Category: PM News

The Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, has confirmed the death of Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, identified as a senior figure within the Islamic State, during a coordinated military offensive in Metele, Borno State.

The operation, carried out in conjunction with the United States Africa Command, followed what the military described as sustained intelligence gathering, surveillance and reconnaissance activities.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, said troops targeted a heavily fortified terrorist hideout in the Metele area of the Lake Chad Basin.

According to him, the operation resulted in the killing of Al-Minuki, also known as Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad ibn Ali al-Mainuki, alongside several commanders and other fighters linked to the extremist group.

The military noted that Al-Minuki had been designated a Specially Designated Global Terrorist by the United States in June 2023 under Executive Order 13224 over allegations bordering on the coordination of funding and operational support for extremist cells across the Sahel and Lake Chad region.

Operation Hadin Kai said the assault began at about 12:01 a.m. on May 16 and concluded around 4:00 a.m., with precision air strikes backed by ground troops.

It added that special forces units were strategically positioned to cut off escape routes and provide support for the air component of the mission.

The task force stated that no casualties or equipment losses were recorded among the troops involved in the operation.

It further disclosed that battle damage assessment and follow-up clearance operations were continuing in the area to track down any surviving insurgents.

The military described the operation as a significant achievement in ongoing counterterrorism efforts in the North-East, saying it would weaken the operational strength of the Islamic State West Africa Province and allied terrorist networks operating within the region.

How we kiiled ISIS leader in collaboration with US forces Nigerian military

The Federal Government has welcomed SandP Global Ratings’ decision to upgrade Nigeria’s sovereign credit rating from ‘B-‘ to ‘B’ with a Stable Outlook, signalling growing international confidence in the country’s economic management.

The upgrade follows similar positive rating actions in 2025 by Fitch Ratings and Moody’s, reinforcing the effectiveness of reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

According to the government, SandP highlighted improvements in Nigeria’s external position, stronger balance of payments, increased oil production, expanding domestic refining and export capacity, and ongoing fiscal reforms aimed at broadening the tax base, enhancing revenue mobilisation, and strengthening debt sustainability. The agency also noted that Nigeria’s debt-to-revenue ratio has improved significantly since 2023 and is projected to decline further.

In a statement, Honourable Taiwo Oyedele, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, said the upgrades send a “strong signal to global investors, development partners, financial markets, and the international business community” that Nigeria is regaining macroeconomic credibility.

He added that the government remains committed to fiscal discipline, structural reforms, and a market-driven economy anchored on transparency, competition, and effective regulatory oversight, while maintaining policies against inefficient fuel subsidies.

Oyedele emphasised that while the ratings boost is encouraging, challenges remain, including inflationary pressures, food security, job creation, and ensuring inclusive economic growth. He reaffirmed the Federal, State, and Local Governments’ commitment to pragmatic, disciplined reforms that benefit all Nigerians.

“The improving outlook from leading global rating agencies will further position our country to attract investments and enhance our ability to secure financing on favourable terms,” Oyedele said.

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The Presidency has defended the reported killing of a senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commander, Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, insisting that the latest Nigerian-American counterterrorism operation was backed by months of intensive intelligence gathering and multi-layered verification.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency dismissed doubts surrounding the operation, describing criticisms of the mission as premature and lacking understanding of the complexities of modern counterterrorism warfare.

The statement followed controversies triggered by reports that Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok or Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, had previously appeared on lists of insurgent commanders reportedly killed during military operations in 2024 around the Birnin Gwari axis in Kaduna State.

According to the Presidency, security and intelligence authorities have now clarified that the earlier reports were based on mistaken identity and inaccurate battlefield attribution.

Officials noted that intelligence assessments later established that Birnin Gwari was never part of Al-Manuki’s known operational territory, casting doubt on the credibility of the previous claims.

The Presidency maintained that the latest operation differed significantly from earlier incidents because it was driven by prolonged Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations supported by digital monitoring, communications intercepts and human intelligence.

According to security sources referenced in the statement, surveillance on the ISWAP commander reportedly began as far back as December 2025, with intelligence units closely tracking his movements across several locations in northern Nigeria.

It added that the operation involved extensive target validation and multiple layers of intelligence confirmation before the final action was approved.

“Unlike the previous report, security authorities insist that the latest strike was executed with a significantly higher degree of precision, target validation and multi-source intelligence confirmation,” the statement noted.

The Presidency argued that while scepticism was understandable given previous cases where terrorist leaders were wrongly declared dead, such historical examples should not automatically invalidate current intelligence-backed operations.

The statement referenced past global counterterrorism operations involving high-profile terrorist figures such as ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, whose death was initially reported years before it was eventually confirmed.

According to the Presidency, such cases reflected the difficult and evolving nature of intelligence gathering in asymmetric warfare environments where insurgents frequently use aliases, operate across borders and conceal themselves within civilian populations.

The government warned that dismissing credible military operations without evidence could undermine public confidence, weaken operational morale and affect broader counterterrorism efforts.

By Yushau A. Shuaib

One of the most remarkable — and often underappreciated — examples of harmonious coexistence in public office was the working relationship between former President Muhammadu Buhari’s two presidential spokespersons, Femi Adesina and Garba Shehu.

At the time of their appointments, many observers–including this writer–anticipated inevitable friction. In an article I wrote shortly after their emergence in June 2015 titled “The Presidential Spokespersons” ([email protected]

Celtic won the Scottish Premiership title in dramatic fashion after coming from behind to beat Hearts 31 on the final day of the season in Glasgow.

Hearts had taken a surprise lead in the 43rd minute when Lawrence Shankland scored with a header from a corner. The result briefly put them on course to win their first league title in 66 years.

However, Celtic equalised just before halftime through a penalty scored by Arne Engels after a handball inside the box.

The match remained tight in the second half, with Hearts defending strongly. But in the 87th minute, Daizen Maeda scored to give Celtic the lead, although it was initially ruled offside before VAR overturned the decision.

In stoppage time, Callum Osmand added a third goal after Hearts’ goalkeeper came forward in search of an equaliser.

The result secured Celtic their 14th league title in 15 years.

Hearts were left disappointed after coming so close to winning the title, only to lose it in the final moments.

Celtic forward Kelechi Iheanacho also played a key role after coming on as a substitute, helping increase attacking pressure and nearly scoring.

The match ended in heartbreak for Hearts and celebration for Celtic fans, who invaded the pitch after the final whistle.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has secured the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket to contest for another term representing Bende Federal Constituency in Abia State in the 2027 general elections.

Kalu emerged unopposed during the APC primary held on Saturday across all 13 electoral wards of the constituency, including Alayi, Bende, Ezeukwu, Igbere, Item, Itumbuzo, Nkpa, Ntalakwu, Ozuitem, Ugwueke, Umu-Imenyi, Umuhu-Ezechi, and Uzuakoli. The exercise recorded a high turnout of party members and stakeholders.

A statement from his Special Assistant on Press Affairs, Udora Orizu, noted that party leaders, ward executives, and delegates unanimously endorsed Kalu’s candidacy. Stakeholders praised his legislative performance and constituency projects, describing his unopposed return as a reflection of the confidence reposed in him by both the APC and constituents.

First elected into the House in 2019 and appointed Deputy Speaker in 2023, Kalu remains a leading figure in the APC in the South-East. He expressed gratitude to party members, traditional rulers, youth, and women groups, pledging to continue delivering democratic dividends and advancing policies that enhance the welfare and economic opportunities of Bende residents.

“The Deputy Speaker reiterated his commitment to promoting inclusive governance and implementing initiatives that improve the lives of the people of Bende,” the statement read.

The Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi has opened up about his personal life, admitting that he once mocked men who practiced polygamy before eventually becoming one himself.

Speaking in a video that has been circulating on social media, the respected traditional ruler said he never imagined that he would one day marry many wives. According to him, he used to question how polygamous men were able to cope with managing large families and multiple relationships.

The monarch confessed that he now feels shy at times whenever he thinks about the number of wives he has, especially because he once criticised people in similar situations during his younger years.

“I am always shy with the numerous wives I have because when I was younger, I used to abuse people with many wives and wonder how they cope, but see me doing the same today,” he said.

The royal father explained that life can sometimes place people in positions they never expected, adding that his current reality is tied to the responsibilities and traditions attached to the throne of Ile-Ife.

Although he did not go into full details about the reasons behind his marriages, the Ooni hinted that culture, spirituality, and royal obligations played major roles in shaping his decisions. He suggested that certain expectations come with occupying such a highly respected traditional position.

The Ooni’s household attracted public attention in 2022 after he married six queens within a space of three months. The queens include Olori Mariam Anako, Olori Elizabeth Akinmuda, Olori Tobiloba Phillips, Olori Ashley Adegoke, Olori Ronke Ademiluyi, and Olori Temitope Adesegun.

His comments have since sparked reactions online, with many Nigerians sharing different opinions about polygamy, tradition, and the responsibilities of royal leaders in society.

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

In a fiercely contested encounter watched by 83,337 spectators, Pep Guardiola’s side held their nerve to secure another major domestic trophy after a hard-fought battle against an energetic Chelsea team.

Manchester City dominated possession for long spells in the opening half and nearly broke the deadlock through Erling Haaland, whose powerful effort was brilliantly saved by Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. Haaland also had a goal ruled out for offside as City continued to pile pressure on the Blues.

Chelsea struggled to create clear-cut opportunities in the early stages but gradually grew into the game through the influence of Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez and Joao Pedro.

The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 72nd minute when Semenyo latched onto the ball inside the penalty area and produced an audacious back-heel finish that slipped past Sanchez to hand City the decisive advantage.

The goal sparked an intense response from Chelsea, who pushed aggressively for an equaliser in the closing stages.

Pedro Neto came close with a fierce strike that forced an outstanding save from James Trafford, while Enzo Fernandez and Liam Delap both missed late chances as City’s defence stood firm under pressure.

Chelsea also saw two penalty appeals waved away by referee Darren England during the second half, further increasing frustration among the London club’s players and supporters.

City nearly doubled their lead late on when Matheus Nunes struck the post after bursting into the penalty area, but Guardiola’s men ultimately needed only Semenyo’s moment of brilliance to seal victory.

The triumph marks another significant achievement for Guardiola, whose side once again demonstrated their experience and composure on the biggest domestic stage.

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The Federal Government has welcomed the decision by SandP Global Ratings to upgrade Nigeria’s sovereign credit rating from ‘B-‘ to ‘B’ with a Stable Outlook, describing the development as a strong endorsement of the country’s ongoing economic reforms and improving macroeconomic outlook.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, said the latest upgrade further reflects growing international confidence in the economic policies being implemented under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

According to Oyedele, the SandP upgrade follows similar positive rating actions earlier in 2025 by Fitch Ratings and Moody’s Ratings, signalling renewed optimism among global financial institutions regarding Nigeria’s economic direction.

He stated that the independent assessments affirmed that the government’s difficult but critical reforms were beginning to yield measurable gains, particularly in stabilising the economy and restoring investor confidence.

Oyedele noted that SandP cited improvements in Nigeria’s external position, stronger balance of payments performance, rising crude oil production, and expanding domestic refining and export capacity among factors that influenced the rating upgrade.

The minister also pointed to the continued implementation of key macroeconomic reforms, including foreign exchange market liberalisation and fiscal adjustments aimed at strengthening public finances and improving debt sustainability.

According to him, the agency recognised the government’s efforts to broaden the tax base, improve revenue generation, enhance fiscal transparency and reduce pressure on public debt obligations.

He added that Nigeria’s debt-to-revenue ratio had improved considerably since 2023 and was projected to decline further as reform measures continued to mature.

Oyedele said the positive assessments by Fitch, Moody’s and SandP collectively sent a strong signal to global investors, development partners and financial markets that Nigeria was rebuilding macroeconomic credibility and restoring confidence in the management of its economy.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to prudent fiscal management, macroeconomic stability and structural reforms capable of driving inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

The minister stressed that the Federal Government remained opposed to the reintroduction of fuel subsidies, which he said previously created major fiscal distortions, encouraged smuggling and weakened foreign exchange liquidity.

“We remain committed to a market-driven economy anchored on transparency, competition and effective regulatory oversight,” Oyedele stated.

He assured investors and businesses that the government would continue to support free enterprise and maintain a stable, transparent and predictable business environment.

While acknowledging the significance of the latest credit upgrade, Oyedele admitted that challenges remained, particularly in tackling inflation, improving food security and creating sustainable employment opportunities for Nigerians.

He said the Federal, State and Local Governments would continue implementing reforms with discipline and pragmatism while ensuring that economic growth translated into meaningful benefits for citizens.

The minister also appreciated Nigerians for what he described as their resilience, patience and support throughout the reform process, expressing optimism that the improved ratings would help attract more investments and enable the country to access financing on better terms.

Oyedele added that the government remained determined to build a fiscally sustainable and globally competitive economy capable of delivering long-term prosperity for all Nigerians.

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Lagos State generated over N803 billion in revenue in the first quarter of 2026, as the state government recorded strong internally generated revenue performance and improved fiscal stability amid ongoing economic reforms.

According to the Lagos State 2026 Q1 Budget Implementation Report released by the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, the state posted a cumulative recurrent revenue performance of N803.2 billion between January and March 2026, representing 22 per cent of its annual revenue target and 86.82 per cent of its quarterly projection.

The report attributed the strong revenue performance largely to improved enforcement by revenue-generating agencies, tighter controls against leakages and enhanced revenue collection systems.

Internally Generated Revenue remained the backbone of the state’s earnings, contributing over N536.3 billion during the quarter, while government share of FAAC accounted for N266.8 billion.

Lagos State Internal Revenue Service emerged as one of the biggest contributors, generating N425.2 billion in the first quarter alone.

The report also showed notable performances from key agencies including the Lagos State Building Control Agency, which achieved over 72 per cent of its annual revenue target within the quarter, while the Material Testing Laboratory Services recorded an impressive 96.3 per cent performance.

In the infrastructure sector, the state recorded N340.7 billion in capital expenditure during the quarter, with the government projecting stronger implementation and accelerated infrastructure spending from the second quarter of the year.

The report explained that first-quarter capital spending was traditionally slower due to procurement cycles and project mobilisation timelines, but expressed optimism that implementation would intensify in subsequent quarters.

Lagos also maintained a capital-to-recurrent expenditure ratio of 53:47 in its N4.44 trillion “Budget of Shared Prosperity,” reflecting what officials described as a strategic focus on infrastructure development, environmental sustainability, economic diversification and social inclusion.

The state government said the budget framework was designed not only to sustain physical development but also strengthen human capital and improve long-term economic resilience for Lagos residents.

Officials further noted that tighter public financial management reforms and improved procurement controls had helped optimise spending, reduce waste and strengthen accountability across ministries, departments and agencies.