1. Military Rescues 15 NYSC Members and Six Others in Kogi
Troops of the Nigerian Army, working with the police, DSS and local vigilantes, have rescued 21 kidnapped victims, including 15 NYSC members, from a forest in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Victims Rescued After Gunmen Flee
The victims, comprising eight males and 13 females, were abducted the previous week while travelling along the Alloma-Ejule-Itobe road.
Defence Headquarters said troops attacked the kidnappers’ camp around the Egume-Ochaja forest stretch, forcing the criminals to flee and abandon their captives.
One corps member sustained a gunshot injury to the leg and was evacuated for medical treatment. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu commended the joint operation and said the rescued victims would receive necessary care before being reunited with their families.
2. Nigeria’s Economy Grows 4.43% in Q2 2026
Nigeria’s economy grew by 4.43 per cent year-on-year in the second quarter of 2026, according to the National Bureau of Statistics, recording its strongest quarterly growth in several years.
Services Remain Biggest Contributor
The figure increased from 4.23 per cent recorded in Q2 2025 and 3.89 per cent in Q1 2026. Nominal GDP rose to N119.29 trillion, representing an 18.43 per cent increase.
Services contributed 56.62 per cent of total output, while agriculture grew by 4.39 per cent and industry recorded 3.96 per cent growth.
The Presidency welcomed the figures as evidence of progress under the Renewed Hope Agenda, while stronger performances in telecommunications, real estate, trade, crop production and financial services supported the expansion.
3. Timipre Sylva Resigns from APC Ahead of 2027
Former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva has resigned from the All Progressives Congress with immediate effect, accusing the ruling party of abandoning its founding principles.
Sylva Predicts APC Defeat
In a resignation letter dated August 31, Sylva described the APC as a “floundering ship” and said he believed Nigerians would vote against the party in the 2027 elections.
The former petroleum minister said his decision followed consultations with his family, associates and supporters.
Sylva was among the founding members of the APC. His departure comes as opposition parties intensify discussions around possible coalitions and political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
4. EFCC Recovers N1.23 Trillion, Secures 10,872 Convictions
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission recovered N1.233 trillion, $684.48 million, £373,905.78 and €9.34 million between October 2023 and June 2026.
Agency Records Thousands of Convictions
EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede disclosed the figures during a stewardship briefing in Abuja.
About N397.26 billion of the naira recovery went directly to the Federal Government, while N836.34 billion was recovered for ministries, agencies, states, companies and individuals.
The commission also secured 10,872 convictions from 14,476 cases filed in court and obtained the forfeiture of more than 10,000 assets, including properties, vehicles and electronic items.
5. Vice-President Shettima Returns from AU Summit in Angola
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has returned to Abuja after representing President Bola Tinubu at the African Union’s 21st Extraordinary Session in Luanda, Angola.
Nigeria Calls for Stronger African Action
At the summit, Nigeria called for stronger African-led mechanisms for conflict prevention and resolution, sustainable financing for the continent’s peace and security architecture and action against xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks.
Shettima also reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for the Luanda Action Plan and greater collective responsibility among AU member states.
His return comes as President Tinubu continues his three-week working vacation in Europe.
6. Emir of Zurmi Bello Suleiman Dies at Five Years on Throne
The Emir of Zurmi in Zamfara State, Bello Suleiman, has died at the Federal Medical Centre in Gusau after five years on the throne.
Zurmi Has Faced Persistent Insecurity
A palace statement confirmed the traditional ruler’s death on Monday afternoon. He succeeded his uncle, Abubakar Atiku, who was removed from the throne by the state government in 2021.
Zurmi, located near the Niger Republic border, has experienced repeated attacks by bandits. In May 2024, attackers raided the town, killed three security personnel and abducted several residents.
7. Opposition Parties Consider Single Candidate for 2027
Opposition parties and political figures are discussing a proposed Government of National Competence that could oversee a four-year transition period if they defeat the APC in the 2027 elections.
Coalition Talks Continue
The discussions include the possibility of opposition parties presenting a single presidential candidate against the ruling party.
Several presidential candidates and political stakeholders have participated in related meetings as efforts to build a stronger opposition coalition continue.
The proposal remains at the consultation stage, with political actors still negotiating the structure and leadership of any possible alliance.
8. Nigeria’s Diaspora Remittances Hit $947 Million in July
Diaspora remittances to Nigeria rose to $947 million in July 2026, moving closer to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s target of $1 billion in monthly inflows.
CBN Targets Higher Official Inflows
CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso said the increase reflects stronger remittance flows through official channels, including international money transfer operators.
The inflows provide additional foreign exchange liquidity and support household incomes amid Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms.
Officials expect sustained growth in formal remittance channels to strengthen external reserves and support efforts to stabilise the naira.
9. Obafemi Martins Backs Seyi Tinubu for NFF Presidency
Martins Calls for Fresh Ideas
The former Inter Milan striker said Nigerian football needs strong leadership and fresh ideas to move forward.
The endorsement comes as stakeholders prepare for the next NFF leadership contest, with governance, youth development and national team performances remaining major issues in Nigerian football.
10. BBNaija Season 11: Abi Wins Head of House for Second Time
Big Brother Naija Season 11 housemate Abisola “Abi” Ayoola has emerged Head of House for the second time after defeating Gerard in the weekly challenge.
Abi Gains More Influence in House
Her victory gives her the privileges attached to the Head of House position and greater influence over activities in the house for the week.
The competition continues to generate strong engagement among Nigerian viewers as the remaining housemates battle through weekly tasks and evictions for the N160 million grand prize.
