Category: PM News

By Ayorinde Oluokun

Borno Police spokesperson, Nahum Kenneth Daso, has narrated how an Inspector serving with the Command, Abdulkadir Garba, popularly known as “Buratai” was killed by lightning last Wednesday.

Daso, who said the deceased Inspector was widely respected for his dedication, commitment, and passion for duty said the incident occured on Wednesday, 7th May, 2026, at about 2:19pm.

According to him, the late Garba was coordinating vehicle parking opposite Borno State Police Command Headquarters alongside his senior colleague, ASP Wazani Adamu when a strong wind that later ushered a heavy rainfall started.

“As strong winds began to gather, both officers reportedly attempted to seek shelter before the rain started. But in a sudden and devastating moment, a loud thunderclap echoed through the atmosphere, followed instantly by a powerful lightning strike that hit both officers while they were still on duty,” Daso said.

According to him, while ASP Wazani Adamu survived the lightning strike, Inspector Abdulkadir Garba who was the direct impact sadly lost his life with partial burns on his body.

Read the full post by Daso below

THE RAIN CAME WITH TEARS: A Dedicated Officer’s Life Cut Short by Lightning

The rain often comes with its own blessings, but this one arrived with a heartbreaking streak of tragedy.

It was on a quiet Wednesday, 7th May, 2026, at about 2:19pm, when Inspector Abdulkadir Garba, popularly known as “Buratai” a Police Officer widely respected for his dedication, commitment, and passion for duty was carrying out his routine responsibility of coordinating vehicle parking opposite Borno State Police Command Headquarters alongside his senior colleague, ASP Wazani Adamu.

As strong winds began to gather, both officers reportedly attempted to seek shelter before the rain started. But in a sudden and devastating moment, a loud thunderclap echoed through the atmosphere, followed instantly by a powerful lightning strike that hit both officers while they were still on duty.

While ASP Wazani Adamu survived in what may be described as a miracle, unfortunately, Inspector Abdulkadir Garba who was the direct impact sadly lost his life with partial burns on his body.

In a cruel twist of nature, a man who stood daily under the scorching sun and uncertain weather to maintain order and serve humanity lost his life, not to violence or conflict, but to the force of the storm.

Inspector Abdulkadir Garba was more than a Police Officer to many, he was a familiar face, a hardworking officer, and a symbol of dedication to service. His sudden passing has left shock, grief, and painful memories in the hearts of colleagues and members of the public who knew him.

Sometimes, life reminds us how fragile and unpredictable it can be. One moment, duty calls. The next moment, eternity answers.

May his soul rest in perfect peace.

Former Kano State governor, Kwankwaso spoke amid renewed controversy surrounding the unresolved case following allegations by a former aide to ex-Zamfara State governor, Bello Matawalle, who reportedly claimed that some police officers boasted about having knowledge of Dadiyata’s disappearance.

Reacting in a statement posted on his official X account, Kwankwaso said he was encouraged by the decision of the Inspector General of Police, Kwankwaso said he and his associates had continued to pray and demand justice since Dadiyata was abducted in 2019.

“I have been made aware of the recent testimony by a former aide to a former state governor, in which he alleged that police officers claimed responsibility for the disappearance of Abubakar Idris Dadiyata in Kaduna,” Kwankwaso said.

The former governor noted that the latest move by the police leadership offered fresh hope that the truth behind the controversial disappearance could finally emerge.

“It is therefore reassuring that the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into this matter. I commend the Inspector General for this decisive and long overdue action,” Kwankwaso added.

Dadiyata, a lecturer at the Federal University Dutsin-Ma in Katsina State and a vocal social media commentator, was abducted by unidentified gunmen on August 2, 2019, shortly after arriving at his residence in Barnawa, Kaduna State. Since then, neither his whereabouts nor those responsible for his disappearance have been officially established.

His disappearance sparked outrage across Nigeria, with civil society groups, activists and political supporters repeatedly demanding an independent investigation into the case.

The controversy deepened recently after Kano-based lawyer Abba Hikima Fagge reportedly petitioned the police over allegations involving two senior police officers.

The petition followed claims by former political aide Muhammad Musa Kamarawa, who alleged that the officers threatened him and claimed involvement in Dadiyata’s disappearance while he was in detention in Kaduna.

Kwankwaso urged police authorities to place the officers named in the allegations under close monitoring to prevent interference with the investigation.

He also called on the government to compensate Dadiyata and his family if investigations confirm he is still alive and eventually reunited with them.

“I urge the police authorities to place the named individuals under close surveillance to prevent any interference with the process,” Kwankwaso stated.

He added that Dadiyata’s family deserved justice and support after years of uncertainty and emotional trauma.

Kwankwaso also praised Nigerians and human rights advocates for sustaining public pressure on authorities over the years.

“I equally commend the general public for their sustained advocacy and resilience in keeping this case alive, as well as Barrister Abba Hikima Fagge for his pivotal role in this latest development,” he noted.

“We remain hopeful that this investigation will finally deliver truth and justice,” Kwankwaso said.

To Kill a Monkey.

The actor secured the award after edging out a strong lineup of nominees in one of the most competitive categories of the night.

Franklin’s performance in the acclaimed production earned praise from movie lovers and critics alike for its emotional intensity, commanding screen presence and strong character interpretation.

The category featured several established Nollywood stars and rising talents, including Simileoluwa Hassan for The Yard, Lateef Adedimeji for andgtingerrr, Gabriel Afolayan for Colours of Fire, Femi Adebayo for King of Thieves 2, Lateef Adedimeji again for Red Circle, Femi Branch for Owambe Thieves and Uzor Arukwe for Behind the Scenes.

The announcement triggered loud applause from guests and entertainment stakeholders at the award ceremony as Franklin mounted the stage to receive the recognition.

The AMVCA remains one of Africa’s biggest entertainment platforms, celebrating excellence in film, television and digital storytelling across the continent.

Franklin’s latest triumph further strengthens his reputation as one of Nollywood’s talented actors known for delivering compelling performances across diverse roles and genres.

His victory also added to the growing success of To Kill a Monkey, one of the productions that attracted significant attention during this year’s awards season.

By Hamza Suleiman

Two soldiers were confirmed dead as Nigerian Army troops of Operation Hadin Kai have successfully repelled an ISWAP coordinated attack on the Headquarters of 27 Brigade, Buni Gari, and a nearby checkpoint in Yobe early Friday morning.

The ISWAP fighters reportedly stormed the axis at about 2:00 a.m. with attempt to carry out a multi-directional assault but were decisively engaged by troops who held their positions and responded with superior firepower.

The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force Northeast, Operation HADIN KAI, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba confirmed the attack.

But he said the terrorists suffered significant casualties during the encounter, with several of them neutralised while others fled with injuries.

He explained that the attackers came in waves from different approaches in an attempt to overrun the location but were met with sustained resistance that halted their advance.

According to him, traces of blood were observed along withdrawal routes, indicating that the attackers sustained injuries as they retreated into surrounding bush paths.

“Exploitation of the general area confirmed the recovery of terrorist corpses and weapons in bushes and along withdrawal corridors,” he said.

Uba added that intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support from the Air Component Command of Operation HADIN KAI enabled real-time tracking of fleeing terrorists and assisted in monitoring their withdrawal routes.

He said precision air interdiction was also conducted against confirmed fleeing elements, further compounding the losses suffered by the attackers.

He said the army recovered AK-47 rifles, machine guns, rocket-propelled grenade tubes, ammunition, magazines, bandoliers and other ordnance, underscoring the scale of the failed assault.

The spokesman said troops, supported by hybrid forces and local vigilantes, have continued clearance and exploitation operations in the general area to prevent regrouping and restore full stability.

He noted that the camp was not breached at any time during the attack, adding that the swift and coordinated response of troops ensured complete operational control throughout the engagement.

Uba confirmed that two soldiers lost their lives during the encounter, while wounded personnel are receiving medical attention and are in stable condition.

He reiterated that Operation HADIN KAI remains committed to maintaining sustained pressure on terrorist elements and denying them freedom of movement within the theatre.

(NAN)

By Kelu Musa

Nigerian Afrobeats singer, Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, has been named among international music stars set to perform at the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States.

FIFA made the announcement in a statement posted on its official Instagram handle on Saturday.

FIFA said South African star Tyla, American rapper Future, pop icon Katy Perry, Brazilian singer Anitta and BLACKPINK member LISA will join Rema on stage at the Los Angeles Stadium.

According to the football governing body, three opening ceremonies will be held separately across the three host countries, with the United States’ celebration holding on June 12.

FIFA said ceremonies will also be held on June 11 in Mexico City and on June 12 in Toronto, Canada, combining football, music and entertainment in what it described as a “historic summer” across the North American countries.

“For the first time in FIFA World Cup history, a new benchmark will be set as three spectacular opening ceremonies unfold across Mexico City (11 June), Toronto and Los Angeles (12 June).

“Global superstars Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, LISA, Rema and Tyla will headline the celebrations in Los Angeles, with additional world-renowned artists still to be announced.

“Together, they will bring the sound of the FIFA World Cup 2026 to life for a global audience, delivering a high-energy spectacle that reflects the scale, ambition and cultural power of the tournament itself,” it said.

FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, described the lineup as a reflection of cultural diversity and the unifying power of music and sports.

The World Cup will kick moff on June 11, featuring a record 104 matches across 16 host cities in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

The opening match is between Mexico and South Africa at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, while the final is slated to hold on Sunday July 19 at the New York New Jersey Stadium.

NAN reports that Rema has continued to gain international recognition following the global success of his hit song “Calm Down” and several performances on major international stages.

The “Heis” crooner has also made history as the first African artiste to perform at the prestigious Ballon d’Or ceremony, when he thrilled audience at the 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris, France. (NAN)

The Reds dominated possession in the opening stages and nearly doubled their lead through Virgil van Dijk, whose effort sailed narrowly over the crossbar.

Chelsea, however, gradually settled into the contest and found their equaliser in the 35th minute. Midfielder Enzo Fernandez curled a stunning free-kick beyond goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, with the ball going in off the post to restore parity for the visitors.

Both sides created several opportunities after the restart as the tempo of the match increased. Chelsea briefly thought they had taken the lead in the 50th minute when Cole Palmer converted from close range after a rebound, but the effort was ruled out for offside following a VAR review.

Liverpool also suffered frustration when Curtis Jones had a goal disallowed for offside just before the hour mark.

Dominik Szoboszlai came agonisingly close to restoring Liverpool’s lead in the 71st minute, rattling the post with a thunderous strike from the edge of the area, while Van Dijk later saw a towering header crash against the crossbar.

Chelsea pushed hard in the closing stages and were awarded a lifeline when Joao Pedro went down inside the box late on, prompting referee Craig Pawson to consult VAR. However, after review, the official waved away penalty appeals, much to the frustration of the visitors.

The encounter ended on a tense note with several yellow cards issued, including cautions for Alexis Mac Allister, Joe Gomez, Marc Cucurella and Moises Caicedo.

By Daniel Obaje/Safia Abdulrahman

Female aspirants under the All Progressives Congress (APC) have urged Nigerian women to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration and back more women seeking elective positions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The call was made on Friday in Abuja at an event organised by the Forum of 2027 APC Female Aspirants Network (FAFAN) to endorse Tinubu for a second term.

Princess Nikky Onyeri, National Convener of FAFAN, said the president was working tirelessly to address the country’s challenges and appealed to women to remain patient and supportive.

“The President, I can assure you, is working and you will feel more of his impact. Women should exercise a little patience and continue to give him unwavering support.

“He is working round the clock to ensure that all parts of the country feel his impact,” she said.

Onyeri added that governors should also be held accountable for delivering development to the people because they were closer to the grassroots.

She said the endorsement of Tinubu’s re-election bid was in recognition of the impact of the Renewed Hope Agenda, especially on women.

According to her, more than 500 women have shown interest in contesting elective positions under the APC, signalling growing female participation in politics.

“This is the first time you would have more than 500 women stepping out with courage, compassion and resilience to contest political positions.

“We are saying women who have collected forms and have the capacity should be given tickets, while affirmative action should also be considered in elective positions, appointive positions and party structures,” she said.

Onyeri also stressed the need for inclusiveness, noting that the group was encouraging the participation of youths and persons living with disabilities in politics.

Also speaking, President of the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Mrs Edna Azura, urged female aspirants to intensify grassroots mobilisation and support one another to strengthen women’s participation in politics.

“As you heard from the various speakers, female aspirants were advised to go to the grassroots, campaign house-to-house and seek support from fellow women because they cannot do it alone,” she said.

Azura said women were now adopting more strategic approaches to politics through trainings, fundraising and coordinated campaigns.

She commended Tinubu for appointing women into key positions and supporting initiatives aimed at improving women’s economic wellbeing.

“We are still pleading with him to support the passage of the special seats bill at the National Assembly because that will help women move closer to the 35 per cent affirmative action,” she said.

Earlier, Mrs Nkiruka Onyejeocha, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, urged women to mobilise early and support fellow female aspirants.

“We have to go to the grassroots and campaign, not with fake promises but with promises of meeting the needs of our people,” she said.

The APC National Women Leader, Mary Alile, represented by Cross River Commissioner Mrs Mary Julius, said APC women remained firmly behind the Tinubu administration.

“Women are not just voters; women are builders of homes, communities, businesses and the nation itself. We have the competence, capacity, intelligence and compassion needed in leadership,” she said.

NAN

Nigeria’s First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has poured encomiums of female musician, Alhaja Salawa Abeni, popularly known as Waka Queen on her 65th birthday.

The First Lady, in a statement on Saturday noted that the journey of Abeni in the music industry has been marked by resilience, and excellence.

She also noted that the musician has through her musical output have been the rich culture and heritage of Nigeria for decades.

Tinubu prayed that the Almighty God would grant the Waka Queen divine health, peace, joy, happiness, and many more fruitful years.

The statement read “I felicitate with you, family, friends and loved ones on the occasion of your 65th birthday.Your journey in the Nigerian music industry has remained a symbol of talent, resilience, and excellence, expressing the rich culture and heritage of our nation for decades.

“Your dedication to your craft and your impact on the entertainment industry continue to earn you admiration and respect globally with your fans in the diaspora.

“I pray that Almighty God grants you divine health, peace, joy, happiness, and many more fruitful years.

“Happy 65th Birthday, Queen Salawa Abeni”

The dramatic confrontation, which lasted for hours in the early hours of Thursday, saw heavily armed terrorists launch coordinated attacks from multiple directions on the Headquarters 27 Brigade and the Buni Gari Checkpoint.

The Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Uba said the attackers stormed the military locations from the western flank before reinforcing their assault through the Ganinga Junction axis and the south-western corridor in an attempt to encircle troops.

He noted that the soldiers responded with “devastating firepower, tactical brilliance and resolute determination,” forcing the terrorists into a chaotic retreat after suffering heavy casualties.

According to him, troops employed indirect fire and offensive-defensive tactics that systematically dismantled the coordinated assault from all directions.

Uba added that the terrorists fled with several dead and wounded fighters, leaving blood trails along their escape routes, while troops maintained full control of the military camp throughout the battle.

“At no point was any part of the camp breached, as the integrity of the location remained fully intact throughout the engagement,” he stated.

The army spokesman disclosed that exploitation operations conducted after the encounter led to the recovery of at least 10 terrorist corpses around the immediate vicinity of the base, while intelligence sources confirmed that more than 20 additional bodies were discovered across bushes around Gashua, Azare and Kamuya along the insurgents’ withdrawal paths.

Uba further said the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI played a decisive role in the operation by providing real-time intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support.

“The synchronised air-land operation further underscored the magnitude of the defeat inflicted on the terrorists,” Uba added.

Security forces also recovered a large cache of weapons and explosives from the fleeing insurgents, including eight AK-47 rifles, two General Purpose Machine Guns, two Rocket-Propelled Grenade tubes, five RPG bombs, three RPG chargers, ammunition boxes, loaded magazines, bandoliers and three Improvised Explosive Device canisters.

Uba said troops, supported by volunteer forces, have continued aggressive exploitation operations across the general area to track fleeing terrorists and prevent any regrouping attempt.

He, however, confirmed that two soldiers lost their lives during the intense confrontation.

Uba described the fallen personnel as gallant troops who paid the supreme price in defence of the nation, noting that their sacrifice reflected courage, patriotism and unwavering commitment to national security.

He maintained that the failed assault highlighted the growing desperation of terrorist groups facing sustained military pressure across the North-East theatre.

By Adejoke Adeleye

The Ogun State Government has dismissed as false a media report alleging that Saudi airline, Flynas, rejected the Gateway International Airport, Iperu, for the transportation of Ogun pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj exercise.

In a statement signed by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, the government described the publication by The Punch titled “Pilgrims stranded as Saudi airline shuns Ogun airport” as misleading and a distortion of facts.

According to the government, the relocation of the second batch of pilgrims from the Gateway International Airport was not due to any safety, operational, or infrastructural challenge at the facility. Rather, it resulted from the inability of Saudi aviation authorities to secure a landing slot for Nigeria’s designated carrier, Max Air, which had been engaged by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for Gateway International Airport (GIA) operations, necessitating an adjustment in flight arrangements.

The statement explained that the notice of the scheduling challenge came barely two weeks before the planned operations, compelling NAHCON to redirect the affected pilgrims to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, as the most practical alternative.

The government stressed that Flynas did not reject the Gateway International Airport on grounds of safety, infrastructure deficiency, or operational limitation, contrary to claims in the report.

It added that the first batch of pilgrims had earlier departed successfully from the Gateway International Airport without incident, describing the operation as a historic milestone in Nigeria’s aviation and Hajj logistics.

Commissioned on April 4, 2026, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Gateway International Airport was described as a fully certified international aviation facility approved for Hajj operations by relevant authorities, including the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), in compliance with ICAO SARPs standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization.

The government noted that the airport has undergone multiple technical and safety audits since 2025 and is equipped with advanced infrastructure, including a CAT II Instrument Landing System, precision navigation systems, and modern weather monitoring equipment.

It further emphasized that the airport’s runway is capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 777, Boeing 747, and Airbus A380, underscoring its readiness for international operations.

The statement also argued that no aviation authority would have approved the airport for use if there were any safety or operational concerns, noting that even presidential flights have been received at the facility.

While reaffirming respect for journalistic freedom, the government urged media organisations to verify facts before publication, especially on sensitive issues relating to national infrastructure and international aviation operations.