Category: PM News

The management of Kogi State University, Lokoja, has confirmed suspension of seven lecturers over alleged sexual harassment and unauthorized sales of handouts and textbooks to students.

While six of the lecturers were suspended over alleged sales of handouts and textbook to students, one was suspended over alleged sexual harassment of a student.

The institution’s Public Relations Officer, Mr John Onimisi, confirmed the suspension of the lecturers following allegations of renewed sex-for-marks, cult activities and other misconducts in Kogi Polytechnic months after a new rector assumed office.

Female students alleged that disciplinary structures established under former Rector, Prof. Salisu Usman, have weakened, allowing previously suppressed social vices to resurface.

The students spoke separately on Sunday in Lokoja, requested anonymity because they feared possible victimisation or disciplinary action by the institution.

They alleged that some lecturers now demand sexual favours or money from female students in exchange for grades or protection from academic failure.

Two lecturers, from Public Administration and Graphics Design departments, were allegedly mentioned in cases involving demands for between N70,000 and N80,000.

The lecturers were allegedly accused of threatening female students with failure unless they ‘cooperate’ or make the requested payments.

‘Sadly, these things were tamed under the former management, but with the current ‘I-don’t-care’ attitude, the old traits are coming back,’ a student said.

The source further alleged that one lecturer instructed a female student to book a hotel room and pay the bills before a planned meeting.

The student reportedly complained to a management staff member but alleged that she faced intimidation instead of receiving protection or seeing disciplinary action initiated.

‘The disciplinary structure has collapsed. Corrupt lecturers are getting emboldened while female students are suffering in silence for fear of rustication,’ the student said.

Another student alleged that nocturnal cult meetings had resurfaced, citing an incident reportedly observed near one female hostel about two weeks ago.

According to her, the incident occurred between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. and was reportedly brought to management’s attention by security personnel.

However, the student alleged that no action had been taken against those reportedly involved in the incident.

The Kogi Poly students also raised concerns over the alleged abandonment of dress codes and compulsory identity cards, alongside the reported return of banned handout sales.

They further complained about a reported increase of more than 200 per cent in school fees, saying the development had intensified financial pressures on students.

One source appealed to Gov. Usman Ododo to intervene, warning that ‘impunity, truancy and indolence have taken over the legacies left behind by the former rector’.

However, Onimisi said Kogi Poly had already begun taking disciplinary measures against lecturers accused of violating institutional rules, citing the suspension of the seven lecturers.

‘The disciplinary committee of the Polytechnic is already investigating the allegations and the outcome will be made available to journalists,’ he said.

The PRO, however, did not specifically address the allegations concerning the reported resurgence of cult-related activities on campus.

The allegations have heightened calls by students and parents for stronger oversight, transparent investigations and decisive action to protect students.

They also urged the institution to strengthen disciplinary mechanisms and restore confidence in the Polytechnic’s ability to provide a safe academic environment.

Former Assistant Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Dennis Amachree, has challenged former Chief Security Officer to late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha, Major Hamza Al-Mustapha (retd.), to produce CCTV footage or other credible evidence if he disputes the account of the late military ruler’s final hours contained in his memoir.

Amachree threw the challenge while responding to Al-Mustapha’s dismissal of his book, DSS@40, insisting that the former army officer should counter his claims with verifiable facts rather than personal attacks.

The former DSS officer maintained that his account was not a personal narrative but one that passed through the agency’s internal vetting process before publication. He disclosed that the memoir received official approval as part of activities marking the 40th anniversary of the DSS.

According to him, the agency’s endorsement was evident in its invitation to him from the United States to participate in the public presentation of the book, an event attended by top security chiefs, state directors of the DSS and members of the diplomatic corps.

Amachree dismissed Al-Mustapha’s criticism of the publication as unfounded, arguing that anyone challenging the narrative should provide documentary or electronic evidence to support their claims.

‘If Al-Mustapha says my account is false and claims to know exactly what happened during Abacha’s final hours, then he should produce the CCTV footage or any other credible evidence to prove his version,’ he said.

He also took exception to Al-Mustapha’s description of him as ‘a boy,’ saying his professional career and public service record speak for themselves.

‘I was seven years old when Nigeria gained independence. I retired from the DSS as an Assistant Director, a rank equivalent to a Brigadier in the military, while Al-Mustapha retired as a Major,’ he said.

The Senate has clarified that the ongoing amendment to the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Establishment Act does not seek to ban street preaching, dismissing widespread claims that the proposed legislation outlaws religious activities in public places.

In a statement issued by the Directorate of Media and Public Affairs in the Office of the Senate Leader, the upper chamber explained that the provision attracting public attention relates specifically to preaching and hawking inside commercial vehicles, an offence that has existed under Nigerian law for nearly two decades.

According to the Senate, Section 10(4) of the FRSC (Establishment) Act, 2007, and Regulation 220 of the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2012, already prohibit preaching and hawking in commercial vehicles as part of measures aimed at protecting commuters and ensuring road safety.

It noted that the provision is not a fresh introduction in the amendment bill but has been retained from the existing law. While it previously appeared as Item 36 in the Second Schedule of the Act, it is now listed as Item 49 following the restructuring of the legislation.

The Senate stressed that the amendment bill should not be misconstrued as an attempt to restrict freedom of worship or criminalise religious preaching in public spaces.

‘The Bill does not outlaw street preaching as some interests have claimed. It is intended solely to enhance the safety of commuters and other road users and is not designed to undermine any religious activity in the public space,’ the statement said.

The Senate also clarified that the proposed amendment was not initiated by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele. Rather, it said the legislation originated in the House of Representatives and is before the Senate as a concurrence bill, in line with the constitutional lawmaking process.

It added that the legislative process is still ongoing and encouraged members of the public and other stakeholders with concerns about the bill to engage the National Assembly through the appropriate channels before the amendment is concluded.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted illicit drugs valued at over N10 billion, including cocaine, Canadian Loud and opioids, in a series of intelligence-led operations across Lagos, while arresting suspected drug kingpins and uncovering ammunition concealed in palm oil kegs in Kaduna and Katsina states.

The agency said the operations led to the arrest of 55-year-old businessman, Onuigbo Ndubisi Chinedu, who allegedly masterminded attempts to export cocaine to the United Kingdom through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, said Chinedu, a clothing dealer at Balogun Market, Lagos Island, was arrested on Thursday after investigators traced him to a 3.30-kilogram cocaine consignment concealed inside the walls of cartons used to package foodstuffs destined for the UK.

According to Babafemi, the cocaine shipment had been intercepted at the export shed of the Lagos airport a day earlier, prompting the arrest of three cargo agents-Nkwor Onyekachukwu Justina, Adeleke Abiola Taoheed and Ukanwa Grace Pilgrim, who handled the consignment.

He said further investigations led to the arrest of Kenneth Okakpu, who delivered the shipment to the cargo agents, eventually exposing Chinedu as the alleged kingpin behind the trafficking syndicate.

Babafemi disclosed that Chinedu was apprehended while attempting to send another cocaine consignment to the UK.

In a related operation, NDLEA operatives arrested 31-year-old entrepreneur Emmanuella Chukwu-Edo at her Surulere residence after intercepting a 2.80kg consignment of Canadian Loud, a potent synthetic strain of cannabis, which arrived from the United States aboard a United Airlines flight.

The agency also recorded another major seizure at the Lagos airport, where operatives intercepted 2.24 million pills of Tapentadol 250mg, valued at more than N2.2 billion, during a joint examination of cargo imported from India aboard an Air Maroc flight. Babafemi said the operation followed credible intelligence processed by the agency.

He added that the seizure came shortly after NDLEA officers intercepted a shipment of tramadol concealed inside containers of black soap at a Lagos courier company while the consignment was being prepared for export to the United Kingdom.

At the Apapa Seaport, Babafemi said operatives uncovered 4,777 sachets of Canadian Loud weighing 2,388.5 kilograms, concealed inside three imported vehicles. The illicit consignment has an estimated street value of over N7.1 billion.

Beyond drug interdictions, NDLEA operatives also intercepted military-grade ammunition during separate operations in northern Nigeria.

Babafemi said Mustapha Sani, 30, was arrested during a patrol at Baure in Safana Local Government Area of Katsina State with 323 rounds of military-grade ammunition, comprising 200 rounds of 7.62mm and 123 rounds of 7.6mm ammunition.

Similarly, Abubakar Amadu, 30, was apprehended during a stop-and-search operation at Jere along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway after officers discovered 73 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition concealed inside kegs of red palm oil.

He said both suspects had been transferred to the appropriate security agency for further investigation.

In Edo State, NDLEA operatives raided a warehouse at Ilushi community in Esan South-East Local Government Area, recovering 1,286 kilograms of cannabis and 86 kilograms of cannabis seeds. Two suspects-Ojore Onweze, 45, and George Agwumede, 30, were also arrested with 60kg and 13kg of skunk, respectively.

Babafemi said the agency sustained its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign during the week with sensitisation programmes held in schools and communities across Niger, Kano and Lagos states.

Commending officers of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation (DOGI) as well as the MMIA, Apapa, Edo, Kaduna and Katsina Commands for the successful operations, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), urged personnel nationwide to remain steadfast in implementing the agency’s balanced strategy of aggressive drug supply reduction alongside sustained public enlightenment.

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested two men suspected of providing intelligence and logistical support to Boko Haram as well as participating in cattle rustling during a joint operation at Buni Yadi Friday Market in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.

The operation, conducted by personnel of the 27 Task Force Brigade alongside members of a local hunters’ group, followed intelligence reports that led security operatives to the market at about 2.00 pm on July 24, military sources disclosed on Sunday.

The suspects were identified as 32-year-old Muhammadu Sani of Mainahari village in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State and 40-year-old Buba Umaru from Garin Jauro in Fune Local Government Area of Yobe State.

The operation took a violent turn when one of the suspects allegedly resisted arrest and attacked a member of the hunters’ group with a cutlass.

The hunter suffered serious head injuries and received immediate medical attention before the troops subdued and arrested the suspects.

During initial interrogation, military sources said Sani admitted working as a logistics supplier and informant for Boko Haram for almost seven years.

He also allegedly confessed to directing insurgents to the homes of two residents, enabling them to steal cattle during separate raids.

Security sources believe the information obtained from the suspect could strengthen ongoing efforts to identify and dismantle networks that provide support to terrorist groups operating in the North-East.

The two men remain in the custody of the 27 Task Force Brigade, where investigators are examining their alleged roles in supplying logistics, gathering intelligence for terrorists and involvement in cattle rustling.

Military authorities said the arrests highlight the value of intelligence supplied by local communities and the close cooperation between troops and community-based security groups in tracking individuals suspected of aiding terrorist organisations.

The representatives of the Ooni of Ife, Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula and Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, were on the delegation of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who were currently in Brazil to discuss the efficacy of Yoruba traditional medicine with the government of Brazil represented by Fiocruz a South America leading Medical research institute.

The delegation therein called for global recognition and scientific validation of African traditional medicine, advocating a strategic partnership between Nigeria and Brazil that will combine indigenous knowledge with scientific research to improve healthcare and sustainable development.

The delegation made the call during the Brazil-Nigeria High-Level Bilateral Meeting on Traditional Medicine and Scientific Cooperation held at the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, yesterday.

A statement issued on Sunday by the Senior Media Officer to the Ooni, Sodiq Lawal, said the meeting ended with the adoption of a comprehensive implementation roadmap that will guide cooperation between the two countries on traditional medicine, medicinal plant research, technology transfer, academic exchange and public health innovation.

Representing the Ooni at the summit were the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, and the President of Oduduwa Heritage Home in Brazil and International Consultant to the World Orisa Congress (WOOCON), Ajoyemi Olabisi Osunleye.

The meeting brought together representatives of Fiocruz, the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Royal Palace of the Ooni of Ife, Afe Babalola University (ABUAD), Harvard University, Brazil’s Ministry of Racial Equality and the African Pride delegation to deepen South-South cooperation in traditional medicine, medicinal plant research, human milk banking and academic training.

The meeting reaffirmed the mutual commitment of both countries to scientifically validate traditional medicine practices and integrate evidence-based indigenous healthcare into formal health systems.

Participants also reviewed the ongoing Harvard-Brazil-Nigeria metabolomics research involving 68 medicinal plants used in the treatment of diabetes, with discussions on expanding the study to other therapeutic products of medical value.

The summit further recognised a collection of about 500 medicinal plants already studied and scientifically validated in Brazil as a solid foundation for future collaborative research between Nigerian and Brazilian institutions.

Another major outcome of the meeting was the agreement to support the establishment of a Human Milk Bank in Nigeria, leveraging the technical expertise of the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre and Fiocruz’s experience in the field.

The participants also linked the Brazil-Nigeria partnership to global climate initiatives through the International Savanna Forum and COP31 scheduled for September in GoiSnia, Brazil, identifying biodiversity conservation, health innovation and social technology as critical areas of future collaboration.

The meeting equally acknowledged Brazil’s ongoing efforts to secure institutional recognition for the healthcare practices of traditional terreiro communities, while noting that Nigeria’s experience in preserving indigenous medicine offers valuable lessons for international policy development.

Speaking during the opening session, the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, said the proposed partnership must be built on three inseparable pillars-indigenous wisdom, traditional medicinal plants and scientific research.

According to him, Africa’s traditional knowledge should not merely be preserved but scientifically validated, refined and responsibly deployed for the benefit of humanity.

‘The foundation of this partnership should rest on three inseparable pillars: indigenous wisdom, traditional medicinal plants and scientific research. Our purpose is not merely to preserve traditional knowledge, but to combine the wisdom safeguarded by our communities over generations with rigorous scientific research capable of validating, improving and responsibly applying that knowledge for the benefit of humanity.

‘Through this approach, we can transform our shared biodiversity and ancestral knowledge into safe, effective and evidence-based health innovations that contribute to public health, scientific advancement and sustainable development. These principles should form the cornerstone of the Memorandum of Understanding and all future cooperative initiatives arising from this historic meeting.’

Presenting the Ooni’s position, the Ooni’s delegation explained that African traditional medicine transcends the physical use of herbs, roots and medicinal plants.

He maintained that indigenous healthcare embodies generations of ancestral wisdom, oral traditions, spirituality and sacred knowledge that have been preserved across centuries.

He stressed that within Yoruba civilisation, prayers, incantations and other intangible cultural practices remain integral components of healing and should be recognised alongside scientific validation in any global framework for traditional medicine.

Representing the Federal Government of Nigeria, and leader of the delegation, the Executive Director of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to preserving indigenous knowledge systems through research, documentation and international collaboration, describing the partnership as a major step towards repositioning Africa’s cultural and scientific heritage on the global stage.

Also speaking, the Vice-Chancellor of Afe Babalola University (ABUAD), Prof. Smaranda Olarinde who led the University team highlighted the institution’s research capacity in traditional medicine, noting that the university had advanced beyond laboratory investigations, with several medicinal products already developed and manufactured.

According to her, the achievement demonstrates ABUAD’s ability to translate scientific research into practical healthcare solutions capable of benefiting society.

The meeting also adopted a detailed implementation calendar to ensure that the resolutions are translated into concrete actions.

Under the roadmap, participating institutions will immediately validate the meeting resolutions and formalise the existing Letter of Intent before constituting a Joint Working Group in August 2026 to coordinate all aspects of the partnership.

The Working Group will supervise the drafting of a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding involving Fiocruz, the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Royal Palace of the Ooni of Ife and Afe Babalola University Ado Ekiti, with participation of Brazil’s Ministries of Health and Racial Equality.

The proposed agreement will cover traditional medicine research, medicinal plant development, human milk banking, postgraduate training, technology transfer, joint scientific publications and institutional cooperation.

According to the implementation schedule, the partnership will be presented at the International Savanna Forum and COP31 in GoiSnia in September 2026 as a Global South model for addressing climate, health and sustainable development challenges.

The roadmap further provides for the review of the Memorandum of Understanding in October, its formal signing in November 2026, and the commencement of pilot medicinal plant projects, academic exchange programmes, postgraduate collaborations and certification courses in traditional medicine between December 2026 and January 2027.

The implementation plan also recommends that the Royal Palace of the Ooni of Ife continue playing a central coordinating role alongside Nigerian institutions in driving the partnership, while both countries pursue long-term collaboration in biodiversity conservation, indigenous healthcare innovation and scientific research.

The resolutions, if fully implemented, are expected to significantly strengthen Nigeria-Brazil relations and position African traditional medicine and indigenous knowledge systems as globally recognised contributors to modern healthcare through evidence-based scientific collaboration.

The delegation from Nigeria to the meeting led by by the Executive Secretary, National Institute of Cultural Orientation – NICO, Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, Ooni’s Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare supported by Princess Kemi Fadojutimi who flew to join from the USA, Dr Kunle Jayesimi from Harvard University, USA, trado Medical practioners, Chief Olokooba Atinuke Fagoroye and High Chief Olokooba Adekunle Sunbo, Ooni’s Ambassadors to South America; Ajoyemi Osunleye and Carolina Maria Moiras Osunleye, the Vice Chancellor, Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Professor Elisabeth Smaranda Olarinde accompanied by the University Head of ICT, Professor Tunbosun Ogundipe and Dr Akawa Oluwole while the Brazilian side was led by President of FIOCRUZ, Mario Santos Moreira accompanied by Vice president,Valcler Rangel who gave the opening remarks and presented the FIOCRUZ Institutional video, Felix Rosenberg, Science, Culture and international dialogue, Deniz Oliveira, Territorial health, GEREB and Community Strategies, Luzi Miranda Borges from Ministry of Racial Equality handled policies for traditional peoples and communities of African descent, Valber Frutuoso; Health Promotion, Equity and Traditional Knowledge, Emmanuel Campus; Traditional practices and Community Technologies while the duo of João Aprigio Almeida from World Health Organisation and Danielle Aparecida Da Silver of the IFF/Fiocruz both spoke on the Human Milk Bank Network and Experience. Other members of the Brazilian delegation includes Erica Kastrup; South South Cooperation, Nathalia Lima Dos Santos; international Education and Ines Reiz; integrative and complementary health practices.

Fiocruz is the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, a Brazilian public health and science institution linked to the Ministry of Health. It is based in Rio de Janeiro and Latin America’s leading health research and technology organizations. Fiocruz works on health research, disease control, vaccine and medicine production, diagnostic tools, training, and public health services. Its mission is to promote health and social development.

73 Public Relations Officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service have been inducted into the professional ranks of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations following their successful completion of the Institute’s Training and Certification Programme at the Service Headquarters in Abuja.

In a post on X on Saturday, Service Public Relations Officer, Nigeria Immigration Service, Service Headquarters, Abuja, DCI Akinsola Akinlabi, said the induction is part of the service’s ongoing efforts to institutionalise strategic communication and professionalise its Public Relations cadre in line with its broader reform agenda.

Representing the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap, at the ceremony, the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Visa and Residency, FU Nwanneka, charged the newly inducted officers to uphold the highest standards of professionalism in the discharge of their responsibilities.

She urged them to ‘proactively manage public perception, counter misinfo bymation, respond effectively to crises, and strengthen public trust’ as the Service continues to implement technology-driven reforms in migration management and border governance.

Nwanneka also commended the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations for partnering with the Nigeria Immigration Service to deepen professionalism and strengthen the practice of Public Relations within the Service.

Speaking at the event, the President and Chairman of the Council of NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku, formally inducted the participants into the Institute and reminded them of the ethical demands of the profession.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Osun State Office has announced Saturday, August 1, 2026 for the conduct of a mock accreditation exercise ahead of the August 15 Governorship election.

INEC said the exercise was designed to test the functionality and efficiency of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) under conditions similar to Election Day.

The body made this known in a public announcement signed by the Head of Department, Voter Education, INEC, Osun State and forwarded to the Press on Sunday.

‘The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Osun State Office, wishes to inform all registered voters, political parties, the media and civil society organisations that as part of the activities towards assessing the commission’s readiness for the forthcoming Osun State Governorship Election, a mock accreditation exercise will be conducted on Saturday 1st August 2026,’ the electoral body said.

According to INEC, the exercise will take place in selected polling units across the three senatorial districts of the state as follows:

In Osogbo LGA, it will take place in four polling units: 29/30/04/002; 29/30/05/005; 29/30/04/001, and 29/30/05/019.

In Olorunda LGA, it’s billed to take place in four polling units: 29/27/01/001; 29/27/01/005; 29/27/01/004, and 29/27/01/006.

In Ifelodun LGA, it will take place in four polling units: 29/14/04/003; 29/14/06/005; 29/14/03/003, and 29/14/07/003.

In Boripe, it will take place in four polling units: 29/06/01/001; 29/06/02/003; 29/06/05/005, and 29/06/03/015, etc.

The NBM of Africa Worldwide, has announced a ?20 million education fund for the son of its late Italy Zonal President, Jeffrey Osas Iyen.

To be known as Jeffrey Osas Iyen Legacy Education Fund, the initiative is to secure the future of the son of the deceased from nursery school through university.

President of NBM of Africa Worldwide, Dr Charles Chimezie, announced this during the presentation of a ?20 million cheque to the family of the deceased.

Chimezie who paid glowing tribute to the late Jeffrey Osas Iyen, described the initiative as a touching demonstration of brotherhood, compassion and enduring love.

The gesture, which has transformed the mourning of a grieving family into a message of hope for the future, is dedicated to ensuring that the deceased’s son receives uninterrupted education and is given the opportunity to pursue his dreams, even in the absence of his father.

In a moving funeral oration, the NBM of Africa Worldwide described the late Iyen as a remarkable leader, devoted husband, loving father and compassionate brother whose humility, integrity and selfless service touched the lives of countless people.

While expressing its deepest condolences to the deceased’s wife, son and other members of the family, the organisation assured them that they would not walk alone in their moment of grief, as the NBM of Africa Worldwide stood firmly with them in love, support and solidarity.

It said the establishment of the education fund was more than a financial gesture, but a lasting tribute to the life and values of the late Iyen, adding that his memory would continue to live through the education, growth and future accomplishments of his son.

According to the organisation, the legacy reflected its belief that true compassion must be demonstrated through meaningful action, noting that the ?20 million endowment would preserve the name of the late Italy South Zonal President through hope, education and service to humanity.

They pledged to ensure that although he may no longer be physically present to guide his son, his legacy would continue to light the path of the child he left behind.

ISWAP’s funding and logistics network in Borno could face serious disruption following the surrender of a senior finance operative who allegedly managed the terrorist group’s money and supplies.

The Nigerian Army said the operative, now undergoing interrogation for actionable intelligence, surrendered to troops on July 25 alongside two male children and could provide information useful in targeting other members of the group.

He reportedly surrendered along the Ladari-Jegarawa-Tunokalia axis on the Gamboru-Wulgo Main Supply Route.

Acting Military Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed the development in a statement released on Saturday night.

Preliminary profiling identified the surrendered man as the chief finance operative of the ISWAP enclave at Jubillaram.

According to Goni, he was responsible for managing the terrorist group’s finances and coordinating its logistics.

Items recovered from him included one AK-47 rifle, four magazines, 101 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one motorcycle and ?40,000.

The Army linked the surrender to recent coordinated land and air operations conducted against terrorist hideouts across the North-East.

Goni said the development came amid an increase in voluntary surrenders, with about 46 suspected terrorists and their family members reportedly turning themselves in to troops in recent days.

‘Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have recorded another major operational breakthrough with the surrender of a senior Islamic State West Africa Province finance operative,’ he said.

The surrendered operative is undergoing detailed profiling and interrogation as troops seek information that could assist ongoing operations against other terrorist elements.

The Army described his surrender as a significant setback for ISWAP’s financial and logistical network.

It said the increasing number of defections indicated growing disillusionment within terrorist camps and weakening command structures following sustained military pressure.

Operation Hadin Kai urged other terrorists to take advantage of the Federal Government’s non-kinetic initiatives and surrender their weapons.

The Theatre Command also appealed to members of the public to provide security agencies with timely and credible information that could support counterterrorism operations across the region.