The troops, in collaboration with personnel of Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Police, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, “also destroyed IPOB’s Eastern Security Network (ESN), bomb factory in Imo.”

This announcement is contained in a statement issued by Lt.-Col. Olabisi Ayeni, acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division Nigerian Army, on Friday in Enugu.

Ayeni noted that the operations, conducted in the Orsu–Eketutu Mother Valley and Orsu–Ihiteukwa general areas, were part of ongoing efforts to eliminate Improvised Explosive Devices, IEDs, planted by criminal elements.

He said that the operations were also meant to facilitate the safe return of residents who were forced to abandon their homes due to the activities of the proscribed IPOB and its armed affiliate, ESN.

According to him, in one of the operations, troops operating under 34 Artillery Brigade conducted a joint clearance operation along the Lilu–Eketutu Road in the Orsu–Eketutu Mother Valley area of Imo on March 6.

“The road, which serves as a strategic route that functions as the community’s lifeline, enabling the flow of people, goods, and services for surrounding communities, had been abandoned for over three years.

“This is due to persistent threats and attacks by IPOB/ESN militants.

“During the operations, troops discovered IED planted at different areas along the road.

“The IEDs were successfully disconnected and safely recovered by Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) specialists, preventing potential casualties and restoring access to the route,” he said.

Ayeni said that in a related operation, on March 11, troops conducted clearance operation in Orsu–Ihiteukwa area; clearing suspected IED locations along key routes to enhance security and enable displaced inhabitants to return safely to their homes.

He said, “During the operation, several IEDs were detonated along the route of advance.

“Despite the series of explosions, troops maintained operational momentum and discovered an IPOB/ESN IED-making factory within the area.

“The facility was thoroughly exploited, leading to the recovery of several items including Biafran flags and insignia, several rounds of 7.62 mm NATO ammunition and pipes used for priming IEDs.

“Other items recovered included: pistol magazines containing rounds of ammunition, double-barrel guns, CCTV cameras, as well as multiple clips and electrical wires suspected to have been used in the fabrication of explosive devices.”

The army spokesman said that additionally, EOD teams discovered many other IEDs concealed within the area; while the explosives were carefully disconnected, recovered, and safely destroyed.

He said that the Nigerian Army was committed to sustaining pressure on criminal networks threatening peace and security across Imo and Anambra states and the entire South East.

“Members of the public are requested to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, as community cooperation is vital to dismantling criminal syndicates and restoring lasting peace.

“Operation UDOKA is committed to protecting law-abiding citizens, securing lives and property and completely reinforcing regional stability,” he said.

Source: NAN

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The event will take place on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at the Eko Convention Centre.

Building on the momentum of previous successful editions, this year’s expo reaffirms the bank’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s agricultural and non-oil export sectors as key drivers of economic development.

The FirstBank Agric and Export Conference aims to keep Nigerians abreast of emerging trends in the agricultural and non- oil export sector, whilst providing them insights into how innovative solutions can contribute to the overall development of the economy, and the nation at large.

The conference will adopt a hybrid format, allowing most participants to join virtually while principal stakeholders attend in person.

Attendees will have the opportunity to explore exhibition booths featuring major organizations and associations from industry.

The event will feature a keynote speech, Goodwill messages, plenary discussions, where select speakers will expound on the theme and technical sessions to be handled by subject matter specialists in the agriculture and export value chain.

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Expected guest speakers include the Honourable Minister of Agriculture & Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, as the keynote speaker while the plenary and technical sessions will be enriched by insights from industry leaders like the MD Bank of Agriculture (BOA), Mr. Jafar Abubakar Umar;  MD/CEO Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), Mr. Abba Bello; National Action Committee on AfCFTA, Mr. Segun Awolowo;  President, All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Architect Kabir Ibrahim, CEO Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mrs. Nonye Ayeni and a host of others.

The renowned speakers will contribute their expertise and perspectives throughout the various sessions, ensuring participants gain valuable knowledge to enhance their roles within the agricultural and export value chain.

Speaking on the Conference, Olusegun Alebiosu, Managing Director, FirstBank Group stated, “The FirstBank Agric and Export Conference is a strategic platform for stakeholders to converge, share knowledge, and drive strategies that can unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s agricultural sector and non-oil export industry. Through this platform, FirstBank is empowering customers and stakeholders by providing them with actionable insights, innovative solutions, and valuable connections that can help them navigate the complexities of the agricultural and nonoil export sectors. In addition, we aim to deliver tangible benefits to our customers, enhance their business prospects, and create lasting value for our stakeholders, while contributing to the growth and development of Nigeria’s economy.”

To participate in the FirstBank Agric and Export Conference, interested participants can click on https://firstbanknigeria.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Lit8tD6KSm6kzLMcyHwo8Q to register.

The FirstBank Agric and Export Conference is one of the bank’s key initiatives to promote collaboration and innovation within the agricultural and non- oil export sectors.

By providing a strategic platform for stakeholders, the conference aims to enhance the competitiveness of customers and partners in the global market.

With agriculture identified as the most viable alternative to oil for generating foreign exchange earnings, this initiative supports economic diversification and is poised to accelerate national growth and development.

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Abiodun pleaded guilty on Monday to the two-count charge bordering on kidnapping instituted against him by the Department of State Services, DSS.

Consequently, Justice Nkeonye Maha adjourned the suit until September 23 for presentation of facts and judgment.

Maha also ordered the defendant to be remanded in Agodi Correctional Centre.

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Counsel to DSS, Mr T.A. Nurudeen, had earlier told the court that the defendant committed the crime between May 19 and June 5, 2024, in Ibadan.

Nurudeen added that Abiodun committed an illegal act by abducting the victim, thereby depriving her of liberty.

According to him, the offences contravened the Provisions of Sections 24A and 30A of the Terrorism and Prohibition and Prevention Act 2022.

Source: NAN

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The plant, locally known as ‘Efo Tete,’ which is possibly the tallest ever recorded in Africa, has sparked scientific curiosity and tourism interest.

This is contained in a statement made available on Friday in Lagos.

The statement was signed by the Director-General of Ekiti State Tourism Development Bureau, Mr Wale Ojo-Lanre.

According to Ojo-Lanre, the spinach, which is still growing and yet to produce seeds, was discovered in the backyard of Mr Lawrence Ajolokan, a farmer in Eso-Obe Local Council Development Area, LCDA, of the state.

“This isn’t just a plant. It’s a potential world record holder, a scientific curiosity, and a tourism gem all wrapped in one,” Ojo-Lanre said.

According to Ajolokan, he planted the seed in June 2024 and had harvested parts of the plant previously.

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The farmer, however said he had consistently avoided harvesting one particular stalk due to a strange instinct that “something” told him not to weed or harvest it.

While left untouched, the spinach kept growing to its current height of 9.5 feet, still growing with no visible fruiting yet.

Ajolokan said he hadn’t realised the plant’s uniqueness until Mr Kester Olaifa, a journalist and community leader at Ikoro, drew his attention to its unique height and thickness, while visiting his farm.

The chairman of Eso-Obe LCDA, Mr Bankole Ayeni, said that protective measures were put in place to preserve the plant.

According to the statement, the fears are coming from the interest from both the tourism and agricultural sectors, as the spinach has surpassed the tallest known African Spinach recorded at 8.3 feet in Benue in 2018.

The traditional ruler of the community, Olukoro of Ikoro-Ekiti, Oba Adebanji Adeleye, praised the state government for its swift response upon discovery of the unique plant.

“Ikoro is not just an ancient town but a custodian of living heritage,” he said.

The bureau has commenced documentation and is consulting agricultural experts to investigate the factors behind the plant’s unusual growth, as well as to discuss plans for its preservation and future exhibition.

Source: NAN

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The division’s spokesman, Lt.-Col. Olabisi Ayeni, disclosed this in a signed statement on Sunday.

Ayeni said the troops rescued the suspect from an angry mob that had attempted to lynch him.

“The suspect, along with the exhibits, has been handed over to the Nigeria Police at Noforija for further investigation and possible prosecution,” he said.

The spokesman further revealed that troops operating in Ado-Odo, Ota Local Government Area of Ogun, arrested and detained three suspected drug peddlers during a patrol.

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According to him, the suspects were found with two packs of substances suspected to be Indian hemp, concealed under 60kg of cargo in a white J5 vehicle.

“The suspects and exhibits have been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Ilaro Area Command, for further investigation and possible prosecution,” Ayeni said.

He reiterated the division’s commitment to deploying every legitimate means to protect law-abiding citizens from criminal elements within its area of operation.

Source: NAN

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The investigation was made known in a statement signed by the Division’s spokesman, Lt.-Col. Olabisi Ayeni, on Saturday.

The explosion occurred at Idi-Araba in Mushin local government area.

The blast reportedly caused one death and left others injured, prompting a joint investigation by security agencies to determine its cause.

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Ayeni confirmed the explosion happened at a metal scrap yard in Mushin, resulting in one fatality and injuries to two individuals.

He said the Division’s Counter Improvised Explosive Device, CIED, Squadron has been tasked to work with the Police to uncover the explosion’s source.

The team will also assess the surrounding area to guarantee ongoing safety and prevent further incidents in the vicinity.

Residents have been urged to stay calm and not panic, as authorities work to secure the environment.

Ayeni expressed the Division’s condolences to the deceased’s family and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

Source: NAN

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It was gathered that the deceased police officer was attached to a Lagos State task force.

A credible source, who confirmed the death to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on Thursday in Lagos, said that the incident occurred on Wednesday at about 6.30 a.m. at Volks Bus Stop on Lagos-Badagry Road.

It was learnt that the police officer was carrying out lawful enforcement with his team members when an unregistered T4 Volkswagen commercial bus drove against traffic.

“The bus was driven by a man, who identified himself as a soldier.

“In an ensuing altercation, the said soldier called his colleagues, who came out from the Ojo Army Barracks with dangerous weapons and attacked the police team.

“While the attack was on, the task force called for reinforcement and more policemen were swiftly mobilised to the scene and repelled the soldiers.

“One Insp Saka Ganiyu, a member of the police team, who sustained injuries during the attack was rushed to Lagos State University Teaching Hospital for treatment,” the source said.

He added that the injured officer later died in the hospital while undergoing treatment.

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According to the source, the corpse has been deposited at a mortuary for autopsy and preservation, while the command has begun investigation into the case.

The spokesperson for police command in Lagos State State, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, could not be reached for comment.

Meanwhile, the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, which confirmed the death in a statement, said it had begun investigation into the incident.

The Deputy Director of Army Public Relations in the division, Lt.-Col. Olabisi Ayeni, said in the statement on Thursday that the army regretted  to inform the public of an unfortunate incident.

He said that the incident occurred on October 9, 2024, and involved a soldier and a policeman following an altercation related to alleged traffic rule violation.

“The incident, which is under investigation, escalated and resulted in the death of the policeman.

“The soldier suspected to have committed the offence has since been apprehended and handed over to the military police for investigation and further disciplinary procedures.

“The incident is highly regrettable given the division’s commitment to the Nigerian Army Code of Conduct and Rules of Engagement.

“The Nigerian Army has continuously sensitised its personnel not to engage in activities that would tarnish its image and breach the trust with other security agencies as well as the civil populace,” he said.

Ayeni said that the army would continue to collaborate with  security agencies to ensure security of lives and property in line with its constitutional mandate.

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Operatives of the agency also raided a skucchies factory in Ogun and arrested four members of a drug syndicate including two church officials; female staff of a courier company and another lady, involved in trafficking lethal opioid, fentanyl in Delta.

The bust of the fentanyl cartel operating from Warri, Delta State is coming barely a month after two members of another syndicate – Odoh Collins Oguejiofor and Oliver Chigozie Uzoma were arrested at Ogbogwu market, Onitsha Head Bridge, Onitsha South LGA, Anambra State following months of intelligence-led investigation of the syndicates behind the dangerous drug, which is 100 times more potent than heroin and currently responsible for over 70% overdose deaths as well as a major contributor to fatal and nonfatal overdoses in the United States.

Two officials of Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministries (aka Mercy City Church), Warri, Delta State – Adewale Abayomi Ayeni, 39, and Ebipakebina Appeal, 41, linked to two intercepted consignments of the illicit drug have been arrested in Warri.

While Ayeni is one of those managing the prayer call centre of the church, Ebipakebina is in charge of movement of international guests from the airport to the church.

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Two female accomplices also arrested in Warri in the course of investigating the intercepted shipments include Naomi David, 28, who is a staff of United Parcel Services (UPS), and Stacy Njideka, also known as Nkiruka, 27, who is a business associate of Ayeni.

Meanwhile, operatives of the agency on Wednesday, July 5, intercepted a Toyota Hilux vehicle marked EPE 863 XD along Ngurore-Mayo Belwa road, Adamawa State.

A search of the van with two occupants – Kelvin Efe, 51, and Christian Ogaga, 42 – shows that 118 cartoons of Indomie Noodles packs were used to conceal 544 blocks of compressed cannabis sativa, weighing 408kg hidden in a false compartment and meant for distribution in Yola, Mubi and Gombe.

In Lagos, NDLEA operatives on Saturday, July 1, arrested a suspect, Segun Odeyemi conveying 89 jumbo bags of skunk with a total weight of 3,842kg in his truck around Eleganza area of Ajah, Lekki, while in Osun State an abandoned J5 Peugeot bus marked AAA 521 SQ with bags of fresh pepper used to conceal 25 bags of cannabis sativa weighing 300.5kg was recovered along Akure-Ilesa Expressway after its occupants sighted NDLEA officers on patrol on Friday, July 7.

In the same vein, operatives in Ogun State on Thursday, July 6, raided a skucchies factory at Ajaka Sagamu where a suspect, Adekunle Adekola, was arrested.

Exhibits recovered from the premises include: 10kg cannabis; 1,356 litres of skucchies; 20 litres of codeine; seven deep freezers; a set of Firman generator; and two gas cylinders among others.

While commending the team of NDLEA officers tracking the fentanyl opioid syndicate in Nigeria for the success of the operations so far, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) also gave thumbs up to their counterparts in Adamawa, Lagos, Osun and Ogun for the arrests and seizures of the past week.

He charged them and their compatriots across the country to continue to set their eyes on the goal of ridding the nation of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.

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There was nothing to separate the two sides in the Match Day 14 encounter until the lone goal.

Mustapha Ibrahim scored the goal from a penalty kick in the 39th minute of the match.

Akwa United’s Chief Coach, Ayodeji Ayeni, in his post-match reaction said his team played according to plans even though it did not end the way they wanted.

“A penalty kick was awarded to the hosts and they made good use of it. But we will go back home and re-strategise.

“After the first half, we realised that their strength was in the midfield and I told the players to cut their attack through the midfield.

“I told them we can get our goals through the counter-attack. They tried that, but it didn’t work out.

“We are going to work ahead of our next home game, which is crucial for us so that we can get the three maximum points to sustain our position on the table,” he added.

Plateau United’s Chief Coach, Maurice Longmiap, on his part told newsmen his players were full of anxiety while they played the match.

Longmiap said it was difficult to display good football when a player was anxious and his players could therefore not convert their goal scoring chances.

“They were told that we needed the three points with many goals and I think that made them to be anxious.

“Akwa United are a good team that cannot be written off by anyone and they gave a good account of themselves,” he added.

Source: NAN

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