1. Tinubu Orders Immediate Rescue Operation After Mass Abduction in Niger
President Bola Tinubu has ordered the Armed Forces, police, Department of State Services and other security agencies to launch a coordinated operation to rescue victims of a mass abduction in Niger State.
Scores Abducted During Friday Prayers
Gunmen attacked a mosque and surrounding communities in Borgu Local Government Area, including Dakera, Gidan-Zana and Sabon Gida, during Friday prayers last week.
Scores of worshippers, including women, children and elderly residents, were reportedly abducted, while local accounts said about 30 people were killed and buried.
A video circulating online appeared to show hundreds of captives in a forested location, although authorities have yet to establish the exact number of people abducted.
Tinubu directed the service chiefs to provide regular updates until all victims are accounted for. The President condemned the attack and said those responsible would be brought to justice.
2. Atiku Clarifies Position on Fuel Subsidy Restoration
Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has clarified his proposal to support fuel prices, insisting that his plan is not a return to the former opaque petrol subsidy regime.
Opposition Candidate Explains Proposal
Atiku said his proposal would be targeted, capped, transparently budgeted and independently audited, with the intervention focused on domestic refining and production.
He said the objective would be to reduce costs for consumers and transporters while creating measurable conditions for eventually ending the support.
The clarification followed comments by his spokesperson, Paul Ibe, suggesting that a temporary subsidy could be restored before being removed later. Atiku’s camp described those remarks as unauthorised and misleading.
Fuel subsidy remains a major issue ahead of the 2027 elections, with the Tinubu administration defending its removal as necessary for fiscal stability while opposition figures continue to highlight its impact on household expenses.
3. NNPCL Raises Petrol Price to N1,270 in Abuja
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has increased the petrol price at its retail stations in Abuja and surrounding areas from N1,250 to N1,270 per litre.
Pump Prices Vary Across FCT
The N20 increase came amid varying prices among marketers in the Federal Capital Territory. Some outlets, including MRS stations, were selling around N1,230 per litre, while others charged between N1,275 and N1,299.
The adjustment comes after recent price changes by Dangote Refinery and other petroleum marketers in Nigeria’s deregulated downstream market.
Brent crude was trading around $88.80 per barrel as the latest adjustment took effect, while motorists continue to contend with elevated transport and living costs.
4. Peter Obi Challenges Tinubu to Presidential Debate
Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi has challenged President Bola Tinubu to engage Nigerians directly on his policies, achievements and plans ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Obi Demands Direct Engagement
Obi’s media office accused the President of relying on ministers, governors and other political allies to defend his administration and campaign on his behalf.
The former Anambra State governor called on Tinubu to come before Nigerians and subject his first-term record to public scrutiny.
The challenge comes as opposition parties and presidential candidates intensify their political activities more than a year before the 2027 general elections.
5. Ogun Police Bust Alleged Baby Factory, Rescue Pregnant Women and Children
The Ogun State Police Command has dismantled an alleged illegal baby factory in Abaren Village, Mowe, Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area, rescuing two pregnant women and four children.
Six Suspects Arrested
Police said six suspects were arrested during an intelligence-led operation targeting alleged human trafficking and illegal adoption activities.
The rescued women were identified as 23-year-old Ilesanmi Foluke, who was seven months pregnant, and 20-year-old Ejekwa Melody, who was eight months pregnant.
Four children, comprising two boys and two girls, were also recovered. A follow-up operation at a hospital where another woman had reportedly given birth raised concerns after the newborn could not be accounted for.
The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation and prosecution.
6. Dolly Parton Dies at 80 After Cancer Battle
American country music icon Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80 after a battle with cancer, according to an announcement by her family.
Music World Mourns Country Legend
Parton was known globally for songs including Jolene, Coat of Many Colors and I Will Always Love You. Her career spanned several decades and included music, film, business and extensive philanthropic work.
She sold more than 100 million records and became one of the most recognisable figures in country music.
Tributes have continued to pour in following her death, with fans and public figures remembering her influence on music and popular culture across generations.
7. Taiwo Awoniyi Scores as Coventry Advance in Carabao Cup
Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi scored as Coventry City defeated Plymouth Argyle 4-2 in the second round of the Carabao Cup.
Awoniyi Makes Mark for Coventry
Awoniyi opened the scoring early before Plymouth mounted a second-half fightback. Coventry eventually regained control to secure qualification for the next round.
The goal gives the Nigerian international another opportunity to build momentum following his move to the newly promoted Premier League club.
His performance also adds to the growing presence of Nigerian players in English football this season.
8. Former Supreme Court Justice Umaru Atu Kalgo Dies
Retired Supreme Court Justice Umaru Atu Kalgo has died after a prolonged illness and was buried in Sokoto according to Islamic rites.
Kalgo Remembered for Judicial Career
Kalgo served on the Supreme Court from 1998 until his retirement in 2007. He had earlier served as Chief Judge of Sokoto State and as a Justice of the Court of Appeal.
Senator Aminu Tambuwal described his death as a major loss to Nigeria’s judiciary, the legal profession and the people of Kebbi State.
Kalgo was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1965 and served on several national committees during a legal career spanning decades.
9. Edo Queens Thrash Nigerien Opponents in WAFU B Qualifiers
Nigerian champions Edo Queens began their WAFU B CAF Women’s Champions League qualifying campaign with a convincing victory over AS Garde Nationale of Niger in Burkina Faso.
Nigerian Champions Start Strong
The result gives Edo Queens an early advantage in their group as they pursue qualification for the continental final stage.
The NWFL champions have previously enjoyed success at regional level and are seeking to represent West Africa in the CAF Women’s Champions League.
Their performance adds to Nigeria’s growing profile in women’s club football on the continent.
10. Nigerian Stock Market Loses N137 Billion as Investors Sell Off
The Nigerian stock market closed lower as the All-Share Index fell by more than 265 points, wiping about N137 billion from total market capitalisation.
Banking, Insurance Stocks Lead Losses
Market capitalisation declined to about N154.4 trillion as investors took profits and shifted some funds towards fixed-income instruments.
The banking and insurance sectors were among the major decliners, while several individual stocks recorded significant losses.
The session reflected cautious investor sentiment amid broader economic pressures and continued monitoring of interest rates, inflation and market liquidity.
