Breaking: Tinubu Orders Withdrawal of Police Officers from VVIPs

President Bola Tinubu has directed that police officers be withdrawn from VIP protection duties to strengthen security across communities. The instruction was issued during a security meeting with top service chiefs, including Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and Director-General of the Department of State Services Tosin Adeola Ajayi. The move comes amid rising abductions and security threats nationwide. Going forward, VIPs seeking protection will be required to request well-armed personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, allowing the police to focus on their primary duties. Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, noted that many areas, especially remote communities, have limited police presence, making it difficult to ensure public safety. “In view of the current security challenges facing the country, President Tinubu is keen on boosting police presence in all communities. He has approved the recruitment of 30,000 additional police officers and is working with states to upgrade police training facilities nationwide,” the statement added.

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Eberechi Eze Scores Historic Hat-Trick As Arsenal Crush Tottenham 4-1

Eberechi Eze announced himself in spectacular fashion in his first North London Derby, scoring a sensational hat-trick as Arsenal thrashed Tottenham Hotspur 4-1 at the Emirates Stadium, stretching their Premier League lead to six points. Fourteen years after being released by Arsenal as a youngster, Eze’s performance was a full-circle moment, dominating a game that had fans buzzing from start to finish. Tottenham manager Thomas Frank opted for a back five, aiming to frustrate Arsenal with a defensive setup. While the strategy initially slowed the hosts, two clinical goals before halftime changed the complexion of the match. Leandro Trossard opened the scoring in the 36th minute with a beautifully weighted finish, followed five minutes later by Eze’s first goal. Eze struck again within the first minute of the second half, curling a left-footed finish into the net to make it 3-0. Tottenham briefly fought back when Richarlison scored a stunning long-range strike, but it was always Eze’s day. He completed his hat-trick in the 76th minute, leaving defenders flat-footed and capping a historic performance. The 27-year-old became the first player to net a North London Derby hat-trick since Alan Sunderland in 1978, showcasing the talent and flair that once had him describing Kevin De Bruyne as his toughest opponent. On this afternoon, Eze proved he can produce magic on the biggest stage.

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Tinubu Vows To Protect Nigerians As Abducted Worshippers And Students Are Freed

President Bola Tinubu has vowed to intensify efforts to tackle insecurity in Nigeria, insisting that no citizen should live in fear. He canceled his scheduled trip to the G20 Summit in South Africa to personally supervise national security operations following recent kidnappings, describing the safety of Nigerians as a fundamental right. In a statement on his official X account on Sunday, Tinubu stressed that his administration would continue to confront criminal activities across the country without compromise. “Let me be clear: I will not relent. Every Nigerian, in every state, has the right to safety — and under my watch, we will secure this nation and protect our people,” he said. The President announced that all 38 worshippers abducted in Eruku, Kwara State, have been rescued, while 51 students previously kidnapped from a Catholic school in Niger State have also been freed. “Thanks to the efforts of our security forces over the last few days, all the 38 worshippers abducted in Eruku, Kwara State have been rescued. I am equally happy that 51 out of the missing students of the Catholic School in Niger State have been recovered,” he said. Tinubu added that he has been receiving continuous updates from security personnel and is closely monitoring the situation nationwide. His remarks come as Nigerians demand faster and firmer government action to stem the rise in kidnappings and armed attacks across the country.

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BREAKING: 38 Worshippers Kidnapped From CAC Oke-Isegun In Kwara Regain Freedom

All 38 people kidnapped during last week’s attack on Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Oke-Isegun in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, have regained their freedom, the state government confirmed on Sunday. Mallam Rafiu Ajakaye, Chief Press Secretary to the governor, said the release followed days of sustained efforts by security agencies and government representatives. He credited the success to President Bola Tinubu’s hands-on approach, noting that the president had postponed a scheduled G20 trip to South Africa to address security breaches in Kwara and Kebbi States. Tinubu also ordered heightened security deployments across the state to ensure the safety of citizens. Ajakaye extended the governor’s appreciation to the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Intelligence Agency, and the Nigeria Police, which deployed four tactical teams under presidential directive. He also thanked local leaders, religious institutions, and residents for their support and cooperation during the crisis. On Sunday, CAC Oke-Isegun held its first church service since the attack, which left three people dead, 38 kidnapped, and several others injured. The service took place under tight security, with soldiers, SWAT, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Kwara Police, and local vigilantes present. During the service, church secretary Michael Agbabiaka clarified that 38 people were abducted, not the 60 reported on social media. He explained that the initial count included 35 members, with three additional non-members later confirmed among the victims. Agbabiaka also disclosed that the bandits initially demanded N100 million per victim, which was later negotiated down to N20 million each before communications with the kidnappers broke off on Friday. Despite the trauma, church leaders encouraged members to attend the service as an act of faith and resilience. Officiating pastor Bamidele Lawrence described the ordeal as a test of faith and said he received divine assurance that all abducted worshippers would return safely, likening their situation to the biblical trials of the Israelites. Congregants expressed gratitude for the safe return of the victims and for the ongoing security presence patrolling the town and the church.

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Zinoleesky Denies Leaving Marlian Records, Reaffirms Loyalty

Nigerian singer Zinoleesky has dismissed rumours suggesting he is parting ways with Naira Marley’s Marlian Records, insisting he remains fully committed to the label. The speculation arose after a screenshot of a social media post went viral, in which Zinoleesky allegedly expressed frustration over his career management, stating: “I am standing up not just for myself but for every artist who’s ever felt powerless or taken advantage of. We deserve better. We deserve transparency, fairness, and respect.” Responding to the rumours, Zinoleesky took to social media, posting: “NM for life … Make una Dey wine una sef,” reaffirming his allegiance. He further emphasized his loyalty with the declaration: “Marlian Forever!” Sam Larry, a prominent figure in the Marlian camp, also addressed the issue, describing the label and its artists as “one big family” and putting to rest any claims of internal conflicts. Despite earlier uncertainties, including the brief removal of “Marlian Music” from his Instagram bio in 2023, Zinoleesky has clarified that he continues to be an active member of the Marlian Records family.

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El-Rufai Alleges Kaduna Government Paid ₦1 Billion To Bandits, Sparks Outcry

Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai has accused the current state administration of paying ₦1 billion to bandits, igniting a political controversy. Speaking at a recent public event, El-Rufai claimed the government has been not only making payments but also negotiating with and issuing apologies to criminal groups responsible for ongoing attacks across the state. “One billion naira was paid to bandits by the current Kaduna government. They are paying bandits and apologizing to them. If the governor or anyone disagrees, let them come out and deny it — we have the evidence and proof,” El-Rufai said. The allegations have drawn strong public reactions amid Kaduna’s persistent security challenges, which include killings, mass abductions, and attacks on schools and highways. Security experts warn that if the claims are confirmed, they could severely damage the credibility of the government’s security strategy. Residents and political observers are now calling for transparency and an official response from the state government regarding the handling of Kaduna’s security situation.

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2Baba And Natasha Osawaru Welcome Baby Girl As Congratulations Flood In

Congratulations have continued to trail music legend 2Face Idibia, widely known as 2Baba, and his wife, Natasha Osawaru, after reports emerged that the couple have welcomed their first child together. Speculation started late Friday when Natasha — who also represents Edo State in the House of Assembly — was seen at a hospital, sparking talk that she was set to give birth. Not long after, she confirmed the news herself. In a brief Facebook post, Natasha announced the arrival of their baby girl with the simple message: “It’s a Girl.” Her post immediately triggered a wave of reactions online as fans, colleagues and well-wishers sent in their heartfelt congratulations. Social media users praised the couple, with one person writing, “Love this for 2Baba and Natasha. God bless their new home,” while another joked, “2Baba doesn’t waste time… Aww, welcome baby girl.” The child’s arrival comes months after 2Baba officially ended his marriage to Annie Macaulay. Their separation, announced earlier in the year, was later confirmed by Annie during the 17th Headies Awards. Following the split, 2Baba and Natasha publicly formalised their relationship and later sealed it with a traditional wedding ceremony, moving forward as a new family.

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Fifty Children Escape From Niger School Abductors As CAN Confirms 315 Taken

Fifty children who were among the hundreds abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Niger State, have successfully fled from their captors and returned to their families, according to a fresh update from the Christian Association of Nigeria. The children escaped in two waves between Friday and Saturday, prompting CAN officials to begin contacting parents directly to verify their return. The confirmation followed visits to several homes, where families reported that their children had shown up on their own after wandering away from the abductors. CAN explained that the primary section of the school has 430 pupils, including 377 boarders. After accounting for those who escaped and those who were never taken, authorities now say 236 pupils remain in captivity. They are being held alongside three children of staff members, 14 secondary school students, and 12 staff — a total of 253 people still missing. Bishop Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, who oversees the school, urged residents to remain calm and prayerful, noting that the situation is still unfolding. He assured the public that church leaders are working closely with security agencies, community heads and government officials to secure the release of every remaining hostage. The mass abduction happened on Friday when armed attackers overran the school. While early reports estimated 227 victims, a detailed verification carried out by CAN revealed that 315 people were actually taken — 303 students and 12 teachers. The corrected figure emerged after parents who initially believed their children had escaped later returned to report them missing. CAN’s checks showed that 88 of those students were captured while attempting to flee during the chaos of the attack.

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