Category: News

A statement by Acting Director of Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, said an article by Brig. Gen. Ismaila Abdullahi, which claimed that military generals contributed money to secure the recent release of Tsiga, after being held captive for 56 days, was baseless.

The article, he said, clearly contradicted the efforts made by troops of Operation Fansan Yamma, who embarked on a Search and Rescue Operation to secure his release, in addition to other non-kinetic efforts.

“The publication includes an appreciation message from the senior officer, thanking other senior officers and civilian counterparts for their material and other support that contributed to the rescue of the former Director-General of the NYSC.

“While it may seem unproductive to engage with those who consistently criticise the military, especially those who have benefited from it, it is essential to clarify the relentless efforts undertaken by the troops that facilitated General Tsiga’s release.

“It is noteworthy that the unfortunate abduction of the former DG of NYSC occurred in the early hours of 6 February 2025, in Tsiga, Kafur District of Bakori Local Government Area in Katsina State. Immediately, troops of 17 Brigade were alerted and responded to the situation around 0300 hours the same day, and in a commendable show of professionalism, swiftly went on pursuit in conjunction with the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma,” he said.

These combined efforts, he said, led to troops combing the assailants’ hideouts within Jeka, Areda, and Zango, all in Kankara Local Government Area, in search of the former DG. He stressed that the operation extended to Ruwan Lafiya, Mununu, Matallawa, and Bakkai in Faskari Local Government Area.

“Although no direct contact was made with the abductors, the troops successfully pressured the criminals, who abandoned rustled animals and some captives in their hasty retreat. The troops nevertheless sustained the pursuit of the terrorists with unwavering determination, despite facing difficulties due to challenging terrain.

“On 8 February, leveraging credible intelligence, troops intensified their manhunt for the abductors and conducted dawn attacks at Yankuzo and Gidan Dankaka in TsafeLocal Government Area of Zamfara State, where terrorist kingpin Ado Aliero was reportedly hiding. Furthermore, intelligence confirmed that he had links with the abductors.

“Unfortunately, the operations did not result in locating the terrorists. However, subsequent air operations at Dunya Hill, a suspected bandit stronghold where General Tsiga was held, disrupted the terrorists, leading to the escape of several captives.

“Regrettably, the former DG was unable to escape due to health concerns. One of the captives, Barau Garba, a teacher at Government Secondary School in Tsiga, who was with General Tsiga, was rescued by troops and shared his experience via the attached video. Barau has since been reunited with his family in Tsiga town,” the defenceheadquarters narrated.

Gusau stated that in another instance, troops assaulted Pauwa Hills and the Matallawaarea of Kankara Local Government Area in search of Tsiga.

He further stated that they were able to rescue 84 kidnapped victims from the area without locating him, adding that several terrorists were neutralised, while three personnel sustained gunshot wounds during the operation.

“Since Brigadier General Tsiga’s abduction on 6 February 2025, troops have remained relentless in their pursuit, conducting both air and ground operations within Danmusa, Kankara, and Faskari Local Government Areas, where he was supposedly held captive at different times.

“These operations kept pressure on the abductors. It is thus only fair to recognise the significant sacrifices made by these troops, who have worked day and night, often at great risk to their own lives, in their search for the senior officer.

“The disparaging online commentary is therefore nothing but presumably an act of mischief, calculated to undermine the dedicated efforts of the military to eradicate terrorists and other criminal elements from the North West region,” he concluded. Arise News

Four popular Nigerian gospel singers lost their lives when they were involved in a fatal car accident along the Ikorodu/Sagamu Road in Ogun State.

Ogun State Commander and Public information Officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Florence Okupe, in a statement unveiled the victims as Evangelist Ayodeji Kekerejesu, Evangelist lyanu Joseph, Monjolajesu Oluwapamilerin and Opeyemi Adesina.

Okupe explained that the accident occurred after the vehicle conveying the gospel singers crashed into another vehicle.

The FRSC official added that the gospel singers from the same family were in one of the two vehicles that collided and died instantly on the spot.

Offering her condolences to the families of the bereaved, Okupe urged drivers to avoid over-speeding.

The incident has thrown the Nigerian gospel music industry into mourning with the lives of the young singers cut short at their prime. Leadership

Governor Soludo described the occasion as more than symbolic, emphasizing that it sends a strong message of unity, continuity, and respect for those who have contributed to Anambra’s development.

“Today, we celebrate one of our own—Chief Willie Obiano. He did his best. The airport, the ICC, and many other legacies. We must appreciate him and send a message, not only to him but to all past governors of Anambra State. They must be appreciated and immortalized,” Soludo said.

The governor explained that he does not seek personal praise, noting that he is simply fulfilling the mandate he applied for—building on existing structures and breaking new grounds under a unified agenda.

“To me, the state is one constituency. Therefore, everyone and every area must be carried along. We are building Anambra and its children for the future. Let history remember that we honoured our heroes, united our people, and laid a foundation that could not be shaken.”

Soludo highlighted his administration’s inclusive developmental model, recalling efforts in neglected parts of the state, particularly in the North Senatorial Zone.

He referenced his visits to Okpoko, where he commissioned numerous life-enhancing projects, and Olumbanasa, which had never received a governor’s visit before. He outlined plans to connect remote areas like Eziagulu-Otu, Mkpumnando, and Enugu-Otu through ongoing road projects.

“I cried publicly when I went to Enugu-Otu for the first time. Past governments may have ignored it due to the difficult terrain, but that must change. We are working to ensure that no part of Anambra is left behind.”

Soludo praised Obiano’s efforts during his tenure, particularly his role in initiating the airport project and constructing the International Convention Center (ICC) in Awka. He compared the naming of the road to “Bill Clinton Drive” leading to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, calling it a fitting tribute to “a man who dared to dream and deliver.”

Traditional rulers, lawmakers, and community stakeholders from Oyi and Anambra East lauded Soludo’s leadership for his inclusive approach and for honoring Obiano.

Igwe Ben Emeka, the traditional ruler of Umueri, thanked the governor for completing the airport road and other impactful projects. He appealed for further road expansion to link Anambra East, Ayamelum, and Anambra West to the airport.

Igwe P.N. Anugwu, Chairman of the Anambra North Traditional Rulers’ Council, echoed these sentiments and requested the extension of the Anambra West road beyond Nzam to reach the remote Olumbanasa communities.

Similarly, Hon. Obiora Nweke (Anambra East) and Hon. Innocent Ojike (Oyi Constituency) commended Soludo for locating key developmental projects in Anambra North, noting that his administration exemplifies balanced and inclusive governance. Vanguard

This, he said, had become necessary to ensure the nation’s security forces are constantly “steps ahead of those who threaten the peace, welfare, and prosperity” of the nation.

As shared in an official statement on NYSC’s Facebook page, the minister expressed his view during a meeting with the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, at the Ministry’s office in Abuja.

Alausa, in his address, stressed the importance of enhancing the NYSC program, particularly its Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development Training.

He proposed that the national service duration be doubled, from one to two years, to allow corps members to gain more substantial skills and experiences.

“The minister also advocated for the extension of national service from one to two years, with the expansion of NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development Training programme content for corps members,” the statement read.

Alausa praised the NYSC for its efforts and urged the organization to provide more opportunities for individuals to become job creators, helping meet the country’s needs.

“You have done so well as an organization. Let NYSC give people more opportunity to become job creators that will meet the needs of the country“, Alausa said.

In addition to the proposed extension, Alausa emphasized the need to address the shortage of teachers in rural schools. He called for the deployment of more graduate teachers to these underserved areas to fill the growing manpower gap.

The minister also praised the NYSC for its proactive efforts to address the issue of certificate racketeering, especially regarding foreign-trained graduates.

Alausa lauded the NYSC’s steps to digitize the mobilization process, ensuring greater accountability and transparency to combat fraudulent activities.

“The NYSC has done well in resolving the issue of OND part-time graduates with full-time HND qualifications who were previously exempted from national service,” he remarked, appreciating their contribution to solving this long-standing problem.

Alausa went on to explain that the Ministry of Education is in the process of digitizing the verification of foreign-trained graduates of Nigerian descent.

He said that the Ministry and NYSC would continue to strengthen their collaboration to improve the education sector and foster national development.

During the visit, Director General of National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, commended the Ministry’s efforts in revolutionizing education. He also recommended creating a database for Nigerian students studying abroad to help identify fake graduates and curb the spread of fraudulent certificates.

“NYSC is ready to comply with policy guidelines as directed by the Federal Government. We are also trying to reform the Scheme to conform to the present national needs,” Nafiu said

Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan, the Permanent Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Education, assured that the Ministry would work more closely with the NYSC to elevate the standards of education across Nigeria. Nairametrics

LEADERSHIP reports that the invitation followed a deadly incident that occurred on Eid Day as the Emir’s entourage moved from the Eid prayer ground to the palace in a traditional procession. The clash, which marred the otherwise peaceful celebration, led to the tragic loss of life of a vigilante member, Surajo Rabiu, and left one other injured.

The invitation was conveyed in an official letter dated April 4, 2025, and signed by Commissioner of Police, CP Olajide Rufus Ibitoye, on behalf of the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in-charge of Force Intelligence Department (FID) Abuja.

The letter reads: “I have the directives of the Inspector General of Police, through the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department (FID), to invite you for an investigative meeting with regards to an incident that occurred during the Sallah celebration within your domain.”

The Emir has been requested to appear before the Force Intelligence Department in Abuja, opposite the Police Headquarters, Area 11, by 10:00am on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.

This development comes amid heightened tensions in Kano State following the earlier decision by the State Police Command to ban the annual Durbar festival due to security concerns. The ban, announced days before the Eid-el-Fitr celebration, was intended to prevent any possible breakdown of law and order during the festive period.

However, despite the suspension of the Durbar, a motorcade procession of Emir Sanusi II still took place on the third day of the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.

The Kano State Police Commissioner, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, had also inaugurated an eight-member Special Investigation Panel (SIP) to investigate the violence.

As at the time of this report, there has been no official response from the Emir Sanusi II’s palace regarding the Police invitation. Leadership

This emerged as Ibas has solicited requisite legislative backing that would enable his administration to achieve the enunciated programmes of action.

The suit filed by an Abuja-based legal practitioner, Mr. Johnmary Jideobi, last week, was assigned to Justice James Omotosho for determination.

While President Bola Tinubu, is the 1st defendant, the Attorney-General of the Federation, Vice Admiral Ibas, rtd, as well as Attorneys-General of the 36 States of the federation, were listed as 2nd to 39th defendants in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/572/2025.

Jideobi predicated his demand on the grounds that the appointment of a sole administrator to run a state was unconstitutional, null and void.

“I have instituted this suit in the public interest, in the defence of the Rule of Law and accentuation of the supremacy of the Constitution and to preserve the integrity of the Nigerian Constitution which is the most sacred document that holds the Nigerian State in balance and in being.

“I am genuinely worried that, in the absence of the intervention of this Court, removal of duly elected Governors and Deputy-Governors, may become the pastime of the President thereby opening the floodgate of anarchy capable of consuming this nation,” the lawyer claimed in his affidavit in support of the suit.

Besides, the lawyer argued that while the president is constitutionally empowered to declare a “state of emergency” in any part of the country, he lacked the necessary powers to suspend an elected state official.

It would be recalled that President Tinubu had recently suspended the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the entire Rivers State House of Assembly for six months, shortly after declaring a state of emergency to curb perceived threat to life and destruction of property.

Tinubu subsequently appointed Ibas to run the affairs of the state pending when peace would return.

However, the lawyer who considered the action of the President as illegal is therefore asking the court to among others, declare as void, “all actions and decisions (howsoever described or made] of the 3rd Defendant Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) in the name of Sole Administrator of Rivers State, same being unconstitutional, null and of no constitutional force throughout the Federal Republic of Nigeria for all purposes.”

The plaintiff further prayed the court to issue a perpetual order of injunction, restraining the 1st defendant (Tinubu, either by himself, his officers, agents, privies, servants or any other person acting under his command howsoever named, “from either removing, suspending or otherwise tampering with the tenure of the Governor and Deputy-Governor of Rivers State [and indeed any other State in Nigeria).”

Meanwhile, Ibas while receiving the federal lawmakers mentioned such programmes to include ensuring uninterrupted socioeconomic activities and the provision of vital infrastructure that will support societal and economic growth, boost productivity, facilitate access to essential services and ultimately provide quality living for the people.

Ibas made the appeal on Friday, when the Senate Committee on Works, led by its Chairman, Senator Barinada Mpigi, paid a courtesy visit to Government House in Port Harcourt.

The Senate Committee on Works was accompanied by a delegation of Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, led by the managing Director, Dr. Peer Lubasch.

The administrator stated that their visit demonstrated the commitment of the National Assembly to the well-being of Rivers State and her people.

Ibas emphasised that his administration has continued to address issues of insecurity, and the infrastructural challenges that are critical to development.

“We are in the process of putting together a new budget that reflects our commitment to healthcare, education, social services, as well as the continued infrastructural development of our state.

“We have worked diligently to ensure that this process is transparent, inclusive, and most importantly, expediting. The new budget, which is nearing finalisation, focuses on creating job opportunities and investing in key sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, and technology.

“As we moved forward with these initiatives, we need your continued support to help us secure necessary resources and legislative backing to bring them to fruition. Your partnership is critical to our success in ensuring that Rivers State remains on the path of progress and enduring peace for future generations,” Ibas said.

He told the delegation that as they undertake the oversight duties to assess critical infrastructure in the state, it is important for them to address their minds to the position that Rivers State occupies in the country.

He said: “Rivers State, the treasure base of the nation and a key economic hub of the nation is home to vital infrastructure including roads, bridges, sea and air ports, oil and gas facilities, a Petro-chemical company, refineries and other essential facilities.

“However, as in most states of the nation, we are faced with challenges of maintaining and expanding this infrastructure due to various factors, including but not limited to resource constraints.”

The administrator requested their cooperation in securing the necessary federal support for infrastructural projects in the State.

He said: “You have listed most of the projects that are ongoing presently. These include both financial backing and the facilitation of speedy execution of federal projects that will contribute to our state’s growth.

“Your continued advocacy within the National Assembly will be instrumental in ensuring that Rivers State receives the attention and resources needed to succeed.”

Ibas explained that since assumption of office on the 20 of March, 2025, he has prioritised the restoration of peace and stability in Rivers State.

He said the efforts have, so far, been focused on creating a conducive environment for investment, development and prosperity.

“We have engaged in productive consultation with key stakeholders, such as civil society organisations, traditional rulers, local government heads, government officials and civil servants to restore the trust and stability needed for sustainable progress.

“I believe that with your support and continued collaboration, we can transform Rivers State into a model of peace, prosperity and development. Together, we can overcome the challenges we face and create a future that is bright for all our people.”

In his address, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Mpigi, said they were in the state to oversee some ongoing federal projects like the Bodo-Bonny link road and bridge, and the Coastal road project which is 40 per cent complete, and will benefit the State, eventually.

Mpigi noted the intervention role the state of emergency plays in Rivers and urged the Administrator to do his best in ensuring that critical infrastructure is secure while lives and properties of residents are protected. Arise News