Category: Daily Trust

Sokoto State Government has approved the purchase of 1,000 Bajaj motorcycles at the cost of N1,759,250,000 for distribution to security agencies in the state as part of efforts to strengthen the fight against banditry.

This was part of the resolutions reached at the 6th regular meeting of the State Executive Council for the year 2026.

The purchase of the 1,000 motorcycles is intended to complement the recent procurement of 62 armoured vehicles worth N27 billion by the state government, which were distributed to security agencies to enhance security operations in areas affected by banditry.

The Council also approved the sum of N723,171,671.23 for the renovation of Government Technical College, Runjin Sambo.

Other projects approved by the Council include the rehabilitation of A.A. Raji Special School at the cost of N498,995,000; renovation of Phase I of the College of Nursing Sciences at the cost of N489,319,380; and renovation of the male and female hostels at the College of Basic and Remedial Studies at the cost of N229,363,455.

Also approved were the renovation of staff quarters and upgrading of the perimeter fence at the College of Agriculture and Animal Science, Wurno, at the cost of N174,642,000; construction of a perimeter fence at Wamakko Primary Health Centre at the cost of N133,665,861.32; procurement of vocational learning equipment for 46 women’s vocational centres across the 23 local government areas of the state at the cost of N93,880,000; and the purchase of PVC pipes and plumbing fittings for the maintenance of 142 semi-urban water supply schemes across the 23 local government areas at the cost of N90,208,410.

The 6th regular State Executive Council meeting for the year 2026, chaired by the Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, Idris Muhammad Gobir, lasted for about two hours.

In a statement made available to journalists from Dar es Salam, Tanzania, Onoh dismissed Pretoria’s demand as an ‘illegal levy’, arguing that Nigeria, as a sovereign nation, could not be compelled to accept what he described as an internally incurred South African government expenditure.

His reaction followed reports that South Africa had written to Nigeria, Malawi and Ethiopia seeking reimbursement for expenses incurred in accommodating, transporting and repatriating tens of thousands of foreign nationals amid the country’s recent immigration crackdown and wave of anti-immigrant tensions.

South African authorities said the expenditure covered transportation, temporary repatriation centres, accommodation and staff overtime. The country’s Home Affairs Department described the costs as unforeseen and unavoidable.

But Onoh said Nigeria will not pay a single cent of the R292 million ($18.5 million) repatriation bill imposed by South Africa.

‘As an independent sovereign nation, and that Nigeria firmly rejects this illegal levy, which directly violates international law, the principles of continental solidarity, and the fundamental rights of African citizens,’ Onoh rejected.

He rather demanded for Xenophobic Property Indemnification by South Africa.

In a strong worded statement, Onoh said that Nigeria rejects the Illegal Bill Under International Law, adding that Nigeria formally returns South Africa’s invoice without consideration.

He stated that under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the protection and human rights of migrants are the binding responsibility of the host nation.

Onoh said that South Africa cannot weaponise its self-induced budgetary deficits to penalise sovereign nations for a ‘voluntary return’ crisis its own state institutions failed to contain.

He stated that the R292 million spent by Pretoria’s Home Affairs Department was an internal operational cost of South Africa, not a debt collection item for foreign embassies.

Onoh said that South Africa’s request completely ignored the severe, humongous financial losses due to Xenophobic looting,

uncompensated financial damages inflicted upon Nigerian investors and traders.

‘Due to the state’s failure to deter hostile anti-immigrant groups like Operation Dudula, African migrants have faced immense economic losses and South African government displays the what he termed ‘Xenophobic financial diplomatic audacity’ aimed at fracturing further diplomatic relations with other African nations including Nigeria.’

Onoh said that hundreds of foreign-owned small businesses, manufacturing equipment, personal vehicles, and real estate assets were systematically looted, vandalised, or entirely burned down.

He reminded the south African government that major commercial entities and skilled African professionals were forced to permanently abandon their homes, stock, and long-term investments under active threat of violence while their government turned a blind eye to the atrocities.

He said that Nigeria is launching broad diplomatic consultations with the governments of Malawi, Ethiopia, and affected victims. Following this comprehensive audit, and if pushed to the wall, Nigeria will forward a multi-billion rand counter-demand for financial compensation to the South African government to cover the totality of these looted private fortunes.

Onoh said Pretoria must stop using African migrants as political scapegoats to divert attention from its domestic security and economic failures. Resorting to aggressive deportation bills and targeting regional allies undermines the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework and isolates South Africa from the rest of the continent. Continuing down this hostile path will carry direct diplomatic and economic consequences for South Africa’s regional standing.

He warned pretoria that If South Africa chooses to reduce historical diplomacy to transactional accounting, Nigeria will gladly present its own historical invoice.

‘Nigeria spent over $61 billion which does not represent a single direct cash payment. Instead, it is a cumulative estimate spanning the years 1960 to 1994 and this massive financial, military, and diplomatic fortunes over decades to bankroll the anti-apartheid liberation struggle, providing safe havens and civil resources to South Africans when they needed them most. If a refund is what Pretoria seeks, South Africa must deduct this repatriation bill from its massive, outstanding historical indebtedness to Nigeria,’ Onoh said

In conclusion, Onoh said that Nigeria will explore all valid international and multilateral channels to ensure South Africa fully reconciles its broader historical obligations, protects remaining migrants, and pays the remaining balance of the multi-billion dollar liberation debt it owes to the Nigerian people if they so decide on following their current path of xenophobic diplomatic tactics.

Daily Trust had reported how the newborn was stolen in the early hours of Tuesday after a woman disguised as a nurse took the baby from his mother for alleged further care following his delivery.

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) DSP Peter Aondongu, however disclosed on Thursday, that the baby has been recovered and promptly reunited with the mother at Police ‘A’ Division in Gboko.

Aondongu also said the police have also arrested several suspects in connection with the incident, with some of them being detained in Gboko while others are being held at the state Police Command headquarters in Makurdi.

He explained that the exact number of suspects arrested was, however, not yet known until more details are received from the police division in Gboko.

The PPRO said he would provide further details on the arrests and investigation later.

Meanwhile, residents of Gboko alleged that the baby was recovered on Wednesday night following a police operation that led to the arrest of a suspected child trafficker at Adekaa area of Gboko.

Residents said the suspect was tracked to the area through intelligence after allegedly travelling on a motorcycle from Tarka LGA, adding that the recovery of the baby would assist investigators to unravel the circumstances surrounding the alleged theft and whether the suspects are linked to other cases of missing children in the area.

Ndume, a former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, said the current envelope budgeting system had created unnecessary bottlenecks between the defence and finance ministries, hampering the effective operations of troops fighting terrorism and banditry.

He made the call, in a statement, while commending President Tinubu for approving salary increases of between 30 and 80 per cent for certain categories of military personnel, effective next month.

The salary review, which will affect about 250,000 personnel, was a welcome development that would boost the morale of the Armed Forces, Ndume said.

He said the salary increase, coming after the recent expansion of military divisions from eight to 12, showed that the president had a blueprint for tackling insecurity.

‘The review of salary will go a long way in motivating our military personnel. I have been in the vanguard of better motivation for our men and officers in the military in terms of decent living wage,’ he said.

Ndume, however, said improved welfare must be accompanied by the prompt provision of arms, ammunition and other logistics required by troops.

‘I also want to urge Mr President to keep up his pledge on the provision of weapons and technological tools required by the Armed Forces to effectively discharge their duties,’ he said.

He said placing the military budget on First-Line Charge would ensure timely access to funds and eliminate delays caused by the existing system.

‘All these can be achieved seamlessly if we put their annual budget on First-Line Charge. This envelope budgeting is trapped in unnecessary bureaucracy between the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Finance. It is a big encumbrance to the effective operations of our men and officers in the war theatre,’ he said.

Ndume urged Tinubu to introduce direct statutory funding for the military from the Federation Account, similar to arrangements for some government agencies.

He said such a measure would strengthen the military’s capacity to respond promptly to security threats across the country.

The Nasarawa State governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and state chairman of the party, Danlami Mohammed Musa, has denied the existence of any agreement to step down for the former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu Abubakar, or any other politician.

Musa spoke during an interview amid ongoing speculation that the thousands of the former IGP’s supporters who recently defected to the SDP could lead to a substitution of the party’s candidacy. When asked if there was any arrangement with the ex-IGP, Musa replied: ‘What agreement? There is no agreement between me and him.’

Addressing whether he would consider stepping down should the need arise, he stated: ‘Everything is in God’s hands. If a reason comes up, we will talk.’

He, however, affirmed that he remains the party’s authentic candidate in the state.

‘Even during the primaries, I had no intention of running; the law gave me the candidate position… that’s why in the primaries, I was declared the candidate. I am the candidate of the party now,’ Musa said. ‘If anything changes or moves forward, it falls under substitution. But there is no such talk right now for anyone.’ Musa further maintained that the SDP in Nasarawa State is peaceful and free from internal crisis.

‘My party, we have no issues. Everything is peaceful, and yes, everything is going well,’ he added.

The former IGP, Mohammed Adamu Abubakar, left the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) over primary controversy, and his supporters recently defected enmasse to the SDP, fueling widespread speculation regarding a potential candidacy substitution ahead of the elections.

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has called for increased investment in rail, storage and other logistics infrastructure to improve petroleum product distribution, reduce transportation costs and strengthen Nigeria’s refining sector.

Opeifa made the call as a panellist at the West African Refined Fuel Market (WARFM) 2026 Conference in Abuja, during a session on ‘Investment Opportunities in African Refining, Storage, Pipeline and Logistics.’

The conference was organised by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) in collaboration with S and P Global Commodity Insights and the West Africa Regulators Forum.

According to Opeifa, refining petroleum products without adequate infrastructure to distribute them creates a major challenge for the economy.

‘When products are refined and they are not distributed, it becomes a very big issue,’ he said.

Drawing from his experience in the regulatory, logistics and management sectors of the Nigerian economy, Opeifa said one of the country’s major challenges remained the mobility and distribution of products.

He said Nigeria must therefore adopt a holistic approach to addressing challenges in storage, pipelines and transportation, with road and rail playing complementary roles.

According to him, building refineries without corresponding investments in pipelines, rail links and storage facilities would continue to create bottlenecks in the movement of petroleum products from production centres to markets.

Opeifa said the railway should not be viewed only as a means of passenger transportation, but as strategic economic infrastructure capable of moving large volumes of petroleum products and other commodities over long distances.

He noted that shifting more bulk cargo from road to rail would reduce logistics costs, ease pressure on highways, improve road safety and strengthen supply-chain efficiency.

The NRC boss identified investment opportunities in petroleum tank wagons, ship-to-rail transfer facilities, refinery-to-rail infrastructure, inland petroleum storage hubs, rail terminals, maintenance facilities and digital freight systems.

He also said existing railway corridors could be rehabilitated and commercially optimised through private-sector participation, including Public-Private Partnerships, concessions, joint ventures and track-access arrangements.

Recalling the damage caused by flooding in Mokwa, Niger State, Opeifa said the NRC management was working to overcome the setback and restore the affected route to a sustainable operational condition.

He added that provisions had been made in the 2026 budget to improve rail connectivity to major ports across the country.

According to him, beyond the existing rail connection to Lagos ports through the narrow and standard gauge networks, there are plans to extend rail connectivity to Tin Can Island Port.

He said the Port Harcourt railway station would also be linked to Onne Port, while the rail track from Aba would be extended to Enugu in the first instance and subsequently towards Maiduguri.

Giving an update on ongoing standard gauge projects, Opeifa said the Abuja-Kaduna railway had been completed, while the Kaduna-Kano section was expected to be ready by the end of 2026.

He added that the Kano-Maradi rail project, extending towards Niger Republic, was expected to be completed in 2027.

Opeifa advocated an integrated ship-pipeline-rail-road distribution system in which the various modes of transportation complement one another rather than compete.

He said improved rail connectivity between refineries, ports, storage facilities and regional markets would strengthen Nigeria’s position as a major energy supply hub in West Africa and support trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

The NRC Managing Director stressed that efficient logistics infrastructure was essential to achieving competitive petroleum pricing, noting that high transportation costs ultimately affect the price paid by consumers.

He said Nigeria’s investment opportunity lies not only in expanding refining capacity, but also in building the infrastructure required to move petroleum products efficiently, affordably and reliably to markets.

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) and the Department of State Services (DSS), FCT Command, have strengthened collaboration with host communities along the Abuja-Kaduna Train Service (AKTS) corridor as part of renewed efforts to curb vandalism, stone-throwing and other security threats affecting railway operations.

The stakeholders, at a security meeting involving NRC management, DSS officials and traditional rulers from communities along the corridor, agreed that protecting railway infrastructure must be treated as a shared responsibility involving government agencies, security personnel and residents of host communities.

The meeting, presided over by the Deputy Director, DSS FCT Command, Prince Abdulrasheed Dopemu, brought together village heads and representatives from Garam, Kuchiko, Gami, Ajigaram and other communities along the railway corridor.

Speaking at the meeting, the Manager of the Abuja-Kaduna Train Service, Mr. Mohammed Modibo, said the engagement became necessary following growing concerns over activities capable of undermining the safety of passengers and railway operations.

He identified some of the challenges as vandalism of railway infrastructure, theft of rail components, removal of track ballast stones, throwing of stones at moving trains and the placement of heavy objects on railway tracks.

According to him, the Abuja-Kaduna railway corridor serves passengers beyond Abuja and Kaduna, including commuters from more than 10 states, making its safety and continued operation important to a large number of Nigerians.

Modibo said the meeting was therefore convened to strengthen cooperation between the NRC, security agencies and communities along the corridor in developing sustainable solutions to the challenges.

He also conveyed the greetings of the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, to the DSS leadership and traditional rulers, thanking them for honouring the invitation and supporting efforts to safeguard the railway corridor.

In his remarks, Dopemu said security measures deployed along the railway corridor could not achieve the desired results without the active participation and cooperation of host communities.

He stressed the important role of traditional rulers in maintaining peace and security within their domains, urging them to remain vigilant and ensure that criminal elements do not find refuge within their communities.

The DSS Deputy Director noted that the Federal Government had invested billions of naira in railway infrastructure for the benefit of Nigerians and said protecting such facilities should not be left to the NRC and security agencies alone.

He urged community leaders and residents to promptly report suspicious movements and activities that could threaten railway infrastructure or passenger safety.

Dopemu particularly warned against vandalism, removal of railway components, placing objects on the tracks and throwing stones at moving trains, describing the acts as serious threats to public safety.

He said such activities could cause accidents, injuries, disruption of train services and loss of lives, warning that persons found culpable would face the full weight of the law.

He further urged traditional rulers to sensitise parents, youths and other residents to the dangers and legal consequences of interfering with railway infrastructure, stressing that offenders should not be excused simply because of their age.

The DSS official also called on host communities to take greater ownership of the protection of railway assets in their areas and cooperate with security agencies in identifying persons involved in acts of sabotage.

Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, the Village Head of Garam, Mr. Philip Sabo, commended the NRC and DSS for initiating the engagement.

Sabo assured the meeting that traditional rulers would intensify sensitisation within their communities and establish local committees to discourage vandalism and support the protection of railway infrastructure.

Also speaking, the Village Head of Kuchiko Community, Mr. Samuel Danlami, identified the activities of scrap metal dealers, popularly known as ‘pantakers’, as one of the factors encouraging the theft of railway materials.

He said vandals would be discouraged if there were no ready buyers for stolen railway components and called for stronger action against persons involved in the illegal scrap metal trade.

Danlami also proposed that the NRC consider engaging qualified persons from host communities in railway security arrangements through recognised traditional authorities, saying such a move could deepen community participation and intelligence gathering.

Responding, the AKTS Operations Manager, Mr. Abdulazeez Mohammed, said the proposal for greater involvement of members of host communities was already receiving consideration.

He added that measures introduced by the Corporation and security agencies had resulted in the arrest of some scrap metal dealers allegedly involved in purchasing stolen railway materials.

At the end of the meeting, the stakeholders resolved that village heads would establish community-based committees to support railway security and intensify public sensitisation against vandalism and other unlawful activities around the tracks.

Residents were also encouraged to promptly report suspicious activities to the DSS, NRC and other relevant security agencies, while the Corporation pledged to sustain collaboration with security agencies in arresting and prosecuting offenders.

The meeting also recommended the installation of warning signposts carrying messages such as ‘No Trespassing on Railway Tracks’ at strategic locations along the corridor.

Dopemu said similar stakeholder meetings would be held regularly to review emerging security challenges and strengthen cooperation among the NRC, security agencies and host communities.

The meeting ended with a renewed commitment by the NRC, DSS and traditional rulers to work collectively to safeguard the Abuja-Kaduna railway corridor, protect passengers and preserve critical railway infrastructure.

Ten-time African champions, the Super Falcons of Nigeria, are determined to make the most of a second opportunity to reach next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup finals when they face arch-rivals Banyana Banyana of South Africa tonight in Casablanca, Morocco.

Both nations failed to reach the semi-finals of the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), missing out on the chance to secure automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

South Africa have defeated Nigeria in three editions of the WAFCON – 2012, 2018 and 2022. However, those victories account for only three of the four competitive matches in which Banyana Banyana have beaten the Super Falcons, who have won 17 of their other encounters.

With a place in the Inter-Confederation Playoff Tournament at stake, tonight’s clash promises to be another fiercely contested chapter in one of African women’s football’s biggest rivalries.

Before their semi-final meeting at the previous WAFCON, the two sides had also battled over two legs for a place at the 2024 Olympic Women’s Football Tournament.

Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade scored the decisive goal from the penalty spot in Abuja to settle the tie after 180 minutes.

Two years earlier, Banyana Banyana had edged the Falcons 2-1 in the opening match between the two sides at the 2022 WAFCON in Morocco.

Ajibade is expected to lead the Falcons once again, while South Africa will look to the pace and finishing ability of their prolific forward, Thembi Kgatlana, as both teams fight for another chance to keep their World Cup dreams alive.

The Police Command in Niger has arrested a suspect for allegedly stealing eight refrigerators from a hotel where he worked.

The command’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), SP Wasiu Abiodun, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Minna.

According to the spokesperson, following a complaint, police operatives attached to the Tudun-Wada Division arrested Elijah Ahmed of Tunga, Abdulsalam Motor Park area.

Abiodun said that during investigation, five of the refrigerators were recovered from the suspect, while he allegedly sold the remaining three to a scrap dealer who is currently at large.

He added that the suspect had been charged to court for prosecution.

In a related development, the police arrested another suspect for allegedly breaking into a house and stealing valuables in Kontagora.

Abiodun said that on Aug. 6, at about 2pm, police operatives attached to the ‘A’ Division, Kontagora, arrested Ya’u Ibrahim of Bayan-Waya, Kontagora, for allegedly breaking into a house and stealing some items.

The stolen items, according to him, included three gas cylinders, a ceiling fan, a motorcycle battery, three cellphone chargers, a sharp knife and a pair of scissors.

He said the suspect was in police custody undergoing further investigation. (NAN)

A newborn baby boy has reportedly been stolen from a hospital in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State, shortly after he was delivered.

Our correspondent gathered that the incident happened in the early hours of Tuesday after the baby was taken to a ward with his mother for further care following his delivery.

It was learnt that the baby did not cry immediately after birth, prompting a nurse on duty to intervene before the newborn eventually responded normally.

Consequently, the mother and baby were moved to a ward, but a woman allegedly approached the mother, claiming to be a nurse who wanted to examine the baby again.

The woman allegedly collected the newborn from his mother and headed towards the labour room while the baby’s grandmother, sensing something was wrong, reportedly followed the woman and stood at the entrance of the labour room.

However, she was allegedly asked to step back and was assured that everything was under control, prompting her to comply.

The woman was said to have disappeared with the baby shortly afterwards.

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Peter Aondongu, on Wednesday night, confirmed the incident to journalists in Makurdi.

Aondongu said the matter had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further probing.

He said the case happened at a Family Healthcare centre in Gboko but was being transferred to Makurdi for further investigation, particularly because of the attention the incident had generated.