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Niger Police Command has successfully neutralised three suspected kidnappers in Niger and recovered two AK-47 rifles along with 49 rounds of live ammunition during a clearance operation in Kokolo Forest, located in Nasko village, Magama Local Government Area of the state.

According to a press statement issued and made available to Journalists on Monday in Minna by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, the operation was carried out by the Command’s Special Task Team (STT) in collaboration with local vigilantes.

The operation against the kidnappers in Niger resulted in a gun duel with the suspects, who fled into the forest, leaving behind one rescued victim.

In a separate operation, police have arrested two individuals linked to criminal activities in the Sabon-Titi (New Road) area of the Tunga Community in Minna, further addressing the issue of kidnappers in Niger.

Eighteen-year-old Murtala Abbas was apprehended allegedly with two dangerous curved weapons, while twenty-year-old Hassan Ibrahim was allegedly found in possession of two locally fabricated guns, a police T-shirt, and damaged walkie-talkies, potentially linked to kidnappers in Niger.

Both suspects are now in Police custody, and investigations are ongoing to trace their accomplices, including vigilante members who are allegedly involved in providing them with weapons.

The State Police Command, however, urged members of the public to report any suspicious individuals, especially those with gunshot injuries, as part of their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the state.

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has saluted the patience of Nigerians in the last two years in spite of the country passing through challenging times.

But, he also reassured confidence in the leadership of President Bola Tinubu to steer the country to better times, adding that the understanding shown by Nigerians is highly appreciated.

Akpabio’s appreciation was contained in his message to Nigerians as the country marks its 56th independence anniversary.

The Senate President specifically urged Nigerians to endure the pains of the reforms for now ‘in the interest of our children and future generations.’

His independence message, which Akpabio signed personally on Tuesday, read: ‘My dear resilient and wonderful people of this great nation, I wish to heartily congratulate you for witnessing Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary celebration. At 65, we are mature and should be working for the unity of the nation and the prosperity of our people.

‘We salute your resilience, patience and endurance in the last two years. We deeply appreciate your support and understanding.

‘In line with the theme of this year’s celebration, ‘All hands are on deck for a greater Nigeria’, I urge you to continue to bear the temporary discomfort of the ongoing reforms. We are not unaware of the pains occasioned by the reforms, but I want to assure you, very soon, this will be a thing of the past because the benefits of the reforms are beginning to manifest positively.

‘Let me also congratulate our President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his demonstrated commitment to the peace and development of our dear country, Members of the National Assembly for their steadfastness in their legislative engagements, the judiciary and the Nigerian people at home and in diaspora on this auspicious occasion.

‘I must tell you that Nigeria is not finished. Do not buy into the mischievous narrative that Nigeria is irredeemable. We are on the right pedestal, and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is reshaping the country; we are growing and making progress.

‘If we all join hands together to support the reforms, Nigeria will become better and surely get to the promised land.’

The Minister of state for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, has reiterated that farmers across Nigeria must have access to affordable and high-quality seeds in order of the country to increase its agricultural yield and derive forex from export.

Speaking in Abuja during a meeting with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) evaluation mission team in Abuja yesterday, Abdullahi said seed quality remains the foundation of any agricultural system.

‘This is at the heart of what we do to support the President’s vision for food security. Farmers must and should have access to affordable, quality seed at all times. Our current yield gap as a country is worrisome, but we believe we can do better,’ the Minister stated.

He explained that beyond yield, good seeds should be pest and disease resistant, drought tolerant, and climate-smart.

Abdullahi further noted that such qualities would reduce dependence on agrochemicals, improve nutrition, and enhance the market value of Nigerian produce abroad.

‘We are not sleeping over the challenge of high residues in our export produce. Different countries have different tolerance levels, and we must ensure our farmers have the knowledge and tools to meet these standards,’ he noted.

The Minister acknowledged gaps in Nigeria’s seed system, pointing out that nearly 70 percent of seed demand is met through informal sources.

He however, stressed the need for more inspectors, stronger regulations, and a crackdown on fraudulent practices. ‘There are people who claim to be seed entrepreneurs but supply grains instead of certified seeds. Without proper oversight, our farmers will continue to suffer,’ he said.

Welcoming the OECD mission, Abdullahi assured that Nigeria would continue to align with international best practices and expand opportunities for seed entrepreneurs.

‘We want to do all-year farming, expand irrigation, and develop varieties suited for our environment. Nigeria is the next hope for seed entrepreneurs to look at,’ he said.

In his remarks, the Director-General of the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC), Dr. Fatuhu Muhammadu, highlighted Nigeria’s progress since joining the OECD Seed Schemes in 2023.

He noted that the country now serves as secretary of the OECD Africa Forum and has trained seed system actors from several West and Central African countries.

OECD seed scheme officers Ms. Aurelia Nicault and Mr. Rouillard Christophe in her remarks, commended Nigeria’s commitment to improving its seed system.

‘The OECD schemes contribute to food security goals and sustainable agriculture. We cannot do anything in the future without seed’, she noted.

Nicault added that Nigeria’s membership would boost trade within ECOWAS and beyond, saying: ‘High-quality seeds will not only secure food for Nigeria but also strengthen its economic growth.’

Non-service of charge sheet on Tuesday stalled the arraignment of former Presidential aspirant, Omoyele Sowore, X Incorporation (formerly Twitter), and Meta (Facebook) Incorporation before a Federal High Court in Abuja over an alleged false claim against the person of President Bola Tinubu by tagging him ‘a criminal.’

The Federal Government had earlier slated Tuesday, September 30, to arraign Sowore and his co-defendants on a five-count charge before Justice Mohammed Umar, but when the case was called for the arraignment, counsel for Sowore, Abubakar Marshall, objected on the ground that his client was not served with the charge sheet three days before the arraignment as required by law.

Similarly, he said, the second defendant had also not been served, and since the trial is on a joint charge, the arraignment cannot be held.

Non-service of charge sheet on Tuesday stalled the arraignment of former Presidential aspirant, Omoyele Sowore, X Incorporation (formerly Twitter), and Meta (Facebook) Incorporation before a Federal High Court in Abuja over an alleged false claim against the person of President Bola Tinubu by tagging him ‘a criminal.’

The Federal Government had earlier slated Tuesday, September 30, to arraign Sowore and his co-defendants on a five-count charge before Justice Mohammed Umar, but when the case was called for the arraignment, counsel for Sowore, Abubakar Marshall, objected on the ground that his client was not served with the charge sheet three days before the arraignment as required by law.

Similarly, he said, the second defendant had also not been served, and since the trial is on a joint charge, the arraignment cannot be held.

Notable personalities who have made significant contributions towards the development of democratic governance are set to be conferred with awards of recognition at the 2025 edition of the Democracy Heroes Award Africa.

Organised by the Face of Democracy Nigeria projects (FDN projects), among those expected to be honoured include FCT Minister, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, members of the Nigerian Senate, Sani Musa, Opeyemi Bamidele, President of Botswana, Duma Gideon Boko, former Nigerian President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, Governors of Borno, Cross River, Ondo, Oyo, and Katsina.

Others include the governors of Delta, Ebonyi, Kaduna, Kebbi, and other notable individuals from the political, business, and entertainment world.

With the theme, ‘Legacy of leadership: Powering Africa’s future’, Democracy Heroes Award Africa 2025 will hold on the 16th of October at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.

Democracy Heroes Award recognises political leaders for their contributions in deepening the culture of democracy in the country through impactful projects.

It also recognizes entrepreneurs, businesspeople, and entertainers whose contributions have helped in entrenching stability through job creation, youth empowerment, and poverty alleviation measures.

The Project Director FDN, Olufunsho Ajagbonna, while congratulating winners of the awards, said the organization will continue to encourage excellent performance by recognising those who have distinguished themselves in serving the people.

Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, has disclosed that sex workers are liable to pay tax under the new reform laws recently signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Oyedele stated this during a lecture on tax education at a Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) church in Lagos.

In a video sighted by Tribune Online, the Fiscal committee boss was explaining and giving an example on whether money paid into someone’s account as upkeep is taxable, noting that there has to be value exchange, especially services rendered, before tax payment can be applicable, citing a sex worker being liable to pay tax as long as they are rendering services.

‘If somebody is doing run girl, they go and look for men to sleep with; you know that’s a service, they will pay tax on it.’

He further explained aspects of tax law, stating that it does not care whether the service rendered is legitimate or illegitimate.

‘One thing about the tax law is, it does not separate between whether what you’re doing is legitimate or not, it just asks you whether you have an income,’ Oyedele added.

Tribune Online reports Tinubu signed four bills into law on June 26, 2025, which includes the Nigeria Tax Act, Nigeria Tax Administration Act, Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Act, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Act. Together, these laws, known as the Tax Acts quartet, aim to broaden the tax base and improve compliance across federal, state, and local governments.

Earlier, Tinubu, aimed at guiding the reforms, appointed Taiwo Oyedele, Fiscal Policy Partner and Africa Tax Leader at PricewaterhouseCoopers, as chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms. The committee includes experts from both the private and public sectors.

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has lauded the Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Gusau, Zamfara State, Dr. Bello Alhaji Mohammed, for his contributions to quality healthcare delivery.

In a press statement issued on Monday evening, FMC Gusau’s Public Relations Officer, Nazir A. Tukur (PhD), announced that Dr. Bello was honoured with an Award of Excellence and Outstanding Performance by NARD.

The statement noted that the award was presented at the Association’s 45th Annual General Meeting (AGM), Katsinan Dikko 2025, held in Katsina.

Dr. Bello, who assumed office in 2019, was recognised for his outstanding leadership, commitment to staff welfare, and contributions to improving healthcare delivery in Zamfara State and beyond. NARD described him as a leader who has raised the standard of care while inspiring younger generations of doctors.

According to the statement, under Dr. Bello’s leadership, FMC Gusau has witnessed significant improvements in infrastructure and service delivery. Completed projects include a 100-bed Mother and Baby Care Unit, a Paediatric Surgical Ward, House Officers’ Quarters (Phases I and II), and a Molecular Laboratory.

New departments such as Health Information Management, Community Medicine, Psychiatry, and a modern Works Unit have also been established to expand the hospital’s services.

Ongoing projects include the construction of a new Administrative Block, an expansive Emergency and Trauma Unit, the rehabilitation of the Amenity Ward, a befitting Isolation Centre, and Interns and NYSC Officers’ Quarters, supported by the Zamfara State Government.

Stakeholders described these initiatives as proof that Dr. Bello’s vision for FMC Gusau goes beyond short-term results, aiming instead at long-term sustainability.

The NARD FMC Gusau chapter commended him, saying his impact extends ‘far beyond the walls of our institution, touching lives, building systems, mentoring generations, and championing initiatives that uplift communities and strengthen our health system.’

Similarly, the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), FMC Gusau chapter, praised Dr. Bello’s leadership and humanitarian gestures. The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Sokoto, alongside senior members of NARD, also hailed him as a visionary whose stewardship has turned challenges into opportunities.

The Federal Government has said that arrangements have been concluded by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development for the hosting of no fewer than 1,000 young leaders and delegates from across Africa and the diaspora in Abuja, Nigeria.

According to the organisers, the young leaders are to be hosted at the Youth Creative Conference (YCC) 2025, scheduled for October 22-23, 2025 at the ECOWAS Headquarters, Abuja.

Organised in partnership with the African Union (AU) and the YCC committee, the landmark conference would bring together over 1,000 young leaders and delegates from across Africa and the diaspora.

The event would serve as a platform for dialogue, innovation, and collaboration to strengthen peacebuilding efforts and advance sustainable development across the continent.

The conference with the theme: ‘Silencing the Guns: Pathway for Peacebuilding in Africa’, underscores the central role of youth in driving peace, innovation, good governance, and regional integration.

Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, emphasised the strategic significance of the conference, highlighting its alignment with the African Union Agenda 2063, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, and Nigeria’s foreign policy pillars of the Four DAs – Democracy, Diaspora, Development, and Diplomacy.

‘With 70% of Nigeria’s population made up of young people, we recognise their potential as peacebuilders, innovators, and architects of Africa’s future. This conference provides a vital platform for youth-led dialogue, creative exchange, and inclusive development,’ the Minister stated.

Director, Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Omolara Esan, in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, said the conference aims to empower African youth to champion peacebuilding and sustainable development, promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and good governance among young people, as well as strengthen regional and international partnerships for youth-led development and peace.

Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to peace and regional solidarity, the Minister noted the nation’s active contributions to peacekeeping and mediation efforts in Libya, Syria, and The Gambia, as well as its leadership in driving initiatives on security, governance reforms, climate action, digital transformation, and inclusive education within Africa.

Speaking on the growing impact of the Youth Creativity for Change (YCC) Initiative, Convener Blaize-Kizito Ndukwe lauded its rapid continental recognition since its launch just four months ago.

He explained that the initiative leverages youth creativity as a powerful tool for peace, employing innovative, non-violent approaches that reflect Africa’s diversity.

The African Union, through the Silencing the Guns flagship initiative, also reaffirmed its support. Mr. Ernest Nya Dolo, Coordinator of the AU’s Silencing the Guns Unit, remarked:

‘Youth are not just the future, they are the present. By partnering with young people across the continent, we are laying the foundation for sustainable peace and inclusive development.’

The Silencing the Guns initiative operates through a Master Roadmap of Practical Steps, placing youth engagement at the core of efforts to build a conflict-free Africa, in collaboration with regional economic communities (RECs), governments, civil society organisations, youth networks, and traditional leaders.

The Federal Ministry of Youth Development, alongside its partners, have called for sustained collaboration to empower African youth as agents of peace, unity, and prosperity.

Igbos have been called upon to commit to supporting ongoing efforts to end the insecurity ravaging parts of Igboland and forge a united front to be able to remain relevant in Nigeria’s polity.

The call was made during the 2025 Igbo Day Celebration, organised by the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, in Awka, Anambra State Capital.

The celebration witnessed attendance by delegates from the seven Igbo-speaking states, including Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Delta, and Rivers state.

It had commenced with a Juma’at prayer at the Central Mosque in Awka last Friday, and a thanksgiving mass on Sunday, before proceeding to an Igbo Day lecture later same day.

The Igbo day celebration was also used to recognise and celebrate the sacrifices of past Igbo heroes, as well as those who were massacred on the 29th of September, 1966, in Kano, and those who died during the Nigerian civil war of 1967 to 1970.

Speaking at the celebration held at the Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka on Monday, Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo, acknowledged that such a celebration was worth celebrating to serve as a reminder to Igbos, who are living in a society that recognises and honours sacrifices.

Soludo, who said the day should be a reminder to Ndigbo of the need to shun anything that will bring another war to the region, regretted that those craving for war never saw war and do not know the implications.

He also called for deep introspection by Igbos on who they are- an itinerant people, whose prosperity lies in their ability to move around and explore opportunities.

‘Igbos, as an itinerant tribe, cannot be an intolerant people. Our future lies in having a prosperous homeland, but also in being able to move around the world to explore opportunities.

‘Igbos are too large and cannot be confined to one geographical region. Igbos need Nigeria and Nigeria needs Igbos. We are major stakeholders in the Nigerian project,’ he noted.

Soludo regretted that in trying to agitate, Igbos have turned the guns on themselves, insisting that majority of those responsible for the insecurity in the Southeast as of today are mainly Igbos.

‘Igbos need to discuss their future importantly. Our bushes and forests were taken over by criminals pretending to be agitators for Ndigbo. The sit-at-home is not in our own best interest.

‘This event should usher in a new debate on what the future holds for Igboland. Ohaneze must stand and condemn the criminals in the bushes. They are not serving Igbos but are killing Igbos. More Igbos are dying in the hands of criminals in the bushes than those killed during the war.

‘We need social and moral rebirth. We must go back to the values of Ndigbo. I am eager that we can build a new Igboland, where life is valued and prosperity is guaranteed,’ he said.

Earlier in his remarks, the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, represented by the Deputy President-General of Ohanaeze, Okey Nwadinobi, said the theme of the event, ‘Ndigbo Onye Aghana Nwanne ya’ (Be your brother’s keeper), is central to the organization’s efforts to secure a united Igbo nation.

According to him, it compels the people to do what is right by themselves, in building an Igboland that will not be a desolate land but a destination choice.

Azutta-Mbatta, while noting that Igbos have done a lot for Nigeria, said the people deserve the best treatment in the country.

He also urged Ndigbo to support a united Nigeria that cares for everyone.

The Chairman, on the occasion, and Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District, Senator Ned Nwoko, represented by his Senior Special Assistant, Ogbueshi Godfrey Odogwu, observed that Igbos have attained enviable heights in various spheres of human endeavors, attracting applause and recognition to the race.

He, however, noted that despite the plethora of achievements, the Igbos have not even scratched the surface of their potential, adding that the theme was well thought out to affirm the people’s resolve to continue to be one another’s keeper, in recognition of the strong bond of Igbo identity.

Nwoko urged Ndigbo to fight to protect their land, culture, and tradition, adding that Igbos must promote law and order to be able to achieve their manifest destiny.

He urged the Ohanaeze and the rest of the Igbo nation to support ongoing efforts to achieve the creation of Anioma State, as the 6th state of the southeast region and the 37th state of the federation, to end decades of marginalization and injustice against the Anioma people.

‘The actualization of the quest of Anioma State will amend the long overdue imbalance in the Nigerian regional structure.

‘Through our dogged efforts, the Bill for the creation of Anioma State has the support of over 90 out of the 109 Senators in the National Assembly, and we are now looking forward to the passage of the bill and a referendum to follow.

‘We plead with Ohanaeze to support this just cause,’ Nwoko pleaded.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee for the event and Anambra State President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, expressed appreciation to all who supported the event, noting that the unity of Ndigbo is non-negotiable.

Okpalaezeukwu commended the leadership of the Ohanaeze for the new direction it is taking in unifying all Igbos, describing it as the way to go if Ndigbo must gain relevance in the socio-political sphere of Nigeria.

Former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar and former governor of Kaduna Nasir El-Rufai and former Senate President, Iyorcha Ayu paid a courtesy visit to Oba Rashidi Ladoja at his Bodija residence on Tuesday.

They were received by Oba Ladoja and his Oloris.

Atiku in his speech apologised for his inability to attend the coronation ceremony.

‘Kindly forgive our inability to attend your coronation ceremony as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland on Friday,’ he pleaded.