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  • Zamfara APC disowns bandit kingpin Turji

    Zamfara APC disowns bandit kingpin Turji

    The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed the purported membership registration slip of the notorious bandit kingpin, Mohammed Bello Turji, that portrayed him as member of the party in Zamfara State as fake.

    The party declared that the notorious terrorist has no association or link with the party’s membership register and database.

    The social media has been awash with the APC membership slip of the bandit leader presenting him as a registered member of the ruling party.

    APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, in a statement in Abuja, said the digital parameters represented on the fake slip bear no connection to the party’s membership register.

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    Highlighting the fault lines on the slip, Morka said: “For example, the slip purports to be registered in a nonexistent “Ward 13” of Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State which only has 10 Wards,” adding that “all other information paraded on the fake slip are nonexistent and certainly not contained in our membership database.

    “This vile fabrication is the handiwork of mischief makers out to hoodwink and confuse members of the public for their sinister objectives.”

    Earlier, the Zamfara State chapter of the party had distanced itself from the purported membership registration of the notorious bandit kingpin.

    The party insisted that the temporary membership slip on display was forged.

    The state Publicity Secretary, Yusuf Idris Gusau, in a statement yesterday said the fake membership slip in circulation on social media was a calculated attempt by mischievous elements to smear the party’s image and discredit its ongoing electronic registration in the state.

    Gusau noted that the membership card was full of detectable forgery. He cited the photograph of the hardened criminal on the slip as the same popular picture known to security agencies and Nigerians.

    The party argued that no person could be duly registered without a NIN number, a critical item the party expressed doubt if Turji has, therefore making nonsense of the efforts of the mischief makers for failing to realise that APC programmes are mostly flawless.

    According to Gusau, “the forgers forgot that before any person is enrolled by NIMC he must fill a form that will contain his full information before he is captured how then could NIMC capture him with military uniform and gun on his shoulders or are they blind or had forgotten that such features are not acceptable.

    “Also, from our records of today’s (Tuesday) registration from Kware ward, we did not have the ID number with the initial ID code ‘26’ which is for  Niger state but forged for Zamfara membership card, talkless of the name.’’

  • DHQ denies neglect of wounded soldiers

    DHQ denies neglect of wounded soldiers

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has debunked reports circulating on social media alleging that it has neglected personnel wounded in action.

    The military high command maintained that, contrary to a viral video alleging “lack of care and institutional indifference to the welfare of military personnel wounded in action,” the welfare of its personnel, especially those wounded in action, remains a top moral priority.

    According to a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen Samaila Uba, yesterday personnel injured during operations or combat are entitled to comprehensive medical care, locally and abroad, depending on the nature and severity of injuries, under established Armed Forces medical policies.

    The statement said: “The Armed Forces of Nigeria routinely facilitates advanced treatment for critically wounded personnel in reputable medical facilities outside Nigeria where such care is required.

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    “Within Nigeria, wounded personnel receive treatment across the Armed Forces’ network of military hospitals and medical centres, complemented where necessary by referrals to specialised civilian facilities at government expense. Medical evacuation, surgery, rehabilitation, prosthetics and long-term care are integral parts of this framework.

    “The Armed Forces also maintain favourable discharge and medical boarding conditions for personnel whose injuries prevent further service, ensuring access to pensions, gratuities and other statutory benefits in line with extant regulations.

    “In addition, families of personnel killed in action are not abandoned. They are supported through death benefits, insurance payouts, pensions, educational support initiatives for dependants and continuous engagement by military authorities.”

    The DHQ noted that beyond medical treatment, wounded personnel benefit from structured welfare support, including rehabilitation programmes, counselling, family support mechanisms and sustained command oversight.

    It stated that the soldiers shown in the viral video were clear evidence of the military’s efforts to rehabilitate those wounded in action, as they were all living witnesses. This, it said, also proved that the report’s insinuation that “nobody cares” about injured or fallen soldiers was inaccurate and unfair.

  • Benue APC family unites through e-Registration

    Benue APC family unites through e-Registration

    For the first time in three years, stakeholders of the All Progressive Congress (APC), under the administration of Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, and supporters of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, have put aside their differences and are working together in unity.

    This new found harmony is attributed to the ongoing APC e-registration across the 23 local government areas in the state.

    Previously, the party was divided into two factions, with the masses holding significant influence while the stakeholders struggled to assert their relevance.

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    However, with the e-registration, both groups have set aside their differences and are working together seamlessly,using a portal.

    Those who spoke with The Nation welcomed this development and urged the parties to sustain the peaceful atmosphere within the party and put aside their differences in the interest of the people.

    Meanwhile, there has been a massive turnout of party members for the e-Registration at the local governments and wards.

    Alia kicked off the exercise two weeks ago, and Akume has deployed over 500 personnel to fast-track the process, with both groups working in peace and harmony.

  • Radda orders renovation of NYSC camp facilities

    Radda orders renovation of NYSC camp facilities

    • Compensates three Corps members

    Katsina State Governor Dikko Umar Radda yesterday ordered the renovation of the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp facilities in Katsina.

    The governor also compensated the three youth Corps members who were victims of the recent fire disaster which razed part of the camp with N500,000 each.

    Radda gave the order when he sent a team from the Ministries of Youth and Sports Development and Works to the camp to assess the level of repairs.

    The camp was built by the government of the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and was inaugurated by Governor Shehu Shema’s administration.

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    The facilities have since breakdown, especially the male hostels and staff quarters.

    Successive governments have neglected the renovation of the camp and thus allowed it to deteriorate and be ravaged  by vandals.

    The facilities used for female hostels in the camp were renovated by the immediate past  government  in 2019.

    The camp faced the problem of gross inadequate mattresses and old beddings, and lack of plastic chairs for sitting during lectures.

    The decision of the government to renovate the camp, and build a training centre, was received with joy by the Corps members as it offered better conveniences.

    The three Corps members affected by the fire in their places of primary assignment and lost their belongings to it, were also gladdened by the compensation from the governor.

  • Yari to distribute 746 trucks of food for Ramadan

    Yari to distribute 746 trucks of food for Ramadan

    Former Zamfara state Governor and Senator representing Zamfara West Senatorial District, has authorised the delivery of 746 trucks of assorted food items for distribution to the people as part of this year’s Ramadan welfare package.

    Chairman of Senator Abdulaziz Yari Palliatives’ State Distribution Committee, Dr. Lawal M Liman, announced this in Gusau, the state capital.

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    Liman said out of 746 trucks, 628 are for the people of the state irrespective of their political alignment.

    In a statement, the Chairman Publicity Committee of Sen. Yari Palliative, Ibrahim Danmadamin Birnin Magaji, gave the breakdown of the distribution as follows: “118 trucks of rice will be given to Polling Unit Committees through the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC across 147 political wards in Zamfara State as phase one.

    He explained that each of the 14 local government areas of the state would receive 45 trucks.

    The chairman further explained that a total of 315,000 beneficiaries were captured for the distribution which is expected to start before the beginning of the Ramadan.

    The Gabon Naura implored executives of the distribution chain to ensure strict compliance with the procedures.

  • 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)

  • ‘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. 

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    “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)