Day: June 18, 2025

Troops of Operation Fasan Yamma Kill Eight Bandits in Katsina State encounter

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Troops of the 17 Brigade, operating under Operation Fasan Yamma, neutralised eight bandits in a successful early morning encounter along the Kurfi–Batsari Road in Katsina State on Tuesday, June 18, 2025. The incident occurred around 5:00 a.m. when troops stationed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Kurfi engaged terrorists attempting to launch an attack in the area. The gun battle, which lasted for some time, ended in victory for the troops who overpowered the assailants, foiled their plans. During the operation, five AK-47 rifles, six magazines, and 13 rounds of…

Tinubu orders arrest of Yelewata Killers, tasks Gov Alia on Peace Committee formation

Lukman Laleye Babalola

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the immediate arrest of killer herders responsible for the gruesome massacre of over 100 people in Yelewata community, Benue State.   The President issued the directive during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House, Makurdi, where he met with Governor Hyacinth Alia, traditional rulers, former governors, and other political leaders from the state. Also present at the meeting were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and Governors from Kwara, Imo, Kogi, Plateau, Ondo, and Nasarawa States.   Tinubu questioned…

NDLEA, UNODC unveil 2025 World Drug Day Activities, urge collective action on Substance Abuse Prevention

Lukman Laleye Babalola

As Nigeria joined the rest of the world to mark the 2025 World Drug Day, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) have called for active public and state government participation in the ongoing fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking. Speaking at a joint press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), emphasized that drug abuse prevention requires a collective effort. He stressed that the responsibility should…

Gov Ododo To Be Honoured Among 100 Most Influential Nigerians

Emporium Reporters

By Onoja Baba   Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State will be recognised as one of the 100 Most Influential Nigerians at a prestigious national award ceremony scheduled for June 20 in Abuja. The event, organised by Progressives Media, will take place at the Grand Ballroom of Barcelona Hotel, Wuse II, with red carpet by 5pm and the main event kicking off at 6pm. Governor Ododo will be honoured alongside Niger State Governor Umar Bago, Seyi Law, Sayi Vodi, and several serving and former ministers. Speaking to the media…

₦3 Trillion Fraud: Whistleblower Group Petitions House of Reps …. Accuses Shipping Giant MSC of Economic Sabotage and Legal Evasion

Lukman Laleye Babalola

A civic advocacy group, Citizens WhistleBlowers Coalition (CWC), has petitioned the House of Representatives, accusing global shipping conglomerate, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), of massive financial misconduct, legal subversion, and regulatory violations in Nigeria’s maritime sector.   Addressing journalists at the National Assembly Complex on Tuesday, the spokesperson of the group, Mr. Karl Chinedu, revealed that the petition calls for a legislative probe into what it described as one of the most alarming cases of corporate exploitation in recent memory.   The group alleged that MSC has withheld over ₦3 trillion…

DHQ refutes allegations of military sabotage in Yelwata massacre

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed recent claims suggesting that internal sabotage within the Nigerian military contributed to the massacre in Yelwata, Benue State, described the allegations as baseless and unsupported by credible evidence.   In a statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the military emphasized that it was not responsible for the killings and reiterated its commitment to safeguarding civilian lives and upholding the rule of law.   The statement said”The Nigerian military has consistently denied any involvement in the Yelwata incident. “There…

Ogun MURIC applauds Senator Yayi for Sponsoring 100 Muslim Pilgrims for 2025 Hajj …. Describes gesture as exceptional act of faith, service, and compassion

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Ogun State Chapter of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has lauded Distinguished Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, for sponsoring 100 Muslim faithful from across the state for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.   The commendation was conveyed in a statement jointly issued by the State Chairman of MURIC, Alhaji Jimoh Tajudeen Alao (AAN), and the State Secretary, Alhaji Olaleye Rasheed Damilare, on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.   Describing the gesture as “a rare display of leadership, service, and religious tolerance,” MURIC Ogun said Senator…

NHRC raises alarm on AI-Driven Hate Speech, unveils Strategic Documents on Media and Human Rights

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has raised concerns over the increasing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to amplify hate speech, warned that the unchecked abuse of digital tools posed grave threats to human dignity, national unity, and democracy. This warning was issued during a Roundtable in Abuja commemorating the 2025 International Day for Countering Hate Speech, themed “Hate Speech and Artificial Intelligence.” In his keynote address, the Executive Secretary of NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, underscored the dual nature of AI as a force for both development and destruction. He…

NYSC DG urges Corps Members to embrace Savings, Investment, and Peaceful Coexistence

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has encouraged Corps Members to develop a savings culture, invest wisely, and promote peaceful coexistence throughout their service year.   General Nafiu gave this charge while addressing 2024 Batch ‘A’ Stream II Corps Members at the NYSC Orientation Camps in Asaya, Kogi State, and Yikpata, Kwara State.   He urged the Corps Members to be prudent in their spending and save for the future, emphasizing that financial discipline is a critical step toward self-reliance.   “Try…

National Assembly transmits Tax Reform Bills to President Tinubu for Assent

Emporium Reporters

The National Assembly has transmitted a set of four critical and controversial tax reform bills to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assent, marking a major step in the administration’s drive to modernise Nigeria’s tax system.   Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, confirmed the transmission during a press briefing held Tuesday at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.   The bills – Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill, Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, and Nigeria Tax Bill have been the…