Day: June 5, 2026

MURIC Urges South-West Govts to Empower Amotekun, OPC Against Rising Bandit Threat

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called on governments across the South-West to strengthen local security structures, including the Amotekun Corps, the Oduduwa Peoples Congress (OPC), and Iru Ekun vigilante groups, to stem the growing threat of banditry in the region. In a statement issued on Friday by its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, the Islamic human rights organisation expressed concern over the recent attack on Esiele community in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where bandits reportedly killed a teacher and abducted seven teachers alongside 39 pupils. MURIC…

Navy Busts Illegal Fuel Cache, Recovers 92,660 Litres of Diesel in Rivers

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigerian Navy has recorded another major operational success in its fight against crude oil theft and illegal petroleum activities, recovering 92,660 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel, in Rivers State. The recovery was made under Operation Delta Sentinel, following credible intelligence that led personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH to Okolomade Community in Abua-Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State, along the Rivers–Bayelsa border corridor. According to a statement issued by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, aerial…

Niger Police Arrest 10 Suspected Thugs, Recover Weapons, Cannabis in Crackdown on Crime

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Niger State Police Command has arrested 10 suspected miscreants in separate operations aimed at curbing thuggery, robbery, and other criminal activities across the state. According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, operatives attached to the Tactical Support Team on June 4, 2026, foiled an attempted robbery along the Kwari-Begger/Maitumbi axis in Minna after spotting a group of armed youths allegedly trying to dispossess passengers in a tricycle of their valuables. Three suspects identified as Sadiq Ibrahim (25), Abdulazeez Ahmed (25), and Ibrahim Abdullahi (26), all residents…

Military Neutralises Terrorists, Arrests Informants, Rescues Victims Nationwide

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has recorded significant operational successes across the country, neutralising terrorists, arresting criminal collaborators, rescuing kidnapped victims, and recovering weapons and ammunition during coordinated military operations conducted between May 28 and June 4, 2026. The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Friday during a press briefing in Abuja, highlighting the achievements of various military task forces operating across the six geopolitical zones. According to the military, troops of Operation HADIN KAI in the North-East arrested several suspected terrorists, kidnappers,…

ACOE Honours NEPZA Boss Ogunyemi for Leadership, Media Engagement, Free Trade Zone Reforms

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, has been honoured with the Award of Exemplary Leadership Qualities in Public Service by the Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE) in recognition of his contributions to the development of Nigeria’s free trade zones and commitment to transparent public communication. Speaking during the award presentation ceremony in Abuja on Thursday, Ogunyemi disclosed his long-standing relationship with the media profession, revealing that he worked as a columnist and contributor to veteran journalist Sam…

The Betrayal of a Movement: How Political Interests Undermined Peter Obi’s Stronghold By Tunde Simon

Emporium Reporters

History will judge not only those who openly opposed a cause, but also those who claimed to support it while quietly working against it from within.   Many supporters of Mr. Peter Obi have watched with concern as a number of influential political actors within the South-East appeared more interested in protecting personal interests than strengthening the movement that inspired millions of Nigerians. Rather than consolidating the gains made by Peter Obi and his supporters, actions taken by certain political stakeholders have created the impression of a deliberate effort to…

NITDA Endorses NiRA’s 2026 Expansion Plan to Boost .ng Domain Adoption

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has approved the 2025 Annual Report and 2026 Business Plan of the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA), reaffirming its commitment to accelerating Nigeria’s digital economy through increased adoption of local internet domains. The approval was granted during a strategic meeting at NITDA headquarters in Abuja, where NiRA President, Mr. Adesola Akinsanya, led members of the association’s board to present the organisation’s 2026 vision to NITDA Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa. Following the endorsement, both organisations pledged to strengthen collaboration to ensure the successful implementation of…

AfDB Backs Humanitarian Reforms, Poverty Reduction Agenda of Humanitarian Ministry

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has expressed support for the reform agenda of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction (FMHAPR), aimed at tackling multidimensional poverty, addressing humanitarian challenges, and improving social protection delivery across Nigeria. The commitment was made during a meeting between the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard M. Doro, and an AfDB delegation that visited the Ministry in Abuja. Speaking during the engagement, Dr. Doro called on the Bank to support the Ministry’s efforts to address the growing challenges of…

IGP Orders Probe of FID Operatives as CSP Oyewole Detained Over Alleged Interference in NSCDC Mining Marshals Operations

Emporium Reporters

The Nigeria Police Force has commenced an investigation into operatives of the Force Intelligence Department (FID) Team N following allegations of unlawful interference in the activities of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals. The probe, reportedly ordered by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Olatunji Disu, led to the grilling and detention of the head of FID Team N, CSP Abdulmajid Oyewole, after a petition submitted by the Commander of the NSCDC Mining Marshals, ACC Attah Onoja. Sources familiar with the development disclosed that the investigation is…

Oyo Muslim Community Rejects Kidnappers’ Sharia Demand, Organises Special Prayer for Abducted Schoolchildren

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Muslim Community of Oyo State has strongly distanced itself from recent Sharia-related demands reportedly made by abductors holding victims in the state, insisting that criminals and terrorists cannot speak on behalf of Muslims or Islam. In a statement issued on Friday and signed by its Chairman, Alhaji Ishaq Kunle Sanni, and Secretary-General, Alhaji Murisiku Abidemi Siyanbade, the community condemned attempts by kidnappers to justify their criminal activities with religious rhetoric. According to the group, Islam unequivocally forbids kidnapping, terrorism, extortion, and all forms of violence against innocent citizens, stressing…