Category: News

Public affairs analyst Mahmud Jega has lauded former Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson for choosing to establish the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) rather than defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC). During an appearance on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’ program on Wednesday, Jega remarked that the NDC has rapidly gained a substantial following in a brief period, highlighting Dickson’s brave move.

Jega observed that the NDC has swiftly emerged as one of the three leading political parties since its formation. He stated, ‘It took immense courage for him to take this step. Typically, politicians leaving opposition parties gravitate toward the APC, drawn by its perceived strong structure and financial resources. But Dickson opted for a different route. Instead of joining the APC, he built an opposition party from scratch—a truly bold decision.’

The analyst also commended Dickson’s ability to rally many individuals to support and sustain the new party. Jega added, ‘He made a crucial point by asserting that democracy cannot thrive without a viable opposition.’ Jega’s comments underscore the significance of Dickson’s move in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.

The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has clarified that its military personnel are stationed in Nigeria following an official invitation from the Nigerian government. This statement comes amid ongoing discussions about foreign military presence in African nations.

During an X Space session on Tuesday, Colonel Rebecca Heyse, AFRICOM’s Director of Public Affairs, emphasized that the U.S. military’s operations in Nigeria are grounded in mutual respect for Nigerian sovereignty and shared security interests. She highlighted that the collaboration is formalized through the U.S.-Nigeria Joint Working Group framework.

Heyse stressed that the partnership is entirely voluntary and based on a bilateral agreement, not coercion. “Our cooperation with Nigeria is founded on respect for its independence. We operate solely at their request and within the agreed framework,” she stated.

She further noted that the U.S. remains committed to the partnership as long as it continues to address common security challenges and benefits both nations. “The U.S. will sustain its support for this collaboration as long as mutual security concerns persist and the framework remains advantageous for both sides,” Heyse explained.

This clarification aims to address any misconceptions about the nature of U.S. military involvement in Nigeria, reinforcing that it is a consensual and cooperative effort.

Security forces in Nigeria have apprehended two individuals believed to be providing logistical support to terrorist cells in the northeast. The arrests were carried out by troops attached to Operation Hadin Kai, according to an official statement from the military high command.

The first suspect, identified as Musa Idi, was intercepted at a checkpoint along the Mandaragirau-Sabon Gari route on June 8. Operatives from the 162 Amphibious Battalion conducted the stop around 2:00 p.m., leading to the discovery of several incriminating items. Among the seized materials were five containers each of Atraforce chemical and Kelisate herbicide, 100 packets of tramadol capsules, and two small nylon bags containing substances suspected to be narcotics.

Military sources confirmed that Idi is now being held at the Abogo Largema Military Cantonment, where preliminary investigations are underway to determine the full extent of his collaboration with insurgent groups in the region.

In a separate operation on the same day, a combined team from the 19 Battalion, 25 Brigade Garrison, and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) arrested another man, Abu Aji, at Damboa market. Authorities allege that Aji was involved in channeling supplies to Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters active in the Damboa Local Government Area. During initial interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to his role in logistics provision.

Items recovered from Aji included 19 wristwatches, a large mat, a transistor radio, and two cartons of agro-allied chemicals. He has been transferred to the 25 Brigade headquarters for further questioning and possible prosecution.

The Kano State Government has ordered an immediate halt to all building activities along waterways in Kwari Market and other locations. This move is part of a broader strategy to dismantle unauthorized structures that block drainage systems and mitigate flood risks across the state.

A special 11-member task force, headed by Dr. Dalhatu Aliyu Sani, Director-General of the Kano Geographic Information System (KANGIS), carried out the enforcement on Wednesday. During the operation, Dr. Sani emphasized that the government will not tolerate any development that compromises drainage channels or jeopardizes public safety.

According to Dr. Sani, inspections at Kwari Market, Tal’udu, Eastern Bypass, Mariri, and Danladi Nasidi revealed numerous illegal constructions. He pointed out that the original drainage at Kwari Market, which was about 50 meters wide, has been narrowed to less than 10 meters due to selfish encroachments. This reduction has significantly increased the risk of flooding, which previously caused loss of life and property in the area.

The task force also sealed over 40 buildings across the state, including a mosque in Tal’udu for violating planning regulations. Dr. Sani stressed that Islamic teachings uphold law and order, and no one is exempt from following due process. He urged residents to report any illegal structures to the committee and warned that the enforcement will continue until order is fully restored.

“Anyone who ignores this warning does so at their own risk, as the task force will demolish any illegal structure it finds,” Dr. Sani stated. He reiterated that the government is committed to protecting lives and property, and similar actions will be repeated as needed.

Nigerian reggae-dancehall star Patoranking has released a new single titled ‘Abule’, a vibrant track that celebrates his roots and the spirit of community. The song blends infectious rhythms with heartfelt lyrics, showcasing his signature style that fuses African sounds with global influences.

In ‘Abule’, Patoranking pays homage to his upbringing in the village, emphasizing themes of unity, resilience, and joy. The upbeat production and catchy chorus make it an instant favorite for fans of Afrobeats and dancehall.

The track is accompanied by a colorful music video that depicts scenes of rural life, featuring traditional dances and lively gatherings. Patoranking’s warm vocal delivery and positive message reinforce his reputation as an artist who bridges cultures through music.

‘Abule’ is now available on all major streaming platforms, following his previous hits that have earned him international acclaim. With this release, Patoranking continues to solidify his place in the global music scene.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North in the Senate, has launched a scathing attack on the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), branding it a den of corruption. His outburst followed a revelation by Umar Aliya, the former Chief Financial Officer of the company, during a probe by the Senate Public Accounts Committee into alleged financial misappropriation amounting to trillions of naira.

Aliya disclosed that certain officials were seeking to secure jobs for their children within the state-owned oil firm. Reacting furiously, Oshiomhole claimed that NNPCL lacks any semblance of integrity, asserting that these officials merely want their families to profit from illicit activities. He exclaimed, “I heard your statement about people wanting their children employed in NNPC—that is because it is a den of thieves, and they want their offspring to partake in the loot.”

The lawmaker further accused the company of being synonymous with fraud, adding, “NNPC has no reputation; its only reputation is for deceit. How dare you sit here and say individuals want their children employed there? Do you think we are joking?”

Oshiomhole’s remarks have ignited a firestorm on social media, with many netizens praising his boldness. The Senate investigation continues to unravel deep-seated corruption within Nigeria’s premier oil corporation.

In a decisive operation, officers from the Obalende Division of the Ogun State Police Command have apprehended two individuals and prevented a planned kidnapping targeting a Chinese citizen along the Ijebu-Ode/Odogbolu Expressway corridor.

The suspects, identified as Chinedu Onwuemena, 41, and Jimoh Ojo, 37, were taken into custody on Monday at approximately 5:30 PM. The breakthrough came following credible intelligence that prompted an immediate response from the Divisional Police Officer.

Acting on the tip-off, the DPO quickly mobilized personnel, including the Surveillance Team, to the designated area where the suspects were intercepted and arrested, effectively aborting the criminal operation. Police spokesperson DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi disclosed the details in a statement released on Thursday.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the duo conspired to abduct a Chinese national and demand a ransom of ₦50 million. Notably, Onwuemena, who served as an interpreter and driver within the company, allegedly exploited his position to facilitate the plot. Babaseyi further revealed that the arrested suspects were not acting alone; another accomplice remains at large, with efforts underway to track and capture the fugitive.

Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni lauded the professionalism and swift action of the Obalende Division operatives, emphasizing that their proactive response averted a potentially serious kidnapping incident. He reiterated the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and crime prevention, assuring residents and businesses of continued vigilance against criminal elements.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) has pushed back against claims of theft and financial misconduct, with its former Chief Financial Officer, Umar Ajiya, vehemently denying allegations that the corporation operates as a den of thieves. This defense comes in the wake of sharp criticism from Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who had labeled the NNPC a ‘house of thieves’ during a Senate Public Accounts Committee hearing.

During the session, Ajiya firmly stated that neither the organization nor its employees are guilty of stealing. He clarified that the N2.9 billion expenditure was allocated for the incorporation and rebranding of the company, not the N5.8 billion that had been alleged. The CFO insisted that the figure quoted by Oshiomhole was incorrect and that no funds had gone missing.

Ajiya emphasized the NNPC’s commitment to transparency, noting that audited accounts have been publicly released for the past 44 years. He challenged the committee and the public to scrutinize the financial records available on the company’s website, asserting that the NNPC has moved away from its historically opaque practices to build trust with Nigerians.

Social media personality Martins Vincent Otse, known as Verydarkman or VDM, wasted no time upon returning to Nigeria. After touching down at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport around 4 p.m. on Wednesday, he immediately mobilized a mass demonstration against the nation’s escalating security crisis.

VDM spearheaded his Ratel Movement to the Nigerian Air Force Base in the capital, where chants of “Tinubu must go, APC must go, bandits must go, terrorists must go” echoed through the streets. A video clip capturing the protest quickly went viral on social media.

A vocal critic of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, VDM has been outspoken about the recent surge in kidnappings and killings across the country. While he was in China, he declared the Tinubu government incompetent and urged Nigerians to vote the president and the All Progressives Congress (APC) out in the 2027 elections.

Before his arrival, VDM had raised alarms about an alleged plot by authorities to detain him, fueling tension among his supporters. Despite those fears, hundreds of Ratel Movement members gathered at the airport to welcome him, and the protest proceeded without incident.

A group of Nigerian citizens evacuated from South Africa has touched down in Lagos, marking a significant step in the government’s response to recent xenophobic attacks. The returnees landed at Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Thursday aboard an Air Peace flight.

This development follows heightened tensions and targeted violence against foreign nationals in South Africa, prompting the Nigerian government to organize repatriation efforts. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had earlier confirmed that the first cohort would depart earlier that morning.

The arrival of these evacuees underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens abroad amid a surge in anti-foreigner sentiment. Many of those returning had faced threats and loss of property in the wake of the unrest.

Officials have assured that adequate arrangements are in place to assist the returnees as they reintegrate into the country. Further groups are expected to follow as the evacuation operation continues.