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  • 3 die in road crash on Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway – Official

    3 die in road crash on Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway – Official

    The Ogun Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE) says three persons lost their lives in a road accident at the Toll Gate area along the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway.

    Mr Salau Hammed, the Ota Divisional Commander of TRACE, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Ota.

    Hammed said the accident occurred on Wednesday night when a Scania truck loaded with plywood, bearing registration number GGE 681 XD, reportedly suffered brake failure.

    He said an eyewitness explained that the truck, which was coming from Sango, rammed into a vehicle and some commuters who were waiting to board a bus to their destinations.

    Read Also: Three injured in Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway crash

    According to him, four persons were involved in the accident, three of whom – two males and one female – died on the spot.

    “The corpses of the victims have been deposited at the General Hospital morgue in Ifo,” he said.

    The divisional commander warned motorists against speeding and advised them to ensure their vehicles were roadworthy.

    He added that the crashed vehicle had been towed away to ease traffic congestion in the area.

    (NAN)

  • Nwabali leaves Chippa United after four-year spell

    Nwabali leaves Chippa United after four-year spell

    Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has officially parted ways with Chippa United after spending four years at the club.

    Chippa United confirmed Nwabali’s departure in a statement released on Thursday, revealing that the 29-year-old submitted a formal request to leave despite signing a three-year contract extension in 2024. The club stated that it had accepted his request and granted him a release.

    The statement read, “We would like to sincerely thank Stanley Nwabali for the years of service, commitment, and professionalism he has shown during his time at Chippa United Football Club, his contribution to the club will always be appreciated, and we wish him success in the next chapter of his career.”

    The club did not disclose whether Nwabali has already secured a move elsewhere or if he will be available as a free agent. The goalkeeper has also remained silent on his next destination.

    Read Also: Nwabali stops Salah, Marmoush as Nigeria claim AFCON bronze

    However, reports suggest that Nwabali is attracting interest from other clubs within the Premier Soccer League, as well as suitors in Europe and Saudi Arabia, following his rise in profile over the past two seasons.

    Nwabali joined Chippa United from Katsina United in 2022 and went on to make over 70 appearances for the South African side. His leadership qualities were recognised in 2024 when he was appointed club captain.

    During his time at Chippa, Nwabali established himself as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper, a status cemented by his standout performances at the Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire. His exit now brings to a close a significant chapter in his career, with anticipation growing over where he will play next.

  • Ewah assumes duty as Plateau CP

    Ewah assumes duty as Plateau CP

    Mr Bassey Ewah, on Thursday assumed duty as the 46th Commissioner of Police of Plateau.

    Ewah replaced Mr Emmanuel Adesina, who retired from active service recently.

    Addressing personnel of the command, Ewah promised to sustain the already existing peace in the state.

    “I stand before you today as the 46th Commissioner of Police in this state.

    “I want to assure you that it will not be business as usual under my watch.

    “We will build on the already established peace in this great state, and we will work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of all citizens.

    Read Also: Plateau offers free anti-snake venom drugs

    “I charge all officers and men of this command to bring their best game forward and work towards taking Plateau back to its original state as the Home of Peace and Tourism,”he said.

    Ewah  promised to be diligent and committed to duty,  and called on residents of the state to support the command towards ensuring lasting peace.

    “We will work with the good people of Plateau to identify and address security challenges, and we will not rest until we achieve our goals,”he said.

    The commissioner also promised to collaborate with other security agencies improve  security in the state.

    (NAN)

  • Forest security receives 111 complaints in Kano

    Forest security receives 111 complaints in Kano

    The Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS), Kano State Command, says it received 111 complaints in the month of January.

    The state Commander, Abdullahi Al’ameen, disclosed this in a statement signed by the service Public Relations Officer, Malam Usman Umar, on Thursday in Kano.

    Al’ameen said that most of the cases reported were on bush burning, cattle rustling, car theft, deforestation, motorcycle and tricycle theft, house and shop breaking, thuggery, robbery among others.

    He said that out of the 111 complainants, 29 had been treated, while 82 were pending.

    He further said that the main activity of the service include prevention, detection of crimes and illegal activities perpetrated in the forests.

    Read Also: Rep hails Tinubu for approving forest security guard

    He added that the command would continue to partner with relevant stakeholders on community policing.

    “Our personnel will be trained to gather relevant information on armed robbers, thieves, among others,” he said.

    The commander also said that the NFSS would continue to secure and make forest free crime zones.

    He urged the public to report criminal activities happening in their communities and surrounding.

    (NAN)

  • Overloading: LASTMA impounds 27 commercial buses in Lagos

    Overloading: LASTMA impounds 27 commercial buses in Lagos

    The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has commenced a statewide enforcement initiative aimed at tackling hazardous practice of vehicular overloading.

    The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Lagos.

    He noted that the impounding of vehicles was part of the authority’s sustained commitment to enhancing road safety and enforcing uncompromising compliance with extant traffic regulations across the state.

    According to him, 27 commercial and private vehicles impounded during an early-morning enforcement exercise, was after repeated warnings issued through multiple public sensitisation platforms.

    “The operation was executed following heightened concerns over the escalating risks posed by overloaded vehicles on major arterial corridors and densely trafficked inner-city routes.

    “LASTMA enforcement officers field assessment exposed a deeply disconcerting pattern wherein motorists particularly operators of commercial vehicles indiscriminately burden their vehicles with assorted goods, stored indiscriminately within luggage compartments and precariously mounted atop vehicle roofs.

    Read Also: Fallen heroes: LASTMA families get 40m from LASG

    “Such unsafe practices grossly obstruct rearward visibility, destabilise vehicular balance and critically impair a driver’s situational awareness of approaching traffic, especially during overtaking, thereby substantially increasing the probability of avoidable road traffic collisions,” he said.

    The general manager emphasised that vehicular overloading constitute a serious contravention of the state’s traffic laws, posing grave dangers not only to the occupants of the offending vehicles but also to other road users.

    He consequently, reaffirmed the agency’s zero-tolerance stance against all traffic infractions that imperil lives and property, warning that enforcement actions against defaulters would remain sustained, intensified and  uncompromising.

    “LASTMA urges all motorists to adhere strictly to stipulated loading capacities, maintain unobstructed visibility at all times and prioritise roadworthiness and safety in their daily operations.

    “The agency remains resolute in the execution of its statutory mandate to enforce traffic laws professionally, equitably and without prejudice in furtherance of the Lagos state government’s unwavering commitment to a safe, orderly and efficient transportation system across the state,” he said

    LASTMA urged members of the public to promptly report any commercial or private vehicles found to be in violation of prescribed loading limits, through its toll-free line on 0800-005-27862, to enable swift enforcement.

    (NAN)

  • BREAKING: INEC register two new parties 

    BREAKING: INEC register two new parties 

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the registration of two new political parties, bring the number of parties in the country to 21.

    National Chairman of INEC, Prof. Joaish Amupitan, who announced this at the first quarterly meeting with political party leaders listed the new parties as Democratic Leadership Alliance and National Democratic Congress.

    Prof. Amupitan said while only the Democratic Leadership Alliance met all the conditions for the registration of political parties, the National Democratic Congress is being registered in obedience to the judgement of the Federal High Court in Lokoja.

    Read Also: INEC to revalidate voter register before 2027 polls

    He said certificate of registration will be handed over to the new political parties 

    Details shortly… 

  • BREAKING: INEC recognises Wike-backed PDP faction

    BREAKING: INEC recognises Wike-backed PDP faction

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has tacitly recognised the FCT Minister, Nyelsom Wike-backed National Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Abdulrahman Mohammed.

    The duo of Mohammed and the Acting National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu are part of party leaders attending the first quarterly meeting between the commission and political party leaders.

    The meeting is meant for only national chairmen and National Secretaries of all registered parties recognised by the Commission.

    Read Also: INEC to revalidate voter register before 2027 polls

    The Federal High Court in Ibadan had directed the commission to recognise the Abdulrahman Mohammed led caretaker Committee as the genuine leadership of the party.

     Details shortly… 

  • Downstream deregulation, forex reforms save Nigeria N6trn fuel import losses – NMDPRA 

    Downstream deregulation, forex reforms save Nigeria N6trn fuel import losses – NMDPRA 

    The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) says the cumulative impact of full downstream deregulation and forex reforms has saved Nigeria over N6 trillion in fuel import losses.

    Mr Saidu Mohammed, Chief Executive, NMDPRA, who made this known at the ongoing Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) 2026, in Abuja, said this was in first nine months of 2025.

    Delivering a keynote address at the Mid/Downstream Transformation Debate with the theme ”Driving Nigeria’s Downstream Renaissance: Regulation, Investment, and Market Confidence”, Mohammed attributed much of the sector’s progress being witnessed currently to the bold economic reforms of President Bola Tinubu.

    According to him, the bold economic reforms of the President have created the renaissance that the downstream sector is enjoying and will continue to leverage upon for sustained sectoral growth in the future.

    “The cumulative impact of the full deregulation of the downstream sector; harmonisation of the forex market; incentivisation and deepening the gas utilisation and trading of crude and product in Naira have reduced the fiscal economic losses of importing petroleum product by over N6 trillion in the first nine months in 2025.

    “We congratulate and celebrate Mr President and our Ministers for these enduring leadership legacies in the downstream energy sector.”

    He said that for decades, Nigeria’s downstream value chain was characterised by infrastructure deficits, weak market structures, inefficient supply chains, poor regulatory compliance, inadequate investment, and unacceptable safety and environmental standards.

    ”Today, that narrative is rapidly changing; the sector is witnessing early but irreversible signs of transformation driven by bold reforms, enabled by investment, and sustained by effective regulatory oversight,” he said.

    He added that the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 had fundamentally reshaped the nation’s downstream sector into a fully liberalised market, eliminating persistent scarcity and supply uncertainty.

    Read Also: Dangote Refinery denies fuel importation

    He explained that supply stability had ensured consistent availability of petroleum products, while pricing was increasingly driven by market fundamentals, creating the stability required to attract investment.

    Mohammed also highlighted the transformation of the downstream supply chain, which historically depended almost entirely on imported petroleum products.

    He said the sector was benefiting from increased domestic refining capacity, expanded gas-based alternative fuels, improved logistics, and stronger private-sector participation.

    “At the centre of this shift is the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, the world’s largest single-train refinery with an installed capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, which is already meeting a significant portion and in some cases all of Nigeria’s domestic petroleum product requirements.

    ”The optimal operationalisation and future expansion of this facility are critical to Nigeria’s aspiration of becoming a regional and continental energy hub,” Mohammed said.

    He expressed optimism that additional refinery projects with issued Licences to Establish (LTEs), alongside the rehabilitation of NNPC Ltd. refineries, would increase Nigeria’s installed refining capacity to over one million barrels per day in the medium term.

    (NAN)

  • Troops dislodge IPOB/ESN fighters, nab kidnap suspects in South-East – Army

    Troops dislodge IPOB/ESN fighters, nab kidnap suspects in South-East – Army

    Troops of the Nigerian Army have recorded significant operational successes in the South-East and South-South with the dislodgement of IPOB/ESN fighters from key enclaves and the arrest of suspected kidnappers during intelligence-led operations.

    A credible military source told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that troops of Operation UDO KA successfully dislodged suspected IPOB/ESN fighters from their hideouts in the Mother Valley general area of Orsumoghu, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra.

    He said the operation followed actionable intelligence indicating that the terrorists were massing to enforce an illegal sit-at-home order within the area on Feb. 2.

    According to him, ground troops, supported by air assets, conducted coordinated offensive operations which forced the terrorists to flee into surrounding forests.

    “Radio intercepts and aerial surveillance suggested that several of the fighters were neutralised during the engagement, while troops have continued to dominate the area to intercept fleeing or wounded elements.

    “Meanwhile, in Ebonyi, troops acting on intelligence discovered a mass burial site at Amasiri in Afikpo North Local Government Area.

    “The site contained corpses of victims suspected to have been killed during previous attacks on surrounding communities.

    Read Also: Troops destroy ISWAP detention camps, over 30 suspects killed

    “One of the victims, identified as a recently missing person, was evacuated to a morgue in Afikpo for preservation and further investigation,” he said.

    In the South-South, the source said the troops of 4 Brigade, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police, apprehended five suspected kidnappers during a raid at Agbede Forest in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo.

    He said the operation led to the recovery of two motorcycles, five mobile phones and a power bank believed to be linked to kidnapping activities.

    According to him, the suspects and recovered items were handed over to the Edo State Police Command for further action.

    The source said the sustained operations reflected continued pressure on criminal and secessionist elements, improved intelligence fusion and an unwavering commitment to restoring peace, security and normalcy across the South-East and South-South regions.

    (NAN)

  • JUST IN: ONSA, DSS, Kaduna govt rescue kidnapped Kajuru worshippers

    JUST IN: ONSA, DSS, Kaduna govt rescue kidnapped Kajuru worshippers

    …Gov Uba Sani visits victims, confirms return of 82

    A joint security operation coordinated by the Kaduna State Government, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has rescued scores of worshippers kidnapped during a church service at Kurmin Wali village in Kajuru Local Government Area on January 18.

    Governor Uba Sani confirmed on Wednesday that 82 of the abducted worshippers have safely returned from captivity.

    However, a credible security source disclosed that the number of those rescued in the operation was over 100, including children and infants.

    According to the source, the victims were freed through a carefully coordinated operation involving operatives drawn from the DSS, ONSA, and security assets mobilised by the Kaduna State Government.

    Bandits had invaded the church in Kurmin Wali during worship and abducted 177 persons, throwing the community into panic and grief.

    In the days following the attack, 11 of the worshippers reportedly regained their freedom, leaving 166 in captivity before the latest rescue breakthrough.

    Read Also: Battle for Kaduna Govt House

    Governor Sani made the confirmation during a visit to the victims at the Women and Children Shelter in Kaduna, where they are currently receiving medical attention and psychosocial support.

    The governor sympathised with the victims and their families over the traumatic experience and assured the Kurmin Wali community that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of those still in captivity.

    He expressed optimism that the remaining abductees would regain their freedom within a few days.

    Sani reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ending banditry and kidnapping across Kaduna State, stressing that no effort would be spared to ensure the safe return of every victim.

    He commended the DSS, ONSA, and other security agencies for what he described as gallantry, professionalism, and swift response in the rescue operation.

    The governor also urged residents to continue to cooperate with security agencies by volunteering timely and credible information that could aid ongoing operations to restore lasting peace in the area.