Navy arrests, hands over suspected militant collaborator to DSS

 

 

The Nigerian Navy said it has handed over a suspected militant collaborator to the Department of State Services (DSS) in Calabar following ongoing security operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks operating within the Calabar waterways.

 

This was contained in a statement signed by Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Information for the Nigerian Navy and released on Thursday.

 

According to the statement, the suspect, Mr Ime Edet Ekiko, popularly known as Pastor Ime, was arrested on 24 May 2026 by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) VICTORY deployed at the recently established security outpost on Dayspring Island, Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State.

 

“The arrest followed credible intelligence linking the suspect to a wanted militant identified as Simeon, alias Papi, who had reportedly been operating within the Dayspring Island axis.

 

“Intelligence further indicated that the militant fled the area following sustained operational pressure mounted by NNS VICTORY and abandoned certain operational assets in the custody of the suspect before his escape.

 

“Subsequent investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly maintained regular communication with the fugitive militant and was involved in providing information on the movement and deployment of security personnel operating within the area.”

 

 

 

According to the statement, “Intelligence findings also linked the suspect to the concealment and custody of equipment believed to have been used in support of militant activities within the waterways.

 

“Further exploitation of the suspect’s mobile devices and interrogation established that he had maintained a longstanding relationship with the militant and had allegedly provided support over an extended period. Investigations also revealed that assets abandoned by the militant were being utilized by the suspect for personal business activities.

 

“Following the conclusion of preliminary investigations, the suspect was formally handed over to the Department of State Services for further investigation and possible prosecution in accordance with extant laws,” the Service added.

 

Nigerian Navy said the handover represents another significant outcome of the ongoing security operations initiated by NNS VICTORY following the establishment of a forward security outpost at Dayspring Island in response to the rising incidence of kidnapping and other criminal activities within the Calabar-Oron waterways.

 

“The Nigerian Navy notes that sustained intelligence-driven operations and persistent presence within the area have continued to degrade the capabilities of criminal elements, disrupt their support networks, and enhance security across the waterways.

 

“The Service remains committed to sustaining pressure on criminal elements and their collaborators until lasting security is achieved and legitimate economic activities can thrive within the maritime environment,” the statement concluded.

 

 

 

 

 

Political Musing of Thursday:

 

Peter Obi: The people’s organic coalition

 

By Ike Abonyi

 

“Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success” – Henry Ford

 

The opening quote to this conversation by America’s foremost Industrialist and business magnate, Heny Ford aptly frames the craving in the current Nigerian political landscape. When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) seemed to undermine democratic principles, necessitating the political urge for his removal to safeguard the nation’s democracy, various strategies for achieving this have been emerging. It became clear that ousting a figure like Tinubu would require a united front, not merely vocal opposition. Consequently, the consensus was that only a broad coalition could achieve this goal. This understanding fueled the African Democratic Congress’s (ADC) efforts to unite opposition forces, with the experienced and still-active former Vice President Atiku Abubakar positioned as the central figure due to his age and experience.

Political leaders generally agreed on forming this umbrella organisation and began working towards it, with Abubakar expected to lead the coordination efforts due to his extensive background even though significantly he was not favoured by zoning, but was expected to provide the father figure for the embattled opposition team. Atiku’s refusal to play the fatherly role, opened the way for the disintegration of the opposition.

But beyond alliance therefore, fundamentally, what this conversation aims to achieve is to focus on the narrative of how Peter Obi stood firm where structural coalition failed.

Anyone familiar with African politics, especially Nigeria, where a formidable politician like Tinubu holds power, would anticipate significant challenges for the opposition. While this coalition was being formed, Tinubu actively worked to prevent any cohesive opposition from materialising. He achieved this by assembling his own coalition, leveraging the power of the incumbent, all office holders—national legislators and governors. He successfully brought governors, senators, and representatives, who hold sway over their constituents, into his camp through highly attractive, and almost irresistible offers. Indeed, no governor could resist the allure, not even Alex Otti, who won office on the populist wave of Peter Obi’s Labour Party and was poised for re-election.

Despite these advantages, nothing was left to chance. All viable opposition parties—the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the Labour Party, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)—faced intense pressure that jeopardised their continued existence. Influential figures like Nysom Wike readily assisted in dismantling the PDP, mirroring Julius Abure’s actions within the Labour Party.

Even after opposition members from various parties attempted to consolidate within the ADC, further pressures led to the ADC now having three presidential candidates leading up to the January 16, 2027, election.

However, as both the ruling party and the opposition vied for dominance, the opposition faced internal disarray. Following a meeting in Ibadan where the opposition pledged to present a single candidate against the ruling party, their unity fractured. The PDP, which was intended to lead the coalition as the strongest and the former ruling party at the centre, now has two candidates, and the ADC, the supposed umbrella coalition, has three candidates, all seemingly aligned with the APC and Tinubu’s agenda.

Amidst this fractured landscape, one individual has emerged as the true opposition force that Tinubu and the APC should confront. Peter Obi, now representing the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has consistently been the focal point for opposition consolidation. His enduring appeal stems from distinct strategic advantages, evolving voter demographics, and his unique communication style. Unlike traditional Nigerian politics that rely on patronage networks, Obi commands a highly motivated, organic, and largely self-funded voter base through his distinctive messaging.

The youth-driven ‘Obidient’ movement remains vibrant and resistant to conventional political manipulation. By aligning with Rabiu Kwankwaso and his influential Kwankwasiyya movement, Obi and his supporters have established alternative power bases and political platforms. Obi now serves as a direct link to an engaged, urban, and tech-savvy electorate that traditional party structures struggle to reach.

Obi’s national appeal was evident in the 2023 presidential election. The results of that cycle fundamentally altered how coalition strategists perceive electoral dynamics. Obi demonstrated that a third-party candidate could disrupt the established regional duopoly. By securing victories in crucial areas like Lagos State and parts of the North-Central region, in addition to his strongholds in the South-East and South-South, Obi showcased a broad geographic reach.

Any serious coalition strategist would recognise that a credible challenge to an incumbent administration, particularly one as robust as Tinubu’s, requires a candidate who has already proven their ability to garner millions of votes across different regions, making Obi the most logistically viable leader for an alliance.

Obi’s clear ideological divergence, resonating with the current national sentiment, has been a significant advantage. At a time of widespread public discontent due to severe economic challenges, Obi’s core political identity stands in stark contrast to the status quo.

The strategic positioning of Peter Obi within Nigeria’s opposition framework has become a critical factor in the lead-up to the next political cycle. The efforts to unify the opposition have shifted from structural alliances to a fragmented scenario, highlighting both the potential and the inherent difficulties in integrating a prominent political figure into a single front.

The attempts to forge a unified opposition platform against the ruling APC have involved various phases of strategic manoeuvring, formal agreements, and abrupt realignments. Obi officially moved towards a broader alliance by actively engaging with the ADC coalition. This platform was intended to merge the organic energy of the ‘Obidient’ movement with established political networks to create a formidable alternative. But Tinubu’s devious agenda and Atiku’s disproportionate ambition combined to frustrate it.

To address leadership concerns and foster trust among key opposition figures like Atiku Abubakar, Obi’s camp proposed a single four-year term limit, positioning him as a unifying transitional leader. However, despite this significant concession, persistent internal conflicts, legal disputes over leadership structures, and growing distrust within the ADC framework led to Obi’s withdrawal. He cited concerns about arrangements that appeared more like ‘power grabs’ than genuine ideological alignments.

Following the coalition’s inability to establish a forward-looking framework, Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso made a significant strategic move away from the fragile union. Having secured the presidential nomination for the newly prominent Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), this effectively signals a multi-faceted opposition strategy rather than a unified front, thereby reshaping the dynamics of anti-government voting blocs. Through this substantial structural shift, Obi has consistently aimed to steer the conversation away from conventional political bargaining, famously declaring his sole commitment to a ‘coalition against hunger and poverty.’

This path is undoubtedly arduous in an environment where political patronage is often driven by factors beyond selfless public service. But that notwithstanding, the recent obvious disintegration of the ADC after Peter Obi’s departure has undeniably revealed him as the primary opposition figure. Even the perceived gaps in Obi’s grassroots support are being effectively addressed by his securing Rabiu Kwankwaso’s political partnership. Indisputably, Rabiu Kwankwa is a political force with an established and influential presence in the North.

It’s crucial to acknowledge that political partnerships are inherently fluid and often susceptible to commitment issues, where uncertainty can derail negotiations. Unlike business ventures, political alliances are less bound by formal legal frameworks, meaning their success hinges significantly on the mutual trust and goodwill among participants which Obi and Kwankwaso as strategic politicians very well understand.

The rationale behind forming coalitions stems from the recognition that individual influence is insufficient to overcome formidable challenges. As Robert A. Dahl observed, ‘every ally is sometimes an enemy and every enemy is sometimes an ally,’ highlighting the complex and shifting nature of political relationships.

The International Coalition Framework posits that for a coalition to endure, a leading entity must demonstrate ideological strength over its competitors by fostering and expanding a shared vision, which is precisely what Peter Obi achieved with his ‘Obidient Movement and his mantra of shifting Nigeria away from Consumption to production.

This dynamic is vividly reflected in the current political realignments across Nigeria in anticipation of the general election. Peter Obi has emerged as a central unifying figure, and his alliance with Kwankwaso has positioned their bloc as a significant contender and topic of discussion for the 2027 elections, regardless of one’s perspective on the unfolding political landscape. Echoing the wisdom of Chinese General Sun Tzu, ‘If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the results of the battle ahead.’ Both Tinubu and Obi are very much abreast of their potentials as they take their case to the court of Nigerian voters. May providence guide and determine the outcome of the struggle.

Sunrisereporters.

NDC not perfect, but better than other parties says Dickson, calls for reconciliation

 

Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Seriake Dickson, has called on party members and aspirants to embrace reconciliation following the party’s recent primary elections, while acknowledging that while the NDC is not perfect, it has performed better than older political parties in the country.

 

Speaking at the second National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party on Wednesday in Abuja, Dickson admitted reports of irregularities during the primaries but maintained that the party had established mechanisms to address grievances in line with its constitution, guidelines and electoral laws.

 

“We have not started campaigning, but when we start, they will hear from us,” Dickson declared. “Even that party that has been there since 2015, you saw reports from their primaries. So it is not surprising that we had a few reports. The party has set up a system to deal with those issues in accordance with our constitution, guidelines and electoral law.”

 

The former Bayelsa State governor urged aspirants who were dissatisfied with the outcome of the primaries to remain committed to the party, noting that they had become stakeholders through their contributions and participation.

 

“Most of you have proven yourselves as financial members of our party, and you have earned the right to become stakeholders. Even if the outcome has not been favourable to you, take it that you may have lost today but may win tomorrow. In whatever has happened, it is the party that has won,” he said.

 

Dickson announced plans for a nationwide reconciliation process and directed state chairmen and zonal leaders to establish mechanisms for conflict resolution and consensus building.

 

“We will take on reconciliation and it will be duly announced. I call on all the chairmen, as they get back, to consult with their leaders and put in place a mechanism for resolution, consensus building and reconciliation,” he said.

 

The NDC leader also unveiled plans to introduce electronic voting for all future party primaries and congresses, describing it as part of the party’s commitment to innovation and transparency.

 

“This primary will be the first and last manual primary election conducted by the NDC. In the next couple of months, we shall unveil our platform for electronic voting for all primaries and congresses,” he said.

 

According to Dickson, Nigeria has lagged behind in adopting technology-driven electoral processes, and the NDC intends to lead the way.

 

“Some of us have been fighting not only for electronic transmission of results but even for electronic voting itself. If Nigeria is not seeing reason and is lagging behind, the NDC will show the way.”

 

He appealed to party members to remain patient as the relatively new party continues to build its structures and infrastructure.

 

“We are not claiming perfection. We are just two or three months old and need massive logistics and infrastructure. Even those who claim to be better have done worse. All we require is that you bear with us. That is your sacrifice and contribution to the growth of our party and the strengthening of Nigeria’s democracy,” he added.

 

Also speaking at the meeting, the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, appealed to members to put aside personal disappointments and focus on the party’s long-term goals.

 

“Please, I am begging all of us to be more tolerant, understanding and willing to sacrifice. Let us not be occupied with the disappointment of today. Let us look at tomorrow,” Obi said.

 

He assured members that the party would continue to improve and pledged that an NDC-led government would be inclusive and accommodating.

 

“As I say in every meeting of this party, when we are opportune to form government, we will show that the party is supreme and we will have a sense of accommodation for all,” he stated.

 

Obi also expressed concern over the nation’s worsening security situation, citing frequent reports of kidnappings, killings and school closures.

 

 

“Every day I read about Nigeria, it is bad news. Everybody wakes up hearing the next news about people being kidnapped or killed. Schools are closed across Nigeria and our children can no longer go to school,” he lamented.

 

 

The former Anambra State governor announced plans to embark on visits across the country to engage directly with party members and ordinary Nigerians.

 

 

“You cannot assess Nigeria from Abuja. You must assess it from our villages. I want to see those bad roads and those schools where our children learn without proper buildings. That is where we want to go,” he said.

 

 

Earlier, the National Chairman of the NDC, Dr. Cleopas Zuwoghe, described the rapid growth of the party as extraordinary, noting that within two months of its registration, it had conducted membership registration, congresses, a convention and primary elections.

 

 

“The party is just two months old, and within that period we have conducted primaries and produced the best presidential candidate in this country,” he said.

 

Cleopas likened the NDC to the biblical Noah’s Ark, expressing confidence that the party would play a historic role in rescuing Nigeria from its current challenges.

 

 

“The Noah’s Ark never missed its navigational lines. It never lost any destiny that found its way into it. That is why I have a strong conviction that this NDC, which has been likened to our generational Noah’s Ark, shall not fail until Nigeria is delivered,” he said.

 

 

While admitting that no human endeavour could be perfect, the chairman praised party officials and members for successfully conducting the primaries without any reported casualties.

 

 

“There is nowhere this kind of political struggle occurs without some level of dissatisfaction. But there was no casualty recorded. Everyone who travelled for party assignments returned safely. This too can be the hand of God,” he added.

 

 

The meeting was attended by new decampees including former Deputy Senate President Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege, Sen. Nkechi Nwogu, members of the state executive committees and other party leaders. Authority.

Obi to kidnappers: Please release these children for the sake of our shared humanity

 

 

By Okey Muogbo

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential Candidate for the upcoming presidential election in 2027, Peter Obi, has pleaded with kidnappers holding school children and their teachers for over two weeks to release them for the sake of humanity.

Writing on his X platform on Wednesday, Obi said, “I am deeply shocked and heartbroken by the condition in which these abducted school children are, as seen from their flagellated bodies. It is a painful reminder of the depth of insecurity in our land.

“I have always made it clear that the society we abuse today will take its revenge on our children tomorrow. When I first began making that statement, some of these children were not even born. This is a classic example of how the abuse of governance and society today can produce devastating consequences long after the abusers are gone.

“It is on the same line that I argue that the loans our leaders take today will hurt our children in the future, as many of them will mature for repayment and consequences long after we are gone.

“To those holding these children, I make a direct appeal to your conscience. Remember that these are innocent children – sons and daughters of people who have placed their hopes, dreams, and entire future in them. In every one of them, you will find reflections of your own children, your own family, and your own humanity.

“No grievance, no hardship, no justification can ever outweigh the sanctity of a child’s life and innocence. Whatever path has led to this moment, there is still room for remorse, for humanity, and for a change of heart.

“I therefore appeal to your sense of mercy: release these children immediately.  Let them go. Return them safely to society to reunite with their families,” Obi appealed.

 

Gunmen abduct ex-Tinubu Minister Adelabu’s sister, twin sons in Ibadan

 

 

Yet to be identified gunmen have kidnapped one of the sisters of the immediate past Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu.

 

Adelabu recently resigned from the cabinet of President Bola Tinubu to contest the governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Oyo State. He reportedly lost the election to Senator Sharafadeen Alli.

 

DAILY POST gathered that Adelabu’s sister was kidnapped alongside her twin sons in the early hours of Wednesday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

 

 

The abducted woman was identified as Mrs Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, while her twin sons were named Peter and Paul.

 

It was learnt that the incident occurred when the woman was on her way to drop the twins at their school.

 

As at the time of this report, there whereabouts is unknown.

 

Efforts to get a reaction from the Public Relations Officer of the State Police command, Olayinka Ayanlade, were not successful at at the time of filing this report on Wednesday.

 

However, a media aide to the former minister, Femi Awogboro, confirmed the incident.

 

Awogboro said the incident has been reported to the police.

 

In a statement released on Wednesday morning, Awogboro said, “The family of Chief Adebayo Adelabu, former Minister of Power and leading gubernatorial aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, wishes to formally confirm the unfortunate kidnapping of his younger sister, Mrs Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, alongside her twin sons, Peter and Paul, in the early hours of Wednesday, June 3, 2026.

 

“Mrs John-Paul, aged 43, was reportedly abducted by armed gunmen at about 7:30 a.m. while on her way to drop her children at school in Ibadan. The abductors also forcefully took away her 12-year-old twin sons who were with her at the time of the incident.

 

“Mrs Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul is the youngest of the five children of Mrs Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu.

 

“Until her voluntary retirement last year, she had served meritoriously at both the Central Bank of Nigeria and First Bank Pension Custodian. Following her retirement, she relocated to Ibadan with her children while making preparations to eventually join her husband, Mr. John Paul, who had earlier relocated to the United States of America.” DailyPost.

Northern senators urge FG action as cholera kills 37 in Borno

The Northern Senators Forum has commiserated with the government and people of Borno State over the tragic loss of 37 lives to an ongoing cholera outbreak. In a statement signed by Chairman Sen. Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, the Forum also extended heartfelt condolences to bereaved families and prayed Almighty Allah grant the departed eternal rest and their families fortitude to bear the loss.
The Forum said it is deeply concerned by reports of over 3,000 cholera cases across 7 local government areas in the state. Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere bear the heaviest burden, while the 1% case fatality rate and strain on health infrastructure described by the Borno State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency constitute a serious public health emergency.
In light of the situation, the Northern Senators called on the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Health and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, in collaboration with the Borno State Government, to take immediate steps. They listed four priority actions to contain the outbreak before the rainy season worsens contamination risks.
The lawmakers urged authorities to deploy emergency medical support by dispatching NCDC rapid response teams, clinicians, and adequate supplies of IV fluids, oral rehydration salts, and antibiotics to overwhelmed treatment centers. They also called for fast-tracking oral cholera vaccination in MMC, Jere, Mafa, Konduga, Monguno, Ngala, and Magumeri, prioritizing IDP camps and flood-prone communities.
The Forum further demanded stronger WASH interventions, including emergency potable water, water treatment tablets, and sanitation facilities. They stressed the need for an aggressive campaign against open defecation and poor waste disposal. They also asked for scaled public awareness to intensify community sensitization on hand hygiene, safe food preparation, and early reporting of symptoms to health facilities.
The Northern Senators commended the Borno State Ministry of Health and partners including WHO, UNICEF, and MSF for their ongoing response efforts. They urged the Federal Government to provide all necessary resources to support the response and contain the outbreak.
“The health and safety of our people must remain our collective priority,” the Forum stated. The statement was issued from the Office of the Chairman, Northern Senators Forum, New Wing, Senate Building, National Assembly.
Authority

We didn’t arrest, detain Okey Ndibe -DSS

 

The Department of State Services (DSS) has refuted news stories that its operatives arrested and detained Prof Okey Ndibe at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, Nigeria.
In a statement on Tuesday by Favour Dozie, Deputy Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communications, National Headquarters of the Service, the DSS said the interface with him at the airport, was geared towards the final delisting of his details from the Service’s watchlist.

Below is the full statement:

RE: ARREST OF PROFESSOR OKEY NDIBE- SETTING THE RECORDS STRAIGHT

The Department of State Services (DSS) hereby clarifies that, it did not arrest or detain Prof Okey Ndibe at Murtala Muhammed International Airport on June 1, 2026 or any other place on that date for that matter.

The current DG of the Service, upon assumption of duty, directed a review of old Watch-List Actions (WLAs), some of which date back to the Military Era. This is to ensure that citizens are not unduly embarrassed due to pre-existing WLAs.

In this regard, all those who had previously been watchlisted while on transit, are routinely interfaced with as a prerequisite for a review and possible downgrade of the Action. This, being a precursor to a final delisting in accordance with international best practices. It is pertinent to state that the foregoing process is aimed at ensuring that before the final delisting, that activities, travel histories as well as current activities of these individuals are not in furtherance of and do not still conform with the reasons for the initial WLA.

Suffice to point out that since the inception of the current Management , many Nigerians, including journalists have benefited from this process. This is despite the fact that the Service conducts this clearance to take care of Watch List requests from other Agencies. A case in point is that of Mr Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of the International Press Centre, IPC, whose delisting was approved in May 2025, after over a decade on the Watchlist.

In the same vein, Prof Ndibe has been on Watchlist since January 29, 2013. Meanwhile, his case has been reviewed and downgraded. Thus, the interface with him at the airport, was geared towards the final delisting of his details from the Action. As part of the routine interface involved in the process, after barely an hour of his interaction with the Service, he was cleared and escorted. Note that, even on his Facebook post, he referenced the professional, courteous and decorous conduct of Service operatives, who continue to scale their respect for the rule of law and human rights under the new Leadership.

The Service reiterates that this process will continue to ensure that all Nigerians are fairly treated, with due regard to the provisions of the Law.

The DSS therefore urges citizens affected by the Service WLA, who wish, to formally report same to the National Headquarters to facilitate ongoing process. However, regardless of any formal request, the attempt at hygiene regarding the WLA, will be sustained.

Favour Dozie
Deputy Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communications
National Headquarters, State Services
June 2, 2026

CAN proclaims June 14 ‘Black Sunday’, demands state of emergency over insecurity

 

 

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Tuesday designated Sunday, June 14, 2026 as “Black Sunday” in all its member-churches in honour of victims of terrorist attacks and other forms of violence across the country.

CAN also announced a three-day national prayer programme from June 12 to June 14, 2026 for Nigeria.

 

CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, who spoke during the presentation of a communiqué issued at the end of the association’s National Church Denominational Leaders Summit 2026, however admitted that prayers alone would not resolve Nigeria’s worsening security challenges, insisting that urgent and practical measures are needed to address the crisis and restore safety across the nation.

 

Archbishop Okoh therefore called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on insecurity, describing the situation as critical and requiring immediate intervention.

 

The summit themed “The State of the Nation and the Way Forward” brought together top Church leaders, block leaders, and delegates to prayerfully review the country’s challenges.

 

​Okoh clarified that the call was not a threat to the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration but a necessary reminder for the government to rise to its constitutional responsibility of defending the nation’s territorial integrity and promoting the welfare of its people.

 

​”We are talking to a government that still has a level of responsibility, and so they will listen. We hope that when they listen, they will do the needful. It has come to that point where the government will have to declare a state of emergency on security,” Okoh said.

 

​Responding to questions from newsmen on whether Nigerians should resort to self-defence, the CAN President noted that while self-preservation is a natural human instinct, any action taken must remain within the boundaries of the law.

 

​”It is a natural human instinct for one to defend himself. But, what we are saying in CAN is that people and Churches should be able to defend themselves, their properties, and their homes within reasonable legal limits,” he stressed.

 

​The Cleric said the association would continue to deploy both media engagements and diplomatic back-channels to hold the current administration accountable.

 

​According to him, the summit was just the initial step in a series of strategic engagements aimed at ensuring a safer nation for all citizens.

 

The Cleric acknowledged that the security challenges, which initially worsened in the far North and North-Central, are increasingly spreading southward.

 

​He expressed support for international collaborations to end  insecurity, especially the tactical cooperation between the Federal Government and the United States.

 

​”If you are overwhelmed and people are coming to help you, you will not say no. You will welcome them, provided they follow the proper lines of engagement.

 

​”Our government is cooperating with the government of the United States of America and security forces to help dislodge these miscreants and terrorists.

 

“The position of CAN has not changed. If it takes other countries coming to help us out of this situation, so be it,” Okoh stressed.

 

He also advocated the speedy establishment of State Police and the decentralisation of the country’s security architecture to enable faster and more effective responses to threats.

 

The CAN President further demanded the unconditional release of all kidnapped victims and urged authorities to ensure justice for those affected by insecurity. Globalupfront.

Six TCN towers vandalized along Apir–Lafia 330KV transmission lines 

 

 

By Okey Muogbo

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced that its 6 towers were vandalized along Apir–Lafia 330KV transmission lines.

This was contained in a statement by Ndidi Mbah, General Manager (GM), Public Affairs of the Company on Tuesday.

Giving details, Mbah said: “The Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, wishes to inform the public that six transmission towers, from T125 to T130, on Apir–Lafia 330kV Transmission Lines I and II have been vandalized.

“The collapse occurred at about 1:15 a.m. on 30th May 2026, during a heavy downpour. Trial reclosure of these line II was made at 2:08 am following the initial tripping and failed.

“The tripping of lines prompted a physical line trace to determine the fault which revealed damage to critical components of towers T125 to T130, confirming acts of vandalism on the affected sections of the transmission corridor.

 

“As a result, both Apir–Lafia 330kV Transmission Lines I and II remain out of service pending reconstruction of the affected towers,” the statement said.

She said that the Company has already begun efforts to restored services.

“TCN engineers have been mobilized to site to assess the extent of damage and ascertain materials required to commence to restore normal transmission along the corridor.

 

“Meanwhile, the Lafia 330kV Transmission Station is being supplied through the Lafia–Jos transmission line as a temporary measure to minimise the impact of the outage on affected electricity customers within the franchise areas of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) and Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC).

Mbah decried the nefarious activities of vandals and called on host communities and the public help protect the Company’s installations.

“TCN strongly condemns the continued vandalism of power transmission infrastructure as it undermines years of investment in the sector.

“We appeal to host communities and the general public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities around transmission installations to security agencies or the nearest TCN office.

“Collective action,” She insisted, “is essential to protect national grid assets and ensure reliable power supply.”

CBN faces N10.90 trillion liquidity surge in June on N7.77 trillion OMO maturities

 

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is set to confront renewed liquidity management pressures in June 2026 as Nigeria’s financial system is projected to receive N10.90 trillion in inflows, largely driven by maturing Open Market Operations (OMO) bills.

 

This is according to the Financial Markets Dealers Association (FMDA) Monthly Market Report published on June 1, which showed that June’s projected inflows represent a 3.51% increase from the N10.53 trillion recorded in May.

 

The development comes despite the apex bank’s aggressive liquidity tightening efforts in May, during which it withdrew an estimated N12.06 trillion from the financial system.

However, average system liquidity still expanded by 7.76% to N5.22 trillion, highlighting the challenge of containing excess liquidity amid large recurring inflows.

 

What the data is saying:

The FMDA report indicates that OMO maturities will remain the dominant source of liquidity inflows into the financial system during June. The N7.77 trillion expected from maturing OMO bills accounts for approximately 71% of total projected inflows for the month.

 

Total projected inflows for June 2026 stand at N10.90 trillion, up 3.51% from N10.53 trillion recorded in May.

OMO maturities are projected at N7.77 trillion, rising from N7.17 trillion in May and accounting for the largest share of liquidity inflows.

FAAC disbursements are expected at N1.80 trillion, while Treasury Bills maturities are projected at N995.81 billion.

FGN bond coupons, corporate bond maturities, and commercial paper maturities are estimated at N278.99 billion, N49.04 billion, and N10.46 billion respectively.

The data underscores the cyclical nature of liquidity management in Nigeria, where OMO instruments used to absorb liquidity eventually mature and return substantial cash to the banking system, necessitating fresh sterilisation measures by the CBN.

The May liquidity data provides important context for understanding the scale of the challenge facing monetary authorities in June.

 

Despite withdrawing an estimated N12.06 trillion through liquidity management operations in May, average system liquidity increased by 7.76% to N5.22 trillion.

The Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) closed May at N5.89 trillion on May 29, reflecting continued excess reserves within the banking system.

Banks continued to deposit significant surplus funds with the CBN overnight, indicating that liquidity levels remained elevated despite aggressive tightening measures.

The projected N7.77 trillion OMO maturities in June suggest the CBN may need to match or exceed May’s liquidity mop-up operations to maintain current market conditions.

In addition, the projected N1.80 trillion FAAC disbursement will provide another significant source of liquidity injection into the economy, further complicating efforts to manage excess system funds. Nairametrics.