Category: News

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has issued a stern warning to passengers, advising them against coaxing drivers to drive at excessive speeds. This advisory comes as part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to promote road safety during the upcoming Sallah festivities.

During a recent sensitization campaign held in Calabar, Cross River State, FRSC operatives intercepted a driver who was under the influence of alcohol, preventing him from embarking on a journey. The sector commander for Cross River State, Innocent Tommy Etuk, emphasized that the campaign’s primary goal is to educate both motorists and passengers about safe driving practices during the holiday period.

Etuk highlighted the perilous nature of passengers urging drivers to speed, noting that such behavior often leads to fatal accidents. He stressed that passengers are not always in the right when they push for reckless driving, and drivers must remain calm and prioritize safety at all times.

“Travelers must place a higher value on arriving safely than on speed, because families eagerly await a safe reunion, not a tragedy,” Etuk remarked. He further revealed that the drunk driver, who was stopped, failed a breathalyzer test administered at the motor park. The driver’s alcohol level was recorded at 0.481 milligrammes, significantly exceeding the permissible limit for motorists. As a result, the driver was promptly taken off duty to avert any potential road accident.

“We cannot let such a driver continue his journey; it would be a disaster waiting to happen,” he concluded.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has affirmed the authority of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to establish timelines for political parties to conduct their primaries in preparation for the 2027 general elections. However, the court ruled that INEC cannot reduce the statutory periods mandated by the Electoral Act 2026 for the submission and substitution of candidates.

Justice J.K. Omotosho delivered the verdict in a case filed by the Social Democratic Party (SDP), which contested certain aspects of INEC’s timetable and schedule for the upcoming elections. The court declared that INEC possesses the constitutional power to prescribe deadlines for party primaries, submission of membership registers, and other related electoral activities.

According to the Certified True Copy of the judgment dated May 26, 2026, the court held that the election timetable is a sequence of events that includes the submission of party membership registers for primaries and the setting of timeframes for these primaries. The judgment further stated that INEC is empowered by the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act 2026 to issue and modify election timetables as it deems appropriate.

While the court recognized INEC’s authority to request membership registers and fix primary dates, it partially upheld the SDP’s claims by voiding the August 29 and September 16, 2026 deadlines for submitting nomination forms for presidential, National Assembly, governorship, and House of Assembly elections. The court found that these deadlines violated Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act, which provides a 120-day period for candidate submission.

The judge ordered INEC to revise its 2027 election timetable to align strictly with Sections 29(1) and 31 of the Electoral Act 2026. This ruling clarifies that INEC can set primary timelines but cannot infringe on statutory submission periods.

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has voiced strong optimism that President Bola Tinubu will secure victory in the FCT during the 2027 elections. Speaking on Tuesday after inspecting several projects slated for commissioning ahead of Tinubu’s third anniversary, Wike attributed this confidence to a surge in grassroots support and the tangible benefits of government initiatives across the territory.

According to Wike, residents are increasingly recognizing the efforts of the administration, particularly in extending infrastructure to satellite towns and rural communities. He emphasized that citizens crave visible governance, not magic, and highlighted improvements in living conditions, electricity, and infrastructure as key drivers of this positive response.

The minister disclosed that at least twenty projects would be ready for inauguration, with the number potentially rising as work continues. These include roads like Gomani to Yangoji and Kuje to Gwagwalada, water projects in Bwari and Karu, and developments in AMAC and Bwari Area Councils. He also noted that the Abuja Appeal Court Complex, Judges Quarters in Katampe, internal roads in Katampe district, and a new site for the Apo Mechanic Village are at advanced stages.

At the informal sector relocation site for Apo Mechanic Village traders, roads and streetlights are complete, pending water connection. Security officials have been brought in to commence work on a police station and residential quarters. Wike challenged opposition and coalition members to visit the FCT and witness governance in action, stressing that the spread of infrastructure marks a new era of inclusive development.

“What the people want is simple: they want to feel the impact of governance. It is not about magic. Nigerians are interested in good governance, infrastructure, electricity and improved living conditions,” Wike stated, underscoring the administration’s commitment to welfare improvement.

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has released the outcome of its continuing presidential primary election across three key states: Kano, Lagos, and Kebbi.

In a commanding performance, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar emerged victorious in all three states, outpacing his rivals, including former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and Mohammed Hayatudeen.

In Kano State, Atiku secured a massive 155,995 votes, while Amaechi received 15,914 votes. Hayatudeen came in third with 9,994 votes.

In Lagos State, Atiku won 37,779 votes, leaving Amaechi far behind with 6,791 votes and Hayatudeen with 2,261 votes.

Similarly, in Kebbi State, Atiku gained 65,153 votes to defeat Amaechi, who managed only 5,931 votes.

A faction within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has denounced the party’s presidential primary election in Adamawa State, labeling it a sham where fabricated numbers were presented to deceive the public. The Concerned ADC Members group, during a press conference in Yola, accused certain party leaders and backers of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of compromising democratic procedures.

Hussain Hamman, the group’s leader and a prominent figure from Yola South, claimed that voting occurred only in Ajiya Ward of Yola North, where Atiku cast his ballot. He argued that election outcomes cannot emerge from thin air and that the gathering in Ajiya was orchestrated to simulate a legitimate process.

Hamman emphasized that democracy must be rooted in openness, participation, and the true expression of the electorate’s will. He pointed out the irony of Atiku, who had criticized President Bola Tinubu for allegedly inflating votes to secure the APC ticket, being part of ADC’s flawed primary. According to Hamman, the APC at least held some form of election, whereas ADC’s exercise in Adamawa involved no real voting, yet fictitious results are being disseminated.

He urged aggrieved members to remain calm but steadfast in demanding credible democratic practices.

With the sharp increase in the cost of food items, rams, and other necessities ahead of this year’s Sallah festivities, Muslims throughout Kaduna and surrounding areas have resolved to fulfill their religious duties regardless of the financial burden.

Many worshippers interviewed on Tuesday expressed gratitude for reaching the 2026 Sallah period, insisting that their spiritual commitments would not be compromised by high prices. Alhaji Murtala Jimoh, Managing Director of Kaduna Motors, explained that animal sacrifice is not mandatory and that believers can worship according to their means.

Hajia Salamatu Moses voiced her dismay at the exorbitant prices, accusing traders of deliberately hoarding goods to exploit Muslims during the holy period. She noted that while costs are always elevated, the festive season has worsened the situation and reminded that everyone will be accountable for their actions.

However, ram vendor Mallam Idrisu Konduga at the Kaduna Central Market attributed the price surge to insecurity, revealing that many people have abandoned ram rearing due to the threat of banditry, and the few remaining breeders demand higher prices.

Mallam Musa Lali, Chairman of the Cattle Rearers Association in Kaduna State, pointed to the scarcity of rams and rising transportation costs as factors driving up prices. He stressed that sellers factor in expenses for feed, healthcare, and other inputs to avoid losses.

An anonymous member of the State House of Assembly acknowledged that price hikes during festive periods are a recurring pattern, as traders stockpile goods to maximize profits during peak demand.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reported successful airstrikes that effectively eliminated terrorists and thwarted planned offensives in Niger State. The operations, conducted under Operation Fansan Yamma, focused on Rafi and Mariga Local Government Areas.

Spanning from May 20 to May 23, 2026, the missions were driven by actionable intelligence regarding terrorist movements and schemes to assault communities and military positions in the region. Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Director of Public Relations and Information for NAF, provided details on the operations.

Initial strikes targeted terrorist gatherings near Tungan Bako and Kasuwan Daji in Rafi LGA, where precision air interdictions were carried out. On May 21, further attacks were launched after terrorists were spotted moving on motorcycles and on foot with stolen cattle from Tungunguna to Uregi, effectively cutting off their retreat routes.

On May 23, reconnaissance missions over Dogon Dawa and adjacent areas in Mariga LGA led to precise strikes that disrupted planned assaults on troop locations. Post-strike evaluations confirmed the elimination of numerous terrorists and the interruption of their planned attacks.

Ejodame characterized these actions as part of ongoing efforts to reduce terrorist capabilities in the region.

The police command in the Federal Capital Territory has ramped up security measures across Abuja to guarantee a secure and tranquil Eid-el-Kabir celebration. This initiative was announced on Tuesday by the command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, in a formal statement.

In collaboration with other security agencies, the command has launched a unified security framework under the codename “Operation Sweep FCT” aimed at safeguarding residents. The partner agencies include the Nigerian Military, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), and other relevant stakeholders.

SP Adeh explained that the operation has been structured into strategic zones within the territory, with personnel conducting continuous patrols and coordinated security activities to discourage, prevent, and rapidly address any criminal acts.

As part of preventive security, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams have been assigned to proactively sweep designated worship centers, recreational areas, and other venues expected to host large gatherings. Additionally, the command has ordered sustained intelligence-driven operations and targeted raids on identified hotspots and locations linked to illicit drug activities. All operations are to be carried out professionally and within the bounds of the law, the statement emphasized.

In a bid to bolster safety during the Eid-el-Kabir festivities, the Borno State Government has instituted a temporary prohibition on the movement of both people and vehicles. This decision, ratified by Governor Babagana Zulum, was made public through a statement from Prof. Usman Tar, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Internal Security.

The restriction is scheduled to take effect on Eid day from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., encompassing all forms of transport, including cars, tricycles, and motorcycles throughout the region.

Authorities emphasized that this measure is aimed at facilitating peaceful Eid prayers and safeguarding residents during the holiday period. Citizens are encouraged to attend prayers at the nearest Eid grounds to minimize travel and aid security efforts.

Exempt from the ban are security personnel, ambulances, fire service crews, and other essential workers who can present valid identification.

The government has called on inhabitants across all 27 local government areas to adhere to the directive and collaborate with security forces to ensure public safety. Parents and guardians are also urged to advise their children against any actions that could disturb the peace.

Governor Zulum additionally appealed to the public to keep praying for enduring peace in Borno State and the entire nation.

The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has expressed appreciation for the exceptional leadership displayed by Commodore Shehu Mohammed Tasiu and his crew at Nigerian Navy Ship DELTA. The commendation came during the inauguration of several infrastructure and welfare initiatives at the base on Monday.

Represented by Rear Admiral Suleiman Dantsoho Ibrahim, the Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command, Abbas applauded the commander’s dedication to improving the base. The newly unveiled facilities include parking lots, sports courts for lawn tennis and volleyball, an official residence for the Executive Officer, and a 30-room accommodation block for senior ratings.

Rear Admiral Ibrahim highlighted that these achievements reflect a deep commitment to service and effective leadership. He noted that the projects undertaken under Tasiu’s guidance have significantly enhanced both the working and living conditions at NNS DELTA.

Ibrahim pointed out that earlier initiatives, such as the renovation of the multipurpose hall and the installation of air conditioning in administrative offices, have already boosted staff morale. The upgrade of the corps members’ lodge further demonstrates the command’s care for those serving at the base.

“These varied projects share a common foundation—your resourcefulness, integrity, and refusal to settle for mediocrity. Well done,” Ibrahim remarked. He described the new facilities as evidence of operational readiness, strategic collaboration, and administrative efficiency.

The Naval Chief also recognized Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited for their sponsorship of accommodation projects, which he said will elevate personnel welfare and morale. He urged all base staff—officers, ratings, and civilians—to maintain the facilities and stay focused on their security duties.

Commodore Tasiu stated that the projects were designed to improve welfare and operational effectiveness. He assured that the facilities would be properly maintained. The Executive Officer, Captain Daniel Beecroft, thanked the Flag Officer Commanding and Tantita Security Services for their support. He noted that the new accommodations will allow more personnel to live on base, enhancing safety and reducing commuting costs.

Other attendees praised NNS DELTA’s leadership and Tantita Security Services for the timely projects, which they believe will boost personnel welfare and operational efficiency.