Author: Atoyebi Adenike
By Atoyebi Nike The Nigerian Army has rejected social media claims accusing the 90 Amphibious Battalion in Koko, Delta State, of internal power struggles, welfare abuse and financial diversion. The Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for 6 Division, Lt. Col. Danjuma Danjuma, described the allegations as malicious fabrications aimed at damaging the battalion’s image. He said the publication circulating online wrongly suggested that the Commanding Officer, Lt Col M.M. Garba, withheld allowances from Chevron, Seplat, and other oil companies that pay for security services. Anonymous soldiers had claimed that companies remit as much as ₦350,000 to ₦400,000 per…
By Atoyebi Nike The Senate has praised President Bola Tinubu and security agencies for the quick rescue of dozens of abducted victims in Kwara and Niger states. Lawmakers issued the commendation on Wednesday while warning that attacks on schools and places of worship are rising at a troubling pace. Senator Asiru Yisa of Kwara South moved the motion that triggered the debate. He condemned the attack on Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, where gunmen killed two worshippers and kidnapped 38 others. All the abducted victims have since regained freedom. Yisa also raised concerns about the withdrawal of soldiers from a…
By Atoyebi Nike China has promised to support Nigeria’s drive to modernize and automate operations across its seaports. The commitment came from China’s Vice Minister of Transport, Li Yang, during a meeting with Marine and Blue Economy Minister Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola in London. Li said China would assist Nigeria with port digitalization, maritime technology, and capacity-building programmes, adding that young Nigerians would benefit from specialized training opportunities. He also reaffirmed China’s support for Nigeria in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council election scheduled for 28 November. Oyetola outlined Nigeria’s priorities, which include safer waterways, shipbuilding and repair, seafarer development, blue…
By Atoyebi Nike FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has condemned the fake circular directing schools in Abuja to shut down, describing it as reckless and dangerous. He said he first saw the claim on a TV news scroll and immediately contacted security chiefs, who confirmed the order never existed. Wike stressed that no security threat justified closing schools and dismissed the directive as completely out of touch with reality. He said even the Mandate Secretary for Education was unaware of the memo and shocked that anyone would take such a step “in anticipation.” He questioned how officials could issue a decision…
By Atoyebi Nike The All Progressives Congress in Adamawa State will launch its electronic membership registration in December, aiming to enlist 200,000 verified members in the first month. The project forms part of the party’s push to build a credible, technology-driven database ahead of the 2027 elections. State Secretary Dr. Raymond Chidama announced in Yola that the new system will overhaul how the party organizes information and plans its activities. The APC revised its registration rules and now prioritizes the Permanent Voter Card over the National Identification Number. Chidama said the shift helps the party focus on members who can…
By Atoyebi Nike The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Joash Amupitan, says his administration began with a firm mandate to deliver elections that are free, fair, transparent, and truly reflect the choices of Nigerians. Speaking in Abuja during the swearing-in of the new Resident Electoral Commissioner, Professor Adeniran Tella, the INEC Chairman stressed that the credibility of the electoral process remains central to the country’s democracy. He cautioned that the Commission would not tolerate any breach of its values, procedures, or ethical standards. Amupitan reminded the new REC of the need for strict compliance with the Electoral…
By Atoyebi Nike Nigeria’s presence on the global innovation stage received a major boost as Task Systems Limited, a leading indigenous ICT company, clinched the Microsoft Partner of the Year Award. The company stood out among more than 4,000 applicants from 100 countries at the ceremony held in San Francisco, California. The award, one of Microsoft’s most prestigious honors, recognizes partners delivering exceptional innovation, customer impact, and industry transformation. For Task Systems, the victory reflects almost four decades of resilience and technological leadership rooted in the Zinox Group’s legacy. Founded by entrepreneur Leo Stan Ekeh, Task Systems has long been…
By Atoyebi Nike Major General Anthony Magnawa Atolagbe (Rtd.), former Field Commander of the Joint Task Force, Operation Safe Haven, has urged Nigerians to understand that rescue operations do not always result in arrests or neutralization of kidnappers. He said these missions are complex and focus primarily on saving lives. Speaking after the release of 24 schoolgirls from Government Girls Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi State, Atolagbe explained that concerns over abductors walking free reflect a misunderstanding of operational realities. “It’s not in every case that you will have neutralized abductors. A lot happens when you interact with people of this…
By Atoyebi Nike Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have dismantled a major opioid cartel in Lagos, arresting the kingpin Onyekachi Pius Nwanagu and five members of his gang. The operation, intelligence-led, resulted in the seizure of illicit substances valued at over N6.7 billion. The crackdown followed credible intelligence that the cartel was preparing to distribute more than 7.2 million tramadol 225mg pills and 53 million milliliters of codeine syrup ahead of the Christmas season. Officers from the Special Operations Unit carried out coordinated arrests between November 13 and 20, 2025, tracking suspects and intercepting drug shipments…
By Atoyebi Nike The Kano State Government has praised the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN Habitat) for its contributions to humanitarian efforts in the state. The commendation was announced by Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Adamu Aliyu Kibiya, during the opening of a three-day Participatory Planning Workshop on Durable Solutions for Displaced Populations, held in Kano on Tuesday under the European Union-funded SIDPIN Project. Kibiya said the state has partnered with UN Habitat to build inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities. He highlighted the agency’s technical support in managing shelters and settlements, which helps ensure organized and…