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Category: Breaking News

  • FG Arraigns Retired General, Others Over Alleged Plot to Oust Tinubu

    The federal government has filed a 13-count charge before the Federal High Court in Abuja against six suspects over an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu.

    Those charged include a retired major general, a retired naval captain, a serving police inspector, and three others accused of treason-related offences.

    Charges filed

    According to court documents, the defendants are facing allegations bordering on waging war against Nigeria, treason, and acts linked to terrorism.

    The case marks the latest step in the government’s response to what security authorities earlier described as a planned coup attempt.

    How the plot emerged

    The issue first gained attention in October 2025 following the sudden cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day parade.

    While initial reports linked the decision to security concerns, the Defence Headquarters later dismissed claims of any connection to a coup plot.

    Arrests and confirmation

    Days later, reports emerged that several military officers had been arrested over the alleged plan, with others declared at large.

    In January 2026, the Defence Headquarters confirmed that investigations had uncovered involvement of some personnel in a plot to overthrow the government.

    The military said those implicated would face appropriate judicial proceedings.

    Family protests and demands

    In March, families of detained officers called on President Tinubu to allow a public trial, raising concerns about transparency.

    The protests continued in April, with relatives storming the National Assembly to demand access to the suspects and a speedy trial.

    What next

    With the case now before the Federal High Court, attention is expected to shift to the trial proceedings as the government moves to prosecute those accused.

  • Nasarawa Deputy Speaker Escapes Death in Keffi-Akwanga Highway Crash

    The Deputy Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Muhammad Adamu Oyanki, was involved in a car crash on Monday along the Keffi-Akwanga highway, with authorities confirming he survived the incident.

    What happened

    The accident occurred on Monday, leaving the Deputy Speaker’s vehicle badly damaged.

    The wrecked car was later evacuated to the Assembly complex in Lafia.

    Assembly reacts

    The Speaker of the House, Danladi Jatau, alongside other lawmakers, visited the complex to inspect the damaged vehicle.

    He described the incident as unfortunate but expressed relief that no life was lost.

    “We thank Almighty God for saving the life of the Deputy Speaker from the auto crash. We are grateful that he is alive and safe,” Jatau said.

    Current condition

    According to reports, Oyanki is in stable condition following the crash.

    Background

    The incident adds to growing concerns over road accidents across Nigeria.

    Stakeholders have repeatedly linked the rising cases to poor driver training and weak enforcement of road safety regulations.

  • Police Release Woman Detained Over Viral “Bread Lasted Two Months” Claim

    A businesswoman, Love Dooshima, has been released from police custody after being detained over a viral social media review in which she claimed a loaf of bread stayed fresh for two months.

    Her release was confirmed early Tuesday following hours in custody at the Zone 7 Police Headquarters in Abuja.

    What happened

    According to human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, Dooshima honoured a police invitation around midday on Monday but was subsequently detained.

    Her arrest followed a complaint by a bread company, BON Bread, which alleged that her viral video misrepresented its product.

    In the video, Dooshima claimed the bread she purchased remained fresh for two months, sparking widespread reactions online.

    How she regained freedom

    Effiong said he, alongside others, arrived at the police facility late at night after receiving a distress call.

    He disclosed that Dooshima was released at about 12:30 a.m. on Tuesday after intervention from the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu.

    Case not over

    Despite her release, the lawyer hinted that the matter is still ongoing.

    “We will be back by daybreak,” Effiong said, suggesting further legal steps may follow.

    The incident has continued to generate reactions online, with many Nigerians debating consumer rights and corporate accountability.

  • Terrorists Kill Soldiers, Seize Army Gun Truck in Kwara After Hours-Long Gun Battle

    Terrorists have reportedly killed security operatives and carted away an army gun truck after a fierce gun battle with soldiers in Kemanji community, Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, in the early hours of Monday.

    The clash, which lasted nearly two hours from about 3am to 5am, comes amid fresh attacks in Plateau and Benue states where at least 11 persons were also reported killed.

    What happened

    Sources said the attackers stormed the community in large numbers and launched a direct assault on a security formation comprising soldiers, forest guards, and vigilantes.

    A former council chairman disclosed that three soldiers and two vigilantes were killed during the encounter, while several others sustained injuries.

    “They came around 3am and attacked the security post… they also took motorcycles, guns, ammunition, and even the army gun truck,” the source said.

    Weapons carted away

    Residents confirmed that the attackers overwhelmed the troops before fleeing with military equipment, including about 12 motorcycles, arms, and ammunition.

    Another source said the attackers also evacuated their injured members, raising concerns about possible local collaboration.

    Military response

    Security operatives were said to have launched a pursuit operation into nearby forests, believed to be the attackers’ hideout.

    Some injured personnel have been taken to Kaiama General Hospital, while severe cases were referred to Ilorin for further treatment.

    No civilian casualties

    Community sources and the village head, Alhaji Sanni Zikki, confirmed that residents were not attacked during the incident.

    “The terrorists came from Kainji National Park and attacked our security men. We lost three soldiers… but there was no casualty among residents,” he said.

    Wider attacks

    The Kwara incident occurred alongside separate attacks in Plateau and Benue communities, where no fewer than 11 persons were reportedly killed and several others injured.

    Efforts to get official confirmation from police authorities were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

  • Gunmen Attack Travellers on Ibadan–Ijebu Road, One Killed as Passengers Flee

    Suspected terrorists attacked travellers along the Ibadan–Ijebu road in Oyo State on Saturday evening, leaving one person dead and several others scrambling for safety.

    The incident occurred around 6 p.m. near Onigambari Village in the Idi Gbogun area.

    What happened

    Witnesses said a Toyota Corolla Sport car was leading a convoy of vehicles, including a bus, when armed men suddenly emerged from the bush and opened fire.

    Passengers reportedly jumped out of their vehicles and ran in different directions to escape the attack.

    Footage circulating on social media showed a bus riddled with bullet holes and stained with blood, highlighting the intensity of the assault.

    Police react

    The Oyo State Police Command confirmed the incident.

    According to the command’s spokesperson, Ayanlade Olayinka, the attackers attempted a kidnapping but were unsuccessful.

    “There was an attempted kidnapping, but nobody was abducted. One life was unfortunately lost,” he said.

    Rising concerns

    The attack adds to growing security concerns on Nigerian highways, where cases of armed attacks and abductions have continued to rise.

    Travellers have increasingly raised alarm over the safety of major roads across the country.

  • Nafisat Balogun Makes History as First Female Pilot in Nigeria Customs

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has celebrated Superintendent of Customs Nafisat Balogun after she obtained a commercial multi-engine pilot licence in the United States, becoming the first female pilot in the history of the service.

    The recognition was announced in a statement on Monday by the NCS spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, who described the achievement as a major milestone for the organisation.

    A historic breakthrough

    Customs said Balogun’s accomplishment marks a turning point in a field within the service that has long been dominated by men.

    The celebration, organised by the Nigeria Customs Technical Hangar Service, brought together senior officers and colleagues to honour her achievement.

    Managing Director of the Customs Technical Hangar Service, retired Comptroller of Customs Captain Kuhi Mbaya, said her journey reflects growth and new possibilities within the agency.

    “Our officer, Nafisat Balogun, has transitioned from being a cabin attendant to a fully-fledged commercial pilot. This is a great achievement not only for her but for the entire service,” he said.

    ‘Glass ceiling has been shattered’

    Mbaya noted that Balogun’s success sets a precedent for more women in the service.

    “For the first time, we now have a female pilot in the NCS. She has set a record, and it is important that we celebrate and recognise this milestone,” he added.

    He also encouraged women to pursue ambitious careers, stating that barriers are gradually being removed.

    “This achievement shows that there are no limits. The glass ceiling has been shattered,” he said.

    Balogun reacts

    Reacting, Balogun expressed appreciation for the support she received throughout her journey.

    “I am truly honoured and humbled by this warm reception. This journey has not been easy, but I am grateful for the support,” she said.

    She also commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and the management team for their backing.

    Balogun pledged to continue serving with dedication and professionalism.

    Reactions within the service

    Her colleagues described the achievement as inspiring, noting that it opens new opportunities for officers, particularly women interested in specialised roles.

    Many congratulated her resilience and determination, saying her success could encourage more female officers to pursue similar career paths.

  • Retired Police Block Aso Rock Gate, Demand Tinubu Sign Exit Bill from ‘Killer’ Pension Scheme

    Retired police officers and their families on Monday blocked an entrance to the Presidential Villa in Abuja, protesting what they described as years of hardship under the Contributory Pension Scheme and demanding immediate action from President Bola Tinubu.

    The protesters, under the Police Retired Officers Forum of Nigeria, gathered near Aso Rock, calling for the Nigeria Police Force to be removed from the scheme.

    Why they are protesting

    The retirees insisted that the Contributory Pension Scheme is “fraudulent, illegal, inhumane and obnoxious,” arguing that it has left many former officers struggling to survive after decades of service.

    Placards at the protest carried messages such as “End CPS” and “If military, DSS were removed from PENCOM, why not police?”

    Many also chanted, “Police dey work, PenCom dey chop.”

    Call for presidential action

    The group urged Tinubu to sign the Police Exit Bill passed by the National Assembly on December 4, 2025, and forwarded to the Presidency in March 2026.

    According to them, the bill would remove police personnel from the pension scheme they claim has worsened their living conditions.

    They described the scheme as one that leads to “untimely death” and hardship among retired officers.

    Voices from the protest

    Speaking during the protest, a retired ASP, Nurudeen Dahiru, said the demonstration was about survival and dignity.

    “We are not begging anybody. We have come to fight for our rights. We have served for 35 years,” he said.

    He added that many retirees can no longer meet basic needs, including feeding and supporting their families.

    Another protester questioned the level of pension payments, saying they remain inadequate even decades after retirement.

    Background

    The Contributory Pension Scheme has long been a subject of debate, with security agencies like the military and DSS previously exiting the system.

    Retired police officers argue that they deserve similar treatment, given the nature of their service.

    https://twitter.com/i/status/2046196172780339480

  • Boko Haram Splinter Group Issues 72-Hour Ultimatum, Threatens to Kill 416 Captives in New Video

    A faction of Boko Haram, Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad, has issued a chilling 72-hour ultimatum to the Nigerian government, threatening to execute 416 captives, mostly women and children, if its demands are not met.

    The threat was contained in a video circulating online, where a masked spokesperson announced that the countdown had begun, warning that any failure to comply would lead to mass executions.

    Ultimatum announced in video

    In the footage, the spokesperson identified the group and its leader, declaring that the message was directed at the Nigerian government and other stakeholders, including the Borno South Youth Alliance.

    He insisted that prior negotiations had already been communicated and warned that no modifications would be tolerated.

    “We are giving you seventy-two (72) hours… if you do not fulfil what we have told you, do not add or change anything,” he said.

    The group added that the ultimatum took effect from April 19, 2026.

    Threat to execute captives

    The insurgents warned that failure to comply would result in the killing of the hostages, claiming they would be “shot” if demands are ignored.

    They also cautioned against any military rescue attempt, insisting such action would worsen the situation.

    “If you attempt to recover them by force… it will only make matters worse,” the spokesperson added.

    The group further stated, “This is not a bluff… we act on what we say.”

    Government yet to respond

    As of the time of filing this report, the Federal Government had not issued any official response to the ultimatum.

    The development has heightened concerns over the safety of the captives, though the exact location and condition of the victims remain unclear.

    Local mediation efforts

    Reacting to the situation, President of the Borno South Youth Alliance, Sama’ila Ibrahim Kaigama, confirmed ongoing efforts to engage authorities for intervention.

    He appealed to top government officials, including President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, to act swiftly.

    “I am only a mediator… I went to places a lot of youths like me will never go to because I want to save lives,” he said.

    Kaigama also called on influential individuals and stakeholders to support ongoing efforts to secure the release of the captives.

  • Gunmen Kill Six, Injure Eight in Fresh Night Attacks Across Plateau Communities

    At least six people have been killed and eight others injured after gunmen launched two separate overnight attacks on communities in Barkin Ladi and Riyom Local Government Areas of Plateau State, in incidents that have once again deepened fears over rural insecurity in the region.

    The attacks, which happened within hours of each other on Sunday night, left residents in panic as armed men stormed villages, opened fire, and forced families to flee into surrounding bushes for safety.

    How the attacks unfolded

    In the first incident, gunmen invaded the Hurum Gashish community in Barkin Ladi around 10 p.m., shooting sporadically at residents.

    Sources told Vanguard that the attackers operated freely for several minutes, leaving destruction in their wake before escaping.

    In a separate but similar attack, another group of gunmen struck the Shonong Bachi community in Riyom Local Government Area at about 11 p.m., unleashing gunfire on residents.

    Casualties recorded

    Four persons were confirmed dead in the Barkin Ladi attack, while five others sustained injuries.

    In Riyom, two persons were killed and three others injured, bringing the total casualties from both attacks to six dead and eight injured.

    The injured victims are currently receiving treatment in nearby medical facilities, according to local sources.

    Community reaction and concern

    Residents described the attacks as terrifying, noting that many families abandoned their homes in the middle of the night to avoid being caught in the violence.

    The National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Rwang Tenglong, confirmed the incidents and said the communities had been thrown into mourning.

    He condemned the recurring assaults, describing them as alarming and unacceptable.

    Security response

    As of the time of filing this report, efforts to reach the Plateau State Police Command spokesperson, SP Alfred Alabo, for official confirmation were unsuccessful.

    Security agencies are expected to intensify patrols in the affected areas as tensions remain high.

    The latest attacks add to a growing pattern of violence in parts of Plateau State, where rural communities have continued to suffer repeated deadly raids.

  • UK-Based Nigerian Father Dies in Sleep Same Day He Buried His Own Father

    A United Kingdom-based Nigerian man, identified simply as Herbert, has been found dead in his apartment in Thornaby, days after losing his father in Nigeria, in a tragic incident that has left his family and community in shock.

    What we know

    Herbert, a father of three, reportedly died in his sleep last week, leaving behind his wife and young children.

    The incident came just days after he lost his father in Nigeria, a development that had already placed emotional and financial strain on him.

    Details of the incident

    According to a post shared on X by a user known as “The Stress Manager,” Herbert had committed significant financial resources to ensure his father received a proper burial, despite being unable to travel.

    The post revealed that he passed away on the same day his father was laid to rest.

    “Herbert, a calm and devoted Nigerian husband and father of three young children… passed away suddenly in his sleep in Thornaby,” the post read.

    Heartbreaking discovery

    The situation took a more distressing turn after it was revealed that Herbert’s children were the ones who discovered his lifeless body at home while their mother was away.

    “No child should ever experience that,” the post added.

    Family seeks support

    Following the incident, Herbert’s family has appealed for financial assistance to cover funeral expenses and the cost of repatriating his remains to Nigeria.

    A former president of Nigerians in the UK, Benjamin Kuti, also confirmed the development and urged members of the Nigerian community to support the bereaved family.

    A fundraising campaign has since been launched, with £2,633 raised out of a £7,000 target as of the time of filing this report.