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The Operation Whirlwind of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has sealed Adeola Ade PLC Filling Station along Owode-Apa Road in Badagry, Lagos State, and intercepted 1,980 jerricans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) each measuring between 25 and 30 litres, totaling 49,500 litres, within the Lagos and Ogun axis to forestall further diversion of national resources and to protect public safety.

The station’s staff, it was gathered, were reportedly caught filling plastic kegs with petrol, intended for illegal transport across the border, and a suspect, identified as Adeola Ismail, was apprehended by Customs operatives.

The operation was part of a week-long sting by Operation Whirlwind, a Customs task force operating in Zone ‘A’, which also seized seven vehicles used as means of conveyance, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ?80,452,000.

Addressing reporters in Lagos yesterday, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Assistant Comptroller General Kola Oladeji, said the seizures were made within the last seven weeks following sustained surveillance and intelligence gathering operations.

Oladeji disclosed that the prohibited items were discovered at several flashpoints in Badagry, Lagos, Ajilete, Ijoun, Ilaro, Owode Idiroko, Eree, Ado-Odo, and Obada Imeko in Ogun State.

The National Coordinator disclosed that the illegal products were carefully concealed and being prepared for illegal export to the Republic of Benin before his officers swooped on them and seized the items.

The successful interceptions, he added, form part of the broader mandate of the special task force to tackle economic sabotage in the downstream oil sector and ensure that petroleum products remain available and affordable to Nigerians.

He stated further, subsequent investigation traced links to a retail outlet identified as Adeola Ade PLC Filling Station, located along Owode-Apa Road in Badagry, Lagos State.

Upon inspection, he said, they discovered serious infractions bordering on improper handling, storage, and potential illegal sales of PMS. In line with existing laws and regulatory procedures, the filling station was immediately sealed to forestall further diversion of national resources and to protect public safety.

During a routine perimeter sweep around the sealed station, he said, operatives apprehended a male suspect later identified as Adeola Ismail.

He was arrested outside the crime scene following his suspicious behaviour and preliminary links to the illegal activities traced to the sealed premises. The suspect was subsequently taken into custody for questioning and profiling.

After 48 hours, upon representation by his legal counsel, he was granted administrative bail by the Legal Unit of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU Zone A), pending the conclusion of ongoing investigations.

Oladeji emphasized that the interception and enforcement action demonstrate Operation Whirlwind’s firm commitment to the Federal Government’s directive to dismantle smuggling networks, safeguard national resources, and promote transparency and accountability in petroleum product distribution.

He noted that the task force’s operations align with the policy direction of the Federal Government, which seeks to restore integrity to the downstream oil sector through effective monitoring, enforcement, and collaboration with other relevant agencies.

The Whirlwind Coordinator commended the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), under the leadership of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for the strong institutional backing and support provided to the operation, as well as the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and his management team for their strategic leadership and guidance.

He also expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), field officers, and patriotic Nigerians who continue to supply credible intelligence that enhances the fight against economic sabotage.

He reaffirmed that the Customs-led operation will sustain its surveillance efforts, deepen inter-agency cooperation, and promote public enlightenment on the dangers of smuggling and diversion of petroleum products.

Oladeji urged Nigerians to support the campaign by reporting suspicious activities to relevant authorities.

Nigeria has not yet qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup but remains firmly in contention. The Super Eagles are among four African teams confirmed for the upcoming African Playoffs, which will produce one team to advance to the Inter-Confederation Playoffs.

African Playoffs Format

The African Playoffs will feature a semi-final and final format involving four teams:

– Gabon

– Cameroon

– Nigeria

– DR Congo (if they win tonight) or Burkina Faso

Matchups will be determined based on FIFA rankings:

– Highest-ranked vs Lowest-ranked

– 2nd Highest-ranked vs 3rd Highest-ranked

The winner of the final will advance to the Inter-Confederation Playoffs, where teams from five continents will compete for the final two spots at the 2026 World Cup.

Inter-Confederation Playoffs Overview

The Inter-Confederation Playoffs will have two brackets, each consisting of a semi-final and final. Two teams will qualify for the World Cup.

Confirmed teams so far:

– Bolivia (South America)

– New Caledonia (Oceania)

Yet to qualify:

– 1 from Africa (via the African Playoffs)

– 1 from Asia

– 2 from North America

The inter-confederation play-offs will be conducted in March next year, with six teams from five confederations playing for the final two spots at the World Cup.

Nigeria must first win the African Playoffs to reach the Inter-Confederation Playoffs and then win its bracket there to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that the defection of Enugu Governor Peter Mbah to the ruling party will reposition the state as a strategic partner and beneficiary of the massive economic transformation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

The party, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, welcomed the Governor, other elected and appointive officers, leaders, and stakeholders to APC.

Morka wrote: ‘We congratulate Governor Mbah for his courageous decision to join Nigeria’s preeminent and progressive Party.

‘We are confident that this deft political move will consolidate and accelerate development and good governance in Enugu state. It will bolster Governor Mbah’s leadership and impressive record of achievement for which he has been recognized with several local and international awards, including the 2025 Presidential GovTech Awards for innovation and technology-driven public service delivery.

‘The Governor’s decision to join the APC and align with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is a smart repositioning of Enugu state as a strategic partner, participant and beneficiary of the massive economic transformation currently underway in our nation, and will inure to the good and prosperity of the people of the state, and the entire South-Eastern Nigeria.’

Tbe party assured the Governor and teeming new members of its fullest support, accommodation, and seamless integration into the APC family.

The Nigerian Army has continued to record successes in its operations in Kwara and Kogi States, neutralizing bandits and rescuing kidnap victims.

Within the past two days, troops under 2 Division/Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, a military onslaught against bandits/terrorists in the North West and part of North Central, rescued nine kidnap victims.

The victims were intercepted during a night patrol on Monday, October 13, along the Egbe-Okura road in Kogi State and the Okoloke-Patigi route in Kwara State, specifically in the Essalu community of Yagba West Local Government Area.

Spokesman of 2 Division, Lt.-Col. Polycarp Okoye, who revealed this in a statement on Tuesday, October 14, said the rescued victims, comprising four males, and five females, were kidnapped from their community, Matoku, in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State on September 24.

He said the feat was due to continue extensive clearance operations by troops of 2 Division/Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMMA around Esanlu, Patigi, Babasango, Etsuyum, and adjoining communities of Kogi and Kwara States.

Okoye said, ‘On interrogation, the victims revealed that about 3 weeks ago, terrorists raided their village, Matoku, in Patigi LGA of Kwara State, and kidnapped several persons. It was also disclosed that the criminals rustled an unconfirmed number of cattle.

‘The victims further narrated that the bandits who took them suddenly became apprehensive, resulting from their own troops’ sustained operations in the area. Consequently, they (terrorists) were compelled by circumstances to abandon them and flee.’

He revealed the names of rescued victims as: Abdullahi Umar, aged 35, Alhaji Umaru Sarki Fawa, aged 55, Labaran Abubakar, aged 45, and Mr Umar Yanda, aged 30.

Others are: Mrs Hassana Muhammad, aged 25, Mrs Maryam Muhammad, aged 27, Mrs Aisha Idris, aged 20, and Mrs Zainab Ahmed, aged 12.

Okoye said that the rescued victims were administered first aid treatments and provided with food, after which the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division NA/Commander Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General CR Nnebeife, addressed the victims before they were handed to Patigi Local Government to reunite them with their families.

‘The GOC, further proceeded to Lata, in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State where he applauded troops of both 12 and 22 Brigades for their continued synergy and collaboration towards achieving operational efficiency,’ Okoye said.

He reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to rid the region of bandits and terrorists, and urged the public to provide troops with credible information to aid in combating insecurity and securing lives and property.

A tipper driver, Tobi Abdulmalik Oluwatuyi, who was abducted along the Akure-Owo Expressway in Ondo State, has regained his freedom after spending several days in captivity.

The Nation earlier reported that Oluwatuyi was kidnapped last Friday, around 6 a.m. at Ilu Abo while attempting to repair his faulty vehicle by the roadside.

His motor boy narrowly escaped and raised the alarm, prompting residents to launch a search for the victim.

Confirming the development, the owner of the tipper, Monday Ayesoro, said Oluwatuyi was released on Monday night and brought back to the same location where he had been abducted.

Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer of the Ondo State Command, Olayinka Ayanlade, for confirmation were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

The Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Ibadan Chapter, Dr. Adefemi Afolabi, has criticised the federal government’s decision to enforce the ‘no-work, no-pay’ policy on striking lecturers, describing it as a panicky and knee-jerk response.

Speaking with The Nation on Tuesday about the ongoing 14-day warning strike, Dr. Afolabi said the government’s approach would not resolve the crisis.

He, however, urged the federal government to convene a meeting with the union and sign the draft agreement submitted by the Alhaji Yayale Ahmed committee.

‘This is a panicky and knee-jerk response that is not a recipe for resolving the crisis. The Federal Government should convene a meeting with our union to sign the draft agreement submitted by the Alhaji Yayale Ahmed Committee. This warning strike could have been avoided if the report submitted to the Minister of Education in February 2025 had been signed,’ Afolabi stated.

The strike, which began on Monday, followed the union’s frustration over what it described as the government’s failure to honour past agreements.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has directed vice-chancellors to strictly implement the ‘no-work, no-pay’ directive against striking ASUU members.

He also ordered physical headcounts of lecturers present at work, adding that the National Universities Commission (NUC) would monitor compliance and submit a consolidated report to the ministry.

Alausa expressed disappointment that the strike commenced despite the government’s appeals for dialogue, insisting that most of the union’s demands within its purview had already been addressed.

The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has been appointed as the Chancellor of Westland University, Iwo, Osun State.

The university management announced the appointment on Tuesday, describing it as a recognition of the monarch’s unwavering commitment to promoting quality education among Nigerian youths.

In a letter signed by the registrar, Olalekan Olaosebikan, on behalf of the university’s governing council led by Dr. (Mrs.) Esther Adepoju, the institution said Oba Akanbi’s leadership and dedication to educational development made him the ideal choice for the position.

The letter read: ‘It is with great honour and respect that I write on behalf of the Council of Westland University, Iwo, to inform Your Imperial Majesty of your nomination and appointment as the Chancellor of Westland University, Iwo, Osun State, for a term of five years.

‘Your Imperial Majesty’s leadership, wisdom, and commitment to quality education for our teeming youth make you an ideal candidate for this position. We believe that your royal guidance will significantly contribute to our university’s growth and development.’

According to the management, Oba Akanbi is expected to provide visionary leadership, guide the university’s academic and administrative activities, and represent the institution with distinction.

The statement added, ‘Your Majesty will also provide strategic direction and oversight to the university, preside over convocation ceremonies and other assemblies, and advocate for the university’s interests while fostering partnerships and collaborations.

‘We look forward to working closely with Your Imperial Majesty as we congratulate you on this well-deserved appointment.’

Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo has sacked Hon Samson Osagie as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

Osagie was among the first persons sworn-in as Commissioners immediately the Governor assumed office.

No reason was given for the sack.

Speculations have been rife that Osagie would soon be kicked out of Okpebholo’s cabinet after Prof. Roland Otaru was nominated as Commissioner.

Though the sack has not been announced, his name was missing among the list after the Governor sworn-in new Commissioners.

Besides the sacking of Osagie, Governor Okpebholo also increased Ministries in the State to 28.

A statement by Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, explained the increment was to ‘ensure the seamless alignment of the Governor’s SHINE Agenda with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Ahmed Tinubu.’

It said the restructuring was to enhance administrative efficiency, improve coordination across critical sectors and strengthen the capacity of Government to deliver effectively on its mandate to the people of Edo State.

In the list, no Commissioner was assigned to the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy.

Sr. Felix Ehiguese Akhabue was assigned to the Ministry of Works; Hon Andrew Ijegbai was assigned to Ministry of Mining; Prince Kassim Afegbua was assigned to

Ministry of Information and Strategy while Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Paul Ohonbamu was redeployed to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

Omoh Anabor was deployed to the Ministry of Business, Trade and Investment; Dr. Jerry Uwangue was assigned to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and Prof. Omorodion Ignatius Ikponwosa was assigned to the Ministry of Livestock Development.

The Ministry of Environment and Sustainability has Barr. Nosa Adams as its Commissioner; Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole and Dr. Paddy Iyamu were retained in the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education respectively.

The Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development has Dr. Lucky Eseigbe as its Commissioner; Ministry of Lands and Housing has Hon. Yakubu Oshiorenua Musa. Ohimai Ehijimetor is Commissioner of Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy while Hon. Etin-Osa Ogbeiwi was assigned Ministry of Science and Technology and Dr. Washington Osifo was retained in the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation.

In his reaction, Osagie said Governor Okpebholo has done well, stating he was grateful for the opportunity to serve.

The coast appears clear for Governor Biodun Oyebanji to secure the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket for the 2026 Ekiti State election following the withdrawal of his only opponent, Mrs. Atinuke Oluremi Omolayo, from the race.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, and made available to journalists in Ado-Ekiti, the party announced that it had adopted the consensus mode for the conduct of its governorship primary in the state.

Morka explained that the decision to shift from the earlier proposed direct primary to the consensus mode followed Omolayo’s voluntary withdrawal and endorsement of Governor Oyebanji as the party’s consensus candidate.

According to him, Mrs. Omolayo, in a formal letter to the party, conveyed her decision to step down and pledged her full support for the governor’s candidacy, expressing loyalty to any arrangement adopted by the APC in line with its constitution and the Electoral Act, 2022.

The APC spokesman added that the party had duly notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the development through a letter dated October 13, 2025.

‘With this development, the party has satisfied the requirements stipulated under Sections 84(9) and (11) of the Electoral Act 2022 for the consensus mode of primary election,’ the statement read.

Morka disclosed that the National Working Committee (NWC) had approved a timetable of activities leading to the ratification of the consensus candidate.

According to the timetable, the process will commence on Saturday, October 25, 2025, with the Delegate Congress, where party delegates across Ekiti State will converge to affirm the consensus arrangement.

This will be followed by the Delegate Congress Appeal on Sunday, October 26, to address any petitions arising from the process.

The exercise will culminate in a Special Nomination Congress on Monday, October 27, 2025, to formally ratify Governor Biodun Oyebanji as the APC’s consensus candidate for the 2026 governorship election.

Morka commended Mrs. Omolayo for her sportsmanship and commitment to the unity of the party, describing her withdrawal as a mark of loyalty and respect for the APC’s internal democratic process.

He urged all party leaders, members, and stakeholders in the state to remain united and work collectively toward ensuring a resounding victory in the June 20, 2026, governorship election.

The Rivers State House of Assembly reconvened on Tuesday for its second plenary after the emergency rule and applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for granting pardon to the late environmentalist, Mr. Ken Saro-Wiwa, and eight others popularly called the Ogoni-nine.

The lawmakers conveyed their commendation through a motion moved by the Deputy Speaker, Dumle Maol, representing Gokana Constituency, and three other members from the Ogoni extraction.

The movers of the motion called for commendation for the President and lauded Tinubu for posthumously conferring national honours on the Ogoni-13.

Members took turns to praise the President, saying Tinubu displayed his goodwill through the gesture.

Commenting on the motion, the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, emphasised the importance of peace and said that the fatherly initiative of the president would go a long way in assuaging the Ogoni people.

He said the Ogoni people, for about three decades, had been in pain because of the loss of their 13 prominent personalities, and commended the president for the noble gesture.

The house also deliberated on the recent flash floods that led to the death of two teenagers at Eligbolo, a community in Obio/Akpor Local Government of the State.

Moving the motion on the need for immediate action to be taken by the relevant ministries and agencies to stem the flash floods, the member representing Port Harcourt Constituency 3, HoAzeru Opara, identified the lack of frequent and proper desilting of canals and drains in the state as the cause of the flood and called for urgent actions to mitigate the situation.

The lawmakers mourned the unfortunate death of the teenage brothers at Eligbolo and called on the authorities to take drastic steps to avert future occurrences.

Amaewhule recounted the moments leading to the death of the two teenagers and regretted that such could happen in Rivers.

He called on the Ministry of Environment and that of Urban and Regional Planning to draw a plan on how to desilt the canals and drains in Port Harcourt and its environs.

He lamented the ugly situation and directed the House Committee on Environment and Urban Planning to quickly put in place measures to address the situation.