Author: Promise Odejide

  • Army Arrests Over 20 Suspects, Dismantles Camps in Nationwide Crackdown

    The Nigerian Army has arrested over 20 suspected terrorists and criminals in a series of coordinated operations carried out across multiple states within 24 hours, intensifying its ongoing fight against insecurity.

    Scope of the operations

    According to an operational report released at the Army Headquarters in Abuja on Sunday, the arrests followed intelligence-led offensives conducted with support from other security agencies and local vigilantes.

    The operations targeted terrorist hideouts, kidnapping syndicates and criminal networks operating across different parts of the country.

    Arrests and recoveries across states

    In Kogi State, troops of 12 Brigade, working with police and vigilantes, arrested two suspected terrorists during raids in Kakuma Ileteju/Origa and Ijumu communities, recovering motorcycles and chainsaw machines.

    In Kaduna State, a suspected terrorist was apprehended in Afaka, where he reportedly confessed to fleeing a camp due to internal clashes among members.

    Troops in Sokoto State also cleared several villages in Tangaza LGA, destroying a terrorist camp and recovering military-style clothing.

    Rescue operations and breakthroughs

    The Army disclosed that a Nigerien national held captive for over three weeks was rescued, highlighting the cross-border dimension of criminal activities.

    In Kwara State, troops responded to a distress call, forcing kidnappers to abandon three victims, while in Edo State, security forces rescued victims, arrested five suspected kidnappers and recovered an AK-47 rifle with ammunition.

    Further operations in Delta led to the arrest of a suspected IPOB member at Umunede Junction.

    Crackdown on drugs and illegal activities

    In Akwa Ibom State, troops raided drug hideouts, arresting six suspects and recovering various hard drugs, including cannabis, methamphetamine, codeine and tramadol, along with cash.

    In Rivers State, illegal bunkering sites were dismantled, with equipment and petroleum products seized.

    Plateau State operations led to the arrest of nine suspects and the recovery of firearms, ammunition, motorcycles and mobile phones, while troops in Abia uncovered suspected stolen crude oil along the Imo River axis.

    Ongoing security push

    The Army said the operations form part of a broader strategy to disrupt criminal networks, dismantle terrorist infrastructure and improve security across the country.

     

  • “Civil Servants Can’t Afford Maldives” — Tunde Perry Defends Peller, Sparks Debate

    Content creator and socialite Tunde Perry has joined the conversation around Peller’s controversial remarks, backing the influencer while highlighting what he described as the harsh economic reality facing many civil servants in Nigeria.

    Context behind the reaction

    His comments come amid backlash against Peller following his Maldives trip with his girlfriend, Jarvis, which drew criticism from TVC News anchors and other Nigerians over statements linked to luxury and affordability.

    Tunde Perry argued that the outrage may be misplaced, insisting that Peller simply stated an uncomfortable truth about lifestyle gaps.

    What Tunde Perry said

    “Civil servants cannot go to Maldives to enjoy themselves like Peller did, truly. People are just blaming him for saying the truth, even the TV stations that are blaming him too,” he said.

    He maintained that income levels among many government workers make such trips unrealistic, reflecting broader economic challenges.

    Comparison that triggered reactions

    The socialite went further by comparing professions, claiming that some skilled workers now earn and live better than civil servants.

    “Barbers live a better life than civil servants. Civil servants, everybody is not your level. Give respect to whom it is due,” he added.

    Mixed reactions online

    His remarks have since sparked heated reactions across social media, with some Nigerians agreeing with his perspective while others criticised the comparison as dismissive.

    The debate continues to highlight growing concerns around income inequality, cost of living, and shifting perceptions of financial success across different professions in Nigeria.

  • “Makinde Owes Me” — Saheed Osupa Speaks on Rift, Backs APC Ahead of 2027

    Fuji star Saheed Osupa has broken his silence on his fallout with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, accusing the administration of failing to honour agreements reached during the 2019 election campaign.

    Why the rift resurfaced

    The singer spoke after performing at the governorship declaration of Sharafadeen Alli in Yemetu, Ibadan, where he openly criticised Makinde’s government and declared support for the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.

    At the event, Osupa dismissed the idea of “Omituntun 3.0” and went as far as calling the governor a thief, a comment that has since triggered reactions.

    Claims over unpaid campaign work

    In a follow-up video, Osupa explained that he actively supported Makinde’s 2019 campaign, performing at rallies after being invited by the team.

    He said there was an agreement that he would be rewarded after the election victory, but claimed that promise was never fulfilled.

    “They gave me musical work for the governor’s rally in 2019 and negotiated the job, stating they would ‘do me well’ after winning the election,” he said.

    “However, they became my enemy after securing the mandate, yet they still refuse to pay for my work,” he added.

    Allegation of damaged property

    The singer also alleged that his car was damaged during the campaign period, with assurances from the team that it would be replaced.

    According to him, that promise was not kept, further deepening his grievances with the administration.

    “They damaged my car during the campaign and promised to give me another one,” he said.

    Call for public understanding

    Osupa urged Nigerians to verify facts before criticising his position, insisting that his stance is based on personal experience rather than politics alone.

    His comments have added a new twist to political conversations in Oyo State as alignments begin to take shape ahead of the 2027 elections.

  • FG Bans Import of Poultry, Cement, Drugs from Non-ECOWAS Countries, Introduces 2% Vehicle Tax

    The Federal Government has announced a sweeping ban on the importation of poultry products, cement, pharmaceuticals and several agricultural goods from countries outside the Economic Community of West African States, as part of its 2026 fiscal policy reforms.

    Details of the new directive

    The decision was contained in a circular issued by the Federal Ministry of Finance and signed by the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, dated April 1, 2026.

    According to the document, the affected goods are part of a revised import prohibition list covering 17 items, targeting products originating from non-ECOWAS member states.

    The policy forms part of broader tariff amendments under the 2026 Fiscal Policy Measures, replacing the 2023 framework.

    Grace period for existing importers

    The ministry said importers who had already initiated transactions before the new policy took effect would be given a 90-day window to complete them.

    “In addition, a grace period of ninety (90) days shall be granted to all importers who had opened Form ‘M’ and must have entered into irrevocable Trade Agreement before the coming into effect of this circular,” the statement read.

    It added that any new import transactions from April 1 would fall strictly under the new regime.

    Items affected

    Products listed under the prohibition include poultry, beef and pork, eggs, refined vegetable oils, sugar, cocoa products and tomatoes.

    Also affected are non-alcoholic beverages, bagged cement, certain pharmaceutical products, fertilisers, soaps, detergents, paper materials, glass bottles, steel items, and ballpoint pens.

    New tax on vehicles

    Alongside the import restrictions, the government introduced a two per cent green tax on motor vehicles.

    The levy applies to vehicles with engine capacities between 2009cc and above 4000cc, as part of efforts to align with environmental and fiscal policies.

    The ministry noted that the new measures will be formally published in the Official Federal Government Gazette.

     

  • “I Won the 2023 Election” — Peter Obi Insists, Questions Official Results

    Chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peter Obi, has again declared that he won the 2023 presidential election, maintaining that the officially announced results did not reflect what he believes was the true outcome.

    Fresh remarks on election outcome

    Speaking during an appearance on the Naija Unfiltered podcast, the former Anambra State governor said he remains convinced that his campaign secured victory, despite the final figures released by electoral authorities.

    According to him, the system produced a different result from what he insists actually happened during the election.

    “I can show you today, as far as I’m concerned, I have run election for the office of the President of Nigeria and won. But the system decided otherwise and they know it,” Obi said.

    Context of the 2023 race

    Obi contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party and polled about six million votes nationwide, emerging as one of the leading candidates in the race.

    His latest comments add to ongoing debates around the credibility of the election and the broader conversation on electoral reforms in Nigeria.

    Public reaction builds

    The statement has since stirred reactions online, with supporters and critics weighing in on his claims and the state of Nigeria’s electoral process.

    Obi has consistently maintained his stance on the election outcome, reinforcing calls from his camp for greater transparency and accountability in future polls.

  • “Tinubu Should Resign Now” — Fayose Laments Empty Lagos Roads, Blames Hardship

    Social commentator Isaac Fayose has raised fresh concerns over Nigeria’s worsening economic conditions, claiming the impact is now visible on major roads in Lagos as residents cut down movement due to rising costs.

    What he said

    Fayose, in a viral video, described a noticeable drop in traffic across usually busy parts of Lagos, linking the situation to the high cost of fuel and general economic pressure on citizens.

    He called for urgent intervention from national leaders, insisting that the current hardship has made daily life increasingly difficult for many Nigerians.

    “Even Lagos State roads wey dey always dey busy, poverty don carry am. Poverty has made everyone park their cars. President Tinubu should resign now, Nigerians are suffering,” he said.

    Concerns over cost of living

    The social commentator questioned the sustainability of current fuel prices, arguing that many Nigerians can no longer afford regular transportation.

    “How much is 10 litres of fuel? ₦14,000. Who can afford that every day?” he asked, pointing to what he described as a growing economic burden on households.

    Call for action

    Fayose further urged political leaders to take decisive steps, calling on the Senate leadership to act in what he described as the interest of Nigerians.

    He also expressed doubts about key national institutions, claiming that public confidence in governance structures is weakening.

    His remarks have since added to ongoing conversations about the cost of living crisis and economic reforms in the country.

  • Police Rescue All 13 Abducted Benue Passengers After Days in Captivity

    Joint security operatives have rescued the remaining 13 passengers abducted by gunmen in Benue State, days after the attack on a Benue Links vehicle, bringing the total number of freed victims to all those taken.

    Breakthrough in rescue operation

    The State Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, confirmed the development on Sunday, noting that the rescued victims would be transported to Makurdi for further processing.

    “Yes we’re planning a news conference this morning when they arrive Makurdi,” the police chief said.

    The latest operation followed an earlier rescue of five victims, leaving 13 in captivity before the final breakthrough.

    How the abduction happened

    The incident occurred on Wednesday night when gunmen intercepted a state-owned Benue Links bus.

    Passengers, including young men and women, were forcefully taken away by the attackers during the operation.

    Many of those onboard were reportedly travelling to Otukpo for the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.

    Dispute over victims’ identity

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board had earlier denied that any of its candidates were among the victims.

    However, a relative of one of the abducted passengers disputed the claim, insisting that several of those on the bus were heading to write the examination.

    “My nephew was on that bus… most of the passengers were candidates,” the source said.

    Security concerns remain

    The incident adds to growing concerns over insecurity in parts of the country, despite ongoing efforts by authorities to curb attacks.

    Residents continue to call for stronger action as kidnappings and violent incidents persist across affected regions.

  • “Obi Is a Poor Politician” — Man Sparks Debate Over ADC Ticket, Praises Tinubu’s Strategy

    A Nigerian man has stirred reactions online after criticising calls for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to step aside for Peter Obi in the race for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket.

    What sparked the comment

    The man reacted to a viral opinion suggesting that Atiku should allow Obi emerge as the party’s candidate, dismissing the idea as unrealistic in Nigerian politics.

    He argued that political positions are not handed over but fought for through strategy and alliances.

    His take on Obi

    In the video, he described Obi’s approach as weak, questioning why the former Labour Party candidate would expect an automatic ticket without prior alignment.

    “So you’re telling me Obi left LP without any alignment to secure ADC ticket? This guy is a poor politician,” he said.

    Reference to Tinubu’s strategy

    He went further to praise President Bola Tinubu’s political experience, noting that his rise to power was built on calculated moves and negotiations.

    “It’s not given; it’s collected. I may not like Tinubu, but that guy is a good politician,” he added.

    He also recalled how alliances and withdrawals played key roles in past primaries, suggesting such outcomes are rarely voluntary.

    Wike comparison and reactions

    The speaker referenced FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, claiming the political space would have been more aggressive if he were in Obi’s position.

    “Imagine it was Wike… by now Tinubu would have been hospitalised,” he said.

    The remarks have fueled ongoing debates online, as Nigerians continue to analyse political strategies and alliances ahead of future elections.

  • “I Have 7 Brothers Calling Me Daily for Money” — Carter Efe Opens Up on Family Pressure

    Nigerian content creator and singer Carter Efe has revealed the financial strain he faces from constant demands by family members, describing the situation as draining and overwhelming.

    What he revealed

    Speaking during a recent livestream, Carter Efe said he frequently receives calls from relatives requesting money, including large amounts that have affected his finances.

    According to him, the requests often continue even after he has already offered support.

    “I have 7 brothers and they call me every day for money,” he said.

    Details of financial demands

    The entertainer shared specific instances, including sending his elder brother ₦1 million, which he said impacted him significantly.

    He also disclosed that he sent his sister $1,000 to buy a phone, only for her to request more money just days later for a birthday photoshoot.

    “Two days after, she called me again… it’s draining,” he added.

    His warning to others

    Carter Efe cautioned that without setting clear boundaries, individuals may end up working hard with little to show for it due to continuous financial obligations.

    “You’ll just be working with nothing to show for it if you’re not wise,” he said.

    Why it matters

    His comments have sparked conversations online about family expectations, financial responsibility, and the pressure often placed on successful individuals.

  • “You’re a Coward” — Yul Edochie Blasts Igbos Criticising Tinubu Supporters

    Nollywood actor Yul Edochie has lashed out at critics within the Igbo community who attack fellow Igbos for supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.

    What triggered his reaction

    In a strongly worded post on social media, the actor accused critics of selective outrage, saying they only target their own people while ignoring supporters of the president from other regions.

    He challenged them to show similar criticism directed at Yoruba or Northern supporters of Tinubu.

    What Yul Edochie said

    “Any Igbo man who is dragging his fellow Igbo man for supporting President Tinubu is a monkey and a coward,” he wrote.

    “Show me a video of you dragging Yorubas… or Northerners who are supporting Tinubu. You don’t have the liver to do it.”

    He added that such individuals are quick to criticise their own but avoid confronting others.

    Political backing for Tinubu

    The outburst comes weeks after Edochie openly declared his support for President Tinubu.

    He had earlier announced his appointment as Deputy Southeast Coordinator for the “Relax Tinubu Is Fixing Nigeria” (RTIFN) group, stating his commitment to the president’s agenda.

    Reactions and implications

    His comments have sparked mixed reactions online, with some supporting his stance on political freedom, while others criticised his tone and choice of words.

    The development highlights growing political tensions and regional debates as conversations around the 2027 elections begin to take shape.