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  • ‘Send Your Youths for Enlistment,’ Army Chief Tells South East Over Recruitment Shortfall

    Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, has called on leaders, parents and guardians across the South East to encourage more young people to enlist in the Nigerian Army, saying the region has consistently failed to meet its recruitment quota.

    Shaibu made the appeal during the passing-out parade of 2,989 regular recruits at the Nigerian Army Recruits Training Depot in Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State.

    ‘The quota is not being utilised’

    The Army Chief said the newly established training depot was created to increase enlistment from the South East, but expressed concern that the objective had yet to be achieved.

    “The recruitment quota from this zone has not been fully utilised. This should not continue.”

    He urged community leaders, traditional rulers, parents and guardians to encourage eligible young men and women to embrace military service, describing it as a noble career built on patriotism, leadership and national service.

    Army warns against social media misuse

    Addressing the newly recruited soldiers, Shaibu said Nigeria continues to face serious security challenges, including terrorism, insurgency, banditry, separatist violence, organised crime and cyber threats.

    He urged the recruits to remain disciplined and committed to their responsibilities, warning that the nature of the country’s security environment requires courage, sacrifice and professionalism.

    The Army Chief also cautioned personnel against violating the military’s social media policy, warning that sharing operational information, photographs, sensitive locations or unverified content online could attract severe disciplinary measures, including dismissal.

    Ebonyi pledges support

    Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian Army.

    He pledged to provide a peaceful environment for military training and strengthen collaboration between security agencies and host communities in the state.

  • Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu Admits Meeting Alleged PFIPC Fraudster, Says He Was Also Deceived

    Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has acknowledged meeting alleged fraudster Adeniyi Adeyemi Mathew, saying he was among those deceived by the suspect who allegedly posed as the head of the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).

    Speaking during plenary on Tuesday, Kalu told lawmakers that his interaction with Mathew was based on the belief that he represented a legitimate government agency.

    Kalu: I Was Also a Victim

    Addressing the chamber, the Deputy Speaker explained that several public officials, including himself, had unknowingly engaged with Mathew because he presented himself as a genuine government appointee.

    Kalu maintained that he was a victim of the alleged deception and had no knowledge that the organisation Mathew claimed to represent was not recognised by the Federal Government.

    His remarks come after photographs and reports showing Mathew meeting with the Deputy Speaker in 2025 resurfaced following the scandal.

    PFIPC Under Investigation

    Mathew is accused of operating the fictitious Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) and allegedly using forged appointment letters and official documents to present himself as a presidential appointee.

    Authorities allege he falsely claimed to be the Director-General of the council, secured meetings with senior government officials and attempted to obtain official recognition through forged documents.

    The Presidency has repeatedly denied establishing the PFIPC, insisting the organisation has no legal backing or presidential approval.

    President Bola Tinubu has since directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the activities of the alleged council and everyone connected to it.

    Court Case Continues

    The Nigeria Police Force has filed charges against Mathew over allegations including forgery, conspiracy and impersonation.

    The case is expected to proceed in court later this month as investigations continue.

    Kalu’s statement adds to growing concerns over how the suspect allegedly gained access to senior government officials before the alleged fraud was uncovered.

  • Reps Clash Over Motion to Summon Tinubu on Insecurity, Coastal Highway Spending

    A heated debate broke out in the House of Representatives on Tuesday as lawmakers clashed over a motion seeking to invite President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address the chamber on the country’s worsening insecurity and the Federal Government’s spending on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.

    The motion triggered sharp exchanges during plenary, with members expressing opposing views on whether the President should personally explain the administration’s priorities amid growing security concerns across the country.

    Lawmakers raise security concerns

    While presenting the motion, one lawmaker argued that insecurity had reached an alarming level, with kidnappings and violent attacks continuing across several parts of the country.

    “Our people are being kidnapped every day, heads are being chopped off on national television, Nigerians are suffering,” the lawmaker said, questioning the government’s decision to commit trillions of naira to the coastal highway project while many communities remain under threat.

    The debate quickly became rowdy as some members backed the motion, insisting the National Assembly had a constitutional responsibility to demand accountability from the executive.

    Others, however, defended the government’s infrastructure drive, arguing that projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway are critical to Nigeria’s long-term economic growth and should not be politicised.

    Sharp divisions during plenary

    The exchanges forced repeated interventions from the presiding officer as lawmakers shouted across the chamber while attempting to make their positions known.

    The motion highlighted growing concerns within the House over the balance between addressing immediate security challenges and funding major infrastructure projects.

    Awaiting House decision

    As of the time of filing this report, the House had not announced a final resolution on whether President Tinubu would be invited to appear before lawmakers.

    The Presidency has also not issued any official response to the debate.

  • FHA Demolishes Near-Completed Abuja Estate Over Illegal Construction on Diplomatic Land

    The Federal Housing Authority (FHA) has demolished a near-completed residential estate in Abuja worth several billions of naira after declaring that the development was illegally constructed on land designated for diplomatic residences.

    The demolition, carried out with heavy equipment, followed the agency’s determination that the project violated land-use regulations and the Abuja Master Plan.

    Estate built on diplomatic land, FHA says

    According to the FHA, the land was originally allocated for diplomatic purposes during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo when Nasir El-Rufai served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

    Authorities said the developers proceeded with construction despite receiving stop-work notices and queries, adding that the estate lacked the required approvals for the site.

    The demolition forms part of the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s ongoing enforcement of development control regulations under FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

    Mixed reactions trail demolition

    The action has generated widespread reactions, with many Nigerians expressing concern over the destruction of a project that was close to completion amid the country’s housing shortage.

    Some questioned why construction was allowed to progress to such an advanced stage before enforcement action was taken, while others argued that strict compliance with planning regulations is necessary to preserve the integrity of the Abuja Master Plan.

    Supporters of the demolition maintained that developments on land reserved for embassies and other public purposes cannot be allowed to stand, regardless of the level of investment.

    Authorities are yet to disclose whether the developers will face further legal action or if compensation issues will arise.

  • Tinubu Orders ICPC to Probe Fake Presidential Council, Gives 30-Day Deadline

    President Bola Tinubu has directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the activities of the so-called Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), describing it as a fictitious body with no legal backing.

    The President ordered the anti-corruption agency to conclude its investigation and submit a comprehensive report within 30 days.

    Tinubu orders comprehensive probe

    According to a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the PFIPC was never established by the Federal Government and has no basis in law, executive approval or any official government instrument.

    The Presidency said one Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew falsely presented himself as the Director-General of the council and claimed to be a presidential appointee.

    Forgery, bank accounts under investigation

    President Tinubu directed the ICPC to investigate the alleged forgery of appointment letters and other government documents, as well as claims that the suspect used the false presidential appointment to obtain official recognition, diplomatic support and visa facilitation.

    The investigation will also cover the opening of multiple bank accounts in the names of purported government agencies using allegedly forged documents.

    The President further instructed the commission to investigate the source and movement of funds linked to the alleged scheme and determine whether any public officials, financial institutions, intermediaries or private individuals facilitated the operation.

    MDAs directed to cooperate

    Tinubu also ordered all ministries, departments and agencies of the Federal Government to provide the ICPC with all relevant records and information required to complete the investigation promptly.

    He directed the commission to identify weaknesses in government procedures that may have enabled the alleged fraud and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents.

    According to the statement, the President stressed that the integrity of the Presidency and government institutions must be protected against impersonation, forgery and abuse of official identity.

    He also directed that anyone found culpable should face the full weight of the law.

  • Roasted Corn Seller Retracts ₦2.5 Million Monthly Income Claim, Says It Was “Content”

    A roadside roasted corn seller who recently went viral after claiming she earned ₦2.5 million every month from her business has withdrawn the statement, admitting it was made purely for content.

    The woman made the clarification in a new video shared on social media after her earlier claim generated widespread reactions and debate among Nigerians.

    Vendor admits claim was false

    In the emotional video, the corn seller said she had never earned anything close to the amount she previously mentioned.

    “I’m making ₦2.5 million, yet I’m still standing under the sun? Since I started this corn business, I have never made that kind of money. Nigerians, please help me,” she said.

    She later added, “Make una no vex, na content. I never make that kind of money.”

    Claim sparked nationwide debate

    The vendor first attracted attention after telling an interviewer that she made about ₦2.5 million monthly from selling roasted corn.

    The claim quickly went viral, with many Nigerians questioning whether such earnings were realistic for a roadside business, while others argued that small-scale enterprises could be highly profitable if properly managed.

    The discussion also coincided with recent comments by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu encouraging women to embrace low-capital businesses such as roasted corn vending.

    Mixed reactions online

    Her latest admission has generated fresh reactions across social media.

    While some users criticised her for spreading misleading information, others sympathised with her, suggesting the attention surrounding the viral interview may have become overwhelming.

    Some also speculated that fear of scrutiny or other pressures may have influenced her decision to publicly retract the claim.

    The identity of the vendor and her actual monthly earnings have not been independently verified.

  • Video of Tinubu, Officials Struggling With National Anthem at FEC Meeting Goes Viral

    A video from the latest Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting has sparked reactions online after appearing to show President Bola Tinubu and some senior government officials struggling to recite the reinstated national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”

    The clip, which circulated widely on social media on Tuesday, captured officials during the opening of the FEC meeting, with some seemingly uncertain about portions of the anthem.

    Video triggers reactions

    The footage was first shared by several social media users, with many commenting on the apparent hesitation displayed during the rendition of the anthem.

    The viral clip reignited public debate over the Federal Government’s decision to restore “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” as the country’s national anthem in 2024.

    While some Nigerians found the moment humorous, others argued it reflected the difficulty many citizens still face in adapting to the restored anthem.

    Anthem restored in 2024

    President Tinubu signed the National Anthem Bill into law in May 2024, replacing “Arise, O Compatriots” with “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” the anthem Nigeria used at independence before it was changed in 1978.

    The move generated mixed reactions at the time, with supporters describing it as a step towards restoring national identity, while critics questioned its priority amid the country’s economic and security challenges.

    No official response

    The Presidency has not issued any statement regarding the viral video or the reactions it has generated.

    The FEC meeting itself focused on several policy issues, including discussions on the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s removal from the Treasury Single Account (TSA) and other government matters.

    https://twitter.com/i/status/2074484076887621798

  • Nigerian Army Skydivers Thrill Crowd with 12,000-Foot Jump During NADCEL 2026

    The Nigerian Army showcased its airborne capabilities with a high-altitude parachute display during the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL), as military skydivers jumped from a Nigerian Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft at about 12,000 feet above sea level.

    The display formed part of activities marking the Army’s 163rd anniversary, held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

    Skydivers demonstrate airborne capability

    Videos shared by the Nigerian Army and circulated on social media captured the soldiers exiting the rear ramp of the moving aircraft before deploying their parachutes and landing safely near the parade ground.

    The demonstration highlighted the Army’s operational readiness and the coordination between the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Air Force during airborne operations.

    Part of NADCEL 2026 activities

    NADCEL 2026 featured military parades, tactical demonstrations, veterans’ recognition, medical outreach programmes and civil-military engagement activities.

    The event was held under the theme, “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army.”

    Chief of Army Staff Waidi Shaibu reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to professionalism and national security during the celebrations, while Vice President Kashim Shettima represented President Bola Tinubu at key events.

    Mixed reactions online

    The skydiving display attracted praise from many Nigerians, who commended the soldiers’ courage, discipline and level of training.

    Others, however, urged the military to focus more on tackling insecurity across the country, saying such demonstrations should be matched with improved security operations.

    No incidents were reported during the parachute exercise, which military authorities described as part of efforts to showcase the Nigerian Army’s evolving capabilities.

  • AGF: PFIPC Has No CBN Account, Received No Government Funds

    The Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) has clarified that the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) does not operate any account with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and has not received government funds.

    The clarification comes as investigations continue into the activities of the council, which the Presidency has repeatedly described as a non-existent government agency.

    OAGF addresses funding claims

    In a statement, the OAGF said the PFIPC “has no operational account with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)” and “received no funds.”

    The clarification follows growing public scrutiny over how the council reportedly operated from an office within the Federal Secretariat in Abuja, employed staff and carried out official activities despite being disowned by the Presidency.

    Presidency disowned council

    The controversy began after the Presidency announced that the PFIPC was not a recognised government institution.

    Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga had alleged that Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew falsely claimed to have been appointed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, using forged documents.

    Adeyemi was subsequently arrested and charged with forgery and impersonation before being granted bail. He has denied the allegations and insists his appointment was genuine.

    Budget allocation raises questions

    The controversy deepened after reports revealed that the PFIPC appeared in the 2026 Appropriation Act with a budget allocation exceeding ₦1.3 billion for personnel, overhead and capital projects.

    The revelation has triggered calls for investigations into how the agency was included in the national budget despite the Presidency’s position that it does not exist.

    Civil society organisations and political groups have also demanded greater transparency over the approval process and possible involvement of public officials.

    Questions remain

    While the OAGF maintains that no government funds were released to the PFIPC through the CBN, questions remain over how the council allegedly financed its operations, maintained offices and conducted official activities.

    The matter is expected to remain under investigation as legal proceedings against Adeyemi continue.

  • NDLEA Intercepts Cocaine Hidden in Fake Plantains, Fuel Tanks, Arrests UK-Based Woman

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has uncovered multiple drug trafficking operations across Nigeria, arresting several suspects, including a 67-year-old Nigerian-British woman caught with cocaine disguised as fresh plantains at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

    The agency said the coordinated operations exposed increasingly sophisticated methods used by traffickers to conceal illicit drugs while investigations into the syndicates continue.

    Cocaine disguised as plantains

    NDLEA operatives arrested Mrs. Mary Yetunde Barek on Sunday, June 28, at the departure hall of Terminal 2 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport as she attempted to board a Virgin Atlantic flight to London.

    A search of her luggage uncovered 13 kilograms of cocaine concealed in 31 large wraps carefully moulded to resemble fresh hands of plantains. The fake plantains were mixed with other food items to avoid suspicion.

    According to the agency, Barek admitted ownership of the drugs during interrogation.

    PhD student linked to Malaysia-bound syndicate

    In a separate operation in Anambra State, NDLEA officers intercepted 5.8 kilograms of cocaine hidden inside cartons of Orijin bitters.

    The operation led to the arrest of 45-year-old Nwabueze Felix Onyeka, a PhD student allegedly linked to a drug trafficking syndicate with connections to Malaysia.

    Authorities said investigations are ongoing to identify other members of the network.

    Drugs concealed in fuel tanks

    In Taraba State, NDLEA operatives also intercepted 43,980 tramadol capsules hidden inside specially modified fuel tanks during a road operation.

    The agency disclosed that other raids conducted across different states resulted in the seizure of cannabis, methamphetamine and other prohibited substances.

    NDLEA vows sustained crackdown

    NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, said the operations reflect the agency’s determination to dismantle both local and international drug trafficking networks.

    He noted that traffickers are adopting more sophisticated concealment methods, but assured Nigerians that the agency remains committed to strengthening surveillance, disrupting criminal networks and raising public awareness about the dangers of illicit drugs.

    The NDLEA said investigations into all the cases are continuing as efforts intensify to identify and prosecute everyone connected to the drug syndicates.