1. Tinubu Gives Security Chiefs 90 Days to Produce Five-Year Defence Plan
President Bola Tinubu has given Nigeria’s defence, intelligence and security chiefs 90 days to produce a comprehensive National Threat Assessment and a five-year Strategic Defence Operations Plan.
Committee Inaugurated in Abuja
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, inaugurated the presidential committee on Wednesday in Abuja and charged members to approach the assignment with urgency and professionalism.
The committee includes National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Defence Minister Christopher Musa, service chiefs and heads of major intelligence agencies. It will identify and rank Nigeria’s principal security threats, establish operational priorities and determine capability gaps.
The committee is also expected to develop an implementation timetable for presidential approval. The plan is intended to move Nigeria towards more coordinated and anticipatory responses to security threats rather than relying mainly on reactive operations.
2. Tinubu Orders Immediate Rescue of Niger State Mass Abduction Victims
President Bola Tinubu has ordered the Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services and other security agencies to immediately coordinate the rescue of victims abducted during attacks in Niger State.
Scores Abducted During Mosque Attack
Armed men attacked communities in Borgu Local Government Area, including a mosque during Friday prayers, killing more than 40 people and abducting scores of worshippers and other residents.
Some reports have suggested that the number of captives could be significantly higher, although authorities are still working to establish the exact number of victims.
Tinubu condemned the attacks and directed security chiefs to provide regular updates until the victims are accounted for. The incident has renewed concerns over the spread of insecurity in parts of the North-Central.
3. Eagle Online Publisher Dotun Oladipo Dies at 56
Veteran journalist and publisher of The Eagle Online, Dotun Oladipo, has died at the age of 56 after falling ill at his Lagos office.
Tinubu, Media Bodies Pay Tributes
Oladipo reportedly drove himself to hospital but died shortly afterwards. He previously served as Politics Editor at Punch Newspapers and worked with several major Nigerian publications during a journalism career spanning almost three decades.
President Bola Tinubu described his death as a painful loss to the Nigerian media and the country, praising his contribution to public information and democracy.
The Nigerian Guild of Editors, Guild of Corporate Online Publishers and International Press Institute Nigeria also paid tributes to the journalist, remembering his professionalism and contribution to digital journalism.
4. Presidency Knocks Atiku Over Fuel Subsidy Plan
The Presidency has criticised former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar over his proposal to restore a targeted petrol subsidy if elected president in 2027.
Subsidy Debate Intensifies Ahead of 2027
Atiku has maintained that his proposal is designed to protect Nigerians from rising transport and food costs and would not recreate the former opaque subsidy system.
The Presidency, however, accused him of policy contradictions and political opportunism while demanding details on the proposed subsidy’s cost, funding, beneficiaries and exit strategy.
Government officials pointed to about N15.8 trillion in reported savings from subsidy removal since 2023 and warned that reversing the policy could undermine recent fiscal gains.
The disagreement adds to an increasingly prominent economic debate ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
5. Benue Governor Alia Rejects Ceding Land for Pastoralist Ranching
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has rejected any proposal to cede land in the state for pastoralist ranching without the consent of his administration and the people.
Governor Defends State Land Policy
Speaking at a town hall meeting with Sankera stakeholders, Alia said nobody would force Benue to surrender any part of its territory while he remains governor.
Benue was included in a Federal Government pilot ranching programme designed to address recurring farmer-herder conflicts. Alia reaffirmed the state’s ban on open grazing and said community interests would remain central to any decision.
The governor also announced the deployment of three military operational units to strategic locations in the area and donated motorcycles to improve security response.
6. Dangote Refinery Drives Surge in Nigeria’s Refined Product Exports
The United States Energy Information Administration has reported a sharp increase in Nigeria’s seaborne petroleum product exports, with the Dangote Petroleum Refinery identified as a major driver of the growth.
Exports Rise as Imports Decline
Nigeria’s seaborne petroleum product shipments averaged 561,000 barrels per day in the second quarter of 2026, compared with an annual average of 79,000 barrels per day in 2023.
The increase has coincided with the expansion of Dangote Refinery, which began operations in 2024. At the same time, Nigeria’s petroleum product imports have fallen below 130,000 barrels per day from almost 400,000 barrels per day in 2023.
Exports to Europe and other African markets have also increased, strengthening Nigeria’s position as a supplier of refined petroleum products.
7. Sunday Igboho Launches Security Network in Ogun
Yoruba activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has inaugurated the Ogun State chapter of the Iru Ekun Security Network as the group expands its presence across the South-West.
Thousands Turn Out for Launch
The community-based security network is designed to support efforts against kidnapping, banditry and other criminal activities, particularly in forested areas.
Igboho urged members to maintain discipline and said the Federal Government would oversee their training, while the governor’s office would determine deployment and monthly allowances.
Identification cards are expected to be issued at the local government level. The Ogun launch follows similar activities in other South-West states.
8. Fola Leads Headies 2026 Nominations With 10 Nods
Rising Nigerian artiste Fola has received the highest number of nominations for the 18th Headies Awards, securing 10 nominations ahead of Omah Lay with eight.
Wizkid, Mavo Get Seven Nominations Each
Wizkid and Mavo follow with seven nominations each, while other major Nigerian artistes, including Davido, Burna Boy, Ayra Starr and Tiwa Savage, also feature on the list.
Major categories include Song of the Year, Album of the Year and Afrobeats Single of the Year.
The awards are themed “Africa to the World” and are scheduled to hold in Toronto, Canada, in October. The nominations combine established Afrobeats stars with emerging Nigerian artistes.
9. Naira Strengthens as External Reserves Reach $53.11 Billion
The naira appreciated against the US dollar at the official foreign exchange market on Wednesday, closing at about N1,343.59.
Reserves Continue to Rise
The currency also recorded some gains in the parallel market following the resumption of trading after the Eid-ul-Mawlid holiday.
Nigeria’s external reserves increased to approximately $53.11 billion, supported by improved inflows and ongoing efforts to strengthen the foreign exchange market.
The naira’s recent movement is being closely monitored alongside oil prices, monetary policy and broader economic reforms.
10. FG to Charge Universities, Teaching Hospitals for Renewable Energy
The Federal Government is preparing to begin charging 25 tertiary institutions and teaching hospitals for electricity generated through its renewable energy projects.
Free Power Arrangement to End
The policy is part of efforts to make government-backed renewable energy projects financially sustainable and recover some of the costs associated with off-grid power installations.
The affected universities and teaching hospitals had previously received free or subsidised electricity from the projects.
Officials said the new arrangement is intended to encourage efficient energy use and support the expansion of renewable power, although the institutions are expected to consider the impact of the charges on their operating budgets.
