Military salaries hit N924bn as Tinubu approves pay rise

President Bola Tinubu has approved a salary increase of between 30 and 80 per cent for about 250,000 personnel of the Armed Forces, raising the military’s annual wage bill from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion.

The new salary structure, which takes effect from September 1, 2026, grants the highest increase to junior personnel. Soldiers from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant will receive an 80 per cent pay rise, while Warrant Officers to Colonels will get a 50 per cent increase. Senior officers from Brigadier-General to General will receive a 30 per cent salary adjustment.

The Presidency said the review is aimed at recognising the sacrifices of military personnel in the fight against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, while reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to improving troop welfare and equipping the Armed Forces with modern weapons and technology.

The salary review will increase the Armed Forces’ annual wage bill by ₦264 billion, from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion, making it the largest military pay increase under the Tinubu administration.

The development has been welcomed by retired military officers, who described it as a major morale booster capable of improving troop motivation, recruitment and operational effectiveness. They, however, urged the Federal Government to ensure prompt implementation and complement the salary review with improved logistics, accommodation, healthcare, modern equipment and other welfare packages.

Serving military personnel also welcomed the announcement but said they would reserve judgment until the new salaries are reflected in their bank accounts, stressing that effective implementation would be the true test of the government’s commitment to troop welfare.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the salary structure was deliberately designed to favour junior personnel, with the highest percentage increases going to the lowest ranks.

Falana Urges FG to Sanction South African Firms Over Xenophobic Attacks

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has called on the Federal Government to impose economic sanctions on South African companies operating in Nigeria in response to recurring xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and the destruction of their businesses in South Africa.

Speaking with journalists in Ekiti on Saturday, Falana argued that diplomatic protests alone have failed to produce meaningful action from the South African government. He urged Nigeria to apply the principle of reciprocity in its response.

The senior advocate also questioned the effectiveness of taking the matter before the African Union, saying such efforts may only result in resolutions without concrete enforcement.

According to Falana, if Nigerians continue to be attacked and their businesses destroyed in South Africa, Nigeria has a responsibility to respond by taking appropriate measures against South African businesses operating within its borders, particularly where viable alternatives exist.

BREAKING: Reps Order IG to Produce Alleged Fake PFIPC DG Adeyemi Within 48 Hours

The House of Representatives Committee investigating the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) has directed the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to produce the organisation’s self-acclaimed Director-General, Adeyemi Adeniyi, within 48 hours.

The order was issued on Monday during the committee’s resumed investigative hearing at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.

Representing the Inspector-General, Assistant Commissioner of Police Bashir Abdullahi appeared before the lawmakers and was instructed to ensure Adeyemi appears before the committee by noon on Wednesday to assist with its ongoing investigation.

The committee is probing how the PFIPC, despite reportedly lacking legal establishment, allegedly secured office space in Phase III of the Federal Secretariat Complex, Abuja, and received a budgetary allocation of ₦1.32 billion in the 2026 Appropriation Act.

During the hearing, the Nigeria Police Force confirmed key aspects of its criminal investigation, including petitions from the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President alleging that Adeyemi falsely presented himself as the Director-General of both the Presidential Economic Advisory Council and the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council.

Chairman of the committee, Yusuf Gagdi, said Adeyemi’s appearance was necessary in view of the weight of the allegations and the public institutions linked to the matter.

The committee also directed its clerk to formally notify the Inspector-General of Police of its resolution, insisting that Adeyemi must appear before lawmakers on Wednesday.

Court Jails Three to Life Imprisonment Over Oyo School Abduction

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has sentenced three men linked to the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State to life imprisonment.

Justice Salim Ibrahim ruled that the life sentence would take effect from the date of the convicts’ arrest.

The convicts, Abdulrazak Umar, also known as Abu Khalifa or Abu Khalid, Yunusa Musa, also known as Yunusa bin Musa, and Shamsu Adamu Sani, also known as Abu Itisar, were found guilty of offences related to terrorism and the school abduction.

The trio had been arraigned on a 10-count charge bordering on terrorism, kidnapping, concealment of information, incitement and illegal mining. While they pleaded guilty to some of the charges, they denied others.

According to the Federal Government, the defendants are members of Darul Salam, an affiliate of the proscribed terrorist group Jamaatu Asarul Muslima Fi Bilandis Sudan (Ansaru). Prosecutors alleged that between January and May 2026, they conspired with other suspects to facilitate the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State.

The defendants also admitted concealing information about those responsible for the attack despite being aware of the plot. All three pleaded guilty to charges relating to withholding information and membership of the group, while Umar additionally admitted to providing ideological training to members through a WhatsApp platform titled The Oneness of Allah is the Foundation of Peace.

During sentencing, Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), urged the court to convict the defendants based on their guilty pleas. Defence counsel, however, appealed for leniency, describing them as first-time offenders who had shown remorse and asking the court to consider their family responsibilities.

The prosecution maintained that the convicts knowingly withheld vital information about the planned attack instead of alerting security agencies, thereby aiding terrorist activities.

After considering the arguments of both parties, Justice Ibrahim convicted the three men and sentenced them to life imprisonment, ordering that the sentence begin from the date they were arrested.

NSCDC Uncovers Fake Lagos University, Rescues 107 Students

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has dismantled an illegal university operating in the Imeke area of Olorunda Local Council Development Area, Lagos State, rescuing 107 students and arresting six suspects allegedly running the institution.

According to the Lagos State Command of the NSCDC, the operators admitted unsuspecting students into unapproved academic programmes while allegedly compelling them to participate in a Ponzi scheme. The illegal institution was uncovered during a coordinated operation carried out by NSCDC operatives on Monday.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Oluwaseun Abolurin, said the Lagos State Commandant, Adedotun Keshinro, ordered that the suspects, alongside exhibits recovered during the operation, be transferred to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for further investigation and possible prosecution. Keshinro urged prospective students and parents to verify the accreditation status of institutions before accepting admission offers, warning that fraudsters often exploit the desperation of admission seekers.

In related operations, the NSCDC arrested 12 additional suspects over offences including illegal migration, human trafficking, cross-border crimes, Ponzi schemes and vandalism. Those arrested include Nigerian, Cameroonian and Nigerien nationals, while 10 Cameroonian victims believed to have been trafficked into Nigeria were rescued. The command said the victims had endured months of exploitation at the hands of their traffickers.

The corps added that suspects linked to illegal migration and related offences would be handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further action. It also disclosed that seven individuals have been arrested and prosecuted for vandalising public school facilities in Ibereko, Badagry. Five of the suspects are minors, aged between 12 and 16, and are accused of destroying school property, including desks, electrical cables and office equipment.

Police Arrest 1,198 Suspects, Rescue 166 Kidnap Victims — IG

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has announced that nationwide anti-crime operations carried out between June 9 and June 21, 2026, led to the arrest of 1,198 suspects across Nigeria.

Speaking during the monthly conference with senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force in Abuja, Disu said the operations targeted various criminal activities, resulting in the recovery of illegal firearms, stolen vehicles, and the rescue of 166 kidnap victims.

The IGP praised officers involved in the operations, stating that the successes were achieved through dedication, professionalism, and the willingness of personnel to put themselves at risk in the line of duty.

He highlighted the recent rescue of abducted students and teachers in Oyo State as a model of effective collaboration among security agencies, attributing the achievement to strategic planning, intelligence gathering, and seamless inter-agency cooperation.

Despite the recent gains, Disu cautioned senior police officers against becoming complacent, stressing the need to sustain the momentum in the fight against crime.

He also directed Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Commissioners of Police to adopt intelligence-driven and location-specific policing strategies to address emerging security threats, while urging Nigerians to continue supporting law enforcement by providing timely and credible information.

Atiku’s aide urges Tinubu to suspend Gbajabiamila before ICPC probe

Media Adviser to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Paul Ibe, has urged President Bola Tinubu to suspend his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and other officials allegedly linked to the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) controversy before the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) begins its investigation.

In a post on his X handle on Tuesday, Ibe described the President’s decision to order an investigation without first suspending the key individuals named in the allegations as “flagrantly wrong.”

He argued that allowing the officials to remain in office during the investigation could compromise the integrity of the probe.

“Not suspending all those involved in the #GbajaGate scandal is akin to them being a judge in their own case. Their continued stay in office while the investigation is going on gives them the opportunity to interfere with the investigation process,” Ibe said.

President Tinubu had directed the ICPC to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the PFIPC, which the Presidency has described as a fictitious body with no legal basis or presidential approval. The anti-corruption agency was given 30 days to submit its findings.

The controversy erupted after Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, who claims to be the Director-General of the PFIPC, alleged that he paid N600 million, including N400 million through proxies, to secure the appointment. He also accused Gbajabiamila of demanding 48 per cent of the agency’s take-off grant.

The Presidency has dismissed Adeyemi as an impostor and maintained that the PFIPC does not exist. However, questions have continued over reports that the council received a N1.3 billion allocation in the 2026 Appropriation Act and allegedly opened accounts with the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Ibe’s remarks add to growing calls for Gbajabiamila’s suspension pending the outcome of the investigation. The Nigeria Democratic Congress and former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, have also made similar demands.

Ijebu Igbo Council of Elders Visits Area Commander, Reaffirms Commitment to Security

The Ijebu Igbo Council of Elders (I.C.E.) on Wednesday paid a courtesy visit to the Area Commander of the Ijebu Igbo Police Area Command, ACP Bukoye Oye, to strengthen collaboration on security.

Welcoming the delegation, ACP Bukoye Oye expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as a demonstration of the cordial relationship between the police and the Ijebu Igbo community. He commended the Council of Elders for its consistent support and cooperation in promoting peace and public safety.

The Area Commander emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration between traditional institutions and security agencies, noting that community participation remains essential to effective policing. He assured the elders that their experience and counsel would continue to be invaluable in addressing security concerns within the area.

ACP Bukoye Oye also expressed gratitude to the Convener of the Council, Prof. Francis Ayodele Ogunye, and other members for their unwavering commitment to the progress of the Police Area Command and the development of Ijebu Igbo. He pledged to maintain an open and productive relationship with the Council.

During the meeting, the delegation, led by the Council’s Secretary, Otunba Remi Ogunbanjo, alongside Mrs. Sola Sosanya, Assistant Secretary Otunba Wale Balogun, Chief Taiwo Adekoya Tijani, and Chief Yinka Odeseye (Tandeska), discussed the prevailing security challenges in Ijebu Igbo and explored practical measures to enhance community policing.

The visit ended with both the Ijebu Igbo Council of Elders and the Police Area Command reaffirming their commitment to working together to promote lasting peace, improve security, and support the continued development of the community.

Panic Over Student Safety in Ijebu-Igbo Amid Alleged Abduction Attempt

Residents of Ijebu-Igbo have expressed growing concern over the safety of schoolchildren following reports of another disturbing security incident involving a student.

According to reports, the student allegedly jumped from a moving commercial motorcycle to escape what was suspected to be an attempted abduction for ritual purposes. The incident has heightened fears among parents and members of the community over the safety of students commuting to and from school.

The latest development comes just weeks after another reported incident in which a commercial motorcyclist allegedly fled with a student’s school bag, raising fresh concerns about the activities of some motorcycle operators in the area.

Concerned residents are now calling on the Ogun State Government, the Chairman of Ijebu North Local Government, the Nigeria Police Force in Ijebu-Igbo, community leaders, vigilante groups, parents, and school authorities to take urgent steps to improve security.

They urged the relevant authorities to intensify security patrols, strengthen the regulation and monitoring of commercial motorcycle operators, and implement measures that will guarantee safe transportation routes for students.

Residents stressed that every child deserves to travel to and from school without fear, calling for swift action to restore public confidence and ensure the safety of lives and property in Ijebu-Igbo.

SS2 Student Dies Following Motorcycle Incident in Ijebu-Igbo

IJEBU-IGBO — Tragedy struck in Ijebu-Igbo on Tuesday as a 15-year-old Senior Secondary School Two (SS2) student of Beje Model Secondary School, identified as David, lost his life following a motorcycle-related incident near the school premises.

According to reports, the student was earlier sent home from school over outstanding school fees. While initial accounts circulating on social media claimed the debt was N1,000, the Police have clarified that the outstanding fee was N40,000 and urged members of the public to disregard contrary information.

Sources said David was returning home when he reportedly decided to head back to school, allegedly in an attempt to seek permission to remain in class despite the unpaid fees.

It was gathered that he later boarded a motorcycle alongside two other students who had also been asked to leave the school. Reports alleged that the motorcycle rider attempted to take the students away, raising suspicions among the occupants.

Witness accounts indicate that David struggled with the rider while the motorcycle was in motion. During the ensuing altercation, he reportedly fell from the motorcycle and sustained severe injuries, leading to unconsciousness.

Despite efforts to secure urgent medical attention, the student was later confirmed dead.

The incident has thrown the deceased’s family and the wider community into mourning. Tension reportedly rose in the area as some residents reacted angrily to the development. A teacher who reportedly attempted to pacify aggrieved individuals was allegedly assaulted during the unrest.

Authorities have stated that several aspects of the incident remain unclear. The matter has been reported to the Ijebu-Igbo Area Command of the Nigeria Police Force, which has commenced investigations to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the student’s death.

Police authorities have appealed to the public to avoid spreading unverified information and allow investigators to establish the facts of the case.