Here is a summary of Nigerian news this morning, 30 JUNE 2025

Share:

13 Kidnapped Benue Links Passengers Freed in Joint Rescue

Thirteen passengers abducted in Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State have regained their freedom after a coordinated rescue operation.

According to Daily Post, the victims were travelling in a Benue Links bus from Abeokuta to Makurdi when they were kidnapped.

The successful operation was carried out by police and local vigilantes, highlighting ongoing security efforts to combat kidnapping along Nigeriaโ€™s highways.


Saudi Arabia Approves Madina Burial for Alhaji Aminu Dantata

Saudi authorities have approved the burial of renowned businessman and philanthropist Alhaji Aminu Dantata in the holy city of Madina.

The announcement was made on Sunday by Dantataโ€™s Principal Private Secretary, Mustapha Junaid, via Facebook.

Dantataโ€™s burial in Islamโ€™s second holiest city marks a rare honour, underscoring his stature and lifelong dedication to philanthropy and faith.


NDLEA Arrests Ex-Footballer, Businessman Over Cocaine Smuggling Plot

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has arrested ex-international footballer Segun George Hunkarin and his partner, Ntoruka Emmanuel Chinedu.

The pair allegedly tried to smuggle cocaine into Nigeria via Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi confirmed the arrest on Sunday, warning traffickers of the agencyโ€™s continued vigilance.


Plateau Governor Blames Elites for Nigeriaโ€™s Security Woes

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has blamed Nigeriaโ€™s lingering security crises on the countryโ€™s powerful elite.

Speaking in Jos during a stakeholder meeting on community policing, Mutfwang said these influential figures benefit from insecurity.

The event, themed โ€œDialogue on Community Policing as a Panacea for Insecurity in Nigeria,โ€ underscored calls for grassroots policing reforms.


Suspended Rivers Governor Fubara Says No Sacrifice Too Big for Peace

Suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has reaffirmed his commitment to peace and stability in the state.

Addressing supporters at the weekend, he said every step takenโ€”including reconciliation with predecessor Nyesom Wikeโ€”was in the peopleโ€™s collective interest.

Fubara urged calm amid ongoing political tensions, vowing to prioritise Rivers Stateโ€™s progress above personal ambition.


PDP Faces Chaos as Factions Plan Parallel NEC Meetings

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is in turmoil as two internal factions plan parallel National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings today.

According to Daily Post, tensions have erupted over party leadership and procedural disagreements with INEC.

The crisis threatens party unity ahead of critical political milestones, deepening internal disputes despite efforts at reconciliation.


Troops Kill Zamfara Terror Kingpin Mai Wada

Defence Headquarters announced on Sunday that troops of Operation Fasin Yamma have killed Mai Wada, a notorious terrorist leader in Zamfara State.

The military said Wada had long terrorised North West communities.

Separately, troops in Bornoโ€™s Monguno area intercepted a vehicle carrying suspected terrorist logistics, including fuel, rice, and yams.


Lagos Socialite Sues Police Over Threat, Harassment Claims

Lagos-based socialite Gail Fajembola has filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit at the Federal High Court in Lagos.

She alleges ongoing threats, harassment, and intimidation by the Nigeria Police Force acting on behalf of private individuals.

Fajembola is seeking judicial intervention to protect her rights and end what she describes as relentless persecution.


Dangote Refinery to Save Nigerians N1.7tn Annually with CNG Trucks

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery says it will absorb over N1.07 trillion annually to distribute fuel directly to marketers nationwide.

The company announced it had invested over N720 billion to deploy 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas-powered trucks.

It says the move will cut distribution costs, save Nigerians over N1.7 trillion each year, and reduce pump prices.


Ondo Police Arrest 30 Kidnap Suspects in First Half of 2025

The Ondo State Police Command says it arrested and prosecuted over 30 confirmed kidnap suspects in the first half of 2025.

According to spokesman Olayinka Ayanlade, hundreds of armed robbery and other criminal suspects were also nabbed under Commissioner Wilfred Afolabiโ€™s leadership.

The command said Sunday that its success reflected stronger anti-crime operations statewide.


โ€˜Itโ€™s Mere Disinformationโ€™ โ€“ OSGF Denies Akume Sack Rumour

The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) has dismissed claims that President Bola Tinubu has removed Senator George Akume as SGF.

In a statement on Sunday, Director of Information & Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen, described the rumour as โ€œmere disinformation.โ€

He said the claims were โ€œentirely false, misleading, and lack any basis in fact,โ€ insisting Tinubu had no intention of sacking Akume.

The clarification followed online reports alleging Akumeโ€™s purported removal, which had triggered speculation in political circles over the weekend.


Presidency Blasts Peter Obi Over Saint Lucia Criticism

The presidency has condemned Peter Obiโ€™s criticism of President Bola Tinubuโ€™s recent foreign trips, describing his remarks as โ€œunnecessary lamentations.โ€

Obi had labelled Tinubuโ€™s trip to Saint Lucia and Brazil for the BRICS summit as a grave misstep amid Nigeriaโ€™s economic hardship.

But Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Engagement, Fredrick Nwabufo, defended the trips, saying they strengthen Nigeriaโ€™s ties with the Caribbean and South-South regions.

He warned Obi against spreading pessimism, calling Tinubu โ€œthe visionary who sees Nigeria for its immense greatness.โ€


Oshiomhole Blames Buhari-Era Loans for Naira Collapse

Senator Adams Oshiomhole has blamed the collapse of the naira on excessive borrowing under ex-President Muhammadu Buhariโ€™s administration.

Speaking at a meeting in Benin City, Edo State, he said the Central Bankโ€™s Ways and Means facility meant Nigeria was โ€œborrowing every day the way fish drinks water.โ€

Oshiomhole said Tinubuโ€™s government must now repay those debts to safeguard national sovereignty, accusing past leaders of reckless fiscal management that weakened the currency.


PDP Insists Monday NEC Meeting Will Hold as Planned

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has declared that its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for Monday will go ahead as planned.

Deputy National Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja, speaking for the National Working Committee, said no organ or officer of the party has the power to alter or veto the meeting.

He dismissed reports suggesting the NEC gathering had been converted into a special expanded caucus, insisting such a body is not recognised by the partyโ€™s constitution.


13 Kidnapped Benue Links Passengers Rescued

Thirteen Benue Links passengers kidnapped last week in Okpokwu LGA of Benue State have regained freedom after a joint rescue operation.

Okpokwu Chairman Adah Inalegwu confirmed the rescue on Sunday, saying victims were freed in batches with help from local vigilantes and youths from neighbouring Kogi State.

He praised Governor Hyacinth Alia for logistical support.

The passengers were abducted last Sunday by gunmen who attacked their bus and forced them into the bush.


Ohanaeze Faults Gowon Over Civil War Comments

Ohanaeze Ndigbo has slammed former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon over remarks that the Nigerian Civil War was not targeted at Igbos but triggered by secession.

In a statement on Sunday, Deputy President-General Okechukwu Isiguzoro called it โ€œgross misinformationโ€ and a โ€œblatant distortion of historical facts.โ€

Ohanaeze accused Gowon of downplaying massacres of Igbos in 1966 and of decisions shaped by โ€œcolonial interests and the Fulani oligarchy.โ€


Lalude Laments Unpaid Tinubu Campaign Promises

Veteran actor Lalude has expressed regret for campaigning for President Tinubu, revealing he and colleagues were paid just โ‚ฆ10,000 daily for feeding.

In a video on social media, Lalude complained they had received no promised rewards two years after Tinubuโ€™s election.

The outburst follows similar regrets voiced by actor Alapini.

Many Nollywood stars publicly supported Tinubu in 2023, including Saheed Balogun, Toyin Abraham, and Eniola Badmus.


PSG Crush Inter Miami, Eliminate Messi From Club World Cup

Lionel Messiโ€™s Inter Miami crashed out of the 2025 Club World Cup after a heavy 4โ€“0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.

Joao Neves struck twice early, while an own goal by Tomรกs Avilรฉs and a finish from Achraf Hakimi sealed PSGโ€™s first-half dominance.

Miami stemmed the scoring in the second half but never threatened a comeback.

The win puts PSG into the quarter-finals, ending Messiโ€™s bid to lift the trophy with the MLS side.


Abakaliki FC Bus Crashes After Cup Final Loss

Abakaliki FC suffered misfortune twice as its officialsโ€™ bus crashed returning from Lagos after losing the Presidentโ€™s Federation Cup final.

The accident occurred on the Benin-Ore expressway after their penalty defeat to Kwara United.

The club confirmed on Facebook that no lives were lost and no injuries recorded, despite mild damage to the bus.

The crash reportedly happened when the driver lost brake control and struck a moving truck.


Napoli Poised to Recall Osimhen Amid Al Hilal Interest

Napoli striker Victor Osimhen is expected back at training as his transfer saga heats up.

After a prolific loan at Galatasarayโ€”where he was top scorer with 37 goalsโ€”Osimhen has attracted interest from European giants and Saudi club Al Hilal.

Though heโ€™s rejected Al Hilalโ€™s offers so far, reports suggest theyโ€™ll table a new deal worth โ‚ฌ50 million per season.

Osimhen spent his holiday in Lagos and remains central to Napoliโ€™s summer plans despite uncertainty over his future.

Join Our Community to get Live Updates

Leave a Comment

We would like to keep you updated with special notifications.

×