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Troops of the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army have recorded major operational successes in Kogi State after rescuing kidnapped victims and intercepting a suspected terrorist ammunition courier during separate operations carried out on May 6, 2026.

According to the Army, troops under Operation TIGER PAW II successfully rescued the remaining victims abducted from the Daarul-Kitab Islamic Orphanage following sustained search and rescue operations in the Agbaja Forest area of Lokoja Local Government Area.

The rescued victims included five boys, two girls, and two adult women believed to be wives of the orphanage proprietor. Military authorities disclosed that all victims were immediately evacuated to the 12 Brigade Medical Centre for treatment and are currently in stable condition.

In another operation, troops acting on intelligence intercepted a suspected terrorist logistics courier identified as Yahaya Umar along the Obajana–Lokoja road. The suspect was allegedly caught transporting 500 rounds of 7.62mm NATO belted ammunition concealed inside a bag of maize in an attempt to avoid detection.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is believed to be involved in the movement of arms and ammunition for terrorist groups operating across the North Central region. The military further disclosed that the ammunition was reportedly being transported from Obajana Forest to Dikko Junction in Niger State for delivery to another suspected terrorist operative.

The suspect is currently in military custody and undergoing further interrogation as security agencies intensify efforts to dismantle the criminal network and arrest other members of the syndicate.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against terrorists and criminal elements while urging Nigerians to continue providing timely information to security agencies.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, along with his delegation, met at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday to establish a strategic plan aimed at ensuring peaceful elections.

The meeting was attended by the Force Management Team and other distinguished representatives from the commission, including the National Commissioner for the North-Central Region, Professor Sanni Muhammed; the National Commissioners for the North-East Region, Mrs. Jamila Abubakar Malafa, and Dr. Baba Bila; the National Commissioner for the South-South Region, Rear Admiral Rhoda Gumus; the National Commissioner for the South-West Region, Professor Kunle Ajayi; as well as senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force.

The discussions centered on the security framework necessary for the forthcoming electoral cycle, particularly in light of the current national security challenges affecting the imminent Ekiti and Osun off-cycle elections, the upcoming bye-elections, and the 2027 General Elections.

During his address, Professor Amupitan emphasized the critical importance of implementing proactive security measures and providing specialized training for personnel.

He specifically called for the establishment of a secure environment that allows Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, and Persons Living with Disabilities, PWDs, to exercise their constitutional rights without fear or obstruction.

In his reply, IGP Olatunji Disu characterized the visit as a timely contribution to democratic stability. He revealed that the Nigeria Police Force has already initiated strategic actions, including precision intelligence mapping to counter political violence, cult-related activities, and intimidation; comprehensive planning for the secure transportation of electoral materials and personnel; coordinated communication with allied security agencies to ensure a unified operational front; and efforts to combat misinformation.

The IGP further assured the delegation that all officers assigned to election duty will be strictly guided by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral Act.

He emphasized that personnel are currently undergoing comprehensive training on the rules of engagement and the safeguarding of human rights.

As the primary agency responsible for election management, IGP Disu stated that the Force is dedicated to upholding public order with a strict policy of zero tolerance for professional misconduct.

He also assured that any officer found lacking in their responsibilities or engaging in actions that compromise the integrity of the elections will face disciplinary measures in accordance with the law.

In his concluding remarks, the IGP reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all citizens, with special consideration for Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, and Persons with Disabilities, PWDs.

While pledging the full support of the Nigeria Police Force to INEC, he called for unreserved cooperation from the Commission and other stakeholders to facilitate a smooth and successful transition for the nation.

IGP Disu, INEC boss, Amupitan meet, strategize ahead of elections

A former governor of Taraba State and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jolly Nyame, has resigned from the ruling party, citing alleged marginalisation and unfair treatment of his people.

Nyame announced his decision while addressing members of his support group following a Federal High Court verdict in Jalingo. This was contained in a video circulating on social media.

The former governor said he consulted with supporters and stakeholders from Zing Local Government Area before deciding to leave the APC in search of another political platform through which he could continue to serve the people.

He explained that he was joining forces with like-minded individuals committed to the development of the area, adding that years of loyalty and contributions to the APC had not translated into fair treatment for him and his community.

“As the Dabon Yarro and leader of the entire Yorro community worldwide, comprising Mumuye, Yandan, Yorti and others, if they will not honour me, who then will they honour among my people?” he asked.

Nyame alleged that people from his zone had for years faced political exclusion and lacked adequate representation in the affairs of the state.

The former governor also disclosed that pressure had been mounting on him to contest elective office ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“At my age, it is not a must for me to contest any elective position, but the pressure from the people is enormous. They believe their voices have been suppressed for too long,” he said.

He warned that continued silence over the alleged injustice against the people could further worsen their situation and called on his supporters to stand with him in the struggle to improve the fortunes of the people.

Nyame resigns from APC over alleged marginalisation

Ivory Coast has dissolved the body responsible for organising elections following persistent criticism from opposition parties over its management of the country’s electoral process.

The decision was announced on Wednesday after a cabinet meeting, months after President Alassane Ouattara secured a controversial fourth-term victory in the October presidential election, a poll from which several prominent opposition figures were excluded.

Government spokesperson and Communications Minister, Amadou Coulibaly, confirmed that the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) had been dissolved.

“In view of the reservations expressed about this institution, as well as the criticism it has faced, the Council of Ministers has decided to dissolve it,” he stated.

Coulibaly, however, did not disclose what structure would replace the electoral body, noting that discussions on a new mechanism would be handled by the government at a later stage.

“I cannot tell you at this stage what this new mechanism will be, which will certainly be discussed and put in place at the government level,” he added.

According to him, the move is aimed at strengthening public confidence in the electoral process and ensuring the conduct of peaceful elections in the future.

Former Prime Minister Pascal Affi N’Guessan welcomed the development and called for broader consultations involving political parties and civil society groups to rebuild the country’s electoral framework.

In a post on X, he urged authorities to “open a dialogue with political and civil society organisations to rebuild the electoral system, in the name of peace and stability.”

Major opposition parties, including the Democratic Party of Ivory Coast led by Tidjane Thiam and the African Peoples’ Party-Ivory Coast headed by former president Laurent Gbagbo, did not immediately react to the announcement.

Both Gbagbo and Thiam were barred from contesting the last presidential election due to legal and nationality-related issues.

Opposition groups in the country have repeatedly accused the electoral commission of lacking independence, alleging bias in the management of elections and oversight of the electoral register.

Ivory Coast dissolves electoral commission after opposition criticism

The National office of the Accord Party has announced that it would not field a governorship candidate in Abia State during the 2027 polls.

The party has also directed the executive and members of the party in the State to work for the victory of Governor Alex Otti in 2027.

The National Chairman of the party, Professor Christopher Imumolen and the National Secretary, Mukhtar Abdullah Djungo announced this on Wednesday when they visited Governor Otti in his country home, Nvosi Isialangwa South LGA.

According to Professor Imumolen, the performance of the Abia State Governor earned him the support of the AC national office.

The Chairman said that opposition parties should not only exist in Nigeria as instruments of criticism but should also acknowledge the areas they did well.

Also speaking, the National Secretary of Accord Party, Malam Mukhtar Abdullah Djungo, said:

“On behalf of our party, I want to assure your Excellency that no candidate from our party will be contesting for the Governorship position in Abia State.

“The National Working Committee has directed the State Executive of the party to join hands with the Labour Party and work for the good of the people of Abia State. Let the good work continue,” the National Secretary stated.

Responding, Governor Alex Otti, who thanked the National Chairman and members of the National Working Committee of the Accord Party for their understanding, said he would also work with them.

“The whole essence of politics is about the welfare of our people and security of our people,” Governor Otti said.

Accord Party withdraws from Abia 2027 guber race, backs Otti

Former Rangers winger, Ejike Uzoenyi has backed his former club to win the 2025-26 league title.

Uzeonyi believed that with fair officiating the Flying Antelopes will clinch their ninth NPFL title.

The Enugu-based sit at the top of the NPFL table with 62 points with two matches remaining in the season.

Rangers are one point adrift of Rivers United on the table.

“Let both teams play their games and let the officiating be seen to be free and fair,”the former Rangers forward told Completesports.

“Whether they play at home or not, or whoever they face, makes no difference. What matters is fair officiating and with that, Rangers will win.”

Rangers will to battle with Bendel Insurance and Ikorodu City in their last two fixtures while Rivers United will play Wikki Tourists and Katsina United, respectively.

NPFL: Uzoenyi backs Rangers to beat Rivers United to title

Bayern Munich manager, Vincent Kompany, has explained why Paris Saint-Germain eliminated his team from the Champions League.

The Belgian watched as the Bavarians played 1-1 with the Parisians in the Champions League semi-final second leg on Wednesday at the Allianz Arena.

Kompany’s side crashed out of the competition on a 6-5 aggregate defeat, having lost 5-4 in the first leg in Paris.

Speaking at his post-match interview after the game, Kompany said Luis Enrique’s side defended well against Bayern Munich.

He added that the visitors were active during the encounter and made sure the Bundesliga giants didn’t convert their chances in front of goal.

“It’s obviously tough to take; we lost narrowly. We matched PSG, these games are decided by small details,” Kompany said.

“Our first half was good, I felt that we were the better team and often got into the areas where we are dangerous, but PSG defended the crosses very well.

“They were very active. Although we got into dangerous situations, they made sure we didn’t get the final shot off. The Champions League is over for us for now.”

UCL: Why PSG eliminated us – Bayern Munich manager, Vincent Kompany

National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Chairman, Buba Marwa, has stated that smuggling illicit substances through Murtala Muhammed International Airport has become extremely challenging due to heightened security and anti-narcotics operations.

Marwa described the Lagos airport as one of the most tightly monitored airports globally in the fight against drug trafficking.

He made the remarks on Tuesday at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja while hosting a delegation from Narcotics Control Commission led by its Director-General, Maxwell Obuba Mantey, during a study visit focused on the agency’s operational strategies.

According to Marwa, stronger collaboration between Nigeria and Ghana is essential in addressing the rising threat posed by drug trafficking and related criminal activities across the West African region.

“We recognize that by coming together to share expertise in intelligence-led operations and interdiction strategies, we are effectively narrowing the space for criminal cartels to operate within our sub-region,” he said.

He noted that the visit goes beyond a routine study tour, describing it as part of efforts to deepen strategic cooperation between both anti-drug agencies.

Marwa said the engagement would enable both sides to exchange ideas on intelligence gathering, digital forensics and institutional best practices.

He added that enhanced collaboration would boost efforts to dismantle illicit drug networks, curb the production of psychotropic substances and tackle money laundering linked to narcotics trafficking.

During the visit, NDLEA and NACOC signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, aimed at formalising cooperation between the two agencies.

Marwa described the agreement as a significant step toward strengthening coordinated actions against drug syndicates operating within the region.

“This agreement on combating the illicit production of psychotropic substances, their precursors, and related money laundering activities provides us with a legal and operational roadmap. It moves our relationship from informal consultation to a structured, aggressive, and unified front against drug barons,” he said.

In his remarks, Mantey stated that the visit was intended to reinforce the existing relationship between both countries and improve operational collaboration.

“For us therefore, this visit is not about beginning a new chapter, but about strengthening an already solid foundation, deepening trust, exchanging experiences, and making our collaboration even more practical and impactful,” he said.

He further observed that drug trafficking operations across the region are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making stronger cross-border partnerships necessary to effectively combat emerging threats.

Smuggling drugs through Lagos airport extremely difficult – Marwa

Former Chelsea defender, Glen Johnson, has urged the Blues to make Como boss Cesc Fabregas their next permanent head coach.

According to Johnson, Fabregas would instantly earn the respect of Chelsea’s current squad because of his history as a former player at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea have been hunting for a full-time manager since parting ways with Liam Rosenior last month.

Johnson told Metro, “Chelsea have had both experienced managers who won everything, young, promising managers and sacked them.

“Both Andoni Iraola and Cesc Fabregas have credentials; having Premier League experience as a manager is huge, whereas Fabregas knows the club a lot better and, as a former player, would definitely get the players’ respect,” he said.

EPL: Players will respect him – Glen Johnson names manager Chelsea should appoint next

Former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has stated that the final decision on the ongoing Kano emirship dispute rests with the Supreme Court and the Kano State Government under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Ganduje made the clarification while responding to reports suggesting that he had endorsed Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Chiefs.

His former Commissioner for Information and Chief of Staff, Comrade Muhammad Garba, noted that the former governor said his reference to Sanusi by his traditional title during the swearing-in ceremony of the deputy governor was purely out of respect and protocol.

“It is important to clarify that what happened was simply an expression of respect in a public gathering. It should not be misconstrued as an endorsement,” the statement noted.

Ganduje stressed that the emirship case is still before the courts and warned against comments or actions that could amount to contempt of court.

He recalled that the Court of Appeal had earlier directed all parties involved in the dispute to maintain the status quo pending the final determination of the case by the Supreme Court.

According to him, the current legal position recognises Aminu Ado Bayero as the 15th Emir of Kano, while Sanusi remains recognised as the 14th Emir, pending the apex court’s judgment.

The former governor further stated that he has no constitutional authority to endorse or reject any claimant to the emirship throne, insisting that the matter lies entirely within the jurisdiction of the judiciary and, ultimately, the state government.

Ganduje also expressed concern over what he described as exaggerated media interpretations of his remarks, saying a routine acknowledgment based on established protocol had been blown out of proportion.

He urged all parties to remain calm and await the Supreme Court’s final verdict on the matter, which is expected in April next year.

Supreme Court, Gov Yusuf Will Decide Emir Sanusi’s Fate — Ganduje is first published on The Whistler Newspaper