₦airaland Forum

Boko Haram terrorists have overrun another military camp in Borno State, killing the commanding officer and other officers.

The latest attack happened in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State in the early hours of Monday.

A source from the town revealed that the insurgents attacked the military base around 12:30am.

“They (terrorists) stormed the town from multiple directions and launched an attack on the military camp,” the source said.

Another security source said that the insurgents dislodged the troops from the base, set vehicles ablaze and carted away ammunition.

“I cannot say much about the casualties but it’s very sad that we also lost the CO (commanding officer) here,” one of the security sources said

Last month, the insurgents had attacked the military base but the gallant troops repelled the attack, killing many terrorists.

The brave response was commended by the community, which earned the Commanding Officer accolade and he was widely celebrated, particularly on social media.

The lawmaker representing Kukawa LGA in the Borno State House of Assembly, Karta Maina Ma’aji Lawan, also celebrated with the troops at the time.

Commenting on the latest attack, the lawmaker said it was sad that the military base was overrun this time around.

The attack comes after terrorists attacked a military base and Internally Displaced Persons camp in Ngoshe town, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno, killing an unspecified number of soldiers and civilians.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) says it has reserved 40 per cent of its positions for women across all structures to reaffirm its commitment to gender inclusion and leadership participation.

This was contained in a statement by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, to commemorate International Women’s Day (IWD), issued in Abuja on Sunday.

Mr Abdullahi said the ADC recognised women as partners in nation-building, noting that across Nigeria, women shoulder enormous responsibilities within homes, communities, and workplaces.

According to him, any political movement genuinely committed to national progress must recognise, empower, and harness the strength, resilience, and leadership potential of women.


He stated that the composition of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) reflects a deliberate commitment to ensuring women are not pushed to political margins.

“This is because we are the p political party in Nigeria whose constitution reserves 40 per cent of all party positions, at every level, for women,” Mr Abdullahi stated.

He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to women’s inclusion in politics, insisting that women must move from the margins to the centre of leadership.

Mr Abdullahi noted that Nigerian women carry a disproportionate share of the nation’s social and economic responsibilities but remain significantly underrepresented in key national institutions.

He maintained that empowering women politically and economically remains essential to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy and ensuring inclusive governance for sustainable national development.

“As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark International Women’s Day, the ADC celebrates all Nigerian women, whose labour and leadership sustain the nation.

“From mothers raising communities to entrepreneurs powering markets and teachers educating children, Nigerian women carry a disproportionate share of the nation’s burdens.

“Yet when critical decisions about Nigeria’s future are taken, women remain significantly underrepresented in positions of leadership across several national institutions,” the spokesman noted.

According to him, the ADC is determined to change the narrative by ensuring women are fully integrated into the party’s leadership structure.

“In the ADC, women are leaders. They are part of the structures that guide the party and shape its decisions,” Mr Abdullahi added.

VIDEO: Kwara APC Members Storm Chairman’s Residence, Protest Imposition Of Candidates In Party Congress pic.twitter.com/CCTL6j6PfG

— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) March 7, 2026

An explosion was heard over Dubai airport on Saturday followed by a cloud of smoke in the air, a witness told AFP, as Iran pressed attacks across the Gulf.

The Flightradar24 tracking website showed planes circulating above the airport in an apparent holding pattern.

Limited flights resumed from Dubai’s main airport, the world’s busiest for international traffic, on Monday despite daily drone attacks on targets in the United Arab Emirates.

Dubai Media Office described “a minor incident resulting from the fall of debris after an interception” in a post on X, but also denied reports circulating about the airport in the same post.

Four staff were injured and a concourse damaged at Dubai airport last Saturday, as war erupted following US-Israeli strikes against Iran.

Dubai Airports said at the time that the incident was “quickly contained”, without giving further details.

Iranian attacks have also hit Abu Dhabi airport, the upmarket Palm Jumeirah development and the Burj Al Arab luxury hotel, while drone debris caused a fire at the US consulate in Dubai on Tuesday.

AFP

“5 billion Naira is also lingering on NNPC, at this day and age, who can comprehend such a figure only to change name from NNPC to NNPCL”

~ Senate Committee Expose NNPC for using 5 billion to change NNPC to NNPCL 😳

pic.twitter.com/GBNjIo6oJ4

— Nigeria Stories (@NigeriaStories) March 5, 2026

Nigeria Police Remove Force PRO Benjamin Hundeyin Six Months After Appointment Amid Shake-up

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has removed its Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Benjamin Hundeyin, barely six months after he assumed the influential position.

It was learnt that the approval for Hundeyin’s removal was given on Thursday, March 5, 2025.

However, the circumstances surrounding the sudden development remain unclear as of the time of filing this report.

The decision comes amid ongoing internal restructuring within the police hierarchy following the emergence of a new leadership at the force headquarters.

The shake-up follows the appointment of Tunji Disu as the 23rd Inspector-General of Police by Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Disu was named IGP last week after the removal of Kayode Egbetokun, who had led the force since 2023.

A source quoted by THE WHISTLER confirmed the development, saying, “The Force Public Relations Officer has been removed this morning.”

However, uncertainty remains over who will replace Hundeyin as the new spokesperson of the force, particularly as operational activities within the police have intensified in recent days.

“We don’t know who will take over from him, although we thought he would last longer considering his expertise,” the source said.

“However, when a new IGP is appointed, it is not news that some positions would be vacant, unfortunately, he was affected.”

When SaharaReporters recently contacted Hundeyin, he replied that he was “unavailable right now” and advised SaharaReporters to contact any of the FCT or state police command spokespersons.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has disclosed that he is ready to work for the realization of State Police.

The new IGP also assured his men that their job is not in danger of being taken over by State Police.

Addressing State House correspondents after he was officially sworn in on Wednesday by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, at the Presidential Villa, Disu also vowed to tackle professionally the issue of protests in some part of the country over the situation in the Middle East.

He said, “We want to ensure that the best thing is done. State police has come to stay, and the police should be able to do their own part in making it succeed. The police are not afraid. Our jobs are not being taken. It’s just an issue of partnership.

“Everywhere in the world, we are aware that is, what we call intelligence policing. Our ears are to the ground. We know we have groups of people, different kinds of Islamic sects in Nigeria. We have those who pay allegiance to this eastern part of the world as well.

“So we know if anything happens in the eastern part of the world, the repercussion will come to us. So we are putting all necessary actions. You can see policemen on patrol, and most importantly, we are talking to them to ensure that they do not take laws and orders into their hands.”

On his approach, he said: “I made up my mind to ensure that my officers get to know that we are working for the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the citizens of the country are our bosses.”

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Speaking on the committee he set up earlier on Wednesday morning to review state police, Disu explained: “We don’t want it to seem as if others are taking decisions, and we, the most important people concerned, did not do anything.

“It is somebody that is well motivated that will put in their best. Our jobs are very difficult. Some few years ago, when I was Commissioner of Police FCT, I was bold enough to announce that we lost 140 policemen just in a year. So the jobs are difficult. Men sleep out. A lot of people don’t have time to go back to their families.

“So the welfare is very vital, and I’m lucky to be working with a president who has made up his mind to give us whatever we want.”

A spokesperson to the Senate president said he was not aware of the aide’s resignation.

Patty Etete, a former member of the House of Representatives, has resigned as senior legislative aide to the President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio, citing sustained hostility, alleged physical assaults and administrative irregularities within the Senate President’s office.

In a letter dated 27 February and addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Mr Etete said his decision to resign was “long overdue” and followed years of “humiliation, discrimination and denial of access” to Mr Akpabio.

Mr Etete, who represented the Ikot Ekpene/Essien Udim/Obot Akara Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives from 2007 to 2011, said he accepted what he described as a “downgraded designation” in good faith.

“You invited me to be part of your ‘first eleven’ of appointees, given my roles and contributions both at the senatorial election and the contest for the Senate presidency,” he wrote, adding that although his appointment was announced as a special assistant, he was later made to serve as a senior legislative aide, a situation he considered as being “demeaning”.

He alleged that while working with Mr Akpabio, he operated in a hostile environment, was denied privileges and was “severally assaulted physically by fellow aides”. Mr Etete claimed that some of the incidents occurred with Mr Akpabio’s knowledge.

The former lawmaker also raised concerns over a symposium on the creative economy that he coordinated to support the Senate president’s legislative agenda.

According to him, the event attracted participants from Nigeria and abroad, including resource persons who reportedly funded their own travel, accommodation and presentation materials with the expectation of reimbursement.

He alleged that more than six months after the event, the interim report had yet to receive the Senate president’s attention for legislative follow-up, and that outstanding bills submitted by service providers remained unpaid.

Mr Etete asked Mr Akpabio to approve payment of an attached bill covering expenses incurred during the symposium, arguing that settling the debts would preserve the reputation of the Senate President’s office and honour the contributions of those he described as “patriotic Nigerians”.

The former aide also claimed he mobilised over 240 support groups in Akwa Ibom State for Mr Akpabio’s ambition and President Bola Tinubu’s, but lamented that promises made to engage and appreciate the groups were not fulfilled.

In his letter, Mr Etete referenced a vow allegedly made with some political associates regarding Akpabio’s ambition before a “statue of Mary”. Mr Akpabio is a Catholic.

He said “Your Excellency, sir, each time I remember how yourself, myself, Rt. Hon Ubong Etiebet and the current Minister for State, Gas, knelt down before the statue of Mary, making a vow concerning your ambition, my heart bleeds.”

Mr Etete added, “Yet, your former Deputy Chief of Staff insisted that unless I pledged allegiance to him, the support groups and I would not be accommodated. Did we meet and make the vow at the foot of the sculpture of Christ Jesus’s real mother?”

When PREMIUM TIMES asked for clarification, Mr Etete said the vow before the statue of Mary took place at Mr Akpabio’s home in Asokoro, Abuja.

“To me, it was a chapel and not a shrine,” he said.

Mr Etete said the vow was that those who took it would not betray the Senate President and he in turn, would not betray them either.

Senate President’s office responds
When PREMIUM TIMES contacted Eseme Eyiboh, the special adviser on media and publicity to the Senate president, he said he was not aware of Mr Etete’s resignation.

“Hon Patty Ettete was my colleague in the House of Representatives and for about three years now, we have both shared mutual trust and respect as colleagues in the office of the President of the Senate. I’m not aware of his resignation as a senior legislative aide in the office,” Mr Eyiboh said.

ALSO READ: 2027: Akpabio endorses nephew, Reps member for second term
He added that, because he was unaware of the resignation, the circumstances surrounding it were beyond his knowledge.

Mr Eyiboh, however, described the work environment within the Senate president’s office as structured and coordinated in compliance with public service rules and constitutional guarantees.

“I can attest to the robust and healthy relationship that staff members enjoy within and around the office of the President of the Senate. The office is well-structured and coordinated by experienced personnel, in substantial compliance with public service rules and protocols. Human rights in the office are subsisting within the remit of guaranteed constitutional rights,” he said.

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has increased its Premium Motor Spirit gantry price by N101, raising the ex-depot rate from N774 to N875 per litre, heightening concerns over fresh fuel price increases across the country.

A senior official at the refinery confirmed the development to The PUNCH on Monday, noting that the adjustment followed recent volatility in global crude oil prices.

“Yes, the price has been reviewed. The new gantry price is now N875 per litre from N774. The review became necessary due to changes in global crude fundamentals and replacement costs,” the official said.

Checks by The PUNCH on petroleumprice.ng confirmed that the revised price had already been reflected, indicating a shift in downstream pricing benchmarks.

The price increase came shortly after the refinery suspended petrol loading operations effective midnight on March 2, 2026, following a sharp surge in international crude oil prices, which crossed the $80 per barrel threshold overnight.

Data obtained from industry sources showed that Premium Motor Spirit loading stopped at exactly midnight, halting product lifting and the issuance of Proforma Invoices, an indication that fresh transactions were temporarily paused.

However, the suspension applied strictly to petrol, as Automotive Gas Oil, popularly known as diesel, continued to load.

The refinery’s action also triggered a coordinated response across the downstream sector, as several private depot owners nationwide halted petrol sales during the trading day.

“Several depot owners suspended PMS sales because of the crude rally. The market is already factoring in risk premiums. Nobody wants to sell below replacement cost,” a downstream operator said.

The development comes amid heightened global oil market volatility linked to tensions between the United States and Iran, which have raised concerns about supply disruptions, particularly in the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

Five energy experts, in separate interviews with The PUNCH on Sunday, warned that Nigeria could witness further increases in petrol and diesel prices if crude oil prices climb above $90 per barrel.

They said sustained hostilities in the Middle East could disrupt global supply chains, increase shipping and insurance costs, and raise import and refining costs for products despite Nigeria’s growing local refining capacity.

Tinubu Govt Approves Transition Period For Direct Oil Revenue Payments Into Federation Account

The Nigerian Government has approved a transition period for oil contractors to begin direct remittance of petroleum revenues into the Federation Account following the implementation of Executive Order 9 signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

President Bola Tinubu’s administration claimed that the move is aimed at tightening oversight of Nigeria’s oil earnings and preventing revenue leakages that have long plagued the petroleum sector.

The decision was reached during the inaugural meeting of the Implementation Committee on Executive Order 9 of 2026, held on February 26, 2026.

In a statement issued on Monday, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, who chairs the committee, said the transition arrangement was approved to prevent disruptions to existing contractual and financing obligations within the oil industry.

According to him, the policy seeks to ensure that revenues derived from petroleum operations, including profit oil, royalty oil and tax oil, are paid directly into the Federation Account to strengthen public finance management across federal, state and local governments.


Edun explained that while the government is determined to enforce the new payment structure, the committee agreed that implementation must be handled cautiously to preserve investor confidence.

“With respect to Section 2, Sub-section 3 of Executive Order 9 on direct payments by contractors into the Federation Account, the Implementation Committee agreed that this transition must be implemented in a manner that respects existing contractual and financing arrangements and maintains investor confidence,” he said.

He added that a defined transition period had been approved before the full operationalisation of the new remittance system.

“For this reason, the Committee approved a defined transition period for the operationalization of direct payments by contractors of profit oil, royalty oil and tax oil into the Federation Account,” Edun stated.

During the transition phase, existing payment arrangements will remain in force pending the release of detailed operational guidelines.

“Until the Committee issues detailed guidelines, contractors will continue to remit under the current process. During the transition period, the Committee will issue clear, standardised guidance to ensure an orderly changeover,” he added.

To drive implementation, the committee also approved the establishment of a technical subcommittee tasked with developing the operational framework for the transition within three weeks.

The subcommittee will also commence a review of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to identify structural and fiscal provisions believed to weaken government revenues from petroleum operations.

“The Technical Subcommittee will develop the detailed guidelines for the transition to direct remittance within three weeks and commence a review of the Petroleum Industry Act to address structural and fiscal anomalies that weaken Federation revenues,” Edun said.

The panel will be chaired by the Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Mrs. Olu Verheijen, and will include senior officials from key institutions, including the Office of the Solicitor-General of the Federation, the Federal Ministry of Justice, the Nigeria Revenue Service, the Forum of Commissioners of Finance, and representatives of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil). The Budget Office of the Federation will serve as secretariat.

As part of the reforms introduced under Executive Order 9, the government also directed NNPC Limited to immediately halt certain deductions under Production Sharing Contracts.

According to the committee, NNPC Limited will stop collecting a 30 per cent management fee as well as a 30 per cent frontier exploration fund deduction from profit oil and profit gas.

The order further suspends all remittances of gas flare penalties into the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund with immediate effect.

The implementation committee said the reforms are intended to ensure that revenues generated from Nigeria’s oil and gas resources are fully accounted for and paid into the Federation Account in line with constitutional provisions.

“The Committee reaffirmed the President’s directive that revenues accruing to the Federation from petroleum operations must be handled in a manner that upholds constitutional principles, protects revenues accruable to the Federation and supports the fiscal stability of all three tiers of government,” the statement added.

The committee also expressed appreciation to stakeholders across the petroleum industry and government institutions for their cooperation, noting that the reforms form part of broader efforts by the Tinubu administration to ensure Nigeria’s oil wealth translates into measurable benefits for citizens.

JUST IN: 🇸🇦 Iran strikes Saudi Arabia's Aramco Ras Tanura oil refinery. pic.twitter.com/eTmPGRFAY5

— BRICS News (@BRICSinfo) March 2, 2026

Dear @NuhuRibadu,

The bandits & terrorists terrorising can never be our brothers. Being Fulani or Hausa, or any other tribes doesn't make one a brother if he turns out to be one that kill us & attack our homes.

pic.twitter.com/DtNL38nB7c

— 𝐇𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐦𝐚, 𝐏𝐡.𝐃. (@Realoilsheikh) March 1, 2026

The South-South Zonal Leadership of the African Democratic Congress has denied reports claiming that its national leader, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, and other regional leaders have endorsed former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi for the presidency.

Speaking on behalf of the zonal leadership, the South-South Zonal Publicity Secretary in a statement on Saturday, Mabel Oboh, described the reports as “misleading, undemocratic, and a troubling example of how selective narratives can distort political reality.”

The February 27 meeting, held at Oyegun’s residence in Benin, gathered respected party elders, senior stakeholders, and state representatives from Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, and Rivers States.

According to Oboh, the gathering was organised to strengthen internal cohesion, deepen grassroots mobilisation, and position the party strategically for future electoral contests.


“These were not casual attendees. They were seasoned political leaders, individuals with decades of experience in governance, party administration, and democratic practice.

“To suggest that such a body would casually abandon constitutional process for an informal endorsement is both inaccurate and illogical.”

During the meeting, Amaechi formally informed regional leaders of his intention to seek the party’s presidential ticket, a move Oboh described as a respectful consultation with his geopolitical zone.


“Consultation is not endorsement, and courtesy is not coronation. Receiving a prominent son of the South-South who chose to formally brief his regional leaders cannot be twisted into a declaration of support.”

Oboh emphasised that at no time, before, during, or after the meeting, was any motion moved, resolution adopted, vote taken, or consensus reached to endorse any aspirant.

She added, “The leaders did not endorse Amaechi or any other person as this will negate the principle of internal democracy.”

She further stressed that Chief Oyegun’s political history makes the allegation particularly implausible. As a former national chairman of a ruling political party and a longstanding advocate of constitutional order within party systems, Oyegun, she said, understands the weight of process and institutional discipline.

“It is inconceivable that a leader of his pedigree would undermine the very democratic structures he has spent decades strengthening,” Oboh added.

The zonal spokesperson expressed disappointment that some media houses published the endorsement narrative without thorough verification, warning that such reporting carries broader implications.

“Misinformation in political reporting does not merely mislead the public; it risks undermining democratic processes, fueling unnecessary tension within parties, and eroding confidence in institutional procedures. In a fragile political climate, responsible journalism is not optional; it is essential.”


She maintained that the ADC remains committed to internal democracy, noting that the power to nominate and elect candidates rests with constitutionally recognised organs of the party and ultimately with its members, not with a handful of leaders at a zonal consultation.

Reaffirming the unity of the South-South bloc, Oboh stated that the meeting’s true objective was structural consolidation and party growth, not premature political alignment.

“The elders of the South-South remain united, disciplined, and committed to due process. No endorsement took place. Any narrative suggesting otherwise is false and should be disregarded.”

The PUNCH reported that Amaechi took advantage of the meeting to announce his intention to run for the office of the president in next year’s election.