Category: News

News

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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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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B’Haram commanders linked to Oyo school abduction

Aminu Imam
Oyo school abduction

…As rescue mission claims 3 soldiers Security sources have identified two senior Boko Haram commanders, as key figures behind the abduction of pupils and teachers from three schools in Oriire LGS of Oyo state, while ongoing rescue operations have reportedly claimed the lives of three soldiers. Recall that the victims were kidnapped on May 15 from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; L.A. Primary School; and Community Grammar School, Esiele. At least 42 pupils and staff, including a principal, were taken. One of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was killed…

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PDP leadership crisis deepens, as court fixes date in suit against INEC

Aminu Imam
PDP leadership crisis deepens

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, presided over by Justice Salim Ibrahim, has fixed June 30, 2026, for the hearing of preliminary issues in a suit filed by the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), seeking to fast-track the recognition of the Party’s Interim National Working Committee (INWC). The suit seeks an order compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize the INWC as the legitimate leadership of the PDP. The action was instituted by the Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, Senator…

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‘Unregulated foreign influence in media contributing to insecurity’ – NUJ

Aminu Imam
NUJ on insecurity

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has raised concerns that unchecked access by foreign entities to Nigeria’s media landscape is emerging as a factor exacerbating the country’s security challenges. Speaking on Friday in Abuja during the second day of the National Security Summit jointly organised by the NUJ and the Department of State Services (DSS), the union’s National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya-Abdullahi, called for greater oversight of foreign participation in the media sector. The summit, themed: ‘Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building’, brought together journalists, security experts…

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“Tinubu may lead Nigeria to war path if 2027 is rigged” – Dino Melaye 

Aminu Imam
Dino Melaye on Asiwaju

Former Kogi-West Senator, Dino Melaye, has warned that Nigeria could face serious political unrest if the 2027 presidential election is manipulated in favour of President Bola Tinubu. In a video shared on his Facebook page yesterday, Melaye alleged that any attempt to rig the next general election would be met with “vehement resistance” from the opposition, insisting that Nigerians would not accept an imposed leadership. He also referenced Indonesia’s history of mass resistance, suggesting similar public action could occur in Nigeria if democratic principles are undermined.  Melaye, however, did not…

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