Author: Promise Odejide

  • Nigerian Military, US Forces Kill Over 20 ISIS Fighters in Fresh Borno Airstrikes

    The Nigerian military has announced the killing of more than 20 suspected ISIS and ISWAP fighters during fresh coordinated airstrike operations carried out with support from the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) in Borno State.

    According to the military, the operation targeted terrorist enclaves around Metele, a northern Borno community that has repeatedly come under insurgent attacks.

    DHQ confirms joint operation

    The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba.

    According to the Defence Headquarters, the strikes followed intelligence reports indicating movement and gathering of terrorist fighters within the area.

    “The Defence Headquarters, in close coordination with United States Africa Command, wish to update the general public on the continuation of coordinated operations against ISIS militants across North-East Nigeria, with additional air strike operations successfully executed in the general area of Metele,” the statement read.

    The military said several coordinated airstrikes were launched on identified terrorist positions, leading to the death of more than 20 fighters linked to ISIS and ISWAP.

    Operation follows killing of ISIS commander

    The latest offensive comes days after Nigerian and American forces reportedly carried out another joint operation that led to the killing of notorious ISIS commander Abu-Bilal al-Minuki.

    According to the Defence Headquarters, the ongoing operations are aimed at weakening terrorist networks, restricting insurgent movements and preventing them from establishing operational bases within Nigeria.

    “The ongoing operations follow the neutralisation of ISIS commander Abu-Bilal al-Minuki and are part of sustained efforts to disrupt terrorist networks, remove them from the battlefield and deny the terrorists any safe haven within Nigeria,” Uba stated.

    Military vows sustained offensive

    The Armed Forces of Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining military offensives against insurgents across the country.

    “The Armed Forces of Nigeria will continue to aggressively defend the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the nation,” the military said.

    “Terrorists who threaten our citizens, communities and national stability will be located and defeated. There will be no safe haven for all terrorists anywhere in Nigeria.”

  • Makinde Confirms Abducted Oyo Teacher Killed by Terrorists After School Attack

    Governor Seyi Makinde has confirmed that one of the teachers abducted during the recent attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State has been killed by terrorists.

    Makinde made the disclosure during a press briefing on the school abduction incident, days after armed men invaded schools in Ahoro-Esinele community and kidnapped dozens of teachers and pupils.

    Makinde confirms teacher’s death

    According to the governor, intelligence reports available to the state government showed that seven teachers were abducted during the attack.

    He added that one of the victims, identified as a mathematics teacher, was killed after a disturbing video surfaced online.

    “What we know right now is that seven teachers were abducted. And unfortunately, we got a video this morning that one of the teachers, I understand the maths teacher, was killed by the terrorists this morning. Of course our prayers are with the family,” Makinde said.

    RNN had earlier reported that a viral video allegedly showed Mr. Oyedekun being beheaded while in captivity.

    Government adopts new rescue strategies

    The governor stated that the state government had begun combining both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to address the crisis and secure the release of the remaining victims.

    He revealed that consultations were ongoing with community leaders, security agencies and religious organisations, including the Baptist Convention whose school was affected during the attack.

    According to Makinde, the situation remains difficult and sensitive, stressing that authorities are doing everything possible to rescue the abducted pupils and teachers safely.

    “We have decided that we will adopt not just the kinetic approach. There has been a lot of threats… I want to appeal. We have not taken this lightly,” he said.

    Makinde appeals for calm

    The governor appealed to residents of the affected communities and the people of Oyo State to cooperate with security agencies and support rescue efforts.

    He insisted that the priority of government remained the safe return of the remaining abducted victims.

    “I want to appeal that we do everything within our power to ensure that this is resolved quickly and we bring our children back safely. But it is a very difficult and challenging situation,” he added.

    Makinde also announced that the state government would commence daily press briefings to keep the public updated on developments surrounding the rescue operations.

  • Tension in Oyo as Abducted Teacher Reportedly Killed by Kidnappers

    There is growing tension in Oyo State following reports that one of the teachers abducted during the recent attack on schools in Ahoro-Esinele community has allegedly been killed by kidnappers.

    According to a video circulating online, Mr. Michael Oyedokun, one of the teachers earlier declared missing after the attack, was reportedly murdered while in captivity.

    Fresh fear after school attack

    The victims were abducted during coordinated attacks on Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School on Friday after armed men reportedly stormed the communities on motorcycles.

    Community sources disclosed that about 46 persons, including teachers, students and pupils, were abducted during the invasion.

    The attackers were also said to have carted away four motorcycles belonging to residents during the operation.

    List of abducted teachers

    Among the teachers earlier reported missing were Mrs. Alamu Folawe, Principal of Community High School; Mr. Ojo Jonathan, Vice Principal; Mr. Olatunde Zacchaeus; Mr. John Olaleye; Mr. Michael Oyedokun; Mrs. Oladeji; and Mary Akanbi of Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School.

    RNN had earlier reported that Mrs. Alamu appeared in a viral video appealing to the Federal Government, Governor Seyi Makinde and well-meaning Nigerians to intervene and secure the release of the abducted victims.

    Police yet to react to fresh claim

    The Nigeria Police Force in Oyo had earlier confirmed the abduction and announced the deployment of tactical and intelligence teams to rescue the victims and track down the kidnappers.

    However, as of the time of filing this report, authorities were yet to officially confirm or react to the video alleging the killing of Mr. Oyedokun.

  • Solomon Buchi Questions Married Men on Snapchat, Ignites Fresh Relationship Debate Online

    Nigerian relationship commentator Solomon Buchi has sparked widespread reactions online after questioning why married men remain active on Snapchat, raising fresh debates about trust and boundaries in modern relationships.

    His comments, made on Sunday, May 18, 2026, quickly spread across social media, drawing both support and criticism from users who interpreted his views as either cautionary or overly generalised.

    “What are you doing there?” Buchi questions married men

    Buchi expressed strong concerns about married men using the platform regularly, suggesting that such behaviour often raises suspicion in relationships.

    “I can never understand why a married man is on Snapchat. What are you doing there? Whenever I see a married man who uses Snapchat regularly, I believe you’re cheating,” he said.

    He further argued that the platform is widely associated with private messaging, disappearing chats and explicit content sharing, which he believes creates room for secrecy in relationships.

    Debate over trust and digital boundaries

    The statement immediately triggered mixed reactions online, with some users agreeing with his concerns while others pushed back, insisting that social media use alone cannot be used as proof of infidelity.

    Critics argued that trust in marriage should not be judged based on the platforms a person uses, stressing the need for evidence rather than assumptions.

    Others, however, supported his position, pointing to concerns about disappearing messages and private conversations often linked to relationship secrecy.

    Longstanding conversation resurfaces

    The debate also revived earlier discussions dating back to 2023, where Snapchat was repeatedly mentioned in Nigeria’s online conversations around infidelity and digital secrecy in relationships.

    While Buchi acknowledged that not all users misuse the platform, he maintained that perception and patterns of behaviour continue to influence how people interpret social media activity in relationships.

  • Chiké Breaks Silence Amid Frank Edoho, Sandra Edoho Controversy

    Nigerian singer Chiké has reacted amid the growing online controversy linking him to Sandra Edoho, the ex-wife of broadcaster Frank Edoho.

    The singer, who has been at the centre of intense online discussions following leaked audio allegations, took to X with a short emotional post that quickly went viral.

    “Pity my soul!” he wrote.

    Leaked audio deepens controversy

    The controversy escalated after an alleged leaked audio conversation involving Sandra Edoho and a man believed to be Chiké surfaced online.

    In the recording, Sandra allegedly spoke about challenges in her marriage and claims that Frank Edoho suspected a relationship between her and the singer.

    The audio sparked widespread reactions across social media, with users divided over the claims and counterclaims.

    Sandra Edoho responds online

    Sandra Edoho later reacted through a series of social media posts, where she accused Frank Edoho of infidelity and emotional abuse during their marriage.

    She alleged that the marriage had been troubled for a long time before their separation, adding that several issues contributed to its collapse.

    Her comments further intensified online discussions around the saga.

    Another voice note surfaces

    Meanwhile, another leaked voice note allegedly captured Frank Edoho narrating how he confronted Chiké over the rumours.

    In the recording, the broadcaster was heard expressing anger while addressing the allegations involving his ex-wife and the singer.

    The ongoing situation has continued to dominate conversations online, with Nigerians divided over the leaked audios and the reactions from those involved.

  • Desmond Elliott Cries Out Over ‘Intimidation’ as Barakat Declares for Surulere APC Ticket

    The battle for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for Surulere Constituency I of the Lagos State House of Assembly has intensified after actor-turned-lawmaker Desmond Elliott alleged intimidation and political victimisation ahead of the party’s direct primary scheduled for May 20.

    The lawmaker, who is seeking a fourth term in office, raised concerns in a viral video on Sunday, claiming that some APC members supporting him were allegedly being pressured to back another aspirant.

    Desmond Elliott Raises Alarm

    Elliott alleged that some of his supporters working within the local government system had allegedly lost their jobs because of their political stance.

    He also claimed that his security aides were withdrawn without explanation, describing the development as disturbing ahead of the APC primary.

    The lawmaker, however, appealed to his supporters not to be intimidated and urged party members to ensure a peaceful and transparent primary election process.

    “I appeal for a free and fair primary. Nobody should be intimidated,” Elliott said in the video circulating online.

    Barakat Declares, Says Aspirants Stepped Down

    Meanwhile, Barrister Barakat Olawunmi Odunuga-Bakare, popularly known as BBA, officially declared her ambition during a gathering held at The Stable in Bode Thomas, Surulere.

    Speaking at the event, Barakat stated that other aspirants in the race had stepped down to support her ambition, leaving Elliott as the only remaining challenger.

    “The others stepped down and are supporting me and they’re all here, but the only person that didn’t step down and insisted on going to the primaries is Hon. Desmond Elliott,” she said.

    “I wish him all the best, and I wish myself luck too. I’m praying that on Wednesday, I emerge as the APC candidate.”

    Major Blow Hits Elliott’s Camp

    The declaration event also witnessed a major political twist after Bless Koye, who served as Director-General of Desmond Elliott’s fourth-term campaign organisation, publicly defected to Barakat’s camp.

    Koye openly announced his support for Barakat during the event, a move that immediately sparked reactions among party supporters in Surulere.

    Barakat, a lawyer and former Special Adviser on Housing to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is believed to have secured backing from influential APC stakeholders ahead of the primary.

    Primary Battle Tightens

    Political observers say the Surulere APC primary has now become one of the most closely watched assembly contests in Lagos State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    While Elliott is banking on his incumbency and political structure within the constituency, Barakat appears to be gaining momentum with endorsements and growing support from party leaders and grassroots mobilisers.

    Party members in the constituency have meanwhile been urged to maintain peace as the APC prepares for Wednesday’s direct primary election.

  • Sheikh Gumi Sparks Reactions After Saying Terrorists Need Kidnap Money To Survive

    Controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has triggered widespread reactions online after making fresh comments about terrorism, banditry and kidnapping in Nigeria amid growing insecurity across the country.

    Gumi made the remarks during an interview with AIT while speaking on how terrorist groups allegedly sustain themselves financially despite increasing military offensives against them.

    Gumi speaks on terrorist financing

    According to the cleric, many armed groups rely heavily on money generated from kidnappings to continue their operations and maintain their activities.

    “The terrorists need all the money they’re getting from kidnapping. It’s not like they are living luxurious lives,” Gumi said during the interview.

    He further argued that intensified military pressure from the Nigerian government has allegedly pushed the groups into seeking more sources of funding.

    “The government is putting too much pressure on them, so they need money to finance their war machines. If they leave banditry, they won’t have any source of financing themselves,” he added.

    Comments trigger backlash online

    The statement quickly sparked reactions across social media platforms, with many Nigerians expressing mixed feelings over the cleric’s remarks.

    While some users claimed Gumi was merely explaining the operational structure of terrorist groups, others accused him of appearing sympathetic toward bandits and kidnappers terrorising parts of the country.

    Several critics questioned why the cleric would make such comments at a time when many communities across northern Nigeria continue to battle attacks, abductions and killings linked to armed groups.

    Insecurity remains major concern

    Nigeria has continued to witness deadly attacks, kidnappings and insurgency activities across several states despite ongoing military operations targeting terrorists and bandits.

    The North-East and parts of the North-West have remained major flashpoints for insurgency, kidnapping and violent attacks on communities, schools and security formations.

    Gumi has repeatedly made headlines in recent years over his controversial engagements and comments concerning bandits, negotiations and insecurity in Nigeria.

  • APC Clears Yahaya Bello, Karimi For Kogi Senatorial Primaries

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Assembly Screening Committee has cleared former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, and Kogi West senator, Sunday Karimi, for the party’s senatorial primaries scheduled for Monday.

    The committee approved 17 aspirants across Kogi State’s three senatorial districts ahead of the APC primary elections.

    Yahaya Bello Confirmed For Kogi Central Race

    Yahaya Bello, whose eligibility had sparked political speculation in recent days, was officially cleared after his name appeared on the list of approved aspirants for the Kogi Central Senatorial District.

    The former governor is expected to battle Momoh Yusuf Obaro and Ibrahim Yakubu Adoke for the APC ticket.

    The development has already stirred reactions within political circles in the state.

    Karimi Emerges Consensus Candidate

    In Kogi West, Sunday Karimi reportedly emerged as the consensus candidate after a stakeholders’ meeting chaired by Governor Usman Ododo at the Government House in Lokoja.

    Although six other aspirants, including former senator Smart Adeyemi, were also cleared, observers believe the consensus arrangement may strengthen Karimi’s position ahead of the primary.

    Karimi is currently serving as senator representing Kogi West.

    Seven Cleared In Kogi East

    For Kogi East Senatorial District, seven aspirants were cleared by the screening committee.

    Those approved include incumbent senator Isah Echocho, Joseph Ameh and Murtala Ajaka.

    The APC primaries are expected to shape early political alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

  • Frank Edoho Speaks on Emotional Pain Amid Marital Controversy

    Popular broadcaster Frank Edoho has opened up about his emotional struggles and fears of heartbreak amid the ongoing controversy involving his estranged wife, Sandra Edoho.

    The former host of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire made the remarks during an appearance on the Outside The Box podcast, where he spoke about pain, emotional survival and the silent struggles many men face behind closed doors.

    “I Don’t Want To Die Because Of A Woman”

    Speaking during the podcast, Frank Edoho said one of his greatest fears is dying from emotional pain linked to a woman, regardless of the relationship involved.

    “I don’t want to go to the gates of heaven and they ask me what killed me and they say it’s a woman. Whether that woman be my daughter, my wife, my mother, I don’t want that,” he said.

    “I want to die with a smile on my face, saying that all the people I met I tried to put a smile on their faces.”

    The broadcaster added that he hopes to leave behind memories of kindness and positivity rather than regret and emotional trauma.

    Silent Battles Behind The Smile

    Although he did not directly mention the allegations recently made by his estranged wife, Sandra, Frank Edoho reflected on the emotional burdens many men carry privately.

    According to him, he once battled a severe personal crisis for two years without opening up to anyone, relying entirely on himself to recover from the experience.

    He also explained that his years in broadcasting taught him how to smile publicly while struggling internally.

    “Away from the microphone, real life still hits hard,” he stated while discussing the pressure of constantly appearing strong in public.

    Marital Drama Continues Online

    The comments come days after Sandra Edoho publicly accused the media personality of infidelity, emotional abuse and financial recklessness, allegations that sparked heated reactions across social media.

    The controversy has continued to trend online, with many Nigerians debating relationships, emotional health and the pressure public figures face in their marriages.

  • Verydarkman Says Frank Edoho Rumours Could Affect Chike’s Wedding Bookings

    Social media commentator Verydarkman has claimed that the ongoing online rumours involving singer Chike and Sandra Edoho, ex-wife of media personality Frank Edoho, could negatively affect the singer’s career.

    In a video making rounds online, Verydarkman argued that the controversy may impact Chike’s popularity among married couples who frequently book him for wedding performances.

    “Wedding bookings may reduce”

    According to the commentator, Chike is one of the most sought-after wedding performers in Nigeria, especially among female fans who admire his music and stage presence.

    He claimed the rumours currently circulating online may make some men uncomfortable inviting the singer to perform at their weddings.

    “Most of Chiké’s bookings are wedding bookings. Women love him a lot and many couples invite him to perform at their weddings,” he said.

    Verydarkman further alleged that the controversy could create suspicion among some married men.

    “A lot of men wey invite Chiké to their wedding go dey suspect say Chiké don blow their wives,” he added.

    Online discussions continue

    The comments come amid sustained online discussions linking Chike to Sandra Edoho following viral allegations that recently surfaced on social media.

    Neither Chike nor Sandra Edoho has publicly addressed the latest claims at the time of filing this report.

    Meanwhile, reactions have continued to trail the controversy online, with fans divided over the growing commentary surrounding the singer.