Nigeria

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has selected Professor Hakeem Ibikunle Tijani, a Nigerian academic based in the United States, for the 2026 National Diaspora Merit Award (NDMA) in recognition of his contributions to the education sector.

The commission announced the honour in a statement issued on Saturday. It also confirmed that the decision was communicated in a letter dated May 22, 2026. The letter was signed by NiDCOM Secretary Sule Bassi on behalf of the Commission’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

According to the commission, the Federal Government set aside July 25 as National Diaspora Day to acknowledge the contributions of more than 20 million Nigerians living abroad to the country’s development.

NiDCOM said the annual event provides an avenue for networking, advocacy, and celebrating the achievements of Nigerians in the diaspora.

The letter explained the basis for the award. It stated, “This National Diaspora Merit Award (NDMA) therefore is predicated upon recognizing and celebrating Nigerians in Diaspora who have excelled in their various fields of endeavours and contributing to the overall development of Nigeria.”

The commission added that Professor Tijani was chosen because of his outstanding contributions to education.

NiDCOM also invited the professor to participate in the National Diaspora Day celebrations and the award presentation.

The invitation read: “This is an invitation to be part of the National Diaspora Day 2026 celebrations, scheduled to hold on the 24th and National Diaspora Merit Award on 25th July 2026.

“The events will be at the Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja, by 15:00hrs (WAT) on Friday the 24th of July 2026 and the National Diaspora Merit Award by 17:00hrs (WAT) on Saturday, 25th of July, 2026 respectively.”

The commission further advised prospective participants to register for the events through its official website.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Government has evacuated 39 more Nigerians from Johannesburg, South Africa, to Lagos under an emergency airlift coordinated by Air Peace.

The latest evacuation followed an arrangement for citizens who were unable to board the previous flight organised by the government.

The evacuation exercise is part of efforts to bring home Nigerians affected by recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa. The programme targets citizens who completed the required documentation within the deadline set by the authorities.

In a statement issued on Friday, the government said the additional flight was organised to ensure the evacuation process continued without interruption.

It added that the aircraft was expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos at about 8:50 p.m. on Friday.

The Federal Government also commended the management of Air Peace for providing support for the additional evacuation operation.

According to the statement, the final evacuation flight is expected next week. It will bring home about 300 more Nigerians from South Africa.

The government reaffirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to the welfare, protection, and safe return of Nigerians affected by the xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

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 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 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.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has retained Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election after submitting the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential nomination forms.

The development formally confirms that Tinubu and Shettima will once again fly the APC’s presidential ticket in the next general election.

The president’s Special Adviser on Political Affairs, Ibrahim Masari, announced the development and submitted the nomination forms on behalf of Tinubu during a brief event held at the Continental Hotel in Abuja.

The event attracted several senior figures of the ruling party, including Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodimma, who led APC governors to the occasion.

Members of the APC National Working Committee (NWC), the party’s caucus in the National Assembly, members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), as well as other party leaders and stakeholders, also attended the event.

Tinubu had initially nominated Masari as a placeholder running mate in June 2022 while the party concluded consultations on its vice-presidential candidate. He later selected Shettima as his substantive running mate ahead of the 2023 presidential election.

The submission of the nomination forms officially marks the beginning of Tinubu’s campaign for a second term in office on the platform of the APC, with Shettima remaining his running mate.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a 48-year-old Chadian woman who was allegedly transporting illicit drugs, alcoholic drinks and other prohibited items to terrorist groups operating in the Lake Chad Islands.

The arrest took place on Thursday during a search operation along the Maiduguri–Monguno road in Borno State, according to a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Mohammed Goni.

Goni said soldiers stopped a suspicious vehicle heading towards Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area, where they apprehended the suspect.

“The suspect, identified as Mrs Rachael Samuel (48), a Chadian national from Kelo in Chari-Baguirmi Province, Republic of Chad, was arrested while conveying the prohibited items,” the statement said.

He added that preliminary investigations suggested the items were meant for locations within the Lake Chad Islands, an area where terrorist groups are known to operate.

Security operatives recovered seven compressed bundles of suspected Cannabis sativa weighing about 30 kilogrammes, two 10-litre containers of hydromercuric chloride, popularly called “Suck and Die”, one carton containing 48 bottles of dry gin and 61 bottles of herbal alcoholic beverages. The military said the seized items have an estimated street value running into millions of naira.

Other items recovered include a mobile phone, two Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, personal belongings and cash.

The military said the suspect remains in custody, while the recovered exhibits have been secured ahead of their transfer to the appropriate law enforcement agency for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Goni said the operation reflects the determination of Operation Hadin Kai to block supply routes that sustain terrorist activities. He explained that intelligence reports have consistently indicated that terrorist groups depend on illicit drugs and intoxicants to stimulate fighters, reduce fear and support violent attacks.

“By intercepting the consignment before it reached its destination, the troops have disrupted another critical aspect of the terrorists’ support network,” the statement added.

“The Theatre Command commends the vigilance and professionalism of the troops and assures the public that operations against terrorists and their collaborators will continue relentlessly.

“The public is encouraged to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies in support of ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace and security across the North East.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has reiterated his support for the establishment of state police, saying the move is necessary to tackle the country’s worsening security challenges.

The governor spoke on Thursday during an interview on Arise Television. He argued that the creation of state police was long overdue and would strengthen efforts to address insecurity across Nigeria.

Alia said the Nigeria Police Force is overstretched because of the growing security demands. He also noted that military personnel may not always have sufficient knowledge of local terrains, which makes effective security operations more difficult.

“State policing should have begun long before now. If we have our state police with the power to command and direct, it will be more beneficial.

“So I think it is ideal. I know that the National Assembly has done some bit of that, and the State Assemblies are also playing their own role and making it a continuum of conversation.

“It’s even going to be more improved on what people are thinking, the fears people are having, or the reservations they’re having on the establishment of the state policing.

“I have been one of the first advocates of state policing way before the national conversation began.

“As it is said, who feels it knows it all. For us in Benue State, we felt it, we know what it is, we understand insecurity, we understand what it means for some help, either to be on the way or little help that came our way.

“So the establishment of state police is something ideal that could have been done like yesterday,” he said.

The governor also acknowledged ongoing legislative efforts on the issue. He said both the National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly have continued discussions on the proposal. He expressed confidence that concerns and reservations surrounding state policing would be addressed as the process progresses.