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.

CDS, Service Chiefs should end terrorism in 90 days or be sacked -Adeboye tells Tinubu

 

 

General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye has implored President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to call on the nation’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Service and security chiefs to eliminate terrorists and banditry within 90 days or resign.

Adeboye in a recent video posted on the church’s X handle on Tuesday was reacting to the public’s appeal for his attention to the national crisis.

He urged the federal government to act swiftly in addressing the country’s security challenges.

 

“If I were asked to make suggestions, I would say quietly to our government, move fast. And tell our security chiefs, get rid of these terrorists within 90 days, or resign,” Adeboye said.

 

Religious leaders, he said can only offer advice to political authorities, and that the final responsibility rests with the Commander-in-Chief.

 

He also said he advised late President Muhammadu Buhari who gave security chiefs a similar deadline to tackle Boko Haram, but that the directive was not fully achieved within the timeframe as he didn’t follow through.

 

He said the former President acted on the advice by issuing the directive to security chiefs, but failed to enforce it after the deadline elapsed.

 

“He ran with that advice, but he didn’t follow it through. Because he gave the order as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces.The three months went, and the work was not done,” he said.

“When giving orders to the Service Chiefs this time around, we should make it clear to them that they are not only to eliminate the terrorists, they should eliminate their sponsors, no matter how influential they may be,” Adeboye added.

Nigerian Navy drone surveillance leads to arrest of suspected terrorist collaborator in Lake Chad

 

 

The Nigerian Navy said it has recorded another operational success in the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign in the North East following the arrest of a suspected terrorist collaborator by personnel of Naval Base Lake Chad (NBLC).

A statement released on Tuesday and signed by Navy Captain A. A. Folorunsho, Director Naval Information said the arrest was made on 1 June 2026 during an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) mission conducted by NBLC personnel using a tactical drone within the Lake Chad area of operations.

“During the surveillance mission, naval personnel observed a suspicious individual later identified as Baba Saidu Abdullahi moving from a location where terrorist elements had earlier been sighted.

“Further monitoring revealed interactions between the suspect and armed terrorists before he departed the area.

“Consequently, the suspect was tracked in real time from the Dumba axis to the vicinity of Charlie Company, 196 Amphibious Battalion, where he was subsequently apprehended,” the statement added.

 

The Service also disclosed that preliminary investigation indicated that the suspect frequently moved between Dumba and Baga Town and allegedly maintained contact with terrorist elements operating within the area. Initial findings further suggested that he was involved in providing logistical support to the terrorists through the procurement and movement of essential supplies.

 

“A search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of personal effects and other items considered relevant to ongoing investigations.

 

 

 

 

 

“Following preliminary interrogation, the suspect was handed over to the appropriate military authorities for further investigation and necessary action in accordance with established procedures.”

 

The operation, the statement further said, underscores the growing role of intelligence, surveillance, and technology-driven operations in enhancing situational awareness and supporting ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in the Lake Chad region.

 

“The Nigerian Navy remains committed to supporting joint operations under Operation HADIN KAI and will continue to deploy available assets and capabilities to deny terrorist elements freedom of action while contributing to the restoration of peace and security in the North East,” the Service further assured.

 

Babachir Lawal’s attack on Atiku senseless  -Media Office 

The Campaign Atiku Media Office has described as needless and senseless the recent attack on the person and character of the former Vice President of Nigeria and the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress in the 2027 election, Atiku Abubakar.
A statement by the Media office in Abuja, explained that, while former SGF Babachir Lawal has the right to resign from ADC and is free to do so because political parties are voluntary associations of people, he is not entitled to cast aspersions on Atiku based entirely on fabricated and brazen lies.
According to the statement, accusing Atiku of religious bigotry or nepotism is one of the laziest and most ridiculous lies anyone can spread against the former Vice President.
The statement explained that Atiku Abubakar is one of the most liberal politicians in Nigeria and his record in this regard is there for anyone to verify.
“As far as we are concerned, Babachir was perfectly describing his own character rather than Atiku’s. The former SGF seeks power on the altar of dividing the people based on primordial sentiments. All his altercations with people are caused by his selfishness. He opportunistically panders to sentiments to achieve his ambition. None of his struggles are influenced by the larger interests of his people or Nigeria,” the statement added.
The statement noted further that a man who is a notorious conflict entrepreneur like Babachir Lawal is not qualified to speak about what is good for Nigeria.”
“When Babachir said he resigned from ADC because of the so-called rigging or manipulations during the primaries, he didn’t offer any proof of his allegations.
“And instead of offering evidence of his allegations, he went further to drag Atiku’s family into the issue which was irrelevant to the issue of primaries. It’s evident from the load of garbage published by the former SGF that he holds personal animosity against Atiku Abubakar.”
The statement advised Lawal to search his conscience and stop feeding the cauldron of division and bigotry among Nigerians for his own selfish interests.
“There is no such thing as a Muslim and Christian party in Nigeria. When the outcome of a competition doesn’t favour you, you should petition the party to show proof of manipulations or rigging. It’s however most irresponsible for a former SGF to turn himself into an agent of division. Sunrisereporters.

Cost of healthy diet stands at N1,541 in March- NBS

 

THE National Average Cost of a Healthy Diet (CoHD) per adult a day stood at N1, 541 as at March 2026,  the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has said.

The NBS revealed this in its CoHD report for March 2026 released in Abuja on Monday.

 

The bureau said the CoHD in March increased by 1.89  per cent compared to the N1,513 recorded in February 2026.

 

It said the increase was driven by the rise in prices across all food groups.

 

The NBS said the CoHD was the least expensive combination of locally available items that met globally consistent food-based dietary guidelines.

 

It said it was used as a measure of physical and economic access to healthy diets.

 

“This is a lower bound (or floor) of the cost per adult per day excluding the cost of transportation and meal preparation.”

 

The NBS also said that in March, the average CoHD was highest in the South-East at N1,899 per adult per day, followed by the South- West at N1,801 per day.

 

It said the lowest average CoHD was recorded in the North-East at N1,233 per adult per day.

 

The NBS further said that at the state level, Ekiti, Imo and Abia recorded the highest CoHD at N2,091, N2,052, and N1,970, respectively.

 

The bureau said Adamawa, FCT, and Taraba recorded the lowest CoHD at N1,004, N1,113 and N1,149, respectively.

 

The NBS said CoHD had steadily increased over the past year.

 

It said that as of March  2026, the CoHD was 4.38 per cent higher than what was recorded in March 2025, increasing from N1,477 to N1,541.

 

“While the price of starchy staples and vegetables decreased, all other food groups experienced price increases.”

 

The report added that animal-source foods were the most expensive food group recommendation to meet in March, accounting for 39 per cent of the total CoHD to provide 13 per cent of the total calories.

 

It noted that fruits and vegetables were the most expensive food groups in terms of price per calorie.

 

“They accounted for 16 per cent and 14 per cent, respectively, of the total CoHD while providing only seven per cent and five per cent of total calories in the Healthy Diet Basket.

 

“Legumes, nuts and seeds were the least-expensive food group on average, at seven per cent of the total cost.’’

 

The NBS said the policy implications of these results would foster collaboration among a wide range of stakeholders, such as policymakers, researchers and civil society actors who focus on food security.

 

“These stakeholders will devise strategies that tackle access, availability, and affordability of a healthy diet effectively.

 

“Also, future research incorporating income can also be used to determine the proportion and number of the population that are unable to afford a healthy diet,” the report said. (NAN)

Tinubu must go protest erupts in Port Harcourt, demonstrators decry hardship

 

 

Hundreds of residents took to the streets of Port Harcourt on Monday in a peaceful demonstration against the administration of President Bola Tinubu, citing worsening economic conditions, insecurity, and rising hardship across the country.

 

The protesters, many carrying placards with various messages of dissatisfaction, marched through major parts of the Rivers State capital while repeatedly chanting calls for change in government leadership.

 

The procession began around the popular UTC Junction and moved through sections of Aba Road, including the area around Abali Park, before heading towards Garrison Junction. Participants maintained an orderly conduct throughout the demonstration, attracting attention from commuters, traders, and other residents.

 

Many of the protesters expressed frustration over the rising cost of living, unemployment, and security challenges, arguing that ordinary Nigerians continue to face increasing difficulties despite government assurances of economic reforms.

 

Several demonstrators said the current situation has placed immense pressure on households, with many families struggling to cope with inflation and the high prices of essential goods and services.

 

Observers noted that the rally appeared to have no visible leadership structure, with participants marching collectively without publicly identified organizers. Security personnel were also not immediately visible along parts of the protest route as the crowd advanced through the city.

 

The demonstration drew mixed reactions from residents. While some watched from the sidelines, others, including commercial drivers and business operators, openly cheered the protesters as they passed through different locations.

 

The protest adds to a growing wave of public expressions of concern over economic and security issues in various parts of the country, reflecting increasing pressure on authorities to address citizens’ grievances.

 

As of the time of filing this report, no official statement had been issued by government authorities regarding the demonstration.The report concerns a protest held in Port Harcourt against the administration of Bola Tinubu in Rivers State. Starnews.

Gender Commission takes SGBV, trafficking sensitisation to metro buses in Plateau 

 

 

The Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission has launched a Metro Bus Awareness Campaign in the Jos-Bukuru metropolis to sensitise residents on sexual and gender-based violence, human trafficking and other vices.

 

Chairperson of the Commission, Olivia Dazyam, while flagging off the exercise said, “this Commission is mandated to create awareness, and we thought that one way that we can meet the people of Plateau State is to be in the buses with them.”

 

She also appreciated governor Caleb Mutfwang for the idea behind the metro buses.

 

According to her, “It afforded us such an opportunity to meet the people of Plateau State and to share with them our responsibilities, and to call on the people to arise to their responsibilities.

 

Dazyam listed, “child protection”,  as a key focus, noting that, “we are beginning to understand a lot of human rights violations of our children.

 

“Our children are being exposed to child labour, child abuse, human trafficking, withdrawing them from school and sending them to go and serve as house helps.

 

“Some of them end up being trafficked within and outside the country. Some that have been exposed to human trafficking have ended up as prostitutes, and so we thought that, you know, the kinds of cases we receive at Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission.

 

“We shouldn’t keep quiet with them; we should come out, meet the people of Plateau State, and tell them that these are the things that are already happening”, she maintained.

 

She said the Commission, went to meet the general manager of the Plateau Express Services Limited, engaged with him.

 

“We told him that we would require to use the opportunity of the metro buses, so that we can share with the people of Plateau State. And I bet you, such a huge audience in the buses this morning, as we kick started.

 

“It will continue, we have an itinerary that will go virtually every other day in order to share with the people that we meet, in the buses what we encounter”, she explained.

 

Dazyam said the campaign began “from Zawan to Terminus, with another group that is already taking the Zawan to Gada biyu-Farin Gada route, sharing the same message to the people of Plateau, that there’s a call of duty upon us.

 

“His Excellency would want all of us in Plateau State to be available to be active in taking care of our children, we can no longer afford to expose our children, to the different challenges that they go through.

 

“Our children need to go to school; we need to protect them, let them learn before they earn. They cannot start earning at the wrong time. Let them go to school, stay in school until they acquire certificates that can empower them to get jobs and begin to do something.

 

She cited a case where a girl who was about to write her SSCE was withdrawn from school.

 

“In fact, the mother struggled to register her for the exam. They removed her, took her to Ghana. As it is now, we are still looking for her.”

 

The Chairperson also spoke on sexual abuse within homes: “We’ve spoken to them about sexual abuses, sexual molestation of our young children around, finding such sexual abuses in the home environment, even as mothers, we have always spoken to them, and we say be very watchful, because your husband may be sleeping with your daughter. These are some of the cases that we have.

 

Dazyam called on residents to act, saying “the message through the agency from His Excellency is that we need to be on duty, taking care of our families.

 

She noted that, “There is a law that upholds parental irresponsibility by virtue of section 17 of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law. It is a crime, and once you are arrested and prosecuted, it attracts three years imprisonment.

 

“And I want to use this opportunity to call on the people of Plateau; nobody needs to tell you to take care of your children, but His Excellency has said, go ahead, tell the people. There are so many people that do not mean well for us around, even in our neighborhoods.

 

“There are people who serve as agents, to withdraw such children and be taking them to places that they are not supposed to be taken to.

 

She added: “Challenges of prostitution he wants us to say no to these things that are happening in our environment and our slogan is, ‘see something, say something, do something sorted’.” Authority.