Kaduna APC Aspirant Withdraws From Reps Race Amid Age Controversy

A House of Representatives aspirant under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna State, Mahmud Sadisu Buba, has stepped down from the race following controversy surrounding reports about his age and eligibility for office.

Buba, popularly known as “Abin Al’Ajabin Zazzau,” was seeking to represent the Sabon Gari Federal Constituency before questions reportedly emerged over claims that he was born in August 2010, sparking debates about whether he met the constitutional age requirement for the position.

In a withdrawal letter addressed to the Kaduna State chairman of the APC, the aspirant said his decision was reached after consultations with party leaders, political associates and family members.

According to him, stepping down became necessary in the interest of unity within the party and to support reconciliation efforts ahead of the elections.

Buba stated that backing a consensus candidate would strengthen the APC’s chances in the constituency and contribute to the party’s overall success in Kaduna State.

He also expressed appreciation to Governor Uba Sani and the APC leadership for allowing him to participate in the political process, describing the experience as valuable and rewarding.

The former aspirant thanked his supporters for their loyalty and support throughout the campaign period, while urging them to remain peaceful and committed to the party.

He maintained that his withdrawal should not be viewed as a sign of weakness, but rather as a sacrifice made for party unity and progress.

Shell Expands Gas Distribution Network To Drive Industrial Growth In Nigeria

Shell Nigeria Gas has intensified efforts to deepen natural gas adoption among industries as part of moves aimed at reducing energy costs, boosting productivity and supporting cleaner energy transition across Nigeria.

The company disclosed this during a Business and Investment Forum held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where stakeholders discussed opportunities in gas utilisation, industrial development and investment in the energy sector.

During the event, Shell Nigeria Gas announced the addition of two new industrial customers in Agbara, Ogun State — Intercontinental Distillers Limited II and Rumbu Industries Limited — into its expanding gas distribution network.

According to the company, the latest onboarding brings the number of businesses currently benefiting from its gas supply services to more than 150 companies nationwide.

The forum attracted manufacturers, policymakers, investors, development partners and energy stakeholders, with discussions focusing on lowering industrial energy costs, improving operational efficiency and strengthening economic growth in Rivers State and the wider Niger Delta region.

Representatives from institutions including the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), the Bank of Industry, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria and the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce were also present at the event.

Speaking on behalf of SNG Managing Director Ralph Gbobo, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Chukwuka Amos-Ejesi, said industries that switch to natural gas benefit from lower and more stable energy costs, reduced exposure to fuel price volatility and improved operational performance.

“Companies that transition to natural gas consistently benefit from lower and more predictable energy costs, enhanced operational uptime and stronger competitiveness,” he said.

Officials of the company also highlighted ongoing expansion projects across Rivers State while outlining investment opportunities in gas distribution, industrial supply and power generation.

Stakeholders at the forum commended the initiative, noting that wider gas adoption could help revive industrial activities and address persistent energy challenges in the Niger Delta.

Board Chairman of the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture, Idaere Gogo Ogan, represented by Board Secretary Chief Solomon Edebiri, said effective utilisation of natural gas could significantly improve industrial operations and stimulate economic growth in the region.

The event also featured the signing of Gas Sales and Purchase Agreements with Boskel Nigeria Limited and Bluefinn Global Resource Limited in Rivers and Bayelsa states respectively, further expanding the company’s footprint in the Niger Delta.

According to Shell Nigeria Gas, supply to the newly connected facilities is equivalent to about four megawatts of electricity, expected to improve production efficiency while reducing operational expenses.

Established in 1998 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Shell, the company currently supplies gas to industrial customers across Abia, Bayelsa, Ogun and Rivers states.

Tinubu Confirms Killing Of Top ISIS Commander In Joint Nigeria-US Operation

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has confirmed the elimination of a senior ISIS commander, Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok, during a joint military operation carried out by Nigerian and United States forces in the Lake Chad Basin.

In a statement released from the Presidential Villa on Saturday, Tinubu described the overnight operation as a major success in the ongoing fight against terrorism and violent extremism in the region.

According to the President, the coordinated counterterrorism mission involved close collaboration between the Nigerian Armed Forces and the United States military, leading to the killing of Abu-Mainok and several fighters during a targeted strike on their hideout in the Lake Chad Basin.

Tinubu said the operation highlights the growing security partnership between Nigeria and the United States in tackling terrorism and promoting regional stability.

“Nigeria appreciates this partnership with the United States in advancing our shared security objectives,” the President stated.

He also expressed appreciation to Donald Trump for supporting counterterrorism cooperation efforts between both countries.

The President further commended troops from Nigeria and the United States for their courage, professionalism, and dedication during the operation.

Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining military offensives against terrorist groups, insurgents, and criminal networks operating across the country.

He added that Nigeria would continue strengthening international security partnerships aimed at restoring peace and improving safety in affected communities.

The development follows an earlier statement by Trump praising Nigerian troops after the operation, which he described as a significant blow to ISIS operations globally.

BREAKING: Trump Carries Out Military Assault In Nigeria, Kills Top ISIS Commander

Donald Trump has announced that American forces, working alongside the Nigerian military, carried out a major counterterrorism operation in Nigeria that reportedly led to the killing of a senior ISIS commander identified as Abu-Bilal al-Minuki.

In a statement shared through White House social media platforms, Trump described the mission as a “meticulously planned and very complex operation” executed in partnership with Nigerian security forces.

According to the statement, the targeted commander was allegedly one of ISIS’s top global leaders and had been operating from Africa while coordinating activities linked to the extremist group.

Trump said the operation dealt a significant blow to ISIS operations and helped prevent further attacks against Africans and American interests.

The US president also commended the Nigerian government and the Armed Forces for their cooperation during the mission.

“Thank you to the Government of Nigeria for your partnership on this operation,” Trump stated.

The announcement has since generated reactions across social media, with many users reacting to the reported joint military action between the United States and Nigeria against terrorism.

However, as of the time of filing this report, Nigerian defence authorities were yet to officially release detailed information regarding the operation or independently confirm the claims made in the statement.