NEWS

The Edo State Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Festus Ebea, has alleged that some people are bringing herders and criminals from outside the state for kidnapping and other crimes.The commissioner disclosed this on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 in Benin during the monthly briefing organised by the state’s Ministry for Information and Strategy.He alleged that those individuals bring herdsmen to help them in cow rearing and, in the process, use them for kidnapping."From our security lenses, we have found out that some of our youths now keep herdsmen and the terrorists in their houses and point out to them where there is business to do,” he said.According to him, some suspects who have been arrested by the security have confessed that they were brought into the state by ...

The United States Africa Command, AFRICOM, has said that their military presence in Nigeria is by invitation.According to AFRICOM, it is rooted in respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty and mutual interest, and within an agreed bilateral framework.These comments were made by AFRICOM’s Director of Public Affairs, Col Rebecca Heyse, while speaking during an X Space discussion on Tuesday.Heyse insisted that the partnership between the US and Nigeria was not an imposition.“Our operations and cooperation with Nigeria are rooted in fundamental respect for Nigerian sovereignty. We operate strictly by invitation and under the US-Nigeria Joint Working Group framework,” she said.Heyse said the United States remained committed to the partnership for as long as both countries consid...

Northern elders under the auspices of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), have called on President Bola Tinubu to declare a national security emergency.This was contained in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Prof Abubakar Jiddere.They said the security challenge in the country is already at its precipice, and urgent and drastic steps need to be taken to salvage the country from falling into anarchy.The NEF also said Nigerians are deeply in fear and when citizens live in fear, communities are under siege, and criminal elements operate with increasing boldness; millions of law-abiding citizens remain vulnerable.The statement reads in part, “The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) expresses its deepest outrage and concern over the relentless collapse of security across the Federal ...

The House of Representatives has announced that it will vote on a constitutional amendment to allow for the creation of state and local police forces as part of efforts to tackle rising insecurity across Nigeria.Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who also chairs the House Committee on Constitution Review, told reporters after plenary that lawmakers have decided to prioritise the state police issue over other proposed bills.He said the House has instructed all members currently outside Abuja on oversight duties to suspend those activities and return to the parliament on Thursday, June 11, for the voting procedure. The bill on state police is sponsored by the Deputy Speaker and 14 other members of the House.The House of Representatives has scheduled Thursday, June 11, for a crucial vote o...

The Edo State Government has announced the immediate closure of three secondary schools in Akoko Edo Local Government Area due to growing security concerns in the area.The affected institutions are Ososo Grammar School, Ososo; Ososo Comprehensive High School, Ososo; and Makeke Secondary School, Makeke.According to the government, the shutdown will remain in effect until further notice as authorities work to address the security situation and ensure the safety of students and staff.In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, the government said the decision was taken as a precautionary measure to protect students, teachers, and other school personnel.The statement confirmed that all academic and no...

Somalian referee Omar Artan has vowed to return stronger and secure another opportunity to officiate at the FIFA World Cup after being denied entry into the United States ahead of the tournament.Artan received a hero’s welcome upon his return to Mogadishu on Wednesday, with more than 100 supporters gathering at the city's main airport to celebrate and show solidarity. Waving Somali flags and chanting in support, the crowd greeted the award-winning referee as he arrived on a Turkish Airlines flight.Speaking to journalists, Artan expressed determination to overcome the setback and continue representing his country on the global stage.“I will be at the next World Cup and will continue to make Somalia proud. Despite what has happened, I remain motivated and focused,” he said.Hi...