Category: News

In a recent military operation in Zamfara State, troops from the Nigerian Army’s Operation FANSAN YAMMA successfully eliminated three insurgents and confiscated a significant quantity of arms and ammunition. The operation, which took place in the Birnin Magaji Local Government Area, involved a fighting patrol that covered several villages including Birnin Tsaba, Tsanu, and Dumburum.

According to a report from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) released on Thursday in Abuja, the patrol engaged the insurgents at Dumburum village, where a fierce encounter led to the neutralization of three terrorists. Following the clash, the troops recovered a variety of weapons and ammunition, including one AK-47 rifle, one SK-21 A1 machine gun, a locally made handgun, six AK-47 magazines, and one FN rifle magazine.

The report further detailed that additional recovered items comprised 123 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 179 rounds of 12.7 x 108mm ammunition on links, and 269 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition. Notably, no casualties were reported among the troops during the operation.

In a brazen attack on Wednesday night, armed individuals seized eight students from the Faculty of Engineering at Nasarawa State University. The incident occurred at a private residence located off campus in Gudi, a community within Akwanga Local Government Area.

According to an anonymous source, the victims were taken from their lodging in Anguwar Ninzo, Gudi, on the outskirts of the town. The police spokesman, SP Ramhan Nansel, confirmed that six of the abducted students and a friend who was visiting at the time were among those taken. He noted that the identity of the eighth victim remains unverified.

The police received a distress call at around 9 p.m. on May 6, 2026, reporting that a gang of armed hoodlums had stormed the student lodge and kidnapped several individuals. The captors fled to an undisclosed location.

In response, the Commissioner of Police for Nasarawa State, CP Shetina Jauro Mohammed, immediately visited the scene to assess the situation. He assured the university community and local residents that the command is fully committed to rescuing the victims unharmed.

To bolster the search efforts, the commissioner has redeployed the area commander of Akwanga to coordinate field operations. A joint security task force—comprising personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), military, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), vigilante groups, and other tactical units—has been mobilized to track down the perpetrators and secure the safe release of all victims.

The Benue State House of Assembly has taken the decision to suspend Abraham Gberidyer, who serves as the auditor-general for local government, following allegations of financial wrongdoing amounting to approximately N4.6 billion. This action was announced on Thursday through a statement released by Michael Zape, the chief press secretary to Speaker Berger Emberga. The statement confirmed that the suspension was authorized during a plenary session.

According to the details, Governor Hyacinth Alia formally notified the lawmakers about the allegations via a letter that was transmitted by the head of service. In the correspondence, the governor indicated that Gberidyer is currently under investigation for corruption and cannot remain in office under the provisions of the constitution concerning the removal of corrupt public officers. The lawmakers unanimously supported the suspension, expressing that it would allow for a comprehensive probe into the claims.

During the same plenary session, the assembly passed a bill aimed at establishing an official state symbol and anthem for Benue, along with other related measures. The bill was passed following a report presented by the Chairman of the House Standing Committee on Culture and Tourism, William Ortyom, who was represented by Anyor Mato. Additionally, lawmakers considered a bill to repeal the Benue State Sports Marketing and Lotteries Board Law of 2017 and replace it with the Benue State Lotteries, Public Online Lotteries, Gaming and Sports Marketing Board Law of 2024, which successfully passed its second reading.

Speaker Berger Emberga referred the proposed legislation to the House Committee on Youth, Sports and Creativity for further examination. Another bill focusing on adjusting the retirement age and enhancing remuneration for magistrates and legal officers passed its third reading. This bill seeks to extend the retirement age for these officials to prevent the state from losing experienced personnel in the justice sector. Furthermore, the Benue State Pension Harmonisation Bill also passed its second reading; it was sponsored by Douglas Akya of Makurdi South constituency and aims to increase pension benefits for retirees.

The Nigerian government has shed light on why President Bola Tinubu is keeping fuel subsidy abolished. Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser on Policy Communications, stated during a Channels Television program that the decision stems from widespread fraud in the petroleum sector.

According to Bwala, the previous subsidy system primarily benefited dishonest individuals rather than ordinary citizens. He emphasized that non-Nigerians were among those exploiting the regime.

Bwala clarified that the administration is not opposed to subsidies in principle, pointing to existing subsidies on dialysis at 50% and support in agriculture. He described President Tinubu’s leadership as flexible, noting that if a genuine need for subsidy arises, the government could consider it.

The presidential aide also highlighted that state governors across Nigeria have welcomed the subsidy removal due to increased revenues for their states.

The Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, Sam Amadi, has sharply criticized Nigeria’s National Assembly, accusing it of transforming lawmaking into a mechanism for personal gain.

Speaking during a live interview on Arise Television on Thursday, Amadi argued that this shift has deepened the nation’s crisis of exclusion, shutting out many citizens, including those eager to engage in the political process.

“What we are witnessing is the National Assembly converting legislation into an avenue for self-aggrandizement, whether for the executive branch or for themselves,” Amadi stated. “The result is a mounting crisis fueled by exclusion.”

He acknowledged that, technically, the Assembly is entitled to establish rules governing its internal hierarchy. “There is nothing inherently wrong with the National Assembly creating procedures to define its structure,” he noted. “The Senate, the House of Representatives, and other bodies operate under constitutional guidelines. In this case, the Senate is free to self-regulate, and its rules encompass various elements.”

However, Amadi expressed concern over a troubling trend in the current Assembly: the move toward laws that are narrow, targeting specific individuals or events. “Consider the Electoral Act,” he said. “When they crafted the clause prohibiting party defection within a certain period, it was clearly aimed at particular people. Interestingly, those like Adams Oshiomhole, who now complain, were silent when laws were being framed to target others.”

He called for a return to inclusive, broad-based legislation that serves the public interest rather than individual ambitions.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly are being pressed to endorse the African Union’s Malabo Protocol, a move that could significantly enhance Nigeria’s capacity to combat terrorism and transnational crime. The call came during a security and governance dialogue held Thursday in Abuja, where participants underscored the urgency of reinforcing legal instruments to address escalating insecurity across Nigeria and the African continent.

Constitutional lawyer Abdul Mahmud, addressing the gathering, emphasized that adopting the protocol would foster regional collaboration, improve intelligence sharing, and streamline the prosecution of terror-related cases. He noted that the Malabo Protocol establishes a robust legal framework enabling African nations to jointly tackle threats such as terrorism, cybercrime, corruption, and other cross-border offenses that undermine peace and stability.

Mahmud urged both President Tinubu and lawmakers to demonstrate political will by accelerating the ratification and implementation process. The protocol, adopted by the African Union in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, in 2014, seeks to extend the jurisdiction of the African Court of Justice and Human Rights to cover international crimes including terrorism and corruption.

Stakeholders argue that delayed ratification leaves Nigeria vulnerable to sophisticated criminal networks that operate across borders. By joining the protocol, Nigeria would gain access to enhanced legal mechanisms for holding perpetrators accountable and deterring future threats.

Emeka Ihedioha, the former governor of Imo State, has declared he will not follow Peter Obi to the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) as the 2027 elections approach. Instead, he affirms his continued loyalty to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), where he has been a key figure.

In a formal statement issued on Thursday, Ihedioha expressed his support for Obi’s political decision but clarified his own path. He noted that while Obi, along with former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, recently unveiled their new political movement under the NDC banner, Ihedioha sees no reason to abandon the ADC at this critical juncture.

“For the past year, we have worked tirelessly to build a coalition of patriotic Nigerians within the ADC, with the goal of delivering effective, accountable, and inclusive governance to the nation,” Ihedioha said. He emphasized that their efforts have been grounded in sacrifice, strategic alignment, and a clear vision for Nigeria’s future.

Ihedioha acknowledged that Obi made the choice to transition to the NDC on May 3, 2026, to advance his political ambitions. “While I would have preferred that he pursued this within the ADC, I respect his right as a leader to make decisions based on his convictions. I wish him well,” Ihedioha added.

Despite the divergence in political platforms, Ihedioha stressed that they share a common desire for a better Nigeria—one that serves all citizens and celebrates diversity. “This aspiration transcends party affiliations,” he stated.

After thorough consultation and reflection over 72 hours, Ihedioha confirmed his decision to stay with the ADC. “I take deliberate political actions, and at this moment, there is no reason for me to leave the ADC. We will continue working toward the dream of a new Nigeria, now on different platforms but with the same objective,” he concluded.

Hon. Natasha Osawaru-Idibia, the lawmaker representing Egor Constituency in the Edo State House of Assembly, has officially switched allegiance from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC). The politician, who is also the wife of famous musician 2Baba, made the announcement during a visit to the residence of NDC national chairman Senator Seriake Dickson, where she received her membership card.

In addition to the in-person registration, she shared her decision on Instagram, posting a photo from the meeting alongside notable figures like former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabi’u Kwankwaso. Prior to this move, Osawaru-Idibia was a PDP member and has been serving as the representative for Egor Constituency in the 8th Edo State House of Assembly.

Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi, who represents Bauchi Central, has officially ended his long-standing affiliation with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after more than twenty years. His resignation marks a significant shift in the political landscape of Bauchi State.

In a letter submitted to the ward chairman of Ningi Local Government Area, Ningi explained that his decision followed in-depth discussions with allies, backers, and community leaders. He described this move as one of the toughest choices in his political life.

The lawmaker highlighted that the PDP enabled him to serve as a two-term House of Representatives member and a two-term senator. He once regarded the party as a formidable democratic force in Africa, rooted in unity and inclusive leadership.

However, Ningi voiced dismay over persistent internal conflicts, factional battles, and leadership disputes that have eroded the party’s strength and cohesion. He lamented that a once vibrant and united organization has deteriorated into a disjointed entity plagued by infighting.

Political observers note that Ningi’s departure signals a broader realignment in Bauchi, with expectations that he will soon join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition. This defection is seen as part of a growing trend of politicians seeking new platforms ahead of upcoming elections.

Ningi expressed gratitude to party officials and members for their support over the years and extended best wishes for the PDP’s future rebuilding efforts.

A prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirant for the Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Alhaji Yerima Shettima, has raised strong objections to what he sees as a manipulated effort to foist a consensus candidate on the party. He argues that this move threatens President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s electoral prospects and weakens the APC’s internal democracy.

Shettima cautioned that sidelining credible contenders through what he terms a “scripted consensus arrangement” could spark internal discord and hand opposition parties a significant advantage in Kaduna Central. In a statement issued in Kaduna on Thursday, the aspirant asserted his strong standing in the race, backed by substantial grassroots support across the seven local government areas in the district.

The aspirant claimed that the alleged endorsement of former Senator Shehu Sani as a consensus pick is undemocratic and deliberately risks damaging the party’s unity and electoral might in the state. He emphasized that Kaduna Central holds strategic political importance and that imposing a candidate would be a gamble the party cannot afford.

“We categorically reject this so-called consensus arrangement. Kaduna Central will not be sacrificed at the altar of political manipulation and backroom deals,” Shettima declared. He warned that denying party members the chance to choose their candidate through direct primaries undermines inclusivity and fairness within the APC.

Shettima noted that forcing a candidate against the wishes of party faithful could deepen resentment among loyal members and create divisions that benefit opposition parties in the general elections. “There is growing concern that internal forces are trying to weaken the APC. Any move that alienates committed stakeholders could hurt President Tinubu’s standing in Kaduna State,” he added.

He called on the APC national leadership, Governor Uba Sani, and other stakeholders to ensure a level playing field for all aspirants vying for the Kaduna Central senatorial ticket. Specifically, he demanded direct primaries, insisting that party members should decide who represents the APC. Shettima vowed to challenge any imposition through “every legitimate political and legal means available,” while reaffirming his loyalty to the APC and support for President Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani’s administrations.

He stressed that only free, fair, and credible primaries can preserve party unity, internal democracy, and guarantee victory for the APC in Kaduna Central and beyond.