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 OPERATION HADIN KAI TROOPS CRUSH ISWAP INFILTRATION ATTEMPT IN CROSS KAUWA, INFLICT HEAVY LOSSES… Preliminary Forensic Findings Point to Foreign Facilitators Behind Failed Attack Troops of 19 Brigade, Sector 3, Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have decisively foiled an attempted infiltration by ISWAP terrorists into Cross Kauwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, inflicting heavy casualties on the attackers and forcing them to retreat in disarray. The successful defence of the location further demonstrates the vigilance, combat readiness and operational effectiveness of troops who continue to deny terrorist elements freedom of action across the North East Theatre. The failed attack occurred at about 2220 hours (10:20 p.m.) on 11 July 2026, when the terrorists attempted to exploit the cover of darkness to breach the troops' location. Alert troops swiftly detected the hostile movement and responded with coordinated and overwhelming firepower, compel...

 Blogger Ejike Ofoegbu Issues Public Apology, Retracts False Stories Against Anambra Governor Soludo and Son A Nigerian blogger, Ejike Ofoegbu, has tendered a public apology and unconditional retraction of a series of fabricated stories he published about Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, and his son, Ozonna. Ofoegbu, owner and publisher of *Igbo Times Magazine and News*, admitted that the reports were entirely fake and were created solely to drive online traffic and generate financial gain. The apology was contained in a statement titled “Public Apology and Full Retraction,” which was shared on Saturday by Ferdinand Ekeoma, Special Adviser to the Governor of Abia State on Media and Publicity. In the statement, Ofoegbu explicitly admitted fabricating multiple stories attributed to Governor Soludo and his son. “I publicly admit that the stories I published concerning Governor Soludo and his son were completely fake, false, fabricated, and untrue. They did not come from ...

Veteran Nigerian comic actor Charles Awurum has emphasised that comedy extends far beyond mere laughter, urging practitioners to harness humour as a tool for addressing societal issues and delivering meaningful messages. In an interview with Saturday Beats, Awurum argued that the most effective comedies are those that entertain audiences while simultaneously educating them about the realities of society. “Comedy is not only for laughing. Comedy is supposed to teach you the ills of society. We do comedies to teach in a comic way so that people can learn,” he said. The veteran, who has been active in the Nigerian film industry for decades, contrasted the strong storylines and social commentary of earlier comedy films with some contemporary productions that prioritise entertainment value alone. “In every comedy we did in those days, there must be a good storyline. We didn’t put out films just to make people laugh. Beyond laughter, we had to pass very important messages. If anything is hap...

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has alleged that former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, declined his invitation to a public debate because he could not defend his record in office. In a statement issued on Saturday by his media aide, Francis Nwaze, Umahi said the proposed debate was not politically motivated or related to the 2027 general election but was intended to assess the governance records of both former governors. According to the minister, the debate was designed to provide Nigerians with an opportunity to compare their achievements in public office based on verifiable records. Umahi said the invitation focused on governance, leadership and measurable results rather than personalities or political parties. Peter Obi had earlier rejected the invitation, stating that he was a presidential candidate of a national political party, while Umahi had not attained the same political status. Responding, Umahi maintained that the proposed debate was about accountability and perfor...

 Nigerian soldier who died during rescue of abducted Oyo students and teacher laid to rest The remains of Felix Ademe Isaac, a 28-year-old Lieutenant of the Nigerian Army, who was k!lled during the operation to rescue the teachers and pupils abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, have been laid to rest. DailyTrust reports that the deceased was killed while leading troops to rescue the victims who regained freedom on Friday, July 10. There are different reports on the de@th of the senior officer. While some said his convoy was hit by explosives set by terrorists at the National Park in Oyo, others said he ran into a landmine set by the Ansaru terrorists identified as the group behind the abduction. Born on August 25, 1997, Lt. Isaac was laid to rest, with full military honours, at the 23rd Armoured Brigade Cemetery in Yola, Adamawa State capital, on July 10, 2026. Isaac was not the only one who d!ed in the rescue operation that eventually yielded results, two days ...

 Lagos police seek help in reuniting 83-year-old man with his family The Lagos State Police Command has sought public assistance in reuniting an elderly man with his family.  A statement from the command says the man identified as Mr. Oriowo Gabriel, aged 83 years, was found by a kind-hearted member of the public and subsequently taken into protective Police custody at Ipaja Division, where he is currently safe and well cared for.  The police say efforts by the Police to trace his family using the addresses he provided yielded no result as the addresses have been visited and no one has been able to identify or locate his relatives. The Command humbly appealed to anyone who knows Mr. Oriowo Gabriel or has any information that could assist in reuniting him with his family or loved ones to kindly contact the DPO, Ipaja Division, on +234 803 799 3827.

Husband of abducted Oyo school principal holds thanksgiving in church following her rescue The husband of Mrs Rachael Alamu, the principal of Ahoro Esinle School in Oyo State, who was abducted alongside 43 students and pupils in Oriire local government area on May 15, went before God in thanksgiving today, July 12, following their release on Friday, July 12. Photos and videos shared online showed Professor Alamu and other members of First Baptist Church singing praises to God for the safe release of Mrs Alamu and others. The professor was seen dancing with other worshippers as they sang “Hallelujah” in gratitude for the safe return of his wife and the other victims after weeks in captivity.

 NIGERIAN EDUCATION LOAN FUND DEBUNKS SUSPENSION OF UPKEEP ALLOWANCE  The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has debunked a social media document claiming that upkeep allowances under the Federal Government's Student Loan Scheme for the 2025/2026 academic session have been suspended.   A statement by the NELFUND says the document, dated July 10 and attributed to its Director of Strategic Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, is fake and did not originate from the Fund.  It urges beneficiaries and the public to disregard the misinformation and rely only on its official communication channels. The Fund further clarifies that neither the Federal Government nor NELFUND has announced any suspension of upkeep allowance payments, stressing that student loan and upkeep disbursements are continuing as scheduled for eligible students in public tertiary institutions nationwide.

 NGF CONGRATULATES PRESIDENT TINUBU, FAMILIES ON SUCCESSFUL RESCUE OF OYO SCHOOLCHILDREN, TEACHERS The Nigeria Governors' Forum (NGF) has expressed joy and relief over the successful rescue of all the schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire Community, Oyo State. The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors' Forum and Governor of Kwara State,  AbdulRahman AbduRazaq in a statement, congratulated President Bola Tinubu on the successful outcome of the operation, describing it as the result of months of high-level coordination, intelligence gathering, and disciplined execution by security agencies. The Forum also rejoiced with the families of the victims, noting that the successful rescue has reunited them with their children and loved ones. It commended the Oyo State Government for its collaboration with the Federal Government, which contributed to the success of the rescue operation. The Forum further praised the commitment and professionalism of the nation's security forces t...

 GOVERNOR ALIA ORDERS SECURITY AGENCIES TO HUNT DOWN PERPETRATORS OF OTUKPO ATTACK The Benue State ‎ Governor, Hyacinth Alia has  condemned the early morning attacks by suspected armed herdsmen on Akpachi Village and the Otukpo-Nobi community in Otukpo Local Government Area describing it as not only a breach of peace, but also a barbaric and inhuman assault on the sanctity of life and the collective soul of the people of Benue State. ‎ In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary Tersoo Kula the ‎suspected armed herdsmen reportedly invaded Akpachi Village between 3:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. while residents were asleep killing scores of people, while many others sustained varying degrees of injuries. ‎ ‎The Governor said he is particularly pained that the attacks occurred at a time when the state government was working closely with traditional rulers and security agencies to foster lasting peace and harmony.  ‎ ‎Governor Alia therefore directed the security agencies in the stat...

N10million Damages: EFCC Appeals Judgment Against Agunloye The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has filed a notice of appeal at the Court of Appeal, Abuja, against the judgment of Justice Peter Kekemeke of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Abuja, finding it liable for defaming former Minister of Power, Olu Agunloye over a social media publication of an alleged $6billion Mambilla Power Project fraud. The Notice of Appeal was filed on Friday, July 10, 2026 by counsel to the EFCC, Wahab Shittu, SAN.   In the appeal contained in Suit No: FCT/HC/CV/1199/2024, the EFCC expressed dissatisfaction with the “whole of the judgment of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, sitting at Maitama, Abuja, Coram: Hon. Justice Peter O. Kekemeke, delivered on the 8th day of July, 2026….” Specifically, the appeal was hinged on 11 grounds and four different orders. The orders the Commission is seeking in the appeal, are orders allow...

 10 killed in Bahamas plane crash, including musicians and DJ  Ten people were killed in a plane crash in the Bahamas, including several musicians and a DJ, according to the Bahamas Musicians and Entertainers Union. The crash occurred Friday in North Andros after the aircraft departed Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau on a flight to San Andros. Among those killed were members of The Pond Band and a DJ, whom the union remembered as talented performers whose contributions helped shape the country's cultural landscape. In response to the crash, the Bahamian government temporarily suspended Flamingo Air's air operator certificate as a precaution while investigators determine the cause. Officials said the suspension follows two separate safety incidents involving the airline on Friday. Earlier that day, another Flamingo Air aircraft experienced a reported issue while en route to Mayaguana and returned to Nassau. After the plane landed and passengers safely exited, the...

 Former Sky News anchor Dermot Murnaghan dies at 68 after battle with stage four prostate cancer Former Sky News anchor Dermot Murnaghan has died at the age of 68, one year after revealing he had been diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer. His family confirmed that the veteran broadcaster died peacefully at his home in north London on Saturday, July 11, following a period of illness. A statement shared by his family said: “It is with great sadness that the family of Dermot Murnaghan announces that he passed away at home in north London earlier this morning at the age of 68 following a period of illness with prostate cancer.” “He died peacefully with his family at his side.” The family also thanked the medical teams who cared for Murnaghan during his illness and acknowledged the messages of support he received after announcing his diagnosis. Murnaghan revealed in 2024 that he had stage four prostate cancer. At the time, he said he was responding positively to treatment and feeli...

 TROOPS OF 65 BATTALION INTERCEPT TRUCK CONVEYING LARGE CONSIGNMENT OF ILLICIT DRUGS ALONG LAGOS–CALABAR COASTAL ROAD Troops of 65 Battalion have recorded an operational success with the interception of a truck conveying a large consignment of illicit drugs along the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road following actionable intelligence received from a credible source. The intelligence-led operation, conducted on 9 July 2026, resulted in the successful interception of the vehicle and the arrest of its driver. Preliminary investigations revealed that the illicit consignment was being transported to the Berger general area of Lagos State. However, the suspect could not provide satisfactory information regarding the ownership or intended recipient of the drugs. In line with established procedures, the suspect and the recovered illicit drugs were subsequently handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Lagos State Command, for further investigation and prosecution. The hando...

 ASUWAHC Begins Strategic Planning for 2027 Budget By Chikaodili Obinwa      The Anambra State Urban Water Asset Holdings Corporation (ASUWAHC) has begun preparations for its 2027 budget with an interactive management session focused on setting priorities to guide the Corporation’s operations and strategic development in the coming year. On July 9, the session was led by the Head of the Special Projects Department, Aloysius Aniazoba, who represented the Officer-in-Charge, Emmanuella Okafor, describing the exercise as a demonstration of ASUWAHC’s commitment to proactive planning and prudent resource management. speaking on behalf of the Officer-in-Charge, Mr. Aniazoba urged heads of departments and units to provide comprehensive, realistic, and implementable inputs for the 2027 budget, noting that each department has a critical role in developing a budget that aligns with the Corporation’s mandate and strategic goals. He emphasized that a carefully prepared budget ser...

Happy Birthday to the legendary @_olujacobs Your talent, grace, and remarkable legacy have inspired generations and enriched African cinema. Wishing you peace, good health, abundant joy, and many more blessed years. #Happybirthdaytoanicon #Birthdaycelebration #iconcelebration  #legendary  #faantv

 Sudan court sentences RSF leader Mohamed Dagalo to death in absentia A Sudanese court on Sunday sentenced paramilitary leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo and 15 others to death in absentia over the killing of a regional governor and committing war crimes in Darfur, state media reported. The ruling is the first against the leadership of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since war broke out between the paramilitary group and the Sudanese army in April 2023. The court in the Red Sea city of Port Sudan, the army's de facto capital, convicted Dagalo and the other defendants of war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and attacks on civilians and public facilities, state news agency SUNA reported. Those sentenced include Dagalo's brother and deputy, Abdelrahim Hamdan Dagalo, as well as several RSF officers and tribal leaders from communities in West Darfur. Killing of West Darfur governor The case centres on the killing of West Darfur governor Khamis Abbakar in June 2023, shortly after ...

Left: His Exellency. Amb Consul General Dr. Yakubu A. Dadu and Isaac Izoya _Right PRESS RELEASE GERMANY IS SET TO HOST AFRICA'S BIGGEST NOLLYWOOD FESTIVAL Frankfurt is set to Host Africa's Biggest Nollywood Celebration as Top Stars, political heavyweights, Business Leaders and Dignitaries are warming up to Converge for the 2026 edition of Nollywood Film Festival Germany (NFFG) and Nollywood Europe Golden Awards (NEGA). Frankfurt am Main, Germany; The stage is set for an unforgettable celebration of African cinema, culture and excellence as the Nollywood Film Festival Germany (NFFG) and the Nollywood Europe Golden Awards (NEGA) 2026 return to Frankfurt on 31 July to 1st of August 2026, bringing together some of Nollywood's biggest stars, distinguished diplomats, political leaders, renowned business personalities and film enthusiasts from across Europe, Africa and beyond. Organised by Ehizoya Golden Entertainment e.V. under the leadership of Cultural Ambassador Isaac Izoya wi...

Judge Rules in Favor of ARF Financial in $223K Case Against RHOA Star Kelli Ferrell's Nana's Chicken-N-Waffles  Court documents obtained by Unwine With Tasha K show a judge has entered a default judgment in favor of ARF Financial against Nana’s Chicken-N-Waffles LLC and RHOA star Kelli Ferrell. According to the filing, the court awarded $217,370.21 in principal damages, $4,723.70 in attorney’s fees, court costs, and post-judgment interest after no responsive pleadings were filed on behalf of the defendants.

Conor McGregor’s UFC return ends in 69 seconds after knee injury against Max Holloway    Conor McGregor’s long-awaited return to the UFC ended in disappointment Saturday night when a knee injury forced him to stop his bout against Max Holloway just 1:09 into the opening round of UFC 329. McGregor, fighting for the first time in more than five years, opened the welterweight matchup with a flying left roundhouse kick but landed awkwardly on his right knee. After attempting a few more strikes, it became clear the former champion could not continue in the scheduled five-round fight. McGregor later said the injury occurred unexpectedly, claiming he entered the bout healthy and had trained without any issues leading up to the fight. “My head gasket is gone. Destroyed,” McGregor said. “I had no injury going into the fight. This came out of nowhere.” UFC President Dana White said there were no signs of an injury during Friday’s ceremonial weigh-in and suggested McGregor may have suffe...

Former Qatar ruler Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani dies at 74 after transforming nation into global power  Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former emir of Qatar who transformed the small Gulf nation into a major force in global diplomacy, media and investment, has died at age 74. Hamad ruled Qatar for 18 years before stepping down in 2013 and handing power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in a rare voluntary transfer of leadership in the region. His decision marked a historic moment, as power transitions in many Middle Eastern nations have often followed death, political upheaval or conflict. During his reign, Sheikh Hamad helped reshape Qatar from a relatively little-known country into an international hub. Under his leadership, Qatar expanded its global influence through investments, diplomacy, sports and media, including the creation of Al Jazeera, which became one of the most influential news networks in the Arab world. Qatar’s growing influence brought inte...

Vietnam detains speedboat captain after 15 Indian tourists die in boat accident  Vietnamese authorities have detained the captain of a speedboat that overturned off the coast of southern Vietnam, killing 15 Indian tourists during a company trip. The boat was carrying 32 Indian tourists and four Vietnamese crew members when it capsized Saturday afternoon near Hon May Rut Ngoai island, located off Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island. The vessel overturned less than half a kilometer from shore shortly after departing the island. The captain, 57-year-old Nguyen Hong Hai, is being investigated for possible violations of waterway transport safety regulations. Sixteen survivors have since been released from the hospital and are returning to India, while one person remains in critical condition at a Vietnamese hospital. The victims’ bodies were transported to Ho Chi Minh City before being sent to India following completion of official procedures. The victims were part of a company-organized...

 Yobe Rapid Response Team Intervenes to Contain Rabies Outbreak in Damaturu The Yobe State Pilot Livestock Development Program has successfully averted a potential health crisis following a swift response to a rabies outbreak in Malam Matari, a community on the outskirts of Damaturu. ​A rapid response health team, led by the Program Manager, Dr. Bulama Maina Yaro, supervised the safe disposal and deep burial of two goats that had been bitten by an infected dog. The intervention was designed to eliminate the risk of further virus transmission and prevent human fatalities in the area. ​According to Dr. Yaro, the incident was triggered when a rabid dog attacked five residents and livestock in the community.  The sample from  the rabies dog was collected  and taken to NVIR Lab in Jos Plateau state and the sample was tested prooved positive as a result the vertenary  rapid response health team swung to action to curtail the spread of the Virus . He assured the public...

 SOUTH AFRICA MOURNS THE LOSS OF FORMER SA U18 RUGBY STAR LUQOBO "BIBO" MAKWEDINI, WHO HAS PASSED AWAY AT JUST 20 YEARS OLD South African rugby has been dealt another heartbreaking blow following the passing of former SA Under-18 prop Luqobo "Bibo" Makwedini at the age of 20. Makwedini was regarded as one of the country's promising young rugby talents and had recently returned to France, where he was playing for AS Béziers Hérault. His dedication and potential earned him recognition both in South Africa and abroad. At the time of publishing, the official cause of his death has not been announced, and further details are expected from his family, club or the relevant authorities.

 Anambra’s Igba Boi Initiative Gains National Recognition, Draws Academic Interest By Ifeoma Aniagbado The Anambra State Government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening and institutionalising the Igbo Apprenticeship Scheme, popularly known as Igba Boi, as a sustainable strategy for youth empowerment, entrepreneurship and inclusive economic growth. The reaffirmation was made on July 9 during the 127th Inaugural Lecture delivered by Prof. Chinedu Uzochukwu Onyeizugbe of the Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Management Sciences. The lecture focused on an improved model of the Igbo Apprenticeship Scheme and its role in driving small and medium-scale enterprise development in Nigeria. Representing Governor Chukwuma Soludo, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim noted that the administration’s efforts to formalise and strengthen the Igba Boi system were initially underestimated but have now earned national recognition. He said several states are studying t...

 Agummadu Moves to Resolve TCN Right-of-Way Challenge, Fast-Tracks Power Projects in Anambra By Azuka Offor The Anambra State Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, Engr. Casmir Chinenye Agummadu, on July 9 received a delegation from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and other government representatives at his office in Awka to address right-of-way challenges affecting key electricity transmission projects in the state. Welcoming the delegation on behalf of the Anambra State Government, Engr. Agummadu commended the team for its commitment to resolving the issues hindering the progress of critical power infrastructure projects, describing the timely resolution of the challenges as a priority for the state government because of their direct impact on improving electricity supply and supporting economic growth. The commissioner assured the delegation of the government’s readiness to work with host communities, relevant stakeholders and government agencies to create an ena...

 A North Carolina man shut himself into his 5-year-old son's room and viciously attacked him before heading to Taco Bell for food while responding officers desperately tried to save his son's life. 31-year-old, Jehaaz-Akil Khaliq Echoles, is being charged with first-degree m*rd*r after carrying out a cruel and fatal attack on his own child. Only minutes after midnight on Thursday, July 10th, Jehazz-Akil Khaliq Echoles kicked in the door of his ex-girlfriend's apartment at the Sabal Point Apartments in Pineville, North Carolina.  After gaining entry, Echoles rushed into his innocent 5-year-old son's bedroom and shut the door behind him. The child was sleeping.  By the time the child's mother gained entry to the room, Echoles had already savagely st#bbed his little son multiple times. Echoles fled the nightmare he had caused as the mother entered her sons room. The mom found her beloved son profusely bleeding from multiple wounds to his head and neck.  The child also ...