Category: News

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has strongly criticised a recent report by Amnesty International, describing it as lacking in context and failing to recognise the significant achievements of the Nigerian Armed Forces in combating insecurity across the country. The DHQ said the report, which accused the government of failing to protect citizens from relentless attacks by armed groups and bandits, was based on “sweeping generalisations” and “unverified statistics.” Amnesty International had claimed that at least 10,217 people were killed and 672 villages destroyed in the past two years, with Benue State accounting for the highest casualties at 6,896 deaths, followed by Plateau State with 2,630. However, in a statement on Friday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, refuted the claims, insisting they misrepresented the security situation and ignored the asymmetric nature of the threats Nigeria faces. Kangye highlighted that under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the Armed Forces have neutralised over 5,000 insurgents and bandits, liberated 350 communities previously under terrorist control, and rescued over 1,200 kidnapped civilians. He added that the sustained military presence in volatile areas like Zamfara, Plateau, and Benue States has enabled displaced persons to begin returning home safely. Kangye dismissed Amnesty’s claim that 6,896 people were killed in Benue as “humongous and misleading,” saying the military’s records show 693 deaths in the state during the review period. The DHQ also pointed to successful operations in Zamfara, where over 2,000 military offensives were conducted, resulting in the rescue of 687 abductees, the neutralisation of 1,500 terrorists, and the destruction of several bandit enclaves. Kangye urged Amnesty International and other civil society groups to be cautious in their reporting and to recognise the complex socio-political realities the military confronts in restoring peace across Nigeria.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, has said many Nigerians blame the President for the country’s challenges because they suffer from a “short memory” and often forget the state of the nation before Tinubu assumed office. Speaking during an interview on Arise TV on Friday, Onanuga argued that critics of the administration fail to consider the economic and structural problems Tinubu inherited when he took office in May 2023. According to him, Nigerians are too quick to forget the fuel shortages, foreign exchange crises, and heavy subsidy debts that plagued the nation prior to Tinubu’s emergence as President. Onanuga recalled that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) had significantly reduced fuel imports due to the federal government’s failure to settle over ₦4 trillion in unpaid subsidy claims. He noted that the fuel scarcity witnessed during the 2023 elections forced Tinubu to announce the removal of the subsidy on his first day in office, a decision aimed at reviving the oil sector and stabilising fuel supply. Defending the controversial reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration, including the subsidy removal and foreign exchange unification, Onanuga insisted these were necessary measures to correct systemic imbalances and ensure long-term stability. He urged Nigerians to give the President credit for tackling issues that previous governments avoided, emphasising that the administration’s actions have started yielding positive results, despite the initial hardships. Onanuga concluded by highlighting the government’s commitment to transparency and its efforts to ease the burden on citizens, pointing to the steps taken to stabilise the forex market and attract investment into the economy.Tools

Enugu State has been announced as the host of the 2025 National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST), a week-long event themed “Connected Culture,” slated for November 22–29, 2025. The Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Obi Asika, presented the hosting rights to Governor Peter Mbah at the Government House in Enugu, citing the state’s rich cultural heritage, recent developments, and vibrant atmosphere as reasons for the selection. Asika commended the state’s growing cultural and economic influence, noting that NAFEST would attract over 5,000 participants from across Nigeria and beyond. He added that the festival’s return to Enugu, after 17 years, would not only foster unity but also stimulate youth empowerment and capacity-building opportunities, particularly for the state’s creative sector. Governor Mbah welcomed the development, promising to deliver an exceptional NAFEST experience. He said hosting the festival aligns with his administration’s vision of transforming Enugu into a premier hub for business, leisure, and tourism, with a target of attracting three million visitors annually. He assured participants of safety and a conducive environment, given the state’s investment in security infrastructure. The 2025 NAFEST is expected to significantly boost Enugu’s economy, spotlight its cultural landmarks such as the Awhum Waterfall and Nsude Pyramid Canopy Walkway, and position the state as a key destination for arts and culture in Nigeria. Governor Mbah expressed optimism that the event would be a memorable one, leveraging Enugu’s aesthetic appeal and ongoing infrastructural advancements.

The suspected billionaire ritualist Ezeani, who was arrested while trying to escape Nigeria, has narrated his side of the story, saying some people in his community didn’t want him to be next-of-king, calling his arrest political

Tragedy struck Niger State as a devastating flood swept through Mokwa Local Government Area, resulting in the death of at least 21 people, the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) confirmed. The disaster occurred during a heavy downpour on Wednesday night, causing widespread destruction across affected communities, according to NSEMA Director General Ibrahim Hussaini, who briefed journalists in Minna on Thursday. Hussaini reported that three individuals—a woman and her two children—were rescued alive and are currently receiving treatment for injuries and shock at Mokwa General Hospital. However, over 10 others remain missing as search and rescue operations continue in the flood-affected areas. The worst-hit communities include Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa in Mokwa town, where more than 50 residential houses were completely submerged and swept away. The emergency agency is working closely with the Mokwa Local Government Council, local divers, and volunteers to recover the missing persons and provide assistance to displaced families. NSEMA assured residents of intensified rescue efforts and the provision of emergency relief to those affected by the flood. This tragic event has once again highlighted the region’s vulnerability to climate-induced disasters, underscoring the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies in Niger State. Authorities continue to appeal for public cooperation as the search operations persist.

As he marks two years in office, suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has reiterated his unwavering commitment to prioritising the interests of the state over personal or political considerations. In a statement released to the press, Fubara reflected on the challenges faced by his administration, particularly the ongoing political crisis, but maintained that his dedication to the collective welfare of Rivers people remains steadfast. Despite the turbulence, Governor Fubara highlighted key achievements in critical sectors, including healthcare, education, infrastructure, youth empowerment, and human capital development. He expressed deep gratitude to the people of Rivers State for their trust, support, and sacrifices, emphasising that their resilience has been instrumental in driving the progress recorded so far. Fubara underscored the importance of peace, reconciliation, and forgiveness as essential pillars for rebuilding unity and accelerating development in Rivers State. He called on all stakeholders to rise above political divisions, embrace dialogue, and work together to foster a peaceful and prosperous future for the state. Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to transformational projects and services, Fubara appealed for an end to the lingering political disputes, urging all parties to focus on advancing the state’s growth and leaving a legacy for future generations. He stressed the need for collective action, stating, “Let us unite and build a Rivers State that generations to come will be proud of.”

The Federal Government has announced a transformative initiative to boost digital access and improve infrastructure in Nigerian universities. Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, revealed that no fewer than 12 federal universities will be connected to high-fibre digital infrastructure by the end of 2024, with free Wi-Fi services to be deployed across campuses. Speaking at the commissioning of the facility at the University of Abuja, Dr. Tijani urged students to harness this connectivity to build skills for the global tech ecosystem, citing young Nigerians who have developed billion-dollar online payment firms as examples to emulate. The project, a collaboration between the government, Galaxy Backbone Nigeria Ltd, Huawei Technologies Nigeria, and other tech firms, aims to serve as a digital equaliser for students across various economic backgrounds. The initiative will roll out in phases, with the University of Abuja leading as the first of seven institutions in the pilot scheme. Dr. Tijani emphasised that this access is critical to enabling students to create opportunities and solve real-world challenges, rather than relying solely on traditional employment. In addition to digital access, universities are also set to benefit from improved electricity supply. Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, confirmed that select universities, including the University of Abuja, will begin enjoying 24-hour electricity through the presidential renewable mini-grid project. He assured that all designated “special institutions” would receive similar support before the end of 2026, emphasising that reliable power is key to fostering innovation, research, and learning across campuses. University of Abuja’s Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Patricia Lar, described the projects as game-changing for the institution. She expressed gratitude for the deployment of high-speed fibre and solar power backup on campus, noting that the initiative would enable students of all backgrounds to access the internet, fuel creativity, and advance their learning. The inauguration was attended by key stakeholders, including the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Nigeria Data Protection Commission, NigComSat, and Huawei Technologies Nigeria.