Nigeria News (Standard)
Troops Rescue Four Kidnap Victims in Katsina During Military Operations
Katsina government confirms rescued victims receiving medical care as security forces intensify hunt for bandit leader
Katsina government confirms rescued victims receiving medical care as security forces intensify hunt for bandit leader
Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued four persons abducted by armed men in Katsina State during ongoing military operations targeting notorious criminal gangs. The rescue, which took place in areas identified as strongholds of the bandits, was confirmed on Monday by the Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasur Muazu.
According to Dr. Muazu, the victims—identified as Musa Yakuba (62), Alhaji Sa’adu Dayi (68), Mukhtar Danja (36), and Salisu Danja (50)—were found after sustained search-and-rescue efforts by security forces. The operation followed a spate of abductions in the area, including the kidnap of late Maj. Gen. Rabe Abubakar (retd.) and his wife around the same period.
The commissioner stated that medical personnel attended to all four individuals immediately after their rescue, as they had sustained gunshot injuries during captivity. “The Katsina State Government is pleased to announce the successful rescue of four kidnap victims by troops of the Nigerian Army during ongoing operations aimed at tracking and apprehending the notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Muhammadu Fulani, and his criminal gang,” Muazu said in a written statement released to journalists in Katsina.
The spate of abductions in Katsina North-West zone has heightened concerns among residents and led to increased pressure on security agencies to restore safety in affected local government areas. Government has recently approved additional measures, including recruitment of forest guards, to complement existing security strategies across rural communities.
Dr. Muazu assured that military operations will continue until those responsible are apprehended and normalcy is restored. He also urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely information on suspicious activities. As at press time, all rescued victims were reported to be responding to treatment while troops maintained their presence in vulnerable communities.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/troops-rescue-four-abducted-victims-in-katsina/
Nigeria News (Standard)
JAMB Opens Printing of 2026 UTME Original Result Slips Nationwide After Mop-Up Exams
Examination board urges candidates to verify details as universities begin post-UTME screening for 2026/2027 session
Examination board urges candidates to verify details as universities begin post-UTME screening for 2026/2027 session
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has commenced the printing of original result slips for candidates who sat the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) across Nigeria, following an official announcement by the examination body in Abuja on Wednesday, June 17. The move comes after the completion of both the main UTME and mop-up examinations, which were conducted to accommodate candidates affected by technical challenges.
According to a statement signed by JAMB spokesperson Fabian Benjamin, the original result slip is now accessible for printing from any internet-enabled device. The board specified that candidates can log into their profiles and obtain this document within two hours of the official notice. Unlike standard online notifications, the original slip contains a candidate’s passport photograph, national ranking, and unique security features required by tertiary institutions during physical clearance and admission processes.
JAMB noted that this development is critical for prospective undergraduates as many universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education nationwide are set to commence or have already announced post-UTME screening exercises for the 2026/2027 academic session. The release of original result slips had previously been delayed to allow foreign-based testing windows and ensure mop-up exam results were fully processed. The mop-up exercise took place on June 13 for candidates who faced biometric or technical issues during the main UTME, with those results published on June 16.
“The Original Result Slip contains the candidate’s photograph, national ranking, and other security features. It is part of the official document required for post-UTME processing and consideration by tertiary institutions,” Benjamin stated in his press release. He added that candidates are advised to carefully verify all information on their printed slips and retain copies for future use throughout their admission journey.
With this announcement, JAMB has cleared a major hurdle in the ongoing university admission cycle. Candidates can now proceed with post-UTME registrations as directed by their chosen institutions, while education stakeholders expect a smoother transition into the next academic year.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ex-Mdzough U Tiv Leader Ihagh Backs State Police, Hails Akpehe’s Emergence in Benue
Ihagh says community-based policing will tackle farmer-herder conflict as Akpehe joins socio-cultural group’s leadership
Ihagh says community-based policing will tackle farmer-herder conflict as Akpehe joins socio-cultural group’s leadership
Chief Iorbee Ihagh, immediate past President General of Mdzough U Tiv Worldwide, has thrown his weight behind the establishment of state police as a solution to grassroots insecurity and persistent farmer-herder clashes in Benue State. Ihagh made this known in a statement issued on Monday, shortly after congratulating Barrister Stephen Aondonam Akpehe on his emergence as Ex-Officio in the group’s new leadership.
According to Chief Ihagh, the introduction of state police will strengthen security responses in communities because officers recruited from local areas have deeper knowledge of the terrain, language, and culture. He argued that this local intelligence would help detect threats early, prevent attacks, and improve coordination among security agencies facing complex security challenges in Benue and other states.
The former Mdzough U Tiv Worldwide leader further emphasised that Akpehe’s appointment comes at a critical period when traditional institutions are expected to support government efforts towards peace and security. He maintained that effective community leadership is essential for promoting peaceful coexistence and driving grassroots initiatives against insecurity.
Ihagh stated, “State police will enable us to respond faster to issues affecting our people. When those who understand our environment are involved, it becomes easier to identify problems before they escalate.”
While commending Akpehe for accepting the new role, Ihagh urged all leaders within the socio-cultural organisation to rally behind initiatives aimed at restoring safety and harmony in Benue communities. The newly constituted Mdzough U Tiv leadership is expected to work closely with state authorities and security agencies as debate over decentralised policing continues nationwide.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ogun Attorney-General Clears Adeyinka, Ashimiyu in Folunsho Olayinka Death Case
State prosecutors end criminal proceedings after autopsy confirms natural causes; legal team welcomes Attorney-General’s decision
State prosecutors end criminal proceedings after autopsy confirms natural causes; legal team welcomes Attorney-General’s decision
The Ogun State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice has formally cleared Chief (Mrs.) Dorcas Adeyinka and Mr. Suraju Ashimiyu of all criminal allegations related to the death of Ms. Folunsho Olayinka, effectively ending prosecution in the high-profile case. The decision was made public on Tuesday following a comprehensive review of police investigations and medical reports submitted to the Ministry of Justice in Abeokuta.
The case, registered as Charge No. AB/46C/2025, accused Adeyinka and Ashimiyu of conspiracy and acceleration of death under the Ogun State Criminal Code Law. According to a statement from Yakubu Eleto Chambers, solicitors representing the accused, the Attorney-General found no substantive grounds for prosecution after examining witness statements, exhibits recovered by police, and medical findings.
The controversy stemmed from the April 19, 2024, death of Ms. Olayinka. Public attention intensified when police arrested Adeyinka, a known philanthropist in Ogun State, and her husband Ashimiyu, alleging their involvement in suspicious circumstances surrounding Olayinka’s passing. The case raised concerns within the state over accountability in high-profile deaths and prompted calls for transparency from civil society groups.
According to the legal team’s statement, an autopsy conducted by the Chief Pathologist at State General Hospital Mortuary, Ota, on August 21, 2024—supported by follow-up medical reports—confirmed that Ms. Olayinka died from natural causes. This conclusion was central to the Attorney-General’s directive to discontinue all criminal proceedings against both defendants.
With this development, Chief (Mrs.) Adeyinka and Mr. Ashimiyu are expected to be formally discharged from court. Their lawyers welcomed the decision as a vindication of their clients’ innocence and urged members of the public to respect the outcome. The Ogun State Ministry of Justice has not announced any further steps regarding this matter.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/ogun-ag-clears-philanthropist-husband-in-folunsho-death-case/
