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Wednesday, June 10, 2026

Nigeria Seeks Global Investment, Reaffirms Commitment to Gas Sector Growth at Calgary Energy Forum

Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to expanding its gas sector and attracting foreign investment, with the Federal Government highlighting the country's vast gas reserves, strategic infrastructure projects, and investor-friendly policies at the 2026 Global Energy Show in Calgary, Canada.


Speaking at the international energy forum, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, said Nigeria remains well-positioned to play a leading role in the global energy market through its abundant natural gas resources and ongoing reforms aimed at boosting investor confidence.


According to the minister, the government is creating a stable regulatory environment designed to unlock investment opportunities, accelerate growth in the gas industry, and strengthen Nigeria's position as a major energy destination.


Ekpo emphasized that the country's gas development agenda is being supported by key infrastructure projects, including the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline and the Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) Pipeline. He described the projects as critical to expanding domestic gas distribution, enhancing energy access, and supporting industrial development across Nigeria.


The minister further noted that the infrastructure initiatives would strengthen regional gas supply across West and North Africa while positioning Nigeria as a long-term supplier to European energy markets.


He reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to deepening international energy partnerships and contributing to global energy security, stressing that collaboration with foreign investors remains essential to achieving the country's energy transition and economic development objectives.

The presentation formed part of Nigeria's participation at the Global Energy Show Canada 2026, where industry leaders, policymakers, and investors from across the world gathered to discuss the future of energy, investment opportunities, and sustainable energy development.

Kwankwaso Still Clinging to NNPP Despite Joining NDC, Party Alleges

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has alleged that its former presidential candidate and current Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) vice-presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, continues to maintain influence within the party despite publicly aligning with another political platform.

The allegation was contained in a statement issued by the NNPP's National Publicity Secretary, Ogini Olaposi, and made available to journalists in Lagos.


According to the party, Kwankwaso has remained involved in issues affecting the NNPP through loyalists allegedly left behind within the party structure, even after his reported association with the NDC.


The NNPP also claimed that some members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement are still pursuing legal actions and political activities linked to disputes that originated during Kwankwaso's time in the party.


In a separate statement jointly signed by NDC North-West Vice Chairman, Mohammed Serina, and Kano State Chairman, Hussaini Mariga, concerns were raised over what they described as attempts by members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement to dominate the NDC's political structure in Kano State ahead of the 2027 general elections.


The NNPP further alleged that Kwankwaso's political influence in Kano has diminished, claiming that many of his former associates and key political figures have since joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).


The party warned the NDC against what it described as a repeat of the internal challenges previously experienced by the NNPP, urging the opposition party to remain vigilant in managing its affairs.


According to the statement, the NNPP believes that political structures once associated with Kwankwaso have significantly weakened following the defection of several members and leaders to other parties.


The party also reiterated its position that Kwankwaso and former NNPP chieftain Buba Galadima, whom it described as expelled members, would not be readmitted into the party.


The NNPP maintained that the duo contributed to internal crises that weakened the party's structure and led to prolonged legal disputes.

Saturday, June 6, 2026

Kaduna: Police Rescue Three Kidnap Victims After 40 Days in Captivity

Kaduna State Police Command has rescued three kidnap victims who spent over 40 days in captivity and arrested five suspected informants allegedly linked to the kidnapping network.


The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Kaduna.


According to Hassan, the rescue operation was carried out by a joint security team led by personnel from Fushin Kada in collaboration with the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Hunkuyi following sustained intelligence gathering and surveillance operations.


He explained that security operatives tracked the suspected hideout of the kidnappers through coordinated intelligence efforts.


“Upon sighting the advancing security personnel, the bandits fled the area, abandoning the victims who were subsequently rescued unharmed,” Hassan stated.


The rescued victims were identified as Ekechikwu Omale, Ummi Salisu from Kudan Local Government Area of Kaduna State, and Pastor Daniel Tanko Bawa from Tufa Village in Niger State.


Police said the victims were immediately taken to a police medical facility for examination and treatment before being reunited with their families.


Hassan further disclosed that five suspected informants were arrested during the course of investigations.


According to him, preliminary findings indicated that the suspects allegedly provided intelligence and logistical support to the kidnappers.


“The suspects confessed to their involvement in the crime during interrogation,” he added.


Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, commended security personnel for their professionalism and collaboration, which he said contributed significantly to the successful operation.


Muhammad reiterated the command’s resolve to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.


He also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information, stressing that community collaboration remains vital in tackling insecurity.


The police commissioner added that investigations were ongoing to apprehend other members of the criminal network and ensure all those connected to the crime face justice.

NAF Reaffirms Commitment To Safe Rescue Of Abducted Oyo School Victims

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to supporting ongoing efforts aimed at ensuring the safe rescue of abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State.


Aneke gave the assurance on Saturday in Abuja during the Nigerian Air Force Second Quarter 2026 Route March Exercise.


Represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Abdullahi, the Air Chief said the Nigerian Air Force remains committed to strengthening collaboration with other security agencies in addressing security challenges across the country.


He noted that NAF would continue to support joint security operations focused on protecting lives and property while advancing broader national security objectives.


According to him, the route march exercise reflects the Air Force’s commitment to maintaining the health, physical fitness, and operational readiness of its personnel.


He explained that a physically fit workforce remains essential for meeting the demands of modern military operations and responding effectively to security threats nationwide.


Aneke further stated that the exercise promotes teamwork, camaraderie, esprit de corps, and overall wellness among personnel, factors he described as critical to effective service delivery.


He encouraged personnel to embrace regular physical exercise and healthy lifestyles to improve both their physical and mental well-being.


The Air Chief also directed officers, airmen, airwomen, and civilian staff to actively participate in weekly Wednesday sporting activities across Nigerian Air Force formations, noting that such activities promote discipline, fitness, and social cohesion.


He added that regular sporting engagements would also support talent discovery ahead of the Armed Forces of Nigeria Games and discourage behaviours capable of affecting personnel performance and professionalism.


Aneke expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support towards strengthening the operational capacity and development of the Nigerian Air Force.


He also commended officers, airmen, airwomen, and civilian personnel for their dedication and participation in the exercise while praising organisers for the successful conduct of the Second Quarter 2026 Route March Exercise.


The assurance by the Air Force leadership comes amid ongoing security concerns surrounding the abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State, with security agencies continuing efforts toward securing the victims’ safe return.

Kano Court Refuses Bail for Three Defendants in Armed Robbery, Kidnapping Case

A Kano State High Court has refused bail applications filed by three defendants standing trial over allegations of armed robbery, kidnapping, and attempted culpable homicide at Saunar Kawaji Quarters, Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State.

The defendants Umar Abdullahi, Shafi’u Adamu, Jamilu Akilu Kafada Kwata, and Mallam Muammiru Warawa are facing a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, and attempted culpable homicide. They all pleaded not guilty to the charges.


According to the prosecution counsel, Barrister Lamido Abba Soron Dinki, the defendants were alleged to have committed the offences on or about June 4, 2021, at about 12:00 a.m. in Saunar Kawaji Quarters, Gezawa LGA, within the Kano Judicial Division.


On the first count, the defendants were accused of conspiring to commit armed robbery, kidnapping, and attempted culpable homicide, an offence punishable under Section 9 of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act.


On the second count, they were alleged to have abducted one Aisha at about 1:00 a.m. on the same date and detained her in an uncompleted building for six days. The prosecution further alleged that she was released after a ransom of ₦5 million was paid by her family, contrary to Section 273 of the Penal Code Law of Kano State.


In the third count, the defendants were said to have, while armed with AK-47 rifles, robbed one Alhaji Bello Abdullahi and members of his family of two Itel GSM mobile phones, an offence punishable under Section 1(2)(b) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act.


The fourth count alleged that the defendants shot one Magaji Usman in the lap during the attack, under circumstances that would have amounted to culpable homicide punishable with death had death resulted, contrary to Section 229 of the Penal Code.


During the proceedings, counsel to the defendants Ibrahim Umar, A.Y. Adamu, and Khalid Muhd filed applications urging the court to grant bail to their clients. They argued that bail is at the discretion of the court and that the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.


The defence also submitted that the defendants had been in custody since 2021, 2023, and 2024 respectively, and that the trial only commenced in 2024 after the charge was filed. They urged the court to grant bail on the grounds of prolonged detention, citing Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).


In her ruling, the presiding judge, Justice Maryam Ahmad Sabo, said she had reviewed the applications and written addresses filed before the court. She noted that the issue for determination was whether sufficient grounds had been placed before the court to warrant the exercise of its discretion in favour of the defendants.


Justice Sabo held that although attempted culpable homicide is not a capital offence, it remains a serious offence when considered alongside allegations of armed robbery and kidnapping.


She further stated that in considering bail applications, the court must take into account the nature and gravity of the offence, the strength of the prosecution’s case, and the likelihood of the defendants attending trial.


According to her, granting bail at this stage would not serve the interest of justice given the seriousness of the charges.


“The court, when exercising its discretion in granting bail, must consider the seriousness, voluminous nature, and severity of the offence. Although not capital, I am of the view that granting bail at this stage may not serve the interest of justice. I find that the applications of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd defendants have not placed sufficient materials to warrant the exercise of the court’s discretion in their favour. In the circumstances, the applications for bail filed by the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd defendants are hereby refused,” she ruled.


The court, however, upheld an earlier order granting bail to the 4th defendant on health grounds.


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