Dozens Of Nigerians Feared Killed As Chadian Military Launches Air Strike On Boko Haram

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May 11, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

An air strike by the Chadian Military on jihadist positions in the Lake Chad area has killed unconfirmed number of Nigerians, mainly fishermen.

An AFP report which quoted a civilian militia member and an official of a Lake Chad fishermen’s union, stated that Chadian fighter jets bombarded two Islands believed to be controlled by Boko Haram militants.

At least 40 Nigerian fishermen were reported missing and feared drowned following the bombardment.

The exact death toll remains unclear as military operations across the vast waterways and marshlands shared by Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger and Chad were ongoing at the time of reporting.

A militia member reportedly said the Chadian military had been bombing Islands on the Nigerian side of the lake since Friday after recent attacks on Chadian troops by Boko Haram fighters.

The source said there were “huge casualties” among fishermen operating in the area, many of whom reportedly pay taxes to Boko Haram to gain access to fishing zones.

“The bombing was concentrated on the jihadist stronghold of Shuwa island, where Nigeria, Niger and Chad meet on the lake.

“Many people were killed,” a fisherman from Baga in north-eastern Nigeria, was quoted as saying.

AFP reported that most of those killed in the strikes were believed to hail from Doron Baga, a fishing community on the Nigerian shore of Lake Chad, as well as from Taraba state.

“It is not a secret that Nigerian fishermen pay tax to Boko Haram to have access to the remote island with a huge fish reservoir,” one source said

“Boko Haram ferry them on their boats to those islands and bring them back with their catch.”

The Chadian military had not issued an official statement on the incident as of press time.

The development comes just days after Boko Haram launched two separate attacks on Chadian military positions near Lake Chad, reportedly killing at least 24 soldiers and two senior generals.

In October 2024, Chad’s military was similarly accused of killing dozens of Nigerian fishermen during air strikes targeting Boko Haram fighters on Tilma Island in Lake Chad.

President Tinubu Appoints Rtd. General Famadewa Homeland Security Adviser

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Adesina Soyooye

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May 11, 2026

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Army Major General Adeyinka Famadewa — Retired Army Major General, Adeyinka Famadewa.

By Adesina Soyooye

In a bid to achieve a stronger intelligence conference and inter-agency collaboration than what currently obtains, President Bola Tinubu has appointed a retired Army Major General, Adeyinka Famadewa, his Special Adviser on Homeland Security.

Famadewa, a former official in the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA, is credited

with the establishment of Intelligence Fusion Centre.

His appointment by the President, was announced in a statement on Monday by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).

The statement said the rtd General’s appointment was approved by the President, in recognition of the “exceptional record of service, strategic expertise, and outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s national security architecture.”

The appointment letter was signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and issued by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar Kana.

According to the statement, the appointment highlights the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing intelligence coordination and deepening inter-agency collaboration in tackling emerging security threats.

A well decorated Army officer he has over three decades of experience in military intelligence, counter-terrorism operations, national security strategy and international security diplomacy.

Among other services he had rendered to the Nation, Famadewa served as Principal General Staff Officer to the National Security Adviser between 2015 and 2021. While there, he played a key role in shaping Nigeria’s intelligence coordination framework.

The statement, also, noted that Famadewa spearheaded the establishment of the Intelligence Fusion Centre (IFC) at ONSA, an integrated intelligence-sharing platform bringing together the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and the Armed Forces.

The platform was designed to improve national threat assessment and strengthen strategic response coordination among security agencies.

On retirement from active military service, he became a Senior Research Fellow at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja. There he focused on policing, civil-security cooperation and national security reforms.

He authored the monograph, “Policing and National Security in Nigeria,” which proposed practical frameworks for strengthening collaboration between civil institutions and security agencies.

President Tinubu expressed implicit confidence that the Famadewa would bring his wealth of experience and strategic insight to bear in advancing the administration’s homeland security objectives.

The President said the appointment would further enhance efforts toward achieving a safer and more secure Nigeria through improved intelligence integration, proactive risk management and stronger coordination of homeland security initiatives.

He urged the him to deploy his professionalism and expertise in supporting the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

This is the first time a Nigerian President would have a Special Adviser for Homeland Security.

Eight Jostle For ADC Governorship Ticket In Rivers State

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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May 11, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has informed that eight people are currently angling for the party’s Governorship ticket in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 polls.

The Party also lauded former Governor Rotimi Amaechi for his bold action in officially throwing his hat into the Presidential ring.

In a statement on Monday, May 11, 2026, by its Chairman, Dr Chukwudi Dimkpa, the Rivers State chapter of the ADC, expressed satisfaction over what it described as the unprecedented wave of interest and participation in the affairs of the party in recent times.

Dimkpa emphasized that the growing interest shown by aspirants is an eloquent testimony to the growing level of acceptance of ADC as a veritable alternative political platform for credible leadership.

According to the Chairman, Amaechi’s formal declaration of interest in contesting for the Presidency seat, as well as his procurement of the nomination forms represent a defining moment in the growth of the Party.

“This is a clear indication that the Party has rapidly emerged as the preferred platform for credible leadership, progressive politics and people-driven governance.

“The formal declaration of intent by Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi to contest for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the platform of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, marks yet another major milestone in the growing national momentum around the party.

“In Rivers State, the level of interest generated within the ADC has been extraordinary. No fewer than eight prominent individuals have already indicated interest in contesting for the office of Governor on the platform of the party.

“They are among others a former Secretary to the State Government SSG, former member of the House of Representatives, and former Executive Director, Marine and Operations, Nigerian Ports Authority NPA. Another former member of the House of Representatives and former Chairman of NIMASA, former Commissioner for Employment Generation, former Chief Medical Director, CMD, of the UPTH, renowned architect and successful private sector leaders and entrepreneurs”, Dimkpa stated,

Besides those interested in the state’s topmost job, the Chairman disclosed that a significant number of individuals interested in other positions both at the State and Federal levels have also signified their interests.

According to him, the surge in interest, growth and acceptance level of the party is a clear sign that the ADC is not just an alternative platform, but a veritable vehicle to drive the future of the country.

“ADC is now increasingly being seen as the vehicle for the future. What we are witnessing is not an ordinary political movement.

“It is a convergence of experience, competence, credibility, youth energy, and grassroots belief in new political direction for Rivers State and Nigeria.

“For years, many Nigerians complained that credible people stayed away from politics. Today, credible people are not only joining politics, they are deliberately choosing ADC.

“The growing influx of respected leaders and professionals into the party reflects increasing public confidence in the vision, internal democratic culture, and transformational agenda of ADC”, Dimkpa noted.

He expressed happiness that Rivers people are now poised to enthrone a political order built on capacity, accountability and inclusiveness.

Lagos-bound Delta Airline Makes Air-return To Atlanta Hours After Take-off

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Adesina Soyooye

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May 11, 2026

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By Adesina Soyooye

An American Carrier, Delta Airline, bound for Lagos, Nigeria, made a dramatic and unexpected return to its base Atlanta, mid-air after hours of taking off.

The Airline, Delta Air Lines flight DL54 left to Lagos from its operating hub, Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport, but returned mid-air after eight hours flight. The incident took place on Saturday, May 9, 2026. The flight was due to arrive at tye Murtala Mohammed International Airport on Sunday. It turned out not to be.

Details of the circumstances which triggered the air-return after hours of flight are not yet public, but the crew made an announcement which informed passengers that the decision was due to “operational issues.”

On Sunday the airline cancelled its Lagos-Atlanta bound flight which left many passengers stranded at the airport.

The aircraft type was an Airbus A330-200 (registration N854W). The 21-year old departed Atlanta at 5:42 PM EDT (Eastern Daylight Time) and according to reports, climbed to a comfortable cruising altitude of 33,000 feet. It maintained a standard eastbound track for approximately three and a half hours.

But on approach to the midpoint of its oceanic crossing, the crew decided to turn around and return to its base in Atlanta.

Delta Airlines, in a statement, confirmed that the flight was diverted back to Atlanta due to an “operational issue.”

The fact that the crew decided to return to its hub in Atlanta instead of diverting the aircraft to an Airport in Western Europe or Azores, gives the impression that whatever malfunctioned will be better taken care of at the Airline’s maintenance base in Atlanta.

UNIBEN Killing: Gov. Okpebholo Urges Security Agents To Go After Suspects

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Ayodele Oni

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May 11, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Edo state Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has condemned resurgence of cultism related vices in the state.

Reacting to the murder of a youth at the main gate of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) by gunmen in broad daylight on Sunday, the governor described the incident as barbaric, urging security agents to unravel those behind the act.

A government statement on Monday stated that “The brazen and cold-blooded killing on a day regarded as sacred by many is an affront to human dignity, a threat to public safety, and an attack on everything this administration stands for. It is completely unacceptable.”

Governor Okpebholo extended heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and associates of the deceased, whose life was violently and senselessly cut short.

“The Edo State Police Command has commenced investigations into the incident, while security agencies are working round the clock to identify and apprehend all those responsible. They may run, but they cannot hide forever.”

Governor Okpebholo assured the public and the family of the victim that the case will not be swept under the rug. The perpetrators will be found and justice will be served.

The Governor reiterated his administration’s firm resolve to stamp out cultism in all its forms across Edo State.

‘Since assuming office, the administration has taken deliberate and sustained steps to confront the cult menace head-on.

“These efforts include sustained security operations in cult-prone communities across the state, resulting in the arrest and prosecution of numerous suspected cultists.

“Ensures close collaboration between the Edo State Government and the Nigerian Police Force, the Department of State Services, and the Nigerian Army to disrupt and dismantle cult networks operating within the state.

“Community engagement initiatives involving traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, and civil society organisations in the fight against cult violence; and strong support for the rehabilitation and reintegration of young persons vulnerable to cult recruitment, recognising that long-term peace requires both enforcement and prevention.

“These efforts are already yielding results. However, the murder of a young person in broad daylight is a grim reminder that the battle is far from over and that the government must continue to intensify its efforts.

“Edo State will not be a sanctuary for criminals. Those who carry arms and terrorise innocent people will face the full consequences of the law.

“Members of the public with useful information regarding the killing are strongly urged to contact the Edo State Police Command or any other security agency immediately. All information provided will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.

“The Edo State Government remains fully committed to securing every community and every part of the state, so that no family will have to endure the pain of losing a loved one to senseless cult violence.”

Lower River Basin Authority Workers Protest Alleged Harsh Policies Of Managing Director, Picket Office In Kwara

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Ayodele Oni

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May 11, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), in Kwara State have embarked on two days protest against the policies of the Managing Director of the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, Olusola Olumoroti. They have risen in anger against him.

The NLC, in the early hours of Monday, therefore, picketed the entrance of the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority (LNRBDA), Ilorin, to signal commencement of the protest.

It was gathered that staff members of the authority under Nigeria Union of Agriculture and Allied Employees (NUAAE), an affiliate of NLC, alleged that the federal government’s establishment under Olumoroti has been involved in diversion of funds of the organization.

Armed with placards with various inscriptions, the aggrieved workers demanded the sacking of the Managing Director, insisting that he is not competent to lead the authority anymore.

The inscriptions on the placards included: “Mr President’s Efforts to fix Nigeria must not be weakened by bad management in our organization, Bring back our basin, Employer-employee relationship must be respected, Workers in the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority are human beings not slaves

“We stand against brazen corruption, NLC says no to victimization of workers in the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority and Respect due process, respect labour act among others.

The outing was themed “Two days protest at Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority due to anti-labour stance of the Managing Director, Olushola George Olumoroti, against the Nigeria Union of Agriculture and Allied Employees (NUAAE) members.”

It was observed that both entry and exit gates of the authority were completely shutdown to prevent movement in and out.

The state Chairman of NLC, Comrade Muritala Saheed Olayinka, led the protest.

Olayinka took a swipe at the embattled Managing Director for working against the interest of workers in the authority.

The Chairperson, Women Committee of the state NLC, Comrade Victoria Agboola, alleged that the management of the authority embarked on victimization of staff, while union leaders also faced demotion at work due to their stance against anti-labour policies of Olumoroti-led LNRBDA.

She said allowing the Managing Director to continue with his policies would spell doom for the author

Poland 2026: Nigeria’s Falconets Book FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup Ticket

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Akinwale Kasali

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May 11, 2026

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By Akinwale Kasali

In a tension soaked encounter against the Young Scorchers of Malawi, Nigeria’s Under- 20 Female Team, Falconets, officially punched their ticket to the 2026 FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.

The young ladies survived a difficult afternoon in Lilongwe, Malawi Capital, to emerge on 3-2 aggregate victory over the Malawian Team who came prepared to earn their first World Cup Ticket.

Despite a narrow 1-2 defeat in the second leg to the Malawian Ladies, the foundation laid in Ikenne, Ogun State, a week ago where an own goal by visiting defender, Maureen Kenneth and a superb strike by Kindness Ifeanyi secured a 2-0 cushion, proved enough to sustain Nigeria’s proud record of never missing a Female World Cup final tournament at this level.

The hosts, backed by a vocal and vociferous home crowd, wasted no time in testing Nigeria’s structural resolve.

The Falconets found themselves behind early in the first half when a defensive mishap allowed a Malawian forward to nod home the opener and ignite belief in the home team’s comeback.

Nigeria came close to responding with clinical precision, as Kindness Ifeanyi was a constant threat on the right flank, delivered tantalizing crosses into the heart of the box.

Favour Nkwocha had met one of the numerous crosses with a power header, but her effort rattled the woodwork, denying the Falconets a vital equalizer.

The Young Scorchers took their 1-0 advantage into recess.

Tension escalated in the 55th minute, as another uncharacteristic lapse in the Nigerian backline gifted the Young Scorchers their second goal of the afternoon.

At 2-0 on the day and 2-2 on aggregate, the tie was on a knife-edge, and the Falconets’ impeccable qualification record was under genuine threat.

With the match drifting towards a stalemate, Coach Moses Aduku turned to his bench for a spark.

It arrived in the 62nd minute via Precious Oscar.

The substitute demonstrated elite pressing, pouncing on a Malawian defender who was caught dwelling on the ball.

Oscar dispossessed her opponent and kept her composure to fire past the goalkeeper, restoring Nigeria’s aggregate lead and deflating the Lilongwe atmosphere.

Though the result marked a rare occasion where Aduku failed to mastermind an away victory, following dominant displays in Rwanda and Senegal earlier in the cycle.

Though, the ultimate objective was achieved. The Falconets managed the remaining minutes with professional grit to ensure that Nigeria’s flag will fly, as always, at the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup finals in Poland later in the year.

This year’s finals will be staged by Poland, from the 5th – 26th September, 2026.

At the end, the Nigerian contingent expressed deep appreciation to Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Malawi, Ambassador Ibrahim Miringa, who alongside the mission’s Staff, had made the contingent’s stay in the southern African country a very pleasant experience.

FG Scraps UTME For Admission Seekers Into Colleges Of Education

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Ayodele Oni

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May 11, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Effective from 2026/2027 academic session, a revised structure which exempts candidates seeking admission into Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) programmes in colleges of education across the country from sitting for Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) will take effect.

The Federal Government has scrapped the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) requirement for such candidates.

Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, announced the decision on Monday during the 2026 policy meeting of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in Abuja.

Under the new arrangement, candidates applying for NCE programmes will only need a minimum of four credits in relevant O-level subjects to secure admission, without sitting for the UTME conducted by JAMB.

The minister explained that the policy was introduced to simplify the admission process and reduce administrative pressure on the examination body.

The development forms part of wider reforms in the colleges of education system aimed at restructuring teacher training and improving access to tertiary education.

The National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) had earlier confirmed receiving ministerial directives on the implementation of the Dual Mandate policy and a new Continuous Five-Year NCE/Degree Programme structure for colleges of education nationwide.

According to the directives issued on May 5, 2026, colleges currently operating the Dual Mandate four-year degree programme are expected to discontinue admissions into that structure.

The new framework will replace the existing system with a combined pathway that allows students to complete a three-year NCE programme followed by a two-year degree programme.

The reform is expected to significantly alter admission processes into colleges of education and expand opportunities for students seeking careers in teaching and education-related fields.

Education stakeholders have also described the move as part of broader efforts to revive interest in teacher education and strengthen manpower development within the sector.

CBN Says State Govt Borrowing Causing Inflation

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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May 11, 2026

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The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has cautioned state governments in the country on their reliance on short-term borrowing and overdrafts, which it said is affecting its plan to control inflation.

The CBN said the action is having serious impacts on its monetary policy, citing debt accumulation, spending patterns, wage bills, capital project execution, salary arrears, contractor financing as some of the actions of sub-nationals driving high inflation in the country.

CBN’s Deputy Governor, Economic Policy Directorate, Dr Muhammad Abdullahi made the remark in a statement issued by the apex bank, on Sunday after a meeting with state government officials under the aegis of the Nigerian Governors Forum, NGF.

Abdullahi said the expenditure and borrowing pattern of state governments must align with the “prevailing macroeconomic conditions” in the country, calling on sub-nationals to collaborate with he CBN on these issues as their actions will greatly affect inflation outcomes.

Part of the statement: “The Deputy Governor emphasised that the absence of fiscal dominance, where government borrowing pressures compel the central bank to monetise deficits, is a core prerequisite for successful inflation targeting. He noted that this principle applies not only at the federal level but equally to State Governments.

“He urged States to reduce reliance on overdrafts and short‑term financing, ensure that borrowing decisions align with debt sustainability thresholds, improve budget realism and revenue forecasting, prioritise expenditure, and better synchronise fiscal calendars with prevailing macroeconomic conditions.”

Gunmen Shoot Dead UNIBEN Student At Varsity’s Main Gate

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Ayodele Oni

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May 11, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

A yet-to-be identified student of the University of Benin, (UNIBEN) was shot dead by masked gunmen in his JLK Mercedes Benz while driving out of the main gate of the campus at Ugbowo, Sunday night.

Eyewitnesses revealed that the student was shot at close range by masked gunmen who later fled the scene.

The victim had reportedly finished his exams in the Political Science Department about an hour earlier before he met his tragic end.

Two other victims in the JLK Mercedes Benz who survived the attack, were rushed to the University of Benin Health Care center.

One student said, “They shot him at close range and there was no way he could have survived the attack.

“Two others who were in the vehicle were also injured and rushed to the school’s health care center.”

Police Operatives from the Ugbowo Divisional Police Headquarters arrived the scene and evacuated the remains of the victim.

In a separate report, another student was allegedly chased with a machete at the Social Science Lecture Theatre on Saturday, but escaped unhurt.

The Management of the University, in a reaction by the spokesperson, Benedicta Ehanire, on Monday, explained that the incidents happened outside the campus.

According to her, the incidents were fallout from cult-related activities which took place outside the campus and might not have involved the University.

She appealed to students and staff of the institution to go about their normal daily activities peacefully, and assured them of adequate security.