Category: News

In a coordinated early morning operation on May 10, 2026, troops from Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) stationed in Jimilari arrested three individuals allegedly aiding terrorist groups in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State. The raids, which began around 6:10 a.m., targeted suspected hideouts in the communities of Binari, Chibi, and Andamin, following intelligence reports of criminal activities.

According to security sources, the suspects are believed to have been providing support to terrorist networks operating in the region. The military authorities confirmed that the individuals are now in custody and undergoing interrogation to uncover the full extent of their involvement and potential connections to larger criminal organizations.

The operation is part of ongoing clearance and intelligence-driven efforts by OPWS to dismantle support structures for insurgents and restore peace in vulnerable areas within Karim-Lamido. Troops have pledged to continue such raids until security is fully restored.

In a sharp critique, former APC Deputy Spokesperson Timi Frank has called on African leaders to sever ties with France, branding the European nation as exploitative. Speaking on Tuesday, Frank accused France of decades-long resource extraction without fostering genuine development across the continent.

His remarks come in the wake of the ongoing ‘Africa Forward: Africa-France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth Summit’ in Nairobi, Kenya, attended by French President Emmanuel Macron and several African heads of state, including Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Frank argued that despite Africa’s vast natural wealth, nations—especially in West Africa—have little to show for years of French influence. He pointed to recent political shifts in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger as evidence of what he termed France’s predatory relationship with its former colonies.

“France has no meaningful contribution left to offer Africa. African leaders must avoid any fresh agreements that could entangle the continent in renewed economic and political servitude,” Frank stated.

According to him, the military takeovers in several Francophone countries have shed light on what he described as a legacy of exploitation. “Since the coups in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, it has become clear to Africans that France was merely exploiting their people and resources, offering nothing substantial in return,” he said.

Frank further urged African leaders to pivot toward the United States instead of maintaining ties with France, suggesting that a new alignment could yield better outcomes for the continent.

The Jigawa State Police Command has issued a strong caution to politicians and young people, urging them to avoid any actions that could disrupt the electoral process. The warning, delivered by the command’s spokesperson, SP Lawan Shiisu Adam, comes as part of efforts to safeguard democratic principles.

Commissioner of Police Haruna Alaba Yahaya delivered the message during a stakeholder engagement tour across the Hadejia Emirate. He highlighted offenses such as political violence, snatching of ballot boxes, vote buying, hate speech, illegal campaigning, and destruction of campaign materials as serious threats to peace.

The CP noted that his visit aligns with directives from the Inspector-General of Police to strengthen community policing and bolster security collaborations with local communities. During a meeting with the Emir of Hadejia, Abubakar Adamu Maje, the commissioner discussed prevailing security challenges and called for continued partnership between traditional institutions and law enforcement.

He also met with local government chairmen in Hadejia and Kafin Hausa to address security concerns, and engaged community leaders, youth groups, religious figures, vigilante members, and other stakeholders on maintaining peace. The commissioner urged residents to support security agencies by providing credible intelligence and actively participating in community policing initiatives.

Following a recent disturbance in Galauceme Village, Miga Local Government Area, CP Yahaya visited the community and advised residents to resolve conflicts through lawful means and embrace peaceful coexistence. Other issues addressed during the tour included homicide, mob violence, rape, drug abuse, farmer-herder clashes, traffic violations, illegal deforestation, and youth unrest.

The command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and assured the public of sustained efforts to combat all forms of criminality.

Resident Bishop Ande Emmanuel of the United Methodist Church Nigeria has called for peace and restraint following the Federal High Court’s decision to reject a stay of execution application filed by the Global Methodist Church Nigeria. In a statement from Jalingo, he urged members to avoid inflammatory language, intimidation, or any actions that could threaten public order or damage the church’s testimony.

Bishop Emmanuel described the court ruling as a significant validation of the church’s rightful continuity and trusteeship, reinforcing confidence in the judiciary and the rule of law. He expressed gratitude for the outcome while cautioning against triumphalism or hostility.

The bishop acknowledged that the period leading up to the judgment was marked by uncertainty, emotional distress, misinformation, and institutional tension for many church members, clergy, and congregations. He commended them for their steadfast commitment to peace, lawful engagement, and Christian witness through prayer and patience.

He also thanked clergy, laity, district superintendents, conference leaders, legal teams, ecumenical partners, and the global Methodist community for their support during the legal proceedings. International partners and advocates for peaceful resolution were also recognized.

Appealing for calm across church communities, Bishop Emmanuel warned against actions that could escalate tensions. He stated that legal disagreements must not be allowed to damage relationships, communities, or the church’s spiritual mission. The focus should now shift from litigation to healing, rebuilding, and strengthening ministry activities such as evangelism, discipleship, support for the vulnerable, education, healthcare, peacebuilding, and youth empowerment.

The bishop emphasized that the church must remain a beacon of hope amid Nigeria’s social, economic, and security challenges, serving as an instrument of compassion, unity, and hope. He reaffirmed respect for the constitutional rights of all parties and encouraged those with grievances to pursue them peacefully within the law.

In a recent prophecy, the leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has cautioned that President Bola Tinubu will face stiff international resistance in his bid for re-election in 2027. Ayodele, as conveyed by his media aide Osho Oluwatosin, asserted that while Tinubu has the capability to outmaneuver local opposition parties, his real challenge stems from the global community.

According to Ayodele, several influential nations and blocs, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, are poised to back the opposition to ensure Tinubu is not returned to power. He emphasized that these international players are ready to collaborate with domestic parties to effect a change in leadership.

The cleric noted that Tinubu’s determination to secure victory is formidable. He stated that the president is prepared to go to any lengths to win, warning that opposition parties must brace for a tough fight. Ayodele stressed that dividing the opposition would only strengthen the ruling party’s hand, urging a united front against Tinubu.

He further explained, “Anyone wishing to defeat Tinubu must adopt a radical approach, as he will not make it easy. The president is ready for any battle to retain power. The opposition cannot afford to remain fragmented; a divided front will guarantee failure.”

Ayodele reiterated that the only path to unseating Tinubu is through a cohesive opposition strategy. He cautioned that without unity, the opposition’s efforts would be futile, as the incumbent would exploit any divisions to his advantage.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, who also serves as the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), has praised elder statesman and Afenifere leader Reuben Fasoranti as a source of pride for Nigeria and a valuable national treasure. In a message marking Fasoranti’s 100th birthday, the Sultan highlighted the centenarian’s enduring impact on the nation’s development. The statement, released through Prince Bashir Adefaka on behalf of the Sultan, emphasized that Fasoranti’s exceptional longevity and sustained significance throughout Nigeria’s political evolution—before, during, and after the era of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo—are evidence of a life dedicated to exemplary service and leadership. The Sultan specifically noted Fasoranti’s groundbreaking role as the first principal of Anglican Grammar School, Iju-Itaogbolu in Akure North in 1957, as well as his tenure as Commissioner for Finance under the late Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin in the old Ondo State. According to the Sultan, Chief Fasoranti has served Nigeria with unwavering dedication, and it is only appropriate that the nation continues to honor him as one of its most distinguished elder statesmen. He urged all Nigerians who believe in the country’s unity, peace, and progress to keep celebrating and praying for Fasoranti, asking God to grant him continued strength and good health. The Sultan extended his congratulations to Fasoranti’s family, associates, admirers, and all supporters of peace and unity, praying that Almighty God continues to bless him and make him a greater blessing to Ondo State, where he has made significant contributions to nation-building, and to Nigeria as a whole.

In a dramatic turn during the treason trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja, a prominent Islamic scholar, Sheikh Abdulkadir Sani, has admitted to receiving funds for prayers from individuals allegedly plotting to unseat President Bola Tinubu’s government. However, he insisted he never endorsed the scheme and even foretold its collapse.

The Kaduna-based cleric, testifying on Monday, revealed that an intermediary named Sanda approached him to provide spiritual backing for the operation. After performing the requested prayers, Sheikh Sani claimed he immediately warned the group that the endeavor was doomed to fail due to an expected betrayal from within.

“I told them the plan would not succeed because some of them would expose the plot,” the cleric stated in a video-recorded confession played in court. He emphasized that the money he received was strictly for prayers and charitable acts, not to finance any coup.

The court also heard that the cleric had submitted to the authorities a list of names he was asked to include in his prayers, further implicating the alleged plotters. The trial continues as the prosecution seeks to establish the extent of the defendants’ involvement.

Ahmed Isah, widely recognized as ‘Ordinary President’ and host of the Brekete Family show on Human Rights Radio and Television, has highlighted that the mistreatment of Nigerians is not confined to South Africa but occurs in many nations worldwide. During his broadcast on Tuesday, he referenced the recent xenophobic violence in South Africa, where several Nigerian, Ghanaian, and other African nationals have been killed.

Ordinary President pointed out the historical support Nigeria provided to South African freedom fighters, including scholarships for South Africans in Nigerian schools and asylum for those escaping persecution. He contrasted this with the current hostility, noting that the attacks are not exclusively targeting Nigerians but also affect other African nationals like Zimbabweans, Rwandans, and Tanzanians.

He emphasized a pattern of differential treatment, stating that the anger and bitterness against Nigerians are particularly pronounced. ‘Look at how they treat other nationals versus how they treat Nigerians,’ he said. He argued that this bias extends beyond South Africa, citing examples from Canada, India, and other countries, where Nigerians fill prisons disproportionately. He attributed this systemic injustice to poor leadership in Nigeria, which he claims leaves the country vulnerable to such discrimination.

During a Tuesday appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show, former Edo State Governor and current Senator for Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, playfully called out the show’s anchor, Rufai Oseni, for what he described as persistent one-sided criticism. Oshiomhole remarked that he watches the program regularly and feels Oseni consistently punches in a single direction during interviews. He added, half in jest, that he looks forward to the day they meet face to face.

The senator’s comment came as part of a broader discussion about his recent altercation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The dispute centers on revisions to the Senate Standing Orders, with Oshiomhole arguing that all lawmakers should be fully included in decisions affecting internal procedures. He has been vocal about his stance that the amendment process was handled without proper consultation, leading to unnecessary friction within the chambers.

Oshiomhole’s lighthearted jab at Oseni highlights the often tense but occasionally humorous exchanges between Nigerian politicians and media personalities. Despite the accusation of being ‘fought’ on air, the tone remained cordial, reflecting the complex relationship between public figures and the press.

Public affairs commentator Buhari Yusuf has cautioned that the proposed single-term arrangement between Peter Obi and Rabi’u Kwankwaso is a hazardous political maneuver. During a Monday interview on Trust TV, Yusuf argued that this strategy undermines democratic stability.

Yusuf emphasized that the plan for a one-term presidency as a placeholder for northern interests is detrimental. He questioned the logic of pursuing such political correctness, suggesting that Obi’s desperation may stem from a lack of viable options in the current political landscape.

He noted that the narrowing democratic space and the absence of broader participation could lead to a faction of parties vying for influence. Yusuf also highlighted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) understands the Nigerian electorate’s tendency to embrace novelty, making it likely that new political alignments will emerge.

Concluding, Yusuf stated that the electorate’s inclination toward fresh alternatives could be exploited by political actors, especially as 2027 elections approach.