Category: PM News

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), has explained that why civilians were aboard its ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, which crashed on Monday at Igbokoda, Ondo State.

The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, made the explanation while clarifying reports on the number of persons aboard the crashed aircraft in an interview on Saturday in Abuja.

Ejodame said the civilians were family members of officers going to the same destination.

He further clarified that 25 people were aboard the crashed aircraft, comprising 20 passengers and five active crew members, with two non-active crew members included among the 20 passengers.

He said reports citing 32 persons may have arisen from a misunderstanding of standard aviation terminology, such as ’25 souls on board, inclusive of seven crew’.

According to him, this means 25 persons in total, including the seven crew members, rather than 25 passengers in addition to seven crew.

On the civilians on board the aircraft, Ejodame said they were family members of officers going to the same destination.

He said the NAF released the verified figures and names of those on board following search and recovery efforts and engagement with the affected families.

According to him, while continuing to mourn the tragic loss, the service sincerely appreciates the outpouring of sympathy, solidarity and support from Nigerians and well-wishers.

‘These expressions of concern have been a source of comfort during this difficult period.

‘Those lost were not merely casualty figures, but valued lives, cherished loved ones and individuals whose loss is deeply felt across the service and the nation,’ he said.

Ejodame said the NAF remains actively engaged with the bereaved families, providing appropriate support as they navigate this painful period.

He said a thorough investigation into the air crash is ongoing, adding that further information would be communicated as appropriate, with conclusions on the circumstances and causes guided by the investigation’s findings.

He appealed to the media and the public to exercise restraint and sensitivity in reporting the tragedy, while respecting the grief and privacy of the affected families.

The NAF spokesman also said that in spite of the profound loss, personnel remained committed to ongoing operations across the various theatres of engagement, confronting significant risks in the service of national security and the protection of citizens.

He said the service honoured their dedication and sacrifice and reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and the welfare of its personnel and their families.

Stanbic Bank Tanzania has donated medical equipment and supplies worth Sh40 million to Vijibweni Hospital in Kigamboni as part of effort to improve maternal healthcare, patient monitoring and access to essential diagnostic services.

The donation, handed over on Friday, October 9, 2026, includes five hospital beds, a delivery bed, 15 bedside lockers, a linen hamper, a patient monitor, two oxygen flow meters and 30 digital blood pressure machines.

The bank also provided infection control supplies and computer equipment to support hospital administration and record-keeping. Speaking during the handover, Stanbic Bank Tanzania’s Head of Personal and Private Banking, Mr Omari Mtiga, said the contribution reflected the bank’s commitment to supporting essential services beyond its financial operations.

‘Access to quality healthcare is essential to building healthier, stronger and more productive communities. We believe our responsibility extends beyond financial services to making a meaningful difference in the lives of the people we serve,’ he said.

Mr Mtiga added that the equipment would help healthcare professionals provide timely and effective care, particularly to mothers and families who depend on the facility.

Receiving the donation on behalf of the government, Kigamboni District Commissioner Dalmia Mikaya thanked the bank for supporting local healthcare services.

‘Kigamboni is growing quickly, and our health facilities are serving far more people than they were built for. Equipment of this kind reaches the patient directly. We thank Stanbic Bank for returning to Kigamboni and for working with us to close these gaps,’ she said.

Kigamboni District Medical Officer Dr Lucas Ngamtwa said the equipment would improve the hospital’s daily operations by enabling healthcare workers to conduct assessments and monitor patients more effectively.

‘Every item here becomes something we can now do for a patient – a reading we can take on the spot, a mother we can attend to properly, a case we can monitor instead of refer. This support improves both the quality and the speed of the care we offer the residents of Kigamboni,’ he said.

The donation builds on the bank’s previous community initiatives in the district under the Stanbic Madawati Initiative, through which it donated 150 desks worth Sh20 million to Ufukoni Primary School and planted 150 trees.

The handover was also attended by Vijibweni Ward Councillor Nicholas Mranda, Acting District Administrative Secretary Agusta Safari, hospital management and representatives of Stanbic Bank Tanzania.

Nigerian troops have killed 36 terrorists, rescued 50 abducted persons and arrested several suspected terrorists and collaborators during military operations across the country between October 2 and 8, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, outlining operational successes recorded across the country’s security theatres.

According to him, the operations included the foiling of an Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) assault on Kukawa in Borno State, the rescue of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Imo State and the killing of a senior ISWAP commander in Ondo State.

In the North-East, troops under Operation Hadin Kai killed 26 terrorists during engagements in Borno and Yobe states, including 25 fighters who allegedly attempted to infiltrate Kukawa town.

Onoja said troops also rescued several abductees in the region, including three people who had reportedly spent seven years in captivity.

Security personnel also arrested suspected terrorist collaborators, logistics suppliers and smugglers in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.

In the North-West, troops operating under Operation Fansan Yamma killed 10 Lakurawa terrorists during an encounter with a large group of fighters in Maiyama Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

The operation led to the recovery of 17 motorcycles, a machine gun, an AK-47 rifle, ammunition and a communication device.

The troops also rescued 18 kidnap victims in Katsina State and a seven-year-old boy who had been abducted in Kaduna State, while several suspected terrorists and collaborators were arrested.

In the South-East, troops of Operation Udo Ka rescued 20 prospective corps members who were abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway in Imo State.

A woman who was reportedly abducted while travelling to the market was also rescued.

Onoja said the victims were freed at Ndegwu community in Owerri West Local Government Area following sustained pressure by troops and other security agencies.

He further disclosed that a joint security team killed Abdussamad Ohida, described as a senior ISWAP commander, in Owo forest, Ondo State, on October 2.

According to the defence spokesperson, Ohida was the deputy to the leader of ISWAP’s Central Nigeria faction and assumed leadership after the faction’s leader was arrested by the State Security Services in 2023.

Onoja said intelligence gathered during investigations indicated that the commander had been planning large-scale attacks on civilians in some southern states ahead of the forthcoming festive season.

In the North-Central, troops of Operation Savannah Shield arrested a wanted terrorist in Niger State and rescued three people who had escaped from their abductors in a forest in Kwara State.

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace also arrested two suspected kidnappers in Kaduna State, while personnel operating under Operation Whirl Stroke recovered illegal firearms and ammunition during raids in Taraba State.

In the South-South, troops of Operation Delta Safe uncovered three illegal refinery sites in Rivers State and recovered approximately 2,500 litres of suspected stolen Premium Motor Spirit, commonly known as petrol.

Onoja said the operations reflected the military’s continued efforts to dismantle terrorist networks, rescue abducted citizens and disrupt the logistical and financial activities of criminal groups.

He said the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended the troops for their courage and professionalism, urging them to sustain their efforts as the festive season approaches.

Oluyede also called for stronger cooperation among security agencies and urged community leaders and members of the public to report individuals suspected of providing support to terrorists and other criminal groups.

The DHQ said military operations would continue across the various theatres as security agencies intensify efforts to combat terrorism, kidnapping, illegal arms possession and other criminal activities.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has excluded the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Ladi Adebutu, and his running mate from its final list of candidates for the February 6, 2027 election.

The commission’s list, published on Saturday, October 10, contains 13 governorship candidates for Ogun State, but Adebutu and his deputy are absent.

INEC had not provided a confirmed explanation for their omission as of the time of reporting.

The development comes amid controversy over Adebutu’s eligibility following allegations by civil society groups that his name was missing from the PDP membership register submitted to INEC.

The Ogun State chapter of the PDP had rejected the allegations, insisting that Adebutu was a duly registered member of the party and that it complied with statutory requirements for candidate nomination.

Meanwhile, the PDP’s governorship candidate in Gombe State, former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Isa Ali Pantami, has faced a separate legal challenge over his emergence as the party’s flagbearer.

A Federal High Court in Gombe nullified Pantami’s initial emergence in September and ordered the PDP to conduct a fresh primary.

He subsequently won the rerun election held on September 29.

The development in Ogun raises questions about the PDP’s participation in the state’s governorship election and whether the party will seek clarification or pursue any available legal remedy.

The Organization of Miss Grand Tanzania has received the Golden Grand Award at Miss Grand International 2026, earning recognition among the pageant’s participating national organisations.

The award was announced as part of the competition’s Grand Awards, with Miss Grand Japan and Reina Filipinas receiving the Silver Grand Award.

The recognition adds another achievement to Tanzania’s participation in this year’s international pageant, which has attracted attention through Jihan Dimack’s campaign and the support she received from fans across Tanzania and the wider East African region.

While much of the spotlight has been on the contestants competing for the international crown, the Grand Awards also recognise the organisations behind the national delegations, highlighting their role in the wider Miss Grand International family.

For Miss Grand Tanzania, the Golden Grand Award marks a notable moment for the organisation as it continues to represent the country within the international pageant platform.

The announcement also places Tanzania among the organisations recognised during the 2026 edition, alongside Japan and the Philippines, whose representatives received Silver Grand Awards.

The achievement comes at the end of a closely followed pageant season, during which Tanzanian supporters rallied behind Jihan as she advanced to the Top 11.

For Tanzania’s pageant community, the organisational award provides another milestone to celebrate beyond the competition on stage.

The Nigeria Police Force has arrested four suspected kidnappers in Rivers State, rescued an 11-year-old abducted boy in Cross River State and apprehended 17 Cameroonian nationals over suspected clandestine activities, among several operational developments recorded across the country on October 10.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anthony Iniedu, disclosed the developments in a state-by-state summary of police operations released from the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

In Rivers State, police operatives arrested four suspects allegedly linked to the kidnapping of 24-year-old Gift Malekwe along the Igwuruta-Etche Road.

According to the police, the suspects confessed to the crime and other kidnapping incidents, allegedly revealing that they used dating sites to lure victims before abducting them. The State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Port Harcourt, is investigating the case.

In Cross River State, operatives rescued an 11-year-old boy who had allegedly been abducted and found tied up in a suspect’s room with head injuries.

The police arrested the suspect, identified as 29-year-old Abashi John, and took him into custody for investigation. The SCID in Calabar is handling the case.

In Benue State, police arrested 17 Cameroonian nationals following what the force described as credible intelligence about their alleged clandestine activities.

The police said the suspects entered Nigeria without valid travel documents and remained in custody as investigations continued. The SCID in Makurdi is investigating the matter.

In Anambra State, operatives arrested a 27-year-old suspect, Chidera Anthony, over an alleged armed robbery in Awka involving Mrs Kate Mba.

The victim was reportedly dispossessed of valuables, including a mobile phone, a point-of-sale machine and ?40,000 in cash.

Police said they recovered the victim’s purse, an unregistered Tiger motorcycle, an axe and other items from the suspect’s hideout. Efforts were ongoing to arrest his alleged accomplice, who remained at large.

Meanwhile, police and military personnel intensified search-and-rescue operations in Borno State following the abduction of 38-year-old Yusuf Tahir, a driver attached to GISCOR.

Tahir was reportedly abducted by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) or Boko Haram members at Kareto in Mobbar Local Government Area while driving from Maiduguri to Damasak.

The security teams were working to secure his release and arrest those responsible. The SCID in Maiduguri is investigating the incident.

In Ogun State, armed men reportedly abducted a Chinese national, Liyuan Xiao, and his manager, identified only as Sunday, at a site in Erimobi, Saapade.

The police said six armed men carried out the abduction, adding that spent AK-47 ammunition shells were recovered at the scene. Tactical teams were combing surrounding bushes in an effort to rescue the victims and apprehend the suspects. The SCID in Eleweran is investigating the case.

In Zamfara State, an attack by suspected armed bandits at Bardoki Village in Gummi Local Government Area left one person dead and two others injured.

The deceased was identified as Marka Muhammad. According to the police, military personnel attached to Operation Fansan Yamma at the Gayari Forward Operating Base were alerted but arrived after the attackers had fled.

Security personnel were conducting tracking and search operations, while the SCID in Gusau continued its investigation.

In Bauchi State, two commercial motorcyclists were reportedly attacked with sharp objects near Zidanga Village. One of them, 25-year-old Gaddafi Ibrahim, was confirmed dead, while his colleague was receiving medical treatment.

The assailants allegedly stole two Boxer motorcycles valued at ?2 million. Police said efforts were underway to track down the suspects and recover the stolen motorcycles.

Separately, police in Anambra continued efforts to apprehend the remaining suspect in the Awka robbery, while investigations into the reported cases across the affected states remained ongoing.

The police said the operations formed part of its nationwide security efforts, with investigations and searches continuing in several cases involving kidnapping, robbery, homicide and suspected trafficking-related activities.

The Coalition of Citizens Groups for Good Governance has commended Bayo Ojulari, group chief executive officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), over the planned 30-day petrol discount, describing it as a positive step towards easing the burden of high fuel prices on Nigerians.

In a statement on Saturday, the coalition said the initiative, alongside measures to improve transparency and introduce innovations such as self-service smart pumps, reflected the benefits of effective leadership and a more responsive approach to governance.

The statement, signed by Dr Nath Oguche, national president, and Chidumga Odinkalu, said NNPCL’s recent initiatives demonstrated the importance of institutional reforms that deliver practical benefits to citizens.

The group said the fuel discount announced by the federal government offered an opportunity to provide temporary relief to households and businesses struggling with rising transportation and operating costs.

‘The planned fuel discount is a welcome development, particularly at a time when Nigerians are grappling with high fuel prices and rising transportation costs. We commend NNPCL and its leadership under Bayo Ojulari for supporting measures that could ease some of this pressure on citizens. Initiatives that respond to the economic realities of ordinary Nigerians deserve recognition, especially when they are accompanied by efforts to improve efficiency and accountability,’ the statement said.

The group also praised NNPCL’s reported efforts to reduce corruption and improve transparency, saying the company’s recent initiatives showed the importance of leadership that prioritises institutional reform and better service delivery.

‘Beyond the fuel discount, we are encouraged by the innovations being introduced under Ojulari’s leadership, including self-service smart pumps and efforts to strengthen transparency in the company’s operations. These developments indicate what a seasoned administrator can achieve when experience, innovation and a commitment to public service guide decision-making. NNPCL is a strategic national institution, and improvements in its operations have implications for the wider economy and the daily lives of Nigerians,’ the coalition said.

The group said public institutions should be assessed not only by their policies and announcements but also by the practical improvements they deliver to citizens.

It added that reforms designed to curb corruption, improve operational efficiency and make services more accessible could help rebuild public confidence in NNPCL, which plays a central role in Nigeria’s petroleum sector.

‘Good governance requires more than managing an institution’s routine affairs. It demands the courage to confront longstanding problems, introduce better ways of working and ensure that the public receives value from the resources entrusted to the institution. We believe that the steps being taken at NNPCL deserve attention, and we urge the management to sustain the momentum while ensuring that the benefits reach Nigerians across the country,’ the statement added.

The coalition urged NNPCL to maintain transparency in implementing its initiatives and provide clear information on measures intended to benefit consumers.

It also called on public institutions to adopt practical innovations that improve service delivery, strengthen accountability and address the needs of citizens.

The group said sustained reforms at NNPCL could contribute to greater efficiency in the petroleum sector and demonstrate the value of accountable leadership in public administration.

Tanzania’s Jihan Dimack has made history after being crowned Miss Grand International 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand, on October 10, becoming the first African woman to win the title.

Her victory marks a defining moment for Tanzania and African representation on the international pageant stage. However, behind the historic crown is a woman whose journey in beauty pageants began more than a decade ago.

Born into a Tanzanian-Lebanese family, Jihan, who has represented Mwanza, first made her mark on the national pageant scene in 2014, finishing as second runner-up at Miss Tanzania.

Two years later, she won Miss Universe Tanzania 2016, earning the opportunity to represent the country at Miss Universe in the Philippines in January 2017. The experience marked an early milestone in her international pageant journey.

After years of developing her modelling career and gaining international exposure, Jihan returned to the competition scene in 2026. She won Miss Grand Tanzania in August, securing her place at Miss Grand International and setting the stage for the achievement that would make her a history-maker.

Beyond pageantry, her professional journey has taken her across Tanzania, Lebanon, Mozambique and China, where she has worked in modelling, sales and live commerce. These experiences have exposed her to different cultures and markets while allowing her to build a career beyond the beauty industry.

Jihan has also used her platform to advocate for peace, tolerance and respect for human dignity, values that align with Miss Grand International’s campaign against war and violence.

During the competition’s question-and-answer round, she was asked how she would address inequality in society. Her response centred on love as a means of bringing people together and creating a more equal world.

‘I believe love is the most powerful weapon we have,’ she said, emphasising that differences in religion and place of origin should never prevent people from respecting one another or enjoying equal rights.

Her message reinforced the values she has championed on the international stage, placing unity and human dignity at the centre of her advocacy.

For Tanzania, Jihan’s victory is a landmark achievement that puts the country in the history books of Miss Grand International. For Africa, it represents a breakthrough in a competition where the crown had never before been won by a woman from the continent.

Her journey from second runner-up at Miss Tanzania in 2014 to the international crown in 2026 reflects years of pageant experience, professional growth and renewed ambition.

At Miss Grand International 2026, Jihan Dimack did more than represent Tanzania. She broke new ground for Africa, bringing the crown home and opening a new chapter in the continent’s pageant history.

The My People First Foundation has donated 50 mattresses to the Enayon Makoko Children Foundation School and Orphanage Home in Makoko Community, Yaba LCDA, Lagos State, following the discovery of the difficult living conditions of children at the facility during a recent health outreach.

The Foundation, while conducting its humanitarian health outreach in the Makoko community, extended its activities beyond medical services after discovering that some of the children were sleeping and studying on bare floors inside a structure built with planks.

The condition of the children deeply touched the outreach team and reinforced the Foundation’s commitment to ensuring that every child is treated with love, dignity, comfort, and care, irrespective of their circumstances.

Rather than simply walk away, the Foundation immediately procured 50 mattresses to provide the children with a more comfortable and healthier place to sleep and study.

Working closely with the proprietor of Enayon Makoko Children Foundation School and Orphanage Home, Mr. Aide Oluwatobi Midowiwe, the Foundation’s team, delivered the mattresses to the children, bringing visible excitement and smiles to their faces.

The Foundation noted that while the intervention may appear modest, it could make a meaningful difference in the everyday lives of the children.

The mattresses were delivered by the Foundation’s Project Manager, Prince Matthew James Omeiza, on behalf of the Founder, Hajiya Aishat Oyiza Omade.

The Foundation emphasised that children living in vulnerable communities deserve the opportunity to live, learn, and dream in an environment that protects their dignity and well-being.

‘These are our children. Their pain is our concern, their dreams are our responsibility, and their smiles are our reward.’

The Foundation further reaffirmed its commitment to humanitarian interventions focused on children, vulnerable families and underserved communities.

‘We may not be able to change the whole world at once, but we can change the world of one child at a time.’

Three men working at a mining site in the Jamus area of Kazok villages, Gashish District, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State have been killed.

This was disclosed in a statement by Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM) issued on Friday.

The association in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Rwang Tengwong identified the victims as John Mafulul, 53, and Ezekiel Yohanna, 50.

The association said the victims were attacked at about 5pm on Friday.

The association also announced the death of Bulus Chun Pam of Gwom Ajang, Foron District, Barkin Ladi, who was injured in an attack on October 7.

The victim who was taken to the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) for treatment died on Friday.

The association described the death of Pam as another painful loss to his family and community.

The association expressed concern over the continued attacks in communities across the state.

It also called on the Plateau and federal governments, as well as security agencies, to take urgent measures to protect residents.

The association added that BYM said mining sites, farmlands, rural settlements and community roads should not become places where residents risk losing their lives while trying to earn a living.

BYM also also extended its condolences to the Nigeria Police Force and the family of a police officer reportedly killed along Kwi Road on Thursday.

It asked security agencies to investigate the attacks, apprehend those responsible and ensure they are brought to justice.

The BYM also called on the authorities to strengthen security patrols in vulnerable communities, particularly around mining sites, rural settlements and access roads, while improving intelligence gathering and early-warning systems to prevent further attacks.