Category: PM News

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has invited the Indian captain of a flydubai flight that was heading to Tel Aviv to visit Israel as his guest of honour.

The invitation was extended to Captain Smit Machchhar during a telephone conversation after the pilot reportedly saved the aircraft following an attack in the cockpit.

In a video of the conversation released by Netanyahu’s office on Saturday, the Israeli prime minister described Machchhar as a hero of India, Israel and the world.

‘You are a true hero of the brave peoples of India and Israel, and you are a hero of the entire world,’ Netanyahu told the pilot.

The invitation came after the United Arab Emirates Attorney General, Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, said preliminary findings from an investigation showed that the co-pilot of the flydubai flight had allegedly attempted to carry out what he described as a terrorist act.

According to the UAE official news agency, WAM, Al Shamsi said the co-pilot allegedly used an emergency axe to attack the captain inside the cockpit before trying to take control of the aircraft.

‘The co-pilot had attempted to carry out a terrorist act,’ WAM quoted the Attorney General as saying.

The flight, which was travelling to Israel, was diverted on Wednesday following the incident.

A passenger on board had earlier claimed that one of the pilots attacked the other and attempted to crash the aircraft, putting the lives of everyone on board at risk.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

A joint operation involving the Nigerian Navy and the Federal Government Inter-Agency Task Force on Petroleum Theft has uncovered a 40,000-litre-capacity illegal refinery concealed in the creeks of Bonny Island, Rivers State.

The facility was discovered following intelligence coordinated through the Joint Intelligence Monitoring Team, which comprises personnel from various security and intelligence agencies.

Speaking to journalists in Bonny on Friday, the Commanding Officer of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base, Bonny, Captain Stanley Umeh, described the discovery as the biggest made by his team since he assumed command in March 2026.

According to him, naval gunboats transported the operatives into the creeks, after which they trekked through thick vegetation before reaching the hidden refinery.

‘This discovery here is a product of long-time synergy between the base and other security agencies within the island and outside. It has been a product of actionable intelligence over time,’ he stated.

Umeh said the facility was yet to commence full operations, unlike several illegal refineries previously discovered with crude oil already stored or processed.

‘Most times we go, we see illegal refineries with pits and crude deposited inside. Some have already cooked, and some are yet to be cooked. But this discovery is like nipping the act in the bud.

‘This is their preparatory stage. You could see from the build-up and the set-up of the illegal refinery, it’s meant to be a very big one that would see the siphoning or stealing of crude and brought here for cooking in large quantity,’ he said.

He described the operation as a significant step in the Federal Government’s efforts to curb crude oil theft and boost production.

‘This discovery is a plus to the fight against crude oil theft in Nigeria, towards increasing the production or crude sales production in the country,’ Umeh said.

The commander vowed that the Navy would sustain its surveillance of Bonny’s waterways and difficult-to-access areas to prevent oil thieves from establishing illegal facilities.

‘It’s been a zero tolerance for us, both in and out of the waters. It’s been zero tolerance for this kind of illegalities within Bonny Local Government Area generally,’ he said.

‘We will continue to raid and make sure they have no hiding places. It is a zero tolerance,’ Umeh added, noting that the operation was in line with the Chief of Naval Staff’s directive on crude oil theft.

Also speaking, the Head of Investigation of the Special Prosecution Team of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Petroleum Theft, Omar John Sini, said the discovery demonstrated the importance of collaboration among intelligence, security and law enforcement agencies.

Sini said the task force, inaugurated by the Federal Government on March 1, 2025, had secured at least 137 convictions in connection with illicit activities in the hydrocarbon sector.

‘Since inception to now, we’ve been able to secure at least 137 convictions, and that is largely responsible for the drop in the illicit activities in the hydrocarbon sector,’ Sini said.

He said intelligence from the Joint Intelligence Monitoring Team, led by Major General A.A. Idris under the supervision of the Chief of Defence Staff, was instrumental to the operation.

Sini explained that while the intelligence team was responsible for gathering and tracking information, the Special Prosecution Team handled investigation and prosecution.

‘It is this sync that gave rise to this identity. As we were working as a team with them, by sheer providence, the commander, my elder brother here beside me, was also working.

‘So you can imagine that when we put these two teams together, without no time, we deploy relevant technology, identify and track this location.’

He said the agencies were focused on preventing oil theft before criminal operations became fully established.

‘The primary purpose of law enforcement is to detect crime. We don’t even want it to occur so that we don’t be reactive, we want to be preventive,’ he explained.

Sini disclosed that three suspects allegedly linked to the financing of the illegal refinery were already in custody.

‘We’ve been able to detect, we allowed them to invest their money, their hard-earned resources, and they’ve built this refinery with an amount that would be running into millions of Naira.

‘What we will do after now is that we are going to treat this place in accordance with extant laws, afterwards face and prosecute the culprits because we already have three suspects in custody that are associated with the financing of this typology of crime in this axis.

‘We have already approached the court of law to apply for relevant order,’ Sini stated.

He also called for tougher sentencing provisions for petroleum theft offences, arguing that existing penalties may not provide enough deterrence.

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has invited young Nigerian innovators between the ages of 18 and 28 to submit innovative ideas capable of driving growth and transformation in Nigeria’s blue economy.

NIMASA made the appeal while announcing that the opening of the application portal for its Blue Economy Accelerator Programme (NIMASA-BEAP) will take place on Monday, October 5, 2026.

NIMASA, in a statement by Osagie Edward, its Deputy Director/Head, Public Relations, said the initiative, which includes a National Innovation Hackathon and a 12-week accelerator programme, is designed to identify, nurture and support young talents with innovative solutions that can unlock the vast economic opportunities in Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy sectors.

Speaking on the initiative, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, stated that the programme reflects the Agency’s commitment to positioning young Nigerians as active participants in the development of the nation’s blue economy through innovation, entrepreneurship and technology.

According to him, Nigeria’s maritime sector holds enormous potential for economic growth, job creation and national development, but unlocking this potential requires fresh ideas, technological innovation and the active participation of young people.

‘The future of Nigeria’s blue economy will be built on ideas, innovation, enterprise and collaboration. Through NIMASA-BEAP, we are creating a platform for young Nigerians to develop practical solutions, transform innovative ideas into viable enterprises and contribute meaningfully to the growth of our maritime sector,’ Mobereola stated.

The application portal will remain open from October 5 to November 13, 2026, after which submitted applications will undergo evaluation and due diligence from November 16 to December 2, 2026.

Successful applicants will proceed to the National Innovation Hackathon scheduled for December 8-10, 2026, where innovative ideas will be further developed and assessed as part of the programme’s selection process.

The selected innovators will subsequently participate in a 12-week accelerator programme in the first quarter of 2027, culminating in a National Demo Day in the second quarter of the year. The Demo Day will provide a platform for participants to showcase their solutions, demonstrate their progress and explore opportunities for collaboration and enterprise development.

NIMASA therefore encouraged eligible young Nigerians with innovative ideas and solutions relevant to the maritime and blue economy sectors to take advantage of the opportunity by submitting their applications through the programme portal once it opens.

The Agency also reiterated its commitment to fostering innovation, empowering the next generation of maritime entrepreneurs and supporting solutions that will strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global blue economy.

The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) senatorial candidate for Oyo Central Senatorial District, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to resign over what he described as worsening insecurity across the country.

Ajadi also urged Tinubu to abandon his 2027 re-election bid, arguing that the President should relinquish office if his administration could not adequately address the security challenges confronting Nigerians.

He made the call while reacting to the reported abduction of 19 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to their orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states.

The prospective corps members were reportedly abducted when gunmen attacked two buses along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha, Imo State, on Thursday.

Ajadi described the incident as unacceptable, particularly because the victims were young Nigerians travelling to serve their country under the NYSC scheme.

‘It is ridiculous and unreasonable that corps members who are travelling to serve their motherland should be kidnapped. These are young Nigerians who have completed their education and are being deployed to contribute to the development of their country,’ he said.

The APM candidate urged President Tinubu to direct security agencies to intensify efforts to locate and rescue the abducted corps members, stressing that their safe return should be treated as a matter of national urgency.

‘Mr President must make the immediate rescue of these corps members a priority. It is the responsibility of the government to protect Nigerians, particularly young people who are travelling across the country in the service of their nation,’ Ajadi said.

He expressed concern over reports that the abductors were demanding N50 million for each of the 19 victims, which would amount to N950 million, saying such a demand would place the affected families under severe financial and emotional pressure.

Ajadi called on the government to take decisive action to secure the victims’ release while strengthening security arrangements along major highways used by prospective corps members and other Nigerians travelling between states.

He said the persistent security challenges across the country showed that the Federal Government needed to adopt more decisive measures to protect lives and property.

‘If these corps members are unable to be rescued, then Mr President should resign. It is barbaric for the father of the nation to continue his duty as President while some of his children are in the den of kidnappers,’ Ajadi said.

He further urged Tinubu not to seek re-election in 2027 if his administration could not find effective solutions to the country’s security challenges.

According to Ajadi, the President should instead resign and allow another administration to take responsibility for addressing the insecurity confronting Nigerians.

‘Tinubu should resign because he has not been able to meet the responsibility of solving the insecurity in the nation. He should not bother to contest in the 2027 general election. He should rather resign now,’ he said.

Ajadi urged security agencies to sustain their search-and-rescue operations until all the abducted prospective corps members are safely reunited with their families.

He also appealed to Nigerians to remain vigilant and provide useful information to security agencies that could assist in rescuing the victims and preventing further attacks on people travelling across the country.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged Nigerians to give President Bola Tinubu credit for what he described as bold decisions that prevented the country’s economy from collapsing.

Shettima spoke after meeting with Tinubu at the President’s Lagos residence, where he also said the administration had remained in constant communication with the President during his time abroad.

‘We are quite thrilled that he is back on the beat, and we have been in regular contact throughout his sojourn abroad,’ Shettima said.

According to him, technological advances had made it possible for Tinubu to remain involved in governance despite his absence from the country.

‘Advances in science and technology have made it possible to really have impactful leadership wherever one might find himself. So we have been in regular contact. We speak almost every other day, and we are updating him,’ he said.

Shettima said Tinubu inherited an economy that was in serious distress, citing the country’s foreign reserves as evidence of the severity of the situation.

‘When we assumed the mantle of leadership, our foreign reserves was a staggeringly low 3.9 billion dollars, that was not enough to import oil for one month. He had the courage and the conviction to take far-reaching decisions,’ he said.

He specifically defended the removal of petrol subsidy and the unification of the country’s multiple exchange rates, describing both measures as difficult but necessary choices.

‘The withdrawal of the fuel subsidy, the realignment of the multiple exchange rates, were far-reaching decisions.’

The Vice President said the measures had helped prevent a deeper economic crisis.

‘He literally… the economy was actually teetering on the verge of collapse. He saved the economy. I want Nigerians to understand this fundamental truism.

‘We are on the road to Caracas. He saved our economy. He saved the nation from falling to pieces,’ Shettima added.

He appealed to Nigerians to be patient with the administration despite the hardship caused by the reforms.

‘As usual, impactful decision-making that will touch the lives of the Nigerian people. It’s absolutely essential that Nigerians need to be generous to this poor man,’ Shettima said.

‘We appreciate the pains Nigerians are going through, but tough times do not last forever. Tough people do,’ he added.

Shettima also outlined measures the Federal Government plans to introduce in the North-East to cushion the effects of the economic difficulties.

‘In the next couple of weeks, we are going to launch e-logistics in the North East, we are going to run 10,600 electric tricycles to ease the pains of the people in the North East, and 300 buses and taxis, e-taxis. All these were meant to ameliorate the sufferings of our people,’ he said.

He further praised the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFUND, describing it as a major intervention for students from low-income backgrounds.

‘The president has empathy, a lot of empathy for the common man. The NELFUND is a masterstroke aimed at assisting students of limited means to have access to drink from the Western Spring. So be rest assured that we’ll come up with programmes and projects to ease the pains of the people,’ he said.

On the growing political activities ahead of the 2027 elections, Shettima said the administration would continue to focus on governance.

‘Politics is in the air, but we will combine politics and governance,’ he said.

Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 15 kidnapped victims and arrested two suspected kidnappers during separate operations conducted across Edo, Kaduna, Benue and Kogi states.

The operations, carried out on October 1 and 2, were part of ongoing efforts by the military to disrupt kidnapping activities and protect communities and travellers, according to an operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

In Edo State, troops of the 195 Battalion rescued three kidnap victims after responding to an incident along the Ekor-Ikakumo road in Akoko-Edo. The soldiers reportedly traced the kidnappers’ withdrawal route and recovered the victims, including the driver of a passenger bus travelling from Makurdi to Ibadan.

Troops of Sector 7, Operation Enduring Peace, also foiled a kidnapping attempt along the Godogodo-Gidan Waya road in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The intervention forced the attackers to abandon a victim who had sustained gunshot wounds before fleeing the area. The victim was subsequently evacuated to the General Hospital, Gidan Waya, for medical treatment, while security personnel continued efforts to track down the fleeing suspects.

In another operation in Kaduna, troops arrested two suspected kidnappers at Makasa Village in Sanga Local Government Area.

Meanwhile, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke rescued six kidnapped victims during separate operations in Benue and Kogi states.

In Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue, troops responding to reports of kidnapping activities at Gbise engaged the criminals, forcing them to retreat and abandon three victims.

In Kogi State, troops working alongside local vigilantes rescued three kidnapped herders at Agbadu Bunu in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area. The attackers reportedly fled following the military intervention, leaving the victims and 21 cattle behind.

The military also recorded a separate recovery operation in Rivers State, where troops of the 16 Brigade, supported by the 5 Battalion, discovered 60 sacks containing approximately 3,000 litres of illegally refined petroleum products and a drum at Ogbogolo Community in Ahoada West Local Government Area.

The recovered items were handled in accordance with established regulations, according to the operational report.

The latest operations underscore the military’s continued deployment of troops and collaboration with local security networks to disrupt criminal activities, rescue victims and recover suspected proceeds or materials associated with illegal operations.

The Benue State Government has ordered a crackdown on activities at the Buruku river crossing following Saturday’s boat accident that left several passengers unaccounted for.

The government suspended the Buruku branch of the Nigeria Union of Maritime Workers (NUMW) and the operator of the affected route after the Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Denis Iyaghigba, inspected the scene.

Iyaghigba also ordered the arrest and detention of the boat skipper as investigations begin into the circumstances surrounding the mishap.

The state government said its search and rescue operation was ongoing, with local divers joining efforts to locate passengers still missing after the wooden boat capsized while crossing the River Katsina-Ala.

‘The Ministry has since activated its search and rescue processes and is working with local divers to intensify the search and rescue,’ the Commissioner said.

Iyaghigba said an inter-ministerial committee had been set up to determine the immediate, remote and underlying causes of the accident and recommend measures to prevent a recurrence.

He directed all operators at river crossing points across the state to strictly enforce the mandatory use of life jackets by passengers.

The Commissioner also drew attention to an abandoned barge at the crossing point which was suspected to have contributed to the accident. He gave its owner seven days to remove it or face confiscation by the state government.

According to a statement by Lubem Gena, Head of Media and Public Orientation in the Office of the Commissioner, the government would work with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies during the week to further investigate the accident and strengthen safety measures on Benue’s waterways.

‘The government said further details would be made available, but at the moment, investigations and rescue efforts continue,’ the statement added.

The accident occurred on Saturday morning when the passenger boat capsized while crossing the River Katsina-Ala. Some passengers were rescued, while others remained unaccounted for as search and rescue operations continued.10 catchy headline options

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has criticised former Rivers State governor and African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, over his claim that President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies contributed to the death of his mother.

Amaechi made the claim during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he argued that rising healthcare costs under the Tinubu administration made it difficult for him to afford the medication his mother needed.

His mother, Mary Amaechi, died in July 2026 at the age of 89.

Asked by the interviewer whether Tinubu’s policies were responsible for his mother’s death, Amaechi responded that they were, saying his mother had been healthy before Tinubu became president and that the cost of her medication subsequently became difficult to afford.

Reacting to the remarks during a political gathering in Rivers State on Saturday, Wike accused Amaechi of using his late mother’s death in the political campaign ahead of the 2027 elections.

Wike said he was particularly disturbed by the suggestion that a deceased parent should become part of a political argument.

‘You know, it’s unfortunate. I thought, for whatever reason, that we must respect our parents,’ Wike said.

He also referred to a video in which Amaechi reportedly said his mother would be happy if the ADC won the 2027 election.

Wike questioned the implication of the statement, saying it suggested that Amaechi’s mother would not be happy if the ADC failed to win.

‘But ADC will not win. No way!’ Wike declared.

The FCT minister then challenged Amaechi’s explanation that economic policies had made it difficult for him to purchase medication for his mother.

Wike pointed to Amaechi’s previous positions in public office, noting that he served as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly from 1999 to 2007, governor of Rivers State from 2007 to 2015 and Minister of Transportation from 2015 to 2023.

He questioned why Amaechi, despite his years in public office and his personal resources, could not obtain financial assistance from friends, relatives or family members to help pay for his mother’s treatment.

Wike also referred to Amaechi’s description of his wife as an industrialist and questioned why he could not obtain assistance from her to purchase the medication.

He further pointed to the number of people who attended Amaechi’s mother’s burial, arguing that those relatives and associates could have assisted while she was alive.

According to Wike, Amaechi could have informed family members and friends that his mother was ill and needed financial assistance rather than attributing her death to government policy.

‘People can descend so low to use your mother to play politics. Why? Why?’ Wike said.

He also questioned Amaechi’s assertion that he was a good son, asking whether his late mother could be happy with the manner in which her death was being discussed politically.

Wike accused Amaechi of misleading Nigerians and pointed to properties he said were associated with the former governor in Rivers State and Abuja.

He concluded by saying that Nigerians should pray for Amaechi’s late mother and that she should ‘have rest’ and ‘peace with her Creator.’

Former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan, Yakubu Gowon and Peter Obi on Friday joined in paying glowing tributes Rev. William Okoye, a former Chaplain of the Aso Rock Villa Chapel.

Okoye who served as Chaplain to two Nigerian presidents was also a former General Overseer of All Christians Fellowship Mission (ACFM)

Speaking at the Night of Tributes for Okoye, held at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, on Friday, Onabanjo described the late Okoye as a statesman of faith and fearless voice of truth.

The former President in a tribute read by Bishop Godwin Isaac, said Okoye’s death had created a monumental void across the nation, recalling their close working relationship between 1999 and 2007.

He said Okoye, who served as his chaplain, provided wisdom and guidance during high-pressure situations, beyond his spiritual responsibilities.

‘As my chaplain, he was a steady, fearless, and uncompromising voice of truth,’ Obasanjo said.

He said Okoye understood that genuine gospel ministry must address the material realities confronting the people.

Obasanjo recalled that Okoye served on the Presidential Advisory Council on Youth Affairs and represented the FCT at the National Political Reform Conference.

He also served on the Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board and held leadership positions in the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN).

Obasanjo said Okoye served as Chairman of CAN and PFN in Abuja, while also serving as CAN National Director on National Issues.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan said he met Okoye while serving as Governor of Bayelsa State and worshipping at the Aso Rock Villa Chapel.

Jonathan recalled that Okoye was then Deputy Chaplain to Rev. Obaje and later served as Chaplain during Jonathan’s presidency.

He said Okoye eventually requested to leave the Villa Chapel and recommended Ven. Obioma Onwuzurumba as his successor, alongside Archbishop John Oyelade.

‘Nigeria will miss you. Your family will miss you. The church will miss you. You stood for integrity,’ Jonathan said.

Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, described Okoye as a pioneer of Nigeria Prays and praised his leadership, integrity, humility and commitment.

Gowon, who was unable to attend physically because of a trip to the United Kingdom, delivered his tribute virtually.

He said Okoye’s memory would remain evergreen, recalling his support for the Nigeria Prays movement since its inception in 1996.

Sen. Victor Umeh, who represented Mr Peter Obi, described Okoye as a brother from the same local government area in Anambra State.

Umeh said Okoye prayed for peace during Anambra’s political crisis and worked to promote stability in the state.

Pastor Mrs Toyin Okoye, wife of the deceased, thanked God for her husband’s life, describing him affectionately as ‘Mine’.

She said Okoye told doctors at the hospital that he was not afraid of death and appreciated those who prayed for and visited them.

She particularly acknowledged Pastor Enoch Adeboye and other Christian leaders who supported the family during the period.

‘Your life of integrity touched lives, including my own life.

‘You have fought the good fight, finished the race and kept the faith,’ she said.

Dr Paul Enenche, founder of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, said Okoye was passionate about Nigeria’s spiritual and physical wellbeing.

Enenche said Okoye believed God would raise Christians who would contribute significantly to the transformation of Nigeria.

The President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, described Okoye as a preacher, trainer and mentor who dedicated his life to God and humanity.

Okoh quoted Psalm 116:15 and John 11:25, saying Christians did not mourn as those without hope.

Okoye, will be buried next week in his hometown in Anambra.

Former Rivers State Governor and 2027 African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, has come under intense criticism on social media following his claim that President Bola Tinubu’s policies contributed to the death of his mother.

Amaechi made the claim during an interview on Channels Television, where he was questioned about his mother’s death and whether the cost of healthcare under the Tinubu administration had contributed to the tragedy.

Asked by the interviewer, Seun Okinbaloye, whether it was Tinubu’s policy that killed his mother, Amaechi responded that his mother had been healthy before Tinubu became president.

According to Amaechi, the economic situation made it difficult for him to afford the medication his mother required.

His remarks quickly generated a barrage of reactions on X, with several users questioning his explanation and pointing to his long experience in government and political influence.

One user, posting as @Nathlekan, described Amaechi’s comments as ‘high-sounding nonsense’ and questioned his record after spending years occupying influential positions in government.

Another user, @elderadib, wrote that Amaechi had spent more than 20 years in government and was among those who contributed to the circumstances Nigeria currently faces.

The controversy was particularly focused on Amaechi’s explanation that he could not afford the medication his mother needed.

A user identified as @lady____tee questioned how Amaechi could have raised money to participate in political activities while claiming he could not afford his mother’s treatment.

Another commenter, @ken39291, accused the former governor of making what the user described as ‘barefaced lies,’ while @realolusoladare also criticised his comments during the interview.

Some users took issue with Amaechi’s exchange with Okinbaloye, with @OkwudiJ81208 accusing the former governor of turning his attention to Seun after a previous television encounter involving another broadcaster.

Other reactions were expressed in more insulting and dismissive terms, with some users calling Amaechi a ‘joker’ and questioning his credibility.

The online backlash followed Amaechi’s wider criticism of the Tinubu administration and his argument that government policies have worsened economic conditions, including the cost of healthcare.

Amaechi served as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly from 1999 to 2007, Governor of Rivers State from 2007 to 2015 and Minister of Transportation from 2015 to 2023.

His claim about his mother’s death has therefore become a major point of discussion, with critics questioning whether responsibility for an individual’s medical treatment can be attributed directly to government policy.