The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Jesus no longer on the cross, Korede Bello shares journey from Islam to Christianity

    Jesus no longer on the cross, Korede Bello shares journey from Islam to Christianity

    Singer Korede Bello has shared a reflective message on faith, reaffirming his commitment to Christianity.

    In a video on Instagram, Bello questioned the focus on Jesus’ crucifixion, stating that as a Christian, Christ’s sacrifice is complete and there’s no need for re-crucifixion.

    “Does Jesus still belong on the cross? Before you crucify me, please be aware that I am a Christian and Christ has already died for me. He has already been crucified for me, so there’ll be no need for that. Jesus never said remember me on the cross. Am I saying the cross is not important? No”, he said.

    Bello explained that his message was inspired by a moment of prayer and reflection, during which he realised that Jesus is no longer on the cross but seated next to the Father.

    “I was praying and looking at the cross when it hit me that He’s no longer on it. When I think Jesus, I think my identity is seated right next to the Father. That’s where I am,” he said.

    He stressed that the resurrection is central to the Christian faith, citing Apostle Paul’s words: “If Christ has not risen, then your faith is futile.”

    Bello also shared his personal journey, revealing that he was born and raised a Muslim but became a Christian through personal study of the Bible.

    “I was not born a Christian. I was born a Muslim, I had to start at the Bible myself, not for religious reasons, but for personal reasons,” he explained.

    He expressed concern that many Christians remain fixated on the image of Christ on the cross, emphasising that their faith and identity should be in the risen Christ.

    Read Also: Korede Bello, Jimmy Jatt, Daayuur headline BlastOff with Turbo D

    “Our faith and identity are in the Christ who has ascended and is right next to the Father. When we pray, we’re praying through someone who is not on earth or on the tree. The cross carried our sins. The old identity is gone. Staying there is like nailing Christ over and over again,” he said.

    The singer urged believers to focus on love as the true mark of Christian identity, citing Jesus’ teaching: “People will know you’re my followers by the love you have for each other.”

    He also spoke on communion, saying it was the true act of remembrance.

    “He said when you eat the bread and drink the wine, do it in remembrance of me. He didn’t say remember me on the cross,” Bello added.

    He concluded by encouraging Christians to live renewed lives, saying: “Be well, be safe, be renewed, and be Christ-like. Think mega”.

  • Army sustains offensives against terrorists, rescues dozens of kidnapped victims nationwide

    Army sustains offensives against terrorists, rescues dozens of kidnapped victims nationwide

    The Nigerian Army has sustained coordinated offensive operations nationwide in the last 24 hours, neutralising terrorists, destroying camps and rescuing kidnapped victims across several operational theatres.

    A credible military source disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

    He said the troops of 1 Brigade under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, responded to intelligence at Gidan Baushe village, Maradun area of Zamfara where a civilian with gunshot wounds was evacuated.

    He added that troops of 8 Division Garrison Strike Team carried out a dawn offensive into terrorist hideouts in Sububu Forest, destroying several camps and logistics structures after tracking active motorcycle routes.

    According to him, troops fought through an ambush, dominated the general area and recovered military items, including a ballistic helmet, combat boots, woodland camouflage and two Baofeng radios.

    Under Operation MESA in Kogi, the source said that troops of 12 Brigade rescued six kidnapped victims in separate operations across Yagba East and Yagba West Local Government Areas.

    He said that one terrorist was neutralised during a firefight, while injured victims are responding to treatment, as sustained military pressure, including air operations, forced terrorists to abandon some captives.

    Read Also: Army troops neutralise six terrorists in Zamfara

    In Kwara, he said the troops of 22 Brigade, working with DSS and ONSA teams, raided a notorious terrorist enclave in Ifelodun Local Government Area, uncovering and destroying camps, a motorcycle and large quantities of food.

    “Meanwhile, troops of 32 Brigade responded to terrorist attacks around Eleyowo and Ilu Abo communities in Akure North LGA of Ondo State, where two houses were attacked and three civilians killed.

    “Troops pursued the attackers, while injured victims were evacuated by community members and local support groups as security forces continued dominance operations in the affected areas.

    “In Benue, under Operation Whirl Stroke, troops laid an ambush along the Naka–Ahume–Makurdi road in Gwer West Local Government Area, neutralising two terrorists and recovering an AK-47 rifle.

    “Items recovered during the Benue operation included an AK-47 magazine and ammunition, which are currently in military custody for further investigation and follow-up actions,” he said.

    The source said the troops of the Nigerians army would be relentless to deny terrorists freedom of action and ensure safety of lives and property nationwide.

    (NAN)

  • Ijaw, Isoko, Itsekiri to engage governor on funding

    Ijaw, Isoko, Itsekiri to engage governor on funding

    Elders and leaders of Ijaw, Isoko and Itsekiri ethnic nationalities in Delta South Senatorial District have reviewed their development strategy, with plans to engage the Delta State Government on issues affecting their communities.

    The leaders, under the auspices of the Ijaw, Isoko and Itsekiri Leaders’ Forum (3Is), are seeking dialogue with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to address concerns relating to infrastructural development, funding of intervention agencies and inclusive governance.

    A source familiar with discussions at a meeting held in Warri on Tuesday, said the elders agreed on the need to interface with the governor on challenges facing the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), the spread of major infrastructure projects across the state and improved communication between the government and community elders outside active partisan politics.

    Read Also: Police invite Itsekiri chiefs over ‘killing’

    According to the source, the forum observed that since the current administration, there had been limited public information on DESOPADEC’s budgetary operations, and the commission appeared to be suffering from timely release of funds “despite the more than triple increase of the monthly derivation money from FAAC.” 

  • ‘Tinubu’s Türkiye visit strategic for counterterrorism, military collaboration’

    ‘Tinubu’s Türkiye visit strategic for counterterrorism, military collaboration’

    A security expert, Ambassador Abayomi Mumuni, has described President Bola Tinubu’s official visit to Türkiye as a strategic opportunity for Nigeria to deepen counterterrorism efforts and expand military collaboration amid growing security challenges.

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, in a statement by his media aide, Rasheed Abubakar, on Tuesday, said the visit represents more than a routine diplomatic engagement, adding that it offers a timely window to strengthen Nigeria’s long-standing security and defence partnership with Türkiye.

    Mumuni, who served on the intelligence and security team of the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council during the 2023 election, said Türkiye’s rising profile in global defence and security cooperation makes it a critical partner for Nigeria, which continues to contend with terrorism, banditry and other transnational threats.

    According to him, while Nigeria and Türkiye have enjoyed decades of cooperation in areas such as trade, education and diplomacy, the current security realities demand a sharper focus on counterterrorism, ammunition supply and military partnerships.

    He noted that Türkiye’s experience in combating terrorism, securing borders and managing complex armed conflicts provide valuable lessons Nigeria can adapt to its own security landscape. Mumuni said Ankara’s blend of operational successes and challenges could help Nigeria strengthen its national security architecture.

    The APC chieftain also called for inclusive and mutually beneficial defence dialogue, arguing that structured military cooperation and ammunition transactions would significantly enhance Nigeria’s capacity to address both internal and external security threats.

    He further urged Nigeria to assert its sovereignty and independence in selecting defence partners, cautioning against undue pressure or restrictive policies from other nations that limit access to critical military assets. 

    Read Also: Tinubu not first President to stumble – Onoh

    A dependable partnership with Türkiye, he said, could help Nigeria overcome constraints posed by arms embargoes and procurement bottlenecks.

    He described President Tinubu’s visit as a strong signal of Nigeria’s determination to advance its interests on the global stage, adding that deeper security collaboration with Türkiye would contribute to national stability, territorial integrity and the safety of citizens.

    Mumuni called on Nigerians to support the engagement, saying it has the potential to pave the way for a more secure and prosperous country.

  • Customs, NDLEA smash drug smuggling ring, intercept 347.5kg Canadian loud in Apapa port

    Customs, NDLEA smash drug smuggling ring, intercept 347.5kg Canadian loud in Apapa port

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has swooped on a suspected international drug trafficking ring that specialises in smuggling Canadian loud and other prohibited items into the country through the Lagos Port Complex (LPC), Apapa.

    Findings revealed that 347.5 kilograms of Canadian Loud; a potent strain of cannabis,  hidden inside an imported Toyota Sienna vehicle was intercepted though the joint efforts.

    A detailed weighing of the seized confirmed the breakdown as 10 bags at 25kg each, One at 29kg, and Two at 34.5kg and 34kg respectively, totaling 347.5kg.

    The illicit substance was concealed by the traffickers in 13 bags within one of four vehicles contained in a single import consignment.

    The seizure was made barely 24 hours after the Customs Area Controller, Emmanuel Oshoba, received a World Customs Organisation (WCO) Certificate of Merit. 

    The interception marks the fourth significant joint drug seizure by the NCS and NDLEA at Apapa Port under two months, underscoring Comptroller Oshoba’s firm commitment that no cargo whether import or export will pass through the port without thorough examination.

    According to Oshoba: “Any attempt by criminal elements to traffic prohibited items through Apapa Port will be detected and thwarted. We remain vigilant and resolute in the discharge of our duty to protect our society and national security.”

    The operation , Osoba said, highlights the exemplary inter-agency collaboration championed by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

    “Through intelligence sharing and joint efforts, NCS and NDLEA officers have consistently outmaneuvered smuggling networks in Nigeria’s maritime sector,” Osoba said.

    He noted that the seizure is a direct outcome of this strengthened partnership and emphasised that the upcoming deployment of a high-capacity 200-container-per-hour drive-through scanner will further enhance technology-driven anti-smuggling operations. 

    Both the NCS and NDLEA’s  Standard Operating Procedures continue to foster zero tolerance, unwavering professionalism and seamless cooperation among officers.

    Read Also: World Customs hails Nigeria’s report on ports efficiency

    In line with established protocols, the seized 347.5kg of Canadian Loud has been formally handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution of associated suspects.

    This latest success builds on the recognition accorded to Comptroller Oshoba and NDLEA Apapa Special Area Commander Mohammed Tukur, who were both awarded the WCO Certificate of Merit on Monday, 26 January 2026, in Abuja as part of activities commemorating the International Customs Day celebrations in Nigeria. 

    This interception, Osoba said, ” aligns with the 2026 ICD theme: “Customs Protecting Society Through Vigilance and Commitment.”

    The Area Controller reaffirms the Command’s dedication to facilitating legitimate trade while intensifying efforts to disrupt illicit activities and safeguard society. 

  • N3bn worth of properties destroyed by fire in C’River

    N3bn worth of properties destroyed by fire in C’River

    The Federal Fire Service (FFS), Cross River Command, says properties estimated at over N3 billion were destroyed by fire in the state between in 2025.

    The State Commanding Officer of the Service, Mrs Olumayowa Olomola, disclosed this on Wednesday in Calabar in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

    Omolola said that the value of destruction was recorded from 18 fire incidents that affected 14 houses across the state.

    The commanding officer described the nature of the incidents to include gas explosion, electrical fire, bush fire, and tanker laden with petroleum products.

    According to her, these fire incidents led to two deaths while five persons sustained various degree of injuries.

    Read Also: Catholic priest hails Ayade’s human capital legacy in Cross River

    Omolola said the  Command is doing it best within it limits, and appeal for more support in the area of logistics.

    According to her, the command is confronted with the challenges of shortage of diesel, unavailability of water tanker, ambulance, and utility vehicles.

    She also spoke on the need to open more fire offices within Calabar city and other local government areas of the state.

    (NAN)

  • Nigeria, Türkiye to fast-track trade, energy, defence ties — Tinubu

    Nigeria, Türkiye to fast-track trade, energy, defence ties — Tinubu

    President Bola Tinubu says Nigeria and Türkiye have agreed to fast-track cooperation in trade, energy and defence to boost jobs, investment and shared prosperity.

    The President disclosed this on Tuesday via his official X handle during his ongoing State Visit to Ankara, Türkiye.

    Tinubu said discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan focused on deepening bilateral relations and delivering tangible economic benefits for citizens of both countries.

    “President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and I reaffirmed our shared ambition, which speaks directly to jobs, investment and opportunity for our people,” the President said.

    He said both leaders agreed on the need to expand trade volumes and remove structural barriers limiting business growth between Nigeria and Türkiye.

    “We are creating a clear pathway to a five-billion-dollar trade volume between Nigeria and Türkiye,” Tinubu stated.

    The President described the talks as practical and forward-looking, driven by mutual interests and shared regional and global responsibilities.

    “Our conversations were practical and forward-looking: trade and investment, energy, education, defence cooperation, peace and security,” he said.

    Tinubu announced the establishment of a Joint Economy and Trade Committee to drive implementation of agreements and attract fresh investments.

    “The creation of a Joint Economy and Trade Committee will unlock new flows of capital,” the President noted.

    He said the committee would also support industrial growth, technology transfer and stronger private sector participation.

    Tinubu welcomed President Erdoğan’s acknowledgement of Nigeria’s ongoing reforms, especially in the energy and investment sectors.

    “I welcome President Erdoğan’s recognition of Nigeria’s reform momentum, particularly in the energy sector,” he said.

    The President said the renewed confidence reflected Nigeria’s commitment to transparency, stability and sustainable economic growth.

    “We are determined to build an economy that works for everyone, including the most vulnerable,” Tinubu added.

    On regional security, Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s responsibility to promote peace and stability across Africa.

    Read Also: Tinubu not first President to stumble – Onoh

    “Nigeria will continue to play its role in peace and stability in Africa,” the President said.

    He said Türkiye’s expertise in counter-terrorism and defence cooperation would strengthen collective responses to emerging security threats.

    “Türkiye’s experience and readiness to cooperate in training, intelligence sharing and counter-terrorism strengthen our resolve,” he stated.

    Tinubu said nine bilateral agreements were exchanged at the end of the meetings between both leaders.

    The agreements cover defence, education, media cooperation, diaspora policy, trade facilitation, social development and institutional collaboration.

    “Nigeria remains open for serious partnership. Open to trade without barriers, ideas, skills and investment that create value and shared prosperity,” he said.

    Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to inclusive growth, peaceful coexistence and active global engagement.

    “We are building an inclusive economy. We are strengthening peace. Nigeria will continue to engage the world with confidence and clarity,” Tinubu said.

    (NAN)

  • Tinubu not first President to stumble – Onoh

    Tinubu not first President to stumble – Onoh

    The former Southeast spokesman to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Chairman of the Forum of Former Members of Enugu Assembly, Denge Josef Onoh, has pointed out there is nothing strange about the President’s stumble while on official engagement in Turkey on Tuesday.

    Onoh accused the opposition politicians of engaging in a baseless propaganda, seeking to exploit a minor incident during President Tinubu’s state visit to Turkey.

    Tinubu stumbled while in an official welcome ceremony in Ankara-Turkey, bringing about a media frenzy in Nigeria.

    But Onoh described the brief stumble as an entirely human occurrence that in no way reflects on his vigour, focus, or the significance of the visit.

    He emphasised that such incidents are inherent risks of high office where leaders constantly navigate unfamiliar venues, ceremonial protocols, and gruelling schedules under intense public scrutiny.

    Onoh noted that history is full of similar momentary slips by world leaders, including President Gerald Ford of United States of America who famously tumbled down the steps of Air Force One in Austria in 1975.

    He also recalled that President Joe Biden of USA also tripped multiple times on the stairs of Air Force One in 2021 while President Barack Obama also briefly stumbled while disembarking Air Force One at Andrews Air Force Base on March 29, 2015, after returning from a golf trip in Florida.

    Other world leaders he cited to have slipped while in official engagement included the Chinese President Xi Jinping, who was involved in a widely noted slip in 2019; same as the Former Cuban leader Fidel Castro who fell off a stage in 2004 and former U.S. Vice President, Mike Pence, who had a similar stumble while boarding Air Force Two.

    These examples, Onoh said, serve as reminders that even the most accomplished leaders are human and prone to occasional missteps.

    Addressing the cause of the incident, Onoh referenced explanations from the President’s team that it stemmed from a poorly laid blue carpet at the ceremony venue, creating an uneven surface and causing a brief loss of footing.

    “It is not any health-related issue. President Tinubu quickly regained his composure, received assistance, and continued seamlessly with his program,” Onoh said. 

    Onoh stressed that the minor mishap did not hinder the visit’s core objectives: strengthening bilateral ties between Nigeria and Turkey, boosting trade, investment, defense cooperation, and infrastructure opportunities that directly benefit Nigeria and its people. 

    Read Also: ‘Economic model under Tinubu to drive higher GDP’

    The President proceeded with scheduled bilateral meetings with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and other senior officials, demonstrating unwavering commitment and resilience.

    “In the service of Nigeria,” Onoh concluded, “any small personal discomfort a leader endures—whether a stumble or greater sacrifice—is worthwhile if it advances the greater good of our country and its citizens. True leaders embrace such moments as part of their noble duty to place national interest above all else.”

    He urged the opposition and all political actors to channel their energies constructively: rather than fixating on fleeting incidents or amplifying them for partisan gain. 

    He asked them to offer substantive alternatives, propose viable solutions to national challenges, and contribute meaningfully to progress—instead of opposing everything while proposing nothing.

    Onoh reaffirmed that President Tinubu remains in great shape and fully dedicated to delivering for Nigerians, calling on all to rally around the bigger picture of shared prosperity and unity.

  • Residents raise security alarm over vacant Aresa-Adu throne

    Residents raise security alarm over vacant Aresa-Adu throne

    Indigenes and residents of Iresa-Adu in Surulere Local Government Area of Oyo State have raised the alarm over security breaches in the town following the arrest of two suspected cow rustlers. 

    The Oyo Police Command  confirmed the arrest of Abu Muhammed and Aliu Bello in a statement 

     by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayin. 

    “The Oyo State Police Command wishes to inform the public that two suspected cattle rustlers, Abu Muhammed and Aliu Bello, have been apprehended following a swift response to a report received at Iresadu Division. 

    “During the operation, twenty-six stolen cows, estimated at ₦6,250,000, were successfully recovered, reflecting the tangible results of coordinated police and community efforts in protecting property and livelihoods,” the statement reads. 

    Residents of Iresa-Adu attributed the weak security architecture in the town to absence of a First Class monarch for almost nine years.

     Iresa-Adu shares borders with Kwara and Osun States. Kwara, which has come under banditry and kidnap attacks, shares border with the town.

    The Aresa of Iresa-Adu is a foremost monarch in Yoruba history and literature. But the Aresa of Iresa-Adu throne has been vacant for almost nine years, making it difficult for the many towns and villages in that section of Oyo State to work together in battling the common security challenges.

    The Oyo Police Command said the arrest of the suspected cattle rustlers arrests was made possible through cooperation with local community security structures, which helped track the suspects as they attempted to evade detection.

    Aganya is a village very close to Iresa-Adu central township, which is just 15 minutes away from Ogbomoso township. 

    The reminder of the exposure of the town & its surrounding to criminal elements has made residents of the town renew their outcry towards the Oyo State Government to help resolve the Aresa-Adu of Iresa-Adu throne. 

    It is widely speculated in the town that the Aresa-Adu has the power to bring together all border towns and villages under it to work together with the Oyo government and the Nigerian Police to forestall importation of criminal elements into Oyo State.

  • Legal expert seeks stronger protection of children’s rights

    Legal expert seeks stronger protection of children’s rights

    A child rights advocate and legal practitioner, Awele Ideal, has called on parents, communities, institutions, and authorities to take urgent responsibility for the protection and welfare of children, stressing that child rights are fundamental human rights that must be actively upheld.

    In a statement on child rights, Ideal, a legal expert, explained that the concept of children’s rights dates back to the 18th century and has since evolved through major international instruments.

    These include the Geneva Declaration of the Rights of the Child, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC).

    These frameworks, she noted, guarantee children’s rights to survival, development, protection, and participation.

    She highlighted that Nigeria’s Child Rights Act of 2003, enacted in line with international obligations, defines a child as any person under the age of 18 and places the best interest of the child as the paramount consideration in all actions concerning them.

    The law, according to her, “prohibits child marriage, child labour, trafficking, exploitation, abuse, female genital mutilation, and all forms of inhuman treatment of children.”

    She said: “Children are entitled to basic rights such as life, identity, education, healthcare, freedom from discrimination, protection from violence, and participation in matters affecting them.”

    She also stressed that discipline must never involve physical or emotional harm, warning against corporal punishment and other abusive practices.

    Speaking on child abuse, she outlined its various forms, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, neglect, trafficking, and exploitation.

    She noted that such violations have long-term physical, psychological, and social consequences on children.

    Ideal identified vulnerable groups such as street children, children with disabilities, orphans, child brides, trafficked children, and children in conflict with the law as being at higher risk.

    The legal expert further explained that child protection is a shared responsibility involving families, communities, institutions, government, and international bodies, adding that failure at any level weakens the child protection system.

    She called for effective case management, proper investigation, reporting, and referral systems to ensure justice and rehabilitation for affected children.

    The legal practitioner urged society to show compassion and commitment to safeguarding children, describing them as the future of the nation whose rights and dignity must never be compromised.