Author: Atoyebi Adenike

By Atoyebi Nike A Nigerian military air strike has killed at least 20 people in Zamfara State, northwest Nigeria. The attack, which happened over the weekend, has sparked outrage and demands for an investigation. The military said the strike targeted armed groups, known locally as “bandits.” Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame stated that intelligence showed terrorists were gathering to attack nearby villages. He added that the group had already killed farmers and abducted civilians, including women and children. Two vigilantes were also killed, and two others injured in the crossfire, according to Ejodame. However, local residents told AFP that a group…

By Atoyebi Nike Former President Olusegun Obasanjo says false information made the Nigerian Civil War worse. He spoke at the Nigerian Civil War Symposium in Abuja on Wednesday. The event was held by the Army War College Nigeria (AWCN). The focus was on how disinformation shaped the war. Obasanjo said propaganda, lies, and mind games helped prolong the war. He warned these same tactics now fuel terrorism in Nigeria. He said smaller forces often use disinformation to weaken stronger ones. According to him, this tactic works in asymmetric warfare, like Nigeria faces now. He called the symposium’s theme timely. “Disinformation…

By Atoyebi Nike The United States has vetoed a UN Security Council resolution seeking an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The vote was 14 to 1, with the US as the only country against it. The resolution also asked for full access for humanitarian aid and the release of hostages. It marked the first Council vote on Gaza since November, when the US blocked a similar move. US envoy Dorothy Shea said the resolution would harm ongoing peace talks. She claimed it would benefit Hamas and unfairly compare them with Israel. “This vote risks the success of real negotiations. It also…

By Engr Mahmud Mohammed-Nurudeen The European Union’s top scientific advisors are warning that the EU should not rely on international carbon credits to meet its climate goals. They stress that the focus should be on cutting emissions within Europe. According to scientists and climate activists, using carbon credits from other countries to offset emissions would be a wrong and risky strategy for many reasons. Under a UN-supported agreement made at last year’s COP29 climate summit, carbon credits allow one country to pay for projects that cut emissions in another country, and then count those emission cuts as part of its…

By Atoyebi Nike The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has responded to a resurfaced video making the rounds on social media, which shows a violent confrontation involving some of its personnel. According to the agency, the incident took place over five years ago—on February 17, 2019—and not recently, contrary to impressions being circulated online. The confrontation, which occurred near the Shagamu Interchange in Ogun State, was previously addressed by the agency. At the time, Customs initiated an internal investigation in line with its operational guidelines, leading to a public briefing and the setup of a disciplinary panel. Following the probe, officers…

By Atoyebi Nike The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says the fight against corruption and insecurity must involve all Nigerians. Chairman Ola Olukoyede made this known through CE Wilson Uwujaren, Director of Public Affairs, at a citizen engagement forum held in Abuja on June 3, 2025. The event was organized by Voice of Nigeria (VON). Olukoyede stressed that safety and development are linked to financial integrity. “When public resources are misused, insecurity grows,” he said. “No agency alone can fix this. Everyone must act.” He said communities, civil groups, and institutions must join forces. “It’s a shared duty,” he…

By Atoyebi Nike The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has deployed advocacy teams to 15 states identified as vulnerable to major flooding this rainy season. The agency said the goal is to raise awareness and urge residents in high-risk areas to relocate before disaster strikes. NEMA spokesperson, Manzo Ezekiel, confirmed the move on Wednesday. He listed the target states as Kogi, Imo, Enugu, Adamawa, Taraba, Borno, Zamfara, Katsina, and the Federal Capital Territory, among others. According to him, teams have been dispatched nationwide to engage residents and explain the dangers of staying in flood-prone zones. “We’ve launched anti-flood campaigns across…

By Atoyebi Nike The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has begun a nationwide campaign to rally support for a coalition against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections. National Chairman Ralph Nwosu announced the effort during a press briefing in Abuja. He said the goal is to deepen grassroots support and strengthen alliances across the country. This comes after key opposition figures met in March 2025. The gathering included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai. Together, they pledged to form a united front against the ruling party. Reports later named ADC…

By Atoyebi Nike President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday commissioned the AFAM II 180-megawatt (MW) power plant, the latest and largest facility developed by First Independent Power Limited (FIPL), aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s national grid and boosting electricity supply. The virtual inauguration was conducted from Lagos, while the power station is located in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State. The project adds a major boost to the country’s generation capacity, which has long struggled with inconsistencies and shortfalls. AFAM II comprises two phases and operates on gas turbine technology, capable of generating 180MW of electricity. It is expected to…

By Atoyebi Nike The Niger State Government has suspended all public Sallah celebrations, including the traditional Hawan Bariki and Durbar processions, in the wake of the recent flood disaster in Mokwa. The decision was announced Wednesday by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, who said the move was made out of respect for the victims of the flood, which has been described as one of the worst to hit the area in decades. Several lives were lost in the incident, with homes and livelihoods washed away, prompting a state-wide period of mourning. Governor Umaru Bago called on…