Year: 2026

Media Strategist, Nelson Ogbu Declares for Benue Assembly Seat on ADC Platform

Lukman Laleye Babalola

A respected media strategist and grassroots politician, Patriot Nelson Ogbu, has formally declared his intention to contest for a seat in the Benue State House of Assembly under the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), marking a significant development in the political landscape of Ado State Constituency. Ogbu, a former two-time Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to Samuel Ortom, entered the race with extensive experience in governance, communication, and public service. Popularly known as “The Patriot,” he is widely regarded for his integrity, resilience, and commitment to…

Navy Hands Over Two Suspected Stowaways to Immigration in Lagos

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigerian Navy has handed over two suspected stowaways rescued from a merchant vessel, MV Seaspan Lahore, to the Nigeria Immigration Service in Lagos. The handover, carried out on Monday, 23 March 2026, was conducted by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft to officials of the Lagos Ports/Marine Command of the immigration service in Apapa. According to naval authorities, the suspects were discovered in the early hours of Thursday, 19 March 2026, during routine security checks while the vessel was navigating near the Lagos Fairway Buoy. The individuals were found…

NHRC Demands Prosecution Over Sexual Violence at Alue-Do Festival in Ozoro

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of perpetrators involved in reported cases of sexual violence against women and girls during the Alue-Do cultural festival in Ozoro. The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu, strongly condemned the incidents, described them as “unacceptable and the height of barbarism in the modern world.” He stressed that such acts constitute a grave violation of the privacy, dignity, and fundamental human rights of victims. Ojukwu maintained that no cultural practice should override the rights guaranteed under…

Nigerian Army Chaplain urges Troops of Operation HADIN KAI to Strengthen Faith Amid Easter Season

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Acting Director of Chaplain Services (Protestant) of the Nigerian Army, Colonel (Reverend) Bitrus Nyam, has called on troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) to fortify their faith and remain spiritually grounded as they continue operations against insurgents in the North East. This was contained in a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, on Monday during a courtesy visit to the Theatre Command Headquarters at Maimalari Military Cantonment, Maiduguri, ahead of the Easter celebrations. Colonel Nyam explained…

NAFIC DG urges Troops to Maximise Welfare Schemes, Commends OPHK Operational Gains in North East

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Director General of the Nigerian Army Finance Incorporation (NAFIC), Major General Julius Osifo, has called on troops of Operation HADIN KAI to take full advantage of existing welfare and financial support schemes aimed at improving their well-being and enhancing operational effectiveness. Maj Gen Osifo made the appeal on Monday, 23 March 2026, during a sensitisation tour to Headquarters Theatre Command, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, at Maimalari Military Cantonment, Maiduguri. He explained that NAFIC oversee key welfare initiatives, including the Nigerian Army Benevolent Fund, Group Life…

Pre-Wet Season Offensive: Troops Bust Cattle Rustling Syndicates in Benue

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE have intensified intelligence-driven operations across Benue State, dismantling criminal networks and thwarting cattle rustling activities in a major pre-wet season security push aimed at safeguarding farming communities. The coordinated offensive, conducted on 23 March 2026, saw troops at Ayilamo respond swiftly to actionable intelligence from residents of Anyiin on suspected rustling activities along the Anyiin–Ugba road. In a joint raid with operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Agro Rangers, four suspects were apprehended with remnants of butchered cattle. The suspects were…

NITDA urges Women to Prioritise Self-Care, Mentorship at Special Health Session

Lukman Laleye Babalola

As part of activities marking the ongoing commemoration of International Women’s Day, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has organised a Special Health Session for its staff, with a strong call on women to prioritise self-care, pursue excellence, and support one another. Delivering the opening address on behalf of the Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, the Director of Financial Management and Control, Olusanya Titilayo, spoke on the theme “Rights. Justice. Action for All Women and Girls.” Mrs. Titilayo emphasised the critical importance of health and well-being, noting that many women…

Nigeria seeks Danish Backing for Multinational Maritime Security Task Force in Gulf of Guinea

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigerian Navy has unveiled plans to strengthen maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea through a multinational initiative, while seeking robust collaboration from Denmark to support the effort. Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, made this known in Abuja during a meeting with Danish Ambassador to Nigeria, Jen Ole Bach Hansen, at Naval Headquarters. He reaffirmed the Navy’s leadership role in coordinating a regional maritime security framework aimed at safeguarding critical international shipping routes. Vice Admiral Abbas highlighted the steady growth in defence ties between Nigeria…

NYSC debunks ‘Death Trap’ allegations, warns against spread of Fake News

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has strongly refuted claims contained in a viral publication alleging that the scheme exposed Nigerian graduates to danger, describing the report as false, misleading, and alarmist. In a statement issued by its management, the NYSC expressed concern over the circulation of the write-up titled “Urgent: The NYSC Death Trap Our Graduates Are Being Sold to Bandits,” noting that it was riddled with distortions and unverified claims capable of inciting fear and undermining public confidence. The Scheme categorically dismissed allegations of a so-called “ransom clause,”…

IGP Disu Convenes Senior Police Leadership Retreat to Advance Reform Agenda

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has declared open a high-level Executive Leadership Retreat for senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), in a renewed push to consolidate ongoing reforms and strengthen institutional capacity. The retreat, which is taking place at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja, brought together Deputy Inspectors-General (DIGs) and Assistant Inspectors-General (AIGs) from across the country. It is being hosted by the Police Reform Secretariat in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme as part of efforts to drive accountability and transformation within the Force. Addressing…