By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has issued an urgent public warning to all citizens regarding a new wave of cybercrime targeting mobile phone users. In a notice released by its Cyber Crime Department, the anti-graft agency cautioned that fraudsters are exploiting the recent rollout of 5G services to defraud unsuspecting victims.

According to the EFCC, scammers are calling individuals under the guise of updating their SIM cards from 4G to 5G. During these calls, the criminals request a One-Time Password (OTP) from the victim, claiming it is necessary for the “update.”

The Commission emphasised that this is a fraudulent ploy, stating: “PLEASE, DO NOT provide the OTP sent to you.” The EFCC explained that once a victim shares the OTP, the miscreants can immediately gain access to their bank accounts and transfer all available funds to their own accounts.

The agency reiterated that while the commencement of 5G services is a known fact, citizens should remain vigilant and treat any unsolicited request for personal verification codes with extreme suspicion.

The EFCC has urged the public to share this information widely to prevent others from falling victim to the scam. The notice specifically warns, “please don’t tell if any stranger asks for OTP.”

As digital banking expands, law enforcement continues to advise citizens that legitimate service providers will never ask for sensitive security codes over the phone. Anyone who receives such a call is encouraged to ignore the request and report the incident to the authorities.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Nigerian Army has officially commenced the training of 5,300 newly recruited soldiers at the Depot Nigerian Army in Osogbo, Osun State, marking a significant boost to the nation’s military manpower.

Major General IM Abdullahi, Chief of Administration (Army), formally handed over the recruits to Brigadier General BM Madaki, Commandant of the Depot, signalling the start of their basic military instruction. The recruits, part of the 91 Regular Recruit Intake, will undergo an intensive six-month training programme aimed at instilling discipline, physical fitness, leadership skills, and combat readiness.

“This intake represents our commitment to strengthening the Nigerian Army’s capacity to meet the nation’s evolving security challenges,” Major General Abdullahi stated during the handover ceremony.

Receiving the recruits, Brigadier General Madaki assured that the training would produce highly disciplined, mission-ready soldiers capable of supporting the Army’s operational responsibilities. “Through rigorous military instruction and character development, we will transform these recruits into professional soldiers,” he said.

The exercise underscores the Nigerian Army’s ongoing efforts to enhance its operational effectiveness as the country continues to confront diverse security threats across various regions. Upon completion of their training, the new soldiers are expected to be deployed in support of ongoing security operations nationwide.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Federal Government has approved a new uniform registration fee of Fifty Thousand Naira (N50,000) for the Senior School Certificate Examinations (SSCE) conducted by both the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO).

The approval was conveyed in a letter dated March 31, 2026, from the Office of the Director of Senior Secondary Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, addressed to the National Examinations Council.

According to the letter signed by Mr. Adeniji Ibrahim, Director of Senior Secondary Education, the decision followed a meeting of Examination Bodies held with the Honourable Minister of Education, where the need for an upward review of examination fees was extensively discussed.

During that meeting, the Minister directed that both WAEC and NECO should adopt a uniform fee structure for the conduct of their SSCE examinations. The newly approved fee of N50,000 applies to both examination bodies.

The directive, which takes immediate effect, mandates that all relevant stakeholders be informed of the new fee regime. The letter concluded with warm regards from the Honourable Minister to all parties concerned.

This development comes amid growing concerns over the rising cost of education in Nigeria, with stakeholders expected to weigh in on the implications of the new fee structure for students and parents nationwide.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Senegal captain Sadio Mane has announced his retirement from international football following his country’s dramatic 3-2 extra-time defeat to Belgium in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 34-year-old ends a remarkable 14-year international career with 132 appearances and 55 goals for the Lions of Teranga. Widely regarded as one of Senegal’s greatest footballers, Mane played a key role in transforming the national team into one of Africa’s strongest sides.

His greatest achievement came when he inspired Senegal to their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations title, cementing his place in the country’s football history. Throughout his international career, Mane was known for his leadership, consistency, and match-winning performances.

His retirement marks the end of an era for Senegal, with fans paying tribute to a player whose contributions helped elevate the nation’s status on the world stage.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and security agencies following the rescue of schoolchildren and teachers who were abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

The victims regained their freedom on Friday after spending 56 days in captivity. Security operatives from the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police carried out the rescue operation.

Speaking during a telephone interview with Channels Television shortly after the victims were freed, Makinde described the development as a great relief for the state.

He said, “It is such a big relief for all of us. Just right now, I am overjoyed and can hardly say much.

“I use this opportunity to say a big thank you to all the service commands, the police, DSS, military and, of course, the president for pushing for their release.”

The abduction occurred on May 15 when armed men attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School, Esiele, and LA Primary School in Ogbomoso, all located in Oriire Local Government Area.

The incident forced the Oyo State Government to close schools in four local government areas as security agencies intensified efforts to secure the victims’ release. The kidnapping also sparked protests in different parts of the country, where citizens demanded the safe return of the pupils and teachers.

Three days after the attack, Makinde disclosed that one of the abducted teachers had been killed while in captivity.

President Tinubu also welcomed the successful rescue and praised the military, the DSS, and the police for their efforts. He said the operation brought an end to more than 50 days of uncertainty for the victims and their families. He also commended the security agencies for rescuing the victims without collateral damage.

The president further praised the Oyo State Government for its cooperation with the Federal Government throughout the operation. He directed emergency response agencies to work with the state government to provide medical treatment and other forms of assistance to the rescued pupils and teachers.

Tinubu also pledged that his administration would ensure justice for the victims and for the family of the teacher, Oyedokun, who lost his life during the abduction.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and security agencies following the rescue of schoolchildren and teachers who were abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

The victims regained their freedom on Friday after spending 56 days in captivity. Security operatives from the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police carried out the rescue operation.

Speaking during a telephone interview with Channels Television shortly after the victims were freed, Makinde described the development as a great relief for the state.

He said, “It is such a big relief for all of us. Just right now, I am overjoyed and can hardly say much.

“I use this opportunity to say a big thank you to all the service commands, the police, DSS, military and, of course, the president for pushing for their release.”

The abduction occurred on May 15 when armed men attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School, Esiele, and LA Primary School in Ogbomoso, all located in Oriire Local Government Area.

The incident forced the Oyo State Government to close schools in four local government areas as security agencies intensified efforts to secure the victims’ release. The kidnapping also sparked protests in different parts of the country, where citizens demanded the safe return of the pupils and teachers.

Three days after the attack, Makinde disclosed that one of the abducted teachers had been killed while in captivity.

President Tinubu also welcomed the successful rescue and praised the military, the DSS, and the police for their efforts. He said the operation brought an end to more than 50 days of uncertainty for the victims and their families. He also commended the security agencies for rescuing the victims without collateral damage.

The president further praised the Oyo State Government for its cooperation with the Federal Government throughout the operation. He directed emergency response agencies to work with the state government to provide medical treatment and other forms of assistance to the rescued pupils and teachers.

Tinubu also pledged that his administration would ensure justice for the victims and for the family of the teacher, Oyedokun, who lost his life during the abduction.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Zamfara State Government has launched the distribution of 72,000 bags of fertiliser and other agricultural inputs to farmers across the state to support food production during the 2026 wet farming season.

The distribution exercise was inaugurated by Governor Dauda Lawal on Friday at the Trade Fair Complex in Gusau, the state capital.

The governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Idris, said the programme involves the distribution of more than 120 truckloads of fertiliser and other farming materials.

According to him, the intervention includes 72,000 bags of fertiliser, 200,000 litres of herbicides, 100 crop residue crushers, 100 grass choppers, and 100 feed milling machines. The government also distributed improved pasture seeds, 20 motorcycles, and 20 mobile phones to agricultural extension workers.

Speaking at the event, Lawal described agriculture as the foundation of Zamfara’s economy. He also reaffirmed his administration’s determination to strengthen the sector.

He said, “Today’s event marks another significant milestone in our commitment to revitalising agriculture, strengthening food security, creating sustainable livelihoods, supporting our farmers, and repositioning Zamfara State as a major contributor to Nigeria’s agricultural economy.”

The governor noted that Zamfara has extensive arable land and a large population that depends on farming, livestock production, and trade for their livelihoods.

He said his administration is working to move the state’s agricultural sector beyond subsistence farming through the adoption of technology and improved market access.

Lawal said, “Our goal is to restore and expand Zamfara’s farming legacy by shifting from subsistence to productive, tech-driven, market-orientated agriculture.

“We aim to unlock farmers’ potential through improved inputs, mechanisation, irrigation, extension services, climate-smart methods, and market linkages. This will make Zamfara a leading Nigerian agricultural hub.”

The governor also stated that improved security in parts of the state has enabled many farming communities to return to their fields. He added that the government will continue to provide the support and infrastructure required to sustain agricultural activities.

Lawal further said the state has strengthened collaboration with the Federal Government, development partners, and international organisations through programmes such as FADAMA III, NG-CARES, SPIN, ZACADEP, the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme, and projects supported by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

According to him, these initiatives have provided thousands of farmers with improved seeds, fertilisers, agrochemicals, irrigation facilities, farm equipment, and modern agricultural practices.

He added that the fertilisers and other farming inputs will be shared across Zamfara’s 147 political wards in its 14 local government areas. Each ward will receive 340 bags of fertiliser, while every local government area will receive 8,000 litres of herbicides.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Human rights activist Aisha Yesufu has called on Nigerian authorities to release CCTV footage that could identify those responsible for the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State.

Yesufu made the demand in a post on her verified X account on Saturday. Her comments came after the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, criticised the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, over an alleged violation of parking regulations at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

Keyamo had asked Obi to apologise to airport authorities and pay a ₦25,000 fine for the alleged breach.

The exchange followed recent remarks by Obi, who claimed in an interview that the Federal Government, led by the All Progressives Congress (APC), was targeting him. He also alleged that he has continued to face intimidation and harassment.

Reacting to the development, Yesufu questioned the government’s priorities and urged security agencies to focus on more pressing security concerns.

She wrote, “Pathetic cowards! Let them bring out the CCTV of the kidnappers that took away children in Oyo or of the ones that have been terrorising citizens.

“Majoring in the minor is all they are freaking good at.”

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Ms. Zainab Sadiq has been released from detention following sustained public pressure and high-level legal interventions, her supporters confirmed Saturday.

The journalist’s freedom came after weeks of advocacy by Nigerian civil society organizations, legal practitioners, and international human rights groups. Key figures in the campaign included prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN; Musikilu Mojeed of the International Press Institute (IPI); Barrister Marshal D. F. Abubakar; and rights activist Adeyanju Deji.

Amnesty International Nigeria, the Takeitback Movement, and coalitions of journalists and civil society organizations also played pivotal roles in securing her release.

“This victory demonstrates the power of collective action,” said a statement from the coalition that campaigned for her freedom. “When people of conscience unite against repression, justice prevails.”

Supporters have hailed the development as a significant moment for press freedom in Nigeria. Sadiq’s case had drawn international attention to concerns over media intimidation and arbitrary detention in the country.

Further details about the terms of her release were not immediately available.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Presidency has confirmed that all the pupils and teachers abducted in Orire, Ogbomoso area of Oyo State have regained their freedom.

The announcement came on Friday through the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who disclosed that security agencies rescued the victims.

However, the Presidency did not provide details of the operation that led to their release.

“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies,” Onanuga wrote in a post on X.

The abduction had raised concerns among residents and attracted national attention. Authorities are yet to release additional information on the rescue operation or the condition of the victims.