Nigeria News (Standard)
Sunday Igboho’s Security Operatives Injured as Suspected Bandits Engage in Gun Battle in Oyo National Park
Incident sparks renewed calls for security reinforcement after recent school kidnappings and teacher’s killing in Oriire LGA
Incident sparks renewed calls for security reinforcement after recent school kidnappings and teacher’s killing in Oriire LGA
Several members of Sunday Igboho’s Iru Ekun security outfit sustained injuries during a fierce gun battle with suspected cross-border bandits inside Old Oyo National Park, Oyo State, on Tuesday. The attack occurred while the operatives were carrying out an operation aimed at flushing out criminal groups believed to be hiding in the forest following recent abductions in the region.
According to information gathered, the Iru Ekun team deployed surveillance drones to identify possible hideouts before moving into the dense forest. However, they reportedly came under heavy gunfire from armed men suspected to belong to cross-border criminal gangs. The security personnel returned fire and resisted the attackers, but several operatives were wounded. The exact number of casualties has not been officially confirmed by authorities as at press time.
The incident comes against the backdrop of rising insecurity in Oyo State, particularly after a wave of school kidnappings in Oriire Local Government Area. Armed men had recently invaded schools, abducting pupils, teachers and a principal. One of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was killed by his captors, who released a disturbing video showing his execution. These attacks have triggered widespread panic among parents and disrupted academic activities in affected communities.
Communities surrounding Old Oyo National Park have repeatedly called on government and security agencies to increase operations in the area due to persistent reports of kidnapping and armed attacks linked to bandit groups. Security experts warn that forests spanning Oyo and neighbouring states are increasingly used as hideouts by armed gangs because of their difficult terrain and limited security presence.
As anxiety spreads across affected communities, stakeholders are urging immediate deployment of more police and military personnel to secure schools and restore public confidence. Government has yet to issue an official statement regarding the latest attack on Sunday Igboho’s operatives. Meanwhile, parents continue to withdraw their children from schools over fears of further abductions.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Employers Shift Focus to Soft Skills Over Degrees Amid Workplace Changes
Jobberman reports surge in demand for adaptability and emotional intelligence as Nigerian firms embrace AI and remote work
Jobberman reports surge in demand for adaptability and emotional intelligence as Nigerian firms embrace AI and remote work
Employers across Lagos State are now prioritising soft skills such as adaptability, communication, and emotional intelligence above academic degrees, according to new hiring trends observed on Wednesday. Recruitment experts at Jobberman say the shift is driven by rapid changes in workplace technology, with many technical skills now easily learned on the job.
Industry insiders revealed that while university certificates remain relevant, the real competition in Nigeria’s job market has moved towards qualities like critical thinking, teamwork, and self-management. This trend is especially pronounced among companies navigating the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and remote work arrangements.
For decades, a degree was seen as a key requirement for good jobs across the country. However, Jobberman’s latest findings show that employers in Lagos and other major cities are increasingly assessing candidates on how they respond to challenges and interact with colleagues rather than just paper qualifications. “Technical know-how can be taught quickly, but things like adaptability or emotional intelligence are much harder to instil,” said a senior Jobberman analyst during a phone interview.
Experts note that this development reflects both global and local realities. In an environment where AI tools can handle routine tasks, Nigerian employers are seeking workers who can think critically and collaborate effectively in diverse teams. “The ability to communicate clearly and manage oneself under pressure is now a top priority for recruiters,” the analyst added.
Jobberman advised job seekers to focus on building these interpersonal skills alongside their academic pursuits. While no official government policy has yet addressed this shift directly, stakeholders say it could influence curriculum reforms at universities and vocational centres nationwide. As hiring continues to evolve in Nigeria’s competitive labour market, experts predict that candidates who balance qualifications with soft skills will have the strongest prospects going forward.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/skills-employers-now-prioritise-more-than-degrees-2026062611102933152
Nigeria News (Standard)
Borno Court Sentences Boko Haram Member to Death by Hanging Over 2015 Maiduguri Attacks
Landmark judgement marks rare capital conviction for terrorism in North-East; security agencies welcome verdict as deterrent
Landmark judgement marks rare capital conviction for terrorism in North-East; security agencies welcome verdict as deterrent
A Borno State High Court has sentenced a Boko Haram member to death by hanging for his involvement in the deadly 2015 attacks on Maiduguri, the state capital. The judgement was delivered on Friday, June 26, following a lengthy trial in Maiduguri that highlighted the severity of insurgency-related crimes in the North-East.
According to court proceedings, the convicted individual was found guilty of participating in coordinated assaults that left many residents dead and property destroyed during the 2015 wave of violence that shook Maiduguri. The presiding judge stated that the evidence presented proved beyond reasonable doubt that the accused played a significant role in planning and executing the attacks.
The sentencing comes at a time when security challenges persist across Borno and other North-East states, with government intensifying efforts to prosecute high-profile terrorism cases. The conviction is seen as a major milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against Boko Haram, which has displaced millions and claimed thousands of lives since its insurgency began.
Security agencies have described the judgement as a strong message to those involved in violent extremism. A senior officer in Maiduguri said the court’s decision will encourage further cooperation between law enforcement and communities affected by insurgency. No statement from defence counsel was available as at press time.
With this ruling, authorities are expected to speed up prosecution of other pending terrorism cases, while rights groups continue to call for fair trials and improved support for victims. The execution order underscores growing pressure on Nigeria’s judiciary to deliver justice amid ongoing security threats.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Army Rescues 53 Civilians After Dismantling ISWAP Roadblock in Borno’s Biu LGA
Troops under Operation HADIN KAI recover eight vehicles as Theatre Command urges vigilance against insurgent ambushes
Troops under Operation HADIN KAI recover eight vehicles as Theatre Command urges vigilance against insurgent ambushes
Nigerian Army troops of Sector 2, 135 Special Forces Battalion, rescued 53 civilians on Wednesday after dismantling an ISWAP roadblock along the Buratai–Kamuya Road in Biu Local Government Area, Borno State. The operation was conducted under the Joint Task Force North-East Operation HADIN KAI following reports of insurgents blocking the highway.
According to the Acting Military Information Officer, Captain Mohammed Goni, soldiers deployed at Dutse Kura observation post detected the illegal checkpoint through surveillance cameras. A Quick Reaction Force team responded swiftly to the scene and engaged the terrorists near Mangari–Dora, forcing them to abandon their position after a gun battle. The troops then cleared withdrawal routes and recovered eight vehicles seized by the insurgents.
The rescue comes amid persistent insecurity in North-East Nigeria, where groups like ISWAP and JAS have used road ambushes to abduct travellers and steal property. Roadblocks remain a major tactic for disrupting civilian movement and targeting commuters along key highways in conflict-affected areas such as Borno.
“The prompt action by our personnel prevented what could have been a severe hostage situation,” Captain Goni said in a press statement released by Theatre Command. He confirmed that all rescued civilians and recovered vehicles were safely escorted to Buratai town for documentation and medical checks before reuniting with their families. The command commended the troops for their professionalism and rapid response.
Military authorities are urging residents across Borno and neighbouring states to maintain vigilance and report any suspicious activities or movements to security forces. They reiterated the importance of community support for ongoing counter-insurgency operations aimed at securing major roads and preventing further attacks by armed groups in the region.
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Oyagbola, Creative Sector Leaders Urge Increased Investment in Women at Lagos Arts Summit
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