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  • Eight Rescued Benue Kidnap Victims Identified as UTME Candidates After Initial Denial

    Eight of the passengers rescued from the Benue Links bus abduction have been confirmed as candidates of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), days after earlier claims suggested otherwise.

    Fresh details on rescued victims

    The victims were among those kidnapped on April 15, 2026, while travelling to Otukpo to sit for the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.

    They regained freedom early Sunday after spending about three days in captivity, with at least three of them identified as female candidates.

    Arrival in Makurdi

    Following their rescue, the victims were taken to the Benue State Government House in Makurdi by the Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari.

    They were accompanied by their parents and guardians ahead of an official reception by Governor Hyacinth Alia.

    Sources said the victims appeared visibly exhausted as documentation processes commenced.

    How the abduction happened

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

    Many of those taken were reportedly young travellers heading to Otukpo for the UTME.

    Contradiction with earlier claims

    The confirmation that some victims are examination candidates comes after earlier statements by authorities denying that any JAMB candidates were among those abducted.

    The development has raised fresh questions as investigations into the incident continue.

  • 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.

     

  • 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.

  • Lagos Govt Urges Businesses to Open Toilets to Public to Tackle Open Defecation

    The Lagos State Government has called on private businesses, including banks, filling stations, and eateries, to allow public access to their restrooms as part of renewed efforts to curb open defecation and improve sanitation across the state.

    The appeal comes amid growing concerns over hygiene conditions and access to proper toilet facilities in densely populated areas.

    Behind the decision

    Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said the move is aimed at expanding access to sanitation infrastructure for both residents and visitors.

    He explained that while the government has provided public toilet facilities in strategic locations, collaboration with private establishments is needed to bridge existing gaps.

    According to him, businesses can play a key role by making their restrooms available where possible.

    Why it matters

    Open defecation remains a major public health and environmental issue in Lagos, largely driven by population pressure and limited access to clean, functional toilets.

    In many low-income and crowded communities, residents are forced to use unsafe open spaces, increasing the risk of contamination and disease outbreaks.

    The practice contributes to water pollution, degrades the environment, and undermines sanitation efforts across the state.

    Enforcement and compliance

    Wahab added that the government is stepping up enforcement of environmental sanitation laws, noting that offenders are being arrested and prosecuted in line with existing regulations.

    He stressed that while the state continues to invest in sanitation infrastructure, residents and business owners must also take responsibility.

    The bigger picture

    Nigeria still faces widespread sanitation challenges despite ongoing campaigns. Data from the Clean Nigeria initiative shows that millions of Nigerians continue to practice open defecation, with only a fraction of local government areas certified as open defecation-free.

    Public health experts warn that poor sanitation increases the spread of preventable diseases, raises healthcare costs, and puts additional strain on urban systems, especially in cities like Lagos.

     

  • JAMB Arrests 2 Candidates, Parent Over ‘AI-Faked’ 2026 UTME Results

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has arrested two candidates and a parent for allegedly falsifying 2026 UTME results using artificial intelligence and other electronic tools, as it released scores for 632,788 candidates who sat the exam on April 16.

    The development highlights growing concerns over digital manipulation of examination records.

    What happened

    JAMB disclosed that the suspects were caught altering official SMS result notifications to fabricate scores and mislead parents and guardians.

    According to the board’s spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, the individuals are currently in custody and under investigation.

    “Currently, two candidates and one parent are in custody for engaging in result falsification using AI and other electronic means,” he said.

    How the manipulation was done

    The board explained that the suspects tampered with messages sent from its official result-checking platforms to present fake scores.

    JAMB warned that any attempt to alter or falsify examination results constitutes a serious criminal offence.

    JAMB issues warning

    Benjamin cautioned candidates against interfering with official result messages sent through JAMB’s SMS channels, stressing that offenders will face prosecution.

    He said the board remains committed to protecting the integrity of its examination process.

    How to check results

    Candidates who sat for the April 16 exam can check their results by sending “UTMERESULT” via SMS to 55019 or 66019 using the phone number used during registration.

    JAMB noted that candidates can currently view their scores only, while printing of result slips will be enabled later.

    Ongoing examination

    The 2026 UTME commenced on April 16 and is scheduled to run until April 22 across centres nationwide, with results being released in batches.

  • NBC Warns Broadcasters Over ‘Bias, Intimidation’ Ahead of 2027 Elections

    The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has issued a strong warning to Nigerian broadcasters, cautioning that unethical conduct by presenters and anchors will attract sanctions as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.

    The commission raised concerns over what it described as a growing pattern of violations of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code across news and political programmes.

    What happened

    In a statement released on Friday, the NBC said it has observed a steady increase in breaches of the sixth edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.

    According to the commission, broadcast platforms are increasingly being used in ways that fall short of their core responsibility to provide accurate, balanced, and professional information to the public.

    Concerns over presenters’ conduct

    The NBC noted that some presenters and anchors now compromise neutrality by expressing personal opinions as facts and denying guests fair hearing during discussions.

    It warned that such actions violate established broadcasting standards, which require impartiality and balanced representation of all sides on issues of public interest.

    “Henceforth, any anchor or presenter found to have expressed personal opinion as fact, bullied or intimidated a guest, denied fair hearing to opposing views, or otherwise compromised neutrality, shall be deemed to have committed a Class B breach,” the commission stated.

    Political content under scrutiny

    The commission also expressed concern over the use of broadcast platforms by political actors to spread divisive and unverified claims.

    It stressed that broadcasters remain fully responsible for all content aired, including live programmes, and cannot shift that responsibility to guests.

    Sanctions and warning

    The NBC reiterated its commitment to enforcing strict compliance with the broadcasting code, warning that violations involving hate speech, incitement, and lack of balance will attract penalties.

    It urged media organisations to maintain professionalism and ensure that the airwaves are not used to spread misinformation as Nigeria moves closer to another election cycle.

  • ISWAP Blocks Maiduguri–Damaturu Highway After Deadly Jilli Airstrike Sparks Controversy

    Suspected ISWAP terrorists have blocked the Maiduguri–Damaturu highway following a recent military airstrike on Jilli market, in what security sources describe as a retaliatory move after the operation disrupted insurgent activities in the area.

    The blockade reportedly occurred days after the air operation along the Borno–Yobe border, intensifying concerns over security and civilian safety in the region.

    What happened

    According to security sources, the insurgents moved onto the highway and halted movement shortly after the strike on Jilli market.

    A counter-terrorism expert, identified as @mobilisingniger on X, shared a video showing the development, describing it as a show of defiance by the group.

    “After the airstrike in Jilli market, they started acting aggressively. Today, they blocked the road and stopped movement,” he said.

    Airstrike and casualty controversy

    Last Saturday, the Nigerian military carried out an airstrike on Jilli market during peak trading hours, with reports indicating that at least 56 people were feared dead and 14 others injured.

    The strike was believed to be targeting Boko Haram insurgents and their collaborators, but multiple sources claimed the intended targets were missed, raising concerns about civilian casualties.

    Jilli market, located between Gubio and Geidam Local Government Areas, is known to attract traders from surrounding communities across Borno and Yobe states.

    Government defends operation

    Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, however, insisted that Jilli market had been officially shut down five years ago due to its links to insurgent logistics.

    He described the location as a long-standing hub for terrorist activities, stating that its closure was part of efforts to disrupt supply chains used by armed groups.

    Similarly, the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, defended the airstrike, rejecting claims that civilians were killed.

    He maintained that the operation was a deliberate move to dismantle a key support base for insurgents rather than a tragic error.

    Rising tension in the region

    The highway blockade has heightened fears among residents and travellers, as the Maiduguri–Damaturu road remains a critical route linking parts of the North-East.

    The development adds to ongoing security challenges in the region, with authorities under pressure to contain insurgent threats and protect civilian lives.

  • Bandits Abduct Kwara Monarch, Wife In Midnight Palace Attack

    Suspected bandits have abducted a traditional ruler, his wife, and another individual after attacking a palace in Olayinka community, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State in the early hours of Saturday.

    The gunmen reportedly stormed the palace around 1:40am, firing sporadically before whisking the monarch away to an unknown destination, in what residents described as a terrifying overnight raid.

    How the attack happened

    Sources said the attackers arrived heavily armed and met little resistance as panic spread across the palace.

    “They came around 1:40am and started shooting. Everyone was scared. They took the monarch, his wife, and another person,” a source disclosed.

    The abducted monarch was said to have been recently installed by the state government, making the incident even more shocking within the community.

    Rising concern in Kwara South

    The latest abduction marks the third case involving a traditional ruler in Kwara South within a year, raising fresh concerns about security in the area.

    In 2025, two monarchs in the region were kidnapped by suspected bandits and later released after ransom payments were reportedly made.

    Residents say the repeated attacks have heightened fear, with calls growing for stronger security presence across affected communities.

  • JAMB Releases 632,788 UTME Results Hours After Exam, Warns Against Score Manipulation

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has released the results of 632,788 candidates who sat for the first day of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, with scores made available less than 24 hours after the test.

    The board announced on Friday night that candidates who wrote the exam on Thursday, April 16, can now check their results, marking one of the fastest releases in its history.

    How to check results

    According to JAMB’s spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, candidates are required to send “UTMERESULT” via SMS to 55019 or 66019 using the same phone number used during registration.

    He clarified that only score viewing is currently available, adding that printing of result slips would be enabled later.

    “At this stage, candidates may view their results only; printing is not yet available,” the statement noted.

    Warning over malpractice

    JAMB also issued a strong warning against result falsification, stressing that manipulating scores or altering official messages is a criminal offence.

    The board disclosed that two candidates and one parent have already been arrested for allegedly using artificial intelligence and other digital tools to falsify UTME results.

    Benjamin warned that offenders would face prosecution, adding that any candidate found guilty of examination malpractice would be dealt with according to the law.

    More results expected

    The 2026 UTME, which began on April 16, is scheduled to run until April 22 across centres nationwide.

    JAMB said additional results would be released in batches as the examination progresses.

  • JAMB To Release 2026 UTME Results Today, Speaks On Hijab Controversy

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced that results for candidates who sat for the first batch of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) will be released on Friday, April 17.

    When results will be out

    JAMB spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, disclosed that candidates who wrote the exam on Thursday, April 16, should expect their results before midnight.

    He added that an official announcement would be made once the results are fully uploaded and accessible to the public.

    “This is to inform all candidates who sat for the 2026 UTME on Thursday, April 16, that their results will be released today before midnight,” he said.

    Assurance from JAMB

    The examination body assured candidates that updates would be shared promptly through its official channels.

    Candidates are advised to stay updated as the release process is completed.

    Board addresses hijab incident

    Meanwhile, JAMB has reacted to a reported incident involving candidates wearing hijab at a CBT centre in Ibadan, Oyo State.

    The board clarified that the situation was caused by an “overzealous” ad hoc staff member who acted outside official guidelines.

    According to JAMB, it immediately intervened and directed that no candidate should be asked to remove or alter their hijab.

    “The Board promptly intervened by calling the ad hoc official involved to order and issuing immediate instructions that no candidate wearing a hijab should be asked to remove or alter it,” the statement said.

    The board maintained that such actions do not reflect its official policy.