Nigeria

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Government says it has released about N13 billion in interest-free loans to no fewer than 7,450 academic and non-academic staff members in 153 public tertiary institutions across the country.

The disbursement was carried out under the 2025/2026 cycle of the Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund (TISSF).

Boriowo Folashade, Director of Press and Publications at the Federal Ministry of Education, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday.

According to the ministry, the initiative reflects President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to improving the welfare, financial stability and productivity of workers in the education sector under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The ministry explained that the scheme was established by the Federal Ministry of Education and is being managed by the Bank of Industry (BOI).

It added that the programme offers interest-free loans of up to N10 million to qualified staff members in public universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.

The statement noted that the facility was introduced to assist beneficiaries in meeting personal and professional needs while improving their wellbeing.

The ministry also stated that Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting personnel responsible for teaching, learning, research and innovation in higher institutions.

It added that the intervention is helping workers cope with financial challenges, improve their living conditions and strengthen the workforce in the education sector.

Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, described the initiative as an important aspect of the ministry’s education reform programme. He encouraged eligible workers to participate in the next application phase.

According to him, “no education system can outperform the people who sustain it”.

Alausa said efforts to improve infrastructure, technology, skills acquisition, research and institutional reforms must also include practical policies that support workers’ welfare and living standards.

He further stated that the successful completion of the 2025/2026 phase highlights the growing demand for the programme and its positive impact on beneficiaries.

The minister added that the intervention aligns with ongoing efforts to improve teaching and learning, encourage research and innovation, strengthen institutional governance and build a more competitive education system.

“Since disbursements commenced on 28 October 2025, the programme has processed over 42,000 applications through its digital platform, providing support to beneficiaries across all six geopolitical zones of the country,” the statement reads.

“Universities accounted for 52 per cent of disbursements, while colleges of education and polytechnics represented 25 per cent and 23 per cent, respectively.”

The ministry said the programme has improved access to financial support nationwide, although more work is needed to increase participation among female staff members and some regions.

According to the statement, female beneficiaries made up 19 per cent of recipients during the 2025/2026 cycle.

It added that the next phase of implementation would include targeted awareness campaigns and sensitisation programmes.

The ministry also said steps are being taken to simplify the application process and improve communication with participating institutions to ensure a faster and more convenient experience for applicants.

It further announced that applications for the 2026/2027 phase of the TISSF will open at the end of June 2026.

Eligible staff members were advised to liaise with their institutions’ bursary departments and follow official communication channels of the ministry for further information.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Hundreds of Nigerians in South Africa who registered for evacuation following recent xenophobic attacks are reportedly facing hardship due to delays in the Federal Government’s repatriation programme.

The Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA) disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by its National President, Frank Onyekwelu.

The Federal Government had earlier announced plans on June 7, 2026, to deploy five chartered Air Peace flights to evacuate affected Nigerians from South Africa. Despite the announcement, only one flight has so far arrived in Nigeria. The aircraft landed in Lagos last Thursday with 258 evacuees, although more than 1,000 Nigerians were said to have shown interest in returning home.

NICASA said many Nigerians travelled from different provinces in South Africa after authorities directed them to appear for registration and screening. According to the association, many of them are now stranded without accommodation, food, transport fare or financial support.

The statement read, “Hundreds of Nigerians who responded to the Federal Government’s evacuation programme have endured untold hardship following delays in the scheduled repatriation flights.

“Many of these citizens travelled from distant provinces across South Africa after being instructed to report for registration and screening. Today, numerous families, including women and children, are stranded without shelter, food, transportation, or financial means to sustain themselves.

“The situation has become increasingly distressing as some of our nationals have been left sleeping in difficult conditions, uncertain of when they will return home.

“Several have exhausted their limited resources after travelling long distances in good faith, believing that arrangements had been adequately concluded for their departure.”

The association appealed to the Federal Government and relevant agencies to urgently address the situation.

NICASA stated that it “makes an urgent and passionate appeal to the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, the National Assembly, particularly the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Matters, to immediately intervene in the worsening humanitarian situation facing stranded Nigerian nationals awaiting voluntary repatriation from South Africa.”

The group also requested the immediate release of emergency assistance for stranded Nigerians while they await evacuation.

It further called on “Relevant government agencies to urgently facilitate the remaining four evacuation flights so that all registered citizens can be safely returned home without further delay.

“The Nigerian High Commission in South Africa to improve communication, provide temporary welfare support, and engage constructively with community leadership structures to address the immediate needs of affected citizens.”

Reacting to the development, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said there was no fresh update yet on the evacuation exercise. He, however, promised to provide information once there is a new development.

Also speaking, the Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocol at the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abdur-Rahman Balogun, assured affected Nigerians that everyone who registered for evacuation would eventually return home.

He appealed for patience, stating that the government was working to ensure the smooth completion of the repatriation process.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has intercepted expired pharmaceutical products valued at more than ₦12.7 billion alongside about 1.8 tonnes of Cannabis Sativa during separate operations in Lagos.

The seizures followed intelligence-driven operations carried out in collaboration with other security and regulatory agencies, including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the Command, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Isah Sulaiman.

According to the statement, the operations were successful due to credible intelligence gathering and improved risk assessment measures adopted by the Command.

Customs said one of the operations led to the interception of a 40-foot container identified as CAAU7569127, which contained a large quantity of Cannabis Sativa, popularly called “Canadian Loud.”

Officials recovered 3,639 sachets of the substance from the container. Each sachet weighed 500 grams. Authorities estimated the total weight at about 1,819 kilograms, equivalent to roughly 1.81 tonnes.

Field examinations later confirmed the substance as Cannabis Sativa.

The illicit drugs were reportedly concealed inside a black Toyota Nissan vehicle, a Toyota Sienna, as well as bags and drums loaded in the container.

In another operation, Customs officers intercepted two separate 40-foot containers loaded with expired pharmaceutical products allegedly intended for illegal relabelling before resale in the Nigerian market.

The Command stated that the combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized expired drugs stood at ₦12,784,479,341.72.

Customs described the attempted importation as a major threat to public health and an act capable of undermining the economy.

Reacting to the seizures, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba warned smugglers and other criminal elements to stay away from illegal activities.

“Unpatriotic importers and their collaborators who deliberately engage in smuggling, drug trafficking and the importation of expired pharmaceuticals are enemies of Nigeria’s progress.

“We have the intelligence, the technology and the resolve to identify and apprehend them. Anyone still contemplating these criminal acts should desist immediately, because the consequences will be swift, decisive and uncompromising,” he said.

Oshoba also stated that Apapa Port and other Customs-controlled locations remain under close surveillance.

He added that enforcement activities would continue to rely on intelligence while ensuring that lawful business activities are not disrupted.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced two women linked to terrorism activities to 40 years imprisonment after they pleaded guilty to charges filed against them by the Federal Government.

The convicts, Safiya Salihu and Halima Abdullahi, are the mother and sister of late terrorist commander Kachallah Ibrahim Battujo, who was killed by security operatives on June 10, 2026, near Iluke in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

Justice Hauwa Joseph Yilwa delivered the judgment on Friday after the two women admitted guilt to Counts 2, 4 and 5 in a five-count terrorism-related case instituted by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.

The court, however, discharged them on Counts 1 and 3, which involved allegations that they received ₦490,300 from Battujo despite knowing the money came from terrorism proceeds, as well as sponsorship for a religious pilgrimage financed with terrorism funds.

During proceedings, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Oyedepo Rotimi, SAN, asked the court to strike out the two counts and proceed with conviction on the remaining charges.

Part of Count 2 stated that the women “aided and abetted the activities of Battujo, a known bandit kingpin, and passed information through telephone conversations to the said Battujo, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 26 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”

The court heard that Battujo’s mother pleaded guilty to Count 5, which accused her of concealing information concerning her son’s terrorism activities.

Halima Abdullahi also admitted guilt to Count 4, which alleged that she failed to report her brother’s illegal possession of firearms after seeing the weapons during a visit to his camp in the forest.

Justice Yilwa sentenced each of the women to 20 years imprisonment on the counts for which they were convicted.

The judge directed that the jail terms run concurrently. The court also ordered that both convicts should undergo rehabilitation after serving their sentences.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Tinubu has approved a fresh six-month extension for the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga.

Adeniyi’s current tenure was earlier extended by one year in 2025. The tenure was expected to end on August 1, 2026.

According to the Presidency, the latest extension will run until February 2027. The statement explained that the decision will allow the Customs boss to continue the implementation of the National Single Window project and also ensure a smooth leadership transition within the service.

The Presidency stated that during the transition period, Adeniyi will work alongside the Nigeria Customs Service Board to oversee the promotion of qualified officers to the rank of Comptroller of Customs.

He is also expected to supervise the compulsory retirement of officers who have either reached the age of sixty or completed thirty-five years in service.

Adeniyi joined the Nigeria Customs Service after graduating from Obafemi Awolowo University in the late nineteen eighties.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops attached to Forward Operating Bases (FOB) AUDU and BABANNA have destroyed a suspected terrorist hideout during a patrol operation in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama disclosed the development in a report shared on his official X account on Wednesday.

According to the report, the operation was carried out around 10:30 a.m. on June 14, 2026, after security personnel received credible intelligence about the presence of a suspected terrorist camp within the Saminaka–Kanau axis.

The troops conducted a fighting patrol across the area and searched locations linked to criminal activities.

Although the soldiers did not encounter any suspected terrorists during the mission, they reportedly located and dismantled the hideout. They also destroyed a logistics and administrative facility believed to have been used by the criminal group.

Military sources cited in the report said the operation was executed successfully and without any incident.

The report added that security forces are continuing efforts to maintain a strong presence in the area and prevent criminal elements from operating freely within the region.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Bauchi State Police Command has commenced a statewide operation against vehicles without valid registration and those using concealed or fake number plates, with mobile courts deployed to facilitate the speedy prosecution of offenders.

The exercise began on Wednesday following a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu. Authorities said the initiative is intended to improve security and promote safer roads across the state.

In a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, the command disclosed that mobile courts have been positioned at the headquarters of the state’s five area commands and at key locations within Bauchi metropolis.

According to the police, the enforcement drive focuses on vehicles operating without proper registration, those with hidden or covered number plates, and vehicles displaying unauthorised or fraudulent registration numbers.

Commenting on the operation, the Commissioner of Police in Bauchi State, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, said, “Unregistered and unidentifiable vehicles remain a major security risk. Such vehicles are often used to perpetrate violent crimes like kidnapping and armed robbery. This enforcement is not aimed at harassing motorists, but at protecting lives and property.”

He warned that any vehicle found to be in breach of the law would be impounded, while offenders would face immediate trial before the mobile courts. He added that penalties could include fines and other sanctions stipulated under the country’s vehicle registration and licensing regulations.

The command advised motorists to ensure that their registration documents are up to date, display number plates appropriately, and avoid any form of alteration or concealment.

Police authorities also appealed to residents to cooperate with personnel involved in the operation, noting that the exercise would continue across the state without exception.

According to the command, the campaign is part of broader efforts to prevent criminals from using untraceable vehicles and to strengthen public safety throughout Bauchi State.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has commenced a fresh review of interconnection rates for telecommunications operators across the country, a move that could lead to higher costs for voice calls and SMS services if approved.

Interconnection rates, also known as Mobile Termination Rates (MTR), are charges paid by one telecom operator to another when a customer places a call to a subscriber on a different network. The current rates stand at between ₦3.90 and ₦4.70 per minute.

Industry stakeholders discussed the planned review during a consultative meeting on mobile termination rates held in Lagos on Tuesday.

Speaking at the event, KPMG partner, Wole Adenekan, said interconnection rates should reflect the actual cost of providing services. According to him, rates that are set too low may discourage investment in telecommunications infrastructure.

“A mis-set MTR can enable dominant operators to foreclose smaller competitors through high termination barriers. A cost-reflective rate supports a level competitive playing field,” he said.

Adenekan also noted that consumers could eventually bear the burden of excessive termination charges through higher retail service costs.

He explained that economic realities have changed significantly since the last review in 2018. He cited the depreciation of the naira, rising inflation, higher energy expenses and increasing equipment costs as factors that have altered operators’ cost structures.

The KPMG official further stated that the expansion of 5G technology and the growing adoption of artificial intelligence and Internet of Things (IoT) services have transformed network usage patterns and service delivery models. He added that messaging and voice services provided by Over-the-Top (OTT) platforms have reduced dependence on traditional telecom interconnection services.

According to him, the local interconnection rates established in 2018 have not been revised, while the 2022 review focused only on international termination rates.

In her remarks, the Head of Competition and Tariff Unit at the NCC’s Policy Department, Omotayo Mohammed, described the review as an important economic measure aimed at ensuring the commission’s regulatory framework keeps pace with developments in the telecommunications sector.

She said: “Our existing national interconnection rate regime was set out in the Commission’s Interconnection Rate Determination of June 1, 2018, and was subsequently adjusted through an amendment to the Mobile International Termination Rate (ITR) in September 2022.

“The Commission has historically maintained a regular cycle of periodic reviews to keep its frameworks relevant.

“However, the years since our 2018 determination have been marked by unprecedented and rapid change. The Nigerian telecommunications market has undergone considerable transformation, reflected in swift expansion, shifting market dynamics, the commercial deployment of advanced technologies such as 5G, and the emergence of new ecosystem players including Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs).

“At the same time, both global and domestic macroeconomic conditions have shifted considerably. Changes in exchange rate regimes, and inflation rates have substantially altered the cost structures associated with providing communications services in Nigeria.

“For regulation to remain effective in a fast-moving market, our frameworks must evolve in step with it. Pursuant to Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003, the Commission is therefore acting on its mandate to ensure that telecommunications tariffs and charges remain reasonable, cost-reflective, and non-discriminatory”.

Mohammed added that the exercise will also assess existing retail pricing controls and asymmetry arrangements to ensure that consumer interests remain protected while maintaining fair competition within the sector.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Katsina State Government has announced the rescue of four kidnap victims by Nigerian Army troops during ongoing operations against wanted bandit leader Kachalla Muhammadu Fulani and his criminal network.

The rescued individuals identified as Musa Yakuba, 62; Alhaji Sa’adu Dayi, 68; Mukhtar Danja, 36; and Salisu Danja, 50—were freed during sustained military operations in areas where the gang is believed to be operating.

According to a statement released Wednesday by the state’s Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, all four victims sustained gunshot wounds during their captivity and received immediate medical attention upon rescue.

The operation comes weeks after troops successfully rescued the wife of late Major General Rabe Abubakar. Officials noted that the newly rescued victims had previously appeared in a photograph with the late general.

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda praised the professionalism and bravery of the security forces, stating that their relentless efforts continue to yield results in the fight against banditry and kidnapping across the state.

Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, assured citizens that security forces remain on the trail of Fulani and other criminal elements, vowing that operations will persist until all perpetrators of terror against innocent citizens face justice.

“We remain fully committed to protecting lives and property,” Mu’azu said, adding that the government will continue collaborating closely with security agencies to deny criminals any safe haven in the state.

By Anas Abbas

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approached the Court of Appeal in Abuja, seeking an order to suspend the implementation of a Federal High Court judgment that directed the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties.

At a hearing before a three-member panel of the appellate court on Tuesday, INEC expressed support for applications filed by the affected parties challenging the lower court’s decision.

The electoral body argued that it was unaware the judgment would be delivered, insisting that an earlier order of the Court of Appeal had halted the planned delivery of the ruling.

Counsel representing INEC told the court that the commission only became aware of the judgment through media reports, maintaining that no formal notice was issued regarding its delivery.

The commission therefore backed requests for a stay of execution pending the determination of the appeal.

Lawyers representing the ADC also faulted the ruling, describing it as a threat to judicial order and urging the appellate court to intervene. The party’s legal team argued that the lower court proceeded despite being aware of an order suspending the judgment, and called on the Court of Appeal to take urgent steps to preserve the integrity of the judicial process.

Other affected parties warned that enforcing the judgment could create uncertainty ahead of upcoming by-elections scheduled in several states. They urged the appellate court to prevent possible disruptions by suspending the implementation of the ruling while the appeal is being considered.

The Court of Appeal was still receiving submissions from parties involved in the matter at the time of filing this report. The case follows a Federal High Court judgment ordering INEC to deregister the ADC and four other political parties over alleged failure to meet constitutional electoral performance requirements.