News Archives - Page 19 of 77

Soldiers Kill Terrorists, Arrest 94 Suspects

November 14, 2025 by admin

Troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria have intensified operations across the country, neutralising scores of terrorists, rescuing 67 kidnapped victims, and arresting 94 criminal suspects within two weeks. The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Olatokunbo Bello disclosed this on Friday in Abuja while giving an update on military operations conducted between November 3 and 14. Bello said troops recovered large quantities of arms and ammunition, including automatic rifles, machine guns, RPG tubes, locally fabricated weapons, and IED-making materials, in addition to destroying criminal camps and logistics bases. In the North-East, he said troops of Operation Hadin Kai sustained offensive actions in Borno and Adamawa States, killing several Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters. According to him, “troops also apprehended 45 terrorists’ informants, collaborators and logistics suppliers, and rescued one kidnapped victim.” Bello said troops of Operation Fagge Yamma, in the North-West, killed several terrorists across Sokoto, Zamfara, Niger, Katsina, Kebbi and Kano States during the period. He added that troops arrested two suspects and rescued 13 kidnapped victims while recovering weapons, vehicles and livestock. In the North-Central, Bello said troops of Operation Enduring Peace responded to multiple attacks in Plateau and Kaduna States, killing extremists, arresting 16 suspects and rescuing five kidnapped victims. According to him, a notorious criminal, Ibrahim Wakili, was also arrested in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State on November 9. “Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke recorded further successes in Kogi, Kwara, Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba States, killing several criminals, arresting 10 suspects and rescuing 48 kidnapped victims. “Additionally, two gunrunners and two extremist collaborators were arrested in Nasarawa State,” he said. The defence spokesman further disclosed that troops of Operation Delta Safe foiled oil theft worth over N15.8 million in the Niger Delta region during the period. He added that several illegal refining sites were discovered and destroyed, as well as the arrest of nine suspected oil thieves in Bayelsa and Delta States. In the South-East, Bello said troops of Operation Udo Ka had sustained pressure on criminal elements, killing one terrorist and arresting seven others in operations conducted in Imo, Enugu, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States. He commended the troops for their resilience and urged the media to continue disseminating accurate and verified information in support of national security efforts. (NAN)

Genocide Claim: Nigeria’s Diplomatic Response Firm, says Presidential Aide

November 11, 2025 by admin

Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has dismissed allegations of genocide against Christians, describing the country’s diplomatic response as firm, measured, and rooted in truth. Speaking in an interview with ARISE News on Monday night, Bwala said the Tinubu administration had launched a global media engagement to clarify Nigeria’s position and counter what he described as false and misleading narratives. He clarified comments attributed to United States President Donald Trump, who threatened military action over claims of Christian persecution in the country. The presidential aide said the claims of Christian genocide in the country by Trump and some US lawmakers were unfounded and misrepresented the country’s security challenges. “There is no genocide against Christians in Nigeria. What we have is insecurity that affects people of all religious and non-religious beliefs — Muslims, Christians, and others alike,” he said. He noted that Tinubu’s administration was fully committed to defeating terrorism and addressing insecurity through enhanced collaboration with international partners, including the United States. “Our engagements focus on intelligence sharing, mutual respect, and cooperation, while safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty,” he said. Bwala emphasised that insecurity should not be misconstrued as a religious conflict, warning that such mischaracterisation only deepens division and hinders collective national efforts to restore peace. “If we were to rank the nation’s priorities, this issue would come fourth. Our key focus areas remain security, food security, agriculture, and healthcare,” he said. Bwala explained that the government’s diplomatic approach was deliberately balanced and assertive enough to defend Nigeria’s image but cautious to preserve international goodwill. “This is about protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty and correcting misinformation. The government will continue to engage responsibly and transparently,” Bwala said. The presidential aide reaffirmed that every Nigerian, regardless of faith or background, deserves protection under the law. “Every Nigerian life matters equally,” he said. “This administration stands for peace, unity, and fairness across all faiths.”

My Enemies Using Regina’s Condition to Blackmail Me — Nwoko

November 10, 2025 by admin

The Senator representing the Delta North Senatorial District, Ned Nwoko, has alleged that a “syndicate of pull-down-Ned” group is taking advantage of the situation involving his wife, Regina Daniels, to tarnish his image. Nwoko made this claim amid reports of ongoing marital challenges between him and the Nollywood actress. The allegation was contained in a statement issued by the Communication/Technical Action Team, Office of the Senator, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Monday. He noted that individuals who had targeted him for years were now using the situation to criminalise him before the international community, describing it as a coordinated gang-up. “Beyond this, the talk about me grabbing land in my hometown is false and unfortunate. The truth is that I was allocated a piece of land, for which I made a genuine offer of payment, to establish the University of Sports — a project that exists today and serves the community. “Unfortunately, anyone who seeks progress in our society is often attacked and torn down by their own people. That is the sad difference between us and other ethnic groups.” Nwoko further alleged that certain individuals were exploiting “a young woman who is unwell and has admitted to using drugs.” “The facts are there. Those exploiting her present condition to settle old scores, knowing they have no case against me, will eventually face justice. They must also be careful with the defamatory statements they continue to make because they will be required to prove them. “If by now she has not brought up any credible allegation against me, it means there is nothing illegal about me, except that I want her to seek help for rehabilitation, a condition that existed long before our marriage.” The lawmaker stated that it was on record that Regina had a history of substance use, which could be verified through medical records and in court. “The whole world has read her own accounts of substance use, and her former schoolmates have testified online that she and her sister dropped out of school because of drug-related issues. “Yet some people keep pushing this false narrative to damage my reputation. She openly admitted to using drugs and said she was on bipolar medication. “Her medical records are verifiable, but the enemies of progress are now manipulating her to achieve their aims. If she had any secrets to reveal, she would have done so. She has nothing. “All the current stories being circulated are fabricated and amount to criminal defamation, and those behind this smear campaign will have their day to prove their claims.” Nwoko also addressed public controversy regarding the timeline of his marriage to Regina Daniels. “For clarity, Regina Daniels was born on October 10, 2000. If she has been married for six years, that means she got married at 19 years old, not 17,” he said. He noted that the public witnessed her family giving her out in marriage and that her mother personally brought her to him. “Our customs and traditions do not frown upon polygamy. What I did was to marry her honourably, give her a name, and treat her with dignity. “Our marriage has been public and transparent. Beyond the social media lifestyle, my world revolved around Regina. I pampered her and cared for her deeply, something everyone who has worked with me across Delta, Abuja, and beyond can testify to. “It is, therefore, disheartening to read all this filth being spread online. As the saying goes, when a wall cracks, the lizard finds its way in. Regina has become a weak point through which my political and personal enemies are attacking me. “My decision to marry her properly according to tradition is now being twisted into a tool for political blackmail. This is a witch-hunt that has been ongoing for years, an attempt to stop my developmental strides and tarnish me now that I am a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he added.

Akpabio Disowns Viral Post Mocking Trump on Christian Genocide Claims

November 3, 2025 by admin

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has distanced himself from a viral social media post linking him to comments allegedly mocking United States President Donald Trump over his recent threat of military action in Nigeria, describing the statement as “completely fabricated, malicious, and reckless.” The clarification was contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday by Akpabio’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, following a post published by a social media platform known as Rant HQ. The controversial post had quoted Akpabio as saying, “The killing is taking place in Nigeria, not in USA, Trump should focus on US. Nigerians are not complaining about the killings, we are fully satisfied with the condition of Nigeria.” The statement, which quickly went viral, drew outrage online and sparked debates amid heightened diplomatic tension following Trump’s remarks accusing Nigeria of widespread Christian persecution. In his reaction, Akpabio’s media office denied ever issuing such a statement — “not publicly, privately, in writing, or in conversation.” “The post is a total falsehood, a product of mischief, and a desperate attempt to incite misunderstanding between Senator Godswill Akpabio and US President Donald Trump, as well as between Nigeria and its international partners,” Eyiboh said. He added that the accompanying photograph used by Rant HQ — showing the Senate President at an unrelated official event — was “deceptively deployed to lend false credibility to a fabricated quote that was never uttered by him.” “Senator Akpabio is a statesman of global repute and a respected advocate of international friendship, diplomacy, and mutual respect among nations. “He holds President Donald Trump in high regard as a historic figure and a leader of a great nation. The US president’s comment, made after designating Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” for religious persecution, has divided opinion globally. But Akpabio’s office reiterated that the Senate remains focused on legislative duties and strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions, urging the media and the public to verify information before dissemination. “The Office of the President of the Senate remains committed to transparency, truth, and responsible communication — both in Nigeria and on the international stage,” the statement concluded.

Killings: Give Military Support, Not Invade Nigeria, SDP tells Trump

November 3, 2025 by admin

The Social Democratic Party on Monday warned US President Donald Trump and the American government against any attempt to interfere in Nigeria’s internal affairs under the guise of religious freedom or humanitarian intervention. Instead, the party urged Washington to offer military and intelligence assistance if it is truly concerned about the killings in the country. The warning came through the SDP National Publicity Secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba, following Trump’s recent statement designating Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged religious persecution. The designation has triggered fresh diplomatic tensions between Abuja and Washington. In its reaction, the SDP declared that while Nigeria’s security failures were undeniable, its sovereignty remained “non-negotiable.” “The SDP, as a national political party that promotes the true interest of Nigeria, is greatly worried by the prevailing discomfiting development and discourses that bother on seeming threats to the sovereignty of the country,” Aiyenigba said in the statement. The party lamented that the “underwhelming performance” of Nigeria’s security architecture had made the country a subject of international concern. Aiyenigba, however, emphasised that foreign powers must respect the limits of the United Nations Charter and refrain from actions that could amount to aggression. “If the United States is that concerned about the insecurity and killings in Nigeria, it should offer concrete military support and intelligence collaboration to Nigeria like it is doing to its other allies, including Israel, Egypt, Pakistan, and others,” the statement added. The SDP further cautioned that President Trump or any other foreign leader “cannot love Nigeria more than Nigerians love themselves,” warning that any U.S. military incursion could end in “sorrow, tears, and blood,” similar to the aftermath of interventions in Iraq, Libya, and Afghanistan. The party also called on President Bola Tinubu to focus on his constitutional duty to secure lives and property rather than political calculations ahead of the 2027 general election. “The task of securing the lives of Nigerians irrespective of their religions and tribes is more important than considerations for the 2027 general election “The President therefore needs to prioritise national security and the betterment of the lives of Nigerians in the remainder of his mandate,” it said.

2025 World Clean-Up Day: Oyo, UNICEF Champion Sustainable Fashion to Reduce Textile Waste

November 2, 2025 by admin

The Oyo State Government, through the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has reaffirmed its commitment to making environmental protection a cornerstone of sustainable development in the state. This assurance was given by the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Barrister Seun Ashamu, during the commemoration of the 2025 World Clean-Up Day held at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan. The event, themed “Tackling Textile and Fashion Waste through Circular Fashion,” was organized by the Ministry in collaboration with UNICEF. Barrister Ashamu described the global celebration as a reflection of humanity’s collective determination to build a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable planet. He emphasized the need to sensitize residents of Oyo State on reducing textile waste through reuse and recycling. He said “We can repurpose and reuse textiles in creative ways that reduce the volume of waste generated in our society “Everyone must treat the environment with the same care and respect we give to our bodies and homes. The government encourages residents to do the right thing and will not hesitate to sanction those who pollute the environment.” He noted that World Clean-Up Day, recognized annually on September 20 by the United Nations General Assembly, underscores the fact that environmental cleanliness and sustainability are shared global responsibilities. Highlighting the dangers of textile pollution, Ashamu pointed out that while the global fashion industry drives economic growth and creativity, it remains one of the world’s most polluting sectors. “The fashion industry contributes about 10 percent of global carbon emissions and nearly 20 percent of wastewater production. Every second, one truckload of textiles is either burned or dumped in landfills, releasing microplastics and toxic chemicals into our environment,” he lamented. Ashamu stressed that under the visionary leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, Oyo State has made significant progress in improving waste collection and disposal systems, strengthening public-private partnerships, and enforcing environmental sanitation laws. He added that the Ministry has intensified community engagement and environmental education to promote active citizen participation. In his goodwill message, Hon. Rahman Olorunpoto, Chairman, House Committee on Environment, Ecology, and Water Resources, commended the Ministry for its consistent efforts in promoting environmental health and sustainability. “A clean environment goes beyond what we see; it includes how well our surroundings support healthy living and sustainable development,” he said, pledging continued legislative support for environmental initiatives in the state. Also speaking, UNICEF WASH Specialist, Mr. Monday Johnson, linked textile waste to rising environmental pollution and urged responsible consumption. According to him, “Fast fashion contributes massively to waste. Many items are worn once and discarded. We must rethink our habits to protect our planet,” he advised, warning against the indiscriminate burning of textile waste, which releases harmful emissions. The event featured expert lectures, including Dr. Femi Balogun of the University of Ibadan (represented by Dr. Debra Adeyemo) who spoke on “Tackling Textile Waste through Circular Economy,” and Sanitarian Tijani A. Adegoke, President, Environmental Health Officers Association of Nigeria (Oyo State Chapter), who presented on “Zero Waste Practices: Leave No Waste Behind.” Key stakeholders from ministries, agencies, market associations, youth groups, NGOs, and waste management firms attended the event, pledging their commitment to a cleaner and greener Oyo State. In the same development, the Oyo State Government held a sweeping and sensitization exercise at Oja-Oba Market, Ibadan, aimed at promoting hygiene and environmental awareness. Speaking at the event, the Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni (mni), represented by the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Mr. Olusola Ojelabi, said the exercise is designed to educate traders and residents on the importance of maintaining a clean environment. In his remarks, Permanent Secretary, for Environment and Natural Resources, Dr. Sunday Ojelabi, explained that the exercise is part of the broader campaign to instill hygiene consciousness in citizens. He noted that Oja-Oba was strategically chosen as both a commercial and cultural hub of Ibadan, urging market men and women to lead by example in maintaining cleanliness. Dr. Ojelabi revealed that Oyo State has improved its ranking on the Sub-National Climate Governance Index from 34th in 2024 to 7th in 2025, a feat he credited to Governor Makinde’s environmental reforms. Market leaders, including Alhaja Sikiratu Adebayo Tantoloun (Iyaloja, Bodija Market), Alhaja Ramota (Iyaloja, Eleyele Market), and Prince Akanni Ojo, representative of the Babaloja-General, commended the government’s initiatives and urged traders to embrace recycling opportunities. “Waste has become wealth globally,” they noted, “and Oyo traders must key into this new economy.”

Leaders Hail Amuda Hafeez’s Wellness Tour For Prioritizing Their Well-being

November 1, 2025 by admin

The Akinyele Leaders Wellness Tour commenced on Saturday, November 1, 2025, with an impressive turnout, as beneficiaries commended the convener, Dr. Amuda Hafeez, for his commitment to promoting the well-being of political leaders and residents of Akinyele Constituency 1. Speaking with journalists at the event, Dr. Hafeez, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aspirant for the Akinyele State Constituency 1 seat at the Oyo state House of Assembly explained that the initiative was conceived as a community-driven health outreach aimed at encouraging wellness, early medical intervention, and preventive healthcare among political leaders and residents across all wards in Akinyele Local Government Area. According to him, the motivation behind the programme is to ensure that those serving the people remain healthy and strong enough to continue delivering quality leadership. “We believe good governance starts with good health. By bringing healthcare closer to our leaders and communities, we are fostering a stronger and healthier Akinyele,” Dr. Hafeez stated. He added that the turnout for the opening day of the wellness tour was highly impressive, with numerous beneficiaries receiving free medical consultations, health checks, and essential drugs. “The response from participants has been overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed deep appreciation for the gesture and emphasized how timely and helpful it has been,” he said. Notable beneficiaries of the outreach included ward chairmen, women leaders, party elders, and community representatives, all of whom benefited from the medical attention and free medications provided by a team of healthcare professionals. Dr. Hafeez further disclosed that the wellness tour would continue on Sunday, with plans to extend the programme to all wards within the local government. “Our goal remains steadfast to reach every corner of Akinyele with accessible and compassionate healthcare,” he concluded.

JUST IN: Senate Confirms Bernard Doro as Minister

October 30, 2025 by admin

The Senate on Thursday confirmed Dr Bernard Doro as minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Doro’s screening, which lasted less than 30 minutes, saw lawmakers express confidence in his experience and leadership capacity. The Plateau-born technocrat, who becomes the third minister from his state in the current administration, pledged to promote fairness and transparency in Nigeria’s humanitarian interventions. “I will create a humanitarian ecosystem that is inclusive, guided by impartiality and independence,” Doro assured senators during the session. Satisfied with his credentials and vision, the lawmakers asked him to take a bow and leave, confirming his nomination without objection. Tinubu had earlier written to the Senate requesting Doro’s confirmation in line with Section 147 (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the letter at plenary and referred it to the Committee of the Whole for immediate action. Doro’s nomination came after the elevation of his predecessor, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, who now serves as the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga had earlier described Doro as a highly qualified professional with over 20 years of experience spanning clinical practice, pharmaceutical management, and strategic leadership roles in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. Born on January 23, 1969, in Kwall, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, Doro holds degrees in Pharmacy and Law, an MBA in IT-driven business strategy, and a Master’s in Advanced Clinical Practice. “He is an Independent Prescriber and Advanced Clinical Practitioner with NHS frontline experience across urgent care, walk-in centres, GP practices, and hospital settings,” Onanuga noted. With Thursday’s confirmation, Doro is expected to be sworn in as a member of the Federal Executive Council at the next meeting.

Reps Approve Tinubu’s $2.35bn External Loan Request

October 29, 2025 by admin

Reps Approve Tinubu’s .35bn External Loan Request

The House of Representatives on Wednesday approved President Bola Tinubu’s request to secure a total of $2.347bn from the international capital market to part-finance the 2025 budget deficit and refinance maturing Eurobonds. The approval followed the consideration and adoption of a report presented by the House Committee on Aids, Loans, and Debt Management, chaired by Hon. Abubakar Hassan Nalaraba, during plenary presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. Since assuming office in May 2023, President Bola Tinubu’s administration has secured substantial external financing to support government programmes and fiscal operations. Between May 2023 and May 2025, Nigeria obtained approximately $7.2bn in external loans from the World Bank, aimed at bolstering key economic reforms and development initiatives. In addition, the government received approval for a $1 billion facility from the African Development Bank, expected to be disbursed between 2024 and 2025. Further strengthening its external financing portfolio, the House of Representatives in October 2025 approved a new borrowing plan, including $1.23bn to part-finance the 2025 budget and a $500m debut Sovereign Sukuk to be issued in the international capital market. These financing initiatives form part of the administration’s broader strategy to bridge budget deficits, refinance maturing debts, and stimulate economic growth through targeted investments. According to the committee’s report, “The new borrowing plan comprises $1.23bn to fund the 2025 budget deficit and $1.12bn to refinance Nigeria’s Eurobond maturing in November 2025.” The Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the Committee on Supply where the report was considered, put the request before the House at plenary. “The Committee on Supply considered the request of Mr President and made these recommendations. Do we accept these recommendations,” he asked, to which members replied in the affirmative. Adopting the recommendations of the committee, the House authorised the Federal Government to “Implement the external borrowing component of the 2025 Appropriation Act amounting to ₦1.84tn (approximately $1.23bn) at the budget exchange rate of ₦1,500 to $1.” Lawmakers also approved for the government to access the loans through Eurobond issuance, loan syndication, bridge financing facilities, or direct borrowing from international financial institutions. In addition, the House endorsed President Tinubu’s proposal to issue Nigeria’s first-ever Sovereign Sukuk bond of up to $500m in the international capital market, with or without a credit guarantee. Recall that President Tinubu, in his earlier correspondence to the National Assembly, explained that the borrowing plan was necessary to bridge the gap between projected revenue and expenditure in the 2025 fiscal year and to enable the government to meet its debt obligations as they fall due.

Senate Hails Tinubu Over Nigeria’s Exit From FATF Grey List

October 28, 2025 by admin

The Senate on Tuesday lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, and other key institutions for their roles in securing Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force Grey List, described as a major victory for the nation’s financial integrity and global reputation. The motion was sponsored by Senator Emmanuel Udende under matters of urgent public importance pursuant to Orders 41 and 51 of the Senate Standing Orders, 2023 (as amended). Moving the motion, Udende said Nigeria’s delisting by FATF reflects the country’s remarkable progress in addressing strategic deficiencies in its Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) framework and demonstrates its strong commitment to global financial integrity standards. He recalled that Nigeria’s previous inclusion on the FATF Grey List had subjected the country to “heightened international monitoring, scrutiny, and reputational risks, which adversely affected investor confidence and limited access to global financial markets.” The senator credited the development to “the successful implementation of extensive reforms and policy measures by the Executive Arm of Government, the National Assembly, and several regulatory and enforcement agencies.” In its resolution, the Senate recognised “the invaluable leadership and contributions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President of the Senate, the NFIU, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, the Central Bank of Nigeria, and other relevant stakeholders whose coordinated actions culminated in this significant national achievement.” Lawmakers expressed delight that the delisting has boosted investor confidence and reassured the international community of Nigeria’s renewed commitment to transparency, accountability, and global financial standards. “The delisting has boosted investor confidence and reassured the international community of Nigeria’s renewed commitment to transparency, accountability, and global financial standards. “Nigeria’s financial and regulatory systems have regained international credibility and compliance with FATF recommendations, enhancing the country’s reputation as a safe and attractive destination for foreign investment,” the motion noted. The Senate further observed that Nigerian financial institutions previously burdened by “additional scrutiny, high compliance costs, and delayed transactions” now enjoy smoother, faster, and more cost-efficient cross-border operations, improving trade facilitation and remittance inflows. The motion also highlighted the long-term benefits of Nigeria’s delisting, including “transformative impacts on the economy through sustained foreign direct investment across key sectors such as energy, technology, agriculture, and manufacturing,” as well as a stronger naira, greater regulatory stability, and job creation. Adopting the motion, the Senate resolved to commend the President and urged relevant financial and enforcement agencies to consolidate the gains by maintaining continuous compliance with international standards to prevent relapse. The lawmakers also mandated the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes to sustain legislative oversight and policy reviews to further strengthen Nigeria’s financial governance. Nigeria was first placed on the FATF Grey List in 2021 following concerns about weaknesses in its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing regime. The country’s removal from the FATF Grey List was officially announced at the FATF October 2025 Plenary in Paris, France. The decision followed the country’s successful implementation of a 19-point action plan aimed at strengthening its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing framework. The global watchdog for financial crimes had in February 2023 placed Nigeria on its grey list after identifying strategic deficiencies in its AML/CFT systems. Over the past two years, Nigeria has worked closely with the Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa and the FATF to address the gaps through sweeping legislative and institutional reforms.