Category: Top News

Shettima Tells BRICS Nigeria Stands With The WTO, Hails Diaspora’s Global Rise

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By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed. Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to the World Trade Organisation and the multilateral trading system, with Vice President Kashim Shettima insisting that no country can prosper in isolation from the global community. Shettima made the remarks during a meeting with the Director General of the WTO, Dr Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, on the sidelines of the ongoing BRICS Leaders Summit in New Delhi, assuring her that Nigeria would continue to support the organisation in championing multilateralism. He described the world as one interconnected human family, stressing that no nation can divorce itself from the global community, and made a case for migration as an important driver of development, innovation and economic growth. Citing the Nigerian diaspora as an example, Shettima said Nigerians abroad have continued to distinguish themselves through education, enterprise and professional achievement, referencing a Pew Research Center analysis showing that 67 percent of Nigerian born Black immigrants in the United States aged 25 and above hold at least a bachelor’s degree, the highest proportion among major Black immigrant groups. The Vice President commended Okonjo Iweala’s leadership of the WTO, urging her to continue deploying her experience in service to global development, describing her work at the organisation as wonderful while noting she still has much to contribute. Okonjo Iweala, the first woman and first African to head the WTO, began her second four year term as Director General in September 2025. Shettima was expected to present Nigeria’s partnership and foreign investment opportunities to BRICS leaders the following day, reiterating President Tinubu’s objective of creating sustainable opportunities for Nigerians through reforms and private sector led growth.

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NAF Special Forces Trainees Get Hard Talk On Drugs Before Facing Mission Ready Standards

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By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed. The Nigerian Air Force, through the Regiment Training Centre Annex in Bauchi, has reinforced its commitment to developing disciplined and mission ready Special Forces personnel with a substance abuse awareness lecture for trainees of Special Forces Course 14/2026. The lecture, delivered by resource persons from Headquarters 33 Armoured Brigade, Nigerian Army, formed part of ongoing efforts to equip trainees with the physical, mental and ethical standards required for modern military operations. The sensitisation programme highlighted the dangers of substance abuse and its implications for military professionalism, educating trainees on how drug misuse can impair judgement, diminish combat readiness and compromise operational security. Trainees were also taught how substance abuse can weaken unit cohesion, underscoring the importance of discipline and responsible lifestyle choices throughout their military careers. Speaking during the event, Commandant of the Regiment Training Centre Annex, Squadron Leader Edeama Lawrence Akpan, reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to producing highly skilled and professional Special Forces operators capable of supporting national security objectives. The initiative aligns with the vision of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, to build a highly professional and combat ready force, while highlighting the value of inter service collaboration between the NAF and the Nigerian Army.

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Shettima Mourns Bamanga Tukur, Calls Elder Statesman A Global Icon Nigeria Will Never Forget

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By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed. Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed deep sadness over the passing of former Governor of old Gongola State and prominent businessman, Alhaji Bamanga Muhammad Tukur, the Tafidan Adamawa, describing his death as a huge loss to Nigeria and the African continent. Tukur, an elder statesman and former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, passed away on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the age of 90, just three days shy of his 91st birthday. In a condolence message, Shettima described Tukur as a father, mentor and one of Nigeria’s greatest institution builders, whose life spanned three interlinked worlds, as a technocrat who built the country’s modern maritime infrastructure, a statesman who governed with vision, and a pan African business leader who put the continent’s private sector on the world map. The Vice President recalled that in 1975, when Nigerian ports were gridlocked by the infamous cement armada, a young Bamanga Tukur was called to lead the Nigerian Ports Authority, where he cleared the congestion and went on to conceive the Tin Can Island Port Complex, modernising Apapa, Warri, Calabar, Sapele and Onne ports between 1975 and 1982. Shettima said that singular intervention saved the Nigerian economy from collapse and created the trade gateway that still powers commerce today, noting that Tukur later became the first African Vice President of the International Association of Ports and Harbours in Tokyo. On his political career, the Vice President recalled that although Tukur’s tenure as Governor of old Gongola State was cut short by the military intervention of December 1983, his vision for rural development left an enduring mark, and he later served as Minister for Industries before returning as PDP National Chairman between 2012 and 2014. Beyond Nigeria, Shettima said Tukur was a true global citizen, founding the African Business Roundtable and chairing the NEPAD Business Group, ideas that he said helped lay the groundwork for what has now blossomed into the African Continental Free Trade Area. The Vice President extended his condolences to Tukur’s family, the Adamawa State Government and the people of the state, praying that his soul finds eternal rest.

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NDLEA Takes Anti Drug Message To Soldiers In Ibadan, Warns Against Battlefield Substance Abuse

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By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency sensitised personnel of 2 Division, Nigerian Army, on the dangers of drug abuse and its implications for operational effectiveness, discipline and national security, during a lecture titled From Barracks To Battle Life. The event, held at Headquarters, 2 Division Auditorium, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Ibadan, was opened by the General Officer Commanding, Major General Auwalu Mahmuda, represented by Brigadier General Danlami Ali, who said the programme was aimed at creating awareness on the dangers of drug abuse and its effects on military operations. The GOC stressed the need for personnel to remain disciplined and avoid prohibited substances, charging them to desist from drug abuse and self medication while warning that involvement in substance abuse would attract appropriate sanctions. Delivering the lecture, resource person from NDLEA, Assistant Controller of Narcotics Mercy Titilayo Godwin, described drug abuse as the non medical or excessive use of drugs, identifying it as a global challenge and a threat to national security. She identified cannabis, alcohol, opioids, cocaine and amphetamines among commonly misused substances, noting that drug misuse could impair coordination, judgement and tactical decision making while undermining unit cohesion. Godwin identified combat stress, performance pressure and chronic pain as factors that could contribute to drug misuse, advocating measures such as random drug testing, professional counselling and strong leadership to curb the menace, with the lecture concluding with an interactive question and answer session.

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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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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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