Category: PM News

The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division, Nigerian Army (NA), Major General Auwalu Mahmuda has instructed troops providing security for Osun State Off Cycle Gubernatorial Election to be professional and adhere strictly to the Code of Conduct for Election duty.

Major General Mahmuda made the call on Friday 7 August 2026 while addressing troops that will be supporting the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) for the election, at Engineer Construction Command (ECC), Ede, Osun State.

He underscored the critical nature of the task the Nigerian Army has placed on their shoulders, as part of their constitutional role in providing aid to civil authority.

He added that the exercise tagged ‘Operation SAFE CONDUCT’ will be in support of the NPF, which is the lead agency for the conduct of elections in Nigeria.

He, however, maintained that they are to provide outer cordon security, and only respond to situations when called upon to do so, stressing that they must stay away from polling units, and respond appropriately to any security threat.

The GOC stressed that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu expects nothing short of professional conduct by the troops, in support of the NPF.

He charged them to shun sentiments, or any form of bias, by ensuring that their actions and inactions are guided by Nigeria’s national interest, stressing the need for them to be disciplined and maintain a robust disposition, without harassing anybody throughout the period.

He charged the troops to act and behave as well-trained soldiers of the Nigerian Army, reassuring that all what they require for the seamless conduct of Operation SAFE CONDUCT have been provided, urging them to justify the confidence reposed in them.

The Major General used the opportunity to appeal ‘to the good people of Osun State to have confidence in the security arrangements put in place for the smooth conduct of the election. He reassured that nobody will be harassed, as the security arrangements put in place are essentially for the maintenance of law and order for the people to freely exercise their constitutional rights.’

Lagos State Deputy Governor, Kadri Hamzat, has assured traders and business owners at Alaba International Market, Ojo, that the state government will proceed with the reconstruction and expansion of roads within the market once ongoing drainage projects are completed.

Hamzat gave the assurance on Friday at the unveiling of the New Face of International Market Electronics Association, held at the Colonade Hotel, Ikoyi, where he reiterated the administration’s commitment to providing infrastructure capable of supporting commerce and improving the quality of life of residents.

He explained that the decision to complete the drainage network before reconstructing the roads was deliberate, noting that effective flood control was essential to protecting the durability of any new road infrastructure in the market.

According to him, significant progress has already been made on the drainage projects, which are intended to improve water flow and address the persistent flooding challenges affecting parts of the market.

‘We must make sure that we move water,’ Hamzat said, explaining that the drainage works behind the market were already about 70 per cent complete.

He added that road reconstruction would commence after the drainage works were completed, stressing that the road network would also have to be expanded to accommodate the growing population and commercial activities within the market.

The deputy governor said the government remained committed to working with market leaders and other stakeholders to transform Alaba International Market into a more functional and sustainable commercial centre.

He assured traders that infrastructure development would remain a priority, particularly projects capable of improving mobility, reducing flooding and creating a more conducive environment for businesses to operate.

Hamzat’s remarks came amid calls from market stakeholders for urgent rehabilitation of roads within the sprawling electronics market, one of Lagos’ major commercial centres.

Speaking at the event, Senator Uzor Orji Kalu commended the Lagos State Government for its efforts to rehabilitate critical infrastructure around Alaba International Market.

Kalu stressed that effective governance should be measured by the delivery of projects that directly affect the lives and businesses of citizens, while commending the administration for its infrastructure focus.

He also described Hamzat as a leader with extensive experience in infrastructure development and an understanding of Lagos’ developmental needs.

He expressed confidence that continued engagement with communities across the state would help identify priority projects and accelerate socio-economic development.

In his welcome address, the President-General of Alaba International Market Electronics Association, Chief Camillus Amajuoyi, described the New Face of Alaba initiative as a major effort to reposition the market and improve its operating environment.

Amajuoyi said the initiative was designed to transform Alaba into a cleaner, safer, digitally driven and globally competitive commercial hub, capable of competing with leading markets around the world.

He said the vision was aimed at promoting integrity, discipline, innovation and adherence to global best practices while preserving Alaba’s longstanding reputation as a centre of entrepreneurship and economic opportunity.

The market leader commended the Lagos State Government for its investments in infrastructure and urban renewal, as well as policies he said had contributed to creating an environment in which businesses could thrive.

He, however, appealed to the government to expedite the provision of a motorable road network within the market, stressing that improved roads were critical to the movement of goods, customers and business activities.

The Society Security Initiative (SSI) has commended President Bola Tinubu for approving a 30 to 80 per cent salary increase for members of the Armed Forces.

The group, in a statement on Saturday by its President, Abdulsalam Mohammed, described the approval as a significant morale booster capable of enhancing troops’ commitment and effectiveness in the ongoing fight against insecurity nationwide.

Mohammed said that improved welfare was critical to maintaining a motivated and professional military.

He said the salary review demonstrated the Federal Government’s appreciation of the sacrifices made daily by military personnel defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity and citizens.

According to him, improved remuneration would strengthen morale, boost productivity and encourage greater dedication among personnel deployed across various operational theatres.

He described the decision as evidence of Tinubu’s visionary leadership and understanding of the importance of troop welfare in national security management.

The SSI president said the salary increase would also improve the living conditions of officers and soldiers while strengthening their commitment to national service.

He commended the President for sustained investments in defence, including the acquisition of modern military equipment and policies designed to improve personnel welfare.

Mohammed also praised the Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, for supporting policies aimed at improving the operational effectiveness and welfare of the Armed Forces.

He further commended the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for his leadership in coordinating military operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities.

The organisation’s leader expressed confidence that improved remuneration would further motivate troops to sustain operations against criminal elements and contribute to restoring peace in affected communities.

He urged military personnel to reciprocate the government’s gesture with renewed dedication, professionalism and patriotism in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.

He noted that a motivated and professionally equipped military remained indispensable to achieving lasting national security, stability and sustainable development. (NAN)

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Saturday inspected a vandalised bridge pole along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway at Vin-Niger in Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area, assuring residents that the incident had not compromised the structural integrity of the bridge.

Sanwo-Olu, who carried out an on-the-spot assessment of the affected section, said the bridge remained structurally sound and that the ongoing work on the facility had not been compromised.

The governor, however, disclosed that vandals had excavated and removed some fittings used to secure the bridge, describing the development as unacceptable and a threat to public infrastructure.

He vowed that the state government would pursue those responsible for the vandalism, including individuals involved in the purchase and sale of stolen public infrastructure materials.

Sanwo-Olu said the government would ensure that those found culpable were brought to justice, irrespective of their status or background.

He described the continued vandalism of public assets as shameful, particularly at a time when the state government was committing substantial resources to infrastructure development and rehabilitation across Lagos.

The governor also raised concerns about the vandalism of infrastructure in Festac Town, citing the destruction of drainage slabs and the removal of iron rods along Second and Seventh Avenues.

He urged residents to play an active role in protecting government infrastructure by reporting suspicious activities and individuals to the appropriate authorities.

‘When you see something, you should say something. Government is not going to be there 24/7. People should know that they also have a responsibility for themselves and for the government to speak out,’ he said.

Sanwo-Olu commended the Lagos State Police Command, Rapid Response Squad, Lagos State Neighbourhood Watch and members of the Kick Against Indiscipline for their prompt intervention and response to the vandalised section of the bridge.

He explained that the inspection formed part of his administration’s broader efforts to restore order along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway corridor, protect public infrastructure and improve the safety and appearance of the area.

Speaking to residents, traders and commuters during the inspection of Alaba Rago and Orile, the governor said considerable progress had been made in clearing and reorganising the Lagos-Badagry Expressway corridor.

He stressed that the administration would continue to protect public assets and take measures to ensure the safety of motorists, commuters, traders and other road users.

Sanwo-Olu further assured residents that his administration would sustain its collaboration with security agencies to combat vandalism, maintain law and order and create a safer environment for law-abiding residents across Lagos.

The governor’s inspection comes amid renewed concerns over the theft and destruction of public infrastructure, with the state government seeking greater cooperation from residents to prevent vandals from undermining ongoing development projects.

Popular Nigerian TikToker Habeeb Hamzat, better known as Peller, has received a N400 million mansion in Abuja from real estate businessman King Ochacho.

Peller announced the gift in an emotional post on Instagram, expressing his appreciation to Ochacho for the generous gesture.

He said, ‘Words honestly cannot explain how grateful I am. Today, I received a N400 million house in Abuja from an incredible man, Mr. Ochacho.’

The mansion was reportedly promised last Saturday during Peller’s traditional wedding with his partner, Jarvis, which was held on August 1.

A viral video from the wedding showed Ochacho promising to give Peller a N400 million mansion in Abuja on behalf of himself and his sons.

Thanking Ochacho, Peller said the businessman had believed in him, supported him and blessed him in a major way.

He also prayed for God to continue to bless and protect Ochacho and replenish everything he had given him.

Peller further thanked businessman and philanthropist Sososoberekon for introducing him to Ochacho.

He said the connection would not have happened without Sososoberekon and expressed his deep appreciation for the introduction.

The announcement has generated several reactions online, with fans congratulating Peller and praising Ochacho for fulfilling his promise barely a week after making it.

The gift comes as Peller and Jarvis prepare for their white wedding, scheduled to take place at 3 p.m. today.

Troops operating under the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have intensified operations against terrorist groups in Zamfara State, disrupting their activities and making key recoveries, including more than N5.3 million in cash.

The operations, carried out on Friday in different parts of the state, also led to the discovery and clearance of an Improvised Explosive Device planted along a route near Jabanda village in Zurmi Local Government Area.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the JTF Media Information Officer, Lt Col Aliyu Danja, said troops from Sector 2, supported by a Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, were deployed after receiving information about the suspected explosive device.

The team located and safely cleared the IED before scanning the road and reopening it to motorists.

Danja said the troops subsequently encountered terrorists at Birnin Tsaba village in Birnin Magaji Local Government Area while returning from the operation.

The troops engaged the terrorists and forced them to retreat into the surrounding bush. A follow-up search of the area resulted in the recovery of two motorcycles, a camouflage jungle hat, a handheld radio and other items.

In another operation around Kwanar Jolof in Shinkafi Local Government Area, Sector 2 troops, working alongside personnel of the Mobile Police Squadron, confronted terrorists following intelligence on their activities in the area.

The terrorists were forced to flee after troops brought superior firepower to bear. A search conducted afterwards led to the recovery of another motorcycle, two camouflage uniforms, a camouflage vest and a jungle hat.

Meanwhile, troops conducting patrols around Maradun intercepted a 35-year-old suspected terrorist collaborator and logistics supplier identified as Lawali Dan Alo.

Danja said a search of Dan Alo’s bag, which he claimed contained food, uncovered N5.302 million in cash and a mobile phone.

‘Preliminary interrogation showed the suspect was allegedly delivering the funds on behalf of a terrorist leader to another individual, Kasimu Garba, who was arrested at his residence,’ Danja said.

The two suspects remain in custody as investigations continue.

The Theatre Command praised the troops for their vigilance and swift response, saying intelligence-led operations, patrols and targeted actions against terrorist networks would be sustained across the North-West.

It also appealed to residents to remain alert and provide security agencies with timely and credible information that could assist ongoing operations.

The Kogi Government has ordered arrest of a leader of a vigilante group and others after death of a herder led to reprisal killings in Abugi, Kuchinda and Mikugi communities of Kupa Kingdom, Lokoja Local Government Area of the state.

This was revealed in a statement issued to commiserate with families of victims of reprisal killings by the state government on Thursday.

Kogi Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr Kingsley Fanwo who signed the statement vowed that all perpetrators of the reprisal killings would be apprehended and prosecuted.

He described the incident as tragic, senseless and unacceptable, stressing that no misunderstanding should result in the loss of innocent lives.

Fanwo said Gov. Ahmed Ododo extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and the entire Kupa Kingdom, praying for the peaceful repose of the deceased and comfort for those left behind.

According to him, preliminary reports showed that the crisis began after an unarmed herder was allegedly shot and killed by a member of the local vigilante on suspicion of cattle rustling.

The commissioner said the killing was followed by a reprisal attack allegedly carried out by armed persons, who targeted innocent residents of Abugi, Kuchinda and Mikugi, resulting in multiple deaths and heightened tension in the area.

‘The Kogi government condemns in the strongest terms, both the killing of the unarmed herder and subsequent reprisal attack.

‘These are criminal acts that have no place in our society.

‘Anyone found to have participated in either incident, regardless of status or ethnic affiliation, will face the full wrath of the law,’ Fanwo stated.

The commissioner disclosed that the governor has directed security agencies to take control of the affected communities, restore peace and prevent further breakdown of law and order.

‘The governor has ordered the immediate arrest of the vigilante member, alleged to have killed the herder, as well as those behind the reprisal attack, including the leader of the Hybrid Vigilante Group suspected to have coordinated the assault.’

He appealed to residents to remain calm and resist reprisals, and urged members of the public to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information to aid investigations and arrests.

He said the state government is working closely with security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders to restore lasting peace across Kupa Kingdom and rebuild confidence among affected communities.

The commissioner reiterated the Ododo administration’s commitment to protecting every resident of Kogi

He stressed that government will continue to uphold justice, strengthen peaceful coexistence and ensure that criminals have no hiding place in the state.

Nigerian troops have neutralised nine terrorists in a precision airstrike in Borno and apprehended six suspected kidnappers and terrorist logistics suppliers receiving treatment for gunshot wounds in Plateau.

The piece of information is in a Military Operational Report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday.

The report stated that the successes were recorded during ongoing operations across the North-East, North-Central and other theatres.

It noted that an Air Interdiction Mission, codenamed GUARDIAN, tracked three motorcycles conveying nine terrorists around Mai Hisari Arege in Abadam Local Government Area of Borno.

It added that the aircraft conducted a precision strike, destroying the motorcycles and neutralising all nine terrorists.

The report also revealed that troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN arrested six suspected kidnappers and terrorist logistics suppliers at a hospital in Jos South Local Government Area.

It said the suspects, who were receiving treatment for gunshot and machete wounds, are in military custody for further investigation.

‘Troops also arrested a Fulani youth leader in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna over alleged links to a recent terrorist attack on Naridon Community.

‘In Benue, troops conducting offensive operations in Ukum Local Government Area made contact with suspected terrorists, killing one while others fled.

‘The troops recovered a locally fabricated pistol, a motorcycle and other items during the operation.

‘Meanwhile, troops responding to an attack on herders in Guma Local Government Area of Benue arrested a suspect accused of macheting a herder, while the injured victim was evacuated for medical treatment,’ it said.

The Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) said reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu have helped boosted market capitalisation of listed companies from N30 trillion in May 2023 to over N150 trillion.

‘In May 2023, when Mr President came into office, the market capitalisation was just shy of N30 trillion. Today, that figure is over N150 trillion,’ NGX Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Temi Popoola, disclosed on Thursday.

He spoke after NGX and Securities and Exchange Commission officials met President Bola Tinubu at the presidential villa, Abuja.

The delegation briefed the President on capital market performance, growth prospects and measures required to deepen participation and attract more investors.

He cited fuel subsidy removal, foreign exchange reforms and the Investment and Securities Act signed into law in 2025.

Popoola also highlighted banking sector recapitalisation and digital transformation initiatives aimed at broadening access to capital market opportunities.

‘The banks have raised over N4 trillion and before the end of this year maybe over N5 trillion, mostly from domestic investors,’ he said.

Popoola said market capitalisation could reach about N230 trillion by the end of 2026, driven by anticipated major listings.

He identified the proposed listing of the Dangote Refinery among developments expected to further boost market value and investor confidence.

According to him, the growth has created substantial wealth for investors and businesses across the country.

Popoola estimated that between 500,000 and 900,000 new millionaires had emerged through gains recorded in the capital market.

He added that earnings of many listed companies had risen sharply, with some firms recording up to five-fold growth since 2023.

The NGX chief attributed the market expansion to key reforms introduced under the Tinubu administration.

He said the delegation presented a vision of a capital market capable of financing infrastructure and supporting Nigeria’s one-trillion-dollar economy ambition.

Popoola noted that Nigeria could become a major financing hub for Africa if current reforms and policies were sustained.

He said NGX urged the Federal Government to accelerate privatisation and list stakes in major national assets.

The assets proposed for listing include Nigeria LNG, Indorama and selected Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. assets.

‘We pressed Mr President to consider support for government stakes in these companies to come to the market,’ he said.

Popoola said the exchange also requested incentives to encourage more private firms to list locally rather than seek foreign listings exclusively.

He disclosed that Tinubu assured the delegation of his support and commitment to policies that would deepen market development.

Earlier, NGX Group Chairman, Alhaji Umaru Kwairanga, said the Nigerian market was recently ranked among the world’s best-performing exchanges.

He attributed the achievement to the administration’s economic reforms and increased investor confidence in the Nigerian economy.

‘We are coming from less than N50 trillion to today over N150 trillion and we are still growing.

‘These are all part of the success stories of what Mr President has done,’ he said.

Kwairanga said the President also expressed support for listing additional national assets to broaden wealth creation opportunities.

Also speaking, SEC Director-General, Dr Emomotimi Agama, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to market stability and sustained growth.

‘We will do our best as regulators to provide an enabling environment for participants in the Nigerian capital market,’ Agama said.

He thanked investors for their confidence and expressed optimism that the market would continue contributing significantly to economic growth.

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on Friday formally received 163 kidnap victims rescued by a combined team of security agencies, describing the operation as a major milestone in the fight against kidnapping and terrorism in Nigeria.

The victims, who were abducted during the February 3, 2026 terrorist attack on Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area, were handed over to the state government by the Nigerian Army in Ilorin after spending 48 hours receiving medical treatment and trauma care at various health facilities on the governor’s directive.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, AbdulRazaq congratulated President Bola Tinubu on what has been described as Nigeria’s largest single-day hostage rescue operation, praising the intelligence-led mission and the renewed synergy among the military and other security agencies.

The governor also commended the Nigerian Army and other participating security agencies for their professionalism, courage and sacrifice, saying their coordinated efforts had restored hope to families who had endured months of uncertainty.

He assured the victims of the state government’s continued support, pledging comprehensive medical care, psychosocial counselling and rehabilitation to aid their recovery and reintegration into society.

The rescue formed part of a broader operation in which 308 abductees were freed from forest hideouts across Kwara and neighbouring Niger State, including 145 victims rescued from Niger, in an operation President Tinubu hailed as the country’s biggest same-day recovery of kidnap victims.

The victims from Kwara had spent about six months in captivity after gunmen attacked Woro community, killing scores of residents and abducting hundreds during one of the deadliest attacks recorded in the state this year.

However, community leaders disclosed that 13 persons remain unaccounted for, urging security agencies to sustain search-and-rescue operations until every abductee is brought home.

They also revealed that some women gave birth while in captivity, underscoring the prolonged ordeal endured by many of the victims.

AbdulRazaq reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting security operations and strengthening collaboration with federal authorities to eliminate criminal groups threatening communities across the state.