Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Troops Repel ISWAP Attack in Borno, Neutralise VBIEDs, Recover Arms

By
Agency Report
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Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have repelled a coordinated attack by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on a forward operating base in Mairari, Borno State, dealing a significant setback to the group’s operations in the area

According to multiple military sources, the attack began late on Friday, and extended into the early hours of Saturday, as ISWAP elements attempted to breach the base using two Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs)

Both explosive-laden vehicles were detected in time and neutralised by troops, preventing any penetration of the base.

CCTV footage reviewed after the engagement showed that several of the attackers were killed, while others sustained serious injuries. Surviving fighters were seen evacuating their dead and wounded from the scene, indicating heavy losses during the failed assault

In the early hours of Saturday, troops of Sector 3 OPHK/Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), supported by the Theatre Command Quick Reaction Group, the Nigeria Police Crack Team and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), carried out a detailed exploitation of the area

The operation led to the discovery of multiple terrorist corpses and a cache of weapons and logistics abandoned during the militants’ withdrawal.

Items recovered included AK-47 rifles, magazines and ammunition, belts of PKT rounds, hand grenades, motorcycles, communication devices, combat gear, medical supplies and other sustainment items, underscoring what the military described as evidence of sustained terrorist activity in the area

The military also confirmed that the two neutralised VBIEDs were destroyed by OPHK’s defensive fire systems, causing damage to the road at two separate points. However, officials stressed that there was no breach of the forward operating base, highlighting the preparedness and resilience of the troops

Troops are continuing aggressive fighting patrols around Mairari to prevent further attacks and reassure local communities of a sustained security presence, the military said. OPHK reaffirmed its commitment to “decisively defeat all terrorist elements and restore lasting peace and stability across the North East region”

Operation HADIN KAI is the Nigerian military’s counter-insurgency campaign in the North East, targeting ISWAP and Boko Haram factions that have carried out repeated attacks on military positions and civilian communities across Borno and neighbouring states.

Oyebamiji Emerges APC Candidate for 2026 Osun Governorship Election

By
Kazeem Busari
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Oyebamiji

Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, the immediate past Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), has been affirmed as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2026 Osun State election, following the party’s primary held in Osogbo on Saturday.

Oyebamiji’s emergence comes after an affirmation process involving 1,660 delegates at the governorship primary, during which other aspirants moved and seconded his nomination. Kunle Adegoke (SAN) formally nominated him, and Senator Babajide Omoworare seconded the motion before the Chairman of the primary election committee, Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, asked for a voice vote. The delegates unanimously affirmed Oyebamiji as the party’s flag-bearer.

In his acceptance speech, Oyebamiji pledged to “put Osun back on the track of development,” signaling his intention to build on the state’s progress and mobilise support ahead of the general election. The former NIWA boss, popularly known by his political initials “AMBO,” served previously as Commissioner for Finance in Osun State, a background that he says equips him to manage the state’s fiscal and developmental priorities.

The party’s primary committee chairman, Governor Okpebholo, described the unity displayed at the event as a strong indicator of victory for the APC in the 2026 poll, emphasising the importance of cohesion in the party’s efforts to reclaim the governorship seat from the incumbent.

Several party heavyweights and regional leaders attended the primary, demonstrating significant political interest in the outcome. Among them were the Governors of Ondo and Nassarawa states and the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, underscoring national support for the APC’s process in Osun.

Oyebamiji’s emergence follows a contentious screening exercise earlier in this month, when several high-profile aspirants, including former Deputy Governor Benedict Olugboyega Alabi, former Senator Babajide Omoworare, and ex-National Secretary of the APC Senator Iyiola Omisore, were disqualified by the APC’s screening committee for failing to meet required nomination criteria. Those aspirants later pledged support for the party’s eventual consensus choice, citing a reconciliation meeting convened by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the primary.

Speaking after the primary, Omisore, who was among those barred from contesting, said he accepted Oyebamiji’s candidacy, stressing that the party must follow the direction set by its leadership. He added that he intends to brief his supporters on the outcome and remains committed to party unity going into the election.

The 2026 Osun governorship election is scheduled for August 8, 2026, and both major political parties are intensifying their campaigns. Oyebamiji now faces the task of consolidating support within the APC and across the state to challenge the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other contenders in one of Nigeria’s most closely watched governorship races.

Cole Palmer Declared Fit for Everton Clash

By
Agency Report
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Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has confirmed that attacking midfielder Cole Palmer is fit and expected to feature for the Blues in Saturday’s Premier League home game against Everton, despite recent injury concerns that have limited his play this season.

Palmer, 23, had missed Chelsea’s midweek Champions League defeat to Atalanta as part of his managed return from a lengthy lay-off caused by a groin injury and a broken toe, but Maresca indicated on Friday that he has now resumed training and is available for selection. “Cole is okay. He’s better, he is, at the moment, available… yesterday he finished the session with us with mixed feelings. But overall he’s fine,” the Italian manager told reporters.

The England international had been out for approximately six weeks due to the combination of injuries, missing a significant portion of Chelsea’s schedule and forcing the club to adapt without one of its most creative attacking talents. Despite not being fully at 100 percent, Palmer’s availability is seen as a boost for Chelsea, who have struggled for consistency in recent weeks.

Chelsea currently sit fifth in the Premier League, just one point above Everton, and are keen to halt a four-match winless run across competitions. Maresca emphasised the importance of regaining momentum, saying that achieving greater consistency remains “the next step” for his team.

In addition to Palmer’s return, defender Wesley Fofana has also been cleared to play after being substituted in the defeat to Atalanta due to an eye injury sustained in mid-week. “Wesley is fine. He took part in the session yesterday and is completely fine,” Maresca added.

While Palmer and Fofana are available, Chelsea will be without striker Liam Delap, who is expected to be sidelined for between two and four weeks with a shoulder issue.

For Everton, who head to Stamford Bridge eager to build on recent results, the fixture offers a chance to climb the table and pose a challenge to a Chelsea side in need of a confidence-boosting victory.

Palmer’s return not only strengthens Chelsea’s attacking options but also gives manager Maresca more tactical flexibility as the club navigates a congested schedule that includes domestic and European commitments.

Supreme Court Upholds Maryam Sanda’s Death Sentence, Overrules Tinubu’s Clemency

By
Kazeem Busari
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Maryam Sanda and late husband

The Supreme Court of Nigeria on Friday delivered a landmark ruling affirming the death sentence imposed on Maryam Sanda for the 2017 murder of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, and striking down a controversial clemency earlier granted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The apex court’s decision reinforces the authority of the judiciary and limits the scope of executive intervention in active criminal appeals.

Sanda, an Abuja‑based housewife and daughter‑in‑law of a former Peoples Democratic Party national chairman, was convicted of culpable homicide by the Federal Capital Territory High Court in January 2020. She was sentenced to death by hanging after the court found that she stabbed Bello to death during a domestic dispute at their Maitama residence. Her conviction was later upheld by the Court of Appeal, Abuja.

Earlier this year, President Tinubu exercised his constitutional power of mercy by commuting Sanda’s death sentence to 12 years’ imprisonment on compassionate grounds, citing her good conduct in custody, remorse, and the welfare of her children. That act of clemency, published in an official gazette, sparked public controversy and legal debate over the limits of presidential pardon in cases where judicial processes are still underway.

In a split decision of four to one, the Supreme Court held that the exercise of executive clemency was unconstitutional and improper while Sanda’s appeal was pending before the courts. Justice Moore Adumein, delivering the lead judgment on behalf of the majority, stated that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and that both the trial court and the Court of Appeal had correctly upheld the original sentence. The apex court dismissed Sanda’s appeal in its entirety for lacking merit.

The court’s ruling emphasised that presidential pardon powers cannot override or pre‑empt judicial authority, particularly in capital offences that remain under appellate consideration. This interpretation of constitutional boundaries has significant implications for the balance of power between the executive and judiciary in Nigeria’s legal framework.

Sanda has spent approximately six years and eight months in custody at the Suleja Correctional Centre. With the Supreme Court’s judgment now final, her death sentence is reinstated, effectively nullifying the earlier reduction of her term. Unless extraordinary constitutional provisions are pursued, the apex court’s ruling stands as the conclusive determination in the case.

Carney Close to Majority as Second Conservative MP Joins Liberals

By
Agency Report
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Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney

Canada’s governing Liberal Party has moved a step closer to securing a parliamentary majority after a second Conservative Member of Parliament crossed the floor to join Prime Minister Mark Carney’s caucus. Michael Ma, the MP for Markham–Unionville in Ontario, announced his defection from the Conservative Party on Thursday, marking the latest shift in the country’s fractious political landscape.

In a statement released by the Liberal Party, Ma said his decision followed careful reflection with his family and consultations with constituents. “This is a time for unity and decisive action for Canada’s future,” he said, adding that he believes Carney offers the “steady, practical approach” necessary to address economic and social priorities he encountered while door-knocking in his riding.

Ma’s move increases the Liberal tally to 171 seats in the House of Commons, leaving the government just one seat shy of an outright majority. Were the Liberals to secure that majority, Carney’s government would be better positioned to pass legislation and implement its agenda without relying on support from opposition parties.

The MP’s decision comes just weeks after another Conservative, Chris d’Entremont of Nova Scotia, also joined the Liberals in early November, further eroding the opposition’s ranks. Ma thanked his supporters and emphasized the importance of working collectively to build “a stronger, safer, and more prosperous future” for Canadians.

The defections have delivered a significant blow to Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre, who is already confronting internal challenges, including a leadership review scheduled for January. Poilievre has criticised Ma’s defection, describing it as a departure from the policies Ma previously championed.

Ma was narrowly elected as a Conservative in the April federal election, defeating his Liberal rival to win the Markham–Unionville seat. His decision to switch allegiances has drawn mixed reactions, with some praising his focus on unity and others questioning the implications for voter representation given the party shift since the election.

Prime Minister Carney publicly welcomed Ma at a Liberal caucus holiday event in Ottawa on Thursday evening, highlighting his government’s growing support. Political analysts suggest the recent defections reflect broader tensions within the Conservative Party and could influence the balance of power in Ottawa in the run-up to future parliamentary sessions.

Shettima Launches Dangote Foundation’s ₦100bn Scholarship Scheme

By
Kazeem Busari
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Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday inaugurated the Aliko Dangote Foundation Education Scholarship Initiative, describing it as a transformative intervention that will reshape Nigeria’s human capital landscape and expand opportunities for young people nationwide.

Speaking at the launch in Lagos, Shettima urged national stakeholders to recommit to building a future in which every Nigerian child can aspire to reach their full potential.

The initiative, introduced by the foundation’s President, Aliko Dangote, is backed by a ₦100 billion annual education support programme, with a projected investment of ₦1 trillion over the next decade. Dangote said the programme will support students across all educational levels through an array of targeted schemes aimed at strengthening learning outcomes and improving access to quality education. He added that beneficiaries will be selected through a transparent, merit-driven process.

The Vice President said Nigeria must confront the implications of rapid population growth, warning that a youthful population becomes a national threat when it is excluded from productive education. He reflected on historical resistance to formal education in parts of the country, observing that lingering distrust and systemic gaps still hinder national progress.

Shettima also emphasised that deliberate reforms are essential to reversing decades-old educational deficits. He referenced President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing education reforms, including the rollout of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the strengthening of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), the expansion of TETFund’s intervention footprint and the acceleration of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes. He added that digital learning has been mainstreamed as a core national priority.

In his remarks, Dangote announced partnerships with NELFUND, NECO, WAEC and other government institutions to ensure accountability and fairness in the delivery of the scholarship schemes. He disclosed that he has dedicated 25 percent of his personal wealth to the foundation—an endowment that will continue beyond his lifetime.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, described the programme as one of the most comprehensive education support interventions in Nigeria’s history. He noted that 25 percent of the scholarship slots have been reserved for persons with disabilities, calling it an inclusive and humane approach aligned with the Federal Government’s reform agenda.

United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed praised the initiative, particularly its prioritisation of Technical and Vocational Education and Training. She said expanding opportunities for girls’ education remains one of the most effective tools for societal transformation.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, speaking on behalf of state governors, commended Dangote’s long-standing support for Nigeria’s young population. He stated that Lagos has allocated 10 percent of its annual budget to education and pledged that state governments would collaborate to ensure the programme’s success.

Traditional rulers, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, also applauded the foundation’s commitment to improving lives. The Emir of Lafia and Chair of the Steering Committee, Justice Sidi Bage (rtd), pledged the committee’s dedication to ensuring the long-term success and measurable impact of the initiative.

Dangote Refinery Cuts Petrol Price to N699 per Litre

By
Kazeem Busari
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The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has sharply reduced its ex-depot price for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, lowering the cost from N828 to N699 per litre, according to real-time market data from Petroleumprice.ng. The N129 drop, which took effect on Thursday, represents a 15.58 per cent reduction and marks the refinery’s 20th petrol price adjustment this year.

An official of the refinery, speaking on condition of anonymity due to lack of authorisation to speak publicly, confirmed the latest pricing revision and said the move is aimed at keeping domestic fuel prices competitive amidst global market volatility and persistent smuggling challenges.

The decision follows a December 6 meeting between the refinery’s Chairman, Aliko Dangote, and President Bola Tinubu. After the closed-door session, Dangote reiterated his commitment to ensuring that fuel prices in Nigeria remain reasonable and competitive, acknowledging that the refinery’s output growth should help counter imports and curb the incentive for smuggling. He noted that Nigeria’s petrol prices, even after the reduction, remain significantly lower than those in neighbouring West African countries, where petrol commonly sells for nearly double the price.

Industry responses to the new benchmark were swift. Several private depots, including Sigmund and TechnoOil, adjusted their ex-depot prices downward, though by smaller margins, aligning their rates with the broader market move. Analysts say the reductions could reshape pricing dynamics in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector, where competition between local refining capacity and imported products has intensified.

Despite the updated ex-depot pricing, retail pump prices remain higher, with filling stations in the Federal Capital Territory selling petrol between approximately N843 and N915 per litre due to added transport and operational costs. The gap between gantry and retail prices underscores ongoing cost pressures within the distribution and retail segments of the fuel market.

Germany Accuses Russia of Cyber-Attack, Election Interference

By
Agency Report
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Russia Presiden Vladimir Putin

Berlin has formally accused the Russian government of orchestrating a significant cyber-attack on German infrastructure in 2024 and attempting to interfere in the country’s democratic processes, further escalating tensions between the two nations. German authorities say the actions, attributed to Russian military intelligence and affiliated hacking groups, targeted critical air traffic control systems and sought to influence the outcome of the February federal election.

In a statement issued on Friday, the German Foreign Ministry confirmed that intelligence assessments have linked a cyber-attack on Germany’s air traffic control service in August 2024 to the Russian military intelligence service, known as the GRU, and its associated hacker collective APT28, also called Fancy Bear. Officials also allege that a separate influence campaign, dubbed “Storm 1516,” was designed to destabilize Germany’s political environment by spreading disinformation and undermining public confidence in democratic institutions.

As part of its response, the German government summoned Russia’s ambassador in Berlin to protest the alleged cyber and information operations. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Martin Giese described the actions as part of a broader pattern of “hybrid warfare” intended to divide German society and erode trust in the electoral process. German officials have warned that Moscow will face a series of countermeasures in coordination with European allies to deter future attacks.

The accusations include the use of sophisticated tactics such as deepfake videos, fake witness accounts and pseudo-journalistic websites designed to amplify false narratives during the election cycle. German authorities say these methods were intended to sway public opinion, although no direct evidence has been publicly released. Russia has consistently denied similar allegations in the past.

The move comes at a time of heightened geopolitical strain, with Germany playing a leading role in European support for Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia. Berlin’s announcement underscores growing concerns among European Union members about the threat posed by state-linked cyber operations aimed at critical infrastructure and democratic processes.

German officials have not ruled out the implementation of additional sanctions or diplomatic measures. The government’s actions reflect a broader effort within the EU to coordinate responses to what member states describe as persistent and evolving hybrid threats from Russia.

This latest dispute adds to a series of cyber-security confrontations between Western states and Moscow, highlighting the increasingly contentious role of cyber operations in international relations.

Arteta Orders Arsenal Stars Into Christmas Day Training

By
Justice Oladapo
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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta,

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has instructed his first-team squad to report for training on Christmas Day, even though the Gunners are not scheduled to play on Boxing Day this season. The decision, confirmed by multiple reports, reflects Arteta’s determination to maintain momentum and fitness levels during a crucial phase of the campaign as Arsenal prepare to return to Premier League action against Brighton & Hove Albion on December 27 at the Emirates Stadium.

The planned session will take place at Arsenal’s London Colney training base on the morning of December 25, and players will be able to return home afterwards, rather than remaining on site. While the club’s match schedule sees a gap on December 26, Arteta has remained steadfast in his approach to preparation, believing that continuity will benefit the squad as it balances a congested fixture list across domestic and European competitions.

Arsenal’s last game before the festive break is a Carabao Cup quarter-final clash with Crystal Palace on December 23, after which many of the squad will spend Christmas Eve with family. However, Christmas Day training means that established figures such as Bukayo Saka, Ben White, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke will have to delay their festivities until later in the day, a decision that has drawn significant attention given the cultural importance of the holiday.

Arteta’s choice comes amid scrutiny over player workload and fitness. The Spanish coach has recently acknowledged that Arsenal are in a “dangerous circle” of injuries but has denied that his training methods are to blame, pointing instead to the congested schedule and the demands of competing on multiple fronts.

Critics of the December 25 session have noted that for several players, especially those from continental Europe, Christmas Day represents a key family occasion, while others see the move as indicative of Arteta’s rigorous standards. Arsenal have previously faced challenges balancing recovery and preparation amid a heavy fixture roster, and this latest decision underscores the manager’s uncompromising stance on maintaining competitive readiness.

Arsenal’s campaign continues to evolve with key games ahead, and the outcome of Arteta’s festive training initiative is likely to remain a talking point as the club navigates the remainder of the season.

Osimhen Crowned GQ Sportsman of the Year

By
Justice Oladapo
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Victor Osimhen, the star striker for the Super Eagles and Galatasaray, has been named Sportsman of the Year at the prestigious 2025 GQ Türkiye Men of the Year Awards, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Turkish football. The 26-year-old Nigerian forward received the accolade during a glamorous black-tie ceremony held in Istanbul on Wednesday night, joining an elite group of achievers celebrated across sports, entertainment and culture.

Osimhen’s award caps a remarkable season with Galatasaray, where he scored 37 goals and provided seven assists in 41 appearances across all competitions. His prolific scoring helped the Istanbul club secure a domestic double, winning both the Turkish Süper Lig title and the Turkish Cup, performances that underpinned his selection for the honour.

Since joining Galatasaray on loan from Italian side Napoli ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, Osimhen’s impact has been transformative. His exceptional form persuaded the club to complete a record-breaking permanent transfer in the summer, with Galatasaray paying a reported €75 million to secure the striker’s services.

The forward has continued his rich vein of form into the current season, netting 11 goals in 14 appearances across all competitions for the Turkish giants, further cementing his reputation as one of Europe’s most dangerous attackers.

In his acceptance speech, Osimhen expressed gratitude to the organisers, his club and supporters. “I want to say a big thank you to GQ. I can’t forget my Galatasaray family. This means so much to my family and me. I appreciate everyone who has supported me up to this hour,” he said, underlining the personal significance of the award.

Osimhen’s landmark achievement also carries historic significance, as he became the first Nigerian and one of the few African players to win the Sportsman of the Year title at the GQ Türkiye Men of the Year Awards, highlighting his growing influence both on and off the pitch.

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