Month: March 2026

Police Foil Kidnap Attempt in Rivers, Arrest Suspect, Recover AK-47 Rifles

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have recorded a major breakthrough in the fight against kidnapping, arrested a suspected gang member and recovering two AK-47 rifles, magazines, and ammunition following a foiled abduction attempt in Port Harcourt. Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, said the operation was triggered by a distress call received in the early hours of March 20. A 35-year-old resident, Fadi Nasser, had reported that armed men stormed his residence on Orogbum Crescent, Woji Road, in the Government…

NDLEA, US-DEA Strengthen Anti-Narcotics Alliance as Marwa Declares Joint Workshop Open

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (US-DEA) have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration against drug trafficking and its links to terrorism, as Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Mohamed Buba Marwa, formally declared a bilateral counter-narcotics workshop open in Abuja. The high-level workshop, held at NDLEA headquarters on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, brought together top law enforcement officials from Nigeria and the United States to align strategies against emerging drug threats and strengthen joint operational frameworks. Declaring the session open, General Marwa…

Q1 2026: Nigerian Military Crushes Terror Cells, Rescues Over 800 Victims Nationwide

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has recorded sweeping operational successes across the country in the first quarter of 2026, intensifying pressure on terrorist groups, bandits, and other criminal networks. At a media briefing in Defence Headquarters Abuja on March 31, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said troops neutralised scores of terrorists, arrested 1,359 suspects, and rescued 813 kidnapped victims between January and March. He noted that sustained ground offensives, backed by air operations and real-time intelligence, were carried out across all operational theatres—North East,…

FG Unveils ₦20m National Laureate Prize to Reward Top Student Researchers

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Federal Government has launched a landmark initiative aimed at recognising and rewarding outstanding academic research among students in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, with prizes of up to ₦20 million for exceptional works. The programme, known as the Nigeria National Laureate Annual Prize, was approved as part of efforts to reposition the country’s education sector towards innovation, research excellence, and knowledge-driven development. Announcing the initiative on Tuesday, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, described the scheme as a strategic intervention designed to elevate scholarly achievement and promote commercially viable…

From Unmerited Favour to a Grander Grace By Dr Omoniyi Ibietan

Emporium Reporters

For over two years, I have been transitioning – by the grace of God, not in hospice; and certainly not in my sexual orientation, I remain a man, HIM, HE, and HIS, in cognition, courage and character. But I was transitioning as an employee of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and as a labourer in the vineyard of the Federal Government of Nigeria. After close of business on 6th February 2026, I finally left the NCC, a denouement to more than 20 years of work with the Federal Government of…

Deputy Speaker Kalu Condemns Jos Killings, Calls for Swift Justice

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has strongly condemned the recent deadly attack on residents of Angwan Rukuba in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, describing it as senseless and unacceptable. The attack, which reportedly occurred on Sunday night, left several people dead and many others injured, plunging the community into grief and mourning. In a condolence message issued on Monday, Kalu expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident and extended his sympathies to the bereaved families, as well as the Plateau State Government.…

FG Awards ₦2.2bn to 45 Student Startups at 2026 Innovation Bootcamp

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Federal Government has unveiled a ₦2.2 billion funding boost for student-led enterprises, awarding grants to 45 outstanding ventures at the 2026 Student Venture Capital Grant (S-VCG) Finalist Bootcamp and Awards Ceremony in Lagos. The event, held at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) office in Ikoyi, marked the culmination of a rigorous selection process that saw 45 winners emerge from 65 finalists, following detailed evaluation by a 12-member panel of experts. Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of Education, Moruf Tunji Alausa, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming…

FCT Police Kick Off National Police Day with Clean-Up Drive, Free Medical Care in Abuja

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command on Monday launched activities for the 2026 National Police Day with a sanitation exercise and free medical outreach in Area 1, Abuja, in a move aimed at strengthening community relations and promoting public health. The exercise, led by the Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Muhammad, saw officers and residents participate in a coordinated clean-up of the area, clearing waste and improving environmental hygiene. Alongside the sanitation drive, the Command organised a free medical outreach, offering basic healthcare services to residents, particularly targeting vulnerable groups…

Niger Police Launch 2026 National Police Day with Sanitation, Medical Outreach

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Niger State Police Command has commenced activities marking the 2026 National Police Day with a statewide environmental sanitation exercise and medical outreach aimed at strengthening community relations. The exercise, held on Monday across host communities of all Police Divisions and the State Command Headquarters in Dutsen-Kura, Minna, saw police personnel actively participating in sanitation efforts to promote a cleaner environment. As part of the Day One activities, the Command also organised a medical outreach in Angwan-Daji, Limawa, and Angwan-Sarki communities. Vulnerable residents, visitors, and members of the Police Community…

NUJ FCT Calls for Unity as FRCN Chapel Elects New Executives

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, has urged members of the NUJ FRCN Headquarters Chapel to uphold unity, transparency, and professionalism as they usher in a new leadership. The charge was delivered through the Council’s Treasurer, Comrade Sandra Chukwugekwu, during the chapel’s election held at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) Headquarters in Abuja. Chukwugekwu commended the outgoing executives led by Comrade Tersoo Zamber for upholding the core values of journalism, including integrity, professionalism, and unity. She described the election as…