Insurgency: Tinubu Says France Ready To Provide Weapons, Training

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March 23, 2026

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu says the French Government has promised to assist Nigeria with training and equipment necessary to combat terrorism in the country. The president said on Sunday that he secured the pledge from France in a phone conversation with President Emmanuel Macron last week.

The Nigerian leader made this known yesterday at a meeting with All Progressives Congress, APC Governors, at his Ikoyi, Lagos residence.

The development comes on the heels of last week’s deployment, by the United States, US of drones and military personnel to assist Nigeria in its ongoing war against Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists mostly in Northern part of the country.

The president also spoke following the recent suicide bombings in Borno state, by suspected Boko Haram/ ISWAP terrorists. The incident which occurred on March 16, 2026, left at least 23 people dead, with over 100 others seriously injured.

The magazine reports that the president marked the end of the Muslim fast also known as the Eid-el-Fitr in Lagos.

According to Tinubu, Nigeria is ready to leverage on its goodwill with other friendly countries to secure all the support required to fight insurgency, saying his government will not relent until the threats posed to the nation by insurgents are totally defeated, calling on Nigerians to support him in this quest.

Tinubu: “I can report to you that, again yesterday, during a lengthy discussion with Emmanuel Macron, they pledged collaboration with us on equipment and support.

“I am making efforts to reach other nations. If we have to utilise our goodwill and line of credit, we have partners willing to support us with equipment and training.

“The next phase of our struggle is the challenge of insecurity. We must work together to achieve victory.”

Last week, the US deployed multiple MQ-9 drones alongside around 200 troops to Nigeria to provide intelligence and training in support of Nigerian military in its ongoing fight against insurgents across the northern region of the country.

According to details gathered by the magazine, the operation is strictly focused on surveillance and advisory support, with no US personnel embedded in frontline units and no drone airstrikes being conducted.

“The U.S. military has multiple MQ-9 drones operating in Nigeria alongside 200 troops to provide training and intelligence support to the military,” U.S. and Nigerian officials told Reuters.

Reuters further reported that the deployment was requested by Nigerian authorities to help identify, track, and respond to terrorist threats in the region.pact4 / 1:01

“We see this as a shared security threat,” a U.S. defence official told Reuters, underscoring that the mission is limited to intelligence collection and advisory support.

Major General Samaila Uba, director of defence information at Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters, confirmed that U.S. forces are operating from Bauchi airfield in the northeast.

“This support builds on the newly established U.S.-Nigeria intelligence fusion cell, which continues to deliver actionable intelligence to our field commanders. Our U.S. partners remain in a strictly non-combat role, enabling operations led by Nigerian authorities,” he said.

The MQ-9 drones, sometimes called Reaper drones, are capable of loitering at high altitude for more than 27 hours and can perform both intelligence gathering and strike missions.

The US and Nigerian officials clarified that the aircraft currently in Nigeria are being used exclusively for surveillance. “Our US forces are helping Nigeria identify, track and respond to terrorist threats,” Uba said, without elaborating on specific operations.

The deployment comes amid escalating violence in Nigeria’s northeast and northwest. On March 16, suicide bombers attacked a garrison town in the northeast, underscoring the continued threat from Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

“We continue to assess that these organisations will seek opportunistic targets and may attempt to demonstrate relevance through high-visibility attacks,” Uba told journalists.

ADC To Tinubu: £746 Maritime Deal Skewed In UK’s Favour

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James Orji

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March 23, 2026

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The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has criticised the fedral government over the recent £746 million agreement signed by President Bola Tinubu with the British government.

The opposition party said the agreement, meant to provide funding for the upgrade of two seaports in Lagos is skewed to the advantage of the United Kingdom.

According to a statement signed by Bolaji Abdullahi, on Sunday, the opposition party also called on the federal government to release the details of the agreement to Nigerians for proper scrutiny.

The attack on the federal government comes barely a week after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a historic fashion, signed the financial agreement with the Keir Stammer-led government, to upgrade two seaports in Lagos, the Tin Can and Apapa Ports, to modern maritime facilities.

But, the ADC noted that the agreement favoured the UK more than Nigeria, saying that the repayment details was not included in the agreement. The partry stated that the agreement is capable of enslaving the country, many decades after gaining independence from the British Government.

“The African Democratic Congress views the £746m agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom and the Federal Government of Nigeria, concluded during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to London, as disproportionately skewed in favour of the UK, which already enjoys a significant balance of trade advantage over Nigeria, “ ADC said.

“Although the APC government has tried to hoodwink Nigerians by portraying the agreement to rehabilitate the Tin Can and Apapa Ports in Lagos as a diplomatic success, it is, in reality, a commercial loan arrangement with conditionalities that ensure that a substantial portion of the funds either remains within the United Kingdom or is repatriated back to it.

“Based on information available on the UK Government website, which described the deal as a ‘major vote of confidence in UK manufacturing,’ the £746m agreement will be delivered through UK Export Finance’s (UKEF) Buyer Credit Facility and arranged by Citibank, N.A., London Branch.

“UKEF is the UK Government’s export credit agency. Its Buyer Credit Facility enables foreign buyers to access financing from commercial banks to procure UK goods and services, typically for projects that require significant UK content participation.

“In simple terms, UKEF guarantees a loan obtained by a foreign buyer from a commercial bank, which is then used to pay for UK goods and services, with the bank paying the UK exporter directly on behalf of the buyer.

“Under this agreement, at least £236m of the £746m in supplier contracts will be awarded to British companies, while British Steel will supply 120,000 tonnes of steel billets under a £70m contract, representing its largest UKEF-backed export order, for port rehabilitation projects.

The party also noted that the agreement may turn out to be a mere window dressing, saying that apart from the ‘pomp and pageantry” nothing is left in it to write home about.

“The ADC is particularly concerned that the Nigerian government has entered into an agreement that leaves the country at a clear disadvantage, seemingly in exchange for a few hours of pomp and pageantry, and as part of a broader attempt to secure foreign validation, even as millions of Nigerians continue to face poverty, unemployment, and worsening insecurity.

“There are still several unanswered questions regarding this agreement. These include: what are the repayment terms of the commercial loan, including its duration and applicable interest rate?

“What percentage of local goods, services, and subcontracting is involved in the port rehabilitation project? How many direct and indirect jobs will be created for Nigerians?

“What is the project timeline, and when will the ports become fully operational? What provisions exist for training, apprenticeships, and skills transfer?

“Finally, what are the limits on expatriate staff, and are there defined quotas for SMEs and community benefit obligations?” the party said.

Suspected Bandits Abduct Nine Kwara Worshippers

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Ayodele Oni

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March 22, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

It was a bleak Sunday for Oro-Ago community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, as suspected terrorists reportedly invaded a church in the community abducting at least nine worshippers during the worship service on Sunday.

Sources in the community told SaharaReporters that the heavily armed assailants stormed the church while worship activities were ongoing.

According to a source, the attackers arrived suddenly and carried out the operation without resistance as residents and worshippers fled for safety.

The source confirmed that nine people were taken away by the attackers.

“Yes, I can confirm to you that nine people were kidnapped today and whisked away by the assailants,” the source said.

Residents said the gunmen, suspected to be bandits operating in parts of the region, invaded the church premises and forcefully took the victims to an unknown destination.

The incident has thrown the Oro-Ago community into fear and confusion, as residents expressed concern over the growing insecurity in parts of Kwara State and surrounding communities.

Source said the attack happened on Sunday during church activities, when worshippers had gathered for service before the assailants stormed the premises and carried out the abduction.

Community members have since called on security agencies to urgently intervene and ensure the safe rescue of the kidnapped victims.

Akpoti-Uduaghan Appeals To PDP Defectors To Return, Rebuild Party

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Akinwale Kasali

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March 22, 2026

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By Akinwale Kasali

Following the mass defection of members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, African Democratic Congress and Labour Party, LP, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing the Kogi Central Senatorial District under the PDP has appealed to former members of the Party who left at the height of its leadership crisis to return.

The Senator stated that their experience, institutional memory and commitment to building a better Nigeria were required in the party’s effort to rebuild and reclaim its rightful position in the national affairs.

Akpoti-Uduaghan made this appeal while addressing party members during the inauguration of the PDP National Convention Committee in Abuja.

Expressing optimism that the event will mark a turning point for PDP, she cited the party’s decline in Senate representation from 37 to 6 senators due to leadership crisis.

“When I asked colleagues why they left, they mentioned internal disputes. I’m saying to them: trust me, it’s not greener on the other side. You’re welcome back to PDP,” she said.

Okezie Ikpeazu, Chairman of the Convention Committee described the event as “consequential” and a “moment of truth”, while

acknowledging internal challenges and legal battles, but noted the appellate court’s affirmation of the National Caretaker Working Committee as a fresh opportunity for renewal.

Ikpeazu emphasized reconciliation, urging members to move beyond divisions: “What PDP needs is honest reconciliation, rooted in truth, driven by sincerity, and sustained by mutual respect.”

IGP Disbands Tactical Units Nationwide

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Ayodele Oni

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March 22, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

The Inspector General of Police, (IGP), Tunji Disu, has ordered the dissolution of multiple tactical units across the country.

The order, conveyed through an internal wireless message after a virtual meeting with senior officers, mandates the immediate disbandment of several specialised squads operating at Commands, Area Commands and Divisional levels.

Units reportedly affected include the Rapid Response Squad, (RRS), Anti-Cultism and Anti-Kidnapping teams, Scorpion Squad, Tactical Intelligence Response Squad, Special Weapons and Tactics, Monitoring Units, Tiger Squad and Anti-Robbery formations, among others.

According to the directive, all such units, regardless of their operational names, are to cease functioning in their current form.

They are to be restructured into two new formations, with official names to be announced by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations.

“Following the IGP’s directives… all existing tactical teams at commands are being reformed into two, with operational names to be provided,” the internal message stated.

“Pending the full rollout of the restructuring plan, only Area Commands and Divisional Surveillance Units are permitted to operate on a temporary basis.

“Personnel from the disbanded squads are to be redeployed into conventional policing duties, including patrol operations, guard assignments, the Divisional Crime Branch and the Juvenile and Women Centre.

“The dissolved teams are to be subsumed into patrol and guard, DCB, JWC and beat with immediate effect,” the directive added.

Although the police authorities did not officially state the reasons for the overhaul, the move comes amid persistent public complaints over the conduct of some tactical units, including allegations of human rights violations, extortion and abuse of power.

Further details of the reform are expected to be unveiled at the end-of-month Officers Conference scheduled for March 26, 2026.

The development also comes on the heels of efforts by the police leadership to address internal concerns over career progression.

A separate directive recently approved a resit promotion examination and interactive session for senior officers who were unsuccessful in previous promotion cycles.

The exercise coordinated in conjunction with the Police Service Commission, is aimed at giving affected officers another opportunity to advance in rank.

Sources within the force had earlier alleged irregularities in past promotion processes, including claims that some senior officers were sidelined while others advanced through questionable means.

In response, the current Police Leadership is said to be pushing for greater transparency and fairness in the system.

As part of arrangements for the promotion exercise, commands nationwide have been directed to release eligible officers, while security and logistics have also been put in place to ensure a smooth and secure process.

Ghana Confirms Arrival Of 44 Victims Of Online Job Scam Rescued In Nigeria

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Ayodele Oni

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March 22, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

The Ghanaian Government has acknowledged the arrival of nationals of some countries rescued from job scammers in Nigeria.

Ghana lauded the Nigeria authorities, particularly the Department of State Services (DSS), for rescuing 44 of its nationals from a “criminal network” that specializes in luring unsuspecting foreigners with false promises of job opportunities.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Ghanaian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the county confirmed that the 44 rescued victims were safely returned to Accra, the country’s capital, on Friday.

The country pointed out that the evacuation was made possible by the joint efforts of the DSS and other security agencies in Nigeria and in Ghana.

The trafficked persons, who were rescued by the DSS in Imo Ekpo, Ifuho and Ekpri Nsukara communities in Uyo and

in Ikot-Ekpene LGAs respectively , comprised 27 males and 17 females.

The were received by an official of the Ghana High Commission, Mr Leslie Lawson, at the Department of State Security, DSS office in Uyo.

The statement by the Ghana High Commission read, “Further to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Announcement of 13” March, 2026 cautioning the public against activities of “QNET” and similar schemes, forty-four (44) Ghanaian nationals have been rescued from a fraudulent recruitment network in Nigeria.

“Affected individuals were lured through deceptive means, including social media and informal recruitment channels, with false promises of employment and travel opportunities.

“Upon arrival, they were subjected to exploitative conditions, including restricted movement, psychological coercion, and pressure to recruit others into the scheme.

“Following a coordinated operation conducted on 16th March, 2026 by Nigerian security authorities, including the Department of State Services (DSS), in collaboration with relevant Ghanaian institutions, the victims arrived in Accra on 20th March, 2026.

“The Government of Ghana is working closely with its Nigerian counterparts and relevant stakeholders to facilitate ongoing efforts to dismantle the criminal networks involved.

“Steps are also being taken to ensure the protection, rehabilitation and reintegration of the victims.

“The Ministry expresses its sincere appreciation to the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for its prompt intervention and continued cooperation.

“Government reiterates its strong condemnation of human trafficking and fraudulent recruitment practices and remains committed to safeguarding the welfare of Ghanaian nationals.

“The public is advised to exercise utmost caution, verify all travel and employment opportunities through official channels, and avoid engagement with unverified individuals or entities.

“The Ministry reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the protection of Ghanaian citizens both at home and abroad.”

Over 150 Bandits Drown As Operational Boat Capsizes In Sokoto

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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March 22, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

No fewer than 150 suspected terrorist elements are believed to have lost their lives, following the capsizing of their operational boat in the Sabon Gida community of Sokoto State.

Some local witness accounts informed that the wooden boat fully laden with heavily armed suspected bandits,their personal effects, goods and other logistical items ran into a storm and the boat consequently capsized with all the occupants thrown overboard.

Locals say most of the passengers onboard appeared to have drowned ,as they were not able to navigate their way out of the river.

“Information suggests that many of the occupants could not swim ,a development that resulted in a heavy casualty figure”, a local volunteered.

The suspected terrorists were reportedly trying to relocate to new and safe camps in order to escape military onslaughts .

The Source reports that most parts of Sokoto and Kebbi states have been the epicentre of insurgency, with the Lukarawa armed group having a significant presence.

As at the time of reporting there were no official reactions both from Security agencies and the Sokoto state Government .

Gov. Alia Says His Second Term Will Not Be Decided By SGF, Akume

By

Ayodele Oni

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March 22, 2026

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L-R; George Akume and Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia

By Ayodele Oni

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia has declared that it is an insult for him and the people of the state to say that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, (SGF), George Akume, will decide their fate in the 2027 governorship elections.

Alia maintained that Benue electorate would vote him for second term based on his “performance, pedigree and precedence.”

The Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, stated this while reacting to the comments credited to the Senator representing Benue North West senatorial District, Titus Zam, that the people of the State will wait for directions from Akume in 2027.

Speaking during his empowerment programme held in Wannune, the hometown of SGF George Akume, on Saturday, the Senator Zam, vowed not to disappoint Akume like Governor Hyacinth Alia.

“I promised Akume I will not disappoint him and I will continue to be loyal to Akume, my leader. I decided to hold this event at Akume hometown, Wannune as a sign of respect I have for him. I will not humiliate or disappoint Akume like Governor Hyacinth Alia,” Zam said

However, Alia maintained that the people, not, Akume or anyone else, would collectively decide his fate in 2027.

According to Kula, “This is the highest insult to the sensitivity of the Benue electorate. Zam should know that the political awareness of the people is more advanced than it was in 2019.

“It is only a madman who keeps doing the same thing but expects different results. Benue people are wiser.

“No individual will decide the fate of Benue people in 2027. Benue people will collectively decide. Alia has done one term and second term is won on performance, pedigree and precedence.

“What will determine direction for the 2027 general elections in Benue “is purely performance and pedigree.

“Those who betrayed the people that voted them into power; those who failed woefully to deliver on their mandate; those who preferred to worship emperors than fulfil their covenant with the people will face judgment from the people.

“No emperor can decide any election for the people. Alia is diligently and meticulously keeping his covenant with the people, and the people are there, much aware of developments around them to pass their verdict.

“The people have seen everything and they feel development and then what should somebody else will come and tell them something different to what they have seen.

“Akume cannot come and tell Benue people what to do in 2027. People are politically enlightened enough. They are seeing what is happening and still sit and wait for Akume to tell you what to do?

“That is the greatest insult on the sensitivity of Benue people because whatever they have seen they will still sit and wait for Akume to come and tell them what to do.”

21-Year Old Rap3es, Hacks To Death Elderly Woman In Ondo Community

By

Ayodele Oni

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March 22, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Residents of Iboropa in Akoko North-East Local Government Area, Ondo State, were mortified after an elderly woman was allegedly ra3ed and killed by a young man believed to be in his early 20s.

The suspect, whose exact age has not been officially confirmed is currently in police custody.

The age of the victim has also not been formally disclosed, but community sources described her as an elderly woman well known in the area.

Sources in the community revealed that the suspect was arrested following investigations by security operatives after the body of the woman was discovered under suspicious circumstances.

It was gathered that the suspect was later brought to the community by Police Officers for identification at the scene of the incident, a development that attracted a large crowd of residents.

A video circulating on social media showed the suspect allegedly speaking while in custody, which residents claimed was part of the investigation process, although the content has not been officially confirmed by the police.

The incident reportedly caused tension in Iboropa Akoko, as angry youths and residents gathered when the suspect was brought to the scene. Security operatives had to hurriedly whisked the suspect away to prevent the situation from degenerating.

While confirming the incident, the Ondo State Police Command confirmed the arrest and gave the suspect age as 21-year-old and name Alabi Anthony.

It added that Alabi was being held in connection with the tragic death of one Olaseni Veronica ‘f’ in Iboropa, Akoko area of the state.

“Following credible intelligence, detectives promptly launched an investigation, which led to the tracking of the deceased’s missing phone and the subsequent arrest of the suspect.

“The suspect has confessed to the crime, admitting to having carnal knowledge of the victim and thereafter strangling her to death.

“The Command condemns this heinous and inhumane act and assures the public that justice will be diligently pursued. The case has been transferred to Headquarters, Akure for further discreet investigation and prosecution.

“The Commissioner of Police urges members of the public to promptly report suspicious incidents and avoid hasty conclusions in cases of sudden or unnatural deaths, as timely reporting greatly aids effective investigation.”

How CCTV Aided Arrest Of Three Kidnap Suspects In Ondo

By

Ayodele Oni

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March 22, 2026

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CCTV Aided Arrest Of Three Kidnap Suspects In Ondo

By Ayodele Oni

Leveraging on the efficiency of the Close Circuit Television, (CCTV) the Ondo State Police Command has been able to track three suspected kidnappers and rescued three of their victims.

The three suspects are being held in connection with an alleged kidnapping incident captured on a Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) camera in Oda, Akure.

Command’s spokesman Abayomi Jimoh explained in a statement that “the arrest followed the circulation of CCTV footage on social media showing the abduction of a victim by suspected criminals in the Oda area of Akure.

“Upon receiving the footage, the Command immediately activated its intelligence team, leveraging digital surveillance analysis and coordinated field operations to identify and apprehend the suspects.

“Acting on credible intelligence and investigative leads derived from the footage, operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad carried out targeted operations which led to the arrest of one of the suspects.

“During interrogation, the suspect provided useful information that led to the subsequent arrest of two other accomplices believed to have played active roles in the incident and who were also captured in the CCTV footage.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects played various roles in the commission of the alleged kidnapping.

“They are identified as; Mohammed Koro ‘m’ aged; 27yrs, Muhammad Usman ‘m’ aged; 30yrs and Musa Alhaji ‘m’ aged; 23yrs.

“However, operational efforts have culminated in the successful rescue of three victims earlier kidnapped by the syndicate, namely: (1) Tosin Adesida ‘F’, (2) Adeniran Adesuyi ‘M’, and (3) Adewunmi Adewusi ‘M’.

“They have been debriefed and taken to nearest hospital for medical attention. The suspects have made useful confessional statements, which are aiding ongoing efforts to ensure the arrest of other syndicate members. They will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.”