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Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force Northwest, Operation Fsansan Yamma (OPFY), have rescued 23 kidnapped civilians and arrested four suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group in various operations across Sokoto State.

The troops also foiled attempts by terrorists to attack communities and recovered six cows suspected to have been rustled, according to a statement by the Media Information Officer of the JTF Northwest, Lt.-Col. Aliyu Danja.

Danja said the troops responded to a terrorist attack on Sabon Gari in Wurno Local Government Area on Sunday, after the assailants invaded the community and opened fire, forcing residents to flee.

He said the troops engaged the terrorists and forced them to withdraw from the area, while six kidnapped victims were rescued.

According to him, a civilian who sustained a gunshot wound during the attack, was evacuated to a medical facility for treatment.

In another operation the same day, the troops responded to intelligence that terrorists were attempting to cross the Sabon Birni-Takatsaba Road around Chabe Biyu in Sabon Birni Local Government Area.

Danja said the troops ambushed the terrorists’ suspected axis before engaging them. He said the terrorists fled in disarray.

Also on the same day, troops responded to a distress call over terrorist activities on Isa-Kwanar Isa-Shinkafi Road in Isa Local Government Area.

The troops made contact with the terrorists and engaged them, forcing them to withdraw, after which the area was searched and 17 kidnapped civilians were rescued.

‘One of the rescued victims, who sustained a fracture, was immediately evacuated to the General Hospital, Isa, for medical attention,’ the statement said.

Also, troops acting on intelligence arrested four suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group in Illela Local Government Area.

Danja said the suspects were allegedly moving a herd of rustled cattle from Sarma village towards Illela when troops established a snap checkpoint along their suspected route.

‘Four suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group were arrested and six cows recovered,’ he said.

He added that the suspects and recovered livestock were in military custody for further investigation, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the group.

The JTF spokesman said the latest operations demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-driven and proactive operations by Sector 2 troops in disrupting terrorist activities and rescuing kidnapped civilians.

He added that the troops remained committed to sustaining pressure on terrorist elements and protecting communities across their area of responsibility.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said President Bola Tinubu’s reforms in the aviation sector have reduced airfares and attracted new airlines and aircraft to the Nigerian market.

He added that the reforms have also opened new routes and increased competition.

The minister spoke in Abuja on Tuesday at the 35th Airports Council International (ACI) Africa Annual General Assembly, the 76th Board and Committee Meetings, and the Regional Conference and Exhibition.

He said implementing the Cape Town Convention and efforts to attract foreign investment and aircraft were designed to address aviation sector challenges and provide long-term solutions.

Keyamo said, ‘We have created healthy competition among the airlines because they now have access to aircraft and the impact of the reforms is felt across the sector.’

He said the rehabilitation and expansion of airport infrastructure was another visible area of progress, citing the ongoing work at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Terminal 1 in Lagos as a major intervention.

He also pointed to improvements in runways and other airport infrastructure across the country, saying the Federal Government was committed to upgrading aviation infrastructure and positioning Nigeria as a major aviation hub.

The minister said Nigeria’s safety performance has also improved, noting that the country recorded an effective implementation score of 91.45 per cent following the 2026 International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) validation mission.

He described the result as Nigeria’s highest-ever score, but said it should be regarded as a new baseline rather than the destination for the country’s aviation sector.

Beyond Nigeria’s gains, the minister said the next major challenge for African aviation was improving connectivity across the continent.

He said it should not be easier for passengers to travel from an African city to a destination outside the continent than to travel between two African countries.

‘Africa needs stronger intra-African connectivity, commercially viable airports, appropriate regulatory frameworks, and closer cooperation among governments, airlines, airport operators and other stakeholders.’

Keyamo called for African countries to reduce protectionist policies, arguing that greater cooperation was necessary to unlock the benefits of regional integration.

He cited the European single-sky model as an example of how countries could work together for broader regional benefit, saying African countries needed to learn from such arrangements.

According to him, the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) provide important frameworks for improving connectivity and economic integration.

He said the AfCFTA could not realise its full potential without effective transport links across the continent.

The minister said the African Development Bank and other development institutions recognise aviation’s importance to the continent’s economic development and are supporting programmes to improve connectivity.

He cited the establishment of direct air links between Abuja and Yaoundé as an example of progress, noting that passengers previously had to connect through other countries to make the journey.

He said several applications for new routes were before the ministry, adding that Africa was gradually becoming more connected as demand for air transport increased.

He urged African countries to focus on building infrastructure, strengthening policies and developing institutional capacity to convert the continent’s aviation potential into sustainable economic value.

According to him, airports must also evolve beyond facilities for aircraft operations and become economic ecosystems that support tourism, logistics, trade, investment and employment.

He said the future of African aviation would depend on airports and governments improving safety, efficiency, technology, passenger experience and resilience while strengthening connections across the continent.

The Board Chairman of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Abdullahi Ganduje, said air links across Africa require collective action by governments, airlines and other stakeholders.

He said the conference would give leaders the opportunity to examine the facilities and technologies needed to make travel across the continent more direct and efficient.

Nigeria’s U17 Girls, the Flamingos, continued their impressive run at the 2026 WAFU B U17 Girls Cup with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Burkina Faso U17 at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro on Monday.

In a tightly-contested first half, both sides failed to break the deadlock despite creating promising openings. The Flamingos, runners-up of the inaugural edition of the tournament staged in Ghana two years ago, dominated possession and pressed high but were unable to convert their chances, as the Burkinabe defence remained resolute.

The half ended goalless, with Nigeria pushing for an opener but meeting stiff resistance. The second half saw Nigeria increase the intensity as they searched for the breakthrough. The introduction of fresh attacking impetus and sustained pressure in the final third eventually paid off, as the Flamingos kept Burkina Faso pinned back in their own half and forced several set-piece opportunities.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 82nd minute when Mary Dunstan found the back of the net with a well-taken finish. The goal sparked celebrations on the Nigerian bench and shifted the momentum firmly in favour of the Flamingos. Nigeria doubled their advantage deep into stoppage time when Oluwakemi Adegbuyi struck in added time of the second period to seal the victory and put the result beyond doubt.

Her late goal ensured the Flamingos secured maximum points and underlined their attacking depth in crucial moments of the game. With the 2-0 win, the Flamingos remain top of the table with a perfect nine points from three games, continuing their unbeaten run in the competition.

The result further strengthens their position as favourites for the trophy, as they now turn attention to their next fixture with confidence and momentum.

The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), in collaboration with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Olympic Solidarity, will host a two-day Good Governance Seminar for presidents of National Sports Federations in Abuja from Sept. 28 to Sept. 29.

The capacity-building workshop will hold at the Starview Palace Hotel in Gwarinpa, Abuja, and will bring together leaders from across Nigeria’s sporting sector.

The seminar aims to enhance leadership capabilities, improve administrative efficiency, and align Nigerian sports management with international governance standards established by the Olympic Movement.

Topics on the agenda include sports architecture, core governance principles, executive roles and responsibilities, anti-corruption strategies, and effective organizational management.

‘This seminar provides a vital platform for federation leaders to address ongoing administrative challenges and collaborate on practical solutions to strengthen sports delivery nationwide,’ said NOC Secretary-General Babatunde Popoola.

To ensure high-level delivery, the IOC has designated Dr. Donald Rukare-President of Commonwealth Sport and a MEMOS sports governance instructor-to facilitate the sessions.

NOC President Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to continuous executive education as a pillar for sustainable athletic development in Nigeria.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, is scheduled to deliver the opening address and officially launch the event.

Entrepreneur and mother of Davido’s first child, Sophia Momodu, has recounted the backlash she faced after getting pregnant out of wedlock.

Momodu spoke during a side panel at the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, in a video shared on her Instagram Story on Tuesday.

The businesswoman, who is a pastor’s daughter, said the experience was heavily stigmatised, especially in Nigerian society.

‘This is my life story. I am a pastor’s daughter who got pregnant out of wedlock by a global superstar. And I was mocked. It was crazy. And I had to find my strength in the midst of all of that,’ she said.

‘And for the longest time, I didn’t have a voice. I was famous, I was popular, but I didn’t have a voice. It kept getting drowned out by whatever negativity was around that story.

‘If you’re Nigerian and you’re here, you know that it’s almost a taboo to be a pastor’s daughter and have a child out of wedlock.’

Momodu said she only found the courage to speak publicly after hearing other women share similar stories, which gave her a platform to own her narrative.

‘So, I needed that story to be truly understood, and I’m so grateful for Stephanie because her story gave me that platform,’ she added.

She revealed that she was once told to remain silent about her experience.

‘And then, an aunt called me one day and said a friend of hers had called her to talk to me to please keep quiet, because this is not a topic that we are allowed to talk about as Black women,’ she said.

According to her, speaking at various forums, including radio stations in South Africa, made her realise she was not alone.

‘It was just amazing to see that I was not alone. There were so many women that came to me and said, ‘Listen, it happened to me too.’

‘I’m grateful for the platform, I’m grateful to be able to tell my story, and because of people like Stephanie and these amazing women on this panel, I don’t think I would ever stop telling my story,’ Momodu added.

Momodu and Afrobeats star Davido, whose real name is David Adeleke, welcomed their daughter, Imade Adeleke, on May 14, 2015.

Though they had an on-and-off relationship that ended, they never married.

Their co-parenting journey has been marked by public disputes over financial support and access to their child.

In April 2024, Davido filed a suit at the Lagos State High Court seeking joint custody and unrestricted access to Imade.

Momodu opposed the application, stating she had never denied him access.

Momodu, born in 1987, is the founder of the Precious Jewels Foundation and also runs a fashion and beauty brand.

She previously featured on The Real Housewives of Lagos.

Her appearance at the UNGA 81 side events is part of her advocacy work for vulnerable women and children.

The 70th birthday and retirement ceremony of former Foreign Editor of The Guardian, Femi Solomon Omowumi, have been scheduled for Sunday, at White Hall Event Place, Ipakodo, Ikorodu, Lagos.

Omowumi, who is retiring as the General Secretary of Gospel Faith Mission International (GOFAMINT), also served as Media Officer at the United States Information Service, in Lagos.

The celebration will feature the launch of his biography, ‘Lifted By Favour.’

Some notable dignitaries expected at the event include the Chief Executive Officer, Supra Capital Limited, a financial and investment company, Dr. J. J. Udofa; Vice President/Deputy Editor-in-Chief, TELL Magazine, Dele Omotunde; and incoming General Secretary of the GOFAMINT, Pastor Dr. Femi Odeyemi.

Diplomats, members of the clergy, and media professionals are also expected to grace the occasion.

Nigeria moved a step closer to qualification for the 2027 IHF Men’s Under-19 Handball World Championship after defeating hosts Côte d’Ivoire 31-26 in their 5th -8th placement match at the Africa Men’s Youth Handball Championship in Abidjan yesterday.

Coach Abdulhakim Yakubu’s side led 13-11 at half-time before producing a composed second-half performance to seal a five-goal victory.

Simon Abaaka was named Most Valuable Player following an impressive performance for Nigeria.

The victory means Nigeria will face the winner of the Cameroon-Rwanda classification encounter in their final placement match.

Victory in that game would secure fifth position for Nigeria and, crucially, a ticket to the 2027 IHF Men’s U19 World Championship.

Nigeria are therefore just one win away from completing their qualification mission.

Prominent leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ankpa/Omala/Olamaboro Federal Constituency of Kogi State have commenced mobilisation for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

They made their position known at a town hall meeting held at the Atiele Oma Idoko Hall, behind Ankpa Township Stadium, at the weekend.

The event, organised by Win With Tinubu (WWT), a grassroots mobilisation group in Kogi State, brought together political stakeholders, traditional rulers, community leaders, professionals, women, youths and grassroots supporters.

The Chief Media Strategist of WWT in Kogi State, Musa Bakare, said in a statement that the meeting was organised to mobilise support for the continuity of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda beyond 2027.

Bakare said the administration had embarked on economic reforms and programmes covering infrastructure, education, agriculture and healthcare.

He said participants at the meeting resolved to take the Renewed Hope message to the grassroots and support efforts to sustain the administration beyond 2027.

According to him, the significance of the meeting extended beyond the federal constituency, as political discussions ahead of the 2027 elections were increasingly reaching communities across the state.

He said the gathering provided an opportunity for grassroots engagement, political enlightenment and discussions on the administration’s policies and programmes.

‘WWT has taken the campaign for continuity directly to the people, rather than leaving the conversation to political offices or social media platforms. Its Ankpa meeting was part of the wider grassroots mobilisation for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.

‘WWT described the engagement as an opportunity to explain the Renewed Hope Agenda, listen to citizens and build support for continuity. The WWT entourage commenced its movement from the Palace of the Onu Ankpa to the palace of the Paramount Ruler, the ?j? Ankpa, Alhaji Abubakar Ahmed Yakubu.

‘Leading the WWT team was the State programme Coordinator, Hon. Sanni Phillips, accompanied by Rtd. AIG Yaro Abutu; Programme Director, Security and Intelligence, Hon. Hassan Omale; former Member of the House of Representatives, Dr. Kashim Akor, the Waali of Igalaland and Director, Planning and Strategy, WWT; Pastor Stanley Ajileye, Programme Secretary; Mrs. Omoladun Baiye, Director, Strategic Communications, WWT Kogi State; and other stakeholders and supporters.

‘The traditional reception underscored an important reality: sustainable development cannot be discussed effectively without listening to the communities themselves and recognising the important role traditional institutions continue to play in grassroots society. At the heart of the WWT message was a simple political proposition: Nigeria must not abandon reforms and development programmes halfway.

‘Governments formulate policies, initiate reforms and commence projects. Some require years of sustained implementation before their full benefits become visible. For WWT, this is the central reason President Tinubu should receive another four-year mandate in 2027. Their argument is not merely about extending a political tenure. It is about continuing a direction of governance that deserves time to mature.

‘Roads need to be completed. Economic reforms need to consolidate. Educational investments need to produce results. Agricultural programmes need to expand. Student financing needs to reach more beneficiaries. Infrastructure projects need to be delivered. And communities need to continue seeing tangible evidence of government intervention.

‘The WWT message is therefore uncompromising: let the work continue. The case for continuity becomes particularly significant when discussed against the background of projects documented in Kogi East Senatorial District and elsewhere in Kogi State.

‘These projects are important because development is ultimately measured not merely by speeches but by what people can see, touch and use. A road connecting communities is development. A drainage system protecting homes and businesses is development. A school that expands educational opportunities is development. A health facility closer to rural communities is development.

‘A programme that creates economic opportunity is development. This is the language that grassroots politics must speak. Another powerful sentiment at the Ankpa engagement was the familiar principle: ‘One good turn deserves another.

‘For WWT, the answer is already established: Renew the mandate. Consolidate the reforms. Complete the projects. Expand the gains. Keep Nigeria moving forward. The 2027 election will inevitably generate competing political arguments. But WWT is presenting a particularly straightforward proposition to the people of Kogi: Why stop a journey when the destination has not yet been reached?

‘The Tinubu administration came into office in 2023 and embarked on major economic reforms while also pursuing infrastructure, education, agriculture, health and other programmes. WWT’s position is that the reforms should be given continuity so that their longer-term effects can be consolidated.

‘President Bola Ahmed Tinubu deserves another opportunity to consolidate the Renewed Hope Agenda. The significance of the Ankpa Town Hall goes beyond one constituency. It demonstrates that the 2027 political conversation is moving deeper into the communities’. have commenced mobilisation for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.