Author: Daily Post Nigeria

Israel and Lebanon have reached a conditional agreement to implement a ceasefire, contingent on a complete cessation of fire by Iran-backed Hezbollah.

This is contained in a joint statement released after US-led talks in Washington on Wednesday.

The both nations also committed to creating pilot zones in southern Lebanon, where the Lebanese armed forces will exercise exclusive control, excluding all non-state actors.

The agreement comes following the ongoing hostilities.

According to the Lebanese health ministry, Hezbollah reported targeting Israeli troops, while Israeli strikes killed at least ten people in southern Lebanon, including four Syrians, two Palestinians, and three paramedics.

Meanwhile, a few hours after the announcement, northern Israel sounded air raid alarms after identifying a suspicious aerial target, though no casualties were reported.

The Israeli military said it intercepted a hostile aircraft and two projectiles crossing from Lebanon.

Hezbollah, in turn, claimed it had fired rockets and deployed drones targeting Israeli positions in southern Lebanon, including near Chqif Castle and the town of Al-Qantara, stating that the attacks were in response to Israeli violations.

The talks in Washington were the fourth round of direct diplomacy since March 2, when Hezbollah renewed attacks on Israel in support of Iran. 

War: Israel, Lebanon agree conditional ceasefire

Bournemouth forward, Eli Junior Kroupi’s preferred club to join between Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea has been revealed.

Kroupi has attracted interest from multiple clubs across Europe, with Arsenal, PSG, Chelsea, Barcelona, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich all considering a move to sign him this summer.

However, according to FootMercato, the 19-year-old star prefers to join PSG ahead of any other Premier League club.

The report added that Bournemouth’s initial asking price for the Frenchman is £86.3million.

Kroupi became the first teenager to score 13 goals in their debut Premier League season, joining Bournemouth from Lorient for £12 million last summer.

Transfer: Kroupi’s preferred club to join between Arsenal, PSG, Chelsea revealed

The Federal Government has received the report of an independent investigative panel set up to examine allegations of corruption, abuse of power, torture and other forms of misconduct within the Nigerian Correctional Service.

The development was disclosed by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a statement posted on his official page.

According to the minister, the panel, chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, concluded its assignment after 18 months of investigation following its inauguration in November 2024.

Tunji-Ojo said the findings of the panel would serve as a guide for reforms aimed at improving correctional facilities across the country.

“The findings will serve as a strong foundation for transforming our correctional facilities from mere places of incarceration into true centres of rehabilitation, reformation, restoration and reintegration,” he stated.

The minister also highlighted ongoing rehabilitation programmes within correctional centres, noting that the number of inmates who returned to custody after release had reduced significantly in recent years.

According to him, the number of recorded cases of recidivism dropped from 11,616 inmates in 2023 to 1,382 inmates in 2025.

He further disclosed that 62 inmates are currently pursuing postgraduate studies, while 261 are enrolled in undergraduate programmes. He added that 1,125 inmates are engaged in ongoing educational studies, while 9,582 others are participating in vocational and skills acquisition programmes.

“As a government, we are committed to ensuring that no Nigerian, whether free or in custody, is left behind,” the minister said.

Tunji-Ojo stated that the government would move towards implementing the panel’s recommendations through monitoring and evaluation frameworks designed to strengthen correctional administration.

“Our goal is clear. Never again should our correctional centres be associated with dehumanisation, corruption, or discrimination,” he added.

FG receives report on alleged corruption, torture in Nigerian correctional centres

 

A final-year female student of the Federal University Lokoja, Sarah Idoko, was found dead along the Lokoja-Abuja Highway in Kogi State, with police commencing efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding her death.

Idoko was found dead on Saturday night near the Crusher area along the Felele axis of Lokoja after she was allegedly dumped by unidentified assailants.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing a vehicle stop briefly near the location at about 8pm before speeding away.

Passers-by later discovered the body by the roadside and alerted security authorities.

Initial reports suggested that the deceased was a student of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, after an identity card bearing her name was recovered at the scene.

The card revealed her enrolment in the Higher National Diploma programme in the Department of Office Technology Management for the 2024/2025 academic session.

However, the police later clarified that Sarah was a student of the Federal University Lokoja.

Confirming the incident, the state Commissioner of Police, Naziru Kankarofi, disclosed that the investigations were ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding her death and apprehend those responsible.

“The command is working to establish the circumstances surrounding the death and track down those responsible,” the police commissioner said.

He assured residents that the outcome of the investigation would be made public at the appropriate time and reiterated the command’s commitment to ensuring justice for the deceased.

Reacting to the development, the Association of Nigerian Female Students, Kogi State Chapter, condemned the killing, describing it as cruel, unfortunate, and unacceptable.

In a statement signed by its state coordinator, Celina James, the association expressed deep sorrow over the death and called on security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

The group also urged relevant authorities to strengthen security around campuses and student communities to prevent similar incidents.

“The tragic death of Sarah Ojodomo has once again raised concerns about the safety and security of students and residents along the Felele corridor, a major gateway to Lokoja that has witnessed several security-related incidents in recent years,” the association stated.

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has revealed that security operatives recently foiled a plot to bomb the Ondo State Government House, crediting the success to intelligence gathering and collaboration between the police and the state security outfit, Amotekun.

The governor made the disclosure on Channels TV while reflecting on the security situation in the state following the conviction and sentencing of suspects linked to the June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo, where scores of worshippers were killed.

According to Aiyedatiwa, the foiled bombing attempt underscores the constant security threats confronting the state and the need for continued vigilance despite the absence of another large-scale terror attack since the Owo massacre.

“I will give you an example. I think it is about three or four months ago, some youths, about five of them, wanted to bomb the Government House,” the governor said.

“They were in a hotel and then moved into a rented apartment and they had all the equipment, all the gadgets. We got an intelligence report and the police and Amotekun moved in, busted the house where they were, arrested them and they are still in detention right now.”

He added that the motive behind the alleged plot remains unclear.

“Their mission was to bomb the Government House. For what reason? Only God knows,” he said.

Aiyedatiwa said the successful operation demonstrated that security agencies were actively working behind the scenes to prevent attacks, even when such efforts did not receive public attention.

“Security is one responsibility that leaders carry that is not so visible to everybody. It is only when there is a lapse or an incident that happens that it will look as if the government has not been doing enough,” he said.

“We have been doing so much, so much.”

The governor’s remarks came as he welcomed the court’s verdict against those convicted for the Owo church attack, describing the judgment as a victory for justice, the rule of law and the families of the victims.

“It is a victory for us and we want to use the opportunity to appreciate all the people that were involved — the security agencies, the judiciary for their courage in prosecution, the media and, of course, the people of Ondo State for their resilience,” he said.

Aiyedatiwa recalled the shock that greeted the attack on St. Francis Catholic Church on June 5, 2022, when gunmen and bombers stormed the church during a Sunday service, killing dozens of worshippers and injuring many others.

“It was really a sad day, a dark Sunday,” he said. “They came in to kill and to destroy. They did not take any money. They did not steal anything.”

The governor noted that although no immediate arrests were made after the attack, intelligence gathered by security agencies eventually led to the arrest of suspects by Amotekun, the police and the Department of State Services (DSS).

He said the state had since strengthened its security architecture, improved collaboration among security agencies and increased surveillance across communities and border entry points.

“We have been more vigilant as a people. We have been very resilient as a people. Ondo State can never be taken for granted anymore,” he said.

“We have instances where some people will be loaded in trucks, up to 100 or 120. They will be stopped and profiled. Some have been sent back when they do not have any forwarding address or anyone they are coming to visit.”

The governor disclosed that security agencies regularly receive intelligence reports about potential attacks and remain on high alert.

“We get reports several times that terrorists are coming to attack. Every day we prepare. Every 24/7 we are on alert,” he said.

He also commended President Bola Tinubu for providing what he described as the political will and support required for security agencies to confront terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements.

“We must give credit to Mr President for the political will, the bold steps and courage, and the backing given to the security agencies to engage the criminals wherever they are found,” Aiyedatiwa said.

The governor further reiterated his support for the establishment of state police, arguing that local security outfits such as Amotekun would be more effective if empowered by law to bear sophisticated weapons and complement existing security agencies.

He explained that governors across the South-West had continued to work together through regional security collaborations aimed at safeguarding the zone against criminal activities.

Aiyedatiwa also warned against the spread of fake security alerts and misinformation, saying false reports of imminent attacks often create unnecessary panic among residents.

“There was a rumour that terrorists were coming to Akure to attack schools. It was completely false,” he said.

“Some people should put politics aside. Why should we circulate fake news to create panic in the system? It is not right.”

The governor maintained that while security threats remain real, Ondo State has significantly improved its preparedness since the Owo church attack and remains committed to protecting lives and property through intelligence-led operations and community participation.

“We are not talking to ourselves; we are working,” he said. “If everybody works together – the security agencies, communities, traditional rulers, government and citizens – we can defeat this menace,” he added.

Security Foiled Govt House Bomb Plot After Owo Church Attack – Aiyedatiwa is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, over alleged abuse of office and misuse of police powers by officers of the Enugu State Police Command.

DAILY POST reports that the organisation is accusing the operatives of tormenting community leaders over a civil dispute in connection with a controversial land involving Ostara Farms Limited and the Okpogho community in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State.

RULAAC is concerned that officers, allegedly acting on behalf of the said private company, were intimidating members of the community on a supposed civil matter. 

In a petition dated May 29, 2026, and signed by its Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, RULAAC accused the officers of allegedly interfering in ongoing land litigation, intimidating community members, and using criminal proceedings to influence a dispute that is already before several courts.

According to the organisation, the controversy centres on an agreement through which Ostara Farms Limited allegedly acquired about 2,000 hectares of communal land from individuals said to be acting on behalf of the community for a consideration of N50 million.

RULAAC said a significant number of community members have challenged the transaction, alleging that the agreement was entered into under questionable circumstances and contains terms that unfairly favour the company.

The rights group noted that several lawsuits concerning ownership and control of the disputed land are currently pending before courts in Enugu State, including Suit Nos. A/24/2025, AWH/41/2022, E/299M/2025, A/58/2025, A/59/2025, A/60/2025 and A/61/2025.

Despite the ongoing litigation, RULAAC expressed concern that police authorities have increasingly become involved in the matter through criminal investigations and prosecutions.

The organisation alleged that criminal allegations arising from the burning of a company-owned caterpillar by unidentified persons were being used to target outspoken opponents of the land transaction.

According to the petition, rather than identifying those directly responsible for the incident, the company allegedly supplied names of community leaders and critics of the land deal who were subsequently treated as suspects.

“If true, such actions amount to an abuse of police processes and a dangerous weaponisation of criminal justice mechanisms to suppress dissent, intimidate citizens and gain advantage in a civil dispute,” the organisation stated.

RULAAC further linked the matter to an earlier land dispute involving Obeagu Awkunanaw and Amechi Uwani communities and Private Estates International West Africa Limited (PEIWA).

The organisation recalled that concerns over police involvement in the PEIWA dispute had earlier been brought to the attention of the IGP and referred to the Police Monitoring Unit at Force Headquarters.

RULAAC also referred to findings reportedly contained in the Enugu State House of Assembly’s Special Committee Report on Land Matters and Disputes adopted in December 2024.

The organisation urged the IGP to direct the Police Monitoring Unit to immediately take over investigations and prosecutions arising from the Ostara Farms dispute, investigate allegations against some of its officers and review any criminal proceedings allegedly initiated for purposes of harassment or intimidation.

Meanwhile, in a separate petition dated May 28, 2026, the organisation called on the IGP to intervene in two criminal cases pending before the Federal High Court, Enugu, over the repeated failure of police authorities to produce defendants for arraignment.

The cases are Charge No. FHC/EN/CR/84/2025, IGP v. Kingsley Eze & 2 Others, and Charge No. FHC/EN/CR/222/2024, IGP v. Alex Ifeadi & 2 Others.

According to RULAAC, the charges were filed following investigations by the Force Intelligence Department (FID), Abuja, and the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Enugu, indicating that investigations had been completed and prosecution was ready to proceed.

The organisation, however, lamented that despite the filing of the charges, the defendants have repeatedly not been produced before the court for arraignment, resulting in prolonged delays.

RULAAC said the cases came up before the Federal High Court on May 20, 2026, where the court reportedly expressed concern over the inability of the prosecution to present the defendants for plea.

The rights group warned that the continued delays could lead to the cases being struck out for lack of diligent prosecution, thereby undermining public confidence in the criminal justice system.

It urged the IGP to direct the FCID Annex, Enugu, and the FID Abuja, through the Directorate of Legal Services, to ensure the production of the defendants on the next adjourned date of June 18, 2026, and facilitate diligent prosecution of the matters.

RULAAC maintained that its intervention was aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the justice system and ensuring that police powers are exercised impartially and in accordance with the rule of law.

Meanwhile, the police are yet to issue a public statement on the petition as of the time of filing this report. 

RULAAC petitions IGP, alleges harassment of Enugu community

The Oyo State House of Assembly, on Wednesday, rejected suggestions and calls that the state government should negotiate with the bandits who abducted teachers and students during the coordinated attack at Ahoro-Esiele in Oriire Local Government Area of the state on Friday, May 15, 2026.

It, however, called for intensified rescue operations to secure the release of victims abducted during the attack.

This resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by the lawmaker representing Oriire State Constituency, Johnson Ogundele, during plenary, shortly after the House resumed from the Eid-el-Kabir (Sallah) recess.

The motion highlighted growing insecurity in parts of the Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

Presenting the motion, Ogundele recounted the May 15 attack on Ahoro-Esienle, Oyo and Yawota communities, where bandits invaded during school hours, killing a teacher, a student and an okada rider, while abducting dozens of students, pupils and teachers.

The lawmaker expressed concern over the recurring attacks in the area, saying “Oriire had witnessed increasing bandit activities since January, including the attack on the National Park Service office at Oloka village, where five forest guards were killed.

“Let me use this period to call on Governor Seyi Makinde for his swift response, deployment of security operatives, rescue efforts and personal visit to the affected communities.

“I want to equally urge the state government to intensify support for security agencies and establish a permanent military base within and around vulnerable communities and forest corridors in the area.”

The Assembly also called on the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and the State Universal Basic Education Board to immediately conduct security audits of schools located near forests and border settlements across the state.

It said, “The Assembly also urges the government to expedite the installation of solar-powered security lights, perimeter fencing and CCTV cameras in vulnerable schools and to develop a comprehensive Safe School Emergency Response Protocol for public and private schools across Oyo.

“The Assembly equally rejects suggestions and calls that the State Government should negotiate with the bandits who abducted teachers and students during the coordinated attack at the community in Oriire Local Government Area of the state, on Friday, May 15, 2026.”

Seconding the motion, the Majority Leader, Sanjo Adedoyin (Ogbomoso South), renewed calls for the establishment of state police, urging the Federal Government to remove all obstacles delaying its creation.

Adedoyin said the recent rescue operations exposed the challenges conventional security agencies face while navigating dense forests, forcing them to rely heavily on local vigilantes and operatives of the state Western Nigeria Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, to penetrate difficult terrains.

He argued that the security realities confronting states had further justified the need for state police and urged the Federal Government to expedite action on the initiative.

Contributing to the debate, Olubisi Oluranti (Ogbomoso North) commended the efforts of Governor Makinde and security agencies but stressed the need for increased deployment of personnel to vulnerable communities to prevent future attacks.

Also, Gbenga Oyekola (Atiba) blamed part of the security challenge on poor management of the expansive forest reserve owned and maintained by the Federal Government.

He lamented that despite the vast forest stretching across several parts of Oyo State and neighbouring states, security presence within the reserve remained inadequate.

Oyekola further expressed concern that despite reports of mining activities in parts of the forest, including sightings of helicopters landing and departing from the area, adequate security measures had not been put in place to protect residents and legitimate operators.

Also speaking, Babajide Gabriel (Ibadan North II) called for far-reaching structural reforms of Nigeria’s security architecture.

He recalled Makinde’s previous concerns about the limitations faced by governors who are constitutionally regarded as chief security officers of their states but lack direct control over security agencies.

Gabriel appealed to the governor to recruit more personnel into the Amotekun Corps to strengthen local security operations and condemned attempts by some individuals to politicise the insecurity situation for partisan gains.

He urged all stakeholders to approach the challenge collectively, stressing that insecurity had become a national concern requiring unified action.

Dawood Olalere (Ibadan North-West) observed that kidnapping had evolved beyond forest-based criminality and was increasingly affecting urban and semi-urban communities.

He cited the reported abduction of the sister of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, and her two sons earlier on Wednesday as evidence of the widening threat posed by kidnappers.

Olalere called for better equipment and improved weaponry for Amotekun operatives, arguing that personnel armed with locally fabricated weapons could not effectively confront heavily armed criminal gangs operating in forests and remote locations.

The House subsequently adopted several resolutions, including a call on the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Defence and relevant agencies, to establish a permanent military base in Oriire LGA.

Lawmakers also urged the Oyo State Emergency Management Agency to provide trauma counselling, psychosocial support and relief materials to affected families, while calling on traditional rulers, community leaders and local government authorities to strengthen intelligence gathering and community policing initiatives.

The Assembly further directed its Committee on Security and Strategy to undertake an oversight visit to Oriire LGA to assess the security situation, engage stakeholders and recommend urgent legislative interventions.

In his remarks, Speaker of the House, Adebo Ogundoyin, firmly “dismissed calls for the state government to negotiate with terrorists and kidnappers,” warning that “such a move could embolden criminal elements and encourage further attacks.”

While acknowledging the frustration, anxiety and impatience of families whose loved ones remained in captivity, the Speaker urged residents to continue supporting security agencies and the state government in ongoing rescue efforts.

Ogundoyin maintained that negotiating with terrorists would send the wrong signal and potentially strengthen criminal networks, insisting that the focus should remain on sustained security operations, intelligence gathering and coordinated rescue missions aimed at securing the safe release of all victims.

He, therefore, reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to supporting measures that would strengthen security across Oyo and prevent a recurrence of attacks on schools and communities.

Fresh concerns have emerged over the Federal Government’s handling of recent school abductions.

This comes as separate attacks in Oyo and Borno states are perceived to have triggered different responses from authorities.

The development has sparked criticism from civil society organisations, security experts and residents of Borno State, who argue that the victims of the North-East abduction have not received the same level of attention accorded to their counterparts in Oyo.

DAILY POST reports that on May 16, armed men invaded schools in Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting about 46 pupils and teachers from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.

The incident sent shockwaves across the state and reignited concerns over the safety of educational institutions in rural communities.

On the same day, suspected Boko Haram insurgents attacked Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, abducting 42 pupils and students.

The attack highlighted the continued threat posed by insurgent groups in the North-East despite years of military operations aimed at restoring peace in the region.

Findings by DAILY POST indicate that both incidents occurred within hours of each other, making them among the most significant school abductions recorded in the country this year.

However, the responses that followed have become the subject of intense public scrutiny.

In Oyo State, President Bola Tinubu swiftly ordered coordinated rescue efforts and dispatched a high-powered federal delegation to the affected communities.

The delegation, led by Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, included National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Chief of Defence Staff Christopher Musa, Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe and Presidential Adviser on Public Communications Sunday Dare.

The delegation visited Ogbomoso and proceeded to the affected communities on May 31, conveying the President’s concern and assuring residents that every effort was being made to secure the release of the victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.

As part of immediate measures announced after the visit, President Tinubu approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State to strengthen surveillance and security around vulnerable communities.

He also directed the deployment of a specialised security rescue unit with advanced capabilities to intensify efforts to rescue the abducted pupils and teachers.

However, while the Oyo intervention was widely applauded, it also triggered questions about the Federal Government’s handling of the abduction in Borno State, where 42 students remained in captivity weeks after the attack.

DAILY POST gathered that residents of Askira/Uba and other parts of Southern Borno have repeatedly expressed concern over what they describe as inadequate national attention to the plight of the abducted students and their families.

The Network of Civil Society Organisations in Borno State was among the groups that publicly raised concerns.

According to its chairman, Abubakar Suleiman, the victims of both incidents deserve equal attention regardless of geographical location.

The civil society leader noted that the federal delegation that visited Oyo included some of the country’s highest-ranking security officials, while no similar visit had been recorded in Borno despite the scale of insecurity confronting the state.

He urged authorities to engage affected families and provide regular updates on rescue efforts.

The concerns were echoed by political analyst Abubakar Kareto, who argued that the two incidents exposed what many citizens perceive as an imbalance in official responses to security crises.

He observed that both attacks occurred on the same day and involved vulnerable schoolchildren, yet generated different levels of national engagement.

According to him, the Oyo incident received immediate high-level attention and additional security measures, while the Borno abduction was largely met with routine condemnations.

He warned that such perceptions could deepen feelings of neglect among communities already battling insurgency and displacement.

A similar position was taken by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, who called on President Tinubu to extend to Borno the same security initiatives approved for Oyo State.

Falana urged the Federal Government to recruit 1,000 forest guards for Borno and dispatch a federal delegation to the state in solidarity with affected communities.

He stressed that decisive action was needed to confront terrorists operating in remote forests and reassure residents that every part of the country receives equal protection.

The Borno State Government has visited the affected communities, where government officials met with parents, community leaders and military authorities, assuring residents that efforts were ongoing to secure the safe return of the abducted students.

Despite these efforts, fear remains widespread across Southern Borno. Residents worry that schools and communities could face further attacks if stronger security measures are not introduced.

Many parents now face the difficult choice of continuing their children’s education or ensuring their safety.

Security experts say the incidents in Oyo and Borno highlight the growing vulnerability of rural schools across Nigeria. 

They argue that while rescue operations remain critical, authorities must focus on prevention through intelligence gathering, improved surveillance, deployment of security personnel and stronger community-based security structures.

The challenge, analysts say, is ensuring that such interventions are implemented uniformly across all regions facing similar threats.

Unequal attention: Questions trail Nigerian govt’s response to Oyo, Borno school abductions

The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) has disbursed over N1 trillion in loans since its inception, marking a milestone in its mission to empower Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the country. The bank also set targets to create two million direct and indirect jobs over the next five years as it scales up […]

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Grimaldi Agency Nigeria has issued a clarification regarding reports concerning the sale of empty shipping containers by Grimaldi Deep Sea S.p.A. In a statement on Wednesday, Grimaldi Agency Nigeria said claims suggesting that the seller was liable for customs duties following the sale of a few empty containers are inaccurate and inconsistent with the terms […]

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