Category: PM News

A Sony camcorder recovered from a dead ISWAP cameraman has allegedly exposed the involvement of foreign operatives in the terror group’s activities in Borno State.

The device was recovered after troops of 19 Brigade, Sector 3, Operation Hadin Kai, repelled an attempted ISWAP infiltration at Cross Kauwa in Kukawa Local Government Area.

The attack occurred at about 10:20 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, when the terrorists moved towards the troops’ position under the cover of darkness.

According to the military, soldiers detected the movement and responded with coordinated firepower, forcing the attackers to abandon their mission and flee.

The insurgents were reportedly attempting to loot medical supplies meant for the treatment of cholera.

The military said the failed operation supported recent intelligence reports that a cholera outbreak had spread through ISWAP camps, with some infected fighters allegedly executed by the group.

During the gun battle, an ISWAP cameraman was killed and troops recovered a Sony camcorder containing operational recordings and propaganda materials.

Preliminary forensic analysis of the footage, according to Operation Hadin Kai, revealed that four senior ISWAP commanders coordinated the attack alongside three foreign terrorist facilitators.

One of the foreigners was identified as Abu Ishaq, a Palestinian Arab believed to be ISWAP’s overall trainer.

Another was named as Abu Thaiba, a Moroccan medical doctor allegedly serving within the terrorist network.

The identity of the third foreign operative had yet to be established.

The military said the discovery strengthened intelligence assessments that ISWAP continued to receive training, medical support and specialist assistance from foreign terrorist networks.

Following the confrontation, troops searched the area and recovered rounds of PKT and 7.62mm special ammunition, terrorist uniforms and other combat materials.

The military also said post-operation satellite imagery showed the insurgents evacuating the bodies of some of their fighters during their retreat.

Human intelligence sources reportedly confirmed that ISWAP suffered heavy casualties, while several other fighters escaped with gunshot wounds.

Two soldiers were injured during the exchange and evacuated by air for advanced medical treatment.

They were said to be in stable condition.

Operation Hadin Kai described the failed assault as another major setback for ISWAP and vowed to sustain pressure on terrorist networks across the North-East.

The Federal Government has intensified its campaign against illegal mining with the arrest of two suspected miners during a joint enforcement operation that shut down an illicit mining camp in Osun State.

The suspects, identified as Danladi Isa and Musa Kabiru, both casual labourers in their twenties, were apprehended at an illegal artisanal mining site at Ileki-Ijesa along the Ile-Ife-Ilesa Road.

Authorities said the duo are cooperating with investigators by providing information that could lead to the arrest of those financing and organising the illegal operation.

The raid was carried out by officials of the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development from its Ogun, Oyo and Osun offices in collaboration with security agencies after intelligence reports pointed to unlawful mining activities in the area.

A statement issued on Sunday by the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Lara Owoeye-Wise, said the operation was launched following credible information received by the ministry.

According to the statement: ‘The operation, which was carried out by officials from the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development in Ogun, Oyo and Osun State offices, in collaboration with security agencies, targeted illegal artisanal mining camps at Ileki-Ijesa along the Ile-Ife/Ilesa Road.

‘Acting on a tip-off, personnel of the Solid Minerals task force swooped down on the suspected illegal miners. However, on sighting the joint task team, some suspects fled into nearby bushes. Two suspects were, however, arrested, while mining equipment and other tools used in the illegal operation were confiscated. The enforcement team also dismantled the major operational bases established by the illegal miners.’

Officials recovered two motorcycles, pumping machines, Lister generators, mineral washing equipment, long hose pipes, gold-trapping carpets, cutlasses and other tools believed to have been used in the illegal mining activities. The operational camp was dismantled and the site sealed in line with the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act.

Leading the operation, the Southwest Zonal Mines Officer, Ajibade Ganiyu, said the exercise formed part of the government’s broader effort to enforce mining regulations, protect the environment and prevent the unlawful exploitation of Nigeria’s mineral resources.

He said the ministry would continue surveillance and enforcement operations across the South West and other parts of the country until illegal mining is brought under control. He added that the Federal Government remains determined to rid the sector of criminal elements.

The Osun State Mines Officer, Mr Wasiu Adeboye, warned that the authorities would sustain the offensive against illegal mining.

He said, ‘This enforcement exercise sends a clear message that illegal mining will no longer be tolerated. Sponsors, financiers and perpetrators of these unlawful activities should know that they will continue to face the full weight of the law. We will sustain these operations until illegal mining is brought under control.’

Reacting to the development, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, said cleaning up the mining sector remains one of the Tinubu administration’s key priorities through stronger enforcement, regulatory reforms, intelligence gathering and community engagement.

The minister noted that the creation of the Mining Marshals has boosted enforcement efforts, resulting in the arrest of more than 300 illegal miners and the prosecution of over 150 suspects, including foreign nationals, while several illegal mining sites have been shut down nationwide.

Alake said the ongoing operations are designed to ensure that the country’s mineral resources are exploited legally, transparently and responsibly for the benefit of Nigerians.

He also appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, youth organisations and residents of mining communities to support the government’s campaign by refusing to harbour illegal miners and by supplying credible intelligence to security agencies and the ministry.

Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) captured 38,000 vehicles for various traffic offences in the second quarter of 2026.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.

Bakare-Oki added that the agency apprehended more than 3,000 vehicles for traffic offences through physical enforcement.

He noted that physical enforcement targeted offences such as indiscriminate parking, failure to use designated bus stops, and other traffic violations disrupting free-flow of traffic.

He also said that physical enforcement covered driving against traffic, illegal use of Bus Rapid Transit lane, and failure to wear seat belts.

‘LASTMA is trying to move from physical enforcement to technology-driven enforcement, and that is why we captured more vehicles with technology in the second quarter of the year,’ he said.

He said that court papers were issued to drivers of the captured vehicles after sufficient evidence of traffic violations was established against them.

‘After the court papers, they were taken to the Lagos State Mobile Court . It is only the mobile court that has the right to convict or issue fine.

‘Motorists who choose not to appear in court after receiving court papers may complete a waiver form in LASTMA’s Legal Department, relinquishing their right to litigation after paying the prescribed penalty.

‘We encourage them to appear at the Lagos State Mobile Court to be given fair hearing,’ he said.

He urged the motoring public to be law -abiding.

The LASTMA boss said that a joint enforcement by some agencies was ongoing on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway as directed by the state Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu during the last monthly environmental sanitation.

‘He ordered that all agencies concerned should clear the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.

‘The agencies include LASTMA, Lagos State Waste Management Authority, Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, IRS Task force, and Lagos State Ministry of Environment.

‘This started last week. It is aimed at clearing trashes, removing vehicles and all other encumbrances from the road,’ he said.

Archaeologists have uncovered a 3,000-year-old tomb near Luxor, an ancient city in southern Egypt known for its temples, royal burial grounds and historic monuments.

The tomb was discovered by a Dutch archaeological mission from Leiden University at the Sheikh Abd el-Qurna necropolis on Luxor’s West Bank.

Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities said the burial site belonged to a man named Paser.

Experts believe the tomb dates to the Ramesside period, which covered Egypt’s 19th and 20th dynasties, based on the style of its inscriptions and artwork.

The tomb is located east of a previously known burial site and follows the traditional design of private Theban tombs from the New Kingdom period.

It contains an open courtyard leading to a rock-cut chapel shaped like an inverted ‘T’, with burial chambers carved beneath the ground.

Archaeologists also found several well-preserved features in the courtyard, including a mudbrick bench believed to have held a funerary stela.

A staircase flanked by sloping ramps leads into the tomb.

Inside, inscriptions bearing Paser’s name show him worshipping different Egyptian deities inside shrines.

Other scenes depict him sitting beside his wife before an offering table.

However, archaeologists have not yet confirmed Paser’s occupation, social status or the identities of those buried in the underground chambers.

The excavation team said further documentation and study would continue to determine who was buried in the tomb and to establish its wider historical importance.

The discovery is the latest in a series of archaeological finds announced by Egypt as authorities seek to attract more tourists.

Tourism remains one of the country’s major sources of foreign currency.

Luxor is home to some of Egypt’s most famous ancient sites, including temples, royal tombs and burial grounds linked to the pharaohs.

The All Progressives Congress has announced the successful upload of its 471 candidates for the presidential and National Assembly elections to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Candidate Nomination Portal.

The list also confirmed President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima as the party’s presidential and vice-presidential candidates for the 2027 general election.

The submissions comprise the presidential and vice-presidential ticket, 109 Senate candidates and 360 House of Representatives candidates, completing its nominations for the offices covered by the portal.

The announcement was made by the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, in a statement on Sunday, a day after the close of INEC’s portal for the submission of presidential and National Assembly candidates.

Yilwatda congratulated the party’s candidates, leaders and members on the completion of the exercise.

‘I congratulate our candidates, leaders, and members of APC on the successful 100% upload of our Presidential, Vice Presidential, Senate, and House of Representatives candidates on the INEC Candidate Nomination Portal (ICNP).

‘With this milestone achieved, our focus now shifts to mobilisation and preparations for a successful campaign and decisive victory at the polls,’ he said.

The development comes after INEC fixed 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, as the deadline for political parties to submit the nomination forms of their presidential and National Assembly candidates through its online portal.

According to the commission’s timetable, political parties received access codes to the portal on June 26, while the submission of Forms EC9 and EC9A to EC9E commenced on June 27 in line with Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected calls for an extension of the deadline for political parties to submit their presidential and National Assembly candidates for the 2027 general elections.

INEC insisted that Saturday, July 11, remained the final day for submissions and warned that its automated nomination portal would close once the deadline expired.

The agency’s National Commissioner Mohammed Haruna said parties had until midnight to upload their candidates, stressing that the commission would not move the deadline.

Fourteen political parties had submitted at least some candidates as of Saturday, including the APC, PDP, Labour Party, ADC, SDP, APGA and YPP.

However, only nine parties had uploaded the names of their presidential candidates and running mates at the time of the update.

Haruna said the APC had submitted its presidential candidate and retained Kashim Shettima as running mate but had yet to complete its National Assembly submissions.

The PDP had also not uploaded its presidential and vice-presidential candidates as of about 8 p.m. on Saturday.

INEC had earlier warned parties to complete the process ahead of time because the nomination portal was fully automated and deadlines would be strictly enforced.

The commission said candidates whose names differed from those produced through primaries monitored by INEC would be rejected.

Haruna, however, explained that parties facing legitimate problems could seek candidate substitution under the electoral timetable.

He said failure to complete an upload would not automatically end a party’s participation, but any proposed replacement would be scrutinised to ensure compliance with the law.

Meanwhile, the Young Progressives Party called for an extension, blaming technical and administrative problems on INEC’s portal.

The party said similar challenges affected several political parties and warned that qualified candidates should not be denied participation because of system failures.

INEC’s timetable also provides a window for the withdrawal and replacement of presidential and National Assembly candidates before the final lists are published.

A governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State, Engr. Femi Sanni, popularly known as Araba, has expressed confidence in the electoral prospects of the ruling party, saying its internal disagreements have not diminished its political strength ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Sanni, who contested in the recent party primaries, spoke on Saturday at during a meeting with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) leadership at the Bishop’s Court of the Anglican Diocese of Kwara in Ilorin.

He said the level of political activities within the party suggests it remains the dominant political platform in the state despite divisions that emerged over the last governorship primaries.

According to him, the turnout recorded at separate political rallies organised by different tendencies within the party reflects the APC’s grassroots support rather than weakness.

‘When you look at the massive crowds that attended the rallies organised by the different camps and do the math, it tells you that our lead would be unassailable at the polls once all issues are resolved amicably ,’ he said.

Sanni also appealed to fellow aspirants and party stakeholders to remain calm, stating that he has implicit trust in APC’s internal conflict resolution mechanisms at the national level.

‘There is absolutely no need to go into the general election divided.

‘We should all remain patient with the leadership of the party the President and the National Working Committee. ‘This is what progressive politics is all about’. he said.

Speaking on the purpose of his visit to see CAN leadership, Sanni said he was seeking prayers for Kwara State, the APC and the country, adding that religious leaders have a vital role to play in promoting peace and national cohesion.

‘We are going to be needing our religious leaders to be the moderating voice,’ he said.

The APC has, in recent months, witnessed a surge in activities ahead of the 2027 governorship race, with various aspirants and support groups holding consultations and rallies as the party’s reconciliation committee continues efforts to unite aggrieved stakeholders.

The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) Senatorial Candidate for Oyo Central Senatorial District, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has extended warm congratulations to his Personal Assistant, Hon. Kilamuwaye Badmus, as he marks his 40th birthday on Sunday, July 12, 2026.

In a heartfelt birthday message made available to journalists, Ambassador Ajadi described Badmus as a loyal, hardworking, dependable and committed associate whose dedication and selfless service have contributed immensely to the success of his political, and humanitarian engagements.

Ajadi praised the celebrant for his unwavering loyalty, humility and professionalism, noting that Badmus has remained a reliable partner who consistently demonstrates integrity and excellence in every assignment entrusted to him.

According to the APM senatorial candidate, attaining the age of 40 is a significant milestone that deserves gratitude to Almighty God for His faithfulness, mercy and abundant blessings.

‘Today, I join your family, friends, associates and well-wishers in celebrating a remarkable personality, Hon. Kilamuwaye Badmus, as he clocks 40. Your dedication, loyalty, sincerity and passion for service have remained exceptional over the years. I sincerely appreciate your invaluable contributions and commitment,’ Ajadi said.

He added that Badmus has continued to distinguish himself through diligence and a strong sense of responsibility, qualities that have earned him the admiration and respect of those who have worked closely with him.

‘As you celebrate this special day, I pray that Almighty God grants you many more years in good health, divine wisdom, abundant prosperity and greater accomplishments. May He continue to guide your steps, strengthen you for greater responsibilities and bless all that concerns you,’ he stated.

Ajadi further wished the celebrant continued success in all his future endeavours, expressing confidence that the years ahead would usher in greater opportunities, fulfilment and outstanding achievements.

‘May this new chapter of your life bring renewed joy, peace, favour and endless testimonies. Thank you for your unwavering commitment, sacrifices and invaluable support. I wish you a memorable 40th birthday celebration filled with happiness, love and God’s overflowing blessings. Happy Birthday, Hon. Kilamuwaye Badmus.’

Hon. Kilamuwaye Badmus is widely recognised as one of Ambassador Ajadi’s trusted aides and has played an active role in supporting the politician’s public engagements, community development initiatives and grassroots mobilisation efforts across Oyo State. Colleagues and associates respect him for his dedication to service, organisational ability and commitment to advancing the ideals of responsible leadership.

Political stalwarts, party chieftains and community leaders across Oyo State have joined Ambassador Ajadi, members of Badmus’ family, friends, political associates and well-wishers in celebrating the celebrant and wishing him many more years of impactful service, sound health and fulfilment.

Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has praised President Bola Tinubu and the nation’s security chiefs over the rescue of all teachers and pupils abducted from schools in Oriire LGA of Oyo state, describing the operation as a defining moment in Nigeria’s campaign against insecurity.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Sunday, the Labour Party lawmaker said the successful rescue had restored public confidence in the country’s security architecture and sent a strong message that terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal groups would no longer dictate the nation’s security narrative.

Agbese congratulated President Tinubu, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, service chiefs, the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies for an outstanding display of professionalism, intelligence and inter-agency coordination.

He said the operation reflected the growing effectiveness of the administration’s security strategy and the determination of the armed forces to pursue criminal elements wherever they operate.

‘The rescue of every pupil and teacher abducted in Oriire is far more than the successful conclusion of a security operation. It is a powerful statement that Nigeria is rising above those who seek to define us by violence and fear,’ Agbese said.

‘President Bola Tinubu, our security chiefs and the gallant men and women of our armed forces have restored our glory before the world by proving that no Nigerian life is expendable and that our nation has both the capacity and the resolve to confront criminality head-on.’

The lawmaker noted that the rescue came amid a series of successful military operations across different theatres of operation, saying the cumulative achievements demonstrate that the country’s security forces have continued to gain the upper hand against terrorists and bandits.

‘Only recently, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA foiled coordinated terrorist attacks in Zamfara and Katsina States, neutralised the notorious terrorist commander, recovered assault rifles, ammunition and operational equipment, and, through coordinated air operations, intercepted and successfully engaged about 300 terrorists advancing on motorcycles before they could unleash mayhem on innocent communities. These are not isolated victories; they are clear evidence of a military that has seized the initiative and is relentlessly taking the battle to the enemies of our country,’ he declared.

Agbese emphasised that recent operations by the armed forces have resulted in the rescue of numerous kidnapped victims, the dismantling of terrorist camps, the elimination of high-profile commanders and the recovery of weapons used to terrorise communities.

According to him, the consistency of these successes should reassure Nigerians that the country’s security institutions remain committed to protecting lives and restoring peace across every region.

‘What we are witnessing today is an uncommon masterclass in intelligence-driven security operations. From rescuing captives and preventing coordinated attacks to dismantling criminal enclaves and denying terrorists freedom of movement, our armed forces and security agencies have continued to exceed expectations. They have demonstrated beyond doubt that Nigeria will never again be taken for granted by those who thrive on violence,’ he stressed.

The lawmaker urged Nigerians to continue supporting the military and other security agencies by volunteering credible and timely intelligence capable of preventing attacks and facilitating ongoing operations.

He also appealed to communities across the country to remain vigilant and cooperate closely with security agencies to sustain the gains already recorded.

‘To every insurgent, bandit and terrorist still hiding in forests and remote enclaves across our country, my message is simple: surrender now before it is too late. The operational momentum is no longer in your favour. Every successful rescue, every terrorist commander neutralised and every criminal network dismantled brings Nigeria closer to lasting peace. Those who refuse to surrender should be prepared to face the overwhelming might of our gallant troops,’ he announced.

Agbese expressed confidence that with sustained political support for the armed forces and continued collaboration among security agencies, Nigeria would record even greater successes in the fight against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, while restoring lasting peace and stability across the federation.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed gratitude to God and security agencies for the safe rescue of pupils and teachers abducted from schools in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after 56 days in captivity.

?In a statement signed on Sunday by its National President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the association described the safe return of the victims as a day of profound gratitude for the affected families and the nation.

?Okoh commended President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, the Nigeria Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Amotekun Corps, and local vigilantes for their roles in the successful operation.

?’The reports that the operation was guided by patience, credible intelligence, and a determination to protect innocent lives are reassuring and deserve recognition. Every successful rescue reminds us that when our security institutions work together with resolve and professionalism, hope can triumph over fear,’ he said.

The CAN President also applauded Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State for his steadfast support to the affected families and his administration’s commitment to rehabilitating the rescued victims.

?Okoh, however, noted that while the rescue in Oyo brought joy, it was difficult to celebrate fully without remembering other Nigerian families whose children were still held by terrorists and bandits in states like Borno and Niger.

He emphasised that compassion must not be selective, urging the Federal Government and security forces to use the success in Oyo to strengthen their determination to free all remaining captives across the country.

?’Today, parents in Oriire will hold their children again after weeks of anxious waiting. We rejoice with them. But there are mothers and fathers in Borno, Niger, and other parts of our country who will still go to bed praying that the next knock on the door will bring news that their own children are coming home. Their pain is no less real because it attracts fewer headlines. Their tears are no less bitter because the cameras have moved elsewhere,’ Okoh said.

?He further called on governments, faith communities, and humanitarian organisations to collaborate in providing necessary psychiatric counseling, medical care, and emotional support to the rescued pupils and teachers to aid their reintegration into society.

?The association reiterated that schools must be secured to remain places of learning rather than intimidation, stressing that no parent should have to choose between educating a child and keeping them alive.

?Okoh added that the national celebration against insecurity would only be complete when all captives are released and Nigerians can move freely without fear of abduction.