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The Nigeria Police Force says it has arrested 50 suspects and recovered firearms, ammunition, and other exhibits in a series of coordinated operations across several states.

Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placid, disclosed this during a press briefing in Abuja, saying the operations were carried out by the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) between January and April 2026.

According to him, the operations targeted gunrunning networks, kidnapping syndicates, armed robbery gangs, and other violent criminal groups.

Items recovered include 17 rifles, over 100 rounds of live ammunition, magazines, walkie-talkies, vehicles, and other exhibits linked to various criminal cases.

In one case, Musa Jibrin was arrested for unlawful possession of firearms after an FNC rifle was recovered. A suspected accomplice remains at large.

Four suspects were also arrested in Benue State for allegedly operating fake police checkpoints to rob motorists. Police recovered locally made firearms, cartridges, and a Police Mobile Force uniform allegedly used in the operations.

In the FCT, four suspects were arrested along the Deidei–Kubwa axis for alleged involvement in abduction, robbery, and “one chance” operations. Items recovered were reportedly linked to victims.

In Taraba State, three suspects were arrested in connection with the killing of three police officers in Donga Local Government Area. An AK-47 rifle was recovered during the operation.

In another operation spanning Kwara and Kogi states, 33 suspects were arrested over alleged involvement in armed robbery, kidnapping, cattle rustling, and terrorism-related offences. Police said the group was also linked to an attack on a church in Eruku community in 2025.

Separately, a suspect was arrested in Benue State for illegal possession of an AK-47 rifle allegedly bought from a suspected arms dealer who is now at large.

In Abuja, another suspect was arrested for alleged car burglary, with police saying he used a fabricated master key to break into parked vehicles.

The police said investigations are ongoing across all cases.

Police Arrest 50 Suspects, Recover Arms In Nationwide Crackdown is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The students of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, have declared a 72-hour lecture boycott in protest against what they described as the “inadequate and poorly implemented” campus transportation system linked to vehicles donated by the First Lady of Nigeria.

The boycott, scheduled to run from Tuesday, April 14 to Thursday, April 16, 2026, was announced in a resolution of the Students’ Union Government following a congress held on April 9 and subsequent joint meetings of its leadership structures.

In the statement co-signed by the SU President, Adelani David , and Secretary-General, Habeeb Oke, the union said the decision followed weeks of mounting frustration over mobility challenges on campus, which it said had disrupted academic activities and daily student movement.

“The union shall embark on a total 72-hour lecture boycott starting from Tuesday, 14th April 2026, to Thursday, 16th April 2026. All academic activities are to be boycotted throughout this period,” the statement read.

The students said the new transportation arrangement had worsened commuting conditions across campus, citing insufficient vehicles, overcrowding, long waiting times, and inadequate route coverage.

According to the union, the situation has been particularly difficult for students living in off-campus areas, who now rely on limited and expensive alternatives outside university control.

They added that repeated engagements with the university management had not produced immediate relief, despite assurances that the system was undergoing a “teething phase.”

Among their demands are the provision of more vehicles to serve the over 35,000 students on campus, reinstatement of the previous transport arrangement pending improvement, and full consultation with student leaders before further policy changes.

The union also called for a more inclusive and hybrid transport model that reflects the realities of student movement across campus and adjoining communities.

It warned that if its concerns are not addressed within the 72-hour window, it may escalate its action to a broader protest.

“The leadership shall review the situation at the end of the 72-hour boycott. Further actions such as a possible mass protest/march shall be considered if the management fails to address the demands satisfactorily within this period,” it said.

The development follows the donation of 80 compressed natural gas buses and tricycles to the university by the First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, aimed at improving campus transportation and easing mobility challenges for students and staff.

The university management subsequently restricted intra-campus movement to the donated vehicles, a move initially welcomed as a modernisation effort but which students say has created unintended operational challenges.

In an earlier statement, the Students’ Union acknowledged the intervention but said implementation gaps had led to long queues, delays, and insufficient fleet availability, especially during peak hours.

The union also raised concerns about the exclusion of commercial transport operators previously serving parts of the campus, saying this had further reduced mobility options.

During engagements with management, authorities reportedly described the current phase as a transitional “teething period” and assured that additional buses would be introduced within months to improve efficiency.

Despite these assurances, students insist that conditions remain difficult, prompting the decision to embark on the boycott as a pressure measure.

OAU Students To Boycott Lectures Over Poor Transportation is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri

Troops of Sector 3 , Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have lost another Commanding Officer while repelling a Boko Haram attack on Charlie 13 location in Monguno local government area of Borno state.

Six other security personnel also lost their lives during the encounter in the late hours of 12 April 2026.

This was disclosed on Monday by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, in a statement.

The statement reads: “Troops of Sector 3 , Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) came under an isolated Tango terrorist attack on Charlie 13 location in Monguno, in the late hours of 12 April 2026. Following intense fire exchanges, the terrorists were put to flight, with troops maintaining control of the location.

“Regrettably, the Commanding Officer, while courageously proceeding to the troops’ location to personally assess the situation, encountered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) which severely affected his vehicle, leading to his death alongside 6 other gallant personnel.

“His actions, even after the immediate threat had been neutralised, reflected the highest traditions of military leadership: courage, selfless service, and leading from the front.

“His willingness to move towards the troops in the heat of the battle, despite the prevailing danger, stands as a profound testament to his valour, sense of duty, and unwavering commitment to the welfare and operational effectiveness of his men.

“Operation HADIN KAI deeply mourns the loss of this exceptional officer and the other brave personnel who paid the supreme price in service to the nation. Their sacrifice will forever remain etched in the memory of the Armed Forces and the grateful nation they served”. Uba explained.

The post Troops repel Boko Haram attack, Commanding Officer, others killed appeared first on Vanguard News.

The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has reiterated its commitment to upholding high labour standards and promoting staff welfare, stressing that its effectiveness as a regulatory body depends on the well-being and professionalism of its workforce.

In a statement on Monday, the Commission said it has continued to implement measures to improve working conditions and strengthen internal processes since the current leadership assumed office.

It noted that these efforts are designed to foster a supportive work environment anchored on fairness, productivity, mutual respect, and accountability.

NAICOM highlighted progress made in staff welfare, including training and capacity development, career growth opportunities, workplace improvements, and performance-based advancement.

According to the Commission, these initiatives are part of a broader strategy to build a skilled and motivated workforce aligned with its institutional goals.

The Commission also emphasized that its human resource system operates on transparency and merit, in full compliance with public service rules and regulatory frameworks. It stated that promotions are conducted based on clear and objective criteria, with equal opportunities provided to all staff without favouritism or bias.

Reaffirming its commitment to discipline and integrity, NAICOM said it continues to promote positive working relationships and a culture of equity, transparency, and non-discrimination across all levels.

The Commission further encouraged staff to utilise established internal communication and dispute resolution channels, noting that constructive engagement remains key to maintaining stability and public confidence.

Addressing a recent incident, NAICOM disclosed that there was an attempt by certain individuals to undermine the credibility of its leadership through external actors.

However, the Commission said the effort was rejected by staff and has since been resolved, with normal operations fully restored.

NAICOM assured stakeholders of its continued dedication to staff welfare, professional development, and institutional excellence, as it works to strengthen Nigeria’s insurance industry.

NAICOM Defends Regulatory Credibility Amid Internal Tensions is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

A court has adjourned the hearing of the bail application filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, in his ongoing fraud case.

The case is being heard at the Federal High Court, where El-Rufai is facing charges related to alleged financial misconduct during his time in office.

During the latest proceedings, the court postponed consideration of the bail request to allow for further legal processes, including responses from the prosecution and proper review of submissions by both parties.

Legal representatives on both sides are expected to present detailed arguments at the next hearing, which will determine whether El-Rufai will be granted bail pending the continuation of the trial.

The adjournment means the former governor will have to wait longer for a ruling on his bail status, as the case continues to attract national attention.

Observers say the decision highlights the complex legal nature of high-profile corruption cases, where courts often take additional time to ensure due process is followed.

A U.S. federal judge has thrown out President Donald Trump’s $10 billion defamationlawsuit against The Wall Street Journal and media mogul Rupert Murdoch, ruling that the president failed to meet the high legal standard required for public figures to prove defamation.

U.S. District Judge Darrin P. Gayles, sitting in Miami, dismissed the case without prejudice on Monday. This means Trump’s legal team can file an amended complaint by 27 April if they choose to refile.

The lawsuit, filed last summer, accused The Wall Street Journal, Dow Jones, Murdoch and two of its reporters of publishing a false and malicious story about Trump’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.

The article referenced a “bawdy” birthday greeting letter bearing Trump’s signature that was included in a 2002/2003 album presented to Epstein for his 50th birthday. Trump’s lawyers claimed the reporting caused him massive reputational and financial harm.

In his ruling, Judge Gayles stated that Trump had not “plausibly alleged” that the newspaper published the story with actual malice, the legal threshold public figures must prove, meaning the media either knew the information was false or acted with reckless disregard for the truth.

“Because President Trump has not plausibly alleged that Defendants published the Article with actual malice, both Counts must be dismissed,” Gayles wrote.

The Wall Street Journal welcomed the decision.

This is the latest in a series of high-profile legal battles Trump has launched against major media organisations over their coverage of his past associations.

The original The Wall Street Journal story was published in July 2025, shortly after Epstein-related documents were released by Congress.

Trump’s team has not yet commented publicly on whether they will amend and refile the suit.

Judge Dismisses Trump’s $10bn Lawsuit Against WSJ Over Epstein Reporting is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Kaduna State High Court on Monday adjourned till Tuesday, April 14, for ruling on the bail application involving former Kaduna Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, after

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims that any faction within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was denied the usage of the Eagle Square for its national convention.

A former spokesperson of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Kola Ologbondiyan, has earlier on Monday, alleged that “24 hours to the @ADCNig National Convention, the Nigerian-aligned political party is yet to be issued a venue.”

According to him, the party had written to the office of the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike,, seeking permission to use Eagle Square, but although the letter was acknowledged, no official response had been received.

Ologbodiyan added that the party also approached officials of the ministry of sports development for the use of the velodrome at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, but the request was declined.

He further alleged that several privately owned event centres in Abuja turned down the party’s requests over fears of possible government backlash.

Despite the challenges, the party insisted that the convention would proceed as scheduled in the federal capital territory.

A letter dated April 7 and signed by Chinedu Idigo showed that the party had formally applied for the use of Eagle Square for what it described as a non-elective convention.

Idigo said the event is expected to attract delegates, stakeholders, and observers from across the 36 states and the FCT, noting that Eagle Square was selected for its capacity, accessibility, and security arrangements.

“I assure you that all necessary protocols will be strictly adhered to, including compliance with security guidelines, facility management rules, and restoration of the venue to its original condition after use,” the letter reads.

He also stated that the party was ready to meet all financial obligations required for the use of the facility.

However, the request was declined, although reasons for the decision were not disclosed.

Subsequently, the ADC announced that the convention would now be held at Rainbow Event Center in Abuja, describing it as a central and accessible alternative venue for participants expected from across the country.

However, Wike, while addressing journalists during an inspection of ongoing projects in Abuja on Monday, insisted that no formal application was submitted.

“Who denied them? I am not aware of any such development, and I don’t even know which party you are referring to. If it is the African Democratic Congress (ADC), such claims are their usual attempt to gain public sympathy,” Wike said.

He explained that the use of Eagle Square is subject to due process, which includes a formal application through the Abuja Investments Company Limited, which is in charge of the facility and payment of required fees.

The Minister also pointed out that the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome is not under the Federal Capital Territory Administration, but the Sports Commission.

“As we speak, no formal application has been submitted to the Abuja Investments Company Limited. When the APC used the venue, and the PDP used the Stadium Velodrome, they complied with the process. We do not deny anyone access if the rules are followed,” he added.

Wike, during the inspection of ongoing projects, further expressed satisfaction with the level of work done, noting that key road projects would be completed by May 15.

“The contractors have assured us that road works will be completed by May 15, while streetlight installations will be finalised before the end of May,” he said.

The minister also disclosed that at Gaduwa, he had directed the installation of protective mesh to prevent encroachment on road corridors, while works on streetlights were progressing.

At Wassa, Wike said the administration was set to relocate informal sector operators, particularly Apo Mechanic Village Traders, to a new facility equipped with necessary infrastructure.

“This project is aimed at improving the working conditions of artisans and fulfilling long-standing promises to the informal sector,” he stated.

On reports of the windstorm that affected the roof of the Kugbo Bus Terminal, the minister said it was a natural disaster that no one had control over, explaining that only roofing sheets were affected, and the damage is already being fixed.

“The terminal did not collapse. The structure is intact. What happened was that strong winds blew off parts of the roof. Repairs are ongoing,” Wike said, noting that no lives were lost.

He attributed the steady progress of projects in the FCT to effective collaboration between the government and contractors, supported by prompt payment of contractual obligations.

Convention: I’m Not Aware ADC Was Denied Venue — Wike is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

President Donald Trump said US forces would destroy any Iranian “fast attack ships” that approach the American naval blockade of Iranian ports that came into effect on Monday.

“Warning: If any of these ships come anywhere close to our BLOCKADE, they will be immediately ELIMINATED,” Trump said on his Truth Social network, adding that the rest of Iran’s navy had been “completely obliterated.”

The US military would be “using the same system of kill that we use against the drug dealers on boats at Sea,” the president said, referring to air strikes on alleged narcotics boats off the coast of Venezuela.

The post Trump warns Iran boats breaching US blockade will be ‘eliminated’ appeared first on Vanguard News.

President Donald Trump has claimed that Iran’s naval forces have been “completely obliterated,” alleging that 158 Iranian ships have been destroyed, while issuing a fresh warning that any remaining vessels approaching the U.S. naval blockade “will be immediately eliminated.”

In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote that Iran’s navy was “laying at the bottom of the sea,” adding that only a small number of fast-attack boats remain.

He warned that any such vessels nearing the blockade zone would be “immediately ELIMINATED.”

The United States military began enforcing a full naval blockade at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time targeting all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports and coastal waters.

United States Central Command confirmed that the operation covers the Arabian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, and approaches to the Strait of Hormuz.

Officials said the blockade follows the collapse of weekend negotiations in Pakistan, where US and Iranian representatives failed to reach an agreement aimed at de-escalation.

The measures are intended to restrict Iran’s oil exports and increase pressure over its nuclear programme and regional activities.

CENTCOM stated that enforcement will apply to all vessels attempting to access Iranian ports, regardless of flag, while allowing neutral transits through key international shipping lanes such as the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump’s remarks combined a renewed claim of heavy Iranian naval losses with an explicit warning to any surviving fast-attack craft that might challenge U.S. forces enforcing the blockade.

Global oil markets reacted sharply, with prices reportedly surging above $100 per barrel amid growing fears of disruption to Middle East shipping routes.

Iran has not yet issued an official response to the blockade or Trump’s latest statements.

The situation remains highly fluid, with military enforcement ongoing and further developments expected.

Trump Says Iranian Navy ‘Obliterated’, Warns Ships Near U.S. Blockade is first published on The Whistler Newspaper