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DIA Launches Manhunt After Senior Officer Killed In Abuja Attack

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DIA Launches Manhunt After Senior Officer Killed In Abuja Attack

The Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) has launched a full-scale investigation into the killing of one of its senior officers, Colonel A.A. Ude, who was fatally shot by suspected gunmen during an attempted abduction at his residence in Abuja.

The Agency disclosed on Tuesday that the attack occurred at about 10:45 p.m. on July 27 at the officer’s residence in Phase 5, Army Housing Estate, Kurudu. According to the DIA, Colonel Ude confronted the armed attackers in an effort to stop them from abducting him before he was shot.

Describing the incident as a tragic loss to Nigeria’s security community, the Agency said Colonel Ude served the nation with professionalism, distinction and unwavering commitment throughout his military career.

The DIA confirmed that security and law enforcement agencies have begun a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack and ensure that all those connected to the crime are brought to justice.

According to the Agency, it is collaborating closely with other security agencies to identify, track and arrest the suspects responsible for the killing.

The DIA also extended its condolences to the family of the late officer, his colleagues and the Armed Forces of Nigeria, describing his death as a major loss to the country’s defence and intelligence community.

Reaffirming its commitment to national security, the Agency stressed that the incident would not deter its resolve to protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity and safeguard the nation.

It also pledged to continue working with relevant security institutions until those responsible for the attack are identified, apprehended and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Senate Says FRSC Bill Only Reinforces Existing Preaching Restriction

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Senate Says FRSC Bill Only Reinforces Existing Preaching Restriction

The Senate has clarified that the proposed amendment to the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Establishment Act, 2007, does not introduce a fresh ban on preaching or hawking inside commercial vehicles, following public concerns over the bill.

According to the upper legislative chamber, preaching and hawking in commercial vehicles have long been recognised as offences under existing laws, particularly Section 10(4) of the FRSC Establishment Act and Regulation 220 of the National Road Traffic Regulations (NRTR) 2012.

The Senate explained that the provision, which was previously listed as Item 36 in the Second Schedule of the Act, has only been renumbered as Item 49 in the current amendment exercise.

In a statement released on Monday by the Office of the Senate Leader, the chamber noted that the provision has remained part of Nigerian law since the FRSC Establishment Act came into force in 2007.

The Senate also refuted claims suggesting that the amendment bill seeks to outlaw street preaching or limit religious activities in public places.

“It is about the safety of commuters and other road users and is not intended to undermine any religious activity in the public space,” the statement said.

The upper chamber further clarified that the amendment bill was not sponsored by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, contrary to reports circulating in some quarters.

According to the Senate, the bill originated in the House of Representatives and is currently before the Senate as a concurrence bill, in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution.

The chamber emphasised that the legislative process is still underway and encouraged individuals and groups with concerns about the bill to present their views through the appropriate legislative channels before its eventual passage.

The Senate reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and public participation, stressing that the proposed amendment is designed to strengthen road safety regulations and improve the protection of commuters and other road users across the country.

APC Replies Peter Obi, Says Party Never Forced Him Out Of Any Political Platform

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APC Replies Peter Obi, Says Party Never Forced Him Out Of Any Political Platform

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected allegations that it is responsible for the internal crises affecting opposition parties, insisting that former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi’s movement between political parties was entirely the result of his own political decisions.

APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, made the remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, where he dismissed claims that the ruling party had orchestrated the instability and defections within opposition parties.

Addressing allegations that the APC played a role in Obi’s departure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Labour Party and his subsequent political realignments, Yilwatda described the claims as unfounded.

“Nobody in APC chased Peter Obi out of PDP. Nobody from APC chased him out of the Labour Party; nobody in APC chased him out of the Labour Party to ADC. Who chased him from ADC again to the NDC?” he queried.

The APC chairman argued that Obi had been switching political parties long before the APC came to power at the federal level, stressing that the ruling party could not be held responsible for decisions made by opposition figures.

Yilwatda also dismissed suggestions that recent defections from the APC were a sign of internal divisions, maintaining that many politicians who exited the party did so primarily in search of electoral tickets rather than because of ideological differences or dissatisfaction with the party.

He stated that the APC remains united and continues to enjoy widespread support across the country. According to him, one year into his tenure as national chairman, the party has delivered on key commitments aimed at strengthening its internal structures while expanding its political base ahead of future elections.

COAS Appoints New GOCs As Nigerian Army Expands With Four Additional Divisions

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COAS Appoints New GOCs As Nigerian Army Expands With Four Additional Divisions

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has approved the appointment of General Officers Commanding (GOCs) for newly created Nigerian Army divisions following the expansion of the Army’s command structure to strengthen security operations across the country.

The appointments come after President Bola Tinubu approved the establishment of four additional Nigerian Army divisions as part of efforts to enhance operational capacity, improve command and control, and strengthen responses to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.

In a statement shared on the Nigerian Army’s official X account on Wednesday, the Army said the new divisions would commence operations once they attain Initial Operational Capability (IOC), while further steps would be taken to achieve Full Operational Capability (FOC).

“The landmark development forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the Nigerian Army’s force structure, expand its operational footprint, enhance command and control as well as improve the Service’s capacity to effectively respond to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges,” the post read.

The Army explained that activating the new divisions in phases would ensure “seamless operationalisation, operational continuity and rapid force projection across the country.”

New Operational Areas For Army Divisions

Under the new operational structure, the 1 Division Kaduna will oversee Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa states, while the 2 Division Ibadan will cover Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo states.

The 3 Division Jos will be responsible for Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe states, while the newly established 5 Division Makurdi will oversee Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi states.

The 6 Division Port Harcourt will continue operations in Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states, while the 7 Division Maiduguri will retain responsibility for Borno and Yobe states.

The 8 Division Sokoto will continue to supervise Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states.

Meanwhile, the newly created 9 Division Ilorin will oversee Kwara and Niger states, while the 10 Division Jalingo will be responsible for border areas in Taraba and Adamawa states.

The 81 Division Lagos will continue to cover Lagos and Ogun states, while the 82 Division Enugu will remain responsible for Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo states.

The 83 Division Benin City is expected to assume responsibility for Edo, Delta and Bayelsa states once it becomes operational later this year.

Senior Officers Appointed To Lead New Divisions

To provide leadership for the newly established formations, Lieutenant General Shaibu approved the deployment of experienced senior officers.

Major General Yakubu Yahaya has been appointed General Officer Commanding 9 Division Ilorin and Commander of Operation SAVANNA SHIELD, following his redeployment from Headquarters Joint Task Force (North Central).

Major General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife has been named GOC 10 Division Jalingo after his redeployment from Headquarters 2 Division/Sector 3 Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA.

Major General Moses Gara has been appointed GOC 5 Division Makurdi and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, following his redeployment from the task force headquarters.

According to the Nigerian Army, the restructuring and appointments are intended to improve operational efficiency and enable quicker responses to security threats across the country.

“The newly established Divisions will immediately commence operations, in the respective locations, on attainment of Initial Operational Capability (IOC), while deliberate measures are being implemented to progressively attain Full Operational Capability (FOC),” the Army stated.

The military added that the expansion forms part of its broader strategy to build a stronger, more responsive force capable of addressing Nigeria’s changing security landscape.

US Walks Out Of UN Security Council Meeting During France’s Remarks

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US Walks Out Of UN Security Council Meeting During France’s Remarks

The United States delegation staged a walkout during a United Nations(UN) Security Council meeting on Monday in protest against remarks by France, which accused Washington of aligning with authoritarian governments on human rights issues.

The diplomatic dispute stems from last week’s vote on extending the tenure of Volker Turk as the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, during which the United States joined North Korea and Russia in opposing his reappointment.

Following the vote on Friday, France’s mission to the United Nations criticised Washington and drew comparisons between the US, North Korea and Russia.

“The US used to be a beacon of human rights. Not anymore,” France’s UN mission posted on X.

Responding to the criticism, US Ambassador Mike Waltz accused France of supporting a human rights chief who had been “lecturing” democratic nations while “cozying up to the world’s worst oppressors,” although he did not specify the countries he was referring to.

Turk has previously criticised Russia over its war in Ukraine and also raised concerns about Israel’s military operations in Gaza.

The US delegation walked out while France’s UN Ambassador Jerome Bonnafont was addressing an emergency Security Council meeting focused on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

Following the protest, US Ambassador Dan Negrea said Washington would continue similar actions until France changed what he described as its “condescending and disrespectful rhetoric.”

The disagreement over Turk’s second term reflects broader tensions between the United States and the United Nations.

Despite US opposition, Turk secured a second term after receiving 144 votes in favour, while 10 countries voted against and 13 abstained.

The dispute comes as the Trump administration continues to reduce engagement with the United Nations, having already cut funding to several UN agencies and withdrawn from numerous UN bodies.

During Friday’s vote, US Ambassador Jeff Bartos criticised Turk’s reappointment and warned that the decision would have consequences.

“There will be consequences” to the assembly which “tolerates procedural overreach, backroom deals, and the misuse of UN posts”.

He added:

“The United States will immediately reassess our engagement, participation, and funding.”

France, however, defended Turk’s leadership, with Ambassador Bonnafont describing him as “a voice of conscience”who had shown “rigor and impartiality” throughout his first term.

Deputy UN spokesperson Farhan Haq declined to comment directly on the US walkout, stating only that the United Nations expects all member states to respect the outcome of the General Assembly’s decision.

Netanyahu Heads To US For First Trump Talks Since Iran War

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Netanyahu Heads To US For First Trump Talks Since Iran War

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet United States President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday in their first face-to-face meeting since the outbreak of the Iran war, despite recent public disagreements between the two leaders.

Although relations between Netanyahu and Trump have appeared strained at different points in recent months, both leaders have since sought to ease tensions.

The meeting is expected to focus primarily on the ongoing conflict, which began after US-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February. Washington has indicated that it is now seeking to create room for diplomatic negotiations.

Israel has not participated in the latest wave of hostilities between the United States and Iran, which reignited earlier this month after an April ceasefire collapsed.

Tuesday’s engagement marks the eighth meeting between Trump and Netanyahu since the US president returned to office last year, and their first in-person talks since the war began.

Speaking before departing Israel on Monday, Netanyahu described the visit as both an honour and a significant responsibility.

“This is a great privilege, but it is also a great responsibility,” Netanyahu said.

He added:

“We will discuss all the issues on the agenda, first and foremost Iran. Naturally, our goal is to safeguard our security and also to expand the circle of peace around us.”

Iran Expected To Dominate Discussions

The leaders are expected to devote much of their discussions to the Iran conflict and efforts to revive diplomacy following months of escalating tensions.

Relations between Trump and Netanyahu came under pressure in April during negotiations surrounding the ceasefire, with Trump reportedly expressing frustration in a series of profanity-laced remarks directed at the Israeli leader.

In a subsequent interview, Trump referred to Netanyahu as a “very difficult guy.”

Netanyahu later dismissed suggestions of a major fallout, describing their differences as strategic rather than fundamental.

According to the Israeli prime minister, both governments remain aligned on the broader objectives of the conflict despite differing approaches.

Lebanon, Gaza and regional security also on agenda

The White House meeting is also expected to cover the implementation of the US-backed framework agreement signed by Israel and Lebanon last month, although putting the deal into effect has proven challenging.

Gaza is also expected to feature in the discussions as international efforts to revive reconstruction in the war-ravaged territory continue to face significant obstacles.

Nearly three years after the Israel-Hamas conflict began, humanitarian conditions in Gaza remain severe, while Israel continues military operations targeting individuals it identifies as militants.

Experts See Meeting As A Show Of Unity

Yonatan Freeman, an international relations expert at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, believes one of the key objectives of the meeting is to counter speculation of growing divisions between Washington and Tel Aviv.

“I think that the main issue… is to show the world, to show Iran, and also even Lebanon and others as well specifically, that there is no break or any kind of major disagreement between the United States and Israel,” he told AFP.

He added:

“There’s more in agreement between the two leaders than disagreement.”

According to Freeman, the differences between Trump and Netanyahu relate mainly to operational issues such as timing, intensity and immediate military objectives, rather than the overall goals of the war.

He also suggested that Trump is likely to prioritise discussions on Iran and expanding the Abraham Accords over developments in Gaza.

Abraham Accords And Regional Military Presence

The Abraham Accords, brokered by the United States during Trump’s first term, established diplomatic relations between Israel and several Arab nations, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco.

Some analysts also expect the meeting to examine the possibility of reducing Israel’s military presence in parts of the region, including Lebanon, Syria and Gaza.

Netanyahu’s visit comes as Israel prepares for national elections later this year, with the prime minister seeking another term in office.

Recent opinion polls suggest Netanyahu is trailing his rivals, as criticism persists over his government’s handling of Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack, which triggered the Gaza war.

Japan Issues Tsunami Alert After 7.1-Magnitude Earthquake

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Japan Issues Tsunami Alert After 7.1-Magnitude Earthquake

Japan has issued a tsunami alert after a 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck the country’s southwestern region on Tuesday, disrupting electricity supply to thousands of homes.

The earthquake occurred at 4:27 p.m. (0727 GMT) on the island of Kyushu and registered the maximum level of sevenon Japan’s Shindo seismic intensity scale, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.

Authorities warned that tsunami waves of up to one metre (three feet) could reach affected coastal areas.

Japan’s public broadcaster NHK reported that waves close to that height may already have been observed.

The Nuclear Regulation Authority confirmed that no abnormalities were detected at nearby nuclear power plants following the earthquake.

According to Kyushu Electric Power, about 45,000 households and facilities in the Kumamoto region lost electricity after the tremor.

The utility company also stated that the three nuclear reactors operating in the region continued to function normally despite the quake.

Approximately 30 minutes after the earthquake, an NHK reporter wearing protective gear described the situation during a live broadcast, saying the aftershocks remained intense.

“Shaking is continuing as I speak. Including myself, there may be some people who feel their hearts racing,” he said.

He added:

“When the quake struck, the shaking was so big that I could not stand up. Please be aware of possibility that shaking might continue after this.”

Japan’s History Of Major Earthquakes

The Kumamoto region has experienced devastating earthquakes in the past. In 2016, the area was struck by two powerful earthquakes—measuring 6.5 and 7.3—which claimed 273 lives and left more than 2,800 people injured.

More recently, a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck northern Japan on June 25, although it did not result in any deaths or significant damage.

Japan remains one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world because it sits atop four major tectonic plates along the Pacific “Ring of Fire.”

The country, with a population of approximately 125 million, experiences hundreds of earthquakes each year and accounts for nearly 18 per cent of global seismic activity.

While most tremors are relatively minor, their impact often depends on the location and depth of the earthquake.

Japan continues to live with the memory of the 2011 magnitude 9.0 undersea earthquake, which triggered a devastating tsunami that left around 18,500 people dead or missing and caused the Fukushima nuclear disaster.

Earlier this year, on April 20, a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck northern Japan, injuring at least 10 people and shaking high-rise buildings as far away as Tokyo.

The incident prompted authorities to issue a special advisory warning of an elevated risk of earthquakes measuring 8.0 or higher, although that advisory was withdrawn after one week.

Several Feared Trapped As Two-Storey Building Collapses In Ogun

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Several Feared Trapped As Two-Storey Building Collapses In Ogun

An unspecified number of people are feared trapped after a two-storey building collapsed in the Ajuwon area of Ifo Local Government Area, Ogun State.

The incident reportedly occurred near Bada Hospital, close to Ajuwon Bus Stop, on Tuesday.

According to eyewitness accounts, two floors of the building caved in, while the uppermost section of the structure remained partially standing.

The collapse has raised concerns that several occupants may still be trapped beneath the debris as rescue efforts are expected to commence.

As of the time of filing this report, emergency management agencies had not released an official statement confirming the number of casualties, survivors or the status of ongoing rescue operations.

FG Suspends Kara Bridge Expansion Joint Repairs

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FG Suspends Kara Bridge Expansion Joint Repairs

The Federal Government has postponed the planned reconstruction of the failed expansion joint on Kara Bridge (Outward Lagos) along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Acting Federal Controller of Works in Ogun State, Richard Adeleye, who said a new date for the project would be communicated in due course.

The latest development comes days after the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Lagos Sector Command, announced that the reconstruction would begin on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, and continue for two weeks.

Speaking earlier through the Sector Public Education Officer, SRC Elizabeth Jayeola, the FRSC quoted the Lagos Sector Commander, Corps Commander Kehinde Hamzat, as saying the reconstruction was a critical safety measure designed to prevent road crashes, protect the structural integrity of the bridge, and improve safety for motorists.

Hamzat had explained that the repair work would require reducing the existing four-lane carriageway to two lanes along a 1.5-kilometre section of the bridge, warning that the temporary arrangement would likely cause heavy traffic, especially on the outward Lagos-Ibadan route.

To minimise congestion, the FRSC appealed to organisations, institutions and businesses with remote work capabilities to allow employees to work from home throughout the reconstruction period.

According to the Corps, the measure would significantly reduce traffic volume and ease movement for commuters using the affected corridor.

Motorists were also advised to plan their trips ahead of time, avoid travelling during peak hours where possible, and make use of alternative routes, including the Ikorodu–Sagamu Expressway and the Lekki–Epe Expressway.

Kara Bridge has recorded several major accidents over the years, with the most recent being a fatal multi-vehicle crash involving articulated trucks and a Toyota Sienna on July 24, 2026.

Authorities linked the accident partly to the deteriorating expansion joints on the bridge and excessive speeding. The incident claimed one life and left several others injured.

The Federal Ministry of Works had resumed replacement of the bridge’s expansion joints in March, with the then Federal Controller of Works, Olayiwola Komolafe, stating that the maintenance exercise would last for two weeks.

However, the repairs were later suspended after motorists experienced prolonged traffic gridlock that persisted for several days.

South African Envoy Says It Remains Indebted to Nigeria, Pledges Action on Xenophobic Attacks

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South African Envoy Says It Remains Indebted to Nigeria, Pledges Action on Xenophobic Attacks

The Federal Government has renewed its call on South Africa to take stronger measures against the recurring attacks on Nigerians living in the country, as Pretoria reaffirmed its appreciation for Nigeria’s historic role in the struggle against apartheid.

The appeal was made on Monday during a meeting in Abuja between Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, and South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola.

Lamola disclosed that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa had sent him to deliver a special message to President Bola Tinubu. Although President Tinubu delegated the meeting to Enikanolaiye, discussions centred largely on concerns over repeated xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.

Reiterating the strong relationship between both countries, Lamola acknowledged Nigeria’s significant contribution to South Africa’s liberation struggle.

“We remain deeply indebted to the people of Nigeria for their sacrifice,” Lamola said.

He emphasised that the South African government remains committed to fighting xenophobia, racism, discrimination, homophobia and all forms of intolerance.

However, Lamola maintained that South Africa has a sovereign responsibility to enforce its immigration laws and tackle crimes such as drug trafficking, cyber fraud and illegal migration.

According to him, migration is a continental issue that requires collective solutions under the African Union’s framework for orderly and regular migration.

“We believe that Nigeria and South Africa have a shared responsibility to respond to these challenges within the African continent,” he said.

Lamola added that the contents of President Ramaphosa’s message to President Tinubu would be discussed during a private session.

In his response, Enikanolaiye said President Tinubu specifically directed that the meeting should address the recurring attacks on Nigerians, warning that such incidents threaten the long-standing relationship between Africa’s two largest economies.

The minister urged South African authorities to take decisive action to stop what he described as recurring Afrophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals.

He disclosed that official records show 98 Nigerians have been killed in mob and hate-related attacks in South Africa since 2022, while five Nigerians have reportedly lost their lives this year alone.

According to Enikanolaiye, some Nigerians recently repatriated from South Africa claimed the actual number of victims could be even higher.

He stressed that while Nigeria does not condone criminal activities, anyone accused of committing crimes should face prosecution through lawful judicial procedures rather than mob justice.

“Nigeria will not support drug traffickers or any criminal activity, but those accused of crimes must be treated in accordance with the rule of law, South Africa’s Constitution and international human rights standards,” he said.

The minister also questioned why security agencies allegedly failed to intervene during several of the attacks, noting that many of the victims were legally residing in South Africa when they were targeted.

Enikanolaiye further revealed that nearly 1,500 Nigerians have been repatriated from South Africa this year, describing the humanitarian consequences as heartbreaking.

“I shed tears when I received the first batch of evacuees. I saw children, women and the elderly returning home with almost nothing after their properties had been looted and destroyed. That is not the Africa we want,” Enikanolaiye said.

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to maintaining strong diplomatic ties with South Africa, expressing confidence that continued dialogue between both nations would strengthen cooperation, rebuild trust and advance the vision of African unity.

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