonstrated MTN’s internal monitoring systems, including customer experience management tools and usage analytics dashboards that tracked network performance and application-specific consumption patterns.

According to him, the systems enable MTN to identify the applications consuming the highest volumes of customer data whenever complaints arise. 

The Chairman of Abeokuta North Local Government, Lanre Oyegbola-Sodipo, and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Ibrahim Quadri, have emphasised the need for Nigerians to embrace selflessness and support one another to reduce poverty at the grassroots.

The local government chairman and Quadri made the call on Saturday while speaking during an empowerment programme organised by the Eniobanke Foundation, during which over 150 traders and artisans were supported with cash grants of N100,000 each.

The foundation also empowered 50 tertiary institution students who are indigenes of the state with N50,000 bursaries each, as well as laptops for ten students with the best CGPA.

Oyegbola-Sodipo lamented that, more often than not, people who are given opportunities tend to corner them for personal gain, maintaining that this selfish disposition has prevented the dividends of democracy from reaching the grassroots.

He explained that, “One of our major problems is that many Nigerians are not always ready to allow the opportunity that they have to flow back to the people at the grassroots. They have forgotten that those opportunities were given to them so that others can also benefit from them; that is how we can make the country better.

“That is exactly the lesson we should all take away from this empowerment programme. The initiator of this selfless act believes that he has been given the opportunity, and he is reaching out to the women, the artisans and the students in the state.

“He is very young and should have been busy with a grabbing mentality, but here he is impacting humanity. We all must imbibe this selfless culture of providing a support system for one another to complement whatever the government is doing to also make the society better.

Over 200 people, including the students, are being empowered here. We also at the local government just empowered over 200 women, so if the chain continues, I am sure the country will be a lot better.”

The Abuja-based businessman and founder of the foundation, Quadri, said the intervention was borne out of his conviction to give back to society and uplift humanity.

He disclosed that, “It’s my strong belief that we should learn to support one another; it is what we have always done. So this time around we said that we should reach out to our market women and artisans, we should train them on money management and give them cash grants to boost their trade.

“We are equally supporting 50 students with N50,000 each as bursaries, and we hope to be giving them every session. It’s all about complementing what the government is doing at both the state and federal levels to make life more rewarding for all.”

Quadri hailed President Bola Tinubu for creating an enabling environment for business to thrive in the country, calling on people to intensify their support and cooperation for the president in his determined bid to take the country to a higher height.

Also speaking at the event, Babatunde Tella, representing Abeokuta North at the State House of Assembly, lauded the foundation for deeming it fit to invest in women and support students to ease the financial burden of their educational pursuits.

Tella said the obvious lesson to learn is that personal interventions such as the one being exemplified by the Eniobanke Foundation would go a long way in making life more comfortable for people at the grassroots.

The chairman of the All Progressives Congress in the local government, Alhaja Faidat Sarumi, also Quadri, for sparing a thought for the people at the grassroots, adding that the cash grant would no doubt help to further boost the beneficiaries’ trades.

Sarumi urged the beneficiaries to strictly use the cash benefits to grow their businesses, warning them not to divert the money to unproductive ventures.

A fire outbreak on Sunday morning destroyed parts of a residential building in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, affecting a store and a room within the property.

The incident occurred at about 7:10 am at No. 5 Obafemi Akere Street, off Basin Road, Ilorin, prompting an emergency response from the Kwara State Fire Service.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the spokesperson for the Fire Service, Hassan Adekunle, a copy of which was made available to The PUNCH in Ilorin.

According to the statement, the affected property was a five-bedroom bungalow, with the fire damaging a store and a room located at the rear section of the building.

On Sunday, 7 June 2026, at 07:10hrs, the Kwara State Fire Service responded to a fire outbreak at No. 5 Obafemi Akere Street, off Basin Road, Ilorin, Kwara State,” Adekunle said.

He noted that firefighters arrived promptly at the scene and immediately battled the blaze, preventing it from spreading to other sections of the building.

Through their prompt and professional intervention, the magnitude of the fire was significantly reduced, preventing it from engulfing the entire building and causing more extensive damage,” he added.

Adekunle said preliminary investigations revealed that the fire originated from a generator set that caught fire while in operation without the occupants’ knowledge.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the fire originated from a running generator set, which caught fire without the knowledge of the occupants. The flames subsequently spread to a nearby store and a room located at the rear of the building,” he stated.

The Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, Alabi Muhammed, advised residents to exercise caution when operating generators.

He stressed the need to place generators in well-ventilated and isolated locations away from combustible materials and residential structures, while also carrying out regular maintenance and avoiding leaving them unattended for prolonged periods.

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has refuted reports claiming that President Bola Tinubu approved plans to open Nigeria’s airtime credit market to nine new operators, saying it was neither aware of nor involved in the claims attributed to it.

FCCPC Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, in a statement issued on Sunday, said reports suggesting it submitted the names of local fintech companies to the Presidency as part of efforts to reform the airtime credit market were inaccurate.

“The commission wishes to state clearly that it is not aware of, and was not involved in, the claims attributed to it in the report absolutely,” Ijagwu said.

The reports, published by several national newspapers on Friday and Saturday, alleged that Tinubu had endorsed FCCPC proposals to restructure the airtime credit sector and approved nine Nigerian fintech firms to participate in the market.

The companies named in the reports included Technotrends Platforms Nigeria Limited, Total Tim Nigeria Limited, Fonyou Technologies Nigeria Limited, Rane Interactive Medien CLS Limited, MRS Innovation Nigeria Limited, Mode NG Applications Nigeria Limited, ERL Telecoms Service Limited, Cloud Interactive Associate Limited, and Coverage Broadband Limited.

FCCPC, however, maintained that it had no involvement in the reported approvals and reiterated that the regulatory framework under which the firms were reportedly approved remains suspended.

Ijagwu said implementation and enforcement of the DEON Consumer Lending Regulations 2025 had been halted following an interim injunction granted by the Federal High Court in Lagos on April 15, 2026, in a suit filed by the Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria.

As a law-abiding public institution, FCCPC remains bound by the court order to suspend enforcement of the regulation pending the determination of the substantive case by the court, which has been fixed for July 20, 2026, for further hearing.

“The commission remains committed to pursuing all lawful processes in respect of that matter while complying fully with the orders of the Court.”

Reacting to the reports, WASPA also expressed concern over claims that additional operators had been approved under a regulatory framework currently subject to judicial restraint.

The Chairman of Regulatory and Partnership at WASPA, Osa Umweni, questioned how commercial rights could be granted under regulations that have been suspended by both court order and administrative action.

The FCCPC’s denial leaves unanswered questions about the origin of the reports, which contained detailed policy proposals, market estimates and a list of companies allegedly approved to enter the sector.

The presidency has not publicly commented on whether any directive relating to the DEON framework or the airtime credit market was issued.

The substantive case is scheduled to come up for further hearing on July 20, 2026.

Tamunosoye Karibi-George, representing Bayelsa State, has been crowned Miss World Nigeria 2026.

The 26-year-old, from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, emerged winner among 20 finalists in a competition themed “Pride, Power, and Purpose.”

She was crowned on Saturday night at a grand finale held at the Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos.

She will represent Nigeria at the 73rd Miss World Festival, scheduled to hold in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from August 9 to September 5, 2026.

Silverbird Group founder and former lawmaker representing Bayelsa East, Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, who announced and celebrated the win, described Karibi-George as “more than a queen.”

“WE HAVE A QUEEN! A new chapter begins. Please join us in celebrating TAMUNOSOYE KARIBI-GEORGE, representing Bayelsa State, as the newly crowned Miss World Nigeria 2026!” Murray-Bruce posted on X on Sunday

He highlighted her advocacy work through the initiative Beyond Labels, which focuses on inclusion, dignity, and empowerment for children with special needs.

More than a queen, Tamunosoye is a passionate advocate for change. Through her initiative, Beyond Labels, she champions inclusion, dignity, and empowerment for children with special needs, creating safe spaces where every child is encouraged to dream boldly and realise that their circumstances do not define their future.

Her purpose, poise, intelligence, and passion shone brightly, earning her the honour of wearing the crown and carrying the hopes of a nation.”

The senator urged Nigerians to support her as she takes the national flag to the global stage.

“Now, the journey continues. Nigeria stands proudly behind you as you prepare to represent our great nation on the global stage at the Miss World Festival in Vietnam.

“Go forth and inspire the world. Go forth and make Nigeria proud.”

Miss World Nigeria, organised by the Silverbird Group, is one of Nigeria’s premier beauty pageants.

It selects the country’s representative for the international Miss World competition, which emphasises “Beauty with a Purpose,” encouraging contestants to pursue charitable projects alongside their platform work.

Karibi-George succeeds Joy Mojisola Raimi, Miss World Nigeria 2025, who represented Nigeria at the 72nd Miss World pageant in Hyderabad, India, where she reached the Top 20 and placed among the Top 5 from Africa.

The House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee has recovered ₦521.77m in unremitted Value Added Tax from the Central Bank of Nigeria, marking a significant breakthrough in an ongoing investigation into revenue leakages linked to government collections processed through the Remita platform.

The recovered sum represents VAT deductions on fees earned from Remita transactions that were not remitted to the Federal Government over a period spanning November 2018 to April 2024.

The recovery emerged from a far-reaching investigation launched by the House of Representatives following concerns over alleged revenue leakages, non-compliance with approved financial procedures, and breaches of service-level agreements governing government revenue collections.

The investigation was initiated pursuant to a House resolution on a motion titled “Investigation of Revenue Leakages Through Remita Platform and Non-Compliance Substantively with Standard Operating Procedure and Other Allied Service Level Agreement,” which mandated the Public Accounts Committee to scrutinise transactions conducted through the payment platform.

Since then, the committee, chaired by Osun lawmaker, Bamidele Salam, has been examining records of remittances, deductions and collections involving key government institutions and service providers to determine whether all revenues due to the Federation Account were properly accounted for.

The committee noted, “The apex bank failed to remit VAT accruing from fees generated through Remita transactions, prompting lawmakers to direct the CBN to pay the outstanding amount into the Federal Government Treasury.”

The committee subsequently received confirmation of compliance from the CBN.

In a statement issued by the media unit of the Committee on Sunday, Salam said the apex bank has written to confirm that the amount has been remitted to the Federal Government’s coffers.

“In a letter dated May 7, 2026, the Central Bank informed the committee that it had remitted the outstanding VAT liability and provided documentary evidence showing that the sum of ₦521,765,134.17 had been paid into government coffers,” the letter read in part.

Salam described the feat as a validation of the National Assembly’s oversight responsibility and its determination to protect public funds.

“The recovery demonstrates the effectiveness of legislative oversight in safeguarding public resources and ensuring accountability in the management of government revenue,” the Accord Party lawmaker said.

He reaffirmed the committee’s resolve to pursue every kobo owed to the Federal Government, stressing that the investigation would continue until all identified liabilities were recovered.

“We remain committed to recovering all funds due to the Federal Government and plugging avenues of revenue leakage across public institutions,” he stated.

Beyond the VAT recovery, the committee disclosed that several other outstanding financial obligations involving the CBN remain under review.

According to PAC, one category involves unrefunded charges valued at ₦954.3m, alongside accrued interest of ₦2.33bn, bringing the total amount being pursued under that heading to ₦3.28bn for transactions conducted between March and October 2015.

The committee is also seeking the recovery of Treasury Single Account collections amounting to ₦8.99bn, with accumulated interest estimated at ₦20.73bn. Combined, the outstanding liability under that category stands at ₦29.72bn.

Taken together, the liabilities currently being reconciled and pursued by the committee exceed ₦33bn.

The Remita platform plays a central role in Nigeria’s public finance architecture, serving as a major payment gateway for government revenue and Treasury Single Account collections. Over the years, questions have periodically arisen over deductions, commissions, remittances and compliance with contractual obligations by institutions involved in managing government receipts.

The current investigation is part of broader efforts by the House of Representatives to strengthen accountability in public finance management amid growing concerns about revenue shortfalls and the need to maximise government earnings.

The Public Accounts Committee further disclosed that its engagement with the Central Bank is continuing and that further hearings will focus on reconciling disputed figures and determining the full extent of outstanding obligations.

The committee is scheduled to resume proceedings on the matter on Monday, June 8, at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, where officials are expected to provide additional clarifications on unresolved liabilities and recovery efforts.

For the House committee, the latest recovery is being presented not as the end of the process but as another step in a wider effort to ensure that revenues generated on behalf of the Nigerian state are fully accounted for and returned to the public treasury.

The Edo State Police Command has arrested Uzebor Emmanuel, popularly known on social media as “Aza Woman,” in connection with false viral publications.

The suspect had claimed that students of Green Park Academy, Aduwawa, Benin City, were kidnapped, a claim that was later found to be false as the state command had earlier debunked it last Wednesday.

The command lamented that the viral social media post generated unnecessary concern among members of the public.

In a statement released on Sunday, the State Command’s spokesperson, SP Eno Ikoedem, said the deliberate spread of false information, particularly on matters relating to public safety and security, is a serious offence with far-reaching consequences.

The statement read, “Further to the earlier press release issued by the Edo State Police Command regarding the false and misleading report of an alleged kidnapping of students at Green Park Academy, Aduwawa, and Western Boys’ College, Ikpoba Hill, Benin City, the Command wishes to inform the general public that one Uzebor Emmanuel (f), popularly known on social media as ‘Aza Woman,’ has been arrested in connection with the viral publications.

Preliminary investigations reveal that the suspect knowingly disseminated false claims in various social media posts alleging that about six persons had been kidnapped through various mini transport buses. According to her, some purportedly escaped from their abductors, while others paid ransom.

“These publications generated widespread apprehension, heightened public anxiety, and could undermine public confidence in the security architecture of the state.

The Edo State Police Command reiterates that the deliberate spread of false information, particularly on matters relating to public safety and security, is a serious offence with far-reaching consequences. Such actions are capable of inciting panic, disrupting public order, and diverting security resources from genuine emergencies.”

Ikoedem warned that the security of the state should never be jeopardised for views, engagement, online relevance, or any other form of social media gratification, adding that the suspect would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

The command therefore advised members of the public to exercise restraint, verify information from credible sources before sharing, and refrain from using social media platforms to disseminate falsehoods capable of disturbing public peace and order

A statement on Sunday by NAF’s spokesman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said Governor Seyi Makinde disclosed this on Friday during a courtesy visit by the representative of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, and the Air Officer Commanding Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Suleh.

Makinde said the Air Force responded swiftly after the abduction was reported by deploying a surveillance platform that has continued to provide intelligence to security agencies involved in the search-and-rescue operation.

According to the governor, intelligence gathered from the surveillance missions has been instrumental in tracking developments and coordinating efforts aimed at securing the release of the victims.

“The NAF promptly deployed an aerial surveillance platform immediately after the abduction was reported, providing critical intelligence to support search-and-rescue operations.

“Intelligence generated from the surveillance missions has continued to assist security agencies in tracking developments and coordinating efforts towards securing the safe release of the victims,” he was quoted as saying.

The governor also appealed to residents of the affected communities and the state at large to remain patient and support ongoing security operations.

He assured them that all necessary resources were being deployed to ensure the successful resolution of the incident.

Makinde commended the Chief of the Air Staff and the Nigerian Air Force for their swift response and sustained support, noting that the surveillance aircraft was made available while Oyo State’s newly acquired aerial assets were still being assembled at the Nigerian Air Force Base in Lagos.

“The Air Force made the surveillance platform available while Oyo State’s newly acquired aerial assets are still being assembled at the NAF Base, Lagos”, he said.

The governor explained that the state government acquired the aerial platforms following consultations with the Nigerian Air Force to guarantee access to maintenance support, engineering expertise and pilot training.

He expressed optimism that the assets would significantly enhance security operations in Oyo and neighbouring states once they become fully operational.

Speaking on behalf of the Chief of the Air Staff, Suleh reaffirmed the Air Force’s commitment to supporting efforts to secure the release of the abducted victims.

He conveyed the solidarity of the Nigerian Air Force with the government and people of Oyo State, stressing that the service would continue to work with other security agencies to address security challenges.

Suleh said the Air Force remained committed to supporting ongoing efforts to ensure the safe return of the abducted teachers and pupils.

He also commended the Oyo State Government for its support towards Nigerian Air Force projects and infrastructure development within the state.

The Nigerian Air Force said it would continue to collaborate closely with relevant stakeholders to safeguard lives and property across the country.

Online reports that on May 15, 2026, armed men attacked three schools in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting 39 students and seven teachers, totalling 46 victims.

The incidents have continued to raise concerns over school security and persistent attacks on educational institutions in parts of the country.

The event, which marked the climax of a week-long celebration commemorating the monarch's three decades on the throne, featured a fundraising gala for the proposed N1 billion Ijebu-Ife Legacy Development Projects and the relaunch of the book, Destined for the Throne.

Leading the list of donors was eminent Nigerians with massive donations towards the Ijebu-Ife Legacy Development Projects and others in Ijebu Ife community.

Among the prominent personalities present at the event were renowned insurance magnate, businessman, and philanthropist, Chief Kensington Adebutu, the Odole Oodua, who was represented by Aare Kola Oyefeso; Chief Olalajulo Bode Ogunlana, the Asiwaju of Ijebuland; Alhaji Dr. Sulaimon Adebola Adegunwa, represented by Dr. Tayo Lawal; Senator Lekan Mustapha; and Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu.

Also in attendance were Prince Bisi Olatilo; the Chairman of Ijebu East Local Government; the Vice Chairman of the Council, Hon. Adetutu Oyesanya; members of the Siwoniku Family; descendants of the Olufowobi Family; and several other distinguished sons and daughters of Ijebu-Ife, all of whom contributed to the success of the fundraising effort.

The celebration attracted an impressive array of traditional rulers from within and outside Ogun State, including the Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo, the Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye, the Elese of Ilese Ijebu and the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Abeokuta, among several other royal fathers.

A major highlight of the occasion was the relaunch of Destined for the Throne, a publication chronicling the life, leadership journey and accomplishments of Oba Adesesan Afolorunso Oguntayo, as well as aspects of the history and development of Ijebu-Ife.

The anniversary celebration, themed "Three Decades of Impactful Royal Strides," also featured colourful cultural displays, while legendary Juju maestro, Sir Shina Peters, thrilled guests with captivating performances that added colour, excitement and rich musical entertainment to the historic occasion.

Activities held during the week included an interfaith prayer session, an educational programme for pupils and students, a historical symposium titled "The Ajalorun of Ijebu-Ife: 1450 Till Date," installation of chiefs and honorary title holders, the groundbreaking ceremony for the proposed New Ijebu-Ife Town Reserve Area, and the commissioning of a 40-computer ICT Centre at Christ Anglican Primary School.

Speaking earlier on the significance of the anniversary, Chairman of the Planning Committee and former Minister of State for Health, Senator Adeleke Olorunnimbe Mamora, described the reign of Oba Oguntayo as one characterised by peace, unity, cultural preservation, youth empowerment and community development.

He said the legacy development initiative was conceived to mobilise resources for strategic projects capable of transforming Ijebu-Ife and positioning the community for greater growth and prosperity in the years ahead.

For many participants, the grand finale represented not only a celebration of the monarch's 30-year reign but also a renewed commitment to the unity, progress and sustainable development of Ijebu-Ife.

- Story from NUJ Ogun-East Independent Chapel

Real estate developers have expressed concern over the Federal Government’s withdrawal of police escorts from Very Important Personalities, saying the policy has exposed them to kidnappers, disrupted housing projects and increased the cost of delivering homes across the country.

The developers, under the umbrella of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria, said the worsening security situation was forcing some of their members to abandon project sites, delay housing delivery and incur additional security expenses that ultimately impact property prices.

Speaking with Sunday PUNCH, the National President of REDAN, Oba Akintoye Adeoye, said the withdrawal of police protection had significantly affected developers operating in remote locations where security threats remain prevalent.

“Some developers can no longer safely access construction sites, making it difficult to meet contractual obligations to homebuyers. There are cases where some developers cannot even go to their sites anymore.

During this period, the government withdrew police security from Nigerians. Some developers who relied on police protection had their escorts removed and, because of that, they can no longer safely access their project locations.

“This is affecting project delivery. Some developers are unable to fulfil promises made to clients regarding timely project completion,” he said.

Adeoye further disclosed that insecurity had forced some residents to abandon completed housing estates, particularly in communities prone to kidnapping attacks.

He cited instances along the Abeokuta-Mowe corridor in Ogun State where residents reportedly relocated due to persistent security concerns.

“There are estates where people have moved out because of insecurity. If you look at the corridor between Abeokuta and Mowe, there are estates where residents have left because they no longer feel safe.

“I know of one estate where kidnappers struck on three different occasions. In one of the incidents, a resident was killed. Incidents like these are affecting confidence in the real estate sector,” he said.

Adeoye argued that the financial consequences of kidnapping and insecurity eventually find their way into housing costs.

According to him, developers who spend significant sums on ransom payments or private security arrangements are often left with little choice but to absorb the losses into their businesses.

When developers spend money on ransom payments or unplanned security expenses, those costs inevitably affect their operations. Part of those additional expenses will ultimately reflect in the cost of housing products.

“It becomes difficult to consider price reductions or incentives for buyers when such unexpected costs continue to increase.

“Our legal adviser was kidnapped in Katsina. We have recorded many similar incidents involving developers and workers in the sector,” he said.

Also speaking, the Chairman of REDAN’s Lagos State Chapter, Tony Kolawole, said insecurity was discouraging Nigerians in the diaspora from investing in the country’s real estate market.

According to him, many overseas-based Nigerians are becoming increasingly cautious about committing funds to property projects because of concerns about kidnapping and violence.

“Most of our clients are Nigerians in the diaspora. When they see reports of insecurity, kidnapping and attacks, many of them become reluctant to invest.

“The level of insecurity is affecting investor confidence and reducing the flow of diaspora funds into the real estate sector,” he said.

He urged the government to strengthen security measures across the country to restore confidence among investors.

The Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers also expressed concern over the impact of insecurity on property transactions and housing market activities.

The institution’s Publicity Secretary, Ayodele Olamoju, said insecurity was affecting property managers, investors, estate agents and prospective tenants.

“Insecurity affects everyone within the property value chain. Property managers are worried, investors are worried, and even prospective tenants are increasingly reluctant to inspect properties.

“We have recorded cases where individuals pretending to be prospective tenants or buyers invite agents to show them properties, only for the agents to discover that they are dealing with kidnappers. Incidents like these create fear within the market and slow down transactions,” he said.

The abductors of a former Director of Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Rabe Abubakar (retd), and his wife have demanded the release of three detained fighters and the return of livestock allegedly seized during security operations as conditions for the couple’s freedom.

The demands were conveyed in a four-minute video released by the kidnappers and obtained by Sunday .

The video shows the retired military officer and his wife in captivity days after they were abducted in Katsina State.

In the footage, the wife of the former defence spokesman, who spoke in Hausa, appealed to the Katsina State Government, traditional rulers and community leaders across five local government areas to intervene and facilitate release of the detained bandits identified as Sani, Aminu and Nasiru.

According to her, two of the men were arrested in Jikamshi, while the third was arrested in Kano State.

She said compliance with the demands would pave the way for their release.

“Our appeal is for the authorities and community leaders to assist in resolving this matter so that we can regain our freedom,” she said.

The retired general, who spoke briefly in the video, urged stakeholders to embrace dialogue and peaceful engagement.

“I appeal for efforts that will promote peace. They have indicated interest in dialogue and peaceful coexistence,” Abubakar said.

Sunday PUNCH gathered that a notorious bandit commander, Kachallah Muhammad, who reportedly operates in parts of Katsina State, had contacted the relatives of the retired military officer shortly after the abduction.

The contacts allegedly conveyed demands centred on the release of detained associates rather than a conventional ransom payment.

Abubakar was abducted alongside his wife on May 30 while travelling through Katsina State.

The couple was reportedly travelling with their driver along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road in Matazu Local Government Area when armed men ambushed their vehicle near Zakin Baure village and whisked them into a nearby forest.

Their driver reportedly escaped despite sustaining gunshot injuries during the attack, while security operatives later recovered the victims’ vehicle, a red Peugeot 504, and moved it to the Matazu Divisional Police Headquarters.

The Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road has become notorious for recurring incidents of kidnapping, banditry and armed robbery, with residents frequently raising concerns over security along the corridor.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Katsina State Government nor security agencies had issued an official statement on the video or the demands made by the abductors.

The President, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday congratulated Kumuyi on his 85th birthday.

He praised the Christian leader’s impact on believers across Nigeria and the world, noting that his voice, writings, and ministry had reached far beyond the church.

“As the convener of Global Crusade with Kumuyi, your voice has reached beyond the church walls and national borders, bringing hope and encouragement to millions across the world.

Your writings have illuminated minds, inspired hearts, and provided timeless guidance to those seeking truth and purpose,” Tinubu said.

He also noted that Kumuyi’s ministry had made a generational impact on families and leadership.

The President noted, “Your ministry and influence have transformed lives, restored families, inspired leaders, and strengthened the faith of generations of believers.”

President Tinubu prayed for Kumuyi’s continued health and vitality, saying, “On this special day, I pray that Almighty God continues to grant you strength, divine health, peace, and abundant grace.”

Kumuyi, born on June 6, 1941, in Erin-Ijesha, Osun State, founded the Deeper Life Bible Church in 1973 as a campus fellowship at the University of Lagos, where he was a mathematics lecturer.

The ministry has since grown into one of the largest Pentecostal denominations in Africa, with congregations in over 150 countries.

Known for his strict doctrinal standards, evangelistic fervour, and personal discipline, Kumuyi has remained one of the most respected voices in African Christianity.

The Alajue Community in Ede, Osun State, has called for a government-private support to enhance its capacity for production of palm oil for domestic and industrial use.

The Olu of Alajue, Oba Sulaimon Adebayo, said with right support, the community could produce quality palm oil for local consumption and export to other countries.

He stated this during an annual carnival to round up Eid celebrations which he organised for the residents of the community, according to a statement made available to Sunday News

Oba Adebayo, who said the major occupation of the majority of the residents is palm oil production, called for citing of a cottage industry that will add value to the commodity in the town.

He further disclosed that basic amenities that will enable the industry to have a smooth take off are already in place, and lauded the peaceful co-existence among the residents of the town.

The royal father said, “The residents of Alajue are deeply involved in farming and palm oil production, which can serve the whole of Osun State and other states if properly supported. Government and private investors should consider us for investment in large scale palm oil production,” he said.

“We have the capacity to produce quality palm oil for local consumption, industrial use and for export to other countries.  I want to call for government and private partnership to enhance our capacity to produce this commodity.

We are known across this state for the skills in quality palm oil production and we are ready to produce more, if we are supported. We are also calling for establishment of a cottage industry that will add value to our palm oil.

“We can feel government efforts, but we still need better school, hospitals, and an improved road network to enhance our development.”

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Joe Igbokwe, has alleged that the hostility he faced at the Ladipo Market in Lagos on Saturday was politically motivated, even as he dismissed reports that he was physically attacked during the incident.

Speaking with Sunday PUNCH, Igbokwe said he was not physically assaulted during the incident, contrary to reports circulating on social media.

The Lagos APC stalwart, however, alleged that the hostility directed at him stemmed from his political affiliation and outspoken views on national issues.

“There was no mob attack. Nobody touched my body. It was just that they were making noise and people tried to caution them.

“Maybe politics. Maybe because I am an APC man. Maybe because I don’t like the politics they play. Make friends with major ethnic groups, and that is how you can rule Nigeria, but it is not forthcoming,” he said.

Igbokwe added that some people often view his comments and advice as antagonistic despite his intentions.

“There are things we saw during the first civil war. If you advise them, you will become an enemy. You become a saboteur,” he said.

Recounting what transpired, Igbokwe said he had visited the popular Ladipo Market in Lagos to purchase spare parts when some traders and residents recognised him.

According to him, the situation escalated after he purchased the item and returned to his vehicle.

“Some people were pointing fingers at me. Some were saying something. I ignored them and went in search of the part.

“I saw the part and went back to my vehicle to fix it. The people just started gathering and shouting, ‘This is Joe Igbokwe.’ I ignored them. They started coming towards me, so I moved away and went to my friend’s shop. I was there, and my friend went to call the leadership of the market. After that, I drove away.”

When asked whether he believed the incident was politically motivated, Igbokwe answered in the affirmative.

He said, “Yes. They know I have been very vocal in our party, the APC. I was the publicity secretary for many years. We are progressives; we cannot change. I have been consistent in where I stand.”

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has come under intense public scrutiny following the killing of 16-year-old Sesugh Atser.

The incident, which reportedly occurred in May 2026 in the Kanshio axis of Makurdi, Benue State, has sparked allegations of extrajudicial killing and renewed calls for an independent investigation.

In a statement on Saturday, the EFCC detailed what it described as the sequence of events leading to Sesugh’s death.

According to the commission, operatives arrested 26 suspected cyber fraudsters on April 28, 2026, at its Makurdi Zonal Directorate.

The suspects were profiled and remanded after being taken to court.

On May 4, three suspects, including Sesugh, allegedly escaped after being allowed to use the toilet.

They reportedly broke through the toilet roof and fled.

The EFCC released images on X showing what appeared to be a damaged roof with a hole and exposed structure at its holding facility.

According to the agency, fresh intelligence on May 21 led operatives to a location in Kanshio, where Sesugh was allegedly in hiding.

The EFCC claimed that upon sighting the team, Sesugh and suspected cult members opened fire.

“Operatives of the commission returned fire in self-defence. All the suspected cult members, including Sesugh, fled owing to the exchange of fire between them and EFCC operatives.

“However, Sesugh was later sighted lying in a pool of blood by the roadside. He was promptly taken to the Police Cottage Hospital at the Police Headquarters in Makurdi, where he was pronounced dead,” the EFCC said.

The commission emphasised that Sesugh did not die in custody and was never granted bail.

However, the official account was met with scepticism and outright rejection.

Many users on X questioned the plausibility of the escape narrative.

Critics also raised logistical concerns, questioning how three detainees could break through a roof undetected in a secured facility, and why no immediate manhunt or public declaration of wanted suspects was issued.

Activist Rinu Oduala wrote,“A 17-year-old boy opened fire? He was first a fraudster, then a cult member who broke a toilet roof and escaped from your own custody, in your own office?”

Another user commented, “Everybody allegedly ran away. Then later, the same suspect was ‘sighted lying in a pool of blood by the roadside.’ Did the bullet chase him on its own?”

A third user said, “From suspected fraudsters to suspected cultists. I wonder how you guys sleep at night, considering how you’ve ruined someone else’s life. What a country.”

Another said, “This story isn’t believable. This entire write-up is nonsensical. Please go back and investigate the death of this young man.”

The victim’s mother, Jennifer Atsar, in an exclusive interview with Saturday PUNCH, had described her son as a hardworking JSS 3 student who was learning furniture-making and doing menial jobs to support the family

According to her, EFCC operatives had previously arrested Sesugh but later released him after finding nothing incriminating, though they allegedly retained his phone and demanded N100,000 for its return.

She said that on the day he was killed, a friend came to their house and went out with him.

“A few hours later, one of my neighbours rushed to my house and said they had killed my son,” she said.

“I was told that two EFCC operatives, dressed in mufti, contacted my son’s friend and asked him to come to a hotel located within the community where they were staying.

“When they arrived at the hotel on a motorcycle, Sesugh got down, opened the gate, and they rode inside. Upon seeing them, one of the EFCC officers drew a gun. My son ran when he saw the gun, and they chased and shot him at close range.

“As soon as my son was shot, the officials tried to leave, but people in the area insisted that the EFCC should go with the body. My son was still calling the name of the officer who shot him while gasping for breath.

“He asked for water, but the people insisted they must take him along, so they ordered a vehicle and took him to the Police Headquarters in Makurdi,” she added.

According to her, EFCC operatives had previously arrested Sesugh but later released him after finding nothing incriminating, though they allegedly retained his phone and demanded N100,000 for its return.

She said that on the day he was killed, a friend came to their house and went out with him.

“A few hours later, one of my neighbours rushed to my house and said they had killed my son,” she said.

“I was told that two EFCC operatives, dressed in mufti, contacted my son’s friend and asked him to come to a hotel located within the community where they were staying.

“When they arrived at the hotel on a motorcycle, Sesugh got down, opened the gate, and they rode inside. Upon seeing them, one of the EFCC officers drew a gun. My son ran when he saw the gun, and they chased and shot him at close range.

“As soon as my son was shot, the officials tried to leave, but people in the area insisted that the EFCC should go with the body. My son was still calling the name of the officer who shot him while gasping for breath.

“He asked for water, but the people insisted they must take him along, so they ordered a vehicle and took him to the Police Headquarters in Makurdi,” she added.

The Gombe State Police Command has debunked a viral social media video suggesting that youths in the state were mobilising to confront insurgents.

The video, which circulated widely on Facebook, showed gunshots in the background and was wrongly interpreted by some users as a warning to insurgents.

The accompanying caption claimed: “Gombe is ready to protect itself. Nigerians are ready to face the monster and that’s the bravest way to eliminate it. Fish out all the collaborators within, then face the dragon and slay it. If you have to dig out the gods of your forefathers, do it. The fact is the state police is no longer a debate, it’s a must!”

However, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Abdullahi Buhari, speaking to newsmen on Saturday dismissed the claim, saying the video was taken during a traditional celebration and had no link to security operations or any mobilisation against insurgents.

Buhari explained that the gunshots seen in the footage were fired by local hunters during festivities held to honour the Emir of Gombe during Sallah celebrations.

That was a video done by hunters in celebration of the Islamic celebration. It’s usually done to celebrate either Eid-el-Kabir or Eid-el-Fitr in the state. They did that to usher in the Emir of Gombe. If you noticed, the environment is around the kofa (premises) of the king,” Buhari said.

He urged members of the public to verify information before sharing it, warning that misinformation could cause unnecessary panic and confusion.

I have seen that video. It’s a description of the event in the video. They wrote something entirely different from what was happening in the video. I guess it was written to get traffic and confuse the public. If you listened to what was said, the description was wrong,” he added.

The police spokesperson reiterated the command’s commitment to maintaining peace and security in the state and cautioned social media users against spreading unverified information.

MTN Nigeria has opened its data billing and network operations to public scrutiny in a bid to address persistent consumer concerns over alleged data depletion and rebuild customer trust.

The Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, MTN, Tobe Okigbo, said at a press conference on Data on Trial in Lagos on Saturday that the initiative would allow Nigerians to independently examine how data was consumed and billed on the network.

Okigbo said the exercise was designed to determine whether there are genuine system issues, customer misconceptions or areas requiring better consumer education.

According to him, MTN adopted a similar approach years ago when customers complained about unauthorised value-added service subscriptions and deductions.

He said the company then suspended affected services, subjected its systems to regulatory scrutiny and introduced measures that restored consumer confidence.

“We want Nigerians to tell us what is wrong, ask questions and help us identify issues so that we can collectively find solutions,” he said.

Okigbo said trust remained critical in the telecommunications business, adding that customers are more willing to use digital services when they understood how charges are applied

He said the planned public engagement would be streamed live, allowing consumers and stakeholders across the country to participate and ask questions.

Also speaking, MTN’s General Manager, Network Quality, Mike Ndukwe, dismissed claims that operators arbitrarily deduct customer data.

Ndukwe explained that data consumption began when users stream videos, browse websites, download files or run applications in the background.

Using TikTok as an example, he said video quality significantly affected consumption, with high-definition content using several times more data than standard-definition videos.

He added that autoplay features, background updates, cloud backups and hotspot connections often consume data without users noticing.

According to him, 4G and 5G technologies provide faster speeds and higher-quality experiences but can also increase data usage because of richer content delivery.

Ndukwe said customers could manage consumption by adjusting video resolution, limiting background applications and monitoring device settings.

He further explained that data usage was measured through globally recognised standards and verified billing systems.

The official said customer devices, network systems and billing platforms often recorded usage differently because they captured different stages of data transmission.

He noted that MTN’s billing processes are subjected to periodic audits by the Nigerian Communications Commission and independent assessors.

According to him, the same charging technologies and standards used by MTN Nigeria are deployed across multiple countries and regulated telecom markets.

Speaking on service quality, General Manager, Network Services, Asura Mshelia, said network performance depended on several interconnected systems.

Mshelia explained that customer traffic passes through base stations, transmission links, switching centres and internet gateways before reaching online destinations.

He said network congestion, power failures, equipment faults and fibre cuts are among the factors that could affect service quality.

According to him, vandalism remains a major challenge, with MTN recording hundreds of attacks on telecoms infrastructure, including theft of generators, batteries and solar equipment.

Mshelia said fibre cuts caused by road construction, sabotage and illegal activities frequently disrupted services and affected large numbers of subscribers.

He urged Nigerians to help protect telecoms infrastructure, noting that attacks on network facilities often led to widespread service disruptions.

The official said the engagement was aimed at improving transparency, addressing consumer concerns and strengthening trust between operators and subscribers.

(NAN)

The newly re-elected Chairman of the Articulate Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association of Nigeria, Ogun State, Taofeek Sokoya, popularly called Danku, has called on motorcycle riders in the state to remain vigilant, prioritise safety, and shun late-night operations.

This is as the AMORAN boss hailed Governor Dapo Abiodun for working hard in the last seven years to ensure all-round development across all sectors of the economy, saying the governor has raised the bar of purposeful leadership in the state.

Sokoya disclosed this on Saturday while speaking with journalists after his second-term inauguration as chairman of the union for another five years, held at the union secretariat in Adatan, Abeokuta.

Speaking against the background of growing insecurity, the AMORAN chairman said: “While the government and the security agencies have been doing a lot to tackle this challenge, we have also been talking to our members to be security conscious because security is everybody’s business.

We have told them to always be careful and watch whoever they are picking as passengers. They should avoid taking people into the bush and other unsafe areas. We also expect that between 8pm and 9pm, they would have already closed for the day. All of these counsels are for the good of all of us.”

Sokoya lauded Abiodun for infrastructural upgrades, particularly in the road and transportation sectors, saying the governor has been a “loving father and leader of purpose” over the last seven years.

Speaking on his re-election and the inauguration of the new executive of the union, Danku hailed members for the confidence reposed in him, promising to devote his new tenure to taking the union to greater heights.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Gbenga Dairo, represented by Engr. Babatunde Omisakin, commended AMORAN for its operational efficiency and consistent support for the state government’s transportation policies.

Dairo attributed the union’s stability and achievements to the exemplary leadership of Sokoya.

He urged the newly inaugurated executives to consolidate existing achievements, remain committed to service, and continue to uphold the values that have distinguished the union over the years.

In his remarks, the Ogun State Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Akeem Lasisi, praised the long-standing cordial relationship between the TUC and AMORAN.

Lasisi urged members to sustain unity, discipline, and collective progress, while encouraging the new executives to harness their numerical strength to speak with one voice in truth and unity.

The inauguration ceremony attracted several stakeholders from the transportation and labour sectors, including the Chairman of the Riders and Owners of Motorcycle Organisation, Rasak Olusola Sotayo; member of the Ogun State House of Assembly representing Abeokuta South State Constituency II, Igbalaye Wasiu Ayodele; and a former AMORAN Chairman, Otunba Nurudeen Aina Alowonle, among others.

The Lagos Waste Management Authority has issued a precautionary advisory to health facilities and medical waste handlers across the state following reports of an Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in parts of East Africa.

LAWMA’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the advisory was aimed at ensuring health facilities, medical waste handlers, transporters and treatment operators remain vigilant and comply with infection prevention and medical waste management protocols.

According to a statement shared by the Lagos State Government on Saturday, Gbadegesin stressed that there were currently no confirmed cases of Ebola in Lagos State or anywhere in Nigeria.

“Although there is currently no confirmed case of Ebola in Lagos or Nigeria, preparedness remains one of the most effective tools in disease prevention.

We are therefore urging all health facilities and licensed medical waste operators to strengthen infection prevention and control measures and ensure strict compliance with approved medical waste management protocols,” he said.

He said medical waste management plays a critical role in preventing the spread of infectious diseases and protecting healthcare workers, patients, waste handlers and the wider public.

The advisory directed health facilities to reinforce infection prevention measures, including proper hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment, safe handling of medical specimens, environmental decontamination and strict segregation of infectious waste at source.

LAWMA also urged medical waste handlers and transporters to adhere to approved collection, transportation, treatment and disposal procedures for infectious waste and ensure the consistent use of protective equipment during operations.

Gbadegesin said the authority would continue monitoring compliance and engaging stakeholders to maintain high standards of medical waste management across the state.

He urged health institutions to review their infection prevention protocols and promptly report any suspected public health concerns through appropriate channels.

The LAWMA boss added that Lagos State remained on high alert and would continue to sustain surveillance, preparedness and response measures to safeguard public health.

The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria has rejected claims linking a recent nationwide prayer programme to the Redeemed Christian Church of God or its General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, describing the allegations as “false, misleading, and entirely baseless.”

Vanguard on Saturday stated that in a statement by the National Secretary of the fellowship, Bishop David Bakare, PFN said the initiative was conceived and executed solely under its authority.

According to Bakare: “It is deeply unfortunate for anyone to attempt to attribute the programme to Pastor E.A. Adeboye or the Redeemed Christian Church of God. The RCCG never called for any protest. The programme was entirely a PFN initiative.”

He stressed that the exercise was fully controlled by the fellowship, adding: “The programme was entirely a PFN affair and all directives, instructions, and operational decisions originated from PFN leadership without any interference whatsoever from Pastor Adeboye or the RCCG. Every church that participated, including RCCG, simply complied with the directive of the fellowship as responsible members of the pentecostal community.”

Bakare noted that the final day of the programme coincided with Pentecost Sunday, describing it as a globally observed Christian event.

“Pentecost is celebrated worldwide by Christians across denominations and nations. Therefore, the gatherings held were not peculiar to RCCG or churches in Nigeria alone. They formed part of a global Christian observance,” he said.

He added that an earlier proposal involving public processions and placards was suspended after security considerations.

The fellowship said it was satisfied with the outcome of the exercise, describing it as successful in mobilising prayers for the nation.

“We are grateful to God that the programme was successful and widely embraced. If there are individuals who believe alternative approaches should have been adopted, they are free to organise lawful initiatives of their own rather than spreading unfounded allegations and misinformation borne out of ignorance or prejudice,” Bakare said.

PFN called on Christians and Nigerians to reject misinformation and support unity, peace, and national progress.

Earlier in May, PFN announced a three-day nationwide fasting and prayer programmeover worsening insecurity, bloodshed, economic hardship and rising concerns about Nigeria’s political future ahead of the 2027 elections.

The chairman of Kwara State chapter of the PFN, Rev. O.T. Opatola, after the fasting pleaded with political leaders across the country to shift attention from electoral ambitions to the urgent task of ending killings, banditry, and terrorism ravaging Nigeria.

The Christian Association of Nigeria, Adamawa State Chapter, has denied the purported endorsement of All Progressives Congress governorship candidate Tijani Galadima as its candidate for the forthcoming 2027 general elections.

In a statement signed and released by the Adamawa CAN Chairman, Mr. Joel Manzo, and made available to Weekend PUNCH on Saturday, the association distanced itself from the purported endorsement of Galadima.

“We wish to address the concerns raised by members of the Christian community and the general public regarding a recent visit by a group of women who reportedly introduced themselves as leaders representing Christians in Adamawa State and publicly declared support for a governorship aspirant as ‘God’s chosen candidate,” the statement said.

“The leadership of CAN Adamawa State Chapter wishes to state clearly and unequivocally that neither the association nor any of its recognized organs authorized such a representation or pronouncement.

As the umbrella body of Christians in Adamawa State, CAN recognizes that many of its members are active participants in different political parties and may individually aspire for elective offices or support candidates of their choice. Indeed, all aspirants seeking leadership positions in the state are our sons and daughters,” it added

Manzo said it is inappropriate for any individual or group, regardless of status or position, as captured in Article 7, Sub-Article 3, Paragraph 6 of the Bye-Laws of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Adamawa State Chapter (2022), to make declarations or endorsements on behalf of CAN without the consent and approval of the duly constituted leadership of the association.

“Such actions have the potential to create misunderstanding, sow seeds of division among believers, and undermine the unity for which the Church stands,” he added.

He stated that CAN views the development with serious concern and called on those involved to exercise greater caution and responsibility.

“We therefore categorically dissociate CAN from the statements and endorsements made during the said visit,” he added.

He directed the individuals or organisations involved in the alleged unlawful endorsement to issue a public statement through the same channels used in disseminating the earlier declaration, clarifying that their position was solely their own and not that of CAN Adamawa State Chapter or its recognised organs across the 21 local government areas of the state.

CAN Adamawa State Chapter stressed that it bears no ill feelings toward any political aspirant, adding that it remains committed to neutrality while encouraging all citizens to participate responsibly in the democratic process.

“Our desire is to preserve the unity of the Church and uphold the mission and vision of the association without allowing partisan interests to create division among God’s people,” he said.

Manzo appealed to youths, church members, and all concerned Christians to refrain from making inflammatory comments, circulating unverified information, or engaging in actions that may further aggravate the situation.

“At this critical moment, we encourage all believers to remain calm, prayerful, and attentive to God’s direction and leadership. May we continually avail ourselves for His purposes and seek His will in all our endeavours,” CAN added.

The Federal Road Safety Corps says it recorded a 27 per cent drop in road traffic crashes and a 22 per cent decrease in crash victims during the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir, compared with the 2025 statistics.

The Corp Public Education Officer (CPEO), Osondu Ohaeri, revealed this in a statement released on Saturday in Abuja.

Ohaeri described the outcome as one of the corps most remarkable operational achievements in recent years.

He said that the outcome was another proof of the effectiveness of the corps’ proactive traffic management strategies, intensive public enlightenment campaigns, robust enforcement activities, and enhanced emergency response mechanisms.

He also said that the operational report showed that road traffic crashes during the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir Special Patrol Operations, declined drastically, dropping from 191 crashes recorded in 2025, to 142 in 2026.

He further said that there was also a reduction in the number of people involved in crashes from 1,364 persons in 2025 to 1,064 in 2026.

“Additionally, the corps also achieved a 25.4 per cent decrease in injuries, with the number of injured persons reducing from 576 to 430 within the period under review.

These impressive gains represent hundreds of lives protected and families spared the devastating consequences of road traffic crashes,” he said.

The CPEO credited the outstanding performance to the strategic deployment of personnel and operational assets across critical corridors nationwide.

He said this was through round the clock patrols, intelligence driven surveillance, motorised chain patrol operations, prompt rescue interventions, traffic calming measures, stakeholder collaborations, and sustained public education campaigns.

“The corps employed these protocols and succeeded in creating safer travel conditions for millions of Nigerians, who journeyed across the country before, during and after Sallah celebrations,” he said.

Ohaeri quoted the corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, as commending the dedication, professionalism and resilience displayed by personnel, Special Marshals, and collaborating agencies throughout the operation.

Mohammed noted that the results demonstrated that sustained enforcement, strategic planning, and collective commitment to road safety could substantially reduce the burden of crashes on Nigerian roads.

He further expressed appreciation to motorists and other road users, who adhered to traffic regulations and embraced the corps’ safety advisories throughout the festive season.

Mohammed further reassured the public of the FRSC’s commitment to strengthening its interventions, deepening stakeholder engagement, and enhancing operational efficiency to achieve greater reductions in crashes, injuries, and fatalities.

He urged road users to sustain the culture of safety beyond festive periods, stressing that road safety remains a shared responsibility requiring the cooperation of every Nigerian.

(NAN)

The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the Press Secretary of the board, Mrs. Jumoke Jimoh, a copy of which was made available to The PUNCH in Ilorin.

Speaking on preparations for the return of the pilgrims from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Executive Secretary of the board, Alhaji Abdulsalam Abdulkadir, said arrangements had been concluded to receive the first set of returnees.

He said, “A total of 560 pilgrims will be transported by MaxAir and are expected to land at the Babatunde Idiagbon International Airport, Ilorin, tomorrow, Sunday, June 7, 2026.”

He explained that the return of pilgrims had been scheduled in batches to ensure a smooth and coordinated operation.

“The second batch of pilgrims will arrive on Tuesday, while the third batch is scheduled to return on Friday, and the last batch is expected to arrive on Sunday, June 14, 2026,” he stated.

The Executive Secretary disclosed that all pilgrims from Kwara State were in good health and high spirits following the completion of the religious exercise in the holy land.

All Kwara pilgrims are in good health and high spirits. We thank Almighty Allah for granting us a successful Hajj exercise this year,” Abdulkadir said.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the board, Professor Mashood Mahmud-Jimba, commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his support towards the successful conduct of the pilgrimage.

“We appreciate Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his unwavering support and commitment, which contributed immensely to the smooth and successful Hajj exercise in Saudi Arabia,” Mahmud-Jimba said.

He assured relatives, friends, and well-wishers of the pilgrims that adequate measures had been put in place to ensure a seamless reception process upon their arrival in Ilorin.

The board is expected to continue providing updates as subsequent batches of pilgrims return from the holy land.

The Ogun State Government has recorded another significant milestone with the safe arrival of the state’s pilgrims at Gateway International Airport, a development described as a testament to Governor Dapo Abiodun’s commitment to infrastructural development and economic growth.

The Commissioner for Transportation, Hon. Gbenga Dairo, while reacting to the successful arrival of the pilgrims, commended Governor Abiodun for his visionary leadership, noting that the use of Gateway International Airport for the pilgrims’ return marks a new chapter in the state’s aviation and transportation history.

According to Dairo, the seamless landing and processing of the pilgrims demonstrated the operational readiness and growing importance of the airport as a strategic asset for Ogun State and the Southwest region.

“This achievement underscores the Governor’s determination to position Ogun State as a hub for economic growth, transportation, and investment. The safe arrival of our pilgrims at Gateway International Airport is not only a source of pride but also clear evidence of the progress being made under his administration,” Dairo said.

He further praised the management of the airport, security agencies, and all stakeholders involved in ensuring a smooth operation, stressing that the successful exercise reflects the state’s capacity to handle major aviation activities.

The commissioner also congratulated the returning pilgrims on the successful completion of their spiritual journey and wished them continued blessings and safe reunions with their families.

Speaking on the development, the Consultant to the Governor on Aviation, Capt. Dapo Olumide, expressed confidence that the airport would continue to play a pivotal role in enhancing connectivity, boosting commerce, and attracting more development opportunities to Ogun State.

Olumide noted that the successful reception of the pilgrims at Gateway International Airport represents another landmark achievement in the ongoing efforts of the Abiodun administration to expand critical infrastructure, strengthen the state’s transportation network, and elevate Ogun State’s profile on the national stage.

He added that the milestone further validates the state’s investment in aviation infrastructure and reinforces the airport’s capacity to support both commercial and special flight operations.

Aneke gave the assurance on Saturday in Abuja during the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) second quarter 2026 route march exercise

Represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Abdullahi, the CAS said that the NAF remained committed to supporting ongoing security operations across the country.

He said the service would continue to work in synergy with other security agencies to protect lives and property, as well as advance national security objectives.

Aneke said the route march underscored the NAF’s commitment to the health, wellness and fitness of its personnel as critical components of operational effectiveness and mission success.

According to him, a healthy and physically fit workforce is better positioned to meet the demands of modern military operations and contribute meaningfully to national security efforts.

He said the exercise also promoted teamwork, camaraderie, esprit de corps and overall wellness among personnel, while strengthening the bond necessary for effective service delivery.

The CAS urged personnel to embrace healthy lifestyles and regular physical activities as part of their daily routines to sustain their physical and mental well-being.

He said all personnel had been directed to participate actively in weekly Wednesday sporting activities across NAF bases to encourage fitness and social cohesion.

According to him, the initiative will also provide opportunities for talent discovery for the Armed Forces of Nigeria games and discourage activities that distract personnel from their responsibilities.

Aneke expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his continued support towards the development and operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Air Force.

He also commended senior officers, officers, airmen, airwomen and civilian staff for their dedication and participation in the exercise.

The CAS further praised the commander, 053 Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force Camp, and his team for successfully hosting the exercise. (NAN)

The Office of the President of the Senate has dismissed reports claiming that Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, promised to secure senatorial tickets for lawmakers who lost in the recent All Progressives Congress primary elections.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Akpabio’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, described the reports as misleading and a misrepresentation of Akpabio’s remarks.

According to him, Akpabio neither made nor authorised any promise to guarantee tickets for senators affected by the outcome of the party primaries.

The statement explained that the Senate President merely sympathised with colleagues who were adversely affected by the exercise and assured them that the APC leadership was working to address issues arising from the primaries.

It added that Akpabio had informed the senators that the final list of candidates would be released in due course in accordance with the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines.

“What the President of the Senate actually said, in the course of interacting with his colleagues, was to empathise with senators who were affected negatively by the outcome of their primary elections.

“He assured them that the leadership of the All Progressives Congress is actively working to address all issues arising from the primaries and that the final list of candidates will be released in due course in line with the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines,” Eyiboh said.

The aide stressed that Akpabio remained committed to party discipline, due process and the internal dispute-resolution mechanisms of the APC, noting that he would not interfere in the party’s autonomous processes or make commitments outside the powers of the National Assembly leadership.

He also clarified reports suggesting that he opposed legislative scrutiny of the military over recent security incidents.

While acknowledging that legislative oversight remains a constitutional responsibility of the National Assembly, the statement said Akpabio believes that a public probe of the Armed Forces at this time could undermine the morale of troops engaged in counter-terrorism and anti-banditry operations across the country.

Eyiboh noted that the Senate President favours collaboration and closed-door engagements with security agencies rather than public hearings that could distract military personnel from ongoing operations.

He said, “Senator Akpabio’s position is that this is not the opportune moment for a public probe of the Armed Forces. At a time when our troops are engaged on multiple fronts against terrorism, banditry and other threats to National Security, subjecting the military to a public legislative inquisition could undermine their morale and operational focus.”

Akpabio urged journalists and members of the public to disregard what he described as sensational and inaccurate reports and to seek clarification from his office before publishing stories relating to his comments.

The terrorists holding teachers and pupils abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have reportedly made a four-point demand before they will free the captives.

The abductors, who attacked schools in Esinele, Yawota and Alawusa communities on May 15, are said to be demanding the release of detained terrorist commanders, payment of ransom, two Hilux vehicles and the implementation of Sharia-related law

The two commanders whose release is reportedly being sought are Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a or Abbas Mukhtar, and his deputy, Abubakar Abba, alias Isah Adam or Mahmud Al-Nigeri, also called Mallam Mamuda.

The duo are leaders of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimeena Fii Bilaadis Sudan, JAMBS, also known as Ansaru — a breakaway faction of Boko Haram — and are alleged to have aided and abetted acts of terrorism in the country between 2013 and 2015.

They are also linked to the 2022 Kuje prison break.

They were arrested between May and July 2025 and are currently standing trial on terrorism charges before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, in a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CR/464/2025, with their trial commencing on January 15, 2026.

Usman was sentenced to 15 years in prison by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on September 11, 2025, after pleading guilty to one count of illegal mining — which he admitted he used to fund arms procurement for terrorism and kidnapping

He denied 31 other counts and remains in DSS custody pending trial on those charges.

His deputy, Abba, pleaded not guilty to all 32 counts and is also standing trial before the same court.

Other reports indicate the ransom demand stands at ₦1bn, to be paid into a bank account in the Republic of Benin. PUNCH Online could not independently verify this figure.

Security analysts have warned that releasing the commanders would pose serious risks to national security.

A retired Brigadier-General, Bashir Adewinbi, speaking said the situation had put the government in a tight corner, warning that paying ransom or releasing terrorist commanders would embolden criminal groups and fund further attacks.

Another retired Brigadier-General, Peter Aro, urged the government to first establish proof that the abductees were still alive before taking any decision, noting that prolonged captivity posed serious risks, particularly for young children.

The Oyo State Government has declined to comment on the demands or the state of negotiations, with the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, saying it would be “unhelpful” to disclose the government’s strategy while efforts to secure the victims’ release were ongoing.

On May 17, two days after the attack, the abductors released a video showing the beheading of one of the kidnapped teachers, Michael Oyedokun, a mathematics teacher at Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele.

Governor Seyi Makinde confirmed the killing in a statement on Monday, May 18, describing it as deeply painful.

The Registrar of NECO, Prof. Ibrahim Wushishi, disclosed this while briefing journalists after monitoring the examination alongside the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, in Abuja.

Wushishi said the figure represented a decline from the 64,578 candidates who registered for the examination in 2025.

He added that female candidates accounted for the majority of those who registered for this year’s examination.

According to him, more than 31,000 female candidates registered, compared to about 26,000 male candidates.

“I think this reflects the efforts of the ministry in promoting girl-child education and shows that positive results are being achieved in that regard,” he said.

Speaking on the conduct of the examination, Wushishi said reports received from across the country indicated that the exercise was largely hitch-free.

Following inspection visits to three centres in Abuja, Ahmad expressed satisfaction with the organisation of the examination.

According to her, candidates were orderly, adequately supervised and commenced the examination on schedule.

“We have been to three schools and I am happy with the conduct of the examination in all the centres visited.

“The students are orderly, well seated and the examination started on time.

“I have also looked at the registration documents of the students and observed that the guidelines regarding the prescribed age bracket for the examination were adhered to,” she said.

The minister, however, expressed concern over the number of absentee candidates recorded in some centres.

She said about 18 candidates were absent in one of the halls visited and stressed the need to ascertain the reasons for the development.

Ahmad also noted that the schools visited had the necessary facilities for the conduct of the examination and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to improving infrastructure for effective teaching and learning.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Taraba recorded the lowest number of candidates, with 15 registrations, while Lagos had the highest, with 13,228 candidates.

The minister and NECO management visited Model Secondary School, Maitama; Government Science Technical College, Garki; and Federal Government Boys’ College, Garki, during the monitoring exercise.

(NAN)

A series of videos capturing the state of the Nsukka Road in Enugu State following a heavy downpour on Friday has sparked concern and debate on social media.

One of the most widely circulated video clips showed commercial and private vehicles broken down on the flooded road

The video captured a scene where a state-branded commercial Coaster bus, bearing the portrait of Governor Peter Mbah, was forced to halt.

An onlooker and narrator in the video could be heard instructing the passengers to alight from the vehicle to help another motorist whose car had stopped in the middle of the road.

“Come down and walk so that you’ll tell Peter Mbah what you’re passing through on Enugu road,” the narrator said in a mix of English and Pidgin. “See vehicles that have spoilt on the road. Tell Peter Mbah to come and fix the Enugu road in Nsukka.”

Tomorrow is here!” he added, mocking the political and development blueprint slogan of the incumbent administration, which was boldly printed on the bus.

In a separate video, a commercial motorcyclist was seen dropping off his passengers to avoid moving further on the flooded road, forcing his passengers to join other pedestrians walking on the road median.

“This is Nsukka road right now. If I’m telling people about Nsukka road, they can’t believe me. Can you see? This is Enugu road. You see that all the motors have stopped. See water everywhere,” the man filming the scene lamented.

An additional clip showed some vehicles, including private cars and buses, driving slowly in the flood, as one motorist was seen pushing his car, which seemed to have broken down in the water.

The videos have triggered reactions on X and Facebook, with users calling on residents and the state government to work on the drainage along that road.

The incident also triggered a debate over whether the flooding should be blamed on poor government execution or the nonchalant attitude of citizens dumping refuse in drainages.

IgboAngelGabriel, who tweets as #ThatEnuguDude, wrote on X, “This road has always been facing this problem for years! And you know what the actual problem is? blockage of the gutters with refuse. Nsukka people are so good at dumping refuse in the gutters.”

“Govt did solid drainage work on that axis of the road, are also meant to be cracking down people who throw dirt in that axis and also maintain the drainage. Citizens throw dirt here, making it hard for water to flow efficiently. So both Govt and citizens are to be blamed,” Tobe, identified as #OdoGeraldGiggs, supported the argument.

On Facebook, Ikenna Paul agreed, saying, “Our people dey very nonchalant…na block dem block those gutters, what do you expect?”

#Ndubuisi_23 blamed the previous administration for delivering a substandard project, writing, “If we are being honest, this road was rehabilitated by the immediate past governor of Enugu, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, during his first tenure. That was barely 8 to 10 years ago. If he had done a good job, the road wouldn’t be in this shape today.”

Sam Oluka on Facebook supported this and advised critics, saying, “Don’t blame the current government; rather, your man who didn’t carry out a feasibility study on the road before reconstruction.”

However, #eric_tc24 threw the blame back to the current administration’s maintenance culture.

He wrote, “For those blaming Gburugburu, he built that road and added proper drainage to it. The drainage was clogged, and in 3 years, Peter Mbah’s government has not been able to clean it up. They’ll pull out dirt from the drainage, leave it on the road till rain falls and washes it back into the drainage.”

Amidst the debate, some users chose humour as Ugwuja Chikwado wrote on Facebook, “Everyone should buy a canoe.”

The N1.245 trillion project was officially flagged off on Thursday at Liji in Gombe State.

The event was attended by the Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, and the Managing Director of Hi-Tech Construction Company, Danny Abboud.

In a statement issued in Abuja, Ndume described the project as the fulfilment of commitments made by the Tinubu administration to rehabilitate critical road infrastructure in the North-East.

The lawmaker recalled that he had repeatedly drawn attention to the poor condition of the road across successive administrations due to its strategic importance to economic activities, security operations, and regional integration.

He said: “In 2019, during a high-level engagement with the then Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, which I initiated, I expressed concerns regarding the deplorable condition of the Biu–Gombe Road, emphasising its strategic significance to economic integration, inter-state mobility, security operations, and regional development within the North-East subregion.

“Also in July 2021, during an engagement with the Ministry of Works, during deliberations connected to national infrastructure financing frameworks, including projects tied to African Development Bank-supported facilities, I also made a presentation on the urgent need to include the Biu–Gombe corridor within federal rehabilitation priorities, strategic funding windows, and long-term infrastructure development frameworks.

“It is heart warming to note that my interaction with the present Minister of Works, Dave Umahi in a letter dated February 11, 2026, in which I drew his attention to the exclusion of the Biu/Damboa/Maiduguri in Borno State from the 2026 Budget Four Legacy Projects of the present administration finally paid off as the FEC eventually approved the Biu–Gombe Road project under the federal tax credit and infrastructure intervention framework.

The project was subsequently captured among strategic national road interventions financed through the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation tax liabilities arrangement.”

Ndume noted that the rehabilitation and dualisation of the highway would boost economic activities and improve connectivity across the North-East, describing it as a critical corridor linking the region with other parts of Nigeria and neighbouring West African countries.

“I want to appreciate Mr President for listening to my calls.
“It is a laudable project that will unlock economic opportunities and improve the quality of life for Nigerians,” he said.

The senator, however, appealed to the Federal Government to extend the road project beyond Biu to Maiduguri, Monguno, Ngala and Yola to further enhance trade, security, and regional integration.

“Like Oliver Twist, we want to appeal to President Tinubu to extend the road network not only to Biu, but to Maiduguri and up to Monguno and Ngala and then down to Yola.

“Those are very critical roads that go down to the border that will also promote inter-country trade and also help in the fight against insurgency because they always take advantage of the bad road to block people and kidnap travellers on that road.”

He expressed confidence that residents of the North-East would appreciate the intervention.

“I am sure that the people of the North East will appreciate this gesture of Mr President and reward him with their votes in the forthcoming general elections.”

The Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu, has performed the groundbreaking ceremony for a 20-megawatt mini-grid power project in Egume, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State.

This was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister, Lizzy Okoji.

The project, expected to be the largest mini-grid power project in North Central Nigeria, was held on Friday, while two other mini-grid projects in Kogi East were also commissioned: a 700-kilowatt mini-grid in Offa Community, Olamaboro Local Government Area, and a 400-kilowatt mini-grid in Emewe Efopa Community, Dekina Local Government Area.

Audu said the projects, valued at over 100 million dollars, form part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to deliver the dividends of the Renewed Hope Agenda to the people of Kogi State.

He noted that the “Light Up Kogi” initiative, which he is championing, is aimed at expanding access to reliable electricity, stimulating economic growth, enhancing security, and improving the quality of life of residents across Kogi East and the entire state.

Speaking during the ceremonies, the minister described the project, under the Ministry of Power through the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), which coincided with the third anniversary of the Tinubu administration, as “underscoring the tangible impact of the administration’s policies on communities at the grassroots level.”

He said: “The projects also serve as a call for the people of Kogi State to come out in their numbers to vote for the re-election of President Tinubu in 2027, while assuring the President of a resounding victory in the state.

Today is a good day for Igala land. The groundbreaking of this 20-megawatt project, the largest mini-grid power project in North Central Nigeria, demonstrates President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to the development of our people.

Through our engagements with the Rural Electrification Agency and the Federal Ministry of Power, we have secured over 40 mini-grid electrification projects across the nine local government areas of Igala land. In the coming months, communities across the region will begin to witness the benefits of these interventions,” the minister stated.

Minister Audu further disclosed that the Federal Government, in collaboration with the World Bank through the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), had secured funding worth nearly 100 million dollars for mini-grid projects across Igala land. He urged communities to cooperate fully with government officials and project developers to ensure the smooth execution of the projects.

He further noted that access to reliable electricity remains one of the most critical enablers of economic growth and social development, adding that the projects will create opportunities for businesses to thrive, improve healthcare and educational services, enhance security, and raise the overall standard of living of the people.

Audu expressed appreciation to the Minister of Power, Mr. Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, for approving the project, and the Managing Director of REA, Alhaji Abba Abubakar Aliyu, for the agency’s partnership, technical expertise, and support in delivering the projects.

He also commended traditional rulers, community leaders, stakeholders, and residents of Egume, Offa, and Emewe Efopa communities for their cooperation and support.

The Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Alhaji Abba Abubakar Aliyu, commended Prince Audu for his commitment to attracting development to Kogi State and particularly Kogi East, describing him as a reliable and effective representative of Kogi State at the Federal Executive Council, whose consistent engagement has ensured that the region receives strategic federal attention and energy investments.

“The Minister has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the development of his people. Through his efforts, about 29 megawatts of renewable energy projects have been attracted to Kogi State, with nearly 20 megawatts located within Igala land. The projects will deliver reliable and affordable electricity to homes, businesses, schools, and healthcare facilities, creating new economic opportunities for the people,” he said.

Alhaji Aliyu further explained that the project would be situated on over five hectares of land and integrated with existing electricity infrastructure to guarantee sustainable power supply. He expressed optimism that the Egume project would be completed within six months, urging residents to position themselves to take advantage of the economic opportunities that would accompany improved electricity access.

Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers of the communities, the Ejeh of Dekina, His Royal Majesty, Alhaji (Dr.) Usman Obaje, OON, thanked the minister for being a true son of his father, the late Prince Abubakar Audu, and a worthy son of the soil.

He thanked him for bringing such a magnanimous project to Igala land and assured support for the Renewed Hope Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Delta State has been ranked the second-best governed state in Nigeria under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, according to the 2025 Commonwealth Institute of Advanced and Professional Studies (CIAPS) Governance Performance Index.

A Saturday statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Festus Ahon, said the ranking “places Delta State second nationwide with a score of 70 per cent, closely following Kaduna State, which topped the index with 73 per cent.”

The statement said the result “highlights the growing recognition of Governor Oborevwori’s administration for its performance in governance, infrastructure development, public service delivery and overall management of state affairs.”

According to the report, “Governor Oborevwori’s second-place ranking places Delta ahead of 34 out of the 36 states in Nigeria, including Anambra, Niger, Ekiti, Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Oyo, Enugu and Borno, which completed the top ten positions.”

It added: “Kaduna State, under Governor Uba Sani, emerged first with 73 per cent, while Delta State followed closely with 70 per cent.

“Anambra State, led by Governor Charles Soludo, ranked third with 65.5 per cent, while Niger State under Governor Mohammed Umar Bago placed fourth with 65.1 per cent

Ekiti State, governed by Biodun Oyebanji, came fifth with 64.5 per cent, while Akwa Ibom and Lagos States, led by Governors Umo Eno and Babajide Sanwo-Olu respectively, each scored 64 per cent to occupy the sixth and seventh positions.

“Oyo State under Governor Seyi Makinde secured eighth place with 61 per cent, followed by Enugu State under Governor Peter Mbah with 56.5 per cent. Borno State, led by Governor Babagana Zulum, completed the top ten with 54 per cent.”

The report further stated that “in the middle-tier category, Kwara, Abia, Ondo, Nasarawa, Osun, Ogun, Kano, Kogi, Edo and Jigawa occupied positions 11 to 20.”

It also listed lower-performing states, noting that “Taraba State ranked last among the 36 states with a governance score of 20 per cent. Yobe, Benue, Rivers, Plateau and Kebbi were also among the bottom performers.”

According to the statement, “the strong showing by Delta State is expected to reinforce growing public confidence in the Oborevwori administration’s MORE agenda, which has driven extensive investments in roads, bridges, healthcare, education and other critical sectors across the state.”

It added: “The ranking further reflects the impact of ongoing development projects and governance reforms being implemented by the administration, positioning Delta among the leading states in Nigeria in terms of governance performance and service delivery.”

The Commonwealth Institute of Advanced and Professional Studies said “the Governance Performance Index serves as a benchmark for evaluating the effectiveness of state governments and promoting accountability, transparency and sustainable development across the federation.”

The Supreme Court of Nigeria on Friday affirmed the death sentence imposed on a Delta State-based kidnapper, Chelynor Halim, bringing to an end his legal challenge against the conviction.

In a unanimous decision, a five-member panel of the apex court dismissed Halim’s appeal for lacking merit and upheld the judgments of the lower courts.

Halim was convicted by a High Court sitting in Asaba, Delta State, in 2017 after the court found him guilty of kidnapping and armed robbery.

Evidence before the trial court showed that Halim and his accomplices kidnapped one Joan Osemene on February 9, 2014, and took her to an undisclosed location in Ibusa area of the state.

During the attack, Halim was said to have slapped the victim, threatened her with a gun and later covered her nose with a cloth containing a substance that rendered her unconscious.

The prosecution also identified the gang leader as Edozie Obude, who allegedly grabbed the victim by the throat, struck her neck with a metal object and ordered that she be searched.

Testifying before the court, Osemene said the gang dispossessed her of her Automated Teller Machine card and N10,000 cash before withdrawing an additional N55,000 from her bank account using the card.

During the attack, Halim was said to have slapped the victim, threatened her with a gun and later covered her nose with a cloth containing a substance that rendered her unconscious.

The prosecution also identified the gang leader as Edozie Obude, who allegedly grabbed the victim by the throat, struck her neck with a metal object and ordered that she be searched.

Testifying before the court, Osemene said the gang dispossessed her of her Automated Teller Machine card and N10,000 cash before withdrawing an additional N55,000 from her bank account using the card.

In a dramatic turn of events, the victim flagged down a motorcyclist for assistance, only to discover that he was one of her abductors.

She immediately raised the alarm, attracting passersby who apprehended the suspect before he could escape.

The suspect was subsequently handed over to operatives of the Department of State Services.

Investigations later led security operatives to the gang’s hideout after Halim reportedly provided useful information.

A shootout that followed resulted in the death of the gang leader, Obude.

In the lead judgment delivered by Justice Chioma Nwosu-Iheme, the Supreme Court held that the prosecution had sufficiently established the appellant’s identity and participation in the crimes.

The court found that the evidence presented during the trial firmly placed Halim at the scene of the kidnapping and linked him to the criminal acts for which he was convicted.

Consequently, the apex court dismissed Appeal No. SC/CR/913/2022 and affirmed the sentence of death by hanging imposed on the convict.

The Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries has suspended all vigils, overnight prayer meetings and similar programmes across its branches nationwide due to prevailing insecurity challenges in the country.

The directive was contained in an internal circular dated June 5, 2026, and signed by the Director of Administration, MFM International Headquarters and Nigeria, Temitope Olawale.

According to the circular, all church programmes, services, meetings and activities at every level of the ministry “must now end not later than 8:00pm until further notice.”

The church also directed that all vigils and overnight programmes be suspended immediately, while branches requiring such gatherings should convert them to evening prayer meetings that must conclude on or before 8:00pm.

The circular stated that the measures were introduced as a precautionary response to the nation’s security situation and to safeguard the lives and well-being of members.

These measures are purely precautionary and are intended to safeguard the lives and well-being of our members in the face of the current security situation in the country,” the memo read.

The ministry directed all overseers, zonal pastors, branch pastors, groups and departments to comply strictly with the directive.

It further instructed Mega Regional Overseers to ensure that the information is communicated to all regions, zones and branches under their supervision for immediate implementation.

The development comes amid growing concerns over insecurity in parts of the country, with religious organisations increasingly adopting precautionary measures to protect worshippers and other participants at church gatherings.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has announced restrictions on the operations of commercial motorcycle riders, popularly known as Okada operators, as part of measures to strengthen security across the state.

Makinde announced the directive in an Executive Order issued on Friday.

The governor, while addressing residents of the state on the ongoing efforts to secure the release of abducted teachers and pupils of Oriire Local Government Area, assured the people that the state government remained committed to ensuring their safe return.

Makinde, in a video seen by Saturday PUNCH, said the operations of motorcycle riders would henceforth be restricted between 10:30pm and 5:30am across the state.

He noted that the directive formed part of additional security measures introduced through an executive order aimed at curbing criminal activities and improving public safety.

“With the signing of this executive order, we are also introducing additional measures to enhance security across our state. Consequently, the operations of motorcycle operators, popularly known as Okada riders, will now be restricted between the hours of 10:30pm and 5:30am throughout Oyo State,” the governor said.

Makinde stressed that the government would not relent until the abducted teachers and schoolchildren regained their freedom, describing their continued captivity as painful for their families and communities.

We will not relent until our teachers and children are returned safely home. Every day they remain in captivity is a painful day for their families, their communities, and all of us in Oyo State. They have not been forgotten, and they have not been abandoned,” he said.

According to him, the government may not be able to disclose details of ongoing rescue operations due to security considerations, insisting that intensive efforts were being made behind the scenes in collaboration with security agencies.

“We may not be able to disclose every step being taken because of the sensitive nature of the operations involved, but I ask our people not to mistake our silence for inaction. A great deal of work is being done behind the scenes, and we remain fully engaged with all relevant security agencies,” Makinde added.

The governor also called on residents to support security agencies by providing useful information that could help prevent crime and improve security in their communities.

“We can create laws and regulations, but their success ultimately depends on the cooperation of our people. This is another opportunity to remind us all that security is a shared responsibility.

“If you see something, say something, and the authorities will do something,” he said.

Makinde further urged residents to make use of the state’s toll-free emergency lines to report suspicious activities and security threats promptly.

The Anambra State Government has commenced free hypertension screening services in all public health facilities across the state as measures to strengthen preventive healthcare and promote early detection of non-communicable diseases.

The wife of the state governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, who disclosed this in Awka, on Friday, urged residents to take advantage of this opportunity, adding that hypertension is currently one of the commonest and deadliest health conditions in the society.

She added that the initiative reflects the state government’s commitment to building a healthier Anambra, where quality healthcare is accessible to everyone and preventable health conditions are detected before they become life-threatening.

She said, “I am pleased to share that Anambra State Government has commenced free hypertension screening services across all government-owned health facilities, including our Primary Health Centres and General Hospitals statewide.

This initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to building a healthier Anambra, where quality healthcare is accessible to everyone and preventable health conditions are detected before they become life-threatening.

“I encourage every adult to take advantage of this opportunity. Hypertension is currently one of the commonest and deadliest health conditions in our society.

“Visit the nearest public health facility, get screened, know your blood pressure status, and take the right steps towards a healthier and happier life.”

She pointed out that good health remains one of the greatest investments any government can make for its citizens urging the people to continue to embrace healthy living.

Good health remains one of the greatest investments we can make in ourselves and our families. Together, let’s continue to embrace healthy living, preventive healthcare, and a culture of wellness. Your health matters. Know your numbers today,” she added.

Speaking earlier, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, said the programme would be available in all Primary Healthcare Centres, Comprehensive Health Centres and General Hospitals across the state.

Obidike said medical officers, primary healthcare coordinators and heads of public health facilities had been directed to ensure full compliance to guarantee the success of the programme.

“The initiative is to ensure residents have easy access to regular blood pressure checks and appropriate medical advice. Hypertension is a major public health challenge.

“The condition is often referred to as a ‘silent killer’ because it could develop without noticeable symptoms while increasing the risk of serious health complications,” he added.

“We urged residents to take advantage of the free screening services by visiting the nearest public health facility to ascertain their blood pressure status.

“Early detection remains one of the most effective ways of preventing and managing hypertension-related complications,” he added.