Category: PM News

Tertiary institutions across Sokoto State have been put on high alert following a security alert of attack and abduction plot by terrorists by the Department of State Services, DSS.

The DSS, had in the security alert warned that terrorists are plotting abductions of students, lecturers, non-academic staff and their relatives across institutions in Sokoto State.

The alert titled ‘Planned Attack on Tertiary Institutions by Terrorist and Bandit Gangs,’ dated July 18, 2026, was addressed to the Sokoto State Government by the DSS.

It was signed on behalf of the Sokoto State Director of DSS by B. Abdulaziz, according to PRNigeria.

In the alert titled, the DSS said intelligence at its disposal indicated a tactical shift by criminal groups from targeting primary and secondary schools to universities and other tertiary institutions.

DSSS said the shift poses a serious threat to the education sector, particularly because tertiary institutions accommodate large populations of students, academic and non-academic staff and their family members.

The secret police also warned that any successful attack could have consequences beyond the abduction of individuals, potentially disrupting academic activities, generating widespread fear and undermining public confidence in the government’s ability to secure educational institutions.

It further warned that an attack on tertiary institutions could damage Nigeria’s international image and exacerbate existing security challenges affecting education in parts of the country.

The Service therefore urged the Sokoto State Government and relevant security agencies to immediately strengthen the security architecture around tertiary institutions across the state.

It also stressed the need for proactive security measures, including enhanced surveillance, intelligence gathering and rapid response, rather than waiting for attacks to occur before taking action.

DSS said it has already alerted relevant security and emergency-response agencies to the emerging threat.

But it called for the deployment of appropriate countermeasures to prevent attacks and protect students, staff and critical educational infrastructure.

The Service also appealed to the Sokoto State Government to treat the warning with urgency and ensure a coordinated security response around universities and other tertiary institutions.

Recall that bandits and terrorists have continue to terrorise communities in Northern Nigeria with Sokoto State being one of the epicenters of such attacks. The bandits have also targeted schools to abduct pupils.

Recall that the bandits on March 9, 2024, abducted 17 Tsangaya students and a woman at the Gidan Bakuso area of Gada Local Government Area in Sokoto State.

The abductees were rescued by Nigerian army few days later.

The National President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, has commended the Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Prof. Odunayo Clement Adebooye, for his commitment to the development of the institution and staff welfare.

Piwuna gave the commendation at the second annual lecture of UNIOSUN, where veteran academic and labour activist, Prof. Omotoye Olorode, called for stronger commitment to university autonomy, adequate funding and the implementation of agreements reached between the Federal Government and university-based unions.

Olorode, a retired Professor of Botany at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, spoke on the theme, ‘Collective Bargaining in Labour Relations: Interrogating the Impact of FGN-Staff Unions Agreements on the Nigerian University System.’

He traced the history of collective bargaining in the university system to the early 1980s, when the Academic Staff Union of Universities began pushing for regular negotiations with the Federal Government on funding, university autonomy and conditions of service.

The veteran academic expressed concern over the poor implementation of several agreements reached between the government and university unions, saying this had contributed to industrial disputes and worsened the challenges confronting the university system.

Olorode also criticised the underfunding and commercialisation of public education, arguing that education should remain a public good. He linked poor funding and remuneration to deteriorating infrastructure and facilities, as well as the continued migration of academics from Nigeria.

He stressed the importance of university autonomy and academic freedom, saying universities should have sufficient institutional space to determine their academic programmes, conduct research and pursue knowledge without undue interference.

Olorode, who was a member of ASUU’s national negotiating team from 1992, also argued that the crisis in the university system was connected to the broader socio-economic challenges facing the country.

Speaking earlier, Adebooye said UNIOSUN instituted the annual lecture series to promote intellectual discourse on contemporary national and global issues and enable academics to contribute to addressing societal challenges.

The Vice-Chancellor recalled that at the inaugural lecture, delivered by the former Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, he had appealed to the Federal Government to improve the welfare of university lecturers.

Adebooye disclosed that UNIOSUN was among the top 10 public universities in Nigeria to have fully implemented the 2026 Federal Government-ASUU agreement, including payment of the associated arrears.

He added that the university had secured the approval of the Osun State Governor for the implementation of agreements reached with other university unions, including the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions.

Adebooye said the choice of the lecture topic was deliberate, stressing that signing agreements was only one part of the process, while providing the financial backing for their implementation was equally important.

He urged all stakeholders to approach industrial relations responsibly, warning that unresolved disputes ultimately have consequences for the university system and the nation.

A Nigerian national has died after he was detained and questioned by railway police officials at Surat Railway Station in India, with authorities launching an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

The man, whose identity has not been disclosed, was travelling from Mumbai to Delhi aboard the Golden Temple Express when he was detained following an alleged altercation with fellow passengers.

According to the Surat Government Railway Police, GRP, the incident occurred on August 17 after a passenger reported through the railway helpline that the Nigerian national and another passenger were involved in a fight near one of the train’s gates.

Police alleged that the man sprayed a fire extinguisher on co-passengers during the confrontation while the train was between Vapi and Surat stations.

He was subsequently detained at Surat Railway Station and taken to the Railway Protection Force, RPF, office for questioning.

The police said he later collapsed at the facility and was rushed to the Surat Municipal Institute of Medical Education and Research Hospital, SMIMER, where doctors pronounced him dead on arrival.

Western Railway Superintendent of Police, Abhay Soni, said preliminary investigations showed that the deceased was a Nigerian national living in Vasai, Mumbai.

Soni disclosed that the man had previously been arrested twice in Mumbai over alleged cocaine trafficking cases.

‘He lived in Vasai (Mumbai) and was arrested twice by Malwani and Malad police in Mumbai for drug (cocaine) trafficking cases in 2018,’ he said.

The police official added that the purpose of the man’s journey to Delhi was still being investigated.

He said the Nigerian boarded the Golden Temple Express from Borivali in Mumbai before the incident occurred.

Meanwhile, the Surat GRP has registered a case of accidental death and commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Although a post-mortem examination was conducted on August 18, officials said the report was still being awaited.

Soni said statements would be obtained from the officers involved in the detention and others present at the RPF office as part of the investigation.

‘We have started an inquiry. Statements from the police officials who caught him and those present at the police station will be taken. We are also waiting for the autopsy report,’ he said.

The investigation is being led by Deputy Superintendent of Police D.H. Gaur.

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has taken a fresh swipe at former President Olusegun Obasanjo, saying the former leader has no electoral value.

Atiku made the statement while responding to questions from journalists on Wednesday over Obasanjo’s decision not to endorse his 2027 presidential ambition.

The former Vice President said he was not disturbed by Obasanjo’s position, insisting that the former President never possessed the electoral influence being attributed to him.

‘In 1999, he could not even win his own state or the Southwest; it was Arewa that made him President. He possesses no electoral value,’ Atiku said.

The statement is the latest chapter in the long-running political disagreement between the two former occupants of Nigeria’s highest political offices.

Atiku served as Obasanjo’s Vice President between 1999 and 2007, but their relationship deteriorated during their second term, particularly over Obasanjo’s controversial third-term ambition.

Atiku had previously said his opposition to the third-term bid was based on protecting Nigeria’s Constitution and democratic principles.

Speaking ahead of the 2027 general election, Atiku also highlighted his record of creating opportunities for young Nigerians during his time as Vice President.

He said several individuals who served under him had gone on to become governors, ministers, directors and other public office holders.

According to him, his administration, if elected in 2027, would continue to provide opportunities for young Nigerians to participate actively in governance.

The ADC candidate is seeking to unseat President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the 2027 presidential election.

Twelve suspects aged between 19 years, and 32 years have been arrested for alleged vandalism and theft of government infrastructure on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

The suspects were arrested on Aug. 17 following intelligence gathered during investigations into repeated vandalism of infrastructure on the highway, Lagos Commissioner of Police Mr Fatai Tijani, disclosed on Thursday.

He spoke at a joint press conference with the Controller of Works in Lagos, Mr Olufemi Dare, at the Lagos Police Command’s headquarters in Ikeja.

Tijani said that some vandalised iron materials were recovered from the suspects, adding that preliminary investigations linked them to the alleged offence.

‘The suspects have also made statements regarding their alleged involvement in the offence,’ he said.

The commissioner described vandalism of the coastal road infrastructure as a cause for concern, saying that it could undermine government projects aimed at improving transport, connectivity and economic activities.

He gave the assurance that the suspects would face diligent investigation and those found wanting would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Tijani urged Lagos residents to be vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the police.

He said the command would continue to work with the Federal Ministry of Works and other stakeholders to strengthen protection of critical infrastructure.

He also commended police officers, community leaders, government agencies and other stakeholders for providing credible information.

Tijani reiterated the command’s commitment to proactive, intelligence-led and community-oriented policing, stressing that Lagos would not be a safe haven for criminals.

The Controller of Works in Lagos, Mr Olufemi Dare, commended the police for arresting the suspects and protecting infrastructure on the coastal road.

Dare, who represented the Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, said the Federal Government had invested trillions of Naira in the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project and would not allow criminals to undermine the effort.

He said that about 1,800 drainage covers had been installed on the road since January, but some had been vandalised, with the concrete covers broken and reinforcement materials removed.

Dare added that about one kilometre of the clear-view fence installed on the road had been removed by vandals.

He said about 75 directional signs had equally been removed, adding that such acts were capable of affecting safety and proper use of the road.

According to him, the police have also arrested some persons allegedly operating illegal toll points on the coastal road.

Dare emphasised that the road was not a truck park or trading area.

He said that illegal parking, trading, bicycle riding, motorcycle riding and movement of animals would not be tolerated on the highway.

He urged Lagos residents to report suspicious activities on the highway to the police and other relevant authorities.

The controller commended Lagos Police Command, contractors and other stakeholders for efforts in protecting the project.

Troops of the Nigerian Army have recovered AK-47 rifles, locally fabricated weapons and ammunition during an operation in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The operation followed intelligence reports of a planned attack on Mwar Community in Chakfem Kingdom by suspected bandit militias.

The troops, operating under Sector 8 of Operation ENDURING PEACE as part of Operation HARD KNOCK, launched the operation after receiving information about an imminent threat to the community.

According to the Army, preliminary findings suggested that the planned attack may have been linked to the alleged rustling of an unspecified number of cattle by some youths from the area.

The Army said troops immediately deployed for a fighting patrol and raid of suspected locations with the aim of recovering the missing cattle and arresting those responsible.

It said drones and surveillance equipment were deployed to search surrounding communities and bushes, but the missing animals were not found.

The Army identified Pantong Stanley and other youths from the community as suspected perpetrators.

Acting on the intelligence, troops raided Stanley’s residence, but he was not found at the location.

During the operation, the troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, one locally fabricated AK-47 rifle, one locally fabricated revolver rifle, two Dane guns and 15 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

The Army said operations were ongoing with the support of the police and other security agencies to recover more weapons, locate arms caches and arrest other suspects linked to the incident.

It urged residents to remain vigilant and provide useful information to security agencies on suspicious activities.

The Army reaffirmed its commitment to tackling illegal arms proliferation and protecting communities across Plateau State and the North Central region.

Senator representing Borno South, Mohammed Ndume, has urged the military to intensify operations to secure the release of schoolchildren and other residents abducted from communities in the southern part of Borno State.

Ndume made the appeal during a visit on Wednesday to the headquarters of the Theatre Command, North-East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, in Maiduguri.

The senator said the prolonged captivity of the victims had heightened anxiety among their families and communities, with some of them now spending more than 100 days in the hands of their abductors.

His appeal covers schoolchildren kidnapped from Mussa and Lassa in Askira Uba Local Government Area, passengers abducted along the Buratai axis, as well as victims still being held after the attack on Ngoshe in Gwoza Local Government Area.

While commending the military for its sustained campaign against insurgency in the North-East, Ndume said the prolonged absence of the victims from their homes made it necessary for him to press for stronger action.

He said, ‘Most importantly, General, I know you are putting in your best efforts towards the rescue of our children in Mussa and Lassa, the passengers abducted along the Buratai axis and the remaining victims from Ngoshe.

‘We know you are making efforts, but because of the anxiety we all share and the length of time these people have remained away from their families, I have to continue to push for greater effort.’

According to the senator, the call should not be viewed as a condemnation of the military or a dismissal of the sacrifices being made by troops fighting insurgency.

Rather, he said, it was his duty as a representative of the people to continue to draw attention to the plight of his constituents and demand action on their behalf.

‘Like Oliver Twist, I have come to ask for more for my people. It is my moral obligation to commend you when you do well and also bring the concerns of my constituents before you,’ he said.

Ndume also praised the level of coordination among the military and other security agencies, describing the synergy as an important factor in the progress being made against insurgents in the region.

Responding, the Theatre Commander, Major General Abubakar Abdulsalam, thanked the senator for the visit and said the concerns he raised regarding the abducted victims had been noted.

Abdulsalam reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to ongoing operations aimed at protecting communities, restoring stability and facilitating the return of people displaced by years of insurgency.

He attributed the gains recorded in the theatre to the support provided by the Chief of Army Staff, whom he said had a strong understanding of the security and operational challenges confronting the North-East.

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has commenced a resource verification exercise at the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), with a team led by Professor Uwaoma Uche visiting the institution to assess its readiness to run selected programmes.

The NUC team is conducting the verification for the Broadcasting, Public Relations, and Journalism and Media Studies departments at the university.

The exercise, which took off on Monday, August 17, 2026, is part of the regulatory processes through which the NUC evaluates universities and their academic programmes to ensure that they meet the required standards.

During the visit, the NUC team leader, Professor Uwaoma Uche, was received by the Vice-Chancellor of LASUSTECH, Professor Olumuyiwa Odusanya, and other officials of the institution.

As part of the welcome activities, Professor Odusanya presented a souvenir to Professor Uche, marking the visit and the commencement of the resource verification exercise.

The verification team is expected to assess key areas required for the effective delivery of the programmes, including academic personnel, available facilities, equipment, learning resources and other relevant requirements.

The exercise is also expected to provide the commission with an opportunity to determine whether the university has the necessary human and material resources to support quality teaching, learning and research in the affected disciplines.

The visit underscores the importance of regulatory oversight in ensuring that academic programmes offered by Nigerian universities meet prescribed standards and provide students with the facilities and academic environment required for effective learning.

The outcome of the verification exercise is expected to guide the NUC’s assessment of the programmes at LASUSTECH and determine the next steps in the regulatory process.

Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has commended the Katsina North Youth Development and Awareness Initiative (KNYDAI) for endorsing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration for continuity in 2027.

Governor Radda gave the commendation during the empowerment ceremony organized by KNYDAI at Daura Motel, where 1,500 beneficiaries received financial and material support.

The intervention, championed by KNYDAI Grand Patron, Alhaji Lawal Sade, Sarkin Fadan Daura, targeted widows, persons with disabilities, vulnerable persons and grassroots members to enable them start or expand small businesses.

‘I sincerely appreciate Alhaji Lawal Sade and KNYDAI for this initiative and for endorsing President Tinubu and our administration. This shows confidence in the Renewed Hope Agenda and in what we are doing in Katsina,’ Governor Radda said.

He described the empowerment as strategic to poverty reduction and job creation at the grassroots.

‘This programme will help our youths and vulnerable citizens acquire skills, establish businesses and become self-reliant. Government cannot do it alone. We need partners like KNYDAI,’ he added.

The Governor assured the people of Daura and Katsina North of sustained investment in development and wider access to government programmes. He urged beneficiaries to utilize the support productively.

Earlier, KNYDAI Chairman, Dr. Imam U.M. Aljazira, said the organization focuses on education, youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, civic awareness and community development.

He stated that the 1,500 beneficiaries were selected to increase household income and promote economic independence.

Dr. Aljazira announced that KNYDAI has endorsed President Tinubu and Governor Radda for 2027, citing their commitment to youth development, education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure and digital growth.

He noted that continued Federal-State collaboration is critical to delivering tangible benefits to communities.

The event was attended by the Principal Private Secretary, Hon. Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji; members of the Katsina State Executive Council; and other stakeholders.

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State on Thursday visited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, days after securing a second term in office.

Adeleke arrived at the State House at about 5:20pm and proceeded to the President’s office for a closed-door meeting with Tinubu. He was accompanied by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and several political associates.

The meeting marked the first known encounter between Tinubu and Adeleke at the Presidential Villa since the Osun governorship election held on August 15.

During the visit, Adeleke presented his Certificate of Return to Tinubu, following its presentation to him by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osogbo on Wednesday.

The governor secured 511,067 votes in the election to defeat the All Progressives Congress candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who polled 444,815 votes, giving Adeleke a winning margin of 66,252 votes. He won 19 of the state’s 30 local government areas.

Adeleke contested the election on the platform of the Accord Party after leaving the Peoples Democratic Party, under which he won his first term in 2022. Despite his new party affiliation, the Osun PDP backed his re-election bid.

The visit followed Tinubu’s congratulatory message to Adeleke after the election. The President described the result as a reflection of the will of the people of Osun State and said Adeleke’s victory demonstrated that democracy could continue to flourish in Nigeria.

Tinubu also urged the governor to unite the people of Osun State, irrespective of their political choices during the election, and focus on growth, stability and socio-economic development.

Adeleke, for his part, has previously praised Tinubu over the conduct of the election and reaffirmed his support for the President’s bid for a second term in the 2027 presidential election. He described Tinubu as an Osun son.

That political alignment adds significance to Thursday’s meeting, coming just days after Adeleke’s decisive victory in a closely contested election and as political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 general elections.

However, the specific details of the discussions between the two leaders were not immediately made public. Reports described the engagement as a closed-door meeting, with issues discussed yet to be formally disclosed.

The meeting also comes against the backdrop of Tinubu’s earlier appeal to Osun voters, shortly before the election, to freely vote for their preferred candidate. The President had said adequate security arrangements were being made to enable voters to cast their ballots without fear or intimidation.

The governor had, at the INEC presentation ceremony on Wednesday, dedicated the certificate to the people of Osun State and called for reconciliation following the contest. He also announced plans to establish a N500 million Election Violence Victims Endowment Fund to support verified victims and affected families.