Facts about slain ISIS Commander, Al-Minuki

Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, the Nigeria-born ISIS commander described by United States, President Donald Trump, as the “most active terrorist in the world,” has drawn global attention following reports of his killing in a joint counterterrorism operation by American and Nigerian forces.

Newspotng reports that Trump announced on Friday that al-Minuki was killed in a coordinated mission involving US forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

Here are things to know about the terrorist

US sanctions records identified him as Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad ibn ‘Ali al-Mainuki, with Abu Bilal al-Minuki listed among his aliases.

He was reportedly born in 1982 in Mainok, near Benisheikh in Borno State, an area long affected by Boko Haram and ISWAP activities.

The US State Department designated al-Minuki as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist in June 2023.

The designation blocked assets linked to him under US jurisdiction and prohibited Americans from conducting transactions with him.

According to Daily Trust, security analysts believe al-Minuki gained prominence in ISWAP after the death of Mamman Nur in 2018.

He was reportedly involved in ISIS financial operations, recruitment and strategic planning across parts of West Africa.

Trump described al-Minuki as one of ISIS’s most dangerous leaders, saying his death would weaken the group’s international operations.

The US President said the militants would no longer “terrorise the people of Africa” or support plots against American interests.

There has been confusion over the spelling of his name.

While several reports identified him as Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, US sanctions documents listed him as Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad ibn ‘Ali al-Mainuki, with Abu Bilal al-Minuki as an alias.

Security experts say the killing could disrupt ISIS financing, recruitment and planning in West Africa.

However, they warned that extremist groups often replace commanders quickly, meaning the long-term impact would depend on sustained military and intelligence pressure.

Pint-sized Mahmud withdraws from Sabon Gari Reps race

Just a few hours before the scheduled primary election of the All Progressives Congress held in the early hours of Saturday, May 16, 2026, an aspirant for the Sabon Gari Federal Constituency seat, Mahmud Sadis Buba, officially announced his withdrawal from the contest.

The withdrawal, which came around 3 a.m. on the day fixed for the primary election, has generated political reactions within party circles and among supporters across the constituency.

In a statement personally signed and shared on his Facebook page, Mahmud Sadis Buba explained that his decision followed ongoing reconciliation efforts initiated by leaders and stakeholders of the party aimed at promoting unity and consensus within the APC.

According to him, after consultations with his family, political associates and party stakeholders, he resolved that stepping down from the race was in the best interest of the party and necessary to strengthen unity ahead of future elections.

The politician stated that supporting a consensus arrangement within the party was more important than personal ambition, stressing that unity remains critical to the electoral success and stability of the APC in Kaduna State and the Sabon Gari Federal Constituency.

Mahmud Sadis Buba also appreciated the leader of the party in the state, Uba Sani, alongside the APC leadership in Kaduna State, for giving him the opportunity to participate in the political process.

He described the experience as rewarding and thanked his supporters for their encouragement, loyalty and support throughout the period of consultations and political engagements.

Reaffirming his loyalty to the ruling party, the former aspirant maintained that his withdrawal should not be seen as a sign of weakness, but rather a sacrifice made for the collective interest of the APC.

He further called on his supporters to remain calm, united and fully support whoever eventually emerges as the party’s candidate in the primary election.

Meanwhile, the development has continued to generate mixed reactions on social media, with some political observers linking the withdrawal to recent debates and allegations circulating online concerning issues related to his age and physical stature. However, no official statement has connected those claims to his decision to step down from the race.

Political observers believe the last-minute withdrawal may further strengthen ongoing reconciliation efforts within the Kaduna APC as the party prepares for future political contests in the state. Starnews

Joint US-Nigeria operation eliminates senior ISIS commander, others

United States President Donald Trump and President Bola TinubuTinubu of Nigeria have announced and hailed the killing of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as the second-in-command of the Islamic State group globally, following a joint military operation involving American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

In a statement released late Friday night through his official social media account, Trump said the operation was carried out under his direct order and involved what he described as a “meticulously planned and very complex mission.”

According to the U.S. president, the operation successfully eliminated one of the world’s most active terrorist figures, whom he accused of coordinating attacks across Africa and supporting plots targeting Americans.

“Tonight, at my direction, brave American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria flawlessly executed a meticulously planned and very complex mission to eliminate the most active terrorist in the world from the battlefield,” Trump stated.

He identified the target as Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, whom he described as the second-in-command of ISIS globally.

Trump further claimed the terrorist leader believed he could evade capture by hiding in Africa but said intelligence sources closely monitored his movements before the operation was launched.

“Abu-Bilal al-Minuki thought he could hide in Africa, but little did he know we had sources who kept us informed on what he was doing,” Trump added.

The American leader said the killing of the ISIS commander would significantly weaken the terrorist group’s global network and operational capacity.

“He will no longer terrorize the people of Africa, or help plan operations to target Americans. With his removal, ISIS’s global operation is greatly diminished,” he declared.

Trump also praised the Nigerian government and military authorities for their cooperation and partnership during the mission, describing the joint effort as a major success in the international fight against terrorism.

“Thank you to the Government of Nigeria for your partnership on this operation,” he said before concluding the statement with: “GOD BLESS AMERICA!”

The announcement has already sparked widespread reactions internationally, especially across Africa and the global security community, with analysts describing the reported elimination of the ISIS figure as a potentially significant blow against extremist operations on the continent.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu on behalf of the Federal Government and the Armed Forces of Nigeria had issued an official statement confirming details of the operation. (With additional report from Star news)

Dangote Refinery takes Fed Govt to court over petrol import licences

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has dragged the Federal Government to court over the issuance of fresh petrol import licences to several oil marketers and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), despite increasing local refining capacity.

On May 15, 2026, court filings revealed that the refinery asked the Federal High Court in Lagos to nullify the import permits approved by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), arguing that the licences violate existing petroleum regulations and negatively affect local refining operations.

According to reports, Dangote Refinery maintained that petrol importation should only be permitted when local production is unable to meet domestic demand.

The company also argued that continued fuel imports undermine investments made in Nigeria’s refining sector and discourage local production.

The legal action comes amid renewed tensions in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum industry following the approval of import licences reportedly granted to six major marketers.

Industry regulators, however, insist that fuel imports remain necessary to maintain adequate supply and prevent shortages across the country.

Security and energy analysts believe the case could significantly shape the future of Nigeria’s fuel market, competition policies, and the government’s commitment to supporting domestic refining capacity. Starnews.

Rivers: Police dismiss five officers over alleged robbery, kidnapping

 

The Police Command in Rivers has dismissed five inspectors attached to the Department of Operations over alleged involvement in armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion and conspiracy.

 

The Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, made the disclosure in a statement in Port Harcourt on Friday by the command’s spokesperson, ASP Blessing Agabe.

 

Placid said that the officers were involved in a pattern of criminal activities between September 2025 and January 2026 across the state.

 

The force spokesman listed the dismissed officers as John Okoi, Eyibo Asuquo, Udo Ndipmong, Bright Nwachukwu and Anele Ikechukwu

According to him, the case became known following petitions submitted by a group, the Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation on behalf of multiple victims.

 

He explained that the officers allegedly operated in minibuses and conducted illegal stop-and-search operations during which unsuspecting members of the public were intercepted at gunpoint.

 

“The officers forced victims to disclose their banking pass codes and account details. They forcefully transferred money from their victims’ bank accounts.

 

“They also falsely presented themselves as operatives of Zone 16 Headquarters, Yenagoa, in order to intimidate victims and evade suspicion,” he said.

 

He stated that investigations further revealed that the syndicate allegedly abducted a male victim along Aba Road and forcefully dispossessed him of over N3.6 million and 4,000 dollars from his cryptocurrency wallet.

 

Another victim, he said, was allegedly abducted and dispossessed of over N7.3 million in cash and valuables, while a third victim reportedly lost N1.5 million after being intercepted along NTA Road.

 

“After the officers were arrested, an orderly room proceeding found them culpable, leading to their dismissal from the Nigerian Police Force with immediate effect.

 

“A prima facie case of conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, official corruption and extortion has been established against the dismissed officers,” he stated.

 

The police spokesman added that the case file had been forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, while formal charges were expected to be filled within 30 days.

 

He reaffirmed the commitment of the police to professionalism, accountability, transparency and protection of citizens’ rights.

(NAN)

NDC vehicle for positive change, says Ex PDP image maker 

The former Publicity Secretary of Anambra State chapter of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Mr Nnamdi Nwangwu has described Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as the vehicle for positive change in Nigeria.
Mr Nwangwu who was speaking with journalists in his Uruagu-Nnewi residence noted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has proven to be incapable of taking Nigeria to the promised land.
He pointed out that the eleven years of APC controlled government has spelled doom to the common people in the country noting that it’s only individuals who belong to the oppressive cabal club appear to be at ease.
Mr Nwangwu said that allowing APC to control the government machinery in the next dispensation would spell colossal tragedy to citizens whose lives have been reduced lower than the value of goats under the watch of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Everything has totally collapsed in Nigeria because of the cluelessness of individuals saddled with responsibility of piloting the affairs of Nigeria in the last eleven years, nothing absolutely nothing is working.
“The level of insecurity has become an all time high, with bandits and terrorists killing and maiming people while the government of the day looks on as if it doesn’t matter.
“Closely associated to the above is horrible hunger and starvation in the country, because of insecurity, many farmers can no longer go to their farms, the ones who dares go to farm have been slaughtered like cow.
“Of course, lives of Nigerians do not matter to the diectionless administration which specializes in wailing over the activities of criminals who have taken over the entire country.
“Many companies have closed shops because of unavailability of raw materials and other factors of production, leading to unprecedented level of unemployment all over the country. The nation’s education sector churn out graduates on yearly basis without any assurance of job opportunities.
“The reality of our existence today under the inglorious administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is that Nigerian youths prefer to stay abroad where they suffer all manners of indignation just because the Homeland does not offer them credible alternative.” Mr Nwangwu pointed out.
The former Spokesperson for PDP in Anambra State said that it has become imperative for Nigerians to realize that APC cannot continue to be in the saddle of leadership while they daily dream and hope for a better today and a glorious tomorrow.
He said as matter of fact that time has come for all Nigerians to get their Voters cards and say bye bye to the bad riddance that the All Progressives Congress (APC) government inflicted on them.
Mr Nwangwu who said he could go on all day to role out the failures of the government of the day asserted that the credible alternative is National Democratic Congress (NDC).
“The positive change Nigerians demand and deserve cannot be gotten from any other political party, NDC is the vehicle prepared for the positive change Nigerians are yearning for, anything less would be tantamount to doing things same way all over and expecting different results.” He concluded. Authority

Peter Obi: The portrait of a political visionary, unifier, and achiever

 

By Chiedu Uche Okoye

 

That Nigeria is bedeviled by security challenges, economic stagnation, national disunity, and infrastructural deficit is an incontrovertible fact. The above-mentioned problems and the centrifugal forces of ethnic hatred and religious bigotry are taking Nigeria to the precipice of dismemberment. So what Nigeria needs at this critical juncture in its  national journey is a leader, who is a political unifier, visionary, and astute manager of men and resources. And the man, who fits the bill, with regard to that kind of leader, who can fix our national problems, is Mr. Peter Gregory Obi.

 

During his reign as the governor of Anambra state, Obi recorded outstanding achievements in the areas of education and economy. In addition to turning around the education and economic sectors, he revamped and revitalized the health sector. And he left his leadership footprints on the sands of time in the areas of agriculture, security, and infrastructural development.

 

Since his exit from office in 2014, no controversies have dogged his heels. EFCC did not breathe down his neck for allegations bordering on financial malfeasance, not to talk of him spending time in jail for financial crimes. The fact is that Mr. Peter Obi, who is criticized for being a tight wad, is whistle clean. His judicious and prudent management of Anambra state’s financial resources is a praxis, which state governors in Nigeria should emulate.

 

Not only is he morally-upright, but he is, also, a well-intentioned Nigerian. He has a pan Nigerian vision cum dream. At many different economic fora and political summits, which he attended over the years, he unfolded his road-maps on how to fix Nigeria’s sundry problems. He behaves as though he is Nigeria’s president in-waiting. And he has suggested alternative economic policies to us as President Tinubu’s economic policies have erased the middle class and deepened the economic woes of the hoi polloi.

 

Not unexpectedly, when he contested for the presidential seat in Nigeria in 2023 on the platform of the Labour Party, he polled millions of votes. He would have won that presidential election, but for INEC’S carrying out of electoral jiggery-pokery in favour of the ruling APC. His spectacular performance in that election underlined his acceptance by millions of Nigerians, who belong to different ethnic groups.

 

Seeing that Peter Obi is perceived as Nigeria’s political Messiah; and that he is poised to dislodge the incumbent president from office, crisis was instigated in the Labour Party. As a result, the party was wracked with leadership crisis. Being a wise politician, Mr. Peter Obi jumped ship, and berthed at ADC.

 

But the enemy forces, which are bent on aborting Mr. Peter Obi’s presidential dream, will not let him be. They bought buyable and morally bankrupt top ADC members to their side, and directed them to foment ceaseless troubles in ADC. The temporary de-recognition of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as the chairman and secretary of ADC by the national electoral umpire unsettled and rattled politicians, who wanted to contest elective posts on the ADC platform, then.

 

So it is obvious to us that the surfeit of judicial hurdles placed on the path of ADC  compelled Peter Obi to pitch his political tent with the Seriake Dickson’s NDC. That is why Obi should not be vilified for defecting to NDC.

 

His seemingly constant political migration is necessary in order for him to keep alive his presidential dream and keep his political foes at bay. So his political peregrinations should not be viewed as the deeds of a political desperado, who wants to become the president of Nigeria at any cost. That is not the case.

 

The stark fact is that Mr. Peter Obi is a well-intentioned politician, who has a pan Nigerian vision. Are his utterances and deeds not portraying him as a politician, who believes in the unity and oneness of Nigeria? The philanthropic deeds, which he  carries out, oftentimes, are not determined by ethnic and religious considerations. He traverses the nooks and crannies of Nigeria doling out millions of naira for the revamping of health and educational institutions.  So it can be seen that he is the national leader, who can unite Nigerians, who hail from diverse ethnic backgrounds and profess different religious faiths.

 

Again, he waxes presidential in his utterances and deeds, which are indications that he is the right person to preside over our country’s affairs at this critical juncture in our national life. His participation in national discourses and the solutions he proffers to our national problems are proofs that he is well-prepared to lead Nigeria and take it to the acme of infrastructural,  technological, and economic development.

 

And now that Mr. Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso are in NDC ; and now that the party has zoned its presidential ticket to the south; and now that Kwankwaso has agreed to accept the vice presidential position in NDC, Mr. Peter Obi’s presidential dream is more realizable now than before. It is gaining momentum and traction. And not a few Nigerians have acquiesced into his political and economic ideologies.

 

So when the fanatical members of the Obidient  movement join  forces with the Kwankwasiyya group, a formidable and unstoppable political movement will be formed. And it will be fight to finish between the Tinubu’s ruling APC and Obi’s NDC. Certainly, something will give. Is Peter Obi not going to emerge as the president of Nigeria?

TCN holds sensitization against vandalism of her infrastructures in Itori, Ogun state

 

By Okey Muogbo

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Lagos Region it has intensified efforts to curb vandalism of power infrastructure through a sensitization programme it held on Thursday in Itori, Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State.

According to a statement on Friday by Ndidi Mbah, General Manager (GM), Public Affairs of the Company, the programme brought together traditional rulers, security agencies, community leaders and residents.

It was to educate members of the public on the dangers of vandalising transmission towers, building under transmission line Right of Way (RoW), and excavating around TCN towers.

 

Speaking during the programme, the General Manager (Transmission), Lagos Region, Engr. Adeshina Adeonipekun, disclosed that TCN recorded no fewer than 276 cases of tower vandalism between 2022 and 2025.

 

According to him, the figure has reduced significantly this year due to improved collaboration with host communities and the proactive efforts of TCN staff.

 

“This year, with the support of communities and the proactiveness of our staff, we have been able to reduce vandalism cases to about 40,” he said.

 

Adeonipekun stated that TCN has continued to strengthen measures aimed at tackling vandalism, noting that the sensitization programme remains one of TCN’s key strategies for engaging host communities and safeguarding critical national infrastructure.

 

He added that cases of vandalism within the South-West region have remained relatively minimal, while commending the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and security agencies for their support in apprehending culprits involved in vandalism.

 

Also speaking, Principal Manager (Lines), Engr. Kuye Emmanuel, said that the company has reinforced surveillance around transmission lines through community-based security arrangements.

 

“Apart from this awareness programme, we engage private vigilantes across communities and zones, who are paid monthly to help safeguard our transmission lines,” he stated.

 

He further explained that TCN also provides incentives to farmers and residents within host communities as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation and encourage prompt reporting of suspicious activities around transmission facilities.

 

In his remarks, the Olu of Itori Land, His Royal Highness, Oba Abdulfatai Akorede Akamo, commended TCN for sustaining the sensitization campaign and appealed for the programme to be held regularly.

 

“This awareness programme is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The last edition was held here in Itori about four years ago, and we appreciate TCN for returning to engage our people again. We appeal that it should be organised at least once every year,” the monarch said.

 

Oba Akamo also disclosed that Baales across the 127 communities under his kingdom have continued to ensure that no individual tampers with transmission infrastructure within their domains.

 

The District Officer, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Itori Command, Mrs. Olusola Balogun, warned residents against engaging in or supporting acts of vandalism, stressing that the offence attracts imprisonment upon conviction.

 

“Vandalism is a criminal offence which can lead to imprisonment if offenders are found guilty by a court of law. Some people aid and contribute to vandalism knowingly or unknowingly, and this must stop,” she warned.

 

Balogun noted that vandalism of power infrastructure could lead to power outages, negatively affect the economy and pose serious security challenges to the country.

 

She urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies.

 

Similarly, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Itori Police Station, CSP Dapo Ojekunle, called on residents to support security agencies by reporting cases of vandalism within their communities.

 

According to him, the Police cannot be everywhere at all times, hence the need for active community participation in crime prevention.

 

“Most of these vandals are very clever. If we see anyone vandalising the infrastructure, residents should report them immediately,” he said.

 

The DPO also advised residents not to harbour vandals or assist in keeping stolen materials, while encouraging complainants and witnesses to follow reported cases through the legal process to ensure successful prosecution of offenders.

Gunmen kill couple in Plateau attack, leave infant twins orphaned

 

Gunmen have killed a man and his pregnant wife in Angwan Ishaku community, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, the Berom Youth Moulder Association said.

 

The attack occurred about 4:35 p.m. on Wednesday, according to a statement by the association’s Publicity Secretary, Rwang Tengwong.

The couple was shot while the husband was working outside their home. Mrs Grace Iliya died at the scene. Her husband, who sustained gunshot injuries, died later in hospital.

 

The assailants arrived on a motorcycle, opened fire on the couple and others in the area, and fled towards Fulani settlements in Fass on the Rakung-Sho Road, the statement said.

Mrs Iliya had recently finished breastfeeding one-year-old twin boys and was pregnant at the time of the attack.

 

Two other people were injured, the association said, adding that their condition had yet to be confirmed.

 

The Berom Youth Moulder Association described the incident as a “barbaric and inhuman act” and said it reflected ongoing insecurity in Barkin Ladi and surrounding communities despite efforts by government and stakeholders to restore calm.

 

The association called on the military and other security agencies to carry out coordinated operations in Fass and Mahanga to apprehend those responsible.

 

The attack came two days after Governor Caleb Mutfwang visited Barkin Ladi to condole with residents affected by recent violence in the area. Conclave.

Dangote rejects NNPC move to increase refinery stake

 

President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has revealed that his company rejected attempts by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to increase its ownership stake in the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, saying the decision was aimed at opening future participation to ordinary Nigerians and global investors.

 

Dangote made the disclosure on May 14, 2026, during an interview in which he explained that the refinery’s long-term vision includes a public listing that would allow broader investor participation rather than concentrating ownership in a few institutions.

 

He said the company wants Nigerians to have the opportunity to own shares in what is regarded as Africa’s largest refinery.

 

NNPCL currently holds a 7.25 percent stake in the refinery after previously reducing its planned ownership from 20 percent.

 

Reports indicate that the state oil company had sought to raise its shareholding again as the refinery expands operations and strengthens its position in Nigeria’s fuel supply market.

 

Dangote noted that plans are underway for a future public offering of refinery shares, insisting that wider ownership would create transparency, deepen local participation, and strengthen investor confidence in the project.

 

The Dangote Refinery, located in Lekki, Lagos State, has become central to Nigeria’s energy sector following the gradual reduction in petrol imports and increased domestic refining capacity since operations commenced. Starnews.