Category: PM News

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano/Jigawa Area Command, has intercepted a consignment of illegally traded wildlife and arrested three suspects on the Kano-Daura Road.

Public Relations Officer, CSC Tahir Balarabe, revealed this in a statement on Friday in Kano.

He said the wildlife were intercepted on Aug. 25, following an intelligence-led operation, in accordance with Section 55(1)(i) of the NCS Act 2023 and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

The Acting Deputy Comptroller of Enforcement, AC Muhammad Zanna, who spoke on behalf of the Acting Customs Area Controller, DCC Usman Adamu, said the operation was conducted following credible intelligence.

‘The operation was carried out by our patrol team based on credible intelligence at about 8:30 p.m. on Aug. 25. The team intercepted the endangered wildlife and apprehended three suspects on the Kano-Daura Road,’ he said.

He, therefore, commended the patrol officers for demonstrating a high level of professionalism during the operation as the suspects made multiple attempts to offer them bribes.

‘The efforts of these gallant officers have therefore, disrupted this supply chain and will play a huge role in reducing the trafficking of endangered wildlife,’ Adamu said.

He further stated that following a physical examination, the intercepted wildlife were identified as follows: four caracal wild cats, four chimpanzees, and two baby gorillas.

Others, he said, were seven red-coloured Patas monkeys, two galagos (bush babies), one honey badger, two albino alligators, six rock fowls, one civet cat, and 19 greater bustard wild birds.

‘The wild animals and suspects were subsequently handed over to the representative of the Special Wildlife Unit, Office of the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters, for further investigation and prosecution,’ he revealed.

Katsina governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has gifted N7 million, laptops and Postgraduate (PG) scholarships to three outstanding medical students of Bayero University Kano (BUK) for their exceptional academic performances.

Governor Radda met with the students at the Government House, Katsina.

They were among BUK’s top-performing medical graduates.

The beneficiaries are Dr. Ismail Abubakar Muhammad, Dr. Abba Bashir, and Dr. Fatima Tukur Sada, who distinguished themselves in various disciplines at the College of Health Sciences.

Dr. Ismail Abubakar Muhammad emerged as the Best Student in Biochemistry, Best Student in Medicine and Surgery, and Overall Best Student.

Governor Radda rewarded him with ?3 million cash, a brand-new latest-model Lenovo laptop and sponsorship for postgraduate training in Nuclear Medicine.

Dr. Abba Bashir emerged as the Best Student in Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, as well as the Second Overall Best Student.

He received ?2 million cash, a brand-new latest-model Lenovo laptop and sponsorship for postgraduate training in Nuclear Medicine.

Dr. Fatima Tukur Sada emerged as the Best Student in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

She was rewarded with ?2 million cash, a brand-new latest-model Lenovo laptop and sponsorship for postgraduate training in Nuclear Medicine.

In total, Governor Radda awarded the three students ?7 million, three Lenovo laptops and postgraduate training sponsorship.

The gesture reflected his commitment to academic excellence, youth development and human capital investment.

Governor Radda congratulated the beneficiaries and urged them to remain committed to excellence, professional growth and service to humanity.

He assured that his administration would continue to support outstanding students and develop skilled professionals for the advancement of Katsina State and Nigeria.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Osun Sector Command has decorated 41 personnel in mass promotion to various ranks in the command.

The promotion covers fourteen officers and 27 Marshals across various cadres. Out of the officers three were promoted from the rank of Chief Route Commander (CRC) to Assistant Corps Commander (ACC).

Other two officers were elevated from the rank of Route Commander to Superintendent Route Commander (SRC), four Deputy Route Commanders to Route Commander, and five Assistant Route Commandants (ARC) to Deputy Route Commander (DRC) respectively.

According to a press release forwarded to PM NEWS on Thursday by RC J Owolabi, the marshals decorated to higher ranks were 27 in number.

Speaking during the decoration ceremony in the command, on Wednesday, the sector commander who represented the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Mohammed congratulated all officers and men, describing the elevation as a recognition of dedication, professionalism and commitment to the Corps.

The Sector Commander Sunday Tayo Adebayo urged the beneficiaries to see their new ranks as increase of responsibility and a renewed call to service.

He stressed that the elevation demands greater commitment, discipline, leadership, accountability and dedication to the statutory responsibilities of the Corps.

He further charged the promoted officers and marshals to uphold the values and ethics of the FRSC by shunning all forms of indiscipline, bribery, corruption and other unethical practices. He emphasized that every officer and Marshal must remain conscious that their conduct, both on and off duty to uphold the image of the Corps.

‘Our interaction with members of the public must be guided by professionalism, courtesy, integrity and fairness. There must be no compromise in the fight against corruption, and nobody should use position or rank to undermine the integrity of the Corps,’ he stated.

The Corps Marshal said the promotion exercise was conducted in line with established rules and procedures, including Annual Performance Evaluation Reports, interviews, examinations, federal character principles and the availability of vacancies.

He encouraged officers and men who were not successful to remain focused and see the outcome as motivation to improve performance ahead of future opportunities.

He reaffirmed the Corps’ resolve to continue to motivate personnel for improved service delivery in line with FRSC’s mandate of reducing road crashes and saving lives.

The candidate of African Democratic Congress, ADC for Adamawa 2027 governorship election, Omar Suleiman has expressed shock over alleged endorsement of his substitution with Alhaji Hamantukur Modibbo by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar

Suleiman expressed the shock on Friday in Yola while informing journalists that he has approached the court to challenge his alleged substitution by the party.

While affirming that the people’s mandate given to him cannot be rewritten through manipulation, Suleiman raised concern over a statement attributed to Atiku endorsing his substitution with Modibbo.

He claimed Atiku endorsed Modibbo as the ADC governorship candidate, describing the development as shocking, given Atiku’s position as the party’s national leader.

‘Let me therefore state clearly and unequivocally that I remain the duly elected gubernatorial candidate of the ADC in Adamawa State,’ he said.

Suleiman said the party’s governorship primary was conducted under the supervision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and witnessed by members and the public.

According to him, he emerged victorious in the primary, while Modibbo came second, adding that his name was subsequently submitted to INEC as candidate.

He said he approached the Federal High Court to protect the integrity of his mandate and prevent any unlawful substitution of his name.

‘Because I anticipated the possibility of precisely this kind of political manipulation, I approached the Federal High Court to protect the integrity of that mandate.

‘I sought judicial intervention to prevent any unlawful substitution of my name.

‘I also sought from the court an injunction restraining INEC from accepting any substitution of my name by the party or any person,’ he said.

Suleiman said the court processes had been served on INEC and the ADC at both national and state levels.

He added that he had been informed that Atiku was also briefed by the party about the legal action.

‘Until the court determines otherwise, no individual, regardless of his position, influence or stature, has the legal or moral authority to rewrite the result,’ he said.

Suleiman said the issue was not about personal ambition but the sanctity of the democratic process and respect for party members’ choice.

‘If the votes of party members can simply be overturned with fiat after an election, then we are not building democracy; we are replacing it,’ he said.

He called on Atiku to withdraw the alleged post and refrain from actions capable of undermining the party’s process already before the court.

He said leadership demands restraint, fairness and respect for due process, particularly from those who aspire to lead the country.

He stressed that the mandate belongs to the people who gave it, hence cannot be appropriated by an individual,’ he added.

Suleiman urged ADC members, supporters and the public to remain calm, vigilant and resolute in defending the mandate through lawful democratic means.

‘Democracy means that the people choose and that their choice must be respected.

‘Adamawa ADC members have made their choice; it is left for our political leaders to respect it or disregard it,’ he added.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Anambra State Command, has assured residents of adequate security before, during and after the Aug. 29 local government elections in the state.

The State Commandant, Mr Olatunde Maku, gave the assurance on Friday while addressing officers and men of the command ahead of their deployment for the election.

Maku said the command had put in place comprehensive security arrangements and strategically deployed personnel across the 21 Local Government Areas (LGAs) to ensure peaceful, credible and hitch-free conduct of the election.

He said the deployment was also aimed at protecting lives and property as well as electoral officials and materials throughout the electoral process.

‘I urge you to ensure the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure.

‘Any form of electoral violence, vandalism, thuggery, voter intimidation and other acts capable of disrupting the election will not be tolerated.

‘Perpetrators, sponsors and accomplices of electoral offences, irrespective of their status or political affiliation, will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law,’ he said.

Maku assured residents that NSCDC personnel deployed for the exercise would conduct themselves with professionalism, neutrality and respect for human rights, while adhering strictly to extant laws.

He appealed to candidates, political parties, supporters and other stakeholders to embrace peace and shun acts capable of undermining the electoral process.

According to him, the NSCDC, in collaboration with sister security agencies, has deployed adequate manpower to guarantee the safety of voters, electoral officials and materials.

The command urged members of the public to promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest NSCDC formation or through its emergency lines: 08035771835, 08036172748 and 08036789255.

The Nigerian Army, working with the Office of the National Security Adviser Tactical Team, has raided a Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist camp in Adamawa State, killing more than 21 insurgents and destroying their operational base.

The operation was carried out in the early hours of Wednesday at the Kopre Mountain area of Hong Local Government Area following intelligence reports on terrorist activities in the location.

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai engaged the terrorists in two separate encounters, neutralising 21 fighters while others reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds.

The military said troops also destroyed terrorist logistics facilities and recovered several weapons, including AK-47 rifles, magazines and large quantities of 7.62mm ammunition.

Other items recovered or destroyed during the operation included motorcycles, bicycles and jerrycans containing Premium Motor Spirit believed to have been used for terrorist activities.

The Acting Military Information Officer of the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Captain Mohammed Goni, said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to rescue victims abducted from Mussa community and the Lassa area.

He said Operation Hadin Kai would continue with intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling terrorist hideouts, degrading their capabilities and rescuing kidnapped victims.

The military high command commended the troops and the ONSA Tactical Team for their coordination, describing the operation as another step in efforts to deny Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters freedom of movement in the North-East.

Prince Amb. (Dr.) Adedipe Dauda Ewenla, Akinjagunla Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, has declared his support for Tani Olohun, saying the rule of law and constitutional rights must apply equally to every Nigerian regardless of religious belief or cultural affiliation.

Ewenla, a security expert, real estate investor and graduate surveyor, commended the Oyo State Commissioner of Police for what he described as a responsible and professional approach to the attempted arrest of Tani Olohun in Ibadan.

According to him, the Oyo State Police Command said officers from the Kwara State Police Command arrived in Ibadan pursuant to a warrant issued by the Upper Ilorin Magistrates’ Court.

He said that after the Oyo Commissioner of Police was informed of the operation, he directed the Kwara officers to return to their base and advised the complainant to approach the appropriate court in Ibadan, being the alleged location where the offence was committed.

Ewenla described the decision as an example of how law enforcement should operate in a democratic society governed by constitutional principles and due process.

‘Nobody is above the law, but nobody should be subjected to the law outside due process either,’ he said.

He therefore stated publicly that he stood with Tani Olohun in his demand for justice, fairness and respect for his fundamental rights.

Ewenla stressed that his support for Tani Olohun was not motivated by hostility towards Islam, Christianity or any other religion, but by the need to protect the rights of every Nigerian to freedom of conscience, freedom of religion, freedom of expression and equal protection under the law.

According to him, Nigeria is a secular constitutional democracy, and no citizen should be targeted, intimidated or subjected to unequal treatment simply because of his religious practice or public advocacy for Isese and Yoruba indigenous religious traditions.

‘Let the Courts Determine the Facts’

Ewenla acknowledged that anyone who believes Tani Olohun has committed an offence has the right to seek legal redress.

He, however, insisted that any complaint against him must be handled through the proper legal procedure and within the appropriate jurisdiction, rather than through intimidation, extra-judicial pressure or attempts to move a person from one state to another without proper regard for due process.

He said the position taken by the Oyo State Police Command should serve as an important reminder that police officers have a duty to enforce the law professionally and must not become instruments in private, religious or political disputes.

‘The appropriate question is simple: If an alleged offence occurred in Ibadan, why should the complainant not follow the proper legal process in Ibadan, as advised by the Oyo State Commissioner of Police?’ he asked.

Ewenla called on all parties to allow the courts to determine the facts, while urging the police to remain professional and ensure that every citizen receives equal protection under the Constitution.

Commends Ibadan Residents for Restraint

The Akinjagunla Aare Ona Kakanfo also commended residents of Ibadan who, according to him, remained vigilant and concerned about the development.

He praised individuals who called for calm and lawful conduct and particularly acknowledged those who intervened to prevent the situation from escalating into violence.

He, however, made it clear that supporting Tani Olohun should not be interpreted as support for violence against anyone.

According to him, people who disagree with Tani Olohun should use the courts and other lawful institutions to express their grievances rather than resorting to threats, harassment or mob action.

‘I Stand With Tani Olohun’

Ewenla said his position was rooted in his belief in constitutional democracy, religious freedom, cultural preservation and the rule of law.

‘I stand with Tani Olohun.

‘I stand for Isese and the preservation of Yoruba cultural heritage.

‘I stand for freedom of conscience and religious freedom.

‘I stand for justice, constitutional democracy and the rule of law.

‘And I stand firmly against the use of religion, police authority or any government institution to intimidate or persecute any Nigerian.’

He added that Nigeria belongs to all its citizens and that Yoruba land belongs to all its people, regardless of religious affiliation.

‘No religion should be used as a weapon against another citizen,’ he said.

Troops conducting counter-terrorism operations in Adamawa State have killed 21 terrorists and destroyed a Boko Haram/ISWAP camp in Hong Local Government Area.

The operation was carried out by troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), working alongside the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) Tactical Team.

The Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Capt. Mohammed Goni, said in a statement on Friday that the offensive took place in the early hours of August 27.

He said the operation followed credible intelligence indicating the presence of terrorists in the Kopre Mountain area.

According to Goni, the assault team included personnel from the ONSA Tactical Team and newly inducted soldiers of 226 Battalion deployed to Sector 4, Adamawa.

The troops reportedly made a stealth approach through the rugged terrain before launching a precision attack on the terrorists’ camp.

Goni said the operation was also aimed at advancing efforts to rescue people abducted by terrorists, including victims taken from Mussa community in May and schoolchildren kidnapped in Lassa in June.

He said the troops encountered the terrorists twice during the operation, killing 21 of them, while several others managed to flee with gunshot wounds.

After securing the area, the troops dismantled the camp and destroyed infrastructure used by the terrorists to support their activities.

‘Several motorcycles, bicycles and jerrycans containing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), believed to have supported terrorist logistics and mobility, were destroyed in situ,’ he said.

The troops also recovered several AK-47 rifles, magazines and a substantial quantity of 7.62mm special ammunition during a search of the camp.

Goni said the operation had significantly weakened the terrorists’ operational capacity and restricted their ability to operate freely in the area.

He described the operation as evidence of the troops’ tactical proficiency, effective use of intelligence and ability to conduct operations in challenging terrain.

The Military High Command, he added, commended the ONSA Tactical Team and OPHK troops for their gallantry, professionalism, resilience and effective coordination.

Goni said the military would continue to conduct intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling terrorist strongholds and rescuing abducted persons across the North East.

He assured that troops would sustain efforts to destroy terrorist logistics and fighting capabilities, while preventing the insurgents from establishing safe havens or moving freely.

He said the operations would continue until abducted persons were found and rescued and lasting peace and security restored across the region.

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has added 10 more Nigerians to its ‘Worst of the Worst’ register of immigrants arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), with the cases involving alleged offences ranging from wire fraud and identity theft to child-related offences, drug offences and weapons violations.

The latest names were published by the US authorities on Friday, August 28, 2026, weeks after DHS released a separate list containing 124 Nigerians in July as part of the Trump administration’s intensified immigration enforcement campaign.

The 10 Nigerians identified in the latest update are Temitope Bashua, Ojehoro Lewis, Osemudiamen Kingsley Oziegbe, Daniel Oworen, Raymond H. Ekevwo, Franklin Dikeocha, Johnson Ogunlana, Chukwuemeka Okorocha, Tunde Korede and Chukwuemeka Chinye.

According to the information published alongside their names, Bashua, who is listed in Allenwood, Pennsylvania, is associated with wire fraud, identity theft and fraud.

Ojehoro Lewis, listed in Conroe, Texas, is associated with cruelty toward a child, while Osemudiamen Kingsley Oziegbe, in Louisville, Kentucky, is listed in connection with wire fraud.

Daniel Oworen, also in Conroe, Texas, is listed for a dangerous drugs offence, while Raymond H. Ekevwo, in Oxford, Wisconsin, is listed for wire fraud.

Franklin Dikeocha, listed in Dallas, Texas, is associated with a sex offence against a child involving fondling, while Johnson Ogunlana, in White Deer, Pennsylvania, is listed for fraud and identity theft.

Chukwuemeka Okorocha, listed in Allenwood, Pennsylvania, has several offences associated with his case, including wire fraud, dangerous drugs, possession of a weapon and aggravated assault involving a non-family gun.

Tunde Korede, also listed in Allenwood, is associated with conspiracy, while Chukwuemeka Chinye, listed in Pollock, Louisiana, is associated with larceny from a banking-type institution, fraud, larceny, identity theft and conspiracy.

The publication of the names does not, however, mean that the 10 Nigerians have already been deported.

The latest DHS update does not specify deportation dates or a timeline for their removal. Reports based on the DHS register said the individuals were identified as people arrested by ICE, with the offences associated with their cases listed alongside their names.

The distinction is significant because the headline description of the Nigerians as people ‘to be deported’ could otherwise suggest that removal had already been scheduled or carried out.

DHS said the register was created to highlight what it describes as the ‘worst of worst criminal aliens’ arrested by ICE, as the US government steps up immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump.

‘Under DHS leadership, the hardworking men and women of DHS and ICE are fulfilling President Trump’s promise and carrying out mass deportations – starting with the worst of the worst,’ the department said.

The latest publication comes barely two months after the US government released the names and photographs of 124 Nigerians on the same register in July. That earlier list also did not provide specific deportation dates for those named.

Lagos State Government has sought stronger collaboration with Japan in mass transportation, technology, human capital development and cultural exchange, with particular emphasis on deploying electric high-capacity buses to improve mobility across the state.

Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Deputy, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, made the call on Friday while receiving Japan’s Assistant Minister and Director-General for African Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms Takahashi Misako, on a courtesy visit at the Deputy Governor’s official residence in Osborne, Ikoyi, Lagos.

Sanwo-Olu said Lagos’ large population and limited landmass made efficient mass transportation critical to the state’s development and economic sustainability.

He urged Japan and Japanese companies to explore opportunities for collaboration in electric vehicles, particularly high-capacity buses capable of moving large numbers of residents across the metropolis.

‘But I think going forward, it will be interesting to know what we can do together in terms of electric vehicles. And when I say vehicle, I mean buses, high-capacity buses. What can we do to get electric buses? How do we get our people to move around freely?’ the governor said.

Sanwo-Olu said Lagos has a population of about 30 million, despite having one of the smallest land areas among Nigeria’s states, making mass transit indispensable.

He also sought Japanese support and partnerships in technology and human capital development, particularly in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and robotics.

According to the governor, collaboration in these areas could facilitate knowledge transfer and skills development by creating opportunities for Japanese experts, students and Lagos residents to interact and exchange expertise.

Sanwo-Olu further highlighted the importance of cultural cooperation between Lagos and Japan, describing Lagos as Nigeria’s cultural capital with a vibrant creative industry driven by Afrobeats, music and other forms of artistic expression.

He said deeper cultural ties could create additional opportunities for both sides while strengthening people-to-people relations.

The governor also urged Japanese officials and businesses operating in Nigeria to pay greater attention to Lagos, describing the state as the centre of significant economic activity in the country.

He said stronger engagement between the Lagos State Government and the Japanese Consulate in Lagos would help identify areas of mutual interest and translate existing relations into greater impact.

Earlier, Misako said Japan was interested in deepening its partnership with Nigeria, particularly Lagos, citing the state’s expanding business environment, technological development and opportunities for youth-focused collaboration.

She said 57 major Japanese companies had established operations in Lagos, with three of them having manufacturing capabilities.

Misako also pointed to ongoing cultural exchanges and the planned Japan-Nigeria Business Facilitation Council meeting in Lagos in October as indications of the expanding relationship between Japan and Nigeria.

‘We see a lot of potential for further collaboration in the future between Japan and Nigeria,’ she said.

Misako described the relationship between both countries as potentially complementary, noting that Japanese technology and scientific capabilities could support Nigerian youths seeking to specialise in technology-related fields.

‘I am very impressed that there is maybe a mutually complementary collaborative relationship between Japan and Nigeria, because Japanese technology and Japanese science capability can also help facilitate the younger Nigerian students who would like to specialise in that area,’ she said.

The engagement underscores Lagos’ efforts to attract international partnerships around sustainable transportation, technological innovation, youth development and the creative economy.