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First Niger Bridge May Reopen This Week – Federal Controller

October 8, 2026 by Maria Adeleke

The First Niger Bridge linking Onitsha, Anambra State, to Asaba, Delta State, may be reopened to traffic before the end of this week, the Federal Controller of Works in Anambra State, Timothy Emenike, has said. Emenike gave the assurance on Wednesday while speaking with journalists about the ongoing finishing works on the bridge. He said major rehabilitation activities, including asphalt laying, repairs to expansion bolts and other critical structural works, had been completed, with only finishing works such as the painting of railings and installation of solar light poles ongoing. “Barring unforeseen circumstances, the bridge could be reopened before the end of the week,” Emenike said. He added that all necessary infrastructure had been put in place to ensure the free flow of traffic and improve the safety of road users. The bridge was closed to traffic from September 7 to 21 for emergency rehabilitation after vandalised structural components, including expansion-joint steelwork, were discovered. The closure was later extended by one week due to persistent rainfall and other unforeseen circumstances. During an inspection on September 23, the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, had said the bridge would not be reopened until the major structural repairs were completed. “We are not going to be stampeded to open the bridge until the major structural work has been achieved,” Umahi said at the time. The prolonged closure forced motorists to use the Second Niger Bridge and other alternative routes, leading to longer travel times and increased transportation costs. Meanwhile, Emenike dismissed reports that newly installed brick demarcations on the bridge had been removed or destroyed. He said the openings seen along the demarcation were deliberately created to allow emergency U-turns. “The alleged removal of the brick demarcation that was installed after the bridge rehabilitation is one of the lies some disgruntled elements are telling and posting with fake pictures on social media to discredit the ministry and deceive the public,” he said. The expected reopening is likely to ease traffic pressure and improve movement between Onitsha and Asaba, particularly for commuters, traders and businesses that rely heavily on the major transport link.

UPDATED: 20 Abducted Corps Members Regain Freedom in Imo

October 7, 2026 by Maria Adeleke

Twenty prospective National Youth Service Corps members abducted while travelling from Oyo State to their orientation camps in Abia State have regained their freedom. The graduates were kidnapped seven days ago along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha, Imo State, while travelling in two buses. The rescued victims are currently receiving medical treatment at the Department of State Services Hospital in Owerri. The Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier-General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, visited the facility to meet the victims and assess their condition. He was accompanied by the Imo State Commissioner of Police, the Director of the DSS and the Commander of the 34 Artillery Brigade. The latest development means all 20 prospective corps members have now regained their freedom. Authorities have, however, yet to disclose details of the rescue operation, including whether any suspects were arrested or ransom was paid. The abductors had reportedly demanded N50 million for each victim, initially putting the ransom at N1 billion before reducing it to N5 million per person, or N100 million in total. Following the abduction, security agencies launched a search operation and reportedly traced the kidnappers’ hideout through drone surveillance. However, access to the location was said to have been delayed after improvised explosive devices were reportedly discovered around the camp. Additional equipment, including bulldozers and armoured personnel carriers, was subsequently deployed to facilitate access. Earlier, the police had announced the rescue of 10 of the victims while efforts continued to locate the remaining captives. Meanwhile, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, commended the security agencies and the governments of Imo and Oyo states for their coordinated efforts in securing the victims’ release. Uzodimma said the sensitive nature of the operation informed the decision to keep details away from the public while efforts were ongoing. He also commended the victims’ families for their patience and urged Nigerians to remain confident in ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity.

Foundation Sues TikTok Over Alleged Restrictions in Kano, Kaduna, Kebbi, Sokoto

October 6, 2026 by Maria Adeleke

The Foundation for Digital Justice has sued TikTok Inc. at the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged restrictions on access to the platform in Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi and Sokoto states. The organisation is asking the court to order TikTok to restore access to millions of users in the affected states. The suit was filed on October 5, 2026, by the Foundation’s lead counsel, Festus Ogun. It was brought under the Fundamental Rights Enforcement Procedure Rules, 2009. The Foundation alleged that the restrictions violated Nigerians’ constitutional rights to freedom of expression and freedom from discrimination. Users Report Access Problems In an affidavit filed in support of the suit, the Foundation’s legal officer, Abidat Idowu, said users in the four states began experiencing difficulties accessing TikTok around September 11. By September 14, she said, access to the platform had become “completely restricted and inaccessible to millions of Nigerian Users in Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi and Sokoto States.” According to the affidavit, users on regular mobile data connections were affected. Their feeds were reportedly freezing, while videos failed to load and uploads repeatedly stalled. “These users cannot load videos, refresh their feeds and upload content on TikTok,” Idowu stated. The Foundation further alleged that the disruption had prevented affected users from accessing and sharing information or participating in online discussions. “Millions of Nigerian Users in Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi and Sokoto States are left out of access to information, they cannot disseminate information, they cannot receive information and cannot express their opinions on the Respondent’s TikTok’s platform owing to the restriction and/or disruption,” the affidavit stated. Foundation Alleges Discrimination The organisation said some affected users had been able to regain access by using virtual private networks, commonly known as VPNs. It also alleged that TikTok remained fully accessible to users in other parts of Nigeria. “Disturbingly, except in Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi and Sokoto States, users in all other parts of Nigeria continue to enjoy unrestricted and unfettered access and usage of Respondent’s TikTok App,” Idowu stated. The Foundation argued that TikTok had not provided an explanation for the alleged difference in access. “The Respondent has also not provided any explanation for the obvious exclusion, discrimination and restriction of access against all TikTok users in Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi and Sokoto States,” the affidavit said. The organisation wants the court to determine whether the alleged restriction violates Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution, which protects freedom of expression, as well as Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. It is also asking the court to determine whether the alleged differential treatment violates Section 42 of the Constitution and Article 2 of the African Charter, which protect against discrimination. TikTok Access Described as Critical The Foundation argued that TikTok has become more than an entertainment platform in Nigeria. According to the organisation, the platform is widely used for communication, journalism, business, civic participation, and political and social discourse. “The Respondent’s platform is very critical for communication, journalism, civic participation, business, political and social discourse in Nigeria and the restriction of millions of TikTok users in Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi and Sokoto States has unduly excluded them,” it said. The Foundation also argued that activities such as posting, liking, reposting and replying to content constitute forms of expression. It stated that users affected by the alleged restriction were prevented from viewing, posting, replying to, reposting or liking content on TikTok. The organisation therefore described the alleged restrictions as an exclusion of residents of the four states from what it termed a public forum. What the Foundation Wants The Foundation is seeking several orders from the court. It wants the alleged restrictions to be declared “wrongful, unconstitutional, arbitrary” and a violation of the right to freedom of expression. It is also asking the court to declare that restricting users in the four states while allowing access elsewhere in Nigeria amounts to discrimination. In addition, the organisation wants TikTok to immediately restore access to affected users. It is seeking a perpetual injunction preventing the company from imposing similar restrictions on users in the affected states, or elsewhere in Nigeria, without lawful justification. The Foundation is also asking the court to order TikTok to publish a public apology in three national newspapers within seven days of judgment. It said the legal action was necessary to protect digital rights and uphold the rule of law. “This lawsuit is imperative for the enforcement of fundamental rights to freedom of expression and freedom from discrimination and preservation of the rule of law,” the affidavit stated. The Foundation further argued that unless the reliefs sought were granted, the alleged violations would continue to affect millions of TikTok users in the four states.

FULL LIST: NAF Names 25 Victims of Ondo Aircraft Crash

October 6, 2026 by Maria Adeleke

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the names of the 25 people who died in the crash involving its ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, in Igbokoda, Ondo State. The aircraft crashed on Monday while it was on a routine mission from Benin, Edo State, to Lagos. According to the NAF, five crew members and 20 passengers were on board. No survivor has been found following the crash, the Air Force said in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame. NAF Releases Names of Victims The five crew members who lost their lives have been identified as: Squadron Leader MI Aburime – Flight Captain Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje – Co-pilot Flight Lieutenant IS Bako – Co-pilot Warrant Officer Abubakar A – Aircraft Technician Corporal Uguru HC – Aircraft Technician The 20 passengers have been identified as: Flight Lieutenant TL Lazarus Flight Lieutenant M Akinloye Flying Officer IM Adeshina Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F Master Warrant Officer Matini BA Warrant Officer Nuhu FS Flight Sergeant James RB Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI Sergeant Ani AE Sergeant Izibenikien SI Sergeant Alafuka C Sergeant Mbadugha AN Lance Corporal Ugwuba FC Lance Corporal Eledan GE Mrs Ezeh Nneka Godstmine Tarabina Joy Micheal Sunday Micheal Ukeme David Gideon Omotola NAF Begins Investigation According to the Air Force, search-and-rescue procedures were activated immediately after the crash. The response was carried out in coordination with relevant authorities as efforts were made to locate and account for everyone on board. The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has also directed a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Aneke described the incident as “a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation” and expressed condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of the victims. He also assured the bereaved families of the Nigerian Air Force’s full support during the difficult period. The NAF said further verified information would be released as the investigation progresses. The public was also urged to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information. The Air Force appealed to the public to respect the privacy and dignity of the affected families. Condolence Register Opened in Abuja Meanwhile, a condolence register has been opened at the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters in Abuja. According to the Service, the register is available for government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers who wish to pay their respects to the victims and sympathise with their families. The NAF said it would continue to provide timely and verified updates on the investigation and the recovery efforts.

NYSC Kidnap: Kidnappers Slash Ransom to N100m as Parents Raise Alarm Over Beatings

October 5, 2026 by Maria Adeleke

Kidnappers holding 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Imo State have reduced their ransom demand from N50 million to N5 million per victim, bringing the total demand down from N1 billion to N100 million. The development, however, has failed to ease the anxiety of the victims’ families, who say the abducted graduates are being beaten by their captors. One of the affected parents, Alhaja Alimot Akande, said on Sunday that the kidnappers had subjected the victims to physical assault since Friday. She appealed to the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure their immediate rescue. “The kidnappers had reduced their demand from the earlier N50m per victim to N5m each. They are still demanding N5m. They have come down to N5m each,” Akande said. The prospective corps members were travelling from Ibadan to their NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states on Thursday when gunmen attacked two buses conveying them around Umunoha on the Owerri-Onitsha Road. The parents also disputed reports that 10 passengers were rescued by security operatives, saying those who escaped did so by fleeing into the bush. Akande said the families remained under intense pressure as they struggled to raise the ransom, adding that one of the abducted victims had been allowed to communicate with his father. According to her, the kidnappers were allegedly monitoring the family’s ability to raise money through the phone conversations. “They are not sparing anybody. They are beating all of them,” she said. The parent added, “We appeal to the government at all levels to please assist us in getting them rescued out of that place. They have started beating them.” Meanwhile, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has assured the families that efforts were ongoing to rescue their children unharmed. “I want to assure that your children would be rescued unharmed. The police are working round the clock to secure their rescue,” Ladoja said. The Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, also said he had been in contact with the Imo State Police Command over the incident. “I had already contacted Imo State CP. We have been talking since the day of the incident, and he assured me that the victims would be rescued unhurt,” he said. The Imo State Police Command later confirmed that security agencies were closing in on the victims, while the 34 Artillery Brigade, Owerri, said all relevant agencies were collaborating to secure their release. Police spokesperson DSP Henry Okoye said, “We’re conducting the operation and gradually closing in. We will keep you posted.” Imo State Commissioner of Police, Audu Bosso, had earlier disclosed that security operatives had identified the suspected camp where the victims were being held but were exercising caution over intelligence that the location had been mined with improvised explosive devices. He said drones were used to locate the camp after security operatives tracked the kidnappers into the bush, adding that bulldozers and armoured personnel carriers were being prepared for the rescue operation. The abduction has also triggered renewed calls for reforms to the NYSC scheme. The African Democratic Congress called for the temporary suspension of the scheme to allow the Federal Government to reorganise it and strengthen security measures for corps members. Other political parties and public figures, including the Labour Party, Social Democratic Party, Young Progressives Party, Peter Obi and Omoyele Sowore, also condemned the abduction and demanded the immediate and safe rescue of the victims. Sowore called for the suspension and eventual scrapping of the NYSC scheme, while Peter Obi urged the government to rescue the corps members and arrest those responsible. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, also expressed concern after confirming that at least three of its graduates were among those reportedly abducted. The university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Razaq Kalilu, said the institution remained in solidarity with the affected families and was praying for the safe return of all the victims. As security agencies intensify efforts to reach the suspected kidnappers’ hideout, the families continue to appeal for urgent intervention to ensure that the 20 prospective corps members return home safely.

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.