1. Senate receives Tinubu’s 32 ambassadorial nominees, blending career envoys with political heavyweights
President Bola Tinubu submitted 32 ambassadorial nominees to the Senate, combining 15 career diplomats with 17 non-career figures to revitalize Nigeria’s global representation after a long diplomatic pause.
The list includes former INEC chairman Mahmood Yakubu, ex-presidential aide Reno Omokri, former ministers Femi Fani-Kayode and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, and ex-governor Okezie Ikpeazu. Women make up four of the career slots and six of the non-career picks, with assignments spanning China, India, the UAE, and missions at the UN and AU. Senate President Godswill Akpabio acknowledged the submissions and tasked relevant committees with screening the nominees promptly.
The announcement follows last week’s nominations for Ambassador Ayodele Oke, Colonel Lateef Kayode Are, and Ambassador Amin Mohammed Dalhatu for potential placements in the US, UK, or France.
Observers note that the appointments aim to strengthen Nigeria’s trade and security engagements abroad, though some debate surrounds the political inclusions and questions of merit. The nominees are expected to represent Nigeria’s interests globally, negotiating deals and partnerships that could affect investment and remittances.
The Senate screening process will determine how the mix of career and political figures will shape Nigeria’s diplomatic presence, and whether the appointments can provide consistent advocacy for national priorities on the international stage.
2. Troops rescue seven kidnap victims in late-night Kano operation amid banditry’s grip
Security forces under Operation MESA rescued seven abductees in a predawn raid in Yankamaye Cikin Gari village, Kano State. The operation, carried out jointly by the 3rd Brigade Nigerian Army, Air Force, and police, came after the victims were seized during a village incursion that also claimed the life of an elderly woman.
The raid neutralized threats without casualties, and the freed victims were returned to their families. Kano police credited the breakthrough to community tips and promised reinforced patrols along borders adjoining Niger Republic.
The operation offered relief to a community long affected by banditry, highlighting the personal toll on families and the psychological impact on children. Residents described the security personnel as “angels at dawn” for their swift action. Authorities said such efforts would continue, combining local intelligence and federal support to prevent future abductions. Officials stressed that sustained coordination and technology-driven monitoring are essential to converting these victories into lasting community safety.
3. Army reports dozens of terrorists neutralized, 57 suspects nabbed in nationwide weekly sweep
The Nigerian Army reported that troops neutralized dozens of insurgents, arrested 57 suspects, and freed 45 kidnap victims across northeast and northwest operations over the past week. Raids took place in Borno’s Sambisa Forest and Zamfara bandit enclaves, where recovered weapons included AK-47s, explosives, and IEDs, indicating disrupted supply lines. Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede commended the troops’ coordination and precision, noting that enhanced intelligence sharing with local vigilante groups contributed to the operations’ success.
The reported gains mark progress in ongoing campaigns against Boko Haram remnants and bandit networks. Each operation carries a human dimension, with soldiers risking their lives and families enduring long separations. Authorities highlighted the importance of sustaining these efforts through technology and community engagement to maintain pressure on criminal networks, ensuring liberated areas can remain secure and local populations regain confidence in state protection.
4. Bishop Kukah debunks Christian genocide claims, stresses intent over numbers in faith-based violence
Catholic Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah stated that violence in Nigeria does not constitute genocide against Christians, emphasizing that intent to eradicate a group, rather than casualty numbers alone, defines genocide under international law. Speaking at a peace forum in Abuja, he warned against oversimplified narratives and foreign interventions, urging attention to the underlying factors driving violence, such as poverty and weak governance. Kukah called for inclusive dialogue between faith communities to foster reconciliation and reduce polarization, drawing on his experience with the National Peace Committee.
His comments addressed rising tensions over claims of targeted attacks on religious groups, providing context for communities affected by banditry. Kukah encouraged collaborative approaches where local leaders and religious figures work together to strengthen security and promote understanding. His perspective underlined that addressing root causes and fostering community resilience are critical to reducing violence and protecting all citizens irrespective of faith.
5. Dangote Refinery commits to 1.5 billion litres of PMS monthly, eyeing fuel self-sufficiency
Dangote Refinery pledged to supply 1.5 billion litres of Premium Motor Spirit per month to the domestic market, aiming to reduce dependence on imports and stabilize fuel prices. Announced at a Lagos stakeholder summit, the refinery plans to achieve full domestic absorption by mid-2026, leveraging its 650,000-barrel-per-day capacity, with expansions in diesel and aviation fuel. The initiative includes partnerships for nationwide distribution and is expected to generate around 10,000 downstream jobs, while potentially saving over ₦1 trillion annually in import costs.
The commitment offers potential relief for commuters and traders affected by fluctuating petrol prices. Implementation will depend on coordination with regulatory agencies and effective supply chain management. If successfully executed, the refinery’s increased output could strengthen Nigeria’s energy independence, support local employment, and improve access to fuel across urban and rural areas.
6. ANTP refutes rumours of veteran actor Lere Paimo’s death, urges media responsibility
The Association of Nigeria Theatre Arts Practitioners (ANTP) clarified that veteran Yoruba actor Olalere OsunPaimo, known as Lere Paimo, is alive and recovering from minor health issues. The announcement came after viral social media posts incorrectly reported his death. ANTP president Joke Silva condemned the circulation of false information and called for ethical fact-checking, noting Paimo’s contributions to Nigerian theatre and Nollywood through films such as Afonja and Saworo Ide. Paimo himself issued a short video joking about his “immortality,” reassuring fans nationwide.
The clarification relieved fans and the creative community, highlighting the impact of misinformation on public perception and the emotional wellbeing of families. ANTP encouraged media outlets to verify reports before publication and emphasized the importance of digital literacy in curbing the spread of false news. Paimo’s continued presence serves as a symbol of resilience and enduring influence in Nigeria’s performing arts industry.
7. CAF Schools Championship: Nigeria gears up for Côte d’Ivoire and Benin clashes in Ouagadougou
Nigeria’s U-15 schoolboys football team arrived in Ouagadougou for the CAF Schools Championship WAFU B qualifiers, drawn in Group B against Côte d’Ivoire and Benin. Coached by former Super Eagles player Finidi George, the squad comprises students from public schools in Lagos and Enugu, combining tactical training with cultural exchanges aimed at developing future talents. Captain Chinedu Okoro emphasized team pride as they prepared for the tournament, which offers pathways for young players into continental competitions.
The event presents an opportunity for underfunded academies and young players to gain exposure and recognition. Fans and local communities in Ouagadougou are following the matches closely, reflecting regional enthusiasm for youth football. The championship aims to promote talent identification, strengthen grassroots programs, and inspire a generation of players capable of representing Nigeria on larger stages.
