National

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have killed 16 terrorists during a coordinated ambush on a terrorist enclave in the Boima general area of Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

The Nigerian Army also recorded the death of three soldiers after terrorists launched simultaneous attacks on military positions in Garkida and Garaha.

The incidents occurred between September 30 and October 1, 2026, according to a statement issued on Thursday by the Military Information Officer of the North-East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, Maiduguri, Capt. Mohammed Goni.

Goni said the operations produced several results, including the neutralisation of terrorists, recovery of weapons and ammunition, and the prevention of attacks on military positions.

According to him, troops first engaged the terrorists in the Boima general area of Gombi LGA.

“The operational momentum commenced in the Boima general area of Gombi Local Government Area, where troops conducted a well-coordinated ambush against a terrorist enclave.

“The swift tactical action resulted in the neutralisation of 16 terrorists.”

He said troops later recovered three AK-47 rifles, two pump-action rifles, one Dane gun, six AK-47 magazines and a belt of pump-action cartridges from the area.

The Army spokesman also disclosed that an Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai carried out a separate air strike on a group of terrorists in the early hours of October 1.

“Reinforcing the ground operations, the Air Component of OPHK delivered a precision strike in the early hours of 1 October 2026.

“At approximately 4:40 am, an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform detected a concentration of about 16 terrorists assembling alongside 15 motorcycles beneath a tree canopy in Sector 4,” he added.

Goni said the target was subsequently engaged after identification and target acquisition.

“Subsequent Battle Damage Assessment confirmed the successful destruction of the target, while a few surviving elements scattered in disarray,” he said.

Meanwhile, terrorists also launched coordinated attacks on military positions at 226 Battalion, Garkida, and 232 Battalion, Garaha.

Goni said the troops responded with heavy firepower and forced the attackers to abandon their operation and retreat.

“Regrettably, three brave soldiers paid the supreme sacrifice during the fierce battle, while wounded personnel were swiftly evacuated and are currently in stable condition, receiving medical treatment,” he stressed.

He added that troops had commenced further exploitation and mop-up operations across the affected areas.

According to Goni, the latest operations form part of efforts by the Theatre Command to improve coordination among land, air and other supporting components involved in counter-terrorism operations.

“Building on the strong foundation laid by the previous leadership, the renewed approach is already yielding operational dividends through enhanced coordination of land and air components and other supporting elements,” he said.

Goni said the theatre command would continue to rely on intelligence, technology and joint military capabilities to restrict terrorists’ operations across the North-East.

“As Nigerians commemorate the nation’s Independence anniversary, the troops of OPHK remain resolute in defending the nation’s territorial integrity and creating the conditions for lasting peace, security and socio-economic development across the region,” he stated.

By Uzair Adam 

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to immediately launch an independent investigation into an alleged $2.1 million land transaction involving Jordan Wike, son of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

HURIWA said the allegations, which are currently before an FCT High Court, should not be treated solely as a private civil dispute, particularly because the claimants allege that $2 million of the disputed amount was meant for the FCT Minister.

The civil society organisation questioned why neither the EFCC nor the ICPC had publicly indicated that it was investigating the allegations.

HURIWA said Nigerians deserve to know whether the anti-corruption agencies are aware of the claims and, if so, why they have not commenced investigations to establish the facts surrounding the alleged transaction.

An FCT High Court sitting in Maitama on Tuesday ordered Jordan Wike to produce his American international passport after he told the court during cross-examination that he was outside Nigeria on September 26, 2025.

Justice Sylvanus Oriji issued the order during the resumed hearing of suit No. CV/008/2026 filed by Safwan Garba GY and GY Global Oil and Gas Nigeria Ltd.

According to HURIWA, the claimants allege that Jordan promised to facilitate the acquisition of 60 hectares of land in Katampe and Guzape, Abuja.

The claimants further alleged that Jordan demanded $2.1 million as facilitation fees, comprising $2 million allegedly intended for his father and $100,000 allegedly for himself.

They also alleged that the money was delivered on September 26, 2025, in the presence of Adamu Sani, Aliyu Sarki and Sai Wani, while Jordan was allegedly present.

HURIWA said the claimants further alleged that the proposed land acquisition did not materialise and that the money was not refunded.

Jordan, however, has denied the allegations in his statement on oath before the court.

During cross-examination by counsel to the claimants, Hamza Dantani, Jordan also denied knowledge of the allegations and documents presented to him.

When asked where he was on September 26, 2025, Jordan told the court that he was outside Nigeria.

He said he travelled with his American international passport and indicated that he could produce the document if required.

Following the response, Dantani applied for an order compelling him to produce the passport.

Justice Oriji granted the application and directed Jordan to bring the passport to court.

HURIWA said the court’s order further highlighted the need for the relevant anti-corruption agencies to independently examine the allegations rather than wait for the conclusion of the civil proceedings.

The organisation stressed that it was not declaring anyone guilty, noting that the allegations remain subject to determination by the court.

However, it maintained that credible allegations involving substantial sums of money, public officials or possible abuse of public office warranted investigation by the appropriate authorities.

HURIWA therefore asked the EFCC and ICPC to clarify whether they were investigating the matter.

The organisation said that if the agencies were not investigating, they should explain why they had not deemed the allegations worthy of investigation.

It argued that Nigeria could not strengthen public confidence in its anti-corruption system if allegations involving politically exposed persons were ignored or left entirely to private litigants to pursue through civil proceedings.

HURIWA called on the EFCC and ICPC to establish the source, movement and alleged beneficiaries of the $2.1 million; determine the purpose of the alleged payment; ascertain whether any public official was involved; and establish whether the allegations disclose any criminal offence.

The organisation also urged the agencies to conduct any investigation professionally, independently and without fear or favour.

It warned that what it described as selective application of anti-corruption laws could undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s justice system.

HURIWA maintained that nobody should be treated as a sacred cow, while no individual should be declared guilty before the conclusion of a fair investigation and due process.

Jordan was represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ogwu Onoja, while some documents were tendered through him.

The court adjourned the case until Wednesday, September 30, 2026, for continuation of hearing.

By Uzair Adam 

The Federal Government has declared Thursday, October 1, 2026, a public holiday to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Magdalene Ajani.

Tunji-Ojo congratulated Nigerians at home and abroad on the anniversary and urged citizens to use the occasion to promote national unity, patriotism, peaceful coexistence and mutual respect.

The minister stressed that peace and stability remained essential to the country’s development, urging Nigerians to uphold the values of love for the nation demonstrated by the country’s founding fathers.

“As we celebrate 66 years of our independence, we should always remember that there is hope for our country and our diversity is our strength, and our collective determination remains the foundation upon which a stronger and more prosperous nation will be built,” he said.

He assured citizens that the Federal Government remained committed to strengthening national security, improving public safety and creating an enabling environment where Nigerians could live, work and pursue their legitimate aspirations with confidence.

According to him, the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda would continue to focus on building a better Nigeria for all citizens.

Tunji-Ojo further called on Nigerians to use the independence celebration to reaffirm their commitment to national unity, peaceful coexistence and the collective progress of the country.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Nigeria after spending four weeks in Europe on a working holiday.

The President arrived at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Tuesday evening.

Tinubu had departed Paris, France, earlier in the day for Nigeria.

His Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the President chose to return through Lagos to honour the memory of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, widely known as MKO Abiola.

Abiola was the winner of the June 1993 presidential election, which was annulled by the military government at the time.

According to Onanuga, Tinubu is scheduled to attend the premiere of a movie celebrating Abiola’s life and role in Nigeria’s democratic struggle on Independence Day.

The event is expected to take place at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos.

Tinubu had travelled to Europe in August as part of his annual leave, with the Presidency later announcing an extension of his stay.

The President’s return brings to an end his four-week stay outside the country.

By Uzair Adam

Police in Adamawa State have arrested a 54-year-old primary school teacher, Garba Suleiman, over the alleged defilement of a 10-year-old girl.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, SP Suleiman Nguroje, disclosed this while parading the suspect.

Nguroje said the arrest followed a complaint lodged by the victim’s family at the Divisional Police Headquarters in Yola South Local Government Area.

According to him, operatives of the command acted swiftly after receiving the complaint and arrested the suspect.

He said preliminary investigations indicated that Suleiman allegedly lured the minor and had unlawful carnal knowledge of her.

Nguroje added that the victim had been taken to a hospital for medical examination.

He further disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, CP Kabir Umar Hassan, had ordered the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yola, for discreet investigation and prosecution.

“The CP condemns in strong terms all forms of Gender-Based Violence and assures the public that justice will be served,” Nguroje stated.

He also urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious person or activity to the police.

By Uzair Adam

Kano State has emerged as the leading state in Nigeria based on the number of candidates who obtained at least five credits, including English Language and Mathematics, in the 2026 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) conducted by the National Examinations Council (NECO).

The development was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano, on behalf of the Kano State Government.

According to the statement, Kano recorded 74,413 candidates who secured at least five credits, including English Language and Mathematics, ahead of Lagos State, which placed second with 72,496 candidates, while Oyo came third with 55,543 candidates.

The result marks the second consecutive year Kano has recorded the highest number of candidates meeting the five-credit benchmark, including English Language and Mathematics, after achieving a similar feat in the 2025 NECO examination.

Reacting to the development, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf congratulated the students, teachers, parents and other stakeholders, describing the performance as an indication of the progress being recorded in the state’s education sector.

Governor Yusuf said the back-to-back performance demonstrated that the government’s sustained investment in education was producing measurable outcomes.

He assured residents that his administration would continue to prioritise education through increased funding, improved learning facilities, recruitment and training of teachers, scholarships and support for indigent students.

The governor said the state government spent more than N4.4 billion in 2026 to sponsor candidates for the Senior School Certificate Examination, particularly students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

According to him, the intervention was aimed at removing financial barriers that could prevent students from participating in the examinations and ensuring they sat for the examinations under improved conditions.

Yusuf said the latest NECO performance was part of the broader improvement being recorded by students in the state under his administration.

Education has continued to receive a significant share of Kano State’s budget under the current administration. In 2024, about 29.95 per cent of the state budget was allocated to the sector, while the allocation rose to N168.35 billion, representing 31 per cent, in the 2025 budget.

For 2026, the state allocated N405.35 billion to education out of a total budget of N1.478 trillion, representing about 30 per cent of the overall budget.

The governor said the government’s investment in education extends beyond examination sponsorship to include classroom renovation, recruitment of teachers, provision of learning materials and uniforms, scholarships and other interventions aimed at improving the quality of education.

The statement also highlighted several awards and recognitions received by Governor Yusuf for his administration’s education-related policies.

In 2024, Leadership Newspaper named him Governor of the Year for Education, while New Telegraph recognised him as its Education Development Governor of the Year. The Nigeria Union of Teachers also named him Teachers’ Friendly Governor of the Year in the same year.

In 2025, Blueprint Newspaper recognised Yusuf as Governor of the Year for Education at its national conference in Abuja, while ThisNigeria honoured him as its Courageous Governor of the Year.

The statement further said the administration received education-related recognition internationally in 2026, including an international literacy and learning award and an education spending award attributed to Universal Learning Solution and City University, Paris.

Other recognitions listed in the statement include the Vanguard Governor of the Year Award for Good Governance in 2024, the BusinessDay Governor of the Year Award in 2025 and the African Governor of the Year Award presented by African Leadership Magazine in Casablanca, Morocco.

Yusuf dedicated the latest NECO achievement to the students, teachers, parents and people of Kano State, assuring them that his administration would sustain its investment in the sector.

He said the ultimate objective was to build an education system capable of equipping young people in the state with the knowledge and skills needed for higher education, employment, innovation and leadership.

The governor also referenced the scale of the state’s education system, noting that Kano recorded more than five million schoolchildren in the latest annual school census.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has returned N84 million to an Edo State businessman, Ekhahon Abraham, after recovering the money from a woman accused of diverting the funds.

The EFCC’s Benin Zonal Directorate presented a draft for the recovered amount to Abraham, according to a statement issued by the commission.

The commission said its operatives recovered the money from Anita Eborome after an investigation into a petition filed by the businessman.

According to the EFCC, Abraham had paid Eborome N84 million for a parcel of land measuring 115ft by 135ft in a community in Edo State.

The businessman reportedly constructed a perimeter fence on the property after making the payment. However, the fence was later demolished by a man who claimed to be the rightful owner of the land.

The development prompted Abraham to seek a refund of his money from Eborome, but he reportedly failed to recover the funds.

The EFCC said its investigation later established that Abraham transferred the money to Eborome, who allegedly diverted it for personal use.

The commission quoted Abraham as saying:

“Abraham said after making payment, he erected a parameter fence on the land but it was pulled down by a man who claimed to the be rightful owner.

“Based on that incident, he sought for a refund of his money but met a brick wall as Eborome came evasive hence he was advised to petition the Commission.

“During investigation, it was discovered that Abraham transferred the money to Eborome but she diverted the money for her personal use.”

The draft was presented to Abraham by the acting Zonal Director of the EFCC, Deputy Commander Sa’ad Hanafi.

Hanafi said the commission would continue to carry out its responsibilities professionally and prevent fraudsters from benefiting from funds that do not belong to them.

The EFCC said the recovery followed its investigation into the complaint and the tracing of the funds transferred to Eborome.

By Ishaka Mohammed

The Federal Government of Nigeria has opened applications for a six-month professional teaching qualification programme for non-professional teachers in the country.

According to the Federal Ministry of Education, the programme, titled Accelerated Teacher Professionalisation Pathway (ATPP), costs ₦200,000, which can be paid in three instalments.

The ATPP offers two qualification routes: the Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) for holders of non-education bachelor’s degrees or HNDs, and the Professional Diploma in Education (PDE) for holders of ONDs or NDs.

However, only individuals with at least two years of classroom teaching experience are eligible. 

Launched on September 7, 2026, the application portal will remain open until September 25. The application is free.

Interested and eligible individuals can apply at https://applicant.safapply.com/atpp and choose any of the following study centres:

National Teachers’ Institute

Nnamdi Azikiwe University

University of Lagos

University of Port Harcourt

University of Ilorin

Ahmadu Bello University

University of Maiduguri

National Open University of Nigeria

MIVA Open University 

Meadow Hall College of Education

Babcock University

There is more information on https://atpp.education.gov.ng/.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, has disclosed plans by his conglomerate to invest more than $10bn in the power sector over the next few years as part of efforts to address Africa’s electricity deficit and support industrial growth.

Dangote made the disclosure during an interview with Al Jazeera, where he identified unreliable electricity supply and frequent changes in government policies as major obstacles to investment across the continent.

He said the group was considering shifting funds from some planned ventures, including steel, into electricity generation and other power projects.

“And I’m telling you in the next three to four years, there will be a major transformation in Africa, and that’s why we’re looking at power. We are going to invest in power. There are one or two businesses that we might cancel, like steel, and we will put the money in power. We want to invest over $10bn alone in power.”

The businessman also expressed concern over the number of Africans without access to electricity, saying the continent could not afford to leave hundreds of millions of people without reliable power.

“We Africans should not really allow over 600 million of our people to remain in darkness.”

Dangote described electricity as a major driver of economic expansion and said effective power supply could also influence how citizens assess the performance of political leaders.

“You know, if some politicians work hard and have a plan, when you deliver power, you don’t need to go for a campaign when you’re going for an election. Power is key; we will never create growth without power. That’s why they say power is growth. When I say power, I mean electricity is growth.”

He said Africa must expand its industrial base if it hopes to create enough jobs and achieve sustained economic development. He also called for a reduction in the continent’s dependence on imported products.

Addressing concerns about investment in Africa, Dangote attributed some of the challenges to inconsistent government policies and inadequate electricity supply.

“The problem really is, it takes two to tango. I think in the past, there’s been a lot of flip-flops in government policies. Government policies were changing every day, and then, the lack of electricity is also there.

“So, these two issues haven’t gone away. They are still there. But for some of us that really mean business, we are here, and we know that yes, without our intervention, Africa will never be able to create jobs. If there’s no industrialisation, how do you create jobs? You can’t,” he said.

Dangote warned that Africa could eventually face difficulties financing the goods it imports if it fails to strengthen local production.

“One day we will not have money to import what we are consuming. So how can we remain an import continent? It has to change. But that change can only happen when Africans believe in Africa, and they invest in Africa,” he stated.

He said more investors were becoming interested in African businesses because of the opportunities on the continent. According to him, his investment philosophy also focuses on wider participation in business and stronger corporate governance.

“We want to make sure it’s about spreading the wealth. It’s about getting more people in the business. It’s also about corporate governance. So that’s the direction.”

On allegations that his expanding business interests were creating a monopoly, Dangote said he remained focused on his objectives.

“Well, you know, if I’m going to listen to that, have you ever seen a footballer looking at the audience? He has to continue looking at the ball. If I’m Messi, for example, I’m kicking the ball, and I’m looking at the audience, do you think I won’t miss the ball? I will miss the ball,” he stated.

He argued that accusations of monopoly would not deter his investment plans, insisting that his businesses had not been given exclusive rights by the government.

“If I’m going to make my continent great and people want to call me a monopoly for no reason, so be it. I mean, it’s not going to reduce the colour of my face or whatever. You can call me whatever you want to call me; I didn’t stop anybody; it is an opportunity given to everybody, every one of us has that opportunity whether Africans, foreigners or whoever,” he stressed.

Dangote said government policies created opportunities for investors across various sectors rather than reserving them exclusively for his companies.

“There’s nothing that the government gave us and say, ‘this is only for Dangote ’. The government will create a policy around a sector, and they will blow a whistle and say, ‘ Yes, this is it,” he noted.

He compared investment to a 100-metre race, saying those who chose not to participate should not blame investors who took the opportunity.

“If there’s a 100-metre race, some people were on the bench while I’m on the track, and I agreed to run that race, and I won that race alone, are you going to blame me or are you going to blame people who just sat on the bench?” he asked.

He also rejected claims that his business expansion resulted from a lack of opportunities for others.

“They’re not ready, they’re not prepared, they don’t even believe in Africa itself. If you don’t invest, you are not going to get fruit of that labour,” he replied to those accusing him of monopoly.

Dangote acknowledged that criticism would continue but said his businesses would remain focused on their long-term objectives.

“The distraction will continue. But we have what you call a very thick skin. No matter what you do, even if you take bullets, you are hitting our body with it; we’re not going to stop. We have a target, and we’re getting to our target.

“And if we don’t do it, believe me honestly, Africa will be in trouble. And I would rather save my continent at the expense of even my life. This continent must get to the promised land,” he declared.

He further advocated greater processing of African raw materials within the continent before export, saying local value addition could strengthen industries and retain more economic benefits.

Dangote said governments could eventually introduce stronger measures to encourage local processing once the economic benefits became more evident.

“Eventually they (foreigners) will stop taking our raw materials. They must produce on our own continent.

“You see, once we show people how to do all these, even the governments themselves will start saying, no, you can’t take our cocoa, process it here and add value, then you take it out,” he stated.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

More than 8,000 communities and 4,500 schools across 15 states have been identified as being at risk of flooding between September 19 and 25.

The warning was issued by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) in its latest National Flood Advisory released on Saturday.

According to the advisory, rising river levels could cause flooding in vulnerable areas and threaten schools, healthcare centres, markets, religious buildings and farmlands.

The agency’s Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Arch Umar Mohammed, urged state governments to take immediate steps to move residents in high-risk communities to safer locations.

“High riverine flood risk is forecast for the next seven days across Imo, Cross River and 13 other states.

Rising river stages are expected to cause flooding.

“Communities on the floodplain should prepare to move to higher ground. Stations include Obubra, Itigidi and Epento on the Cross River.”

The 15 states listed in the advisory are Imo, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Edo, Enugu, Bayelsa, Kogi, Abia, Taraba, Rivers and Lagos.

In Imo State, NiHSA identified Aboh-Mbaise, Ahiazu-Mbaise, Ehime Mbano, Ezinihitte, Ideato North, Ihitte/Uboma and Ikeduru Local Government Areas as vulnerable.

The agency said 958 communities, 1,022 schools, 553 healthcare facilities, 161 markets and 198 religious buildings were exposed to the risk.

Cross River State was also listed among the areas facing significant flood threats, with Abi, Akamkpa, Akpabuyo, Biase, Calabar, Calabar South, Ikom and Obubra LGAs identified.

NiHSA said 2,471 communities, 703 schools, 344 healthcare facilities, 145 markets, 453 religious buildings and 854 hectares of farmland were at risk in the state.

In Ebonyi, the affected areas include Abakaliki, Afikpo, Afikpo South, Ebonyi, Ezza North and Ezza South LGAs.

The agency listed 2,574 communities, 1,064 schools, 422 healthcare facilities, 480 markets, 629 religious buildings and 1,882 hectares of farmland as exposed.

For Benue State, Buruku, Gboko, Guma, Katsina-Ala, Logo and Ukum LGAs were identified as vulnerable. The advisory put the number of exposed communities at 303, with 100 schools, 48 healthcare facilities, 32 markets, 151 religious buildings and 55 hectares of farmland also at risk.

In Anambra State, Aguata, Anambra East, Anambra West, Anaocha, Awka North, Awka South and Ayamelum were listed among the affected LGAs.

NiHSA said 1,314 communities, 1,308 schools, 1,089 healthcare facilities, 280 markets, 610 religious buildings and 1,529 hectares of farmland could be affected.

Akwa Ibom was also included in the warning, with Abak, Eket, Etinan, Ibeno, Ibesikpo Asutan, Ibiono Ibom, Ika and Ikono LGAs identified.

The agency reported that 249 communities, 323 schools, 211 healthcare facilities, 74 markets and 289 religious buildings were exposed to possible flooding in the state.

NiHSA advised residents in flood-prone areas, particularly those living on floodplains, to take precautionary measures and relocate to higher ground where necessary.