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New Army Chief reshuffles top senior officers formations and units. The newly-appointed Chief of Army Staff,  Major General Taoreed Lagbaja,  on Saturday, approved the posting and appointment of some senior officers of the Nigerian Army to command, instructional and staff appointments across formations and units. This, according to him, was an effort to reposition the Nigerian Army for operational efficiency and functional administration. The Chief of Army Staff also directed all newly appointed senior officers to redouble their effort and commitment to duty in ensuring the sustenance of the ongoing onslaught against terrorism, insurgency, and other threats to national security, as they assume their new appointments. A statement by the Director,  Army Public Relations,  Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, said those affected by the recent redeployment include some Principal Staff Officers of the Army Headquarters, General Officers Commanding, Corps Commanders, Comman...

Russian Internal Conflict: Putin vows to defeat Wagner as rebels advance on Moscow Rebel mercenaries advanced north towards Moscow after seizing a key military base Saturday, just as Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin’s vowed to defeat the revolt and head off the threat of civil war. The rapidly escalating events mark the most serious challenge yet to the Russian president’s rule — and Russia’s most serious security crisis since the strongman came to power in late 1999. Putin’s spokesman insisted the Russian leader was still at work in the Kremlin and had not fled Moscow, as regular forces launched a “counter-terrorist operation” to halt the rebel advance in the Voronezh region, on the Wagner force’s route to the capital. The governor of the Lipetsk region, whose capital is just 420 kilometres (260 miles) south of Moscow, said Wagner’s private military force was “moving across” the territory and urged civilians not to leave their homes. Ukrainian leaders, meanwhile, revelled in the outbreak ...

Nigerian Airforce eliminates scores of Boko Haram in midnight attack Several Boko Haram/ ISWAP terrorists have been reportedly killed in airstrikes by troops of Air Component Operation Hadin Kai, in the Sambisa Forest axis of Bama Local Government Area. Sources said the terrorists were eliminated in air strikes carried out on the night of June 21, 2023, in Amchille in Geizuwa. Counter-insurgency expert in the Lake Chad region, Zagazola Makama confirmed the strikes noting that the air component carried out the strikes following credible intelligence of terrorists planning to launch an attack. ,”The jets successfully struck the camps, killing most of the terrorists while a few escaped. He disclosed that the damaging Airstrikes had forced over 50 of the Boko Haram and their family members from Mairambiri, Zaramari, Bula Tuja, Bula Marwa, Bula Daloye, Kajiri and Gare villages to surrender to troops of 202 and 151 Battalions of the Nigerian Army. “On the same day one Mohammed Yahaya 30 year...

Eid Kabir: Borno Lawmaker Donates Sallah Palliative to Constituents ...present N28 million and 1,500 bags of rice. The Member of House of Representatives, Jere Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Engr Satomi Ahmad, has generously provided a special package for his constituents to celebrate Eid-el-Kabir. In an effort to amplify the joyous occasion, Engr. Satomi Ahmed has approved a total of N28 million and 1,500 bags of rice as a gift for his constituents. In addition, Engr. Satomi allocated N13 million to party executives as well N15 million to less privileged members of his Constituency to facilitate a smooth Sallah celebration. This thoughtful gesture demonstrates Engr. Satomi's dedication to ensuring a memorable and fulfilling Eid Kabir celebration for everyone. The total cash donation of 28 million Naira will allow individuals and families to participate in the festivities through addressing personal needs during this auspicious time. Engr. Satomi urged the beneficiaries to use this...

Putin taken by surprise, spits fire as rebel Russian mercenaries seize key sites in second city 24th Jun 2023 Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed to crush an armed mutiny after the private army of mercenary boss Yevgeny Prigozhin seized control of a southern city as part of an attempt to oust the military leadership. BBC News Russian sources also say Wagner mercenaries have seized military facilities in Voronezh, which is halfway between Rostov and Moscow Prigozhin has threatened to march on Moscow unless he meets Russia's defence minister - and the UK says Wagner troops are heading towards the capital In Russia’s first armed insurrection since the Chechen wars decades ago, heavily armed fighters from Prigozhin’s Wagner militia were in control of the streets of Rostov-on-Don, a city of more than a million people close to the border with Ukraine. Prigozhin, whose private army fought the bloodiest battles in Ukraine even as he feuded for months with the top brass, said he had capt...

We’ll still set up Fulani vigilantes in 36 states — Miyetti Allah leader 24th Jun 2023  The National President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Alhaji Abdullahi Bello Bodejo has said that plans are still ongoing by his group to establish vigilantes in the 36 states of the country. In this interview, the leader of the Fulani socio-cultural group called on the new governor of Benue State, Rev Hyacinth Alia, to abolish the anti-grazing law instituted by his predecessor, Mr Samuel Ortom, as a way of ensuring lasting peace in the state. He spoke on other issues. What is your view on the removal of petrol subsidy by the government? The removal of subsidy on petrol is very painful and has affected economic activities everywhere. Before, I used to fill my car fuel tank with about N20, 000, and now it is about N50, 000. The way everywhere is calm after the increase surprises me and it may suggest that Nigerians welcomed it or they are just enjoying the pain. I have asked many people, they said...

Why Wagner mercenary force has moved against Russia’s military 24th Jun 2023 The head of Russia’s Wagner mercenary force Yevgeny Prigozhin claimed his forces have entered Russia to remove the country’s top military leadership. The Wagner chief on Saturday claimed his forces were in control of military sites in the southern city of Rostov-on-Don. The military headquarters in the city oversees the fighting in Ukraine. Other videos posted on social media showed military vehicles, including tanks, on the streets outside. Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the rebellion, saying it was “a stab in the back of our country and our people”. “All those who prepared the rebellion will suffer inevitable punishment. The armed forces and other government agencies have received the necessary orders,” Putin said in a televised address to the nation on Saturday. Earlier, Russia’s security services said they had opened a criminal investigation into Prigozhin for launching what they describe as a ...

WE'LL PARTNER TRADITIONAL RULERS IN BUILDING PROSPEROUS RIVERS - FUBARA  Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has described traditional rulers as critical stakeholders whose efforts at peace building in their various domains contribute to achieving good governance. The governor spoke at the 71st birthday celebration and one year of enthronement of His Royal Majesty, Nne-Nwe-Eli Emohua XIII (OLO IV), Ohna Sergeant Chidi Awuse that held in Emohua Town of Emohua Local Government Area on Saturday.  He assured that his administration will work with the traditional rulers as it builds a prosperous Rivers State and urged HRM Ohna Awuse to as chairman of the Traditional Rulers Council deploy his wealth of experience in administering the council and provide useful guidance that will help the government to serve Rivers people better. Governor Fubara used the occasion to commend the immediate past governor of the state, Chief Nyesom Wike, for driving the New Rivers Vision, practic...

 JAMB considers mobile phones for UTME, DE 24th Jun 2023  The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Examinations, Saturday, said it is planning a “Bring Your Own Device” initiative for the Unified Tertiary Matriculations Examinations and the Direct Entry Examinations, The PUNCH reports. The Registrar of the Board, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, made this known during the 2023 policy meeting ongoing in Abuja at the National Judicial Institute. According to Oloyede, the initiative is such that it would allow candidates to take the examinations on their mobile phones. The JAMB boss noted that the board has continued to spend huge amounts of money on the conduct of examinations, hence the need for the initiative. In the presentation unveiled by Oloyede, the board said,” On the way forward, we are looking at BOYD – the direction for JAMB Students to bring their telephones. It lowers capital investment but is not helpful for digital literacy. There will be the establishment of a mobile examinati...

4 missing, 9 rescued as boat capsizes in Calabar No fewer than four persons have reportedly gone missing in Cross River following a boat mishap that occurred on Saturday afternoon along the Calabar waterways. It was gathered that the boat, with about 13 persons on board, was heading to Oron in Akwa Ibom State before the tragic incident occured very close to the Marina Resort. About nine of the boat passengers have been rescued. In a video made available to us through our correspondent, many of the victims could be seen floating around Marina resort, Calabar, as onlookers scream for rescuers. A security source, who pleaded anonymity, told our correspondent that the Navy Command played a vital role in the rescue of nine persons among the victims. The source said: “The Navy partook in the rescue mission; we have rescued some of them. “I can’t give you the exact position of the boat because we only rushed for the rescue mission. “But am sure the Command will soon release a statement to thi...

My biggest regret was getting married - Actress Ini Edo opens up Nollywood actress, Iniobong Edo said the greatest regret of her life was getting married in the first place.   Ini Edo opened up about her failed marriage in an interview with media personality Chude Jideonw The actress said she had second thoughts about getting married in the first place. Recall that, on November 29, 2008, Ini Edo tied the knot with American-based businessman Philip Ehiagwina, but the marriage only lasted five years before they divorced in 2013. The Nollywood actress revealed that the marriage was forced upon her by her family, saying  she would only consider marriage with the right person. She said, “I regretted my decision to get married because it wasn’t just the right move to make.” In 2021, the actress welcomed a child via surrogacy, revealing that she chose that route due to miscarriages. “I chose surrogacy because I had a couple of miscarriages. And I just got tired of trying. “I don...

Gunmen kidnaps ABSU Bursar’s driver The driver attached to Chuks Nwogwugwu, the Bursar of Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU) was on Friday abducted by gunmen along the Okigwe/ABSU Road. This is even as Abia State Government has vowed to deal with hoodlums over rising spite of criminal activities in the state. It was gathered the gunmen, having trailed the Bursar’s Toyota Corola car from the Abia State University Main Campus, opened fire on getting at a bad spot on the road. Perhaps, with the intention of abducting the Bursar, when the car eventually stopped, the gunmen reportedly rushed to the car, only to find out the Bursar was not inside the car and they made away with the driver. The Bursar was said to be attending to engagements in Umuahia, the Abia State Capital while waiting for his driver to come and pick him back to school. Meanwhile, the state Government has vowed to deal with the rising spate of criminal activities in certain parts of the state which it said has come to the...

Civil Defence arrests teacher for students’ trafficking attempt in Abia The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Abia State command, foiled an attempted trafficking of two female students. The corps arrested the secondary school teacher, Ikechukwu Uduma, and his accomplice, Enyiazu Godswill. The state NSCDC Commandant, Paul Igwebuike, while briefing the press, said the suspects were apprehended around 12.20 a.m. on Thursday. Parading the men before journalists in Umuahia on Friday, Igwebuike said, “We got actionable intelligence that one of the suspects, Ikechukwu Uduma (33), who is a Mathematics teacher attached to Christ Firm International School, Ubaha, Umunna Nsulu, in Isialangwa North LGA, Abia State, had concluded plans to traffick two underage girls (students of the above school) to Lagos State. I quickly mobilized my men, who trailed and later apprehended them at the Unique Life Hotel, Umuahia, and rescued the two victims.” According to him, preliminary investigati...

Customs Graduates 300 Cadets from Training College Ikeja ... as 335 Recruits Pass Out From Kano Training College                            300 Cadets from the Nigeria Customs Training College Ikeja have passed out after a three months intensive program. The Passing out Parade which took place on Thursday 22nd June 2023 at the training college, Ikeja had in attendance DCG Saidu Galadima as Special Guest of Honor and reviewing officer. Also present at Passing Out were Customs Area Controllers in Zone 'A', Senior Officers from sister agencies; the 9th Brigade of the Nigerian Army, officers from the Nigerian Navy, the officers from Nigeria Immigration Service, the Director of State Security Service, Economic and Financial Crime Commission, the Nigerian Police Force and prominent traditional rulers. While addressing the young Officers, the Special Guest of Honor, DCG Galadima Saidu, admonished the Officers to always keep ...

Attacks on me over pictures with Tinubu show lack of unity in Nigeria — Okonjo Iweala The Director-General, World Trade Orgainsation, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has called on Nigerians to relax and stay united, noting that the attacks on her over her picture with President Tinubu were unnecessary. She noted that the controversy surrounding why her picture with President Tinubu was posted late on her Twitter account shows how polarised Nigerians are. Okonjo-Iweala was reacting to comments on social media about her pictures with other world leaders at the just concluded Paris Economic Summit as well as her picture with President Tinubu. Some Nigerians called out the WTO leader for not posting a picture of President Bola Tinubu in the pictures of her meeting with some other nations’ presidents on her Twitter handle on Friday. Reacting, the WTO boss said the controversy has exposed how polarised Nigeria has become. She tweeted: “Nigerians, please relax! Re Paris, Interesting attacks from both si...

Youth group tackles NERC over increased electricity tariff The Nigerian Youth Parliament has bemoaned increments in electricity tariffs by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, adding that it would cause undue hardship, following the fact that many were still grappling with the subsidy removal. According to a press statement signed on Saturday by the Speaker, Dr Azeezat Yishawu, and titled “Increase customer reach not tariff’, the Parliament lamented the possible effect on the everyday youth struggling with current realities. She disclosed that, unlike fuel subsidy removal, increased electricity tariffs have direct consequences for every person, business, and other key sectors. Yishawu’s statement partly read, “The proposed Electricity tariff increase by NERC will further tip the social-economic lives of the majority of Nigerians to the edge. Unlike subsidy removal, Electricity has a direct impact on every sector of the country, from small businesses to giant production compa...