Aeesha's Blog

Category: Breaking News

  • Security Operatives Uncover Illegal Maternity Home In Imo, Rescue Victims

    Security operatives have uncovered an alleged illegal maternity home in Imo, rescuing five pregnant women and five newborn babies in a raid carried out in Owerri.

    The operation was conducted by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in collaboration with other security agencies following intelligence reports about suspicious activities at the facility.

    The State Commandant of the corps in Imo, Mr Basil Igwebueze, disclosed this while addressing journalists in Owerri, the state capital.

    Igwebueze said the facility, located around the World Bank area of the city, was allegedly being used as a baby factory where vulnerable women were kept and babies possibly trafficked.

    According to him, the raid was triggered after an officer of the corps noticed a pregnant woman attempting to escape from the premises of the suspected illegal maternity home.

    He said the officer immediately alerted other operatives, who moved swiftly to the location and carried out a search of the facility.

    “The command uncovered the illegal maternity home and rescued five pregnant women as well as five newborn babies from the premises,” he said.

    Igwebueze added that two suspects, including the owner of the facility and an alleged accomplice, were arrested during the operation and are currently in custody.

    He described the act as a serious offence, noting that such illegal homes often serve as fronts for human trafficking and child-selling syndicates.

    The commandant said the suspects would be prosecuted after investigations were concluded.

    He also appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious facilities or activities in their communities to security agencies.

    “This kind of criminal activity thrives when people keep silent. Community members must work with security agencies to expose such illegal operations,” he said.

    One of the suspects, however, denied the allegations, insisting that the facility was a registered orphanage and not a baby factory.

    The suspect claimed that one of the pregnant women had sought refuge at the home after fleeing from the man responsible for her pregnancy.

    Meanwhile, the rescued women and babies have been taken into protective custody and are expected to receive medical attention while authorities continue investigations into the case.

  • Frequent petrol price hikes raise concerns among transport operators

    Transport operators across Nigeria have expressed concern following the latest increase in petrol price by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery to N1,175 per litre, the third adjustment recorded within one week.

    The new ex-depot price, raised from N995 per litre, is expected to have immediate implications for the transport sector, which relies heavily on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) for daily operations.

    Commercial drivers and transport union members say the development may compel them to review transport fares in order to cope with rising fuel costs.

    According to several operators, petrol accounts for a significant portion of operational expenses in the road transport industry.

    A commercial driver operating within the Abuja metropolis said frequent fuel price changes make it difficult for transporters to maintain stable fares for passengers.

    “With the new price, many drivers may not sustain current fares because fuel costs continue to rise,” he said.

    Industry observers say depot price increases usually lead to higher pump prices at retail filling stations after marketers add transportation, storage and operational costs.

    Energy analysts noted that pump prices could exceed N1,200 per litre in some parts of the country if marketers reflect the new ex-depot rate.

    They added that any increase in transport fares could trigger a chain reaction across the economy, affecting the cost of goods distribution and food prices.

    The price adjustment comes as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and other stakeholders continue efforts to stabilise fuel supply in the country following the removal of petrol subsidy.

    Experts believe domestic refining operations at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery will eventually help improve fuel availability and reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported petroleum products.

    The refinery, owned by the Dangote Group and founded by industrialist Aliko Dangote, has a refining capacity of 650,000 barrels per day and is regarded as one of the largest refineries globally.

    However, analysts say fuel prices may continue to fluctuate depending on global crude oil prices, exchange rate movements and other market forces.

  • Gunmen Abduct 16 Persons in Abuja Community

    Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted no fewer than 16 persons, including four children of a pastor and the wife of a vigilante member, during an overnight attack in a community within the Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.

    Residents said the incident occurred late Thursday night when the armed men stormed the area, firing sporadically to scare residents before whisking away their victims.

    Eyewitnesses told reporters that the attackers targeted several houses in the community and forcefully took away the victims after breaking into the buildings.

    According to a resident who spoke on condition of anonymity, the gunmen abducted the four children belonging to a local pastor, as well as the wife of a member of the community vigilante group.

    “The attackers came in large numbers and started shooting into the air. People ran in different directions to save their lives. They went straight to some houses and took away many people,” the resident said.

    Another resident said the victims included men, women and children, bringing the total number of abducted persons to about 16.
    Community members said the attack caused panic across the area as residents fled their homes for safety.

    Local sources added that the vigilante member whose wife was abducted had earlier been involved in community security efforts aimed at protecting residents from criminal activities.

    As of the time of filing this report, security operatives had reportedly been alerted to the incident, while efforts were ongoing to track the attackers and rescue the victims.

    Kidnapping for ransom has become a major security concern in several parts of the Nigeria, including communities around the Abuja, where criminal groups often target residents in night raids.

    Security agencies have repeatedly assured the public of intensified operations to tackle banditry and kidnapping across the country.

    However, residents continue to call for stronger security presence and improved surveillance in vulnerable communities within the Federal Capital Territory.

    Efforts to obtain official confirmation from the Nigeria Police Force were ongoing at the time of this report.

  • OPEC+ Agrees Increased Oil Production Quotas After Middle East Strikes

    The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, collectively known as OPEC+, announced a greater-than-expected increase in oil production quotas on Sunday following a sharp escalation in hostilities across the Middle East.

    In a joint statement issued after a virtual meeting of the eight-member Voluntary Eight (V8) group, key producers agreed on a production adjustment amounting to 206,000 barrels per day (bpd). The adjustment is scheduled to take effect from April 2026 and marks a strategic shift in the cartel’s output approach amid rising geopolitical uncertainty.

    Context: Rising Tensions and Market Risks

    The decision comes against the backdrop of fresh US and Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent retaliatory actions by Tehran across the region. While the OPEC+ communique did not directly reference the conflict, analysts note that the timing reflects growing concern over potential disruption to global oil supply.

    Oil markets were already under strain as Brent crude prices climbed to around $73 per barrel, reflecting fears linked to the intensifying confrontation. Traders and analysts have warned that any serious disruption in the Strait of Hormuz — through which nearly a quarter of the world’s maritime oil exports transit — could trigger sharp price spikes.

    Why the Increase Matters
    Before the weekend’s meeting, market forecasts had anticipated a more modest rise of roughly 137,000 bpd. The announcement of 206,000 bpd therefore exceeded many analysts’ expectations, though some industry experts argue the adjustment may still fall short of easing supply fears in a volatile geopolitical climate.

    Jorge Leon, senior analyst at Rystad Energy, said the increase — while notable — might be insufficient to counterbalance risks posed by potential closures of key export routes, including the Strait of Hormuz. “Logistics and transit risk matter more than production targets right now,” he observed.

    Who Is Involved?
    The V8 group representing the core of OPEC+ comprises:

    • Saudi Arabia

    • Russia

    • United Arab Emirates

    • Iraq

    • Kuwait

    • Oman

    • Algeria

    • Kazakhstan

    These producers collectively account for a significant portion of global crude output, and their coordinated decisions influence global oil market balance and pricing dynamics.

    Market Outlook

    OPEC+ characterised the current global economy as displaying steady fundamentals, citing healthy inventory levels and demand forecasts. However, the group also acknowledged that evolving conditions could prompt further adjustments to quotas in the months ahead — either by increasing output further, maintaining current levels, or reversing previous cuts if required by market conditions.

    Economists say the decision to resume unwinding earlier voluntary output cuts reflects both confidence in market resilience and a cautious response to escalating geopolitical headwinds.

    Implications for Nigeria and Global Oil Markets

    For oil-dependent economies like Nigeria, which sets its federal budget benchmarks based on crude prices, the OPEC+ decision can have significant economic implications. Analysts note that higher prices may boost fiscal revenues, although sustained volatility could present risks for investment and planning within the energy sector.

    Market watchers will be closely monitoring developments throughout March and April, particularly as OPEC+ holds further consultations on production and compliance amid dynamic global energy conditions.

  • DSS Arrests Alleged Mastermind of Church Attack, Banditry Activities

    The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested a key terror suspect believed to be a major coordinator of violent attacks and banditry activities in parts of the country.

    A senior security source disclosed on Friday that the suspect, identified as Shafiu Usman, was apprehended after weeks of intelligence-led surveillance and covert operations carried out by the DSS.

    The source said the suspect is alleged to be the mastermind behind the deadly 2025 attack on the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Ayetoro, Kogi State, as well as several kidnapping and banditry operations across the North-Central and North-West regions.

    According to preliminary investigations, Usman maintained strong operational links with armed criminal networks involved in kidnapping for ransom, arms trafficking and the coordination of logistics for terror cells operating across state boundaries.

    Items recovered from the suspect at the point of arrest included communication gadgets, documents and materials believed to be vital to ongoing investigations aimed at dismantling terror and bandit networks.

    The source noted that the arrest followed actionable intelligence indicating plans by the suspect and his associates to carry out further attacks on soft targets and critical infrastructure.

    “The operation was carried out quietly to avoid civilian casualties, and investigations are ongoing to track and apprehend other members of the network,” the source said.

    The DSS reaffirmed its commitment to proactively identify, track and neutralise threats to national security through enhanced intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration.

    The suspect is currently in DSS custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

    The development comes amid renewed concerns over insecurity in parts of the country, with the Federal Government reiterating its resolve to strengthen the nation’s intelligence architecture and restore peace and stability nationwide.

  • No Life Lost as Fire Engulfs Old Terminal at Murtala Muhammed Airport

    A major fire outbreak has engulfed the old terminal building of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, sparking a swift emergency response from aviation authorities and emergency services.

    The incident, which occurred on Monday afternoon, affected a section of the ageing terminal that is currently undergoing renovation as part of a federal infrastructure upgrade initiative.

    Emergency Response Activated

    In an official statement released this evening, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) confirmed the outbreak and disclosed that its firefighting unit was immediately mobilised to the scene. The agency said its firefighters were actively working to contain and extinguish the blaze.

    “The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria is aware of the fire outbreak at the old terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, and our firefighting team is currently on the ground responding and working to bring the situation under control,” FAAN said in its statement.

    No Casualties Recorded

    Authorities emphasised that there were no injuries or loss of life reported in connection with the fire, a development that has provided some relief amid concerns among travellers and airport staff.

    FAAN urged the travelling public and airport users to remain calm as emergency operations continue and further assessments of the facility’s condition are conducted.

    Cause Yet to be Determined

    As of the time of publication, the exact cause of the fire remains unknown. Both FAAN and emergency responders have indicated that investigations will be launched to determine the origin and contributing factors of the outbreak.

    Operational Impact

    The fire is understood to have affected portions of the old terminal, which has historically been used for passenger processing and airline operations before the commissioning of newer facilities at MMIA. While the full operational impact on flights and airport activities has yet to be confirmed, the Lagos airport—one of Nigeria’s busiest aviation hubs—has activated safety protocols to manage passenger flow and ensure continuity of essential services.

    Stakeholder Reassurance and Next Steps

    Officials from FAAN and emergency agencies are expected to issue updated briefings as more information becomes available regarding the extent of damage, the timeline for full containment, and any potential disruptions to airport services.

    This fire incident comes at a time when the federal government has been investing in significant upgrades to Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure, including renovation and expansion projects at key airport terminals.

  • ICPC Intensifies Oversight of N4.61bn FG Projects in Zamfara

    The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says it is tracking Federal Government projects worth ₦4.61 billion in Zamfara State to ensure transparency, accountability and value for money.

    The commission disclosed this on Friday during an inspection and tracking exercise of constituency and executive projects executed across selected communities in the state.

    Speaking at the exercise in Gusau, the ICPC Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner (RACC) in charge of Zamfara, Mr Mustapha Aliyu, said the projects cut across education, health, water supply and infrastructure sectors.

    Aliyu explained that the tracking was part of the commission’s nationwide Constituency and Executive Projects Tracking Initiative (CEPTI), aimed at monitoring projects funded with public resources and preventing mismanagement, abandonment or diversion.

    “We are tracking Federal Government projects valued at ₦4.61 billion in Zamfara State. The objective is to ensure that funds released are judiciously utilised and that the projects deliver the intended benefits to the people,” he said.

    According to him, the projects were awarded between 2022 and 2024 and were at various stages of completion, noting that preliminary findings revealed cases of delayed execution, poor workmanship and deviation from project specifications in some locations.

    Aliyu said the commission would take appropriate action against contractors or public officers found to have compromised project standards or diverted public funds.

    He stressed that the ICPC would not hesitate to recommend sanctions, including recovery of funds and prosecution, where evidence of corruption or abuse of process was established.

    The RACC urged community leaders and residents to take ownership of government projects in their areas by monitoring implementation and promptly reporting any irregularities to the commission.

    He also called on contractors handling public projects to adhere strictly to contractual agreements, warning that the era of abandoned or substandard projects would no longer be tolerated.

    Residents of the inspected communities welcomed the ICPC’s intervention, expressing hope that the exercise would lead to improved service delivery and completion of long-abandoned projects.

    The commission reaffirmed its commitment to promoting transparency and ensuring that public funds were deployed strictly for the development and welfare of Nigerians.

  • Security Forces Repel Bandit Attack Along Kebbi Border Axis

    Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force on Friday repelled a bandit attack along a border community in Kebbi State, restoring calm to the area.

    The Police Command in Kebbi confirmed that the armed bandits attempted to infiltrate border settlements in the early hours of the day but were successfully pushed back by security operatives after a gun duel.

    The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Nafiu Abubakar, said in a statement issued in Birnin Kebbi that the swift response of officers on patrol prevented the attackers from gaining access to the communities.

    “Police operatives, in collaboration with other security agencies, repelled a bandit attack at one of the border areas of the state. The criminals were forced to retreat after sustaining pressure from superior firepower,” Abubakar said.

    He added that no casualty was recorded among security personnel or residents, while the attackers fled with gunshot wounds into nearby bushes.

    According to the police spokesman, reinforcement teams have been deployed to the area to prevent a possible return of the criminals, while aggressive patrols and stop-and-search operations have been intensified along the border axis.

    Abubakar explained that the command had sustained intelligence-led operations to flush out criminal elements taking advantage of porous borders to launch attacks on rural communities.

    He urged residents of the affected areas to remain calm and continue to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could aid ongoing operations.

    The Kebbi Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state, assuring that it would not relent in its efforts to rid border communities of banditry and other forms of criminality.

    Residents have commended the prompt response of security operatives, noting that the improved patrols had boosted confidence and reduced fear among border communities.

  • BREAKING: DSS Rearrests El‑Rufai Minutes After EFCC Custody — Tensions Escalate in Abuja

    The Department of State Services (DSS) has reportedly taken former Kaduna State governor Nasir El‑Rufai into custody, just hours after he was detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) amid overlapping legal actions by Nigeria’s major enforcement agencies.

    The dramatic development unfolded in the Nigerian capital yesterday after Mr. El‑Rufai was questioned for several hours by EFCC officials at the agency’s headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, over allegations tied to a ₦432 billion corruption probe linked to his eight‑year administration in Kaduna State.

    Security sources confirmed that after initially responding to the EFCC invitation on Monday morning, Mr. El‑Rufai was detained late into the night as investigations continued. By Tuesday, the situation took an unexpected turn when the DSS reportedly intervened, taking the former governor from EFCC custody — an action that has fueled fresh controversy and legal debate.

    Allegations and Charges

    The DSS has filed a three‑count criminal charge against Mr. El‑Rufai at the Federal High Court in Abuja, accusing him of unlawfully intercepting the phone communications of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu — an offence the prosecution says was admitted during a television appearance on 13 February.

    The counts, filed under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act 2024 and the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, allege that Mr. El‑Rufai “with others still at large” used technical systems to intercept communications and thereby posed a threat to national security.

    Wider Reaction and Protest

    Ahead of the EFCC proceedings, civil society groups and supporters of the former governor staged protests outside the anti‑graft agency’s headquarters, demanding clarity on the probe and adherence to due process.

    Separately, the DSS has reportedly reopened investigations into cold cases tied to alleged human rights abuses from Mr. El‑Rufai’s tenure as governor — including the 2019 disappearance of critic Abubakar Idris, widely known as “Dadiyata.”

    Political and Legal Implications

    The coordinated actions by EFCC and DSS signal an intensification of government scrutiny of the former governor, who has repeatedly denied wrongdoing and described some aspects of the enforcement efforts as politically motivated.

    Legal analysts say the dual custody actions — first by the EFCC for corruption‑related inquiries and subsequently by the DSS on separate cybercrime and national security charges — present complex constitutional questions regarding jurisdiction and the limits of state power. Observers have also warned that the high‑profile case could further strain Nigeria’s political landscape in the months ahead.

    Next Steps

    As of this report, Mr. El‑Rufai is expected to remain in custody pending further court proceedings. No official hearing date has been released, and both the EFCC and DSS have yet to issue detailed public statements on the timing of any arraignment or bail considerations.

  • 17-Year-Old SS3 Student Dies After Alleged Bullying Assault in Yobe School

    A 17-year-old final-year secondary school student has died following an alleged assault by his classmates at a government secondary school in Potiskum Local Government Area of Yobe State.

    The deceased, Hassan Ahmadu, a Senior Secondary School (SS3) student of the Government Science and Technical College, succumbed to injuries after being attacked on Sunday in what sources described as a bullying incident involving fellow students.

    Family members confirmed that Hassan was taken home and buried the same day in his hometown, Gadaka, in Fika Local Government Area. The circumstances leading to the attack are still under investigation by authorities.

    Police Open Investigation

    The Yobe State Police Command confirmed the incident through its Public Relations Officer, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, saying a police investigation has commenced to determine the precise cause of the student’s death.

    “Yes, we are aware of the incident, and an investigation is currently ongoing to ascertain what led to the death of the student,” SP Abdulkarim told our correspondent.

    Allegations of Bullying Surface
    A teacher at the school, who spoke on condition of anonymity, alleged that Hassan had been subjected to bullying by some of his classmates for some time before the fatal incident. According to the teacher, Hassan pleaded with his attackers to stop, but they allegedly persisted, leaving him seriously injured.

    “The whole school was shocked by what happened,” the teacher said, adding that suspected students have been handed over to police by school authorities.

    Calls for Safety Measures

    The incident comes amid rising concerns over violence and unrest in secondary schools across parts of Nigeria, prompting civil society groups and parents to call for enhanced student protection and strict anti-bullying policies.

    Education stakeholders have urged school authorities and the state government to strengthen counselling services, peer-support systems, and enforce disciplinary frameworks to prevent recurrence of such tragic events.

    When contacted, the Yobe State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Prof. Abba Idriss Adam, said he would provide an official response to our correspondent in due course.

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