Day: June 16, 2026

Nigerian Troops Deal Heavy Blow to Terrorists, Free 360 Captives

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) recorded significant victories against terrorism, kidnapping, crude oil theft and other criminal activities across the country, rescuing 360 abducted civilians and arresting scores of suspects during operations conducted between June 5 and June 11, 2026. The achievements were disclosed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, during a briefing on ongoing military operations nationwide. According to the Defence Headquarters, one of the most remarkable successes was recorded in the North-East under Operation Hadin Kai, where troops launched a coordinated assault…

Implications of Judicial Politicization for Opposition Parties in Nigeria By Abba Dukawa

Emporium Reporters

The implications of judicial politicization for opposition parties in Nigeria refer to the consequences that arise when the judiciary is perceived to be influenced by political interests rather than acting independently and impartially. In Nigeria, debates about judicial independence frequently emerge in relation to election petitions, party leadership disputes, and constitutional cases involving major political parties.   The long-term strength of democracy depends heavily on public confidence that courts apply the law fairly and impartially to both ruling and opposition parties. However, political actors often interpret the same court decision…

Ekiti 2026: Akpabio Predicts APC Victory, Rallies Support for Oyebanji’s Re-election

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has expressed confidence that Biodun Oyebanji will secure a second term in office at Saturday’s governorship election in Ekiti State. Akpabio made the declaration on Tuesday during the grand finale of the governorship campaign of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital. The rally attracted top APC leaders, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, the party’s National Chairman, members of the National Working Committee, federal lawmakers and several APC governors. Speaking as Co-Chairman of the APC National Campaign Council for…

FG Commissions Expanded Abuja Premier Warehouse to Boost Health Supply Chain Nationwide

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Federal Government has commissioned the expanded Abuja Premier Warehouse, a major health logistics facility designed to strengthen the storage and distribution of medicines, vaccines, and other essential health commodities across Nigeria. The facility, commissioned on Monday, complements the 22 Central Medical Warehouses across 21 states funded by the Global Fund to improve healthcare delivery and ensure commodity security nationwide. Representing the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, at the commissioning ceremony, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Daju Kachollom, said the project marks a significant…

Islamic New Year: Speaker Abbas Urges Muslims to Embrace Love, Tolerance

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has called on Muslims across Nigeria to uphold the values of love, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence as they celebrate the commencement of the Islamic New Year 1448 After Hijra (AH). In a goodwill message marking the beginning of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, Speaker Abbas urged the Muslim Ummah to renew their commitment to the worship of Allah and strengthen bonds of unity among themselves and with adherents of other faiths. The message, signed by his…

INEC Moves to Stop Enforcement of Court Ruling Deregistering ADC, Four Other Parties

Emporium Reporters

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approached the Court of Appeal in Abuja seeking a stay of execution of a Federal High Court judgment that ordered the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties. The affected political parties are the Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party, and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP). At Tuesday’s proceedings before a three-member panel of the appellate court, INEC’s legal team said the commission was surprised that the trial judge, Justice Peter Lifu, delivered the judgment despite…

Apapa Customs Seizes 1.8 Tonnes of ‘Canadian Loud’, Expired Drugs Worth ₦12.8bn

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing crackdown on smuggling and other illicit activities with the seizure of 1.81 tonnes of Cannabis Sativa, popularly known as “Canadian Loud,” and expired pharmaceutical products valued at over ₦12.78 billion. The seizures were made through intelligence-led operations conducted by officers of the Command in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other relevant security agencies. According to a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the Command, Chief Superintendent of…

Team Europe Explores Kannywood’s Role in Driving Jobs, Skills, Social Change in Northern Nigeria

Lukman Laleye Babalola

A delegation of European diplomats has visited Kano Film Village to gain first-hand insight into how Kannywood is creating jobs, building skills and expanding economic opportunities for young people across northern Nigeria, while also using entertainment as a platform for social change. The delegation, led by the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, included ambassadors and deputy heads of mission from Denmark, Spain, Italy, France, Czechia, Finland, Belgium and Austria. The team was received by the Executive Secretary of the Kano State Films and Video Censorship Board,…

NHRC Condemns Killing of Retired Major General in Captivity, Calls for Urgent State Police Reform

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has strongly condemned the abduction and killing of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar while in bandits’ captivity, describing the incident as a grave violation of the fundamental rights to life and personal security. In a statement issued by the Commission’s Executive Secretary, Chief Tony Ojukwu, the NHRC expressed deep sorrow over the death of the retired military officer despite reported efforts by the Katsina State Government and security agencies to secure his release. Ojukwu described the tragic incident as a disturbing reflection of Nigeria’s…

African Child Day: NHRC Raises Alarm Over Child Exploitation, Trafficking and Abuse

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for urgent and concrete measures to protect Nigerian children from exploitation, trafficking, violence, child labour, and other forms of abuse. The Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Tony Ojukwu, made the call ahead of the commemoration of the 2026 International Day of the African Child, stressing that Nigeria’s future depends on children having access to quality education in a safe and supportive environment. Ojukwu urged governments, institutions, communities, and other stakeholders to move beyond promises and take practical steps to safeguard the rights,…