The Nation Newspaper

Category: News Update

  • 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… 

  • 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.

  • Nigeria, World Bank push for jobs, growth

    Nigeria, World Bank push for jobs, growth

    Nigeria and the World Bank have reached an agreement to speed up economic reforms, attract large-scale investment, and open up more job opportunities for the country’s fast-growing population.

    The agreement followed high-level discussions held this week in Abuja between the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, and the Managing Director of Operations at the World Bank Group, Ms. Anna Bjerde, along with senior government and World Bank officials.

    According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Finance on Thursday, the talks focused on moving Nigeria’s reform agenda beyond policy changes to visible outcomes that improve the daily lives of citizens.

    “The discussions point to Nigeria’s shift from making reforms to delivering real results, with both sides committed to building a stronger economy that provides jobs, stability, and shared prosperity for Nigerians,” the ministry said.

    The meeting also restated the federal government’s economic path under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with officials noting that confidence in Nigeria’s reform programme is gaining ground among global investors and development partners.

    Mr. Edun told the World Bank delegation that recent policy steps taken by the administration are beginning to yield positive momentum across key sectors of the economy. He said the government is firmly focused on growth, investment, and employment creation as central pillars of its economic strategy.

    “Our priority is to create an environment where investment can flow, businesses can grow, and Nigerians can find meaningful work,” the minister said. “The reforms underway are designed to unlock productivity and place the economy on a more sustainable path.”

    Key areas discussed during the talks included improving access to a stable electricity supply, boosting agricultural productivity, speeding up the rollout of digital infrastructure, and making trade easier across borders. The government also stressed the importance of creating the right conditions for private sector investment, which it sees as critical to building a competitive and productive economy.

    The ministry noted that progress in these areas would help reduce production costs, improve food security, and strengthen Nigeria’s position in regional and global markets.

    Nigeria’s ongoing energy reforms also featured prominently in the discussions. The country expressed its ambition to deepen changes in the power and energy sectors while positioning itself as a major economic hub in West Africa.

    Officials pointed to Abuja’s status as the host city of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as part of Nigeria’s broader role in driving regional integration, trade and economic cooperation.

    Ms. Bjerde, on her part, expressed satisfaction with the direction of Nigeria’s economic reforms and praised the government for its clear sense of purpose. She said international markets and development partners are paying closer attention to Nigeria, as confidence in the reform agenda continues to build.

    “The clarity of direction we are seeing is encouraging, and it is contributing to growing interest from investors and partners,” she said.

    The World Bank executive also assured Nigeria of the institution’s continued backing for an investment-driven growth strategy, with strong attention on infrastructure delivery and greater involvement of the private sector.

    “Our support will remain focused on helping Nigeria turn its plans into tangible outcomes, especially in infrastructure and private sector-led growth,” Ms. Bjerde said.

    The engagement comes at a time when the federal government is pushing to stabilise the economy, attract foreign and domestic investment and create jobs for millions of young Nigerians entering the labour market.

    Both sides agreed that sustained cooperation between Nigeria and the World Bank would be crucial in ensuring that reforms translate into lasting economic gains and improved living standards for citizens.

  • LG Autonomy has earned you 2027, Councilors assure Tinubu

    LG Autonomy has earned you 2027, Councilors assure Tinubu

    The National Councilors Forum of Nigeria (NCFN) has declared that the restoration of local government autonomy and renewed grassroots development under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have positioned him for re-election in 2027.

    The president of the forum, Dr. Evoh Okechukwu Nwikegwu, made the declaration at a press conference in Abuja, pledging the support of councilors nationwide for the President’s second-term bid. Nwikegwu represents Enenaezeraku Ward in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

    The forum, which cuts across party lines, said councilors, as the closest tier of government to the people, have a clear understanding of citizens’ aspirations and the direct impact of the administration’s reforms at the grassroots.

    Nwikegwu described the policies of the current administration as transformational and supportive of rural governance, adding that the Renewed Hope Agenda has translated into tangible benefits in communities across the country.

    He said the forum, comprising 8,809 councillors across the 774 local government areas and 176,836 polling units nationwide, regards the restoration of local government autonomy as Tinubu’s most significant achievement, describing it as a turning point for funding transparency and accountability.

    According to the forum, the policy, alongside improvements in rural infrastructure and reforms in the agricultural sector, has laid a solid foundation for sustainable national development.

    The councilors also commended the President for strengthening national security through the modernization of the Armed Forces and improved intelligence coordination.

    Throwing its weight behind Tinubu, the forum maintained that since assuming office in 2023, the President has demonstrated the courage and competence required to merit a second term to consolidate ongoing reforms.

    The NCFN called for nationwide mobilization ahead of the 2027 general election, urging ward leaders and grassroots coordinators to take the message of the Tinubu administration to households across the country.

    The forum is regarded as one of the country’s largest grassroots political structures, with a presence spanning urban centres and remote rural communities.

  • Tribunal upholds PDP’s Oyekunle’s victory in Ibadan North by-election

    Tribunal upholds PDP’s Oyekunle’s victory in Ibadan North by-election

    The Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State, has upheld the victory of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle, in the August 16, 2025, by-election for Ibadan North Federal Constituency.

    The tribunal dismissed the petition filed by the Social Democratic Party (SDP), which had asked the court to nullify the election and declare its candidate the winner.

    The SDP also contended that the election and return of Oyekunle were vitiated by non-compliance with the Electoral Act 2022, urging the tribunal to cancel the by-election and order a fresh or supplementary poll in the affected polling units.

    Counsel to Hon. Oyekunle and the PDP, Tunji Ogunrinde (SAN), had challenged the competence of the petition, urging the tribunal to dismiss it on the grounds that the petitioner failed to list the candidate as a party to the suit.

    In its judgment delivered on Wednesday in suit number EPT/OY/HR/01/2025, the tribunal, chaired by Justice A. M. Yakubu, dismissed the SDP’s petition for failure to prove the facts and grounds upon which it was based.

    The tribunal held that the evidence presented by the petitioner’s sole witness was contradictory, unreliable, and inadmissible.

    Consequently, the petition was dismissed for lacking merit, with the tribunal awarding costs of ₦2 million in favour of the PDP and its candidate, Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle.

  • NAF reactivates Super Puma helicopter to strengthen air operations

    NAF reactivates Super Puma helicopter to strengthen air operations

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reactivated a Super Puma helicopter, NAF 565, in a move aimed at boosting air operations across multiple security theatres.

    The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, recommissioned the helicopter at the 205 Rotary Wing, Ikeja, as part of his maiden working visit in Lagos State.

    According to a statement by Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the development reflected ongoing efforts to improve operational readiness and strengthen national security.

    Aneke, he said, described the reactivation as part of deliberate steps to restore critical air assets and enhance the force’s mission capability.

    “This occasion is not merely about the return of an aircraft to our fleet, but a demonstration of our unwavering commitment to enhance and sustain a highly motivated, professional, and mission-ready force,” he said.

    The CAS noted that restoring legacy platforms remains a key component of the NAF’s operational strategy, adding that the Super Puma has played vital roles in troop transport, casualty evacuation, search and rescue, as well as logistics support.

    According to him, the aircraft has supported operations including Operation Hadin Kai and joint missions, adding that its return would strengthen maritime security in Lagos and support counterinsurgency and anti-banditry operations nationwide.

    The CAS attributed improvements in NAF’s operational capacity to Federal Government support under the Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that strategic acquisitions and rehabilitation of existing platforms were enhancing airpower capabilities.

    He also acknowledged funding support from the National Assembly, describing collaboration among government institutions as essential to sustaining military operations.

    Aneke commended the consultant, retired Air Commodore TA Badru, the Air Officer Commanding Mobility Command, and technicians of 205 Rotary Wing for completing the reactivation.

    He urged personnel to maintain strict safety and maintenance standards to sustain aircraft serviceability.

    Addressing officers, airmen, and airwomen at Sam Ethnan Air Force Base, the CAS said the NAF was intensifying efforts to improve aircraft serviceability by better coordinating logistics and operations. He added that plans were underway to induct additional combat platforms to enhance precision strike capability and strengthen regional deterrence.

    On personnel welfare, Aneke said the NAF would accelerate completion of ongoing accommodation projects to address housing shortages, while also improving allowances, medical support, and working conditions.

    He urged personnel to remain disciplined and mission-focused as operations continue across the country.

  • Wada, Karimi, Baba Ali rally grassroots support for Tinubu’s re-election

    Wada, Karimi, Baba Ali rally grassroots support for Tinubu’s re-election

    Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State, operating under the Kogi Progressive Stakeholders Forum (KPSF), on Wednesday endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term, pledging to double the state’s votes for his re-election in the 2027 general elections.

    The endorsement followed a high-level stakeholders’ meeting held at the Reverton Hotel in Lokoja, where party leaders, lawmakers, elders and other key figures resolved to align fully with the ruling party at the centre.

    The forum said its objective is to promote unity and cohesion within the party while addressing internal gaps.

    Chairman of the forum and former Governor of Kogi State, Captain Idris Wada, said KPSF was established to unite and mobilise grassroots supporters of the APC towards the success of President Tinubu’s re-election bid.

    Read Also: Senate rules out real-time results transmission

    He urged party members across the state to embrace peace, unity and internal cohesion, stressing that only a united APC could effectively support the president’s reform agenda and secure electoral victory.

    Wada said inclusiveness remains a core principle of the forum, noting that all party members, regardless of status or political leaning, must be carried along in the collective effort to strengthen the party and deepen democratic participation.

    Vice Chairman of the forum and member of the governing board of the North Central Commission, Alhaji Suleiman Baba Ali, expressed confidence that President Tinubu would secure overwhelming support from Kogi voters in 2027.

    He said the president’s leadership had continued to inspire confidence nationwide, adding that ongoing reforms would ultimately reposition Nigeria for sustainable growth and development.

    Ali called on APC members and supporters across the 21 local government areas of the state to remain united and focused on consolidating the party’s gains, stressing that grassroots mobilisation remains critical to electoral success.

    Also speaking, Senator Sunday Steve Karimi, representing Kogi West, described the endorsement and the growing alignment of the state with the APC as a positive development.

    He said President Tinubu deserved a second term to complete the economic and security reforms initiated by his administration, citing improvements in foreign exchange stability, security, access to student loans through NELFUND, infrastructure development and economic reforms that previous administrations avoided.

    Karimi acknowledged existing grievances among some party members and assured that their concerns would be addressed.

    “We know there are so many people in this state that are not happy and if we leave them like that, we will not win 2027 elections. We want Mr. President to win and win well.

    “We are not fighting anybody but we not pretenders. We are not liars. We are truthful. We are people that love Mr. President, we love Kogi and want to move the state forward”.

    Also speaking, Former Director General, National Productivity Centre, Dr. Kashim Akor, said the forum has created an avenue for aggrieved members of the party to channel their grievances with expectation that it will be addressed. He urged party leaders to embrace reconciliation and sacrifice. 

    A former local government chairman and lawmaker, Hon. Ganiyu Salawudeen (Erukutu), called on the reconciliation committee recently set up by President Tinubu to visit Kogi state.

    He said current leadership of APC in the state is one sided and political appointments are also lopsided.

    At the end of the meeting, stakeholders issued a communiqué in which they unanimously declared their total and unwavering support for President Tinubu as the APC’s sole presidential candidate for the 2027 elections. 

    The communiqué rejected what it described as divisive politics, calling for unity of purpose among political leaders of the state.

    The leaders urged the people of Kogi within and outside the state to embrace the APC as the most viable platform for advancing the state’s political and economic interests.

    They further pledged to mobilise human, material and political resources to deliver bloc votes for Tinubu across the 21 LGA’s of the state come 2027. 

    The motion endorsing President Tinubu for a second term was formally moved by Senator Sunday Steve Karimi, Chairman, Senate Services Committee and Senator Representing Kogi West and seconded by Dr Kashim Akor, Former DG, National Productivity Center who described the decision as courageous and strategic.

    Other prominent figures at the meeting included a Retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Abutu Yaro, Former House of Representatives Member Representing Lokoja /Kogi Hon Haruna Isah among several stakeholders and party elders from the state. 

    The meeting concluded with a call for sustained unity, equity and fairness, voter mobilisation and strategic engagement ahead of the 2027 general elections, as the forum declared that the state  had “spoken with one voice” in support of President Tinubu and the ruling party the APC.