“Declare national emergency on insecurity now” — Maƙarfi urges Tinubu

Aminu Imam
Makarfi urges Tinubu

…Opposes deregistration of political parties Former Kaduna State governor and former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ahmed Maƙarfi, has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately declare a national emergency on insecurity, warning that the worsening security situation across the country requires urgent and coordinated action. Maƙarfi stated this yesterday, during an interaction with newsmen at his Kaduna residence, where he addressed issues including insecurity, the state of Nigeria’s democracy, preparations for the 2027 elections, and the lingering crisis within the PDP. The former governor said the…

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Stock market slumps further, as investors lose ₦9tr in 3 weeks

Aminu Imam
Stock market slumps

Nigerian equities extended their downward trend in June, with investors losing about ₦9 trillion in market value within the first three weeks of the month as bearish sentiment continued to dominate trading activities. Latest data from the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) showed that the All-Share Index (ASI) and market capitalization declined by 3.59% during the week to close at 235,941.27 points and ₦151.327 trillion respectively. The sharp decline translated to a loss of ₦5.69 trillion in market value within a week, effectively wiping out the ₦4.59 trillion gain recorded by the…

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LG Chairman dismisses viral reports of release of kidnapped victims

Aminu Imam
LG Chairman

Contrary to reports circulating on social and conventional media platforms that the kidnapped victims of Oorelope LGA has been released by their captors after Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as ‘Sunday Igboho’ issued a 2-hour ultimatum to the kidnappers, the Oorelope LG chairman, Hon. Ogundiran Jacob Oluwale has dismissed such claims, describing the information as false and misleading”. In a statement issued yesterday, Executive Chairman of the council, Hon. Ogundiran Jacob Oluwale, said the abducted victims were still in captivity and urged residents to regard such cailms as unverified reports” The…

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Okpebholo, Soludo challenge Fulani kidnapping narrative

Aminu Imam
Okpebholo, Soludo

…Say local collaborators drive crime in Edo, Anambra Governors of Edo and Anambra states, Senator Monday Okpebholo and Chukwuma Soludo, have challenged the widespread perception that Fulani herders are primarily responsible for kidnappings and violent crimes in their states, insisting that many of those involved are local actors working within organized criminal networks. Speaking recently at the 2026 Ministers’ Conference organised by the Edo State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Benin City, Okpebholo said criminal activities in Edo are often carried out with the support of…

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‘279 kidnapped across Nigeria in May’ – Report

Aminu Imam
Mabushi bus terminal

No fewer than 279 persons were kidnapped across Nigeria in May 2026, even as the country recorded 156 violent incidents that resulted in 842 deaths. The figure, contained in new data from Nextier’s Nigeria Violent Conflicts Database, according to a statement yesterday, indicate a rise in insecurity, with violent incidents “by 51.5%, casualties increasing by 90.1 percent, and kidnap victims climbing by 19.7% compared to May 2025”. The data comes amid growing concerns that Nigeria’s peacebuilding efforts are not yielding measurable results despite significant investments by governments and development partners.…

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FCT orders closure of Utako, Banex motor parks

Aminu Imam
Mabushi bus terminal

…As Mabushi bus terminal begins operations The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has announced the commencement of operations at the newly constructed Mabushi Bus Terminal, directing the relocation of all ad hoc motor parks in the Utako and Banex areas to the new facility. In a public service announcement issued at the weekend, the FCTA said the terminal, managed by Planet Project Ltd, is now fully operational and will serve as the designated transport hub for affected operators. According to the statement, formal quit notices have already been served on…

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“My actual wealth may exceed $38bn estimate” – Ɗangote 

Aminu Imam
Dangote on his wealth

Africa’s richest man, Aliko Ɗangote, has suggested that his actual wealth may be significantly higher than estimates by global wealth trackers, citing the fact that many of his major business interests are not publicly listed. Ɗangote made the remarks during a street interview with James Dumoulin, of School of Hard Knocks, where he discussed his business empire, personal wealth and legacy. Responding to a question about the highest amount of money he had made in a year, the billionaire industrialist said his companies generated approximately $10 billion in the first…

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“North has become a land of the living dead” – Mahdi Shehu

Aminu Imam
Mahdi Shehu on North

…Laments insecurity, leadership failure Prominent public affairs commentator, Mahdi Shehu, has delivered a scathing assessment of the state of Northern Nigeria, describing the region as a “land of the living dead” overwhelmed by insecurity, fear, poverty and a deepening leadership crisis. Shehu made the remarks on Saturday, through a post on his official 𝕏 account, where he expressed concern over what he called the gradual collapse of social consciousness and collective resilience among the people of the region. According to him, millions of residents are physically alive but have become…

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“Insecurity threatens 2026 planting season” – AFAN wans

Aminu Imam
AFAN wans on insecurity

…Says over 200 Kaduna farmers kidnapped Rising insecurity across Nigeria’s farming communities is disrupting the 2026 planting season, with farmers abandoning farmlands over fears of attacks, kidnappings and banditry. Reports indicate that violence has intensified in key agricultural states, including Benue, Plateau, Niger, Kogi and parts of the North-West, forcing many farmers to flee. The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has warned that up to 35 million Nigerians could face severe food insecurity if agricultural disruptions continue. Vice-President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Daniel Okafor, said farmers…

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Nigeria’s forex reserves hit $51.04bn

Aminu Imam
Nigeria's forex reserves

…Highest level since 2009 Nigeria’s external reserves have climbed to $51.04 billion, reaching their strongest level in nearly 17 years amid sustained foreign exchange inflows and improving conditions in the foreign exchange (forex) market. Data obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) showed that the country’s gross external reserves stood at $51.04 billion as of June 18, 2026. The figure represents the highest reserve level recorded since January 20, 2009, when reserves were approximately $51.07 billion. The latest development highlights the continued strengthening of Nigeria’s external position, following notable…

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