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Mechanisation Key to Attracting Youths, Empowering Women in Agriculture — Oluremi Tinubu

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ABUJA — September 10, 2026 — Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has stressed the importance of agricultural mechanisation in transforming the nation’s agricultural sector, saying it is critical to empowering women, attracting young people into farming and strengthening Nigeria’s food security. Oluremi Tinubu said modern farming methods and access to mechanised equipment would help reduce the physical burden associated with agriculture while improving productivity and making farming more attractive to the younger generation. According to her, women play a significant role in Nigeria’s agricultural value chain and should be supported with the tools, technology, financing and training required to expand their contributions to food production and economic development. She also emphasised the need to encourage youths to see agriculture as a viable and profitable career rather than relying solely on traditional farming practices. The First Lady noted that increased mec...

SECURITY FORCES KILL 600 BANDITS, RESCUE 2,000 HOSTAGES IN ZAMFARA

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Date: September 3, 2026 From: Spotlight African Reporters Security forces have killed about 600 bandits and rescued 2,000 kidnapped victims during 45 major anti-banditry and anti-kidnapping operations conducted across Zamfara State over the past year. The Zamfara State Police Command disclosed the figures while responding to a report by SBM Intelligence, which had claimed that only four anti-kidnapping operations were carried out in the state between July 2025 and June 2026. According to the police, its official records show that security agencies conducted 45 major operations across the state during the period under review. The operations involved personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, military, Community Protection Guards and Civilian Joint Task Force, alongside specialised police units including tactical operatives, the Violence Crime Response Unit and Anti-Bomb Squad. The police also disclosed that more than 3,500 cattle and 277 sheep allegedly rustled by bandits were...

ABUJA: POLICE DECLARE ROAMING COW CONTROL ‘NOT OUR RESPONSIBILITY’

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Date: September 3, 2026 From: Spotlight African Reporters The Nigeria Police Force has clarified that controlling roaming cattle within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is not part of its primary responsibility, directing residents to the appropriate environmental authorities. The police made the clarification during a joint security spokespersons’ briefing in Abuja, following concerns over the increasing presence of cattle on major roads and public spaces across the nation’s capital. According to police spokesperson Ani Iniedu, the responsibility for controlling animals, including cattle, falls under the relevant Ministry or Department of Environment. He, however, explained that the police would intervene when roaming cattle are involved in offences such as property destruction or trespass. “If the cow is involved in the destruction of your property or trespassing your property, it is reported to the nearest police station,” Iniedu stated. He added that once a formal co...

IGP DISU, AIR CHIEF ANEKE DEEPEN POLICE–AIR FORCE PARTNERSHIP TO TACKLE SECURITY THREATS

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Date: September 3, 2026 From: Spotlight African Reporters The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation between the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Air Force. The renewed partnership was discussed when Air Marshal Aneke paid a courtesy visit to the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. The two security chiefs focused on improving joint operations, intelligence sharing, aerial surveillance and reconnaissance, tactical deployment, medical evacuation, joint training and overall operational coordination. Air Marshal Aneke commended the longstanding professional relationship between the two institutions and acknowledged the support provided by the Nigeria Police Force Air Wing to the Nigerian Air Force. He stressed the need for sustained collaboration and enhanced air support for police operations as security age...

IGP DISU VISITS NIGER, VOWS TO STRENGTHEN SECURITY OPERATIONS, RESCUE ABDUCTED VICTIMS

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Minna, Niger State — August 29, 2026:  The Niger State Government on Saturday received the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, who paid a working visit to the state as part of efforts to strengthen security operations and address ongoing security challenges. The IGP was received by the Deputy Governor of Niger State, Comrade Yakubu Garba, who represented the state Governor, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago. The visit was aimed at enabling the Inspector-General to obtain first-hand information on the security situation and operational activities of the Nigeria Police Force in Niger State, engage relevant stakeholders and review strategies for improving peace and security across the state. Speaking during the visit, Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba reaffirmed the Niger State Government’s commitment to supporting the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies in carrying out their constitutional responsibilities. He stressed the need for sustai...

SOLDIERS FOIL RANSOM EXCHANGE, RESCUE KIDNAPPED WOMAN AS TERRORISTS FLEE IN KEBBI

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Kebbi State — August 28, 2026 Nigerian troops have rescued a kidnapped woman after successfully disrupting a planned ransom exchange involving terrorists in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State. The operation was carried out by troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, who acted on intelligence regarding the planned handover of ransom money for the abducted victim. According to reports, the troops moved to intercept the exchange, prompting the terrorists to flee into the surrounding area and abandon the woman in their custody. The rescued victim was subsequently taken to safety and is expected to receive necessary medical and psychological support following her ordeal. The successful operation highlights the ongoing efforts by Nigerian security forces to disrupt terrorist and kidnapping networks, particularly their attempts to generate funds through ransom payments. Security forces have continued to intensify operations across Kebbi and other parts of the Nor...

BREAKING: Terrorists Storm Niger Mosque During Juma’at Prayers, Abduct Worshippers

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NIGER STATE — Terrorists have attacked a mosque in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, abducting an unspecified number of Muslim worshippers during Friday’s Juma’at prayers. The attack reportedly occurred on Friday, August 21, 2026, when armed men invaded communities within the Dekara District, including Gidan-Zana and Kpenya, before storming a mosque where worshippers had gathered for prayers. According to the Niger State Police Command, the attackers abducted an unspecified number of worshippers while others reportedly escaped into a nearby forest. Police said no death had been recorded as of the latest update. The incident has caused renewed fear among residents of the affected communities, with reports indicating that the attackers also moved through other nearby villages, including Sabon Gida and Masaka, during the operation. Police spokesman SP Wasiu Abiodun said a joint security detachment had been deployed to the area to assess the situation and commence res...

Police Arrest Two Suspected Drug Dealers in Delta State, Recover 132 Tramadol SachetsAugust 15, 2026

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August 15, 2026 The Delta State Police Command has arrested two suspected drug dealers and recovered 132 sachets of tramadol during an operation aimed at curbing illicit drug activities in the state. The suspects were reportedly apprehended while police operatives were carrying out investigations into suspected drug-related activities. The recovered tramadol has been taken into custody as part of the ongoing investigation. The police are also investigating the suspects in connection with a stolen vehicle, as authorities work to establish the full extent of their alleged criminal activities. The command said investigations are ongoing, with further details expected as the case progresses. Stay connected with Spotlight African Reporters for more breaking news and updates from Nigeria and beyond.

Niger Police Arrest 147 Suspects, Recover Weapons and Cannabis in Statewide Raids

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August 14, 2026 The Niger State Police Command has arrested 147 suspects in separate operations targeting criminal hideouts, alleged thuggery and other criminal activities across the state. According to the command, 139 suspects were arrested during raids in Suleja and surrounding areas following an alleged violent rally. Among those arrested, 64 suspects were reportedly found in possession of suspected cannabis, dangerous weapons and four live cartridges. The 64 suspects were subsequently arraigned and remanded in a correctional centre over alleged offences including criminal conspiracy, armed robbery and possession of dangerous weapons. In a separate operation in Minna, police operatives arrested eight suspected thugs during raids on criminal hideouts in the Talakawa area of Tunga. Weapons recovered during the operation included a cutlass, clubs and a shovel, according to the police. The Niger State Police Command said the operations form part of its ongoing efforts to di...

Recruitment of 50,000 Police Constables Reaches Final Pre-Training Stage — Disu

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Abuja, Nigeria — August 14, 2026 The recruitment of 50,000 new Police Constables into the Nigeria Police Force has reached the final pre-training stage, Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has disclosed. Disu said preparations were underway for the comprehensive training of the successful recruits, with the programme expected to feature an improved curriculum incorporating international best practices. The IGP disclosed the development while representing the Nigeria Police Force at the second United States-Nigeria Country of Particular Concern Joint Working Group meeting in Washington, D.C., where security cooperation and Nigeria's efforts to strengthen law enforcement were discussed. The recruitment of the 50,000 constables was ordered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of measures to strengthen police manpower and improve the country's response to insecurity. The Police Service Commission had earlier formally handed over the 50,000 successful recruits ...

Tears in Kebbi as Police Officers Mourn Colleagues Lost in Terrorist Attack

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KEBBI STATE — August 12, 2026 Grief has gripped members of the Nigeria Police Force in Kebbi State following the reported deaths of colleagues in a terrorist attack. The emotional scene among serving officers has brought renewed attention to the dangers confronting security personnel who operate on the front lines in communities affected by terrorism and armed violence. The fallen officers were reportedly killed while carrying out their duties, underscoring the enormous risks faced by personnel tasked with protecting lives and maintaining security in volatile areas. The development has triggered an outpouring of sympathy, with Nigerians extending condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of the deceased officers. The incident has also renewed calls for stronger security measures, improved operational support and better protection for personnel deployed to high-risk locations. As security agencies continue their operations against violent groups, attention remai...

Nigeria, UK Deepen Military Cooperation on Intelligence, Counter-Drone and Air Defence

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ABUJA — August 12, 2026 Nigeria and the United Kingdom are strengthening their military partnership, with both countries discussing expanded cooperation in intelligence sharing, advanced military training, counter-drone technology, air defence, surveillance and force protection. The development followed a meeting between the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, and the British Defence Adviser to Nigeria, Brig. Tom Harper, MBE, at Army Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. Shaibu highlighted the growing complexity of Nigeria’s security environment, particularly the challenges of asymmetric warfare and difficult terrain in the North-East. He said the Nigerian Army must further improve its intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, while strengthening technical intelligence, aviation assets and round-the-clock operational awareness at the battalion level. The Army’s expansion from eight to 12 divisions was also discussed. Shaibu stressed th...

Osun Polls 2026: NSCDC Deploys Personnel, Joins Show of Force Ahead of Election

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OSOGBO — August 12, 2026 The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has stepped up security preparations for the 2026 Osun governorship election with the deployment of personnel drawn from various states across the country. The operatives have arrived in Osun State ahead of their election assignments and have been placed under strict operational guidelines designed to maintain peace and protect the electoral process. During their briefing, personnel were charged to demonstrate professionalism, discipline and strict compliance with the Rules of Engagement while respecting the fundamental rights of citizens. The Corps also emphasised absolute non-partisanship, directing its personnel to remain neutral and avoid any conduct that could undermine public confidence in the security architecture of the election. In a display of inter-agency cooperation, NSCDC personnel joined other security agencies for a show of force across the state. The exercise highlighted the prepar...

Osun Election: Police Arrest Four Over Alleged Attempted Murder, Firearms Possession

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OSOGBO, OSUN STATE — August 12, 2026 The Osun State Police Command has arrested four suspects in connection with an alleged attempted murder and illegal possession of firearms ahead of the state’s governorship election. The suspects were reportedly taken into custody following a security operation aimed at preventing violence and other criminal activities capable of disrupting the electoral process. Police sources said the suspects are being investigated over allegations bordering on attempted murder and possession of firearms. Authorities are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether the weapons were intended for use in election-related violence. The arrests come as security agencies intensify surveillance and patrols across Osun State ahead of the election, with authorities warning political actors, supporters and other stakeholders against acts capable of threatening peace and public safety. The police command reiterated its c...

BREAKING NEWS: 16 Kidnap Victims Rescued in Kogi Joint Security Operation

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KOGI STATE — Sixteen persons abducted by suspected kidnappers in Kogi State have been rescued following a Nigerian Army-led joint security operation. The victims, comprising six men, six women and four children, were kidnapped on Sunday, August 9, when armed criminals reportedly attacked commuters along the Ojuwo–Ajengo–Memarebo and Ojiwo–Itobe roads in Ofu Local Government Area of the state. Following credible intelligence that the victims had been moved towards Adumu Community in Dekina Local Government Area, troops of the Nigerian Army, working alongside personnel of the Nigerian Navy, Police, local vigilantes and hunters, launched a coordinated search operation. The security team reportedly engaged the fleeing kidnappers in a gun battle, forcing the criminals to abandon all 16 victims and escape into the surrounding forest. The rescued victims are currently undergoing medical assessment and documentation before being reunited with their families. However, the operation ...

Insecurity: Nigerian Army Creates New Divisions to Boost Combat OperationsBy Spotlight African Reporters | AbujaAugust 7, 2026

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In a renewed effort to strengthen Nigeria's fight against insecurity, the Nigerian Army has established new divisions and operational units aimed at enhancing combat effectiveness and improving its response to emerging security threats across the country. The development is part of the Army's ongoing strategy to reposition its operational structure and increase its capacity to tackle terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, insurgency, and other forms of criminal activities affecting various parts of the nation. Military authorities said the creation of the new divisions is designed to improve command and control, ensure faster deployment of troops, and enhance coordination among formations engaged in internal security and counterinsurgency operations. According to the Army, the expansion will also improve operational efficiency by bringing military formations closer to areas facing persistent security challenges, thereby enabling quicker responses to emergencies and intell...