Two suspected scrap metal scavengers have died following an explosion on Thursday night along Old Nekede Road in Owerri West, Imo State. The Imo State Police Command, through spokesperson DSP Henry Okoye, confirmed that the blast occurred around 9:15 p.m. within a large drainage channel opposite the Lakeside Hotel.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• Victims: The deceased were identified as 32-year-old Hyginus Akalonu from Imo State and 22-year-old Victor Egwu from Ebonyi State.

• Emergency Response: Following the explosion, police and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) units secured the area and swept the site to ensure public safety.

• Hospitalization: Both men sustained severe burns and were transported to the Federal University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Owerri, where they were later pronounced dead.

• Ongoing Investigation: The EOD unit has launched a thorough investigation to determine what caused the explosion.

• Public Safety: Commissioner of Police Audu Garba Bosso has assured residents that the area is secure, while urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious items or activities to the police.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday signed the 2026 National Identity Management Commission Act, creating a new legal framework to strengthen Nigeria’s digital identity system, improve national security, and facilitate access to government services.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• Security Breakthrough: Minister of Interior Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo revealed that the integrated identity management system recently assisted in the arrest of seven suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP commanders at Katsina Airport, highlighting the law’s impact on national security.

• System Integration: The new legislation aims to consolidate fragmented databases—such as those for passports and driver’s licenses—into the National Identity Number (NIN) system, creating a unified identity management framework.

• Enhanced Border Control: The integration of the NIMC database with immigration records and Interpol’s networks has already significantly boosted border security capabilities.

• Government Commitment: The event, attended by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other top officials, underscored the government’s commitment to using legislative action to address security and developmental challenges.

• Modernized Framework: NIMC Director-General Dr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote called the Act a major step forward, modernizing the country’s nearly two-decade-old identity management framework and establishing the NIN as the central platform for identity verification.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced several new appointments to key federal positions. These appointments, which are effective immediately, include:....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• • Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA): Abdulrazak Sa’ad Namdas has been appointed as the new Director General, succeeding Dr. Dakorinama Alabo George, who resigned to run for an elective office. Namdas is a former House of Representatives member from Adamawa State, a former spokesperson for the 8th House, a former Chief Press Secretary to Governor Boni Haruna, and has a background in journalism and public relations.

  • Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC):

    • Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon has been named the Executive Director of Strategy & Commercial, replacing Engineer Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, who resigned to pursue political aspirations. Obahiagbon previously served in both the National Assembly and the Edo State House of Assembly.

    • Mr. Chukwuma Umeoji has been reappointed as Executive Director of Corporate Services. Umeoji, who previously served in the 9th National Assembly representing Anambra State’s Aguata Federal Constituency, had resigned to pursue his own political goals before being reappointed.