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Troops of Sector 5, Joint Task Force South-East Operation UDO KA, in conjunction with sister services and other security agencies, have neutralized three suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network, ESN, in Anambra State.

The Nigerian Army Headquarters, in a statement on its official Facebook page on Wednesday, said the operation followed credible intelligence.

According to the statement, the criminal elements were “masquerading in military camouflage and Nigeria Police uniforms to perpetrate violent attacks”.

The army said upon receipt of the intelligence, the joint security team “swiftly mobilised and tracked the suspects along the Ogboji–Ajali axis in Orumba South Local Government Area on 23 June 2026”.

“The suspects were intercepted while moving in a white Toyota Sienna vehicle, leading to a fierce firefight during which three ESN operatives were neutralised.

“Following the engagement, troops conducted a thorough exploitation of the area and recovered PKM machine guns with 53 rounds of ammunition, two AK-47 rifles, additional rounds of 7.62mm and 5.56mm ammunition, four improvised explosive devices, IEDs, communication devices, a laptop and the vehicle used by the criminals.

“Troops also recovered identification and financial documents belonging to suspected members of the group,” the statement added.

Troops gun down three IPOB members recover bomb, other weapons

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will choose the host of the 2036 summer Olympic Games in mid-2029.

This was made known on Wednesday June 24 by the chair of the IOC’s Future Host Commission, Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic.

With the 2028 Olympics taking place in Los Angeles and those of 2032 scheduled for Brisbane, Australia, the 2036 edition is the next summer Games available.

The IOC also announced during their 146th session in Lausanne that they would be employing a new three-step system for picking the next hosts, beginning in March 2027.

“These reforms will give potential hosts greater clarity, and their governments will have a clear timetable to provide the requested support,” said Grabar-Kitarovic.

The 2032 summer Games were awarded 11 years in advance but the 2030 and 2034 winter Games had six and 10 years notice respectively.

That variability stemmed from a very flexible, largely confidential procedure in which the IOC session only stepped in at the end of the process to ratify the executive board’s choice.

IOC To Unveil 2036 Olympic Games Host In 2029 is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The National Agency for the Control of AIDS, NACA, has said Nigeria is now better equipped to respond to future disease outbreaks following investments made through the Global Fund’s COVID-19 Response Mechanism between 2021 and 2025.

The agency stated that the intervention strengthened the country’s disease surveillance systems, laboratory networks, emergency response structures and overall health infrastructure, leaving Nigeria in a stronger position to tackle future public health emergencies.

NACA disclosed this ahead of a national close out meeting organised in collaboration with the Global Fund and implementing partners to assess the achievements, lessons and long-term impact of the COVID-19 Response Mechanism in Nigeria.

Speaking on the development, the Director-General of NACA, Dr. Temitope Ilori, said investments made during the COVID-19 pandemic had become an integral part of Nigeria’s health security framework.

She noted that lessons learned from the pandemic had reinforced the importance of preparedness for all forms of public health emergencies.

According to Ilori, investments in emergency response systems, supply chain resilience and rapid deployment capacity have been integrated into the country’s health planning and programming.

NACA said the intervention helped Nigeria mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic while protecting progress recorded in the fight against HIV, tuberculosis and malaria.

The agency added that the programme supported improvements in disease surveillance, laboratory systems, infection prevention and control measures, oxygen infrastructure, cold-chain systems, healthcare workforce capacity and emergency response operations nationwide.

Executive Secretary of the Country Coordinating Mechanism Nigeria, Tajudeen Ibrahim, described the initiative as a demonstration of the importance of effective partnerships and country ownership in managing health emergencies.

He said the intervention not only strengthened Nigeria’s response to COVID-19 but also enhanced critical health systems and improved preparedness for future pandemics and disease outbreaks.

Mr Ibrahim stressed the need to sustain the gains achieved through the programme and apply lessons learned towards building a more resilient healthcare system.

The Global Fund launched the COVID-19 Response Mechanism in 2020 to support countries in addressing the health, social and economic effects of the pandemic while preserving essential health services and gains made against HIV, tuberculosis and malaria.

Nigeria was among the beneficiary countries, receiving support to improve testing and laboratory capacity, oxygen supply systems, disease surveillance, emergency preparedness and healthcare worker training.

Public health experts have continued to emphasise the importance of sustained investment in healthcare infrastructure and preparedness systems, noting that the COVID-19 pandemic exposed significant gaps in health systems globally.

Nigeria better prepared for future disease outbreaks – NACA

Human rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, has condemned the heavy deployment of operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), police officers, and other security personnel at the Federal High Court in Abuja, describing it as an unacceptable militarisation of the judiciary and a dangerous signal in a democratic society.

Adeyanju, in a statement reacting to the security build-up around the court during proceedings involving activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, said the intimidating presence of armed operatives had no place in a democracy and must not be normalised.

According to him, the atmosphere created by the security deployment was inconsistent with democratic norms and threatened the sanctity, independence and dignity of the judiciary.

“The heavy deployment of DSS operatives, police officers, and other security personnel at the Federal High Court, Abuja, is a spectacle that has no place in a democratic society,” Adeyanju said.

He stressed that Nigeria is not under military rule and that the nation’s courts must not be turned into security zones where citizens are intimidated or denied free access.

“Nigeria is not under a military regime, and our courts must never be transformed into intimidating security zones where lawyers, litigants, journalists, and citizens are subjected to fear, harassment, or restricted access,” he stated.

The lawyer further warned that any action capable of creating the impression of executive intimidation of the courts undermines constitutional democracy and erodes public confidence in the justice system.

He noted that the judiciary remains a co-equal arm of government and must be treated with the highest regard, free from conduct that could compromise its independence or portray it as being under siege.

“The judiciary is a co-equal arm of government whose independence and dignity must be jealously protected,” Adeyanju said.

“Any conduct that undermines the sanctity of the courts or creates the perception of intimidation and executive overreach strikes at the very foundation of constitutional democracy and must be unequivocally condemned.”

Adeyanju’s reaction comes amid growing concerns from civil society groups, lawyers and political observers over the increasing use of heavy security presence around court proceedings involving high-profile activists, opposition figures and politically sensitive cases.

Nigeria Not Under Military Rule, Adeyanju Warns Over Sowore Court Siege is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Federal Government, in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and UN Women, on Wednesday inaugurated the Nigeria Gender Profile and Roadmap to Equality 2030 to address disparities.

The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, said the document provided an evidence-based assessment of gender equality and a framework for achieving national targets by 2030.

She said the profile served two purposes by presenting an honest picture of the current state of gender equality in Nigeria and outlining practical steps toward achieving national commitments.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim described gender equality as a strategic investment in national development, emphasising that advancing equal opportunities for women and girls would strengthen families, communities and the country’s economy.

“Gender equality is not a concession; it is a sound investment in the strength of our nation. When women and girls enjoy equal access to education, finance, leadership and security, families are more stable, communities are more resilient and the economy grows,” she said.

The minister said the roadmap, developed with support from AfDB and UN Women, offered the most comprehensive assessment of gender disparities in Nigeria and outlined priority actions for addressing them.

She added that government was already supporting implementation through initiatives including the Renewed Hope Social Impact Interventions and the Nigeria for Women Programme, which reached more than 560,000 women.

Earlier, Dr Abdul Kamara, Acting Vice President, Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery and Director-General for Nigeria, African Development Bank Group, described gender equality as an economic imperative.

“Gender equality is not a social objective. It is an economic imperative. Nigeria cannot afford to leave half of its population behind,” he said.

Kamara said persistent inequalities in education, finance, employment and leadership continued to constrain inclusive growth and sustainable development, limiting the country’s ability to maximise its economic potential.

According to him, closing gender gaps could unlock between two and three per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product annually, creating significant opportunities for national economic transformation.

“This is not marginal. This is transformational,” he said.

Kamara said the roadmap provided policymakers, investors and development partners with a practical framework for advancing inclusive and sustainable development, emphasising that implementation remained the critical challenge.

“The challenge is no longer about commitments. It is about implementation at scale,” he said.

He added that empowering women as workers, entrepreneurs, leaders and innovators would make Nigeria more prosperous, resilient and competitive in an increasingly globalised and dynamic economy.

“Gender equality is not only the right thing to do; it is the smartest investment Nigeria can make for its future,” he said.

Also speaking, the UN Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Beatrice Eyong, represented by Mr Dama Ghimire, said persistent inequalities continued limiting Nigeria’s development potential and economic progress.

Eyong said women remained concentrated in lower-income and informal sectors in spite of their significant contributions to economic activities, while representation in political leadership and decision-making positions remained low.

“Gender equality is not a standalone agenda. It is the thread that runs across economic transformation, democratic governance, human capital development, climate resilience and sustainable peace. When gender equality advances, development accelerates,” she said.

The UN representative said the roadmap reflected a shared responsibility extending beyond the Ministry of Women Affairs to governments, development institutions, the private sector and civil society organisations.

“This is not a roadmap for the Ministry of Women Affairs alone. It is a roadmap for all ministries, federal and state governments, development finance institutions, the private sector and civil society,” the representative said.

According to her, the inauguration marked the beginning of a new phase focused on implementation, accountability and measurable results toward achieving gender equality commitments and development objectives.

“Today’s inauguration is not the end of a process. It is the beginning of a new phase of action,” she said.

The roadmap is expected to guide implementation of gender equality commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals and National Development Plan 2026-2030.

FG Launches 2030 Gender Roadmap To Tackle Inequality is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun Corps, has arrested a couple in connection with a burglary at the country home of the former Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Jumoke Akindele in Okitipupa.

Operatives of the corps recovered seven stolen mobile phones and other valuables carted away during the operation and as well, foiled an attempt to smuggle the items to Lagos for sale.

The suspects, identified as Samson Osowe, 28, and his wife Ayo Oguneso, 22, were apprehended following an intelligence-driven operation that tracked the stolen items to a transporter who was preparing to convey them out of Okitipupa to Lagos.

The security agency also disclosed that an accomplice involved in the transportation chain had been arrested and taken into custody following the confession of the suspects.

While parading the suspects, the Commander of the Amotekun Corps in the state, Adetunji Adeleye, said, “I’m happy to let you know that all the phones stolen are here in front of the suspects, and the two suspects are right here with us,

Samson Osowe, 28, male, and his wife Ayo Oguneso 22. Including the transporter who was supposed to take the phones out of Okitipupa to Lagos.

“We equally have the accomplice, but because we expanded our scope of investigation to other issues, that is why others, not only directly related, but have been doing that in that local government on our watch list.

“We put everything in place to arrest them, but they will go to court immediately, and the phones will be released on bond to the honourable.”

Meanwhile, the former Speaker confirmed that the burglary occurred in the middle of the night on Sunday, adding that expensive mobile handsets and other personal effects were stolen.

Akindele, who disclosed that several windows were damaged during the operation, called for the establishment of state police in Nigeria, pointing to the success of the Amotekun Corps in Ondo State as the strongest argument for such a constitutional amendment.

She said: “I have often been regaled with the heroic efforts of the Amotekun Corps to battle and curtail all forms of crimes and insecurity in Ondo State and to state that I am awed by their dexterity, their determination, their bravery and commitment to duty is an understatement.

“I salute the Corps Commandant, Mr. Adetunji , whose effective and productive style of leadership is evident. Investigations are ongoing with most of the perpetrators in the Amotekun custody.”

Amotekun parades couple for burgling former Ondo Speaker’s home

A young man suspected to be involved in internet fraud has allegedly killed his girlfriend in Edjeba Community, Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.

THE WHISTLER gathered that the incident, which reportedly occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, has sent shockwaves through the neighbourhood, leaving residents stunned by the gruesome development.

Sources in the area said the suspect and the deceased had been in a romantic relationship for some time, with the woman known to be a frequent visitor to the man’s residence on Ajidi Street, Edjeba.

Residents disclosed that the deceased was seen in the community on Monday purchasing food items believed to have been intended for a meal she planned to share with the suspect.

According to a source, trouble began when the landlord reportedly heard distressing screams coming from the suspect’s apartment in the early hours of Tuesday.

Alarmed by the cries, the landlord was said to have alerted security operatives, who responded promptly to the scene.

Upon arrival and a search of the apartment, police allegedly discovered the lifeless body of the woman bearing severe injuries.

The corpse was subsequently evacuated and deposited in a mortuary, while the suspect was arrested and taken into custody for questioning.

Sources familiar with the investigation said detectives have not ruled out any motive, including the possibility of a ritual-related killing, as investigations continue.

Confirming the incident on Wednesday, the spokesman of the Delta State Police Command, Bright Edafe, said investigations were ongoing.

“It is confirmed. As for the claim that he is involved in internet fraud, I am not aware of that,” Edafe said.

Shock In Delta Community As Woman Found Dead In Lover’s Apartment is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The global creator economy just got a wake-up call. Downing Street announced a full social media ban for kids under 16, set to take effect by Spring 2027. 

The post UK under-16 social media ban: How it affects Nigerian content creators, tech startups appeared first on Tribune Online.

Shooting Stars are eyeing a move for Haruna Hadi ahead of the 2026-27 Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, season.

The Oluyole Warriors are reported to have submitted a bid to Remo Stars for the player.

Shooting Stars, however face stiff competition from Sporting Lagos for the striker.

Hadi remain a priced asset for Remo Stars following his exploits in the NPFL last season.

Shooting Stars are currently strengthening their squad ahead of the new campaign.

The Ibadan-based club finished in third position last season.

NPFL: Shooting Stars, Sporting Lagos battle for Haruna Hadi

The Sokoto State Government has urged residents to remain calm, saying it is closely monitoring security developments following reports that notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has acquired advanced weapons and hired mercenaries to train his fighters.

Speaking to journalists, Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s Special Adviser on Security Matters, retired Col. Ahmed Usman, said security agencies were aware of activities in banditry-prone areas and were taking steps to address any threats.

“Security is a continuous process, and as a government, we take every intelligence report seriously. We are working closely with the military, police, intelligence agencies and other security formations to ensure that criminal elements do not have the opportunity to threaten the peace and stability of our state,” he said.

Usman noted that the state government had strengthened support for security agencies through the provision of operational vehicles, motorcycles, communication equipment, fuel and other resources.

He added that the governor had also approved funding to support security operations, intelligence gathering and community-based security efforts.

According to him, criminals often use propaganda and misinformation to create fear among residents, but stressed that security forces were capable of dealing with threats.

“While we will never underestimate any threat, we are confident in the capacity and preparedness of our security forces to confront and neutralise criminal elements,” he said.

He appealed to residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information.

“I therefore urge residents to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding, while continuing to support security agencies with credible and timely information,” Usman said.

He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to working with security agencies and other stakeholders to maintain peace and protect communities across Sokoto State.

We’re monitoring Bello Turji – Sokoto govt assures residents