News

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed a suspected kidnapper and rescued 19 people who were abducted in the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The operation took place around Gidan Dogo after security forces received intelligence about the hideout of suspected terrorists linked to the recent abduction of residents in the Byazhin area of Bwari.

Captain Olawuyi Itunuoluwa, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations at the Headquarters Guards Brigade, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday. He said soldiers carried out the mission with support from personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilantes.

“The operation was launched following credible intelligence on the whereabouts of terrorists responsible for the recent abduction of residents from the Byazhin area of Bwari,” Itunuoluwa said.

According to him, troops confronted the suspects during the operation. The encounter led to an exchange of gunfire.

“During the operation, troops made contact with the bandits, leading to a firefight in which one of the criminals was neutralised, while others fled the scene with suspected gunshot wounds,” he said.

He stated that security personnel later searched the area and recovered weapons. All the kidnapped victims were also rescued during the operation.

“Further exploitation of the area led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle and one locally fabricated firearm. Additionally, all 19 kidnapped victims were successfully rescued and evacuated to safety,” he added.

The army spokesman said the troops have returned to their base in Bwari. He noted that the rescued victims are currently receiving care.

Itunuoluwa also said the Commander of the Guards Brigade, Brigadier General Adebisi Onasanya, praised the troops and other security operatives who participated in the mission.

“The brigade will continue to intensify operations in collaboration with other security agencies to rid the territory and its environs of terrorism, kidnapping, and other criminal activities,” he said.

Onasanya also reaffirmed the brigade’s commitment to protecting residents of the Federal Capital Territory and ensuring the security of Abuja as the nation’s capital.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Government has authorised 50,000 extra slots for the 2026 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) mobilisation. The decision aims to accommodate the increasing number of graduates waiting to participate in the national service programme.

The Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, announced the development in Abuja during the inauguration of a remodelled clinic at the scheme’s National Directorate Headquarters. The event also marked his first anniversary in office as the chief executive of the organisation.

A statement issued by the NYSC Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, explained that the additional slots have already been included in the scheme’s 2026 budget.

Nafiu also said provisions had been made in the Federal Government’s 2027 budget plan to improve the quality of corps members’ kits as well as their feeding and transportation allowances.

He stated that the scheme plans to mobilise about 450,000 prospective corps members in 2026. He added that safety remains a major consideration during deployment.

“This year, we are mobilising about 450,000 prospective Corps members and, as much as possible, we avoid deploying them to red zones. We remain mindful because we owe parents the responsibility of safeguarding the lives of their children,” he said.

The NYSC boss noted that the renovation and upgrade of the headquarters clinic formed part of efforts by the current management to improve staff welfare and operational efficiency.

Nafiu also reviewed other achievements recorded during his first year in office. He said the 2025 promotion exercise for staff was conducted to improve career growth and raise morale within the organisation.

He added that the management facilitated the payment of peculiar allowances for staff and retirement benefits for former personnel. According to him, the scheme also completed a recruitment exercise to strengthen its operational capacity.

Nafiu further disclosed that the NYSC received a compressed natural gas (CNG) bus as a donation to improve transportation for staff and corps members.

He said the scheme is also working to strengthen its Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme through partnerships with other institutions.

According to him, the NYSC has partnered with the Enterprise Development Centre of Pan-Atlantic University to digitise the SAED platform.

He added that the management has also worked with the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), the Association of Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria (ALGON), and other stakeholders to boost support for the scheme.

The Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, who commissioned the remodelled clinic, said the facility would help improve staff welfare and productivity.

Olawande assured that the ministry would continue to support the NYSC in its efforts to serve Nigerian youths.

“We are working to transform and reform the NYSC. We are doing everything possible to secure the future of our Corps members,” the minister said.

He also advised corps members to avoid travelling at night for security reasons.

“When you are travelling and it is getting late, locate the nearest military barracks, police station or NYSC office and spend the night there,” he advised.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

In a major breakthrough in the fight against insecurity in the Federal Capital Territory, troops from the Guards Brigade have rescued 19 kidnapped victims and neutralized a terrorist during an operation in Bwari Area Council.

The coordinated search and rescue mission was carried out by the 7 Guards Battalion, working alongside operatives of the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilantes. The operation zeroed in on Gidan Dogo following credible intelligence regarding the hideout of the gang responsible for the recent abduction of residents in the Byazhin community.

According to a statement from the Brigade, troops made contact with the criminals, sparking a fierce firefight. One terrorist was neutralized during the exchange, while others fled the scene, believed to be escaping with gunshot wounds.

Following the clearance of the area, security forces recovered one AK-47 rifle and a locally fabricated firearm. All 19 victims were found alive at the location and were immediately evacuated to safety. They are currently receiving necessary attention and care.

The Commander Guards Brigade, Brigadier General Adebisi Olusegun Onasanya, lauded the troops and the supporting agencies for their gallantry and professionalism. He reassured residents of the Federal Capital Territory of the Brigade’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property.

“We will continue to intensify operations in collaboration with other security agencies to rid the territory and its environs of terrorism, kidnapping, and other criminal activities,” Onasanya stated.

Troops remain on high alert and are dominating the general area to prevent any further criminal activity.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Daniel Bwala, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Policy Communication, has responded to the criticism that followed his recent appearance on Al Jazeera’s Head to Head programme.

He said he stands by his decision to defend the Tinubu administration during the interview with journalist Mehdi Hassan and has no regrets about taking part in the programme.

The interview, which aired on Thursday, generated strong reactions across social media platforms. Several clips circulated widely on X, where many commentators criticised Bwala’s performance and described it as embarrassing.

During the discussion, Hassan confronted Bwala with remarks he made in the past about President Tinubu before he defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress in 2023. In those earlier comments, Bwala had referred to Tinubu as corrupt, unfit to lead, and a drug baron.

At some points in the interview, Bwala disputed making certain statements. Hassan then presented video recordings of the remarks, which triggered further reactions and mockery online.

The Al Jazeera host also questioned Bwala on Nigeria’s worsening security situation. Hassan cited figures from reports published by Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. Some critics later argued that Bwala did not counter those figures with independent data.

In a statement released on Saturday, Bwala said the backlash was expected. He claimed the criticism came largely from opposition supporters and insisted it would not distract him from his responsibilities in government.

“The majority of the naysayers are members of the opposition and their sympathisers. It does not bother me one bit. Their temporary excitement over the interview has not lasted and will not last, because it does not take away their obvious problem of lack of vision and mission in conducting and managing a political party.”

Bwala also rejected suggestions that his appearance on the programme was meant to impress viewers.

He said, “Selling ice cream, looking fine, and seeking the praises of men were never part of” his job description, he said, adding that promoting and defending the President and his administration was what he did “with ease and joy.”

The presidential aide stated that producers of the programme first contacted him nearly six months ago. He said they indicated interest in questioning the government on issues such as security, corruption, and the economy. According to him, they never informed him that the interview would include questions about his past political comments.

“Nowhere in our almost six months of communication did they mention that they were going to challenge my past. If that had been their plan, ethically and professionally, they were supposed to inform me so I could prepare my response. But that’s okay, ethically, that is on them, not on me.”

Bwala further accused Hassan of using what he described as “opposition research-style journalism.” He alleged that some of the statements presented during the interview were inaccurate, while others amounted to “outright fake news.” He said he would address those issues in detail later.

On the issue of his earlier criticism of President Tinubu, Bwala said political rivalry often leads to strong statements.

“I am glad those were things I said when I was in the opposition saddle with such zeal. It is all politics.

“Half of Donald Trump’s cabinet is made up of people who once spoke against him, and quite a number of people in our own cabinet also spoke against President Tinubu in the past. Those things do not bother him if you care to know.”

Bwala also criticised opposition parties. He said they lack a clear plan for governance and electoral success.

“They have no path to victory and no alternative policies or programme for the Nigerian people.

“And if they say they do, they can as well go to Head to Head and be interrogated on that.”

He stressed that he remains willing to face tough interviews in defence of the government.

“I have never, and will never, subscribe to ducking or dodging interviews on matters that concern promoting and defending the administration I was appointed to serve,” he said. “It is the least of what is required of me.”

Bwala also expressed interest in returning to the programme for another discussion. He said future conversations should focus on the government’s policies and achievements rather than his past political comments.

“I am glad that by then questions about my past will no longer be news so that we can focus on our administration’s policies, programs and what we have achieved so far,” he said.

Despite his criticism of how the interview was conducted, Bwala spoke positively about the Al Jazeera host.

He described Hassan as “arguably the best debater on the planet” and said he still respects and admires him.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have apprehended a suspected commander of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) alongside an alleged member of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) over their alleged involvement in several violent attacks and killings in Enugu State.

The suspects were arrested on Friday in the Eha-Amufu and Umuhu communities of Isi-Uzo Local Government Area after what security operatives described as months of intelligence monitoring.

Security sources explained that the operation followed extensive surveillance of the suspects’ activities.

According to the sources, “the arrest followed months of sustained intelligence gathering on the activities of the suspects. The arrests came on the heels of a series of violent attacks on police stations and killings between 2024 and 2026.”

Authorities later identified the suspects as Sabastine Odo Odam, who is believed to be a prominent ESN commander, and Ejike Daniel, said to be a member of IPOB.

Security officials said the suspects admitted their roles in a number of attacks on police formations in the area. During those incidents, weapons were reportedly stolen and several security personnel lost their lives.

A source said, “Both men have confessed to being masterminds of a chain of attacks on police stations and carting away weapons, including the killing of 11 labourers in February 2026, two policemen in January 2026, two policemen in December 2025 and another officer in 2024, among others.”

The arrests are seen by security agencies as an important step in addressing the security challenges facing communities in the South-East region.

“The arrests represent a significant success for the DSS in the fight against insecurity in the South-East and the country at large,” the source added.

Residents of Isi-Uzo Local Government Area reportedly welcomed the development. Many said they hope the arrests will help restore calm to communities that have suffered repeated attacks in recent years.

The two suspects are currently being held by the DSS. Security authorities said they will face prosecution once investigations are completed.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Emirates Airline has halted all flights to and from Dubai indefinitely due to security concerns linked to the escalating crisis in the Middle East.

The Dubai-based carrier announced the decision on Saturday. It said the measure aims to protect passengers and crew as the regional security situation continues to change.

The airline urged travellers not to go to the airport while the suspension remains in place. It also said additional information will be released when more details become available.

The disruption comes as rising conflict and missile activity in parts of the Middle East have led several countries to shut or limit access to their airspace. The development has disrupted both regional and international air travel.

Airlines across the Gulf region have altered flight paths and cancelled services because of safety concerns.

Dubai serves as one of the busiest aviation hubs in the world. Emirates operates thousands of weekly flights from the city to destinations across six continents. The suspension has affected passengers travelling to Dubai as well as those who planned to transit through the emirate to other parts of the world.

Passengers with existing bookings have been advised to follow updates from the airline and contact Emirates for options related to rescheduling or refunds.

Officials said flight operations will resume once authorities determine that the situation is safe.

The suspension also comes amid reports of a major explosion at Mehrabad International Airport in Tehran, the Iranian capital.

Eyewitnesses said several loud blasts were heard in western Tehran early on Saturday. They reported seeing flames and thick smoke rising from areas near the airport.

Videos shared on social media showed fires burning in parts of the airport. Reports also suggested that air defence systems were activated across the city.

The explosions are believed to be connected to a series of air strikes that targeted sites in Tehran. Some reports said aircraft parked on the tarmac caught fire after the blasts. However, the extent of the damage and possible casualties remained unclear.

Israeli authorities said their forces had launched extensive strikes on what they described as high-priority targets in Tehran.

Iranian media also confirmed that a large explosion occurred in the western part of the capital. Residents described hearing multiple powerful blasts across the city.

Mehrabad Airport is among Tehran’s busiest aviation centres and handles both civilian and military flights. The facility has been targeted in earlier incidents during the ongoing conflict.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The United States government has played down reports that Russia provided intelligence to Iran about American military targets across the Middle East amid the ongoing war involving the US, Israel and Iran.

The report was first published by The Washington Post. It claimed that Moscow had supplied Tehran with information about the location of US military assets in the region.

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth addressed the issue during an interview with CBS’s 60 Minutes on Friday. He said the US military is closely monitoring developments and incorporating any relevant information into its operational planning.

Since the conflict began on February 28, Russia has reportedly passed details to Iran about US military positions, including warships and aircraft. Three officials who spoke anonymously told The Washington Post about the alleged intelligence sharing.

“It does seem like it’s a pretty comprehensive effort,” one of the sources told the newspaper.

However, other unnamed officials who spoke to The Associated Press said US intelligence agencies have not found evidence that Moscow is instructing Iran on how to use the information. The conflict has continued with US and Israeli forces carrying out air strikes while Iran responds with attacks targeting American assets and allies in the Gulf region.

Hegseth dismissed concerns that the reported intelligence sharing could endanger US citizens.

“The American people can rest assured their commander-in-chief is well aware of who’s talking to who,” Hegseth said.

“And anything that shouldn’t be happening, whether it’s in public or back-channelled, is being confronted and confronted strongly.”

He added: “We’re putting the other guys in danger, and that’s our job. So we’re not concerned about that. But the only ones that need to be worried right now are Iranians that think they’re gonna live.”

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also responded to the report on Friday. She told journalists that the alleged intelligence sharing has not affected US military operations in Iran.

“[the report] clearly is not making any difference with respect to the military operations in Iran because we are completely decimating them,” Leavitt said.

She declined to comment on whether President Donald Trump had discussed the matter with Russian President Vladimir Putin or whether Russia might face consequences. She said the president would address the issue himself if necessary.

President Trump also reacted sharply when asked about the report later on Friday. During a White House meeting focused on college sports, Fox News reporter Peter Doocy raised the issue during a question-and-answer session.

“I have a lot of respect for you, you’ve always been very nice to me,” the US president said to Peter Doocy, the Fox News reporter.

“What a stupid question that is to be asking at this time. We’re talking about something else.”

The intelligence report marks the first indication that Russia may have taken steps to involve itself in the conflict that began about a week ago.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Tehran has not requested military assistance from Moscow. He noted that Russia continues to maintain communication with Iranian leaders.

“We are in dialogue with the Iranian side, with representatives of the Iranian leadership, and will certainly continue this dialogue,” he said.

When asked directly whether Russia had provided military or intelligence assistance to Iran since the start of the war, Peskov declined to comment.

Russia and Iran have strengthened their ties in recent years. Moscow has relied on Iranian missiles and drones during its ongoing war in Ukraine. Both countries have maintained cooperation even as Iran faced long-standing Western sanctions linked to its nuclear programme and its support for armed groups across the Middle East.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a firm reassurance to Nigerians and the country’s armed forces that the nation will ultimately triumph over insecurity, declaring that the sacrifices of gallant servicemen and women will never be wasted.

Speaking during an interfaith Iftar (breaking of fast) with members of the Armed Forces at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Friday, the President commended the courage and professionalism of troops battling insurgents and bandits across the country.

“I have listened to the Chief of Army Staff on my recent approvals to the Nigerian Armed Forces. My duty is to thank all of you on behalf of a grateful nation, knowing fully well that many times you are without your families and that you stay away from them. Some of you are facing attacks by bandits and terrorists,” President Tinubu said.

He continued: “I commend your courage, sacrifice, and professionalism as you put your lives on the line in defence of Nigeria’s sovereignty and the safety of its citizens. You have been working to serve the country deeply and protect our sovereignty. This nation will always be grateful to you, and your sacrifices will not be in vain, I assure you.”

The President highlighted that the relentless efforts of security forces have continued to degrade the capabilities of terrorist groups and criminal elements operating in various parts of the country. He assured troops of sustained investment in modern equipment, intelligence gathering, and logistics to enhance their operational effectiveness.

In a significant boost to military morale, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Oluwafemi Oluyode (represented by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu), revealed that the President had approved an upward review of salaries for all members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, as well as increased allowances for the elite Brigade of Guards.

“I want to most sincerely thank our indefatigable President for the various approvals for the upward review of salaries of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, as well as the upward review of allowances of the Brigade of Guards,” the CDS stated.

“These various approvals also extend to the areas of equipment procurement as well as the provision of decent accommodations for the members of the armed forces. These laudable approvals will go a long way in enhancing our operational efficiency, and I assure you that they are well-received by all members of the armed forces.”

President Tinubu also used the occasion to thank Nigerians for their endurance during the ongoing economic reengineering of the country, offering a message of hope and resilience.

“I am happy to inform you that your sacrifices and that of fellow citizens, all the sacrifices are not in vain. We are now out of the dark tunnel,” the President declared.

The Commander-in-Chief extended his heartfelt sympathy to the government and people of Borno State following the recent terrorist attack in the state, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to protecting all citizens.

The interfaith gathering provided a unique opportunity for the President and military leadership to break bread together across both faiths, symbolising unity of purpose in the fight against insecurity.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The United States economy recorded an unexpected decline in employment in February after official figures showed that thousands of jobs were lost across several sectors.

Data released in the latest labour report indicates that payrolls dropped by 92,000 during the month. The unemployment rate also increased slightly to 4.4%. Analysts had predicted that the labour market would remain steady.

The development has raised fresh concerns about the strength of the US job market. Economists now question whether the labour sector could be entering a period of weakness.

The report shows that job losses affected nearly every major sector of the economy. The healthcare industry also recorded losses despite its reputation as a stable source of employment. Strikes in the sector contributed to the decline in February.

The drop represents the largest monthly job loss since October. At that time, the United States government shutdown disrupted economic activity.

Economic observers also point to rising oil prices as another potential challenge. The increase followed tensions linked to the US-Israel war in Iran. Analysts warn that the surge in energy costs could place additional pressure on economic growth in the coming months.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed a viral graphic circulating on social media that claims the electoral body fixed March 26 as the deadline for government officials seeking elective office to resign.

The commission described the message as false and misleading. It said the information did not come from INEC.

INEC clarified its position in a statement issued on Friday through its official X account. The commission warned the public against relying on the circulating graphic.

According to the statement, the message has no connection with the electoral body and should not be taken as authentic information.

INEC advised the public, media organisations, and political actors to ignore the message completely.

The commission also explained that it releases official information only through verified communication channels. These include its official website at inecnigeria.org, its verified social media accounts, and official press statements.

INEC urged Nigerians to confirm election-related updates through these platforms before sharing them with others.

The electoral body added that the spread of unverified content can create confusion among citizens.

It restated its commitment to providing the public with clear and reliable information about electoral matters.