News

By Uzair Adam

Details have emerged on the death of Halilu Sububu, a notorious bandit leader who had been terrorizing Zamfara State and neighboring areas.

Sububu, also known as Buzu, was killed in an ambush set by Operation Hadarin Daji troops on Thursday.

Sources indicate that the ambush occurred at Kwaren-Kirya village on the Mayanchi-Anka road in Zamfara.

The Daily Reality gathered that Sububu and his fighters were engaged by the troops while attempting to cross a stream.

Only three of their motorbikes managed to escape the scene.

Local residents in Mayanchi and surrounding villages are celebrating the operation and expressing gratitude to the military, calling for continued efforts to address banditry in the region.

Originally from Niger Republic, Sububu had established control over illegal gold mining sites in the Anka Local Government Area and was a significant figure in the region’s criminal activities.

Several media reports have indicated that he had been wanted by the Defence Headquarters since May.

The military has reported recovering weapons and motorbikes from the bandits, marking a notable success in the ongoing anti-banditry campaign in Nigeria’s northwest.

By Uzair Adam

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has announced that the federal government is implementing measures to ensure the return of residents displaced by insecurity and floods in Niger State.

Speaking during a visit to an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Gwada, Shiroro Local Government Area, Shettima expressed the administration’s commitment to alleviating the suffering of affected individuals.

He stated that his visit was a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to assess the conditions of the displaced residents and assure them of government support.

The Vice President also launched the distribution of relief materials at the camp, highlighting that each state had received N3 billion to address the impacts of floods and security challenges.

Shettima emphasized that states like Niger, Borno, Sokoto, Bayelsa, and Jigawa, which have been significantly affected by these crises, would receive additional support from the federal government.

He called on citizens and organizations to assist the government in providing relief to those affected by disasters across the country.

The Vice President was joined by other key officials, including the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, and the Minister of State for Agriculture, Senator Aliyu Sabi.

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, disclosed that 14 out of the 25 local government areas in the state had experienced flooding this year, resulting in loss of lives and property.

By Uzair Adam

The Federal Government has announced that petrol supply from Dangote Refinery will commence on Sunday, September 15, 2024, following a pricing and supply agreement reached between both parties.

During a press briefing in Abuja, Zacch Adedeji, a member of the Presidential Committee on the Sale of Crude Oil and Refined Products and Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), revealed that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) will serve as the sole buyer of petrol from the refinery.

Other marketers will purchase the product from NNPC.The agreement stipulates that starting October 1, 2024, NNPC will supply 385,000 barrels of crude oil per day to Dangote Refinery, with payments to be made in Naira.

In return, Dangote Refinery will provide petrol and diesel to the domestic market, with diesel available for purchase by any interested buyer, while petrol will be reserved exclusively for NNPC.

The deal is expected to alleviate the ongoing petrol shortages across the country and ensure continued subsidy payments on the product.

The Presidential Committee confirmed that the first batch of petrol from Dangote Refinery will be ready for loading on Sunday.

 By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Operation Whirlwind has announced a major seizure of over 20,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N18 million, during a seven-day operation in the Zone ‘A’ area. 

According to Comptroller Hussein Ejibunu, National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, “These seizures were made at strategic locations in Ogun State, including Ere River, Imeko, and Idiroko, where smugglers attempted to illegally transport fuel. The operation also led to the confiscation of five vehicles used for smuggling.” 

Ejibunu stated the need for a collective effort to tackle the illegal exportation of PMS to neighbouring countries, stating that such activities pose a threat to Nigeria’s economic stability. 

He assured that his team will intensify efforts to protect Nigeria’s petroleum resources and bring economic saboteurs to justice, warning smugglers to desist from their actions and embrace legitimate trade. 

“There is no hiding place for those involved in illicit trade. Their only option is to embrace legitimate business,” he said.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Gombe State Government has donated ₦50 million to aid victims of the recent terror attack in Mafa, Tarmuwa Local Government and the devastating flood disaster in Yobe State. 

In a gesture of solidarity and compassion, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, sent a high-level delegation led by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, to Yobe State to convey the heartfelt condolences and support of the government and people of Gombe State.

Dr. Manassah Jatau, speaking on behalf of Governor Inuwa Yahaya, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident in the community, calling it both sad and unfortunate. 

“We stand with you in this moment of grief as you face the double tragedy of the attack on the Mafa community and the devastating floods that claimed lives and destroyed homes and farmlands across the state,” he stated.

He said the N50 million donation will help the state government provide much-needed assistance to the affected victims.

While receiving the delegation, the Governor of Yobe State, Hon. Mai Mala Buni, CON, expressed profound appreciation for the support.

 He described the visit as demonstrating a strong bond of brotherhood and love between Gombe and Yobe States.

He emphasized that while the financial aid will significantly help the victims, solidarity and care in such trying times will be remembered as a remarkable show of unity between the neighbouring states.

Governor Buni noted that the donation and the visit are a source of immediate relief and a lasting symbol of the friendship and cooperation between the people of Gombe and Yobe.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

In aggressive, offensive operations against terrorism and insurgency, Nigerian Army troops have obliterated yet another terrorist stronghold, successfully rescuing kidnapped students and seizing a significant cache of arms and ammunition. Troops also eliminated some insurgents, while some others were captured alive.

On 12 September 2024, acting on reliable intelligence, troops stationed in Kaduna State launched a highly coordinated operation aimed at rescuing abducted persons from violent extremist camps. Engaging in an intense firefight at Chigbolu village, Kachia Local Government Area, the troops overpowered the terrorists, forcing them to flee and abandoning their captives. 

A thorough sweep of the area led to the rescue of 13 victims, comprising six males and seven females, as well as the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, 87 rounds of 7.63mm ammunition, four magazines, a locally fabricated rifle and the sum of ₦192,220.00. 

Five solar panels, five mobile phones, dry rations, and clothing items were also recovered. The rescued victims have been evacuated to 1 Division Medical Services and Hospital for medical attention.

In another decisive operation, troops in Kachia Local Government Area have intercepted two notorious terrorist logistics suppliers, Mallam Usman Waikili and Salisu Idris, at Kagarko village. The troops confiscated the sum of ₦1,306,700.00, three SIM cards, two mobile phones, three national identity cards, 8 ATM cards, 2 Moniepoint POS machines, an MTN MiFi and other items from the suspects.

In a separate operation in Suleja, Niger State, troops stormed a terrorist hideout, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire. The troops’ overwhelming firepower led to the neutralization of 3 terrorists, while three others, identified as Mallam Halalu, Mallam Suleiman, and Mr. Musa, were captured alive. The suspects led the troops to a hidden armoury, where 3 AK-47 rifles, 121 rounds of 7.62mm.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has welcomed the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) ‘s new report on the country’s trade balance.

According to the report, Nigeria recorded another trade surplus in the second quarter of 2024, hitting N6.95 trillion.

The current surplus is 6.60% higher than the N6.52 trillion surplus recorded in the first quarter.

Just days after the country recorded almost 100 percent oversubscription of its first $500 million domestic bond and half-year revenue of N9.1 trillion, the latest report underscores the increasing positive shifts in the economy over the last year.

President Tinubu expresses confidence in the reforms his administration is pursuing and believes they will create a more robust economy that will usher in a new era of prosperity for Nigerians.

The NBS report reflects the country’s strong export performance in the second quarter.

Although total merchandise trade in Q2 2024 stood at N31.89 trillion, a 3.76% decline compared to the preceding quarter (Q1 2024), it marked a 150.39% rise from the corresponding period in 2023.

The NBS reported that the Q2 surplus was essentially driven by exports to Europe, the United States and Asia.

Total exports stood at N19.42 trillion, accounting for 60.89% of the country’s total trade. This represents a 1.31% increase from N19.17 trillion in the first quarter and a 201.76% surge from N6.44 trillion recorded in Q2 2023.

The dominance of crude oil exports remains a key factor in this performance, contributing N14.56 trillion, or 74.98% of total exports.

Non-crude oil exports, valued at N4.86 trillion, comprised 25.02% of the total export value, with non-oil products contributing N1.94 trillion.

The strong export performance, particularly in crude oil, ensured Nigeria maintained a favourable trade balance.

In Q2 2024, European and American countries dominated Nigeria’s top export destinations. Spain emerged as the largest export partner, receiving goods valued at N2.01 trillion, accounting for 10.34% of Nigeria’s total exports.

The United States followed closely with N1.86 trillion (9.56%), while France imported N1.82 trillion of Nigerian goods, representing 9.37% of total exports.Nigeria’s other major export partners include India (N1.65 trillion or 8.50%) and the Netherlands (N1.38 trillion).

Generally, the economic indicators, which were very low when President Tinubu assumed office last year, are turning positive.

The government will continue to consolidate on the gains of the reforms as more fiscal and tax policy reforms already embarked upon by the administration come to fruition.

President Tinubu is determined to confront the inhibitions that have stunted the growth and development necessary to unlock the country’s full potential.

By Uzair Adam

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has withheld its signature from the peace accord for the upcoming Edo State Governorship election, scheduled for September 21.

This was revealed by former Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar during the peace accord signing ceremony in Benin on Thursday.

Abubakar explained that the PDP’s participation is contingent on certain conditions being met before they will sign the agreement.

“I met with the governor yesterday, and he informed me that the PDP will not be signing the peace accord,” Abubakar said.

“The party has made some observations and set conditions. After these are addressed, they will go to Abuja to sign.”

The PDP’s state chairman was absent at the event and did not elaborate on the party’s reasons.

However, Governor Godwin Obaseki had previously hinted at the possibility of his party opting out of the accord during a meeting with the National Peace Committee.

Despite the PDP’s absence, candidates from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Labour Party (LP), including APC’s Monday Okpebholo and LP’s Olumide Akpata, signed the agreement.

By Uzair Adam 

The global internet user base has grown consistently in recent years, with countries with larger populations leading the charge. 

However, some smaller nations also boast impressive online activity.

According to Exploding Topics, here are the ten countries with the largest number of internet users:

1. China – 1.05 billion: With its massive population, China tops the list with an estimated 1.05 billion internet users, accounting for 74.36% of its population.

2. India – 692 million: India ranks second, with 692 million people online, representing 49.15% of its population.

3. United States—311.3 million: The U.S. has 311.3 million internet users, which translates to a high penetration rate of 93.79%.

4. Indonesia – 212.9 million: Indonesia has 212.9 million people online, with a penetration rate of 77.76%.

5. Brazil – 181.8 million: Brazil has 181.8 million internet users, covering nearly 85% of its population.

6. Russia – 127.6 million: Russia follows with 127.6 million users, almost 90% of its population.

7. Nigeria – 122.5 million: Nigeria ranks seventh globally, with over 122.5 million internet users, more than half of its population.

8. Japan—102.5 million: Japan has 102.5 million internet users, which is more than 80% of its population.

9. Mexico – 100.6 million: Mexico has 100.6 million people online, with nearly 80% penetration.

10. Pakistan – 87.35 million: Pakistan rounds out the top 10 with 87.35 million internet users, despite only 40% of its population being connected.

By Uzair Adam

A 30-year-old motorcyclist, Michael Olorunfemi, has been arrested in Akure, the Ondo State capital, for allegedly assaulting his wife’s 17-year-old sister.

The incident reportedly occurred in August 2024, around 10 p.m. in the Onigaari area of Irese Road.According to sources, Olorunfemi admitted to committing the crime.

He claimed the victim had asked him for a ride to her boyfriend’s house, but he stopped in a secluded area and assaulted her.

He also confessed that he had promised her money, which he failed to provide, leading her to report the matter to her mother.Ondo State police spokesperson Funmi Odunlami confirmed that the suspect has been remanded in Olokuta prison.

The court, led by Chief Magistrate Kolawole Aro, ordered the remand pending advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The case is scheduled for review on October 31, 2024.

The charges against Olorunfemi violate Sections 357 and 358 of the Ondo State Criminal Code Law of 2006, which deals with unlawful carnal knowledge.