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Ogun Polytechnic Expels 365 Students Over Fake Results, Forged Transcript

June 1, 2026 by admin

Authorities of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, have expelled 365 students for securing admission into the institution with forged academic credentials and falsified documents. This was according to a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the polytechnic, Mr Yemi Ajibola and made available to journalists on Monday. The affected students, all enrolled in various Higher National Diploma programmes, were found to have presented fake National Diploma results and forged academic transcripts from different institutions to facilitate their admission into the Polytechnic. Ajibola said that “The expulsion followed a comprehensive verification exercise conducted on the credentials submitted by students during the admission and registration processes. “This decision underscores the Institution’s commitment to sanitising the academic system and reinforcing its zero-tolerance policy against fraudulent practices and other forms of academic misconduct” He added that the distribution of the expelled students showed that the School of Communication and Information Technology was worse hit with 156, followed by the School of Business and Management Studies with 117 students, the School of Science and Technology with 54, the School of Engineering with 36, while the School of Environmental Studies had only two students. The Rector of the polytechnic, Dr Koye Jolaoso, has therefore cautioned prospective applicants and admission seekers against the use of fake academic credentials to gain admission into the Institution. Dr Jolaoso said that the decisive action reflects the polytechnic’s commitment to upholding academic integrity, promoting excellence, and repositioning the 47-year-old Institution as a model of transparency, credibility, and professionalism in tertiary education.

ADC Demands El-Rufai’s Release, Declares him ‘Prisoner of Conscience’

May 30, 2026 by admin

The National Executive Committee of the African Democratic Congress has demanded the immediate release of Nasir El-Rufai, describing the former Kaduna State governor as a “prisoner of conscience.” The demand formed part of the resolutions reached at the party’s 101st National Executive Committee meeting held in Abuja on Saturday, where party leaders also ratified the outcome of its recent primary elections and approved major organisational changes ahead of the 2027 general elections. In the communiqué issued at the end of the meeting and signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said the NEC unanimously recognised El-Rufai as a victim of political persecution and called for his freedom. “The NEC recognises Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai as prisoner of conscience and calls for his immediate release,” the communiqué stated. The resolution is likely to heighten political debate over El-Rufai’s situation, particularly given his prominence in national politics and his recent association with opposition political forces seeking to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 elections. A prisoner of conscience is someone detained or punished for their beliefs, identity, or peaceful expression, without having used or promoted violence. Beyond the demand for El-Rufai’s release, the party’s highest decision-making organ outside its national convention also moved to strengthen its internal structures as preparations for the next electoral cycle gather momentum. According to the communiqué, the NEC approved the results of the party’s recently conducted primaries for State Houses of Assembly, National Assembly, governorship and presidential elections across the country. However, the approval excluded contests where appeals were still pending as of May 29, 2026, as well as primaries yet to be concluded. “NEC approved the results of all recently conducted primaries for State Houses of Assembly, the National Assembly, State Governors, and the Presidential elections; except those with pending appeals as at May 29, 2026, and those yet to be concluded,” the party said. The decision comes amid complaints and petitions from some aspirants over the conduct of primaries in parts of the country. During the NEC meeting, party leaders stressed the need to preserve internal democracy while ensuring that disputes arising from the nomination process are resolved through established party mechanisms. The committee also approved a one-year extension of the tenure of the National Working Committee, effectively retaining the current leadership to oversee the party’s affairs through a critical period leading up to the 2027 polls. “NEC approved the extension of the tenure of the National Working Committee (NWC) for a period of 12 months from the expiry of their current tenure,” the communiqué stated. The extension is expected to provide continuity in the party’s leadership as it seeks to consolidate its structures, expand its membership base and position itself as a major opposition platform. In a related decision, the NEC approved the constitution of caretaker committees at the zonal, state, local government and ward levels for a period of 12 months. “NEC approved the constitution of the Caretaker Committees at the Zonal, State, Local Government and Wards for a period of 12 months,” the communiqué added. The move is seen as part of efforts by the party leadership to reorganise and strengthen grassroots structures across the federation ahead of future electoral contests. The NEC meeting came barely hours after the party’s National Chairman, Senator David Mark, urged members to remain united and focused on presenting the ADC as a credible alternative for Nigerians dissatisfied with the current state of affairs in the country. Mark had told party leaders that Nigerians were increasingly searching for a political platform capable of addressing the nation’s security and economic challenges, stressing that the ADC must not fail to meet those expectations. With the ratification of most of its primary election results and the extension of its leadership structures, the ADC appears to be consolidating its internal organisation as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections continue to gather momentum. However, the party’s demand for the release of El-Rufai is likely to attract significant attention, potentially adding another dimension to the evolving political landscape as opposition parties seek to build alliances and expand their influence ahead of the next general election.

Subsidy Removal Saved Nigeria from Bankruptcy, Tinubu Insists

May 29, 2026 by admin

President Bola Tinubu on Friday stated that his administration’s decision to remove fuel subsidy at the outset of his tenure rescued Nigeria from the brink of bankruptcy, adding that the challenging reform measures are beginning to produce tangible benefits for both state governments and citizens. “It was challenging at the time, but we survived. We faced litigation and accusations. We survived them. Instead of bankruptcy, Nigeria has survived. The economy has recovered. It is growing. Agriculture is booming,” the President said when he received state governors who gathered at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos to celebrate both the Sallah festival and the third anniversary of his administration. Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed details of the meeting in a statement he signed on Friday titled, ‘Fuel Subsidy Removal Saved Nigeria From Bankruptcy, Says President Tinubu.’ In attendance were the governors of Lagos, Nasarawa, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Taraba, Niger, Ekiti, Delta, Ondo, Edo, Adamawa, Benue, Enugu, Ogun and Kogi states, as well as the deputy governors of Borno and Kano states. Tinubu argued that the subsidy regime had for years consumed enormous resources that benefited only a small fraction of Nigerians while depriving critical sectors of needed investments. He said ongoing reforms in infrastructure, agriculture, social investment, foreign exchange management and fiscal discipline were beginning to restore investor confidence and improve economic prospects. The President acknowledged the role state governors played in managing public expectations through the most turbulent phase of the reforms, saying, “I’m glad governors are no longer borrowing from the federal government and asking for interventions and not knowing how to survive, how to pay salaries, no more. You kept the spirit, you kept the hope. You persuaded our people to be patient and endure these three years of painful reform, during which we put the economy on a reset. Today, the benefits are showing.” He added, “The economy has recovered. Macroeconomic indices are doing very well. Construction is ongoing on roads and infrastructure; the ones abandoned have been rehabilitated. “The housing industry is coming on very well. Agriculture will prosper again. We will achieve food sovereignty if we utilise the land that is in your possession and in your various states effectively,” he said. The Nigerian leader also referenced the Sokoto-Badagry highway corridor, describing its potential for irrigation infrastructure. According to him, “Today, I was watching some clips of the Sokoto-Badagry axis. Imagine how many dams on that corridor for irrigation, for farmland, for electricity. Many of you have survived and promoted the perseverance of many of our people, asking them to trust this government, and you have built that trust around one person: my leadership. I thank you very much.” In his address, Vice President Kashim Shettima described Tinubu’s economic decisions as acts of historic courage that ended five decades of policy evasion. The Vice President said, “Your Excellency, Mr President, this is the essence of your leadership. You did not come to power in the season of ease. You came at a time when the house required more than a painter. “It required a builder with the courage to examine the foundation you inherited. In that defining hour, you chose not to postpone the surgery. You chose not to massage the wound. You chose to confront the contradictions that have held this country hostage for 50 years. That is the miracle of your courage.” “What you have done is not simply to administer a government. You have begun the difficult work of re-engineering a nation. You have reminded us that reform is not a banquet; it is a battlefield. It is not a picnic for the chicken-hearted. It is a covenant with the future,” Shettima added. Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who spoke on behalf of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, said the subsidy removal and fiscal reforms had delivered a tangible transformation in states’ capacity to meet their obligations. He said states that had previously been forced to issue bonds and borrow money to pay salaries were now reducing their debt profiles. “I think the nation was shocked by the audacity of Mr President to implement that serious policy, but today, it has benefited immensely from that policy. “Many states were subject to issuing bonds and borrowing money. Today, states are not going to borrow money; they’re not going to issue bonds. In fact, we’re reducing our debt,” he said. AbdulRazaq also used the occasion to advocate an upward review of the national minimum wage, urging the President to consider raising it to at least N100,000. Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, said the governors had conducted their own assessment of the President’s performance and arrived at a unanimous verdict. “We are the frontline beneficiaries of the innovative approach you brought to bear in governance. “We came to join you in thanking Almighty God who made this thing possible. You have virtually recovered Nigeria from the brink of collapse to a state of stability and survival. “We have assessed your performance, Mr President, and I’m happy to announce that we have scored it 100 per cent,” Uzodinma said. For his part, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, welcomed his colleagues and thanked them for their continued support for the President, urging them to sustain the political and governance momentum into the 2027 election season.

Atiku Slams Tinubu over Poverty, Insecurity

May 29, 2026 by admin

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has criticized the administration of President Bola Tinubu over the worsening challenges of hunger, poverty, and insecurity across the country. Atiku slams Tinubu over poverty, insecurity The former Vice President stated that Nigerians are facing worsening economic hardship as the Tinubu administration celebrates its third year in office. In a statement issued on Friday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the country is grappling with soaring food prices, unemployment and declining purchasing power. The statement read, “Three years ago, President Tinubu promised renewed hope. What Nigerians have received instead is renewed hardship, renewed insecurity, renewed poverty, and renewed hopelessness.” He said millions of Nigerians could no longer afford basic necessities, noting that inflation had continued to put pressure on ordinary citizens and businesses. “Today, millions of Nigerians can no longer afford the basic necessities of life. Food prices have skyrocketed beyond the reach of ordinary families. Inflation has become a cruel tax on the poor. Small and medium-scale businesses are shutting their doors. “Never in recent history have so many Nigerians worked so hard only to become poorer,” the statement read. The former Vice President also expressed concern over the country’s economic situation, saying many Nigerians were working harder but becoming poorer. On insecurity, Atiku said recent incidents of kidnappings and attacks in parts of the country had heightened fears among citizens. “The recent abduction of schoolchildren in Borno State and the mass kidnapping of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State are not isolated incidents,” the statement read. He added that Nigerians were increasingly demanding accountability from leaders and urged citizens to use democratic processes to shape the country’s future. “The ballot box remains the most powerful weapon in the hands of the people. It is stronger than propaganda. It is stronger than intimidation. It is stronger than incumbency,” it added. He also said that the ADC would soon unveil a policy blueprint aimed at addressing economic, security and governance challenges facing the country. According to him, the proposed plan would focus on economic recovery, job creation, education, healthcare and reforms in public institutions. “At the end of the day, Nigerians seek leadership that is competent, compassionate, accountable, and genuinely committed to the public good,” the statement added. Recall that the President assured Nigerians that his administration remains committed to improving security across the country, saying efforts by the Armed Forces and security agencies are yielding positive results in many communities. In a Friday statement to mark the end of his third year as president, Tinubu said that security remains central to the nation’s development and prosperity. “Security remains central to our national mission and to the creation of a virile and prosperous society. Our Armed Forces and security agencies have intensified operations against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, oil thieves, and criminal networks,” he said. The President acknowledged that security challenges still persist in parts of the country but noted that several communities and highways were becoming safer and more economically active due to sustained operations by security agencies. According to him, the Federal Government is investing heavily in intelligence gathering, surveillance, logistics, technology, and inter-agency coordination to strengthen the country’s security architecture. “We are improving the capabilities of our armed forces and security agencies, and reclaiming the authority of the Nigerian state wherever criminality threatens peace and order,” Tinubu stated. He assured Nigerians that the government would continue confronting insecurity until citizens can live and work without fear. “While we continue to confront the challenges head-on, progress is being made. I want to assure you that this government will not relent until every Nigerian can live, work, travel, and dream in safety,” the President added.

Oyo School Abduction: Suspected Gunmen Open Talks With Govt, Demand Ransom

May 26, 2026 by admin

Suspected gunmen behind the abduction of 39 students and seven teachers in Ahoro Esinele community, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, have reportedly opened communication with the state government and are demanding an undisclosed ransom. The incident has left teacher Michael Oyedokun reportedly beheaded. The continued delay in the release of the victims, has led their families to mount pressure on the federal and state governments, just as the Seyi Makinde administration has vowed to deploy resources to get the victims returned alive. This came as the Board of Trustees, BoT, of the factional Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, led by Senator Adolphus Wabara and members of the party’s interim National Working Committee, NWC, led by Kabiru Turaki, yesterday, called for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture following recent bandit attacks in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. Similarly, Yoruba Nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, yesterday disclosed that he is still awaiting approval from the Federal Government to formally commence operations of his security outfit, Iru Ekun Security Network, as part of efforts to flush out criminal elements from forests across the South-West. Kidnappers demand ransom Multiple sources told Vanguard that the kidnappers have demanded ransom for the release of their victims. The sources disclosed that indirect negotiations are ongoing, adding that the amount demanded by the abductors was being kept as a top secret. It was further gathered that security agencies have deployed a police helicopter to be on standby in what a source described as “an area of interest”, just as Military jets are said to be making daily sorties over the forests. Efforts to secure the release of kidnap victims are being coordinated by the Oyo State Government, Police, Military and Department of State Service, DSS. Asked whether the kidnappers have mentioned a specific figure, the source said: “The latest on kidnappers is that they have made a demand, but the amount is still being kept under wraps. Indirect negotiations are ongoing.” Another source disclosed that “families of victims are continuing to mount pressure on the Oyo State Government to meet the kidnappers’ demand.” Giving details on efforts by the state government and security agencies, the source said: “Police helicopter is on standby; military jets fly sorties over the forests daily. “Oyo State government, Police, Military, DSS are coordinating efforts to secure the release of the kidnap victims.” Another source, however, assured that the “state government will not spare resources just to get the victims back. “Human lives are more important than money and ego.” Family of beheaded teacher demands body for burial Also, the family of the beheaded school teacher, late Mr Oyedokun Olugbade, yesterday, demanded the recovery of their son’s remains for proper burial. The family, in a letter to President Bola Tinubu through their lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, said: “We write to formally bring to the attention of President Bola Tinubu the tragic kidnapping, brutal murder and beheading of the late Mr Oyedokun Olugbade, one of the abducted teachers of Community High School, Ohoro-Esinle in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State by suspected terrorists on May 15, 2026. “Despite widespread national outrage regarding the death of the late Mr Olugbade, his remains are yet to be seen or recovered. In this circumstance, we respectfully appeal for your urgent intervention to direct the relevant security and intelligence agencies towards locating and recovering his body, so that his family may be afforded the solemn opportunity to conduct a dignified burial and rescue other victims still in captivity.” PDP BoT, interim NWC call for security overhaul Following recent bandit attacks in the Oriire council area, Senator Wabara and members of the PDP interim NWC, led by Mr Turaki, yesterday, called for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture. The delegation met behind-closed doors with Governor Makinde at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, where they discussed the security situation in the state and expressed concern over the incidents. Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Turaki said the visit was to commiserate with the state government and people of Oyo State over the recent attacks. He said: “The leadership of the PDP, including members of the NWC, the Interim National Working Committee, and the Board of Trustees (BoT), came to commiserate with the government and people of Oyo State over the unfortunate incidents that recently occurred in Oriire Local Government and some parts of Ibadan. “We believe the issue of security is fundamental and must be taken very seriously. We are aware of the efforts the governor has consistently made to ensure the safety of the people of Oyo State and to protect lives and property across the state. “Seeing incidents like these happen despite the enormous resources the governor has committed to security is deeply concerning, especially as the election period approaches.” He also urged the Federal Government to urgently reform the country’s security structure, describing the current arrangement as ineffective. “Our message to the Federal Government is that Nigeria’s security architecture urgently needs to be overhauled. This has become long overdue. “It is contradictory for a governor to be referred to as the Chief Security Officer of a state while having no direct control over the security agencies operating within that state. “You cannot imagine a situation where a governor convenes a Security Council meeting, decisions are taken, and yet the Commissioner of Police or military commanders must still seek clearance from Abuja before acting. By the time approvals are obtained, significant damage may already have been done.” We’re ready to dislodge criminals from S-West forests— Igboho On his part, Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Igboho, promised to comply with the Executive Order recently issued by Governor Makinde, which regulates the activities of private security organisations operating within the state. Igboho, in a statement, said: “We have submitted all the required documents for our registered security firm, Iru Ekun Security Network and are only waiting for the Federal Government approval, which will be granted soon. “We are absolutely ready … Read more

Oyo Abduction: Terrorists Open Talks, Give Condition

May 23, 2026 by admin

Suspected terrorists responsible for abducting schoolchildren and teachers from three schools in Esinele, Yamota and Alawusa communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have reportedly established contact with the state government. Two highly credible sources told our correspondents that the hoodlums refused to speak directly with the families of the victims. “They said they only want to talk to the governor and nobody else. That was the condition they gave for negotiation. So, nobody knows the details and what they are demanding,” a source said. It cannot, however, be confirmed if the negotiation is being done by the governor himself or a representative of the state. But a top source said the communication channel was a relief. “It is not that security agencies don’t know what to do. But the risks are too high. The relief is that at least now, they are talking,” the source said. The demands of the terrorists were being kept discreet in order not to jeopardise the lives of the victims. The Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Security, Abayomi Fagbenro, declined to comment on the matter. “I can’t give any information at the moment,” he said in a terse message. Fear over fate of toddlers Teachers and pupils, including toddlers aged two and three, were reportedly abducted in three schools last Friday. The victims have now spent eight days in captivity. Families and community leaders say their fears have increased as the rainy season sets in, which makes movement through forests and rough terrains increasingly difficult and dangerous for the captives. Sources within affected communities told Saturday PUNCH that the victims were being moved in thick forests and across states to evade security pressure. They noted that survival for the children in such harsh conditions had become a major source of concern for parents already traumatised by the attack. A community leader, who asked not to be identified because he was not authorised to speak to the press, said residents were in the dark about the whereabouts of the abductees. “We are worried about their safety. We don’t know how they are faring. Children of two-year-old are among the abductees,” the source said. Teachers, pupils abandon classrooms The pupils in public and private primary and secondary schools in Ogbomoso and neighbouring communities like Ikose, Ikoyi, Tewure and Dananu had abandoned classrooms following the incident. Findings by our correspondents revealed that school attendance had also dropped drastically across communities as many parents had refused to send their children to school over security concerns. Also, despite assurances from the Oyo State Government, teachers and education workers said fear remained widespread among pupils, parents and school personnel. A teacher at Ikose Primary School, who spoke on condition of anonymity, disclosed that attendance had dropped drastically. She said, “All the schools, both private and public, in Ogbomoso have been empty since Monday. Pupils stopped attending school after the Esinele attacks. The matter became worse on Tuesday when some students at Areago Grammar School saw some men in the bush around them hunting squirrels. “The students, because of the Esinele incident, raised the alarm that there were terrorists on the school premises. That led to pandemonium, and everybody started running helter-skelter. One of the pupils was knocked down by a vehicle around the Owode area of Ogbomoso, and he died instantly. His mother also died from shock after hearing about the death of her son. Ogbomoso was turned upside down on Tuesday.” She added, “On Wednesday, only private schools had a few pupils, far below normal attendance. But pupils in public schools did not go at all. All the teachers in my school and other areas in Ogbomoso, Esinele, Yamota, Ikose, Ikoyi, Tewure and others had to return home around 12pm. “The situation became worse on Thursday; the number of teachers and pupils also dropped across the area. We didn’t see any students, while many teachers also did not show up. We left school before 11am.” The source disclosed that all teachers agreed not to go to school on Friday in in honour of a former Assistant Headmaster of L.A. Primary School, Joel Adesiyan, who was killed by the terrorists during the incident. Adesiyan was buried on Friday.

Makinde Promises Safe Return Of Kidnapped Oyo Teachers, Students Despite Explosive Attacks On Security Team

May 18, 2026 by admin

Governor Seyi Makinde has assured residents of Oyo State that his administration would deploy every available resource to secure the safe rescue of teachers and students abducted by gunmen in Oriire Local Government Area of the state. The governor gave the assurance on Sunday during a press briefing with security chiefs, amid growing tension over the abduction of pupils, students and school staff from communities in the Oriire axis. Makinde disclosed that some members of the joint security operation involved in rescue efforts were wounded after suspected terrorists detonated Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted around the Old Oyo National Park, where the victims were reportedly being held. According to him, the injured operatives, including personnel of the Amotekun Corps and the Nigerian Army, are currently receiving medical treatment. The governor described the situation as painful and challenging, promising that the state government would continue to intensify both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to secure the victims’ release. “First, let me appeal to the families involved that their government is working around the clock to ensure that we tackle the challenges and support our troops and service commanders,” Makinde said. “What we know right now is that seven teachers were abducted. Unfortunately, we got a video this morning showing that one of the teachers, believed to be the Mathematics teacher, was seriously injured by the terrorists.” He added that there may not be immediate solutions due to the complexity of the operation, but vowed that the government would “push itself to the limits” to ensure the victims return safely. The governor also confirmed that religious leaders, community elders and other stakeholders had joined intervention efforts, including the Nigerian Baptist Convention, since one of the affected schools belongs to the denomination. “There have been interventions from leaders, elders, and religious leaders, especially the Baptist Convention because one of the affected schools is a Baptist school,” he stated. Makinde appealed to residents of the affected communities to cooperate with security agencies and avoid actions capable of frustrating ongoing rescue operations. The abduction occurred on Friday when armed men invaded schools in Yawota and Esiele communities in Oriire Local Government Area, abducting teachers and students in one of the most disturbing attacks recorded in the area. The governor further disclosed that preliminary investigations had uncovered possible collaboration between the attackers and some residents within the affected communities. According to security reports presented during the briefing, six suspects had already been arrested over alleged involvement in logistics and information sharing for the terrorists, while three other persons of interest were also being interrogated by security agencies. “Some of them are believed to be informants or people handling logistics for the terrorists,” the governor said. Makinde stressed that sustained government presence in vulnerable communities remained critical in the fight against insecurity, warning that terrorists could return once security operations are relaxed. He also acknowledged concerns over the safety of schools in remote communities and assured residents that the government would continue reviewing and strengthening security architecture around educational institutions and other vulnerable locations. The governor confirmed that he had also engaged neighbouring states, including Kwara State, on the need to strengthen cross-border security cooperation to prevent future attacks. Meanwhile, the Oyo State Police Command and other security agencies have continued coordinated operations aimed at rescuing the abducted victims and apprehending those behind the attacks.

Tinubu confirms ISIS Commander Killed in Nigeria-US Operation

May 16, 2026 by admin

President Bola Tinubu has confirmed the death of a top Islamic State commander, Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, popularly known as Abu-Mainok, following a joint military operation by Nigerian and United States forces in the Lake Chad Basin. In a statement personally signed on Saturday, Tinubu said the operation marked “a significant example of effective collaboration in the fight against terrorism” between both countries. The President said Nigerian troops, working with the US Armed Forces, carried out “a daring joint operation that dealt a heavy blow to the ranks of the Islamic State.” He added that “early assessments confirm the elimination of the wanted IS senior leader, Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok, along with several of his lieutenants, during a strike on his compound in the Lake Chad Basin.” Tinubu described the operation as a major step in advancing the security objectives of both countries and commended the forces involved for their conduct. “Nigeria appreciates this partnership with the United States in advancing our shared security objectives. I extend my sincere gratitude to President Trump for his leadership and unwavering support in this effort,” the statement read. The President also praised military personnel from both countries, saying, “I commend the personnel involved on both sides for their professionalism and courage, and I look forward to more decisive strikes against all terrorist enclaves across the nation.” The development comes amid renewed military offensives against insurgent groups operating in the North-East and the Lake Chad region, where Islamic State-linked factions have sustained attacks on military formations and civilian communities. United States President Donald Trump had earlier confirmed the operation, describing Al-Minuki as “the most active terrorist in the world.” “Tonight, at my direction, brave American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria flawlessly executed a meticulously planned and very complex mission to eliminate the most active terrorist in the world from the battlefield,” Trump wrote on Truth Social on Friday. Trump said the slain militant leader, whom he described as the “second in command of ISIS globally,” had believed he could evade capture in Africa. “Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, second in command of ISIS globally, thought he could hide in Africa, but little did he know we had sources who kept us informed on what he was doing,” he said. The US leader added that Al-Minuki, who was placed under American sanctions in 2023 over his ties to the Islamic State group, would “no longer terrorize the people of Africa, or help plan operations to target Americans.” He further stated that “with his removal, ISIS’s global operation is greatly diminished,” while thanking the Nigerian government for its “partnership” in the operation. The joint operation underscores growing security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States as both countries intensify efforts to weaken extremist networks operating across the Lake Chad Basin and the wider West African region.

After Three-Nation Visit, Tinubu Returns To Lagos

May 15, 2026 by admin

President Bola Tinubu returned to Lagos on Friday following a three-nation tour of France, Kenya, and Rwanda. Tinubu’s aircraft touched down at about 7:12 p.m. at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja. According to a statement issued by his special adviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the president was received by Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Deputy Governor, Femi Hamzat; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa; and other government officials. “President Tinubu, while in France, met with global investors, emphasising transparency and fiscal discipline and explaining the rationale for the swift implementation of the bold economic reforms his administration has instituted. “He also participated in the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, co-hosted by President Emmanuel Macron of France and President William Ruto. “At the event, President Tinubu called for a reform of global financial architecture and a stronger economic integration that prioritises Africa’s growth and prosperity. “He also highlighted Nigeria’s potential in the blue economy as one of the cornerstones of Africa’s development, with a commitment to share Nigeria’s maritime intelligence infrastructure with willing Gulf of Guinea states,” the statement read. While in Nairobi, Tinubu also held a bilateral meeting with the Madagascan President, Michael Randrianirina. In Kigali, Rwanda, the President joined other African leaders, investors and chief executive officers at the Africa CEO Forum, where discussions focused on accelerating Africa’s economic transformation through regional integration and cross-border investments. He also met with Rwandan President Paul Kagame and delegations from multilateral and multinational firms, including the International Finance Corporation, APM Terminals and the Winme Group. According to the statement, the meetings recorded “notable favourable outcomes.” Tinubu also participated in panel sessions and discussions centred on his administration’s economic reform agenda. The statement further disclosed that the President would participate in the All Progressives Congress primaries scheduled to begin on Saturday while in Lagos. It added that Tinubu had earlier urged party members participating in the primaries to maintain peace and conduct themselves as “sportsmen and women in the overall interest of the party and our country.”

Tinubu: Backing Dangote Refinery Was a Strategic Move

May 14, 2026 by admin

President Bola Tinubu has justified his administration’s backing of the Dangote Refinery, warning that Nigeria might have plunged into a serious crisis amid ongoing global tensions without a functioning local refinery. The remarks were made on Thursday on the sidelines of the 13th Africa CEO Forum in Rwanda. Tinubu said the country’s large population and dependence on petroleum products made it imperative to support domestic refining initiatives such as the Dangote refinery. “Today, with the crisis around the whole world. particularly around conflict, Nigeria wouldn’t be able to survive, over 200 million people, without a refinery,” he said. He added that supporting the refinery was a strategic decision aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s energy security and reducing dependence on imported fuel. “A risk-taker like the Dangote Refinery must be encouraged by the government in power. What I did was support him, give him free trade for his own licence, and support him in his efforts to source the crude that is necessary. Today, he is the exporter of both the PMS, aviation fuel,” he added. The remarks come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, where ongoing conflicts and security threats around major oil-producing and shipping routes have continued to raise concerns over global crude supply and fuel prices. The instability has contributed to volatility in the international energy market, with several countries reviewing energy security measures and seeking to reduce dependence on imported refined petroleum products. The Dangote refinery, owned by billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote, began fuel production amid efforts by the Federal Government to end decades of dependence on imported refined products. The facility has been projected to significantly reduce pressure on foreign exchange demand and strengthen Nigeria’s energy independence.