OPL 245 Case: Mohammed Adoke Was Hunted Globally — Jonathan

Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday said ex-attorney-general of the federation (AGF) during his administration, Mohammed Adoke, was hunted globally during the oil prospecting lease (OPL) case. 

Speaking in Abuja during the public presentation of Adoke’s memoir titled ‘OPL 245: Inside Story of the $1.3 billion Nigerian Oil Block,’ Jonathan said Adoke’s memoir upheld the truth.

He regretted that shortly after his tenure ended in 2015, “the succeeding government launched what many people saw as a manhunt against key officers” of his administration.

“The author of this memoir, Mr. Bello Adoke, was the attorney-general of the federation at that time. He was hunted across the globe,” the former President, who was represented by Pius Anyim, former senate president, said.

“But today, he’s alive, he’s healthy, he’s here to tell his story. Let me, therefore, use this occasion to congratulate Mr. Bello Adoke, my friend and my brother, for his doggedness and to say that I am pleased to join you in celebrating this victory.”

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He urged “all of us” to be conscious of the fact that power belongs to God.

Jonathan said the best anyone who is blessed with the opportunity of holding public office should do is to commit to the assignment and use the opportunity to uphold truth, justice, and fairness.

“I am to state, as always, that it is acknowledged among all civilisations that any society or organisation that does not promote justice and fairness will neither have peace nor make progress,” he said.

“The essence of the author’s effort in documenting his memoir is not only to put the record straight, but to contribute to the cause of truth and justice as the foremost pillars of nation building.”

The former President stated how proud he was of Adoke, and congratulated the former AGF for the “wisdom and the courage to put down his own side of the story in the book we are about to present today”.

OPL 245 was awarded to Malabu Oil and Gas in 1998 by the Sani Abacha administration.

However, the block later became the focus of global corruption investigations, criminal prosecutions, and civil lawsuits after Malabu sold its entire stake to Shell and Eni for $1.1 billion in 2011.

Nigerian Army Repels Attacks, Neutralises Bandits In Kebbi

The Nigerian Army’s 223 Light Battalion, Zuru, has successfully repelled a large-scale attack by bandits on Ribah town in the Danko Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

The assault, which occurred on Wednesday, involved over 400 heavily armed bandits who attempted to overrun the town.

A fierce gun battle ensued, during which many of the attackers were neutralised.

While some managed to retrieve the corpses of their fallen comrades, several bodies were left behind, along with a cache of recovered weapons.

Director of Security in the Cabinet Office, Alhaji AbdulRahman Zagga, confirmed the development in Birnin Kebbi, commending the bravery and resilience of the Nigerian Army.

He noted that although the attackers initially posed a serious threat due to their large numbers, the superior combat skills and determination of the troops shifted the momentum in favor of the military.

Zagga also commended the swift intervention of the Nigerian Air Force, whose fighter jet provided critical air support by bombing fleeing bandits and inflicting heavy casualties.

“Though the gunfire caused initial panic and confusion within the community, the situation has since been brought under control and normalcy fully restored,” Zagga said.

He added that the attackers were suspected to be the same group responsible for a recent attack in Niger State.

“They had crossed into Kebbi to launch another assault, which was ultimately foiled, an outcome that underscores the effectiveness of the proactive security measures implemented by Governor Nasir Idris,” he stated.

Foiled Mera Attack

In a separate incident on the same day, troops from Dukku Barracks repelled another attack by Lakurawa bandits in Mera, Augie Local Government Area.

The bandits had attempted to rustle cattle but were met with strong resistance from soldiers, forcing them to retreat.

Governor Idris expressed appreciation for the gallant efforts of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies involved in both operations.

He reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to strengthening security across the state and pledged continued support for all security formations, especially those operating in frontline areas.

‘Where Were You Educated?’ Trump Praises Liberian President’s English

US President Donald Trump complimented the president of Liberia Wednesday on his English-speaking skills — despite English being the official language of the West African nation.

Trump was hosting a White House lunch with African leaders Wednesday, and — after brief remarks from President Joseph Boakai — asked the business graduate where he had picked up his linguistic know-how.

“Thank you, and such good English… Where did you learn to speak so beautifully? Where were you educated?” Trump said.

US President Donald Trump (C), flanked by US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer (R) and US Senior Advisor for Africa Massad Boulos (L), speaks during a multilateral lunch with visiting African Leaders in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on July 9, 2025. (Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP)

Boakai — who, like most Liberians, speaks English as a first language — indicated he had been educated in his native country.

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He was facing away from the media, making his countenance hard to gauge — but his laconic, mumbled response hinted at awkwardness.

Trump, who was surrounded by French-speaking presidents from other West African nations, kept digging.

“It’s beautiful English. I have people at this table can’t speak nearly as well,” he said.

US President Donald Trump (3rd L) participates in a multilateral lunch with visiting African Leaders in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on July 9, 2025. (Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP)

US engagement in Liberia began in the 1820s when the Congress- and slaveholder-funded American Colonization Society began sending freed slaves to its shores.

Thousands of “Americo-Liberian” settlers followed, declaring themselves independent in 1847 and setting up a government to rule over a native African majority.

The country has a diverse array of indigenous languages and a number of creolized dialects, while Kpelle-speakers are the largest single linguistic group.

Boakai himself can read and write in Mendi and Kissi but converses in Liberia’s official tongue and lingua franca — English.

One Killed, Over 100 Houses Burnt By Suspected Herders In Taraba

One person has been confirmed dead, with over 100 houses set ablaze by suspected herders in farming communities of Karim Lamido Local Government Area in Taraba State. 

The community, Bandawa Gwenzu, which comprises Gwenzu, Langwanshin and Danzhan, was attacked on Wednesday night.

Speaking to Channels Television via a telephone interview on Thursday, the youth leader of the community, Ishaya Peter, described the attack as unprovoked, barbaric and condemnable. 

According to him, residents were seated and discussing when they suddenly heard gunshots from afar, a situation that made them scamper for safety. 

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He stated that he heard the voices of herders alongside some of their neighbours who were approaching the village, and all attempts to stop them proved abortive.

Peter said they had issued hours of alarm before the attack to security agencies, but no action was taken to avert the incident. 

“We could not stand the attack because they came with guns and we are peace-loving people without weapons except our bow and arrow, cutlasses, that is all,” he stated.

“One of us who died was due to his inability to swim while crossing the river, as they attacked us.  The villages were deserted, and we are still counting our losses.

“Women and children have been asked to leave the villages because we do not know when or where they will attack.”

The Taraba State Police Command has yet to respond to this latest attack.

Visa Policy: Tunji-Ojo Meets With US Envoy, Says FG Will Curb Overstay By Nigerians

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has met with the United States ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills over the recently introduced visa procedures by the US government for Nigerians.

Tunjo-Ojo disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, a day after the US announced a major change to its visa policy for Nigeria, reducing the validity period and entry allowance for most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to citizens.

“Our government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu (GCFR), will continue to ensure strict compliance across the board in key areas, including secure travel documents, ensuring the issuance of secure travel documents with verified traveller identities. Visa overstay management: Implementing measures to limit overstays by travellers on US visas,” he said in a post on his X handle.

According to the minister, the gathering was aimed at strengthening ties between Nigeria and the US through a well-structured visa framework.

He said the recently introduced visa procedures by the US government for Nigerian nationals were discussed during the meeting.

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Tunji-Ojo stated said the US ambassador provided “valuable insights into the revised protocol and its alignment with established practices to uphold the integrity of the visa process”.

“The ambassador described the new e-visa policy of the Nigeria Immigration Service as an innovation intended to streamline and enhance the application process for foreign travellers into the country,” he stated.

“The Ministry of Interior, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and the US Mission in Nigeria agreed to strengthen collaboration, emphasizing adherence to visa regulations and promoting responsible travel practices among Nigerian citizens.

“Information sharing: Sharing relevant security and/or criminal record information to protect public safety,” the minister added.

The meeting, which was held in Abuja on Wednesday, had in attendance the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani; Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nanna Nandap.

The embassy said nearly all non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerian citizens will now be single-entry and valid for only three months, adding that this is part of a global reciprocity realignment, a sharp shift from previous visa terms, which often allowed for multiple entries over two years or more.

24 Terrorists Killed In Six Days As Troops Intensify Offensive

Combined Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have killed 24 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in a renewed offensive into enclaves across various locations within the North-East theatre of operations. 

Among those killed were five logistics suppliers who were ambushed in night operations.

The coordinated operations took place between 4th and 9th July in Sambisa Forest, Timbuktu triangle, the Mandara Mountains, and other known locations. This resulted in the recovery of several arms, ammunition, logistics, and other fighting equipment.

The troops also recovered motorcycles, bicycles, food condiments, footwear, and terrorist uniforms.

According to the Theatre Commander, North-East Joint Taskforce Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, the operations were intelligence-driven and guided by intelligence gathered

Maj. Gen. Abdulsalam said the operations were conducted by the combined troops of the Air Force component, the Civilian Joint Task Force, and the Nigerian Army.

The spokesperson of Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Reuben Kovangiya, gave details of the operations in a statement.

READ THE FULL STATEMENT BELOW

TROOPS OF OPERATION HADIN KAI NEUTRALIZE 24 BOKO HARAM INSURGENTS AND RECOVER WEAPONS IN OFFENSIVE OPERATIONS BETWEEN 4 – 9 JULY 2025

In continuation of the series of coordinated offensive operations across the North East Theatre of operations, troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), bolstered by close air support from the Air Component and collaboration with Civilian Joint Task Force and hunters, have carried out successful kinetic operations against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in theatre between 4 – 9 July 2025, eliminating several terrorists.

In one of the ambushes conducted at Platari on 4 July 2025, the gallant troops, while lying in wait, made contact with JAS/ISWAP terrorists mounted on bicycles moving from the Sambisa Forest axis to the Timbuktu Triangle. The terrorists were immediately subdued with heavy fire, leading to the neutralization of 3 terrorists.

Similarly, following intelligence on movements of the insurgents around Komala general area, troops sprang another ambush on the terrorists, neutralizing another fighter. On exploitation of the general area, troops recovered motorcycles and spare parts, knapsack sprayers, pesticides, and terrorists’ food items.

Relatedly, troops conducted a night ambush on the same day at terrorists’ hideouts around the Kawuri general area in Konduga Local Government. During the deliberate operations, the resilient troops came into contact with the insurgents. Consequently, 2 terrorists conveying logistics were immediately eliminated, while others fled with gunshot wounds. Troops also recovered packets of salt, food seasoning, detergents, and other sundry items.

In the same vein, troops on 5 July 2025, intercepted terrorists attempting to access the Madarari Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Konduga Local Government Area. The troops swiftly engaged the insurgents, killing one terrorists, while others escaped with traces of gunshot wounds. Troops subsequently recovered several rounds of ammunition during the exploitation of the area.

In another development, troops conducted a fighting patrol to terrorists’ enclaves at Leno Kura. Resultantly, the troops came into contact with the insurgents and engaged them with simultaneous gunfire from different directions. Accordingly, 3 terrorists met their Waterloo, while troops continued exploitation of the area.

Furthermore, on 6 July 2025, troops carried out a night ambush at a suspected terrorists’ crossing point along the roads Ngoshe – Gava, Ngoshe – Ashigashiya, as well as Amuda – Gava areas.Troops made contact, and an insurgent was neutralized while others fled.

On 7 July 2025 also, troops sprang another ambush following an intelligence report close to Sabsawa village. During the operation, troops made contact with terrorists’ logistics suppliers and successfully neutralized 2 insurgents. On exploitation of the area, the gallant troops recovered bicycles, sacks of slippers, several torchlights, batteries, detergents, salt, and rubber shoes, amongst other sundry items.

On 8 July 2025, troops in conjunction with the Civilian Joint Task Force, under close air support provided by the Air Component of OPHK, conducted clearance operations at Bula Marwa, a known ISWAP/JAS enclave. In the course of the operation, the troops eliminated an insurgent and recovered a gun, terrorists’ uniforms, while their life-supporting structures were totally destroyed.

Additionally, troops in a joint operation with hunters and the Civilian Joint Task Force, conducted fighting patrol at terrorists’ hideouts at Pambula village in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State. During the patrol, contact was made with JAS/ISWAP terrorists, who were immediately engaged with a high volume of fire, forcing the terrorists to disperse in disarray. Consequent upon the firefight, the troops neutralized a terrorist, recovering four motorcycles and his weapon. The determined troops continued exploiting the general area to rid it of any terrorists activities.

In another coordinated clearance operations conducted on 8 July 2025 at Bula Marwa, troops neutralized a terrorist fighter, while others fled. Items recovered included a gun and terrorists’ uniforms. Troops also destroyed the insurgents’ camp.

On 9 July 2025, troops in joint operations with Civilian Joint Task Force, also conducted a clearance operation in JAS/ISWAP enclave at Tangalanga and Bula Marwa. After a heavy firefight, 3 insurgents were eliminated. Terrorists’ life supporting structures in the camp, were also destroyed completely. Troops recovered six AK 47 rifles 47 magazines and ninety rounds of 7.62mm ammunition during exploitation of the area.

In furtherance of the offensive operations, troops in conjunction with CJTF conducted ambush at Ngailda, Manjim and Wulle villages, where contact was made with the insurgents. Following the contact, troops successfully eliminated 6 terrorists while others fled in disarray. Items recovered by the troops during exploitation included motorcycles and bicycles.

The neutralisation of 24 insurgents with close air support underscores the determination, collaboration, and concerted efforts by the troops of OPHK, to ensure terrorists are placed on the back foot, thereby creating conducive environment for socio-economic activities to thrive in the North East region.