Category Nigeria News

A suspected kidnapper has been apprehended by the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS).

Abubakar Bawa, who the army claimed was detained while attempting to flee from Taraba State’s Wukari Local Government Area, was said to have been the suspect.

Read more about the arrest of a suspected kidnapper in Taraba and the intensifying search for victims.

According to Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, the Public Relations Officer of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, the arrest is a part of Operation Zafin Wuta, a clearance mission that aims to remove criminal elements from southern Taraba.

The suspect was allegedly a close friend of another kidnapping mastermind detained by 6 Brigade troops on November 22, 2025, according to the report.

The two suspects and a larger criminal syndicate, which are responsible for numerous kidnappings, violent attacks, and coordinated criminal activity throughout the area, were the subject of preliminary investigations, according to the army.

Brigadier General Kingsley Uwa, the commander of the 6 Brigade/Sector 3 OPWS, praised the soldiers for their sincerity, perseverance, and operational acumen.

According to him, Bawa’s arrest “is a clear sign that Operation Zafin Wuta is accomplishing its intended goal of destroying criminal syndicates and restoring security to affected communities.”

He reiterated the Brigade’s commitment to carrying out aggressive clearance operations, stating that “no criminal element will be allowed to escape justice as long as these operations continue at the current pace.”

“This most recent victory strengthens the Nigerian Army’s resolve to eradicate all criminal threats from southern Taraba and bring about long-lasting peace in the area. As the suspect’s network’s investigations get more serious, the 6 Brigade’s troops remain completely vigilant,” the statement said.

However, the army urged residents to remain vigilant and provide reliable information to aid security forces in their ongoing operations.

The House of Assembly has been given the 2026 Appropriation Bill for legislative review and approval by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.

Budget of Economic Expansion is a proposal for a budget that includes 891, 985, 074, 480.79 (Eight Hundred and Ninety-One Billion, Nine Hundred and Eighty-Five Million, Seventy-Four Thousand, Four Hundred and Eighty Naira, Seventy-Nine kobo Only), according to the budget proposal.

Governor Makinde stated that the proposed budget’s purpose was to “push further on the growth of the state economy,” stressing that several flagship projects and ongoing investments have made Oyo State a self-sufficient state that is ready for global market integration, while presenting the budget proposal to the House of Assembly Chambers, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

He pointed out that the budget proposal’s capital expenditures total 510. 8 billion, or 56.7 percent, are allocated for recurrent expenditures, which account for 43.3% of the budget.

Read more about the Oyo government’s donation of four operating vehicles to the Ibadan Airport.

The education sector will receive 152. 2 billion, or 17. 40%, above the UNESCO recommendation for education, while infrastructure will receive 210. 2 billion, which is 23. 55% of the total budget estimate.

He added that agriculture will receive 19.9 billion, which is 2.24 per cent of the overall budget, while the health sector will receive a total of 70.8 billion, which is 7.94 per cent.

Governor Makinde explained the anticipated revenues that would drive the budget, noting that the state’s internally generated revenue increased without putting more people in the tax haven as a result of the 2025 budget, which he claimed would have stabilized the state’s economy for the expansion of the state.

The penultimate budget proposal from our administration, which we have titled the “Budget of Economic Expansion,” is what he said, Mr. Speaker, Honorable Members of the Oyo State House of Assembly, will appear before you today.

We consolidated the economic gains from previous budgets with the 2025 Budget of Economic Stabilization.

“So it makes sense that we should push forward with the state’s economy’s growth for 2026.

Our state is now positioned for a production-driven economy, according to Mr. Speaker, with a number of flagship projects and ongoing investments. The Africa Continental Free Trade Area initiative is one of them. Local producers will have access to the continent’s integrated markets thanks to this. Oluyole Free Trade Zone is the following one. This aims to draw in manufacturing, assembly plants, and export-oriented industries. The SAPZ, or Special Agro-Processing Zones, is another one. This will increase agro-industrialization and increase primary agricultural outputs to higher-value goods.

The dry pot and logistics hub are both present, which help boost Oyo’s trade competitiveness and improve supply chain efficiency. Additionally, Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport’s upgrading to international standards establishes the state as a regional logistics and investment hub.

The 110-kilometer Rashidi-Ladoja Circular Road and its development corridor also contribute to strengthening regional connectivity and fostering economic growth by connecting important commercial and transportation hubs. In order to support the theme of economic expansion, this project represents a decisive policy change that emphasizes industrial productivity, export competitiveness, and global market integration.

The recently finished Ibadan Central Bus Terminus 1 and 2 at Iwo Road and New Ife Road was put on the market by the House’s Speaker, Honorable Members of the House, less than two weeks ago. Thus, Ibadan can now boast of four state-operated, contemporary bus terminals. Additionally, we have been providing subsidies for these buses since 2023. Not to mention our elderly, our people who are challenged, but they have made mobility easier for workers, traders, and students. That subsidy benefits everyone.

We finished Phase 1 of the Ibadan International Airport Upgrade Project in September. Wide-bodied aircraft can be delivered to Oyo State today. This development opens up opportunities for international trade, tourism, and investment.

“We’ve gotten some new investors, and we’ve begun the Oyo State Agribusiness Industrial Hub, Ijaye,” citing Fasola’s success. Fiscal resilience was strengthened by our performance in 2025.

“We eliminated the need to charge new taxes on the citizens while increasing internal revenue generated by automation and efficiency.” In my campaign for 2018-2019, I promised that Oyo State would not face any additional taxes. Without adding any new taxes, I’m pleased to report that our internal revenue has increased. Businesses experienced growth. The workers received prompt pay. The promise I made on May 29, 2019, that employees would receive their salaries on the 25th of each month has been kept. Social services have continued uninterruptedly.

These accomplishments, made possible by the budget for 2025, have stabilized our economy, created jobs, and expanded our foundation for long-term growth.

We are about to start a new chapter. The 2026 Economic Expansion Budget, which includes N891, 985, 074, and 480.79, builds on the foundation of stability to promote growth and inclusion. N502, 846, 477, 812, 985 is dedicated to capital expenditure while N389, 138, 596, 667.94 will go to recurrent expenditure. “

Governor Makinde also made a point about Oyo State’s 50th anniversary in February 2026, stating that it will be a celebration of the people’s creativity and individuality and also serve as a platform for the state’s history for the coming generations.

Speaker of the Rt. Hon. Governor Makinde was commended for his visionary leadership and the remarkable progress made under the 2025″ Budget of Economic Stabilization, by Adebo Ogundoyin.

According to him, the state’s MTEF 2026-2028-2028 budget’s balanced distribution across sectors demonstrated a commitment to strategic priorities, inclusive growth, and long-term sustainability.

The Speaker also assured of responsible implementation of the budget and accountability for all projects to have measurable effects on the state, while promising to continue to work with the Executive and other branches of government to implement policies and programs that uplift the people and transform the state.

The deputy governor of Oyo State, Barr, was present at the event. Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, former Deputy Governors, Engr., and Bayo Lawal, former deputy governor and PDP national secretary. Honourable Justice Iyabo Yerima, the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Honourable Justice Gbadamosi, Barr Hazeem Gbolarumi, former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, and former Chief Judge of Oyo State, Honourable Justice Iyabo Yerima.

Orji Orji, the executive secretary and chief executive officer of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), requested on his statutory terminal leave on his voluntary request, Senator George Akume, the secretary to the Federation.

This comes inainte of Orji’s five-year, five-year, one-year tenure, which ends on February 19, 2026.

NEITI Sees End To Multiple Taxation In Solid Minerals Sector READ ALSO:

Akume, who is also the NSWG’s Chairman, confirmed this in a statement released on Monday by Segun Imohiosen, the SGF’s director of information and public relations.

Following the NEITI chief’s formal notification, which was in full compliance with the required public service regulations.

The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) community was honored by Orji for his distinguished and reform-focused service to the country.

Dr. Orji also praised the establishment of the NEITI Data Center, strengthening Nigeria’s position as a trusted and reliable EITI implementer.

The Federal Government is committed to upholding Nigeria’s statutory mandate, strengthening its independence, and upholding the transparency reforms necessary for the country’s extractive sector and development.

President Bola Tinubu has been requested by Kebbi State governor Nasir Idris to review the country’s security system.

He explained that there were enemies trying to subvert the democracy that the country currently enjoys as a result of recent security developments.

INCLUDE   DHQ Reviews Alleged Withdrawal Of Troops Before Kebbi School Attack

Tajudeen Abbas, the speaker of the House of Representatives, was the subject of the governor’s Monday call at the Birnin Kebbi Government House.

The Speaker made a visit to Kebbi to express his regrets to the state and the government over the killing of the Maga schoolgirls while the other members of his entourage were there.

Abbas urged Governor Idris to honor the late Vice Principal, Malam Hassan Makuku, by naming the school after him, and that the House had avenged the incident in its entirety.

The Speaker announced a donation of $20 million to Makuku’s family and $10 million to the watchman’s family, both of whom were killed, while praying for the safe return of the abducted girls.

Still Awaiting Answers

Governor Idris responded by saying that despite his best efforts, he was still waiting for answers from the military regarding the security breaches that led to the schoolgirl abduction.

He noted that as a representative of the people, he had a responsibility to explain the errors that occurred, especially given that the government had not relented from supporting security organizations operating in the state. He acknowledged that some people may not like his earlier revelations.

The governor later agreed with the Speaker’s request and promised to rename the late vice principal, Malam Hassan Makuku, as the governor wished.

25 schoolgirls were abducted as a result of the attack, which took place last Monday.

The gunmen reportedly shot Makuku while attempting to protect the girls, according to reports.

While criticizing the school attack, governor Idris urged the military to identify the person who had mandated the soldiers’ withdrawal prior to the attack.

When we received information on a potential attack, we called a security meeting as a responsive government, he said.

The security forces “reassured us that everything was going well and that the school would have staff on hand.

The military was deployed, but they later withdrew by three . m. , and by 3:45 a. m. then the incident occurred.

Siminalayi Fubara, the governor of Rhodes State, has stated that his administration’s construction of the new Rivers State House of Assembly Complex will house the 2026 Appropriation Bill.

After inspecting the ongoing work at the site on Monday, Governor Fubara expressed satisfaction with the level of progress made.

He explained that Julius Berger, the main contractor, has subcontracted the interior furnishing to MCC to speed up the project’s completion, with the expectation that the main building, which will be rebuilt after the previous one was destroyed in a fire incident during the political crisis, will be finished by December.

He continued, “It is very impressive what I have seen.”

According to our projection, the contractors informed me that they had “fast-tracked” the delivery of this place. A reputable company, Julius Berger, has already been hired to handle the interior and all other work.

Read more: Fubara despises Jonathan’s leadership as the country celebrates its 68th birthday.

After the return of world peace, Governor Fubara emphasized the need for lawmakers to re-enter the main complex, noting that members of their temporary chambers should now conduct legislative business in the permanent facility.

He said, “We have been working really hard to ensure the establishment of their permanent sitting areas.”

You are aware of the previous drama that had surrounded our relationship. However, now that everything has been resolved, it is our desire to return to the Assembly’s normal and proper session, thanks to God’s special grace.

The state government is committed to carrying out the significant reconstruction, he added, to enable a return to full legislative operations, even though the Speaker will handle the unmolested portion of the former complex.

The Governor assured me that this particular location should be set up before December 31.

The Speaker may handle the other side of the complex that is not important, according to the Speaker’s statement.

Dapo Abiodun, the governor of Ogun State, has mandated that all businesses and industries that operate there register foreign nationals with proper documentation.

He claimed that this was a component of the security measures being implemented to combat recent security breaches.

Read more about Insecurity: Sanwo-Olu and other South-West governors meeting in Ibadan here.

Following a strategic security meeting with the state’s top security officials, he gave the order in Iperu, Ikenne Local Government Area.

The governor continued to assure residents of adequate security architecture while claiming that security radar had been deployed to track down illegal mining operations, government game reserves, and forests throughout the state to deter illegal occupiers and miscreants.

He also revealed that in recent days, about 70 foreigners had been detained, primarily from Chad, Sudan, and the Niger Republic, after failing to provide specific justifications for their presence in the state.

“In the last three to four days, the law enforcement agencies have taken into custody about 70 people from Chad and Sudan who are unable to explain their activities here.”

The Nigeria Immigration Service will handle these applicants, according to the statement.
We’ll be urging non-indigene communities to be more vigilant so we can learn more about who is here and why, he continued.

Scavengers’ activities, according to the governor, now pose a greater security threat than they did before.

We discussed the threat of scavengers, which has increased. They will receive particular attention from law enforcement.

He continued, “We will engage them to make sure they are not being used to commit crimes in the state.”

Increased vigilance

Additionally, Governor Abiodun noted that the meeting was set up to address the nation’s current security situation, and that it is crucial for the government to raise security awareness. Ogun receives more than five million daily commuters.

He warned that the government would eventually seize property used by criminals and directed the police to immediately invade “Zanga” in Ijebu-Ode and other similar enclaves throughout the state and clear them out.

The governor mentioned how security personnel had checked the settlement’s occupants’ safety after the recent incident at Ajebo in the Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area.

He added that criminals wouldn’t be able to use their forests as hideouts without being fully aware that the state’s forests were being protected.

He added that the meeting would be properly engaged and monitored as they went over the possible activities of scrap dealers and scavengers who may now be helping criminal networks.

Illegal miners

Governor Abiodun noted that the government was working with security forces to remove criminals from mining sites and forest reserves because it was aware of how some miners operated as miscreants.

By providing reliable information to security agencies, the governor made an appeal to the residents to actively support community policing efforts.

Security is not the exclusive responsibility of security agents. We must collaborate with them.

We must report anything suspicious to prompt response from law enforcement. He said, “We must be our brother’s keeper and be observant.”

Governor Abiodun expressed confidence in his administration’s ability to provide security agencies with the necessary logistics, as well as cautioned Obas and Baales against giving government land to strangers, assuring that any traditional ruler held accountable for harming the state’s interests.

He praised security agencies for their cooperation and synergy, which, according to him, has significantly improved the peace Ogun State is currently experiencing.

The governor praised the swift rescue of kidnapped victims in Kwara State, praised President Bola Tinubu, and security forces.

In response to concerns about rising insecurity in various regions of the nation, the meeting was held.