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DSS, Army foil plot to abduct WAEC students in S’East

Operatives of the Department of State Services and troops of the Nigerian Army on Wednesday foiled a major attempt by members of the outlawed Eastern Security Network to kidnap scores of students writing the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination in some South-East states.

The targeted schools for the abductions were located in Enugu, Anambra and Imo states.

According to a statement on Thursday, acting on credible intelligence from the DSS, operatives of the secret police and soldiers raided an ESN armoury in the Agbani axis of Enugu State.

The statement added that intelligence revealed that ESN members planned to launch the attacks while wearing National Youth Service Corps uniforms.

“The raid led to the recovery of a cache of high-calibre arms, including eight AK-47 rifles, 12 AK-47 magazines and 323 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

“Also recovered were one smoke grenade launcher, two teargas canisters, 10 NYSC trousers, eight NYSC T-shirts and four NYSC lanyards.

“Intelligence further revealed that members of the terrorist organisation were to attack selected schools in the Southeast region to create the impression that bandits had invaded the region.

“Several members of the organisation were reportedly arrested. Earlier on Tuesday, a team comprising DSS operatives and soldiers, around the Garki area of Enugu, raided another ESN armoury,” the statement read.

It added that a rocket launcher, two rocket-propelled grenade warheads, three RPG chargers and three AK-47 rifles were among the arms recovered by the security team.

“Also recovered by the team were six AK-47 magazines, two handheld grenades, one teargas gun, a baton, two teargas canisters, 270 rounds of NATO 7.62x39mm ammunition, 478 rounds of 7.62x39mm special ammunition, a bandolier and a baton.”

The recoveries came barely a week after DSS operatives arrested five suspected arms couriers linked to gunmen who abducted students and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri Village, Niger State, on November 21, 2025.

Had the planned abduction been carried out, it would have further heightened concerns over the resurgence of school kidnappings in Nigeria, where students have repeatedly been targeted by criminal and terrorist groups in recent years. Several mass abductions from schools across the country have drawn national and international attention, prompting increased security measures around educational institutions.

by admin — June 12, 2026 in News 0

Democracy Day address: Terror financiers will pay dearly, says Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has vowed that no mercy will be shown to terror purveyors who enable the killing and kidnapping of innocent Nigerians.

He also issued an ultimatum to bandits, kidnappers and sponsors of terrorism to surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian state, disclosing that his administration had already neutralised over 13,000 terrorists in the past year alone.

Tinubu gave the warning in his national address delivered on the occasion of the country’s 27th consecutive Democracy Day celebration, his fourth as President since 2023.

According to him, although terror-related deaths had declined by 81 per cent since 2015, Friday’s Democracy Day celebration was subdued by the continued captivity of schoolchildren abducted in Oyo and Borno states.

He declared, “To bandits, kidnappers, and sponsors of terror: Surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State.

“These windows of surrender will not remain open forever. No mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians.”

The Nigerian leader said his administration had moved beyond training with allies to precision operations on the ground.

“We have moved from training with our allies, the United States, France and other European countries, to precision targeting.

“In Arege, Borno State, we degraded ISWAP’s command centre.

Terror-related deaths are down by 81 per cent since 2015.

“Over 13,000 terrorists have been neutralised in the past year,” he stated.

Tinubu added that despite the neutralisation of terrorists, the door of rehabilitation remained open alongside the door of force.

“Over 124,000 fighters and dependents have laid down their arms since 2023 through Operation Safe Corridor,” he said.

The N5.41tn security allocation in the 2026 budget, Tinubu said, was a statement of national will to crush the current wave of terrorism, which has raged since 2009.

Beyond the budget, he said his administration had approved the recruitment of more than 50,000 new police officers and thousands of military recruits, which, he revealed, was designed to address the persistent gap between the number of security personnel and the security demands of over 230 million Nigerians.

Tinubu acknowledged that even as the country celebrates 27 years of steady democracy, this year’s festive spirit of Democracy Day was weighed down by the continued hostage situation involving school children and teachers kidnapped in Oyo and Borno states, which has now entered its fourth week.

“Though this year’s mood is dampened by the abduction of our children in Oyo and Borno, we remain hopeful for their safe return. Democracy without security is a mirage.

“That is why this administration declared a security emergency and approved the recruitment of more than 50,000 new police officers and thousands of military recruits.

“Our 2026 budget commits N5.41tn, our largest ever, to defence and security. Our administration is ever ready to do much more to secure our people,” he stated.

He called for national unity in the face of the security challenge, rejecting ethnic or religious framing of criminality and urging Nigerians to do the same.

“At a time like this, let us not assign blame or point fingers. Crime has no ethnicity.

“We must stand united and be assured that the enemies of our nation shall soon be history.

“We will triumph over terror and continue to build a more prosperous nation,” he declared.

On the intermittent power crisis of the past three years, the President explained the scale of the challenge he inherited and his response so far.

He said by 2023, the sector was “characterised by chronic generation shortfalls, an unreliable gas supply, and transmission infrastructure so fragile that it could not evacuate available power. Distribution companies were burdened by massive losses and a metering deficit of over four million.

“The result was a sector that generated less than the 13,500 megawatts installed capacity, a sector that transmitted less than it generated, distributed less than it transmitted, and collected revenue far below what it needed to sustain itself,” he added.

Tinubu said in response, he signed the Electricity Act, granting states authority to generate, transmit and distribute power, authorised the Presidential Power Sector Task Force to raise a N4tn bond to settle verified legacy debts, and directed the Rural Electrification Agency, supported by the World Bank and the African Development Bank, to deploy off-grid and mini-grid power to underserved communities, universities, markets and hospitals.

He explained, “To address the problems besetting the sector, I signed the Electricity Act, which grants states authority to generate, transmit, and distribute power.

by admin — June 12, 2026 in News 0

NNPC reports 24 pipeline theft incidents since 2025

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has disclosed that it recorded 24 cases of pipeline theft across its network between 2025 and 2026, underscoring the unending threat posed by vandals to the country’s energy infrastructure.

The disclosure was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd., Andy Odeh, following a joint inspection of a vandalised section of the Nigerian Pipelines and Storage Company crude oil pipeline at Pai Community in the Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.

According to the statement, 19 cases of pipeline theft were reported in 2025, while five cases have been recorded so far in 2026.

The inspection was conducted by NNPC through its industry-wide security architecture and the Nigerian Pipelines and Storage Company, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser Special Prosecution Team, the FCT Police Command, the Nigerian Army and other security stakeholders.

The visit followed the arrest of three suspected pipeline vandals in the Piri and Pai communities through a joint operation involving the aforementioned security team. NPSC, a subsidiary of NNPC, owns more than 5,000 kilometres of crude oil and petroleum products pipeline network across the country.

The company stated that pipeline theft across its network has been increasing since 2024, alleging that well-equipped criminals disguising themselves as “NNPC/Federal Government Taskforce for Recovery of Abandoned Pipelines” connive with locals to dig out and steal pipelines.

It added that about nine kilometres of pipeline sections were stolen in 2025 along the Enugu-Makurdi-Yola corridor and between Piri and Izom on the Warri-Kaduna pipeline route.

The company further disclosed that the five cases reported in 2026 occurred at Piri-Kwali and Gwagwalada along the Warri-Kaduna crude oil pipeline segment and at Badanga along the Jos-Gombe pipeline corridor.

Speaking during the inspection, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC, Bayo Ojulari, who was represented by the Chief Interface Officer, Dahiru Sani-Gwarzo, described the arrests as an important step in a broader effort to dismantle criminal networks responsible for attacks on oil and gas infrastructure.

“The industry-wide security architecture has been actively pursuing criminal elements involved in the sabotage of our energy infrastructure. Those apprehended are only a small part of a larger network. Our focus remains on identifying and bringing to justice the masterminds and sponsors behind these criminal activities.

“Beyond the significant economic losses they cause, such acts undermine national development, energy security and investor confidence. We will continue to work closely with our security partners to ensure these crimes are decisively addressed,” he said.

The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Ahmed Sanusi, said the operation demonstrated the resolve of security agencies to protect critical national infrastructure and dismantle criminal syndicates involved in pipeline vandalism.

He disclosed that the suspects were apprehended following intensive intelligence gathering, surveillance operations and targeted patrols after reports of interference with sections of the pipeline.

According to him, investigations had already generated valuable leads regarding the sponsors and receivers of the vandalised materials, adding that all individuals connected to the crime would be identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

by admin — June 12, 2026 in Business 0

Access Holdings posts N1tn profit, unveils growth plan

Access Holdings Plc delivered a profit before tax of N1.007tn, underscoring the strength of its diversified platform and expanding earnings base across key markets. Total assets grew to N51.56tn, with customer deposits increasing strongly, reflecting sustained franchise momentum and deepening customer trust.

This was disclosed at its fourth Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, reaffirming its strategic transition toward long-term value creation, balance sheet resilience, and disciplined growth amid a dynamic operating environment.

Speaking at the AGM, the Chairman, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, emphasised that the defining test of a financial institution was not merely its capacity for growth, but its ability to grow profitably, sustainably, and with discipline over time.

He noted that Access Holdings’ performance in 2025 reflected a deliberate approach to strengthening the institution’s long-term fundamentals while maintaining strong financial results.

However, the chairman stressed that the results must be viewed in context. During the year, the group took a prudent decision to accelerate the recognition of legacy exposures and exit regulatory forbearance positions, resulting in elevated impairment charges.

This, he explained, reflected a clear strategic choice to prioritise balance sheet strength and long-term resilience over short-term earnings optimisation.

“Periods of volatility often reveal more about an institution than periods of uninterrupted growth. Our focus remains on building a business that is not only growing but improving in the quality and sustainability of its earnings,” he stated.

The AGM highlighted the group’s continued evolution beyond traditional banking into a diversified financial services ecosystem, with growing contributions from investment management, insurance, and technology-driven platforms.

While banking remains the core earnings engine, new growth verticals, including Access ARM Pensions, Access Insurance Brokers, Oxygen X Finance, and Hydrogen Payments, are expanding the group’s footprint in digital finance, consumer lending, and payments, strengthening its long-term earnings mix and scalability.

This transformation is further anchored on an “ideas-to-ventures” approach, positioning Access Holdings not only as a financial institution of scale, but as a platform for innovation and future growth engines.

Looking ahead, he stated, “The Strategy, From Scale to Value, reflects the natural evolution of our journey. Scale created opportunity, value creation is how we fully realise it.”

The chairman noted that while the group continued to generate strong returns, closing the gap between returns and cost of equity remained central to unlocking shareholder value. He also acknowledged the existence of significant unrealised value within the group’s international subsidiaries, with a clear emphasis on improving market recognition of this intrinsic value.

The board addressed shareholder concerns regarding dividend payments, clarifying that the non-payment of dividends was driven by regulatory alignment and compliance considerations within the banking subsidiary.

Aig-Imoukhuede reaffirmed that this position did not reflect diminished earnings capacity but rather aligned with supervisory expectations and prudent capital management. He assured shareholders of the board’s commitment to resuming dividend payments as soon as regulatory conditions were satisfied.

“Our approach is clear: capital retained today must translate into value delivered tomorrow and sustainable returns to our shareholders,” he said.

Access Holdings also highlighted continued progress in strengthening governance and leadership continuity. During the year, Innocent Ike was appointed Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, while the board was reinforced with the appointment of Ibironke Adeyemi, an Independent Non-Executive Director.

The chairman noted that leadership transitions were executed with stability and alignment, ensuring continuity of strategy, operational resilience, and stakeholder confidence.

The group reiterated its commitment to sustainability as an integral part of its strategy, advancing financial inclusion, supporting Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, and investing in education, the arts, and the creative economy as drivers of long-term economic and societal value.

Despite continuing macroeconomic uncertainties, Access Holdings expressed confidence in its strategic positioning, underpinned by disciplined execution, a diversified business model, and a strengthened capital base.

Aig-Imoukhuede concluded by reaffirming the group’s long-term commitment, saying, “Our responsibility is to justify the confidence of our shareholders by building an institution that endures, one defined by clarity of purpose, discipline of execution, and sustainable value creation over time.

by admin — June 12, 2026 in Business 0

NGX marks World Environment Day with Lagos cleanup exercise

The Nigerian Exchange Group has reinforced its commitment to environmental sustainability through a community cleanup exercise at Marina, Lagos, to commemorate World Environment Day 2026.

The exercise was held in partnership with the Lagos State Waste Management Authority and the Recyclers Association of Nigeria.

The initiative brought together employee volunteers from NGX Group and representatives of both partner organisations to promote responsible waste management, environmental awareness, and community engagement.

Beyond supporting cleaner public spaces and encouraging proper disposal practices, it provided staff with an opportunity to contribute directly to environmental causes, reflecting the group’s commitment to employee volunteering.

Consistent with NGX Group’s Corporate Social Responsibility framework, the cleanup forms part of the group’s environmental pillar, which promotes recycling, awareness, and sustainability-focused interventions.

Speaking on the initiative, the Head of Group Communications and Partnerships, NGX Group, Clifford Akpolo, said sustainability was fundamental to the group’s vision of creating long-term value.

Akpolo said, “This cleanup exercise reflects our commitment to translating that vision into action by supporting environmental stewardship within the communities where we operate.

“Through our collaboration with LAWMA and RAN, we are helping to promote responsible waste management while demonstrating the value of collective action in addressing environmental challenges.”

He noted that collaboration between the private sector and public agencies played an important role in strengthening waste management and recycling systems.

by admin — June 12, 2026 in Business 0

Quest Bank records 29% revenue growth, 23% profit rise

Quest Merchant Bank delivered a strong financial performance for the 2025 financial year, with gross earnings increasing by 29 per cent year-on-year to N81.5bn, driven by growth in net interest income and stronger asset yields. Profit before tax expanded by 23 per cent, while operating efficiency improved significantly, with the bank’s cost-to-income ratio improving by 2.3 per cent.

The shareholders approved the bank’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2025, commending the institution for its strong financial performance, successful recapitalisation, and long-term strategic direction.

The approvals were given during the bank’s 11th Annual General Meeting held recently.

The AGM followed the successful acquisition of the bank by Everquest Acquisition LLP, a special purpose vehicle led by Custodian Investments Plc, as well as the attainment of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s N50bn minimum capital requirement ahead of the regulatory dea

The bank also maintained strong liquidity and asset quality indicators while further strengthening its governance, risk management, and compliance frameworks in response to evolving regulatory expectations and market dynamics.

The Acting Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Afolabi Olorode, stated that the bank’s performance reflected a deliberate strategy anchored on operational excellence, client-centricity, innovation, and disciplined execution.

He said, “Our strategic focus remains clear: to build a leading merchant bank anchored on strong capital, innovation, execution excellence, and deep client relationships. With our enhanced capital base and the launch of our 2026–2030 strategic plan, Quest Merchant Bank is exceptionally well-positioned to support critical sectors of the economy while delivering superior value to shareholders and stakeholders alike.”

Olorode added that the bank would continue to deepen its capabilities across corporate and investment banking, wealth management, and global markets, while accelerating investments in technology, talent development, and operational resilience.

Shareholders at the AGM also approved key resolutions, including the payment of dividends, election of directors, and amendments to the bank’s memorandum and articles of association.

In line with its commitment to inclusive development and sustainable impact, the bank expanded its corporate social responsibility initiatives during the year through financial literacy programmes, youth empowerment initiatives, healthcare interventions, and inclusive education partnerships.

Looking ahead, Quest Merchant Bank reaffirmed its commitment to strategic expansion, innovation, and sustainable finance while continuing to support Nigeria’s economic transformation agenda through strategic financial intermediation and advisory services.

by admin — June 12, 2026 in Business 0

Abia ex-guber candidate, Reagan Ufomba defects to Labour Party

A former governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Reagan Ufomba has officially quit the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and defected to the Labour Party, LP.

Receiving Ufomba and his supporters into LP on Wednesday at Okpuala Ngwa, Abia State Governor, Alex Otti said the defection is a major boost to the Labour Party and to the development of the State.

The Governor described the Labour Party as one founded on equity, inclusiveness and equal opportunities for all members and assured the new entrants that they would not be subjected to discrimination by old LP members.

“The interesting thing about Labour Party is that there is no discrimination.

“We don’t have old and new members,” Governor Otti said.

The Governor commended Chief Ufomba for his commitment to the development of the State and acknowledged his support for the administration’s reform agenda.

Earlier in his speech, Ufomba pledged his commitment to contributing to the growth and progress of Abia State under the platform of the Labour Party.

He thanked Alex Otti and the leadership of the LP in Abia State for receiving him into their fold.

by admin — June 11, 2026 in News 0

INEC fixes dates for primaries in restored Benue constituencies

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed June 16 to June 25, 2026, for the conduct of political party primaries in restored state constituencies across Benue, Delta, Jigawa and Kogi states ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The commission announced the decision in a press statement issued on Wednesday by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.

According to INEC, the action followed court judgments directing the restoration of several previously suppressed constituencies and was carried out in line with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral Act 2026.

In Benue State, the restored constituencies are Nyamatsor, Ukum Afia, Konshisha III (Shangev-Tiev), Makurdi III (South East), and Gboko III State Constituencies.

INEC said the special primary elections would enable political parties to nominate candidates for the restored constituencies in preparation for the 2027 general election.

“For the avoidance of doubt, all other timelines and activities contained in the already published revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election shall apply to the restored constituencies,” the commission stated.

The electoral body also directed political parties to submit notices of their primaries to the commission before the scheduled dates, citing the peculiar nature of the arrangement.

INEC reaffirmed its commitment to conducting credible, inclusive and transparent electoral processes as preparations for the 2027 general election continue.

by admin — June 11, 2026 in News 0

No child’s future should be defined by poverty – Emir Sanusi

The Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, has called for urgent and long-term action to address poverty and inequality in the North-West.

According to him, no child’s future should be determined by the circumstances of their birth.

He made the statement while delivering a keynote address at the High-Level North-West Policy Dialogue held in Kano State, where he urged leaders to focus on practical solutions rather than speeches and promises.

“The measure of any society is found in how it expands opportunity and protects the vulnerable. No child’s future should be foreclosed by the poverty of their birth.”

Sanusi warned that poverty in the region remains deeply rooted and is reflected in poor education outcomes, weak health systems, and high levels of child malnutrition and unemployment.

He said addressing the crisis requires strong political commitment and consistent investment in people, especially children and young people.

Among his key recommendations was a call for the creation of a long-term social investment framework in each state, with protected budget lines for health, education, social protection, and youth development.

He also proposed a minimum social package that guarantees basic services for citizens at different stages of life, from early childhood to adulthood.

Sanusi stressed the importance of early childhood development, saying the first years of life are critical to a child’s future learning and wellbeing.

He urged states to invest more in nutrition, early learning, and parental support, adding that what happens in those early years determines what a child becomes.”

The Emir also recommended stronger programmes for out-of-school children, adult literacy, and youth skills development to reduce unemployment and improve livelihoods.

He further called for better use of traditional institutions in community data gathering and programme delivery, saying they are closer to the people and understand local needs better.

Sanusi also pushed for improved accountability, urging governments in the region to publish results of social investments and track progress annually.

He warned that without honest leadership and sustained action, poverty in the region would continue to deepen and affect future generations.

by admin — June 11, 2026 in News 0

Unauthorised incursion of foreign military in Cross River under control – Nigerian army

The Nigerian Army, through its 82 Division, has acknowledged concerns regarding the unauthorized entry of personnel from the Cameroonian Armed Forces into the Danare Community within the Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State on 9 June 2026.

In a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, it was reported that troops stationed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Danare responded promptly upon receiving notifications of foreign military presence.

They reached out to the appropriate authorities of the Cameroonian Armed Forces, which resulted in the withdrawal of Cameroonian troops from Nigerian territory, adhering to established border protocols.

“Consequently, the situation was swiftly contained without any further escalation,” the statement indicated.

Additionally, preliminary investigations suggest that the incident was instigated by a dispute concerning the collection of levies on farmland situated between the Danare Community in Nigeria and the Dadi Community in Cameroon.

Furthermore, to enhance existing diplomatic and military collaboration and as a measure to build confidence, the General Officer Commanding the 82 Division has instructed the Commander of the 13 Brigade to engage with his Cameroonian counterpart for further discussions regarding the situation.

“This initiative aims to bolster border coordination, clarify operational procedures along the boundary, and avert future incidents,” it further stated.

The Division reiterated its commitment to protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity and ensuring the security of all communities along the nation’s borders within its Area of Operations.

“Residents of Danare and surrounding areas are assured that the situation is stable and entirely under control. Troops remain alert and continue to oversee border activities,” it concluded.

The Army urged the public to stay calm, carry on with their lawful activities, and avoid disseminating unverified information that could lead to unnecessary tension.

by admin — June 11, 2026 in News 0