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Nigerian Army Rescue 74 Stranded NYSC Members from Boko Haram Hotspot in Borno

Toyin Adebayo
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Nigerian Army Rescue 74 Stranded NYSC Members from Boko Haram Hotspot in Borno

Troops from the Joint Task Force (JTF) North East Operation HADIN KAI executed a swift nighttime rescue operation on Tuesday, saving 74 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members from a vulnerable forested stretch along the Buratai-Kamuya road in Borno State—just as potential Boko Haram insurgents lurked nearby.

The dramatic intervention unfolded around 9:05 p.m. when three buses carrying the corps members—36 males and 38 females—broke down at the notorious Borko Haram crossing point, a dense woodland area long plagued by terrorist ambushes.

Vigilant JTF surveillance detected the unusual activity via closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, triggering an immediate deployment of a heavily armed patrol team. Upon arrival, the soldiers secured the perimeter and evacuated all 74 individuals without incident, thwarting what preliminary reports suggest could have escalated into a mass abduction.

Escort Lapse Exposed Amid Heightened Risks

Investigations revealed the group had been safely escorted from Maiduguri to Damaturu by troops of the 7 Division Nigerian Army Garrison. However, upon reaching Damaturu, the corps members pressed on toward Hawul Local Government Area without alerting Sector 2 Headquarters or securing fresh armed escorts—a critical oversight in a region where Boko Haram remnants frequently target travelers on isolated routes.

The rescued youth, many of whom were en route to their Primary Assignment Posting (PAP) locations, have been relocated to the fortified Buratai Military Base for temporary accommodation and debriefing. Arrangements are underway for their secure onward travel.

Army Reaffirms Commitment, Urges Public Vigilance

In a statement, the JTF hailed the operation as a testament to its “unwavering resolve” to protect civilians. “The Nigerian Army remains committed to safeguarding lives and property across the North East,” it read. “We will sustain a robust security footprint to deny terrorists operational freedom and foster enduring peace.”

The military urged the public to prioritize collaboration: “Report suspicious movements promptly and adhere to escort protocols on high-risk corridors. Your cooperation fuels our success.”

This rescue underscores the fragile security landscape in Borno, where the JTF’s tech-enhanced monitoring—bolstered by CCTV networks and rapid-response units—has increasingly foiled insurgent plots since the 2021 resurgence of attacks. With over 200,000 NYSC participants deployed annually, such lapses highlight the need for stricter travel advisories and mandatory security briefings for corps members in conflict zones.

As the dry season approaches—a period historically rife with heightened militant activity—the incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle to reclaim Nigeria’s North East from extremism.

Defence Minister Badaru Vows Protection for Soldiers on Lawful Duty Amid Wike-Navy Clash

Toyin Adebayo
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Defence Minister Badaru Vows Protection for Soldiers on Lawful Duty Amid Wike-Navy Clash

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has pledged unwavering support for military personnel carrying out legitimate duties, amid fallout from a high-profile confrontation between Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike and a Navy lieutenant over a disputed Abuja land plot.

Speaking at a ministerial press conference in Abuja on Wednesday—focused on preparations for the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebrations—Badaru addressed the Tuesday incident involving Lt. A.M. Yerima, who allegedly obstructed Wike’s team from accessing a site purportedly owned by retired Chief of Naval Staff Vice Adm. Awwal Gambo.

“At the Ministry and across the Armed Forces, we will always protect our officers on lawful duty,” Badaru told journalists. “We’re investigating this matter closely, and we assure that any officer performing his role diligently will receive the highest level of protection. We won’t allow anything to happen to him as long as he’s doing his job—and doing it well.”

The clash, captured in viral videos, highlighted tensions over land administration in the FCT, with Wike accusing developers and military personnel of encroachment. Badaru’s remarks signal a firm stance from the defence hierarchy, potentially averting escalation while underscoring the military’s operational autonomy.

New Initiative to Deploy Veterans in Security and Economic Revival

In a broader push to leverage military expertise for national development, Badaru unveiled the Reclaiming the Ungoverned Space for Economic Benefits Programme (RUSEB-P), aimed at enlisting retired, able-bodied veterans in community policing and local economic recovery.

Designed to target insurgency-ravaged areas in the North-East and beyond, RUSEB-P will deploy veterans’ discipline and skills to bolster local security, prevent terrorism’s resurgence, and ignite productivity through ventures like farming and artisanal mining.

“By engaging veterans to reinforce community defenses and kickstart economic projects, RUSEB-P will not only curb threats but revitalize local economies and foster national unity,” Badaru explained. “This goes beyond short-term fixes—it’s about sustainable reintegration.”

A dedicated inter-agency committee is finalizing the rollout framework, with initial pilots slated for high-risk zones. The minister emphasized the programme’s dual focus: immediate security gains and long-term veteran empowerment, addressing unemployment among ex-servicemen while filling gaps in ungoverned spaces.

Push for Veterans’ Federation and Pension Reforms

Badaru also announced plans to amend the Nigerian Legion Act, paving the way for a Veterans Federation of Nigeria (VFN) to streamline benefits, advocacy, and reintegration support for ex-military personnel.

“This will create a robust legal backbone for honoring our heroes’ sacrifices,” he said.

In a nod to historical equity, the ministry has enrolled 2,141 Civil War veterans—who served on Nigeria’s side but retired short of pension eligibility—into the national pension scheme, ensuring they receive long-overdue recognition and financial support.

Badaru reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s dedication to military welfare, including enhanced troop allowances, modern equipment procurement, and anti-corruption drives within the armed forces.

As Nigeria marks Remembrance Day 2026, these initiatives underscore a holistic approach to security: not just defending borders, but rebuilding lives and communities. The defence sector’s evolution under Badaru—once Kano’s governor—continues to blend operational resolve with socio-economic innovation, even as flashpoints like the Wike incident test civil-military relations.

FG Unveils Ambitious Plan to Rehab Dams, Boost Irrigation and Hydropower Nationwide

Ola Akinola
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FG Unveils Ambitious Plan to Rehab Dams, Boost Irrigation and Hydropower Nationwide

The Federal Government has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to rehabilitate aging dams and build new multipurpose facilities across Nigeria, aiming to supercharge irrigated agriculture, ramp up hydropower output, and generate jobs for the youth.

announced the initiative during an on-site assessment tour on Wednesday to the Azare-Jere Irrigation Project and Gurara Multipurpose Dam in Kaduna State. He was accompanied by Permanent Secretary Mr. Richard Pheelangwah and several technical directors.

“This aligns directly with President Bola Tinubu’s mandate to my ministry: to drive food security through expanded irrigation, bolster the national grid with reliable hydropower, and empower our youth with employment opportunities,” Utsev told reporters at the facilities.

The ministerial visit focused on evaluating the operational health of these key assets, pinpointing bottlenecks, and charting swift remediation paths. “We’re conducting a full audit to ensure these projects deliver maximum value,” he added.

Targeted Rehab and New Builds Along Key Corridors

Utsev disclosed that a slate of existing multipurpose dams has been earmarked for urgent rehabilitation, while fresh constructions are in the pipeline—particularly along the strategic Sokoto-Badagry Highway corridor. These efforts, he said, will unlock vast tracts of arable land for year-round farming and inject gigawatts of clean energy into the grid.

Nigeria currently boasts over 300 dams, but many suffer from siltation, structural decay, and underutilization, hampering agricultural productivity in a nation where farming employs nearly 70% of the rural workforce. The minister’s blueprint addresses these gaps head-on, promising to irrigate millions of hectares and mitigate perennial flooding risks.

Insecurity Hampers Operations, But Commitment Holds Firm

Facility Manager Engr. Gazali Tukur Mohammed acknowledged persistent security threats as a “major hurdle” to seamless operations at both sites. “Banditry and communal clashes disrupt supply chains and staff safety, but our team is resolute in providing water to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and beyond,” he said.

The Gurara Multipurpose Dam, a 22MW hydropower behemoth completed in 2012, and the Azare-Jere Irrigation Scheme—spanning 8,000 hectares in Bauchi and Jigawa states—were both developed under the ministry’s oversight. Parts of their management have been concessioned to private firm Grams and Abel via a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, blending government funding with corporate efficiency.

Broader Implications for Food Security and Energy

Utsev’s tour underscores a renewed federal push to harness Nigeria’s water resources amid climate volatility and energy deficits. With hydropower accounting for about 20% of the country’s electricity (roughly 2,000MW), scaling up could ease chronic blackouts plaguing industries and households.

The initiative also ties into Tinubu’s broader economic agenda, including the National Livestock Transformation Plan and Renewed Hope Agricultural Initiative, which prioritize irrigation to cut food imports and stabilize prices.

Stakeholders have welcomed the plans but called for robust community engagement to address local grievances, especially in dam catchment areas prone to displacement. As implementation ramps up, the ministry vows quarterly progress reports to maintain transparency.

This development positions Nigeria to potentially add 1,000MW of hydropower capacity within the next few years, while irrigating an additional 500,000 hectares—enough to feed millions and create thousands of agro-jobs.

House Probes Diversion of Bonded Containers, Unpaid Customs Duties in Multi-Billion Naira Revenue Leak

Ola Akinola
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House Probes Diversion of Bonded Containers, Unpaid Customs Duties in Multi-Billion Naira Revenue Leak

The House of Representatives has launched a sweeping investigation into systemic abuses at Nigeria’s bonded terminals and warehouses, targeting the diversion of containers, inaccurate excise duty calculations, expired temporary importation bonds, and non-remitted customs duties—practices estimated to cost the government billions in annual revenue.

The probe was triggered by a motion moved by Hon. Hassan Shehu Hussain (NNPP, Kano) during Wednesday’s plenary, which was unanimously adopted.

Bonded Terminals: From Trade Facilitators to Revenue Black Holes

Hussain told the House that bonded terminals and fast-track warehouses were designed to decongest seaports, streamline trade, and boost federal revenue. Instead, he alleged, rogue operators have turned them into conduits for fraud and security risks.

“Containers meant to move under Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) escort and full-value bonds are routinely diverted before reaching their destinations,” Hussain warned. “We don’t know what’s inside—tramadol, arms, ammunition—anything that threatens public safety.”

He cited cases where companies exploit three-year excise duty holidays for new manufacturers, then refuse to pay after the grace period ends. Manual duty assessments, he added, enable falsified records and systematic under-remittance to the Federation Account.

Temporary Importation Scheme Abused

The lawmaker highlighted rampant abuse of the Temporary Importation (TI) scheme, which allows duty-free entry of vessels, aircraft, and heavy machinery in exchange for bank-backed bonds.

“Many companies never redeem expired bonds or pay duties, causing massive revenue leakage,” Hussain said.

He also flagged over-importation of sugar and other quota-regulated commodities, bypassing federal limits and depriving the treasury of billions.

House Directs Immediate Action

Following robust debate, the House mandated the Comptroller-General of Customs to:

  • Strengthen real-time supervision of bonded container movements;
  • Deploy advanced GPS and tracking technology from port to final destination;
  • Ensure 100% duty and levy remittance with zero tolerance for diversion.

The resolution further tasks a yet-to-be-constituted ad-hoc committee with a forensic audit of bonded terminal operations, excise compliance, and TI bond redemptions over the past five years.

Lawmakers warned that the scale of the infractions undermines Nigeria’s trade facilitation goals and fuels insecurity through unchecked smuggling.

The NCS has been directed to submit a comprehensive compliance report within 60 days, with findings expected to inform stricter penalties and digital enforcement reforms.

The investigation comes amid intensified legislative scrutiny of revenue leakages across federal agencies, as the government seeks to plug fiscal gaps without increasing taxes.

Obasanjo Hails Makinde’s Vision for a ‘Liveable’ Ibadan at Mega Bus Terminal Launch

Ola Akinola
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Obasanjo Hails Makinde’s Vision for a ‘Liveable’ Ibadan at Mega Bus Terminal Launch

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Wednesday praised Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for transforming Ibadan into a more liveable city, spotlighting the commissioning of the sprawling Ibadan Central Bus Terminal at Iwo Road as a game-changer for urban mobility.

Speaking at the event, Obasanjo described the N5.5 billion project—featuring two mega stations with waiting halls, ticketing areas, eateries, restrooms, open parking, power generation, water reservoirs, elevators, and escalators—as a testament to Makinde’s engineering prowess and commitment to people-centered development.

“Governor Makinde, you have done so well. You are making Ibadan liveable and trying to make everyone in the state comfortable,” Obasanjo said. “Ibadan is Nigeria’s third-largest city by population but the biggest by land area, so moving from point A to B takes longer than in Lagos or Kano. These terminals—at Iwo Road, Challenge, and Ojoo—will make that easier.”

The elder statesman, who accepted the invitation just three days prior, likened Makinde to himself, calling him an “Omoluabi” (a person of integrity) and a master of both “professional engineering” and “political engineering.” He urged the governor to ignore critics: “Those abusing you today will praise you tomorrow. I was abused too, and now they praise me.”

Obasanjo also called on residents to maintain the facility, emphasizing its regional significance. “Ibadan isn’t just Oyo’s capital—it’s the heart of Yorubaland, the old Western Region, and Western State. Developments here benefit the entire South-West.”

#### Makinde Defends Circular Road Amid Protests, Eyes Economic Boom

In his address, Governor Makinde announced the completion of all four modern bus terminals in Ibadan—Challenge, Ojoo, New Ife Road, and Iwo Road—fulfilling a promise delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain issues.

“We projected 12 months, but global realities slowed us. Today, the cycle is complete—a celebration of promises kept,” Makinde said. He recounted demolishing a mosque on the site for the project but replacing it with a modern one, despite political backlash.

The governor framed the terminals as part of a non-politicized push to “engineer a modern Oyo State,” including a new dual carriageway from Iwo Road to Adegbayi and plans to extend it to the Oyo boundary at Asejire with federal support.

Turning to the controversial 110km Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road, Makinde addressed recent protests over property impacts. “It’s not just a road—it’s our economic backbone,” he asserted. “We’re building a corridor for industries, logistics hubs, and estates to drive growth over the next 20 years. Cities that don’t plan for tomorrow drown in today’s chaos.”

He pledged to visit the site with the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) and Mogajis to engage legitimate property owners, dismissing name-calling as “part of leadership.” With 18 months left in his term, Makinde said future administrations would extend similar upgrades to Ogbomoso, Saki, Iseyin, Ibarapa, and Oyo.

“This restores dignity to movement, beauty to our cities, and hope to our people—one project, one reform, one vision at a time,” he added, thanking Obasanjo for his inspiration and the people of Oyo for their support.

#### Official: Terminals Symbolize ‘Purposeful Governance’

Oyo State Commissioner for Works, Infrastructure, and Transport, Hon. Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, hailed the terminals as a “significant step” toward global-standard urban mobility, emphasizing sustainability, safety, and comfort. “This reflects intentional engineering under our sustainable development roadmap,” he said, urging stakeholders to own and protect the facility.

The event drew a constellation of dignitaries, including Deputy Governor Barr. Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal; former Deputy Governor Engr. Hamid Gbadamosi; Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin; Chief Judge Justice Iyabo Yerima; former Minister of Trade Chief Mrs. Onikepo Akande; Oyo State Elders’ Council leaders Elder Wole Oyelese and Chief Saka Balogun; House of Representatives member Hon. Najimdeen Oyeshina Oyedeji; former lawmakers Hon. Saheed Akinade-Fijabi and Hon. Shina Peller; Secretary to the State Government Prof. Olanike Adeyemo; Head of Service Mrs. Bunmi Oni; commissioners; local government chairmen; and representatives of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Alaafin of Oyo, and other traditional rulers.

The commissioning underscores Makinde’s infrastructure drive, which has positioned Oyo as a model for urban renewal in Nigeria’s South-West, even as it navigates the tensions of rapid development.

Factional PDP Chairmen Back Abdulrahman, Ohuabunwa in Bid to Revive Party’s Democratic Legacy

Toyin Adebayo
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Factional PDP Chairmen Back Abdulrahman, Ohuabunwa in Bid to Revive Party’s Democratic Legacy

Factional chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have rallied behind the party’s interim leadership, pledging their “total support” for Acting National Chairman Alhaji Abdulrahman Muhammad and Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, as they seek to steer the opposition giant through a turbulent phase of renewal.

In a joint statement issued in Abuja and signed by Imo State PDP Chairman Austine Nwachukwu on behalf of the Progressive and Democratic Chairmen, the leaders hailed the PDP’s foundational principles of democracy, justice, equity, and inclusiveness—values they say have anchored the party since the dawn of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic in 1999.

“As custodians of these ideals, it is our sacred responsibility to ensure that the PDP not only survives its current challenges but emerges stronger, more united, and truly reflective of the will of its members and the Nigerian people,” the statement read.

The chairmen underscored their commitment to the rule of law, internal democracy, and strict adherence to the party’s constitution, describing discipline, fairness, and constitutional order as “indispensable” to restoring the PDP’s credibility.

Unwavering Confidence in New Leadership

The factional leaders expressed “absolute confidence” in Muhammad and Ohuabunwa’s ability to navigate the party’s ongoing crises, citing their “leadership capacity, experience, and integrity” as key to rebuilding trust and fostering reconciliation.

“Both leaders embody the democratic spirit, institutional memory, and inclusive vision needed to reposition the PDP as the chief promoter and defender of democracy in Nigeria,” the statement declared.

This endorsement comes amid internal fractures within the PDP, including leadership disputes and factional splits that have weakened its opposition role following its 2023 presidential election loss. The appointment of Muhammad as acting chairman and Ohuabunwa as BoT head earlier this year was seen as a stabilizing move by party elders, aimed at quelling dissent and unifying ranks ahead of future electoral battles.

Call for Unity and Transformation

The chairmen urged all PDP members—from ward-level organizers to national figures—to set aside “personal ambitions” and coalesce around a shared vision for revival.

“We call on every loyal PDP member to unite in this noble cause, working hand-in-hand to transform our party into a truly people-oriented, progressive political movement,” they said.

The group vowed to construct a PDP that Nigerians can “look up to with pride and confidence”—positioned as the “credible alternative, the voice of democracy, and the platform for good governance.”

This show of solidarity from factional chairmen, often at odds with the party’s national executive, signals a potential thaw in internal rivalries and could bolster efforts to reposition the PDP as a formidable force against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in upcoming polls.

As Nigeria approaches key off-cycle elections and gears up for the 2027 general elections, the PDP’s ability to consolidate under Muhammad and Ohuabunwa will be closely watched by political observers and voters alike.

House of Reps Launches Probe into N12 Trillion Disbursed to Development Finance Institutions

Toyin Adebayo
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House of Reps Launches Probe into N12 Trillion Disbursed to Development Finance Institutions

The House of Representatives has launched a comprehensive investigation into the disbursement and utilization of over N12 trillion in public funds allocated to Nigeria’s Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) over the past seven years.

The probe, announced during the inauguration of an Ad-Hoc Committee on Wednesday, aims to scrutinize the operations, funding mechanisms, and performance of key DFIs amid mounting concerns over transparency, accountability, and impact.

Chairman Sets Scope of Inquiry

Committee Chairman Hon. Chidi Mark Obetta told journalists that the inquiry would examine how funds—sourced from capital injections, budget allocations, bond issuances, concessional loans, and donor support—have been deployed by institutions such as:

  • Bank of Industry (BOI)
  • Bank of Agriculture (BOA)
  • Nigeria Export-Import Bank (NEXIM)
  • Infrastructure Bank
  • Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL)
  • Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN)

“The figure of over N12 trillion is preliminary and subject to verification,” Obetta said. “We will demand fully audited records of inflows and expenditures from each DFI.”

The committee will assess whether funds reached intended beneficiaries, supported priority sectors like agriculture, SMEs, and infrastructure, and delivered measurable outcomes in job creation, industrial growth, and export expansion. Loan recovery and fund recycling mechanisms will also come under review.

“This is not a punitive exercise but a reform-driven one,” Obetta emphasized. “We want to strengthen these institutions to become true engines of inclusive growth and poverty reduction.”

The panel plans to engage DFI leadership, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Ministry of Finance, development partners, sector experts, and actual fund beneficiaries in a transparent, evidence-based process.

Speaker Warns of Funding Cuts

Speaker Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, represented by Deputy House Leader Hon. Halims Abdullahi, expressed alarm at the DFIs’ underwhelming performance despite massive funding.

“Many of these institutions have failed to make a dent in Nigeria’s Multidimensional Poverty Index or drive meaningful SME growth,” Abbas said. “Political interference, lack of transparency, and excessive risk aversion have crippled their impact.”

He issued a stern warning: “The House will no longer approve budgetary allocations to any DFI that cannot demonstrate responsible financial management and tangible results.”

Abbas stressed that public funds must directly fuel productive sectors and reach citizens, not be lost to bureaucratic delays or diversion.

CBN, NEXIM Pledge Full Cooperation

CBN Governor Yemi Cardoso, represented by Director Ibrahim Hassan, assured the committee of the apex bank’s full support. “The CBN regulates DFIs to ensure compliance, financial soundness, and stability,” Hassan said. “We will provide all necessary technical and institutional assistance.”

Mr. Abba Bello, Managing Director of NEXIM Bank, welcomed the probe as “timely and necessary.” He affirmed that DFIs must drive job creation, industrial development, and foreign exchange earnings, pledging his institution’s complete cooperation.

Expected Outcomes

The Ad-Hoc Committee is expected to submit policy recommendations to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and accountability of Nigeria’s DFIs—ensuring they fulfill their mandates as catalysts for sustainable economic development.

The investigation comes at a critical juncture as the federal government pushes economic reforms aimed at diversification, industrial revival, and inclusive growth.

Mining Marshals to Receive Major Capacity Boost in Crackdown on Illegal Mining

Toyin Adebayo
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Mining Marshals to Receive Major Capacity Boost in Crackdown on Illegal Mining

Abuja, November 12, 2025 – The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has announced plans to significantly enhance the operational capacity of the Mining Marshals, the sector’s dedicated enforcement agency, to decisively eliminate illegal mining across Nigeria.

Speaking to participants of Course 34 at the Nigerian Defence College in Abuja during a lecture on the solid minerals value chain and its impact on economic growth, Dr. Alake reaffirmed the Marshals’ critical role in securing mining sites and enforcing compliance with national laws.

“The Mining Marshals have proven their effectiveness as the enforcement arm of the sector,” the Minister said. “We are now scaling up their logistical capabilities – vehicles, equipment, and weaponry – to extend their presence to all 774 local government areas and ensure the safety of mines and miners nationwide.”

Key Achievements of the Mining Marshals

Dr. Alake highlighted the agency’s operational successes, including:

  • Reclamation of 90 mining sites from bandits and illegal operators;
  • Prosecution of over 300 suspects;
  • Ongoing monitoring of 450 high-risk sites vulnerable to illegal mining.

The Minister, represented by his Special Adviser on Communications, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan, emphasized that these results were made possible through seamless collaboration with the Nigerian Army, Police, and other security agencies.

“We appreciate the excellent synergy with sister security agencies. This partnership has been instrumental in the Marshals’ achievements,” he noted.

Transforming the Solid Minerals Value Chain

Dr. Alake outlined how his Seven-Point Agenda has restructured the sector by strengthening governance across licensing, exploration, community engagement, extraction, processing, and sales.

Key reforms include:

  • Revenue surge: Ministry revenue rose from N6 billion in 2022 to N12 billion in 2024, and N26 billion as of October 2025 – driven by stricter enforcement of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act;
  • Revocation of 3,700 dormant titles under the “use it or lose it” policy for non-payment of fees or failure to commence mining;
  • Mandatory compliance with Community Development Agreements (CDAs) and environmental obligations.

To attract global investment, the Minister announced the establishment of the Nigeria Solid Minerals Company, designed to facilitate joint ventures with credible international partners.

Appreciation from the Nigerian Defence College

Air Commodore Olushola Oluokun, Director of Information, Communications, and Technology at the Nigerian Defence College, thanked Dr. Alake on behalf of the participants, describing the lecture as “enlightening and highly relevant” to their strategic studies.

The Minister’s address underscores the federal government’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s solid minerals sector into a cornerstone of economic diversification, security, and sustainable development.

Tired of Moving Motions Without Results — Benue Lawmaker Cries Out as Herders’ Killings Worsen

Toyin Adebayo
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Tired of Moving Motions Without Results — Benue Lawmaker Cries Out as Herders’ Killings Worsen

The lawmaker representing Otukpo–Ohimini Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Blessing Onuh, has cried out over the escalating wave of killings, kidnappings, and destruction of farmlands by suspected herders in her constituency, describing the situation as a national emergency requiring urgent federal intervention.

Speaking with journalists on Wednesday in Abuja, the visibly distraught two-term legislator lamented that despite her repeated motions on insecurity in the area, little has been done to provide lasting relief to the people.

“I am really pained and frustrated. How can I continue to move motions on insecurity without sustained response? Whenever I cry, they respond, but soon they retreat and then more gruesome attacks occur,” she said.

Onuh revealed that she has spent large sums of personal funds paying medical bills and funeral expenses for victims of the attacks, which she described as relentless and worsening.

According to her, on Sunday, November 9, 2025, four people were abducted in Asa Village, Otukpo Local Government Area, while eleven more were kidnapped in Akpegede Village just two days later, on Tuesday, November 11.

She expressed deep frustration that the perpetrators operate openly from camps within Otukpo, with security agencies allegedly aware of their locations.

“The most painful aspect is that the camp of these criminals is in Otukpo. All the security agencies are aware of it. They are there in their numbers with arms and ammunition,” she said.

Narrating a recent tragedy, Onuh recounted that on November 3, three villagers Pastor Simon Nkpachi, Inalegwu, and John Ejeh Ijegwa went missing after going to their farms. Later that day, the body of Pastor Nkpachi was found with machete wounds, while Inalegwu’s corpse was discovered the following day.

Before the community could recover from the shock, another attack occurred on November 4, leaving four more residents Stephen Ajeibi, Titus Ejeh (a blind man), Ekoja Gabriel, and Samuel Peter dead, with houses, food barns, and farmlands burnt to ashes.

“Up till now, the body of John Ejeh Ijegwa, popularly known as Dealer and an APC community leader, is still missing. Fear has not allowed anyone to enter the bush to search for his body,” she added.

In all, seven people were killed, with six bodies recovered and deposited at the Federal University Hospital, Otukpo mortuary, awaiting burial on Thursday, November 13, 2025.

Onuh appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct the new Service Chiefs and security agencies to intensify efforts toward apprehending the perpetrators and restoring peace to the affected communities.

“The killings in my constituency have reached an outrageous level. Every day, we witness the senseless murder of innocent people, and tragically, it is beginning to feel as though it is normal,” she lamented.

The lawmaker condemned what she described as “cosmetic responses” by some state and local officials who issue statements after each attack but fail to follow up with concrete actions.

“Are these killers above the law? Why is it so difficult to apprehend them and restore peace so our people can sleep with their two eyes closed?” she queried.

Onuh also warned that persistent attacks have forced farmers to abandon their farmlands, worsening food insecurity in the region.

While appealing to youths in the affected communities to avoid reprisal attacks, she pledged to continue engaging political stakeholders and security heads to bring an end to the killings.

“I will engage with political stakeholders and security heads to ensure these atrocities come to an end. Our people deserve to live in peace,” she assured.

Senate Rejects NNPCL’s Explanations on Unaccounted N210 Trillion, Threatens to Subpoena Former Executives

Ola Akinola
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0
Senate Rejects NNPCL’s Explanations on Unaccounted N210 Trillion, Threatens to Subpoena Former Executives

Abuja, November 12, 2025 – The Nigerian Senate has dismissed written submissions from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) regarding a staggering N210 trillion in financial discrepancies spanning 2017 to 2023, escalating its probe into alleged mismanagement at the state oil giant.

The Senate Committee on Public Accounts, chaired by Senator Aliyu Wadada (APC, Nasarawa West), took the decisive step during a session on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, after NNPCL management failed to appear in person despite prior agreements. The committee, tasked with scrutinizing 19 audit queries from the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation, described the company’s responses as evasive and riddled with contradictions.

“This date was chosen by NNPCL itself, yet none of their officials showed up,” Wadada told reporters, expressing frustration over Group Chief Executive Officer Engineer Bayo Ojulari’s absence. “The public deserves transparency. While we can’t conclude without their input, the committee will share our findings based on the documents provided.”

Red Flags in NNPCL’s Financial Claims

Wadada highlighted two primary issues totaling the N210 trillion shortfall: N103 trillion in purported accrued expenses and N107 trillion in receivables.

  • Accrued Expenses (N103 Trillion): The committee challenged NNPCL’s claim of paying this sum in cash calls to joint venture partners in 2023 alone. “Cash calls were abolished in 2016 under the Buhari administration,” Wadada noted. “How could NNPCL pay N103 trillion in one year when it generated only N24 trillion in crude revenue from 2017 to 2022? Where did this money come from? As far as this committee is concerned, it’s unjustifiable. The N103 trillion must be returned to the treasury.”
  • Receivables (N107 Trillion): Equivalent to about $117 billion at current rates, this figure—allegedly including funds held in defunct banks—was rejected outright for lacking specifics. “No bank or amount was named. This contradicts evidence provided by NNPCL itself,” Wadada said. “The committee is duty-bound to reject it.”

The probe also spotlighted the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), a subsidiary under NNPCL’s umbrella. Wadada accused NAPIMS of operating independently with its own accounts, in violation of legal mandates. “If the current management can’t provide answers, we’ll subpoena former GMDs [Group Managing Directors] and NAPIMS officials,” he warned.

No More Excuses: GCEO’s Presence Demanded

In a stern directive, Wadada mandated Ojulari’s personal attendance at future hearings. “Being out of the country is no longer an excuse. The next invitation requires the GCEO’s physical presence,” he stated. He further declared that the committee would no longer accept any NNPCL representations without the CEO’s involvement, signaling a hardening stance against perceived “offensive evasiveness.”

All committee members present endorsed Wadada’s position, underscoring bipartisan concern over the oil sector’s accountability.

Context of the Probe

The investigation stems from the Auditor-General’s reports, which flagged NNPCL for failing to remit or justify the N210 trillion amid broader questions on revenue transparency in Nigeria’s vital energy sector. NNPCL, restructured from the state-run Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation in 2021, has faced mounting scrutiny under Ojulari’s leadership—despite separate commendations from industry groups praising his push for “transparent leadership.”

This development intensifies pressure on NNPCL as Nigeria grapples with fuel subsidy reforms, oil theft, and fiscal shortfalls. The committee has vowed to reconvene with NNPCL officials soon, potentially invoking subpoenas to compel testimony from past executives if cooperation falters.

The full implications for NNPCL’s operations and Nigeria’s energy governance remain under watch, with Wadada emphasizing the probe’s role in safeguarding public funds.

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