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Former lawmaker and security governance expert, Aliyu Ibrahim Gebi, has strongly denied allegations linking him to the provision of false intelligence to foreign embassies, insisting that his actions have always been guided by national interest and patriotism.

Mr Gebi, a lawmaker in the 7th House of Representatives, was reportedly arrested by operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) on Friday, 03 April, on the allegations of providing “false intelligence” to embassies in Nigeria.

In a detailed response on Friday, Gebi rejected claims that his engagements influenced international security decisions, describing such reports as misleading and lacking proper context.
“I will never speak ill of Nigeria, its President, or heads of security agencies,” he said, adding that attempts to portray his contributions negatively were “painful and misrepresentative” of his record.

The former lawmaker questioned the basis of suggestions that intelligence attributed to him played a role in shaping foreign travel advisories or diplomatic reactions, arguing that such conclusions oversimplify complex international security assessments.

According to him, intelligence-related matters involve multiple sources and processes, and should not be reduced to individual responsibility without thorough investigation.

Gebi recalled his past involvement in national security discourse, noting that he had consistently defended Nigeria’s image, particularly during sensitive periods under the administration of former President, Muhammadu Buhari.

“I have always positioned myself on the side of Nigeria’s national interest,” he said.

He also cautioned against rushing to judgment, warning that premature conclusions could undermine trust between individuals, institutions, and international partners.

“We must not throw the baby away with the bathwater,” Gebi stated, urging stakeholders to adopt restraint and allow due process to take its course.

Reaffirming his confidence in Nigeria’s security agencies, he said institutions such as the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, and the Armed Forces were making progress in addressing the country’s security challenges.

Gebi described himself as a committed patriot, maintaining that his contributions to national security and public service have always been in the country’s best interest.

“I love my country. I have bled for my country. And I will never stop defending it,” he added.

The response comes amid ongoing scrutiny and reports of investigations into alleged intelligence dissemination to foreign missions, with calls from various quarters for transparency and adherence to the rule of law.

I can’t speak ill of Nigeria – Gebi clears air on intelligence to embassies

The Prime Minister of the United kingdom, Keir Starmer has declared that the UK would continue to make a case for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, NATO.

Starmer made the remark in response to a social media post by the United States, US, President Donald Trump yesterday.

Trump had wrote: “NATO wasn’t there when we needed them, and they won’t be there if we need them again.”

Responding, the UK PM said the alliance “is in America’s interests” and “in European interests”.

In an interview on ITV’s Talking Politics podcast, Starmer said: “NATO is a defensive alliance which for decades has kept us much safer than we would otherwise have been. So we’re strong supporters of NATO, will always be strong supporters of NATO.

“Do I think there should be a stronger European element to NATO? Yes. And I think we should step into that space. We’re already doing it, which is why we’re coordinating strategically with our partners in NATO.”

He added that NATO is “the single most-effective military alliance the world has ever known” and said he has been making the case for Europeans to do more “for the best part of two years”.

“We continue to make that case, and we will make that case,” he added.

UK will continue to make case for NATO – PM Starmer dares Trump

By Omeiza Ajayi

ABUJA: The Ijaw and Ogoni ethnic nationalities of Rivers State on Friday disowned claims by the National Assembly regarding their involvement in a recent roundtable on crude oil theft and pipeline surveillance.

In a move that signals a deepening rift between the federal government and Niger Delta host communities, the Ijaw Youth Council IYC, the National Youth Council of Ogoni People NYCOP and other stakeholders insist they were completely excluded from the engagement.

To register their grievances, the groups staged a massive peaceful protest in Gokana Local Government Area, where leaders argued that sidelining primary actors in pipeline protection undermines the entire security apparatus of the region.

President of the Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide, Dr Alaye Tari Theophilus in a statement, said the exclusion was “unacceptable.”

He called for an immediate intervention from the Presidency and the Office of the National Security Adviser ONSA, stressing that the only sustainable path forward is the total decentralization of pipeline surveillance contracts.

“Host communities possess deep knowledge of the terrain, creeks and local movement patterns,” Theophilus stated, arguing that local actors are in the best position to detect and prevent vandalism.

He explained that decentralization would “ensure faster response to security breaches, eliminate bureaucratic delays, and strengthen grassroots intelligence gathering.”

Speaking in the same vein, President of the National Youth Council of Ogoni People, Marcus Raymond Nwibani, warned that the current exclusion “erodes trust and weakens the fight against crude oil theft.”

Nwibani noted that decentralizing the contracts would do more than just secure infrastructure; it would “create employment opportunities for thousands of youths, reduce poverty, and discourage involvement in illegal oil activities.”

The protest also highlighted long-standing grievances regarding the marginalization of indigenous people.

President of the Ogoni Youths Federation, Emmanuel Bie, pointed out the irony of Ogoni land hosting over forty oil wells while indigenous participation in surveillance remains “significantly low.”

He maintained that involving host communities directly would “foster a sense of ownership, reduce sabotage and enhance accountability.”

The youth leaders collectively argued that moving away from centralized contracts is a “strategic necessity” that would promote transparency and reduce the corruption. 

They emphasized that as the primary victims of environmental degradation caused by oil spills, host communities have the strongest inherent commitment to safeguarding pipelines.

The statement declared that meaningful inclusion is not just a request for fairness but the most effective solution for lasting peace and stability in the Niger Delta, aligning with the principles of equity and true federalism.

The post Ijaw, Ogoni Youths disown NASS pipeline hearing, demand contract decentralization appeared first on Vanguard News.

Nasarawa United Chairman Solomon Babanjah, has demanded improvement from the team in the remaining fixtures this season.

The Solid Miners have managed only one win from their last four league matches.

Nasarawa United suffered a 1-0 defeat to bottom club Kun Khalifat FC at the Lafia City Stadium last weekend.

Babanjah described the team’s recent poor run of form as a disappointment.

“”These are crucial periods for any serious-minded team in the league, and the slightest mistake could be very costly,” Babanjah told the club’s media.

“We acknowledge that our performance fell woefully short of the high standards we have set for ourselves.

“As a team, we must let go of the ugly past and focus on the task ahead. We must bring smiles on our faces and our great supporters again. Nobody is happy, not at all!.”

Nasarawa United will be up against El-Kanemi Warriors in their next league match this weekend in Maiduguri.

NPFL: Babanjah demands improvement from Nasarawa United’s players

Former Chelsea player Shaun Wright-Phillips has issued a caution to Argentine winger, Alejandro Garnacho regarding the need to regain his form at Stamford Bridge.

The Argentine transferred to Chelsea from Manchester United last summer but has faced challenges in making the expected impact.

Wright-Phillips, who won the Premier League and the FA Cup during his three-year tenure with Chelsea, shared his insights with Garnacho.

He believes that Garnacho must earn the trust of the Blues’ supporters through his performances before it becomes too late.

In a conversation with Sky Bet, as reported by Metro, Wright-Phillips remarked that Garnacho has not delivered sufficient performances since his move to the London club.

“I feel like he may need to put his ego a little bit in check.

“Because in the Premier League, a half season or one season is not good enough. To reach a level where people want to acquire you, it must be a consistent effort.”

Alongside advising Garnacho to manage his ‘ego’, Wright-Phillips emphasized the importance of hard work to gain the fans’ trust. With Liam Rosenior having several wingers at his disposal, the former Chelsea star warned that Garnacho could permanently lose his position if he does not enhance his performance.

Wright-Phillips added, “It’s acceptable to score occasionally, but I know the Chelsea fans expect at least 110% from you. If they observe you putting in that level of effort for the badge, they will support you.

“I’m not sure if it’s a tactical issue or if he’s unhappy, but they have nearly six or seven wingers, so he will need to take action because Gittens could easily step up at any moment.”

EPL: ‘Put your ego in check’ – Wright-Phillips warns Gernacho

Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Spain of pursuing a hostile diplomatic agenda against Israel after ordering the removal of Spanish officials from a U.S.-backed coordination centre focused on post-war stabilisation efforts in Gaza

Ties between the two countries have worsened considerably since Spain recognised a Palestinian state in 2024, a decision that prompted both nations to withdraw their ambassadors.

Speaking in a video statement on Friday, Netanyahu confirmed that Spain had been barred from participating in the Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC) based in Kiryat Gat.

“I have instructed today to remove Spain’s representatives from the coordination centre in Kiryat Gat, after Spain has repeatedly taken positions against Israel,” he said.

“Countries that choose to criticise Israel instead of confronting terrorist organisations cannot expect to play a role in shaping the region’s future.”

The CMCC, established under U.S. leadership following the Gaza ceasefire on October 10 is tasked with overseeing the truce and ensuring the smooth delivery of humanitarian aid into the territory.

It brings together military and diplomatic representatives from several countries, including France, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates, to coordinate responses to security and humanitarian challenges in Gaza. Spain had previously been part of the arrangement.

Netanyahu defended Israel’s decision, stressing that the country would respond firmly to what it views as external hostility.

“Israel will not remain silent in the face of those who target it,” he said.

“I will not tolerate this level of hypocrisy and antagonism. Any country that engages in a diplomatic campaign against us should expect consequences.”

Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez has been among the strongest critics of Israel’s military operations in Gaza, which began after the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas.

He has also voiced opposition to joint U.S.-Israeli military actions against Iran.

Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa’ar, has previously criticised Spain, accusing it of aligning with adversarial forces and suggesting that its recognition of a Palestinian state has contributed to rising tensions.

Spain formally established diplomatic relations with Israel in 1986 after the death of long-time ruler Francisco Franco in 1975. Before then, Madrid maintained closer relations with Arab countries and did not recognise Israel.

The development underscores deepening diplomatic strains between the two countries at a time when international coordination remains crucial to addressing Gaza’s humanitarian crisis and post-conflict recovery.

Israel accuses Spain of diplomatic hostility over Gaza

Despite signs of easing inflation and improving macroeconomic indicators, about 140 million Nigerians remained trapped in poverty in 2025, according to the World Bank.

The figure represents 63 per cent of the population, up from 61 per cent in 2024 and 56 per cent in 2023, the bank said in its latest Nigeria Development Update released in Abuja.

The report highlights a growing disconnect between economic recovery signals and the realities faced by households, noting that recent improvements have yet to translate into better living conditions for most Nigerians.

While data from the National Bureau of Statistics show inflation dropped significantly from 34.80 per cent in December 2024 to 15.15 per cent in December 2025 many households continue to struggle under the weight of earlier price surges.

Food inflation also declined sharply within the same period, but the World Bank said the relief has been insufficient to restore lost purchasing power.

“Household incomes have not grown fast enough to offset still-elevated inflation, and poverty has yet to begin declining,” the report stated.

According to the bank, the lingering effects of previous inflation spikes have already weakened real incomes, leaving millions worse off even as prices begin to stabilise.

It further pointed to global pressures, including the Middle East conflict, which have continued to push up the cost of energy, food, and transportation, disproportionately affecting low-income households.

Beyond inflation, the report stressed that Nigeria’s growth pattern remains uneven, with expansion concentrated in services and industry, while agriculture employing a large share of the poor has seen slower progress.

“Growth in the agriculture sector… has lagged services and industry, constraining the pace of poverty reduction,” it noted.

The imbalance, the bank said, has limited income opportunities for vulnerable groups and slowed the broader impact of economic growth on poverty reduction.

The World Bank projected a modest improvement, estimating that poverty could decline to about 59 per cent by 2028 as inflation continues to ease and economic stability improves.

However, it warned that progress will likely be gradual due to weak job creation, low agricultural productivity, and persistent inequality, emphasising the need for inclusive, job-driven growth.

The report also underscored the long-term implications, linking widespread poverty to poor outcomes in nutrition, health, and early childhood development, which continue to reinforce inequality across generations.

140 Million Nigerians Poor Despite Economic Growth — World Bank is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Kebbi State Police Command has begun a sweeping security offensive following coordinated bandit attacks on communities in Shanga Local Government Area that left at least 44 people dead.

The affected villages, Gebe, Kalkami, Kawara, Kasoshi, Awaye, Tungar Rini, Binuwa and Dabe, came under simultaneous assault in what authorities described as a well-planned operation by armed groups.

The attacks triggered an immediate escalation of security deployments across the state.

Police said the clearance operation was launched in line with directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, and is focused on forests, border communities, farmlands and other high-risk areas believed to serve as hideouts and transit routes for bandits.

The spokesperson of the command, SP Bashir Usman, confirmed on Friday that the intervention was already yielding results and helping to restore calm.

“Massive deployments of police and other security agencies have led to the return of relative calm in the affected areas, while discreet investigations are ongoing,” he said.

He added that joint security teams were conducting coordinated patrols alongside intelligence-led stop-and-search operations across vulnerable corridors.

In an early breakthrough, operatives recovered two AK-47 rifles along the Illo–Kamba axis, signaling initial progress in the crackdown.

The Commissioner of Police, Umar Hadejia, called on residents to support ongoing efforts by sharing timely and credible information with authorities.

“We urge members of the public to remain vigilant, report suspicious movements, and cooperate fully with security agencies,” he said, appealing to traditional rulers, religious leaders and youth groups to assist with intelligence gathering.

Authorities emphasized that community cooperation will be crucial to sustaining the operation and preventing further attacks.

Security agencies say the ongoing offensive will rely heavily on intelligence-led strategies and community collaboration to dismantle bandit networks and cut off their supply routes.

Kebbi: Police launch statewide offensive after deadly attacks, recover weapons

The Nigerian Army troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have debunked claims and reports on social media that 17 soldiers, including a Brigade Commander, lost their lives during an exchange of fire between troops and insurgents in Benisheikh.

Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, in a statement, described the reports as false and a calculated attempt to discredit the troops.

According to the statement, two officers and two soldiers lost their lives during the incident.

“OPHK categorically refutes the claim that the official and verified report, as earlier released through Defence Headquarters, clearly stated that two officers and two soldiers paid the supreme price in the course of the engagement,” it said.

It said the insinuation that the Brigade Commander’s vehicle was unserviceable is equally incorrect, adding that the Commander was mounted on a high-grade Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle, which was temporarily immobilised in the heat of combat while he was actively coordinating the counter-assault.

It further said that the pictures and videos being circulated in connection with the incident are unrelated to the Benisheikh attack and are being deliberately misrepresented to reinforce false narratives.

The statement urged the public to disregard such content, which is clearly intended to misinform and create unnecessary panic.

It frowned at the distortion of operational facts and the use of such an unfortunate incident for personal or political gains or propaganda, adding that such actions not only mislead the public but also diminish the sacrifices, courage, and professionalism of officers and men who continue to risk their lives daily in defence of the nation.

Nigerian Army debunks claims of 17 soldier deaths in Benisheikh

Paul Onuachu has been ruled out of Trabzonspor’s trip to Alanyaspor due to a muscle injury, DAILY POST reports.

According to a statement on the club’s official website, Onuachu sustained the injury during Friday’s training session.

The forward was then omitted from the travelling squad for Saturday’s game.

The 31-year-old’s absence will be a big blow for Trabzonspor, who are in a three-way battle for the title with holders Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe.

Onuachu was on target in the Black Sea Storm’s 2-1 win over Galatasaray last weekend.

The Nigeria international has scored 24 goals in 28 appearances across all competitions for Trabzonspor this season.

Turkey: Onuachu ruled out of Trabzonspor vs Alanyaspor with injury