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DSS, Military Raid Claims Lives of 45 Bandits in Niger State

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In the vicinity of Kuchi town within Niger State’s Munya Local Government Area, the military and the Department of State Services (DSS) have effectively neutralized around 45 bandits.
This operation, carried out with discretion, is said to mark another success in the continuing efforts to combat banditry in the area.
As reported by Daily Trust, security sources have revealed that the DSS carefully monitored the bandits’ movements and prevented an imminent attack on the villages, which was aimed at carrying out large-scale assaults planned by the infamous kingpin Dogo Gide and his loyal bandits.

According to the sources, information obtained from the agency’s revitalized secret operations pointed to Gide’s call for terrorists from the Bilbis forest in Maru LGA of Zamfara State and specific areas of Kaduna State to carry out assaults on villages near Kuchi.

Read Also: Benue on Brink: Charismatic Bishops Demand Tinubu Declare State of Emergency Amid Killings

“In the early hours of Monday, June 2, 2025, approximately 100 bandits from Kaduna and Zamfara States, heavily armed with advanced weapons, moved towards Kuchi town in Munya LGA.

“Nevertheless, operatives mounted a surprise offensive and ambushed the bandits on the fringes of Kuchi town. The operatives engaged the fleeing dissidents in a gun battle, resulting in the elimination of the bandits and the recovery of motorcycles and ammunition, with several individuals sustaining injuries,” the security source disclosed.

At the same time, the reports suggest that five DSS operatives suffered serious injuries and are now in the hospital.

“This ambush is part of ongoing offensives against the bandits. Following the earlier decimation of over 50 bandits, it has dealt a heavy blow to Dogo Gide, who has been losing vast territories in recent months due to the superior firepower and covert disruptions of operatives sent to these troubled areas.

“They have been subjected to intense pressure, and we hope they can endure it. “We pray that these efforts by the SSS, which seem quite new and are aimed at saving our communities from the bandits, will continue,” a source said.

This accomplishment, which took place soon after agency operatives eliminated several bandits in the same Local Government Area (LGA), will offer relief to the local communities.

Even with continual attempts to manage them, bandits have been attacking different communities across the country.

Reports indicate that the Chief of Army Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, moved to Benue State earlier this week out of concern regarding the rising number of killings.

Benue on Brink: Charismatic Bishops Demand Tinubu Declare State of Emergency Amid Killings

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Benue on Brink: Charismatic Bishops Demand Tinubu Declare State of Emergency Amid Killings

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A group of Catholic priests has expressed grave concern over the escalating violence and killings in Benue State and other parts of Nigeria, calling on President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in the state.

The priests, under the aegis of the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), at a world press conference on Wednesday condemned the persistent attacks on innocent citizens, particularly in the Middle Belt region, and urged the government to take immediate action to address the crisis.

Their call for action comes on the heels of threats made against Bishop Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe, the Catholic Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, who has been vocal about the plight of the people in Benue State.

In his address, Bishop Leonard Bature Kawas, the President-General of the group, expressed solidarity with their fellow bishop, who has faced backlash for speaking out against the atrocities committed against defenseless communities.

The statement highlighted the devastating impact of the violence on the people of Benue State, including the destruction of homes, churches, and livelihoods.

The priests emphasized that the situation has been ongoing since 2001, with the frequency and brutality of the attacks increasing over the years.

In light of the dire situation, the priests are urging President Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Benue State and take concrete steps to address the crisis.

They emphasized the need for the government to protect its citizens and ensure that those responsible for the violence are held accountable.

The priests’ call for action is not limited to the government; they are also appealing to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, civil society organizations, and the international community to join them in condemning the violence and advocating for the safety and rights of the people of Benue State.

“The recent spate of insecurity in our nation is so worrisome that one would wonder if this is not the same Nigeria that silenced the dreaded Liberian rebels and sent peace keepers all over West Africa who were exceptional in carrying out their duties and earned acoilades where ever they were assigned,”Bishop Kawas said.

“We stand with Bishop Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe in his courageous stance against the atrocities committed against our people. As shepherds of the flock, it is our duty to speak out against injustice and defend the dignity of human life.

“The persistent killings, displacement, and trauma inflicted on our communities are a grave affront to humanity, and we will not be silenced. The situation in Benue State has become unbearable.

“Innocent citizens are being killed, their homes burned, and their livelihoods destroyed. The government’s inaction is deafening, and it seems as though the lives of our people are of little consequence.

“We cannot continue to watch as our communities are ravaged by violence and destruction. We urge that President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Benue State to address the catastrophic situation on the ground.

“The government must act swiftly to protect its citizens, hold perpetrators accountable, and bring an end to the bloodshed. We will not stand idly by while our people are slaughtered like animals; it is time for decisive action, not empty words.”

Super Eagles Boss Backs Osimhen as World’s No. 1 Striker

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Eric Chelle, the head coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, has called Victor Osimhen the best striker globally.
In a recent chat with BBC Sport Africa, Chelle conveyed this viewpoint.
This summer, speculation linked the 26-year-old Nigerian international striker to European teams such as Chelsea, Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Barcelona. The Super Eagles coach praised him in this context.

Chelle encouraged the Galatasaray striker to maintain total concentration and to choose wisely.

„Victor ist für mich der beste Stürmer weltweit.

“It is challenging for him to come for this game because he played a season filled with pressure.

“The truth is, there exists a transfer window. Players of his caliber are not fully focused during this time.

„Ich muss ihn körperlich und psychisch schützen, denn vielleicht wird er [einen Transferwechsel anstreben].

“Perhaps a club such as Manchester United. Or perhaps Chelsea, Barcelona, or Real Madrid. “He needs to concentrate on that,” Chelle told BBC Sport Africa.

Meanwhile, Ademola Lookman, a forward for the Super Eagles, has revealed his thoughts on switching his international allegiance from England to Nigeria. He characterized this move as “one of the most defining choices” in his football career.
During an interview with ARISE TV, the 2024 CAF African Footballer of the Year made the statement while elaborating on the personal and professional changes that occurred after he dedicated himself to the Nigerian national team.

Read Also: Amaechi Raises Alarm Over INEC Chair’s Alleged Bias

The 27-year-old stated, “It undoubtedly changed my career and my life.” „Das ist den Leuten bekannt. This is where I live. This is where I live. I like it here. I am a native son.

Lookman, who was born in London to Nigerian parents, represented England at youth levels before committing to Nigeria for his senior international career.

This audacious move coincided with an astonishing surge in his professional career, peaking with a historic hat-trick in the 2024 UEFA Europa League final that secured Atalanta’s first-ever European title in a breathtaking win against Bayer Leverkusen.

Amaechi Raises Alarm Over INEC Chair’s Alleged Bias

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Rotimi Amaechi, who previously held the office of Minister of Transportation, has claimed that Mahmood Yakubu, the current chair of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), is exhibiting indications of partiality.
The ex-Governor of Rivers State claimed that if Yakubu had been the chairman of INEC during that time, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) would not have been registered or won the 2015 general elections.
On Tuesday night, Amaechi appeared as a guest on Arise TV and praised former INEC Chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega for his role in guaranteeing a transparent electoral process that resulted in the APC’s registration and subsequent victory in 2015.

Read Also: Eze Condemns Wike for Alleged Party Betrayal and Damage

He stated, “The current chairman of INEC, if he had been the chairman in 2015, we would not have won. That is a significant aspect. God bless (Attahiru) Jega. Because the basic rules were unambiguous. The current INEC chairman is comparable only to Iwu.
“ At the time of registering APC, we met the registration requirements after Jega opened the door for us. He had the APC registered. The current man, should you adhere to all of these, would not register you.

“INEC is already showing bias. At this point, the only thing I can say is that, considering how Nigeria has conducted the election, even Option A4 was an improvement. At the very least, a lot of transparency. You were certain about the situation. Upon our return, we encountered individuals such as Iwu and others, including the current one, and the situation deteriorated.

„Daher ist dir unklar, ob du sagen sollst, dass wir Fortschritte machen oder zurückfallen. A state capture is taking place by using the electoral institution as a machine.

Eze Condemns Wike for Alleged Party Betrayal and Damage

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Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, a prominent figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC), has urged Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to officially join the ruling party if he genuinely considers himself an asset.
On Wednesday, Eze issued the challenge in a statement released in Port Harcourt, responding to Wike’s recent media interview in which the minister criticized former Minister of Transportation Chibuike Amaechi.
Reports indicated that Wike had taken issue with Amaechi’s comments during the latter’s 60th birthday celebration, where the former governor of Rivers expressed distress over the economic difficulties experienced under President Bola Tinubu’s administration and claimed to be “very hungry.”

Eze charged Wike with treachery against democratic values and expressed doubts about his moral authority in today’s political landscape.
He stated, “The fact remains that if Tinubu were a clean democrat, he would have rejected the results of his alleged electoral success in Rivers State, fully aware that Wike has effectively undermined all he claims to have achieved as a democrat.”

Eze claims that Wike is aware that posterity will not treat him and his generation fairly, and that the FCT Minister has sold his conscience since then.

The APC chieftain stated, “If I were to pay full attention to Wike’s rants about Amaechi, I would be squandering my valuable time. His only motivation is envy.

“That man has no good conscience. He is aware that they are in APC waiting for him, to deflate his ego. He has faith in eye service. You have one leg in PDP and another in APC, yet you consider yourself an asset. You are merely a storehouse of blackmail, greed, envy, and ingratitude.

“Is it reasonable?” You have turned your back on and ruined a party that was responsible for your current status, and now you are extolling the virtues of Tinubu and the APC.

“You wish to harvest where you did not plant. I have warned Wike multiple times; he has already set himself up for political failure, and figures such as Akpabio, Uzodimma, Umahi, and Oshiomhole are waiting for him in the APC.

Read Also: Senator Barau, Kano APC Rally Behind Tinubu’s Second Term Agenda

“Wike is slowly but steadily being drained by the burdens of morality, blackmail, betrayal, and backstabbing; he is suffering from dementia.

„Amaechi ist nicht arrogant oder hinterhältig; er hat seine Zeit, und er ist kultiviert.“

“The world knows of Wike’s actions during the 2023 Presidential election, where he took credit for the illegal activities that occurred in Rivers State.

“This demonstrates Wike’s lack of shame and the submissiveness of our security framework. In informed societies, no one openly claims credit for electoral fraud and goes unpunished as Wike did.
“While it may be true that you aren’t hungry given the extent of public looting linked to you, Nigerians are aware that Wike has played a role in creating 75% of the country’s hunger through his backing of Tinubu’s administration, which has caused widespread hunger across the nation. ”

Nevertheless, Eze expressed gratitude to Wike for dedicating time to recount Amaechi’s political achievements over the past 23 years of dedicated service to Nigeria and its people.

Moreover, Eze commended Olabamji Enitan Jowosimi, the Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on New Media, and Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), for their honest recognition of the president’s inability to lead Nigeria.

Senator Barau, Kano APC Rally Behind Tinubu’s Second Term Agenda

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Barau I. Jibrin, the Deputy President of the Senate, along with all members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Northern Kano Supporters, have endorsed President Tinubu’s plans for a second term.

This occurred while the Deputy President of the Senate carried out an official commissioning of the recently upgraded institution, now named the Federal University of Science and Technology, Kabo, on Tuesday.

As requested by Barau Jibrin, the Deputy President of the Senate, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the transformation of the Federal Polytechnic into the Federal University of Science and Technology, Kabo.

During the event on Tuesday in Kabo Local Government Area of Kano State, hundreds of APC members and the Deputy President of the Senate gave a standing ovation for President Tinubu’s second term agenda.

Their belief was that the President’s affection for the Kano North Senatorial District would suffice to guarantee their votes for him to remain in office past 2027.

Barau praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unmatched backing of educational initiatives and infrastructure advancement in both Kano State and the broader Northwest region.

“We informed Mr. President that our main focus was to elevate the Federal College of Education, Kabo, to the status of a Federal University. He just stated, ‘Bring it, I will sign it.’ And he put his signature on it,” Barau told the crowd, which erupted in cheers.

He also disclosed that after the upgrade, he asked for the creation of another Federal Polytechnic in Kabo, which was approved as well.

Read Also: Security Forces Nab Truck Transporting Over 164,000 Live Cartridges

“We went again, and he signed it,” he mentioned.
Barau, the representative of Kano North, stated that Tinubu’s ongoing support included the endorsement of a Federal University of Science and Technology. He characterized this as a significant benefit for not only Kano but all of Northern Nigeria.

“What greater love can a leader demonstrate towards his people than to invest in their future through education? „Barau erkundigte sich. „Mr. President hat gezeigt, dass ihm die Basis am Herzen liegt. Und wenn man die Basis bildet, so gründet man damit das Fundament jeder Gesellschaft.“

He commended the President for recognizing education as fundamental to development and for his efforts to ensure the region is included. “He has approved every request we have brought to him. That is what truly characterizes a responsive leader.

Barau also narrated how Tinubu overturned a contentious decision that would have downgraded Yusuf Maitama Sule University from its upgraded status as a federal university of education.

“After the decision was reversed, I approached Mr. President again. I told him that this was unfair. He said, “I presented him with a proposal right then and there, and he gave it immediate approval.”

“I state this with no doubt: President Tinubu has love for the people of Kano, the Northwest, and all of the North.” „Er hat noch nie einen unserer Entwicklungsvorschläge abgelehnt“, fügte er hinzu.

Also addressing the event, Alhaji Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, the Minister of State for Housing, commended the President’s administration for its focus on inclusive development and enhancing educational access throughout various geopolitical zones.

The commissioning was attended by dignitaries from both within and outside the state and was seen as a major milestone in federal support for higher education in Kano State.

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Security Forces Nab Truck Transporting Over 164,000 Live Cartridges

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Security forces have stopped a truck carrying more than 164,000 live cartridges that were reportedly destined for the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its military faction, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
It was understood that the operation was executed by troops from Sector 5 of Operation UDO KA, along with operatives from the 63 Brigade and the Department of State Services (DSS).
Security analyst Zagazola Makama reported that the operation was based on credible intelligence and resulted in the arrest of a suspected arms courier, Mr. Emeka Omenife, on the Asaba–Onitsha expressway on May 29, 2025.

After his arrest, Omenife was promptly transferred to the DSS for questioning. It has been reported that he admitted during interrogation to being involved in a syndicate that transports ammunition from Ghana to Nigeria for IPOB/ESN operatives.
His confession led to the arrest of his accomplice, Mr. Uchenna Obiora, by troops at the Onitsha–Awka tollgate on 30 May 2025, as he was waiting for the delivery of the ammunition.

The apprehension resulted in the interception of a truck containing the concealed ammunition.
“After being intercepted, the vehicle was transported to Onitsha Cantonment, where a detailed search uncovered 164,650 live cartridges concealed in four specially built compartments in the truck’s cargo bed,” a source informed Zagazola.

Read Also: CCYF backs Pastor Ibieyome, warns against distortion of the gospel for clout

The source further indicated that the cartridges are thought to have been bought in Ghana and were being transported to Onitsha for delivery when they were intercepted.

Further inquiries are in progress to identify additional members of the syndicate and their associates.

Security sources further noted that Omenife was previously detained by troops and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) tracking team on January 22 at his home in Onitsha Housing Estate.

In the operation in January, he tried to escape and was shot in the backside before being taken to the 302 Army Regiment Medical Services for treatment. Later, he was transferred to the Anambra State Police Criminal Investigation Department at Annex Akwuzu for prosecution.

His re-arrest in May indicates that he may have gone back to the same criminal enterprise after his release under unexplained circumstances.

CCYF backs Pastor Ibieyome, warns against distortion of the gospel for clout

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The Concerned Christian Youth Forum, CCYF, has thrown its weight behind Pastor David Ibiyeomie of Salvation Ministries International following his recent warning against content creators who distort his sermons for sensationalism and online clout.

He warned that such acts would no longer be tolerated and that those found guilty would face consequences going forward.

However, in a statement issued on Tuesday by the group’s Convener, James Paul Adama, the Concerned Christian Youth Forum condemned what it described as the “unscrupulous practices” of bloggers and content creators who twist messages from revered religious leaders for personal gain.

“Our attention has been drawn to the persistent twisting of Pastor Ibiyeomie’s sermons to fit misleading online narratives,” the statement read. “Let it be known that these slanderous attacks are rooted in falsehood. Our Christian leaders are men and women of integrity who have dedicated their lives to serving God and humanity.”

The Forum described the manipulation of sermons as a “dangerous trend” driven by greed and the monetization of misinformation, calling on the Federal Government to urgently step in and regulate such activities in the digital space.

“These bloggers and so-called influencers have turned the sacred into spectacle. Their shameless tactics not only misrepresent the truth but sow seeds of division within the body of Christ,” Adama stated.

He urged the public to be discerning about online content and avoid platforms that profit from defamation and falsehood.

According to him, it is time for faith-based communities and civil society to unite in protecting spiritual institutions from unwarranted attacks.

Abati Warns Tinubu: Beware, Wike Will Abuse You Tomorrow

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Reuben Abati, who formerly served as presidential spokesperson, has cautioned President Bola Tinubu to be cautious of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
As Abati noted, Wike’s ability to disrespect and criticize those who were crucial to his rise in politics suggests he can also do the same to the President.
The TV presenter was responding to Wike’s recent verbal assaults on important political figures.

During his appearance on Tuesday on the Arise Television breakfast show The Morning Show, Abati (who co-hosts the show) accused Wike of carelessly discussing his former political mentors and suggested that this was due to a flaw in his character.

Abati characterized Wike’s conduct as motivated by “hubris,” which is clear from his disdain for those who aided him on his journey.

Abati remembered how Wike had previously disrespected Peter Odili, a key figure in Wike’s ascent to power.

The ex-presidential spokesperson indicated that Wike’s method of using derogatory language could soon be aimed at President Tinubu.

He stated, “There is a fundamental principle in human relationships concerning your relationship with your superiors.

„In meiner Ansicht ist Nyesom Wike sehr unhöflich und respektlos, da Rotimi Amaechi in der Politik sein Vorgesetzter ist.

„Er hatte öffentlich gesagt, dass Peter Odili nicht dafür qualifiziert sei, ein Elder zu sein.

“This was the same man Dr. Patience Jonathan had taken him to in order to assist him in becoming governor.” He has called Dr. Peter Odili and his wife by every name imaginable. He described Chief Olabode George as someone who owes ground rent.

Read Also: Breaking: Ondo Assembly Shaken as Deputy Speaker Akinruntan Resigns

“Who is safe from Nyesom Wike’s insults? He has indicated that he will also insult President Bola Tinubu.

Abati wies auf Wikes jüngste Äußerungen zu Tinubus Bekanntmachung einer Notstandserklärung in Rivers State hin und deutete an, Wike habe angedeutet, dass er, wäre ihm die Situation früher bekannt gewesen, anders hätte beraten wollen – ein Zeichen von Illoyalität.

“During that interview, he noted that had he been aware of President Tinubu’s intention to announce a state of emergency in Rivers, he would have provided a different type of advice.

“This already serves as a signal to President Tinubu that the man he is dealing with has only his own interests at heart. President Tinubu should exercise caution. “He will take advantage of this same President Tinubu tomorrow,” he stated.