Nigeria News (Standard)
Port Harcourt Gas Secretariat Confirms Domestic Utilisation Surpasses 2bcfd as Exports Reach Five-Year High
Federal government says rising gas output driven by power, industry and transport; energy stakeholders hail economic boost
Federal government says rising gas output driven by power, industry and transport; energy stakeholders hail economic boost
Nigeria’s domestic natural gas utilisation has crossed the two billion standard cubic feet per day (2bcfd) mark, with exports hitting their highest level in five years, according to new disclosures by the Decade of Gas Secretariat. The announcement was made during a media capacity-building programme held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Wednesday.
Mr. Taofeek Balogun, representing the Decade of Gas Secretariat at the event, stated that Nigeria’s gas sector is now recording year-to-date production of 7.85 billion standard cubic feet per day (bcfd). He attributed this progress to the Federal Government’s ongoing gas development agenda, which targets increased domestic supply for power generation, industry, transportation and household use.
The surge in both domestic consumption and exports comes at a time when Nigeria is seeking to reduce reliance on imported fuels and strengthen its energy security. The government’s push for wider adoption of compressed natural gas (CNG) and electric vehicles has also created new demand for domestic gas. Experts say this milestone demonstrates the growing role of natural gas in Nigeria’s industrialisation drive and economic diversification efforts.
“This achievement reflects our commitment to harnessing Nigeria’s vast gas resources for national development,” Balogun said at the programme, which was organised in collaboration with the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (Pi-CNG & EV). He added that continued investment in infrastructure and policy reforms are essential to sustain growth in the sector.
Stakeholders present at the event commended government’s efforts but urged further action to address challenges such as pipeline vandalism and regulatory bottlenecks. As Nigeria consolidates its position as a leading gas producer in Africa, industry players expect ongoing reforms to attract more investments and support job creation across key sectors.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Rivers Police Seize Browning Pistol Hidden in Bread, Arrest Suspect in Port Harcourt
Command says weapon was discovered during routine stop-and-search on Azikiwe Road; investigation ongoing into firearm’s origin
Command says weapon was discovered during routine stop-and-search on Azikiwe Road; investigation ongoing into firearm’s origin
Rivers State Police Command has intercepted an alleged attempt to smuggle a firearm through Port Harcourt, arresting a male suspect after officers found a Browning pistol concealed inside a loaf of bread. The incident occurred along Azikiwe Road near Red Cross Junction during a routine stop-and-search operation on Friday, according to police authorities.
Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, stated that the recovery was made by operatives acting under the directive of Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju. Officers stopped a vehicle for security checks and conducted a thorough search of its occupants. During the search, the pistol was found ingeniously hidden inside bread belonging to one Braya Nanas, identified as a resident of New Road, Borikiri.
The discovery has raised fresh concerns over the creative methods employed by criminal elements to evade law enforcement in Rivers State and across the South-South zone. The command noted that the Browning pistol had no visible serial number, complicating efforts to trace its origin and raising questions about its intended use within the city.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the firearm had no serial number,” Kaborlo said in an official statement issued on Friday. The suspect reportedly admitted ownership of the weapon during interrogation and claimed he bought it in Okrika. Police said further investigation is ongoing to uncover potential accomplices and determine how widespread such tactics may be among criminal networks in the region.
The Rivers State Police Command urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly. Authorities assured that efforts would continue to clamp down on illegal arms trafficking and pledged increased patrols around key entry points into Port Harcourt. No further details about possible charges or court proceedings were provided as at press time.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/police-foil-gun-smuggling-attempt-in-port-harcourt/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Sokoto High Court Sentences Three Boko Haram Terrorists to Death by Hanging for Terrorism Offences
Judgement comes as Nigeria ramps up terrorism prosecutions; DSS seized assets linked to arms trafficking syndicate
Judgement comes as Nigeria ramps up terrorism prosecutions; DSS seized assets linked to arms trafficking syndicate
A High Court in Sokoto State has sentenced three men—Yusuf Muhammad (alias Sallau), Jabbi Alhaji Yalle, and Kabiru Muhammad—to death by hanging after convicting them on multiple terrorism and arms trafficking charges. The ruling was delivered by Justice Bello on Wednesday, following their arrest by Department of State Services (DSS) operatives during a counter-terrorism operation on 13 June 2025.
According to the judgement, the court found all three defendants guilty on every count related to terrorism activities and illegal proliferation of firearms. The presiding judge also ordered that all funds and assets traced to the convicts be forfeited to the Federal Government. DSS officials attached to the Counter-Terrorism Unit apprehended the suspects based on intelligence reports linking them to cross-border arms dealings in Sokoto, North-West zone.
This verdict is part of a wider judicial push across Nigeria targeting suspected members of Boko Haram and its breakaway faction, ISWAP. In recent weeks, courts have handed down several death sentences for terrorism-related offences—including a Federal High Court in Katsina, which sentenced Hauwa’u Mukhtar to death after she was allegedly caught transporting 438 rounds of ammunition for a bandit leader. In Abuja, four men were also condemned for their roles in the 2022 Owo church attack that left over 40 worshippers dead.
Justice sector officials say these convictions demonstrate Nigeria’s renewed commitment to addressing a backlog of terrorism cases—many involving suspects held since military operations intensified in the North-East. “The government remains committed to bringing all those who threaten national security to justice,” said an official familiar with ongoing prosecutions.
The latest ruling coincides with the Federal Government’s ongoing mass trial of more than 500 suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP members, which authorities describe as one of the largest terrorism cases in Nigerian history. Security experts argue that consistent convictions may help deter future attacks while rebuilding public confidence in the country’s justice system.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/sokoto-court-sentences-three-terror-suspects-death-2026062614092884209
Nigeria News (Standard)
Abuja Court Nullifies NDC Registration Amid Legal Challenge
Judgement raises questions about future of the party as members await leadership response and next legal steps
Judgement raises questions about future of the party as members await leadership response and next legal steps
A Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified the registration of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), effectively removing the party from Nigeria’s list of recognised political parties. The ruling, delivered on Friday, follows a legal challenge questioning the legitimacy of NDC’s registration process.
The court decision was handed down after a review of documents and arguments presented by parties involved. The judge ruled that due process was not followed during the party’s initial registration, leading to the cancellation of NDC’s status as a registered political party in Nigeria. Party officials and supporters were present in court to hear the judgement.
The NDC, which has participated in recent electoral cycles at various levels, now faces an uncertain future. The ruling is significant as it comes at a time when political parties are preparing for upcoming elections and has left members concerned about their political participation and representation.
NDC leaders are yet to issue an official statement on the court’s decision. However, sources within the party indicated that consultations are ongoing among stakeholders to determine whether to appeal the judgement or explore other legal options. Political observers note that this development could impact alliances and electoral strategies ahead of future polls.
With this ruling, attention now shifts to both the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other parties that may face similar legal scrutiny over their registration processes. The next steps from NDC’s leadership are expected to clarify whether they will seek redress through higher courts or comply with the judgement.
