Ogun State Police Command has raised concerns over a significant increase in reports of missing persons in the state.

The Command’s spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, made this known in a statement in Abeokuta on Tuesday.

Odutola stated that the command had noticed an unprecedented rise in the number of missing persons across all age groups.

She explained that only a small fraction of the individuals had been found, with many regrettably not returning home.

The police image maker urged residents to remain vigilant and more security-conscious while prioritising their safety.

She further stated that as a proactive and community-oriented force, the command was committed to raising public awareness about this concerning trend.

“We encourage everyone to prioritise their safety by maintaining a heightened sense of security to avoid becoming a victim.

“The Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, has outlined essential measures and guidelines to keep residents informed about the most pressing issues.

“Based on insights from individuals who were rescued, the Commissioner advises parents not to allow their children to use commercial transportation services with strangers.

“Additionally, he encourages restless youth to activate the digital communication and sharing features on their mobile devices, especially when traveling or in moments of distress,” Odutola said.

The PPRO reiterated that the public could contact the police control room at 09164859299 and the Police Public Relations Department at 09159578888 for assistance.

Delta State Police Command led by CP Olufemi Abaniwonda has confirmed the arrest of an 18-year-old boy, Oghenetejiei Kosini over alleged defilement of a 2-year-old baby girl, his landlady’s daughter.

It was learnt that the suspect allegedly defiled the baby on 12 December, 2024.

A source hinted that the mother of the baby was busy outside when the suspect sneaked into their apartment and carried out the heinous act.

He was arrested by the Orerokpe Police Division after the mother of the baby discovered the incident, as the baby bled profusely.

Information revealed that the suspect boasted that nothing would happen after he was released by the police.

However, following an intervention by a human right activist, Comrade Israel Joe, he was re-arrested.

Comrade Joe condemned the act and insisted that the Police must prosecute the suspect to serve as a deterrent to others.

He said the Investigating Police Officer, IPO, in charge of the matter earlier released the suspect on December 24, 2024 against the provision of extant laws.

“In a quest to frustrate the investigations, the IPO also allegedly refused to give them a form to go for a medical check up at the general hospital with an excuse that the said boy did not deny and had put it down on his statement that he actually did it.”

“Where on earth would the police condescend to a level of not carrying out proper investigation, holding to the confessional statement alone of a suspect that could be denied in court tomorrow?” He queried.

He urged the Delta State Commissioner of Police to charge the suspect to court as soon as an investigation is concluded.

The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the killing of six soldiers during a raid by the Islamic State/ Boko Haram group on its military base in Borno State.

Channels Television published reports of the incident on Monday.

According to the report, two military officers said that the fighters from Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) reportedly launched a pre-dawn attack in trucks and on motorcycles on Sunday on the base in Sabon Gari in Borno State’s Damboa district.

The insurgents reportedly set fire to the base along with army vehicles. “We lost six soldiers in the ISWAP terrorists attack on the base after an intense gun battle,” AFP quoted one of the officers.

Fighter jets were reportedly deployed from the regional capital Maiduguri 100 kilometres (62 miles) away, and struck the attackers as they retreated.

In an update statement on Wednesday, the DHQ said although on the whole, 34 terrorists were killed and 23 AK 47 weapons recovered, six of its personnel were killed in action.

The DHQ also said its troops recovered over 200 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

The statement said “On 4 January 2025, an unspecified number of  ISWAP/BHT terrorists riding on motorcycles and Gun trucks engaged troops deployed in SABON GARI Village of  DAMBOA Local Government Area of Borno State in a firefight. The terrorists had attempted to surprise troops and retaliate against the recent killing of their commander and combatants by troops.

“The terrorists were taken unaware when troops fighting patrol returning to base foiled their planned attack as soon as the attack commenced. Additionally, the troop’s reinforcement team comprised of elements of the Civilian Joint Taskforce, vigilantes as well as hybrid forces timely arrived at the scene to overpower the terrorists.

“Furthermore, though troops reinforcement team encountered an Improvise Explosive Device injuring the Vigilante Commander. The reinforcement team arrived in time to decimate the fleeing terrorist.

“Furthermore, the air component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted air interdiction on the fleeing terrorist. Battle Damage Assessment revealed several killed terrorists and recovered weapons.

“On the whole, 34 terrorists were killed and 23 AK 47 weapons were recovered. Troops also recovered with over 200 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. Sadly, 6 personnel were killed in action.

“Kindly note that the names of killed in-action personnel are withheld to allow administrative procedures of notifying their next of kin to be concluded. Accordingly, the media is requested to respect the process, please.”

The Armed Forces reiterated that it is “profoundly conscious” of its role and responsibility in ending insurgency and terrorism in the nation.

It added that troops remain committed to the course of defeating the terrorists.

Since 2009, northern Nigeria has been plagued by various jihadist groups, including Boko Haram and a rival faction the Islamic State in West Africa (ISWAP), as well as armed criminal groups.

The conflict has killed more than 40,000 people and displaced around two million from their homes in the northeast.

In November, five Nigerian troops were killed and 10 more injured when ISWAP fighters raided a base in Kareto village near the border with Niger.

The management of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) says corps members in the country will soon start receiving ₦77,000 as their monthly allowance. 

NYSC Director General, Brigadier General YD Ahmed, stated this on Tuesday in Abuja, according to a statement by NYSC spokesperson Caroline Embu.

General Ahmed, who said his administration places a high priority on Corps welfare, added that arrangements for the payment of new corps members’ allowance have been concluded.

The increase of the monthly allowance for corps members followed the review of Nigeria’s minimum wage from ₦30,000  to ₦70,000 in July 2024.

In 2020, the NYSC increased the allowances of corps members from ₦19,800 to ₦33,000, months after a new minimum wage bill of ₦30,000 was signed.

In July 2024, President Bola Tinubu signed the minimum wage bill into law, ending months of deliberations between government authorities, labour unions, and the private sector.

Two persons have been injured in an accident in front of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) headquarters office in Lagos.

A statement by the agency on Wednesday said the sad incident occurred after the bus had a brake failure.

“We just recorded a sad incident Infront of LASTMA HQ inward Oshodi Oke on Apapa Oshodi Exp way.

“A commercial bus had a brake failure and rammed into the Culvert. There are 2 victims on ground who are about to be taken to the nearby hospital. 

“Our officials are also at the location to maintain sanity and ease the traffic backlog,” LASTMA wrote on its X handle.

The Group Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mallam Mele Kyari has disclosed that he went from being an Almajiri school pupil to becoming the head of the national oil company.

Kyari stated this on his X handle, @MKKyari, on Wednesday as he celebrated his 60th birthday.

He expressed profound gratitude to Nigeria for the opportunities that came his way from his humble beginnings to the height he has attained.

He thanked Nigeria and particularly former President Muhammadu Buhari and incumbent President Bola Tinubu for the opportunity to serve as the last GMD of the NNPC and the pioneer CEO of the NNPCL.

Reflecting on his life, Kyari stated that he walked through good and bad times, travails and triumphs, pains and happiness, failures and successes and many more, noting that only the sufficiency of Allah could explain them.

He wrote “Allah, by his grace, spared my life to this exceptional day, making it my 60th year from birth, even much earlier on the Hijri calendar.

“I am profoundly grateful to my country for giving me the opportunity to grow from an Almajiri (Tsangaya) school pupil to become the CEO of Africa’s largest energy company.

“Even more particular, I deeply appreciate the exceptional privilege given to me by Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Ahmed Tinubu to serve as the last GMD of the NNPC and the pioneer CEO of the NNPC Ltd.

“Reflecting backwards alone can’t account for the profoundly eventful life I spent to this date, walking through good and bad times, travails and triumphs, pains and happiness, fails and successes and many more that only the sufficiency of Allah will explain.

“At this milestone, I feel the obligation to serve with even greater conviction and with elevated expectation of eternal recompense so deeply pleasing.

“I am hugely indebted to my family for being nearly absent for most of my later years serving our nation and the common good.

“My deep appreciation to my family, friends and associates, my colleagues at work and my teachers (western and of Almajiri extractions), and many unmentioned people who account for many of my accomplishments, unconditional support and my overall well-being.

“This is a turning point, and I seek forgiveness from anyone I might have hurt unintentionally or unavoidably.”

The China Development Bank (CDB) has granted a loan of 245 million euros ($254.76 million) for the construction of the Kano-Kaduna railway project in Nigeria.

A statement by the bank on Tuesday said the move was to provide financial support for the smooth progress of the project.

The Kano-Kaduna railway, with a total length of 203 kilometres, is a standard-gauge railway. Once completed, it will provide direct rail connectivity between Kano and Abuja.

“This railway will also promote the development of related industries along the route. The construction and operation of the project will create numerous job opportunities in Nigeria.

“The Kano-Kaduna railway project has been included in the list of practical cooperation projects for the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation,” the statement partly said.

The project is being constructed by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) with financing support provided by the CDB.

The CDB stated that in the next phase, it will work closely with the Nigerian side to ensure the continued disbursement of loans and effectively manage the completion of the work.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mallam Mele Kolo Kyari, on his 60th birthday.

In a statement  on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu praised Kyari’s exceptional leadership and transformative impact on NNPCL. 

He commended the GCEO for steering the organization toward profitability and achieving remarkable milestones in Nigeria’s energy sector.

“Despite initial skepticism, Kyari has proven his mettle by revitalizing two key refineries, enhancing domestic natural gas consumption, and boosting oil production to 1.8 million barrels per day,” the President noted.

Tinubu described Kyari as a “shinning example” of the Renewed Hope Agenda and highlighted his commitment to expanding opportunities and ensuring the sustainability of Nigeria’s energy sector.

Reflecting on Kyari’s illustrious career at NNPC and OPEC, Tinubu lauded his professionalism and dedication to public service, crediting him for setting a high standard as the first Group Chief Executive Officer of the restructured NNPCL.

The President also offered prayers for Kyari, wishing him continued health, wisdom, and strength to further serve the nation while mentoring the next generation of leaders in the energy industry.

• We are working hard for prosperity of our people
• Mahama steps in, promises reforms

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday urged world leaders to change their negative perception of Africa.

According to him, African leaders are working hard for the prosperity of their respective countries.

He called for collaborative efforts to tackle social and economic malaise plaguing the continent.

Speaking as a special guest of honour at the inauguration of John Dramani Mahama as Ghana’s 12th president in Accra yesterday, President Tinubu said: “We have nothing to prove to anyone except ourselves.

“We have found the critical path to our success.

“We shall lift our nations out of poverty and build a resilient economy at our own pace.

“With  focus, we can tackle our people’s most pressing concerns: poverty, youth unemployment, instability, insurgency, and many other problems hampering our desired progress.”

Mahama, president of the country between 2012 and 2017, returned to power after taking his oath of office before many dignitaries from Africa and the Commonwealth of Nations.

Many heads of state were in Accra for the event. These include: Presidents William Ruto (Kenya), Julius Maada Bio (Sierra Leone), Bassirou Diomaye Faye (Senegal), Felix Tshisekedi (Congo DR), Paul Kagame (Rwandan), Brice Oligui Nguema (Gabon), and Mamadi Doumbouya (Guinea).

Other dignitaries include United Kingdom’s Minister for Africa Lord Collins, Burkina Faso’s leader Ibrahim Traore, Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland, former Ghanaian Presidents John Kuffor and Nana Akufo-Addo, former Nigeria’s Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, former Ghanaian First Lady Mrs. Konadu Agyemang Rawlings and wife of immediate past Vice President Mrs. Samira Bawumia.

Foreign delegations, envoys, industry leaders, politicians and traditional rulers also witnessed the event.

President Tinubu was accompanied by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu.

Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Babagana Zulum (Borno), and Ademola Adeleke (Osun) were at the event as well as the Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga.

Mahama succeeded Akufo-Addo, who stepped down after serving two terms.

He polled over 50 per cent of the votes, a landmark President Tinubu said reflected the deepening of democracy in Africa.

“Today, I am here, not only as the President of Nigeria, but also as an African in resolute support for Ghana and her people,” he said.

The President described Mahama’s inauguration as a source of pride and honour for Ghanaians, Africa, and the Diaspora.

He added: “We celebrate African Democracy today as Ghana and her beloved people mark the transition from one democratic government to another.

“This moment does more than symbolise another milestone in the evolution of Ghanaian democratic society.

“It lays to bed the question of whether Ghana and Africa are capable of democratic and productive endeavours. Ghana has answered that question resoundingly.”

President Tinubu said as Ghana drew inspiration and strength from its first leader, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, and other past leaders, Nigeria also drew inspiration from its founding leaders, who fought for her independence and cherished the close relationship between the two nations.

He added: “May we always walk in the way and the spirit of these enlightened leaders. Ghana is in harmony with that spirit, and President John Mahama’s inauguration today reflects that.”

Hailing Ghanaias for electing Mahama,  President Tinubu said: “Your new president is a man of patriotic vision and substance. He loves his nation and its people to the core.

“He believes that your nation has a mission and intends for you all to fulfil it. No one can ask more of a leader than that.”

He expressed confidence that the new government under Mahama would work with Nigeria to strengthen the powerful bond, leading to greater shared prosperity for the citizens of the countries.

President Tinubu stressed: “I have no doubt that your administration will bring about positive change and progress.

“Your ascension to power should also mark a new and invigorated momentum in pursuing sub-regional integration and progress.”

Assuring the Ghanaian leader of his support, Tinubu said: “President John Mahama and I share a deep friendship. My dear brother, I am here to work with you.

“You know you can count on Nigeria’s support and goodwill whenever needed. We are your brothers and sisters. The bond is strong and cannot be broken.

“It lays to bed the question of whether Ghana and Africa are capable of democratic and productive endeavours. Ghana has answered that question resoundingly.

“It is time that Africa’s critics stop forgetting the strides your nation, Nigeria, and others have made by continuing to ask us to prove ourselves.

“We have nothing to prove to anyone except ourselves.”

He said African nations would stand firm against external forces seeking to disrupt their unity.

President Tinubu added: “Never, never shall we harm others, and never allow any outsider to hurt us or disrupt the unity for which so many of our heroes gave their sweat, blood, and very lives to achieve.”

President Tinubu also expressed optimism about a future of shared prosperity for Africa, guided by the principles of dialogue and cooperation.

He said: “Let us all look forward to a future filled with hope, opportunity, and prosperity. God bless Ghana, Nigeria, ECOWAS, and our beloved Africa.”

Mahama to boost economy

Mahama promised to overcome public discontent by boosting the economy, creating jobs, initiating constitutional reforms and fostering good governance.

“We are a people battered by economic crises and hardships. But there’s hope on the horizon,” Mahama said, amid cheers from the crowd.

He added: “We’ll focus our initial efforts on four critical areas. The first is economic restoration and stabilisation of the macroeconomic environment.

“The second is the improvement of the business and investment environment to ensure that Ghana is once again open for business.

“The third is governance and constitutional reforms. And the final, but not the least, is accountability and the fight against corruption.

“My brothers and sisters, actions have always spoken louder than words.

“With that in mind, I have entered into a covenant with you, the good people of Ghana, in which I have enumerated 26 actions that I’ll take within my first 120 days.

“There is reason for hope, and there is every reason for hope, but we must also have faith because faith empowers us to trust that things will happen.

“With faith, you believe what you know, and that is why we need faith to be able to achieve our reset.

“We need a reset with the faith we have in our country and our leadership.

“We need a reset with the faith we have in our institutions. We need a reset with our faith in our dear nation, Ghana, and by that, I mean in all of us, because all of us are Ghana. You are Ghana, and I am Ghana.

“All of you seated here, Ghanaian citizens, you are Ghana. The people who are with you or near you, as you watch this on television in your homes or listen on the radio or follow on social media, are what we call Ghana.”

Mahama said his new economic model would be anchored on agriculture and agribusiness, adding that he would provide jobs for young people, stimulate local industry and attract foreign investment.

Borno State Executive Council has approved the renaming of Borno State University to Kashim Ibrahim University in honour of the first governor of northern Nigeria.

This decision was reached during the first State Executive Council meeting of 2025, chaired by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum. The meeting which ended Monday night at the Government House Council Chamber, lasted over six hours, as key issues affecting the state were discussed.

Briefing journalists at the end of the meeting, commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar, revealed that the council considered 42 memos and assessed the performance of the state in the previous year, along with projections for 2025.

Professor Tar further explained that the renaming of the university will be subject to legislative procedures and the necessary notifications to relevant authorities in coordination with the Ministry of Education.

“Council approved that Borno State University shall be renamed Kashim Ibrahim University, Maiduguri. This is subject to further legislative work by the State Assembly to amend the law establishing the University. It is also subject to the Ministry of Education taking necessary action by informing relevant regulatory authorities like the National Universities Commission (NUC), Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN)”, Tar stated.

The council also approved street naming and house numbering in Maiduguri and other urban areas as part of the urban renewal drive of Governor Zulum’s administration.

“Maiduguri is fast developing, there are a lot of new buildings public roads and other facilities that need to be renamed.

Council decided that relevant MDAs shall meet with relevant agencies including Nigerian Postal Service, Nigerian Geological Survey, traditional rulers and community leaders to arrive at a new naming template”, he said.

The information commissioner announced that when completed, the updated names across the state would be reflected on Google Maps, public directories, and official records to support effective development planning. “The process will begin immediately as part of the state’s ongoing efforts to enhance urban planning and governance”, he said.

Speaking at the first Executive Council meeting, Governor Babagana Zulum welcomed Council members into the new year, commending them for their unwavering commitment and support to his administration.

Governor Zulum emphasized his administration’s focus on scaling up post-conflict and post-flood recovery efforts, with the aim of delivering more impactful projects to further improve the lives of Borno citizens.

“In 2024, my administration achieved significant progress in the implementation of government programmes and projects and I am committed to doing even more in 2025,” Governor Zulum said.

The Executive Council meeting also included a valedictory session in honour of the outgoing Head of Service, Barrister Malam Fannami, who will be retiring from public service later this month. The Council expressed gratitude for his service and contributions to the development of the state.