Author: Opalim Lifted

Charles Awuzie has urged Nigerian lawmakers to open the nation’s security sector to private players, drawing a sharp comparison with South Africa’s powerful network of licensed security firms. South Africa has more than 2.4 million private security officers working under the oversight of the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority. They serve through over ten thousand companies and operate with training, surveillance tools and armed response units that often match or exceed public law enforcement capacity. Their teams monitor streets and neighbourhoods through extensive camera networks and respond quickly to suspicious activity. Many also work hand in hand with the police.…

Four rice farmers have been abducted by terrorist in Bokungi village, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, in a second attack within a day. The incident followed the assault on worshippers at the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku on Tuesday, where gunmen opened fire during a service and took several people away. Footage from the Eruku attack, recorded during a live stream, showed congregants in mid-worship before gunshots rang out around the church. The community lies close to the Kogi border and has witnessed several security breaches in recent months. The latest incident unfolded on Wednesday evening. Witnesses said…

Aloy Ejimakor, counsel to Nnamdi Kanu, has confirmed that the Indigenous People of Biafra leader has been transferred from the custody of the Department of State Services in Abuja to a correctional centre in Sokoto. Ejimakor said the move places Kanu far from his legal team and family, and expressed concern over the conditions surrounding the transfer. The relocation came a day after Justice James Omotosho of the federal high court in Abuja delivered a sweeping judgment that found Kanu guilty of terrorism. The court sentenced him to life imprisonment on four counts and imposed additional terms of twenty years…

Onyinyechi Basil from Anambra State is set to stand for Nigeria at the seventy-fourth Miss Universe pageant. The event will take place on 21 November at the Impact Challenger Hall in Nonthaburi, just outside Bangkok, where 120 contestants will gather from every region of the world. Africa will field a strong line-up, with entrants from Nigeria, Angola, Botswana, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, DR Congo, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Guinea, Mauritius, Namibia, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia. This year’s winner will receive the crown from Victoria Kjær Theilving of Denmark, who holds the current title. Basil, aged twenty-five, earned…

Terrorist abducted several students and staff members from St. Mary’s School in Papiri, Agwara LGA of Niger State. The attack took place between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. on Friday. In a statement, the Niger State Government said it received with deep sadness the report of the kidnapping. Officials noted that the exact number of abducted pupils had yet to be confirmed as security agencies continued their assessment. The statement, signed by Abubakar Usman, secretary to the state government, explained that authorities had earlier obtained intelligence pointing to rising security threats in parts of the northern senatorial district. In response…

President Bola Tinubu has directed Bello Matawalle, minister of state for defence, to relocate to Kebbi following the abduction of schoolgirls in the state. Twenty-five students were taken on Monday morning when bandits attacked their school, killing a staff member, Hassan Yakubu Makuku, and injuring a security guard. Two of the abducted girls reportedly escaped on Tuesday, while efforts to rescue the others are still under way. In a statement on Thursday, Tinubu ordered Matawalle to move to Kebbi to monitor the security operations aimed at securing the girls’ release. The statement noted that Matawalle had gained some experience in…

Chappal Energies, a Nigerian-owned firm, says the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) made no attempt to contact its chief executive officer (CEO), Ufoma Immanuel, through any official channels before declaring him wanted. In a public notice on Wednesday, the anti-graft agency declared Immanuel wanted for an alleged case of obtaining money by false pretence and forgery. The company acknowledged the notice in a statement on Thursday. Chappal said enforcement actions under Nigerian law are guided by established procedures that require reasonable attempts at direct engagement through official channels before issuing or acting on a warrant. “To our knowledge, no…

President Donald Trump has launched a special fast-track visa scheme for fans heading to the 2026 World Cup but the US has made it clear that a match ticket alone won’t guarantee entry. Announcing the initiative in the Oval Office on Monday alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino, Trump said the new “FIFA Pass” would help deliver a smooth experience for millions of visitors expected next year, despite concerns about his tough immigration policies. “For anyone planning to join us for the World Cup, apply right away,” Trump urged, framing the event as a centrepiece of his second term and America’s…

The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed fresh terrorism charges against seven commanders of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), all allegedly linked to separatist agitator Simon Ekpa. In a statement on Thursday, Favour Dozie, deputy director of public relations and strategic communications, said the accused individuals received money and operational support from Ekpa and other foreign-based members of his faction. The charges — marked FHC/ABJ/CR/632/2025, FHC/ABJ/CR/633/2025 and FHC/ABJ/CR/634/2025 — were lodged before the Federal High Court in Abuja on 19 November. One of the defendants, Ibrahim Ali Larabo, was described as an “illegal migrant” from Niger Republic…

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have climbed three spots from 41st to 38th in the world in FIFA’s latest rankings. According to the list released on Wednesday by the world football governing body, the three-time African champions remain in fifth position on the continent. The Super Eagles improved ranking comes despite missing out on the 2026 World Cup after losing to DR Congo on penalties in the final of the African playoffs over the weekend. The Super Eagles had earlier defeated Gabon 4-1 after extra time in the semi-final of the playoffs. In FIFA’s latest log, Morocco, Senegal, Egypt and…