News
Army Arrests Wanted Terrorist, Maje Lawan
The Army says troops of Operation Lafiya Dole have arrested a wanted Boko Haram suspect, Maje Lawan at Banki, Borno State.
According to a statement by Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Texas Chukwu, yesterday, Lawan was apprehended after he infiltrated into an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in the area.
Chukwu, said:”The suspect believed to be number 96 on the wanted list earlier published by the Army was apprehended after he infiltrated into the Internally Displaced Persons camp in the area.
“The suspect is currently undergoing preliminary investigation and will be handed over to the appropriate authority for further action”, the statement said.
“The public is reminded to be vigilance and to report any suspicious person, movements as well as activities to the law enforcement agents for prompt action”, the Nigerian Army advised.
Meanwhile, Chukwu said troops had neutralised two terrorists at Malari village also in Borno during an ambush while others fled into the bush.
He said 10 bicycles were recovered from the terrorists during the encounter.
In a similar development, he said troops had dislodged armed militia from their camp at Gbamjimba-Akor axis in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
He said unspecified number of the armed militia men were neutralised, adding that others escaped into nearby bushes with gunshot wounds.
Chukwu said one AK-47 rifle; two AK-47 rifle magazines, 60 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition and five motorcycles were recovered from them.
In another development, 20 bandits terrorising parts of Zamfara State have been killed by Nigerian troops conducting Operation Sharan Daji.
The troops also freed their captives following an ambush at Daban-Doka, an identified route of the bandits.
In a statement, Force Information Officer of the Operation, Col. Muhammad Dole, said “In continuation of the ongoing Operation Sharan Daji, the troops conducted several raids and ambush operations in major identified camps and routes in Maradun, Tsafe and Zurmi Local Goverment Areas of Zamfara State.
“Some bandits escaped with gunshot wounds and several motorcycles were burnt.
“In one of the troops encounter with the bandits, two notorious bandits, Bello Danboko and Sani Maza, were eliminated in Yanwari ward near Yankuzo and Mai Tukunya village near Dansadau all in Zamfara.”
According to him, during recent clearance operation along Mashema, Kwadi, Kalage, Gambiru and Kagara axis, heavy fight ensued between troops and bandits.
However, due to overwhelming military fire power, a reasonable number of bandits were neutralised and their camps were set ablaze.
He said the troops had begun aggressive day and night fighting patrols around Kyaranke and Giwabawa villages in Kanoma District of Maru area, following a tip-off on imposition of N1million levy each on the two villages.
“Another tip-off led to the rescue and recovery of kidnapped victims and the sum of N500, 000 ransom from kidnappers in Subulu forest.”
He also said the troops in their recent exploits, apprehended two notorious bandits, known for terrorising Maradun town and its environs.
He identified the alleged bandits as Muhammad Aminu and another one popularly called Yellow at Tashan Udda in Maradun.
They are undergoing interrogation.
He said some weapons, ammunitions, motorcycles, phones and large herds of cows were recovered.
However, six out of the over 200 persons killed in recent attacks in some villages of Plateau State were given mass burial over the weekend in Shonong district of Riyom LGA of the state amid tight security.
Out of the over 200 killed, 12 were from Shonong district.
While six were among those buried immediately after the incident, the remaining six were preserved for a mass burial to let the world understand their plight.
President of Berom Youth Moulders Association, Choji Dalyop Chuwang, who spoke at the grave side after the six persons were buried, said, “It has become imperative and necessary for us to let the whole world know about the recent attacks and killings in Plateau State were over two hundred people were massacred.
“This act of genocide which also affected Shonong district in particular is condemnable by any right-thinking person.
“We condemn in strong terms the various degrees of the killings in these areas and the destruction of farmlands, properties worth millions of naira.
“It is on this note we want to state categorically and let the whole world know, especially the international community, organisations and spirited individuals of the unpleasant events that have taken place in Shonong district to come to the aid of the community as the entire community has been wipe out and taken over by Fulani militia,” he alleged.
Chuwang said Shonong district is made of eleven villages namely Kujang, Maseh, She, Palleng, Kampwas, Zere, Nanjahai, Kasa, Ninchi, Jekko and Gong, however, because of repeated attacks and killings of innocent people, the district has been destroyed and needs urgent assistance.
“We wish to let the world know that Shonong community has been under siege as the attacks began since 2006.
“The constant attacks have led to the loss of several lives, among them is late Senator Gyang Dantong and property, by these faceless blood thirty individuals.
“This horrific act has led the people to stay in IDP camps as the Fulani militia have taken over their lands.”
Also speaking, Ngo Florence Jambol of the Berom Women Development Association (BEWDA) decried that, “The attackers graze into farm settlement, usurpation of farm animals and produce after sacking the villagers.
“Occupation of some ungrazed and habitable homes, red lining of parts of villages as conquered territories, among others.
“We seek to call on the international community, and the Red Cross to come to our aid as no presence of emergency aid have come to us,” she lamented.
The BEWDA president called on the both the federal and state government to come to the aid of Shonong district and other communities affected, by reconstructing them.
She also called for the provision of adequate security stations in Shonong district and other affected communities.
“Provision of relief materials, rehabilitation of traumatized and peace building efforts be channelled to enhance good living for the victims,” she said.
Jambol demanded justice for the victims through the arrest of the perpetrators and their prosecution, and urged the government to ensure that herdsmen who occupy their land are chased out.
The Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board (RSUBE) has trained 1,000 newly recruited teachers with a view to raising standards in public primary and junior secondary schools in the state.
The two-day orientation and capacity building programme held in Port Harcourt introduced the teachers to civil service rules, classroom management practices, and professional conduct expected of educators in the state.
The State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwagor, told the newly recruited teachers that teaching demands more than academic qualifications, and called for discipline, diligence, and a strong commitment to service.
He described teaching as a noble profession that is central to the development of the state.
The recruitment, he said, reflects the government’s investment in children and long-term development.
“Education is the foundation of societal progress, and basic education is where that foundation is laid,” Nwagor stated.
He urged the teachers to shape the values and character of pupils during their most formative years.
He pledged continued support from the Ministry of Education through training, resources, and an environment that allows teachers to perform effectively.
Nwagor directed RSUBEB to reject transfer requests from rural to urban schools, saying the newly employed teachers have an obligation to serve where they are posted and help strengthen education in those communities.
In his opening remarks, the RSUBEB Chairman, Hon. Sam Oge, explained that the recruitment process began in 2023 under the previous board, adding that after assuming office, he consulted widely and secured Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s approval to complete the exercise.
Oge said the selection was competitive, with 1,000 candidates chosen from more than 5,000 applicants, and urged the teachers to treat the opportunity seriously and avoid lobbying for reposting.
He directed the teachers to resume at their assigned schools immediately, saying request for reposting will not be entertained.
The former RSUBEB Chairman, Ven. Dr. Fyneface Akah, who delivered the keynote address, described the orientation as the teachers’ formal entry into the civil service.
He urged them to be creative, purposeful, and open to learning on the job.
Akah stressed that teachers have a role in restoring values lost to moral decline, and urged them to model national values and see their work as a calling with lasting impact on the society.
He thanked the State Government for approving the recruitment, noting that the exercise will improve access to quality basic education across the State.
Akujobi Amadi
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed that no fewer than 1.4 million members of the National Youth Service Corps will be deployed for the 2027 general elections.
The Chairman of the commission, Prof Joash Amupitan (SAN), made this known on Monday during a courtesy visit to the Director-General of the NYSC, Brig Gen Olakunle Nafiu, at the Yakubu Gowon House, headquarters of the scheme, in Abuja.
Amupitan, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser, Adedayo Oketola, described the meeting with the NYSC senior management team as more than a formal courtesy visit, saying it was also a mission of gratitude.
According to him, the NYSC remains a critical pillar in Nigeria’s democratic process.
He noted that corps members had participated in virtually every election cycle since 1999, stressing that, “INEC cannot conduct elections in Nigeria without the NYSC.
“As the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, I am honoured to discuss our collaborative efforts toward ensuring seamless and credible elections in Nigeria.
“You provide the heartbeat of our field operations. When we speak of election manpower, we are essentially speaking of corps members.
“They are the most dedicated, educated and patriotic election duty staff we have, and their presence at polling units brings a level of neutrality and public confidence that is irreplaceable.
“They form the backbone of our election processes, especially as ad hoc staff, whose dedication, discipline and patriotism are critical to the success of our elections,” he added.
Amupitan said institutional data from the 2023 general election showed the importance of the partnership between INEC and the NYSC.
He explained that INEC deployed about 1.2 million ad hoc staff for the 2023 elections, with over 70 per cent, nearly 850,000 personnel drawn from corps members and student volunteers.
Speaking on preparations for the 2027 elections, the INEC chairman said more than 1.4 million ad hoc staff would be engaged, with corps members making up the majority.
“For the 2027 general election, we will require 707,384 ad hoc staff for the Presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027.
“The same number will be needed for the governorship and Houses of Assembly elections on February 6, 2027, making a total of 1,414,768,” he said.
He added that INEC would also require 52,446 corps members for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections, as well as by-elections in Nasarawa, Enugu, Rivers, Ondo, Kebbi and Kano states.
Amupitan said corps members accounted for nearly 90 per cent of Registration Area Officers and Presiding Officers in many states during previous elections.
“These young Nigerians did not just facilitate voting; they protected the sanctity of the ballot in 176,846 polling units across some of the most difficult terrains in the country,” he said.
He further praised the corps members for their role in off-cycle elections, particularly the Anambra governorship election and the FCT Area Council polls.
According to him, their digital proficiency contributed significantly to the seamless operation of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System.
“In those exercises, it was the digital proficiency of corps members that ensured the seamless performance of our BVAS, proving they are the tech-savvy backbone of our modern democracy,” he added.
Amupitan acknowledged the sacrifices made by corps members during elections and assured that INEC would continue to work with the NYSC and security agencies to strengthen safety measures and welfare packages for them.
As the 2027 general election approaches, we are committed to ensuring adequate mobilisation and preparedness of NYSC members for this important national assignment,” he said.
He also noted that the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections, scheduled for June 20 and August 15, respectively, alongside several by-elections, would serve as tests for innovations ahead of the 2027 elections.
Responding, Brig. Gen. Nafiu thanked INEC for its continued collaboration with the scheme.
He recalled that the Memorandum of Understanding between both organisations was signed in 2011 and had been periodically renewed.
Nafiu described corps members as credible, reliable and easily trainable manpower.
“The last batch of millennials will soon exit the scheme, leaving behind Gen Z corps members known for their digital savviness, which will benefit INEC,” he said.
He assured the commission of the NYSC’s continued support in both the 2027 general elections and upcoming off-cycle elections.
-
Featured3 days agoWASSCE: RSG Distributes Science Materials To Secondary Schools
-
News3 days ago
Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Lives More Important Than Foreign Investment – Oshiomhole
-
Rivers3 days ago
MBA Forex Trial Adjourn To June 3, Amid Bereavement … As Court Declines Cost Application
-
News3 days ago
ActionAid Demands Probe Of Govs Using Public Funds For Campaign
-
Aviation3 days ago
Passengers Stranded As Delta Airline From Atlanta Route Back Eight Hours After
-
Business3 days ago
Customs Impound N2.35bn Cocaine, 15 Trailers of Rice
-
Politics3 days ago
2027: Bayelsa Senator Gets Critical Endorsement For Second Term
-
Politics3 days agoINEC Sets Rivers South-East Senatorial By-Election For June 20