Nigeria News (Standard)
Troops Rescue Three Kidnap Victims, Foil Armed Attacks in Kaduna and Zamfara
Army recovers weapons, arrests suspects as operations intensify in North-West amid rising insecurity concerns
Army recovers weapons, arrests suspects as operations intensify in North-West amid rising insecurity concerns
Troops of Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued three kidnapped victims and disrupted multiple terrorist plots during coordinated operations across Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State and parts of Zamfara State. The operations, which took place on June 18, were confirmed by the Nigerian Army in a statement issued Monday.
According to the Army, troops from Sector 1 responded swiftly to a distress call about armed bandits moving within a forest area in Kerawa, Igabi LGA. During the search operation, the soldiers rescued Mrs Bilkisu Hayatu (38), Mrs Habibah Sadisu (30), and a one-year-old child, Abdulmutallib Sadisu. The victims had been abducted earlier that day while travelling in the area.
The Army further disclosed that similar intelligence-driven missions were executed in Zamfara State by Sector 2 troops, leading to the arrest of several suspects and recovery of assorted weapons and logistics believed to be used for criminal activities. The military said these operations are part of ongoing efforts to combat banditry and secure communities across the North-West geopolitical zone.
In its official statement released via X (formerly Twitter), the Nigerian Army said: “Our troops remain committed to safeguarding lives and property in all affected areas. These successful rescue and counter-terror operations reflect the resolve to deny criminal elements freedom of action.” As at press time, no casualties were reported among security personnel or civilians during these engagements.
Security analysts have noted an uptick in coordinated attacks by armed groups across Kaduna and Zamfara States since early June, with several local communities calling for increased federal intervention. While government has ramped up troop deployments in recent weeks, many residents remain displaced or fearful of renewed attacks as farming season begins.
The Army urged citizens to continue providing timely information on suspicious movements within their neighbourhoods. Efforts to reach opposition parties or civil society groups for comment on ongoing security operations were unsuccessful as at Monday afternoon.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Osun Athlete Coach Dreh Launches 226km Triathlon Across South-West States
Dare Samuel Akinrodoye set to swim, cycle, and run from Osun to Lagos; event aims to test physical and mental endurance
Dare Samuel Akinrodoye set to swim, cycle, and run from Osun to Lagos; event aims to test physical and mental endurance
Nigerian endurance athlete Dare Samuel Akinrodoye, popularly known as Coach Dreh, will undertake a gruelling 226-kilometre triathlon traversing Osun, Oyo, Ogun, and Lagos states on September 27, 2026. Organisers said the event, tagged ‘The 226 Challenge’, is designed to push the boundaries of physical strength and mental resilience among Nigerian athletes.
The challenge will commence at Owala Lake in Osun State with a 3.8-kilometre swim. From there, Coach Dreh will embark on a 180-kilometre cycling segment through Osun, Oyo, Ogun and conclude in Lagos State. The final leg involves a full marathon run of 42 kilometres to complete the total distance. According to organisers, this route was mapped out to highlight the diverse terrain of South-West Nigeria and inspire more participation in endurance sports.
The event marks one of the most ambitious individual triathlons attempted by a Nigerian athlete across multiple states. Stakeholders in the sporting sector say such challenges are important for developing local interest in endurance competitions and showcasing Nigerian talent on a global stage. With growing attention on triathlon events worldwide, observers believe this effort could lay groundwork for future international representation by Nigerian athletes.
Organisers emphasised that ‘The 226 Challenge’ is not just about personal achievement but also aims to promote fitness culture and healthy living among Nigerians. They said logistics and safety arrangements have been put in place along all four states’ routes. At the time of reporting, government sports agencies had not issued an official statement regarding support for the event.
Coach Dreh’s journey is expected to draw attention from sports enthusiasts across the country as preparations continue ahead of the September event.
Source: https://guardian.ng/life/nigerian-athlete-coach-dreh-to-swim-cycle-run-226km-across-four-states/
Nigeria News (Standard)
French Institute Urges Increased Support for Live Music, Emerging Artists at Abuja Event
Cultural stakeholders gather in FCT as French Institute marks World Music Day, calls for policy backing and investment
Cultural stakeholders gather in FCT as French Institute marks World Music Day, calls for policy backing and investment
Music lovers, cultural enthusiasts, and performers converged on Team Compound in Abuja on Saturday as the French Institute marked World Music Day with a call for stronger backing of live music and upcoming artistes. The event, which drew a diverse crowd from across the Federal Capital Territory, highlighted the challenges facing Nigeria’s creative sector and underscored the need for sustained support.
The celebration featured live performances from both established acts and emerging talents, providing a platform for artistes to showcase their craft. Organisers said the event aimed not only to entertain but also to raise awareness about the pressing issues confronting musicians and the broader entertainment industry in Nigeria. According to participants, limited access to funding, inadequate venues, and lack of institutional support continue to hinder growth in live music.
Stakeholders present at the occasion stressed that increased investment from both government and private sector is essential to nurture new talent and preserve Nigeria’s rich musical heritage. The French Institute noted that collaborative efforts between cultural bodies, policymakers, and investors would create more opportunities for young artistes. “Supporting live music is not just about entertainment; it is about sustaining our cultural identity and creating jobs,” an organiser said during the event.
No government representative was immediately available for comment on proposed policy changes or direct support for emerging artistes. However, industry observers say targeted interventions—such as grants, infrastructure upgrades, and promotion of local content—could help address existing gaps. The opposition could not be immediately reached for their reaction.
As momentum builds around initiatives like World Music Day, many in Nigeria’s creative community are hopeful that sustained advocacy will lead to concrete reforms. Stakeholders say improved support structures could boost employment, enhance international recognition of Nigerian music, and strengthen cultural ties within West Africa.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Soludo Moves to Regulate Rent Fees in Anambra Amid Pushback Over ₦12,000 Cement Price
Landlords cite soaring building costs as government targets agents and estate operators for alleged exploitation of tenants
Landlords cite soaring building costs as government targets agents and estate operators for alleged exploitation of tenants
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has announced plans to clamp down on excessive housing charges, warning house agents and estate operators against collecting illegal fees from tenants beyond agreed rent payments. The move, revealed on Friday, has drawn mixed reactions in Anambra, with landlords arguing that rising construction costs make it unfair for government to influence rental prices.
The state government is considering reforms that may regulate agency charges, require the registration of real estate agents, and provide new channels for tenants to report exploitation. Governor Soludo stated that his administration was responding to reports of tenants being forced to pay multiple fees in addition to their rent. “I learnt that after tenants pay their house rent, agents still collect additional fees from them. House agents in Anambra State should get ready… we are coming for them,” Soludo said during an address.
However, some landlords and property developers have voiced strong opposition, highlighting the impact of inflation on construction materials. A Nigerian man went viral online after saying, “I can’t be buying a bag of cement for ₦12,000 and you tell me how much I will rent my property.” He added that unless government introduces mass housing schemes or subsidises building materials, efforts to regulate private rents are unsustainable. “If govt wants to crash rent, they should roll out mass housing for low income earners and rent will crash,” he argued on social media.
For years, residents in major cities like Awka, Onitsha and Nnewi have faced high accommodation costs due to agency fees, agreement charges and legal deposits often rivaling or exceeding annual rent. Some tenants allege that these extra charges are now a significant barrier to securing affordable housing. The planned reforms are expected to focus more on regulating the activities of agents and real estate practitioners than imposing direct controls on landlords’ rental prices.
Soludo’s intervention is part of a wider push by the Anambra government against what it describes as exploitative practices in critical sectors. Over the past two years, authorities have increased efforts to bring transparency into property transactions and protect residents from predatory practices. While officials say new regulations will restore order in the housing market, stakeholders warn that without addressing fundamental supply issues—such as construction inflation—the cost burden may persist.
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