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Plateau Killings: Soldiers guard cows, failed to confront our attackers – Bokkos woman alleges

A woman, who lost eight family members in the April 9th attack by suspected Fulani militia in Mbwelle village, Kwatas district of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, has accused soldiers sent to the area of guarding cows belonging to herdsmen and abandoning the people they were meant to safeguard.

The distraught woman, who made the allegations in a video shared on social media by conflict journalist, Kim Masara Usman on Sunday, said when the attackers invaded the village, the frightened residents made frantic calls to the troops under the Operation Ensuring Peace task force hoping they would come to their rescue.

However, according to the woman, the soldiers never came to their rescue for the duration of the attack which lasted over two hours.

She stated further that to the chagrin of the invaded community, it was later discovered that a gun truck belonging to Sector 5 of the OPEP task force was seen positioned in front of a Fulani settlement where the attackers had retreated to after they had carried out the invasion.

“When the Fulani killers came to our village that night and started shooting at the people, our youths and elders called the soldiers who were stationed less than three kilometers away.

“We pleaded with them to come to our aid but they refused to come,” she said.

“The Fulani killers were shouting “Allah Akbar” and shooting at our people for more than two hours but the soldiers did not come. They came into our house and killed eight of my family members including my brother’s wife who was pregnant.

“How wicked could they be? They killed my father, my brothers, and my young nephews. What did these people do to them to deserve such a death?

“In the end, we lost over 20 people. When the Fulani killers left, we discovered that they ran to Korong, one of the villages that they had earlier chased the people away from and forcibly occupied.

“As if that was not enough, we later realized that the soldiers had stationed their gun truck in front of Korong thereby providing security for the Fulani people while leaving innocent people open to attack,” the woman lamented.

admin by — April 13, 2026 in News 0
Jilli market airstrikes: Army releases video confession of captured Boko Haram suspect

Nigerian Army has released a video showing the confession of a suspected member of Boko Haram, in which he claimed that those present at the Jilli market during a recent airstrike were members of the group allegedly involved in logistics operations.

In the footage shared by the Army, the young man is seen being interrogated about the movement patterns and operational activities of his associates.

He also spoke about the roles of other suspected members linked to recent attacks.

DAILY POST reports that this comes in the wake of a military air operation at Jilli Market, where at least 56 people, mostly traders were reported feared dead following an airstrike along the Borno Yobe border.

The incident occurred on Saturday in the border area between Gubio and Geidam.

Four fighter jets were reportedly involved in the operation, which was said to have targeted suspected Boko Haram fighters.

In response, the Nigerian Air Force stated that the strikes were carried out based on credible intelligence and in coordination with ground forces.

admin by — April 13, 2026 in News 0
Gov Zulum warns Borno residents against aiding insurgents

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has warned residents against aiding or providing any form of support to insurgents.

The warning comes amid reports of an alleged accidental bombing in Jilli on Saturday, a community located between Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State and Geidam in Yobe State.

In a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, the governor said he had been fully briefed on the military operation carried out by the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI.

“I have been properly briefed on the airstrike carried out on Jilli market, a border town between Borno and Yobe states,” Zulum said.

Addressing the controversy, the governor stressed that the area had long been under restriction due to security concerns.

“Let me state categorically that the Borno State Government closed Jilli and Gazabure markets five years ago,” he added.

Zulum described Jilli market as a location that had allegedly been used by insurgents and their logistics suppliers.

He warned residents to avoid any dealings that could aid criminal groups.

He said the government is working closely with security agencies and the Yobe State Government to fully understand the situation.

“I am in close consultation with the Government of Yobe State and the military hierarchy on the matter,” he said.

The governor explained that authorities usually coordinate with security agencies before reopening communities or markets affected by insurgency.

He also urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security forces by sharing useful information.

“Residents must not aid, harbour, or provide logistics support to insurgents,” Zulum warned.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting civilians while supporting ongoing military efforts to restore peace in the state.

admin by — April 13, 2026 in News 0
NANS raises alarm over repeated civilian deaths in air operations

The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, Zone E stakeholders forum, has condemned a recent airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force that reportedly struck a busy market along the Borno-Yobe border, killing scores of civilians.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the student body described the incident as “tragic, avoidable, and unprofessional,” alleging that the airstrike mistakenly hit Jilli Market, a crowded weekly trading hub, instead of intended insurgent targets. The forum claimed that as many as 200 people were killed, with dozens others sustaining injuries.

The operation was reportedly conducted under Operation Hadin Kai, a military campaign targeting insurgent groups in the North-East, including Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province.

Signed by its secretary, Zakari Hashim,
NANS criticized what it described as a failure in intelligence gathering, target identification, and operational execution, noting that civilians continue to bear the brunt of errors in military action.

It warned that repeated incidents of this nature raise serious concerns about the safety of residents in conflict-affected communities.

While consoling the families of the victims and those injured in the attack, many of whom are receiving treatment in hospitals in Geidam and Damaturu, it expressed solidarity with residents of affected areas, particularly in Gubio local government council and Geidam local government area.

Acknowledging the efforts of the armed forces in combating insurgency, NANS stressed that the protection of civilian lives must remain a top priority in all military operations.

The group called on the federal government, defence headquarters, and the Nigerian Air Force to launch an independent investigation into the incident, ensure compensation for victims, and implement stronger safeguards to prevent future occurrences.

admin by — April 13, 2026 in News 0
W’Bank flags 5,000 TSA gaps in Nigeria’s fiscal reporting

World BankThe World Bank has raised fresh concerns over weaknesses in Nigeria’s public finance management system, warning that persistent gaps in treasury operations, audit processes, and financial reporting are undermining fiscal transparency and credibility.

The concerns were contained in the bank’s April 2026 Nigeria Development Update titled “Nigeria’s Tomorrow Must Start Today: The Case for Early Childhood Development,” analysed by our correspondent on Sunday.

According to the report, Nigeria’s treasury operations remain fragmented, with about 5,000 accounts yet to be fully integrated into the country’s consolidated revenue framework.

“Underlying these macro-fiscal challenges are persistent institutional and system weaknesses that constrain fiscal transparency, consolidation, and effective cash management,” the report stated.

It added, “Treasury operations remain fragmented, with over 5,000 Treasury Single Account sub-accounts not fully integrated into the consolidated revenue framework and incomplete reconciliation between GIFMIS and Central Bank of Nigeria records.”

The World Bank noted that key components of Nigeria’s financial management architecture are still not fully functional, limiting efficiency and accountability.

“Key system modules, including revenue, assets, liabilities, and commitment controls, are not fully operational. In addition, core platforms used by key fiscal institutions are not seamlessly linked, resulting in manual adjustments, reporting delays, and inconsistencies across fiscal reports,” it said.

The report highlighted coordination challenges among critical government finance institutions such as the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, the Debt Management Office, and the Budget Office of the Federation.

According to the Bank, the lack of integration among these systems continues to slow down reporting processes and weaken the reliability of fiscal data.

“In addition, core platforms used by the OAGF, DMO, and BOF are not seamlessly linked, resulting in manual adjustments, reporting delays, and inconsistencies across fiscal reports,” the report added.

The Bretton Woods institution also raised concerns over transparency in Nigeria’s public financial reporting, noting that audited financial statements of the Federal Government have not been published in recent years.

“Broader transparency challenges persist: audited financial statements of the Federal Government of Nigeria have not been published since 2021, while the audit framework remains anchored in a 1956 law pending reform,” it stated.

The report further observed that a growing backlog of audits is constraining effective oversight of government finances. “Audit backlogs constrain oversight, weaken accountability, and limit the ability of stakeholders to assess the government’s financial performance accurately,” the Bank said.

It warned that these institutional gaps are affecting the credibility of Nigeria’s fiscal projections and complicating efforts to determine the country’s true fiscal position. “Together, these gaps weaken the credibility of fiscal projections, complicate the assessment of the government’s true fiscal position, and underscore the need for strengthened institutional coordination and timely public reporting,” the report added.

Nigeria adopted the Treasury Single Account system to improve transparency and consolidate government revenues, while the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System was introduced to automate public finance processes.

However, analysts say implementation challenges, weak institutional coordination, and outdated legal frameworks have continued to limit the effectiveness of these reforms.

The concerns raised by the World Bank come despite recent reforms by the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation aimed at strengthening revenue collection and plugging leakages across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

In a series of circulars issued in November 2025, the OAGF introduced the Federal Treasury e-Receipt as the sole legally recognised payment receipt for government transactions, effective January 1, 2026, alongside the rollout of the Revenue Optimisation and Assurance Platform.

The platform is designed to unify billing, automate revenue processes, and integrate key systems, including the Treasury Single Account, GIFMIS, the Central Bank of Nigeria, and the Federal Inland Revenue Service, to enable real-time monitoring, reconciliation, and remittance of government revenues.

Officials said the reforms would eliminate unauthorised deductions, improve transparency, and save billions of naira previously lost to leakages, while enforcing stricter compliance rules for MDAs.

The government described the initiative as the most significant consolidation of Nigeria’s digital public finance infrastructure in a decade, expected to enhance accountability, efficiency, and public trust in fiscal operations.

The World Bank stressed that addressing these structural weaknesses will be critical to improving fiscal discipline, restoring investor confidence, and ensuring sustainable economic management.

It added a note of caution: “Fiscal pressures could increase in the run-up to the 2027 elections. However, higher oil revenues in 2026 could partly offset these pressures.”

The bank said Nigeria’s medium-term fiscal outlook will depend heavily on the success of ongoing tax and revenue reforms aimed at strengthening government earnings and reducing reliance on oil.

“Over the medium term, revenues are expected to strengthen further, supported by comprehensive tax reforms, improved revenue administration, and higher net oil receipts,” it said.

According to the report, the new tax framework introduced in January 2026 represents a major shift in Nigeria’s fiscal architecture, with provisions to modernise laws and improve efficiency.

“The new tax bills, effective January 2026, modernise the legal framework, introduce a global minimum tax, streamline incentives, and strengthen tax administration and intergovernmental coordination,” the Bank stated.

However, it warned that some of the reforms could have short-term revenue implications, particularly within the Value Added Tax system.

admin by — April 13, 2026 in Business 0
Imported petrol cheaper due to lower quality – Refiners

FUEL PUMPThe Crude Oil Refiners Association of Nigeria has faulted claims that imported petroleum products are cheaper than locally refined fuels, arguing that price differences stem from quality disparities and not efficiency, while accusing the World Bank of failing to make a like-for-like comparison.

The association’s Publicity Secretary, Eche Idoko, who spoke in an interview with The PUNCH, said local refineries were disadvantaged by premium crude pricing and unfair benchmarking against blended imported products.

In a now-deleted report, the World Bank Group had stated that Dangote’s petrol price was higher than imported ones, asking the Federal Government to allow fuel importation. Reacting in an interview with our correspondent, Idoko maintained that the World Bank was not fair with his comparison.

According to him, petroleum products imported into Nigeria are blended and are of low quality compared to locally produced ones.

He added that many imported fuels were blended to meet minimum regulatory specifications, making them cheaper but not directly comparable to fully refined local products.

“What is the quality, what is the process of producing some of these imported products? Some of the products that have been imported are blended products that are coming from Kazakhstan and the Far Eastern European countries. They blend just to get the parameters that they need in this country. And then they bring it in.

“In terms of quality, they would not compete with the quality that we produce from our refineries here. And of course, it also dovetails with the fact that blending is cheaper than refining. So, those are factors that would make those prices cheaper,” he stated.

Idoko said any comparison must account for product specifications such as density, flash point and pour point, noting that different fuel grades attract different prices.

“The World Bank has failed to tell us what the density was, what the flash point was, what the pour point was, and all those things about these products. They should also give a comparison because not all products are the same. There are different grades of PMS. There are different grades of diesel. And as different as they are, so also are the prices. So it’s not okay to just say the price of petrol produced in Nigeria is higher than the price of imported petrol. How do you grade the two of them?” he asked.

He insisted that unless identical grades were compared, conclusions about price competitiveness would be misleading. “When you are speaking of two different grades of fuel, then you are not being fair to the local refinery. So I think those are the factors that the World Bank will have to spell out when they are doing their comparison. It has to be apple with apple and not apple with pear or apple with orange,” he said.

The CORAN spokesman also clarified that blending was not illegal but typically produced lower-grade fuels that cost less. “Blending does not mean adulterated fuel. No, not necessarily. As I said, in products, you have grades. So the higher the grade, the higher the price.

“And then when you’re looking at the grade, you’re looking at the level of emissions. So if I’m refining and my emissions are more environmentally friendly, it will definitely be more expensive because it takes a higher level of refining. But if it’s not, then it means it’s a lower grade, so the price will be lower.

“So I’m not saying blending is bad. I think that the misinformation is that, when you blend, it’s like something illegal. No, it’s not illegal. But it doesn’t give you the grade in terms of quality as the one that has gone through the full reforming process. It won’t give what the one who went through a standard catalytic reformer and reforming process will give you. The refined one will be different from what a blended product will give you,” he stated.

Among other factors contributing to the high cost of locally produced fuel, Idoko blamed a lack of enough crude supply and the sale of the crude at a premium.

“Modular refineries are still buying crude at a premium. And the Dangote refinery, even though it’s getting crude, is getting it at a premium. There are no comparative advantages. There are no discounts. Dangote and other refineries are buying from traders internationally. Now, we don’t enjoy incentives here. And then they are quoting our price at Brent. So you cannot see any comparative advantage,” he said.

His comments followed a recent report by the World Bank, which stated that imported petrol was cheaper than locally refined fuel in Nigeria.  In its Nigeria Development Update released in Abuja on Tuesday, the bank noted that the current pricing structure had created a gap between locally refined fuel and import parity prices.

It stated that imported petrol is about 12 per cent cheaper than fuel supplied by the Dangote refinery, reflecting distortions in the domestic pricing structure amid soaring global crude prices.

“The Dangote refinery—the main supplier of refined petrol after the regulator ceased issuing import licences in early 2026—raised the ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit to about N1,275 per litre as of March 23, 2026, compared to an estimated import-parity price of around N1,122 per litre, implying a cost differential of roughly 12 per cent,” the report said.

However, Idoko maintained that such comparisons must include fuel quality metrics before drawing conclusions, saying the analysis should not rely on “a blanket statement to say that imported products are cheaper than what we are refining here”.

In the report, the World Bank Group advised the Federal Government to allow the importation of petrol into the country, saying, “Reopen the PMS market to competition. The suspension of import licences since January 2026 has reduced competition, allowing prices to exceed import-parity levels.

“Allowing qualified marketers to resume imports would restore competition, reduce pricing distortions, and better align domestic prices with global benchmarks. Greater market contestability would also strengthen supply security by reducing reliance on a single refinery and broadening sourcing options while remaining consistent with domestic refining objectives.”

However, this came with backlashes. Nigerians across various social media platforms, forcing the World Bank to pull down the report while making clarifications that its position was not a blanket endorsement of fuel importation but part of a broader strategy tied to market reforms and consumer protection.

“In the case of Nigeria, the focus should be to provide targeted support to the most vulnerable people through their well-functioning social safety net system, and the World Bank Group stands ready to step up its existing support,” it stated.

admin by — April 13, 2026 in Business 0
FMDQ approves N22.68bn CP for Daraju expansion

FMDQFMDQ Securities Exchange Limited has officially approved the quotation of Daraju Industries Limited’s N4.92bn Series 1 and N17.76bn Series 2 Commercial Paper under its N50.00bn issuance programme.

The move marks a significant milestone for the Nigerian fast-moving consumer goods sector, providing a multi-billion-naira liquidity injection to one of the country’s leading manufacturers.

The approval, granted by the Exchange’s Board Listings and Markets Committee, is seen as a strategic win for Daraju Industries as it seeks to solidify its footprint in the personal and home care markets.

“This transaction highlights the continued depth of the Nigerian commercial paper market in supporting corporate liquidity requirements and reinforces the Exchange’s role as a trusted platform for efficient capital mobilisation,” stated the Group Chief Operating Officer of FMDQ Group Plc, Tumi Sekoni.

Daraju Industries, known for its diverse portfolio of household brands spanning oral hygiene and personal care, intends to deploy the net proceeds to optimise its balance sheet. The funding comes at a critical time when Nigerian manufacturers are navigating fluctuating operational costs and seeking more efficient funding structures.

The company confirmed that the N22.68bn capital raise will be utilised to bolster working capital, enhance operational efficiency, and sustain its long-term growth trajectory.

“The proceeds will be utilised to bolster Daraju Industries’ working capital requirements, optimise its funding structure, and enhance operational efficiency,” the company noted in a statement, emphasising its goal to “expand its market footprint and deliver increased value to stakeholders.”

The successful quotation was sponsored by FBNQuest Merchant Bank Limited, acting as the Registration Member, with significant support from co-sponsors including CardinalStone Partners Limited, Cordros Advisory Services Limited, and Coronation Merchant Bank Limited.

The high level of institutional involvement underscores the market’s confidence in Daraju’s credit profile and the overall transparency of the FMDQ platform.

“We remain committed to fostering a resilient and transparent market that supports sustainable growth across key sectors of the economy,” Sekoni added, noting that the Exchange’s infrastructure is designed to empower both “established industry leaders and emerging startups”.

As Africa’s first vertically integrated financial market infrastructure group, FMDQ continues to play a transformative role in Nigeria’s debt capital market. By leveraging advanced technology to provide a regulated environment for short-term funding, the Exchange is facilitating the flow of capital necessary for job creation and industrial expansion.

With this latest quotation, Daraju Industries is now positioned to leverage a more robust financial foundation, ensuring its products remain competitive in a rapidly evolving Nigerian consumer landscape.

admin by — April 13, 2026 in Business 0
JUST IN: LIRS FURTHER EXTENDS DEADLINE FOR FILING OF INDIVIDUAL ANNUAL INCOME TAX RETURNS TO APRIL 21, 2026

 

The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) wishes to express its sincere appreciation to esteemed taxpayers for their continued compliance and commitment to the filing of their individual annual income tax returns.

 

Following the earlier extension granted to April 14, 2026, the Agency has observed a significant increase in traffic on its eTax platform as more taxpayers endeavour to meet the filing deadline.

 

In view of this development, and to ensure that all taxpayers are provided with adequate opportunity to successfully complete their filings, LIRS hereby announces a further extension of the deadline, now set for April 21, 2026.

 

This additional extension is granted in consideration of the overwhelming response and to enhance taxpayer convenience, while maintaining the integrity and accuracy of submissions.

 

Taxpayers are reminded that the filing of annual income tax returns remains a statutory obligation and are encouraged to take advantage of this final extension to fulfil their civic responsibility.

 

The Executive Chairman of LIRS, Dr. Ayodele Subair, on Friday  reiterated that all filings must be completed electronically via the LIRS eTax platform: https://etax.lirs.net, which remains the only approved channel for submission.

 

For further enquiries or assistance, taxpayers may visit any LIRS office or contact the Agency through its official communication channels.

admin by — April 13, 2026 in Business 0
INEC confirms David Mark, Aregbesola elected during July 29 meeting – ADC lawyer claims

A counsel representing the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has told a court that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirmed the election of Senator David Mark and Ogbene Rauf Aregbesola as the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary at a meeting held on July 29, 2025.

In a viral video on X, The counsel, while addressing newsmen after a court session said INEC’s position supports the party’s claim that the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting took place on that date and produced the current leadership.

“INEC’s position agrees with us that the party did hold a NEC meeting on the 29th of July 2025, during which Distinguished Senator David Mark and His Excellency, Ogbene Rauf Aregbesola were elected as National Chairman and National Secretary of ADC, respectively,” he said.

He added that INEC not only acknowledged the meeting but also confirmed its participation.

“They also confirmed in their report that they attended the NEC meeting and that the meeting produced Senator David Mark and Aregbesola as National Chairman and National Secretary,” the lawyer stated.

According to him, INEC documented the meeting and attached a report as evidence before the court.

“They produced a report, which is the report they attached. So INEC is on the same page with us as far as this matter is concerned,” he said.

The lawyer dismissed the claims by the plaintiff, describing the case as unfounded and lacking evidence.

“The plaintiff’s case is speculative, it is premised on gossip; an activity that never existed,” he argued.

He explained that the plaintiff claimed the party leaders emerged on July 22, 2025, but failed to provide proof.

“Their argument is that Senator David Mark and Aregbesola emerged on the 22nd of July 2025, and we are saying no, you don’t have any document to prove that,” he said.

In contrast, he said the party has documents to support its position.

“We have documents to show that on the 4th of July 2025, the party sent INEC a notice of the NEC meeting to be held on the 29th of July 2025. And on that date, the meeting held. INEC attended and produced a report,” he said.

The lawyer maintained that the evidence before the court clearly supports the party’s position.

“While we have evidence before the court to back up our claim that the meeting held on the 29th, they don’t have any document to support their assertion,” he said.

He also questioned the legal standing of the plaintiff to file the case.

“What is the locus of the person who filed this matter? He is not an official of the party, he is just a member,” he said.

The counself, citing the Supreme Court rulings argued that individuals cannot take legal action on internal party matters.

“The Supreme Court is very clear that on issues that bother on the internal affairs of a political party, no individual has any right to institute such action, and no court has jurisdiction to entertain it,” he added.

admin by — April 11, 2026 in News 0
2027: There will be no zoning in Nasarawa – Guber aspirant, Adamu

There will be no zoning arrangement for the Nasarawa State governorship seat ahead of the 2027 election, a former Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar Adamu, has said.

Adamu, who is a governorship aspirant under the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), also declared that he remains the candidate to beat in the state.

The former IGP hails from Nasarawa South, but the incumbent governor, Abdullahi Sule, is said to be inclined towards having his successor emerge from Nasarawa West.

According to Adamu, there would be no consensus arrangement in the selection of the governorship candidate in the state. He said the direct primaries option affords aspirants a level playing field.

He explained, “The electorate will be allowed to pick their candidate, unlike in the indirect primaries system where delegates could be influenced against a candidate.”

Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Friday, Adamu reiterated that there is nothing like zoning in Nasarawa, stressing that since 1999, when democratic rule returned, the state has never zoned the governorship seat.

He further explained that under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), and the incumbent APC, zoning of the governorship seat has never worked.

Adamu said that while the governor in his wisdom wants to support somebody from Nasarawa West, his zone, Nasarawa South, is also saying it should be left open.

He added that although he does not expect any patronage from the governor, the electorate will determine who emerges come 2027. He pointed out that he has gone to the 147 wards in the state and has seen their problems, and told them to work together and focus on Nasarawa State.

He further said that they always manipulate through indirect primaries, expressing delight that the threat has been removed and nobody can take his delegates and keep them somewhere and tell them to vote a certain way.

Adamu explained that consensus would never take place in Nasarawa State when more than one person have said they do not want it, assuring that they will be vigilant in order to make sure that the primaries are free and fair.

Speaking further, Adamu lamented the state of the capital, Lafia, noting that for a long time, it has not been given the priority it deserves, lamenting that it still looks like a glorified local government headquarters, as previous administrations did not prioritise the city as a capital.

admin by — April 11, 2026 in News 0