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Category: News Update

  • Military refutes viral video of ‘captured’ IPOB commander ‘Gentle the Yahoo’

    Military refutes viral video of ‘captured’ IPOB commander ‘Gentle the Yahoo’

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has debunked a viral video in which an Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) commander, Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta, popularly known as Gentle De Yahoo, was seen claiming that he was alive and had returned.

    The military high command, speaking through the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, during a press briefing on Friday, stated that the video might have been generated using Artificial Intelligence (AI).

    In October 2025, the military announced that troops operating under Operation UDO KA captured “Gentle the Yahoo,” a notorious commander linked to the IPOB and its militant wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

    He was linked to growing attacks in the Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State, including the murder of three of his fighters in the area.

    In a video released yesterday, a visibly limping Gentle the Yahoo announced his return, alleged that he was poisoned while in government custody, and vowed to restore peace to Okigwe, amid warnings to the governors of Imo and Anambra states, Hope Uzodimma and Chukwuma Soludo.

    However, Major General Onoja noted that such videos were not impossible, especially given the prevalence of social media and artificial intelligence.

    He said, “What I can say is that in this era of AI, it is possible to create anything just to destabilize and cause panic within society.”

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    The Defence spokesperson said the military would look more closely into the video and the claims, and reaffirmed that the armed forces and other security agencies would remain committed to pursuing criminals to guarantee peace across the country.

    “Notwithstanding, we will take necessary action, with relevant security agencies, to confirm if it is true that he is back, and then necessary action will be taken to contain any individual or group that threatens our security,” Onoja said.

  • Police arrest two suspects, recover pistol, ammunition in Cross River

    Police arrest two suspects, recover pistol, ammunition in Cross River

    Police have apprehended two suspects for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition in the Ogoja local government area of Cross River state.

    Police Spokesman in the state, ASP Eitokpah Sunday, disclosed that the suspects were arrested at Ogbege Abakpa area of Ogoja, during a routine stop-and-search operation conducted by a patrol team from Ogoja Division.

    The suspects, who were riding on a motorcycle, were observed parading the area suspiciously at about 09:00 hours, Police confirms.

    Upon sighting the Police patrol team, the suspects refused to stop when flagged down and attempted to escape, leading to a hot chase before they were eventually overpowered and apprehended.

    A search conducted on one of the suspects, Thomas Anthony (male), aged 26 years, led to the recovery of one English-made Beretta pistol loaded with nine (9) rounds of live ammunition.

    Read Also: Police arrest seven suspected bandits, recover firearms in Kaduna

    The suspects were subsequently arrested and are currently in Police custody for further investigation.

    During interrogation, the principal suspect, Thomas Anthony, confessed that he unlawfully inherited the firearm from his late elder brother.

    Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Rashid B. Afegbua, has commended the patrol team for their vigilance and professionalism and urged them to continue discharging their duties diligently in order to keep the State safe.

  • DHQ: Troops destroy 53 illegal refineries, arrest 81 oil thieves in January

    DHQ: Troops destroy 53 illegal refineries, arrest 81 oil thieves in January

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said troops of Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) destroyed 53 illegal refineries and arrested 81 oil thieves and other criminals in January.

    The Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this during a press briefing at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja, on Friday.

    Onoja said the troops also recovered assorted arms and ammunition, and destroyed a large-sized barge siphoning petroleum products.

    According to him, troops foiled the theft of 210,300 litres of crude oil, 66,725 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, 660 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosine, and 5,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit during the month.

    Giving an update on operations in the South East, the Defence spokesperson said the crime rate has “drastically reduced” in the region compared to past crime occurrences.

    Read Also: Troops rescue 11 kidnapped victims in Kaduna

    According to him, in January, troops of Operation Udo Ka neutralized some terrorists, arrested 22 others, and rescued eleven 11 kidnap victims.

    “Arms and ammunition were recovered from them, and recovered weapons are in the troops’ custody for further action.

    “It is worthy to note that 80 militants recently surrendered to troops, while eight Cameroonian nationals were also rescued during cross-border patrol along Bakassi waterways,” he said. 

    The Defence spokesperson said the Armed Forces would continue to adapt, innovate, and respond decisively to evolving security threats.

    “With the continued cooperation of citizens and stakeholders, we are confident of achieving lasting peace and stability,” he said. 

  • Police gun down suspected kidnap kingpin in Delta, recover AK-47, other firearms

    Police gun down suspected kidnap kingpin in Delta, recover AK-47, other firearms

    The Delta State Police Command has confirmed the death of a suspected kidnapping kingpin, Liberty Kunu, following a fierce gun battle with police operatives during a recovery operation that also led to the seizure of an AK-47 rifle and other firearms.

    The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Aina Adesola, revealed this during a press briefing at the Command’s headquarters in Asaba on Friday.

    The CP said sequel to a series of complaints bordering on kidnapping, abduction, and other violent crimes linked to one Liberty Kunu, popularly known as Commander Liberty or Double Agent, and his gang, he directed the Divisional Police Officer, Sapele, to deploy all available operatives to unravel the group’s activities.

    CP Adesola said on January 17, 2026, the Command received a report on the abduction of three persons (names withheld) at Boyo Road Junction, Sapele.

    He said that while being taken to a bush location, one of the victims escaped and reported at a nearby police station, noting that the remaining two victims were dispossessed of valuables worth ₦9 million.

    The CP said preliminary investigation revealed that the crime was carried out by a syndicate led by Liberty Kunu, who operated under the guise of a security volunteer group (SOS).

    Read Also: Police rescue suspected ‘one chance’ robbers from mob attack

    He said: “Acting swiftly on this intelligence, operatives of the CP–Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), in collaboration with officers of Sapele Division, arrested Liberty Kunu and members of his gang, including Twale Golly (33), Michael Kunu (25), Israel Ugwu (30), Ogaga Power (43), and Mercy Kunu (28).

    “During the operation, five pump-action guns, one Beretta pistol, and other criminal accoutrements were recovered.

    “Further investigation revealed that Liberty Kunu was a member of the Aye Confraternity and was also in possession of an AK-47 rifle. Upon confrontation, he confessed and, at about 2335 hours on 28 January 2026, led CP-SAT operatives to his hideout in the Ibada-Elume community. At the location, one AK-47 rifle and one locally fabricated revolver were recovered from the forest.”

    However, CP Adesola said while the team was retreating and had reached the Ibada-Elume Express Road, they were ambushed by armed hoodlums suspected to be members of the gang, who attempted to rescue the suspect.

    He said a fierce gun battle ensued for over ten (10) minutes, and the attackers were overpowered and fled with bullet wounds, while the police operational vehicle was riddled with bullets.

    He further said: “During the exchange, Liberty Kunu and some police operatives sustained gunshot injuries and were rushed to the hospital. Liberty Kunu was confirmed dead on arrival, and his remains were deposited at the General Hospital, Sapele.

    “Other arrested members of the gang remain in custody as investigations continue.”

  • Okpebholo orders grassroots Mobilisation for Tinubu’s re-election

    Okpebholo orders grassroots Mobilisation for Tinubu’s re-election

    Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has inaugurated the Edo State chapter of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors (RHA) with a task to intensify grassroots mobilisation for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu.

    Governor Okpebholo ordered members of the RHA to erect 320 billboards across the 18 local government areas.

    Okpebholo said his administration would leave no stone unturned to ensure victory for President Tinubu.

    He asked the Ambassadors to liaise with local government Chairmen and take the message of the Renewed Hope to the people.

    According to him, “No government can beat Asiwaju’s record in this country. The man has proved himself. We are ready for the election.

    “The APC has 30 Governors. Even if we go to sleep, Asiwaju will win. This is a man who was frustrated, and he overcame all obstacles. Is it now that we have petrol and we have money that he will not win?

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    “You must have more than 20 billboards in each local government area. Take the message of renewed hope to the grassroots. Let everyone know about Renewed Hope. We will not leave any stone unturned. We will deliver on our promises.”

    Edo State Coordinator of RHA said it was a call to duty and entrusted with a strategic responsibility to serve as bridges between the government, party leadership, and grassroots.

    He said the successes of the project at the local level depended largely on their commitment, discipline, and dedication.

    “As Renewed Hope Ambassadors, you are expected to work closely with the leadership of our great party to evangelise, explain, and defend the policies, programmes, and achievements of President Tinubu’s administration.

    “You must promote harmony, inclusiveness, and effective coordination across all levels of the party within your respective Senatorial District and LGAs.

    “Your task also includes mobilising, engaging, and sensitising the people, working hand in hand with our party leaders who are themselves Ambassadors of Hope to ensure that the message of Renewed Hope resonates in every community.”

  • Joint security team neutralises kidnap suspect, rescues victim in Enugu

    Joint security team neutralises kidnap suspect, rescues victim in Enugu

    Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command, in a joint operation with the Nigerian Army, Forest Guards, Neighbourhood Watch Group, and local vigilantes, have neutralised a kidnapping suspect and rescued an abducted victim in Udenu Local Government Area of the state.

    The operation followed a distress report received in the early hours of Wednesday, January 29, 2026, that a male victim had been kidnapped by armed men in the Ezimo-Uno community.

    Acting swiftly on the report, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, ordered the immediate mobilisation of security operatives to track the kidnappers and rescue the victim.

    The coordinated operation led the joint team to the Agu-Shere and Okpakereke forest areas, where the suspects were reportedly hiding.

    According to the police, the kidnappers opened fire on the operatives on sight, prompting a gun duel during which one of the suspects was neutralised, while others escaped into the forest areas bordering Benue State with varying degrees of gunshot injuries.

    The kidnapped victim was rescued unhurt.

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    Items recovered from the scene include one AK-47 rifle loaded with 20 rounds of live ammunition, an extra magazine, two daggers, military camouflage uniforms, mobile phones, assorted food items, cooking utensils, and a freshly slaughtered chicken.

    Police authorities said a manhunt has been launched to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

    CP Giwa reassured residents of Enugu State of the unwavering commitment of the police and other security agencies to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.

    He urged members of the public, especially health and medical service providers, to promptly report anyone sighted with gunshot injuries to the nearest police station or security formation.

    He also called on residents to continue to support security agencies with timely and credible information to enhance public safety.

  • Nigeria, Saudi Arabia move to strengthen housing, construction technology

    Nigeria, Saudi Arabia move to strengthen housing, construction technology

    ‎Nigeria and Saudi Arabia have moved to deepen bilateral cooperation in housing development, construction technology, and local building materials manufacturing, following high-level talks on the sidelines of the 2026 Real Estate Future Forum (RFF 2026) in Riyadh.

    ‎The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa held a bilateral meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing (MOMRAH), Majed bin Abdullah Al-Hogail, where both sides explored areas of strategic collaboration to attract private capital and accelerate large-scale housing delivery in Nigeria.

    ‎At the meeting, Dangiwa presented Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Housing Programme, describing it as a flagship intervention designed to deliver homes at scale across income segments through structured public-private partnerships.

    ‎He also outlined the Federal Government’s Building Materials Manufacturing Hubs initiative, aimed at boosting local production, lowering construction costs, creating jobs, and strengthening the construction value chain.

    According to the minister, “the Federal Government is repositioning housing as a key economic growth driver rather than only a social intervention.

    ‎”The Renewed Hope Housing Programme is backed by clear policies, bankable PPP frameworks and strong demand fundamentals.”

    ‎He noted that Nigeria is seeking strategic partnerships with credible Saudi developers, manufacturers, financiers, and technology providers, particularly in the area of local building materials production.

    ‎“Our Building Materials Manufacturing Hubs offer a compelling opportunity for Saudi investors interested in local production and long-term value creation in Nigeria,” he said.

    Read Also: Türkiye, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, others join Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’

    ‎In his response, Al-Hogail welcomed Nigeria’s reform-driven housing agenda and expressed Saudi Arabia’s readiness to strengthen institutional cooperation with Nigeria.

    ‎He said Saudi authorities recognise Nigeria’s significant housing demand and the efforts being made to unlock private investment in the sector, noting that both countries share common objectives in large-scale housing delivery, construction innovation, and local manufacturing.

    ‎“There are clear areas of synergy between our housing and urban development goals. MOMRAH would support engagement between Nigerian institutions and reputable Saudi firms with the required capital, expertise, and technical capacity,” Al-Hogail said.

    ‎The engagement underscores Nigeria’s strategy of using global platforms such as RFF 2026 to attract foreign investment, exchange best practices, and forge partnerships to accelerate housing delivery and industrial development under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    ‎The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development said follow-up engagements would continue with MOMRAH and prospective Saudi partners to translate the discussions into concrete investment opportunities and project-level collaborations in Nigeria.

  • Sunday Igboho lauds Tinubu, southwest governors, Yoruba Obas over freedom

    Sunday Igboho lauds Tinubu, southwest governors, Yoruba Obas over freedom

    • …set to collaborate with government in tackling insecurity

    Yoruba nation activist Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has praised President Bola Tinubu, South West governors, and traditional rulers in Yorubaland following his recent return to Nigeria after nearly five years in exile.

    Igboho had been in exile after the administration of late President Muhammadu Buhari declared him wanted over allegations of stockpiling arms and ammunition. He returned to the country last Monday, receiving widespread attention.

    On July 1, 2021, a joint operation by the Department of State Security (DSS) and military personnel attempted to arrest him at his Ibadan residence in Oyo State. The raid resulted in the deaths of two of his aides and the arrest of 13 others.

    In a statement, Igboho expressed particular gratitude to President Tinubu for granting him a pardon, describing it as a key step in his return to Nigeria.

    He said, “I deeply appreciate the mercy and maganimity of our revered President Bola Tinubu, who graciously granted me freedom to return to Nigeria after intervention by stakeholders in the traditional institution.”

    Read Also: UPDATED: Sunday Igboho arrives Nigeria, appreciates Tinubu, Oba Ladoja, others

    “While I would not take this opportunity and freedom for granted, I am ready to collaborate with the Federal Government in tackling the ravaging insecurity and support measures aimed at enhancing peace and socioeconomic growth in the country, especially in the South West.

    “It is also very germane to appreciate all the South West State governors, namely Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), and Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), for their critical support and enviable roles.

    “While commending the South West governors, I want to single out Governor Seyi Makinde for his giant strides in the steady development of Oyo State. The visible impacts of his administration in virtually all the sectors and enviable infrastructural growth of this state have greatly turned around the aesthetics of Oyo to the envy of all.

    “Similarly, I want to congratulate him on the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Oyo State, which showcased noble roles played by statesmen and past leaders, whose significant contributions laid a stronger pedestal for the healthy developments being witnessed today.

    “But my gratitude over the current freedom which I savour would be ineffectual without recognising the timely intervention of all Yoruba monarchs.

    “Special recognition goes to the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Olugbon of Orile Igbon, Oba Francis Olushola Alao, and other monarchs too numerous to mention.

    “Besides, the love and support from all Yoruba indigenes are too massive, and I will continue to cherish everyone while also recommitting myself to the peace, unity, growth, and protection of the collective interest of our ethnic nationality.”

  • Police arrest seven suspected bandits, recover firearms in Kaduna

    Police arrest seven suspected bandits, recover firearms in Kaduna

    The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested seven suspected bandits and recovered assorted firearms and live ammunition in separate intelligence-led operations across the state.

    The Command said the arrests followed credible intelligence received on January 28 at about 5:45 pm, indicating that a group of suspects had prohibited firearms.

    Acting on the information, detectives from the anti–car theft section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) swung into action and arrested five suspects identified as Yusuf Aliyu Yusuf, Ahmed Umar, Abdullahi Muhammad, Ahmad Jazuli, and Muktar Bashir.

    Items recovered from the suspects include one English AK-47 rifle with two fully loaded magazines, two English Beretta pistols with a loaded magazine, and one fabricated Beretta pistol containing seven rounds of live ammunition.

    The police said the suspects are currently in custody while investigations are ongoing to uncover other criminal networks linked to them.

    In a related development, the Command said that on January 29, 2025, operatives of the Zaria City Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, carried out a stop-and-search operation based on intelligence about the movement of armed bandits.

    The operation led to the arrest of two suspects, Adamu Lawal and Abdulhadi Lawal, both from Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State, who were found in possession of a fabricated firearm and are assisting police investigations.

    The Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, commended the officers for their professionalism and reaffirmed the Command’s zero tolerance for banditry and criminality, warning that Kaduna State would remain hostile to criminals and their collaborators.

  • Turaki-led PDP NWC insists it remains party’s legitimate leadership after court ruling

    Turaki-led PDP NWC insists it remains party’s legitimate leadership after court ruling

    The Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has maintained that it remains the party’s only lawful leadership despite a recent judgment by the Federal High Court in Ibadan.

    In a statement, the party said it has briefed its legal team on the ruling and will await the outcome of proceedings at the appellate court, urging members to remain steadfast in efforts to reposition and rebuild the PDP.

    A Federal High Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Friday nullified the PDP national convention held on November 15 and 16 in the state capital, restraining the leadership elected at the convention from presenting themselves as the party’s national executives.

    Earlier, a Federal High Court in Abuja had declined to grant an order nullifying the same elections and adjourned the case to allow for the determination of an appeal already filed on the matter.

    Read Also: PDP’s Gbenga Hashim slams ethnic rhetoric, warns against north–south divide

    The statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, reads, “We are aware of the judgment of the Federal High Court, Ibadan, delivered this morning, which essentially declined to grant the order of mandamus sought on the ground that doing so would, in the courts view, amount to sitting on appeal over judgments of courts of coordinate jurisdiction.

    “We have accordingly briefed our lawyers to immediately file an appeal and to take all further legal steps necessary to advance our arguments and firmly protect our position on this matter.

    “Notwithstanding this judgment, the Kabiru Turaki–led Peoples Democratic Party, which emerged from the Ibadan Convention, remains legally intact and unshaken, as we await the authoritative pronouncement of the appellate courts.

    “We therefore urge our members to remain resolute and committed as there is absolutely no cause for alarm. The rebirth movement remains firmly on course.”