Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Doris Israel Ijeoma

  • Troops Launch Major Assault on Bello Turji’s Hideout in Zamfara, Eliminate Notorious Terrorists

    Troops Launch Major Assault on Bello Turji’s Hideout in Zamfara, Eliminate Notorious Terrorists

    Troops from the 1 Brigade, Sector 2 Joint Task Force, Operation Fansan Yamma, stormed the camp of the notorious terrorist leader, Bello Turji, in Zamfara State. 

    This operation, conducted on January 4, 2025, marks a decisive effort in the fight against insurgency, following the military’s continuous pursuit of Turji and his associates.

    According to a statement from the Brigade’s spokesman, Lt. Col. Abdullahi Abubakar, the operation targeted not only Turji’s hideout but also other known terrorist camps across the region. 

    The Army confirmed that Turji, one of the most wanted terrorist leaders in the area, is now living in hiding, with his fighters being systematically neutralized by the forces.

    The operation was part of a broader strategic initiative aimed at eradicating terrorist cells in the state.

     During a fierce engagement with the militants, the troops successfully neutralized Sani Rusu, a notorious terrorist kingpin, in Bamamu Village, located in the Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State. 

    The elimination of Rusu, a key figure in the insurgent network, is considered a significant blow to the operations of the terrorists in the region.

    In addition to the ground assault, intelligence-driven operations have continued to disrupt terrorist activities. On the same day of the encounter, troops launched an ambush operation at Kwanar Jollof in Shinkafi Local Government Area, leading to the neutralization of several terrorists, with others sustaining fatal injuries.

     The troops also seized vital equipment during the operation, including one AK-47 rifle, one G3 rifle, several rounds of ammunition, and three motorcycles.

    As part of the ongoing offensive, the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma carried out air strikes in late December 2024, targeting terrorist forces converging in the Fakai and Kware areas of Shinkafi Local Government Area.

     These airstrikes were instrumental in weakening the terrorist strongholds in the region and further complicating their movements.

    Military authorities have made it clear that the relentless pursuit of terrorist leaders like Bello Turji will continue until peace is restored to the affected areas.

  • Woman who cursed Seyi Tinubu, IGP released on N10m bail

    Woman who cursed Seyi Tinubu, IGP released on N10m bail

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to Olamide Thomas, accused of threatening Seyi Tinubu and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, through social media posts.

    The court set the bail at ₦10 million with one surety.

    Justice Emeka Nwite ruled that the prosecution failed to provide evidence suggesting Thomas would evade trial.

    The surety is required to submit three years’ tax clearance and reside within the court’s jurisdiction.

    Both Thomas and her surety must also provide passport photographs and undergo address verification.

    Thomas was initially remanded on December 20 after pleading not guilty to three charges under the Cybercrimes Act.

    She allegedly posted a video in Yoruba making threats that caused fear of harm to Tinubu, Egbetokun, and Police PRO Muyiwa Adejobi.

    The case is scheduled for trial on February 18.

  • Simon Ekpa: Finnish Authorities Release Two Suspects

    Simon Ekpa: Finnish Authorities Release Two Suspects

    Two individuals arrested alongside Simon Ekpa in November 2024 for alleged terror-related offences have been released by the Finnish government.

    Ekpa, a key figure accused of inciting violence and financing terrorism in Nigeria, remains in custody.

    The suspects were part of a group of five detained by Finnish authorities over claims of promoting extremist activities via social media, The Nation reports.

    While specific details regarding the release of the two individuals remain unclear, government insiders confirmed the development without providing further explanation.

    Meanwhile, Nigeria has begun extradition procedures for Ekpa, with the Chief of Defence Staff confirming that required documents have been submitted to Finland.

  • Fire Outbreak claims lives of Sokoto SSG’s daughter, others 

    Fire Outbreak claims lives of Sokoto SSG’s daughter, others 

    A tragic fire outbreak in the early hours of Monday has claimed the lives of daughter of the Secretary to Sokoto State Government (SSG), Alhaji Bello Sifawa, her three children and a house help.

    A statement from Malam Abubakar Bawa, Press Secretary to Gov. Ahmed Aliyu listed the unfortunate casualties to include Rabi’atu Sifawa and her three children—Fatimatu, Maryam, and Abubakar—as well as their house help, Aishatu Muhammad.

    It was confirmed in the statement that the fire occurred at around 3:00 a.m. at the family’s residence.

    It was also disclosed that all the victims had been buried after funeral prayers held in Sifawa town, Bodinga Local Government Area.

    Inferno Sokoto SSG Residence, 4 Died

    “Dignitaries in attendance included the Minister of Labour and Employment, Maigari Dingyadi; Sokoto State Deputy Governor, Idris Gobir; and Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Tukur Bala.

    “Other notable attendees were representatives of Senator Aliyu Wamakko, the state Chief Judge, the state Grand Khadi, members of the State Executive Council, and legislators,” he said.

    Bawa extended condolences to the family, praying for Allah’s mercy on the departed and for strength to the bereaved family to bear the loss.

  • No Plan to Destroy Uncollected PVCs – INEC

    No Plan to Destroy Uncollected PVCs – INEC

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has debunked claims that it plans to destroy over six million uncollected Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), describing the report as false and urging the public to disregard it.

    In a statement issued on Sunday, the electoral body clarified that it never considered destroying uncollected PVCs from previous voter registrations.

    “Our attention has been drawn to a newspaper report that the Commission is contemplating the destruction of over six million uncollected Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) going back to the 2015 voter registration,” INEC said. “The report is incorrect. At no time did the Commission contemplate the destruction of uncollected PVCs.”

    The clarification comes as the commission continues to explore ways to improve voter accreditation. In December 2024, INEC proposed introducing computer-generated slips to complement the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) as a means of voter identification on election day.

    PLEASE READ: Tinubu Celebrates Restart of Port Harcourt Refinery, Urges Action on Others

    INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, said the commission would soon present its recommendations for electoral reform to the National Assembly.

    During the 2023 presidential election, INEC reported that 87.2 million PVCs had been collected across the country, representing 93.3 percent of registered voters. However, 6.26 million PVCs—accounting for 6.7 percent—remained uncollected.

    The commission reiterated that uncollected PVCs would be safely kept and made available to voters during future elections.

  • El-Rufai Dismisses Defection Rumours, Threatens Legal Action

    El-Rufai Dismisses Defection Rumours, Threatens Legal Action

    Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, has refuted allegations of plans to leave the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). 

    The claims surfaced online, suggesting he was set to obtain PDP membership in Kaduna.

    READ ALSO: President Tinubu Appoints Eight New Permanent Secretaries

    El-Rufai labeled the reports as false and stated that legal action would be taken against those spreading the misinformation. 

    This follows lingering speculations about his political future, which began after his ministerial nomination was stalled in 2023 due to Senate concerns over security clearance.

    Additionally, ongoing investigations into his administration’s financial dealings and perceived tensions with his successor, Uba Sani, have fueled political rumors. 

  • Fire Guts Cross River High Court

    Fire Guts Cross River High Court

    A fire has engulfed the Cross River High Court building in Ogoja, leaving the structure in ruins.

    The fire, which broke out on Sunday, reduced the court’s infrastructure to charred remnants. 

    The exact cause of the incident remains unknown as investigations are yet to begin.

    Eyewitnesses reported seeing flames consuming the building late into the night, with firefighters struggling to contain the blaze.

    FURTHER READING: Tinubu Tax Reform Bills: Buba Galadima Opens a Can of Warms

     Despite their efforts, the fire left behind a trail of destruction, damaging key documents, legal records, and critical infrastructure.

    A local resident, Mr. John Ekanem, expressed his concerns:

    “This court is not just a building; it’s a symbol of justice. Many people in this area rely on it to resolve their disputes and seek redress. This is a huge loss for us.”

    Authorities have yet to release an official statement on the fire’s cause. However, security personnel have cordoned off the area to prevent unauthorized access as investigations are expected to commence soon.

  • Tour Invitation: You’re Disrespectful – Obasanjo

    Tour Invitation: You’re Disrespectful – Obasanjo

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed dissatisfaction with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) over what he described as an informal approach to inviting him for a tour of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries.

     Obasanjo, who previously criticized the NNPCL’s management of the refineries, stated through his media aide that no official letter was sent to him, deeming the invitation disrespectful to his status as a former head of state.

    The issue arose after Obasanjo questioned the functionality of the refineries despite significant funds reportedly spent on rehabilitation.

    READ ALSO: FG to Continue Borrowing Despite Rise in Revenue

     NNPCL responded by inviting him to witness the progress at the facilities.

     However, Obasanjo’s camp dismissed the gesture, emphasizing the lack of formal communication.

     The matter adds to ongoing debates about the efficiency of Nigeria’s refinery management and past decisions, including a declined offer from the Dangote Group to oversee the facilities.

  • Obi Meets Farotimi After Release from Prison

    Obi Meets Farotimi After Release from Prison

    Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, paid a visit to Dele Farotimi at his Lagos home following Farotimi’s recent release from an Ekiti prison. 

    Obi shared on social media that it was his first time seeing Farotimi since his release after spending 21 days in detention. 

    READ ALSO: Ghana Opens Border to All African Nationals

    Farotimi, a former spokesperson for Obi’s campaign, was accused of defaming prominent lawyer Afe Babalola in a book, The Cable reports.

    He was granted bail on December 24, 2024, after being arrested in early December. 

    Obi expressed satisfaction over Farotimi’s positive spirits and his continued commitment to advocating for a better Nigeria.

  • Tinubu Visits Enugu for Project Commissioning Today 

    Tinubu Visits Enugu for Project Commissioning Today 

    President Bola Tinubu is about now in Enugu to commission a series of projects initiated by Governor Peter Mbah’s administration.

     According to a statement from the State Government Secretary, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, Tinubu will oversee the unveiling of several completed projects, including 30 smart schools and 60 healthcare centers. 

    The visit will also feature the opening of the newly constructed Enugu International Conference Centre, urban roads, a Command and Control Centre, and the launch of advanced security patrols with AI-equipped vehicles.

    Additionally, some rural roads will be inaugurated during the one-day visit.

    READ ALSO: China’s Foreign Minister to Visit Four African Nations, Nigeria

    This visit coincides with the challenge posed to the Nigerian leader by a member of the opposition, HE Mr. Peter Obi who challenged him to cut down on foreign trips and visits more states of the federation to feel the pause of Nigerians.

    Mr. Obi who was the second runner up in the 2023 presidential elections also hinged his admonition on the fact that such visit would enable Mr. Tinubu to appreciate the hardship his economic policies has wrought on the common Nigerian.

    Mr. Tinubu is reputed to have spent above a third of his time in office in foreign trips in search of so-called foreign investments that have remained largely elusive.

    READ ALSO: Ohaneze Nd’igbo Welcomes President Tinubu to Enugu, Asks Him to Order the Release of Nnamdi Kanu