Category: Daily Trust

The resurgence of armed secessionist violence, the rise of politically sponsored cult groups, and institutional weaknesses collectively pose serious threats to the credibility, inclusiveness, and safety of the forthcoming governorship election in Anambra State, a new report has warned.

The Security Threat Assessment report, presented by the Director of Programmes at CLEEN Foundation, Dr. Salaudeen Hashim, ahead of the November 8, 2025, governorship poll, revealed that since 2022, more than 200 lives have been lost to politically or ideologically motivated violence in Anambra State, with Ihiala Local Government Area accounting for over 46 confirmed deaths.

‘While certain LGAs remain relatively stable, the cumulative effect of violence in key zones like Ihiala, Ogbaru and Orumba could erode public confidence in the electoral process and discourage participation,’ the report said.

It further cautioned that without deliberate interventions to curb voter suppression, reform security deployment strategies, and restore trust in community institutions, the risk of election-day violence and post-election grievances remains high.

Key findings highlighted in the report include heightened insecurity in specific LGAs, politicisation of cult groups and youth gangs, weak security infrastructure and institutional gaps, voter suppression through fear, misinformation, and mobility constraints, as well as community fragmentation and manipulation of traditional institutions.

To address these threats, the report recommended targeted risk mapping and early warning mechanisms in high-risk LGAs like Ihiala, Ogbaru, and Orumba North through regular, data-driven threat assessments and locally driven early warning systems.

It urged the involvement of community stakeholders, INEC, traditional leaders, town union presidents, peacebuilding structures, security agencies, CSOs, and the media to ensure a timely response to potential security threats and prevent escalation before, during, and after the election.

The report further called on security agencies to prioritise the identification, disarmament, and prosecution of cult groups and their political sponsors, particularly in flashpoints like Nnewi and Onitsha. It also stressed the need to rebuild and strengthen police stations and INEC offices in previously attacked or underserved areas such as Anambra East, Ogbaru, and Idemili South to ensure adequate coverage across all LGAs.

Also, it recommended intensifying voter education and public sensitisation campaigns in fear-stricken areas like Anambra West and Ihiala to counter voter suppression, while urging credible CSOs and investigative journalists to fact-check and counter misinformation before, during, and after the elections to promote peace and calm.

In his opening remarks, Acting Executive Director of CLEEN Foundation, Peter Maduoma, expressed optimism that the Anambra election would be counted among Nigeria’s successful staggered polls. He urged citizens to turn out en masse and exercise their right to vote.

The massive explosion that recently rocked the premises of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) in Kaduna was preventable, and therefore, unacceptable. The blast which occurred on Saturday, September 20, 2025, reportedly detonated during the controlled disposal of expired gunpowder materials at the factory’s ordnance disposal pit in Kurmin Gwari.

The incidence, which left one person dead and several others injured including DICON’s civilian workers shook the surrounding buildings and sent residents scampering for safety.

An official statement later issued by DICON stated that the explosion occurred while specialists were disposing of expired ordnance materials stored at the factory. The affected items included Ammonia Nitrates, Primer Caps, Propellants, and other raw materials that had long exceeded their shelf life. A statement signed by the corporation’s Public Relations Officer, Maria Sambo, explained that DICON had since July 2025 began disposing of the expired items; adding that the unfortunate accident occurred while experts were concluding the destruction of the remaining stock.

Meanwhile, the military high command has ordered an immediate investigation into the explosion. The Director of Defence Information, Brigadier-General Tukur Gusau, affirmed in a statement that the Defence Headquarters deeply regrets the ordnance explosion. Also, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Christopher Musa extended condolences to the families and friends of the deceased; pledging to conduct a thorough investigation to prevent future incidents.

While this is the second incident in the country this year alone, it is a repeat of history at DICON. Earlier this year, residents of Maiduguri and its environs were at about 11.35pm on Wednesday April 30, 2025 rattled when several bomb explosions rang through the city from the Giwa Military Barracks’ armoury. The deafening explosions, which reportedly lasted for more than two hours, were followed by large balls of flames in the direction of the Giwa Barracks.

Officials attributed the Giwa Barracks’ explosions to a fire outbreak around the armoury section of the barracks. Speaking through Reuben Kovangiya, the Theatre Command Operation, HADIN KAI, said high temperatures in Maiduguri might have triggered the explosion of some ammunitions; a claim later corroborated by authorities of the Borno State Fire Service.

It would also be recalled that on Tuesday November 3, 2009, explosions which DICON authorities at that time described as a minor industrial accident rocked DICON factory when the General Manager was on an inspection tour of the factory. The six victims affected in the incident were DICON staff members working in the capping section of the factory.

The armoury detonations of Sunday, January 27, 2002 that hit the Ikeja military cantonment is another gory experience Nigerians would forever hate to remember. The explosion of ‘high calibre bombs’ believed to have been caused by a fire that started from a nearby street market and thereafter spread to the armoury terribly affected areas up to 50 kilometres away from the cantonment; leaving over 1,000 people dead, hundreds injured, and about 20,000 displaced from the immediate community. It also caused severe damage to a number of buildings in and around Ikeja.

Given the nature of previous incidents in which ordnance explosions were ascribed to expired substances and weather, repeated occurrences clearly point to sheer negligence on the part of military authorities. Their failure to learn from past incidents is also professionally indicting. DICON’s mandates include the operation, maintenance and control of ordnance factories for the manufacture, storage and disposal of weapons and ancillary stores and materials intended for or capable of being used by the armed forces.

Within the context of their mandate, DICON and heads of armoury sections in military barracks lack any excuses for not adhering to safety protocols in ordnance storage or disposal measures. Were storage facilities closely monitored in Giwa barracks; and were expiring munitions in DICON not left in stock until they became moribund, the two separate explosions would have been averted.

Similarly, had military authorities relocated DICON out of Kurmi Gwari neighbourhood in Kaduna and the armoury out of Ikeja ever since physical development caught up with the two sites that were considered outskirts in the past, the loss of lives and property witnessed in the Ikeja blasts and the recent DICON explosions would both have been forestalled.

We urge the CDS not to allow the report of the probe into the last DICON explosions go the way of previous investigations. It should be made public and persons responsible for operational failures sanctioned appropriately.

Daily Trust also calls on the Nigerian military to demonstrate value for human life by institutionalising operational safety in the warehousing and discarding of weapons and ammunitions.

Relocating weapons’ storage facilities from densely populated areas of cities would further prevent recurrence of ordnance explosions with its associated damages. DICON’s recent incident should be the last to be heard in the country. Nigeria has had enough of ordnance detonations.

Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has promised to storm the streets and campaign for Dr Moses Paul, African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) in the coming council election.

Obi spoke at the Merit House, Abuja, during a special Independent program organised by Dr Moses Paul and his councillorship candidates to sensitise AMAC residents ahead of the official flag off of their campaign.

The former Anambra State Governor said he supports Paul ‘s candidacy because he knows he would not disappoint the people, if elected to lead AMAC.

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The Area Council election in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT is scheduled for February 2026.

In his remarks at the occasion, Dr Moses Paul declared that AMAC has failed the people and outlined a bold vision to restore dignity, prosperity, and service to the people of the area.

Speaking under the banner of ‘We Don’t Tire!’, Paul said Nigerians were weary of unfulfilled promises, neglect, and leaders who abandon the people once in power.

‘The bitter truth must be told: AMAC has failed,’ Paul stated. ‘Our markets are trapped in endless litigations, waste management has collapsed, schools were abandoned for months, our health centres are dead, insecurity is everywhere, businesses are strangled by multiple taxation, and infrastructure is practically non-existent. This is not governance. This is abandonment.’

Paul, however, emphasised that his campaign is not about lamentation but about building a new AMAC and pledged to restore dignity, prosperity, and service to governance in the Area Council.

Suspected hoodlums have reportedly stabbed a commercial cyclist identified as Yahuza to death and dumped his corpse at a river bank in Bako village, Kwali Area Council of the FCT, before escaping with his motorcycle.

A resident of Bako village, Yasmin Abdullahi, said the incident happened on Saturday around 9:43 pm.

The cyclist had picked up two young men from Dagiri, who asked to be taken to the Bako forest area.

Abdullahi said the suspects lured the cyclist by offering him a sum of N4,000 and claiming they were security guards protecting a government building near the forest.

The cyclist’s corpse was discovered by vigilantes who had gone to the forest to dislodge hoodlums who frequently use the location to smoke Indian hemp (cannabis).

‘And you know there is this big bush which links from Gwagwalada to Bako forest where most of these youngsters including hoodlums always go to smoke hemp,’ Abdullahi explained.

He added, ‘So, it was when the vigilantes went to the forest in order to dislodge people that always hang around the forest when the cyclist’s corpse was found close to the river.’

Abdullahi added that the vigilantes alerted security operatives who visited the scene and recovered the body.

The cyclist was later identified as a resident of Unguwar Dodo in Gwagwalada, and his colleagues came to evacuate the corpse to the morgue at Kwali hospital.

A member of the vigilante group, Dantani Ismaila, also confirmed the incident, stating that the hoodlums escaped with the deceased’s motorcycle after stabbing him.

A police source at the Kwali division, who preferred to remain anonymous, confirmed the incident, saying the police are investigating the matter.

He also lamented the activities of hoodlums who go to the forest to smoke cannabis, adding that the police have consistently raided the place and made arrests.

Nigeria’s youth football teams are preparing for contrasting but equally crucial battles on the world stage, with the Flying Eagles eyeing redemption at the ongoing FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile, while the Flamingos head to Morocco brimming with confidence for the 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.

The Flying Eagles, seven-time African champions and two-time FIFA U20 World Cup runners-up, will be looking to bounce back strongly against Saudi Arabia after a frustrating 2-1 loss to Norway in their opening group match on Monday.

Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, Nigeria were denied by poor finishing and refereeing decisions, with two penalty appeals turned down. Head Coach Aliyu Zubair insists the setback has been put behind them.

‘Our focus has shifted to Saudi Arabia. The boys know what is at stake, and we are determined to get the result that will keep us on track,’ Zubair said ahead of Matchday 2.

With all key players available, Zubair is expected to stick with his preferred 4-3-3 formation, sharpening the attack to convert dominance into goals. However, Israel Ayuma, Daniel Daga, and Charles Agada, who have already been booked, will need to tread carefully to avoid suspensions ahead of the decisive clash with Colombia on Sunday.

Victory over Saudi Arabia would put the Eagles in a strong position to qualify for the Round of 16, keeping alive hopes of matching or surpassing their historic runs to the final in 1989 and 2005.

While the Flying Eagles look to recover in Chile, the Flamingos, Nigeria’s U17 women’s team, are flying high as they wrap up preparations for the World Cup in Morocco. The girls have been in blistering form in camp, winning all eight friendly matches, scoring 26 goals without conceding once.

Last week, they brushed aside Abuja All-Stars 3-0, with Praise Agba, Olamide Olanrewaju, and Zainab Raji all on target. Earlier, they battled the elements in a rain-hit clash with Josiah Academy, securing a 2-0 victory courtesy of a Chisom Nwachukwu brace. Other emphatic wins included a 5-0 triumph over Nazareth Angels, with Queen Joseph netting twice, and another 5-0 rout of Horvel Prime, where Joseph bagged a rapid hat-trick.

Drawn in Group D alongside Canada, France, and Samoa, the Flamingos will depart Nigeria on October 8 for the tournament, which runs from October 17 to November 8, 2025. Their impressive build-up has sparked optimism that they can improve on past achievements and challenge for the ultimate prize.

As Nigeria marks its 65th Independence anniversary on Wednesday, October 1, Basketball Promoter and Initiator of the Mark D’ Ball Basketball Championship, Mr. Igoche Mark, has commended the country’s athletes for their outstanding contributions to national pride and global recognition.

In a heartfelt message, Mr. Mark praised both active and retired athletes for their enduring impact. ‘Your dedication, hard work, and achievements have not only brought us pride but have also inspired a generation of Nigerians,’ he stated.

The sports administrator further urged the National Sports Commission to establish a structured platform to celebrate athletes and recognize their invaluable contributions. He emphasized the importance of honouring their legacy and providing avenues for their continued involvement in sports after retirement.

To support athletes in their post-career journey, Mr. Mark stressed the need for clear support systems. ‘Retirement plans be implemented to ensure a seamless transition into life after sports. This would enable athletes to plan for their future and maximize their post-athletic careers,’ he recommended.

He also proposed a comprehensive welfare package for retired athletes, covering healthcare, education, and economic empowerment programs. ‘By doing so, we can show our appreciation for their service and ensure that they are taken care of,’ Mr. Mark added.

As the country celebrates Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation, Mr. Mark’s remarks reflect a growing national call to not only honour past and present athletes but also to ensure their welfare and inclusion in shaping the future of Nigerian sports.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) yesterday said aviation in Nigeria directly employs 39,500 people, contributing $2.5 billion, which represents 0.7% of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The association also observed that Europe is the largest international market for passenger flows from Nigeria, followed by Africa and North America, saying the international air traffic accounted for 23% of total origin-destination (O-D) departures for Nigeria in 2023, equivalent to 2.1 million passenger departures.

This was contained in the report released by IATA on the Value of Air Transport to Nigeria’s economy. The report is based on data collected in 2023/24.

Daily Trust reports that the $2.5bn contribution is an improvement on the previous $1.7bn as of 2023 even though the sector has continued to contract in the GDP index.

IATA which is the clearing house for over 300 global airlines stated that 195,700 tonnes of air cargo were transported through airports in Nigeria in 2023, supporting the country’s total import and export volumes.

IATA statistics indicated that almost 780,700 passengers departed from Nigeria to a country in Europe (38% of the total), 485,400 to another country in Africa (23% of the total), and 373,000 to North America (18% of the total).

The report stated that there are different ways of measuring air transport’s performance in the economy including the number of jobs and the contribution to gross domestic product (GDP) generated by the aviation sector, including airlines, airport operators and onsite businesses, air navigation service providers (ANSPs), and manufacturers (‘direct’ aviation players).

‘In Nigeria, 39,500 people are directly employed in aviation, generating USD 702.0 million of economic output, equal to 0.2% of total GDP,’ the report said.

Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East, Kamil Alawadhi commenting on the report said, ‘Aviation is a powerful engine for economic and social development. Nigeria’s National Day is a good opportunity to reflect on the immense value aviation brings to the country.’

‘Air transport supports over 217,000 jobs and contributes $2.5 billion to Nigeria’s GDP. With one of the fastest-growing populations in Africa and the world, and a predominantly young demographic, there is immense opportunity for future economic growth’, he added.

The IATA chief explained that there are different ways of measuring air transport’s impact on an economy.

Tourism supported by aviation, he noted, contributes $454.1 million to the country’s GDP and employs 66,600 people, stressing that international tourists to Nigeria are estimated to contribute $760.2 million annually to the economy through the purchase of goods and services from local businesses.

According to Alawadhi, aviation creates a range of social benefits and contributes significantly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including using air transport to enhance access to education, connecting friends and families, facilitating cultural exchange, and driving socio-economic development.

Acting together, these forces, he reiterated, enable a country to expand its productive potential, delivering long-term economic growth and supporting the reduction in poverty and improvement in living standards for all of the nation’s citizens.

‘Average Nigeria to work 37.6 days to afford flight ticket’

He said, ‘The cost of flying impacts the magnitude of the benefits that can be generated by air travel. In the past 50 years, flight costs have decreased by 70% globally, making air transport more accessible. The average real airfare in Nigeria decreased by 43%6 between 2011 and 2023, with the local population now needing to work 37.6 days to afford a plane ticket. Overall, 40 flights per 1,000 population were taken in 2023.’

‘Aviation stimulates global trade and investment, enables labour and capital productivity improvements, boosts innovation, and fosters knowledge exchange. The movement of goods, enabled by the air transport industry, brings about improved economic outcomes via catalytic collaboration, specialisation, and more efficient allocation of resources across all sectors of the local and world economy.’

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has returned to Abuja after his diplomatic mission representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York and some ‘strategic engagements’ in Germany.

On arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe international airport, Abuja the Vice President was received by top government officials and some of his aides.

During the week-long international engagement, the Vice President delivered President Tinubu’s national statement at the United Nations calling for comprehensive UN reforms, championed Africa’s sovereignty over its $700 billion mineral resources, and strengthened strategic partnerships with the United Kingdom, Gates Foundation, and other international stakeholders. Later, Shettima met with the UN Secretary-General António Guterres and secured his commendation for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent Security Council seat.

In another engagement, he showcased the country’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors.

The Vice President also assured the Nigerian diaspora community of robust engagement in the President Tinubu administration’s policies and programmes before his engagements in Germany.

The police in Ekiti State have arraigned a 42-year-old man, Ajayi Oluwatosin, at the Chief Magistrate Court in Ado-Ekiti over an alleged sexual assault of a woman.

The prosecutor, Inspector Akinwale Oriyomi, told the court that the defendant, on or about September 18 at Iworoko-Ekiti, within the Igbemo-Ekiti Magisterial District, did assault one Okuwoga Ibukun without her consent.

Inspector Oriyomi noted that the defendant committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 269(1) of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State 2021.

Counsel to the defendant, Barrister O. G. Abiola, urged the court to grant his client bail on liberal terms, stating he would not jump bail.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr. Abayomi Adeosun, granted him bail in the sum of N50,000 with one surety in like sum.

The case was adjourned until October 23, for hearing.

The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, says construction of Arterial Road S1 from Ring Road II to FCT Fire Service Station in Kaura District, will significantly improve emergency response time.

Wike stated this during the inauguration of the project in Abuja on Tuesday.

The minister said ‘We have always talked about fire incidents and the response is not usually timely.

‘It’s not only the fact that maybe they may be lacking some basic amenities, but also they don’t have a good network of roads that will enable them to move quickly to resolve fire incidents.

‘By the time this road is constructed with a three-span bridge, of course anywhere there is any fire incident and they are called upon, they will respond immediately,

‘Again, this is also to contribute to the efficiency in their job delivery.” he said (NAN).

Wike said that the road would be slightly above two kilometres but a very important road that would open up the Kaura District.