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The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said the troops of Operation Delta Safe have destroyed 41 illegal refining sites and foiled oil theft worth over ?112.1 million in the Niger Delta in September.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

Kangye said the troops had maintained aggressive patrols and air reconnaissance to curb crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and other forms of economic sabotage.

According to him,the troops had also recovered 49,321 litres of crude oil, 6,970 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 1,900 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) and 1,475 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from criminals during the period under review.

‘Troops also destroyed 41 illegal refining sites, 21 cooking ovens, 9 dugout pits, 11 storage tanks, seven boats and arrested several suspects involved in the illegal trade,’ he said.

Kangye added that troops dismantled multiple oil theft networks and seized equipment used for large-scale bunkering, including pumping machines, hoses, and generators.

He said the operations were carried out in Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers States, with support from other security agencies.

The defence spokesman reaffirmed the military’s resolve to sustain its onslaught against crude oil theft, adding that the fight against economic saboteurs remains a national priority due to its direct impact on Nigeria’s economy and environmental safety.

He urged the host communities to support the security forces with timely information to help identify and disrupt oil theft networks operating in their areas.

‘Our operations will continue to target the sources, storage facilities, and transportation channels used by oil thieves until these criminal enterprises are completely dismantled,’ he said.

The Minister of Power and All Progressive Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has said his gubernatorial ambition is in the interest of people in the State.

Adelabu said his passion to serve was borne out of love for the poor, less privileged and people across the State.

Speaking while addressing APC leaders, stakeholders and members of the party in Oke-Ogun zone 2 of the state, Adelabu said if given chance to be the Governor in 2027, he would work towards the progress and development of the State.

Oke-Ogun zone 2 consist six local government areas of Oorelope local government, Saki East, Saki West, Olorunsogo, Irepo and Atisbo.

The Minister, who was accompanied by brother of late former Governor, Alhaji Wasiu Ajimobi, Hon. Abiodun Ambali, Alhaji Wale Sanusi, Alhaji Kola Amoo, Alhaji Fatai Adesokan and others emphasised on unity of the party ahead of next election.

He said: ‘United APC owns Oyo State, PDP is a tenant in Agodi Government House, a divided house can never be victorious, APC will regain Oyo State in 2027.

‘There should be internal democracy in our party and this start from our upcoming congress, I want to assure you that no one will impose any candidate on us, our party should unite and stand as one.’

The Minster met some APC leaders in Saki including Alhaji Sulaimon Ajibade (Saki West Local government), Alhaji Hamed Ayinla (Olorunsogo local government), Alhaji Balogun Mayor Alagbada (Saki East Local government) and Chief Lateef Ajemeje (Atisbo Local government) among others.

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Member representing Saki West, Saki East and Atisbo federal constituency, Hon. Kareem Abisodun, who requested intervention of the Minister over power in the zone, lauded the giant stride of the Minster in the sector across Nigeria, saying Adelabu’s efforts in Power Ministry can not be overemphasised.

He vowed that people in the six local government will support and vote massively for the party come 2027 so that APC can come back to power in the State.

Chelsea secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Stamford Bridge, with substitute Estevão Willian scoring a stunning stoppage-time winner to hand the Blues all three points in a tense Premier League clash.

The hosts took the lead in the 14th minute when Moises Caicedo finished off a neat move orchestrated by Malo Gusto, slotting past Giorgi Mamardashvili to make it 1-0.

Liverpool, however, fought their way back into the game after the break. Cody Gakpo equalised in the 63rd minute, converting from close range after a fine assist from Alexander Isak, silencing the home crowd.

Just when it seemed both sides would share the points, Stamford Bridge erupted deep into added time. Marc Cucurella surged forward on the left and delivered a low cross that found Estevão Willian, who calmly tucked the ball in the 96th minute to seal a memorable victory.

The Olugoba of Igoba Community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, Oba John Adinlewa, has narrowly escaped an assassination attempt, The Nation can report.

The incident occurred during a cultural festival when a group of armed hoodlums invaded the monarch’s palace, wielding firearms, knives, charms, and other dangerous weapons, with the intent to wreak havoc.

Sources disclosed that the attackers, who stormed the community in commando style, violently assaulted the monarch, his wife and several indigenes.

Properties worth millions were reportedly destroyed in the chaos.

Confirming the attack in a statement on Saturday, the spokesman for the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said ten suspects have been apprehended in connection with the assassination attempt.

Ayanlade stated that while the royal father narrowly escaped the life-threatening assault, one of his chiefs, Mrs. Ogunoye Oluomo was severely injured and dispossessed of her belongings during the attack.

According to him: ‘Upon receipt of the distress call, the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, promptly deployed all necessary operational assets and manpower to the area. Led by the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, the tactical team effected the arrest of ten suspects.’

He added that the arrested suspects have confessed to their roles in the attack and would be charged in court upon completion of investigations.

Items recovered from the suspects include two locally fabricated pistols, one single-barrel gun, several rounds of live ammunition, assorted charms, knives, machetes, and other dangerous weapons used during the attack.

Ayanlade also disclosed that injured victims are currently receiving treatment and responding positively, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects.

He assured that normalcy has been restored to Igoba community, with security presence reinforced to prevent further breakdown of law and order.

The Police Commissioner, according to him, has reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

Social media is agog with the promise of actress, Queeneth Agbor, to feed 1,000 inmates at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre.

The event is scheduled for 9, October, 2025

Agbor, who has featured in over 40 movies and collaborated with prominent Nollywood figures, said she decided to celebrate her birthday in a purposeful way by giving hope to the 1,000 inmates.

She said: ‘ Through one meal at a time at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, with the theme; ‘Strength Beyond Walls.’ This theme resonates with resilience and inner fortitude, perfect for marking a special day in a unique setting.’

Expected at the event are top Nollywood stars, family members, associates and well-wishers.

The Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Ben Kalu, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to grant the South Easterners a seaport to enhance trade in the region.

Kalu made the request on Friday, in a speech at a reception held at the Enyimba International Stadium in honour of Tinubu after he had inaugurated some projects in Abia.

‘Mr President, we want to thank you for what you are doing in our state through our governor and what you are doing around the south East.

‘But I must say it is about time that we had another sea port in the South East; South Easterners are mainly traders and We need a sea port to enhance our trading.

‘I also want to say that the destruction and the demolition of the houses, the offices of our brothers in Lagos makes our hearts bleed,’ he said.

Kalu pleaded with the president to speak with the Lagos State governor to allow the Igbo people whose houses have not been destroyed already to regularize their documents.

He said that destruction at this time of hardship makes the hearts of victims bleed, stressing that the need for an amicable resolution rather than destruction of property.

Kalu said governance is about partnership hence the state must partner the federal government and the federal government must partner the state.

He said although he is an All Progressives Congress (APC) party member, it is his character to support the governors of his state to ensure the state succeeded and promised to support Alex Otti to succeed.

‘I have gone with him from the morning, visiting all the projects till this evening and I have seen the state’s projects carried out by the governor and for that we commend him.

‘But as a member and citizen of this state, I request, like Oliver Twist, that the governor should do more,’ he said.

He thanked the president for his assistance in the projects in Abia and urged the Abia Information Commissioner and media houses in Abia to accord Tinubu his merited credits.

Kalu said this would induce the president to do more for the state and the South East which he had shown love to.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) FCT Command says it apprehended more than 250 commercial vehicles in just two days for overloading, as it begins full enforcement of safety regulations in the territory.

The FCT Sector Commander, Corps Commander Felix Theman, disclosed this in a statement signed by the Command’s Public Education Officer, Mrs Helen Ntaji, on Saturday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the enforcement, which started on Oct. 2, specifically targeted the practice of carrying two passengers in the front seat of taxis.

Theman said that the two-day figure demonstrated the scale of violations in the FCT, in spite months of sustained engagement and education to transport unions.

He explained that his top priority since assumption of office had been restoring passenger dignity and safety, noting that enforcement was the most civil way to ensure compliance.

According to him, overloading makes the use of seatbelts impossible, weakens vehicle suspension and tyres and limits driver control in emergencies.

Theman added that the command’s operation was being carried out in collaboration with mobile magistrate courts to ensure immediate prosecution of offenders.

He said that full activation of mobile courts across the FCT would begin on Oct. 6 to intensify the enforcement.

The commander also warned drivers operating vehicles below minimum safety standards to upgrade them or risk outright impoundment.

He hinted that transport unions had pledged full support for the initiative and urged passengers to cooperate to protect their rights to safe and dignified transportation.

The former southeast spokesman to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Denge Josef Onoh, has asked former President Goodluck Jonathan to be cautious on how he makes sensitive public utterances.

Jonathan had at the public presentation of a book,’SCARS: Nigeria’s Journey and The Boko Haram Conundrum,’ alleged that Boko Haram insurgents nominated the late President Muhammadu Buhari as their negotiator during his administration.

Onoh in a statement in Abuja, on Saturday, said that while Jonathan’s intention may have been to shed light on the complexities of the Boko Haram insurgency, the revelation, particularly at this time, carries grave implications that warrant serious reflection and caution.

Onoh said that the statement is morally inappropriate and deeply insensitive, especially given that former President Buhari passed away recently, and his family is still in mourning.

‘To publicly associate a deceased leader with such a sensitive and unverified claim risks casting a shadow over his legacy and inflicts unnecessary pain on his loved ones.

‘As a former president, you are expected to uphold the highest moral standards, demonstrating restraint and decorum, particularly when discussing matters involving a departed colleague who can no longer respond or clarify such claims. Your disclosure, especially in the context of Nigeria’s polarized political climate, appears to serve no constructive purpose and instead fuels division and mistrust.

‘Secondly, his statement disregards the sanctity of classified security matters. As a former head of state, you are privy to the fact that certain sensitive issues, particularly those involving national security, are deliberately shielded from public consumption to protect the nation’s stability and the integrity of its institutions.

‘During his lifetime, former President Buhari refrained from making public remarks about your administration’s handling of the Niger Delta militancy, respecting the unwritten code of discretion expected of leaders. By choosing to reveal this alleged nomination of Buhari by Boko Haram, you have breached this code, setting a dangerous precedent that undermines the confidentiality critical to governance and national security,’Onoh said.

He noted that it was particularly concerning given the timing of Jonathan’s statement, which coincided with speculations about his potential presidential candidacy in 2027, saying that such disclosures risk being perceived as politically motivated, diminishing his stature as a statesman and suggesting that personal ambitions may be influencing his public utterances.

‘The negative implications of your statement are manifold. By waiting until the build-up to the 2027 elections to make this claim, you have inadvertently cast doubt on your intentions, leading many Nigerians to question whether this revelation is an attempt to score political points rather than contribute to a meaningful discourse on the Boko Haram crisis.

‘This is a disappointment to the sensibilities of Nigerians who expect former leaders to rise above partisan politics and act as unifying figures. Your statement risks deepening public cynicism and eroding trust in leadership, especially at a time when Nigeria needs cohesion to tackle ongoing security and economic challenges.

‘I must also draw your attention to a similar instance in the past when I cautioned former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon for making unsubstantiated claims about the late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu after his passing. Such actions, especially when the subject is no longer alive to respond, are not only unfair but also diminish the moral authority of the speaker. Leadership demands accountability, but it also requires empathy and respect for the dignity of others, particularly in death.

‘In light of the foregoing, I respectfully urge you to reconsider the implications of such statements and exercise greater caution in your public remarks. As a former President, your words carry immense weight and can either foster unity or exacerbate division.

‘Nigerians look to you to model statesmanship, not to ‘sing like a canary that cannot fly’ in pursuit of alleged political ambitions. I encourage you to focus on constructive contributions that honor the sacrifices of all leaders, including the late President Buhari, and to prioritize the healing and unity of our nation,’ Onoh advised.

Controversial crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, has once again stirred reactions online after a recent interaction with a waiter at a foreign restaurant.

Bobrisky, who has been living abroad since his release from prison, shared a short video on his TikTok page showing his dining experience at a restaurant reportedly located in the United Kingdom.

In the viral video, the cross dresser was seen placing his order while informing the waiter that he does not eat bacon (pork) or mushrooms due to his religious beliefs as a Muslim.

He then requested for fish instead .

‘I don’t want bacon (pork) or mushrooms because I’m Muslim. I don’t eat it,’ he said while ordering his meal.

The video has since attracted mixed reactions from social media users.

Some users questioned Bobrisky’s lifestyle choices, others expressed their opinions through faith based and cultural lenses.

One user commented, ‘My question is, is this how Bobrisky plans to live for the rest of his or her life?’

Another wrote, ‘I don’t eat pork because I’m Muslim, but I can be transgender because the Qur’an told me to, right?’

A third user added, ‘You claim to be Muslim but only follow the food restrictions. What you’re doing is far worse than that.’

The video continues to generate significant online debate, highlighting ongoing conversations about identity, religion, and societal values in Nigeria’s digital space.

From the stitched leather of 1930 to today’s AI-designed marvels, FIFA World Cup balls have evolved with the sport itself – blending innovation, design, and culture to define each football era.

Here are seven of the most iconic match balls that shaped World Cup history:

1. Tiento and T-Model (1930)

The first World Cup in Uruguay had no official match ball. In the final, Argentina’s lighter Tiento was used in the first half, while Uruguay’s heavier T-Model replaced it in the second – a switch that helped Uruguay rally to a 4-2 victory. This moment set the tone for decades of innovation to come.

2. Adidas Telstar (1970)

Introduced for Mexico 1970, the Telstar changed everything. Its 32 black-and-white panels improved visibility on television and made it an instant classic. It also marked the beginning of Adidas’ enduring partnership with FIFA – and became the template for all modern footballs.

3. Adidas Tango España (1982)

An evolution of the 1978 Tango, the Tango España debuted in Spain and was the last fully leather ball used at a World Cup. Its waterproof coating and symmetrical design set new standards for durability, paving the way for the synthetic materials that followed.

4. Adidas Tricolore (1998)

For France 1998, the Tricolore became the first multi-colored World Cup ball. Its blue, white, and red graphics celebrated French national pride while introducing synthetic foam layers for improved touch and responsiveness. It was a visual and technical breakthrough for its time.

5. Adidas Jabulani (2010)

Launched in South Africa, the Jabulani was engineered with only eight thermally bonded panels and marketed as the ’roundest ball ever.’ While its unpredictable flight drew goalkeeper complaints, it remains one of the most memorable – and debated – balls in World Cup history.

6. Adidas Brazuca (2014)

After the Jabulani controversy, Adidas redeemed itself with the Brazuca, tested by over 600 players worldwide. Its carnival-inspired design captured Brazil’s festive spirit, while its stable aerodynamics earned universal praise from players and fans alike.

7. Adidas Al Rihla (2022)

Meaning ‘The Journey’ in Arabic, the Al Rihla symbolized innovation at Qatar 2022. It became the first World Cup ball designed with data-tracking technology, allowing referees and VAR to monitor every touch in real time – a landmark in football’s digital evolution.