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  • FG Begins Payment of BEA Scholars’ Allowances, Says 50% Outstanding Funds Released

    The Federal Government has commenced the disbursement of outstanding allowances owed to beneficiaries of the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) Scholarship Programme studying in partner countries.

    The announcement was made in a press statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Education on 19 May 2026.

    FG confirms release of funds

    According to the Ministry, the Central Bank of Nigeria has successfully remitted approved funds to Nigerian embassies and missions abroad for immediate disbursement to eligible scholars.

    The statement explained that the payment covers 50 percent of the outstanding 2025 obligations, while efforts are ongoing to clear the remaining balance.

    Minister assures students abroad

    The Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, said the released funds have already been sent to embassy accounts, adding that affected missions are expected to begin immediate payments.

    He urged students under the BEA programme to monitor their accounts as disbursement begins.

    Tinubu administration restates commitment

    The Ministry said the development reflects the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the welfare of Nigerian students abroad under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Bola Ahmed Tinubu, according to the statement, remains focused on improving education support systems and fulfilling obligations to scholars under government scholarship schemes.

    FG reiterates education support

    The Federal Government also reaffirmed its commitment to honouring legitimate obligations to Nigerian students abroad and sustaining policies aimed at strengthening education and human capital development.

    Officials added that the BEA programme remains a key component of Nigeria’s international education partnerships.

  • Gunmen Kill Vigilante Officer During Fresh Attack on Plateau Community

    A 25-year-old vigilante officer, Daniel Danladi Choji, has been killed following a fresh attack by gunmen on Tanjol village in Jol District of Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

    Residents disclosed that the attack occurred on Tuesday night after armed men reportedly invaded the community, forcing villagers to flee into nearby bushes and rocky areas for safety.

    Several residents were also said to have sustained injuries while escaping from the attackers, who were suspected to be armed Fulani bandits.

    Attackers stormed communities in groups

    The National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youths Moulder-Association (BYM), Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Wednesday.

    According to him, the attackers invaded Vwak and Tanjol communities in multiple groups and opened fire indiscriminately before security operatives responded.

    He explained that the deceased vigilante officer was killed while carrying out patrol duties alongside other security personnel.

    “The attackers stormed the Vwak and Tanjol communities in more than five groups, shooting indiscriminately before they were repelled by a combined team of Operation Rainbow and security operatives,” the statement read.

    BYM demands urgent action

    The youth association condemned the attack and urged the Plateau State Government and security agencies to take urgent measures to prevent further violence in affected communities.

    The group also called for restrictions on grazing activities in the area, alleging a connection between grazing movements and recurring attacks within communities in the state.

    “We also urged authorities to halt grazing activities in the affected areas as there is a link between such movements and repeated attacks,” Tengwong stated.

    The association further demanded intensified military operations in areas suspected to be hideouts for armed groups.

    “Failure to act decisively could lead to continued loss of lives in Plateau State and the wider Middle Belt region,” he added.

    Killings continue despite promises

    Plateau State has witnessed years of violent attacks, communal clashes and armed invasions that have claimed thousands of lives and displaced many residents across different communities.

    Despite repeated assurances by successive governments to end the violence, attacks and killings have continued in parts of the state.

  • DHQ Denies Existence of Terrorist Base in South-West Amid Oyo School Abduction

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports suggesting the existence of a terrorist base in the South-West, insisting that ongoing military operations are targeted at rescuing abducted victims and tracking criminal elements behind recent attacks in Oyo State.

    The clarification was made on Tuesday in Abuja by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja.

    DHQ reacts to Oyo school attack

    Onoja said the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, had sympathised with the government and people of Oyo State following the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.

    He condemned the attack on the affected schools, describing the abduction of innocent children and education workers as criminal and unacceptable.

    According to him, the Armed Forces have already deployed personnel and operational resources to ensure the victims are rescued safely.

    “The full weight of the Armed Forces is being brought to bear to ensure the safe return of all abducted victims,” he said.

    “No terrorist base in South-West”

    The defence spokesman maintained that intelligence available to security agencies does not support claims of an organised terrorist structure operating in the South-West region.

    According to him, previous clearance operations carried out within the Old Oyo National Park had already neutralised criminal elements operating around the area.

    “The incident in Oyo State remains an isolated criminal act and does not indicate the presence of an entrenched insurgent structure in the region,” Onoja stated.

    He warned against spreading narratives capable of creating panic or emboldening criminal groups.

    Troops tracking abductors

    Onoja further disclosed that troops had established contact with the abductors and were currently sustaining pursuit operations across forest routes linked to the attack.

    He said joint operations involving other security agencies and local vigilante groups were ongoing to flush out criminal elements and restore normalcy in affected communities.

    The military also appealed to residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible intelligence to aid rescue operations.

    “The Armed Forces will not relent until all abducted victims are rescued and those responsible are brought to justice,” he added.

  • Pastor Dolapo Organises Special Thanksgiving Service for Arsenal Fans After Title Win Backlash

    Nigerian pastor Adedolapo Lawal, popularly known as Pastor Dolapo or TheDolapoLawal and founder of Zoe Household Global Church, has organised a special thanksgiving service for Arsenal fans following backlash over his earlier comments about the English Premier League club.

    The pastor made the move after a viral video of his previous remarks resurfaced online, where he was accused of suggesting that Arsenal would struggle to win major trophies.

    “It was just banter, not a prophecy”

    In a fresh video, Pastor Dolapo clarified that his comments were meant as light-hearted banter and not a spiritual declaration against the club.

    “I was joking. I’m not cursing. God didn’t tell me something about Arsenal. It was just normal banter that I make with Arsenal fans in my church,” he said.

    He also confirmed that he is a Manchester United supporter and admitted that his engagement with football discussions was mostly for humour.

    Thanksgiving service announced for Arsenal fans

    Following the backlash, he announced a special thanksgiving service dedicated to Arsenal fans, inviting them to attend in their jerseys as part of a celebration following the club’s Premier League triumph.

    The service, according to him, is meant to “thank God for you people,” turning the controversy into a moment of appreciation for the club’s supporters.

    The development comes after Arsenal clinched their first Premier League title since 2004, sparking celebrations among fans and renewed attention to the pastor’s earlier comments.

    Reactions to the announcement have remained mixed online, with some fans welcoming the gesture while others questioned the intent behind the thanksgiving service.

    Reactions Online

    Social media users have reacted with humour and criticism, with some Arsenal fans embracing the apology while rival supporters mocked the situation as typical football banter spilling into church spaces.

    One user wrote, “From Arsenal go bottle to thanksgiving service,” while another joked, “Offering go dey red and white today.”

    The incident highlights how football, faith, and social media continue to intersect in Nigeria, often turning light remarks into viral national conversations.

  • Sowore Blasts Adekunle Gold Over Alleged Jailing of X User for False Claims

    Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has criticised singer Adekunle Gold over reports that a social media user was allegedly imprisoned for making false claims about the musician and his family online.

    Sowore made the remarks during a viral interview while reacting to reports that the individual had spent more than two years in prison over comments posted on X, formerly Twitter.

    “That’s Not How To Handle False Stories”

    Speaking during the interview, Sowore argued that celebrities and public figures should learn to ignore false rumours instead of allegedly using security agencies and the justice system against online critics.

    “How dare Adekunle Gold, after getting some little money and fame, send somebody to jail for two years for writing something we all know is not true?” he said.

    The activist added that false rumours are common for public figures and should not automatically result in criminal prosecution.

    “Yesterday people were calling me that my wife and children had died in the US. I simply called them to confirm they were alive and moved on,” he added.

    Sowore Speaks On Oppression

    Sowore also linked the issue to what he described as a growing culture of oppression among influential Nigerians.

    According to him, many Nigerians criticise abuse of power until they gain influence themselves.

    “How can you sit down with police and prosecutors to jail someone for two and a half years because of three lines on Twitter?” he asked.

    “Nigerians complain about oppression until they get small power, then they become worse.”

    Debate Over Cybercrime Laws

    The controversy has reignited conversations around cybercrime laws, online speech and the arrest of social media users over controversial or defamatory posts.

    The issue has continued to generate mixed reactions online, with some Nigerians defending the rights of celebrities to seek legal redress, while others argue that criminal prosecution over social media comments may be excessive.

    As of the time of filing this report, neither Simi nor Adekunle Gold had publicly responded to Sowore’s comments.

  • Baltasar Engonga Trends Again Amid Rumours of Early Release From Prison

    Baltasar Ebang Engonga, the former Equatorial Guinean official who became globally controversial over leaked explicit videos and corruption allegations, is once again dominating social media conversations following rumours of his alleged release from prison.

    The reports, which began circulating online on Tuesday, claimed the former government official had regained freedom after spending about two years behind bars.

    Social Media Explodes Over Rumoured Release

    The development triggered massive reactions across X, Instagram and other social platforms, especially in Nigeria, where Engonga’s scandal previously generated widespread attention and memes.

    Several users reacted with jokes, memes and sarcastic comments, with many expressing disbelief over the reports.

    Others questioned the authenticity of the claims, noting that there has been no official confirmation from authorities in Equatorial Guinea at the time of filing this report.

    How Engonga Became Global Headline

    Engonga, a former Director General of the National Agency for Financial Investigation in Equatorial Guinea, rose to international notoriety in 2024 after authorities reportedly uncovered explicit videos during investigations linked to corruption allegations.

    The scandal quickly went viral across Africa and beyond, turning the former official into one of the most talked-about personalities online.

    In 2025, he was reportedly convicted on charges related to embezzlement, abuse of office and diversion of public funds.

    Reports at the time stated that he received a lengthy prison sentence alongside heavy financial penalties.

    Confusion Over Release Claims

    Despite the latest online claims, confusion remains over whether Engonga has actually been released or whether the reports are merely rumours amplified by social media speculation.

    Some observers also questioned the timeline, arguing that the reported prison term did not align with claims that he had already completed his sentence.

    As of the time of this report, authorities in Equatorial Guinea have yet to issue an official statement clarifying his status.

    Fresh Debate Across Africa

    The rumours have once again reopened conversations around political influence, elite scandals and social media culture across Africa.

    Many online users described the situation as another example of how viral internet moments can transform controversial public figures into long-lasting social media sensations.

  • “N1,000 Election Cannot Work” — Angry APC Women Protest Alleged Poor Payment After Primary

    Some women supporters of the All Progressives Congress have voiced anger over alleged poor treatment during a recent primary election, claiming they were given only ₦1,000 after participating in the exercise.

    The women expressed their frustrations in a viral video circulating online, where they complained about worsening economic hardship and warned that such actions could damage the party’s chances in future elections.

    “₦1,000 election is not an election”

    Speaking in Hausa in the video, the women repeatedly rejected the amount allegedly given to them, insisting it was unfair considering the rising cost of living and transportation.

    One of the women said:

    “We will not accept ₦1,000 election.”

    She further argued that many women and youths spent almost the same amount on transport just to attend the exercise.

    “Honestly, truth be told, even if they call us right now to come out from our houses and give us ₦1,000, it is not an election,” she said.

    Women lament economic hardship

    The supporters also accused party leaders of being disconnected from the realities facing ordinary Nigerians.

    According to them, hardship has worsened significantly, making the alleged payment insulting to many grassroots members who sacrificed time and resources to participate.

    “Women are suffering a lot, yet some people are saying they will conduct ₦1,000 election,” the woman added.

    She also claimed that some participants eventually received even less than the initial amount allegedly promised.

    “Surprisingly, they have now returned to giving only ₦600 each,” she alleged.

    Warning to party leaders

    The women urged APC leaders to reconsider how grassroots supporters are treated, warning that dissatisfaction among loyal party members could affect future electoral outcomes.

    “People should think carefully, especially the leaders. Is this being done for progress or for backwardness?” the woman asked.

    The video has since generated reactions online, with many Nigerians debating issues surrounding political mobilisation, economic hardship and treatment of party supporters during election activities.

  • DHQ: Nigerian, US Forces Kill 175 ISIS Militants in Major North-East Offensive

    The Defence Headquarters has announced that no fewer than 175 ISIS militants have been killed in ongoing joint counterterrorism operations involving Nigerian troops and the United States Africa Command in the North-East.

    The military said the coordinated offensive has significantly weakened the terrorist group’s operations across the region.

    Joint Air and Ground Strikes Intensify

    In a statement issued on Tuesday, Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, disclosed that the operations began a few days ago and involved coordinated air and ground assaults on ISIS strongholds.

    According to him, the strikes destroyed multiple checkpoints, logistics hubs, weapons storage facilities, financial networks and operational equipment used by the terrorists.

    He described the operation as a “devastating blow” to ISIS activities in the region.

    Top ISIS Commanders Neutralised

    The Defence Headquarters also confirmed the killing of several senior ISIS commanders during the operation.

    Among those neutralised was Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described by the military as one of the group’s most important global operatives.

    Uba said al-Minuki played a major role in terrorist financing, recruitment, logistics coordination and planning attacks against civilians.

    His death, according to the military, has severely disrupted the operational structure and coordination of the extremist network.

    Other Key Terror Figures Killed

    The military further identified other senior figures killed in the offensive, including Abd-al Wahhab, said to be an ISWAP commander linked to attacks and propaganda operations.

    Also killed were Abu Musa al-Mangawi and Abu al-Muthanna al-Muhajir, who was reportedly involved in ISIS media production activities.

    Military Vows Continued Offensive

    The Defence Headquarters said the latest success reflects the sustained efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces and international allies in dismantling terrorist networks operating within the country.

    Uba assured Nigerians that operations would continue until all extremist threats are neutralised.

    “The Armed Forces of Nigeria, in collaboration with international partners, will continue to hunt down and destroy terrorists wherever they operate,” he stated.

  • 12-Year-Old Survivor Recounts Horror as Teacher ‘Ran Away’ During Oyo School Terror Attack

    A 12-year-old survivor of the recent terrorist attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State has narrated how her teacher allegedly fled for safety immediately gunmen invaded their classroom, forcing terrified pupils to jump through windows and hide inside the bush for hours.

    The survivor, identified as Aminah, spoke during an interview with SaharaReporters as fresh details continue to emerge from the coordinated attack that left several pupils, students and teachers missing.

    “We Jumped Through The Window”

    Narrating the incident in Yoruba, the visibly traumatised schoolgirl said lessons were ongoing when gunshots suddenly erupted outside the classroom.

    “We were in the classroom while a teacher was teaching us when we suddenly heard gunshots from outside,” Aminah said.

    “The teacher was the first to run away, leaving us alone. We all had to jump through the window and run into the bush to save ourselves.”

    She explained that many of the pupils remained hidden inside the forest for several hours out of fear, only coming out later in the evening after hearing the voices of residents searching for survivors.

    “We remained in the bush until evening before we started hearing people shouting. That was when all of us began coming out from the places where we had hidden,” she added.

    “The people who took us home were residents of the communities as well.”

    Teacher Beheaded After Abduction

    The attack happened on May 16 when armed bandits stormed multiple schools in the Ahoro-Esiele community during school hours.

    Among those abducted were pupils, students, teachers and the principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, Mrs. Rachael Alamu. Two persons were also reportedly killed during the invasion.

    Days after the abduction, a disturbing viral video surfaced online showing one of the kidnapped teachers being beheaded by the attackers.

    The victim was later identified as Michael Oyedokun, a mathematics teacher.

    32 Victims Still Missing

    The Oyo State Police Command later confirmed that at least 32 victims abducted during the attacks are still missing.

    Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Oluyinka Ayanlade, disclosed that seven secondary school students, 18 primary school pupils and seven teachers remain unaccounted for.

    According to him, the victims were abducted from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.

    “Seven students, 18 pupils, and seven teachers are still missing,” Ayanlade said.

    Makinde Speaks On Surveillance Aircraft

    Meanwhile, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde said surveillance aircraft acquired by the state government to strengthen security operations have already arrived in Nigeria.

    Speaking with journalists in Ibadan, the governor disclosed that the aircraft are currently being assembled at a Nigerian Air Force facility in Lagos before deployment.

    “The surveillance aircraft have arrived in the country,” Makinde said.

    “As of today, they are at the Nigerian Air Force hangar in Lagos, where they are being assembled.”

    He added that the aircraft would help improve intelligence gathering and aerial surveillance to combat kidnapping and violent attacks across the state.

  • US lawmaker: Trump to hunt terrorists behind attacks on Christians in Nigeria after ISIS strike

    United States Congressman Riley Moore has said President Donald Trump is prepared to go after terrorists responsible for attacks on Christians in Nigeria, following a reported joint operation that killed a senior Islamic State commander. The statement has reignited debate around foreign involvement in Nigeria’s security challenges.

    Moore speaks on ISIS operation

    Moore made the comments during a television interview on NewsNation, where he referenced the killing of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as one of ISIS’s top global commanders.

    He said the operation reflected a stronger posture by Washington against extremist groups operating across Africa, particularly those linked to violence against civilians.

    According to him, the strike sends a clear message to terror networks that the United States is actively monitoring and responding to threats in the region.

    Trump’s alleged focus on Nigeria security concerns

    Moore also claimed that Trump had shown personal interest in reports of violence affecting Christian communities in Nigeria.

    He stated that the former US president had asked for closer examination of the situation, prompting visits by members of the House Appropriations Committee to assess conditions on the ground.

    He added that findings from those engagements were later shared with the White House, with recommendations on how to strengthen protection for vulnerable communities.

    US and Nigeria security cooperation

    The lawmaker further noted that cooperation between the United States and Nigeria on counterterrorism is not new, tracing it back to the rise of Boko Haram in the mid-2010s.

    He explained that recent developments only reinforced the need for continued collaboration, especially in the Lake Chad region where extremist groups remain active.

    Nigerian defence authorities had earlier confirmed that the recent operation was intelligence-driven and carried out jointly with US support, targeting a key terrorist structure in the northeast.

    Security officials also linked the killed ISIS commander to weapons production, drone coordination and propaganda activities within the group’s global network.

    The development comes amid renewed international attention on Nigeria’s security landscape and the ongoing fight against insurgency across parts of the country.