In a significant development in the fight against the Boko Haram insurgency, two young individuals tasked with planting improvised explosive devices (IEDs) for the terrorist group have surrendered to the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF). According to Lt. Col. Abubakar Abdullahi, Chief Military Public Information Officer in Ndjamena, 19-year-old Abubakar Mohammed (alias Garba) and 13-year-old Bana Modu turned themselves in on Sunday in the Monguno Government Area of Borno State. During preliminary investigations, Mohammed and Modu revealed that they had been ordered by Boko Haram to plant IEDs along roads, in Doron Baga, and at the Fish Dam in Baga,…
Author: Editor Francis
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has emphasised the imperative of state police for Nigeria’s security, asserting that without decentralised law enforcement, achieving national security remains elusive. Speaking at a House of Representatives-organized dialogue on State Police in Abuja, Jonathan underscored the urgency of the issue, urging a focus on operational modalities rather than debating its necessity. Reflecting on the unanimous support for state police during the 2014 national conference, Jonathan emphasized the need for concurrent deliberations on complementary security measures. He highlighted the imperative of reforming the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) operations and minimising police involvement in elections to enhance…
In a significant breakthrough for Operation Hadin Kai’s efforts against insurgency in the region, troops of Operation Lake Sanity III made a startling discovery in the heart of Borno State. Reports indicate that a hidden bread production factory belonging to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) was uncovered within their stronghold in Maisani, Timbuktu Triangle, Damboa Local Government Area. Intelligence sources, as relayed by security analyst and counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, revealed that the find occurred during an exploitation mission conducted by the combined forces of the 199 Special Forces Battalion, Hybrid Forces, and Civilian JTF on Sunday. The…
Kenyan authorities have apprehended Nadeem Anjarwalla, a senior executive at Binance, following his evasion of Nigerian custody. Sources within the government, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the matter, confirmed the arrest on Sunday night. Anjarwalla is slated for extradition to Nigeria within the week, under the coordination of the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL). The Federal Government of Nigeria has been tracking Anjarwalla’s whereabouts since his escape from lawful custody within the country. Collaborative efforts between the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), International Criminal Police, Nigeria Police Force, and Kenyan Police Service have intensified to expedite his…
Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State on Monday appreciated President Bola Tinubu for allowing enabling environment for the peaceful conduct of the Saturday’s governorship primary in the state. Aiyedatiwa stated this in his acceptance speech after he emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Nov. 16 governorship election in the state. Usman Ododo, the Chairman of the Governorship Primary Election Committee for Ondo State and Governor of Kogi, had on Monday declared Aiyedatiwa as the winner of the Saturday’s primary. Ododo said that Aiyedatiwa polled 48,569 votes to defeat his closest rival, Mr Mayowa Akinfolarin, who had…
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained Wale Akinterinwa, an All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Ondo State, in connection with an ongoing investigation into his tenure as Commissioner for Finance in the defunct Akeredolu administration. Akinterinwa, who served as commissioner for over seven years until the dissolution of the State Executive Council by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, is being probed for alleged mismanagement of billions of Naira, according to a reliable source. Despite his detention, Akinterinwa participated in the weekend direct primary from his place of custody. The EFCC stated that the timing of his detention was…
Mr. Olusegun Alebiosu has been appointed as the Acting Managing Director of First Bank of Nigeria (FBN) Limited. This announcement comes following the resignation of Adesola Adeduntan, who stepped down from his position eight months prior to his scheduled retirement on December 31, 2024. Mr. Alebiosu brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having served as the Executive Director, Chief Risk Officer, and Executive Compliance Officer since January 2022. Prior to this, he held the position of Group Executive/Chief Risk Officer starting in 2016. With over 28 years of experience in the banking and financial services sector, Mr.…
The governorship primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State have concluded with Lucky Aiyedatiwa emerging as the party’s flagbearer. The announcement of Aiyedatiwa’s victory was made by Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State, who chaired the Primary Election Committee. After a closely contested race, Aiyedatiwa secured the highest number of votes, totaling 48,569. The results were declared after nearly 48 hours of voting, starting on April 20th. The primaries were characterised by controversy and high tension, reflecting the stakes involved. Aiyedatiwa’s closest rival, Mayowa Akinfolarin, trailed behind with 15,343 votes, securing the second position. Olusola Oke claimed…
Nigeria has clinched a significant financial deal with the World Bank, as announced by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun. The federal government has successfully secured a $2.25 billion loan from the World Bank, with the board of directors having given their approval for the credit, which is currently undergoing processing. The terms of the loan are notably favourable for Nigeria, offering a 40-year term with a 10-year moratorium at an incredibly low 1% interest rate. Minister Edun described the loan as essentially a grant, emphasising its advantageous terms as “the closest you…
Residents of Sango, Ogun State, were left grappling with the aftermath of a fierce rainstorm that struck on Sunday, April 21. The downpour, which commenced at approximately 1:00 pm, was accompanied by strong winds, resulting in significant damage to the electricity infrastructure in the area. Numerous electricity poles, supporting vital cables connecting residences and business establishments, were uprooted by the forceful winds. These poles collapsed onto Sango road, causing obstruction and chaos as tangled cables littered the thoroughfare. Among the casualties of the storm was a conspicuous yellow bus, reportedly used for transporting worshippers to religious centers. The vehicle was…
Nigerians residing in South Africa have refuted claims circulating widely that Nigerian citizens in Kimberly, Northern Cape Province, attacked South African Police Service (SAPS) officers and damaged property. Instead, they have alleged instances of police brutality against Nigerians. According to a statement issued by the Nigerians Citizens in South Africa (NICASA), signed by Rev. Frank Onyekwelu, President General, Dr. Elizabeth Ojo-Fafore, Secretary General, and Tony Okorie, Publicity Secretary, the incident has been reported to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) for an impartial investigation. Contrary to reports, NICASA asserts that Nigerians did not assault any SAPS officers or cause destruction…
In a strategic move to alleviate the economic impact of the recent petrol subsidy removal, President Tinubu’s administration has unveiled the Presidential CNG Initiative (Pi-CNG), geared towards providing compressed natural gas (CNG) for mass transit. Launched in October 2023, the initiative aims to offer a cheaper, safer, and more environmentally friendly energy alternative. Led by the Michael Oluwagbemi committee, the Pi-CNG initiative has already implemented significant foundational reforms to pave the way for a future dominated by CNG and Electric Vehicles (EVs). To kickstart this transformation, the federal government has allocated N100 billion from a N500 billion palliative budget. This…