Nigeria News (Standard)
Italy’s Supreme Court Clears Prosecutors Over Eni, Shell Malabu Oilfield Probe Linked to Nigeria
Ruling ends years-long legal battle involving alleged corruption in OPL 245 deal; Nigerian officials had faced scrutiny
Ruling ends years-long legal battle involving alleged corruption in OPL 245 deal; Nigerian officials had faced scrutiny
Italy’s highest court has acquitted prosecutors involved in the long-running investigation of oil giants Eni and Shell regarding the controversial Malabu OPL 245 oilfield deal, which has significant links to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. The ruling was delivered in Rome on Friday, closing a major chapter in one of the country’s most high-profile international corruption cases.
The case revolved around allegations that Eni and Shell paid over $1 billion for Nigeria’s OPL 245 oilfield, with claims that much of the money went as bribes to Nigerian government officials and intermediaries. Italian prosecutors launched criminal proceedings against several executives from both companies, as well as Nigerian stakeholders, but were themselves later accused of misconduct and improper handling of the investigation.
The Supreme Court’s decision to clear the prosecutors brings finality to years of legal tussles that have attracted global attention. The OPL 245 saga is regarded by many analysts as one of Nigeria’s biggest oil scandals, raising questions on transparency and accountability in the country’s extractive industry. The outcome is seen as crucial for Italy-Nigeria relations within the oil and gas sector, where foreign investment remains sensitive to legal and regulatory uncertainty.
While Italian courts had previously acquitted Eni, Shell, and their executives of wrongdoing in March 2021 due to insufficient evidence, today’s ruling specifically vindicates the prosecutors who led the initial probe. No immediate reaction has come from the Nigerian government or anti-corruption agencies as at press time.
Legal experts suggest this verdict may influence similar cross-border investigations involving Nigeria’s natural resources. However, calls for greater oversight on future oil block allocations persist among civil society groups in Abuja and Lagos.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Troops Repel ISWAP Attack in Biu LGA, Inflict Heavy Losses on Insurgents
Military confirms no casualties among own forces as coordinated air and ground response thwarts incursion in Borno State
Military confirms no casualties among own forces as coordinated air and ground response thwarts incursion in Borno State
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai repelled a coordinated attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in the Buratai axis of Biu Local Government Area, Borno State, on Friday morning. The incident occurred at Dusten Kura and Chara road, where insurgents launched multiple assaults targeting military positions in the area.
According to Acting Military Information Officer OPHK, Captain Mohammed Goni, alert troops—supported by robust intelligence—quickly detected the incursion and responded with superior firepower. The response featured a combined air and ground counter-attack, with the Air Component of OPHK providing Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance as well as precision strikes from Nigerian Air Force platforms.
The military said the integrated air support disrupted the terrorists’ assault and forced them to retreat in disarray. “The precision air support integrated seamlessly with ground forces, disrupted the terrorists’ assault and inflicted heavy casualties on the attackers, forcing them to flee in confusion,” Captain Goni stated in a written statement issued Friday afternoon. He confirmed that there were no casualties recorded among troops during the engagement, while ISWAP suffered significant losses both in personnel and equipment.
The Buratai axis has witnessed repeated attacks from insurgent groups operating across North-East Nigeria. Security analysts say that such incidents underscore ongoing security challenges facing Borno State despite recent gains recorded by Operation Hadin Kai. The military has intensified patrols and surveillance across flashpoints to prevent further incursions by armed groups.
Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious movements within their communities. As at press time, there was no official statement from ISWAP regarding the failed attack. The military assured that further measures would be taken to reinforce security in vulnerable areas within Biu LGA and other affected locations across North-East Nigeria.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Tinubu Orders Enhanced Security at NIPSS After Fatal Jos Attack
Presidency moves to tighten protection at Kuru campus following deadly assault; security agencies launch investigation
Presidency moves to tighten protection at Kuru campus following deadly assault; security agencies launch investigation
President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies to reinforce measures at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, Jos South LGA, Plateau State, after a fatal attack claimed lives on the institute’s premises. The directive was issued on Friday, 19 June 2026, amid rising concern over safety at Nigeria’s top policy training institution.
According to presidency sources, the order came in response to a recent incident in which armed men breached the NIPSS campus, resulting in casualties among staff and visitors. Security operatives have since been deployed to bolster defences around the institute’s facility, with investigations underway to identify those responsible for the assault.
The attack has heightened anxiety within Plateau State and across Nigeria’s academic community, as NIPSS serves as a key centre for strategic government policy research and leadership development. The incident also raises fresh questions about persistent insecurity in North-Central Nigeria, where attacks by armed groups continue despite ongoing military operations.
A statement from the presidency reaffirmed Tinubu’s commitment to safeguarding national institutions and ensuring the perpetrators are brought to justice. “Government is treating this incident with utmost seriousness,” the statement read. “All necessary resources have been mobilised to protect lives and restore confidence at NIPSS.” Security agencies in Plateau State have launched an investigation but had yet to release further details as at press time.
While opposition figures are yet to issue a formal response, some policy experts called for broader reforms of campus security nationwide. The presidency said it will review existing protocols at federal institutions. Further updates are expected once preliminary findings from security operatives become available.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Experts at Abuja Summit Urge Full Adoption of Green Economy in Nigeria by 2026
Stakeholders at NEST conference highlight urgent need for sustainable policies as Nigeria faces mounting environmental challenges
Stakeholders at NEST conference highlight urgent need for sustainable policies as Nigeria faces mounting environmental challenges
Environmental experts and policymakers have called for the urgent implementation of a comprehensive green economy strategy across Nigeria, citing the country’s rising environmental and economic risks. The call was made on Friday, 19 June 2026, during the National Environmental Summit and Technology (NEST) conference held in Abuja.
Participants at the summit emphasised that a shift towards a green economy is vital if Nigeria hopes to address pressing issues such as deforestation, pollution, and over-reliance on fossil fuels. The event brought together stakeholders from government agencies, academia, and civil society organisations to deliberate on practical measures that could accelerate the nation’s transition to sustainable development models.
Nigeria continues to face significant environmental challenges linked to unchecked urbanisation and industrial activities. Experts at the summit noted that these issues have direct implications for public health, food security, and economic stability. They argued that adopting green economy principles—such as investing in renewable energy, promoting waste recycling, and enforcing stricter environmental regulations—would help create new jobs and safeguard natural resources for future generations.
During panel discussions, participants called on federal and state governments to prioritise policy reforms that would incentivise investment in clean technologies. They also urged the National Assembly to expedite passage of pending bills aimed at strengthening environmental governance. “There is an urgent need for robust collaboration between all sectors if we are serious about tackling climate change and building resilience into our economy,” one speaker said during the plenary session.
The conference concluded with a communique outlining recommendations for government action ahead of NEST 2027. Stakeholders expressed optimism that with committed leadership and public support, Nigeria can position itself as a regional leader in green innovation while meeting its international climate obligations.
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