Category: PM News

Nigerian military has listed rescue of at least 59 kidnapped victims and killing of 11 terrorists among the achievements of its troops deployed for operations across the country between Aug. 14 and Aug. 20.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.

Onoja, while giving details of military’s operational activities across the country, said the troops of Operation HADIN KAI rescued eight kidnapped victims during the week in the North East.

He said troops also rescued three victims from Gwamnare Forest in Bauchi and one 63-year-old Cameroonian national abducted along the Gwoza-Cameroon axis.

According to him, troops also neutralised three terrorists, recovered weapons and other war materials, while 47 family members of terrorists and six fighters surrendered to troops in Borno.

In the North-West, Onoja said the troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA rescued 28 abducted persons across Zamfara, Katsina and Sokoto states between Aug. 17 and Aug. 19.

He said the troops also neutralised four terrorists, arrested an explosives courier and other suspected terrorist collaborators, and recovered weapons, ammunition, motorcycles and cash.

He said that the operation further led to the arrest of six suspected informants linked to the abduction of an immigration officer’s family and staff and students of Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda.

‘In the North-Central, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE compelled kidnappers to release 13 victims, comprising two men, five women and six children, in Kogi state.

‘The troops also neutralised two suspected criminals, arrested an arms courier and recovered an AK-47 rifle, ammunition and other weapons during separate operations in Taraba and Benue.

‘Similarly, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE recovered several firearms, fabricated rifles, Dane guns and ammunition during a raid on suspected criminals in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau.

‘In Kwara, troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD neutralised one terrorist and recovered an AK-47 rifle, while seven kidnap victims were rescued during a night patrol in Patigi Local Government Area,’ he said.

Onoja said that troops of Operation DELTA SAFE arrested suspected kidnappers and an arms trafficker, recovering seven locally made pistols, ammunition and a camouflage vest in the South-South.

He said that troops also disrupted three illegal refining sites in Rivers, recovering about 85,000 litres of products suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil.

The defence spokesman said the troops of Operation UDO KA dismantled suspected secessionist camps, recovered weapons and safely cleared multiple improvised explosive devices across Imo, Anambra and Abia in the South-East.

He said the troops also dismantled an illegal bunkering site in Abia, arrested suspects and recovered suspected stolen Automotive Gas Oil, motorcycles and a vehicle.

‘On Aug. 20, troops conducting clearance operations towards ‘Mother Valley’ in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra cleared 11 IEDs.

‘Meanwhile, the Nigerian Navy commissioned a solar-powered water project for residents of Ward F2 in Surulere, Lagos, as part of the AFN’s civil-military cooperation initiatives,’ he said.

Onoja said the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their sustained successes in rescuing abducted citizens, neutralising terrorists and degrading criminal networks.

He said that Oluyede also commended the synergy between the military, other security agencies and local security groups, while urging Nigerians and community leaders to continue providing useful information to troops.

‘He also appreciated the media for its professionalism and balanced reportage of military operations, assuring Nigerians that the military will sustain the tempo of operations until peace and security are restored nationwide,’ he said.

The Nigerian Mental Health and Nigeria Suicide Prevention Advocacy Working Group, have commended the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approving an amendment to National Mental Health Act 2021 to decriminalise attempted suicide.

The groups, in a statement on Saturday in Lagos, described the decision as a significant step toward treating self-harm as a public health issue rather than a criminal offence.

They commended the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, and the Federal Government for the action, while urging the National Assembly to urgently pass the amendment.

According to the groups, no fewer than 15,000 Nigerians die by suicide annually, while an estimated 300,000 suicide attempts occur each year, citing figures from the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The Founder of Nigerian Mental Health, Chime Asonye, said survivors of suicide attempts needed medical and psychological support rather than prosecution.

‘A person who survives a suicide attempt needs a clinician, not a charge sheet. The Council has now said so, and that matters,’ Asonye said.

He said decriminalisation alone would not be enough to address the country’s suicide crisis, noting that the Department of Mental Health Services mandated by the National Mental Health Act 2021 had not been established.

‘The Minister’s target of reducing suicide deaths and attempts by 15 per cent by 2030 will not be met by repealing a law alone,’ he said.

The groups also urged the National Assembly to prioritise the National Suicide Prevention Bill 2024, currently before it.

They said the legislation should provide a comprehensive framework for suicide prevention, data collection, crisis intervention, funding and specialised training for healthcare workers and first responders.

The Convener of the Nigeria Suicide Prevention Advocacy Working Group, Prof. Taiwo Sheikh, described the proposed amendment and the Suicide Prevention Bill as complementary reforms.

Sheikh urged lawmakers to pass both measures during the current legislative session, warning that further delays could cost lives.

‘The amendment and the National Suicide Prevention Bill are two halves of one reform: one removes the punishment, the other builds what should be there instead.

‘Passing one without the other leaves the work unfinished.

‘The executive has moved; the question now belongs to the National Assembly: whether both pass in this session or wait for another. Every year they wait is counted in lives,’ Sheikh said.

The groups further called on the Federal Government to establish and fund the Department of Mental Health Services as provided by the Mental Health Act.

They also urged the Ministries of Health and Justice to publish the proposed amendment for public scrutiny, stressing that decriminalisation must be accompanied by practical reforms in police stations, hospitals and communities.

A devastating fire outbreak has claimed the lives of a woman and her three children after flames swept through their residence at Rugar Audu Badali settlement in Karasuwa Local Government Area of Yobe State.

The victims were identified as Bilkisu, wife of Mallam Bukar, and her children – Zainab, Hafsat and Salamatu.

The incident occurred around 5pm on Friday, leaving the family home completely destroyed and surviving relatives without shelter.

The deceased were later buried according to Islamic rites.

The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), alongside officials of Karasuwa Local Government and community leaders, visited the affected settlement to assess the destruction and offer condolences to the bereaved family.

SEMA said the survivors urgently require relief support, temporary shelter and psychological assistance following the tragedy.

The agency expressed sympathy to Mallam Bukar and his relatives, while promising to coordinate humanitarian support for those affected.

It also appealed for greater vigilance to prevent similar fire disasters across communities in the state.

Businessman Obinna Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana, has announced a house as a birthday gift for Pastor Jerry Eze, founder of Streams of Joy International and convener of New Season Prophetic Prayers and Declarations (NSPPD).

Obi Cubana made the announcement in a social media post on Saturday to mark Eze’s 44th birthday.

He described Eze as one of his ‘most amazing brothers’ and commended him for his prayers and service to humanity.

‘Today, I present you this house that will be ready by December as an appreciation for all you do,’ Iyiegbu said.

He said the gift was intended to support the advancement of Eze’s work and service to mankind.

In a video accompanying the announcement, Obi Cubana said he had made a personal commitment in January, when Eze visited one of his properties, to complete and present one of the buildings to the pastor by his next birthday.

‘Looking at these beautiful edifices, you were here in January, and I made a silent prayer to God that by our next birthday I should be able to finish and gift you one.

‘But looking at it, we are still working, and hopefully it will be done soon. And I make it bold to say today I am presenting one to you as a birthday gift for the work of God and for the service of mankind,’ he said.

Eze, who clocked 44 on Saturday, is widely known for hosting NSPPD, an online prayer programme, and leading Streams of Joy International.

The birthday celebration has also attracted messages from followers, friends and well-wishers across social media.

Five adult males reportedly died in a road traffic accident involving a Toyota Camry and an Iveco truck on the Badagry Expressway.1

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Lagos.

The Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Oke- Osanyintolu said the accident occurred at about 5:16 a.m. at Sawmill, near Mowo Bus Stop, along the Badagry Expressway.

Oke-Osanyintolu said that the agency immediately deployed its ‘Dolphin Team’ to the scene.

He said preliminary investigations showed that the Toyota Camry, with registration number FKJ 630KS, collided head-on with an Iveco truck, marked T28081 LA.

He attributed the accident to alleged over-speeding and reckless driving by the Toyota Camry driver.

He said the driver reportedly lost control, veered into the opposite lane and collided with the oncoming Iveco truck.

‘The remains of the victims were carefully recovered, bagged with dignity, and handed over to officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps,’ he said.

The permanent secretary said two tow trucks were deployed to evacuate the accidented vehicles and restore normal traffic flow.

He said the vehicles were taken to Morogbo Police Division after the recovery operation, while the road was cleared and reopened to traffic.

Oke-Osanyintolu commiserated with the families of the deceased and prayed for the repose of their souls.

He urged motorists to avoid speeding, wrongful overtaking and other dangerous driving practices, especially during the early morning hours.

He described safety as a shared responsibility, stressing that adherence to traffic regulations remains critical to saving lives.

Oke-Osanyintolu reaffirmed LASEMA’s commitment to prompt emergency response and inter-agency collaboration to protect lives and property in Lagos.

He listed multi-agency response team at the accident scene to include LASEMA, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, LASTMA, FRSC and the Nigeria Police Force from Morogbo Division.

Borno governor, Babagana Zulum, on Friday met with parents of 44 schoolchildren abducted from Mussa community in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of the state.

The meeting followed a request by the parents, who appealed for urgent government intervention to secure the children’s safe release who were abducted May 15, 2026.

Speaking during the visit, Zulum assured the parents that the Federal Government and Borno Government have intensified efforts to secure the safe release of the schoolchildren.

Zulum expressed sympathy to the affected families and assured them of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to rescuing the abducted pupils.

He said Tinubu had directed security agencies to intensify efforts toward ensuring the children’s safe return to their families.

According to him, the Nigerian Armed Forces and Borno Government were working together to achieve the objective.

‘On behalf of the government and people of Borno, I once again extend my sympathies over what happened at Mussa Central Primary School,’ Zulum said.

He said the incident occurred on May 15, resulting in the abduction of about 44 primary school pupils.

The governor assured the parents that the government would continue doing everything possible to secure the children’s safe return.

The meeting was attended by Sen. Ali Ndume, representing Southern Borno Senatorial District, and other senior government officials.

Those present included commissioners responsible for education and inter-governmental affairs, among other government officials.

The Hawul Askira-Uba Elders’ Forum had at a recent press conference in Abuja called on Borno state government and Federal and State Governments to intensify efforts to rescue the schoolchildren and others abducted by suspected terrorists in the area in the past few months.

Mr Malla Gadzama, the Secretary of the Forum who addressed journalists noted that the schoolchildren were abducted on May 15 in Askira-Uba Local Government Area.

He also recalled 36 of the students abducted from Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, on June 29 during National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations were still missing.

He urged President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene and ensure that every available national security resource was mobilised toward the rescue of the abducted children and citizens.

Gadzama also urged Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno to continue using the full weight of his office to press for the immediate rescue of these children and all other abducted citizens of the state.

‘We stand before you today with broken hearts, but also with determination and an urgent demand: bring our children home.

‘For 101 days, families have lived through unimaginable pain, anxiety, fear and suffering, following the abduction of their children and loved ones. ‘This is not about numbers, this is about human lives. This is about our children, our brothers and sisters, our wives and husbands; this is about fathers and mothers.

‘This is about families who have suffered for 101 days and counting.

Government exists to protect its people. The constitution recognises the security and welfare of the people as a primary purpose of government.

‘Therefore, we respectfully appeal but unequivocally demand immediate rescue and safe return of the pupils and students abducted from Mussa Primary and Junior Day Secondary School.

‘We appeal and demand the immediate rescue and safe return of the 36 students still missing from Government Day Secondary School, Lassa.

‘We demand the immediate rescue of the 38 persons reportedly abducted on Buratai Road to Maiduguri, and urgent action to rescue all other persons abducted along the Chibok route and other dangerous routes across Borno,’ he said.

The secretary assured the families of the victims that they would not be forgotten, as their children, brothers and sisters, husbands and wives are part of the community.

He pledged that the forum would continue to speak, ask, demand action on the safe return of every single person taken from their families.

‘To our children who may hear these words, wherever you are, your families are waiting for you, your communities are waiting for you, Nigeria is waiting for you and we believe you must come home,’ he said.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the composition of President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 presidential campaign council, describing it as a ‘rehabilitation centre for corruption suspects’ and questioning the status of unresolved corruption cases involving some of its members.

The party, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, on Saturday, said the campaign council, which should ordinarily serve as a political mobilisation team, had instead raised fresh questions about public accountability.

Abdullahi singled out former Humanitarian Affairs Minister Betta Edu and former Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) Chairman Ngozi Olejeme among those whose inclusion, according to the party, required explanations from the government.

Edu was suspended by President Tinubu following controversy over an attempted transfer of N585 million into a private account, while Olejeme has faced prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of financial malpractice.

The party questioned what had happened to the cases involving individuals facing such allegations and challenged the government to explain whether they had been cleared and, if so, when, how and by whom.

‘It has become a familiar pattern under this administration for investigations into financial crimes to quietly disappear only for the accused to suddenly reappear in a different official role,’ Abdullahi said.

The ADC argued that corruption allegations appeared to have an ‘expiry date’ under the current administration, alleging that politically useful individuals could eventually return to prominent positions without previous questions about their conduct being adequately addressed.

The opposition party also framed the 2027 presidential election as a referendum on Tinubu’s performance in office, saying the composition of the campaign council would not shield the administration from scrutiny over its record.

According to Abdullahi, political allies and campaign structures would not be enough to erase what the party described as the economic hardship experienced by Nigerians.

‘2027 will be a referendum on President Tinubu’s record,’ the ADC said, arguing that the government would have to defend its policies and their impact on citizens at the ballot box.

The party particularly criticised the administration over the cost of living crisis, poverty and the removal of fuel subsidies, accusing the government of asking Nigerians to endure economic hardship while those connected to power allegedly continued to enjoy what it described as excessive privileges.

The ADC also restated its support for what it called the ‘Atiku solution’ of subsidising fuel production as a means of reducing petrol prices and easing pressure on household incomes.

Abdullahi said the party had observed government-backed criticism of its proposal for a targeted, capped, budgeted and independently audited subsidy intervention.

The party maintained that Nigeria could afford such an intervention if public funds were properly accounted for, insisting that every naira spent should be traceable and every barrel of crude accounted for.

The ADC challenged the Tinubu administration to account for what it described as the cost of its economic policies before arguing that the country could not afford measures aimed at protecting struggling families.

A reconciliation meeting of All Progressives Congress, APC in in Iyara, the headquarters of Ijumu local government area of Kogi State hurriedly ended on Friday as one of the chieftains of the party, Oyewole Mayowa Solomon, collapsed and died at the venue.

Solomom, who was the Chairman of APC in Ijumu Local Government Area reportedly slumped while participating in the meeting convened by a former Chairman of the Council, Funsho Olumoko as part of efforts to foster unity among members of the party in the area.

Reports indicated that Solomon suddenly collapsed while proceedings were ongoing, causing commotion and confusion among participants in the Iyara Town Hall venue of the meeting.

Consequently, efforts of the party leaders and stakeholders shifted from how to resolve their differences to reviving the party chieftain before he was rushed to a hospital in Kabba for medical attention.

However, he was said to have died shortly after arriving at the hospital.

The sudden death of Solomon reportedly left party leaders, government officials and other participants at the meeting in shock.

APC stakeholders in the local government had earlier in the month endorsed President Bola Tinubu and Governor Usman Ododo for re-election.

However, the endorsement meeting was reportedly characterized by disagreements over the leadership of the local government.

Solomon and some other officials were said to have walked out of the meeting.

There are fears among party members that Solomon’s death will affect ongoing reconciliation efforts within the Ijumu APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The circumstances surrounding his sudden death has not been officially disclosed.

The Nigerian Army says a total of 24 family members of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists have surrendered to troops in Mafa Local Government Area of Borno.

The piece of information is in an operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday.

The report indicated that the terrorists’ family members surrendered at about 4 p.m. on Thursday to troops of 112 Task Force Battalion.

It added that the group fled the Gasuwa and Yaganari terrorist enclaves following clashes between rival factions within the terrorist organisation.

It noted that the surrendered family members had been profiled and documented by the troops for further action.

It further revealed that troops of 212 Battalion, supported by the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), had in another operation, apprehended two suspects during a raid in Bewac general area.

The report added that the operation was conducted along Al-Ansar University Road in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council based on human intelligence about suspected terrorist activities.

‘Troops arrested one suspect in possession of a magazine loaded with 35 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

‘The suspect claimed he received the magazine and ammunition from another civilian, who was subsequently arrested by the troops.

‘A mobile phone was recovered from the second suspect, while both suspects and exhibits remained in military custody for further investigation,’ it said.

The report also revealed that troops of 25 Military Intelligence Regiment and CJTF arrested a suspected ISWAP logistics supplier and informant in Kekura, Damboa Local GovernmentArea.

It added that the suspect was arrested at his residence following intelligence linking him to the supply of food items and mobile phones to terrorist camps.

‘Meanwhile, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA foiled a kidnapping incident at Jurawa Village in Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

‘The troops responded to a distress call after a female resident was abducted by suspected kidnappers at about 10 p.m. on Thursday.’

The report also revealed that locals had killed and mutilated the corpses of five suspected kidnappers before troops arrived, while other terrorists fled after abandoning their victim.

Troops, therefore, warned residents against taking the law into their hands and assured them of continued efforts to protect law-abiding citizens.

In Plateau, report said troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE recovered an AK-47 rifle after arresting a woman attempting to flee with two magazines.

It said the troops had raided Kisayi and Dogon Daji settlements in Bassa Local Government Area following intelligence on the kidnapping of a civilian.

According to the report, further searches led to recovery of a locally fabricated firearm, three mobile phones and a military jungle hat from another residence.

‘In another operation, troops recovered 20 rustled cattle at Dila Village in Pankshin Local Government Area after engaging suspected rustlers, who fled the area.

‘The recovered cattle were subsequently handed over to their owner.’

In the South-South, the report said the troops of the Joint Task Force South-South Operation Delta Safe arrested three suspected cultists over alleged murder in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta.

It added that suspects were arrested during a raid on Sunfit Hotel, Owhelogbo, and handed over to the Nigeria Police for further action.

‘Also in Rivers, troops arrested two suspects conveying about 125 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil in sack bags.

‘The suspects were apprehended at Ebocha general area of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area during a patrol by troops of CIB VIII.

‘The suspects remained in custody, while the recovered products were handled in line with the mandate of Operation Delta Safe,’ the report added.

Kano stands still as the immediate-past National Chairman, of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata have launched campaign for re=election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Kano State.

This followed appointment of Ata as Ata as a member of the Contact and Mobilization Committee for the 2027 re-election campaign of President Tinubu, according to statement signed by the Minister’s aide, Seyi Olorunsola on Saturday.

The statement further stated that: ‘Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata is a distinguished political leader with extensive experience in Kano State and Nigerian politics.

‘He is a former House Leader and former Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly and currently serves as the Honourable Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development.

‘ His political journey and broad relationships across Kano’s political landscape have distinguished him as a unifying figure. He is widely regarded as one of the few political leaders in Kano who has worked with successive administrations and former governors of the state since 1999, before his appointment as Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development.’

The statement added that: ‘His appointment to the Contact and Mobilization Committee has therefore been welcomed as a strategic development, particularly among Islamic scholars, civil servants, youths and the non-indigene community in Kano, who appreciate his accessibility, leadership qualities and strong connection with the people.

‘With his extensive political experience and relationships across different sectors of society, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata is expected to play a significant role in strengthening grassroots engagement, stakeholder mobilisation and political outreach ahead of the 2027 general elections.’

According to the Statement, Ata’s appointment, ‘is a strong indication that the APC is determined to build a broad-based and inclusive campaign structure capable of reaching every community and stakeholder.

‘ We are confident that his contribution to the Contact and Mobilization Committee will further consolidate support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and strengthen the APC’s position ahead of the 2027 elections.

With this strategic appointment, the APC is on a stronger and more confident path toward victory in 2027.

‘We congratulate Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata on this well-deserved appointment and wish him tremendous success in this important national assignment.’

The Statement said: ‘ for Ata and Ganduje to align, Kano is for President Tinubu.’