FocalPoint Reports

The Nigerian Army has declared that reports claiming that terrorists killed 17 soldiers, including a Brigade Commander, during a recent attack at Benisheikh, Borno State, are false. The Army also lamented that there are several false, misleading and highly exaggerated reports across some television stations and social media platforms regarding the incident. The Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force. (North East) Operation HADIN KAI,  Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba , who gave the update in a statement on Friday, clarified that 2 officers and 2 soldiers lost their lives during the incident.  He also dismissed the insinuation that the Brigade Commander’s vehicle was unserviceable during the attack, explaining that the Commander was mounted on a high-grade Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle, which was temporarily immobilised in the heat of combat while he was actively coordinating the counter-assault. Uba cautioned against some trending v...

The Nigerian Army has been assured of Delta State’s commitment to fully utilise its allocated quota in the ongoing 91 Regular Recruits Intake (RRI), which commenced on March 30. The state governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, gave the assurance on Thursday while receiving a recruitment sensitisation team from Army Headquarters in Asaba, led by Brigadier General Moses Ikoba. Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, the governor emphasised that the state government remained proactive in mobilising eligible youths to participate in the exercise. He noted that Delta had constituted a dedicated committee tasked with sensitising young people across the state on the benefits and opportunities available in the military, paramilitary, and other security agencies. He further disclosed that the government is actively engaging traditional rulers, local government council chairmen, and youth groups to boost awareness and encourage enlistment. According to him, lessons l...

The factional National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nafiu Bala, has stated that the party under his leadership will bar all politicians aged 55 and above from contesting. Bala stated this during an interview on BBC Hausa, where he outlined a vision centred on generational change and greater youth participation in politics. He asserted that the ADC belongs to all Nigerians and the youths should be given a chance to run for office. Bala argued that old politicians have failed Nigeria, he cenit is time to bring in individuals with fresh ideas. He said, “ The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is a party that belongs to all Nigerians. What we are doing now is to ensure the party moves forward properly. “We have decided that we will give the youths a real chance. The time has come for young people to take the lead in politics. “If you are over 55 years old, you are not going to contest for positions in the ADC under our leadership. “We want to bring in fresh blood, ...

UMUAHIA — The Abia State Government has urged to striking judiciary workers to suspend their industrial action and submit to verification, insisting that the impasse over leave allowance can be resolved within 48 hours—if the union proves its claim. Addressing a press conference in Umuahia, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ikechukwu Uwanna (SAN), maintained that judiciary workers are already enjoying leave benefits as part of their consolidated salary structure. He was flanked by the Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu; Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Kingsley Nwokocha; and the Senior Special Assistant on Labour Relations, Godson Anucha. The Attorney General challenged the state chapter of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) to present verifiable evidence that leave bonus—synonymous with leave allowance—is not captured in their pay. “If it is established that there is no leave bonus component in their consolidated salary, government will pay wit...

Delta State Government has intensified efforts to attract investment into its maritime sector, presenting its blue economy potential at the Blue Economy Investment Summit 2026 held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja. The summit, themed “Shifting Gears: Heading to a New Frontier in Maritime Economy,” brought together policymakers, investors, and industry stakeholders to explore opportunities in Nigeria’s marine resources sector. Speaking on the sidelines, Director-General of the Delta State Investment Development Agency (DIDA), Dr. Anthony Elekeokwuri, said the state’s extensive coastline and marine endowments position it as a prime destination for investments. He noted that Delta has about 163 kilometres of coastline, creating opportunities for seaport development, fisheries, and marine-based industries. Elekeokwuri described the state’s marine ecosystem as rich and economically viable, supporting activities such as fisheries, logistics, and distilleries. H...

Following Wednesday’s vote of confidence passed on Tantita Security Services Limited by the National Assembly, traditional rulers and community leaders in the Niger Delta have called for sustained support for the company in safeguarding oil and gas pipelines. They noted that the company’s involvement in pipeline protection has brought noticeable improvements to oil-bearing communities. Speaking on the development, the President-General of the Isoko Development Union (IDU), Christopher Akpotu, commended the joint committee of the Senate and House of Representatives for dismissing multiple petitions against Tantita, describing the decision as a step in the right direction for the Niger Delta. Reacting to the committee’s findings on pipeline security, Akpotu urged stakeholders to prioritise collective economic benefits over internal disputes. “That is the right way to go,” he said. “There are many opportunities in the oil and gas sector. We should focus on how to derive more benefits rath...

The University of Jos (UNIJOS) has confirmed the death of two of its students following the recent wave of violence in Jos, while three others – two students and a staff member – sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment in hospital. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Tanko Ishaya disclosed this on Thursday during a press briefing in Jos, where he also stated that there are no plans to relocate the institution from its current location despite the security challenges. The deceased were identified as Abel Joro Gershon, a 300-level Building student who was shot in the stomach during the Angwan Rukuba attack. He was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), where he died on April 5. He was buried on April 8. The second victim, Adeyomo Oluwafemi Temitope, a 500-level quantity surveying student, was reportedly shot and macheted to death by hoodlums on April 1 while outside the campus along Bauchi Road, the vice-chancellor said. Those injured and c...

A petrol tanker has crushed a commercial tricycle, killing all passengers on the spot.  The incident occurred at Refinery Junction, near Effurun roundabout, in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State. It was learnt that the petrol tanker had a break failure and rammed into the tricycle. The body parts of the victims were severed into pieces. At the time of this report, sympathizers and government agencies were seen trying to clear the rubbles, with the deceased already deposited at the morgue.

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Wednesday, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to achieving a stable and reliable electricity supply in the state through strategic partnerships with reputable energy experts. Governor Oborevwori, who was speaking during a high-level meeting with the management of Power Acumen Consulting Ltd (PACL), Detail Solicitors, and Nigeria Infrastructure Bank (NIB) at Government House, Asaba, identified power distribution, not generation, as the major challenge hindering progress in the nation’s energy sector. He said his administration was intensifying efforts to address longstanding gaps in electricity supply in the state through strategic partnerships, policy reforms, and targeted infrastructure development under its “Light Up To Industrialise Delta State Initiative.” According to him, while the state has recorded progress in infrastructure, healthcare, and education, a sustainable power supply remains critical to unlocking broader ...

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, stakeholders in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos Mainland have rejected moves to grant an automatic ticket to any aspirant, insisting that all contenders must participate in an open primary to determine the party’s candidate for the House of Representatives. The stakeholders maintained that internal democracy must be upheld, stressing that no individual should be favoured ahead of the official party primary. It was reported that leaders within the Lagos Mainland chapter of the APC also dismissed insinuations of factional divisions, reaffirming that the party remains united despite ongoing political activities. They stressed the need for strict adherence to due process as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum. The position of the stakeholders follows a recent political exercise conducted by a group known as Mainland Voice, which organised a shadow primary to test the popularity of aspirants seeking to represent Lagos Mai...

The Okuama Community of Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State has told all politicians, including the president and governor, that there will be no election in the community if their detained leaders are not released. Okuama Community gave the order Wednesday during a protest against the continued detention of its leaders. Mr Vote Johnwalker, Chairman, Okuama Community, while addressing the press, said that the decision became apparent because Okuama is being treated as an outcast in the country. According to the chairman, “It has been about two years now since our leaders were arrested and detained by the military after the total destruction of the community.” “It is trite that the country is ruled by the law. When someone is accused of committing a crime, he is charged in court after arrest, and then the person is tried. “Soldiers were killed near Okuama Community, and our town was destroyed; our leaders were arrested and detained without trials. “James Achovwuko Oghorok...

The Federal Government on Wednesday pushed back forcefully against growing narratives of national decline, insisting that Nigeria is not on the brink of collapse but is instead demonstrating resilience, recovery, and steady progress across key sectors. Information and National Orientation Minister, Mohammed Idris, delivered the firm rebuttal at the 81st General Assembly and 23rd Annual General Meeting of the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria, BON, in Abuja, where he dismissed pessimistic projections about the country’s future as unfounded. “I want to unequivocally refute the insinuation that Nigeria is on the brink,” Idris declared. According to him, “On the contrary, we are daily exhibiting resilience and tackling our security and economic challenges more decisively.” The minister pointed to recent security gains as evidence of the government’s intensified efforts to stabilise the country. He highlighted coordinated military offensives and improved intelligence-sharing mechanisms t...

The Abia State Police Command has debunked the alleged arrest of 488 members of the Boko Haram sect in the state. The police command stated this while reacting to a video circulating on social media that 488 members of the Boko Haram sect have been arrested in Abia. Police Public Relations Officer, Abia State Command, DSP Maureen Chinaka, who dismissed the alleged arrest in a statement, described the claim as false, misleading and intended to incite fear and unrest, as the video in question is an old broadcast of over 11 years ago and does not reflect the current security situation in the state. Chinaka assured that the police remain committed to their constitutional duty of protecting lives and property in the state and advised residents to go about their lawful activities without fear. “The Abia State Police Command is aware of a video circulating on social media claiming that 488 Boko Haram members were arrested in Abia State. “This claim is false, misleading and intended to incite ...

The Obidient Movement has called for a nationwide protest and demanded the resignation of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, following the commission’s decision on the leadership crisis in the African Democratic Congress (ADC). In a statement issued on April 2, 2026, the group said recent developments have raised concerns about the state of Nigeria’s democracy and the neutrality of key institutions. “There are moments in the life of a nation when silence becomes dangerous and inaction becomes complicity. Nigeria has arrived at such a moment,” the statement read. The movement alleged that INEC is no longer being perceived as impartial under the current administration. “The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which should stand as an impartial guardian of the people’s will, is increasingly perceived as compromised under the present administration,” it stated. It added that opposition voices appear to be facing mounting pres...

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Prof. Shu’aibu Aliyu as Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF). Aliyu replaces Ahmed Aminu, who recently resigned to pursue the 2027 governorship election in Adamawa. The president also renewed the appointment of Mr Sule Abdulaziz as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN). The renewal grants Abdulaziz a second and final term in office, following what the Presidency described as a satisfactory performance review. Both appointments take immediate effect, according to a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday in Abuja. Aliyu is a distinguished academic and seasoned administrator with extensive experience in research, education, and institutional leadership. The appointment, Onanuga said, reflects the administration’s commitment to strengthening key institutions in the petroleum sector and advancing capacity development. Tinubu expects...

Gunmen on Wednesday night stormed communities in Plateau State, killing two persons and injuring two others, including a woman shot in Heipang community, opposite Plateau State Polytechnic. Our correspondent reports that the attack occurred in Ban community, Heipang, when gunmen stormed the area around 11 pm and opened sporadic fire on victims. Three people were hit by bullets and rushed to hospital for treatment. One of them, a woman, later succumbed to gunshot wounds while two others sustained injuries, it was further gathered. The shooting triggered panic among students of the Plateau State Polytechnic, especially those living off-campus. Nanchip Dube, a student of the polytechnic, said the sounds of gunshots threw the campus community into confusion. “The sounds of gunshots created panic amongst students,” Dube recounted. In a related incident earlier in Riyom Local Government Area, 27-year-old Amos Monday, a resident of Du’a village in Kwi Ward, was killed when gunmen ambushed som...

Motorists were left stranded on Wednesday as youths staged a peaceful protest along the ever-busy Benin-Lagos highway, decrying the rising hardship in the country. The demonstrators blocked the road at the Oluku axis, disrupting vehicular movement and causing a massive traffic gridlock. The protesting youths said their action was driven by worsening economic conditions, including the hike in petrol pump price, epileptic power supply, poor road infrastructure, and the soaring cost of food items. They called for urgent government intervention to address the challenges, particularly rising food prices, unemployment, and the general high cost of living. During the demonstration, the youths displayed placards bearing inscriptions such as “ No to petrol hike”, “No to bad road”, and “APC must go,”  among others. The protest, though peaceful, brought traffic to a standstill, with commuters and motorists forced to endure long delays. The blockade led to a severe gridlock, leaving many passe...

FIC Report (Delta State) –   The Committee of Heads of Federal Government Establishments (COHEADS), Delta State Chapter, on Tuesday 31st March 2026 elected a new eleven member executive to pilot the affairs of the body for the next two years. The new executive is led by the State Manager Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Engr. Kennedy Onyenobi who earlier served as Interim Chairman following the retirement of the former Chairman; former State Coordinator Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAF), Mr. John Onovwoke. The smooth, peaceful and orderly election supervised by the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC representative in COHEADS, Mr. Emmanuel Ozowa, saw the chairman emerged as the sole candidate for the chairmanship position and was over- whelmingly elected unopposed with 29 votes. The position of the Vice-Chairperson also saw Mrs.Darling Chima Ononiwu, the Geologist in-charge, Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) retaining her ...

Heightened tension has returned to parts of Jos, Plateau State, on Wednesday following the relaxation of the 48-hour curfew imposed by the state government after the deadly Angwan Rukuba attack. The curfew was initially placed on Jos North Local Government Area after gunmen attacked residents of Angwan Rukuba on Sunday, killing at least 28 people. The Plateau State Government later eased the restriction, with the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap, announcing that the curfew would now run from 7am to 3pm daily, effective Wednesday, April 1, 2026. The move was aimed at allowing residents to attend to normal activities during permitted hours. However, the relaxation failed to restore calm. Instead, hoodlums and irate mobs reportedly attacked motorists and passers-by in several parts of the city, sparking fresh fear and panic among residents. Our correspondent gathered that a young man walking along the road leading to the University of Jos Permanent S...

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Wednesday shut down offices of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) across Abuja, Kogi, Nasarawa and Niger states, protesting the mass disengagement of over 900 workers.  The electricity distribution company’s headquarters in Abuja, as well as offices in parts of the Federal Capital Territory and branches in Kogi, Minna (Niger State), and Nasarawa, were under lock and key as of Wednesday morning. The action marks an escalation of the dispute between organised labour and the management of the power firm. The shutdown comes barely 24 hours after the NLC, led by its President,  Joe Ajaero,  picketed the company’s headquarters in Abuja over what it described as a controversial and unjust sack of workers. The union had earlier expressed outrage over the development, insisting that due process was not followed and that the disengagement violated earlier agreements reached with management. Speaking on the crisis, Ajaero said the ...