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President Bola Tinubu arrived in Abuja on Thursday, August 28, morning, concluding a series of diplomatic engagements in Japan and Brazil.

According to his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the presidential jet departed Brasília International Airport Air Force Base at 12:57 pm local time on Wednesday and touched down in the Nigerian capital early Thursday.

In Japan, Tinubu participated in the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) on August 20, attending both the opening ceremony and the plenary sessions.

He also held bilateral meetings and engaged with members of the Nigerian community during his visit.

After TICAD9, the President made a stopover in Los Angeles before proceeding to Brasília, Brazil, where he met with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and senior Brazilian officials.

The leaders conducted private talks and witnessed the signing of five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering aviation, foreign affairs, science and technology, and agriculture, key areas in Nigeria’s development strategy.

President Tinubu was warmly welcomed back to Abuja by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, members of his entourage, and other officials following his return from Brazil.

The department of state services (DSS), and the Nigerian Army have killed more than 50 gunmen and rescued kidnapped victims in Kumbashi village, Mariga local government area of Niger state.

The operation, which took place on Tuesday, followed an attempt by about 300 armed men to invade the area and attack a DSS camp.

Security operatives engaged the attackers in a gun duel, forcing them to retreat after suffering heavy casualties.

Several gunmen reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds.

Seven kidnapped victims and rustled cattle were recovered during the operation.

Speaker of the Niger state house of assembly, Abdulmalik Mohammed Sarkin-Daji, on Wednesday, August 27, commended the security agencies for the success, describing it as a major boost in the fight against the terror group.

The development comes days after DSS operatives arrested Abubakar Abba, leader of Mahmuda, a notorious terror group, in Wawa, Niger state.

Residents of Kumbashi said the operation restored confidence that security agencies are regaining control in areas affected by the gunmen.

A 55 year old drug kingpin Mohammed Ali Abubakar alias Bello Karama and five members of a syndicate operating at the Mallam Aminu Kano international Airport (MAKIA) Kano have been taken into custody by the national drug law enforcement agency (NDLEA).

Following the discovery that they are behind the shipment of illicit substances for which three innocent Nigerians who went on lesser hajj pilgrimage to the holy land were being detained in Jeddah for alleged drug trafficking.

This was disclosed by the agency’s director of media and advocacy, Femi Babafemi along with the director of assets and financial investigation, Abdul Ibrahim and director of prosecution and legal services, Theresa Asuquo, at the NDLEA national headquarters in Abuja on Monday 25th August 2025.

Explaining how the syndicate implicated three unsuspecting pilgrims in drug trafficking allegations in Saudi, the NDLEA said following receipt of complaints by its chairman/chief executive, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) from three Nigerian families over the detention of their family members in Saudi Arabia after the completion of their lesser hajj pilgrimage on an allegation of trafficking in illicit substances into Saudi Arabia, an investigation was launched to unravel what happened.

The agency said the three Nigerians detained in Saudi, Maryam Hussain Abdullahi; Abdullahi Bahijja Aminu, and Abdulhamid Saddiq boarded an Ethiopian Airline flight ET940 which departed Kano on 6th August 2025 to Jeddah enroute Addis-Ababa were unfortunate to be tagged with six additional bags not belonging to them, three of which were found to contain illicit drugs.

“Maryam Hussain Abdullahi while embarking on this flight, only checked in one luggage weighing 9 kilograms on the 6th day of August, 2025 which incidentally did not arrive with her to her destination.

“Her husband was only informed of the arrival of their luggage on Sunday, August 16, a day before the date of their departure from Jeddah which was to be on the Monday , August 17, 2025.

“Following this allegation, she was detained in Jeddah and is still in detention till date.

“The case of the other two persons followed the same pattern and were reported to the Agency shortly after Maryam Hussain’s complaint”, the Agency stated.

It revealed its swift investigation revealed that “the bags containing illicit drug substances intercepted in Saudi Arabia were checked in against the complainants’ names by members of a criminal syndicate operating in Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport without the knowledge of the three complainants.

“All the bags were traced to one Ali Abubakar Mohammed (aka Bello Karama), the leader of the syndicate who checked them into the Ethiopian Airline on the 6th day of August 2025, the same day the three complainants travelled on board the same airline from Kano enroute Addis-Ababa to Jeddah.

“It is interesting to note that the said Ali Abubakar Mohammed who also travelled to Jeddah on the same date boarded Egypt Air rather than Ethiopian Airline where he checked in his contaminated bags.

“The bags were tagged and checked in by members of staff of Skyway Aviation Handling Company who are also members of the criminal syndicate, to the names of the three complainants secretly and without their knowledge or consent.

“The bags illegally tagged against the complainants’ names are the ones intercepted in Saudi Arabia and found to contain the illicit drug substances.

“For the above reasons, the three complainants were arrested and detained for crimes they had no knowledge of.

“In the light of the forgoing, and the evidence gathered by the Agency in the course of our investigation, it is clear that Mrs. Maryam Abdullahi and two others who are being detained in Saudi are victims of circumstance, implicated by the activities of a criminal syndicate operating at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.”

The Agency said six members of the syndicate are already in its custody with four already charged to court awaiting arraignment including Ali Abubakar Mohammed (aka Bello Karama); Abdulbasit Adamu, Murtala Akande Olalekan and Celestina Emmanuel Yayock.

“They have all made confessional statements.

“While Ali had admitted bringing in seven luggage, Celestina confessed checking in two of them for a fee of N100,000 and another suspect Jazuli Kabir who checked in two other bags admitted collecting N100,000 for the dirty job, while Ali travelled with the other three bags on Egypt Air.

“We have the receipts for the transfer of N200,000 from Ali to Celestina who in turn transferred N100,000 to Jazuli.”

It said based on the outcome of its investigations it is spearheading a dialogue with the authority of the General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC) in Saudi Arabia to see that the three innocent Nigerians are exonerated.

“As a result, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Agency is presently on his way to attend an International Drug Conference which will be attended by a delegation from the General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC), who he intends to meet one on one, to present our findings and seek the cooperation of our Saudi counterparts in ensuring that Maryam Hussain Abdullahi, and the two others who remain stranded in the Kingdom, get the justice they deserve.

“If required, the CCEO is also prepared to travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia personally to pursue this matter to its conclusion”, Babafemi stated while assuring that Nigeria will never abandon its citizens, especially when the facts clearly show that they are victims of criminal conspiracies.

The Agency assured the public of its commitment to fight the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the country.

He said, “While there are no sacred cows in our enforcement duties which can be attested to by the number of high-profile arrests, seizures, convictions and forfeitures recorded, it will not support the innocent being punished for crimes they did not commit.”

“While investigations continue, the CCEO will like to appreciate the Hon. Min of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the Managing Director of FAAN, the AVSEC and the DSS for their collaboration on this case and for the interim measures that have been approved in MAKIA to prevent a reoccurrence of this type of situation”, he stated.

A somber mood enveloped the third mainland bridge on Saturday morning, August 23, after the body of a 29 year old woman was recovered from the Lagos Lagoon following a fatal lone car accident.

The incident occurred in the early hours involving the woman’s Toyota Camry, which reportedly veered off the bridge and plunged into the water.

The vehicle lost control under unclear circumstances, leading to the tragic fall.

Some locals immediately alerted authorities, while others attempted to assist before the arrival of emergency services.

Responders from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the Marine Police, and local divers coordinated search and recovery operations shortly after the incident was reported.

After several hours of effort, the woman’s body was recovered from the lagoon.

Her identity has not been publicly disclosed, pending notification of her next of kin.

Officials have yet to determine the exact cause of the accident, though early speculation suggests speed or loss of vehicle control may have played a role as investigations are ongoing.

Authorities are urging drivers to be cautious, especially when navigating major highways and bridges during low-visibility hours.

The tragic event is a stark reminder of the risks associated with late night or early morning driving.

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The governor of zamfara state Dauda Lawal is hosting a strategic meeting of governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gusau.

The spokesperson for the Zamfara governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, hinted that the meeting is to discuss key political strategies as the governors navigate the current political landscape.

Idris said, “Governor Dauda Lawal extends a warm welcome to his counterparts, the governors of the PDP in Zamfara state.

“The governors are convening today for an important meeting of the PDP Governors Forum.

“Governor Lawal will host a dinner for the governors tonight, before the closed door meeting scheduled for tomorrow.

“This meeting will provide party leaders with the opportunity to discuss pressing political issues, plan for party unity, and collaborate on developmental initiatives within their respective states.

“Additionally, the governors will address key concerns in preparation for the national convention organized by the National Executive Committee (NEC) in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, on November 15 and 16, 2025.”

The governors are expected to arrive in Gusau on Friday, August 22, ahead of the meeting scheduled for Saturday, August 23.

On Friday, August 22, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reported that a joint response team had rescued 41 people and confirmed four dead in connection with the recent boat accident in Goronyo, Sokoto State.

In a statement signed by Manzo Ezekiel, Head of the agency’s Press Unit, NEMA stated that the death toll increased after another body was recovered earlier that day.

The deceased was buried in accordance with Islamic funeral rites, following the observance of prayer.

“As part of the Thursday 21st August, 2025 rescue operations, the response team visited four villages, Takuske, Kwakwazu, Bari and Gamiha, where many of the passengers of the ill fated boat were said to have resided.

The visits provided an opportunity to verify the number of persons still missing and to commiserate with families who lost their loved ones.

During the visits, it was also confirmed that 16 persons had survived the mishap.

“Following these developments, the multi-agency search and rescue operation has been officially concluded.

“The operation was jointly conducted by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Goronyo Local Government Authority, and community divers,” the statement noted.

Meanwhile, the Director General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar, commended the rescue team for their diligence and the collective efforts of all stakeholders towards the success of the operation.

Recalled that the tragic boat mishap occurred on Sunday, 17th August 2025, at Kojiyo village area of the Goronyo Dam, Sokoto State.

First time in decades, the United States (US) is experiencing a net outflow of immigrants, with more people leaving the country than arriving, the foreign born population has declined by nearly 1.5 million.

An analysis of new census data by the nonpartisan Pew Research Center, released on Thursday, August 21, found that the foreign born population including both lawful and unlawful residents declined by nearly 1.5 million between January and June.

The population fell from 53.3 million to 51.9 million during that six month period.

The study suggests that this trend is an early indication that president Trump’s strict immigration policies are leading people to depart, either through deportation or by choice.

In response, officials from the Trump administration have praised the net decline, asserting that it has eased pressure on government services and led to a rebound in job markets.

However, some supporters of the immigration crackdown argue that the measures have not gone far enough.

However, experts predict that if this trend persists, the US could face significant negative economic and demographic consequences.

This is because immigrants represent a critical part of the workforce, and the nation’s reliance on them is increasing as the baby boomer generation retires.

Following his campaign promise of mass deportations, Trump has implemented extensive measures to reduce immigration.

His administration has restricted access to asylum at the southern border, tightened visa requirements for students and tech workers, and deployed federal agents to detain and deport undocumented immigrants.

These policies have prompted immigrants to leave the country voluntarily and have discouraged others from arriving.

Despite the study’s findings, Kevin Lynn, executive director of the Institute for sound public Policy, which advocates for less immigration, said that foreign workers who enter lawfully continue to pour into the United States and undermine Americans.

He said, “There has been no letup, people coming here legally, whether on green cards or employment visas, are impacting American workers at all strata, whether low-skilled or high-skilled.

“Net migration, the difference between the number of immigrants arriving and departing has turned negative, a shift that the chief Pew demographer, Jeffrey Passel, called a demographic certainty so far in 2025.”

His team’s analysis did not calculate a separate number for undocumented immigrants, who seem likely to represent the largest number of departures, because heightened enforcement probably diminished immigrants’ participation in the census survey that was used to make estimates.

They may have been undercounted, which would suggest the drop is not as severe, or their low participation could mask an even more striking decline.

The US experienced negative net immigration in the 1930s, during the great depression, when between 400,000 and one million Mexicans and Mexican Americans left, many under coercive repatriation programs.

The Trump administration has introduced sweeping measures to reduce immigration.

Jeremy Beck, co president of NumbersUSA, a group that favors curbs on immigration, described a decline in the number of immigrants as a good thing for workers who will benefit from a tighter labor market, and for communities whose infrastructure was overwhelmed during the border crisis.

Whether negative net migration becomes a lasting phenomenon depends on how far the Trump administration goes to achieve its goals, experts say, but the Pew findings echo trends identified by other recent studies.

In the month of July, the conservative leaning American Enterprise Institute projected net migration in 2025 would be flat or would even drop and predicted that the Trump administration’s policies would continue to squeeze out low and high skilled foreign workers at least through 2026.

An economist at the Brookings Institution, Tara Watson said that “A rapid decline in immigration is going to cause economic harm.

“Political pushback and legal challenges could lead the Trump administration to ease its crackdown and, thus, soften the impact.”

But legislation recently passed by the Republican controlled Congress has significantly increased funding for immigration enforcement, suggesting that the restrictive approach could extend throughout Trump’s term.

She said, “If so, we could go into a spiral of continued decline, which could undermine U.S. competitiveness for global talent.

“If things are really bad, we no longer are the place where people go to do science or tech, and that could have generational repercussions.”

Upon taking office, Trump signed a series of immigration-related orders. Since then, his administration has intensified its efforts to curb immigration, and the president has recently expressed his approval for the prospect of negative net migration

As he wrote in a Truth Social post on Monday, August 4 “Promises made. Promises kept. Negative net migration for the first time in 50 years!”

The current administration has introduced policies that have not only targeted undocumented migrants but have also undermined legal immigration.

These measures include pausing the refugee program, which provided a path to citizenship for those fleeing persecution, and increasing screening for visa applicants, a move experts believe will reduce the number of foreign workers and students.

The administration has also ended several Biden era programs, causing thousands of immigrants to lose their temporary protected status and face the prospect of deportation in the coming months. As a result, migration across the southern border has declined even further.

This decline in immigration is occurring at a time when the United States needs more workers to offset a falling birthrate and an aging population.

Experts predict that if the trend persists, it could lead to significant negative economic and demographic consequences. Dowell Myers, a demography professor at USC, argues that a young immigrant provides immediate assistance to the workforce, unlike a new baby.

He warns that cutting off this labor supply will cause widespread consequences, and labor shortages are already being felt in sectors such as agriculture, restaurants, and assisted living facilities.

While Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has praised the decline in the undocumented population citing a resurgence in local job markets the administration’s aggressive enforcement has created a climate of fear.

The number of immigrants in detention has reached a record high, leading many to voluntarily leave the country to avoid prolonged custody and deportation to dangerous homelands.

This trend of self-deportation has become increasingly common.

Patrick Garcia, an advocate in North Carolina, has noted that what was once a rare occurrence has become normal, with families opting to leave on their own terms.

The article also highlights a new administration app that facilitates self deportation, offering incentives like free airfare and cash payments to encourage people to leave the country voluntarily.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Bashir Haske, a businessman and son-in-law of former vice president Atiku Abubakar, wanted over allegations of criminal conspiracy and money laundering.

In a notice released on Thursday, August 21, 2025, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale called on the public to come forward with any information that could assist in locating and arresting Bashir Haske.

“The public is hereby notified that Abdullahi Bashir Haske, whose photograph appears above, is wanted by the EFCC in an alleged case of criminal conspiracy and money laundering,” the statement reads.

The notice said Haske, a 38 year old man, was last known to reside at No. 6 Mosley Road, Ikoyi, and 952/953 Idejo Street, Victoria Island, Lagos state.

The EFCC appealed to Nigerians to assist in locating him by contacting any of its offices nationwide, including in Ibadan, Uyo, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Benin, Makurdi, Kaduna, Ilorin, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Gombe, Port Harcourt, and Abuja.

The anti graft agency said information can also be shared via the commission’s dedicated telephone line and email address.

The federal government has banned its Ministries, departments and agencies from patronising private printing firms.

A leaked memo obtained exclusively by our correspondent, and signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, said the decision followed incidents of confidential government documents being exposed.

The directive makes it compulsory for all MDAs to use the Federal Government Printing Press, domiciled in the ministry of information and national orientation, for their printing needs.

The memo, addressed to all ministers, permanent secretaries, heads of agencies, and directors-general, partly reads:

“Further to the Federal Government’s directive as outlined in circular ref. no. C/87/S.5/6 of 16th September, 1996, regarding the need for ministries, departments and agencies to patronise the federal government printing press to safeguard the integrity of government documents, it has been observed that some MDAs, over time, have patronised private printers for official and confidential documents instead of the federal government press.

“This non compliance has created exploitable gaps for the production of fake gazettes and other official documents, unauthorised leaks of government information, as well as access to sensitive materials.

“It has therefore become necessary to restate that the federal government printing press, a department in the ministry of information and national orientation, was established with the core mandate of printing official gazettes, security documents and meeting all printing needs of MDAs.

“Consequently, all MDAs are hereby directed to utilise the Government Printing Press to ensure the safety and confidentiality of government documents.

“Honourable ministers, permanent secretaries and heads of agencies are to ensure adequate circulation of and compliance with this circular.”

This move comes against the backdrop of previous embarrassments over leaked government documents.

In 2024, the Federal Government accused civil servants of leaking confidential memos, including one in which Akume requested N1bn from President Bola Tinubu for the activities of a minimum wage committee.

Another leak revealed that former minister of humanitarian affairs and poverty alleviation, Betta Edu, received N3bn COVID-19 funds for the verification of the national social register.

The police in Enugu State, south east Nigeria, say they have arrested two individuals for the abduction and murder of a five-year-old boy in Udi local government area of the state.

Daniel Ndukwe, the police spokesperson in the state, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, August 20.

Ndukwe, a superintendent of police, said the prime suspect, Ikediekpere Obodoagu, 18, allegedly colluded with an accomplice, Sunday Michael, 24, to commit the crime.

The victim, Wisdom, was the prime suspect’s cousin. They hail from Okinitor village, Amankwo Ngwo, a community in Udi local government area of Enugu.

The accomplice is a security guard at 9th Mile and a native of Mayo-Belwa local government area of Adamawa State, Nigeria’s north-east.

Ndukwe said the victim was reported missing on 26 July 2025 after which the prime suspect used his accomplice to demand N1 million ransom from the victim’s father.

The police spokesperson explained that the prime suspect’s use of an accomplice to demand ransom was an attempt to protect his identity.

He said the suspects were arrested on 11 and 12 August 2025 by police operatives from the anti kidnapping tactical squad, following intelligence gathered after ransom demands were reported.

“When the ransom went unmet, the suspect murdered the child and buried him in a bush near their residence in Okinitor, Amankwo Ngwo, Udi Local Government Area,” he said.

“During interrogation, the suspects confessed to the crime. The prime suspect thereafter led operatives to the scene, where the victim’s body was exhumed in the presence of medical personnel, including a doctor, who certified the child dead,” Ndukwe narrated.

Ndukwe said the commissioner of police in the state, Bitrus Giwa, has commiserated with the bereaved family and assured them that the suspects will be arraigned upon conclusion of investigations.

Giwa reiterated that the police in the state are committed to detecting and preventing heinous crimes and ensuring justice in the state.

Murder is outlawed in Section 315 (6) of Nigeria’s criminal code Act. offenders, on conviction, face a death sentence, section 319 (1) said.

Similarly, Nigeria in May 2022 enacted the terrorism (prevention and prohibition) Act (2022), which outlawed all forms of kidnapping in the country.

The act prescribes the death sentence for kidnapping in a case where the abduction leads to loss of life and life imprisonment where there is no loss of life.

It was an amendment to the now-defunct terrorism (prevention and prohibition) Act (2013), which had prescribed a 10-year jail term for kidnapping.

The new act also prescribes at least a 15 year jail term for whoever pays ransom to free kidnapped victims.

Several people have been convicted of murder, and others convicted of kidnapping across Nigeria.

A high court in Lokoja, Kogi State, in January 2022, sentenced a man, Muritala Dare, to death by hanging for stabbing his colleague to death with a broken bottle.

An Ikeja special offences court, Lagos, in September 2022, sentenced kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, alias Evans, to 21 years imprisonment for kidnapping.

Over 50 people have now been confirmed killed in last week’s gunmen attacks on villages in the Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State.

The gunmen opened fire on worshippers at a mosque and set others ablaze.

Aminu Ibrahim, who represents Malumfashi constituency in the Katsina State House of Assembly, confirmed the death toll to his colleagues at Tuesday’s plenary session on August 20, 2025.

“Thirty people were gunned down during morning prayers, and another 20 were burned alive in their homes,” Ibrahim said.

“Our people can no longer live in their villages because of these relentless attacks. The situation has become unbearable.”

The lawmaker disclosed that the attacks took place across several communities; Gidan Adamu Mantau, Unguwar Yar Mai Dabo, Makera in Karfi ward, and Burdigau in Yaba ward between the night of Monday, August 18, and the morning of Tuesday, August 19, 2025.

Villagers said gunmen swept through on motorbikes, firing at anyone in sight.

“We alerted the soldiers when we saw strange movements around six in the evening,” said a resident of Burdigau, who asked not to be named for fear of reprisals.

“But the soldiers came, stayed a short while, and left. By dawn, the bandits came back.” The lawmaker also corroborated the story.

Following the attacks, the Katsina State Government sent a delegation, led by the Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Faskari, to condole with the bereaved families.

Speaking on behalf of the governor, who is on medical leave, Faskari called the killings a ‘deeply painful and heartbreaking tragedy’.

“Our hearts are with the families who lost their loved ones in this senseless attack,” he said.

“The administration remains committed to strengthening security and restoring peace.”

The government confirmed that 32 people were killed while praying, but it said the final death toll was still being verified.

Officials said an airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force disrupted the attackers as they attempted to abduct residents, leading to chaotic scenes in which captives scattered into the bush.

On Wednesday, August 20, the state’s acting governor, Faruk Jobe, met with the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, in Abuja, to press for stronger military support.

“Our people deserve to live in safety and dignity,” Jobe said.

“We will continue to work hand in hand with the Armed Forces until this menace is defeated.”

Despite years of military operations in the region, communities in Katsina and neighbouring states remain vulnerable.

The massacre comes amid a wave of rural violence in Nigeria’s North-west, where armed gangs often referred to as bandits have terrorised farming communities through kidnappings, extortion and mass killings.

Thousands have been killed in recent years, and tens of thousands forced to flee their homes.

Google, Microsoft, and TikTok have deactivated more than 13.5 million Nigerian user accounts over violations of online safety standards and the country’s code of conduct for digital platforms.

The disclosure came in a statement issued Wednesday, August 20, by Hajiya Hadiza Umar, Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations at the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

She explained that the accounts were removed for sharing harmful or offensive content in breach of the Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms.

The action was detailed in the 2024 Code of Practice Compliance Report submitted to the federal government by major tech companies, including Google, Microsoft, and TikTok.

The report, jointly released by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), NITDA, and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), reviewed how platforms are tackling harmful online activities.

According to the findings, a total of 58.9 million pieces of offensive content were deleted across various platforms.

The report also noted that 754,629 user complaints were recorded, with 420,439 items initially taken down later reinstated after successful appeals.

Hajiya Umar praised the tech firms for maintaining their commitment to the Code of Practice and strengthening protections against online harm in Nigeria..

“The compliance reports provide valuable insights into the platforms’ efforts to address user safety concerns in line with the Code of Practice and the platforms’ community guidelines,” Umar said.

“The submission of these reports marks a significant step towards fostering a safer and responsible digital environment for Nigerian users.

“It also demonstrates the platforms’ commitment to ensuring a secure and trustworthy online environment for all.

“This achievement reflects the provisions of the Code of Practice, which mandates that large service platforms are registered in Nigeria and comply with relevant laws, including the fulfilment of their tax obligation, while reinforcing the commitment to online safety for Nigerians.

“While NITDA acknowledges these commendable efforts, we emphasise that building a safer digital space requires sustained collaboration and engagement among all stakeholders.

“We remain committed to working with industry players, civil society, and regulatory partners to further strengthen user safety measures, enhance digital literacy, and promote trust and transparency in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem, ” she added

Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State on Wednesday reunited 14 abducted children with their families after they were rescued from traffickers in Anambra State.

Speaking during the official handover ceremony at Government House, Yola, Fintiri, represented by his deputy, Prof. Kaletapwa Farauta, narrated how the combined efforts of security agencies led to the rescue of the children and the arrest of the suspected kidnap kingpin, identified as Ngozi Abdulwahab, a middle aged woman of Igbo extraction.

The governor explained that intelligence reports in July 2025 revealed a string of missing children, mostly minors, which prompted swift action by security operatives including the police, the Department of State Services, and the Nigeria security and civil defence corps.

“This notorious trafficker perfected the art of trafficking minors aged four to 9 years from various communities in Adamawa State to the South-East, where she sold the victims for paltry sums ranging from N800,000 to N1.7m per child,” Farauta said on behalf of the governor.

The suspect operated from a small provision shop at Jambutu ward in Yola North Local Government Area, where she lured unsuspecting children with snacks and gifts.

Farauta described the crime as ‘monstrous and traumatic,’ vowing that the culprits would be brought to justice.

“We have ordered the immediate prosecution of the suspects under the trafficking in persons (Prohibition) enforcement and administration Act, 2015, the Adamawa State child protection law (2008), the violence against persons (Prohibition) Law, 2021, and the Penal Code of Adamawa State,” she declared.

She warned parents against negligence and urged them not to send children under the age of 10 on errands or to school unaccompanied.

“I welcome you to a mixed feeling of sadness and joy.

“It is sad that Adamawa State has now appeared on the map of an unfortunate monster which has been ravaging the nation, the monster of child trafficking. This is an infamous story we used to hear from far away.

“Unfortunately, it has caught up with us,” the governor said.

She also delivered Governor Fintiri’s message of zero tolerance for child trafficking:

“The message of His Excellency Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri to human traffickers and their accomplices is clear, Adamawa State is the wrong place to come to.

“We shall flush them out, dismantle their networks, and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.

“Our citizens are our most cherished assets and must never be turned into commodities of trade.”

Each of the 14 families whose children were rescued received N100,000 cash support as well as food and non food items to cushion the impact of their ordeal and help set up small businesses.

The deputy governor appealed to parents to be more vigilant and responsible in caring for their children, describing them as “sacred blessings from God.”

“To parents across the state, I call on you to take parenting more seriously. Children are sacred blessings from God, and we must treat them with the responsibility they deserve,” she urged.

She further encouraged members of the public to report suspicious activities promptly to security agencies to curb the menace of trafficking.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Katsina Command has seized illegal drugs valued at approximately N690 million, along with two vehicles used to transport the contraband.

The state controller of the NCS, Idriss Abba-Aji, disclosed this on Tuesday, August 19, in Katsina while providing details about the arrests and confiscations.

Abba-Aji said that operatives of the NCS seized 14 cartons of Tramadol valued at N650 million and fragbaline capsules worth N28 million, hidden in two different vehicles.

According to him, the seizures were made within two weeks, adding that cannabis sativa worth about N15 million was also confiscated by the operatives.

“Recently, we noticed that our borders are used for drug smuggling.

“Vehicles are cleverly used to confuse security personnel encountering them.

“You may think such vehicles are conveying dignitaries.

“The public must understand that during our operations we stop all available vehicles to ensure checks.

“People complain about customs disturbing commuters. Drug traffickers will never use lorries or open vehicles.

“They conceal drugs inside vehicles designed to appear ordinary,” the controller said.

The NCS controller further explained that operatives cannot detect such concealments without stopping and searching, stressing that luck favoured them in confiscating two vehicles on different occasions.

He added that each vehicle conveyed large quantities of illicit drugs, suspected to be distributed within Katsina and neighbouring states if not intercepted.

Abba-Aji reiterated that drug abuse fuels banditry in the region. To help curb the menace, the command has intensified its enforcement operations.

Another Lagos Female Councillor, Zainab Adeshewa Shotayo Dies After Brief Illnes

The only female elected councillor in Odiolowo Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Lagos, Zainab Adeshewa Shotayo, has passed away after a brief illness.

She was inaugurated just three weeks ago and served as chief whip of the 6th legislative arm, representing ward C3.

Her death has deeply shaken the council secretariat in Ilupeju, making it the second death among the state’s newly elected councillors.

The first death, also a female, was that of Oluwakemi Rufai, the councillor for Ward C1 in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, who died a week ago.

According to circulating reports, Shotayo passed away on Monday, August 18, after a brief illness.

Like her deceased colleague she was the only elected female councillor in the council.

Both were also elected on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress and were among councillors inaugurated about three weeks ago.

The council chairman, Seyi Jakande, mourned her passing, describing her as the youngest and one of the most inspiring leaders on the council.

He praised her commitment to service and her role as a model for young women in leadership.

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Two men have been arrested in connection with the illegal possession of three human skulls in the Ijebu area of Ogun State, according to the police command.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, made the disclosure in a statement issued from Abeokuta, the state capital.

“On Monday, August 11, at about 1400hrs, a team of Mobile Police Officers from 71 PMF Awa Ijebu was conducting a routine stop and search operation along the Ijebu Ode and Ibadan Expressway at Refugees Camp Junction, Oru Ijebu.

“During the exercise, the officers intercepted one Kadir Owolabi, who was riding a motorcycle. A search of his luggage led to the shocking discovery of three human skulls,” Odutola said.

According to her, the preliminary investigation led to the arrest of another suspect, Jamiu Yisa, aged 53, behind the Ijebu Ode Local Government Secretariat.

The Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, has, however, directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to take over the case for discreet investigations.

The State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to taking strong action against crime and encouraged residents to collaborate with the force.

It also assured the public of their trust, confidentiality, and protection of identities.

South Sudan has informed the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump of its willingness to accept an increased number of migrants deported from the United States.

This development follows the recent deportation of eight migrants to South Sudan, only one of whom was reportedly a South Sudanese national.

The group had been held at a U.S. military base in Djibouti before being flown to the East African country.

In exchange for accepting more deportees, Juba is requesting Washington to lift sanctions on a senior official, reinstate revoked U.S. visas, unfreeze access to a U.S. based bank account, and support legal proceedings against Vice President Riek Machar, who remains under house arrest.

The Trump administration has so far declined these requests.

This gesture is part of a broader diplomatic effort by South Sudan aimed at improving ties with Washington, which have been strained in recent years over human rights concerns and ongoing political instability in the country.

The proposal underscores South Sudan’s desire to ease diplomatic tensions with the U.S. as it seeks international support ahead of its planned elections and grapples with humanitarian challenges at home.

However, it remains unclear whether Washington will respond positively to South Sudan’s overture or reconsider its current sanctions policy.

The future trajectory of bilateral relations between the two nations remains uncertain.

A total of 170 victims of human trafficking were rescued in various operations across Borno State between January and July 2025, according to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

Speaking during an event held in Maiduguri to mark the 2025 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the Zonal Commander of NAPTIP Maiduguri, Muhammad Danlami represented by agency official Dauda Joseph disclosed that most of the victims were women, while a smaller portion were children.

He noted that the occasion served as a platform to educate attendees on how to recognize trafficking schemes, particularly those disguised as job offers.

“In Borno, we have six convictions of human trafficking and standing cases in the court, which is almost 17, while rescued victims are 170 between January and July 2025.

“Most of the victims are women with minimal cases of children who are lured through employment scams and others,” he said.

He added, “Today, we are raising awareness for every invitee to know how human trafficking is being organized so that they can see those traces of human trafficking and know what is expected of them as citizens.”

Also speaking at the event, Deputy Comptroller of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in Borno State, B. W. Usman, highlighted the federal government’s adoption of technology to monitor trafficking in border regions.

“Under the leadership of the Controller General of Immigration, we have deployed technology to monitor the movement of persons, in and out of Nigeria,” he stressed.

He further revealed that the use of technology had already led to successful rescues and ongoing investigations.

He said, “Victims have been rescued and handed over to NAPTIP, and investigations have been launched. So, we are assuring everyone that we are not leaving any stone unturned in Borno and other places.”

The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has opposed a proposed legislative amendment seeking to transfer the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, NSIB from its oversight to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

The ministry’s stance was presented at a one-day public hearing organised by the House of Representatives Joint Committees on Aviation and Special Duties, held on Wednesday at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.

The hearing deliberated on the Bill to amend the NSIB Act No. 35 of 2022.

Representing the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, the Permanent Secretary, Ibrahim Kana, emphasised the importance of keeping the NSIB under the ministry’s supervision.

He stated that the NSIB “is a multi-modal transport safety investigation agency that plays a critical role in investigating accidents and incidents across the aviation, maritime, rail, and road transport sectors.”

Despite its broad mandate, he noted that “its core technical expertise and institutional foundation remain rooted in aviation, aligned with international protocols established by the International Civil Aviation Organisation”.

Kana highlighted the risks associated with transferring the Bureau’s oversight, warning that it could lead to politicisation, diminished accountability, and disrupted policy coherence.

He listed the advantages of keeping the NSIB under the ministry, stating that it would “ensure the Bureau continues to benefit from the ministry’s specialised aviation and aerospace expertise.

“Maintain compliance with both national and international regulatory frameworks, guarantee operational support without compromising its investigative independence, enable quicker response to safety challenges due to streamlined communication, and prevent administrative delays and bottlenecks that might arise if moved.”

Kana further emphasised that the NSIB’s independence is already protected with its principal officers appointed directly by the President in line with existing law and ICAO’s Article 26.

He reaffirmed the ministry’s willingness to collaborate with stakeholders in advancing Nigeria’s transport safety framework, stating the ministry’s commitment to working with all relevant parties to ensure the advancement of Nigeria’s transport safety architecture in line with international best practices.

In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the House Committee on Special Duties, Agbedi Frederick, underscored the importance of the hearing in refining and strengthening the NSIB’s mandate.

“This hearing is not just a legislative obligation but a vital opportunity for dialogue and progress. Your contributions will ensure that the amended Act reflects the collective commitment to a safer Nigeria,” Agbedi said.

Nafi’u Bala, a former governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Gombe State, has announced himself as the new national chairman of the party, sparking a fresh leadership crisis.

At a late-night press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, July 30, Bala, who previously served as the party’s national deputy chairman, accused the David Mark-led interim leadership of unlawfully hijacking the ADC in violation of its constitution.

He vowed to resist what he described as an elite-driven attempt to repurpose the party as a platform for a new opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.

Last month, several prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Senate President David Mark, former PDP chairman Uche Secondus, and former governors Babangida Aliyu, Aminu Tambuwal, Sam Egwu, and Liyel Imoke, announced their adoption of the ADC as the base for their coalition.

Other notable names backing the coalition include former Kaduna governor Nasir el-Rufai, 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, ex-ministers Rauf Aregbesola, Rotimi Amaechi, Solomon Dalung, and former APC chairman John Odigie Oyegun.

However, the coalition has faced internal resistance within the ADC.

On Wednesday, July 2, Ralph Nwosu, the party’s founder and long-time chairman, stepped down and endorsed the interim leadership under Mark.

Days later, on July 29, Nwosu claimed he was offered three ministerial appointments to abandon the plan of turning the ADC into a unifying platform for the opposition, a move he said he rejected.

A faction within the ADC has rejected the coalition takeover, arguing that the party cannot be used as a ‘private platform’ for political elites.

Dumebi Kachikwu, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has also criticised the move, describing it as undemocratic and unrepresentative of the party’s grassroots base.

Bala, insisting he has the backing of genuine party members, said the group would be heading to court to challenge the alleged unconstitutional takeover.

“We wish to draw the attention of all members of our great party and Nigerians at large, to the ongoing acts of political hooliganism being perpetrated by some individuals who were hitherto entrusted with the leadership of the party,” Bala said.

“We are all living witnesses to the show of shame and acts of lawlessness being displayed by these unscrupulous leaders, who, without any qualm or sense of moral restraint, plunged our party into a needless crisis and leadership uncertainty.

“The idea of mortgaging the future of our great party, by abdicating the constitutional duties and responsibilities of all elected officers of the party, to some powerful outsiders who never belong to the party, is condemnable.

“Recently, the nation woke up only to be greeted by a shoddily rehearsed political melodrama, in which elected roles were switched with certain groups of political strangers in order to facilitate the complete takeover of the party structures and their political appurtenances.

“This total surrender and capitulation is without any known precedent in our democratic journey to constitutional order. We are therefore strongly resolved and collectively determined to challenge this affront and ensure that the party’s laid down rules and stipulated provisions are respected and strictly adhered to by all those who belong to it.

“In case these individuals choose to ignore our urgent calls to obey our constitutional guidelines and thus remain very obdurate and recalcitrant in their aberrant behaviour, we shall proceed with gusto to challenge these gross acts of impunity in the courts and bring them to justice.

“It gives us enormous pain to inundate you with these scandalous happenings in our party, but we have been left with no other option to take in defence of our inalienable constitutional rights, as evident by the prevailing situation we now find ourselves in the party.

“In the history of democracy all over the world, no party leader or any group of leaders have the power to arbitrarily transfer elected mandate or political authority to non-members who never belonged or contested for political office.”

He stated that the ADC constitution clearly outlines the procedures for succession and the proper process for filling leadership vacancies.

Citing these provisions, Bala announced that he has rightfully stepped into the position of interim national chairman in accordance with the party’s internal rules.

He called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to urgently recognise his leadership and update its records to reflect the change.

Gill Lever, the United Kingdom’s deputy high commissioner to Nigeria, condemned the killing of 33 kidnap victims by bandits in Banga town, Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara state.

The gunmen reportedly killed the abductees on Sunday, July 27, despite receiving a ransom payment of N50 million.

Residents, speaking anonymously, said that the gunmen later released 17 hostages, most of whom were women.

Speaking at the launch of the state expansion program for the anti-kidnap fusion cell an initiative by the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in partnership with the UK government, Lever described the attack as an ‘unspeakable crime.’

She expressed her condolences to the people of Zamfara, lamenting the horrific kidnapping where, despite ransom being paid, only a few hostages were freed while the others were murdered.

Lever said, “This is an unspeakable crime that affects society, communities, and families deeply. It harms people’s mental and physical health, slows economic development, and causes widespread damage. We must end this. We must stop and reduce these incidents because we all feel deeply about the devastating effects of kidnapping.”

Lever highlighted the multi agency anti kidnap fusion cell, a three years program, as a model for fostering collaboration among Nigeria’s security forces to combat kidnapping nationwide.

She emphasized that the initiative is part of a broader strategic partnership signed by the foreign ministers of both countries last year, based on mutual trust, respect, and support.

Lever noted that the work of the UK Crime Agency with the NCTC, Nigerian police, and other stakeholders is grounded in these principles, aiming to develop a model tailored for Nigeria.

The commissioner added, “This is not the UK imposing its ideas of a kidnap fusion center, but rather a program designed by Nigerian experts who understand the reality of kidnappings.”

Recalling a recent security and defense partnership meeting in London, she said that expanding the multi-agency fusion cell to more states was a mutually agreed step.

Lever expressed hope that the program will produce a stronger combined effect than isolated efforts by individual security agencies.

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the Senate to recall the suspended lawmaker representing Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The court, in a judgement that was delivered by Justice Binta Nyako, described as excessive, the six-month suspension that was slammed on the lawmaker by the Senate.

It faulted the provision of Chapter 8 of the Senate Standing Rules as well as...Details here> https://thestreetjournal.org/abuja-court-orders-senate-to-recall-suspended-natasha-akpoti-uduaghan/

Former president Muhammadu Buhari is currently in London where he is receiving medical treatment.

The former president, who left office on 29 May 2023 after serving two terms, has reportedly been...Details here>https://thestreetjournal.org/former-president-buhari-receiving-treatment-for-unknown-ailment-in-uk-hospital-since-april/

Former president Muhammadu Buhari is currently in London where he is receiving medical treatment.

The former president, who left office on 29 May 2023 after serving two terms, has reportedly been...Details here>https://thestreetjournal.org/former-president-buhari-receiving-treatment-for-unknown-ailment-in-uk-hospital-since-april/

The United States (US) House of Representatives has banned WhatsApp from all official devices as a result of data privacy and security concerns.

Harry Coker, the acting National Cyber security (ONCD) Director confirmed this via a statement issued on Monday, June 23 stating that WhatsApp’s high risk classification is attributed to the...Details here>https://thestreetjournal.org/us-bans-use-of-whatsapp-on-official-devices-over-security-risks/

Officers of the Akwa Ibom Police Command have arrested a man identified as Alexander Peter for killing his 71 year old mother, Atiny Peter with a machete at the Ikot Inyang village, located in the Oruk Anam Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

The state’s Commissioner of Police, (CP) Baba Mohammed Azare confirmed this via a statement issued on Thursday, June 19 at the Command’s headquarters in Uyo, the state’s capital.

CP Azare stated that the...Details here>https://thestreetjournal.org/akwa-ibom-police-arrests-man-for-murdering-71-year-old-mother/

The Benue State Police Command has arrested a man identified as Torngusha Usuwe for killing his mother during a family dispute in Gungul village, located in Ukum Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

Security expert, Zagazola Makama confirmed that the incident occured on Tuesday, June 10 around 2:30 p.m.

Makama stated that an argument between Usuwe and his mother escalated, resulting in...Details here> https://thestreetjournal.org/benue-police-arrests-man-for-murdering-mother-during-family-dispute/