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Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State has announced the commencement of a crackdown on fake pastors and prophets performing miracles in the state.

He disclosed that those arrested have been detained and that they were confessing.

Soludo challenged pastors and prophets claiming to be genuine to visit Amaku Hospital to perform miracles.

The governor made the disclosure while speaking at St. Patrick’s Cathedral during the All Knights Day of the Catholic Diocese of Awka, on Sunday.

He accused these false gospel ministers of deceiving vulnerable people in the state through their preaching of the “salvation without the cross.”

The governor charged church leadership in the state to harp on the fact that hard work pays.

Soludo said: “The state has commenced an ongoing crackdown on fake pastors who exploit the vulnerable by preaching gospel of ‘salvation without the cross.’

“As I speak now, several of them are already in custody and confessing.

“A new Anambra is in the offing, which must be clean and clear of such deception.

“We’ve arrested fake pastors and bishops. Whoever wants to perform miracle should come to Amaku Hospital.”

Gov Soludo challenges fake pastors to ‘miracle contest’

Ibrahim Shekarau, former governor of Kano, has been named as the consensus candidate for the Kano central senatorial seat.

This development comes after Abba Yusuf, governor of Kano, successfully mediated a resolution to the dispute over the district senatorial ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC)

 

A 50-year-old victim of an airstrike on Guradnayi village near Kusasu community in Galadima-Kogo District of Shiroro LGA, Niger State, Victor Solomon, said he lost three of his children in the incident.

At least 13 civilians, mostly children, were reportedly killed in the aerial assault on Guradnayi, one of the terrorised villages in the LGA

Residents said the incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday as aerial forces pursued bandits riding on motorcycles through the village.

However, the Defence Headquarters denied reports that civilians were killed in the airstrikes.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, in a statement on Sunday, said the operation was conducted following intelligence reports indicating the convergence of armed bandits in Shiroro LGA on May 9, 2026.

Onoja said the strikes targeted terrorist enclaves and achieved their objectives, neutralising about 70 armed bandits in Kusasu alone.

Victims recount incident

Solomon said he was asleep around 5 am on Sunday when the airstrike occurred, leaving him with severe facial injuries.

Speaking from his hospital bed, Victor Solomon, who expressed doubts about surviving the incident, said he lost three of his children.

“I don’t know if I can survive this. I sustained severe injuries to my face. I am in pain. We need help from the government,” he said in a low voice.

Also speaking on the telephone, Gideon Bamaiyi said bandits had earlier passed through their usual route in the area before the airstrike occurred

He said 13 people, including seven children who were taking shelter in his elder brother’s house, were killed in the airstrike.

He added that six others were receiving treatment at a private hospital in Zumba, Shiroro LGA.

As of 6 pm on Sunday, Bamaiyi said five of the victims, including a little girl, were still unconscious in their hospital beds.

He said the hospital had demanded N400,000 for surgery on one of the female victims, and appealed for assistance for the affected families.

“Bandits had earlier passed through their usual route, and we had all fled. So, after they passed, some people returned home. The airstrike occurred around 5 am when people were still sleeping.

“In my elder brother’s house, 13 people lost their lives, including children, because one of the bombs landed on the house. Nobody survived.

“My elder brother had already left the house when the incident happened; otherwise, he would have been a victim too.

“Currently, we have six people, including three women, a little girl, a little boy and a man, critically injured. In fact, five of them are still unconscious,” he said.

Auta Awododo, a resident of Kusasu, told Premium Times that one of those killed was his cousin’s son.

He said terrorists may have been killed in the airstrikes, but innocent civilians also lost their lives.

“The military first dropped a bomb near the river in Kusasu. The second bomb was dropped in Guradnayi,” another resident, who did not want to be named, said.

“Even though terrorists were killed in the assault, the operation did not deter them from their mission,” a security source told Premium Times.

“As I speak to you now, they (terrorists) are operating in Kabula near Kuchi. There is no confirmed report of abduction or killings yet, but they have rustled many cattle from several communities in Munya,” the source, a member of a local vigilante group, added.

A senior government official, who preferred anonymity because he was not authorised to speak, confirmed the airstrike but did not provide details of the civilian casualties.

He also confirmed the movement of bandits in the area, which led to the airstrike.

Many residents have been killed in accidental airstrikes across communities in Shiroro. In 2022, a Nigerian Air Force fighter jet killed six minors in Kurebe village, according to a Premium Times investigation.

Five months later, another military airstrike killed eight civilians in the same village.

Military denies civilian deaths, says 70 bandits killed

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, denied civilian casualties in the airstrikes.

Onoja said the Nigerian Army UAV Command subsequently carried out multiple air interdiction strikes across suspected bandit hideouts in Katerma, Bokko, Kusasu and Kuduru villages.

He disclosed that about 70 bandits were killed in Kusasu alone, while surviving fighters were seen evacuating the bodies of their colleagues for burial.

Onoja said local intelligence sources confirmed that the aerial bombardments were “precise on target” in Kusasu, Katerma and Bokko villages.

The statement said, “In line with the AFN mandate to conduct operations to rout out all forms of insecurity in the country, on 9 May 2026, intelligence reports indicated the convergence of armed bandits at Lukupe Village in Shiroro LGA.

“Subsequently, on the 10 May 2026 between the hours of 1159pm to 6am, the Nigerian Army UAV Command acting on intelligence conducted multiple air strikes on different bandits locations including Katerma, Bokko, Kusasu and Kuduru Villages all in Shiroro LGA of Niger State.

“Further reports from local sources confirmed that the aerial interdiction was precise on target at Kusasu, Katerma and Bokko. See video footage. It was gathered that about 70 bandits were hit and killed in Kusasu.”

He added that over 200 armed bandits on motorcycles were sighted moving towards Zango, while another group from Bokko was reportedly advancing in the same direction, allegedly to regroup for possible attacks on Sarkin Pawa, Kuchi or government security facilities.

According to him, another group was also seen converging at Kopa, east of Mongoro, indicating a possible threat to security formations in the area.

“The military took necessary steps to neutralise all these threats in a timely manner,” the statement said.

Onoja maintained that the strikes were based on credible and actionable intelligence confirming the presence of terrorists at the targeted locations.

He added that residents of affected communities had relocated to Sarkin Pawa before the operation commenced.

The DHQ said post-strike intelligence indicated that movements recorded after the operation were those of fleeing criminals rather than civilians.

However, Onoja said relevant formations had been directed to verify allegations of civilian casualties, if any, urging the media and public to avoid spreading unverified reports capable of undermining military operations and troop morale.

The Niger State Commissioner for Homeland Security, Mr Maurice Magaji, also said: “Before the military operation began, we warned civilians to evacuate, which they did. The only people left were the terrorists and their informants, and the informants are also terrorists. Anybody who was there must have been an informed 

“You know how these terrorists operate. Their strategy is to divide themselves and attack communities. We ensured that they were targeted.

“We are still monitoring the situation. The people have been very helpful,” Magaji said.

Daily Trust

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed claims of civilian casualties following recent aerial interdiction operations in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.

In a statement on Sunday in Abuja, the DHQ insisted that the strikes were precisely targeted at armed bandits.

The statement was issued and made available to newsmen by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja.

Onoja said the operations, conducted in the early hours of May 10, were based on credible intelligence indicating the convergence of armed bandits at Lukupe Village and other locations within Shiroro LGA.

He said the Nigerian Army UAV Command subsequently carried out multiple airstrikes between 11:59 p.m. on May 9 and 6:00 a.m. on May 10, targeting identified bandit enclaves in Katerma, Bokko, Kusasu and Kuduru villages.

According to him, post-strike intelligence and local sources confirmed that the aerial interdiction was accurate, particularly in Kusasu, Katerma and Bokko, where the strikes achieved their intended objectives.

“About 70 bandits were neutralised in Kusasu alone, while others were seen gathering the remains of their colleagues for burial.

“Further observations indicated that over 200 armed fighters on motorcycles retreated towards Zango, with additional groups advancing from Bokko, suggesting attempts to regroup or carry out attacks on nearby communities and security installations,” he said.

Onoja added that another group was observed converging at Kopa, east of Mongoro, indicating possible plans to attack government or security infrastructure in the area, prompting timely military action to neutralise the threats.
He stressed that contrary to circulating reports, the strikes did not target civilians, noting that residents in the affected communities had earlier relocated to Sarkin Pawa for safety prior to the operation.

“This fact undermines claims that innocent civilians were present in the strike zones at the time,” he said.

The DHQ spokesman, however, said relevant military formations had been directed to verify the allegations of civilian casualties, if any.
He reiterated the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to the protection of law-abiding citizens and adherence to rules of engagement and applicable laws in all operations.

Onoja urged the media and the public to exercise restraint and avoid spreading unverified reports that could embolden criminal elements, undermine troop morale and erode public confidence in ongoing security efforts.
“The Armed Forces will continue to pursue and neutralise all threats to national security with precision, professionalism and resolve,” he said.

Military Refutes Civilian Casualty In Shiroro Airstrikes is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Data Show 1,214% Increase

Total debt balloons from N87.38tn to N159.28tn In 30 Months

Nigeria’s public debt rose by N147.15tn in the last 10 years, data obtained from the Debt Management Office on Sunday have shown.

According to the data obtained by The Whistler, Nigeria’s total debt as of December, 31, 2025 stood at N159.28tn. This is N147.16tn higher than Nigeria’s debt as of June 30, 2015.

The period under review corresponds with the management of the nation’s economy by the All Progressives Congress. The late APC leader, General Muhammadu Buhari took over the reins of government on May 29, 2015.

As of June 30, 2015, the nation’s public debt stood at N12.12tn. However, this had ballooned to N159.28tn by the end 2025. This means that within the last 10 years, the country’s public debt rose by 1,214 per cent.

Although the public debt represents the indebtedness of both the Federal Government and the subnational governments, analyses of data obtained from the DMO showed that much of the debts were owed by the Federal Government.

A breakdown of the total public debt shows that Federal Government’s domestic debt make up 50.53 per cent or N80.49tn, while the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory owe N3.08tn or 2.74 per cent of the total public debt.

On the other hand, the foreign debt of the Federal Government makes up 41.61 per cent or N66.27tn. The 36 states and the FCT owe N8.16tn in foreign debt. This accounts for 4.12 per cent of the total public debt.

Therefore, of the total public debt, the Federal Government accounts for N146.76tn or 92.14 per cent. The subnational governments account for N12.52tn or 7.86 per cent.

Some have attributed the sharp rise in the country’s debts to the recent devaluation of the naira. However, this may hold for the foreign debt component but domestic debt accounts for more than 50 per cent of the total public debt.

As of June 30, 2023, Nigeria’s public debt stood at N87.38tn. Buhari handed over the reins of government to President Bola Tinubu on May 29, 2023.

Thus, within the first two and half years of Tinubu, the country’s total debt ballooned from N87.38tn to N159.28tn.

This shows a difference of N71.9tn. In percentage terms, the country’s debt rose by 82.28 per cent in two and half years – July 1, 2023 to December 31, 2025.

As of June 30, 2015, the domestic debt of the Federal Government stood at N8.4tn while the domestic debt of the 36 states and the FCT stood at N1.69tn. The external debt component of both tiers of government stood at N2.03tn.

During the Buhari era, the domestic debt was accentuated by the Ways and Means Advances which the Central Bank of Nigeria under Mr. Godwin Emefiele granted to the government.

The National Assembly in May 2023 approved the securitisation of the Ways and Means Advances amounting to N22.7tn, thus raising the domestic debt component of the Federal Government to N62.72tn.

However, the current government has grown the domestic debt from N62.72tn to N80.49tn. This means that the within a period of two and half years, the domestic debt of the Federal Government rose by N17.77tn. This is an increase of 28.33 per cent.

On the external scene, the Federal Government’s debt rose from N29.9tn as of June 30, 2023 to N66.27tn, giving a difference of N36.37tn.

Thus, between June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2025, the Federal Government’s external debt rose by 121.64 per cent.

One of the consequences of the nation’s rising debts is that the country spends much of its income in servicing debts that many citizens think were not spent wisely.

In the last quarter of 2025, for instance, the government spent a total of N2.28tn in domestic debt servicing. Within the three-month window, it spent $1.8bn in foreign debt servicing.

Between 2022 and 2023, the country spent more than 90 per cent of its revenue in debt servicing. This has significant reduced with revenue rising following the removal fuel subsidy by President Tinubu in May 2023.

However, as of late 2025, the country spent about 72 per cent of its revenue on debt servicing. This is still much higher than the threshold of 22.5 per cent recommended by the World Bank.

As a result of the nation’s high debt servicing to revenue ratio, not much is left for infrastructure development where the country is in high deficit.

Beside high recurrent budget, the country struggles with corruption which is suspected to gulp significant portions of both recurring and capital expenditures.

Faced with high debt servicing which gulped considerable proportion of the nation’s revenue, former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo working with Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as finance minister, had negotiated a debt relief with the Paris Club of creditors. This saw about $18bn of the country’s debt wiped off after payment of $12bn.

As of the time Obasanjo handed over in May 2007, the country’s debt stood at about N2.42tn in both foreign and local debts. This figure rose within the tenures of his successors, the late Alhaji Umaru Yar’Adua and Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.

By the time Jonathan handed over to Buhari in May 2015, the debt stood at about N12.12tn, local and foreign.

Economic analysts expressed concern over the rapid increase in Nigeria’s total public debt, which surged from N87.38tn to N159.28tn by the end of 2025.

They raised issues about fiscal sustainability, high servicing costs, and the risks of a debt trap.

The Group Managing Director, Crane Securities Limited, Mr. Mike Eze, in an interview with THE WHISTLER said the pace of debt accumulation was becoming a major macroeconomic concern, especially when compared with the growth rate of government revenue and productive investment.

According to him a debt stock of over N159tn is not necessarily bad for a large economy, but the main issue is the debt-service-to-revenue ratio.

He added that when a country spends over 70 per cent of its revenue servicing debt, fiscal sustainability comes under pressure.

Eze also blamed a significant portion of the increase to exchange rate depreciation, because external debts are converted into naira terms. He noted, however, that this reason could not fully account for the sharp growth in domestic borrowing.

He called on the government to prioritise aggressive revenue reforms, reduction in the cost of governance, and stronger accountability for borrowed funds.

He said, “Borrowing should be tied strictly to projects that can stimulate growth, exports, and productivity.

“What these numbers reveal is not just a debt problem, but a governance and productivity crisis.

“Nations can borrow responsibly if the funds are invested in sectors that expand economic capacity and improve citizens’ welfare.

“The concern in Nigeria is that despite the rapid rise in public debt over the last decade, infrastructure deficits, poverty, unemployment, and insecurity have continued to worsen.”

A financial analyst, Mr. Dele Johnson, said that the increase was alarming, but added that part of the expansion was due to naira devaluation after the exchange rate reforms.

Johnson noted that once the naira weakened, the local currency value of external obligations naturally surged.

He said, “The underlying fiscal vulnerabilities remain serious because debt servicing continues to absorb a disproportionately high share of government revenue.”

According to him, the bigger risk is not just the size of the debt, but whether the economy can generate enough growth and foreign exchange earnings to sustain repayments without crowding out critical investments.

Johnson added, “Nigeria needs stronger export earnings, higher oil production, improved tax efficiency, and disciplined spending.

“Without faster economic growth, rising debt could continue to weaken investor confidence and constrain development financing.”

In an interview with one of our correspondents, the National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, Bolaji Abdullahi, lampooned the APC government for irresponsible borrowing.

Abdullahi said, ‘The problem is not that Nigeria has borrowed. The problem is that APC has been borrowing without any visible transformation. They expanded our debt profile, but did not expand the productive capacity of the economy.

“The ADC does not believe all borrowing is bad. The issue is not borrowing itself, it is what the borrowing is used for. Borrowing for consumption is irresponsible. Borrowing for inflated contracts is reckless. Borrowing without transparency is dangerous. Borrowing that leaves citizens poorer is unacceptable.

“Under the APC, Nigeria is borrowing like a development state, but delivering like a consumption government.
Other countries have borrowed heavily too, but the difference is in their output.”

The ADC Spokesman said Nigeria cannot continue borrowing to fund inefficiency.
He said an ADC would reduce borrowing by reducing waste first.

He said, “Our documents already commit to cutting the cost of governance, implementing the Oronsaye Report, capping excessive appointments, digitising public service, reducing non-essential travel, and publishing quarterly revenue and expenditure reports so citizens can track spending.

“Specifically, the ADC will target a 40% reduction in the cost of governance, reduce recurrent expenditure to below 60% of the budget, save an estimated N3tn to N5tn yearly through governance and procurement reforms, raise the tax-to-GDP ratio from about 6% toward 15%, and bring debt service below 40% of revenue.”

He added that the ADC would finance infrastructure by shifting from debt-led projects to investment-led projects.

When contacted for reaction, the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Felix Morka, was unable to grant an interview at the moment due to the ongoing party screening exercise.

He, however, assured that he would respond to questions after the screening process, which is expected to conclude on Tuesday.

FG, States Grow Debts By N147.16tn In 10 Years is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Members of the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) have raised serious concerns over the worsening Jet A1 aviation fuel crisis, warning that the situation poses serious threats to flight safety and airline operations across Nigeria. NAAPE, the professional body representing licensed aircraft pilots and aeronautical engineers, said the persistent scarcity of Jet […]

The post Jet A1 crisis: Pilots, engineers raise alarm over aviation safety in Nigeria appeared first on Tribune Online.

 Veteran Nollywood actor Kanayo O. Kanayo has called for an end to xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

Kanayo made the appeal on Saturday at the 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards after receiving the Industry Merit Award.

Speaking during his acceptance speech, the actor dedicated the recognition to film practitioners across Africa, while reflecting on the sacrifices made by veterans in the industry.

“This is for Africa, for everyone who works as cast and crew. Even before 1992, many of us are no longer in good health, many have returned to their villages, and many have passed on,” he said.

“Sometimes, when you stand on a stage like this, you ask yourself, ‘What have I done to still be alive?’ Yes, I have made a lot of sacrifices,” he added.

The actor also appealed to Canal+ to continue supporting the African entertainment industry.

“I want to extend a hand of friendship to Canal+, please keep this going. This is one thing that unites the whole of Africa,” he said.

Kanayo, however, also used the occasion to condemn the growing wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa, urging Africans to speak against violence targeted at fellow Africans.

“On this note, I am not happy about what is going on in South Africa today. Let us lend our voices against xenophobia in South Africa. We are not happy. As Africans, we cannot continue running from Africa,” he said.

Veteran actress Sola Sobowale, who also received the Industry Merit Award, expressed gratitude to her fans and colleagues for their unwavering support throughout her career.

 

The Metropolitan Police Service has said a second teenager has been charged in connection with the fatal shooting of 14-year-old British-Nigerian, Eghosa Ogbebor, in the Woolwich area of London.

The police disclosed this in a statement obtained on its website on Sunday, noting that the latest suspect, a 15-year-old boy whose identity was withheld for legal reasons, was arrested on Wednesday, May 6, and subsequently charged with murder.

It had earlier reported that Eghosa was shot dead in Woolwich on April 2, with three teenagers initially arrested in connection with the incident.

The Metropolitan Police had said officers responded to reports of the shooting at about 3:40 pm and met the victim with gunshot injuries. Despite efforts by emergency responders, he was confirmed dead at the scene.

Giving an update, the police said the new suspect was scheduled to appear before the Barkingside Youth Court.

The statement noted that investigations into the incident, which occurred on Thursday, April 2, commenced after officers were called to Lord Warwick Street following reports of a shooting.

It added that officers, alongside paramedics from the London Ambulance Service, attended the scene and found Eghosa with severe injuries.

The statement read, “A boy has been charged in connection with the murder of 14-year-old Eghosa Ogbebor in Woolwich.

“An investigation was launched on Thursday, April 2, after police were called to Lord Warwick Street following reports of a shooting.

“Officers attended with the London Ambulance Service and located Eghosa with serious injuries. He sadly died at the scene.”

The Metropolitan Police added that Eghosa’s family continues to receive support from specially trained officers.

The statement further disclosed that this is the second charge filed in connection with the killing.

It noted that a 16-year-old boy from Romford had earlier been charged with murder on Friday, April 10, and was remanded in custody after appearing before the Thames Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, April 11.

The police added that several other suspects arrested in connection with the case had been released on bail pending further investigations.

“On Saturday, April 4, officers arrested a 19-year-old man in Woolwich on suspicion of murder. A 46-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. They have been released on bail pending further enquiries.

“Two boys, aged 14 and 16, and an 18-year-old man, were arrested on Friday, April 3, in connection with Eghosa’s death. They have also been bailed pending further enquiries. The investigation remains ongoing,” the statement added

Enugu Rangers maintained their hunt for a ninth Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, title with a 2–1 home win over Bendel Insurance on Sunday.

Former goal king Godwin Obaje netted a brace for the Flying Antelopes.

Alex Oweifaleya was on target for Insurance in the game.

Second-placed Rivers United kept the pressure on Rangers with a thrilling 3–2 away win over Wikki Tourists.

Finidi George’s side fought back twice to win the game.

Rangers have 65 points from 37 matches, while Rivers United have recorded 64 points from the same number of matches.

The title will be decided on the final day, with Rangers travelling to Lagos to face Ikorodu City, while Rivers United will host Katsina United in Port Harcourt.

Wikki Tourists were relegated to the Nigeria National League (NNL) following their defeat to Rivers United.

Bayelsa United will also compete in the NNL next season after going down 2–1 to Remo Stars in Ikenne.

NPFL: Rangers maintain top spot, Wikki, Bayelsa United relegated 

FirstHoldCo Plc, the parent entity of Nigeria’s oldest commercial lender (First Bank), is moving to double the regulatory capital ceiling for international banks, signaling a new phase of aggressive expansion and balance sheet fortification. In a notice for its 14th Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for May 29, 2026, the group proposed a special resolution […]

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