The Federal Government has called on media organisations nationwide to adopt responsible and professional approaches in reporting security-related issues, warning that sensational coverage of terrorist activities could unintentionally serve the interests of violent groups.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the appeal on Thursday during a special national security briefing held at Radio House in Abuja.

Addressing journalists and stakeholders at the event, the minister acknowledged the constitutional responsibility of the media in informing citizens and promoting accountability but stressed that national security considerations should remain a priority in reporting conflict-related issues.

According to Idris, terrorist groups often depend on publicity, fear, and misinformation to expand the impact of their actions beyond the immediate scenes of attacks.

“Terrorists thrive on publicity, fear, misinformation and division. Responsible journalism can help deny them the psychological advantage they seek,” the minister said.

He urged journalists and media organisations to strengthen fact-checking mechanisms and avoid exaggerated headlines or unverified reports capable of creating panic and heightening public anxiety.

The minister described insecurity as a collective challenge that requires collaboration between government institutions, security agencies, the media, and citizens.

He also appealed to Nigerians to support ongoing security efforts by sharing credible intelligence with relevant authorities and reporting suspicious activities promptly.

“The fight against insecurity cannot be won by one institution alone. It requires collective effort, partnership and trust among all stakeholders,” he added.

The remarks come amid growing concerns over recent security incidents, including attacks on schools and kidnapping cases reported in different parts of the country.

Idris assured Nigerians that security agencies remain actively engaged in rescue operations and broader counterterrorism measures aimed at restoring peace and protecting communities across the country.

He further urged citizens to remain united against insecurity, stressing that threats to one part of the country ultimately affect the nation as a whole.

The Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State, has announced the commencement of applications for admission into its 13th Regular Course Degree Programmes for the 2026/2027 academic session.

According to information released by the institution, online applications opened on June 3, 2026, and are expected to run for six weeks, ending on July 15, 2026.

The academy stated that admission is open to qualified male and female Nigerians of good character seeking admission into various undergraduate programmes offered by the institution.

To qualify, applicants are required to possess a National Identification Number (NIN), score at least 180 marks in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), and select the Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, as their first-choice institution.

The institution also listed additional requirements, including a minimum of six credits in not more than two sittings in WAEC, NECO or equivalent examinations, with compulsory credits in English Language and Mathematics.

Applicants must also be between 16 and 21 years of age by October 31, 2026, while candidates are expected to meet specified medical, physical and psychological fitness requirements.

The academy disclosed that application forms cost N6,000, while candidates who did not initially select the institution as their first choice would pay an additional N2,000 for post-UTME processing.

As part of the selection process, candidates will undergo a computer-based aptitude test, automated physical screening, medical screening, and interview exercises before final admission.

Available programmes span faculties including Humanities, Science, Social and Management Sciences, Education, and Criminology-related disciplines. However, the institution clarified that it will not admit candidates into its Law programme for the 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 academic sessions.

The academy further stated that successful candidates would undergo combined academic and police training for a minimum of five years, leading to the award of bachelor’s degrees and commissioning into the Nigeria Police Force as Assistant Superintendent of Police II (ASP II).

Prospective applicants were advised to complete their registration through the academy’s admission https://polac.edu.ng/? portal within the stipulated period.

Former presidential candidate and key opposition figure, Peter Obi, has drawn criticism after urging aggrieved aspirants of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) to accept the outcome of the party’s primaries and prioritise unity despite concerns raised over the process.

Obi made the remarks during the party’s second National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja, where he addressed members and aspirants dissatisfied with the recently concluded primaries.

Appealing for understanding among party members, Obi said political growth often requires sacrifice and patience, particularly for a party still building its structures.

According to him, the party has undertaken major activities, including conventions and primary elections, within a relatively short period, making internal challenges inevitable.

“I appeal to everyone to show understanding and make sacrifices for the sake of the party,” Obi reportedly said while addressing party faithful at the gathering.

He further urged members not to allow disagreements arising from the primaries to weaken the party’s long-term objectives, stressing that attention should remain focused on future political goals.

Obi also reassured disappointed aspirants that opportunities would remain open within the party, promising inclusiveness and accommodation as the political platform expands.

However, the remarks have triggered reactions from critics who argue that his appeal for tolerance over disputed internal processes appears inconsistent with positions he previously championed on electoral transparency and credible political processes.

Some observers pointed to Obi’s strong post-election stance after the 2023 presidential poll, where he repeatedly emphasised the importance of transparent processes and insisted that leadership must emerge through credible means.

Others referenced his exit from the Peoples Democratic Party ahead of the 2022 presidential primaries, arguing that his political trajectory had largely been built around rejecting internal processes he considered unfair.

Supporters of the former governor, however, maintain that his comments were intended to calm tensions within the party and prevent post-primary divisions from affecting its broader political ambitions.

The development has continued to spark debate within political circles as the party navigates internal disagreements and attempts to consolidate support ahead of future elections.

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has approved the demolition of the ageing Umunnato General Hospital in Alayi to pave the way for the construction of a new specialist and diagnostic centre.

The governor made the announcement during the flag-off ceremony of the project, which was part of activities marking the third anniversary of his administration. He also inaugurated a four-man supervisory committee to monitor the execution of the project.

Otti explained that the decision to pull down the facility, originally established in 1962 and long left in a state of neglect, was driven by the need to ensure efficiency and compliance with modern healthcare standards.

According to him, attempts to renovate the old structure would not deliver the required quality, making a full rebuild the more viable option.

“We found that it was cheaper to demolish and build a new one than to try and fix something that would not meet the required standard,” the governor said.

He assured residents that the project would be delivered within a record timeframe and commissioned as scheduled.

“Anywhere we flag off a project, it means it will be completed and commissioned in record time,” Otti added, expressing confidence that the facility would be ready before the fourth anniversary of his administration and related second-term inauguration activities.

The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure across Abia State, noting that the new facility would meet international standards and strengthen service delivery in the health sector.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Health, Enoch Uche, said the project aligns with the government’s plan to establish tertiary healthcare facilities across the three senatorial districts of the state. He added that the hospital had been abandoned for decades despite its importance to the host community.

A four-man supervisory team was also constituted to oversee the project. Members include the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma; Hon. Nnamdi Ibekwe; Dr. Chima Anyaso; and the Deputy Mayor of Bende LGA, Ifeoma Agu.

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade, operating under the 2nd Division, have rescued a mother and her six-month-old baby following a kidnapping incident in Egbe, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi.

The Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade, Lt. Hassan Abdullahi, confirmed that the incident occurred late on June 3, 2026, when armed men invaded a residence near Solid Rock School in Ijalu, Egbe, and abducted five members of the same family, including a nursing mother, her infant, and three other relatives.

According to the Army, troops responded promptly after receiving a distress call and immediately mobilised in collaboration with operatives of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) to pursue the attackers.

The combined security team trailed the kidnappers along their escape route, maintaining sustained pressure throughout the operation.

The pursuit forced the abductors to abandon the mother, identified as Mrs. Adekemi Idowu, and her six-month-old baby along the Oro axis, where they were safely recovered and reunited with their family.

Military authorities confirmed that search-and-rescue operations are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining abducted family members and to apprehend the perpetrators.

The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, while urging residents to provide timely and credible intelligence to support ongoing counter-kidnapping operations in the state.