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Jigawa Governor Commends Army Over New 262 Tank Battalion

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  Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi has praised the Nigerian Army for establishing the 262 Tank Battalion in Gumel, describing the development as a significant boost to security in the state and Nigeria’s border communities. This was disclosed by the State Commissioner for Information, Youths, Sports and Culture, Sagir Musa, while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Namadi on Tuesday at the Government House, Dutse, the Jigawa State capital. According to the commissioner, the council described the development as a significant milestone. “The Council commended the Nigerian Army for the establishment of the 262 Tank Battalion in Jigawa, describing the development as a significant milestone in strengthening security across the state and the nation’s border communities,” Musa said. He explained that the battalion would improve military presence in the northern part of the state. “The Council noted that the establishment of the Battalion will significantly enhance military presence along the state’s northern corridor,” he stated. Musa added that the new deployment would help security agencies respond faster to threats, noting that, “It will improve rapid response to emerging security threats and reinforce the protection of communities bordering the Niger Republic.” The commissioner said the government was optimistic about the impact on crime in border areas. “The Council expressed confidence that the deployment of the Battalion will bolster ongoing efforts to combat cross-border crimes, banditry, smuggling and other security challenges,” Musa noted. He further said it would help restore calm and public trust, adding that, “It will foster greater peace, stability and public confidence in the affected areas.” Musa also acknowledged the sacrifices of security agencies, stating that, “The Council further acknowledged the commitment of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to safeguarding lives and property and maintaining the territorial integrity of the nation.” He therefore reaffirmed the state government’s support for the military and other security agencies. “The Council reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies through sustained collaboration,” Musa said. The commissioner also stressed that the government would provide the enabling environment for security operations. “We will continue to provide an enabling environment to ensure the effective discharge of their constitutional responsibilities,” he said. According to him, the battalion would also boost economic activities in the area. “The State Government believes that the establishment of the 262 Tank Battalion will not only strengthen the state’s security architecture,” Musa stated. Commenting further on the battalion, the commissioner said it would create a safer environment for business and development. He, however, urged residents to cooperate with security agencies to ensure lasting peace in the state. “It will also create a more secure environment for socio-economic activities, investment and sustainable development across the northern border communities,” the commissioner concluded.  

North Will Give 95% of Votes to Tinubu — Uba Sani

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  Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has expressed confidence that the North will deliver at least 95 per cent of its votes to President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, describing the contest as “already concluded.” Sani made the remarks during the flag-off of the 122-kilometre Kaduna–Birnin Gwari Road project. The governor said Kaduna residents were satisfied with Tinubu’s performance, particularly the Federal Government’s investment in infrastructure across the state. “We have to be happy with what he has done for us and whether we like it or not, Kaduna is the capital of Northern Nigeria. Everyone is proud of Kaduna. “Kaduna’s development is a development for all the states of Northern Nigeria, so we are happy and grateful to the President for recognising that Kaduna is the heart of Northern Nigeria,” he said. Sani said the North would continue to support Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election. “We will continue to support the President. I have no doubt in my mind that the 2027 election has been concluded, and we are giving President Tinubu at least 95 per cent of the total votes. There is no doubt about that, and I stand to be challenged,” he said. The governor also highlighted ongoing Federal Government road projects in Kaduna State, including the Western Bypass and the planned resumption of work on the Eastern Bypass. “The Western Bypass is ongoing from the Abuja Junction to Kawo Motor Park, and that is also a construction undertaken by the Federal Ministry of Works under the able leadership of Tinubu. “We are resuming the construction of the Eastern Bypass, which is extremely critical for our people. It will resume, according to my conversation with the minister, in the next two weeks, by the grace of God. So all these are things the President is doing for the people of Kaduna State,” he said. Sani maintained that Tinubu had done more for Northern Nigeria than any previous president. “About two weeks ago, I came out boldly and said no president in the history of Nigeria has done what Tinubu did for us here in Northern Nigeria, and I challenge anyone to come up with anything contrary to what I have said. “Tinubu has done a lot. Only now, my brother and friend, Masari, stood here and mentioned most of the projects that Mr President is doing in Northern Nigeria. Again, the minister came up here and confirmed all those projects. “Let me ask a question: Why was it that other leaders were not doing what Tinubu is doing today for Northern Nigeria? Was it that Northern Nigeria was not a priority or that it was not their concern? We thank Tinubu for the love for the North and humanity,” he added.  

BREAKING: Tinubu Approves 30%–80% Salary Increase for Armed Forces Personnel

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  President Bola Tinubu has approved a salary increase ranging from 30 to 80 per cent for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces. The pay package that will benefit approximately 250,000 personnel and take effect from September 1, 2026, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed in a statement signed Tuesday. Onanuga said the graduated structure of the increase scales inversely with rank, with the highest percentage increases going to the most junior personnel. Under the new arrangement, he said officers above the rank of colonel, Brigadier-Generals, Major-Generals, Lieutenant Generals and Generals, will receive a 30 per cent salary increase. Personnel ranking from colonel down to warrant officer will receive a 50 per cent increase, while those from private to staff sergeant will receive an 80 per cent increase. The pay package will raise the annual salary bill for the armed forces from N660 billion to N924 billion, an increase of N264 billion. The President linked the pay rise directly to the sacrifices personnel continue to make in the fight against banditry, kidnapping and terrorism across parts of the country. He said, “The men and women who help to keep us safe in our homes must be supported and appreciated in the course of their duties to our nation.” Tinubu said troop welfare and military modernisation would remain a standing priority of his administration. “Our administration will continue to prioritise troop welfare and modernise the armed forces by providing the weapons and technological tools needed to discharge their duties,” he said. Tinubu tied the salary increase to his broader philosophy on national security saying, “Our administration believes that no nation can achieve greatness without security. We therefore remain resolute in mobilising all military and law enforcement assets to eliminate security threats and protect the lives and property of all Nigerians,” he said. “I urge our servicemen to take our gesture as a sign of our deep appreciation of the services they render to our fatherland. “Together we shall prevail over the enemies intent on destroying the fabric of our nation,” the President said.

Oloolu Festival: TikToker Breaks Silence Over Alleged Masquerade Filming

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  The female TikTok content creator at the centre of the controversy surrounding the annual Oloolu Masquerade Festival in Ibadan, Oyo State, has denied reports that she filmed the sacred Oloolu masquerade, insisting that she neither recorded the revered traditional figure nor died as widely speculated on social media. Speaking via telephone during an interview on Lagelu FM’s Ibi Aye N Lo programme hosted by Adesoye Omotosho on Monday, the woman, identified as Wasilat, also dismissed rumours of her death. “I am not dead. I did not capture the Oloolu masquerade. May I not be implicated; I did not record Oloolu. “What happened that day, last Thursday, around the Oremeji axis, I don’t know what prompted me to go to our shop because I was at home. “When I got to the shop, I didn’t even open it. I just stayed in front of the shop because we had packed up from that area. “When I saw people passing, I saw an Amotekun vehicle passing. Oloolu did not even pass through that route. “So I filmed it and posted it on social media. Everyone in the TikTok comment section asked me to delete it. The following day, while I was at the shop, they came to meet me there. “I do not know why the eyewitnesses on Thursday did not defend me. I don’t know who came up with that agenda, but I know God will judge,” she said. The incident sparked widespread reactions after videos surfaced online showing her undergoing traditional cleansing rites at the Oloolu compound. Speaking with PUNCH Online on Monday, the spokesperson to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief Adeola Oloko, said the woman did not record the sacred Oloolu masquerade itself but mistakenly captured Alawo Oloolu, a figure associated with the Oloolu tradition. “She did not capture Oloolu; she mistook it for Alawo. We contacted the Mogaji of the Oloolu compound, and he confirmed that a woman who mistook Alawo of Oloolu for the real Oloolu masquerade captured it on the street,” Oloko said. He added that after uploading the footage, the woman reportedly developed unusual health challenges, prompting her family to seek intervention from the traditional custodians. “After posting it, she realised the blood in her body began to dry. So her family reached out to the Oloolu people immediately, and they attended to her in accordance with the tradition of the land. “We have told people to obey simple instructions; women are not supposed to see Oloolu, but out of curiosity, she disobeyed,” he said. Oloko, however, said he could not verify claims circulating on social media that the woman disguised herself as a man to secretly record the procession. “I cannot confirm she disguised herself as a man. Those are accounts on social media. But she took the footage or photo on the street,” he added. Videos circulating online showed what appeared to be a public traditional cleansing ceremony, with the content creator surrounded by traditional worshippers. She was seen with her head shaved, dressed in red garments and participating in rituals, while giant African snails and a ram were reportedly presented as part of the prescribed rites. Another video also showed what appeared to be a goat slaughtered during the ceremony, while social media users claimed her mother appealed to the traditional custodians for mercy on her behalf. Meanwhile, Ibadan-based content creator, Ayo Adams, who visited the Oloolu compound, said officials confirmed the woman was alive and recovering. The annual Oloolu Festival attracts traditional rulers, worshippers, cultural enthusiasts and visitors from across Yorubaland. The festival features prayers, rituals, sacrifices, drumming, dancing and processions aimed at honouring ancestors while seeking peace, protection, prosperity and communal wellbeing. PUNCH Online had also reported that the palace of the Olubadan of Ibadanland released the movement schedule for the 2026 Oloolu Masquerade Festival, detailing the communities the masquerade visited between July 28 and July 30.

Osun 2026: Adeleke Calls for Fairness from Police

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  OSOGBO — Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has appealed to the police authority in the state to be fair and just in the forthcoming August 15th Governorship election in the state. Governor Adeleke who made the remarks at the stakeholders parley with leadership and members of public service held at government secretariat in Osogbo noted that police in the state has taken sides over the forthcoming Governorship election in the state and as such he has lost confidence in the force. The governor who told the workers in the state that he is not under any pressure because of the election but stressed that he is more than prepared. According to him, “I am not under pressure on the coming election because I have God on my side. I also have people. I have told the electorates not to be afraid because this is democracy and Nigeria has chosen to practice it. “As I speak, I don’t trust the police right now. The police has taken sides. My advise to people is that they should not be afraid despite all the intimidation from Osun Police, Osun APC through Oyetola dastardly acts and killings, I only trust on God and the good people of the state. ” I am sure that democracy, the will of God and that of the people shall prevail, just come out and cast your votes. What I’m going to tell them is that they should not be afraid. This is a democracy, and Nigeria has chosen to practise democracy. They should not be afraid, despite all the intimidation that the Osun APC, through Oyetola, has allegedly been carrying out, including the killing of people and other acts. “When they finish voting, they should not be afraid. They should stay with their votes and protect them. While speaking, the State Head of Service, Mr. Tajudeen Aina commended the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke for implementing a N75,500 minimum wage and settled all backlogged salaries and pension arrears totaling over N80billion left over by APC led administration in the state. He also noted that former Governor and now Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, Osun APC Guber Candidate, Asiwaju Oyebamiji, Executive Director, Federal Housing Authority, Remi Omowaiye, Adebayo Adeleke otherwise called Banik and other also drawing money of half salaries being paid by the current administration of Ademola Adeleke. He therefore admonished all workers and their relations to compensate Governor Adeleke with their votes during Governorship election in the state.

Maj-Gen Mahmuda Assumes Office As 56th GOC 2 Division Nigerian Army

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  IBADAN — Major General Auwalu Mahmuda has assumed command as the 56th General Officer Commanding, GOC, 2 Division, Nigerian Army. The handing and taking over ceremony took place on Sunday, August 3, 2026, at the Headquarters of 2 Division, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Ibadan, Oyo State, according to a statement by the Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Danjuma Jonah Danjuma. In the statement made available to journalists, Maj-Gen Mahmuda expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for the appointment. He pledged commitment to take the Division to greater heights, describing the opportunity to command one of the premier formations in the Nigerian Army as rare. The new GOC eulogised his predecessor, Major General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife, for his “incredible achievements” during his tenure. He assured that he would build on the legacies and “keep the flag flying.” Earlier, Maj-Gen Nnebeife thanked the Chief of Defence Staff, General OO Oluyede, who appointed him as GOC when he was COAS, and also appreciated the COAS for the opportunity to lead the Division and his subsequent posting to command the newly established 10 Division in Jalingo, Taraba State. He said the Division recorded significant operational successes under his watch since assuming command on August 19, 2025, including the recent rescue operation of July 10, 2026. Nnebeife attributed the successes to the efforts of officers and soldiers, as well as the prayers of the Division. He promised to remain a “worthy ambassador of the Tiger Family” and urged troops to extend the same cooperation to the new GOC.

SAPZ Trains Oyo Youths On Job Creation and Entrepreneurship

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  The Oyo State Government, through the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme, has commenced a capacity-building training for youths on job creation and entrepreneurship, with participants urged to embrace entrepreneurship as a pathway to wealth creation, self-reliance and economic development. The three-day training, held at Pinnacle Hotel, Arapaja Road, Odo Ona Kekere, Ibadan, is part of the African Development Bank-funded SAPZ initiative aimed at equipping young people with entrepreneurial, business and financial skills required to establish and grow sustainable enterprises. Speaking at the opening of the workshop, the State Project Coordinator of SAPZ, Mr Ajetunmobi Akinwumi, said the initiative was designed to address the growing challenge of youth unemployment by equipping participants with the knowledge and skills needed to become successful entrepreneurs and job creators. Akinwumi noted that despite several government interventions, many young people still lacked the practical knowledge, entrepreneurial mindset and financial literacy needed to establish and sustain successful businesses. He said: “Youth unemployment remains one of the most pressing socio-economic challenges facing Nigeria. Oyo State has a rapidly growing youth population, but the availability of formal employment has not kept pace with the demand. “This training is therefore aimed at equipping participants with practical knowledge in entrepreneurship, business planning and financial management to enable them become employers of labour rather than job seekers.” The coordinator said the programme was part of the state’s commitment to empowering young people with the skills required to drive innovation, enterprise development and economic growth. According to him, the SAPZ programme seeks to create opportunities for youths, women and entrepreneurs by strengthening their capacity to build sustainable businesses and take advantage of emerging economic opportunities. He explained that participants would receive practical training in entrepreneurship, business development, financial literacy, innovation, leadership, communication, business planning and enterprise management. Akinwumi added that at the end of the workshop, participants were expected to strengthen their entrepreneurial capacity, improve their financial literacy, develop viable business ideas, and contribute meaningfully to economic growth and community development. Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of Oluyole Local Government, Engr. Hakeem Olatunji, described the training as a foundation for successful entrepreneurship, stressing that knowledge remained the most valuable asset for anyone seeking to create wealth and employment. According to him, government alone cannot provide jobs for the growing population, making it imperative for young people to acquire entrepreneurial skills capable of making them self-reliant. “Without adequate knowledge, there is no way anyone can create jobs or become a successful entrepreneur. This capacity-building programme is equipping our youths with the knowledge required to establish businesses and become self-sustaining,” he said. Olatunji urged participants to take full advantage of the opportunity, adding that entrepreneurship and innovation offered immense opportunities for economic growth and job creation. “I believe government will also support them financially, but what matters most is the knowledge they are receiving here today. Knowledge is power, and it can transform them into employers of labour,” he added. One of the participants, Bamigboye Tobi, a final-year student of the University of Ibadan, expressed optimism that the programme would enable him to expand his entrepreneurial aspirations. Tobi said he travelled from the University of Ibadan to attend the workshop because of the opportunities it offered. “I see this training as a great opportunity to become an employer of labour. I believe I will be equipped with the entrepreneurial and financial knowledge required to grow my business, and from what I have seen so far, I am confident I will leave with valuable knowledge that will positively impact my future,” he said. The SAPZ programme is being implemented in Oyo State as part of broader efforts by the Federal Government, the African Development Bank and participating states to promote job creation, entrepreneurship and inclusive economic development.

Three Sentenced to life Imprisonment over Oyo school kidnapping

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  A Federal high court in Abuja has sentenced three men to life imprisonment over the kidnapping of students and teachers at a school in Orire LGA of Oyo state. Salim Ibrahim, presiding judge, sentenced the convicts after they pleaded guilty to some of the charges brought against them by the federal government. The convicts are Abdulrazak Umar, also known as Abu Khalifa or Abu Khalid; Yunusa Musa, also known as Yunusa bin Musa; and Shamsu Adamu Sani, also known as Abu Itisar.

Court Approves ₦2 Billion Bail for Miyetti Allah President Bodejo

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  The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday granted bail to the National President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Bello Bodejo, in the sum of ₦2 billion as he continues to face trial over an alleged $2.63 million money laundering case. Justice Inyang Ekwo granted the bail after ruling on Bodejo’s application, holding that the offences with which he was charged were bailable and that the court had the discretion to admit him to bail. The judge ordered the defendant to produce one surety in like sum. He held that the surety must be resident in Abuja and possess a three-year tax clearance certificate. Justice Ekwo further ordered that the surety must own landed property worth ₦2bn in Abuja, adding that the title documents would be verified by the court registrar. The judge also directed Bodejo to deposit his international passport with the registrar of the court, and barred him from travelling outside Nigeria without the court’s permission. He adjourned the case until October 5, 6 and 7, 2026, for the commencement of trial. Bodejo was arraigned on July 9 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on a multi-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering involving about $2.63m. He pleaded not guilty to all the charges. Following his arraignment, the prosecution counsel, Wahab Shittu (SAN), applied for a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendant in the custody of the EFCC. However, counsel for the defendant, Ahmed Raji (SAN), informed the court that he had filed a bail application dated and filed on June 30. Raji argued that the offences alleged against his client were bailable under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and urged the court to grant the application. Shittu opposed the application, urging the court to refuse bail. In one of the counts, the EFCC alleged that Bodejo, “on or about January 11, 2022, in Abuja… accepted a cash payment of $100,000 from a former Accountant-General of Bauchi State, Sa’idu Abubakar, without lawful authority…” and outside the banking system, contrary to the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended). The anti-graft agency alleged that the transaction exceeded the statutory cash transaction threshold of ₦5m prescribed by law. The commission also accused Bodejo of accepting additional cash payments of $200,000, $100,000, $980,000, $750,000 and $500,000 from Abubakar on different dates between 2022 and 2024, allegedly in breach of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended), and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. The EFCC alleged that the transactions, which were not routed through financial institutions as required by law, formed the basis of the charges against the Miyetti Allah leader. Bodejo has denied the allegations.

‘I Lost N5 Million to Betting’ – Destiny Etiko Speaks After World Cup Final

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  Nollywood actress Destiny Etiko has disclosed that she lost ₦5 million after staking a bet on the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, admitting that the costly experience has convinced her to stay away from gambling. The actress disclosed this in a post shared on her Instagram handle on Monday, shortly after the conclusion of the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. “First time betting and I lost . Will never try it again. My 5M gone . In fact am done watching football. Anxiety almost killed me,” she wrote. Etiko, however, did not disclose the particular bet she placed or provide further details about how she lost the money. Earlier, during the World Cup final, the actress shared a series of updates on her Instagram Story, indicating she was backing Argentina to defeat Spain. In one post, she wrote, “Argentina all the way. Who can’t wait?” As the match progressed, she appeared increasingly frustrated with Argentina’s performance, posting, “This ball tough o. Argentina is pissing me off.” She also praised Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez for keeping the defending champions in the game, writing, “The goal keeper is the savior oo.” PUNCH Online had reported that Spain defeated defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Sunday. Substitute Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the second period of extra time to hand Spain their second World Cup title, 16 years after their maiden triumph in South Africa in 2010. Argentina played the closing stages with 10 men after midfielder Enzo Fernández was sent off for a second bookable offence, while Spain dominated possession before eventually finding the breakthrough through Torres.

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