Category: PM News

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have agreed to work more closely to ensure free, fair, and credible elections in Nigeria.

Their partnership will focus on fighting vote-buying, electoral fraud, and other financial crimes that can affect the integrity of elections.

The renewed collaboration comes as preparations begin for upcoming off-cycle governorship elections and the 2027 general elections.

Both agencies identified vote-buying and the illegal use of money during elections as major threats to public trust in the electoral process.

The EFCC announced the development on its official X page after the Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Obo Effanga, paid a courtesy visit to the Benin Zonal Directorate of the commission.

Effanga, who was recently posted to Edo State, said the visit was part of efforts to engage important stakeholders, especially law enforcement agencies, ahead of the 2027 elections.

He explained that the visit was also aimed at exploring ways for INEC and the EFCC to strengthen cooperation in tackling electoral offences such as vote-buying and financial inducement during elections.

The REC praised the EFCC for its role in previous elections, particularly its efforts to curb vote-buying and other financial crimes that could undermine the electoral process.

In a separate development, officials of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Edo State Branch, also visited the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC to discuss possible areas of cooperation.

Speaking during the visit, Ibukun Akande said the institute values partnership with the EFCC because many economic and financial crimes involve financial institutions and banking professionals.

Responding, the Acting Zonal Director of the Benin Directorate, Sa’ad Hanafi Sa’ad, reaffirmed the EFCC’s commitment to supporting INEC in preventing vote-buying and other electoral offences before, during, and after elections.

He also assured the CIBN of the commission’s readiness to work with relevant stakeholders in the fight against corruption, financial crimes, and misconduct across the country.

Sa’ad added that continued cooperation among regulatory agencies, professional bodies, and law enforcement institutions is essential for promoting transparency, accountability, and public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic and financial systems.

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The strategic partnership between Nigeria and the United States has significantly degraded the operational capability of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) and other terrorist groups, the Defence Headquarters said on Tuesday.

The Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, stated this in an X Spaces engagement on strengthening security through strategic information sharing on the Nigeria-U.S. military partnership against terrorism.

Uba said the collaboration had enhanced intelligence sharing, capacity building, strategic communication, logistics support and operational effectiveness in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism operations.

According to him, terrorism remains a transnational threat that requires intelligence cooperation, technological innovation, strategic communication and strong partnerships to defeat.

He said recent collaborative efforts had contributed to intelligence-driven operations that disrupted terrorist networks and destroyed terrorist enclaves and logistics infrastructure.

The defence spokesman added that the partnership had also enhanced surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities and improved the operational readiness of Nigerian troops through specialised training programmes.

Uba expressed appreciation to the U.S. Government and the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) for their support in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.

He also commended President Bola Tinubu for providing the Armed Forces of Nigeria with platforms, equipment and resources required to prosecute ongoing operations.

The Director of Public Affairs, AFRICOM, Col. Rebecca Heyse, similarly said that the joint counter-terrorism operations conducted by Nigerian and U.S. forces had significantly weakened ISIS activities in the region.

Heyse said the operations, which commenced on May 16, were based on months of deliberate planning and intelligence sharing between both countries.

She disclosed that the operations led to the elimination of ISIS global second-in-command, Abu Bilal al-Minuki, alongside several key operational and media leaders.

According to her, more than 200 ISIS fighters were eliminated during the operations, while terrorist checkpoints, weapons caches, logistics hubs and training sites were destroyed.

She said the operations also disrupted financial networks and media structures that supported terrorist activities across Nigeria.

Heyse attributed the success of the operations to close collaboration between Nigerian and U.S. military forces as well as intelligence support provided by relevant agencies.

She said the cooperation was rooted in respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty and demonstrated the effectiveness of strong international partnerships against terrorism.

The AFRICOM spokesperson commended the professionalism of the Nigerian Armed Forces and reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to continued collaboration in addressing security challenges.

Both officials emphasised the importance of strategic information sharing, intelligence cooperation and public engagement in sustaining gains recorded against terrorism and promoting regional stability.

(NAN)

By Jethro Ibileke

The Edo State Command of the Department of State Service (DSS) has raised the alarm over planned mass abduction of school children in the state by suspected bandits.

The Command in a memo with reference number S.66/A/3972, dated June 5, 2026, signed by one B. Agada, on behalf of the Director of Security, and addressed to the State Commandant of the NSCDC, disclosed that the intelligence was intercepted in a phone conversation between two suspected bandits.

It added that the target areas by the suspects include school children across the state, particularly in Edo North Senatorial districts.

The statement reads:

“Intelligence at the disposal of the Command indicated plans by suspected bandits to kidnap school children in the State, particularly in Edo North Senatorial District. This follows an intercept between suspected bandits, one BAWA (FNU), suspected to be of Fulani extraction from Zamfara State and one NUHU (FNU).

“During the conversation, the duo disclosed their plans to kidnap school children in Edo North Senatorial District, as previous attempts to kidnap wealthy individuals had not yielded the expected financial gains. To this end, they concluded that abducting school children would attract greater government attention and potentially increase the likelihood of huge ransom payments and concessions.

Already on 4th June, 2026, one Emmanuel MOMIDU (25 yrs) was apprehended while he was perceived to be surveilling Makeke Secondary School at Makeke Community, Akoko Edo LGA.”

The DSS therefore urged adequate counter measures be taken by the authorities and individuals to protect various schools, especially in Edo North.

“In view, it is advised that counter measures be emplaced around schools in the State with focus on Edo North Senatorial District, to strengthen security around schools and other educational institutions.

“This may include the deployment of personnel to vulnerable schools and communities in collaboration with ESSC, local vigilantes and hunters, as well as intensified security patrols in vulnerable areas to enhance surveillance, pleases,” the statement concluded.

By Isa Isawade

The Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, on Tuesday told political parties in the state to suspend all planned political gatherings, rallies, campaigns, processions, and all other political related activities scheduled for today.

According to Gotan, the ban was necessary to avoid a breakdown of law and order following the “non-cooperative attitude of some parties as all efforts by the command to foster peace ended in a deadlock.”

The commissioner’s advisory was conveyed by a press release on Tuesday in Osogbo which was signed by the state’s PPRO Abiodun Ojelabi and forwarded to PM NEWS.

Gotan assured all that the command was committed to ensuring a peaceful and secure environment for all residents.

“Command wishes to advise all political parties, candidates, supporters, and all stakeholders that, based on credible intelligence and security concerns within Oriade Local Government Area, the Commissioner of Police, Osun State Command, advises all political parties to postpone their planned political gatherings, rallies, campaigns, processions, and all other Political related activities scheduled to hold on Wednesday 10th June 2026 within Oriade Local Government Area to a new date.”This move by the Command is due to non-cooperative attitude of some parties as all efforts by the Command to foster peace ended in a deadlock. This proactive measure is aimed at preventing any breach of peace/breakdown of law and order, maintaining public order, and protecting the lives and property of residents of the area.”All political parties, candidates, supporters, followers and members of the public are hereby admonished to take note and comply for the best interest of peace.

“This advice becomes imperative as the peace meeting earlier scheduled/called by the Commissioner of Police with the concern political parties could not hold.”The Command remains committed to ensuring a peaceful and secure environment for all residents and urges members of the public to remain law-abiding and cooperate with security agencies,” the release said.

By Angela Atabo

The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has vowed to drag contractors who are not utilising funds already disbursed to them by the federal government for intended road projects to the police or the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Umahi said this on Tuesday while issuing a 72-hour ultimatum to contractors handling the Abuja-Lokoja road to fully mobilise to site and utilise funds already released by the Federal Government.

The minister also criticised some supervising engineers for failing to hold contractors accountable, accusing them of neglecting field inspections while remaining comfortable in their offices.

“We cannot be pampering contractors. If you are holding the money of the federal government, you have to bring it out and do the job or we start going to the Police and the EFCC.

“I am giving you 72 hours to effectively deploy on this road, utilise the money, while I am chasing release of the other money, the president has graciously signed,” he said.

According to Umahi, the Abuja-bound section of the road has suffered severe deterioration, with more than 90 per cent of the stretch damaged.

“If urgent action is not taken within the next few months, the situation will become much worse.

“While the President is doing his best and feeling the pressure, all stakeholders must also play their part,” he said.

He reaffirmed his commitment to enforcing accountability, warning that any official found neglecting their responsibilities would be removed from project supervision duties.

The minister also expressed frustration over what he described as poor oversight and lack of accountability among some staff members.

Umahi vowed to remove ministry officials who fail to effectively supervise federal road projects and sanction contractors performing poorly.

“I am going to remove ministry staffers who are not doing well.You are supervising projects, yet, you cannot answer any question on any of the projects.

“You will be calling out the minister of works and our president.

“You leave people that have failed the nation and you are calling out those who lose their sleep day and night. It’s very annoying,” he said.

Umahi lamented that, while ministry officials neglect their duties, public criticism is often directed at the Ministry of Works and President Bola Tinubu.

He praised the President for supporting infrastructure development across the country.

Also speaking, Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Akin Alabi, reiterated that successful delivery of road infrastructure required commitment from contractors, ministry officials and funding agencies.

Alabi expressed worry over the realities observed on the Abuja-Lokoja road project sites.

“The President cannot be everywhere, and neither can the minister. That is why there are engineers, controllers and supervisors on site.

“What we have seen here suggests that reports reaching the minister do not fully reflect realities on the ground,” Alabi said.

In his remarks,the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Sen. Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, urged ministry officials to be diligent in the discharge of their responsibilities.

Nwaebonyi also appealed to agencies responsible for contractor payments not to undermine the administration’s infrastructure programme through unnecessary delays.

“If approvals have been granted, payments should be made. Nigerians want to see results and are no longer interested in excuses,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)ATAB/ROT

The controversy over Somali referee Omar Artan’s exclusion from the 2026 FIFA World Cup has taken a dramatic turn after the administration of United States President Donald Trump claimed he was denied entry over alleged links to suspected members of terrorist organisations.

Artan, the reigning CAF Men’s Referee of the Year, was barred from entering the United States at Miami International Airport on Saturday, two days before PM News reported that no official reason had been given for the decision.

The 34-year-old official, who was selected by FIFA among 52 match officials for the tournament, had been expected to make history as the first Somali referee to officiate at the World Cup.

But that dream now appears shattered after US authorities refused him admission and sent him back to Istanbul, Turkey, after reportedly holding him at the airport for about 11 hours.

At the time of PM News’ earlier report, neither US immigration authorities nor FIFA had publicly explained why Artan was stopped.

However, the Trump administration has now claimed that further security checks by US Customs and Border Protection uncovered “derogatory information” against the referee.

According to a statement quoted by Fox News, the information allegedly included “association with suspected members of terror organisations,” making Artan ineligible to enter the United States under the Immigration and Nationality Act.

“This individual was seeking admission to the United States,” the statement said.

“Upon further inspection by CBP, derogatory information, including association with suspected members of terror organisations, was discovered making the traveller ineligible for admission to the United States under the Immigration and Nationality Act.

“President Trump’s administration will not allow any security threat to enter our country — full stop.”

The allegation is a major escalation in a case that had already triggered concern across African football circles because of Artan’s profile and the timing of the decision.

Artan was named CAF Men’s Referee of the Year in 2025 and was widely seen as one of Africa’s leading match officials going into the World Cup jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

His selection by FIFA had also been celebrated as a major breakthrough for Somali football and a rare moment of global recognition for the country’s refereeing system.

But Artan has rejected any wrongdoing, insisting that he had the required documents and valid visa to enter the United States.

“I am very, very disappointed,” he told the New York Times.

“I had the right papers and everything. I had the right visa.

“I’m just simply a referee who’s trying to live his dream, the biggest dream of my life, to come to the World Cup.

“I think that they have a problem with my country.”

The case has drawn wider attention because Somalia is among countries affected by travel restrictions introduced under Trump’s administration.

Since returning to office in 2025, Trump has imposed strict immigration and border measures, with citizens from several countries either fully banned or placed under partial travel restrictions.

FIFA has now confirmed that Artan will not train or officiate at the tournament, but said it had no power over the immigration process of the host country.

“FIFA can confirm that match official Omar Abdulkadir Artan will be unable to train and officiate at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after he was denied entry into the United States,” the world football body said.

“FIFA is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications, and has been informed by authorities that Mr Artan’s status will not be changed at present.”

The development leaves FIFA with one fewer African official at the tournament and ends, at least for now, Artan’s historic bid to become Somalia’s first World Cup referee.

A FIFA-accredited referee since 2018, Artan has officiated at the Africa Cup of Nations and other major continental competitions. He also works in Somalia’s domestic league.

His exclusion now raises fresh questions over how far host-country immigration decisions can affect FIFA appointments, especially when security claims are made against officials already cleared by football’s governing body for the world’s biggest tournament.

By Ayorinde Oluokun

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has approved the deployment of Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs) to their respective geopolitical zones while he ordered Commissioners of Police to begin inter-state patrols.

The directives are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen operational effectiveness, improve supervision, and enhance security coordination across the country.

The deployment of the DIGs which will take effect from Monday, 15th June 2026 was announced in a statement by the spokesperson of Nigeria Police Force, DCP Anthony Placid on Wednesday morning.

According to the statement, Disu announced the deployment of the DIGs during the monthly conference with strategic senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force at Force Headquarters, Abuja.

Placid added that the move is aimed at bringing strategic leadership closer to the field, strengthening accountability, and ensuring prompt response to emerging security threats.

“The DIGs are expected to work closely with Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Commissioners of Police to enhance operational oversight and ensure the effective implementation of policing directives,” Placid said.

He also announced that the IGP directed all Commissioners of Police nationwide to immediately establish coordinated inter-state security operations tagged “Handshake Patrols” with their counterparts in neighbouring states.

” The initiative is designed to strengthen intelligence sharing, improve operational communication, and facilitate joint responses to crimes that cut across state boundaries.

“The IGP noted that criminals often exploit jurisdictional gaps by committing offences in one state and escaping into another.

“He therefore charged Commissioners of Police to maintain regular engagement with neighbouring Commands, conduct coordinated patrols along major entry and exit routes, and adopt a regional approach to addressing security challenges.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to intelligence-led policing, strategic coordination, and inter-agency collaboration aimed at protecting lives and property and enhancing public safety across the country,” Placid concluded in the state.

“It’ll be a shame if Obi doesn’t sue me,” former spokesman declares

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

A bitter feud between former Labour Party presidential candidate and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) leader, Peter Obi, and his former spokesman, Kenneth Okonkwo, has escalated, with Obi demanding N5 billion in damages over alleged defamatory remarks, while Okonkwo has vowed to challenge the move and dared the former Anambra governor to proceed to court.

In a letter dated June 9, 2026, Obi’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Alex Ejesieme, accused Okonkwo of making false, malicious and defamatory allegations during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on June 8.

According to the letter, Okonkwo alleged that Obi and leaders of the NDC in the South-East demanded an additional N10 million payment from House of Representatives aspirants after they had paid the prescribed expression of interest fees.

The lawyers also accused Okonkwo of claiming that documentary evidence existed to support the allegation, that Obi personally compiled candidates’ lists from a hotel room, collected money from individuals abroad and was involved in activities amounting to fraud and criminal conduct.

Obi’s legal team argued that the allegations portrayed their client as a person involved in bribery, extortion, fraud, financial dishonesty and criminal conspiracy.

“The above statements, in their natural and ordinary meaning, and by necessary implication, falsely and maliciously represent our client as a person who demands, solicits, organises and collects bribes; who extorts, defrauds and swindles political aspirants of their money,” the letter stated.

The former Anambra governor is demanding a public retraction, an unreserved apology published with the same prominence as the original allegations, a written undertaking against further defamatory statements and payment of N5 billion as general, aggravated and exemplary damages.

The lawyers warned that failure to comply within seven days would leave Obi with no option but to seek legal redress, including claims for damages, injunctive reliefs and legal costs.

But in a swift reaction posted on his X handle, Okonkwo ridiculed the demand, suggesting that Obi was looking for funds to prosecute future political campaigns.

“It has been brought to my notice that there is a letter circulating online from the hypocrite, Peter Obi, and his lawyers that I should pay him N5bn. Hahaha! If Peter Obi is looking for money to campaign, he should privately ask me for assistance, not come from extortion, and I will help him,” Okonkwo wrote.

The actor-turned-politician claimed that while serving as Obi’s spokesman, he personally funded some campaign-related expenses, including flight tickets and hotel accommodation.

Okonkwo further warned that Obi’s legal action could compel him to disclose information he acquired during his time as spokesman.

“Let me sound this note of warning, the lawyers must take responsibility for any information I may have to divulge, which I acquired as a spokesperson, but which by my conscience I have not shared with anyone,” he said.

He maintained that he had not yet read the legal letter but insisted he would respond in due course, adding that it would be a “shame” if Obi and his lawyers failed to pursue the matter in court.

Okonkwo also referenced a statement allegedly made by an NDC House of Representatives aspirant, Obunike Ohaegbu, who claimed he was “scammed” and that the party blamed Obi for the incident.

The dispute marks the latest chapter in the deteriorating relationship between Obi and Okonkwo, once close political allies during the 2023 presidential campaign.

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Vice President Kashim Shettima has assured that President Bola Tinubu is working day and night to ensure the safe recovery of all children in the hands of bandits and terrorists.

Shettima spoke on Friday after observing a special Juma’at prayer marking the 2026 June 12 Democracy Day at the National Mosque, Abuja.

The Vice President also reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to restoring peace and stability across the country.

“President Bola Tinubu is working day and night to ensure the safe recovery of all children in the hands of bandits and terrorists.

“No matter how long the night lasts, it must give way to the light of dawn. However stormy the weather may be, it will not rain forever.

“The government remains irrevocably committed to restoring peace and stability in the nation,” Shettima said.

He urged Nigerians to continue praying for peace and unity while recognising the sacrifices of the nation’s founding heroes.

“Our past heroes made sacrifices for the democracy that we are all enjoying today.

“I thank Nigerians and urge them to pray for the nation and for one another, because what unites us is greater than whatever divides us,” the Vice President said.

Earlier, the Chief Imam of the National Mosque, Haroun Eze, urged Nigerians to remain patriotic and steadfast in defending the nation.

The cleric called on leaders at all levels to take decisive action against insecurity and ensure lasting peace across the country.

According to him, peace remains essential for national development and the well-being of citizens. (NAN)

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian military has recorded fresh successes in its ongoing nationwide offensive against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes, neutralising scores of terrorists, arresting dozens of suspects and rescuing several kidnapped victims within one week.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) disclosed the development on Friday, saying troops operating across multiple theatres sustained coordinated land and air operations between May 28 and June 4, dealing significant blows to criminal networks across the country.

Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, said the military offensive targeted terrorists, kidnappers, gunrunners, economic saboteurs and other criminal elements threatening national security.

In the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai arrested a suspected kidnapper, 10 terrorist collaborators and informants, while also rescuing five persons who escaped from terrorist enclaves. Troops further neutralised a terrorist and recovered ammunition, communication devices and other operational items.

In the North-West, troops under Operation Fansan Yamma eliminated three terrorists, apprehended a notorious terrorist kingpin and arrested additional suspects linked to terrorist activities. Security forces also recovered an AK-47 rifle, ammunition and dismantled several terrorist camps.

One of the most significant breakthroughs was recorded under Operation Savannah Shield, where troops successfully repelled an ambush in Niger State, neutralising scores of terrorists during the encounter. Security operatives also recovered 15 motorcycles and hundreds of rounds of ammunition, while a wanted terrorist informant linked to previous attacks in Borgu Local Government Area was arrested.

In Kaduna State, troops of Operation Enduring Peace rescued five kidnapped passengers and evacuated two injured victims for urgent medical treatment.

Similarly, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke operating across Kogi, Nasarawa and Taraba states neutralised a terrorist, arrested 10 suspects and rescued two kidnap victims. Recovered exhibits included an AK-47 rifle, magazines, explosives, motorcycles and vehicles.

The military also recorded successes in the South-South region, where troops of Operation Delta Safe arrested seven suspected kidnappers and foiled planned abductions. Security operatives further apprehended suspects linked to the murder of a farmer during a failed kidnap operation.

In the South-East, troops of Operation Udo Ka arrested five suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), while successfully rescuing village chiefs who had been held hostage in Ebonyi State.

Maj.-Gen. Onoja said the operations had significantly degraded the operational capabilities of criminal groups and improved security across affected communities.

He assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces would sustain the momentum of ongoing operations until those held captive are rescued and criminal elements are brought to justice.

The defence spokesman also urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with credible intelligence, noting that timely information remains critical to the success of military operations nationwide.

He added that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, had commended troops for their courage, professionalism and commitment in the fight against insecurity across the country.