Author: Vanguard News

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

ABUJA – President Bola Tinubu convened an urgent security meeting on Monday with top brass at Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, as Nigeria battles escalating threats nationwide.

The closed-door session was attended by the Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede; Army Chief Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu; Naval Chief Vice Admiral Idi Abbas; and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Anele;

Also present were the Director-General, Department of State Services, DSS, Oluwatosin Ajayi; Director-General, National Intelligence Agency, NIA, Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed; Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu; National Security Adviser, NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; and other key officials.

Though details remain under wraps, the meeting follows a stark US State Department advisory on April 8, authorizing voluntary departure of non-essential embassy staff and families from Abuja amid a “deteriorating security situation.”

It slapped “Level 4: Do Not Travel” on 23 of Nigeria’s 36 states—including new additions Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba—citing Northeast insurgency, Northwest/North-Central banditry, and violence in the South/Southeast oil regions.

It also temporarily stopped Abuja visa services but Lagos office was not affected.

But the Nigeria’s government brushed it off as routine US protocol. The Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris insisted no nationwide law-and-order collapse exists, with most areas stable despite isolated incidents.

It was also expected that the meeting would address fallout from a Saturday Nigerian Air Force airstrike in Borno’s Jilli Market along the Yobe border, which reportedly recorded casualties mostly civilians while targeting Boko Haram.

The Air Force confirmed “precision mop-up” on terrorist sites but skipped civilian casualty claims. The Presidency defended it, with Senior Special Assistant Tope Ajayi telling Bloomberg the market had morphed into an insurgent logistics hub, making it a legitimate target.

Nigeria’s security woes persist: Northeast insurgency, Northwest/North-Central banditry and kidnappings, Southeast separatist unrest—all straining the nation’s defenses.

The post Borno Airstrike: Tinubu, security heads meet in Aso Villa appeared first on Vanguard News.

John Alechenu
Former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intensify efforts to secure the release of over 400 residents of Ngoshe community in Borno State, mostly women and children, abducted by Boko Haram insurgents last month.

Ndume, who represents Borno South, made the appeal while speaking with newsmen in Abuja yesterday. He noted that the military has rescued the community from the terrorists.

He urged the federal government to support the Borno state government in resettling displaced residents who are willing to return to Ngoshe.

The federal lawmaker said, “It is on record that the Nigerian Army has recovered Ngoshe from the insurgents and now occupies it. Those who escaped from the village are seeking refuge in Pulka.

“It’s appalling that those of us in authority at the federal level have not met our people’s expectations in fulfilling this sacred duty of securing lives and property, as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.

“We call on the federal government to take urgent action to secure the release of over 400 Ngoshe residents in captivity. We appeal to President Bola Tinubu’s administration to begin reconstructing the Ngoshe community, which was destroyed by the insurgents.

“From my interactions with the people, they’ve indicated willingness to return to Ngoshe and live in improvised tents before their houses are rebuilt. The people really want to go back and live in Ngoshe instead of Pulka.”

Ndume urged the federal government to reconstruct Ngoshe and support the state government’s N100 million reconstruction effort. Ndume commended the Nigerian Army’s resilience and urged the international community, particularly the US, to help combat terrorism in Borno State.

He reiterated his call for the federal government to adopt the TEAM approach – Training, Equipment, Ammunition, and Mobilization – to ensure the Nigerian Armed Forces are effective in combating insurgency.

The Borno South Senator urged President Tinubu to reinvigorate his Emergency on Security declaration, saying it has lost steam and that insurgents have resumed attacks.

The post Secure release of 400 Ngoshe abductees -Ndume’s pleads with Tinubu appeared first on Vanguard News.

A senatorial aspirant, Barrister Joshua Mba, has advised the newly elected executive committee members of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in Enugu State to be patriotic and diligent in discharging their duties.

Mba who is aspiring to represent Enugu East senatorial district under the platform of the ADC, gave the advise while congratulating the executive committee members who were elected during the party’s congresses in the state.

This was contained in a statement Mba personally signed and made available to journalists on Sunday.

The new Enugu ADC executive committee is led by Professor Austin Akubue.

“I heartily congratulate the newly elected EXCO ably led by Professor Austin Akubue. I pray that the Almighty God grants them the wisdom required to discharge their duties without fear or favor.

“I advise the chairman, Professor Akubue and his entire exco members to always be diligent and patriotic in discharge of their functions,” the statement said.

Mba equally thanked the leaders of the ADC in Enugu State for the successful conduct of the congresses.

“I will also like to use this opportunity to congratulate the leaders of our party in the state, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, Professor Barth Nnaji, Dr. John Nwokeabia, Ambassador Fidel Ayogu and others for their exemplary leadership and guidance which resulted in the successful conduct of the Ward, LGA and State congresses,” the statement added.

It will be recalled that the African Democratic Congress on April 9, 2026, conducted ward and local government congresses across the country to elect new party leaders.

The state congress followed on April 11, 2026, during which Austin Akubue was elected as the Enugu State chairman.

The party’s National Convention is billed to hold in Abuja on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

Be patriotic in discharging your duties – Senatorial aspirant urges Enugu ADC exco

By Shina Abubakar, Osogbo

The students Union of Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, has commenced a 72-hour lecture boycott over hitches experience in transportation, as the buses donated by the First lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu commenced operations.

The University’s spokesperson, Abiodun Olarewaju, had last week appealed to the students to union leadership to give the management time to resolve issues arising from the deployment of the 50 buses and 30 tricycles for transporting students within the campus.

The Union in a statement issued by the President and Secretary, Adelani David and Habeeb Oke dated April 13 instructed students to boycott all academic activities from Monday till Thursday, April 16th, 2026.

According to the union, the decision was reached following our one week observatory mode, and the subsequent joint meeting of the Central Executive Council (CEC), Hall Executive Council (HEC), and the leadership of the Students’ Representative Council (SRC).

The students leadership added that the current transportation system introduced by the University management has continued to subject students to severe conditions, including; nadequate coverage of the campus, ersistent shortage of operational tricycles and buses, vercrowding and discomfort and Insufficient drivers.

It therefore demands, “provision of more vehicles to cater for the over 35,000 members of the University community. Immediate reintroduction of the existing transport system until demand untill more buses are introduced.

“Proper implementation of the new transport system to guarantee adequate, affordable, and reliable intra-campus mobility for all students. Full consultation with the Students’ Union leadership before any further major changes to campus transportation.

The students Union leadership further disclosed that it will review the situation at the end of the 72-hour boycott, after which, “possible mass protest/march shall be considered if the management fails to address the demands satisfactorily within this period”.

The post OAU students to boycott lectures for three days over transportation hitches appeared first on Vanguard News.

Rangers FC manager Danny Röhl has downplayed the on-field confrontation between Emmanuel Fernandez and Tochi Chukwuani during their thrilling 6-3 win against Falkirk.

He interpreted it as an indication of increasing leadership within the team.

Fernandez confronted his teammate Tochi Chukwuani regarding his involvement in the first two goals conceded, but Chukwuani responded by scoring just before the half-time break.

Despite the intense exchange, Röhl maintained that the incident represented a positive evolution in team mentality rather than a reason for alarm.

“We were candid with one another at half-time,” Röhl stated during his post-match press conference, as reported by the Daily Record. “I particularly appreciated that the players were also forthright with each other, which is beneficial.”

He disclosed that the atmosphere in the dressing room at the interval was already charged, enabling him to concentrate more on tactical modifications than on emotional interventions.

“I was able to provide them with some instructions and solutions. And in the second half, it was one direction,” he remarked.

“It wasn’t necessary for me to inject too much emotion at half-time because the players themselves were already emotional.

“They communicated with one another. That indicates we are evolving as a group and that we have leaders in crucial moments.”

Röhl elaborated that his primary role during the break was to bolster confidence and refine the team’s strategy, especially their pressing framework.

“It was more crucial to instill my trust in them and help them believe in our approach. The other aspect was about what we needed to modify. We adjusted our pressing slightly. We had allowed the opponent too many long balls behind our defense. It was improved in the second half.

“We were more eager and proactive, which is advantageous. When I arrived, it was rather subdued. I recall after the match in Bergen, I attempted to initiate a dialogue with the players, but I ended up speaking more than they did. Now, at last, we are progressing. That is normal; it reflects the culture we aspire to establish.”

Both players played important roles in Rangers’ comeback win.

Rangers boss reacts to Emmanuel Fernandez, Tochi Chukwuani on-field clash in 6-3 win

As the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) approaches, many candidates find themselves pressed for time, overwhelmed by bulky textbooks and unsure of what to focus on. 

Iran’s armed forces have condemned the United States for what it calls an “act of piracy” after the U.S. military initiated a blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday.

The move follows the breakdown of ceasefire negotiations between the two sides in Pakistan, where key disputes reportedly included control of the vital waterway, Iran’s nuclear program, and frozen assets.

A statement from Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya central command, read on state television, declared: “The restrictions imposed by criminal America on maritime navigation and transit in international waters are illegal and constitute an example of piracy.”

It added that the security of ports in the region “is either for everyone or for no one,” warning that any threat to Iranian shipping would endanger all Gulf ports.

U.S. President Donald Trump had announced the blockade, stating the Navy would target vessels linked to Iranian ports and coastal areas. U.S. Central Command confirmed enforcement would begin around 10 a.m. ET, with warnings that Iranian fast-attack vessels approaching the blockade could be “eliminated.”

Officials emphasized the action aims to counter Iran’s prior restrictions on the strait.

The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, is one of the world’s most strategic energy routes.

Global oil markets reacted with volatility as traders assessed potential supply disruptions.

The UK has indicated it will not participate in the U.S. blockade, while other allies monitor the situation closely.

This latest confrontation risks further escalation in the broader U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict, with both sides exchanging strong rhetoric.

Iran has insisted it maintains the right to control passage in the strait under certain conditions, while the U.S. frames its actions as necessary to prevent extortion and ensure open navigation.

As of Monday afternoon, reports indicated tanker movements were being affected, with some vessels racing to exit the area ahead of full enforcement.

The situation remains fluid, with potential for direct naval confrontations if tensions are not de-escalated.

Strait Of Hormuz: Iran Calls U.S. Blockade ‘Piracy’ is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has filed an amended nine-count charge against former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, alleging fraud, abuse of office and corruption.

Counsel for the former governor, Ukpong Abang, told journalists after proceedings at the Kaduna State High Court on Monday that the prosecution had dropped one of the earlier defendants, leaving El-Rufai as the sole accused.

The court took the former governor’s plea and heard his bail application, but Abang explained that the defence could not proceed because the amended charges were served on Monday.

According to him, “The charges are entirely new to us. They were given to us this morning while we were already in court. That is why the matter could not proceed to a hearing.”

He explained that the defence would analyse the charges before taking further steps. The court adjourned the case to Tuesday, April 14, for a ruling on the bail application.

In the charge marked KDH/KAD/ICPC/01/2026, the ICPC alleges that El-Rufai committed multiple offences during his tenure as governor, including alleged N11 billion rail fraud and a $1 million loan breach.

The former governor is accused of inducing the Kaduna State Government in 2016 to confer a benefit of N11 billion on Indokaduna MRTS JV Nigeria Limited for a light rail project that was allegedly never executed.

In the second and third counts, it is alleged that he used his office to approve and receive severance benefits of about N289.8 million, far above the legally approved N20 million.

On the fourth count, he is also alleged to have dishonestly disposed of over $1 million, part of a World Bank loan to Kaduna State, in violation of the loan agreement.

El-Rufai is further accused of conspiring with others still at large to offer inducements to federal investigators in a bid to compromise an ongoing probe.

He is also alleged to have violated procurement laws in a multi-billion-naira CCTV contract, conferred undue advantage on associates, and carried out unlawful land allocations.

The ICPC had previously arraigned El-Rufai alongside businessman Amadu Sule before Justice Darius Khobo on allegations of abuse of office, fraud and granting undue advantage.

The former governor had been in ICPC custody from February 19 until March 28, when he was released on compassionate grounds to attend his mother’s burial.

ICPC files amended nine-count charge against El-Rufai

The Abia chapter of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has lauded Gov. Alex Otti’s “deliberate efforts” to improve the living standards of Abia residents.

The Publicity Secretary, Mr Godwin Adindu, made the commendation when he addressed newsmen in Umuahia on Monday.

Adindu said that Otti’s administration had brought significant positive change to the state since its inception about three years ago.

He said that the group is concerned about good governance, good leadership, security of life of Ndigbo and provision of enabling environment for them to exist and operate their businesses.

He highlighted the governor’s radical innovations that had enhanced various aspects of life in Abia, such as the Umuahia Central Terminal, transformation of Aba and the civil service reform.

Adindu described as commendable, Otti’s efforts to create a business-friendly environment, promote Igbo culture, and make Igbo Language compulsory in secondary schools.

“We will continue to recognise our outstanding leaders and illustrious Igbo sons and daughters, who are carving a niche for themselves in their areas of endeavour,” he said.

Abia: Ohanaeze Ndigbo Hails Otti’s Transformational Leadership is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, says repairs have begun on the Kugbo Bus and Taxi Terminal, partly destroyed by a rainstorm.

Wike, who stated this in Abuja on Monday, after he inspected some ongoing projects, said that the development was caused by a natural disaster that no one had control over.

The incident occurred on April 7, when a rainstorm blew away the terminal’s roof and deposited the debris on the Abuja-Keffi Expressway.

The Minister, who thanked God that no life was lost, said that only roofing sheets were affected, adding that the terminal did not collapse.

Insisting that the terminal’s structure was intact, the minister added that the damages were already being fixed.

“What happened was that a strong wind blew off parts of the roof, but repairs are ongoing,” he said.

The Kugbo bus/taxi terminal is one of the three newly built terminals inaugurated in June 2025.

Wike inaugurated the construction of bus and taxi terminals in Mabushi, Central Business District (CBD), and Kugbo in July 2024, to enhance commuter safety and convenience.

He explained that the bus terminals in Kugbo and Mabushi, though completed and inaugurated in 2025, could not begin operations because their management was above ministerial approval.

He said that the completed terminals would begin operations soon following approval of the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

The minister, however, said that President Bola Tinubu and FEC had approved the management of the bus terminals in Mabushi and Kugbo, based on a Public-Private Partnership arrangement.

Wike Visits Kugbo Bus/Taxi Terminal After Destruction is first published on The Whistler Newspaper