Category: Local

A deadly clash between bandits and a combined team of vigilantes and soldiers around Dutsen Zaki forest in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State has reportedly left over 80 bandits and four vigilantes dead, with 16 others injured. The operation, which began Saturday morning and lasted until Wednesday, was confirmed by Abdullahi Hussaini, a local vigilante leader, who stated that over 300 vigilantes participated in the offensive targeting known hideouts in the dense forest. “We are forced to face these armed men… The activities of the armed men have become a daily occurrence,” Hussaini said, adding that the forest is now under vigilante control. The bandits—who had been using the forest around Zurak, Aduwa, Kinashe, and Odare villages—reportedly fled following heavy casualties. Among the dead were also wives of the bandits, according to vigilante accounts. Shapi’i Sambo, a youth leader, confirmed the death of four vigilantes, including a commander, with a new leader already appointed to continue the operation. The Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Wase and a hospital in Bauchi State are currently treating the injured vigilantes. Abdullahi Bin Umar, a resident, reported that many villagers had fled their homes amid fears of retaliation, noting the magnitude of the killings has created deep anxiety across the region. Efforts to obtain comments from the military’s Operation Safe Haven were unsuccessful as Major Samson Zhakom had not responded at press time. This incident follows an earlier clash two weeks ago in Kadil Masudu village, also in Wase LGA, where five bandits were killed.

Troops of the 17 Brigade under Operation Fasan Yamma have killed eight terrorists in a fierce gun battle along the Kurfi–Batsari Road in Katsina State, the Defence Headquarters confirmed on Thursday. The confrontation occurred on Wednesday near the Forward Operating Base in Kurfi, according to a statement issued by Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations. Soldiers thwarted the terrorists’ planned attack, recovering five AK-47 rifles, six magazines, and 13 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition during the operation. One soldier sustained injuries and is receiving treatment at the 17 Brigade Medical Centre, Kangye said, adding that troops’ morale remains high and the area is currently calm. The Defence Headquarters commended the troops for their bravery and assured Nigerians of the military’s continued commitment to national security.

Abuja, Nigeria — In a major step toward reshaping Nigeria’s fiscal architecture, the National Assembly has formally transmitted four groundbreaking tax reform bills to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for presidential assent. The move signals a pivotal phase in the actualisation of the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope economic agenda, which prioritises revenue efficiency and fiscal federalism. Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, confirmed the transmission, stating that the harmonisation process between the Senate and the House of Representatives had been concluded. “Yes, the bill has now been transmitted. It is out of our hands and on its way to the executive,” Adaramodu said. The legislative package comprises: Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill Nigeria Tax Administration BillNigeria Tax Bill These bills aim to modernise tax administration, broaden the national tax base, and enhance inter-governmental coordination on revenue collection. Originally submitted in November 2024, the bills underwent rigorous legislative review, revisions, and negotiations before gaining the approval of both chambers of the National Assembly. Senator Adaramodu stressed that the detailed scrutiny was necessary to ensure alignment with existing statutes and to address legal and structural gaps. “Tax legislation of this magnitude requires detailed examination. Our legal departments had to ensure alignment with existing laws. It’s not something that happens in two or three days,” he explained. Following the final harmonisation, the documents were duly signed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas before being forwarded to the Presidency. Akpabio last week credited the passage of the bills to “national interest, inclusive legislative engagement, and strategic leadership.” Compromise on VAT ClauseOne of the most debated aspects of the reform was an initial proposal allowing tax-generating states to retain 60% of Value Added Tax (VAT). The clause drew strong opposition—particularly from lawmakers representing northern states—who feared it would widen economic disparities. A compromise was eventually reached, lowering the retention rate to 30% and replacing the term “derivation” with the more neutral “place of consumption.” Despite opposition from some state governors and internal rifts within the legislature, the final versions of the bills gained cross-party support. Akpabio praised state governors for embracing the revised framework in the “spirit of unity.” “We must commend the courage of our governors who, despite initial resistance, accepted the revised framework,” he said, also applauding Speaker Abbas for rallying support among younger lawmakers. If signed into law, the legislation will usher in one of the most comprehensive overhauls of Nigeria’s tax and revenue system in decades—streamlining oversight, curbing leakages, and reinforcing fiscal discipline at all levels of government.

Lagos, Nigeria – Renowned Yoruba actor Ganiu Nafiu, popularly known as Alapini, has publicly expressed deep regret over his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the 2023 elections, lamenting that he and other entertainers who campaigned for the president have been neglected and forgotten. In a candid interview on the Behind the Fame programme, Alapini revealed that many Nollywood actors—especially Yoruba veterans—were drawn into the “Renewed Hope” campaign with high expectations, believing Tinubu would uplift their welfare and recognize their sacrifice. “We campaigned with joy, thinking our messiah had arrived, because Tinubu is someone we have loved for many years,” Alapini said in Yoruba. He recounted how he and dozens of his colleagues spent two months crisscrossing markets and remote areas, campaigning for Tinubu despite not being politicians. “Even when we weren’t political figures, we did it at our own cost. But now, nothing—no recognition, not even a thank you,” he said with evident disappointment. Alapini singled out Seyi Tinubu, the President’s son, criticizing his alleged lack of engagement with those who championed his father’s campaign. “Would Seyi claim he did not see us, the old folks, during the campaign? Was he blind to our presence?” he asked. Referencing fellow actor Olaiya Igwe, who went viral for stripping naked on a beach in Tinubu’s honour, Alapini debunked widespread rumours that Igwe had been rewarded with a car, saying he remains unacknowledged and unrewarded like the rest. On the prospect of backing Tinubu’s 2027 re-election, the veteran actor offered a blistering response: “I haven’t thought about it. Maybe our only support next time will be curses for anyone who votes for him.” Alapini further criticized regional bias, questioning why Seyi Tinubu’s philanthropic gestures have seemingly focused on Northern Nigeria while ignoring Yoruba communities, where much of the support for the president originated. The actor’s comments reflect growing disillusionment among some cultural figures who played visible roles in the 2023 elections but now feel politically sidelined.

Abuja — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) notification for its planned 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, citing procedural violations in accordance with electoral guidelines. In a letter dated June 13, 2025, INEC informed the PDP that the notice submitted for the scheduled June 30 NEC meeting failed to comply with the provisions of the 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties. The Commission specifically referenced Part 2(12)3 of the guidelines, which mandates that such notices must be jointly signed by the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary. The letter, signed by Hajiya Hau’ru Aminu, the Acting Secretary to the Commission, stated that although the PDP submitted its notice within the required 21-day timeframe, it was only signed by the Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, without the endorsement of the National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu. “The Commission draws your attention to the fact that the notice is not in compliance… Be guided,” the letter read. The PDP had submitted the notice on May 30, 2025, proposing to hold the NEC meeting at its National Secretariat in Abuja. The agenda reportedly includes deliberations on leadership disputes, ratification of zonal congress results, and the adoption of key committee reports. This procedural setback adds to the PDP’s growing internal challenges, which have intensified since the 2023 general elections. The party has been rocked by defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)—notably from Delta State, where high-profile figures such as Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his deputy Monday Onyeme, and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa have defected. The situation prompted the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) to convene an emergency meeting in April 2025. Meanwhile, the influential G5 group led by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike met on June 9, calling for the zoning of the 2027 presidential ticket to the South. Adding to the political maneuvering, former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has initiated consultations to build a formidable opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections, engaging stakeholders such as Peter Obi and Nasir El-Rufai. While some party leaders, including Chief Bode George, remain optimistic about the PDP’s ability to regroup before the NEC meeting, others are skeptical due to the ongoing factional disputes and power tussles plaguing the party.