July 2025 | Page 9 of 48

Troops Kill Notorious Bandit Leader Dan Dari Biyar in Sokoto Operation

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

By Kamal yalwa July 26, 2025 Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Fansan Yanma have neutralised Dan Dari Biyar, a notorious bandit kingpin long linked to a reign of terror in Sokoto State. He was killed during a clearance operation in the western axis of Sabon Birni Local Government Area, military sources confirmed. Counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama reported that Biyar was eliminated on Thursday while attempting to collect a ransom from relatives of kidnapped victims. According to Makama, Biyar had summoned the victims’ families to deliver the ransom deep inside the forest before falling into an ambush by troops. Biyar was widely feared across the Sokoto East Senatorial District, with his operations based deep within the Tidibale Forest. From there, he orchestrated coordinated attacks on several communities, including Lalle, Tsamaye, and parts of Gwadabawa. He was also allegedly responsible for the notorious burning of Gidan Sale village along the Gundumi axis. Known for his cruelty, Biyar earned infamy for his brutal treatment of kidnap victims, and for his provocative slogan, “I prefer ₦500 to a Hausa man,” which underscored his disdain and ruthlessness. Intelligence reports linked him to numerous acts of arson, ambushes, and raids on rural communities, military sources said. The operation that led to his death was carried out by a joint team of Nigerian Army personnel and local security volunteers under the Sokoto State Government’s Community Protection Initiative. Troops reportedly recovered a cache of high-calibre weapons, while several members of Biyar’s gang fled the scene. Pursuit operations are ongoing. The successful neutralisation of Biyar marks a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating in Nigeria’s northwest.

Dozens Killed, Over 160,000 Displaced as Thailand-Cambodia Border Clashes Escalate

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago04 mins

By Kamal Yalwa: July 26, 2025 Violence along the long-disputed border between Thailand and Cambodia has intensified, leaving at least 33 people dead and forcing more than 168,000 people to flee their homes, as the deadly clashes entered a third consecutive day on Saturday. Cambodian officials confirmed 12 additional deaths, bringing their national toll to 13, while Thai authorities reported the death of another soldier, raising Thailand’s total to 20, mostly civilians. New flashpoints were reported on Saturday in areas over 100 kilometers (60 miles) from earlier combat zones, including Cambodia’s Pursat Province and Thailand’s Trat Province, signaling a dangerous spread of the conflict. International Calls for Restraint The United Nations Security Council held an emergency session in New York late Friday, where members unanimously called on both countries to show restraint and pursue a peaceful resolution. A council diplomat, speaking anonymously, confirmed that pressure is mounting for an immediate ceasefire. Malaysia, chairing the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which includes both nations, issued a statement urging both sides to halt hostilities and offering to mediate peace talks. Competing Accusations Tensions have escalated sharply since May, when a Cambodian soldier was killed during a skirmish. The situation worsened last Wednesday when a land mine injured five Thai soldiers, prompting Bangkok to close its border with Cambodia and expel the Cambodian ambassador—a move that deepened the diplomatic crisis. Cambodia’s Ministry of Defence accused Thailand of launching a “deliberate, unprovoked, and unlawful military attack,” while Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai insisted Bangkok had shown “utmost restraint” in response to Cambodian aggression. Mass Evacuations and Civilian Displacement According to Cambodia’s Information Minister, Neth Pheaktra, more than 10,865 Cambodian families—around 37,635 people—have been displaced across three border provinces. Thai authorities reported that over 131,000 residents have fled border villages, seeking safety. In Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey province, once-bustling villages now lie deserted. Families were seen evacuating on makeshift tractors, while others sheltered in underground bunkers hastily built using wood, zinc, and tarpaulins to protect against incoming shelling. Several hundred sought refuge at a remote Buddhist temple, where temporary plastic tents were erected beneath the trees. Strategic Sites Under Fire On Friday, Thailand’s military reported multiple skirmishes along the border, including near the ancient Ta Muen Thom temple, a long-contested site that both nations claim. The latest violence marks the most serious escalation since 2011, when 20 people were killed during similar clashes. With the situation deteriorating rapidly, regional and international actors are urging urgent diplomatic intervention to prevent a broader conflict.

UK Faces Pressure to Recognise Palestinian State as Gaza Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

By Kamal YalwaUK,Gaza,July 26, 2025 Calls are intensifying for the UK to formally recognise the State of Palestine, as Labour MPs and humanitarian groups highlight the worsening crisis in Gaza and urge the government to take decisive action. The MP behind the recent cross-party letter urging recognition has warned that “time is running out” to support a viable two-state solution. This comes as Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed that the UK will assist with humanitarian airdrops into Gaza amid dire shortages of food and water. Starmer’s remarks followed mounting pressure on the UK to align with France, which recently announced plans to recognise Palestinian statehood by September. The Prime Minister said Britain is “prepared to play its part” in supporting aid efforts while continuing to work diplomatically toward a long-term peace framework. However, the planned airdrops have drawn criticism from humanitarian experts, who argue that they offer only symbolic relief in the face of growing starvation. Philippe Lazzarini, head of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), sharply condemned the airdrop strategy, calling it “a distraction and smokescreen.” In a post shared on social media, Lazzarini described the method as “expensive” and “inefficient,” and warned that airdrops “can even kill Palestinians” if mishandled. “A manmade hunger can only be addressed by political will. Lift the siege, open the gates & guarantee safe movement + dignified access to people in need,” he wrote. UNRWA says it has 6,000 trucks loaded with humanitarian supplies currently waiting in Jordan and Egypt, ready to enter Gaza if access is granted. The agency reiterated that only safe, sustained land entry points can adequately meet the scale of need on the ground. As the humanitarian catastrophe worsens, political momentum is building in Europe and beyond for the recognition of a Palestinian state—a move supporters believe could revive long-stalled peace talks and reaffirm international support for a two-state solution.

IGP Applauds Gov. Diri’s Honours for Police Officer of the Year

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

By kamal yalwa: July 26, 2025 The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has commended Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, for hosting a high-profile state banquet in honour of Superintendent of Police (SP) Sentome Obi, the recipient of the Police Officer of the Year 2024 and the prestigious IGP Integrity Award. The celebratory event, held in Yenagoa, was described by the IGP as a significant gesture that promotes honour, courage, and ethical excellence within Nigeria’s law enforcement community. SP Sentome Obi, who hails from Bayelsa State, currently heads the Financial and Cybercrime Unit at Zone 16 Command, Yenagoa. He garnered national recognition after he rejected a $17,000 bribe intended to derail a sensitive criminal investigation—an act that earned him accolades for integrity and professionalism. In recognition of his exemplary conduct, Governor Diri presented SP Obi with a brand-new car and a fully furnished three-bedroom bungalow, highlighting the state’s appreciation for upright public service. The IGP praised Governor Diri’s gesture as a “watershed moment” in ongoing efforts to embed a culture of accountability and integrity within the Nigeria Police Force. “This recognition is not only well deserved, but it also sets a new standard for public service and moral leadership,” IGP Egbetokun said. The honouring of SP Obi aligns with the IGP’s broader vision to reposition the Nigeria Police Force as a modern, ethical, and community-trusted institution. According to Egbetokun, such recognitions inspire officers across the country to uphold the core values of honesty, service, and professionalism.

FG Inaugurates Three New Cancer Centres in Katsina, Enugu, and Benin

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

By Kamal Yalwa : July 26, 2025 The Federal Government has inaugurated three advanced oncology centres in Katsina, Enugu, and Benin, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to expand access to cancer treatment and address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases. The centres, located at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina; the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu; and the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, were commissioned as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s National Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative. Speaking at the inauguration ceremonies, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, said the Tinubu administration is committed to transforming cancer care in Nigeria through “unprecedented investments” in modern treatment facilities and diagnostic capabilities. “These new centres demonstrate the President’s resolve to improve healthcare outcomes and reduce the burden of cancer and other non-communicable diseases across the country,” Prof. Pate stated. He emphasized that the new facilities would enhance early diagnosis, provide state-of-the-art treatment options, and serve as hubs for training medical professionals in oncology care. Also in attendance were the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who joined Prof. Pate in celebrating the achievement. The new centres form part of a broader strategy to decentralize specialized healthcare services and bring quality cancer treatment closer to communities nationwide. Prof. Pate noted that additional investments would soon follow in diagnostics and clinical workforce development. This development aligns with the Tinubu administration’s health reform agenda, which prioritizes improved access, equity, and quality in Nigeria’s healthcare delivery system.

Oshiomhole Clarifies Comment on Peter Obi’s Visit to Edo, Says Media Exaggerated Narrative

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago05 mins

By: Kamal YalwaJuly 26, 2025 Former Governor of Edo State and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has addressed the controversy surrounding remarks about Peter Obi’s recent visit to a state-owned facility in Edo, stating that the media exaggerated the incident. Speaking during a public engagement, Oshiomhole said there was no personal rift between him and the Labour Party presidential candidate, whom he described as a former colleague and someone he still holds in high regard despite their differing political views. “I think the media tried to exaggerate it,” Oshiomhole said. “You know, people who don’t talk too much must choose how they communicate. The essential message was clear: Obi and I know each other well, and I like him—I still do—but politically, we don’t agree.” The Senator narrated how, in early June, he was invited to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to deliver a lecture. In anticipation of the trip, he made efforts to notify the Enugu State Governor out of respect and protocol, even though he is no longer a serving governor. “I asked my orderly to get the phone number of the Governor. When he finally reached the Governor’s ADC, I requested that my visit be conveyed to His Excellency and that I would appreciate security support from the airport to Nsukka. There’s no law mandating this—it’s simply about decency and mutual respect.” Oshiomhole recounted a similar precedent from his time as Governor of Edo State when former President Olusegun Obasanjo—despite their strained relationship during Oshiomhole’s time as Nigeria Labour Congress President—formally informed him of a visit to Edo State and requested logistical and security support. “Obasanjo came to my residence, and when the media asked why, he said, and I quote: ‘Whomever you think you are, when visiting a state, there is a constitutional authority in that state. Out of respect, you inform the Governor.’” He stressed that Peter Obi, though well-intentioned, should have extended the same courtesy when visiting a government-owned nursing school in Edo State—an institution fully built, funded, and maintained by the state government. “It’s not a private facility. It’s owned 100% by the Edo State Government. So, even if Obi has good intentions, as a former Governor, he should understand the importance of protocol and decency in such cases.” Oshiomhole concluded by stating that Governor Godwin Obaseki’s concerns were not about seeking permission, but a matter of basic courtesy and administrative order. “Maybe it was a question of how people interpreted the Governor’s choice of words. But the message was clear: if you’re coming to a state facility, it’s just respectful to notify the sitting Governor. It’s not about protocol or permission—it’s about decency.”

Atiku’s Media Aide Accuses Tinubu of Favoritism Towards Christians, Sparks Religious Backlash

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

By Kamal YalwaJuly 26, 2025 A political storm is brewing following a controversial statement by Abdul-Aziz Na’ibi Abubakar, a media aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, in which he accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of favoring Christians in key appointments across his administration. In a widely circulated message, Na’ibi claimed that President Tinubu’s government has disproportionately handed top federal positions to Christians, despite running a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket. He suggested that Muslims must “rise up and take over the country” from what he referred to as a “Christian government.” The statement has sparked outrage and renewed religious tensions in the political space, with critics accusing Atiku’s camp of fueling division and promoting an anti-Christian agenda. A counter-narrative has since emerged, highlighting the religious identities of high-profile Christian appointees under the Tinubu administration. The list includes: Observers note that the religious composition of Tinubu’s cabinet and appointees reflects a diverse, multi-faith balance—contrary to accusations of sectarian bias. “This administration’s appointments are arguably among the most inclusive Nigeria has seen in recent years,” a political analyst commented. “To frame this as anti-Muslim or pro-Christian is disingenuous and dangerous.” Meanwhile, the presidency has yet to issue an official response to Na’ibi’s remarks. However, civil society groups and interfaith organizations have urged political actors to refrain from incendiary language capable of destabilizing the country’s fragile unity. Political tensions are expected to rise further as Nigeria edges closer to the 2027 general elections, with religion and ethnicity once again taking center stage in national discourse.

Replit AI Coding Tool Accused of Wiping Production Database, Fabricating Users, and Lying to Developer

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago06 mins

By Kamal YalwaJuly 26, 2025 A widely used artificial intelligence coding assistant from Replit has come under fire after reportedly wiping a production database, fabricating thousands of fictional users, and concealing bugs—prompting fresh concerns over the safety and reliability of AI tools in software development. The alarming incident was brought to light by Jason M. Lemkin, tech entrepreneur and founder of SaaStr, who shared his experience in a video posted to LinkedIn. “I am worried about safety,” Lemkin said. “I was vibe coding for 80 hours last week, and Replit AI was lying to me all weekend. It finally admitted it lied on purpose.” According to Lemkin, the AI assistant disregarded explicit instructions not to alter code, proceeded to make unauthorized changes, generated over 4,000 fake user records, and even produced fabricated reports to mask the issues. “I told it 11 times in ALL CAPS DON’T DO IT,” Lemkin added. He said attempts to enforce a code freeze were futile, as the AI continued modifying code without authorization. “There is no way to enforce a code freeze in vibe coding apps like Replit. There just isn’t,” he lamented, adding that seconds after he posted about the issue, Replit AI violated the freeze again. The developer noted that even running a unit test carried the risk of triggering a database wipe, underscoring the unpredictable nature of the AI tool. Ultimately, Lemkin concluded that Replit’s platform is not production-ready, particularly for non-technical users seeking to build commercial software. With more than 30 million users globally, Replit is a key player in the AI-assisted coding space. Its tools are marketed to help developers write, test, and deploy code more efficiently using generative AI. In response to the controversy, Replit CEO Amjad Masad took to X (formerly Twitter) to apologize, calling the situation “unacceptable” and pledging significant improvements. “We worked around the weekend to deploy automatic DB dev/prod separation to prevent this categorically,” Masad said, noting that staging environments are in development, alongside a new planning/chat-only mode to allow users to strategize without risking their codebase. Masad also confirmed that Replit will reimburse Lemkin for the disruption and conduct a full postmortem to understand the AI failure and improve their systems. “I know Replit says ‘improvements are coming soon,’ but they are doing $100m+ ARR,” Lemkin said in a follow-up post. “At least make the guardrails better. Somehow. Even if it’s hard. It’s all hard.” AI Coding Under Scrutiny The incident comes amid growing excitement—and skepticism—around AI-powered software development. A trend dubbed “vibe coding”, reportedly coined by OpenAI co-founder Andrej Karpathy, encourages developers to let AI handle the heavy lifting while they “give in to the vibes.” Startups like Anysphere, creators of the AI code tool Cursor, recently raised $900 million at a $9.9 billion valuation, claiming their platform generates over a billion lines of code daily. Yet critics say the reality is far from perfect. Developers complain that AI often produces unreliable or poor-quality code, with one Redditor comparing the experience to: “The drunk uncle walks by after the wreck and gives you a roll of duct tape before asking to borrow some money to go to Vegas.” Security is also a growing concern. AI-generated code can introduce vulnerabilities, and malicious actors have taken notice. One vibe coding extension—downloaded over 200,000 times—was discovered to run PowerShell scripts that gave hackers remote access to users’ systems. As AI becomes more embedded in coding workflows, experts warn that the industry must balance innovation with robust guardrails and ethical design—or risk trading efficiency for chaos.