This is contained in an operational report by the Nigerian Army, made available in Abuja on Friday.

The report said that the operation was conducted on Thursday at about 15;00 hours at Vom community, following credible human intelligence on the activities of illegal arms manufacturers in the area.

It said troops of OPEP carried out a well-coordinated raid on two identified fabrication sites, where the suspects were caught in the act of manufacturing illegal weapons.

“During the operation, five suspects were arrested, while troops recovered nine fabricated AK-47 rifles, one locally fabricated pistol, seven skeleton AK-47 rifles, four empty magazines, and 10 rifle butt stocks.

“Other items recovered include 36 empty shells of 7.62mm special ammunition, four revolver components, 14 recoiling springs, six hand drilling machines, nine filing machines, four welding machines, and other assorted tools used for arms fabrication,” it said.

The report added that the suspects and recovered exhibits were currently in custody for further investigation.

It also said that follow-up covert operations were ongoing to consolidate gains and mop up remaining illegal arms networks within the Plateau operational environment.

According to the report, the operation forms part of sustained efforts by OPEP to curb illicit arms proliferation and strengthen peace and security in the North-Central region.

Source: NAN

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A statement by Ademola Olajire, NFF’s Director of Communications said the NFF executive committee approved the recommendation of its Technical and Development Committee for the appointments of the two coaches.

Maikaba previously coached the Golden Eaglets and served as assistant coach of the Flying Eagles during Paul Aigbogun’s tenure.

He has handled top clubs including Enyimba, Wikki Tourists, Kano Pillars and Plateau United during his coaching career.

Maikaba also guided Akwa United to victory in the 2017 Federation Cup, Nigeria’s oldest domestic football competition.

Uwejamomere becomes head coach of the Golden Eaglets after years as analyst with the Super Eagles and Super Falcons.

He is currently head of academy at Sporting Lagos FC, recently promoted to the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL.

Uwejamomere also worked as youth development coach at Millwall FC, Gillingham FC and Nottingham Forest FC in England.

He previously served as head coach of Abeokuta-based Stormers FC.

Source: NAN

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The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, in Abia, Mrs Ngozi Ezeoma, confirmed the accident in Umuahia.

Ezeoma said that it occurred at about 2:10 p.m. and involved a white Nissan Caravan bus.

She said that preliminary investigation revealed that the accident was caused by a tyre burst.

She explained that 17 male adults were involved in the accident, adding that four died, 12 sustained injuries, while one escaped without injury.

The state FRSC boss further explained that a rescue team from the command took the victims to the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia for treatment.

She said that the doctors on duty confirmed two persons dead on arrival, while two others died, while receiving treatment.

Ezeoma said that the remains of the deceased persons had been deposited at the hospital’s morgue.

She said that operatives from the command promptly cleared the obstruction caused by the crash to ensure free flow of traffic.

Source: NAN

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Shettima, who submitted the forms at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, urged APC governors, members of the National Assembly to support the president’s candidature.

He said Tinubu had demonstrated the ability to pull Nigeria out of the economic and social morass it had been enmeshed in.

Shettima relied on the positive impact of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu’s administration as the rallying call to give the president full backing to actualise his bid for a second term.

“We are here as Nigerians, and as members of the APC, to submit this very priceless nomination form of our dear President and leader, His Excellency, Bola Tinubu, as he seeks to lead us for another four-year term.

“Through thick and thin, Tinubu has proved his mettle and has shown the world that his capacity and resolve to pull the nation out of the woods remain unfazed.

“Indeed, the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President has reflected on many successes of this administration.

“The socio-economic impacts have been phenomenal in pushing out positive results, ” Shettima said.

According to him, Tinubu has courageously steered the ship of state through choppy seas.

Shettima added that even though some of the decisions taken by the Tinubu’s administration seemed difficult, they were necessary to stabilise Nigeria’s economy and secure the nation’s future.

“His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, has delivered on the mandate of renewal, stability, and national rebirth.

“The storms of the past years have not diminished him; they have made a fine sailor out of him.

“He has steered this ship through turbulent waters with courage, taking difficult but necessary decisions to stabilise the economy, restore confidence, and prepare Nigeria for a more sustainable future.

“Hence our support and reason for rallying round him,” the VP said.

According to him, every citizen has a role to play in a democracy. It beckons on us all to, as a matter of sacrifice and contribution, protect the hope of Nigeria.

“On behalf of our great party, I ask all Nigerians to support this nomination and, by the special grace of God, the candidacy of President Bola Tinubu in 2027 is victorious.”

The Speaker, House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, applauded Tinubu’s leadership at a difficult time in Nigeria’s history.

Abbas assured of better days and a brighter future with the president at the helm of the nation’s affairs.

He said Tinubu’s courageous decisions and bold reforms had put the country on the path of recovery, prosperity and progress.

According to him, Tinubu’s reform justifies his reelection for a second term.

The National Chairman of APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, said the performances of Tinubu and APC’s  governors were enough justification for the President’s re-election.

According to him, the party has done enough across different sectors of the economy to justify the president’s second term.

He said the endorsement of the president for a second term by the National Working Committee of the party was premised on his sterling performance in critical sectors.

The Chairman, Progressives Governors Forum, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo, said the party’s unanimous support for Tinubu was evident in the presence of majority of the governors present at the event.

He noted that the president’s leadership qualities and performance since he assumed office had positively impacted the party’s majority among state governors and the legislature.

Uzodimma assured that the progressive governors would work assiduously for president’s re-election to enable him complete the good work he had started.

Source: NAN

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Speaking after the submission, Hamzat reaffirmed his commitment to service, responsible leadership, and the continued progress of the state, adding that his decision to step forward was driven by a deep sense of duty to the people of Lagos and a resolve to build on the developmental strides already achieved across the state.

According to him, “We are in the political cycle, and we are in a progressive party that follows processes and is well organised, the All Progressive Congress. Today, we are here to submit our forms and intentions for positions. Our party has slated this date for the submission, and that is why you see this activity with personalities here in a very joyous and celebratory mood.”

Speaking further, the deputy governor noted that the journey is about service, responsibility, and building a Lagos that works better for every family, every business, and every person that calls the state home.

Reflecting on the achievements recorded through collaborative governance over the years in the state, Hamzat noted that while significant progress had been made, there remained greater opportunities to further strengthen infrastructure, improve public service delivery, deepen economic growth, and enhance the quality of life for residents.

“We have made progress together, but there is still more to do. I am stepping forward with experience, purpose, and a deep belief in the future of our state. We understand the geography and the history of Lagos, so it is just to project it better. Good things are already in Lagos. It is to make sure that the good things continue,” Hamzat said.

He added that the exercise marked another significant step in the journey toward a greater Lagos, one anchored on inclusive growth, innovation, sustainable development, and people-focused governance.

Hamzat concluded by reiterating his readiness to continue working with residents, stakeholders, and communities across the state to ensure Lagos remained a model of excellence and prosperity in Nigeria and beyond.

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Deputy Governor of Kebbi State, Umar Abubakar Tafida, on Wednesday in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital, spoke along these lines while conducting the Presidential Media Team and the Renewed Hope Ambassadors on the projects funded by the federal and state governments in the state.

The Deputy Governor noted that the longest stretch of the highway, which is about 258 kilometres, is within Kebbi State, noting that the legacy project will link the Northwest to the Southwestern part of the country and open up huge economic opportunities between the two regions of the country, most especially for farmers, traders and tourists.

Umar Tafida added that the project demonstrated Tinubu’s “nationalistic view” of development as it cut across several states and linked agricultural and commercial hubs.

He noted that agricultural products like rice, tomatoes and onions from the state would get to other markets outside the region faster on account of the project.

“Transport and development go hand in hand. Farmers will now find it easier to move equipment and transport farm produce to markets quickly.

“Perishable goods like tomatoes can now reach markets in good time without losses associated with bad roads,” he said.

According to him, “this plan has been there for a very long time, but President Tinubu came, reviewed the design and masterplan, made adjustments and awarded the contract. Today, it is almost becoming history because the work is progressing steadily.”

The Deputy Governor also praised the quality of work on the road, including the concrete pavement and solar-powered street lighting, adding that the state government was collaborating closely with security agencies to ensure adequate protection for workers and host communities.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, who led the team, said visible progress on the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway had effectively answered critics who doubted President Tinubu’s commitment to delivering the ambitious legacy project.

The delegation inspected sections in Kebbi State of the 1,068-kilometre corridor that will pass through seven states.

According to Dare, the inspection by the Renewed Hope Ambassadors and Presidential Media Team, aims at providing evidence of work done on the project and showcase the level of achievements of the Tinubu administration in the Northwest across key sectors.

“The very essence of our coming is to set the record straight and showcase the achievements of the administration of President Tinubu in this state and the Northwest as a region. Seeing is believing. We’ve come, we’ve seen it, and we’re standing on the roads he has done.

“We’re standing on concrete roads. We’re seeing testimonials from people in these communities who say this project was abandoned for decades and has now been reactivated.

“There is clear evidence of work being done. We’re seeing progress, completion of roads, commissioning of roads and how they are impacting economic life,” he added.

The Special Adviser said ongoing infrastructure drive under President Tinubu reflected a long-term national development vision designed to position Nigeria among modern 21st-century economies.

He said projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway were central to the administration’s ambition of building a $1 trillion economy through strategic infrastructure investments.

“When you look at the requirements of the 21st century, it emphasises infrastructure, human capital development and futuristic planning,” he said.

Dare described the Sokoto-Badagry corridor as one of the most ambitious road projects in Nigeria’s history, noting that the project would open up previously inaccessible areas and stimulate economic activities across the northern corridor.

Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (Northwest), Abdullahi Tanko Yakasai, described the project as critical to food security and regional economic growth.

He said the highway corridor would include dams and other supporting infrastructure aimed at enabling year-round farming and easier movement of agricultural produce across the country.

Also speaking at the project site, the Federal Ministry of Works said work on the Kebbi section of the project was progressing according to schedule.

Site engineer, Malami Aliyu, disclosed that the section covered Phases 2A and 2B of the project stretching from kilometre 120 to kilometre 385.

He said site clearance, filling works, stone base and sub-surface works were all progressing steadily while concrete pavement construction had covered 19 kilometres including street light installation.

The engineer put the level of completion at 40 per cent for Section 2A and 16 per cent for Section 2B, adding that there were no major challenges affecting construction activities in Kebbi State.

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The multi-country investigation into the drug money laundering operations culminated in the well-coordinated simultaneous arrest of a billionaire drug baron, Amadi Simon in Switzerland and his co-conspirators – 34-year-old Jecinta Amara Ikechi, in Anambra State, and 28-year-old Blessing Ngozi Amadi in Agbor, Delta State – on Tuesday 28th April 2026.

This followed months of intelligence and investigations across multiple jurisdictions linking Amadi to the laundering of hundreds of billions of Naira in proceeds of drug and financial crimes.

In addition to the arrest of the suspects, the NDLEA, in collaboration with its international law enforcement partners, has also traced multi-billion assets linked to Amadi’s transnational criminal network in Nigeria and abroad.

His operations in Nigeria included a complex scheme of front and shell companies; pass-throughs and delegates; and the use of numerous traditional and cryptocurrency accounts to conceal and launder illicit funds.

Properties already identified and linked to Amadi Simon as proceeds of illicit drug funds include: Jovi Hotel at 1 Isiayei Street GRA Phase1, Asaba, Delta State; Jovi Hotel and Suites at  4 Orikeze by Deeper Life Road, Agbor, Delta State; as well as Jovi Apartment at Jamieson Court Mabushi, Abuja; while several bank accounts and crypto currency addresses used by the cartel to conceal hundreds of billions of illicit funds have also been identified and blocked.

Speaking on the coordinated efforts of the NDLEA, the United States DEA, and other international partners, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), said the success of the multi-country and multi-year operations had sent a clear message that the NDLEA maintains “a zero-tolerance policy toward crimes that jeopardize the safety of the Nigerian people, the integrity of our national reputation, and the stability of our economy.”

He expressed gratitude for the support received from the US-DEA to crack and dismantle Amadi’s transnational criminal network, adding that the U.S. Mission to Nigeria has continued to partner with the Agency to combat narcotics trafficking through training in intelligence, evidence collection, case management, and tactical operations as well as the provision of critical equipment.

He assured that NDLEA would continue to expand its cooperation with the United States and other international partners.

“The NDLEA remains relentless in its pursuit of those involved in narcotics trafficking and associated financial crimes, regardless of where they attempt to hide. Built upon a foundation of strategic partnership, unwavering integrity, and dedicated professionalism, the NDLEA is committed to ensuring that Nigeria is neither a haven for drug traffickers who profit from illicit substances nor a sanctuary for their criminal proceeds,” Marwa stated.

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Image shows (R-L) Philemon Zoo Zame, Director General, Telecommunications Regulatory Board, Republic of Cameroon, and Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, NCC, at the occasion.

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In a statement issued on May 6, 2026, and signed by the palace Press Officer, Sesan Bankole, the palace said that the recent media reports linking Halimat Tejuosho to the royal family were false and misleading.

The statement clarified that the politician’s surname is spelt “Tejuosho” with an “H”, while the royal family name of the Osile Oke-Ona Egba is “Tejuoso” without the letter “H”.

According to the palace, “Dr. (Mrs.) Halimat Adenike TEJUOSHO IS NOT RELATED TO OBA DR. ADEDAPO ADEWALE TEJUOSO, OSILE OKE-ONA EGBA, EITHER BY MARRIAGE, RELIGION OR BLOOD.”

The palace also expressed concern that some search engines, including Google, were allegedly spreading the misinformation and called for immediate correction.

It further clarified that another traditional ruler, Oba Adetokunbo Tejuosho, who became a coronet Oba in Egbaland a few years ago as the Olu of Kemta on the outskirts of Abeokuta, is also not related to Oba Tejuoso.

The palace urged members of the public to take note of the clarification to avoid further misinformation regarding the royal family.

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The passage followed presentation of report by the Committee on INEC by its chairman, Sen. Simon Lalong (APC-Plateau) at plenary on Thursday.

The proposed amendment aims to address gaps, timelines and court jurisdiction in the resolution of pre-election disputes.

Lalong in his lead debate said the bill sought to address one of the most persistent procedural and constitutional challenges in the nation’s electoral jurisprudence.

According to him, it sought to address the uncertainty, multiplicity and inconsistency associated with the jurisdiction for the determination of pre-election matters.

He said democracy thrives not merely on the conduct of elections, but also on the credibility, certainty and predictability of the legal processes that precede the elections.

“The legitimacy of candidates and the integrity of party primaries are foundational pillars of representative democracy.

“Where the legal framework regulating pre-election disputes is uncertain or conflicting, the entire electoral architecture becomes vulnerable to confusion, forum shopping, contradictory judgments and unnecessary delays,” Lalong said.

He said the bill targetted amendments to section 29 of the electoral act and introduces a new section 29A to clearly delineate jurisdictional competence in pre-election matters.

He said in spite provisions of section 285(14) of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 on pre-election matters, the legal system continued to witness conflicting interpretations, regarding appropriate court with jurisdiction to entertain disputes.

The uncertainty, Lalong noted resulted in conflicting decisions from courts of coordinate jurisdiction and abuse of judicial process.

According to him, the uncertainty also results in undue delay in the resolution of electoral disputes and avoidable constitutional tension between courts.

He said the amendment sought would bring clarity, order and constitutional harmony to the adjudication of pre-election matters.

He listed highlights of the amendment to include clause two of the bill which amends section 29 (5) of the principal act.

He said the clause provided that an aspirant might institute an action either in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT or in the jurisdiction where the cause of action arose.

“This amendment is both practical and equitable, it reduces hardship on litigants, improves access to justice.

“It aligns electoral adjudication with territorial realities surrounding political primaries and nomination processes.

“More fundamentally, clause three introduces a new section 29A, which is the substantive innovation of this bill.

“The proposed section 29A establishes a clear jurisdictional framework on pre-election matters relating to elections into the National Assembly, Governorship and State Houses of Assembly.

“It shall originate at the Federal High Court, with appeals lying to the Court of Appeal.”

He said pre-election matters relating to the offices of president and vice president shall originate at the Court of Appeal exercising original jurisdiction, with appeals lying to the Supreme Court.

Lalong said the proposal was not arbitrary, adding that it was rooted firmly in constitutional logic, judicial efficiency and the doctrine of hierarchy of courts.

“Presidential elections are national in character and constitutional significance.

“Given the sensitivity and urgency associated with such offices, vesting original jurisdiction in the Court of Appeal ensures expeditious determination by a superior court of record with nationwide competence and institutional capacity.

“Similarly, assigning jurisdiction over other pre-election matters to the Federal High Court promotes specialisation and consistency, especially given the federal nature of electoral administration through the INEC.”

Lalong said the bill also sought to eliminate the dangerous practice where litigants deliberately institute multiple suits in different judicial divisions in search of favourable orders.

According to him, such practices erode public confidence in the judiciary and undermine electoral stability.

“By expressly providing that no court shall entertain pre-election matters except in accordance with the proposed section 29A, this amendment introduces certainty and procedural discipline into electoral adjudication.”

He said the bill ultimately provided clear judicial pathway that would reduce delays and enhance judicial efficiency.

“The amendment before us is not merely procedural, it is institutional.

“It strengthens electoral justice, deepens democratic accountability and reinforces public confidence in our electoral process.”

Lalong said the bill was timely, necessary and in the national interest and urged lawmakers to support its passage.

Contributing, Sen. Mohammed Monguno (APC-Borno) after seconding the motion said the amendment sought was apt and germane.

According to him, it will lead to an improved experience in the nation’s electoral litigation and urged the lawmakers to support the passage of the bill.

President of Senate, Godswill Akpabio in his remarks after the bill was passed commended the chairman and the committee members for their inputs on the bill.

He expressed belief that the bill would be assented to by President Bola Tinubu, saying that act would deepen democracy and governance in Nigeria.

Source: NAN

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