Month: January 2026

Nigerian Navy launches Operation DELTA SENTINEL to deepen war against crude oil theft

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigerian Navy has launched a new maritime security operation, Operation DELTA SENTINEL, following the successful conclusion of Operation DELTA SANITY II, which recorded major breakthroughs against crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta. The flag-off ceremony, held on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, was conducted by the Commander Task Group 25.1 and Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Chidozie Okehie, who disclosed that the outgoing operation led to the arrest of 203 suspects and the deactivation of 324 illegal refining sites across the region.…

Venora Holdings partners NUJ FCT Correspondents’ Chapel, pledges media support

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Venora Holdings Limited has entered into a strategic partnership with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council Correspondents’ Chapel, aimed at strengthening media capacity building and improving the welfare of journalists. The Managing Director of Venora Holdings, Mr Ayodeji Torey, gave the assurance while receiving members of the NUJ FCT Correspondents’ Chapel during a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja. He pledged sustained collaboration and support targeted at enhancing the professional and working environment of journalists. Speaking during the visit, Chairman of the NUJ FCT Correspondents’ Chapel, Comrade…

NAF boosts joint operations as AWDC Commandant undertakes operational visit to Operation HADIN KAI

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified efforts to enhance airpower effectiveness and joint force integration in the North East with an operational assessment visit by the Commandant of the Air Warfare and Doctrine Centre (AWDC), Air Vice Marshal Ibrahim Jibia, to the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), in Maiduguri. The visit was aimed at interfacing with aircrew deployed in the theatre and engaging the Theatre Commander as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen mission-oriented training and integrated operations. Air Vice Marshal Jibia…

Morocco knock out Super Eagles on penalties to reach AFCON final

Emporium Reporters

Morocco booked a place in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final after edging Nigeria 4–2 on penalties following a tense 0–0 draw after extra time in Wednesday’s semi-final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerged the hero for the hosts, saving spot-kicks from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi in the shoot-out. His interventions paved the way for Youssef En-Nesyri to convert the decisive penalty and ignite wild celebrations among the home fans. Despite a miss by Hamza Igamane—who saw his effort stopped by Nigeria’s Stanley…

Tradition, Remembrance, Unity take centre stage at AFCRD 2026 Regimental Dinner Night

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) Regimental Dinner Night, held on 14 January 2026, was a dignified celebration of the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s rich heritage, shared values and enduring spirit of unity. Hosted by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General OO Oluyede, the event brought together top military leadership, with the Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), attending as Special Guest of Honour. Also present were the Chief of the Air Staff, other Service Chiefs and the Chief of Defence Intelligence, underscoring…

NYSC to introduce standardised welfare protocols for corps members with disabilities

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has announced plans to introduce a standardised protocol for the management and welfare of Corps Members with disabilities during the Orientation Course and throughout the service year. The Director-General of NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, made this known in his keynote address at the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Pre-Orientation Workshop held in Jos, Plateau State. The workshop was themed “Revamping the NYSC Orientation Course Experience as a Foundation for Impactful Service by Corps Members.” General Nafiu said the initiative aligned with the Scheme’s welfare strategies…

IGP hosts SEC DG, seeks deeper collaboration on financial crime enforcement

Emporium Reporters

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has received the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama, and members of his management team on a courtesy visit to the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, Abuja. According to the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the visit provided an opportunity for both institutions to reaffirm their commitment to strengthened inter-agency cooperation aimed at enhancing national security, economic stability, and investor confidence in Nigeria’s financial system. Speaking during the meeting, the SEC Director-General commended the Nigeria Police Force…

IPCR, ACOE sign MoU to strengthen peacebuilding , responsible Online Journalism

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Director-General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, has called for robust collaboration among stakeholders as a critical pathway to securing and sustaining peace across Nigeria. Dr. Ochogwu made the call during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the IPCR and the Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE) at the Institute’s headquarters in Abuja. He stressed that peacebuilding is a collective responsibility that cannot be achieved by any single institution, noting that it requires the active participation of Ministries, Departments and…

Senate President disowns alleged appointment in ‘Team Akpabio for Tinubu’ Group

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Office of the President of the Senate has dismissed claims circulating on social media regarding an alleged appointment within a political support group known as Team Akpabio for Tinubu (TAT), described the reports as misleading and unfounded. Speaking through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, MNIPR, the Senate President, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, clarified that he has no affiliation with, nor operational knowledge of, the activities, appointments, or internal affairs of any political support group, including TAT. Eyiboh explained that such groups are voluntary associations…

Turkish Ambassador visits NiDCOM, reports sharp drop in irregular Nigerian migrants, seeks deeper economic ties

Emporium Reporters

The Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, has disclosed a significant decline in the number of irregular Nigerian migrants in Türkiye, noting that the figure has dropped from about 9,000 to fewer than 5,000. Ambassador Poroy made this known during a strategic visit to the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), where he met with the Chairman/CEO, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa; the Secretary to the Commission, Dr. Sule Yakubu Bassi; and other senior officials, alongside members of the Turkish delegation. According to the ambassador, Nigeria previously ranked fourth…