News Archives - Page 3 of 76

Wike never concealed his support for Tinubu, says aide

September 10, 2026September 4, 2026 by admin

Lere Olayinka, media aide to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has rejected allegations that the minister was disloyal for declaring his support for President Bola Tinubu’s bid for re-election in the 2027 presidential poll. Olayinka said Wike had never concealed his support for Tinubu, stressing that the minister had declared his position even before the Peoples Democratic Party presented its presidential candidate, Professor Sunday Oloruntuyi. He spoke during an interview on Arise TV on Friday. Reacting to a description of Wike as “treacherous,” Olayinka said the word was inappropriate because the minister had been open about his political position. He said, “The word ‘treacherous’, I don’t believe he should have used it because, to my own understanding, a treacherous person is somebody who is doing something against you behind you and presenting himself to be your friend. “The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has never hidden his position. He said it even before PDP presented Professor Sandy Onor as candidate, that he was going to support President Tinubu in 2027. He did not hide it, and up till now, he has not hidden it. He has been saying it.” Olayinka said Wike had also told Onor that, although he was free to contest the election, the condition of the PDP would make it difficult for the party to make a major impact. He argued that not everyone who contests an election does so with the expectation of winning, saying some candidates participate mainly to “register their presence”. According to him, the number of presidential candidates expected in the 2027 election was an indication that not all the candidates were realistically seeking victory. “For instance, in this 2027 election, we have 19 presidential candidates. Can we say, honestly, that all the 19 are contesting with the mindset of winning? The answer is no,” he said. Olayinka cited the African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, who he said secured 14,600 votes in the 2023 presidential election, questioning how the candidate could win the 2027 poll. He also questioned the electoral strength of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, claiming that it did not have governorship candidates in 15 of the 28 states where governorship elections would be held in 2027. “How do you win election when you don’t have people on ground to canvass vote for you, to manage election for you?” he asked. Olayinka similarly questioned the chances of the African Democratic Congress, saying it did not have governorship candidates in 9 of the 28 states He argued that parties needed substantial structures and polling-unit agents to compete effectively, noting that Nigeria had 176,846 polling units. “In Nigeria today, there are 176,846 polling units. To make good impression on election day in election in Nigeria, you need at least five people to manage each polling unit for you, at least,” he said. The Wike aide maintained that the minister’s position that Tinubu would have an easy victory in 2027 was based on what he described as the weakness of the opposition. “And that’s why the Minister has been saying consistently that this election of 2027 will be the easiest for the President to win, because there’s no opposition, nobody is contesting against him to win. Others are contesting to make impression,” Olayinka said.

Gunmen Attack APC Leaders in Kano, Kill One and Kidnap Another Within 72 Hours

September 10, 2026September 1, 2026 by admin

Kano State has been rocked by a troubling spate of attacks targeting leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as gunmen reportedly killed one party chairman and abducted another within a 72-hour period. The latest assault occurred on Monday night in Rogo Local Government Area, where the APC Council Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Fanka, was kidnapped after armed assailants invaded the community and killed two residents. Security sources said the attackers struck at about 11:00 p.m., operating for nearly 30 minutes before fleeing with the council chairman. Eyewitnesses said the gunmen opened fire on residents who attempted to resist the operation, killing two people instantly before whisking their target away. “We were helpless because they were heavily armed. Nobody could confront them,” a resident said. The abduction came barely 24 hours after another deadly attack in Rantan, Bebeji Local Government Area, where the APC Ward Chairman, Alhaji Garba Buba, was shot dead alongside another resident, Sulaiman Zunduma. According to residents, the attackers stormed Rantan on Sunday night, sending villagers fleeing for safety as sporadic gunfire echoed across the community. A resident, Hamza Isah Rantan, said Garba Buba was shot at his residence and later died in hospital, while Zunduma died at the scene. The APC spokesperson in Kano State, Alhaji Auwalu Soja, confirmed the killing of the ward chairman and said the party would issue an official statement on the incident. The Bebeji tragedy followed another violent attack on Chiromawa in Garun Mallam Local Government Area on Saturday, where suspected kidnappers killed three residents during a failed abduction attempt. In a statement, the Kano State Police Command spokesman, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, confirmed that security operatives rescued Sarkin Noma during the Chiromawa attack after fierce resistance from local vigilantes and residents forced the assailants to retreat. Responding to growing concerns that Kano is coming under coordinated attacks in an encounter with newsmen on Monday afternoon, the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, assured residents that the command remains in control of the security situation. Cp Ibrahim Adamu Bakori urged the public to remain calm, insisting there was no cause for alarm.

Nepal Flood Death Toll Tops 1,000 as Thousands Remain Missing

September 10, 2026September 1, 2026 by admin

At least 987 people have died in devastating floods along the China-Nepal border, Nepal’s disaster authority said on Tuesday, pushing the overall death toll from the disaster beyond 1,000. Chinese state media earlier confirmed 16 people were killed in Tibet, bringing the total toll from Wednesday’s disaster to 1,003. The number of missing in Nepal dropped to 3,916, as rescue efforts entered a seventh day, and the bodies recovered rose. In China, state media say there are 546 people missing, taking the overall number of missing to 4,462. The missing in Nepal include 583 foreigners from over 30 nationalities. The missing in China include 261 foreigners from 23 countries. Among the missing foreigners, Indians make up one of the largest proportions, with 275 citizens and another 128 people of Indian origin missing in Nepal, according to New Delhi. There are 85 US citizens missing, according to the State Department on Sunday. There are also 62 Ukrainians, 51 Malaysians, 42 Australians, and 33 British citizens, according to reports, including both Nepal’s tourist board and embassies. In India, authorities in Uttar Pradesh state said they had recovered 17 bodies from rivers flowing from Nepal, believed to be flood victims. Indian authorities are seeking to identify them, and they are not included in the toll. AFP

EFCC Dismisses 40 Staff Over Corruption Allegations — Olukoyede

September 10, 2026August 31, 2026 by admin

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, has revealed that over 40 personnel have been dismissed for alleged corruption and financial misconduct since he took office. Olukoyede said more than five of the dismissed officers were currently being prosecuted, while case files involving others were being prepared for prosecution. The EFCC chairman disclosed this on Monday during a briefing at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja on its activities under his leadership. “In the past two and a half years or three years of my service, I’ve asked them to dismiss over 40 staff on account of corruption and financial malpractice. More than five of them are being prosecuted at the moment,” Olukoyede said. He said the commission would not shield its personnel from prosecution when they were found to have engaged in the same corrupt practices the EFCC investigates among members of the public. “Because if that is what people do in other agencies and I arrest them, I investigate them, I prosecute them, why must I just dismiss you if you do it within our own system and I’m not prosecuting you?” he asked. Olukoyede said some of the affected personnel were already facing trial, while the commission was preparing case files against others. “You can follow those cases in court; they are public knowledge,” he said. The EFCC chairman also disclosed that the commission had renamed its former Department of Internal Affairs as the Department of Ethics and Integrity as part of measures to strengthen internal accountability. According to him, the change was intended to reflect the commission’s commitment to what he described as “internal cleansing”. Olukoyede further revealed that the commission had developed a gift policy for its personnel to strengthen transparency and accountability among officers. He said EFCC personnel would be required to declare assets above a specified threshold, including gifts received from relatives abroad. The chairman said the commission would also determine the categories of gifts its personnel could accept, noting that the policy was aimed at ensuring officers could account for their means of livelihood and standard of living. “You must be sure that your hands are clean. You can’t be fighting corruption when your hands are soiled with corrupt practices,” Olukoyede said.

Military Rescues 15 NYSC Members, Six Others During Kogi Forest Operation

September 10, 2026August 31, 2026 by admin

The Nigerian military has confirmed the successful rescue of 21 kidnapped victims in Kogi State, including 15 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). This is as it vowed to sustain operations to rescue residents abducted in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State. Speaking on the rescue of the NYSC members, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.. Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed on Monday that 21 victims, comprising eight males and 13 females, had been rescued from the Egume-Ochaja forest. He said 15 of those rescued were NYSC members who were among the victims kidnapped last week while travelling from Abuja to Bayelsa State. He said, “The Armed Forces of Nigeria is also happy to announce that a total of 21 victims, comprising eight males and 13 females, 15 of them being National Youth Service Corps members, have just been rescued within the Egume and Ochaja forest stretch in 2 Division area of operation.” The development came as the military intensified operations against terrorists and criminal elements in different parts of the country, particularly following recent abductions in Niger State. Onoja said military formations had continued to collaborate with other security agencies and state government institutions through intelligence sharing and the identification of areas requiring security intervention. He cited the rescue of 308 abducted persons, predominantly women and children, from the Kainji Lake National Park on August 5 as evidence of the security forces’ capacity to locate and rescue victims. “The recent rescue of 308 abducted persons, predominantly women and children, from the Kainji Lake National Park on the 5th of August, alongside subsequent operations to deny terrorists freedom of movement within the Borgu axis, demonstrates the commitment and capability of the security forces to locate, rescue, and safely return affected citizens,” he said. According to him, troops are maintaining pressure on terrorists operating within and around the Kainji Lake National Park and other identified corridors to prevent further incursions and create conditions for displaced residents to return to their communities. He assured residents of Borgu and neighbouring communities that military operations would continue until the security threats were sufficiently degraded. “The Armed Forces, therefore, reassures the people of Borgu and their communities that military operations against terrorists and criminals will be sustained in the local government area and its environs to ensure the safety of the community,” Onoja said. The General urged families of abducted persons to remain calm and avoid actions that could undermine rescue operations, stressing that credible information was vital to the military’s efforts. “To the families of the victims and all persons affected by the heinous activities of terrorists and criminals, the Armed Forces acknowledges the anxiety, pain, and uncertainty that accompanies the loss or affliction of family members and friends. “We want to urge everybody to remain calm and have confidence in the ongoing efforts of the military and other security agencies, while avoiding actions that could compromise rescue or recovery operations,” he said. Onoja said the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, remained committed to rescuing kidnapped victims, protecting civilians and facilitating the return of internally displaced persons to their communities. He added that the defence chief had directed that the military continue to operate with determination, professionalism and courage in the fight against terrorism and criminality Giving an account of military operations in August, Onoja said troops neutralised more than 332 terrorists and criminals, arrested 373 others and rescued 610 kidnapped victims. He added that 201 insurgents surrendered to troops, while 88 arms and 2,077 rounds of ammunition were recovered during the month. He said the military also recovered 686,800 litres of stolen crude oil products and destroyed 21 illegal refining sites as part of operations against oil theft and economic sabotage. Onoja said the August figures represented a significant improvement in the military’s operational effectiveness, attributing the gains to intensified kinetic and non-kinetic operations, improved intelligence gathering and enhanced inter-agency cooperation. He further disclosed that the number of surrendered terrorists increased from 11 in June to 57 in July and 201 in August, which he said indicated growing pressure on terrorist groups. He said the CDS commended troops for their sacrifices in rescuing abducted citizens, neutralising terrorists and armed criminals, dismantling criminal networks, disrupting illegal oil bunkering and protecting critical national assets.

Nigeria Won’t Tolerate Dehumanisation of Its Citizens in South Africa — Shettima

September 10, 2026August 31, 2026 by admin

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday said Nigeria would no longer tolerate the dehumanisation or mistreatment of its citizens in South Africa. He warned against the recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks even as he departed Luanda, Angola, for Nigeria after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union. Speaking to newsmen in Luanda shortly before his departure, Shettima said the pattern of attacks had crossed a line Nigeria was no longer willing to accept. The Senior Special Assistant to the VP on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, revealed this in a statement he signed Monday afternoon titled ‘VP Shettima: Why South Africans Must Rethink Xenophobic, Afrophobic attacks. “The government and people of Nigeria will no longer countenance a situation whereby our people are dehumanised and put into very, very unacceptable situations,” Nkwocha quoted the VP as saying. He invoked Nigeria’s historical role in Southern Africa’s liberation struggle to underline his point, saying, “Those whose palm kernels were cracked by benevolent spirits should learn to be humble.” “We were part of the struggle for the liberation of our brothers and sisters in Southern Africa, and we feel personally pained that our people have been picked up for humiliation,” he added. The Vice President said Nigeria’s preferred approach remained dialogue rather than confrontation, though he made clear that restraint had limits. He said, “We believe in having very robust conversations with our South African brothers. We don’t want to overheat the polity, but once in a while, you have to make it very clear, vehemently clear, that certain situations are unacceptable, and we’ll work things out.” While condemning the attacks, Shettima urged South African authorities to protect lives and uphold human dignity in the enforcement of the country’s immigration policies. His comments followed a message delivered on President Tinubu’s behalf at the same summit, in which Nigeria formally reported the recurring attacks to the African Union and requested that the matter be placed on the agenda of the AU’s 40th Ordinary Session scheduled for January 2027. He also described the incidents as a threat to African solidarity, unity and peaceful coexistence. The Vice President has since departed Luanda for Nigeria.

Woman Arrested for Allegedly Smuggling Drugs into Ogun Prison for Death-Row Son

September 10, 2026August 31, 2026 by admin

The Nigerian Correctional Service, Ogun State Command, has arrested Mrs Iyabo Sowunmi for allegedly attempting to smuggle suspected illicit drugs into the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Ibara, Abeokuta, for her son, Dare Sowunmi, who is reportedly on death row at the facility. The spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service, Ogun State Command, Olayinka Odukoya, disclosed this in a statement on Monday. Odukoya said Sowunmi was arrested at about 1:33 pm on Friday, August 28, 2026, during a routine screening at the facility’s main entrance. He said the substance, suspected to be “Colos”, a psychoactive synthetic drug, was concealed in a sachet of a popular beverage powder and was allegedly intended for the inmate. He explained, “At approximately 1:33 PM on Friday, August 28, 2026, routine screening procedures at the facility’s main entry point led to the detection of suspicious substances, believed to be the psychoactive synthetic drug commonly known as ‘Colos,’ concealed within a sachet of a popular beverage powder. “The suspect was attempting to deliver the package to an inmate, Dare Sowunmi, who is currently on death row. Following the interception, officers immediately detained Mrs Sowunmi. In accordance with inter-agency operational protocols, she has been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for comprehensive investigation and prosecution.” Reacting to the incident, the Controller of Corrections, Ogun State Command, Abioye Adesina, commended the security personnel for their vigilance and adherence to security protocols. Adesina said, “Our custodial facilities exist to ensure public safety, reformation, and rehabilitation. We maintain an absolute zero-tolerance policy for drug trafficking or any illegal acts designed to compromise security. “Attempts to introduce contraband into our facilities will be met with swift legal action.” The command urged members of the public to respect the integrity of custodial institutions, and,warning that anyone seeking to undermine security would face the full weight of the law.

Abandoned Newborn Baby Rescued from Benue Forest

September 11, 2026August 30, 2026 by admin

A Good Samaritan has rescued a newborn baby girl who was found abandoned near Ashar Forest in Wuese community, Konshisha Local Government Area of Benue State. The baby, who was said to have been wrapped up in clothes and kept in a carton by an unknown person, was picked up on Saturday, August 29, 2026, by one Mrs Mbakasev Yisa, with maggots allegedly found around the baby and a foul smell emanating from the carton. An eyewitness and a councillor who identified himself as Terkumbur Mbaukaan told journalists on the phone in Makurdi, the state capital, on Sunday, that the baby was in an extremely critical condition when she was rescued and immediately evacuated to Dooshima Clinic in Wuese for medical attention. The councillor narrated that the passerby, Yisa, first discovered the abandoned newborn in the forest and immediately reported the situation to the police outpost situated in the area. He said, “As a councillor representing the area, I visited the scene to personally assess the situation and ascertain the condition of the abandoned child. “So, when the policemen came to the scene, they carried out necessary documentation of the discovery and equally directed that Mrs Yisa take the baby to a medical facility for urgent medical attention. And because the baby’s condition was so critical, the first clinic we approached could not admit the child. “We later took the baby to Dooshima Clinic in Wuese, Konshisha LGA, where she is being treated and fed with glucose and NAN infant formula as medical personnel work to stabilise the infant.” He said tests have been conducted to ensure the baby is healthy. However, she remains under observation at the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit after being exposed to harsh external conditions immediately after birth. “I have made a financial donation towards the child’s upkeep and appealed to the medical personnel to ensure that the infant receives continuous and effective treatment. “I am using this opportunity to appeal to individuals, humanitarian organisations, community leaders, government agencies and other people of goodwill to support the baby’s treatment and welfare. “We are managing the situation at our own level as a community. We have even told those police officers attached to the police outpost here in our community not to take the matter to the Divisional Police Office in Tse- Agbaragba yet, because we are following up the matter; we’ll do our best to ensure that the newborn baby gets well. I’m also making concerted efforts to get across to the local government council chairman. He is yet to be informed,” he said. Similarly, the community’s youth leader, Udigi Waya, equally confirmed the rescue of the newborn baby. He lamented over the situation, saying that the baby may have spent approximately three days in the abandoned condition before she was rescued. When contacted, the command’s spokesperson, Peter Aondongu, said he was yet to get such a report. “I have called the DPO of Konshisha local government area, and he told me that he is not aware of such a situation yet. So, I will still call him and get back to the press,” he said. The identity of the mother, the circumstances surrounding the delivery and what led her to the abandonment of the newborn remain unknown as of the time of filing this report.

Japa: FG Plans 20,000 Annual Medical Admissions, Unveils Six Simulation Centres

September 11, 2026August 30, 2026 by admin

The Federal Government has announced plans to establish world-class medical simulation centres across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, while aiming to increase annual admissions into medical schools to 20,000 within the next three years. The move is part of efforts to expand the country’s healthcare workforce and strengthen practical training for medical and other health professional students amid concerns over the migration of Nigerian-trained healthcare workers. The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed this while receiving the report of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund Medical Simulation Committee. This was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Office of the Minister of Education and signed by the Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the minister, Ikharo Attah. Alausa said the proposed centres would provide world-class practical training for medical, dental, nursing, pharmacy and other allied healthcare students. He said, “I would like to thank the members of the committee that has worked so hard and assiduously to get us to this point in which we are now talking about building several simulation centres across the country to provide world-class training for our medical students, dental students, nursing students, pharmacy students and other allied healthcare professionals.” According to the minister, the centres would be established across the six geopolitical zones and would support the Federal Government’s plan to expand Nigeria’s healthcare workforce under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Alausa said the expansion had become necessary following the significant increase in enrolment into health-related programmes. He disclosed that nursing enrolment, which stood at about 38,000 three years ago, had risen to more than 120,000 students across nursing schools in the country. The minister added that annual admission into medical schools had increased from about 5,000 students when Tinubu assumed office to almost 12,000 currently. “Today, I’m happy to report that we’re admitting almost 12,000 students. Our goal in the next three years will be to increase the number of annual medical student enrolment in medical schools to about 20,000,” he said. He added that the number of students admitted into pharmacy and dental schools had also increased. The minister commended the Chairman of the Medical Simulation Committee, Dr Wale Suleiman, and other members for their work in preparing the report and advancing plans for the centres. He said the initiative would help ensure that the increasing number of students entering healthcare professions received adequate practical training. The planned expansion comes against the backdrop of persistent concerns over the migration, popularly known as “Japa,” of Nigerian doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals seeking better remuneration, working conditions and career opportunities abroad. The migration of health workers has raised concerns among professional bodies and health-sector stakeholders about its impact on Nigeria’s already strained healthcare system, particularly shortages of skilled personnel in public hospitals. With the proposed simulation centres, the government is seeking to expand training capacity while improving the quality of practical education for a growing pool of health professional students. Alausa described the development as evidence of the administration’s commitment to improving education and developing the workforce required to meet Nigeria’s future needs. He said, “President Bola is committed to providing the best and the highest quality of education to every child in this country. “We are seeing it, we are seeing the result now. It’s another manifestation of President Bola’s fervent and benevolent belief in the progress and benefit of the future of Nigeria.”

Diphtheria Outbreak: Katsina Teaching Hospital Runs Out of Bed Space

September 11, 2026August 29, 2026 by admin

The ongoing diphtheria outbreak in Katsina State has put the Federal Teaching Hospital Katsina under mounting pressure, as a surge in suspected and confirmed cases overwhelms the facility’s Children’s Ward. The hospital management, in a statement issued on Saturday, said the facility was receiving a large number of patients referred from other health facilities, stretching its available bed capacity beyond its limits. According to the statement, “The ongoing diphtheria outbreak in Katsina State has placed enormous pressure on the Federal Teaching Hospital Katsina (FTH Katsina), particularly the Children’s Ward. “The hospital is receiving an overwhelming number of suspected and confirmed cases, as patients are being referred to the facility in large numbers. The situation has resulted in severe overcrowding, stretching available beds beyond capacity. “Despite these challenges, FTH Katsina is doing everything within its capacity to provide timely and quality care to affected children. The hospital is making necessary arrangements to accommodate and manage the increasing number of patients, even in the absence of sufficient available bed spaces. “Healthcare workers continue to demonstrate commitment and resilience in ensuring that critically ill children receive the care they need while efforts are being made to respond effectively to the increasing patient load.” The management added that necessary arrangements were being made to accommodate and manage the increasing number of patients despite the shortage of available bed spaces. It also commended the resilience and dedication of healthcare workers, who, it said, had continued to provide care to critically ill children amid the growing pressure on the facility. “Healthcare workers continue to demonstrate commitment and resilience in ensuring that critically ill children receive the care they need while efforts are being made to respond effectively to the increasing patient load,” the statement said. The hospital called for stronger coordination among health facilities and other stakeholders involved in the outbreak response, stressing that a concerted effort was needed to effectively manage the increasing patient load and protect affected children. “FTH Katsina remains committed to supporting the response to the outbreak,” the management said, adding that “a coordinated effort among all relevant health facilities and stakeholders is essential to effectively manage the situation and protect the lives of affected children.” The hospital did not disclose the number of diphtheria patients currently admitted or the total number of cases recorded in Katsina State.

Wike never concealed his support for Tinubu, says aide

Gunmen Attack APC Leaders in Kano, Kill One and Kidnap Another Within 72 Hours

Nepal Flood Death Toll Tops 1,000 as Thousands Remain Missing

EFCC Dismisses 40 Staff Over Corruption Allegations — Olukoyede

Military Rescues 15 NYSC Members, Six Others During Kogi Forest Operation

Nigeria Won’t Tolerate Dehumanisation of Its Citizens in South Africa — Shettima

Woman Arrested for Allegedly Smuggling Drugs into Ogun Prison for Death-Row Son

Abandoned Newborn Baby Rescued from Benue Forest

Japa: FG Plans 20,000 Annual Medical Admissions, Unveils Six Simulation Centres

Diphtheria Outbreak: Katsina Teaching Hospital Runs Out of Bed Space

Stay Informed. Stay Ahead

Get the Morning Briefing

LEGAL

SECTIONS