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Troops from the Joint Task Force, JTF, Operation Savannah Shield, OPSS, have detained five individuals suspected of being bandits or terrorists informants during separate operations carried out in Niger State.

A statement issued by Captain Jamilu Muhammed Yahaya, the Acting Media Information Officer at the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (North Central) Operation Savannah Shield, indicated that these operations resulted in the seizure of communication devices, cash, and various items that connect the suspects to criminal activities.

According to the statement, the troops apprehended three suspected bandits or terrorists informants on 6 June 2026, while conducting a routine fighting patrol along the Doro axis in Wawa, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

The army reported that initial investigations disclosed that the suspects were affiliated with a bandit group operating in Duru, near the borders of Kainji Lake National Park. Recovered items from the suspects included two Tecno keypad phones, one MP3 device containing recorded propaganda and inciting messages regarding the abduction of an individual in Kaduna State, along with a ransom demand of Sixty Million Naira, as well as a cash amount of One Hundred and Thirteen Thousand, Four Hundred Naira. The suspects and the recovered items are currently in custody for further investigation, while efforts continue to apprehend additional members of the criminal network.

In a similar operation, troops from the 221 Battalion under JTF-NC OPSS, while on a routine patrol along the perimeter fence of the cantonment, apprehended two suspected bandits or terrorists informants. Initial investigations revealed that these suspects had been assigned as reconnaissance elements to collect information regarding the cantonment.

The army said that further examination of one of the suspects’ mobile phones led to the discovery of a photograph showing a beheaded individual, dated 2 May 2026, indicating possible links to terrorist activities. Items recovered from the suspects included one Android mobile phone, one Tecno keypad phone, one motorcycle, and a cash sum of Eighty-Six Thousand, One Hundred Naira, adding that  the suspects and recovered exhibits remain in custody for further investigation.

It added that the successful arrests underscore the commitment of troops of Operation Savannah Shield to dismantling criminal and terrorist support networks across the Joint Operations Area. 

The Task Force said it remains resolute in its mandate to deny criminal elements freedom of action and sustain pressure on all threats to peace and security within the region.

Insecurity: Army captures suspected terrorists informants, recovers cash, devices in Niger

Grammy-winning Nigerian-British singer, Mark Yinka Orabiyi, popularly known as Talay Riley, is dead.

Talay Riley reportedly died on June 5 2026 after being stabbed with a knife multiple times.

The 35-year-old singer was fatally stabbed in Pankhurst Avenue, Silvertown in East London at about 9 a.m.

According to Metropolitan Police, Talay Riley was pronounced dead at the scene, despite the best efforts of paramedics by Emergency services.

Homicide detectives from the specialist crime command have however commenced an investigation into the incident.

UK-based Nigerian singer, Talay Riley stabbed to death

American singer and rapper Melissa Viviane Jefferson, popularly known as Lizzo, has said the shift from radio to streaming contributed to her dwindling fanbase. 

Addressing an X post by a fan who mentioned that her fanbase has been dwindling in the past two years, Lizzo explained that she is a “radio darling” and most people discovered her music through radio, adding that the current shift from radio to streaming made her lost the bulk of her fans.

Lizzo claimed that her career is also under attack from saboteurs. 

The Grammy-winning singer said she is currently doing her best to say afloat. 

“…The industry changed so much in the last 3 yrs. streaming replaced radio and I was a radio darling. That’s how my fans discovered my music. Not to mention the very obvious and public attack on my career changed things,” Lizzo’s post partly read.

Why I lost most of my fans – Lizzo 

Razzl, the carbonated soft drink brand from Ultimum Limited, recently showcased another symbolic expression of its Razzl Your World philosophy through the Razzl City Tour, a multi-city experiential campaign designed to celebrate the uniqueness of people, communities and cultures across Nigeria.

Rooted in the belief that everyone should have the confidence to live authentically, express themselves boldly and embrace what makes them unique, Razzl Your World serves as the brand’s call to consumers to show up unapologetically as themselves. The Razzl City Tour was created as an extension of that message, taking the brand directly into markets, campuses and communities where culture, identity and self-expression naturally come alive.

The multi-city campaign combined on-ground activations, influencer engagement, radio conversations and digital participation to engage consumers across the country. What began as interactions among creators and consumers on Instagram and TikTok grew into wider conversations on X, where thousands shared perspectives on the unique identity, culture and energy of their cities. In many ways, the conversation became a celebration of how different communities across Nigeria choose to express themselves and, ultimately, Razzl Their World.

Speaking on the campaign, Elizabeth Adesina, Senior Digital and Media Manager at Ultimum Limited, said the initiative was designed to celebrate individuality while fostering meaningful connections among consumers across different regions.

“Razzl is a brand that encourages people to be the most authentic version of themselves. We recognize that identity is rooted in place, and people express themselves differently depending on where they originate from, and that matters to us. So, we made a deliberate choice to show up where our consumers already are, in their schools and their markets where they naturally connect and build communities.  With our Cola, Orange and Lemon flavours as the backdrop, we are inviting everyone to Razzl their world, on their own terms, in their own way,” she said.

The tour featured activations across major markets and tertiary institutions in several cities. In Ibadan, engagements were held at Bodija Market and the University of Ibadan, while consumers in Lagos participated through activities at Ojuwoye Market, Igando Market and Lagos State University (LASU).

In Awka, the campaign visited Eke Awka Market and NnamdiAzikiwe University (UNIZIK), while consumers in Port Harcourt engaged with the brand at Mile 3 Market and Ignatius Ajuru University. The tour also extended to Nyong EssienMarket and the University of Uyo, Cemetery Market and AbiaPolytechnic in Aba, as well as communities in Enugu, Benin, Owerri and Abakaliki.

Across the various locations, participants engaged in games, music sessions, interactive challenges and experiential activities designed to encourage participation and celebrate the distinct character of their communities. The campaign also generated conversations on regional radio stations, where listeners shared stories and perspectives about the cities they proudly call home.

According to the brand, the Razzl City Tour reflects the growing importance of experiential engagement in building meaningful consumer connections. By creating opportunities for Nigerians to celebrate their identities, showcase the character of their communities and connect through shared experiences, the campaign demonstrated that there is no single way to RazzlYour World. Whether in a market, on a campus or within a community, authenticity remains at the heart of the experience.

Razzl City Tour connects consumers through culture, community pride

Payaza Africa Limited, a leading payments infrastructure company, has earned strong credit ratings from four major rating agencies, reinforcing its growing reputation as a resilient and credible player in Africa’s financial services ecosystem.

The payment company recorded upgrades across the board, with DataPro raising its rating from A to AA-, Intelligence Africa assigning it an A- investment-grade rating, Agusto upgrading it from BBB to A-, and GCR an affiliate of Moody’s also moving it from BBB to A-.

A credit rating reflects a company’s financial strength and its ability to meet debt obligations, indicating how safe it is for lenders and investors to extend credit.

In a statement on Monday, the company described the achievement as a validation of its disciplined growth trajectory and operational resilience in a dynamic fintech landscape. It added that the upgrades position Payaza as a future-ready brand with increasing relevance not only within Africa but also in the global fintech space. 

Commenting on the development, the Chief Executive Officer of Payaza Africa, Seyi Ebenezer, said the ratings reflect years of deliberate effort to build a sustainable and globally competitive institution.

“This milestone is a strong affirmation of the work we have done to build Payaza on a foundation of discipline, trust, and long-term value creation. Receiving these upgraded ratings sends a clear message that Payaza is not only growing, but growing with strength, structure, and sustainability,” he said.

Ebenezer noted that the recognition goes beyond financial performance, highlighting the company’s ability to execute strategically while maintaining strong risk management practices.

“For us, this is bigger than recognition. It reflects our commitment to building a world-class institution that can compete globally while continuing to serve businesses and consumers across the continent with excellence.

“Over time, our ratings journey has reflected more than strong financial performance. It speaks to a business built on disciplined execution, prudent management, and the ability to scale responsibly in a dynamic market. This has helped us stand out not only as an innovator in digital payments, but as a maturing financial institution with the operational depth to compete globally.

“These new ratings are expected to further strengthen Payaza’s standing with investors, regulators, partners, enterprise clients, and the wider financial community. In a sector where trust, resilience, and compliance are increasingly central to long-term success, independent ratings remain a powerful endorsement of a company’s ability to manage risk, meet obligations, and sustain growth,” Ebenezer said.

Payaza Africa provides payment infrastructure solutions focused on collections, payouts, embedded finance, and digital commerce enablement for businesses across Africa.

The company has also continued to expand its product ecosystem with solutions such as Payaza Checkout for payment collections and payouts, Chat and Pay by Payaza for WhatsApp-based transactions, Payaza Give for donations and digital contributions, and Shopaza, its e-commerce platform designed to help businesses sell and receive payments more efficiently.

Payaza gets ‘A’ credit ratings from Moody’s, Agusto, DataPro, Intelligence Africa

Former Portugal captain, Pepe, is set to make a return to Real Madrid as an assistant to Jose Mourinho.

Mourinho will be officially unveiled as Los Blancos’ new manager, after Florentino Perez won the club’s presidential election.

Perez had already agreed a deal with Benfica for Mourinho before the elections.

The 63-year-old will now be joined by Pepe at the Bernabeu.

According to Marca, Pepe’s role would include strengthening the team’s defensive mentality and organization, helping create a stronger, more united dressing room atmosphere and acting as a key bridge between Mourinho and the players, improving communication and understanding.

Pepe, who played for Madrid between 2007 and 2011, retired from football in 2024.

LaLiga: Pepe set for Real Madrid return as Mourinho arrives

Swedish club, AIK are looking to sign another Nigerian Shedrack Egboh as replacement for Zadok Yohanna, DAILY POST reports.

Yohanna, 18, completed a record-breaking transfer to Premier League club Brighton from AIK last weekend.

The winger will become the second Nigerian to play for the Seagulls after former Super Eagles defender Leon Balogun.

According to reports, Egboh will undergo trials at AIK this summer.

A successful trial could lead to AIK buying the talented youngster.

The 18-year-old is an explosive winger, who is also on the radar of several clubs in Europe.

Transfer: AIK target Egboh as Yohanna’s replacement 

Recently, a viral video on social media showing officials of the Lagos State Ministry of Housing confronting a resident over solar panels installed on his home stirred anger among residents of the state.

In the video, officials from the ministry’s monitoring and compliance unit were seen asking the resident to obtain approval and pay a fee before proceeding with the installation.

But in reaction, the state government has said that permits and administrative fees for solar power installations apply only to residents of its social housing estates, not to private homeowners or tenants across the state.

The people’s anger is multifaceted. While some are very angry that the government instead of appreciating the citizens for standing in the gap, it is going after the people with taxes.

Yet, there are others who warned that such requirements could discourage the adoption of renewable energy in a country facing persistent power outages. Those on this side of the argument insist that the state government just wants to see its citizens in darkness and depression.

Reacting in an X post, Wale Ajetunmobi, senior special assistant on media to Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said the resident misunderstood the policy.

According to him, the state does not impose solar installation fees on all residents.

“This development is true, but the man who made the video seems to be misinformed about the Lagos State Government’s guidelines for installing solar energy systems in social housing estates,” he said.

He explained that only residents living in government-owned social housing estates are charged administrative fees for alterations, including the installation of solar power systems.

Ajetunmobi said the requirement is linked to the government’s responsibility as facility manager of the estates, noting that solar installations are treated as structural alterations, especially when they affect shared spaces or the original design of buildings.

“Only residents living in government-owned social housing estates are charged administrative fees for alterations, such as the installation of a solar power system, before any additional development can be permitted,” he said.

“Any alteration must be processed through the physical planning and survey departments of the ministry of housing for approval, material compliance, and post-inspection checks.

“Those solar power systems are usually installed by occupants in shared areas; so this alteration must be approved by the facility manager (government) before any occupant can proceed.”

He added that the individual in the video is likely a tenant who rented one of the government-owned estates from the property owner and does not fully understand the terms of the indemnity document.

He said the officials seen in the video were from the ministry’s monitoring and compliance unit, adding that the resident did not obtain prior approval before commencing installation.

He said the government previously handled liabilities arising from unapproved modifications, including cases involving roof damage and fire incidents.

“He is likely to be a tenant in one of these social housing estates owned by the Lagos state government, otherwise, he wouldn’t have raised concerns about something that was clearly outlined in the indemnity document he signed before the government handed over the apartment to him after purchase.

“The simple rule for any estate occupant is to contact the state government (facility manager) for approval for any external alteration.”

He added that unapproved changes affecting shared property could expose the government to liabilities involving other residents.

Under the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, structural changes to buildings require approval from relevant

authorities.

However, what began as a government regulation over solar panel installation in the state-owned estates has spiralled into a fierce public debate regarding governance, taxation, housing failure and the limits of state control in a city battling deepening economic hardship.

Aside from condemning the government’s action, residents are calling for the scrapping of such a law as they view as commercialization of survival

For many Lagosians, the issue goes far beyond solar energy; they see it as another layer in what they describe as a growing system of levies, approvals and charges imposed on citizens who are already forced to provide basic amenities for themselves.

There is a belief in some quarters that while governments in developed societies subsidise renewable energy adoption, Lagosians are being asked to pay additional fees simply for attempting to escape darkness.

Not even the government clarification was able to assuage the people’s anger as tempers rose across the state, with many ready to confront the government authorities.

Many residents insist the policy is merely a “pilot phase” that could eventually extend to private estates and ordinary homeowners across the state. So, it is their thinking that if they don’t react now, it would be too late by the time the government would want to extend it to private house owners.

The worry in some quarters is why citizens who already provide their own electricity, water and security, would be required to pay the government for installing solar systems powered by sunlight; a natural gift to humanity.

A businessman, residing in one of the private estates in Amuwo Odofin area of Lagos, Anthony Osewele, lashed out at the state government, saying, “The state government has no right to sell God’s energy.”

“When people decide to arrogate to themselves the position of God, you wonder if they still had any iota of conscience in them.

“Nobody has the right to sell solar energy provided by God. We are talking about solar energy that is from the Sun; God free gift to humanity. The sun is the centre of the universe. So, for me, it is evil and the height of wickedness for anybody in authority to even conceive the idea of collecting money from citizens for using sunlight. That means one day, they will find a way of collecting money from citizens for breathing the air. This is condemnable in every form.

“In other climes, we are talking about the government providing electricity to their citizens 24 hours nonstop. But here the government provides darkness, making life hellish and short for the people.

“And when the people move to provide alternatives just to improve their lives, the government is here to add to their sorrow by taxing them for doing that. This is very bad,” he stated.

Also, corroborating Osewele’s position is a lawyer, Marcellus Onah, who stressed that residents are not embracing solar power as a luxury, but as a necessity forced on them by the collapse of public electricity supply.

“People are buying solar because the government has failed to provide stable electricity, which is the minimum any responsible government should provide.

“We provide water for ourselves. We generate electricity for ourselves. We fix roads around us. Despite all these, the government still wants to charge us for trying to survive. It is very bad and unacceptable,” he stated.

An estate agent, Rowland Adebayo also lamented that Lagosians are increasingly being suffocated by multiple taxes and levies without corresponding public services.

“They have introduced road parking fees. They demand tenement rates. Every day, there is one new levy or another.

“I don’t mind paying taxes if the government is doing the right thing.

“But asking people to pay for installing solar energy is criminal. It is like taxing sunlight, which is a free gift from God and we must resist it,” he stated.

Residents tackle Lagos govt over solar tax

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, John Odigie-Oyegun, has expressed concern over the increasing trend of defections, resignations and party switching among political leaders, describing the development as a reflection of deeper problems within Nigeria’s political system.

Speaking in Benin, Edo State, on Sunday, the former governor said the frequent movement of politicians from one party to another following disagreements raises questions about the commitment of the country’s political class to national development and the welfare of citizens.

Odigie-Oyegun noted that the growing rate at which political leaders abandon their parties suggests that fundamental issues remain unresolved within the nation’s democratic structure.

According to him, the conduct of many politicians does not reflect a genuine desire to address the challenges confronting Nigerians, including economic hardship and insecurity.

He argued that if political actors were truly focused on rescuing the country and improving the lives of citizens, much of the political realignment currently unfolding ahead of the 2027 general elections would not be taking place.

The ADC stalwart said the political class appeared disconnected from the realities facing ordinary Nigerians, adding that its actions often fail to demonstrate a sincere commitment to national progress.

“If political leaders were genuinely driven by the desire to rescue the nation, many of the developments we are witnessing as preparations for the 2027 elections gather pace would not have emerged,” he said.

He maintained that efforts should be directed towards tackling pressing national issues rather than engaging in political manoeuvres that do little to improve the lives of the people.

Odigie-Oyegun also urged opposition figures across the country to reflect on their motivations and determine whether their actions are truly aimed at alleviating the suffering of Nigerians.

He stressed the need for opposition leaders to remain focused on providing solutions to the country’s challenges instead of pursuing narrow political ambitions.

Despite his concerns, the former governor expressed confidence in the prospects of the opposition, stating that a level playing field and strong institutions could create the conditions necessary for a change in political leadership.

He added that the opposition remains capable of challenging the ruling party successfully if the electoral process and state institutions operate fairly and transparently.

2027: Odigie-Oyegun cries out over rising political defections

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has commended the Hon. Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, for championing initiatives aimed at empowering the younger generation with digital knowledge and skills, especially the Nigerian girls.

Speaking while conducting 185 contestants of the 2026 National Girls in ICT (NG-ICT) Competition on a tour of the National Communication Museum domiciled at the Commission in Abuja on Thursday, the Executive Vice Charman (EVC) of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, said the initiative also aligns with the Commission’s digital literacy advocacy.

The contestants were selected by the Ministry across the country’s geo-political zones for competition to promote digital inclusion and inspire greater participation of girls in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and other Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines.

The visit to the Commission by the students formed part of activities organised by the Minister under the National Girls in ICT Programme, an initiative aimed at bridging the gender gap in the technology sector by equipping young girls with digital skills, mentorship opportunities and exposure to innovation.

Maida, who was represented by the Director, Research and Development Department, Babagana Digima, noted that the museum tour was designed to create a link between the old and new generations in Nigeria’s telecommunications journey, helping young people appreciate the sector’s transformation from analogue systems to the current digital revolution. 

During the study tour, NCC officials guided the students through exhibits and historical artefacts that document key milestones in the Nigeria’s telecommunications history and the evolution of the communications sector to date. He emphasised that understanding the industry’s history would inspire the participants to contribute meaningfully to the future of digital innovation in Nigeria.

The EVC noted that exposing young people to the history of technological advancement and innovation is essential to building a new generation of leaders for Nigeria’s growing digital economy.

“The whole idea behind this is that we are looking at the younger generation. We want to show them what communication is all about. This place is a museum meant to preserve the history of what has gone before and to keep the artefacts, ensuring that people see the evolution from the postal system to telegraphy, from analogue systems to the digital era.

“This is essentially what we are showing them in the shortest amount of time and, of course, to excite the curiosity of the young ones. When they see what happened in the past and how it has progressed into the future, they can also take it up from here and think about what it will look like going forward. That is the whole essence of having them here,” he said.

During the tour, the participants learned about generational trends in telecommunications development, dating back to 1886 when the colonial administration established first communication facilities primarily to support administrative functions.  They were also taken through the history of the country’s early telegraph services, which linked Lagos to other parts of West Africa and Europe through submarine cable connections.

The tour highlighted the state of telecommunications at Independence in 1960, when Nigeria had only 18,724 telephone lines serving an estimated population of about 40 million people. The students were also briefed on various development plans that followed Independence, the operations of the former Department of Posts and Telecommunications (P&T) and Nigerian External Telecommunications (NET) Limited, as well as the establishment of the Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL) in 1985 to coordinate the provision of internal and external telecommunications services.

A major highlight of the visit was the display of rare historical artefacts preserved at the NCC Museum. Among the exhibits were a Post Office Counter dating back to 1852, Sorting Racks introduced to Lagos in 1852, the Grand “T” Key used at the Lagos Post Office in the nineteenth century, leather mail bags dating back to 1863, Drop Bag fittings from the late 20th Century, a 511A Letter Scale from the mid-20th Century, an Improved Dynamometer Scale from the 1920, Telegram machines, Teleprinter T100, Cordless PBX, Digital Card Phone and others.