Author: Opalim Lifted

The defence headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed claims that Bello Turji, a notorious bandit leader, has surrendered to the military. Markus Kangye, director of defence media operations, spoke on the development on Thursday in Abuja, while providing updates on the activities of the armed forces. “Simple answer to the question about terrorist leader, Bello Turji… Turji has not surrendered. We are still on the look out for him,” Kangye said. Turji, who operates largely in Zamfara and Sokoto states, has been linked to several deadly raids on communities in the north-west. He also reportedly operates a strict, deadly tax regime in…

A House of Representatives committee has commenced an investigation into the implementation of the $696 million (N1.06 trillion) Nigeria COVID-19 Action, Recovery, and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) scheme. The NG-CARES is an initiative of the World Bank and the federal government aimed at supporting the recovery of communities, households, and businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday after a meeting of the NG-CARES committee, Abubakar Kusada, who chairs the panel, expressed concern that the safety net programme has not been felt by the populace, even though the federal government released the required funds and laid…

The US state department has approved a potential sale of ammunition, precision bombs and precision rockets to Nigeria for an estimated cost of $346 million. In a statement on Wednesday, the Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said Nigeria requested to buy 1,002 MK-82 general purpose 500 lb bombs, 1,002 MXU-650 Air Foil Groups (AFGs), 5,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II, high-explosive warhead, and MK66-4 rocket motor, among others. Non-major defence equipment items in the package include FMU-139 joint programmable fuzes, bomb components, impulse cartridges, high-explosive and practice rockets, integration support and test equipment, as well as US government and…

The management of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) has demanded N3.5 billion in compensation and a public apology from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the alleged invasion of its premises on Sunday. Operatives of the EFCC reportedly stormed the library premises, arresting 93 suspected internet fraudsters and seizing 18 vehicles and several mobile devices. Speaking at a press briefing in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, on Wednesday, Vitalis Ortese, managing director of OOPL, described the actions of EFCC operatives as “unlawful” and “a direct assault on everything this institution stands for.” Ortese said the actions of the…

Rasheedat Ajibade, captain of the Super Falcons, has revealed that she played for FC Robo Queens in the Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) for 10 years without receiving a salary. Ajibade made the disclosure in a forthcoming episode of With Chude, hosted by Chude Jideonwo. The Super Falcons skipper described her time in the NWFL as “a tough moment” in her life. She recalled growing up in a compound of almost 100 people in the Mushin area of Lagos, where she washed toilets and bathrooms for money. “During that phase when I was in Nigeria and playing in the professional…

D’Tigers of Nigeria defeated Madagascar 77–59 in their opening game of the 2025 men’s AfroBasket in Angola. The Nigerians never looked in doubt of a victory throughout the match played at the Pavilhao Multiusos de Luanda on Wednesday. The game opened with a strong start from both sides, but Nigeria took the first quarter 18–14. Madagascar improved their performance in the second quarter but D’Tigers held on to a narrow halftime lead of 38–37. D’Tigers then dominated the third quarter 55-46, before sealing the 18-point victory in the final quarter. Caleb Agada led from the front with an all-around display,…

Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development, has defended the appointment of Wasiu Ayinde, the Fuji artiste popularly known as Kwam 1, as an ambassador for airport security protocol. Keyamo described the role as unpaid community service rather than a prestigious position with perks. On August 5, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) suspended two ValueJet pilots over a safety breach at the domestic terminal of the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja, which was linked to the disorderly conduct of Kwam 1, who was on board the flight. Keyamo had directed the agency to place the musician on a…

President Bola Tinubu will on Thursday, August 14, embark on a two-nation trip to Japan and Brazil. Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, said Tinubu will stop over in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), before proceeding to Japan. The president is expected to attend the ninth Tokyo international conference on African development (TICAD9) in Yokohama from August 20 to 22. With the theme “Co-create Innovative Solutions with Africa”, TICAD9 will focus on Africa’s economic transformation, private investment, innovation, and the creation of a resilient, sustainable society that ensures human security, peace, and stability. Onanuga said…

Legacy FM, a privately owned radio station in Ebonyi State, has lifted the suspension of its acting general manager, Godfrey Chikwere. The management recently announced that Chikwere had been directed to resume work with immediate effect from August 12, 2025. The station had recently suspended Chikwere over his persistent criticism of Francis Nwifuru, the governor of Ebonyi State. Legacy FM had accused the general manager of exhibiting unruly behaviour and flouting its code of conduct. “The management of Legacy FM 95.1, The Sound of Now, hereby suspends the acting General Manager, Godfrey Chikwere, with immediate effect, till further notice,” the…

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday appointed new boards for the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), reinforcing oversight of two key agencies in the country’s telecoms and digital infrastructure sector. This was contained in a statement announced by the special adviser to the president on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Tuesday. The NCC, which regulates Africa’s largest telecom market by subscriber numbers, will be chaired by Idris Olorunnimbe, a former board member of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, where he led youth employment and entrepreneurship initiatives. Dr Aminu Wada will remain the commission’s…