The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has given contractors working on the Abuja-Lokoja highway rehabilitation project 72 hours to fully mobilize to their sites or face sanctions, including potential prosecution by anti-graft and law enforcement agencies. Umahi issued this ultimatum during a joint inspection of the highway with members of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Works. He warned that contractors who have received government funds but failed to execute projects within agreed timelines would no longer be tolerated. The Minister stated that President Bola Tinubu has approved funds for the project and urged contractors to immediately deploy equipment, personnel, and resources. Umahi expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of work by GELD Construction Limited, noting that only 8.2 kilometers of continuously reinforced concrete pavement had been completed on a 28-kilometer stretch despite the contractor spending several years on the project. He also directed Federal Ministry of Works officials to identify the worst sections for immediate intervention and warned against poor supervision, stating that engineers and project managers failing to monitor contractors effectively could be removed. Umahi lamented the hardship faced by commuters due to prolonged construction and warned contractors against obstructing traffic. While acknowledging payment delays, he appealed to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited to accelerate fund release for projects f
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The Nigerian Army reported that troops from Sector 2, Operation Fansan Yamma, killed one terrorist, rescued three kidnapped victims, and destroyed a bandits' camp in Zamfara. The operation, conducted on June 12, targeted communities in Zurmi and Shinkafi Local Government Areas. During a fighting patrol in Yanbuki District of Zurmi LGA, troops engaged terrorists, neutralizing one and causing others to flee. Recovered items included rifles, four loaded magazines, two motorcycles, seven mobile phones, two MP3 players, a woodland camouflage trouser, and an inner vest. Troops pursued the fleeing terrorists to Sabon Garin Daudawa community, where the terrorists abandoned their camp upon sighting the advancing troops. The camp was subsequently cleared and destroyed. Three kidnapped victims were rescued during clearance operations and safely evacuated. The military reiterated its commitment to ongoing offensive operations in Zamfara and the North-West to dismantle terrorist and bandit groups and restore peace.

A Nigerian man, Kingsley O., has been arrested in Turkey in connection with an alleged $2.5 million romance scam targeting a Hong Kong-based dentist. According to Turkish news outlet Haberler, Kingsley and four accomplices were apprehended in Esenyurt, Istanbul Province, following a two-year investigation into an online fraud scheme. The report states that Kingsley, allegedly posing as an American businessman named Richard, met the victim, Siu P.Y.F., online in 2020 and promised marriage. Investigators claim the suspect convinced the woman he needed financial assistance for an investment project in Istanbul. Between 2020 and 2022, the dentist reportedly transferred $2.5 million in installments to several Turkish bank accounts. After receiving the funds, the suspect allegedly ceased communication. The victim reported the incident to Hong Kong authorities, and later engaged a Turkish lawyer, filing a complaint with the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor鈥檚 Office. The Istanbul Police Department鈥檚 Fraud Bureau traced the bank accounts, leading to the arrest of five account holders. One suspect reportedly told investigators he gave money received in his account to a Nigerian man known as Richard, which led to Kingsley's arrest as the alleged mastermind. Kingsley denied the allegations during interrogation. He and five other suspects were arraigned in court after police investigations concluded. Authorities allege the suspect used a false identity to defraud the victim under the pret
Must ReadPeter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, has again called for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra. Speaking to Nigerians in Washington, D.C., Obi stated there is no justification for Kanu's continued detention. He emphasized that arresting someone for speaking on the radio or calling names does not make sense, drawing on his own experience as a politician who faces criticism. Obi also indicated that if he were in government, he would engage in dialogue with all agitators to understand their reasons and find solutions. Kanu is currently serving a life imprisonment sentence following his conviction in November 2025 by a Federal High Court in Abuja on terrorism-related charges, including incitement and membership in a proscribed organization. He has appealed the conviction and sentence, with his legal team arguing the trial was unfair.