Category: PM News

The United States military has begun a new round of training for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces as both countries continue to strengthen their security cooperation.

The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) disclosed this in a report published on Monday, August 24, 2026.

According to AFRICOM, the training is designed to improve the ability of Nigerian military personnel to respond effectively to combat situations, handle security threats and use modern military equipment.

The training also includes instruction on the use of unmanned aircraft systems, which are increasingly being used for surveillance, intelligence gathering and other military operations.

AFRICOM said the exercises are being held at Operating Location Bauchi as part of the wider security cooperation programme between Nigeria and the United States.

The command explained that the activities are aimed at sharing military knowledge, strengthening the capacity of Nigerian forces and improving coordination between American and Nigerian personnel.

The training covers several areas considered important to military operations, including Combat Lifesaver and Tactical Combat Casualty Care.

Other areas include weapons familiarisation, camouflage, water treatment and testing, explosive ordnance disposal, small-unit tactics and unmanned aircraft system training.

The medical training is expected to help military personnel provide immediate care to injured colleagues during combat situations, while the weapons and small-unit tactics sessions are focused on improving operational readiness.

The explosive ordnance disposal training is designed to improve the ability of personnel to identify and deal with explosive threats safely.

AFRICOM said the training is also helping both countries build stronger working relationships among their military personnel.

The command described the activities as part of efforts to improve the capacity of Nigeria’s security forces while deepening military-to-military cooperation between Nigeria and the United States.

‘The US and Nigerian forces are conducting a series of training events at Operating Location Bauchi, Nigeria, aimed at sharing military expertise, strengthening partner capacity and building relationships between service members from both nations,’ AFRICOM said.

The latest training comes as Nigeria continues to strengthen the capacity of its armed forces to deal with various security challenges across the country.

Through such training programmes, Nigerian and American military personnel are able to share knowledge, improve their operational skills and develop better coordination in responding to security threats.

The cooperation also provides an opportunity for Nigerian personnel to gain experience in areas involving modern military technology and battlefield response.

AFRICOM said the training reflects the continued partnership between the United States and Nigeria in the area of security and defence.

Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers has felicitated Muslim faithful in the state and across Nigeria on the occasion of Eid ul Mawlid, commemorating the birth of Prophet Muhammad.

Fubara made the remark in a goodwill message issued to Journalists by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Onwuka Nzeshi in Port Harcourt, on Tuesday.

He urged Muslims to use the occasion to reflect on the virtues of peace, compassion, tolerance, selflessness and service to humanity.

The governor said the virtues exemplified by the Prophet could promote harmony, unity and positive change in society.

‘On this joyous occasion, I pray that Allah accepts your prayers, grants you good health, prosperity, and continued peace in our state and nation. In Rivers State, we are proud of our diversity and the spirit of unity that binds Christians, Muslims, and people of all faiths together. Your prayers, peaceful conduct, and contributions to the growth and development of our state remain deeply appreciated,’ he said.

Fubara urged residents to continue to cherish the state’s religious and cultural diversity by promoting harmony, tolerance and mutual understanding.

He said that shared values of compassion, forgiveness and unity should guide the people in their daily lives and interactions.

The governor assured residents that his administration remained committed to ensuring peace, security and equal opportunities for all, irrespective of religious or ethnic background.

He prayed for continued peace and prosperity in Rivers and Nigeria, urging Muslims to celebrate the occasion in the spirit of love, peaceful coexistence and service to humanity.

All Progressives Congress National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, has declared that President Bola Tinubu has outperformed every democratically elected president Nigeria has produced.

Morka made the claim during an interview on Channels Television while defending the Tinubu administration’s economic record and the reforms introduced since it assumed office.

‘President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has outperformed any president in his first term. He has outperformed any democratically elected president in this country in their terms,’ Morka said.

Asked to identify the indicators supporting his assessment, the APC spokesman argued that the evidence was already visible in the economy.

‘The indicators are res ipsa loquitur, as we say in law; they speak for themselves. This president inherited an economy that was completely in a mess,’ he said.

Morka maintained that Tinubu inherited deep economic problems accumulated over successive administrations and had taken difficult decisions aimed at restoring stability.

He particularly blamed the 16 years of Peoples Democratic Party rule for many of the structural problems confronting the country before the APC took power in 2015.

The APC spokesman also offered an assessment of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s eight years in office, describing him as a leader who prevented the country from sliding further before Tinubu took over.

‘Buhari was a stopgap president that really came to keep the country from tipping over the precipice – from 16 years of horrific maladministration of the PDP government,’ Morka said.

‘President Buhari served his term, did his job to hold the country still for President Tinubu to enter.’

According to him, the reforms undertaken by the current administration have begun to pull Nigeria away from severe macroeconomic difficulties.

Morka said improvements in key indicators were becoming increasingly difficult to ignore, adding that even some critics of the administration had begun acknowledging progress in parts of the economy.

He maintained that Nigeria had ‘come out of the woods’ at the macroeconomic level, attributing the development to policies implemented by the Tinubu government.

The APC has continued to make the administration’s economic record a central part of its argument for Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, insisting that the impact of the reforms will become increasingly evident to Nigerians.

A Kaduna-based Christian cleric, Pastor Yohanna Buru has explained why he has been celebrating the Maulud with Muslims for past eleven years.

Buru said this on Wednesday when he led members of his church to celebrate Eid-el-Maulud with Muslims in Kaduna State and Northern Nigeria for the 11th consecutive year.

According to him, the gesture was aimed at promoting religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and stronger relationships between Christians and Muslims.

The cleric, General Overseer of Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry, is a recipient of the United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week recognition by King Abdullah II of Jordan.

Buru said the Maulud celebration provided an opportunity for people of different faiths to interact, understand one another and strengthen relationships.

He said peaceful coexistence required continuous dialogue, mutual respect and willingness to engage with people from different religious backgrounds.

Delivering a lecture on peace and unity, Buru described Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as a messenger whose teachings on peace, love and compassion remained relevant to humanity.

‘Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is for all mankind, irrespective of tribe, culture, region, colour, race or nationality,’ he said.

Buru urged Nigerians across religious and ethnic divides to forgive past differences and work together to build a peaceful and united country.

He said Christians and Muslims shared a common belief in one Creator and should use the Bible and Qur’an to promote peaceful coexistence.

The cleric said participating in Maulud celebrations did not affect his Christian faith, explaining that the gesture formed part of his efforts to strengthen interfaith understanding.

He disclosed that he participated in more than 30 Maulud celebrations annually across different states in Nigeria and some neighbouring countries.

Also speaking, Rev. Rawland Sanda said Christian leaders continued to honour invitations from Muslims to participate in Maulud celebrations, while Muslims were similarly invited during Christmas.

Islamic scholars, Imam Mohammed Musa and Imam Iliyasu Yusuf of Zaria, commended the initiative and called on the Federal Government to honour Buru nationally for promoting peace and religious tolerance.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has declared that the All Progressives Congress is fully prepared for the 2027 general elections, expressing confidence that the ruling party will secure victory across Lagos State.

Sanwo-Olu made the declaration after inspecting the APC presidential and governorship campaign offices on Monday to assess preparations ahead of the polls.

According to the governor, the party’s campaign structure is already taking shape, with strategic planning and mobilisation underway.

‘The campaign committee is fully in its element, mapping out the road ahead and sharpening our strategy,’ Sanwo-Olu said.

He disclosed that President Bola Tinubu, the APC presidential candidate, Lagos governorship candidate, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, and other candidates flying the party’s flag were fully committed to the campaign.

Sanwo-Olu said he was encouraged by what he described as the seriousness and organisation already evident within the campaign structure.

‘There is serious, structured work happening behind the scenes,’ he said.

The governor added that the level of energy and coordination among party members had strengthened his confidence in the APC’s chances in the state.

‘I am encouraged by the energy and sense of purpose,’ Sanwo-Olu stated.

He said the party was ‘focused, aligned and ready to win across the board,’ insisting that the APC would also continue to build on its development record in Lagos.

‘Together, we will keep building on Lagos’s momentum and pushing our state forward,’ he added.

The declaration comes as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, with campaign structures, mobilisation teams and strategic committees already taking shape across the country

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Ogun says it has dismantled drug black spots in the state.This is contained in a statement in Abeokuta on Monday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Haris Musa.

According to the statement, the command has continued to intensify operations to dismantle identified drug black spots across the state.

Musa explained that the operation, code-named ‘Operation Restore Order’, is a nationwide coordinated exercise launched by the NDLEA Chairman, Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Marwa (Rtd).

He said the operation had led operatives to conduct targeted raids on several identified drug black spots in Abeokuta, including Mayas, Miami in Panseke, Onion Market in Eleweran, MKO Stadium, and Kuto Park.

‘Other locations targeted include WAPCO in Lafenwa, where the command conducted coordinated operations aimed at disrupting illicit drug activities and dismantling drug networks. The coordinated operations are aimed at reclaiming public spaces being used for drug trafficking and abuse,’ he said.

The NDLEA spokesperson reaffirmed the command’s commitment to its statutory mandate of protecting communities and denying illicit drug activities a foothold across Ogun state.

The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has sharply criticised the Benin-Asaba Expressway Concession Company, BAECC, over what he described as the poor handling of the Benin-Asaba highway.

Umahi made the remarks during an on-the-spot assessment of the road in Benin City, accusing the concessionaire of lacking technical competence to execute a major highway project.

The minister was particularly angered by the removal of existing asphalt without the construction of adequate side drains before work commenced, saying the action had worsened the condition of the road.

His assessment followed mounting complaints over the deplorable state of the highway, with motorists reportedly stranded for days at different failed portions.

The Benin-Asaba highway was concessioned to BAECC in 2025 for transformation into a 10-lane expressway. In October 2025, the concessionaire assured the project would be completed within the agreed timeframe.

Umahi who said the manner of handling the project had raised serious concerns, threatened to arrest the contractor for destroying public property.

‘The concessionaire should have been arrested for allegedly destroying public property. The Ministry of Works did not authorise the removal of asphalt from the existing road,’ he said.

‘The Ministry of Works does not allow removal of asphalt. We begged them not to remove it. This road was not like this when it was handed over. I am instructing the ministry to arrest any concessionaire that removes asphalt from existing roads,’ Umahi added.

The minister also took responsibility for the ministry’s oversight.

‘I am disappointed with the concessionaire. I take full responsibility for their misdeed and destruction of public assets,’ he said.

Addressing BAECC CEO, Samuel Daramola, Umahi accused the company of manipulating the concession process and questioned its capacity.

‘You have no knowledge of road construction. You don’t know what you are doing. You have no technical staff or competence. The President has directed us to do whatever is possible to fix this road,’ he said.

Umahi blamed the government for failing to properly scrutinise concessionaires, warning that allowing inexperienced contractors to ‘learn on major public roads’ endangered road users.

‘This is dangerous. This is provocation at its highest level. It is a pity when people cannot pass the road,’ he said.

The minister disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had directed the redesign of roads from Kogi through Edo to Warri, with concrete pavement being considered.

‘We need total reconstruction of this road and not this palliative’ he added.

Responding, Daramola who blamed heavy rainfall and traffic volume for the slow pace, said BAECC had expanded portions to eight lanes and done palliative works, but was forced to reopen sections before materials cured due to pressure from motorists.

‘We are wrestling with the weather. We have to choose between doing side drains and combating heavy traffic. We are compelled to open the road when it is yet to cure,’ Daramola said.

House of Representatives Committee on Works Chairman, Hon. Akin Alabi, called for a review of the concession agreement.

‘We cannot afford concessionaires who can be giving us issues. The people want to see good roads,’ he said.

Project Consultant, Engr. Toyin Akilapa, said BAECC ignored professional advice to construct drainage first.

‘We told them to first do the drains but they ignored us and that affected the road,’ he said.

Senator Allwell Onyeso described the road condition as ‘despicable’.

Governor Monday Okpebholo, who was present, commended President Tinubu for responding to concerns on the road and urged residents to disregard ‘opposition narratives on social media.’

He also commended the governor for intervening on several federal roads in the state.

Former President of Liberia, George Weah, has warned that democracy cannot survive on elections alone.

He said strong democratic institutions, an independent judiciary and a legal profession willing to hold those in power accountable are necessary for democracy to thrive.

Weah spoke while delivering the keynote address at the opening of the 66th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The conference, themed ‘Beyond Limits,’ brought together lawyers, judges, policymakers and other stakeholders from Nigeria and beyond.

According to Weah, elections are only the beginning of democracy and do not, on their own, guarantee good governance.

He said the judiciary and parliament must remain strong enough to check the excesses of elected leaders.

‘Democracy does not survive on the strength of elections alone. Elections are the doorway into democracy, not the house itself,’ Weah said.

He warned that even a leader who wins a free and fair election could later become authoritarian by weakening the judiciary, legislature and other democratic institutions.

‘A tyrant with a certificate of return is still a tyrant,’ he declared.

Weah said threats to democracy do not only come from military coups or politicians who refuse to accept election results.

He noted that elected governments could also threaten democracy by putting pressure on judges, weakening institutions or turning legislatures into ‘echo chambers’ for the executive.

The former Liberian president stressed that the rule of law must protect all citizens equally, regardless of their political connections or social status.

He said a weak or compromised judiciary could damage public trust and have negative effects on investment, security and peace.

Weah therefore urged Nigerian lawyers to protect judicial independence and ensure that courts remain places where citizens can seek justice without political interference.

The former football star also recalled his decision to concede defeat in Liberia’s 2023 presidential election.

He said he chose to respect the will of the people and protect the peace of his country rather than put his personal ambition above national interest.

According to him, political office should be seen as temporary service to the people and not as a possession worth fighting to retain at all costs.

Speaking earlier, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, said the judiciary was essential to democratic governance because the courts provide a place where citizens can seek justice and protect their constitutional rights.

Fubara urged judges to remain courageous and honest in holding both government officials and citizens accountable to the constitution and the rule of law.

The governor recalled that Port Harcourt was initially scheduled to host the NBA conference in 2025 before an emergency declaration led to its relocation to Enugu.

He said the return of the conference to Port Harcourt represented the restoration of democratic institutions in Rivers State.

Fubara assured delegates of their safety and said his administration would continue to support judicial independence and access to justice.

He disclosed that his administration had increased access to justice by appointing more judges and establishing additional courts.

He also said a new Federal High Court building was expected to be handed over before the end of the year.

The governor pledged continued support for the administrative and financial independence of the state judiciary.

The outgoing NBA President, Afam Osigwe, said the association deliberately returned its annual conference to Port Harcourt following the restoration of democratic governance in Rivers State.

He said the decision reflected the NBA’s commitment to democracy, the rule of law and strong democratic institutions.

Cross River Governor, Bassey Otu, has threatened to withdraw the certificates of recognition of traditional rulers if peace breaks down in their communities.

Otu issued the warning on Monday during the 21st Leboku International New Yam Festival in Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area, following recent communal violence in the area.

The governor condemned the Ugep-Idomi communal clash, which reportedly claimed lives, describing the violence as a ‘show of shame’ and unacceptable.

Represented by his Deputy, Peter Odey, Otu said the government had considered cancelling the 2026 Leboku Festival because of the crisis but decided to retain it.

He said the festival was preserved to promote peace, unity and brotherhood among the people of Yakurr and neighbouring communities.

Otu warned traditional rulers to maintain peace or risk losing their certificates of recognition from the state government.

He also said the government would not recognise rival factions involved in the Agoi Ibami leadership dispute until they resolved their differences.

According to him, the government would only deal with one recognised traditional leader after reconciliation among the contending parties.

The governor pledged N50 million for the renovation of the Ugep Peace Stadium to improve sporting and community facilities.

Yakurr Council Chairman, Yibala Inyang, described Leboku as a celebration of gratitude, culture, unity and economic opportunity, rooted in the first yam harvest.

Inyang said the festival had grown into an international cultural event promoting tourism, agriculture and economic development across Cross River.

He added that Leboku attracted Yakurr indigenes and visitors from across Nigeria and the diaspora every year.

Inyang commended the state government and other stakeholders for sustaining the festival as a platform for showcasing Cross River’s cultural heritage.

He said preserving Yakurr traditions also created opportunities for investment, tourism and broader community development.

Obol Lopon Advisory Council spokesman, Azikiwe Williams, praised Otu for ongoing infrastructural projects across Yakurr communities.

Williams appealed for the rehabilitation and upgrading of the Ugep Peace Stadium, including the provision of a standby generating set.

He also urged the government to extend the Cross River Broadcasting Corporation’s signal to Yakurr to improve residents’ access to official information.

‘Improved infrastructure, communication and peace would strengthen Yakurr’s capacity to attract tourists, investors and development opportunities,’ Williams said.

Tourism Commissioner, Obi Offor, said the government remained committed to making Leboku a major tourism attraction and economic asset.

Offor said the ministry was improving tourist sites, including cleaning up the Yakurr waterfall, while encouraging visitors to explore the area beyond the festival.

He identified waterfalls, landscapes, heritage sites, music, dance, arts and traditions as key tourism assets that required peace and hospitality for sustainable growth.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected reports that it has withdrawn the list of members appointed to its 2027 Presidential Campaign Council, dismissing the claims as mere rumours.

The clarification came from the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, following reports suggesting that the APC had reversed the release of the campaign council’s composition.

Morka, speaking with TheCable on Tuesday, said the party had not made any such decision and would publicly communicate any changes if they became necessary.

He said, ‘It’s rumour. If there is any change to the list, it will be formally announced.’

The APC had recently unveiled its Presidential Campaign Council as part of its preparations for the 2027 presidential election, in which President Bola Tinubu is expected to seek a second term.

The composition of the council has, however, attracted debate within the party, with some members and stakeholders questioning the presence or absence of particular party leaders and other prominent figures.