Category: Top News

Troops Neutralise 16 Terrorists In Adamawa As Multi State Operations Rescue Kidnap Victims And Recover Weapons

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Nigerian troops have recorded a series of operational successes across multiple theatres, including the rescue of 10 prospective NYSC members in Imo State, the neutralisation of 16 terrorists in Adamawa State, and the recovery of several weapons during coordinated operations. According to a report by the Nigerian Army, troops of Operation Udo Ka rescued the 10 NYSC members abducted after suspected kidnappers attacked two commercial buses along the Onitsha Owerri Road in Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State at about 6:30 am on October 1. In Adamawa State, terrorists launched simultaneous attacks on troops of 226 Battalion in Garkida and 232 Battalion in Garaha at about 1 am, but troops successfully repelled the attacks, forcing the terrorists to flee toward Garkida on motorcycles. The Army’s Spartan element subsequently pursued the fleeing terrorists and conducted strikes that neutralised 16 of them, with troops recovering three AK 47 rifles, two pump action guns, one Dane gun and six AK 47 magazines. Elsewhere, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke responded to a suspected terrorist attack on Gwamagira settlement in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State, forcing attackers who arrived on motorcycles to retreat and abandon rustled cattle, though one civilian was killed and three others abducted. In Yobe State, troops of Sector 3, Operation Hadin Kai, arrested a suspected ISWAP operative at Babbangida in Tarmuwa Local Government Area, recovering a mobile phone, prayer mat and N396,200 from the suspect, who claimed to be an Islamic cleric. Four other suspected terrorists were arrested by troops of Sector 4, working with Rangers and Hybrid Forces, during a fighting patrol in parts of Hong Local Government Area, Adamawa State, as operations continued across the affected region. Meanwhile, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma engaged terrorists along the Kwanar Isa Shinkafi Road in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State, forcing them to withdraw before establishing a stronger patrol presence in the area. The military said operations continue across Imo, Adamawa, Taraba, Yobe and Sokoto States as troops work to locate remaining abducted victims and sustain pressure on terrorist networks operating in the affected regions. By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

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Zulum Rolls Out N1.05 Billion Empowerment Package For Borno Youths And Persons With Disabilities

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Borno State Governor Professor Babagana Umara Zulum has launched a N1.05 billion empowerment programme for seven groups in Maiduguri Metropolitan and Jere Local Government Areas, continuing his administration’s support for vulnerable residents Launching the programme at the State Hotels, Maiduguri, Zulum said the intervention forms part of continued efforts to support youths, women and persons with disabilities as the state recovers from years of conflict. The governor stressed his commitment to providing more job opportunities to young people, describing every young person in the state as his son and pledging to ensure they prosper and become productive members of society. Beneficiaries of the programme include clubs and associations, persons with physical disabilities, persons with hearing and visual impairment, persons affected by leprosy, and various youth groups across the two local government areas. Zulum promised a larger empowerment programme for women, youths and other entrepreneurs by the end of the month, describing the current launch as one in a continuing series of interventions for vulnerable groups. Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Economic Empowerment, Hon Saina Buba, thanked the governor for the numerous empowerment programmes provided for youths and vulnerable groups, noting that the initiatives had greatly improved beneficiaries’ lives. Present at the occasion were the APC governorship candidate, Engr Mustapha Gubio, the member representing Marte, Monguno and Nganzai Federal Constituency, Engr Bukar Talba, and members of the Borno State House of Assembly. Also in attendance were the Acting Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr Babagana Mustapha Malumbe, state commissioners and other dignitaries who witnessed the launch of the latest empowerment initiative. The programme adds to a growing list of interventions by the Zulum administration aimed at economic recovery and inclusion for the state’s most vulnerable populations. By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

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NIS And IOM Chart Nigeria’s Next Border Strategy For 2027 To 2031

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The Nigeria Immigration Service, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration and with support from the European Union, has concluded a three day Top Management Workshop reviewing the 2019 to 2023 National Border Management Strategy at Zuma Rock Resort, Niger State, in preparation for the next policy cycle. The workshop, held over four days in late September, provided a strategic platform for NIS leadership and partners to review progress and consider key priorities for strengthening Nigeria’s border management framework ahead of the 2027 to 2031 cycle. Speaking at the workshop, Comptroller General KN Nandap stressed the need for the next strategy to be anchored on credible migration data, effective implementation mechanisms and sustained inter agency collaboration among all stakeholders involved. She noted that the review must provide a clear and actionable framework capable of responding to emerging border management and security challenges facing the country in the years ahead. Nandap said the strategy should also position Nigeria to provide leadership in integrated border management across Africa, building on lessons learned from the outgoing policy cycle. The engagement featured strategic discussions, technical sessions and group presentations, culminating in a consolidation of review outcomes from participants representing various border management stakeholders. This was followed by an NIS Executive Management Endorsement Session, during which key recommendations were reviewed and endorsed, interventions prioritised and financing options considered for the new strategy. Participants also worked to validate the proposed strategic direction for the 2027 to 2031 policy cycle, ensuring alignment between the review process and Nigeria’s broader security objectives. The workshop reinforces the commitment of the Nigeria Immigration Service and its partners to sustained collaboration and continuous improvement in border management going forward. By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

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NEMA Rushes Relief To Port Harcourt As Flood Response Ramps Up

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Following recent flood incidents affecting parts of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency, Mrs Zubaida Umar, activated a technical team led by Director of Search and Rescue, Air Commodore Bature Usman, to strengthen response efforts and support affected persons. The team, on arrival in Port Harcourt, inspected affected areas to assess the situation before delivering relief items approved by NEMA to provide immediate succour to victims of the flooding. Presenting the items to the Rivers State Government during a courtesy visit to Government House, Air Commodore Usman conveyed the concern and sympathy of the NEMA Director General over the impact of the flooding on residents. He explained that the team was deployed to provide coordination and technical support to complement ongoing response efforts by the state government and other relevant stakeholders in the affected communities. The NEMA team comprised the Director of Relief and Rehabilitation, Mr Abbani Imam Garki, Acting Director of the South South Directorate, Mr Eric Ebhodaghe, and Head of the Port Harcourt Operations Office, Mr Chidi Ogundu. Usman said the relief items were provided by the Federal Government through NEMA to complement the efforts of the Rivers State Government in alleviating the condition of affected persons. Receiving the team on behalf of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Professor Ngozi Odu expressed appreciation for the timely intervention, assuring that the items would be judiciously distributed to reach intended beneficiaries. The relief materials were subsequently handed over to the Rivers State Head of Service, Dr Inyingi Brown, who inspected the items at a warehouse in Port Harcourt. The intervention forms part of NEMA’s continued collaboration with state governments to strengthen coordinated response and provide timely humanitarian assistance to disaster affected communities. By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

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Tinubu Honours MKO Abiola And June 12 Heroes At Premiere Of New Documentary

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu attended the national premiere of MKO, a documentary chronicling the life and political struggle of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, held at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts as part of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary activities. The screening highlighted the events surrounding the June 12, 1993 presidential election, its annulment and the subsequent pro democracy struggle that helped shape Nigeria’s democratic journey, drawing senior government officials and dignitaries to the event. Among those present were Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Nigeria Governors’ Forum Chairman AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu and Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun. Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, paid tribute to Nigerians who sacrificed for the restoration of democratic rule, leading participants in a minute’s silence in honour of those who lost their lives during the struggle. Onanuga said the freedoms Nigerians enjoy today were secured through the courage of pro democracy activists, journalists, lawyers, students and ordinary citizens who resisted authoritarian rule and defended democratic values. Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, described the documentary as a tribute to the heroes of June 12, noting that it documents key moments including Abiola’s arrest and his death in detention in 1998. She stressed the importance of preserving the stories behind one of Nigeria’s most significant democratic milestones, noting that future generations must understand the sacrifices that secured today’s democratic freedoms. Producer of the documentary, Ose Oyamendan, commended President Tinubu for his commitment to democratic ideals, saying the film was designed to preserve an important chapter of Nigeria’s political history for younger generations. The President’s presence at the premiere underscored his administration’s commitment to preserving Nigeria’s democratic heritage and honouring those who contributed to the country’s return to civilian rule. By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

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Shettima Opens Lagos HQ, Credits Tinubu’s Reforms For Oil And Gas Rebound

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Vice President Kashim Shettima has officially commissioned the ultra modern corporate headquarters of Northwest Petroleum and Gas Company Limited in Victoria Island, Lagos, describing the facility as a game changer set to rewrite standards of excellence for the nation’s oil and gas industry. Speaking at the commissioning, Shettima declared that the world class facility sends a clear message to investors, clients and Nigerians that Northwest Petroleum is poised for decades of service in a changing global energy economy, adding that Nigerian ownership must mean Nigerian capacity to compete and deliver. The Vice President attributed renewed investment and stronger performance across the oil industry to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms, specifically pointing to the removal of subsidy on petroleum products and reform of the foreign exchange market as measures that confronted distortions discouraging productive investment. He said the stabilisation of the market is restoring the confidence businesses need to commit capital beyond the next quarter, stressing that greater exchange rate predictability strengthens procurement and supports production across the sector. Shettima commended Northwest Petroleum for building a strong Nigerian presence across the oil and gas value chain since 1998, noting that the facility will open doors for talented young Nigerians and deepen the skills on which the nation’s energy industry depends. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu described the private sector as the oil of growth, commending investors in the oil and gas, financial services and construction industries for their continued commitment to the state’s commercial economy. Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Northwest Petroleum, Mrs Winifred Akpani, said the facility represents the company’s confidence in the future, built to operate at the highest standards of excellence as the global energy landscape rapidly evolves. She said the future of the energy industry would depend increasingly on innovation, technology and development of Nigerian talent, with the facility designed to promote collaboration and empower the people driving the business. Also present at the event were former Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Dangote Industries Group Executive Director Fatima Aliko Dangote, and former Delta State Governor Chief James Ibori, among other dignitaries. By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

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Beyond Promises: YS4A Urges Nigerian Youths to Drive Nation-Building Through NELFUND and Consumer Credit

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Nigeria at 66: YS4A–Asiwaju Boys and Girls Urges Youth to Embrace NELFUND, CREDICORP Opportunities By Edoko Wilson Edoko As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary, Youth Structure 4 Asiwaju (YS4A), also known as Asiwaju Boys and Girls, has urged young Nigerians to embrace government initiatives that expand access to education, consumer credit and economic opportunities. The call was made by YS4A’s Secretariat Director, High Chief Godfrey Omoarebu Ogbeide, MBA, MSBA, in an Independence Day message centred on unity, justice and purposeful youth participation in nation-building. Ogbeide, who is also the Founder and Chairman of The Omoarebu Ogbeide Foundation (TOOF®) and the Aigbugbakheini I of Ozalla Kingdom, highlighted student loans through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and consumer credit opportunities through the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) as avenues to support education, strengthen livelihoods and encourage productive participation in the economy. “As Nigeria marks 66 years of independence, may God unite our hearts in love and justice,” he said. He encouraged young Nigerians to translate access to these initiatives into practical progress by pursuing education, developing skills and building sustainable livelihoods. He stressed that national development requires both public investment and citizens willing to take responsibility for their future. According to Ogbeide, YS4A’s guiding philosophy of Participation, Involvement and Execution (PIE) calls on young people to move from awareness to active engagement and tangible results. “Through PIE, YS4A calls on youth to turn these opportunities into purposeful action and shared prosperity,” he added. He reaffirmed the importance of unity, responsible citizenship and constructive engagement, urging young Nigerians to make their talents, energy and enterprise count in building a nation of opportunity and shared prosperity.

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Witness Tells Court He Lost Over N500 Million In Alleged Bitter Kola Export Scam

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The trial of the Chief Executive Officer of Onome Global Market Resources Limited and Lexicon Multi Concept Media Limited, Osabohein Alex Ologbose, and his wife, Hope Onome Oghelemu, continued before Justice Ekerete Akpan of the Federal High Court, Abuja, with a prosecution witness narrating how he allegedly lost over N500 million to the couple and an accomplice. The defendants, alongside their two companies, are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on a seven count charge bordering on obtaining by false pretence, conversion of funds and money laundering totalling N740 million. The third prosecution witness, businessman Ikechukwu Chikelum, told the court he was introduced to the investment by his friend, Modestus Uche Okafor, who took him to Alice Ayeni, a director of Onome Global Market Resources Limited. Led in examination in chief by prosecution counsel, O.S. Ujam, the witness said he became interested in the companies in June 2023 after his friend told him about the couple’s business of exporting bitter kola to China and Hong Kong. He said Ayeni, whom he met at the Nigerian Export Import Bank, showed him a company profile containing the Chief Executive Officer’s photograph, the Corporate Affairs Commission certificate, an EFCC Special Control Unit against Money Laundering certificate and export promotion certificates, which convinced him the business was genuine. He told the court he initially transferred N31 million for 100 bags of bitter kola at N310,000 per bag, paid into an account provided by Ayeni, before subsequently transferring another N62 million for 200 additional bags after being encouraged to invest further. The witness said he went on to transfer N267,220,000 for 862 bags destined for China, followed by N220,150,000 for 710 bags destined for Hong Kong, and a further N20,400,000 for 60 bags of red kolanut intended for export to Indonesia. He told the court that all payment receipts were forwarded to Ayeni via WhatsApp and were acknowledged by her, yet he never regained his capital or received any return on the substantial sums he had invested. The trial continues as the prosecution seeks to establish the full extent of the alleged scheme before the court. By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

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KC Luxury Denies Charges Over N39 Billion Cocaine Haul Bound For London

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arraigned Afolabi Kazeem Michael, popularly known as KC Luxury, and two alleged accomplices, Boniface Freeman Ochoche Sule and Ikechukwu Ekugo Patriarch, before the Federal High Court in Lagos over the attempted export of 184.5 kilogrammes of cocaine concealed in five consignments destined for London. The defendants, arraigned before Justice Musa Kakaki on a 22 count charge bordering on cocaine trafficking, unlawful export of narcotic drugs and money laundering, all pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read in court. The prosecution alleged that the defendants conspired between July 28 and August 1, 2026, with two others already arrested in London, to export the cocaine through a Lagos based courier logistics firm using consignments shipped under a false name. The charge sheet further alleged that Boniface procured Ikechukwu to facilitate the export, while Afolabi allegedly procured a staff member of the logistics firm to process the consignments and paid N13.2 million as consideration for the shipment. Sixteen additional counts relate to alleged money laundering, with the prosecution accusing Afolabi of moving several billions of naira through various companies to acquire vehicles and landed properties, allegedly to conceal the illicit origin of the funds. Following the not guilty pleas, NDLEA prosecutor Abu Ibrahim opposed the defendants’ bail applications, urging the court to remand them in custody pending trial given the gravity of the alleged offences. Justice Faji ordered that the defendants be remanded in an NDLEA facility and adjourned the matter until October 4, 2026, for a ruling on the bail application. Afolabi was arrested by NDLEA operatives on August 13, 2026, while allegedly attempting to leave Nigeria on a business class flight to Paris from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, following the interception of the cocaine consignment estimated to be worth about N39 billion. A subsequent search of his person and his Banana Island apartment allegedly led to the recovery of exotic vehicles, foreign currency and jewellery suspected to be proceeds of illicit trade, though the allegations remain subject to determination by the court. By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

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AU And UN Renew Ties To Strengthen Peace Support Operations Across Africa

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The African Union and the United Nations have renewed agreements to strengthen their strategic partnership in operational support, in a ceremony held at UN Headquarters in New York. Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Selma Malika Haddadi, and Under Secretary General for Operational Support, Atul Khare, signed the renewed Memorandum of Intent on cooperation in operational support and a Memorandum of Understanding on the Knowledge and Expertise Exchange Programme. Both officials underscored the importance of moving beyond coordination toward greater strategic alignment, shared priorities and practical cooperation between the two institutions going forward. They highlighted sustained knowledge exchange and institutional capacity development as essential to strengthening the AU’s ability to plan, deploy and sustain peace support operations across the continent. Haddadi said the partnership must continue to evolve from coordination to strategic alignment, guided by shared priorities, mutual accountability and measured impact, as global and continental challenges grow increasingly complex. Khare said the cooperation has demonstrated the value of sustained and practical capacity development, adding that the renewed agreements provide an important foundation for the next phase of the partnership. The renewed agreements build on nearly a decade of cooperation under the Knowledge and Expertise Exchange Programme, established in 2016 and revitalised in 2022, with a growing focus on mission planning, supply chains and ICT. The inaugural STAR Programme, held in Algiers in July 2026, further demonstrated the value of this cooperation, bringing AU and UN expertise together to strengthen institutional capacity and operational readiness. The renewed frameworks reaffirm the importance of networked multilateralism and the AU UN commitment to African ownership and preparedness for future peace support operations. By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

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