Category: News

During a pre-dawn assault on Friday, terrorists attempted to overrun a military base in Borno State but were met with fierce resistance from Nigerian troops. The attack, which began around 3:00 a.m., exploited heavy rain and low visibility to approach the Forward Operating Base in Mandaragirau. However, soldiers from the 25 Brigade, under Operation HADIN KAI, swiftly countered the incursion, resulting in multiple insurgent fatalities.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Haruna M. Sani, the Acting Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force (North East), the exchange of gunfire and close-quarters combat was intense. Despite successfully repelling the assault, the military suffered losses: five soldiers and three members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) lost their lives. Several others sustained injuries and have been airlifted to medical facilities, where they are reported to be in stable condition.

The statement noted that some equipment was damaged during the firefight. However, troops remain in firm control of the base and have launched clearance operations in the surrounding areas. The military views the attack as evidence of growing pressure on terrorist groups in the North-East and has deployed additional forces to sustain ongoing operations. Efforts to enhance security around vulnerable communities and maintain the offensive against insurgents continue.

The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) has detailed impressive advancements in membership numbers and technology adoption during its 57th Annual General Meeting. The event saw Mallam Ahmed Ladan Gobir re-elected as President and Chairman of the Governing Council with 2,784 votes, alongside the re-election of Vice President Mrs. Chidinma Justina Obiejesi, who garnered 1,469 votes. Mr. Adeyemi Ajayi also secured the National Treasurer position with 1,785 votes.

Gobir presented a scorecard highlighting key successes, including a surge in inducted members from roughly 1,700 in 2023 to over 3,000 in 2025, and a total membership count reaching 27,000. He attributed this growth to deliberate efforts to enhance professionalism and expand the institute’s footprint across Nigeria.

Digital transformation was a major focus, with the deployment of several platforms such as a new examination portal, membership application system, e-voting tool, upgraded members’ portal, learning and conference portal, HRPL portal, CIPM mobile app, and the integration of a competency and knowledge framework.

The institute also strengthened its global ties through partnerships with international bodies like CIPD UK, CPHR Canada, the African Human Resources Confederation, and the World Federation of People Management Associations. These collaborations are expected to provide members with more opportunities and boost the institute’s international standing.

Members at the AGM praised the leadership for increased media visibility and the mutual recognition agreements with CPHR Canada and CIPD UK, which they believe aid Nigerian HR professionals in pursuing global careers. They called for continued advocacy to ensure HR practitioners obtain professional certification and comply with regulatory standards. The meeting concluded with strong support for the institute’s direction in fostering professionalism, regulatory compliance, digital innovation, and global positioning.

A former accountant-general in Bauchi State, Sa’idu Abubakar, was brought before a state High Court on Friday to answer a 16-count charge linked to an alleged N11 billion loan scam. The case revolves around the purported acquisition of motorcycles that never existed.

According to the prosecution, Abubakar misappropriated N3 billion from a loan facility obtained from UBA Bank, which was intended to buy 5,000 motorcycles. The funds were allegedly diverted for personal use, leaving no trace of the motorcycles.

He is also accused of deceiving the Bauchi State House of Assembly and the Office of the Secretary to the State Government. The prosecution claims he presented unauthorized loan documents as officially approved, leading to the misuse of approval instruments.

Further allegations include the diversion of N4.65 billion and N3.36 billion from separate loans sourced from Polaris Bank and UBA Bank, again for the motorcycle project. The defendant is said to have created Irrevocable Standing Payment Orders without proper authorization and used forged documents.

To support its case, the prosecution plans to present a range of evidence, including resolutions from the Executive Council and House of Assembly, official correspondence, bank statements, investigative findings, witness accounts, and ISPO papers. Several government officials, investigators, and finance staff are expected to testify.

The trial will continue before the Bauchi State Financial Crimes Court, where Abubakar will enter his plea to the charges.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria has declared a 13-day power outage affecting large portions of Delta State, citing essential maintenance work at its 132/33 kilovolt substation. This disruption began on June 4, 2026, and is scheduled to continue until June 16, according to a statement released on Friday by TCN’s spokesperson, Ndidi Mbah.

The federal agency explained that the maintenance involves the installation of a bus coupler circuit breaker and the restoration of five isolators on the main busbar. As a result, the Benin Electricity Distribution company will be unable to supply electricity to several key areas, including Warri, Effurun, and Sapele.

In a detailed update, TCN noted that many 33kV feeders from the Effurun and Delta substations will be inactive during this period. These include feeders such as Effurun, Warri, Sapele, Osubi, PTI, PMSL, Refinery I, Refinery II, and Enerhen, as well as Isoko/Kwale, Otovwodo/Patani, Ughelli/Shell, Agbarho/Eku, Aladja, Imoniyame, and Beta Glass feeders. The prolonged blackout is expected to significantly disrupt businesses in Delta State that depend on the national grid for power.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has officially disclosed the prominent political figures who served as caucus heads across the South East geopolitical zone. These individuals played a pivotal role in the party’s stakeholder engagement and consensus-building efforts leading up to the recently concluded primaries.

In a Friday statement from the party’s National Secretary, Barrister Ikenna Alex-Morgan Enekweizu, the NDC noted that presidential candidate Peter Obi joined the party with an already established leadership framework. This framework includes respected elder statesmen and political leaders responsible for coordinating party activities in their respective states.

The designated caucus leaders for the region are as follows: Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, former NDDC Board Chairman, for Abia State; Dr. Sam Egwu, former Governor, Minister, and Senator, for Ebonyi State; Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, former Governor and ex-PDP National Chairman, for Enugu State; and Chief Achike Udenwa, former Governor and Minister, for Imo State. In Anambra State, the process is managed by Peter Obi’s team.

The NDC explained that these leaders were entrusted with conducting thorough stakeholder consultations, building consensus, and offering recommendations based on the unique political landscapes of their states. Grassroots leaders and other stakeholders also actively participated in these consultations.

“These leaders were charged with carrying out stakeholder consultations, building consensus, and presenting recommendations to the party grounded in their understanding of the specific political dynamics in their states,” the statement said. “Furthermore, each state boasts recognized stakeholders and grassroots leaders who take part in consultations and offer input on party matters.”

The party emphasized that aspirants who disagreed with stakeholder or caucus leader recommendations had the opportunity to contest through the party’s democratic processes, which were available during the primaries. It also refuted allegations of imposing candidates, stating that the National Secretariat simply received aspirants and directed them to engage with caucus leaders, stakeholders, and party members in their states.

The NDC urged caucus leaders, state chairmen, stakeholders, and other leaders to engage with aggrieved aspirants and members to ensure the party’s continued growth and stability.

Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, representing Oyo North, has shed light on why the Nigerian government cannot launch a military offensive against the bandits holding the abducted schoolchildren in Oyo State. According to him, any such attack would likely result in the deaths of all 47 pupils.

Gunmen recently kidnapped students from schools in Ogbomosho and Oriire Local Government Areas of Oyo State. Senator Buhari revealed that the criminals are using the children as human shields within their hideout.

Speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Thursday night, Buhari said: “When the Federal government delegation came, we visited all the families, including the one where a woman was brutally murdered. We consoled her. She pleaded with us, even asking if we could recover her husband’s corpse—we don’t know if they buried him or threw it away.”

He further explained: “The forest spans seven states: Oyo, Kwara, Niger, Kebbi, Sokoto, and we share borders with Benin and Niger. In most cases, these people enter the forest, which is very thick, with no beginning or end. The sad aspect is that they keep moving, making tracking extremely difficult.

“This is not a conventional war. These are individuals crossing from other countries and moving constantly. Initially, they surrounded themselves with the children, and it was raining. If we decide to attack, they would kill all 47 children—they are using them as human shields.”

Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, has voiced deep concern over the escalating security challenges across the country, suggesting a direct link to the upcoming 2027 general elections. Speaking during the inauguration of a road project in Gombe State on Thursday, the minister questioned the recurring pattern of heightened insecurity preceding electoral cycles.

Umahi stressed that security matters should never be turned into political tools or exploited for personal gain. He pointed out that it is troubling how violence and criminal activities intensify whenever elections draw near. The minister warned that those who orchestrate or benefit from such unrest will face divine justice.

“Those who take innocent lives under any pretense must remember that God sees everything, and He will repay accordingly,” Umahi declared.

The former Ebonyi State governor accused certain politicians of deliberately destabilizing the country’s security situation to gain an advantage in the 2027 polls. He cautioned that such individuals would encounter divine opposition in their quest for power.

“If anyone is complicit in creating insecurity just to seize power, God will stand against that person,” he added.

Despite the grim assessment, Umahi expressed optimism that the current phase of instability will eventually pass. He reaffirmed his support for President Bola Tinubu and urged Nigerians to remain steadfast.

“We stand with the President, we pray for him, and we work alongside him. This difficult period will not last forever. By God’s grace, we will emerge victorious in the coming elections,” he concluded.

Amid escalating insecurity across Nigeria, a coalition of religious organizations and state officials have gathered for separate prayer events, appealing for divine intervention. The Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) led by Dr. Daniel Kolawole Olukoya, convened a special session during the Manna Water Service, focusing on the nation’s worsening security situation, particularly the surge in banditry and kidnappings. Olukoya delivered a sermon titled ‘Violent Spiritual Practices to Defeat Violent Problems,’ urging citizens to intensify prayers for peace, justice, and national stability, emphasizing that prayer is a crucial weapon against national challenges.

Simultaneously, the Nasrul-Lahi-L-Fatih Society (NASFAT) publicly condemned the persistent insecurity, describing attacks on innocent citizens and communities as tragic and deeply troubling. The Islamic organization voiced concern over the loss of lives and destruction of livelihoods, calling for urgent action from all stakeholders. NASFAT announced that special prayers would be held across all its branches worldwide on Sunday to seek divine intervention for Nigeria’s security issues.

In a related development, Christian leaders from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), alongside political appointees and government officials in Oyo State, held an interdenominational prayer meeting at the Oyo State Government House Chapel. The gathering included religious leaders, government representatives, students, and worshippers from various denominations. Participants prayed for the safe release of abducted teachers and students, and called for divine intervention to address the country’s security challenges.

The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration to present concrete evidence to back up assertions that security drones bought during the previous government have vanished.

The opposition party described as baseless the allegations that five drones acquired under former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola’s tenure could not be located, insisting that official records must be produced to verify the claims.

The controversy erupted after the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, announced that the current administration had failed to trace five security drones reportedly paid for by the preceding government. Rasheed also indicated that the government was exploring the purchase of new drones to bolster security operations in the state.

In response, Osun APC spokesperson Kola Olabisi rejected the allegations and warned the public not to be deceived by what he termed false information. Olabisi stated that the Adeleke administration should concentrate on tackling current security issues instead of blaming its shortcomings on the previous government.

He asserted that former governor Oyetola never procured any drones during his four-year term and challenged the state government to provide documentary proof if such purchases were indeed made. Olabisi called on citizens to dismiss what he described as a blatant lie intended to mislead the public for political gain.

The APC spokesperson criticized the governor’s approach, arguing that after more than three years in office, it was unnecessary to keep referencing the previous administration. He expressed disappointment that the governor continued to rely on falsehoods and deceit, noting that it seemed impossible for a leopard to change its spots.

Olabisi also urged residents to hold the current administration accountable for maintaining security across the state, emphasizing that the government in power bears the responsibility for safeguarding lives and property.

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has announced a 51 percent subsidy on fertilizer, cutting the price of a bag to N28,000 for local farmers. This initiative aims to boost agricultural production and secure food availability across the state.

Speaking at the launch of the 2026 Fertilizer and Agricultural Inputs Sales and Distribution Programme at the Benue Fertilizer Blending Plant in Makurdi on Thursday, the governor highlighted that the subsidy is intended to ease the burden of rising farming costs and encourage more residents to engage in agriculture.

Alia emphasized that the distribution effort is part of a broader agricultural strategy focusing on expanding farmland through land consolidation, improving access to quality inputs, and raising overall productivity. He stated that this is not just a one-time measure but a sustained policy aimed at enhancing food security, enlarging cultivated areas, and boosting rural economies.

The governor noted that the program will cover all 23 local government areas, with enhanced monitoring to ensure fairness and prevent misuse. He also revealed that the state has increased the quantity of fertilizer and other inputs this year to meet the growing demand from expanded farming activities.

Key components of the administration’s agricultural agenda include building and rehabilitating rural roads, expanding irrigation for year-round farming, promoting agro-processing and value chains, and offering training for farmers, youth, and women in agribusiness. Alia urged farmers to utilize the subsidized inputs to enhance food production and warned officials to maintain transparency and accountability, with strict penalties for any diversion or malpractice.

Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security Benjamin Ashaver assured that substandard fertilizer distribution is now a thing of the past, with comprehensive monitoring to guarantee quality. He warned that those who bypass approved procedures or engage in unethical conduct will face sanctions. The program is expected to benefit thousands of farmers as the 2026 farming season approaches.