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Peter Obi Remains Opposition Parties’ Joker In 2027 – Jerry Gana, Advises Atiku To Step Down

By
Ayodele Oni
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Prof Jerry Gana

By Ayodele Oni

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‎There are subtle moves to bring together opposition political parties as part of a strategy to defeat the All Progressives Congress (APC), candidate, President Bola Tinubu during next year’s elections.

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‎The African Democratic Congress (ADC) a coalition of parties, which earlier rallied together with a view to present a common front to challenge the ruling party, has been scattered by ambitions with Peter Obi pulling out to pick the Presidential ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

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Atiku Abubakar
Atiku Abubakar

‎Even at that, opposition parties are still battling to manage crisis which trailed the conduct of the primary elections with notable figures like former Secretary to government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal withdrawing his support for Atiku Abubakar.

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‎However, in a dramatic political twist that has sent shockwaves through the opposition camp, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain and former Minister of Information, Prof Jerry Gana, has suggested a way forward, advising former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, to drop his 2027 presidential ambition and throw his full weight behind Labour Party leader and NDC candidate, Peter Obi.

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‎Gana made the remarks while reviewing the fragmentation of the opposition alliance and the growing regional anxieties shaping the countdown to the next general elections.

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‎The elder statesman declared that the ultimate sacrifice for the survival of the nation and the defeat of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) requires a selfless change of guard at the top of the opposition ticket.

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‎“If I were Atiku, I would tell Obi: ‘Go for the Presidency! I will fully support you for the sake of Nigerians,” Gana stated flatly, putting public interest above party or personal loyalty.

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‎According to the PDP veteran, the political realities in the country require a candidate who commands deep organic appeal and can serve as a unifying figure across diverse demographics.

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‎By urging Atiku to step down from the frontline, Gana is advocating for a strategic retreat to save the opposition from another catastrophic electoral defeat.

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‎Political analysts view Gana’s statement as a major validation of the enduring electoral appeal of Peter Obi, whose massive movement continues to dictate the terms of engagement for opposition coalitions ahead of 2027.

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‎Shaking Up the Coalition Chessboard,

‎The former minister’s public stance exposes a widening ideological rift within the old guard of the main opposition structures.

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‎While Atiku Abubakar has actively sought to construct an alternative opposition umbrella under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other regional coalitions, Gana’s remarks suggest that a segment of influential political elites believe a joint ticket must be built around Obi to achieve electoral viability.

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‎The statement further complicates Atiku’s campaign roadmap, which has already suffered major setbacks following the withdrawal of high-profile political actors over regional balancing and running mate choices.

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‎With a founding member of the modern PDP structure openly calling for an Atiku step-down, pressure is expected to mount on the former Vice President’s camp to clarify his next line of action.

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‎Whether Atiku will heed the advice of the elder statesman or press forward with his multi-party coalition strategy remains the biggest question of the 2027 political season.

Commanding Officer, 6 Brigade, Taraba,  Lt. Col Okoye Dies, Nigerian Army Mourns

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Lt Col Emmanuel Okoye

By Adesina Soyooye

 

The Nigerian Army has announced the sad passing of one of its Commanding Officers, Lt. Col. Emmanuel  Okoye.

 

Before his sudden passing, Okoye was the Commanding Officer of the 6 Brigade.

 

The late Commanding Officer, the Army said, was devoted to his duty, was  committed to his troops and service to the country. He would, the statement said, continue to inspire military personnel across the nation.

 

Part of the statement which mourned Lt. Col. Okoye read: “His service to the nation, devotion to his troops, and steadfast commitment to the defence of Nigeria’s sovereignty will remain a source of inspiration to officers and soldiers across the Nigerian Army.

 

“His death is a great loss not only to his family and colleagues but also to the Nigerian Army.”

 

The 6 Brigade, where he was the boss,  reaffirmed its commitment to its constitutional responsibilities of maintaining peace and security and protecting the territorial integrity of the country.

 

“While mourning this painful loss, Headquarters, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, remains resolute in its constitutional mandate to safeguard lives and property, maintain peace and security, and defend the territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

 

“The prayers and thoughts of the officers and soldiers of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army are with the family of the deceased during this period of grief. May Almighty God grant his soul eternal rest and his loved ones the strength to bear this irreparable loss.”

 

The late senior officer was born  on November 6, 1980 and was 45 years old when he passed on.

FAAN: Suspects In N4bn Gold Smuggling Saga Face Probe

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Festus Keyamo - Aviation Minister

An employee of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN and three other suspects alleged to be involved in the plot to smuggle out gold worth over N4 billion from the country are curently being investigated.

One Ali Baffa, a FAAN staff was caught by the EFCC recently, alongside some alleged accomplices at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano while trying to smuggle the items out of the country.

Baffa, was apprehened by EFCC operatives at the airport after allegedly concealing 22.2 kilogrammes of unprocessed gold bars estimated at over N4,400,000,000 in his trousers, with the aim of bypassing security checks and hand over the precious minerals to overseas-bound passengers for illegal export out of the country.

The suspect and his accomplices, according to the anti-graft agency are currently being held in its custody for investigations.

Speaking to The Punch,  FAAN publicist Henry Agbebire said the suspects have been arrested, and are being interogated, noting however that they remain innocent until the outcome of the ongoing investigations. .

The newspaper quoted Agbebire as saying that full-scale investigation has commenced on the issue to ascertain Baffa’s alleged complicity.

Agbebire: “Well, what I can say now is that we are yet to decide on the matter; investigations have been allowed to go on; that is what we have on the matter as at now.”

The EFCC had accused Baffa of allegedly concealing 22.2 kilogrammes of unprocessed gold bars in his trousers to evade security checks and facilitate their illegal export.

According to the EFCC, Baffa and two other suspects, Aushabu Nasidi and Mukhtar Muhammad Dan Zaria, were intercepted during a surveillance operation by the Land and Property Fraud Section of the EFCC’s Kano Zonal Directorate.

The statement reads, “Preliminary investigations revealed that Ali Baffa allegedly concealed 22.2 kilogrammes of unprocessed gold bars estimated at over N4,400,000,000 in his trousers, with the intent to bypass security checks and hand over the precious minerals to overseas-bound passengers for illegal export out of Nigeria.”

Further investigations led to the arrest of Nasidi, whom the commission accused of supplying the gold bars to Baffa. The EFCC said one of Baffa’s alleged accomplices, Nasidi, was found with several foreign currencies, including 3,000 Saudi riyals, 40,000 Turkish lira, 199.75 Kuwaiti dinars, 20,700 Philippine pesos, 80 Australian dollars, 310 Chinese renminbi, 4,000 Algerian dinars, 40 Hong Kong dollars, 26,000 Hungarian forints and 1,000 Sudanese dinars.

The investigation later led to the arrest of Mr Dan Zaria, who allegedly supplied the gold bars to Nasidi. During interrogation, Dan Zaria allegedly told investigators that he had smuggled about 40.2 kilogrammes of gold between 1 and 11 June using the same method, according to the EFCC, the EFCC said.

 

Osun: Gov. Adeleke Demands Security Cover For Duly Elected LG Chairmen, As Court Dismisses APC Tenure Elongation Suit

By
Ayodele Oni
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Governor Ademola Adeleke
Governor Ademola Adeleke

By Ayodele Oni

 

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke,  has put forward some demands to security agencies and financial institutions over the administration of local governments in the state.

 

The demands follow the Federal High Court, Osogbo, ruling dismissing the suit for tenure elongation for local government chairmen elected on the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun state.

 

Governor Ademola Adeleke has called on security agents to ensure compliance with the ruling.

 

Popularly known as Yes/No chairmen, they have taken over administration of local council in the state.

The Federal High Court in Osogbo had dismissed a tenure elongation suit filed by local government chairmen elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The court affirmed that their removal was valid, backing the Osun State Government’s stance on the leadership of the 30 local councils.

The Federal High Court dismissed their motion and tenure elongation claims, upholding the legality of the local councils’ administration under the state.

In his reaction to the ruling Governor Adeleke expressed satisfaction to the constitutional crisis in the local government administration, which has put the councils’ fund in care of the sacked chairmen.

“I congratulate our authentic elected chairmen on the Court ruling today. The dismissal of the elongation request conforms with the stipulations of the constitution.

“The judgment further validates the precedent set by the Supreme Court ruling that tenure elongation is unconstitutional.

“The Court also holds that the sacked chairmen have no legal foundation to file the case in the first place. Based on this ruling, it is clear the Yes/No chairmen’s tenure, if at all they have any, elapsed October 2025.

 

“Based on today’s judgement, I therefore call on the Inspector General of Police to direct the Osun state police command to stop its current support for the Yes/No chairmen.

 

“I specifically direct the Commissioner of Police to stop providing further security cover for the illegal occupation of the council secretariats by the sacked chairmen.

 

“I further  call on the United Bank for Africa to stop its illegal collaboration with the sacked chairmen. We remind UBA that it has sworn to an affidavit in which it vowed that the entire diverted local government fund is intact.

 

“Based on this affidavit and today’s judgement, we insist that the UBA must ensure that every kobo of the local government fund is secured and accounted for.

 

“We demand that the UBA allows signatories prescribed by law to become signatories to the local government accounts. These funds are needed to pay local workers who are in need of their pension and other allowances.

 

“We demand that all law enforcement agents should support the immediate restoration of the duly elected local government chairmen. This is the path of law and the constitution.”

Confusion As Federal High Court Owerri Division Dismisses Suit For Deregistration Of Political Parties

By
Ayodele Oni
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Court and Law

By Ayodele Oni

 

Nigeria’s continued journey into democracy is under threat following latest conflicting courts’ rulings on the same issue.

 

The latest, which has drawn mixed reactions is the Federal High Court, Abuja judgement on Monday, which ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister five political parties.

 

Those affected are African Democratic Congress (ADC), the Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

 

Also on same day, a Court of the same jurisdiction, sitting in Owerri, Imo state with Justice I.N. Oweibo presiding, dismissed a suit seeking the removal of Action Peoples Party (APP) from INEC’s register of political parties, holding that the party remained a duly recognized political organization under Nigerian law.

 

The different rulings same day over same issue, had further deepened confusion over the legal status of the Action People’s Party (APP).

 

The  Federal High Court in Owerri, Imo State, also ruled that the party was never deregistered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), despite an earlier judgment by a Federal High Court in Abuja ordering its deregistration.

 

In the Owerri judgment, Justice I.N. Oweibo dismissed a suit seeking the removal of APP from INEC’s register of political parties, holding that the party remained a duly recognized political organization under Nigerian law.

 

The ruling came hours after another Federal High Court sitting in Abuja reportedly directed INEC to deregister APP and four other political parties for allegedly failing to meet constitutional requirements, creating what observers may view as conflicting judicial pronouncements on the party’s status.

 

While the Abuja court’s decision focused on compliance with constitutional provisions governing political parties, the Owerri court examined claims that APP had already been deregistered during INEC’s February 2020 exercise and found no evidence that such deregistration ever took effect.

 

Justice Oweibo held that APP had secured a valid court order from the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in 2020 restraining INEC from taking any action affecting the party’s status pending the determination of judicial review proceedings.

 

The court ruled that the plaintiff failed to establish that APP was ever lawfully deregistered and consequently dismissed all reliefs sought against both INEC and the party.

 

The judgment reinforces APP’s claim that it remains a legally recognized political party.

 

However, the existence of the separate Abuja judgment directing its deregistration, may set the stage for further legal proceedings to determine which order ultimately governs the party’s status.

Court Order To Deregister  Political Parties, Threat Against Integrity Of Electoral Process – Gov Adeleke

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ademola Adeleke - Osun State Governor
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State.

By Ayodele Oni

 

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has described Court judgement which ordered deregistration of five political parties, as an affront on the Court of Appeal, an abuse of court process and an open threat against the integrity of the electoral process.

 

The governor spoke in Osogbo on Monday, during a press conference.

 

A Federal High Court, in defiance of a Court of Appeal order, had ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC to deregister the five political parties including the Accord Party.

 

In an earlier ruling, the Court of Appeal in a unanimous decision of a  panel of three Justices had on May 22, 2026 directed the Federal High Court Judge not to proceed with the suit until an appeal pending before them and filed by Accord Party is resolved.

 

In a Certified True Copy Enrol Order of the Superior Court, Justices Mohammed Danjuma, Adebukola Banjoko and Oyejoju Oyewumi asked the lower Court Judge to stay proceedings until all issues on the appeal filed by the Accord party were resolved.

 

Governor Adeleke stated that “Our lawyers have taken necessary steps to right the wrong.

 

“It is on record that the Court of Appeal had stayed proceedings on the matter till October. We are therefore surprised that the lower court proceeded to act on a matter already acted upon by the higher court.

 

“I call on Osun people to remain calm. The judgement cannot stay; Accord will be on the ballot; we will be on the ballot ; and we will win resoundingly on August 15th.

 

“The only hope of Osun APC to secure power through the backdoor by aiming at supposed empty net has been dashed.

 

“Our people are reassured that efforts by Osun APC to stop our re-election have failed. Our flag off rally is holding tomorrow. Let us troop out enmasse to grace the occasion.

 

“We will not be distracted. We remain focussed on winning. By God’s grace and the people’s support, continuity shall prevail come August 15th.”

Insecurity: Military Spending Must Be Probed To Know What Gets To Them- Adebayo

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Adewole Adebayo - SDP Presidential Candidate

The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party, SDP has criticised the Nigerian Senate over its refusal to probe military spending.

The SDP presidential hopeful spoke with journalist on Monday in Abuja, the nation’s capital, saying huge budget allocations have failed to translate into significant improvement in the security challenges facing the country at the moment.

 

Adebayo said it’s necessary for the upper legislative chamber to investigate how the nation’s Armed forces spends its annual budgetary allocation, for Nigerians to know whether the funds are going to the right channels, and what’s they are meant for.

On the Senate argument that such probe is capable of distracting troops on the battle field, the presidential candidate said such fear is unwarranted, condemning the opaque manner by which Armed Forced spending has been conducted over the years.

According to him, there’s nothing to show for the huge funds that have been allocated to the military over the years, saying the probe will enable Nigerian to know what’s is going on, and why the Armed Forces have been struggling to contain the insecurity in the country.

Not a few Nigerians have called for such probe, because, they believe that it will unravel the challenges currently being faced by the nation’s Armed Force, particularly as regards the procument of weapons and platforms to tackle problems such as banditry, terrorisms and kidnapping in the country.

The presidential candidate noted that nothing so far to show for the over N5 trillion budgettary allocation to the miliatry in the 2025 budget, saying the funds may not have got to the troops who need them on the battle field, adding thag it will be wrong to continue to money for the Armed Forces without any positive results on the nation’s security situation.

Adebayo:  “The issue is not just budgeting money for defence. It is whether the money reaches the armed forces and is properly utilized. This administration budgeted N5.413tn for defence and security without any positive result.

“The legislative arms of government said they want to probe, but the Senate told Nigerians that it will undermine the troops’ morale and operational effectiveness. The truth of the matter is this: the money in question is even supposed to be for future defence, not for security or intelligence.

“So, don’t disturb yourself about that drama in the National Assembly. I can tell you that even the budget that is there now will not reach the armed forces. The budgeting system in Nigeria operates traditionally like an election. They will say we must hold elections every four years, yet it will be conducted anyhow.”

The SDP presidential candidate’s remark is coming on the heels  of the degenerating security situation in the country, particularly in the last few weeks.

Last weekend, Nigerians woke up to the grueling reports that a  former Director of Defence Information , General Rabe Abubakar, who was kidnapped few weeks ago had died in the custody of his abductors.

Few days later, his wife who was abducted alongside him in Katsina state was rescused by security forces from the bandits, who shot her while fleeing their hide out, after operatives of the Nigerian Army launched an assault on their camp. The couple was kidnapped on May 30 by kidnappers.

 

Also, over 40 school children kidnapped from Orire Local Gvernment in Oyo state, on may 15 by suspected terrorists are yet to be rescsued form their abdcutors, a situation that has elicited serious outrage from not a few Nigerians who insist that the military are either overwhelmed or not getting what they need to defend the country from security threats posed by non-state actors such as bandits, terrorists and kidnappers who are currently holding the country on the jugular.

10th Senate Uncomfortable With Akpabio’s Leadership Style – Oshiomole

By
Ayodele Oni
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Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole
Senator Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole

By Ayodele Oni

 

Crisis and suspicion are reigning in the 10th Senate going by revelations by Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North).

 

Oshiomole claimed that the leadership of the Red chamber as led by Senator Godswill Akpabio, is bias, a well known fact among the lawmakers.

 

The Edo lawmaker specifically alleged that Akpabio harbours a strong bias against him, claiming the Senate leader is suspicious of his activities and relationships within the National Assembly.

 

Speaking during an edition of Mic On Podcast, the former Edo State governor said Akpabio often appears uncomfortable whenever he interacts with other senators and suggested that the Senate President would sideline him if given the chance.

 

Oshiomhole stated that he could not explain the source of the perceived hostility despite his longstanding role in the All Progressives Congress (APC) and contribution to President Bola Tinubu’s 2023 election campaign.

 

The senator further alleged that Akpabio views him with undue suspicion.

 

Oshiomhole also predicted that the next Senate would operate differently, claiming dissatisfaction with Akpabio’s leadership style was growing among lawmakers.

 

He maintained that Akpabio’s alleged bias was widely known within the Senate but declined to speculate on the reasons behind it.

 

The lawmaker also recounted an incident involving Senator Abdulaziz Yari, claiming Akpabio jokingly suggested that Yari’s interest in serving as vice-chairman of the Senate Committee on Interior was part of a plan to unseat him.

 

Oshiomhole emphasized that the office of Senate President ultimately depends on the support of fellow senators.

Some Signatures Used To Suspend Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan Forged – Senator Oshiomole

By
Ayodele Oni
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Adams Oshiomhole
Senator Adams Oshiomhole.

By Ayodele Oni

 

The dust raised by the suspension of Kogi Central lawmaker, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, last year by the Senate is yet to unsettle following revelation that signatures of some lawmakers were forged.

 

Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March 2025, following a heated plenary confrontation over sitting arrangements.

 

Acting on the recommendations of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, the Senate imposed a six-month suspension which included the closure of her office, suspension of salaries and allowances, withdrawal of security details, and restrictions on benefits for her legislative aides.

 

She returned to legislative duties in September 2025, after serving the suspension, which attracted criticism from civil society groups, legal practitioners, and some constituents who described the punishment as excessive.

 

Former Edo State governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, alleged that the names of some senators appeared on a Senate committee report recommending the suspension of the Kogi Central lawmaker, despite claims that they did not endorse the document.

 

Oshiomhole made the allegation while reacting to comments by the Senate Leader, who recently described Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension as one of the low points of the 10th Senate.

 

Speaking during an interview, Oshiomhole said he agreed with the Senate Leader’s assessment, citing concerns reportedly raised by some lawmakers over the report that led to Natasha’s suspension.

 

According to him, some senators, including Senator Ireti Kingibe, informed him that they did not sign the committee report even though their names appeared on the document.

 

“If he said that, yes. Because there are even people who claimed that their signatures were forged under the suspension document, people like Senator Ireti Kingibe.

 

“She told me, ‘But I didn’t sign that report. But my name was published,’” Oshiomhole said.

 

When asked whether he was referring specifically to the report recommending Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, Oshiomhole clarified that it was the same report presented before the Senate.

 

Explaining the legislative process, he noted that committee reports are expected to reflect the collective position of members and are typically endorsed through signatures.

 

He stressed that lawmakers who disagree with a report are free to withhold their signatures.

 

“The committee holds a hearing to hear what stakeholders have to say, then agrees on its findings and recommendations. Members of the committee are expected to sign that report so that it becomes the collective decision of the committee,” he explained.

 

Oshiomhole added that some senators maintained they did not endorse the report despite their names appearing on it.

 

“So, where many don’t accept the content, they could abstain from signing it because to sign is to endorse. One, two or three senators said, ‘We didn’t sign, but our names were there.’”

 

However, he stopped short of directly accusing anyone of forgery, suggesting instead that an attendance register may have been attached to the report in place of formal signatures.

 

“But how? Some say maybe they attached an attendance register, which is not the appropriate thing. But that’s not my problem,” he added.

 

The comments come days after Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele described Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension as “not a happy moment” for the 10th Senate, noting that it created perceptions of division and raised concerns about the treatment of female lawmakers.

Gunmen Storm NIPSS, Leaving Three Security Personnel Killed

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Police at NIPSS Office

By Ayodele Oni

 

National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, (NIPSS), Kuru, Plateau  State, came under gunfire Monday night, as attackers tried to breach Nigeria’s foremost policy school near Jos.

 

Two soldiers and one police officer were reportedly killed before security forces repelled the assault. The attack began around 11:00 p.m.

 

Report revealed that armed men attempted to force their way into the institute and reached the residential quarters where course participants were lodged.

 

Sources said the slain police officer was the orderly attached to a retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police. The two soldiers died in the exchange of fire that followed.

 

But the attackers were stopped. Security operatives stationed at NIPSS mounted swift resistance and blocked access to the participants’ wing.

 

“No participant was abducted because the security forces successfully repelled the attackers before they could enter the residential area,” a source familiar with the incident was quoted to have said.

 

In a press release issued  Tuesday, June 16, the institute confirmed a “security incident occurred in the vicinity of the Institute in the early hours of today.”

 

Management said the situation was “promptly brought under control through the swift response of security personnel and relevant security agencies.

 

“There is currently no threat to the safety of participants, staff, residents, or facilities of the Institute, and normal activities are continuing as scheduled,” said Dr. Osime Samuel, Head of Public Affairs.

 

The institute stressed that investigations are ongoing and it would be “premature to speculate on the nature, scope, or outcome of the event.”

 

NIPSS said it could not confirm details circulating on social media.

 

“We urge members of the public and the media to rely on official communications from the Institute and relevant security agencies,” the statement added.

 

As of press time, authorities has not released an official statement on the motive behind the attack.

 

Security has reportedly been reinforced around the institute as investigations and manhunt operations commenced.

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