Author: Opalim Lifted

More than 20 ISIS/ISWAP fighters have been killed in a series of coordinated air strikes carried out by Nigerian and United States forces in Metele, Borno State, according to Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters (DHQ). The operation, announced on Monday, followed what the military described as the “observed convergence and migration of terrorist elements” in the area. Major General Samaila Uba, director of defence information at the DHQ, said the strikes were part of ongoing counter-terrorism operations targeting extremist networks in the North-East. “The ongoing operations follow the neutralisation of ISIS commander Abu-Bilal al-Minuki and are part of sustained efforts to disrupt…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested former Minister of Power Saleh Mamman weeks after he was convicted and sentenced in absentia over corruption charges. EFCC chairman Ola Olukoyede disclosed on Tuesday that Mamman was apprehended around 3:30 a.m. in Rigasa area of Kaduna State. Mamman was convicted on May 7 on all 12 counts filed against him by the anti-graft agency and sentenced to a total of 75 years imprisonment by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court. The court sentenced him to seven years each on 10 counts, while counts four and five attracted three…

Lagos lawmaker, Desmond Elliot has explained why he supported the attempted impeachment of Mudashiru Obasa in January 2025, saying lawmakers acted under the belief that the move had the backing of President Bola Tinubu. Speaking on Channels TV, the Surulere Constituency I representative said he was outside Nigeria when the crisis unfolded. According to Elliot, he and his wife travelled to South Africa on January 13, 2025, and he only became aware of the impeachment plot after it had already gathered momentum. “I would like to state categorically that I wasn’t in the country. My wife and I travelled during…

The Independent Media and Policy Initiative (IMPI) has stated that Nigeria has recorded its highest level of capital spending in decades under President Bola Tinubu, estimating expenditure at about $8 billion within a single fiscal cycle. In a policy assessment, the think tank said no administration since 1999 had matched the scale of capital allocation recently achieved, noting that sustained underinvestment over the years has deepened the country’s infrastructure gap. IMPI explained that the level of spending reflects a shift in fiscal priorities, as successive governments have struggled to balance recurrent expenditure with long-term investment in roads, power, rail, healthcare…

Togo has announced a new visa-free entry policy for citizens of all African countries, allowing short stays of up to 30 days without a visa. The Togolese Ministry of Security announced on Tuesday, via an official statement posted on its X account, that the policy had been unveiled. The government said the move is aimed at strengthening African integration, improving mobility across the continent, and positioning Togo as a hub for cooperation and opportunity in Africa. Under the new arrangement, African nationals holding valid passports can now enter Togo without obtaining a visa in advance for visits lasting up to…

Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has called for a major rethink of charity and philanthropy in Nigeria and across Africa, urging wealthy individuals, organisations and governments to focus on long-term solutions that tackle the root causes of poverty. Speaking at the inaugural memorial lecture held in honour of the late HRH Igwe Vincent Onyekelu Ilo in Enugu, Osinbajo said charity alone cannot transform society if the structures that create hardship remain untouched. In his lecture titled “Charity as a Catalyst for Social Change: Moving from Philanthropy to Sustainable Social Impact,” the former vice president explained that charity provides immediate relief…

Enzo Maresca is set to replace Pep Guardiola as Manchester City manager before next season. As BBC Sport reported on Monday, iconic City boss Guardiola is expected to leave the club following this Sunday’s home game against Aston Villa at Etihad Stadium, their final game of the season. Former Chelsea head coach Maresca has been identified as the leading contender to replace the legendary Spaniard for the 2026-27 season. With City preparing for Guardiola’s summer exit for more than six months, talks with Maresca are at an advanced stage. The 46-year-old wants the job and is expected to be confirmed…

Arsenal took a huge step towards becoming Premier League champions as Kai Havertz’s goal was enough to beat relegated Burnley at Emirates Stadium. Havertz had an eventful night – as he escaped a red card after a video assistant referee review ruled that a late challenge on Lesley Ugochukwu was not bad enough to be upgraded from a yellow. Victory means that the Gunners are five points clear of second-placed Manchester City, who have two games to play and take on Bournemouth on Tuesday. And if Pep Guardiola’s side drop points against the Cherries, then Arsenal will be crowned Champions.…

A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued strict bail conditions involving former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, in an ongoing case before the court. Delivering the ruling, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ordered that the former governor must report to the headquarters of the Department of State Services (DSS) every last Friday of the month by 10 a.m. to sign an attendance register pending the determination of the matter. The court also granted bail in the sum of ₦100 million with one surety in a like amount, alongside stringent verification requirements. Under the conditions set, the surety must reside in Maitama…

The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has condemned the recent attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, calling for urgent security action and a united effort to tackle kidnapping and violent crimes across Nigeria. In a statement issued on Monday by the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, the monarch described the abduction of students and teachers from schools within the Ahoro-Esiele/Yawota axis of Ogbomoso as disturbing and unacceptable. As gathered by Chronicle NG, armed gunmen reportedly invaded Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, L.A. Primary School, Esiele, and Yawota Baptist Nursery…