Category: PM News

Two men identified as Elochukwu Belonwu and Chukwuebuka Ofokwu has been sentenced to death by hanging in Anambra State for conspiracy, rape and the murder of a 17-year-old girl, Jennifer Anene.

The two men were convicted and sentenced by Anambra High Court sitting in Ogidi Judicial Division.

While delivering his judgement on Friday the presiding judge, Justice U. I. Ndigwe held that the prosecution had proved the three counts charges against the defendants beyond reasonable doubt.

The judge condemned the acts of the convicts, describing them as a violation that demanded accountability and had desecrated societal values.

Leading the prosecution, Principal State Counsel, Mrs Florence Abadom-Igweike, told the court that the deceased, said to be mentally impaired, was reported missing on Nov. 25, 2020, by her grandfather, Elder Pius Anene.

She said that three days later, the 1st defendant’s wife told the family that she had witnessed her husband and others sexually assaulting the deceased as she screamed for help.

According to her, when confronted, the 1st defendant denied the allegation and claimed he had last seen the deceased in the company of the 2nd defendant.

She said a mutual friend of the defendants, identified only as Akpuchukwu, later brought the deceased home unconscious and fled the scene; he remains at large.

The prosecution counsel said the victim was rushed to hospital on police instruction but was confirmed dead on arrival.

She added that a postmortem examination revealed bruises, vaginal tears and other signs of aggravated sexual assault.

She said two witnesses, the victim’s grandfather and the investigating police officer, testified for the prosecution, while the postmortem report, police investigation report, and photographic evidence were also tendered in court.

The prosecution also told the court that the eyewitness, the 1st defendant’s wife, declined to testify in spite of being served with a court summon.

The defendants, who testified in their own defence, denied the allegations.

Delivering judgment, Justice Ndigwe held that the evidence before the court established the guilt of both defendants on all counts and sentenced them to death by hanging.

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday awarded N140 million against the Sen. Adolphus Wabara-led factional Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for filing a frivolous suit against Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and others.

Justice Salim Ibrahim, in a judgment, also dismissed the leadership tussle suit for being ‘an abuse of court process, unmeritorious and lacking in merit.’

Justice Ibrahim, who agreed with the arguments of the defendants that ‘cost follows event,’ held that the fine was in line with Section 83(6)(b) of the Electoral Act, 2026.

Justice Ibrahim also ordered counsel to the plaintiffs, Chief Chris Uche, SAN, to pay N10 million in order to ensure that frivolous suits are not filed when the case borders on the internal affairs of political parties.

Members of the Wabara-led BoT had filed the fresh suit seeking an order of the court compelling INEC to recognise the PDP interim National Working Committee (NWC)’s faction led by its National Chairman, Kabir Turaki, SAN, in its official website, among others.

They said the names of members of the Kabir Turaki-led NWC was forwarded to the electoral umpire via their letters dated May 4.

The originating summons, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1159/2026, was filed on June 4 by a team of lawyers led by Chief Chris Uche, SAN.

The BoT members, who are plaintiffs in the suit, are ex-Senate President Adolphus Wabara; BoT Secretary, former Gov. Babangida Aliyu of Niger; ex-Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana and PDP chieftain, Olabode George as 1st to 4th plaintiffs.

Others are former Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Maryam Ciroma; also an ex-Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina; member of BoT and NEC, Dame Esther Uduehi and PDP as 5th to 8th plaintiffs respectively.

They sued INEC as sole defendant in the suit.

The PDP faction, loyal to the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, approached the court and challenged the jurisdiction of the court to hear the suit.

Although Uche had announced his appearance for the first to eighth plaintiffs in the suit, another lawyer, Sunday Ameh, SAN, who came from Wike’s camp, also announced his representation for the eighth plaintiff (PDP).

Besides, the the Wike-backed PDP executives led by the National Chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman; Sen. Samuel Anyanwu, National Secretary and Kamardeen Ajibade, National Legal Adviser, all sought to be joined in the suit as 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants respectively.

They were represented in court by Emmanuel Ukala, SAN, while Joseph Daudu, SAN, appeared for Austin Nwachukwu, Imo PDP chairman; Abraham Amah, and Goerge Turner, who sought to join the suit as 5th to 7th defendants respectively.

They prayed the court to dismiss the suit in its entirety.

Besides issues of joinder, all the defendants, including INEC, filed preliminary objections and counter affidavits, praying the court to dismiss the case in its entirety for being abuse of court process and incompetent.

Ameh, who also appeared for 8th plaintiff (PDP), said they were contesting the presence of PDP as a plaintiff before the court because the party did not authorise Uche to file the suit.

He said it was against the development that they filed a notice of change of counsel and a motion seeking an order striking out the PDP (eight plaintiff)’s name from the suit.

But Uche had opposed Ameh’s application.

The lawyer prayed the court to dismiss the application as being misconceived and frivolous.

He also urged the court to dismiss the application for a change of counsel.

Delivering the judgment, Justice Ibrahim found merit in the argument of Ameh that Wabara-led BoT had no legal basis to have instituted the suit on PDP’s behalf.

The judge, who struck out the name of PDP as 8th plaintiff, agreed that the first to seventh plaintiffs had no authority to have included PDP’s name as plaintiff in the case.

The judge also agreed with the applicants seeking to be joined in the suit as necessary parties.

He, therefore, made an order joining Abdulrahman, Anyanwu, Ajibade, Nwachukwu, Amah and Turner as second to seventh defendants.

On the preliminary objections filed by INEC, he agreed with the commission that the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the suit which bordered on the internal affairs of a political party.

The judge, who also upheld the preliminary objections of the second to seventh defendants, said their objections succeeded, having struck out the name of PDP as 8th plaintiff in the suit, among other grounds.

On the substantive suit, Justice Ibrahim held that the plaintiffs had failed to prove any entitlement to the reliefs sought

The judge, who affirmed the leadership of Abdulrahman-led PDP, the faction loyal to the FCT minister, said the reliefs sought by the plaintiffs were not grantable.

He agreed with the defendants that previous court judgments, including the judgment delivered by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of a sister court which affirmed the Abdulrahman-led leadership and gave it access to the party’s national office, had not be set aside.

He also agreed with the Abdulrahman-led faction’s argument that the March convention which gave rise to the present leaders of the Wike faction of the party, was in line with a valid court judgment which had not been vacated.

The judge held that filing the instant suit is like relitigating a settled case.

Prominent activist and co-convener of the Bring Back Our Girls movement, Aisha Yesufu, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to widen its anti-corruption investigations to include other public officials facing allegations of financial misconduct.

Yesufu made the call while reacting to the recent forfeiture of properties linked to former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.

A Federal High Court in Abuja recently ordered the final forfeiture of 48 properties reportedly linked to Malami following an investigation by the EFCC. The ruling has attracted reactions from different quarters, with many Nigerians expressing support for efforts aimed at tackling corruption and recovering assets believed to have been acquired illegally.

Commenting on the development through a post on her verified X account, Yesufu commended the EFCC for what she described as a significant step in the fight against corruption. However, she stressed that the anti-graft agency must ensure that its actions are not perceived as selective or politically motivated.

According to her, the investigation and prosecution of corruption cases should not be limited to individuals who are no longer aligned with those in positions of power. She argued that justice can only be effective when it is applied fairly and consistently, regardless of a person’s political affiliation, status or influence.

Yesufu said the forfeiture of Malami’s properties should serve as a signal that no one is above the law. She added that there are several other allegations involving public officials that deserve thorough investigation if the country’s anti-corruption campaign is to be taken seriously.

‘Well done EFCC for this great job. Just so you know, this is the tip of the iceberg from the many reports in the media space,’ she wrote.

She further stated, ‘Go after others. Selective justice is equally injustice. Your capacity to work should not be limited to those who fall out with those who have hijacked power. The rule of law must be sacrosanct.’

The activist also urged the commission to remain independent and committed to its mandate of fighting economic and financial crimes without fear or favour. According to her, Nigerians expect the agency to investigate all credible allegations of corruption and ensure that anyone found guilty faces the consequences of their actions.

Her remarks have sparked fresh conversations on social media about the need for transparency and fairness in the country’s anti-corruption efforts. Many Nigerians have continued to call for stronger institutions and a justice system that treats all citizens equally.

The EFCC has in recent years intensified efforts to recover assets and prosecute individuals accused of corruption, financial fraud and abuse of public office. Supporters of the agency believe such actions are necessary to strengthen accountability in government, while critics often argue that anti-corruption investigations should be conducted without political bias.

Yesufu’s comments highlight the growing public demand for a more comprehensive and impartial approach to tackling corruption, as many Nigerians continue to seek greater accountability from public office holders.

President Bola Tinubu has said the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, is changing for the better under the leadership of Nyesom Wike as its minister, 50 years after creation.

Tinubu said this in Abuja on Friday night, during a special thank you dinner to celebrate the successful inauguration of 31 projects across the FCT in 28 days.

Represented by the Senate President, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, the president commended Wike and his team for all the sacrifices to ensure that the nation’s capital works for everyone.

He further commended the minister for demonstrating that ‘leadership is not measured by how loudly one announces plans, but how clearly the people can see the results of the plans’.

He said that the FCT belonged to every Nigerian, describing it as a city where unity resides, where diversity meets, and where the hope of every citizen finds a common address.

‘Every new road run here shortens somebody’s journey, every new bridge connects more than communities; it connects friendship, it connects love, it connects unity, and also connects opportunities for Nigerians.

‘Every completed project quietly tells Nigerians that the government can still work when vision meets determination,’ he said.

Mr Aliyu Modibbo, a former minister of the FCT and current Special Adviser to the President on General Duties, Office of the Vice President, said that Wike was among the ministers of the territory that had performed well.

Modibbo, who represented Vice President Kashim Shettima at the event, expressed optimism that Wike would return as FCT minister in Tinubu’s second tenure saying, ‘four years is not enough to complete what you have started’.

In his remarks, Wike said that when he assumed office as FCT minister in August 2023, he met depressed civil servants with no motivation to drive Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said that he and the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud turned things around,by ensuring the establishment of the FCT Civil Service Commission.

According to hom, the commission allows civil servants to rise to the position of a Permanent Secretaries and Head of Civil Service.

He said that Tinubu gave the approval to motivate the workers so that they could give in their best for the development of the FCT.

The minister said that with the motivated workers, nine projects were inaugurated in the first year of Tinubu in office, 19 projects in the second year and 31 projects in the third year.

He said that the removal of FCT from the Treasury Single Account also contributed to the feat, by enabling the administration to access funds from commercial banks to execute projects.

He commended the contractors for quality and timely delivery of projects across the territory and promised to continue to work with them to give residents the best.

‘Comparatively, what Tinubu has done and will continue to do in the FCT is unprecedented. Most of the projects we completed were not initiated by the current administration and 70 per cent of them were abandoned projects.

‘The only project that was not completed is the Inner Southern Expressway (ISEX),’ Wike said.

Also, Speaker of the House of Representative, Tajudeen Abbas, described Wike as the ‘best performing minister of the FCT so far’, and commended the minister for the drive to change the landscape of the FCT.

Abbas, who was represented by the Majority Leader of the House of Representative, Prof Julius Ihonvbere, said that the nation’s capital had undergone monumental and unprecedented transformation under Wike’s stewardship.

Speaking on behalf of the contractors, the Managing Director of Julius Berger, Dr Peer Lubasch, said that some of the contractors had seen more ribbon-cutting ceremonies in the past days than in the previous years.

Lubasch commended Tinubu for his commitment to infrastructure, economic growth and national development.

He also applauded Wike for the vision, planning, and sustained investment that is transforming Abuja into Africa’s finest, purpose-built capital.

‘We are proud that we have been an integral part of Abuja’s story from its formative years to the present day,’ he said.

Kogi-born political activist and public commentator, Comrade Usman Okai Austin, has called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation into the death of 26-year-old physiotherapist, Mary Habila.

According to Okai, Habila was reportedly found dead at a residence said to be linked to the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi.

In a statement, the activist urged the Nigeria Police Force to conduct a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding her death and make its findings public.

Okai said the investigation should be carried out independently and in accordance with the law, stressing that public confidence in the process would depend on its transparency.

He also noted that the incident has generated public interest and called on the relevant authorities to ensure that all necessary investigative procedures are followed.

The activist appealed to the Federal Government and relevant institutions to support efforts aimed at establishing the facts surrounding the incident.

He further urged members of the public to remain calm and allow law enforcement agencies to carry out their responsibilities without interference, while expressing condolences to the family of the deceased.

At the time of filing this report, the Nigeria Police Force had not released the outcome of any investigation into the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Works has not been charged with any offence in connection with the incident, and there has been no official finding linking him to Habila’s death.

Three sales managers and a woman accused of receiving stolen goods have been arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court in Lagos over the alleged theft of event equipment valued at N200 million belonging to their employer.

The defendants-Jedidiah Solomon, 42; Danjuma Mohammed, 36; Aminu Ibrahim, 40; and Anestasia Okonkwo, 39, were arrested by operatives of the Tactical Team of Area ‘A’ Command, Lagos Island, following investigations into the alleged theft.

According to the police, the three men were employed by LUXE Rental Services as sales managers responsible for overseeing the rental of event equipment to customers.

They allegedly took advantage of their positions to cart away hundreds of items belonging to the company while the owner was away.

Police alleged that the suspects stole 531 pieces of VIP luxury furniture, 605 event chairs and tables, and artificial decorative flowers, all valued at about N200 million, before fleeing and allegedly selling the items to Okonkwo, who was accused of knowingly receiving the stolen property.

The complainant and Chief Executive Officer of LUXE Rental Services, Ms. Unyime Akpaffiong, reportedly discovered the disappearance of the equipment and the absence of the managers upon her return.

She subsequently petitioned the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Area ‘A’ Command.

Acting on the petition, the command’s Tactical Team launched an investigation and tracked the fleeing suspects to separate hideouts across Lagos, where they were arrested. The suspects later led detectives to the arrest of Okonkwo.

Following investigations led by Inspector Suleiman Olabode and his team, the four defendants were arraigned on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing and receiving stolen property.

The prosecutor told the court that the offences were allegedly committed between 2025 and 2026 in the Lekki-Ajah area of Lagos.

He alleged that the defendants conspired to steal their employer’s property and disposed of the items through the fourth defendant.

According to the prosecution, the alleged offences contravene Sections 411, 287(7) and 323 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Defence counsel, Augustine Okeh, urged the court to grant his clients bail on liberal terms, assuring the court that they would not abscond if released.

The presiding magistrate granted each defendant N1 million bail with two sureties in like sum.

The case was adjourned until August 19, 2026, for mention, while the defendants were ordered to be remanded at the Ikoyi and Kirikiri Correctional Centres pending the perfection of their bail conditions.

President Bola Tinubu’s reform policies are driving unprecedented infrastructural development and laying the foundation for national progress.

Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo said this during a dinner organised for the Renewed Hope National Media Tour team at the Government House, Owerri on Friday.

The team, comprising Renewed Hope Ambassadors and officials of the Presidential Communications, inspected federal and state projects in the state since Wednesday.

Addressing the team, Uzodimma said Tinubu’s policies, particularly the fuel subsidy removal, significantly boosted states allocations and internal revenue.

‘The projects you have seen in Imo were only possible because of the reform policies of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Tinubu,’ he said.

The governor also revealed that Imo’s monthly internally generated revenue jumped from N400 million to N6 billion.

He added that the state’s massive debt profile plummeted from over N280 billion in 2020 to less than N90 billion currently.

Uzodimma said that the improved allocations were instantly channeled into critical infrastructure to directly benefit the local population.

He said extensive road construction has reduced intra-state travel times, cutting typical two to three-hour journeys down to less than 45 minutes.

Uzodimma said the energy sector also received a boost via the Orashi Power Plant, advancing electricity generation, transmission, and local distribution.

He assured the visiting delegation that the power plant would expand its distribution to additional Local Government Areas by year-end.

‘In Tinubu, I see another Lee Kuan Yew of Singapore who came to power with strong oppositions but became a reference point, in terms of quality leadership and development,’ he said.

Uzodimma, who chairs the Progressives Governors’ Forum, expressed confidence that fellow All Progressives Congress (APC) governors are similarly deploying their increased subsidy revenues to develop their respective states.

‘Our people have already decided that they want Tinubu back as president because without him and his policies, this environment we are enjoying today wouldn’t be possible,’ he added.

Uzodimma said Tinubu’s reforms since May 2023 as well as APC’s national population exceeding 13 million, serve as a practical campaign for a second term.

He commended the team, reminding them that ‘there is no democracy without the media’ to validate sustainable development.

Earlier, the presidential delegation led by Mr Sunday Dare, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, commended Uzodimma for his clarity of vision, and commitment to Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Dare also lauded Uzodimma’s strategic leadership of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, which helped expand the party’s reach to an impressive 32 governors nationwide.

Dare said that the bold economic decisions taken since the administration’s inception in May 2023 have defined the positive trajectory of Nigeria’s governance.

He disclosed that the 58-member delegation had already toured the seven states of the North West, inspecting critical state and federal projects tied to the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Expanding their assessment to the South East, he said the team previously visited Ebonyi, Enugu, and Abia states to inspect various developmental infrastructure projects.

The presidential aide explained that the team reported directly to the public by running live commentaries and taking real-time photographs while at the project sites.

‘We saw quite a number of mind-boggling projects, but when we got to the Imo Digital City, we all took a pause,’ Dare said.

He said that the digital hub represents an innovative concept that goes beyond basic brick-and-mortar structures.

‘The facility operates on a public-private partnership model covering cutting-edge artificial intelligence, drone technology, and a telecommunications phone manufacturing sector.

‘This intentional design allows young people in the region to acquire the highly necessary digital skills required to thrive in the 21st century.’

He underscored the need for the APC to actively showcase these governance milestones through its state governors, especially during crucial election seasons.

The Urhobo and Usoko Elites in Lagos on Saturday honoured Engr. Samuel EgubeUh, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as an Outstanding Leader.

He was honoured at an event titled ‘Celebratory Reception in honour of Engr. Samuel Egube,’ hosted by the Urhobo and Usoko Elites in Lagos at the Muson Centre, Onikan.

The group, during the ceremony themed ‘Celebrating Excellence, Service and Impact,’ described Egube as ‘a pride of Urhobo, Isoko and the South-South in Lagos.’

Speaking during the programme attended by members of the Lagos State Executive Council, leaders from Urhobo, Isoko and the South-South, captains of industry and traditional rulers, among others, Governor Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed that excellence, competence and integrity-not ethnic background-remain the defining principles for leadership appointments in his administration.

Governor Sanwo-Olu said Egube’s appointment and continued rise in government were based solely on his professionalism, sound judgment and proven ability to deliver results.

He said Egube has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, first as Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, where he drove people-focused budgeting and measurable performance, and now as Deputy Chief of Staff, coordinating the Governor’s engagements and ensuring effective administration of the Governor’s Office.

Governor Sanwo-Olu described Egube as a dependable adviser whose integrity and competence have earned his confidence over more than two decades of friendship and professional association.

The Governor noted that while the event celebrated one of the Urhobo nation’s finest sons, it also underscored the fact that outstanding performance transcends ethnic and regional identities.

‘We don’t ask where excellence comes from. What matters is the ability to do the job well and serve the people faithfully,’ he said.

Responding to the gesture from his ethnic group, Egube expressed appreciation to the Urhobo and Isoko Elites for the honour, describing it as a source of encouragement to remain committed to excellence in public service.

Egube said he is proud of the honour bestowed on him by the Urhobo and Usoko Elites in Lagos because it is coming from his people, noting that he is happy to have been celebrated by leaders and members of his community and ethnic group for his achievements and contributions to the development of Lagos State.

He said the recognition should inspire young Nigerians to pursue success through discipline, resilience, integrity and productivity, regardless of their background.

Speaking during the event, the Chairman of the occasion, Olorogun Moses Taiga, said, ‘Engr. Samuel Egube represents the very best of what the Urhobo, Isoko and indeed the South-South people have contributed to the growth and development of Lagos State and Nigeria.

‘One thing I particularly commend about the Urhobo and Isoko Elites in Lagos is the decision to celebrate one of our own while he is actively serving and can personally appreciate the love, admiration and encouragement of his people.’

A 26-year-old sales boy, Ebuka Eze, and his alleged accomplice, Nduka Mabel Nwagu, have been arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court in Lagos over the alleged diversion of N115 million belonging to his employer.

The defendants were arraigned by operatives of the Violence Crime Response Unit (VCRU), formerly known as the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit, of the Nigeria Police Force after investigations into the alleged fraud.

According to the police, Eze, who worked as a sales boy at Apostle KC Enterprises in Mandilas Market, Lagos Island, allegedly sold clothes worth N115 million between 2022 and 2026 but failed to remit the proceeds to his employer, instead converting the money to his personal use.

Police further alleged that Nwagu knowingly received N12 million, believed to be part of the alleged stolen funds, through her Kuda, Opay and Fidelity Bank accounts.

The complainant, Mr. Kingsley Ogbozor Chukwuma, General Manager of Apostle KC Enterprises, reportedly became suspicious after noticing a steady decline in sales despite continued investment in the business. An audit allegedly uncovered the missing proceeds, prompting him to petition the Inspector-General of Police for an investigation.

The petition was subsequently transferred to the VCRU in Lagos, where detectives launched an investigation.

Police said the probe allegedly revealed that Eze diverted the sales proceeds and channelled part of the funds through the accounts of his alleged accomplice.

Following the investigation led by ASP Patrick Okeke and his team, the suspects were arraigned on a three-count charge bordering on stealing and receiving proceeds of crime.

Prosecuting counsel, Olugbenga Salami, told the court that the offences were committed between 2022 and 2026 at Apostle KC Enterprises, Mandilas Market, Lagos Island. He alleged that Eze fraudulently converted his employer’s sales proceeds and transferred N12 million to Nwagu through multiple bank accounts.

The prosecutor said the alleged offences contravene Sections 411, 289 and 328 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Defence counsel, Augustine Okeh, urged the court to grant his clients bail on liberal terms, arguing that they remain innocent until proven guilty by the court.

The presiding magistrate granted each defendant N5 million bail with two sureties in like sum.

The court adjourned the case until August 28, 2026, for mention and ordered that the defendants be remanded at the Ikoyi and Kirikiri Correctional Centres until they meet their bail conditions.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria have rescued more than 40 kidnap victims, arrested over 20 suspected terrorists, collaborators and other criminal elements during coordinated operations across the country between July 10 and July 16.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Saturday in Abuja, in a statement on military operations nationwide.

Onoja said then that during the operations the troops also eutralised several terrorists and dismantled criminal networks.

He said that the successes were recorded by troops of Operations Hadin Kai, Fansan Yamma, Savannah Shield, Enduring Peace, Whirl Stroke, Delta Safe and Udo Ka in collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilante groups.

He said troops of Operation Hadin Kai sustained pressure on Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in the North-East, leading to the surrender of 10 family members of terrorists, the arrest of six suspected logistics suppliers and collaborators, as well as the rescue of 13 abductees.

According to him, troops also foiled infiltration attempts around Maiduguri, neutralised terrorists during ambush operations and arrested a suspected foreign spy at Mallam Fatori in Borno State.

In the North-West, Onoja said troops of Operation Fansan Yamma arrested terrorist collaborators, neutralised three terrorists and rescued 14 kidnapped victims in separate operations across Zamfara and Kebbi states.

He said troops also recovered vehicles and other items from fleeing terrorists while successfully repelling attacks on several communities.

The defence spokesman said troops of Operation Savannah Shield rescued four kidnapped victims in Niger and Kwara states, while forest guards neutralised a suspected terrorist and recovered an AK-47 rifle, magazines and a Dane gun during an operation in Kwara.

He added that Operation Enduring Peace troops intercepted suspected arms traffickers in Kaduna State, arrested wanted criminal suspects in Plateau State and rescued four kidnap victims after foiling attacks along major highways.

According to him, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke arrested an ammunition courier conveying 60 rounds of ammunition in Nasarawa State and four suspected terrorist collaborators in Kogi State.

He said troops also rescued a school principal, a NECO official and two students abducted during an attack on an examination centre in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi after sustained pressure forced the kidnappers to abandon them.

Onoja said troops of Operation Delta Safe sustained the fight against crude oil theft by discovering and destroying illegal refining sites in Rivers State containing stolen crude oil and refining equipment.

He added that troops also neutralised two suspected kidnappers in Edo State, recovered three rifles and ammunition, and rescued three abductees.

In the South-East, Onoja said Operation UDO KA troops arrested suspected members of a proscribed secessionist group, recovered weapons and ammunition and rescued two abductees along the Aba-Port Harcourt Expressway.

He said the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their professionalism, courage and dedication across all theatres of operation.

According to him, the CDS also applauded the intelligence-led collaboration among security agencies that led to the unconditional rescue of the 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after 56 days in captivity without any concession to the abductors.

He urged Nigerians to continue supporting the Armed Forces and other security agencies with timely and credible information, assuring that ongoing operations would be sustained until peace, security and stability were fully restored across the country.