News

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A high-level Federal Government delegation on Sunday visited Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State following the abduction of pupils and teachers from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School on May 15, 2026.

The visit came as part of immediate federal interventions aimed at strengthening security in the area. President Bola Tinubu subsequently approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State in collaboration with the state government.

The delegation also informed community leaders and lawmakers that the request for the establishment of a military base in the affected area would be transmitted to the President for consideration and possible approval.

In addition, the President directed a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify operations aimed at securing the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.

The delegation was led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila. Other members included the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa; and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.

Gbajabiamila, who addressed residents in English and Yoruba, said the President’s decision to send top security officials to the affected communities reflected his commitment to ensuring the safe return of the victims.

“Mr. President is deeply troubled by this incident. Whatever it takes, our children and teachers will be brought back home safely.

“He has issued all necessary directives and is providing every support required by our security agencies to achieve that objective.

“Your pain and anxiety are understood. By the grace of God, your children will return safely to your arms.

“Mr. President also saw the appeals from some parents and community members urging caution in the rescue efforts. Let me assure you that the operation will be intelligence-led and carefully coordinated, deploying both kinetic and non-kinetic measures to secure the safe return of the victims,” he said.

The delegation also visited the palace of the Soun of Ogbomoso land, HRM Kabiyesi Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, to commiserate with him and members of his domain.

They further met the wife of a deceased school teacher, Mrs. Mary Oyedokun, alongside her two children, where the Chief of Staff conveyed the President’s condolences and assurance of support for the family.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A joint military air operation involving the Nigerian Armed Forces under Operation HADIN KAI and the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has killed 21 suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Borno State.

Military sources confirmed that the strike took place on May 30 in Arege, Kukawa Local Government Area. The target was a suspected terrorist base identified through intelligence reports that indicated insurgent activity in the area.

Security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, reported that surveillance and reconnaissance missions first established the presence of ISWAP members before the air raid was authorised.

The operation focused on a camp believed to be used by the group to coordinate and plan attacks across the Lake Chad region. The strike left 21 fighters dead and caused major disruption to the group’s operations in the area.

Military officials explained that the mission forms part of ongoing security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States. The partnership aims to dismantle terrorist networks, destroy hideouts, and reduce the operational strength of insurgents in the North-East.

They further described the attack as intelligence-led and carefully planned to maximise impact on the identified target.

According to the sources, the success of the operation reflects growing collaboration between Nigerian security forces and international partners in the fight against terrorism.

The officials also expressed confidence that continued coordinated strikes would weaken insurgent activity around the Lake Chad Basin, where terrorist groups have continued attempts to regroup and launch attacks on nearby communities.

The United States has confirmed that it carried out fresh military strikes in southern Iran on Monday, hitting Iranian missile installations as well as boats allegedly attempting to lay mines.

The announcement was made in a statement issued by the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) through its spokesperson, Capt. Tim Hawkins.

CENTCOM said the operation was conducted in self-defence and aimed at safeguarding American troops from threats linked to Iranian forces.

“US forces conducted self-defence strikes in southern Iran today to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces.

“US Central Command continues to defend our forces while using restraint during the ongoing ceasefire,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran said on Tuesday that it had shot down a US drone and also fired at a fighter jet alongside another drone that entered Iranian airspace.

The IRGC further stated that Iran retained what it described as a legitimate and definite right to respond to any alleged ceasefire violations by the United States.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Dr. Ibrahim Adamu Usman, the former Labour Party (LP) senatorial candidate for Gombe North, has resigned from the party and declared his support for the governorship ambition of Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, who is seeking the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Dr. Usman announced his defection at a gathering of his supporters, stating that the decision followed extensive consultations with his followers, community leaders, and key political stakeholders across the Gombe North Senatorial District.

He said his move was necessitated by Pantami’s entry into the PDP and his own desire to contribute to the development of Gombe State and Nigeria at large.

“This decision is the product of deep discussions with my supporters, community leaders, and political stakeholders across Gombe North,” he said.

The former senatorial candidate described Pantami as a distinguished academic, a cybersecurity expert, a technocrat, and a key driver of digital transformation in Nigeria.

He added that Pantami’s record as a minister,  particularly in youth empowerment, community development, and digital innovation, had convinced him that the PDP offers a platform capable of delivering meaningful change in Gombe State.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State has distanced itself from what it describes as an illegal primary election conducted by a faction of disgruntled members, insisting that the party remains united and has already concluded all nomination processes.

In a press statement issued on May 30, 2026, the state party leadership, led by former Governor Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo (Talban Gombe) and state Chairman Major General Amnon Kalaye Kwaskebe (Rtd), said the actions of certain mischief-makers pose a threat to party unity and democracy.

According to the statement signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Abdulkadir Ahmad Dukku, all PDP primary elections in Gombe State have been completed, and the party has no faction. The leadership specifically confirmed the recent affirmation of Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami as the party’s gubernatorial candidate for the 2027 general elections.

“The PDP in Gombe State is one united family without any faction and cannot stand to watch mischief elements causing confusion within the party ranks,” the statement read. “We therefore disassociate ourselves from such unconstitutional acts capable of causing division among party members.”

The party advised all stakeholders, members, and supporters to ignore the activities of what it called unpatriotic elements who do not want the progress and development of Gombe State.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted consignments of illicit drugs concealed in water purifier machines imported from the Netherlands, while a series of operations across different parts of the country also led to several arrests and drug seizures.

According to the agency, the drugs were discovered on May 26, 2026, at a courier facility in Lagos. Officers recovered three kilograms of ketamine and 199 grams of MDMA hidden inside the water purification machines.

Confirming the development, the NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, said, “Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have uncovered consignments of high potency illicit drugs concealed in water purifier machines shipped to Lagos from Netherlands.”

The agency also recorded a major seizure in Kaduna State. NDLEA operatives arrested a couple, Musa Sunday and Mercy Sunday, along with Salomi Ezekiel after raiding a residence in the Gonin Gora area on May 24. During the operation, officers recovered 100 jumbo bags of skunk with a combined weight of 1,246 kilograms.

On the same day, operatives intercepted a 30-year-old suspect, Sunusi Musa, along the Abuja-Kaduna Highway at Jere. He was allegedly transporting 380 rounds of 7.62mm military ammunition to Katsina State. NDLEA said the suspect and the recovered ammunition were subsequently handed over to the relevant security agency for further investigation.

The agency also reported another breakthrough in Niger State. It stated, “In Niger State, NDLEA operatives acting on intelligence raided a warehouse at Gidan Kukah, Bosso Local Government Area, on May 27, where 457 kilograms of skunk were recovered.

“A suspect, Godwin Zakka, was later arrested at his residence in Minna in connection with the seizure.

“In Enugu State, operatives on patrol along the Onitsha–Enugu expressway intercepted a commercial vehicle marked JAY-158-YF on May 28, recovering 22,000 tramadol pills, 100 ampoules of pentazocine and 200 grams of bromazepam. A suspect, James Maigari Wisdom, was arrested,” NDLEA said.

Beyond enforcement activities, the anti-narcotics agency said it continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign in schools, places of worship, workplaces and communities across several states.

The agency stated, “With the same zeal, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse sensitisation activities in schools, worship centres, work places and communities, among others.”

NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), commended officers involved in the operations. He urged personnel to sustain efforts aimed at disrupting drug trafficking networks while expanding preventive campaigns across the country.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Wole Alamu, husband of Rachael Alamu, the abducted principal of a Community High School in Ogbomoso, has appealed to Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to step up efforts aimed at securing her release and that of other victims still in captivity.

Alamu made the appeal on Saturday when the governor visited families of victims affected by the abduction incident. He became emotional during the visit and was seen in tears while speaking about his wife’s ordeal.

Rachael Alamu was among teachers and students abducted on May 15 when armed men invaded three schools along the Ahoro-Esiele/Yawota axis of Oriire Local Government Area in Ogbomoso. The attackers reportedly arrived on motorcycles and took away dozens of pupils and staff from Community High School, L.A. Primary School, Esiele, and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School.

During the attack, an assistant headmaster identified as Adesiyan and a commercial motorcyclist were killed. Governor Makinde also disclosed that seven teachers were taken away, while one of them, Michael Oyedokun, was later killed in captivity.

In a video shared on Instagram on Friday, the abducted principal called on both federal and state authorities not to use force in any rescue operation, warning that such action could endanger lives. She also said the kidnappers threatened to kill another victim if security forces attempted a forceful rescue.

Speaking during the governor’s visit, Alamu expressed gratitude for the efforts so far but urged him not to slow down in the rescue operation.

“Our governor, we thank you because we know the efforts you have made since this incident happened. But please, don’t be weary in the rescue mission for our people in captivity,” he said.

He also described the emotional pain caused by the circulation of his wife’s video in captivity.

“My wife is the one being used to make the videos that are being circulated. It is very disheartening and depressing,” he said in Yoruba while kneeling and pleading with the governor.

Governor Makinde later embraced the distraught man as he broke down in tears.

The governor said he understood the pain of the families and assured them of ongoing efforts to secure the release of the abductees.

“All I need is your cooperation. Please trust us. I cannot speak much because of security implications. I know your hearts are bleeding. My heart is also bleeding. Please trust us. We will secure their release,” Makinde said.

The incident has added to growing concern over rising cases of abductions and attacks spreading into the South-West region.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has pledged to raise Nigeria’s electricity generation capacity to 10,000 megawatts if elected president in the 2027 general elections.

Obi made the promise on Saturday in Abuja after emerging as the NDC’s sole presidential candidate at the party’s national convention, where his nomination was formally ratified.

In his acceptance speech, he criticised the country’s current power situation, describing it as unacceptable for a nation of over 200 million people to remain at a generation level of about 4,000 megawatts.

He said Nigeria’s electricity output falls far below what is recorded in some other major African economies.

“It is totally unacceptable. Today, Nigeria is a country with the highest number of citizens without access to electricity in the whole world. About 100 million Nigerians don’t have access to electricity,” he said.

“In today’s world, it is unacceptable. A country of over 200 million people only generates and distributes 4,000 (megawatts)

“The biggest economies in Africa— South Africa and Egypt — generate over 40,000 megawatts today.

“So we are not even producing 10% of what these two African nations are producing and distributing. Both of them are less than 50% of our population and they generate 10 times the electricity we generate. These are African countries.

“It is unacceptable. It cannot happen. And I pledge on behalf of our government that in four years, this country will generate and distribute at least 10,000 megawatts from the 4,000 they are doing today.”

Obi also faulted official unemployment figures released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), particularly the 4.3 percent rate reported for the second quarter of 2024, saying it does not reflect the reality faced by Nigerians.

He said his administration would prioritise job creation through support for small businesses and targeted incentives aimed at expanding economic opportunities.

Meanwhile, data from the federal government in April 2026 showed a slight improvement in electricity generation, which rose from 3,951 megawatts on March 28 to over 4,300 megawatts by April 10.

By Uzair Adam

Senator representing Kano Central, Rufa’i Sani Hanga, has explained that he voluntarily relinquished his Senate ticket to former Kano State Deputy Governor, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, in the interest of unity and success within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Kwankwasiyya Movement.

Speaking during an interview with DC Hausa, Hanga said the decision followed extensive consultations among party stakeholders aimed at strengthening the party ahead of future elections.

According to him, Gawuna’s political influence, widespread support base, and contributions to the movement made him a strong candidate for the Kano Central Senate seat.

“Gawuna joined us and expressed his desire to be part of the movement. We understand his political strength, his supporters, and the role he has played over the years.

If our objective is victory, it would not be right to insist that only one person must get the ticket.

After consultations, it was agreed that he should fly the party’s flag for Kano Central, and he accepted,” Hanga said.

The senator noted that members of the movement have always sought candidates capable of securing electoral victories and advancing their political objectives.

He expressed optimism that the movement’s national leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, would continue to achieve political success in Kano and eventually attain higher national leadership positions.

Hanga also dismissed claims of unfairness in the party’s nomination process, insisting that all aspirants and interest groups were carried along before decisions were made.

“Anyone familiar with our structure knows that a fair arrangement was reached. Consultations were held with all concerned groups, everyone’s interests were considered, and no one was sidelined,” he stated.

Reaffirming his loyalty to Kwankwaso, the senator pledged to remain steadfast in his support for the former Kano governor.

“I will continue to stand with Kwankwaso in every circumstance because I believe in his commitment to improving the lives of ordinary people,” he said.

Hanga further revealed that party leaders, including himself, participated in discussions leading to all major nominations, stressing that Gawuna’s emergence as the Kano Central candidate occurred with his full consent and support.

He added that members of the movement would continue to work collectively towards electoral success and the development of Kano State.

By Uzair Adam

Major General Rabe Abubakar (rtd), a former Director of Defence Information, and his wife have been abducted by bandits along the Matazu axis of Katsina State.

Sources said the retired military officer was travelling to Katsina with his wife when armed men intercepted their vehicle and carried out the attack.

His driver reportedly escaped despite sustaining gunshot injuries, while the retired General and his wife were taken away by the attackers into a nearby forest.

A video circulating on social media showed the victims’ vehicle parked inside the Matazu Divisional Police Headquarters.

The red Peugeot 504 car bore at least two bullet holes, indicating the intensity of the attack.

The incident marks the second high-profile kidnapping involving a retired senior military officer in Katsina within two years.

In 2025, Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga (rtd), a former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), was abducted and spent 56 days in captivity before regaining freedom.

Despite ongoing security operations, Katsina State continues to grapple with recurring attacks by armed groups.

The latest abduction came barely a day after bandits attacked Kiliya village in Dutsinma Local Government Area, killing at least 16 residents.

The attackers reportedly stormed the community shortly after Juma’at prayers as residents gathered to celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir festivities.

A resident who witnessed the attack said panic broke out when the gunmen arrived, forcing many villagers to flee for safety.

According to him, the assailants initially ordered residents to stop running before moving towards a mechanic’s house, where they suddenly opened fire on people in the area.

The witness said he survived by hiding inside a nearby house and later emerged to find several victims lying dead.

He added that some of those killed were his relatives, including uncles and cousins.

The attack triggered a mass exodus from the village, with hundreds of residents reportedly fleeing to neighbouring Bagagadi and Radda communities.

Several people remain unaccounted for, raising concerns that the casualty figure could increase.

Residents also reported that some victims were discovered on surrounding farmlands, suggesting that farmers working in the area may have been caught in the attack.