Category: PM News

By Abbas Bamalli

Troops of the 17 Brigade in Katsina have neutralised four suspected terrorists during combat along the TurareYantumaki Road in the state.

This is contained in a statement in Katsina on Saturday by Dr Nasir Mu’azu, Commissioner for International Security and Home Affairs.

He said the operation happened on Friday when the troops came under attack before swiftly repelling the assault.

According to him, the success is a strategic setback for the network of a feared kingpin, Muhammadu Fulani, whose operations have terrorised parts of Matazu, Musawa, Charanchi, and Kankia.

Mu’azu listed items recovered from the scene to include an AK-47 rifle with ammunition, two motorcycles, multiple mobile phones, and cash amounting to 153,400.

“Some of the seized phones contained images of the suspects clad in military gear, now handed over for forensic analysis.

“Preliminary intelligence identified the neutralised suspects as Bishir Holami, Jamilu Baki, Ibrahim Doro, and Abdurraman Maje.

“Figures linked to a string of deadly attacks across Gobirawa, Raddawa, Kuki, and surrounding communities in Dutsinma and Matazu local government areas,” he said.

The Commissioner described the development as a major operational success, underscoring the intensified crackdown on armed groups in the region, adding that the offensive against banditry would continue until peace is fully restored across the state.

He further urged residents to remain vigilant and sustain cooperation with security agencies, as community intelligence continues to play a critical role in ongoing operations.

The commissioner assured that the government would further strengthen support for security forces to ensure that criminal elements are decisively rooted out of Katsina.

(NAN)

Ukrainian heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has backed Anthony Joshua to defeat Tyson Fury in a potential blockbuster all-British showdown, in what could reshape the heavyweight division.

Usyk, who has shared the ring with both fighters, made the bold call while revealing he has been working closely with Joshua behind the scenes–offering tactical, technical and mental support ahead of his return to the ring.

Joshua is scheduled to fight Kristian Prenga on July 25 in Riyadh, a bout many already see as a warm-up to a long-anticipated clash with Fury later this year.

Speaking on the possible showdown, Usyk didn’t sit on the fence.

“Fury is an unbelievable fighter, very dangerous. But I love how Anthony works now and how he has changed,” he said.Despite describing Fury as a “great friend,” Usyk made his loyalty clear: “I want Anthony to win he deserves it.”

In recent months, Joshua has trained with Usyk in Spain and Ukraine, building what looks like an unlikely alliance between former rivals. According to Usyk, their sessions go beyond punches and drills.”We talk about strategy, boxing skills, psychology. I tell him, ‘Champ, don’t stop,'” he revealed.

For Usyk, Joshua’s upcoming fight is nothing more than “official sparring,” with the real focus being preparation for Fury’s unique fighting style.

Joshua’s journey back hasn’t been smooth. His last fight was a win over Jake Paul, but he stepped away briefly after a tragic car crash that claimed the lives of two of his friends.

Usyk, who has also endured personal loss amid the war in Ukraine, said those experiences have shaped his advice to Joshua.

“God gave you another chance. Don’t stop. Pray, keep working, and move forward,” he said.

Meanwhile, Usyk is preparing to defend his title against Rico Verhoeven in Egypt later this month, but insists he will continue supporting Joshua as the heavyweight drama builds.

If this fight happens, it won’t just be about belts–it will be about redemption, legacy, and who truly runs the heavyweight division.

Napoli and Como played out a frustrating 0-0 draw in Saturday’s Serie A clash, a result that leaves both sides with more questions than answers as the season winds down.

For Como, this was a missed opportunity–plain and simple. Sitting just outside the Champions League places, they needed all three points to pile pressure on Juventus.

Instead, they now trail the Turin giants by two points, and Juventus still have a game in hand. That gap could widen further if results don’t swing in Como’s favour.

Napoli’s situation isn’t any prettier. The defending champions are watching their title hopes fade into the distance, with Inter Milan now firmly in control. Inter are nine points clear and could seal the Scudetto with games to spare.

For Napoli, this draw feels like another quiet surrender in a season that promised much more.

The game itself had flashes of intensity but lacked the final punch.

Como nearly struck early when Anastasios Douvikas rounded goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovi-Savi, only for Napoli defenders to pull off a dramatic goal-line clearance. Napoli responded through Scott McTominay, whose header flew over despite a clear opening.

Chances came and went. Martin Baturina tested Napoli’s resolve, while Milinkovi-Savi stayed alert to deny Assane Diao. Napoli thought they had a penalty at one point, but the referee waved it off, judging Rasmus Hajlund to have gone down too easily.

Late drama nearly tilted the game. McTominay missed a golden chance, firing into the side netting, while Matteo Politano struck the post with a curling effort that deserved a goal.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, He explained that the affected operators failed to meet required service standards, prompting the authority to revoke their licences in the interest of public health and environmental sustainability.

As part of the restructuring, LAWMA also introduced a realignment of routes in rapidly developing areas where rising waste volumes have overwhelmed the capacity of single operators. Under the new arrangement, existing operators will retain portions of their routes, while additional operators are deployed to ensure broader and more efficient coverage.

Operators affected by the route redistribution include Shekaz Global Limited in Isolo (Ishaga/Ire Akari axis) and Krestabol Waste Management in Ikorodu (Lowa).

“In locations where development has outpaced the capacity of a single operator, it becomes necessary to redistribute operational responsibilities to guarantee timely and effective service delivery,” Gbadegesin stated.

The LAWMA boss added that some operators voluntarily relinquished their routes, allowing the authority to reassign those areas to better-equipped firms. Among them are Ayolade Oluwabukola Enterprises in Lagos Island East (Ajele axis) and Imperium Waste Services in Ayoobo/Ipaja (Slot B).

He noted that the exercise forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen the PSP framework, improve accountability, and ensure waste management services keep pace with Lagos’ rapid urban expansion.

Gbadegesin urged residents to cooperate with newly assigned operators and to patronise only LAWMA-accredited PSP operators, reiterating the agency’s commitment to continuous monitoring, enforcement and stakeholder engagement.

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

Police operatives arrested 16 suspects and the recovered a significant cache of arms, ammunition, and logistics used by criminal elements across the State in crackdown on kidnapping and violent crimes in various parts of Kwara State in the month of April.

Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the spokesperson for the Kwara Police Command who announced this in a statement on Saturday listed the exhibits recovered during various operations within the month to include 98 rounds of ammunition (comprising 20 assault rounds and 78 AK-47 rounds), additional AK-47 live ammunition, multiple locally fabricated firearms including a shotgun, cut-to-size shotgun, pistol, and a revolver rifle, as well as a Toyota Matrix vehicle and mobile communication devices, among other incriminating items.

The police spokesperson also said operatives of the Command successfully carried out a rescue operation at Apata Aje settlement, leading to the neutralization of a suspected bandit during a gun duel.

According to the statement, the Command acted after receiving credible intelligence that on 28th April, 2026 at about 2300hrs, armed men invaded the settlement and abducted two persons.

Based on the intelligence, a combined team of Police operatives and National Forest Guards launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation.

“During an intensive bush-combing exercise, the operatives made contact with the fleeing suspects, who engaged the team with heavy gunfire. In the ensuing exchange, one suspected bandit was neutralized, while others escaped with gunshot injuries,” the police spokesperson said.

“Further exhibits recovered at the scene and from related operations include live cartridges, expended ammunition, mobile phones (including a Samsung A2S), and suspected criminal charms, all pointing to the organized and armed nature of the criminal network.

“Efforts are ongoing to rescue the abducted victims and apprehend the fleeing suspects.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Ojo Adekimi psc, mnips, reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal syndicates and sustaining pressure on kidnapping and banditry networks across Kwara State,”said Ejire-Adeyemi.

Nigeria’s U-20 girls, Falconets, dominated easily and created a hatful of opportunities as they earned a 2-0 win over their counterparts from Malawi in the first leg of a FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup final round fixture in Ikenne-Remo on Saturday.

The win brightened Nigeria’s chances of earning yet another spot at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, in which they have been an ever-present since the competition was launched as an U19 tournament in Canada in 2002.

While the final scoreline suggests a routine day at the office, the encounter required a tactical recalibration from Coach Moses Adukwu after an opening 45 minutes in which the Falconets created so many opportunities but simply could not get the ball into the net, partly due to the brilliance of visiting goalkeeper Emily Nkhwazi.

From the first blast of the whistle, Nigeria established territorial monopoly, using the width of the pitch, and forcing Malawi’s ‘Young Scorchers’ into a deep defensive block. However, for all the intricate build-up play and attacking intent, the final touch did not get the ball into the net.

Malawi’s rear-guard stood obstinate, absorbing pressure and ensuring that the hosts went into the interval with nothing to show for their dominance.

Things changed almost immediately after the restart. Whatever was discussed in the dressing room translated into a higher tempo and more direct probing. The pressure finally told in the 47th minute.

A fizzed delivery into the danger zone caused panic in the Malawian defence, forcing Maureen Kenneth into an inadvertent touch that settled into her own net.

The own goal acted as the spark Nigeria needed. Ten minutes later, the stadium found its voice again. In a move that showed pure clinical execution, Faridat Abdulwahab picked out Kindness Ifeanyi with a pinpoint assist. Ifeanyi made no mistake, doubling the lead and providing the Falconets with the breathing room their effort deserved.

Malawi attempted a late rally, but Nigeria’s structural integrity remained intact. With a two-goal cushion, Moses Adukwu’s side will travel for the second leg in a week’s time having the upper hand in the fixture.

The win earned the Falconets the sum of 1Million Naira from the President of Remo Stars FC and Beyond Limits Football Academy, Hon. Kunle Soname, who had before the match, promised the team the sum of 500,000 Naira for each goal.

The return leg is scheduled for the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on Saturday, 9th May, with kickoff set for 3pm Malawi time (2pm in Nigeria).

The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will take place from June 19 to July 17, according to the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The tournament will be hosted by three East African countries: Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. However, CAF has not yet decided which country will host the opening match or the final.

The dates were approved by the FIFA Council in Vancouver, Canada. There had been concerns that the host countries might not be ready in time, but CAF President Patrice Motsepe said those concerns have been resolved and the tournament will go on as planned.

Motsepe also said CAF is committed to making the competition a success and is confident the three countries will deliver a great tournament.

This will be the first AFCON to be hosted by three countries. It also marks the return of the competition to East Africa for the first time since 1976, when Ethiopia hosted it.

Authorities in Thailand have arrested a 19-year-old woman after she was found attempting to smuggle 30 tortoises through Bangkok’s main international airport.

The suspect was stopped at Suvarnabhumi Airport during routine screening before an international flight to Taipei. Security officials became suspicious during checks and carried out a search, which led to the discovery of the animals concealed on her body and inside bags strapped beneath her clothing.

Airport authorities handed the suspect over to wildlife and customs officers for further investigation. She is expected to face charges under wildlife protection and customs laws. Investigators are also examining whether she acted alone or as part of a wider smuggling network.

Wildlife officials in Thailand have warned that illegal trafficking of endangered species remains a persistent problem, particularly through major transport hubs. They say increased vigilance and stricter enforcement are helping to intercept more cases before animals leave the country.

The rescued tortoises have been taken into the care of wildlife specialists for assessment and rehabilitation.

US singer D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, is facing growing legal troubles after prosecutors revealed that he bought tools online to dispose of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s body following her alleged murder.

These tools, including chainsaws, were purchased days after prosecutors say D4vd fatally stabbed the teen at his Hollywood Hills home.

In newly released court filings, prosecutors allege that after the stabbing, D4vd purchased an inflatable pool, a body bag, a shovel, and a “burn cage” to cover up his tracks. They also claim that he planned to incinerate the evidence, and the teen’s remains were allegedly dismembered in his garage.

The filing provides a chilling account of events, including text messages between D4vd and Rivas Hernandez, where she allegedly threatened to expose their illicit relationship. Prosecutors say that the teen sent a text on April 22, 2025, threatening to “destroy his life” by revealing their relationship. Authorities believe she was killed the following day.

Prosecutors allege that D4vd ordered an Uber for Rivas Hernandez to come to his home, where she was later killed. Text messages between them, prosecutors claim, were part of his attempt to cover up the murder.

D4vd’s first studio album was released just days after the alleged killing, on April 25, 2025. Despite his rising fame, the singer’s worldwide tour was canceled, and he retreated from public life following the discovery of the girl’s dismembered body in his Tesla in September 2025.

At a court appearance on Wednesday, D4vd appeared in shackles and an orange jail jumpsuit. He said little aside from acknowledging the delay of his preliminary hearing until late May. His defense team maintains that the evidence will prove his innocence.

D4vd faces seven criminal charges, including murder, sexual abuse of a child, and mutilating remains. Prosecutors say the teen was reported missing by her family on April 3, 2025, and her decomposing body was found five months later in the trunk of D4vd’s Tesla.

Authorities have also revealed that a significant amount of child sexual abuse material was found during D4vd’s arrest, further compounding the charges against him.

At the hearing, D4vd’s attorneys argued to seal the release of the court filings, citing concerns over media attention that could affect his right to a fair trial. However, Judge Charlaine Olmedo allowed the release of the nine-page filing but agreed to keep some evidence sealed.

A follow-up hearing is scheduled for next month as the case continues to capture international attention.

Nigeria is facing higher costs for importing palm oil as global prices continue to rise due to supply problems in Indonesia, the world’s largest producer.

Crude Palm Oil (CPO) prices on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange are currently trading between $1,135 and $1,160 per metric ton.

This increase is affecting countries like Nigeria, which depends on imports to meet its supply gap of over 500,000 metric tons each year.

Indonesia plans to increase its palm oil biodiesel blend to 50% (B50) in 2026. The country is also maintaining higher export taxes to support its domestic fuel needs.

These policies reduce the amount of palm oil available for export, pushing global prices higher and increasing costs for importers like Nigeria.

Palm oil prices are also linked to crude oil prices because palm oil is used in biodiesel production. With crude oil around $120 per barrel, palm oil prices are expected to remain high.Weather conditions are also affecting supply.

A strong dry season and El Niao effects are expected to reduce Indonesia’s output by up to one million tons in 2026.

At the same time, countries like Malaysia and Indonesia are increasing local biodiesel usage, which further limits exports.

Nigeria consumes over 2.5 million metric tons of palm oil yearly but produces only about 1.4 million metric tons.

This shortfall forces the country to import large quantities, costing about $500 million to $600 million annually.

The gap also contributes to food inflation, as palm oil is widely used in households.

Nigeria used to be a major global producer of palm oil in the 1960s, supplying over 40% of the world market. However, production has declined significantly over the years.

Some local companies are expanding production. For example, Presco Plc has increased its plantation size and milling capacity, while Okomu Oil has reported strong profits from palm oil sales.

Experts say Nigeria needs to increase local production, improve farming systems, and reduce dependence on imports if it wants to reduce costs and regain its position in the global palm oil market.