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Kidnappers Demand ₦1bn Ransom for 20 Oyo NYSC Members

October 3, 2026 by Maria Adeleke

Kidnappers who abducted 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members travelling from Oyo State to their orientation camps have demanded ₦1 billion for their release. The parents of the victims disclosed this on Saturday when they visited the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, at his residence in Bodija, Ibadan, alongside the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, and the Aseyin of Iseyinland, Oba Sefiu Adeyeri. The 20 graduates were travelling from Ibadan to their NYSC orientation camps on Thursday when gunmen attacked the two buses conveying them along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha, Imo State. According to the parents, the abductors have been contacting them through the phones of the victims and demanded ₦50 million for each person, amounting to ₦1 billion. “They have been calling us since yesterday (Friday) with a demand for N50m ransom each. They are threatening that anything untoward will happen to our children if we fail to heed to their request. “There is no way we can raise such an amount at this period. Baba, kindly assist us. Don’t let them kill our children,” the parents pleaded. The families appealed to the Olubadan and the police to intervene and secure the immediate release of the victims. Responding, Ladoja assured the parents that efforts were underway to rescue the victims safely. “I want to assure that your children would be rescued unharmed. We will relate whatever information we gather to you. The Police are working round the clock to secure their rescue. Don’t worry yourself, police are up to the task, and nothing would happen to your children,” he said. Similarly, the Oyo State Commissioner of Police said he had contacted his Imo State counterpart over the incident and was assured that the victims would be rescued unharmed. “I had already contacted Imo State CP. We have been talking since the day of incident, and he assured me that the victims would be rescued unhurt,” Abimbola said. The police did not disclose whether any ransom had been paid or provide further details about the ongoing rescue operation.

(PHOTOS):GOC 2 Division visits, Charges Oyo, Osun Troops to Remain Professional, Proactive

October 3, 2026 by Maria Adeleke

The General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Auwalu Mahmuda, has charged troops in newly established formations and units in Oyo and Osun states to remain disciplined, professional and proactive in the discharge of their duties. Mahmuda gave the charge on Thursday, October 1, 2026, during an inspection of the newly established Headquarters 7 Brigade in Oyo, Oyo State, and 137 Battalion in Ile-Ife, Osun State. The visit was aimed at ensuring the smooth take-off of the new formations and enabling the troops to immediately commence their constitutional responsibilities across the two states. Addressing the soldiers, the GOC urged them to maintain high standards of discipline and conduct, warning that he would not tolerate unprofessional behaviour. He also reminded the troops that their actions could affect the image of the Nigerian Army and urged them to maintain effective civil-military relations with their host communities. According to Mahmuda, the establishment of the new formations reflects the Chief of Army Staff’s, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, strategy to increase the number of troops on the ground to respond more effectively to emerging security challenges. He also noted that the Army was working to improve troops’ welfare under the COAS’s “Soldiers First” concept, urging personnel to reciprocate by remaining committed to their duties and denying criminal elements freedom of action. Meanwhile, community leaders in Ile-Ife, led by Sooko Adegboyega Ogunwusi, Sooko Laukun of Ife, expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Army for establishing 137 Battalion in the town. They also thanked the Chief of Army Staff and the GOC for the new unit and pledged their support for its operations in the community.

Ekiti Deploys CNG Buses to Cut Transport Fares by 50%

October 2, 2026 by Maria Adeleke

The Ekiti State Government has commenced the deployment of Compressed Natural Gas buses as part of efforts to reduce transport fares by 50 per cent and ease the rising cost of transportation for residents. Governor Biodun Oyebanji announced the initiative on Thursday during the flag-off of 15 CNG buses at the premises of the Ekiti State Transportation Agency in Ado-Ekiti. The deployment, which coincided with Nigeria’s Independence Day and the 30th anniversary of Ekiti State, is aimed at providing more affordable and accessible public transportation in line with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Oyebanji, who was accompanied by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, said the 15 buses donated to the state by the Federal Government represented the pilot phase of the initiative. He added that the state would expand the fleet to enable more residents to benefit. According to the governor, reducing transportation costs is crucial to easing the economic burden on citizens. He said the initiative was part of efforts to respond to the President’s directive to state governors to reduce transport costs. “The President charged all state Governors that by October first, we should find a way of reducing transportation cost because most of the implications we are witnessing, transportation contributes a lot to it and what we have done today is just the pilot: 15 CNG buses, which are going to be distributed to the unions, and the agency will manage it,” Oyebanji said. He therefore urged transport unions to ensure that the savings from the CNG buses translated into lower fares for commuters. “My appeal is to the Unions; they should allow the gains to translate to the commuters because this will reduce transportation cost by 50 percent,” he said. The governor also thanked President Tinubu for providing the buses, saying the intervention would help reduce the transportation burden on Ekiti residents. He added that Federal Government policies had created opportunities for state governments to implement programmes that directly improve the lives of citizens. “No matter how visionary a leader is, if there are no resources to work with, it will just stay in the realm of a vision,” Oyebanji said. “But the President has been helping and supporting us not only in Ekiti State but in all the states in the country to translate our vision into action and impacts for the people.” Meanwhile, the Director-General of the Ekiti State Transportation Agency, Tajudeen Akingbolu, said routes had already been mapped out for the buses. He disclosed that the CNG buses would operate on routes connecting Ado-Ekiti with Lagos, Ibadan, Onitsha and Abuja, providing residents with more affordable and reliable interstate transportation. The state government said it would continue to explore measures to reduce transportation costs and improve access to affordable public transport across Ekiti State.

(PHOTOS):AIG Ewah Receives CRU Advocacy Agents, Reaffirms Support for Community Crime Prevention

October 1, 2026 by Maria Adeleke

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 11 Headquarters, Osogbo, AIG Bassey Samuel Ewah, has reaffirmed his commitment to supporting community-based efforts to prevent crime and promote public safety. AIG Ewah stated this when he received the executive members of the Complaint Response Unit (CRU) Advocacy Agents, a section of the Eagle Crime Awareness and Prevention Initiative (ECAPI), during a courtesy visit to the Zone. The delegation, led by the State Commander, Mr Clement Igwe, visited the newly posted AIG to welcome him to Zone 11 and strengthen collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force in tackling crime and improving community safety. Responding, AIG Ewah thanked the group for the visit and assured them of his continued support and cooperation. He also highlighted his longstanding relationship with ECAPI, describing himself as a father of the organisation since its inception. He therefore encouraged the CRU Advocacy Agents to sustain their partnership with the police, stressing the importance of collaboration in promoting peace, security and public safety. The meeting ended with a vote of thanks by the State Commander of the CRU Advocacy Agents, Mr Clement Igwe.

US Backs Nigeria’s Acquisition of 12 Attack Helicopters

September 29, 2026 by Maria Adeleke

The United States has reaffirmed its support for Nigeria’s planned acquisition of 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters, as both countries deepen security cooperation to tackle current and emerging threats. The US Mission in Nigeria disclosed this in a post on its official X handle on Tuesday, describing the planned acquisition as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s defence capabilities and promote regional security. The Mission said, “U.S.-Nigeria security cooperation continues to advance our shared efforts to strengthen regional security. “The planned acquisition of 12 AH-1Z Viper helicopters underscores both countries’ commitment to building Nigeria’s defence capabilities and addressing current and emerging threats together.” It added that the United States valued its continued partnership with Nigeria in promoting peace, security and stability across the region. The planned acquisition is part of a broader US-Nigeria defence partnership covering military equipment, training and programmes designed to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to counter terrorism and other security threats. In addition, US security cooperation with Nigeria has covered counterterrorism, maritime and border security, military professionalisation and defence trade. In April 2022, the US State Department approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Nigeria involving 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters and related equipment estimated at $997 million. The proposed package included 28 T700-GE-401C engines, 2,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System guidance sections, logistics support and training. According to the US, the proposed sale was intended to improve Nigeria’s ability to contribute to shared security objectives, promote regional stability and strengthen interoperability with the US and other Western partners. The helicopter deal followed the earlier US sale of 12 A-29 Super Tucano aircraft to Nigeria in 2017 for $497 million. Meanwhile, the US State Department said Nigeria made its first payment for the 12 AH-1Z helicopters in August 2023.

AIG Ewah Warns Zone 11 Police Officers Against Partisan Politics Ahead of 2027

September 26, 2026 by Maria Adeleke

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 11 Headquarters, Osogbo, AIG Bassey Ewah, has warned police officers in Osun and Oyo states against partisan politics as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections gather momentum. Ewah issued the warning on Friday, September 25, 2026, urging officers to remain neutral, professional and impartial in the discharge of their duties. The directive followed a similar instruction by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olaleye Disu, at the recently concluded CARSPO 2026 conference and retreat for senior police officers in Owerri, Imo State. Police Must Remain Neutral Ewah stressed that the Nigeria Police Force must provide a level playing field for all political actors while ensuring that parties and their supporters comply with the law. He urged officers under Zone 11 to avoid political activities or conduct that could compromise the neutrality and integrity of the Force. The AIG also called on politicians in Osun and Oyo states to conduct their campaigns peacefully and responsibly. He warned political actors against violence, hate-driven conduct and actions capable of disrupting public peace, stressing that anyone who disturbs the peace will face the law. Ewah reaffirmed Zone 11’s commitment to ensuring that political parties and candidates can conduct their campaigns peacefully while respecting Nigerian laws.

No Rainbow Coalition in Ebonyi, Umahi Declares

September 26, 2026 by Maria Adeleke

Minister of Works and former Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi, has declared that there is no “Rainbow Coalition” in Ebonyi State, insisting that the state remains aligned with the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidates ahead of the 2027 elections. Umahi made the declaration on Friday, September 25, 2026, during an inspection of the Calabar-Abuja Superhighway in Ado, Benue State. His comments came amid ongoing disagreements between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and some APC governors over the role of the cross-party Rainbow Coalition in the 2027 elections. Wike has said the platform is focused on mobilising support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election while allowing members to retain their party affiliations. Umahi: No Rainbow Coalition in Ebonyi Reacting to reports that he was involved in a similar political arrangement in Ebonyi, Umahi said: “If Wike has candidates here, he has not told me. And his candidate cannot break our relationship, but his candidate is not part of our relationship. There is no rainbow coalition in Ebonyi State.” He said politicians were free to campaign in Ebonyi but warned against hate speech and actions that could cause unrest. “Anybody that wants to campaign, come and campaign. But don’t dish out hate speeches… Nobody can foment crisis in Ebonyi State,” he said. Umahi also revisited his decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying he believed the party had failed to adequately recognise the interests of the South-East. Umahi Defends Support for Tinubu The former governor linked his support for President Tinubu to the Federal Government’s infrastructure programme, rejecting claims that he had concentrated federal projects in the South-East. “I’m not on my own. The President is my boss. So where will he be when I corner all projects to Southeast?” Umahi asked. He said Nigerians should assess the administration based on projects already being executed rather than campaign promises. Minister Orders Changes to Superhighway Alignment During the inspection, Umahi directed contractors handling Section Two of the Calabar-Abuja Superhighway not to demolish buildings along the current alignment until the Federal Government completes a review and, where necessary, realigns the route. “My directive is that no building should be touched. Even if it’s within the alignment, I have to come and realign it,” he said. Umahi also ordered contractors to accelerate construction and open additional sections of the highway while engineers address challenges around the Ado Bridge. Section Two of the project covers about 173.6 kilometres, with a reported contract value of about ₦683 billion.

2027 Election: Only God, Tinubu Know What Will Happen — Galadima

September 25, 2026 by Maria Adeleke

A chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Buba Galadima, has expressed uncertainty over the outcome of the 2027 presidential election, saying only God and President Bola Tinubu know what will happen. Galadima made the remark on Thursday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he discussed the NDC’s preparations and the party’s presidential ticket involving Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. Galadima Raises Concerns Over 2027 Election Asked whether he expected the 2027 election to be free and fair, Galadima alleged that recent developments involving opposition politicians had raised concerns about the electoral process. “If you are dealing with criminals and fraudsters like these ones we have, you can’t be sure of anything. “Only God and Tinubu know what will happen to this election,” he said. Galadima also alleged that opposition politicians and supporters had faced attacks in different parts of the country, citing incidents in Enugu, Benue and Kaduna. Despite his concerns, he expressed confidence in the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket, saying the pair would win if the election was conducted freely, fairly and transparently. “Obi and Kwankwaso will win this election if it is free, fair and transparent, unless somebody decides to use the machinery of government and take it away from them,” he said. Obi, Kwankwaso Ticket Is a ‘Healing Ticket’ Galadima disclosed that he chairs the coordinating strategic committee working on the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket and said the committee was harmonising the political blueprints of both politicians. He said the former Anambra and Kano governors bring different experiences to the ticket and complement each other. “Peter Obi may be more conversant with issues in Anambra, more than Kwankwaso. And Kwankwaso may be conversant with certain issues in Kano, more than Obi. So they complement each other in every move,” he said. Galadima described the proposed administration as a “healing ticket” and said its priorities would include national unity, public confidence in government and security. “We are not going to run a divided government of one belonging to Kwankwaso, one belonging to Peter Obi. No, we are running a Nigerian government. That is why we called this ticket a healing ticket for Nigeria,” he said. He also argued that opposition parties did not necessarily have to present a single candidate against Tinubu, saying political parties could pursue their arrangements within the law.

Obi: Anyone Who Rigs Election Under My Government Will Go to Jail

September 25, 2026 by Maria Adeleke

Presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has vowed that anyone who rigs an election under his administration will be jailed, regardless of the number of votes involved. Obi made the declaration during an interview with ARISE NEWS on Thursday, September 24, 2026, while discussing electoral integrity, opposition politics and democratic governance ahead of the 2027 presidential election. “I’ve said it, and I’ll say it again: if I am the serving president of this country, whoever rig elections will be in jail. Even for one vote, you will be in jail,” Obi said. Obi Promises Support for Opposition Parties Obi also pledged that opposition parties would not be harassed under his administration, saying they would be involved in decisions on matters of national importance. “No political party will be harassed; we will support them,” he said. “We will be working with opposition political parties if there’s a matter of state where we have to take a decision… We will invite all opposition. “It’s a country, everyone is involved, and I want to involve everybody.” He added that opposition members would remain involved in government decisions even when the president travels outside the country. Obi also promised to remain accessible to Nigerians and spend most of his time in the country. “Nobody will look for me and say, ‘Where is Peter?’ I won’t be on holiday; I must be in Nigeria.” Obi Recalls Allowing Opponents to Campaign in Anambra The NDC candidate criticised alleged restrictions on opposition campaign activities in some states, saying candidates should be allowed to campaign regardless of political affiliations. He recalled that, as Anambra governor, he allowed political opponents to campaign freely in the state. Obi cited former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Abia State Governor Orji Uzor Kalu as examples of politicians who campaigned in Anambra while he was governor. “That’s democracy, because I wanted the people to vote. There was no issue,” he said. Obi Rejects Anambra Debt Claims Obi also rejected claims that he left Anambra State with $123 million in debt when he left office in March 2014. “Let me categorically state again: I, Mr. Peter Obi, did not approach any financial institution to borrow money or issue bonds on behalf of Anambra State in the eight years that I was in government.” He said his administration left without unpaid salaries, gratuities, pensions or verified obligations to contractors and suppliers whose work had been completed. Obi said the World Bank and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) facilities cited in the debt controversy were development programmes obtained through the Federal Government and accessed by participating states through subsidiary arrangements. He put Anambra’s external debt at about $18 million when he assumed office and about $30 million when he left in March 2014. He also claimed that more than $150 million in dollar-denominated funds had been left in investments, generating about $10 million annually. The Anambra State Government has disputed Obi’s account, previously claiming that outstanding loans linked to past administrations stood at about ₦127.37 billion as of June 30, 2026. Obi urged ARISE NEWS to independently verify the figures with the World Bank and Nigerian banks, saying he had presented documents supporting his position. Obi: ‘I Have No Dispute With Soludo’ On his relationship with Anambra Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Obi said there was no dispute between them. “I don’t have any dispute, talk less of being bitter, with my very respected elder brother, Governor Soludo. “We remain brothers. He’s the governor of my state, and I respect him.” Obi Questions Tinubu’s Absence Obi also questioned President Bola Tinubu’s absence from Nigeria, arguing that the president’s physical presence is important during periods of crisis. “The CEO being present is critical at a time of crisis, not delegation. “Yes, you have a chain of command, but where is the president? Nigerians ought to know.” Obi Disowns Reported Kwankwasiyya Campaign Council On reports of an Obedient Kwankwasiyya campaign council, Obi said the group did not have his approval. “I was not aware, and that’s why I’m disapproving it here,” he said. He, however, remained open to discussions on opposition cooperation, including the possibility of a presidential candidate stepping aside as part of broader talks. “When he comes, I’m not desperate to be president; I’m desperate to see Nigeria work. When he comes, it’s a discussion.” Obi urged opposition parties to focus on free and credible elections, preventing violence and campaigning on issues affecting Nigerians. “What I’m saying is that we should all come together and save democracy, ensure that election is free, fair, and credible, violence-free, and that we campaign on issues affecting ordinary Nigerians.”

FG Threatens to Shut Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway in Two Weeks

September 21, 2026 by Maria Adeleke

The Federal Government has threatened to shut the Lagos section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway within two weeks if motorists and other road users fail to comply with safety regulations. The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Olufemi Dare, issued the warning on Monday during an inspection of the highway, citing persistent safety breaches, vandalism and illegal activities. Dare said the warning followed a directive from the Minister of Works, David Umahi. “Within two weeks, if there’s no improvement on all these issues, then we have no option than to come back and shutdown this road,” he said. Government Enforces 30km/h Speed Limit Dare said the coastal highway remains under construction and should ordinarily not have been opened to traffic before the completion of its bridges. The Lagos section covers about 103 kilometres across two sections, with 47km in Section 1 and 56km in Section 2. The two sections have 20 major bridges, many of which are still under construction. He expressed concern over motorists driving at excessive speeds, despite the prescribed 30km/h speed limit. “People who come to coastal road and get to a speed of 120 kilometres per hour on the coastal road, and where constructions are going on, bridges, construction are going on,” he said. “We have said your speed on the coastal road must not be more than 30 kilometres per hour.” Dare said accidents were occurring on the highway “almost every other day” and warned that the government could no longer ignore the situation. Police Deployment, Crackdown on Illegal Activities The controller said the government had reached an agreement with the Lagos State Police Command to increase security along the highway. He also warned articulated vehicle operators against parking on the road and announced a crackdown on illegal U-turns, Okada motorcycles, tricycles, hawking, animal grazing and illegal structures. “We don’t want Okada motorcycles, tricycles. We don’t want them on the coastal road,” Dare said. Vandals Target Highway Infrastructure Dare identified vandalism as another major challenge, saying at least five kilometres of ClearVu fencing had been removed, while about 18 kilometres of concrete covers had also been vandalised. “They come in the night, they remove the ClearVu fence that was used to barricade the communities from the coastal highway,” he said. The government is considering replacing vulnerable sections of the steel fencing with concrete barriers and deploying CCTV cameras to strengthen surveillance. 40 Coastal Guards Approved Dare also disclosed that the government had approved the recruitment of 40 coastal guards for the first section of the highway, with four expected to be drawn from each community along the route. The guards will work with the police to provide community-level surveillance, while additional personnel will be recruited for Section 2. He said the coastal guards would be reorganised and trained under the supervision of the Lagos State Police Command.