🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Presidency highlights military successes, cites Benue kidnap rescue as proof of progress in anti-terrorism war
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
The Presidency, through Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, has asserted that Nigeria's armed forces are making significant, though often unacknowledged, progress in the country's asymmetric wars. Onanuga cited the recent rescue of 13 kidnapped passengers in Benue State as evidence, arguing against what he described as selective reporting that focuses on isolated incidents of insecurity while overlooking military achievements. The rescued passengers, including students traveling for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, were abducted from a Benue Links bus and later rescued by troops of Sub-Sector 1B of Operation Whirl Stroke. Onanuga also clarified that security sources attributed the Benue attack to local criminal elements, not Fulani bandits, expressing concern about inaccurate threat attribution fueling ethnic tension. Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia met with the victims and appealed for the rescheduling of examinations for the traumatized students. Beyond Benue, Onanuga detailed military operations across at least seven states within a single week, including arrests of militiamen in Plateau, neutralization of Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters in Borno, apprehension of ISWAP logistics suppliers in Yobe, repulsion of terrorist attacks in Sokoto, destruction of a suspected terrorist camp in Kogi, defusal of IEDs in Imo, and the foiling of a kidnap attempt in Edo. While acknowledging ongoing challenges, Onanuga emphasized
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico, will feature 48 teams and a mix of global superstars, established icons, and rising talents. Veteran legends like Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal, set for a record sixth World Cup at age 41, and Lionel Messi of Argentina, likely making his final World Cup appearance as the 2022 champion captain, are expected to participate. Global superstars include Kylian Mbappé of France, Erling Haaland of Norway, Vinícius Júnior of Brazil, and Mohamed Salah of Egypt. Rising stars and breakout candidates feature Lamine Yamal of Spain, Jamal Musiala of Germany, and Bukayo Saka of England. Key midfield anchors and leaders include Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice of England, Harry Kane of England, Federico Valverde of Uruguay, Julián Álvarez of Argentina, Rodri of Spain, and Ousmane Dembélé of France. Other notable stars include Son Heung-min of South Korea. The tournament, which begins on June 11, 2026, is anticipated to be a transition period, with icons like Messi and Ronaldo potentially making their final appearances as the next generation aims to claim the spotlight.
Richard James, Overseeing Director of Information in Gombe State, highlighted the state's environmental achievements on World Environment Day 2026, describing Gombe as a model for climate resilience and sustainable environmental management in Nigeria. James noted that climate change poses significant challenges to Gombe due to its location in Nigeria’s semi-arid region, including desert encroachment, soil erosion, and declining vegetation. He stated that Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya's administration has proactively addressed these issues through various initiatives. The Gombe Goes Green Initiative, launched in 2019, has led to the planting of over five million trees, combating desertification and improving vegetation. This program also promotes environmental education, biodiversity conservation, and community participation, involving traditional institutions, youth organizations, women’s groups, schools, civil society organizations, local governments, and development partners. James referenced findings indicating the initiative's contribution to poverty reduction, improved food security, public health, and environmental infrastructure. The state government has also intensified efforts to combat erosion and land degradation through partnerships with development agencies and programs like the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project NEWMAP and the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes Project ACReSAL. These efforts have reclaimed over 1,000 hectares of deg
The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria PCN has sealed 572 pharmacies and patent medicine stores in Plateau State following a four-day enforcement exercise. The closures were due to violations of pharmaceutical regulations, including cooking inside drug outlets, unauthorized clinical practice, and illegal access to controlled medicines. Dr. Suleiman S. Chiroma, Head of Department, Enforcement, speaking on behalf of Registrar/CEO Pharm. Ibrahim Babashehu Ahmed, stated that the operation aligns with the PCN's mandate to regulate pharmacy education, training, and practice. The crackdown is part of efforts to enforce the National Drug Distribution Guidelines, aiming to ensure drug distribution through approved channels and eradicate substandard medicines. Of 778 premises inspected across Jos South, Jos North, Mangu, Shendam, Barkin Ladi, Qua’an Pan, and Bassa Local Government Areas, 120 pharmacies, 372 patent medicine stores, and 80 illegal outlets were sealed. Five compliance directives were also issued. The PCN noted that 60 percent of the 199 pharmacies visited were sealed, indicating a concerning standard of pharmaceutical practice. Infractions included unauthorized storage and dispensing of medicines, and operation by prospective vendors. The PCN emphasized its commitment to safeguarding public health by ensuring access to safe, quality medicines dispensed by licensed professionals and urged the public to purchase medicines only from PCN-approved premises.
Must ReadNigeria is preparing to repatriate more than 1,000 of its citizens from South Africa due to escalating anti-immigrant tensions in the country. This initiative follows a similar move by Ghana, which recently repatriated hundreds of its nationals. Screening for Nigeria’s voluntary repatriation program began on Thursday, with expectations of over 1,000 individuals participating. Nigeria’s High Commission in Pretoria has secured waivers with South African authorities, allowing individuals with immigration-related offenses to depart on repatriation flights instead of facing detention. South Africa, a major economic hub, has historically attracted workers from across the region. However, with an unemployment rate exceeding 30 percent, the nation has experienced recurring xenophobic protests, including recent outbreaks of violence. These events have reignited discussions across Africa concerning xenophobia, migration, and the disparity between pan-African ideals and the realities faced by migrants on the continent. Concerns about potential violence have increased following an ultimatum from a citizen-led group demanding the expulsion of undocumented migrants by June 30. The South African government has committed to stricter enforcement against undocumented immigrants while urging citizens to avoid vigilantism. According to the statistics agency, over three million foreigners reside in South Africa, constituting 5.1 percent of the population, with more than 63 percent originating fro