Author: Gabby

A tragic incident occurred in Abuja on Saturday when a three-story building under construction collapsed at Durumi, Area 3, near Gudu Market. The disaster claimed the lives of five individuals, while one person was rescued from the debris.

According to reports, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Mandate Secretary for Health, Dolapo Fasawe, was present at the scene and personally attended to the only survivor before he was taken to a medical facility. The survivor had been trapped under the rubble for over nine hours.

In response to the collapse, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has instructed that all rescued victims receive free medical treatment. A brief statement from Wike’s spokesperson, Lere Olayinka, confirmed that five bodies were recovered, eleven individuals are receiving care, and the minister has directed that the injured be treated at no cost.

The incident has raised concerns about building safety standards in the capital, with authorities yet to announce an investigation into the cause of the collapse.

In a major breakthrough against criminal networks in northwest Nigeria, security forces have captured a man believed to be a key figure in the illegal arms trade supporting terrorist groups. The suspect, identified as Saidu Rabiu, a 25-year-old resident of Wagini in Batsari Local Government Area, Katsina State, was taken into custody on May 15, 2026, at approximately 10:20 a.m.

According to a statement released by Zagazola Makama, a renowned counter-insurgency and security analyst focusing on the Lake Chad region, the arrest was carried out by troops from the 17 Brigade under Operation FANSAN YANMA. Acting on intelligence tips, the soldiers moved quickly to the General Hospital in Batsari, where Rabiu was reportedly seeking medical care for an unspecified ailment. The operation proceeded without incident, and the suspect was brought in for questioning.

Preliminary investigations suggest that Rabiu has been supplying high-grade military weapons and ammunition to several notorious terror kingpins active in the area. Among those linked to the suspect are Bello Turji, Ado Aliero, and other criminal commanders, including the late Kachalla Black and Yellow. These individuals have long been associated with violent attacks and banditry in the region.

Makama stated, “The suspect is currently in custody and undergoing further interrogation to uncover broader arms trafficking networks that support terrorist operations in the North-West.” This development is seen as a critical step toward dismantling the infrastructure that enables persistent violence in the region. Security forces continue to intensify their efforts to root out such networks and restore peace to affected communities.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has moved to resolve confusion surrounding the identity of a recently eliminated terrorist leader, Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki. In a statement, the military clarified that the commander neutralized in a joint operation with the United States Africa Command on May 16, 2026, is a different individual from the one killed in a similar mission in 2024.

According to the DHQ, the use of identical names is a common tactic among ISWAP and Boko Haram factions operating in the North East and Lake Chad regions. This deliberate strategy aims to conceal identities and create ambiguity, as noted over years of counter-terrorism operations.

The statement, signed by Director of Defence Information Somalia Uba, emphasized that the 2026 target was positively identified through human and technical intelligence as a senior global operative within the Islamic State network. He had direct links to international terrorist coordination, funding, and activities across the Sahel region. The DHQ asserted there is no doubt about his identity.

The operation marks a major milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against terrorism. The Armed Forces, working alongside the United States, remain committed to dismantling terrorist networks. They urged the public and media to rely on official sources for accurate information to avoid misunderstandings caused by coincidental name similarities.

The leadership of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, operating under Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), has vowed to intensify security measures for crucial national programs in Taraba State. Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Michael Akaliro, the brigade commander, made this known during separate meetings with representatives from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) held at the brigade’s base in Jalingo on a Friday.

Mr. Agunbiade Oladele, the Taraba State branch controller of WAEC, headed the council’s delegation. He explained that their visit aimed to bolster collaboration with the army to guarantee a safe environment for ongoing examinations throughout the region. Oladele highlighted that a stronger military presence at test venues would shield students, invigilators, and sensitive documents from potential risks, particularly in high-risk zones.

In response, General Akaliro confirmed that the brigade would deliver the required security coverage for the entire examination season. He underscored that protecting candidates and preserving the credibility of the assessment process are paramount concerns for the army. The commander also stated that troops would be stationed at designated examination centers as needed, urging WAEC staff, students, and the public to assist security forces and report any unusual activities without delay.

Separately, the Resident Electoral Commissioner of INEC in Taraba, Dr. Sa’ad Umar Idris, led another team to the brigade headquarters to request military assistance and enhance inter-agency collaboration ahead of the 2027 general elections. Dr. Idris noted that the visit was meant to foster deeper ties between INEC and security bodies, which he called essential for achieving peaceful, honest, and open polls in the state.

He praised the Nigerian Army for its part in upholding peace and safety across Taraba and stressed the value of military backing during electoral processes. “Your support and partnership are vital for our success, as you play a key role in protecting citizens and voting materials during elections,” he remarked. Dr. Idris also applauded the army’s work in maintaining national cohesion, adding that INEC is keen to work with the military on training, discussions, and skill development.

General Akaliro pointed out the significance of teamwork and training between the military and INEC to ensure voter security during elections. He reiterated the brigade’s duty to assist civilian authorities in preserving peace and order, assuring INEC of the army’s preparedness to offer adequate security measures whenever needed. The commander concluded that when all parties fulfill their duties without compromise, elections are more likely to be free, fair, and free from violence.

Lagos stakeholders are urging the government to implement more stringent policies to curb lead poisoning and reduce toxic exposure across the state. This came to light during a three-day workshop organized by Resolve to Save Lives (RSTL) in collaboration with the Lagos State Government. The event brought together experts from health, environment, consumer protection, and water management sectors to craft strategies against lead contamination in consumer goods, water systems, and the environment.

Dr. Nanlop Ogbureke, Executive Director of Resolve to Save Lives, noted that the initiative aims to help Lagos develop a roadmap to phase out lead from cosmetics and other products. She described lead poisoning as a critical public health issue due to its severe impact on children, pregnant women, and adults. She highlighted that exposure arises from mining, agriculture, polluted water, and industrial waste, warning that even low levels can cause permanent harm to children’s brain development and cardiovascular health.

Ogbureke emphasized that multiple lead poisoning cases have been reported across Nigeria, necessitating stronger prevention and public education. She stated that the project will gather national data to advocate for stricter regulations. “The government must create awareness and enforce rules, while individuals and industries must prevent contamination,” she added.

Special Adviser to the Lagos Governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, described the workshop as evidence of the state’s dedication to protecting residents through science-based policies. She noted that contaminated consumer goods, unsafe industrial practices, informal recycling, and adulterated cosmetics pose serious health risks. Ogunyemi said the most vulnerable groups are children and women of childbearing age, who suffer developmental disorders and long-term health issues from lead exposure. She recalled that Resolve to Save Lives launched its lead prevention program in Nigeria in May 2025, with Lagos as one of four pilot states alongside Kano, Kwara, and Nasarawa.

Dr. Olajumoke Oyenuga, Director of Health Planning at the Lagos Ministry of Health, said the workshop aimed to localize the national strategic plan for lead prevention. “By the end, Lagos will have a document guiding stakeholders on effective lead control,” she explained. The General Manager of the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency, Afolabi Solebo, warned that no level of lead exposure is safe. He identified imported cosmetics, traditional medicines, contaminated food, industrial emissions, old plumbing, and lead-based paints as major sources. He also highlighted risks from unregulated battery recycling, e-waste processing, and illegal smelting in areas like Ikorodu, Alaba, and Ajegunle. Solebo stressed that poor awareness worsens the problem and announced intensified enforcement of safety standards and public sensitization campaigns.

The General Manager of the Lagos Waste Water Management Office, Adeyemi Afolabi, urged action to prevent lead from entering waterways, calling it a severe environmental and economic issue requiring cooperation among government, industries, and residents.