Category: PM News

Troops of the Nigerian Army have eliminated a notorious terrorist kingpin, Kachalla Maidawa, along with 35 other insurgents in coordinated nationwide operations conducted between 29 September and 4 October.

A credible source at Army Headquarters told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that major breakthroughs were recorded across the six geo-political zones.

He said the troops also apprehended a total of 32 criminal suspects, rescued 22 kidnapped victims, and recovered large quantities of arms, ammunition, and logistics supplies.

The source explained that troops of Operation Egwu Eke Atite III, in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy, DSS, Police, and Hybrid Forces, foiled a planned terrorist attack on Isanlu, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State.

He added that the troops overpowered the assailants, neutralising more than 12 terrorists, including the dreaded Kachalla Maidawa, during a fierce gun battle.

According to him, the kingpin had been responsible for violent raids across Kogi and parts of Kwara.

‘Recovered items include one AK-47 rifle, 400 rounds of assorted ammunition, four motorcycles, three Dane guns, a fragmentation jacket, and mobile phones.

‘In Kebbi, troops of 1 Brigade ambushed terrorists along the Salka-Kinke-Makurdi road in Ngaski Local Government Area, killing two terrorists and rescuing eight victims.

‘They also seized seven AK-47 magazines, 180 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition, and two motorcycles,’ he said.

The source said that troops of the 11 Field Engineer Regiment and CSI Battalion foiled a ?3 million ransom delivery involving brand-new motorcycles meant for terrorists in Giwa and Birnin Gwari Local Government Areas of Kaduna State.

He added that five hostages were rescued while fleeing bandits were neutralised. Two suspected kidnappers were later caught at Damakasuwa checkpoint in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area with ?1.3 million in cash.

According to him, troops, during a follow-up raid, neutralised two accomplices who tried to escape arrest.

In the North-East, the source revealed that troops of 151 Task Force Battalion ambushed and killed five ISWAP/JAS terrorists at Dipchari in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.

He added that troops of 3 Battalion and 24 Task Force Brigade apprehended logistics and drug suppliers to ISWAP along the Gamboru-Wulgo road, while a separate sting operation in Monguno led to 12 arrests, including a terrorist tax collector.

‘In the South-East, troops of 34 Artillery Brigade under Operation Udo Ka stormed IPOB/ESN hideouts in Abia and Imo States, arresting suspects involved in the abduction and murder of the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal Polytechnic, Afikpo.

‘Troops also neutralised a notorious ESN fighter and recovered one AK-47 rifle, two magazines, and 14 rounds of ammunition.

‘In the South-South, under Operation Delta Safe, troops destroyed several illegal oil-refining sites in Rivers and Bayelsa States, recovering over 2,000 litres of stolen crude oil.

‘Fourteen suspected drug peddlers were also arrested with support from the NDLEA,’ he added.

The military source said the operations underscored the Nigerian Army’s superiority in combat and intelligence-led precision, reaffirming its resolve to restore peace, protect citizens, and enhance national stability.

He added that troops remained committed to creating a secure environment for agriculture and commerce, in line with the Federal Government’s drive for food security and sustainable development.

Team Brazil on Sunday emerged as the winners of the E1 Lagos GP, clinching their first win of the series. Powerboat pilot Timmy Hansen and Leva Millere-Hagin delivered the goods at the E1 Lagos GP, leading Team Brazil through the group races, race-off and to the final.

The E1 Lagos GP has First Bank as the major sponsor.

Team Brazil, which got 38 points for their win, taking their tally up to 89 points, beat Team Blue Rising to second place, while Team Drogba finished third.

Notably, Team Rafa and Team Brady, both consistent front-runners in the championship standings, missed out on the podium this time.

The E1 Lagos GP is an all-electric powerboat race designed to combine cutting-edge technology, environmental sustainability, and high-speed entertainment on water. It features teams competing in high-performance electric boats, with international participants and spectators attending the event.

Lagos State is the first African city to host the prestigious E1 Racing Championship. The revolutionary electric powerboat competition was held on Saturday, October 4, and Sunday, October 5, at the Victoria Island area of Lagos.

Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu flanked by the Managing Director/CEO of First Bank, Mr. Olusegun Alebiosu (left); President and Chairman of Board of Directors, Afreximbank, Prof. Benedict Obiorah (right) and others during the grand finale of the E1 Lagos GP championship in Victoria Island, on Sunday, 5 October 2025.

Speaking to journalists during the final of the competition on Sunday, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described the first-of-its-kind event in Africa as a demonstration of innovation and progress.

He said the event showcased Lagos’ creativity, resilience and commitment to clean energy and sustainable solutions.

‘Hosting the E1 Grand Prix is not just about sport. It is about innovation, environmental responsibility, and putting Lagos on the global map for future-focused development,’ Governor Sanwo-Olu said.

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has condemned what it describes as ongoing attempts to undermine the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Company.

The group also called for the protection of the multi billion dollar facility as a strategic national asset.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tanko Baba, the ACF expressed concern over what it termed ‘thinly disguised attempts’ to sabotage the operations of Nigeria’s largest privately owned refinery located in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State.

The forum listed several challenges the facility had faced since inception, including crude oil supply issues from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), regulatory concerns, pricing disputes, and industrial actions by trade unions.

‘From conception, implementation and inauguration, the Dangote Refinery has continued to face unrelenting onslaughts,’ Baba said.

The forum noted the involvement of key petroleum sector unions such as the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association, the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), citing picketing and unionisation pressures.

The ACF questioned what it described as PENGASSAN’s ‘forceful’ demand for refinery workers to join the union, stressing that union membership was a constitutional right, not an obligation.

While affirming workers’ rights to unionise, the group said the Dangote refinery must first be allowed to stabilise its operations before such rights are exercised, aligning itself with recent public comments by Sen. Adams Oshiomhole and Mohammed Ali-Ndume.

‘It is concerning that PENGASSAN continues to flout a subsisting court order barring disruptions to refinery operations,’ Baba added.

The ACF also expressed support for the refinery’s management and legal efforts to protect the facility, warning that the continued unrest could deter both local and foreign investors.

‘Putting down the Dangote complex is a potent disincentive to domestic and international investors because it sends the wrong signals,’ the group warned.

The ACF issued a series of recommendations, including

support for Federal Government-led negotiations to resolve the impasse;

It also suggested sanctions against PENGASSAN for defying Court orders and a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate recurrent strikes at strategic facilities;

Others include a declaration of the Dangote refinery and similar assets as strategic national infrastructure and measures to prevent unions from sabotaging national interests under the guise of labour rights.

The forum also called on labour unions to be cautious in their engagements, warning against actions that may inadvertently serve external interests aimed at stalling Nigeria’s industrial growth.

‘The Nigerian labour movement must guard against unwittingly playing into the hands of international conspiracies determined to frustrate indigenous industrial initiatives,’ the forum concluded.

The Dangote refinery, inaugurated in 2023, is Africa’s largest single train refinery and is expected to significantly reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported petroleum products.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised alarm over the escalating insecurity across various parts of Nigeria, calling on the Federal Government to respond with honesty, urgency, and transparency.

In a statement released on Sunday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, criticized the government for what it described as ‘insensitive claims of progress’ that contradict the daily experiences of Nigerians facing violence and unrest.

‘The country is under attack. This administration must stop pretending otherwise,’ Abdullahi said. ‘National security must no longer be treated as a political talking point, but as a core responsibility of governance.’

The ADC urged the Federal Government to first acknowledge the full scope and complexity of the security crisis, and to work closely with affected states, local governments, and communities. According to the party, meaningful progress can only be made through direct engagement and by incorporating local insights into the development of practical security strategies.

In addition, the party called for a nationwide increase in security alertness, coordinated efforts between the military, police, and local security networks, regular public updates on security developments and a transparent system for tracking and auditing federal security expenditures.

‘The lives of Nigerians must matter more than sound bites and ceremonies,’ Abdullahi emphasized. ‘The time for symbolic gestures is over. What the country needs now is responsible leadership, operational urgency, and measurable results.’

The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has warned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu about the movement of some opposition governors to the ruling party soon.

In a statement signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, Primate Ayodele urged Tinubu to be careful of some of these governors because not all of them will support him, as some will act as his enemies even within his party.

The cleric mentioned governors of Taraba, Zamfara, Enugu and Kano, explaining that while some have good intentions for him, some of them, including those that have already decamped, don’t have his best interest at heart.

‘About four opposition governors will decamp to the APC, including Taraba, Kano, Zamfara, and Enugu, but not all of them will work for the president. They have an agreement to seal Mr President’s second ambition and work fantastically for him, but not all of them will stick to the agreement.’

The cleric alleged that some of them are decamping to have the blessings of the president for their ambition.

‘Some will only move to receive the blessings of Mr President, so the issue of who becomes who will be a very serious matter.’

Primate Ayodele also warned President Tinubu to personally review some of the decampees properly to identify those who are enemies. He also stated that some in the APC are not praying for the victory of the president.

‘The matter remains that not all of them will help Mr President to succeed; some are enemies, he needs to review them properly to know those who are his enemies. Some within the party are not even praying for the victory of the president.’

The Lagos waterfront came alive on Saturday as First Bank of Nigeria transformed Victoria Island into a dazzling hub of energy, glamour and fun to mark the official kick-off of the E1 Lagos Grand Prix, Africa’s first-ever all-electric powerboat race.

The atmosphere was filled with excitement as sleek, futuristic powerboats sliced through the Atlantic waves, blending high-speed sport with the unmistakable Lagos flair for celebration. Crowds gathered early, drawn by the buzz of a global event meeting Nigerian vibrance and, of course, First Bank’s signature touch of class.

E1’s debut on African waters marked a historic milestone. Lagos, known for its dynamism and cultural heartbeat, proved to be the perfect stage for the international offshore racing series. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, E1 CEO and co-founder Rodi Basso, and First Bank’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Olusegun Alebiosu, were among the prominent figures who graced the event, alongside international sporting icons and investors.

Among the biggest crowd-pullers was Didier Drogba, the Ivorian football legend and former Chelsea striker, now co-owner of Team Drogba Global Africa, who thrilled fans with his trademark charisma. The combination of sports, innovation and star power set the tone for an unforgettable Lagos weekend.

At the fan zone, it was a carnival of sights and sounds. Hundreds of Lagosians gathered to witness the water spectacle, with plenty to eat, drink and dance to. The First Bank experience booths bustled with activity as music filled the air, vendors sold local delicacies, and small-scale entrepreneurs made brisk sales.

Governor Sanwo-Olu’s arrival at the fan zone sent a ripple of excitement through the crowd as he mingled with fans, shaking hands and sharing cheerful waves. At the First Bank pavilion, staff attended to enthusiastic visitors eager to open accounts and learn more about the bank’s lifestyle offerings.

For many, the E1 Lagos GP was more than a sporting event, it was a celebration of Lagos itself.

‘It honestly surpassed my expectations,’ said Latoya Johnson, one of the thrilled spectators.

‘I never imagined Nigeria could host something this world-class. I’m proud of Lagos, and proud of Nigeria,’ she added.

Some of the fans at the event

She applauded First Bank for sponsoring the event, saying, ‘My parents banked with First Bank, and I grew up knowing it as the reliable one. So, I wasn’t surprised they’re leading something this big; they’ve always been part of Nigeria’s proudest moments.’

For First Bank, the E1 Lagos GP is more than sponsorship, it’s an extension of the ‘FirstBank DecemberIssaVybe’ tradition that has become synonymous with premium entertainment and festive fun.

Since 2018, the bank’s Vybe series has redefined Lagos’ entertainment calendar, offering customers access to concerts, comedy shows, and cultural festivals, all with that signature First Bank flair. Last December’s Reckless Musicomedy Festival featuring Kenny Blaq, DJ Neptune, and MC Monica was still fresh in memory when the bank decided to bring the party forward to October.

With the E1 Lagos GP, First Bank has once again proven that it’s not just about banking, it’s about lifestyle, innovation, and creating shared experiences that unite people. The event also reinforces the bank’s commitment to sustainability, tourism, and economic empowerment, highlighting Lagos as a global destination for leisure and culture.

As the sun set over the Lagos skyline, the waterfront sparkled a symbol of energy, pride, and endless possibility. With the E1 Lagos GP finale set for Sunday, October 5, one thing is certain: Lagosians are riding the wave of excitement, and First Bank is steering the fun.

English singer Lola Young has been involved in a legal dispute with one of the producers of her hit song ‘Messy’.

Lola, who filed a suit against music producer Carter Lang, claimed she had no choice after the producer stated that he co wrote four of her songs, including ‘messy’.

‘It is with immense disappointment, especially given recent events, that we have had no choice but to respond to recent writing credit claims from Carter Lang on four Lola Young songs by issuing legal proceedings on her behalf. Carter’s claims are strongly refuted and we will not allow Lola’s reputation and integrity to be called into question – particularly so long after the sessions took place and agreements were put in place. Lola has always been authentic in her songwriting process and acknowledges songwriting contributions where appropriate. This dispute has been ongoing for several months and we look forward to the truth being established,’ Lola’s lawyer stated

Carter, however, is yet to respond to the lawsuit.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has smashed two major cocaine cartels behind six United Kingdom-bound drug consignments, arresting the alleged mastermind, Alhaji Hammed Taofeek Ode, and five other suspects in a series of intelligence-led operations across Lagos State.

According to the agency, the operations, which spanned over three weeks, uncovered a total of 20.5 kilograms of cocaine concealed in the walls of stainless cups, body cream, and hair gel containers. The NDLEA also destroyed 24,897 kilograms of cannabis (skunk) in forest raids in Edo and Osun States.

Major Busts at Lagos Airport

The agency noted that the breakthrough began on September 16, 2025, when operatives at the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, intercepted 174 parcels of cocaine weighing 13.4 kilograms, concealed in cocoa butter body cream containers.

Further investigations led to the identification and eventual arrest of Alhaji Hammed Taofeek Ode, who posed as a businessman and real estate developer.

Ode, who reportedly lived in several European countries, including the United Kingdom, Austria, France, and Germany, admitted ownership of the seized drugs during interrogation, claiming he purchased them for over ?150 million.

In similar operations, NDLEA operatives foiled five additional cocaine export attempts to the UK. The series of arrests began on September 26, following the seizure of 2.1 kilograms of cocaine concealed in hair cream containers.

The subsequent arrest of a cargo agent led to the capture of Smith David Korede, a furniture maker, at his residence in Mafoluku, Oshodi, where another 1.4 kilograms of cocaine destined for the UK was recovered. Two more UK-bound consignments were seized on October 2, leading to the arrest of Ogunbiyi Oluseye Taiwo and Popoola Francis Olumuyiwa. The cocaine, weighing 2.6 kilograms, was hidden in crayfish packages and stainless cups.

Other Major Seizures Nationwide

In a related operation, NDLEA officers intercepted a shipment of 6.3 kilograms of ‘Loud’, a potent strain of cannabis, smuggled from Thailand and concealed in bedsheets and hibiscus flowers.

In Kano State, a joint NDLEA-Customs operation along the Danbatta-Daura Road led to the arrest of Sa’adu Ali, 38, and the seizure of 290,450 pills of Tramadol and Pregabalin on October 2.

In Lagos, notorious dealer John Igbe, alias SammyBless, was arrested at Lekki with 550 grams of Colorado, while three others were nabbed in Mushin with 109 kilograms of skunk, 20 bottles of codeine syrup, and 2 kilograms of nitrous oxide. Additional recoveries included 3,700 bottles of codeine and 550,000 expired diclofenac tablets at the Trade Fair Complex, Alaba.

Similarly, NDLEA officers in Kwara arrested Salisu Abubakar, 25, with 27,700 Tramadol pills, while in Kaduna, Blessing Ovaka, 50, was caught with 498.5 kilograms of skunk, and Dahiru Salisu, 27, was arrested with 34,180 Tramadol capsules along Kaduna-Zaria Road.

In Ogun State, operatives raided Isheri, Obafemi Owode LGA, seizing 112 kilograms of skunk and 16 grams of Tramadol. In Osun, three suspects were arrested in the Owena/Ijesha forest reserve, where officers destroyed 14,000 kilograms of cannabis on 5.6 hectares of farmland.

In Edo State, NDLEA officers intercepted a vehicle loaded with 244.5 kilograms of skunk at Igbanke and later destroyed 10,897 kilograms of cannabis on four farms in Ugbodo forest, arresting two suspects.

Across Kogi and the FCT, patrol teams intercepted 3.27 kilograms of ‘Loud’ and 25.5 kilograms of skunk, leading to the arrests of Tobi Odubote, 34, and Ismail Abdurrahim, 32, respectively.

However, Chairman and Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), commended the officers for their professionalism and dedication.

He praised the operatives of the MMIA, DOGI, Kano, Edo, Kwara, Kaduna, Ogun, Osun, Kogi, and FCT commands for their resilience and contribution to the agency’s ongoing drug control efforts.

‘We’ll continue to target and dismantle every identified drug cartel-from the mules to the dealers and up to their leadership,’ Marwa said. ‘Every arrest, seizure, and forfeited asset represents innocent lives saved and communities protected, both in Nigeria and abroad.’

Media personality and former Big Brother Naija winner, Mercy Eke, has dedicated her win during the forth season of the show, to all young women.

Mercy, while speaking with BellaNaija, claimed that her win helped pave the way for more women to win the reality TV show. Mercy who was the first female winner of the Big Brother Naija reality show, claimed her big win in 2019.

She also opened up on her win, revealing that she was prepared and confident even before the start of the show.

‘I came into the show prepared. I was ready. And when I won the show, I did it for all the young women who have been told that they can’t. I did it for all of us,’ she stated.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has pledged to deport over 750,000 illegal migrants if her party returns to power, unveiling a bold, US-style ‘Removals Force’ as the centrepiece of her new Borders Plan.

The proposed unit, inspired by Donald Trump’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), would be tasked with hunting down and deporting undocumented migrants in record numbers. The move, described by party insiders as ‘Britain’s toughest border policy yet’, marks a dramatic turn in Badenoch’s strategy as she arrives in Manchester for a make-or-break Conservative Party conference.

The seven-point Borders Plan, announced Saturday night, comes after Badenoch confirmed that a future Tory government would withdraw the UK from both the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (ECAT).

According to her team, leaving both treaties would ‘remove legal blockades’ that have long prevented deportations and enable the government to act decisively.

‘We must tackle the scourge of illegal immigration into Britain and secure our borders,’ Badenoch said. ‘That is why the Conservatives are setting out a serious and comprehensive new plan to end this crisis.’

Under her plan, the new Removals Force will replace the Home Office’s immigration enforcement teams, with funding doubled from £800 million to £1.6 billion. Its mandate: increase deportations from 34,000 to 150,000 a year – reaching 750,000 by the end of a parliamentary term.

The Tories say the initiative will be financed by shutting down costly asylum hotels and cutting into the £4.76 billion annual asylum budget.

Other highlights of the Borders Plan include:

A total ban on asylum claims for illegal entrants.

An end to legal aid and judicial reviews in immigration cases.

Deportation of all foreign criminals within a week.

New return deals with foreign governments to fast-track removals.

Visa restrictions and aid cuts for countries that refuse to take back their nationals.

Party strategists argue that banning asylum for illegal entrants would send ‘a clear message’ that no one who arrives unlawfully can ever gain protection in the UK a deterrent effect similar to that seen under President Trump’s hardline border policies.

Still, critics have slammed the proposal as political desperation.

Nick Thomas-Symonds, Minister for EU Relations, dismissed Badenoch’s announcement as ‘an isolationist fantasy.’

‘Nigel Farage and Kemi Badenoch offer the same fake fix – withdraw from the ECHR and pretend the problem disappears,’ he said. ‘It’s the lazy politics of those out of ideas and out of their depth.’

However, Tory insiders insist the plan is ‘serious and deliverable.’ One source said:

‘We’ve spent our time in opposition forensically analysing every element of our immigration system. This isn’t about slogans – it’s about real reform.’

With Reform UK currently leading the Conservatives two-to-one in the polls, Badenoch’s hardline turn on immigration appears aimed at reclaiming her party’s right-wing base and perhaps, reviving her dwindling political momentum.