Troops foil terrorists’ attack, save two victims in Zamfara

Troops operating in Zamfara State have rescued two people who came under attack by suspected terrorists along the Anka-Gadan Manya Road in Anka Local Government Area of the state.

The troops, serving under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, were on a routine patrol when they encountered armed men reportedly attacking the two victims, who were travelling on a motorcycle.

The soldiers reportedly engaged the attackers, forcing them to abandon the victims and flee into the surrounding area.

The two rescued victims were subsequently taken to safety by the troops.

The operation is part of ongoing efforts by security forces to curb terrorist and bandit activities and protect communities and travellers in Zamfara and other parts of the North-West.

Security forces have continued to intensify patrols and offensive operations across the region as they seek to disrupt criminal groups and prevent attacks on civilians.

Tinubu congratulates Modi on 25 years in public service

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on attaining 25 years in public service.

Tinubu described the milestone as historic, saying it reflected the enduring confidence the Indian people had placed in Modi.

The President conveyed the message in a congratulatory statement personally signed by him on Tuesday in Abuja.

Wednesday, Oct. 7, marks 25 years since Modi assumed office in 2001 as Head of Government and Chief Minister of Gujarat.

Tinubu noted that Modi served Gujarat for more than 12 years before becoming Prime Minister of India in 2014.

He said 25 years of continuous public service represented a significant milestone in any democracy.

He highlighted Modi’s focus on development, infrastructure, digital public goods, financial inclusion and innovation during his years in public office.

The President said Nigeria deeply valued its strategic partnership with India, recalling Modi’s State Visit to Abuja in November 2024.

He noted that Nigeria honoured Modi during the visit with the title of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger.

According to Tinubu, the visit gave fresh impetus to cooperation between Nigeria and India in trade, investment, energy, defence, security, health, education and technology.

‘As fellow democracies and leading voices of the Global South, Nigeria and India share a common commitment to a fairer, more inclusive and representative international order,’ he said.

Tinubu expressed confidence that the bonds of friendship between Nigeria and India would continue to strengthen under Modi’s leadership.

He wished the Indian Prime Minister continued strength and success in serving the people of India.

Ondo Air Crash: Pilot dies two weeks after wedding

Squadron Leader Ahamefule Aham Man-Ugwueje, one of the pilots of the Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, which crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, on Monday, died two weeks after exchanging marital vows with Flight Lieutenant Damilola Adekunle in an elaborate wedding ceremony in Abuja.

The couple got married in Abuja on September 19, 2026 Photographs and videos from the ceremony showed the two military officers celebrating their union surrounded by family, friends and colleagues.

The wedding ceremony was held at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, The Masters Place, in Utako, Abuja, with the reception later taking place at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre in Asokoro.

The Nigerian Air Force confirmed on Tuesday that all 25 people aboard the aircraft died after it crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State. The victims comprised five crew members and 20 passengers.

Man-Ugwueje was identified as the co-pilot of the ill-fated aircraft. The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when it crashed near the naval base at Igbokoda.

His name appeared alongside those of the other crew members released by the Air Force, including the flight captain, another co-pilot and two aircraft technicians.

Pictures from Man-Ugwueje and Adekunle’s wedding captured the pair in their wedding attire, smiling and posing for photographs during the ceremony.

The crash has drawn nationwide mourning, with President Bola Tinubu declaring three days of national mourning for the military personnel who lost their lives and ordering flags to be flown at half-mast.

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the accident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation, while assuring the bereaved families of the Service’s support.

The Air Force has also ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

UTME in Canada: JAMB Registrar gives reason for new centre

The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, Professor Segun Aina, has explained why the board plans to establish a Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, centre in Canada.

Aina said the decision was mainly to make it easier for Nigerians living in Canada and other parts of North America to take the examination.

He explained that the proposed centre in Ottawa would serve Nigerians who want to write the UTME and gain admission into Nigerian universities and other tertiary institutions.

The JAMB registrar made this known in a post on X on Tuesday.

His explanation followed public questions over the decision to establish the centre, which is expected to begin operations from the 2027 UTME.

Aina said the move was not primarily about making money or the number of candidates expected to register for the examination.

According to him, JAMB currently conducts the UTME in about 10 countries as part of efforts to improve access to education.

He also noted that the board conducts examinations in correctional service centres for the same reason.

‘UTME is currently being written in about 10 countries as a service to enhance access to education. We also conduct the exams in correctional service centres for the same reason. So the number of candidates is not the main driving force,’ Aina said.

JAMB had on Monday announced plans to establish a UTME centre in Ottawa, Canada, from 2027.

The board said the centre would provide an opportunity for Nigerians in Canada and other parts of North America to sit for the examination without having to travel to Nigeria.

UNIOSUN digitises registry operations, transcripts, others to be requested online

Osun State University (UNIOSUN) has digitised its registry operations, enabling alumni and other stakeholders to request academic transcripts, English proficiency letters, reference letters and other services online without travelling to the University.

The University’s Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, saying the initiative was part of the institution’s efforts to simplify administrative processes, reduce delays and make its services more accessible to stakeholders, irrespective of their location.

Under the new system, alumni can initiate requests for academic transcripts and other Registry services from anywhere in the world through the university’s dedicated online platform.

The initiative is expected to save alumni the time and cost of travelling to the university, while reducing paperwork and improving the efficiency of registry operations.

Reacting to the development, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, said the initiative was consistent with his administration’s commitment to keeping the university connected to its stakeholders and responding promptly to their needs.

Professor Adebooye said, ‘This is in line with our mission of connecting the University with its stakeholders and responding promptly to their needs. Our alumni remain an important part of the UNIOSUN community, and we must make it possible for them to access legitimate University services conveniently, regardless of where they are.’

The vice-chancellor said the digitisation of the registry was another demonstration of the university’s commitment to leveraging technology to improve service delivery and institutional efficiency.

He added that alumni seeking transcripts and other official documents would no longer need to travel to the university or rely on personal contacts to initiate their requests.

Professor Adebooye said the digital platform would make the registry more responsive and provide alumni with a convenient channel to access essential university services.

He noted that the initiative would particularly benefit alumni living outside Osun State and Nigeria, who could now submit their requests remotely without making a physical trip to the university.

The vice-chancellor urged alumni and other stakeholders to take advantage of the platform and follow the instructions provided for each service.

Requests can be submitted through the university’s online Registry portal: https://transcript.uniosun.edu.ng/

‘The University would continue to expand its digital services as part of its commitment to improving stakeholder experience and strengthening its relationship with its growing alumni community,’ the statement added.

Police react to Ondo helicopter crash

Police confirm helicopter crash in Ondo

The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed that a helicopter crashed around Igbokoda in Ilaje Local Government Area of the state.

The incident happened on Monday, October 5, 2026, causing panic among residents of the coastal community.

The Police Public Relations Officer in Ondo State, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, confirmed the crash, saying authorities were still working to establish what happened.

Abayomi urged residents of Igbokoda and nearby communities to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information.

He said the police command would provide more information once credible details became available.

A community leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, had earlier confirmed the incident but said the exact location of the crash and other details were not immediately known.

‘Yes, it is true. A helicopter crashed at Igbokoda, Ondo State, but we don’t know the exact place and other details,’ the community leader said.

As of press time, the type of helicopter involved and the number of people on board were still unknown.

There was also no official confirmation of any casualties.

Police invite Kano politician over alleged display of firearm at rally

The authorities of Kano State Police Command, have invited Aminu Abdullahi Warkal, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for House of Assembly, Gwale Constituency, over alleged display of firearm during a campaign rally.

A statement by CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, Kano State Police Command Public Relations Officer, indicated that the invitation was in line with its sustained intelligence-led surveillance, robust community engagement, and proactive security presence across all parts of the State.

According to Kiyawa, operatives from the Kano State Police Command, while on routine cyber patrol, came across a video clip circulating on social media platforms where, ‘one Hon. Aminu Abdullahi Warkal was seen openly displaying a firearm suspected to be a pump action rifle during what appears to be a political gathering.

‘The alleged unlawful display of firearm, if established, constitutes a clear violation of the provisions of the Firearms Act and is capable of inciting fear, intimidating members of the public and breaching public peace and security.’

Kiyawa further stated that on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, the said Hon. Aminu Abdullahi Warkal was invited to the Command Headquarters, Bompai, Kano.

‘He is currently at the Command’s State Intelligence Department (SID) and investigation is in progress,’ Kiyawa added.

However, the Commissioner of Police strongly warned that the Command will not tolerate any act of lawlessness, thuggery, or display of weapons capable of threatening public peace, irrespective of the status of the person involved.

Mr. Bakori further advised members of the public, particularly, political gladiators, their supporters and other stakeholders, to conduct themselves peacefully and abide strictly by the provisions of the Electoral Act, the Firearms Act and other extant laws of the land.

Mr. Bakori insisted that all political activities must be conducted in a manner that promotes peace, tolerance and respect for the Rule-of-Law.

The Kano Police boss reiterated the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring that the State remains peaceful before, during and after the political season.

NANS vows to mobilise over 10 million students for 2027 elections

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has said it will mobilise at least 10 million students across the country to vote in the 2027 General Election.

NANS President, Akinteye Afeez said this while announcing the constitution of the association’s National Election Mobilisation Committee on Sunday in Kaduna.

Afeez said the aim of the Committee was to sensitise and mobilise Nigerian students for active participation in the 2027 General Elections.

According to him, the setting up of the committee was agreed upon at the 91st sitting of the NANS National Senate held on Sunday at the Kaduna State University (KASU).

The sitting, hosted by Gov. Uba Sani, was held under the theme: ‘Sustaining a 7-Point Policy Framework; 3 Years of Promise to Shared Prosperity.’

Afeez said NANS, as the apex student representative body, represents more than 40.1 million Nigerian students, making students a significant voting bloc in the country.

He said students were major stakeholders in nation-building and were directly affected by government policies and decisions at all levels.

According to him, informed and active participation in elections remains an important way through which citizens can contribute to strengthening democracy.

He said the newly constituted committee would coordinate the sensitisation, mobilisation and monitoring of students’ participation in election-related activities across the six geopolitical zones.

Afeez said the committee would work toward facilitating the participation of at least 10 million Nigerian students in the 2027 General Elections.

He appointed himself as Director-General of the committee, while the NANS Senate President, Igbabuchi Onya, would serve as Deputy Director.

Olusola Oladoja as National Coordinator, Gambo Abubakar as National Deputy Coordinator and Charles Obina Ebube as National Publicity Relations Officer.

The NANS president also appointed Agbabiaka Ahmed and Ibrahim Ibrahim Babalolo as Chairmen of the South and North Advisory Committees respectively.

He said the committee had representatives across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with responsibilities covering the six geopolitical zones.

In the Northwest Zone, representatives were appointed in Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara and Jigawa states.

Afeez directed the committee to commence immediate sensitisation, mobilisation and monitoring of Nigerian students across campuses and tertiary institutions.

He urged members to work with NANS structures, student unions and relevant stakeholders to ensure effective coordination of election-related activities.

He further directed political support groups and election-related organisations seeking to organise political activities, sensitisation, mobilisation or engagements involving Nigerian students to liaise with the committee for proper coordination, notification and monitoring.

Rotimi Amaechi, you are a loafer outside the public office

The All Progressives Congress (APC) prays that the soul of Dame Ezinne Mary Oduah Amaechi continues to rest in perfect peace. Amen.

We also pray for excellent health of mind and body for her son, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, a former two-term Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, two-term Governor, two-term Minister of Transportation, former presidential aspirant, and currently the vice-presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), who could not afford medications for his mother’s treatment.

It is our sincere wish that employers of labour in his hometown of Ubima in Ikwere Local Government Area of Rivers State may find him suitable for a job that pays wages sufficient for him to feed and buy medications for himself and his beloved family for the rest of his retirement. Amen.

Rotimi Amaechi’s uncanny confessions must not be missed. First, he howled that he had become so broke and hungry that his wife was now feeding him. Now, he has stated that his inability to afford medications killed his mother at 89.

For four decades, Rotimi Amaechi freeloaded at the highest levels of public office. He was never hungry and could afford medications for himself and his family. Just three years out of office, he has become destitute, unable to fend for himself and his loved ones. If Amaechi is not struggling with some kind of Peter Pan syndrome, then he must be a loafer, aimless and irresponsible for his inability to be productive and earn a living outside the patronage of public office.

The same Rotimi Amaechi now asks Nigerians to make him vice president come 2027 so he can continue leeching on the public treasury and keep the predatory lifestyle he has grown accustomed to.

The presidency is not a soup kitchen and will not be a soup kitchen for Rotimi Amaechi.

No one can speak more to Rotimi Amaechi’s unfitness for the office of Vice President than Rotimi Amaechi himself.

Signed:

*Felix Morka, CON*

National Publicity Secretary

All Progressives Congress (APC)

ABUJA, FCT, OCTOBER 4, 2026

Sanwo-Olu, Tegbe lead fresh push to fix Lagos electricity crisis

The Lagos State Government and the Federal Government have strengthened their collaboration to address persistent challenges in electricity supply and build a more reliable power market in the state.

The partnership was reinforced on Monday during a four-hour Ministerial Implementation Retreat on the Clean Lagos Electricity Market (CLEM) held at Lagos House, Marina.

The retreat was co-chaired by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, with senior officials from key federal and state institutions participating in the discussions.

Stakeholders at the meeting examined regulatory, technical, operational and market-related challenges affecting electricity supply in Lagos, while considering practical measures to improve reliability and expand access.

Speaking after the retreat, Sanwo-Olu described the discussions as open and productive, saying the meeting provided an opportunity for stakeholders to confront challenges in the power sector and develop workable solutions.

He stressed that the success of the initiative would ultimately be measured by its impact on electricity consumers and residents, rather than by the resolutions reached at the meeting.

According to him, the collaboration is consistent with President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to promote a more reliable and sustainable electricity supply across the country, with Lagos playing a significant role because of its economic importance and high electricity demand.

The governor also welcomed the participation of major institutions, including the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and Rural Electrification Agency (REA).

Earlier, Tegbe underscored Lagos’ strategic position in Nigeria’s electricity market, noting that stronger cooperation between federal and state authorities was essential to expanding reliable power supply.

He said the retreat was designed to move beyond discussions and establish concrete interventions capable of producing measurable improvements in the state’s electricity market.

Tegbe announced that a steering committee comprising relevant stakeholders would oversee the implementation of the retreat’s resolutions and track progress on agreed measures.

The committee is expected to coordinate efforts around the electricity market, regulatory framework and technical and operational challenges requiring both immediate interventions and longer-term solutions.

The renewed collaboration comes amid growing efforts to reform Nigeria’s electricity sector and improve power supply to households, businesses and industries.

The Lagos authorities said the focus would now shift from deliberations to implementation, with stakeholders expected to translate the agreed measures into tangible improvements for electricity consumers across the state.