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ISWAP Fighters Flee with 15 Dead After Failed Attack on Nigerian Troops in Borno

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago32 mins

Fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) were forced to evacuate at least 15 dead bodies of their comrades after a failed midnight assault on Nigerian military positions in New Marte, Borno State, according to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency expert and security analyst in the Lake Chad region. Makama disclosed the development in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, citing reliable sources. According to his report, the insurgents launched a coordinated attack on Nigerian troops at approximately 1:35 a.m. on Tuesday, arriving on about 20 motorcycles and with a Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) intended to breach the battalion’s defenses. However, the assault was repelled by the combined firepower of Nigerian troops under Operation Hadin Kai, supported by the Nigerian Air Force’s Air Component. Makama stated that the VBIED, designed to cause maximum casualties, was abandoned as the insurgents fled under sustained gunfire and aerial bombardment. “The terrorists were overwhelmed, and the VBIED was left behind as they retreated,” Makama reported. This latest setback for ISWAP comes amid intensified military operations in the Lake Chad region, as Nigerian security forces continue efforts to degrade terrorist capabilities and restore peace in the North-East.

M23 Rebels Accused of ‘War Crimes’ in Eastern DRC, Says Amnesty International

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago54 mins

Amnesty International has accused the M23 rebel group of committing war crimes in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), citing evidence of torture, killings, and enforced disappearances in areas under rebel control. In a report released on Tuesday, Amnesty detailed harrowing accounts from 18 former detainees, who described brutal conditions in detention centers across Goma and Bukavu, cities recently seized by the Rwandan-backed M23. The rights group said civilians were accused—often without proof—of supporting the Congolese government or army and were subjected to severe abuse. “These acts violate international humanitarian law and may amount to war crimes,” Amnesty warned, adding that detainees were often held in overcrowded, unhygienic cells without sufficient food, water, or medical care. Some reportedly died from the harsh conditions, while others were killed outright—one detainee described prisoners being bludgeoned to death with hammers, and another was shot on the spot. Family members searching for missing relatives were often turned away by M23 fighters, who denied the detentions—an act Amnesty describes as enforced disappearances. ‘M23’s claims of order mask horror’ “M23’s public statements about bringing order to eastern DRC mask their horrific treatment of detainees. They brutally punish those who they believe oppose them and intimidate others, so no one dares to challenge them,” said Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s regional director for East and Southern Africa. Amnesty also called on regional and international actors to pressure Rwanda to stop supporting M23. The United Nations and the Congolese government have long accused Rwanda of backing the rebel group with weapons and troops—an allegation Kigali continues to deny. The UN estimates about 4,000 Rwandan soldiers are fighting alongside M23. A crisis in the making M23 is one of more than 100 armed groups operating in eastern DRC, a region plagued by violence and instability despite its mineral wealth. The recent escalation of conflict—sparked in January with M23’s capture of Goma, followed by Bukavu in February—has displaced over 100,000 people this year alone, contributing to a broader crisis that has forced more than seven million Congolese from their homes. Despite recent promises by the Congolese army and the rebels to seek a truce, fighting has continued, with M23 previously threatening to advance as far as the capital, Kinshasa, over 1,600km (1,000 miles) away. The situation in eastern DRC remains volatile, with international pressure mounting for a peaceful resolution amid growing fears of a humanitarian disaster.

PDP Slams FCT Over Secretariat Sealing, Alleges Intimidation of Opposition

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago44 mins

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the Federal Government of abusing its powers following the controversial closure of its national secretariat in Abuja by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) over 28 years of unpaid ground rent. In a strongly-worded statement after an emergency caucus meeting at the Bauchi Governors’ Lodge, Abuja, PDP’s acting National Chairman, Umar Iliya Damagum, described the action as a “reckless provocation” and a direct attack on democracy. He warned that the party would not tolerate further harassment and dared the authorities to arrest PDP leaders if they so desired.“We are prepared for them. This is a clear attempt to undermine democracy, and we won’t take it lightly,” Damagum declared. The emergency meeting, which was relocated after the PDP headquarters was sealed, also addressed deepening internal disputes, particularly the rift with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. Wike had recently withdrawn from reconciliation talks, accusing Governors Seyi Makinde and Peter Mbah of betrayal, sparking fresh tensions within the party. A party insider revealed that the Board of Trustees (BoT) is considering postponing the upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting to allow time for further peace efforts. The crisis, sources say, threatens the unity and future of the PDP. Meanwhile, a PDP support group, Frontiers for Change and Progress, openly criticized Wike, labelling him the “real betrayer” behind the party’s woes. They accused him of secretly working with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) since 2023 and urged him to leave the PDP. Amid the political storm, President Bola Tinubu intervened, ordering a temporary suspension of the property seizure operation and granting a 14-day grace period for defaulters to settle their debts. The FCTA’s Director of Land Administration, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, confirmed the presidential directive, revealing that over 4,700 properties—some unpaid for up to 43 years—are on the list for possible takeover, with total arrears amounting to N6.96 billion. Penalties range from N2 million to N5 million, depending on property location. Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, dismissed allegations of political witch-hunting, insisting the enforcement was a routine administrative action affecting various properties, including banks, hotels, and even the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). As the PDP strategizes its next steps, political observers are watching closely to see if the party can resolve its internal divisions and reassert itself as a credible opposition force in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.

FIRS Blasts FCTA for Sealing Offices Over Settled Ground Rent, Demands Apology

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago62 mins

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has condemned the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) for what it described as an “embarrassing invasion” and sealing of two of its offices in Abuja over alleged non-payment of ground rent. The tax agency, in a statement on Monday, described the FCTA’s action as unjustified and based on an error, claiming that the rent had been fully paid long before the incident. According to the FIRS, the demand notice from the Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS) for ground rent covering 25 years had been honoured in December 2023, with a payment of N2.36 million. However, despite repeated requests for a receipt, the FCTA failed to issue one, leading to a breakdown in communication. The FIRS stated that rather than resolving the matter administratively, FCTA officials chose to storm and seal its offices at No. 12 and No. 14 Sokode Crescent in Wuse Zone 5, Abuja. FIRS officials expressed outrage, describing the incident as a case of administrative negligence and a public embarrassment to a federal agency. The tax body has demanded a formal apology from the FCTA, warning that such actions undermine inter-agency collaboration and public trust.

Wike’s FCTA Seals Off PDP Headquarters

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago65 mins

The headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Wuse area of Abuja has been sealed off. The building was sealed off at about 2:05pm on Monday. Officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) had arrived at the place and asked the security guard to meet with those in charge, but before the security guards could make contact with the management, the place was sealed. The officials action had triggered protest and after back and forth for like 15 minutes, the building was temporarily unsealed for staff members to move out their cars and personal belongings, after which it was sealed again. Last week, FCTA had announced that it would soon take possession of the 4,794 properties revoked over non-payment of ground rent, for between 10 and 43 years. This was made known during a press briefing on Friday by the FCT Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Director of Land Administration, Chijioke Nwankwoeze and Director Department of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima. At a press briefing, they had said “ownership of the revoked 4,794 properties in the Central Area, Garki I and II, Wuse I and II, Asokoro, Maitama and Guzape districts, had already reverted to the FCTA, and as from Monday, next week, the government will begin to exercise its rights of ownership on the affected landed properties. “As usual, this will be done without consideration as to ownership of the affected landed properties. It will be purely in line with extant laws and regulations guiding the process.” The Director of Development Control explained that affected properties would be sealed up and access to them restricted as from Monday. He said the FCTA would decide what to do with the affected properties in due course. On the claim that some people went to court, the Director of Lands stated that there was no court decision on the revocation, and as such, the FCTA was not restricted in the discharge of its lawful functions on the affected properties. Nwankwoeze also disclosed that the FCTA was already compiling records of compliance and non-compliance of title holders that were in default of payment of ground rent for between one and 10 years, who were given a grace of 21 days to pay up. He said the government would act accordingly as soon as the records are fully complied and analyzed. He said “Recall that on March 18, 2025, we informed you of the revocation of 4,794 land titles in the Central Area, Garki I and II, Wuse I and II, Asokoro, Maitama and Guzape districts. ”These 4,794 properties were among the total of 8,375 land titles on which ground rent was not paid from one year to 43 years. ”We did say then that consequent upon the revocation of these titles, ownership of the affected properties have reverted to the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA). ”As from Monday, May 26, 2025, the FCTA will begin to take possession of the affected properties, using relevant agencies of government.”

Egypt Drains Groundwater to Save Ancient Christian Heritage Site from UNESCO’s Endangered List

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago53 mins

Alexandria, Egypt | May 2025 – Egypt has successfully drained the groundwater threatening the centuries-old site of Saint Menas, a key Christian pilgrimage location near Alexandria, in an effort to have it removed from the United Nations’ list of endangered world heritage sites. Top Egyptian antiquities officials, including the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities Mohamed Ismail, along with Egypt’s Coptic Orthodox Pope Tawadros II, and the director of UNESCO’s regional office for Egypt and Sudan, Nuria Sanz, toured the site on Tuesday. The Saint Menas complex, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1979, was added to the agency’s endangered sites list in 2001 due to rising groundwater that damaged ancient ruins, including churches, baptistries, basilicas, and pilgrims’ facilities. Egyptian officials say the draining operation, completed in 2022, significantly reduced water levels, but further restoration is needed. “We managed to lower the water table and maintain the archaeological structures,” said Ismail, adding that Egypt aims to have the site removed from the endangered list by next year. Tourism and Antiquities Minister Sherif Fathy also participated in the site visit. The site’s significance dates back to the early days of Christianity, when the burial of Saint Menas, a Christian martyr, became a magnet for pilgrims traveling to and from Jerusalem. Over time, the area evolved into a bustling pilgrimage hub, featuring churches, public buildings, houses, workshops, and facilities for travelers. “People started to come to this place, and it transformed into a destination with a church, rooms, and eventually a full city,” explained Priest Taddaeus Ava Mina. Today, visitors can still see the ruins of marble columns and remnants of the ancient structures, alongside a modern church built on the original altar site. Egypt’s restoration effort reflects the government’s broader goal to protect cultural heritage and boost tourism.

EFCC Arraigns Benin City Socialite for Naira Abuse

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago64 mins

The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on Monday, May 26, 2025 arraigned Kelly Okungbowa a.k.a Ebo Stone, a Benin City-based socialite before Justice C. A. Obiozor of the Federal High Court, sitting in Benin City on a two-count charge of Naira abuse and mutilation. Okungbowa is alleged to have on two different occasions while dancing with women in recreational centres in Benin City, sprayed a total of N300, 000 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira) and trampled on them in the process. Count one of his charge reads: “That you Kelly Okungbowa (m) sometime in November 2024 at Uyi Grand Marquee Event Centre, Benin City, Edo State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court whilst dancing with “Mummy Shallipopi,” tampered with the total sum of N200,000 (two hundred thousand Naira) notes of N500 (five hundred Naira) denomination, issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying the same and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (Establishment) Act 2007 and punishable under Section 21 (1) of the same Act.” Count two reads: “That you Kelly Okungbowa (m) on or about the 9th day of March 2025 at a Lounge/Bar owned by you, located at lhama Road, Benin City, Edo State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court whilst dancing with some young ladies, tampered with the total sum of N100,000 (one hundred thousand Naira) notes of N200 (two hundred Naira) denomination, issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying same and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (Establishment) Act 2007 and punishable under Section 21 (1) of the same Act.” He pleaded “not guilty” to the charge when it was read to him, following which prosecution counsel, Francis Jirbo prayed the court for a trial date, while the defence counsel, C. B. Ogiegbaen informed the court of a pending bail application for the defendant which has been served on the prosecution. The court at this point stood down the case and when the matter came up again at about 4pm, the judge informed the parties that the day was far spent and adjourned the matter till Tuesday, May 27, 2025 and released the defendant to his lawyer upon undertaking in writing to produce him in court on the adjourned date for the consideration of his bail application.

Tinubu Departs for Lagos to Mark 50th ECOWAS Anniversary

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago03 mins

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will leave Abuja on Tuesday for Lagos to celebrate, along with other leaders, the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The ECOWAS golden jubilee was flagged off in Accra last month. In a statement signed by the Special Adviser on Information & Strategy to the President, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, on Monday the Lagos events will include reenacting the 1975 declaration at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs in Victoria Island. At the Eko Hotels and Suites event, President Tinubu, the Chairman of ECOWAS, will highlight the economic bloc’s milestones. The Chairman of the NIIA and former Minister of External Affairs, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, will review the bloc’s 50-year journey, which panellists at the NIIA will later analyse. The only surviving Head of State who signed the ECOWAS declaration, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (Rtd), will participate in all the ceremonies and deliver a speech at the Eko Hotels. Dr Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, will deliver the welcome address. While in Lagos, President Tinubu will, on Saturday, May 31, commission some projects of the administration. Among them are Section I of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Lekki Deep Sea Port Tax Credit Concrete Road, the flag-off of Section II of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, and the 7th Axial Road. The President will virtually commission Kano-Kanwar-Danja-Hadejiya Section II Road and Yakasai-Zalli Road and flag off the Kano Northern By-pass, Zaria-Hunkuyi-Dabai Section I, Dabai-Kafur Malumfashi, and Malumfashi-Dayi-Yashe-Gidan Mutum Daya Section III. President Tinubu will observe the Eid-el-Kabir prayers at the State House, Dodan Barracks, before returning to Abuja.