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  • DSS Raises Alarm Over Plot to Kidnap Farmers in Kwara Communities

    The Department of State Services has warned of a fresh security threat in Kwara State, alerting authorities to an alleged plan by armed bandits to intensify the kidnapping of farmers in parts of the state.

    The alert, reportedly sent to the Commissioner of Police in Ilorin, identified farming settlements around Lema, Ndeji and Gbugbu communities in Edu Local Government Area as potential targets.

    Emerging threat in farm settlements

    According to the DSS, intelligence suggests that bandit groups linked to identified leaders are planning coordinated attacks aimed at disrupting farming activities.

    The agency noted that the move is likely a response to ongoing military operations that have weakened criminal networks in the area.

    “Intelligence indicate plans… to intensify kidnapping of farmers… This development would cause the farmers to abdicate activities,” the alert stated.

    Security advice issued

    The DSS urged security agencies to extend operations to vulnerable communities to prevent attacks and protect residents.

    It stressed the need for proactive deployment to forestall what it described as a looming threat to public safety.

    Rising insecurity in Kwara

    The warning comes amid growing concerns over insecurity in parts of Kwara, especially in the northern axis.

    Communities in Kaiama and Baruten have witnessed repeated attacks, killings and displacement of residents in recent months.

    Observers say the targeting of farmers could further worsen food production challenges if not quickly contained.

  • COVID-19 Resurfaces in Cross River After Years, State Moves to Trace Contacts

    A fresh case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in Cross River State, marking the first significant infection since 2022, as health authorities begin contact tracing linked to an infected foreign national.

    How the case emerged

    The Cross River State Ministry of Health confirmed that the case involves a Chinese national who tested positive after showing symptoms weeks after arriving Nigeria.

    Commissioner for Health, Henry Ayuk, disclosed that the patient entered the country on March 17, 2026, but began showing signs on April 10.

    He said the timeline suggests the infection may have been contracted within Nigeria after the incubation period.

    Response from authorities

    Health officials have moved swiftly, deploying teams to Akamkpa Local Government Area, where the patient lived and worked.

    Contact tracing and profiling of individuals who may have been exposed are currently ongoing.

    Ayuk urged residents to remain calm and continue their daily activities while observing basic health precautions.

    Fresh warning from WHO

    The World Health Organisation has also raised concern, noting that COVID-19 has not been eradicated globally.

    Its coordinator in the state, Yewande Olatunde, warned that new variants are still emerging and advised Nigerians to remain vigilant.

    Background

    The development comes years after the global pandemic that disrupted economies and claimed millions of lives.

    In Nigeria, about 3,000 deaths were recorded, according to official data.

  • Tinubu Drops Finance, Housing Ministers, Installs Oyedele, Darma in Fresh FEC Shake-Up

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle, removing two ministers and naming replacements as part of efforts to strengthen governance and economic delivery.

    What happened

    The development was confirmed in a statement issued Tuesday by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, through his media aide, Yomi Odunuga.

    According to the statement, Wale Edun, who served as Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, has been directed to hand over to Taiwo Oyedele.

    Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, is also to exit the cabinet.

    New appointments

    Oyedele, who previously served as Minister of State in the finance ministry, will now take over as substantive Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy.

    For the Housing Ministry, Muttaqha Rabe Darma has been named as minister-designate, pending confirmation.

    In the interim, Dangiwa is to hand over to the Minister of State in the ministry until Darma’s confirmation is completed.

    Timeline for transition

    The presidency directed that all handover processes must be concluded on or before Thursday, April 23, 2026.

    Why the reshuffle

    Akume said the changes are aimed at improving coordination within the cabinet and enhancing service delivery.

    “These changes are aimed at strengthening cohesion, synergy in governance as well as achieving more impactful delivery on the economy to Nigerians, through the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.

    He added that the President exercised his constitutional powers under Sections 147 and 148 of the 1999 Constitution.

    What it means

    Tinubu also thanked the outgoing ministers for their service, noting that further adjustments may follow as part of ongoing efforts to reposition the administration.

    The reshuffle signals a renewed push by the presidency to tighten control over key sectors, especially the economy, as Nigeria continues to navigate fiscal and policy challenges.

  • “I Am Alive” — Abducted UNIJOS Graduate Speaks in New Video as Kidnappers Demand ₦4m Balance

    John Arum, the abducted University of Jos graduate, has appeared in a new video confirming he is alive, dismissing earlier rumours that he had died in captivity.

    The footage, released on April 20, 2026, shows the victim speaking while his captors also addressed the situation and ongoing ransom negotiations.

    Proof of life emerges

    In the video, Arum directly counters the reports circulating online.

    “Today is April 20, 2026 and I am alive,” he said.

    He added that kidnappers initially demanded ₦10 million for his release, noting that ₦6 million has already been paid, leaving a balance of ₦4 million.

    Kidnappers issue fresh warning

    The abductors, who also spoke in the clip, warned that any delay in completing the payment could put his life at risk.

    They insisted that the remaining ransom must be paid promptly.

    Earlier fears and viral footage

    The development follows earlier viral footage that sparked widespread concern about Arum’s condition.

    Reports claiming he had died in captivity had circulated online before the latest video surfaced.

    What this means

    The latest video confirms the victim is still alive, while raising fresh urgency around the ransom demand and his possible release.

  • Court Adjourns El-Rufai Bail Hearing to June as ICPC Prosecution Continues

    A Kaduna State High Court has adjourned the bail hearing of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to the first week of June 2026, in an ongoing trial over alleged fraud and abuse of office.

    What happened

    Justice Darius Khobo fixed the new date after El-Rufai appeared before the court last Tuesday for hearing of his bail application on an amended nine-count charge filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

    The judge had earlier scheduled ruling for April 21, 2026, but later adjourned proceedings.

    Details of the case

    El-Rufai was arraigned last week on charges bordering on fraud and abuse of office.

    His counsel, Ukpon Akpan, confirmed the adjournment after Tuesday’s proceedings, describing the delay as politically motivated.

    Earlier bail in separate case

    The former governor had earlier secured bail in a separate corruption case before a Federal High Court in Kaduna.

    Justice Rilwanu Aikawa granted him bail in the sum of ₦200 million and ordered that he remain in ICPC custody pending the fulfilment of the conditions.

    As part of the bail terms, El-Rufai was barred from making public comments on the case and must attend all court sittings.

    What it means

    The adjournment means the court will only decide on his latest bail request in June, prolonging legal proceedings in one of the high-profile corruption cases involving a former state governor.

  • NAF “Kills” Terrorists in Sambisa as Fresh Airstrike Destroys Hideouts

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says it has eliminated several terrorists in a precision airstrike carried out on April 19, 2026, in the Yuwe axis of Sambisa Forest, Borno State, as part of ongoing operations against insurgents in the North-East.

    What happened

    According to a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Ehimen Ejodame, the strike was executed by the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI after credible intelligence confirmed the presence of terrorists in fortified structures and bunkers.

    He said the targets were engaged with precision munitions, leading to the destruction of the structures and the neutralisation of multiple fighters.

    Details of the operation

    Ejodame explained that the mission was supported by Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance operations, which verified terrorist activity in the area before the strike.

    “NAF air assets engaged the targets with precision munitions, destroying the structures, neutralising multiple terrorists, and eliminating key logistics facilities,” he said.

    He added that a post-strike Battle Damage Assessment confirmed the impact of the operation.

    Military speaks on ongoing operations

    The NAF noted that sustained air offensives have continued to weaken terrorist networks in the region, forcing them into more desperate actions.

    “The sustained tempo of air operations continues to degrade terrorist networks, leaving them increasingly exposed and disrupted,” Ejodame stated.

    Also speaking, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, reaffirmed the military’s commitment to intensifying operations.

    “The Nigerian Air Force will sustain relentless, intelligence-driven air operations until terrorist elements are completely neutralised,” he said.

    Background

    Sambisa Forest has remained a major stronghold for insurgent groups operating in Nigeria’s North-East for years.

    Military operations under Operation HADIN KAI have focused on dismantling these networks through coordinated ground and air offensives.

  • Angry Plateau Residents Attack Soldiers, Burn Military Checkpoint After Burial of Slain Villager

    Tension escalated in Plateau State as angry residents of Kassa community in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area attacked soldiers and set a military checkpoint ablaze following the burial of a resident reportedly killed by gunmen.

    Mob storms checkpoint after burial

    The incident occurred late Sunday night at Rapung Kassa, where a crowd of youths and women stormed a military checkpoint, destroying structures and equipment used by troops stationed in the area.

    The protest was triggered by the burial of Gyang Nuhu Choji, who was reportedly killed on April 16 by suspected armed attackers.

    Residents accused security operatives of failing to prevent repeated attacks, insisting that the presence of troops had not translated into adequate protection.

    Roads blocked, movement disrupted

    During the protest, the mob blocked access roads, disrupting movement in and out of the community.

    The situation was later brought under control after intervention by local leaders and security officials, who assured residents of renewed efforts to address insecurity.

    Security sources confirmed that no casualties were recorded during the attack, while patrol and surveillance operations have since been intensified.

    Rising violence in Barkin Ladi axis

    The latest unrest comes amid a pattern of violent incidents across Barkin Ladi and neighbouring areas involving armed groups, bandits, and local militias.

    Recent operations by security forces included raids on suspected camps, recovery of rustled cattle, and arrests of individuals linked to violent attacks.

    Troops also intercepted suspected militia members and recovered weapons, motorcycles, and ammunition in separate operations within the area.

    Clashes, arrests and reprisals

    Security reports indicate ongoing clashes between troops and armed groups, including a recent gun battle in which several attackers were killed.

    Authorities also confirmed arrests of suspected militia members linked to targeted killings, alongside incidents of cattle rustling and alleged poisoning of livestock in nearby communities.

    The developments highlight growing tensions in the region, with repeated attacks and reprisals raising fresh concerns over security in Plateau communities.

  • FULL LIST: FG Files Treason, Terrorism Charges Against Buhari’s Former Minister Timipre Sylva, Retired Generals, Police Inspector and Others Over Alleged Coup Plot

    The Federal Government has filed a 13-count charge before the Federal High Court in Abuja against former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, a retired Major General, a retired Naval Captain, a serving police inspector, and several others over their alleged involvement in a plot to wage war against Nigeria and commit acts of terrorism.

    Defendants listed in court

    The accused persons include Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana (retd), Captain (NN) Erasmus Victor (retd), Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani.

    They are scheduled to be arraigned on Wednesday before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court.

    Timipre Sylva, who served under the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, is currently said to be at large.

    Allegations of treason and terrorism

    The charge was filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN).

    It alleges offences ranging from treason and terrorism to failure to disclose security intelligence and money laundering linked to terrorism financing.

    According to the prosecution, the defendants allegedly conspired in 2025 to undermine the Nigerian state.

    They were accused of planning to “levy war against the state to overawe the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” an offence punishable under Section 37(2) of the Criminal Code.

    Failure to report alleged plot

    The Federal Government also claimed that the defendants had prior knowledge of a planned treasonable act involving one Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji and others but failed to report it to authorities.

    They were further accused of failing to take reasonable steps to prevent the alleged offence.

    Terrorism financing allegations

    Beyond treason, the defendants are also facing terrorism-related charges under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

    Prosecutors alleged that they conspired to support and facilitate acts of terrorism, with claims that some meetings were held to advance activities capable of destabilising Nigeria’s constitutional structure.

    Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim and Zekeri Umoru were specifically accused of participating in meetings linked to terrorist planning.

    Money laundering claims

    The charge also includes allegations of terrorism financing and unlawful financial dealings.

    Bukar Kashim Goni is accused of retaining ₦50 million suspected to be proceeds of terrorism financing.

    Abdulkadir Sani allegedly retained ₦2 million, while Zekeri Umoru is accused of handling ₦10 million in cash payments and an additional ₦8.8 million.

    Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim was also accused of receiving ₦1 million allegedly linked to the scheme.

    All financial-related counts were brought under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

    Context

    Nigeria has maintained uninterrupted democratic governance since 1999, with peaceful transitions of power over the years. However, concerns over security, insurgency, and alleged coup-related activities continue to surface in political and security discourse.

  • UN Secretary-General António Guterres Accredits Jimoh Ibrahim as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative Amid Backlash Over Appointment

    United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has officially received and accredited Jimoh Ibrahim as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the global body, marking the formal start of his diplomatic assignment in New York.

    Ibrahim presents credentials at UN headquarters

    Jimoh Ibrahim presented his letter of credence on Monday during a formal ceremony with Guterres at the UN headquarters.

    The accreditation confirms the beginning of his tenure as Nigeria’s ambassador to the multilateral organisation.

    His appointment follows the presentation of his letter of credence by the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on April 1, after he was cleared to assume diplomatic duties.

    Tinubu’s message to global community

    According to a statement by Temitope Ajayi, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, Ibrahim conveyed Nigeria’s commitment to addressing long-standing national challenges.

    He reportedly assured the United Nations and the international community that the Tinubu administration is focused on resolving what he described as “generational problems” confronting the country.

    He also called for stronger cooperation and support from global partners.

    Backlash over appointment

    However, Ibrahim’s posting has continued to generate controversy within civil society circles.

    Some Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have raised concerns over his nomination, citing alleged ongoing legal and corruption-related issues.

    The groups reportedly petitioned both President Tinubu and the United Nations, urging a review of the appointment, describing it as one of “significant national and international consequence.”

    Context

    The debate around Ibrahim’s appointment adds to broader scrutiny of Nigeria’s diplomatic selections, particularly as the country seeks to strengthen its representation at key international institutions like the United Nations.

  • JAMB Releases 2026 UTME Results for Monday Candidates, Expands Daily Batch System

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released the results of candidates who sat for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) on Monday, April 20, 2026.

    The announcement was made in a statement on Tuesday by the Board’s spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin.

    How to check results

    JAMB directed candidates to check their results using its official channels.

    “The results for Monday, 20th, have been released. Candidates can view their results using the usual process,” the statement said.

    Candidates are to send “UTMERESULT” to 55019 or 66019 using the phone number used for registration to access their scores.

    Ongoing release pattern

    The board explained that results are being released in batches corresponding to each examination day since the UTME began on April 16.

    So far, results for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday candidates have also been released under the same phased system.

    Delay controversy

    The Friday and Saturday results were released later than expected, despite JAMB earlier promising availability on Saturday.

    The delay triggered frustration among candidates, many of whom waited overnight for updates.

    The board later apologised, citing the absence of its chief executive due to an official engagement.

    Background

    This year’s UTME involves over two million candidates across computer-based test centres nationwide.

    JAMB says the staggered release is part of efforts to maintain accuracy and reduce technical glitches experienced in previous years.