Category: PM News

The headmistress of Peter Quality Foundation Academy in Rukubi, Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Mrs. Esther Ndernen, has explained that no student was kidnapped.

She said the pupils only became frightened after mistaking farmers for kidnappers.

Ndernen spoke with our reporter on the phone following viral reports about an alleged kidnap attempt.

She explained that the children were on break and playing at the school’s playground when one of them went into a nearby bush to defecate.

There, he saw some men and women working on their farm, all dressed in dark clothing.

The boy panicked, assumed they were kidnappers, and rushed back to tell other pupils.

The headmistress said teachers were supervising the pupils outside but did not notice the moment the boy ran back into the school. The rumour spread quickly among the children, causing confusion.

“When I went to the playground to see what was happening, I met the farmers working on their land. They told me no one else was around,” she said.

By the time she returned to school, some pupils had already run home to inform their parents that kidnappers were nearby.

She added that fear spread easily because there had been a recent kidnapping incident in the area.

Security operatives, including soldiers and police officers, later arrived at the school to verify the rumour.

According to her, what happened at about 10 a.m. was only a scare, not an actual kidnap attempt. She noted that if there had been a real abduction, parents would have rushed to the school immediately.

Tiwa Savage and Yemi Alade have finally ended their long-running disagreement after seven years. The two popular Afrobeats stars surprised the audience in Lagos with an emotional on-stage apology and a warm hug.

Their conflict started in 2017 when Yemi Alade made a social media post criticizing female artists who edited their body shape to “deceive fans.” Many people believed she was referring to Tiwa Savage, who had recently shared photos showing her curves. Tiwa reacted quickly, warning Yemi Alade not to “start a war you can’t finish,” which led to a long public rift.

The reconciliation happened on Thursday at the “Price of Being Her” panel during Entertainment Week Africa. In a touching moment, Yemi Alade spoke directly to Tiwa Savage from the stage.

She said, “I want you to know that when you stand strong and do what you believe in, you inspire many women. Keep being yourself. You are walking in strength.”

Her words moved Tiwa Savage, who became emotional.

After the event, both artists were seen in a joyful video singing together and hugging each other, showing that their conflict is now truly over.

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka has criticised U.S. President Donald Trump over his recent comments threatening violent intervention in Nigeria, asking whether such statements reflect a “correct” state of mind.

Soyinka spoke to journalists in Benue State during his visit to Governor Hyacinth Alia.

Responding to Trump’s comments about coming into Nigeria “with violence,” Soyinka described the remarks as careless and disrespectful to victims of insecurity.

Quoting Trump’s words exactly as he referenced them, Soyinka said: “I say I’m coming to help you, whether you like it or not. And I’m coming with violence, from outside. For almost non-existent analyses of the complexities of where the problem is.”

Soyinka continued by repeating Trump’s description of his intended approach: “And you see, I’m coming to help you, and I’m coming with guns ablazing. And when we come in, it’s going to be fast, vicious, and sweet.”

He then questioned the thinking behind such a statement: “Now, is that a language of somebody whose head is correct? So, what else do you want me to say?”

The literary icon stressed that while government bore clear responsibility to protect citizens, external actors must show respect for the realities on the ground.

In his words: “Any government has an obligation to protect, to ensure the welfare of his or her citizens. There’s no question about it, but at least have some respect for victims and those who are trying to find solutions for the unacceptable situation.”

Soyinka’s remarks underscore growing frustration among Nigerian leaders and intellectuals over inflammatory external commentary on the country’s security challenges.

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

The Chairman of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.) has warned international drug cartels and their internal collaborator that the agency will not allow them to make Nigeria their space or foothold.

“The NDLEA is operating with zero tolerance, and we will not permit any illicit drug to pass through our borders, whether by air, land, or sea. You may scheme, you may attempt sophisticated concealment, but you will fail,” Marwa said in reaction to the arrest 20 Filipino sailors caught ferrying at least 20 kilogrammes of cocaine from Brazil to Lagos’s main port by the operatives of the agency.

NDLEA operatives intercepted the laden vessel- MV Nord Bosporus marked 9760110 from the port of Santos in Brazil at the Apapa seaport in Lagos with no less than 20 kilograms of the Class A drug buried under its cargo.

Reacting to the arrest of the vessel and its crew, Marwa commended the officers, men, and women of the Apapa Strategic Command of the Agency as well as the Directorate of Seaport Operations for their vigilance, diligence, and professionalism.

The NDLEA Chairman said the cocaine seizure was not just an operational success but a clear demonstration of the agency’s heightened capacity and unwavering resolve to tackle drug smuggling.

“We will continue to tighten our grip on all entry and exit points, especially our seaports, which transnational criminal organisations have historically attempted to exploit.”

“Let this be an unambiguous message to every international drug cartel and every internal collaborator: Nigeria is not, and will never be, your space or your foothold.

“The NDLEA is operating with zero tolerance, and we will not permit any illicit drug to pass through our borders, whether by air, land, or sea. You may scheme, you may attempt sophisticated concealment, but you will fail.

“Our intelligence network, collaboration with international partners, and the dedication of our officers are steps ahead of your nefarious activities,” he said.

“You are not just committing a crime; you are betraying your nation’s future. The consequences of aiding and abetting drug trafficking will be severe and unrelenting.

“We are committed to using the full force of the law to dismantle your structures, seize your illicit assets, and secure your long-term incarceration”, Marwa said.

NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, had disclosed in a statement on Friday that the anti-narcotics agency also intercepted the laden vessel- MV Nord Bosporus marked 9760110 from the port of Santos in Brazil at the Apapa seaport in Lagos with no less than 20 kilograms of the Class A drug buried under its cargo.

Babafemi said the illicit drug consignment was discovered on board the vessel by NDLEA officers who, thereafter, took the Master of the ship, Captain Quino Eugene Corpus, and 19 other crew members who were Filipinos into custody for investigation.

He added that NDLEA filed an application with the court for an order to detain the vessel and the 20 Filipinos on board for further investigation following the seizure and arrest of the crew members.

It was learnt that the motion ex parte in suit number FHC/L/MISC/1306/25 was argued before Justice Musa Kakaki of the Federal High Court, Lagos, who granted the application for an initial 14-day detention of the vessel, Capt. Corpus and 19 other Filipino crew members.

NDLEA added that its preliminary investigations revealed that this was the first time the vessel was coming to Nigeria and Africa, as it’s been largely transporting coal between Colombia and Brazil, while Captain Corpus had been barely three months with the ship.

Media personality and Nollywood actress Toke Makinwa has sparked debate online after advising nursing mothers to stop bathing their newborns every day, claiming it could harm their skin.

In a video shared on her social media page, Makinwa, who recently welcomed her first child at age 40, explained that babies do not need frequent baths because they are naturally clean and not exposed to dirt or sweat like adults.

According to her, the womb where babies develop for nine months is not a dirty environment, making excessive bathing unnecessary.

“I really think bathing babies actually causes problems. Babies are not dirty. They have been inside the womb for nine months. Inside the womb is not dirty,” she said.

Makinwa added that she does not bathe her own baby daily, preferring instead to wipe the infant’s body gently.

“Babies are not on the floor; they are not dirty or sweaty. So, why are you excessively putting water on their skin? Their skin is fragile. You can wipe them instead of bathing them every day. This helped me, so I’m just putting it out there,” she said.

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

President Bola Tinubu has urged world leaders to adopt a global framework that ensures mineral-rich communities in Nigeria and across Africa benefit directly from the extraction and processing of critical minerals that power modern technology.

The President, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, made the call on Saturday at the Third Session of the 2025 G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa.

This year’s summit, held at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, focused on the theme: “A Fair and Just Future for All: Critical Minerals, Decent Work, Artificial Intelligence.”

Speaking at the high-level dialogue, Tinubu said Africa can no longer afford to remain merely a supplier of raw minerals used in global manufacturing, especially as the world transitions toward renewable energy, electric mobility, and digital infrastructure–all heavily dependent on lithium, cobalt, nickel, copper, and other strategic resources abundant on the continent.

He emphasised that critical minerals “are not just geological endowments” for Nigeria and Africa but represent a real opportunity to drive industrialisation, create skilled jobs, and strengthen the region’s role in future global value chains.

“The possession of resources alone does not translate to prosperity,” he noted.

“To unlock the full potential of Africa’s mineral wealth, extraction and trade must be guided by fairness, transparency, and accountability. Communities hosting these resources must see tangible value, through jobs, infrastructure, technology transfer, and environmental safeguards,” he added.

Tinubu called for a global governance structure that prevents exploitative practices, guarantees responsible mining, and encourages value addition at source rather than exporting raw minerals abroad for processing.

Such a framework, he argued, would not only advance sustainable development in mineral-producing countries but also stabilise global supply chains.

The President further aligned Nigeria with the push for global ethical standards in Artificial Intelligence, stressing that AI must be deployed in ways that accelerate development, expand economic opportunities, and uphold human dignity.

“Nigeria supports the creation of harmonised ethical guidelines that ensure Artificial Intelligence serves humanity as a force for equity, not exclusion,” he said.

According to him, responsible AI frameworks will be essential as countries integrate advanced technologies into governance, education, agriculture, and healthcare.

Security agencies in Kwara State have arrested a man from Makurdi, Benue State, who is accused of repairing guns for bandits.

Several other suspects who supply food, drugs, fuel, and other items to the criminals in their hideouts were also arrested.

The Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, announced this after a State Security Council meeting held at the Government House in Ilorin.

He said the meeting reviewed the recent attack on church members in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area, and discussed efforts to track down the attackers and rescue kidnapped victims.

Ojo said the council expressed concern about how social media reports sometimes harm the fight against insecurity by spreading sensitive information.

He praised the Military, Police, and DSS for new deployments ordered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, recently sent four tactical teams to Kwara SWAT, Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Special Intervention Squad (SIS), and Special Tactical Squad (STS) to strengthen security.

The CP said the council noted increased security operations, including air strikes that have forced kidnappers out of their hideouts in Ifelodun. The council encouraged continued air surveillance and bombardment of criminal areas.

He added that the Police and DSS have arrested several people who were supplying food and fuel to the kidnappers, as well as the man from Makurdi who admitted to repairing weapons for them.

The meeting also supported the government’s decisions on school safety in affected parts of the state and urged residents to stay alert and report any suspicious movement quickly.

The council approved joint patrols across the state as the festive season approaches and recommended stronger security in vulnerable areas.

It warned citizens to avoid night farming and late-night social outings that could put them at risk.

The meeting observed a minute of silence for the victims of the Eruku church attack and expressed condolences to their families.

The Senate on Friday held the South-West Zonal Security Summit in Lagos, bringing together security experts, traditional rulers, government officials and civil society groups.

Participants again called for local security solutions, improved technology in policing and the establishment of state police to tackle growing insecurity in the region and the country.

The summit, chaired by Senator Tokunbo Abiru (Lagos East), is part of the 10th Senate’s National Security Summit interactive sessions.

Abiru, who also heads the Senate Committee on Banking and leads the Southern Senators’ Forum, said urgent action is needed to stop rising criminal activities.

He noted that although the South-West has not faced severe terrorism like some regions, cases of banditry, kidnapping and violent crime are increasing.

He warned that villages, farmlands and highways are becoming unsafe and mentioned recent attacks in parts of Kwara and Kogi as signs of danger.

The senator urged Nigerians to see security as everyone’s responsibility and stressed that the South-West must not become a safe place for criminals. He also urged the media to promote unity and avoid ethnic or religious bias in their reporting.

Representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Dr Ayodele Ogunsan, CEO of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, said Lagos remains committed to building a strong security system.

He called for a unified regional security strategy that would strengthen intelligence sharing and joint operations among states.

He said insecurity affects peace, slows economic growth and reduces investment and job opportunities.

Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, who sponsored the bill establishing the National Security Summit, said fighting terrorism requires both military and civilian participation. Senator Gbenga Daniel (Ogun East) also emphasized cooperation across all levels of government.

Lagos Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, noted that insecurity starts at the local level and requires strong community involvement and local solutions.

Traditional rulers, represented by the Alara of Ilara, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, called for community policing, more recruitment into security agencies, better equipment and more opportunities for young people to reduce crime.

He acknowledged the federal government’s efforts with international partners but said weak local structures still slow progress.

The Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, renewed the call for state police, saying it remains one of the strongest solutions to Nigeria’s security problems.

Civil society groups, youth representatives, women leaders and religious leaders also asked for better welfare for security officers to improve their motivation and performance.

By Segun Giwa

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State has appealed to the National Assembly to expedite action on the passage of the state police bill towards addressing the rising insecurity in the country.

This is contained in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday in Akure by the party’s Director of Media and Publicity, Mr Steve Otaloro.

The party expressed concerns over the spread of rural banditry, herder-related attacks, kidnapping and cross-border extremist activities.

It said that the prevailing situation required urgent and innovative reforms in the nation’s security architecture.

The party commended President Bola Tinubu for what it described as renewed efforts to strengthen national security through enhanced deployment of personnel, acquisition of modern equipment and closer collaboration with state governments.

The APC noted that the Nigerian Police alone could not effectively secure all communities without structured support from state-level policing.

“It is increasingly clear that the Nigeria Police, despite its dedication and sacrifices, cannot fully secure every community across the federation without structured support from state-level policing systems.

“The ongoing debates across the federation and in the National Assembly on the creation of State Police show that the nation has reached a consensus point: Nigeria needs a multi-layered policing framework to respond to today’s realities.

“This position is one long championed by late Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, former Governor of Ondo State, whose strong advocacy for decentralised policing laid the groundwork for a new security paradigm.

“He foresaw the dangers of unchecked banditry, cross-border terrorism, and widespread attacks on farmlands at a time many underestimated the severity of these threats.

“Akeredolu’s response was visionary the establishment of the Amotekun Corps, a regional security network designed to complement federal security agencies,” the party noted.

PC described the moment as an opportunity for national unity and leadership, saying bold reforms were needed to strengthen security for future generations.

(NAN)

Rivers United head coach, Finidi George, has confirmed that his team is fully prepared for their CAF Champions League Matchday One encounter against defending champions Pyramids FC.

The match is scheduled to hold on Saturday at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo, a venue known for its intimidating atmosphere and passionate home supporters.

Despite this, Finidi believes his players are focused and ready to give their best.

Speaking ahead of the game, Finidi said he expects a tough but exciting match.

“We are looking forward to an interesting game against the defending champions,” he said. “The atmosphere is good, the players are motivated, and we believe we can put up a strong performance. We know it won’t be easy, but we are prepared for the challenge.”

This season marks a historic moment for Rivers United as they feature in the CAF Champions League group stage for the first time.

The team is hoping to make a strong statement by starting their campaign with a positive result against the Egyptian giants.

Finidi added that participating in the group stage is a big step for the club, and he believes the experience will help the players grow in confidence and belief as they continue their journey in the competition.

Rivers United fans back home are also hopeful that the team can rise to the occasion and make Nigeria proud on the continental stage.