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  • NFF dismisses Falcons head coach, Madugu over failure to qualify for World Cup

    NFF dismisses Falcons head coach, Madugu over failure to qualify for World Cup

    By Attah Ede 

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has  sacked Justine Madugu, the Super Falcons’ head coach, and the rest of his technical staff for failure to qualify for the world cup.

    “The Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation has asked members of the technical crew of the Super Falcons to step down with immediate effect,” the post reads.

    On August 13, the Falcons failed to qualify for the 2027 women’s World Cup. The team lost to South Africa in the continental playoff for the competition. 

    This is the first time the Falcons will miss the World Cup since its inception in 1991.

    The team had earlier missed out on one of the four automatic tickets for the competition after losing to Cameroon in the quarter-final of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

    Madugu was under intense scrutiny for his player selections and tactics throughout the disappointing WAFCON campaign.

    The 62-year-old leaves the job barely a year after he had led the Falcons to their 10th continental title.

    In further reaction to the Falcons’ situation, the NFF appointed and inaugurated a six-member “fact-finding” committee to probe the team’s failings.

    Fanny Amun, the federation’s former general secretary, was named chair of the panel.

     Other panel members include Ladan Bosso, former Flying Eagles coach; Desire Oparanozie, former Super Falcons captain; Mutiu Adepoju, ex-Super Eagles star; and Alex Mana, a former referee. 

    Nasiru Sa’idu, the chair of Sokoto State Football Association, will serve as the secretary.

  • Security operatives rescue kidnap victim, arrest two suspects in Benue

    Security operatives rescue kidnap victim, arrest two suspects in Benue

    From Attah Ede, Makurdi 

    Operatives of the  Benue State Civil Protection Guard (BCPG), have rescued a woman who was abducted while returning from Idelle Market in Oju Local Government Area of the state.

    The victim, identified simply as Mrs. Ekuma, was abducted alongside four others on August 14, 2026 at  Utonkon in Ado local government area of the State.

    The Special Adviser to Governor Hyacinth Alia on Security and Internal Affairs, Chief Joseph Har, who disclosed this to newsmen in Makurdi, on Monday, that the victim was rescued unhurt.

    Har, in an operational report made available to newsmen in Makurdi, said Ekuma managed to escape from the kidnappers’ hideout in a forest around Utonkon District in Ado Local Government Area.

    The report said following her escape, from the kidnappers’ hideout in the forest around Utonkon District, personnel of the Ado Command mounted an operation to locate the kidnappers.

    He said during the operation two suspected members of the kidnapping gang were subsequently arrested after they reportedly pursued Ekuma when they discovered that she had escaped from the hideout.

    The suspects, identified as Usman Shuaibu and Aliyu Drahu, were initially transferred to the Zonal Headquarters in Otukpo before being handed over to the Police Division in Otukpo for further investigation and necessary legal action.

    Har said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to track down members of the kidnapping gang and ensure the safety of residents in the affected communities.

    Efforts to speak with the executive chairman of Ado Local Government Area, Engr. Sunday Oche, proved abortive as he did not respond to calls and text messages sent to his cell phone.

  • Edo Lawmakers Removed Agbebaku Over Alleged Poor Leadership, Corruption, Says New Speaker

    Edo Lawmakers Removed Agbebaku Over Alleged Poor Leadership, Corruption, Says New Speaker

    Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja

    The newly elected Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Yekini Idiaye, has said former Speaker Blessing Agbebaku was removed over allegations of poor leadership and corruption.

    Idiaye, a third-term lawmaker representing Akoko-Edo Constituency I, emerged as Speaker on Monday following Agbebaku’s resignation amid moves by lawmakers to impeach him.

    Addressing journalists after plenary, Idiaye alleged that the Assembly experienced leadership challenges under Agbebaku’s tenure, including frequent and lengthy adjournments.

    “The House was inaugurated on the 16th of June, 2023 under the leadership of Agbebaku, and since then we have been passing through a lot of challenges, corruption here and there, adjournment here and there, sometimes for 30 days without a cause. We are not happy with his leadership style. His leadership is poor, and it has been drawing the work of the government backwards,” he said.

    Explaining the decision to replace the former Speaker, Idiaye added, “That is why we removed him. We must encourage our performing governor. He is doing well.  Anything that will derail or stop our performing governor, we must stop it. 

    “That is why we changed him. I can assure all of you that we will do everything possible to support Governor Monday Okpebholo to move this state forward.”

    His emergence followed Agbebaku’s resignation earlier on Monday as pressure mounted from lawmakers seeking his removal.

    Sources in the Assembly said 17 of the 24 lawmakers signed an impeachment notice against the former Speaker on Sunday night.

    Idiaye’s election was also linked to the Assembly’s zoning arrangement, which provides that the speakership should be occupied by a lawmaker from Edo North Senatorial District when the governor is from Edo Central.

    Following his election, members of the Assembly were reported to have visited Government House to formally notify Governor Monday Okpebholo of the leadership change.

    Agbebaku’s resignation was earlier confirmed by his media aide, Ivy Ebojele, who said details surrounding the development would be made public later.

  • Adeleke Campaign Begins Documentation of Electoral Violence Victims in Osun

    Adeleke Campaign Begins Documentation of Electoral Violence Victims in Osun

    Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja

    The Imole Campaign Council has launched a post-election review of violence linked to the recently concluded Osun State governorship election, directing its structures across the state’s 30 local government areas to compile records of affected victims.

    The initiative comes two days after Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party was declared winner of the governorship poll, having secured 511,067 votes to defeat the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Oyebamiji.

    In a statement issued on Monday by its spokesperson, Pelumi Olajengbesi, the council said the exercise would cover incidents that occurred before, during and immediately after the election.

    According to the council, the documentation process will include persons who lost their lives, sustained injuries, suffered property damage or experienced other forms of election-related violence.

    “Every victim must be documented. Importantly, this exercise is not party-focused. Every victim must be documented irrespective of political affiliation, party membership or voting preference.

    “Violence against any citizen diminishes us all, and no family should be forgotten simply because of their political persuasion,” the statement said.

    The council stressed that the exercise would not be limited to supporters of Adeleke or members of the Accord Party.

    It directed its local government structures to submit comprehensive and verifiable records of affected persons for further assessment and possible action.

    The election followed weeks of political tension and reports of violent incidents in parts of the state, including the killing of an Accord Party supporter, Ajayi Aderogba, popularly known as Rogba, in Esa-Oke in June.

    The campaign council had previously alleged that several of its supporters were killed, injured or detained during the electioneering period and had called for investigations into the incidents.

    In its latest statement, however, the council broadened the scope of the review to include all victims, regardless of political affiliation.

    “This exercise must capture persons who sustained injuries, families who lost loved ones, persons whose properties were damaged or destroyed, and other identifiable victims of election-related violence,” the statement added.

    The council said that while it was grateful for the outcome of the election, the suffering of victims and their families should not be overlooked.

    “While we are grateful to God and to the people of Osun State for the outcome of the election, we recognise that our victory cannot erase the pain of families who suffered losses or injuries in the course of the electoral process.

    “The election is over. Our common humanity must now take precedence over political differences. Osun comes first.”

  • Police Arrest Man for Allegedly Killing Mother in Ondo

    Police Arrest Man for Allegedly Killing Mother in Ondo

    Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja

    The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a man, Samuel Akoade, for allegedly killing his mother, Olufunke Akoade, in Ore, Odigbo Local Government Area of the state.

    The incident occurred on Sunday evening in the Powerline area of Ore, where the deceased was reportedly attacked with a machete.

    Confirming the development on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Abayomi Jimoh, said officers responded when  they received a report that the woman had been found in a pool of blood at her residence.

    “The incident occurred on Sunday, 16th August 2026, when the command received a report that the deceased was found lying in a pool of blood at her residence. 

    “Preliminary information revealed that the victim had sustained deep machete cuts and was already dead when she was discovered.

    “Following the report, police operatives from Ore Division immediately mobilised to the scene, secured the area and commenced preliminary investigation. 

    “A machete suspected to have been used in the attack was recovered, while the scene was photographed and documented.

    “The suspected assailant, initially identified simply as Samuel, was reported to have fled the scene before the arrival of the police. However, following sustained efforts by the operatives, Samuel Akoade was subsequently arrested and taken into police custody,” he said.

    According to the police spokesman, the deceased’s remains have been deposited in a mortuary, while the suspect remains in custody.

    He said the case had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Akure for further investigation.

    Jimoh added that the Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, had directed a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killing.

    The command also urged residents to continue providing useful information to security agencies on suspicious activities in their communities.

  • NDLEA destroys N301b worth of cocaine, other illicit drugs in Lagos

    NDLEA destroys N301b worth of cocaine, other illicit drugs in Lagos

    By Kamsi Anayo 

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA on Monday publicly destroyed 329,865.585 Kilo grammes of assorted illicit drugs.

    The illicit drugs with an estimated street value of N301 billion were destroyed in Lagos, following a court-ordered exercise.

    This was contained in a statement by the NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi on Monday in Abuja.

    Babafemi said that the exercise conducted pursuant to orders of the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, disposed of uncontested concluded cases and abandoned seizures.

    He also said the NDLEA Chairman, retired, Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa described the exercise as a bold demonstration of Nigeria’s resolve to protect her people and deny criminal enterprises the resources they needed to thrive. 

    Marwa noted that behind every kilo gramme of narcotics destroyed laid a story of a young life at risk, a family torn apart by addiction, and communities endangered by drug-related crime and impaired driving.

    According to him,, 246,864.535 kilo grammes  of the total consignment were seized by the Lagos Strategic Command of the Agency between April 2025 and May 2026.

    “83,001.05 kilo grammes came from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Tincan and Apapa strategic commands, as well as the Marine command and a Special Operations Unit, all operating within Lagos.”

    Marwa said that the destroyed illicit drugs comprised mainly cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, cannabis of different strains including Canadian Loud and skunk, Ephedrine, Tramadol, Codeine syrup and other opioids, as well as Khat leaf.

    The NDLEA boss said that the destroyed consignment represented more than the elimination of contraband.

    He stressed that illicit drugs weakened the labour force, raised healthcare costs, discouraged investment and drained public resources that should go into education, healthcare and infrastructure.

    He added that every consignment intercepted by the agency saved the country billions of naira in potential losses linked to addiction, crime and social dislocation.

  • Police confirm attack on Benue community as three killed, four others injured

    Police confirm attack on Benue community as three killed, four others injured

    From Attah Ede Makurdi 

    The Benue State Police Command, on Sunday confirmed attack on Aboajo Village, Mbateren Mbazum Council Ward in  Ukum Local Government Area of the State, which claimed three lives and four others sustained varying degrees of injures.

    The command police public relations officer PPRO, DSP Peter Orchia who confirmed the attack in a statement on behalf of the Commissioner of Police Cletus Nwadiogbu, said that the incidence happened at about 7: pm on Sunday.

    He explained that three persons were killed in the attack, while four others sustained machete injuries and were rescued to a medical facility for treatment.

    He said the Command has deployed additional tactical and patrol teams to the area and is making concerted efforts to apprehend the perpetrators while monitoring and security operations are ongoing.

    Meanwhile, the Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia has commended security agencies for the prompt response in the herdsmen terror attack on Ukum Local Government Area on Sunday.

    The Governor, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, disclosed that terrorists masquerading as herdsmen in the early hours of Sunday, invaded and attacked the people of Mbaterem in Ayaba, Ikpur, Yina, Aboajio, Ukpen communities of Mbazun ward, killing some and inflicting injuries on others.

    The Governor consoled those who lost loved ones and the injured, vowing to keep giving the necessary support to security agencies to effectively protect the state.

    Governor Alia warned those who are insisting on threatening the consolidation of the peace process in the state.

    He said, “Benue lands are for Benue people. Anyone who thinks that attacking us will intimidate us to leave the land is making a mistake.

    “I took an oath to protect our people, and I will not relent. I must appreciate the fact that the federal government is advancing a lot of support for us to tackle these acts of terrorism”, he affirmed.

    “You must all remain vigilant and always ensure that you forward information on suspicious movements around you.

    “This is the only way we will be able to effectively tackle these criminals”.

    He charged security agencies to continue mounting guard in strategic areas across the state to be able to tackle headlong enemies of the state who seems unrelenting.

    He assured the people of the state that his administration will not relent in the efforts to protect them.

  • BREAKING: Edo Assembly Elects Yekini Idiaye as New Speaker

    BREAKING: Edo Assembly Elects Yekini Idiaye as New Speaker

    Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja

    The Edo State House of Assembly has elected Yekini Idiaye, the member representing Akoko-Edo Constituency I, as its new Speaker following the resignation of Blessing Agbebaku.

    Idiaye, a third-term lawmaker, emerged on Monday and immediately assumed leadership of the Assembly.

    His emergence followed Agbebaku’s resignation earlier in the day amid moves by lawmakers to impeach him.

    The new Speaker’s election was influenced by the Assembly’s informal zoning arrangement, which provides that the speakership should be occupied by a lawmaker from Edo North Senatorial District when the governor is from Edo Central.

    As the most senior member from Edo North, Idiaye was subsequently chosen by his colleagues to lead the House.

    Speaking after his emergence, Idiaye said the Deputy Speaker would ordinarily have succeeded Agbebaku but for the zoning understanding within the Assembly.

    Sources within the Assembly said lawmakers moved quickly to fill the leadership vacuum following Agbebaku’s departure.

    Members of the House were also reported to have visited Government House to formally brief Governor Monday Okpebholo on the change in leadership.

    Agbebaku resigned after reports emerged that 17 of the Assembly’s 24 members had signed an impeachment notice against him on Sunday night.

    His resignation was confirmed by his media aide, Ivy Ebojele, who said further details surrounding the development would be made public later.

    “I can confirm the Speaker’s resignation but details will be made public later,” she said.

  • Edo Assembly Speaker Agbebaku Resigns Amid Impeachment Moves

    Edo Assembly Speaker Agbebaku Resigns Amid Impeachment Moves

    Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja

    The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, has resigned from his position amid moves by some lawmakers to impeach him.

    Agbebaku stepped down on Monday, bringing an abrupt end to his tenure as speaker and triggering a fresh leadership contest within the Assembly.

    His resignation was confirmed by his media aide, Ivy Adodo-Ebojele, in a post on Facebook.

    “EDO ASSEMBLY SPEAKER RT HON CHIEF BLESSING AGBEBAKU RESIGNS,” she wrote.

    Adodo-Ebojele said details surrounding the circumstances of the resignation would be made public later.

    The development comes against the backdrop of reported efforts by some members of the House to remove Agbebaku from office.

    The resignation has plunged the Assembly into a fresh leadership crisis, with lawmakers expected to commence the process of selecting a new Speaker.

    Following his removal, the lawmakers reportedly elected the former Deputy Speaker, Osawmonyi Atu, representing Orhionmwon I Constituency, as the new Speaker of the House.

    Atu’s emergence marks a change in the leadership of the Assembly, although details surrounding the circumstances that led to Agbebaku’s exit remained unclear as of the time of filing this report.

    Agbebaku became Speaker in 2023 during the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki after emerging on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    In January 2025, Agbebaku and other members of the Assembly defected from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC), while he retained his position as Speaker.

    Further details were still being awaited as of the time of filing this report.

  • Army destroys 3 suspected IPOB/ESN camps, kills 3 in Anambra

    Army destroys 3 suspected IPOB/ESN camps, kills 3 in Anambra

    By Kamsi Anayo 

    Troops of the newly established 15 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have dismantled three suspected IPOB/ESN camps and recovered weapons, explosives, and other logistics during an operation in Anambra State.

    The operation was conducted in the early hours of Saturday, August 15, 2026, following intelligence on the activities of suspected IPOB/ESN members operating around Osuakwa, along the boundary between Ihiala and Ogbaru Local Government Areas.

    The troops, operating under Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA, carried out the operation alongside personnel of the Department of State Services and members of the Agunechemba Vigilante Group.

    According to the Nigerian Army on X on Saturday, the joint force came under hostile fire during the operation but “responded decisively, overwhelming the criminals after a fierce firefight.”

    The Army said three suspected IPOB/ESN members were killed during the operation, while the three camps were successfully overrun and destroyed.

    Troops also recovered a cache of weapons, explosives and other items, including one FN rifle with 10 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, one pump-action shotgun with five cartridges and 15 sticks of dynamite.

    Other recovered items included four motorcycles, one gas cylinder, three hybrid batteries, two car batteries and three handheld radio chargers.

    Further exploitation of the area led to the arrest of a suspected IPOB/ESN member identified as Chijioke, alongside a man and a woman suspected of being accomplices. The three were reportedly found in the company of six children.

    The Commander of 15 Brigade commended the troops, DSS personnel and members of the Agunechemba Vigilante Group for their “courage, discipline and outstanding inter-agency cooperation.”

    He described the operation as “another major setback for criminal and terrorist elements seeking to undermine peace and security in the South East.”

    The Nigerian Army also assured residents that the newly established brigade would continue to sustain intelligence-led operations in collaboration with other security agencies and local stakeholders.

    The Brigade said it remains committed to “denying all criminal elements freedom of action” and ensuring the safety and security of law-abiding residents across Anambra State and the wider South-East region.

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