Nigeria News (Standard)
Troops Rescue Eight Kidnap Victims After Gun Battle in Plateau’s Pandam Forest
Operation ENDURING PEACE hails community support as soldiers pursue fleeing abductors in Qua’an Pan LGA
Operation ENDURING PEACE hails community support as soldiers pursue fleeing abductors in Qua’an Pan LGA
Troops attached to Operation ENDURING PEACE have rescued eight persons abducted by suspected kidnappers during a midnight operation in Pandam Forest, Qua’an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State. The military confirmed the rescue on Friday, stating that the operation was carried out in the early hours of Wednesday, 24 June, after receiving credible intelligence about kidnappers’ activities in the area.
According to Captain Chinonso Oteh, Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force, troops stationed in Namu Town launched a coordinated offensive at about 3:00 a.m. Upon entering the forest, the soldiers encountered armed resistance from the suspects. In the ensuing gun battle, three victims managed to escape from captivity. The troops continued combing the dense forest and subsequently discovered five more kidnapped individuals, bringing the total number rescued to eight.
Kidnapping for ransom has remained a major security concern across Plateau and neighbouring North-Central states, with many incidents occurring in remote forested areas. Security agencies have intensified operations in recent months to dismantle criminal hideouts and free hostages held by armed groups.
Captain Oteh said all rescued victims are safe and efforts are ongoing to reunite them with their families. He also disclosed that troops are currently pursuing the fleeing kidnappers through ongoing search-and-rescue efforts. “This successful operation has been highly applauded by members of the local communities, who indicated willingness to continue to provide useful information to ensure the arrest of the kidnappers,” he stated in a written statement.
Community leaders in Qua’an Pan LGA have commended the swift response by security forces and pledged continued support through intelligence sharing. Operation ENDURING PEACE called on residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to authorities as part of ongoing efforts to restore security across Plateau State.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Filmmaker Doris Ariole Secures Consecutive Best Director International Nomination at Canadian Festival
Ariole’s recognition at Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival highlights Nigerian cinema’s growing global influence
Ariole’s recognition at Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival highlights Nigerian cinema’s growing global influence
Award-winning filmmaker and founder of Hadassah Productions, Doris Ariole, has received another Best Director International nomination at the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF) in Canada. The announcement, made public on Thursday in Lagos, marks the second consecutive year Ariole is being recognised for her work on the international stage.
The festival organisers listed Ariole among this year’s nominees for Best Director International, further cementing her reputation as a leading figure in Nigeria’s creative industry. The nomination comes after her previous recognition at TINFF, making her one of the few Nigerian filmmakers to achieve back-to-back nominations in this category.
Industry observers say Ariole’s continuous international acknowledgment signals the increasing relevance of Nigerian cinema abroad. Over the past decade, Nollywood directors and producers have expanded their reach across North America and Europe, with several works featured at global festivals. Stakeholders believe such achievements will encourage more collaborations between Nigerian creatives and their counterparts overseas.
While official reactions from relevant film bodies were not immediately available as at press time, TINFF has previously praised Nigerian directors for their contributions to African storytelling and for raising the profile of African film on the world stage. The festival, held annually in Toronto, aims to celebrate diversity and promote filmmakers from Africa and its diaspora.
With preparations underway for this year’s TINFF ceremony in Canada, industry watchers expect Ariole’s nomination to inspire emerging talents within Nigeria’s film sector. The event is also anticipated to open further opportunities for local filmmakers seeking international exposure.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Partners Oakleaf to Boost Health at Public Service Club Games
New collaboration aims to promote wellness among public servants through integrated health activities during annual sports event
New collaboration aims to promote wellness among public servants through integrated health activities during annual sports event
The Lagos State Government has entered into a partnership with Oakleaf, a health sector stakeholder, to enhance the health and wellness components of this year’s Lagos Public Service Club Games. The announcement was made in Lagos on Saturday, 27 June 2026, as part of efforts to improve the wellbeing of public servants across the state.
According to organisers, the partnership will introduce health-focused activities alongside the traditional sporting competitions. These additions are expected to provide participants with access to basic health checks and wellness education during the games, which serve as an annual convergence for staff from different government ministries and agencies.
The Lagos Public Service Club Games have long been a platform for fostering teamwork and camaraderie among civil servants in Nigeria’s commercial capital. This year’s inclusion of health initiatives comes amid growing calls for workplace wellness programmes within the public sector, with stakeholders noting that regular physical activity and preventive healthcare can significantly boost productivity and morale.
Officials from Oakleaf stated that their involvement would centre on providing free screenings for blood pressure, blood sugar, and other routine assessments throughout the tournament. “We believe that integrating these services will not only encourage participation but also raise awareness about healthy living among workers,” an Oakleaf representative said in a statement released after the agreement was signed.
The Lagos State Government has welcomed the development, describing it as a step towards building a healthier workforce. Organisers indicated that if successful, the partnership could be expanded in future editions of the games. Further details regarding specific health programmes are expected to be released ahead of the event’s official kickoff date.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Kogi West Monarchs, Youth Leaders Pledge Support for Security Agencies to Tackle Insecurity
Traditional rulers in Okunland direct withdrawal of chieftaincy dispute from court, urge unity against rising crime
Traditional rulers in Okunland direct withdrawal of chieftaincy dispute from court, urge unity against rising crime
Traditional rulers and youth leaders from the five Local Government Areas of Okunland in Kogi West Senatorial District have pledged to strengthen their partnership with security agencies in a renewed effort to tackle insecurity across their communities. The commitment was made during separate meetings held over the weekend in Kabba, headquarters of Kogi West, as concerns rise about criminal activities in the North-Central state.
At a gathering of the Okun Area Traditional Council chaired by the Obaro of Kabba, Oba (Dr.) Solomon Owoniyi, monarchs reviewed pressing issues affecting peace, security and development within the district. Other royal fathers present included the Elegbe of Egbe, Oba Irukera; the Agbana of Isanlu, Oba Etombi; the Elulu of Mopa, Oba Ibeun; and the Olujumu of Ijumu, Oba Ayeni. The council resolved to work more closely with security agencies and promote community-based initiatives to combat crime.
The monarchs noted that insecurity threatens social cohesion and economic progress in Okunland and called for collective vigilance among residents. They discussed specific challenges within their domains and agreed on a united front to address common problems affecting the area.
On a chieftaincy dispute involving two traditional rulers in Yagba West Local Government Area, the council announced its intervention. The traditional leaders directed that all legal actions relating to the dispute be withdrawn from court immediately. They invited both parties to a reconciliation meeting aimed at reaching an amicable settlement.
Youth leaders present at the meetings also expressed readiness to collaborate with law enforcement agencies by improving information sharing and participating in community policing efforts. Stakeholders emphasised that only through sustained cooperation can lasting peace and security be achieved across Kogi West.
Lagos Filmmaker Doris Ariole Secures Consecutive Best Director International Nomination at Canadian Festival
Super Eagles Legend Wades Into Messi vs Ronaldo GOAT Debate With Striking Verdict
Colombia and Portugal Set for Group K Showdown With World Cup Progress on the Line
Lagos Partners Oakleaf to Boost Health at Public Service Club Games
Can Lionel Messi Lead Argentina to Another World Cup Final? The ‘Easy Path’ Debate Explained
Kogi West Monarchs, Youth Leaders Pledge Support for Security Agencies to Tackle Insecurity
NDLEA Seizes 929.5kg Illicit Drugs, Secures 53 Convictions in Enugu State
Monica.Cash Launches New Digital Asset Conversion Service in Lagos, Targets Faster Naira Access
DSS Releases Herdsman After Two-Year Detention, Awards ₦3 Million Compensation in Abuja
NAPTIP Rescues 64 Ebonyi Children Trafficked to Ghana and Libya
Environment Minister Urges Increased Investment in Nigeria’s Green Economy Ahead of Global Climate Summit
Gọvanmenti Nigeria Kwupụtara 53 Orù Anyanwụ Maka Ike Ọhụrụ N’iru Afọ 2050
Lagos Residents Spend Over ₦50bn on US Visa Applications Amid Tighter Entry Rules
Lagos FMCG Giants Record ₦18.9bn Rise in Production Costs, Earnings Hit by Inflation in Q1
Lagos Police Arrest Doctor, Birth Attendant Over Alleged Sale of Newborn for ₦2.5m
Moniepoint Graduates Second DreamDevs Cohort in Lagos to Strengthen Nigeria’s Engineering Workforce
FG Launches $500m Abuja Formula 1 Bid, Targets Africa’s First Grand Prix Since 1993
Lagos Court Declares National Assembly’s ₦110bn Vehicle and Allowance Spending Unlawful
Fresh Romance Rumours Trail Lando Norris as Alix Earle Sparks Drama in Monaco
