Category: PM News

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash in Ondo State that reportedly claimed 32 lives.

The party, led by its National Chairman, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, made the call in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong.

The ATR-42 military aircraft crashed near a naval base in Ondo State with 25 passengers and seven crew members on board.

According to the PDP, authorities reported that there were no survivors among those on board.

Turaki described the deaths as deeply painful, noting the sacrifices of military personnel to the country.

‘Our service personnel have given so much for the unity and survival of this country, and news of their deaths is deeply painful,’ he said.

‘On behalf of the PDP family, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Nigerian Air Force and the families of the fallen. We pray that such tragedies do not recur.’

The party also urged authorities to establish the cause of the crash through a full and transparent investigation.

The PDP prayed for the repose of the souls of the victims and expressed sympathy to their families, colleagues and the Nigerian Air Force.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to attend the Nigeria-Ethiopia Nutrition Leadership Exchange Forum.

The Forum holds from Oct. 7 to 9.

Mr Stanley Nkwocha, his media aide, in a statement on Tuesday, said that on arrival in Addis Ababa, Shettima was received by Amb. Nasir Aminu, Nigerian Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union.

Also, on hand to receive him were the Minister in the Mission, Mr Nura Aliyu, Senior Counsellor, Mr Onovo Isaac, the Defense Attaché, Wing Commander Gabriel Batubo, and other senior Ethiopian government officials.

Nkwocha said Shettima was invited to the Pearl Exchange Forum by the Deputy Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Temesgen Tiruneh, who is leading the country’s multi-sectoral approach to boosting nutrition.

Residents of Igbokoda in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State on Tuesday recounted their experience as a Nigerian Air Force aircraft plunged into a swampy area in the community on Monday.

The military aircraft marked NAF931 carrying 25 personnel on routine mission from Benin to Lagos crashed round 11:00 a.m.

The residents who spoke to in separate interviews on Tuesday in Igbokoda recounted hearing a sudden and deafening sound.

They said the loud bang of the crashed aircraft caused a lot of panic in the community with many running in different directions as they misinterpreted the bang to possible war or terrorists attack.

The residents said that most parents ran to their children’s schools to quickly pick them, whiles the incident temporarily crippled commercial activities as shops were closed and streets deserted.

Mr Adesina Alade, a resident said that the loud bang from the crash site caused panic among residents as many were running in different direction for safety.

‘When I heard the loud bang, I was scared, thinking that it was a war or terror attack since we have a Naval Base here.

‘It took long before I could get myself. I believed the loud bang had killed someone which I don’t know of,’ Alade said.

Mrs Mariam Oluyemi, a resident and market woman, said that the loud bang made her quickly closed her shop and rushed down to her children school to bring them home.

‘I closed my shop immediately like other market women too, and the streets were deserted.

‘I managed to get to my children school and by the time I got there, many parents were waiting to pick their children too before we later heard that it was a plane crash,’ she said.

Another resident, Ahmed Ayanwale, said he was sleeping when he heard the loud bang, saying that the it was like a thunder strike because it was raining.

He added that by time he rushed outside, the streets had been deserted as people were indoors due to fear with commercial activities brought to a halt.

‘I later heard it was a plane crash and I rushed down to the crash site to see things for myself,’ he said.

Also, Mrs Modesola Aladeyehun said that the incident disrupted commercial activities in Igbokoda and its environs, saying that after recovering from the initial shock, residents trooped to the crash site.

‘The sight of the crash site was horrible. I cried my heart out yesterday after hearing that 25 souls perished in the crash, I pray to God to cleanse our land,’ Aladeyehun said.

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.

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.

Public affairs analyst, Usman Okai Austin, has attributed what he described as changes in the operational approach of the Department of State Services (DSS) to the leadership of its Director-General, Oluwatosin Ajayi.

Okai, in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, said the service had placed greater emphasis on intelligence gathering, discreet operations and collaboration with other security agencies under Ajayi.

He said the approach was important to identifying and addressing security threats before they escalated into wider public disturbances.

‘Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi stands out as a thoroughbred professional security strategist,’ Okai said, adding that the DSS under his leadership had prioritised intelligence gathering, operational discretion and respect for the rule of law.

According to him, the service has also strengthened cooperation with the military, police and international partners in responding to security challenges, including cross-border crimes.

Okai further said the adoption of modern technology had become important in tackling digital threats, organised crimes and attacks on critical infrastructure.

He also commended what he described as greater attention to human rights and compliance with legal procedures during security operations.

‘His respect for human rights, total cessation of arbitrary arrests and detentions have earned him national and international accolades,’ Okai said.

The analyst said effective security management required officers with experience and a clear understanding of intelligence operations, rather than political interference.

‘Ajayi rose through the ranks, and that background shows in his leadership,’ he said.

Okai urged the DSS to sustain intelligence-led operations, improve cooperation with other security agencies and ensure that its activities remained within the framework of the law.

He said maintaining a discreet and professionally managed intelligence service would remain important to addressing Nigeria’s internal security challenges.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says Nigeria’s national voter register has surpassed 103 million ahead of the 2027 general elections.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja during a strategic workshop for editors organised by the Nigerian Guild of Editors in collaboration with the commission.

Amupitan said the latest figure followed the completion of the three phase Continuous Voter Registration exercise and the final cleaning of the voter register using the Automated Biometric Identification System.

10.7 million new registrations

According to the INEC chairman, a total of 10,772,421 new registrations were recorded during the three phases of the exercise.

The first phase started on August 25, 2025, and ended on December 10, 2025, with 2,611,266 registrations.

The second phase, which ran from January 5 to April 17, 2026, recorded 4,121,835 registrations.

The third phase was conducted from May 11 to July 26, 2026, and recorded 3,867,997 registrations.

Amupitan said INEC introduced an online registration portal during the third phase to make registration easier for people who faced challenges with distance and time.

He also said the commission introduced printable Permanent Voter Cards in line with Section 18(1) of the Electoral Act 2026. The move, he said, was aimed at reducing the waiting period for voters to receive their cards.

The commission has also completed the public display of the Preliminary Register for claims and objections as well as the final ABIS cleaning of the register.

I’m’Following the conclusion of our three phase Continuous Voter Registration exercise which captured over 10.6 million new applicants and the completion of the public display of the Preliminary Register for claims and objections, our Voter Register Department has completed the final Automated Biometric Identification System cleanup,’ Amupitan said.

‘Nigeria’s National Register of Voters is now more than 103 million,’ he added.

INEC promises no voter will be disenfranchised

Amupitan said INEC would continue to ensure that eligible voters are not prevented from taking part in elections.

He referred to the recent Osun governorship election, where some Permanent Voter Cards were stolen. He said INEC printed replacement cards and provided downloadable PVCs to affected voters so they could still vote.

‘We also implemented the downloadable PVCs, which the electorate used and cast their votes, just to ensure inclusivity and that nobody was disenfranchised,’ he said.

PVC collection begins October 9

INEC said nationwide collection of Permanent Voter Cards will begin on October 9.

The commission urged registered voters to collect their cards ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Amupitan said INEC had completed the processing and distribution of Phase 1 PVCs to all local government centres.

He also urged the media to inform voters about the locations where they can collect their cards and encourage them to do so promptly.

INEC warns against fake registration platforms

The latest voter register figure comes as INEC continues efforts to verify voter records and improve the accuracy of its database ahead of the 2027 elections.

In September, INEC said it had integrated the National Identification Number into its voter registration process in collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission.

On October 3, the commission also warned Nigerians against a fake online voter registration portal.

INEC stressed that the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration exercise ended on July 26, 2026, and urged Nigerians to ignore unofficial platforms claiming to offer fresh voter registration.

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.

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.

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.