Author: CSNews

NAF And NCCSALW Deepen Ties To Choke Off Illegal Arms Flowing Into Communities

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By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed The Nigerian Air Force and the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration to curb the proliferation of illicit arms and enhance institutional readiness against emerging security challenges. The commitment was underscored during a visit by NCCSALW, under the Office of the National Security Adviser, to Headquarters Ground Training Command in Enugu. Director General of NCCSALW, Johnson Babatunde Kokumo, represented by the Deputy Director General, commended the NAF’s contributions to national security and its support to the Centre’s South East Zonal Office, calling for deeper collaboration in intelligence sharing and capacity building. In his remarks, Air Officer Commanding Ground Training Command, Air Vice Marshal Adebayo Gabriel Kehinde, reaffirmed the Chief of the Air Staff’s commitment to strengthening inter service and inter agency cooperation as a critical component of the nation’s security architecture. He identified the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons as a key driver of security challenges confronting the nation, stressing the importance of sustained collaboration with NCCSALW. Both institutions expressed confidence that the renewed partnership would contribute meaningfully to reducing illicit arms proliferation and building a safer Nigeria

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Troops Nab Terrorist Kingpin, Catch Female Ammunition Courier In Kaduna Sweep

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By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have arrested a suspected terrorist kingpin, intercepted an ammunition courier and apprehended a suspected terrorist logistics supplier in separate operations across Kaduna State. The operations were conducted on September 9, 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt terrorist networks and prevent the movement of arms and logistics within the Joint Operations Area. In Kubau Local Government Area, troops of Sector 1 conducted a clearance operation at Dabar Dabo, a known terrorist hideout, arresting a suspected terrorist kingpin and two other members of his syndicate. In a separate intelligence led operation in Igabi Local Government Area, troops intercepted a 50 year old female ammunition courier allegedly transporting 300 rounds of ammunition concealed in a bag, said to have travelled from Zamfara State en route to terrorists in Birnin Gwari. Later the same day, troops working with a community vigilante group in Birnin Gwari arrested a suspected terrorist logistics supplier, recovering four communication devices allegedly used in connection with terrorist activities. The suspects and recovered items remain in military custody as investigations continue, with the military appreciating members of the public for their continued support and urging residents to remain vigilant.

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Katsina Launches $1 Million Push To Shield Farmers From Floods And Drought

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By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed Katsina State has launched a $1 million project titled Protecting Food Security Against Recurring Floods And Drought, aimed at strengthening the resilience of vulnerable farming communities against the growing impact of climate change. State leadership described food security as fundamental to sustainable development, stressing that without reliable access to food it is difficult to achieve economic growth or build a prosperous future, particularly in a state where agriculture remains a major source of livelihood. The project, implemented by Mercy Corps Nigeria in collaboration with the Katsina State Development Management Board and the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, will initially cover Bindawa, Bakori and Kafur Local Government Areas. The intervention will focus on land restoration, improved water and drainage management, rehabilitation of solar powered water systems, better food storage and climate smart agriculture, with particular attention to vulnerable households, women, youths and smallholder farmers. State officials have directed relevant government institutions to ensure effective coordination and monitoring of the project, while exploring opportunities to scale up similar climate resilience initiatives across the state. Leaders commended Mercy Corps Nigeria, the Katsina State Development Management Board and other partners for the timely intervention, expressing confidence that it would help build a more resilient state capable of withstanding future climate shocks.

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Fake Spiritualist Jailed After Blackmailing Indian Woman With Nude Ritual Video

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By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed Justice C.N. Nwabulu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has convicted and sentenced a fake spiritualist, Solomon Odigie Moses, to one year imprisonment over a sextortion scheme targeting a foreign national. Moses was arraigned on a one count charge bordering on cheating and posing as a spiritualist, thereby defrauding and obtaining $1,100 from an Indian woman seeking spiritual healing. The convict, who was arrested in Ekpoma, Edo State, received and laundered the funds through his Zelle payment platform, with the naira equivalent paid into his local bank account. Investigations revealed that Moses deceived the victim into taking a naked spiritual bath, which he recorded without her permission, before blackmailing her into sending additional money to prevent the video’s release. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission established that the victim ultimately paid the sum to the suspect in an effort to stop him from making the recording public. Moses pleaded guilty to the charge, following which prosecution counsel urged the court to convict and sentence him accordingly, a request the judge granted alongside an order forfeiting the proceeds of crime to the victim through the EFCC.

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Nigeria And Lebanon Look To Turn Decades Of Goodwill Into Fresh Business Ties

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By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed A Nigerian government official received in audience the Ambassador of the Lebanese Republic to Nigeria, Dr Wissam Kalakeche, in an engagement that underscored the warm relationship and longstanding ties between the two countries. The meeting highlighted the important role of the Lebanese community in Nigeria as a longstanding bridge between the two nations, with many community members having established deep roots in Nigeria over several generations. Officials noted that Lebanese residents in Nigeria have contributed significantly to business, enterprise, commerce and broader people to people and socio cultural relations over the years. Discussions emphasised the need to promote closer economic and cultural ties between Nigeria and Lebanon, and to deepen bilateral cooperation through the conclusion and implementation of pre existing agreements in various areas of mutual interest. Both sides identified opportunities for increased economic cooperation, committing to closer institutional engagement and the activation of practical frameworks to support stronger private sector partnerships. The two parties also agreed to evaluate customs free and zero tariff arrangements aimed at promoting business engagement between citizens of both countries going forward.

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Shettima Lands In New Delhi As Nigeria Chases Bigger Wins At BRICS Summit

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By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in New Delhi, India, to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit, part of Nigeria’s efforts to deepen bilateral relations and expand trade and investment opportunities with member and partner countries of the bloc. The summit, held under the theme Building Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation And Sustainability, will see Shettima lead a high level Nigerian delegation comprising the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Industry Trade and Investment, Communications and Environment, among others. Speaking ahead of the summit, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, said Nigeria will explore new partnerships in agriculture, technology, artificial intelligence and the digital economy, drawing lessons from India’s experience in deploying technology to create opportunities for its youth population. Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, said the Tinubu administration is working to deepen Nigeria’s trade relationship with India, previously valued at about $14 billion, disclosing that major investors of Indian origin have expressed interest in meeting the Nigerian delegation. Oduwole noted that India used to buy Nigerian oil extensively, and officials are now looking at ways to expand that trade relationship amid shifting global market dynamics. At the summit, Shettima will join leaders of BRICS member and partner countries for high level discussions on inclusive global growth, resilience and sustainable development, alongside bilateral engagements aimed at advancing Nigeria’s economic interests. Nigeria became a BRICS partner country in January 2025 and has since used the platform to strengthen South South cooperation and broaden its relations with major emerging economies. The Nigerian delegation is also expected to participate in the BRICS open session and other activities scheduled on the sidelines of the summit in the coming days.

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FAAN Brings Top 100 Customs Agents To The Table Over Air Cargo Bottlenecks

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By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, through its Directorate of Cargo Development and Services, has engaged the top 100 Licensed Customs Agents operating at the Pilgrims and Cargo Terminal, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. The stakeholder forum provided an opportunity for FAAN, Licensed Customs Agents, freight forwarders and other key players across the cargo value chain to discuss operational challenges and strengthen collaboration. Representing the Managing Director, Olubunmi Kuku, the Director of Cargo Development and Services, Lekan Thomas, reaffirmed FAAN’s commitment to sustained stakeholder engagement and a safer, more efficient air cargo ecosystem. He emphasised that the engagement would not be a one off initiative but part of a structured approach to addressing operational concerns and strengthening compliance across Nigeria’s airports. The forum identified practical ways to improve cargo processing, movement and service delivery, with stakeholders expected to work together on solutions in the weeks ahead. Officials say the continued engagement reflects FAAN’s broader push to build a more transparent and competitive air cargo business environment nationwide.

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FG Moves To Decriminalise Attempted Suicide, Says Care Should Replace Punishment

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By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed The Federal Government has taken a major step toward decriminalising attempted suicide in Nigeria, following approval by the Federal Executive Council of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s position on the matter. The Minister of State for Health, Iziaq Salako, disclosed this during the commemoration of the 2026 World Suicide Prevention Day in Abuja, held under the theme Changing The Narrative On Suicide. Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, the Minister said the matter would now proceed to the National Assembly for the necessary legislative process, expressing optimism that it would be concluded without delay. He described the decriminalisation as both a legal and public health imperative, stressing that a person experiencing a mental health crisis should receive care and support rather than punishment, arguing that removing the fear of criminal sanctions can help reduce stigma and encourage help seeking. The Minister emphasised that legislation alone would not prevent suicide, noting that the government would continue strengthening mental health services, promoting early intervention and fostering open conversations around mental health. Officials highlighted the National Mental Health Act 2021, the National Mental Health Policy 2023 and the National Suicide Prevention Strategic Framework as key instruments guiding the national response, alongside extensive stakeholder consultations led by a national task force on the reform. Partners and stakeholders at the event welcomed the government’s decision, reaffirming their continued support for Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen mental health services and advance the legislative process toward decriminalisation.

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NNPC Retail Unveils Its First Fully Self Service Smart Station In Abuja

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By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed NNPC Retail has commissioned its first technology powered self service smart station along Bill Clinton Drive, Airport Road, Abuja, marking a key milestone in the evolution of the company’s retail operations. Executive Vice President, Downstream, NNPC Ltd, Dr Mumuni Dagazau, described the facility as a reflection of NNPC Retail’s commitment to innovation, convenience and improved customer experience, commending the Nigeria Immigration Service for providing the land that made the project possible. Managing Director, NNPC Retail, Huub Stokman, said the facility demonstrates the changes taking place in Nigeria’s downstream industry and the company’s commitment to meeting consumer expectations for quality and reliable service. The 24 hour facility offers self service fuel dispensing, enabling customers to independently complete transactions and dispense the exact quantity of fuel required without staff assistance. It also features electric vehicle charging points, an automated car wash, a lubricant service bay and LPG dispensing, with plans to expand its energy solutions to include CNG in the near future. The commissioning marks a new chapter in NNPC Retail’s drive to transform conventional filling stations into smart energy, mobility and lifestyle destinations across Nigeria.

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Power Minister Leads Delegation To Beijing To Turn Nigeria China Ties Into Real Power Projects

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By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, led a Nigerian delegation to Beijing for strategic engagements with leading Chinese engineering, financing and industrial institutions, advancing efforts to translate Nigeria China cooperation into bankable projects and completed power infrastructure. Engagements with CMEC, Sinomach Group, SINOSURE, Standard Chartered Bank and CNEEC focused on expanding transmission capacity, strengthening grid reliability, developing generation and hydropower projects, and unlocking financing for critical electricity infrastructure. The delegation also witnessed the factory acceptance test of transmission cables at Hengfei Cable’s Changsha Industrial Park, reinforcing the focus on quality, delivery and execution across priority power projects. Beyond electricity, the Minister invited Chinese investors to explore opportunit ies in steel, automotive manufacturing, digital infrastructure and data centres, cold chain logistics and sugar processing, as Nigeria builds a structured industrial cooperation platform. Officials say the engagement reflects Nigeria’s broader push to align its industrialisation priorities with strategic international partnerships capable of delivering measurable economic impact. The message from the visit is clear, Nigeria is seeking partnerships that deliver investment, infrastructure, industrial capacity and jobs, moving from agreements to execution.

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