Category: PM News

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

The Nigerian Army has listed rescue of 86 hostages from a camp operated by Boko Haram and arrest of 29 terrorist logistics suppliers among the recent achievement of its troops involved in the ongoing counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations in Borno State.

The feats were achieved by troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Joint Task Force North East, Sani Uba, the media officer, the media information officer of the task force said in a statement

ccording to the statement, the rescue of the kidnapped victims followed encounter of troops of 135 Special Forces Battalion, under Sector 2 OPHK on 9 November 2025 with Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists at Dutse Kura.

The troops discovered that the Boko Haram terrorists were abducting civilians and vehicles along the BurataiKamuya Road, thwarted the attack.

He added that pursuit of the insurgents led to the discovery of the camp where the victims were rescued.

‘The troops thwarted the attack, pursued the terrorists towards Mangari, and overpowered them in a follow-up encounter near a camp, forcing the insurgents to flee in disarray.

“A search of the area led to the discovery of 11 makeshift terrorists’ structures and the rescue of 86 kidnapped victims comprising men, women, and children.

The media information officer listed items recovered from the camp to include one AK-47 rifle, five magazines with 73 rounds, four PKT ammunition belts, five civilian vehicles, five motorcycles, eight bicycles, and two logistics tricycles.

The terrorists’ camp was subsequently destroyed by the troops after the clearance operations.

The statement also added that in a related operation, troops deployed at Mangada, arrested 29 terrorist logistics suppliers enroute Chilaria with several items.

Uba listed the items recovered from the alleged logistic suppliers to include include two pickup vans and a tricycle loaded with about 1,000 litres of petrol in jerrycans, four gallons of engine oil, two new gun truck tyres, huge cache of medical consumables, and large quantities of foodstuffs and provisions.

He added that all the operations were conducted successfully with no casualty on the part of own troops.

“The Military High Command commended the gallantry and professionalism of the troops while charging Operation HADIN KAI to sustain operations to deny terrorists freedom of action across the North East theatre.

By Sunday John

The Nasarawa State Government has condemned the recent midnight attack on residents of Sarkin Noma Community in Keana by yet-to-be identified gunmen and other similar incidents in the area.

Mr Peter Ahemba, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Gov. Abdullahi Sule on Public Affairs, said this in a statement on Sunday in Lafia.

The state government, however, called for calm and vowed decisive action against emerging security threats after recent attacks in areas like Keana and Lafia.

The government said it is aware of the gradual infiltration of bad elements into the state, thereby posing security threats to residents.

“We wish to stress that the state government will not allow those enemies of peace to succeed in their evil acts against the peace-loving citizens.

“Efforts would not be spared to sustain the hard-earned relative peace achieved by the present administration since its inception in 2019.

“We condemn in the strongest terms, the recent midnight attack on residents of Sarkin Noma Community in Keana by yet-to-be identified gunmen and other similar incidents in the area.

“Government has since directed security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators are apprehended and brought to justice without delay,” Ahemba added.

He further assured the residents that the government was working closely with security agencies and other relevant stakeholders to implement the latest security measures taken to address this type of situation.

“We therefore, call on citizens to assist security agencies with useful information that would lead to the arrest of criminals in all parts of the state,” the government said.

The state government assured the public that the government was doing everything possible to ensure the safety and security of the lives and property of citizens.

The government appealed to members of the public to report any suspicious activities to the relevant authorities and to cooperate fully with security agencies to prevent and combat crime.

(NAN)

United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and driving African economic growth by sponsoring the Lagos International Trade Fair (LITF) for the seventh consecutive year.

Organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), the trade fair opened on Friday, November 7, at Tafawa Balewa Square, Onikan, Lagos, and will run until November 17, 2025.

The event is expected to attract thousands of exhibitors, investors, and visitors from Nigeria and across the globe.

In line with its customer-first approach, UBA has set up a full-service branch within the fairground, where account holders performing transactions such as deposits, withdrawals, or transfers will automatically qualify for a “Lucky Dip” draw, offering the chance to win a variety of premium prizes.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Babatunde Ajayi, UBA’s Head of SME Banking, emphasised the strategic significance of the bank’s long-standing partnership with LCCI, noting that the collaboration is central to UBA’s mission to mobilise capital and empower enterprises, particularly SMEs, for global competitiveness.

“Our consistent support for the LITF and our strategic, bank-wide initiatives around the AfCFTA are interconnected. They reflect a deep-seated commitment to building the robust financial architecture required to empower African businesses and enable seamless cross-border trade,” Ajayi stated.

Alero Ladipo, UBA’s Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, positioned the bank’s participation within the framework of its vision for Africa’s economic transformation, as outlined in its recently published white paper on achieving a $4 trillion continental economy.

“The LITF is a key platform through which UBA translates our white paper’s ambitious goals into tangible action. By connecting businesses, facilitating commerce, and supporting SME growth, we demonstrate our commitment to turning a bold vision into reality for millions of Africans,” Ladipo said.

She added that strategic partnerships, combined with digital innovations and cross-border trade solutions, form the foundation for sustainable, inclusive growth that benefits corporations, SMEs, and individual entrepreneurs across the continent.

UBA is among Africa’s largest employers in the financial sector, with 25,000 employees and over 45 million customers globally.

The bank operates in 20 African countries as well as the United Kingdom, United States, France, and the UAE, offering retail, commercial, and institutional banking services while promoting financial inclusion through innovative technology.

Jafaar Jeremiah Jackson, an American singer and actor and nephew to late music icon, Michael Jackson, is set to play the role of his uncle in an upcoming biopic.

The trailer which was released on the 7th of November has shattered a record with over 116 million view in less than a week.

The film is to showcase the life and rise of the late music icon Michael Jackson. 29-years-old Jafaar who shares a striking resemblance with Michael was cast as the main character.

The movie named after the icon is set to be released on the 24th of April, 2026.

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede has described former Chief of Army Staff General Taoreed Lagbaja as a fearless commander, compassionate leader and consummate patriot whose unwavering devotion to duty and love for his troops remain indelible in the annals of the Nigerian Army.

Oluyede spoke at a solemn interdenominational memorial service held in his honour at the All Saints’ Military Church (Protestant), Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja on Sunday.

The event, marking one year since the passing of General Lagbaja on 5 November 2024, was filled with deep reflection and heartfelt remembrance for a soldier whose life epitomized courage, humility and service to the nation.

The late Lagbaja was fondly remembered as a visionary leader, a disciplined officer, and a patriot whose selfless service and enduring legacy continue to inspire generations of soldiers across the Nigerian Armed Forces at the event.

Speaking further at the event, Oluyede who succeeded Lagbaja as COAS, noted that Lagbaja’s leadership was defined by integrity, empathy and uncommon commitment to the welfare of personnel and the unity of the nation.

General Oluyede extended the condolences of the Armed Forces to the Lagbaja family, praying for God’s continued strength and comfort.

He reaffirmed that the legacy of the late Army Chief would continue to guide and inspire the Nigerian Army and the Armed Forces toward greater professionalism and national service.

Delivering the sermon, the Acting Director, Chaplain Services (Protestant), Lieutenant Colonel Bitrus Nyam, extolled the virtues of the late COAS.

He urged officers and soldiers to emulate his life of faith, dedication and patriotism. He described General Lagbaja as a faithful soldier of Christ, a loving father and a leader who served both God and country with humility and honour.

Highlights of the service included special prayers and thanksgiving for the family of the late Chief of Army Staff, as well as moments of solemn reflection in his memory.

The event was also attended by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, alongside former Service Chiefs and senior officers of the Armed Forces of Nigeria who all paid glowing tributes to late Lagbaja.

Also present at the event were former Chiefs of Defence Staff, Generals LEO Irabor (Rtd) and Christopher Musa (Rtd), the representative of the Chief of Army Staff, Commander Army Headquarters Garrison, Major General Maxwell Dangana, the wife of the late COAS, Mrs. Mariya Abiodun Lagbaja, President Defence and Police Officers Wives Association and presidents of sister organisations and members of the Lagbaja family.

Also present were members of 39 Regular Course senior officers serving and retired, principal staff officers from Defence and Service Headquarters, spouses of officers and soldiers as well as officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army.

By Richard Elesho/Kogi

Following a period of unrelenting attack leading to the killing and abduction of innocent citizens by criminal elements, residents of Isanlu, headquarters of Yagba East local government area, Kogi State poured out to the street in protest of the rising insecurity in the area. The protesters gathered in front of the General Hospital on Sunday following the discovery of the death of the remains of Elizabeth Olorunsola, an elderly woman who had been earlier been abductee gunmen.

The sick and elderly woman was abducted from her house in Ilafin village on Saturday night and led to an unknown destination. Three other people were said to have sustained gun injuries during the attack.

The bandits allegedly killed the woman after realising she could not keep up with their speed as they attempted to move her through the forest.

The incident left residents of the community in shock, mourning and furious, forcing them to take to the streets to demand better protection from the government.

The chairman of the local government, Joshua Dare Monday, expressed deep condolences to the affected families, promising to get to the root of the crime.

He described the incident as heartbreaking and vowed that the perpetrators would not go unpunished. He assured residents that the council, in collaboration with security agencies, has intensified efforts to strengthen surveillance and restore calm across the affected communities.

Subsequently, the council reissued strict directives restricting access to forests and farmlands in Ilafin, Odogbe, Iye, Ilotin, and Irunda-Ile communities. The Chairman stated categorically that any individual or group found operating illegally within these restricted areas would henceforth be treated as bandits.

He added a stern warning to collaborators: any insider who acts as an informant to criminal elements will not be spared and will be treated as one of them.

“This directive spares no one — both our sons and outsiders are included. Those using farming as a cover to hide illegal activities in these areas must vacate immediately.

“This is our fatherland, and we must protect it at all costs. Security remains my first primary assignment and top priority. The security architecture of Yagba East is fully activated, and we are working closely with the state government to secure every inch of our land,” the Chairman declared.

He emphasized that only registered and approved miners are permitted to operate within designated mining zones, warning that defaulters will face severe legal consequences.

Yagba Federal constituency has in recent times become a Centre of insecurity. Many people who have been kidnapped in the area are still with their tormentor in unknown destinations.

By Thompson Yamput

The Kogi Police Command has explained how it rescued passengers who were left stranded for several hours after their train travelling from Itakpe to Warri derailed on Saturday around 4:30 p.m. at Adogo community in Ajaokuta Local Government Area of the state.

ll the passengers were safely evacuated to the Ajaokuta station and later assisted to continue to their respective destinations without any casualty, the Kogi Police Command spokesperson, CSP William Ovye-Aya said on Sunday in Lokoja.

He said that the incident the police responded upon receiving a distress call about the derailed train and the stranded passengers.

Based on the distress call, the Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Kankarofi, immediately deployed officers and men to the scene to provide security cover for the affected passengers, Ovye-Aya said.

“The CP personally visited the Adogo derailment site on Sunday for an on-the-spot assessment. He met with officials of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) and the stranded passengers.

“He also directed the deployment of additional security personnel to safeguard the people and facilities,” Ovye-Aya said.

He quoted the Commissioner as reiterating the Command’s commitment to working closely with other security agencies to ensure the safety of lives and property in the state.

Recall that the NRC announced the resumption of the Warri-Itakpe Train Service (WITS) last week after it was shut down for weeks following a train derailment in Agbor area of Delta State.

NRC, in statement by its chief executive officer, Kayode Opeifa, said resumption of the train operation followed the re-railment and full restoration of the affected portion of the Warri-Itakpe track.

“Following a thorough safety inspection and operational audit, normal train operations on the corridor will resume on Nov. 5,” he said.

The managing director reassured passengers and stakeholders that NRC remained committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety and reliability.

Opeifa had also in the statement confirmed the arrest of two suspected vandals responsible for clips and fasteners removal that caused the derailment of the Warri-Itakpe Train Service near Agbor in Delta State.

“The suspects, two male, aged 27 and 39 were apprehended around kilometre 208 before Abraka, Delta State, on Nov. 4, by operatives of the NRC Police Command, in collaboration with local security agents.

“Preliminary investigations and their confessional statements revealed their direct involvement in tampering with vital components of the rail track,” he said.

Opeifa commended the railway police command and community security networks for their swift and coordinated response.

He stated that the suspects would face the full wrath of the government for sabotaging national infrastructure and endangering public safety.

The Senate had last week set up an ad hoc committee to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the persistent derailments of the country’s rail lines.

Legendary Nigerian singer, Innocent Idibia, better known as 2Face or 2Baba, has said that his hit song African Queen brought him both great success and unexpected challenges.

Speaking on a recent episode of the Entertainment and Lifestyle show, 2Face explained that while the song changed his life, it also became a heavy responsibility.

“African Queen has been a huge blessing, but it also turned into a problem for me. Still, I’m thankful for everything,” he said.

Released in 2004, African Queen made 2Face an international star. The song helped him become the first African artist to win major awards such as the BET, MTV Europe, and MOBO awards.

However, the song has also faced long-running controversy. 2Face’s former bandmate, Blackface, has repeatedly accused him of stealing the song.

2Face has denied the claim, explaining that it was a joint effort with his former group members.

Even after more than 20 years, the debate around the song continues. It resurfaced recently when Billboard named African Queen the “Greatest Afrobeats Song of All Time” in August 2025.

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Navy has said personnel of its Forward Operating Base IBAKA rescued 10 crew members from a distressed vessel, MV SEMA III, which was enroute Calabar from Malabo, Equatorial Guinea last Friday.

According to a statement by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Ayiwuyor Adams-Aliu, on Monday in Abuja, the personnel responded to distress call that the vessel was taking in water.

The statement indicated that the Naval personnel promptly evacuated all occupants comprising one Cameroonian, one Equatorial Guinean and eight Nigerians, who were later received, debriefed, and catered for at FOB IBAKA until Saturday.

Adams-Aliu said that the navy had proven its swift response capability and dedication to saving lives at sea.

“Acting on a distress call received around 2000 hours, a naval gunboat equipped with a submersible pump was immediately deployed.

“On arrival, the team discovered the vessel taking in water and promptly evacuated all occupants comprising one Cameroonian, one Equatorial Guinean and eight Nigerians, who were later received, debriefed, and catered for at FOB IBAKA until Saturday.

“The Master of MV SEMA III expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Nigerian Navy for its timely intervention and exceptional professionalism,” he said.

Adams-Aliu said the successful rescue operation underscores the Nigerian navy’s renewed efforts to ensure maritime safety, protection of critical national assets, and promotion of lawful economic activities within Nigeria’s maritime domain.

(NAN)

Inter Miami forward, Lionel Messi, made an emotional return to the newly renamed Spotify Camp Nou on Sunday night, the stadium where his legendary career began and flourished.

In a video shared by football journalist Fabrizio Romano on X, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was seen walking quietly through the stands of the iconic ground before posting a heartfelt message to fans.

“Last night I returned to a place that I miss with my soul. A place where I was immensely happy,” Messi wrote.

“I hope one day I can come back, and not just to say goodbye as a player, as I could never do.”

The Argentine star’s visit, described as “secret and sentimental,” has stirred deep emotion among Barcelona supporters who still regard him as the club’s greatest ever player.

Messi left FC Barcelona in 2021 after over two decades, winning every major honour in European football and rewriting the club’s history books with his record-breaking goals and performances.

His surprise appearance comes at a time when fans continue to reminisce about the golden era he led, an era defined by trophies, magic moments, and unwavering loyalty.

Watch the video HERE.