Nigeria News (Standard)
Army Troops Rescue Three Kidnapped Women in Zamfara’s Anka LGA, Seize Weapons
Victims held for three months freed during routine patrol; military recovers arms and motorcycles in fresh operations
Victims held for three months freed during routine patrol; military recovers arms and motorcycles in fresh operations
Troops of the Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) rescued three female kidnap victims during a military operation at Bagega, Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State, on Saturday, 22 June 2026. The rescue comes amid ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist camps and improve security across North-West Nigeria.
According to a statement released by Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force Northwest OPFY, the three women were freed after troops on routine offensive patrol encountered the victims abandoned by their abductors. The kidnappers reportedly fled the area due to increased military pressure.
The rescued victims were identified as Zainab Muhammadu, 28, from Gara Zaima Village in Bukkuyum Local Government Area, Zamfara State; Hafsat Ibrahim, 20; and Halira Usman, 17—both from Mashiga/Taka Lafiya Village in Zuru Local Government Area, Kebbi State. All three had spent approximately three months in captivity before their release.
Military authorities disclosed that the operation also led to the recovery of a high-calibre weapon, ammunition, motorcycles used by the kidnappers, military uniforms, and other operational items. “The rescued victims were immediately evacuated for comprehensive medical evaluation and appropriate care,” Lieutenant Colonel Danja said in the statement issued to journalists in Gusau, Zamfara State capital.
The rescue is part of intensified measures by security agencies to tackle banditry and kidnapping in Zamfara and neighbouring states. Security sources maintain that continued operations will target remaining criminal hideouts in both Zamfara and Sokoto States. As at press time, there was no immediate comment from state government officials or opposition parties regarding the incident.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/opfy-troops-rescue-3-female-kidnapped-victims/
Nigeria News (Standard)
PDP Faction in Gombe Disowns Pantami, Announces Alternative Governorship Candidate
Party chieftains reject Isa Pantami’s reported candidacy, declare fresh nominee ahead of 2026 governorship poll
Party chieftains reject Isa Pantami’s reported candidacy, declare fresh nominee ahead of 2026 governorship poll
A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State has publicly disowned former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, distancing itself from reports suggesting his emergence as the party’s governorship candidate. The announcement was made on Thursday in Gombe, as the group declared support for a different candidate ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
The development comes amid mounting speculation about Pantami’s political ambitions in Gombe, with some party stakeholders previously touting him as a potential PDP flagbearer. However, the faction clarified that it does not recognise Pantami’s candidacy and has instead selected an alternative nominee whose name was not disclosed at the time of the announcement.
This internal rift highlights ongoing tensions within the PDP in Gombe State, North-East Nigeria, as party members jostle for influence and control ahead of the forthcoming polls. The struggle over the governorship ticket is seen by analysts as a test of strength between established politicians and newer entrants seeking to reshape party dynamics.
Party leaders who addressed journalists insisted that the process leading to Pantami’s purported selection did not follow due process and lacked input from critical stakeholders. “We want to state categorically that Isa Pantami is not our candidate,” a party official said at Thursday’s briefing. The group stressed its commitment to unity and transparency in selecting candidates for all elective offices.
With this latest move, attention now shifts to how national PDP leadership will respond to the division within its Gombe chapter and whether reconciliation efforts will be made before official campaigns commence later this year.
Nigeria News (Standard)
SSS Arraigns Former Plateau NBA Chairman Over WhatsApp Post in Jos
Security agency files charges against ex-bar leader for alleged online post; legal community expresses concern over implications for free speech
Security agency files charges against ex-bar leader for alleged online post; legal community expresses concern over implications for free speech
The State Security Service (SSS) has charged a former chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Plateau State branch, to court in Jos on Thursday, following an alleged post made on WhatsApp. The move by the security agency marks a notable development in the ongoing scrutiny of online speech by public figures in Nigeria.
According to court filings, the ex-NBA chairman is accused of sharing a message on the social media platform deemed objectionable by authorities. Details regarding the content of the post and the specific legal provisions cited have not been made public as at press time. The arraignment took place at a Jos magistrate court, with SSS officials present to oversee proceedings.
This case comes at a time when legal practitioners and civil rights advocates in Nigeria are increasingly raising alarm over perceived encroachments on digital rights and freedom of expression. Social media has become a major avenue for civic engagement and political commentary in Nigeria, but regulatory agencies have warned that certain posts can threaten national security or incite public disorder.
Neither the SSS nor representatives of the NBA Plateau branch issued immediate statements following Thursday’s court session. However, members of the local legal community have expressed concern about what they described as a growing trend of using security agencies to target critics and professionals for their online activities.
The case is expected to continue in coming weeks, with observers watching closely for its outcome and potential impact on how Nigerian authorities interpret laws related to online speech. The opposition could not be immediately reached for comment regarding Thursday’s development.
Nigeria News (Standard)
NIVEA Launches Derma Control Range in Lagos, Targets Improved Underarm Skincare for Nigerians
New product line promises relief from irritation and dark marks as beauty industry addresses neglected body care
New product line promises relief from irritation and dark marks as beauty industry addresses neglected body care
NIVEA has introduced its Derma Control range in Lagos, aiming to transform underarm skincare for Nigerian consumers. The launch, which took place on 25 June 2026, brings attention to an area often overlooked in personal care routines. According to the company, the new line includes two products designed to nourish underarm skin, reduce irritation, and address uneven skin tone resulting from daily stress like shaving and sweating.
The Derma Control range features two variants: Defend and Natural Tone. Defend is formulated with Pure Hyaluron and Pro-Vitamin B5, intended to soothe irritation and prevent itchiness caused by friction. Natural Tone combines Pure Hyaluron with Vitamin C, targeting dark marks while maintaining sweat and odour protection. NIVEA stated that both products are enriched with vitamins and offer a level of care typically reserved for facial or body skincare products.
The launch comes as the Nigerian beauty industry experiences increased demand for specialised skincare solutions beyond traditional face and body products. Industry observers note that many Nigerians face discomfort or confidence issues due to underarm concerns but have limited access to targeted solutions. With the introduction of this range, NIVEA aims to fill this gap by providing options specifically developed for sensitive underarm skin.
While official reactions from government regulatory agencies were not immediately available at press time, experts in dermatology have previously highlighted the importance of using gentle formulations on delicate areas such as underarms. The company did not disclose retail prices during the launch event but indicated the products would be widely available across Nigeria from July.
As more brands respond to consumer calls for comprehensive skincare options, stakeholders expect competition in Nigeria’s beauty market to intensify. NIVEA’s move may prompt other manufacturers to develop similar targeted products addressing specific needs of Nigerian consumers.
Source: https://guardian.ng/life/your-underarms-deserve-skincare-too/
PDP Faction in Gombe Disowns Pantami, Announces Alternative Governorship Candidate
SSS Arraigns Former Plateau NBA Chairman Over WhatsApp Post in Jos
NIVEA Launches Derma Control Range in Lagos, Targets Improved Underarm Skincare for Nigerians
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