DSS Charges Nine Over Deadly Benue, Plateau Attacks
The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed charges against nine persons accused of deadly attacks in Benue and Plateau states.
The charges, filed on Thursday at a Federal High Court in Abuja, stem from killings in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue, and parts of Plateau, which left several people dead and others injured.
NNPC Boss Says Reforms Under Attack From Saboteurs
The Group CEO of NNPC Ltd., Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, says the company is under attack from people opposed to its transformation.
Ojulari made the remark on Thursday while hosting leaders of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria at the NNPC Towers in Abuja, stressing that “there are people who don’t mean well for Nigeria.”
Amaechi Declares ‘No Retreat, No Surrender’ on 2027 Presidency
Former Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, has reaffirmed his 2027 presidential bid under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Speaking in Kano after a meeting with a coalition of traders, Amaechi told reporters on Thursday, “There is no retreat, no surrender. I remain committed to this journey.”
Army, DSS Kill 50 Bandits in Niger State Raid
Security agents, including the Army and DSS, have killed no fewer than 50 bandits in Niger State.
The raid occurred earlier this week in Kumbashi, Mariga Local Government Area, as part of ongoing operations to reclaim troubled communities.
Kwankwaso Reaffirms Loyalty to NNPP, Dismisses Defection Rumours
Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso has dismissed speculation about defecting from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).
Speaking at the party’s NEC meeting in Abuja on Thursday, he said, “We have no intention to move. NNPP is performing well in Kano and across Nigeria, and we are very happy about that.”
ASUP Gives FG 21 Days to Address Polytechnic Education Issues
The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has given the Federal Government a 21-day ultimatum to resolve challenges in the sector.
The ultimatum was announced on Thursday in Lagos by Yabatech ASUP chairman, Mr. Monday Ojo, on behalf of national president Shammah Kpanja, who warned the sector had reached “a breaking point.”
FG Destroys 13,000 Firearms in Crackdown on Proliferation
The Federal Government has destroyed more than 13,000 illicit and obsolete firearms in the last four years.
Director-General of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, retired DIG Johnson Kokumo, said the move is part of sustained efforts to curb the spread of weapons fueling insecurity.
Police Officer Killed in Ebonyi Clash With Civil Defence Operatives
A police officer has been killed in a clash between the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Ebonyi State.
The incident happened in Amaeze, Ivo Local Government Area, on Wednesday. Council chairman Emmanuel Ajah confirmed the clash, describing it as “unfortunate.”
NIS Increases Passport Fees, 32-Page Now ₦100,000
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has raised the cost of international passports, with new rates effective immediately.
A 32-page passport with five-year validity will now cost ₦100,000, while the 64-page version with ten-year validity will cost ₦200,000. The Service said the review was aimed at safeguarding the quality of Nigerian passports.
Police Seal Edo NLC Secretariat Amid Rising Tensions
Police have sealed the Edo State secretariat of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), also known as the Adams Oshiomhole Labour House.
Security was tightened around the University of Benin main gate, while suspected thugs were seen loitering near the building. The move comes amid growing labour unrest in the state.
FG Approves New Passport Fees, Effective September 1
The Federal Government has approved an upward review of international passport fees from September 1, 2025.
NIS spokesman A.S. Akinlabi said the new rates apply only to applications submitted within Nigeria, while diaspora fees remain unchanged.
NNPCL Boss Alleges Threats, Vows to Complete Reforms
The Group CEO of NNPCL, Bayo Ojulari, says his life and that of his team are under threat over refinery reforms.
Speaking Thursday in Abuja, Ojulari alleged that “powerful elements” were bent on removing him but insisted on completing the turnaround process, saying the company may adopt the NLNG model.
NEC Approves Renewed Hope Plan, Strengthens Polio Coverage
The National Economic Council (NEC) has approved stronger measures to boost polio vaccination and endorsed the Renewed Hope Medium-Term Plan (2026–2030).
The approval was given Thursday during its 151st meeting presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima, with Minister Atiku Bagudu stressing the need for a seamless transition into the new plan.
FG Denies Signing Agreement With ASUU
The Federal Government has denied signing agreements with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
Education Minister Tunji Alausa said in Abuja on Thursday that the 2009 and 2011 documents cited by ASUU were “proposals that were never signed.”
Atiku Lists Nine Demands Ahead of 2027 Elections
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for sweeping electoral and judicial reforms ahead of the 2027 polls.
In a statement Thursday, he urged amendments to the 2022 Electoral Act, compulsory e-transmission of results, and measures to safeguard judicial independence.
ADC Faction Rejects Abdullahi as Party Spokesman
A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected former Minister Bolaji Abdullahi as party spokesperson.
In a Thursday statement, factional media chief Christopher Okechukwu said Abdullahi had “no authorization” to hold the position and should desist immediately.
Police Confirm TikTok Star Peller Safe After ‘Kidnap’ Scare
The Lagos State Police Command says TikTok personality Habeeb Hamzat, known as Peller, is safe despite reports of kidnapping.
Police spokesman Benjamin Hundeyin said Thursday that Peller’s belongings were intact and investigations were ongoing to confirm the incident.
Trinity Guy Prays to Meet Davido Amid ‘Dislike’ Fears
Popular skit maker IamTrinityGuy says he fears music star Davido may dislike him after failed attempts to meet him.
The comedian wrote Thursday that he has tried for two years without success, adding he now prays his dream will come true before 2025 ends.
Mourinho Admits Benfica Were Better as Fenerbahce Crash Out
Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho has conceded that Benfica deserved their Champions League win after eliminating his side 1–0 on aggregate.
Speaking Wednesday night, Mourinho said, “We lost against a team that is better than us,” but vowed to focus on the Europa League campaign.
UEFA Confirms Champions League Draw Under New Format
UEFA has confirmed the draw for the 2025/26 Champions League under its new 36-team ‘Swiss format.’
Each club will play eight matches against different opponents, with the top eight advancing directly to the round of 16, while teams ranked 9th to 24th enter play-offs.