Category: News

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has announced that a total of 43 ships laden with petroleum, food items, and various cargoes are expected to dock at the Apapa, Lekki Deep Sea, and Tincan Island ports in Lagos. The announcement was made via the NPA’s Daily Shipping Position released on Tuesday, indicating the vessels will arrive between May 26 and June 6.

According to the authority, eight of these incoming ships are carrying containers filled with diverse goods, while the remaining 35 vessels are bringing products such as fresh fish, petrol, general cargo, bulk wheat, aviation fuel, diesel, and gasoline. The NPA also confirmed that 11 ships and tankers have already reached the three ports and are waiting for berthing clearance, transporting containers, gasoline, bulk fertiliser, petrol, crude oil, diesel, condensate, and bulk salt.

Furthermore, the NPA revealed that 21 vessels are currently offloading various consignments at the ports, including bulk urea, containers, petrol, trucks, bulk sugar, wheat, millet, and bulk gypsum. This influx of shipping activity underscores the ongoing vitality of Lagos ports as a critical hub for Nigeria’s maritime trade.

The Kano State Government has launched a special committee tasked with tackling the rising incidence of unauthorized construction and planning infringements across the state. The 11-member body was officially inaugurated to identify, examine, and act against structures erected without due approval or those flouting existing development codes, especially within the Kano metropolis.

During the inaugural ceremony, Umar Farouk Ibrahim, the Secretary to the State Government, highlighted Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s growing concern over the proliferation of unlicensed developments. Ibrahim noted that the administration has channeled substantial resources into urban renewal initiatives aimed at upgrading infrastructure and enhancing the environment. He remarked that these projects, including road construction, drainage systems, and beautification efforts, are designed to transform Kano into a more organized and livable urban center.

Ibrahim warned that illegal structures present a major obstacle to effective urban planning and could jeopardize the progress of ongoing development works. He called on committee members to execute their duties with equity, honesty, and expertise, emphasizing that their selection was based on competence and trustworthiness. The government, he added, is determined to uphold the Kano master plan and ensure sustainable growth for future generations.

The committee is chaired by Dr Dalhatu Aliyu Sani, Director-General of the Kano Geographic Information System. Other members include professionals and officials drawn from relevant fields. Mustapha Ibrahim Fagge serves as Secretary, with Yusuf Yakubu Ismail acting as Co-Secretary.

The task force’s mandate includes locating unauthorized structures in local government areas such as Nassarawa, Fagge, Tarauni, and Kumbotso; reviewing building permits issued over the past two years; and halting any ongoing construction that contravenes planning regulations.

In response, Dr Dalhatu Aliyu Sani expressed gratitude to the government for the confidence placed in the team and pledged that the committee would carry out its assignment with diligence and professionalism.

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has strongly criticized the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LABSCA) for sealing the Falomo Mosque in Ikoyi, describing the move as unjust and deliberately provocative. The organization issued a statement through its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, on Tuesday evening.

According to reports, LABSCA sealed the mosque just hours before the commencement of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations. MURIC noted that the timing of the action appeared calculated to disrupt worship, as the mosque was scheduled to host Eid prayers on Wednesday.

In the statement, Akintola called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to urgently intervene and order the immediate removal of the seal. He revealed that all necessary documents for the construction had been obtained, making the sealing unwarranted. “We demand the immediate removal of the seal from our mosque. Every necessary document has been procured for the construction. We also call on His Excellency, Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, to intervene,” Akintola said.

MURIC emphasized that the action not only violates the rights of Muslims but also creates unnecessary tension in the state. The group urged the government to ensure that such incidents do not recur, especially during religious festivals.

Security forces from Sector 7 of Operation Enduring Peace successfully rescued two individuals who sustained injuries during a bandit assault on Lusuru village, located in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area, Kaduna State.

The attack occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, when armed men stormed the community, causing many residents to flee for their lives.

According to a post by security analyst Zagazola Makama on X, troops acted quickly after receiving a distress call at approximately 12:15 am. They engaged the attackers, compelling them to retreat toward the River Kaduna area.

Security sources confirmed that the rescued victims, Mrs. Charity Sunday and Mrs. Asabe Ayuba, were found with injuries and immediately taken to Saint Louis Hospital in Zonkwa for medical care.

Following the incident, military personnel have increased patrols in the region and are actively pursuing the fleeing bandits. They remain on high alert to deter any further attacks on neighboring settlements.

Security forces have taken down a high-profile kidnapping figure, Idi Yaya, during a mission in Kaduna State’s Kauru Local Government Area. The operation was detailed by security analyst Zagazola Makama on X.

Intelligence received around 6:10 am on Monday indicated that the wanted suspect had been spotted in the region after a lengthy period of hiding. Troops tracked him to Kikoba community, where they carried out a coordinated arrest at about 11:15 pm that same day.

The suspect’s identity was confirmed by a victim who had managed to escape his captivity earlier. Under questioning, Yaya admitted to his involvement in kidnappings and disclosed the location of his weapon and hideouts used by his gang.

While being taken to one of these hideouts around 9:35 pm on Tuesday, the suspect tried to flee by grabbing a soldier’s weapon. During the struggle, he was neutralized. Eight rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition were used in the incident.

Authorities are continuing to hunt down other members of the kidnapping network as operations persist in the area.

A civic organization, The Osun Masterminds (TOM), has expressed deep concern over the escalating insecurity and political tensions in Nigeria, particularly in Osun State, as the August 15, 2026 governorship election approaches. The group highlighted the worrying trend during its May 2026 State of the State address, delivered by its Executive Director, Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli, at a press conference.

Oyedokun-Alli described the current security situation as alarming, pointing to the recent abduction of 46 schoolchildren in neighboring Oyo State as a clear sign of failing intelligence and inadequate territorial policing. He warned that such attacks on educational institutions threaten the nation’s future if not addressed urgently.

“The country’s security framework has deteriorated to a deeply concerning level,” he stated. He further noted that assaults on schools and farming communities are exacerbating concerns about food security and public safety across the nation.

“Survival in Nigeria has become an extreme challenge, but when schools become targets for bandits and terrorists, the future of our country is put at risk,” Oyedokun-Alli emphasized.

The group called on the Federal Government to swiftly deploy security forces to ensure the safe release of the abducted schoolchildren, cautioning against a repeat of the prolonged kidnappings witnessed in other regions. It also urged governors in the South-West, especially Osun State, to enhance inter-state collaboration, intelligence sharing, and border security to curb criminal activities.

“We call on the South-West state governments, particularly Osun, to actively work together, bolster border security, and strengthen intelligence cooperation,” Oyedokun-Alli added.

Regarding political developments, TOM expressed unease over rising political intolerance and incendiary rhetoric in the lead-up to the governorship election. The group noted an increase in cyberbullying, mutual accusations, character assassination, and threats among supporters of different political parties in the state.

Oyedokun-Alli cautioned politicians against turning democratic competition into violence, stressing that ordinary residents often bear the brunt of political unrest. “With the election less than three months away, we must remind our politicians that opposition politics should be a platform for competing ideas on development, not a battlefield for warfare,” he said.

The organization called on political parties to restrain their supporters and focus on issue-based campaigns. It also urged security agencies in Osun State to remain impartial and promptly address any attempts to incite electoral violence or disrupt public order.

The African Action Congress (AAC) has formally selected Omoyele Sowore as its flagbearer for the upcoming 2027 presidential election. This decision was announced by Kayode Babayemi, who chaired the party’s primary election, highlighting the party’s confidence in Sowore’s unwavering commitment to genuine democratic principles.

In his announcement, Babayemi stated, “I hereby present Omoyele Sowore as the consensus presidential candidate of the African Action Congress. This endorsement reflects the party’s faith in his steadfast leadership and his enduring struggle for justice and true democracy in Nigeria. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all party members, supporters, and stakeholders who gathered today to uphold the vision and values of our great party. Your unwavering support and belief continue to strengthen Omoyele Sowore and the AAC’s agreed candidate.”

Accepting the nomination, Sowore affirmed that the AAC remains the only genuine opposition force offering Nigerians a viable alternative. He acknowledged the numerous obstacles the party has encountered and stressed that it has no ties to influential figures or corrupt politicians.

Sowore remarked, “Some argue that dictatorship was the only path, but we proclaimed a revolution back in 2019.”

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has declared former Vice President Atiku Abubakar the winner of its presidential primary election held in Taraba State. The announcement was made on Tuesday in Jalingo, the state capital, by the chairman of the party’s Presidential Election Committee, Hosea Kuti.

Atiku emerged victorious after polling 48,523 votes, defeating his closest rivals, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi and Mohammed Hayatudeen. Amaechi secured 25,150 votes, while Hayatudeen garnered 8,369 votes.

The exercise took place across all 168 wards in the state, with results from the 16 local government areas collated and submitted on Monday, in accordance with the party’s guidelines and timetable. Kuti provided a detailed breakdown of the results, confirming Atiku’s commanding lead.

This victory adds to Atiku’s momentum in the ADC presidential primaries, positioning him as a strong contender for the party’s ticket ahead of the upcoming general elections.

A leadership dispute is intensifying within the Oyo State chapter of the Accord party, as two individuals are now asserting themselves as the rightful governorship candidate for the 2027 elections.

According to sources speaking to our correspondent on Tuesday, both Mr. Olakunle Busari and Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat emerged from separate primary elections held by the party in the state. Each candidate is currently parading as the flagbearer, a situation that threatens to deepen the internal rift.

Busari’s camp claims he emerged victorious in a primary that was supervised by the party’s National Secretary, Mrs. Adebukola Ajaja, alongside officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) led by Engineer Olugbenga Keshinro, and other key stakeholders including Prince Adewale Adeyemo and Mr. Olaide Mobolade. The returning officer for that exercise, Olayinka Dairo, announced that Busari secured 29,427 votes, defeating his rivals Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat (18,716 votes) and Fatai Owoseni (11,922 votes).

However, in a conflicting development, Hamzat was also declared the winner of a different primary election. He has reportedly received a certificate of return and is asserting his claim to the party’s ticket.

As of now, both politicians are holding onto their separate mandates, leaving the Accord party in Oyo State grappling with a looming crisis just months before the general election.

The People’s Redemption Party (PRP) has officially chosen Senator Shehu Buba Umar as its candidate for the Bauchi State governorship election in 2027. This decision was reached during a special delegates congress held in Bauchi, where party members used voice affirmation to endorse the senator.

Haruna Buhari, the PRP National Vice Chairman for the North, oversaw the primary election and confirmed the senator’s selection. He stated that Senator Buba satisfied all legal requirements and adhered to the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines, officially declaring him the party’s flagbearer.

Buhari noted that the affirmation process was in line with the party’s rules when only one aspirant emerges. Delegates gave their unanimous backing to the senator, reflecting widespread support within the party.

Abdulraham Muazu, the PRP state chairman, expressed confidence that Senator Buba’s candidacy strengthens the party’s prospects for the 2027 elections. He highlighted the senator’s political experience and ability to secure electoral victory, signaling the party’s readiness for the upcoming polls.

In his acceptance speech, Senator Buba expressed gratitude to the party leadership and delegates for their trust. He confirmed that he has fully integrated his political network into the PRP after becoming a card-carrying member in his ward within Toro Local Government Area. He pledged his commitment to the party and voiced optimism about winning in 2027, emphasizing the combined efforts of party members and public support.

The senator called on party members, especially women and youth, to ramp up grassroots mobilization and campaign activities ahead of the election. The congress also saw the endorsement of 31 candidates for the House of Assembly, who were presented and approved by delegates according to party procedures.