The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, recently visited Senator Hassan Nasiha, a former Deputy Governor of Zamfara State, to offer condolences following the passing of his wife, Hajiya Kulu. Hajiya Kulu passed away in India after experiencing a brief illness.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• Visit and Reception: Minister Matawalle, a former governor of Zamfara State, arrived at the Gusau International Airport, where he was welcomed by hundreds of supporters before traveling to Senator Nasiha’s home.

• Accompaniment: The minister was joined by various political leaders and stakeholders from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

• Condolences and Prayers: During the visit, the minister conveyed his sympathies to the family and offered prayers for the deceased’s eternal rest and for the family’s strength during their bereavement.

• Nasiha’s Response: Senator Nasiha, who served as deputy governor under Matawalle and was his 2023 running mate, thanked the minister for the visit, characterizing him as a leader who prioritizes relationships regardless of political affiliation.

• Notable Attendees: The delegation included several dignitaries, such as Senator Sahabi Ya’u, Yazeed Shehu Danfulani, Nasiru Mu’azu Magarya, and other key APC officials and party leaders.

New details regarding the military and intelligence operation to rescue 39 pupils and six teachers from Oriire, Oyo State, have been revealed. Key aspects of the operation include:....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• • Strategic Pressure: Security forces detained relatives of the suspected kidnappers, including their wives and children, which proved decisive in pressuring the abductors before the final assault on their hideout in the Oyo National Park.

  • Detention and Investigation: Following weeks of intelligence gathering, the Department of State Services (DSS) tracked and detained the kidnappers’ relatives across the country. While children found uninvolved in crimes are expected to be released, adults suspected of aiding the kidnappers face potential investigation and prosecution.

  • The Rescue Operation: The final assault was swift and coordinated, utilizing overwhelming firepower to catch the terrorists by surprise. This followed weeks of skirmishes that weakened the gang and depleted their ammunition supply, leading to significantly lower resistance during the final rescue.

  • Casualties and Arrests: While all surviving victims were rescued, some terrorists were killed during the operation, and eight suspects were arrested. Security forces involved in the rescue also sustained casualties, though official figures have not yet been released.

  • Government Policy: The kidnappers had demanded ransom and the release of detained Ansaru terrorist commanders—Mahmud Usman, Abbas Mukhtar, and Abubakar Abba—who were arrested by the DSS last year. The Federal Government maintained its firm policy against negotiating with terrorists, refusing both ransom payments and the release of detainees.

  • Background: The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, from Ahoro-Esinle, Yawota, and Alawusa communities; one teacher was tragically killed by the abductors shortly after the initial abduction.

The Anambra State Government has officially rejected a public apology and retraction from blogger Ejike Ofoegbu regarding false and defamatory stories he published about Governor Charles Soludo and his son, Ozonna.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a statement, the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Aburime, addressed the situation as follows:

• Rejection of Apology: The government stated that apologies cannot repair the significant damage caused by Ofoegbu’s intentional and criminal assault on the truth, which Ofoegbu admitted was motivated by financial gain and a desire for online traffic.

• Nature of the Fabrications: The government described Ofoegbu’s work as “satanic works of fiction,” noting that he concocted absurd and damaging narratives, such as fake quotes, false domestic disputes, and manufactured election predictions, rather than simply failing to verify sources.

• Legal Consequences: Ofoegbu is expected to face legal action under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015, which carries potential penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to ₦25 million.

• Call for Professional Accountability: The government urged media bodies, including the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Nigeria Press Council, and the Association of Nigeria Bloggers, to disown Ofoegbu, conduct formal inquiries, and implement stricter codes of conduct to deter similar behavior.

• Warning to Others: The government issued a stern warning to other bloggers and social media operators, emphasizing that their digital footprints are permanent and that those engaging in campaigns of calumny against the Governor and his family will eventually face legal consequences.