Category: PM News

Troops of Sector 2, Operation Fansan Yamma, have killed a suspected terrorist, rescued three kidnapped victims and destroyed a bandits’ hideout during a clearance operation in Zamfara State.

The Nigerian Army disclosed this in an operational report released on Saturday, detailing the outcome of military operations conducted on June 12 across communities in Zurmi and Shinkafi Local Government Areas.

According to the report, the operation formed part of ongoing efforts to tackle banditry and other security threats across the North-West region.

The troops, while conducting a fighting patrol through Birnin Saba, Yanbuki and Sabon Garin Daudawa communities, encountered armed terrorists operating in Yanbuki District of Zurmi Local Government Area.

A gun battle ensued, during which one terrorist was neutralised, while several others escaped under sustained military pressure.

The Army said troops recovered a cache of items from the scene, including rifles, four ammunition-loaded magazines, two motorcycles, seven mobile phones, two MP3 players, a woodland camouflage trouser and an inner vest.

The report added that the troops continued their advance toward Sabon Garin Daudawa, forcing the fleeing terrorists to abandon their camp.

On sighting the advancing soldiers, the criminals reportedly fled the location, enabling troops to clear and subsequently destroy the camp to prevent its future use as an operational base.

During the follow-up clearance operation, soldiers also rescued three kidnapped victims, who were safely evacuated from the area.

The military reaffirmed its determination to sustain aggressive operations against terrorist and bandit groups across Zamfara State and the wider North-West until criminal networks are dismantled and lasting peace is restored to affected communities.

By Talatu Maiwada

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) said 1.5 million students across 288 tertiary institutions have benefited from its loan scheme, with more than 282 billion disbursed nationwide.

Mr Awati Muhammed, Head of Loan Repayment and Reconciliation, NELFUND, disclosed this at a Democracy Day engagement, organised by student union leaders across Northern Nigeria on Friday in Yola.

The event, themed “Thank You President Tinubu for Making Democracy Work for Students”.

Muhammed said the initiative aimed at bringing together students and stakeholders to discuss educational opportunities available under the Federal Government’s initiatives.

He said the Northern Project Coordination Office (NPCO), in collaboration with NELFUND and the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PI-CNG), had commenced a sensitisation campaign across 25 universities in Northern Nigeria.

He said the campaign was aimed at educating students on the benefits of the interest-free education loan programme and other Federal Government interventions in the education sector.

“The outreach is designed to increase awareness and encourage wider participation among eligible students.

“The scheme is helping to eliminate financial barriers that have historically hindered many young Nigerians from accessing tertiary education.

“The programme aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises access to quality education and youth empowerment,” he said.

The NELFUND official reiterated the agency’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the implementation of the loan scheme.

He added that the sensitisation would also provide opportunities for students to interact directly with NELFUND officials and other stakeholders.

Muhammed assured students that the campaign would continue across institutions in the North to ensure that no eligible beneficiary was excluded from the programme.

Also speaking, Malam Abdulwahab Shehu, the NELFUND Desk Officer at Modibbo Adama University, described the initiative as a major step toward promoting equitable access to higher education.

Shehu urged students to seek clarification on eligibility requirements, application procedures and repayment conditions to enable them to make informed decisions.

He encouraged qualified students to take advantage of the programme, describing it as a unique opportunity to pursue their academic goals without undue financial constraints.

Abbas Aminu, a beneficiary and student of Modibbo Adama University, described the scheme as a timely intervention that had reduced the burden of tuition and other educational expenses.

Aminu said the loan had enabled him to focus more on his studies, adding that the programme had significantly eased the financial challenges associated with higher education. (NAN)

By Abbas Bamalli

Operatives of the Katsina State Police Command have foiled a kidnapping operation and rescued nine passengers after engaging suspected bandits in a fierce gun battle along the Katsina-Kankara highway.

The command disclosed that the incident occurred at about 2:30 p.m. on Thursday at Tashar Kanya Village in Kankara Local Government Area, where armed bandits reportedly blocked the highway and intercepted a commercial Volkswagen Golf travelling from Dandume to Katsina.

According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, the attackers forcefully abducted all 11 occupants of the vehicle and attempted to whisk them away into the bush.

Upon receiving a distress call, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Kankara immediately mobilised a joint team of operatives, including personnel from the Violent Crime Rescue Unit (VCRU), to the scene.

The police team subsequently confronted the kidnappers in a gun duel, forcing them to abandon their captives and flee.

“The operatives tactically engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle. Due to the superior firepower and strategic manoeuvres of the police team, the hoodlums were compelled to retreat into the bush and abandon their mission,” the statement said.

A search-and-rescue operation conducted after the exchange of fire led to the successful rescue of nine of the abducted passengers, all of whom were recovered unharmed.

The command, however, said efforts were ongoing to locate and rescue the remaining two victims while security operatives continue to track down the fleeing suspects.

Commending the officers involved in the operation, the Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage, praised their courage, professionalism and swift response.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling criminal activities across the state and ensuring the safety of residents.

The police chief also appealed to members of the public to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to support ongoing security operations against banditry and other violent crimes in the state.

South Korea’s National Election Commission (NEC) chairperson, Roh Tae-ak on Friday offered to resign following a widespread shortage of ballot papers that disrupted voting in Seoul during this week’s local elections.

Roh made the announcement during a press briefing at NEC headquarters in Gwacheon, south of Seoul, expressing deep responsibility for the incident and apologising for eroding public trust in election management.

“The situation undermined voters’ confidence and participation in local elections, and I feel devastated as chairman,” Roh said.

NEC Secretary-General Heo Cheol-hoon also offered to resign, Roh added.

The presidential office said it “takes seriously” the resignations and called for a comprehensive review of election management procedures to restore public trust.

Officials stressed the need for the NEC to provide a clear explanation and implement strict follow-up measures.

The NEC plans to establish an independent committee of outside experts to investigate the cause of the shortage and propose preventive steps.

Ballot paper shortages were reported at more than a dozen polling stations in Seoul, including Songpa and Gangnam districts, causing temporary suspension of voting.

Some voters reportedly left without casting their ballots after waiting.

Protesters later gathered at a polling station in Jamsil, Songpa Ward, alleging election fraud and obstructing officials from transporting ballot boxes.

Police dispersed the crowd and transferred approximately 2,000 ballots to a counting centre.

(Yonhap/NAN)

By Grace Idachaba

The Kano State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (KSCHMA) has launched the “Kannywood AbbaCare Initiative” under Gov. Abba Yusuf’s First Healthcare Development Agenda to support Kannywood practitioners, particularly vulnerable members, in accessing healthcare services.

The Executive Secretary of KSCHMA, Dr Rahila Aliyu-Muktar, unveiled the programme during a sensitisation meeting held at the Kano State Censorship Board headquarters in Kano.

Aliyu-Muktar said the initiative was introduced improve access to quality healthcare for practitioners in the film industry.

She said the programme recognises the contributions of Kannywood practitioners to public enlightenment, cultural promotion, and social development.

According to her, the initiative provides a platform for vulnerable industry practitioners to benefit from healthcare support and other interventions offered by the agency.

“Kannywood practitioners play a vital role in shaping positive societal values.

“Through the Kannywood AbbaCare Initiative, we are extending healthcare support to members of the industry and ensuring that vulnerable practitioners receive the care and attention they deserve,” she said.

Aliyu-Muktar added that the initiative aligns with Gov. Yusuf’s vision to build an inclusive healthcare system that caters to all segments of society.

She, therefore, announced the immediate enrollment of eight seriously ill Kannywood members under the agency’s Rapid Response Team (RRT) for urgent medical assessment, treatment, and follow-up care.

“No individual should be denied healthcare because of financial constraints.

“We have therefore, approved the immediate enrollment of these vulnerable members to ensure they receive timely medical attention and necessary support,” she assured.

In his remarks, the Executive Secretary, Kano State Censorship Board, Alhaji Abba Almustapha, commended KSCHMA for prioritising the welfare of Kannywood practitioners.

Almustapha described the initiative as a reflection of the state government’s commitment to the well-being of artists and other stakeholders in the entertainment industry.

He assured the agency of the board’s support in mobilising Kannywood associations to participate in the programme.

The censorship board chief also urged practitioners to embrace the initiative and take advantage of the healthcare opportunities provided through the partnership.

(NAN)

By Adeyemi Adeleye

The family of Nigeria’s first military Head of State, Maj.-Gen. Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi has paid glowing tribute to the late Lt.-Col. Adekunle Fajuyi, saying he offered himself as a sacrificial lamb for the unity and integrity of the nation.

Fajuyi was killed on July 29, 1966, alongside Aguiyi-Ironsi, during a military counter-coup in Ibadan.

Aguiyi-Ironsi family, in a remembrance letter to Fajuyi family seen on Friday described Fajuyi’s death as a supreme and heroic price for national unity.

The letter was signed by Amb. (Chief) Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi, a former Minister of Defence and son of the late Head of State.

The family said July 29,2026 would be a solemn occasion to honour a soldier whose sacrifice continues to inspire generations of Nigerians.

“Lt.-Col. Francis Adekunle Fajuyi was a war hero who offered himself as a sacrificial lamb for the unity and integrity of the nation.

“His courage, loyalty and selflessness remain enduring virtues for all Nigerians.

“His sacrifice stands today as one of the most defining moments in our national history,” the family said.

The family recalled that Fajuyi was Military Governor of the Western Region when mutinous soldiers struck during the military counter-coup of July 1966.

According to them, he was abducted alongside Aguiyi-Ironsi in Ibadan.

The family said Fajuyi had an opportunity to save himself but chose instead to remain with his guest and superior officer.

“In a defining moment of conscience, he chose honour over personal safety.

“He refused to abandon his guest and superior officer in the face of grave danger.

“That decision reflected the highest ideals of loyalty, integrity and military brotherhood.” the family said.

They described Fajuyi as a national martyr whose legacy continues to promote unity, courage and selfless service.

The Aguiyi-Ironsi family also expressed sympathy with the late soldier’s family over the enduring pain of the loss.

The family prayed for continued strength, comfort and peace for the descendants of the late military governor.

“We remain deeply grateful for his life and sacrifice.

“We also appreciate Nigerians, institutions and well-meaning individuals who continue to honour his memory.

“Their support demonstrates that the sacrifice of a true patriot is never forgotten.”

The family called on government institutions and military authorities to sustain efforts to preserve Fajuyi’s memory.

They urged custodians of national history to ensure continued recognition and support for the Fajuyi family.

“He did not run. He did not hide. He chose to stand.

“In that sacrificial decision lay the essence of his greatness.

“His legacy challenges all Nigerians to uphold unity, courage, honour and selfless service,” the letter further read.

(NAN)

A survey by the Federal Ministry of Communication Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE) has revealed that four in five Nigerians support some form of social media regulation for children.

Bosun Tijani, the Minister, Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, released the results of the 2024 poll titled: “Proposed Social Media Age Regulation in Nigeria,” at a roundtable on Protection of Children Online held in Lagos on Thursday.

The roundtable was organised by the ministry in collaboration with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC).

Presenting the survey findings, the Senior Special Adviser to the Minister, Kasim Sodangi, said that the comprehensive public consultation survey captured the views of 585 Nigerians on the regulation of children’s access to social media platforms.

He said that the survey covered risks, legal frameworks, enforcement, and the path forward.

Quoting the survey document, Sodangi said that Australia recently implemented a total ban on social media for children under 16, and a clear majority (83.4 per cent) of the respondents of the poll in Nigeria also supported regulation of children’s social media use.

He said that of this majority, 64.8 per cent supported outright regulation of children’s social media use, while18.6 per cent supported regulation but preferred a different minimum age threshold.

The survey showed that 64.5 per cent of respondents favoured a minimum social media age of 16 years or 17 years, above the widely adopted global threshold of 13.

“Of the 583 respondents who answered this question, 98.6 per cent identified as Nigerian, with only 1.4 per cent identifying as Non-Nigerian.

“This near-total Nigerian representation ensures that the survey results authentically reflect the perspectives of those most directly affected by any proposed social media age regulation in Nigeria.

“The findings of this poll are grounded in the lived experiences and concerns of Nigerian citizens, making the data highly relevant for domestic policy formulation,” the minister’s side said.

He noted that an overwhelming majority (93.5 per cent) expressed high or extreme concern about the safety of children (under 18) on social media platforms in Nigeria

Sodangi said that of the 93.5 per cent respondents, 405 respondents (69.2 per cent) expressed extreme concern, while 142 respondents (24.3 per cent) are highly concerned.

The special adviser said that the survey showed that the most prevalent online risks for Nigerian children was exposure to harmful or inappropriate content (90.9%), followed closely by digital addiction (83.6%) and online grooming (82.4%).

The survey, he said, signalled an urgent need for protective regulation, adding that 74.5 per cent believed children and parents lacked adequate awareness of legal implications associated with cyber offences.

The survey further revealed overwhelming support for a duty-of-care framework, with 97.6 per cent backing proactive measures by platforms to prevent harm.

Speaking, the Minister, Bosun Tijani, said the fast-changing digital ecosystem demanded constant adaptation of laws, policies and safeguards to address emerging threats facing children online.

According to him, while social media offers learning and innovation opportunities, children must be protected from harmful content, exploitation and other digital risks.

The minister said: “The debate should focus on implementing age restrictions effectively rather than questioning the need for such safeguards.

” Nigeria can deploy digital identity infrastructure and existing platform verification systems to strengthen enforcement of age-based social media regulations.

“The fact that some people may bypass regulations is not a reason for safeguards not to exist.”

He added that protecting children online required coordinated efforts by government, parents, digital platforms and other stakeholders.

Also, the NDPC National Commissioner, Dr Vincent Olatunji, warned that children faced increasing threats across digital platforms and online environments.

He identified cyberbullying, cyberstalking, harmful content exposure and mental health concerns as some of the major risks confronting children online.

Olatunji said internet access remained essential for education and development but must be balanced with effective safeguards protecting children from harm.

He described child online safety as a shared responsibility involving government agencies, parents, schools, communities and digital platform operators.

According to him, any changes to age-related regulations should follow broad stakeholder consultations and established legislative processes.

Participants called for stronger digital literacy programmes, improved age-verification systems, enhanced parental guidance and greater accountability from digital platforms.

Veteran actor James Handy, known for his role in Top Gun: Maverick, was fatally stabbed at his home in Tarzana, California, on Wednesday, June 3.

According to a statement from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), Handy, 81, was discovered in the front yard of his residence suffering from a stab wound to the chest. He was transported by paramedics to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Police identified Michael Gledhill, 44, the son of Handy’s girlfriend, as the prime suspect. Authorities said Gledhill called 911 to confess to the killing before law enforcement arrived at the scene. In the call, Gledhill reportedly told dispatchers, “I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin.”

Gledhill was arrested and charged with one count of murder. He is being held at Van Nuys Jail with bail set at $2 million. Law enforcement also carried out door-to-door inquiries in the neighbourhood following the incident.

Handy, a native of New York City, had a career spanning decades, with supporting roles in blockbuster films and popular television series. His credits include Jumanji, Arachnophobia, Unbreakable, Logan, NYPD Blue, Rizzoli and Isles, Alias, NCIS: Los Angeles, and Criminal Minds. His final on-screen appearance was in Top Gun: Maverick in 2023.

The LAPD continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the stabbing. Neighbours described the area as quiet and were reportedly shocked by the violent incident.

By Kayode Adebiyi

At every FIFA World Cup, one of the eagerly anticipated subjects has been the design of the official football.

From the Telstar at the FIFA 2018 in Russia to the Brazuca at the 2014 edition in Brazil, the official ball has always been a talking point.

Who will forget the famous Jabulani when South Africa hosted the tournament in 2010? It was despised by goalkeepers but loved by attackers, especially Uruguay’s Diego Forlan!

It was at the Qatar tournament in 2022 that the official ball assumed even more curiosity, with Al Rihla becoming the first World Cup ball infused with semi-AI performance functions.

If football enthusiasts think that Al Rihla (meaning the journey in Arabic) impressed with offside technology, life data sharing, etc, then, they are in for a surprise at the performance of the 2026 World Cup ball.

Designed by Adidas, Trionda is a high-tech masterpiece which stakeholders have described as more than just sporting equipment.

During its unveiling, Adidas said Trionda “is a connected piece of engineering designed to handle the unique physics of North American altitudes while celebrating a historic three-nation host union”.

The name was derived from a linguistic blend into the prefix “tri” to represent the three host nations of Canada, Mexico and the U.S. and “onda”, the Spanish word for wave.

Thus, Trionda, or Three Waves, symbolises the fluid unity of the host countries and the three coastline (Atlantic, Pacific and the Gulf) framing the tournament.

Unlike the balls used previously, Trionda has fewer and lighter panels but remains stable with its aerodynamic features.

Its four panels are the fewest ever used on a World Cup match ball. This reduces the number of seams, making the ball’s surface more consistent.

It also features intentionally deep seams that act like the dimples on a golf ball, ensuring stable air drag and a predictable flight path, with a surface embossed with subtle iconography of the three host nations.

However, Trionda’s most mind-blowing feature is that it requires a charging station! A full 90-minute-charged ball runs for up to six hours.

Its motion sensor, suspended at the centre of the ball, tracks every touch, kick and deflection in real-time, sending data 500 times per second to the VAR centre!

FIFA said the technology allows for Semi-Automated Offside Technology, identifying the exact point of kick with millisecond precision to resolve tight offside calls in seconds rather than minutes.

Trionda also has some symbolic and aesthetic features, such as each host country having its unique ball colour; Canada (red), Mexico (green) and the U.S. (blue).

It is also made entirely with water-based glues and inks for sustainability, featuring a maple leaf, golden eagle and five-pointed star.

Finished with gold embellishments that pay homage to the FIFA World Cup Trophy itself, Adidas said it is their most visually playful ball yet, designed with both infield and broadcast visual considerations. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

KIA/JPE

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Ogun State commemorated World Environment Day 2026 on June 9 at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, with calls for collective climate action and the distribution of clean cooking stoves to women across the state.

The world environment day comes on the 5th of June 2026 with the theme: ‘Inspired by Nature: For Climate, For Our Future,’ was moved from the global date of June 5 to allow broader stakeholder participation, according to organizers.

Speaking at the event which was attended by Market women and men, CDAs, students and other state stakeholders, Ogun State first Lady Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun said nature should be treated as a partner, not just a resource.

She highlighted the health and environmental risks of firewood and charcoal use, noting links to deforestation, indoor air pollution, and respiratory diseases in women and children.

Mrs. Abiodun presented a 3, 500 Clean Cooking Stoves and LPG cylinders which was donated through collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Environment and Ogun State Government at the event.

She, however, urged beneficiaries to become ambassadors of clean energy in their communities.

Bamidele also praised Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration for interventions in waste management, tree planting, flood control, and environmental enforcement, calling them investments in public health, economic prosperity, and sustainable development, adding that women manage household energy while youth will shape future climate action.

Meanwhile the stoves, formally launched by the First Lady of Ogun State, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, are expected to reduce indoor air pollution, improve public health, ease pressure on forests, and support climate mitigation.

Beneficiaries were urged to adopt cleaner cooking practices and advocate for them in their communities

‘Let us therefore renew our resolve to protect our environment, preserve our natural heritage, and build a future that is cleaner, healthier, safer, and more prosperous for all,’ Mrs. Abiodun said.

Also speaking at the event, Ogun Commissioner for Environment Ola Oresanya said the state is intensifying climate action through Refuse Derived Fuel, RDF.

The technology converts combustible municipal waste into alternative fuel for industry, reducing landfill pressure, methane emissions, and dependence on fossil fuels.

Oresanya listed other achievements including strengthened compliance monitoring, pollution surveillance, and Environmental Management and Climate Change Clubs in schools to equip young people with stewardship skills.

He noted that challenges like urbanization, industrial pollution, and ecosystem degradation still require stronger collaboration, innovation, and sustained commitment from government, businesses, and citizens.

Both speakers emphasized the role of women and youth in environmental transformation.

Oresanya added that the ministry is prioritizing environmental health, school safety, climate governance, and public-private partnerships.

The Head of Service, Mr Olanrewaju Iskeel Saka, commended the Ministry of Environment for projects including strengthened waste management, flood control, sanitation programmes, and environmental education campaigns.

He said these efforts are making Ogun State cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable.

He urged public servants to remain dedicated, innovative, and proactive while strengthening compliance, embracing technology-driven solutions, and deepening public engagement on environmental issues.

Mr Iskeel expressed delight at the Ministry’s Refuse-Derived Fuel initiative, describing it as a practical way to convert combustible waste into alternative industrial fuel.

He noted it will reduce dependence on fossil fuels, cut landfill waste, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and create green economic opportunities.

He also commended the Federal Ministry of Environment for donating clean cook stoves to Ogun State.

He stressed that government alone cannot achieve environmental sustainability and called on citizens, communities, institutions, and the private sector to join climate action efforts.

‘Together, inspired by nature, we can take meaningful climate actions and secure a prosperous future for ourselves and generations to come,’ he said.

The event aligns with global World Environment Day activities focused on climate change impacts like rising temperatures, flooding, land degradation, and biodiversity loss.

The stakeholders however renewed call for Ogun residents to choose sustainability over wastefulness and conservation over degradation.