NIGERIA NEWS
Nkechi Blessing’s Ex Opeyemi Falegan Confirmed as Accord Party Candidate for 2026 Ekiti Governorship
- The National Chairman, Maxwell Mgbudem, presented the certificate in Abuja. Mgbudem urged Falegan to form a grassroots-oriented campaign team, emphasizing the need to uphold democratic values.
- The Accord Party officially presented its Certificate of Return to Opeyemi Falegan, confirming him as the party’s candidate for the June 2026 Ekiti State governorship election.
- Falegan, in turn, criticized the current Ekiti administration as a “government of ex-governors, by ex-governors, for ex-governors,”
The Accord Party has formally presented its Certificate of Return to Opeyemi Falegan, confirming him as the party’s candidate for the June 2026 Ekiti State governorship election.
The presentation took place on Tuesday at the Accord Party headquarters in Abuja and was done by the National Chairman, Maxwell Mgbudem. Falegan emerged as the flagbearer following the party’s primary held on November 8, 2025.
Party Expectations and Campaign Focus
National Chairman Mgbudem congratulated Falegan, citing his victory as a testament to his resilience, integrity, and political acumen. Mgbudem expressed optimism about winning the 2026 election.
Mgbudem instructed Falegan to form a grassroots-oriented campaign team, emphasizing adherence to the party’s constitution and manifesto, and to maintain the highest democratic values. He specifically said: “The campaign should maintain the highest democratic values, ethics, and ideals,”.
Falegan’s Promises
Falegan thanked the delegates and outlined his campaign focus, which includes agriculture, education, youth employment, and infrastructure. He promised to empower 48,000 youths over four years and fix major roads in Ekiti within six months.
Criticizing the current administration, Falegan alleged the state is run as a “government of ex-governors, by ex-governors, for ex-governors,”. He pledged to create jobs and entrepreneurs to transform Ekiti’s economy.
Burkina Faso has released 11 Nigerian Air Force (NAF) personnel who were held by its authorities, following intense diplomatic efforts by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The personnel had been detained for several days before their eventual release after high-level engagements in Ouagadougou.
Release Follows High-Level Diplomatic Intervention
The release came after a Nigerian delegation led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, held talks with Burkinabè authorities, including Burkina Faso’s leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré.
The mission focused on easing tensions and resolving the matter through dialogue.
Foreign Affairs Ministry Confirms Development
The spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed the development shortly after the delegation wrapped up meetings in Ouagadougou.
He stressed that diplomacy played a key role in the outcome.
According to him, “The release of the Nigerian Air Force personnel reflects the success of constructive dialogue and Nigeria’s commitment to peaceful engagement with its neighbours.”
Delegation Included Defence and Air Force Officials
The Nigerian team was made up of senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defence, and the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters.
They were mandated to pursue a peaceful resolution through sustained engagement and mutual understanding.
Reports indicate that the delegation worked closely with Burkinabè officials to clarify issues surrounding the detention and prevent further escalation.
Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Regional Cooperation
A senior official familiar with the mission said the visit was also aimed at reinforcing Nigeria’s respect for international aviation and military rules while strengthening regional ties.
“The mission points to Nigeria’s preference for diplomacy and neighbourly engagement. It was a confidence-building visit designed to strengthen trust and reaffirm shared responsibilities in addressing the complex security challenges confronting the Sahel,” the source said.
Optimism Over Stronger Bilateral Relations
Officials on both sides expressed optimism that the successful resolution would further deepen cooperation between Nigeria and Burkina Faso.
The delegation reportedly reaffirmed Abuja’s commitment to regional security collaboration, dialogue, and respect for international norms, especially within the Sahel region.
The incident is expected to strengthen trust and boost collective efforts to promote peace, stability, and security across West Africa.
FG Earlier Dismissed Espionage Claims
Before the release, the Nigerian government had rejected online claims that a Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft was forced to land in Burkina Faso over alleged spying activities.
Authorities described the reports as false and misleading.
They also dismissed claims that the detained personnel were intelligence officers involved in covert operations, insisting the mission was routine and in line with international standards.
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NIGERIA NEWS
Current Production Level Below Annual Estimate of 3.6m Metric Tons, Oyetola Laments – THISDAYLIVE
Kasim Sumaina in Abuja
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, Wednesday in Abuja said that despite rise in local fish production from 1.1 million to 1.4 million metric tons in year, 2025, the current production level remains below Nigeria’s annual consumption estimate of 3.6 million metric tons.
He disclosed that, though the estimate reflects efforts to boost domestic output, reduce imports, and enhance food security, there’s need to boost local fish production, reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imports, and strengthen food security.
The Minister, stated this while speaking at the 4th Quarter 2025 Citizens/Stakeholders’ Engagement Meeting of the ministry.
Oyetola reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to repositioning fisheries and aquaculture as key drivers of economic diversification, job creation, and food security under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to him, “The growth recorded in the fisheries and aquaculture subsector reflects targeted interventions by the federal government aimed at strengthening local capacity, improving coordination, deploying appropriate technologies, and enhancing sectoral planning.
“In the area of fisheries and aquaculture, we are working deliberately and with unique agency to boost local fish production, reduce our dependence on imports, and strengthen food security. I’m pleased to report that local fish production has increased from 1.1 million metric tons to 1.4 million metric tons so far this year.”
To further accelerate growth, he explained the ministry has commenced engagements with relevant financial institutions to provide single-digit interest loans to fish farmers nationwide.
While acknowledging the current production level remains below Nigeria’s annual consumption estimate of 3.6 million metric tons, the progress achieved demonstrates growing momentum in the sector and a clear pathway toward self-sufficiency.
Oyetola stressed further that the initiative is designed to improve access to affordable finance, empower artisanal and industrial operators, boost productivity, and support efforts to curb illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in Nigerian waters.
He, however assured stakeholders that the ministry would continue to deepen reforms, strengthen institutions, and create an enabling environment for sustained private sector participation across the marine and blue economy value chain.
In his goodwill message, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) Pius Akutah, said the federal government’s commitment to positioning Nigeria’s marine and blue economy for increased investment, innovation and expansion, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to him, the meeting’s theme – Positioning Nigerian Marine and Blue Economy for Investment, Innovation and Expansion – reflects the administration’s determination to move the sector to the next level following the adoption of key policies.
The NSC ED, opined the participation of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) at the meeting is a strategic move to deepen Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in the sector, adding, “such collaborations are critical to attracting investment and accelerating growth.”
He maintained that as the year draws to a close, stakeholders are renewing efforts to strengthen the marine and blue economy as a viable alternative to Nigeria’s long-standing dependence on oil revenues.
He referenced encouraging performance indicators shared by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), as well as Nigeria’s readmission into the global maritime community, as signs of renewed confidence in the sector.
He added the developments demonstrate the Minister’s preparedness for even greater achievements in the coming year.
Commending stakeholders for their commitment throughout the year, he stated the leadership of the ministry has also spurred innovation within the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, which he said would further enhance the Council’s effectiveness and contribute to the overall success of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
Akuta however described the engagement meeting as evidence of the consistency of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and his team in implementing the president’s directives and advancing sector-wide reforms.
By Akpokona Omafuaire
A Delta State High Court sitting in Orerokpe, yesterday, issued an ex-parte injunction stopping and barring the Inspector General of Police, IGP, the Nigeria Police Force, NPF, and Commissioner of Police, Delta State Police Command, respondents in the matter from resuming the enforcement of the tinted glass permit policy nationwide.
The court also barred the police from harassing, arresting, detaining or extorting citizens and motorists on account of the said policy.
The court also restrained the IPG and NPF, their officers, men, agents, privies and/or contractors from continuing to use the Parkway Projects Account (a private contractor’s account) to conduct any government business, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive application in this suit.
The order will subsist pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.
Trial judge, Justice Joe Egwu, made the orders in an ex-parte application brought by a Nigerian, Mr. Israel Joe in suit HOR/FHR/M.3/2025.
The plaintiff was represented by Mr. Kunle Edun, SAN and many other lawyers.
By this order, the announcement made by the Nigeria Police on its decision to resume the tinted glass permit enforcement on January 2, 2026, has been halted by the court.
The judge said: “An order of interim injunction restraining the 1st and 2nd respondents, their officers, men, agents, privies and/or contractors from implementing, enforcing or further implementing/enforcing the Tinted Glass Permit Policy scheduled to commence on January 2, 2026, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive application in this suit.
“An order of interim injunction restraining the 1st and 2nd respondents, their officers, men, agents, privies and/or contractors from stopping, harassing, arresting, detaining or extorting citizens/motorists under the guise of enforcing the Tinted Glass Permit Policy, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive application in this suit.
“An order of interim injunction restraining the 1st and 2nd respondents, their officers, men, agents, privies and/or contractors from continuing to use the Parkway Projects Account (a private contractor’s account) to conduct any government business, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive application in this suit.
“An order for substituted service on the 1st and 2nd respondents through the 3rd respondent at the Delta State Police Command Headquarters, Asaba, and for such service to be deemed good and proper service.”
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We remain resolute to frustrate drug syndicates, says Marwa
A federal High Court sitting in Lagos has ordered the detention of a merchant vessel, MV San Anthonio, from Brazil, a ship, its captain and 20 other crew members.
This followed the seizure of 25.5 kilogrammes of cocaine in the hatch of the commodity vessel from Brazil at the Apapa Seaport in Lagos by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Operatives of the NDLEA, acting on credible intelligence, had on December 6, 2025, discovered the cocaine consignment aboard the ship.
After the full discharge of the cargo from the ship, a total of 21 crew members of diverse nationalities, including Russia, Phillipines, Ukraine and Azerbaijan, were taken into NDLEA custody along with the drug exhibits.
This is coming on the heels of a similar interception by NDLEA officers of another commodity laden vessel- MV Nord Bosporus, from the port of Santos in Brazil with no less than 20 kilogrammes of the Class A drug buried under its cargo on November 16, at the Apapa seaport in Lagos.
Suspects taken into custody along with the latest seized cocaine consignment include the Master of the vessel, Trofymov Oleksandr, and other crew members.
They are Stoychev Sergiy, Bobrov Maksim, Stupnytsky Sergiy, Bitinev Aleksei, Novruzov Teymur, Sosnov Oleg, Bondar Ihor, Klymenko Oleh, Cala Michael De Jesus, Jamir Julfikhar Jacusalem, Blanco Crus Veloso, Fajardo Ronnel Luntaao, Gumela Lolito Jr. Serojano, Toston Romulo Jr. Oling, Smirnov Viacheslav, Gorre Mar Kemmeth Tabudlong, Cruz John Vhoie Glavez, Sablan Jamille Alorro, Abesia Kelvin Belarmino, and Ubay Kenneth Biaoco.
In line with international legal protocols, the NDLEA on Friday, December 12, 2025, filed an ex-parte application in suit FHC/L/MISC/1408/2025 before Justice Frida Nkemakonam Ogazi of the Federal High Court, Lagos, for the detention of the ship and the 21 crew members pending when charges will be filed against them.
Ruling on the application, the judge said: “An order of the court is hereby made extending the detention of the Vessel MV San Antonio that is being investigated by the applicant, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), for 14 days in the first instance, following the seizure of 25.5 kilogrammes of cocaine aboard the said vessel on December 6, 2025, at Apapa seaport, Lagos, pending the conclusion of investigation and or filing of criminal charge and prosecution.”
The court thereafter adjourned the matter to December 29, 2025.
In his reaction to the development, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), said the latest seizure reinforces his earlier warning to international drug cartels and their local collaborators that they would never get a foothold in Nigeria.
Marwa, while commending the officers of the Apapa Strategic Command of the agency for the back-to-back successful operations, said: “This is no doubt a testament to NDLEA’s heightened capacity and unwavering resolve to frustrate the drug syndicates targeting the West African sub-region, especially Nigeria.”
He said the agency would continue to collaborate with local and international partners to ensure zero tolerance for substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the country.
Multiple explosions on Wednesday rocked Auchi, the administrative headquarters of Etsako West Local Government Area in Edo.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent reports that multiple explosions occurred in three different areas of Auchi at about 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
NAN observed that the first blast occurred along Igbei Road, the second at the Igbo Shade area near an AP filling station, while the third explosion occurred along the Auchi–Okene Road, close to Winners Junction.
Properties worth millions of naira were reportedly destroyed, including buildings and shops, across the three affected areas.
As of the time of filing the report, the cause of the explosions was unknown, and the number of deaths or casualties could not be ascertained.
An eyewitness, who spoke to NAN on condition of anonymity, said the explosions occurred almost simultaneously in different parts of Auchi.
The eyewitness added that the blasts appeared to have been coordinated.
The eyewitness described the incident as an allegedly planned attack on the Auchi community and stressed the need for a thorough investigation to prevent future occurrences.
NAN further reports that a fuel tanker fell along the expressway, prompting residents to scramble to scoop fuel.
It took the intervention of the Police Area Commander in Auchi, who mobilised officers to the scene to prevent a possible explosion as the crowd continued to grow.
Meanwhile, a credible source at the Divisional Police Station in Auchi told NAN that the spilt petrol which had flowed into drainage tunnels, later exploded at different locations.
The source, however, added that the areas were cordoned off to prevent loss of lives. (NAN)
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NIGERIA NEWS
Ibaji Community Speaks Out Against KOSOPADEC Law Amendment, Accuses Kogi Government of Injustice
The people of Ibaji Local Government Area in Kogi State, has vehemently rejected the amended Kogi State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (KOSOPADEC) Law of July 2025, which they claim is “repugnant, oppressive, and unjust” and denies them their rightful representation and benefits.
In a statement signed by Ogah Mark Okpanachi, a stakeholder and member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ibaji, the community accused the Kogi State Government and the State House of Assembly of ignoring their concerns and perpetuating marginalization.
“We, the people of Ibaji, have followed all democratic and lawful channels to express our discontent with the amended law, but our voices have been ignored,” the statement read. “We have written letters, held consultations, addressed the press, and participated in stakeholder meetings, but our people continue to be taken for granted, while our loyalty is repaid with exclusion, oppression, and the removal of what rightfully belongs to us as host oil-producing communities.”
The community is demanding the repeal of the amended law and a return to the principal KOSOPADEC Law of December 2023, which they claim aligns with equity, inclusivity, due process, social justice, and the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.
“Ibaji people have followed all democratic and lawful channels. We have written letters, held consultations, addressed the press, and participated in stakeholder meetings as directed. Yet, our people continue to be taken for granted, while our loyalty is repaid with exclusion, oppression, and the removal of what rightfully belongs to us as host oil-producing communities,” the statement emphasized.
The community has appealed to Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo to intervene and facilitate the reversal of the amended law, assuring him of their continued support.
“We will not fold our arms and watch our collective interest eroded through silence and inaction. We call on His Excellency, Governor Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo, and the Kogi State House of Assembly to urgently do the needful by repealing the amended KOSOPADEC Law of July 2025 and restoring the principal law of December 2023,” the statement concluded.
Kayode Tokede
The Nigerian stock market yesterday closed on a positive note, as renewed buying interest in financial institutions stocks, sustained gains from the previous trading activities.
The Nigerian Exchange Limited All-Share Index ((NGX ASI) rose by 383.71 basis points or 0.26 per cent, to close at 149,842.82 basis points to bring the Month-to-Date and Year-to-Date returns at +4.4per cent and +45.6per cent, respectively.
Similarly, the overall market capitalisation value gained N244 billion to close at N95.525 trillion.
Market sentiment was bullish, with 38 advancing stocks outweighing 23 declining counters. Prestige Assurance, Veritas Kapital Assurance, First HoldCo and Lasaco Assurance recorded the highest price gain of 10 per cent each to close at N1.65, N1.76, N39.60 and N2.75 respectively, per share.
MeCure Industries followed with a gain of 9.92 per cent to close at N50.40, while Linkage Assurance rose by 9.70 per cent to close at N1.81, per share.
On the other hand, LivingTrust Mortgage Bank led the losers’ chart by 10 per cent to close at N3.15, per share. International Energy Insurance followed with a decline of 9.92 per cent to close at N2.27, while McNichols declined by 6.90 per cent to close at N2.97, per share.
Omatek Ventures shed 6.84 per cent to close at N1.09, while Chams Holding Company lost 6.41 per cent to close at N2.92, per share.
The total volume of trade increased by 477.38 per cent to 5.925 billion units, valued at N216.194 billion, and exchanged in 25,205 deals. Transactions in the shares of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) topped the activity chart with 5.249 billion shares valued at N168.658 billion. First HoldCo followed with 108.145 million shares worth N4.214 billion, while Sterling Financial Holdings Company traded 87.311 million shares valued at N606.157 million.
FCMB Group traded 74.277 million shares valued at N783.564 million, while Access Holdings transacted 41.508 million shares worth N841.359 million.
On market outlook, Imperial Asset Managers Limited said, “at the equity market session today, Near-term sentiment is expected to remain cautiously optimistic, supported by robust year-to-date performance and sustained interest in fundamentally sound, liquid stocks. However, activity may stay range-bound in the short term, as investors remain selective while positioning ahead of year-end portfolio rebalancing.”
- Lawyer gears up for nomination
A lawyer and the only female contender in the succession process for the revered Awujale of Ijebuland stool, Dr. Oluwakemi Onanuga, has formally notified the Fusengbuwa Ruling House of her intention to succeed the late Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, Ogbagba Agbotewole II.
Dr. Onanuga, a partner at Olisa Agbakoba Legal (OAL), submitted her Aspirant’s application to the Olori-Ebi Otunba Lateef Owoyemi (FCA) in Ijebu-Ode.
Her audacious candidacy marks one of the most anticipated declarations since the stool became vacant.
She aspires to follow the footsteps of at least three former female Awujales that history records since the first female, Oba Gadegun, ascended the throne in 1644.
In her letter of intent, the globally trained lawyer and technologist, a direct descendant of the 47th Awujale, His Royal Majesty Oba Adesimbo Tunwase I (Aboki), said her aspiration is rooted in heritage, duty, and a renewed call to service.
“I seek to build upon the firm foundations laid by my forefathers,” she wrote.
In her comments, she paid glowing tributes to the late Oba Adetona: “We give thanks for the long and distinguished reign of the late Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, whose stewardship and achievements we remember with much love and respect.”
Dr. Onanuga said her leadership philosophy is anchored on the legacy of Oba Adesimbo Tunwase I, whom she described as a monarch of exceptional foresight.
”My vision is deeply rooted in the legacy of my forefather, Oba Adesimbo Tunwase I, who was a ruler of profound vision. It was he who championed an era of unprecedented religious tolerance and openness, ensuring that Ijebuland became a beacon of diversity, acceptance, and formidable trade,” she said.
She recalled that Ijebuland experienced “its most prosperous period of commerce” under Tunwase I, who opened the kingdom to global trade through engagement with the British monarchy.
“This is the heritage I humbly declare that I embody,” she added.
Dr. Onanuga explained that her aspiration rests on five guiding pillars: unity, cultural pride, education, economic empowerment, and the welfare of elders.
”It is this spirit of enlightened leadership, one that embraces progress while holding fast to our identity, that I seek to reignite.”
”I aspire to extend this proud continuity, honouring the past while boldly addressing our future potential.”
She emphasised that her motivation is rooted not in personal ambition but in duty.
“I present myself not out of ambition alone, but of a sober duty to serve.
“I am fortified by the knowledge that the true strength of a ruler is measured by their service to the people.”
Dr. Onanuga outlined specific priorities she would pursue if chosen by the Afobajes.
These include upholding and advancing the legacy of Ijebu kingship, strengthening traditional institutions and their legal standing, reigniting prosperous commerce through modern infrastructure and economic reforms, championing unity in diversity, as established under Tunwase I; expanding educational opportunities so the populace are job ready, and ensuring the welfare of elders, whom she described as custodians of Ijebu history.
Speaking further in an interview, Dr. Onanuga said her royal heritage imposes a responsibility she can not ignore.
“My driving force is primarily inherent in my bloodline. When you are born a royal, it becomes about duty and nothing else! Imagine if Prince Charles of England or William refused to ascend the throne.”
She outlined a strategic development plan centred on attracting foreign and local investment into Ijebuland in areas such as infrastructure, mega real estate, agricultural modernisation, and renewable energy.
“We must determine what ‘Hub City’ ljebu must become!” she said.
This approach, she believes, will create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and improve livelihoods.
Dr. Onanuga described herself as a “global citizen,” saying her multinational exposure equips her to reposition Ijebuland.
”I am Nigerian by heritage, British by birth, and American by training and choice. I have amassed years of skills by virtue of this peculiar advantage, so I am a great solutions provider for Ijebuland through my network and skill set,” she declared.
Asked about the challenge of being a woman, she added that it gives her a unique leadership edge.
”My gender is my biggest advantage. I am the only female among the aspirants, and I believe being a woman is actually an advantage for me.”
Born on March 31, 1962, Dr. Onanuga embodies a lineage of service strengthened by a lifetime of global exposure and professional excellence.
From her early years of education at Ladi-Lak Institute and Methodist Girls High School, both in Yaba, Lagos, she has nurtured a passion for leadership that has matured into an extraordinary repertoire of achievements.
She is a US and UK-trained lawyer, an IT and systems professional with nearly 30 years’ experience, and a global advocate who has worked across continents with governments, private institutions, and multilateral bodies.
As a partner at Olisa Agbakoba Legal (OAL), her work combines law, project finance, and policy proposals.
Principal Partner at OAL, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, said: “Dr Onanuga possesses the rare substance required for sovereignty: a formidable intellect, a resilient spirit, and the dignified bearing of tradition while engaging the future. She is tried, tested, and profoundly capable.”
From contesting as a UK councillor in 2002 to being appointed and serving on Nigeria’s 2023 Presidential Campaign Committees, during which she played a key role in the victory of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, she has demonstrated political savvy and top-level connections that will benefit Ijebuland.
With over 30 years in IT-related projects, she has worked with Deloitte Haskins & Sells and served as an intergovernmental liaison person in the UK and US.
She contributed to the then Tony Blair’s New Deal Project in the UK and Barack Obama’s mortgage relief campaign in the US.
She holds the rare honour of being named a United Nations lifetime Goodwill Ambassador for her role in shaping reforms to the U.S.-Africa Trade Law (AGOA) and her community empowerment projects.
As she prepares for the next stage of the upcoming Obaship nomination, her career continues to speak to her ability to bridge cultures, mobilise stakeholders, drive reforms, and make history.
Gunmen disguised in military uniforms have killed a soldier and abducted 13 passengers during coordinated attacks on two commercial vehicles along the Okene–Auchi highway.
According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-terrorism publication, the incident occurred at about 5:35 pm on Tuesday when gunmen intercepted a green Toyota Sienna, conveying nine passengers from Abuja to Delta State.
The publication reported that six passengers were abducted from the vehicle, while three others were rescued.
Zagazola Makama added that the attackers also stopped a white Toyota Hiace bus, conveying 11 passengers from Delta to Abuja, during the same operation.
“Seven passengers were abducted from the Hiace bus while four were rescued,” Makama reported.
The publication noted that a serving non-commissioned officer of the Nigerian Army, who was among the passengers and had identified himself as a soldier, was shot by the attackers.
“He sustained gunshot injuries to his legs and thighs and was later confirmed dead,” Makama reported.
Both vehicles were recovered and towed to a police station for safe keeping, while five empty shells of 7.62mm ammunition suspected to be from an AK-47 rifle were recovered at the scene as exhibits.
The corpse of the deceased soldier was deposited at the Okengwe general hospital mortuary for autopsy, while statements were obtained from the rescued victims to aid investigation.
Meanwhile, troops have launched joint rescue operations, including bush combing and intensive surveillance along the highway, in order to rescue the abducted passengers and arrest the perpetrators.
The publication said authorities assured motorists that measures were being intensified to secure the Okene–Auchi corridor and prevent further attacks.
Moses Yamu, the public relations officer of the Edo State police command, did not respond to calls and messages at press time.
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Tension runs high in some communities in Andoni Local Council of Rivers State following a resurgence of cult-related violence, leaving two persons dead and one critically injured.
According to sources, the violence erupted on Monday morning, December 15, 2025, at Ngo and Unyengala communities, as suspected members of ‘MEND’ and Iceland cult groups clashed over supremacy and territorial control.
The incident has raised concerns that the area may be heading back to the dark days of cult-related killings, unless security agencies and the government urgently intervene.
“It is a worrying trend, and we fear for our lives,” a community leader said.
Confirming the incident, Spokesperson for Rivers State Police Command, SP Grace Koko, stated that two persons were killed and another critically injured.
“The killing is linked to a supremacy battle between two rival cult groups in the area. Security has been beefed up, and investigations are ongoing to arrest members of the cult groups,” she said.
This latest incident follows a similar killing last week, where a person identified as Prince was reportedly shot dead in Andoni.