FocalPoint Reports

The Niger Delta Civil Society Forum (NCSF), formally registered as the Organisation for Human and Peoples Rights Protection and Humanitarian (OHPRPH), has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently extend the Warri–Itakpe–Ujevwu rail line to Abuja, citing growing passenger demand and the route’s economic viability. This was contained in a statement issued in Warri, Delta State, and signed by its Coordinator, Comrade Ezekiel Kagbala, copies of which were made available to journalists in Warri on Thursday. The group stated that "the expansion of the rail corridor to the Federal Capital Territory would significantly enhance mobility, boost trade, and ease the burden on existing transport systems across the country". The Forum’s appeal follows a chaotic incident on Saturday, April 25, 2026, during which passengers on the Warri–Itakpe–Ujevwu train service were reportedly subjected to severe overcrowding, raising fears of a potential stampede. Eyewitness accounts...

A video showing the shooting of a suspect who had been restrained by a police officer attached to the Delta police command has surfaced on social media. In the less-than-two-minute video ,  the male suspect is seen sitting on the ground with his hands tied behind his back with a rope. The suspect can be heard pleading with the police officers not to shoot him, saying he was deceived by a friend who is residing in the Sapele area of Delta state. Crying, the suspect said he would take the officers to the friend’s house in Sapele. Officers, abeg, I go tell you everything. Na my friend deceived me. E dey Sapele. I go carry you go the place,” the suspect begged the officers in Pidgin English As the suspect was pleading with the officers, one of them, dressed in mufti, was seen cocking his rifle and then shooting directly at the suspect. Immediately, the suspect lay on the group as passers-by watched the incident. Afterwards, the police officers carried the body into a Toyota...

The German government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria in tackling insecurity and fostering peaceful coexistence, following a call for urgent government protection and humanitarian assistance by residents of the Yelwata community in Venue State after their experience from last year’s deadly attack. It was reported that Germany’s Federal Government Commissioner for Freedom of Religion or Belief,  Thomas Rachel,  made this known on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, during a press briefing in Abuja after a fact-finding visit to affected communities and internally displaced persons camps. Rachel described his visit to Yelwata as deeply emotional, revealing that survivors of the June 2025 massacre, which claimed over 200 lives, are still grappling with fear and uncertainty about their future. “I am still moved by my visit to Yelwata, the village where a massacre took place in June 2025. More than 200 Christians were killed there,”  he said. “The people with...

 Oromoni, Police, DSS Allegedly Dissolve Okirikpa-led Odidi Exco  There is an ongoing speculation that the Burutu Area Commander of the Nigeria Police Force, officials of the Department of State Services, DSS, the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, for Warri South-West, and the Warri South-West Local Government Council Chairman, Hon Sylvester Oromoni, has jointly dissolved the Mr Preye Okirikpa-led Executive Committee of the Odidi Federated Community over plot by oposing faction to swearin another government on the claim that the Preye led exo had expired. Congress news reported that the dissolution was announced on Monday after a peace meeting convened jointly by Oromoni and security officials, which brought together elders, youths, women, chiefs, Okirikpa and his Exco members, and representatives of various interest groups in the community. The meeting was called to resolve a prolonged standoff that had threatened peace in the oil-rich community. Speaking to newsmen...

The House of Representatives has approved a request by President  Bola Tinubu  to take a foreign loan of $516,333,007 for the construction of parts of the Sokoto-Badagry superhighway. The approval was given during Tuesday’s plenary session in Abuja. The decision followed the presentation of a report by Abdullahi Rasheed, who is the deputy chairman of the committee on aids, loans, and debt management. The committee reviewed the request before it was brought before lawmakers for consideration. The loan is meant to support the development of key sections of the Sokoto-Badagry road project, which is one of the major highway plans of the federal government. Lawmakers backed the request after deliberation during the sitting. Meanwhile, Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has criticized President Bola Tinubu over his request for Senate approval of a fresh $516 million external loan, cautioning against what he described as reckless borrowing. It was reported that Tinubu had wr...

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) says a monthly salary of ₦1 million is worthless to workers without a stable naira and improved economic conditions. Mr Joe Ajaero, NLC President, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja. He said organised labour was more concerned about the value of the naira than nominal wage increases, stressing that rising inflation had continued to erode workers’ purchasing power. According to him, the steady increase in the cost of living has made it difficult for workers to afford necessities, including food, transportation and housing. “Even if Nigerian workers earn ₦1 million, it will not be meaningful if the naira has no value. “What we are looking for is a currency that can sustain workers and their families at least to the end of the month. Ajaero said that the ongoing conversation around a new national minimum wage must follow laid-down procedures, adding that it is governed by law and tied to a specific review c...

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has carried out a coordinated air strike on suspected terrorist positions in Guduf, located in the Mandara Mountains along Nigeria’s northeastern border. It was reported that the Air Force disclosed that the strike was conducted on April 27, 2026, as part of ongoing counter-terrorism operations under Operation Hadin Kai. In a statement, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the operation followed credible intelligence supported by surveillance reports. He noted that air assets were deployed after identifying multiple terrorist structures and logistics hubs in the area. Ejodame said the operation was executed with precision, targeting key insurgent infrastructure. “NAF air assets executed a coordinated operation that identified multiple terrorist structures and logistics hubs actively supporting insurgent activities within the area,”  he said. According to him, the strike successfully destroyed critical faci...

The People’s Redemption Party (PRP) has rejected a move by a group linked to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to take control of its leadership, stating clearly that the party cannot be bought or taken over. Speaking in Kano on Monday, the chairman of PRP Vanguard, Abdulmajid Yakubu Dauda, said the party remains committed to its founding ideology and will not allow it to be turned into a tool for personal or financial gain. He warned those making moves toward the party to be careful, saying the PRP is not open to any form of purchase or hidden deal. It was reported that Dauda accused certain individuals based in Kaduna, whom he said were never part of the PRP, of trying to take over its structure. According to him, these individuals are now acting as leaders and inviting members from other troubled political parties, including the ADC, into the PRP without proper process. He also described the group he called the “Kaduna Mafia” as people who do not represent the values of...

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has uncovered and safely neutralised explosive devices within the Ikot Ekpene Custodial Centre, averting what authorities described as a potential disaster. It was reported that the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfom John, disclosed in a statement on Monday that the operation was triggered by credible intelligence from correctional authorities. According to her, the Commissioner of Police,  Baba Azare , immediately ordered the deployment of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit alongside other tactical teams. A coordinated search of the facility led to the recovery of dangerous materials, including two 90mm high-explosive rounds and a 45cm burning fuse. Other items recovered included a pair of pincers, a flat screwdriver, two 12mm iron chisels, and a conduit iron pipe. The police said the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team successfully neutralised the devices, preventing possible casualties and damage. “The EOD team professionally rendered t...

Troops of the 63 Brigade/Sector 1, Joint Task Force, South-South, Operation Delta Safe, have confiscated four AK-47 rifles from suspected criminals in an operation at Ogidigben Community in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State. The operation also led to the arrest of two suspected criminals. The significant operational successes were contained in a statement issued on Monday and signed by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Asaba, Captain Iliyasu Bawa-Rijau. Copies were made available to journalists in Warri on Tuesday. According to the statement, “the operation was conducted following reports of sporadic shooting in the community”. “Acting on credible intelligence, the troops responded swiftly and confiscated four AK-47 rifles, six magazines, 106 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, two knives, ten machetes, and four rain boots.” The Army spokesman disclosed that the suspects are currently in custody, undergoing further inv...

The Delta State Police Command has recorded fresh breakthroughs in its crackdown on kidnapping and illegal arms trafficking following intelligence-led operations that led to multiple arrests and the recovery of assault rifles, ammunition and a suspected operational vehicle. The Command’s spokesperson, Bright Edafe, said operatives of the tactical team based in Ughelli carried out the operations between April 23 and April 24, 2026, targeting criminal networks operating within and beyond the state. He disclosed that on April 24 at about 6:30 p.m., police operatives acting on credible intelligence arrested Ahmadu Usman, 22, a native of Lafia, at the Ekuigbo area of Ughelli. The suspect was linked to a Kidnapping syndicate accused of terrorising commuters along the Ughelli–Warri Road. Edafe said further interrogation led officers to Trailer Park along the Warri–Sapele Road, where another suspect, Haruna Abdullahi, 37, was arrested. During the operation, operatives r...

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has unveiled a new power-sharing framework aimed at keeping Nigeria’s opposition united ahead of the 2027 presidential election, amid rising concerns over internal rivalry. The proposal, described as a  “collegiate system,”  is designed to move away from winner-takes-all politics and promote collective leadership even after the emergence of a presidential candidate. It was reported that a key figure in the party’s reform drive,  Lukman Salihu,  disclosed the plan on Monday while speaking on The Morning Show on Arise TV. He said the initiative would ensure that governance, if the party wins power, is anchored on teamwork rather than individual dominance. “The new framework we are trying to put together is a collegiate framework. It is not a framework where one person will be the winner of everything,”  Salihu said. “Our leaders are committed to ensure that if we produce the next government, it is not going to be like an emper...

Residents of Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State have raised fresh alarm after suspected terrorists issued a one-week ultimatum to the Nigerian government over the fate of abducted victims. The insurgents reportedly threatened to kill or forcibly marry some of the 176 women and children in their custody if their demands are not met. Community members said the warning was communicated through one of the abductees, who was allowed to speak with her family after a Jumu’ah prayer session with the captors. According to sources, the victims confirmed they were still alive but disclosed that the terrorists expressed frustration over what they described as the government’s lack of response. “They said the government is not taking the matter seriously despite the resources they are using to feed the abductees ,” a resident said. According to Reporters, the insurgents allegedly warned that if no agreement is reached within one week, they would begin to e...

The court martial over last year’s foiled coup plot in Nigeria will resume on May 8, a spokesman for the country’s Defence Headquarters told AFP on Monday. Three dozen officers are on trial for allegedly planning to overthrow the government. If successful, this would have brought an end to more than a quarter-century of democracy in Africa’s most populous country. The court martial was “inaugurated” Friday, with 36 officers brought before the newly sworn-in justices for the opening of the proceedings, held at a military installation in the capital, Abuja. The next sitting will also be behind closed doors, with no media access, military spokesman Major General Samaila Uba told AFP. Separately, six civilians are on trial this week at Abuja’s Federal High Court for their alleged role in the plot. They have pleaded not guilty. Nigeria has seen several military takeovers in its history and spent much of the 20th century under junta rule after its independence from Britain in 1960. The west ...

FIC Report (Delta State) –  The Delta State Police has stated that the Command is aware of a viral video circulating on X and other social media platforms alleging that some police officers assaulted a woman and subjected her to over forty strokes of cane. The video captured the victim narrating her ordeal. Making the disclosure, in a press statement, the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) SP. Bright Edafe,  said the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command has directed an immediate and thorough investigation into the allegations. The statement added that preliminary steps have commenced to verify the circumstances surrounding the incident and to establish the identities of the officers involved. The matter has been referred to the appropriate investigative unit for discreet handling, while efforts are ongoing to ensure that all personnel implicated are identified and brought to account. The Statement urged the victim and the activist to visit the ...

A former Commissioner for Religious Affairs in Zamfara State,  Abdullahi Maharazu Mafara,  has narrowly escaped death after gunmen suspected to be bandits attacked his vehicle and shot him in the leg. The incident occurred on Saturday while the cleric was travelling from Talata Mafara to Gusau to attend a meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC). According to a security alert by Bakatsine, the attackers ambushed the vehicle along the route and opened fire, hitting the former commissioner during the assault. Zamfara former Commissioner’s vehicle shot Despite the attack, Mafara survived the encounter and was rushed for medical attention. Bakatsine stated that the cleric, who is also a former local government chairman, sustained a gunshot wound but is currently receiving treatment. “He sustained a gunshot wound to the leg; the bullet has been removed, and he is currently recuperating at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital,”  the alert noted. The attack ha...

The Presidency has described the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a party struggling to maintain “coherence and balance.” The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, stated this while responding to the ADC’s National Legislators’ criticism of the president's submission on the party's national convention. The ADC forum, led by former House of Representatives member, Hon. Nnenna Ukeje, had argued that Nigeria is at a critical democratic juncture and accused the administration of shrinking political space. The group also referenced Tinubu’s past as an opposition leader who once advocated political pluralism and judicial independence, saying his current leadership posture appears inconsistent with those democratic values. However, Dare, in a detailed statement shared on Saturday via 𝕏, said ADC was suffering from “internal disarray”. The statement was titled ‘WHAT’S THAT NOISE! Response to Hon. Nnenna Elendu Ukeje and the ADC Fo...

President Bola Tinubu has sworn in Muttaqha Darma as the new Minister of Housing and Urban Development after his Senate clearance. Darma from Katsina State replaced Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, who recently resigned. This is contained in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Friday. The president congratulated Dr Darma for coming on board at this very challenging time of national development. “You have a very rich and interesting background. As a leader, we need competent hands like yours. “There is no doubt that you have rendered valuable services in all the assignments you have embarked upon; You are a fitting peg in the right position,” he said. The President urged the new Minister to be ready to serve in any capacity in which he is called upon. It was reported that Darma is a distinguished Nigerian scholar, administrator, and development expert who holds a Doctor of Business Administration degree from the University of Liv...

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested a former chairman of the defunct Skye Bank Plc,  Tunde Ayeni , over an alleged multi-billion naira fraud. The businessman is alleged to be at the centre of an investigation of the alleged diversion and misappropriation of funds estimated at ₦36.5 billion and $30 million, said to have been obtained from Polaris Bank Plc through companies linked to him. According to The Cable, Ayeni was picked up in Abuja on Thursday and is currently in EFCC custody as investigations continue. Details Later…

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has granted an immediate waiver of fees for the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) for the Nigerian Law School, Abuja campus. Speaking during a meeting with the school’s management in Abuja, Wike also declared an emergency on the construction of staff quarters and other critical infrastructure to enhance the institution’s learning environment. Wike expressed surprise that the institution had operated without a C of O since moving to Bwari. “The lack of official documentation for government institutions is a trend that this administration is actively correcting.” Wike directed the Director of Lands to waive all processing fees for the school’s C of O, and issued a firm directive to ensure the document is processed and ready within one week. He noted that regularising the land is essential to move the school from what he colloquially termed an “illegal session” to rightful ownership. Beyond land matters, the Minister committed ...

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sought the Senate’s approval for a $516.3 million loan to fund part of the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway project. It was reported that the request was conveyed in a letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and read during Thursday’s plenary. The President said the project is a 1,000-kilometre flagship highway designed to link Nigeria’s North-West to the South-West. According to the proposal, the highway will run from Illela in Sokoto State through Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, and Ogun, terminating in Badagry, Lagos State. The loan will specifically fund Sections 1, Phase 1a and 1b, covering 120 kilometres of the total corridor. Tinubu explained that the funding arrangement involves a syndicated loan from Deutsche Bank AG, backed by a partial risk guarantee from the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit. He added that the Federal Government would provide counterpart funding of over ₦265.5 billion for land a...

Nineteen people have died, and several others were injured in separate road accidents in Edo and Taraba states. In Edo State, 12 persons died, and 14 others were injured in a separate crash over the weekend at Egono community along the Auchi–Ewu–Benin road. The accident occurred when a speeding truck conveying passengers and goods attempted a dangerous overtaking manoeuvre, lost control, and overturned. The Edo FRSC spokesperson, Patricia Onwochei, confirmed the incident to Newsmen. She attributed the incident to wrongful overtaking and said one victim had been buried, while 11 others were deposited at St. Lazarus Hospital mortuary. In Taraba, seven persons, including two minors and two women, lost their lives in a crash that occurred at about 4:40 pm on Tuesday in the Garbabi area of Gashaka Local Government Area. The accident involved a commercial vehicle carrying 11 passengers from Bali to Serti, the headquarters of Gashaka LGA. An official of the Nigeria Association o...

Traditional rulers from across Anioma nation in Delta North have called for observance of customs, stronger legal protections and removal of partisan politics from traditional institutions, as key steps to end recurring kingship disputes and succession conflicts in their communities. The resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the inaugural Delta North Traditional Rulers Peace Symposium, organised by Anioma Peace Advocacy and Development Initiative. The gathering brought together monarchs, community leaders and other stakeholders to examine practical solutions for preventing and resolving succession-related disputes. Speaking at the opening session, President and Convener of the initiative, Prince Nath Obiokolie, said several communities in Anioma land had continued to witness avoidable conflicts over traditional stools, citing Egbudu-Akah and others as examples. He said the symposium was designed to generate ideas that would improve dispute manageme...

Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Tuesday commenced a verification exercise at the National Secretariat of the Labour Party in Abuja. The delegation, led by Mallam Mansur Hassan, is tasked with verifying the party’s claims regarding its physical and leadership structures, membership records, as well as the status of its secretariat building. Speaking before the exercise began, Hassan said the team’s role goes beyond observation. “We are monitors, not observers. We are here to monitor and correct things, not observe,” he stated. He explained that the exercise would include verification of the party’s executive membership, particularly the National Working Committee, in line with provisions of the party’s constitution. The team is also expected to review documents relating to the party’s occupancy of its secretariat, including tenancy agreements and payment receipts, in addition to obtaining a soft copy of its membership register. Meanwhile, the develop...

The lawmaker representing Borno South senatorial district, Ali Ndume, has vowed that no ransom will be paid to insurgents who abducted residents from the village of Muoshi, Borno State, in early March. It was reported that the lawmaker’s declaration comes as Boko Haram‘s 72-hour ultimatum on the 416 nears its expiration In a recent video, Boko Haram insurgents issued a chilling 72-hour ultimatum, warning that the abducted victims could be moved to unknown locations if their demands were not met. The militants threatened, “ If our demands are not met, we will move these victims, including women and children, to different locations… You may never see them again.” Speaking during an appearance on Arise Television, Ndume expressed concern over the statement, particularly in regard to the innocence of the captives. The lawmaker confirmed the harrowing reality of the incident, which initially involved more than 500 people but was later clarified to be 416 individuals. “ It was unbel...

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has commenced disciplinary proceedings against 167 senior officers over alleged misconduct and breaches of professional standards. The exercise, being conducted by the Force Disciplinary Committee at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, is aimed at reviewing pending cases involving officers from the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police and above. According to the Force spokesman,  Anthony Placid , the committee is mandated to examine each case thoroughly in line with established laws and regulations. He said, “ The Nigeria Police Force has commenced the sitting of the FDC to review pending disciplinary matters involving 167 senior police officers over alleged breaches of professional conduct and other related offences.” Placid noted that the committee serves as a key internal mechanism for handling disciplinary issues involving senior officers. He said,  “The Force Disciplinary Committee… is responsible for the review and determination of cases...

The Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF) has commiserated with renowned Niger Delta broadcaster, Chief Victor Ayabotu, following the death of his daughter. In a condolence message issued on Monday and signed by its national Spokesman Comrade Ezekiel Kagbala, the forum described the loss as painful and unfortunate, noting that no parent should have to bury a child. The IPF, a body of media professionals of Ijaw extraction, expressed shock over the sad news and extended its heartfelt sympathies to Ayabotu, his family, and loved ones. “On behalf of the Ijaw Publishers’ Forum, we sympathize with our brother, colleague, and veteran broadcaster, Chief Victor Ayabotu, over the untimely demise of his beloved daughter,” the statement read. “The death of a child is a wound that never truly heals. Imagine the depth of grief this has brought to the Ayabotu's family. We pray the Almighty God grants him, his wife, and the entire family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.” The forum ...

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has arrested 14 suspected vandals at the Terminal One construction site of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos. Mr Henry Agbebire, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at FAAN, disclosed the arrest in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos. According to Agbebire, the suspects were apprehended at about 6.00 p.m. on Monday. He said the arrest followed a swift and intelligence-driven response by FAAN’s security architecture, working in close coordination with the Joint Military Task Force (JMTF) and other security agencies deployed at the airport. Agbebire said that preliminary findings indicated that the suspects had unlawfully gained access to the Terminal One construction site by impersonating authorised construction personnel. He said the attempt was effectively foiled through the vigilance, surveillance, and rapid intervention of FAAN security operatives and their partners. The individuals were intercepted...

THE Itsekiri Grassroot Coalition (IGC), a socio-political group, has endorsed President Ahmed Tinubu and Gov Sheriff Oborevwori for second tenure. This endorsement was done during the IGC 2026 5th Congress at the GT Event Center, Ugbu­wangue, Warri, Warri South Local Government Area, Delta State. They were both adopted by the members of IGC before a vote of confidence was passed on President Bola Tinubu and the Delta State Governor, Rt .Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for second tenure. Earlier, one of the Coordinators, Mr Bobby Omad­eli, a Senior Special Assistant to the Governor (SSA), in his opening remarks, appealed to Itsekiri at all levels and from the grassroots to endeavor to come out and vote in the forthcoming 2027 elections. He applauded them for turning out in large num­bers to attend the event and encouraged all to do same by participating actively as well as coming out to vote en masse saying , the election is vital to the Itsekiri nation and Warri Kingdom rather than the non-cha...

The Nigeria Police Force has rescued the remaining 13 people abducted in the Benue Links bus in Otukpo, Benue State. The police had earlier rescued five of the victims, while the remaining 13 were rescued following an intelligence-driven operation carried out across the Amla Forest corridor and surrounding locations. Recall, the 18 passengers were kidnapped on April 15, 2026. According to a statement on Monday, April 20, by the Force Spokesman, DCP Anthony Placid, the eight students rescued were travelling to Otukpo to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination. He confirmed that all 18 passengers involved in the incident have now been rescued and accounted for. The statement reads; “The Nigeria Police Force has achieved a major operational breakthrough with the rescue of all victims abducted in the Otukpo kidnapping incident involving passengers of a Benue Links bus on 15 April 2026. “Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Benue State Police Comma...

The Federal Government has filed a 13-count charge before the Federal High Court in Abuja against individuals accused of plotting to overthrow President  Bola Ahmed Tinubu . It was reported that among those charged are a retired major general, a retired naval captain, a serving police inspector, and three others. The defendants are alleged to have engaged in acts aimed at destabilising the country, including waging war against Nigeria. According to the charge, the accused persons are facing offences bordering on treason and terrorism. The President Tinubu-led government in October 2025 announced the cancellation of a parade earlier scheduled to celebrate the country’s 65th independence anniversary on October 1. Following the announcement, reports linked the cancellation of the independence anniversary event to an alleged coup attempt. The DHQ, however, dismissed the reports, insisting that the cancellation was unrelated to the alleged coup attempt. However, on the 31st of Octo...