Day: April 18, 2026

Niger Govt Cracks Down on Illegal Mining, Arrests Two Chinese Nationals in Zuzungi

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Niger State Government has intensified its crackdown on illegal mining activities with the arrest of two Chinese nationals for allegedly violated state mining regulations at the Zuzungi Mining Site. The foreign nationals were apprehended during a regulatory inspection led by the Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Hon. Muhammad Qasim Danjuma (Danrimin Agaie), alongside senior ministry officials and security operatives. The operation reportedly uncovered unauthorised mining activities being carried out without valid licences and outside approved regulatory guidelines. The suspects were subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further…

FCT Police Commissioner Convenes Emergency Security Meeting, Warns Against Harassment,Extortion

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, has convened an emergency security meeting with Area and Tactical Commanders, reinforcing professional policing standards and warning against harassment, extortion and misconduct by officers. The meeting, held at the FCT Police Command Headquarters in Garki II, Abuja, focused on strengthening security operations, improving professionalism and consolidating progress made in reducing crime across the territory. Addressing senior officers, Sanusi commended personnel for their commitment to duty and noted that crime rates in the FCT had remained relatively low within…

Haruspice Earns Second Master’s Degree, Applauds NOUN’s Flexible Learning Model

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Renowned journalist and public affairs commentator, Abdullahi O. Haruna, popularly known as Haruspice, has earned a second master’s degree in Mass Communication from National Open University of Nigeria, further strengthening his academic and professional profile. Describing the academic journey as demanding yet intellectually rewarding, Haruna said the programme surpassed his expectations, noting that the university’s structure requires rigorous engagement, disciplined scholarship and real-time commitment from students seeking excellence. He commended National Open University of Nigeria for providing a flexible and accessible academic framework for working-class Nigerians, describing the institution as…

Nigerian Navy Disrupts Illegal Oil Network Worth Over N600 Million in Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigerian Navy has recorded a major operational breakthrough under Operation Delta Sentinel, dismantled a multi-state illegal oil refining and crude storage network valued at over ₦600 million across Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta states. The operation, carried out on April 17, involved coordinated offensives by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH and Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) DELTA, targeting illegal refining infrastructure and crude theft facilities in key hotspots linked to economic sabotage. In Rivers State, an Anti-Crude Oil Theft Team from NNS SOROH, acting on intelligence, launched a land-water…

Nigeria Reaffirms Strong Ties With Zimbabwe on Independence Anniversary

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Federal Government has congratulated the Government and people of Zimbabwe on the country’s Independence Day, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations and advancing shared African aspirations. In a statement issued by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Nigeria described Zimbabwe’s independence anniversary as a historic milestone that symbolizes the resilience, determination, and aspirations of its people, while underscoring Africa’s broader journey toward freedom, dignity, and self-determination. The statement noted that Nigeria recognizes Zimbabwe’s contributions to regional and continental affairs, particularly in promoting African…

MURIC Demands Delisting of JAMB Centres Over Alleged Hijab Discrimination

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called for the delisting of examination centres found culpable in acts of hijab discrimination during the ongoing Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examinations, following an incident at Esther Oshikoya CBT Centre in Ibadan, Oyo State. The group, through its Executive Director, Ishaq Akintola, condemned the reported harassment of a Muslim candidate, Fatimah Salaudeen, who was allegedly compelled to remove her hijab before being allowed access to the examination hall. MURIC described the incident as discriminatory, unjust and contrary to constitutional protections as well…

FG Charges New Medical Directors to Align with Government Health Priorities

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Federal Government has charged newly appointed Medical Directors of Federal Medical Centers to prioritize government policies, strengthen industrial harmony, and improve service delivery across the nation’s health institutions. The charge was given by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Adekunle Salako, during the presentation of appointment letters to six Medical Directors in Abuja. Two of the appointments were renewals for second terms, while four were fresh appointments. Dr. Salako urged the appointees to align their leadership with the administration’s priorities, emphasizing industrial peace, quality healthcare…

FRSC Denies Assault Allegation, Clarifies Abuja CBD Enforcement Incident

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has dismissed allegations of assault and misconduct involving its patrol team at the Central Business District (CBD), Abuja, following a trending video that sparked public concern over an incident on Thursday, April 16, 2026. According to the Corps Public Education Officer, Deputy Corps Commander Osondu Ohaeri, the incident occurred during a routine traffic enforcement operation by the RS7.14 Central Business District Unit Command, where a vehicle was intercepted for traffic violations, including overloading and seatbelt non-compliance. Ohaeri explained that the situation escalated when the…

Comrades, “come-raids” and the Nigerian state By abiodun KOMOLAFE

Emporium Reporters

The current state of what passes for “activism” captures the dilemma and dysfunction of an underperforming post-colonial state. Nigeria once possessed a robust tradition of advocacy. This legacy is unambiguously illustrated by the November 18, 1949, Iva Valley massacre in Enugu, where miners were cut down simply for demanding labour conditions consistent with human dignity. The Iva Valley massacre – carried out under British watch – constitutes a war crime. Consequently, the British government must provide reparations, as it did for Kenya’s Mau Mau fighters.   Unlike today’s “come-raids”, Nigeria…

When ABUAD bows for BAO By abiodun KOMOLAFE

Emporium Reporters

“Building Legacies: Governance, Successor-generation and Continuity”, a lecture delivered by Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) at the 2026 Afe Babalola Distinguished Personality Lecture, last Tuesday, was thought-provoking, incisive and, unsurprisingly, received a standing ovation.   The ovation, at the event held at the Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), reflected the impact the offering made in extending the boundaries of knowledge and contributing to more rigorous thought. It revealed Oyebanji’s affinity for intellectual curiosity and the institutions founded on knowledge – an area where ABUAD has made its mark in a…